Monthly Archives: March 2016

Navy

Testing Hobart Destroyer

Lockheed Martin’s Integrated Test Team (ITT) begins Aegis combat system integration and testing aboard the Royal Australian Navy’s (RAN) first Aegis-equipped Air Warfare Destroyer (AWD), HMAS Hobart (DDGH-39).

Lockheed Martin Integrated Test Team start Aegis Combat System integration and testing
Lockheed Martin Integrated Test Team start Aegis Combat System integration and testing

The Aegis Combat System testing will be facilitated by Lockheed Martin engineers and technicians who are responsible for testing the Aegis Combat System to ensure the equipment is properly installed and functional.

«The Lockheed Martin team has successfully brought Aegis to life», said Rob Milligan, Lockheed Martin Australia, surface ships program lead. «Our team is dedicated to ensuring the successful delivery of Hobart’s Aegis capability to the Royal Australian Navy».

Lockheed Martin anticipated the need for the future Australian domestic sustainment of Aegis on AWD several years prior to this event. Lockheed Martin used internal funds to develop specialist skills in the Aegis Combat System for Australian AWD Program workforce. «We strengthened the AWD test team which now includes experienced Lockheed Martin engineers and technicians from both Australia and the United States to conduct the Aegis combat systems integration», Milligan added.

The Hobart-class destroyers are being built under Australia’s SEA 4000 program, which will ultimately deliver three advanced multirole ships. These ships will be Australia’s first ships to be equipped with Lockheed Martin’s Aegis Weapon System including the SPY-1D(V) radar. When paired with the Mk-41 Vertical Launching System (VLS), Aegis is capable of delivering missiles for every mission and threat environment in naval warfare. The RAN has received the Lockheed Martin Aegis Baseline 8 configuration, which integrates commercial-off-the-shelf technology and open architecture into the combat system.

«This milestone is a significant step towards an increase in the Royal Australian Navy’s maritime security capabilities through the seamless integration of the Aegis combat system to defend against advanced air, surface and subsurface threats», said Commodore Craig Bourke, CSC, RAN Program Manager Air Warfare Destroyer. «With more than 100 Aegis-equipped ships deployed worldwide, Australia is joining a family of allied nations that continues to push the boundaries of innovation with adaptable and affordable capabilities that meet the warfighter’s multi-mission needs».

Lockheed Martin is the Aegis Combat Systems Integrator and engineering agent for the U.S. Navy Aegis destroyers and cruisers, Australian Air Warfare Destroyers, as well as a range of other international customers for both new construction and modernisations. Lockheed Martin also provides the combat system engineering, integration and test for the U.S. Navy’s future frigate and Freedom class Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) programs.

With more than 40 years of significant investment by the U.S. Navy and its allies, the Aegis Combat System is used globally by five navies, across seven ship classes. Lockheed Martin is the trusted Aegis Combat Systems Integration partner to governments around the world, enabling mission ready, combat capable ships affordably and timely to the fleet.

 

Characteristics

Length 481.3 feet/146.7 m
Beam 61 feet/18.6 m
Draft 23.6 feet/7.2 m
Full load displacement 7,000 tonnes
Main Engine 36 MW/48,276 hp
Top speed 28+ knots/32 mph/52 km/h
Range at 18+ knots/21 mph/33 km/h 5,000+ NM/5,779 miles/9,300 km
Crew 186
Accommodation 234
Combat System Aegis Weapon System Baseline 7.1
AN/SPY-1D(V) Phased Array Radar (81 NM/93 miles/150 km)
AN/SPQ-9B Horizon Search Radar
Mk-41 Vertical Launch System (48 VLS cells: RIM-162 Evolved SeaSparrow Missile (ESSM)/Standard Missile-2 (SM-2)/SM-6)
Mk-45 Mod.4 5” (127-mm) 62 Calibre Gun (Range: 20 NM/23 miles/37 km)
Advanced Harpoon Weapon Control (2 × 4 launchers)
Electronic Warfare (EW) Suite
Very Short Range Air and Surface Defence
Nulka Active Missile Decoy system
Integrated Sonar System incorporating a hull mounted and towed array sonar
Communications Suite
Aviation Flightdeck and hangar for one helicopter
Boats Two Rigid Hulled Inflatable Boats (RHIBs)

 

This computer-generated animation highlights the multi-mission capability of the three naval destroyers being built as part of the Air Warfare Destroyer Project

 

Ground Forces

Double range

Picatinny Arsenal engineers have been working to create a longer, newly modified M777A2 howitzer that has the potential to double the system’s current artillery range. The modification adds six feet/1.8 m to the cannon and less than 1,000 pounds/453.6 kg to the overall system. A mobility demonstration is the first step to determine if the howitzer can be modified for extended range, or if a new system is required.

The newly modified M777A2 howitzer has the potential to double the system’s current artillery range (Photo by Erin Usawicz)
The newly modified M777A2 howitzer has the potential to double the system’s current artillery range (Photo by Erin Usawicz)

«Their user concern is that when the self-propelled program is done they will be left with a towed cannon variant that they can’t tow around, which is its number one mode of transportation», said David Bound, M777ER Lead, Artillery Concepts and Design Branch, which is part of the Armament Research, Development and Engineering Center, or ARDEC.

The Extended Range Cannon Artillery, or ERCA, project is funded by ARDEC’s science and technology office and charged with developing technology to extend the range of all 155-mm artillery.

The ERCA program develops not only the XM907 cannon but also products, such as the XM1113 rocket assisted projectile, the XM654 supercharge, an autoloader, and new fire control system.

Program Manager Towed Artillery Systems, or PM-TAS, which leads the M777ER program, is taking the ERCA cannon design and adapting it to the M777 to determine if it can be a cross-platform solution.

This PM-TAS effort is a dual-funded program by the Army and the Marines.

PM-TAS is part of the Program Executive Office for Ammunition at Picatinny Arsenal.

To begin efforts to test mobility, PM-TAS demonstrated a modified M777A2 Howitzer with an integration kit for the mass mock-up of the modified XM907 ERCA cannon at Yuma Proving Ground, Arizona. Follow-on mobility testing will be conducted at Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland, to document the changes in mobility from a standard M777A2, if any.

«The ERCA program is developing the cannon to give it more range. PM-TAS is doing the demonstration to the Marines to show how it would look, feel and move when integrated into the M777A2 carriage», said Bound.

The demonstration will not include firing the weapon, but will show how the gun responds when it travels and how it feels when the crew interacts with the controls.

With nearly 1,000 pounds/453.6 kg added to the system’s overall weight and an additional six feet/1.8 m of cannon tube, the demonstration is taking place to give the Soldiers and Marines more confidence that the gun will still meet all of its mobility requirements.

«The visual prejudice we are up against is that it looks like it may tip over with all that extra cannon. We are trying to increase confidence that the M777 is an acceptable candidate for an extended range upgrade», said Bound.

In efforts to ensure that the gun will meet all of its requirements, a mobility cannon tube was created.

The mobility tube consists of an old 52-caliber tube that was modified to fit into an M777A2 at the weight of the XM907. Additionally, grooves were added to the exterior of the tube to allow Picatinny engineers to hang weights at different positions, enabling them to move the center of gravity of the weapon forward or rear.

This cannon will allow the Army and the Marines to assess the impacts to the M777 and how it’s operated as the ERCA program optimizes the cannon design.

«The weights allow the Center of Gravity to move and get to the point where we can start towing this around as the configuration of the tube changes as the ERCA figures out what they want to do because it’s in flux right now», said Bound.

«We are able to replicate how that tube reacts in the system using the different weight configurations. Then, we can hook this up to a truck so we can see what the users can expect from a human-factors point of view of how much harder it is to elevate, traverse back and forth, and what the trucks are going to see as they tow the system around», said Bound.

Benet Labs designed the tube and Picatinny designed all of the carriage modifications.

 

Increased range

«Right now (the M777) can shoot about 18.6 miles/30 kilometers, but once all of the upgrades are complete it will be able to shoot about 43.5 miles/70 kilometers», said Bound. «So, it will be able to reach out and hit targets well in excess before the targets can reach them. It will also give a lot of operational over match so the warfighter won’t have to worry about coming into a situation where they are under fire before they can return fire».

After the ERCA program, the M777ER program is engaged in making sure that ERCA’s system is suitable for the M777 system.

The final ERCA system will be demonstrated with an M109A7 system, which is the Paladin self-propelled howitzer.

