AN/AQS-20A sonar set for improvements
Raytheon and the US Naval Undersea Warfare Center (NUWC) are working to improve the capabilities of the US Navy’s AN/AQS-20A minehunting sonar, the company announced on 27 August.
Under a 'work for private party' contract funded by Raytheon, the team is analysing the AN/AQS-20A’s synthetic aperture sonar to improve its ability to capture and process high- and low-resolution images of underwater mines.
The enhancements will enable the sonar to produce better quality images of objects found deep under water to aid in the identification and classification of mines. A series of lab- and sea-based tests will be carried out to evaluate and exercise the sonar's features to optimise the quality of both high- and low-resolution imaging.
The AN/AQS-20A is the variable depth sonar for the AN/WLD-1 Remote Minehunting System (RMS) deployed from the navy’s Littoral Combat Ship (LCS). The system is towed undersea to simultaneously scan the water column for anti-shipping mines forward of, to the sides, and beneath the vehicle. Sophisticated sonar, electro-optical sensors, and high-precision location information are used to provide high-resolution images of mines and mine-like objects.
Kevin Peppe, vice president of Raytheon Integrated Defense Systems' Seapower Capability Systems, said: ‘Extending our long history of collaboration with our NUWC neighbours, this project brings together our respective sonar experts to maximise the performance of a critical undersea warfare capability. Our goal is to build on the system's proven performance and further the advantage that AN/AQS-20A provides to the navy to safely detect and effectively identify these undersea threats.’
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?
