Mine Hunt Systems
Abstract
This project contains resources for systems, subsystems, and sensors integrated for use with either the Remote Minehunting System (RMS) Remote Multi-Mission Vehicle (RMMV) or the MCM Unmanned Surface Vehicle (MCM USV) for mine detection, classification, localization, identification, neutralization, and influence clearance capabilities. Research, development, test, and evaluation efforts are for increasing capability by 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, and reducing post-mission analysis for detection, classification, identification, and neutralization. The AN/AQS-20 is a mine hunting and identification system with acoustic and optic sensors housed in an underwater towed body. The acoustic sensors are designated for the detection, classification and localization of bottom, close-tethered, and volume targets. The Volume Search Sonar (VSS) on the AQS-20A sonar is removed from the body and replaced with an Electro-Optic ID (EOID) module to conduct identification sorties. The system will be deployed from the Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) as part of the MCM Mission Package. The RMMV or the MCM USV tows the AN/AQS-20. The AN/AQS-20 Block 1 (the AQS-20A) 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, reduce False Classification, and improve Depth Localization performance to meet Block 2 performance. The Forward Looking Sonar will be replaced with a new High Frequency Wideband design (WBFLS). 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 FY 2012 and will complete in FY 2017. Award and management for Block 2 production units began in FY 2014 (the AQS-20C). Materiel Reliability, obsolescence, and performance Engineering Change Proposal (ECP) efforts continue beyond FY 2021. In FY 2017, the AN/AQS-20 Block 2 P3I program will initiate Development Testing (DT) and initiate Synthetic Aperture Sonar (SAS) Acoustic Recognition development and test. The AN/AQS-20 program will also complete the initial build of algorithms and software components to be used for mission analysis software tools for the AN/AQS-20 Block 2 (the AQS-20C). The Block 2 P3I program began in FY 2017 and continues beyond FY21. Development of Depot Maintenance Overhaul and Technical Insertion plans will also occur. Development and Material Reliability, obsolescence, and performance Engineering Change Proposal (ECP) efforts will continue beyond FY20. In FY 2018, the AN/AQS-20 Block 2 program is scheduled to complete Developmental Testing and initiate the integration of MCM improvements for post mission analysis tools for the Fleet Operators. The net effect of these tools combined with the more powerful AN/AQS-20 Block 2 sensors will be improved classification of mines, more accurate vertical localization, reduced false calls, and improved area clearance rate sustained. Improvements also include the collection and ingestion of in-situ environmental data used for mission planning to configure the sensor which optimizes sensor performance during missions. Development of these tools begins in FY 2018 and will continue through FY 2021.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Project
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 2018
- Source ID
- 0530_0603502N_4_1319_PB_2018
Related Documents
- Root: Surface & Shallow Water MCM
- Child Accomplishment: AN/AQS-20 Product Development:
- Child Accomplishment: AN/AQS-20 Support:
- Child Accomplishment: AN/AQS-20 Test and Evaluation
- Child Accomplishment: AN/AQS-20 Management Services