SeaWaves Magazine

X-47B Accomplishes First Ever Carrier Touch and Go aboard CVN 77

2013-05-18T15:17:00.000-07:00

ATLANTIC OCEAN (May 17, 2013) An X-47B unmanned combat air system (UCAS) demonstrator prepares to execute a touch and go landing on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77). This is the first time any unmanned aircraft has completed a touch and go landing at sea. George H.W. Bush is conducting training operations in the Atlantic Ocean. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Timothy Walter/Released)

The Navy's X-47B Unmanned Combat Air System Demonstrator (UCAS-D) has begun touch and go landing operations aboard the aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77) May 17.
For UCAS-D, this represents the most significant technology maturation of the program. Ship relative navigation and precision touchdown of the X-47B are critical technology elements for all future Unmanned Carrier Aviation (UCA) aircraft.
Don Blottenberger, UCAS-D Deputy Program manager, commented, "This landing, rubber hitting deck, is extremely fulfilling for the team and is the culmination of years of relative navigation development. Now, we are set to demonstrate the final pieces of the demonstration."
Earlier in the week, the UCAS-D test team and CVN 77 worked together to successfully complete the first ever launch of an unmanned aircraft from an aircraft carrier proving the importance of introducing unmanned aviation into the already powerful arsenal of aircraft squadrons.
"We are proud to be a part of another historic first for Naval Aviation. The landing was spot-on and it's impressive to witness the evolution of the Carrier Air Wing," said Capt. Brian E. Luther, Commanding Officer USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77)
The various launch and landing operations of the X-47B on the flight deck of George H. W. Bush signify historic events for naval aviation history. These demonstrations display the Navy's readiness to move forward with unmanned carrier aviation operations.
Capt. Jaime Engdahl, program manager for Unmanned Combat Air Systems program office, said, "When we operate in a very dynamic and harsh carrier environment, we need networks and communication links that have high integrity and reliability to ensure mission success and provide precise navigation and placement of an unmanned vehicle."
"Today, we have demonstrated this with the X-47B, and we will continue to demonstrate, consistent, reliable, repeatable touch-down locations on a moving carrier flight deck," he continued. "This precision relative navigation technology is key to ensuring future unmanned systems can operate off our aircraft carriers."
The UCAS-D program plans to conduct shore-based arrested landings of the X-47B at NAS Patuxent River in the coming months before final carrier-based arrestments later in 2013.
George H.W. Bush is currently conducting training operations in the Atlantic Ocean, strengthening the Navy's forward operating and war fighting ability.

Naval Helicopter Association Concludes Annual Symposium

2013-05-18T15:10:00.000-07:00

The Naval Helicopter Association (NHA) concluded its annual symposium at the Town and Country Hotel in San Diego, May 16. The theme for this year's symposium was "Ready Warfighters: The Employment of Rotary Wing Strike Capabilities."
The symposium featured a number of guest speakers, industry experts and events for Naval personnel in the helicopter aviation community.
The NHA's annual symposium gave the helicopter community members a chance to discuss a wide range of professional and career issues of interest to its extensive and diverse group. It was also a forum where members worked together to discuss current issues, and identify and develop innovative solutions to future challenges facing the naval rotary-wing population.
Key dignitaries in the rotary aviation community ended the event by conducting a flag panel.
Members of the panel included Vice Adm. Tom Copeman, commander, Naval Surface Forces; Rear Adm. Paul A. Grosklags, program executive officer for Air ASW, Assault & Special Mission Programs; Rear Adm. Kenneth Norton, commander, Naval Safety Center and Capt. Thom W. Burke, commanding officer, USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76).
The panel answered questions from the rotary aviators about the future capabilities of rotary wing aircraft, future funding and training concerns.
The symposium also gave the rotary community a chance to reunite with one another and learn about the different issues and advances the community has experienced.

FLIR Systems Announces $23 Million Order to Support the U.S. Coast Guard

2013-05-17T14:17:00.000-07:00

PORTLAND, OR May 16, 2013 - FLIR Systems, Inc. announced today that it has received an order to support the U.S. Coast Guard valued at $23 million. The order is for the Coast Guard's Electro-Optical Sensor System (ESS) configuration of FLIR's commercially developed military qualified Talon 9-inch stabilized multi-sensor gimbal system. The ESS systems will be deployed on the Coast Guard's H-60 and H-65 helicopters.

Work under this order is expected to be performed out of FLIR's facility in Billerica, MA, with shipments expected to be completed by the end of the year.

"This order is a continuation of our longstanding support of the multiple missions of the Department of Homeland Security," said Earl Lewis, President and CEO of FLIR. "We have a proven ability to provide state of the art imaging technologies that are critical to protecting people and are developed on a commercial basis, which results in reduced delivery time and lower prices for our customers. We are pleased to be able to continue our successful relationship with the U.S. Coast Guard."

New Sail Training Vessel for Royal Navy of Oman

2013-05-17T11:11:00.000-07:00

The Ministry of Defence in Oman has awarded Damen Shipyards Group a contract for the construction of a Sail Training Vessel (STV). The 87-metre square rigged, three-masted steel clipper and will take up her role as flagship. In addition to its key role of training young Omani navy cadets and officers, the new clipper will be deployed in a distinct diplomatic role and emphasize Oman’s centuries-old maritime tradition.
Due for delivery in August 2014, the ship will replace the RNO’s current RNOV ‘Shabab Oman’ and will be in the RNO Fleet. In March (2013) the ship’s keel laying ceremony took place at Damen Shipyards Galati (Romania). This was conducted by Rear Admiral Al Raisi, the RNO’s commander-in-chief. The RNO has an eight-strong overseeing team stationed in Romania.

The enhanced navy recruitment and training are part of Oman’s drive to increase its naval capabilities along its 3,165 kilometer coastline. Next to fleet expansion, this includes the establishment and expansion of the fleet facilities.

Three Damen yards

Overall Project management and procurement is in the hands of Damen Shipyards Gorinchem, whereas Damen Shipyards Galati forms the main building site. The clipper’s completion will be performed at Damen Schelde Naval Shipbuilding in Flushing (the Netherlands). Here, the three 50-metre steel/aluminum masts and the exterior woodwork will be installed, in addition to all interior wood lining furnishing and finish. Both inside and out, the sail training clipper will feature a clear, traditional Omani look and late 19th century tea clipper hull characteristics. The ship and the overseeing team are expected in Flushing for the completing stage late 2013.

‘We have our proven record in steel clippers to thank for this contract’, Damen Regional Sales Director Bram Langeveld and Arnoud Both, the Project Manager in charge, note. The vessel’s key construction features and its dimensions will largely resemble that of the ‘Stad Amsterdam’ and the ‘Cisne Branco’, the Brazilian navy’s new Sail Training Vessel. ‘Modern-day sophisticated sail training ships may even become a bit of a trend with us and we are very proud that the Omani Ministry of Defence has awarded this prestigious contract to us’, Langeveld adds.

Dutch design and engineering

The as yet nameless three-master will accommodate 34 navy recruits in addition to a 58-strong complement. 87 meters long and 11 meters wide, it will have 2,700 m² sail area. With the main design subcontracted to Dykstra Naval Architects – who also designed the ‘Stad Amsterdam’ and the ‘Cisne Branco’ - all engineering was ‘Made by Damen’.

