Monthly Archives: October 2021

Navy

New Horizon

On October 26, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command (NAVCENT) completed exercise New Horizon, the first at-sea evolution for its new unmanned task force.

MANTAS T-12 USV
A MANTAS T-12 Unmanned Surface Vessel (USV), front, operates alongside Royal Bahrain Naval Force fast-attack craft RBNS Abdul Rahman Al-fadel (P-22) during exercise New Horizon in the Arabian Gulf, October 26. Exercise New Horizon was U.S. Naval Forces Central Command Task Force 59’s first at-sea evolution since its establishment September 9

During the two-day training exercise, Task Force 59 integrated and evaluated new MANTAS T-12 Unmanned Surface Vessels (USV) that operated alongside manned U.S. patrol craft and Bahrain Defense Force maritime assets.

This marked the first time NAVCENT integrated USVs with manned assets at sea in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations. New Horizon was also the first time for NAVCENT’s integration of USVs with manned assets at sea alongside partner forces.

«Working with our regional partners on unmanned systems integration is crucial to enhancing collective maritime domain awareness», said Vice Admiral Brad Cooper, commander of NAVCENT, U.S. 5th Fleet and Combined Maritime Forces. «Bahrain, as our first regional partner to collaborate with Task Force 59 during an at-sea exercise, demonstrates the strengthening of our strategic relationship».

The first phase of New Horizon, conducted October 20, featured operators controlling the USVs aboard patrol coastal ship USS Firebolt (PC-10), while the vessels conducted high-speed maneuvers in formation.

The final phase on October 26 brought together a larger force of manned and unmanned maritime and aerial assets from NAVCENT, the Royal Bahrain Naval Force (RBNF) and Bahrain Coast Guard. Participating units also included patrol boat USCGC Maui (WPB-1304), an SH-60S helicopter, a V-BAT unmanned aerial vehicle and RBNF patrol craft.

Both U.S. and Bahraini forces practiced operating the vessels in formation to strengthen mutual understanding and interoperability.

«This is a significant milestone for our new task force as we accelerate the integration of unmanned systems and artificial intelligence into complex, cross-domain operations at sea», said Captain Michael Brasseur, commander of Task Force 59. «Real-world evaluation is essential».

NAVCENT established the task force September 9. To focus U.S. 5th Fleet efforts on unmanned systems and artificial intelligence integration.

The U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations encompasses about 2.5 million square miles/6,474,970 square km of water area and includes the Arabian Gulf, Gulf of Oman, Red Sea and parts of the Indian Ocean. The expanse is comprised of 21 countries and includes three critical choke points at the Strait of Hormuz, the Suez Canal and the Strait of Bab al Mandeb at the southern tip of Yemen.

Ground Forces

HELWS Prototype

A General Atomics Electromagnetic Systems (GA-EMS) and Boeing team has been awarded a U.S. Army Rapid Capabilities and Critical Technologies Office (RCCTO) contract to develop a 300 kW-class solid state Distributed Gain High Energy Laser Weapon System. Delivery will be a 300 kW-class distributed gain laser with an integrated Boeing beam director. The objective of this contract is a demonstration of the design.

HELWS
GA-EMS and Boeing Team to Develop 300 kW-class HELWS Prototype for U.S. Army

«The high power, compact laser weapon subsystem prototype that GA-EMS will deliver under this contract will produce a lethal output greater than anything fielded to date», said Scott Forney, president of GA-EMS. «This technology represents a leap-ahead capability for air and missile defense that is necessary to support the Army’s modernization efforts and defeat next-generation threats in a multi-domain battlespace».

The partnership combines both companies’ expertise in Directed Energy to deliver best-in-class, combat-ready protection for the warfighter with unmatched speed, performance, safety and affordability. Specifically, the system will leverage GA-EMS’ scalable Distributed Gain Laser technology with Boeing’s beam director and precision acquisition, tracking and pointing software to provide a complete demonstrator with sophisticated laser and beam control.

