Compact Rapid Attack Weapon (CRAW)

Abstract

Compact Rapid Attack Weapon (CRAW) Development Design Compact Rapid Attack Weapon (CRAW) Development Design CRAW is a very lightweight torpedo that will have Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) and Anti-Torpedo Torpedo (ATT) capabilities. ONR began a follow-on FNC in FY20 to demonstrate the ability to modify a previous design for submarine integration and use as an ASW weapon via TEMPALT in FY23. PMS415 began a Rapid Prototyping (RP) Middle Tier Acquisition (MTA) in FY22 to transition the ONR FNC effort to a lasting Early Operational Capability via a SHIPALT in FY26. The ONR FNC and CRAW MTA program received 24 existing legacy hardware devices that will be updated for submarine integration, and will be known as the CRAW TI-1 hardware baseline. The critical updates consist of integrating a new Safe and Arming (S&A) and Warhead (WH) design, and the development of Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) mission software. PSU/ARL will support the ONR FNC demonstration, the development of the CRAW TI-1 hardware and software updates, and the maturation of the design into a permanent capability through the RP MTA approach. Leveraging the existing 24 legacy hardware devices and the long standing technological knowledge of PSU/ARL for designing, testing, and qualifying the CRAW device will enable the program to deliver the leave behind residual capability in FY26 as the TI-1/ASW Early Operational Capability (EOC). The program will then transition the RP MTA into a Major Capability Acquisition Program that will update the TI-1 baseline into a supportable and producible industry design that will be known as the TI-2 hardware baseline. PMS415 intends to execute this approach with the award of a UTIC OTA contract in Q3 FY22. In FY22 and early FY23, the awarded prime contractor will primarily shadow PSU/ARL to transition TI-1 CRAW knowledge and prepare for TI-2 development to begin in late FY23. The prime contractor will address obsolescence issues, develop the production line, improve manufacturing processes, stand-up the vendor base, and deliver TI-2 EDMs in support of future full-rate production. PMS415 intends to initiate the TI-2 program of record in mid to late FY23 as a post MS-B ACAT III program. The program is planning to reach MS-C in FY27. Compact Rapid Attack Weapon (CRAW) Submarine Integration Submarine integration of CRAW into the external countermeasure launcher (ECL) assembly requires upgrades to the combat systems in support of pre-planning and launch control of the CRAW, a new launch tube assembly that fits into the ECL, and ship alteration and modernization planning documents. This effort requires upgrades to the submarine combat system as a part of the Submarine Federated and Warfare Tactical Systems (SWFTS) modernization cycle. The major components requiring hardware and software upgrades to support CRAW include the ECL assembly, BYG-1 combat system, and Common Weapon Launcher (CWL). The upgrades will come in two initial phases with a Temporary Alteration (TEMPALT) to Technical Insertion 20 (TI-20) for the ONR FNC demonstration launch from a Virginia Class Submarine (VCS), and then a permanent Ship Alteration (SHIPALT) to TI-24 for VCS Blk III/IV hulls as a part of the Rapid Prototyping MTA. In addition, the necessary TEMPALT and SHIPALT documentation (e.g., design changes, safety reports, test reports, etc.) required for installation aboard a submarine will be developed. An integrated test program and operational testing with the Navy's Command Operational Test and Evaluation Force will be conducted after installation of the TI-24 SHIPALT. In FY2023 the program will complete a TEMPALT data package and coordinate with ONR FNC to demonstrate the launch of a CRAW from an ECL on a submarine in FY23. This test will inform the final SHIPALT configuration needed for permanent integration and installation of CRAW on a submarine beginning in FY2026. The program will also continue development of upgrades necessary to support CRAW launch and control from the BYG-1 combat system. The program will also begin work with ONR on Revolver MP to enable CRAW launch and control via torpedo tubes. This has the potential to significantly reduce DT/OT duration by enabling the launch of test CRAWs from the torpedo room and thereby minimizing the time consuming replacement and reloading of ECL assemblies (which must be accomplished pier side with crane support).

Document Details

• Document Type: Project
• Publication Date: Oct 01, 2023
• Source ID: 1267_0101226N_7_1319_PB_2023

Tags

Readers

• Aerospace Engineering
• Maritime and Naval Warfare Studies
• Naval Mine Countermeasure Systems Development.