Airborne Laser Mine Detection System (ALMDS)
The mission of ALMDS is to detect, classify and localize floating and near-surface moored mines.
Program Overview
In terms of availability, variety, cost-effectiveness, ease of deployment and potential impact on joint expeditionary warfare; mines are perhaps the most attractive weapons available to prevent U.S. naval forces from achieving sea control and power projection ashore.
To meet future requirements for high-tempo operations as part of a joint war fighting campaign, the naval services are undertaking a transformation in mine warfare. It is based on the development of new organic mine countermeasure (OMCM) systems that will allow naval forces to maneuver in mined waters without an operational pause.
Mission Description
The AN/AES-1 ALMDS will be among the initial airborne OMCM systems fielded. The mission of ALMDS is to detect, classify and localize floating and near-surface moored mines. The ALMDS will be integrated into the MH-60S helicopter to provide a rapid wide-area reconnaissance and assessment of mine threats in littoral zones, confined straits, choke points and amphibious objective areas for Carrier and Expeditionary Strike Groups (CSG/ESG). ALMDS will be embarked as part of the mine countermeasures (MCM) mission package on the new Littoral Combat Ship (LCS).
