Feb 05, 2020 05:00 UTCAmericas
Rolls-Royce won a $57.4 million delivery order modification for C-130J propulsion long term sustainment. The Super Hercules features a glass cockpit, digital avionics and a new propulsion system with a six-bladed propeller. The C-130J is crewed by two pilots and a loadmaster. The new glass cockpit features four L-3 systems with multifunction liquid crystal displays for flight control and navigation systems. The aircraft is equipped with four Allison AE2100D3 turboprop engines, each rated at 4,591 shaft horsepower. The all-composite six-blade R391 propeller system was developed by Dowty Aerospace. The order provides funding for Option Three and Power By The Hour flying hours. Estimated completion date is February 1, 2021.
Rockwell Collins Simulation and Training Solutions won a $20.3 million modification, which procures updates to the Delta Software System Configuration #3 software baseline to include the visual system and cyber security on tactics and flight trainer devices. Additionally, this modification provides technology refresh and aircraft concurrency updates on tactics devices, aircraft concurrency and aerial refueling updates on the flight devices, tactics and flight device training and associated technical data in support of the E-2D Hawkeye Integrated Training System. The Hawkeye is a Northrop Grumman-manufactured surveillance aircraft designed to provide information operations for battle management, theater air and missile defense, and multiple sensor fusion capabilities. The training systems, which Rockwell Collins has been delivering to the Navy and allied militaries that use the surveillance platform for several years, include simulators, interactive computer media, as well as other shore-based training. Work will take place in Point Mugu, California and expected completion will be in June 2022.
Middle East & Africa
France’s Intelligence Online has reported that three EADS Harfang Unmanned Air Vehicles previously operated by the French Air Force have been transferred to Morocco. The transfer reportedly took place on January 26. The sale was worth around $48 million. The Israeli drones, manufactured by Israel Aerospace Industries, were transferred to Morocco via French defense company Dassault, The report said that an agreement on the deal was made between Israel and Morocco as far back as 2013, with the drones delivered in recent weeks. The drones are to be used to monitor terror groups in the southern part of the country and the Western Sahara area.The report said Morocco bought the drones after they were decommissioned from the French military, which used them for surveillance operations in Afghanistan.
Europe
Spain contracted Pilatus to deliver 24 PC-21 turboprop trainer aircraft to replace the Air Force’s aging Casa 101s. The contract, announced by the Swiss manufacturer on January 31, will see the twin-seat single-engined aircraft replace the Ejército del Aire’s C-101 jets that have been in service since 1980. According to Pilatus, the deal is worth in excess of $221 million and includes simulators, spares, and logistical support. Deliveries are expected to commence in the coming months, with pilot training set to begin in 2021. The PC-21 expanded envelope trainer aircraft is designed to fulfil the requirements for basic, advanced and fighter lead-in training for pilots and, if required, weapon systems officers.
The UK Ministry of Defense awarded Maritime Tactical Systems (MARTAC), a Florida-based developer of modular Unmanned Surface Vessels (USVs), a $2.4 million contract to deliver five Man-Portable Tactical Autonomous Systems (MANTAS) T12 USVs to the Royal Navy and Joint Forces Command (JFC, now Strategic Command) for further experimentation. The contract includes the provision of integrated sensors, spares and ancillary equipment, training, and technical support. According to the MoD, the MARTAC T12 was selected following a study on commercial off-the-shelf products that would validate the use of low observable USVs for distributed maritime operations. The study – which began in February 2019 and utilized two leased MANTAS T12 USVs – was led by jHUB, the London-based innovation centre for JFC.
Asia-Pacific
According to Jane’s, Mitsui Engineering & Shipbuilding launched the third Hibiki Class ocean surveillance ship on order for the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force. Named Aki, the small waterplane area twin hull (SWATH) vessel entered the water on January 15 in a ceremony held at the company’s facilities in the Japanese city of Tamano, Okayama Prefecture. The ship has a full-load displacement of 3,048 tonnes. It is expected to be commissioned in March 2021. It will feature a more advanced Surveillance Towed Array Sensor System (SURTASS) than that fitted onto the first two ships of the class, the JS Hibiki and JS Harima, which entered service in 1991 and 1992, respectively.
