Initial Six Aircraft to be Equipped
CAE has won a contract from Lockheed Martin to its Magnetic Anomaly Detection-Extended Role (MAD-XR) system for US Navy MH-60R SEAHAWK helicopters, the company announced on 18 November.
The MAD-XR is a highly sensitive magnetometer, designed to sense changes in the earth’s magnetic field and used as a sensor to detect submarines. Lockheed Martin Rotary and Mission Systems is the lead systems integrator for the USN’s MH-60R “Romeo”, which is the Navy’s primary anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare (ASW/ASuW) helicopter. The company is responsible to the USN for integrating the MAD-XR to the fleet. CAE will provide the MAD-XR system and support Lockheed Martin with non-recurring engineering and integration services for an initial total of six aircraft 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,” commented 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, featuring reduced size, weight, and power requirements. This allows the capability to be extended to smaller platforms, such as UAS, 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,” observed Daniel Gelston, Group President, Defence & Security, CAE. “The MAD-XR system can provide defence forces with enhanced capabilities for operational missions such as submarine detection and search and rescue.”