Coast Guard initiates Arctic Shield 2013

2013-05-17T10:54:00.000-07:00

Rear Adm. Thomas Ostebo, commander District 17, explains Coast Guard operations in the Arctic and the distances covered by Coast Guard assets throughout Alaska to Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano, Monday, Aug. 5, 2012, during a tour of Base Kodiak, Alaska. Napolitano toured Base Kodiak and addressed assembled Coast Guardsmen at Air Station Kodiak while on a visit to several Coast Guard units across the state. U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Jonathan Klingenberg.

JUNEAU, Alaska — The Coast Guard 17th District announced its Arctic Shield 2013 plans to protect the maritime community in the Arctic and to strengthen their partnerships with federal, state, local, tribal and community members Wednesday.

“We are committed to having a sustained presence in the region,” said Rear Adm. Thomas Ostebo, commander, Coast Guard 17th District. “As the nation’s lead federal agency for ensuring maritime safety and security in the Arctic, we will protect our nation’s interests, safeguard the environment, and strengthen our partnerships.”

After a successful Arctic Shield 2012 operation on the North Slope and Barrow, this year, the Coast Guard will focus on Western Alaska and the Bering Strait to increase maritime domain awareness.

“The Coast Guard will have several surface assets in the region including both of its ice breakers,” said Ostebo. “The Coast Guard Cutter Healy will conduct its science missions and will partner with the Coast Guard Research and Development Center to evaluate equipment, and the Coast Guard Cutter Polar Star will test the overall readiness of the icebreaker and crew.”

A National Security Cutter will also be deployed as a command and control platform that will conduct various missions to include maritime domain awareness, search and rescue, and law enforcement. “The National Security Cutter is highly efficient, can be underway for longer periods of time, and is uniquely equipped to respond to threats and events in times of crisis,” said Capt. Greg Sanial, chief of response, Coast Guard 17th District.

Another essential element to operations is the forward operating location that will be based at the Alaska National Guard hangar in Kotzebue. “In 2012, there were an estimated 480 transits through the Bering Strait,” said Sanial. “Deploying our helicopter and personnel to Kotzebue will give us an opportunity to leverage existing infrastructure and will strategically position us to conduct standard operations and effectively respond to maritime emergencies.”

"We have facilities in locations around the state to meet local, state, and federal needs in the event of emergencies or urgent contingencies,” said Major Gen. Thomas H. Katkus, adjutant general of the Alaska National Guard and commissioner of the State of Alaska Department of Military & Veterans Affairs. “The Alaska National Guard's hangar in Kotzebue is a great facility that is positioned to benefit multiple users. Tremendous synergy is achieved in sharing this space with the Coast Guard. Our relationship greatly benefits the state while simultaneously providing services and safety assets that better protect and help Alaskans."

Outreach is a key component to all Coast Guard operations and engagements in Alaska. Coast Guard members including Ostebo and senior Coast Guard officials have participated in numerous discussions this year with partners to discuss the changing Arctic environment.

“We understand the importance of strong relationships with tribal and local governments and have directly engaged in more than 50 meetings to discuss subsistence, shipping, and other Arctic concerns,” said Ostebo. “We are striving to build and strengthen our relationships throughout the Arctic by participating in open dialogue, actively listening, and responding to tribal and local government concerns.”

Personnel also visited schools in Point Hope and Wainwright in February to teach children about water safety and the importance of life jackets. Keeping mariners safe on the water is also part of the protection and prevention outreach efforts. Commercial fishing vessel and boating safety exams will be conducted in the Bering Strait region to reinforce the importance of good safety practices.

To help develop and integrate the Coast Guard into existing Arctic international, federal and state policy forums, the Coast Guard hired a full-time Arctic planner to ensure Coast Guard activities are aligned more efficiently to address interests in the region.

“Our participation provides a foundation and continuity to the Coast Guard and our Arctic partners as we collectively determine a whole of systems approach to managing the challenges of increased human activity in the region,” said Ostebo. “The themes include environmental stewardship, responsible economic development, and respect for subsistence and cultural legacies.”

Operating in the Arctic will give the Coast Guard an opportunity to exercise its capabilities to ensure the organization has the right resources to conduct Arctic operations. “This year we’re going to deploy a patrol boat to test its operational capability in a new and challenging environment,” said Sanial. “Our goal is to find the right mix of resources with the right capabilities to effectively operate in an area with limited infrastructure and extreme weather challenges.”

In addition to the cutters, aircraft and personnel conducting operations and outreach, the Coast Guard will also test other capabilities. A Coast Guard buoy tender and the Canadian coast guard will test a state of Alaska emergency towing system and a vessel of opportunity skimming system to reinforce crew familiarization with the equipment and build upon the Coast Guard’s international partnership with Canada. A spill of national significance (SONS) seminar and a mass rescue workshop are also planned to identify potential opportunities for improvement in preparedness and response to a maritime emergency.

“Leveraging our partnerships will continue to be a priority for the Coast Guard as we all collectively work to protect mariners, the environment and our nation’s interests,” said Ostebo.

Navy Responds to Debate Over the Size of the SSBN Force

2013-05-16T16:53:00.000-07:00

By Rear Adm. Richard Breckenridge
Director, Undersea Warfare, OPNAV N97

There has been a good deal of conversation recently debating the size of the Navy’s ballistic missile submarine force and need for a nuclear deterrent. Some of the information used in this reporting references SSBN patrol data available to the public that is limited in content. I’d like to take the opportunity to address some of the assertions and conclusions drawn from incomplete SSBN operational data.

The Ohio-class ballistic missile submarine USS Rhode Island (SSBN 740) returns to Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay after three months at sea, March 20. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class James Kimber/Released)

The most fundamental purpose of the SSBN force is to deter nuclear attack against the United States and against our friends and allies. The SSBN force does this as a part of our nuclear triad with the SSBN force providing the survivable assured response. This response is delivered by ensuring the required quantity of SSBNs is loaded with the required number of warheads, hiding in the right locations at sea and connected by the right communications links. The president, National Security Council, secretary of Defense and U.S. Strategic Command establish the policies and plans that determine the required quantity of SSBNs that must be at sea. For more than 50 years, the Navy has adapted and revised the SSBN force and its operations to meet this national requirement in the most cost-effective manner. As a practical matter, the specifics of our SSBN operational patterns and locations are not public knowledge; this would undermine the operational security upon which a survivable deterrent must depend. Without providing operational details, here are some key points we’d like to make to shape this conversation.

We have the right number of SSBNs to provide our required sea-based deterrent.

Some contend we can reduce our SSBN force and still meet requirements. This is not true. The current force of 14 SSBNs is necessary to provide 10 operational SSBNs and support our national deterrence requirements. Our SSBN force is sized with a clear recognition of the need to sustain required at-sea deterrence even during refueling overhauls and other modernization and certifications. Reducing the force by even one operational SSBN today would gap deterrent coverage. The 2010 Nuclear Posture Review acknowledged this when it noted that only as the end of the refueling overhauls is approached in 2015 should we begin to consider the potential to reduce the SSBN force to 12 ships.

Logistics Specialist Seaman Kevin Simpson helms the Ohio-class ballistic missile submarine USS Tennessee (SSBN 734) while underway in the Atlantic Ocean, Feb. 19, 2012. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class James Kimber/Released)

Operational SSBNs remain as fully utilized today as they have been over the last decade.

