The HAAWC employs a modified Lockheed Martin LongShot Wing Adapter Kit on the MK-54 to allow the launch of torpedoes from high altitudes and long standoff ranges. This technology enables P-3C and P-8A aircrews to launch from outside the range of enemy air defenses. The system is also compatible with shipboard Vertical Launch Systems (VLS).

"We made some minor design changes to the existing, proven design in order to make it compatible with the P-8 and VLS Anti-Submarine Rocket (ASROC), in addition to the P-3," said Jim Pappafotis, director of the HAAWC program at Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control.

"The capability of the system did not change with the new design. HAAWC provides increased mission effectiveness and lethality to both P-3s and P-8s, as well as increases to survivability of both of the aircrew and the aircraft."

HAAWC is a low-cost, self-contained wing adaptor kit that provides range extension and autonomous guidance to a family of existing air-to-surface munitions. No aircraft modification is required to deploy a HAAWC equipped munition. The system is completely self-contained, including a flight control computer, a GPS-based navigation system and power sources.

In the wind tunnel test, HAAWC demonstrated expected performance over the full regime of weapon release conditions from the P-3C and P-8A aircraft, enabling the torpedo to be launched at the maximum desired range and altitude from the target. The tests followed successful flight tests of the original system in a Navy sponsored evaluation.

Previous versions of the system were compatible with only the P-3C platform, but with the design modifications, HAAWC can be used on all U.S. Navy aircraft used in anti-submarine warfare. In addition, HAAWC can also be successfully employed with MK-41 VLS used to launch torpedoes from surface vessels.

The system consists of a wing kit and tail kit connected to the existing torpedo. The wing kit is attached to the torpedo by two metal bands. A pyrotechnic device forces open the bands, enabling the wing kit to jettison normally from the torpedo.

In operation, the wing kit jettisons when the torpedo reaches its normal launch altitude close to the surface of the water. From that point, the torpedo follows its normal operational procedures as it would in a normal low altitude launch from a P-3C or P-8A.

HAAWC reduces fuel consumption and minimizes mechanical stress on the P-3C and P-8A launching aircraft by allowing it to stay at altitude to launch HAAWC-equipped torpedoes. This will assist in extending the mission time-on-station and reducing fatigue on those aircraft currently in U.S. Navy service as well as future Navy aircraft.

When used on the VLS ASROC, HAAWC provides enhanced range, allowing the launching vessel to stay farther away from a submarine. This significantly enhances the survivability of the launch vessel.

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