Northrop begins delivery of AQS-24C
Northrop Grumman has delivered the first two upgraded AQS-24C mine hunting systems to the US Navy, the company announced on 6 February.
The AQS-24C builds on the AQS-24B, which was introduced to the fleet in 2017 and is operated from the MH-53E helicopter and the mine hunting unit unmanned surface vehicle. The upgrade adds an in-stride volume search capability to the AQS-24B.
The AQS-24C has been delivered following shipboard contractor testing and government helicopter testing on the MH-53E helicopter.
Alan Lytle, VP, undersea systems, Northrop Grumman, said: ‘The AQS-24C is a cost effective upgrade to an existing system, providing long range volume search mine hunting while minimising development costs and providing great value to the US Navy customer. This new capability will keep sailors out of harm’s way and shorten the mine clearance timeline.’
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
You may also like
More from Naval Warfare
-
![US Coast Guard enhances Arctic protection with a new Fast Response Cutter]()
US Coast Guard enhances Arctic protection with a new Fast Response Cutter
After commissioning, FRC Frederick Mann will operate in Alaska and perform multiple missions.
-
![US Coast Guard announces measures to further implement Force Design 2028 strategy]()
US Coast Guard announces measures to further implement Force Design 2028 strategy
The US Coast Guard (USCG) created new units, including five Programme Executive Offices (PEOs), to facilitate and speed up the procurement of new capabilities.
-
![Future of the US Navy’s Arleigh Burke programme remains unclear]()
Future of the US Navy’s Arleigh Burke programme remains unclear
The US Navy does not have a precise date for the award of the procurement contract for the third Arleigh Burke-class destroyer despite having the funds to advance with the programme in FY2025.
-
![US Navy may look to foreign suppliers to accelerate shipbuilding programmes]()
US Navy may look to foreign suppliers to accelerate shipbuilding programmes
The US Navy (USN) is currently reassessing its acquisition efforts and seeking ways to reduce the multiple delays across the shipbuilding initiatives.
-
![Italy orders two ships as work begins on others along with deliveries and updates]()
Italy orders two ships as work begins on others along with deliveries and updates
The Italian Navy is being refreshed with two new ships ordered, while in the past six months steel was cut for a new frigate, an enhanced frigate was delivered and Horizon-class frigates passed a design review.
