OVERVIEW: The AN/ALQ‑219 SWIMS is a helicopter‑towed, multi‑influence mine sweep system installed on MH‑53E and MH‑60S helicopters to clear shallow‑water and coastal mines using magnetic and acoustic effects.

DETAILS: SWIMS (Shallow‑Water Influence Mine Sweep System) was developed in the early 2000s by EDO Corporation under US Navy Mine Warfare requirements. The system uses a tow cable streamed from a helicopter, trailing a device that emits combined magnetic and acoustic signatures to trigger moored and influence mines. It complements mechanical cutter systems and sonar mine detection devices aboard MH‑53E Sea Dragon and future MH‑60S configurations. Designed for littoral and riverine environments, SWIMS extends the organic mine countermeasure capabilities of rotary-wing aircraft.

FUNCTION: Once deployed, the helicopter tows the SWIMS package at a preset depth and speed; the system mimics the influence of a ship to preemptively detonate mines. This enables safe minefield clearance ahead of amphibious or naval operations without placing divers or ships at risk.

NOTE:
IOC: Early 2000s (prototype development), entered service mid‑2000s
Operators: United States Navy
Platforms: MH‑53E Sea Dragon, MH‑60S Knighthawk (future integration)
Conflict used in: Employed in mine‑clearance operations and training; no confirmed combat engagements

SOURCE: cmano‑db.com AN/ALQ‑219 SWIMS; Designation‑Systems.net AN/ALQ‑219; Military Periscope AN/ALQ‑219 overview; GlobalSecurity.org MH‑53E AMCM systems; Wikipedia AN/ALQ‑219 SWIMS