Massachusetts-based Ultra Maritime has received a contract for low rate initial production of sonobuoys for the US Navy.
The $99.9-million agreement stipulated the AN/SSQ-53H directional frequency analysis recorder solution that combines passive directional and wide-band capabilities into a single tube.
Once delivered, the equipment will be used for major combat operations, training, tests, and as stockpile replenishments.
“With our [low rate initial production] award for the Q53 sonobuoys, we at Ultra Maritime are honored to play a pivotal role in advancing anti-submarine warfare capabilities for the US Navy and our allied nations,” Ultra Maritime US General Manager and VP Ed Cook said.
“Our dedicated team of engineers and manufacturing experts work tirelessly to rapidly design, test and deliver hundreds of thousands of sonobuoys annually, reinforcing naval defense operations globally.”
Ultra Maritime accepted a similar contract worth $182 million in September 2022 for the supply of three different variants of sonobuoys for the navy.
The AN/SSQ-53H
AN/SSQ-53H’s flexible sensors provide acoustic data between a fixed depth of 45 feet (14 meters) and selectable operational depth up to 1,000 feet (305 meters), enabling flexible underwater information and GPS reporting for users.
It can operate for up to eight hours and deploy from systems such as the P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft and MH-60R Seahawk anti-submarine/anti-surface helicopter.
The sonobuoy can launch at altitudes up to 30,000 feet (9,144 meters) with a speed of 370 knots (685 kilometers/426 miles per hour).