Submarine Acoustic Warfare System

The Submarine Acoustic Warfare System (SAWS) program is designed to enhance the defensive capabilities of U.S. submarines against torpedo and acoustic sensor threats. Its primary objective is to provide submarines with expendable countermeasures and the necessary systems for external launch. This includes ongoing production of countermeasure devices to maintain fleet inventories, as well as improvements to enhance their readiness and effectiveness. The program supports all U.S. submarines with Acoustic Device Countermeasures (ADC) launched through Internal and External Countermeasure Launchers.

The Acoustic Augmentation Support Program (AASP) aims to provide acoustic augmentation systems for various submarine classes, excluding SEAWOLF, by installing temporary equipment until permanent installations can be made. This initiative focuses on reducing sustainment costs and providing long-term solutions through reliability and refurbishment upgrades. The AASP involves new procurements a year before installation and refurbished systems in the same year as installation, ensuring that current in-service systems are maintained with updated components and software.

The Countermeasure Set, Acoustic (CSA) program focuses on procuring and supporting inboard electronic systems for launching 6" ADCs from newer U.S. submarines. It addresses obsolescence support for legacy systems while modernizing them to improve force readiness. The CSA program integrates with the Submarine Warfare Federated Tactical System (SWFTS), implementing phased upgrades to maintain compatibility with networked tactical systems and reduce cybersecurity risks.

The Compact Rapid Attack Weapon (CRAW) initiative involves developing a lightweight torpedo with multi-mission capabilities for anti-submarine warfare and torpedo defense. The program requires procurement of installation kits and support equipment for fielding its capabilities on submarines. This includes integrating CRAW with existing submarine combat systems through SHIPALT installation kits, enabling compatibility with the submarine's External Countermeasure Launchers (ECLs). Additionally, Revolver Multi-Payload units are being developed to facilitate launching multiple small diameter payloads from VIRGINIA Class Torpedo Tubes, with CRAW being the initial payload integrated into this system.