Sonobuoy Launcher

The MH-60R multi-mission helicopter as a combat extension of the surface combatant conducts defensive and/or offensive operations in support of the battle group. Time on station is an important factor in successful completion of the helicopter's mission.Reducing the weight of the MH-60R increases it available time on station. The stores launchers onboard are critical mission components that today are separate and add significant weight and volume to the helicopter. A single launcher that can deploysonobuoys, decoys and chaff would significantly reduce weight and improve stores deployment. Developing a new launcher will also permit new technologies to be added which will provide improved ejection, structural performance, remote function selection andthe ability to launch various sized stores. The launcher we propose will be modular in design thus providing a very flexible mission load. The launcher will also be reconfigurable and use state-of-the-art materials that can be molded and sized for themission load. Innovative mechanisms for the firing devices and launch tubes will be investigated. Reliability, producability and cost are primary drivers in developing the new launcher system. Using a combination of an improved lightweight launcher andlighter sonobuoys, weight savings of up to 500 pounds are projected. Developing a new lightweight, modular, reconfigurable launcher system will greatly enhance the time on station, and thus the operational performance, of the MH-60R helicopter. Use ofmodern materials such as composites coupled with novel production techniques such as molded tubes will not only significantly reduce cost but also greatly ease the logistics requirements. Eliminating the pneumatic ejection mechanism will enhance thereliability by reducing complexity and safety. In addition to the MH-60R the new launcher will have application with the Coast Guard for drug interdiction, ship acoustic signature collection and smoke marker deployment. Use aboard commercial helicopterswill enable oceanographic studies of seismic activities, whale and marine mammal surveys and tracking, and atmospheric and ocean environment sampling. Also, successful development of this launcher will allow for new launcher initiatives in time forincorporation in the Multi-Mission Aircraft (MMA), which would allow for the carriage and launch of a multitude of future sensors and form factors.