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    WLIP – Warrior Lethality Improvement Program

    Armored vehicles at DSEi 07: The British MOD has set a higher priority for the modernization and upgrading 449 of its 786 Warrior Infantry Fighting Vehicle, and is currently planning to begin fielding the upgraded vehicles by 2010 – 2011 timeframe, about two years ahead of the original schedule. The upgrade will sustain the vehicle’s operability until 2035.

    Major upgrading of the British Army Warrior Infantry Combat Vehicle (ICV) is underway at the MoD under the Warrior Capability Sustainment program. Several industry teams are competing for the program, aiming particularly at the weapon upgrade segment known as Warrior Lethality Improvement Program (WLIP) to include improved electronics architecture, introduction of a new low-profile turret and replacement of the current 30mm Rarden cannon. WLIP attracts turret and gun manufacturers due to the significant number of turrets required (449 turrets) and potential cost (about £0.5 billion) and the fact that a similar weapon could also be fielded wit the scout variant of the Future Rapid Effects System (FRES).
    Among the teams competing for this program are BAE Systems Land Systems and CTA International (its joint venture with the French Nexter company), General Dynamics, Selex Sensors and Lockheed Martin UK Insys.

    The upgrade is expected to sustain the vehicle’s operability until 2035. Several competitors associated with the program displayed their hardware at the exhibition, including Lockheed Martin Insys, BAE systems and Selex Sensors & Airborne Systems.

    A depiction of an upgraded Warrior, with a HITFIST 30mm cannon, proposed by Selex. (Photo: Selex) MoD is evaluating several concepts proposed and demonstrated with under each company’s initiative and funding. Among these was the demonstration of the Manned Turret Integration Program (MTIP) and CTA’s 40mm cannon, firing Case telescoped ammunition. Selex Sensors and Airborne Systems (Selex S&AS) is offering the HITFIST 30 two-man turret from its sister company Oto Melara, both subsidiaries of the Italian Finmeccanica group. The turret is fitted with an ATK MK44 30mm cannon (with growth potential to 40mm) and a 7.62 mm coaxial machine gun.
    According to Andrew Folley, Selex S&AS campaign director, the turret offers a mature (TRL9), low risk solution that will require only minimal modifications. The turret will use enhanced armor protection to meet specific UK requirements, bringing the turret weight up to 3.2 tons. HITFIST is one of the more popular new-generation manned turrets, currently in service with the Italian, Polish and Irish armies. The turret will incorporate independent, stabilized, multi-sensor optronics for gunner and commander, and installations for Bowman radios. At DSEi Selex also demonstrated panoramic thermal cameras, providing the crew 360 degrees ‘see through’ capability day and night.

    This Rheinmetall designed 30mm gun turret is porposed for the Warrior WLIP  by Lockheed Martin INSYS. (Image: Lockheed martin)
    Lockheed Martin Insys unveiled their latest WLIP design at DSEi. The company offers a German turret designed by Rheinmetall, armed with stabilized 30mm ATK MK44 gun and 7.62mm coaxial machine gun. The turret mounts two stabilized sights for the commander and gunner, with an option to add an independent panoramic sight for the commander. The new turret will also be fitted with panoramic vision using multiple cameras installed around it. Installation of Javelin guided missile launchers is optional. If selected for the British Army, the German turret will also be fitted with enhanced armor protection meeting NATO STANAG Level 4 specification. Nigel Morris, Warrior LIP deputy program manager at Insys anticipates that his company’s solution for WLIP will provide the most cost effective and far reaching option available for this program. The new turret is designed to incorporate and reuse major assemblies and components, making the turret very familiar and intuitive to Warrior operators and maintainers. The new controls and displays are logical, intuitive and flexible, requiring minimal modifications to existing Warrior training, documentation and support.

    Selex included these panoramic IR cameras in the Vehicle Systems Integration Lab FV-432 Mk2 to demonstrate panoramic, vision from within the vehicle. Images from each of teh three cameras are distributed to the crew members, over personal displays. (Photo: Defense Update).Other modifications are planned for the FV432 Mk3 (Bulldog) armored troop carrier, which has recently received enhanced armor protection. To sustain the heavier load, the vehicle is fitted with Darlington-built B-series Cummins engines 186kW (250hp) engines, extending the vehicle’s service life until 2025. The old FV432 Mk2 also provides a platform for system integration evaluation by Selex S&AS. As part of the company funded Vehicle Systems Integration Lab (VSIL), demonstration and evaluation program, the APC was fitted with integrated electronic, optronic and communications devices providing tactical navigation, situational awareness, mapping and communications. Situational awareness is enhanced both for ‘battlefield awareness’ as well as covering the immediate vicinity of the vehicle and even on board, using multiple, panoramic thermal cameras. These capabilities could be enhanced by sharing situational awareness with dismounted infantry, over a wireless link. The vehicle also uses an integrated weapon system (demonstrating the RAFAEL Mini Samson platform fitted with a 0.5″ Cal heavy machine gun). Further integration currently underway includes hostile fire detection systems.

    Topics covered in this review:

    Future Rapid Effects Systems (FRES) Program Update

    Armored vehicles at DSEi 07: With a potential value of £16 billion and a potential through-life cost of £50 billion, Future Rapid Effects Systems (FRES) is the largest armored fighting vehicle program in Europe, with up to 3,000 vehicles expected to be procured. The MoD is targeting an initial operating capability in 2012. At present, the competition for the procurement of about 2,000 8×8 FRES Utility Vehicles (UV) is underway toward fielding in 2012. This family of wheeled vehicles will include variants such as a scout vehicle, to replace the current Scimitar, a direct fire platform and maneuver support vehicles (engineer and bridgelayer vehicles). In a follow-on procurement MoD is expected to select a land combat vehicle, troop carrier and mobile gun and mortar carrier systems, based on a different tracked or wheeled platforms.

