Using MANTAS T12-MCM Solution for
Mine Countermeasures Detection System
Maritime Tactical Systems, Inc.
(MARTAC)
511 N. John Rodes Blvd
Ste 103
Melbourne, FL 32934 United States
Proposed Solution Summary
MARTAC, in our MANTAS T12-MCM USV (herein “T12-MCM”) configuration, provides a technically mature
Unmanned Surface Vessel (USV) as an option for mine countermeasure detection. The T12-MCM
configuration consists of a MANTAS USV system, a L3 KLEIN UUV-3500 High Resolution Side Scan Sonar and
a NORBIT Wideband Multibeam Forward Looking Sonar. These technologies combine to a provide mine
detection and real-time relay capability back to a shipside or shoreside monitoring and control station and
operators.
Background and Benefits of Proposed Solution
The MANTAS USV product line was developed using a flexible,
modular, open architecture strategy focused on the capability
to build and launch MANTAS variants that address mission
requirements. The MANTAS USV product line are currently
or will be available in the future in the following variant sizes:
6 ft (2 m), 8 ft (2.5 m) , 12 ft (3.6 m), 24 ft (7 m), 38 ft (11 m)
and 50 ft (11 m) versions. (herein “T6”, “T8”, “T12”, “T24”,
“T38” & “T50”, respectively) Currently the T8 and T12 are in
LRIP and available for operations, while the remaining variants
are in design.
Depending on the variant and launch & recovery (L&R) system, MANTAS USVs can be launched from shore,
small craft or directly off a ship deck. For mine countermeasure detection mission, MARTAC recommends
the MANTAS T12 USV, which can operate at slow, ISR or underwater detection speeds as well as have the
capability to increase speed to proceed to its next mission location. The modularity and scalability of the
MANTAS USV design allows rapid payload conversions to be performed in a short time by removing and
replacing payload panels/hatches within its high-performance catamaran hull.
MANTAS USV Vessel
At the core of the T12-MCM system is a custom MARTAC-designed and built MANTAS 12 ft (3.6 m) variant.
The MANTAS T12 is a lightweight electric propulsion, carbon fiber body USV based on a patented
aerodynamic/hydrodynamic catamaran hull designed for stability and superior maneuverability at higher
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speeds. MANTAS hulls have endured hundreds of hours of runtime, are self-righting, and proven to operate
and survive in high seas.
Today’s MANTAS T12 USV is a 4th generation Low Rate Initial Production (LRIP) system with associated high
reliability hardening, low maintenance modular engineering, a complete companion C2 system (TASKER)
and a comprehensive Mission Command Center (MCC).
MANTAS T12 USV Specifications
MARTAC MANTAS T12 specifications are as shown in the table. Specifications MANTAS T12
Key components include the following:
Length 12 ft (3.6 m)
• Ruggedized Carbon Fiber Hull Width 3ft (0.9 m)
• Modular Deck Design with four identical easy-to-open Height 14 in (0.36 m)
hatches Draft 9 in (0.23 m)
• Twin screw surface drive– independent electric motors Weight 260 lbs (117.9 kg)
• Onboard Vessel Control System (VCS) with open-architecture Max Payload Wt 140 lbs (63.5 kg)
design criteria
Performance
• Automated Self-Righting System
Propulsion Twin Screw
• IP67 Waterproof LRU modules
Burst Speed 25 kts @ min load
• BMLMP Battery Packs
Cruise Speed 8-20 kts
MARTAC has created the MANTAS class using a proven C2 system Ocean Sea State
4+
that allows operation in full control, semi-autonomous and Capable
autonomous modes. MANTAS USV capabilities include coverage Cruising Range >35 nm
in open ocean, and littoral waterways as well as support for *Solar Capable*
special operations and expeditionary missions in riverine and harbor focused waterways.
MANTAS Autonomy
The MANTAS USV has significant general autonomy functionality, operable in a number of modes:
• Full MANual Control: Manual operation by an operator using a hardened laptop (MCC), tablet (TCU)
or Ground Control Station (GCS)
• SEMI-Autonomous: Operator assigns either (1) WAYPOINT, where a specific point on the chart is
selected for the MANTAS to proceed to or (2) HEADING, where the operator assigns a heading to
proceed on. In both cases, the operator assigns the speed to proceed and the craft will stop and
hold at its waypoint, if that option is chosen.
