Argon ST continues decoy production

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FAIRFAX, Va., Jan. 9 (UPI) -- The U.S. Navy has given Argon ST a follow-on award for continued production of an electro-acoustic decoy system for defense against torpedoes.

The firm-fixed-price award, granted under a 2006 contract for the U.S. Navy's Surface Ship Torpedo Defense program, is for five years and carries a value of $14.8 million.

The system by Argon ST, a subsidiary of Boeing, is the AN/SLQ-25C, nicknamed the Nixie. It is a towed decoy system that lures torpedoes away from ships though simulated electronic signals that mimic a ships propulsion system. It also has sensors to detect enemy submarines.

Under the award, Argon will not only produce the systems, but it will also deliver enhancements to the system already in use, the company said.

"The Navy has relied on Argon ST for advanced signals intelligence and counter-measure systems for almost a decade," said Joe Carlin, Argon ST vice president. "We are committed to upgrading current systems and developing the next generation of SSTD in order to protect sailors and Marines and help them complete their missions."