Monthly Archives: January 2019

Air Force

First Two KC-46A

The first two Boeing KC-46 Pegasus aircraft departed Everett’s Paine Field this morning for McConnell Air Force Base (AFB), where the 22nd Air Refueling Wing (22 ARW) will be the first unit to have the world’s newest air refueling tankers.

The first two Boeing KC-46A Pegasus tankers departs Everett, Washington for McConnell Air Force Base, Kansas. These aircraft, the first delivered by the program, will join the U.S. Air Force 22nd Air Refueling Wing (Boeing photo)
The first two Boeing KC-46A Pegasus tankers departs Everett, Washington for McConnell Air Force Base, Kansas. These aircraft, the first delivered by the program, will join the U.S. Air Force 22nd Air Refueling Wing (Boeing photo)

McConnell, in Wichita, Kansas, will receive two more tankers in the weeks ahead. Then Oklahoma’s Altus Air Force Base will receive four planes to support aircrew training.

The Air Force will soon begin evaluating the Boeing KC-46’s systems in operationally realistic scenarios, which is required before the aircraft can be used in combat. It will also continue validating the Boeing KC-46’s refueling capabilities, with aircraft including the Northrop Grumman B-2 Spirit bomber, Lockheed C-5 Galaxy cargo plane, and Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II fighter. Prior testing involved the Boeing B-52 Stratofortress bomber, Boeing C-17 Globemaster III cargo plane, and McDonnell Douglas F-15E Strike Eagle and McDonnell Douglas F/A-18 Hornet fighters, among others.

 

General Characteristics

Primary Function Aerial refueling and airlift
Prime Contractor The Boeing Company
Power Plant 2 × Pratt & Whitney 4062
Thrust 62,000 lbs./275.790 kN/28,123 kgf – Thrust per High-Bypass engine (sea-level standard day)
Wingspan 157 feet, 8 inches/48.1 m
Length 165 feet, 6 inches/50.5 m
Height 52 feet, 10 inches/15.9 m
Maximum Take-Off Weight (MTOW) 415,000 lbs./188,240 kg
Maximum Landing Weight 310,000 lbs./140,614 kg
Fuel Capacity 212,299 lbs./96,297 kg
Maximum Transfer Fuel Load 207,672 lbs./94,198 kg
Maximum Cargo Capacity 65,000 lbs./29,484 kg
Maximum Airspeed 360 KCAS (Knots Calibrated AirSpeed)/0.86 M/414 mph/667 km/h
Service Ceiling 43,100 feet/13,137 m
Maximum Distance 7,299 NM/8,400 miles/13,518 km
Pallet Positions 18 pallet positions
Air Crew 15 permanent seats for aircrew, including aeromedical evacuation aircrew
Passengers 58 total (normal operations); up to 114 total (contingency operations)
Aeromedical Evacuation 58 patients (24 litters/34 ambulatory) with the AE Patient Support Pallet configuration; 6 integral litters carried as part of normal aircraft configuration equipment

 

Air

Optimal cruise speed

The Bell V-280 Valor successfully achieved its namesake optimal cruise speed of 280 knots/322 mph/519 km/h on Wednesday, 23 January 2019 at our Flight Research Center in Arlington, Texas.

Bell V-280 Valor achieves key milestone: forward flight at 280 knots/322 mph/519 km/h
Bell V-280 Valor achieves key milestone: forward flight at 280 knots/322 mph/519 km/h

Building on a full year’s worth of testing and more than 85 hours of flight time, Bell’s V-280 Valor reached its namesake cruising speed of 280 knots/322 mph/519 km/h true airspeed.

Bell and Team Valor continue to methodically and very successfully expand the flight envelope. The aircraft continues to prove its performance is well beyond legacy rotorcraft and will deliver revolutionary capability for warfighters as part of the Future of Vertical Lift (FVL) program.

«It is a remarkable achievement to hit this airspeed for the V-280 Valor in just over a year of flight testing. Beyond the exemplary speed and agility of this aircraft, this significant milestone is yet another proof point that the V-280 is mature technology, and the future is now for FVL capability set 3», said Keith Flail, vice president of Advanced Vertical Lift Systems at Bell.

