Raytheon minehunting sonar to equip US Navy LCS

Raytheon will provide the US Navy with AN/AQS-20A minehunting sonar systems and equipment for deployment on the force's Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) as part of a $35.5 million contract announced on 3 March.

As the variable depth sonar for the AN/WLD-1 Remote Minehunting System (RMS), the AN/AQS-20A system is towed undersea to scan the water in front, below and to the sides of the vehicle for anti-shipping mines. 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 Seapower Capability Systems, Raytheon's Integrated Defense Systems business, said: ‘An essential component of LCS, AN/AQS-20A advances the capability of the ship's mine countermeasure arsenal. Enhanced to optimise detection - in both range and accuracy, AN/AQS-20A provides the navy with the advantage they need to safely detect and effectively identify these undersea threats.’

The system can be used to support mine-clearing operations in both deep-ocean and littoral waters; and according to the company, the AN/AQS-20A is the only minehunting sonar sensor developed, tested and certified for Remote Multi Mission Vehicle (RMMV) deployment.