Future Combat Systems Team Selects Centralized Controller Provider

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Apr 5, 2007

Lockheed Martin was selected by the FCS team to develop the Centralized Controller to provide a single, hand-held device to be used by warfighters of the FCS ‘Unit of Action’ (UA), allowing them to operate and control various unmanned systems. The controller will provide access to over 750 remotely controlled assets within each brigade at any particular time. The potential value of the Centralized Controller contract, which will be finalized shortly and will run through 2014, is in excess of $35 million.

The elements to be controlled by the new device include the Class I unmanned aerial vehicles and their sensor payloads; unmanned ground vehicles and their sensor and weapon payloads; unattended ground sensors; manned ground vehicle functions. The controller will also enable superior situational awareness, training, logistics and medical functions. The controller will consolidate the functions provided by numerous disparate controllers, into a single controller, reducing soldier’s load and improving usability.

Green Light for New Eurofighter Capabilities

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Apr 5, 2007

Eurofighter Typhoon is moving a step forward to become a true multi-mission fighter. By the end of March 2007 Eurofighter GmbH, the aircraft manufacturer was officially contracted to extend the capabilities of the aircraft beyond those already delivered with Tranche 1, based on the Main Development Contract. The next stage will focus on air-to-surface capabilities and communication improvements.

The Phase 1 Enhancement program associated with Tranche 2 aircraft will include the integration of new air-to-ground weapons such as Paveway IV and the EGBU-16 (Enhanced Guided Bomb Unit) alongside integrating a Laser Designator Pod (LDP) into Tranche 2 aircraft of all four partner nations. Besides the introduction of air-to-ground weapons, Phase 1 will also provide for full digital integration of the IRIS-T air-to-air missile, in service with Germany, Italy and Spain.

Phase 2 Enhancement, currently in planning, will introduce further improvements for Trance 2 aircraft, focusing on the integration of standoff weapons like Storm Shadow and Taurus. The final Tranche 1 capability already covers air-to-ground operations with Paveway II and GBU-10/16 Laser Guided Bombs (LGB) plus conventional bombs and the gun. The Royal Air Force will receive Tranche 1 aircraft with an integrated LDP already next year. First RAF aircraft to be upgraded under the new Future Capability Programme (FCP) are expected to enter service early in the next decade.

To maintain the single seat aircraft capability in both air-to-air and air-to-ground capabilities, the Human Machine Interface of Tranche 2 aircraft will receive performance upgrades required for the simultaneous Swing Role operation, allowing a pilot to continue a bomb run while at the same time fight air attacks by minimizing the pilot’s workload in complex air warfare scenarios. Further extension of the MIDS performance (Multifunctional Information and Distribution System) is a substantial contribution to this objective.

Meanwhile, flight testing of the Typhoon continues, as the fleet recently marked 5,000 flight hours milestone. Test fleets currently focus on testing and evaluation of new software to improve the capability of sub-systems thus increasing the overall weapon system performance. Another effort is focused on electro-optical systems, finalising the work on the Infra-Red Search and Track (IRST)/ Forward-Looking Infra-Red (FLIR), and the new helmet sight. Integration of the Litening Laser Designator Pod (under contract for the Royal Air Force) continues. Further tests are planned to evaluate the new CAESAR electronic scanning radar antenna, considerd for the enhanced radar under development by the EURORADAR consortium as a potential replacement for current CAPTOR radar.

Testing and evaluation of the new European Long Range Air-To-Air Missile, Meteor is also uderway in Spain and Italy. During five test flights in March 2007, the Meteor was flown by the fourth test aircraft (Spanish) in Moron, Spain on the front and rear fuselage stations in order to collect data on how the missile responds in the vibration, load and temperature environments. Further flights are scheduled later in April 2007 in Italy, where Meteor is planned to fly on the outboard pylons of Eurofighter Typhoon.

Lockheed Martin, Gibbs Join Forces to Pursue High Speed Amphibious Vehicles

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Apr 5, 2007

Lockheed Martin (NYSE:LMT) and Gibbs Technologies will develop a family of High Speed Amphibious (HSA) vehicles designed specifically for military operations. The new vehicle will reduce the risk of marines and Special Forces units by dramatically reducing the sea-to-shore transition time. According to Rich Lockwood, Lockheed Martin Maritime Systems & Sensor’s vice president for Mission Systems, “HSA minimizes that risk, allowing forces to move safer and faster – and with capabilities that make it a powerful asset in a net-enabled force.”

The new vehicles will be based on Gibbs’ amphibious vehicle prototypes originally designed for the consumer market. Lockheed Martin and Gibbs will enhance these designs integrating expeditionary command and control capability, armor and weapons systems. Gibbs’ technology enables amphibians to travel at speeds over 45 mph on water and over 100 mph on land – and to transition from water-to-land or land-to-water in five seconds. These features provide a much needed capability for military littoral, riverine and special operations. The vehicles will have armor protection capability, they will be equipped with network ability to share and distribute information from onboard and remote sensors. The craft will be able to accommodate a variety of weapons systems, based on specific mission needs.

Gibbs and Lockheed Martin are developing three military concept vehicles, representing a scalable capability to meet various missions – the Amphibious Combat Craft — Expeditionary (ACC-E), a 20-foot amphibian capable 45 mph on the water and 80 mph on land; The Amphibious Combat Craft – Riverine (ACC-R) is a 35-foot amphibian capable of 40 mph on the water and 65 mph on land; and the Terraquad, capable of over 55 mph on the water and 50 mph on land.
Alan Gibbs founded Gibbs Technologies in New Zealand in 1996. Initial amphibian concept work was undertaken in 1997 and 1998 in Detroit. In 1999, excited by the technology, Neil Jenkins merged his business to form Gibbs Technologies UK, of which Gibbs Military Amphibian is a licensee. ”

HSAs are high performance craft on the water, and high performance vehicles on the ground and the transition between the two is seamless,” says Alan Gibbs, chairman of Gibbs Technologies. “These are true amphibians, combining the best of both worlds”. Gibbs’ commercial offerings, currently in prototype stage, include the Aquada, a three-person sports car, Humdinga, a four-wheel military vehicle, and Gibbs Quadski, an amphibious all terrain vehicle.

More battlefield helicopters for the UK Armed Forces

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Apr 2, 2007

Britain is accelerating the procurement of helicopters in support of operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. The UK has agreed in principle with the Danish Government and AgustaWestland that six Merlin helicopters delivered in the past 12 months to Denmark, will be transferred to the UK, where they will be refitted to meet the British Royal Air Force requirements. Subsequently, Denmark will receive new aircraft from future productions. The RAF will also modernize eight Chinook Mark 3 helicopters at a cost of £50-60 million, to increase its heavy transport capability. The 14 helicopters are expected to be available for deployment in 24 months. The combined program is expected to cost around £230 million.

The six ex Royal Danish Air Force EH101 Merlin Joint Supporters, which will be known as EH101 Merlin HC Mk3As in RAF service, will be equipped with BERP IV technology main rotor blades which will provide further improved performance. The Merlin Mk.3As will be the first helicopters to be equipped with these new technology blades, developed under a jointly funded AgustaWestland and UK MoD research and development rotor technology program.
The acquisition of the six helicopters is expected to cost £175 Million. The new Merlins with operational enhancements and the latest generation of advanced rotor-blades which will enhance their speed, range and lift. This will ensure good performance even in demanding environments like Iraq and Afghanistan. Denmark will then receive six additional aircraft from AgustaWestland. Chinook Mk3s were ordered in 1995 for special operations and were delivered in 2001 but have been unavailable since then due to technical problems.

US Army Evaluates Military Uses of FTTS Concept Vehicles

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Apr 2, 2007

The US Army is conducting Military Utility Assessment (MUA) of five demonstration trucks built under a US$60 million technology evaluation program known as “Future Tactical Truck System” (FTTS). The test involving vehicles developed by Lockheed Marin, International Trucks and Armor Holdings (formerly Stewart & Stevenson) include three utility vehicles and two maneuver sustainment vehicles (MSV). During the evaluation, the vehicles are operated by troops of the 5th Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division, and the 14th Engineer Battalion at Ft. Lewis to assess their military performance.

The 18,500 pound (8.39 ton) tactical utility vehicle is the smaller vehicle, built by International. It is powered by a hybrid-electric engine, positioned in the rear, clearing more room in the cab. The vehicle used four-wheel steering for enhanced maneuverability, including driving sideways. The vehicle is fitted with a remote weapons system.

