Which sweep is helicopter-towed?

Which sweep is helicopter-towed?

• A. MK-103 Mechanical Sweep
• B. MK-104 Acoustic Sweep
• C. MK-105 Magnetic Sweep
• D. MK-106 Passive Sweep

Answer: (A)

The capability being tested is which type of AMCM sweep is designed to be towed by a helicopter. The MK-103 Mechanical Sweep is built for rotorcraft towing, allowing a helicopter to fly a sweep pattern over a suspected minefield and physically interact with mines or their moorings as it is dragged. This mechanical interaction provides a direct, robust path clearance that works from a helicopter, making rapid, flexible operations in littoral waters feasible. The other sweeps rely on non-physical effects rather than direct contact. An acoustic sweep emits sound to trigger acoustic mines and is typically deployed from ships or more stable platforms, not ideal for rotorcraft towing. A magnetic sweep uses magnetic fields to trigger magnetically fuzed mines and likewise is usually towed from larger platforms rather than a helicopter. A passive sweep is used for detection and sensing rather than clearing routes and is not designed for helicopter towing.

The capability being tested is which type of AMCM sweep is designed to be towed by a helicopter. The MK-103 Mechanical Sweep is built for rotorcraft towing, allowing a helicopter to fly a sweep pattern over a suspected minefield and physically interact with mines or their moorings as it is dragged. This mechanical interaction provides a direct, robust path clearance that works from a helicopter, making rapid, flexible operations in littoral waters feasible.

The other sweeps rely on non-physical effects rather than direct contact. An acoustic sweep emits sound to trigger acoustic mines and is typically deployed from ships or more stable platforms, not ideal for rotorcraft towing. A magnetic sweep uses magnetic fields to trigger magnetically fuzed mines and likewise is usually towed from larger platforms rather than a helicopter. A passive sweep is used for detection and sensing rather than clearing routes and is not designed for helicopter towing.