Purpose-built to conduct long range assault at twice the speed and range of existing medium lift helicopters, the V-280’s technical maturity demonstrates that close collaboration between government and industry can deliver transformational capabilities in a rapid and sustainable process.

«Cruising at twice the speed of legacy helicopters, with double the range, really changes the way the U.S. military can enable multi-domain operations. By eliminating forward refueling points alone, leaders can focus on operational goals while minimizing logistical burdens», said Ryan Ehinger, V-280 program manager at Bell.

Additionally, Bell’s digital design and design-as-built methodology for the V-280 focused on creating a sustainable and affordable aircraft. The team took great care to simplify designs and advance technology readiness to inform requirements for FVL CS3.

As the program moves into 2019, V-280 flight testing will continue to prove out Bell’s key performance parameters and reduce FVL risk in the U.S. Army led Joint Multi-Role Technology Demonstrator (JMR-TD) program. The next stages will expand the performance envelope highlighting further low-speed agility maneuvers, angles of bank and autonomous flight.

These milestones continue to demonstrate that the V-280 Valor is ready and that the Future of Vertical Lift is now.

The latest flight statistics include:

  • Forward flight at 280 knots/322 mph/519 km/h true airspeed;
  • Over 85 hours of flight and more than 180 rotor turn hours;
  • In-flight transitions between cruise mode and vertical takeoff and landing;
  • 45-degree banked turns at 200 knots/230 mph/370 km/h indicated airspeed;
  • 4500 feet/1,372 m per minute rate of climb and sustained flight at 11,500 feet/3,505 m altitude;
  • Single flight ferry of over 370 miles/595.5 km;
  • Demonstrated low and high-speed agility with fly-by-wire controls.
Navy

Electronic Warfare

Northrop Grumman Corporation has received authorization to proceed with Low Rate Initial Production (LRIP) of Surface Electronic Warfare Improvement Program (SEWIP) Block 3 systems following a successful Milestone C decision for the SEWIP Block 3 AN/SLQ-32(V)7 program.

Northrop Grumman has continued to invest in advanced capabilities in Electromagnetic Maneuver Warfare (EMW). With the U.S. Navy elevating the electromagnetic spectrum as a warfighting domain, SEWIP Block 3 is the cornerstone capability that will meet the urgent operational needs of the Fleet
Northrop Grumman has continued to invest in advanced capabilities in Electromagnetic Maneuver Warfare (EMW). With the U.S. Navy elevating the electromagnetic spectrum as a warfighting domain, SEWIP Block 3 is the cornerstone capability that will meet the urgent operational needs of the Fleet

Milestone C is a government led review to assess a program’s performance and readiness to enter the production and deployment phase. The successful Milestone C decision for SEWIP Block 3 recognizes the accomplishments of the Northrop Grumman and U.S. Navy team in demonstrating the capability of this groundbreaking Electronic Warfare (EW) capability.

«Milestone C approval and the start of LRIP are significant milestones for the SEWIP Block 3 program», said Captain Seiko Okano, the Navy’s Major Program Manager of Above Water Sensors. «SEWIP Block 3 is a critical capability that the Fleet needed yesterday to pace the evolving anti-ship cruise missile threat. We must continue to push to deliver this critical electronic warfare improvement to the Fleet on schedule and cost».

SEWIP Block 3 is the third in a series of block upgrades of the AN/SLQ-32 Electronic Warfare system which provides Electronic Attack (EA) capability improvements required to pace the evolving anti-ship missile threat. Northrop Grumman has provided electronic warfare expertise to the legacy AN/SLQ-32 EW system for over four decades. With the U.S. Navy elevating the electromagnetic spectrum as a warfighting domain, SEWIP Block 3 is a cornerstone capability that will meet the urgent operational needs of the U.S. Navy in that domain. SEWIP Block 3 provides game changing improved capability for non-kinetic electronic attack options.

«I am very proud of the entire team in achieving this significant engineering milestone despite the complexities of pursuing such a demanding technological goal», said Ingrid Vaughan, vice president and general manager, navigation & maritime systems division, Northrop Grumman Mission Systems. «The relentless commitment of the U.S. Navy Program Executive Office Integrated Warfare Systems (PEO IWS) and Northrop Grumman team in developing this revolutionary electronic attack capability will dramatically assist our Fleet in pacing 21st century threats».

