Grouping Small Satellites into Powerful Optical Arrays

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Apr 21, 2009

A team of scientists from Aurora Flight Sciences and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Space Systems Laboratory are developing a method to optimize the maneuvering of multiple-spacecraft to generate synthesized images. The Synthetic Imager Maneuvering Optimization (SIMO) technology is applicable to several National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and Department of Defense (DOD) space-based missions. NASA is interested in the technology for future space-based astronomy explorations while DOD is considering multiple-spacecraft missions for observation of terrestrial and spaceborne objects. NASA and the DoD are also interested in robust and efficient multi-vehicle reconfiguration for satellite servicing, docking, inspection and assembly of large apertures.

Synthetic imaging employs an array of small spacecraft, operating cooperatively to represent the optical qualities of a much larger single spacecraft. A major benefit of such an array is a lower launch costs (small spacecraft can be launched cheaper and in groups). Additionally, the potential for gradual system upgrades and possibility of in orbit replacement of failed elements are feasible in this method.

SIMO technology addresses the main challenges of coordinated satellite maneuvering – coordinating the maneuvers of multiple spacecraft to use minimal fuel and time to create the highest quality image. Time and fuel-optimal maneuvers are only a part of the optimization problem. Selecting the maneuver waypoints (number and location) which determine the quality of the synthesized image further complicates command and control. The number of spacecraft, the size of their individual apertures and the type of propulsion system used also impacts imaging rate, propellant mass and mission cost only adding to the complexity.

“Capturing all of these mission aspects in an integrated mission optimization framework helps mission designers to select the most appropriate architecture for meeting the needs and constraints of synthetic imaging missions,” said Joe Parrish, Aurora’s Vice President for Research & Development and the principal investigator for this project. “We anticipate that there are other applications both within NASA and beyond, and in military and commercial sectors.” Aurora is exploring the SIMO technology under a NASA awarded Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) Phase 2 contract.

New Jackal 2 in Afghanistan by Autumn 2009

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Apr 21, 2009

After encountering excessive casualties with light weapon carriers Land-Rovers, (WMIK), the British Ministry of defence (MoD) responded to an Urgent Operational request to send out a heavier vehicle, which could be better adapted to the operating conditions in Afghanistan, providing an armor protected platform with superior cross-country mobility. The M-WMIK introduced a new platform, based on a 4×4 high-mobility chassis produced by Supacat. The Jackal is perfectly suited to the operational terrain of southern Afghanistan, where speed and maneuverability are essential. Unlike the homogenous Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) trucks, the M-WMIK, dubbed Jackal is fast and extremely agile – as Royal Marines Brigadier Buster Howes describes as ‘a complete revelation’.

The first Jackals were deployed earlier in 2008 to Afghanistan, operating with the 16 Air Assault Brigade. In October 2008 it was fielded with 3 Commando Brigade Royal Marines. MoD plans to procure about 200 such vehicles. The vehicle uses a unique airbag suspension system allowing a smooth ride over the roughest terrain and provides a more stable firing platform, while the vehicle is in motion. The revolutionary system can also raise the seven-tonne beast by more than a metre, allowing the vehicle to clear large obstacles, or enable its occupants to gain a better view of the field of operations. Jackal uses an independent suspension for each wheel to soften the ride over rough terrain. “Each suspension arm is independent so when you are cross-country and you hit a bump, the shock is only felt over one wheel while the ride continues to be completely stable and safe,” said Royal Marines Captain Orlando Roger. In addition to the suspension system, Jackal features a unique air-bag suspension allowing rapid movement off road. On road this 6.65 ton vehicle can travel 80 mph (130 km/h) but it is over tougher terrain where it excels traveling (officially) at up to 40 mph (80 km/h). According to Capt. Roger ‘It can do more than 50 miles an hour over most terrain – it’s like driving a dune buggy !”.

The vehicle, procured in just seven months, was originally designed as a purpose-built weapons platform and that is where Jackal comes into its own. The vehicles have a crew of three and are armed with a .50 calibre machine gun, automatic grenade launcher or 7.62 General Purpose Machine Gun (GPMG) with a second 7.62 GPMG for the Commander. The Jackal carries a general purpose machine gun and either a heavy machine gun or grenade machine gun, giving it heavy fire power over a 360 degree arc.

