Wednesday, December 03, 2008

K-ster

IOC: 2003

Origin
France

Contractor/s
ECA

Description: The K-ster is a low-cost, innovative mine killer underwater vehicle fitted with a +/-90-degree tiltable head which allows for stable identification of potential mines and optimal detonation of warhead. ECA designed the K-ster to be released easily from any non dedicated sea platform in shallow or deep waters to engage bottom, semi-buried and moored mines thus clearing minefields. The K-ster was unveiled at Euronaval exhibition in Paris, France, October 2002.

The K-ster head integrates the mine disposal shaped charge and sensors. The sensor package includes a day/night color camera, searchlight and variable frequency sonar (500 to 1,200 KHz). Its insensitive mine disposal warhead combined with the titlable head provides accurate and powerful fire for optimal attack on the mine and thus increasing neutralization probability. The Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) is connected to the carrier platform via a fiber optic link. The K-ster is equipped with two horizontal and two vertical thrusters for enhanced stability.

Specifications
Accommodation: Unmanned

Dimensions: Diameter 230 mm main body, Length 1.5 m

Weights: Weight 50 kg (110 lb)

Performance: Max Operating Depth 300 m (984 ft), Max Range 1,000 m (3,281 ft), Top Speed 5 kt (9 kph)

Image Gallery

Notes
(*) lead contractor
IOC: Initial Operating Capability
FOC: Full Operating Capability
CEP: Circular Error Probable
Comm: Commissioning Date
Meters (m) Kilometers (km) Nautic Miles (nm) Inch (in) Yard (yd) Foot (ft) Millimeter (mm)
Pound (lb) Kilogram (kg) kN (KiloNewton) Ton (t)
Meters per Second (mps) Kilometers per Hour (kph) Knot (kt) Miles per Hour (mph)
Liter (l) Galon (gl)
Year (yr) Minutes (min) Second (sec)
Shaft-Horse-Power (shp)

Last Updated: Saturday, November 22, 2008

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