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
-
![The UK joins the movement towards joint procurement]()
The UK joins the movement towards joint procurement
The UK will spend an estimated US$3.89 billion over the next decade in joint naval programmes, a lot of which will be in cooperation with Norway.
-
![Rheinmetall’s GMF 140: Ambitious frigate or market misfit?]()
Rheinmetall’s GMF 140: Ambitious frigate or market misfit?
Rheinmetall has unveiled its first next-generation frigate design, showing ambitions to compete as a surface combatant prime contractor. While the company is targeting North America, analysts believe the concept may be better positioned for future European programmes.
-
![US Navy $76.6bn award provides stability for submarine production]()
US Navy $76.6bn award provides stability for submarine production
The US Department of War’s US$76.6 billion Columbia-and Virginia-class submarine contract gives industry demand certainty as Washington seeks to rebuild its shipbuilding base.
-
![Dreadnought Phase 4 opens £2.5 billion supply chain opportunity]()
Dreadnought Phase 4 opens £2.5 billion supply chain opportunity
The UK government’s £8.4 billion Dreadnought Phase 4 investment sets aside £2.5 billion for the wider submarine supply chain, opening new work beyond BAE Systems’ prime contract.
-
![Hanwha Ocean deepens US ties and eyes Saudi submarine prospect after Canada setback]()
Hanwha Ocean deepens US ties and eyes Saudi submarine prospect after Canada setback
Hanwha Ocean is deepening ties with the US and eyeing a submarine opportunity in Saudi Arabia, as South Korea looks to convert its Canadian defeat into export momentum.