By the coming autumn British land forces in Afghanistan will receive the first shipments of 200 Jackal 2 vehicles, and Coyote Tactical Support Vehicle, procured as part of the £700m Protected Patrol Vehicles package unveiled by the Secretary of State for Defence, John Hutton, last October. Jackal 2 is an upgraded version of the Jackal which has proved to be highly effective supporting British troops in Afghanistan. The enhanced vehicle is designed to accommodate three crew members and a driver, (the original Jackal supported 2+driver), it features improved maneuverability and reliability. Jackal 2 will have a 6.7-litre engine giving it a top speed of 80 miles per hour (129km/h) on roads and 55mph (89km/h) cross-country. British troops in Afghanistan will also get the Coyote Tactical Support Vehicle, which is a 6×6 derivative of the Jackal. Supacat, based at Dunkswell, Devon, is the prime contractor for both programs, responsible for design, development, prototyping, integration and overall program management. Babcock will be responsible for detailed production planning, purchasing and manufacture at their Devonport dockyard facility.

India Deploys an All-Weather Earth Surveillance Satellite

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Apr 21, 2009

India has launched two satellites into orbit this week, RISAT-2 and ANUSAT. Both were delivered by the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV). This launch designated PSLV-C12, was the 14th consecutive successive flight by this launch vehicle class from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC), 90 km North of Chennai.

‘RISAT-2’ is a 300kg Israeli TECSAR type Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) satellite developed and produced by Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) Elta. A similar Israeli satellite was launched from the same location last year. This satellite is believed to be the backup satellite produced in Israel, in case the first mission fails (lack of back-up spacecraft caused a serious gap in Israel’s intelligence gathering capability after failure of two missions Ofek-4 and Ofek-6). The SAR sensor provides an all-weather, day and night surveillance capability with a sub-meter resolution. The second satellite launched on the PSLV-C12 mission is an experimental, 40-kg micro satellite built by the Chennai-based Anna University. Both satellites were placed in an orbit of 550 km height from the earth with an inclination angle of 41 degrees to the equator.

Navy receives New and Improved Amphibious Assault Ship (LHD-8) Makin Island

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Apr 20, 2009

Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding delivered the eighth Wasp class amphibious assault ship Makin Island (LHD 8) to the U.S. Navy on April 16, 2009. Second only to aircraft carriers in size, LHDs are the largest amphibious warships in the world. The vessel will commissioned in October 2009 and based in the West Coast, at the port of San Diego.

The Makin Island is 844 feet long, can reach speeds of more than 20 knots, and has a displacement of more than 41,000 tons. Wasp-class amphibious assault ships are specifically designed to remain off shore near troubled areas of the world, ready to send forces ashore quickly by helicopters, tilt rotor aircraft and Landing Craft Air Cushion (LCAC) hovercraft.

Makin Island is distinguished from its predecessors in the class by its fuel-efficient combined gas turbine and electric hybrid drive known as ‘auxiliary propulsion system’ (APS). Instead of using main propulsion engines to power the ship’s shaft, the APS uses two induction-type auxiliary propulsion motors powered from the ship’s electrical grid. The ship will be able to use its APS approximately 75% of the time, replacing the less-efficient gas turbines. According to calculation done by the Navy, APS could save the Navy more than $21 million in fuel costs over the ship’s lifecycle.

The ship employs new ‘watermist’ fire suppression systems, and a new fiber-optic Machinery Control System, the two systems integrated with the damage control systems. Other new features include the SPQ-9B radar and Cooperative Engagement Capability (CEC).

As the centerpiece of a Navy expeditionary strike group, LHDs are fully capable of conducting and supporting amphibious assaults, advance force and special purpose operations, non-combatant evacuation, and other humanitarian missions. LHDs, along with the other ships of an Amphibious Ready Group, embark, transport, deploy, command and fully support a Marine Expeditionary Unit of 2,000 Marines with their gear.