Air, Unmanned Systems

Brimstone and Protector

MBDA has received a contract for the integration of its Brimstone high-precision strike missile onto the Royal Air Force’s (RAF) Protector RG Mk1 remotely piloted aircraft developed and manufactured by General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI).

The Protector RG Mk1 can carry three lightweight Brimstones per weapon station, and so offers a much higher loadout than the Reaper platform it will replace
The Protector RG Mk1 can carry three lightweight Brimstones per weapon station, and so offers a much higher loadout than the Reaper platform it will replace

Brimstone and Protector RG Mk1 will provide key new capabilities to the Royal Air Force’s Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition, and Reconnaissance (ISTAR) force, enabling them to engage high-speed moving and manoeuvring targets (including maritime fast attack craft for the first time). The Protector RG Mk1 can carry three lightweight Brimstones per weapon station, and so offers a much higher loadout than the Reaper platform it will replace.

Integration of Brimstone onto Protector RG Mk1 (which is the weaponised version of MQ-9B SkyGuardian) follows a series of successful firing trials of Brimstone from the Reaper/Predator B aircraft in the United States that demonstrated the advancement in performance that Brimstone offers. Brimstone integration will be completed in time for the entry to service of the aircraft with the RAF.

James Allibone, MBDA’s UK Sales Director, said: «Protector RG Mk1 is the third UK air platform to benefit from the unmatched capabilities of the Brimstone missile, providing UK Armed Forces with vital operational advantages and sovereign defence capabilities. Brimstone is unique in its ability to be carried by platforms in all domains, land, sea and air, providing a common weapon that delivers both operational and cost benefits. Commonality is a key part of all MBDA’s latest systems, and is a major contributor to the £1.7 billion in savings that the partnership approach between the UK MoD and MBDA has generated».

Earlier in 2018, the United Kingdom Ministry of Defence (UK MoD) announced a £400 million contract with MBDA for the Capability Sustainment Programme (CSP) of Brimstone missile, to build new missiles and extend this missile’s service life beyond 2030.

 

CHARACTERISTICS

Weight 50 kg/110.2 lbs.
Length 1.8 m/5.9 feet
Diameter 180 mm/7 inch

 

Navy

Michael Monsoor

The U.S. Navy commissioned its newest destroyer, USS Michael Monsoor (DDG-1001), Saturday, January 26 during a 10 a.m. (PST) ceremony at Naval Air Station (NAS) North Island, San Diego, California, where the ship will be homeported.

USS Michael Monsoor (DDG-1001) commissioning ceremony
USS Michael Monsoor (DDG-1001) commissioning ceremony

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, who was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for his heroic actions in Ramadi, Iraq, September 29, 2006.

Scott Peters, U.S. Representative from California’s 52nd District, delivered the commissioning ceremony’s principal address. Sally Monsoor, Petty Officer Monsoor’s mother, served as the ship’s sponsor. The ceremony was highlighted by a time-honored Navy tradition when Mrs. Monsoor gives the first order to «man our ship and bring her to life»!

«USS Michael Monsoor is one of the most capable warfighting assets our nation has to offer», said Secretary of the Navy Richard V. Spencer. «This ship will provide independent forward presence and deterrence for decades to come and I am confident the crew will operate this vessel with the level of expertise, courage, and strength needed to overcome any challenge».

On September 29, 2006, in Ar Ramadi, Iraq, 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 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».

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 Zumwalt-class fields a considerably larger flight deck and has capacity for two MH-60R and three Vertical Take-off and landing tactical Unmanned Air Vehicles (VTUAVs) to execute a wider array of surface, aviation, and undersea missions that deliver more manpower, firepower, and computing power to the fight. The future USS Michael Monsoor’s Vertical Launch System (VLS) features cells physically larger than similar cells on today’s ships, allowing this class to fire larger and more advanced land and anti-ship missiles in the future.