    The three finalists for FRES UV – French Nexter VBCI, German-Dutch BOXER built by Artec and the Swiss made General Dynamics’ / MOWAG Piranha Evolution based on the Piranha V design, participated in intensive trials held this summer. A decision based on the outcome of these tests is expected in November 07.

    Artec positions its Boxer as highly attractive for co-production with British manufacturers (Britain was part of the vehicle’s original design). With its modular approach, Boxer enables local production of the rear mission module while utilizing economy of scale in the production of the main chassis.

    With vehicle configuration ranging in the 30-36 ton range, Boxer will be air transportable in an A-400M aircraft. Originally, Britain pulled out of the program as the vehicle became too heavy for its requirements. However, since the heavier (more protected) FRES UV is no longer required to be air-transportable in a Lockheed C-130 Hercules, Boxer re-emerged as a candidate for the program.

    Piranha also had to add weight to meet the MoD required specs. In the design of Piranha V, MOWAG increased the vehicle’s gross weight to 28 tons, with a design target weight of 30 tons, five tons over the current IV versions. It will use four steerable axles, offering improved maneuverability in urban terrain. While Piranha V seems to be the least mature vehicle of the three optional candidates, General Dynamics UK promotes it as the most attractive for Britain, since the company plans to leverage FRES to establish local production lines in the UK, delivering Piranha V vehicles to the British Army as well as for export. GD UK forecasts a world market for at least 2,000 vehicles over 10 years, on top some 3,000 destined for the FRES program. GD expects the first vehicle to roll out of the Swiss current assembly line in 2009.

    One of the key requirements for FRES is the integrated protection suite, incorporating an Active Protection System (APS). At DSEi 07 General Dynamics/MOWAG demonstrated a Pirnha III vehicle fitted with Saab Avitronics LEDS active protection system, which could be included GD’s protection suite for FRES. However, active protection is being evaluated separately as part of the overall FRES program, and is not associated with a specific platform. Another program launched recently is the System of Systems Integration (SOSI), for which Thales UK and Boeing UK were selected.

    Topics covered in this review:

    Defense Update from DESi – 2007

    Armored vehicles at DSEi 07: While British forces are pulled out of the conflict zone in Iraq, the UK Ministry of Defence is not resting as it pursues new armored vehicles programs to improve operational capabilities and troop protection. Three armored vehicle programs dominated this year’s DSEi 07 exhibition – the development and procurement of thousands of future family of armored vehicles known as Future Rapid Effect Systems (FRES), with a potential value of GBP16 billion; the Warrior Sustainment Program, which includes the upgrade of some 450 Warriors Infantry Combat Vehicles at a cost of about half a billion pounds and the procurement of additional 180 Medium Protected Patrol Vehicles (MPPV) at an estimated value of about GBP100 million.

    Future Rapid Effects Systems (FRES) is the largest armored fighting vehicle program in Europe, with up to 3,000 vehicles expected to be procured. At present, the competition for the supply of about 2,000 8×8 FRES Utility Vehicles (UV) is underway. These will cover a number of variants, including a scout vehicle which will replace the current Scimitar, a direct fire platform and maneuver support vehicles (engineer and bridgelayers). This will be followed by the acquisition of a land combat vehicle, troop carrier and mobile gun and indirect fire systems (mortar carrier), based on different tracked or wheeled platforms. The three finalists for FRES UV – French Nexter VBCI, German-Dutch BOXER built by Artec and the Swiss made General Dynamics’ / MOWAG Piranha Evolution based on the Piranha V design, participated in intensive trials held this summer. A decision on the outcome of these tests is expected in
    November 07.

    Some of the vehicles and technologies associated with FRES were on display at DSEi 07, including the French VBCI 8×8 vehicle, a Piranha III fitted with Saab Avitronics active protection system and several turrets which could be associated with the upcoming FRES scout configuration. General Dynamics UK also demonstrated a typical internal configuration utilizing synthetic situational display for the driver and commander and individual computer screens for crew members, facilitating ‘virtual windows’ for improved situational awareness.

    The British MOD has set a higher priority for the modernization and upgrading 449 of its 786 Warrior Infantry Fighting Vehicle with modern guns and electronics, and is currently planning to begin fielding the upgraded vehicles by 2010 – 2011 timeframe, about two years ahead of the original schedule. A depiction of an upgraded Warrior, with a HITFIST 30mm cannon, proposed by Selex. (Photo: Selex) The upgrade is expected to sustain the vehicle’s operability until 2035. Several competitors associated with the program displayed their hardware at the exhibition, including Lockheed Martin Insys, BAE systems and Selex Sensors & Airborne Systems.

    Other modifications are planned for the FV432 Mk3 (Bulldog) troop carrier, which has recently received enhanced armor protection. These include an uprated power train, sustaining the heavier loads of the up-armored Mk3. At DSEi 07, Selex also demonstrated an FV-432 fitted with the latest electronics, situational awareness and integrated weapon systems, hinting about how future armored vehicles could be equipped.

    Another hot topic at DSEi 07 was the Medium Protected Patrol Vehicle (MPPV), which is part of the British Army procurement agenda for 2008. Following the introduction of the heavily protected Mastiff armored vehicles, the British MOD plans to field, by 2009, 180 additional medium protected patrol vehicles (MPPV) supporting troop transportation, convoys and patrols. Sofar, the Army is using two versions of armored patrol vehicles – the heavily armored Mastiff 6×6 truck, produced by the US based Force Protection International and the light armored 6×6 truck called Vector, produced by Austrian Pinzgauer recently integrated within BAE Systems (through the acquisition of the US based Armor Holdings group). Minimum requirements for the MPPV call for a wheeled vehicle to operate on road and on rough tracks in urban, semi-urban and rural environments. It should also have a maximum weight of 14 tons, be capable of carrying up to seven troops and provide protection against ballistic, mine, fragmentation and blast threats. Vehicles are expected to mount Bowman radios, Counter-IED jammers, specialist armor and weapon mounts, including protected gunner positions or remotely operated weapon stations.

