Monthly Archives: June 2016

Ground Forces

New modular family

At Eurosatory 2016 Rheinmetall presented its new Lynx Infantry Fighting Vehicle (IFV) on June 14 to the international public for the first time. Agile, hard-hitting and highly protected, this state-of-the-art tracked armoured vehicle is destined to dominate the modern battlefield, lending itself to operations from peace enforcement to high-intensity combat.

The powerpacks for the KF31 and KF41 Lynx variants are said by Rheinmetall to develop 563 kW/755 hp and 700+ kW/940 hp respectively, giving top speeds greater than 40 mph/65 km/h and 43 mph/70 km/h
The powerpacks for the KF31 and KF41 Lynx variants are said by Rheinmetall to develop 563 kW/755 hp and 700+ kW/940 hp respectively, giving top speeds greater than 40 mph/65 km/h and 43 mph/70 km/h

Ben Hudson, Head of Rheinmetall’s Vehicle Systems Division, said «Lynx is an advanced new modular family of vehicles that offers our customers the highest levels of survivability, mobility, lethality and capacity while utilising proven technologies to deliver a compelling value proposition for our global customers. Lynx delivers the capabilities that will allow our customers to fight, survive and win on the battlefields of today and tomorrow».

 

Cutting edge capabilities

Four core capabilities characterize the Lynx infantry fighting vehicle: firepower, force protection, situational awareness and mobility.

Firepower: Lynx features a Rheinmetall LANCE turret armed with a stabilized, externally powered, airburst-capable automatic cannon (either 30-mm or 35-mm). This enables Lynx to effectively engage targets with high precision at ranges of up to 3,000 meters/9,843 feet – even on the move. Lynx can also be equipped with an antitank guided missile launcher and a secondary weapon station linked to the main optics (main sensor slaved armament). Not only does Lynx have hunter-killer capability, it can operate in killer-killer mode, since the commander and gunner can observe and engage targets independently of each other.

Force protection: With the diesel engine mounted in the forward section and a modular armour concept, the vehicle architecture offers a high degree of protection. The vehicle’s ballistic armour shields Lynx from antitank weapons, medium-caliber ammunition, artillery shrapnel, Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) and bomblets. In addition, a spall liner in the vehicle interior protects the entire crew. Mine and IED protection packages, decoupled seats and the optional hard kill Active Defence System (ADS) significantly boost the vehicle’s survivability.

Situational awareness: The commander and gunner both have access to the Stabilized Electro Optical Sight System/SEOSS, a digital TV – IR optical system with an integrated laser range finder and fire control computer. In the fighting compartment, displays provide the crew with a seamless 360° panoramic view. Rheinmetall’s Situational Awareness System (SAS), featuring automatic target detection and tracking, enhances the hunter-killer capability and minimizes crew reaction time. Emerging threats can be swiftly engaged with Lynx’s main or secondary armament. Laser warning sensors and the Acoustic Sniper Locating System (ASLS) likewise form part of the sensor suite. A combat management system and intercom for tactical communication round out the array of on-board equipment.

Owing to the manned turret, the commander can still lead from the hatch. The gunner and driver each have hatches, too, while two soldiers in the rear of the fighting compartment can also observe the area around the vehicle from an open hatch.

Mobility: Lynx features an excellent power-to-weight ratio and can handle gradients of up to 60 degrees and lateral inclines of more than 30 degrees. It can cross ditches up to 2.5 meters/8.2 feet wide and ford bodies of water up to 1.50 meters/4.9 feet deep. Furthermore, it can climb over one-meter-high/3.3-foot-high obstacles. The vehicle can run on either rubber or light metal tracks.

With the LANCE turret system the art of engineering reaches new heights
With the LANCE turret system the art of engineering reaches new heights

 

One vehicle family – one logistics system – one supplier: Rheinmetall

Another characteristic of Lynx is its versatility. For example, the new IFV comes in two versions: the KF31 and KF41 (KF stands for «Kettenfahrzeug», or tracked vehicle in German). Weighing up to 38 tonnes, Lynx KF31 on display at Eurosatory and can seat 3+6 soldiers. Lynx KF41 is slightly larger (44 tonnes) and can carry 3+8 soldiers.

Both vehicle classes – Lynx KF31 and Lynx KF41 – can be configured for other roles include a command & control, an armoured reconnaissance, repair & recovery and an ambulance.

A high degree of commonality in parts and components is another prominent feature of the Lynx family of vehicles. This simplifies logistic support and has a positive impact on training. Furthermore, customized service support is available worldwide – ranging from training and logistics to in-theatre repairs and technology transfer.

