Mine Hunt Systems
Abstract
The Mine Hunt Systems project contains resources for systems, subsystems, and sensors integrated for use with the Mine Countermeasures Unmanned Surface Vehicle (MCM USV) for mine detection, classification, localization, identification, neutralization, and influence sweep 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 time for detection, classification, and identification. The AN/AQS-20 is a minehunting and identification system with sensors housed in an underwater towed body. The sensors are designed 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 (MP) 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) underwent 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 replaced with a new High Frequency Wideband Forward Looking Sonar (WBFLS) design. The SLS is 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 FY 2024. In FY 2019, the AN/AQS-20 Block 2 program completed DT, initiated MCM USV integration efforts and supported Net-Centric Sensor Analysis for Mine Warfare (NSAM) system initial integration. The AN/AQS-20A Block 2 P3I program SAS acoustic mine recognition development will continue to support the potential for automated in-situ mine identification. Additional P3I efforts included Automated Target Recognition, will continue beyond FY 2024. Efforts will include defining and developing necessary improvements for AN/AQS-20 Block 2 integration with the MCM USV. In FY 2020, the AN/AQS-20 Block 2 program will continue integration with the MCM USV, conduct DT with the MCM USV, and support workups for the LCS Mission Package (MP) testing. AN/AQS-20 will continue improving data consolidation and cyber requirements, as well as sensor performance for localization. In FY 2021, the AN/AQS-20 Block 2 program will conduct DT and commence TechEval with the LCS MCM MP, complete the MCM USV User Operational Evaluation System (UOES) efforts, and commence Automated Target Recognition (ATR) efforts.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Project
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 2021
- Source ID
- 0530_0604127N_4_1319_PB_2021
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- Root: Surface Mine Countermeasures
- 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
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