    Military Armored carrier System (MACS) modified by MacNeillie and QinetiQ to meet the MoD MPPV Requirement. (Photo: QinetiQ/MacNeillie.)Several candidates for the program displayed or discussed their hardware at DSEi 07. Some of these vehicles were brand new. One of the new entries was QinetiQ, teamed with specialist vehicle contractor MacNeillie & Son to offer an MPPV based on MacNeillie’s Military Armored carrier System (MACS) design.

    A different proposal based on the all-composite CAVCAT armored vehicle was presented by NP Armour Systems. Other new candidates include the Blackwater Grizzly, which made its international debut at the show. Other new vehicles at DESi were the latest model of the South African RG31 Mk6 and the Australian Bushmaster, presented here by Thales Australia and Oshkosh. (3)

    DESi 07 provided the opportunity for the European debut for the Israeli Golan armored vehicle from RAFAEL. 60 such vehicles are currently in production for the US Marine Corps. The vehicle is also being considered for use by the Israeli army, as an ‘urban patrol vehicle’.

    Another vehicle on display was the Cheetah from Force protection. This is the lightest version of FPI’s family of mine protected armored vehicles. Cheetah provides a highly protected alternative for small patrol vehicles, such as the British Snatch (armored Landrover), and up-armored HMMWV. FPI decided to bring the Cheetah to the UK to promote support among MoD in the acquisition of this vehicle as potential replacement for medium protected command and patrol vehicle. Such acquisition could be considered apart from the MPPV procurement, as Cheetah does not comply with the accommodation and load capacity requirements of the MPPV. Other vehicles unveiled at the show include teh J8 from Jeep and a new 6×6 Land Rover.

    LEDS-150 and its high speed launcher system, firing the Mongoose countermeasures, displayed on GDLS/MOWAG Piranha III APC. Photo: Defense Update)Other aspects of vehicle protection on display at DSEi 07 included a range of safety seats, designed to improve crew protection in an event of IED or mine attacks. Blast protected seats are becoming indispensable in every new or upgraded mine-protected vehicle program and the choice of seats offered by manufacturers is growing. Other aspects of vehicle protection include the employment of weapons behind armor, using remotely operated weapon stations. Several manufacturers introduced new systems at DSEi 07, and some systems are covered here. Active protection systems are also maturing, and are considered to provide an essential (not exclusive) layer of protection in any future armor solution. Some of the systems displayed at DSEi 07 are covered here.

    Topics covered in this review:

    Multispectral Adaptive Networked Tactical Imaging System (MANTIS)

    The Multispectral Adaptive Networked Tactical Imaging System (MANTIS) studies the benefits multi-spectral fusion performed on the helmet or hand held viewer, integrating advanced sensing and newly designed ‘system on a chip’ processor. MANTIS aims to improve the soldier’s ability to see at night, under difficult visibility conditions including typical urban ambient lights (light bulbs, fires, car lights etc.), under moonless or cloudy skies, penetrating through smoke, fog, dust and flares. The system will also support video sharing trough ‘picture in picture’ functionality. The program was introduced at Soldier Technology 2007 by Jeffrey Paul, program manager at DARPA responsible for the program.


    The program used an integrated Visual and Near Infra Red (VNIR) and imaging infra-red sensors, covering the visible, a new short wave infrared (SWIR) spectral band ranging from 1 – 2 micron wavelength, using passive, uncooled sensors which can better benefit from the natural starlight illumination, operating side by side with existing, passive uncooled thermal imagers operating in the 8-12 micron “long range infrared” (LWIR), watching a target simultaneously, the three feeds are fused together into a single picture, where each spectral band contributes specific attributes to the final picture, enabling the viewer to see more details in the shades, better spot movement or track suspicious targets.

    The V/NIR sensor covers the same bandwidth covered by current night vision devices, without the downside of imaging infrared. With color support it also provides additional cues that cannot be gained by other sensors. SWIR sensors better perform under low light conditions they can operate through fog and add details to the viewed scene. LWIR sensors uses thermal signature and therefore requires no light at all. It can penetrate smoke, dust and can spot partially hidden targets by their thermal signature. Sofar, MANTIS was demonstrated in PC based hardware, performing the multi-sensor fusion in real-time using nine processors. The next phase currently in progress is developing the MANTIS Vision Processor (MVP), a much smaller ‘system on a chip’ that will be integrated into a helmet and hand held viewer. The new system utilizes four ARM-11 processors consuming only 1.6 watts – which purpose built ,was demonstrated with integral communications capabilities over low-bandwidth tactical radios, offering advanced collaborative functions by using picture-in-picture display technology, enabling remote viewing, video sharing and image analysis capabilities. Initial MANTIS tests will using specially geared helmets systems integrating the three sensors in a stacked configuration, the MVP and near-eye miniature display offering a x1 magnification and 40 degrees field of view. It will have batteries sustaining nine continuous hours of operation. The system will weigh 2.5 pounds, added to the helmet’s weight of 3.3 lbs (total 5.8 lbs). The hand held viewing devices will have LWIR and SWIR sensors, offering two level magnifications of x3.6 and x8.2 (11.2 and 4.6 deg. fields of view respectively). The viewer will weigh 6 pounds and include batteries sustaining four hours of operation. The systems will be tested in the summer of 2008.

    As an extremely efficient and powerful video processor, MVP will offer further uses beyond MANTIS, offering high speed, low power processing capabilities for future adaptive image fusion and networked image sharing applications. One such application already studied at DARPA is the Dichoptic system, fusing two images received from V/NIR sensors to generate a wide field of view (70 degrees) image, integrating a high resolution inset color image (covering 40 deg) embedded into a low or medium resolution monochrome image. The entire system is integrated into a helmet system weighing 4.8 pounds.

