This Metal Piece Could Save Your Life!

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Jun 8, 2010

Today’s armor solutions significantly increase vehicles survivability by preventing objects from penetrating the crew compartment; however, even without perforating the armor, the shockwaves created by the blast are propagating through the frame with deadly effect to the vehicle’s occupants. The human body is not designed to endure the accelerations and shock waves transferred through the rigid vehicle body, especially in the vertical direction (see IED Blast Related Brain Injuries). In order to protect the occupants from such threats, energy absorbing systems are employed to augment the vehicle’s protection, by isolating the crew from the vehicle’s body and floor.

The unique Energy Absorption (EA) technology developed by Mobius PS‘ experts is integrated in various blast protection mechanisms employed in modern military vehicles, designed to protect soldiers from mines and

mobius_blast_test — A chart depicting an actual blast test demonstrating the performance of Mobius Protection System Energy Absorption (EA) technology, reducing extremely high accelerations of 600g, to around 25g, a level considered survivable by the human body. Chart: Mobius PS

Improvised Explosive Devices (IED). When such a vehicle is effected by a mine or IED, the vehicle is exposed to extremely high accelerations caused by the blast and its associated effects, exposing passengers and the crew to accelerations of 250 to 600 g, a level 20 to 30 times beyond the acceleration survivable by the human body. The technology developed by Mobius PS rapidly dissipates the energies transferred by the vehicle in multi-hit scenarios.

A single EA element designed going through drastic deformation through the explosion is responsible for this phenomenal process, effectively taming the violent explosion forces into a human survivable jolt. Unlike other EA techniques that relying on complex assemblies, suspensions and moving parts susceptible to degradation by environmental conditions and corrosion, the Mobius PS EA protects from IEDs mines without compromising on performance, safety, ergonomics and user comfort.

To evaluate durability and survivability, hybrid crash-test dummies are used in drop-tower tests and live blast tests. The evaluation parameter is called DRI (Dynamic Response Index) indicating the probability for injury. According to Brig. General (Ret) David Engel, Mobius Protection Systems innovative technology broke the charts with outstanding results and very low DRI measures. Being very versatile, the technology can be implemented in various platforms for a very wide range of impact input patterns and available space. (charts: Mobius Protection Systems)

bench_mobius — Mobius PS have integrated their Energy Attenuation solution into wall mounts, floor mounts, benches and folding seats of different types, providing effective blast protection to all typoes of vehicles, including light vehicles having limited space for conventional blast protection systems. Photos: Mobius PS

Three Light Armored Vehicles to Compete for A$1 Billion Land 121 Phase 4 Procurement

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May 26, 2010

Ocelot, Hawkei and Eagle IV downselected for Australia’s Next Generation Light Protected Mobility Vehicle

Three Australian led teams were downselected earlier this week to develop protected mobility vehicle prototypes, competing for the ‘Project Overlander’ Land 121 Phase 4, a procurement of about 1,300 of the next generation of light protected mobility vehicles, worth over A$1 billion. The vehicles will be provided to the Army’s combat units and Air Force’s Air Field Defence Guards and will be designed to operate in future conflict environments. “The protected mobility vehicles will play an important role in keeping Australian troops safe in combat roles, including command, liaison and light battlefield resupply.” Said Greg Combet, Minister for Defence Materiel and Science.

Each of the teams will be awarded a A$9 million contract for the development of these prototypes. The three teams are led by Thales Australia, Force protection Europe and General Dynamics Land Systems Australia. Force Protection has established a wholly owned local subsidiary in Australia. Thales Australia has facilities in Bendigo, Victoria. General Dynamics Land Systems Australia has facilities in the suburbs of Adelaide in South Australia.

Two of the vehicles proposed for the Australian programs are new designs – Force Protection is offering the Ocelot, currently downselected for the British MPPV program; Thales is offering the new Hawkei, designed in association with Israel’s armoring expert Plasan. The vehicle has recently completed more than 10,000 km of on-road and off-road testing, meeting all its performance benchmarks and exhibiting high levels of reliability. In parallel, the vehicle also passed mine blast, side blast and ballistic protection tests verifying the performance of the vehicle’s protection suite.

