The
P-8A Poseidon successfully launched the first MK 54 torpedo during a
test event in the Atlantic Test Range Oct. 13.
“The P-8A is advancing along a rigorous test schedule,”
said Tony Schmidt, P-8A assistant program manager for Test and Evaluation.
“The success of the first separation test of the MK 54 moves us
one step closer to delivering the P-8A to the fleet on time.”
By using the Mission Computing and Display System aboard the P-8A, allowed
the launching of a single torpedo from P-8A test aircraft, T-3, at 500
feet above water.
“It was a good flight and the systems worked exactly as
expected,” said Lt. Larry Malone, P-8A Integrated Test Team pilot.
Unlike other platforms, the tactician performs the separation of stores
and weapons from the P-8A.
“Though a large part of the team was not on the flight, the work
done by the engineers, range support, and the test conductor was key
to the success of the test,” said Lt. Cmdr. Cecily Walsh, P-8A
Integrated Test Team tactician, who praised the entire team for their
part in the test exercise.
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PMA- 290 conducted
initial torpedo release tests to verify safe separation of the MK 54 weapon
from the P-8A. Future testing will include delivery accuracy, weapon integration,
and end-to-end test.
“Through this milestone, the Navy has proved the
successful integration of the extensive capabilities of the MK 54 lightweight
torpedo into this next generation maritime surveillance aircraft,”
said Raytheon Integrated Defense Systems’ Kevin Peppe, vice president
of Seapower Capability Systems. “Our MK 54 torpedo is the Navy’s
tested and proven undersea warfare weapon, now arming the P-8 with a
formidable capability to successfully execute anti-submarine warfare
missions worldwide.”
In addition to the MK 54 lightweight torpedo, Raytheon
also equips the P-8 with its AN/APY-10 maritime, littoral and overland
surveillance radar.
NAVAIR press release
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P-8A
successfully launches first MK-54 during weapon test