Military

A. NOMENCLATURE-TITLE-PROGRAM

1. Nomenclature-Title-Acronym. Navy Consolidated Sonobuoys

2. Program Elements. 064261N and 060399N

B. SECURITY CLASSIFICATION. This NTSP is Unclassified.

a. System Characteristics Secret

b. Capabilities Confidential

c. Functions Confidential

d. Delivery Schedule Confidential

a. System Characteristics Unclassified

b. Capabilities Unclassified

c. Functions Unclassified

d. Delivery Schedule Confidential

D. SYSTEM DESCRIPTION

1. Operational Uses. The United States Navy maintains a superior global Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) capability with the ability to detect, localize, identify, and track potentially hostile submarines. Sonobuoys provide both a deployable acoustical signal source and reception capability for underwater signals of interest. These received signals are transmitted to monitoring units that process the signal for target analysis, classification, and recording on magnetic tape media for replay and post-event analysis. Established sonobuoy tactics allow for short and long range detection of surface ships and submarines resulting in the prosecution of identified hostile targets.

a. Bathythermograph Sonobuoy, AN/SSQ-36. The Bathythermograph (BT) Sonobuoy provides a thermal gradient measurement to the monitoring units.

b. Directional Frequency Analysis and Recording Sonobuoy, AN/SSQ-53D/E. The Directional Frequency Analysis and Recording (DIFAR) Sonobuoy provides a magnetic bearing of the signal of interest to the monitoring units and can be used for search, detection, and classification. With this capability, it is possible to fix the location of a contact with as few as two AN/SSQ-53 Sonobuoys.

c. Low Frequency Analysis and Recording Sonobuoy, AN/SSQ-57B. The Low Frequency Analysis and Recording (LOFAR) Sonobuoy provides omnidirectional passive acoustic signature data to the monitoring unit(s). The sonobuoy is calibrated and can be used to accurately measure ambient noise, and through post-event analysis, provides Sound Pressure Level measurements. With this capability, it is possible to fix the location of a contact with as few as three AN/SSQ-57B Sonobuoys.

d. Directional Command Activated Sonobuoy System Sonobuoy, AN/SSQ-62B/C/D/E. The Directional Command Activated Sonobuoy System (DICASS) Sonobuoy, in conjunction with the monitoring units' signal processing equipment, provides active sonar range, bearing, and Doppler information on a submerged contact. The DICASS Sonobuoy is designed to develop and maintain attack criteria. The DICASS is usually employed in multiple sonobuoy patterns, however, they are designed to permit single buoy attack criteria. The flexibility inherent in the monitoring units' control over the various sonobuoy functions enables optimum sonobuoy employment over a wide range of environmental and target conditions.

e. Vertical Line Array Directional Frequency Analysis and Recording Sonobuoy, AN/SSQ-77B. The Vertical Line Array Directional Frequency Analysis and Recording (VLAD) Sonobuoy is designed to increase the detection of signals of interest in an environment where there is an ever-increasing amount of ambient noise. This increased detection capability is accomplished through the use of beamforming technology. Beamforming provides enhanced reception of desired threat signals of interest while attenuating reception of unwanted noise. This technology gives the monitoring units the ability to search, detect, and classify a target at extended ranges with minimum expenditure of sonobuoys.

f. Data Link Communications Sonobuoy, AN/SSQ-86. The Data Link Communications (DLC) Sonobuoy provides limited, one-way, acoustic communications from the buoy to friendly submarines. The buoy is encoded by the aircrew prior to flight.

g. Air Deployable Active Receiver Sonobuoy, AN/SSQ-101. The Air Deployable Active Receiver (ADAR) Sonobuoy is an acoustic data receiver capable of in-buoy beamforming and transmission of received real-time acoustic signals back to monitoring units. The primary mission is to receive active search signals (i.e., long-range echo detection of quiet, slow moving targets).

h. Extended Echo Ranging Sonobuoy, AN/SSQ-110. The operational uses of the Extended Echo Ranging (EER) Sonobuoy are classified.

i. Improved Extended Echo Ranging Sonobuoy, AN/SSQ-110/A. The operational uses of the Improved Extended Echo Ranging (IEER) Sonobuoy are classified.

