US Navy assesses unmanned mine hunting systems
Northrup Grumman’s AQS-24A Mine Detecting Sensor System has been used in tandem with the Mine Hunting Unmanned Surface Vehicle (MHU) during a demonstration for US Naval Forces Central Command in Manama, Bahrain.
The demonstration was conducted to assess the MHU’s ability to deploy, tow and recover the AQS-24A.
The MHU was remotely controlled and executed a pre-planned mission by transiting to an operational area, deploying the AQS-24A, executing a search pattern and recovering the sensor. Real-time situational awareness data and sensor sonar data were sent via tactical data link to the command and control (C2) station to ensure safe operation while maintaining mission objectives.
Capt David Honabach, PMS 406 Unmanned Maritime Systems program manager, US Navy, said: ‘We are encouraged by the progress made with MHU 1 and 2 in 5(th) Fleet. We are also pleased that we could successfully demonstrate this capability to a key coalition partner in the Arabian Gulf region and look forward to Flight 2 Mine Hunting Unmanned Surface Vehicles (USV) for future success.’
Tom Jones, vice president, undersea systems, Northrop Grumman, added: ‘This navy demonstration, along with the continued investments we are making across the USV and mine-hunting technology spectrum, demonstrate that Northrop Grumman is committed to assisting the navy and our coalition partners in defeating the maritime mine threat while keeping sailors out of the minefield.’
Deploying the AQS-24A from the MHU expands the system’s operational envelope for day and night operations at lower operational costs; reducing the time to clear ports, harbours, channels and sea lines of communications of threatening mines and other maritime navigation hazards.
More from Uncrewed Vehicles
-
![AUSA 2024: Quantum-Systems targets big 2025 with UAS developments]()
AUSA 2024: Quantum-Systems targets big 2025 with UAS developments
Quantum-Systems has been upgrading its UAS family, with new versions of the Vector, Reliant and Twister drones set for release throughout 2025.
-
![US Army accelerates acquisition and field of company-level sUAS]()
US Army accelerates acquisition and field of company-level sUAS
The service has been using a Directed Requirement (DR) approach to speed up the deployment of a Medium Range Reconnaissance capability.
-
![AeroVironment to display eVTOL P550 at AUSA 2024]()
AeroVironment to display eVTOL P550 at AUSA 2024
AeroVironment’s portfolio will grow thanks to the eVTOL P550 aimed at battalion-level tactical forces.
-
![Australia’s air force aims its UAV fleet northwards]()
Australia’s air force aims its UAV fleet northwards
The Royal Australian Air Force is advancing its unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) capabilities across three key programmes as it works with the likes of Boeing and Northrop Grumman to reshape Australia’s defence strategy.
-
![FTUAS competitor trials were “very successful”, says US Army official]()
FTUAS competitor trials were “very successful”, says US Army official
Prototypes from Griffon Aerospace and Textron Systems recently passed through MOSA conformance trials and flight tests.
-
![Pentagon adds Replicator 2 to budget request with focus on C-sUAS capabilities]()
Pentagon adds Replicator 2 to budget request with focus on C-sUAS capabilities
Funds for the second phase of this effort will be allocated in the US Department of Defense (DoD) FY2026 budget request.
