SAM 3 Minesweep Undergoes New Trials

A loud bang is followed by a cascade of water that falls back onto the surface of the sea. This is followed by silence, a total silence that seems to go on forever, but which actually only lasts a few seconds.

SAM 3, a remote-operated minesweep, has been undergoing trials to determine its ability to withstand shockwaves generated by detonating mines. The trials were conducted in Finland’s outer archipelago.

“The final detonations in the series were extremely powerful and were triggered in close proximity to the vessel, but SAM 3 passed with flying colours,” notes project manager Thomas Johansson.

Prior to trials in Finland, SAM 3 was subjected to a tough series of trials in Holland. Sweden, Finland and Holland have carried out a joint series of trials on the next-generation SAM 3, one of several successful Kockums products. A prototype has now been completed and all trials have gone well to date.