Use of data on the number of patrols and notional “typical” values for patrol length and operating cycles can be misleading. In particular, the “number of patrols” is a poor predictor of days doing the deterrence mission. It is true that since the mid-1990s, the SSBN deterrence requirement has been reduced to reflect a smaller force (14 total vice 18) and the commencement of overhauls of those 14 SSBNs (now only 10 to 12 operational SSBNs vice 18). Since those adjustments, however, the pace at which our operational SSBNs go to sea in the conduct of the deterrence mission has remained essentially constant and offers no slack.

Looking forward, the Navy needs to sustain at least 10 operational SSBNs to meet requirements.

It has been posed that the SSBN force can be reduced even more than planned because the targeting requirements will decrease in the future and the Navy could compensate for a smaller force by loading more warheads onto each missile. Strategic planners do not see things this way. The nuclear trajectory of the international community is in grave doubt, and there is every indication that U.S. deterrence will play an increasing – not decreasing role in the future. This occurs even as we reduce our SSBN-loaded missiles from more than 240 today to 160 when the last Ohio retires. There is already risk in this projection; there is no need to introduce more.

In order to sustain 10 operational SSBNs from now through the introduction of the new SSBN, we must complete refueling overhauls of all 14 Ohio SSBNs and operate the 12 newest of them to their full 42-year extended life. Doing this successfully will require extraordinary attention, careful maintenance, excellent engineering skill and dedicated, well-trained operators, and it will produce a lean SSBN force working very hard to provide the Nation with the required survivable assured nuclear response capability while doing the necessary maintenance to support obligations over the long-term.

Deploying to a Coast Guard Station Near You: the Response Boat-Small II

2013-05-16T15:16:00.000-07:00

May 8, 2013

Coast Guard Sector San Juan, Puerto Rico, tests out one of four new Response Boat-Small (RB-S) II, delivered April 8–11. The new RB-S II gives Coast Guard operators upgraded electronics and communications, improved crew comfort to reduce fatigue, and improved visibility. U.S. Coast Guard photo by Lt. Nicholas Schellman.

Most people who encounter the Coast Guard near shore will get a good look at a Response Boat-Small (RB-S). With more than 400 boats in operation, the RB-S is the largest vessel class in the Coast Guard’s fleet. The boats are in constant use, from life-saving to law enforcement and homeland security missions. But the redoubtable RB-S is approaching the end of its service life and the the Coast Guard’s Acquisition Directorate has launched an ambitious project to replace this important asset. The RB-S II will be one of the largest boat buys of its kind. Already the service has accepted its first delivery order of 38 RB-S II boats.

The RB-S II is roughly three feet longer than the boat it is replacing: the 25-foot Defender-class RB-S, which was put into Coast Guard service in 2002. The RB-S II cabin is more open, giving the crew better visibility when searching their surroundings, and the boat’s electronics package and communications system have seen a significantly upgrade.

“The biggest reason for the replacement of the RB-S is electronic obsolescence, meaning if the radio breaks and we want to replace it, the manufacturer no longer makes those parts, so it becomes too costly to replace,” said Lt. Cmdr. Josh Fant, manager for the RB-S project.

The first RB-S II was delivered to the Coast Guard in June 2011 for testing and evaluation. The initial delivery order of 38 boats was completed in April. Boats have been delivered to the Coast Guard Special Mission Training Center aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, Coast Guard Training Center Yorktown, Va., Sector Baltimore, Md., Sector New Orleans, Sector Los Angeles/Long Beach, Group Humboldt Bay, Calif., Group North Bend, Ore., Sector St. Petersburg, Fla., Sector San Juan, Puerto Rico, and Sector Southeast New England, Woods Hole, Mass. A second delivery order for 25 boats was placed in August 2012, which is expected to be complete by the end of the calendar year.

RB-S II in Action

As the RB-S II hits the front lines, it is receiving favorable reviews from the operators, for its improved capabilities and the human factors engineering aspects of its design.

“The consensus at the unit is that the RB-S II is a great platform for Station Humboldt Bay,” said Master Chief Jon Gagnon, officer in charge at Station Humboldt Bay. “We took the new boat out last week with a six-foot sea and she handled very well with the seas off the bow, stern and beam. The seats really do their job well and the boat handles great for our coxswains. We like the boat and look forward to having it at the unit.”

The new boats are already making a difference operationally as well. On the morning of Jan. 18, 2013, Sector Baltimore launched Station Oxford, Md.’s RB-S II to assist a vessel near the Chesapeake Bay that had lost its steering. As the winter weather got worse, the vessel in distress began to take on water over the bow and later over the sides of the boat. The RB-S II arrived on the scene and tow the vessel to safety in 15-knot wind and three-foot seas. Sector Baltimore kept in radio contact with the vessel in distress and a commercial fishing boat and Maryland Natural Resources Police boat assisted.

RB-S II Acquisition Strategy

The RB-S II project set out to find a replacement boat that was designed as a multi-mission asset, focusing on improving maintainability and crew comfort, which decreases fatigue during operations.

To select the new RB-S II design, the Coast Guard used a phased, competitive procurement, selecting two vendor designs to compete in a down select process. Each design was tested against Coast Guard requirements and industry’s ability to deliver the requirements at a reasonable cost was verified.

On Sept. 26, 2011, the Coast Guard awarded a delivery order, valued at approximately $13 million for the production of 38 RB-S II, to MetalShark Aluminum Boats of Jeanerette, La. The contract allows for the procurement of up to 500 boats through 2019. Up to 470 boats can be delivered to shore units throughout the Coast Guard to perform port and waterway security, search and rescue, drug and migrant interdiction, environmental and other law enforcement missions. As many as 20 boats may be ordered by Customs and Border Protection and up to 10 by the U.S. Navy.

The RB-S and RB-S II are some of the most versatile boats in the Coast Guard. They are used by the Service’s Deployable Operations Groups and can be deployed by air or ground vehicles to respond to emergencies, such as Hurricane Katrina and the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. The RB-S II cradled on a custom-made trailer recently conducted a fit-test for the HC-130J Long Range Surveillance Aircraft at Air Station Elizabeth City, N.C.

“We conducted a C-130 fit test at the acceptance of the prototype, back in July 2011, but the trailer has since been modified slightly, so we tested it again at Air Station Clearwater, Fla., in January, that was on the C-130H model, and then we did it on the C-130J model in early April in Elizabeth City,” Fant said. “Transportability in a CG C-130 was a requirement from the beginning, as we need to use organic assets to respond to a situation like Deepwater Horizon or Katrina, where you have to rapidly move boats. There are three more of these trailers being delivered in the next few months. We’re hoping to stage these trailers at all the C-130 air stations.”

The RB-S II is giving Coast Guard operators one of the most versatile, easily deployable assets in the fleet, with upgraded electronics and communication capabilities and improved crew comfort and endurance. Chances are, coastal and inland boaters will see one on patrol.

Acquisition Update: Contract Awarded for Production of Sixth National Security Cutter

2013-05-16T15:13:00.000-07:00

Coast Guard Cutter Stratton, the third National Security Cutter, transits the Chesapeake Bay in October, 2011. U.S. Coast Guard photo.