2. Foreign Military Sales. Information concerning Foreign Military Sales of sonobuoys may be obtained from the Program Executive Office, Air ASW Assault and Special Missions Programs (PEO(A)), at Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIRSYSCOM) Program Manager, Air (PMA)264.

E. DEVELOPMENTAL TEST AND OPERATIONAL TEST. The BT, DIFAR, LOFAR, DICASS, VLAD, DLC, EER, and IEER Sonobuoys have all completed Developmental Test (DT) and Operational Test (OT). The ADAR has completed DT for system effectiveness, ASW platform and sonobuoy interoperability, and compliance with logistics and performance specifications. The ADAR DT-I was successfully completed by Air Test and Evaluation Squadron One (VX-1) Patuxent River, Maryland, during Fiscal Year (FY)97. The Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division (NAWCAD), Patuxent River, Maryland, successfully completed the ADAR DT-II from first quarter FY98 through fourth quarter FY98 using the S-3B Aircraft (being the only aircraft capable for testing at that time) and acoustic sources used in conjunction with production representative ADAR Sonobuoys. OT-II was conducted by VX-1 beginning in October 1998 and was successfully completed in December 1998.

F. AIRCRAFT AND/OR EQUIPMENT/SYSTEM/SUBSYSTEM REPLACED. The introduction of the ADAR Sonobuoy does not replace any existing Sonobuoy systems.

G. DESCRIPTION OF NEW DEVELOPMENT

1. Functional Description. All sonobuoys addressed in this NTSP are normally launched from standard A-size tubes via pneumatics, free fall, or a Cartridge Actuated Device (CAD). Shipboard personnel may also launch them by hand or Over The Side (OTS). All are powered by either salt water activated magnesium or silver chloride, lithium chemistry, or thermal batteries, and are designed to scuttle at some point after usable or selected life expires.

a. Bathythermograph Sonobuoy. The BT Sonobuoy is an expendable, thermal gradient measurement sonobuoy that operates on one of three or one of 99 Radio Frequency (RF) channels. It consists of a thermistor temperature probe that descends through the bottom of the sonobuoy canister producing a continuous reading of temperature versus depth. The thermistor temperature probe will descend to 1000, 2000, or 2625 feet, depending upon the depth selected. The BT, upon self-activation, deploys a thermistor temperature probe. Throughout the probe's descent, the temperature gradient is converted to an electronic signal that is applied to the buoy's preset carrier frequency. The monitoring platform receives the signal for recording, processing, and analysis.

b. Directional Frequency Analysis and Recording Sonobuoy. The DIFAR Sonobuoy, upon self-activation, operates in a passive mode at the preset life and depth. Upon reception of acoustic signals, the subsurface unit converts the pressure waves into amplified electronic signals and provides a magnetic reference for each signal through utilization of the flux gate compass. These signals are sent to the surface unit via the cable assembly. The surface unit applies these signals to a preset Frequency Modulation (FM) carrier for Very High Frequency (VHF) transmission. The monitoring platform receives the signals for recording, processing, and analysis.

(1) AN/SSQ-53D. The AN/SSQ-53D DIFAR Sonobuoy incorporates the Electronic Function Select (EFS) capability which provides the operator with the capability to electronically select one of the available 99 RF channels, sonobuoy life of one-half, one, two, four, or eight hours, and hydrophone depth of 90, 400, or 1000 feet. The AN/SSQ-53D also has improved suspension, wider sonic response curve, and electronic upgrades compared to previous DIFAR Sonobuoys.

