Monthly Archives: April 2016

Ground Forces

New Sniper System

Heckler & Koch Defense Inc. was awarded a contract worth up to $44.5 million from the U.S. Army for a new compact sniper rifle. The Compact Semi-Automatic Sniper System (CSASS) will provide the service with a small, lightweight, highly accurate weapon, addressing a critical need to replace older and heavier rifles currently in use.

Standard configuration
Standard configuration

Under terms of the award, HK Defense will produce up to 3,643 rifles. The new HK rifle is a lightweight variant of the 7.62-mm G28 in use by the German Army. The HK CSASS capitalizes on the proven G28 and HK417 designs, meeting the U.S. Army’s requirements for accuracy, reliability, size, and weight. Heckler & Koch will also provide spare parts, support, and training to the U.S. Army.

Patrol configuration
Patrol configuration

«This award represents another significant achievement for Heckler & Koch», said Wayne Weber, President of Heckler & Koch USA. «The HK CSASS rifle is a substantial upgrade over the U.S. Army’s current sniper rifles, enhancing accuracy and reliability while providing for a handier, more compact arm. It also confirms Heckler & Koch as a leader in providing small arms to the U.S. military».

G28 with night vision sight qioptiq Merlin-LR (Long Range)
G28 with night vision sight qioptiq Merlin-LR (Long Range)

According to Daniel Wasserbly, IHS Jane’s Defence Weekly correspondent, the CSASS will more effectively execute a broad spectrum of missions than the current M110. The CSASS will provide the following upgrades: improved reliability, improved accuracy, and improved ergonomics; reduced weight and length; advanced coatings; improved optics; reduced felt recoil; enhanced suppressor performance; enhanced modular rail capabilities; an improved bipod, trigger, pistol grip, and butt-stock.

G28 with thermal sight L3-insight CNVD-T3
G28 with thermal sight L3-insight CNVD-T3

 

Technical data

Calibre 7.62-mm × 51 NATO
Modes of fire Semi Auto Only *
Barrel length **/configuration 420 mm (16.5“)/Hammer forged, chrome plated
Twist length NATO 305 mm/12“
Upper receiver Steel
Trigger pull ca. 25-28 N
Muzzle velocity/energy *** ca. 780 m/s – 3000 J
Functional and ballistic compatibility NATO standard rounds AB22 (FMJ)/AB24 (Tracer)/Selected accuracy rounds with bullet weights up to 12.3 g (190 gr) ****
Gas regulation for suppressor use Two stage design (suppressed/unsuppressed)
Universal interface STANAG 4694 (NATO Accessory Rail) *****
Colour concept RAL-8000 green-brown
HK ACCURACY TESTING PROCEDURE AND TECHNICAL TERMS OF DELIVERY
Ammunition type Accuracy Rounds (OTM/HPBT/Sierra Match King)
No. of rounds 10
Range 100 m
Measuring method Bullet hole centre to bullet hole centre
Maximum dispersion < 45 mm (ca. 1.5 MOA) – Guaranteed with every G28 rifle
SIGHTS & ACCESSORIES – HK RECOMMENDATIONS
Telescopic sight up to 800 m Schmidt & Bender PMII 3-20 × 50/DMR reticle according to international Mildot standard/Full reticle illumination/Laserfilter DIN-EN 207-L4/paralax compensation
Telescopic sight up to 600 m Schmidt & Bender PMII 1-8 × 24/DMR reticle according to international Mildot standard/Full reticle illumination/Laserfilter DIN-EN 207-L4/Combined red dot and reticle illumination
Red dot sight Aimpoint Micro T1
Laser light module Rheinmetall Soldier Electronics LLM-225
Night vision sight Qioptiq Merlin Long Range
Thermal sight L3-Insight CNVD-T3 ******
Laser Range Finder Jenoptik HLR15
Height of sight radius ca. 38 mm
Transportation case Peli 1770-010-195E01 NF / CARAMELC010286

* No full auto conversion option

** Other barrel lengths in preparation

*** With NATO standard round AB22 – M80

**** No general functional guarantee for non-NATO standardised rounds; HK recommendation: functional and ballistic customer acceptance test with the G28 at ammunition manufacturers

***** Full backward compatibility with MIL-STD-1913 rail

****** Also usable as stand-alone sight

 

Ground Forces

Mini-Missile interceptor

A Lockheed Martin-built Miniature Hit-to-Kill (MHTK) interceptor was successfully launched from a Multi-Mission Launcher (MML) in an engineering demonstration on April 4 at White Sands Missile Range, New Mexico.

