The AN/SQS-26 weighed 27,215 kg (59,999 lb). It could be operated as a passive sonar on the 1.5 kHz frequency or as an active sonar at 3–4 kHz. Its maximum output was 240 kW and it had a range from 18 to 64 km (11 to 40 mi). It had direct path, bottom reflected, passive and convergence zone (CZ) capabilities.[3]
The original AX sonars were manufactured by General Electric Heavy Military Electronics. The "R" suffix was the result of a "Retrofit" by GE that incorporated improved designs derived from the AN/SQS-26CX sonar, also manufactured by GE.
CX sonars were manufactured by General Electric Heavy Military Electronics. AN/SQS-26CX sonar performs a 360-deg, long-range sector search at low frequency.[4]
AN/SQS-53 is an improved version of AN/SQS-26CX. The main difference between the SQS-26CX and SQS-53 sonars is the digital computer interface with the Mk 116 anti-submarine warfare (ASW) weapon control system in the latter.[4] In addition, AN/SQS-53 sonar can be fitted with the Kingfisher small obstacle (mines) avoidance sonar.[4]
AN/SQS-53A: Original version with analog control and display, used on various destroyers and cruisers.[4] Installed on early Ticonderoga-class cruisers (CG-47 to 55).
AN/SQS-53B: Original analog control and display in AN-SQS-53A replaced by digital, solid-state controls and displays incorporating built-in test system and AN/UYS-1 acoustic signal processor for integration with the digital AN/SQQ-89 system.[4] Installed on later Ticonderoga-class cruisers (CG-56 to 67) as part of AN/SQQ-89.
AN/SQS-53C: Improvement of AN/SQS-53B that is 50% smaller in volume and weight with improved reliability: mean time between failure is 2000 hours.[4] New transducers with higher power and wider bandwidth and incorporating AN/UYK-44(V) digital computers in addition to UYK-1.[4] Installed on CG-68 to 73 and Arleigh Burke-class destroyers.
^Thaddeus G. Bell: Probing The Oceans For Submarines -- A History of the AN/SQS-26 Long-Range, Echo-Ranging Sonar. Peninsula, Los Altos Hills, CA (U.S), 2010, p. 3. ISBN978-0932146267
^Thaddeus G. Bell: Probing The Oceans For Submarines -- A History of the AN/SQS-26 Long-Range, Echo-Ranging Sonar. Peninsula, Los Altos Hills, CA (U.S), 2010, p. 180. ISBN978-0932146267
^Stefan Terzibaschitsch: Kampfsysteme der U.S. Navy. Koehler, Hamburg (Germany), 2001, p. 212. ISBN3-7822-0806-4