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Watch: Defense security news TV weekly navy army air forces industry military equipment January 2020 V3
Feb 04, 2020 05:00 UTCAmericas
Lockheed Martin won a record $2.3 billion deal for the repair, upgrade or replacement, required availability, configuration management and inventory management for approximately 1,049 weapon replaceable assemblies and shop replaceable assemblies associated with both the MH-60R and MH-60S helicopters. The MH-60R Romeo is the US Navy’s newest and most technologically advanced helicopter. The MH-60R is designed to combine the features of the SH-60B and SH-60F. Its sensors include the ASE package, MTS-FLIR, the AN/APS-147 multi-mode radar/IFF interrogator, an advanced airborne fleet data link, and a more advanced airborne active low frequency sonar (ALFS). The MH-60S is unofficially known as the “Knighthawk”, referring to the preceding Sea Knight, though “Seahawk” is its official DoD name. Its missions include vertical replenishment, medical evacuation, combat search and rescue, anti-surface warfare, maritime interdiction, close air support, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, and special warfare support. Lockheed will perform work in various locations throughout the US. Expected completion will be in January 2025.
Strategic Systems Programs in Washington DC awarded Lockheed Martin Space a $473.8 million contract for Trident II (D5) Life Extension 2 Strategic Systems Programs Alteration Advanced Development Program efforts. The Trident II D5s aboard Ohio Class vessels represent the sea-based part of the US nuclear triad, while those on the UK Vanguard Class vessels are the nation’s main method for delivering nuclear weapons. The missile weighs 130,000 pounds and is a three-stage solid-propellant rocket with a maximum range of 4,600 nautical miles. The missile is launched by the pressure of expanding gas within the launch tube. When the missile broaches the waterline, it enters the boost phase, expending its first, second, and third-stage rocket motors. Following third-stage motor separation, the missile deploys the reentry bodies. Work will take place in Florida, Maryland, Colorado, and California. Estimated completion date is September 30, 2020.
Middle East & Africa
The US Navy awarded Kay and Associates a $67.3 million contract modification to exercise an option for maintenance and support services for F/A-18 C/D and associated equipment in support of the government of Kuwait. Kuwait has looked to upgrade its Air Force in recent years, including signing deals last year for 28 new F/A-18 variants. In April 2018, Boeing won a contract worth $1.2 billion for production and services on 22 F/A-18E and 6 F/A-18F Super Hornets, to be delivered to the government of Kuwait by 2022. Work will take place in Kuwait. Estimated completion will be in January 2022.
DynCorp International won a $30.2 million modification for for maintenance support services for the government of Saudi Arabia’s Royal Saudi Land Forces Aviation Command Aviation Program. DynCorp International LLC provides defense and technical services, and government outsourced solutions. The Company provides contingency operations, infrastructure, intelligence, land systems, logistics, training, and mentoring for defense, diplomacy, and international development. The company operates worldwide. It will perform work under the modification in Saudi Arabia and estimated completion date is January 31, 2021.
Europe
Polish Defense Minister Mariusz B?aszczak signed a $4.6 billion contract for 32 F-35A Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) aircraft on January 31. The defense minister inked the deal at 4th Training Aviation Wing Headquarters in D?blin. This is the second-most expensive acquisition of high-technology military equipment by the Polish Armed Forces after the $4.7 billion deal for the MIM-104F Patriot surface-to-air missile system signed in March 2018. Accompanied by President Andrzej Duda, Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki, and US Ambassador to Poland Georgette Mosbacher, B?aszczak said Poland is joining a growing club of F-35 operators. “Today the Polish Air Force is reaching the next stage of development,” he added.
Asia-Pacific
Lockheed Martin won a $185.9 million contract, which provides program management, various levels of maintenance, training and logistics support to sustain the operational capability of 24 Royal Australian Navy MH-60 Romeo aircraft. The Australian Navy became the second operator of of the MH-60R Romeo helicopter in 2013. Its acquisition program was structured in such a way to allow it to have a say on what new capabilities are added. The Australian MH-60R is equipped with a highly sophisticated combat systems designed to employ Hellfire air-to-surface missiles and the Mark 54 anti-submarine torpedo. The primary missions of the Romeo is anti-submarine warfare and anti-surface warfare. Secondary missions include search and rescue, logistics support, personnel transport and medical evacuation. Lockheed Martin will perform work in Australia as well a New York, Connecticut and Florida. Estimated completion will be in January 2024.
