Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) announced plans to acquire Gyrocam Systems, a developer of gyro-stabalized optical surveillance systems. Gyrocam is currently supplying hundreds of electro-optical systems to the U.S. Army, Marine Corps and Air Force equipping MRAP vehicles with the VOSS systems, designed to detect and identify improvised explosive devices (IED) from a standoff distance. According to Lockheed Martin, once the acquisition is completed, Gyrocam will be managed by Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control, a unit of Lockheed Martin’s Electronic Systems business area. According to Robert J. Stevens, Lockheed Martin’s Chairman, President andChief Executive Officer, the acquisition of Gyrocam enhances Lockheed Martin’s ability to address our U.S. government customer’s emphasis on ISR capabilities and to meet urgent warfighter needs. “This transaction is a sound strategic fit that strengthens a core competency while addressing a customer priority, supports our commitment to build shareholder value and reinforces our standing as a global security leader.” Said Stevens.
Avenger Mobile Air Defense System
Avenger air defense system is an automated, short-range very low level short range air defense (VSHORAD) system, capable of shoot-on-the-move air defense weapon. Avenger uses a turret equipped with eight ready to fire Stinger missiles in two missile pods. The basic VSHORAD Avenger system has been enhanced into the Multi-Role Weapon System and Laser Avenger, assuming wider mission capabilities.
The Avenger acquires, identifies, tracks and engages targets such as low-flying helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft, from a stationery or moving position. Avenger is capable of operation in day, night and adverse weather conditions. It can shoot on the move and be operated by remote control, up to 50 meters from the firing unit. Avenger uses passive sensors, it employs a turret mounted on a tactical vehicle (Hummer), consisting of a gunner position, two missile launcher pods containing four Stinger missiles each, a forward-looking infrared receiver (FLIR), a laser range finder, an identification friend or foe (IFF) system and a high rate of fire .50-caliber machine gun (1,100 rpm).
The system can be transported by a UH-60 Black Hawk, Chinook and CH-53 helicopters or a C-130 aircraft. The Avenger A2 has network the system with external radars and the Forward Area Air Defense (FAAD) C3 system. Upon selection of a specific track for engagement, the Avenger turret will automatically slew to bring the target within the FLIR’s field of view.
Avenger Multi-Role Weapon System
Avenger Multi-Role Weapon System (AMWS) is a modified Avenger air defense vehicle designed for a multi-mission role. The standard Avenger uses Eight Stinger missiles to provide protection against airborne threats. Boeing is offering more flexible weapons configurations, including a gun equipped variant, integrating a .50 caliber machine gun over the cab to enable engagement of air and ground targets with increased ammunition capacity. Another configuration exchanges one of the quad launchers for a pair of launchers containing Javelin Anti-Tank Guided Missiles. The system conducted test firing demonstrations in 2004 and continued testing and development to date.
Boeing Laser Avenger Destroys Improvised Explosive Devices in Test
Boeing has successfully demonstrated the use of its Laser Avenger air-defense system to destroy improvised explosive devices (IEDs) from a safe distance. During a field test held in September 2009 at the Redstone Army Arsenal in Huntsville, Laser Avenger neutralized more than 50 IED and unexploded ordnance of different types, including large-caliber artillery munitions, smaller bomblets and mortar rounds. The system operated at safe distances from the targets and under a variety of conditions, including different angles and ranges. Soldiers traveling with Laser Avenger would not have to get out of their armored vehicles or wait for an explosive ordnance disposal team to destroy an IED and continue their mission. The test was sponsored by the U.S. Defense Department’s Joint IED Defeat Organization (JIEDDO), following technical feasibility demonstrations held by the company in the past two years.
Excalibur VTOL UCAV Demonstrated in Flight
Aurora Flight Sciences Corp. completed the first flight of the Excalibur Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) last month. The first flight took place at Aberdeen Proving Grounds, Maryland on June 24, 2009. Aurora anticipates a series of flying qualities and performance testing to verify low speed operations, transition modes, and high speed flight regimes in the near future. The Excalibur UAS was developed by Aurora for the US Army Aviation Applied Technology Directorate and the Office of Naval Research. “VTOL allows you to be runway independent and able to operate from unprepared fields.” Said Top Clancy, Aurora Vice President, Tactical Systems, “the objective scale, it will have about 400 lbs weapons load out, vehicle we see that as a pathfinder that will demonstrate the combination of vertical take off and landing and high speed.”
The vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) half-scale technology demonstrator designated ‘Tail 34’ is the first of a new class of tactical unmanned combat air vehicles developed for future tactical applications. The vehicle is powered by pivoting hybrid turbine-electric propulsion system providing both vertical lift and forward thrust for the unmanned air vehicle. The proof-of-concept vehicle uses the jet-borne vertical lift and three electric lift fans to provide attitude control and a significant fraction of hover thrust. The vehicle uses fully autonomous vehicle management and flight control systems to simplify flight handling allowing operators to focus on mission objectives.
Excalibur’s unique configuration enables both VTOL and high-speed flight modes at speeds up to 400 knots; thereby providing the Warfighter with a survivable capability for quick response weapons delivery or logistics resupply from remote, austere forward operating bases or from air cable ships operating in the littorals.
Elbit Systems Acquires the Assets of BVR Systems for $34 Million
Elbit Systems Ltd. announced today that it has signed an agreement for the acquisition of the assets of BVR Systems (1998) Ltd. for a price of $34 million, subject to accounting adjustments. Final closing of this Transaction is subject to the conclusion of certain conditions including receipt of all legal approvals. BVR Systems specializes in the area of training, simulation and debriefing systems for air, sea and ground forces.
In the past BVR and Elbit have competed on simulation and training programs in Israel and around the world. In recent years BVR partnered with foreign companies to license and integrate its patented ‘Embedded Virtual Avionics’ system, enabling cost-effective and realistic live training with any type of training aircraft.
In 2008 BVR had an order backlog worth over $50 million, with additional $7 million added in the first months of 2009. In April this year BVR reported a net profit of US$1.5 million, compared to a net loss of four million in 2007. BVR has encountered unique circumstances this year: while achieving profitability and significant growth in orders, the company encountered difficulties in rising new working capital. The acquisition by Elbit Systems will enable to fulfill this potential and provide Elbit Systems an access to the customers won by its former competitor.
Joseph Ackerman, President and CEO of Elbit Systems welcomed BVR’s employees to the Elbit Systems family. “The acquisition of BVR System’s business activities is in line with our long-term strategy of growth through mergers and acquisitions of complementary companies with high synergistic value” Ackerman said adding that BVR’s the company’s assets complement Elbit Systems’ other training capabilities. BVR’s CEO Ilan Gillies believes that Elbit and BVR are complementing each other in product lines and market reach. “The corporate culture is by and large similar which will make for a smooth integration” Gillies said. “We have chosen to combine our resources with Elbit since we recognize the synergies and I am very confident that this is the right choice for BVR.” said Aviv Tzidon, BVR’s Chairman of the Board.
OCCAR Delivers First European SAMP/T Missile Interceptor System
A major milestone was achieved with the delivery of the first SAMP/T missile by the Joint European Armament Cooperation Organization (OCCAR) in May 2009. In total, the joint Franco-Italian program will procure 15 SAMP/T systems 10 for France and five for Italy. The system employs a ground-based version of the naval Aster 30 surface to air interceptor, capable of intercepting Scud-type missiles is the first European missile system capable of performing missile defense missions. The French military will receive the 10 systems by 2013 and the Italians expect to complete delivery by 2016.
Each system employs four to six mobile missile container-launcher firing units, comprising eight canister-stored Aster-30 Land Block 1 each. The vertically launched Aster is a two-stage, endo-atmospheric missile interceptor that employs a unique, combined aerodynamic and gas actuated attitude control system called “Pif-Paf” capable of delivering extreme maneuverability. Each unit also includes a mobile version of the Arabel radar, developed by Thales Air Systems, providing 360 degree search, surveillance and target acquisition for the missiles. The mobile launch system comprises four vertical launchers (with a capacity of up to six). Each firing unit can be matched with two recharging modules providing quick reload to ensure sustained defense.
A Series of Crashes are Haunting Afghanistan Air Ops
A civilian operated helicopter such as this Mi-8 was crashed at the Kandahar airbase on 19 July 2009 killing 16 and wounding five civilians. Archive photo
A Russian-owned civilian helicopter crashed Sunday July 19, 2009 shortly after takeoff from NATO’s Kandahar airbase in Southern Afghanistan, killing 16 civilian passengers and wounding five. NATO sources reported the helicopter burst into flames when it crashed near the runway only moments after takeoff. The Russian news agency Interfax said the Mi-8 was owned by the Russian air company Vertikal-T but no Russian citizens were involved.
