Rapid Fire 2011-05-26: Precision Attack Options, Costs

• As operations over Libya drain European stockpiles of smart bombs, Defense Update’s “The High Cost of Precision Attack” looks at progress, pricing, and options.

• The world military helicopter market reached $12.6 billion in 2010, and demand is predicted to remain strong over the next decade, says ASDReports.com.

• Pentagon acquisition chief Ashton Carter is encouraged by Wall Street’s view of the defense industry. Wall Street once liked the housing sector, too…

• Emerging markets to invest billions of dollars in missile programs over the next 10 years, according to ASDReports.com.

• Lockheed Martin and TAI unveil the 1st of 30 new Turkish F-16 Block 50s, a couple months ahead of schedule. TAI has built and modified a number of F-16s under license, and operates a finishing and check-out line in Turkey.

• Force Protection adds Lockheed Martin (C4ISR) & Elbit (RWS) to its Cougar bid for Canada’s TAPV MRAP program.

• First SBIRS GEO missile detection satellite reaches geosynchronous orbit – passing the impaired but rising AEHF-1 secure broadband communications satellite.

• Raytheon gets $20.7 million USAF contract to provide 1,900 KIV-77 Mode 4/5 cryptographic units that provide secure IFF communications to reduce friendly fire.

• The outgoing Chief of the U.S. Navy says it is ‘not moving fast enough’ in developing Unmanned Underwater Vehicles. But he sees lasers as the biggest game changer.

• Elbit wins Israeli contract with its “Flying Elephant” resupply UAV – a parafoil, GPS guidance, and a 1 tonne wheeled cargo pallet. It was picked in part for its simplicity and speed of deployment… unusual criteria in places like the USA, which is looking at a much more expensive approach.