Weapons of Mass Defection

Russian Bulava missile test fails again

Reference: Telegraph

Image: Defense Threat Information Group

Another test of Russia's intercontinental Bulava missile has failed, the defence ministry said on Thursday, with the missile blowing up in mid-flight, following a similar failed test in December. The missile, which can carry nuclear warheads, veered off course after the first stage of the rocket malfunctioned, said the ministry, quoted by the Ria Novosti agency. It was launched by Russia's Dmitri Donskoi submarine in the White Sea on Wednesday.

MBDA and BUMAR to modernise Poland’s ground based air defences

MBDA and BUMAR sign Framework Agreement for future Polish Air Defence System

Reference: MBDA

Image: MBDA

On 1st July 2009, Antoine Bouvier and Edward Nowak, the Chief Executive Officers of MBDA and the BUMAR group of Poland respectively, met in France to sign a framework agreement between their two organisations. The full details of the final agreement will be established and formalised during the next two months in readiness for its signature this autumn.

This agreement will see MBDA and BUMAR jointly involved in a project to modernise Poland’s ground based air defences. Long term co-operation will permit significant exchanges of technology between the two partners and the optimisation of investments already made. In this respect the new system will draw on elements of MBDA’s short-range VL MICA and medium-range Aster 30 missiles with other major subsystems such as the radars and the command and control systems developed by PIT (the Warsaw-based telecommunications research institute - Przemysłowy Instytut Telekomunikacji) and RADWAR (one of several companies within the BUMAR group which is Poland’s largest defence equipment manufacturer).

The agreement, covering the development, production, delivery and marketing of the future air defence missile system, confirms and advances MBDA’s relationship with BUMAR. In September 2007, MBDA signed an agreement with the leading elements of the Polish defence industry including PIT and RADWAR. This earlier agreement, aimed at establishing the means of meeting the country’s national air defence requirements as well as its NATO and European commitments over the next two decades, recognised MBDA’s leading position in the area of air defence systems designed to counter current and future proliferating threats.

Royal Air Force Tornados to integrate Pawevay bombs

RAF Tornados lock on latest guided munition

Reference: UK MoD

Image: Raytheon

The latest in a series of Paveway guided bombs is ready to see service with the RAF's Tornado fleet following six successful months with the Harrier GR9 on operations in Afghanistan.

Defence Equipment and Support staff have been working on integration of Paveway IV to the Tornado GR4. Paveway IV went into service in November 2008 and has become the freefall weapon of choice among pilots flying missions from Kandahar. The weapon is to continue its success story with the RAF's Tornado GR4 aircraft which have taken over from the Harrier GR9s in the fight against insurgents:

"A number of front line pilots have said they have been very impressed with the weapon and it was the envy of the coalition air forces operating out of Kandahar," said Squadron Leader Ian McKeown, the weapon's requirements manager with Defence Equipment and Support's [DE&S] Freefall Team. "Harriers have dropped a significant number of weapons in support of ground operations against all manner of ground targets and in all modes of operation. Accuracy has been highly impressive and the weapon has not failed to find its target. It does what it needs to do."

Raytheon Systems Ltd (RSL), a UK subsidiary of the American company, won the competition to design the bomb in 2003. Technology for the Enhanced Computer Control Group (ECCG) is provided by Raytheon Missile Systems in Tucson and Thales Missile Electronics in Basingstoke supplied the all electronic in line fuze. The warhead case is made by General Dynamics in the US, with the explosive fill added by SEI in Sardinia.

Raytheon to develop the MAINGATE (Mobile Ad-Hoc Interoperability GATEway)

Defense Agency Awards Raytheon Up to $155 Million Contract to Develop an Interoperable Network Gateway

Reference: Raytheon

Image: Mercury

Raytheon Company has been awarded a contract by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) to provide a cost-effective, highly capable military wireless network interoperable gateway. The contract provides Raytheon $24.4 million for one year. Options would extend the contract to 2012 and bring the potential value to $155 million.

The Mobile Ad-Hoc Interoperability GATEway, or MAINGATE, will integrate any combination of heterogeneous military, civil or coalition radios into a single network to facilitate communication among disparate systems.

"Our MAINGATE solution enables legacy analog and digital communication systems to be networked. It includes an affordable, two-channel, high data rate, next- generation network-centric radio system," said Jerry Powlen, vice president, Network Centric Systems Integrated Communications Systems. "We continue to build on our Internet Protocol-based networking experience to deliver the most advanced systems to our troops at a much lower cost than other systems in development today."

The unique architecture of the MAINGATE system overcomes the limits of most networking systems in use today. It allows for many more users to join the network at the same time and enables more than 30 different military and civil radios to communicate with one another while concurrently providing a high-capacity, mobile network.

One of the key technologies used in the system's development is Raytheon's Mobile Ad-Hoc Networking protocols. These MANET protocols enable the MAINGATE system to be mobile, allow nodes to join or leave the network and scale to a very large numbers of systems. Other technologies incorporated into the MAINGATE system include disruption-tolerant networking, which is designed to overcome disruptions inherent in wireless, line-of-sight communications systems; dynamic spectrum access to establish and maintain communication in congested radio frequency or noisy environments; and multi-input, multi-output technology to improve performance in urban environments.

