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Archives by category > Naval Equipment (RSS)

Trident II D5 Missile: Keeping Up with Changing Times

Sep 26, 2023 04:58 UTC DII

Latest updates[?]: BAE Systems won a $23.5 million deal for logistics engineering and integration support services for Trident II Strategic Weapon System and the Submarine Submersible Guided Missile Attack Weapon System. This contract award also benefits a foreign military sale to the United Kingdom. Work will be performed in Kings Bay, Georgia; Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania; Rockville, Maryland; Bremerton, Washington; and various other locations. Work is expected to be completed Sept. 30, 2024. Fiscal 2023 shipbuilding and conversion (Navy) funds in the amount of $1,244,147; and United Kingdom funding in the amount of $3,051,000 will be obligated upon award.

Trident II D-5 Test Launch

Trident II D5 Test Launch

Nuclear tipped missiles were first deployed on board US submarines at the height of the Cold War in the 1960s, to deter a Soviet first strike. The deterrence theorists argued that, unlike their land-based cousins, submarine-based nuclear weapons couldn’t be taken out by a surprise first strike, because the submarines were nearly impossible to locate and target. Which meant that Soviet leaders could not hope to destroy all of America’s nuclear weapons before they could be launched against Soviet territory. SLBM/FBM (Submarine Launched Ballistic Missile/ Fleet Ballistic Missile) offered shorter ranges and less accuracy than their land-based ICBM (Inter-Continental Ballistic Missile) counterparts, but the advent of Trident C4 missiles began extending those ranges, and offering other improvements. The C4s were succeeded by larger Trident II D5 missiles, which added precision accuracy and more payload.

The year that the Trident II D5 ballistic missile was first deployed, 1990, saw the beginning of the end of the missile’s primary mission. Even as the Soviet Union began to implode, the D5’s performance improvements were making the Trident submarine force the new backbone of the USA’s nuclear deterrent – and of Britain’s as well. To ensure that this capability was maintained at peak readiness and safety, the US Navy undertook a program in 2002 to replace aging components of the Trident II D5 missile called the D5 Life Extension (LE) Program. This article covers D5 LE, as well as support and production contracts associated with the American and British Trident missile fleets.

Continue Reading… »

Serious Dollars for AEGIS Ballistic Missile Defense (BMD)

Sep 20, 2023 04:56 UTC DII

Latest updates[?]: Lockheed Martin won a $63.8 million deal for establishment of the AEGIS Canadian Surface Combatant land-based test site in New Jersey. This contract involves Foreign Military Sales to the Royal Canadian Navy. Work will be performed in Moorestown, New Jersey; Clearwater, Florida; Orlando, Florida; and Owego, New York, and is expected to be completed by November 2026. Foreign Military Sales (Canada) funds in the amount of $63,820,154 will be obligated at time of award and will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.

AEGIS-BMD CG-70 Launches SM-3

AEGIS-BMD: CG-70
launches SM-3

The AEGIS Ballistic Missile Defense System seamlessly integrates the SPY-1 radar, the MK 41 Vertical Launching System for missiles, the SM-3 Standard missile, and the ship’s command and control system, in order to give ships the ability to defend against enemy ballistic missiles. Like its less-capable AEGIS counterpart, AEGIS BMD can also work with other radars on land and sea via Cooperative Engagement Capability (CEC). That lets it receive cues from other platforms and provide information to them, in order to create a more detailed battle picture than any one radar could produce alone.

AEGIS has become a widely-deployed top-tier air defense system, with customers in the USA, Australia, Japan, South Korea, Norway, and Spain. In a dawning age of rogue states and proliferation of mass-destruction weapons, the US Navy is being pushed toward a “shield of the nation” role as the USA’s most flexible and most numerous option for missile defense. AEGIS BMD modifications are the keystone of that effort – in the USA, and beyond.

