MAD-XR is CAE’s compact, non-acoustic magnetic sensor and processing/interface system for airborne detection and localization of submerged metallic threats. Aircraft-specific interference management and mission-system integration govern its use. CAE reported first production systems delivered to Mitsubishi Electric after Customer Source Inspection in May 2023 for new JMSDF P-1 aircraft. Sikorsky documents MH-60R mission-computer integration and a 28-kit US Navy contract allocated across Australian, US and evaluation use; its May 2026 completion target is not confirmation that every kit was delivered.
Technical detail
Core features
Manufacturer MAD-XR weight: approximately 1.5 kg; sensor 15 cm diameter × 24 cm and interface unit 16 × 13 × 3 cm
Manufacturer power figures: 50 W DC during warm-up and 30 W continuous operation
Ethernet or RS-422 interface; aircraft installation must manage magnetic interference
Sikorsky’s installed MH-60R kit is under 20 lb (9 kg), including cabling and mounting; removable tail-cone installation
CAE sensor design and manufacture; Sikorsky MH-60R mission-computer software integration
Magnetic anomaly detection
Anti-submarine warfare
Maritime sensing
Airborne sensors
Use & integration
Recorded applications
Airborne anti-submarine warfare
Submarine detection and localization
Maritime patrol sensor integration
Uncrewed and rotary-wing maritime surveillance
These describe the reviewed application scope, not confirmed deployments, released requirements or procurement eligibility.
Evidence of maturity
Prototype and helicopter trials are followed by CAE-reported first Japanese production delivery in 2023 and documented MH-60R integration. The 28-kit contract’s May 2026 completion and later option exercises remain unconfirmed.
Commercial availability
Supplied through aircraft/mission-system integration and sustainment contracts. The 28-kit allocation is 20 for Australia, six for the US Navy and two for US Navy Reserve evaluation; legacy use of other CAE MAD generations does not establish MAD-XR fit.
Integration and verification
Readiness
A technology readiness level is not established by the reviewed public sources.
MAD-XR Magnetic Anomaly Detection may help teams working on Persistent uncrewed underwater surveillance by contributing to maritime and undersea operations, detection and situational awareness, and autonomous and uncrewed systems.
MAD-XR Magnetic Anomaly Detection may help teams working on Future submarine operational capability by contributing to maritime and undersea operations and detection and situational awareness.
This is a reviewed public-source assessment. It is not procurement eligibility, endorsement, customer interest, or classified demand.
Original sources 7 linked records
These records support this capability and its published Mission area and Defence need connections. A source count is not a count of independent confirmations.
The Japan programme is a multi-year integration, installation and sustainment contract for a magnetic-field sensing system supporting fixed-wing anti-submarine warfare; detecting and localizing submerged metallic threats is its stated operational purpose.
Supports: Capability · name
The Japan programme is a multi-year integration, installation and sustainment contract for a magnetic-field sensing system supporting fixed-wing anti-submarine warfare; detecting and localizing submerged metallic threats is its stated operational purpose.
Supports: Capability · capability type
The Japan programme is a multi-year integration, installation and sustainment contract for a magnetic-field sensing system supporting fixed-wing anti-submarine warfare; detecting and localizing submerged metallic threats is its stated operational purpose.
Supports: Capability · technicaldomainslugs
The Japan programme is a multi-year integration, installation and sustainment contract for a magnetic-field sensing system supporting fixed-wing anti-submarine warfare; detecting and localizing submerged metallic threats is its stated operational purpose.
Supports: Capability · technical tags
The Japan programme is a multi-year integration, installation and sustainment contract for a magnetic-field sensing system supporting fixed-wing anti-submarine warfare; detecting and localizing submerged metallic threats is its stated operational purpose.
Supports: Capability · defence applications
The Japan programme is a multi-year integration, installation and sustainment contract for a magnetic-field sensing system supporting fixed-wing anti-submarine warfare; detecting and localizing submerged metallic threats is its stated operational purpose.
Supports: Capability · technical tags
The Japan programme is a multi-year integration, installation and sustainment contract for a magnetic-field sensing system supporting fixed-wing anti-submarine warfare; detecting and localizing submerged metallic threats is its stated operational purpose.
Supports: Capability · defence applications
The Japan programme is a multi-year integration, installation and sustainment contract for a magnetic-field sensing system supporting fixed-wing anti-submarine warfare; detecting and localizing submerged metallic threats is its stated operational purpose.
