Northrop Grumman has successfully completed formal qualification testing of the Distributed Common Ground System-Army (DCGS-A) Mobile Basic software baseline being developed for the U.S. Army.
DCGS-A Mobile Basic, also referred to as DCGS-A V4, is the next-generation system for gathering intelligence data and distributing it to soldiers throughout the battlefield.
Developed in conjunction with the U.S. Army's Program Executive Office for Intelligence, Electronic Warfare and Sensors (PEO IEWS), DCGS-A Mobile Basic consolidates multiple programs of record into a single intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) ground analysis and exploitation system.
"This testing marks the successful culmination of the development phase of the DCGS-A Mobile Basic program," said Edward J. Bush, vice president of the C4ISR Networked Systems business unit of Northrop Grumman's ISR Systems Division.
"By providing the Army with a new stable, fully reliable, consolidated DCGS-A software baseline, Northrop Grumman continues its legacy as a premier integrator of ground-based systems," Bush added.
The formal testing, conducted by contractor and government personnel, validated 1,300 test requirements, over 600 interface exchange requirements, and various other specifications, which markedly exceeded government expectations.
As a result of the test effort, DCGS-A Mobile Basic has since been certified as meeting and exceeding the government's rigorous ACAT IAM software testing standards.
Once fielded as part of the DCGS-A Software Baseline 1.0, the DCGS-A Mobile Basic system will deliver operational and logistical advantages over current systems.
Northrop Grumman leads the DCGS-A Mobile Basic industry team that includes General Dynamics, Lockheed Martin, SAIC, Overwatch Systems and Tucson Embedded Systems.
čtvrtek 24. listopadu 2011
Austrian army to slash two thirds of its tanks to save money
The Austrian army will sell, scrap or recycle two thirds of its armoured vehicles by late 2013, allowing it to save up to 15 million euros yearly, Defence Minister Norbert Darabos announced Wednesday.
"We are getting rid of cost-intensive equipment which represents an expensive burden for the army and which we no longer need," Darabos, who has been trying to push through army reforms, told a press conference.
The number of armoured vehicles, which has already seen cuts over the past four years, will thus shrink to 389 by the end of 2013, from a current 1,147.
Several models -- including more than 400 Saurers dating back to the 1960s -- will be scrapped entirely, while others will be recycled as spare parts for other vehicles.
Further models, like the more modern Leopard tanks, will meanwhile be put up for sale, and several governments and firms have already expressed interest, the defence ministry said.
The sales should help bring in 19 million euros ($25.5 million), although two million euros will have to go towards destroying ammunition.
Additionally, the army will save up to 15 million euros per year in maintenance thanks to the cuts, according to the ministry.
"We need more than ever to adapt our capabilities to realistic deployment scenarios," said Darabos.
Where Austria once stood with its back against the Iron Curtain, with the prospect of a conventional war with the Soviet bloc on its doorstep, now "we face cyber threats, terrorist threats: these are the challenges of the future," he noted.
"We are getting rid of cost-intensive equipment which represents an expensive burden for the army and which we no longer need," Darabos, who has been trying to push through army reforms, told a press conference.
The number of armoured vehicles, which has already seen cuts over the past four years, will thus shrink to 389 by the end of 2013, from a current 1,147.
Several models -- including more than 400 Saurers dating back to the 1960s -- will be scrapped entirely, while others will be recycled as spare parts for other vehicles.
Further models, like the more modern Leopard tanks, will meanwhile be put up for sale, and several governments and firms have already expressed interest, the defence ministry said.
The sales should help bring in 19 million euros ($25.5 million), although two million euros will have to go towards destroying ammunition.
Additionally, the army will save up to 15 million euros per year in maintenance thanks to the cuts, according to the ministry.
"We need more than ever to adapt our capabilities to realistic deployment scenarios," said Darabos.
Where Austria once stood with its back against the Iron Curtain, with the prospect of a conventional war with the Soviet bloc on its doorstep, now "we face cyber threats, terrorist threats: these are the challenges of the future," he noted.
Raytheon SDB II Warhead Exceeds Test Requirements
The warhead for Raytheon's Small Diameter Bomb II performed at twice what was required during a series of recent tests. The test marked the first demonstration of an SDB II warhead built on a fully-automated production line.
SDB II is the world's first weapon capable of engaging fixed or moving targets around-the-clock in adverse weather conditions from a range of greater than 40 nautical miles (approximately 46 statute miles).
"SDB II is affordable because we designed it to be low cost, producible, and meet government specifications. Exceeding those requirements at no extra cost is good for the taxpayer and warfighter," said Harry Schulte, vice president of Raytheon Missile Systems' Air Warfare Systems.
"We are determined to keep SDB II on cost and ahead of schedule because the warfighter needs, but doesn't have, an air-launched weapon that can engage moving targets in adverse weather."
After building the test warheads on the production line, engineers put the warheads through an accelerated conditioning regime equivalent to 500 flight hours and 20 years of aging in a bunker, followed by live detonation testing.
"Using production-ready processes, the SDB II warhead is meeting or exceeding all requirements barely a year after contract award," said Tom White, Raytheon's SDB II program director.
"The Raytheon team is dedicated to giving all stakeholders the best value for their money, and most importantly, giving our warfighters a critical capability they don't have today."
SDB II's integrated tri-mode seeker fuses millimeter-wave (MMW) radar, uncooled imaging infrared (IIR) and semiactive laser sensors on a single gimbal, which enables the weapon to seek and destroy targets, despite weather conditions.
+ SDB II uses an uncooled tri-mode seeker to hit moving targets in all weather conditions.
+ SDB II program is on cost and ahead of schedule.
SDB II is the world's first weapon capable of engaging fixed or moving targets around-the-clock in adverse weather conditions from a range of greater than 40 nautical miles (approximately 46 statute miles).
"SDB II is affordable because we designed it to be low cost, producible, and meet government specifications. Exceeding those requirements at no extra cost is good for the taxpayer and warfighter," said Harry Schulte, vice president of Raytheon Missile Systems' Air Warfare Systems.
"We are determined to keep SDB II on cost and ahead of schedule because the warfighter needs, but doesn't have, an air-launched weapon that can engage moving targets in adverse weather."
After building the test warheads on the production line, engineers put the warheads through an accelerated conditioning regime equivalent to 500 flight hours and 20 years of aging in a bunker, followed by live detonation testing.
"Using production-ready processes, the SDB II warhead is meeting or exceeding all requirements barely a year after contract award," said Tom White, Raytheon's SDB II program director.
"The Raytheon team is dedicated to giving all stakeholders the best value for their money, and most importantly, giving our warfighters a critical capability they don't have today."
SDB II's integrated tri-mode seeker fuses millimeter-wave (MMW) radar, uncooled imaging infrared (IIR) and semiactive laser sensors on a single gimbal, which enables the weapon to seek and destroy targets, despite weather conditions.
+ SDB II uses an uncooled tri-mode seeker to hit moving targets in all weather conditions.
+ SDB II program is on cost and ahead of schedule.
Rheinmetall demonstrates laser weapons
German company Rheinmetall Defense says it has successfully combined a powerful laser weapon with an advanced air defense system.
The demonstrator systems were recently tested at a proving ground in Switzerland, the company said, and downed an unmanned aerial vehicle used as a target and engaged and defeated other threats as well.
"Having recently used a high-energy laser weapon to down an unmanned aircraft at a proving ground in Switzerland, Rheinmetall has demonstrated the operational potential of combining a powerful laser weapon with an advanced air defense system," Rheinmetall said in a news release.
"This event provides compelling proof of the (Rheinmetall) group's 360-degree competence in relevant technologies -- ranging from military lasers and target recognition and identification, to target tracking and fire control units -- and its unrivalled ability to weld them into a single, forward-looking, fully functional full-scale demonstrator."
The live-fire laser demonstration was conducted at Rheinmetall's Ochsenboden proving ground.
One weapon system -- two 5-kilowatt laser weapon modules -- was integrated into an air defense system using an Oerlikon Skyguard 3 fire control unit and a Skyshield gun turret. The second, a 1-kW laser weapon module, was mounted on a TM 170-type vehicle.
Both laser weapon demonstrators were used in different scenarios: protecting against asymmetric, terrorist-type threats; countering incoming rockets, artillery and mortar rounds; and defending against an aircraft target.
Rheinmetall said the 1-kW laser weapon demonstrator successfully sank a moving rubber raft (substituting as a speedboat) and was also effective in destroying improvised explosive devices and in neutralizing unexploded ordnance.
In the artillery, mortar and rocket scenario, the 10-kW laser demonstrator showed that the doubling the laser output from the 5-kW of the 2010 design improved performance and reduced the time to engage a target by half.
The 10-kW weapon in the anti-aircraft scenario successfully detected, tracked, engaged and destroyed a UAV in flight.
The live-fire demonstration at the Ochsenboden proving ground, the company said, shows the company has the skill and expertise to develop complex laser weapon systems.
Rheinmetall said it expects to have a 100-kW a laser weapon system available for customers in three to five years but, even today, the modular, scalable design of the lasers demonstrated are able to meet a variety of military weapon requirements.
The demonstrator systems were recently tested at a proving ground in Switzerland, the company said, and downed an unmanned aerial vehicle used as a target and engaged and defeated other threats as well.
"Having recently used a high-energy laser weapon to down an unmanned aircraft at a proving ground in Switzerland, Rheinmetall has demonstrated the operational potential of combining a powerful laser weapon with an advanced air defense system," Rheinmetall said in a news release.
"This event provides compelling proof of the (Rheinmetall) group's 360-degree competence in relevant technologies -- ranging from military lasers and target recognition and identification, to target tracking and fire control units -- and its unrivalled ability to weld them into a single, forward-looking, fully functional full-scale demonstrator."
The live-fire laser demonstration was conducted at Rheinmetall's Ochsenboden proving ground.
One weapon system -- two 5-kilowatt laser weapon modules -- was integrated into an air defense system using an Oerlikon Skyguard 3 fire control unit and a Skyshield gun turret. The second, a 1-kW laser weapon module, was mounted on a TM 170-type vehicle.
Both laser weapon demonstrators were used in different scenarios: protecting against asymmetric, terrorist-type threats; countering incoming rockets, artillery and mortar rounds; and defending against an aircraft target.
Rheinmetall said the 1-kW laser weapon demonstrator successfully sank a moving rubber raft (substituting as a speedboat) and was also effective in destroying improvised explosive devices and in neutralizing unexploded ordnance.
In the artillery, mortar and rocket scenario, the 10-kW laser demonstrator showed that the doubling the laser output from the 5-kW of the 2010 design improved performance and reduced the time to engage a target by half.
The 10-kW weapon in the anti-aircraft scenario successfully detected, tracked, engaged and destroyed a UAV in flight.
The live-fire demonstration at the Ochsenboden proving ground, the company said, shows the company has the skill and expertise to develop complex laser weapon systems.
Rheinmetall said it expects to have a 100-kW a laser weapon system available for customers in three to five years but, even today, the modular, scalable design of the lasers demonstrated are able to meet a variety of military weapon requirements.