From DARPA's webiste:

The Mobile Ad hoc Interoperability Network GATEway (MAINGATE) program will develop the next generation Network Centric Radio System (NCRS) with additional capabilities and an assured affordable unit price to the user. MAINGATE will create a radio gateway that enables legacy analog and digital communications systems to be internetworked and integrated into a heterogeneous network tolerant to high latency and packet loss. The technologies developed for the program will permit affordable, tactical, real-time, high fidelity video, data, and voice services to be deployed in a networked environment to support tactical operations in maneuver or dismounted operations for line-of-site and beyond-line-of-site communications on the move and at the halt. A unique characteristic of the MAINGATE program is the integration of a "default" IP radio network as part of the gateway. The network will include the integration of adaptive communications architecture, flexible routing architecture, and heterogeneous application services.

General Dynamics to provide support for U.S. Air Force centers

General Dynamics Awarded $68 Million Contract to Support the U.S. Air Force’s Air Defense Mission

Reference: General Dynamics

Image: 505ccw

General Dynamics Information Technology, a business unit of General Dynamics, has been awarded a contract by the Defense Information Technology Contracting Office to support the U.S. Air Force Air Defense Communications Service 2 program (ADCS2). The contract covers one base year with four option years and has a total potential value of $67.7 million if all options are exercised.

General Dynamics will provide around-the-clock operations and maintenance support for three Battle Control Centers and an Air Operations Center located in Rome, N.Y.; Panama City, Fla.; Tacoma, Wash.; and Anchorage, Alaska; and program management and engineering services for associated facilities worldwide. In addition, General Dynamics will serve as the single system manager for communications systems supporting the North American Aerospace Defense Command’s air sovereignty mission by developing, integrating and maintaining mission systems at the control centers and more than 150 remote site locations.

“General Dynamics will continue to support the U.S. Air Force by maintaining existing systems and through integration of current technology solutions for the United States’ air defense network,” said Charlie Plummer, vice president and general manager of General Dynamics Information Technology’s Air Force IT Solutions sector. “General Dynamics’ successful 25-year relationship with the customer and the program will allow us to provide comprehensive support on the extremely critical mission of securing the United States from potential threats.”

Lockheed Martin Drama in New Delhi

Lockheed Martin India head takes off in a hurry

Reference: Business Standard

Image: Indian Aerospace

Ambassador Douglas A Hartwick, Lockheed Martin India’s CEO, who was spearheading the world’s largest defence manufacturer’s campaign to sell India the F-16 IN medium fighter aircraft, was withdrawn from India in an unusual hurry. Sources describe Hartwick as “having barely enough time to pack” before catching his flight out of Delhi.

Defence ministry sources say Hartwick was removed as CEO after Lockheed Martin was found in possession of two folders containing classified information relating to defence purchases.

[keep on reading]

Northrop Grumman to provide real-time EO/IR imagery from UAVs

Northrop Grumman Fire Scout Aircraft Provided a Real-time Video Feed

Reference: Northrop Grumman

Image: RTAF HQ

A Northrop Grumman Corporation developed MQ-8B Fire Scout Vertical Takeoff and Landing Tactical Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (VTUAV) testing in the U.S. provided a real-time video feed of electro-optical/ infrared sensor (EO/IR) imagery to participants at the Paris Air Show recently.

The video feed was provided by a U.S. Navy aircraft flying from the Webster Annex of NAS Patuxent River, Md. The aircraft operated in a maritime training area the week of June 15 and was able to provide real-time, continuous streaming imagery of selected areas on the Chesapeake Bay and on the shoreline of Southern Maryland. Additionally, as a test of Fire Scout's communications relay capability, the U.S. Coast Guard operated a Rigid Hull Inflatable Boat (RHIB) as a primary target on the water and the Air Vehicle Operator (AVO) communicated directly to the RHIB via Fire Scout. The air vehicle was commanded to "Clear Voice Relay" with one radio on an approved unused UHF frequency and the other radio was set to the Maritime Band. This configuration allowed direct communication between the AVO ashore and the RHIB operating on the water.

Utilizing a FLIR Systems Inc. BriteStar II that includes EO/IR with laser rangefinder/designator, the MQ-8B Fire Scout can find and identify tactical targets, track and designate targets, accurately provide targeting data to strike platforms and perform battle damage assessment.

"Fire Scout's ability to provide real-time EO/IR imagery in this demonstration is significant because it shows the impressive capability of the sensor and the ability to move data and imagery to remote sites in support of warfighters in the field. Fire Scout has once again proven its versatility and capability, and we experienced very good feedback from potential customers who observed this demo," said Mike Fuqua, Business Development Manager at Northrop Grumman's Aerospace Systems sector.

The U.S. Navy Fire Scout will complete Operational Evaluation this summer and is slated to deploy aboard USS McInerney (FFG-8).

Update about Space Fence

Update of "Northropp Grumman to support net-centric space situational awareness" (Tuesday, July 14, 2009)


Raytheon Awarded $30 Million for Space Fence System Design and Prototyping


Reference: Raytheon
Image: Defense Tech


Raytheon Company was awarded one of three $30 million contracts for Phase A system design and prototype of the Space Fence system. Space Fence will provide the U.S. Air Force enhanced space surveillance capability to detect and report space objects.