Supports: Capability · summary
The Japan programme is a multi-year integration, installation and sustainment contract for a magnetic-field sensing system supporting fixed-wing anti-submarine warfare; detecting and localizing submerged metallic threats is its stated operational purpose.
Supports: Capability · defence applications
The Japan programme is a multi-year integration, installation and sustainment contract for a magnetic-field sensing system supporting fixed-wing anti-submarine warfare; detecting and localizing submerged metallic threats is its stated operational purpose.
Supports: Capability · technical tags
The Japan programme is a multi-year integration, installation and sustainment contract for a magnetic-field sensing system supporting fixed-wing anti-submarine warfare; detecting and localizing submerged metallic threats is its stated operational purpose.
Supports: Capability · defence applications
The Japan programme is a multi-year integration, installation and sustainment contract for a magnetic-field sensing system supporting fixed-wing anti-submarine warfare; detecting and localizing submerged metallic threats is its stated operational purpose.
Supports: Capability · summary
CAE’s May 31, 2023 release reports delivery of the first production MAD-XR systems to Mitsubishi Electric after successful Customer Source Inspection, for installation on new JMSDF P-1 maritime patrol aircraft.
Supports: Capability · maturity
CAE’s May 31, 2023 release reports delivery of the first production MAD-XR systems to Mitsubishi Electric after successful Customer Source Inspection, for installation on new JMSDF P-1 maritime patrol aircraft.
Supports: Capability · technology readiness level
CAE’s May 31, 2023 release reports delivery of the first production MAD-XR systems to Mitsubishi Electric after successful Customer Source Inspection, for installation on new JMSDF P-1 maritime patrol aircraft.
Sikorsky reports a September 2024 US Navy contract of $21 million for 28 MAD-XR kits: 20 Royal Australian Navy, six US Navy and two US Navy Reserve evaluation kits, targeting completion in May 2026; options of 24 kits each in 2025 and 2026 are not confirmed exercises.
Supports: Capability · summary
Sikorsky and CAE announced June 18, 2025 that MAD-XR was integrated with MH-60R mission-computer software. A September 2024 US Navy contract covered 28 kits, including Australian, US and evaluation allocations, with deliveries planned by May 2026. This announcement does not confirm that scheduled deliveries occurred.
CAE's 2019 MAD-XR brochure describes a compact magnetic-anomaly sensor, processor/interface equipment and aircraft integration, including prototype and helicopter flight trials. Legacy MAD fleet examples are not proof that every listed aircraft carries MAD-XR.
Supports: Capability · defence applications
CAE's 2019 MAD-XR brochure describes a compact magnetic-anomaly sensor, processor/interface equipment and aircraft integration, including prototype and helicopter flight trials. Legacy MAD fleet examples are not proof that every listed aircraft carries MAD-XR.
CAE’s brochure reports 2013 prototype flights as a helicopter-towed system, on a Dominator UAS and on an NRC Convair compared with AN/ASQ508, followed by early2017 MH-60R trials.
Supports: Capability · summary
The manufacturer describes tail-area placement to minimize aircraft magnetic interference; detection range varies with the target and operating conditions.
Supports: Capability · core features
The manufacturer MAD-XR sheet specifies Ethernet or RS-422 interfaces.
CAE's official product page describes MAD-XR as a highly sensitive compact digital magnetic-anomaly-detection sensor for submarine detection, with reduced size, weight, and power for maritime patrol aircraft, helicopters, RPAs, and small fixed-wing platforms.
Public sources cited · Facts and assessments kept separate · Human review
The June 2025 partner release calls the Royal Australian Navy the first MH-60R operator to install digital MAD. It does not confirm completion of every scheduled May 2026 kit delivery.
Supports: Capability · core features
Sikorsky states that the complete MH-60R MAD-XR kit weighs under 20 lb (9 kg), including cabling and mounting, is fitted within the tail cone without permanent airframe modifications, and can be removed and reinstalled.
Supports: Capability · summary
Sikorsky reports a September 2024 US Navy contract of $21 million for 28 MAD-XR kits: 20 Royal Australian Navy, six US Navy and two US Navy Reserve evaluation kits, targeting completion in May 2026; options of 24 kits each in 2025 and 2026 are not confirmed exercises.
