From 24th of August to 18th of September 2015, in the laboratories of Ośrodek Badawczo-Rozwojowy Centrum Techniki Morskiej S.A. (OBR CTM S.A.) in Gdynia and on Gdansk Bay waters, were carried out international trials of mine detection and neutralization systems. The above mentioned systems were developed within the „Buried Mines (BURMIN)” project in range of “European Unmanned Maritime Systems for Mine Counter Measures and other naval applications (UMS)” of the European Defence Agency (EDA) Program, by a consortium composed of: France (Thales) as a Leader, Belgium (RMA), The Netherlands (TNO), Germany (WTD-71, Atlas Elektronik, Fraunhofer, IPHT) and Poland (OBR CTM S.A.). The aim of the „BURMIN” project is to eliminate technological gaps in the area of detection and neutralization of bottom and buried mines as well as working out common standards for the future unmanned systems, by performing these tasks.
„Burmin contract presented a very good opportunity to share efforts and to test a various set of technologies (magnetic, acoustic, chemical, etc) in a common framework under the European Defense Agency umbrella. OBR CTM S.A. brought in to the project a significant intellectual contribution through preparation of the sensor platform, stabilized in relation to the sea bottom, as well as proved organizational efficiency as the host nation” – said Mr. Paul Penven (THALES, industrial leader) and was confirmed by Mr Alain Michaud (DGA, Program Management Group leader) and the other representatives from consortium.
Poland, as the host of the sea trials, represented by OBR CTM S.A., in agreement with THALES FRANCE – the leader of the project, for its completion organized the so called „VIP Day”. During the meeting there was a multimedia presentation on mine detection and neutralization systems, developed within the BURMIN Project, including preliminary results of performed sea trials as well as live presentations on selected systems.
„In consistent evaluation of the project leader and co-ordinator of the trials, designated aims such as checking in practice newest hydroacoustic and magnetic technologies in range of bottom and buried mines detection and classification systems and also its neutralization by SEAFOX vehicle or modernized, wireless fired charges TOCZEK M, developed by OBR CTM S.A., transported by the underwater vehicle SEA OTTER, were achieved” – said Mr. Jan Tadeusz Dobkowski Ph.D., Director-Research & Development Department, the project co-ordinator on the Polish side.
It was possible to achieve such good results due to efficient cooperation during the realization of the project and while carrying out the tests.