BAE Systems showcases new minehunting sonar upgrade

Hudson, N.H., Mar. 1, 2012. BAE showcased the AN/SQQ-32(V)4 High Frequency Wide Band (HFWB) detection sonar upgrade to the in-service AN/SQQ-32(V)3 Mine Hunting Sonar Set. The new upgrade will increase the range and clarity of the sonar. In addition BAE announced the delivery of the second AN/SQQ-32(V)4 to the U.S. Navy in Sasebo, Japan as part of a $27.5 million contract to provide nine upgraded systems and spares to the navy under terms of the "Build to Print" order.

The system, which is made up of two separate sonars, a classification sonar and a detection sonar, will provide increased range and clarity. The system requires two operators at two different consoles that use 10 Gb/sec fiber optics to connect themselves to the sensors. Training for the use of the new system is expected to take two weeks for new operators.

The AN/SQQ-32(V)4 Mine Hunting Sonar HFWB upgrade was developed by Applied Research Laboratory University of Texas (ARL:UT) in Austin, Texas and Naval Surface Warfare Center Panama City Division (NSWC PCD) in Panama City, Fla. to improve detection of mines in high-clutter bottom environments.

The systems are to be deployed on U.S. Navy AVENGER class Mine Countermeasures ships in order to detect stealthy mines.