Last week, a Moldova-owned Mi-6 transport helicopter was downed by Taliban fire in southern Afghanistan, killing six Ukrainian civilians on board and an Afghan child on the ground. Civilian helicopters commonly help ferry civilian contractors and supplies to small military outposts across Afghanistan. In a separate incident a U.S. military helicopter made an emergency landing in the Kunar province in Eastern Afghanistan, causing several injuries. Military sources commented that no enemy fire was involved in this incident.
On early Saturday a U.S. Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle fighter jet crashed in central Afghanistan, killing two crew members. Earlier in July, two Canadian soldiers and one British trooper were killed in a helicopter crash in Zabul province.
Surprisingly, according to NATO sources, except for a single event – the Moldovan owned Mi-6 shot down last week, none of the recent crashes involved enemy fire. But, whether the Taliban is focusing its action on the more vulnerable civilian helicopters, still remaines an option, as these helicopters are supporting the government and international aid activities and – from the Taliban viewpoint – such losses could have an international effect similar to military losses.
Royal International Air Tattoo 2009
A selection of photos taken by aviation photographers at the recent Royal International Air Tatoo held at Fairford, UK 17-18 July 2009. Each photo links to the photographer’s photo gallery, where you can see more photos from the event.
The Dutch F-16 appeared in a special Airshow Coloring – Airwolfhound
The lion depicted on this particular aircraft is taken from the Dutch national Coat of arms, while the orange color scheme refers to the name of the ruling Royal House, ‘the Oranges’. This particular plane was painted in this livery for the occasion of the RNLAF’s 95th birthday and to attract more candidates for the Air Force. We thank our loyal reader, drs. VHJM van Neerven the editor-in-chief for VNCcc for the information.
Eurofighter Typhoon by Matt Landells
Spitfire and Typhoon Flyby –
Dassault Rafale by Nissan Note
EH 101 by Nissan Note
NH-90
JAS-39 Gripen – Ian Gooddard
The Dance of the Lynx – Goodwood Fos
Red Arrows – Hayakuhei
Breitling Team – Matt Landells
Red Arrows – Martin Jordan
Goodwood Fos
Frecce Tricolli – Matt Landells
DARPA, US Navy Seek a New Missile to Outwit Adversary Defenses and Capabilities
DARPA and the U.S. Office of Naval Research are embarking on the development of a new offensive surface weapon called Long Range Anti-Ship Missile (LRASM), capable of outperforming adversary anti-ship missiles and air and missile defenses. DARPA goal for the program is to fly a technology demonstration missile of sufficient maturity to support rapid transition to operational use.
“LRASM is an effort to place the US Navy in a dominant position on the high seas” says Rob McHenry, a program manager in the Tactical Technology Office at DARPA. “We want US Navy cruisers and destroyers to be able to stand off from outside of potential adversaries’ direct counter fire range, and be able to safely engage and destroy high value targets they may be engaging against from extended range, well beyond potential adversary ranges that we may have to face.” Said McHenry. “Once the missile flies that far, it has a requirement to be able to independently detect and validate the target that it was shot at. Finding that target, the missile will have to be able to penetrate the air defenses and finally, once it gets to that target, it has to have a lethal capability to make a difference once it gets there.”
LRASM will be different from current generation missiles such as the Harpoon and Tomahawk, which are dependent on prior intelligence and targeting data. Unlike those missiles, LRASM will be designed to reduce dependence on precision intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance sources, data links, and GPS. The missile will employ advanced onboard sensing and processing capabilities, allowing precision engagement of moving ships based only on coarse, initial target cueing, even in extremely hostile environments. LRASM will be designed to be compatible with existing VL-41 Vertical Launch System employed by the U.S. Navy and will have sufficient range to engage targets from well beyond direct counter-fire ranges of projected threats. To further improve its effectiveness the missile will also employ innovative features that to survive enemy air defenses and deliver high-assurance lethality.
Lockheed Martin Corp. Missiles and Fire Control has been awarded a $10 million contract by the U.S. Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) for the development and demonstration of the LRASM. The agency is expected to award additional contracts for the initial demonstration phase.
