Austal Limited (Austal) is pleased to announce it has been awarded preferred tenderer status by the Commonwealth of Australia for the Pacific Patrol Boats Replacement (PPBR) Project.
Austal Pacific Patrol Boat Replacement Design
The PPBR project involves the construction of up to 21 steel-hulled patrol vessels and through life sustainment over 30 years in a total Government expenditure of up to $900 million. Austal’s share of the PPBR program will include the construction of the vessels and short to medium term maintenance components of the project.
Austal will now work with the Commonwealth of Australia to complete documentation and finalise the contract over the coming weeks. Full details will be provided to the market when the contract is finalised.
Austal plans to construct the Pacific Patrol Boats in its shipyard in Henderson, Western Australia, with through-life support to be performed at Austal’s existing facility in Cairns, Queensland. The vessels will replace the existing Pacific Patrol Boat fleet, which is approaching the end of its service life, and will assist Pacific Island countries to continue to take an active part in securing their own extensive Exclusive Economic Zones.
Austal Chief Executive Officer David Singleton said: «I am delighted that we have been selected as preferred tenderer, adding to our long history of constructing patrol boats at our shipyard in Henderson, Western Australia. Austal has delivered Australia’s entire border patrol capability – comprising 30 vessels delivered over the past 17 years – and we look forward to extending this by constructing and servicing vessels that will be used by many of our neighbours in the South Pacific. Construction of the Pacific Patrol Boats also extends Austal’s shipbuilding capability into steel-hulled vessels, which will be important for the future construction of Offshore Patrol Vessels. This project will add to our existing work at our Henderson shipyard, where two High Speed Support Vessels are being constructed for the Royal Navy of Oman this year as well as two additional Cape Class Patrol Boats».
Austal Selected as Preferred Tenderer for Pacific Patrol Boat Replacement Project
Singapore Technologies Marine Ltd (ST Marine), the marine arm of Singapore Technologies Engineering Ltd (ST Engineering), held the Launching Ceremony on April 16 for the second Littoral Mission Vessel (LMV), RSS Sovereignty, designed and built for the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN).
The future RSS Sovereignty is the second of eight Littoral Mission Vessels that ST Marine is building for the navy of Singapore. All should be commissioned and in service by 2018 (RSN photo)
The Launch Ceremony was officiated by Mr. Teo Chee Hean, Deputy Prime Minister and Coordinating Minister for National Security. Initiating the launch of the vessel at ST Marine’s Benoi Yard was DPM Teo’s wife, Mrs. Teo Chee Hean. The event was witnessed by Dr. Ng Eng Hen, Minister for Defence; Dr. Mohamad Maliki Bin Osman, Senior Minister of State for Defence, and many senior officials from Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) and the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF).
The launch of RSS Sovereignty, the second LMV in a series of eight vessels, marks another significant milestone for the LMV programme. Smarter, faster and sharper, the LMVs are highly capable warships designed and equipped with advanced combat capabilities and technologies to further strengthen the RSN’s ability in the seaward defence of Singapore and protecting our sea lines of communication.
The Integrated Command Centre, where the Bridge, Combat Information Centre and Machinery Control Room are co-located, integrates and synergises the management of navigation, engineering, and combat functions to achieve greater operational effectiveness and efficiency during maritime security operations. Adopting the concept of «mission modularity», these vessels are versatile and can leverage a range of mission modules that can be reconfigured to respond to different circumstances and roles, ranging from maritime security and mine clearing, to humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations.
Measuring 262.5 feet/80 m in length and beam at 39.4 feet/12 m with displacement of 1,250 tonnes, the LMVs are 2.5 times larger than the current Fearless-class Patrol Vessels (PVs) and possess better sea-keeping capabilities to operate in higher sea state conditions.
ST Marine was awarded the contract by MINDEF in 2013 to design and build eight LMVs for the RSN. The vessels are expected to be delivered from 2016. They will replace the PVs that ST Marine designed and built in the 1990s.
