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Distribution Statement A: Approved for Public Release; Distribution is Unlimited.

AN/SQQ-32(V)4 MINEHUNTING SONAR SET

HIGH FREQUENCY WIDE BAND (HFWB) UPGRADE

The AN/SQQ-32(V)4 is the High Frequency Wide Band (HFWB) detection sonar upgrade to the in-service AN/SQQ-32(V)3 Mine Hunting Sonar Set. The legacy AN/SQQ-32(V)3 system was designed in the 1980s as a deep-water application sonar. In 2006, the U.S. Navy determined that additional capabilities were necessary for the AN/SQQ-32 Mine Hunting Sonar Set in order to detect stealthy mines in high-clutter bottom environments, thereby improving the overall area clearance rate for the AVENGER Class Mine Countermeasures ships. The HFWB modification program was approved and officially designated as the AN/SQQ-32(V)4 Mine Hunting Sonar Set.

The AN/SQQ-32(V)4 HFWB detection sonar upgrade entails a form and fit implementation to the towed body, OK-520 winch, tow cable, and operator consoles. This design approach requires fiber optic technology for system connectivity to handle raw data rates in excess of 10 GB/sec. to the topside processors. The AN/SQQ-32(V)4 implementation also reduces electronics obsolescence issues affecting availability. The system represents a capability that does not exist in the current mine countermeasures inventory.

The program completed a preliminary design review and critical design review with major functional components identified and assigned to design teams, and major software components and interfaces between legacy and new software identified. The program procured and assembled all hardware necessary to construct an engineering development model (EDM)

system. Testing was coordinated by Applied Research Laboratory University of Texas (ARL:UT) of Austin, TX and Naval Surface Warfare Center Panama City Division (NSWC PCD) of Panama City, FL. Full system integration tests took place at the Lake Travis Test Station in Austin. The EDM system was installed onboard USS Sentry (MCM 3) in 2nd quarter FY09. Developmental testing was successfully completed in the Gulf of Mexico from May through July 2009. Shock testing was

conducted in November 2009. The HFWB program has completed the System Design and Development phase and achieved a Milestone C/Full Rate Production decision in FY10. A production contract was also awarded in FY10. The HFWB Program is managed by the Mine Warfare Program Office (PMS495), Program Executive Office, Littoral Combat Ships (PEO LCS) with the Naval Surface Warfare Center, Panama City Division, (NSWC PCD) serving as the HFWB Technical Direction Agent.

HFWB UPGRADE

Figure 1: AN/SQQ-32(V)4 System Units