 

Navy

Builder’s trials

On March 21 the future guided-missile destroyer USS Zumwalt (DDG-1000) departs the Bath Iron Works shipyard for its second at-sea period to conduct builder’s trials during which many of the ship’s key systems and technologies were demonstrated. In addition to systems testing, the Navy-Industry team was conducting numerous operational demonstrations in preparation for acceptance trials in April. DDG-1000 is the lead ship of the Zumwalt-class destroyers, a class of next-generation multi-mission surface combatants tailored for land attack and littoral dominance with capabilities that defeat current and projected threats.

USS Zumwalt (DDG-1000) departs the Bath Iron Works shipyard for its second at-sea period to conduct builder’s trials on March 21 (U.S. Navy Photo)
USS Zumwalt (DDG-1000) departs the Bath Iron Works shipyard for its second at-sea period to conduct builder’s trials on March 21 (U.S. Navy Photo)

According to Sam LaGrone, USNI News editor, on March 25 next generation guided missile destroyer Zumwalt (DDG-1000) is back at General Dynamics Bath Iron Works shipyard after four days of successful builder’s trials, according to the service. The service will now prepare for next month’s acceptance trials ahead of delivery of the ship to the U.S. Navy.

During the four days of trials, representatives from BIW, USS Zumwalt, the Navy’s Program Office, SUPSHIP Bath and various technical subject matter experts, including Raytheon personnel, tested several ship systems including key propulsion and auxiliary systems as well as boat operations. These trials also served as a unique opportunity for the crew to train side-by-side with representatives from industry. The Navy will continue to assess system performance over the coming weeks.

The ship’s delivery and acceptance will only be for the ship’s Hull, Mechanical and Electrical (HM&E) systems. The ship features a new integrated power system that is much more complex than existing navy ship propulsion designs that have reportedly resulted in schedule and cost increases for the production of the three ships in the $22 billion class.

Following delivery of the ship to the service, USS Zumwalt (DDG-1000) and its crew will go to San Diego to have the bulk of the combat system installed in part to free up space for additional production at the shipyard.

Zumwalt (DDG 1000) returned to Bath, Maine, after successfully conducting four days of at-sea builder’s Trials on March 25 (U.S. Navy Photo)
Zumwalt (DDG 1000) returned to Bath, Maine, after successfully conducting four days of at-sea builder’s Trials on March 25 (U.S. Navy Photo)

 

Features unique to DDG 1000:

  • Eighty peripheral Vertical Launch System (VLS) cells, two Advanced Gun System (AGS) 155-mm guns, and two 30-mm Close In Guns (CIGs);
  • A stern boat ramp for two 7-meter Rigid Hull Inflatable Boats (RHIBs), designed with room for two 11-meter RHIBs;
  • Aviation capacity for two MH-60R or one MH-60R and 3 VT Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs);
  • It will be powered by an Integrated Power System (IPS) with an Integrated Fight Through Power (IFTP). This is created by an Advanced Induction Motor (AIM);
  • A superstructure with integrated apertures and low signature profile;
  • Advanced sensors including a SPY-3 Multi-Function Radar;
  • A wave-piercing «Tumblehome» hull form.

 

Ship Characteristics

Length 610 feet/186 m
Beam 80.7 feet/24.6 m
Draft 27.6 feet/8.4 m
Displacement 15,761 long tonnes/16,014 metric tonnes
Speed 30 knots/34.5 mph/55.5 km/h
Installed Power 104,600 hp/78 MW
Crew Size 158 – Includes Aviation Detachment

 

Next-generation destroyer Zumwalt (DDG-1000) underway for the first time conducting at-sea tests and trials in the Atlantic Ocean on December 7, 2015

 

Ships

Ship Laid down Launched Commissioned Homeport
USS Zumwalt (DDG-1000) 11-17-2011 10-28-2013
USS Michael Monsoor (DDG-1001) 05-23-2013
USS Lyndon B. Johnson (DDG-1002)

 

Navy

First Indonesian Sub

South Korean shipbuilder Daewoo Shipbuilding and Marine Engineering (DSME) has launched the first of three Type 209/1400 diesel-electric submarines (SSK) on order for the Indonesian Navy (Tentara Nasional Indonesia – Angkatan Laut, or TNI-AL).

