OVERVIEW: The AN/AQS‑24B AMS is a helicopter‑towed, high‑speed airborne minehunting sonar system introduced in 2017. It enables rapid detection, classification, and identification of underwater mines from MH‑53E helicopters or unmanned vessels.

DETAILS: The AQS‑24B is an upgrade of the earlier AQS‑24A, integrating a high‑speed synthetic‑aperture side‑scan sonar and a laser line‑scanner for real‑time mine detection and optical identification at speeds up to 18 knots. Developed by Northrop Grumman and fielded in spring 2017, it achieved fleet introduction aboard MH‑53E Sea Dragon helicopters and USV platforms during exercises in the Arabian Gulf, South Korea, and the UK. The system tows a side‑scan sonar and laser payload via cable, allowing continuous sonar and optical imaging to detect and classify both bottom and moored mines. Its onboard digital signal processing enables target‑box cuing and live operator review.

FUNCTION: Towed at high speed behind a helicopter or USV, the AQS‑24B scans the seabed using synthetic‑aperture sonar while the laser line‑scanner tags contacts of interest. Operators receive real‑time imagery and classification data, significantly accelerating area coverage and reducing time in minefields.

NOTE:
IOC: Spring 2017 (AQS‑24B upgrade introduction)
Operators: United States Navy
Platforms: MH‑53E Sea Dragon; Mine‑hunting USVs (e.g., ARCIMS)
Conflict used in: Tested in Arabian Gulf, South Korea, UK exercises; no confirmed combat use

SOURCE:
Nation Shield: https://www.nationshield.ae/index.php/home/details/news/aqs-24b-minehunter-provides-enhanced-capabilities/en ; Military Aerospace: https://www.militaryaerospace.com/sensors/article/55271026/northrop-grumman‑side‑scan‑sonar‑and‑digital‑signal‑processing‑for‑mine‑hunting ; Northrop Grumman: https://webb.northropgrumman.com/what‑we‑do/sea/aqs‑24b‑minehunting‑system ; Naval Technology: https://www.naval‑technology.com/news/newsnorthrops‑aqs‑24b‑mine‑hunting‑system‑demonstrates‑new‑capabilities‑4670890/