June 18, 200521 yr Airborne Mine-Detection System Enters Production Source: Northrop Grumman Jun. 17, 2005 eDefense The US Navy has announced that the Northrop Grumman (Melbourne, FL) airborne laser mine-detection system has reached Milestone C – signifying the end of system development and demonstration – and is now poised to enter its production phase. The airborne laser mine-detection system uses light-detection and ranging technology to detect, classify, and localize floating and near-surface moored sea mines so that ships can maneuver through clear sea lanes. Contained in external equipment pods mounted on a Navy MH-60S helicopter, the mine-detection system also provides mine-location information for follow-on neutralization by other systems such as Northrop Grumman's rapid airborne mine-clearance system. The mine-detection system will support the mine-warfare mission module for the Navy's Littoral Combat Ship to provide airborne mine defense to the battle force. The program is managed out of PMS 495, Naval Sea Systems Command, under the leadership of the Program Executive Office, Littoral and Mine Warfare. The mine-detection system is one of five airborne mine-countermeasures systems planned for use on the MH-60S helicopter. It also has been qualified for mounting on other MH-60 series aircraft.
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