A Lockheed-developed Miniature Hit-to-Kill (MHTK) missile is launched from a Multi-Mission Launcher (MML) during an engineering demonstration at White Sands Missile Range, New Mexico (Lockheed photo)
A Lockheed-developed Miniature Hit-to-Kill (MHTK) missile is launched from a Multi-Mission Launcher (MML) during an engineering demonstration at White Sands Missile Range, New Mexico (Lockheed photo)

The launch demonstrated the agility and aerodynamic capability of the MHTK missile, which is designed to defeat Rocket, Artillery and Mortar (RAM) targets at ranges greatly exceeding those of current and interim systems. Today’s launch advances the program, increasing the level of MHTK integration maturity with the MML.

«Today’s global security environment demands agile, close-range solutions that protect soldiers and citizens from enemy rockets, artillery and mortars», said Hal Stuart, Lockheed Martin’s MHTK Program Manager. «This test is a critical milestone demonstrating the interceptor’s maturity, and we look forward to continuing to build on this success using key data gathered from today’s launch».

The MHTK interceptor was designed to be small in size while retaining the range, lethality and reliability of other Hit-to-Kill interceptors. MHTK is just over two feet (61 cm) in length and weighs five pounds (2.2 kg) at launch. The compact footprint of the MHTK allows multiple rounds to be packaged in a single MML tube.

The MML is a key component of the Army’s Indirect Fire Protection Capability Increment 2 – Intercept program. The program is designed to provide Army forces protection from cruise missiles, Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) and RAM threats. The MML is designed to carry and launch a variety of missiles from a single launcher.

The MHTK uses Hit-to-Kill technology, which destroys threats through kinetic energy in body-to-body contact. Hit-to-Kill technology removes the risk of collateral damage seen in traditional blast-fragmentation interceptors. The MHTK interceptor complements other Lockheed Martin Hit-to-Kill missile interceptors by delivering close range lethality with proven success for a true layered defense.

 

Navy

Seventh Korean submarine

According to Ridzwan Rahmat, IHS Jane’s Navy International correspondent, South Korean shipbuilder Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) has launched the Republic of Korea Navy’s (RoKN’s) seventh KSS 2-class (Type 214) diesel-electric air-independent propulsion submarine, the company announced on 5 April.

The Republic of Korea Navy's (RoKN's) seventh KSS-2 submarine launched by Hyundai Heavy Industries on 5 April 2016
The Republic of Korea Navy’s (RoKN’s) seventh KSS-2 submarine launched by Hyundai Heavy Industries on 5 April 2016

The 1,800-tonne Hong Beom-do (SS 079) was launched at HHI’s Ulsan shipyard on the same day in a ceremony attended by the RoKN’s chief of naval operations, Admiral Jung Ho-sub.

Hong Beom-do (SS 079) is the fifth KSS 2-class (Sohn Won-yil class) submarine manufactured by HHI. The shipbuilder delivered the first, second, and third boats in the class between 2007 and 2009 and launched the fourth-in-class in July 2014.

The first batch of these submarines is one of three, the second batch will be one of 6 and a $16 million deal has been awarded to SAAB for the electronics that are going to be used for the vessels delivered in the second batch submarines.

The diesel-electric Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) submarine, which measures 213 feet/65 meters in length and 23 feet/7 meters in width, can sail at a maximum speed of 20 knots/23 mph/37 km/h with a crew of 40. The country’s largest-class submarine can dive up to 1,312 feet/400 meters and last for two weeks under water with fuel cells.

Equipped with ultra-modern sensors and an integrated Command and Weapon Control System, it is optimally suited to its future reconnaissance and surveillance tasks. Beside Germany and Italy, South Korea is the third country operating submarines with the revolutionary HDW fuel cell propulsion system.

 

Air Force

Assembly of the AN-132

ANTONOV Company has completed major assembly of the AN-132D aircraft-demonstrator. The tail unit was mounted on the aircraft. So, the airframe of the aircraft has been assembled: fuselage, wing and tail unit have been joined.

The An-32 is basically a re-engined An-26
The An-32 is basically a re-engined An-26

PW150A engines of Pratt & Whitney Canada to be delivered in April. Cooperation agreement of the AN-132 programme was signed with this company in October 2015.

