US Navy’s MH-60R Seahawk helicopters will soon be receiving magnetic anomaly detection devices that will boost their chances of locating submarines.
The new system, called Magnetic Anomaly Detection-Extended Role (MAD-XR), will be delivered by CAE under a subcontract with Lockheed Martin, who is the lead integrator.
CAE MAD-XR is a highly sensitive magnetometer designed to sense changes in the earth’s magnetic field and is used as a sensor to detect submarines.
Under terms of a Phase 1 contract from the US Navy, Lockheed Martin has responsibility to integrate the CAE MAD-XR into the MH-60R, which is the Navy’s primary anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare helicopter. CAE will provide the MAD-XR system and support Lockheed Martin with non-recurring engineering and integration services. Initially, a total of six MH-60R helicopters will be integrated with the CAE MAD-XR during Phase 1.
“Over the past several years we have conducted several trials with the US Navy to confirm the capabilities of the MAD-XR system on the MH-60R helicopter,” said Thomas M. Kane, Director, Naval Helicopter Programs, Lockheed Martin. “Adding this to the MH-60R’s sensor suite will further advance the capabilities of the world’s most advanced anti-submarine warfare helicopter.”
The CAE MAD-XR is significantly more compact than previous MAD systems with reduced size, weight, and power requirements. This allows the CAE MAD-XR to be extended to smaller platforms such as unmanned aerial systems (UASs), helicopters and small fixed-wing aircraft.
“The integration of our MAD-XR system on the US Navy’s MH-60R helicopter is testament to its powerful magnetic detection abilities,” said Daniel Gelston, Group President, Defence & Security, CAE.
