Payload Handling System (PHS)
Abstract
PHS is used to enable the integration of large deployable and retrievable undersea vehicles, payloads, and offboard systems with large diameter vertical tubes primarily on guided missile (SSGN) and subsequently VIRGINIA class Block V and future submarines. PHS will initially be installed on an SSGN platform to establish proof of concept and demonstrate vertical stowage, launch and recovery capability, and integration for operational employment to influence VIRGINIA Payload Module design. Subsequent PHS application on VIRGINIA Class Block V and future submarines will support fully integrated vertical stowage, launch and recovery capability as a Fleet asset, and operational employment. PHS funding will be used to design, manufacture, and field an integrated system to enable vertical stowage, launch and recovery of systems such as the U.S. Navy's Unmanned Undersea Vehicles (UUVs) Family of Systems (FoS) from submarines, a capability which does not currently exist. The PHS will allow the Submarine Force the flexibility to launch and recover advanced systems of various configurations, including the U.S. Navy's UUVs FoSs, in support of critical Undersea Warfare (USW) missions, providing persistent presence and payload capacity. Launch and recovery of the U.S. Navy's UUVs FoSs from submarines will provide critical battle space awareness and extend war-fighting reach as a force multiplier complementary to the fast attack submarine (SSN) fleet. This capability is paramount to countering evolving threats from emerging world powers and maintaining dominance in the undersea domain.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Accomplishment
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 2019
- Source ID
- 8a1f59f6235103e8dd474136d9925a95