Anna Forrester
BAE Systems is developing a sensor payload for unmanned aircraft systems that will help the U.S. Navy‘s Boeing-built P-8A Poseidon jet detect enemy submarines by monitoring disturbances in the magnetic field, Intelligent Aerospace reported Monday.
John Keller writes the P-8A maritime patrol aircraft will use an air-launched UAS equipped with an antisubmarine warfare payload, including a magnetic anomaly detector, to pinpoint the location of submerged submarines, the report said.
The P-8A primarily flies at high altitudes and does not have a built-in MAD sensor, which is designed to operate more effectively at low altitudes, Keller reports.
He adds that the Navy will also fit the jet with sonobuoys and a torpedo called the High-Altitude ASW Weapon Capability Air Launch Accessory.
The Office of Naval Research awarded BAE the $8.9 million contract to support its ASW efforts under the High-Altitude ASW Unmanned Targeting Air System program.