The Lynx family of vehicles highlights once again Rheinmetall’s role as a high-tech enterprise for security and mobility.

Navy

Christening of Michael

The U.S. Navy christened the newest destroyer, USS Michael Monsoor (DDG-1001), Saturday, June 18 during a 10 a.m. EDT ceremony at the General Dynamics-Bath Iron Works shipyard in Bath, Maine.

A crowd listens to Senator Susan Collins speak at the christening of the Michael Monsoor
A crowd listens to Senator Susan Collins speak at the christening of the Michael Monsoor

The second ship in the Zumwalt-class of destroyers, DDG-1001 is named in honor of Medal of Honor recipient Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class (SEAL) Michael A. Monsoor. Sally Monsoor, petty officer Monsoor’s mother, served as the ship’s sponsor.

Retired Navy Vice Admiral Joseph Maguire served as the principal speaker. Highlighting the event was Mrs. Monsoor breaking a bottle of sparkling wine across the bow to formally christen the ship – a time-honored Navy tradition.

«I’m tremendously honored to be a part of this christening, the next step in getting DDG-1001 to the fleet in order to conduct prompt and sustained maritime operations», said the Honorable Janine Davidson, under secretary of the Navy. «DDG-1001 is an extremely capable and versatile ship with an incredible namesake. I have every confidence that the ship and crew will both live up to and honor Petty Officer Monsoor’s legacy as the ship’s motto implies – You Never Quit».

Retired Vice Admiral Joseph Maguire speaks about the heroism of Michael Monsoor, namesake of the second destroyer in the Zumwalt class
Retired Vice Admiral Joseph Maguire speaks about the heroism of Michael Monsoor, namesake of the second destroyer in the Zumwalt class

On September 29, 2006 in Ar Ramadi, Iraq, Petty Officer Monsoor was part of a sniper overwatch security position with two other SEALs and several Iraqi Army soldiers when an insurgent closed in and threw a fragmentation grenade into the position. The grenade hit Monsoor in the chest before falling to the ground. Positioned next to the single exit, Monsoor was the only one who could have escaped harm. Instead he dropped onto the grenade, smothering it to protect his teammates. The grenade detonated as he came down on top of it, inflicting a mortal wound. Monsoor’s actions that day saved the lives of his two teammates and the accompanying Iraqi soldiers. His Medal of Honor citation reads, «by his undaunted courage, fighting spirit, and unwavering devotion to duty in the face of certain death, Petty Officer Monsoor gallantly gave his life for his country, thereby reflecting great credit upon himself and upholding the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service».

Sally Monsoor, mother of Michael Monsoor and sponsor of the ship named in his honor, christens the vessel on Saturday at General Dynamics Bath Iron Works in Maine
Sally Monsoor, mother of Michael Monsoor and sponsor of the ship named in his honor, christens the vessel on Saturday at General Dynamics Bath Iron Works in Maine

The future USS Michael Monsoor (DDG-1001) includes new technologies and will serve as a multi-mission platform capable of operating as an integral part of naval, joint or combined maritime forces. The ship features two advanced gun systems firing long-range, land-attack projectiles that reach up to 63 nautical miles/72.5 miles/116.7 km These guns will provide precision, high volume and persistent fire support to forces ashore with an approximate five-fold improvement in naval surface fire range. In addition, USS Michael Monsoor (DDG-1001) will be the second U.S. Navy surface combatant to employ an innovative and highly flexible Integrated Power System, providing potentially significant energy savings that are well-suited to enable future high energy weapons and sensors.

Construction on the future USS Michael Monsoor (DDG-1001) commenced in March 2010, with the keel laying ceremony held in May 2013. The Michael Monsoor is 610 feet/186 m long, with a displacement of approximately 15,761 long tonnes/16,014 metric tonnes when fully loaded.

Left to Right: Sara, Martha, Sally and Naomi Monsoor
Left to Right: Sara, Martha, Sally and Naomi Monsoor

 

Features unique to DDG 1000:

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

 

Ship Characteristics

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

 

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

 

Ships

Ship Laid down Launched Commissioned Homeport
USS Zumwalt (DDG-1000) 11-17-2011 10-28-2013
USS Michael Monsoor (DDG-1001) 05-23-2013  06-21-2016
USS Lyndon B. Johnson (DDG-1002)
The emblem of the USS Michael Monsoor (DDG-1001)
The emblem of the USS Michael Monsoor (DDG-1001)

 

Air Force

U2-Class Surveillance

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA‑ASI), a leading manufacturer of Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) systems, radars, and electro-optic and related mission systems solutions, on June 13 announced the successful flight tests of Predator C Avenger, equipped with a MS-177 Electro-Optical/Infrared (EO/IR) sensor manufactured by UTC Aerospace Systems.