The launching of the second Littoral Mission Vessel – RSS Sovereignty, built by ST Marine for the Republic of Singapore Navy
BAE Systems has been awarded a £15.5 million contract by the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) to manufacture and deliver Archerfish mine neutralisers, continuing its support to the U.S. Navy’s minesweeping operation.
Archerfish can be launched and operated from surface ships, helicopters and Unmanned Underwater Vehicles (UUVs)
Archerfish is a remotely-controlled underwater vehicle equipped with an explosive warhead to destroy sea mines.
Capable of overcoming the threat of modern mines, Archerfish has formed a key part of the U.S. Navy’s Airborne Mine Neutralization System (AMNS) programme since 2007. In addition to Archerfish mine neutralisers, manufactured at BAE Systems’ Broad Oak facility in Portsmouth, United Kingdom, the contract also includes the supply of fibre-optic spools.
The fibre-optic spools provide a communications link between the Archerfish mine neutraliser and the launch platform, an MH-60S Knighthawk helicopter deployed from the U.S. Navy’s Littoral Combat Ships (LCS).
Developed by BAE Systems, Archerfish draws on the company’s expertise and extensive technology in torpedoes, naval mines and minehunting. The Archerfish neutraliser provides significant time and logistical advantages over current Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) mine disposal systems.
Deliveries to the U.S. Navy will begin in September 2017. The contract also includes further options which, if exercised by the DoD, could bring the total value to over £39 million.
Les Gregory, Product & Training Services Director at BAE Systems, said: «We are delighted to provide the Department of Defense with Archerfish neutralisers, and to continue supporting the U.S. Navy’s work in clearing sea mines. This important contract demonstrates BAE Systems’ ability to deliver equipment that provides greater security and resilience to modern threats around the world, and we look forward to meeting the U.S. Navy’s demand for a first-class underwater defence capability for many years to come».
Boeing continues its role as the United States’ leading provider of attack helicopters with a contract to remanufacture 117 AH-64D Apaches to the new, more capable AH-64E model. The agreement, which also includes the acquisition of Longbow Crew Trainers, logistical support and spares, carries a total contract value of about $1.5 billion.
The AH-64E Apache continues to provide U.S. Army soldiers and allied defense forces with capabilities to meet combat and peacekeeping requirements with extended range sensors and weapons, off-board sensors and increased aircraft performance (Boeing photo)
The U.S. Army has stated it plans to acquire 690 AH-64E Apaches, 290 of which are now under contract with this latest award.
«The AH-64E Apache continues to meet the requirements of aviators, battlefield commanders and soldiers deployed on missions worldwide», said U.S. Army Apache Project Manager, Colonel Jeff Hager. «The Army, Boeing and Team Apache suppliers continue a valuable collaboration that ensures soldiers have the latest technologies to succeed in defending freedom with this outstanding weapons system».
«With our integrated production, services and training teams, Boeing is able to affordably support the Army through each phase of the Apache’s lifecycle», said Kim Smith, vice president, Attack Helicopter Programs, Boeing Vertical Lift. «The dedication and commitment to first-time quality by Boeing teammates and suppliers combine to deliver an Apache that is ready to meet the rigorous demands of the men and women who depend on it».
The agreement modifies an existing contact among Boeing and the U.S. Army for the full-rate production of lots 5 and 6 Apache helicopters. The Army will return 117 AH-64D Apaches to Boeing’s Mesa, Arizona production center to be remanufactured into the AH-64E configuration. The Army followed a similar model when the AH-64A Apaches were remanufactured into AH-64Ds.
The AH-64 Apache is the world’s most advanced multi-role combat helicopter and is used by the U.S. Army and a growing number of international defense forces. Boeing has delivered more than 2,100 Apaches to customers around the world since the aircraft entered production. The U.S. Army Apache fleet has accumulated (as of Jan 2015) more than 3.9 million flight hours since the first AH-64A was delivered to the U.S. Army in 1984.
