Updated May 2014

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 PMA-264 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-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). MAC will also be integrated on the P-8A beginning with an Early Operational Capability prior to P-8A Increment 2. MAC will be completed in two phases; Phase 1 will provide harsh shallow water capability and Phase 2 will provide deep water capability.

High Altitude Anti-Submarine Warfare (HAASW)

HAASW integrates modified sonobuoy sensors to enhance the P-8A capability to conduct its mission at higher than traditional fixed-wing airborne ASW altitudes. These higher altitudes will enable greater communications range with large area buoy fields and greater coverage from other onboard non-acoustic sensors. The HAASW capability for P-8A will be integrated as part of the Increment 2 upgrade to the baseline (Increment 1) aircraft and will include the following technologies:

• Receive, process, and store in-buoy GPS data received from AN/SSQ-53, AN/SSQ-62, and AN/SSQ -101B sonobuoys
• Integrate the GPS Drop Vector Algorithm (GDVA) to enhance buoy splash point prediction and accuracy in real time
• Receive, command, and process the AN/SSQ-101B buoy with the digital uplink/downlink format for Radio Frequency Interference (RFI) mitigation and increased bandwidth, while retaining legacy uplink/downlink capability

Airborne ASW Intelligence (AAI)

AAI exists to support fleet ASW intelligence collection efforts and to conduct quick turnaround of threat unit analysis for tactical exploitation. AAI enables rapid development and insertion of advanced technology capabilities into airborne ASW platforms. This is accomplished through a standards-based architecture with the objective of using intelligence products to support research and development of advanced ASW weapons systems, refining tactical decision aids, updating models and simulation databases, and data collection for national science and technology assessments.