USN needs more Airborne Mine Neutralization Systems
An Airborne Mine Neutralization System (AMNS) being lowered from a USN helicopter. (Photo: USN/Ron Newsome)
AMNS neutralises moored mines or mines that have been laid on the seabed.
The USN is acquiring more Airborne Mine Neutralization System (AMNS) units from Raytheon Missiles and Defense under a $16.79 million contract modification, the DoD announced on 26 May.
The modification includes options that, if exercised, would raise the cumulative value of the AMNS contract to $68.55 million.
Work is expected to be completed by March 2024 or March 2027 if all options are exercised, the DoD added.
The AMNS is designed to explode bottom and moored mines by using an expendable device.
The system will be deployed from USN MH-60S Seahawk helicopters as part of the mine countermeasures mission module for the Littoral Combat Ship.
Currently, USN helicopter squadrons employ the BAE Systems Archerfish as part of the AN/ASQ-235 airborne mine neutralisation capability.
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