During this phase, contractors will conduct trade studies and system performance analysis, develop a preliminary design, and perform risk reduction testing of critical elements of their system. This phase will conclude with a Preliminary Design Review, operational effectiveness assessment, and evaluation of the technology development plan to complete the remaining DARPA demonstration program and operational transition to the Navy. The next phase could span over 27 months and include system design refinement, subsystem developmental testing, to be followed by Critical Design Review, and flight tests culminating in an end-to-end flight demonstration of missile’s.
Facing Growing Sensitivity for Collateral Damage, Small Rockets Could Reinstate the Commander’s Kinetic Toolkit
Since the beginning of operation Enduring Freedom in 2002 the use of stand-off precision attacks from manned, unmanned aerial systems as well as heavy artillery platforms were the weapon of choice for ‘kinetic’ attacks employed by coalition forces. Such weapons employed massive bombardments utilizing laser guided, and geo-targeted weapons, such as the 500 – 200 pound Paveway and JDAM weapons or massive guided multiple launch rocket systems (GMLRS). Such weapons carefully guided by forward observers, verifying that non combatants or friendly forces are affected were employed with high precision. However, each weapon, carrying warheads weighing hundreds to thousands of pounds of explosives, had an excessive ‘overkill’ effect on the targets, causing significant collateral damage.
Following repeated incidents of attacks, causing significant collateral damage to non-combatant civilians, new ISAF directives have restricted the use of ‘kinetic effects’ by the forces to the minimum, therefore limiting the operational flexibility of combat units. While such self-imposed restrictions are bound to receive a warm welcome from the civilian population, Taliban will undoubtedly exploit them in their operations.
New types of weapons, utilizing standard 2.75″ / 68mm or five inch Zuni rockets, modified into precision-strike weapons could enable commanders at all tactical levels to employ limited, precision kinetic effects, increasing deterrence and combat effectiveness, while risking minimal collateral damage, but having maximum effect on the target.
Although the development of such weapons was slow, lacking enthusiastic customer support, developers persisted in keeping programs alive and only recently the military are waking up to the reality, that a ‘small bang’ may be better than a ‘big bang’ that could totally derail a military campaign, due to excessive casualties or collateral damage, resulting in political pressure.
“Pilots in theater have expressed a desire for a guided rocket that hits the target and minimizes collateral damage,” said Jerry Brode, DAGR program manager at Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control. “With multiple platform firings under its belt, along with the live warhead test we conducted at Eglin Air Force Base last year, DAGR is being qualified to deliver that capability.”
Lockheed Martin’s DAGR is one of the most mature laser guided 2.75″ rocket systems, developed by the company under a privately funded initiative. Recent firing trials involved AH-64D Apache helicopters and OA-6 Little Bird, hinting about interest from the U.S. Special Operations Command (SOCOM). The weapon has performed well in all guided firing tests, demonstrating precision strikes in 12 successful guided flight tests, hitting short- and long-range off-axis targets within minimal distance of the laser-designated aimpoint.
The Apache firing trials were conducted at the U.S. Army Yuma Proving Ground in March 2009, firing three rockets from the Apache; two successfully impacted the targets within minimal distance of the designated aimpoint. These tests marked the first airborne platform tests for DAGR, demonstrating its ability to engage targets in both day and night conditions.
Further tests were conducted in July 2009, also in Yuma, employing a Mission-Enhanced Little Bird helicopter test platform. The helicopter carried the DAGR in four-pack launch canister attached to the outboard rail of a modified XM299 launcher. 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.
DAGR is designed to be compatible with the Hellfire’s M299 family of launchers, offering potential integration on all rotary-wing platforms currently employing Hellfire missiles, including the Apache, Little Bird, Kiowa, Blackhawk, Cobra, and Tiger helicopters. A mixed loadout of Hellfire II and DAGRs can be mounted on the same launcher, providing operational flexibility that enables cost-effective multi-mission capability from a single platform.
The U.S. Marine Corps have indicated their requirement for a forward firing, low-cost precision guided weapon capable of accurately engaging fixed and moving targets in close proximity to friendly forces, while allowing firing aircraft to remain outside the threat envelope. The Corps are eying two different systems to convert existing stocks of 2.75″ Hydra II and 80mm Zuni unguided rockets into precision kill systems. To facilitate such capability the Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division (NAWCWD) has developed the WGU-58/B Guidance and Control system, to modify the Zuni rockets used by the Corps’ AV-8B, F/A-18s and AH-1W helicopter gunships.
