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.’
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