The AWD Alliance reached another major milestone in the lead up to sea trials for the HMAS Hobart (DDGH-39) with the commencement of «Main Engine Light-Off» – or starting of one of the main engines that will drive the ship’s propellers.
The Hobart-class destroyers are being built under Australia’s SEA 4000 program, which will ultimately deliver three advanced multirole ships
The large 5,650 kW/7,577 hp Bravo V16 Propulsion Diesel engine burst into life on Thursday 14 April, in an engine room deep below the main superstructure of the ship.
It will drive the port-side propeller while the other Bravo propulsion diesel, to be started in coming weeks, will drive the starboard propeller. They will provide the propulsion power for the HMAS Hobart (DDGH-39) to travel at low speeds, while higher speeds will be achieved by two gas turbines, which are yet to be commissioned on the ship.
Platform Test and Activation Manager Mike Clements said the successful commencement of Main Engine Light-Off (MELO) is a testament to the work completed by hundreds of AWD personnel across the shipyard in bringing the ship’s systems and engine to this point.
«Main Engine Light-Off is a major milestone for any warship and the start of the MELO activities this week is a great achievement for everyone who has contributed to the ship to date», Mike said.
The main propulsion engines were made by Navantia in Spain and transported to Australia by barge. There are a further four diesel generator engines on-board for the ship’s electrical power that have been commissioned and are currently undergoing parallel testing.
In coming months, once MELO is complete, the propulsion engines will be connected to the propellers and «dock trials» conducted, in which the engines turn the propellers while the ship remains roped to the dock.
The main propulsion engines were made by Navantia in Spain and transported to Australia by barge
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)
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
In an era of declining budgets and adversaries’ evolving capabilities, quick, affordable and routine access to space is increasingly critical for both national and economic security. Current satellite launch systems, however, require scheduling years in advance for an extremely limited inventory of available slots. Moreover, launches often cost hundreds of millions of dollars each, due in large part to the massive amounts of dedicated infrastructure and large number of personnel required. DARPA created its Experimental Spaceplane (XS-1) program to help overcome these challenges and create a new paradigm for more routine, responsive and affordable space operations, reducing the time to get capabilities to space.
XS-1 Program to Ease Access to Space Enters Phase 2
In an important step toward these goals, DARPA has announced Phase 2 of the XS-1 program, which seeks to design and fabricate an experimental unmanned spaceplane using state-of-the-art technologies and streamlined processes, and fly the vehicle ten times in ten days. The reusable XS-1 would demonstrate the potential for low-cost and «aircraft-like» high-ops-tempo space flight, enabling a host of critical national security options while helping to launch a new and potentially fruitful commercial sector. A Special Notice was posted on April 7 on FedBizOpps announcing the XS-1 Phase 2 Proposers Day, to be held on Friday, April, 29, 2016, in Arlington, Virginia.
«During Phase 1 of the XS-1 program, the space industry has evolved rapidly and we intend to take advantage of multiple impressive technological and commercial advances», said Jess Sponable, DARPA program manager. «We intend to leverage those advances along with our Phase 1 progress to break the cycle of escalating DoD space system launch costs, catalyze lower-cost satellite architectures, and prove that routine and responsive access to space can be achieved at costs an order of magnitude lower than with today’s systems».
XS-1 envisions that a fully reusable unmanned booster vehicle would fly to high speeds at a suborbital altitude. At that point, one or more expendable upper stages would separate, boost and deploy a satellite into Low Earth Orbit (LEO). The reusable first stage would then return to earth, land and be prepared for the next flight. Although relatively small by conventional aircraft standards, the XS-1 flight booster size – akin to a business jet – would be sufficient to validate credible scaling to larger reusable launch systems. Moreover, demonstration of on-demand and routine access to space, akin to aircraft, is important for next-generation DoD needs.
