RTX business Raytheon has completed a series of controlled environmental tests for the US Navy’s Barracuda Mine Neutralisation System.
The tests were conducted at the Naval Surface Warfare Centre Carderock Division in Bethesda, Maryland.
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The Barracuda is a 26lb, 48in-long expendable, semi-autonomous uncrewed underwater vehicle propelled by four small water jets. It is the US Navy’s programme of record for next-generation mine neutralisation.
It employs sonar and camera systems to identify and neutralise bottom, near-surface and drifting sea mines.
The latest testing saw the use of a prototype unit, as Barracuda conducted operations and gathered information across a range of ocean conditions, including different sea states and aquatic currents.
During the tests, the system demonstrated its hydrodynamic control, detecting, tracking, and maintaining position on targets on its own.
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By GlobalDataThe recent tests represent the first instance of Raytheon conducting such evaluations with the Barracuda underwater vehicle.
This progress brings the programme closer to fulfilling operational requirements.
Raytheon Naval Power president Barbara Borgonovi said: “This event marks a significant milestone in the advancement of underwater security and naval defence.
“Barracuda’s performance reaffirms its position as a game-changing solution for identifying and neutralising naval mines, a critical challenge in modern naval operations.”
Raytheon first secured a contract for the Barracuda project in 2018.
The US Department of Defense awarded Raytheon an $83m contract for the supply of these mine neutralisers in 2018.
A total of 128 Barracudas are being built, with 63 for contractor trials and 65 for the Navy’s trials, according to Seapower. The service is yet to decide on the launch platforms for the system.
Following a design review in March 2023, the programme has now transitioned into the qualification testing phase.
In July 2023, Raytheon received a contract to provide engineering development model units to the US Navy.
The Barracuda programme is scheduled to enter low-rate initial production by 2027.
