PANAMA CITY, Fla., March 13 (UPI) -- The first of 10 U.S. Navy MK-105 mine sweeping systems has been upgraded by ITT Exelis under a 2009 contract worth as much as $49 million.
"As the original manufacturer, we have the knowledge and expertise to perform the overhaul quickly and effectively and return this valuable asset to the Navy's fleet," said Rich Sorelle, vice president and general manager of the Exelis Integrated Electronic Warfare Systems business area.
"By leveraging the Exelis-installed base and providing upgrades to existing capabilities, we can offer our customer an affordable option for enhancing performance of this critical technology."
The MK-105 is towed through the water by a helicopter. It creates an electromagnetic field that replicates the magnetic signature of ships and submarines and causes mines to detonate.
ITT Exelis said the upgrade will give the MK-150 another 10 years of service life.
The company is upgrading one system per year under the indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity award from the U.S. Naval Surface in Panama City, Fla.
