U.S. Navy Fact Sheet

AN/ASQ-235 Airborne Mine Nuetralization System (AMNS) 

Description
AMNS deploys up to four expendable mine neutralization vehicles from a Launch and Handling System (LHS), which is deployed on the MH-60S helicopter. The vehicle is controlled from the common console through a fiber optic cable. It performs positive identification before warhead detonation is commanded.

Features
AMNS consists of two major subsystems, the LHS and Neutralizer. The LHS consists of all hardware and software necessary for data processing during an AMNS mission. The LHS manages the neutralizers during helicopter transit and launch phases, as well as provides a communications interface between the neutralizer and Common Console (CC). The LHS also houses the acoustic tracking system hydrophone for determining neutralizer location relative to the LHS. The LHS interfaces with the Carriage Stream Tow and Recovery System (CSTRS) and can carry up to four neutralizers on any one mission. Each of the four neutralizers can be launched one at a time without recovering the LHS. The neutralizer communicates with the CC via a fiber-optic data link and provides sonar and video data to the CC for display and use by the sensor operator. The neutralizer contains a sonar, video camera, and light to accomplish target reacquisition, identification, and prosecution. The neutralizer is negatively buoyant, has six degrees of motion, can maintain a hover position, and can be operated in either automatic or manual mode. Additionally, the neutralizer can monitor depth and relative distance from the bottom and has the ability to avoid bottom plowing. The neutralizer position is determined by an Integrated Track Point II acoustic tracking system contained in the LHS.

Background
The U.S. Navy established a requirement for rapid neutralization of bottom and moored sea mines to support operations in littoral zones, confined straits, choke points, and the Amphibious Objective Area (AOA). AMNS will satisfy this need. The war-fighting payoff represents a new resource, providing Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) commanders with a rapid, organic mine neutralization capability against bottom and moored sea mines to support the objectives of the Carrier Strike Group (CSG) and Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG).