Monthly Archives: January 2016

Air Force

Recapitalizing JSTARS

For more than two decades, the Air Force’s Joint Surveillance Target Attack Radar System (JSTARS) has provided valuable Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) to commanders by detecting, locating and tracking enemy ground forces from afar. Identified as the service’s fourth largest acquisition priority, the JSTARS weapon system is currently undergoing a major recapitalization – including its radar.

Flight engineer Technical Sergeant Bo Sullivan, 7th Expeditionary Air Combat and Control Squadron Joint Surveillance Target Attack Radar System crew member, prepares to take off on a mission over Iraq (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sergeant Aaron Allmon)
Flight engineer Technical Sergeant Bo Sullivan, 7th Expeditionary Air Combat and Control Squadron Joint Surveillance Target Attack Radar System crew member, prepares to take off on a mission over Iraq (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sergeant Aaron Allmon)

«JSTARS has the unique ability to provide a wide-area surveillance capability from long standoff ranges that would otherwise require the use of many smaller assets to perform the same mission – and the radar plays an integral part in that role», said Brian Carr, JSTARS Recapitalization Radar deputy IPT lead.

The existing system is armed with a multitude of sensors, antennas and a large 27-foot/8.2-meter radome; however, it’s the radar’s Ground Moving Target Indicator, or GMTI, and Synthetic Aperture Radar, or SAR, which enables the system’s ISR mission. GMTI is used to locate and track moving ground targets, and SAR is used to image stationary targets of interest. In addition, JSTARS is equipped with a PESA – short for Passive Electronically Scanned Array – antenna that can tilt to either side of the aircraft, resulting in a wide field of view that spans across thousands of square miles.

«Although the JSTARS radar was state-of-the-art when it was developed, technology has advanced significantly since its introduction in 1991», Carr said. «JSTARS Recapitalization is poised to leverage the technological advancements that have lowered the cost and enabled the use of Active Electronically Scanned Array, or AESA, radars».

AESAs are currently the primary type of phased array radar used by the U.S. Air Force. The use of a modern AESA radar will allow the JSTARS Recap to meet mission performance standards while operating on a much smaller business-class jet airframe.

AESA radars differ from the PESAs of yesteryear in several ways. By eliminating the PESA’s complex power distribution network, AESAs reduce signal loss and increase radar sensitivity. Both characteristics enhance detection capability and reduce the effects of a smaller aperture. Also, AESA radars allow for digital beam forming, which enables a number of advanced signal processing techniques.

In addition to incorporating an AESA-type radar into the JSTARS platform, the program office is also focusing on an open systems architecture approach with many of its components. By embracing open systems architecture, the U.S. Air Force hopes to ensure a competitive sustainment environment for future hardware and software upgrades.

«An open system architecture will provide Recap the flexibility to handle evolving and emerging technology at a reduced lifecycle cost», Carr said. «We are ensuring the warfighter will have the most capable system possible over its lifecycle at the best value».

Risk reduction efforts for the airframe, battle management command and control suite, communication systems and radar continue to gain momentum as the program officially reached a Milestone A decision December 10, 2015. Milestone A will allow program officials to exercise approximately $45 million in options on three separate pre-engineering, manufacturing and development contracts; the contract options cover system functional reviews, preliminary design reviews and subsystem prototype demonstrations over the next six months.

«Milestone A wouldn’t have happened without the full support and teamwork between the U.S. Air Force, OSD and our industry partners», said Colonel Dave Learned, JSTARS Recap senior materiel leader. «Bringing together our government and industry teams for this effort is a major step toward recapitalizing E-8C’s combat-proven capabilities».

Ground Forces

Patria for Emirates

The General Headquarters of the United Arab Emirates’ (UAE) Armed Forces has ordered Patria Armoured Modular Vehicle (AMV) 8×8 armoured wheeled vehicles. All details of the contract are classified.

Patria’s products and services are NATO-compatible and are customised on an individual, customer-by-customer basis
Patria’s products and services are NATO-compatible and are customised on an individual, customer-by-customer basis

«This is a magnificent extension for the ongoing, successful co-operation between the UAE Armed Forces and Patria. UAE Armed Forces have been very satisfied with their existing AMV vehicles as they meet all the customer’s needs and are suitable for the needed, challenging circumstances. These vehicles will be produced by our Polish partner in a very tight time schedule. The agreement done now is very significant for Patria, and we are excited about this and looking forward to providing the vehicles», says Mika Kari, President of Patria Land business unit.

Patria AMV offers effective protection, increased mobility, modularity and combat proven performance. The vehicle’s structural solutions enable high payload capacity, high level of protection and integration of heavy weapon systems. Patria AMV has received excellent feedback from customers for its performance in combat and crisis management operations in Afghanistan and Chad. Patria has contracts for over 1,400 Patria AMV vehicles.