(2) AN/SSQ-53E. The AN/SSQ-53E DIFAR Sonobuoy incorporates Command Function Select (CFS). Through CFS, a suitably equipped ASW aircraft can transmit Ultra High Frequency (UHF) radio commands to the sonobuoy. These commands select VHF operation (on-off), hydrophone reception Constant Shallow Omni (CSO)/Normal, Automatic Gain Control (AGC) operation (on-off), and change RF channel frequency. The CSO is an omnidirectional hydrophone positioned at a depth setting of 45 feet. It is less sensitive than the normal DIFAR hydrophone, but is useful against an evasive submarine. AGC selection provides the operator additional flexibility when operating in a noisy environment. The ability to select VHF operation and change RF channels enhances operations in the littoral environment. Also, the AN/SSQ-53E Sonobuoy includes an additional 200 feet EFS depth setting.

c. Low Frequency Analysis and Recording Sonobuoy. The LOFAR Sonobuoy is an expendable, omnidirectional, passive sonar unit. It consists of an omnidirectional hydrophone that descends through the bottom of the sonobuoy canister to a pre-selected depth. The LOFAR Sonobuoy operates from one of 31 RF channels preset during manufacturing. There is a selectable operating life of one, three, or eight hours and selectable operating depth of 90 or 400 feet. The LOFAR Sonobuoy, upon self-activation, operates in a passive mode at the preset life and depth. Upon reception of acoustic signals, the subsurface unit converts the pressure waves into amplified electronic signals. These signals are then sent to the surface unit where they are applied to an FM carrier for VHF transmission. The monitoring platform receives the signal for recording, processing, and analysis.

d. Directional Command Activated Sonobuoy System Sonobuoy. The DICASS Sonobuoy is an expendable, active sonar unit. Via an RF UHF downlink, the monitoring unit controls the DICASS Sonobuoy. The DICASS Sonobuoy, upon self-activation, is able to process UHF command signals transmitted by the monitoring unit. This command activated, active sonobuoy provides range, bearing, and Doppler information on active sonar contacts. The monitoring platform is capable of commanding the transducer to deeper depths, activating sonar transmission, including pulse mode and pulse duration changes, and sonobuoy scuttle. Upon receiving a UHF command signal from the monitoring unit and decoding the signal for the proper address codes, the DICASS Sonobuoy emits, as selected, either a continuous wave or FM "ping." The transducer array emits pulses, which are omnidirectional on the horizontal plane and beamformed on the vertical plane. The received signal is amplified and filtered prior to transfer to the compass and multiplexer subassembly where a magnetic bearing reference is provided. This signal is then routed through the cable assembly to the surface unit where it is applied to an FM carrier for VHF transmission. The monitoring platform receives the signal for recording, processing, and analysis.

(1) AN/SSQ-62B. The AN/SSQ-62B DICASS Sonobuoy may be command activated to change depth, to activate sonar transmissions, and to scuttle the sonobuoy. The AN/SSQ-62B DICASS Sonobuoy operates on one of four preset sonar channels and one of 31 preset RF channels. These channels are preset by the manufacturer and cannot be changed. Upon deployment, the AN/SSQ-62B DICASS Sonobuoy will initially deploy to a depth of 90 feet. Upon receipt of a command signal, the transducer will deploy to a depth of 400 or 1500 feet.

(2) AN/SSQ-62C. The AN/SSQ-62C DICASS Sonobuoy also operates on one of 86 preset sonar channels. The channels are preset prior to flight to one of 86 preset RF channels that correspond with the preset sonar channel. Upon deployment, the AN/SSQ-62C DICASS Sonobuoy will initially deploy to a depth of 90 feet. Upon receipt of a command signal, the transducer will deploy to a depth of 400, 1500, or 2500 feet. The 1500 or 2500 foot depth option must be selected through the EFS during preflight.

(3) AN/SSQ-62D. The AN/SSQ-62D DICASS Sonobuoy has been improved with the replacement of the lithium chemistry battery with a thermal battery. Additionally, the sonobuoy includes the EFS option of selectable depth families. During preflight, either a shallow or deep family of depth option is selected. If the shallow family is selected, depth settings of 50, 150, or 300 feet are available. If the deep family is selected, depth settings of 90, 400, and 1500 are available. These depth options provide sufficient flexibility for both littoral and open ocean ASW operations.

