Do you feel lucky…?
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DID has covered the T-45 Training System before, which includes T-45 Goshawk aircraft, advanced flight simulators, computer-assisted instructional programs, a computerized training integration system, and a contractor logistics support package. The integration of all 5 elements is designed to produce a superior pilot in less time and at lower cost than previous training systems.

The US Navy uses the Hawk-based T-45TS system to train its pilots for the transition from T-6A Texan II/ JPATS aircraft to modern jet fighters – and carrier landings. This is not a risk-free assignment, by any means. Nevertheless, it is a critical link in the naval aviation chain.

DID recaps its coverage of the complete T45TS system, notes the relevant budgetary figures, and covers its contracts from FY 2006 onward. The latest developments include a MissionCare engine maintenance contract for FY 2010…

• T-45: History & Background
• T45TS Contracts and Key Events, 2006-Present [updated]
  
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The US Department of Defense’s Information Analysis Centers (IACs) are research and analysis organizations operated by the Defense Technical Information Center (DTIC). Chartered by the DoD to help researchers, engineers, scientists and program managers, IACS offer specialized research staff to DoD agencies and military services.

The mission of the IACs is 2 two-fold: (1) IACs provide access to worldwide scientific and technical information to improve the productivity of personnel in the defense science and technology communities. The IACs accomplish this mission by collecting, analyzing, synthesizing, and disseminating relevant information in clearly-defined and structured subject areas; (2) IACs serve their respective fields by providing technical services and solutions.

There are 10 DTIC IACs that specialize in various scientific areas relevant to the US military. Alion recently received a $6.3 million task order to provide decision support to the Marine Corps Systems Command. (new material is indicated in green type)...

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L-3 Link F-16 Simulator
Helmet-Mounted Display
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L-3 Link Simulation and Training received 2 US Air Force contracts to provide training and simulation support for the E-3 AWACS and F-16 fighter aircraft.

Under the 1st contract (F42630-00-C-0024), worth $14.4 million, L-3 Link will support the E-3 contractor training and simulation services (CTSS) program.

Under the 2nd contract (F33657-01-D-2007), the company will provide a helmet-mounted display to simulate “out-the-window” imagery on currently fielded F-16 trainers. The contract value was not disclosed…

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In the 1970s, fighter aircraft began to appear with Head-Up Displays (HUD) that projected key information, targeting crosshairs etc. onto a seemingly clear piece of glass. HUDs allowed pilots to keep their eyes in the sky, instead of looking down at their instruments. Ever since, we’ve been wondering when we’d see them in our automobiles. In the 1990s, another innovation appeared: helmet-mounted displays (HMDs) put the HUD inside the pilot’s helmet, providing this information even when the pilot wasn’t looking straight ahead. The Israelis were already pioneering a system called DASH when a set of former East German MiG-29s equipped with Soviet HMDs slaughtered USAF F-16s in NATO exercises. Suddenly, helmet-mounted displays became must-haves for modern fighters – and a key partnership positioned Elbit to take DASH to the next level.

This DID Spotlight article offered insights into the rocky past, overall state, and future of a program that has experienced its share of snags and controversy – but went on to become the #1 helmet-mounted sight in the world today. It also details the JHMCS’ game-changing effects on air combat, its production sets and known customers, and all contracts since full-rate production began.

The latest item is a some aditional gear for the US Navy…

• JHMCS: A Combat Multiplier [updated] (i.e. Continue reading…)
• JHMCS: The Program to Date
• JHMCS: Contracts & Key Events [updated]
• Appendix A: JHMCS History & Challenges
• Appendix B: Additional Readings & Sources
  
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NH90: TTH & NFH
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The NH90 emerged from a requirement that created a NATO helicopter development and procurement agency in 1992 and, at almost the same time, established NHIndustries (62.5% EADS Eurocopter, 32.5% AugustaWestland, and 5% Stork Fokker) to build the hardware. The NATO Frigate Helicopter was originally developed to fit between light naval helicopters like AW’s Lynx or Eurocopter’s Panther, and medium-heavy naval helicopters like the European EH101. A quick look at the NFH design showed definite possibilities as a troop transport helicopter, however, and soon the NH90 project had branched into 2 versions, with more to follow. The nearest equivalent would be Sikorsky’s popular H-60 Seahawk/ Black Hawk family, but the NH90 includes a set of innovative features that give it some distinguishing selling points.

