COBRA reaches initial operational capability

The Navy's AN/DVS-1 Coastal Battlefield Reconnaissance and Analysis airborne mine detection system has achieved initial operational capability.

COBRA detects and localizes minefields and obstacles when flown over a beach zone area, and can be integrated with the MQ-8 Fire Scout unmanned air system. The first block of COBRA completed the first phase of initial operational test and evaluation on board the MQ-8B Fire Scout unmanned air system, according to an Oct. 10 service statement.

"COBRA represents a real step forward for tactical reconnaissance of beach areas," Melissa Kirkendall, mine warfare programs director at Naval Sea Systems Command, said in a statement. "With COBRA, the Navy/Marine Corps team can quickly look at a possible landing zone and detect mines and obstacles that would inhibit landing force mobility during an assault."  

Part of the Littoral Combat Ship's mine countermeasures systems suite, COBRA is in low-rate initial production.  

COBRA's next test will be an underway period aboard an LCS equipped with a full MCM mission package. The MCM MP includes the MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopter with a 23-person aviation detachment. During the at-sea trial, COBRA will fly various missions over beaches, while demonstrating system suitability for operating from the LCS.