NEWPORT, R.I. – U.S. Navy submarine combat experts needed to upgrade planning, command and control, and launch control for U.S. submarine torpedoes, missiles, uncrewed vehicles, and countermeasures. They found a solution from SEACORP in Middletown, R.I.
Officials of the Naval Undersea Warfare Center in Newport, R.I., announced plans last week to award a sole-source contract to SEACORP to modify the Payload Control System (PCS) aboard Navy attack and ballistic missile submarines. The value of the contract has yet to be negotiated.
This contract will focus on modifying Payload Control System technology to adapt the submarine Combat Control System (CCS) to new payload interfaces planned for submarine introduction.
SEACORP will modify the Payload Control System for each submarine Advance Processor Build (APB), and will determine the quantity and type of payloads for potential integration with the Payload Control System -- a critical component of the AN/BYG-1 submarine combat system aboard Virginia- and Ohio-class combat submarines. It provides planning, command and control, and launch control of all submarine payloads like torpedoes, missiles, uncrewed vehicles, and countermeasures.
Managing torpedo firing
The Payload Control System controls and manages the deployment of submarine heavyweight torpedoes, Tomahawk cruise missiles, and other payloads. It integrates with submarine control and sensor data systems to provide an operational picture. It also supports rapid updates and integration of new weapons and payload technologies.
The Payload Control System is part of the larger AN/BYG-1 open-architecture combat control system aboard U.S. Navy Virginia-, Los Angeles-, Ohio-, Columbia-, and Seawolf-class submarines, as well as Australian Collins-class attack submarines. This system takes part in anti-submarine warfare (ASW), strike warfare, and intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions.
The Navy Advanced Processor Build (APB) delivers software and algorithm upgrades that improve submarine tactical control, situational awareness, and detection capabilities. APB updates involve programs such as the Acoustic Rapid Commercial-off-the-Shelf Insertion (A-RCI) sonar system, where they provide periodic software improvements such as advanced sonar processing algorithms.
Weapons software
Advanced Processor Builds also refer to torpedo software builds that improve the capabilities of heavyweight torpedoes such as the MK 48 Mod 7 and Mod 8. The Advanced Processor Build 5 (APB 5), for example, was fielded in 2019 to enhance the Common Broadband Advanced Sonar System (CBASS) on these torpedoes.
SEACORP will handle architecture development, interface specifications, prototype development, hardware and software integration and testing, software to enable payload integration prototypes, and early platform installation, test, and analysis.
The upcoming contract to SEACORP for PCS upgrades should last for five years and involve 228,130 man-hours of work. Email questions or concerns to the Navy's Nico Montanari at [email protected]. More information is online at https://sam.gov/workspace/contract/opp/5a2b106e56c64cfab3e0c75a1840a652/view, or contact SEACORP online at www.seacorp.com.
