Raytheon received a $14.6 million U.S. Navy contract to produce and deliver AN/ASQ-235 Airborne Mine Neutralization Systems (AMNS). AMNS is deployed by the MH-60S multimission helicopter to locate and destroy underwater mines previously detected by Raytheon’s AN/AQS-20A minehunting sonar system.
AMNS consists of a helicopter-based control console as well as a launch and handling system (LHS) equipped with four unmanned Archerfish neutralizer vehicles. A helicopter operator uses the Archerfish to destroy mines via remote control. Raytheon IDS is the prime production supplier for the AMNS LHS, working with its international partner, BAE Systems, Portsmouth, U.K., which separately produces the Archerfish.
Under the contract, Raytheon will assemble, test and deliver launch and handling system units for AMNS and provide related engineering services. The contract also includes an option to provide additional systems in 2011. Work will be performed at Raytheon IDS’ Seapower Capability Center, Portsmouth, R.I.