Continue Reading… »

Virginia Block III: The Revised Bow

Sep 19, 2023 04:58 UTC

Latest updates[?]: General Dynamics Electric Boat won a $517.3 million delivery order to provide unique parts and specialized material, including initial spares, for Virginia-class submarines. Work will be performed in Groton, Connecticut; and Pawcatuck, Connecticut, and is expected to be completed by September 2028. Fiscal 2023 working capital funds (Navy) in the amount of $496,328,335 (96%); and fiscal 2023 other procurement (Navy) funds in the amount of $20,920,490 (4%), will be obligated at time of award, of which $496,328,335 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year.
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SSN Virginia Class Cutaway

Virginia Block I-II
(click for SuperSize)

“GDEB Receives $148M as Virginia Class Lead Yard” described changes to the Virginia Class submarine’s design that are expected to reach 20% of the $200 million savings goal by the time orders for the versatile sea attack/ land attack/ special forces submarines rise to 2 per year, in 2012.

The bow changes cover the FY 2009-2013 ships, referred to as Block III. SSN 774 Virginia – SSN 777 North Carolina are Block I, and SSNs 778-783 will be Block II. Block III begins with the 11th ship of class, SSN 784. Long lead time component orders began May 22/08, and the submarine is expected to be ready for delivery around 2015. A fuller explanation of Block III’s extensive bow changes, and an accompanying graphic, may be found below – along with contract updates that include additional improvements and sonar development.

Continue Reading… »

LCS: The USA’s Littoral Combat Ships

Sep 05, 2023 04:58 UTC DII

Latest updates[?]: Lockheed Martin won a $81.3 million modification to exercise options for Littoral Combat Ship class design support and integrated data and product model environment support. Work will be performed in Newport News, Virginia; Washington, DC; Marinette, Wisconsin; and Moorestown, New Jersey, and is expected to be completed by August 2024.

Littoral Combat Ship (LCS)

Austal Team
Trimaran LCS Design
(click to enlarge)

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 $35+ 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, the Navy hasn’t been able to reconcile what they wanted with the capabilities needed to perform primary naval missions, or with what could be delivered for the sums available. The LCS program has changed its fundamental acquisition plan 4 times since 2005, and canceled contracts with both competing teams during this period, without escaping any of its fundamental issues. Now, the program looks set to end early. 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, budgets and contracts.

Continue Reading… »

RQ-4 Global Hawk UAVs

Aug 31, 2023 04:58 UTC

Latest updates[?]: A hypersonic missile data processing center is slated to be established at the Air National Guard base at Hector Field. This announcement was made by Senator John Hoeven, during the Grand Farm Autonomous Nation Conference at the Fargo Microsoft campus on August 29. The data center is a crucial component of the Sky Range hypersonic missile testing program, poised to transform the landscape of missile development and testing. The Sky Range system stands as a game-changer in the realm of hypersonic missile technology. Hypersonic missiles, capable of flying at speeds exceeding Mach 5, are known for their unmatched speed and maneuverability. Sky Range plays a pivotal role in advancing the next generation of these hypersonic missiles, with a specific focus on testing and data collection. A total of 20 RQ-4 Block 30 Global Hawks are being divested by the 319th Reconnaissance Wing and transferred to the Sky Range program.

RQ-4 Global Hawk High Over Seashore

RQ-4A Global Hawk

Northrop Grumman’s RQ-4 Global Hawk UAV has established a dominant position in the High Altitude/ Long Endurance UAV market. While they are not cheap, they are uniquely capable. During Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF), the system flew only 5% of the US Air Force’s high altitude reconnaissance sorties, but accounted for more than 55% of the time-sensitive targeting imagery generated to support strike missions. The RQ-4 Global Hawk was also a leading contender in the Broad Area Maritime Surveillance (BAMS) UAV competition, and eventually won.

The Global Hawk Maritime Demonstration Program (GHM-D or BAMS-D) aims to use the proven RQ-4 Global Hawk airframe as a test bed for operational concepts and technologies that will eventually find their way into BAMS, and contribute valuable understanding to the new field of maritime surveillance with high-flying UAVs. It’s not just a test program, however, as its remaining drones also deploy to assist the fleet in active operations.