GDLS Australia is offering a version of the Eagle IV, a mature design which has already been selected by several European armies, including Germany and Denmark.
The Australian announcement follows a decision by the Government in 2008 to participate in the current US Joint Light Tactical Vehicle program which is also working on the development of protected mobility vehicle prototypes.

Army Begins GCV Contractor Selection Process

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May 21, 2010

The U.S. Army closed the industry Request for Proposal (RFP) submission process today, effectively launching the formal Ground Combat Vehicle (GCV) contractor selection process. The Army will award up to three competitive contracts in late fourth quarter of Fiscal Year (FY) 2010 to build and test GCV ‘Technology Demonstrator’ vehicles, over a period of 27 months. “We have had good response from industry and now the source selection process will begin immediately. Due to the sensitive nature of this procurement and the Federal prohibition on the release of procurement information, the program office will not release further source selection details until the close of the process,” said COL Bryan McVeigh, program manager GCV.

The Technology Development Phase involves risk reduction, refinement of requirements, competitive sub-system prototyping activities, and planned technical reviews leading to a Preliminary Design which demonstrates the maturity to enter into Engineering and Manufacturing Development EMD phase.

Following the completion of the Technology Demonstration phase the subsequent EMD phase would run through the first quarter of FY 2016, and include delivery of the first prototype vehicle in FY 2015. The Army is approaching the GCV’s development in an incremental fashion — designing it for adaptability, modularity and scalability to adjust to and incorporate technological change. The source selection process is used during competitive, negotiated contracting to select industry proposals that offer the best value to the Army.

Among the teams submitting proposals are General Dynamics, teamed with Lockheed Martin, Raytheon Company teamed with MTU Detroit Diesel and BAE Systems teamed with Northrop Grumman. SAIC and Boeing, the team that have led the Future Combat Systems program, which included the predecessor of the GCV is also believed to be competing for the new program. Two foreign companies, Krauss Maffei Wegman and Rheinmetall Defence Systems are also participating.

Oshkosh Defense Unveils New M-ATV Ambulance Variant

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May 20, 2010

Oshkosh Defense is unveiling a new version of its MRAP All-Terrain Vehicle (M-ATV) tactical ambulance variant at the 2010 Association of the United States Army’s (AUSA) Institute of Land Warfare (ILW) Army Medical Symposium and Exposition, which is being held May 18-20 in San Antonio, Texas.

“We’ve created an additional M-ATV tactical ambulance variant to offer a side-by-side patient litter layout in response to feedback from the military,” said Ken Juergens, Oshkosh Defense vice president and general manager, Joint Programs. “We developed the M-ATV ambulance to allow military operations to provide critical casualty care services in the unforgiving landscapes where tactical missions must operate. It is very important to us to attend events like the ILW Army Medical forum to meet with the officers and soldiers who will be using our vehicles in theater. Their input is crucial as we build the best possible vehicles for our Warfighters.”

The tactical ambulance variant offers a new mission profile and expanded medical capabilities while maintaining the durable, best-in-class mobility and superior crew protection of the original M-ATV offering. The vehicle seats three crew members plus two litters or four ambulatory patients. Like the standard M-ATV, the tactical ambulance variant provides 16 inches of independent wheel travel and uses 370-horsepower engine, an Allison 3500 SP transmission and a two-channel central tire-inflation system with four terrain settings. To ensure medics can reach and safely evacuate wounded Warfighters in the severe and uneven terrain where they must operate, the tactical ambulance uses the Oshkosh TAK-4 independent suspension system to achieve a 70 percent off-road profile capability.Oshkosh continues to expand the M-ATV into a family of vehicles. This tactical ambulance variant joins another version of the M-ATV ambulance as well as the M-ATV utility variant. To date, Oshkosh has received orders to deliver 8,079 M-ATVs for operations in Afghanistan, where those M-ATVs already fielded are providing superior off-road mobility for harsh mountainous landscapes and unimproved road networks.

B-52

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May 18, 2010

As the U.S. Air Force’s B-52 Stratofortress turns 60, the B-52H is being upgraded and modernized to continue assuming long-range strike missions under the Air Force Global Strike Command. Lt. Gen. Jim Kowalski, commander of the Global StrikeCommand said the modernization and sustaining the nation’s long range strike aviation capability is a top priority for the command. The Air Force is marking both the 50th anniversary of the last delivery of a B-52H to Minot AFB, N.D., and the 60th anniversary of the first test flight of the YB-52. Kowalski attributed the reliability and combat capability of the dual-role bomber to the talented maintenance personnel, outstanding depot support and the Air Force’s continued investment in the airframe.

