Defense Industry Daily

Sniper XR Targeting Pod
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In a recent address to Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control employees in Orlando, FL, USAF Aeronautical Systems Center Commander Lt. Gen. William R. Looney praised Lockheed Martin’s Sniper XR Advanced Targeting Pod (ATP) following the system’s recent successful deployment in Iraq. Ten of the U.S. Air Force Sniper pods were shipped to Lakenheath, England, and installed aboard Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles. These Sniper pods have now flown in more than 450 missions in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Sniper XR on F-16
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Designed as an affordable precision targeting system in a single, lightweight pod, Sniper is fully compatible with the latest J-series munitions and precision-guided weaponry. The U.S. Air Force selected Lockheed Martin in August 2001 to develop and build the Sniper XR pod for its Advanced Targeting Pod program. The targeting pod has been undergoing integration on a variety of aircraft to include the F-15E, the F-16 Block 30/40/50, the A-10 and the F/A-18. The Sniper ATP program has achieved several major milestones, including the successful operational deployment and completion of Phase 1 Qualification Testing and Evaluation (QT&E) and Phase 1 Qualification Operational Testing and Evaluation (QOT&E) flight testing at Eglin AFB, FL; Nellis AFB, NV; and the Air National Guard Air Force Reserve Test Center in Tucson, AZ.

New and enhanced capabilities of the Sniper pods include a high-resolution, mid-wave third-generation Forward Looking Infrared (FLIR), along with a dual-mode laser that includes a laser spot tracker and a laser marker, and a CCD-TV. The Sniper pod greatly improves an aircraft’s long-range target detection and identification via advanced image processing algorithms, combined with special image stabilization techniques. ATP program goals included a geopointing capability 10 times more accurate than the 1980s technology LANTIRN pods, with triple the recognition range and twice the resolution. The ATP can acquire targets at altitudes of up to 50,000 feet, for instance, versus the 25,000 feet typical of the last-generation LANTIRN pods.

These superior detection ranges are vital to pilots, helping keep them out of range of threat air defenses during their defining moments. Likewise, the supersonic, low-observable design results in a substantial reduction in drag and weight.

Maintainability is also enhanced. The Sniper XR pod was designed as a highly modular system that is partitioned into 39 lightweight line replaceable units (LRU). Traditionally, this type of LRU was replaced in base maintenance facilities or back shop as shop replaceable units. Through aggressive and innovative design efforts, these ruggedized LRUs are all flightline replaceable without the use of special tooling or support equipment. The Sniper XR’s BIT diagnostics system provides the maintainer the capability to fault isolate to these smaller, lighter LRUs and return them directly to depot level repair. This modular, two-level maintenance design contributes to lower life cycle costs.

“We have been able to maintain eight pods fully mission capable throughout this whole deployment, and most of the time all 10,” said General Looney. “They (pilots) are so in love with that capability, they don’t want to go anywhere without a Sniper pod. There is no comparison between any other pod in the world and the capability that Sniper brings.”

Finally, early 2006 improvements include full integration with the new ROVER system that lets troops on the ground transmit coordinates or even draw on digital maps, and have the results appear on the pilot’s map display as they talk.

Sniper pods are now flown on the U.S. Air Force F-15E and F-16 blocks 30/40/50, plus the A-10s incorporating the A-10C precision engagement upgrade program. In addition, Sniper is being integrated on the B-1 bomber.

On the export market, Norway (20, on F-16 A/Bs) and Poland (F-16 C/Ds) have already ordered the Precision Attack Navigation and Targeting (PANTERA) pod, now known as the Sniper Advanced Targeting Pod (ATP). Additional orders have since trickled in from Belgium (8, on F-16 A/Bs), Britain (GR9 Harrier IIs), Canada (36, on CF-18 F/A-18 A/Bs), Oman (F-16), Pakistan (F-16 C/D), Saudi Arabia (40, F-15S Strike Eagle), and Singapore (24, F-15SG Strike Eagles).

Contracts & Events

September 28/18: FMS to Taiwan and Bahrain Lockheed Martin will deliver several targeting pods to the government of Taiwan and Bahrain. The deals are part of two Foreign Military Sale (FMS) delivery orders that cover the procurement of 19 pods for the Royal Bahraini Air Force, and 18 pods for Taiwan. The Sniper Advanced Targeting Pod (ATP) is designed as an affordable precision targeting system in a single, lightweight pod, that is fully compatible with the latest J-series munitions and precision-guided weaponry. The Sniper pod greatly improves an aircraft’s long-range target detection and identification via advanced image processing algorithms, combined with special image stabilization techniques. The Sniper will equips Bahrain’s F-16 Block 70 fighters, and will be integrated onto Taiwan’s mid-life upgraded F-16s.

February 7/18: South Korea-Integration Completion South Korea’s Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) has announced that all South Korean Air Force F-16s have been equipped with Lockheed Martin’s Sniper advanced targeting pod (ATP). According to the agency the new pods “significantly improves both air-to-air and air-to-ground operations.” The Sniper ATP laser designates small tactical targets at long ranges and supports deployment of all laser and GPS-guided weapons against multiple fixed and moving targets, significantly improving air-to-air and air-to-ground operations while reducing the odds of an erroneous strike. The pods were ordered by DAPA in 2013.

December 22/17: Contracts-Sustainment & Upgrade Lockheed Martin has been awarded a US Air Force (USAF) contract nearing $1 billion in value, for the sustainment and upgrade of the service’s fleet of 683 Sniper Advanced Targeting Pods (ATP). Work on the five-year deal will take place at locations in Florida and Georgia, with work expected to wrap up by December 17 2022. Capable of being integrated on a wide variety of air platforms including the F-2, F-15, F-16, F-18, A-10, B-1, B-52 and Typhoon aircraft, the Sniper ATP detects, identifies, automatically tracks and laser-designates small tactical targets at long ranges. It also supports employment of all laser- and GPS-guided weapons against multiple fixed and moving targets. Paul Lemmo, vice president of Fire Control/Special Operations Forces Contractor Logistics Support Services at Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control, said the award represented the “availability, reliability and performance” of the Sniper ATP to USAF warfighters worldwide, adding the firm was proud to “deliver our most advanced targeting technology and support ongoing operations.”

July 12/17: Bahrain has awarded a direct commercial sale contract to Lockheed Martin for the provision of Sniper Advanced Targeting Pods (ATP) for its F-16 fleet. Valued at $22.45 million, deliveries of the pods, along with spares and support equipment for integration, will take place in early 2018 in order to meet the Gulf monarchy’s urgent needs. The Sniper Advanced Targeting Pod combines sensor detection with laser and GPS-targeting information to precision guided weapons. It can also serve in a surveillance role to provide exact locations of targets. Bahrain is the 25th international customer for the program.

November 6/15: Kuwait has requested Sniper Advanced Targeting Pods from the US, with the Lockheed Martin-manufactured pods also recently seeing export success to Jordan in June. The request covers 14 Sniper pods for installation on Kuwait’s F/A-18 Hornet aircraft, with the potential deal estimated at $115 million.

October 26/15: The Air Force is buying kits to upgrade Sniper Advanced Targeting Pods from Lockheed Martin. The company has been awarded a $176.1 million contract to produce Sniper ATP-Sensor Enhancement configuration upgrade kits, as well as supply new Sniper ATP-SE pods. Deliveries will begin in late 2016, with the new ATP-SE incorporating new functionalities such as improved air-to-air and maritime targeting, upgraded sensors and a two-way datalink.

October 7/15: The Netherlands has signed a contract for 29 Lockheed Martin Sniper Advanced Targeting pods, with these set to equip the country’s fleet of F-16s. Jordan also opted to buy more Sniper pods in June, with Taiwan and Japan also recently placing orders.

August 17/15: Taiwan has signed a contract with Lockheed Martin for a pair of Sniper Advanced Targeting Pods for the country’s F-16s. Japan also recently acquired a pod for integration onto the F-2 aircraft, with Jordan signing for ten of the pods in June.

August 12/15: Japan acquired one Lockheed Martin Sniper targeting pod last year for trials on a Japanese Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) F-2 fighter. The Japanese defense ministry reportedly allocated $49.1 million to test the targeting pod as part of a potential upgrade package for the JASDF’s F-2 fleet. Jordan signed a contract for more Sniper pods in June, with the pod’s integration on the F-2 marking the eighth aircraft platform that the pod has operated from.

Additional Readings and Sources

• Lockheed-Martin News Release

• Lockheed Martin: Sniper XP/PANTERA Advanced Targeting Pod

• GlobalSecurity.org: Advanced Targeting Pod Program

• This DID article includes links to stories about the Sniper’s contemporary competitors: the Raytheon ATFLIR pod that equips US Navy’s F/A-18 Super Hornets, and the RAFAEL/Northrop-Grumman LITENING family that equips, well… just about everybody.

MK 41s in action
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The naval MK 41 Vertical Launching System (VLS) hides missiles below decks in vertical slots, with key electronics and venting systems built in. A deck and hatch assembly at the top of the module protects the missile canisters from the elements, and from other hazards during storage. Once the firing sequence begins, the hatches open to permit missile launches of various types. It is also being adapted for land use, as part of the USA’s plan to forward-deploy ballistic missile defense in allied countries.

The Mk.41 is the most widely-used naval VLS in the world, in service with the US Navy and with many countries outside the United States. Lockheed Martin is the system’s prime contractor, with components and canisters provided by BAE Systems Land & Armaments. In September 2011, however, the US Navy assumed the final integrator role.

A Naval Swiss Army Knife: The MK 41 VLS

MK 41, loading
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More than 11,000 MK.41 VLS missile cells have been delivered, or are on order, for use on 186 ships and 19 ship classes, in 11 navies around the world. This system currently serves with the US Navy as well as the Australian, Canadian, Dutch, German, Japanese, New Zealand, Norwegian, South Korean, Spanish, and Turkish navies. The UK seems to be next.

The MK 41 VLS can hold a wide variety of missiles: anti-air and ballistic missile defense (Sea Sparrow, ESSM, Standard family), anti-submarine (VLASROC), land-attack (Tomahawk) and more. One simply drops different missile canisters into the MK 41’s common interface.

The Housing: VLS Cells

The MK 41 VLS is itself available in 3 different sizes, to meet differing hull and mission requirements:

• The Strike length MK 41 is the largest system accommodating the widest variety of missiles, up to and including Tomahawk cruise missiles for land attack, and SM-3s for ballistic missile defense. Its capabilities cover almost every mission in naval warfare: anti-air, anti-submarine, ship self-defense, land attack, and ballistic missile defense. In future, it also has the potential to carry anti-ship missiles, like the LRASM/OASuW. A land-based version will make up part of the USA’s “Aegis Ashore” missile defense complexes in Romania and Poland.

• The Tactical length Mk 41 is over 7 feet shorter than the Strike length, and can accommodate a variety of missiles up to approximately 18.5 feet in length. SM-2 Standard and RIM-162 Evolved SeaSparrow air defense missiles, and VL-ASROC anti-submarine missiles, will fit in a tactical length cell.

• The Self-Defense Launcher (SDL) is specifically designed to carry self-defense missiles for small ships, and is shorter and lighter than the other variants. Its size and weight are designed to accommodate smaller ships like corvettes and frigates, as well as aircraft carriers with limited deck and hull space.

The MK 41’s most recent Baseline VII upgrade was rolled out in 2004, upgrading the module’s electronics. Advances include cell-based architecture, commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) processors, a modern real-time operating system, programming written in the object-oriented C++ language, Ethernet communications, and fiber optic channels, all within an open architecture approach. These changes opened the door to compliance with the US Navy’s Open Architecture Initiative, added RIM-162 Evolved Sea Sparrow Missile capability, and improved life cycle maintenance and future upgradability.

This Baseline VII configuration is currently fielded on new U.S. Navy destroyers (DDG 91 and later); efforts are underway to modernize the USA’s CG-47 Ticonderoga Class missile cruisers, and eventually older Arleigh Burke Class destroyers as well.

The Blades: Canisters & Inserts

The key to the system’s flexibility is its canisters, which come in different vertical sizes. The canisters serve as missile shipping and storage containers. During missile launch, they provide an internal launch rail and help contain the rocket motor’s exhaust gas. Tactical-length canisters can use adapters in order to fit into strike-length Mk.41 cells, but you can’t fit a strike-length canister into a smaller tactical-length cell. Designations include:

• Mk.13: Tactical length canister for standard size SM-2 air defense missile variants
  
• Mk.14: Strike length canister for BGM-109 TLAM Tomahawk cruise missiles
  
• Mk.15: Tactical length canister for VL-ASROC anti-submarine rockets
  
• Mk.21: Strike length canister for SM-2 Block IV and SM-3 Block I long-range air/ballistic missile defense missiles. The MOD 3 variant supports the new SM-6 successor to the SM-2.
  
• Mk.25: Tactical length Quad-pack canister for RIM-162 Evolved SeaSparrow air defense missiles
  
• Mk.29: Strike length canister for the future SM-3 Block II ballistic missile defense missiles, which are wider. Uses more composites for lighter weight.