While battlefield damage to composite airframes can be more difficult to repair in the field, the combination of corrosion-proofing, lower maintenance, greater troop or load capacity, and the flexibility offered by that rear ramp have made the NH90 a popular global competitor. As many business people discover the hard way, however, success can be almost as dangerous as failure. NH Industries has had great difficulty ramping up production fast enough to meet promised deliveries, which has left several buyers upset. Orders currently stand at 507 machines, on behalf of 14 nations.

This is DID’s FOCUS Article, offering an in-depth look at the multi-national NH90 program, its customers, and its chronology from 1995 to the present day. The most recent additions cover developments, timelines, and controversies in Australia, the Netherlands, Norway, and Germany since January 2009…

• The NH90 Platform(s)
• The NH90 Production Program
• Contracts & Key Events, 1995-present [updated]
• Additional Readings & Sources
  
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CH-47D Chinooks
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VT Group US, a unit of UK-based VT Group, received a contract to provide logistics analyses and support for the Army’s fleet of CH-47D/F Chinook cargo helicopters. The contract has a potential value of $29.1 million over a 5 year period.

Under the terms of the contract, VT Group’s Technical Services Division will provide CH-47D/F logistics fleet management, sustainment, CH-47F product manager, foreign military sales, and sustainment support related to all CH-47 cargo helicopters in the Army’s fleet. This includes logistic support to be performed for the CH-47D/F programs, subsystems, product improvements, and the Army’s modernization plan for the CH-47s.

“Boeing in Flight on Production of (Re)New H-47 Chinooks” examines the CH-47F upgrade program…

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Science Applications International Corp. (SAIC) received a task order to provide counter improvised explosive device (C-IED) training services to the US Navy Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center (SPAWARSYSCEN) Atlantic’s Tactical Command and Control (C2) Division.

The task order, awarded under the SeaPort-e contract, has a 3-year period of performance and a total value of $32 million. SAIC will perform the training at Camp LeJeune, NC; and Camp Pendleton, Twentynine Palms, and Bridgeport, CA.

Seaport-e is a $5.3 billion multiple-award umbrella contract that enables the US Navy to use an integrated approach to contracting for support services.

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ICT FlatWorld Simulation
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A decade ago, the US Army turned to the University of Southern California, the gaming industry, and Hollywood to develop virtual reality systems to simulate the battlefield situations and cultural interactions that soldiers would face in deploying overseas. The result was the establishment of the Institute for Creative Technologies (ICF).

The institute uses technologies in artificial intelligence, graphics, and immersion to create interactive simulations that help soldiers not only see the training situation but also interact with virtual soldiers, insurgents, and civilians.

To continue that work, the Army awarded the institute a $78.5 million, 7-year indefinite delivery/ indefinite quantity contract…

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Starship Barracks Model
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Although the term “starship barracks” conjures up images of a young James T. Kirk going through basic training at the Starfleet Academy, it’s actually the US Army’s name for a new type of training barracks. Starship barracks will house 1,200 soldiers, and have a similar function to basic combat training facilities.

The Army is moving ahead with starship barracks construction, awarding a $55 million firm-fixed-price contract to Harper Construction in San Diego, CA to renovate 3 existing trainee barracks into starship complexes at Fort Sill in Oklahoma…

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RSAF F-16D Block 52+
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Because space is at a premium in Singapore, that country has been training its F-16 pilots for over 17 years at Luke Air Force Base in Arizona.

Originally, Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) pilots leased F-16A/B aircraft from the USAF. Now they have F-16C/Ds of their own and they actively participate in US-sponsored exercises and joint training. Singapore’s current arsenal of F-16s number 70 Fighting Falcons, 62 of which are advanced F-16C/D Block 52 aircraft, according to F-16.net.

The Singapore government is seeking to continue that training tradition…

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