Science Applications International Corp. in San Diego, CA is partnering with Computer Associates International Inc. in Islandia, NY on a $6.9 million contract that will install ca’s eTrust PestPatrol Anti-Spyware software on 4 million computers used by Defense employees, including home computers of employees who work from home.
The Air Force Research Laboratory at Kirtland, Air Force Base, NM recently issued a pair of contract modifications to Raytheon and Northrop-Grumman, in order to develop all-electronic steering systems for laser access communication beams.
Steering extends the laser’s field of view, and hence its coverage and ability to serve as a terminal for multiple systems. The concept plays a major role in the Multi-Access Laser Space Terminal concept and programs like the TSAT network, allowing significant weight savings over a system that required point-to-point nodes. This is particularly important for satellite-based equipment, given the enormous cost per pound of putting objects into orbit.
Microwave and millimeter wave units for defense satellites have been extremely expensive in the past – sometimes totaling more than 20% of the cost of a satellite. Typical applications use these units in high quantities and they are quite expensive individually – as much as $50,000 per pound. Yet new defense satellite systems like AEHF and TSAT require more microwave hardware than ever before, thanks to phased arrays et. al.
In an attempt to keep some of these satellite systems affordable, the Affordable Millimeter Wave Units (AMU) program applies new forms of automated packaging to radio frequency modules and millimeter wave units, driving down cost while also decreasing the size and weight of each unit. It’s managed by the Manufacturing Technology Division of the Air Force Research Laboratory’s Materials and Manufacturing Directorate, under a cost-sharing contract with Northrop Grumman.
Lockheed Martin Space Systems Co. in Sunnyvale, CA received a $21.5 million cost-plus award-fee contract modification. This procurement will incorporate new launch schedules for Defense Meteorological Satellite Program (DMSP) Satellites F-17 and F-19, and additional work for Satellite F-18.
The DMSP has been collecting weather data for U.S. military operations for almost 40 years, and 2 operational satellites are in a 101 minute, sun-synchronous near-polar orbit at all times. The primary weather sensor on DMSP is the Operational Linescan System, which provides continuous visual and infrared imagery of cloud cover over an area 1,600 nautical miles wide. Additional satellite sensors based on microwaves, infrared, sounders, et. al. measure atmospheric vertical profiles of moisture and temperature, detect developing patterns of weather and track existing weather systems over remote areas (incl. severe thunderstorms, hurricanes, and typhoons), and measure local charged particles and electromagnetic fields to assess the impact of the ionosphere on ballistic-missile early warning radar systems and long-range communications. Additionally, these data are used to monitor global auroral activity and to predict the effects of the space environment on satellite operations.
The Rocky Mountain News reports that the U.S. Air Force awarded Lockheed Martin’s Colorado Springs operations a $24.7 million contract to keep developing the Web-Enabled Execution Management Capability system. The $24.7 million award follows an initial contract totaling $8.4 million.
This online system would link all of the current services, allowing their commanders to plan and carry out battlefield “strike missions” and search-and- rescue operations in real time. Military brass would be able to log on from ships, air operations centers or forward deployed command posts.
ITT Industries Inc. in Roanoke, VA received an indefinite-delivery, indefinite-quantity contract with a firm, fixed price to purchase 138,506 helmet mounts for its Night Vision systems. The contract’s estimated total value is $29.9 million, with an estimated completion date of July 31, 2007. The work is to be performed at ITT’s Roanoke, VA facility. The Communication Electronics Command Acquisition Center at Fort Monmouth, N.J issued the contract. (W15P7T-05-D-W013)
Boeing Co. subsidiary McDonnell Douglas Corp. in St. Louis, MO received a $2.65 million increment of a $175 million modification to a previously awarded other transaction for prototypes agreement to conduct a robust autonomous aerial refueling demonstration with the X-45C robot plane, and extend the current flight test effort by 18 months. In addition, the company will continue previously funded work to design, develop and demonstrate three full-scale, flight-worthy air vehicles and two mission control elements under the X-45C Joint Unmanned Combat Air Systems (UCAS) program.
Unlike current UAVs, which are mostly used for surveillance and perform unique functions, the UCAS program will develop a robotic aircraft that can perform strike missions at ordnance loadings and ranges that begin to approximate manned fighters.