Inserts can also enhance a cell’s flexibility. Lockheed Martin’s Extensible Launching System (ExLS) is, in effect, a semi-permanent Mk.41 canister that acts as a quad-pack adapter, allowing ships to fire smaller weapons like Nulka anti-missile decoys, RIM-116 RAM block 2 defensive missiles, or even small land attack missiles, from their Mk.41/Mk.57 vertical launchers. ExLS can also be hosted in a ship on its own, creating an independent launch system that competes with the Mk.41 SDL.

The MK41 VLS system’s leading competitor is DCNS’ Sylver family of launchers. They equip the French Navy’s Charles de Gaulle nuclear aircraft carrier, the Franco-Italian Horizon Class frigates, the UK’s Type 45 destroyers, and Saudi Arabia’s LaFayette-derived Sawari II frigates, among others. In 2005 the Sylver launcher was also picked to equip the multi-role Franco-Italian FREMM frigates, which have been ordered by France, Italy, Algeria, and Morocco.

MK 41 VLS Contracts

Unless otherwise indicated, all contracts are issued by US Naval Sea Systems Command in Washington, DC (NAVSEA).

FY 2014-2018

No one to compete with Lockheed Martin. UK adoption.

More LockMart, more cowbell

September 28/18: Multi-national FMS BAE Systems is being contracted to supply the ships of US allied navies a number Mk 41 Vertical Launching Systems (VLSs). The firm-fixed-price contract modification is priced at $28.9 million and provides for the procurement of VLS Mk 13 MOD 0 canisters and coding plugs. The coding plugs will integrate the Standard Missile-2 to the VLS. The naval MK 41 Vertical Launching System (VLS) hides missiles below decks in vertical slots, with key electronics and venting systems built in. A deck and hatch assembly at the top of the module protects the missile canisters from the elements, and from other hazards during storage. The tactical length Mk 41 can accommodate SM-2 Standard and RIM-162 Evolved SeaSparrow air defense missiles, and VL-ASROC anti-submarine missiles. This contract combines FMS to the governments of Japan ($19.6 million), Australia ($6.3 million), South Korea ($1.8 million) and the Netherlands ($1.2 million). Work will be performed at BAE facilities in Aberdeen, South Dakota and Minneapolis, Minnesota. The systems are expected to be completed by June 2021.

February 22/18: FMS Clearance Finland has been cleared for the foreign military sale of Mk 41 Baseline VII Strike-Length Vertical Launching Systems by the US State Department. Valued at an estimated $70 million, the sale includes four vertical launching systems, spares, handling equipment, test equipment, operator manuals and technical documentation, US Government and contractor engineering, training, technical, and logistical support services, and other related elements of logistical support. Lockheed Martin will act as lead contractor. The systems will be integrated on Finland’s upcoming fleet of four new corvettes, and follows a series of FMS clearances earlier this month for naval weapons as part of an ambitious naval modernization program.

July 8/16: Chile’s Navy is to receive MK 41 Vertical Launching Systems (VLS) armed with the Evolved Sea Sparrow Missiles (ESSMs). The systems and missiles will be installed as part of upgrades on three UK-built Type 23 frigates at a cost of $140 million. Raytheon, BAE Systems and Lockheed Martin are the contractors implementing the upgrade. At present, the former Royal Navy frigates operate the legacy GWS-26 Sea Wolf anti-air missiles so the ESSM’s represent a significant upgrade in capabilities.

March 21/16: Lockheed Martin is to restart production on its MK 41 Vertical Launching System with a ribbon-cutting ceremony planned its Middle River plant in Baltimore County, Maryland on March 24. According to an invitation to media, the MK 41 VLS is “the only launching system capable [sic] launching anti-air, anti-submarine, surface-to-surface and strike missiles and can receive orders from multiple weapon control systems to handle every warfighting mission.” The news comes as Lockheed was awarded a potential three-year $197.6 million contract modification to carry out computer program baseline development work on the US Navy’s Aegis combat systems, of which the MK 41 is a core component.

Dec 12/14: N00024-13-R-5332 Award. Lockheed Martin Mission Systems and Training is awarded a $235.3 million firm-fixed-price contract for MK 41 electronic and mechanical modules and related equipment, that can reach $356.8M with options. This contract combines purchases for the U.S. Navy (69.5%) and the governments of Saudi Arabia (26.3%) and Norway (4.2%) under the Foreign Military Sales Program.

Work will be performed in Baltimore, MD (95.1%); Orlando, FL (4%); and Clearwater, FL (0.9%), and is expected to be completed by March 2022. Funds come from the Navy’s FY 2013 and 2014 shipbuilding/conversion and other procurement; FY 2014 Defense-wide procurement funds; and FY 2014 research, development, test and evaluation.

October 9/14: UK. In a reply to Rory Stewart, the Chairman of the House of Commons Defence Committee, Secretary of State for Defence Michael Fallon wrote that a Flexible Strike Silo fitted with Mk41 launchers will be part of Type 26 frigates. Source: MoD/House of Commons [PDF].

Aug 14/14: FY13-17. NAVSEA completed its initial evaluation of proposals received in answer to the VLS Electronic and Mechanical Launcher Production solicitation N00024-13-R-5332 (q.v. Feb 13/13) which closed on Nov. 21, 2013. Bad news for the Pentagon’s goal to compete more contracts: just one offer “was determined to be in the competitive range” and other competitors are closed from the solicitation.

FY 2011-2013

USN takes over integrator role from Lockheed Martin; MoU with MBDA could change the industry; MK-41 for British Type 45 ships? FY13-17 plans.

MK 41 line drawing

July 25/13: Support. BAE Land & Armaments LP’s US Combat Systems division in Minneapolis, MN receives a $9.2 million contract modification for MK-41 engineering services. They’ll support of research, development, test, evaluation, upgrades, operation, maintenance and product improvements for the US Navy (96.02%), and for the governments of South Korea (3.49%); the Netherlands (0.38%) and Canada (0.11%).

All funds are committed immediately. Work will be performed in Minneapolis, MN (87%); Brea, CA (12%); and Aberdeen, SD (1%), and is expected to be complete by September 2013. $89,928 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year, on Sept 30/13 (N00024-13-C-5325).

June 28/13: Multi-Year Canister deal. BAE Systems’ US Combat Systems group in Minneapolis, MN, is being awarded a $40.3 million firm-fixed-price contract, covering FY 2013 orders for MK 14 MOD 2 (Tomahawk), MK 21 MOD 2 (SM-3), MK 21 MOD 3 (SM-6), and MK 25 MOD 0 (ESSM) VLS Canisters; ancillary hardware; and associated support equipment. All funds are committed immediately. This is the initial award for the advertised FY 2013 – 2017 contract (q.v. May-June 2012 entry), though its period of performance could run through 2019 if all options are exercised. BAE cites a maximum possible value of over $400 million.

The initial $40.3 million contract combines purchases for the U.S. Navy (96.7%) and the government of Thailand (3.3%) under the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program. In January 2013, Thailand opted for a limited initial buy of 9 RIM-162 ESSM missiles. They’ll equip its 2 Chinese-built Naresuan Class frigates, which carry American Mk.41 VLS systems.

Work will be performed in Aberdeen, SD (90%), and Minneapolis, MN (10%), and is expected to be complete by by July 2015. This contract was competitively procured via FBO.gov and the Navy Electronic Commerce Online websites, but just 1 offer was received. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C. manages the contract (N00024-13-C-5314). See also BAE Systems.

June 27/13: Support. As the Mk.41’s Mechanical Design Agent, BAE Systems announces a $91.4 million contract from the U.S. Navy to develop technical solutions for new canister (incl. Mk.29) and missile integration, as well as launcher improvements, and continued support of the Aegis Ballistic Missile Defense Program and Aegis Ashore. BAE.

May 15/13: MBDA MoU. MBDA signs an MoU with Lockheed Martin Lockheed Martin that has the potential to shake up the naval missile industry. It sounds innocuous: both companies agree to jointly explore the market for the integration of MBDA naval missile systems into Lockheed Martin’s MK-41 Vertical Launch System, and ExLS VLS/cell insert.

They’ll begin with a late 2013 demonstration involving Britain’s new CAMM-M Sea Ceptor missile, but the implications reach far beyond. MBDA has a wide array of naval missiles for both air defense and precision attack, but most are compatible only with DCNS’ rival SYLVER system. Adding those missiles to the Mk-41 would give it overwhelming dominance in the global naval market. Read “CAMM Opener for the Naval Missile Market: MBDA & LMCO’s MoU” for full coverage.

MK.41 MoU with MBDA

Feb 13/13: New plan for FY13-17. NAVSEA cancels the presolicitation that it had issued in the summer 2012 (N00024-12-R-5320) and replaces it with N00024-13-R-5332. In it they announce their intent to issue a single solicitation in March 2013 for the MK 41 VLS Launcher Production Contract for FY13-17 launchers, ancillary hardware, and associated support equipment in support of US Navy, AEGIS Ashore, and Allied Navy requirements.

These requirements consist of up to 120 modules (10 USN DDG 51 Class shipsets), 3 AEGIS Ashore modules, up to 48 Allied Navy modules, and VLS upgrade kits and spares for Aegis Modernization (AMOD) and DDG modernization programs.

Mechanical and electronic requirements may end up addressed by a single contract or separate ones.

Sept 14/12: FY 2012 Canisters. BAE Systems Land and Armaments’ US Combat Systems Division in Minneapolis, MN receives a $7.3 million contract modification for MK 21 MOD 2 SM-3 canisters, as well as canisters to fit SM-2, SM-6, and RIM-162 Evolved Sea Sparrow air defense missiles, VL-ASROC anti-submarine weapons, and RGM-109 tactical Tomahawk long-range cruise missiles.

Work will be performed in Aberdeen, SD (87%) and Minneapolis, MN (13%), and is expected to run until July 2014. US Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington Navy Yard, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity (N00024-10-C-5349).

July-Aug 2012: pre-RFP. On July 2 NAVSEA issued a presolicitation (N0002412R5320) in advance of issuing an RFP in September for the production of MK 41 launchers and ancillaries over the FY13-17 period to align with the MYP procurement of the underlying ships. They intend to award a single Firm Fixed Price contract via full and open competition. The award is planned for January 2014, with work lasting until 2020. Like in the case of the separate RFP for canisters, allied countries are taken care of within this contract.

Since then NAVSEA has updated its presolicitation, including a short set of questions and answers posted on Aug 20/12 following an Industry Day on Aug 7/12. Offerors must be US-based, but the winning prime can subcontract to qualified foreign subcontractors. NAVSEA has indicated, however, that do not want any subcontractor to have more than 20% of the total contract. The slides used during that event are classified Distribution F – thus, you will not find them posted here, nor on FBO.gov or NECO.

May-June 2012: Canisters. NAVSEA released a presolicitation (N0002412R5314) in preparation of an FY13-17 production contract for MK 41 VLS MK 14 Mod 2, MK 21 Mod 2, MK 21 Mod 3, and MK 25 Mod 0 canisters. An Industry Day took place on June 4. The final RFP is expected for the summer 2012, while the award planned for May 2013 will reward the winning bid with a Firm Fixed Price contract via full and open competition. As of February 2012, Chris Deegan, the Executive Director PEO IWS, estimated [PDF] the value of this award at $710M.

March 29/12: BAE U.S. Combat Systems in Minneapolis, MN receives a $23 million contract modification for MK 41 Vertical Launching System mechanical modules and related equipment and services for DDG 116 and Aegis Ashore, Host Nation One (Romania). Contract modification efforts includes requirements to procure MK41 VLS mechanical systems, production of support material, interim support parts, and equipment in support of DDG51-class new construction, and Aegis Ashore Missile Defense Systems requirements.

Work will be performed in Aberdeen, SD (43%); Farmingdale, NY (19%); Aiken, SC (15%); Fort Totten, ND (10%); York, PA (7%); Minneapolis, MN (5%); and Louisville, KY (1%). Work is expected to complete by September 2015. US Naval Sea Systems Command in Washington, DC manages the contract (N00024-11-C-5301). See also BAE release.

Feb 9/12: BAE Systems’ U.S. Combat Systems division in Minneapolis, MN receives an $8.75 million contract modification for MK-41 technical and engineering services. Work will be performed in Minneapolis, MN (82%), Brea, CA (17%), and Aberdeen, SD (1%), and is expected to be complete by December 2012 (N00024-09-C-5394).

Jan 10/12: Lockheed Martin MS2 in Baltimore, MD receives a $20.6 million modification to previously awarded contract for MK 41 VLS production support material, interim support parts, and equipment to support construction of new Arleigh Burke Class Flight IIA destroyers.

Work will be performed in Baltimore, MD (41.1%); Lewisburg, TN (19.1%); Fort Walton Beach, FL (18.8%); Johnstown, PA (9.2%); Simpsonville, SC (5.5%); Clearwater, FL (3.2%); and Sterling Heights, MI (3.1%). Work is expected to be complete by June 2015. US Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity (N00024-11-C-5302).

Nov 23/11: Lockheed Martin MS2 in Baltimore, MD receives an $11.7 million contract modification for MK 41 VLS ordnance alteration kits, production support material, interim support parts, and equipment in support of DDG 51 class destroyer new construction, overall Aegis modernization programs, and land-based Aegis Ashore programs. Aegis Ashore is likely to require significant physical engineering changes, while the electronics need to be kept up to date with planned upgrades to the Aegis combat system and other shipboard equipment.