"Space Fence is the future of space situational awareness," said Pete Franklin, vice president for Raytheon Integrated Defense Systems' National & Theater Security Programs. "This sensor will have the capability to detect and track very small objects in low Earth orbit."

The Space Fence program is a multi-phase acquisition leading to the delivery of up to three globally positioned S-band radars capable of interoperation with the Space Surveillance Network. The system will ensure there is no gap in capability as the current systems in the network reach the end of their life spans. Delivery of the first radar system is expected in 2015.

A novel mission planning center for Israeli Air Force

Elbit Systems to Establish Mission Planning Center for Israeli Air Forces Fighter Pilots

Reference: Elbit

Image: Air-Force Technology

Elbit Systems Ltd. announced that it was awarded a contract from the Israeli Ministry of Defence for the establishment of a mission planning center for the Israeli Air Force's (IAF) pilots of F-16C/D and F-16I fighter aircraft.

The center will be operated through a PFI (Private Financing Initiative) concept, and will include, among others, a development phase as well as instruction and maintenance services for duration of 15 years. The project is valued at approximately $55 million, subject to necessary approvals during the project.

The new mission planning center marks a significant breakthrough in the operational training sector. The system enables training in various mission scenarios in varying operational zones and in the relevant threat environment of each zone, a new training capability which has not yet been available to the IAF.

With its high quality operational training capabilities, the new center will allow the IAF to operate some of the training sorties onboard the trainers, instead of the fighter jets, thus allowing maximized use of existing resources.

Ran Hellerstein, Co-General Manager of Elbit Systems' Aerospace Division, noted: "The mission planning system was developed in line with the modern combat doctrine that calls for the operation of multiple forces and thus requires interoperable training. We take great pride in the IDF's selection and trust that Elbit Systems' vast experience in the training of air and ground forces and UAV operators, as well as our interoperability aptitude and accumulated experience in private funding initiatives, will result in the most suitable solution for the IDF."

U.S. Navy submarines to improve interoperability with the global information grid

Lockheed Martin to Upgrade U.S. Navy Submarine Communication Mast Antenna Systems

Reference: Lockheed Martin

Image: Lockheed Martin

Lockheed Martin, in a joint venture with Granite State Manufacturing (GSM), received a $6.9 million contract from the U.S. Navy to design, test and manufacture an upgraded Multifunction Mast Antenna System to improve submarine communications.

Currently, all U.S. Navy submarines operating at periscope depth, including the new Virginia-class attack submarines, use the antenna system as their primary method to communicate with aircraft, surface ships and land-based assets.

The system – designated the OE-538 – provides high performance, erectable mast-mounted communication and navigation capabilities. The upgraded OE-538/BRC Multifunction Mast Antenna System will provide submarine communications with improved performance in the UHF signal band. It also will add LINK 16, Iridium and Mobile User Objective System (MUOS) UHF satellite communications capabilities, while maintaining performance in legacy bands. Lockheed Martin expects to upgrade and return to the fleet at least 12 systems per year over six years. If all options are exercised, the cumulative value of the contract is estimated at $57.6 million.

“Lockheed Martin has provided more than 90 OE-538 systems for the U.S. and allied navies since 1989,” said Joe Rappisi, vice president and general manager of Lockheed Martin’s Marion-based business. “This upgrade ensures compatibility with new satellites and evolving communication systems to ensure that submarine forces will remain connected to the global information grid.”

BAE and University of Central Lancashire to address energy management for the Defence sector

BAE Systems has today announced a £1 million three-year partnership with the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) to conduct research into energy management

Reference: BAE Systems

Image: Evworld

The initiative recognises the need to better manage energy in the defence sector, which will cut emissions, reduce overall cost and secure supply. Research will focus on the development of intelligent energy management systems for use in the defence sector, initially on BAE Systems sites across the UK but with potential for wider use both in the defence industry and on military bases.

Longer term, the research partners aim to extend these systems to other sectors to enhance the competitiveness of British industry. The partnership will also investigate new energy technologies that could enable unmanned aircraft systems to operate more efficiently, helping them to stay in the air for longer.

The project is also part of a wider environmentally-focused sustainable development strategy embedded across UCLan and represents a significant step towards the university’s long-term objective to establish itself as a centre of excellence for engineering research in this area. The partnership will be delivered under the guidance of a BAE Systems/UCLan governance group. UCLan will establish a Centre for Energy and Power Management which will be located within its Centre for Sustainable Development in Preston, Lancashire.

Northrop Grumman to provide real-time battlefield information to overseas contingency operations

Northrop Grumman Awarded $276 Million Contract to Field Battlefield Airborne Communications Node

Reference: Northrop Grumman

Image: The North Spin

The U.S. Air Force awarded Northrop Grumman Corporation a $276 million contract on June 24 for fielding and operational deployment of the Battlefield Airborne Communications Node (BACN), an airborne communications system that provides warfighters with critical real-time battlefield information.