MEADS Demonstrates Advanced Plug-And-Fight Capabilities in Integration Test
The Medium Extended Air Defense System (MEADS) system elements have successfully performed a simulated engagement against real-world air and representative missile threats demonstrating MEADS' plug-and-fight capabilities.
In the simulated test, the MEADS battle manager demonstrated a revolutionary network-centric open architecture that allows any combination of sensors and launchers to be organized into single or multiple air and missile defense battle elements. Through its plug-and-fight capability, the sensors, shooters and Tactical Operations Centers (TOC) simply act as nodes on the network.
The MEADS battle manager lets a commander dynamically add or subtract these elements as the situation dictates without shutting the system down.
System elements, represented by MEADS test equipment, provided data inputs and communicated with the TOC.
The test series demonstrated successful integration of BMC4I hardware and software by completing essential system functions including attaching and detaching the launcher from the MEADS plug-and-fight network; configuring and initializing the MEADS launcher and simulated sensors; performing track management functions, threat assessment and identification; and transmitting a valid launch command to the launcher.
These accomplishments represent the first of several planned integration and test events at Pratica di Mare, Italy to finalize development of this advanced air and missile defense system.
NAMEADSMA General Manager Gregory Kee said, "Because of its advanced capabilities, there is international interest in MEADS. In budgeta euros �constrained times, nations need a capability that is modern, operationally more capable than existing systems today with reduced manning requirements and lower operational costs.
"MEADS will offer superior capabilities with unprecedented flexibility compared to current systems. Its 360-degree rotating capability will absolutely bring value to the warfighter - both in situational awareness and in being able to address threats from any direction. It provides dramatically increased capabilities over what's available today."
The lightweight MEADS launcher is easily transportable, is tactically mobile and is capable of rapid reload. It carries up to eight Patriot Advanced Capability-3 (PAC-3) Missile Segment Enhancement (MSE) Missiles and achieves launch readiness in minimum time.
Through improvements in range, interoperability, mobility and full 360-degree defense capability against the evolving threat, MEADS improves the capability to defend troops, friends and allies.
MEADS International Executive Vice President Volker Weidemann said, "This initial demonstration of the MEADS plug-and-fight network is only part of the advanced battle command architecture that MEADS provides.
"Through cooperative, disciplined engineering, MEADS is showing its advanced capabilities and user-defined growth potential to manage new system-of-systems operational requirements when they occur."
Using its 360-degree defensive capability, the advanced MEADS radars and MSE missile, MEADS defends up to eight times the coverage area with far fewer system assets and significantly reduces demand for deployed personnel and equipment, which reduces demand for airlift.
MEADS International, a multinational joint venture headquartered in Orlando, Fla., is the prime contractor for the MEADS system. Major subcontractors and joint venture partners are MBDA in Italy and Germany, and Lockheed Martin in the United States.
In the simulated test, the MEADS battle manager demonstrated a revolutionary network-centric open architecture that allows any combination of sensors and launchers to be organized into single or multiple air and missile defense battle elements. Through its plug-and-fight capability, the sensors, shooters and Tactical Operations Centers (TOC) simply act as nodes on the network.
The MEADS battle manager lets a commander dynamically add or subtract these elements as the situation dictates without shutting the system down.
System elements, represented by MEADS test equipment, provided data inputs and communicated with the TOC.
The test series demonstrated successful integration of BMC4I hardware and software by completing essential system functions including attaching and detaching the launcher from the MEADS plug-and-fight network; configuring and initializing the MEADS launcher and simulated sensors; performing track management functions, threat assessment and identification; and transmitting a valid launch command to the launcher.
These accomplishments represent the first of several planned integration and test events at Pratica di Mare, Italy to finalize development of this advanced air and missile defense system.
NAMEADSMA General Manager Gregory Kee said, "Because of its advanced capabilities, there is international interest in MEADS. In budgeta euros �constrained times, nations need a capability that is modern, operationally more capable than existing systems today with reduced manning requirements and lower operational costs.
"MEADS will offer superior capabilities with unprecedented flexibility compared to current systems. Its 360-degree rotating capability will absolutely bring value to the warfighter - both in situational awareness and in being able to address threats from any direction. It provides dramatically increased capabilities over what's available today."
The lightweight MEADS launcher is easily transportable, is tactically mobile and is capable of rapid reload. It carries up to eight Patriot Advanced Capability-3 (PAC-3) Missile Segment Enhancement (MSE) Missiles and achieves launch readiness in minimum time.
Through improvements in range, interoperability, mobility and full 360-degree defense capability against the evolving threat, MEADS improves the capability to defend troops, friends and allies.
MEADS International Executive Vice President Volker Weidemann said, "This initial demonstration of the MEADS plug-and-fight network is only part of the advanced battle command architecture that MEADS provides.
"Through cooperative, disciplined engineering, MEADS is showing its advanced capabilities and user-defined growth potential to manage new system-of-systems operational requirements when they occur."
Using its 360-degree defensive capability, the advanced MEADS radars and MSE missile, MEADS defends up to eight times the coverage area with far fewer system assets and significantly reduces demand for deployed personnel and equipment, which reduces demand for airlift.
MEADS International, a multinational joint venture headquartered in Orlando, Fla., is the prime contractor for the MEADS system. Major subcontractors and joint venture partners are MBDA in Italy and Germany, and Lockheed Martin in the United States.
Taiwan Hawkeye aircraft head for US upgrading
Taiwan has sent two early warning aircraft for upgrading in the United States and will send two more, media and the air force said Tuesday, as part of an arms deal that upset US ties with Beijing.
The island's air force confirmed that two US-made E-2T aircraft -- which have served the island's air force for 15 years -- are being upgraded in the United States and are scheduled to be sent back before the end of the year.
Another two of the planes were transported to the southern Kaohsiung harbour early in the morning under tight security, the state Central News Agency said. The air force declined to comment on that report.
Analysts say all four E-2Ts will be upgraded to the Hawkeye 2000 configuration, further reducing warning time if the Chinese were to launch an air attack on the island.
The upgrading was part of a $6.5 billion arms sale agreed with Taiwan in 2008, which also included advanced interceptor Patriot missiles, Apache attack helicopters and submarine-launched missiles.
Ties between Taipei and Beijing have improved markedly since Ma Ying-jeou of the China-friendly Kuomintang party came to power in 2008 promising to boost trade links and allow more Chinese tourists to visit the island.
But Beijing still sees the island as part of its territory awaiting reunification, by force if necessary, even though Taiwan has governed itself since 1949 at the end of a civil war.
China has repeatedly threatened to invade Taiwan should the island declare formal independence, prompting Taipei to seek more advanced weapons, largely from the United States.
The island's air force confirmed that two US-made E-2T aircraft -- which have served the island's air force for 15 years -- are being upgraded in the United States and are scheduled to be sent back before the end of the year.
Another two of the planes were transported to the southern Kaohsiung harbour early in the morning under tight security, the state Central News Agency said. The air force declined to comment on that report.
Analysts say all four E-2Ts will be upgraded to the Hawkeye 2000 configuration, further reducing warning time if the Chinese were to launch an air attack on the island.
The upgrading was part of a $6.5 billion arms sale agreed with Taiwan in 2008, which also included advanced interceptor Patriot missiles, Apache attack helicopters and submarine-launched missiles.
Ties between Taipei and Beijing have improved markedly since Ma Ying-jeou of the China-friendly Kuomintang party came to power in 2008 promising to boost trade links and allow more Chinese tourists to visit the island.
But Beijing still sees the island as part of its territory awaiting reunification, by force if necessary, even though Taiwan has governed itself since 1949 at the end of a civil war.
China has repeatedly threatened to invade Taiwan should the island declare formal independence, prompting Taipei to seek more advanced weapons, largely from the United States.
Thermal Energy Storage Device For Directed Energy Weapons Tested
General Atomics' Advanced Power Systems Division has announced that it has completed testing of an advanced thermal energy storage device capable of cooling directed energy weapons (DEW).
The 3 megajoule device is the first large scale module capable of storing heat at a high rate as required for DEW. "We are very pleased with its performance, which shows that it can store heat at an average rate of 230 kilowatts. To put it into perspective, it's the equivalent of melting about 20 pounds of ice in 13 seconds," said Dr. Paul Clark, Manager, Advanced Power Systems of General Atomics.
Heat is stored in the 35 kilogram module by melting a wax-type phase change material. These materials, by themselves, cannot support the high heat transfer rate and must be combined with other materials to enhance their thermal properties and make them work.
Thermal management is one of the many challenges of DEW, which produce tremendous amounts of waste heat. Rejecting heat from these systems in real time is not practical, making thermal energy storage a necessity. High power lasers and high power microwave systems will both benefit from this technology.
The 3 megajoule device is the first large scale module capable of storing heat at a high rate as required for DEW. "We are very pleased with its performance, which shows that it can store heat at an average rate of 230 kilowatts. To put it into perspective, it's the equivalent of melting about 20 pounds of ice in 13 seconds," said Dr. Paul Clark, Manager, Advanced Power Systems of General Atomics.
Heat is stored in the 35 kilogram module by melting a wax-type phase change material. These materials, by themselves, cannot support the high heat transfer rate and must be combined with other materials to enhance their thermal properties and make them work.
Thermal management is one of the many challenges of DEW, which produce tremendous amounts of waste heat. Rejecting heat from these systems in real time is not practical, making thermal energy storage a necessity. High power lasers and high power microwave systems will both benefit from this technology.
Northrop Grumman Awarded Phase Two Fiber Laser Contracts With DARPA
Northrop Grumman has surpassed Phase I goals for the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency's (DARPA) Revolution in Fiber Lasers (RIFL) program that seeks to mature fiber laser technology. As a result, the company has received a contract for Phase II.
"This is an important step in the maturation of fiber laser technology," said Dan Wildt, vice president of Directed Energy Systems for Northrop Grumman's Aerospace Systems sector. "By surpassing Phase I goals, we are in an excellent position for success in Phase II. Success in Phase II will create a powerful springboard for scaling fiber lasers to weapons-class performance levels."
With a 1 kilowatt (kW) single mode fiber amplifier, the company demonstrated a near-perfect beam quality of better than 1.2 and efficiency better than 30 percent, twice the program's goal of 15 percent.
Northrop Grumman also demonstrated a polarization extinction ratio of 50:1, and extremely low phase noise, which is essential for the coherent combination of laser chains used to scale power to weapons-class levels.
The Phase I success was a team effort involving Nufern, East Branby, Conn., which supplied high-power amplifiers; Fraunhofer USA, Inc., Plymouth, Mich., which supplied high-power diode laser pumps; and the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory, Laurel, Md., which supplied advanced fiber design and analysis.
The $4.6 million, 18-month Phase II DARPA contract calls for scaling power to 3kW in a single mode fiber amplifier. The company has patents on techniques used to facilitate combination of many fiber amplifier beams, while maintaining near-ideal beam quality. The ultimate goal is to develop the technology to 100kW, the power necessary to field a lethal laser weapon.
