Last updated: Friday May 17, 2019 - 05:00 UTC ()
Adding Arleigh Burkes: H.I.I. Steps Forward for DDG-51 Restart
Aging Aircraft: USAF F-15 Fleet Sees Renewed Interest
Rapid Fire | Friday, May 17, 2019, 05:00 UTC ()
Air Force successfully tests Combat Support Innovation | Putin wants to buy 76 Su-57 by 2028 | China to commission New Aircraft Carrier
Americas
Boeing won a $13.4 million contract modification support of the AN/USQ-82(V) family of systems consisting of the Data Multiplex System, Fiber Optic Data Multiplex System, and Gigabit Ethernet Data Multiplex System (GEDMS). The modification provides for design agent and technical services. Boeing will provide advanced and highly specialized technical engineering to assist with system sustainment, cybersecurity enhancement, configuration management, development, qualification and integration of systems, testing and technical support to manufacturing and repair vendors. Essentially, GEDMS is a Government Furnished Equipment build-to-print system, where no commercially adequate products satisfy the design requirements. AN/USQ-82(V) systems are installed and deployed on US Navy DDG 51-class destroyers, in the Aegis Ashore ballistic missile defense systems, on ships of three countries under Foreign Military Sales cases, in different Navy and FMS land-based test sites, and are also being installed on new-construction LHA 8 and new FMS Japan and Korean DDGs. The GEDMS network transfers inputs and outputs for the Burke-class destroyer’s machinery control systems, damage control system, steering control system, Aegis combat system, navigation displays, and interior communications alarms and indicators. Boeing will perform work within the US and scheduled completion date is in March next year.
The US Air Force has successfully demonstrated a new Combat Support Wing concept during a recent deployment to Kinston Regional Jetport. F-15Es from the 4th Fighter Wing were refueled and rearmed by three teams of airmen who are from different career fields in the service. Weapons loaders showed that they could drive a refueling truck while security forces demonstrated they could refuel the aircraft. Avionics specialists were tasked with base security. The concept supports National Defense Strategy priorities to evolve innovative operational concepts and enhance lethality in contested environments. If fielded, it could give the Air Force the ability to quickly deploy in smaller, more efficient and agile teams to austere and potentially contested areas.
Northrop Grumman together with the US Marine Corps successfully completed an initial operational test and evaluation (IOT&E) for the AN/TPS-80 Ground/Air Task-Oriented Radar (G/ATOR) Blocks 1 and 2, the company said in a press release. The milestone demonstrates the suitability and viability of the system, and indicates that the Marine Corps is ready to operate and field G/ATOR Blocks 1 and 2 in their current configuration. The AN/TPS-80 G/ATOR is an advanced, multi-mission active electronically scanned array radar that provides comprehensive real time, 360° situational awareness. The radar system is designed to help soldiers detect and take action against complex, modern threats.
Middle East & Africa
Lockheed Martin teamed up with Israeli defense company Rafael to develop, market, manufacture as well as support Rafael’s Smart, Precise Impact and Cost-Effective (SPICE) guidance kits for the US market. The Israeli SPICE is an EO/GPS guided guidance kit for converting air-droppable unguided bombs into precision guided bombs. It has been in use since 2003. It is combat-proven and in service with the Israeli Air Force and several other nations worldwide. The teaming agreement covers the SPICE 1000 and SPICE 2000 kit variants. Over 60 percent of SPICE is already manufactured in the US in eight states.
Europe
Russian President, Vladimir Putin wants to purchase 76 Su-57 before 2028. The Sukhoi Su-57 is the country’s first indigenously designed and built fifth-generation stealth fighter jet. According to TASS, Putin said in a defense meeting: “The 2028 arms program stipulated the purchase of 16 such jets, we have agreed to purchase 76 such fighters without the increase in prices in the same period of time.” Defense Minister Sergey Shoigu reported that manufacturers reduced prices for both the aircraft and the equipment by 20%, which provided the opportunity to purchase more of these jets.
British Typhoons were launched twice in two days after taking over the NATO Baltic Air Policing mission in Estonia. On Wednesday, the aircraft intercepted two SU-27 fighters and an IL-22 and escorted the formation towards Russia. On Tuesday, British Typhoon fighters scrambled out of Ämari Air Base in Estonia in response to two Russian SU-27 fighter aircraft and one IL-22 aircraft that were flying along the Baltic coast heading towards Kaliningrad. Britain took over the NATO Baltic Air Policing mission from the German Air Force last month.
