The Navy and Marine Corps successfully demonstrated that an MV-22B Osprey tiltrotor aircraft can conduct quality assurance testing for sonobuoys—a critical capability that could reduce testing backlogs and keep weapon delivery schedules on track.
The test, conducted Aug. 19 off the coast of San Clemente Island, California, validated the Osprey as an alternative platform to the P-3C Orion aircraft typically used for the Navy's sonobuoy quality assurance program. That program involves over-water testing to verify reliability and acoustic performance before the devices are delivered to operational squadrons. "By utilizing the Osprey for this type of mission, we are reinforcing our supply chain and ensuring front line aircrews have the mission-ready stores they need to detect and track undersea threats," said Navy Capt. Greg Hinkle, program manager for the Air Anti-Submarine Warfare Systems Program Office.
The trial demonstrated that the Osprey can serve as a backup if primary testing platforms become unavailable, according to the Air Anti-Submarine Warfare Systems Program Office, the Osprey Joint Program Office and Marine Operational Test and Evaluation Squadron 1.
The testing required manual deployment of sonobuoys from the aircraft's open rear cargo ramp, a departure from the automated launchers used on the Orion. Aircrew members removed container caps and inverted launch tubes to release the devices into the slipstream. The manual process created longer gaps between drops than automated systems, so pilots reduced flight speed to maintain the precise spacing required for acoustic testing.
The trial also provided operational experience for Marine Operational Test and Evaluation Squadron 1 to refine tactics and procedures for future tiltrotor anti-submarine warfare missions. The hand-launch process requires split-second coordination between the pilot, copilot and crew chiefs in the cargo bay programming and releasing buoys on schedule.
The Air Anti-Submarine Warfare Systems Program Office and Osprey Joint Program Office will analyze acoustic and deployment data from the flights to refine procedures for future quality assurance missions and joint fleet operations.