Critical Software supports the development of a mine counter measures unmanned vehicle for the UK MoD

Critical Software Technologies has signed a collaboration agreement with Atlas Elektronik UK, so joining a consortium of partners to supply the UK MoD with a new mine sweeping demonstration system.

The consortium led by Atlas Elektronik UK will deliver a technology readiness demonstrator (TRD) for mine counter measures (MCM) known as FAST (Flexible Agile Sweeping Technology) that will ultimately enable the UK MoD to put a Combined Influence Sweep (CIS) replacement into service using FAST technology.

By 2009 this project will provide a fully functional MCM Unmanned Surface Vehicle (USV) demonstrator system, based on a 9.5m rigid inflatable boat, with quantified and validated performance through an agreed trials and evaluation programme. The project will demonstrate quantified minesweeping performance and effectiveness against mine threats in a realistic scenario as well as deployment, recovery and capture of a FAST USV from an MCM vessel.

Critical Software Technologies’ role, supported by its parent company in Portugal, is to extend the capabilities of FAST in the area of Collision Avoidance technology, therefore enhancing the value of the TRD, and giving an important contribution to the expected technology transfer from industry research.

Kevin Gale (Business Development Manager) and Nuno Almeida (Business Development Director) will work closely with Nuno Duro (Engineering Manager C&C) in the collaboration between Critical Software and Atlas Elektronik.