Unmanned Helicopters Could Augment Vertical Lift Transport in Combat Areas

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Apr 20, 2009

October 2011 Update: KMAX to Begin Hauling Cargo for Marines in Afghanistan Next Month

An unmanned Kaman K-MAX helicopter was recently flown by Lockheed Martin and Kaman Aerospace Corp. demonstrating to the U.S. Army and Marine Corps how ground troops can benefit from unmanned helicopters. During the 45 minute demonstration held at Ft. Eustis, Virginia, an unmanned K-MAX helicopter performed autonomous takeoff and landing, pick-up and delivery of a 3,000 pound sling load and demonstrated how it could autonomously respond to evolving conditions and battlefield threats.

kmax_tests — October 2011 Update: during the five-day Quick Reaction Assessment for the U.S. Navy's Cargo Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) program, the corps confirmed that the unmanned K-MAX has met and exceeded the Navy and Marines' requirement to deliver 6,000 pounds of cargo per day. Photo: Lockheed Martin

The unmanned helicopter can perform precision maneuvers at the pick up or drop zone, controlled by a single ground operator, using spoken and data commands.

“This prototype demonstration showed just a small sample of the potential for rotary wing unmanned air systems that has a lift capacity of 6,000 pounds” said Sal Bordonaro, President of Kaman Helicopters Division. “We believe this platform could be used for any number of existing missions that are currently being flown by manned assets, and that the cost saving resulting from the use of the unmanned K-MAX would be recognized immediately”.

According to Ray Wall, chief of the U.S. Army Aviation Applied Technology Directorate (AATD), the U.S. Army is interested to see how industry has adapted manned/unmanned teaming technology for unmanned cargo resupply “Successful expansion of this technology into Afghanistan and Iraq would help alleviate the high operational demand for Chinook and Blackhawk helicopters, which are forces to carry supplies when their greater priority is to carry troops and other personnel” Wall said.

USMC Testing KMAX in Cargo Delivery Role

In September 2009 the Kaman Corporation has received a $0.86 million order from the U.S. Marine Corps to demonstrate the ability of the Unmanned K-MAX helicopter to deliver cargo to troops in extreme environments and at high altitudes. Teamed with Lockheed Martin, K-MAX will demonstrate the unmanned helicopter’s capability to deliver cargo a round trip distance of 150 nautical miles.

“The Unmanned K-MAX meets the Marine Corps’ urgent need to field a cargo UAS to perform the troop resupply mission currently performed by ground convoys and manned aircraft,” said Jeff Bantle, vice president of Rotary Wing Programs at Lockheed Martin Systems Integration in Owego, NY. “Lockheed Martin will provide the mission management and flight control systems to ensure performance reliability in the rigorous high altitude environmental conditions inherent to Central Asia.”

The Marine Corps objective is to move 20,000 pounds in a 24 hour period. The demonstration is scheduled for late 2009. The 5,100-pound K-MAX helicopter can lift 6,000 pounds — more than its own weight — at sea level. Superior lift performance is derived from the aircraft’s counter-rotating intermeshing rotor design that eliminates the need for a tail rotor.

Bath Iron Works, Navy Agree on Building Three DDG-1000 Destroyers

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Apr 20, 2009

DDG-1000 — An artist rendering of the Zumwalt class destroyer DDG 1000, a new class of multi-mission U.S. Navy surface combatant ship designed to operate as part of a joint maritime fleet, assisting Marine strike forces ashore as well as performing littoral, air and sub-surface warfare. (U.S. Navy photo illustration)

The U.S. Defense Department, the Navy and shipbuilders Bath Iron Works in Maine and Ingalls Shipyards have concluded an agreement to swap the construction of DDG-1000 and DDG-51 class ships, to establish more efficient construction of the next-generation destroyer at one shipyard instead of two. According to John J. Young Jr., undersecretary of defense for acquisition, technology and logistics, Bath Iron Works in Maine will build all three DDG-1000 destroyers. According to earlier plans, work on the DDG-1000 destroyers previously was to be split between General Dynamics’ Bath Works and Northrop Grumman’s Ingalls Shipyard in Mississippi. As part of the new agreement compromised between all sides, Ingalls shipyard received additional Navy vessels, gaining a contract to build two more DDG-51 guided-missile destroyers. Sixty-four Arleigh Burkes have been built to date, not counting the two new ones slated for construction at the Ingalls shipyard.

