Raytheon, an RTX business, has demonstrated its Barracuda mine neutralization vehicle in an untethered, semi-autonomous operation for the first time during recent open water testing in Narragansett Bay.
During the demonstration, Barracuda proved its ability to autonomously navigate, communicate, detect and identify targets, and operate independently underwater, Raytheon said.
“This recent testing demonstrates the significant strides we’ve made in advancing mine countermeasure technology,” said Barbara Borgonovi , president of Naval Power at Raytheon.
“Barracuda’s capabilities will dramatically improve safety and efficiency for the U.S. Navy, keeping sailors out of harm’s way while effectively addressing underwater threats.”
Barracuda is the newest U.S. Navy program of record for mine neutralization. It is the first untethered, semi-autonomous mine neutralization system capable of tracking and identifying bottom, volume and near-surface mines with man-in-the-loop delivering a final decision for neutralization.
The program started in research and development within Raytheon’s Advanced Technology business segment – a group of innovators that matures technologies that are incorporated into Raytheon products including franchise programs such as LTAMDS and SPY-6.
In line with the Navy’s acquisition plan, Raytheon’s Barracuda is on track to achieve initial operational capability and low-rate initial production by 2030.
In addition to executing mine neutralization missions, the company is investing in developing a larger and more advanced variant to meet different mission sets such as subsea and seabed warfare.
Last month, Raytheon was awarded a $646 million contract to continue producing AN/SPY-6(V) radars for the U.S. Navy.