Barracuda, the new ‘mine killer’ system of the United States Navy

USA will soon have a new neutralization system naval mines next generation. Barracudathis is the name of the system developed by Raytheona subsidiary of RTX, has successfully completed its first hydrodynamic test and is closer to full-scale production and deployment with the US Navy.

As reported by the company in a statement, the Barracuda Mine Neutralization System carried out a series of tests in the Naval Surface Warfare Center in Carderock, Maryland. These focused on system performance in different sea states and water currents, simulating real ocean conditions.

According to Barbara Borgonovipresident of Raytheon’s Naval Power division, the successful completion of the tests represents a ‘significant milestone’ in the advancement of underwater security and naval defense, both critical in modern warfare. ‘Barracuda’s performance reaffirms its position as a revolutionary solution to identify and neutralize naval mines‘, he pointed out.

128 Barracuda systems for the US Navy

Barracuda, also nicknamed ‘mine killer’is a semi-autonomous underwater vehicle designed to detect, track and neutralize naval mines using advanced sonar and camera systems. During testing, the system demonstrated its ability to control itself hydrodynamically, maintain its position and attack targets independently, which represents a crucial step in its development.

The underwater system weighs 11.8 kilograms and is propelled by four small water jets. It is capable of locating and neutralizing mines naval at the bottom, near the surface and floating.

Raytheon’s work on the Barracuda began in 2018when the company received the initial contract of 38 million dollars to supply 128 Barracuda systems to the US Navy. as part of its next generation mine neutralization program.

The program achieved its critical design review in March 2023 and has now advanced to the qualification testing phase. In July 2023, Raytheon was awarded a contract to deliver engineering development model units to the US Navy. with the system planned to enter initial small-scale production in 2027. In January, Raytheon announced another breakthrough with the completion of the technical data package for the naval mine eliminator.