OVERVIEW: The AN/AQS-14A is a high resolution, side-looking, helicopter towed mine hunting system used to detect, localize, classify, mark, and permanently record locations of unburied bottom and moored sea mines and other objects of interest. 

DETAILS: The AN/AQS-14A uses a multibeam side-scan sonar with electronic beamforming and all-range focusing.  The sonar can scan up and down to detect moored objects or object on the seabed.    

NOTES:  IOC: 2000.  Can be towed by helicopter or surface ships. Users include the USN and Japan.  THe main improvements over the AQS-14 are its lighter weight and replacement of analogue with digital systems. 

SOURCES: Friedman, Norman. The Naval Institute Guide to World Naval Weapons Systems, 1997 
-1998. Annapolis, Md: Naval Institute Press, 1997, pg 756 ; AN/AQS-14A Navy Training System Plan." GlobalSecurity.org - Reliable Security Information. Accessed September 26, 2016. http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/library/policy/navy/ntsp/AQS-14-A.htm.
  

