Militarized Air Tractor Arrive at Farnborough

By

-

Jul 16, 2010

Above: Unlike other surveillance aircraft, the Air Tractor was built to be operated from farm fields and dirt roads, and maintained out of the back of a truck. Photo: CAV

The Air Tractor AT-802U today completed its Trans-Atlantic flight, from Newfoundland to the Azores to England, to display its new capabilities at the 2010 Farnborough Air Show. Air Tractor and Air Tractor Military Dealer CAV (Combined Air Ventures LLC) will display the aircraft and demonstrate its new electronics, sensors and weapons. The AT-802U prototype made its international debut last year at the Paris Air Show. This year at Farnborough the aircraft is displayed with a militarized cockpit, Wescam MX15Di stabilized EO sensor turret, integrated with large HD displays and the all-new glass cockpit. Real-time video can be transmitted directly to ground units using the L3 Rover datalink.

AT-802U Cockpit — The Air Tractor 802U has a militarized cockpit, Wescam MX15Di stabilized EO sensor turret, integrated with large HD displays and the all-new glass cockpit. Real-time video can be transmitted directly to ground units using the L3 Rover datalink. Photo: CAV.

Unlike other surveillance aircraft, the Air Tractor was built to be operated from farm fields and dirt roads, and maintained out of the back of a truck. It has the capability to reduce the cost and footprint of military operations while bringing state-of-the-art sensors and weapons to remote and austere locations. The exceptional 10-hour time on station of the Air Tractor and the massive 8,000-pound useful load allow the aircraft to carry a wide range of sensors and weapons. Five optional weapons load out configurations, including four 500 or 1,000 pounds laser guided bombs and two GAU-19 multi-barrel 12.7mm guns with over 2,900 rounds, six Mini-Talon GPS-INS guided precision standoff attack weapons, four rocket pods loaded with 28 rockets, eight Hellfire missiles or a mixed load of four Hellfire and 16 DAGR laser guided rockets. CAV specializes in creating customized, low-cost, turnkey utility aircraft solutions for border and coastal patrol, surveillance, counter-insurgency, oil spill clean up, and a wide variety of other applications.

The Air Tractor 802 – the largest agricultural aircraft in production and the most successful single-engine firefighting aircraft offered an excellent starting point for the modification The Air Tractor 802 “U” version at Farnborough displays military capabilities previously only available in aircraft that cost 5-10 times more.

The U.S. Air Force specified a requirement for 100 Light Attack/Armed Reconnaissance (LAAR) for which the AT-802U, AT -6 and Tuccano were considered, along with remanufactured vintage aircraft such as the OV-10. Back in 2009 LAAR was considered for rapid fielding by 2013; however at present no formal request for proposal emerged. AT-802 are currently used by the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs for counter-narcotics operations.

Mini Talon — The 1.93 m long Mini-Talon developed by Moog FTS is a 100 pound GPS/INS guided glide weapon. After the weapon is dropped from the aircraft it deploys its glide wings (1.91m’ span) flying guided by GPS/INS to the target, Its warhead weighs about 12 kg. Its accuracy is believed to be within the 10 foot Circular Error Point (CEP). Photo: CAV

Sikorsky, Lockheed Martin Expand Teaming to Pursue HH-60 Recap

By

Tamir Eshel

-

Jul 15, 2010

Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation and Lockheed Martin Corp. (NYSE:LMT) are joining forces to compete to replace the U.S. Air Force’s fleet of 112 Combat Search and Rescue HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopters. The agreement positions Sikorsky as prime contractor, with Lockheed Martin as the major subsystems supplier.

The team will offer an advanced version of Sikorsky’s UH-60M Black Hawk helicopter for the Air Force’s HH-60 Personnel Recovery Recapitalization program (HH-60 Recap) calling for replacement of existing helicopters with an equal number of new platforms, requiring minimum airframe modification or mission systems development. The initial operational capability is expected in fiscal year 2015, as the first four helicopters are declared mission ready.

