JSF PEO Vice Admiral David J. Venlet said in an interview with AOL Defense that ramping up production quickly while completing tests was a “miscalculation” but he has to live with concurrency, though he questions the delivery pace.
On April 2/07, BB&T Capital Markets upgraded EDO Corporation to “buy,” in part because they thought EDO was well positioned to win a part of the $200-$500 million Counter- Radio Controlled Improvised Explosive Device (RCIED) Electronic Warfare (CREW) contracts going forward. Those contracts came through, with awards for the system EDO now calls the CVRJ (CREW Vehicle Receiver/Jammer). The Pentagon refers to Spiral 2.1 Vehicle Mounted CREW systems, which are one element of the DoD’s Joint Counter RCIED Electronic Warfare program.
CREW systems are vehicle mounted electronic jammers designed to prevent the remote detonation of land mines. These are often triggered by off-the-shelf technology like cell phones, in order to avoid visible wires. EDO makes the Warlock jammer, a derivative of its earlier “Shortstop” product. If only these devices were as widespread in movie theaters and performance halls.
UAVs have played a crucial role in gathering intelligence in the US military’s wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. There are thousands of UAVs gathering and distributing valuable data on the enemy, but each system uses its own proprietary subsystem to control the air vehicle as well as receive and process the data. Yet commanders need access to information gathered by all types of UAVs that are flying missions in their area of operation.
Recognizing this shortcoming, the Pentagon began an effort in 2008 to break down the proprietary barriers between UAV systems and create a single GCS that will fly all types of drones.
This free-to-view DID Spotlight article examines the problem of proprietary UAV systems and efforts to break down barriers to sharing vital UAV-generated information.
During a January 2011 visit to Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Ltd’s assembly line in Mirabel, QB, Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper announced a 10-year, C$ 640 million (about $646 million, get used to this) contract to maintain Canada’s fleet of about 90 CH-146 Griffons (Bell 412EP) utility helicopters, until their expected withdrawal from service in 2021. It also includes the option to extend the contract for up to 4 more 1-year periods, stretching it to 2025 if necessary.
DJ Elliott is a retired USN Intelligence Specialist (22 years active duty) who has been analyzing and writing on Iraqi Security Forces developments since 2006. His Iraqi Security Forces Order of Battle is an open-source compilation that attempts to map and detail Iraqi units and equipment, as their military branches and internal security forces grow and mature. While “good enough for government use” is not usually uttered as a compliment, US Army TRADOC has maintained permission to use the ISF OOB for their unclassified handouts since 2008.
This compilation is reproduced here with full permission. It offers a set of updates highlighting recent changes in the ISF’s composition and development, followed by the full updated ISF OOBs in PDF format. Reader feedback and tips are encouraged. This month’s developments include:
The Bell 412EP (Enhanced Performance) is a “twin Huey” with a 4-bladed rotor; while it lists as a commercial product on Bell’s site, over 30 militaries around the world employ it as a utility helicopter. Including Pakistan, which has operated 26 Bell 412s since 2007.
The USA has been sending more as “security assistance” aid for the government of Pakistan, and in the wake of huge national floods, a September 2010 DSCA request looks set to turn the 412EP into the mainstay of Pakistan’s utility helicopter fleet…
Textron subsidiary AAI Corporation recently announced that Italy’s Ministry of Defense Directorate of General Aeronautical Armament will buy 4 RQ-7B Shadow 200 systems for the Italian Army, under a EUR 51 million (about $64 million) contract. The systems are being bought “for deployment alongside NATO forces,” which presumably involves Italy’s sector in northwestern Afghanistan [PDF]. The buy was reportedly a multi-vendor competition, and AAI will partner with select Italian defense suppliers, including RIGEL International Engineering & Consultancy Agency. System deliveries are expected to begin in 2011.
Sweden is a neutral country with forces in Afghanistan, who serve under the ISAF-led UN mission. In May 2010, their FMV procurement agency signed a contract to replace their existing Ugglan (Sperwer) UAVs with more modern systems. To that end, Saab AB received a SEK 500 million (about $70 million) contract to deliver 2 complete systems, along with 3 years of system operation, training, and full maintenance.
After holding a competition, Saab AB picked Textron subsidiary AAI’s Shadow 200 UAV, which it will modify with its own technologies for Swedish use…
