Raytheon mine-hunting sonar enhanced
Raytheon and the US Naval Undersea Warfare Center (NUWC) – Division Newport are undertaking work to enhance the company’s AN/AQS-20A mine-hunting sonar, the company announced on 30 August.
The enhancements will improve the sonar's ability to identify and classify underwater mines and provide higher-quality imaging of objects in deep water.
Raytheon and NUWC entered into the AN/AQS-20A collaboration in 2015, under a 'work for private party' contract funded by Raytheon.
Paul Ferraro, vice president of Raytheon Integrated Defense Systems' seapower capability systems, said: ‘Together with NUWC, we've applied our collective expertise to enhance this critical undersea warfare technology - and we've achieved outstanding results.
‘Building on the system's proven performance, we've increased its ability to go further and see objects more clearly – critical abilities for the navy's mine warfare mission.’
The AN/AQS-20A mine-hunting sonar is currently in production for the US Navy and is certified as the primary sensor for mine countermeasure missions on the navy's Littoral Combat Ships.
More from Naval Warfare
-
![South Korea advances next-gen naval concepts for future force needs]()
South Korea advances next-gen naval concepts for future force needs
HHI and Hanwha Ocean outline highly autonomous and unmanned-enabled designs as the ROKN explores force structure for the 2030s and beyond.
-
![South Korean shipbuilders showcase export ambitions amid ongoing KDDX delays]()
South Korean shipbuilders showcase export ambitions amid ongoing KDDX delays
Hyundai and Hanwha recently unveiled advanced frigate and submarine designs while South Korea eyes new export markets and resolves internal rivalries
-
![US Navy seeks industry partners to address pressing research needs]()
US Navy seeks industry partners to address pressing research needs
The Office of Naval Research will host an Industry Engagement Day in August aiming at building new partnerships and advancing its science and technology initiatives in multiple areas.
-
![Raytheon awarded $1.2 billion in contracts for AN/SPY-6(V) radars for the US Navy]()
Raytheon awarded $1.2 billion in contracts for AN/SPY-6(V) radars for the US Navy
Under the most recent contract, the US Navy will receive four additional AN/SPY-6(V) radars, increasing the number of radars under contract to 42. The radars are considered key for expanding the navy’s capability for air defence.
