US Navy’s Contract with Boeing
The United States Navy has signed a $61.2 million contract with Boeing for the purchase of High Altitude Anti-Submarine Warfare Weapon Capability (HAAWC) systems for Mk 54 torpedoes.
HAAWC for P-8A Poseidon
The HAAWCs, allowing high-altitude release from roughly 30,000 feet by P-8A Poseidon aircraft, increase the torpedo’s range, transforming it into a long-range weapon, and will be used on Mod.0 and Mod.1 versions of Mk 54 torpedoes.
Boeing P-8A Poseidon aircraft can carry up to five Mk 54 torpedoes, integrated with the HAAWC GPS guidance system and foldable fin Air Launch Accessory (or ALA) kit.
Operation of HAAWC
Once released, the HAAWC system guides the torpedo that glides to the release point set by the P-8A Poseidon. Upon impact with water, the parachute slows the fall speed while activating its equipped search sensors to engage the submarine.
Source: US Department of Defense (US DoD)
Image credit: @Boeing