The B-52H is a dual-capable aircraft designed to carry nuclear and conventional weapons in support of a range of military operations. It has been projected for a number of upgrades that have already been made to two B-52H test aircraft currently deployed to Edwards AFB. These upgrades are integral to ensuring the B-52H is both effective and able to fully integrate with other services, as envisioned in the Air Sea Battle concept, according to command officials. “Long-range, payload, persistence … these three attributes underlie key capabilities provided by Global Strike Command’s B-2 and B-52H fleet,” said Col. Rick Mitchell, the Bomber Requirements Division chief. “These attributes become increasingly important to combat the ‘tyranny of distance’ posed by the vast expanse of the Pacific Ocean.

Among the upgrades being introduced to the B-52H is a guided “smart weapon” capability integrated in the B-52H’s internal weapons bay, increasing the guided weapons payload by 66 percent. Another current program is an upgrade to the latest Advanced Targeting Pod, which will increase the B-52H effectiveness when performing close air support and other missions. The B-52H usually carries the Litening and Sniper targeting pods.

One of the test aircraft at Edwards AFB also featured an improved on-board communications upgrade called Combat Network Communications Technology (CONECT).

The CONECT program brings the B-52H from the analog into the digital age, according to command officials, providing an invaluable data link over which to pass mission and threat data.

With the new defense strategy placing a greater emphasis on the Pacific, it’s really important that our bombers are fully networked and integrated with the joint force, Kowalski said.

The command provides a fleet of B-52Hs and a cadre of Airmen from Minot AFB and Barksdale AFB year-round in support of the continuous bomber presence mission in the Pacific, which ensures stability and peace in the region.

“Integrating a beyond line-of-sight data link and installing new controls and color displays on the aircraft decreases the crew workload significantly,” Mitchell said “A controlling agency can now send mission updates to the B-52 via the data link without having to rely on voice communications.

“Because the data link is integrated with the aircraft offensive avionics system, the aircrew simply has to accept the mission change which is then automatically loaded into the avionics and weapons,” he continued. “Our current and temporary datalink solution does not provide us with this capability. The ability of CONECT to accomplish this retargeting allows for standoff weapons survivability and shorten the close air support kill chain.”

These digital enhancements will ensure the viability of the B-52H well into the 21st century, Mitchell said.

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BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. (AFNS) — During a recent visit to Edwards AFB, Calif., the commander of Air Force Global Strike Command spent time with B-52 Combined Test Force officials to preview the combat capability enhancements made to the B-52H Stratofortress.

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BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. — The B-52H Stratofortress has been a cornerstone of U.S. air superiority for decades. With its around-the-globe range, massive payload and intimidating appearance, the aircraft will remain in service for years to come.

In order to remain relevant in today’s force, the aging aircraft must periodically undergo technological upgrades. One significant upgrade the B-52 received was the addition of the Northrop Grumman LITENING II Advanced Targeting Pod. According to the Northrop Grumman website, the ATP is a self-contained, multi-sensor weapon aiming system that enables the crew to detect, acquire, auto-track and identify targets for highly accurate delivery of both conventional and precision-guided weapons.

“The ATP brings the B-52 several capabilities from self-deriving coordinates to designating laser guided bombs,” said Capt. Benjamin Poole, 2nd Operations Support Squadron instructor radar navigator.

It also expands the aircraft’s nontraditional intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities, he added.

Before the addition of the $1.4 million ATP, the B-52 relied on an outdated radar system which limited its accuracy.

“Now, the B-52 can prosecute non-radar significant and/or moving targets with unparalleled accuracy,” said Capt. Jeffrey Morris, 2 OSS instructor radar navigator. “The B-52 is now in-line with targeting accuracy and many of the characteristics found in jets a quarter of its age.”

In addition to the advanced weapon guidance capabilities, the ATP also allows the crew to stream live line-of-sight video to special operations forces and Joint Terminal Attack Controllers on the ground.

