Raytheon Completes Environmental Testing of Barracuda Mine Neutralization System

Raytheon recently conducted a series of environmental tests for the Barracuda Mine Neutralization System at the Naval Surface Warfare Center Carderock Division.

The tests were carried out using a production-representative unit of the Barracuda, an underwater mine neutralizer designed to detect and eliminate naval mine threats.

During the controlled trials, the Barracuda system collected data while operating in various simulated ocean conditions, including different sea states and water currents. The vehicle demonstrated its ability to maintain hydrodynamic control, detect and track targets, and hold its position independently. This was the first time Raytheon performed this type of underwater testing with the Barracuda system.

The Barracuda program, which has been a U.S. Navy project since 2018, is focused on delivering a next-generation mine neutralization capability. The semi-autonomous system utilizes sonar and camera technologies to locate and neutralize undersea mines.

The system completed its critical design review in March 2023 and is now in the qualification testing phase. In July 2023, Raytheon secured a contract to deliver engineering development models to the U.S. Navy, with plans to enter Low-Rate Initial Production in 2027.