    Protector 4×4 Highly Protected Medium Vehicles

    Protected Vehicles Inc. introduced at Modern Day Marine 2007 a lightweight 4×4 mine-protected armored vehicle designed to replace up-armored HMMWVs for high threat missions. At maximum gross vehicle weight (GVW) of 14,500 lbs in the hard top version, the Protector, accommodating a crew of 8 (driver, commander and six troops) is optimized for missions where up-armored HMMWVs are not adequately protected, while the heavier MRAP does not have the required mobility and maneuverability to perform a wide diversity of missions. These could include urban combat, reconnaissance and patrol, transport for combat engineering teams, command and control and casualties evacuation.

    Protector offers good off-road and cross-country mobility and a turning radius of about 5 meters. According to sources at PVI, the Protector is ready for production and although not yet meeting the full specs of JLTV, it has substantial growth-potential to meet such requirements in the future.

    Unlike current MRAPs, the Protector is designed to operate equally on and off-road, is lightweight and small enough to be transportable in a C-130 and CH-47. Maximum road speed of 70 mph can be maintained even carrying maximum payload, with an operational range of up to 500 miles. The Protector comes with a choice of two diesel engines, a GM Duramax 6.6L turbo-diesel V8 developing 300 hp, delivering 540 ft/lbs torque, or a Cummins QSB 6.7L diesel, delivering the same torque.

    The vehicle is offered in both, hardtop (fully protected) and soft top configurations. The hardtop version carries a payload of 7,000 – 9,500 lbs while the soft top can carry up to 12,000 lbs of payloads. Despite its low weight, Protector provides full protection from mines, IEDs and small arms. It is fitted with basic armor (A kit) protecting against small arms for the body and windows. Protector carries a weapon mount for 0.50 or M240/249 machine guns and provides rifle ports on all sides. The vehicle can be fitted with Hutchinson runflat tires and is protected from mine explosions, both under the wheels and centerline. Protection level can be enhanced to meet specific requirements. For example, a B kit protecting up to 0.50 Cal weighs about 1,100 lbs, and full IED, FSP and EFP protection would weigh up to 5,000 lbs.

    Blackwater Grizzly

    One of the newcomers at DSEi, Modern Day Marine and AUSA 2007 expos was the Grizzly from the US company Blackwater. Originally developed to meet the company’s requirements for secure transportation in high threat areas. The vehicle uses a unique ‘diamond hull’ design that consists of a V shaped hull and sloped walls, offering protection against both roadside bomb and under-belly attacks. The vehicle’s armor is made primarily of layered steel plates, combined with air gaps and layered composites to mitigate blast and behind-armor effect. Providing an enhanced protection against advanced threats including EFPs, Grizzly is one of the contenders for the US Marine Corps Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP II) program. It is also being considered for the British MPPV program. The vehicle’s diamond hull shell is attached to a Seagraye chassis, powered by a 330 hp caterpillar C7/3126E turbo-diesel engine. The cab and body are separate and can be removed and installed on the chassis within eight hours. The vehicle has a gross vehicle weight of about 15 tons (30,000 lbs). It can accommodate 8-10 soldiers and the driver seated in blast protected seats or on benches. It is fitted with side, front and rear replaceable armored windows, and multiple firing ports.

    Topics covered in this review:

    SRATS – Stealth Reconnaissance/Assault Transport System

    SRATS which stands for “Specialized Reconnaissance Assault and Transport System” evolved from a proof of concept vehicle, utilizing “Rock Crawler” and “Sand Rail” technologies, which are popular with recreational and extreme off-road automotive sports, to produce an off-road vehicle designed to handle extreme terrain conditions. In 2004 DARPA funded the development of two prototype vehicles under a proof of concept demonstration of a small vehicle which would bridge the gap between the soldier and the HMMWV. At AUSA 2007 BAE Systems and the SRATS developer specialty vehicle maker unveiled their cooperation in transforming the militarized rock crawler into serially produced military vehicle, responding to the US Army’s interest in fielding thousand of vehicles to support its light brigades and special forces. 

    As an automotive platform designed for mobility in extreme conditions, SRATS combine commercial ‘rock crawlers’ and sand rail technologies, enabling near vertical rock climbing or rubble field traverse (maximum grade climb of 80%). The vehicle also has high acceleration and speed, sustaining high speed chase or fast egress from a hot target area.

    The vehicles went through field testing and demonstrations beginning November 2004. The demonstrations simulated reduction of soldier load (backpack) by 80 per cent or more and infantry logistical support going anywhere a soldier can walk or climb. The vehicles demonstrated their capability of handling extreme terrain, traveling over rubble and going through road-less terrain. They were tasked with simulated high-speed convoy escorts, casualty evacuation and insurgent off-road pursuit.

    SRATS has a curb weight of 4,700 pounds, fitted with an uprated HMMWV turbo-charged diesel engine, rated at 340 hp running on JP8 fuel. Two vehicles can be carried by a single CH-47 lift. The vehicle accommodates four passengers, with additional six seated on outboard rigs. It can be equipped with an armor package weighing 2,000 pounds, providing efficient protection against 7.62 rifle bullets. The vehicle can be configured with independent front and rear steering, for maximum agility and maneuverability.

    The first SRATS were completed last year (2006) as ‘proof of principle’ vehicles for the US Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), creating much interest among special forces. The military was ready to order over 100 of them, but then interest expanded beyond the special forces, and the Army’s Rapid Equipping Force (REF) is now interested in producing thousands of these vehicles. This potential motivated the SRATS developer to approach BAE Systems to team for the development and production of a new armored version.