The ATP was fielded beginning in 1999, and has been integrated on several aircraft including the A-10, B-52H, F-14A/B/D, F-15E/D, AV-8B, F-18, F-16 as well as many international military aircraft.

The B-52 is also testing an alternate system, the Sniper Targeting Pod, to determine the most effective asset for the aircraft. Upgrades like this are part of the ongoing effort to keep the B-52 on the leading edge of bomber technology. With the aircraft projected to remain in service for decades to come, leaders in the bomber community are always keeping their eyes on the future of combat capability, Morris said.

“In the future, the B-52s offensive suite software will continue to better integrate LITENING/Sniper capabilities,” said Morris. “The B-52 will continue to find, fix, track, target, engage and assess enemy resources at any point in the world thanks to continued improvements like the LITENING II ATP.”

General Atomics Proposes Carrier-Based Avenger to the U.S. Navy

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May 17, 2010

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. is proposing a new carrier-based derivative of the Predator C (Avenger) known as ‘Sea Avenger’, designed to address the U.S. Navy’s unmanned carrier-launched airborne surveillance and strike (UCLASS) system requirement.

Anticipating a future requirement for a carrier-based UAS, GA-ASI designed specific features into its Predator C Avenger to facilitate subsequent development of an aircraft uniquely suitable for carrier operations that would also integrate seamlessly into the carrier air wing. These include a highly fuel-efficient engine and inlet design, retractable electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) sensor, internal weapons bay, and folding wings. The aircraft’s structure was also designed with the flexibility to accommodate carrier suitable landing gear, tail hook, drag devices, and other provisions for carrier operations.

“Sea Avenger fulfills the Navy’s need for a carrier-based unmanned aircraft system that offers long-endurance, proven ISR [Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance] and precision-strike capabilities,” said Frank Pace, president, Aircraft Systems Group, General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc.

General Atomics claims that the Sea Avenger presents a low-risk, high technology ready procurement option, leveraging more than 18 years of Predator-series UAS development, manufacturing, and system support, along with one million flight hours of operational experience. The new system employs many Predator-series elements, components, and subsystems already provide mature, proven, and affordable mission capabilities desired by the Navy for a UCLASS system.

Sea Avenger is based upon its predecessor, Predator C Avenger. Predator C is designed to perform high-speed, multi-mission persistent ISR and precision, time-sensitive strike missions over land or sea. The current configuration features a 44-foot long fuselage and 66-foot wingspan, is cable of flying at 400 KTAS for 20 hours, and can operate up to 50,000 feet. Avenger incorporates a pure jet power plant and carries a Lynx Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR), various EO/IR camera systems, and up to 3,000 pounds of internal ordnance, as well as other sensors. The aircraft is based on an open, modular architecture that provides “plug and play” system configuration, configuration management, and significant flexibility for rapid, controlled change, adaptation, and growth. Developed on company funds for near-term military use, Predator C Avenger is successfully continuing through its planned test program, with a second aircraft currently under development and expected to be completed by the end of the year.

Stealthy Hy-DRA Takes Hybrid-Electric Technology Off-Road

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May 17, 2010

Raytheon is entering the automotive market with an innovative new All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV) aimed at the special forces market. Hybrid-Defense Reconnaissance Assault (Hy-DRA) was officially launched at the Special Operations Forces Exhibition (SOFEX), held in Amman, Jordan in May 2010. What sets Hy-DRA apart from other all-terrain vehicles is the advanced, hybrid-electric drive system (HED) enabling the vehicle to perform with unique stealth capabilities. The vehicle has a top speed of 96 km/h (60 mph). Its range is 563 km (350 miles) in hybrid mode. Employing its silent ‘stealth mode’, the Hy-DRA can travel on battery power only for about 29 km (18 miles) at up to 80 km/h (50 mph).

According to Raytheon, Hy-DRA offers near-silent vehicle operation with four high-torque electric hub motors that provide four wheel drive capability. The electric motor can also be used in a static mode as a power generator, supporting deployed forces with up to 30 kilowatt of power. The vehicle uses an advanced electronic control panel with embedded moving map navigation display.

