Israel Requests Delivery of 25 U.S. T-6A Texan II Trainers

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Jun 10, 2008

Israel submitted formal request to procure 25 T-6A Texan II trainer aircraft to replace its current fleet of Zukit trainers. Zukit, a locally assembled version of the French designed Potez CM 170 Magister, entered service with the Israel Air Force in the mid 1960s. The IAF is seeking replacement for these trainers for many years, but so far failed to promote this program, which competed for scarcely available resources. According to IAF plans, training activities will be shifted to privately financed (PFI), where contractors will be paid for flight hours, and bear all fleet maintenance and logistics costs. Weather the current request is part of such PFI is not clear yet. The total value of this program, if all options are exercised, could be as high as $190 million.

According to the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA), which released this potential foreign military sale (FMS) request, the aircraft will be fitted with basic avionics including embedded Inertial Navigation System/Global Positioning System (INS/GPS) system based on CMC’s CMA-4124 GNSSA. The aircraft is fully aerobatic and features a pressurized cockpit with an anti-G system, ejection seat and an advanced avionics package with sunlight-readable liquid crystal displays. The T-6A is powered by a Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-68 turbo-prop engine that delivers 1,100 horsepower. Because of its excellent thrust-to-weight ratio, the aircraft can perform an initial climb of 3,100 feet (944.8 meters) per minute and can reach 18,000 feet (5,486.4 meters) in less than six minutes.

The Israeli Air Force’s (IAF) fleet of Zukit aircraft was produced in the early 1960s. The Zukit’s high fuel and maintenance costs, and low mission capable rates led to the IAF’s decision to procure new trainer aircraft. The T-6A aircraft will reduce training fuel requirements by 66%. A major improvement is the integration of two Martin Baker ejection seats, which have the capability for zero-zero ejection. The Hawker/Beechcraft (Formerly Raytheon) T-6A Texan II Joint Primary Aircraft Training System (JPATS) is actually a modified version of the Swiss Pilatus PC-9 MkII trainer. It entered service with the US Air Force in the year 2001 and with the US Navy In 2005, and is used since for primary pilot training of both services. To date, over 435 T-6A aircraft have been delivered and the fleet has accumulated over 625,000 hours training pilots. Overall, the JPATS program calls for nearly 800 deliveries through the year 2017. International operators of the aircraft include the Hellenic Air Force, and the NATO training detachment in Canada. Morocco has also selected the Texan II to replace aging T-37s, as part of its current procurement of F-16 fighters.

First EF-18G Growler Electronic Attack Fighter Delivered to the U.S. Navy

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Jun 10, 2008

The U.S. Navy’s newest Electronic Attack Aircraft, the Boeing EA-18G Growler arrived at the Naval Air Station (NAS) Whidbey Island on June 3 2008. The event marks the beginning of the long awaited transition to the Growler from the Vietnam-era EA-6B Prowler. Upon acceptance of this aircraft by CVWP it will be used by VAQ-129 to train their flight crews to ensure they can proficiently train the remaining squadrons. The first deploying squadron to receive the Growler will be VAQ-132, in 2009. Secretary of Navy, Honorable Donald Winter describes the Growler as representing “a quantum advance in warfare capability in the electronic domain.”

As a more advanced and user-friendly aircraft, the Growler will only require two-man flight crews vice four for the Prowler. In the EA-6B, a pilot, navigator, and two electronic countermeasures officers were needed. The improved capability of the Growler requires less manpower, with only a pilot and an electronic warfare officer for in-flight missions.

“I’ve flown it, and I can tell you that both the naval flight officer in the back seat and the naval aviator in the front are going to be busy with their new responsibilities. There’s going to be more information than you could possibly imagine at your fingertips,” says Capt. Bradley Russell, commodore of Electronic Attack Wing, U.S. Pacific Fleet (CVWP). “This is a big, fast, highly maneuverable jet that’s going to give you total situational awareness to the battle-space out there. I tell you this: you’re going to love your new office; however, let me caution you, crawl before you walk and walk before you run.” The Navy has placed an order of 85 Growler aircraft, five aircraft will be attached to each of the 10 deploying Electronic Attack Squadrons (VAQ). 12 aircraft are anticipated at the Fleet Replacement Squadron (FRS), VAQ-129.

