ITT Exelis announced that its weapon ejection release technology successfully launched an MK 54 torpedo from the P-8A Poseidon test aircraft, T-3, over a test range in the Atlantic Ocean. This first airborne weapons separation test confirms the technology’s safety and effectiveness.

This Exelis-developed innovative ejection technology uses clean, high-pressure compressed air to launch weapons.  It replaces the traditional use of electro-explosive cartridges that had to be discarded and replaced after every single weapon release.  

The new design reduces routine maintenance, decreases the life-cycle costs and eases the impact on the environment, while still providing the precision and performance needed for military missions.

“Our launching system is a critical part of the P-8A weapons suite. U.S. Navy aviators and aircrew can feel confident that our system, which is based on many years of ejection release technology, will launch weapons safely and effectively during missions,” said Jim Barber, Vice President and General Manager of the Exelis Integrated Structures business.  

The Exelis ejection unit precisely launches weapons from the bay of the P-8A, a long-range anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft.

This airborne test follows a complete battery of ground-based testing, as well as full qualification testing during the system’s development.  Future testing of the ejection units will include delivery accuracy and weapon integration.

Exelis was awarded the initial system design and development contract in August 2005 and has received follow-on contracts totaling more than $30 million to date.  

Work is being performed by the Exelis Electronic Systems division in Amityville, New York.