Monthly Archives: May 2016

Ground Forces

Aegis Site in Poland

United States and Polish officials commemorated the start of the construction phase of an Aegis Ashore Missile Defense System (AAMDS) complex during a ceremony in Redzikowo, Poland on May 13.

The U.S. Navy achieved operational certification of the Aegis Ashore site at Deveselu Air Base in Romania. This officially fulfills Phase II of the European Phased Adaptive Approach, a plan to protect deployed U.S. forces and our European allies from ballistic missile attack (Photo courtesy Missile Defense Agency)
The U.S. Navy achieved operational certification of the Aegis Ashore site at Deveselu Air Base in Romania. This officially fulfills Phase II of the European Phased Adaptive Approach, a plan to protect deployed U.S. forces and our European allies from ballistic missile attack (Photo courtesy Missile Defense Agency)

«Our partnership with Poland and Romania underwrites U.S. military activities in the region and reflects our steadfast commitment to enhancing regional security», said Robert Work, Deputy Secretary of Defense, «countering the threat of ballistic missile attacks from outside the Euro-Atlantic area is a collective security challenge that requires collective defense».

Aegis Ashore, a critical part of the European Phased Adaptive Approach (EPAA), is a land-based capability of the Aegis Ballistic Missile Defense (BMD) System constructed to defend NATO populations, territory, and forces against ballistic missile threats from outside the Euro-Atlantic area. The EPAA concept is the U.S.’s multi-phase effort to support NATO BMD, which includes for using BMD-capable Aegis ships, Aegis Ashore Missile Defense sites, a forward deployed radar in Turkey, and a command and control network located at Ramstein Air Base (AB), Germany.

The commencement of construction on the site in Poland represents a key milestone to complete Phase III of the EPAA. U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa/U.S. 6th Fleet recognized another key milestone toward completion of Phase II of the EPAA by deeming the AAMDS in Romania as operationally certified in a ceremony held at Naval Support Facility Deveselu, May 12.

The BMD complex at Redzikowo will consist of a fire-control radar deckhouse with an associated Aegis command, control and communications suite. Separately, it will house several launch modules containing Standard Missile 3 (SM-3) missiles. Once complete, the Aegis Ashore BMD site in Poland will host the upgraded SM-3 Block IIA. The delivery of this improved weapons system, and the increased BMD infrastructure under EPAA, will improve the defensive coverage against medium- and intermediate-range threats.

«Aegis Ashore reflects the strength of our relationship as Allies and our resolve in promoting security and close regional cooperation in Europe», added Work. «This enhancement marks another milestone and is consistent with the enduring partnership between the U.S., Poland and Romania. The Department of Defense looks forward to continued work with our NATO allies in developing BMD».

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Europe District is managing the project. Two major construction contracts for missile defense and Navy support facilities in Redzikowo were awarded this year. Naval Support Facility (NSF) Redzikowo is expected to be established in fall of 2016 and will host the missile defense complex and supporting personnel when it opens in 2018. Technical capability of the U.S. BMD complex is expected to be delivered in the 2018 timeframe.

Ballistic Missile Defense System Overview
Ballistic Missile Defense System Overview
Navy

Third Offset Strategy

The three desktop chimes brought the intelligence analyst to full attention. These were no instant messages; they were alerts from the Intersect Sentry app, a software tool that boosts the power of human analysts to comb through dense, flowing data and pick out significant developments in real time.

The U.S. Navy's experimental ship Stiletto off the coast of Virginia Beach, Virginia. Raytheon's Sentry intelligence app was demonstrated aboard the ship (U.S. Navy photo)
The U.S. Navy’s experimental ship Stiletto off the coast of Virginia Beach, Virginia. Raytheon’s Sentry intelligence app was demonstrated aboard the ship (U.S. Navy photo)

The analyst was stationed in the forward operations center for the U.S. Navy experimental ship M80 Stiletto, a prototype stealth vessel built for coastal operations, during the Navy’s Maritime Technology Demonstration exercise. The M80 Stiletto is equipped with four Caterpillar, Inc. C32 1,232 kW (1,652 hp) engines yielding a top speed in excess of 60 knots/69 mph/110 km/h and a range of 500 nautical miles/575 miles/900 km when fully loaded. It can be outfitted with jet drives for shallow water operations and beaching. It weighs 45 tons unloaded, light enough that it can be hoisted onto a cargo ship, while still able to carry up to 20 tons of cargo. The ship is 88.6 feet/27 m in length, with a width of 40 feet/12 m and a height of 18.5 feet/5.6 m, yet has a draft of only 2.5 feet/0.8 m. The M80 Stiletto is the largest U.S. naval vessel built using carbon-fiber composites, advanced composite materials and epoxy building techniques, which yields a very light yet super strong hull.