Doctor Michael Perry, vice president for lasers and advanced sensors at GA-EMS describes the laser as «a packaged version of the 7th Generation of our Distributed Gain Design already demonstrated. The laser system employs two Gen 7 laser heads in a very compact and lightweight package. Recent architectural improvements have enabled our single-beam DG Lasers to achieve comparable beam quality to fiber lasers in a very simple design without the need for beam combination».

«We’re excited to take the next step in delivering this critical capability to the Army», said Cindy Gruensfelder, vice president and general manager of Boeing’s Missile and Weapon Systems division. «Our joint offering will leverage proven, deployed technologies to provide an industry-leading solution on an accelerated timeline».

Ground Forces

Epirus’ Leonidas system

General Dynamics Land Systems, a global leader in providing innovative, high technology and next-generation ground combat solutions to customers, announces on October 25, 2021 a Strategic Teaming Agreement with Epirus, Inc., a high-growth technology company developing directed energy systems that enable unprecedented counter-electronics effects. GD and Epirus will collaborate to integrate the Leonidas directed energy system and broader high-power microwave technology into the U.S. Army’s Stryker and other manned and autonomous ground combat vehicles for enhanced mobile Short Range Air Defense (SHORAD) capabilities.

SHORAD
A scaled illustration of Epirus’ Leonidas counter-electronics system mounted on a GDLS Stryker

«General Dynamics Land Systems continues to evolve the Army’s largest and most reliable ground combat vehicle fleet with next-generation innovation and high-tech solutions», said Danny Deep, President of General Dynamics Land Systems. «This partnership with Epirus benefits the Army’s Stryker mobile SHORAD formations by offering cutting-edge, counter-electronics and counter-swarm capabilities».

In addition to Stryker upgrades, the company also is developing a class of robotic combat vehicles that feature modular architecture to maximize scalability and support future mission needs, Deep said.

Leonidas’ integration with Stryker enables a fully mobile counter-electronics solution and demonstrates the system’s flexible Application Programming Interface (API) and ability to integrate with existing ground-based, airborne and maritime systems for operation across domains. The system’s open API allows for maximum interoperability to meet the mission needs of multiple customer sets. Leonidas delivers unprecedented power and performance in a dramatically smaller form factor and is the only directed energy weapon with a proven ability to counter swarming drones and execute precision strikes at range.

«Having the support of one of the largest, most innovative and technologically advanced defense contractors further deepens our industry credibility and the market appeal for Epirus’ directed energy product portfolio. With Leonidas integrated into GD’s combat vehicle fleet, we are unlocking new SHORAD and counter-electronics capabilities to equip our warfighters with combat effective systems that dismantle the threats of today and tomorrow. I look forward to continuing our partnership with our General Dynamics Land Systems colleagues and know that, together, we can deliver on our customers’ mission needs», said Leigh Madden, Epirus Chief Executive Officer.

Epirus’ Leonidas counter-electronics system
The companies will collaborate to advance mobile SHORAD solutions and fill capability gaps to defend against drone swarms and other electronic threats
Air, Missiles & Guided Weapons, Rocket

Lightweight Missile

The Royal Navy has successfully tested a new missile system designed to protect the UK’s new aircraft carriers from attacks by swarms of small boats.

Martlet
Royal Navy tests new missile system for defence against small boat attacks

During operations in the Pacific Ocean with the UK Carrier Strike Group, HMS Defender’s Wildcat HMA Mk2 helicopter of 815 Naval Air Squadron fired the Martlet lightweight missile at an inflatable target in the sea – known in the navy as the big red tomato.

It is the first time this type of missile has been launched on frontline operations by the Royal Navy after rigorous testing at ranges off the UK coast by the Yeovilton-based Wildcat Maritime Force last year.

In 0.3 seconds, the missile detached from the Wildcat HMA Mk2 helicopter, accelerating to one and a half times the speed of sound towards its target.