 

Patria AMV (Armoured Modular Vehicle)

Patria AMV product family combines high payload capacity with the latest technology. These features enable simultaneous integration of a high level of protection with heavy weapon systems without compromising mobility of the vehicle.

Patria works in close cooperation with its customers and its extensive network of international industrial partners
Patria works in close cooperation with its customers and its extensive network of international industrial partners

Patria AMV 8×8 has been developed to provide optimal modularity of components and to be adaptable for a wide range of versions without changing basic vehicle systems. Patria AMV is available in three different models.

  1. Basic model provides the platform for following variants: Armoured Personnel Carrier (APC), Infantry Fighting Vehicle (IFV), command vehicle, ambulance, reconnaissance vehicle, Anti-Tank Guided Missile vehicle (ATGM), Armoured Repair and Recovery Vehicle (ARRV), and finally, the 120-mm Patria Nemo mortar system.
  2. High Roof Model provides extra space at the rear of the vehicle (13.4 inch/34 cm higher than the basic model), which is ideal if the vehicle is used as a command, Command, Control, Communications, Computers, and Intelligence (C4I), ambulance or workshop vehicle.
  3. Heavy Weapon Platform has been optimised to carry large-calibre weapon systems such as the 120-mm AMOS mortar system or the 105/120-mm cannon (MGS).

All previously mentioned 3 models and all their variants of AMV are available as 15.7 inch/40 cm stretched vehicle.

AMV offers the best ballistic protection level in its class, providing front sector protection against Armour-Piercing Fin-Stabilized Discarding-Sabot (APFSDS) rounds up to 30-mm and excellent defence against Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), Explosively Formed Penetrators (EFPs) as well as TNT mines of up to 22 lbs/10 kg. Vehicle’s high payload capacity allows a variety of weapon systems to be integrated into the vehicle, starting from 7.62-mm machine guns and extending to a 105/120-mm cannon and a 120-mm AMOS/Patria Nemo mortar system.

 

Patria AMVXP

The latest version of AMV product family is Patria AMVXP, which is built on the success of Patria AMV and sets a new standard for the future 8×8 armoured wheeled vehicles. Spacious interior and high payload carrying capability provide a platform for future customer variants, allowing the simultaneous integration of weapon systems, protection and crew equipment. Patria AMVXP is also available as 15.7 inch/40 cm stretched vehicle.

Patria’s expertise is based on decades of experience and major investment in product development
Patria’s expertise is based on decades of experience and major investment in product development

 

Technical Specifications

DIMENSIONS
Length 27.56 feet/8.4 m
Height over hull 7.87 feet/2.4 m
Width 9.19 feet/2.8 m
Track width 8.2 feet/2.5 m
Maximum payload 28,660 lbs/13,000 kg
Maximum combat weight 66,139 lbs/30,000 kg
PERFORMANCE
Maximum speed >62 mph/100 km/h
Climbing capacity 60%
Side slope, maximum 30%
Obstacle 2.3 feet/0.7 m
Trench crossing 6.9 feet/2.1 m
Swimming (optional) 3.7-6.2 mph/6-10 km/h
Fording 5.9 feet/1.8 m
Operating distance 373-621 miles/600-1000 km
PROTECTION
Modular ballistic, mine and IED-protection system according to customers’ requirements. Readiness for future protection technologies as well as future soldier equipment
ELECTRICAL POWER GENERATION
Latest generation 530 Amp generator feeding the future electric power needs
LED-LIGHT TECHNOLOGY
High performance, maintenance free driving lights
ENGINE
Power output 603 hp/450 kW
Torque output 2,250 Nm
Engine type 6 inline
TRANSMISSION
Automatic 7+1 gears
DRIVELINE
Drive axles All wheel drive
ITCS Integrated Terrain Control System
Brakes Hydraulically operated disc brakes with Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
CTIS Central Tyre Inflation System
SUSPENSION
Suspension type Fully independent suspension with double wishbone on every wheel station
Spring type Hydropneumatic elements, height adjustment optional
STEERING
Steering type Hydraulically assisted steering with mechanical linkage for 1st and 2nd axle, rear axle steering optional

 

The armoured wheeled vehicles and mortar systems developed by Patria represent the latest technology in the industry

 

Patria AMV XP sets a new standard for the future armoured wheeled vehicles

 

Air Force

The second prototype

The H160’s second prototype (PT2) took off on January 27 in Marignane, kicking off a busy 2016 for the H160 as it pursues its flight test program with two prototypes.

The H160’s second prototype took off in Marignane
The H160’s second prototype took off in Marignane

The second prototype is the first H160 to fly with the Turbomeca Arrano engines. The first prototype (PT1) had accumulated more than 75 hours of flight testing by the end of 2015, allowing the aircraft to open the flight envelope and validating some of the helicopter’s excellent features and outstanding handling qualities right from the start.

