Sikorsky and CAE are set to bolster the anti-submarine warfare capabilities of the MH-60R Seahawk helicopters utilized by the United States and Australian navies through the integration of the Magnetic Anomaly Detection-Extended Role (MAD-XR) systems. This cutting-edge technology is designed to significantly enhance the detection of submerged submarines by locating subtle disturbances in the Earth’s magnetic field.
The US Navy has awarded a substantial $21-million contract to CAE in late 2024 for the production of the MAD-XR kits. This contract includes options for the procurement of an additional 24 units over the years 2025 and 2026. Specifically, the Australian Navy is slated to receive 20 kits, while the US Navy will receive six, with two kits earmarked for evaluation within the US Navy Reserve. Deliveries are expected to be completed by May 2026, commencing with installations within the Australian fleet of Seahawk helicopters.
Tish Rourke, Sikorsky’s VP of Maritime Systems, emphasized the transformative impact of the MAD-XR system. She remarked that operators will have the ability to upgrade their anti-submarine warfare capabilities significantly using a compact, removable device that can detect changes in the Earth’s magnetic field caused by large metallic objects submerged in water.
The MAD-XR system is designed for ease of installation, functioning either independently or in conjunction with other mission systems, such as aircraft sonobuoys and long-range active dipping sonar. Sikorsky Australia’s General Manager, Cliff Kyle, expressed enthusiasm for contributing to the fielding and sustaining of this advanced capability, stating it will enhance the lethality of Australia’s MH-60R Seahawks.
Weighing under 20 pounds (approximately 9 kilograms), the MAD-XR is a lightweight, passive sensor that fits seamlessly within the tail cone of the MH-60R without necessitating permanent alterations to the airframe. The comprehensive system includes a processor and an interface unit featuring magnetometers that identify magnetic anomalies. Pilots receive audio alerts upon detection, coupled with visual displays providing critical range and contact tracking information.
This new system represents a substantial upgrade from the AN/ASQ-81 MAD system previously utilized on the US Navy’s SH-60B helicopters, which weighed significantly more at 90 pounds (40 kilograms) and required a more complex reeling cable mechanism for operation. CAE’s Division President, Defense & Security Canada, and Global Operations Lead, France Hébert, highlighted the commitment to supporting the integration of the MAD-XR on the MH-60R maritime helicopter, ensuring its superior performance across diverse operational environments.