    The armored SRATS is designed to bridge the gap between the current HMMWV and the dismounted soldier, providing support and logistics for small infantry elements, negotiate on and off-road convoy escort and mobility, carry out stealth recce missions, extract high value assets from difficult locations and conduct fast pursuit off and on-road. SRATS has a length of 175″ (4.445 m’) and wheel base of 132″ (3.352 m’), the vehicle curb weight is about 6,500 lbs (2.948 t.) for the unarmored version and 8,500 lbs (3.856 t.) for the armored vehicle, fitted with small-arms protection (7.62mm) and runflat tires. In both configurations, SRATS can carry a payload of 4,000 lbs (1.814 t.) including four passengers. The vehicle is powered by AM General 6.5 V8 turbo diesel engine rated at 300 hp and 505 lb/ft torque. It uses standard fuel tanks to sustain operation at a range of 375 miles (60- km) or accommodate larger fuel tanks for extended range.

    Littoral Combat Ship – Independence Class

    The littoral combat ship Independence (LCS 2) underway during builder's trials. Builder's trials are the first opportunity for the shipbuilder and the U.S. Navy to operate the ship underway, and provide an opportunity to test and correct issues before acceptance trials. (Photo courtesy Dennis Griggs General Dynamics)

    The U.S. Navy officially accepted delivery of the future USS Independence (LCS 2) Dec. 18, 2009 at the Austal shipyard in Mobile, Alabama. The ship will be commissioned on January 16 and is expected to be ready for ‘Sail Away’ status by February 2010.

    Prior to delivery, the Navy’s Board of Inspection and Survey (INSURV) conducted Acceptance Trials aboard LCS 2 on Nov. 13-19, and found the ship’s propulsion plant, sea-keeping and self-defense performance to be “commendable,” and recommended that the chief of naval operations authorize delivery of the ship following the correction or waiver of cited material deficiencies.

    The littoral combat ship Independence (LCS 2) underway during builder's trials. Builder's trials are the first opportunity for the shipbuilder and the U.S. Navy to operate the ship underway, and provide an opportunity to test and correct issues before acceptance trials. (Photo courtesy Dennis Griggs General Dynamics)

    Before the Navy inspection the second Littoral Combat Ship (LCS 2) Independence successfully completed the builder’s sea trials test series following a series of demonstrations performed while cruising in the Gulf of Mexico at moderate and high sea state conditions. These trials were testing the ship and all of its systems in preparation for final inspection by the Navy before delivery.

    The Littoral Combat Ship is a key element of the Navy’s plan to address asymmetric threats of the twenty-first century. Intended to operate in coastal areas of the globe, the ship will be fast, highly maneuverable and geared to supporting mine detection/elimination, anti-submarine warfare and anti-surface warfare, particularly against small surface craft.

    The new 127 meter long Independence Class LCS will provide a platform for intelligence gathering, employ surface (anti-ship) and land attacks precision weapons, and operate manned and unmanned aerial and surface vehicles (UAV/USV). To further adapt for specific missions, LCS will incorporate a modular and interchangeable approach, enabling it to be reconfigured to specific missions such as antisubmarine warfare, mine warfare, or surface warfare missions on an as-needed basis. The LCS will be able to swap out mission packages pier-side in a matter of hours, adapting as the tactical situation demands. These ships will also feature advanced networking capability to share tactical information with other Navy aircraft, ships, submarines and joint units.

    The Independence Class LCS, built by General Dynamics is designed to offer the largest usable payload volumes per ton of ship displacement of any U.S. Navy surface combatant afloat today — providing the flexibility to carry out one mission while a separate mission module is in reserve. Its large flight deck sits high above the water, sized to support near-simultaneous operation of two SH-60 helicopters or multiple unmanned vehicles. In addition, the deck is suitable for landing the much-larger H-53 helicopters, should that become a future requirement.

    The stable trimaran hull allows for flight operations in high sea conditions. The design is based on a proven Austal (Henderson, Australia) high-speed trimaran hull that is currently operating at sea.

    Independence LCS-2 Demonstrates its Performance during Sea Trials
    The second Littoral Combat Ship (LCS 2) Independence successfully completed the builder’s sea trials test series following a series of demonstrations performed while cruising in the Gulf of Mexico at moderate and high sea state conditions. These trials were testing the ship and all of its systems in preparation for final inspection by the Navy before delivery. Despite the weather, the ship repeatedly reached speeds of over 45 knots with propulsion and ride-control systems operating in full automatic mode, proving the effectiveness of the control systems and the highly efficient and stable characteristics of the trimaran hull form. Sustained high speed performance was part of the Navy’s requirements and the Independence demonstrated that sailing at a speed of 44 knots during the required four-hour full-power run, peaking at 45 kt maximum speed.

    A series of high speed ahead and astern maneuvers in these sea state conditions proved the effectiveness of the ship’s four steerable water jets. During the repeated high-speed turns the ship demonstrated excellent agility and stability characteristics. The ship’s flight deck remained stable despite sea state conditions and maneuvers.

    Another important element being demonstrated during these trials was the Open Architecture Computing Infrastructure (OPEN CI) – a highly flexible information-technology backbone that integrates the ship’s combat, damage control, engineering control, mission package and other onboard computing functions, also proved its effectiveness during the trials. This architecture enables the crew to operate consoles and workstations anywhere on the vessel. If required, the entire bridge area can be reconfigured to meet specific mission requirement, support distributed operations on board or reconfigured to recover from combat damage. OPEN CI design, developed and integrated by a General Dynamics Advanced Information Systems team, allows “plug and play” integration of both the core systems and the LCS mission modules. It meets Navy open architecture requirements, strictly adheres to published industry standards and facilitates the integration of commercially available products.

    The Littoral Combat Ship is a major part of the Navy’s plan to address asymmetric threats in the 21st century. Intended to operate in coastal areas, the ships will be fast, highly maneuverable and equipped to support mine detection/elimination, anti-submarine warfare and anti-surface warfare mission.