Arrano is positioned at the leading-edge of the new Turbomeca generation of rotorcraft engine. The 1,100 to 1,300 shaft horse-power unit (820 to 970 kW), designed for four-to-six ton helicopters, features an ideal combination of new and proven technologies that allow a significant reduction in direct maintenance and operating costs.

In line with H160 aircraft program schedule, Arrano engine entry-into-service is also scheduled for 2018 and Federal Aviation Administration/European Aviation Safety Agency (FAA/EASA) certification will meet that timetable.

«After a very busy year 2015 in terms of flight activities, introducing PT2 is an important step in the H160 development as we will launch performance testing with the Turbomeca Arrano engines», said Bernard Fujarski, head of the H160 Program. «The development program will benefit from 5 development aircraft; two helicopter zeros and three flying prototypes will be paving the way to entry into service in 2018», he added.

2016 will be an equally active year for the H160 with the beginning of its commercialization and many other milestones in helicopter development, industrialization and preparation of support activities in order to bring a fully mature helicopter to the market.

 


Airbus Helicopters’ second H160 prototype takes… by AirbusHelicopters

Air Force

Enhancements
for Typhoon

The latest enhancements for the Eurofighter Typhoon combat jet have been successfully tested by UK Royal Air Force (RAF) pilots in flight trials conducted at BAE Systems’ Military Air & Information business in Warton, Lancashire. An early version of the Phase 2 Enhancement (P2Ea) Typhoon was flown by pilots from the RAF’s Test and Evaluation Squadron, based at RAF Coningsby.

Pilots from the RAF’s Test and Evaluation Squadron, based at RAF Coningsby, have test-flown an early version of the Typhoon P2Ea package, incorporating improvements such as upgrades to the radar, defensive aids systems and targeting pods (BAE photo)
Pilots from the RAF’s Test and Evaluation Squadron, based at RAF Coningsby, have test-flown an early version of the Typhoon P2Ea package, incorporating improvements such as upgrades to the radar, defensive aids systems and targeting pods (BAE photo)

The P2Ea package incorporates software and avionics improvements such as upgrades to the radar, defensive aids systems and targeting pods. These enhancements will not only increase threat awareness and pilot safety, but also improve Typhoon’s targeting capabilities. P2Ea forms part of the full Phase 2 Enhancement (P2E) package for Typhoon.

Testing of the package will be ongoing throughout 2016 with weapons integration tests also scheduled for this year.

Wing Commander Steven Berry, Officer Commanding 41(R) Test and Evaluation Squadron, said: «The P2Ea upgrade brings some major capability changes and some welcome tweaks to the existing capabilities. The enhancements mean as an air-to-surface platform, Typhoon has the simplicity and flexibility in the design to be easily employed in close air support missions or more complex scenarios like convoy over-watch. By 2019, Typhoon will be filling a lot of roles including air defence of the UK, offensive and defensive counter-air, stand-off attack and close air support. That’s a lot of skills for a front line squadron to master. Typhoon needs to deliver all of that capability in a simple, reliable cockpit».

41(R) Squadron TES (Test and Evaluation Squadron) conducted two tests on an early version of the P2Ea – a typical air-to-air exercise and an air-to-surface exercise targeting simulated targets. The feedback from these tests has been assessed and will now be used to influence the final design.

Andy Flynn, Head of Capability Delivery Programmes for Combat Air at BAE Systems, said: «Working with the customer test teams at this stage provides us with invaluable feedback that we can assess and directly work back into the design process. This combined testing approach is a fundamental part of how we are improving the way we do business. It allows the customer to fly capability improvements at an early stage and provide feedback to ensure the upgrades are exactly what they need».

P2Ea is a stepping stone along the path of the RAF’s Project CENTURION designed to ensure a seamless transition between Typhoon and Tornado’s capabilities when Tornado goes out of service in 2019.

The full P2E upgrade for the RAF will include the integration of the MBDA Meteor Beyond Visual Range Air-to-Air Missile. The next phase of enhancements, P3E, will bring the MBDA Storm Shadow cruise missile and MBDA Brimstone 2 close air support weapon into service on Typhoon for the UK. Both P2E and P3E will be delivered through Project CENTURION.