Avenger is a highly advanced, next-generation Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA)
Avenger is a highly advanced, next-generation Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA)

MS-177, an advanced sensor in UTC’s SYERS family of sensors, is a key component that supports GA-ASI’s effort to equip Avenger with a long-range imaging capability. MS-177 is more technically advanced than the SYERS 2 flying on U-2 aircraft and also is significantly more affordable to manufacture. The sensor is a 7-band multi-spectral system that can be upgraded to a 10-band system to enhance target detection for maritime applications.

«Avenger and MS-177 deliver a game-changing capability that dramatically alters the Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) landscape», said Linden Blue, CEO, GA-ASI. «A MS-177-equipped Avenger provides a strategic ISR capability at a fraction of the cost of other ISR collecting platforms, offering high-resolution imagery from significant standoff ranges, thereby expanding the situational awareness of the warfighter greatly».

During government-funded testing, Avenger demonstrated its ability to collect high-resolution imagery of land-based and littoral objects with the MS-177 sensor at altitudes above 37,000 feet/11,277.6 m Mean Sea Level (MSL). A total of seven test flights occurred between January and February 2016 at Naval Air Weapons Station, China Lake, California.

GA-ASI plans to begin flight testing of an Improved Avenger in October 2016, which will further enhance the operational capabilities of the MS-177. With an increased wingspan of 76 feet/23 m, Improved Avenger will extend the aircraft’s already impressive endurance from 15 hours to 20 hours, thus increasing the utility of MS-177 over a longer period of time. Improved Avenger will provide an optimal balance of long loiter ISR and precision-strike capability, supporting a wide array of sensors and weapons payloads to perform high-speed, long-endurance, multi-mission ISR and ground support missions.

An extended range variant of Avenger will be available which will feature a 76-foot wingspan and increased fuel capacity that will increase the aircraft's endurance to 20 hours
An extended range variant of Avenger will be available which will feature a 76-foot wingspan and increased fuel capacity that will increase the aircraft’s endurance to 20 hours

 

Performance

Maximum Altitude 50,000 feet/15,240 m
Maximum Endurance 18 hours
Maximum Airspeed 400 KTAS/460 mph/740 km/h
Powerplant Pratt and Whitney PW545B turbofan engine
Thrust 4,800 pounds/2,177 kg

 

Air Force

Spy Satellite

A United Launch Alliance (ULA) Delta IV Heavy rocket carrying a payload for the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) lifted off from Space Launch Complex-37 June 11 at 1:51 p.m. EDT. The NROL-37 mission is in support of national defense.

A Delta IV Heavy lifts off carrying NROL-37 for the National Reconnaissance Office
A Delta IV Heavy lifts off carrying NROL-37 for the National Reconnaissance Office

«We are so honored to deliver the NROL-37 payload to orbit for the National Reconnaissance Office during today’s incredible launch», said Laura Maginnis, ULA vice president of Custom Services. «This was the ninth time ULA launched the Delta IV Heavy, the most powerful launch vehicle in existence today».

This mission was launched aboard a Delta IV Heavy configuration Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicle (EELV), which featured a center common booster core along with two strap-on common booster cores. The ULA Delta IV Heavy is currently the world’s largest rocket, providing the nation with reliable and proven heavy lift capability. Each common booster core was powered by an RS-68A liquid hydrogen/liquid oxygen engine producing 702,000 pounds/318,422 kg of thrust. A single RL10 liquid hydrogen/liquid oxygen engine powered the second stage. The booster and upper stage engines are both built by Aerojet Rocketdyne. ULA constructed the Delta IV Heavy launch vehicle in Decatur, Alabama.

«The team worked together through many challenges this flow including, overcoming the aftereffects of Tropical Storm Colin», said Maginnis. «We are proud of the outstanding teamwork between the ULA, NRO and Air Force partners to ensure mission success for this critical national security asset».

The Mobile Service Tower at Space Launch Complex-37 is rolled back in preparation for launch of the NROL-37 mission on a Delta IV Heavy rocket
The Mobile Service Tower at Space Launch Complex-37 is rolled back in preparation for launch of the NROL-37 mission on a Delta IV Heavy rocket

ULA’s next launch is the Atlas V MUOS-5 mission for the U.S. Navy and the U.S. Air Force. The launch is scheduled for June 24 from Space Launch Complex-41 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Florida.