The DDG-1000 Zumwalt-class vessel was originally designed to replace the DDG-51 Arleigh Burke class of AEGIS destroyers developed 30 years ago. The DDG-1000 design utilizes a distinctive streamlined ‘low profile’ hull, electrical propulsion and directed energy weapons to name only a few of unique features to be introduced with the new, modular design. However, DDG-1000 is admittedly an extremely complicated and expensive development, Young said. Cost of a first prototype, or lead, DDG-1000 ship is estimated to be around $3.2 billion, he said, with prices of follow-on vessels likely to decrease due to industrial economies of scale. The design and development of the DDG-1000 “has gone well,” Young said, noting that the program has “gone to budget gone on schedule.”

Initial plans were to build 32 of the DDG-1000-series vessels at the Bath and Ingalls shipyards. As part of the Defense Department’s proposed fiscal 2010 budget recommendations only three vessels will be built. “We cannot allow more ships to go the way of the DDG-1000,” Gates told the Naval War College audience. The DDG-1000’s rising cost per ship, he noted, was among the reasons for buying reduced numbers. If the DDG-1000s couldn’t be efficiently produced, Gates “was potentially prepared, even in the face of clear political danger, to go back and possibly cancel two ships, and that would have cut jobs in both shipyards,” Young said.

Avenger – A Stealthy Predator C Combat UAV from General Atomics

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Apr 18, 2009

avenger_flight — Avenger - A new, Stealthy Combat Predator C UAV from General Atomics. Photo General Atomics via Aviationweek.com

UAV manufacturer General Atomics began flight testing of a larger, stealthier UAV dubbed as the ‘Avenger’. Formerly known as ‘Predator C’, the new jet powered UAV made its first flights Apr. 4, 2009. The UAV’s shape reflects the designer’s goal to reduce the aircraft electromagnetic and thermal signature. It is powered by a single Pratt & Whitney Canada PW545B engine feeding from the curved dorsal intake, reducing radar reflections from the turbine blades. The exhaust is partly shielded by the V-tail which also reduces the aircraft thermal signature while serpentine exhaust eliminates radar reflections from inside the engine. The Avenger is designed to fly a 20 hour mission. The Avenger is designed to operate at altitude up to 60,000 ft and cruising speed of 400 knots.

The unmanned aircraft can take different payloads weighing up to 3,000 lbs., including EO, radar, and electronic payloads, as well as weapons (typical weapons carried could include GBU-38 Laser/JDAM), stored in an internal weapons bay and underwing. For stealthy missions all weapons are carried internally. Aircraft sensors will include the Lynx Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) developed by General Atomics and various Electro-optical/Infrared (EO/IR) camera systems. For special mission applications the Avenger could also perform stealthy recce missions, utilizing a semi-submerged wide-area surveillance payload configured to fit into the weapon’s bay. According to General Atomics, a recce system based on Lockheed Martin’s F-35 FLIR is currently being evaluated, as well as an in-house full-motion video sensor. On non stealthy missions the bay can be used to carry fuel for additional 120 minutes of flight. To maintain the clean, stealthy underside, the Avenger would probably rely on specialized integral, conformal or retractable payloads.

avenger1 — Photo General Atomics via Aviationweek.com

According to the manufacturer, Avenger presents a no risk/low-cost procurement option as it employs the same proven materials and avionics as Predator B and is controlled from and fully compatible with the the General Atomics Ground Control Stations (GCSs) already used to control all Predator-series aircraft currently in use by U.S. forces and allied military services.

The Avenger represents the third level in the development of U.S. Air Force unmanned, tactical combat capability. First was the piston-engine Predator A (MQ-1) which was modified to carry laser guided weapons (Hellfire). The second generation was the turboprop powered Reaper (Predator B MQ-9), designed from the start with weapons carrying capability, higher speed and ceiling. The new Predator C adds stealth performance, lacking with previous designs, bringing USAF unmanned assets in line with 5th generation aircraft such as the F-22 Raptor and F-35 Lightning II. According to Aviation Week’s David Fulghum, the initial target customers would be the USAF and RAF. The prototype was equipped with a tail hook, hinting on possible future naval carrier based testing. The hook can also shorten landing run, particularly useful when operating from forward operating bases.

