The US Navy (USN) has begun work to install the first production fit AN/SQQ-32(V)4 minehunting sonar system on the MCM-1 Avenger-class mine countermeasures vessel USS Guardian.
SQQ-32(V)4 introduces a High Frequency Wideband (HFWB) sonar upgrade to improve performance and reduce through-life costs.
Originally delivered to the USN by Raytheon (in partnership with Thales), the existing SQQ-32(V)3 is a dual-band variable-depth sonar suite used to detect and classify bottom and moored mine threats—JDW