The same XS-1 vehicle could eventually also launch future 3,000+-pound/1,361-kilogram payloads by using a larger expendable upper stage
XS-1 has four primary technical goals:
Fly 10 times in a 10-day period (not including weather, range and emergency delays) to demonstrate aircraft-like access to space and eliminate concerns about the cost-effectiveness and reliability of reusable launch.
Achieve flight velocity sufficiently high to enable use of a small (and therefore low-cost) expendable upper stage.
Launch a 900- to 1,500-pound/408- to 680-kilogram representative payload to demonstrate an immediate responsive launch capability able to support both DoD and commercial missions. The same XS-1 vehicle could eventually also launch future 3,000+-pound/1,361-kilogram payloads by using a larger expendable upper stage.
Reduce the cost of access to space for 3,000+-pound/1,361-kilogram payloads, with a goal of approximately $5 million per flight for the operational system, which would include a reusable booster and expendable upper stage(s).
Successful design would require integrating state-of-the-art technologies, processes and system approaches to deliver routine aircraft-like operability, reliability and cost efficiency. In particular, incorporation of autonomous technology and operations promises to significantly decrease the logistical footprint and enable rapid turnaround between flights. Structures made of advanced materials, cryogenic tanks, durable thermal protection, and modular subsystems would make possible a vehicle able to launch, fly to high speeds and then land in a condition amenable to rapid turnaround and launch with the next payload. Reusable, reliable propulsion would also be essential for a low-cost and recurring flight capability.
In Phase 1 of XS-1, DARPA sought to evaluate the technical feasibility and methods for achieving the program’s goals
In Phase 1 of XS-1, DARPA sought to evaluate the technical feasibility and methods for achieving the program’s goals. To achieve that, it awarded prime contracts to three companies, each working in concert with a commercial launch provider: The Boeing Company (working with Blue Origin, LLC); Masten Space Systems (working with XCOR Aerospace); and Northrop Grumman Corporation (working with Virgin Galactic). Phases 2 and 3 will be competed as a full and open Program Solicitation mandating an Other Transaction Authority (OTA) agreement with the expectation of a single resulting award. Cost share is expected.
Specifically, the program is structured to directly transition any successful technology to the industrial and commercial launch sectors, with the goal of enabling new launch markets and sale of launch services back to the government at dramatically lower costs and more rapid time frames than are possible today. By ensuring the technologies and launch systems would be available through the commercial sector, government leaders would have the opportunity to begin relying on XS-1 and derived systems. Militarily-relevant applications of the technology may also spur adoption and help enable future capabilities such as disaggregated spacecraft architectures and next-generation, reusable space-access aircraft.
According to Alex Pape, IHS Jane’s Navy International correspondent, the German Navy’s first Type 125 frigate, the future FGS Baden-Württemberg, commenced builders’ sea trials on 6 April. The commencement of these trials represents a major milestone in the project.
The German Navy’s first Type 125 frigate, the future FGS Baden-Württemberg, has begun sea trials (Source: ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems)
The design and operational concepts for the ships mark a departure from preceding classes in the German Navy. In design terms, the ships feature a combined diesel-electric and gas turbine propulsion system (CODLAG). In operational terms, the ships are intended primarily to support stabilisation operations and to deploy at sea for up to two years at a time while using regular crew rotations.
The project, in its current form, got under way in 2004. A construction contract was awarded to a consortium – known as ARGE F125, and comprising ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems, Lürssen, and PeeneWerft (now part of Lürssen) – in June 2007. Ship deliveries originally were intended to take place between late 2014 and 2017. In the 2008 Bundeswehrplan, the overall level of investment in the programme was put at about €2.69 billion ($3.08 billion).
F222 Baden-Württemberg was christened in December 2013 and was floated for the first time in March 2014.
The builders’ sea trials will take place in the North and Baltic sea areas and will test the new propulsion and platform systems. Delivery is now expected is mid-2017.
Second ship F223 Nordrhein-Westfalen was launched in 2015, and is expected to be delivered in 2018. Delivery of ship three, F224 Sachsen-Anhalt, is scheduled for early 2019, with fourth-in-class F225 Rheinland-Pfalz following in early 2020.
