Boeing’s High Altitude Anti-Submarine Warfare
Weapon Capability (HAAWC) has satisfied all the requirements for
initial operational capability status from the U.S. Navy.
The all weather HAAWC enables the Boeing P-8A Poseidon to deploy
MK 54 torpedoes from near or below its cruising altitude.
“The initial operational capability milestone marks the readiness
of HAAWC for fleet introduction for the Navy and its international
partners,” said Dewayne Donley, Program Manager. “We’re excited to
deliver greater flexibility and capability by way of
higher-altitude launches from longer distances than previously
possible.”
The milestone follows the award of a full-rate
production contract for the system to Boeing in August, squadron
training, and the receipt of low-rate initial production units.
HAAWC consists of a modular Air Launch Accessory, or ALA, kit
that attaches to a MK 54 torpedo, transforming it into a
precision-guided glide weapon.
“It’s a major achievement
for our team in reaching our goal of establishing a new high
ground in anti-submarine warfare,” said Bob Ciesla, vice president
of Boeing Weapons. “We look forward to continuing to work
alongside the Navy toward the full deployment and operational
capability of the system.”
Additional fielding of HAAWC
units are scheduled through 2024, with the potential for
production to continue into 2030 under the current contract.
The long-range anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare,
intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance P-8A aircraft has
amassed more than 450,000 mishap-free flight-hours to date in
support of broad-area, maritime and littoral operations as well as humanitarian and
SAR missions around the
globe.