A larger, 25,000 pound (11.34 ton) vehicle was built by Lockheed Martin. This vehicle offers an articulated drive, adjusting the vehicle’s height, and a tilt system enabling the truck and trailer to travel over rough terrain. The vehicle is designed with a V-shaped hull designed to deflect IED blasts. It has a top road speed of 75 mph.

Armor Holdings developed the Maneuver Sustainment Vehicle (MSV) comprising a hybrid electric drive that can deliver up to 30 kilowatts of exportable power. Each wheel is powered by a new 120kW electrical motor made by UQM. The vehicle is also equipped with a fully robotic crane that can lift 13 tons of cargo and remotely operated weapon station.

Boeing Starts Phase II of Focused Lethality Munition

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Apr 2, 2007

Boeing [NYSE: BA] has been awarded the second phase of a $27 million U.S. Air Force contract for the Small Diameter Bomb I Focused Lethality Munition (SDB I FLM) Joint Capability Technology Demonstration program.

During the $17.7 million second phase, Boeing will integrate the FLM warhead into the SDB I weapon, perform a series of ground and flight tests, and manufacture a limited number of FLM weapons.

The FLM warhead, developed by Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory and the U.S Air Force Research Laboratory, features an advanced, multi-phase blast explosive and a composite carbon fiber warhead case, allowing for pinpoint strikes with low collateral damage.
The weapons are slated for flight testing in August 2007. Boeing will deliver the first 50 weapons for operational assessment in January 2008, with the Air Force potentially procuring as many as 450 SDB I FLM units through 2012.

Australian Destroyers to Get Next Generation AEGIS

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Apr 2, 2007

The U.S. Navy awarded Lockheed Martin (NYSE:LMT) $260 million for Aegis Weapon Systems to equip three Australian Air Warfare Destroyers (AWD) and one Spanish F-100-class frigate. The four systems will be next-generation Aegis Weapon Systems – among the first to fully utilize commercial off-the-shelf hardware and a open architecture computing environment. Production of the systems destined for Australia and Spain with be synchronized with the U.S. Navy’s Aegis modernization program, which calls for delivery of the first fully open architecture Aegis Weapon System to the USS Bunker Hill in 2008.

“Aegis Open Architecture will provide many advantages, including the opportunity to more easily integrate indigenous systems into the combat system and to reduce acquisition and certification risks and costs,” said Orlando Carvalho, vice president and general manager of Lockheed Martin’s Surface/Sea- Based Missile Defense Systems business in Moorestown. “Aegis Open Architecture is already driving commonality across the United States’ surface fleet, as we are directly leveraging and reusing it in combat system development associated with the Littoral Combat Ship and the Coast Guard’s Deepwater programs.”

The contract is the latest milestone for the AWD program. Currently, the Australian government is in the process of selecting the AWD ship design in support of final program approval. The Aegis Weapon Systems Lockheed Martin will produce through this contract will support equally both of the ship designs under evaluation. Earlier this month, the U.S. Navy also contracted Lockheed Martin to produce the MK 41 Vertical Launching System (VLS) for the AWD in an identical manner, again supporting both ship designs.

Turkey Selects Italian A-129 for Future Attack Helicopter

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Apr 2, 2007

AgustaWestland, a member of the Finmeccanica group won a major Turkish program worth $2.7 billion to supply Tactical Reconnaissance and Attack Helicopters for the Turkish Land Forces Command. AgustaWestland estimates its share of the program to be in excess of Euro 1.2 billion, based on the requirement for 51 A129 helicopters. AgustaWestland proposed significant industrial benefits for Turkey, involving several companies including TAI and Aselsan.

The Italian company will co-produce the helicopters with locally based Turkish Aviation Industry (TAI) which will handle final assembly. As part of the initial phase, Turkey will buy 31 helicopters, and will have options for 20 more. About 60 A-129s, most of them modernized to CBT configuration, are currently operational with the Italian Army Aviation.

The Turkish model of the Mangusta will be designated T-129. The A-129 is operated only by the Italian armed forces. However, China is also known to be developing, with European assistance, a locally designed gunship known as WZ-10. This helicopter bears general similarity to the A-129 design. The only other company shortlisted in the Turkish tender was Denel of South Africa which produces the Rooivalk, so-far operated only by the South African armed forces. Franco-German company Eurocopter and Kamov of Russia were eliminated earlier in the process.

