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High-Performance Magnetometers for Marine Defence Applications
The US Navy has selected Exelis to provide depot level repair, maintenance and modifications for two deployed mine defence systems.
The US Navy has selected Exelis to provide depot level repair, maintenance and modifications for two deployed mine defence systems.
Under the $13m indefinite-delivery, indefinite-quantity contract, awarded by the US Naval Surface Warfare Center, Exelis will provide depot level repair, maintenance and modifications for MK-105, the minesweeping system and the airborne mine neutralisation system for the US Navy.
Exelis radar, reconnaissance and undersea systems business vice-president and general manager Dave Prater said: "The MK-105 minesweeping system is an essential technology for the US Navy’s mine countermeasure operations."
The MK-105, integrated aboard the US Navy’s -53E Sea Dragon helicopter, tows through the water as it detonates mines, enabling safe passage for military and commercial vessels.
Prater added: "As the original manufacturer, we have the knowledge and expertise to perform technology insertion, maintenance and depot repairs to ensure continued effectiveness of this critical capability."
The MK-105 airborne mine countermeasures magnetic minesweeping system was also selected by Japan’s Navy to maintain control of sea lanes in the nation’s territorial waters.
The MK-105 Mod 4 version, the upgraded version of the MK-105 technology, provides a significant reliability and performance improvement to the current system, while enhancing the ability of the US Navy to conduct quick-response, high-speed airborne mine countermeasures for the next decade.
The contract has options that would bring the total value of the task order to more than $53m if exercised.
Image: An MH-53E helicopter conducts MK-105 mine countermeasure operations. Photo: courtesy of US Navy / Lt. Cmdr. Dennis C. Monagle.
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