*********** 050893B.ENG *********** Country: Japan From: FBIS MLN = 26317 p. 4 KEYWORDS: Japan, mine countermeasures, remote operating vehicles (ROV) sea mines (JAPAN) The Defense Agency's technical research and development Institute (TRDI) is requesting about 300 million yen ($2.6 Million) in fiscal year 1993 for research and test building related to the S10 marine mine hunting system. The S10 a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) launched from a mine countermeasures vehicle (MCMV), will search, classify, and identify mines at a safe distance from the MCMV The S10 will feature search sonar, classification sonar, and TV equipment for identification. It will come equipped with cutters to sever the tethering wire of moored mines and will be able to launch charges to destroy mines on the bottom. TRDI Has already developed several mine hunting systems that placed on board an MCMV or towed behind it, depend on the ships search, classification, and identification capabilities. The S10, however, will be able to operate remotely at a range of more than 1,000 meters from the MCMV. (TOKYO GUNJI KENKYU JAN 93) ************** END Msg. B.ENG **************