Eurofighter Typhoon provides a diverse range of options for all Air-to-Air and Air-to-Surface operations
Eurofighter Typhoon provides a diverse range of options for all Air-to-Air and Air-to-Surface operations

 

General characteristics

DIMENSIONS
Wingspan 35 feet 11 inch/10.95 m
Length overall 52 feet 4 inch/15.96 m
Height 17 feet 4 inch/5.28 m
Wing Area 551.1 feet2/51.2 m2
MASS
Basic Mass Empty 24,250 lbs/11,000 kg
Maximum Take-Off >51,809 lbs/23,500 kg
Maximum External Load >16,535 lbs/7,500 kg
DESIGN CHARACTERISTICS
Single seat twin-engine, with a two-seat variant
Weapon Carriage 13 Hardpoints
G’ limits +9/-3 ‘g’
Engines Two Eurojet EJ200 reheated turbofans
Maximum dry thrust class 13,500 lbs/6,124 kgf/60 kN
Maximum reheat thrust class 20,000 lbs/9,072 kgf/90 kN
GENERAL PERFORMANCE CHARACTERISTICS
Ceiling >55,000 feet/16,764 m
Brakes off to 35,000 feet(10,668 m)/Mach 1.5 <2.5 minutes
Brakes off to lift off <8 seconds
At low level, 200 knots/230 mph/370 km/h to Mach 1.0 in 30 seconds
Maximum Speed Mach 2.0
Operational Runway Length <2,297 feet/700 m
MATERIALS
Carbon Fibre Composites (CFC) 70%
Glass Reinforced Plastic (GRP) 12%
Aluminium Alloy, Titanium Alloy 15%
Acrylic (Röhm 249) 3%
OPERATORS
United Kingdom 232 Aircraft
Germany 180 Aircraft
Italy 121 Aircraft
Spain 87 Aircraft
Kingdom of Saudi Arabia 72 Aircraft
Austria 15 Aircraft
Sultanate of Oman 12 Aircraft
Kuwait 28 Aircraft
Total 747 Aircraft
Each aspect of the Eurofighter Typhoon is designed to provide a balanced contribution to the overall effectiveness of the weapon system
Each aspect of the Eurofighter Typhoon is designed to provide a balanced contribution to the overall effectiveness of the weapon system
Navy

Littoral Mission Vessel

According to Ridzwan Rahmat, Jane’s Navy International correspondent, Singapore shipbuilder ST Marine has laid down the third of eight Independence-class Littoral Mission Vessels (LMVs) on order for the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN). A keel-laying ceremony for the 1,200-tonne vessel at ST Marine’s shipyard in Jurong was attended by the country’s chief of defence force, Major General Perry Lim, and navy chief Rear Admiral Lai Chung Han.

The RSN's first-of-class LMV, Independence, during its launch ceremony on 3 July 2015. Third vessel in the class was launched (Source: IHS/Ridzwan Rahmat)
The RSN’s first-of-class LMV, Independence, during its launch ceremony on 3 July 2015. Third vessel in the class was launched (Source: IHS/Ridzwan Rahmat)

ST Marine is building all eight vessels under a contract announced in January 2013 to replace the RSN’s 11 Fearless-class patrol vessels that have been in service since the mid-1990s. The platform has been jointly designed by Saab Kockums AB and ST Marine.

The LMV has a length of 262.5 feet/80 m, a beam of 39.4 feet/12 m, and a draught of 9.8 feet/3 m. Powered by two MTU 20V 4000 M93 engines, the 1,250-tonne platform has a top speed in excess of 27 knots/31 mph/50 km/h and a standard range of 3,500 NM/4,028 miles/6,482 km at 15 knots/17 mph/28 km/h. The platform can accommodate a baseline crew complement of 23 including five officers and has a mission endurance of 14 days.

The Independence-class ships will each be armed with one Oto Melara 76/62 Super Rapid main gun as a primary weapon, two Oto Melara Hitrole 12.7-mm remote-controlled weapon stations (one each on the port and starboard sides), and one stern-facing Rafael 25-mm Typhoon stabilised naval gun system. The vessels will also be equipped with a 12-cell Vertical Launching System (VLS) in the forward section that can deploy MBDA’s VL Mica anti-air missile system.

The platform can embark one medium-lift helicopter on its flight deck and two Rigid Hull Inflatable Boats (RHIBs) or the Protector Unmanned Surface Vessel (USV) at its stern.

 

Air Force

First Refueling Flight

Boeing and U.S. Air Force aircrews successfully completed the KC-46A tanker’s first refueling flight on January 24 in the skies above Washington state. Following takeoff from Boeing Field in Seattle, the KC-46A test team worked through a series of test points before smoothly offloading 1,600 pounds/726 kg of fuel to an F-16 fighter aircraft flying at 20,000 feet/6,096 meter.

Boeing and U.S. Air Force crews complete the KC-46A Pegasus tanker’s first refueling flight following takeoff from Boeing Field in Seattle. The Boeing/Air Force test team aboard the KC-46 offloaded 1,600 pounds/726 kg of fuel to an F-16 fighter (Photo credit: Paul Weatherman, Boeing)
Boeing and U.S. Air Force crews complete the KC-46A Pegasus tanker’s first refueling flight following takeoff from Boeing Field in Seattle. The Boeing/Air Force test team aboard the KC-46 offloaded 1,600 pounds/726 kg of fuel to an F-16 fighter (Photo credit: Paul Weatherman, Boeing)

«Today’s flight is an important milestone for the Air Force/Boeing team because it kicks off the Milestone C aerial refueling demonstration, which is the prerequisite for the Low-Rate Initial Production (LRIP) decision», said Colonel Christopher Coombs, U.S. Air Force KC-46 system program manager. «We have a lot of work yet to do, but this is an exciting time for the airmen who are preparing to fly, maintain and support the KC-46 Pegasus for decades to come».