The programme of the AN-132 light multipurpose aircraft of a new generation is realized by ANTONOV Company together with KACST, King Abdulaziz City Science and Technology, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

The AN-132, intended for operation on short- and medium-haul routes, will perform various missions on cargo transportation and implement different layouts of the aircraft cargo cabin. The AN-132 will have cruising speed up to 270 knots/311 mph/500 km/h, cruising flight altitude up to 29,528 feet/9,000 m, payload up to 20,282.5 lbs/9.2 t.

 

Navy

First Aircraft Arrestment

General Atomics Electromagnetic Systems (GA-EMS) announced the first successful completion of an aircraft arrestment made with the Advanced Arresting Gear (AAG) March 31. GA-EMS, in collaboration with the U.S. Navy, conducted the arrestment of an F/A-18E Super Hornet at the Runway Arrested Landing Site (RALS) located at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, in Lakehurst, New Jersey. AAG is a state-of-the-art turbo-electric system designed for controlled and reliable deceleration during aircraft recovery operations on carriers.

F/A-18E Super Hornet lands with the Advanced Arresting Gear at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, in Lakehurst, New Jersey, on March 31, 2016 (US Navy Photo)
F/A-18E Super Hornet lands with the Advanced Arresting Gear at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, in Lakehurst, New Jersey, on March 31, 2016 (US Navy Photo)

«The first aircraft arrestment marks a major milestone in demonstrating AAG performance and capability», stated Scott Forney, President of GA-EMS. «This also represents the culmination of many man-hours of design and development efforts, and a definitive step toward bringing this transformational technology into the next phase of testing and optimization».

«More than 1,200 successful dead load arrestments have been completed at the Jet Car Test Site in Lakehurst, New Jersey», stated Dean Key, Director, Launch and Recovery Production Programs and AAG Design and Development. «Now, with the arrestment of aircraft, we take an important step in verifying the dynamic controls and system performance as a whole. We’re extremely proud of this accomplishment, and are excited to continue down this path of success as the AAG system undergoes additional aircraft arrestment testing, and demonstration activity».

AAG is installed aboard Pre-Commissioning Unit (PCU) Gerald R. Ford (CVN-78), and is scheduled for installation on the future John F. Kennedy (CVN-79), which is currently under construction. The company’s Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System (EMALS), which uses electromagnetic technology to launch aircraft from the deck of naval aircraft carriers, is also installed and undergoing dead load testing on PCU Gerald R. Ford (CVN-78). In addition to AAG, EMALS is scheduled for installation on John F. Kennedy (CVN-79).

The electric motor-based Advanced Arresting Gear (AAG) system provides for aircraft deceleration during aircraft carrier recovery operations
The electric motor-based Advanced Arresting Gear (AAG) system provides for aircraft deceleration during aircraft carrier recovery operations

 

Advanced Arresting Gear

AAG allows for arrestment of a broad range of aircraft, reducing manning and maintenance, and provides higher reliability and safety margins. AAG’s design uses simple, proven energy-absorbing water turbines coupled to a large induction motor for fine control of the arresting forces. The AAG system offers significant benefits over current recovery systems, including:

  • Operational capability to recover projected air wing, with renewed service life margins;
  • Full compatibility with Nimitz-class and Ford-class carriers;
  • Higher availability;
  • Self-diagnosis and maintenance alerts;
  • Reduced manning and total ownership cost.
AAG Below Deck View
AAG Below Deck View
Navy

Keel laying for Dakota

Construction on the new USS South Dakota (SSN-790) submarine kicked off Monday, April 4, with the official keel-laying ceremony. During the keel-laying ceremony, Mrs. Dempsey, the ship’s sponsor, etched her initials into the keel plate, verifying that the «keel has been truly and fairly laid». The submarine will officially be christened in Summer 2017. The PCU South Dakota will be commissioned for service and officially become the USS South Dakota (SSN-790) in August 2018.

USS South Dakota (SSN-790) has been used to test acoustic superiority measures
USS South Dakota (SSN-790) has been used to test acoustic superiority measures

This ship is the seventh of the Block III subs which will feature a revised bow, including some technology from Ohio-class SSGNs. The USS South Dakota (SSN-790), a new submarine named for the famed battleship of World War II, USS South Dakota (BB-57), ceremonially started the building process at the General Dynamics-Electric Boat shipyard in Groton, Conn.

Navy is building an upcoming Virginia-class attack submarine, the future USS South Dakota (SSN-790), with acoustic superiority features: a large vertical array, a special coating and machinery quieting improvements inside the boat.

The keel-laying ceremony is a formal event that signifies the start of building a new vessel. Historically, it marked the time when the keel – or the «backbone» of the ship – was set up so that builders could start putting together the ship from the bottom up.