Northrop Grumman is also working on other laser initiatives that will build on the company's scalable architecture and beam combining expertise. They include:
+ The 2-Dimensional Diffractive Optical Element Beam Combining Demonstration, a U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory program under which the company is demonstrating diffractive beam combining using the Joint Department of Defense high-power fiber laser test bed, and
+ The Robust Electric Laser Initiative, a two-year, $8.7 million contract for a High Energy Laser - Joint Technology Office program to produce a design using the company's diffractive optical element beam combining technique to increase power levels to 25kW.
"This is an important step in the maturation of fiber laser technology," said Dan Wildt, vice president of Directed Energy Systems for Northrop Grumman's Aerospace Systems sector. "By surpassing Phase I goals, we are in an excellent position for success in Phase II. Success in Phase II will create a powerful springboard for scaling fiber lasers to weapons-class performance levels."
With a 1 kilowatt (kW) single mode fiber amplifier, the company demonstrated a near-perfect beam quality of better than 1.2 and efficiency better than 30 percent, twice the program's goal of 15 percent.
Northrop Grumman also demonstrated a polarization extinction ratio of 50:1, and extremely low phase noise, which is essential for the coherent combination of laser chains used to scale power to weapons-class levels.
The Phase I success was a team effort involving Nufern, East Branby, Conn., which supplied high-power amplifiers; Fraunhofer USA, Inc., Plymouth, Mich., which supplied high-power diode laser pumps; and the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory, Laurel, Md., which supplied advanced fiber design and analysis.
The $4.6 million, 18-month Phase II DARPA contract calls for scaling power to 3kW in a single mode fiber amplifier. The company has patents on techniques used to facilitate combination of many fiber amplifier beams, while maintaining near-ideal beam quality. The ultimate goal is to develop the technology to 100kW, the power necessary to field a lethal laser weapon.
Northrop Grumman is also working on other laser initiatives that will build on the company's scalable architecture and beam combining expertise. They include:
+ The 2-Dimensional Diffractive Optical Element Beam Combining Demonstration, a U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory program under which the company is demonstrating diffractive beam combining using the Joint Department of Defense high-power fiber laser test bed, and
+ The Robust Electric Laser Initiative, a two-year, $8.7 million contract for a High Energy Laser - Joint Technology Office program to produce a design using the company's diffractive optical element beam combining technique to increase power levels to 25kW.
Single Directed Energy Systems Team Created in Albuquerque
The Boeing Company has announced that it is combining its Airborne Laser Test Bed (ALTB) and Directed Energy organizations into a single Directed Energy Systems team based in Albuquerque. The consolidation is designed to further the development and execution of breakthrough directed-energy systems for Boeing's military customers.
"Consolidating the proven laser-application expertise of the Airborne Laser team with the exciting new innovations pursued by our Directed Energy organization will focus our efforts on developing and applying laser technologies to deliver breakthrough products and systems for our customers today and tomorrow," said Greg Hyslop, vice president and general manager of Boeing Strategic Missile and Defense Systems.
"Our new Directed Energy Systems team will ensure Boeing leadership and growth in this critical market area."
Mike Rinn, currently vice president and program director for ALTB, will lead the new organization and be based at the Directed Energy Systems team's headquarters in Albuquerque, where many of Boeing's directed-energy customers are located. Rich Flanders will replace Rinn as ALTB program director.
"Mike's leadership will help us take advantage of the unique innovations we've demonstrated on the Airborne Laser and apply them to our other directed-energy programs and technologies," Hyslop said. "He also will lead our efforts in pursuing new opportunities to expand the Airborne Laser's role in demonstrating new laser technologies."
The ALTB team made history in February when it engaged and destroyed a ballistic missile in its boost phase, successfully demonstrating the speed, precision and breakthrough potential of directed-energy weapons.
The test marked the first time a laser system has engaged and destroyed an in-flight ballistic missile and the first time that any system has accomplished it in the missile's boost phase of flight. ALTB has the highest-energy laser ever fired from an aircraft and is the most powerful mobile laser device in the world.
The Directed Energy Systems unit is developing advanced laser concepts and systems to address multiple defense requirements.
Development efforts include the High Energy Laser Technology Demonstrator for the U.S. Army; the U.S. Navy Free Electron Laser weapon system, which recently completed its preliminary design review; and Laser Avenger, a company-funded program that integrates a laser on a mobile truck platform.
Laser Avenger has proven its ability to destroy improvised explosive devices, unexploded ordnance and unmanned aerial vehicles.
"Consolidating the proven laser-application expertise of the Airborne Laser team with the exciting new innovations pursued by our Directed Energy organization will focus our efforts on developing and applying laser technologies to deliver breakthrough products and systems for our customers today and tomorrow," said Greg Hyslop, vice president and general manager of Boeing Strategic Missile and Defense Systems.
"Our new Directed Energy Systems team will ensure Boeing leadership and growth in this critical market area."
Mike Rinn, currently vice president and program director for ALTB, will lead the new organization and be based at the Directed Energy Systems team's headquarters in Albuquerque, where many of Boeing's directed-energy customers are located. Rich Flanders will replace Rinn as ALTB program director.
"Mike's leadership will help us take advantage of the unique innovations we've demonstrated on the Airborne Laser and apply them to our other directed-energy programs and technologies," Hyslop said. "He also will lead our efforts in pursuing new opportunities to expand the Airborne Laser's role in demonstrating new laser technologies."
The ALTB team made history in February when it engaged and destroyed a ballistic missile in its boost phase, successfully demonstrating the speed, precision and breakthrough potential of directed-energy weapons.
The test marked the first time a laser system has engaged and destroyed an in-flight ballistic missile and the first time that any system has accomplished it in the missile's boost phase of flight. ALTB has the highest-energy laser ever fired from an aircraft and is the most powerful mobile laser device in the world.
The Directed Energy Systems unit is developing advanced laser concepts and systems to address multiple defense requirements.
Development efforts include the High Energy Laser Technology Demonstrator for the U.S. Army; the U.S. Navy Free Electron Laser weapon system, which recently completed its preliminary design review; and Laser Avenger, a company-funded program that integrates a laser on a mobile truck platform.
Laser Avenger has proven its ability to destroy improvised explosive devices, unexploded ordnance and unmanned aerial vehicles.
Army Testing Green Laser Kits In Afghanistan
The Army's Program Executive Office Soldier is fielding several Green Laser Escalation of Force, or GLEF, kits to units in Afghanistan for operational assessment.
The GLEF systems are mounted as an accessory to Common Remotely Operated Weapon Stations or CROWS, the turret system that provides Soldiers the ability to employ cameras, sensors and weapons from inside the protection of an armored vehicle. The non-lethal green-light laser gives Soldiers an interim step before escalating force while conducting daily operations.
"Protecting civilian populations is critical to our success in fighting insurgencies," said Col. Douglas Tamilio, project manager for Soldier Weapons.
"Green lasers have proven safe and effective as a non-lethal tool that sends a strong message without the need to employ deadly force."
The GLEF system emits a wide band of green light that temporarily disrupts a person's vision so that driving a vehicle or aiming a weapon becomes difficult if not impossible. One application would be to warn civilians away from checkpoints and other areas where their safety is at risk. At closer distances, the lasers provide an immediate, nonlethal capability to deter aggressive actions.
"The human eye is four times more sensitive to green light than to red light during the day and far more sensitive at night," explained Maj. Michael Pottratz, program manager for Crew Served Weapons.
"The effect is the same as looking at the sun for a fraction of a second. The lasers send a warning signal across language and cultural barriers to keep innocent people from entering into harm's way."
While green lasers have been commercially available for a number of years, the system configuration for use as a CROWS accessory is a new development. By employing previously tested and approved technologies, engineers were able to design, assemble and field the new configuration for use in CROWS systems in less than 12 months.
Select units will test the systems for 90 days and report back to PEO Soldier on system performance and its impact on operations. Soldier input will be incorporated into the final designs.
The GLEF systems are mounted as an accessory to Common Remotely Operated Weapon Stations or CROWS, the turret system that provides Soldiers the ability to employ cameras, sensors and weapons from inside the protection of an armored vehicle. The non-lethal green-light laser gives Soldiers an interim step before escalating force while conducting daily operations.
"Protecting civilian populations is critical to our success in fighting insurgencies," said Col. Douglas Tamilio, project manager for Soldier Weapons.
"Green lasers have proven safe and effective as a non-lethal tool that sends a strong message without the need to employ deadly force."
The GLEF system emits a wide band of green light that temporarily disrupts a person's vision so that driving a vehicle or aiming a weapon becomes difficult if not impossible. One application would be to warn civilians away from checkpoints and other areas where their safety is at risk. At closer distances, the lasers provide an immediate, nonlethal capability to deter aggressive actions.
"The human eye is four times more sensitive to green light than to red light during the day and far more sensitive at night," explained Maj. Michael Pottratz, program manager for Crew Served Weapons.
"The effect is the same as looking at the sun for a fraction of a second. The lasers send a warning signal across language and cultural barriers to keep innocent people from entering into harm's way."
While green lasers have been commercially available for a number of years, the system configuration for use as a CROWS accessory is a new development. By employing previously tested and approved technologies, engineers were able to design, assemble and field the new configuration for use in CROWS systems in less than 12 months.
Select units will test the systems for 90 days and report back to PEO Soldier on system performance and its impact on operations. Soldier input will be incorporated into the final designs.
Boeing, US Army Mark Delivery of First AH-64D Apache Block III Combat Helicopter
Boeing has marked delivery of the first AH-64D Apache Block III multi-role attack helicopter to the U.S. Army in Mesa. The Block III Apache begins a new era in combat aviation by delivering advanced technologies and capabilities to benefit soldiers and battlefield commanders.
"This is a remarkable achievement by a great Army-industry team, a giant leap for U.S. Army aviation, and a signal to aggressors around the world that the Apache continues its legacy as a formidable and highly effective weapon system," said Col. Shane Openshaw, U.S. Army Apache project manager.
"I am proud to witness this program milestone achievement and honored to be part of the team that designs and builds the Apache attack helicopter.
"I know the value this aircraft brings to soldiers on the ground and in the air who defend freedom daily in combat zones and during peacekeeping missions around the globe."
Boeing will produce 51 AH-64D Apache Block III helicopters for the Army under Low Rate Initial Production. The Army's acquisition objective stands at 690 Apache Block III aircraft.
In addition, a growing number of defense forces worldwide have contracted for, or are considering, upgrading to or adding the Apache Block III to their rotorcraft fleets.
The Apache Block III incorporates 26 new technologies designed to enhance the aircraft's capabilities. The improved drive system features a new split-torque face gear transmission that increases power capability to 3,400 shaft horsepower.
The new composite main rotor blade accommodates that power increase, resulting in improved aircraft performance with increased payload.
Integrating the T700-GE-701D engine with the enhanced digital electronic control unit and other drive system technologies results in an increase in hover ceiling altitude at greater gross weight on a 95 degrees Fahrenheit day.
"The Apache team worldwide has done a remarkable job of producing a phenomenal helicopter and delivering it to the Army customer on cost and ahead of schedule," said David Koopersmith, Boeing vice president of Attack Helicopter Programs.
"We pledge to continue our efforts to ensure that our customers have enduring capabilities today and tomorrow."
