Submarine Acoustic Warfare Development

The Submarine Acoustic Warfare Development (SAWS) Program is a Navy Research, Development, Test, and Evaluation (RDT&E) initiative designed to enhance the survivability and effectiveness of U.S. Navy submarines through advanced acoustic warfare technologies. The program's goal is to develop, integrate, and field new and improved acoustic countermeasures, submarine defense systems, external launch systems, and acoustic augmentation capabilities. The SAWS program supports multiple projects, including Submarine Torpedo Defensive Systems, Compact Rapid Attack Weapon, Non-Traditional Acoustic Communications, and the Submarine Launched Unmanned Aerial System.

Project 1265: Sub Defensive Warfare focuses on the development and deployment of the Submarine Torpedo Defensive System, which includes the Acoustic Device Countermeasure MK5 and MK6. The ADC MK5 is in the Engineering and Manufacturing Development phase and aims to provide full internal countermeasure launcher functionality to all submarines, featuring adaptability and improved mobility in a compact form. The ADC MK6, the next increment, is being developed for external countermeasure launchers to defend against advanced acoustic torpedo threats. This project also includes the Submarine Tethered Expendable Buoy, which integrates new communications pathways by modifying the internal countermeasure launcher breech door, enhancing submarine situational awareness through buoy sensor data.

Project 1267: Compact Rapid Attack Weapon is dedicated to delivering a new very-lightweight torpedo capability for the submarine fleet, supporting both Anti-Submarine Warfare and Anti-Torpedo Torpedo missions. The program is structured around two Technology Insertions. The first, executed as a Middle Tier of Acquisition, rapidly delivers fieldable prototypes for operational demonstration and early capability. The second, a Major Capability Acquisition, updates the baseline to address obsolescence and improve producibility, enabling broader fleet deployment. The program also includes development of the Revolver horizontal launcher system, which allows for the launch of multiple lightweight torpedoes from standard submarine torpedo tubes. Planned activities include completion of qualification, delivery of initial units, continued development, and further launcher integration.

Project 1268: Non-Traditional Acoustic Communications aims to advance undersea acoustic communications by developing software-based solutions that leverage existing submarine hardware. The program focuses on integrating new software capabilities to improve the effectiveness, reliability, and interoperability of undersea communications across multiple platforms. Objectives include ongoing systems engineering, software development, and capability improvements. Additionally, the Submarine Launched Unmanned Aerial System is managed under this project, extending submarine sensor range by enabling the launch of unmanned aerial vehicles from submarines. Development centers on integrating UAVs with submarine combat control systems and trainers.

Project 9999: Congressional Adds provides targeted funding for specific technology accelerations and integration efforts. Recent congressional adds have supported the integration of a four-tube launch system and accelerated the development of the Revolver launcher, which is critical for deploying new payloads such as the Compact Rapid Attack Weapon. These funds enable rapid prototyping, risk reduction, and early end-user engagement to ensure timely fielding of advanced launch capabilities.

The SAWS program's acquisition strategies emphasize rapid development, leveraging existing technologies, and iterative prototyping to keep pace with evolving undersea threats. Key industry and government partners include Leidos, Raytheon, Penn State University Applied Research Laboratory, Naval Undersea Warfare Center, and Naval Surface Warfare Center. The program also transitions technologies from Future Naval Capabilities, Small Business Innovation Research, and other RDT&E initiatives into operational systems.