AN / AQS-22
The AN / AQS-22 ALFS (Airborne Low-Frequency Sonar) is an active / passive diving sonar for helicopters . It has been produced by Raytheon and Thales in Brest (France) since 2006 .
description
The AQS-22 was specially developed for use with the Sikorsky MH-60R Seahawk helicopter. It is intended to replace the AN / AQS-13 and, according to the manufacturer, has a four-fold increase in range compared to its predecessor systems, both in active and passive mode, with a choice of five different transmit and receive frequencies. Thanks to modern signal processing, the system can locate, track and classify enemy submarines even under difficult conditions (shallow water, strong background noise). Underwater telephony and analysis of water conditions are also possible. In addition, the system should also be able to locate submarines that are equipped with anechoic tiles (e.g. Los Angeles class ). The sonar itself has 24 hydrophones , which work in the frequency range from 1.2 to 5.6 kHz, weighs 43 kg and is attached to a 775 meter long cable. To improve efficiency, all hydrophones are attached in pairs to 12 extendable telescopic arms, which can be retracted and extended within four to five seconds. The entire system weighs 260 kg and can also be used cooperatively with various sonar buoys and the AN / SQS-53 .