The US Navy has successfully completed the launch and recovery of the remote multimission vehicle (RMMV) carrying the Raytheon-developed AN/AQS-20A minehunting sonar.
The testing marks the first demonstration of the unmanned, remotely operated vehicle deployed from the USS Independence (LCS 2).
AN/AQS-20A is a mine warfare sensor and is used to scan the water in front and to the sides of the vehicle, and below for anti-shipping mines.
The solution, which can be deployed from multiple search platforms, uses sonar and electro-optical sensors to provide high-resolution images of mines.
US Navy programme manager for unmanned maritime vehicles (PMS 403), Steve Lose, said, “This exercise has proven the capabilities of both the RMMV and AQS-20A, testing both stability and performance in an operational environment.”
“The advancements of the AN/AQS-20A bring our minehunting capabilities to the next level; and with the adaptability of the system for helicopter and RMMV deployment, we extend our ability to effectively and efficiently ensure the safety of the fleet,” he added.