April 30, 2013 - The U.S. Coast Guard today awarded a fixed‐price incentive firm target

contract valued at approximately $487.1 million to Huntington Ingalls Industries for the production of the sixth National Security Cutter (NSC). NSC 6 will be built at Huntington Ingalls Industries’ (HII) shipyard in Pascagoula, Miss.

Two NSCs are currently in production. The Coast Guard awarded the production contract for NSC 4 in November 2010 and production of that vessel is approximately 39% complete to date. The Coast Guard awarded production for NSC 5 in September 2011. NSC 5 is approximately 16% complete to date.

Three NSCs, the Coast Guard Cutter Bertholf, Coast Guard Cutter Waesche and Coast Guard Cutter Stratton, are fully operational and executing Coast Guard missions in the field. All three are homeported in Alameda, Calif. The Coast Guard plans to acquire eight NSCs.

The NSC is the most capable vessel of the Coast Guard’s recapitalized surface fleet. It features robust capabilities for maritime homeland security, law enforcement and national defense missions. Each NSC is 418 feet long with an operational range of 12,000 nautical miles, a top speed of 28 knots and a 60‐day endurance. NSCs have berthing for up to 148 to accommodate additional personnel, such as law enforcement detachments. These technologically advanced vessels also are the first Coast Guard cutters to feature both a helicopter flight deck and a small boat stern launch allowing the deployment of boarding teams in worse weather than prior vessels. The NSC’s advanced command‐and‐control communications systems greatly improve its interoperability and information sharing with the Department of Homeland Security, Department of Defense and other operational partners.

Lockheed Martin's Second Generation Aegis Ballistic Missile Defense System Successfully Intercepts Ballistic Missile Target

2013-05-16T14:59:00.000-07:00

KAUAI, Hawaii, May 16, 2013 - Lockheed Martin's second-generation Aegis Ballistic Missile Defense (BMD) system achieved its fourth intercept since May 2012. The system successfully launched and guided a Standard Missile-3 (SM-3) Block IB missile to engage a sophisticated, separating short-range ballistic missile target.
During the Missile Defense Agency test, U.S. Navy sailors aboard USS Lake Erie (CG-70) used the Aegis BMD Weapon System in an operational test environment to discriminate a ballistic missile target among multiple separating objects designed to present a realistic threat scenario. The target, launched from the Navy's Pacific Missile Range Facility on Kauai, Hawaii, traveled approximately the distance from Boston to Washington, D.C.
"With every flight test, we've witnessed the ability of the sailors, the ship and the system to engage increasingly more sophisticated ballistic missile threats," said Nick Bucci, director of BMD development programs for Lockheed Martin's Mission Systems and Training. "Each success reaffirms Aegis as the foundation of a variety of systems that can combat the world's increasingly sophisticated enemy threats."
This firing test event marks the 10th time in four years that the USS Lake Erie and her crew have successfully performed at-sea operations against cruise and ballistic missile targets using the second-generation Aegis BMD system. The system was recently upgraded with faster, more powerful commercial-off-the-shelf signal processing equipment and updates to its weapon system computer programs.
The test also marks an important milestone for the Phased Adaptive Approach (PAA) to missile defense in Europe, demonstrating PAA Phase 2 SM-3 Block IB capabilities planned for deployment in 2015 at a land-based Aegis Ashore site in Romania and aboard Navy ships to protect U.S. interests on the continent.
Aegis BMD's upgraded signal processor enables the Navy to defeat more sophisticated ballistic missile threats as a result of improved target identification capabilities. It includes an open architecture BMD computing suite that improves overall system capabilities and enables future insertion of more off-the-shelf products, third-party components and turn-key solutions.
The MDA and the Navy are jointly developing Aegis BMD as part of the United States' Ballistic Missile Defense System. Currently, a total of 27 U.S. Aegis BMD-equipped warships have the certified capability to engage ballistic missiles and perform long-range surveillance and tracking missions. The number of installed U.S. BMD ships is expected to increase to 32 by 2014.

This Week in Naval History

2013-05-15T16:11:00.000-07:00

17 May 1973: 1st woman to hold a major Navy command
On 17 May 1973, Captain Robin Lindsay Catherine Quigley became the first woman to hold a major Navy command when she assumed command of U.S. Navy Service School, San Diego, California. Before assuming command, she served as the Director of the WAVES, from 1970 to 1972. Captain Quigley was commissioned in 1954 and retired from the US Navy after this tour.

18 May 1775: Captured British sloop, renamed Enterprise
On 18 May 1775, during the American Revolution, Colonel Benedict Arnold captured a British sloop at St. Johns, Quebec, Canada and renamed her Enterprise -- the first of many famous ships with that name. During the evacuation of Ticonderoga on 7 July 1777, Enterprise was with a small American force which was no match for the British fleet and along with two other vessels, she was run aground and burned to prevent capture.

19 May 1813: USS Congress captured British merchant ship Jean
On 19 May 1813, during the War of 1812, the frigate Congress, commanded by John Smith, captured and burned the British merchant brig Jean in the Atlantic. Three days later, she captured the British merchant brig Diana.

20 May 1844: USS Constitution departed NY for World Cruise
On 20 May 1844, the frigate Constitution, commanded by John Percival, sailed from New York to depart on her 32,279 mile round-the-world cruise. Heading eastward, she visited places such as Brazil, Zanzibar, Vietnam, China, the Philippines, and Hawaii before returning back to Boston, Massachusetts, in September 1846.

21 May 1918: MOH – Ensign Daniel A. Sullivan, USNRF
On 21 May 1918, during World War I, while serving as an officer of USS Christabel (SP-162), Ensign Daniel A.J. Sullivan, USNRF, exhibited "extraordinary heroism" in securing live depth charges that had come loose during combat with a German U-Boat. For his action on this occasion, he received the Medal of Honor. Sullivan attained the rank of Lieutenant Commander before leaving the reserves and died on 27 January 1941.

22-23 May 1958: F4D-1 set five world records in speed
On 22-23 May 1958, Major Edward N. LeFaivre, USMC, piloted an F4D-1 at Naval Air Missile Test Center (NAMTC), Point Mugu, Calif., to five world records in speed of climb to 3,000, 6,000, 9,000, 12,000, and 15,000 meters with marks of 44.392, 66.095, 90.025, 111.224, and 156.233 seconds.

Naming ceremony of fuel cell submarine “U36” for the German Navy in Kiel

2013-05-15T13:16:00.000-07:00

One of the most modern non-nuclear submarines in the world was named today at the shipyard of ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems GmbH, a company of ThyssenKrupp Industrial Solutions AG, under the name of “U36”. This marks another important milestone in the ongoing shipbuilding programme for the German Navy. U36 is the second boat of the second batch of HDW Class 212A submarines destined for operation in the German Navy. The German town of Plauen has assumed sponsorship for U36. The ultra-modern submarine was named by Silke Elsner, companion to the Mayor.

“We at ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems are committed as a naval shipyard enterprise characterised by maximum technological competence, geared first and foremost to the production of non-nuclear submarines and high-end naval surface vessels”, says Andreas Burmester, Chairman of the Board of Directors. “We will shortly be proud to hand over this newly named submarine to the German Navy as another “masterpiece” of German engineering.”

The contract to deliver a second batch of two HDW Class 212A submarines was signed on 22nd September 2006 in Koblenz with the German Office for Military Technology and Procurement/BWB (now the German Office for Equipment, Information Technology and Employment of the Bundeswehr/BAAINBW). The submarine building activities are taking place at the shipyards of ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems in Kiel and Emder Werft- und Dockbetriebe in Emden.

