Northrop Grumman has started full-scale development (FSD) of an automated airborne mine detection system for the US Marine Corps that is able to pinpoint minefields and obstacles around the waterline from an unmanned air vehicle (UAV).
A Coastal Battlefield Reconnaissance and Analysis (COBRA) prototype was demonstrated in an advanced technology demonstration (ATD) several years ago. COBRA is the second major mine warfare win for Northrop Grumman this year. In March, the company was awarded $40 million to undertake development of the Airborne Laser Mine Detection System.
Northrop Grumman will receive about $2 million this year but the total development contract award could exceed $25 million as options are exercised. David Gilbert, Northrop Grumman COBRA senior programme manager, says development will last until the end of 2004.
The company will deliver four airborne sensors and one ground control station for tests beginning in 2005.
COBRA will include a Science & Engineering Associates six-band multi-spectral video camera installed in a Wescam turret. Sensor data will be transmitted via a datalink or stored onboard for later analysis. General Dynamics-Advanced Technology Systems will develop the command and control network.
Source: Flight International
