Britain Puts GBP 200M Down on HMS Audacious SSN

Astute, pre-launch

As the clock ticks down to June 8, 2007, the Royal Navy prepares to launch the first nuclear attack submarine of their new Astute Class and make her HMS Astute. Each of the new Astute Class submarines is 7,800t, and will be stealthier than the current Trafalgar Class SSNs despite having 47% more displacement. The subs will feature a bunk for each sailor (!), and DID has covered their new 2076 Stage 5 sonar system; no word on whether they’ll also feature HMS Torbay’s new camouflage paint system.

$6M to ITT for Night Vision Image Intensifier Tubes

SoF in Iraq

ITT Corp. Night Vision Division in Roanoke, VA received a $6 million firm-fixed-price five-year indefinite-delivery/ indefinite-quantity contract for 18MM Image Intensifier Tubes for use in ground system night vision devices. The 18MM Image Intensifier Tubes are used in night vision goggles, night vision weapon sights, night vision binoculars and night vision monoculars. The tubes magnify and enhance existing natural light or laser illumination to allow users to see in the dark.

Work will be performed in Roanoke, VA and is expected to be complete by May 2012. $137,000 in contract funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured and solicited via the World Wide Web via Federal Business Opportunities, with 1 offer received by the Naval Surface Warfare Center Crane Division in Crane, IN (N00164-07-D-8520).

As Army C4ISR HQ Moves, Maryland Sees Business Opportunities

In the wake of the USA’s Base Realignment And Closure (BRAC) 2005 process, Aberdeen Proving Ground is preparing for an influx of new personnel – including Team C4ISR (Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance) from the U.S. Army’s Fort Monmouth.

To help Maryland’s business community understand and capitalize on these future changes at APG, the Maryland Technology Development Corporation (TEDCO), the Tech Council of Maryland (TCM) and APG will jointly host the event “Aberdeen Proving Ground: Current and Future Capabilities for Business Opportunities.” Co-sponsored by the Greater Baltimore Tech Council, the event is designed to highlight new collaboration and commercialization opportunities for businesses, government agencies and academia.