The Indonesian Navy's first Type 209/1400 submarine, pictured at its launching ceremony on 24 March in Okpo (Source: DSME)
The Indonesian Navy’s first Type 209/1400 submarine, pictured at its launching ceremony on 24 March in Okpo (Source: DSME)

The boat was launched on 24 March at DSME’s Okpo shipyard in a ceremony attended by Indonesian defence minister Ryamizard Ryacudu and TNI-AL chief Admiral Ade Supandi. According to IHS Jane’s Defence Weekly, TNI-AL sources have confirmed that the submarine has been given the pennant number 403.

The vessel is part of a KRW1.3 trillion (USD1.1 billion) contract signed between DSME and the Indonesian Defence Ministry in December 2011. Under the contract the first and second vessels are to be built in South Korea, while the third boat will be produced at Indonesian state-owned shipbuilder PT PAL’s premises in Surabaya in a technology transfer arrangement.

According to specifications provided by DSME, the Indonesian Type 209, which displaces 1,400 tonnes dived, has a top speed of 21 knots/24 mph/39 km/h and a maximum operating range of approximately 10,000 nautical miles/11,508 miles/18,520 km at 10 knots/11.5 mph/18.5 km/h while surfaced.

The submarine has been designed for a range of missions, including Anti-Surface Warfare (ASuW), Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW), mine laying, and special forces operations, said DSME in a statement on the launch.

The first boat will now undergo sea trials in South Korean waters and is currently scheduled for delivery by March 2017.

Work on the second vessel has begun and all three boats are expected to be delivered by the end of 2018.

The boat was launched on 24 March at DSME's Okpo shipyard in a ceremony attended by Indonesian defence minister Ryamizard Ryacudu and TNI-AL chief Admiral Ade Supandi
The boat was launched on 24 March at DSME’s Okpo shipyard in a ceremony attended by Indonesian defence minister Ryamizard Ryacudu and TNI-AL chief Admiral Ade Supandi
Air Force

AW101 Maiden Flight

On March 23, Finmeccanica announced the first of 16 AgustaWestland AW101 helicopters for the Norwegian Ministry of Justice and Public Security (MoJ) successfully performed its maiden flight at its Helicopter Division’s Yeovil factory in the UK on 21st March 2016.

A major milestone for the Norwegian All Weather SAR Helicopter programme that features an innovative search and rescue configuration
A major milestone for the Norwegian All Weather SAR Helicopter programme that features an innovative search and rescue configuration

The successful on-schedule maiden flight marks a major milestone and the start of the flight test programme that will lead to initial aircraft deliveries to the MoJ, for operation by the Royal Norwegian Air Force, in 2017. Aircraft deliveries will continue through to 2020.

«I am very pleased that Finmeccanica has reached this important milestone in the Search And Rescue (SAR) helicopter project and thereby making good progress for the replacement of the aging Sea King helicopter with the new state-of-the-art AgustaWestland AW101 by 2020», says the Minister of Justice and Public Security, Mr. Anders Anundsen. «I would furthermore like to bring my sincere gratitude to the dedicated and hardworking team at the company who have made this first flight possible in time».

In December 2013 the Norwegian Ministry of Justice and Public Security signed a contract for 16 AgustaWestland AW101 helicopters plus support and training, to meet the Norwegian All Weather SAR Helicopter (NAWSARH) requirement based on a new generation aircraft. Each aircraft is provided with an advanced SAR equipment package including a multi-panel Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) surveillance radar system from Finmeccanica Airborne & Space Systems Division, built at the company’s Edinburgh centre of excellence, that provides 360° coverage. The large cabin doors and rear ramp provide easy access for personnel, survivors and equipment into the 27 m3 cabin which has stand-up head room throughout.

Over 220 AW101s sold to customers worldwide to date for various roles
Over 220 AW101s sold to customers worldwide to date for various roles

 

