Airborne Laser Mine Detection System takes next step to deployment

The U.S. Navy's AN/AES-1 Airborne Laser Mine Detection System (ALMDS), designed and manufactured by Northrop Grumman Corp., is taking another step toward deployment, as the Navy announced initial operational capability (IOC) in January. ALMDS provides rapid wide-area reconnaissance and assessment of mine threats in sea lanes, littoral zones, confined straits, choke points and amphibious areas of operations. Northrop Grumman will continue perfecting the system, which will be considered deployable when Navy officials give it full operational capability. The ALMDS uses a sensor pod to sweep the water rapidly using laser technology. The sensor pod also can be installed rapidly on a medium-lift helicopter and quickly removed after the mission.