 

General Characteristics

Builder General Dynamics Electric Boat Division and Huntington Ingalls Industries Inc. – Newport News Shipbuilding
Date Deployed October 3, 2004
Propulsion One GE PWR S9G* nuclear reactor, two turbines, one shaft; 40,000 hp/30 MW
Length 377 feet/114.8 m
Beam 33 feet/10.0584 m
Hull Diameter 34 feet/10.3632 m
Displacement Approximately 7,800 tons/7,925 metric tons submerged
Speed 25+ knots/28+ mph/46.3+ km/h
Diving Depth 800+ feet/244+ m
Crew 132: 15 officers; 117 enlisted
Armament: Tomahawk missiles 12 individual VLS (Vertical Launch System) tubes or two 87-in/2.2 m Virginia Payload Tubes (VPTs), each capable of launching 6 Tomahawk cruise missiles
Armament: MK-48 ADCAP (Advanced Capability) Mod 7 heavyweight torpedoes 4 torpedo tubes
Weapons MK-60 CAPTOR (Encapsulated Torpedo) mines, advanced mobile mines and UUVs (Unmanned Underwater Vehicles)

* – Knolls Atomic Power Laboratories

Stern of the Virginia-class submarine USS South Dakota (SSN-790) under construction in Newport News. Several stories tall, the stern will propel the sub underwater at 25 plus knots and withstand depths in excess of 800 feet (Photo by Chris Oxley)
Stern of the Virginia-class submarine USS South Dakota (SSN-790) under construction in Newport News. Several stories tall, the stern will propel the sub underwater at 25 plus knots and withstand depths in excess of 800 feet (Photo by Chris Oxley)

 

Nuclear Submarine Lineup

Block I

Ship Yard Christening Commissioned Homeport
SSN-774 Virginia EB 8-16-03 10-23-04 Portsmouth, New Hampshire
SSN-775 Texas NNS 7-31-05 9-9-06 Pearl Harbor, Hawaii
SSN-776 Hawaii EB 6-19-06 5-5-07 Pearl Harbor, Hawaii
SSN-777 North Carolina NNS 4-21-07 5-3-08 Pearl Harbor, Hawaii

EB – Electric Boat, Groton, Connecticut

NNS – Newport News Shipbuilding, Newport News, Virginia

SSN – Attack Submarine, Nuclear-powered

Shipbuilders install the upper rudder on the submarine USS South Dakota (SSN-790) (Photo by Ricky Thompson)
Shipbuilders install the upper rudder on the submarine USS South Dakota (SSN-790) (Photo by Ricky Thompson)

 

Block II

Ship Yard Christening Commissioned Homeport
SSN-778 New Hampshire EB 6-21-08 10-25-08 Groton, Connecticut
SSN-779 New Mexico NNS 12-13-08 11-21-09 Groton, Connecticut
SSN-780 Missouri EB 12-5-09 7-31-10 Groton, Connecticut
SSN-781 California NNS 11-6-10 10-29-11 Groton, Connecticut
SSN-782 Mississippi EB 12-3-11 6-2-12 Groton, Connecticut
SSN-783 Minnesota NNS 10-27-12 9-7-13 Norfolk, Virginia
Master Shipbuilder Elmer Lundy lays out machining marks on a torpedo tube shutter door for the submarine USS South Dakota (SSN-790) (Photo by Chris Oxley)
Master Shipbuilder Elmer Lundy lays out machining marks on a torpedo tube shutter door for the submarine USS South Dakota (SSN-790) (Photo by Chris Oxley)

 

Block III

Ship Yard Christening Commissioned Homeport
SSN-784 North Dakota EB 11-2-13 10-25-14 Groton, Connecticut
SSN-785 John Warner NNS 09-06-14 08-01-15 Norfolk, Virginia
SSN-786 Illinois EB 10-10-15
SSN-787 Washington NNS 03-05-16
SSN-788 Colorado EB Under Construction
SSN-789 Indiana NNS Under Construction
SSN-790 South Dakota EB Under Construction
SSN-791 Delaware NNS On Order
The stern unit of the USS South Dakota (SSN-790) (Photo by Chris Oxley)
The stern unit of the USS South Dakota (SSN-790) (Photo by Chris Oxley)

 