An HH-60G Pave Hawk from the 66th Rescue Squadron, Nellis Air Force Base, Nev., flies over the desert terrain of southern Nevada during a training mission. The 66th Rescue Squadron’s primary mission is the recovery of downed pilots and is one of only five active duty rescue squadrons in the Air Force. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Robert W. Valenca)

Sikorsky and Lockheed Martin have already teamed on two Navy S-60 programs – the SH-6B and MH-60R/S, systems deployed on the later could be implemented in this USAF program. In April 2010, the companies announced a teaming agreement to compete jointly for the U.S. Navy’s revived VXX Presidential Helicopter program. The companies will share facilities, experience and engineering talent for both opportunities.

An HH-60G Pave Hawk, assigned to Nellis Air Force Base, Nev., fires off flares while demonstrating evasive maneuvers during a firepower demonstration held at the Nevada Test and Training Range. (USAF photo by Airman First Class Brian Ybarbo)

U.S. Army Natick Soldier Center to Test Lockheed Martin’s HULC Exoskeleton System

By

Tamir Eshel

-

Jul 14, 2010

Seeking innovative solutions to lighten the load carried by dismounted warfighters, the U.S. Army Natick Soldier Center awarded US$1.1 million for the testing and evaluation of Lockheed Martin HULC advanced robotic exoskeleton, designed to augment Soldiers’ strength and endurance, as well as reduce load carriage injuries. Dismounted Soldiers often carry heavy combat loads that increase stress on the body, leading to injuries and exhaustion.

hulc_test — HULC is an un-tethered, battery powered, hydraulic-actuated anthropomorphic exoskeleton capable of performing deep squats, crawls and upper-body lifting with minimal human exertion.

HULC is designed to transfer the weight from heavy loads to the ground through the robotic legs of the lower-body exoskeleton, taking the weight off of the operator. An advanced onboard micro-computer ensures the exoskeleton moves in concert with the operator. HULC is an un-tethered, battery powered, hydraulic-actuated anthropomorphic exoskeleton capable of performing deep squats, crawls and upper-body lifting with minimal human exertion.

hulc_load_lift — Beyond assisting the dismounted warfighter carrying combat loads, HULC exoskeleton can be useful for assisting support personnel tasked with repeated lifting of heavy loads. Photo: Lockheed Martin

Under this contract the U.S. Army will test an upgraded HULC system, that includes optimized control software, extended battery life and human factors improvements for quicker and easier sizing to each user.

The contract includes options for field trials to test the system’s utility in operational environments. According to David Audet, leader of the Soldier Mobility and Mission Enhancement Team at the Natick Soldier Research Development and Engineering Center in Massachusetts, the test will assess the contribution of Exoskeletons which have the potential to reduce stress on the body from heavy loads.

Researchers at Natick will evaluate how the HULC affects Soldiers’ performance through biomechanical testing, measuring the energy expended by a Soldier when using the HULC. Lab testing will also assess how quickly soldiers learn and adapt to the system, carrying different loads and moving at various speeds. The exoskeleton test will help “redefine what is possible for our Soldiers… HULC will meet Warfighters’ future mobility and sustainment needs” determined Rich Russell, director of Advanced Programs at Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control. Lockheed Martin is also exploring exoskeleton designs beyond military uses, among them supporting industrial and medical applications.

Algerian Su-30 MKA Line Up at Ain Beida Airbase

By

admin

-

Jul 13, 2010

Algiers has bought 28 Su-30MKA aircraft from Russia, and has options for additional 28. Lead-in training will be provided by 16 Yak 130 to be delivered from Russia. These Sukhoi fighters will operate in three squadrons positioned in Ain Baida airbase, in North-Eastern Algeria. Algeria is also reportedly was the lead export customer for the 34 Su-35 fighters to be delivered upon completion of the new fighter’s development.

