CAE to supply MAD-XR submarine detection system for US Navy MH-60R naval helicopter.

According to a press release published on November 18, 2020, CAE has announced it has been awarded a subcontract by Lockheed Martin to supply the CAE Magnetic Anomaly Detection-Extended Role (MAD-XR) system for the United States Navy MH-60R Seahawk naval helicopters.
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An MH-60R Sea Hawk helicopter, from the "Battlecats" of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 73, prepares to land on the flight deck of the guided-missile destroyer USS Ralph Johnson DDG 114. CAE MAD-XR is significantly more compact than previous MAD systems and will now be integrated on the U.S. Navy’s MH-60R helicopter for use in submarine detection. (Picture source U.S. Navy)

CAE MAD-XR is a highly sensitive magnetometer designed to sense changes in the earth’s magnetic field and is used as a sensor to detect submarines. Lockheed Martin Rotary and Mission Systems is the lead systems integrator for the U.S. Navy’s MH-60R “Romeo” helicopter, which is the Navy’s primary anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare helicopter.

Under terms of a Phase 1 contract from the U.S. Navy, Lockheed Martin has the responsibility to integrate the CAE MAD-XR into the MH-60R helicopter. CAE will provide the MAD-XR system and support Lockheed Martin with non-recurring engineering and integration services. Initially, a total of six MH-60R helicopters will be integrated with the CAE MAD-XR during Phase 1.

“Over the past several years we have conducted several trials with the U.S. Navy to confirm the capabilities of the MAD-XR system on the MH-60R helicopter,” said Thomas M. Kane, Director, Naval Helicopter Programs, Lockheed Martin. “Adding this to the MH-60R’s sensor suite will further advance the capabilities of the world’s most advanced anti-submarine warfare helicopter.”

The CAE MAD-XR is significantly more compact than previous MAD systems with reduced size, weight, and power requirements. This allows the CAE MAD-XR to be extended to smaller platforms such as unmanned aerial systems (UASs), helicopters, and small fixed-wing aircraft.

“The integration of our MAD-XR system on the U.S. Navy’s MH-60R helicopter is testament to its powerful magnetic detection abilities,” said Daniel Gelston, Group President, Defence & Security, CAE. “The MAD-XR system can provide defense forces with enhanced capabilities for operational missions such as submarine detection and search and rescue."

The MH-60R is an Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) Anti-Surface and Warfare (ASuW) multi-mission helicopter in service with the U.S. Navy since 2006. For anti-surface warfare missions, the helicopter can be equipped with a range of weapons on the four weapons stations, including Lockheed Martin AGM-114 Hellfire anti-surface missiles.

For anti-submarine warfare, the MH-60R can carry up to three ATK mk50 or mk46 active/passive lightweight torpedoes. A pintle-mounted 7.62mm machine gun can be fitted for self-defense.