USAF Contracts BAE to Develop Seeker for Maritime Targeting 

The US Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) has contracted BAE Systems to develop an air-launched, anti-ship munition seeker.

The $12-million phase 2 contract calls for developing an advanced multi-mode seeker for AFRL’s QUICKSINK program.

QUICKSINK Program

The program seeks to provide a low-cost, air-launched option for torpedoes to neutralize surface maritime threats.

“Heavy-weight torpedoes are effective [at sinking large ships] but are expensive and employed by a small portion of naval assets,” chief of Advanced Programs Maj. Andrew Swanson said.

“With QUICKSINK, we have demonstrated a low-cost and more agile solution that has the potential to be employed by the majority of Air Force combat aircraft, providing combatant commanders and warfighters with more options.” 

Seeker for Precise Targeting

The program explores integrating the multi-mode seeker with the Joint Direct Attack Munition kit, enabling the munition to strike a target more precisely.

The seeker’s plug-and-play feature allows it to be integrated with various weapons to engage moving and static targets. 

Phase 2 Integration, Test Maturation 

“Our new multi-mode modular seeker enables precision identification and engagement of surface targets at great distances over a large area,” BAE Systems FAST Labs chief scientist Peter Dusaitis said.

“Our seeker technology will greatly increase the warfighter’s capabilities, enabling combatant commanders with a new way to defend against maritime threats in a cost-effective manner.”

Phase 2 will focus on the seeker’s integration and test maturation through a “free flight capability demonstration.”