MH-53E & Mk-105 sled

Reliability improvement efforts for the RMS snorkeling USV. (Dec 19/11)

The US Navy currently uses large CH-53/MH-53 helicopters and towed sleds to help with mine clearance work, but they hope to replace those old systems with something smaller and newer. The MH-60S helicopter’s Airborne Mine Counter-Measures (AMCM) system adds an operator’s station to the helicopter cabin, additional internal fuel stores, and towing capability, accompanied by a suite of carried systems that can be mixed and matched. AMCM is actually 5 different air, surface and sub-surface mine countermeasures systems, all deployed and integrated together in the helicopter.

While the US Navy develops AMCM, and complementary ship-launched systems for use on the new Littoral Combat Ships, new minehunter ship classes like the Ospreys are being retired by the US Navy and sold. All in an era where the threat of mines is arguably rising, along with tensions around key chokepoints like the Suez Canal and Strait of Hormuz.

This article explains the components involved (AQS-20, ALMDS, AMNS, OASIS, RAMICS; COBRA, RMS, SMCM), chronicles their progress through reports and contracts, and provides additional links for research…

• Airborne Mine Counter-Measures (AMCM): The Set [updated]
• Contracts & Key Events, 2000 – Present [updated]
• Additional Readings
  Continue Reading… »

General Dynamics Team
Trimaran LCS Design
(click to enlarge)

Class services from each builder; LCS 3 post-production support; Mine-hunting ancillaries. (Dec 19/11)

Exploit simplicity, numbers, the pace of technology development in electronics and robotics, and fast reconfiguration. That was the US Navy’s idea for the low-end backbone of its future surface combatant fleet. Inspired by successful experiments like Denmark’s Standard Flex ships, the US Navy’s $30+ billion “Littoral Combat Ship” program was intended to create a new generation of affordable surface combatants that could operate in dangerous shallow and near-shore environments, while remaining affordable and capable throughout their lifetimes.

It hasn’t worked that way. In practice, what the Navy wanted, the capabilities needed to perform primary naval missions, and what could be delivered for the sums available, have proven nearly irreconcilable. The LCS program has changed its fundamental acquisition plan several times since 2005, and canceled contracts with both competing teams, without escaping any of its fundamental issues. This public-access FOCUS article offer a wealth of research material, alongside looks at the LCS program’s designs, industry teams procurement plans, military controversies, and contracts.

• LCS: Concept & Needs
• LCS Solution = Standard Equipment + Mission Modules
• LCS: Controversies & Cautions
• LCS: Export Potential
• LCS: Designs & Teams
• LCS: Budgets and Program Structure
• LCS Ship Roster
• LCS: Contracts & Key Events [updated]
• LCS Ancillaries: Mission Module & Weapon Contracts & Key Events [updated]
• Additional Readings & Sources
  Continue Reading… »

From these…

Combat debut; Will their successors be Virginia Class boats? (Oct 18/11)

In the aftermath of the START-II arms control treaty, some of the USA’s nuclear-powered Ohio Class SSBN nuclear missile submarines were converted to become long range conventional strike and special operations SSGN “Tactical Tridents.” Four ultra-stealthy Ohio-class SSBNs had their 24 Trident II D-5 nuclear ballistic missiles removed. They were replaced with up to 154 Tomahawk cruise missiles, plus space in the sub for 66-102 special forces troops, special attachments for new Advanced SEAL Delivery System (ASDS) or older Seal Delivery Vehicle (SDV) “mini-subs,” and a mission control center. Unmanned Underwater Vehicles, and even UAVs for aerial operations, are expected to become equally important options over the SSGN fleet’s career.

...to these

These modifications provide the USA with an impressive and impressively flexible set of conventional firepower, in a survivable and virtually undetectable platform, which can remain on station for very long periods of time. As surveillance-strike complexes make the near-shore more and more hazardous for conventional ships, and the potential dangers posed by small groups continue to rise, America’s converted SSGN submarines will become more and more valuable. This updated, free-to-view article covers their origins and timeline, the key technologies involved, contracts from the program’s inception to the present day, with all 4 submarines back in service…

• The US Navy’s New SSGN Platform
• SSGN Conversions: Timelines & Program Contractors [updated]
• SSGN Tactical Trident: Contracts and Key Events [updated]
• SSGN Tactical Trident: Ancillary Programs
• Additional Readings
  Continue Reading… »

Slocum Glider

Teledyne Brown Engineering, Inc., in Huntsville, AL recently received approval from the U.S. Navy to move into the Full Rate Production (FRP) Phase on the underwater Littoral Battlespace Sensing-Glider (LBS-G) Program. The first Full Rate Production option calls for the manufacture of 35 gliders, with additional options for 100 more, and a total contract value of $53.1 million if all options are exercised. US Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command manages the contract.

