Lockheed Installing 7 Mission Systems for Pakistan’s P-3s

Pakistani P-3

Lockheed Martin Corp. Maritime Systems and Sensors in St. Paul, MN received a $186.5 million ceiling-priced modification to a previously awarded indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract (N00019-06-D-0012) for the fabrication, integration and testing of 7 P-3 aircraft missions systems for the Government of Pakistan under the Foreign Military Sales Program. Work will be performed in Greensville, SC (90%) and Eagan, MN (10%) and is expected to be complete in July 2011. The contract is part of a larger P-3 buy worth up to $970 million, and according to Lockheed’s February 13, 2007 release, 1 aircraft has already been delivered. The Naval Air Systems Command in Patuxent River, MD issued the contract.

This modification includes a fully capable Inverse Synthetic-Aperture Radar ISAR/SAR, Electronic Support Measures (ESM), acoustic system, Electro-Optical/Infra-Red system, communication system and Inter-Communication System (ICS). In addition, this modification includes the installation of P-3 mission systems into the Orion aircraft. Retired Indian Commodore RS Vasan’s “The impact of induction of the P3C Orion Aircraft on the Indian Navy’s Preparedness: An Assessment” is an excellent source for those who wish to put these activities in context and understand the regional military implications of Pakistan’s expanded P-3 fleet and recent Harpoon missile purchases.

See full coverage here.

Jan-07: US Buys $15M in Non-electric Delay Detonators

“It’s the delivery boy…”

Shock Tube Systems, Inc. in Moosup, CT received an estimated $15 million firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/ indefinite-quantity contract for MK154 Mod 0 Non-electric Delay Detonators. The MK154 Mod 0 Nonelectric Delay Detonator is a dual initiating/detonating device commonly used by the Navy, Marine Corps, and Special Forces to initiate various demolition materials.

Work will be performed in Sterling, CT and is expected to be complete by January 2012. This contract was competitively procured and advertised on the Internet, with 6 proposals solicited and 2 offers received by the Naval Surface Warfare Center, Crane Division in Crane, IN (N00164-07-D-4259)

$13.3M for Major Renovation of MSC Buildings in Norfolk

The Walsh Group, dba Archer Western Contractors in Chicago, IL received $13.3 million for firm-fixed-price Task Order 0006 for renovation of administrative buildings for use by the Military Sealift Command at Naval Station Norfolk. Work to be performed provides for repairs to Buildings SP-47, SP-48 and SP-64, including the gutting of three buildings and the replacement of all doors and windows. It also provides for the repair and replacement of roofs, exterior brick, heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems, fire alarms, sprinkler systems, and steam connections. New construction includes upgrading the parking area, installing lighting, and moving load-bearing interior walls.

Work will be performed in Norfolk, VA under a previously awarded indefinite-delivery/ indefinite-quantity multiple award construction contract (N62470-01-D-1138), and is expected to be completed by August 2008 – but contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Mid-Atlantic in Norfolk, VA issued the contract.

AMRAAM Surgery: Rocket Swap-Out Saves Time, Money

C’mon baby, light my fire…

U.S. Air Forces in Europe (USAFE) officials recently moved to shift serviceable rocket motors from older, first-generation AIM-120A AMRAAM air-air missiles and put them in unserviceable, but newer and more capable AIM-120B and C models, led by 435th Munitions Squadron Airmen. The missiles involved are part of USAFE’s war reserve assets, but also serve as a forward-positioned stockpile for the U.S. Central Command and elsewhere. The in-house weapon overhaul of 63 missiles saved the Air Force more than $31 million and approximately 3 years of time, and was the largest field retrofit in the AMRAAM’s history.

The missiles are generally under warranty with Raytheon, so these kinds of operations are rare. Raytheon contractors worked with the 435th on the project, removing the AIM-120A rocket motors and providing them to Raytheon contractors to place in AIM-120B/C missile stocks. “The new-acquisition costs would have been considerable,” said Capt. Derek Plymate, 435th MUNS operations officer. “What we were able to complete in three weeks would have taken years if we had shipped them back stateside.” US Air Force Link: Missile overhaul creates big savings.

WAH-64 Combat-Certifies New Armament: Royal Marines

Climb aboard…

It’s useful to bear in mind that military equipment is often used in ways its manufacturers never imagined, let alone intended. A fine illustration of this principle in action comes to us from the Garmsir area in Helmland Province, southern Afghanstan. The UK MoD release, which includes links to video of the overall operation, described the incident this way [DID has added appropriate links]:

“The UKTF met ferocious Taliban fire from all sides. As planned, Z Company then withdrew back to the far side of the Helmand river having successfully completed their objective. The engagement lasted for approximately five hours… Having fought for a period, the Marines regrouped. When they discovered Lance Corporal Ford was missing…

And ride ’em in…

An initial plan was hatched to use Viking vehicles but they eventually concluded that the Apache WAH-64 attack helicopters would provide a quicker and safer means to get him out and back to safety. And so four troops were strapped to the small side ‘wings’ of two Apaches, two to each helicopter. A third Apache provided aerial cover, and further units laid down a mass of covering fire while the other two Apaches landed. All four men got off, as well as some of the aircrew, to provide additional firepower and to assist with the recovery of Lance Corporal Ford…” [read full article]

UPDATE: The UK MoD has now released photos and video from the operation that includes the WAH-64s with Royal Marines on board.