The 653rd Electronic Systems Group, Hanscom Air Force Base, Mass., made the award to fulfill an urgent and compelling requirement for enhanced communications capability for Overseas Contingency Operation. Tasking under the joint urgent operational need includes installing BACN on two Bombardier BD-700 Global Express aircraft and two Global Hawk Block 20 unmanned aerial vehicles.

The contract will also fund the company's support for continuing operations of the existing BACN-equipped BD-700, which the Air Force deployed to meet warfighter requirements in December 2008.

"BACN's ability to translate and share data among disparate battlefield communications systems using our gateway manager algorithms and Internet protocols resolves interoperability problems, provides commanders and warfighters with battle-space-awareness, and most importantly, gives the ground soldier persistent communications with ground support platforms and command centers," said Roger Fujii, vice president of Network Communication Systems for Northrop Grumman's Information Systems sector.

Designed for use in a variety of unmanned and manned aircraft, BACN is a forward-deployed airborne communications relay and network-centric enterprise information server. BACN extends communications ranges, bridges between radio frequencies and "translates" among incompatible communications systems to enable information sharing and enhanced situational awareness. Northrop Grumman developed BACN under a Defense Microelectronics Activity contract as part of the Interim Gateway program.

"Battlefield communications advancements in aerial gateway technology have significantly enhanced our warfighter's combat effectiveness and capability to stop the adversary while saving countless lives of our troops and allied forces," said Colonel Cordell DeLapena, commander of the 653rd Electronic Systems Group at Hanscom Air Force Base, Mass.
The award solidifies Northrop Grumman's leadership in network-centric operations while providing proven technology and operational expertise to the combatant commanders.

Production and integration will be performed at Northrop Grumman facilities in San Diego

First C-17 Globemaster III delivered to NATO SAC

Boeing Delivers 12-Nation Strategic Airlift Capability’s 1st C-17 Globemaster III

Reference: Boeing

Image: Globemaster.de

The Boeing Company delivered the first Strategic Airlift Capability (SAC) C-17 Globemaster III during a ceremony at its final assembly facility in Long Beach, paving the way for the advanced airlifter’s historic arrival at Pápa Air Base, Hungary, later this month. The SAC’s approach to shared use of the strategic airlifter is regarded as a model for the pooled acquisition and management of defense capabilities.

“I salute the 12 nations that have joined together to form the Strategic Airlift Capability,” said U.S. Air Force Col. John Zazworsky, the first commander of Pápa Air Base’s Heavy Airlift Wing (HAW). “This aircraft, along with the two that will follow, is a direct result of their commitment to giving SAC advanced airlift capabilities that will save lives around the world. We look forward to our first mission.” The HAW is the operational unit responsible for conducting airlift missions in support of national requirements.

“We’ve dreamed about this day for many years, and now it’s here,” said Gunnar Borch, who serves as General Manager of the NATO Airlift Management Agency (NAMA). “This historic partnership shows how much can be accomplished when nations work together to achieve a common goal.” NAMA is responsible for the acquisition, day-to-day management, and support of the C-17 fleet on behalf of NATO and all participating SAC nations.

“What you are doing is being watched and admired around the world,” said Jean Chamberlin, Boeing vice president and general manager of Global Mobility Systems. “It is truly remarkable to see 12 great nations working together to secure the world’s most advanced airlifter to support military, humanitarian, disaster-relief and peacekeeping missions. We thank you for choosing the C-17 and its unequaled readiness for any mission, anywhere, any time.”

The SAC group includes 10 NATO nations -- Bulgaria, Estonia, Hungary, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Romania, Slovenia, United States -- and Partnership for Peace members Sweden and Finland. They will share acquisition and operating costs for the eventual fleet of three C-17s over the nearly 30-year agreement.

The first SAC C-17 will arrive at Pápa Air Base just prior to the activation of the HAW on July 27. Boeing will deliver the two remaining C-17s in September and October.

The SAC’s first C-17 bears the number 01 on its nose, symbolizing the first aircraft delivered to the SAC group. Because Hungary is the host nation for the HAW, the airlifter's tail is marked with red, white and green stripes. The air base’s name, "PAPA," is painted on a blue background that runs across the vertical stabilizer. The HAW will be operated by multinational crews from the 12 participating nations.

A Boeing team will provide support for the SAC C-17s, including material management and depot maintenance support, under Global Services & Support’s C-17 Globemaster III Sustainment Partnership program.

Further reading: C-17A Globemaster III Walkaround (b-domke.de)

Lockheed to perform radar concept studies for U.S. Navy

Lockheed Martin to Develop Concept for New U.S. Navy Air and Missile Defense Radar

Reference: Lockheed Martin

Image: World Military Forum

The U.S. Navy has awarded Lockheed Martin a $10 million firm-fixed-price contract to perform concept studies for the Air and Missile Defense Radar (AMDR), a scalable solid-state radar suite for future surface combatants.

Comprised of an S-Band radar, an X-Band radar and a Radar Suite Controller (RSC), AMDR is intended to significantly enhance a ship’s defensive capability against advanced anti-ship and ballistic missile threats. Lockheed Martin was one of three industry teams to receive AMDR contracts, which will focus on the S-Band radar and RSC during this six-month concept studies phase.

Under the contract, Lockheed Martin will evaluate potential system configurations. Subsequent phases, including technology development, engineering and manufacturing development, production and follow-on support, will be the subject of future competitive procurements.

