Fri, Oct 07, 2011
First Coordinated Tests With New Sub-Hunter Aircraft
On September 15, the bridge watch team aboard the guided-missile
destroyer USS Laboon (DDG 58) watched as a P-8A Poseidon executed
low level surveillance rigs at 500 feet with a speed of more than
300 knots. This was the first coordinated test evaluation and
training conducted between a surface ship and the new
anti-submarine warfare (ASW) platform on the East Coast.
U.S. Navy Photo
Laboon crewmembers had control of the Poseidon for four hours
providing safety of flight and a point of reference as they conduct
radar and combat systems testing. The testing was part of
establishing a maximum target detection range of various radar
modes against a surface combatant.
"It was a really great feeling to be in control of an aircraft
that is going to be the next best thing in the ASW world. You don't
get this kind of opportunity every day," said Operation Specialist
2nd Class Michelle White, the ASW tactical air controller
monitoring the Poseidon and who kept in constant communication with
the aircraft and helped it navigate through air traffic.
"This P-8A test team and fleet coordinated test event brings the
Poseidon one step closer to Initial Operational Capability in
2013," said Neal Rothback deputy program manager for the P-8A
program.
The Poseidon, developed by Boeing Defense, Space & Security
in 2009, is modified from the Boeing 737 and has the capabilities
to drop and monitor sonobuoys. Its main mission is ASW and carries
an armament of torpedoes, depth charges, anti-ship missiles, and
other weapons. The Poseidon is equipped with an APY-10 radar as
well as an ALQ-218 ESM system along with a camera that takes high
definition videos.
More News
Chaff Thin, narrow metallic reflectors of various lengths and frequency responses, used to reflect radar energy. These reflectors, when dropped from aircraft and allowed to drift d>[...]
“Today, XB-1 took flight in the same hallowed airspace where the Bell X-1 first broke the sound barrier in 1947. I’ve been looking forward to this flight since founding>[...]
“Teaming up with the EAA and Berlin Express for this event in Cincinnati will give warbird fans a unique opportunity to see the aircraft that helped defend freedom and gave t>[...]
Hazardous Weather Information Summary of significant meteorological information (SIGMET/WS), convective significant meteorological information (convective SIGMET/WST), urgent pilot>[...]
Aero Linx: The Nebraska Aeronautics Commission The Nebraska Aeronautics Commission was created by the 1935 Legislature to oversee the development of aviation in the state. The Comm>[...]