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	Director, Operational Test & Evaluation
	FY98 Annual Report

SYSTEM DESCRIPTION & CONTRIBUTION TO JOINT VISION 2010

The Mk 48 ADCAP torpedo is a submarine launched, heavyweight acoustic homing torpedo with sophisticated sonar and an influence fuzed warhead. The improved ADCAP torpedo includes all digital guidance and control systems, digital fusing systems, and propulsion improvements, which add speed, depth, and range capability. The Mk 48 class torpedoes are the Navy's only submarine launched torpedoes used for engagement of submarine and surface targets, contributing significantly to the submarines' precision engagement. They are also essential to the force protection role of submarines. There are a number of upgrades to the ADCAP torpedo discussed in the following paragraphs.

There are two hardware modifications to the baseline ADCAP (Mk48 Mod5), called the G&C (Guidance and Control) MOD and the TPU (Torpedo Propulsion Upgrade) MOD. The G&C MOD replaces the obsolete guidance and control set with current technology, improves the acoustic receiver, adds memory, and improves processor throughput to handle expanded software demands. The TPU MOD improves the torpedo as described in the classified version of this report. A follow-on hardware change to the MODS ADCAP, called the Common Torpedo Development Vehicle (COT-DV), is planned for fleet introduction in FY01. COT-DV is a common processor that will use COTS hardware and will be significantly more capable than current G&Cs. Another hardware upgrade, Common Broadband Advanced Sonar System (CBASS) is planned for FY04, and its capabilities are described in the classified version of this report.

Three software builds are currently under oversight. Block Upgrade III (BU III) is intended to provide near-term improvements. BU IV, currently under development, is intended to provide mid-term improvements. The even more sophisticated CBASS software will follow BU IV. All are described in the classified version of this report.

The ADCAP torpedo OPEVAL and B-LRIP report were completed in 1988. ADCAP was reported to be operationally effective against certain threats, but not operationally effective against other threats at that time. The system was reported operationally suitable. The Navy subsequently authorized full-rate production, but Congress constrained procurement because of the concerns identified in test reporting. Modifications were implemented by the Navy to improve performance in certain scenarios, upgrade fuzing systems, and improve reliability. These modifications were considered effective. In 1994, a second software upgrade was introduced to improve performance and reliability. DOT&E assessed ADCAP to be operationally effective following this improvement, but some areas remained unsatisfactory. Additional detail, including areas in which DOT&E reached different conclusions than those reached by COMOPTEVFOR are discussed in the classified versions of the FY94 and FY95 Annual Reports.

The MODS ADCAP, intended to address open issues from previous OT&E, was tested in 1995 and reported in the 1996 B-LRIP report. DOT&E assessed MODS ADCAP to be both operationally effective and suitable. Although the reliability was marginally below threshold, DOT&E identified MODS ADCAP as producing a much better total performance against the COEA threat than the baseline ADCAP. Based on modeling and simulation and on torpedo test data, DOT&E also assessed the MODS ADCAP to provide a significant advantage against nuclear submarines using some difficult evasion tactics, although testing was not conducted against submarines employing these specific tactics.

DOT&E approved Revision 7 to the TEMP, which expanded the plan to include COT-DV, BU IV, and CBASS. Testing was conducted in accordance with the approved TEMP with one exception, which is covered in the classified version of this report. DOT&E approved all other test plans, and those tests were carried out in accordance with the TEMP. With encouragement from DOT&E, the program office initiated a Target-Threat Simulation Validation IPT, in order to provide agreement on the optimal and most realistic threat simulation for both DT and OT for the CBASS.

ADCAP testing was light in 1998. Some BU III torpedoes were shot during Prospective Commanding Officer (PCO) training, but no unexamined capabilities were examined. Some informal testing of baseline ADCAP with BU III software continued throughout FY98. BU IV DT commenced in October 1998. Results will be reported next year. The Navy conducted live-fire warshot torpedo exercises in carefully controlled conditions, a practice it resumed last year after several years of inactivity. These are all further discussed in the classified version of this report.

Numerous issues remain unresolved; many of which are being addressed by the program office through the BU IV software upgrade. With littoral warfare against quiet diesel submarines a dominant and growing concern, BU IV is a very important software upgrade to the ADCAP torpedo. These are discussed in detail in the classified version of this report.

Problems with production MODS ADCAP (reported last year) have been sufficiently corrected, so the sponsor (OPNAV N87) and the program have released the torpedo for fleet use. Although the weapon still does not meet all ORD requirements, its performance is sufficiently close to warrant this decision. DOT&E was thoroughly apprised of this issue and concurs with fleet introduction. MODS ADCAP is vital to the mission effectiveness of all submarine classes against projected threats, including SEAWOLF and NSSN. See the classified version of this report for further details.

DOT&E has been disappointed in the slow progress made to date with regard to target threat validation. Historical testing paradigms are proving difficult to change, but DOT&E will continue to press for improved realism in target-threat validation. More details concerning this issue are covered in the classified version of this report.

Side by side testing of BU III with baseline TPU and MODS ADCAP would be beneficial to help better understand the tactical capabilities of both torpedo variants. Such testing can be easily done during PCO operations, if the program office and submarine force will do so. Further details of this issue are addressed in the classified version of this report.

As cited last year, some performance questions remain unresolved due to inadequate T&E support. More details are covered in the classified version of this report.

While M&S was planned in support of BU III OT&E to do deep water ASW regression testing, the VV&A effort was disappointing due to shortfalls in being able to sufficiently model the very complicated underseas acoustic and hydrodynamic environment. More details are found in the classified version of this report. The program, however, has not given up, and is again planning to use the Weapons Analysis Facility in Newport, RI, a torpedo hardware-in-the-loop system, in support of BU IV OT&E. DOT&E endorses this initiative and is participating in an IPT to learn how to more effectively use this capability.

The ADCAP program office has very close ties with the operational forces and good, open relationships with both OPTEVFOR and DOT&E. Although this report cites a significant list of challenges facing this program, the program's openness and candor have directly translated into a meaningful, healthy test program.