![]() However, mines directed at other ships might remain. TSM sweeping thus clears mines directed at this ship without knowledge of the mines. If such intelligence is unavailable, the TSM sweeping instead reproduces the influence of the friendly ship that is about to transit through the area. MSM sweeping is founded on intelligence on a given type of mine, and produces the output required for detonation of this mine. There are two modes of operating an influence sweep: MSM (mine setting mode) and TSM (target simulation mode or target setting mode). The most common such sweeps are magnetic and acoustic generators. Influence sweeps are equipment, often towed, that emulate a particular ship signature, thereby causing a mine to detonate. oropesa, paravane) to maintain the sweep at the desired depth and position. ![]() They are towed behind the minesweeper, and use a towed body (e.g. Mechanical sweeps are devices designed to cut the anchoring cables of moored mines, and preferably attach a tag to help the subsequent localization and neutralization. The modern minesweeper is designed to reduce the chances of it detonating mines itself it is soundproofed to reduce its acoustic signature and often constructed using wood, fiberglass or non-ferrous metal, or is degaussed to reduce its magnetic signature. Minesweepers are equipped with mechanical or influence sweeps to detonate mines. Remote minesweeper used by the Canadian Navy Siegburg, a modern Ensdorf-class minesweeper of the German Navy Navy had four minesweepers deployed to the Persian Gulf to address regional instabilities. The United States Navy even used specialized Mechanized Landing Craft to sweep shallow harbors in and around North Korea. Īfter the Second World War, allied countries worked on new classes of minesweepers ranging from 120 ton designs for clearing estuaries to 735 ton ocean going vessels. Historian Gordon Williamson wrote that "Germany's minesweepers alone formed a massive proportion of its total strength, and are very much the unsung heroes of the Kriegsmarine." Naval mines remained a threat even after the war ended, and minesweeping crews were still active after VJ Day. Both Allied and Axis countries made heavy use of minesweepers throughout the war. Combatant nations quickly adapted ships to the task of minesweeping, including Australia's 35 civilian ships that became Auxiliary Minesweepers. Minesweeping made significant advancements during World War II. By the end of the War, naval mine technology had grown beyond the ability of minesweepers to detect and remove. The dedicated, purpose-built minesweeper first appeared during World War I with the Flower-class minesweeping sloop. These reserve Trawler Section fishermen and their trawlers were activated, supplied with mine gear, rifles, uniforms and pay as the first minesweepers. A Trawler Section of the Royal Navy Reserve became the predecessor of the mine sweeping forces with specially designed ships and equipment to follow. ![]() The function of the fishing fleet's trawlers with their trawl gear was recognized as having a natural connection with mine clearance and, among other things, trawlers were used to keep the English Channel clear of mines. Sir Arthur Wilson noted the real threat of the time was blockade aided by mines and not invasion. In Britain, naval leaders recognized before the outbreak of World War I that the development of sea mines was a threat to the nation's shipping and began efforts to counter the threat. Minesweeping technology picked up in the Russo-Japanese War, where aging torpedo boats were pressed into sweeping service in 1908 and more boats were purchased for the purpose the following year. Officials in the Union Army attempted to create the first minesweeper but were plagued by flawed designs and abandoned the project. Despite the use of mines in the American Civil War, there are no records of effective minesweeping being used. The first minesweepers date to that war and consisted of British rowboats trailing grapnels to snag the mines. Although naval warfare has a long history, naval mines were not deployed until 1855 in the Crimean War.
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