MK-48 ADCAP

Abstract

Increase in FY22 funding supports TI-2 hardware and software development updates to prototype baseline, supporting transition of SCO developed technologies to the Navy heavyweight torpedo program. This includes system engineering, hardware/software prototype design updates, material procurements, with associated laboratory and in-water prototype testing. Additionally, the increased funding in FY22 supports MK 48 MOD 8 (APB6/TI-1) G&C material procurements by the contractor for Proof-of-Design, and APB 6 software builds in support of Test and Evaluation. 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) and develop MK-48 ADCAP technologies developed by the Office of Naval Research (ONR), and the Office of the Secretary of Defense (OSD) Strategic Capabilities Office (SCO). Torpedo APB development testing, and implementation process is being utilized to address 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. 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. Torpedo Technology Insertions (TIs) will provide for significant 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 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 8 (APB6/TI-1) Heavyweight Torpedo (HWT) program is an significant upgrade to the MK 48 MOD 7 HWT which will consist of an operational software 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). IPLCS will replace the existing copper guidance wire with fiber optics. These improvements are needed for performance in the presence of advanced countermeasures, shallow water, low Doppler targets, Very Shallow Water (VSW), to improve fuzing, and Anti Surface Warfare (ASuW) performance. TI-1 will also include features from three ONR Future Naval Capabilities (FNC) programs. MK48 MOD 9 (APB7/TI-2) represents significant improvements to the MK 48 MOD 7 and MOD 8 heavyweight torpedo (HWT), providing extended range and advance sensing capabilities against surface and subsurface targets. MK48 MOD 8 (APB6/TI-1) and MK48 MOD 9 (APB7/TI-2) provide two distinctly different capabilities and are operationally intended for different mission sets. These improvements consist of the APB7 software upgrade and Technology Insertion 2 (TI-2) hardware upgrade which provides advanced sensing, processing, and propulsion technologies developed under OSD SCO and ONR FNC research and development programs. 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 FY21. 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 limitations which prevent full utilization by ship's crew.

Document Details

• Document Type: R2 Budgetary Justification
• Publication Date: Oct 01, 2022
• Source ID: 0205632N_7_1319_PB_2022
• Change Summary Explanation: The program was reduced in FY22 by $5.489M to account for the availability of prior year funding. Increase in FY22 funding supports TI-2 hardware and software development updates to prototype baseline, supporting transition of SCO developed technologies to the Navy heavyweight torpedo program. This includes system engineering, hardware/software prototype design updates, material procurements, with associated laboratory and in-water prototype testing. Additionally, the increased funding in FY22 to support MK 48 MOD 8 (APB6/TI-1) G&C material procurements by the contractor for Proof-of-Design, and APB 6 software builds in support of Test and Evaluation.
• Service Agency Name: Navy

Entities

Organizations

• United States Navy

Tags

Communities of Interest

• Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

• Contractors
• Contracts
• Control Systems
• Cost Analysis
• Engineering
• Fiber Optics
• Materials
• Military Research
• Navy
• Procurement
• Product Development
• Program Management
• Shallow Water
• Signal Processing
• Software Development
• Test And Evaluation
• United States

Readers

• Aerospace Engineering
• Naval Mine Countermeasure Systems Development.