Armored SRATS Tested as Logistics Carriers in Afghanistan Mountains

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Jun 10, 2008

The U.S. Army is testing a new all-terrain vehicle based on the SRATS platform, built by STRATS, in cooperation with BAE Systems. According to a recent Army release, soldiers from Combined Task Force Currahee recently test-drove three such vehicles that could help alleviate some of the problems they have maneuvering through Afghanistan’s mountains and valleys. The armored version of the SRATS is designated Enhanced Logistic Off-Road Vehicle (ELSORV) utilizes a platform designed by the Utah based company to perform rock climbing.

Three prototypes are being tested. Afghanistan’s rocky terrain makes the going slow and difficult for supply convoys, evacuation and basic ground transportation. The construction of the three prototypes was funded by the Army’s Rapid Equipment Force. Over the past year, the ELSORVs went through operational assessments in the United States, and now they are here for a real-world assessment by the soldiers who could end up using the vehicles.

“The ELSORV is unlike any other military vehicle I’ve driven,” said Army Sgt. Lance Davis, one of the test drivers. “It goes wherever you want it to go.”

said Charlie Copsey, one of the engineers that built the vehicle. ELSORVs can carry 2,700 pounds, and they have modified Humvee engines that can conquer approach angles of 90 degrees and climb slopes at 80 degrees. “As long as they have power going to one of the wheels, they’re going to stay mobile,” Copsey said. The ELSORVs allow soldiers to go over obstacles without getting hung up on the undercarriage. The vehicle can go 90 mph safely on a hard surface.

IX Squadron’s Typhoons Demonstrate Ground Attack Capability at Green Flag 2008

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Jun 9, 2008

Folowing a successful test program seven Typhoons from RAF XI Squadron, based at RAF Coningsby, Lincolnshire participated demonstrated their operational capabilitiesthe at the Green Flag exercise at Nellis AFB in the USA. XI squadron’s Typhoons are expected to be declared ‘combat ready’ by the target date of 1 July 2008.

Over the two-week period the Typhoons dropped a total of 67 munitions, comprising 43 Paveway II bombs, eight enhanced Paveway IIIs and 16 1,000 lb (454kg) free fall weapons. Exercise Green Flag West is a joint USAF and Army exercise in which close air support for ground forces is a crucial element aimed at preparing air and ground forces for deployment to overseas operational areas. It is played out in scenarios which simulate the sort of asymmetric combat experienced in conflicts such as those in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Desert Raptors Settle at Holloman’s 49ers

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Jun 9, 2008

The 49th Fighter Wing at Holloman Air Force Base (AFB), N.M received its first F-22 On June 2nd 2008. Four days later the base held an official ceremony to mark the formal beginning of operations for the Raptors. The 49th Fighter Wing has made its mark in military aviation history from World War II through every major military engagement to include more than 80 F-117 Nighthawk missions in Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2003. With the arrival of the F-22 Raptor at Holloman AFB, the 49th Fighter Wing is definitely the “home of the stealth fighter.”

Col. Jeff Harrigian, 49th Fighter Wing commander, steps out of an F-22 Raptor on Holloman Air Force Base, N.M., June 2.This is one of the first F-22s assigned to Holloman. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Rachel A. Kocin) All the wing’s squadrons, including the 7th, 8th and 301st (currently an Air Force Reserve squadron stationed at Luke AFB in Arizona), will be equipped with Raptors and operate from Holloman AFB. More aircraft will begin to roll in the beginning of 2009. According to Col. Jack Forsythe, 49th Operations Group commander, the wing is planned to be combat ready within 16 months by November 1st, 2009.