Supports: Capability · maturity
Sikorsky and CAE announced June 18, 2025 that MAD-XR was integrated with MH-60R mission-computer software. A September 2024 US Navy contract covered 28 kits, including Australian, US and evaluation allocations, with deliveries planned by May 2026. This announcement does not confirm that scheduled deliveries occurred.
Supports: Capability · core features
CAE designed and built MAD-XR; Sikorsky integrated its processing and interface with MH-60R mission-computer software, with a US Navy hardware/software release in early 2024 enabling digital MAD.
Supports: Capability · core features
Sikorsky and CAE announced June 18, 2025 that MAD-XR was integrated with MH-60R mission-computer software. A September 2024 US Navy contract covered 28 kits, including Australian, US and evaluation allocations, with deliveries planned by May 2026. This announcement does not confirm that scheduled deliveries occurred.
Supports: Capability · commercial availability
Sikorsky and CAE announced June 18, 2025 that MAD-XR was integrated with MH-60R mission-computer software. A September 2024 US Navy contract covered 28 kits, including Australian, US and evaluation allocations, with deliveries planned by May 2026. This announcement does not confirm that scheduled deliveries occurred.
Supports: Capability · summary
CAE designed and built MAD-XR; Sikorsky integrated its processing and interface with MH-60R mission-computer software, with a US Navy hardware/software release in early 2024 enabling digital MAD.
Supports: Capability · maturity
Sikorsky reports a September 2024 US Navy contract of $21 million for 28 MAD-XR kits: 20 Royal Australian Navy, six US Navy and two US Navy Reserve evaluation kits, targeting completion in May 2026; options of 24 kits each in 2025 and 2026 are not confirmed exercises.
Supports: Capability · name
CAE's 2019 MAD-XR brochure describes a compact magnetic-anomaly sensor, processor/interface equipment and aircraft integration, including prototype and helicopter flight trials. Legacy MAD fleet examples are not proof that every listed aircraft carries MAD-XR.
Supports: Capability · summary
CAE's 2019 MAD-XR brochure describes a compact magnetic-anomaly sensor, processor/interface equipment and aircraft integration, including prototype and helicopter flight trials. Legacy MAD fleet examples are not proof that every listed aircraft carries MAD-XR.
Supports: Capability · core features
CAE's 2019 MAD-XR brochure describes a compact magnetic-anomaly sensor, processor/interface equipment and aircraft integration, including prototype and helicopter flight trials. Legacy MAD fleet examples are not proof that every listed aircraft carries MAD-XR.
Supports: Capability · capability type
CAE's 2019 MAD-XR brochure describes a compact magnetic-anomaly sensor, processor/interface equipment and aircraft integration, including prototype and helicopter flight trials. Legacy MAD fleet examples are not proof that every listed aircraft carries MAD-XR.
Supports: Capability · technicaldomainslugs
CAE's 2019 MAD-XR brochure describes a compact magnetic-anomaly sensor, processor/interface equipment and aircraft integration, including prototype and helicopter flight trials. Legacy MAD fleet examples are not proof that every listed aircraft carries MAD-XR.
Supports: Capability · defence applications
CAE's 2019 MAD-XR brochure describes a compact magnetic-anomaly sensor, processor/interface equipment and aircraft integration, including prototype and helicopter flight trials. Legacy MAD fleet examples are not proof that every listed aircraft carries MAD-XR.
Supports: Capability · technical tags
CAE's 2019 MAD-XR brochure describes a compact magnetic-anomaly sensor, processor/interface equipment and aircraft integration, including prototype and helicopter flight trials. Legacy MAD fleet examples are not proof that every listed aircraft carries MAD-XR.
Supports: Capability · technical tags
CAE's 2019 MAD-XR brochure describes a compact magnetic-anomaly sensor, processor/interface equipment and aircraft integration, including prototype and helicopter flight trials. Legacy MAD fleet examples are not proof that every listed aircraft carries MAD-XR.
Supports: Capability · core features
CAE's 2019 MAD-XR brochure describes a compact magnetic-anomaly sensor, processor/interface equipment and aircraft integration, including prototype and helicopter flight trials. Legacy MAD fleet examples are not proof that every listed aircraft carries MAD-XR.
Supports: Capability · maturity
CAE's 2019 MAD-XR brochure describes a compact magnetic-anomaly sensor, processor/interface equipment and aircraft integration, including prototype and helicopter flight trials. Legacy MAD fleet examples are not proof that every listed aircraft carries MAD-XR.