Rad-Hard Virtex-5

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Apr 18, 2009

Xilinx to Harden Virtex-5 Microchip Series against Radiation Effects

The US Air Force is funding the radiation hardening of modular integrated circuits produced by Xilinx Inc. these radiation hardened components will contribute to simpler, more robust electronic applications in missiles and spacecraft. Xilinx is expected to complete the development by 2010. The hardening process will be extensible to future FPGA technology generations.

The Air Force awarded Xilinx a $23.5 million contract to implement radiation hardening (RHBD) within their existing architecture and design methodology implemented with newly released Virtex-5 family of Field-programmable ate array (FPGA) using the latest 65 nm technology. These microchips contain multi-million gates, designed with Single-event effects Immune Reconfigurable FPGA (SIRF). Through the development effort, all the FPGA’s logic blocks will be inspected to determine susceptible elements and migrate against single effects (SEU). Implementing radiation hardened Virtex-5 will enable designers to employ architecture that potentially eliminates the need for multiple redundant instantiations and voting, and allow system developers greater flexibility in space and missile applications.

FCS’ Combined Controller Passes Preliminary Design Review

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Apr 17, 2009

common_controller — Close Representation of Controls & 6.4” Display Device Design Concept being developed by Lockheed Martin for the FCS program.

As the Army’s Future Combat Systems’ program struggles to stabilize its path after the announcement of the planned elimination of eight manned ground vehicles from the program – unmanned systems, remotely operated sensors and weapons are becoming once again the leading elements in FCS. The element that will control these systems, known as the ‘Common Controller’ has successfully completed its preliminary design review (PDR) and the system is expected to begin testing with the Army later this year.

“The combined government and industry team delivered a mature design that meets the FCS program schedule and requirements,” said Roy Seaton, FCS LSI Common Control program manager. The Common Controller consolidates control of a number of different systems into one integrated controller, simplifying logistics and empowering the soldier.

Primarily, it controls the FCS Class I (T-Hawk) Unmanned Aerial Vehicle, the Multifunctional Utility/Logistics Equipment vehicle (MULE), the Small Unmanned Ground Vehicle (SUGV), unattended ground sensors (UGS), and select ground vehicle functions and their respective payloads. The controller also provides situational awareness to dismounted soldiers conducting operations outside of their vehicles. The Common Controller hardware is being developed and supplied to the Lead Systems Integrator by Lockheed Martin.

“The Common Controller PDR marks the successful completion of the last of our individual platform and system reviews and clears the way for the FCS System-of-Systems PDR in May,” said Gregg Martin, Boeing vice president and FCS program manager. “The entire FCS One Team continues to execute to their commitments, which enables our program to remain on plan. Following the System-of-Systems PDR, we’ll be focusing on executing ourcritical design reviews and moving into final test and evaluation of our systems.”

New Electronic Gear for U.S. Army Infantry Commanders

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Apr 17, 2009

The U.S. Army has awarded three contracts worth about $5 million each to General Dynamics C4 (NYSE: GD), Raytheon (NYSE: RTN) and Rockwell Collins (NYSE: COL) – the three contenders selected to develop new ‘system of systems’ to equip dismounted commanders. In addition, each of the contenders will receive about $7 million upon delivering the initial prototypes, by November this year. The system, known as ‘Ground Soldier Ensemble’ (GSE) is a follow-on to the ‘Land Warrior’ which was put to a limited use in Iraq in the past year. The Army plans to buy over 11,000 systems by 2015 and, while the program is currently focused on the Army, the US Marine Corps could also join, significantly expanding the program’s scope. GSE will be designed to improve situational awareness, decreased reaction times, and reduce the risk of fratricide.

The development of the system builds on the experience gained with the Land Warrior system, developed by General Dynamics C4 and deployed with the 4/9 Infantry in Iraq. The performance of Land warrior validated the need for a dismounted battle command system while highlighting some of the current systems’ limitations. While the Army terminated the Land Warrior program due to competing priorities and total ownership cost concerns, it became clear that the need for such systems still exists. The Army defined the path forward with the future ‘Ground Soldier System’ (GSS). The first increment of GSS is the GSE, focusing on improving battle command and situational awareness.