The purpose of the missile system is to add another layer of protection around the Royal Navy’s aircraft carriers, with the Wildcats able to carry up to 20 of the laser-sensor missiles that can be used against stationary and moving targets.

Captain James Blackmore, Carrier Strike Group’s Air Wing Commander, said: «Martlet is a new air to surface lightweight multi-role missile recently introduced into service for the Wildcat helicopter and provides an offensive and defensive capability against small boats and maritime targets that may pose a threat to the Carrier Strike Group. The Wildcat is a phenomenally versatile aircraft and the inclusion of up to 20 missiles on each of the four embarked aircraft adds yet another potent capability to the Air Wing and the Carrier Strike Group. This first firing during an operational deployment not only gives confidence in the end-to-end weapon kill chain but also offers an overt demonstration of one of the many strike capabilities provided by the Air Wing from within the Task Group».

HMS Defender (D36) is currently deployed with the UK Carrier Strike’s Group on its maiden global operational deployment.

And the Martlet missile, available for all Wildcats deployed on the task group, is part of the ring of protective steel around carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth (R08). Frigates HMS Kent (F78) and HMS Richmond (F239) also embark Wildcats along with Type 45 destroyer HMS Diamond (D34).

Meanwhile, HMS Queen Elizabeth (R08) adds Merlin helicopters and F-35B Lightning II stealth fighter jets to the protective ring.

Space

Orbit space station

Nanoracks, in collaboration with Voyager Space and Lockheed Martin, has formed a team to develop the first-ever free flying commercial space station. The space station, known as Starlab, will be a continuously crewed commercial platform, dedicated to conducting critical research, fostering industrial activity, and ensuring continued U.S. presence and leadership in low-Earth orbit. Starlab is expected to achieve initial operational capability by 2027.

Starlab
Starlab, a commercial low-Earth orbit space station is being planned for use by 2027

To meet U.S. government, international space agency, and commercial needs in space, these industry leaders will develop Starlab specifically to enable the growing space economy and meet pent-up customer demand for space services such as materials research, plant growth, and astronaut activity. Together, these companies bring unparalleled experience in commercial space utilization, engineering design and performance, technology innovation, and investment strategy.

«Since the beginning, Nanoracks has sought to own and operate a private space station to fully unlock market demand», says Jeffrey Manber, CEO and Co-Founder of Nanoracks. «Our team has spent the last decade learning the business of space stations, understanding customer needs, charting market growth, and self-investing in private hardware on the ISS like the Bishop Airlock. Nanoracks and our team are excited to work with NASA and our friends across the world as we move forward with Starlab».

NASA recently announced the Commercial Low-Earth Orbit (LEO) Destination (CLD) project to support the development of private space stations. CLD will stimulate a multifaceted LEO economy and provide science and crew capabilities in LEO before the International Space Station (ISS) retires.

Nanoracks will prime the Starlab development effort leveraging over a decade of experience as the pathfinder of and global leader in commercial ISS utilization. Voyager Space, the majority shareholder in Nanoracks, will lead strategy and capital investment and Lockheed Martin, a leader in developing and operating complex spacecraft, will serve as the manufacturer and technical integrator.

The basic elements of the Starlab space station include a large inflatable habitat, designed and built by Lockheed Martin, a metallic docking node, a power and propulsion element, a large robotic arm for servicing cargo and payloads, and a state-of-the-art laboratory system to host a comprehensive research, science, and manufacturing capability.  Starlab will be able to continuously host up to four astronauts for conducting critical science and research.

«We’re excited to be part of such an innovative and capable team—one that allows each company to leverage their core strengths», said Lisa Callahan, vice president and general manager, Commercial Civil Space at Lockheed Martin. «Lockheed Martin’s extensive experience in building complex spacecraft and systems, coupled with Nanoracks’ commercial business innovation and Voyager’s financial expertise allows our team to create a customer-focused space station that will fuel our future vision. We have invested significantly in habitat technology which enables us to propose a cost-effective, mission-driven spacecraft design for Starlab».

