BAE Systems press release
QUICKSINK munition concept provides air-delivered maritime surface vessel defeat capability for the warfighter via a cost-effective precision-guided munition kit. The program aims to integrate the new seeker developed by BAE Systems’ FAST Labs™ research and development organization. The Weapon Open Systems Architecture (WOSA) compliant seeker is designed to be plugged and play – providing semi-autonomous precision targeting of maritime surface vessels at low cost by retrofitting existing weapon systems to achieve torpedo-like seaworthy capabilities from the air.
“Our new multi-mode modular seeker enables precision identification and engagement of surface targets at great distances over a large area. 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.”
Peter Dusaitis, chief scientist at BAE Systems’ FAST Labs
Phase 2 focuses on integration and test maturation of a prototype multi-mode seeker system through free flight capability demonstration against a maritime target.
Under the terms of the contract, BAE Systems is leading the development, integration and testing of its multi-mode seeker for maritime strike applications. The company’s solution extends and uses its experience from Phase 1, its precision munitions portfolio, and sensor research area. Its previous open architecture seeker development work includes the Seeker Cost Transformation (SECTR) program and its Microwave Array Technology for Reconfigurable Integrated Circuit (MATRICs™) Transceiver – a field-reprogrammable array of radio frequency subsystems.
About QUICKSINK
QUICKSINK is a Joint Capability Technology Demonstration (JCTD) that rapidly integrates and demonstrates Department of the Air Force technology creating air-delivered, low-cost, surface vessels defeat capability for the warfighter.
Key to the demonstration is the Air Force Research Laboratory’s development of a Weapon Open Systems Architecture (WOSA) seeker for precision targeting of maritime surface vessels at low cost.
This JCTD uses a Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM) integrated with the new seeker to rapidly demonstrate the capability at minimal costs. The WOSA seeker also allows the technology to be included in a variety of current and future weapons systems and enables them to engage static and moving maritime targets.
QUICKSINK is not a mine and is intended to have an immediate effect on stationary or moving maritime targets.
On August 26, 2021, the USAF performed an airborne test as part of the QUICKSINK Joint Capability Technology Demonstration, which was supported by three F-15E Strike Eagles carrying JDAM from the 85th Test and Evaluation Squadron.
The F-15E crews collaborated with the Air Force Research Laboratory to create and demonstrate novel tactics, techniques, and procedures while using modified 2,000-pound GBU-31 Joint Direct Attack Munitions against both moving and static marine targets.