    General Dynamics Bath Iron Works is the prime contractor for the General Dynamics Littoral Combat Ship Team. Partners include Austal USA (Mobile, AL); BAE Systems (Rockville, MD); General Dynamics Advanced Information Systems (Fairfax, Va.); L3 Communications Marine Systems (Leesburg, VA); Maritime Applied Physics Corporation (Baltimore, MD); and Northrop Grumman Electronic Systems (Baltimore, MD).

    On December 8, 2006 the US Navy awarded the team a US$208 million contract for the construction of the second Independence class LCS, The first ship is under construction at at Austal USA in Mobile, Alabama. Construction of the second ship of this class has begun on December 2009 with the keel laying ceremony of the Independence sister ship – Coronado (LCS-4), shceduled for delivery by in June 2012.

    LEAPP – Long Endurance Autonomous Powered Paraglider / Altair

    A concept for a Long Endurance Autonomous Powered Paraglider (LEAPP) is developed under a DARPA program demonstrating a cost effective alternative for fixed wing, long endurance loitering ISR capability. The system is developed by Altair. LEAPP was unveiled at the International Special Operations Forces Week this year, and was shown at AUSA 2006 in its full configuration. The parafoil system will be capable of loitering over an area for periods of up to 48 hours.
    Altair is considering LEAPP to address various missions with three categories. The largest version will be a slow flying long endurance platform, which could accommodate two men, and be ground transported by a HMMWV. The system will use the largest paraglider wing ever built, spanning over 112 ft. (34 m’) The vehicle will be able to take off from a ground clearing of 50 – 100 ft (15 – 30 m’) or air dropped from C-130 or C-17 from an altitude of 35,000 ft. (10.5 km). LEAPP will be able to stay on a mission for 48 hours and carry mission payloads of up to 200 lbs, in addition to 2,145 lbs (972 kg) of fuel.

    A smaller version (LEAPP Type II) will be optimized for shorter missions (u to 24 hours). It will have a gross maximum takeoff of 1,550 lbs (703 kg), compared to 3,000 (1.4 tons) for Type I. It will also be operated aspiloted/pilotless autonomous, and will be able to carry 200 lbs (90.7 kg) of mission payload but significantly less fuel.

    The Micro LEAPP (Type III) is a much smaller vehicle, with a maximum gross weight of 75 lbs (34 kg), it will have a payload capacity of 30 lbs (13.6 kg), and mission endurance of four hours. The vehicle can be launched and operated by a single operator. For takeoff, Micro LEAPP requires only 5 – 10 meters of clear surface.

    Astrium Demonstrates Air-Sat Lasercom Link

    In Early December 2006 EADS Astrium conducted a first demonstration utilizing high capacity electro-optical (laser) datalinks connecting geostationary communications satellites and airborne platforms.

    The tests involved the establishment of six two-way optical links between a Mystère 20 aircraft, flying at altitudes of 6,000 and 10,000 m’ and the ARTEMIS satellite, orbiting the earth I a geostationary orbit, 40,000 km above the earth’s surface.

    The tests were executed as part of an airborne laser optical link (LOLA), a basic study program conducted by the French defense procurement agency (DGA). The test demonstrated link lock obtained at less than one second, and pointing accuracy of the order of 0.5 microrad. The laser data rate between aircraft and satellite achieved so far is 50 Mbps. LOLA offers over x15 improvement in efficiency, compared to microwave links used on aircraft or UAVs. An inherent advantage of the laser beam is its discrete operation and immunity to jamming.

    ATACMS – Army Tactical Missile System

    The Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS) is fielded with the US Army as a deep strike precision weapon, capable of engaging time critical targets at high precision under all weather conditions. The missile is deployed from the Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS) family of launchers, including the MLRS M270A1 launcher and the High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) launcher. The US Army fired over 100 ATACMS missiles in Iraq, since Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2003, Most missiles were expended against air defense targets and C4ISR nodes. Even against a sophisticated enemy, equipped with early warning capabilities, ATACMS can maintain an element of surprise, due to its capability to launch attacks off axis. (shaping the ballistic trajectory to ‘hide’ the objective and target it is aimed at).

     

    The Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS)’s Universal Dispenser is capable of delivering various types submunitions from a single dispenser foundation. These systems include radial, aft and spinning dispense in single, staggered and multiple dispense options at subsonic and supersonic velocities. Missiles and Fire Control has extensive experience dispensing Dual-Purpose Improved Conventional Munition (DPICM), Anti-Personnel/Anti-Materiel (APAM), Sense and Destroy Armor (SADARM) and Northrop Grumman’s Brilliant Anti-Armor (BAT) submunitions in subsonic and supersonic dispense environments. Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control has studied several candidate submunitions for the Universal Dispenser. These include the Low Cost Autonomous Attack System (LOCAAS), SADARM, BAT, Wide-Area Munition (WAM), SMArt155 and BLU-108. In the four-quadrant configuration, the Universal Dispenser can carry four LOCAAS submunitions, 32 SADARMs or skeet warheads (BLU-108), eight BATs or 16 WAM submunitions. Integration of alternate submunitions, both domestic and foreign, will provide future growth opportunities for the ATACMS Universal Dispenser.

    Block 1A Unitary Missile warhead is the latest addition to the ATACMS family of munitions. This variant is designed to launch precision attack under all weather conditions, from ranges of 300 kilometers. The missile has a unique “vertical impact” capability, designed to improve penetration and optimize fragmentation coverage while reducing collateral damage. In October 2006 the US Army ordered a first batch of Block 1A Unitary Warhead missiles to replenish its tactical missile stocks, under US$47 million contract awarded to Lockheed Martin.

    An enhanced version of Army Tactical Missile System (Army TACMS) specially designed for deep penetration strikes is also underway. This weapon will be optimized for the attack of deeply buried targets, such as command posts and weapons of mass destruction (WMD) storage caches. The two-stage weapon, developed by the U.S. Navy will utilize exoatmospheric transition to augment speed. Despite the devastation it creates underground, the weapon’s effect will be localized to around 328 ft (100 m’) from the impact point.

