Northrop Grumman’s AN/AQS-24 and MCM USV demonstrated a critically required towed mine countermeasure capability. Credit: Northrop Grumman.

Northrop Grumman has demonstrated the integration of its AN/AQS-24 minehunting system with a mine countermeasure uncrewed surface vehicle (MCM USV).

This demonstration will address the US Navy’s increasing need for an uncrewed, towed MCM solution, Northrop Grumman stated.

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The company started open-water trials in Panama City only 45 days after signing a contract with the US Navy, aiming to show that the helicopter-towed AN/AQS-24 can operate effectively with an MCM USV.

Northrop Grumman confirmed that the US Navy has stated the AN/AQS-24 meets all essential objectives for safer and more efficient mine-hunting capabilities.

In a post on LinkedIn, Northrop Grumman said: “In just 45 days, we paired our AN/AQS-24 mine hunting system with an uncrewed surface vehicle. When it comes to critical missions, we deliver with unparalleled speed and efficiency.”

AQS-24B/C system, the upgraded variant of AN/AQS-24, uses high-resolution side-scan sonar to detect, localise and classify underwater mines in real time.

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It also employs a laser line scanner for optical identification of mines and other submerged objects. The system can operate both laser and sonar simultaneously to enable additional detection modes.

According to Northrop Grumman’s website, the AN/AQS-24 is currently the only deployed airborne mine detection system capable of high-speed operation worldwide and has accumulated thousands of hours in operation from various platforms.

In 2020, the company completed initial in-water testing of the AQS-24 minehunting sonar using a next-generation Deploy and Retrieval (D&R) payload.

During these tests, Northrop Grumman operated the AQS-24 D&R from an MCM USV.

Deliveries of upgraded AQS-24C systems to the US Navy began in 2019, following the introduction of the AQS-24B model to the fleet in 2017.

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