Nanoracks’ Starlab business model is designed to enable science, research, and manufacturing for global customers, and bring added value to long-duration sovereign astronaut missions. Starlab will also serve tourism and other commercial and business activities.

«Voyager Space is highly confident in the Starlab business model and its ability to be commercially sustainable and well capitalized», says Dylan Taylor, Voyager Space Chairman & CEO. «Voyager Space sees numerous synergies leveraging the capabilities across our organization’s operating businesses, as well as within the Lockheed Martin ecosystem. We see this partnership as just the beginning of our work together».

Air, Air Force

First Bahrain Viper

Bell Textron Inc., a Textron Inc. company, celebrated the completion of the first AH-1Z Viper attack helicopter for the Kingdom of Bahrain on September 30. Bell delivered the first of 12 production aircraft to Naval Air Systems Command as part of the 2019 Foreign Military Sales (FMS) contract. Foreign military sales of the AH-1Z Viper bring the advanced, dedicated capabilities of the aircraft directly to international operators and help increase interoperability and amplify effectiveness of allied forces. The helicopter will be prepared for shipment to Bahrain with the Defense Contract Management Agency (DCMA) before being transported to Bahrain in 2022.

AH-1Z Viper
Bell Completes First Bahrain AH-1Z Viper

«This is an extraordinary achievement by the H-1 Program and brings the Royal Bahraini Air Force a step closer to fielding the advanced capabilities of the AH-1Z Viper », said Mike Deslatte, Bell H-1 vice president and program director. «The men and women of Team Viper, a group of premier suppliers, have done an exceptional job of delivering to the U.S. Government, on time and on contract».

Bell designed the AH-1Z Viper specifically to meet the stringent operational requirements of the U.S. Marine Corps, which focus on full marinization and a reduced logistical footprint. The aircraft has a fully integrated glass cockpit and the ability to carry a wide variety of munitions.

The composite rotor system further enhances the Viper’s ability to provide close air support to ground forces in any environment, while the fully integrated Target Sight System (TSS) enhances pilots’ capabilities to identify clearly, acquire, track and engage targets beyond maximum weapon range.

«The Viper will provide significant benefits to the Bahrain Defence Force as they modernize their fleet of attack helicopters», said Deslatte. «Having a proven state-of-the-art platform will help contribute to the security of Bahrain while improving interoperability with U.S. forces».

Bell continues to work to deliver aircraft to the U.S. Marine Corps, Bahrain and Czech Republic. The company also keeps the H-1 up to date with planned capability improvements designed to ensure the Viper maintains its strategic technological edge throughout its service life.

Ground Forces

Best and Final Offer

Rheinmetall, the largest supplier of military vehicles to the Australian Defence Force has submitted the company’s Lynx Infantry Fighting Vehicle (IFV) best and final offer for the Australian Department of Defence Land 400 Phase 3 Mounted Close Combat Capability tender. Rheinmetall is one of two competing companies involved in the tender for this procurement project.

Lynx Infantry Fighting Vehicle
Rheinmetall submits Lynx Infantry Fighting Vehicle Best and Final Offer for Land 400 Phase 3 in Australia showcasing Leading Capability and Sovereign Military Industrial Growth

Rheinmetall Defence Australia Managing Director, Gary Stewart said the Lynx is a next generation tracked, digitised and highly protected Infantry Fighting Vehicle and offers a step-change in Army’s capabilities: «Lynx sets the new standard and offers unmatched levels of survivability, mobility, lethality, knowledge and growth. Importantly, Lynx is ready to protect Australians in the field and defeat any adversary. Lynx is fitted with the Rheinmetall Lance turret for precise and lethal effects and offers an integrated battle management system. Designed for close combat operations, the extensive family of Lynx vehicles is modular. Lynx can be easily configured and reconfigured, to all 10 roles required by the Army».