The U.S. Navy’s Next Generation Jammer (NGJ) Increment 1 (Inc 1) received the official go-ahead to enter the next phase of development April 5 when the Milestone Decision Authority signed the Acquisition Decision Memorandum.
The Next-Generation Jammer is pod-mounted, and will equip the EA-18G Growler when it enters service. Its critical design review is scheduled for early- to mid-2017 (NAVAIR image)
Mr. Frank Kendall, Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition, Technology and Logistics, determined that the system’s proposed cost, schedule and performance objectives adhered to the proposed acquisition strategy and were in line with meeting warfighter requirements.
He thoroughly reviewed NGJ Inc 1’s Technology Maturation & Risk Reduction phase, and upcoming Engineering & Manufacturing Development (EMD) plans at Raytheon, El Segundo, California, March 10.
«I am extremely proud of our team and our product»,” said Captain John Bailey, Airborne Electronic Attack Systems and EA-6B Program Office (PMA-234) program manager. «The grassroots dedication, commitment of our personnel and the groundbreaking technology will result in a potent fleet capability».
During the EMD phase the system will be further developed before being produced. The capability is expected to reach its system-level critical design review in early- to mid-2017. This will finalize the design and allow for the fabrication and assembly of test articles.
NGJ Inc 1, an external jamming pod, will replace the AN/ALQ-99 tactical jamming system currently integrated on the EA-18G Growler aircraft. It will address advanced and emerging threats alike, as well as the growing numbers of threats.
NGJ Inc 1 uses the latest digital, software-based and Active Electronically Scanned Array technologies and will provide enhanced airborne electronic attack capabilities to disrupt and degrade enemy air defense and ground communication systems.
According to British Force News, the latest addition to the British Army’s fleet, the AFV Ajax, has successfully completed its first live firing test.
An Ajax armored fighting vehicle developed by General Dynamics for the British Army recently carried out the first live firing trial of its automatic 40-mm gun (GD UK photo)
Formerly known as the Scout SV, the Armoured Fighting Vehicle (AFV) is being developed by General Dynamics to replace the Scimitar, and is one of six planned variants ordered by the Ministry of Defence (MoD). It will be renamed Ajax when it comes into service.
This early live firing, at Radnor Ranges in Powys, Wales, involved testing the main 40-mm stabilised cannon and machine gun while the vehicle was static.
Throughout the test, AFV Ajax had a huge amount of instrumentation filled to record all aspects of the firing, from recoil and blast stresses to fall of shot.
The next test firing is planned for later this year, and once again will involve a fully instrumented vehicle and be used to gather further evidence before progressing to manned firing in early 2017.
The Senior Requirements Manager for the Ajax Programme, Lieutenant Colonel David Cathro, said: «This a great achievement for the programme. The challenges in getting to this point should not be underestimated and today is the result of a lot of hard work. Seeing the firings today gives us confidence that the Army will receive this battle-winning and transformational capability on time and to budget».
The AFV Ajax, which will come in six variants, will boast 360-degree thermal and visual driving cameras, laser detection ability, and numerous other new features. It’ll have a top speed of 43 mph/69 km/h, and will be able to pull up to 92 tonnes.
It claims to be the first fully-digitised fighting vehicle, with all crew members in the vehicle able to share its camera capabilities.
The MoD placed a £3.5 billion order for 589 in 2014, with delivery expected to begin in 2017 and continue until 2024.
Controversy arose last year over jobs Prime Minister David Cameron claimed would be assured by the deal, after he promised that it would secure 1,300 jobs across the UK.
But according to the Daily Mirror, it later emerged that 40% of the work will be done by overseas firms, meaning Britain will lose £1.4 billion.
A Ministry of Defence spokesperson said: «We are assembling these vehicles in South Wales, supporting thousands of UK jobs and ensuring our servicemen and women have the very best equipment».
