Boeing Receives Additional US Navy Order for AN/SLQ-25C Nixie Torpedo Defense Systems

: Posted On Thursday, 03 January 2013 16:58

Naval Industry News - USA

Boeing Receives Additional US Navy Order for AN/SLQ-25C Nixie Torpedo Defense Systems

Under a newly exercised option for the AN/SLQ-25C system contract, Boeing subsidiary Argon ST will continue to supply U.S. Navy surface ships with countermeasures that lure torpedoes away by mimicking a vessel's propulsion system.

The $8 million option covers production and delivery of eight new AN/SLQ-25C systems – commonly called "Nixie" – under the Navy's Surface Ship Torpedo Defense program. An electro-acoustic towed decoy system, Nixie can communicate with its host ship's network for a fully integrated defense capability.

PACIFIC OCEAN (Sept. 13, 2010) Operations Specialist 2nd Class Josue Jimenez, left, Operations Specialist Seaman Brendan Wells-Arrington and Operations Specialist 3rd Class Steven Sittner recover the Nixie stream and module as it is reeled onto the fantail of the aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76). Nixie is a passive decoy system that provides countermeasures against torpedo attacks. Ronald Reagan is underway in the Pacific Ocean conducting drills in preparation for an upcoming deployment. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Alexander Tidd/Released)

"Nixie's open architecture allows us to continue to innovate advances in engineering and technology that improve the system's capability and reliability and reduce its cost," said Kim Patterson, Boeing AN/SLQ-25C program manager.

Boeing/Aragon ST AN/SQL-25C "Nixie" torpedo decoy system

Argon ST has been supporting the Nixie program for the Naval Sea Systems Command since 2002, and has received multiple follow-on awards with options. The order announced today is the first option exercised under the current contract. Production of the new systems will begin in February, primarily at Argon ST's facilities in Smithfield, Pa.

Argon ST is the sole contractor for the design, development and manufacturing of the AN/SQL-25C system, which is protecting more than 400 vessels in navies from more than 20 countries around the world. Nixie is one of Boeing's C4ISR capabilities that support customers' enduring need for situational awareness.