The EELV program was established by the U.S. Air Force to provide assured access to space for Department of Defense and other government payloads. The commercially developed EELV program supports the full range of government mission requirements, while delivering on schedule and providing significant cost savings over the heritage launch systems.

With more than a century of combined heritage, United Launch Alliance is the nation’s most experienced and reliable launch service provider. ULA has successfully delivered more than 100 satellites to orbit that provide critical capabilities for troops in the field, aid meteorologists in tracking severe weather, enable personal device-based GPS navigation and unlock the mysteries of our solar system.

A United Launch Alliance (ULA) Delta IV rocket carrying the NROL-37 mission lifted off June 11, 2016, from Space Launch Complex-37 at 1:51 p.m. EDT

Navy

Keel for DeWolf

On June 9, 2016, at Irving Shipbuilding’s facility in Halifax, Rear Admiral John Newton, Commander Joint Task Force Atlantic and Commander Maritime Forces Atlantic (MARLANT), along with Kevin McCoy, President of Irving Shipbuilding, and Chief Petty Officer 1st Class Pierre Auger, MARLANT Formation Chief, attended a coin placement ceremony for the future Her Majesty’s Canadian Ship (HMCS) Harry DeWolf, the lead ship in the class.

Mr. Kevin McKoy, Co-Chief Executive Officer of Irving Shipbuilding; Mr. Carl Risser (46 years of service with Irving); Rear-Admiral Newton, Commander Maritime Forces Atlantic; Chief Petty Officer First Class Pierre Auger, Formation Chief Petty Officer
Mr. Kevin McKoy, Co-Chief Executive Officer of Irving Shipbuilding; Mr. Carl Risser (46 years of service with Irving); Rear-Admiral Newton, Commander Maritime Forces Atlantic; Chief Petty Officer First Class Pierre Auger, Formation Chief Petty Officer

The coin placement is a shipbuilder and naval tradition where a newly minted coin is placed on the ship’s structure to bring luck to the vessel and her crew for the life of the ship. The coin was placed by Carl Risser who, with 46 years of shipbuilding experience at Irving Shipbuilding, declared the keel as «well and truly laid». The ceremony was attended by representatives of the Arctic and Offshore Patrol Ships (AOPS) project office as well as Irving Shipbuilding employees, and marks another significant milestone in the ongoing construction of HMCS Harry DeWolf.

The Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) is eagerly anticipating the delivery of HMCS Harry DeWolf, the first of the Harry DeWolf-class AOPS, in 2018. The ship is named after Vice-Admiral Harry DeWolf, a widely-respected officer who served with distinction in the Second World War and later rose to be Chief of the Naval Staff in the late 1950s.

The Harry DeWolf Class will be capable of:

  • armed sea-borne surveillance of Canada’s waters, including the Arctic;
  • providing government situational awareness of activities and events in these regions;
  • cooperating with other partners in the Canadian Armed Forces and other government departments to assert and enforce Canadian sovereignty, when and where necessary.

The Harry DeWolf Class will provide the RCN with the ability to operate much further north on a sustained basis into the Canadian Arctic and will allow the RCN to continue, and indeed increase, its close Arctic collaboration with the Canadian Coast Guard, as well as other governmental departments and international allies, while continuing to build the RCN’s own Arctic sea-going competencies.

With their robust sealift and utility capability, the Harry DeWolf Class will also be extremely useful throughout the non-navigable Arctic seasons in carrying out a variety of missions and tasks such as humanitarian assistance, disaster relief, or support to remote communities wherever they may be operating.

Harry DeWolf-Class Arctic/Offshore Patrol Ship
Harry DeWolf-Class Arctic/Offshore Patrol Ship

The announced names of the Harry DeWolf-class ships to date are:

  • HMCS Harry DeWolf
  • HMCS Margaret Brooke
  • HMCS Max Bernays
  • HMCS William Hall
  • HMCS Frédérick Rolette
  • HMCS Robert Hampton Gray

 

Specifications

Displacement 6,440 tonnes
Length 338 feet/103 m
Beam 62.3 feet/19 m
Maximum speed 17 knots/19.5 mph/31 km/h
Cruising speed 14 knots/16 mph/26 km/h
Range at Cruising speed 6,800 NM/7,825 miles/12,593.6 km
Complement 65
International ice classification standard Polar Class 5
Be able to sustain operations up to 4 months
Remain operational 25 years beyond Initial Operational Capability (IOC)

 

Ground Forces

Eurosatory debut

Supacat’s all-new LRV400 Mk2 Light Reconnaissance Vehicle, designed as a high performance off-road vehicle for rapid intervention operations in harsh environments by special forces, border patrol or strike forces, is being launched onto the EMEA market at Eurosatory, 13-17 June 2016 in Paris.

