Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin company and CAE , a global leader in training and simulation, are collaborating to deliver the CAE Magnetic Anomaly Detection-Extended Role (MAD-XR) system for installation aboard U.S. Navy and Royal Australian Navy MH-60R SEAHAWK® helicopters. Designed and built by CAE, and integrated with the aircraft’s primary mission computer by Sikorsky, the passive digital MAD sensor will give the world’s most capable maritime helicopter a powerful new tool to detect and track submarines below the sea surface.
“MH-60R operators now have the option to significantly upgrade their anti-submarine warfare capability using a small, removable device that senses changes in the Earth’s magnetic field caused by large metallic objects in the water,” said Tish Rourke, Sikorsky Maritime Systems vice president. “With recent upgrades to mission computer software, this non-acoustic digital MAD sensor can easily be installed into any operational MH-60R aircraft, and can operate independently or collaboratively with other mission systems, such as the aircraft’s sonobuoys or long-range active dipping sonar.”
Compact and efficient, CAE’s MAD-XR consists of highly sensitive magnetometers and a processor/interface unit weighing less than 20 pounds (9 kg) including cabling and mounting hardware. An audio alert informs the crew of a detected object, while the display provides contact and range details. The device can be installed inside an MH-60R aircraft tail cone without any permanent airframe modification, and can be quickly removed and installed on another MH-60R aircraft as operationally needed.
“CAE’s MAD-XR offers a cutting-edge solution to detect and track submarines and other underwater threats, significantly enhancing military aircraft capabilities – it is the trusted choice for defence and security applications worldwide,” said France Hébert, Division President, Defense & Security Canada and Global Operations Lead. As a key partner to OEMs and global military forces, CAE provides unmatched expertise in designing and manufacturing digital magnetic anomaly detection systems. We are proud to support their integration on the MH-60R maritime helicopter, ensuring superior performance in diverse operational environments.”
Cliff Kyle, General Manager Sikorsky Australia welcomed the significant capability announcement and commended the Royal Australian Navy in being the first MH-60R operator to install the digital MAD capability on its fleet of MH-60R aircraft.
