New Navy Fire Scout Drone-Mounted Mine Detector Operational- LCS

By Kris Osborn

Giving it increased ability to detect and destroy enemy mines and submarines from a Littoral Combat Ship, service officials said.

The new sensor, designed for combat and surveillance missions in littoral waters, is called the Coastal Battlefield Reconnaissance and Analysis, or COBRA. The technology has formally achieved Initial Operational Capabililty.

COBRA reached operational status after completing Initial Operational Test and Evaluation on the MQ-8B. COBRA’s primary function is detecting mines and submarines while keeping the LCS and its crew at a safe distance.

Given that the Navy’s Littoral Combat Ship is engineered to use its shallow draft, speed and maneuverability to conduct combat operations in littoral waters near enemy coastlines, having an improved technological capacity to find and detect enemy mines and submarines near the surface expands its mission envelope and provides needed protection for offensive ship operations.

“COBRA represents a real step forward for tactical reconnaissance of beach areas,” Melissa Kirkendall, mine warfare programs, said in a written statement from Naval Sea Systems Command. “With COBRA, the Navy/Marine Corps team can quickly look at a possible landing zone and detect mines and obstacles that would inhibit landing force mobility during an assault.” (For report from Naval Sea Systems Command – Click HERE)

Previously, such reconnaissance was only possible by putting Sailors or Marines on the beach in advance of a landing, exposing them to casualties and revealing an intended landing zone, the service statement said.

Having a small helicopter detachment able to launch and land off the back of the LCS is a key part of the Navy’s emerging strategy for surface warfare, countermine warfare and anti-submarine warfare.