    What is really behind Putin’s unprecedented hop to Tehran?

    Israel’s Prime Minister Ehud Olmert arrived in Moscow Thursday on an abrupt blitz-visit. In reality, however, what exactly was the highlight of Olmert’s intercourse with Russia’s president Vladimir Putin? Was it Israel’s growing concern over Iran’s nuclear ambitions, or something else? Of interest is that no more than a day passed from announcing the trip of Israel’s prime minister to Moscow and the actual meeting of Olmert and Putin, which is by far not the common practice in interstate relations. Was it not by strange coincidence that the two leaders shook hands just in two days after Russia’s president visited Iran’s President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and Iran’s spiritual leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, both arch-enemies of Israel.

    For 25 years the Islamic Republic leadership in Tehran has done all it could to host such a visit with no success. Both Mikhail Gorbachev and Boris Yeltsin politely turned down Iranian invitations. Putin himself had pursued a similar policy until last Tuesday. During the summit of the so-called Shanghai Group, Putin ignored President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad’s call for a tête-à-tête. Then why the sudden change of mind, which is rather exclusive in the Kremlin’s policy?

    Russian and Iranian presidents Vladimir Putin and  Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, during their recent meeting in Tehran.Indeed, the big question is why has Putin decided to visit Tehran at this time?

    The answer could be simple, but at the same time very complicated: Unofficial news leaking out of Tehran’s inner circles indicate that the military brass there are very dismayed at how ineffective their newly purchased Russian air defense systems were during Israels mysterious September 6th air strike on an alleged Syrian weapons development facility near the Iraqi border. According to reports, Syria took delivery last August of 10 batteries of sophisticated Russian Pantsyr-S1E air defense missile system and fire control systems with advanced radar. Same reports indicated that some of these systems were already operational by September. Unconfirmed reports even indicated that Iran has sent some of the newly acquired Tor M1 9M330 Air Defense Systems to Syria. This would make the mystery even more painful to Moscow. As for the alleged target, which was, or was not attacked, its nature seems totally insignificant in face of the turmoil that Israel’s raid created over Russia’s precious air defenses – the repercussions of which could by far be more catastrophic for Moscow’s ambitious arms sales outlook.

    RAFAEL and Elta Systems are cooperating in an effort to develop a highly sophisticated 'escort jamming' system, protecting strike fighter aircraft from detection and interception by modern, guided air defenses. Image: RAFAEL

    Having returned without a single loss must clearly demonstrate to both Damascus and Tehran that the failure of the expensive new Russian anti-air system leaves them highly vulnerable to attack. Russian defense firms claim that Pantsyr creates an uninterrupted engagement zone of 18 to 20 km in range and of up to 10 km in altitude. Immunity to jamming is promised via multimode, multi-spectral radar and electro-optical control system. But apparently the Israelis were able to blind these systems electronically by some highly sophisticated ECM equipment. Syria isn’t saying anything, nor are the Israelis, but Iranian officers are complaining openly that they have been “fooled” by the Russians.

    Pantsyr-S1E air defense missile system


    And the Russians were indeed reacting fast. A report coming out of Moscow, on September 27, indicated that Russia is sending top specialists to upgrade the electronics of their air defense systems. Even that will not have satisfied the Iranian and Syrian clients and only a personal intervention of Moscow’s top man- no less than Vladimir Putin himself – was urgently required to pacify the suspicious military. Having lost their confidence in the Russian weapons and this, not for the first time as past performance demonstrated dramatically, it would need all of Moscow’s persuasive powers to avert a disaster. The Russians would like to present their systems as on par with US made weapons systems, but the Israeli incursion into Syria’s defended airspace, with no Israeli jets downed demonstrated once again that Russian-made weapon systems, barring a few exceptions, are still not up to par with the West.

    The reason for Moscow’s concern is understandable. In April 2006 Putin declared Russia’s arms sales surpassing 6 billion US$, some 25% above planned. Multi-year contracts in-hand were already 18 bio. 80% of all sales were to China and India, but Syria and Iran are becoming major clients for Russian arms sales, with already scores of Russian experts in Syria upgrading tanks, missiles and air defenses. A billion dollar arms deal with Tehran was signed only recently for the supply of SA-10 and Tor-M1 systems. Now Iranian officials are questioning this expensive deal, following Israel’s mysterious air incursion into Syria. Putin’s visit to Tehran must have placed this issue on top of his agenda, trying to reassure his clients in Asia that Moscow would quickly redress any shortcomings with new and more sophisticated solutions. Whether his efforts were successful remains to be seen.

    The visit of Israel’s Premier to Moscow had actually been agreed on October 10, during the telephone conversation between the two leaders. But the information was a top secret, as Moscow avoided advertising the mini-summit not to cloud Putin’s visit to Tehran. President Vladimir Putin bent over backward to welcome Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert to Moscow on Wednesday but cleverly denied him, what Olmert really wanted to discuss: Iran’s nuclear ambitions. Putin had every reason to do so. His forced tête-à-tête with the Tehran leaders must have cost him quite a lot of concessions in the way of Iran’s nuclear ambitions, details of which the Russian leader certainly would not be willing to share with his Israeli visitor.

    In fact Prime Minister Ehud Olmert said Wednesday, before his Moscow visit, that Israel will not allow a situation in which Iran gains access to unconventional weapons and warned Iranians to “be afraid.”

    “I will not address sensitive issues, if we will do this or do that, but the Iranians should be afraid,” Olmert told reporters following his meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Defense Minister Sergei Ivanov in Moscow. While Olmert did not elaborate, his former security advisor and Mossad chief Ephraim Halevi was more direct. Reassuring his listeners that Israel would not be destroyed, Halevi said “We cannot say that the Iranian threat is an existential threat on the State of Israel. I believe that the State of Israel cannot be eliminated. It cannot be destroyed because of things you know and because of things you can imagine.”