Two years ago a previous contract with Bell, to co-produce a Turkish version of the AH-1Z Super Cobra failed over price, technology transfer and licensing issues. This time the Turks demanded full access to designs, software source codes and mission systems to be used with the helicopter. Based on a platform anticipated as a cooperative European program, A-129 was well fitted for such requirements. The original design, first flown in 1983 went through two decades of modifications, enhancements and changes in dynamic, avionics, and weapon systems. The A129 is a multi-role combat helicopter designed for day/night and adverse weather combat operations. The A129, powered by two LHTEC T800 turboshaft engines, has a state-of-the-art cockpit and features a fully digital integrated avionics system which controls and manages the flight and mission sub-systems. The Turkish Army considers the Hellfire and Israeli Spike to equip its new helicopters.

Muraena – Mast-Mounted Gun Systems for Submarines

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Mar 27, 2007

Muraena is another innovative idea for littoral and counter terror warfare is proposed by HDW for submarines. The system is a hoistable, mast-mounted automatic gun designed specifically for submarines. HDW expects to complete the system development by 2007. The unique design enables the submarine to use lethal force without having to surface, therefore maintaining the element of surprise. The hoistable mast, designed by Gabler Maschinebau, is fitted wit a Mauser 30mm automatic gun (RMK 30×230) from Rheinmetall Waffe Munition (Mauser Werke) without having to surface. The gun can be operated from periscope depth, enabling the submarine to remain underwater and not expose itself to hostile small arms, RPG or missile fire. The gun is accommodated in the submarine’s super structure, in a pressure-tight container and can be hoisted hydraulically like a snorkel. For a gun of this calibre to be installed on top of a hoistable mast, it is essential for it to be recoilless. The gun has already been tested on a light armored vehicle.

FanCopter – VTOL Mini UAV

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Mar 26, 2007

The FanCopter system uses counter-rotating rotor system combining speed, stability and hovering with small dimensions (65 cm diameter, 40 cm height). the Fancopter air vehicle weighs 1.3 kg, can be carried and operated by a single soldier, transmitting live video over a distance of 500 meters. The system uses collision avoidance technology, enabling the compact air vehicle to operate near and even inside buildings.

The vehicle flies on an autopilot, maintaining the direction and line of sight controlled by the operator (the user indicates only the point of interest). In addition, fully autonomous flight segments can be defined, where the vehicle will follow waypoint navigation or return to a designated location.

Fancopter uses a daylight camera positioned in a pod, above the rotor assembley. Wide angle camera provides situational overview and an additional telephoto lens mounted on a tiltable mount, is used for reconnaissance. This camera has a tilt down position enabling the Fancopter to landon rooftops or other elevanetd positions and perce over the area below for suspicious targets. EMT also offers a high resolution still camera, which stores images on board, and a low-light camera payloads for night operations. Fancopter can stay on a mission for up to 20 minutes and observe continuously for up to two hours (perching).

Athena RF Tags

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Mar 21, 2007

RF Tags, developed by General Atomics, under a U.S. Army CERDEC I2WD program will provide reliable combat identification (CID) of friendly forces, through when viewed by imaging radar sensors (SAR).

The Athena RF Tag system uses coherent gain block RF tag architecture, developed by Sandia National laboratory and demonstrated in field tests with a wide range of surveillance and fire control radars. The system operates on the same channels used by the radars, transmitting low-power tag data “buried” in the radar clutter, to eliminate detection and location by enemy eavesdropping.

The tag is detected by the radar system, and identifies the platform when seen on the radar screen of the surveillance or attack aircraft with zero latency. Current RF tags use analog processing, but future versions could utilize digital RF memory (DRFM) for more flexible performance. These tags have already been tested with Lynx SAR radars and Joint STARS platforms, as well as F-15E and F-16s radars. The system will also be compatible with earlier models of F-16s, AV-8B, F/A-18 Hornets and Predator UAVs.

CAMAC Composite Armor for CAMCAV armored vehicle

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Mar 20, 2007

New Vehicles at DSEi 07: Based on a standard Iveco medium truck chassis which has been in military service for the past 15 years, CavCat uses NP’s CAMAC all-composite armor solution which was first use with the armored Landrover Snatch using the CAV100 suite. CAMAC is designed as an all-composite bulletproof box, offering a high level of protection and structural strength at relatively low weight. The CAMAC provides a modular monocoque construction providing optimal ballistic protection and strength to carry structural loads. Large scale armor components made of laminated composite are molded and bonded together to form the hull, minimizing joint lines and facilitating a stronger, more repellant surface.

