Sikorsky and CAE have partnered to enhance the capabilities of the MH-60R Seahawk helicopters utilised by the US Navy and the Royal Australian Navy with the installation of detection technology.
This collaboration will introduce the CAE Magnetic Anomaly Detection-Extended Role (MAD-XR) system, a digital sensor designed to improve submarine detection and tracking.
The MAD-XR system features a compact design with sensitive magnetometers and a processor/interface unit weighing less than 20lb (9kg), including mounting hardware and necessary cabling.
It provides audio alerts upon detecting objects and displays relevant contact and range information.
The system can be installed within the tail cone of MH-60R without permanent modifications, allowing for easy transfer between aircraft as operational needs change.
Its integration involved collaboration among Sikorsky, CAE, the US Navy, and the Royal Australian Navy.
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By GlobalDataThe CAE MAD-XR sensor marks an advancement over the previous AN/ASQ-81 Magnetic Anomaly Detection sensor used on older SH-60B helicopters. It was externally mounted and weighed 90lb.
Sikorsky Maritime Systems vice-president Tish Rourke said: “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.
“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.”
The US Navy released software and hardware updates in early 2024 to facilitate the integration of the MAD system, part of the biannual technology upgrades for MH-60R operators.
Sikorsky secured a $21m contract from the US Navy in September 2024, with CAE as a subcontractor, to supply 20 MAD-XR kits for the Royal Australian Navy, six for the US Navy, and two for assessment by the US Navy Reserve.
Deliveries are expected to be completed by May 2026, with options for further orders in 2025 and 2026.
In March 2025, Sikorsky Australia obtained a three-year contract worth A$313.5m ($194.58m) to provide ongoing services for the MH-60R Seahawk maritime helicopters.