The two additional units will be largely identical to their sister ships from the first batch. They are also equipped with the HDW air-independent fuel cell propulsion system which has already given excellent results in operations with the boats of the first batch. The German Navy submarine U32 gave renewed proof of this in April 2013. On the way to participate in naval exercises in the USA the boat produced a new record for non-nuclear submarines with 18 days in submerged transit without snorkelling.

To meet changes in operational scenarios and to take constant technological advances into account, a number of modifications have been made in the second batch:
• Integration of a communications system for Network Centric Warfare
• Installation of an integrated Sonar and Command and Weapon Control System
• Installation of a superficial lateral antenna sonar
• Replacement of one periscope by an optronics mast
• Installation of a hoistable mast with towable antenna-bearing buoy to enable communication from the deep submerged submarine
• Integration of a lock system for Special Operation Forces
• Tropicalisation to enable world-wide operations.

The Italian Navy has also decided in favour of a second batch of two HDW Class 212A submarines, which are being built under licence by the Italian shipyard Fincantieri. That means that the Italian Navy will soon also have four boats of this class available for operations.

U36 – Technical Data:

General boat data:
Length over all: approx. 57 m
Height including sail: approx. 11.5 m
Maximum hull diameter: approx. 7 m
Displacement: approx. 1,500 t
Crew: 28
Pressure hull built of non-magnetic steel

Propulsion system:
Diesel generator
SIEMENS Permasyn® motor
HDW Fuel cell system
Low-noise skew-back propeller

Roketsan, ThyssenKrupp and Diehl team up for IDAS missile program

2013-05-15T12:56:00.000-07:00

Company officials during signing joint IDAS missile development agreement. Photo: courtesy of Diehl Stiftung & Co KG.

Roketsan, ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems and Diehl Defence have signed a cooperation agreement to jointly develop the submarine-launched Interactive Defence and Attack System for Submarines (IDAS) missile at the International Defence Industry Fair (IDEF) held in Istanbul.

Under the terms of the agreement, Turkey's Roketsan will be responsible for development, qualification and series production of the IDAS warhead, as well as support of control actuation system (CAS) testing.

The Turkish company will also participate in system level design activities and conduct a work share in the CAS series production.

The team will develop and deliver a multi-role missile capable of launching from submarine's torpedo tube underwater through a launch container.

In addition to providing new self-defence and asymmetric warfare capabilities for submerged submarines, the IDAS missile enables users to engage threats from the air, naval vessels, and coastal targets.

The fibre-optic data link enables operators in the submarine to control the missile throughout its flight, while providing opportunity of target change, correction of the target impact point or mission abort.

Researchers have already conducted test-firings of the IDAS missile from an underwater test facility in northern Germany, as well as from a German Navy's class 212A submarine in the Baltic Sea.

With the objective of developing a verified product, the IDAS Consortium is currently performing an initial development program (IDP).

The missile will demonstrate its capabilities from a submerged submarine during test-firings scheduled in 2014, while Norwegian company Nammo is expected to join as a partner, which will be responsible for developing the missile's rocket motor.

General Dynamics to Deliver Open Architecture Core Mission System for Littoral Combat Ships 14 and 16

2013-05-15T12:42:00.000-07:00

FAIRFAX, Va., May 15, 2013 General Dynamics Advanced Information Systems has been awarded a contract by Austal USA to be the Platform Systems Engineering Agent (PSEA) of Littoral Combat Ships (LCS) 14 and 16. These are the fifth and sixth ships of the Independence-variant LCS to be ordered by the U.S. Navy under a 10-ship block buy contract awarded in December 2010 to Austal USA. General Dynamics Advanced Information Systems is a business unit of General Dynamics.
As part of the Austal USA LCS Industry team General Dynamics is responsible for the design, integration and testing of the ships' electronic systems including the combat system, networks and seaframe control. The technology backbone for the core mission system is General Dynamics' open architecture computing infrastructure (OPEN CI). With its 'plug and play' ability to quickly integrate new technology into ship systems, OPEN CI provides platform flexibility and quick configuration in response to dynamic and evolving Navy mission requirements.
"Ensuring that the Navy has the most capable and advanced systems available at the lowest cost is the goal we work toward each and every day," said Mike Tweed-Kent, vice president and general manager of General Dynamics Advanced Information Systems Mission Integration Systems division. "This award validates our ability to introduce new innovations quickly and easily using OPEN CI, helping to drive total ownership cost down throughout the LCS lifecycle and enabling interoperability across the fleet."
With its highly flexible architecture, OPEN CI facilitates the integration of best-in-class commercially available products, quickly and cost-effectively.
This contract helps maintain a strong technical workforce at General Dynamics Advanced Information Systems facilities in Pittsfield, Mass., as well as in Mobile, Ala., Virginia, North Carolina, New Jersey and California. Additionally, this work will continue to support more than 450 suppliers across the country.

First Boeing P-8I Maritime Patrol Aircraft Arrives in India

2013-05-15T12:30:00.000-07:00

SEATTLE, May 15, 2013 – The first Boeing P-8I long-range maritime reconnaissance and anti-submarine warfare aircraft arrived today, on schedule, at India Naval Station Rajali. The P-8I is one of eight aircraft Boeing is building for India as part of a contract awarded in 2009.
“Boeing is proud to deliver this advanced aircraft to meet the Indian Navy’s unique maritime patrol requirements,” said Chris Chadwick, president of Boeing Military Aircraft. “The P-8I team, which includes our customer and Indian suppliers, has done a fantastic job working together, and we’re on track to deliver the next two P-8I aircraft later this year."
Based on the Boeing Next-Generation 737 commercial airplane, the P-8I is the Indian Navy variant of the P-8A Poseidon that Boeing is developing for the U.S. Navy. The P-8I incorporates not only India-unique design features, but also India-built subsystems that are tailored to the country’s maritime patrol requirements.