"This is a remarkable achievement by a great Army-industry team, a giant leap for U.S. Army aviation, and a signal to aggressors around the world that the Apache continues its legacy as a formidable and highly effective weapon system," said Col. Shane Openshaw, U.S. Army Apache project manager.
"I am proud to witness this program milestone achievement and honored to be part of the team that designs and builds the Apache attack helicopter.
"I know the value this aircraft brings to soldiers on the ground and in the air who defend freedom daily in combat zones and during peacekeeping missions around the globe."
Boeing will produce 51 AH-64D Apache Block III helicopters for the Army under Low Rate Initial Production. The Army's acquisition objective stands at 690 Apache Block III aircraft.
In addition, a growing number of defense forces worldwide have contracted for, or are considering, upgrading to or adding the Apache Block III to their rotorcraft fleets.
The Apache Block III incorporates 26 new technologies designed to enhance the aircraft's capabilities. The improved drive system features a new split-torque face gear transmission that increases power capability to 3,400 shaft horsepower.
The new composite main rotor blade accommodates that power increase, resulting in improved aircraft performance with increased payload.
Integrating the T700-GE-701D engine with the enhanced digital electronic control unit and other drive system technologies results in an increase in hover ceiling altitude at greater gross weight on a 95 degrees Fahrenheit day.
"The Apache team worldwide has done a remarkable job of producing a phenomenal helicopter and delivering it to the Army customer on cost and ahead of schedule," said David Koopersmith, Boeing vice president of Attack Helicopter Programs.
"We pledge to continue our efforts to ensure that our customers have enduring capabilities today and tomorrow."
Maritime Laser Demonstration System Proves Key Capabilities For Shipboard Operations
Northrop Grumman recently completed a series of tests of the Maritime Laser Demonstration (MLD) system, moving high-energy lasers a step closer to deployment aboard U.S. Navy ships.
Recent shore-based tests at the Naval Surface Warfare Center (NSWC) in Port Hueneme proved the MLD system's ability to track small boats at long ranges and in a marine environment.
"Tracking tests were part of a larger program designed to demonstrate laser weapon system capability for fleet defense," according to Steve Hixson, vice president of Space and Directed Energy Systems for Northrop Grumman Aerospace Systems.
"Such lasers would complement other defensive systems to address certain threats more effectively and at lower cost than traditional weapons."
Managed by the Office of Naval Research (ONR), the MLD program has a goal of demonstrating how high-energy laser weapons can be adapted for naval operations, specifically to engage targets such as swarms of enemy fast patrol boats.
"The program places a high value on experiences gained through technologies recently matured through other Defense Department development efforts," said Dan Wildt, vice president of Directed Energy Systems for Northrop Grumman Aerospace Systems.
"For MLD, lessons learned were taken from the success of the Northrop Grumman-developed Joint High Power Solid State Laser, a compact, high-brightness laser. We also applied precision tracking experience gained from the Tactical High Energy Laser test bed at White Sands Missile Range, N.M., which has destroyed 46 rockets, artillery and mortar rounds in flight."
The Port Hueneme tests, conducted by ONR, demonstrated the ability of a Northrop Grumman laser system to acquire and track the threat representative small boats, he noted.
"This and previous tests are critical steps leading to the first-ever demonstration of a laser weapon at-sea. The bar for performance and safety is very high for a system that will be going onto a ship. Our approach has been to carefully plan, test and verify the system at every step, which separates MLD from just another technology demonstration. MLD will give the Navy the fundamental data that is needed to decide whether to go forward and deploy this capability in the near term," according to Wildt.
Last fall, Northrop Grumman tested the MLD system at the company's San Juan Capistrano, Calif., test site. In these tests, a high-energy laser was generated through the system to a target board. Atmospheric and system models were used to demonstrate the ability to transport, rapidly setup and operate the system.
Recent shore-based tests at the Naval Surface Warfare Center (NSWC) in Port Hueneme proved the MLD system's ability to track small boats at long ranges and in a marine environment.
"Tracking tests were part of a larger program designed to demonstrate laser weapon system capability for fleet defense," according to Steve Hixson, vice president of Space and Directed Energy Systems for Northrop Grumman Aerospace Systems.
"Such lasers would complement other defensive systems to address certain threats more effectively and at lower cost than traditional weapons."
Managed by the Office of Naval Research (ONR), the MLD program has a goal of demonstrating how high-energy laser weapons can be adapted for naval operations, specifically to engage targets such as swarms of enemy fast patrol boats.
"The program places a high value on experiences gained through technologies recently matured through other Defense Department development efforts," said Dan Wildt, vice president of Directed Energy Systems for Northrop Grumman Aerospace Systems.
"For MLD, lessons learned were taken from the success of the Northrop Grumman-developed Joint High Power Solid State Laser, a compact, high-brightness laser. We also applied precision tracking experience gained from the Tactical High Energy Laser test bed at White Sands Missile Range, N.M., which has destroyed 46 rockets, artillery and mortar rounds in flight."
The Port Hueneme tests, conducted by ONR, demonstrated the ability of a Northrop Grumman laser system to acquire and track the threat representative small boats, he noted.
"This and previous tests are critical steps leading to the first-ever demonstration of a laser weapon at-sea. The bar for performance and safety is very high for a system that will be going onto a ship. Our approach has been to carefully plan, test and verify the system at every step, which separates MLD from just another technology demonstration. MLD will give the Navy the fundamental data that is needed to decide whether to go forward and deploy this capability in the near term," according to Wildt.
Last fall, Northrop Grumman tested the MLD system at the company's San Juan Capistrano, Calif., test site. In these tests, a high-energy laser was generated through the system to a target board. Atmospheric and system models were used to demonstrate the ability to transport, rapidly setup and operate the system.
Phalanx Sensors Used In Laser Shoot Down Of Airborne Targets
Raytheon and a U.S. Navy team used a combined-beam fiber laser to shoot down four unmanned aerial vehicles in flight during an over-the-water engagement.
The UAV targets were engaged and destroyed using the Navy's Laser Weapon System guided by Raytheon's Phalanx Close-in Weapon System sensor suite. LaWS is made up of six industrial-use lasers that simultaneously focus on the target.
"These engagements validate the operational viability of the Phalanx-LaWS combination at sea," said Dr. Taylor W. Lawrence, president of Raytheon Missile Systems. "The Raytheon- Navy team demonstrated the systems' capability to detect, track, engage and defeat dynamic targets at tactically significant ranges in a maritime environment."
For the test, the LaWS was mounted on a stable platform close to the Phalanx Block 1B mount. The Phalanx operator used the Block 1B's surface mode to perform electro-optical tracking and the system's radio frequency sensors to provide range data to the LaWS. When the Phalanx acquired the UAV, the LaWS destroyed the target.
"The Raytheon-Navy team is moving directed energy solutions toward utility in the battlespace to provide warfighters with speed-of-light protection," said Lawrence. "This shoot down leverages the significant investment the Navy has made in the Phalanx Close-in Weapon System and extends its combat-proven leadership in close-in defense systems."
The UAV targets were engaged and destroyed using the Navy's Laser Weapon System guided by Raytheon's Phalanx Close-in Weapon System sensor suite. LaWS is made up of six industrial-use lasers that simultaneously focus on the target.
"These engagements validate the operational viability of the Phalanx-LaWS combination at sea," said Dr. Taylor W. Lawrence, president of Raytheon Missile Systems. "The Raytheon- Navy team demonstrated the systems' capability to detect, track, engage and defeat dynamic targets at tactically significant ranges in a maritime environment."
For the test, the LaWS was mounted on a stable platform close to the Phalanx Block 1B mount. The Phalanx operator used the Block 1B's surface mode to perform electro-optical tracking and the system's radio frequency sensors to provide range data to the LaWS. When the Phalanx acquired the UAV, the LaWS destroyed the target.
"The Raytheon-Navy team is moving directed energy solutions toward utility in the battlespace to provide warfighters with speed-of-light protection," said Lawrence. "This shoot down leverages the significant investment the Navy has made in the Phalanx Close-in Weapon System and extends its combat-proven leadership in close-in defense systems."
X-47B Demonstrator Flies in Cruise Mode for First Time
The U.S. Navy/Northrop Grumman X-47B Unmanned Combat Air System Demonstration aircraft reached a major milestone Sept. 30 when it retracted its landing gear and flew in its cruise configuration for the first time.
The flight, conducted at Edwards Air Force Base, also helped validate precision navigation hardware and software that will allow the X-47B to land with precision on the moving deck of an aircraft carrier.
"Last week's flight gave us our first clean look at the aerodynamic cruise performance of the X-47B air system...and it is proving out all of our predictions," said Janis Pamiljans, vice president and Navy UCAS program manager for Northrop Grumman's Aerospace Systems sector.
"Reaching this critical test point demonstrates the growing maturity of the air system, and its readiness to move to the next phase of flight testing."
The recent flight was part of an on-going "envelope expansion" program for the first of two X-47B aircraft produced by Northrop Grumman for the Navy's Unmanned Combat Air System Carrier Demonstration (UCAS-D) program.
Envelope expansion flights are used to demonstrate aircraft performance under a variety of altitude, speed and fuel load conditions.
The UCAS-D program plans to begin transitioning aircraft to Naval Air Station, Patuxent River, Md. in late 2011 to begin shore-based carrier suitability testing in 2012.
The focal point of the program is to demonstrate in 2013 the first aircraft carrier launches and recoveries by a tailless, low-observable-relevant unmanned system.
The flight, conducted at Edwards Air Force Base, also helped validate precision navigation hardware and software that will allow the X-47B to land with precision on the moving deck of an aircraft carrier.
"Last week's flight gave us our first clean look at the aerodynamic cruise performance of the X-47B air system...and it is proving out all of our predictions," said Janis Pamiljans, vice president and Navy UCAS program manager for Northrop Grumman's Aerospace Systems sector.
"Reaching this critical test point demonstrates the growing maturity of the air system, and its readiness to move to the next phase of flight testing."
The recent flight was part of an on-going "envelope expansion" program for the first of two X-47B aircraft produced by Northrop Grumman for the Navy's Unmanned Combat Air System Carrier Demonstration (UCAS-D) program.
Envelope expansion flights are used to demonstrate aircraft performance under a variety of altitude, speed and fuel load conditions.
The UCAS-D program plans to begin transitioning aircraft to Naval Air Station, Patuxent River, Md. in late 2011 to begin shore-based carrier suitability testing in 2012.
The focal point of the program is to demonstrate in 2013 the first aircraft carrier launches and recoveries by a tailless, low-observable-relevant unmanned system.
Computer virus did not target US drone fleet: general
A computer virus that affected the US military's drone fleet last month was not "specifically" aimed at the unmanned aircraft's network, the head of US Strategic Command said Tuesday.
"It was a virus that we believe at this point entered from the wild, if you will, not specifically targeted at the RPA (remotely piloted aircraft) activities but entered through some other process," General Robert Kehler told reporters.
"We're not quite sure how that happened yet," he said.
Discovered in mid-September at Creech Air Force base in Nevada, the virus infected computers in the ground control system for the drones, which is separate from the drones' flight control system.
