Northrop Grumman Upgrades AN/AQS-24 Mine Hunting Sonar System
Date: Feb. 27, 2025
PANAMA CITY, Fla. – Northrop Grumman Corp. has been awarded a $15.2 million contract to enhance and maintain the U.S. Navy’s AN/AQS-24 airborne and surface mine hunting sonar system. This announcement marks a significant investment in undersea warfare capabilities, reinforcing the Navy’s efforts against maritime mine threats.
The Naval Surface Warfare Center, located in Panama City, Florida, has tasked the Northrop Grumman Naval Systems segment from Annapolis, Maryland, with carrying out necessary modifications, ongoing maintenance, and extensive repairs for the deployed AN/AQS-24 systems.
Capabilities of the AN/AQS-24
The AN/AQS-24 system is designed to be towed through maritime environments by surface ships and helicopters, making it an essential tool in locations suspected of containing enemy sea mines. This advanced sonar technology can operate at impressive speeds of up to 18 knots.
Utilizing high-resolution side-scan sonar, the AN/AQS-24 provides real-time capabilities for detecting, locating, and classifying both bottom and moored mines over vast areas. Its laser line scanner adds an extra layer of precision, enabling the optical identification of underwater threats and items of interest.
By employing simultaneous sonar and laser scanning, the AN/AQS-24 enhances target identification, offering swift operational performance combined with high-resolution imagery.
Advanced Technology Integration
The enhancements set to be implemented include advanced synthetic aperture sonar technology, which significantly boosts sonar resolution without sacrificing speed. These upgrades address obsolescence concerns and are aimed at maintaining peak performance levels.
The configurations are rapid-deployable and versatile, as the system can be towed from various platforms including aircraft, surface vessels, and unmanned systems. The use of cutting-edge digital electronics in the towed unit supports real-time data processing for optimal visibility in both shallow and deep water.
The operator interface is equipped with dual 21-inch 3MP medical-grade displays, facilitating effective monitoring of both laser and sonar data streams.
Future Directions
The initial upgrade kits for the AN/AQS-24B system were delivered by Northrop Grumman back in late 2016, transforming 27 AQS-24A units into their more sophisticated AN/AQS-24B versions. The current contract aims to enhance these capabilities further, expanding the navy’s ability to maintain maritime operational effectiveness.
Northrop Grumman intends to fulfill the contract obligations in both Annapolis, Md., and Panama City, Fla., projecting completion by April 2026. For additional information, visit Northrop Grumman’s official website or the Naval Surface Warfare Center-Panama City.
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