New National Strategy for the Arctic Region has Implications for US Navy

2013-05-15T12:10:00.001-07:00

Patrica Gogswell photo from wtop.com

The White House released a new National Strategy for the Arctic Region Friday, May 10, reflecting a growing recognition that the Arctic is opening up for human enterprise and will increasingly become a strategic priority for the United States.
As a maritime domain, the Arctic is also a key area of interest for the U.S. Navy. In 2009 the Navy signaled a renewed interest in the region with the release of an Arctic Roadmap to guide Navy policy, actions, and future investments related to the region.
"In the past the Arctic Ocean was largely inaccessible due to sea ice," said Rear Adm. Jon White, the Navy's senior oceanographer and director of Task Force Climate Change. "But diminishing sea ice is opening the region for greater economic development and human activity."
In a posting on the White House blog site, Patricia Cogswell of the National Security Staff stated that the new strategy "sets the U.S. Government's strategic priorities for the Arctic region." She described the end goal as "an Arctic region that is stable and free of conflict, where nations act responsibly in a spirit of trust and cooperation, and where economic opportunities are pursued in a sustainable and responsible manner."
The strategy identifies three primary lines of effort for the federal government, each of which impacts the sea services. The first line of effort is "advancing U.S. security interests," a primary mission area of the Navy.
"The U.S. Navy is currently engaged in strategic planning to increase operational capabilities and infrastructure in the Arctic in future years," White said. "Within the next decade, I believe we'll be operating routinely in the Arctic with an appropriate presence that includes more than just submarines. We need to start preparing for that now," he added.
While he sees no imminent threat of conflict in the Arctic, White believes the presence of well-meaning naval forces acts as a stabilizing influence toward mutual prosperity and safe maritime activity.
A second line of effort is "pursuing responsible stewardship."
The strategy points out that the U.S. territorial waters in the Arctic are potentially rich in oil, natural gas, and mineral resources, and also offer commercial fishing and shipping opportunities. It emphasizes the management and development of resources in a sustainable manner that respects the fragile environment and the interests of indigenous peoples.
This line of effort includes an emphasis on research to better understand the changing climate and improve Arctic weather forecast capabilities, and on high resolution surveying of the seabed.
According to White, the Navy is already investing in significant Arctic research. "It is important that we improve our understanding of the environment for safety of operations," White noted, "because the Arctic will remain a harsh and challenging environment even as it becomes more accessible and active."
White pointed out that the Naval Meteorology and Oceanography Command, headquartered at the Stennis Space Center, Miss., has assets that can assist in this national effort. The command manages a fleet of six world-class ocean survey vessels and operates some of the world's finest oceanographic analysis and prediction computer models.
The Navy also partners with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the U.S. Coast Guard to monitor polar ice movement at the National Naval Ice Center in Suitland, Md. This is in line with the National Arctic Strategy's third line of effort - building and maintaining cooperative relations with other federal agencies, as well as with Arctic nations and allies.
In an article posted by the American Forces Press Service on Friday, Dr. Daniel Y. Chiu, deputy assistant secretary of defense for strategy, said "DoD sees the opening of the Arctic waters in the decades ahead as a prime opportunity to work cooperatively in multilateral forums over time to promote a balanced approach to improving human and environmental security in the region."
"The Navy's global area of responsibility is growing as we add new coastline and a new ocean," White said. "With the fiscal challenges confronting us, we must use cooperative multilateral partnerships to successfully build an Arctic-capable force for the future."
White noted that the remoteness of the region, the vast area, the harsh environment, and the lack of supporting infrastructure combine to make the Arctic a more challenging environment than other oceans.
"The Navy will work closely with the U.S. Coast Guard and other Arctic nation sea services to ensure we can meet the same mission requirements in the Arctic as we do in, on, and above every other ocean in the world," White said.
The new Arctic strategy also emphasizes the importance of U.S. accession to the U. N. Convention on the Law of the Sea. According to White, the Convention preserves the rights, freedoms, and use of the sea while addressing resource development and national sovereignty claims. "The Navy has long supported ratification of the convention," White said. "Our allies and partners need the U.S. to acceed to the convention so that we may help influence the resolution of complex issues in every ocean."

A Fighter With Naval DNA

2013-05-15T10:28:00.000-07:00

By Romulo Sobral

Besides Brazil, Saab identified future demand for naval fighters in countries like India, Italy and the UK, which, in the coming years will be commissioning new aircraft carriers in their navies. According to Saab, there is a real and viable market for this type of aircraft. Aiming this market, the company is already developing a naval version of JAS-39 Gripen, which aims to be a variant of its newest product, the Gripen NG (Next Generation). This new version was named Sea Gripen.

According to Saab, the requirements established by the Swedish Air Force (Flygvapnet) so that the Gripen had STOL capabilities (Short Takeoff and Landing), i.e. ability to take off and land from short stretches of road, caused the aircraft to present performance and flying qualities similar to those required for aircraft specifically designed to operate from an aircraft carrier.

It was to verify in practice, the "natural vocation" of Gripen to become a naval fighter that I was invited to conduct a flight in Gripen D (two-seater) at the headquarters of Saab in Linköping, Sweden.

The purpose of the flight was to verify that the design requirements of the Gripen confer flight characteristics that demonstrate their conversion potential into a naval version without major and fundamental design changes. Even with very little flight time, the flying qualities present in the aircraft quickly became clear to me. The Saab team, led by Tony Ogilvy, already has identified and mapped all the areas that need special attention and engineering that represent the greatest challenges in Gripen NG "navalization". The focus of the work focuses primarily on correct sizing and positioning of a stop hook, as well as the necessary modifications so that the already robust Gripen's undercarriage is able to withstand the high loads associated with landings on flight deck of an aircraft carrier, since, unlike a highway, it moves on all axes and prints a unique stress not only to the landing gear but to the whole structure of the aircraft.

The characteristics of the Gripen D in fact possess flight qualities compatible with the ones desirable for naval aircraft based on aircraft carriers. The accuracy of flight controls, stability at low speeds, the rapid response of the motor acceleration (which, by the way, is the same engine fitted to the F/A-18 Hornet) and AOA great rapprochement that allows good visibility gives Gripen excellent credentials which may lead the Sea Gripen project to a paradigm shift in the aerospace industry.

B&W Announces $366 Million Contract for Naval Reactors Materials Procurement

2013-05-15T10:24:00.000-07:00

CHARLOTTE NC May 15, 2013 - The Babcock & Wilcox Company (B&W) announced today that its subsidiary, Babcock & Wilcox Nuclear Operations Group, Inc. (B&W NOG), has received a contract from the U.S. Naval Reactors Program worth approximately $366 million.
The award is for the procurement of material to be used in the assembly of nuclear propulsion components at B&W NOG’s Lynchburg, Va. facility. At this time, $75 million has been released to B&W, with the remaining amount expected to be funded over the next six fiscal years (2014-2019).
“B&W is pleased to continue serving the U.S. Naval Reactors Program in support of producing quality products while reducing costs through this new contract,” said Peyton S. Baker, President of B&W NOG. “Our Company’s role in supporting the U.S. Navy’s nuclear fleet’s mission is a source of immense pride for our workforce.”
B&W NOG offers a complete range of nuclear components and services, including the manufacture of nuclear reactor components for U.S. Navy submarines and aircraft carriers, as well as other nuclear and non-nuclear research and development and component production. The organization employs more than 3,900 people with operations in Virginia, Ohio, Indiana and a subsidiary in Tennessee.

Singapore & Australia Submarine Rescue Arrangement

2013-05-15T10:04:00.001-07:00

The Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN)’s Chief of Navy Rear-Admiral Ng Chee Peng signed the Submarine Rescue Arrangement with Royal Australian Navy (RAN)’s Chief of Navy Vice-Admiral Ray Griggs earlier today, on board the RSN’s submarine rescue and support vessel, MV Swift Rescue.

The Submarine Rescue Arrangement establishes a framework between the RSN and RAN in the area of submarine rescue support and cooperation. Under the arrangement, the RSN will make available to the RAN MV Swift Rescue and other resources to render support and assistance in the event of an RAN submarine incident.

The Submarine Rescue Arrangement reaffirms the close and long-standing bilateral defence relationship between Singapore and Australia. Both armed forces interact frequently through exercises, visits, professional exchanges and military courses.

