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
-
![Australia is ramping up its uncrewed surface fleet as Sea Archer lines up for key requirement]()
Australia is ramping up its uncrewed surface fleet as Sea Archer lines up for key requirement
As advances in uncrewed technology increasingly shape Australia’s maritime future, Shephard spoke with the country’s head of navy capability and a Leidos Australia executive about the operational advantages behind the shift.
-
![What does Saab’s operations shake-up mean for its new ‘Naval’ chapter?]()
What does Saab’s operations shake-up mean for its new ‘Naval’ chapter?
Saab’s merger of its Kockums and Naval Combat Systems divisions into a single business area called Naval, effective 1 April 2026, aims to enhance efficiency, innovation and competitive positioning in the naval sector.
-
![Iran and the future of amphibious operations: crewed and uncrewed solutions]()
Iran and the future of amphibious operations: crewed and uncrewed solutions
Amphibious operations are a very unique type of military operation, and global defence industries are developing new solutions to enhance capabilities and efficiency.
-
![US Navy to acquire and test uncrewed surface vessel prototypes by the end of FY2026]()
US Navy to acquire and test uncrewed surface vessel prototypes by the end of FY2026
The new autonomous surface vessels are planned to be operationally fielded in FY2027, following the completion of on-water trials.
-
![Hanwha Ocean and TKMS are firming up their Canadian next-gen submarine proposals]()
Hanwha Ocean and TKMS are firming up their Canadian next-gen submarine proposals
CPSP competitors are proposing platforms fitted with advanced, next-generation capabilities to be built and sustained in cooperation with the Canadian industry.