(4) AN/SSQ-62E. The AN/SSQ-62E DICASS Sonobuoy includes the following improvements and modifications to the AN/SSQ-62D DICASS Sonobuoy design. It incorporates CFS, allowing a suitably equipped ASW aircraft to transmit UHF radio commands to the sonobuoy. These commands select VHF operation (on-off), change RF channel frequency and associated sonar channel frequency, change sonar frequency independently, and change depth setting. These features all provide enhancements for both deep water and littoral ASW environments. Additionally, the AN/SSQ-62E DICASS Sonobuoy includes all four available sonar channel frequencies into a single sonobuoy which provides significant logistics savings.

e. Vertical Line Array Directional Frequency Analysis and Recording Sonobuoy. The VLAD Sonobuoy is an expendable, omnidirectional, passive sonar unit. The VLAD Sonobuoy uses a multi-element, omnidirectional hydrophone array and a beamforming filter assembly to enhance acoustic sensitivity. The VLAD has a selectable configuration incorporated into the EFS. This allows the operator to select either bottom bounce or convergence zone sound reception. The EFS will also allow selection of one of 99 RF channels, two operating depths of 500 and 1000 feet, and selectable life settings of one, four, or eight hours. In all other respects, the VLAD is comparable to the DIFAR. The VLAD Sonobuoy, upon self-activation, operates in a passive mode for the preset life, depth, and sound reception pattern. Upon reception of acoustic signals, the subsurface unit converts the pressure waves to amplified electronic signals. These signals are then transferred to the beamforming assembly where the signal is amplified and filtered and a magnetic bearing reference is applied. The amplified signal is then routed through the cable assembly to the surface unit and applied to an FM carrier for VHF transmission. The monitoring platform receives the signal for recording, processing, and analysis.

f. Data Link Communications Sonobuoy. The DLC Sonobuoy is an expendable, acoustic communication device designed to transmit a preprogrammed message to a submerged submarine. It consists of an omnidirectional acoustic transducer that descends through the bottom of the sonobuoy canister to a shallow transmission depth of 75 feet. After completing shallow depth transmissions, the transducer automatically descends to the deep transmission depth of 350 feet. The messages are encoded through the EFS prior to launch. The acoustic transmission frequencies are classified. The message transmission includes an address group, an addressee group, and two word groups. The sonobuoy does not have an RF transmitter. The DLC Sonobuoy, upon self-activation, operates in an autonomous acoustic communications mode for the preset coding. The preset coding is converted into the equivalent acoustic frequencies and transmitted from the buoy transducer at both shallow and deep settings. This buoy does not use a VHF transmitter. Monitoring of acoustic transmissions can be accomplished through a co-located passive buoy.

g. Air Deployable Active Receiver Sonobuoy. The ADAR Sonobuoy is an expendable unit capable of receiving UHF downlink commands and sending real-time beamformed acoustic data via a VHF digital uplink to the monitoring unit. The ADAR will be a free-floating, acoustic data receiver that will operate in conjunction with an acoustic source. The buoy will also scuttle automatically upon detection of a low voltage state or completion of its six-hour life. The ADAR Sonobuoy will be expended by all compatible ASW aircraft or OTS by shipboard personnel and operated in conjunction with an independent transmitting acoustic source. The EFS selector will be used to select depth (one of three) and the default acoustic beamform band (one of two). Once in the water the acoustic frequency band can be changed, the RF channel can be changed, and the RF can be turned on or off via downlink command function select. Once activated, the Sonobuoy receives, beamforms, and transmits real-time acoustic data in the selected frequency band to the monitoring unit. The separately deployed acoustic source will be commanded to "ping," ensonifying the water and any target present, generating an acoustic "return" that is received and transmitted by the ADAR Receiver. Aboard the monitoring unit, the data will be processed and displayed (visual and aural), providing the operator a means of determining range, bearing, amplitude, and possibly Doppler (coherent acoustic sources only) on submarine targets.

h. Extended Echo Ranging Sonobuoy. The functional description of the EER Sonobuoy is classified.

i. Improved Extended Echo Ranging Sonobuoy. The functional description of the IEER Sonobuoy is classified.

