BMT has launched VENARI®-85, a new mine countermeasure (MCM) concept design capable of clearing mines faster over a greater area and with less risk to the crew, whilst simultaneously providing broader utility to navies around the world. VENARI®-85 offers a flexible platform that is capable of a spectrum of roles which is future-proofed and able to evolve as technology advances in the unmanned and offboard systems markets take shape.
Combining BMT’s ship design pedigree with QinetiQ’s integration expertise, and drawing upon the experience of mine warfare operators from several different navies and system suppliers, VENARI®-85 has been specifically designed and configured to exploit the next generation of offboard vehicles, mission systems and operational concepts.
Stephen Braham, Head of Business Development (Warships) at BMT Defence Services comments: “VENARI®-85 represents a huge step change in the way MCM ship design is approached and developed. Designing platforms with roles and future technology developments in mind seems the logical step but not one that’s often taken. Before attempting to design such a platform, we invested significant time and effort in operational analysis to better understand how the vessel will be deployed now and in the future, to comprehend the missions and the equipment needed to conduct them. Such an approach not only avoids compromise and repurposing costs in later years, it also maximises the ability to conduct effective MCM throughout life.”
Derived from the Latin meaning, ‘to hunt or chase’, the VENARI®-85 design is optimised for next generation warfare and hydrographic technology and can operate large numbers of air, surface and sub-surface unmanned vehicles. This flexibility in design provides a clear development path to enable future generations of unmanned technology and operating concepts to be hosted from VENARI®-85 as they mature and develop over the coming decades.
Stephen Braham continues: “There are multiple nations currently considering their future mine warfare capability and with ongoing pressures on cost efficiencies, value for money while being able to safely perform the unique role of MCM is key. Unmanned MCM technology is developing at a fast pace and vessels procured now should be designed with future evolution in mind.”
Alongside the primary MCM role, VENARI®-85 will have the capability of a wider utility to a navy in roles such as maritime security boarding, economic zone protection and contribution to humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations – all of which reinforce the platform’s value for money credentials.