Using Sentry, the analyst modeled the M80 Stiletto, its maritime environment, and facilities and certain locations. As Stiletto maneuvered, Sentry relied on optical sensors to identify potential threats that came within range, as unidentified ships or persons of interest on the shore.

Raytheon’s Sentry fits the U.S. Department of Defense goal under what is known as the Third Offset Strategy: technology breakthroughs that create battlefield advantages.

«Sentry identifies relevant data in less than a second that used to take an analyst hours or days to pick out», said Stephen Handel, Raytheon Intersect Sentry deputy chief engineer. «A customer reported that Sentry would allow them to re-task analysts from 24/7 monitoring of vessel activity to higher order analytic tasks».

The Third Offset Strategy aims to bolster the human-machine connection to create new and more powerful capabilities. That’s what Sentry does; it works as an analyst’s teammate, cherry-picking the right data and delivering that information through a customizable interface. Analysts select preferences and data discriminators, and move onto other tasks. The app’s algorithm deploys software agents in the background; they scan through hundreds of millions of events per day, delivering only the most relevant information via alerts.

Sentry can identify radar tracks, social media, ships and vehicles from imagery and signals data.

«Our mission is to integrate humans and the systems they use», said Guy Swope, Raytheon Analytics Capability Center leader. «The Intersect suite is an answer to the call for a Third Offset Strategy in the fight against terror in the digital age. It’s a simple strategy – change the way we fight in the field and in cyberspace».

Navy

Rolls-Royce diesel

Rolls-Royce is to supply twelve MTU diesel gensets to prime contractor BAE Systems for the first three Type 26 Global Combat Ships (GCS) due to go into service with the Royal Navy.

The four MTU diesel gensets on board each Type 26 Global Combat Ship are based on 20V 4000 M53B engines, each delivering 3,015 kW of mechanical power
The four MTU diesel gensets on board each Type 26 Global Combat Ship are based on 20V 4000 M53B engines, each delivering 3,015 kW of mechanical power

The deal means that the core components of the frigate’s combined propulsion system will come from Rolls-Royce: four MTU diesel gensets with 20V 4000 M53B engines, each delivering 3,015 kW of mechanical power, and one Rolls-Royce MT30 gas turbine. The MTU brand is part of Rolls-Royce Power Systems.

«The fact that we’re involved with our diesel gensets in this leading-edge project by the Royal Navy fills us with great pride and demonstrates the precision with which Rolls-Royce is able to meet customer requirements», said Knut Müller, head of MTU’s governmental business. «One key reason for winning this order is MTU’s wealth of experience of combined propulsion systems».

The Type 26 Global Combat Ship is the first newly-designed Royal Navy surface vessel to be equipped with MTU engines. It is also the first time Rolls-Royce has supplied a naval vessel with an MTU propulsion system that meets the requirements of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) III emissions directive. To achieve this, each of the four engines on the vessel will be fitted with an exhaust aftertreatment system, which uses a Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) unit to neutralise nitrogen oxide emissions. Rolls-Royce has carried out extensive testing of this technology, which has already been successfully used in MTU off-highway applications, for use in maritime propulsion systems.

The Type 26 Global Combat Ship is the Royal Navy’s third major project involving MTU engines. Rolls-Royce is supplying Series 4000 diesel gensets for the refit of the Duke-class (Type 23) frigates, while the Astute-class submarines already have MTU diesel gensets.

