• Defense executive panel offers advice to contractors on future industry challenges.

• Nordic Alliance proposal continues to make political progress.

• ASDReports.com: Global market for armored vehicles will reach $10.3 billion, fueled by continued IED threat.

• US Army: “Review drops two-war force size paradigm,” changing the assumptions used to set required military forces.

• “American Civil Liberties Union” sues the government, asking for in-depth information about the use of UAV strikes in foreign wars.

• CSC snags 5-year, $27 million contract to provide IT to US DoD’s Dependents Schools-Europe, which runs 81 schools for the children of US military.

• Cubic in San Diego, CA will supply small arms training systems to Saudi Arabia under a $30 million contract.

• Boeing’s A160T Hummingbird Warrior helicopter UAV completes resupply trials with US Marines. Main competition is Kaman’s K-MAX.

• USAF continues its shift from cost-plus contracts toward fixed-cost, for the F-35 program. Meanwhile, the first production model F-35B hovers in a test.

• Navy Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) Release 1.1 (Single Supply Solution) goes live at Naval Supply Systems Command (NAVSUP). Sounds simple. Isn’t, in practice.

• General Dynamics gets $30.6 million contract to supply 118 Type-3 advanced mission computers for the F/A-18 Super Hornet fighter aircraft.

• Czech firm Aero Vodochody says it will supply 40 cockpits for the US Blawk Hawk troop transport and utility helicopter.

Australian CH-47D:
Afghanistan, 2006
(click to view full)

In December 2005, Australia decided to upgrade its CH-47D Chinook fleet, in preparation for use on the front lines. Afghanistan’s high altitudes and sometimes-scorching temperatures reduce rotor lift. That made the Chinooks a far better choice than upgrading the ADF’s S-70 Black Hawk helicopters, whose reduced carrying capacity would limit their tactical uses. Those CH-47D Chinooks have gone on to play an important role in Afghanistan, amidst a general shortage of useful helicopters. Now, Australia seems determined to supplement its older CH-47D fleet with new and improved CH-47F models, which feature more modern electronics, uprated engines, and numerous other improvements.

The question is when that request will become an actual contract. It hasn’t, yet, but “second pass approval” and clarifications have brought that day much closer.

Continue Reading… »

Austrian Typhoons
w. IRIS-T missiles
(click to view full)

Lucky/unlucky landing, readiness controversy. (Feb 17/10)

In 2003, Austria signed a EUR 2 billion contract to receive 18 EADS Eurofighters plus required support (just over $2.5 billion, or about $140 million per plane), and the aircraft were already under construction in Germany. The situation changed when the leftist SPO party, whose campaign promises included canceling the deal, had to be part of the next government in the wake of the 2006 election results.

The Eurofighter’s rough ride in Austria seemed to be over with delivery of the 15th and final aircraft in 2009, but controversies continue. The details and history follow below.

Continue Reading… »

FMTV Family
(click to view full)

US GAO sustained some of BAE’s protests, but Army gives FMTV back to Oshkosh. (Feb 12/10)

The 14 variants in the Family of Medium Tactical Vehicles (FMTV) form the core of the USA’s new state-of-the-art medium military transport truck fleet. Which in turn forms the core of the “mature logistics capability” seen in the Iraqi theater and elsewhere. FMTV trucks are all automatic transmission, and range from 2.5-ton cargo and van models to 5-ton cargo, tractor, van, wrecker, tanker, specialty, and dump-truck models in various 4×4 and 6×6 configurations. Some models also have attached trailers that increase their carrying capacity. Even so, the use of common engines, transmissions, drivelines, power trains, tires, cabs, etc. create over 80% parts commonality between FMTV models. Where possible, commercial components are used for added savings.

There have been 3 main phases of the FMTV program, including the last “SO23” open competition in 2003. All told, more than 50,000 FMTV trucks in various models have been delivered to the US Army. A bridging order to BAE will continue production in Sealy, TX from 2008 through 2010, but the 4th phase re-compete will see a new firm begin FMTV production – alongside heavy truck production for the Army (FHTV) and Marines (LVSR), and medium trucks for the US Marine Corps (MTVR).

• FMTV Program & Production
• Contracts and Key Events [updated]
  
  Continue Reading… »

FS Mistral
(click to view full)

France mulls approval – but is the EU treaty an obstacle? (Feb 8/10)

In August 2009, Russian media reported that their country was planning to take a radical step, and buy a French Mistral class amphibious assault ship (LHD) by the end of 2009. The outlet quoted the Chief of the Russian General Staff, Gen. Nikolai Makarov, who said that: “We are negotiating the purchase of one ship at present, and later planning to acquire 3-4 ships [of the same class] to be jointly built in Russia.” A Russian order would represent a sea change on several fronts – and also the extension of some trends.

France currently operates 2 Mistral class LHDs, and recently ordered a 3rd using economic stimulus funds. Unlike some other LHD designs, the Mistral class cannot operate fixed wing aircraft. Even so, it’s an important tool of power projection. Mistral class ships can carry and deploy up to 16 helicopters, including attack helicopters like France’s Tiger or Russia’s Ka-50/52. Its main punch revolves around its 4 landing barges or 2 medium hovercraft, however, which deliver armored vehicles, tanks, and soldiers to shore. The vessel is equipped with a 69-bed hospital, and could be used as an amphibious command ship.