Work will be performed in Baltimore, MD (41.1%); Lewisburg, TN (19.1%); Ft Walton Beach, FL (18.8%); Johnstown, PA (9.2%); Simpsonville, SC (5.5%); Clearwater, FL (3.2%); and Sterling Heights, MI. (3.1%), and is expected to be complete by September 2014. US Naval Sea Systems Command in Washington, DC issues the contracts.

Sept 22/11: Lockheed Martin Maritime Systems and Sensors (MS2) in Baltimore MD receives an $8.8 million contract modification to provide electrical design agent services for the MK 41 Vertical Launching System (VLS). Work can include the integration of new missiles into VLS; integration of VLS into new ships; technical refresh; systems engineering; computer program engineering; and failure analyses.

Work will be performed in Baltimore, MD (82%), and Ventura, CA (18%), and is expected to be complete by December 2012.

Sept 1/11: Aviation Week reports that the U.S. Navy’s Program Executive Office for Integrated Warfare Systems (PEO IWS) will now acquire FY 2010-2012 VLS launcher module mechanical structures directly from the subcontractor, and assume the role of major systems integrator. PEO IWS VLS Program Manager Toan Nguyen:

“We broke the mold on an established business engagement and emphasized a message of affordability… By eliminating efforts associated with managing the major subcontractor, we have gained efficiency while retaining our efficient manufacturing and integration processes.”

June 29/11: Lockheed Martin MS2 in Baltimore, MD receives a $13.1 million contract modification for MK 41 VLS ordnance alteration kits, production support material, interim support parts, and equipment in support of DDG 51-class new construction, and of Aegis modernization programs for the Navy’s CG-47 cruisers and DDG-51 destroyers.

Work will be performed in Baltimore, MD (29.5%); Ft. Walton Beach, FL (18.8%); Moorestown, NJ (11.6%); Lewisburg, TN (10.1%); Johnstown, PA (9.2%); Owego, NY (9.0%); Simpsonville, SC (5.5%); Clearwater, FL (3.2%); and Sterling Heights, MI (3.1%), and is expected to be complete by June 2013 (N00024-11-C-5302).

June 20/11: Mk41 for British Type 45 destroyers? Raytheon Missile Systems VP Ed Miyashiro is telling journalists that a number of other platforms are being looked at for NATO/European ballistic missile defense, including Britain’s Type 45s. The ship class’ MBDA Aster-30 missiles have just begun land tests against ballistic missiles, but Raytheon’s SM-3 family has both a longer testing record, and an SM-3 Block II that promises very significant performance improvements. For cash-strapped European governments, it also comes with much cheaper missile defense development costs, thanks to American and Japanese advance work.

The issue would be integration. Spanish F100 frigates are the most straightforward, with the same AN/SPY-1D radars and Mk.41 Vertical Launch System (VLS) as American ships. The same AEGIS BMD upgrade set used in American destroyers would suffice. Dutch and German F124 frigates, and the pending Danish Ivar Huitfeldt Class ships, also carry the MK.41 VLS, but use higher-performance Thales APAR and SMART-L radars. That requires additional integration and modification work, but all 3 classes are using a shared core system. The British, French, and Italian ships would be the most work. While they all share a similar core air defense system, they all use different radars, while sharing key electronics and DCNS’ Sylver VLS. That means both electronics work, and physical changes to the weapons array. In his conversations, Miyashiro mentions that they’re looking into the possibility of fielding SM-3 compatible inserts in DCNS’ Sylver A70 VLS, which is the required size for the 6.6 meter SM-3. Britain’s Type 45 Daring Class has space for adding the larger Sylver A70 launchers up front, but Miyashiro has reportedly said that they’re also looking at the possibility of inserting the Mk.41 VLS there.

A Mk.41 VLS would require some combat system integration, in exchange for very wide flexibility beyond the SM-3s. It would also give the Daring Class the ability to use an array of new weapons, including Tomahawk land attack cruise missiles, which current British doctrine will only fire from submarines. Aviation Week | Defense News.

June 3/11: BAE Systems Land & Armaments, LP in Minneapolis, MN wins a $54.6 million firm-fixed-price sole-source contract for MK 41 Vertical Launching System mechanical modules and related equipment and services. This contract includes options which, if exercised, would bring its cumulative value to $55.5 million.

The launchers will be installed in 3 different DDG-51 Arleigh Burke Flight IIA destroyers: HII’s DDG 113 & 114, and Bath Iron Works’ DDG-115. Each ship will receive 2 sets, for a total of 6. Production on the missile launchers will begin in June 2011 and run through 2013, though the contract runs to September 2015. Work will be performed in Aberdeen, SD (45%); Aiken, SC (25%); York, PA (20%); Louisville, KY (5%); and Fridley, MN (5%). Work is expected to be complete by September 2015 (N00024-11-C-5301). See also BAE release.

March 30/11: BAE Systems in Minneapolis, MN receives an $8.9 million contract modification to help integrate wider (21″ vs. 13.5″) SM-3 Block II missiles into the MK 41 vertical launching system. The firm will provide design, analysis, and test services for the MK 29 Mod 0 canister in support of Aegis Ballistic Missile Defense (BMD), and engineering services for MK 21 Mod 3 canisters and MK 41 installation efforts.

Work will be performed in Minneapolis, MN (77%), and Brea, CA (23%), and is expected to be complete by December 2011 (N00024-09-C-5394).

Nov 29/10: The US Navy’s PEO-Integrated Warfare Systems issues a readiness and sustainment contract to BAE Systems, to establish and maintain the ship interfaces for the Standard Missile family. That includes, but is not exclusive to, the Mk41 vertical launch systems carrying the missiles. These services include systems and software engineering, systems integration, testing, and computer-aided design. The contract has a 1-year base period, with up to 4 one-year options. If all options are exercised, it will be worth $60 million. Work will be conducted at a BAE Systems Support Solutions facility in Rockville, MD, and at customer sites in Tucson, AZ and around the world.

Under the same contract, the company also works with the Navy to support Standard Missile family interfaces for Australia, Canada, Germany, the Netherlands, and Taiwan. BAE Systems.

Nov 19/10: Lockheed Martin Mission Systems & Sensors, Ships and Aviation Systems in Baltimore, MD receives a $24.5 million firm-fixed-price contract modification, exercising to exercise the 2nd option for spare and repair parts used in the MK-41 vertical launching system.

Work will be performed in Baltimore, MD (15%), and Ventura, CA (85%), and is expected to be complete by November 2014. The Naval Inventory Control Point in Mechanicsburg, PA manages this contract (N00104-01-D-ZD52).

FY 2009- 2010

New canister for SM-3 Block II, SM-6; ExLS fit-in adds versatility; Turkish request.

ExLS, explained
(click to view full)

Sept 30/10: Successful thermal model testing of the new Mk.29 VLS canister on board the US Navy’s Self Defense Test Ship. NSWC Port Hueneme engineers took the lead in coordinating the event requirements and schedule, prepared the ship for testing, reviewed test planning documentation, provided 7 other VLS canisters for the test event and conducted the onload and offload of the 8 VLS canisters to and from the test ship.

The canister and missile used were the MK 29 Mod 0 Prototype P1 canister and SM-3 Blk IIA engineering unit inert missile. The Mk29 canister is designed to house the future SM-3 Block IIA , which is 21″ wide throughout. The SM-3 Block 1s, which fit into Mk21 canisters, are just 13.5″ wide above the booster stage. The MK 29 canister design is also a departure from previous VLS canister designs, using mostly composite materials in order to reduce weight. US NAVSEA.

Aug 11/10: Lockheed Martin announces a successful test-firing of a Nulka decoy from their new Extensible Launching System (ExLS) insert. ExLS allows a ship to launch launch of smaller payloads like Nulka decoys or NLOS-LS missiles from Mk41 VLS or larger Mk57 PVLS VLS cells. This avoids deck mountings that might compromise stealth, or custom launchers with their added costs.

The flight test at Eglin AFB, FL comes after 3 years of development and integration, and demonstrated the new launcher in a fully tactical configuration. The ExLS test was conducted with support from the Naval Surface Warfare Centers at Dahlgren, VA and Crane, IN, as well as Nulka developer BAE Systems Australia.

June 30/10: BAE Systems, Land & Armaments, LP, U.S. Combat Systems, Minneapolis, Minn., is being awarded a $9.1 million contract modification for FY 2009 canister production of MK25 Evolved Seasparrow quad-pack canisters.

Work will be performed in Aberdeen, SD (80%); Odessa, MO (10%); and Minneapolis, MN (10%); and is expected to be completed by February 2012 (N00024-09-C-5317).

April 13/10: BAE Systems Land and Armaments’ U.S. Combat Systems division in Minneapolis, MN receives an $8.6 million not-to-exceed contract modification to integrate SM-3 and SM-6 ERAM missiles into Mk.41 canisters and launchers. This mechanical design agent work will be performed in Minneapolis, MN (80%), Brea, CA (15%), and San Diego, CA (5%), and is expected to be complete by April 2011 (N00024-09-C-5394). SM-3s have already been fired from Mk.41 launchers as a matter of course. In response to DID’s questions, BAE Systems said that their work extended to new variants:

“…yes, there are several versions of SM-3 [to integrate, as well as the new SM-6]; we are working for the US Navy to integrate them with Mk 41 and to design missile canisters for them. We coordinate Mk 41 launcher integration with our teammate Lockheed Martin.”

Feb 1/10: Lockheed Martin Maritime Systems and Sensors in Baltimore MD received a $31.4 million cost-plus-fixed fee contract to be the electrical design agent for the MK 41 VLS, on behalf of the USN and 8 allied navies. It combines purchases for the US Navy (26.7%), and the governments of Japan (29.7%), Turkey (14.2%), Australia (7.7%), Spain (7.0%), Canada (6.0%), South Korea (5.0%), Netherlands (2.1%), and Germany (1.6%); and includes options which, if exercised, would bring its cumulative value to $104.9 million over 4 years.

Efforts under the contract include design agent services to support the MK 41 VLS program and the life cycle support facility through efforts such as the integration of new missiles into the VLS, integration of VLS into new ships, technical refresh, systems engineering, computer program engineering, and failure analyses.

Work will be performed in Baltimore, MD (92%); and Ventura, CA (8%); and is expected to be completed by September 2011. Contract funds in the amount of $3.2 million will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was not competitively procured by US Naval Sea Systems Command at the Washington Navy Yard, DC (N00024-10-C-5347). See also Lockheed Martin release

SM-3 Evolution
(click to view full)

Aug 6/09: BAE Systems Land & Armaments LP’s U.S. Combat Systems in Minneapolis, MN received a $7.5 million ceiling cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for canister integration and mechanical design agent services related to the Mk 41 VLS’ fit with Standard Missile (SM) SM-3 and forthcoming SM-6 missiles. The SM-6 is a new missile that will replace the SM-2, while SM-3 is adding new features, and SM-3 Block II will widen the missile body to 21″. BAE would later inform DID that this contract was specifically targeted at the SM-3 Block IIA, along with SM-6.

Work will be performed in Minneapolis, MN (90%); Brea, CA (10%), and is expected to be complete by August 2010. This contract was not competitively procured by the Naval Sea Systems Command in Washington, DC (N00024-09-C-5394).

March 20/09: Lockheed Martin Maritime Systems and Sensors in Baltimore, MD received a fixed-price, not-to-exceed $49.9 million contract for FY 2009 MK 41 Vertical Launching System (VLS) production and delivery requirements. This contract combines purchases for the U.S. Navy (43%), and for the governments of Turkey (56%) and Australia (1%t) under the Foreign Military Sales Program.

Work will be performed in Baltimore, MD (64%); Minneapolis, MN (19%); Fort Walton Beach, FL (14%); Eagan, MN (2%); and Virginia Beach, VA (1%), and is expected to be complete by December 2012. This contract was not competitively procured (N00024-09-C-5392).

Nov 20/08: Lockheed Martin Maritime Systems and Sensors (MS2) received a $6.3 million modification to a previously awarded contract for design agent engineering services. They will support updated MK 41 Vertical Launch System (VLS) installation in the U.S. Navy’s CG-47 Ticonderoga Class guided missile cruiser modernization program, and the Turkish Navy’s MEKO Track IIA and IIB frigates.

Work will be performed in Baltimore, MD (84%) and Ventura, CA (16%), and is expected to be complete by May 2009 (N00024-04-C-5453). See also Lockheed Martin release.

April 4/08: Turkey request. The US Defense Security Cooperation Agency announces [PDF] Turkey’s formal request for 6 MK 41 Vertical Launch System (VLS) Baseline VII tactical modules, and 2 sets of MK 41 VLS upgrade kits. They would be used to modernize 2 MEKO Track IIA frigates and 4 ex-FFG-7 Oliver Hazard Perry Class frigates, and to upgrade 2 MEKO Track IIB frigates’ MK-41 VLS from baseline IV to baseline VII configuration. Updates to the ships’ fire control system upgrades will add RIM-162 Evolved Sea Sparrow Missile capability. Services will include installation and testing, U.S. Government and contractor engineering and logistics personnel services, equipment operation and maintenance, personnel training and training equipment, support and test equipment, spare and repair parts, publications and technical documentation, launch system software development and maintenance and other related elements of logistics support. The estimated cost is $227 million.