The work will be performed at Lockheed Martin’s Moorestown, NJ facility.

Two major milestones achieved for High Integrity GPS

Boeing/Iridium Team Completes High Integrity GPS Program Milestones

Reference: Boeing

Image: GCN

A team led by Boeing with support from Iridium Satellite LLC announced that it has achieved two major milestones to further develop and demonstrate capability enhancements to the High Integrity Global Positioning System (GPS) program for the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory.

The first milestone, completion of the Enhanced Narrowband (ENB) software modification to computers on Iridium satellites, enables second-generation GPS-aiding signals to be broadcast through the entire Iridium constellation. These broadcasts will enable rapid, more accurate GPS position fixes anywhere in the world. The GPS-aiding signal will allow appropriately equipped warfighters to quickly lock on and maintain a GPS signal, even while operating in restrictive environments such as urban areas, forests, mountains and canyons, as well as under enemy jamming attempts or amid battlefield radio frequency noise.

The second milestone was a demonstration of the acquisition of a GPS signal under substantial jamming while moving.

The principle behind High Integrity GPS, also known in government circles as "iGPS," uses satellite signals from the Iridium low-Earth orbit telecommunications system and the U.S. Air Force-operated GPS mid-Earth orbit navigational satellites. Iridium provides a high power signal and rapidly changing ground track to accelerate an initial position fix by users. The GPS system provides navigational data in time, location and velocity. The result is an augmentation to GPS that provides iGPS receivers with improved navigation, higher signal integrity, precision accuracy and more jam-resistant capabilities.

High Integrity GPS also has the potential to provide geographic positioning data to within centimeters, a vast improvement over current stand-alone GPS, which provides data within meters.

The team includes Boeing Phantom Works' Advanced Network and Space Systems, Iridium, Rockwell Collins, Coherent Navigation and experts from academia

Further reading: High Integrity GPS/ iGPS: Boeing’s Iridium Ace Card (Defence Industry Daily)

Northropp Grumman to support net-centric space situational awareness

Northrop Grumman Awarded Contract to Develop Space Fence Technology

Reference: Northrop Grumman

Image: Defense Tech

Northrop Grumman Corporation has been awarded the first phase of a $30 million firm-fixed price U.S. Air Force contract to develop a global space surveillance ground radar system.

The new S-Band Space Fence is part of the U.S. Department of Defense's effort to track and detect what is commonly referred to as resident space objects (RSO), consisting of thousands of pieces of "space debris" as well as commercial and military satellites. Space Fence will replace the current VHF Air Force Space Surveillance System built in 1961.

Space Fence will provide continuous, net-centric space situational awareness by detecting smaller objects in low and medium earth orbit. The current system requires constant sustainment intervention to maintain operations and does not address the growing population of small and micro satellites in orbit.

"The new Space Fence system will provide better accuracy and faster detection while allowing us to increase the number of satellites and other space objects that can be detected and tracked, thus avoiding collision and damage to other satellites," said Rich Davis, director of special projects at Northrop Grumman's Advanced Concepts and Technology Division.

Australia is a candidate for the first Space Fence location. Two additional sites in other parts of the world are also under consideration.

Further reading: Space Fence reinvented (C4ISR Journal)

EDA gives the go-ahead for new unmanned high-tech platform

Rheinmetall takes the lead in European development programme

Reference: Rheinmetall

Image: Rheinmetall

The European Defence Agency (EDA) has given a green light to an ambitious development project under the leadership of Rheinmetall Defence of Düsseldorf, Germany. The EDA has contracted with Rheinmetall Defence and three other companies (Diehl BGT Defence, ECA and Thales Optronique) to develop an unmanned vehicle platform and construct a demonstrator version that should show the potential of systems of this kind. In particular, the project seeks to demonstrate the future role that unmanned vehicles could play in protecting troops deployed in hazardous operations.

The Semi-Autonomous Unmanned Ground Vehicle System Demonstrator (SAM-UGV), as it is tentatively known, will be a wheeled, all-terrain vehicle weighing between 300 and 400 kilos, roughly the size of a quad bike. Thanks to its built-in navigation system and sophisticated computer technology, it will be able to conduct a variety of missions by remote control as well as operating autonomously. The vehicle is to have a range of 400 kilometres, and be able to operate for periods of up to 24 hours.

As well as performing long-range patrolling and monitoring missions, the SAM-UGV will be able to carry out NBC reconnaissance operations in potentially contaminated terrain. The system’s suitability as a means of searching for improvised explosive devices will also be studied, responding to the acute threat these currently pose to forces deployed in global conflict zones. Besides a satellite-supported inertial navigation system, the vehicle will feature a 3D laser radar, a camera system and ultrasonic sensors, enabling it to cope with its surroundings and avoid obstacles.

Lockheed integrates DAGR rockets on Little Birds

Lockheed Martin DAGR Rockets Successfully Fired From Airborne AH-6 Little Bird, Strike Targets

Reference: Lockheed Martin

Image: Lockheed Martin

Lockheed Martin has launched DAGR rockets from an airborne AH-6 Little Bird helicopter and successfully hit the target in two separate trials. This is the second platform DAGR has fired from in the past few months—Lockheed Martin also fired DAGR rockets from the AH-64D Apache helicopter in March.