“Today we open another chapter in our long-term plan for providing Air Force capabilities to the nation for meeting 21st Century security threats,” Chief of Staff of the Air Force, Gen. T. Michael Moseley said. “As you know, this past year we retired the last of our 59 F-117 Nighthawks that have served our nation so well over the years. We’re replacing them with vastly more capable Raptors.” “The significance of the F-22 coming to Holloman is that we need to have our air superiority fighters ready to deploy anywhere in the world at a moment’s notice,” said Chief of Air Force Reserve, Lt. Gen. John Bradley. “We have an F-22 fighter base in the Eastern part of the United States at Langley Air Force Base, Va., and now on the west coast so we can deploy across the Pacific if needed.”

A total of 183 production Raptors are currently on contract, and 119 aircraft have been delivered to the U.S. Air Force. Raptors are currently assigned to six U.S. bases. Flight testing takes place at the Air Force Flight Test Center at Edwards AFB, Calif. Operational tactics development is ongoing at Nellis AFB, Nev. Pilot and crew chief training takes place at Tyndall AFB, Fla. Operational Raptors are assigned to the 1st Fighter Wing at Langley AFB, Va., the 3rd Wing at Elmendorf AFB, Alaska, and now the 49th Fighter Wing at Holloman AFB, N.M. In the future, Raptors will be based at Hickam AFB, Hawaii.

An F-15 Eagle, F-4 Phantom, F-117 Nighthawk, and F-22 Raptor from the 422nd Test and Evaluation Squadron, fly in formation over Holloman Air Force Base, NM during the Holloman Air and Space Expo on October 27. The HASE is a showcase of Air Force capabilities, the 49th Fighter Wing mission and the X Prize Foundation. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Russell Scalf)

One of two F-22A Raptors lands at Holloman Air Force Base, N.M., June 2. The jets are the first two Holloman-tailed F-22s to arrive on base. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Michael Means)

CENTCOM’s Targets Terrorist Networks and Individual ‘Extreme Actors’

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Tamir Eshel

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Jun 9, 2008

A recently established Interagency Task Force has been activated at US Central Command to assist the command in its Irregular Warfare activity. The task force will track and target “violent and extreme actors” in the command’s area of operations. “Regionally, we look at influences of extreme actors that are malign that would provide, from within their borders, exporting either violence or activities that would be disruptive to their neighbors,” Air Force Brig. Gen. Robert H. Holmes, CentCom’s deputy director of operations.

Targeting Terror & Support Networks

General Holmes added that the objectives of the Interagency Task Force for Irregular Warfare for the near term include disrupting some specific elements of terror networks. “If you find bad stuff in the wrong places, you have to call it like you see it. We continue to see that and continue to watch it,” Holmes said. “Our business is looking at this malign influence and then figuring out what we can do to counter it … in a holistic manner, not necessarily just force on force.” He added that to counter, combat and, ultimately, defeat these kinds of networked activities, it will take more than just military force over the long term.

Non-Governmental Agencies to Assist the Military’s Irregular Warfare

Holmes said the Interagency Task Force for Irregular Warfare, which includes other federal partners and nongovernmental agencies, will be able to better pursue certain elements that the military is not authorize to pursue. “if there’s a maligned actors in the battlespace that are supporting [our enemy], killing coalition forces, killing civilians and disrupting our efforts, we’ve got to have a way to deal with those folks and get them out of the battlespace.” said General Holmes. He stressed that If these elements are not considered an enemy combatant, there must be a way to deal with them out of the battlespace. “We as a nation need them out of the battlespace.” he said. “There are certain things that the Justice Department can do, coupled with international policing through Interpol, that we can criminalize and get that bad actor out of the battlespace. So from my point of view, I really don’t care how we get them out of there. Holmes concluded.

Countering Adversarial Information Operations

Another aspect of the new task force’s responsibility is the monitoring and disruption of “adversarial information operations” – or communications tactics addressing feeding local and foreign journalists and triggering media reports with misleading information about civilian casualties. Holmes said that both the Taliban in Afghanistan and terrorists in Iraq have both adopted this type of tactic. “[There is a] discrepancy in what we see in open-source reporting with regard to civilian casualties and then what is actually in our operational reporting,” Holmes said. “I believe that the enemy uses this tactic to try to dissuade a civilian populace from the things that are actually going on there.” We’re looking at countering some of the line networks — and I can’t go much past that — but we’re — part of the task force is a very robust operational and intelligence fusion center, and it is directing a primary effort toward disrupting some specific elements of some terror networks.