The principal contractor will be Lockheed Martin Maritime Systems and Sensors of Baltimore, MD, and Moorestown, NJ. There are no known offset agreements proposed in connection with this potential sale, and implementation of this proposed sale will not require the assignment of any additional U.S. Government representatives or contractor representatives to Turkey.

FY 2006 – 2007

Turkish & Australian orders; Open architecture upgrades for USN.

SM-2 launch
(click to view full)

Aug 30/07: Turkish order. Lockheed Martin Naval Electronics & Surveillance Systems in Baltimore, MD received a $6.4 million firm-fixed-price modification #P00121 to previously awarded contract (N00024-98-C-5363) for procurement of 2 MK 41 Vertical Launching System shipsets for the Government of Turkey under the Foreign Military Sales Program. This procurement will include spares, special tools, test equipment, material and services to refurbish fixtures and transport equipment.

Work will be performed in Baltimore, MD (70%) and Minneapolis, MN (30%), and is expected to be complete by March 2010.

Aug 15/07: The US Navy’s Open Architecture Initiative is placing a strong focus on a new electronics approach for its new ships and its upgrade programs. Open architecture exploits commercial computing technology standards, which makes it easier for the Navy to switch vendors, replace components, and perform upgrades when necessary.

Lockheed Martin’s release describes their Mk41 VLS open architecture efforts, from past upgrades that laid the foundation, to current efforts aimed at making the system’s software “portable” across different computer processors and operating systems, to future efforts aimed at greater software modularity and re-use.

July 26/07: Lockheed Martin announces a $23.2 million firm fixed price contract modification to upgrade MK 41 Vertical Launching System (VLS) on the USA’s CG-47 Ticonderoga Class guided missile cruisers to Baseline VII status. The effort is part of Naval Sea Systems Command’s Cruiser Modernization Program, which will update the ships’ combat systems, as well as the hull, mechanical and electrical systems.

Specifically, Lockheed Martin will provide new electronics hardware to upgrade the MK 41 VLS to Baseline VII on 2 of the 16 modules aboard the USA’s 22 serving CG 47-class ships (each module is 8 cells). The upgrade will extend the multi-mission launching system capability to include the RIM-162 Evolved Sea Sparrow Missile (ESSM), which will let the ships carry up to 64 of these air defense missiles in their 16 modernized Baseline VII cells. Lockheed Martin release.

March 15/07: BAE Armament Systems Division in Minneapolis, MN received a $19.1 million fixed-price-award-fee modification to previously awarded contract (N00024-04-C-5464) for procurement of FY 2007 MK 14 MOD 2 Canisters. It covers the renewal and upgrade of 145 existing canisters and the manufacturing of 97 new MK 14 canisters, and includes packaging, handling, storage, transportation equipment, and FY07 reconfigurable coding plug assemblies. Work will be performed in Aberdeen, SD; deliveries are expected to begin by summer 2008, and are expected to be complete by January 2009. BAE release.

MK 14 canisters for the MK 41 vertical launching system, store, transport in safety, and enable loading of Tomahawk land attack cruise missiles into the MK 41 vertical launching systems aboard DDG-51 Arleigh Burke Class destroyers and CG-47 Ticonderoga Class cruisers.

“This contract modification will bring the total of renewed and upgraded canisters under this contract to 1036 MK 14 canisters and the production of 97 MK 14 Mod 2 canisters,” said Gary Tatge, BAE’s program manager of the MK 41 VLS and canisters.

March 13/07: Lockheed Martin Corp. Maritime System and Sensors – Marine Systems in Baltimore, MD received a $16.1 million firm-fixed-price contract modification to previously awarded contract (N00024-98-C-5363) to provide MK 41 Baseline VII Vertical Launching System launcher ship sets for 3 Royal Australian Navy Air Warfare Destroyer Class (Project SEA 4000) ships and Spain’s new F100 Alvaro de Bazan Class frigate [F-105, unnamed as of this writing] under the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) Program.

The modification combines purchases for the governments of Australia (73%) and Spain (27%), and includes the labor associated with production of installation and checkout (INCO) spares, INCO special tools and test equipment, onboard repair parts and other ancillary equipment. Work will be performed in Baltimore, MD and is expected to be completed by December 2009.

Jan 30/07: Lockheed Martin in Baltimore, MD received a $5.6 million cost-plus-award-fee modification under previously awarded contract (N00024-04-C-5453). It exercises options for technical engineering services in support of MK 41 Vertical Launching System Integration for the Governments of Spain (60%); Australia (37%); Germany (2%); and Korea (1%) under the Foreign Military Sales Program.

Work will be performed in Baltimore, MD (80%) and Ventura, CA (20%), and is expected to be complete by October 2008.

Nov 20/06: Lockheed Martin Maritime Systems & Sensors (MS2) Littoral Ships and Systems in Baltimore, MD received $26.6 million to exercise an option under previously awarded contract (N00104-01-D-ZD52) for the manufacture of spare and repair parts used in the MK-41 Vertical Launching System. This will be an undefinitized contractual action for the MK-41 Vertical Launching System Performance Based Logistics (PBL) supply support contract. Work will be performed in Ventura, CA (85%) and Baltimore, MD (15%) and is expected to be complete by November 2010. This contract was not competitively procured by the Naval Inventory Control Point in Mechanicsburg, PA.

Nov 9/06: Lockheed Martin in Baltimore, MD received an $8.7 million cost-plus-award-fee contract modification to previously awarded contract (N00024-04-C-5453) to provide funding for technical instructions that will authorize engineering and technical services support for logistics (requisition and repairs), system integration, product improvement, and production support of MK 41 VLS equipment for new construction ships. This is referred to as “exercise options for engineering and technical services in support of the FY 2007 Vertical Launching System (VLS) Depot, Installation & Check-out (INCO), and logistic requirements.”

Work will be performed in Baltimore, MD (86%) and Ventura, CA (14%) and the work is expected to be complete by October 2007 (N00024-04-C-5453).

Nov 9/06: Lockheed Martin Maritime System and Sensors/ Littoral Ships and Systems in Baltimore, MD received a $60.7 million firm-fixed-price modification under previously awarded contract (N00024-98-C-5363) for procurement of four MK 41, MOD 15 Baseline VII, Vertical Launcher Ship (VLS) Sets. This work is taking place on behalf the Governments of Australia (73.2%) and Spain (26.8%) under the Foreign Military Sales Program.

Lockheed will also provide launcher support equipment and the associated labor for establishing material requisitions, program scheduling requirements, and establishment of purchase orders with suppliers and performance of necessary business and production operations. Work will be performed in Baltimore, MD (52.7%), Minneapolis, MN (22%), Aberdeen, SD (8%), Aiken, SC (7%), Ft. Totten, ND (5.2%), and East Elmhurst, NY (5.1%), and is expected to be complete by December 2008.

Nov 1/06: BAE Systems Land & Armaments, LP in Minneapolis, MN received $8.6 million fixed-price-plus-award-fee modification to previously awarded contract (N00024-04-C-5454) for procurement of MK 25 MOD 0 canisters, packaging, handling, storage, and transportation equipment, reconfigurable coding plug assemblies and explosive bolts for Navy and NATO SeaSparrow Program Office (NSPO) foreign government requirements. MK 25 canisters for the MK 41 Vertical Launching System store, transport in safety, and enable loading of the RIM-162 Evolved Sea Sparrow Missile (ESSM) into the MK 41 Vertical Launching Systems aboard Navy ships. This modification combines efforts for the US Navy (57%) and the Governments of Germany (32%) and Spain (11%) under the foreign military sales program. Work will be performed in Aberdeen, SD and is expected to be complete by December 2008.

Sept 15/06: BAE Systems Land & Armaments LP in Minneapolis, MN received a $15.6 million fixed-price, award-fee modification to previously awarded contract (N00024-04-C-5454) for procurement of FY 2006 Mk. 13 MOD 0 Canisters for FY 2006 Navy and Foreign Military Sales, including packaging, handling, storage, and transportation equipment, and FY 2006 Reconfigurable Coding Plug Assemblies.

Mk 13 canisters for the MK 41 Vertical Launching System store, transport in safety, and enable loading of SM-2 Standard air defense missiles into the MK 41 Vertical Launching Systems aboard various US and foreign ships [1]. Work will be performed in Aberdeen, SD and is expected to be complete by January 2008. This modification supports requirements for the US Navy (16%); the Governments of Japan (30%) and South Korea (25%) under the Foreign Military Sales program; and the Governments of Germany (20%) and The Netherlands (9%) under a Memorandum of Understanding.

April 10/06: Lockheed Martin Corp. Maritime System and Sensors – Marine Systems in Baltimore, MD received a $50.6 firm-fixed-price modification to previously awarded contract (N00024-98-C-5363). The contract modification provides funding for the procurement of the hardware, design, fabrication and delivery of 36 MK 41 VLS Baseline VII modules, with sets of 12 being installed on each of three new DDG-51 Arleigh Burke Class destroyers. This modification completes the procurement of the modules initiated by a $27 million August 2005 contract awarded in August 2005 for the purchase of long-lead materials.

Design and fabrication work will be performed at Lockheed Martin’s Middle River, MD, facility outside Baltimore, while other work takes place in Aberdeen, SD (40%); Minneapolis, MN (10%). Delivery is scheduled to be complete in 2010. See also Lockheed release.

March 22/06: BAE Systems and Armaments, LP in Minneapolis, MN received a $6.4 million fixed-price-plus-award-fee modification to previously awarded contract (N00024-04-C-5464) for procurement of Mk 14 MOD 2 Canisters for FY 2006 USN requirements, including packaging, handling, storage, and transportation equipment, and FY 06 Reconfigurable Coding Plug Assemblies. Mk 14 canisters for the MK 41 Vertical Launching System store, transport in safety, and enable loading of Tomahawk land attack cruise missiles into MK 41 Vertical Launching Systems like the ones aboard the USA’s DDG-51 Arleigh Burke Class destroyers and CG-47 Ticonderoga Class cruisers. Work will be performed at Aberdeen, SD and is expected to be complete by January 2008. This contract was not competitively procured.

Feb 20/06: Lockheed Martin received a $5.4 million contract modification from NAVSEA to continue providing technical and engineering support services for the MK 41 Vertical Launch System (VLS) program. The modification includes $4.4 million for Lockheed Martin to perform VLS Baseline VII design engineering support to the MK 41. The work includes VLS tactical software updates, auto test equipment maintenance, and other engineering support for Baseline VII that will be performed at Lockheed Martin’s Baltimore facility. In addition, $1 million goes to support the VLS Depot at the company’s Life Cycle Support facility in Ventura, CA. See Lockheed release.

Dec 30/06: BAE Systems and Armaments, LP in Minneapolis, MN received a $9.8 million fixed-price-plus-award-fee modification to previously awarded contract (N00024-04-C-5464) for procurement of FY 2006 Mk 14 MOD 2 canisters for FY 2006 USN requirements, including packaging, handling, storage, and transportation equipment, and FY 2006 reconfigurable coding plug assemblies. Mk 14 canisters for the MK 41 Vertical Launching System store, transport in safety, and enable loading of Tomahawk land attack cruise missiles into MK 41 Vertical Launching Systems like the ones aboard the USA’s DDG-51 Arleigh Burke Class destroyers and CG-47 Ticonderoga Class cruisers. Work will be performed in Aberdeen, SD and is expected to be complete by January 2008.

Footnotes

fn1. The DefenseLINK release says that the Mk.13s enable loading of Tomahawk missiles, but this is incorrect. Several of the countries listed as part of this contract simply do not employ Tomahawk land attack cruise missiles in any capacity – but they do employ SM-2 air defense missiles, which the MK 13 does accommodate.

Additional Readings

• US Navy Fact File – MK 41 VLS

• Lockheed Martin – Mk41 Vertical Launching System (MK 41 VLS).

• BAE Systems – VLS MK 41 Strike Length Missile. Strike length cells, as opposed to Tactical length Mk.41 cells, can accommodate longer missiles like the SM-3 anti-ballistic missile and Tomahawk cruise missile.

• BAE Systems – VLS Mk 41 Missile. As the U.S. Navy’s Mk 41 canister design agent, BAE Systems has developed the Mk 25 Quad-Pack canister that fits 4 RIM-162 ESSM anti-aircraft missiles into a single Mk.41 cell.

• Lockheed Martin – Extensible Launching System (ExLS) [PDF]. Fits into a Mk. 41 cell, as a semi-permanent adapter for a range of existing and new munitions. Quad-packed Nulka decoys or RIM-116 RAM missiles, or strike munitions like NLOS-LS/NETFIRES, are some examples. Developed under IRAD funding.

• Global Security – MK 41 VLS

• DID – BMD, in from the Sea: SM-3 Missiles Going Ashore. Mk.41 launchers will also be land-based, now.

• DCNS – Sylver. Also a family of launchers, from the small A35 to the strike-length A70.

• Raytheon – Seapower brochure [PDF]. The MK 57 will be used only on the USA’s DDG-1000 Zumwalt Class. Will accommodate larger missiles with higher rocket massflow than the Mk.41, uses a more advanced exhaust gas management system, and is designed to lower the risk of secondary explosions if the VLS itself is targeted by advanced cruise missiles.

