NEWTOWN, Conn. -- Numerous upgrades and enhancements have been made to the SQQ-32(V) variable-depth minehunting sonar. Perhaps the best enhancement has been the high-frequency wideband (HFWB) technology incorporated for better detection of mine threats in coastal waters. The current variant, the SQQ-32(V)4 High-Frequency Wideband (HFWB), has been installed as an upgrade on MCM-1 class ships (worldwide) that previously were equipped with the SQQ-32(V)3. The upgrade included new transducer modules and fiber-optic cable, and modified topside processing and display software.
Australia, South Korea, and Turkey have reportedly expressed interest in variable-depth sonars; however, there is no solid indication that such sales will actually materialize. Still, it is possible, though unlikely, that international sales will increase in the outyears as nations, especially in the Pacific Rim, look to improve or establish mine countermeasures forces.
Although the SQQ-32(V) is now considered an ancient legacy system due to its age, the U.S. Navy has no plans to simply shelve the unit. Instead, studies are underway of possibly using the SQQ-32(V) on unmanned surface ships and on manned ships receiving the latest- technology MCM sonars.