The Teledyne Team has already delivered 15 Low Rate Initial Production LBS-Gs to the US Navy’s Program Executive Office for C4I, under a December 2010 contract. That team includes Teledyne Brown (System Integration), Teledyne Webb Research in East Falmouth, MA (Slocum Glider development and production), and the University of Washington – Applied Physics Lab (Glider Operations Center software). Their 2m long design features a very innovative propulsion concept…

• As operations over Libya drain European stockpiles of smart bombs, Defense Update’s “The High Cost of Precision Attack” looks at progress, pricing, and options.

• The world military helicopter market reached $12.6 billion in 2010, and demand is predicted to remain strong over the next decade, says ASDReports.com.

• Pentagon acquisition chief Ashton Carter is encouraged by Wall Street’s view of the defense industry. Wall Street once liked the housing sector, too…

• Emerging markets to invest billions of dollars in missile programs over the next 10 years, according to ASDReports.com.

• Lockheed Martin and TAI unveil the 1st of 30 new Turkish F-16 Block 50s, a couple months ahead of schedule. TAI has built and modified a number of F-16s under license, and operates a finishing and check-out line in Turkey.

• Force Protection adds Lockheed Martin (C4ISR) & Elbit (RWS) to its Cougar bid for Canada’s TAPV MRAP program.

• First SBIRS GEO missile detection satellite reaches geosynchronous orbit – passing the impaired but rising AEHF-1 secure broadband communications satellite.

• Raytheon gets $20.7 million USAF contract to provide 1,900 KIV-77 Mode 4/5 cryptographic units that provide secure IFF communications to reduce friendly fire.

• The outgoing Chief of the U.S. Navy says it is ‘not moving fast enough’ in developing Unmanned Underwater Vehicles. But he sees lasers as the biggest game changer.

• Elbit wins Israeli contract with its “Flying Elephant” resupply UAV – a parafoil, GPS guidance, and a 1 tonne wheeled cargo pallet. It was picked in part for its simplicity and speed of deployment… unusual criteria in places like the USA, which is looking at a much more expensive approach.

• GAO takes DoD’s personnel security clearance program off its high-risk list [PDF] of programs facing fraud, waste, and management challenges; however, its weapons system acquisition program remains on the list.

• DoD to expand cybersecurity personnel swaps with private industry and add $500 million in cybersecurity research funding in FY 2012, Deputy Defense Secretary William Lynn tells RSA conference.

• ManTech’s acquisition of TranTech gives company access to DISA’s $12.3 billion ENCORE II IT support contract vehicle.

• The UK MoD is consolidating management of UK military properties under the new Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO), which will issue consolidated regional facilities management contracts combining physical infrastructure maintenance with support services.

• France’s DGA to buy ECA’s Alister 100 AUV/UUVs for mine clearance work.

• Uganda’s defense spending is expected to rise rapidly over the next decade, reaching $2.15 billion by 2019, compared to only $450 million in 2010, according to BMI.

• Russia’s second S-400 Triumf air defense unit enters service in the Moscow region.

• “Personifying leadership competencies in day-to-day operations.” Meet Master Sgt. Loudres James. All the shiny equipment in the world won’t matter if NCO quality is poor.

• DoD and the US intelligence community pledge to bolster the space industrial base, update space technology export controls, and pursue strategies for fighting in a degraded space environment, according to the new National Security Space Strategy.

• What is the global medium military airlifter market like for key competitors like Lockheed’s C-130J, Embraer’s KC-390, HAL/Irkut’s MRTA, and the Airbus A400M? Forecast International has some thoughts.

• Iranian Defense Minister Ahmad Vahidi said the country is preparing to launch 4 domestically-built satellites, although the launches of the Rasad-1 and Tolou imaging satellites and Mesbah-2 and Mehr Navid-e-Elm-O-Sanat communications satellites have been postponed before.

• Israel is considering expanding its military presence along the border with Egypt in response to the unrest and its possible negative aftermath.

• It’s also re-engining its Hermes 450 UAVs with an upgraded 70hp R902 (W) Wankel engine.

• NATO’s “Proud Manta 11” exercise in the Mediterranean features Teledyne’s UUV/AUV “Slocum Gliders,” which use buoyancy changes instead of propellers to move around slowly underwater, collecting hydrographic data for weeks at a time. Of course, future AUV/UUVs can and will do more.

• At its C-130J-30 induction ceremony, the IAF says it will phase out its MiG-21 Type 77 fighters by 2012. The aging MiG-21s have a high accident rate, and different takes on that phenomenon can be found from Prodyut Das’s aerodynamics analysis and Wing Commander K S Suresh VrC’s 2009 take.

• Shareholders of L-1 Identity Solutions, a Stamford, CT-based military and civilian biometric technology firm, have approved the company’s merger with French aerospace and defense firm Safran, in a transaction valued at $1.6 billion, including outstanding debt. As part of the deal, L-1 is selling its intelligence services businesses to UK’s BAE Systems.

