Surface ASW System Improvement

Abstract

The Surface ASW Systems Improvements Project will support essential performance enhancements to AN/SQQ-89(V) and Surface Ship Sonar Systems. This project will improve AN/SQQ-89(V) MOP by enhancing detection, tracking, classification, active and sonobuoy data processing and display capabilities, and increasing acoustic sensor frequency bandwidth (Operational Requirements Document #667-76-05 titled 'AN/SQQ-89 Improvement Program' dated 31-Jan-05), Test and Evaluation Master Plan 801 and 802-2 (TEMP 801 & TEMP 802-2). This project will take advantage of the AN/SQQ-89(V) OSA and ARCI initiatives to integrate an MFTA with active sonar bistatics (ETC), an ARCI passive ASW processor, and torpedo defense capabilities (Forward and Aft sector coverage with Wake Homer protection). This COTS-based Surface Ship ASW combat system, the AN/SQQ-89A(V)15, is currently planned as a backfit program for both CG47 (CG59-73 Baseline 3 and 4) and DDG51 (All FLT I/II/IIA) class ships. This project has delivered the AN/SQQ-89A(V)15 Build 0 Pre-Production Prototype, performed installation on board CG73, and conducted subsequent Developmental Test & Evaluation (DT&E) and Initial Operational Test & Evaluation (IOT&E) where the system was found 'Operationally Effective' by Command Operational Test and Evaluation Force (COMOPTEVFOR). The OSA and high performance COTS processing hardware on ships fielded with the AN/SQQ-89A(V)15 combat system provides an opportunity to integrate select P3I as well as emergent, transformational ASW technological improvements that were previously unachievable. The Undersea Warfare (USW) suites on these ships will require periodic upgrades to remain effective well into the 21st century and to pace the threat. Software upgrades target capability increases in high interest areas as prescribed by the Fleet and captured in campaign analysis. To achieve this, this project will package and deliver incremental upgrades every two years to the AN/SQQ-89A(V)15 production program via an ACB spiral development process (ACB-09, ACB-11, ACB-13, etc.) by inserting maturing USW technologies, such as enhancements to improve USW performance in the littoral, reduced manning on AN/SQQ-89(V) equipped ships (operator efficiency upgrades via the implementation of robust embedded data record and replay capability and active/passive sonar simulation/stimulation), Detection/Classification/Localization active/passive processing upgrades (passive sonar automated detection and classification processing bell-ringers from the ASW Community-of-Interest, detect and track through maneuvers, integration of MH-60R mission systems with the AN/SQQ-89A(V)15 combat system, integration of Mid-Frequency active detection improvements, false-alarm rate reduction, clutter reduction, and integration of ASW Community-of-Interest improved acoustic intercept and small-object avoidance), ASW Multi-Sensor integration (acoustic similar-source fusion and implementation of integrated shipboard system data, and ASW combat display architecture and reduced watch-team operational concept implementation), distributed engagement management (Network Centric Enterprise Services implementation, new displays and decision aids, ASW Community-of-Interest model capabilities implementation), marine mammal detection and mitigation, Multi-Static Active ASW, Multi-Frequency Acoustic Communications (MF ACOMMS) between Surface Combatants and Submarines, new RAPTOR radar processing, and upgraded technologies such as algorithm improvements, increased Passive Narrow Band (PNB) frequency, improved Extended Echo Ranging (EER), and beamformer improvements. A rigorous testing program is also required to ensure that these performance enhancements are operationally effective and suitable. Project 1916 also includes funding for the Surface Ship Enhanced Measurement Program (SSEMP), which will measure the performance of existing and new Surface Ship ASW combat systems and enables data based assessment of the capabilities and shortfalls in the performance of these systems in realistic scenarios. Project 1916 also includes funding, starting in FY 2009, for the Surface ASW Synthetic Training (SAST) program (under the Surface Ship ASW Synthetic Signatures Generation and Training Acceleration Initiative), including the development of a high fidelity acoustic simulation of a surface ship sonar based on the Improved Performance Sonar (IPS) baseline. This effort will accelerate the implementation and integration of the Submarine Multi-Mission Team Trainer (SMMTT) Navy Continuous Training Environment (NCTE) solution/baseline to the surface ship paradigm for high fidelity active and passive simulation for the improvement of operator proficiency, development of a rapid acoustic reconstruction capability, and to ensure SAST interoperability via the AEGIS Combat Training System (ACTS) and Battle Force Tactical Trainer (BFTT). SAST capability will be fielded throughout the force, via ACB updates to the AN/SQQ-89A(V)15 system, while spiraling in additional ASW sensors, as well as full High Level Architecture (HLA)/NCTE interoperability.

Document Details

• Document Type: Project
• Publication Date: Oct 01, 2011
• Source ID: 1916_0205620N_7_1319_PB_2011

Tags

Fields of Study

• Engineering

Readers

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

Technology Areas

• 5G
• 5G - DoD 5G Program
• 5G - Internet of Things