BOSTON, Aug. 9 (UPI) -- The U.S. Navy has finalized a contract upgrade to change more than 100 torpedoes to a more effective configuration in shallow littoral waters.
The $95.4 million modification awarded to Raytheon this week is part of the Navy's consolidated torpedo contract, which will configure 107 MK48 torpedoes to the CBASS electronics that will do a better job taking out quiet diesel-electric submarines operating in littoral environments.
The Navy's strategy for the coming years focuses on anticipated amphibious landings and other operations centered in littoral waters, the termed used for coastal areas where the ocean is shallow and ship maneuverability can be limited.
The CBASS, or Common Broadband Advanced Sonar System, entered full production this year. It features a digital broadband sonar system that will help the fish tell the difference between the actual submarines and defensive countermeasures designed to throw it off course.
The MK48 has been around since the early 1970s and operate either with wire guidance or on a passive acoustic homing device. Like many mainstay weapons systems, it has gone through a series of upgrades over the years to boost its effectiveness against both subs and surface ships.
The CBASS project is a joint effort of the Unites States and Australia as well as Raytheon units combined in an effort the company dubbed "Team Torpedo."
The contract announced Wednesday includes electronics for some MK48 torpedoes earmarked for the Australian navy as well as 105 MK54 lightweight torpedoes, which are also tailored for littoral waters and are being developed as a weapon that can be dropped from anti-submarine warfare planes.