Technical Data

WEIGHTS
Maximum Take-Off Weight (int./ext. loads) 34,390 lbs/15,600 kg
ENGINE RATING
Powerplant 3 × GE CT7-8E (Take-Off: 3 × 2,527 shp) with FADEC (Full Authority Digital Engine Controls for Turbine Engines)
Take-Off power (5 min) 3 × 1,884 kW/3 × 2,527 shp
Intermediate (30 min) 3 × 1,855 kW/3 × 2,488 shp
Maximum Continuous Power 3 × 1,522 kW/3 × 2,041 shp
One Engine Inoperative (OEI) Maximum Contingency (2 min) 3 × 1,880 kW/3 × 2,522 shp
FUEL CAPACITY
5 cell tanks (self-sealing) 5,135 L/ 1,357 US gal
CREW
Pilot 2
Passengers 30
EXTERNAL DIMENSIONS
Overall length 22,83 m/74,92 feet
Overall height 6,66 m/21,83 feet
Main rotor diameter 18,6 m/61 feet
PERFORMANCE
Cruise speed 150 knots/173 mph/278 km/h
Hovering In Ground Effect (IGE) 3,307 m/10,850 feet
Maximum Range 735 NM/845 miles/1,360 km
Maximum Endurance 6 h 30 min
ARMAMENT
Armoured protection in cockpit, cabin and seats
Anti-ship missiles and torpedoes
Crew Served Weapons (3 × 12.7-mm/7.62-mm machine guns)
Multi-purpose rocket/cannon pods
Air-to-air missiles
Air-to-surface missiles
Artist's rendering of an AgustaWestland AW101 in Royal Norwegian Air Force search-and-rescue markings
Artist’s rendering of an AgustaWestland AW101 in Royal Norwegian Air Force search-and-rescue markings
Ground Forces

New 40-mm cannon

The first production standard Cased Telescoped Cannon System has been handed over to the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) in Bourges, France by CTA International (CTAI) – a 50/50 joint venture company between BAE Systems and Nexter Systems. It is the first delivery of 515 new 40-mm cannons that have been ordered for the British Army for use in the Ajax and Warrior vehicles and incorporates unique technologies that will provide superior firepower.

New 40-mm cannon system handed over to British Army
New 40-mm cannon system handed over to British Army

Developed by specialist engineers from BAE Systems and Nexter Systems, the cannon system uses an innovative design for both the cannon and its ammunition, and is the first completely new cannon system ordered by the MoD since the 1960s. The new cannon fires 40-mm Cased Telescoped ammunition, manufactured for the British Army by BAE Systems’ munitions factories in Washington, Tyne and Wear and Glascoed in Wales.

The new ammunition is neatly contained in a straight tube instead of the traditional bullet shape and can deliver a more explosive charge – up to four times the power of the 30-mm rounds it replaces. The current types of ammunition developed for the cannon include armour piercing and training rounds – while a new airburst round for engaging light vehicles and infantry spread over a large area, and a point detonating round which can penetrate thick concrete – are currently undergoing qualification. CTAI is also working on an anti-aerial airburst round for airborne targets.

The cannon uses a new rotating breech system, with ammunition loaded at a 90-degree angle to the barrel before being rotated into firing position. Loading the ammunition sideways saves a large amount of space in the vehicle, allowing this to be used to store more ammunition or other equipment. The cannon has been developed and is manufactured by CTAI whose factory is now in full production of the new cannon for the MoD.

Minister of State for Defence Procurement Philip Dunne said: «This next-generation cannon has been developed through close Anglo-French collaboration and adds significantly to the capability of the UK and our NATO allies. The delivery of the first cannon on our Ajax vehicles is another example of how our £178 billion investment in UK Defence is ensuring our Armed Forces have the equipment they need».

Managing Director of CTAI, Craig Fennell, said: «This is a significant milestone for CTAI and a proud moment to see our cannon being handed over to the British Army. We are the only group in the world who can design and manufacture this type of cannon and ammunition, giving us a unique product for export».

The handover of the first cannon follows many years of exhaustive testing and qualification, which has proved the effectiveness and reliability of the system.

Navy

Global Combat Ship

The UK Ministry of Defence has awarded BAE Systems a £472 million contract to progress the Type 26 Global Combat Ship (GCS) programme following the UK Government’s commitment in the Strategic Defence and Security Review to buy eight of the advanced Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) ships.

Versatility of roles is enabled by the Integrated Mission Bay and Hanger, capable of supporting multiple helicopters, UUVs, boats, mission loads and disaster relief stores
Versatility of roles is enabled by the Integrated Mission Bay and Hanger, capable of supporting multiple helicopters, UUVs, boats, mission loads and disaster relief stores

The announcement continues the UK Government’s investment in Type 26, reflecting its commitment to the UK’s strategic warship building industry and the programme to deliver the Royal Navy’s next generation warships. Effective from April 2016, the 15-month contract extends the current demonstration phase ensuring continued momentum to further mature the detailed design of the Type 26 ships and to manufacture key equipment for the first three ships.