The kit, developed by MBDA Inc., was recently tested in a successful live firing test employing a Semi-Active Laser Guided Zuni rocket at the U.S. Navy’s test facilities at China Lake, CA. utilizing the WGU-58/B Guidance and Control System. The WGU-58/B design maximizes use of off-the-shelf hardware and software, does not require changes to the aircraft interface, and attaches the WGU-58/B guidance and control kit to existing Zuni rockets. The upgrade can be performed at field level, permitting rapid transition of the hardware into the inventory. The rocket is fired from a LAU-10 pod launcher carrying four rockets. This capability dramatically increases the effective engagement capability of the aircraft and helicopter, as comparable weapons are carried only one or two per weapon station. Apart from MBDA Inc. (a subsidiary of the European missile group) and U.S. Navy China Lake facility, the NAWCWS industry partner team also includes Elbit Systems of America, General Dynamics and Honeywell.
In 2008 the U.S. Navy assumed control of the Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS) development contract, currently at System Development and Demonstration (SDD) phase with BAE Systems demonstrating the guided rocket’s performance. Although the system performed a series of successful tests in 2007, the Army did not show much enthusiasm to transition the program into an operational weapon. The current funding allocated by the Marine Corps will be used for testing and qualification of the weapon for use on the Marine Corps’ AH-1W Super Cobra helicopter. BAE Systems’ Nashua facility plans to begin production of the upgraded rockets by the end of 2009.
Progress with 2.75″ laser guided rockets was also reported in Israel, with Elbit Systems and Alliant Techsystems performing a series of flight tests of the Guided Advanced Tactical Rocket (GATR). The platform used for the test firings was the BattleHawk armed Blackhawk helicopter, being evaluated by the Israel Air Force and Sikorsky. The guided rockets fired from the BattleHawk used lock-on before launch engagement profile, to engage an off-boresight target at a range of approximately three kilometers. The test validated flight worthiness, safe separation launch, and autonomous laser designated guided flight through a series of tests. The laser designated guided flight, launched from a standard 2.75 inch launcher, resulted in a direct impact on the target. The weapon also supports lock-on after launch as well as autonomous or remote laser designation firing modes.
In the past Raytheon has also competed for the APKWS after BAE’s win, the company decided to pull back from an independent development and opted to continue the program under an international cooperation with the Emirates Advanced Investments (EAI) of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Under this cooperation the companies are developing the Laser-Guided Rocket (LGR) version for its 2.75″ Hydra II weapon. Earlier this year (2009) the weapon has completed a wind tunnel test that produced both high fidelity flight simulations and data for development of the aerodynamic model required for autopilot design. “This program is a potential model for Raytheon’s global business template,” said Richard Janik, Raytheon Missile Systems’ LGR program director. “It has important financial, engineering and manufacturing ramifications for our international business efforts, our UAE partner and our customers.” The Raytheon-EAI cooperative development agreement includes a follow-on production proposal to manufacture LGR in both the U.S. and the UAE. Similar international development programs are underway in Norway (by Nammo) and France (by Thales).
Iron Dome Battle management Demonstrated
The battle management system constantly plots the ballistic trajectories of each threat, assessing if it is presenting a threat to the protected areas. Such threats are marked red, and trigger the computation intercept solutions. Within a few seconds, over 800 different intercept solutions are performed per each target, evaluating the best possible match of target, interceptor, launcher and launch unit to ensure all targets are engaged and destroyed outside the protected areas, while the system complies with other restrictions, such as no-fire zones, minimized collateral damage and eliminating potential threat to friendly air assets operating in the area.
In a split second the system suggests the preferred solution and requests the operator’s permission to launch the missiles. Firing commences immediately upon the operator approval. However, if human intervention is required for, the user can select another firing plan from the suggested options or manually override the system to instruct using a specific asset.
As the Tamir interceptor is launched it sets course to bring itself to the planned intercept point. As its sensor acquires the target, Tamir maneuvers to the final engagement, bringing the target into the kill-zone and activating its warhead at close proximity to the target. Recent tests have demonstrated the missile has exceeded the level of performance originally planned for the system. Operators can monitor and assess the situation over the digital map, depicting the situational picture, depicting the incoming threats, each plotted with firing sources, actual location, projected impact point and recommended intercept, all firing units are also displayed, as well as protected areas, safe impact areas and protected airspace, where extra caution should be maintained for flight safety. Information can also displayed in different schemes, such as a histogram, prioritizing all targets engaged at a given time.
