US Navy wants superconducting degaussing system

American Superconductor Corporation (AMSC) has received a $14.94 million contract from the US Naval Surface Warfare Center to supply equipment and services for a high temperature superconducting (HTS) degaussing system. 

The HTS system will be installed on USN and USMC Landing Platform Dock vessels.

AMSC will make, test and deliver a shipset of components/materials; analyse configuration-based engineering change proposals; and provide vendor representative support during installation. 

HTS degaussing system components and materials include a control unit, power modules, junction boxes, cryo-coolers, accumulation tanks, HTS degaussing cable assemblies and cold gas lines. 

Work is scheduled for completion by September 2023. 

Superconducting technology has the potential to reduce the size, weight, and cost of equipment such as degaussing systems, propulsion motors, and power electronics.

HTS cables offer major advantages over the conventional copper cables used to reduce the magnetic signatures of USN ships. A degaussing system utilising HTS cables would be smaller, lighter, and cost less to install than other systems.

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