The Navy's next generation destroyer, the future USS Michael Monsoor (DDG-1001), successfully completed acceptance. The U.S. Navy's Board of Inspection and Survey reviewed the ship and its crew during a series of demonstrations both pier side and underway, evaluating the ship's construction and compliance with Navy specifications (U.S. Navy photo courtesy of Bath Iron Works/Released)
The Navy’s next generation destroyer, the future USS Michael Monsoor (DDG-1001), successfully completed acceptance. The U.S. Navy’s Board of Inspection and Survey reviewed the ship and its crew during a series of demonstrations both pier side and underway, evaluating the ship’s construction and compliance with Navy specifications (U.S. Navy photo courtesy of Bath Iron Works/Released)
Navy

Spanish Furor

Navantia on Monday, January 21 handed over the Furor (P-46) Buque de Acción Marítima (maritime action ship) to the Spanish Navy at the Ferrol Shipyard. It is the sixth ship of this class built by the company.

Navantia Delivers BAM Furor (P-46) to the Spanish Navy
Navantia Delivers BAM Furor (P-46) to the Spanish Navy

The event was chaired by the Minister of Defense, Margarita Robles, and by the President of the Galicia regional government, Alberto Núñez Feijoo, who were hosted by the president of Navantia, Susana de Sarriá.

The Minister of Defense, Margarita Robles, announced that the implementation order to build the new F-110 frigates that Navantia will build in the shipyards of the Ferrol estuary may be ready in the month of April. The Council of Ministers in December approved an investment plan that will enable the construction, over a period of ten years, of five frigates with a budget of 4,325 million euros.

«This will allow a major modernization of the Navy», said the minister, who highlighted that the advanced technology means the Navy’s future ships will «almost look like space vessels».

Robles estimated that the investment of more than 4,000 million euros will generate 8,000 jobs «with high qualification and projection over time», and added that that the project represents «an important investment in innovation and technology».

 

Versatility and high performance

The BAM-class ships are modern, advanced technology vessels of moderate size, providing high performance, great versatility in terms of missions, and a high level of interaction with other Navy ships, with reduced acquisition and life-cycle costs.

They incorporate all the latest measures in terms of MARPOL regulations on the environment, such as the new propulsion, auxiliary and emergency engines, as well as the TAR plant for wastewater treatment.

Likewise, they have improvements aimed at reducing the weight, new equipment, adaptation for a greater allocation and the application of updated regulations on prevention and operational safety.

Their main missions are:

  • Protection and escort of other vessels;
  • Control of maritime traffic;
  • Control and neutralization of terrorist and piracy actions;
  • Operations against drug and human trafficking;
  • Rescue operations;
  • Support for crisis situations and humanitarian aid;
  • Control of fisheries legislation;
  • Control of environmental legislation and anti-pollution.
Air Force

Bell helicopters

Bell announced that PT Dirgantara Indonesia (PTDI), has signed a purchase agreement with the Indonesian Army for nine Bell 412EPI helicopters.

Indonesian Army selects nine Bell 412EPI helicopters to fleet
Indonesian Army selects nine Bell 412EPI helicopters to fleet

Under the contract, Bell will deliver the nine helicopters to PTDI, who will then perform customization work before final delivery to the Indonesian Army. In 2016, Bell and PTDI signed an expanded Industrial and Commercial Agreement which enabled the two companies to expand their support and services in Indonesia to Bell helicopter operators.

Bell has been present in Indonesia for more than 50 years with an estimated 110 aircraft currently in operation. Bell’s presence in Indonesia includes a Bell-authorized service facility, a certified maintenance facility and dedicated customer service engineers located in Jakarta.

 

Specifications

SPEEDS AT MAX GROSS WT
Velocity to Never Exceed (VNE) 140 knots/161 mph/259 km/h
Maximum Cruise 122 knots/140 mph/226 km/h
Range at Long Range Cruise Speed (VLRC) 363 NM/418 miles/672 km
Max Endurance 3.8 hrs
CAPACITIES
Standard Seating 1 + 14
Maximum Seating 1 + 14
Standard Fuel 331 US gal/1,251 litres
Auxiliary Fuel (Optional) 33 or 163 US gal/123 or 617 liters
Cabin Volume 220 feet³/6.2 m³
Aft (Baggage) Compartment Volume 28 feet³/0.8 m³
WEIGHTS
Empty Weight (IFR Standard Configuration) 7,071 lbs./3,207 kg
Maximum Gross Weight (Internal) 11,900 lbs./5,398 kg
Maximum Gross Weight (Internal, Optional) 12,200 lbs./5,534 kg
Useful Load (Internal, IFR Standard Configuration) 4,829 lbs./2,190 kg
Useful Load (Internal, Optional, IFR standard configuration) 5,129 lbs./2,190 kg
Cargo Hook Capacity 4,500 lbs./2,041 kg

