US Navy asks Lockheed Martin to continue development of passive sonar for surface vessels
USN graphic depicting the AN/SQQ-89A(V)15. (Image: USN)
Lockheed Martin Rotary and Mission Systems will carry on the development, integration, manufacture, production, and testing of the AN/SQQ-89A(V)15 surface ship-installed undersea warfare combat system for the USN (92%) and Royal Australian Navy (8%).
The company received a contract modification worth up to $253.89 million on 30 September.
Other aspects of the modification include the procurement of TB-37A multifunction towed array components and the inclusion of more Technical Insertion-22 (TI-22) hardware.
Work is scheduled for completion by March 2023 or March 2026 if all options are exercised.
AN/SQQ-89A(V)15 uses passive sonar to provide early warning of threat torpedoes. The open-architecture system requires software upgrades every two years and TI hardware upgrades every four years.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Naval Warfare
-
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 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
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.
-
US Navy begins SPY-6(V)4 radar testing ahead of first Arleigh Burke destroyer backfit
Wallops Island trials will validate the next-generation radar's combat system integration before its installation aboard USS Pinckney, the first Flight IIA destroyer to receive the SPY-6(V)4 upgrade.