Supacat’s LRV400 Mk 2 light reconnaissance vehicle makes Eurosatory debut
Supacat’s LRV400 Mk 2 light reconnaissance vehicle makes Eurosatory debut

LRV400 Mk2 will be displayed on the Supacat stand alongside its larger HMT 400 stablemate «Jackal», the vehicle chosen by the world’s elite special forces, most recently by Norway, and currently in production for Australia’s Redfin 1B programme.

LRV400 Mk2 is a highly versatile tactical capability for special forces; it can be transported inside a CH-47 Chinook fully equipped and loaded, making it immediately deployable. Also it has the unique feature of being convertible from 4×4 to 6×6 to provide a flexible alternative configuration that increases payload, capacity and range to meet different operational requirements.

«LRV400 Mk2 is the first reconnaissance vehicle to give the user the ability to deploy from a Chinook in full operational readiness. Coming from the Supacat stable, LRV400 offers a scaled down version of «Jackal» with its acclaimed all terrain tactical performance in all environments», said Phil Applegarth, Head of Supacat, part of the SC Group.

Supacat designed the LRV400 Mk2 to fill the gap in the market for an agile off-road vehicle sized between its HMT Series (Gross Vehicle Weight 7,600 kg/16,755 lbs) and quad bikes. It carries a crew of 3 or 4 supported by an operational payload of 1,700 kg/3,748 lbs with a GVW of 4,200 kg/9,259 lbs. It can achieve speeds of up to 100 mph/160 km/h and operate up to 800 km/497 miles from the point of insertion, offering special forces a true long range capability.

Having launched and proved the concept in 2012, Supacat evolved the design to develop the LRV400 Mk2. The significant design change is a move to a well-known, mass produced base automotive platform, adapted by Supacat for specialist military applications. The automotive platform delivers proven performance, reliability and cost efficiencies to the LRV 400 Mk2. In addition, the vehicle is International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) free and can be supported via the existing globally available spares network enhanced by Supacat’s established military vehicle through life support service.

The LRV400 Mk2 has been developed with a common user interface to its HMT «big brother» to maximise inter-operability and minimise training. A variety of lightweight armour solutions, weapons and communications systems can be fitted to meet each customer’s requirements offering a multi-role capability.

It has front and rear independent double wishbone air suspension offering variable ride height and lock out – bump stops for stable firing and high power to weight ratio. Powered by a V6 3.0 turbo diesel providing 256 bhp/191 kW and 600 Nm Torque, it has an 8 speed automatic transmission and high and low permanent Four-Wheel Drive (4WD) with centre diff lock. Cross-axle diff locks are also available as an option.

Ground Forces

Centauro Family

Eurosatory 2016 gave the Iveco-Oto Melara Consortium (CIO) the opportunity to display the latest and most innovative achievements in the field of armoured vehicles.

The Centauro having been the first 8x8 wheeled antitank vehicle in the world with a high-pressure gun
The Centauro having been the first 8×8 wheeled antitank vehicle in the world with a high-pressure gun

CIO presented in Paris its newly developed Centauro II, the latest evolution of the Centauro Family. The Centauro having been the first 8×8 wheeled antitank vehicle in the world with a high-pressure gun. The Centauro II represents the logical evolution, being armed with a third generation 120/45-mm gun, with integrated muzzle brake and semi-automatic loading system. The weapon system provides a fire power equivalent to that of most modern main battle tanks, and is capable of firing all latest generation 120-mm, NATO Armour-Piercing Fin-Stabilized Discarding-Sabot (APFSDS) and multi-role Multi-Purpose (MP) munitions.

To ensure unequalled mobility a new-generation engine, upgraded transmission, braking system and control electronics have been adopted. While maintaining the H-drive architecture, the Centauro family hallmark, the chassis was rearranged to further improve protection against mines and Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), state-of-the-art add-on ballistic packages fitted to the hull ensuring high level protection against kinetic energy and hollow charge projectiles. The same applies to the turret, which also follows the add-on armour kit concept.

