AN/SSQ-62B/C/D/E Directional Command Activated Sonobuoy System (DICASS) Sonobuoy

The AN/SSQ-62B/C/D/E Directional Command Activated Sonobuoy System (DICASS) sonobuoy is an A-size, expendable, non-repairable, command activated sonobuoy. The DICASS, in conjunction with the monitoring unit(s) signal processing equipment, provides active sonar range, bearing, and Doppler information on a submerged contact. The DICASS sonobuoy is designed to develop and maintain attack criteria. The DICASS is usually employed in multiple sonobuoy patterns, however, they are designed to permit single buoy attack criteria. The flexibility inherent in the monitoring unit�s control over the various sonobuoy functions enables optimum sonobuoy employment over a wide range of environmental and target conditions.

In June 1980 the Navy granted Approval for Service Use (ASU) for two advanced sonobuoys. The AN/SSQ-62 Directional Command Active Sonobuoy System (DICASS) and the AN/SSQ-77 Vertical Line Array DIFAR(VLAD) represented the first major improvements in the sonobuoy field since the AN/SSQ-53 DIFAR was introduced in 1968. These sonobuoys reinforce their article's unique position as the vital link between the search aircraft and "enemy in liquid space". They provided a three-to-five fold improvement over existing active and passive airborne sensors.

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