In preparation for the tests, conducted at the Yuma Army Proving Ground in Arizona, Lockheed Martin engineers mounted the DAGR four-pack launch canister on the outboard rail of a modified XM299 launcher carried by the AH-6 Mission Enhanced Little Bird test platform.
The Little Bird firings were performed as a running fire, using a ground designator, and then self designation using the Little Bird's onboard MX-15D1 targeting system. The DAGR rocket was extremely accurate in hitting the laser aimpoint in both tests.

Because the DAGR system is designed to be compatible with the M299 family of launchers, it offers potential integration on all rotary-wing HELLFIRE platforms, including the Apache, Little Bird, Kiowa, Blackhawk, Cobra, and Tiger helicopters. A mixed loadout of HELLFIRE IIs and DAGRs can be mounted on the same launcher, providing operational flexibility that enables cost-effective multi-mission capability from a single platform.

In 12 successful guided flight tests, the DAGR system has repeatedly demonstrated its precision strike and maneuver capabilities, hitting short- and long-range off-axis targets within minimal distance of the laser-designated aimpoint. This provides Warfighters with increased capability and an expanded engagement envelope.

Raytheon to provide target acquisition and destruction capabilities for Kuwait forces

Kuwait – Upgrade Desert Warrior Fire Control System with GITS II

Reference: DSCA

Image: Designation Systems

The U.S. Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) notified U.S. Congress of a possible foreign military sale to the Government of Kuwait to upgrade the Desert Warrior Fire Control System with Gunner’s Integrated TOW (Tube-launched, Optically-tracked, Wire-guided) System (GITS II) worth an estimated $314 million.

The proposed sale includes installation of the Improved Thermal Sight System 2nd Generation Forward-Looking Infrared Radar, spare and repair parts, support equipment, publications and technical documentation, test equipment, personnel training and training equipment, U.S. Government and contractor technical and logistics personnel services and other related elements of program support.

The Government of Kuwait will use the upgraded Desert Warrior Infantry Fighting Vehicle for protecting its borders. The upgrade will provide Kuwait’s infantry with an advanced target acquisition and destruction capability, and will also improve the vehicles' operational readiness. The proposed sale will provide for the defense of vital installations, and its ground forces. Kuwait will have no difficulty absorbing this upgrade into its armed forces.

The proposed sale of this upgrade will not alter the basic military balance in the region.The principal contractor will be Raytheon Company Network Centric Systems in McKinney, Texas.

Extended Support for U.S. Army's Javelin Missile System

U.S. Army Awards Javelin Joint Venture Five-Year $298.6 Million Support Contract

Reference: Raytheon

Image: NSM

The U.S. Army selected the Raytheon Company-Lockheed Martin Javelin Joint Venture to provide life-cycle contract support for the Javelin anti-tank missile and command launch unit. The five-year $298.6 million contract has a fiscal year 2009 funded value of $34.9 million. It requires the Javelin Joint Venture to provide the U.S. Army with depot spares, repair support, training and data.

Javelin is the world's first man-portable, fire-and-forget, medium-range missile system. The compact, lightweight missile is designed for one-soldier operations in all environments.

"The Javelin life-cycle contract support team continues to provide exceptional support to our warfighters with amazing turnaround time for hardware returned for repair or upgrade," said Barry James, vice president of the Javelin Joint Venture. "The team has been able to coordinate shipments in and out of theater to the repair facility and back to the front line in a matter of days. We are committed to providing world-class focused support to ensure combat readiness."

Canadian Army to upgrade its fleets of combat vehicles

Canada announces $5 billion combat vehicle upgrade and acquisition programme

Reference: Jane's

Image: Canadian National Defence

The Canadian government has announced a CAD5 billion (USD4.3 billion) programme to upgrade and replace the army's fleets of combat vehicles. The Family of Land Combat Vehicles (FLCV) programme - announced by the Department of National Defence (DND) on 8 July - includes an upgrade to the current fleet of light armoured vehicles (LAV III) and the acquisition of three new fleets.

1) The CAD1 billion Light Armoured Vehicle (LAV 3) upgrade project is for 550 vehicles with an option for another 80. Depending on cost, they could conceivably receive upgrades to their powertrain, suspension, running gear and brakes, as well as to their weapon system. They are also to be fitted with additional armour.

2) The DND said the army will acquire 500 Tactical Armoured Patrol Vehicles (TAPV), at a cost of between CAD1.4 billion and CAD1.7 billion (according to estimates from Jane's Defence Forecasts ).

3) and 4)There will be 300 general utility TAPV variants, while the other 200 will be reconnaissance variants to replace the LAV 2 Coyote vehicle. The contract, expected to be awarded in the second quarter of 2011, will include an option for an additional purchase of 100 vehicles.

U.S. Air Force invests on C2 security during cyber attacks

Boeing Awarded $1.2 Million Air Force Contract to Demonstrate Cyber Command and Control Solutions

Reference: Boeing

Image: SMI

Boeing was awarded a $1.2 million contract by the U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory in Rome, N.Y., to study and demonstrate improved situational awareness, visualization, and automated course-of-action processing for network environments during cyber attack. Boeing will analyze network operations, develop procedures and processes, and apply tools that will enhance network command and control capabilities. The results of the study will be demonstrated at the Air Force Research Laboratory.

