MK-105 [AMCM]

MK-105 Magnetic Minesweeping System

MK-105 sled with hydrofoils raised.
MK-105 mod4 sled "on step" riding on hydrofoils.

     The MK-105 Magnetic Influence Minesweeping System, better known as the "sled", is a high speed catamaran hydrofoil platform which is towed behind the MH-53E Sea Dragon helicopter.   The sled is too large to be carried internally in the helicopter and is typically launched and recovered from various ships (MCS, LPH, LPD), ramps, docks or prepared beaches.   Used to sweep magnetic influence mines, the MK-105 system consists of the hydrofoil platform, a turbine-generator, an electrical refueling tow cable, a magnetic cable sweep array, and airborne control panel.   The gas turbine-generator on the hydrofoil platform is controlled and refueled through the tow cable by the control panel located in the back of the helicopter.   Electrical current produced by the turbine-generator is passed through the two electrode tails of the cable array behind the hydrofoil platform.   The electrodes produce an electro-magnetic field which imitates the magnetic signature of an un-degaussed ship, causing magnetic influence mines to detonate.   The MK-105 can be used to safely clear a path through a mine field for ships in transit or clear an entire operation area at speeds greater than those achieved by conventional mine countermeasures ships.   Designed and built at the EDO Corporation facility in College Point, New York, this system has been in service since its introduction in 1973 in Haiphong Harbor, Vietnam.

Minesweeping Systems

MK-103  | MK-104   | MK-105   | MK-106   | SPU-1W   | SWIMS   | AN/37U-1   | MK-2(G)

Minehunting Systems

AN/AQS-14   | AN/ALQ-141   | MAGIC LANTERN

Systems Under Development

ALMDS   | AMNS   | AN/AQS-20   | LLSS   | OASIS   | RAMICS

If you have any questions or comments e-mail:
helmineron@aol.com.

Home Page | AMCM | AMCM History | Naval Mines | Mine History | Glossary | E-mail addresses | FAQ | Links
MH-53E | HM-12 | HM-14 | HM-15 | HM-16 | HM-18 | HM-19 | HSL-94 | AWSTS | CSS | USS INCHON

This site is designed and maintained by LT Mark Zwolski
DISCLAIMER

Click here to receive e-mail
when this page is updated.

MK-105 Magnetic Minesweeping System
MK-105 sled with hydrofoils raised.	MK-105 mod4 sled "on step" riding on hydrofoils.

The MK-105 Magnetic Influence Minesweeping System, better known as the "sled", is a high speed catamaran hydrofoil platform which is towed behind the MH-53E Sea Dragon helicopter. The sled is too large to be carried internally in the helicopter and is typically launched and recovered from various ships (MCS, LPH, LPD), ramps, docks or prepared beaches. Used to sweep magnetic influence mines, the MK-105 system consists of the hydrofoil platform, a turbine-generator, an electrical refueling tow cable, a magnetic cable sweep array, and airborne control panel. The gas turbine-generator on the hydrofoil platform is controlled and refueled through the tow cable by the control panel located in the back of the helicopter. Electrical current produced by the turbine-generator is passed through the two electrode tails of the cable array behind the hydrofoil platform. The electrodes produce an electro-magnetic field which imitates the magnetic signature of an un-degaussed ship, causing magnetic influence mines to detonate. The MK-105 can be used to safely clear a path through a mine field for ships in transit or clear an entire operation area at speeds greater than those achieved by conventional mine countermeasures ships. Designed and built at the EDO Corporation facility in College Point, New York, this system has been in service since its introduction in 1973 in Haiphong Harbor, Vietnam.