BAMS Operation Concept (click to view full) The world's P-3 Orion fleets have served for a long time, and many are reaching the end of their lifespans. In the USA, and possibly beyond, the new P-8 Poseidon Multi-mission Maritime Aircraft will take up the P-3's role....
Americas Raytheon won a $23.2 million deal for the procurement of five APY-10 radar system weapon repairable assemblies (WRAs), for a total quantity of 43 WRAs in support of the P-8A aircraft. The delivery order does not include an option period. All work will be...
P-8A Poseidon (click to view full) Maritime surveillance and patrol is becoming more and more important, but the USA's P-3 Orion turboprop fleet is falling apart. The P-7 Long Range Air ASW (Anti-Submarine Warfare) Capable Aircraft program to create an improved P-3...
P-3 Orion, armed - note Sidewinder (click to view full) The P-3 Orion remains the USA's main maritime patrol aircraft, and is also finding use in overland surveillance roles despite the fleet's age. Earlier DID articles have noted the extra effort required to preserve...
Americas The US has tested an upgraded satellite communications (SATCOM) capability on an MQ-9 Reaper aerial drone during a multilateral exercise at Eielson Air Force Base in Alaska. Led by the Air National Guard-Air Force Reserve Test Center (AATC), the demonstration...
0 Reaper, ready... (click to view full) The MQ-9 Reaper UAV, once called "Predator B," is somewhat similar to the famous Predator. Until you look at the tail. Or its size. Or its weapons. It's called "Reaper" for a reason: while it packs the same surveillance gear,...
Americas Electric Boat won a $48.6 million modification for the Next Generation Submarine Science and Technology Research effort. The contract modification adds five new option periods. The proposed effort is to develop technologies for transition to the Virginia and...
Americas Sikorsky won a $12 million modification, which provides production systems engineering and program management support for CH-53K full-rate production. The CH-53K is a type of helicopter used by the military. The "K" in CH-53K stands for "King Stallion. It is...
CH-53K concept (click to view full) The U.S. Marines have a problem. They rely on their CH-53E Super Stallion medium-heavy lift helicopters to move troops, vehicles, and supplies off of their ships. But the helicopters are wearing out. Fast. The pace demanded by the...