• Mistral’s Meaning: A Method to their Madness?
• The Mistral Class BPC/LHDs
• Updates and Key Events [updated]
• Additional Readings [updated]
  
  Continue Reading… »

BAE’s Hawk:
over the top
(click to view full)

The UK’s Serious Fraud Office (SFO) has spent the last 6 years chasing BAE systems over allegations that bribes were paid to secure foreign deals in a number of countries. Bribes are the least of the allegations involved in some international defense deals, and contract wins without inducements would be far more surprising in countries like Saudi Arabia, Tanzania, and South Africa. Nevertheless, the UK does have laws to prevent British firms from paying them.

An SFO investigation into the giant Saudi Al-Yamamah aircraft deal was killed in December 2006 on national security grounds, after the Saudis threatened to cut off anti-terrorism cooperation and intelligence sharing. The government’s decision was upheld by the British House of Lords, but the SFO continued to pursue other reports concerning Chile, the Czech Republic, Romania, South Africa, Tanzania, and Qatar. The US Department of Justice, meanwhile, never let go of the Saudi deal.

BAE systems was reportedly been given about a month by the UK SFO to plead guilty concerning its activities in 3 countries, or face formal charges. Several months later, a settlement was reached that included the SFO – and the US DoJ, who got the lion’s share…

Continue Reading… »

Canada’s $3 billion frigate modernization program is just the latest example of a growing problem for American defense firms.

Major players in the defense industry have been pushing to change US ITAR export controls for years. Unfortunately, the USA’s use of export controls for protectionist and political purposes begins to have the predictable effect of making American defense components toxic to potential international customers. Even as cumbersome rules and a slow American bureaucracy add friction to important international deals and partnerships.

• Problems & Proposed Reforms
• The January 2008 Presidential Directives
• Recent Updates and Additional Developments (2009-) [updated]
• Additional Readings
  
  Continue Reading… »

F-22: Climbing Mt. Fuji?
(click to view full)

Back in February 2006, InsideDefense.com’s Inside The Air Force (ITAF) reported that momentum was building within the Air Force to sell the ultra-advanced F-22A Raptor abroad to trusted U.S. allies, as a way of increasing numbers and production. The USAF originally initially intended to purchase 700-800 F-22 fighters, but that was cut to 442, then 381, and recently cut again to just over 180. These cuts have had obvious effects on the cost per aircraft, and on the ratio of aircraft to total R&D + production money spent. With F-22 production set to terminate around 2010, and increasing concern over the capability gap between other US fighters and global competitors like the SU-30 family, MiG-35, et. al., some USAF planners are becoming concerned. Extending the F-22 production line through exports was also a way of extending the USA’s decision options.

One of the most likely export prospects was Japan. The Raptor was discussed at a 2007 summit meeting, and in a number of other venues. Meanwhile, BAE Systems is looking to pounce with its Eurofighter if the US remains intransigent, and Boeing has offered an interesting F-15SE option of its own.

But recent reports indicate Japanese interest in one of the F-35 models...

Continue Reading… »

AMV w. NEMO mortar
(click to view full)

In June 2009, Sweden’s FMV defense procurement agency picked Finland’s Patria Oyj for a EUR 240 million contract, to deliver 113 AMV (Armoured Modular Vehicle) wheeled Armored Personnel Carriers (APCs) to the Swedish Armed Forces. The 27 tonne AMV has a crew of 3, and can carry up to 9 soldiers. A varied set of turrets and modules can configure it for different roles, from MEDEVAC (MEDical EVACuation) through to IFV or even automated mortar carrier duties.

A matter that has become moot, as a Swedish court nullified the FMV’s choice. Rather than waste time on appeals, the FMV plans to re-do the competition…

Continue Reading… »

AIA’s eBiz “Radar”
(click to view full)

The American Aerospace Industries Association and UK’s A|D|S recently announced new global standards for trading partner and electronic collaboration agreements between prime contractors and suppliers. It’s a small step toward a broader AIA vision, which includes a full portfolio of eBusiness related initiatives ranging from recommended standards and frameworks, to candidates, to initiatives being monitored by AIA.

The goal of having all key participants and trading partners “able to exchange information relative to product design, business relationships, transactions, and product support across an information backbone which is open and accessible to all.” is not unique to the aerospace industry. As the Internet boom and bubble accelerated, one of its main hopes was pinned on the emergence of industry trading portals that would create one set of connection standards/APIs, instead of high-cost, high-maintenance individual EDI links between firms. These portals failed for a variety of reasons, leaving much looser sets of industry initiatives and vendor-specific solutions to pick up the slack.

Globalization hit the defense and aerospace sectors later than others, given the national strategic importance of armaments industries. It’s definitely making itself felt on an array of fronts, however, which raises the importance of corresponding eBusiness frameworks. The F-35 program’s “digital thread” is a harbinger of wider things to come. In the case of the recent GTPA and GECA agreements…

Continue Reading… »