The Pentagon’s Director of Operational Test and Evaluation (DOT&E) released his Fiscal Year 2012 report on 15th January, and digging into the detail reveals some finger pointing at the MH-60S.  Written by Office of the Secretary of Defense’s Dr J Michael Gilmore, the particularly interested aspect reads as follows (emphasis added by HeliHub.com)

COTF [The Navy’s Commander, Operational Test and Evaluation Force] completed testing of the MH-60S Block 2 Airborne Mine Countermeasures (AMCM) System in 4QFY11.  DOT&E issued an operational assessment (OA) report in June 2012 assessing operational effectiveness and operational suitability of the minehunting capability meant to be provided by the AMCM System and the AN/AQS-20A Sonar Mine Detecting Set (AQS-20A).
– The MH-60S helicopter with the AQS-20A sonar is not operationally effective or suitable because the helicopter is underpowered and cannot safely tow the sonar under the wide variety of conditions necessary.
– As observed during the OA and developmental testing, the AQS-20A does not meet some Navy requirements.

Jeremy Parkin – HeliHub.com