Su-30 Algeria — Algerian Air Force Su-30 are now based at Ain Beida air base.

The Algerian Air Force prepared a new air base for the fighters. Officially opened in 2004 Ein Beida was prepared to receive the first two fighters in 2007 and is now operating 28 of the fighters. Satellite imagery obtained in 2006 shows the empty air bases with basic infrastructure completed (two perpendicular runways each over 3.6 km long, wide taxiways running parallel to the main runways), and work in progress at the bases’ operating facilities.

Photos recently obtained by Israel’s Eros B satellite, (taken July 12) show at least 11 Su-30MKA fighters lined up on the flight lines, with several Hardened Aircraft Shelters (HAS) completed at the two edges of the main runway, with more HAS under construction.

su_30_ain_baida — An Israeli satellite photo showing the Algerian Su-30 line up at the new Ain Beida air base. Photo: Imagesat

U.S. Air Force Deploys the Last MC-12 to Afghanistan

By

admin

-

Jul 13, 2010

The 30th MC-12 Liberty was recently deployed to the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility completing the initial deployment plan, an Air Force official announced July 9. MC-12 Liberty ISR aircraft are currently operating with three units in SOuthwest Asia: the 361st Expeditionary Reconnaissance Squadron operating from Kandahar, Afghanistan and the 4th Expeditionary Reconnaissance Squadron stationed in Bagram, Afghanistan and the 362nd Expeditionary Reconnaissance Squadron in Balad air base, Iraq.

The last U.S. Air Force C-12 Liberty - was transferred in July 2010 to support the U.S. Forces in Afghanistan — The U.S. Air Force has deployed the 30th and last MC-12 ISR Aircraft to Afghanistan in July 2010. Photo: US Air Force

Lieutenant General David A. Deptula, deputy chief of staff for Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance at Headquarters Air Force According to Lt. Gen. David A. Deptula, the deputy chief of staff for Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance at Headquarters Air Force, the aircraft has had a positive impact in theater. He added that the MC-12s assisted in the capture of hundreds of insurgents, and the discovery of weapons caches and improvised explosive devices. The MC-12 fleet has flown more than 5,000 combat sorties and taken more than 22,000 hours of full-motion video and more than 40,000 images to date. ”This project is an unqualified success, and the model for how we should develop and deliver quick-reaction ISR capabilities,” General Deptula said.

“The MC-12W is the fastest weapons system delivered from concept to combat since the P-51 Mustang in World War II” said “We mobilized a significant industry base and every resource at our disposal, and delivered the first Federal Aviation Administration-certified aircraft in six months and three weeks, It began flying combat sorties in less than eight months.”

In April 2008, Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates established a Department of Defense-wide ISR Task Force to identify and recommend solutions for increased ISR in the CENTCOM AOR. Secretary Gates tasked Air Force officials July 1, 2008, to acquire 37 “C-12″ class aircraft to augment unmanned systems. It was less than eight months from funding approval to the delivery of the first aircraft in theater. The entire operational fleet of 30 aircraft was deployed in only 13 months.

DOD ISR Task Force director, Lt. Gen Craig Koziol. “The entire Project Liberty team worked seamlessly to get this airborne ISR capability to the AOR as quickly as possible,” said Lt. Gen Craig Koziol, the DOD ISR Task Force director. “From concept to all the sensor integration efforts required to get this platform deployed, the team demonstrated superb focus to get this quick reaction, airborne ISR capability fielded to support (Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom).”

The aircraft are military versions of the Hawker Beechcraft Super King Air 350 and Super King 350ER. They are equipped with an electro-optical infrared sensor, and other sensors as the mission requires. The EO/IR sensor also includes a laser illuminator and designator in a single sensor package. A fully operational system consists of a modified aircraft with sensors, a ground exploitation cell, line-of-sight and satellite communications data-links, and a robust voice communications suite. The MC-12 capability supports all aspects of the Air Force Irregular Warfare mission — counter insurgency, foreign internal defense and building partnership capacity — and is capable of worldwide operations.