During the 5 hour and 43-minute flight, both Boeing and U.S. Air Force air refueling operators accomplished multiple contacts with the F-16 that confirmed the system was ready to transfer fuel. Master Sergeant Lindsay Moon, U.S. Air Force KC-46 air refueling operator, then «flew» the tanker’s 56-foot/17-meter boom downward and waited for the F-16 to move into position before fully extending the boom into its refueling receptacle.

«The KC-46 offloaded fuel to the fighter and when the fuel transfer was complete, the system automatically turned off the pumps and Moon smoothly retracted the boom. The refueling boom’s handling qualities throughout the flight were exceptional», said Rickey Kahler, Boeing KC-46 air refueling operator who also guided the boom during contacts with the F-16 while sitting in the tanker’s state-of-the-art refueling operator station in the front of the tanker. «The boom was extremely stable – it handled like it was an extension of my arm».

The KC-46A that accomplished today’s refueling milestone will soon begin refueling a number of other military aircraft as well, including a C-17, F/A-18, A-10 and AV-8B. Also known as Engineering & Manufacturing Development-2 (EMD-2), the tanker made its first flight September 25, 2015 and has now completed 32 flights.

The program’s first test aircraft (EMD-1), a 767-2C, has completed more than 260 flight test hours to date since its first flight in December 2014. EMD-3 and EMD-4 will begin flight testing later this year.

As part of a contract awarded in 2011 to design and develop the U.S. Air Force’s next-generation tanker aircraft, Boeing is building four test aircraft – two are currently configured as 767-2Cs and two as KC-46A tankers.

The KC-46A is a multirole tanker Boeing is building for the U.S. Air Force that can refuel all allied and coalition military aircraft compatible with international aerial refueling procedures and can carry passengers, cargo and patients. Overall, Boeing plans to build 179 KC-46 aircraft for the U.S. Air Force.

The drogue systems are used to refuel helicopters along with U.S. Navy and Marine Corps aircraft
The drogue systems are used to refuel helicopters along with U.S. Navy and Marine Corps aircraft

 

General Characteristics

Primary Function Aerial refueling and airlift
Prime Contractor The Boeing Company
Power Plant 2 × Pratt & Whitney 4062
Thrust 62,000 lbs/275.790 kN/28,123 kgf – Thrust per High-Bypass engine (sea-level standard day)
Wingspan 157 feet, 8 inches/48.1 m
Length 165 feet, 6 inches/50.5 m
Height 52 feet, 10 inches/15.9 m
Maximum Take-Off Weight (MTOW) 415,000 lbs/188,240 kg
Maximum Landing Weight 310,000 lbs/140,614 kg
Fuel Capacity 212,299 lbs/96,297 kg
Maximum Transfer Fuel Load 207,672 lbs/94,198 kg
Maximum Cargo Capacity 65,000 lbs/29,484 kg
Maximum Airspeed 360 KCAS (Knots Calibrated AirSpeed)/0.86 M/414 mph/667 km/h
Service Ceiling 43,100 feet/13,137 m
Maximum Distance 7,299 NM/8,400 miles/13,518 km
Pallet Positions 18 pallet positions
Air Crew 15 permanent seats for aircrew, including aeromedical evacuation aircrew
Passengers 58 total (normal operations); up to 114 total (contingency operations)
Aeromedical Evacuation 58 patients (24 litters/34 ambulatory) with the AE Patient Support Pallet configuration; 6 integral litters carried as part of normal aircraft configuration equipment
The KC-46A Pegasus deploys the centerline boom for the first time October 9, 2015. The boom is the fastest way to refuel aircraft at 1,200 gallons per minute (Boeing photo/John D. Parker)
The KC-46A Pegasus deploys the centerline boom for the first time October 9, 2015. The boom is the fastest way to refuel aircraft at 1,200 gallons per minute (Boeing photo/John D. Parker)
Air Force

F-35 fires AIM-9X

An F-35 Lightning II fighter jet from the 461st Flight Test Squadron launched an AIM-9X missile for the first time over the Pacific Sea Test Range January 12.

