MK-48 ADCAP

Abstract

MK-48 ADCAP (Advanced Capability) Research, Development, Test and Evaluation (RDT&E) program executes incremental development of weapon performance improvements in two development product areas: (1) Advanced Processor Builds (APBs), and (2) Torpedo Technology Insertions (TIs). This Program Element (0205632N/0366) is tied to development programs that leverage a joint United States/Australia Armaments Cooperative Project (ACP) to develop MK-48 ADCAP CBASS; technologies developed by the Office of Naval Research (ONR), and the Office of the Secretary of Defense (OSD) Strategic Capabilities Office (SCO). Countermeasure (CM) sophistication and availability on the open market directly affects ADCAP kill proficiency and its ability to counter rapidly evolving threats. The focus of the MK-48 ADCAP Torpedo Research and Development (R&D) program is on hardware upgrades, rapid Commercial-Off-the-Shelf (COTS) insertion, and software APBs, in order to rapidly upgrade the ADCAP to counter evolving threats and maintain robust performance. The CBASS program developed and fielded a new sonar capable of identifying CMs and discriminating them from the target. CBASS Phase I achieved IOC in FY 2006. CBASS Phase II achieved IOC in FY13 . APB5 conducted an early fielding decision in May 2019. The Royal Australian Navy (RAN) is jointly participating to develop MK48 ADCAP upgrades and signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) extension amendment in January 2019, which extends the MOA for fifteen (15) years. The MK-48 ADCAP Torpedo R&D program focuses on two specific areas near term; Torpedo software APBs and hardware Tech Insertions (TIs). The CNO continues to stress shallow water as a critical operating area to counter third world diesel electric submarines and near-peer adversaries. In water testing, in conjunction with laboratory simulation efforts, has shown that significant performance improvements can be made by implementing changes to weapon tactics and software algorithms. Development, implementation, and testing of these changes are being accomplished under the Torpedo APB (TAPB) program. The TAPB program also leverages the RAN joint torpedo program and technologies developed by ONR and SCO in the areas of torpedo broadband signal processing, tactics processing, and alertment. The TI program will provide for evolutionary torpedo hardware improvements and upgrades, including the transition and testing of advanced technologies from the R&D community. This approach will incorporate developmental testing of the transitioning technologies from ONR, and SCO for ADCAP upgrades in the areas of torpedo sensors, weapon propulsion, weapon/platform connectivity, and improved fusing. These efforts will continue torpedo development investment at a lower cost and shorter term than traditional torpedo programs. The MK 48 MOD 7 APB6/TI-1 Heavyweight Torpedo (HWT) program is an evolutionary upgrade to the MK 48 MOD 7 HWT; it will consist of an Operational Software (OPSW) upgrade referred to as APB 6 and a hardware upgrade referred to as TI-1. TI-1 will include a Guidance and Control (G&C) section upgrade, and an Improved Post Launch Communications System (IPLCS). TI-1 will also include features from three ONR Future Naval Capabilities (FNC) programs. The APB7/TI-2 HWT program is an evolutionary improvement to the MK 48 MOD 7 HWT, providing extended range and advanced multi-mission capabilities against surface and sub-surface targets. It will consist of an Operational Software (OPSW) upgrade referred to as APB7 and a hardware upgrade referred to as TI-2. APB7/TI-2 includes sensing, processing, warhead and propulsion technologies developed under SCO and ONR FNC research and development programs. APB6/TI-1 and APB7/TI-2 provide two distinctly different capabilities and are operationally intended for different mission sets. APB5 software upgrades achieved early fielding in May 2019, and are currently in operational testing for MK-48 ADCAP torpedoes to field the full capability in FY20. APB5+ software upgrades are currently in process for MK-48 ADCAP torpedoes. APB5+ enhancements are required to address Combat Control System (CCS)/MK48 pre and post launch interface issues which limit crew full implementation of the weapon and provide numerous capability enhancements requested and endorsed by the Fleet. ONR and SCO technologies and MK-54 LWT developments will be transitioned into ADCAP through APBs and TI packages.

Document Details

• Document Type: R2 Budgetary Justification
• Publication Date: Oct 01, 2021
• Source ID: 0205632N_7_1319_PB_2021
• Change Summary Explanation: FY2021: Increased budget request is due to additional funds being provided to transition hardware development and testing from the OSD Strategic Capabilities Office (SCO)into TI-2. Furthermore, funds continue to support APB 6 software development and TI-1 Hardware development contract and Hardware support. As APB 5 completes testing, support funding shifts from APB 5 to APB 5+ and APB 6 software support. The FY2021 increase in Test & Evaluation funds are due to the increased number of test events to support the APB 5+, APB 6/TI-1, and APB7/TI-2.
• Service Agency Name: Navy

Entities

Organizations

• United States Navy

Tags

Communities of Interest

• Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

• Contracts
• Control Systems
• Cost Analysis
• Costs
• Demonstrations
• Developmental Tests
• Engineering
• Manufacturing
• Military Research
• Navy
• Product Development
• Signal Processing
• Software Development
• Systems Engineering
• Test And Evaluation
• Test Equipment
• United States

Readers

• Aerospace Engineering
• Maritime and Naval Warfare Studies