AN/SSQ-53G Directional Frequency Analysis and Recording (DIFAR) sonobuoys are a critical asset to the Navy and have been in use since the 1970s. With the advancements in technology, it is now possible to miniaturize and more efficiently implement the upper portion of the sonobuoy to create space for additional sonobuoy capabilities without increasing the sonobuoys physical size. To address this issue, NuWaves Engineering proposes the Modernization Of DIFAR sonobuoys for Enhanced Operations (MODE-O). MODE-O leverages advancements made from other sonobuoy modernization effort and adapts them to the special requirements for the AN/SSQ-53G. Due to highly integrated components, MODE-O will be able to meet the Navys requirement of small size, increased reliability, and reduced cost.
Benefit: It is anticipated that the proposed MODE-O project will result in a new upper section for the AN/SSQ-53G DIFAR sonobuoy with anticipated sales approaching 50,000 units per year. The techniques used to create the new DIFAR sonobuoy upper section could then also be applied to other sonobuoys to provide further cost savings to the Navy.
Keywords: AN/SSQ-125A, AN/SSQ-125A, Directional Frequency Analysis and Recording, DIFAR, AN/SSQ-53G, Passive Sonobuoy, ASW, NATO STANAG 4718, Anti-Submarine Warfare
