The Navy is keenly interested in what is over the horizon or under the surface of the ocean.  Maritime Patrol Reconnaissance Aircraft (MPRA) have filled a critical role since the 1960’s.  Through sonobouys and onboard sensors, these aircraft sweep the ocean (above and below) to find the enemy.  To do this well, the Navy uses aircraft that have long endurance, and stuff them full of sensors and sonobouys that can collect information.  The intelligence that is gleaned is directly fed into the National Intelligence Community.  It’s a critical piece of the operational picture and situational awareness the warfighter depends on.

The old P-3 turboprops are at end of life, presenting logistical challenges to keep them flying.  While some have been converted to EP-3’s (the electronic signals reconnaissance version), Navy expects to have them completely retired by 2025.  In 2020, the last P-3 squadron transitioned to P-8. To date, 101 Poseidon’s have been delivered to the Fleet, and the FY21 budget increases the target to 128.  P-8 modernization is being conducted through the Rapid Capability Insertion program, adding in ASW/ASuW lethality and improving platform survivability, giving the P-8 additional ability to protect itself and operate in a contested environment.

The MOST interesting development in recent years is the Triton – the unmanned, high-altitude (they have the longest radar horizon of any airborne platform) ISR sensor platform.  Without the Triton, the P-3’s couldn’t retire. The Triton gives the Navy persistence – denying the enemy the luxury of time.  Two have been delivered to the INDOPACOM AOR where they operate in support of Seventh Fleet and CTF-72.  They currently provide a Multi-INT capability and are being used to develop CONOPS that can be used around the world for Manned/Unmanned Teaming. Future efforts (2029+) will concentrate on three areas:

• Ground segment: Incorporating the MUOS satellite network, achieving better data compression and assured communications.
• Payload: Using Artificial Intelligence, SIGINT enhancements and MFAS imagery improvements.
• Platform: Adding weather/icing protections, improved electrical power generation, SWaP reductions, polar operations and assured navigation.

Combined, the P-8 and Triton are fundamental to the Navy’s concept of distributed maritime operations (DMO).  The Minotaur Family of Systems is being used across all the MPRA platforms for mission management.   The Navy uses the Reach/Web/Grid services from the Minotaur program, and this will enable integration with other Minotaur users.

Teaming the P-8 with the MQ-4C Triton is changing the way ISR is conducted in the Maritime environment.   It’s here now, being used in INDOPACOM, and the lessons learned will permeate all aspects of future manned-unmanned teaming.

About the Author

Chris Ward

Chris Ward (Commander, U.S. Navy (Retired)) has over 30 years of experience helping the Department of Defense (DoD) solve difficult technology requirements. She has a proven track record of building, maintaining, securing and certifying technology solutions for use within DoD. She works with Industry to identify key opportunities and provides strategic guidance and support. She is a strategic analyst and cybersecurity professional who has deep expertise in improving enterprise cybersecurity.