Launch of a torpedo from high altitude using a wing kit has been demonstrated by the US Navy as it develops requirements for the capability, which is expected to extend the life of its anti-submarine warfare aircraft.
Lockheed Martin's high-altitude ASW weapons concept (HAAWC) was demonstrated on 24 May with the release of a Mk54 torpedo equipped with the company's LongShot wing kit from the weapons bay of a US Navy Lockheed P-3 over the AUTEC test range in the Bahamas.
The weapon was dropped from 10,000ft (3,050m), instead of the design 20,000-30,000ft, because of range restrictions, says HAAWC programme director Alan Jackson. But the flight demonstrated wing deployment, a pre-planned waypoint manoeuvre simulating an in-flight target update, and release of the torpedo, which deployed its parachute and entered the water "well within the desired basket", he says.
Jackson says the navy is interested in the HAAWC because it allows the ASW aircraft to stand off and avoids the need to descend to low altitude to release the torpedo. This would reduce wear and tear on its ageing P-3s and extend their life until they are replaced by the Boeing P-8A Poseidon. The same wing kit could also be used with sea mines and sonobouys, he says.
The HAAWC test was conducted under a one-year, $3 million technology demonstration contract. Jackson says the USN is now drafting a requirement and operating concept for the weapon and anticipates a formal development programme in 2010.
Because the LongShot is an off-the-shelf kit, Jackson says he believes this could involve an abbreviated flight certification campaign.
Source: Flight International
