Mine Hunt Systems

Abstract

This project contains resources for systems, subsystems, and sensors integrated for use with the new program MCM Unmanned Surface Vehicle (MCM USV) for mine detection, classification, localization, and identification in support of mine 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, and identification. The AN/AQS-20 is a mine hunting and identification system with sensors housed in an underwater towed body. The sensors are designated for the detection, classification and localization of bottom, close-tethered, and volume targets, and also for the identification of bottom targets. The system will be deployed from the Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) as part of the MCM Mission Package or can be deployed from other Vessels of Opportunity (VOO). The MCM USV is the tow platform for 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 (the AQS-20C) performance. The Forward Looking Sonar is being replaced with a new High Frequency Wideband Forward Looking Sonar (WBFLS) design. The SLS is being replaced with a new Multifunction 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 completed 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 FY2023. In FY 2018, the AN/AQS-20 Block 2 program (AQS-20C) is scheduled to conduct Developmental Testing (originally scheduled to start at end of FY17), initiate MCM USV integration, and initiation of MCM improvements for post mission analysis tools in support of Net-centric Sensor Analysis for Mine Warfare (NSAM) integration 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. In FY 2019, the AN/AQS-20 Block 2 program will support the MCM USV User Operational Evaluation System (UOES), MCM USV Development Testing, and workups for the LCS MP Testing. NSAM initial integration efforts will continue. SAS acoustic mine recognition development will continue to support the potential for automated in-situ mine identification. Also efforts will include defining and developing necessary improvements for AN/AQS-20 Block 2 integration with the MCM USV.

Document Details

• Document Type: Project
• Publication Date: Oct 01, 2019
• Source ID: 0530_0604127N_4_1319_PB_2019

Tags

Readers

• Acoustical Oceanography.
• Naval Mine Countermeasure Systems Development.
• Sensor Fusion and Tracking Systems.

Technology Areas

• Autonomy