Continue Reading… »

The USA’s E-6 Fleet: Take Charge, And Move Out!

Aug 15, 2023 04:58 UTC DII

Latest updates[?]: Boeing won a $15.5 million delivery order for the repair of the E6B aircraft. This was a sole-source acquisition using justification 10 US Code 2304 (c)(1), as stated in Federal Acquisition Regulation 6.302-1. This is an approximately three-month contract with no option periods. The performance completion date is December 31, 2023.

E-6B TACAMO

E-6B TACAMO

The USA’s E-6 Mercury (aka. TACAMO, as in TAke Charge And Move Out) “survivable airborne communication system” airplanes support their Navy’s SSBN ballistic missile submarine force and overall strategic forces. With the advent of the new “Tactical Trident” converted Ohio Class special operations subs, their unique capabilities become even more useful. The E-6B version also has a secondary role as a “Looking Glass” Airborne National Command Post, and in recent years they have seen use as communications relay stations over the front lines of combat.

Delivery of the first production E-6 aircraft took place in August 1989, with delivery of the 16th and final airplane coming in May 1992. This is DID’s FOCUS Article concerning the E-6 system, which includes details concerning the capabilities and associated contracts. The latest contracts involve important fleet upgrades, as the Navy tries to drag the jet’s systems into the 21st century.

Continue Reading… »

MQ-8 Fire Scout VTUAV Program: By Land or By Sea

Jul 27, 2023 04:58 UTC DII

Latest updates[?]: Northrop Grumman won a $20 million order by the US Navy, which provides for non-recurring engineering, hardware qualification, systems integration, safety assessment, retrofit installation, and flight testing of the payload interface unit and vehicle management computer upgrades to include a cyber-intrusion protection system in support of the MQ-8C vertical takeoff and landing tactical unmanned air vehicle system. Work will be performed in San Diego, California; and Mojave, California, and is expected to be completed in May 2026.

MQ-8B Cutaway

MQ-8B Fire Scout

A helicopter UAV is very handy for naval ships, and for armies who can’t always depend on runways. The USA’s RQ/MQ-8 Fire Scout Unmanned Aerial Vehicle has blazed a trail of firsts in this area, but its history is best described as “colorful.” The program was begun by the US Navy, canceled, adopted by the US Army, revived by the Navy, then canceled by the Army. Leaving it back in the hands of the US Navy. Though the Army is thinking about joining again, and the base platform is changing.

The question is, can the MQ-8 leverage its size, first-mover contract opportunity, and “good enough” performance into a secure future with the US Navy – and beyond? DID describes these new VTUAV platforms, clarifies the program’s structure and colorful history, lists all related contracts and events, and offers related research materials.

Continue Reading… »

EMALS/ AAG: Electro-Magnetic Launch & Recovery for Carriers

Jun 09, 2023 04:58 UTC DII

Latest updates[?]: General Atomics won a $1 billion modification, which adds scope for the production, assembly, test, and management of Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System (EMALS) hardware with embedded software and firmware, minus Energy Storage Subsystem and Advanced Arresting Gear (AAG) System shipsets hardware with embedded software and firmware for the CVN 81 aircraft carrier. Additionally, this modification provides for resolution of EMALS and AAG hardware obsolescence issues, to include firmware obsolescence, as well as non-recurring engineering in support of evaluation and implementation of engineering changes to product hardware, software, technical data, and logistics products through the configuration management process associated with the EMALS and AAG System for the CVN 81 aircraft carrier. This modification also provides case study and developmental research in support of the potential future procurement of EMALS and AAG for the government of France. Work will be performed in San Diego, California (58.1%); Tupelo, Mississippi (40.2%); and Lakehurst, New Jersey (1.7%), and is expected to be completed in September 2032. The Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System (EMALS) is a technology used to launch aircraft from the deck of an aircraft carrier. It replaces the traditional steam catapult system that has been in use for many years. EMALS works by using electromagnetic forces to accelerate the aircraft down the runway and into the air. It involves a series of powerful magnets that generate a magnetic field. When an electrical current is passed through these magnets, it creates a strong electromagnetic force. This force is used to propel the aircraft forward, allowing it to take off from the carrier. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Maryland, is the contracting activity.