Air France Jet May have Encountered 100 mph Updrafts
AccuWeather.com reports after extensive research into the weather that may have affected the Air France Airbus A330 on Sunday evening, it is believed that the plane flew into thunderstorms, and the updrafts or turbulence associated with those storms in addition to lightning may have played a role.
The projected flight path of flight 447 took the aircraft near Sao Luis, Brazil, where it may have first encountered a thunderstorm. Later in the flight, the plane appears to have flown into or near a large cluster thunderstorms that were in the development stages northeast of Fernando De Noronha, which is located off Brazil’s northern coast, and along the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ), the belt of low pressure that surrounds the Earth at the equator.
Based on weather information from Fernando De Noronha, the updrafts associated with the thunderstorms may have reached up to 100 mph. Such an updraft would lead to severe turbulence for any aircraft. In addition, the storms were towering up to 50,000 feet and would have been producing lightning. TheAir France plane would have encountered these stormy conditions, which could have resulted in either some structural failure or electrical failure as noted in the communications between the Airplane and Air France headquarters.
Based on satellite information, the Air France flight had little chance of going around the storms given that they stretched for over 400 miles and were developing along the flight path. The airplane was flying at cruising altitude of 35,000 feet. With the updrafts pushing the storms up to 50,000 feet, the plane had to fly through the storms and not over them.
Despite the presence of the storms Sunday evening, the only lightning detected along the flight path was near Sao Luis, Brazil. Lightning strikes were not being detected with the storms northeast of Fernando De Noronha and along the ITCZ at the time.
According to Brazilian aviation officials, wreckage that has been found in theAtlantic Ocean about 400 miles off the northern coast of Brazil could be from the Air France aircraft. The debris sighted includes metallic objects and plane seats. This wreckage still hasn’t been confirmed as being part of the Air France jet.
Tropical thunderstorms and the lightning patterns generated by them are different from storms that typically occur over the United States. Studies have shown that the top region of tropical thunderstorms is highly charged and more conducive to lightning, which indicates that an airplane flying near the top of a tropical thunderstorm could be more susceptible to a lightning strike. Tropical thunderstorms are also notorious for producing frequent cloud-to-cloud, as well as cloud-to-air lightning.
Story by AccuWeather.com Meteorologists Heather Buchman, Kristina Pydynowski and Henry Margusity, and AccuWeather.com News Correspondent Gina Cherundolo
Iron Dome Test Successful
Rafael Advanced Defense Systems and the Israel Ministry of Defenseconcluded another series of intercept tests conducted with the Iron Dome counter-rocket defense system, the recent tests employed all the system’s elements, including the Multi-Mode Radar (MMR) system, developed by IAI Elta Systems (shown on the photo at right), Tamir missile interceptors with live warheads, and battle management system, developed by MPrest Systems. Rafael is planning to resume the system’s testing in the upcoming months, to demonstrate the Iron Dome operation as a system Iron Dome is expected to reach initial operational capability by early 2010.
The tests validated the missile’s performance and demonstrated its effectiveness in intercepting rocket targets such as the Grad rocket in use by the Hezbollahand Hammas terrorist organizations. Iron Dome is designed to provide effective defense against short-range rockets, fired from distances of four to 70 kilometers. The Extended range Grad rockets fired by the Hammas during the recent conflict in January 2009 have reached targets 42 kilometers.
The interceptor approaches the target and uses its seeker to acquire the target and guides the interceptor within passing distance. The target warhead is detonated over a neutral area, therefore reducing collateral damage to the protected area.
British MOD Calls for Rapid Replacement for Scimitar CVR(T)
BAE Systems Global Combat Systems and General Dynamics (UK) are the two companies invited by the British Ministry of Defence to team with the MOD to develop a new armored vehicle for the British Army. The program is part of the Future Rapid Effect System Specialist Vehicle (FRES SV), intended to field reconnaissance and reconnaissance support variants that will replace the existing Scimitar and Spartan vehicles now on operations in Afghanistan. FRES SV will focs on a medium-weight capability comprising three families of vehicles: Reconnaissance, Medium Amour and Maneuver Support.