USS Kearsarge Visits Israel

2013-05-14T18:00:00.001-07:00

USS Kearsarge (LHD 3), along with embarked Marines from the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (26th MEU) arrived in Eilat, Israel for a regularly scheduled port visit, May 14.
While in port, the officers, sailors and Marines will meet with local officials, participate in community engagement projects and experience the rich history and culture of the region.
This visit is not associated with, nor a reaction to, any world events.
Kearsarge is the flagship of the Kearsarge Amphibious Ready Group (ARG), which includes the dock landing ship USS Carter Hall (LSD 50) and the amphibious transport dock ship USS San Antonio (LPD 17). Along with the embarked Marines from the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (26th MEU), the Kearsarge ARG is deployed in support of maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet Area of Responsibility (AOR).

Raising Situational Awareness

2013-05-13T22:21:00.000-07:00

For years, Terma’s C-Flex Command & Control system designed especially for OPVs has supported maritime missions around the globe.
With thousands of square kilometers of water, looking out for illegal fishing, drug and people trafficking, pollution, terrorism and piracy at once is quite a challenge.
Terma’s C-Flex Command & Control solution is targeted at OPVs carrying out EEZ missions, and allows you to coordinate the different sensors and effectors to ease patrolling, interception, boarding and inspection, Search & Rescue (SAR), emergency assistance and self-defense.
The basic C-Flex OPV system includes interfacing of navigational sensors and radars, Automatic Identification System (AIS), surveillance radar, and IR/visual electro optical system. This helps increase the maritime situational awareness significantly, while automatic analysis of the data allow for effective decision making.
The C-Flex system is already proven on a number of vessels ranging from small Patrol Vessels (PV) and Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPV) to large frigates and command ships. Most recently, it is being installed on the new Royal Thai Navy Amphibious Vessel / Landing Platform Dock (LPD).
The C-Flex solution can be integrated with optional modules such as C-Search for radar surveillance, C-Fire for gun control, and C-Link for data exchange with other units.

ATR 72-600 TMPA: the new generation maritime patrol asset for the Turkish Navy

2013-05-13T14:49:00.000-07:00

Alenia Aermacchi has signed an agreement with Savunma Sanayii Müsteşarlığı (SSM), the Turkish Undersecretariat for Defence Industries to deliver two ATR 72-600 TMUA (Turkish Maritime Utility Aircraft) and six ATR 72-600 TMPA (Turkish Maritime Patrol Aircraft) to the Turkish Navy. The contract calls for strong industrial collaboration between Alenia Aermacchi and Turkish Aerospace Industry (TAI) for the duration of the project.

The agreement is an amendment to a previous deal between Alenia and the Turkish government for the delivery of 10 ATR 72-500 ASW to the Turkish Navy.

The most important change into the contract amendment is the adoption of the new -600 version of the ATR 72, the best in class of regional Turboprop. The original contract was based on the now out of production ATR 72-500.

Thanks to the agreement, the Turkish Navy will obtain the last generation ATR72-600 equipped with a glass cockpit as well as more powerful engines that guarantee best performance and supportability for the next 30 years.

The two ATR 72-600TMUA--already in the modification phase at Alenia Aermacchi’s plant in Naples-Capodichino--will be used by the Turkish Navy for personnel and cargo transport and will be delivered in June and July 2013 .

The six ATR 72-600TMPA are designed as multi-role assets to satisfy the Turkish Navy maritime patrol requirement. The aircraft, named Meltem 3 in Turkey, will see the integration of the Thales AMASCOS mission system and will include new functionalities such as AIS, Link 16 and the last generation weapon systems, like the Mk 54 Light Weight Torpedo.

The AMASCOS (Airborne Maritime Situation & Control System) mission system relies on multiple sensors to detect, identify and track threats, maintain real-time tactical situation awareness, manage NATO and national tactical data links and deploy onboard weapon systems.

While Alenia Aermacchi is responsible for the design and development of the transformation of the basic platform and for the mission system’s installation and integration with the on-board systems of the basic aircraft, Thales will act as lead systems integrator for the ATR 72-600’s new avionics suite which offers improved performance in terms of reduced weight and electrical power consumption as well as higher reliability and better long-term serviceability.

The work to convert the “green” ATR 72-600 in ATR 72-600TMPA will be performed by TAI, Turkish Aerospace Industry. The first ATR 72-600 arrived at TAI’s Akinci plant in April 2013 and is currently under modification.
The first TMPA will be delivered to the Turkish Navy in February 2017. The aircraft will be certified in Italy under the responsibility of Alenia Aermacchi. The remaining five TMPA will be delivered in 2018.

The ATR 72TMPA is the Turkish Navy version of the ATR 72ASW (Anti-Submarine Warfare), a highly effective, middle-size, anti-submarine aircraft with competitive acquisition and operational costs. It is a special version of the ATR 72 turboprop regional aircraft made by the French-Italian ATR joint venture (Alenia Aermacchi/EADS). The ATR 72ASW is the only modern, middle-size aircraft available in the market, equipped with state-of-the-art mission sensors, and capable of carrying out maritime patrol and anti-submarine warfare tasks.

The typical missions of this version include vessel search and identification, search and rescue (SAR), drug, smuggling and piracy control, environmental control (pollution by oil and chemical substances), maritime patrol roles, economic exclusive zone patrol (fishing, off-shore platforms), and Anti-Submarine Warfare.

The ATR 72ASW is equipped with a mission system that includes:
• electro-optical sensors;
• Search radar;
• ESM sensor (Electronic Support Measures);
• MAD sensor (Magnetic Anomaly Detector);
• Integrated self-protection system, (Chaff & Flare Dispenser, Radar Warning, Missile Warning, Laser Warning);
• Sono-buoy launcher;
• Anti-submarine torpedoes carried on 2 pylons at the fuselage sides.

The ATR 72ASW is also equipped with new-generation communication systems and through the data-link system, that connects in real-time with the ground command and control centers and other platforms, both on air and on sea, for coordination and maximum operations’ effectiveness. Its ESM and MAD sensors are completely integrated within the mission system and with the on-board avionics that envisages the new glass cockpit configuration, typical of the latest ATR 72-600 series.

In addition, the aircraft features a fuselage door that can be opened in flight and two observer stations equipped with large bubble windows.

The ATR 72ASW is also able to be reconfigured with additional specific systems and missile armaments to carry out anti-ship missions.

On top of the eight ATR 72 TMUA and TMPA the Italian Air Force has ordered four ATR 72 with initial Maritime Patrol (MP) capabilities and all the configuration provisions for the ASW capabilities, which will be integrated later.

Lockheed Martin Launches Redesigned F-35 Website

2013-05-13T12:26:00.000-07:00

FORT WORTH, Texas, May 13, 2013 - Lockheed Martin announced the redesign of www.F35.com, the official website of the F-35 Lightning II. The new design features enhanced functionality and compatibility with a variety of mobile devices while providing users the most up-to-date information on the F-35 program.
"The new design stemmed from our desire to provide a site that makes it easy to get the latest news about the F-35 program," said Joe LaMarca, vice president communications, Lockheed Martin Aeronautics. "We recognize the tremendous role our international and industrial partners play on this program, and want to make sure they have an avenue to stay connected. Our audience expects transparency, and we'll use this website to deliver it."
Key features of the updated www.F35.com include:
• Localized, translated information about partner and foreign military sales countries
• Access to F-35 photos and videos
• News of the latest milestones and events with an RSS feed for notification of new info
• A responsive design to optimize mobile or tablet browsing
The website also serves as hub for the F-35's social media presence and offers the public the opportunity to ask questions to F-35 test pilots.
The F-35 Lightning II is a 5th generation fighter, combining advanced stealth with fighter speed and agility, fully fused sensor information, network-enabled operations and advanced sustainment. Three distinct variants of the F-35 will replace the A-10 and F-16 for the U.S. Air Force, the F/A-18 for the U.S. Navy, the F/A-18 and AV-B Harrier for the U.S. Marine Corps, and a variety of fighters for at least ten other countries.