A-Darter model, 2012
(click to view larger)

There’s a new advanced dogfighting missile coming to town, and it won’t be coming from any of the standard players. Denel Pty Ltd.’s missile/UAV subsidiary Denel Dynamics has entered into a joint development agreement with Brazil’s Ministry of Defence and Forca Aerea Brasileira for the A-Darter short range air-air missile (SRAAM), signed as a government to government agreement via South Africa’s Armscor. The original contract was apparently signed in July-August 2006, but the formal cooperation launch was announced at the April 2007 Latin American Aerospace and Defence exhibition in Brazil.

With the SRAAM export market already crowded by high-end products like the AA-11/ R73 Archer (Russia), AIM-9X Sidewinder (USA), AIM-132 ASRAAM (UK), IRIS-T (Germany & European), and Python 4/5 (Israel), one may legitimately wonder where the Agile-Darter’s capabilities, design philosophy, and market positioning fit within this array. This article addresses the A-Darter, and those market issues.

The A-Darter Program

A-Darter
(click to view larger)

The A-Darter missile uses common LAU-7 type launchers, and is designed to work with standard MIL-STD-1553 databus systems. At the same time, it’s expected to be a 5th generation weapon. Reports indicate modern thermal imaging technology with a wide “boresight angle” for targeting, reportedly a 90-degree look angle with cockpit-selectable seeker scan patterns. Track rate is reportedly about 120 degrees per second, and target acquisition is said to be quick. Denel also worked to avoid using aluminum in the rocket propellant, in order to minimize the smoke trails that both warn enemy aircraft, and point back to the launching fighter.

One important similarity with MBDA’s AIM-132 ASRAAM is a streamlined design with few control surfaces, in order to minimize drag and maximize range. To take maximum advantage of that design decision, lock-on after launch capability will allow A-Darter to fly to a specified area before acquiring the target with its seeker head, using an inertial navigation system from BAE Systems (now divested as Atlantic Inertial Systems) for pre-lock navigation. There is no word, however, on whether the missile’s datalink is intended to allow for updates in flight, in order to prevent accidental engagement with the wrong target.

Denel Dynamics leads the industrial effort. The FAB’s Aerospace Technical Centre (CTA) is in charge of the Brazilian industrial end of the deal, and missile manufacturer Mectron is the lead company on the Brazilian side. the missile is expected to enter service in 2016.

Denel has also planned a product roadmap. An A-Darter Mk.II would reportedly feature seeker acquisition, target tracking, and decoy countermeasures upgrades. A-Darter Mk.III would be full a mid-life update, and is likely to add extended range.

Platforms & Exports

South African JAS-39D
c. Gripen International
(click to view full)

In such a crowded SRAAM market, where integration of a non-standard weapon can be a difficult and expensive endeavor, a new missile is a difficult sell. A clue to its positioning may be provided by the 2007 statement of Denel’s spokesperson Joe Makhafola:

“The co-development of the missile… not only brings much-needed skills, training and technology transfer to the country, but reinforces the South-South co-operation initiated by President Thabo Mbeki and his counterpart.”

This industrial strategy seeks to boost the indigenous aerospace industries in both Brazil and South Africa, and fits into the IBSA cooperation framework. It may also be a lead-in to the missile’s market positioning in many 3rd world countries, as a weapon without political strings attached, due to its so-called non-aligned political positioning.

Whether this marketing approach will be successful remains to be seen. First, the missile’s development must itself succeed. After that, a new weapon’s market reach depends on the breadth of platforms that carry it.

FAB F-5EM
(click to view full)

In South Africa, the A-Darter will equip the SAAF’s Hawk Mk. 120 trainer/ light attack jets and JAS-39 C/D Gripen fighters. In Brazil, the A-Darter will begin serving on leased JAS-39C/D Gripens in time for the Rio 2016 Olympics, before transferring to the F-X2 program’s JAS-39E/F Gripen NGs once deliveries begin. A-Darters will also replace indigenous Mectron MAA-1 Piranha and AIM-9H Sidewinder missiles on some Brazilian aircraft, beginning with the FAB’s upgraded A-1M AMX subsonic fighters.

That may be as far as things go in Brazil. The FAB’s handful of Mirage 2000s retired in December 2013, leaving Brazil with upgraded F-5EM/FM supersonic light fighters, and “A-29” Super Tucano turboprops. The F-5s had been touted as the A-Darter’s base platform, but their coming demotion to secondary fighter status took most of the impetus away. The F-5Ms will do just fine with the FAB’s healthy stock of Israeli Python-3 and advanced Python-4 missiles, and the photo above seems to show one with AIM-9J/N/P Sidewinders. Those SRAAMs will accompany its medium-range, radar-guided RAFAEL Derby missiles.

For the Super Tucanos, a joint venture program between Mectron and EADS Cassidian is about to begin producing the MAA-1B upgrade of the Brazilian-designed Piranha SRAAM. The good news for A-Darter is that the deep involvement of Elbit Systems’ AEL subsidiary in Brazilian military aviation is giving their modernized AMX “A-1M” and F-5M jets, and A-29 turboprops, a very similar set of avionics. That will make common missile integration easier.

Beyond the 2 partner countries, Hawk integration is the biggest pointer to a larger export market. Hawks are very popular around the world as trainers, and many countries use them in a secondary role as light fighters and air policing aircraft. Even NATO planned to use them as airfield defense planes, in the event of a Soviet invasion. An integrated A-Darter would offer operators of advanced Hawk models a significant SRAAM upgrade over existing options, and might even become a reason to upgrade older Hawk models.

Contracts and Key Events 2018

Qualification phase; Deal to manufacture in Brazil.

A-Darter concept cutaway
(click to view full)

September 27/18: Milestone South African defense contractor Denel Dynamics is marking another milestone in its A-Darter development program. The company successfully completed the guided missile qualification test series for its short-range IIR AAM system. During the tests the missile used both its lock-on-after-launch (LOAL) mode and the IIR seeker’s wide field-of-view (FOV), proving that the A-Darter can engage targets beyond its IR detection range and that it has a high off-boresight launch capability. The A-Darter is co-development program between Denel and Brazil’s Mectron, Avibras, and Opto Eletrônica. In South Africa, the A-Darter equips the SAAF’s Hawk Mk. 120 external link trainer/ light attack jets and JAS-39 C/D Gripen fighters.

2015 – 2016

November 21/16: The Brazilian government has finally contracted South African firm Denel to integrate the A-Darter missile on the Brazilian Air Force’s new Saab Gripen E/F fighters, alleviating fears that the program was off track. While Brazil has been heavily involved in the fifth-generation munition’s development, fiscal woes along with political turmoil and a change in government resulted in the official nod to finance the procurement being delayed. The missile will also be integrated on South African Gripens as well as their Hawk Mk 120 lead-in trainers.

April 21/16: A joint South African and Brazilian development of the 5th generation A-Darter infrared short-range air-to-air missile (AAM) is in trouble, as the latter may be pulling out of the project. Despite development work already being done on the missile, only South Africa has put in a production order, with Brazil citing financial troubles to be able to further integrate the missile on the JAS 39 Gripen E fighter. South Africa has signed commitments to order the missile for the next five years, while Brazil is looking at existing missiles that are cleared for carriage on the latest variant of the JAS 39.

November 3/15: The South African Air Force will receive the first batch of A-Darter short-range air-to-air missiles in February 2016, following a six-month delay in development testing. The co-developed missile, a product of Brazil’s Mectron and South Africa’s Denel Dynamics, has reached a Production Baseline certification following the conclusion of a series of critical design reviews. The missile has been jointly funded by the Brazilian Air Force and the South African National Defense Force, with the project formally launched in April 2007.

Feb 13/15: The Brazilian Air Force is bragging (Portugese) about a successful test firing of an air-to-air A-Darter missile developed with along with South Africa. The news release appeared geared to an export market, noting that other missiles with similar technologies aren’t allowed to be exported from those producing countries.

2011 – 2014

Qualification phase; Deal to manufacture in Brazil.

July 7/14: South Africa’s defenceWeb looks at Denel Dynamics’ growing array of missiles and guided weapons. With respect to the A-Darter:

“On the A-Darter air-to-air missile front, Denel Dynamics is planning improvements for this weapon, including extended range and targeting. An A-Darter Mk II would feature improved acquisition, target tracking and countermeasures upgrades while an A-Darter Mk III would feature a mid-life update (MLU).”

Sources: defenceWeb, “Denel Dynamics upgrading missile range”.

May 16/14: South Africa’s defenceWeb reports that A-Darter is in its final stage of development, with testing complete for the SAAF’s JAS-39C/D Gripens, production expected to begin in 2015, and expected service entry by 2016. That means it would be in time to serve on Brazil’s leased JAS-39C/Ds as well. Integration on the SAAF’s Hawk fleet is expected to take about 2 years. They also report that cooperation could extend beyond A-Darter:

“One project that is moving forward is the joint development of a new air-to-air missile with a range of up to 100 km. Called Marlin by Denel Dynamics, the new weapon will feature a radar seeker head and will be developed into an all-weather surface-to-air missile (SAM) that can be used by South African and Brazilian Navies.

The Marlin technology demonstrator programme was contracted by the [South African] Department of Defence through [state conduit] Armscor and will result in a missile that is launched at a target in three to four years’ time. Marlin technology will subsequently be used for Navy, Army and Air Force applications, with synergy achieved due to common subsystems. The missile will use some subsystems and system architecture from Denel’s proven Umkhonto [link added] surface-to-air missile and the A-Darter.”

Brazil hasn’t formally signed on to anything yet, and South African defense budgets can’t even maintain their existing military. That leaves the Marlin project with little margin for error, absent a significant commitment by Brazil. Sources: “SA and Brazil to collaborate on missiles post-A-Darter”.

Dec 6/12: Infrastructure. The FAB signs a R 1.4 million (about $672,000) contract with Denel to prepare for a missile-building factory in the Sao Jose dos Campos industrial park. Production is expected to begin some time in 2015.

The release also discusses some of the thrust-vectoring missile’s characteristics, touting the 2.98 meter, 90 kg weapon as having capacity for 100g maneuvers, and the ability to hit targets behind the aircraft like other 5th generation SRAAMs. It also specifies Brazil’s upgraded A-1Ms and winners of its F-X2 competition as the designated platforms. FAB [in Portuguese] | Flight International.

Nov 7/12: Brazil. Brazil’s air force chief of staff, Gen. Aprigio Eduardo de Moura Azevedo, offers some missile program updates at IQPC’s International Fighter conference in London, UK. The A-Darter is in its prototype performance verification phase, with qualification scheduled to begin in Q2 2014, production and manufacturing baselines scheduled to be fixed by mid-2015, and production to commence in Q3 2015. That would place FAB operational service somewhere in 2015-2016. Flight International adds that:

“Once operational, the A-Darter will arm the Brazilian air force’s upgraded Northrop F-5EM/FM fighters (above), operations of which are expected to continue until 2025, and the service’s future F-X2 combat aircraft, as well as the South African Air Force’s Saab Gripens.”

Gen. Azevedo also says that Mectron’s MAR-1 radar-killing missile is now involved in final flight tests of a new software update, aboard an AMX fighter. Low Rate Initial Production of the missile is scheduled for Q3 2013. Flight International.

April 18/12: Argentina? Argentina’s defense minister Arturo Puricelli reportedly expresses interest in the A-Darter missile, as part of a wider range of proposed cooperation on military programs. The most likely candidate within Argentina’s limited air force would be its A-4AR Skyhawks, which could be done as a joint program that also upgraded Brazil’s carrier-based fighters.

Despite a long history of strained relations with Brazil, Argentina has already signed an MoU to participate in Embraer’s KC-390 medium tactical transport program. Puricelli was also reportedly interested in Brazil’s SATCOM-equipped version of Elbit’s Hermes 450 UAV, and in modernization of Argentina and Brazil’s stocks of Exocet missiles to the MM40 variant. defesanet [in Portuguese].

March 7/12: Testing. As the program enters its 5th year of development, South Africa’s DefenceWeb reports on a successful series of undisclosed A-Darter guided launches in January 2012, against Denel Dynamics high sub-sonic Skua aerial target drone. Denel’s Business Development Manager for Air-to-Air missiles, Deon Olivier, provides confirmation. The report adds that:

“The programme has now entered its qualification phase, and is well on its way to completion by next year (2013), with the ultimate goal of being production-ready by the end of that year. The initial fighter aircraft for integration are the Hawk and Gripen for the South African Air Force (SAAF), and the Northrop F-5M for the Brazilian Air Force. It is likely that A-Darter will enter into operational service in both air forces in 2014, Denel Dynamics said in a statement released at the Defence and Security Asia 2012 show in Thailand.”

June 7/11: South Africa. Jane’s Missiles and Rockets reports that the SAAF is likely to retain both the A-Darter and the IRIS-T missiles for its Gripens, while making A-Darter the main air defense weapon for its Hawk Mk120s. The pilots liked the design’s inherent range, and the unofficial SAAF web site summarizes that:

“Specific aspects of the A-Darter mentioned to by SAAF pilots include the absence, under favourable atmospheric conditions, of the tell-tale (aluminium oxide particle based) smoke trail (no aluminium is used in the rocket propellant), giving opposing fighter pilots no visual warning other than a very discrete launch flash… a 90-degree look angle; the availability of cocpit-selectable [sic] seeker scan patterns; quick target acquisition, which “rarely needs a second scan cycle”, was told; after-launch scanning for lock-on-after-launch engagements, which is particularly valuable in “over the shoulder” engagements; and the 120-degrees per second track rate.”

