US Navy, AQS-20 Machined Components

The AQS-20 is an advanced helicopter and substance towed Minehunting Sonar System that utilizes state-of-the-art imaging sonar, signal processing, and computer algorithms to provide real-time computer-aided detection and classification against the full spectrum of threat mines. Each Towed Body consists of four 21” dia. 6061 Aluminum Tubes machined, electron beam (EB) welded, hard anodized, painted, and pressure tested.

TBE’s role in this contract was the manufacture and delivery of AQS-20 Towed Body Mid-Sections to Raytheon’s Seapower Capabilities Center in Portsmouth, RI. TBE’s challenge as a second source on a program that was behind schedule was to procure, machine, Electron Beam Weld, chemical process, ceramic bond, assemble, paint,  and verify a “No flaws” first unit in just six months. The manufacturing and quality team responded with a strong, focused approach that met program requirements. TBE ultimately achieved a 75-day reduction in schedule, resulting in a $50K incentive to the program.