Australia. Defence Industry to benefit from BMT’s Submarine Design and Engineering Course

2013-05-10T20:49:00.000-07:00

Melbourne-based BMT Design & Technology (BMT), a subsidiary of BMT Group Ltd, is set to deliver its introductory submarine design and engineering course at the Hotel Grand Chancellor in Adelaide from the 13th – 17th May 2013. Targeting the underlying principles of naval architecture, marine, electrical and weapon systems engineering, the course is ideal for delegates who are currently, or are considering working on submarine projects.

Running for the past four years, the course was recently certified by the Royal Institution of Naval Architects in meeting the requirements for Continuing Professional Development. As well as providing an understanding of the military capability of a conventional submarine, the course aims to educate attendees on the key elements of the defence acquisition process. The programme also delivers a technical appreciation of the conventional submarines’ capability, their operation, overall design parameters and associated system and equipment constraints.

Gordon MacDonald, Managing Director at BMT Design & Technology explains: “We are committed to providing our customers with a centre of excellence in platform design for surface warships, submarines and auxiliaries. This programme allows us to further demonstrate our unparalleled expertise and impart our skills and knowledge which we’ve harnessed over the last eight years working within Australian and UK navies, government defence agencies, commercial maritime engineering and related industries.”

Drawing on the skills and expertise of its sister company, BMT Defence Services, as well as local subject matter experts from the Australian Defence industry, the five day programme will be made up of a number of lectures, as well as the opportunity to work through practical, technical examples.

A half day group exercise will see the delegates utilising BMT’s bespoke submarine design tool to apply the knowledge gained throughout the week and deliver a series of optimised submarine designs, which meet the requirements of the mission scenarios provided.

Official Explains DOD's Role in National Arctic Strategy

2013-05-10T15:55:00.000-07:00

WASHINGTON, May 10, 2013 - The Defense Department worked closely with other federal agencies in support of the National Security Staff effort that generated the National Strategy for the Arctic Region released today, a senior Pentagon official said.
Daniel Y. Chiu, deputy assistant secretary of defense for strategy, said the strategy establishes a framework for future U.S. Arctic activities based on three lines of effort: advancing U.S. security interests, pursuing responsible Arctic region stewardship, and strengthening international cooperation.
"Our overarching emphasis is on sustaining a peaceful, stable, and conflict-free Arctic region in support of the National Strategy," Chiu said. "In the near term, this means DOD will be prepared to support civilian authorities responding to an incident or natural disaster of such magnitude that it outstrips the local and state response capabilities. Over the longer term, the department will continue to prevent and deter conflict in the region and be prepared to respond to a wide range of contingencies."
Though DOD has few niche Arctic capabilities -- ski-equipped C-130 aircraft among them -- it has an extensive assortment of capabilities that can be employed in a variety of operating environments that, with proper preparation, include the Arctic, Chiu noted. This approach is in keeping with DOD's policy of preparing for a wide range of global challenges, and it supports the new strategy's first line of effort, which is advancing U.S. security interests, he added.
"DOD sees the opening of the Arctic waters in the decades ahead as a prime opportunity to work cooperatively in multilateral forums over time to promote a balanced approach to improving human and environmental security in the region," he said. "This is captured in the strategy's third line of effort, strengthening international cooperation."
As the Arctic becomes more accessible, Chiu explained, it will join the world's other oceans and airspace as part of the vital web of global commerce and communication, from which all nations benefit. DOD supports use of existing mechanisms within the framework of existing international law, he added, including addressing issues such as resource development and preserving the rights, freedoms and uses of the sea as reflected in the Law of the Sea Convention.
"As the changing climate allows increasing access to the vast and remote Arctic region, human activity will increase as well, leading to increased chance of incidents," he said. "While we must be prepared to respond to mishaps in a harsh and unforgiving environment, thoughtful development of measures to prevent accidents is of even greater importance. This makes responsible stewardship key to accomplishing our strategic priorities, one which DOD fully supports."
The United States shares many common interests with the other Arctic nations and historically has cooperated well with them on a wide range of regional issues, from search and rescue to fisheries management, Chiu said.
"Russian support in sending the Motor Vessel Renda to provide emergency fuel to Nome last year is just one of many examples," he added. "We expect that this tradition of cooperation will continue as the Arctic nations address new challenges presented by climate change."

HAVELSAN And Lockheed Martin Demonstrate Feasibility of Turkish - Aegis Combat System

2013-05-09T09:22:00.000-07:00

Lockheed Martin successfully united the capabilities of its Aegis Weapon System with the naval combat management capabilities of leading Turkish defense company HAVELSAN. The results of this effort were demonstrated during a naval combat system mockup at the International Defense Industry Fair (IDEF) 2013.
Lockheed Martin and HAVELSAN HAVA ELEKTRONI.K SANAYI. VE TI.CARET A.S. signed a memorandum of agreement to collaborate on naval combat systems in 2011. Since that time, the companies have worked together to develop interfaces between their respective system components and have combined their technologies in a laboratory environment, which HAVELSAN demonstrated publicly for the first time during IDEF 2013.
"Lockheed Martin delivered realistic simulations of our Aegis Weapon System components to HAVELSAN who has demonstrated through today's scenarios how they would deliver a total combat system solution for navies of the world," said Carl Bannar, vice president of Integrated Warfare Systems and Sensors for Lockheed Martin's Mission Systems and Training business. "We've now witnessed in real time how well our systems work together, which also speaks to the strong and significant partnership of our two companies within the industry."
Combining long-range radar detection and control of the full inventory of Standard Missiles, Aegis protects the fleet against aircraft and enemy missiles. Aegis is the world's premier naval combat system and is the foundation for the Aegis Ballistic Missile Defense capability.
"We have demonstrated that we can enhance our existing naval combat management system capabilities by using data from the naval radar, SPY-1," said Sadik YAMAÇ, General Manager and CEO for HAVELSAN. "We've leveraged the strength of Aegis and its anti-air warfare capabilities to package a total naval combat system for the most stressing operational requirements of many countries."
Today there are more than 100 ships equipped with the Aegis system deployed around the world. In addition to the United States, Aegis is the system of choice of the Australian, Japanese, Norwegian, South Korean, and Spanish navies. The Aegis system is proven through more than 1,200 years of at-sea operational experience including the launch of more than 3,800 missiles in tests and operations.
The combined technology of Turkish - Aegis combat system can be a considerable solution for the countries in Middle East Region and some other countries.
HAVELSAN is a C4ISR, simulation technologies, and IT company who presents global solutions in defense and IT sectors. HAVELSAN has improved expertise in the fields of C4ISR, Naval Combat, Air Defense, Information Management, Simulation and Training, Homeland Security and Energy Management Systems. Cost effective integrated systems are designed and developed to turn data into information, and information into powerful tools for users and decision-makers through implementing capabilities in system integration. HAVELSAN has a proven naval combat management system and capabilities, which have been in use by the Turkish Navy on various naval platforms.