ASW Systems Development

ASW Systems Development is a Navy initiative aimed at advancing the development and testing of airborne Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) systems. The program falls under the Research, Development, Test & Evaluation, Navy / BA 4: Advanced Component Development & Prototypes (ACD&P). Its specific goals include evaluating integrated technologies, representative models, or prototype systems in a high fidelity and realistic operating environment to improve Air Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) effectiveness. This involves developing and maturing advanced hardware and software associated with airborne acoustic and non-acoustic systems, including sensors and components, processing, post-processing, data recording, and display capabilities to address near-peer threat scenarios against surfaced or submerged conventionally and nuclear-powered submarines.

The program aims to advance active and passive sensors and components, improve detection, classification, localization, and tracking capabilities while increasing capacity and flexibility to handle multi-sensor data loads. It also focuses on technology evaluations such as sonobuoy communication links to/from aircraft, distributed netted sensors, transient signals, and source and receiver technologies that enhance passive and multistatic active sensor systems. The ultimate objective is to develop persistent tactical search technologies that will allow transition to the localization and attack phase in operationally relevant environments. Additionally, the program will provide for the development and subsequent experimentation of the next generation of multistatic sources and receivers; passive sensors and processors; and non-acoustic technologies. Matured technologies that increase operational capability will transition to acquisition programs of record for eventual release on ASW platforms. The program's budget allocation supports investments in innovative and operationally relevant sensors, processing, telemetry, and experimentation.