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Results for "laircm"
V-22 Osprey: The Multi-Year Program
03-Nov-2009 16:36 EST |
Related Stories: Americas - USA, Boeing, Contracts - Modifications, Engines - Aircraft, Europe - E.U., GE, Helicopters & Rotary, Issues - Political, New Systems Tech, Other Corporation, Policy - Procurement, Rolls Royce, Spotlight articles
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In March 2008, the Bell Boeing Joint Project Office in Amarillo, TX received a $10.4 billion modification that converted the previous advance acquisition contract (N00019-07-C-0001) to a fixed-price-incentive-fee, multi-year contract. The new contract now sits at $10.8 billion, and will be used to buy 141 MV-22 (for USMC) and 31 CV-22 (Air Force Special Operations) Osprey aircraft, plus associated manufacturing tooling to move the aircraft into full production.
The V-22 tilt-rotor program has been beset by controversy throughout its 20-year development period. DID’s “V-22 Osprey: A Flying Shame?” offers a focused look at a number of specific allegations associated with the program, with material from Pentagon test reports, critical reviews, ongoing news reports, and the US military’s responses. Despite these issues, and the emergence of competitive but more conventional compound helicopter technologies like Piasecki’s X-49 Speedhawk and Sikorsky’s X2, the V-22 program continues to move forward. This DID Spotlight article looks at the V-22’s new multi-year purchase contract, associated contracts for key V-22 systems, and program developments that arise after the contract conversion.
The latest developments involve a slew of minor contracts, and a very negative GAO report on the program. Which does nothing to change the program…
Morocco’s Air Force Reloads (updated)
29-Oct-2009 17:30 EDT |
Related Stories: Africa, Alliances, Americas - USA, Avionics, Boeing, C4ISR, Contracts - Awards, ECM, Europe - France, Events, Fighters & Attack, Force Structure, GE, General Dynamics, Guns - 20-59 mm direct, Issues - Environmental, L3 Communications, Lobbying, Lockheed Martin, Northrop-Grumman, Other Corporation, Policy - Procurement, Protective Systems - Aircraft, Radars, Raytheon, Sensors & Guidance, Signals Radio & Wireless, Specialty Aircraft, Spotlight articles, United Technologies
French Mirage F1s
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Morocco’s combat air force currently flies 2 squadrons of old F-5s, and 2 squadrons of only slightly newer Mirage F1s; T-37 light jets serve as key transitional trainers. Their neighbor and rival Algeria flies MiG-23s of similar vintage, but the Force Aerienne Algerienne also flies SU-24 Fencer and SU-25 Frogfoot strike aircraft, even more modern and capable MiG-29s, and is set to receive multi-role SU-30MKs as part of a multi-billion dollar weapons deal with Russia.
Morocco can’t beat that array. Instead, they’re looking for replacement aircraft that will prevent complete overmatch, and provide a measure of security. Initially, they looked to France. France’s Rafale is part of a set of European 4+ generation fighters that were developed and fielded during the 1990s-early 21st century, with the aim of surpassing existing offerings among America’s “teen series” fighters, as well as Russia’s Mig-29 Fulcrum and SU-27/30 Flanker family. “Dogfight at the Casbah: Rafale vs. F-16” discussed the French sales slip-ups that cost Dassault its first export order for the 4+ generation fighter. That outcome is now official.
Just to make things worse, the final multi-billion dollar deal involves new-build F-16s, at a price comparable to the rumored figures for the Rafale. Not to mention an accompanying American deal to replace Morocco’s T-37 trainer fleet with T-6Cs, and contracts for air-launched weapons, targeting pods, and C-27J short-haul transports. The latest development includes a DSCA request for CH-47D helicopters…
- Contracts and Key Events [updated]
- Why The F-16? DID Analysis – Dec. 2007
- Additional Readings
Continue reading…
DID Focus: The Global C-17 Sustainment Partnership
06-Oct-2009 15:40 EDT |
Related Stories: Americas - Other, Americas - USA, Australia & S. Pacific, Avionics, Boeing, Britain/U.K., Contracts - Awards, Contracts - Intent, Contracts - Modifications, ECM, Europe - Other, FOCUS Articles, Middle East - Other, Power Projection, Procurement Innovations, Support & Maintenance, Support Functions - Other, Transport & Utility, United Technologies
C-17 over Hawaii
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While the C-17 may have limited production time in its future, the C-17 Globemaster Sustainment Partnership is likely to continue for many years. The rising cost of maintenance has made it a greater concern to the world’s militaries, and new contract vehicles are reflecting that. Under the C-17 Globemaster III Sustainment Partnership, Boeing has total system support responsibility for the big transport aircraft, including materiel management and depot maintenance, for fleets around the world. The goal is total aircraft sustainment support under a single contract, in order to achieve improvements in mission readiness, while reducing operating and support costs. The initial contract had an estimated total value of $4.9 billion, which is likely to grow as Boeing’s customer base grows in Australia (4), Britain (6), Canada (4), Qatar (2), and NATO (3).
