Royal Navy locates US sonar lost at sea

The UK Royal Navy’s Sandown class minehunter HMS Bangor has used its Thales 2093 Variable Depth Sonar to locate a US Navy AQS-24 towed sonar when it became detached from a MH-53 Sea Dragon helicopter during an exercise.

The successful detection of the towed sonar saved more than $1 million for the US Navy. The crew of Bangor were taking part in a major Anglo-French-US minehunting exercise in the Gulf when the incident occurred.

Following its detection by the 2093, the sonar was then retreived by a US dive team using its Seabotix underwater robot.

The 2093 sonar is a variable-depth, multi-mode minehunting sonar. It can detect and classify very small objects on the seabed and in the water. As part of the Sonar 2093 Capability Sustainment Programme, the Royal Navy is set to receive wideband capability, which will further enhance the performance of this sonar system.

Phil Jones, head of Thales UK’s maritime business, said: ‘This is a fantastic example of what our minehunting sonars can achieve today. The current performance of Sonar 2093 is outstanding, but I’m sure the Royal Navy will be delighted with the improvements they will receive through the Capability Sustainment Programme. I’m glad that the US Navy was able to get its towed sonar back. A real team effort.’

Related Equipment in Defence Insight

MH-53E Sea Dragon

AQS-24B

2093 Variable Depth Sonar