PORTSMOUTH, R.I., Aug. 27, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Raytheon
Company (NYSE: RTN) is working closely with the Naval Undersea
Warfare Center (NUWC) – Division Newport to enhance the features of
the company's AN/AQS-20A minehunting sonar. Together, the team is
analyzing the system's synthetic aperture sonar to fully optimize
its ability to capture and process high- and low-resolution images
of mine threats undersea.
"Extending our long history of collaboration with our NUWC
neighbors, this project brings together our respective sonar
experts to maximize the performance of a critical undersea warfare
capability," said Kevin Peppe, vice
president of Raytheon Integrated Defense Systems' Seapower
Capability Systems. "Our goal is to build on the system's proven
performance and further the advantage that AN/AQS-20A provides to
the Navy to safely detect and effectively identify these undersea
threats."
Under a 'work for private party' contract funded by Raytheon,
NUWC joins the ongoing initiatives of the AN/AQS-20A team which has
been providing these systems to the U.S. Navy for more than 10
years. The system leverages advanced sonar technologies to support
the Navy's critical minehunting missions, ensuring safe access and
passage for military and civilian vessels on the world's oceans and
waterways.
Enhancements provided by the synthetic aperture sonar include
higher-quality imaging of objects found deep undersea to aid in the
identification and classification of mines. Through a series of
lab- and sea-based tests, the team will extensively evaluate and
exercise the sonar's features to optimize the quality of both high-
and low-resolution imaging.
About AN/AQS-20A
Deployed from the Littoral Combat
Ship (LCS) as the variable depth sonar for the AN/WLD-1 Remote
Minehunting System (RMS), AN/AQS-20A is a critical element of the
U.S. Navy's mine countermeasure capability, and the only
minehunting sonar sensor developed, tested and certified for Remote
Multi-Mission Vehicle (RMMV) deployment. It is the most advanced
and capable mine warfare sensor system, uniquely providing
detection and classification through the integration of multiple
sensors.
The AN/AQS-20A system is towed undersea to simultaneously scan
the water column for anti-shipping mines forward of, to the sides,
and beneath the vehicle. Sophisticated sonar, electro-optical
sensors, and high-precision location information are used to
provide high-resolution images of mines and mine-like objects.
End-to-End Mine Countermeasure Capability
Raytheon
provides both a modern minehunting and mine neutralization
capability to the U.S. Navy, which are two of the components in the
mine countermeasure mission package for the Littoral Combat Ship
class. Supporting mine-clearing operations in both deep-ocean and
littoral waters, AN/AQS-20A minehunting sonar detects, localizes
bottom, close-tethered and volume mines, and identifies bottom
mines. The AN/ASQ-235 Airborne Mine Neutralization System (AMNS)
reacquires and neutralizes mines found by the AN/AQS-20A. AMNS
consists of a helicopter-deployed launch and handling system
equipped with four unmanned Archerfish™ neutralizer vehicles which
destroy mines via remote control from the operator in the MH-60S
helicopter.
The advanced technologies of these systems deliver a
comprehensive, end-to-end solution – detection to neutralization –
enabling the Navy to safely and effectively execute its mission
with reduced risk to its ships and crews.
About Raytheon
Raytheon Company, with 2014 sales of
$23 billion and 61,000 employees
worldwide, is a technology and innovation leader specializing in
defense, civil government and cybersecurity markets throughout the
world. With a history of innovation spanning 93 years, Raytheon
provides state-of-the-art electronics, mission systems integration
and other capabilities in the areas of sensing; effects; and
command, control, communications and intelligence systems, as well
as cybersecurity and a broad range of mission support services.
Raytheon is headquartered in Waltham,
Mass. For more about Raytheon, visit us at www.raytheon.com
and follow us on Twitter @Raytheon.
Media Contact
Carolyn
Beaudry
+1.401.842.3550
idspr@raytheon.com
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SOURCE Raytheon Company