This is DID’s in-depth, updated FOCUS Article covering this major international program, offering key statistics for the aircraft, explaining the GSP’s components, and detailing its contracts. The latest additions involve $72.6 million in NATO Airlift Management Agency and Qatar Emiri Air Force contracts…
SALIS’ Sibling: NATO’s C-17 Pool Inaugurates In-House Heavy Lift
30-Sep-2009 09:25 EDT |
Related Stories: Alliances, Americas - USA, Boeing, Contracts - Intent, Europe - Other, Force Structure, Interoperability, Northrop-Grumman, Other Corporation, Policy - Procurement, Power Projection, Transport & Utility, United Technologies
SAC 01: Come to Papa!
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The long-range C-17 Globemaster III heavy transport aircraft remains the backbone of US Air Mobility Command inter-theater transport around the world, and its ability to operate from shorter and rougher runways has made it especially useful during the Global War on Terror. Recent buys by Australia, Britain, and Canada have broadened the plane’s its global use. Now NATO, who has relied on the SALIS arrangement and its leased super-giant AN-124s from Russia, is looking to buy and own 3 C-17s as NATO pooled assets with multinational crews. Participating countries will receive allocated flight hours relative to their participation, and thus far they include 12 nations: Bulgaria, Estonia, Finland, Hungary, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Romania, Slovenia, Sweden, and the United States.
This order will not materially change the coming shut-down of C-17 production, but it does look like the inauguration of a pool that will fill a gaping hole in Europe’s defense capabilities – its complete lack of heavy airlift. This article covers NATO C-17 acquisition program, including its structure and ongoing announcements.
Program is now an adequate name, as NATO SAC has signed a contract, 2 of 3 aircraft have been delivered, and a SAC C-17 has completed its first operational mission to Afghanistan…
- The NATO C-17 Pool
- Contracts, Notifications & Key Events [updated]
- Additional Readings
Continue reading…
Canada Joining the Anglosphere C-17 Club
17-Nov-2008 10:35 EST |
Related Stories: Americas - Other, Americas - USA, Boeing, Events, Force Structure, Issues - Political, Lobbying, Northrop-Grumman, Other Corporation, Policy - Procurement, Procurement Innovations, RFPs, Russia, Spotlight articles, Transport & Utility, United Technologies, University-related
CC-177, Inuvik
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When Canada announced a program to replace its aging CC-130 Hercules fleet in November 2005, there was a great deal of speculation about where the C-17 might fit in. The fast answer was that it didn’t, but speculation revived following the Liberal government’s defeat and the formation of a new Conservative Party government. The new government justified that speculation, creating a separate Strategic Airlift competition – and the shape of its specifications suggested that Canada was about to reprise Australia’s recent move and buy at least 4 of Boeing’s C-17 Globemaster III aircraft. Australia, Britain, and the USA already operate the C-17; NATO is scheduled to buy 3-4 as a shared strategic airlift solution, but the procurement is in limbo.
Canada has traditionally resisted buying strategic airlift, choosing instead to participate in NATO’s SALIS consortium that leases ultra-heavy AN-124 aircraft for such roles. Other leased alternatives to the C-17s were available to Canada, including one based on Canadian soil – but in the end, the C-17 was the sole realistic competitor for this C$ 3.4 billion (USD$ 3 billion) program, and is entering service in Canada as the CC-177.
Canada has now taken delivery of its “CC-177s,” and begun flying missions. With new planes, however, comes new ancillary equipment…
Australia Acquires 4 C-17s (updated)
08-Sep-2008 12:13 EDT |
Related Stories: Americas - USA, Australia & S. Pacific, Boeing, Contracts - Awards, Support & Maintenance, Transport & Utility
C-17 #1 Arrives
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In March 2006, the Australian government announced that the Australian Defence Forces will acquire up to 4 new Boeing C-17 Globemaster III strategic airlift planes and associated equipment for A$ 2 billion ($1.49 billion then conversion). The first aircraft will be delivered to Australia later in 2006, with the balance of the fleet originally slated for to delivery by mid 2008.
Since then, aircraft have been rolling off the assembly line, and flying the (un)friendly skies to support Australia’s military. The last aircraft has arrived, but that doesn’t mean expenses are done. The latest item is a contract with Boeing, which will create an Australian training facility. DID chronicles the entire process…
The UK’s FSTA: An Aerial Tanker Program - With a Difference
17-Jul-2008 15:16 EDT |
Related Stories: BAE, Bases & Infrastructure, Boeing, Britain/U.K., Contracts - Intent, EADS, FOCUS Articles, Issues - Political, Legal, Other Corporation, Partnerships & Consortia, People, Power Projection, Pre-RFP, Procurement Innovations, Public Partnering, RFPs, Rolls Royce, Specialty Aircraft, Support & Maintenance, Support Functions - Other, Thales, Transformation
FSTA Concept
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Back in March 2005, “British AirTanker Deal May Go Private” discussed the deal for a potential public-private partnership to buy, equip, and operate the RAF’s future aerial tanker fleet, and noted the selection of a preferred consortium. The RAF would fly the 14 Airbus A330-MRTT aircraft on operational missions and receive absolute preferential access to the planes, while the contractor handled maintenance, received payment from the RAF on a per-use basis, and operated them as passenger or transport aircraft when the RAF didn’t need them. The deal became politically controversial; though it was based on a practice that has been successful in Britain, it had surface similarities with the USA’s controversial and canceled KC-767 lease deal. Negotiations on the multi-billion pound, 27-year deal, meanwhile, charted new territory for both the government and private industry.