With the Air Force MC-12 program winding down, the U.S. Army is gearing up to replace its Guardrail aircraft with C-12 based platforms, equipped to carry out a wider range of missions, beyond the traditional electronic surveillance performed by the Guardrail.

MP-RTIP Multi-Mission Radar Prepared for Global Hawk Testing

By

admin

-

Jul 13, 2010

mp_rtip_sar_image — This Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) image showing an extinct volcano crater in Southern California, was taken by the new MP-RTIP radar operating in SAR mode. The sensor being integrated into the Global Hawk will be able to pick moving targets simultaneously to the SAR operation. Photo: USAF Electronic Systems Center

Work on the Multi-Platform Radar Technology Insertion Program (MP-RTIP) is progressing, with the sensor and first software baseline delivered to Edwards Air Force Base, Calif., for integration on a Global Hawk unmanned aircraft. Forthcoming flight testing conducted up to this point has been performed in Mojave, Calif., on a scaled composites test bed aircraft, known as “Proteus.” A total of 259 test flights were completed, with 1,062 hours of radar “on” time.

MP-RTIP capability was operationally demonstrated for the Army during a recent ground exercise at the National Training Center in Fort Irwin, California, where the MP-RTIP sensor was flown to demonstrate its unique capabilities in an operationally relevant environment. “Several members of the Operations Group at the NTC were pretty happy with what they saw” said Col. Jim Shaw, MP-RTIP program director.

Shaw said the systems tests confirmed ground moving target indicator (GMTI) and synthetic aperture radar (SAR) dedicated modes, where each of the modes operated separately and serially. The tests on the Global Hawk will employ the two modes concurrently and simultaneously. The Proteus will continue test flying the MP-RTIP on nine flights, assessing improved performance of concurrent radar modes. Colonel Shaw said that operating the radar in this concurrent (SAR+GMTI) has been a technical challenge, since operation of the two modes in most SAR/GMTI radars has sofar been limited to serial operation. Providing the two modes simultaneously ensure that warfighters can collect SAR data without interrupting GMTI tracks. Northrop Grumman is also developing maritime surveillance and maritime imaging modes for the MP-RTIP radar.

After the concurrent mode testing is completed, the MP-RTIP team at the Electronic Systems Center (ESC) will move into a support role, as the Global Hawk Program Office at Wright Patterson AFB, Ohio, will have the lead as the new sensor is integrated into the RQ-4B Block 40 aircraft. 16 new Global Hawk aircraft scheduled for delivery beginning in 2011 will be equipped with the new radar. These aircraft are scheduled for fielding in Grand Forks air force base in North Dakota.

Boeing Phantom Eye Rolled Out at St. Louis

By

Tamir Eshel

-

Jul 12, 2010

The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] today unveiled the hydrogen-powered Phantom Eye unmanned airborne system, a demonstrator that will stay aloft at 65,000 feet for up to four days. Later this summer, Phantom Eye will be shipped to NASA’s Dryden Flight Research Center at Edwards Air Force Base, Calif., to begin a series of ground and taxi tests in preparation for its first flight in early 2011. That debut flight is expected to last between four and eight hours.

Phantom Eye HALE Hydrogen powered Drone — With the Phantom Eye's 150 foot wing span and two hydrogen-propelled engines, Phantom Eye will be able to carry a 450 lp payload on missions spanning over several days, at an altitude of 65,000 ft. Photo: Boeing

With a 150-foot wingspan, Phantom Eye will cruise at approximately 150 knots and can carry up to a 450-pound payload. It is powered by two 2.3-liter, four-cylinder hydrogen fuelled engines that provide 150 horsepower each. “The hydrogen propulsion system will be the key to Phantom Eye’s success” said Darryl Davis, president of Boeing Phantom Works, “It is very efficient and offers great fuel economy, and its only byproduct is water, so it’s also a ‘green’ aircraft.”