On April 7, DARPA is holding a christening ceremony for the technology demonstration vessel it has developed and built through the Agency’s Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) Continuous Trail Unmanned Vessel (ACTUV) program. Taking place in Portland, Oregon, the event marks the vessel’s formal transition from a DARPA-led design and construction project to a new stage of open-water testing to be conducted jointly with the Office of Naval Research (ONR). The christening, to include the traditional breaking of a ceremonial bottle over the bow by DARPA Director Arati Prabhakar, signifies the beginnings of an entirely new class of ocean-going vessel – one able to traverse thousands of kilometers over the open seas for month at a time, without a single crew member aboard. Potential missions include submarine tracking and countermine activities.
The ACTUV program is developing an unmanned vessel optimized to robustly track quiet diesel electric submarines
«Although ACTUV will sail unmanned, its story is entirely about people», said Scott Littlefield, DARPA program manager. «It will still be Sailors who are deciding how, when and where to use this new capability and the technology that has made it possible. And we could not have overcome the massive technical challenges to reaching this point without the creative, committed teamwork of our commercial partners and the Office of Naval Research».
In addition to Littlefield and Prabhakar, scheduled speakers at dockside ceremony include the Honorable Robert Work, Deputy Secretary of Defense; Rear Admiral Robert Girrier, Director, Unmanned Warfare Systems (OPNAV N99); and Rear Admiral Mathias Winter, Chief of Naval Research, Innovation Technology Requirements and Test & Evaluation (OPNAV N84).
Explore the performance potential of a surface platform conceived from concept to field demonstration under the premise that a human is never intended to step aboard at any point in its operating cycle
The ceremony will culminate with Prabhakar’s swinging of the ceremonial «champagne» bottle (the contents will be non-alcoholic) to christen the vessel «Sea Hunter». The name both describes the technology demonstrator’s envisioned capabilities and also harks back to DARPA and U.S. Navy ship-development programs of years past, such as the Sea Shadow prototype vessel developed in the 1980s.
ACTUV is a 130-foot/39.6-meter twin-screw trimaran, designed for enhanced stability in all kinds of weather. It has a number of unusual features because it does not need to accommodate people. For example, interior spaces are accessible for maintenance but aren’t designed to support a permanent crew.
Advance unmanned maritime system autonomy to enable independently deploying systems capable of missions spanning thousands of kilometers of range and months of endurance under a sparse remote supervisory control model
But of broader technical significance is that ACTUV embodies breakthroughs in autonomous navigational capabilities with the potential to change the nature of U.S. maritime operations. Through at-sea testing on a surrogate vessel, ACTUV’s autonomy suite has proven capable of operating the ship in compliance with maritime laws and conventions for safe navigation – including International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea, or COLREGS. ACTUV accomplishes this feat through advanced software and hardware that serve as automated lookouts, enabling the ship to operate safely near manned maritime vessels in all weather and traffic conditions, day or night.
ACTUV is designed to normally operate under sparse remote supervisory control but can also serve as a remotely piloted vessel, should the mission or specific circumstances require it. In either case, it would operate at a fraction of the cost of manned vessels that are today deployed for similar missions.
In September 2014, DARPA signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the Office of Naval Research to jointly fund an extended test phase of an ACTUV prototype. DARPA will collaborate with ONR to fully test the capabilities of the vessel and several innovative payloads during open-water testing scheduled to begin this summer off the California coast after preliminary checkout and movement to San Diego. Pending the results of those tests, the program could transition to the U.S. Navy by 2018.
«The Memorandum of Agreement is just one example of the strong relationship that exists between DARPA and the Office of Naval Research, where we are working together on a number of important projects», said Brad Tousley, director of DARPA’s Tactical Technology Office, which oversees ACTUV. «We look forward to strengthening and extending the relationship with ONR as we start testing ACTUV in San Diego later this spring and work jointly toward providing pivotal new capabilities for the Navy».
