09:00 GMT, January 12, 2012 PANAMA CITY, Fla. | ITT Exelis has been awarded a $1.9 million Naval Sea Systems Command contract to design and deliver an improved airborne mine countermeasure common tow cable.

The Exelis airborne tow cable solution for the U.S. Navy’s MH-60S helicopter provides the service with the capability to conduct mine countermeasure operations safely from the air. One end of the tow cable attaches to the Navy’s multi-mission helicopter and the other connects to any of the following systems: the AN/ASQ-235 Airborne Mine Neutralization System, the AN/AQS-20A Sonar Mine Detecting Set and the AN/ALQ-220 Organic Airborne and Surface Influence Sweep. These systems are towed at high speeds through the water during mine clearing operations.

“Our advanced mine countermeasure technologies allow customers to conduct mine clearing operations faster and safer from the air or ocean,” said Rich Sorelle, vice president and general manager of the Exelis Integrated Electronic Warfare Systems business area. “With our robust tow cable the U.S. Navy can clear shipping lanes quickly and allow military vessels access to ports and harbors.”

Work will be performed in Panama City, Fla., by the Electronic Systems division’s mine defense business, which designs and develops integrated mine sweeping systems for the U.S. Navy and allied navies.

ITT Exelis Electronic Systems division provides innovative integrated solutions for the global defense, intelligence, information assurance and commercial aerospace sectors. As a leader in electronic warfare and communications, we leverage our experience and innovation to ensure the success of our customers’ critical missions. Our technology leadership extends into the areas of airborne electronic attack, networked and satellite communications, counter-improvised explosive devices, airspace management, surveillance systems, airborne and shipboard radar, acoustic sensors, advanced composite structures and electronic weapons interfaces.