Sikorsky and CAE bring new sub-hunting capability to US and Australian MH-60Rs

Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin company, and CAE, a company that provides training and simulation, have decided to collaborate to deliver CAE’s magnetic anomaly detection-extended role (MAD-XR) system for installation aboard US Navy and Royal Australian Navy MH-60R Seahawk helicopters. 

As disclosed, CAE’s MAD-XR consists of highly sensitive magnetometers and a processor/interface unit weighing less than 20 pounds (9 kg), including cabling and mounting hardware. An audio alert informs the crew of a detected object, while the display provides contact and range details.

The device can be installed inside an MH-60R aircraft tail cone without any permanent airframe modification, and can be quickly removed and installed on another MH-60R aircraft as operationally needed, according to the partners.

“MH-60R operators now have the option to significantly upgrade their anti-submarine warfare capability using a small, removeable device that senses changes in the Earth’s magnetic field caused by large metallic objects in the water,” said Tish Rourke, Sikorsky Maritime Systems vice president.

“With recent upgrades to mission computer software, this non-acoustic digital MAD sensor can easily be installed into any operational MH-60R aircraft, and can operate independently or collaboratively with other mission systems, such as the aircraft’s sonobuoys or long-range active dipping sonar.”

Cliff Kyle, General Manager, Sikorsky Australia, welcomed the significant capability announcement and commended the Royal Australian Navy in being the first MH-60R operator to install the digital MAD capability on its fleet of MH-60R aircraft.

Sikorsky, CAE, the US Navy, and the Royal Australian Navy teamed to integrate, test, and optimize the CAE MAD-XR capability. Two events occurred to bring the digital MAD capability to the MH-60R fleet.

In early 2024, the US Navy released new software and hardware to MH-60R operators that will allow MH-60R aircraft to accept the digital MAD system. The capability was included in advanced technology upgrades that the US Navy releases to MH-60R operators every other year to ensure mission effectiveness and operational readiness.

In September 2024, Sikorsky was awarded a $21 million US Navy contract (with CAE subsequently subcontracted) to deliver 20 DMAD kits for the Royal Australian Navy, six for the US Navy, and two for evaluation by the US Navy Reserve.

Deliveries are to be completed in May 2026. The contract includes options for additional US Navy orders of 24 kits each in 2025 and 2026.