• AUTOnomous: A pre-programmed autonomous track is set up for the MANTAS to follow, using
waypoint navigation. The mission track scenario is programmed via the MCC laptop and
downloaded onto the Vessel Control System (VCS) of the MANTAS for commanded execution
In both the SEMI and AUTO operable modes, the operator has the option to intervene and redirect the
MANTAS at any time. In the case of the AUTO, when the redirection is completed (i.e. investigation of a
contact of interest), the operator can redirect MANTAS to resume its AUTO mission.
Real-Time Display
The MANTAS USV can be programmed for autonomous or semi-autonomous missions within shallow water
areas. During these missions, the scanned sonar data can be relayed, via a wide bandwidth
communications system, directly to a control center either onboard the MANTAS, a mother ship or to
onshore operator and/or command center. Sonar data can be monitored real-time for detection of
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potential military grade in-water or bottom-located anomalies. Upon initial detection, the MANTAS USV
can be further positioned to perform a more detailed bathymetric imaging of the questionable area for
possible real-time identification.
L3 Klein UUV-3500 High-Resolution Side Scan Sonar
Designed to be compact, lightweight and using low power, the UUV-3500 was designed specifically for
Unmanned Vehicles. This side scan sonar features real-time, dual simultaneous frequency operation at
both 455 and 900kHz and provides detection of medium-to-large size objects at ranges exceeding 175
meters (350 m total swath), while the 900kHz provides the highest possible resolution at over 75 m range
(150 m total swath). The sonar engine simultaneously optimizes two different and concurrent output data
streams for (1) photo-quality side scan imagery and (2) optional high-accuracy, co-registered swath
bathymetry.
NORBIT Forward Looking Wideband Multibeam Sonar (FLS)
This wideband multibeam echosounder technology is an augmentation sonar allowing for long range
imaging forward of the MANTAS craft. While it does not have the highly accurate GNSS/INS positioning or
3D resolution of the side scan, it has a range of detection up to 250 m, allowing it to be a “look ahead”
sonar to initially define potential military grade anomalies that can then be further scanned, under high
resolution, with the Klein UUV-3500 side scan sonar.
Possible T12-MCM Requirements and Methodology
Following is a technical summary of how the T12-MCM could be utilized as an MCM detection system in
littoral environments
1. Detection of mine type objects in the littoral zone from very shallow water near the surf zone to max
sonar detection depth (175 m)
a) The MANTAS T12 USV, in its catamaran configuration has a draft of less than 10 inches (25 cm).
Installing the Klein UUV-3500 Side Scan Sonar and Norbit Forward Looking Sonar increases that draft
to approximately 2 ft (0.61 m). These sonar kits, at minimum require an additional 2 ft (0.61 m) to
acquire usable imagery. Based on these requirements, the T12-MCM can operate, and receive
imaging data in as shallow as 4 ft (1.22 m) depth.
b) The MANTAS T12 USV has successfully transited a surf zone both inbound and outbound, however
it is not designed to operate autonomously within the actual surf zone. The craft can effectively
operate up to the area where the energy dissipation (breaking waves) begin.
c) The MANTAS T12 USV has integrated and successfully performed underwater object detection
scans utilizing a Teledyne Reson T20 Multibeam Echosounder and NORBIT iWBMS STX Multibeam
Echosounder. Both these kits were used for dam and bottom imaging missions. During these
missions, scanned images and bathymetry were sent to an operator in a real-time environment
using broadband communications. Due to the large amount of data points from multibeam scans,
these larger sonar kits required post-processing for clear and distinct imaging. Since a key
requirement of a mine detection mission is to detect mines in real-time, MARTAC recommends
integrating the Klein UUV-3500 high-resolution side scan sonar into the T12-MCM enabling the
direct high bandwidth transmission of the sonar view back to a control station in real time. If
required, this data can be further analyzed by operators. With a high-resolution monitor at the
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control station, anomalies of military interest can be identified by the operator on these scans in a
real time environment with side scan sonar kits.
d) The T12-MCM utilizes the Forward-Looking Sonar to provide a forward scanning capability. Once a
target is identified, the operator could perform follow-up high resolution scanning with the UUV-
3500 side scan sonar to further detect and identify mine shaped structures.