The HyDRA can carry a payload of 453 kg (1,000 lb) or tow 1.4 tons (3,000 lb.) It is configured to accommodate a crew of three – driver in the front, and two team members in the back seats, facing forward. The vehicle can be used as a weapons platform, deliver supplies off-road used for combat evacuation, carrying two litters.
The vehicle weighs 1.088 tons (2,400 lb) and is designed for internal load inside a Bell-Boeing V-22 Osprey tilt-rotor aircraft. Each Osprey can carry a single vehicle while a Chinook medium-lift helicopter or can carry multiple Hy-DRAs. Even the Black Hawk can sling-load a Hy-DRA.

Autonomous Vehicle Navigation Systems (ANS) Matured

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May 17, 2010

Following over 2,000 lab and field tests the Autonomous Navigation System (ANS) under development at General Dynamics Robotic Systems for the U.S. Army has passed the Critical Design Review milestone in March 2010 and is moving to prototype fabrication phase, toward integration and initial testing on a prototype Armed Robotic Vehicle (ARV) in 2011. The Army’s future robotic platforms and the seven Manned Ground Vehicles (MGV), as part of the Future Combat Systems (FCS) program, the $237 ANS program has sofar survived the termination of the FCS and is fully funded through 2013.

Originally destined for integration into the Army’s future robotic platforms and the seven Manned Ground Vehicles (MGV), as part of the Future Combat Systems (FCS) program, the $237 ANS program has sofar survived the termination of the FCS and is fully funded through 2013. This capability could introduce ‘transformational’ capabilities with future combat vehicles, empowering conventional vehicles or future, robotic platforms with unmanned, and autonomous operating modes. The ANS CDR is among the first in a series of critical Increment 2 reviews underway for the Army’s Brigade Combat Team (BCT) Modernization program.

The ANS system integrates a suite of sensors processors and actuators enabling automotive platforms to conduct autonomous navigation, perform area perception, path-planning and vehicle-following functions operating as unmanned ground vehicles, or optionally manned vehicles, allowing vehicles to move on the battlefield with minimal human oversight. Among the tasks the system already performed in tests are ‘move-on-route’, ‘obstacle detection and avoidance’ and ‘leader/follower’ capabilities in both day and night conditions.

Mr. Larry Hennebeck, Assistant Product Manager ANS explained the suite’s sensors comprise three types – video, Laser Radar (LADAR) and milimeter-wave sensors. The video cameras provide the eyes of the systems, with multiple cameras covering a wide field with three-dimensional stereo-vision, viewing fore and aft. LADARs are also pointed fore and aft, creating a 3D image of the secene while the milimeter-wave sensors indicating distance and closing speed to obstacles. Sensor feeds are processed through a ‘super computer on a board’. Five such boards are crunching the data at a ‘terraflop’ rate, fusing all ‘senses’ into a situational picture providing the system a perception of the scene, enabling the machine to plot the optimal route along the preplanned waypoints, where the least obstacles are encountered, while conforming to the directions and commands set by the user, guiding the vehicle’s next action and proceeds. The system has already been tested on vehicles including Strykers, the MULE Engeneering Evaluation Units, and Light Medium Tactical Vehicles (LMTV). Once matured, ANS system are expected to cost around $300,000 and be integrated into many combat and combat support vehicles, enabling driverless operations of manned or unmanned vehicles.

Improving the Shadow

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May 17, 2010

Shadow_200 — Photo Credit: Sgt. Jason Dangel

The U.S. Army is enhancing the RQ-7B Shadow Tactical Unmanned Aircraft Systems (TUAS) with a wing replacement kit extending the wing span of the RQ-7 from 4.26 (14 ft) to 6 meters (20 ft). The larger wing increases the size of the aircraft’s fuel cell, extending its endurance by 50% to nine hours. The redesigned wing also includes hard points for external stores. The enhanced UAV will be capable of carrying almost twice the weight of the current drone, increasing payload capacity from 60 to 110 lbs. The enhanced Shadow is carrying more fuel and more payloads internally. The standard gimbaled EO ball is being enhanced with the integration of a laser designator. Additional hardware includes a communications relay and standardized Tactical Common Data-Link (LCDL). In addition, new lightweight weapons or QuickMEDs style aerial delivery pods will be carried underwing.

