Its advanced signal processing and computer algorithms offer real-time, computer-aided detection and classification against a full-spectrum of mines in deep and shallow waters.
Complete coverage
The AN/AQS-20C system consists of four sonars that operate together to detect, classify and identify mine-like objects – from the sea floor to the near surface in a single pass. It includes:
- A pair of multi-function, side-look synthetic aperture sonars that provides acoustic identification in all water conditions.
- A wide-band forward-looking sonar which simultaneously hunts mines.
- A digital gap-filler sonar that detects mines directly under the towed body.
Mission advantage
The system uses high-resolution sensors to provide a clearer, less cluttered picture of the environment. Its advanced automatic target recognition provides cueing for contact identification, and its high-resolution, acoustic identification feature offers an ID capability independent of an electro-optic sensor.
The AN/AQS-20C is the only mine countermeasures mission system that combines these capabilities into a comprehensive mine-hunting approach. When paired with neutralizers like the Barracuda, a semi-autonomous unmanned underwater vehicle that identifies and destroys mines, the system can support single sortie and in-stride mine clearance. Barracuda, developed by Raytheon, is expected to be deployed by 2026.
Navy personnel have extensively tested the AN/AQS-20C system against real targets and across a full spectrum of environmental qualifications.
Platform agnostic
The AN/AQS-20C can be deployed from helicopters, ships, rigid-hulled inflatable boats, and unmanned and autonomous surface platforms. The towed sonar system can also be autonomously operated from the Navy’s mine countermeasures mission unmanned surface vehicle.