DRS Laurel Technologies to support DDG Modernization | Saab shortlisted for Finnish Squadron 2020 Program | Australia tested SMArt 155mm Round

Americas

The Air Force awarded Boeing a $91.3 million contract modification for a super high-speed computer intended to improve the F-15’s electronics warfare capability. The modification provides for the production and integration of the Advanced Display Core Processor II (ADCPII) boxes into the F-15 platform. The ADCP II is also known as Suite 9. According to Boeing, it is the world’s fastest flight mission computer, capable of processing up to 87 billion instructions per second. In 2016, the F-15E tested the flight computer during a flight on July 8 at Florida’s Eglin Air Force Base. The ADCP II is part of a wider $12 billion modernization program taking place across the range of Eagle types being flown in the USAF inventory. The F-15 Eagle is a twin-engine, all-weather tactical fighter aircraft. It is the Air Force’s primary fighter jet aircraft and intercept platform. The Eagle’s air superiority is achieved through a mixture of unprecedented maneuverability and acceleration, range, weapons and avionics.

DRS Laurel Technologies won a $53.7 million supply contract in support of the guided-missile destroyer (DDG) modernization program. The deal includes cost reimbursable services for the repair station console (RSC). According to the DoD, the RSC installation is accomplished in whole or in phases that minimize interruption in ship operating schedules while maximizing the capacity of type Commander and Naval Sea System Command agencies to upgrade and modernize hull, mechanical as well as electrical and electronic systems. DRS Laurel will deliver supplies to various Navy bases, shipyards, repair and contractor facilities. The DDG program commenced with the USS Arleigh Burke (DDG 51) in mid-2010, to provide comprehensive mid-life upgrades that will ensure Arleigh Burke class ships maintain mission relevance. With an expected life of 35 years or more, the sustained maintenance and modernization of these ships is crucial to their continued role as an essential component of surface warfare. The Navy modernization program provides a full spectrum of technical support encompassing all phases of the alteration/installation process. DRS Laurel Technologies will perform in Virginia and various other places and expects to be finished by April 2024.

The Navy contracted Hamilton Sundstrand with $11.1 million for repair of the processor signal utilized on the Super Hornets. The F/A-18 Super Hornet Block III or Advanced Super Hornet is the newest highly capable, affordable and available tactical aircraft manufactured by Boeing. The Super Hornet Block III comes equipped with Distributing Targeting Processor Network (DTP-N) and Tactical Targeting Network Technology (TTNT). These are a computer and a big data platform that work together to aid in even more efficient movement and management of data within assets. The Block IIIs sensors along with the APG-79 AESA Radar coupled to DTP-N and TTNT systems plots information on the Advances Cockpit System making it easy for aircrews to view and manage information. A key capability of the aircraft is the installation of the Raytheon AN/APG-79 multimode AESA tactical radar which has passive detection, active radar suppression modes of operation to provide air-to-air, air to ground, targeting, tracking and self-protection. This radar provides critically important data. Work will take place in Windsor Locks, Connecticut and is scheduled to be completed by April 2024.

Middle East & Africa

Local media reports that the French Army started to withdraw its troops from Iraq. According to officials, the French artillery group, which was deployed on the Iraqi-Syrian border against the Islamic State (IS) group, has completed its mission. The 150-strong Task Force Wagram, an artillery battle group armed with three Caesar 155 mm howitzers, was deployed in Iraq since September 2016 alongside the anti-jihadist coalition. French Army Caesars participated in the liberation of the Iraqi city of Mosul from the Qayarah Forward Base. They then were deployed along the Iraqi-Syrian border, near the Iraqi city of al-Qaim, in support of the Syrian Democratic Forces (FDS).

Europe

Finland shortlisted Saab as a Combat System provider for the Finnish Squadron 2020 program. The potential contract would have Saab provide and integrate the Finnish Navy’s four new Pohjanmaa Class corvettes within the Squadron 2020 program. The program is a project by the Finnish Navy. Its aim is to replace the seven vessels the Navy will decommission. Four modern corvettes will be procured to replace the vessels to be decommissioned. All of the Finnish Navy’s current vessels feature at least one system from Saab, with the majority of vessels operating several systems from Saab. According to the company, Saab has not yet signed any contract or received an order relating to Squadron 2020.

Asia-Pacific

Thales announced, that the company together with the Kalyani Group have formalized a new collaboration for the design, development and manufacture of next generation weapons systems for the Defense and Law Enforcement sectors in India and abroad. The two companies have inked an agreement for the joint venture. According to the company, the collaboration will leverage Thales’s more than 100 years of experience in the design, development and manufacture of the world’s leading defense systems. The agreement was signed onboard the HMAS Canberra.

The Australian Army successfully tested its new Sensor-fused Munition for Artillery (SMArt) 155mm round. The projectile was tested during Exercise Chimera, conducted on 24 and 25 March, at the Shoalwater Bay Training Area near Rockhampton, Queensland. The SMArt 155 is a fire and forget artillery round that is very effective in GPS denied environments and against targets with large target location errors (TLE). It uses high performance explosively formed penetrator (EFP) technology and a multi-mode sensor suite to provide predictable and precise lethal areas of effects in all weather and environments. According to the Australian Department of Defense, the SMArt 155 projectile will provide the army with the ability to effectively engage and destroy heavy armored fighting vehicles, such as main battle tanks, at operationally significant ranges, in all weather and terrain.

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