Northrop Demos Towed Anti-Mine Sonar on Drone Boat for US Navy

Northrop Grumman has tested the integration of its AN/AQS-24 anti-mine sonar system with an unmanned surface vessel for the US Navy.

The demonstration is part of the force’s effort to develop an uncrewed maritime platform equipped with a towed mine countermeasures solution.

Trials took place in Panama City, Florida, shortly after the company signed the agreement with the military to evaluate the pairing in an operational maritime environment.

Northrop said it moved from contract award to open-water testing in just 45 days.

The event showcased that the AN/AQS-24 can operate effectively when deployed from a drone boat, with the navy confirming that the system met all primary objectives, citing improved safety and efficiency for mine-hunting missions.

The AN/AQS-24

The AN/AQS-24 features a high-speed synthetic aperture system and optical laser sensor to detect, classify, and localize surface and subsurface explosives.

It can operate at speeds of up to 18 knots (21 miles/33 kilometers) and has been previously tested at depths of over 400 feet (122 meters).

The technology is currently installed on US Navy MH-53E Sea Dragon helicopters for airborne mine countermeasure operations and deployed from Littoral Combat Ships to scan waters for potential minefields.

According to sources, AN/AQS-24 development supports the Pentagon’s goal of reducing personnel risk by moving mine countermeasure operations away from sailors.

When towed by an autonomous vessel, the system can perform detection missions at standoff distances while maintaining effectiveness in both shallow and deep waters.