US Navy’s AN/AQS-20C completes developmental testing
The US Navy’s AN/AQS-20C mine-hunting sonar system completed developmental testing at the US Naval Surface Warfare Center, Panama City Division (NSWC PCD), on 26 February 2019.
The AQS-20C is the next generation of the AN/AQS-20 system designed to be incorporated into the navy’s Littoral Combat Ship Mine Countermeasures (MCM) Mission Package.
During testing, the Raytheon-developed towed sonar sensor conducted 12 underway missions in various operational modes and at different depths at four separate NSWC PCD test ranges. The missions were conducted aboard the test vessel M/V Patriot. Developmental testing of the system validates that its design meets all technical specifications.
The sonar system consists of four sonar arrays: two side-looking arrays; a gap-filler sonar array; and a forward-looking sonar array providing simultaneous detection, localisation and classification of bottom mines, close-tethered moored mines and volume-moored mines. It delivers high-definition images of bottom mines, providing the operator with both range and contrast data that combine to form 3D image during post-mission analysis.
The AQS-20C will now be integrated with and deployed from the MCM USV, a long-endurance, semi-autonomous, diesel-powered, all-aluminium surface vessel that supports the employment of various MCM payloads.
The MCM USV can be launched and recovered by the LCS to provide minesweeping, mine-hunting and mine neutralisation capabilities. The MCM USV is currently undergoing developmental testing as a component of the Unmanned Influence Sweep System at the South Florida Test Facility in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
Test results will now undergo scoring and performance assessment leading up to a final developmental testing report that is expected to be completed in the spring of 2019.
More from Naval Warfare
-
![Hanwha wins Australian government approval to increase its stake in Austal]()
Hanwha wins Australian government approval to increase its stake in Austal
The contract would mean the two shipbuilders can collaborate strategically and enhance shipbuilding capabilities in Western Australia.
-
![Royal Australian Navy sizes up modernisation plans for new and existing capabilities]()
Royal Australian Navy sizes up modernisation plans for new and existing capabilities
The Australian navy is pushing ahead with its efforts to modernise its workforce and capabilities while balancing risky submarine upgrades, ageing Collins-class boats and a shrinking minehunter fleet. Head of navy capability RAdm Stephen Hughes updated Shephard on the force’s progress.
-
![UK to join US Navy’s Virginia-class submarine assembly effort to speed up construction]()
UK to join US Navy’s Virginia-class submarine assembly effort to speed up construction
The expansion of the Virginia-class submarine construction to UK shores could accelerate the project as US shipbuilders continue to fall short of delivery goals.
-
![US Navy seeks new sensors for the CH-53K King Stallion heavy-lift helicopter]()
US Navy seeks new sensors for the CH-53K King Stallion heavy-lift helicopter
The US Navy intends to publish a draft request for proposals in Q2 2026 and conduct an open competition for the supply of new electro-optical and infrared capabilities for the CH-53K heavy-lift helicopter.
-
![NATO naval exercises map out future USV requirements but raise questions on acquisition]()
NATO naval exercises map out future USV requirements but raise questions on acquisition
Uncrewed surface vessels have shifted from a desirable capability to a critical one for navies. But should these systems be bought outright, rented as a service or rapidly built using commercial off-the-shelf components?