Block IV

Ship Yard Christening Commissioned Homeport
SSN-792 Vermont EB On Order
SSN-793 Oregon EB On Order
SSN-794 Montana NNS On Order
SSN-795 Hyman G. Rickover EB On Order
SSN-796 New Jersey NNS On Order
SSN-797 Iowa EB On Order
SSN-798 Massachusetts NNS On Order
SSN-799 Idaho EB On Order
SSN-800 (Unnamed) NNS On Order
SSN-801 Utah EB On Order
The emblem of the South Dakota
The emblem of the South Dakota

Block V

Ship Yard Christening Commissioned Homeport
SSN-802 (Unnamed)
SSN-803 (Unnamed)
SSN-804 (Unnamed)
SSN-805 (Unnamed)
SSN-806 (Unnamed)
SSN-807 (Unnamed)
SSN-808 (Unnamed)
SSN-809 (Unnamed)
SSN-810 (Unnamed)
SSN-811 (Unnamed)
Float off begins for submarine Illinois on Aug. 7, 2015
Float off begins for submarine Illinois on Aug. 7, 2015

Block VI

Ship Yard Christening Commissioned Homeport
SSN-812 (Unnamed)
SSN-813 (Unnamed)
SSN-814 (Unnamed)
SSN-815 (Unnamed)
SSN-816 (Unnamed)
The submarine USS John Warner (SSN-785) delivered on June 25, 2015, two and a half months ahead of schedule (Photo by Chris Oxley/HII)
The submarine USS John Warner (SSN-785) delivered on June 25, 2015, two and a half months ahead of schedule (Photo by Chris Oxley/HII)

 

Block VII

Ship Yard Christening Commissioned Homeport
SSN-817 (Unnamed)
SSN-818 (Unnamed)
SSN-819 (Unnamed)
SSN-820 (Unnamed)
SSN-821 (Unnamed)

 

Navy

Christening of Ralph

Huntington Ingalls Industries’ (HII) Ingalls Shipbuilding division christened the company’s 30th Arleigh Burke-class (DDG-51) Aegis guided missile destroyer, USS Ralph Johnson (DDG-114), on April 02 in front of approximately 1,000 guests.

Ship Sponsor Georgeann McRaven christens DDG-114, the destroyer named for Medal of Honor recipient Ralph Johnson. Also pictured (left to right) are Assistant Secretary of the U.S. Navy Sean Stackley; Commander Jason Patterson, the ship’s prospective commanding officer; Helen Richards, Ralph Johnson’s sister; and Ingalls Shipbuilding President Brian Cuccias (Photo by HII)
Ship Sponsor Georgeann McRaven christens DDG-114, the destroyer named for Medal of Honor recipient Ralph Johnson. Also pictured (left to right) are Assistant Secretary of the U.S. Navy Sean Stackley; Commander Jason Patterson, the ship’s prospective commanding officer; Helen Richards, Ralph Johnson’s sister; and Ingalls Shipbuilding President Brian Cuccias (Photo by HII)

«It’s been more than a quarter century since the start of construction of Ingalls’ first Arleigh Burke destroyer, the USS Barry (DDG-52)», said Sean Stackley, assistant secretary of the U.S. Navy for research, development and acquisition, who delivered the ceremony’s principal address. «And as I look at the shipyard today, much has changed over the years, but much remains the same. That is the people, the work ethic, the proud workmanship exceeded only by the proud patriotism, passed down from generation to generation here at Ingalls. And also the care and respect that you hold for the young men and women who sail far from your shores under the American flag to defend our way of life here at home. These, thankfully, remain the same».

DDG-114 is named to honor Private first class Ralph Henry Johnson, who was awarded the Medal of Honor for his heroic actions that saved others during the Vietnam War. Ralph Johnson shouted a warning to his fellow Marines and hurled himself on an explosive device, saving the life of one Marine and preventing the enemy from penetrating his sector of the patrol’s perimeter. Ralph Johnson died instantly. The Charleston, South Carolina, native had only been in Vietnam for two months and a few days when he was killed at the age of 19.

Johnson’s sister, Helen Richards, spoke at the ceremony. «I know my brother is looking down and saying, ‘Why make a fuss over me?’» she said. «He was quiet, giving and caring. Whatever he was asked to do, he did it. I love my brother, and I wish he was here. But I know he is in a better place. To ship commander Jason Patterson: Ralph will be with you and your crew at all times when this wonderful ship goes to sea».

On April 20, 1970, President Richard M. Nixon posthumously awarded Johnson the Medal of Honor, the highest recognition and honor a member of the United States military can receive. On September 5, 1991, 23 years after his heroic act, the Veterans Hospital in Charleston was renamed the Ralph Henry Johnson Veterans Hospital.

