Sonobuoys
Sonobuoys are air launched expendable, electro-mechanical sensors designed to relay underwater sounds associated with ships and submarines to remote processors. The following sonobuoys are procured by PMA264 to support annual training, operations and testing expenditures:
• SSQ-36: Bathythermograph (BT)
• SSQ-53: Passive Directional Low Frequency Analyze and Record (DIFAR)
• SSQ-62: Directional Command Active Sonobuoy System (DICASS)
• SSQ-77: Vertical Line Array Directional (VLAD)
• SSQ-101: Air Deployed Active Receiver (ADAR)
• SSQ-110: Multi-static Non-Coherent Source.
• SSQ-125: Multi-static Coherent Source under development.
Multi-Static Active Coherent (MAC)
MAC is the third generation of multi-static active acoustic search systems to be developed under the Multi-statics Family of Systems. MAC brings coherent acoustic source technology (SSQ-125) and improved signal processing to the air multi-static active ASW mission set. The coherent pulses or series of pulses provide waveform flexibility including Doppler-speed sensitive and frequency modulated (FM)-clutter suppressing capabilities. The MAC program will also provide updated tactical and mission software on the P-3C AIP, an updated Mission Planning Tool (MPT), an updated Ground Replay System, updated TacMobile products (SPAWAR), and an updated Tactical Operational Readiness Trainer (TORT).
High Altitude Anti-Submarine Warfare (HAASW)
HAASW integrates new & modify existing sensors to enhance the P-8A capability to conduct ASW at altitudes up to FL250 and higher. Real time data will be used to update onboard Mission Planning Tools (MPT) for non-acoustic sensor optimization and Tactical Decision Aids (TDAs) for accurate sonobuoy release points.
Sonobuoy modifications include integrating GPS for precise sonobuoy positional information and a digital uplink/downlink for Radio Frequency Interference (RFI) management. New sensors include a Meteorological Sensing Device, (dropsonde) for sensing atmospheric conditions from the aircraft altitude to the surface.
Airborne ASW Intelligence (AAI)
AAI is a rapid response ASW intelligence collection system operating within a standards-based architecture whose goal is to collect and analyze threat unit data to provide Tactical Intel data, support R&D of advanced ASW weapons and systems and collect data for national level S&T assessments.