This refurbishment will extend the life of the MK-105 Mod 4 Airborne Mine Countermeasure Influence Sweep unit for another 10 years. The system overhaul will enable the Navy to respond more quickly to current and future sea mine threats.
The MK-105 system, towed by the MH-53E helicopter at rapid speeds through the water, produces an electromagnetic field that replicates the magnetic signature of ships and submarines, setting off influence mines before they reach targeted vessels passing through the water.
“As the original manufacturer, we have the knowledge and expertise to perform the overhaul quickly and effectively and return this valuable asset to the Navy’s fleet,” says Rich Sorelle, vice president and general manager of the Exelis Integrated Electronic Warfare Systems business area. “By leveraging the Exelis installed base and providing upgrades to existing capabilities, we can offer our customer an affordable option for enhancing performance of this critical technology.”
The Navy has 10 MK-105 systems in inventory and will send one system annually to Exelis for overhaul. The upgrades are being performed in Panama City, Fla., by the Electronic Systems division’s mine defense business, which designs and develops integrated mine-sweeping systems for the U.S. Navy and allied navies.