Georgeann McRaven, wife of retired Admiral Bill McRaven, is the ship’s sponsor and smashed a bottle of sparkling wine across the bow of the ship, officially christening DDG-114 as Ralph Johnson. «God bless this ship and all who sail on her», she said.

Ingalls has delivered 28 Arleigh Burke-class destroyers to the Navy. Other destroyers currently under construction at Ingalls are USS John Finn (DDG-113), USS Paul Ignatius (DDG-117), USS Delbert D. Black (DDG-119) and USS Frank E. Peterson Jr. (DDG-121).

«This program – like our LPD and National Security Cutter programs – is proof of the benefits of a hot production line and our ability to improve on cost and schedule with each new ship», said Ingalls Shipbuilding President Brian Cuccias. «This ship is a true example of moving specialized work teams from one ship to another and how that can improve efficiency and affordability. And while we’re proud of our performance on this ship, we’re also proud that it is named after a true American hero. Ralph Henry Johnson was only 19 years old when he sacrificed his life for someone else’s. His story is tragic, but it’s also inspiring. It reminds us that anyone – regardless of age or rank – can make a difference».

Mike Petters, HII’s president and CEO, also attended the ceremony, along with platform speakers Senator Roger Wicker, Republican Party-Mississippi; Representative Steven Palazzo Republican Party-Mississippi; Vice Admiral Ted Branch, deputy chief of naval operations, information warfare, and director of naval intelligence; and Lieutenant General Ronald Bailey, the Marine Corps’ deputy commandant, plans, policies and operations.

Arleigh Burke-class destroyers are highly capable, multi-mission ships that can conduct a variety of operations, from peacetime presence and crisis management to sea control and power projection, all in support of the United States’ military strategy.

DDGs are capable of simultaneously fighting air, surface and subsurface battles. The ship contains myriad offensive and defensive weapons designed to support maritime defense needs well into the 21st century.

Helen Richards, the sister of Ralph Johnson, delivers emotional remarks about her heroic brother
Helen Richards, the sister of Ralph Johnson, delivers emotional remarks about her heroic brother

 

Ship Characteristics

Length Overall 510 feet/156 m
Beam – Waterline 59 feet/18 m
Draft 30.5 feet/9.3 m
Displacement – Full Load 9,496 tons/9,648 metric tons
Power Plant 4 General electric LM 2500-30 gas turbines; 2 shafts; 2 CRP (Contra-Rotating) propellers; 100,000 shaft horsepower/75,000 kW
Speed in excess of 30 knots/34.5 mph/55.5 km/h
Range 4,400 NM/8,149 km at 20 knots/23 mph/37 km/h
Crew 276
Surveillance SPY-1D Phased Array Radar and Aegis Combat System (Lockheed Martin); SPS-73(V) Navigation; SPS-67(V)3 Surface Search; 3 SPG-62 Illuminator; SQQ-89(V)6 sonar incorporating SQS-53C hull mounted and SQR-19 towed array sonars used with Mark-116 Mod 7 ASW fire control system
Electronics/Countermeasures SLQ-32(V)3; Mark-53 Mod 0 Decoy System; Mark-234 Decoy System; SLQ-25A Torpedo Decoy; SLQ-39 Surface Decoy; URN-25 TACAN; UPX-29 IFF System; Kollmorgen Mark-46 Mod 1 Electro-Optical Director
Aircraft 2 embarked SH-60 helicopters ASW operations; RAST (Recovery Assist, Secure and Traverse)
Armament 2 Mark-41 Vertical Launching System (VLS) with 90 Standard, Vertical Launch ASROC (Anti-Submarine Rocket) & Tomahawk ASM (Air-to-Surface Missile)/LAM (Loitering Attack Missile); 5-in (127-mm)/54 Mark-45 gun; 2 CIWS (Close-In Weapon System); 2 Mark-32 triple 324-mm torpedo tubes for Mark-46 or Mark-50 ASW torpedos
The launch of USS Ralph Johnson (DDG-114). This milestone brings the ship even closer to the big christening event
The launch of USS Ralph Johnson (DDG-114). This milestone brings the ship even closer to the big christening event

 

Flight IIA: Restart

Ship Yard Launched Commissioned Homeport
DDG-113 John Finn HIIIS 03-28-15
DDG-114 Ralph Johnson HIIIS 12-12-15
DDG-115 Rafael Peralta GDBIW 10-31-15
Arleigh Burke-class destroyers are highly capable, multi-mission ships that can conduct a variety of operations, from peacetime presence and crisis management to sea control and power projection, all in support of the United States’ military strategy
Arleigh Burke-class destroyers are highly capable, multi-mission ships that can conduct a variety of operations, from peacetime presence and crisis management to sea control and power projection, all in support of the United States’ military strategy
Navy

ACTUV Speed Tests

DARPA’s Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) Continuous Trail Unmanned Vessel (ACTUV) program has designed, developed and constructed an entirely new class of ocean-going vessel – one intended to traverse thousands of kilometers over the open seas for months at a time, all without a single crew member aboard.