Drone flights in Afghanistan and other war zones directed from the Creech base were not affected by the virus, according the US Air Force.
One possible route for the virus could have come through hard drives in the ground control system, as the removable drives are used to transfer data and moved from "machine to machine," Kehler said.
"So that opens the possibility to get something introduced in the system," he said.
Wired magazine, which first reported the problem, had said the virus spread through removable hard drives used to load map updates and transfer mission videos from one computer to another.
In this case, Kehler said cyber security safeguards had performed successfully.
"All the information that I have would suggest that the systems that we have put in place to detect such viruses worked," he said.
"We were able to quarantine the virus fairly quickly, we are still doing cleaning activities in some isolated machinery."
The general added that US military networks are constantly being probed by outsiders.
"We see multiple deliberate attempts to try to get into our networks, almost daily."
The US military's newly created cyber command falls within Kehler's Strategic Command, which also oversees the country's nuclear arsenal.
Related Links UAV News - Suppliers and Technology "It was a virus that we believe at this point entered from the wild, if you will, not specifically targeted at the RPA (remotely piloted aircraft) activities but entered through some other process," General Robert Kehler told reporters.
"We're not quite sure how that happened yet," he said.
Discovered in mid-September at Creech Air Force base in Nevada, the virus infected computers in the ground control system for the drones, which is separate from the drones' flight control system.
Drone flights in Afghanistan and other war zones directed from the Creech base were not affected by the virus, according the US Air Force.
One possible route for the virus could have come through hard drives in the ground control system, as the removable drives are used to transfer data and moved from "machine to machine," Kehler said.
"So that opens the possibility to get something introduced in the system," he said.
Wired magazine, which first reported the problem, had said the virus spread through removable hard drives used to load map updates and transfer mission videos from one computer to another.
In this case, Kehler said cyber security safeguards had performed successfully.
"All the information that I have would suggest that the systems that we have put in place to detect such viruses worked," he said.
"We were able to quarantine the virus fairly quickly, we are still doing cleaning activities in some isolated machinery."
The general added that US military networks are constantly being probed by outsiders.
"We see multiple deliberate attempts to try to get into our networks, almost daily."
The US military's newly created cyber command falls within Kehler's Strategic Command, which also oversees the country's nuclear arsenal.
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US Army to fly 'kamikaze' drones
A miniature "kamikaze" drone designed to quietly hover in the sky before dive-bombing and slamming into a human target will soon be part of the US Army's arsenal, officials say.
Dubbed the "Switchblade," the robotic aircraft represents the latest attempt by the United States to refine how it takes out suspected militants.
Weighing less than two kilos, the drone is small enough to fit into a soldier's backpack and is launched from a tube, with wings quickly folding out as it soars into the air, according to manufacturer AeroVironment.
Powered by a small electric motor, the Switchblade transmits video in real time from overhead, allowing a soldier to identify an enemy, the company said in a press release last month.
"Upon confirming the target using the live video feed, the operator then sends a command to the air vehicle to arm it and lock its trajectory onto the target," it said.
The drone then flies into the "target," detonating a small explosive.
The California-based firm also said the drone can be called off at the last moment, even after a kill mission has been ordered. That feature provides troops with "a level of control not available in other weapon systems," it said.
The United States currently uses larger Predator and Reaper drones to hunt down suspected militants in Pakistan and elsewhere.
The robotic planes fire powerful Hellfire missiles and drop heavy bombs that can cause civilian casualties and extensive damage, which has fueled popular anger with the United States in Pakistan.
In the war in Afghanistan, US and coalition troops fighting the the Taliban can call in artillery fire or air strikes from fighter jets and attack helicopters. But the heavy firepower has been blamed by Afghan leaders for claiming the lives of innocent civilians and strained US relations with Kabul.
The Switchblade, however, is touted as a way to avoid killing bystanders.
"Flying quietly at high speed the Switchblade delivers its onboard explosive payload with precision while minimizing collateral damage," the company said.
The US Army in June approved a $4.9 million contract for AeroVironment to supply the new drones as soon as possible. Officials have not said how many Switchblade drones were ordered or when the robotic weapons would make into the hands of US forces.
Human rights groups have raised concerns that the use of drones by the CIA has allowed the conduct of a secret assassination campaign abroad without public scrutiny and little oversight by lawmakers in Congress.
Dubbed the "Switchblade," the robotic aircraft represents the latest attempt by the United States to refine how it takes out suspected militants.
Weighing less than two kilos, the drone is small enough to fit into a soldier's backpack and is launched from a tube, with wings quickly folding out as it soars into the air, according to manufacturer AeroVironment.
Powered by a small electric motor, the Switchblade transmits video in real time from overhead, allowing a soldier to identify an enemy, the company said in a press release last month.
"Upon confirming the target using the live video feed, the operator then sends a command to the air vehicle to arm it and lock its trajectory onto the target," it said.
The drone then flies into the "target," detonating a small explosive.
The California-based firm also said the drone can be called off at the last moment, even after a kill mission has been ordered. That feature provides troops with "a level of control not available in other weapon systems," it said.
The United States currently uses larger Predator and Reaper drones to hunt down suspected militants in Pakistan and elsewhere.
The robotic planes fire powerful Hellfire missiles and drop heavy bombs that can cause civilian casualties and extensive damage, which has fueled popular anger with the United States in Pakistan.
In the war in Afghanistan, US and coalition troops fighting the the Taliban can call in artillery fire or air strikes from fighter jets and attack helicopters. But the heavy firepower has been blamed by Afghan leaders for claiming the lives of innocent civilians and strained US relations with Kabul.
The Switchblade, however, is touted as a way to avoid killing bystanders.
"Flying quietly at high speed the Switchblade delivers its onboard explosive payload with precision while minimizing collateral damage," the company said.
The US Army in June approved a $4.9 million contract for AeroVironment to supply the new drones as soon as possible. Officials have not said how many Switchblade drones were ordered or when the robotic weapons would make into the hands of US forces.
Human rights groups have raised concerns that the use of drones by the CIA has allowed the conduct of a secret assassination campaign abroad without public scrutiny and little oversight by lawmakers in Congress.
Raytheon Aims to Integrate STM on Light-Attack Aircraft
Raytheon is seeking to integrate its Small Tactical Munition onto a wide variety of light-attack aircraft. STM is a new 12-pound, 22-inch-long, precision-guided, gravity-dropped weapon.
Although initially designed for employment from unmanned aircraft systems, STM's small size makes it uniquely applicable to manned systems as well. STM is the smallest air-launched weapon in Raytheon's portfolio.
"STM's small size enables the warfighter to carry dozens of STMs on a multitude of light attack aircraft," said Bob Francois, vice president of Advanced Missiles and Unmanned Systems for Raytheon Missile Systems.
"Instead of using an expensive system to destroy a target such as a lightly armored vehicle, the warfighter could use an STM, which costs roughly the same as a pickup truck and reduces collateral damage."
Small Tactical Munition STM has foldable fins and wings, which enable the weapon to be employed from the U.S. military's common launch tube. STM incorporates a purpose-built warhead designed by Nammo-Talley and features a Kaman Aerospace electronic safe arm and fire device.
- Smallest air-launched weapon made by Raytheon at 12 pounds, 22 inches
- Originally designed for unmanned aircraft but well suited for light attack aircraft
- Costs roughly the same as a pickup truck
Although initially designed for employment from unmanned aircraft systems, STM's small size makes it uniquely applicable to manned systems as well. STM is the smallest air-launched weapon in Raytheon's portfolio.
"STM's small size enables the warfighter to carry dozens of STMs on a multitude of light attack aircraft," said Bob Francois, vice president of Advanced Missiles and Unmanned Systems for Raytheon Missile Systems.
"Instead of using an expensive system to destroy a target such as a lightly armored vehicle, the warfighter could use an STM, which costs roughly the same as a pickup truck and reduces collateral damage."
Small Tactical Munition STM has foldable fins and wings, which enable the weapon to be employed from the U.S. military's common launch tube. STM incorporates a purpose-built warhead designed by Nammo-Talley and features a Kaman Aerospace electronic safe arm and fire device.
- Smallest air-launched weapon made by Raytheon at 12 pounds, 22 inches
- Originally designed for unmanned aircraft but well suited for light attack aircraft
- Costs roughly the same as a pickup truck
Miscommunication caused US drone deaths: report
A US Marine and a Navy medic were killed by a US drone strike in April because Marine commanders in Afghanistan mistook them for Taliban fighters, the Los Angeles Times reported Friday.
The two men were the first US military officers to be killed in a friendly fire incident involving unmanned aircraft.
Marine officers on the ground and Air Force crew guiding the drone from a military base in the United States were not aware that analysts watching live video of the firefight from a third location had doubt about the identity of the targets, according to an unpublished Pentagon report cited by the Times.
The April 6 incident in Afghanistan's Helmand province occurred after Marine Staff Sergeant Jeremy Smith, 26, Navy medic Hospitalman Benjamin Rast, 23, and another Marine separated from their platoon and took cover behind a hedgerow as they fired on insurgents in a cluster of buildings nearby.
Though infrared cameras on the Predator hovering above spotted the three men and detected their weapons' muzzle flashes, Air Force analysts watching the video live in Terre Haute, Indiana reported that the gunshots were "oriented to the west, away from friendly forces," or Marines behind the trio, the Pentagon report said.
But the crew controlling the drone from Creech Air Force Base in Nevada and the Marine commanders on the ground "were never made aware" of the assessment, the report added.
"This tragic incident, which resulted in the loss of two dedicated service members, arose from human error during combat with hostile forces. Our military is an organization that learns, and we will honor our fallen by adapting--and by continuing to take the fight to the enemy."
Although he declined to comment directly on the report, Pentagon spokesman George Little told AFP that the "tragic incident... arose from human error during combat with hostile forces."
"Our military is an organization that learns, and we will honor our fallen by adapting -- and by continuing to take the fight to the enemy," he added.
The two men were the first US military officers to be killed in a friendly fire incident involving unmanned aircraft.
Marine officers on the ground and Air Force crew guiding the drone from a military base in the United States were not aware that analysts watching live video of the firefight from a third location had doubt about the identity of the targets, according to an unpublished Pentagon report cited by the Times.
The April 6 incident in Afghanistan's Helmand province occurred after Marine Staff Sergeant Jeremy Smith, 26, Navy medic Hospitalman Benjamin Rast, 23, and another Marine separated from their platoon and took cover behind a hedgerow as they fired on insurgents in a cluster of buildings nearby.
Though infrared cameras on the Predator hovering above spotted the three men and detected their weapons' muzzle flashes, Air Force analysts watching the video live in Terre Haute, Indiana reported that the gunshots were "oriented to the west, away from friendly forces," or Marines behind the trio, the Pentagon report said.
But the crew controlling the drone from Creech Air Force Base in Nevada and the Marine commanders on the ground "were never made aware" of the assessment, the report added.
"This tragic incident, which resulted in the loss of two dedicated service members, arose from human error during combat with hostile forces. Our military is an organization that learns, and we will honor our fallen by adapting--and by continuing to take the fight to the enemy."
