Raytheon minehunting sonar to equip US Navy LCS
Raytheon will provide the US Navy with AN/AQS-20A minehunting sonar systems and equipment for deployment on the force's Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) as part of a $35.5 million contract announced on 3 March.
As the variable depth sonar for the AN/WLD-1 Remote Minehunting System (RMS), the AN/AQS-20A system is towed undersea to scan the water in front, below and to the sides of the vehicle for anti-shipping mines. Sophisticated sonar, electro-optical sensors, and high-precision location information are used to provide high-resolution images of mines and mine-like objects.
Kevin Peppe, vice president of Seapower Capability Systems, Raytheon's Integrated Defense Systems business, said: ‘An essential component of LCS, AN/AQS-20A advances the capability of the ship's mine countermeasure arsenal. Enhanced to optimise detection - in both range and accuracy, AN/AQS-20A provides the navy with the advantage they need to safely detect and effectively identify these undersea threats.’
The system can be used to support mine-clearing operations in both deep-ocean and littoral waters; and according to the company, the AN/AQS-20A is the only minehunting sonar sensor developed, tested and certified for Remote Multi Mission Vehicle (RMMV) deployment.
More from Naval Warfare
-
![EU SEACURE programme seeks autonomous solutions to evolving underwater threats]()
EU SEACURE programme seeks autonomous solutions to evolving underwater threats
The EU and leading defence firms are collaborating on improving autonomous seabed warfare capabilities.
-
![Malaysia’s Maharaja Lela frigates to fit SEA’s Torpedo Launcher System]()
Malaysia’s Maharaja Lela frigates to fit SEA’s Torpedo Launcher System
The TLS is expected to improve the vessels’ anti-submarine warfare performance in Malaysia’s littoral region.
-
![New contract enhances local building commitment of Colombia’s PES frigate programme]()
New contract enhances local building commitment of Colombia’s PES frigate programme
Damen Naval has signed a contract with Heinen & Hopman, which will use local Colombian HVAC-R experts to fit out the fleet.
-
![US Navy shipbuilding branded “too slow” and “too expensive” by acquisition chief]()
US Navy shipbuilding branded “too slow” and “too expensive” by acquisition chief
Several of the US Navy’s leading programmes, including the Constellation-class frigate and the Virginia-class submarine, are significantly behind schedule.
-
![Anduril awarded $642 million counter-drone contract with US Marine Corps]()
Anduril awarded $642 million counter-drone contract with US Marine Corps
The contract will see counter-small uncrewed aerial systems (CsUAS) installed at bases, with the initial contract covering site survey and engineering services as well as some system procurement. Work is expected to be completed over the next ten years.