Within the Combined Diesel-Electric or Gas Turbine (CODELOG) propulsion system for the Type 26 frigates, the MTU diesel gensets will provide electrical power for on-board electronics and for cruising propulsion. The Rolls-Royce gas turbine will be used for propulsion when travelling at high-speeds. The MTU gensets are bedded on specialist mounts and surrounded by an acoustic enclosure, ensuring that the propulsion system operates at low noise levels. A similar propulsion system featuring MTU diesel gensets is used aboard the German F-125 class frigates and French FREMM frigates.

The MTU product range for the government shipping sector comprises engines with power outputs of between 269 and 10,000 kW. As a system supplier, MTU is also able to develop and supply complete propulsion solutions including ship automation systems.

The MTU gensets have double-resilient mounting systems and are housed within acoustic enclosures. This creates a propulsion system with an extremely low level of acoustic emissions
The MTU gensets have double-resilient mounting systems and are housed within acoustic enclosures. This creates a propulsion system with an extremely low level of acoustic emissions
Ground Forces

CV90 vehicle for
the Czech Republic

BAE Systems and VOP CZ have teamed up to pursue the Czech Republic’s BMP-2 Infantry Fighting Vehicle (IFV) replacement programme. The two companies will combine efforts to deliver the CV90 vehicle for the Czech Land Forces.

The Czech Republic plans to replace its BMP-2 tracked infantry vehicles, locally designated BVP-2, and plans to offer its Swedish-made CV90 infantry combat vehicle
The Czech Republic plans to replace its BMP-2 tracked infantry vehicles, locally designated BVP-2, and plans to offer its Swedish-made CV90 infantry combat vehicle

The arrangement offers significant long-term industrial cooperation that will benefit VOP CZ and the Czech defence industry. BAE Systems is the design authority and manufacturing lead for the CV90 Infantry Fighting Vehicle, one of the most modern IFVs on the market and currently in production.

«BAE Systems is committed to building a strong working partnership with VOP CZ and Czech industry», Tommy Gustafsson-Rask, president of BAE Systems Hägglunds, said. «The agreement with VOP CZ will create a strong team to support the Czech Armed Forces for many years ahead».

VOP CZ has expertise in design, manufacturing, assembly, and engineering production, and specialises in integrating and supplying modern defence equipment and systems to meet the requirements of the Czech customer.

«The partnership with BAE Systems is a great opportunity for cooperation with one of the biggest defence companies worldwide», Marek Špok, managing director of VOP CZ, said. «VOP CZ offers the highest level of technology, development and production capacity for this project so we are well positioned to fulfil the needs of the Czech Army. We hope the cooperation grows into a long-term relationship».

There are more than 1,200 CV90 vehicles on contract for seven user nations globally.

BAE Systems Hägglunds has successfully fulfilled all its industrial investment commitments with the nations operating the CV90 platform, using a proven concept to build long-term, mutually beneficial relationships. This well-established industrial model has been implemented in Norway, Finland, Switzerland, the Netherlands and Denmark.

This industrial solution with VOP CZ aims to support job creation and technology transfer. BAE Systems employs an innovative approach toward industrial cooperation, including marketing support to new markets and support to small-to-medium enterprise companies.

Ground Forces

Romanian Aegis site

On May 12 United States and Romania held a ribbon-cutting ceremony in Deveselu, Romania marking the operational certification of the U.S. Aegis Ashore Missile Defense System, a key milestone in European based missile defence.

The Aegis Ashore Missile Defense System is part of the European Phased Adapted Approach, designed to protect European NATO allies, and U.S. deployed forces in the region, against current and emerging ballistic threats
The Aegis Ashore Missile Defense System is part of the European Phased Adapted Approach, designed to protect European NATO allies, and U.S. deployed forces in the region, against current and emerging ballistic threats

The Aegis Ashore Missile Defense System (AAMDS) has many of the same components used at sea on guided-missile destroyers and cruisers, but has been adapted to perform the ballistic missile defense mission from land. In this case, Aegis ashore is in Deveselu, Romania. It’s part of the European Phased Adapted Approach (EPAA). EPAA is designed to protect European NATO allies, and U.S. deployed forces in the region, against current and emerging ballistic threats from the Middle East. In general, the ballistic missile threat to the region is growing both quantitatively and qualitatively. The EPAA’s purpose is to help deter future conflicts, primarily those from Iran and other nefarious non-state actors – and to defend ourselves and our NATO allies should deterrence fail.