Formal invitations are expected in July 2009. The invitation after MOD announced its Armored Fighting Vehicles Sector Strategy earlier this month. The FRES program aimed at replacing a number of vehicles that have reached or are reaching the end of their service lives. However, the initial phase known as FRES Utility Vehicle was halted after a decision to cancel the decision to buy the Pirhana V armored vehicle from General Dynamics UK. The decision resulted in a painful restructuring at BAE Systems, which expected significant subcontracting work for this vehicle. After reexamination of equipment requirements, MOD is now recommending that FRES SV should be procured, with the Warrior Capability Sustainment Programme, prioritised ahead of the FRES Utility Vehicle. Some of the Scorpion CRV(T)s have been upgraded recently, prepared for service in Afghanistan.
UAV Manufacturers Line Up for the U.S. Navy/Marines STUAS/TIER II Program
A new US Navy / Marine Corps program drawing a growing attention among UAV manufacturers is the STUAS / Tier II UAV. Several companies have already lined up for the competition, including Raytheon, offering with the KillerBee 4 system, originally designed by Swift. After Northrop Grumman acquired Swift UAV business, Raytheon secured access to the system and bought the relevant segment from Northrop Grumman. Other companies competing for STUAS are Elbit Systems, teaming with General Dynamics, offering the new Hermes 90 platform. AAI has also announced it is offering the Aerosonde 4.7 system. Boeing is offering the Integrator, a beefed-up version of the Scan Eagle designed by its subsidiary company InSitu. The program, originally scheduled to launch in 2007 was delaid to 2009 after the Navy and Marines re-evaluated their requirements and plans. As an intermediate step, the corpsfielded severalUS Army/AAI RQ-7 Shadow systems. For the original program, the MArine Corps evaluated several systems, including the SpyHawk, by Arcturus, and BAE Systems’ Skylynx II, designed by the Israeli company Inocon, which has recently reappeared, redesigned and rebranded as the Hermes 90. According to Vic Sweberg, Director of the newly created Boeing Unmanned Systems Division, the Integrator is only the first step in a long way that will position Boeing at the forefront of the unmannes aerial systems market. Boeing is determined to become a major player in the unmanned systems market. “With Insitu we believe we can make the step forward and take that ground in about 3-5 years. He added that, at present, the market is already indicating a steep growth.
Raytheon also considers its contender for the program to play a central role in the company’s growth into the unmanned systems domain. Mark Bigham, director of business development for Raytheon’s Intelligence and Information Systems (IIS) is confident Raytheon will take a leading role in the UAS market by leveraging its legacy of sensors, weapons, C3I expertise and recent integration experience on KillerBee to provide a complete systems solution. He said Raytheon is investing in new technology to address emerging defense and civil requirements that will make Raytheon a significant player in the UAS market and a systems integrator for future UAS requirements.
Elbit Systems is positioning the newly introduced Hermes90 as its contender for the US program. To better position itself in the US market the company announced a teaming agreement with General Dynamics Armament and technical Products (GDATP) to promote its unmanned systems in the USA. The Hermes90 offers long endurance of up to 18 hours, mission range of up to 100 kilometers, and varied payloads integration capability. Equiped with wheels or sleds, the unmanned aircraft can be launched and recovered using different methods, including launching by an integral launcher for point launch and recovery on non-prepared surfaces without using any dedicated ground equipment. The compact and lightweight system can be carried onboard two tactical utility vehicles and is operated by a two or three-person crew. AAI is offering the Aerosonde 4.7 unmanned aircraft for Navy/Marines program. To support expeditionary deployment, the 4.7 uses an integrated launch and recovery system enabling fast, flexible ground and/or shipboard automated launch and recovery capability. The modular payload installation allows the rapid addition of new payloads and capabilities as they become available, enabling technology refresh with little to no aircraft or system modifications. For the ground control system the company is offering the Expeditionary Ground Control Station (EGCS), based on the 4586-compliant ‘One System’ design AAI developed for the U.S. Army. AAI comments that this architecture will support interoperability between the Aerosonde Mark 4.7 and other One System platforms, including the Shadow Tactical Unmanned Aircraft System (TUAS) already used by the Army and U.S. Marine Corps.
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TADTE 2025: Reflecting Taiwan’s Strategic Themes