AF-1, of the 461st Flight Test Squadron at Edwards Air Force Base, California, became the first F-35 to fire the AIM-9X missile January 12, 2016 (Lockheed Martin photo/Chad Bellay)
AF-1, of the 461st Flight Test Squadron at Edwards Air Force Base, California, became the first F-35 to fire the AIM-9X missile January 12, 2016 (Lockheed Martin photo/Chad Bellay)

The flight sciences aircraft, AF-1, of the Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) Integrated Test Force, was piloted by David Nelson, the Lockheed Martin chief F-35 Lightning II test pilot at Edwards Air Force Base, California.

The AIM-9X is an advanced infrared missile and the newest of the Sidewinder family of short-range air-to-air missiles carried on a wide range of fighter jets.

The missile was launched at 6,000 feet/1,829 m.

The shot paves the way for the F-35 Lightning II to utilize the weapon’s high off-boresight and targeting capabilities, increasing lethality in the visual arena.

 

Specifications

Length 51.4 feet/15.7 m
Height 14.4 feet/4.38 m
Wingspan 35 feet/10.7 m
Wing area 460 feet2/42.7 m2
Horizontal tail span 22.5 feet/6.86 m
Weight empty 29,300 lbs/13,290 kg
Internal fuel capacity 18,250 lbs/8,278 kg
Weapons payload 18,000 lbs/8,160 kg
Maximum weight 70,000 lbs class/31,751 kg
Standard internal weapons load Two AIM-120C air-to-air missiles
Two 2,000-pound/907 kg GBU-31 JDAM (Joint Direct Attack Munition) guided bombs
Propulsion (uninstalled thrust ratings) F135-PW-100
Maximum Power (with afterburner) 43,000 lbs/191,3 kN/19,507 kgf
Military Power (without afterburner) 28,000 lbs/128,1 kN/13,063 kgf
Engine Length 220 in/5.59 m
Engine Inlet Diameter 46 in/1.17 m
Engine Maximum Diameter 51 in/1.30 m
Bypass Ratio 0.57
Overall Pressure Ratio 28
Speed (full internal weapons load) Mach 1.6 (~1,043 knots/1,200 mph/1,931 km/h)
Combat radius (internal fuel) >590 NM/679 miles/1,093 km
Range (internal fuel) >1,200 NM/1,367 miles/2,200 km
Maximum g-rating 9.0

 

Navy

Nulka was fired

The Nulka active missile decoy has been successfully fired from a U.S. Navy CVN Class aircraft carrier for the first time. On December 16, 2015, the Norfolk-based aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN-69) completed the first successful carrier launch of the Mk-234 Nulka countermeasure fired from the Mk-53 Decoy Launching System (DLS).

Nulka is an Australian Aboriginal word meaning to «be quick»
Nulka is an Australian Aboriginal word meaning to «be quick»

Five successful decoy launches took place over three days. Two of BAE Systems Australia’s employees were also on-board to support the trial. While Nulka has been used by smaller U.S. naval vessels for years, it had never been fired from a ship as large as an aircraft carrier before. The successful firings also expand our Company’s presence on U.S. Navy major ships.

 

Nulka

The Nulka active missile decoy is the most sophisticated soft-kill defence system against anti-ship missiles available for the protection of surface warships. It is currently deployed on over 150 Australian, U.S. and Canadian warships.

The Nulka system is the result of a collaborative development between Australia and the U.S., and brings together advanced flight vehicle guidance and control techniques, and sophisticated RF electronic technologies. Fully autonomous after launch, the unique flight vehicle design allows the decoy’s flight-path to be maintained with a high degree of precision over a wide range of environmental conditions, resulting in extremely high levels of mission effectiveness against modern anti-ship missiles.

The thrust vector controlled solid fuel rocket motor provides rapid response against detected threats, while the extended decoy flight duration supports the engagement of multiple threats. Accurate control of the flight vehicle allows for optimal positioning of the decoy, independent of ship manoeuvre, and minimises the likelihood of collateral damage to friendly forces.

Nulka is an integral element of a comprehensive, integrated layered defence system, and its unique capabilities complement conventional hard-kill missile and gun systems.

Nulka has been integrated with Arleigh Burke DDG, Ticonderoga CG, Oliver Hazard Perry FFG (Australian Adelaide Class FFG), San Antonio LPD, Whidbey Island LPD, Bertholf, ANZAC FFH and Iroquois DDG class ships. All U.S. Navy cruisers and destroyers equipped with AEGIS have Nulka included in their layered defense system. Future installations are planned for the Royal Australian Navy’s Air Warfare Destroyer (AWD) and Canberra Class Landing Helicopter Dock (LHD).

BAE Systems Australia is the Nulka prime contractor and System Design Agent. Lockheed Martin Inc. (USA) is the Design Agent for the electronic warfare payload. Aerojet Inc. (USA) manufacture the rocket motor. BAE Systems manufactures the flight control hardware at their manufacturing facility in Edinburgh Parks (SA), and assembles and tests the completed Nulka Round at their Nulka Round Assembly Facility in Mulwala (NSW).