AAMDS-Romania will have successfully completed operational validation as part of the EPAA Phase II architecture. This was accomplished through participation in the Cross area of responsibility Air and Missile Defense Exercise (CAMDEX) 2016. It is significant as CAMDEX 2016 is a unifying concept for exercise events designed to assist NATO in preparing for their Initial Operational Capability (IOC) of AAMDS-Romania.

The land-based ballistic missile defense system is designed to detect, track, engage, and destroy ballistic missiles in flight.

If launched, the interceptor flies out above the atmosphere and destroys the enemy ballistic missile warhead in flight.

SM-3 missiles are defensive weapons. They carry no explosive warheads of any type, and rely on their kinetic energy to collide with and destroy incoming enemy ballistic missile warheads.

The system in Romania is connected to other EPAA missile defense assets to maximize their effectiveness.

Missile defense and the EPAA assets are strictly defensive in nature. The U.S. interceptors are not armed with an explosive warhead of any kind. Instead, the interceptor collides with the threat warhead and relies on energy derived from the collision of two objects moving at incredible speeds to neutralize the threat. The interceptors have no capability as an offensive weapon.

 

File video depicting inside the Aegis Ashore Missile Defense System (AAMDS) the deckhouse and a Vertical Launch System (VLS) at Naval Support Facility Deveselu, Romania

Air

Proof-pressure test

The Lockheed Martin and NASA Orion team has successfully proof-pressure tested the Orion spacecraft’s Exploration Mission-1 (EM-1) crew module. The crew module is the living quarters for astronauts and the backbone for many of Orion’s systems such as propulsion, avionics and parachutes.

Lockheed Martin engineers and technicians prepare the Orion pressure vessel for a series of tests inside the proof pressure cell in the Neil Armstrong Operations and Checkout Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida (Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett)
Lockheed Martin engineers and technicians prepare the Orion pressure vessel for a series of tests inside the proof pressure cell in the Neil Armstrong Operations and Checkout Building at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida (Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett)

In order to certify the structural integrity of the crew module it was outfitted with approximately 850 instruments and subjected to 1.25 times the maximum pressure the capsule is expected to experience during its deep space missions. That means about 20 pounds per square inch/137,895 pascals of pressure was distributed over the entire inner surface of the spacecraft trying to burst it from within. As a next step, the team will use phased array technology to inspect all of the spacecraft’s welds in order to ensure there are no defects.

Once the primary structure of the crew module has been verified, the team will begin the installation of secondary structures such as tubes, tanks and thrusters. Once those pieces are in place, the crew module will be moved into the clean room and the propulsion and environmental control and life support systems will be installed.

«Our experience building and flying Exploration Flight Test-1 has allowed us to improve the build and test process for the EM-1 crew module», said Mike Hawes, Lockheed Martin Orion vice president and program manager. «Across the program we are establishing efficiencies that will decrease the production time and cost of future Orion spacecraft».

During EM-1 Orion will be launched atop NASA’s Space Launch System (SLS) for the first time. The test flight will send Orion into lunar distant retrograde orbit – a wide orbit around the moon that is farther from Earth than any human-rated spacecraft has ever traveled. The mission will last about three weeks and will certify the design and safety of Orion and SLS for future human-rated exploration missions.

Navy

Clock counts down

On the sixth floor of Tower A at the New London Facility a digital time clock counts down the number of days until a due date for the next Virginia Payload Module (VPM) arrangement design completion. That Design-Build team had 516 people working on VPM deliverables on this particular day. There were 143 designers, 308 engineers, and 65 personnel in purchasing, operations, planning, material procurement, finance and contracts working on VPM. By summer, there will be 650.

VPT (Virginia Payload Tubes), CMC (Common Missile Compartment) and VPM is another variation of tube designs tailored to a specific mission
VPT (Virginia Payload Tubes), CMC (Common Missile Compartment) and VPM is another variation of tube designs tailored to a specific mission

The ramp-up in people and countdown on product delivery are all part of ensuring the first VPM is ready for installation at the beginning of Virginia Block V in 2019. Target date for operating capability is 2026.

