US Navy and Marines successfully test sonobuoy launches from MV-22B Osprey

The United States Navy and Marine Corps have successfully conducted the first deployment of sonobuoys from an MV-22B Osprey. The test took place on August 19 off the coast of San Clemente, California.

Sonobuoys are acoustic sensors dropped into the water to detect submarine activity. By utilizing the Osprey—a tiltrotor aircraft capable of vertical takeoff and landing—the military expands its anti-submarine warfare capabilities. This capability allows the Osprey to perform sensor deployment tasks when specialized aircraft, such as the P-3C Orion, are unavailable.

During the test, crew members performed manual launches from the aircraft's rear ramp. This new method aims to strengthen the supply chain and ensure that reliability testing for sensor batches can continue without waiting for dedicated maritime patrol aircraft.