Although he declined to comment directly on the report, Pentagon spokesman George Little told AFP that the "tragic incident... arose from human error during combat with hostile forces."
"Our military is an organization that learns, and we will honor our fallen by adapting -- and by continuing to take the fight to the enemy," he added.
UAV Payload Market Will Reach $2.9bn in 2011
Global spending on payloads and subsystems for military and security purposes has jumped in recent years on the back of a surge in unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) deployment. Behind the growing use of UAVs lies increasing eagerness on the part of governments worldwide to harness unprecedented intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, communication and attack capabilities provided by sensors and payloads carried by expendable aircraft.
As a result, an increasing number of companies continue to expand into the market for sensors, radars, cameras, signals intelligence (SIGINT), detection, communications and weaponry intended for unmanned systems. Visiongain's The UAV Payload and Subsystems Market 2011-2021 report calculates that the global UAV payload market - including weaponry, electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR), radars and lasers, intelligence sensors, communication devices, navigation sensors and detection sensors - will reach $2.9bn in 2011.
The pressure on manufacturers to produce payloads and sensors that are capable of delivering more advanced imagery, stronger processing power, higher-capacity storage solutions, intensified electronic warfare (EW) capabilities and sharper intelligence grows continuously.
State buyers increasingly demand sensor packages that can provide more on-board autonomy, less burdensome weaponry and more sensitive intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) without an exponential jump in costs or weight.
Although the unmanned-system payload and subsystems market is naturally constrained by the development and direction of UAV size, weight and power (SWaP), visiongain sees payload development outpacing vehicle development on a technological level. In terms of sale volumes, the use of multiple sensors and the stocking of substitute sensors for changes on the field divorce the respective unit sale figures of sensors and their carriers.
Indeed, over the longer term, payload manufacturers - particularly at the higher end - must continue to struggle to meet the key unique selling point of UAVs, that is to say their ultimate expendability, while meeting demand for more advanced technology and suppressing costs. Visiongain believes this will remain a determinant of the size of UAV payload market - and the UAV market itself - going forward.
The need to fill gaps in capability will inevitably continue to drive payload development and sales. Shortcomings in communications and data systems that limit the amount of real time video transmission will need to be overcome as demands for higher-resolution imagery or video increase.
Indeed, the lack of more advanced communications and data capacity is arguable restricting the development of detection and avoidance technology, particularly where these are based on on-board, autonomous actions by the UAV using sensors.
The UAV Payload and Subsystems Market 2011-2021 report quantifies what it sees as significant growth in UAV payload spending over the next 10 years, while providing analysis to support its country-level and subsector-level forecasts.
As a result, an increasing number of companies continue to expand into the market for sensors, radars, cameras, signals intelligence (SIGINT), detection, communications and weaponry intended for unmanned systems. Visiongain's The UAV Payload and Subsystems Market 2011-2021 report calculates that the global UAV payload market - including weaponry, electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR), radars and lasers, intelligence sensors, communication devices, navigation sensors and detection sensors - will reach $2.9bn in 2011.
The pressure on manufacturers to produce payloads and sensors that are capable of delivering more advanced imagery, stronger processing power, higher-capacity storage solutions, intensified electronic warfare (EW) capabilities and sharper intelligence grows continuously.
State buyers increasingly demand sensor packages that can provide more on-board autonomy, less burdensome weaponry and more sensitive intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) without an exponential jump in costs or weight.
Although the unmanned-system payload and subsystems market is naturally constrained by the development and direction of UAV size, weight and power (SWaP), visiongain sees payload development outpacing vehicle development on a technological level. In terms of sale volumes, the use of multiple sensors and the stocking of substitute sensors for changes on the field divorce the respective unit sale figures of sensors and their carriers.
Indeed, over the longer term, payload manufacturers - particularly at the higher end - must continue to struggle to meet the key unique selling point of UAVs, that is to say their ultimate expendability, while meeting demand for more advanced technology and suppressing costs. Visiongain believes this will remain a determinant of the size of UAV payload market - and the UAV market itself - going forward.
The need to fill gaps in capability will inevitably continue to drive payload development and sales. Shortcomings in communications and data systems that limit the amount of real time video transmission will need to be overcome as demands for higher-resolution imagery or video increase.
Indeed, the lack of more advanced communications and data capacity is arguable restricting the development of detection and avoidance technology, particularly where these are based on on-board, autonomous actions by the UAV using sensors.
The UAV Payload and Subsystems Market 2011-2021 report quantifies what it sees as significant growth in UAV payload spending over the next 10 years, while providing analysis to support its country-level and subsector-level forecasts.
Moller International Awards CliC Goggles First M400X Skycar Flight Sponsorship
Moller International, the developer of the Skycar aircraft, the Rotapower line of rotary engines and the Aerobot line of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV), is enjoying a strong interest in sponsorships since being announced just three weeks ago and has begun to secure sponsorship partners as well. Moller International announced that CliC Goggles is the first multinational sponsor for MI's first-ever manned, untethered flight of the Skycar M400X and as such is MI's official eyewear provider.
"We are proud to be associated with this historic beginning and we believe that Moller's mission to change how we as individuals travel in our daily lives is a very attractive enhancement to our ongoing efforts to reach our out-of-the-box thinking consumers," commented Ron Lando, CEO, CliC Goggles.
MI's agreement with CliC is the first of several agreements leading the way to Moller International's first-ever manned, untethered flight of the Moller Skycar M400X.
"CliC Goggles has once again proven that their significant commitment to eyewear consumers is second to none," said Dr. Paul Moller, CEO and President, Moller International. "We are thrilled to have such a quality brand as CliC Goggles be the inaugural sponsor of the M400X flight."
As MI's official eyewear provider, CliC will provide an assortment of eyewear products, including CliC Goggles, which will be made available to the M400X test pilots, ground crew and SASPAC members.
"The flight of the M400X will provide the perfect platform for CliC to efficiently and effectively reach highly-coveted multicultural and affluent audiences," commented Bruce Calkins, General Manager, Moller International. "Moller's ability to capture the imagination of audiences across social-economic lines and deliver target messages makes our sponsorships very unique and cost effective."
"Moller International complements us perfectly," said Hugh Power, International Distributor and CEO, CliC South America and CliC Venezuela. "They manufacture a very high-end quality product and the exposure generated by their products will be instrumental in gaining the desired exposure for our line of solid gold eyewear, the CliC Golds."
Moller International's sponsorships include a media campaign targeting international consumers primarily between the ages of 22-54 with a campaign mix of a live web-cast of the M400X flight, live sporting events, documentaries, tradeshows, international print and broadcast media, off-net series and more.
"We are proud to be associated with this historic beginning and we believe that Moller's mission to change how we as individuals travel in our daily lives is a very attractive enhancement to our ongoing efforts to reach our out-of-the-box thinking consumers," commented Ron Lando, CEO, CliC Goggles.
MI's agreement with CliC is the first of several agreements leading the way to Moller International's first-ever manned, untethered flight of the Moller Skycar M400X.
"CliC Goggles has once again proven that their significant commitment to eyewear consumers is second to none," said Dr. Paul Moller, CEO and President, Moller International. "We are thrilled to have such a quality brand as CliC Goggles be the inaugural sponsor of the M400X flight."
As MI's official eyewear provider, CliC will provide an assortment of eyewear products, including CliC Goggles, which will be made available to the M400X test pilots, ground crew and SASPAC members.
"The flight of the M400X will provide the perfect platform for CliC to efficiently and effectively reach highly-coveted multicultural and affluent audiences," commented Bruce Calkins, General Manager, Moller International. "Moller's ability to capture the imagination of audiences across social-economic lines and deliver target messages makes our sponsorships very unique and cost effective."
"Moller International complements us perfectly," said Hugh Power, International Distributor and CEO, CliC South America and CliC Venezuela. "They manufacture a very high-end quality product and the exposure generated by their products will be instrumental in gaining the desired exposure for our line of solid gold eyewear, the CliC Golds."
Moller International's sponsorships include a media campaign targeting international consumers primarily between the ages of 22-54 with a campaign mix of a live web-cast of the M400X flight, live sporting events, documentaries, tradeshows, international print and broadcast media, off-net series and more.
US reins in drones over diplomatic concerns: report
The US spy agency has quietly tightened its rules on drone strikes in Pakistan over concerns about their impact on tense relations with Islamabad, the Wall Street Journal reported Thursday.
The Journal, citing senior officials, said the new rules resulted from a behind-the-scenes battle between an aggressive Central Intelligence Agency and US military and diplomatic officials concerned about relations with Pakistan.
A high-level review reaffirmed support for the drone program -- which has killed hundreds of militants, including top commanders, in recent years -- but established new rules to minimize the diplomatic blowback, the Journal said.
The changes reportedly include granting the State Department greater sway in strike decisions, giving Pakistani leaders advance warning of more operations and suspending operations when Pakistani officials visit the United States.
"It's not like they took the car keys away from the CIA," the Journal quoted a senior official as saying. "There are just more people in the car."
The Journal said the debate was sparked by a particularly deadly drone strike on March 17 that took place just one day after Pakistan agreed to release a CIA contractor who had killed two Pakistanis.
Tensions between the two allies escalated throughout the spring, climaxing in May with the killing of Al-Qaeda chief Osama bin Laden in Pakistan in a secret US commando raid carried out without Islamabad's knowledge.
At issue in the debate over drones were so-called "signature strikes," in which unmanned drones fire on groups of suspected militants without necessarily knowing all their identities, and which make up the bulk of operations.
Such strikes are seen as more controversial than "personality" strikes, which target alleged top militants, the Journal said.
US officials do not publicly discuss the drone program, but claim to have substantially weakened Al-Qaeda in Afghanistan and Pakistan in recent months by taking out top leaders.
Pakistan has criticized the program, however, saying it inflames anti-American sentiment and extremism by killing scores of civilians.
The Journal, citing senior officials, said the new rules resulted from a behind-the-scenes battle between an aggressive Central Intelligence Agency and US military and diplomatic officials concerned about relations with Pakistan.
A high-level review reaffirmed support for the drone program -- which has killed hundreds of militants, including top commanders, in recent years -- but established new rules to minimize the diplomatic blowback, the Journal said.
The changes reportedly include granting the State Department greater sway in strike decisions, giving Pakistani leaders advance warning of more operations and suspending operations when Pakistani officials visit the United States.
"It's not like they took the car keys away from the CIA," the Journal quoted a senior official as saying. "There are just more people in the car."
The Journal said the debate was sparked by a particularly deadly drone strike on March 17 that took place just one day after Pakistan agreed to release a CIA contractor who had killed two Pakistanis.
Tensions between the two allies escalated throughout the spring, climaxing in May with the killing of Al-Qaeda chief Osama bin Laden in Pakistan in a secret US commando raid carried out without Islamabad's knowledge.
At issue in the debate over drones were so-called "signature strikes," in which unmanned drones fire on groups of suspected militants without necessarily knowing all their identities, and which make up the bulk of operations.
Such strikes are seen as more controversial than "personality" strikes, which target alleged top militants, the Journal said.
US officials do not publicly discuss the drone program, but claim to have substantially weakened Al-Qaeda in Afghanistan and Pakistan in recent months by taking out top leaders.