The schedule is set to ensure the U.S. Navy does not lose mission capabilities in the 2020s when SSGNs reach the end of their 42-year maximum service lives. When the last SSGN retires in 2028, the U.S. Navy faced losing 60 percent of its undersea strike capacity. The 19 Virginia submarines planned with VPM, with its capacity for 28 Tomahawk missiles, will help mitigate that loss. The 87-inch/2.2-meter width of its missile tubes also allows carrying unmanned undersea and aerial vehicles.

VPM will have four in-line, large-diameter missile tubes capable of launching 28 Tomahawk missiles or future payloads. The payload tubes are a complex undertaking requiring expertise from Structures, Fluids, Mechanical, Combat Systems, and Electrical departments. Installation may be three years away but making that date means buying materials, lining up vendors, and testing processes now.

One casting is 12-feet/3.6-meter wide by 12-feet /3.6-meter long and will weigh approximately 47,000 pounds/21,319 kg. Facilities upgrades and new fixtures are needed to support the modules’ tubes and inserting them in the hull. Also, a new barge will be required to transport it from Quonset Point to Groton. VPM will be approximately 84-feet/25.6-meter long. Incorporating the VPM into the existing 2B-5 module will result in a super module that is approximately 183-feet/55.8-meter long. That’s a big module to transport.

The current VPM is a descendent of the Multi-Mission Module concept that resulted from numerous configuration studies over several years. These configurations – part of the conform process under then-director Al Malchiodi – included removable payload tubes, a payload bay, in-line payload tubes in a wasp-waist hull or a full-diameter hull, and building a payload interface module.

By 2013 the Capability Development Document for VPM was approved by the U.S. Navy and the key performance parameters for cost, strike capability, and schedule were set. Delivering on those marching orders has been the goal of the VPM Program ever since.

2016 will be an exciting year as the prototype missile tube is built – VPM went from sketches to pouring castings. Also this year VPM will be validating the design of the integrated tube and hull, casting prototype, destructively testing the prototype castings, starting host ship arrangements, completing ship specifications, and updating cost estimates. In addition, the pressure hull confirmation model will be designed and built, harnessing the efforts of planning and people and then producing a steel product.

 

VPM Characteristics

Virginia Payload Module (VPM) An 84-foot/25.6-meter-hull section with a low-profile topside fairing
Payload Volume Four in-line large-diameter missile tubes capable of launching 28 Tomahawk missiles, or a wide range of future payloads
Flexibility 87-inch/2.2-meter-wide tubes allowing more payload options than standard 21-inch/0.53-meter tubes
Accessibility Internal hatches on each tube for access to payloads
Whole-Ship 461-foot/140.5-meter long; 9,700 long tons (LT)/9,856 metric tonnes displacement; 40 vertically-launched missiles
Availability Block V: Construction scheduled to start in 2019; initial operational capability targeted for 2026 long tons metric tonnes

 

Air Force

Brimstone final trials

The Brimstone air-to-surface missile developed by MBDA has successfully undertaken challenging operational evaluation trials by the Royal Air Force (RAF) that confirm the performance of the missile’s latest technical enhancements. This was achieved during February 2016 at China Lake in the USA as the culmination of a programme to advance the operational edge this highly capable missile brings. Brimstone has a record of approximately 500 missile firings with a very high success rate since its entry into service.

Brimstones’s wide range of target types includes: fast moving vehicles, tanks and armoured cars, bunkers, as well as naval vessels including swarming and individual Fast In-shore Attack Craft (FIAC)
Brimstones’s wide range of target types includes: fast moving vehicles, tanks and armoured cars, bunkers, as well as naval vessels including swarming and individual Fast In-shore Attack Craft (FIAC)

The operational evaluation trials involved 11 missile firings, including at the edge of the weapon system’s performance envelope. The trials were conducted against a variety of operational scenarios with precise hits on very small, fast moving vehicles and against complex static targets. The trials included single and salvo firings, whilst laser, millimetric radar and dual mode guided modes were used, as was ground-based, third party laser designation.

The trials demonstrated the missile engagement envelope is significantly increased over the in-service missile, providing a 100% increase in stand-off range (based on MBDA modelling and release ranges of the in-service missile), and a significantly increased ability to engage targets at high off-bore sight angles. This improves the ability to fire from a launch platform performing a Close Air Support (CAS) flying pattern («wheel») over the battlefield, without the need to manoeuvre the platform to align with the target.

