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.
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