OVERVIEW: The AN/SSQ-62E DICASS (Directional Command Active Sonobuoy System) is an "A-size" command activated, active,  directional sonobuoy designed primarily to develop and maintain attack criteria in an ASW prosecution.  
 

DETAILS:  The AN/SSQ-62E DICASS is typically used to fix a submerged target's position after it has been localized by a DIFAR or other means.  Unlike previous AN/SSQ-62  -series buoys, the AN/SSQ-62E is fully digital and has an enhanced command function select (CFS) capability, giving the operator control of the buoy's  RF and depth settings after it is jettisoned,  greatly enhancing the SSQ-62E 's utility when laid in large fields. As a further enhancement over earlier SSQ-62 series, its active sonar is also command activated and can be ordered to transmit on any of the four command-selectable frequencies (6.5, 7.5, 8.5, 9.5 kHz).  The depth settings can also be actively managed through CFS depth settings of  50, 90, 150, 300,  400, 1,500 or 2,500 feet available, making the buoy equally capable in both open ocean and the littoral environment.  The AN/SSQ-62E has a lifetime of 60 minutes. It can be deployed at airspeeds up to 370 knots and altitudes from 350-30,000 feet.    
   

NOTES:  IOC in 2004.  In full production as of 2014.
 



 
SOURCES:  Jane's C4ISR & Mission Systems: Maritime, "AN/SSQ-62 series DICASS", 03 September 2014 ; Federation Of American Scientists -. "AN/SSQ-62B/C/D/E Directional Command Activated Sonobuoy System (DICASS)Sonobuoy." Accessed November 23, 2014. http://fas.org/man/dod-101/sys/ship/weaps/an-ssq-62.htm; Friedman, Norman, and Norman Friedman. The Naval Institute Guide to World Naval Weapon Systems, 5th Edition. Annapolis, Md: Naval Institute Press, 2006, pg. 703 ; GlobalSecurity.org - Reliable Security Information. "AN/SSQ-62B/C/D/E Directional Command Activated Sonobuoy System (DICASS) Sonobuoy." Accessed November 24, 2014. http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/systems/ship/systems/an-ssq-62.htm