The firings also successfully demonstrated the new Insensitive Munition (IM) warhead, against armoured and non-armoured targets whilst bringing additional deployment benefits.

The RAF’s Eurofighter Typhoon will benefit first from this enhanced capability, with an integration programme underway for 2018. Separate activities are being conducted for Brimstone’s potential use on the UK’s Future Attack Helicopter and Protector Remotely-Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS).

 

CHARACTERISTICS

Weight 50 kg/110.2 lbs
Length 1.8 m/5.9 feet
Diameter 180 mm/7 inches
Guidance Millimetric Wave Radar and Semi-Active Laser
Warhead Tandem Shaped Charge
The system can be operated in three separate modes, each providing the user with flexibility and high confidence in mission success
The system can be operated in three separate modes, each providing the user with flexibility and high confidence in mission success
Navy

Two AORs for Australia

The Commonwealth of Australia and Navantia have signed a contract to supply two AORs (Auxiliary Oiler Replenishment). These two ships are based on the Spanish Navy ship SPS Cantabria (A15) which will be tailored to fulfil specific Australian standards and requirements. The agreement with the Commonwealth of Australia also includes the sustainment of the two AOR ships for a period of five years.

SPS Cantabria (A15) has a maximum sustained speed of 20 knots/23 mph/37 km/h and a range of 6,000 nautical miles/6,900 miles/11,000 km; the ship's complement is 122
SPS Cantabria (A15) has a maximum sustained speed of 20 knots/23 mph/37 km/h and a range of 6,000 nautical miles/6,900 miles/11,000 km; the ship’s complement is 122

These contracts include a significant amount of participation from Australian industry, with companies such as Saab Australia as supplier of the Combat System, Scientific Management Associates (SMA) as suppliers of engineering services, Baker and Provan as supplier of cranes and an Australian communication system supplier. In relation to Support, all the sustainment activities will be performed in Australia (New South Wales, NSW and Western Australia, WA) with Navantia Australia and its subcontractors, which has been partnering with Australian companies since 2007. Other opportunities for Australian suppliers will be published through the ICN gateway.

With this contract, Navantia has further established a reputation for being a reference platform designer for the Royal Australian Navy (RAN). These two ships will join the two LHDs, the three AWDs and the twelve Landing Craft designed by Navantia. Navantia is proud of its participation in the development of the naval capabilities for the RAN.

Navantia Australia has significant capability established in Australia which with the company’s Technical Operation Centre located in Adelaide, will be a valuable asset for future shipbuilding activities in Australia, providing the required expertise to face the challenge of future projects. Navantia is fully committed to Australia and will contribute to naval projects with proven capacity and ability to supply. Navantia now looks forward to working with the Commonwealth and Industry even more closely, to achieve program goals that we all totally share.

Navantia selected to supply two Auxiliary Oiler Replenishment ship to Australia
Navantia selected to supply two Auxiliary Oiler Replenishment ship to Australia
Air

First two K-MAX

The Marine Corps’ first two Kaman K-MAX Helicopters arrived at Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Yuma, Arizona, May 7, 2016. The Kaman K-MAX Helicopter is very unique in many ways, such as its purpose and design. It is a helicopter with interlinking rotors whose primary mission is to provide cargo load operations with a maximum payload of 6,000 pounds/2,722 kg.

The K-MAX will be added to MCAS Yuma's already vast collection of military air assets, and will utilize the station’s ranges to strengthen training, testing and operations across the Marine Corps
The K-MAX will be added to MCAS Yuma’s already vast collection of military air assets, and will utilize the station’s ranges to strengthen training, testing and operations across the Marine Corps

«The most unique thing is this aircraft can fly itself», said Jerry McCawley, a Chief Pilot and Flight Safety Engineer with Lockheed Martin. «These two particular aircraft were over in Afghanistan for almost three years flying unhanded, and moving almost five million pounds of cargo, keeping numerous convoys off the road, preventing any roadside attacks».

The K-MAX will utilize MCAS Yuma’s training ranges in both Arizona and California, and will soon have an integral part in testing and operations.