Shadow_200_2 — Photo Credit: Jim Christner/AAI Corporation

The Shadow fleet update program, also introduces new wiring harness and software modifications required to operate new multi-sensor payload systems comprising a laser designator payload. The enhances Shadow also employs a new electronic fuel injection engine and fuel system, increasing the system’s reliability under the wide range of environmental conditions encountered by fielded Shadow systems.

Sofar the Army and the Marine Corps have ordered 115 Shadow systems. 76 systems have been fielded — 69 to the Army and seven to the Marine Corps. Under the current fleet enhancement program AAI is delivering 100 wing sets for the Shadow fleet update program. The company is also offering further enhanced variant known as Shadow 7C, equipped with larger fuselage and wings, and powered by a diesel engine, increasing payload capacity to 500 pounds. This variant could be fielded by 2014, if the Army decides to fund the program.

The US Army Aviation is looking into potential weapons that can be loaded on the Shadow and operated with its current POP 300D laser designator payload multi-sensor system. Such weapons should be able to engage stationary and moving targets such as light vehicles and dismounted combatants in day and night conditions with low collateral damage when launched from a Shadow UAS flying at speeds of 60-70 knots and between 5,000 and 12,000 feet Above Ground Level (AGL). Terminal accuracy must be on the order of that demonstrated by currently fielded Semi Active Laser / Imaging Infrared / Millimeter Wave (SAL/IIR/MMW) weapon. The service is interested in mature technologies that can be fielded within 12 months of a contract award. The Army has set the weight threshold for these weapons at 25 lbs, therefore limiting most missile derivatives, except for the smallest ones such as Laser Spike and Griffin and free-fall ADM. The weight limit refers to the whole system including munition, launcher and associated wiring and interface.

Northrop Grumman, Bell Helicopters Debut the Fire-X, an Unmanned System Based on the Bell-407

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May 17, 2010

Northrop Grumman and Bell Helicopter have teamed to demonstrate a new medium-range vertical unmanned system called ‘Fire-X’. This new UAV will be larger than the Fire-Scout currently produced by Northrop Grumman, utilizing the four-blade FAA-approved Bell-407 helicopter platform. The Fire-X will be capable of carrying payloads weighing up to 1.5 tons on missions extending over 14 hours. First flight of Fire-X is expected by the end of 2010. The development and demonstration program is being funded entirely by Northrop Grumman and Bell Helicopter. The new system also represents Northrop Grumman’s entry in an anticipated U.S. Navy competition in 2011 to demonstrate a new medium-range UAS.

According to Gene Fraser, sector vice president and general manager for the Advanced Programs and Technology division of Northrop Grumman’s Aerospace Systems sector said “the Fire-X will be an affordable, fast-fielding system that delivers the maturity of the unmanned systems architecture developed by the U.S. Navy’s MQ-8B Fire Scout program, while giving military services the extra UAS cargo, payload and endurance they seek.” The companies unveiled the new initiative at the Navy League Sea-Air-Space Exposition.

Fire-X will incorporate Fire Scout’s modular, field-proven architecture that accommodates a variety of intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) and communications payloads. It also provides complementary capabilities for missions that demand larger payloads (up to 3000 pounds), longer endurance (more than 14 hours) and robust cargo hauling (up to 2646 pounds external).

Fire-X is being designed to operate with nearly any type of current or future military standards-based control segment. It will communicate as easily with shipboard controllers using the Navy’s Tactical Control Station (TCS) as field commanders using the U.S. Army’s field-proven One System® ground control station.

“Fire-X delivers what military planners want, and what war fighters need: a reliable, low-cost vertical unmanned system that’s versatile enough to support the diverse ISR, cargo, and communications requirements of land and sea forces, while being rugged and persistent enough to stay in the fight until the mission is complete” said Gene Fraser, sector vice president and general manager for the Advanced Programs and Technology division of Northrop Grumman’s Aerospace Systems sector. “The Fire-X system integrates Northrop Grumman’s proven unmanned systems know-how with a proven, FAA-certified helicopter airframe that’s been in service since 1996,” Frased added, “The result will be an affordable, fast-fielding system that delivers the maturity of the unmanned systems architecture developed by the U.S. Navy’s MQ-8B Fire Scout program, while giving military services the extra UAS cargo, payload and endurance they seek.”

