By Katherine Coughlan, Anti-Submarine Warfare (PMA-264)
A joint test team successfully executed the first lot acceptance test of sonobuoys from an MV-22B Osprey off the coast of San Clemente Island, California Aug. 19.
The milestone was conducted by the Air Anti-Submarine Warfare Systems Program Office (PMA-264), the V-22 Joint Program Office (PMA-275), and Marine Operational Test and Evaluation Squadron One (VMX-1). The demonstration validated the tiltrotor aircraft as an alternative platform for the Navy’s sonobuoy quality assurance program (SQAP), boosting operational readiness and laying the groundwork for expanded tactical employment across the fleet.
PMA-264 manages SQAP, which subjects random production samples to over-water testing to evaluate reliability and acoustic performance before delivering vendor inventory to operational squadrons.
“Our primary focus in the quality assurance program is making sure the sonobuoys delivered to the fleet perform exactly as expected,” said Capt. Greg Hinkle, PMA-264 program manager.
Historically, the Navy relied on P-3C Orion aircraft assigned to Air Test and Evaluation Squadron 30 (VX-30) to perform quality assurance drops using automated launchers. The test proved the MV-22B Osprey can serve as a dependable substitute if primary test platforms are unavailable, helping prevent testing backlogs and keeping delivery schedules on track.
“By utilizing the MV-22 for this type of mission, we are reinforcing our supply chain and ensuring frontline aircrews have the mission-ready stores they need to detect and track undersea threats,” Hinkle said.
Unlike the P-3, which uses automated launch containers triggered from the cockpit, the MV-22B required aircrew to manually launch the buoys from the open rear cargo ramp. Crew chiefs removed container caps and inverted launch tubes to release the stores into the slipstream.
Because manual deployment creates longer gaps between drops than automated launchers, the VMX-1 aircrew adjusted by reducing flight speed, matching the precise target pattern and spacing needed for acoustic testing.
“From an aircrew standpoint, this event provided an invaluable opportunity for our pilots and crew chiefs to build proficiency working through the mechanics of manual sonobuoy drops in a controlled setting,” said Lt. Col. Brandon Pope, V-22 pilot and VMX-1 advanced projects lead.
The hand-launch process requires tight coordination. The pilot holds steady flight parameters while the co-pilot manages navigation, timing, and communications, queuing crew chiefs in the cargo bay to program and release the buoys on schedule.
“Hand-launching from an open ramp requires split-second coordination; the crew must be deliberate with timing, airspeed control, and internal communication,” Pope said. “This test demonstrated how the V-22’s range, speed, and versatility can support broader maritime domain awareness and distributed fleet operations.”
In addition to meeting test criteria, the mission also provided operational experience that will help VMX-1 refine tactics, techniques, and procedures for future tiltrotor anti-submarine warfare support. PMA-264 and PMA-275 will analyze acoustic and deployment data from the flights to refine procedures for future quality assurance missions and joint fleet operations.
