**OVERVIEW:** The AN/SLQ-48 MNV [EX116 Mod 0] ROV is a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) submarine specifically designed for mine countermeasure (MCM) operations. Deployed by the United States Navy, it provides a standoff capability for the identification and neutralization of sea mines, significantly reducing the risk to manned platforms and personnel.

**DETAILS:**

The AN/SLQ-48 Mine Neutralization Vehicle (MNV) program emerged in the mid-1980s as a response to the growing threat posed by increasingly sophisticated sea mines. The design philosophy centered on creating a remotely controlled, expendable vehicle capable of locating, identifying, and neutralizing mines without placing human divers or manned minehunters at risk. The EX116 Mod 0 represents the initial operational configuration of the AN/SLQ-48, embodying a modular design for relatively easy upgrades and modification. The ROV is designed to be deployed from surface MCM platforms, typically mine countermeasures ships (MCMs) or Avenger-class mine countermeasures ships (MCMs). The vehicle is connected to the host platform via an umbilical cable that provides power, control signals, and video feedback. The robust construction and relative expendability allowed the MNV to operate in close proximity to identified mine threats, something manned platforms cannot safely do.

The primary role of the AN/SLQ-48 MNV [EX116 Mod 0] is mine countermeasure operations in both offensive and defensive scenarios. It is not designed for ASW, AAW, or ASuW roles. The vehicle's operational procedure involves being lowered into the water and remotely piloted to a designated area of interest. The AN/SLQ-48 MNV can be used in various sea states though its performance is degraded in higher sea states. Once a suspected mine is located through the ROV's sonar (AN/SLQ-48 MNV sensor suite), the vehicle approaches for visual identification using the onboard low-light television (LLTV) camera.

The sensor package aboard the AN/SLQ-48 MNV [EX116 Mod 0] facilitates its primary mission. The AN/SLQ-48 MNV provides the core navigational and target detection capabilities, likely using a high-frequency sonar array optimized for short-range, high-resolution imaging. The Generic LLTV allows for visual confirmation of mine identification and assessment of its condition. The Generic Explosive Charge Mine Disposal system allows the ROV to place and detonate a small charge, effectively neutralizing the mine. Finally, the Generic Moored Mine Cable Cutter provides a physical means of disabling moored mines by severing their tethers, causing them to float to the surface. The absence of dedicated navigation or communications sensors outside of the main AN/SLQ-48 MNV sensor package underlines the vehicle's reliance on its umbilical link to the host platform for positioning and control.

**SPECIFICATION:** Length: 3.8 m || Beam: 0.9 m || Draft: 0.9 m || Disp: 1 t

**SENSORS:** Generic Explosive Charge Mine Disposal || Generic Moored Mine Cable Cutter || AN/SLQ-48 MNV || Generic LLTV

**ARMAMENT:** None