Nulka is Australia’s largest regular defence export program and pre-planned product improvement activities are ongoing to enhance the performance of the system.

When launched, the Nulka decoy radiates a large, ship-like radar cross section that attempts to lure ASMs away from their intended targets
When launched, the Nulka decoy radiates a large, ship-like radar cross section that attempts to lure ASMs away from their intended targets
Air

Ready for fleet

The U.S. Navy and Marine Corps’ RQ-21A Blackjack Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) received the official green light for operation January 13, marking a major milestone for the program.

An RQ-21A Blackjack in flight during testing aboard USS Mesa Verde (LPD-19) in 2015. The Marines will deploy with the unmanned air system for its first shipboard deployment in summer 2016 (U.S. Navy photo)
An RQ-21A Blackjack in flight during testing aboard USS Mesa Verde (LPD-19) in 2015. The Marines will deploy with the unmanned air system for its first shipboard deployment in summer 2016 (U.S. Navy photo)

Marine Corps Deputy Commandant for Aviation Lieutenant General Jon Davis, announced the program has achieved Initial Operational Capability (IOC), which confirms that the first Marine Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Squadron (VMU) squadron is sufficiently manned, trained and ready to deploy with the RQ-21A system.

«We are ‘go for launch,’» said Colonel Eldon Metzger, program manager for the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps Small Tactical Unmanned Aircraft Systems Program Office (PMA-263) whose team oversees the Blackjack program. «Achieving IOC designation means the fleet can now deploy using this critical piece of Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) architecture to enhance mission success».

Last month, the first system from Low Rate Initial Production (LRIP) lot 3 was delivered to VMU-2 and will be in direct support of the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), based in Cherry Point, North Carolina. The Marines will make their first shipboard deployment with this system in the summer.

«The Blackjack team has endured many long hours seeing this program to fruition and I am very proud to lead such a dedicated team of professionals», Metzger said.

A Blackjack system is comprised of five air vehicles, two ground control systems, and launch and recovery support equipment. At eight feet/2.5 m long and with a wingspan of 16 feet/4.8 m, the air vehicle’s open-architecture configuration is designed to seamlessly integrate sensor payloads, with an endurance of 10-12 hours.

The expeditionary nature of the Blackjack, which does not require a runway for launch and recovery, makes it possible to deploy a multi-intelligence-capable UAS with minimal footprint from ships.

Standard Payloads: day/night, full-motion video; electro-optical/infrared cameras; mid-wave infrared imager; infrared marker; laser rangefinder; communications relay; Automatic Identification System receivers for shipping traffic data
Standard Payloads: day/night, full-motion video; electro-optical/infrared cameras; mid-wave infrared imager; infrared marker; laser rangefinder; communications relay; Automatic Identification System receivers for shipping traffic data

 

SPECIFICATIONS

DIMENSIONS
Length 8.2 feet/2.5 m
Wingspan 16 feet/4.8 m
WEIGHTS
Empty structure weight 81 lbs/36 kg
Maximum Take-Off Weight (MTOW) 135 lbs/61 kg
Maximum payload weight 39 lbs/17 kg
PERFORMANCE
Endurance up to 16 hours
Ceiling >19,500 feet/5,944 m
Maximum horizontal speed 90+ knots/104 mph/167 km/h
Cruise speed 60 knots/69 mph/111 km/h
Engine 8 HP reciprocating engine with Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI); JP-5, JP-8
PAYLOAD INTEGRATION
Onboard power 350 W for payload
Onboard connectivity Ethernet (TCP/IP), data encryption
STANDARD PAYLOAD CONFIGURATION
Electro-optic imager
Mid-wave infrared imager
Laser rangefinder
IR marker
Communications relay and Automatic Identification System (AIS)
The RQ-21A completed its first shipboard flight in February 2013 from USS Mesa Verde (LPD-19)
The RQ-21A completed its first shipboard flight in February 2013 from USS Mesa Verde (LPD-19)
Navy

Christening of
Carson City

Austal celebrated the christening of Expeditionary Fast Transport USNS Carson City (EPF-7) with a ceremony on January 15 at its state-of-the-art shipyard, Mobile, Alabama. USNS Carson City is the seventh of 10 Expeditionary Fast Transport vessels (EPF), formerly Joint High Speed Vessels (JHSV), that Austal has under contract with the U.S. Navy as part of a $1.6 billion 10-ship block-buy contract.

USNS Carson City (EPF-7) christening ceremony participants
USNS Carson City (EPF-7) christening ceremony participants

EPF-7, a 338-foot/103-meter shallow draft aluminum catamaran, is a multi-mission, non-combatant transport vessel characterized by its high volume, high speed, and flexibility. It is the second U.S. Navy ship to be named Carson City after the capital city of Nevada.