The system improves situational awareness and network connectivity capabilities of dismounted leaders at various echelon levels within a brigade combat team. Employing mature technologies, that when integrated together on the Soldier, minimize the size, weight and power impacts to the soldier. The system will be designed as modular kits, enabling the user to tailor it for specific mission requirements, better balancing combat load configuration, and streamlining maintenance.

The companies selected for the technology development phase are expected to submit 10 system prototypes by the end of the year. These kits will include displays, computers, user input devices, navigation systems, antennas and cabling harnesses. Each of the contractors will deliver 60 additional systems through the ‘refinement phase’ to support ‘Limited User Test’ (LUT) by the Army, leading to the final selection of the system by early 2011.

Initially, the system will utilize three different man-portable radio sets. A digital data networking will be supported by an Enhanced Position Location Reporting System (EPLRS) RT-1922 while combat-net communication to platoon, battalion and higher will be supported by the Multiband Inter/Intra Team Radio AN-PRC-148. Intra-squad communications and position reporting from squad members to their leader will be provided by GPS embedded SFF-C(V1) Rifleman Radio, to be distributed to all squad members. At a later phase, the set will be upgraded through planned product improvement process, introducing JTRS Small Form Factor (SFF) radio replacing both EPLRS and AN-PRC-148 with a single voice/data set.

The computer system will run on core Army Battle Command software and Force XXI Battle Command, Brigade-And-Below (FBCB2) modules to generate and update the situational picture, blue force tracking (BFT), planning and reporting. The use of common software modules will ensure the GSE maintains interoperability with evolving Army digital network standards and capabilities. The low-power data processor will utilize an embedded multi-speed computer to extend field operation. It will be integrated with hands-free color VGA (800 x 600) resolution display and controlled from a hand-held data input device, display and controller. The computer will run a secure LINUX operating system with graphical user interface, running database, mapping, navigation, user authentication, and digital voice/data transmissions.

GSE will be powered by High capacity lithium-ion battery (rechargeable) LI-145 or LI-80. The Army has already decided to use Aereo of the 3M group and the Norwegian company NACRE, developer of the QuietPro+ combat hearing protection and earphone products.

One of the companies receiving the development contract, Rockwell Collins have formed a teaming agreement with Boeing and Elbit Systems of America, to establish ‘Team Spartan’ to compete for the program. As part of the team,

Elbit Systems of America will leverage its global soldier systems experience and lessons learned in rugged military computing technologies, including the battle-proven, soldier-worn Dominator computing system developed for the Israel Defense Force (IDF), to bring required computing capability to the program. Wearable computing platforms developed by the company support mission planning, situational awareness, target handling and device connectivity, as well as video and map displays.

Gates take aim at EFV

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Apr 17, 2009

The U.S. Defense Department will take a “hard look” at whether the U.S. Marine Corps’ really needs the Expeditionary Fighting Vehicle (EFV) being developed by General Dynamics Land Systems (NYSE:GD). Development of the EFV began in 1996. The corps initially planned to buy 1,025 EFVs at a total cost of $8.5 billion. As the vehicle’s cost increased to $13.5 billion, the planned procurement was trimmed to 593 vehicles in 2007.

Addressing a military audience at the U.S. Naval War College today (April 17, 2009) Defense Secretary Robert Gates, said the Pentagon will take a realistic view of the need for combat amphibious landing in future conflicts. Reexamination of the need for EFV would be part of the planned quadrennial review Gates said.

efv — General Dynamics Land Systems EFV Undergoing testing at the US Marine Corps.

The Marine Corps was depending on the EFV to provide its future ship-to-shore combat amphibious capability, replacing its aging AAV-7 amphibious armored personnel carriers. The introduction of the EFV was part of the Marine Corps armored transport modernization plan – a proposed vehicle triad supporting future combat capabilities. The fully amphibious EFV is designed to carry 18 marines from ship to shore, providing fire support with automatic cannon capable of engaging targets at 2,000 meters. The second tier will be provided by the Marine Personnel Carrier (MPC), a non-amphibious wheeled vehicle, capable of transporting and supporting eight marines in combat. The third vehicle in the triad is the highly maneuverable, wheeled Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV) capable of transporting four to six marines.