    Meanwhile in Washington, President Bush joined Israeli Defense Minister Ehud Barak for an unplanned meeting in the office of US National Security Adviser Stephen Hadley that same Thursday, Oct. 18, while Olmert was in Moscow. The three-way meeting was expanded to an hour and pointedly centered on the Iranian nuclear issue as a rejoinder to the Olmert trip to Moscow and to indicate the President’s disapproval, if not real anger on Olmert’s unprecedented move.

    A senior US source disclosed that the US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, while still in Jerusalem at the end of her last Middle East shuttle, voiced stern disapproval of Olmert’s planned trip to Moscow when they met last Wednesday. She advised him not to interfere in US-Russian interchanges on Iran. This even led US officials to say ( unofficially of course) ” if Olmert wants to go his own way on Iran and work with Putin, he need not come to us for help”.

    In Israel itself, senior politicians also took a dim view of Olmert’s Thursday’s rush to the Kremlin. The move was regarded as not befitting the dignity of an Israeli leader. Olmert went without thorough preparation, with only a small entourage, and without the media accompanying him.

    While Israel’s interest in the issue of the Iranian military nuclear program is understandable, what was not clear was the sudden sense of urgency. If Olmert’s intent was to hear from Putin, a widely known as a very shrewd and seasoned operator, what he discussed in Tehran, then it would have been wise, if not indispensable towards achieving reliable results, to prepare the visit by an in-depth intelligence briefing. But even the best intelligence service would need time to receive worthwhile information from such high level talks, held mostly in confined secrecy environment, making leaks extremely difficult. Moreover, it would have been virtually impossible to receive such a briefing within only two days, which elapsed since Putin’s Tehran visit and Olmert’s trip to Moscow.

    It is true, analysts agree, that President Bush said Wednesday in a White House press conference that an Iranian nuclear bomb may lead to a third world war. However, with all due respect, such hasty trip does not serve the Israeli interest. In fact, Prime Minister Olmert’s trip to Moscow Thursday, despite the polite welcome he received in the Kremlin, was likely destined to be in vain from the start. Israel would have been better off, without it.

    Distributed Common Ground System (DCGS)

    The DCGS mission is to collect and process vast amounts of intelligence and imagery from manned and unmanned reconnaissance sources.

    The U.S. Air Force has deployed a new intelligence sharing capability offering commanders and analysts at different locations an immediate access to each other’s intelligence imagery and services, utilizing the recently fielded Distributed Common Ground System (DCGS) Integration Backbone (DIB) provided by Lockheed Martin (NYSE:LMT). By connecting three independent and autonomous intelligence databases, located at Langley Air Force Base in Virginia, Beale Air Force Base in California, and a forward location in Europe, DIB enabled qualified users operating DGCS an access to imagery and intelligence libraries in real-time, at other Air Force sites as well as other agencies. According to Colonel Alan Tucker, Commander, 950th Electronic Systems Group, Electronic Systems Center at Hanscom AFB, follow-on expansion of DIB will create a worldwide intelligence sharing enterprise, providing users with access to information portals offering immediate access to more than 80 percent of the imagery produced.

    Prior to the development of the DIB, intelligence analysts had to visit multiple collection sources to locate the data needed. By incorporating a set of common interface standards and a Service-Oriented Architecture (SOA), the DIB connects disparate locations and allows analysts with the appropriate security clearance to access a multitude of intelligence sources. Being SOA-based also facilitates the interface with other SOA-based systems and assures the continuous evolution of a web of capabilities.

    Currently deployed DCGS version 10.2 was fielded with U.S. Air Force elements in USA and Middle East Theater in 2006. A similar system is now under development for the U.S. Army. DCGS integrates multiple ISR sensors and systems across the battlefield, drawing intelligence data from various sources, and correlates that data into an integrated picture of the battlespace. The DCGS-A (Army) will extend this capability to ground elements. It will be deployed with fixed sites as well as forward, tactical and deployed forces, including units on-the-move. DCGA-A will integrate threat, terrain and weather data into comprehensive intelligence products, utilizing sensors data, intelligence and analyst resources available in the rear and at the forward area, increasing the capacity and quality of intelligence products while minimizing the forward footprint of ISR.

    Multi Vehicle Control System (MVCS)

    Raytheon promotes its new Multi Vehicle UAV Control System (MVCS) for the control of multiple, dissimilar unmanned vehicles. Providing the user interface and control of unmanned systems, MVCS Core UAV Control System (CUCS) complies with STANAG 4586 as well as the Joint Architecture for Unmanned Systems (JAUS), to manage all tasks involved with the mission, including vehicle tasking, system monitoring, mission and route control, waypoint planning and payload tasking, receipt and dissemination.

    The modular design using software ‘plug-in’ interfaces allowing high flexibility in user interface design and functionality to be tailored based on customer needs, operator preference, vehicle and payload capabilities and requirements. Vehicle Specific Modules (VSM) are developed for the control of specific platforms. Each VSM represents the unique capabilities of the vehicle. Existing plug-ins include mapping and mission planning, flight displays, vehicle status panels, digital video displays and advanced payload displays. VSMs are provided for Silver Fox, Manta, Cobra and raven UAVs and the US Navy’s USSV unmanned surface vehicle.

    MVCS runs on open Java/J2EE environment and, therefore, adapts to various operating systems and platforms, including Windows, Sun Solaris, Apple Mac OS X and multiple Linux flavors. Adapted to web–based service oriented architectures (SOA) it can easily interface with the joint Distributed Common Ground System (DGCS) intelligence distribution system. MVCS is designed for implementation on various hardware platforms, from small handheld systems, supporting special operations through laptop-based vehicular systems to desktop and workstation based systems used in command centers.

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