Naval security
 
Naval Minehunting Enters New Stage

Unmanned minehunting technologies are gaining momentum, and the transition to the widespread use of autonomous systems in mine countermeasures is becoming a reality in both the US and the UK. 

In the US, a new program aims to produce an easily deployable offboard platform that can perform mine detection and neutralization missions autonomously. 

Northrop Grumman has completed initial at-sea testing of its AQS-24B minehunting sonar using a new deploy and retrieval (D&R) payload. The sonar and the associated D&R system were installed on a prototype Mine Countermeasures Unmanned Surface Vessel (MCM USV) to demonstrate its ability to conduct a minehunting mission aboard the US Navy’s (USN’s) Littoral Combat Ships (LCSs).  

The company stated that integration of the AQS-24 sonar with USVs enables real-time transmission of sonar data to a remote sonar operator for immediate analysis, reducing mine detection to neutralization cycles. According to janes.com, three prototype vehicles built by Textron – based on its common unmanned surface vehicle (CUSV) platform – are in operation.