Expeditionary Fighting Vehicle – EFV (US Marine Corps)

Metal Storm Reports 3GL, MAUL Testing Milestones

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Apr 17, 2009

Metal Storm completed an endurance firing test launching 200 of its 40mm STORM40 ammunitions using its 3GL grenade launcher. Following the successful test, the company expects to begin production of the 3GL in 2010. The company has also completed design verification testing for its newly launched GLH1851 Multi-shot Accessory Underbarrel Launcher (MAUL).

maul_glh1851 — MAUL being introduced at the Joint Services Small Arms System Symposium in Las Vegas, Nevada. Photo: Metal Storm

The recent endurance test followed successful firing tests of the 3GL earlier in 2009. According to Metal Storm Chief Engineer David Pashen, a single weapon was used continuously throughout the test, firing Metal-Storm patented three-stacked ammunitions, demonstrating good results for the weapon and ammunition. “We used a single 3GL that was not cleaned throughout the test” he said. “The ammunition and weapon … maintained a constant velocity for 200 firings without any adverse effects.” Said Pashen. “Metal Storm could now build on the results and complete the full qualification of the ammunition.” said Pashen. “Firing 200 rounds in stacks of three demonstrates that this system has reached levels of maturity and reliability that had not been previously demonstrated by the company” he said.

3gl_endurance_test — In April 2009 Metal Storm completed an endurance firing test launching 200 of its 40mm STORM40 ammunitions using its 3GL grenade launcher. Photo: Metal Storm

Loaded with the three-stack ammunition, 3GL offers a unique advantage of being the only 40mm launcher which is light and compact enough to attach as an accessory to an assault rifle, while also providing a three-shot, semi-automatic firing capability. According to Dr Lee Finniear, CEO of Metal Storm Ltd., this feature provides users a critical advantage in an opening of an engagement; “in the first few seconds a squad equipped with 3GLs can unleash three times the number of 40mm grenades on the enemy. Whether in a planned attack, or in response to an ambush by the enemy, this firepower can be the decisive element in winning the firefight and saving our soldiers lives.” Finniear said.

The MAUL is an ultra-light shotgun attachment that fits under the barrel of an individual combat weapon including the M-4 and M-16 rifles (as an accessory it is designated GLH1851). Traditionally soldiers have carried separate weapons to perform door-breaching and less lethal force missions. The MAUL allows both missions to be performed by a single weapon system with minimal weight overhead. This battery powered weapon was originally developed to provide door-breaching capability with standard assault weapons. However, the 12 gauge MAUL is capable of firing a range of both lethal and less-lethal munitions. Constructed from carbon fibre with a steel barrel, MAUL weighs only 1.8 pounds. Because there is no conventional mechanical action, the weapon exhibits superior performance over other 12 gauge guns and operates over a wider range of climatic conditions. The MAUL attaches to the weapon’s Picatinny rail and is bore sight aligned to the host gun sighting system.

3gl_on_m16 — The weapon can be used independently, or attached to an assault rifle. Photo: Metal Storm

“The MAUL was conceived with a great deal of influence from the US operational community” said MSI General Manager Peter D. Faulkner, “We were consistently told that weight should be at the top of our design priorities. At 1.8 pounds, we think we have set the bar for a five shot semi-automatic shotgun.” Although the MAUL is capable of firing a range of lethal and less lethal munitions, Mr Faulkner said Metal Storm is seeing a particularly strong interest in less lethal applications from military, security and law enforcement communities. “The MAUL readily adapts to the unique aspects of urban operations with a range of traditional and specialty capabilities to include standoff door breaching and neuro-muscular incapacitation,” he said. “With the MAUL’s quick-load munition tubes an operator can instantly reconfigure his weapon to suit the mission.” The company displayed the MAUL at the Joint Services Small Arms System Symposium in Las Vegas, Nevada (May 20, 2009) as an accessory to the M4 as well as a stand-alone version with a folding shoulder stock.

underbarrel-maul — Traditionally soldiers have carried separate weapons to perform door-breaching and less lethal force missions. The MAUL allows both missions to be performed by a single weapon system with minimal weight overhead. Image: Metal-Storm

The MAUL testing culminated in a series of shoulder firings at Metal Storm’s test facilities in Chantilly, Virginia USA on Friday, 24 April 2009. For the MAUL testing, the weapon was integrated onto an M4 rifle and shoulder fired using 12 gauge Blunt Impact rounds. These munitions are one of several rounds to be offered by Metal Storm for the MAUL. The weapon weighs 1.8 lbs, below the original design goal. “The MAUL is capable of firing munitions across the lethality spectrum and is attracting considerable interest within the international military and law enforcement communities.” mr. Finniear said.