Defence Secretary Michael Fallon said: «These highly advanced ships will help keep Britain safe and support our shipbuilding industry. Investing in them is part of our plan to increase defence spending so our armed forces have the most modern equipment they need».

Geoff Searle, Type 26 Programme Director at BAE Systems, said: «This is a significant investment in the programme and an endorsement of the Government’s commitment to sustain this important national capability. The Type 26 programme is progressing well and over the coming months more of our partners in the supply chain will start to manufacture equipment for the first three ships as we continue to progress towards the manufacturing phase. We are committed to working with the Ministry of Defence and wider industry to ensure the Royal Navy has the capability it needs to protect national interests, whilst ensuring value for money for UK taxpayers. Through the Type 26 programme, we are transforming the way we design and manufacture warships with innovative new technologies, systems and processes to ensure we continue to deliver the highest quality equipment at the lowest possible cost».

To date, there are 27 companies across the maritime supply chain working with BAE Systems to deliver the Type 26 ships, including seven firms with contracts underway to manufacture key equipment for the first three ships. This includes manufacturing contracts with Babcock for the ships’ air weapons handling systems, GE Power Conversion for the electric propulsion motor and drive systems and Rolls-Royce for the gas turbines, the first of which passed its factory acceptance test in January.

Under the extended demonstration phase, BAE Systems expects to award manufacturing contracts to a total of approximately 50 companies, helping to support a vibrant maritime industry. Key equipment to be delivered includes the Combat Management System and the Shared Infrastructure IT system developed by BAE Systems. This innovative hardware solution will allow the crew to access all software, such as navigation, communications and sonar needed to operate a ship’s combat systems through a single console.

The Type 26 Global Combat Ship will be a world-class anti-submarine warfare ship and will in time replace the Type 23 frigates. Globally deployable, it will be capable of undertaking a wide range of roles from high intensity warfare to humanitarian assistance, either operating independently or as part of a task group.

A launcher can be provided for fixed wing UAV operation and the Flight Deck is capable of landing a Chinook helicopter for transport of embarked forces
A launcher can be provided for fixed wing UAV operation and the Flight Deck is capable of landing a Chinook helicopter for transport of embarked forces

 

Principal Weapons and Sensors:

Artisan 3D radar

Sonar 2087

Sea Ceptor anti-air missiles

Medium calibre gun

 

Propulsion:

2 × electric motors

4 × high speed diesel generators

Gas turbine direct drive

 

Accommodation:

Accommodation, health and recreation services for 208 crew and 118 core complement

 

Main dimensions:

Displacement 6,900 tonnes

Length 492 feet/149.9 metres

Maximum beam 68 feet/20.8 metres

 

Performance:

Top speed 26+ knots/30+ mph/48 km/h

Range 7,000 nautical miles/8,055 miles/12,964 km in Electric-Motor (EM) drive

 

Navy

Commissioned warship

Astute Class submarine HMS Artful (S121) has officially become a Commissioned Warship of the Royal Navy at a ceremony at HM Naval Base Clyde. Guest of honour at the ceremony was the submarine’s sponsor Lady Zambellas, who had named HMS Artful (S121) in September 2013, before her launch in May 2014, in Barrow in Furness.

HMS Artful is the third of six Astute Сlass nuclear attack submarines being built for the Royal Navy. Launched in May 2014, it has now been commissioned into the fleet (RN photo)
HMS Artful is the third of six Astute Сlass nuclear attack submarines being built for the Royal Navy. Launched in May 2014, it has now been commissioned into the fleet (RN photo)

Amanda Zambellas was joined by her husband Admiral Sir George Zambellas, the First Sea Lord and head of the Naval Service, representatives of the companies involved in Artful’s construction and operation as well as the submarine’s 150 crew, their families and friends.

«This is a red letter day that marks the beginning of the next crucial stage of development for the Royal Navy and its Submarine Service», said Admiral Sir George Zambellas, First Sea Lord and Chief of Naval Staff. «Today’s ceremony dramatically increases the operational capability of the Submarine Service with the commissioning of our third Astute-class boat, and is another milestone in the journey towards HM Naval Base Clyde becoming the UK Submarine Centre of Specialisation by 2020».

Lady Amanda Zambellas said: «It is wonderful that so many families and affiliates could join HMS Artful for her big day. Over a decade has passed since her keel was laid, so it is hugely rewarding for everyone involved with the project to finally see the White Ensign flying from her stern. While the technology inside is impressive, it is the Ship’s Company who really give HMS Artful her soul. Through their expertise and a good sense of fun, I know they really will live up to her name, and I look forward to supporting her in the many years ahead».