Ammunition stored in the hull and in the turret are hosted in compartments separated from the crew section by explosion-proof doors, pre-carved panels and dedicated anti-explosion systems ensuring further crew safety. The Centauro II turret is fitted with latest generation optronics for the commander and gunner and with a suite of communications and command and control systems ensuring maximum situational awareness. The turret can be fitted with a Hitrole Light Remote Controlled Weapon Station (RCWS), that increases flexibility in other-than-war scenarios while ensuring maximum crew protection.

The Centauro AIFV/OWS 30 Freccia is fitted with the HITFIST OWS 30-mm turret
The Centauro AIFV/OWS 30 Freccia is fitted with the HITFIST OWS 30-mm turret

Another vehicle of the Centauro family on display is the Centauro Armored Infantry Fighting Vehicle (AIFV)/ Overhead Weapons Station (OWS) 30 Freccia, which combines the proven and highly reliable drive train of the Centauro Family with a hull designed to ensure maximum crew survivability. It has outstanding tactical mobility thanks to its powerful engine driving an automatic gearbox and enhanced by 3-axle steering. The overhead version is fitted with the HITFIST OWS 30-mm turret, a remotely operated weapon station developed with the latest technologies in the field of electronics, signature and Man Machine Interface. The main armament consists of the 30-mm chain gun, electrically controlled in elevation, traversing and firing operations.

The Centauro Veicolo Blindato Medio (VBM) Mortar Carrier shares the characteristics of mobility and versatility typical of the Centauro family. Its platform is fitted with a 120-mm rifled mortar that offers many advantages in terms of precision, range, operativeness and ergonomy thanks to its semi-automatic loading system. The system is operated by electro – hydraulic servo system for traverse and elevation of the mortar.

The vehicle with its weapon system on board can be rapidly deployed in complex security conditions thus providing effective support to combat units. The Command, Control and Communication system (C3) installed together with a Command and Control System (C2) for Artillery allow a deep integration of this platform in the net-centric scenario.

The Centauro VBM Mortar Carrier is fitted with a 120-mm rifled mortar
The Centauro VBM Mortar Carrier is fitted with a 120-mm rifled mortar
Navy

Maury Sets Sail

The Navy’s newest oceanographic survey vessel, USNS Maury (T-AGS 66), recently completed its maiden voyage from Pascagoula, Mississippi, where it was constructed at VT Halter Marine, to Port Everglades near Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

Ed Gent, Naval Oceanographic Office engineer, greets Rear Admiral Timothy Gallaudet, commander of the Naval Meteorology and Oceanography Command and Oceanographer and Navigator of the U.S. Navy, as Gallaudet boards USNS Maury (T-AGS 66), the Navy's newest oceanographic survey ship. The Naval Oceanographic Office, under the operational command of the Naval Meteorology and Oceanography Command, uses the ship to collect oceanographic data for U.S. Navy operations
Ed Gent, Naval Oceanographic Office engineer, greets Rear Admiral Timothy Gallaudet, commander of the Naval Meteorology and Oceanography Command and Oceanographer and Navigator of the U.S. Navy, as Gallaudet boards USNS Maury (T-AGS 66), the Navy’s newest oceanographic survey ship. The Naval Oceanographic Office, under the operational command of the Naval Meteorology and Oceanography Command, uses the ship to collect oceanographic data for U.S. Navy operations

In Maury’s first days at sea, the civilian survey detachment from the Naval Oceanographic Office (NAVOCEANO) aboard performed initial testing of routine over-the-side operations as well as testing equipment unique to the ship, including underwater cameras which will be used for Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV) launch and recovery in the future.

The survey detachment and ship’s crew also held a wreath-laying ceremony to commemorate the Battle of Midway during the ship’s first few days underway.

«USNS Maury is more than a simple addition to the existing fleet of T-AGS vessels; in the coming years, her unique capabilities will provide our surveyors the opportunity to support the warfighter using the latest and greatest technology, and ultimately lay the foundation for the next class of survey vessels», said NAVOCEANO Executive Officer, Captain Nick Vincent.

USNS Maury (T-AGS 66), named for Commander Matthew Fontaine Maury, known as the «Pathfinder of the Seas» and father of modern oceanography, is the last of the Pathfinder-class oceanographic survey ships and is paving the way for a new class of ships better equipped to support AUV survey operations. The ship is 353-feet-long/107.6-meter-long, 24 feet/7.3 m longer than the previous T-AGS design to accommodate a moon pool used for launch and recovery of AUVs and other oceanographic systems.