The interagency task force also is looking into the networks of the Taliban and al-Qaida. Holmes said both terrorist organizations have specialists who are savvy in manipulating the media. “There is a malign actor there that, in my mind, would have the purpose in an information operation campaign, and that is clearly a piece of terrain for our adversary, that they are going to use this to their advantage,” Holmes said. And that advantage can be significant in the court of world opinion, the general noted, because organizations with nefarious intentions will put out whatever information suits their motives. Once information is put into the dynamic information environment, misleading perceptions are easily created. “Often, truth is no longer important; it’s just out there,” he explained. “If I was my opponent, and I wanted to do something against someone I knew was grounded in truthful principles, … then I would use that to my advantage.” “We’re bound to tell the truth, and in most cases our adversary is not,” Holmes noted.

Another trend the interagency task force is watching and trying to weigh out is the use of female suicide bombers. Though it’s not a significant trend at this point, young or mentally disabled women being used as suicide bombers is a departure in enemy tactics. “It’s too early to say that this may be a sign of desperation,” Holmes said. “We watched the recruitment and flow of young males that have been recruited to be suicide bombers. We have been trying to target that network to disrupt that flow.”

A Sniper for the Lancer – U.S. Air Force Accelerates B-1B /Targeting Pod Integration

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Jun 8, 2008

Testing of the Lockheed Martin Sniper Targeting Pod on board the B-1B Lancer bomber has been accelerated in recent and is nearly completed, leading to the Air Force’s Air Combat Command plans to approve sending pod-equipped bombers on operational missions by mid-summer.

B-1B Lancer from the Global Power Bomber Combined Test Force at Edwards AFB performs a test flight evaluating the Sniper targeting pod performance with the bomber's systems. Photo: U.S. Air Force.

Because the sniper pod is a desperately needed capability in theater, Edwards Global Power Bomber Combined Test Force and the 337th Test and Evaluation Squadron from Dyess Air Force Base, Texas, combined the operational and developmental testing of a B-1B Lancer to accelerate the integration of the sniper targeting pod with the B-1B bomber. “Everyone at the here has been incredibly focused on getting this done,” said Lt. Col. Troy Asher, Global Power Bomber Combined Test Force director and 419th Flight Test Squadron commander. “In the span of about two weeks, [we have accomplished what] was originally planned for two months.” said Col. Asher.

For more than four years, the B-1 has been the workhorse of the weapons delivery both in Iraq and in Afghanistan, Colonel Asher said. “A lot of times, we are not allowed to drop on targets because we are not exactly sure we wouldn’t hit friendlies, or we might hit something we are not supposed to hit,” he said. “The targeting pod is probably one of the most significant upgrades to the B-1,” said Capt. Brandon Miller, B-1 flight commander and 419th Flight Test Squadron targeting pod project pilot. “This is significantly going to decrease the time from a request for a bomb on a target, to actually dropping a weapon, creating the desired lethal effects and then being able to assess and re-attack if necessary.”

“With the pod, we can cross check coordinates and visually determine and correlate the target we want to strike,” said Maj. Joshua Lane, 419th FLTS flight test weapons systems officer and assistant director of operations. “The rules of engagement and the instructions in theater are very robust to prevent an aircrew from bombing the wrong target. There’s a very deliberate chain that has to be followed. Adding the target identification capability to the chain gives us the level of security we need to accurately strike targets.” Moreover, through the video downlink on the pod, the new system can provide instantaneous feedback to the joint terminal attack controller.

A Lockheed Martin Sniper Targeting Pod attached to the B-1B Lancer bomber undergoing flight testing at the Global Power Bomber Combined Test Force at Edwards AFB. Photo: U.S. Air Force.

First MAARS Weaponized Robot Delivered for Testing

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Jun 8, 2008

Foster-Miller, a subsidiary of QinetiQ North America shipped the first Modular Advanced Armed Robotic System (MAARS) ground robot to the U.S. military under a contract from the Explosive Ordnance Disposal/Low-Intensity Conflict (EOD/LIC) Program within the Combating Terrorism Technical Support Office (CTTSO). In the coming months the new weaponized robotic system will be tested to ensure full compliance with standards and a safety release for fielding.

