Navy minehunting sonar completes developmental test

By Justin Katz / February 27, 2019 at 3:08 PM

The Navy completed developmental testing for a mine-hunting sonar system that will be incorporated into a new mine countermeasures unmanned surface vehicle, according to a Navy statement.

The AQS-20C sonar "delivers high-definition images of bottom mines, providing the operator with both range and contrast data that combine to form a three-dimensional image during post-mission analysis to aid in mine identification," according to the Feb. 27 statement.

"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. Findings from this report will be used for future performance improvements of the system," the statement continues.

The Raytheon-built sonar will be incorporated onto the Mine Countermeasures Unmanned Surface Vehicle, a Textron-built craft that consolidates several mine warfare-related projects.

The Unmanned Influence Sweep System, which is one of those projects, was an acquisition category III program, and was subsumed by MCM USV, an ACAT II program, in October. The designation signifies the MCM USV program will have increased oversight and greater funding in the Navy's budget.

Further, a Textron executive told Inside the Navy last month the company is working with the service to develop weapons that would equip the company's USV for a fires and indirect fires mission.

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