When Secretary of the U.S. Navy Ray Mabus officially named EPF-7 «USNS Carson City» in April 2013 he proclaimed, «Carson City displays American values of community, ingenuity and perseverance at their best». He said he chose to name the ship after Carson City to honor those values and the men and women of the community as well as the state of Nevada.

Carson City will soon join her sister EPF’s that have been delivered over the last three years including USNS Spearhead (T-EPF-1) which has over 100,000 nautical miles/115,078 miles/185,200 km at sea and is currently on her fifth deployment since she was delivered in 2012.

«We’re very excited to christened Carson City, and at how well this ship is coming together». Austal USA president Craig Perciavalle said. «The EPF program has really matured very well thanks to the incredible shipbuilding team we have here at Austal, including our U.S. Navy teammates».

The ship’s sponsor, Susan Asbury Crowell is the daughter of U.S. Air Force Colonel Robert Asbury and wife of Captain Robert Crowell, USN (Retired). Susan and her husband have called Carson City home since the early 1970s. Active in her community, Susan has been a long-standing member of the Nevada Opera Association as well as president of the Brewery Arts Board of Directors and a member of the Mile High Jazz Band board, two of the premier organizations promoting all art forms in Nevada’s capital city. She has also served on the Carson Tahoe Hospital Foundation board of directors and is currently a member of the Carson Tahoe Hospital advisory board.

More than 300 naval guests, civic leaders, community members and Austal employees attended the ceremony held beneath the hull of the ship in Austal’s final assembly bay.

Three EPFs and six Littoral Combat Ships (LCS) are currently under construction in Austal’s Mobile, Alabama shipyard. The company is scheduled to launch EPF-7 before the end of the month, while the future USS Montgomery (LCS-8) prepares for its acceptance sea trials later this spring.

Austal USA operates a full-service shipyard offering design, construction and high-speed vessel service and repair. As Austal continues to expand its service and repair capabilities, the company is well-positioned for new business with advanced engineering, test and trials capabilities, a west coast operations office in San Diego and a state-of-the-art waterfront facility located in the Port of Mobile on Mobile Bay.

Susan Asbury Crowell christens USNS Carson City
Susan Asbury Crowell christens USNS Carson City

 

SPECIFICATIONS

PRINCIPAL DIMENSIONS
Material Hull and superstructure – aluminium alloy
Length overall 103 m/337.9 feet
Beam overall 28.5 m/93.5 feet
Hull draft (maximum) 3.83 m/12.57 feet
MISSION BAY
Area (with tie-downs) 1,863 m2/20,053 feet2
Clear Height 4.75 m/15.6 feet
Turning diameter 26.2 m/86.0 feet
ISO TEU (Twenty Equivalent Units) Stations 6 Interface Panels
ACCOMMODATIONS
Crew 41
Single SR 2
Double SR 6
Quad SR 7
Troop Seats 312
Troop Berths Permanent: 104
Temporary: 46
Galley and Messing 48
PROPULSION
Main Engines 4 × MTU 20V8000 M71L Diesel Engines 4 × 9.1 MW
Gear boxes 4 × ZF 60000NR2H Reduction Gears
Waterjets 4 × Wartsila WLD 1400 SR
PERFORMANCE
Average Speed 35 knots/40 mph/65 km/h @ 90% MCR with 635 mt (700 st) payload
Maximum Speed 43 knots/50 mph/80 km/h without payload
Maximum Transit Range 1,200 NM/1,381 miles/2,222 km
Self-Deployment Range 5,600 NM/6,444 miles/10,371 km
Survival Through SS-7
AVIATION FACILITIES
NAVAIR Level 1 Class 2 Certified Flight Deck for one helicopter
Centreline parking area for one helicopter
NAVAIR Level 1 class 4 Type 2 Certified VERTREP (Vertical Replenishment)
Helicopter Control Station
AUXILIARY SYSTEMS
Active Ride Control Transcom Interceptors
Foils: 3.24 m2/34.9 feet2 each, forward on inboard sides of demi-hulls
Vehicle Ramp Articulated Slewing Stern Ramp
Straight aft to 45 Starboard
Telescoping Boom Crane 12.3 mt @ 15 m, 18.2 mt @ 10 m/13.6 Lt @ 49.2 feet, 20.1 Lt @ 32.8 feet

 

Ships

USNS Spearhead (EPF-1), Delivered

USNS Choctaw County (EPF-2), Delivered

USNS Millinocket (EPF-3), Delivered

USNS Fall River (EPF-4), Delivered

USNS Trenton (EPF-5), Delivered

USNS Brunswick (EPF-6), Delivered

Carson City (EPF-7), under construction

Yuma (EPF-8), under construction

Bismark (EPF-9), under construction

Burlington (EPF-10), under construction

EPF-11

EPF-12