• Virginia, which led US states in total FY2009 DoD expenditures with $56.9 billion, prepares for Pentagon belt tightening.

• Camgian Microsystems in Starkville, MS, gets 3-year, $9.2 million small business innovation research contract from the AFRL to develop ultra-low power application specific integrated circuits (ASICs) for radar and infrared cameras.

• Former Reagan defense official Lawrence Korb offers a plan to cut $1 trillion from Pentagon budget.

• How videogames are changing the economy – and reversing a traditional role for military technologies.

• South Korea plans to deploy Israeli-made Spike anti-tank missiles on Yeonpyeong Island, the Korea Times reports.

• US Army Corps of Engineers kicks off construction this week on a $1.2 billion NSA cybersecurity center at the Utah Army National Guard’s Camp Williams in Salt Lake City, UT.

• Up to $343 million to SAIC for modeling, simulation, analysis, and integration support to the US Army Space and Missile Defense Command.

• General Dynamics snags $122 million task order to provide IT support to US Army Europe under the GSA’s $50 billion Alliant contract vehicle.

• Eurocopter subsidiary Helibras will modernize 36 Brazilian AS350 light scout helicopters, including 3 full rebuilds.

• France’s Espadon program underway to test the 25t “Sterenn Du” (Dark Star) USV, which would also serve as a carrier for additional mine-hunting UUVs.

• Harris gets $24.5 million US Army order to provide Falcon III AN/PRC-152-C handheld radios and ancillary equipment and Falcon III AN/VRC-110 vehicular tactical radio systems for MRAP vehicles.

• DID contributor DJ Elliott (ISF Order of Battle) offers his Iraqi Aviation Update December 2010.

• But if you’d rather sell equipment to Iraq’s police and Interior Ministry forces, this may be the event for you. Not quite sure how the likely presence of Belgian and Chinese firms fits into the “Victor, spoils” narrative, though.

• Batman inspires BAE Systems’ Raider unmanned military ground vehicle.

• He’s needed on the front lines. Extreme child abuse has become a Taliban tactic in Afghanistan, used to gather intelligence about allied helicopter operations.

• API Technologies, a Ronkonkoma, NY-based supplier of military UAVs, robots, and electronics, completes a 1-for-4 reverse stock split in an effort to get Nasdaq listing.

• While the US is shutting down its Joint Forces Command, South Korea is setting one up as part of a major military command structure overhaul.

• DARPA launches program [PDF] to develop unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs) to track quiet submarines.

• India launches first indigenous aerostat communications and surveillance system with night vision cameras. They already employ a number of Israeli radar aerostats, and have used them very successfully.

• Meanwhile, a Malaysian defense analyst looks at Pakistan’s options in countering Indian air power, and ponders an ‘asymmetric’ approach using unmanned UCAVs. While feasibility is a question mark given Pakistan’s status on the precipice of financial default and worse, this analysis mirrors ideas being debated elsewhere.

• 3,500 soldiers from the 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, from Fort Knox are headed to Afghanistan for 1-year deployment.

• As shipbuilder Fincantieri’s civilian business sags, reports surface of pressure to merge with Finmeccanica.

• Australia’s DSTO has a money saving solution for C-130J Super Hercules operators.

• Attacks Down Under: Monthly cyber attacks against Australian military networks have more than tripled since last year.

• Double the Fun: Singapore-based ST Marine wins contract to convert Royal Australian Navy tanker HMAS Success to a double hulled vessel as part of a A$170 million 2010-2011 budget for ship repair and maintenance work in the Sydney area.

• Early ship blocks built for India’s locally built Vikrant Class/ Project 71 aircraft carrier.

• Australia’s EC665 Tiger ARH scout/attack helicopters won’t be ready for Afghan deployment for another 2 years…

• USAF finishes retiring 252 of its F-16, F-15 and A-10 fighters.

• Boeing will submit its A160T Hummingbird for the US Marines’ unmanned cargo drone RFP.

• Where’s the Crew?: Zyvek Technologies tests the Piranha, a 54-foot unmanned surface vessel (USV) prototype made of carbon-fiber composites, in Puget Sound, WA.

• ITT snags contract worth up to $1.4 billion to provide support services for US Army facilities in Kuwait.

• Is President Obama really proposing to sell China C-130 tactical transport aircraft? China already flies its own Yun-8 knockoff of Russia’s AN-12, and is developing the Yun-9 as a C-130J competitor.

• Research and Markets: US armed forces using more biofuels to fuel jets, naval ships, and other modes of transportation. Still in experimental mode, however.

• ManTech closes $60 million purchase of QinetiQ North America’s security and intelligence solutions business, which recently won a prime contract worth up to $365 million to support the Missile Defense Agency.