 

Air Force

Maiden flight

According to Kelvin Wong, Jane’s International Defence Review correspondent, Zhong Tian Guide Control Technology Company (ZT Guide), a Xi’an-based manufacturer of electronic and industrial equipment, announced on 20 January that it has successfully completed the maiden flight of its Fei Long-1 (Flying Dragon-1 or FL-1) Medium-Altitude Long-Endurance Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (MALE UAV).

The Fei Long-1 medium-altitude long-endurance unmanned aerial vehicle made its public debut in November 2018 (Source: IHS Markit/Kelvin Wong)
The Fei Long-1 medium-altitude long-endurance unmanned aerial vehicle made its public debut in November 2018 (Source: IHS Markit/Kelvin Wong)

The prototype FL-1 – which was first unveiled at the Airshow China 2018 exhibition in Zhuhai and called the «Large Payload Long Endurance Universal Unmanned Transportation Platform» – was launched from Pucheng Neifu Airport near Xi’an following 18 months of Research and Development (R&D) work by ZT Guide’s Zhong Tian Fei Long subsidiary, the company said in its statement.

According to official specifications the FL-1 has a Maximum Take-Off Weight (MTOW) of 3,200 kg/7,055 lbs. with a payload capacity of 1,400 kg/3,086.5 lbs. inclusive of fuel. Two hardpoints can be mounted under each wing, with each hardpoint capable of carrying up to 250 kg/551 lbs. of stores.

The FL-1 bears a strong physical resemblance to the 3,300 kg/7,275 lbs.-class Cai Hong-5 (Rainbow-5 or CH-5) MALE UAVs manufactured by the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC). It has an aerodynamically shaped fuselage that measures about 10 m/32.8 feet long and features a bulged nose section and retractable tricycle undercarriage, mid-mounted wings that are approximately 20 m/65.6 feet in span, and a V-shaped tail assembly incorporating a pair of fins and rudders.

Both air vehicles are also equipped with a ventral Electro-Optical/InfraRed (EO/IR) turret, although the FL-1 features pronounced wing root fairings, which offer some visual distinction from the CH-5.

The air vehicle is powered by a rear-mounted heavy fuel engine of an undisclosed type with a dorsal intake. This engine drives a three-bladed pusher propeller, which enables the vehicle to cruise at speeds of up to 240 km/h/149 mph/130 knots at altitudes of 16,404-19,685 feet/5,000-6,000 m and attain an operating ceiling of 26,246 feet/8,000 m.

Air Force

NG helmet

The Air Force Life Cycle Management Center’s (AFLCMC) Human Systems Division working with members of the Advanced Tactical Acquisition Corps or ATAC, one of the center’s premier leadership development programs, are in the early stages of acquiring the next generation helmet for aircrews in fixed-wing aircraft with the exception of the F-35 Lightning II.

A helmet sits turned on at a booth during AFWERX Helmet Challenge at the Enclave Las Vegas, Nevada, November 14, 2018. The purpose of AFWERX Las Vegas is to solve problems for the Air Force by getting entrepreneurs and innovators to come together to brain storm ideas (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Bryan T. Guthrie)
A helmet sits turned on at a booth during AFWERX Helmet Challenge at the Enclave Las Vegas, Nevada, November 14, 2018. The purpose of AFWERX Las Vegas is to solve problems for the Air Force by getting entrepreneurs and innovators to come together to brain storm ideas (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Bryan T. Guthrie)

Recently, with recommendations from ATAC, the Human Systems Division awarded $600,000 in grants via AFWERX Vegas to three companies to develop and present prototypes for the helmet by the end of May 2019.