USNS Maury (T-AGS 66) is operated by Military Sealift Command and is technically controlled by NAVOCEANO for Commander, Naval Meteorology and Oceanography Command based at Stennis Space Center in southern Mississippi.

NAVOCEANO, comprised of approximately 800 military, civilian and contractor personnel, uses a variety of platforms – including ships, aircraft, satellite sensors, buoys and Unmanned Underwater Vehicles – to collect oceanographic and hydrographic data from the world’s oceans.

Ground Forces

Bomb Disposal Robot

The U.S. Navy and Northrop Grumman Corporation have successfully completed the Critical Design Review (CDR) for increment one of the Advanced Explosive Ordnance Disposal Robotic System (AEODRS) program.

Northrop Grumman, US Navy Complete Critical Design Review for Bomb Disposal Robot Program
Northrop Grumman, US Navy Complete Critical Design Review for Bomb Disposal Robot Program

AEODRS increment one is the dismounted operations system designed for Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) reconnaissance and threat assessment. The CDR provided an in-depth assessment, by a government team of experts, managers and U.S. Navy and Marine Corps users, that the final design for the AEODRS dismounted operations variant is programmatically and technically realistic and achievable. The successful review determined the detailed design satisfies cost, schedule and mission performance requirements and demonstrates the maturity for proceeding with system fabrication, assembly, integration and test.

«The successful CDR so soon after contract award clearly shows the commitment of the Navy and Northrop Grumman team to fill this key gap for EOD robotic operations», said Dan Verwiel, vice president and general manager, missile defense and protective systems division, Northrop Grumman Mission Systems. «We will continue our close collaboration with the Navy and user communities to ensure the delivery of a quality system that meets Navy requirements».

The AEODRS program will create a family of unmanned ground vehicle systems with a high degree of interoperability for rapid integration of new technologies. The «back-packable» increment one system weighs less than 35 pounds/15.9 kg and comprises the handheld operator control unit, communications link, mobility capability module, master capability module, power capability module, manipulator capability module, end effector capability module, visual sensors capability module, autonomous behaviors capability module and other minor components.

Naval Sea Systems Command awarded AEODRS increment one on August 31, 2015 to the Northrop Grumman team that includes Bokam Engineering, Carnegie Robotics, Harris Corporation, Hunter Defense Technologies, Neya Systems, QinetiQ North America, and Telefactor Robotics. Northrop Grumman’s offering uses a modular, open systems approach that allows the robot to be quickly adapted for a variety of mission scenarios.

Navy

Multi-Role
Auxiliary Vessels

On 8 June 2016, during the Oceanographic Survey Vessel Conference in London, Damen Shipyards Group announced the introduction of a new range of Multi-Role Auxiliary Vessels (MRAV). The common theme running through the series is the provision of a basic platform offering reliable and cost-effective multi-role potential and hydrographic survey capabilities to naval clients.

Damen Multi-Role Auxiliary Vessel Series
Damen Multi-Role Auxiliary Vessel Series

With the addition of supplementary modular mission equipment, this new family of Damen vessels can be mobilized in numerous, mainly littoral, naval tasks such as: explosive ordnance clearance and disposal, diving operations, torpedo recovery and overhaul, Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) and Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) deployment, Search and Rescue (SAR), coastal infantry and submarine support. The largest version of the range will be able to operate worldwide, on the ocean as well as in littoral waters. This ship has additional capabilities such as disaster and humanitarian relief, oceanography and naval training support.

The introduction of flexible concepts which allow as many functions as possible to be included into a range of smaller vessels without reducing the effectiveness and capacity of the fleet while maintaining the benefits of modularity; this is Damen’s ambition with this new family of vessels. «To this end, plug-and-play containerized kit for many support tasks contribute considerable adaptability to a particular mission», explains Damen Shipyards Gorinchem’s Principal Naval Advisor Jan van der Burg, a retired Vice Admiral of the Royal Netherlands Navy.

 

One platform – multiple tasks

The idea behind these vessels is to create a basic platform that can assist in a variety of tasks through the selection of the required mission configuration, e.g. coastal transport, submarine support or coastal infantry operations. The stimulus to switch from the traditional one-to-one replacement is to lower the total cost of ownership without losing capability and capacity.

The new range of vessels consists of three different designs: the MRAV 660, MRAV 1600 and MRAV 3600. Designed for different geographic profiles, these vessels are respectively 43, 62 and 85 meters long. Hydrographic capabilities, to map the seabed for safe navigation and as a preparatory action for military operations in particular, are indispensable to navies worldwide. Depending on a naval client’s specific requirements, any type of hydrographic equipment can be integrated into these three vessels.