NP has augmented their composite armor solution with the new CAMAC Advanced Composite Passive Explosively Formed Projectile Armor (EFPA) and Advanced Composite Bar Armor (ACBA), which can be combined into the CAVCAT to effectively mitigate mine, EAF, RPG and kinetic energy threats effects.

According to NP Armour CAVCAT provides this capability at half the mass of high hardness steel. The composite armor is also offered as enhancement for existing vehicles as well as for add-on armor protecting gunner’s turrets. Internally, the vehicle is configured to carry seven warfighters seated in ballistically protected ‘capsule’ seats. These seats have also been fitted with blast mitigation elements while the vehicle itself uses a ‘floating floor’ to further reduce blast effects. The vehicle is equipped with armor and slat protected doors, with transparent armored windows for the driver and commander, and rear access for the troops.

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MQ-9 Reaper Joins First Unmanned Attack Squadron

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Mar 16, 2007

The first MQ-9 Reaper unmanned aircraft arrived at Creech Air Force Base, NV this week after completing flight tests in California. This is the first of 18 aircraft to be operated by the 42 attack squadron from this base. By May 1, the squadron should transition under the 432nd Wing, the first wing totally dedicated to Predator and Reaper operations. According to squadron commander Lt. Colonel Jon Greene, By 2009, the 42nd Attack Squadron should have 18 Reapers assigned for training and deployment purposes. The plan is for the Reapers to deploy by the beginning of summer, said. The squadron is tasked with the initial training and development of MQ-9 specific tactics, techniques and procedures (TTP) to be used in the current fight as well as any potential future conflicts. The first deployment of the MQ-9 is expected in AFghanistan during the second half of 2007, subsequently it will be fielded in Iraq, probably with the Predators stationed at Balad airbase, by late 2007 or early 2008.

Seven MQ-9s are currently in production; In January 2006 General Atomics was awarded an initial contract for the production of five MQ-9 Reaper air vehicles, scheduled for delivery by March 2008, for the total amount of $41 million. By March 13 the company received additional $43 million for the delivery of two MQ-9 unmanned aerial vehicles, two ground control stations plus mission equipment and support. These aircraft are scheduled for delivery by December 2008. All aircraft will employ the Multi-Spectral Targeting System (MTS-B) electro-optical payloads, developed by Raytheon. A production contract for five systems was awarded to Raytheon in February, as part of a $70 million MTS order for 65 systems, destined for the MQ-1 Predator (60 systems) and MQ-9 systems (5).

Israeli Tavor Assault Rifles Modified To Improve Reliability

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Mar 16, 2007

IWI is modifying the Tavor assault rifle to address reliability issues encountered during the initial operations with the Givati brigade. Some of the rifles failed when exposed to the fine dust of the Israeli Negev. These issues were immediately addressed by the manufacturer, which has introduced some 20 changes to the fielded weapons. The first batch of modified rifles is being returned to service, offering improved reliability under tough field conditions.

“The Tavor actually benefit from this experience, as the quick reaction enabled us to improve the performance and reliability under tough battlefield conditions” IWI marketing manager Mark Shachar told defense Update. According to IDF Magazine Bamachane, the fixes introduced include improved cocking handle, redesigned magazine loading port, and improved sealing for the ejection port, eliminating the buildup of dust inside the weapon. These changes are expected to be included in all serial production Tavors. Few weeks ago Jane’s Defense Weekly reported about problems encountered with the Tavor in India. However, IWI informed Defense Update that contrary to this report, the Indian Tavors are being delivered as planned, and the entire delivery of 3070 rifles is nearing completion.

The evolution of the new Israeli assault rifle was paved with hurdles, facing opposition from within the ministry of Defense and Army, which favored the US M-4, which could be imported from the USA using more available Foreign Military Sales funding. Despite this opposition, Tavor was highly praised by combat troops participating in a competitive evaluation against the M-4, paving the way for its induction into IDF service.

Defense-UpdateMilitary Technology & Defense News

Defense-UpdateMilitary Technology & Defense News

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