P-8A Launches First Sonobuoys
NAVAL AIR SYSTEMS COMMAND, PATUXENT RIVER, Md. -- One of three P-8A test aircraft completed several sonobuoy launches on Friday, October 15. This event marks the first time the new Poseidon has launched sonobuoys since it began testing at NAS Patuxent River this summer.
A total of six sonobuoys were involved in three low altitude launches at the Atlantic Test Range. The range provides airspace for safe operating clearance of test missions.
Each P-8A employs a rotary launch system that uses three launchers with the capacity to hold 10 sonobuoys each and the capability of launching single and multiple shots. The system can accommodate any sized sonobuoy and the storage capacity of 120 is 50 percent greater than the P-3.
This event is just one integral part of the P-8A's overall weapons system testing mission. Initial operating capability on the P-8A is scheduled for 2013 at NAS Jacksonville, Florida.
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What is sonobuoy?
A sonobuoy is a device used to detect and identify objects moving in the water. Typically, a sonobuoy is used to detect submarines by either listening for the sounds produced by propellers and machinery (passive detection) or by bouncing a sonar "ping" off the surface of the submarine (active detection). Multi-static techniques are also used for submarine detection and localization. Multi-static operations utilize separate active source and passive receiver sonobuoys.
Specialized sonobuoys can also detect electric fields and magnetic anomalies, as well as measuring environmental parameters like water temperature versus depth, air temperature, barometric pressure, and wave height. Sonobuoys are generally dropped from aircraft that are equipped with a means to launch them, and electronic equipment to receive and process data sent by the sonobuoy. Sonobuoys may also be deployed from virtually any sea platform.
Sonobuoys are classified by size (A, B, C, etc.) and type (active, passive or measurement). All U.S.-manufactured sonobuoys, except the MK-84, are A-size (approx. 4 7/8 in. X 36 in.). Some countries have moved to half-size, or A/2, as a preferred configuration.
During the Cold War, passive detection in deep water was the strategy of choice to covertly track nuclear submarines around the world. Since former Soviet Union and NATO relations have changed, detection needs have fluctuated. An increase in the number of diesel electric submarines under the flag of third world nations has led to an increase in the interest in active sonobuoys and shallow water detection techniques. Sonobuoy Tech Systems offers a full line of sonobuoys and technical support to address modern Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW).
Sonobuoys with different characteristics other than those described can be designed and built to customer requirements, following a careful analysis of needs. Sonobuoy TechSystems has designed and manufactured many sonobuoy variations over the years, and continues to make high-performance, high-reliability sonobuoys.
YouTube - Boeing P-8A Poseidon
YouTube - P3 Sonobuoy Deployment
Photo Caption:
A P-8A Poseidon flies near the Chesapeake Bay in preparation for another test event. (U.S. Navy photo)
NAVAL AIR SYSTEMS COMMAND, PATUXENT RIVER, Md. -- One of three P-8A test aircraft completed several sonobuoy launches on Friday, October 15. This event marks the first time the new Poseidon has launched sonobuoys since it began testing at NAS Patuxent River this summer.
A total of six sonobuoys were involved in three low altitude launches at the Atlantic Test Range. The range provides airspace for safe operating clearance of test missions.
Each P-8A employs a rotary launch system that uses three launchers with the capacity to hold 10 sonobuoys each and the capability of launching single and multiple shots. The system can accommodate any sized sonobuoy and the storage capacity of 120 is 50 percent greater than the P-3.
This event is just one integral part of the P-8A's overall weapons system testing mission. Initial operating capability on the P-8A is scheduled for 2013 at NAS Jacksonville, Florida.
************************
What is sonobuoy?
A sonobuoy is a device used to detect and identify objects moving in the water. Typically, a sonobuoy is used to detect submarines by either listening for the sounds produced by propellers and machinery (passive detection) or by bouncing a sonar "ping" off the surface of the submarine (active detection). Multi-static techniques are also used for submarine detection and localization. Multi-static operations utilize separate active source and passive receiver sonobuoys.
Specialized sonobuoys can also detect electric fields and magnetic anomalies, as well as measuring environmental parameters like water temperature versus depth, air temperature, barometric pressure, and wave height. Sonobuoys are generally dropped from aircraft that are equipped with a means to launch them, and electronic equipment to receive and process data sent by the sonobuoy. Sonobuoys may also be deployed from virtually any sea platform.
Sonobuoys are classified by size (A, B, C, etc.) and type (active, passive or measurement). All U.S.-manufactured sonobuoys, except the MK-84, are A-size (approx. 4 7/8 in. X 36 in.). Some countries have moved to half-size, or A/2, as a preferred configuration.
During the Cold War, passive detection in deep water was the strategy of choice to covertly track nuclear submarines around the world. Since former Soviet Union and NATO relations have changed, detection needs have fluctuated. An increase in the number of diesel electric submarines under the flag of third world nations has led to an increase in the interest in active sonobuoys and shallow water detection techniques. Sonobuoy Tech Systems offers a full line of sonobuoys and technical support to address modern Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW).
Sonobuoys with different characteristics other than those described can be designed and built to customer requirements, following a careful analysis of needs. Sonobuoy TechSystems has designed and manufactured many sonobuoy variations over the years, and continues to make high-performance, high-reliability sonobuoys.
YouTube - Boeing P-8A Poseidon
YouTube - P3 Sonobuoy Deployment
Photo Caption:
A P-8A Poseidon flies near the Chesapeake Bay in preparation for another test event. (U.S. Navy photo)
