Magic Lantern®, An Airborne Mine Sweeper Adaptable to Multiple Helicopter Platforms

Magic Lantern® is an integrated, helicopter-borne mine detection system. It uses laser and electrooptical technology to detect, classify and localize moored floating or shallow bottom mines. A commercial encrypted datalink can be used to provide real time information to ship or shore. Kaman Aerospace Corporation has field-tested Magic Lantern® on US Navy SH-2F, SH-2G and MH-53E helicopters. It’s high-speed, airborne mine hunting capability complements the surface-ships as it detects and classifies mines from the surface to below keel depths, offering a cost effective new capability for Airborne Mine Countermeasures (AMCM) forces. Kaman has introduced a number of product improvements into Magic Lantern® including modifications to ruggedize the hardware and adapt to various platforms. Integration and field testing on the K-MAX helicopter scheduled for this summer will demonstrate the remote operation of sensor functions. Future plans include a prototype installation on the SH-60B or CH-60; unmanned operation on the K-MAX, development of the next generation sensor components and integration into a self-contained pod designed to fit all platforms including the SH-60R.