“Phantom Eye is the first of its kind and could open up a whole new market in collecting data and communications,” said today at the unveiling ceremony in St. Louis. Key Phantom Eye suppliers and partners include Ford Motor Company (engines), Aurora Flight Sciences (wing), Mahle Powertrain (propulsion controls), Ball Aerospace (fuel tanks), Turbosolutions Engineering (turbochargers), the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency and NASA.

More on the Phantom Eye on Defense-Update.com

Australia Formally Requests Buying 24 MH-60R from the USA

By

admin

-

Jul 12, 2010

mh60r2 — Two multi-mission MH-60R Sea Hawk helicopters fly in tandem during section landings at Naval Air Station Jacksonville, Fla. The new Sea Hawk variant has many improvements, such as the glass cockpit, improved mission systems, new sensors and advanced avionics. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Shannon Renfroe)

Australia is interested in buying 24 MH-60R Seahawk maritime multi-mission helicopters at an estimated cost of US$2.1 billion, the U.S. Defense Security Cooperation Agency notified Congress. The Royal Australian Navy currently operates 32 SH-60B and B-2 Seahawk models. Under Air 9000 Phase 8 plan to replace the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) fleet of 16 S-70B Seahawks and the Seasprites whose acquisition has been cancelled. RAN considers two alternatives for this program – the NH 90 NFH from NH Industries and MH-60R from U.S. based Sikorsky.

mh6053 — An MH-60R Seahawk assigned to the "Raptors" of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 71 fires the first of four live Hellfire missiles fired by aircraft assigned to a deployable squadron. The first MH-60R squadron aircraft is replacing the SH-60B and SH-60F aircraft to combine the capabilities of the two aircraft and has the capability to deploy the AGM-114 series Hellfire missile laser-guided precision air-to-surface missile. U.S. Navy (photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Mark A. Leonesio)

The ‘Romeo’ is designed to carry out multiple missions including anti-submarine warfare (ASW), anti-ship surface warfare, search and rescue. The SH-60R Seahawk could be operating from frigates and helicopter carrying amphibious support ships. It is equipped with a mission package complex combining maritime search radar, electronic support measures (ESM), electro-optical payloads, and various ASW support systems.

TARANIS UCAV Demonstrator Vehicle Rollout

By

admin

-

Jul 12, 2010

taranis_2 — BAE System/MOD Taranis seen for the first time on the official rollout ceremony. Photo: UK MOD

Photo above: Taranis was unveiled July 12, 2010 in a formal ceremony held at the anechoic test chamber at Warton. Photo: MOD

The British Ministry of Defence (MOD) unveiled today the Taranis prototype, an Unmanned Combat Air Vehicle (UCAV) at Warton, in Lancashire, U.K. Taranis, the concept demonstrator named after the Celtic god of thunder, will take to the air next year (2011), testing autonomous, stealthy UCAV technologies. These capabilities could be utilized in the development of future autonomous, uninhibited strike platforms capable of precisely striking targets at long range, even in another continent. The program is lead by MOD, and supported by a British industry team including the platform developer BAE Systems, engine manufacturer Rolls Royce, avionics systems provider GE Aviation and software application developer QinetiQ.

taranis_3 — Taranis front view shows the curved contours forming the stealth UCAV. Photo: MOD

“Taranis has been three and a half years in the making and is the product of more than a million man-hours. It represents a significant step forward in this country’s fast-jet capability” said Nigel Whitehead, Group managing director of BAE Systems’ Programmes & Support business, “This technology is key to sustaining a strong industrial base and to maintain the UK’s leading position as a centre for engineering excellence and innovation.”

About the size of a BAE Systems Hawk, the 8 ton autonomous stealth plane will be shipped to BAE Systems test facility at Woomera, Australia where it will be undergoing ground testing, preparing for flight trials in 2011.

