Boeing HAAWC

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Today, Nov 22, 2022, Boeing's High Altitude Anti-Submarine Warfare Weapon Capability, or HAAWC, has satisfied all requirements for initial operational capability (IOC) status from the US Navy.

Presently, Boeing Poseidon P-8A has to skim the sea, no higher than 100 feet (30.5 meters) above sea level, to drop Mark 54 Lightweight Torpedo (608 lb; in service 2004- ), but NOT Mark 48 torpedo (3,700 lb; 1972- )/

Mark is shortened as Mk, has not much meaning.

HAAWC consists of a modular Air Launch Accessory, or ALA, kit that attaches to a MK 54 torpedo, transforming it into a precision-guided glide weapon.


Lara Seligman of Defense News described it in 2016 this way: "The HAAWC kit turns the torpedo into a miniature jet, complete with wings, a tail and a GPS-guided navigation system. Once it nears the water, the kit peels off and the system activates a parachute that lowers the weapon to the water.  The engine then starts and the torpedo begins its run toward its target.  The major advantage the HAAWC brings is enabling the P-8 to track and kill enemy submarines from high altitudes — as high as 30,000 feet."

MK 54 Lightweight Torpedo Upgrades Including the High Altitude Anti-Submarine Warfare Weapon Capability (HAAWC). In DOT&E FY2021 Annual Report
https://www.dote.osd.mil/Portals ... 1/navy/2021mk54.pdf
("HAAWC is vulnerable in a cyber-contested environment [due to electronic jamming]")
DOT&E stands for Director, Operational Test and Evaluation.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Director,_Operational_Test_and_Evaluation

In the attachment, the top figure shows (gray) HAAWC strapped to a (dark green) torpedo. The bottom figure illuminates the HAAWC or ALA separation from the torpedo, which then deploys a parachute.