Pakistan has criticized the program, however, saying it inflames anti-American sentiment and extremism by killing scores of civilians.
NMSU psychology professor sees automated cargo delivery in the future
A New Mexico State University psychology professor is studying drones and the pilots who operate them in order to create guidelines for the Federal Aviation Administration and other agencies.
These guidelines will establish methods so unmanned aircraft systems can be used safely in personal, commercial and academic situations.
"You don't have the lives of other humans involved in shipping cargo," Igor Dolgov, an assistant professor of psychology at NMSU said. "Computers can fly airplanes fairly well already, so UAS designers are thinking of automating these crafts and making them unmanned, which would save a lot of money and avoid potential delays due to human error and misrouting."
To discover safety issues involved in flying over rural, desert and metropolitan areas at night, Dolgov and his team will be launching unmanned aircraft at night, as part of a NASA grant. He hopes to determine the kinds of lighting and sensing technology needed to prevent accidents.
"Visual cues are typically absent at night, particularly depth, which is absolutely essential in daytime depth perception," Dolgov said. "Relative disparity, which is missing at night, is typically considered necessary to perceive the location and relative safety of the aircraft."
Potential accidents include colliding with other aircraft or crash landing in populated areas.
NMSU has the only FAA Authorized Unmanned Aircraft System Flight Test Center in the United States, and companies frequently bring their aircraft to be tested by the Physical Science Laboratory.
A typical four-member UAS operation team is made up of a pilot, two observers and a payload operator. He said the pilots are normally PSL trained pilots or pilots provided by the agencies with whom they are cooperating.
One of the goals is to study both expert and novice pilots and observers in order to better understand the impact of training and the potential continuum of performance. Dolgov hopes his findings will be included in future training procedures for UAS operational teams.
Pilots of small UAS typically use small handheld devices that are similar to many handheld video game systems to operate the craft. During a flight, Dolgov studies the psychological aspects of the effectiveness of the controls on the device in relation to the pilot and the aircraft.
"The human side of engineering psychology really entails the efficiency and experience of using various control devices," Dolgov said. "We all have various backgrounds and previously gained knowledge, and therefore, also have certain biases and expectations about using machines, computers and other interactive devices."
During the process, Dolgov tries to discover whether the aircraft's behavior actually matches the intentions and actions of the pilot.
He looks at both the user and the usability of the handheld displays and controls.
"Visibility, the order of operations, and the organization of the information on the screen is clearly very important, because the screen space is limited" Dolgov said.
In the course of his research, the most interesting thing he discovered was that assistive technologies, like night-vision and infrared goggles, did not necessary improve observers' ability to track an aircraft at night.
This is due to the impact of the aperture problem, which is the experience of seeing a larger field of view through a small window. The aperture problem makes the use of such technologies beneficial for the best-trained observers.
According to Dolgov, if a solution for flying safely at night is discovered, the FAA could remove the ban on night flying and the market for commercial, academic and personal uses would open up.
He believes there are economical implications for commercial cargo shipping companies who could convert their operations to unmanned aircraft.
"It could potentially create a lot of new jobs making sure the system works, and that it works safely," Dolgov said. "It does take the traditional pilot out of the equation, but it brings in a lot of other individuals who are involved in the process of operating UAS that perform functions resembling monitoring more so than flying "
In the future, Dolgov plans to look at the different lighting configurations, different weather conditions and the light variations of dusk, dawn and night on the safety and efficacy of UAS operations.
These guidelines will establish methods so unmanned aircraft systems can be used safely in personal, commercial and academic situations.
"You don't have the lives of other humans involved in shipping cargo," Igor Dolgov, an assistant professor of psychology at NMSU said. "Computers can fly airplanes fairly well already, so UAS designers are thinking of automating these crafts and making them unmanned, which would save a lot of money and avoid potential delays due to human error and misrouting."
To discover safety issues involved in flying over rural, desert and metropolitan areas at night, Dolgov and his team will be launching unmanned aircraft at night, as part of a NASA grant. He hopes to determine the kinds of lighting and sensing technology needed to prevent accidents.
"Visual cues are typically absent at night, particularly depth, which is absolutely essential in daytime depth perception," Dolgov said. "Relative disparity, which is missing at night, is typically considered necessary to perceive the location and relative safety of the aircraft."
Potential accidents include colliding with other aircraft or crash landing in populated areas.
NMSU has the only FAA Authorized Unmanned Aircraft System Flight Test Center in the United States, and companies frequently bring their aircraft to be tested by the Physical Science Laboratory.
A typical four-member UAS operation team is made up of a pilot, two observers and a payload operator. He said the pilots are normally PSL trained pilots or pilots provided by the agencies with whom they are cooperating.
One of the goals is to study both expert and novice pilots and observers in order to better understand the impact of training and the potential continuum of performance. Dolgov hopes his findings will be included in future training procedures for UAS operational teams.
Pilots of small UAS typically use small handheld devices that are similar to many handheld video game systems to operate the craft. During a flight, Dolgov studies the psychological aspects of the effectiveness of the controls on the device in relation to the pilot and the aircraft.
"The human side of engineering psychology really entails the efficiency and experience of using various control devices," Dolgov said. "We all have various backgrounds and previously gained knowledge, and therefore, also have certain biases and expectations about using machines, computers and other interactive devices."
During the process, Dolgov tries to discover whether the aircraft's behavior actually matches the intentions and actions of the pilot.
He looks at both the user and the usability of the handheld displays and controls.
"Visibility, the order of operations, and the organization of the information on the screen is clearly very important, because the screen space is limited" Dolgov said.
In the course of his research, the most interesting thing he discovered was that assistive technologies, like night-vision and infrared goggles, did not necessary improve observers' ability to track an aircraft at night.
This is due to the impact of the aperture problem, which is the experience of seeing a larger field of view through a small window. The aperture problem makes the use of such technologies beneficial for the best-trained observers.
According to Dolgov, if a solution for flying safely at night is discovered, the FAA could remove the ban on night flying and the market for commercial, academic and personal uses would open up.
He believes there are economical implications for commercial cargo shipping companies who could convert their operations to unmanned aircraft.
"It could potentially create a lot of new jobs making sure the system works, and that it works safely," Dolgov said. "It does take the traditional pilot out of the equation, but it brings in a lot of other individuals who are involved in the process of operating UAS that perform functions resembling monitoring more so than flying "
In the future, Dolgov plans to look at the different lighting configurations, different weather conditions and the light variations of dusk, dawn and night on the safety and efficacy of UAS operations.
AeroVironment Receives $7.3 Million Order for Puma Unmanned Aircraft System Support Services
AeroVironment, Inc. has received a $7,298,530 million cost-plus-fixed-fee contract from the United States Army.
This contract establishes a not-to-exceed amount for digital Puma All Environment (AE) unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) contractor logistics support services in support of a Joint Urgent Operational Need Statement.
The services are scheduled to be provided within the next 12 months.
The United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) selected the Puma UAS in 2008 for its AECV program after a full and open competition, the fourth U.S. Department of Defense competition for programs of record involving small UAS and the fourth such competition won by AeroVironment. Each Puma system consists of three air vehicles and two ground control systems.
The air vehicle carries an integrated electro-optical and infrared gimbaled video camera, is designed for enhanced survivability in land and maritime environments, and can operate effectively in foul weather and over rugged terrain.
Its quiet operation, stabilized imagery and precision landing capability make Puma systems easy to operate and recover. The Puma air vehicle weighs 13 pounds, is battery powered and has a flight endurance of two hours.
Raven, Wasp, Puma and Shrike VTOL comprise AeroVironment's Family of Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems.
Operating with a common ground control system (GCS), this Family of Systems provides increased capability to the warfighter that can give ground commanders the option of selecting the appropriate aircraft based on the type of mission to be performed.
This increased capability has the potential to provide significant force protection and force multiplication benefits to small tactical units, security personnel and public safety professionals.
AeroVironment's UAS logistics operation supports systems deployed worldwide to ensure a consistently high level of operational readiness.
AeroVironment has delivered thousands of new and replacement small unmanned air vehicles. International purchasers of AeroVironment's small UAS include the armed forces of Italy, Denmark, the Netherlands, Spain, France, Norway, the Czech Republic, Thailand and Australia.
This contract establishes a not-to-exceed amount for digital Puma All Environment (AE) unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) contractor logistics support services in support of a Joint Urgent Operational Need Statement.
The services are scheduled to be provided within the next 12 months.
The United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) selected the Puma UAS in 2008 for its AECV program after a full and open competition, the fourth U.S. Department of Defense competition for programs of record involving small UAS and the fourth such competition won by AeroVironment. Each Puma system consists of three air vehicles and two ground control systems.
The air vehicle carries an integrated electro-optical and infrared gimbaled video camera, is designed for enhanced survivability in land and maritime environments, and can operate effectively in foul weather and over rugged terrain.
Its quiet operation, stabilized imagery and precision landing capability make Puma systems easy to operate and recover. The Puma air vehicle weighs 13 pounds, is battery powered and has a flight endurance of two hours.
Raven, Wasp, Puma and Shrike VTOL comprise AeroVironment's Family of Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems.
Operating with a common ground control system (GCS), this Family of Systems provides increased capability to the warfighter that can give ground commanders the option of selecting the appropriate aircraft based on the type of mission to be performed.
This increased capability has the potential to provide significant force protection and force multiplication benefits to small tactical units, security personnel and public safety professionals.
AeroVironment's UAS logistics operation supports systems deployed worldwide to ensure a consistently high level of operational readiness.
AeroVironment has delivered thousands of new and replacement small unmanned air vehicles. International purchasers of AeroVironment's small UAS include the armed forces of Italy, Denmark, the Netherlands, Spain, France, Norway, the Czech Republic, Thailand and Australia.
US Navy Extends Afghan Tour of Duty for Northrop Grumman-Built Fire Scout
Northrop Grumman's Fire Scout unmanned helicopter has improved ground commanders' ability to see potential threats and increase fighting effectiveness in Afghanistan - prompting the U.S. Navy to extend the system's service through most of next year.
A team of U.S. Navy sailors and Northrop Grumman employees began their mission in May to gather 300 hours per month of full-motion video surveillance, and deliver it in real time to ground forces.
"After six months of solid performance, our team has established itself as the go-to asset for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance support for northern Afghanistan," said George Vardoulakis, vice president for tactical unmanned system with Northrop Grumman.
Northrop Grumman will operate and maintain the Fire Scout systems through October 2012 under an $18.65 million contract awarded to the company Sept. 28 by Naval Air Systems Command.
"We are providing a level of situational awareness many soldiers in the field have never experienced," said Rick Pagel, Fire Scout's operations lead for Northrop Grumman. "In the first five months we surpassed 1,500 hours with over 400 flights. Since Fire Scout doesn't require a runway, we are conveniently nearby and arrive on station quickly."
Fire Scout features a modular architecture that accommodates a variety of electro-optical, infrared and communications payloads. These payloads provide ground- and ship-based commanders with high levels of situational awareness and precision targeting support.