The Taranis Technology Demonstration Vehicle (TDV) utilizes off the shelf technologies, including Signature Integration, Air Vehicle Performance, Vehicle Management, Command Control, Sensor Integration, Communications Integration and Payload Integration. In its current form Taranis will not actually drop weapons, but emulate weapon release as part of the flight testing, representing typical mission scenarios. The UCAV is designed with two internal weapons bays and an optional fit of electro-optical and radar sensors. Potentially it will also be able to evaluate future directed-energy systems – laser or high-power microwave.

Taranis has a gross takeoff weight of eight tons. It is powered by the R&R Adour 951, developing 8480 lbs of thrust, Taranis is capable of flying intercontinental flights on long range strike missions.

taranis_1cu — A close-up on the forward elements of Taranis, showing the stealthy 'beak', with contours leading to the dorsal air intake, and jagged panelscovering the landing gear, maintaining low radar cross-section of the belly. Photo: MOD

Maiden Flight for the Silent Eagle

By

admin

-

Jul 11, 2010

silent_eagle_1 — F-15 'Silent Eagle' flight demonstrator. South Korea is a leading partner in what is considered the final upgrade for the F-15. Photo: Boeing

The Boeing company completed the first flight of the F-15SE ‘Silent Eagle’ flight demonstrator on July 8, 2010. The aircraft, designated F-15E1 took off from the Lambert St. Louis International Airport on an 80-minute flight, where the aircraft opened and closed its left-side Conformal Weapons Bay, which contained an AIM-120 Instrumented Test Vehicle (ITV) missile. “[In this flight] we cleared the desired flight envelope needed to fire the missile at the test range” said Boeing F-15 Chief Test Pilot Dan Draeger. According to Boeing F-15 Development Programs Director Brad Jones, in the next couple of weeks, the F-15E1 will be ferry to a test range to launch an AIM-120.

silenteagle_cft — Conformal weapons bay for the F-15SE

Key to the F-15SE design is the conformal weapons bays, designed for the F-15SE. This new add-on module was originally designed specifically for the F-15SE but could also be available for other F-15 models, particularly interesting is the F-15E, I K, S and S (F-15E models operated by Israel, South Korea, Saudi-Arabia and Singapore) already operating F-15s with conformal tanks.

The Silent Eagle was developed in response to South Korea’s requirements for high-performance, stealth capable fighter aircraft. The F-15SE offers unique aerodynamic, avionic and Radar Cross Section reduction features that provide maximum flexibility in air dominance as it can be operated with and without stealth capabilities. Boeing is offering the F-15SE with customizable fighter that can be outfitted with AESA radars, radar absorbent coatings, large digital cockpit displays, fly-by-wire software, canted tails and bolt-on internal weapons bays.

According to UPI, Boeing is hoping to win an export license to sell its new F-15 Silent Eagle to South Korea within a month. South Korea has a requirement for a third batch of 60 F-15 size fighters, due next year. Boeing could be offering the F-15SE with customizable fighter that can be outfitted with AESA radars, radar absorbent coatings, large digital cockpit displays, fly-by-wire software, canted tails and bolt-on internal weapons bays.

silent_eagle_stealth — A close-up view showing the conformal weapons bay integrated in the conformal fuel tank. Photo: Boeing

Update: Silent Eagle Fires an AMRAAM Missile from Conformal Weapons Bay

By

Tamir Eshel

-

Jul 11, 2010

Above: The Boeing F-15 Silent Eagle demonstrator successfully completed its first weapons launch during a July 14 flight at Point Mugu Naval Air Weapon Station, Calif. The Silent Eagle launched an inert AIM-120 Advanced Medium Range Air to Air Missile (AIM-120 AMRAAM) from its left-side Conformal Weapons Bay, as seen in this video still. Photo: Boeing

