Raytheon unveils a new Anti-submarine weapon
-- Some info on Mk54
Fish Hawk, a wing kit system, has been purpose built for the US Navy's High Altitude ASW Weapons Capability (HAAWC) program, specifically with the new P-8 Poseidon in mind, eight variants of which (P8-I) have also been ordered by India.
This tested and proven weapon system enables maritime patrol operators to release a torpedo at high altitude, with a greatly extended launch envelope. The system then flies an optimum Global Positioning System and Inertial Navigation System (GPS/INS) guided flight profile to a precise splash-point to seek out, engage and destroy a threat submarine.
Fish Hawk will be available to India, subject to bilateral government negotiations between Washington and New Delhi.
Fish HawkT currently combines this high altitude precision delivery capability with the new MK 54 lightweight torpedo. Upon being released from the aircraft, Fish Hawk's pivot wing deploys to place the system into its GPS/INS guided flight profile. The system glides accurately to the targeted location using the Fish Hawk's integrated guidance system and articulated tail fins that provide its highly responsive directional control.
Once the system descends to the designated target location at a much lower altitude, the wing kit releases the torpedo, and a small parachute deploys to decelerate and stabilize the torpedo for water entry.
Following water entry, the MK 54's sophisticated inertial systems and sonar accurately detect and guide the torpedo to its intended target.
"Raytheon conducted a highly successful flight test demonstration of its new Fish Hawk weapon system in March 2008", according to Mark Borup, a Sr. Manager for Raytheon Missile Systems Business Development. "The Mk-54 configured demonstration met or exceeded all planned test points, proving Fish Hawk's effectiveness in meeting this critical naval requirement. The test highlighted Fish Hawk's impressive stand-off range and increased accuracy (CEP) - with a full 360 degree off bore-sight capability".
This proven high altitude solution significantly enhances aircraft survivability and time-to-engagement, while extending on-station deployment of advanced intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) systems that characterize the future of ASW. "Fish Hawk's new streamlined design, with low profile pivot wing, achieves the needed size and clearance to maximize the payload capacity of P-8 and other potential ASW platforms," he added.
Fish Hawk's unique modularity facilitates the incorporation of mature, proven components from other highly successful Raytheon programs in production, e.g., the Joint Stand-Off Weapon (JSOW) and Excalibur, offering an affordable low-risk solution with demonstrated performance and reliability", Borup said.
Using mature, proven components, Fish Hawk is guided to the target area by a highly integrated and reliable guidance system. Fish Hawk receives the targeting information in the preplanned mode from the ASW aircraft controller and gathers data while airborne through on-board sensors or other third-party targeting assets. Borup continued, "With the incorporation of mature, proven components , Fish Hawk represents an affordable, low-risk solution to the long-range, high-altitude ASW requirement".
Fish Hawk's system modularity also offers advantages in tailoring options for customer requirements and cost. One such advantage is a rapid path to Net enabled capability, should customer needs dictate.
Raytheon's businesses and partners are strategically aligned and fully committed to the Navy's P-8/sensors (Space and Airborne Systems), Mk-54 (Integrated Defense Systems), and HAAWC/Fish Hawk (Raytheon Missile Systems) programs. "These synergistic programs and resources ensure our ability to meet the most demanding customer requirements with affordable, fully integrated solutions", Borup suggested.
"As naval forces prepare for the future of the ASW fight, Raytheon provides the accuracy, lethality, reliability and affordability to make long-range submarine engagement a reality", Borup said "We provide the eyes and the teeth (detection and lethality) for Boeing's next generation maritime patrol aircraft, the P-8 Poseidon".
In early 2009, India signed a $2.1 billion dollar contract with Boeing for the initial purchase of the P-8I. Raytheon is a strong contender for the P-8I APY-10 radar system. Raytheon Space and Airborne Systems (SAS) is currently teamed with Boeing's US Navy P-8 program to provide the crucial APY-10 radar system.
The APY-10 is a premier sensor for small-target detention in both maritime and overland environments. This integral system provides superior maritime, littoral and overland surveillance capability for assured ASW, Anti -Surface Warfare (ASuW) and intelligence, reconnaissance and surveillance mission support.
In today's changing high-tech world, new, more potent threats are emerging.
Slow, quiet, diesel submarines, for example, are now operating in shallow-water, littoral areas. As a result, lightweight torpedoes designed to defeat high-speed, nuclear-powered submarines in open-ocean environments are only part of the solution. Navies now need a lightweight torpedo capable of delivering a devastating blow to submarine threats in both deep and shallow water - and in various acoustic environments. One proven solution is the U.S. Navy's MK 54.
In addition, the emerging and rapidly proliferating subsurface and surface to air threats necessitate the stand-off ranges and increased precision and lethality that Fish Hawk brings to the Mk 54 torpedo.
Raytheon's MK 54 is the only lightweight torpedo capable of effectively striking any target in the world's oceans, regardless of water depth. The Mk 54's state-of-the-art Sonar has evolved from the technology demonstrated in the MK 50, which was proven through thousands of at-sea runs conducted against real submarines in countered scenarios and all environmental conditions. The sonar nose construction provides low array self-noise; the acoustic array and digital beamformer provide superior performance in littoral areas; and the transmitter flexibility and dual-band receiver provide extensive and effective volume coverage.
"For more than 25 years, Raytheon has collaborated with the government of India and been a trusted and valued partner and technology supplier in many areas. Raytheon has performed well and delivered successfully on all of its commitments to India during this time. Raytheon has recently initiated several innovative programs with India that will continue to expand and deepen our valued partnership in the future, and will enhance our collective positioning in the global marketplace.
Raytheon Company, with 2009 sales of $25 billion, is a technology and innovation leader specializing in defense, homeland security and other government markets throughout the world. With a history of innovation spanning 88 years, Raytheon provides state-of-the-art electronics, mission systems integration and other capabilities in the areas of sensing; effects; and command, control, communications and intelligence systems, as well as a broad range of mission support services.
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