 

Minimal draught

With a draught of 1.9 meters, the MRAV 660 is suited for very shallow coastal, riverine and inland water operations. In addition to shallow water hydrographic surveys, this vessel is capable of a comprehensive array of duties such as diving operations, EOCD support, ROV and UAV deployment, with a core crew of 8 and capacity for an additional 15 specialists.

Damen Multi-Role Auxiliary Vessel 660
Damen Multi-Role Auxiliary Vessel 660

«Damen has built up a lot of knowledge on shallow draught ship design – this is the reason we strived towards a shallow draught hull for the MRAV 660 with full confidence. The expertise of our Research Department, combined with input from our Workboats Product Group contributed to a design based upon tested design solutions», notes Damen Design and Proposal Engineer Tim Viveen. «The key points are to maximize displacement, minimize resistance and optimize seakeeping characteristics for the area in which the ship will operate. The MRAV 660 has design characteristics that help achieve this: an aluminium superstructure and reduced freeboard section cut down on weight. And tunnel ducts on the underside of the hull ensure enough water reaches the propellers».

 

Additional roles

The MRAV 1600 is designed for littoral and regional offshore operations. Its larger size allows for greater endurance and carrying capacity of both crew, mission modules and cargo. The vessel will be manned by a core crew of 13, with capacity for an additional 30 mission specialists. The main deck can hold six standard 20-foot mission containers and the below-deck cargo hold can store two 20-foot containers and palletized cargo.

Damen Multi-Role Auxiliary Vessel 1600
Damen Multi-Role Auxiliary Vessel 1600

This medium-sized vessel can take on similar hydrographic and auxiliary duties to its smaller sister vessel, with the addition of torpedo recovery and overhaul tasks in support of submarines and anti-submarine warfare units. Small scale coastal transport and infantry support is also possible.

 

Global coverage

Intended for worldwide service, the capacity of the largest vessel in the range – the MRAV 3600 – allows for more than one specific mission during a deployment. Capable of hydrographic operations both in littoral and deeper waters, this vessel also has a helideck and substantial storage capacity for other mission configurations, equipment and cargo. Furthermore, the MRAV 3600 can serve as a base for more extensive operations such as disaster and humanitarian relief. There is accommodation for 14 core and 45 additional mission crew and enough space on board to provide emergency hospital services for 50 to 60 people.

Damen Multi-Role Auxiliary Vessel 3600
Damen Multi-Role Auxiliary Vessel 3600

 

Advantages of modularity

One of Damen’s key aims with this new range of vessels is to reduce the pressure on a navy’s human and financial resources. The modularity of the mission modules also plays a major part in reducing this pressure: «We achieved this by combining the capabilities of specialized ships into one ship by using these add-on equipment modules – these can be fitted inside standard 10-, 20- or 40-foot containers or have the footprint of a standard container», states Damen Design and Proposal Manager Piet van Rooij. «When operating multiple ships of the same family and design, the efficiency of training, crew exchangeability and maintenance programmes are improved».

 

Cost results

A modular platform is inherently flexible: this allows naval clients to better react to changes in the mission environment. Modularity also has implications on the total cost of ownership: the lifetime of an individual vessel can be efficiently extended by upgrading capabilities with new equipment modules that are not integrated into the original design.

Financial advantages are to be found in the fact that the MRAV range is commercially built and also uses commercially available components. This is made possible because of the vessels’ non-combatant role. Mr. Van Rooij: «Using commercial off-the-shelf equipment reduces the total cost of ownership without reducing the quality of the equipment».

 

Complementary design

The ship design itself has a proven background: «Damen has built many ships similar to the MRAV range for the offshore industry. This means that there will not be any unwanted surprises for the first customer of this new range».

Damen has a rich naval shipbuilding heritage; one that goes back more than a century. The new Multi-Role Auxiliary Vessel range serves to expand the company’s naval portfolio that includes larger vessels such as frigates, corvettes, LPDs, AORs and OPVs. «These new MRAV designs are complementary to the range of ships that Damen already offers for the defence and security markets», concludes Mr. Van Rooij. «We are currently at the stage of finalized conceptual design. Considering the next step, being more detailed engineering while taking advantage of COTS equipment and tested designs, we are confident that the actual construction can be swiftly accomplished, with excellent quality and reliability».