“Government has been working with us over the last 18 months to develop and provide an innovative and evolutionary approach to combat situations that address the battlefield of the future,” said Dr. William Ribich, President of the Technology Solutions Group, QinetiQ North America. MAARS, a modular ground robot system was designed as a successor to the combat tested SWORDS weaponized robotic system, based on Foster Miller’s Talon robotic platform. Foster Miller produced over 2,000 Talons, which are extensively used in Iraq and Afghanistan on counter IED and surveillance missions. However, the SWORDS was not used extensively in combat and the lessons learned during initial evaluations contributed to the system definition and refinement of the MAARS system.

Unlike its predecessors, MAARS was designed from the start to employ various lethal and non lethal weapons, to provide measured response capability at stand-off distance, contributing to warfighter’s safety and tactical flexibility. The system employs a uni-body chassis with a plug-and-play design, allowing rapid reconfiguration in the field, employing a range of sensors, effectors and weapon systems. Among the system’s non-lethal means is the ability to project the operator’s voice through mounted loudspeakers, or alternatively to activate pulsed eye-safe green laser dazzler to disorientate and incapacitate people. MAARS also has the capability to launch 40mm less-lethal ammunition, such as bean bags, smoke, star clusters, pepper spray and ‘flash-bang’ non-lethal grenades. Optional lethal weapons which can be carried by the robot include 40mm high-explosive grenades or M240B 7.62 medium machine gun.

MAARS comes with tracks that can traverse all terrains, including stairs, and it is also capable of using wheels to increase speed and further reduce noise. The robot’s turret system is able to support a drop-in manipulator arm, multiple types of weapons and a wide range of sensor packages. Additional features include up to seven cameras with multi-modal capabilities. In the MAARS weapons-configured system, the operator always sees where the weapon is pointed in relation to himself and other friendly forces.

MAARS Weaponized robot. Photo: Foster Miller / QinetiQ North America

Solid state Laser Demonstrates Scalability to 100KW

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Jun 8, 2008

The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] announced last week that its new thin-disk laser system was repeatedly demonstrated laser firing at 25 kilowatt in recent tests, achieving the highest known simultaneous power, beam quality and run time for any solid-state laser to date. The Boeing laser integrates multiple thin-disk lasers into a single system. Through these successful tests, the Boeing team has proven the concept of scalability to a 100-kilowatt-class system based on the same architecture and technology.

Boeing claims its new laser’s performance, each firing ‘multi-second durations’ demonstrated measured beam quality suitable for a tactical weapon system. For these tests Boeing incorporated a series of robust commercial-off-the-shelf lasers used in the automotive industry. Solid-state lasers are powered by electricity, making them highly mobile and supportable on the battlefield. Boeing claims its laser represents the most electrically efficient solid-state laser technology known.

“Solid-state lasers will revolutionize the battlefield by giving the warfighter an ultra-precision engagement capability that can dramatically reduce collateral damage,” said Scott Fancher, vice president and general manager of Boeing Missile Defense Systems. “These successful tests show that Boeing has made solid progress toward making this revolutionary capability a reality.”

The thin-disk laser is an initiative to demonstrate that solid-state laser technologies are now ready to move out of the laboratory and into full development as weapon systems. A high-power solid-state laser will damage, disable or destroy targets at the speed of light, with little to no collateral damage, supporting missions on the battlefield and in urban operations. The system is designed to meet the rapid-fire, rapid-retargeting requirements of area-defense, anti-missile and anti-mortar tactical high-energy laser systems. It is also ideal for non-lethal, ultra-precision strike missions urgently needed by warfighters in war zones.

