September 22, 2020 | International, Naval, C4ISR
Sept. 21 (UPI) -- BAE Systems announced a contract Monday worth up to $111 million to supply the U.S. Navy with Archerfish mine neutralizers.
Archerfish is used by the US Navy's MH-60S Helicopter squadrons as part of their Airborne Mine Neutralization System capability, and reduces the need to put diving personnel in the water for clearance missions, according to the company.
The system is a remote-controlled, torpedo-like device that can be launched and operated from a surface ship, helicopter or an unmanned underwater vehicle. Using fiber optic data link relays, Archerfish can provide real-time sonar pictures of potential targets through on-board sensors, a BAE statement on Monday said.
"Archerfish not only keeps sailors safer, it also reduces the number and cost of mine clearance missions," said Brooke Hoskins, director of products and training for BAE's maritime services business.
Each AMNS device consists of a Launch and Handling System for all data processing during a mission, and up to four elements called destructors, which handle target acquisition and demolition.
The Navy established a requirement for rapid neutralization of bottom and moored sea mines to support operations in littoral zones, confined straits, choke points and the amphibious objective area.
This is the fourth Navy contract awarded to BAE since 2003 to build AMNS devices, which will be manufactured at the company's facilities in Britain.
The number of devices ordered by the Navy was not reported.
February 20, 2024 | International, Land
More than a year and a half after receiving proposals to ramp production of artillery shells, the Canadian government is still debating whether to make investments in plants in Quebec and Ontario. Defence Minister Bill Blair says he's had discussions but has not signed any deals.
May 26, 2024 | International, Aerospace
ANCILLARY would take off vertically from a ship's flight deck and then shift to forward flight to conduct recon, move cargo, or track enemy targets at sea.
March 4, 2020 | International, Aerospace, Naval, Land, C4ISR, Security
By: David B. Larter WASHINGTON — The Qatari government announced March 3 that the Doha International Maritime Defence Exhibition and Conference, or DIMDEX, is now canceled as the region combats the spread of the new coronavirus known as COVID-19. DIMDEX is among the first major defense trade shows canceled as the virus has shown signs of community spread in the Arabian Gulf region, though several high-profile companies pulled out of the Singapore Airshow due to virus fears. The biannual event, hosted by Qatar's armed forces, in 2018 hosted about 13,000 attendees, according to a news release. The announcement was made on the DIMDEX website. “Following the cancellation of a number of global events including the Mobile World Conference in Spain, ITB in Germany and the Geneva International Auto Show, the DIMDEX 2020 organising committee has been consulting with public health officials and the Government of the State of Qatar regarding the status of the event,” the announcement read. “Though the risk to the general public in Qatar remains low, our primary concern remains the health and welfare of all residents and visitors to Qatar and for this reason the event will no longer be held,” it added. The number of cases of COVID-19 in Qatar stood at three, as of March 2, according to the World Health Organization, but there have been about 1,000 cases in Iran. In the United Arab Emirates, the WHO has determined that, while the number of cases is just about 20, the virus appears to be spreading in the community. Bahrain and Kuwait have about 50 cases each, while Iraq has about 20. https://www.defensenews.com/global/mideast-africa/2020/03/03/qatar-cancels-major-defense-trade-conference-as-coronavirus-fears-spread/