Undersea Warfare Support Equipment

The Undersea Warfare Support Equipment program, as outlined in Navy Budget Line Item (BLI) 2176, is designed to enhance the Navy's anti-submarine warfare (ASW) and surface warfare (SUW) capabilities through targeted procurement and sustainment of critical systems. This line item consolidates funding for three distinct programs: the Aircraft Carrier Tactical Support Center (CV-TSC), Sonar Dome Rubber Windows (SDRW), and the Undersea Warfare Decision Support System (USW-DSS). The overarching goal is to maintain and improve the lethality, survivability, and operational readiness of the Navy's submarine and surface fleets by providing advanced sensor integration, decision support, and acoustic performance enhancements.

The Aircraft Carrier Tactical Support Center (CV-TSC), sponsored by OPNAV N98, focuses on delivering robust ASW/SUW combat capability to aircraft carriers and their strike groups. The program's objectives include validating and certifying engineering changes on CVNs, implementing hardware and software upgrades to correct deficiencies, replacing obsolete or unreliable components, and resolving information assurance issues. CV-TSC ensures interoperability with current and future interfaces, supports mission data exchange, and improves sensor processing, mission planning, and embedded training. It integrates data from organic aircraft, ship sensors, and tactical networks, enabling real-time threat assessment and tactical recommendations for the Tactical Action Officer and Carrier Strike Group.

Sonar Dome Rubber Windows (SDRW), managed by OPNAV N96, provides emergency replacement and production support for wire-reinforced, pressurized rubber acoustic windows installed on CG47 and DDG51 class ships. The program's primary objective is to maintain a ready inventory of SDRWs to ensure ships remain mission-capable, as damaged windows require dry-docking for replacement. SDRWs are critical for reducing flow-induced self-noise and increasing sonar sensitivity, thereby improving surface ship sonar performance. The program also supports production engineering, technical evaluations, failure analysis, and the incorporation of new design and fabrication technologies. It ensures configuration management, implements lessons learned, and confirms the integrity of the single-stage cure production process.

The Undersea Warfare Decision Support System (USW-DSS), sponsored by OPNAV N2N6, is the Navy's program of record for ASW Command and Control net-centric operations. USW-DSS provides an integrated, near-real-time ASW Common Tactical Picture and Common Operational Picture for Carrier Strike Groups and theater commanders. Its objectives include optimizing sensor placement, managing resources, balancing operational risk, and providing vulnerability assessments. USW-DSS shortens decision cycles from detection to engagement across multiple platforms, including those with limited connectivity. The system ingests tactical data from shipboard and airborne sensors, processes it, and disseminates actionable information to afloat and shore-based nodes, enhancing collaborative ASW operations.

Within these programs, several specific procurement and support activities are funded. For CV-TSC, funding covers technology insertions, engineering change proposals, and multi-sensor fused track build-out to improve system reliability and tactical data fusion. SDRW funding is allocated for procurement of replacement windows and production support, including technical evaluations and material testing. USW-DSS funding supports shore site and tactical trainer procurement, technology refreshes for afloat and ashore systems, engineering changes, system technical support, production support, and initial software shipsets for CANES-equipped ships. Additionally, USW-DSS Theater ASW Build Out expands the system's baseline to new platforms and upgrades legacy systems, improving tactical data sharing and cybersecurity.

The justification for these investments centers on maintaining operational readiness, addressing obsolescence, and enhancing the Navy's ability to detect, track, and engage undersea threats. Each program is closely aligned with fleet requirements and incorporates feedback from operational use to ensure continued relevance and effectiveness. The procurement history reflects ongoing contracts with industry partners such as Collins Aerospace Systems and Progeny Systems Corporation, as well as government facilities like NUWC Keyport, ensuring timely delivery and support of these critical systems.