Boeing High Altitude Anti-Submarine Warfare Weapon Capability meets Navy operational status requirements

Boeing, an aerospace and defense company, recently announced that its High Altitude Anti-Submarine Warfare Weapon Capability (HAAWC) satisfies all Navy requirements for initial operational capability status.

“The initial operational capability milestone marks the readiness of HAAWC for fleet introduction for the Navy and its international partners,” Program Manager Dewayne Donley said. “We’re excited to deliver greater flexibility and capability by way of higher-altitude launches from longer distances than previously possible.”

The HAAWC enables the Boeing P-8A Poseidon to deploy MK 54 torpedoes from near or below its cruising altitude – adding the HAAWC utilizes a modular Air Launch Accessory (ALA) kit attached to a MK 54 torpedo, which allows transformation to a precision-guided glide weapon.

The P-8A aircraft has amassed over 450,000 mishap-free flight hours in support of maritime and littoral operations while also performing global humanitarian and search and rescue missions.

“It’s a major achievement for our team in reaching our goal of establishing a new high ground in anti-submarine warfare,” Boeing Weapons Vice President Bob Ciesla said. “We look forward to continuing to work alongside the Navy toward the full deployment and operational capability of the system.”

Additional fieldings of HAAWC units are scheduled through 2024, and there is potential for production to continue into 2030 via the current agreement.