Boeing's technology solution provides the Air Force with tools to enhance their network architecture, giving them secure, positive measures to ensure mission success."

Boeing, along with subsidiaries Federated Software Group (FSG) and Tapestry Solutions, will demonstrate a test system that maintains positive command and control of cyber assets through automated alerts and actions. The system will enable the Air Force to perform its missions under all network conditions. Technical and programmatic leadership of the program will be accomplished at Boeing facilities in Anaheim, Calif., and Herndon, Va., building on cyber architecture and technologies developed for a variety of internal and government customers.

The system will include Boeing's Common Enterprise Mission Oriented Architecture, a network service-oriented architecture middleware solution that allows easy generalization of network interfaces and automated services and provides seamless integration of new features and capabilities without network disruption.

50 new Mine Detection Systems for the U.S. Army

Niitek awarded $38.2 Million Contract

Reference: Chemring

Image: Chemring

Chemring Group PLC announced that its US subsidiary, Non-Intrusive Inspection Technology, Inc. (“NIITEK”), has been awarded a $38.2 million contract from the US Army for the supply and support of fifty Husky Mine Detection Systems for high reliability route clearance of buried mines in support of US peacekeeping operations around the world. Deliveries under the contract will be made over the period to June 2010.

Dr David Price, Chief Executive of Chemring, commented: “I am delighted with the success of our recent acquisition, NIITEK, and its Husky Mine Detection System that is starting to make an important contribution to the safety of US Army troops operating in Afghanistan. The final contract for the fifty systems, spares and support is expected to be worth in excess of $75 million.”

Finmeccanica and SELEX-SI offer protection to G8 Summit

Finmeccanica offers its best technology to guarantee safety at the G8 Summit in L'Aquila

Reference: Finmeccanica

Image: BBC

On occasion of the G8 Summit, the Italian industry provides the most advanced technologies and competences to guarantee the security of the event. In this framework the Finmeccanica Group will play a key role with its companies operating in the Aerospace and Defence sectors, by offering state-of-the-art products and systems to safeguard such an important global event and to give the meeting the maximum security and protection.

In the framework of the G8 summit, SELEX Sistemi Integrati, a Finmeccanica Group company, is prime contractor in the design and implementation of a new integrated system that will enable the Civil Protection Department to safeguard the meeting. Through various structures, directed from a Central Coordination and Management Station created by SELEX Sistemi Integrati, it will be possible to collect, analyse and coordinate all the data sent from the locations of the various resources deployed (Interior Ministry, Carabinieri, Defence Ministry, etc.) and from sensors installed for security purposes. At the Centre, there is also a Decision-making Room, equipped with sophisticated computer software capable of integrating all data for the management of possible events using resources on the ground. The system also includes several peripheral command and control centres, which interact with the Central Management Station.

Royal Australian Air Force receives the first of 24 new Super Hornets

Boeing Debuts 1st Royal Australian Air Force F/A-18F Super Hornet

Reference: Boeing

Image: ABC News

Boeing unveiled the first of 24 F/A-18F Block II Super Hornets for the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) during a ceremony at Boeing Integrated Defense Systems' production facilities in St. Louis. The aircraft will be delivered later this month, three months ahead of schedule. The remaining 23 Super Hornets, each equipped with the Raytheon-built APG-79 Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar, will be delivered to the RAAF throughout 2010 and 2011.

The Block II F/A-18E/F Super Hornet is a multirole aircraft, able to perform virtually every mission in the tactical spectrum, including air superiority, day/night strike with precision-guided weapons, fighter escort, close air support, suppression of enemy air defenses, maritime strike, reconnaissance, forward air control and tanker missions. Boeing has delivered more than 395 F/A-18E/Fs to the U.S. Navy.

Improved data dissemination from the satellites

Raytheon and National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency Improve Flow of Commercial Imagery to Analysts and Warfighters

Reference: Raytheon

Image: ITT

Raytheon Company and the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA) marked the transition of an improved capability that will rapidly ingest and disseminate imagery from U.S. commercial satellite companies to warfighters and intelligence analysts worldwide.

The effort was related to the agency's NextView program, in which NGA receives imagery from U.S. commercial satellite companies. With the new dissemination capability, NGA systems can now ingest and disseminate greater amounts of commercial satellite imagery daily, providing it to users more quickly.

NGA has also tasked Raytheon to provide the next generation of services to disseminate data from multiple sources to its users. The new Geospatial Intelligence Data Transformation Services, an effort under a current Raytheon program, permits NGA to ingest and disseminate data from numerous data providers with varying formats and sensor platforms. Integrating these data sources into the National System for Geospatial Intelligence will provide warfighters and the intelligence community with a broad set of new and improved geospatial intelligence products to meet mission needs.