Rheinmetall has developed the Lynx with a growth path to meet continually evolving military needs throughout its anticipated 40-year life.

Submitting the best and final offer represents the final deliverable of the two-year Risk Management Activity (RMA) undertaken by the Department of Defence. Involving 12 months of rigorous testing by Army, Rheinmetall has been impressed with the professional and flexible approach taken by Defence in response to COVID.

«The fact that Army and Defence’s Capability Acquisition and Sustainment Group has completed perhaps the most comprehensive testing in the world of these IFVs is outstanding», said Mr. Stewart. «The testing and associated working group discussions have mitigated a number of risks, confirmed vehicle and company performance, and improved the access for more Australian companies to be involved in this program».

Mr. Stewart said that the company’s offer also included a «special project» that was sure to pique the interest of not only the Australian Defence Force, but international export markets as well.

«Incorporating a great deal of engineering design and innovation, I am very much looking forward to unveiling the Rheinmetall special project», he added.

Mr. Stewart said that Rheinmetall’s demonstrated commitment to Australian Industry Capability (AIC) through the Land 121 and Land 400 Phase 2 programs will continue to expand for the Lynx program: «The Australian Army will benefit from the Lynx IFV that will be designed, built and supported from Rheinmetall’s Military Vehicle Centre of Excellence, with an expanded Australia-wide military vehicle industry network. In addition to the engineering of the system design Rheinmetall undertook in Australia with our key Australian partners, we are continuing to identify more Australian companies to supply technologies into Lynx, as part of our ongoing ‘design to manufacture in Australia’ activities».

«Today, we have well in excess of 100 small to medium enterprises that are manufacturing parts for Lynx, thereby providing employment and economic growth opportunities across regional and capital cities in Australia», Mr. Stewart added. «Rheinmetall’s bid will see the Lynx sustained and enhanced locally throughout its service life, building on Rheinmetall’s existing employment base which supports hundreds of high-technology design and manufacturing jobs in fields as diverse as electro-optics, weapon systems, vehicle and turret manufacturing, armour systems and simulation. The Lynx’s Lance turret; already in manufacture for the Australian Boxer CRV program and an export customer, provides high degrees of commonality and interoperability for the soldier. Allowing rapid transition across platforms, a common L turret would simplify Army’s training system and reduce in-service support costs, providing the customer with tangible benefits from day one. Manufactured at Rheinmetall’s Military Vehicle Centre of Excellence (MILVEHCOE) in Redbank, Queensland, the company will provide whole of fleet management, training and through-life support of Lynx».

Air, Air Force

JSTARS for Korea

Northrop Grumman Corporation signed cooperative agreements with LIG Nex1 and Huneed as the company develops its Joint Surveillance Target Attack Radar System – Korea (JSTARS-K) solution for the Republic of Korea’s Joint Moving Target Surveillance and Control Aircraft (JMTSCA) requirement.

JSTARS-K
Northrop Grumman’s JSTARS-K will leverage the company’s 30+ years of BMC2 mission domain expertise as a prime systems integrator combined with the G550 platform. Cooperative agreements with Korean aerospace and defense businesses will enhance interoperability with existing Republic of Korea systems

The cooperative agreements are memoranda of understanding to deliver airborne Battle Management Command and Control (BMC2). Northrop Grumman is bringing its expertise in advanced technology, software, prime systems integration, advanced sensors and mission domain to deliver a low risk airborne BMC2 capability. Northrop Grumman’s JSTARS-K will incorporate the unique capabilities and talents of each cooperative organization to deliver the best value solution.

«Northrop Grumman has more than 30 years of leadership in advanced airborne BMC2 capability and mission expertise; we have continued to develop and deliver new technologies to outpace evolving threats», said Janice Zilch, vice president, multi-domain command and control programs, Northrop Grumman. «With these cooperative agreements, we will deliver industry-leading capability powered with local content and talent to the Republic of Korea».

