Applications of Superconductivity to Very Shallow Water Mine Sweeping

Abstract

Recent experiences in the Persian Gulf have clearly demonstrated the need for improved mine sweeping, or mine counter‐measures (MCM), to support amphibious operations. Characteristics of MCM systems currently used to counter magnetic influence mines restrict sweep rates, limit the ability to accurately simulate a ship's magnetic signature, and require a minimum water depth. Advances in superconducting technology over the last twenty years have significantly increased the feasibility of superconducting mine countermeasures (SCMCM) for magnetic influence mines. An SCMCM system would be small, light, and simple compared to currently deployed MCM systems. Superconducting magnets could be fabricated in steady state configurations or configurations that would significantly improve the ability to simulate non‐symmetric, time‐varying magnetic signatures of ships. SCMCM systems could be deployed from either surface or airborne platforms. An airborne system would protect the magnet from blast damage, permit the highest sweep rates, and allow unrestricted sweeping over entire amphibious objective areas, including the surf. A light weight SCMCM system would permit use of additional airborne platforms which may include remotely piloted airborne vehicles. Remotely piloted surface or airborne vehicles would totally eliminate risks to personnel. An SCMCM system could be demonstrated immediately utilizing existing technology and may offer significant advantages over existing MCM systems used to counter magnetic influence mines in very shallow water.