ACTUV operates under sparse remote supervisory control
ACTUV operates under sparse remote supervisory control

The ACTUV technology demonstration vessel was recently transferred to water at its construction site in Portland, Oregon, and conducted speed tests in which it reached a top speed of 27 knots (31 mph/50 kph). The vessel is scheduled to be christened on April 7, 2016, with open-water testing planned to begin in summer 2016 off the California coast.

The Anti-Submarine Warfare Continuous Trail Unmanned Vessel is developing an unmanned vessel optimized to robustly track quiet diesel electric submarines. The program is structured around three primary goals.

  • 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. As a result, a new design paradigm emerges with reduced constraints on conventional naval architecture elements such as layout, accessibility, crew support systems, and reserve buoyancy. The objective is to generate a vessel design that exceeds state-of-the art platform performance to provide propulsive overmatch against diesel electric submarines at a fraction of their size and cost.
  • 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. This includes autonomous compliance with maritime laws and conventions for safe navigation, autonomous system management for operational reliability, and autonomous interactions with an intelligent adversary.
  • Demonstrate the capability of the ACTUV system to use its unique characteristics to employ non-conventional sensor technologies that achieve robust continuous track of the quietest submarine targets over their entire operating envelope.

While the ACTUV program is focused on demonstrating the ASW tracking capability in this configuration, the core platform and autonomy technologies are broadly extendable to underpin a wide range of missions and configurations for future unmanned naval vessels.

ACTUV Launch and On-Water Speed Tests

Ground Forces

Refurbish CV90

The Swedish government has awarded BAE Systems a contract to refurbish 262 Combat Vehicles 90 (CV90) for the Swedish Army. The company’s work will include refurbishing the chassis and upgrading the vehicle’s survivability and turrets, as well as enhancing combat system performance. Together, these efforts will help increase the vehicles’ lifespan in support of Army capabilities.

BAE Systems has won a contract to refurbish 262 Combat Vehicles-90 (CV-90) which are currently the mainstay of the Swedish army’s armored units (Swedish MoD photo)
BAE Systems has won a contract to refurbish 262 Combat Vehicles-90 (CV-90) which are currently the mainstay of the Swedish army’s armored units (Swedish MoD photo)

«This is a very important program for BAE Systems and the Swedish Army», said Lena Gillström, managing director of BAE Systems Weapons Systems in Karlskoga, which builds the turrets. «With this refurbishment and the introduction of the new Battlefield Management System, these vehicles will take a step into the era of digitized defense to strengthen the Army’s capability to meet future threats».

BAE Systems will work closely with the customer throughout the program. Work starts immediately with deliveries beginning in 2018 and running through 2020.

«For the Swedish Army, CV90 has proven its value and capability over the years», said Tommy Gustafsson-Rask, president of BAE Systems Hägglunds AB in Örnsköldsvik. «CV90 is already in service in seven countries and now, with this refurbishment program, we’ll further extend the CV90’s contribution to Sweden’s defense».

CV90 is a family of Swedish tracked combat vehicles designed by FMV, BAE Systems Hägglunds, and BAE Systems Weapons Systems, with more than 4 million engineering hours contributing to the development of this advanced Infantry Fighting Vehicle (IFV). The Swedish version of the IFV is outfitted with a turret equipped with a 40-mm autocannon.

The Swedish Army has a fleet of 509 CV90s. Other countries currently using the vehicle are Norway, Denmark, Finland, Estonia, the Netherlands, and Switzerland.

The contract was awarded to HB Utveckling AB, a joint venture between BAE Systems Bofors AB, part of BAE Systems Weapons Systems, and BAE Systems Hägglunds AB.

