Payload Handling System (PHS)
Abstract
PHS includes the development, integration and demonstration of a single prototype "middle-ware" handling system used to deploy and retrieve large undersea vehicles, payloads, and offboard systems from submarines. Funding will be used to design, manufacture, and field a prototype to facilitate the raising, lowering and articulation of payloads into and out of submarine large ocean interfaces (e.g. missile tubes) to increase war fighting capabilities. PHS will initially be integrated and demonstrated on an SSGN platform to foster and assess early technology (vertical stowage, launch and recovery capability) integration and operational concept/employment. Subsequently, PHS includes efforts to transfer the technology and final design to industry for future multi-unit procurement and application on future VIRGINIA Class and other submarines. Payloads currently planned for vertical launch, recovery, and stowage include the U.S. Navy's Family of Unmanned Systems up to large size (e.g. SNAKEHEAD) and future block of Shallow Water Combat Submersibles (SWCS) to support Special Operations Forces (SOF) capabilities. The modularity of hosting these payloads within a tube loaded canister allows for the PHS and/or payload(s) to be swapped out with other payloads (e.g. missiles) while forward deployed dependent upon mission tasking of the submarine. Long lead- time material purchases begin in FY20 and continue into FY21. Planned FY20 efforts include continued detailed analysis and design for subsystem elements, interface control documentation, drawings. Planned FY21 efforts include beginning PHS prototype system manufacturing, commencing test planning development and completion of detailed analysis.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Accomplishment
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 2021
- Source ID
- 4e16d2f68cee2b51c90a2beb4833028d