OVERVIEW: The AN/SSQ-53E DIFAR (Directional Frequency Analysis and Recording) is an "A-size" passive directional sonobuoy.


DETAILS:  The AN/SSQ-53E DIFAR is a passive sonobuoy that provides a magnetic bearing to the signal of interest, allowing a fix on a contact with as few as two sonobuoys.  It has a directional capability in the 5 Hz-2,400 Hz range, as well as an omnidirectional hydrophone for general listening purposes.  It is capable of deploying at preset depths of either 90, 200, 400 or 1,000 feet preset lifetimes of either 0.5, 1, 2, 4 or 8 hours. A fixed constant shallow omnidirectional (CSO) hydrophone is deployed at 45 feet to provide omnidirctional information at shallow depth.  Capable of remaining operational in up to Sea State 6.  Capable of being deployed at airspeeds between 30-370 knots and altitudes of 100-30,000 feet.  The AN/SSQ-53E also features the ability for operators to change buoy settings after deployment.
  


NOTES:   Entered service in 1998.  
 
  

SOURCES:  Friedman, Norman, and Norman Friedman. The Naval Institute Guide to World Naval Weapon Systems, 1997-1998. Annapolis, Md: Naval Institute Press, 2006, pg. 656 ; Federation Of American Scientists -. "AN/SSQ-53 Directional Frequency Analysis and Recording Sonobuoy." Accessed November 21, 2014. http://fas.org/man/dod-101/sys/ship/weaps/an-ssq-53.htm ; Jane's C4ISR and Mission Systems: Maritime, "AN/SSQ-53D(3)/AN/SSQ-53E (DIFAR)", 16 October 2014.