2. Physical Description. The sonobuoys discussed in this NTSP are all A-size: length 36 inches, diameter 4 7/8 inches. The sonobuoy weight varies by manufacturer and buoy type, but will not exceed 39 pounds.

3. New Development Introduction. All the sonobuoys discussed in this NTSP, except the DLC Sonobuoy, are new production sonobuoys. The DLC Sonobuoy is a refurbished product. Initial Operating Capability for the ADAR Sonobuoy is scheduled for late FY01.

4. Significant Interfaces. The BT, DIFAR, LOFAR, DICASS, VLAD, and DLC Sonobuoys are used in conjunction with the on-board systems of the P-3, SH-2, and SH-60 series aircraft.

The EER, IEER, and ADAR Sonobuoys will operate with the P-3C Update III Aircraft. The SH-60B Upgrade, SH-2G Upgrade, and the SH-60F Upgrade are potential recipients of the EER, IEER, and ADAR Sonobuoys.

5. New Features, Configurations, or Material. Not Applicable (NA)

H. CONCEPTS

1. Operational Concept. All sonobuoys are expended from compatible ASW aircraft or deployed OTS by shipboard personnel. These sonobuoys are used to determine environmental conditions for determination of best search tactics, to communicate with friendly submarines, and to conduct search, localization, tracking, and, as required, attack of designated hostile platforms. Organizational personnel are used to preset and load the sonobuoys. These actions will use generic skills inherent in the Aviation Ordnanceman (AO), Aviation Warfare Systems Operator (AW), Aviation Electronics Technician (AT), and Sonar Technician ratings.

2. Maintenance Concept. All sonobuoys addressed in this NTSP are expendable and non-repairable.

a. Organizational. Organizational personnel will be used to preset and load the sonobuoys. These actions will use generic skills inherent in the AO, AW, AT, and Sonar Technician ratings.

b. Intermediate. NA

c. Depot. NA

d. Interim Maintenance. NA

e. Life-Cycle Maintenance Plan. The initial shelf life of all procured sonobuoys is five years. After five years, the shelf life may be extended, after inspection, in accordance with applicable shelf life program criteria.

3. Manning Concept. The qualitative and quantitative manpower requirements will remain unchanged at the recipient activity. Existing operators are used to monitor the processed data. Organizational level personnel upload and download the sonobuoy as part of their currently assigned tasking. Fleet introduction of the ADAR Sonobuoy will not drive a manpower increase or decrease.

4. Training Concept. The intent of the sonobuoy training program is to provide proficient fleet operators and sonobuoy handlers. Due to the expendable, non-repairable nature of the sonobuoys, training will be focused on the sonobuoy's employment, deployment, usage, preset, and loading procedures. There are no chargeable student billets associated with this NTSP. All sonobuoy training is or will be incorporated into operator training that is chargeable to the platform that the training supports.

a. Initial Training. All initial training required to support the DT, OT, and fleet introduction of the BT, DIFAR, LOFAR, DICASS, VLAD, DLC, EER, and IEER Sonobuoys has been completed. Initial training for ADAR DT was completed during first quarter FY97. Initial training for ADAR OT was completed during third quarter FY98.

b. Fleet Introduction Team. A Fleet Introduction Team (FIT) was established during DT to provide ADAR Sonobuoy training. The FIT will provide on-site familiarization in the form of instruction to the AWs and Tactical Coordinators (TACCOs) on the capabilities, tactical applications, unique applications, equipment interface, and proper usage of the ADAR Sonobuoy. In addition, the FIT will demonstrate to AW, AT, AO, and Flight Engineer personnel the proper preset and loading procedures for the sonobuoy. Fleet introduction of the ADAR Sonobuoy is currently scheduled for late FY01. A FIT site visit schedule will not be developed until a firm delivery schedule has been established.

c. Follow-on Training

(1) Operator. Follow-on operator training currently exists for all sonobuoys addressed in this NTSP with the exception of the ADAR Sonobuoy. ADAR Sonobuoy information will be added to the following operator courses with no anticipated addition to current course lengths.