Boeing Launches Free Electron Laser (FEL) Weapon Demonstrator to Protect Future All-Electric Vessels

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Apr 16, 2009

The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] is developing a new megawatt scale laser weapon for the U.S. Navy. This power level is considered essential for ship defense. The system will comprise a Free Electron Laser (FEL), which emits the high power electron beam shaped through a series of powerful magnetic fields, exiting the intense emission of laser light.

The FEL based weapon system is promising to transform future naval warfare capability by providing an ultra-precise, speed-of-light capability and unlimited magazine depth to defend ships against new, challenging threats, such as hyper-velocity cruise missiles. Furthermore, the future weapon could be employed in different levels, from non lethal to lethal effects. Other benefits of FEL include its ability to engage multiple targets at light speed, reduced dependency on explosive magazine, provide counter-surveillance at sea, flexible defense of the battle group, advanced maritime situational awareness and high-resolution imagery. FEL is expected to be deployed with the Navy’s future all-electric ship architecture.

The Office of Naval Research (ONR) is investing nearly $25 million in the FEL program during fiscal year 2009. In April, ONR awarded Raytheon and Boeing $6.9 million to complete the preliminary design of the electric-powered Free Electron Laser; additional $156 million are earmarked or the system’s development and demonstration in realistic tests at sea. Boeing will partner with U.S. Department of Energy laboratories, academia and industry partners to design the laser. According to the Navy’s request the weapon class FEL demonstrator will be a 100kW device, designed to operate at the 1.6 micron near infrared (NIR). A follow-on Megawatt class FEL could be an element of the full fledged weapon system test bed to follow the current development, that would include a beam director, beam control and fire control elements for eventual introduction into the Fleet.

Boeing’s FEL research dates back to the early 1980s; “we believe this technology is now ready to move from the laboratory to a prototype suitable for testing,” said Ed Pogue, Boeing FEL program manager. FEL is part of Boeing’s expanding stable of directed energy laser weapon programs which also include the Airborne Laser (ABL), Advanced Tactical Laser (ATL), the High Energy Laser Technology Demonstrator (HELLAD), Laser Avenger, the Re-deployable High Energy Laser System and the Tactical Relay Mirror System.

Airbus Military Absorbed into a Business Unit of Airbus Industries

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Apr 15, 2009

EADS announced the reorganization of its military transport activities, absorbing its formerly independent military transport aircraft division (MTAD) into Airbus Industries, to be operated as a new Airbus business unit. The new unit called “Airbus Military” is based in Spain, will be accountable for all military activities within Airbus, employing about 5,000 people. The A400M program now falls under the full and sole responsibility of Domingo Ureña, the new Head of Airbus Military. “I am fully committed to get the A400M back on track again” Said Ureña.

Airbus Military unit is in charge of all EADS military transport aircraft, ranging from the small CN-235 and C-295 transport aircraft, to the multi role tanker transport (MRTT) based on the Airbus A330, as well as the development (and future production of) A400M. As an integral unit of Airbus, it will also be responsible of future derivatives of Airbus civil aircraft. Airbus Military will continue to provide support and services to customers and operators.

The new unit will be operated as a profit center, it is expected to be more efficient and streamlined. Clear and unified command lines will be implemented. EADS expects that the new structure will benefit from better access to Airbus’ industrial and engineering resources. This action has followed the EADS Board decision of December 2008. “Building civil and military aircraft under one roof supports our Airbus’ Vision 2020 to be a top-performing enterprise. The integration strengthens our military business by providing the right capabilities and structures to address the program challenges ahead, particularly those of the A400M,” said Airbus President and CEO Tom Enders. “Operational synergies at development and industrial level for both civil and military transport aircraft will be fully explored, while at the same time safeguarding and leveraging Airbus Military’s specific capabilities.” The company communiqué said.

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