Submarine ES System Demonstrates Distance Support Capabilities

US Navy, WASHINGTON: The AN/BLQ-10 Electronic Warfare Support (ES) System on board the USS Alexandria (SSN 757) in Groton, Conn., was remotely controlled, diagnosed, repaired, and successfully returned to ship's control from a computer workstation located at the Naval Sea Systems Command's Naval Undersea Warfare Center (NUWC) Newport Division in Newport, R.I. 
 
From its inception in May, this proof of concept demonstration took two months to complete. Remote log-in with secure communications was used with both a Secret Internet Protocol Router Network (SIPRNET) landline connection and a satellite using USS Alexandria's High Data Rate communications system. 
 
On board USS Alexandria a recent fleet AN/BLQ-10 software casualty was replicated. After establishing a SIPRNET connection between NUWC Newport and the Alexandria, Newport personnel were able to remotely control the submarine's AN/BLQ-10 ES System and repair the problem. 
 
“The distance support demonstration using a remote log-in diagnostics and repair capability on a tactical ES system paves the way for improving operational readiness and reducing operational maintenance costs, ” said Capt. Dave Duryea, Submarine Sensor Systems Program Office Manager (PMS 435) for the Program Executive Office Submarines (PEO Subs). 
 
The AN/BLQ-10, produced by Lockheed Martin Corporation Maritime Systems and Sensors, provides automatic detection, acquisition and identification, and localization detection of radar signals with full spectrum processing, automatic threat warning, and situation assessment through Commercial-Off-The-Shelf, and Non-Development Items hardware and software. It is currently being installed on Virginia, Los Angeles, Seawolf, and SSGN Class submarines, under the direction of PEO Subs and PMS 435. 
 
Elements of System Operational Verification Test and Factory Acceptance Test procedures were also remotely performed and monitored by the NUWC Newport team. 
 
“Following development of a detailed Concept of Operations, information assurance accreditation for various security levels, and data rate considerations and analysis completion, the capability is planned for installation on all AN/BLQ-10 ES System platforms,” said Duryea. “It is envisioned that future capabilities may include the ability to perform system software and ES system library updates, plus remote watchstanding and real-time data collection analysis.”