Asia-Pacific
China will soon commission its first homemade aircraft carrier, according to local reports. China introduced the domestically made carrier two years ago and delayed Sea Trials were conducted in 2018. The Sea Trials successfully tested the warship’s propulsion system, combat and supply capabilities. The Type 001A may be the first homemade, but it is the second overall aircraft carrier of China, the first one was purchased from Ukraine and refitted. The second domestically developed aircraft carrier is already being built with reports saying it will be the first with catapults.
Today’s Video
Watch: U.S. Marines with 2nd Combat Engineer Battalion participates in the Robotic Complex Breach Concept
More In-depth Contract News & Updates
Flexible G/ATORs: The USMC’s Multi-Mission AESA Ground Radars
| Northrop Grumman together with the US Marine Corps successfully completed an initial operational test and evaluation (IOT&E) for the AN/TPS-80 Ground/Air Task-Oriented Radar (G/ATOR) Blocks 1 and 2, the company said in a press release. The milestone demonstrates the suitability and viability of the system, and indicates that the Marine Corps is ready to operate and field G/ATOR Blocks 1 and 2 in their current configuration. The AN/TPS-80 G/ATOR is an advanced, multi-mission active electronically scanned array radar that provides comprehensive real time, 360° situational awareness. The radar system is designed to help soldiers detect and take action against complex, modern threats. More »
PAK-FA/FGFA/T50/Su-57: Russia Pressing on with T-50, India out of the game
| Russian President, Vladimir Putin wants to purchase 76 Su-57 before 2028. The Sukhoi Su-57 is the country’s first indigenously designed and built fifth-generation stealth fighter jet. According to TASS, Putin said in a defense meeting: “The 2028 arms program stipulated the purchase of 16 such jets, we have agreed to purchase 76 such fighters without the increase in prices in the same period of time.” Defense Minister Sergey Shoigu reported that manufacturers reduced prices for both the aircraft and the equipment by 20%, which provided the opportunity to purchase more of these jets. More »
Eurofighter’s Future: Tranche 3, and Beyond
| British Typhoons were launched twice in two days after taking over the NATO Baltic Air Policing mission in Estonia. On Wednesday, the aircraft intercepted two SU-27 fighters and an IL-22 and escorted the formation towards Russia. On Tuesday, British Typhoon fighters scrambled out of Ämari Air Base in Estonia in response to two Russian SU-27 fighter aircraft and one IL-22 aircraft that were flying along the Baltic coast heading towards Kaliningrad. Britain took over the NATO Baltic Air Policing mission from the German Air Force last month. More »
F-35 Lightning: The Joint Strike Fighter Program
| Lockheed won an $18.5 million modification that authorizes the procurement of Diminishing Manufacturing Sources redesign activities in support of the F-35 aircraft. The F-35 is a 5th-generation multi-role stealth fighter that is is being acquired by the Air Force, Navy, and Marine Corps to replace and supplement much of their air fleets. Partner nations such as Japan, the United Kingdom, Australia and others are participating in the program. The program has been troubled by a long list of delays, software and hardware problems and cost overruns. It is anticipated to serve as the primary US stealth fighter platform, alongside the F-22 Raptor, for decades to come. In August Lockheed received a $171.7 million modification to support redesign of the air system on Lot 11 of the F-35 Lightning II. Work under the current modification will take place in Fort Worth, Texas and is scheduled to be finished in January 2024. More »
Ships Ahoy! The Harpoon Missile Family
| The US Navy awarded Boeing a $10.9 million contract modification supporting the Harpoon Block II missiles for Saudi Arabia. The modification provides for obsolescence redesign efforts in support of production and delivery. The Harpoon all-weather, over-the-horizon, anti-ship missile can be installed on the P-3 Orion, the P-8 Poseidon, the AV-8B Harrier II, the Hornet as well as the B-52H Bombers. Block II intends to to offer an expanded engagement envelope, enhanced resistance to electronic countermeasures and improved targeting. Boeing will perform work within the US. The scheduled completion date is in August this year. More »
