U.S. Navy orders additional torpedo decoy systems

SMITHFIELD, Pa., Jan. 15 (UPI) -- A subsidiary of Boeing is to supply the U.S. Navy with additional AN/SLQ-25C surface ship torpedo defense systems.

The AN/SLQ-25C is a towed decoy and shipboard signal generator that lures torpedoes away from a ship by mimicking the vessel's acoustic signatures -- its propeller and engine noise.

Argon ST will deliver five of the systems known as the Nixie, which are installed on all U.S. Navy combatant ships, under a $6.5 million award.

"For more than 20 years, Nixie has provided sailors with protection and peace-of-mind, and this contract ensures our partnership with the U.S. Navy will continue to grow," said Mark Bock, director of Maritime Defensive Systems at Argon ST. "With a new, state-of-the art, streamlined production line for the towed body component, we continue to maximize Nixie's capability and affordability for our global customers."

Work on manufacturing the systems will be conducted at company facilities in Pennsylvania.