Precision Aerial Delivery of Sonobuoys (PADS)

The PADS device couples to an existing A/2-to-G-size sonobuoy to provide significant stand-off delivery range. The combination of PADS and sonobuoy conforms to A-size mass and geometry and permits current ASW hardware and operational concepts to be employed for deployment. When launched from high altitude, PADS deploys wings and control surfaces to become a precision air delivery platform with a stand-off range in excess of 50 nm. At 200 feet above the water, the sonobuoy is jettisoned from PADS and describes a conventional low altitude, parachute assisted water entry, followed by underwater sensor deployment. The PADS air vehicle then enters the water and sinks. Phase I development focuses on design of the delivery vehicle, control system and the interface with the sonobuoy payload. Team member Sparton Electronics shall provide sonobuoy interface and operational expertise for PADS development. Programmable flight path via the GPS driven autopilot permits mission flexibility for maximum covertness. Delivery accuracy of 100 meter CEP is estimated. Flight vehicle hardware, selected for the combination of performance and low unit cost expendability, is derived from extended range, compact carriage technology development programs at KCI for Air Force air deployed munitions, leveraging available Navy R&D funding while minimizing risk.