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Northrop Grumman’s AN/AQS-24 Minehunting System has been successfully demonstrated to the US Navy, integrated into the Mine Countermeasures Unmanned Surface Vehicle.
The successful test comes a mere 45 days after a contract was signed between Northrop and the Navy, with the rapid open-water testing beginning in Panama City.
“The US Navy confirmed that the AN/AQS-24 meets all primary government objectives for a safer and more efficient minehunting capability,” Northrop said.
The minehunting system is an advanced system that offers high-resolution, side-scan sonar imagery for efficient detection, localisation and classification of mines in complex maritime environments.
It currently exists as the only operationally active airborne mine detection system in the world, operating at up to 18 knots when in motion.
The laser line scanner feature provides precise identification and imagery of the target underwater, allowing for personnel to respond accordingly.
The testing comes as the US Navy, alongside other major global militaries, continues to address the changing nature of defence solutions and the growing need for uncrewed defence assets.
In July this year, Secretary of War Pete Hegseth said in reference to uncrewed aerial systems that “modern battlefield innovation demands a new procurement strategy that fuses manufacturers with our front-line troops”.