AEGIS Scores Second Terminal Phase Kill of a Short Range Ballistic Missile Target

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Jun 8, 2008

A recent test of the AEGIS Ballistic Missile Defense (BMD) systems weapon system demonstrated the ability of the U.S. Navy’s newest AEGIS cruiser, USS Lake Erie (CG 70) to engage ballistic missile targets. During the test the cruiser employed its BMD 3.6.1 AEGIS system to detect, track and intercept a short-range unitary ballistic missile target in the terminal phase of its trajectory using two SM-2 Block IV missiles performing endo-atmospheric (within the atmosphere) intercept. The system was also employed in February 2008 for the shoot down of a U.S. government satellite before it reentered the atmosphere.

The new system will be certified for U.S. Navy fleet operations later this year. The SM-2 Block IV missiles were recently modified to perform the terminal phase endo-atmospheric intercept of a ballistic missile. In addition to the recent successful terminal phase intercept Aegis BMD has performed 13 successful exo-atmospheric intercepts in 15 attempts in the midcourse and terminal phase of flight.

Ballistic missiles present different challenges during each phase of flight, and Aegis BMD is proving its full range of flexibility,” said Orlando Carvalho, vice president of Lockheed Martin’s Surface/Sea-Based Missile Defense line of business. “That flexibility reflects the disciplined systems engineering that invented, evolved and continues to develop Aegis capabilities against threats yet to come. Engaging ballistic missiles from the sea in the terminal phase is challenging for both the Sailors who executed this mission and the weapon system they used. Sea-Based Terminal is a critical capability in the Aegis BMD weapon system that provides protection to population centers, our deployed forces abroad, and critical infrastructure.”

The Missile Defense Agency and the U.S. Navy are jointly developing Aegis BMD as part of the United States’ Ballistic Missile Defense System (BMDS). Currently, 12 U.S. Navy Aegis-equipped warships have the ability to conduct long-range search and track, and engage ballistic missiles. Another five Aegis warships are equipped with Aegis BMD long-range surveillance and track capability. By the end of 2008, 15 Aegis destroyers and three Aegis cruisers will have the capability to engage short to intermediate-range ballistic missile threats and support other BMDS engagements using the Aegis BMD Weapon System and the SM-3. The Aegis BMD 3.6.1 will be installed on all U.S. Navy Aegis BMD ships beginning in 2009. Japan has purchased Aegis BMD capability for its Kongo-class Aegis destroyers, and completed its first successful test of Aegis BMD in December 2007.

BAE Systems Rolls-out the FCS’s All-Automatic, Ultra-lightweight 155mm Howitzer

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Jun 7, 2008

BAE Systems rolled out the Non Line Of Sight Cannon (NLOS/C) to the Army on May 30, 2008. NLOS/C is the first prototype of the Manned FCS vehicle. This prototype was the first of nine vehicles to be delivered to the Army for engineering, mobility, safety and reliability testing as well as gun firing, to be conducted at the Army Yuma Proving Grounds, Arizona, by 2009.

Chief of Staff of the U.S. Army Gen. George W. Casey and U.S. Senator Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.) inspected the Army's newest 155 mm self propelled, automatic loading howitzer at BAE System's central engineering facility in Minneapolis. The cannon rolled out here May 30, 2008 will be fielded as part of the Army's Future Combat Systems family of weapons by 2014. Photo: BAE Systems The five early configuration platforms including the first prototype currently delivered will be supplied this year and the remaining three will be configured in a full system development and demonstration (SDD) design, will be delivered by early 2009. According to Lt. Col. Robert McVay, product manager for the NLOS-C, the new vehicle will also provide the army an opportunity to evaluate the FCS’ new and promising propulsion technology, including the hybrid electric drive, the traction drive subsystem, the hydroupneumatic suspension, the band track and the new 440kW power generator. All these will be tested on a real platform for the first time. The testing at Yuma will put two years of testing on the chassis before a critical design review for the MGV family is performed in 2010.