2006 – 2010

Program launch, tests.

SAAF Hawk Mk.120
(click to view full)

Sept 22/10: Market. Reuters Africa quotes Denel Dynamics CEO Jan Wessels, who sees a bright market future for the A-Darter. He’d hardly say it was rubbish, but for the record, here’s his take:

“In 10 years time I predict that a significant percentage of the missile business in the developing world will be kept among themselves, with many of them getting their sourced technology from South Africa… We will see as a percentage of the missile market the developing countries share possibly doubling to 20 percent, and importantly they are no longer buying from traditional suppliers but keeping the business among themselves…” [Wessels] cited the A-Darter air-to-air missile, a joint development with Brazil, as one example.”

July 21/10: Testing. The 1st A-Darter firing takes place from a South African Air Force JAS-39D Gripen, at the Overberg test area in South Africa. Magnus Reineholm Project Manager for the integration of A-Darter at Saab:

“The A-Darter and the Gripen aircraft have worked beyond our expectations and we are extremely pleased with the test firing results.”

See: Saab.

April 23/10: South Africa. The South African Air Force reportedly intends to fit A-Darter missiles to its fleet of 24 BAE Hawk Mk. 120 lead-in fighter trainers and light attack aircraft, as well as its 26 JAS-39 C/D Gripen Fighters.

The move will give Denel Dynamics a larger market within South African and also abroad – Hawk aircraft are flown by about 18 countries. South Africa’s Defence Web.

April 22/10: Testing. The A-Darter missile program has completed a series of ground- launched flight tests, and Denel Dynamics executive manager for air-to-air programmes, Denise Wilson, says the project will be ready for full production by 2012. Denel is reportedly working toward a 2011 date to supply early unarmed training missiles for the SAAF.

Program manager Deon Olivier is quoted as saying that the project is now at the stage “where uncertainties have decreased considerably,” thanks to increased confidence in the seeker stemming from December 2009 – January 2010 seeker tests. Step 2 was a series of ground-based test shots to evaluate the missile’s aerodynamics and control, followed by guided shots in which all the components were tested together in flight. March 2010 saw the completion of carriage clearance tests of the A-Darter missile on the JAS-39C/D Gripen, at up to 12g instantaneous maneuver and 45,000 feet/ 13,700m.

Future tests include imminent ground-launch programmed tests for aerodynamics and flight control evaluations, followed by firing clearance from the Gripen aircraft to test missile and seeker performance. Johannesburg Business Day.

April 16/09: Tech transfer. Defense News covers a presentation from Denel Dynamics at the 2009 Latin America Aerospace and Defense (LAAD) conference. Col. Ian van Vuuren, director for the A-Darter program at Denel Dynamics:

“…gave a basic “how-to” seminar on establishing a framework for technology transfers between countries. “One of the typical problems with technology transfer is everybody agrees to do it, [but] it takes two and a half years for the client receiving the technology to put the establishment team in place in his own country,” van Vuuren said. In that time, knowledge is lost and training loses its effectiveness… Van Vuuren’s presentation focused on the process Denel and the governments of South Africa and Brazil used to establish a framework for the technology transfer as part of the A-Darter program. Key to the process is having over-arching government support, formalized in cooperation agreements, and creating a joint contracting body to award the contract to companies.”

IRIS-T on Gripen
(click to view larger)

May 28/08: South Africa. Diehl BGT announces that the South African Air Force has picked the IRIS-T short range air-to-air missile to equip their Gripen fighter aircraft “as an interim solution until the local missile development – the A Darter – will be operational.” This makes them IRIS-T’s 2nd export customer outside the original 7-nation consortium.

The South African arms acquisition organization Armscor placed a contract order for the IRIS-T missiles “in the second half of May 2008,” and the missiles will become operational on SAAF Gripens in 2009. Industrial offsets are also involved, which will be tricky given the A-Darter’s explicit status as a future competitor.

April 26/07: Formal Launch. The A-Darter program is formally launched at the April 2007 Latin American Aerospace and Defence exhibition in Brazil.

The firm adds that it expects to employ at least 200 engineers over the duration of the contract, and hopes to use the program to attract young engineers to the company. while this is an excellent long-term strategy, it would have development implications if implemented. Meanwhile, 10 Brazilian air force members have begun work on the program at the Denel Dynamics plant, to be joined by another 20 people from “the Brazilian defence companies.”

Denel spokesperson Joe Makhafola said that current contracts amount to ZAR 1 billion [about $145 million], and that future export contracts are expected to add another ZAR 2 billion over the program’s 15 years. Denel | The Arms Deal Virtual Press Office.

Formal project launch

Aug 11/06: Contract? South Africa’s Engineering News reports that the A-Darter agreement was signed “a few weeks ago,” and that a team of 5 specialists from the FAB’s Aerospace Technical Centre (CTA) is now in South Africa to participate in development.

The contract is between the Brazilian Ministry of Defence and South Africa’s Department of Defence, though the government contacts will involve Brazil’s FAB dealing with South Africa’s Armscor. A certain amount of development has already taken place in South Africa, and the rest of the development will be divided 50/50.

Brazil has reportedly allocated $52-million, but estimates of the final cost could reach $100 million or more. The FAB currently expects the missile to enter service in 2015, nine years from now. Brazil’s CTA is known to be holding talks with missile-maker Mectron; rocket, missile and armoured vehicle maker Avibras; and strategic systems software house Atech for Brazilian participation.

Feb 14/06: Initial agreement. South Africa and Brazil have agreed in principle to a ZAR 300-million (about $57.5 million) project to finish developing Denel’s A-Darter short-range air-to-air missile. The investment was disclosed in an extract of an “exemption from tendering” notice published on Jan 27/06 in Brazil’s Official Daily of the Union. Subsequent inquiries lead to descriptions of the agreements as being “80 percent to 90 percent there.” So they’re not a signed contract yet, more like agreement in principle.

Reports indicate a government-to-government agreement, involving the Brazilian Air Force’s department of research and development and South Africa’s Armscor agency for defence acquisition, disposal, research and development. Meanwhile, Denel has created a “Denel do Brasil” subsidiary office in the city of Sao Jose dos Campos. South Africa’s IOL.

Additional Readings

• Mectron – Armamentos Inteligentes [in Portuguese]. Includes MAA-1 Piranha variants as well.

• SAAF (unofficial) – Weapon – Air-to-Air – V3E A-Darter

• DID – Brazil’s F-X2 Fighter Competition

• DID – Brazil’s F-5BR Fighter Fleet Upgrade Program. The F-5BR program produces F-5EM/FM fighters.

• DID – Enhancing Brazil’s AMX Light Attack Fighters. They’ll become A-1Ms in Brazil.

Americas

The US Army is stocking up on hand grenades. Day & Zimmermann Lone Star LLC is being awarded with a $10.4 million contract modification that provides for the delivery of M67 fragmentation grenades. The M67 hand grenade is a steel sphere, filled with 6.5 ounces of high explosives. It is designed to burst into numerous fragments when detonated, ultimately causing fatalities within a 49.5 yards radius. The M67 is currently in service with US military forces among others and has proven a capable area-effect weapon. The M67 was selected as the replacement infantry hand grenade for the M61 series used in the Vietnam War. Work will be performed at the company’s facility in Texarkana, Texas and is scheduled for completion by August 31, 2021.

The Navy is one step closer in acquiring new decoys for its warplanes. Raytheon will be responsible to mature the technological concept and reduce associated risks in the Miniature Air Launched Decoy-Navy (MALD-N) development program. The cost-plus-fixed-fee contract is valued at $49.6 million. The MALD-N is a navalised version of the MALD-X, which will be the successor to the currently fielded MALD-J. MALD-X enhances the modular nature of the mini cruise missile with the ability to accommodate different electronic warfare payloads that are more advanced than those found on MALD-J. What is planned to come out of MALD-X is a networked decoy that can use its adaptive electronic warfare payload to deliver electronic attacks on air defense nodes autonomously or at the direction of operators from a afar in a semi-autonomous fashion. Work will be performed at multiple locations including – but not limited to – Tucson, Arizona; Papendrecht, Netherlands and Indianapolis, Indiana. The contract is set to run though November 2020.

The Air Force is contracting Ultra Electronics Advanced Tactical Systems for support services as part of the Joint Air Defense Systems Integrator (JADSI) program. The awarded $47 million requirements-type, firm-fixed-price, cost-reimbursable contract provides for software sustainment services until May 30, 2023. JADSI systems provide situational awareness to sea- and land-based units, and provide commanders with the right information needed to make critical decisions. The system is composed of a number of software and hardware modules—each addressing the specialised and varied needs of the real-time tactical decision maker. JADSI can automatically generate tracks from digitized radar plot data and receives, displays, and translates data from electronic intelligence interfaces. Work will be performed at the company’s location in Austin, Texas.

Middle East & Africa

General Electric is being contracted to keep the Royal Saudi Air Force’s Strike Eagles flying. The company will provide the RSAF with F110-129 engine consumables, spares, war-readiness spare kits, and support equipment. The deal falls under the US FMS program and is priced at $58.6 million. The F-15SAs are currently the most advanced F-15 Eagles on the planet. In 2015 Saudi Arabia ordered 84 new build F-15SAs and close to 70 kits to upgrade their existing F-15S fleet to the SA configuration. GE’s F110-129 two-spool afterburning turbofan engine delivers of to 29,000 pounds of thrust and powers more than 75% of US Air Force single-engine F-16s. Work will be performed at GE’s factory in Cincinnati, Ohio, and is expected to be completed by September, 2020.

South African defense contractor Denel Dynamics is marking another milestone in its A-Darter development program. The company successfully completed the guided missile qualification test series for its short-range IIR AAM system. During the tests the missile used both its lock-on-after-launch (LOAL) mode and the IIR seeker’s wide field-of-view (FOV), proving that the A-Darter can engage targets beyond its IR detection range and that it has a high off-boresight launch capability. The A-Darter is co-development program between Denel and Brazil’s Mectron, Avibras, and Opto Eletrônica. In South Africa, the A-Darter equips the SAAF’s Hawk Mk. 120 external link trainer/ light attack jets and JAS-39 C/D Gripen fighters.

Europe

Poland is moving ahead with its Patriot missile defense acquisition. Raytheon is being awarded with a $1.5 billion contract modification under the US FMS program. The Patriot is an advanced long range air defense missile system that is designed to destroy incoming enemy aircraft and missiles. It has been in use for decades, has seen combat use and has been upgraded many times. Poland will receive the current PAC-3 variant. $922 million in FY 2018 military sales funds are being obligated for this modification. Work will be performed at various locations inside the US, including Raytheon’s facilities in Andover, Massachusetts and Merrimack, New Hampshire, in addition to the White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico. Completion is scheduled for December 2022.

Serbia is set to be the second export customer of China’s Wing Loong II UAV. Nenad Miloradovic, Belgrade’s assistant defense minister recently confirmed that Serbia intends to buy six UAVs capable of performing reconnaissance and offensive missions. The Wing Loong II is produced by Chengdu Aircraft Industry, its design is based on the Wing Loong I, but it is longer and higher. The UAV is is powered by a turbocharged engine and can fly 20 hour long missions at a maximum speed of 229 mp/h. The Wing Loong IIs are said to be capable of conducting day and night surveillance missions and capable of carrying laser-guided munitions. The UAVs are scheduled for delivery sometime in 2019.

Asia-Pacific

South Korea will upgrade the Identification Friend or Foe, or IFF, systems installed on its jet fighters, helicopters, warships and missile systems. Over the next years the decades-old Mode-4 IFFs will be replaced with the latest Mode-5 variant. A total of 2000 units, related to 70 different weapons systems will have to be exchanged. IFF systems enable forces to recognize friendly aircraft, surface vessels, and submarines to avoid inadvertent firing on friendly forces. The new Mode 5 external link is a NATO IFF standard. Compared to NATO’s Mode 4, it adds better encryption, spread spectrum modulation, time of day authentication, and a unique aircraft identifier. Three South Korean defense manufacturers are competing for the IFF upgrade contract by teaming up with foreign IFF developers. They are Hanwha Systems, teaming up with US company Raytheon and Hensoldt of Germany; LIG Nex1, with Italy’s Leonardo and Thales of France; and Korea Aerospace Industries, joining hands with BAE Systems of the United Kingdom. The major weapons upgrade program costs $2.2 billion and is expected to be completed by the mid-2020s.

Today’s Video

Watch: Su-34 Kh-34U SINKEX in Pacific Ocean

A-Darter model, 2012
(click to view larger)

There’s a new advanced dogfighting missile coming to town, and it won’t be coming from any of the standard players. Denel Pty Ltd.’s missile/UAV subsidiary Denel Dynamics has entered into a joint development agreement with Brazil’s Ministry of Defence and Forca Aerea Brasileira for the A-Darter short range air-air missile (SRAAM), signed as a government to government agreement via South Africa’s Armscor. The original contract was apparently signed in July-August 2006, but the formal cooperation launch was announced at the April 2007 Latin American Aerospace and Defence exhibition in Brazil.