2. Navigation to avoid obstacles within the littoral zone
a) The T12-MCM could be integrated with a LIDAR collision avoidance system (CAS) to avoid above
surface obstacles. The Norbit Forward-Looking Sonar provides an adjunct capability below water,
near surface collision avoidance.
b) Both these CAS capabilities would be remotely operated, via onboard communications link, and
functional in all operational modes: remotely piloted/controlled, semi-autonomous and
autonomous.
c) The T12-MCM could also include a FLIR Thermal PTZ camera for visual obstacle identification.
3. Maintains accurate geo-location less than one-meter for navigation and position marking of mine shaped
items detected
a) The T12-MCM uses a high accuracy GPS module for geo-location and could provide less than one-
meter accuracy.
b) MARTAC is currently upgrading our GPS capability to a new high precision GNSS module and is
beginning the process of integrating it into the MANTAS T12. This new GNSS multi-band receiver
will provide centimeter-level accuracy in seconds through concurrent reception of GPS, GLONASS,
Galileo, BeiDou and QZSS. This upgrade will serve to further improve the currently available
accuracy.
4. Comms redundancy and emergency location and recovery to counter lost comms
a) The MANTAS T12 USV already incorporates the Iridium SBD comms for emergency command and
control if other Line of Sight or Beyond Line of Sight comms are lost.
b) Normal operation of the Iridium SBD is from the C2 Battery Module and it contains a small backup
battery that provided power in the event comms and C2 power is lost.
c) Upon such event detection, the Iridium SBD immediately goes into a lost comms/recovery mode
transmitting its current/last GPS position to the control center. These transmissions repeat on 15-
minute intervals until the battery is expended or the craft is recovered.
5. The MANTAS T12 USV system can integrate with Government-owned Command and Control (C2) systems
a) The MANTAS T12 USV operates in (1) Manual, (2) Semi-Autonomous and (3) Autonomous modes.
Manual mode is a remote-control evolution whereas the Semi-Auto mode allows the controller to
set a waypoint or a heading to which the MANTAS T12 USV executes. The autonomous mode is a
waypoint-following autonomy allowing the controller to preset actions at each waypoint within a
autonomy mission scenario.
b) MARTAC has demonstrated the ability of the MANTAS T12 USV system to integrate into U.S.
Government-owned C2 systems and architectures.
6. The MANTAS T12 USV can be launched and recovered from a small boat such as the Combat Rubber
Raiding Craft (CRRC) or small Harbor Patrol Craft.
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a) The MANTAS T12 USV with sensor package integration weighs in at approximately 350 lbs (159 kg).
This configuration is portable by 3-4 personnel and normally stored on a large table or pushed on a
transit-wagon indoors. In AOR, it is transported by a modified “SeaDoo” type trailer which can also
be used for launching on a boat ramp similar to launching other small craft.
b) The MANTAS T12 USV has successfully been launched from a small amphibious craft from either a
bow ramp or stern ramp. In this scenario, the launch and recovery could be performed by two
personnel. It has also been launched, but not recovered, from a harbor patrol craft.
c) MARTAC has developed multiple storage and launch & recovery devices to augment mobilization
and demobilization of the MANTAS T12 USV from different platforms (11m RHIB, Harbor Security
Boat, etc), MARTAC has the confidence that a storage, launch and recovery device can be designed
to allow the deployment and recovery by two personnel.
d) The MANTAS T12 has successfully launched and recovered from a U.S. Military Sealift Command
Ship
Conclusion
Combining leading edge USV technology of the MANTAS T12 USV with state-of-the-art sonar technologies
can provide an efficient, simple to use system for mine countermeasure detection. The flexibility of T12-
MCM allows it to operate in varying AORs and deployed across different platforms.
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