US Navy completes testing of Q-20C
The US Navy has completed developmental testing of the Q-20C variant of the AN/AQS-20C towed mine-hunting sonar system, NAVSEA announced on 8 April.
The Q-20C variant features advanced acoustic and electro-optic sensing capabilities to detect, localise and classify bottom, close-tethered, moored and volume-moored mines. It includes improved capabilities, including the ability to search in multiple modes in the water column, which prepares the system to be integrated with its intended tow platform, the MCM unmanned surface vehicle (MCM USV) in 2020.
Recommendations from the test team will now be reviewed by the technical team for incorporation into the Q-20C for further evaluation.
The MCM USV is a long endurance, semi-autonomous, diesel-powered, all-aluminium surface craft that supports the deployments of various MCM payloads including Q-20C. It is part of the Littoral Combat Ship’s MCM mission package.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Naval Warfare
-
![A400M trial demonstrates airborne deployment of uncrewed surface vessel]()
A400M trial demonstrates airborne deployment of uncrewed surface vessel
Kraken Technology Group’s A400M airdrop of a K3 Scout uncrewed surface vessel points to a new way for navies to insert USVs into contested waters, bypassing ports and motherships.
-
![From the seas to the web: the changing shape of UK defence in Southeast Asia]()
From the seas to the web: the changing shape of UK defence in Southeast Asia
As his final engagement before leaving his post as the head of the British defence staff for Southeast Asia and defence adviser to Singapore, Brigadier Eddie Maskell-Pedersen spoke with Shephard about maritime security, cyber cooperation and long-term partnerships.
-
![Naval primes dive into an underwater acquisition gold rush]()
Naval primes dive into an underwater acquisition gold rush
A cluster of acquisitions by Fincantieri, Thales, Lockheed Martin and Rheinmetall points to a race to secure underwater warfare, autonomy and sensing capability.
-
![Baltic naval priorities shift towards mine warfare and versatile platforms]()
Baltic naval priorities shift towards mine warfare and versatile platforms
Baltic states are investing in mine warfare, uncrewed systems and multirole platforms as major warship purchases remain scarce, industry sources indicate.
