Fly and Listen: The AN/AQS-22 ALFS Sonar System
Sep 28, 2011 15:15 EDT
Bermuda
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Lot 9 annual production. (Sept 27/11)
The AN/AQS-22 Airborne Low-Frequency Sonar (ALFS) will equip the US Nay’s new MH-60R multi-mission helicopters, and will serve as their primary anti-submarine sensor system. The new FLASH sonar operates at lower frequency and higher power waveforms than existing dipping sonars, which will increase the opportunities for long-range detection; indeed, the AQS-22 dipping sonar claims 4x area coverage compared to current systems and includes both active or passive sonar modes. Submarine tracking, localization, classification are all covered. A winching system with up to 2,500 feet of cable raises and lowers the sonar.
The complete system complements the MH-60R’s radar, and also includes active or passive sonobuoys, enhanced shallow water capability via processing improvements, and even underwater communication and environmental data collection capabilities. This Spotlight article highlights ALFS-related contracts from 2002 to the end of FY 2011…
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- Tracking of multimillion-dollar contracts held by Raytheon, and other awards to Digital System Resources, Thales Underwater Systems
- Introduction to the AN/AQS-22 Airborne Low-Frequency Sonar (ALFS)
- Links to corporate source materials, ALFS fact sheets
- 4 photos
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