With the SRAAM export market already crowded by high-end products like the AA-11/ R73 Archer (Russia), AIM-9X Sidewinder (USA), AIM-132 ASRAAM (UK), IRIS-T (Germany & European), and Python 4/5 (Israel), one may legitimately wonder where the Agile-Darter’s capabilities, design philosophy, and market positioning fit within this array. This article addresses the A-Darter, and those market issues.

The A-Darter Program

A-Darter
(click to view larger)

The A-Darter missile uses common LAU-7 type launchers, and is designed to work with standard MIL-STD-1553 databus systems. At the same time, it’s expected to be a 5th generation weapon. Reports indicate modern thermal imaging technology with a wide “boresight angle” for targeting, reportedly a 90-degree look angle with cockpit-selectable seeker scan patterns. Track rate is reportedly about 120 degrees per second, and target acquisition is said to be quick. Denel also worked to avoid using aluminum in the rocket propellant, in order to minimize the smoke trails that both warn enemy aircraft, and point back to the launching fighter.

One important similarity with MBDA’s AIM-132 ASRAAM is a streamlined design with few control surfaces, in order to minimize drag and maximize range. To take maximum advantage of that design decision, lock-on after launch capability will allow A-Darter to fly to a specified area before acquiring the target with its seeker head, using an inertial navigation system from BAE Systems (now divested as Atlantic Inertial Systems) for pre-lock navigation. There is no word, however, on whether the missile’s datalink is intended to allow for updates in flight, in order to prevent accidental engagement with the wrong target.

Denel Dynamics leads the industrial effort. The FAB’s Aerospace Technical Centre (CTA) is in charge of the Brazilian industrial end of the deal, and missile manufacturer Mectron is the lead company on the Brazilian side. the missile is expected to enter service in 2016.

Denel has also planned a product roadmap. An A-Darter Mk.II would reportedly feature seeker acquisition, target tracking, and decoy countermeasures upgrades. A-Darter Mk.III would be full a mid-life update, and is likely to add extended range.

Platforms & Exports

South African JAS-39D
c. Gripen International
(click to view full)

In such a crowded SRAAM market, where integration of a non-standard weapon can be a difficult and expensive endeavor, a new missile is a difficult sell. A clue to its positioning may be provided by the 2007 statement of Denel’s spokesperson Joe Makhafola:

“The co-development of the missile… not only brings much-needed skills, training and technology transfer to the country, but reinforces the South-South co-operation initiated by President Thabo Mbeki and his counterpart.”

This industrial strategy seeks to boost the indigenous aerospace industries in both Brazil and South Africa, and fits into the IBSA cooperation framework. It may also be a lead-in to the missile’s market positioning in many 3rd world countries, as a weapon without political strings attached, due to its so-called non-aligned political positioning.

Whether this marketing approach will be successful remains to be seen. First, the missile’s development must itself succeed. After that, a new weapon’s market reach depends on the breadth of platforms that carry it.

FAB F-5EM
(click to view full)

In South Africa, the A-Darter will equip the SAAF’s Hawk Mk. 120 trainer/ light attack jets and JAS-39 C/D Gripen fighters. In Brazil, the A-Darter will begin serving on leased JAS-39C/D Gripens in time for the Rio 2016 Olympics, before transferring to the F-X2 program’s JAS-39E/F Gripen NGs once deliveries begin. A-Darters will also replace indigenous Mectron MAA-1 Piranha and AIM-9H Sidewinder missiles on some Brazilian aircraft, beginning with the FAB’s upgraded A-1M AMX subsonic fighters.

That may be as far as things go in Brazil. The FAB’s handful of Mirage 2000s retired in December 2013, leaving Brazil with upgraded F-5EM/FM supersonic light fighters, and “A-29” Super Tucano turboprops. The F-5s had been touted as the A-Darter’s base platform, but their coming demotion to secondary fighter status took most of the impetus away. The F-5Ms will do just fine with the FAB’s healthy stock of Israeli Python-3 and advanced Python-4 missiles, and the photo above seems to show one with AIM-9J/N/P Sidewinders. Those SRAAMs will accompany its medium-range, radar-guided RAFAEL Derby missiles.

For the Super Tucanos, a joint venture program between Mectron and EADS Cassidian is about to begin producing the MAA-1B upgrade of the Brazilian-designed Piranha SRAAM. The good news for A-Darter is that the deep involvement of Elbit Systems’ AEL subsidiary in Brazilian military aviation is giving their modernized AMX “A-1M” and F-5M jets, and A-29 turboprops, a very similar set of avionics. That will make common missile integration easier.

Beyond the 2 partner countries, Hawk integration is the biggest pointer to a larger export market. Hawks are very popular around the world as trainers, and many countries use them in a secondary role as light fighters and air policing aircraft. Even NATO planned to use them as airfield defense planes, in the event of a Soviet invasion. An integrated A-Darter would offer operators of advanced Hawk models a significant SRAAM upgrade over existing options, and might even become a reason to upgrade older Hawk models.

Contracts and Key Events 2018

Qualification phase; Deal to manufacture in Brazil.

A-Darter concept cutaway
(click to view full)

September 27/18: Milestone South African defense contractor Denel Dynamics is marking another milestone in its A-Darter development program. The company successfully completed the guided missile qualification test series for its short-range IIR AAM system. During the tests the missile used both its lock-on-after-launch (LOAL) mode and the IIR seeker’s wide field-of-view (FOV), proving that the A-Darter can engage targets beyond its IR detection range and that it has a high off-boresight launch capability. The A-Darter is co-development program between Denel and Brazil’s Mectron, Avibras, and Opto Eletrônica. In South Africa, the A-Darter equips the SAAF’s Hawk Mk. 120 external link trainer/ light attack jets and JAS-39 C/D Gripen fighters.

2015 – 2016

November 21/16: The Brazilian government has finally contracted South African firm Denel to integrate the A-Darter missile on the Brazilian Air Force’s new Saab Gripen E/F fighters, alleviating fears that the program was off track. While Brazil has been heavily involved in the fifth-generation munition’s development, fiscal woes along with political turmoil and a change in government resulted in the official nod to finance the procurement being delayed. The missile will also be integrated on South African Gripens as well as their Hawk Mk 120 lead-in trainers.

April 21/16: A joint South African and Brazilian development of the 5th generation A-Darter infrared short-range air-to-air missile (AAM) is in trouble, as the latter may be pulling out of the project. Despite development work already being done on the missile, only South Africa has put in a production order, with Brazil citing financial troubles to be able to further integrate the missile on the JAS 39 Gripen E fighter. South Africa has signed commitments to order the missile for the next five years, while Brazil is looking at existing missiles that are cleared for carriage on the latest variant of the JAS 39.

November 3/15: The South African Air Force will receive the first batch of A-Darter short-range air-to-air missiles in February 2016, following a six-month delay in development testing. The co-developed missile, a product of Brazil’s Mectron and South Africa’s Denel Dynamics, has reached a Production Baseline certification following the conclusion of a series of critical design reviews. The missile has been jointly funded by the Brazilian Air Force and the South African National Defense Force, with the project formally launched in April 2007.

Feb 13/15: The Brazilian Air Force is bragging (Portugese) about a successful test firing of an air-to-air A-Darter missile developed with along with South Africa. The news release appeared geared to an export market, noting that other missiles with similar technologies aren’t allowed to be exported from those producing countries.

2011 – 2014

Qualification phase; Deal to manufacture in Brazil.

July 7/14: South Africa’s defenceWeb looks at Denel Dynamics’ growing array of missiles and guided weapons. With respect to the A-Darter:

“On the A-Darter air-to-air missile front, Denel Dynamics is planning improvements for this weapon, including extended range and targeting. An A-Darter Mk II would feature improved acquisition, target tracking and countermeasures upgrades while an A-Darter Mk III would feature a mid-life update (MLU).”

Sources: defenceWeb, “Denel Dynamics upgrading missile range”.

May 16/14: South Africa’s defenceWeb reports that A-Darter is in its final stage of development, with testing complete for the SAAF’s JAS-39C/D Gripens, production expected to begin in 2015, and expected service entry by 2016. That means it would be in time to serve on Brazil’s leased JAS-39C/Ds as well. Integration on the SAAF’s Hawk fleet is expected to take about 2 years. They also report that cooperation could extend beyond A-Darter:

“One project that is moving forward is the joint development of a new air-to-air missile with a range of up to 100 km. Called Marlin by Denel Dynamics, the new weapon will feature a radar seeker head and will be developed into an all-weather surface-to-air missile (SAM) that can be used by South African and Brazilian Navies.

The Marlin technology demonstrator programme was contracted by the [South African] Department of Defence through [state conduit] Armscor and will result in a missile that is launched at a target in three to four years’ time. Marlin technology will subsequently be used for Navy, Army and Air Force applications, with synergy achieved due to common subsystems. The missile will use some subsystems and system architecture from Denel’s proven Umkhonto [link added] surface-to-air missile and the A-Darter.”

Brazil hasn’t formally signed on to anything yet, and South African defense budgets can’t even maintain their existing military. That leaves the Marlin project with little margin for error, absent a significant commitment by Brazil. Sources: “SA and Brazil to collaborate on missiles post-A-Darter”.

Dec 6/12: Infrastructure. The FAB signs a R 1.4 million (about $672,000) contract with Denel to prepare for a missile-building factory in the Sao Jose dos Campos industrial park. Production is expected to begin some time in 2015.

The release also discusses some of the thrust-vectoring missile’s characteristics, touting the 2.98 meter, 90 kg weapon as having capacity for 100g maneuvers, and the ability to hit targets behind the aircraft like other 5th generation SRAAMs. It also specifies Brazil’s upgraded A-1Ms and winners of its F-X2 competition as the designated platforms. FAB [in Portuguese] | Flight International.

Nov 7/12: Brazil. Brazil’s air force chief of staff, Gen. Aprigio Eduardo de Moura Azevedo, offers some missile program updates at IQPC’s International Fighter conference in London, UK. The A-Darter is in its prototype performance verification phase, with qualification scheduled to begin in Q2 2014, production and manufacturing baselines scheduled to be fixed by mid-2015, and production to commence in Q3 2015. That would place FAB operational service somewhere in 2015-2016. Flight International adds that:

“Once operational, the A-Darter will arm the Brazilian air force’s upgraded Northrop F-5EM/FM fighters (above), operations of which are expected to continue until 2025, and the service’s future F-X2 combat aircraft, as well as the South African Air Force’s Saab Gripens.”

Gen. Azevedo also says that Mectron’s MAR-1 radar-killing missile is now involved in final flight tests of a new software update, aboard an AMX fighter. Low Rate Initial Production of the missile is scheduled for Q3 2013. Flight International.

April 18/12: Argentina? Argentina’s defense minister Arturo Puricelli reportedly expresses interest in the A-Darter missile, as part of a wider range of proposed cooperation on military programs. The most likely candidate within Argentina’s limited air force would be its A-4AR Skyhawks, which could be done as a joint program that also upgraded Brazil’s carrier-based fighters.

Despite a long history of strained relations with Brazil, Argentina has already signed an MoU to participate in Embraer’s KC-390 medium tactical transport program. Puricelli was also reportedly interested in Brazil’s SATCOM-equipped version of Elbit’s Hermes 450 UAV, and in modernization of Argentina and Brazil’s stocks of Exocet missiles to the MM40 variant. defesanet [in Portuguese].

March 7/12: Testing. As the program enters its 5th year of development, South Africa’s DefenceWeb reports on a successful series of undisclosed A-Darter guided launches in January 2012, against Denel Dynamics high sub-sonic Skua aerial target drone. Denel’s Business Development Manager for Air-to-Air missiles, Deon Olivier, provides confirmation. The report adds that:

“The programme has now entered its qualification phase, and is well on its way to completion by next year (2013), with the ultimate goal of being production-ready by the end of that year. The initial fighter aircraft for integration are the Hawk and Gripen for the South African Air Force (SAAF), and the Northrop F-5M for the Brazilian Air Force. It is likely that A-Darter will enter into operational service in both air forces in 2014, Denel Dynamics said in a statement released at the Defence and Security Asia 2012 show in Thailand.”

June 7/11: South Africa. Jane’s Missiles and Rockets reports that the SAAF is likely to retain both the A-Darter and the IRIS-T missiles for its Gripens, while making A-Darter the main air defense weapon for its Hawk Mk120s. The pilots liked the design’s inherent range, and the unofficial SAAF web site summarizes that:

“Specific aspects of the A-Darter mentioned to by SAAF pilots include the absence, under favourable atmospheric conditions, of the tell-tale (aluminium oxide particle based) smoke trail (no aluminium is used in the rocket propellant), giving opposing fighter pilots no visual warning other than a very discrete launch flash… a 90-degree look angle; the availability of cocpit-selectable [sic] seeker scan patterns; quick target acquisition, which “rarely needs a second scan cycle”, was told; after-launch scanning for lock-on-after-launch engagements, which is particularly valuable in “over the shoulder” engagements; and the 120-degrees per second track rate.”

2006 – 2010

Program launch, tests.