EMALS Components

EMALS Components

As the US Navy continues to build its new CVN-21 Gerald R. Ford Class carriers, few technologies are as important to their success as the next-generation EMALS (Electro-MAgnetic Launch System) catapult. The question is whether that technology will be ready in time, in order to avoid either costly delays to the program – or an even more costly redesign of the first ship of class.

Current steam catapult technology is very entertaining when it launches cars more than 100 feet off of a ship, or gives naval fighters the extra boost they need to achieve flight speed within a launch footprint of a few hundred feet. It’s also stressful for the aircraft involved, very maintenance intensive, and not really compatible with modern gas turbine propulsion systems. At present, however, steam is the only option for launching supersonic jet fighters from carrier decks. EMALS aims to leap beyond steam’s limitations, delivering significant efficiency savings, a more survivable system, and improved effectiveness. This free-to-view spotlight article covers the technology, the program, and its progress to date.

Continue Reading… »

Australia’s Future ASW Frigates: Warfare Down Under

May 09, 2023 04:58 UTC DII

Latest updates[?]: The Royal Australian Navy has awarded Rheinmetall a $138 million contract to deliver anti-ship missile defense systems. The service will deploy the Multi Ammunition Softkill System (MASS) on its Hobart-class destroyers and ANZAC-class frigates with an option to equip its entire fleet for $678 million. The first systems will arrive by the end of 2023 and achieve full operational capability by 2027.

HMAS Perth w. ASMD upgrade

ANZAC-ASMD

As Asia-Pacific nations invest in submarines, serious regional players also need to invest in anti-submarine capabilities. Aircraft like the P-8A Poseidon are great, but nothing really replaces dedicated and capable ASW ships. Their opponents’ anti-ship missiles are also experiencing a jump in capability, so a secondary air defense role isn’t optional. Australia’s 2 remaining FFG-7 Adelaide-class frigates have finished an expensive and somewhat rickety systems upgrade, but they fall short of what’s needed, and won’t last all that much longer. The Adelaide-class will soon be succeeded by 3 new Hobart-class AWD. The RAN’s 8 ANZAC-class frigates are receiving much smoother ASMD air defense upgrades that will make them quite useful, but their service life will begin ebbing around 2024. Hence Australia’s SEA 5000 Future Frigate program, which may receive an early push from issues with Australia’s naval industrial base…

Continue Reading… »

US Navy on the T-AKE As It Beefs Up Supply Ship Capacity

Apr 19, 2023 04:58 UTC DII

Latest updates[?]: Alabama Shipyard won a $22 million deal for a 123-calendar day shipyard availability for the regular overhaul and dry docking of the Military Sealift Command's dry cargo and ammunition ship USNS Sacagawea (T-AKE 2). This contract includes a base period and options, which if exercised, would bring the cumulative value to $22,163,078. Work will be performed in Mobile, Alabama, beginning June 15, 2023, and is expected to be completed by October 15, 2023.

T-AKE 2

USNS Sacagawea

Warships get a lot of attention, but without resupply, an impressive-looking fleet becomes a hollow force. The US Navy’s supply and support fleet has been aging, and needed new vessels. T-AKE is part of that effort, and the ships have also found themselves performing “naval diplomacy” roles.

The entire T-AKE dry cargo/ ammunition ship program could have a total value of as much as $6.2 billion, and a size of 14 ships, as the US looks to modernize its supply fleet. How do T-AKE ships fit into US naval operations? What ships do they replace? What’s the tie-in to US civilian industrial capacity? How were environmental standards built into their design? And what contracts have been issued for T-AKE ships to date?

Continue Reading… »
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