The Non-Line-Of-Sight Cannon Firing Platform undergoing firing tests in Yuma. Photo: BAE Systems The NLOS-C is introducing a new, lightweight and fully automatic 155mm 38 caliber howitzer gun. This armament system, including the gun, auto-loader and electrical control systems are being tested extensively in the past two years at the Yuma proving grounds. “That is the end-state gun, it has finished firing over 2,000 rounds since October 2006, as part of the gun development program,” McVay said. “The mission module is approaching the 90-plus percent threshold. For the chassis — this is the first time the Army will take a full hybrid-electric, independent semi-active suspension system and mate it with a mission module and run it into tests.” and The system is designed to improve the survivability of both itself and its two-man crew and can operate in a range of environmental conditions. McVay said by 2010, the Army expects to take delivery of the first six “special interest program platform” NLOS-C vehicles at Fort Bliss, Texas. There, the Army Evaluation Task Force will begin its testing and development of tactics, techniques, procedures and doctrine for the vehicle. The task force is scheduled to receive six vehicles a year, between 2010 and 2012 — for a total of 18. By 2014, NLOS-C is expected to reach full operational capability status, and will be ready for fielding to combat units.

A BAE System’s video depicting the complex ammuniton handling system developed for the NLOS Cannon. This system enables the gun to be operated fully automatically, by only two crewmembers.

The NLOS-C is also designed to work in concert with other FCS manned ground vehicles to include the XM1204 Non Line of Sight-Mortar; XM1202 Mounted Combat System; XM1208 Medical Vehicle-Treatment and XM1207 Medical Vehicle-Evacuation; XM1205 Recovery and Maintenance Vehicle; XM1201 Reconnaissance and Surveillance Vehicles; XM1206 Infantry Carrier Vehicle; and XM1209 Command and Control Vehicle. The Army expects to see prototype vehicles for other FCS MGVs beginning in 2011. All eight of the FCS manned combat vehicles are mounted on nearly the same chassis — they share more than 80 percent compatibility across the family of vehicles. They are unique in that they are electrically powered. A diesel engine on board turns a generator, which in turn charges batteries, which in turn powers electric motors that drive the tracks. In fact, the entire vehicle is electrically powered.

Insitu Integrator UAV

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Jun 3, 2008

Insitu unveiled at AUVSI its latest unmanned aerial system designated ‘Integrator’. The new vehicle extends the company’s Insight family of vehicles (which includes the ScanEagle) with the ability to carry out longer missions with larger payloads. Following a modular design, the Integrator decouples the payload from the airframe to ease payload integration. Additional internal payload options for Integrator include a wide range of intelligence, communications and expandable capabilities and options. The Integrator has an empty weight of 55 lbs (25 kg), loaded with full payload of 25 lbs (11.3kg) fuel and payload the maximum takeoff weight of 130 lbs (59 kg). It is powered by reciprocating piston engine developing eight horsepowers, and runs on heavy fuel or auto gas. The vehicle is designed for a cruising speed of 55 knots and maximum speed is 90 kt. Service ceiling is 20,000 ft.

The new vehicle will utilize a larger 10×10 inch (25×25 cm) box shaped fuselage, couples with 16 ft (4.8 meter) span swept wing. Unlike the clean blended wing design of the ScanEagle, Integrator has more control surfaces, with booms carrying a vertical tail and horizontal stabilizer coupled to each wing. Unlike most UAV designs, Integrator is not using the classical H design used by most UAVs, as the two tails are not connected by a common horizontal stabilizer.

The wing roots are strengthened to carry external payload options, including all existing Scaneagle payloads, EO and IR turrets and communications. In its baseline configuration the Integrator carries an electro-optical stabilized payload including visual and long-wave InfraRed (LWIR) sensor and Mid-Range InfraRed (MWIR) cameras with optional infrared marker and laser rangefinder. The platform can sustain communications link over 55 nautical miles with extended beyond-line-of-sight mission radius of up to 550 nm. Launch and recovery are performed autonomously using pneumatic catapult launcher and patented ‘wingtip snag’, enabling safe and reliable recovery without the need for infrastructure, over rough or mountainous land, as well as at sea. Integrator will be interoperable with Insight platforms and ScanEagle, using common ground system components. The avionic suite is based on Athena Guidestar system, utilizing differential GPS navigation.

