USN orders enhanced undersea warfare hardware
AN/SQQ-89(V)15 system consoles aboard USS Momsen. (Photo: USN/Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class James Evans)
Lockheed Martin Rotary and Mission Systems is to deliver upgraded hardware to the USN for the AN/SQQ-89A(V)15 anti-submarine warfare (ASW) combat system suite, the DoD announced on 20 July.
Under the latest $80.24 million contract modification from Naval Sea Systems Command, the company will provide Technical Insertion-20 AN/SQQ-89A(V)15 systems plus AN/SQS-53C transmitter infrastructure shipset hardware.
In addition to the USN, recipients will include Australia under the FMS programme. Shephard Defence Insight notes that Japan and Poland also operate the system.
The open-architecture AN/SQQ-89A(V)15 undergoes software upgrades every two years and Technology Insertion hardware upgrades every four years.
AN/SQQ-89A(V)15 is the primary undersea warfare system for USN surface vessels such as Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyers and Ticonderoga-class cruisers, and it is also equipping the new Constellation-class frigates.
The system employs active and passive sonar to conduct ASW searches. Received acoustic energy is processed and displayed to support operator detection, classification, localisation, and tracking of threat submarines.
AN/SQQ-89A(V)15 also uses passive sonar to provide early warning of threat torpedoes.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Naval Warfare
-
RTX Raytheon advances with the development of new Barracuda mine neutraliser
The new Barracuda version has been engineered to perform enhanced subsea and seabed warfare missions.
-
US Coast Guard to receive the largest single acquisition funding in its history
The nearly $25 billion investment will cover USCG procurement of cutters, aircraft, helicopters, training simulators and Polar capabilities over the next four years.
-
US Coast Guard enhances Arctic protection with a new Fast Response Cutter
After commissioning, FRC Frederick Mann will operate in Alaska and perform multiple missions.
-
US Coast Guard announces measures to further implement Force Design 2028 strategy
The US Coast Guard (USCG) created new units, including five Programme Executive Offices (PEOs), to facilitate and speed up the procurement of new capabilities.
-
Future of the US Navy’s Arleigh Burke programme remains unclear
The US Navy does not have a precise date for the award of the procurement contract for the third Arleigh Burke-class destroyer despite having the funds to advance with the programme in FY2025.
-
US Navy may look to foreign suppliers to accelerate shipbuilding programmes
The US Navy (USN) is currently reassessing its acquisition efforts and seeking ways to reduce the multiple delays across the shipbuilding initiatives.