The Swedish Army has a fleet of 509 CV90s
The Swedish Army has a fleet of 509 CV90s

 

Specifications

Top speed 43.5 mph/70 km/h
Range 559 miles/900 km
Payload 16 tonnes
Ballistic > 5
Mine > 4a/4b
Trench crossing 2.6 m/8.5 feet
Step climbing 1.1 m/3.6 feet
Fording 1.5 m/4.9 feet
Remote Weapon Station (RWS) 7.62 – 40-mm Automatic Grenade Launcher (AGL)
Turret 40-mm autocannon
No. of operators 3 + 7
Gradient 60 %
Power to weight ratio 17.1-24.2 kW/ton
Electrical power 570 A
Engine Scania V8
Operating temperature C2-A1
Driveline
Steel or rubber tracks ≤ 28 tonnes
Steel > 28 tonnes
Semi active dampening

 

Navy

Keel-laying for Yuma

On March 29 in Mobile, Alabama Austal USA celebrated the keel-laying milestone for the Expeditionary Fast Transport (EFT) vessel USNS Yuma (T-EPF-8) with a ceremony marking a significant milestone in the ship’s construction. This ship is the eighth EPF built at Austal USA under the 10-ship, $1.6 billion block-buy contract awarded to Austal in 2008.

Mayor Nicholls was assisted by Austal USA A-Class welder, Courtney Cagle
Mayor Nicholls was assisted by Austal USA A-Class welder, Courtney Cagle

Laying the keel is the formal recognition of the start of a ship’s construction. The keel runs lengthwise down the middle of the ship serving as the basic foundation or spine of the structure, providing the major source of the hull’s strength.

The Honorable Douglas Nicholls, Mayor of the City of Yuma, Arizona, authenticated the keel at the ceremony by welding his initials onto an aluminum keel plate that will eventually be placed in ship’s hull. Mayor Nicholls was assisted by Austal USA A-Class welder, Courtney Cagle. Ms. Cagle began her employment with Austal USA in 2012 as an apprentice.

«I am excited to reach this significant milestone today in such a short period of time, considering we just launched EPF-7 from this bay in late January», Austal USA President Craig Perciavalle said. «The momentum we’re experiencing on the construction of this amazing ship is evidence of the strength of Austal’s EPF program, and the continued success displayed by Austal’s talented shipbuilding team».

The EPF program at Austal is progressing rapidly. USNS Brunswick (T-EPF-6) was delivered in mid-January and there are three other EPFs under construction at Austal USA’s headquarters and ship manufacturing facility in Mobile, Alabama. Of the ships already delivered to the U.S. Navy, USNS Spearhead (T-EPF-1) is in Africa on its third deployment and recently took part in a successful anti-piracy operation. USNS Choctaw County (T-EPF-2) and USNS Millinocket (T-EPF-3) are also currently deployed supporting U.S. Navy fleet operations, including many international exercises.

Austal is also under a 10-ship block-buy contract worth over $3.5 billion for the U.S. Navy’s Independence-variant Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) program. The company has delivered three LCS with another seven currently under construction. The future USS Montgomery (LCS-8) is scheduled for delivery later this year.

 

Ships

Defence vessels designed and built by Austal include multi-mission combatants, such as the Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) for the United States Navy and military high speed vessels for transport and humanitarian relief, such as the Expeditionary Fast Transport (EPF) – previously known as the Joint High Speed Vessel (JHSV) – for the United States Navy and High Speed Support Vessel (HSSV) for the Royal Navy of Oman. Austal also designs, constructs, integrates and maintains an extensive range of patrol and auxiliary vessels for government agencies globally, including the Cape Class Patrol Boat Program for Australian Border Force. Defence vessels are designed and constructed in Mobile, Alabama and in Henderson, Western Australia.

Austal has been at the forefront of the high speed ferry market since the early days of the industry. Our market leading designs of high performance aluminium vessels have long been at the heart of Austal’s research and development. Today, commercial ship construction is centred on our shipyard in Balamban, Philippines.

Austal celebrates keel-laying for nation's eighth Expeditionary Fast Transport vessel – USNS Yuma (T-EPF-8)
Austal celebrates keel-laying for nation’s eighth Expeditionary Fast Transport vessel – USNS Yuma (T-EPF-8)

 

SPECIFICATIONS

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

 

Ships

USNS Spearhead (EPF-1), Delivered

USNS Choctaw County (EPF-2), Delivered

USNS Millinocket (EPF-3), Delivered

USNS Fall River (EPF-4), Delivered

USNS Trenton (EPF-5), Delivered

USNS Brunswick (EPF-6), Delivered

Carson City (EPF-7), under construction

Yuma (EPF-8), under construction

Bismark (EPF-9), under construction

Burlington (EPF-10), under construction

EPF-11

EPF-12