SSN Acoustic Equipment

SSN Acoustic Equipment is a critical line item within the Navy's Other Procurement budget, supporting the modernization and sustainment of submarine acoustic systems across all classes of U.S. submarines. The goal of this program is to maintain acoustic, tactical, and operational superiority in undersea warfare through the procurement and installation of advanced sonar, sensor, and array equipment. These upgrades enable submarines to detect, classify, localize, and track contacts in a variety of operational environments, including littoral zones, open ocean, and high-density shipping areas. The program is managed by the Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) and leverages both government and industry partners for hardware production and integration.

Acoustic Rapid COTS Insertion (A-RCI) is a multi-phased modernization effort incorporated into this budget line. A-RCI enables rapid introduction of commercial off-the-shelf technology to address evolving acoustic superiority requirements. The program executes bi-annual software Advanced Processing Builds and hardware Technical Insertions for several SSNs and SSBNs annually. These upgrades are tailored to the specific needs of each submarine class, including Los Angeles, Seawolf, Virginia, Ohio, and Columbia. A-RCI delivers incremental improvements in towed array, spherical array, and high-frequency processing capabilities, ensuring continued relevance against emerging threats and obsolescence.

Hull Sensors and Arrays procurement focuses on enhancing situational awareness and collision avoidance. The Low Cost Conformal Array provides improved detection in high-contact environments, while the Large Vertical Array for both Ohio and Virginia classes increases tactical situational awareness and target tracking capabilities. The High Frequency Sail Array supports both anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare, as well as contact avoidance in congested maritime regions. These systems are installed during scheduled shipyard availabilities and require significant engineering support to integrate with existing submarine platforms.

Towed Systems include the procurement and refurbishment of Thinline and Fatline arrays, as well as upgrades to legacy arrays. These efforts are designed to increase reliability, extend service life, and reduce failures, thereby maintaining a robust inventory of operational arrays for fleet use. Upgrades to towed array handler systems ensure compatibility and support for all submarine classes. The program also funds unique test equipment and simulators for array handling and inspection, supporting fleet readiness and maintenance.

Technical Insertion Kits are provided for Los Angeles, Seawolf, Virginia, and Ohio class submarines, delivering the latest hardware and software capabilities to previously installed systems. These kits address legacy replacement needs and integrate new technologies to counter obsolescence, with procurement quantities and installation schedules adjusted based on fleet modernization priorities and supply chain realities. The program also includes support for SSBN Columbia class conversions, ensuring next-generation strategic deterrent platforms are equipped with state-of-the-art sonar capabilities.

Support Equipment, Training, and Consulting Services are integral to the program's objectives. Procurement of sonar switches, transducers, hydrophones, cables, domes, and windows ensures operational availability and reliability of in-service undersea warfare sonars. Initial training funds support curriculum development and fleet exercise management, while consulting services provide specification validation, contract monitoring, and production planning. Engineering changes and block modifications are funded to address non-recurring test efforts, reliability, maintainability, and cyber reliability improvements, including initiatives led by the Cyber Reliability Tiger Team.

Justification and Budget Drivers for FY 2026 include increased investment in sonar sustainment, technology refreshes for legacy systems, and replacement of end-of-life components. The program's funding profile reflects adjustments for inflation, supply chain delays, and newly negotiated contract prices. The increase from FY 2025 to FY 2026 is attributed to Submarine Industrial Base investments in critical modernization efforts, including upgrades to sphere interface units, chin array modules, and telemetry systems. These efforts collectively support the Navy's strategic objectives of acoustic superiority, fleet readiness, and operational effectiveness in undersea warfare.