EOID (Electro-Optic Identification) AN/AQS-20A
The AN/AQS-20A Mine Hunting System is an integrated acoustic and electro-optic sensor system for detection, classification, localization and identification of sea mines. The hydrodynamically stable towed body sensor is operated on MH-53E, MH-60S and AN/WLD-1 RMS platforms and provides a Mine Countermeasure (MCM) capability against volume and bottom mines in waters at depths that exceed 450 ft. The portability of AN/AQS-20 provides increased search rate and agility compared to minesweeping operations that require large warfare ships with more than 80 crew members. AN/AQS-20 will be deployed from the Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) and is an integral part of the Mine Countermeasures Mission Package.
Artist rendering of AQS-20 EOID Operation
A series of sidescan, forward-looking and gap-filler sonars provide long range detection and localization of sea mines. Meanwhile the Areté Associates patented
Streak Tube Imaging Lidar (STIL) electro-optic sensor provides high resolution 3D images at short ranges for positive identification of bottom and moored mines. The STIL sensor, also called Electro-Optic Identification (EOID), fits compactly in a 15” diameter, 19” long section of the tow body.
AQS-20 system mounted on MH-60 Helicopter AQS-20 system with EOID configuration
preparing for mission