As MCAS Yuma continues expanding its scope of operations, the K-MAX will continue revolutionizing expeditionary Marine air-ground combat power in all environments.

«It’s very resilient and can fly day or night», said McCawley. «It’s out here in Yuma for future test and development with the Marines. It’s great now, and it’s only going to get better».

The K-MAX will be added to MCAS Yuma’s already vast collection of military aircraft, strengthening training, testing and operations across the Marine Corps.

The rugged K-MAX multi-mission helicopter that Lockheed Martin and Kaman Aerospace have transformed into an Unmanned Aerial Truck proves why it is the best for unmanned battlefield cargo resupply missions

 

K-MAX Unmanned Aerial System

Lockheed Martin Corporation and Kaman Aerospace Corporation have successfully transformed Kaman’s proven K-MAX power lift helicopter into an Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) capable of autonomous or remote controlled cargo delivery. Its mission: battlefield cargo resupply for the U.S. military.

The K-MAX UAS is a transformational technology for a fast-moving battlefield that will enable Marines to deliver supplies either day or night to precise locations without risk of losing life in the process. The aircraft can fly at higher altitudes with a larger payload than any other rotary wing UAS. With its four-hook carousel, the K-MAX UAS can also deliver more cargo to more locations in one flight

The team has flown the K-MAX UAS more than 750 hours in autonomous mode since joining forces in 2007. The rugged system can lift and deliver a full 6,000 lbs/2,722 kg of cargo at sea level and more than 4,000 pounds/1,814 kg at 15,000 feet/4,572 m density altitude.

The K-MAX continues to exceed expectations as an unmanned platform. The aircraft has met all unmanned milestones to date and continues to excel in the commercial logging and firefighting industries. The aircraft will remain optionally piloted for ease of National Airspace Operations, occasional manned mission flexibility, ferry flights, rapid integration of new mission equipment, and allow rapid return-to-service activities.

The manned version of the K-MAX is used for repetitive lift operations by commercial operators for the construction and logging industries. To date, the fleet has accumulated more than 255,000 flight hours since 1994.

In January, 2010, the Unmanned K-MAX helicopter demonstrated autonomous and remote control flight over both line-of-sight and satellite-based beyond line-of-sight data link

 

Technical characteristics

Weights and Measurements
Max gross weight (with external load) 12,000 lbs/5,443 kg
Max take-off weight 7,000 lbs/3,175 kg
Empty weight 5,145 lbs/2,334 kg
Useful load 6,855 lbs/3,109 kg
Cargo hook capacity 6,000 lbs/2,722 kg
Lift Performance – ISA (International Standard Atmosphere) +15°C (59°F)
Sea Level 6,000 lbs/2,722 kg
5,000 feet/1,524 m 5,663 lbs/2,574 kg
10,000 feet/3,048 m 5,163 lbs/2,347 kg
15,000 feet/4,572 m 4,313 lbs/1,960 kg
Hover Performance – 4,000 feet/1,219 m, 35°C (95°F)
Hover IGE (In Ground Effect) 12,000 lbs/5,443 kg
Hover OGE (Out of Ground Effect) 11,500 lbs/5,216 kg
Powerplant
Model Honeywell T53-17 gas turbine
Thermodynamic rating 1,800 shaft horsepower
Maximum Airspeed
Without external load 100 knots/115 mph/185.2 km/h
With external load 80 knots/92 mph/148.2 km/h
Fuel System
Total usable fuel 219.5 gal/831 liters
Average fuel consumption 85 gal/hr/321.7 l/hr
Jet A fuel 557.6 lbs/hr/252.9 kg/hr
Maximum endurance 12+ hr
Maximum range 1,150 miles/1,852 km (est)
Maximum speed with external load 80 knots/92 mph/148.2 km/h
Maximum speed without external load 100 knots/115 mph/185.2 km/h
Internal fuel endurance 2 hr 41 min
Range with external load 246 miles/396.3 km
Range without external load 307 miles/494.5 km
Approved fuels Jet A/A-1, JP-5
Jet B/JP-4
JP-8

 

Lockheed Martin-Kaman’s unmanned helicopter successfully completing the Navy’s Quick Reaction Assessment