Which may help to explain why the final decision to move ahead on a “Private Financing Initiative” basis had yet to be issued, and procurement had yet to begin, over 2 years after a preferred bidder was selected. That hurdle is now clear, and Britain has just issued the world’s largest-ever Defence Private Finance Initiative (PFI) contract. This FOCUS Article describes the current British fleet, the aircraft they chose and how the new fleet will compare, the innovative deal structure they’ve chosen, and the project’s key events. The most recent events include a contract for LAIRCM self-protection systems…
$5.9M for LAIRCM UV Testing on CH-53E Helicopters
29-May-2008 13:23 EDT |
Related Stories: Americas - USA, Delivery & Task Orders, Helicopters & Rotary, Northrop-Grumman, Protective Systems - Aircraft, Testing & Evaluation
CH-53E Super Stallion
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Northrop Grumman Electronic Systems’ Defensive Systems Division in Rolling Meadows, IL received a $5.9 million cost-plus-fixed-fee delivery order against a previously issued basic ordering agreement (N00019-08-G-0012) for Group-A and Group–B testing support on the Navy CH-53E Large Aircraft Infrared Countermeasures Ultra Violet Engineering Change Proposal (ECP).
Readers who follow DID know that LAIRCM systems protect large aircraft against infared-guided missiles by detecting the incoming missile, then firing pulsed lasers at its guidance head to confuse it. Using infared and ultraviolet together in the detection process helps improve results, just as it does on the other end for missiles like the FIM-92B+ Stinger. A number of advanced aircraft defensive systems currently use this combination, and refinements are an ongoing process.
This particular ECP contract includes the development, operational and ECP validation and verification, support for personnel in the Safety of Flight Clearance process, and the installation of a Flight Instrumentation package. Work will be performed in Rolling Meadows, IL and is expected to be complete in May 2009. The Naval Air Systems Command in Patuxent River, MD issued the contract.
Australia Requests LAIRCMS for C-130J
27-May-2008 15:40 EDT |
Related Stories: Americas - USA, Australia & S. Pacific, Contracts - Intent, ECM, Northrop-Grumman, Protective Systems - Aircraft, Transport & Utility
LAIRCM Concept
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On May 21/08, the US DSCA announced Australia’s formal request for AN/AAQ-24(V) Large Aircraft Infrared Countermeasures (LAIRCM) systems to be installed on their C-130J Hercules transport aircraft. LAIRCM systems detect incoming inared guided missiles, and use specific sets of laser pulses to divert them from their targets. The total value, if all options are exercised, could be as high as $100 million.
The request includes 12 Line Replaceable Units (LRUs): 12 Control Interface Units (CIU),12 System Processors (SP), 12 AN/AAR-54(V) Missile Warning Systems (MWS), 12 Small Laser Transmitter Assemblies (SLTA), Operational Flight Program (OFP) software, and spares (6 CIUs, 6 Sps, 7 individual MWS sensors, and 12 SLTAs). Installation support, engineering change proposals, minor modifications, support equipment, spare and repair parts, publications and technical documents, repair and return, depot maintenance, and other related elements of logistics and program support are also included.
The principal contractor will be Northrop Grumman Corporation in Rolling Meadows, IL. Implementation will require about 5 contractor representatives in Australia for 12 weeks after delivery. U.S. Government and contractor representatives will also participate in program management and technical reviews for two-week intervals annually.
Moroccan VIP Jet Gets LAIRCM
16-Oct-2007 15:45 EDT |
Related Stories: Africa, Americas - USA, Contracts - Awards, ECM, Northrop-Grumman, Protective Systems - Aircraft, Transport & Utility
LAIRCM Concept
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Northrop Grumman Systems Corporation of Rolling Meadows, IL received a firm-fixed price contract modification for $15 million, pursuant to a letter contract for foreign military sales case number MO-D-QAD for one Moroccan Head of State Aircraft Large Aircraft Infrared Countermeasures (LAIRCM) system. LAIRCM has become a popular way to protect large transport aircraft; it uses sensors to detect incoming infared-guided missiles, then throws it off course using targeted laser pulses. The exact aircraft was not specified, but based on the Alkowat al malakiya al jawiya’s order of battle, our bet is on the transcontinental Falcon 50 business jet based at Rabat Sale.
The contract will include hardware, support equipment and services to include but not limited to: systems engineering, program management, logistics, spares as well as installation, installation support, and field service support. This effort support foreign military sales to Morocco. At this time, $3 million has been obligated. Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, OH will issue the contract (FA8625-08-C-6479).