Since she was handed over to the Royal Navy by BAE Systems Submarines in December 2015, HMS Artful (S121) has been conducting trials to prove her systems and equipment at sea, ahead of her first operational deployment later in 2017. The highlight of the trials was the firing of six heavyweight Spearfish torpedoes on the British Underwater Testing and Evaluation Centre near the Isle of Skye.

HMS Artful (S121) is the first of the Royal Navy’s submarines to be fitted with the Common Combat System (CCS), which is regarded as the digital «brain» of the boat controlling its «eyes», «ears» and «nervous system».

Artful’s two sister boats Astute and Ambush have already successfully conducted operational deployments. Both have deployed to the Mediterranean, and Middle East where they have been involved in anti-smuggling and security operations and have provided Tomahawk Land Attack Missile (TLAM) capability in support of anti-terrorism operations in the region.

The Astute-class are the largest, most advanced and most powerful attack submarines ever operated by the Royal Navy, combining world leading sensors, design and weaponry in a versatile vessel.

HMS Astute (S119), HMS Ambush (S120), and now HMS Artful (S121), are the first of the Class to be accepted by Navy Command, which is responsible for operating all of the Royal Navy’s vessels. The next two submarines in the Class, Audacious (S122) and Anson (S123), are currently being built in Barrow, with Agamemnon (S124) and the unnamed Boat 7 to follow.

BAE Systems is responsible for delivering the Astute Class and for the design of the successor to the Vanguard class, Successor, which will carry the UK’s nuclear deterrent, and also be based at HM Naval Base Clyde.

Ground Forces

PAC-3 Intercepts Target

A Lockheed Martin PAC-3 Missile Segment Enhancement (PAC-3 MSE) Missile successfully detected, tracked and intercepted a Tactical Ballistic Missile (TBM) target on March 17 at White Sands Missile Range, New Mexico, as part of a U.S. Army-led flight test.

PAC-3 MSE Intercepts Missile Target in Flight Test
PAC-3 MSE Intercepts Missile Target in Flight Test

«The PAC-3 MSE continues to demonstrate its reliability and hit-to-kill capability», said Scott Arnold, vice president of PAC-3 programs at Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control. «The enhancements of the MSE will provide the warfighter with the tools needed to defend against current and evolving threats».

The PAC-3 Missile is a high-velocity interceptor that uses hit-to-kill technology to defend against incoming threats, including TBMs, cruise missiles and aircraft.

Building on the battle-proven PAC-3 Missile, the PAC-3 MSE brings a larger, dual-pulse solid rocket motor, larger control fins and an upgraded support system. These enhancements nearly double the missile’s reach, and dramatically improve performance against missile threats.

The PAC-3 MSE missile uses hit-to-kill technology for greater lethality against TBMs armed with weapons of mass destruction. The PAC-3 MSE represents the next generation PAC-3 missile providing expanded battlespace performance against evolving threats. The PAC-3 MSE improves upon current PAC-3 Cost Reduction Initiative (CRI) missile capability with a higher performance solid rocket motor, modified lethality enhancer, more responsive control surfaces, upgraded guidance software, and insensitive munitions improvements.

The PAC-3 MSE incorporates a logistical flexibility over that of PAC-3 CRI through a modular single canister. The PAC-3 MSE single canisters will be kitted as a two-pack for both the shipping and tactical configuration. Additionally, the PAC-3 MSE single-pack canister design modularity enables field replacement of spent/failed missile(s). There will be no anticipated increase in PATRIOT operations or maintenance personnel as a result of integrating the PAC-3 MSE enhancements into PATRIOT.

 

Navy

5th FREMM Frigate

On 16 March 2016, DCNS delivered the FREMM frigate D653 Languedoc intended for the French Navy, on the occasion of the acceptance ceremony by OCCAR (L’Organisation Conjointe de Coopération en Matière d’Armement) on behalf of the French DGA (Direction Générale de l’Armement). This event once again demonstrates the industrial success of the largest European naval defence programme. The FREMM frigates are amongst some of the highest-performance latest-generation combat vessels on the market and have already won over three client Navies.

