Now: M2A2 105mm
(click to view full)

In February 2006, the Australian Government gave first pass approval for the replacement of the ADF’s current 105mm and 155mm artillery pieces with new, more capable, artillery systems that feature improved mobility, protection, range and accuracy. Current systems are all towed, and include the aged 105mm M2A2, the L119 Hamel 105mm Field Gun, and the M198 155mm Howitzer. Options for replacing them include a mix of self-propelled artillery systems and lightweight towed artillery systems under an A$ 450-600 million project known as LAND 17. The project will also examine advanced high precision munitions and a networked command and fire control system.

So, how does this project fit into Australia’s larger defense plans? What’s the expected program timeline? And who are the declared and potential contenders? That matters even more now that the solicitation has been released. DID covers the program, and a number of the confirmed or likely competitors…

Continue Reading… »

CONOPS
(click to view full)

The late Dr. Paul McReady’s Aerovironment, Inc. has achieved just renown for the success of its small UAVs like the Army’s RQ-11 Raven and the US Marines’ RQ-14 Dragon Eye/Swift. Outside the military sphere, however, it is best known for civil successes like the human-powered Gossamer Condor, the giant, solar-powered Pathfinder and Helios aircraft, and the flying Quetzalcoatlus northropi ornithopter on display in the Smithsonian museum.

Now the firm’s tradition of military successes and aerial innovation are about to fuse, as it receives a major Advanced Concept/Joint Capability Technology Demonstration (ACTD/JCTD) contract for a UAV that runs on hydrogen fuel cells and can cruise at 55,000-65,000 feet for up to 7 days at a time, while carrying a 1,000 pound payload. Meet Aerovironment’s Global Observer, which promises formidable advantages in roles as diverse as communications relay, persistent ISR, maritime patrol, even storm tracking and weather applications…

Continue Reading… »

Malaysia & the Strait
(click to view full)

Techno-Sciences Inc. in Beltsville, MD received an $11 million cost-plus-fixed-fee, fixed-price contract for technical support to the Malaysian Integrated Maritime Surveillance System (IMSS) to include upgrades to a command center and coastal surveillance stations in Malaysia. Work will be performed in Beltsville, Maryland (50%), and at sites throughout Malaysia (50%), and is expected to be completed September 2009. This contract was awarded as a Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) program, Phase 3 follow-on contract, under the authority of 10 U.S.C. 2301-c-5. The Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center in San Diego, CA issued the contract (N66001-07-C-0146).

Readers who have been paying attention may have noted another surveillance contract aimed at monitoring a strategic waterway: Yemen’s coastal radar set that will watch the Horn of Africa and gateway to the Suez Canal. Malaysia stands astride the Straits of Malacca, arguably the world’s business and most critical shipping lane with some piracy and terrorism issues all its own. The US Navy is preparing to unveil a new Maritime Strategy in October 2007, and these kinds of quiet “Maritime Domain Awareness” contracts fit neatly with concepts like CNO (and soon CJCS) Mike Mullen’s concept of the “1,000 ship navy” [article | quotes], where vessels and related naval assets from different countries that work together to keep order on the high seas.

MTTC
(click to view full)

Innovative Productivity Incorporated (IPI) in Louisville, KY received a $28.7 million cost-plus-fixed-fee, level of effort contract for the operation and management of the McConnell Technology and Training Center (MTTC). The focus of the work will be to identify and/or develop innovative technologies, processes and concepts, with a focus on reducing operating costs and increasing product quality. MTTC will enhance selected technologies and technology transfers between DOD and private industry, and/or develop them where appropriate.

IPI is a partner in the US Navy’s Fleet Maintenance Reduction Program (FMRP), which helps the Navy resolve nagging and costly shipboard problems by inserting innovative products and technologies; the US Navy estimates that the MTTC projects will save approximately $1 Billion over the next 15 years. IPI also runs the National Surface Treatment Center which works with the Navy on corrosion issues, and the firm offers Quality Management and Business & Industrial Skills Programs that include Six Sigma, Lean strategies, and ISO certification.

Work will be performed in Louisville, KY and is expected to be completed by September 2012. Contract funds in the amount of $10.4 million will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The contract was not competitively procured by the Naval Surface Warfare Center, Carderock Division in Carderock, MD (N00167-07-C-0008)

PW F119: Power!
(click to view full)

The Adaptive Versatile Engine Technology (ADVENT) program aims “to develop and demonstrate inlet, engine, exhaust nozzle, and integrated thermal management technologies that enable optimized propulsion system performance over a broad range of altitude and flight velocity.” That sounds boring, but what if we put it like this:

ADVENT is a 5-year project that aims to produce a revolution in jet engine design. Imagine the jet equivalent of a car engine that could give you Formula One performance or sub-compact mileage as required. ADVENT-equipped aircraft would have extra-long range, but be able to switch quickly to high-speed power maneuvers and still be comparatively efficient. The new engine design will use adaptive fan blades and engine cores to generate high thrust when needed, and optimize fuel efficiency when cruising or loitering, in order to combine the best characteristics of high-performance and fuel-efficient jet engines.

That certainly sounds much more exciting. Now, ADVENT also sounds very real – because the program is under way, with over $600 million in contracts to 4 different vendors… and 2 big losers.

Continue Reading… »

VH-60N, VH-3D
(click to view full)

Sikorsky Aircraft Corp. in Stratford, CT received a $39.4 million firm-fixed-price contract for the VH-3D/VH-60N Executive Helicopter Special Progressive Aircraft Rework Contract. It covers security manpower, security maintenance support, VH-3D (Marine One Sea King derivative) project engineering support, VH-60N (Marine One Black Hawk derivative) project engineering support, VH integrated logistic support, VH on-site training, technical manuals, technical manuals contractor support, technical manuals travel, program support and a quality engineer.

Work will be performed in Stratford, CT, and is expected to be complete in September 2008. This contract was not competitively procured by The Naval Air Systems Command in Patuxent River, MD (N00019-07-D-0004).

The VH-3D and VH-60N Presidential helicopters are scheduled to be replaced by the EH101-derived VH-71, beginning in 2009.