ABN Mine Hunt System
Abstract
This project contains resources for systems, subsystems, and sensors integrated for use with multiple platforms for mine detection, classification, localization, identification, neutralization, and influence clearance capabilities. Research, development, test, and evaluation efforts are for increasing critical capacity, decreasing time required to conduct Mine Countermeasures (MCM) operations, ensuring low risk to naval and commercial vessels, and removing the man from the minefield. Increased capability includes conducting minefield reconnaissance (mine density and location) at high area search rates, improving detection capability, decreasing sensor false alarm rates, reducing or eliminating post-mission analysis detect, classify, identify, decide time, improving neutralization time, improving network communications, automatic target recognition, and achieving in-stride detect-to-engage capability. The AN/AQS-20A is a mine hunting and identification system with acoustic and optic sensors housed in an underwater towed body. The acoustic sensors are designed for the detection, classification and localization of bottom, close-tethered, and volume targets in a single pass. The Electro-Optic Identification Device (EOID) replaces the Volume Search Sonar (VSS) for identification of bottom targets. The system will be deployed from the Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) as part of the MCM Mission Package (MP). The AN/WLD-1(V)2 Remote Minehunting System (RMS) Remote Multi-Mission Vehicle (RMMV) tows the AN/AQS-20A. The AN/AQS-20A Block 1 is undergoing a Pre-Planned Product Improvement (P3I) program to upgrade the Forward Looking Sonar (FLS) and Side-Looking Sonars(SLS) to improve Probability of Classifying a Mine-like object as a Mine, False Classification Rates, and Depth Localization performance to meet Block 2 performance. The Forward Looking Sonar will be replaced with a new High Frequency Wideband based design. The SLS will be replaced with a new Multi-function SLS with Synthetic Aperture Sonar (SAS) capability, as well as, improved signal processing and Signal to Noise Ratio. The Block 1 P3I program began in FY12 and will complete in FY15. All Block 1 units will be upgraded to meet Block 2 capability. Award and management of the competitive contract for Low Rate Initial Production (LRIP)/Full Rate Production (FRP) units begins in FY14 and continues through FY18. The Block 2 P3I program begins in FY16 and continues beyond FY19. The AN/AQS-20A Block 2 will support LCS Mine Countermeasures Mission Package (MCM MP) Developmental Testing (DT) and Initial Operational Test and Evaluation (IOT&E) in FY15. Materiel Reliability and obsolescence Engineering Change Proposals (ECPs) efforts begin in FY14 and continues through FY15 supporting AN/AQS-20A Block 2 and LCS MCM MP FY15 Developmental Testing (DT) and Initial Operational Test and Evaluation (IOT&E). The AN/AQS-24 Mine Hunting and Identification system is comprised of acoustic sensors housed in an underwater towed body. The AN/AQS-24 Volume Search upgrade will be developed, tested, and integrated for use with multiple platforms including the MH-53E Helicopter. This capability is in support of an Urgent Operational Need (UON) and will improve the rapid detection and locaization of volume sea mines. RDT&E funding ends after in FY14.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Project
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 2015
- Source ID
- 0529_0604373N_5_1319_PB_2015
Related Documents
- Root: Airborne Mine Countermeasures (AMCM)
- Child Accomplishment: AN/AQS-20A Product Development:
- Child Accomplishment: AN/AQS-20A Support:
- Child Accomplishment: AN/AQS-20A Test and Evaluation
- Child Accomplishment: AN/AQS-20A Management Services
- Child Accomplishment: AN AQS-24 Product Development
- Child Accomplishment: AN AQS-24 Test and Evaluation
- Child Accomplishment: AN AQS-24 Program Management
- Child Accomplishment: AN AQS-24 Support