Northrop Grumman is a technology company, focused on global security and human discovery. Our pioneering solutions equip our customers with capabilities they need to connect, advance and protect the U.S. and its allies. Driven by a shared purpose to solve our customers’ toughest problems, our 90,000 employees define possible every day.

Ground Forces

Terrestrial Layer System

The U.S. Army through the Consortium Management Group (CMG)/Consortium for Command, Control and Communications in Cyberspace (C5), awarded Lockheed Martin a Project Agreement to continue development of the Terrestrial Layer System (TLS) program, which will provide critical situational awareness capabilities to the U.S. Army.

Terrestrial Layer System (TLS)
Lockheed Martin will integrate the Terrestrial Layer System prototype onto the U.S. Army’s Stryker vehicles (Photo courtesy Lockheed Martin)

In today’s complex, digital environment, the U.S. military requires a Joint All-Domain Operations-capable force to counter near-peer adversaries. As evidenced in the Department of Defense’s most recent plans to execute its Electromagnetic Spectrum (EMS) Superiority Strategy, each military service must be able to fight and win in the EMS.

The U.S. Army says TLS will play a critical role in realizing the service’s Army of 2028 vision. Designed for tactical vehicles, TLS will deliver an integrated suite of SIGnals INTelligence (SIGINT), electronic warfare, and cyberspace operations capabilities to enable the Joint All Domain Operational (JADO) capable force.

«On the battlefield, everything happens fluidly, and the tools of warfare need to be fully interoperable and integrated», said Deon Viergutz, Lockheed Martin Spectrum Convergence Vice President. «As a result, Lockheed Martin has been investing millions in internal research and development dollars to fuse its research and development programs so our customers can collaborate using our products that work seamlessly in the field».

Lockheed Martin has spent years and invested millions to develop open architecture for converged cyber, EW and SIGINT systems that conform to the DoD’s Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (C4ISR)/Electronic Warfare (EW) Modular Open Suite of Standards (CMOSS). Through CMOSS open system standards, the Army and industry can:

  • rapidly develop and deploy new techniques,
  • use hardware and software across airborne and ground platforms for optimal interoperability,
  • promptly insert new hardware technology,
  • and reduce total ownership costs.

The contract for TLS Phase 2 is valued at $9,672,781. Over the next three months, Lockheed Martin will finalize designs associated with key hardware and software elements based on experience gained in Phase 1 and soldier feedback. They will also conduct further operational analysis and demonstrate additional operational capabilities to the Army.

This ensures that Lockheed Martin will be able to immediately transition from the Phase 2 activity to prototype production at the beginning of next phase, which will allow TLS to meet its schedule requirements.

U.S. Army’s Terrestrial Layer Prototype Readies for Delivery

Navy

Evolved Cape-class

The first of six Evolved Cape-class patrol boats was recently launched at the Austal Ships shipyard in Henderson, Western Australia.

Cape-class
The first Evolved Cape-class patrol boat in the water after being launched (Photo: Austal)

Head Maritime Systems Rear Admiral Wendy Malcolm said the vessels would replace the Navy’s Armidale-class patrol boats and would be used as interim patrol platforms until the commissioning of the Arafura-class offshore patrol vessels.

«The Evolved Cape-class patrol boats will ensure the Royal Australian Navy is well-equipped to keep Australia’s borders safe», Rear Admiral Malcolm said. «With all six Evolved Cape-class patrol boats to be built in WA, we are continuing to strengthen Australia’s naval capability while supporting local jobs».

Austal has commenced construction on the remaining five boats, the first of which is expected to be accepted by the Navy early next year.

The 58-metre-long/190-foot-long boats are being built with a number of enhancements, improving operational capability and crew capacity compared to the vessels already operated by the Navy and Australian Border Force.