The Boeing company conducted a first missile firing test from the conformal weapons bay of the F-15SE ‘Silent Eagle’ on July 14, 2010, a week after the aircraft completed the first flight of this technology demonstrator on July 8, 2010. On the first flight the aircraft, designated F-15E1 took off from the Lambert St. Louis International Airport on an 80-minute flight, where the aircraft opened and closed its left-side Conformal Weapons Bay, which contained an AIM-120 Instrumented Test Vehicle (ITV) missile. “[In this flight] we cleared the desired flight envelope needed to fire the missile at the test range” said Boeing F-15 Chief Test Pilot Dan Draeger. According to Boeing F-15 Development Programs Director Brad Jones, in the next couple of weeks, the F-15E1 will be ferry to a test range to launch an AIM-120.

Key to the F-15SE design is the conformal weapons bays, designed for the F-15SE. This new add-on module was originally designed specifically for the F-15SE but could also be available for other F-15 models, particularly interesting is the F-15E, I K, S and S (F-15E models operated by Israel, South Korea, Saudi-Arabia and Singapore) already operating F-15s with conformal tanks.

The Silent Eagle was developed in response to South Korea’s requirements for high-performance, stealth capable fighter aircraft. The F-15SE offers unique aerodynamic, avionic and Radar Cross Section reduction features that provide maximum flexibility in air dominance as it can be operated with and without stealth capabilities. Boeing is offering the F-15SE with customizable fighter that can be outfitted with AESA radars, radar absorbent coatings, large digital cockpit displays, fly-by-wire software, canted tails and bolt-on internal weapons bays.

According to UPI, Boeing is hoping to win an export license to sell its new F-15 Silent Eagle to South Korea within a month. South Korea has a requirement for a third batch of 60 F-15 size fighters, due next year. Boeing could be offering the F-15SE with customizable fighter that can be outfitted with AESA radars, radar absorbent coatings, large digital cockpit displays, fly-by-wire software, canted tails and bolt-on internal weapons bays.

Silent Eye F-15E — Boeing performed the first flight of the F-15E1 'Silent Eagle' flight demonstrator on July 8, 2010 Photo: Boeing

Boeing Joins U.S. Army’s EMARSS Airborne ISR Competition

By

admin

-

Jul 9, 2010

mc_12 — The U.S. Air Force began operating MC-12 ISR Aircraft at Bagram and Kandahar fields in Afghanistan earlier in 2010. In June this year, the Army received proposals from several U.S. companies for the delivery of similar aircraft known as 'EMARSS', to provide close ISR support to the land forces. Photo: US Air Force

The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] confirmed today the submission of a proposal for the U.S. Army Enhanced Medium-Altitude Reconnaissance and Surveillance System (EMARSS). According to Dennis Muilenburg, president and CEO, Boeing Defense, Space & Security, Boeing brings the value of a large system integrator that also is able to work at a fast pace to place tools in warfighters’ hands as soon as possible. “We are committed to delivering early and to providing a mission system that works as promised to bring soldiers home safely.” Said Muilenburg. The Army’s EMARSS request for proposals calls for a persistent capability to detect, locate, classify/identify, and track surface targets in day or night, near-all-weather conditions with a high degree of timeliness and accuracy.

Other competitors for the program include Northrop Grumman and L-3 Com. The service is expected to announce the award in late September. Boeing submitted its proposal on May 25.

Sky Warrior Moves into Production to Equip the U.S. Army ER/MP Program

By

admin

-

Jul 9, 2010

As production of Predator A winding, General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA ASI) shifts to the production of the new Sky Warrior MQ-1C model designed for the U.S. Army Extended Range/Multi-Purpose (ER/MP) UAS program. The company has received $195.5 million in funding from the U.S. Army, part of an estimated $399 million contract to provide Low-Rate Initial Production (LRIP) aircraft and supplemental hardware for ER/MP.

The remaining amount expected in the late summer of 2010 will provide for 34 Sky Warrior aircraft, 16 One System Ground Control Stations (OSGCS) made by AAI Corporation, airborne and ground Tactical Control Data Link (TCDL) equipment produced by L-3 Communications West, and various other items to include automatic landing systems, spares, and ground support equipment.