A team of U.S. Navy sailors and Northrop Grumman employees began their mission in May to gather 300 hours per month of full-motion video surveillance, and deliver it in real time to ground forces.
"After six months of solid performance, our team has established itself as the go-to asset for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance support for northern Afghanistan," said George Vardoulakis, vice president for tactical unmanned system with Northrop Grumman.
Northrop Grumman will operate and maintain the Fire Scout systems through October 2012 under an $18.65 million contract awarded to the company Sept. 28 by Naval Air Systems Command.
"We are providing a level of situational awareness many soldiers in the field have never experienced," said Rick Pagel, Fire Scout's operations lead for Northrop Grumman. "In the first five months we surpassed 1,500 hours with over 400 flights. Since Fire Scout doesn't require a runway, we are conveniently nearby and arrive on station quickly."
Fire Scout features a modular architecture that accommodates a variety of electro-optical, infrared and communications payloads. These payloads provide ground- and ship-based commanders with high levels of situational awareness and precision targeting support.
US military adds armed robotic helicopters to fleet
The US military plans to add a lethal new drone to its fleet -- a robotic helicopter for the US Navy equipped with laser-guided rockets, defense giant Northrop Grumman said Wednesday.
The armed Fire Scouts will mark a new era in naval warfare, offering an alternative to pilots flying attack helicopters or fighter jets off warships and reflecting a broader shift to robotic technology across the US military in recent years.
An unarmed version of the MQ-8B Fire Scout is already flying surveillance and reconnaissance missions for the US Navy, using cameras and sensors inside a cone on the aircraft's nose.
Northrop Grumman won a contract in September worth $17 million to outfit the choppers with 70 mm rockets, with racks capable of carrying eight or 14 of the weapons on an aircraft, the company said.
"The operational system will be delivered by 2013," company spokesman Warren Comer told AFP.
The Fire Scout joins two other armed drones in the US arsenal, the Predator and the Reaper, which are unmanned planes that have become the weapon of choice in covert CIA strikes against suspected Al-Qaeda militants and their associates in Pakistan and elsewhere.
"By arming the Fire Scout, the Navy will have a system that can locate and prosecute targets of interest. This capability shortens the kill chain and lessens the need to put our soldiers in harm's way," George Vardoulakis, Northrop's vice president for tactical unmanned systems, said in a statement.
The Fire Scout, which had its first test flight in 2000 and first landed on a naval ship at sea in 2006, is due to be deployed on new littoral combat ships under construction.
The helicopter, which is seven meters (23 feet) long and three meters (about 10 feet) high, can reach an altitude of 20,000 feet (6,000 meters), fly at a speed of more than 115 knots (200 kilometers) per hour and stay in the air for more than eight hours, employing sensors and radar to track targets.
The US Navy has a fleet of about 15 Fire Scouts and plans to build 168 of the helicopters, according to the Pentagon.
The Fire Scout has been deployed to Afghanistan to help target insurgents and one of the unmanned helicopters went down in the NATO-led air campaign over Libya in June.
Last year, US commanders in Washington considered shooting down an unarmed Fire Scout when it strayed off course and flew toward the US capital after losing ground communications.
The armed Fire Scouts will mark a new era in naval warfare, offering an alternative to pilots flying attack helicopters or fighter jets off warships and reflecting a broader shift to robotic technology across the US military in recent years.
An unarmed version of the MQ-8B Fire Scout is already flying surveillance and reconnaissance missions for the US Navy, using cameras and sensors inside a cone on the aircraft's nose.
Northrop Grumman won a contract in September worth $17 million to outfit the choppers with 70 mm rockets, with racks capable of carrying eight or 14 of the weapons on an aircraft, the company said.
"The operational system will be delivered by 2013," company spokesman Warren Comer told AFP.
The Fire Scout joins two other armed drones in the US arsenal, the Predator and the Reaper, which are unmanned planes that have become the weapon of choice in covert CIA strikes against suspected Al-Qaeda militants and their associates in Pakistan and elsewhere.
"By arming the Fire Scout, the Navy will have a system that can locate and prosecute targets of interest. This capability shortens the kill chain and lessens the need to put our soldiers in harm's way," George Vardoulakis, Northrop's vice president for tactical unmanned systems, said in a statement.
The Fire Scout, which had its first test flight in 2000 and first landed on a naval ship at sea in 2006, is due to be deployed on new littoral combat ships under construction.
The helicopter, which is seven meters (23 feet) long and three meters (about 10 feet) high, can reach an altitude of 20,000 feet (6,000 meters), fly at a speed of more than 115 knots (200 kilometers) per hour and stay in the air for more than eight hours, employing sensors and radar to track targets.
The US Navy has a fleet of about 15 Fire Scouts and plans to build 168 of the helicopters, according to the Pentagon.
The Fire Scout has been deployed to Afghanistan to help target insurgents and one of the unmanned helicopters went down in the NATO-led air campaign over Libya in June.
Last year, US commanders in Washington considered shooting down an unarmed Fire Scout when it strayed off course and flew toward the US capital after losing ground communications.
Navy to Arm Northrop Grumman-Built Fire Scout Unmanned Helicopter
Northrop Grumman has started work outfitting the U.S. Navy's MQ-8B Fire Scout unmanned helicopter with a weapons system.
The Advanced Precision Kill Weapons System laser-guided 70mm rocket - in production for the Navy since 2010 - will allow ship commanders to identify and engage hostile targets without calling in other aircraft for support.
"By arming Fire Scout, the Navy will have a system that can locate and prosecute targets of interest," said George Vardoulakis, Northrop Grumman's vice president for tactical unmanned systems. "This capability shortens the kill chain and lessens the need to put our soldiers in harm's way."
Northrop will develop and deliver the equipment needed to control the weapons system under a $17 million contract awarded to the company Sept. 23 by Naval Air Systems Command. Final delivery of an operational system is expected by March 2013.
Once delivered, Fire Scout will be Navy's first sea-based unmanned system to carry weapons. Its ability to operate at low ground speeds makes it particularly well suited for supporting littoral missions such as drug interdiction, antipiracy actions, search and rescue, reconnaissance and port security.
Fire Scout features a modular architecture that accommodates a variety of electro-optical, infrared and communications payloads. These payloads provide ground- and ship-based commanders with high levels of situational awareness and precision targeting support.
The Advanced Precision Kill Weapons System laser-guided 70mm rocket - in production for the Navy since 2010 - will allow ship commanders to identify and engage hostile targets without calling in other aircraft for support.
"By arming Fire Scout, the Navy will have a system that can locate and prosecute targets of interest," said George Vardoulakis, Northrop Grumman's vice president for tactical unmanned systems. "This capability shortens the kill chain and lessens the need to put our soldiers in harm's way."
Northrop will develop and deliver the equipment needed to control the weapons system under a $17 million contract awarded to the company Sept. 23 by Naval Air Systems Command. Final delivery of an operational system is expected by March 2013.
Once delivered, Fire Scout will be Navy's first sea-based unmanned system to carry weapons. Its ability to operate at low ground speeds makes it particularly well suited for supporting littoral missions such as drug interdiction, antipiracy actions, search and rescue, reconnaissance and port security.
Fire Scout features a modular architecture that accommodates a variety of electro-optical, infrared and communications payloads. These payloads provide ground- and ship-based commanders with high levels of situational awareness and precision targeting support.
LONGBOW Data Link Controls UAV From Apache Helicopter For First Time
The LONGBOW Limited Liability Company's Unmanned Aerial Systems Tactical Common Data Link Assembly (UTA) recently controlled an unmanned vehicle from an AH-64D Apache Block III attack helicopter, while both were in flight.
The LONGBOW LLC is a joint venture between Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman.
During flight tests, the UTA controlled the payload and flight path of a Gray Eagle (MQ-1C) while both the Apache and unmanned aircraft system (UAS) were airborne. This marks the first time an unmanned vehicle has been controlled from the cockpit of an Apache, a significant accomplishment in manned-unmanned teaming.
"The Apache Block III recently completed dynamic flight testing where the UTA data link system controlled the Gray Eagle UAS, demonstrating full interoperability," said Lt. Col. Bailey, U.S. Army Apache Block III product manager.
"This is a true game-changing capability that the Block III will bring to the warfighter."
"UTA enhances situational awareness between Apache pilots, ground commanders and the UAS to create a true net-centric battlespace," said Mike Taylor, LONGBOW LLC president and director of LONGBOW programs in Lockheed Martin's Missiles and Fire Control business. "This system ensures operational superiority and increases survivability."
The test program proved the design and provided valuable operational understanding to the Apache crew. All goals of this phase of UTA testing were completed with 100 percent success.
The LONGBOW UTA is a two-way, high-bandwidth data link for Apache aircrews that allows sensor and flight path control of the UAS.
UTA-equipped Apaches enable aircrews to exercise control of UAS at long ranges and receive real-time, high-definition streaming video on their multi-function displays. The UTA is fully integrated into the Block III Apache mission computer.
The U.S. Army's LONGBOW system consists of either a fire control radar or a UTA, a fire-and-forget radar frequency HELLFIRE millimeter wave-guided missile, and an all-digital M299 launcher for the AH-64D Apache helicopter. The LONGBOW UTA will be fielded on the Apache Block III aircraft beginning in 2012.
Northrop Grumman is a leading global security company providing innovative systems, products and solutions in aerospace, electronics, information systems, and technical services to government and commercial customers worldwide.
The LONGBOW LLC is a joint venture between Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman.
During flight tests, the UTA controlled the payload and flight path of a Gray Eagle (MQ-1C) while both the Apache and unmanned aircraft system (UAS) were airborne. This marks the first time an unmanned vehicle has been controlled from the cockpit of an Apache, a significant accomplishment in manned-unmanned teaming.
"The Apache Block III recently completed dynamic flight testing where the UTA data link system controlled the Gray Eagle UAS, demonstrating full interoperability," said Lt. Col. Bailey, U.S. Army Apache Block III product manager.
"This is a true game-changing capability that the Block III will bring to the warfighter."
"UTA enhances situational awareness between Apache pilots, ground commanders and the UAS to create a true net-centric battlespace," said Mike Taylor, LONGBOW LLC president and director of LONGBOW programs in Lockheed Martin's Missiles and Fire Control business. "This system ensures operational superiority and increases survivability."
The test program proved the design and provided valuable operational understanding to the Apache crew. All goals of this phase of UTA testing were completed with 100 percent success.
The LONGBOW UTA is a two-way, high-bandwidth data link for Apache aircrews that allows sensor and flight path control of the UAS.
UTA-equipped Apaches enable aircrews to exercise control of UAS at long ranges and receive real-time, high-definition streaming video on their multi-function displays. The UTA is fully integrated into the Block III Apache mission computer.
The U.S. Army's LONGBOW system consists of either a fire control radar or a UTA, a fire-and-forget radar frequency HELLFIRE millimeter wave-guided missile, and an all-digital M299 launcher for the AH-64D Apache helicopter. The LONGBOW UTA will be fielded on the Apache Block III aircraft beginning in 2012.
Northrop Grumman is a leading global security company providing innovative systems, products and solutions in aerospace, electronics, information systems, and technical services to government and commercial customers worldwide.
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