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Feb 03, 2020 05:00 UTCAmericas
Boeing won a $84.1 million contract modification for the F-15 Advanced Display Core Processor (ADCP) II Low-Rate Initial Production 4. The modification exercises an option that provides the production and integration of the ADCP II boxes and related equipment into the F-15 platform. The ADCP II can process 87 billion instructions per second of computing throughput, Boeing said, creating faster and more reliable mission processing capability for pilots and crews. The increased processing capability is critical to new advanced capabilities such as Eagle Passive/Active Warning Survivability System, long range infrared search and track capability, high speed radar communications and future software suite upgrades. Work will take place in St. Louis, Missouri and estimated completion date is July 22, 2022.
Lockheed Martin won a $77.1 million Foreign Military Sales contract for Phased Array Tracking Radar to Intercept on Target (PATRIOT) Advanced Capability-3. The FMS involves Bahrain, the Republic of Korea, Germany, Japan, Kuwait, Netherlands, Poland, Qatar, Romania, Saudi Arabia, Sweden and the United Arab Emirates. Patriot is a long-range, all-altitude, all-weather air defense system to counter tactical ballistic missiles, cruise missiles and advanced aircraft. It is produced by Raytheon in Massachusetts and Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control in Florida. Work will take place in Dallas, Texas and expected completion will be on January 31, 2023.
Middle East & Africa
Israel Aerospace Industries won a $240 million contract to acquire T-38 Wings. The Northrop T-38 Talon was the world’s first supersonic trainer at the time of its introduction. It is a twin-engine, high-altitude, supersonic jet trainer used in a variety of roles because of its design, economy of operations, ease of maintenance, high performance and exceptional safety record. Student pilots fly the T-38A to learn supersonic techniques, aerobatics, formation, night and instrument flying and cross-country navigation. In 2015, IAI delivered the first replacement wing for the aircraft. Work under the new contract will take place in Lod, Israel and expected completion is by January, 2033.
General Dynamics Land Systems won a $29.9 million contract modification to provide Abrams technical support. The M1 Abrams is a third generation American made Main Battle Tank. The first M1 Abrams battle tanks were delivered to the US Army in 1980. A total of 3,273 M1 tanks were produced for the US Army, 4,796 M1A1 tanks were built for the US Army, 221 for the US Marines and 880 co-produced with Egypt. The contract modification involves Kuwait Foreign Military Sales funds in the full amount. Work will take place in Michigan and estimated completion date is January 29, 2021.
Europe
Swedish company Saab officially launched the flight evaluation phase of its Gripen E/F fighter and GlobalEye airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) aircraft for Finland’s HX program. Gripen E test aircraft 39-10 arrived at Tampere-Pirkkala Airbase north of Helsinki the day prior to Saab’s media day to mark the commencement of its HX Challenge, although due to poor weather conditions it was decided not to fly until the following day. The single-seat 39-10 was joined by the twin-seat Gripen NG demonstrator 39-7 on January 31. A GlobalEye did fly from Saab’s facility in Linköping, Sweden, on January 30 with a Finnish Air Force delegation on board. This aircraft will continue to fly out of Linköping for the duration of the evaluation as that is where the company’s bespoke de-briefing and other specialist related equipment is located. The Gripen E 39-10, Gripen NG 39-7 and the GlobalEye will be evaluated through to February 6.
Asia-Pacific
Taiwan is said to have awarded a $49 million contract to the US government to study the possibility of upgrading its E-2C fleet. The study will run from this year till 2024. The E-2C Hawkeye is the US Navy’s all-weather, carrier-based tactical airborne warning and control system platform. It provides all-weather airborne early warning and command and control functions for the carrier battle group. Additional missions include surface surveillance coordination, strike and interceptor control, search and rescue guidance and communications relay. Taiwan received four E-2T Hawkeyes as of September 1995 as part of a $749.5 million deal with US firm Northrop Grumman.
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