The Sky Warrior program completed Milestone C review in February 2010, confirming production readiness and program acquisition maturity. It also assessed the progress of the Hellfire AGM-114 P+ missiles for the entire future MQ-1C fleet and near-term QRC-2 aircraft expected to be fielded in the summer of 2010. Beginning December 2010, the company is scheduled to deliver over two aircraft a month through the end of 2012. New features being introduced with the Sky Warrior system include the capability to carry four AGM-114 P+ Hellfire missiles, fully autonomous operation, including automatic takeoff and landing and the de-icing capabilities enabling the aircraft to fly through degraded weather conditions.

In the past two years these early capability aircraft have logged over 145,000 flight hours, about 15% of the total flight hours logged by the entire U.S. Army unmanned aircraft fleet. “Unmanned aircraft such as the ER/MP has fundamentally changed the accuracy and lethality of our Soldiers’ weaponry, increased the safety of our Soldiers” said Col. Gregory Gonzalez, project manager for the Army’s Unmanned Aircraft Systems, “these systems have changed the way Soldiers see and understand the terrain and situations they face during conflict.” He added.

Since 2004 General Atomics delivered over 50 unmanned aircraft to the Army, in support of the Global War on Terrorism. The program builds on the experience gathered with two ‘early capability’ Sky Warrior programs, currently undergoing with the U.S. Army – the Sky Warrior Block 0 delivered in April 2008 and the Block 1 that deployed 16 months later, in August 2009 – both deployed under Quick Reaction Capability (QRC) procedures. These UAS are currently being enhanced with software, hardware, specially modified hellfire missiles and operational procedure upgrades under the QRC-2 phase.

Panhard Introduces the Sphinx Armed Reconnaissance Vehicle

By

admin

-

Jul 8, 2010

Positioned to be the leading provider for the ERBC, Panhard developed a technology demonstrator called Sphinx with internal funds, introducing an ERBC representative prototype enabling the company and the French defense establishment to study the operational functions of the ERBC. The Sphinx was the only candidate shown publicly at Eurosatory 2010. Unlike Nexter and Renault, aiming to compete for more than one platform of the Scorpion program, Panhard visions only at the ERBC, leaving the rest of the competition to other rivals.

The company has been identified with armored scout cars for many years. The Sphinx follows the general design of Panhard’s past armored scout vehicles – such as the 8×8 EBR, 6×6 ERC-90 and 4×4 AML-90. Beyond the promotion of Panhard’s offering, Sphinx also provides a risk reduction program, demonstrating the maturity of innovative technologies and solutions suggested for the program, providing an integration platform.

Maintaining its predecessor’s Rapid Intervention role, the 6×6 Sphinx is designed for a combat-ready gross vehicle weight of 17 tons, supporting air mobility with C-130 and A400M. It offers significantly enhanced protection level, with V shaped hull, canted sides and all-round counter-RPG slat armor, the armor suite offering STANAG 4569 Level 5 ballistic, IED and mine protection. The vehicle uses a new Cockerill CT40 manned turret designed by CTI, mounting a stabilized 40mm Case Telescoped Weapon System from CTAI. The turret also carries four extended-range precision- attack missiles (MLP) providing precision strike capability beyond visual range. Additional weapons include eight Galix countermeasure launchers and a coaxial 7.62mm machine gun. Sphinx is powered by a 12 cylinder 600 hp diesel coupled to an automatic 6 speed gearbox with 1/2 reduction. All six wheels are steerable. The vehicle has a power to weight ratio of 35 hp/tons, offering good off-road mobility and high acceleration on paved road, reaching a maximum speed of 110 km/h.

Defense-UpdateMilitary Technology & Defense News

Defense-UpdateMilitary Technology & Defense News

EDITOR PICKS

POPULAR POSTS

POPULAR CATEGORY