Northrop Grumman has demonstrated the integration of its AN/AQS-24 minehunting system with a U.S. Navy Mine Countermeasures Unmanned Surface Vehicle, completing initial open-water testing within 45 days of contract award, according to the company.
The demonstration took place in Panama City, Florida, where the helicopter-towed AN/AQS-24 was adapted for use with an unmanned surface platform. Northrop Grumman states that the activity was intended to address a requirement for an uncrewed, towed mine countermeasures capability that can reduce risk to personnel while maintaining operational effectiveness.
According to the company, the U.S. Navy confirmed that the integrated AN/AQS-24 and MCM USV configuration met all primary government objectives set for the demonstration. These objectives were focused on validating the system’s suitability as a safer and more efficient approach to minehunting, rather than on introducing a new sensor capability.
The AN/AQS-24 is a mature minehunting system previously used in helicopter-towed roles. Northrop Grumman states that pairing it with an unmanned surface vessel is intended to extend its operational flexibility and support the U.S. Navy’s wider transition toward uncrewed mine countermeasures operations.