Operational Assessment for the Eurofighter Typhoon

The Italian Eurofighters are the first to successfully accomplish NATO’s operations assessment

Reference: Alenia Aeronautica

Image: Freewebs/Aviation

The Italian Eurofighters are the first to successfully pass NATO’s operational assessment and they are now ready to be deployed abroad for peace-keeping and peace-making operations. This is and excellent result for the Eurofighter Typhoon, the aircraft designed, developed and produced by a four-nation consortium whose members are UK, Germany, Spain and Italy with Alenia Aeronautica’s participation with a 21% industrial share.

The exercise has involved many activities carried out at Grosseto Base: rescue and telecommunication services, self-defence and survival capabilities, but above all logistic support, maintenance and flight operations. In this very field the operations of the Grosseto Base’s Typhoons have been positively evaluated, having demonstrated excellent operational availability and full compliance with Italian Air Force and NATO’s operational requirements.

First increment for the European Union C2I System

SELEX Sistemi Integrati: Completion of Increment 1 of the EUCCIS (European Union Command and Control Information System)

Reference: SELEX Sistemi Integrati

Image: SELEX Sistemi Integrati

In the context of the implementation of the European Union Command and Control Information System (EUCCIS) by SELEX Sistemi Integrat, a Finmeccanica Company, for the General Secretariat of the Council of the European Union, acceptance of Increment 1 of EUCCIS contract was issued. Within the contract, the Italian Company provides the development, supply, installation of a Command and Control Information System, including the provision of related support, training and maintenance services to enhance the European Union's ability to plan, deploy and execute military as well as civilian operations under EU-led undertakings.

EUCCIS is an information system composed of centralised applications, deployed on a network, accessible from the EU Military/Civilian Staff user workstations and it is composed by a stable instance located in Brussels with the flexibility to be deployed everywhere in the world within a subordinated deployed Headquarter. It provides graphical user interface to manage cartography, data, documents and scenario operation symbols utilised in the operation planning, management and monitoring activities.

The Increment 1 provides about 50% of the functionality of the system. The remaining two increments (25% for each one) will grant the complete functionality.

New Counterfire Target Acquisition Radar for the U.S. Army

EQ-36 Radar Delivered After Live-fire Testing at Yuma Proving Ground

Reference: Lockheed Martin

Image: Lockheed Martin

Lockheed Martin has delivered the first Non-Recurring Engineering Enhanced AN/TPQ-36 Counterfire Target Acquisition Radar System (EQ-36) to the U.S. Army. The EQ-36 radar’s delivery on July 2 followed its successful live-fire performance testing against indirect fire from mortars, artillery and rockets from a simulated enemy. The series of tests, held this spring at the Army’s Yuma Proving Ground in Arizona, included engineering, contractor and government acceptance testing.

To accelerate the fielding of the EQ-36 radar, the U.S. Army in June 2008 exercised contract options with Lockheed Martin for 12 additional systems, which will include enhanced performance capabilities. Further, to support the war fighter, delivery of all 12 systems has been accelerated. With production for both orders now running in parallel, the remaining EQ-36 systems will be delivered by fall 2010.

UK MOD upgrades the Bowman system

UK MOD Places £231M Contracts to Boost Battlefield Communications

Reference: General Dynamics

Image: Defence Talk

Two contracts, together worth £231M, have been awarded to General Dynamics UK to upgrade the UK Armed Forces’ Bowman military communications system, the Ministry of Defence announced today.

Bowman’s secure radio communications, declared in service on time in 2004, have been used on operations since 2005, together with a basic data capability. The Bowman system has been developed and integrated by General Dynamics UK into over 13,000 British Army vehicles, together with headquarters, ships, and helicopters. The MoD recently purchased an additional 2139 radios, with an option for a further 437, in order to meet the demands of current operations and their associated training needs.

Boeing will upgrade data communications on U.S. Navy destroyers

Boeing Awarded Additional US Navy Communications Network Design Services Contract

Reference: Boeing
Image: Steelnavy.com

The Boeing Company has been awarded a U.S. Navy contract valued at $42.9 million including options to continue providing communications network design and technical engineering services on guided missile destroyers. The sole-source contract supports the AN/USQ-82 Gigabit Ethernet and Fiber Optic Data Multiplex System (GEDMS/FODMS) program and is a five-year cost-plus, fixed-fee term contract.

This contract is part of the U.S. Navy's effort to build, operate and modernize the DDG-51 class guided missile destroyers. GEDMS also is included in the Aegis weapon system package for various foreign navies.

Boeing has developed a complete information-transfer system that enhances reliability, maintainability and survivability by managing data from the ship's navigation, steering-control, damage-control, machinery-control, combat and internal communications systems. The Data Multiplex System network design replaces the miles of point-to-point cables, signal converters, junction boxes and switchboards associated with conventional cabling on a guided missile destroyer.

German Army buys 450 new Puma vehicles from Rheinmetall

Billion plus order for Rheinmetall: Go-ahead given for serial production of 405 Puma infantry fighting vehicles for the Bundeswehr

Reference: Rheinmetall Defence

Image: Army Recognition

The Puma is the German Army's most important force transformation project. It provides its crews with a level of protection against asymmetric threats like landmines, rocket-propelled grenades and improvised explosive devices.

Germany's order of 405 Puma infantry fighting vehicle is the largest-single contract in recent Rheinmetall history. The first of these newly developed combat vehicles will reach the Bundeswehr starting in 2010.