The new VT-UAV will be equipped with ISR sensors matured with the current FireScout, with additional payloads offering military users enhanced cargo hauling, multiple payload configurations and extended endurance capabilities. For the first time, users will be able to perform missions that demand larger payloads of up to 3,000 pounds, flying missions up to 14 hours and hauling up to 2,646 pounds of external cargo. The Fire-X will be operated with standard-based control segment, including the Navy’s Tactical Control Station, and the U.S. Army’s One System ground control station. “The Fire-X demonstration will illustrate how a marriage of manned and unmanned technologies can increase the capability, reduce the risks, and extend the utility of commercially available helicopters.” Said Jeff Lowinger, executive vice president for engineering, Bell Helicopter.

Oshkosh turns the SandCat into an Off-road Border Patroller

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May 17, 2010

Oshkosh Defense has introduced a new, high mobility, protected vehicle designed for border security. Oshkosh is unveiling the new ‘Tactical Protector Vehicle’ (TPV) at the Border Management Summit, held in Phoenix, Az. this month. The TPV is designed for superior maneuverability and speed, traveling in rough terrain and on road at speeds up to 75 mph. According to Jack Reiff, Oshkosh Corporation program director, Defense, the TPV offers a balanced combination of mobility, crew protection and payload to meet the tough requirements of law-enforcement and border security.

The vehicle can be customized for a variety of high-risk missions in places ranging from rural outposts to city streets. The TPV employs military-grade armor protection that meets or exceeds the highest-threat scenarios border security officers face. The vehicle offers NIJ Level IV protection, and is capable of stopping multi-hit, armor-piercing rounds. Other protection measures include high-energy-absorbing under-body armor, ballistic-steel roof and suspended-seat systems and run-flat tires, providing optimum safety and security for occupants and the vehicle.

The TPV footprint is more compact than other tactical vehicles used for border patrol. The vehicle carries up to eight people and is available with a payload capacity of 4,220 pounds. Based on a Ford F550 chassis shortened to a 295cm (116″) wheelbase, the TPV uses upgraded with heavy-duty suspension components for off-road mobility. The vehicle has a 6.4L V8, 325-hp engine and can reach a road speed of 120km/h (75 mph). The vehicle’s off-road mobility is enhanced with selectable four-wheel drive.

bstacle negotiation capability is also impressive for a vehicle of this size. With ground clearance of 330mm (13 inches) TPV has a 38-degree approach and 30-degree departure angle, enabling the vehicle to handle a vertical step of up to a 46 cm (18″) height. It can also handle up to 60-percent grades and 36-degree static side slopes. Front and rear winches aid in vehicle self-recovery in muddy terrain or deep snow.

The U.S. Army Recalls 44,000 Advanced Combat Helmets

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May 17, 2010

The U.S. Army is recalling 44,000 Advanced Combat Helmets produced by the ArmorSource company (formerly Rabintex USA), after the Program Executive Office (PEO-Soldier) raised concerns about their ballistic protection. The case is currently being investigated by the Department of Justice. According to an All Army Activities message released May 14. “There is evidence that ArmorSource and Rabintex ACHs were produced using unauthorized manufacturing practices, defective materials and improper quality procedures which could potentially reduce ballistic and fragmentation protection.”

The Army ordered soldiers to inspect their helmets and turn in any helmet branded by ArmorSource. Army sources have indicated that this is a precautionary measure and that there are no records of combat injuries resulting from these helmets. The exact risk to soldiers wearing the recalled helmets is still being determined, the Army said. The recall constitutes about 4 percent of roughly one million ACHs currently in the Army’s inventory. The Army adopted the ACH design in 2002, replacing Personal Armor System for Ground Troops helmet (PASGT) helmet. ArmorSource was one of four companies selected to produce the ACH, and, by March 2009 the company has delivered the Army over 70,000 ACH helmets. Gentex Corporation, another manufacturer of the ACH faced a similar recall of 34,218 helmets last year. The other two manufacturers are BAE Systems and MSA.

Commenting on the Army announcement, ArmorSource said it received no notification of this recall from the government, and added they will cooperate fully with any governmental inquiries and are prepared to address the government’s concerns. The company stressed that all Advanced Combat Helmets distributed to the field were accepted by the government after they passed independent, government-approved quality and lot testing.

