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, and neutralization 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-20C is a mine hunting and identification system with sensors housed in an underwater towed body. The AN/AQS-20C integrates the Wideband Forward Looking Sonar (WBFLS), multifunction Synthetic Aperture Sonar (SAS), and Digital Gap Fill Sonar (DGFS) for the detection, classification and localization of bottom, close- tethered, volume targets. Integration of the Electro-Optic Identification (EOID) sensor enables identification of bottom targets. The system can 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-20C. Materiel reliability, obsolescence, and performance Engineering Change Proposal (ECP) efforts continue beyond FY 2027. In FY 2022, the AN/AQS-20 Program completed DT/OT with MCM USV, and supported the MCM Mission Package (MP) IOT&E. Due to successful completion Of DT/OT for the AN/AQS-20, Initial Operating Capability was declared in March of FY23. In FY 2025, the AN/AQS-20 program will continue development of Automated Target Recognition (ATR) efforts, Acoustic ID, ensure compliance with cybersecurity requirements, and resolve system obsolescence. Based on MCM MP IOT&E and MCM USV DT/OT, corrective action updates will be integrated and ECPs incorporated in to the system. Offshore integration and test will verify product development efforts, and design upgrades due to obsolescence.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Project
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 2025
- Source ID
- 0530_0604127N_4_1319_PB_2025
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- Root: Surface Mine Countermeasures
- Child Accomplishment: AN/AQS-20 Product Development
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