The team worked closely with AFWERX Vegas, an Air Force innovation hub specializing in engaging entrepreneurs and private sector vendors, to identify the pool of companies that could potentially develop the new helmet faster, more efficiently and with cutting edge technology.

Replacing legacy helmets on fixed-wing aircraft has become a priority in part because over time new requirements have added sub-systems, and devices, that the helmets were not originally designed for.

«It (legacy helmet) is a 1980’s designed helmet that was not made to withstand and balance everything – technology – that we are putting on them», said 1st Lieutenant Naomi Harper, a program manager with the Human Systems Division. «If the weight is off, the center of gravity is completely off, which can cause neck issues and pain. Our goal is to find a helmet that is lighter, has more stability and is compatible fixed-winged aircraft and equipment».

Michael DeRespinis, program manager with the Human Systems Division said that working with AFWERX has been beneficial in that it has helped increase competition to replace the helmet and is facilitating the rapid delivery of prototypes.

DeRespinis also said that the division would like to select one of the prototypes and put that company on contract by September 2019 for further development activity and future production.

Because of AFWERX Vegas, a process that in the past would have taken years to complete, will now only take months, which in turn will allow the Human Systems Division to field the helmets to aircrews faster.

The ATAC team comprised of a group of competitively selected mid-level military and civilian acquisition professionals from across AFLCMC, the Air Force Research Laboratory and the Space and Missile Systems Center, are focused not only on supporting the Human Systems Division during this process, but also on figuring out the best way to transition technology.

«Innovation hubs like AFWERX are starting to spin up around the Air Force», said Adam Vencill, a member of ATAC and a program manager by trade. «A challenge the Air Force has is getting products on contract that comes out of these hubs. We (ATAC members) were tasked to create a business model that helps that transition process».

Nicole Barnes, ATAC contract specialist and member said that working with AFWERX, the Human Systems Division and being part of a rapid acquisition process has been rewarding. She added that the ATAC program is an example of leadership’s commitment to the workforce and to positive change.

Navy

Corvette for SA Navy

On January 15, Navantia has initiated, in San Fernando shipyard, the construction of the first corvette for the Saudi Arabia Navy. The event has consisted of the cut of the first plate of the ship, belonging to the block 401, dimensions of 12 × 2,4 meters, a thickness of 7 millimeters and a weight of 1254 kilos.

Navantia initiates the construction of the first corvette for Saudi Arabia
Navantia initiates the construction of the first corvette for Saudi Arabia

The event has been preceded by a presentation of the program by the Program Manager, counting with the attendance of delegations of the navies of Spain and Saudi Arabia, headed by the second Chief of Navy, Admiral Jose Luis Urcelay and Rear-admiral Fahad Ali Alfuraidan, respectively.

The CEO of Navantia, Susana de Sarriá, highlighted that «it is a strategic program for Navantia, that stimulates the economic activity and the employment and positions us internationally as a company that contributes to the Security and Defense. In addition, it places in the shop window a ship of high capacities that can satisfy the needs of other potential clients in this region of the world and other points of interest».

Also, she launched positive message to the workers, emphasizing that «we are going to increase furthermore our already very relevant social contribution as impellers of the creation of quality employment for Cadiz and Spanish industry».

The contract strengthens the immediate future of NAVANTIA, with benefits for all the shipyards of the company and its auxiliary industry, especially, to the whole Bay of Cadiz. Concretely, a workforce of about seven million hours that, translated into employment, will reach the number of 6000 a year, during the next 5 years, including direct and indirect employees.

The program that now starts, and whose last ship will have to be delivered in 2022, includes, besides the construction, the life cycle support for five years, from the delivery of the first ship, with option to other five additional years. The design of these last generation corvettes maximizes simultaneously Navantia’s participation by means of the incorporation of own products, as the CATIZ combat system, the HERMESYS integrated communications system, the DORNA fire control system, the control platform systems, the MINERVA integrated bridge and engines and reducing boxes.

On the other hand, the contract also includes the supply of several services such as, logistic integrated support, operational and maintenance training, supply of training centers for the combat and control of platform systems, life cycle support, and the systems for the maintenance of the ships in the Naval Base.