(2) Maintenance. NA

d. Student Profiles

e. Training Pipelines. The training tracks listed in Follow-on Training above will be modified to include the ADAR Sonobuoy with no change to course length anticipated.

1. Proficiency or Other Training Organic to the New Development

a. Maintenance Training Improvement Program. NA

b. Aviation Maintenance In-Service Training. NA

c. Aviation Maintenance Training Continuum System. NA

2. Personnel Qualification Standards. Personnel Qualification Standards (PQS) will be updated to reflect the introduction of the ADAR Sonobuoy through PQS user inputs and PQS review conferences facilitated by Chief of Naval Education and Training (CNET). A firm date has not been established for the ADAR Sonobuoy PQS review. The following PQSs will require updating with ADAR Sonobuoy information:

3. Other On-Board or In-Service Training Packages. Sonobuoys may be deployed utilizing CADs common to the standard A-size sonobuoys. Therefore, sonobuoy CAD training for EOD personnel is relevant.

1. Manufacturer and Contract Numbers. Sonobuoys are currently supplied under various contracts managed by NAVAIRSYSCOM, PMA264. Contracts to replenish expended sonobuoys are executed annually or semi-annually. Contract numbers for individual sonobuoy procurements are available from PMA264.

2. Program Documentation. The Naval Surface Warfare Center (NSWC) Crane, Indiana, will update the Sonobuoy Maintenance Plan, MP-AYMP-1119, dated October 1993, with ADAR information prior to the Initial Operational Capability date, currently scheduled for late FY01. The Integrated Logistics Support Plan (ILSP) for Air Deployable Active Receiver Sonobuoys, S-B-ILSP-427, dated May 1995 is current.

3. Technical Data Plan. The technical manuals listed in Part IV.B.3 of this NTSP will be updated to include ADAR Sonobuoy information. No new technical manuals will be required to support the ADAR Sonobuoy.

4. Test Sets, Tools, and Test Equipment. The subject sonobuoys will not require special tools or test equipment for organic Navy support. Only common support equipment will be required for transportation, uploading, and downloading of the sonobuoys.

5. Repair Parts. The subject sonobuoys are expendable and non-repairable; therefore, there are no requirements for repair parts.

6. Human Systems Integration. NA

K. SCHEDULES

1. Installation and Delivery Schedules. Sonobuoys are installed when and as required to support the operating activities' missions. The delivery schedules for all subject sonobuoys are classified. Persons with the need to know may obtain delivery schedule information from NAVAIRSYSCOM, PMA264.

2. Ready For Operational Use Schedule. Sonobuoys will be ready for use upon delivery.

3. Time Required to Install at Operational Sites. Sonobuoys are loaded into aircraft at the rate of approximately 30 sonobuoys per hour.

4. Foreign Military Sales and Other Source Delivery Schedule. Information concerning delivery schedules for foreign military sales of sonobuoys is classified information. Persons with the need to know may obtain this information from NAVAIRSYSCOM, PMA264.

5. Training Device and Technical Training Equipment Delivery Schedule. No Training Devices (TD) are required to support sonobuoy training. Production sonobuoys are used as Technical Training Equipment (TTE). One of each type BT, DIFAR, LOFAR, DICASS, VLAD, DLC, EER, and IEER Sonobuoy is in place for each course at each course location. Two ADAR Sonobuoys will be delivered for each course at each course location no later than the end of second quarter FY01.

L. GOVERNMENT FURNISHED EQUIPMENT AND CONTRACTOR FURNISHED EQUIPMENT TRAINING REQUIREMENTS. NA

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