Supports: Capability · defence applications
CAE's 2019 MAD-XR brochure describes a compact magnetic-anomaly sensor, processor/interface equipment and aircraft integration, including prototype and helicopter flight trials. Legacy MAD fleet examples are not proof that every listed aircraft carries MAD-XR.
Supports: Capability · commercial availability
CAE's 2019 MAD-XR brochure describes a compact magnetic-anomaly sensor, processor/interface equipment and aircraft integration, including prototype and helicopter flight trials. Legacy MAD fleet examples are not proof that every listed aircraft carries MAD-XR.
Supports: Capability · technology readiness level
CAE's 2019 MAD-XR brochure describes a compact magnetic-anomaly sensor, processor/interface equipment and aircraft integration, including prototype and helicopter flight trials. Legacy MAD fleet examples are not proof that every listed aircraft carries MAD-XR.
Supports: Capability · defence applications
CAE's 2019 MAD-XR brochure describes a compact magnetic-anomaly sensor, processor/interface equipment and aircraft integration, including prototype and helicopter flight trials. Legacy MAD fleet examples are not proof that every listed aircraft carries MAD-XR.
Supports: Capability · technical tags
CAE's 2019 MAD-XR brochure describes a compact magnetic-anomaly sensor, processor/interface equipment and aircraft integration, including prototype and helicopter flight trials. Legacy MAD fleet examples are not proof that every listed aircraft carries MAD-XR.
Supports: Capability · commercial availability
The brochure’s customer/aircraft examples describe CAE MAD systems across generations, not proof of MAD-XR installation on every listed fleet.
Supports: Capability · defence applications
CAE’s brochure reports 2013 prototype flights as a helicopter-towed system, on a Dominator UAS and on an NRC Convair compared with AN/ASQ508, followed by early2017 MH-60R trials.
Supports: Capability · core features
The manufacturer sheet specifies 50 W DC during warm-up and 30 W DC continuous power for MAD-XR.
Supports: Capability · defence applications
CAE’s brochure reports 2013 prototype flights as a helicopter-towed system, on a Dominator UAS and on an NRC Convair compared with AN/ASQ508, followed by early2017 MH-60R trials.
Supports: Capability · core features
The manufacturer describes tail-area placement to minimize aircraft magnetic interference; detection range varies with the target and operating conditions.
Supports: Capability · core features
The manufacturer comparison table lists MAD-XR weight as approximately 1.5 kg without allocating that weight to the sensor alone.
Supports: Capability · maturity
CAE’s brochure reports 2013 prototype flights as a helicopter-towed system, on a Dominator UAS and on an NRC Convair compared with AN/ASQ508, followed by early2017 MH-60R trials.
Supports: Capability · core features
The manufacturer sheet specifies a MAD-XR sensor 15 cm in diameter by 24 cm long and interface unit 16×13×3 cm.
Supports: Capability · defence applications
CAE’s brochure reports 2013 prototype flights as a helicopter-towed system, on a Dominator UAS and on an NRC Convair compared with AN/ASQ508, followed by early2017 MH-60R trials.
Supports: Defence need · Persistent uncrewed underwater surveillance
CAE's official product page describes MAD-XR as a highly sensitive compact digital magnetic-anomaly-detection sensor for submarine detection, with reduced size, weight, and power for maritime patrol aircraft, helicopters, RPAs, and small fixed-wing platforms.
Supports: Defence need · Future submarine operational capability
CAE's official product page describes MAD-XR as a highly sensitive compact digital magnetic-anomaly-detection sensor for submarine detection, with reduced size, weight, and power for maritime patrol aircraft, helicopters, RPAs, and small fixed-wing platforms.
Supports: Defence need · Persistent uncrewed underwater surveillance
The project requires persistent sensor coverage in strategic northern, coastal and expeditionary areas and identifies sonar and acoustic systems among the relevant investment capabilities.
Supports: Defence need · Persistent uncrewed underwater surveillance
The official requirement calls for long-duration uncrewed vehicles that deploy and employ sensors to provide persistent coverage, with initial delivery anticipated in 2035/2036.
Supports: Defence need · Future submarine operational capability
Canada identifies long range, long endurance, under-ice operation, surveillance, deterrence, Arctic, Atlantic, and Pacific missions as public capability needs for the future fleet.