Army and the Marine Corps are working on the Enhanced Combat Helmet, a new generation of helmet made of a high-tech plastic rather than Kevlar. The Army and Marine Corps are currently evaluating an Enhanced Combat Helmet, (ECH) which will eventually replace the ACH. ArmorSource is one of the manufacturers developing the advanced design to be used exclusively by U.S. Armed Forces.. The new lightweight helmet will match or exceed the ballistic fragmentation resistance of current helmets offering a significant weight reduction of approximately 20%, which means above 0.5 pounds as compared to the older designs.

U.S. Air Force Readies new Tactical, Endurance UAVs for Afghanistan

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May 17, 2010

The US Air Force Research Laboratory has awarded a contract worth $13.1 million to Aero Mech Engineering, to deliver a new type of unmanned aerial vehicle optimized for route surveillance, spotting suspected IED locations along the operational routes in Afghanistan. Four of these stealthy looking drones, known as Sand Dragon, will be sent for field evaluation in Afghanistan as soon as they are completed toward the end of 2010.

The Sand Dragon will be based on Aero Mech’s Fury B flying wing drone, which was developed as a scalable platform. The air vehicle is designed with stealth capabilities in mind. Powered by a Cosworth heavy-fuel engine, the Fury B is designed to support missions where radar, visual, infra-red, and acoustic detection is to be avoided. Its payload will consist of a miniature dual-band radar and EO/IR sensor, collecting volumetric synthetic aperture radar (V-SAR) data from an aircraft circling and staring at an urban area and process it into real-time target tracks. Total payload weight will be around 45 lbs and its power consumption 500 watts.

This capability was requested by the Joint IED Defeat Organization (JIEDDO) for a relatively small UAS (Tier II class) capable of performing missions characteristic of much larger platforms, including operating multiple sensors for extended periods (over 24 hours), carrying a datalink covering ‘Beyond Line of Sight’ communications while simplifying operation, manning and support. Like the Fury B, Sand Dragon will be runway independent launch and recovery utilizing a rail catapult for takeoff. Part of AeroMech’s rapid delivery capability is based on the architecture of the Fury B system that utilizes the commercial CANBus architecture, allowing for ease of payload integration. The ground control system also utilizes the STANAG 4586 compliant Shark Fin mission control system, enabling intuitive control and mission planning in real time.

Turkish Indigenous MALE UAV (TIHA) Unveiled

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May 17, 2010

Addressing the growing demand for tactical, medium altitude long endurance (MALE) UAV platforms TAI (Turkish Aerospace Industries) has unveiled its latest UAV called TIHA. The new TIHA weighs 1,500 kg (Maximum takeoff weight) and has a wingspan of 17 meters. Configured to carry multiple payloads weighing up to 250 kg, the TIHA carries 250 kg of fuel, enabling a 24 hour mission missions at an altitude of 30,000 feet. The TIHA will be able to cruising at a speed of 250 knots.

The TIHA system is developed for day and night missions, providing real time image intelligence for surveillance_as well as detection, identification and tracking of fixed and moving targets.

The TIHA uses the locally developed ASELFLIR 300T payload developed by Aselsan. This payload includes a multi-sensor electro-optical system comprising a day TV, and Thermal Camera (IR-Infrared) / Laser Range Finder / Laser Designator (LRF/LD) and Laser Spotter. The TIHA also carries a Synthetic Aperture Radar / Moving Target Indicator (SAR/MTI) which also supports with Inverse SAR ISAR operating mode for maritime missions.

The airframe of the TIHA is a monocock fuselage built composites and coupled with detachable wing and V-Tail. It is powered by a pusher type piston engine driving a three-blade propeller. In addition to the recce version of the TIHA, the Turkish air force is interested in fielding the TIHA B, a larger version capable of carrying more than twice the payload (3.5 tons). This version, equipped with larger wings (20m wingspan) will be capable of carrying weapons, such as the weapons developed by Roketsan, including the laser guided rockets (CIRIT) and UMTAS Anti-Tank Missiles, both having a range of 8 km.

Defense-UpdateMilitary Technology & Defense News

Defense-UpdateMilitary Technology & Defense News

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