HERON TP Promoted for Strategic ISR in Germany, France and Spain

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Jun 2, 2008

Heron TP Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) made progress in Europe recently, being endorsed by leading industries in Europe as a recommended platform for major intelligence, reconnaissance, surveillance missions. Yesterday IAI and the German Rheinmetall Defense Company signed a cooperation agreement to pursue opportunities in theGerman market, while last week, a group of French and Spanish industries proposed the Heron TP to fulfill similar roles in the service of French and Spanish militaries.

Israel Aerospace Industries and Rheinmetall Defence signed today (June 2, 2008) in Israel a cooperation agreement to jointly market IAI’s Heron TP unmanned aerial system in Germany. The cooperation targets the German Federal Defense Forces (Bundeswehr) SAATEG UAV program planned for initial deployment as early as 2010, introducing a persistent reconnaissance gathering platform to operate in theater, in support of German and NATO deployed forces. According to the agreement, IAI will provide the UAV system, while Rheinmetall will be responsible for the mission control system, logistic support and networking and interfacing with other command and control systems. The German Air Force (Luftwaffe) will be operating these systems, under its 51 aerial reconnaissance wing to operate from Jagel Air Base. The unit is expected to operate the Euro Hawk, a Global Hawk derivative designed to address NATO’s SIGINT requirements. While controlled from Jagel, the unmanned aircraft could be deployed overseas, including Mazar-e Sharif in Afghanistan, from where they will be able to support ISAF operations in theater.

EuroHawk is being developed by EuroHawk GmbH, a joint venture between EADS and Northrop Grumman. The company was awarded €430 million to develop, build and fly the first demonstrator by 2010. Unlike the EuroHawk focus on SIGINT, the platform selected for SAATEG will be equipped primarily with high resolution electro-optical payloads. The plan calls for five UAVs to be procured for an initial capability. Sofar the Luftwaffe’s SAATEG plans where endorsed by General Atomics, teaming wit Diehl BGT Defence. The IAI/Rheinmetall Defence team claims that the Heron TP is meeting all the SAATEG criteria in its current form. TheHeron TP has been developed at IAI to address the requirements of the Israel Air Force and tose made by several international air forces. Several systems are already completed and tested and the entire system is ready for serial production.

While the Predator B (Reaper) is already operational with U.S. and British Royal Air Force in Afghanistan, the Heron TP could evolve as a strong competitor, particularly in Europe, following the support of major European companies including Dassault Aviation, Thales and Indra, to the Heron TP platform. Last week (May 22, 2008) the industry team submitted a proposal to the French and Spanish ministries of defence, establishing MALE UAV capability to be developed within the framework of Franco-Spanish cooperation. This capability to be based on Heron TP platforms, would match the operational needs of both countries, and allow the supply to both Armed Forces of long endurance UAVs for theatre surveillance by the end of 2012.

The Heron TP was unveiled last year at the Paris Air Show. (below)

Boeing, Alenia Jointly Pursue International Training Business

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May 30, 2008

Boeing and Alenia Aermacchi announced they will cooperate in the marketing of Alenia’s trainer aircraft, jointly pursuing marketing opportunities woldwide. The strategic alliance is designed to increase the two companies’ commercial presence in the international market for next-generation trainers by offering more flexible training services, addressing modern air force’s requirements for privatized, service oriented training packages.

The agreement covers two of Aermacchi’s leading platforms – the new M-346 Advanced and Lead-in-Fighter Trainer and the M-311 basic-advanced trainer. Under the agreement, Boeing Integrated Defense Systems’ Support Systems division will be responsible for several aspects of the program’s logistics support and associated training. Combining Boeing’s sustainment and training systems capabilities with Alenia Aermacchi will improve mission effectiveness, help reduce total cost of ownership and further strengthen the advantages of the M-346 and M-311. Alenia Aermacchi, a Finmeccanica company produces a range of training aircraft, including the SF-260 selection/primary training, M-311 basic/advanced training with turbofan engine, MB-339CD (advanced Lead-in-Fighter Trainer. The company is currently introducing the new-generation M-346 advanced Lead-in-Fighter Trainer.

Defense-UpdateMilitary Technology & Defense News

Defense-UpdateMilitary Technology & Defense News

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