DCNS delivers its 5th FREMM frigate, Languedoc
DCNS delivers its 5th FREMM frigate, Languedoc

FREMM D653 Languedoc is the fifth unit to be built by DCNS and the third intended for the French Navy. The frigate was officially accepted by OCCAR (Organisation for Joint Armament Cooperation), an international organisation for the through-life management of cooperative defence equipment programmes, which has the role of contracting authority for FREMMs intended for France and Italy. The ceremony was presided over by the Director of OCCAR, Timothy Rowntree, and the Armaments Engineer-General, Laurent Sellier, Director of the DGA’s «Armaments Naval Operations» management unit, and in the presence of Pierre Legros, Director of Programmes at DCNS.

The official acceptance of the FREMM Languedoc is a demonstration of the satisfaction of the operational personnel that had the opportunity to test its exceptional military qualities in multiple operations theatres. At the start of the year, the D650 Aquitaine and D652 Provence FREMMs participated in the Task Force 50 actions in the Persian-Arabian Gulf, at the sides of the Charles de Gaulle aircraft carrier, designed, built and maintained by DCNS.

These front-line frigates also won over the Royal Moroccan Navy in 2014 and the Egyptian Navy in 2015.

The operational deployments and international successes of this latest-generation frigate demonstrate the capacity of DCNS to design, build and maintain competitive, high-tech vessels, which are perfectly suited to the needs of its clients.

The FREMMs are the first vessels in Europe to deploy the naval cruise missile (MdCN) for which the first firing took place on 19 May 2015 from the FREMM D650 Aquitaine.

«The delivery of the FREMM D653 Languedoc represents an opportunity to highlight the serial effects of a programme that DCNS clients can take advantage of», notes Anne Bianchi, Director of the FREMM programme at DCNS. «With this fifth unit, DCNS has again improved its industrial and economic performance. It was possible to reduce the duration of the sea acceptance trials for the D653 Languedoc frigate to five weeks, thanks to the experience acquired for the FREMMs already delivered. The DCNS teams and our partners have, in effect, attained an unprecedented level of vessel completion even before its first sea outing», she underlines.

The FREMM programme represents today the construction of ten vessels, of which eight for the French Navy. Six FREMMs will have been delivered to the French Navy before mid-2019, in accordance with the 2015-2019 military programming law. DCNS is currently completing the FREMM D654 Auvergne, which was floated on 2 September 2015, and is pursuing the assembly of the FREMM D655 Bretagne. Work has started on the eighth FREMM in the series, the D656 Normandie. Last but not least, DCNS is finalising the design of two FREMMs with strengthened anti-aircraft capacities, the delivery of which is slated for 2022.

Heavily armed, the FREMMs deploy the most effective weapon systems and equipment, such as the Herakles multifunction radar, the naval cruise missile (MdCN), the Aster and Exocet MM 40 missiles or the MU 90 torpedoes
Heavily armed, the FREMMs deploy the most effective weapon systems and equipment, such as the Herakles multifunction radar, the naval cruise missile (MdCN), the Aster and Exocet MM 40 missiles or the MU 90 torpedoes

 

Overview of the FREMM series

  • D650 Aquitaine, first in the series, delivered in 2012
  • Mohammed VI (701), delivered to the Royal Moroccan Navy in 2014
  • D652 Provence delivered in June 2015
  • Tahya Misr (FFG-1001), delivered to the Egyptian Navy in June 2015
  • D653 Languedoc delivered on 16 March 2016
  • D654 Auvergne, D655 Bretagne and D656 Normandie to be delivered in 2017, 2018 and 2019
  • Two FREMMs with strengthened anti-aircraft capacities to be delivered in 2021 and 2022
Languedoc, the French navy’s third FREMM-class frigate, sails out of Lorient for its initial sea trials, which will test its propulsion and navigations systems. Six of these ships will be delivered by 2019 (DCNS photo)
Languedoc, the French navy’s third FREMM-class frigate, sails out of Lorient for its initial sea trials, which will test its propulsion and navigations systems. Six of these ships will be delivered by 2019 (DCNS photo)

 

Characteristics

Total length 466 feet/142 m
Width 65.6 feet/20 m
Displacement 6,000 tonnes
Maximum speed 27 knots/31 mph/50 km/h
Operation 108 persons (including helicopter detachment)
Accommodation capacity 145 men and women
Cruising range at 15 knots/17 mph/28 km/h 6,000 nautical miles/6,905 miles/11,112 km