SAAF Hawk Mk.120
(click to view full)

Sept 22/10: Market. Reuters Africa quotes Denel Dynamics CEO Jan Wessels, who sees a bright market future for the A-Darter. He’d hardly say it was rubbish, but for the record, here’s his take:

“In 10 years time I predict that a significant percentage of the missile business in the developing world will be kept among themselves, with many of them getting their sourced technology from South Africa… We will see as a percentage of the missile market the developing countries share possibly doubling to 20 percent, and importantly they are no longer buying from traditional suppliers but keeping the business among themselves…” [Wessels] cited the A-Darter air-to-air missile, a joint development with Brazil, as one example.”

July 21/10: Testing. The 1st A-Darter firing takes place from a South African Air Force JAS-39D Gripen, at the Overberg test area in South Africa. Magnus Reineholm Project Manager for the integration of A-Darter at Saab:

“The A-Darter and the Gripen aircraft have worked beyond our expectations and we are extremely pleased with the test firing results.”

See: Saab.

April 23/10: South Africa. The South African Air Force reportedly intends to fit A-Darter missiles to its fleet of 24 BAE Hawk Mk. 120 lead-in fighter trainers and light attack aircraft, as well as its 26 JAS-39 C/D Gripen Fighters.

The move will give Denel Dynamics a larger market within South African and also abroad – Hawk aircraft are flown by about 18 countries. South Africa’s Defence Web.

April 22/10: Testing. The A-Darter missile program has completed a series of ground- launched flight tests, and Denel Dynamics executive manager for air-to-air programmes, Denise Wilson, says the project will be ready for full production by 2012. Denel is reportedly working toward a 2011 date to supply early unarmed training missiles for the SAAF.

Program manager Deon Olivier is quoted as saying that the project is now at the stage “where uncertainties have decreased considerably,” thanks to increased confidence in the seeker stemming from December 2009 – January 2010 seeker tests. Step 2 was a series of ground-based test shots to evaluate the missile’s aerodynamics and control, followed by guided shots in which all the components were tested together in flight. March 2010 saw the completion of carriage clearance tests of the A-Darter missile on the JAS-39C/D Gripen, at up to 12g instantaneous maneuver and 45,000 feet/ 13,700m.

Future tests include imminent ground-launch programmed tests for aerodynamics and flight control evaluations, followed by firing clearance from the Gripen aircraft to test missile and seeker performance. Johannesburg Business Day.

April 16/09: Tech transfer. Defense News covers a presentation from Denel Dynamics at the 2009 Latin America Aerospace and Defense (LAAD) conference. Col. Ian van Vuuren, director for the A-Darter program at Denel Dynamics:

“…gave a basic “how-to” seminar on establishing a framework for technology transfers between countries. “One of the typical problems with technology transfer is everybody agrees to do it, [but] it takes two and a half years for the client receiving the technology to put the establishment team in place in his own country,” van Vuuren said. In that time, knowledge is lost and training loses its effectiveness… Van Vuuren’s presentation focused on the process Denel and the governments of South Africa and Brazil used to establish a framework for the technology transfer as part of the A-Darter program. Key to the process is having over-arching government support, formalized in cooperation agreements, and creating a joint contracting body to award the contract to companies.”

IRIS-T on Gripen
(click to view larger)

May 28/08: South Africa. Diehl BGT announces that the South African Air Force has picked the IRIS-T short range air-to-air missile to equip their Gripen fighter aircraft “as an interim solution until the local missile development – the A Darter – will be operational.” This makes them IRIS-T’s 2nd export customer outside the original 7-nation consortium.

The South African arms acquisition organization Armscor placed a contract order for the IRIS-T missiles “in the second half of May 2008,” and the missiles will become operational on SAAF Gripens in 2009. Industrial offsets are also involved, which will be tricky given the A-Darter’s explicit status as a future competitor.

April 26/07: Formal Launch. The A-Darter program is formally launched at the April 2007 Latin American Aerospace and Defence exhibition in Brazil.

The firm adds that it expects to employ at least 200 engineers over the duration of the contract, and hopes to use the program to attract young engineers to the company. while this is an excellent long-term strategy, it would have development implications if implemented. Meanwhile, 10 Brazilian air force members have begun work on the program at the Denel Dynamics plant, to be joined by another 20 people from “the Brazilian defence companies.”

Denel spokesperson Joe Makhafola said that current contracts amount to ZAR 1 billion [about $145 million], and that future export contracts are expected to add another ZAR 2 billion over the program’s 15 years. Denel | The Arms Deal Virtual Press Office.

Formal project launch

Aug 11/06: Contract? South Africa’s Engineering News reports that the A-Darter agreement was signed “a few weeks ago,” and that a team of 5 specialists from the FAB’s Aerospace Technical Centre (CTA) is now in South Africa to participate in development.

The contract is between the Brazilian Ministry of Defence and South Africa’s Department of Defence, though the government contacts will involve Brazil’s FAB dealing with South Africa’s Armscor. A certain amount of development has already taken place in South Africa, and the rest of the development will be divided 50/50.

Brazil has reportedly allocated $52-million, but estimates of the final cost could reach $100 million or more. The FAB currently expects the missile to enter service in 2015, nine years from now. Brazil’s CTA is known to be holding talks with missile-maker Mectron; rocket, missile and armoured vehicle maker Avibras; and strategic systems software house Atech for Brazilian participation.

Feb 14/06: Initial agreement. South Africa and Brazil have agreed in principle to a ZAR 300-million (about $57.5 million) project to finish developing Denel’s A-Darter short-range air-to-air missile. The investment was disclosed in an extract of an “exemption from tendering” notice published on Jan 27/06 in Brazil’s Official Daily of the Union. Subsequent inquiries lead to descriptions of the agreements as being “80 percent to 90 percent there.” So they’re not a signed contract yet, more like agreement in principle.

Reports indicate a government-to-government agreement, involving the Brazilian Air Force’s department of research and development and South Africa’s Armscor agency for defence acquisition, disposal, research and development. Meanwhile, Denel has created a “Denel do Brasil” subsidiary office in the city of Sao Jose dos Campos. South Africa’s IOL.

Additional Readings

• Mectron – Armamentos Inteligentes [in Portuguese]. Includes MAA-1 Piranha variants as well.

• SAAF (unofficial) – Weapon – Air-to-Air – V3E A-Darter

• DID – Brazil’s F-X2 Fighter Competition

• DID – Brazil’s F-5BR Fighter Fleet Upgrade Program. The F-5BR program produces F-5EM/FM fighters.

• DID – Enhancing Brazil’s AMX Light Attack Fighters. They’ll become A-1Ms in Brazil.

Americas

The US Army is ordering more High Mobility Artillery Rocket System launchers for its troops. Lockheed Martin will procure 24 M142 HIMARS at a cost of $289.2 million. The contract also includes training, spares and enhanced improvement modifications. The HIMARS is a cut-down, truck-mounted, C-130 transportable version of the M270 Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS). The M142 HIMARS uses the same controls, communications, and even crew as the tracked M270 MLRS launcher, but carries only one rocket or missile set on a 5-ton FMTV truck chassis instead of the MLRS’ twin setup mounted on a tracked vehicle. HIMARS, as part of a Fire Brigade, provides fires that shape, shield and isolate the battle space and while using both precision GMLRS and ATACMS Unitary munitions, HIMARS provides close support fires for troops in contact in both open and urban terrain. Work will be performed at Lockheed’s facility in Grand Prairie, Texas and is scheduled for completion by July 1, 2022.

The US Air Force is choosing Boeing’s MH-139 Helicopter as replacement to its ageing fleet of UH-1N Hueys. The company is being with awarded with an initial firm-fixed-price contract that provides for the delivery of four aircraft at a cost of $375.5 million. This is the basic award of a $2.38 billion contract that sees for the acquisition of a total of 84 MH-139s. The MH-139 derives from the Leonardo AW139 and will be used to protect America’s intercontinental ballistic missile bases. The new variant is said to offer more than $1bn in savings in acquisition and lifecycle expenses over 30 years when compared with competitor aircraft. Work will be performed at Boeing’s Ridley Park and Philadelphia factories and is expected to be completed by September 2031.

The Naval Sea Systems Command is modifying a contract that sees for the development of the Aegis Advanced Capability Build (ACB) 20. The contract modification awarded to Lockheed Martin is valued at $78.3 million and provides for the design, development, integration, testing and delivery of the new capability build. ACB 20 is the next effort in the Aegis modernization program. It will integrate the new AN/SPY-6 radar, RIM-162 ESSMs, and CIWS sensor data. This development effort is planned for fielding on new construction Aegis DDG 51 Flight III ships that will enter service in 2023. Work will be performed at Lockheed’s facility in Moorestown, New Jersey and is expected to be completed by December 2021.

Middle East & Africa

The German government is authorising several military sales to Middle-Eastern countries. Saudi Arabia will receive four artillery positioning systems for armored vehicles, despite a German commitment not to export arms to countries fighting in the war in Yemen. The mounted radars can locate the origin of enemy fire and enable precise counterstrikes. Qatar will receive a total of 170 warheads and engines for its Meteor BVRAAMs. The Meteor missile is equipped with a blast-fragmentation warhead, supplied by German company TDW and is powered by a ramjet supplied by Bayern-Chemie. Egypt will receive seven air-defense systems, produced by Diehl. These systems fire the Iris-T SLM, a new, mobile, medium-range surface-to-air guided missile. Jordan will receive up to 385 RGW 90 anti-tank weapons from Dynamit-Nobel. The value of the above mentioned deliveries is not known at this time.

Europe

Germany plans to sell a secondhand surveillance drone to Canada. The Euro Hawk is one of Germany’s white-elephants, having cost the country more than $823 million since its introduction. The transatlantic Euro Hawk project aimed to produce an RQ-4B with additional capabilities in signals intelligence collection (SIGINT), to complement its native ground surveillance capabilities. But the program quickly ran into several costly problems and subsequent delays. Germany ordered the Global Hawk variant from Northrop Grumman in 2000, but later cancelled the order because of skyrocketing costs and revelations that the prototype wouldn’t be certified to fly in Europe. Since then Germany demilitarised the UAV, meaning technicians removed the drone’s radio equipment, its GPS receiver and aerials, as well as all encryption and the flight control system. Considering this, it remains to be seen if Canada would truly bee interested in purchasing a gutted UAV that practically can’t fly.

Asia-Pacific

Vietnam is set to receive further contractor support as part of the US Cooperative Threat Reduction Program. URS Federal Services will support Vietnam in its efforts to destruct and prevent the proliferation of WMDs under this $42.8 million ceiling cost-plus-fixed-fee task order. The DoD uses the CTR program to prevent the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, and eliminate chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear threats. The program’s mission is to collaborate with willing countries worldwide to reduce the threat of WMDs and related materials, technology, and expertise, including providing for the safe destruction of WMDs, associated delivery systems, and related infrastructure. The anticipated completion date is September 23, 2021.

Japan is developing new supersonic glide bombs to strengthen the defenses of remote islands. The government will spend close to $122 million in the coming fiscal year and plans to deploy a fully functional weapon by 2025. The missiles will protect islands like Okinawa and the Senkakus, which are claimed by China, where they are known as the Diaoyu. If outlying islands come under attack or are occupied by an enemy force, the system would launch a missile to reach an altitude of more than 20km before the glide bomb separates and then falls at an angle at supersonic speed towards the target on the ground. The missile’s high velocity protects it from interception by enemy air-defense weapons.

The US Defense Security Cooperation Agency is green lighting a military sales package to Taiwan. The approved sale is valued at $330 million and provides for the delivery of spare and replenishment parts needed to keep Taiwan’s F-16s, C-130s and F-5s operational. This package is part of a US contribution to Taiwan’s Force Modernization program, aimed at breaking the country’s defense equipment logjam. Taiwan expects to retire its F-5 and Mirage 2000v5 fighters by 2020. To mitigate this decrease in fighter numbers, Taiwan is modernizing its fleet of F-16s, this is however a medium term solution, not a long term one, and does nothing to address the growing numeric imbalance across the strait.

Today’s Video

Watch: USS Ronald Reagan Launches Rolling Airframe Missile (RAM)

Euro Hawk UAV
(clickto view full)

Since the 9/11 terrorist attacks, the RQ-4 Global Hawk high-altitude, long-endurance (HALE) UAV has gone from a developmental platform to the next generation of American aerial reconnaissance. Flying at 60,000 feet, the RQ-4’s use their advanced synthetic aperture radar and other sensors to provide high-resolution images, unaffected by clouds or similar impediments. A larger RQ-4B model has been developed, and forms the backbone of current deliveries.

The transatlantic Euro Hawk project aimed to produce an RQ-4B with additional capabilities in signals intelligence collection (SIGINT), to complement its native ground surveillance capabilities. The 4-5 UAVs would provide the ability to detect and collect information from electronic intelligence (ELINT) radar emitters and communications emitters, and would be connected to ground stations that can receive and analyze the data. An MoU was signed in May 2006, followed by a firm system development contract on Jan 31/07. The Euro Hawk flew, and was performing on a technical level, but regulatory barriers killed the program in May 2013.

The Euro Hawk Program & Platform

Still going…

The “Euro Hawk” was slated for the German Air Force, to replace Germany’s aging fleet of specially modified Atlantique ATL1 twin-turboprop SIGINT aircraft. The Atlantiques entered service in 1972.

Northrop Grumman and EADS established a 50-50 joint venture company in 2000 to pursue this program. Euro Hawk GmbH is based in Friedrichshafen, Germany, and acted as the national prime contractor for the German Ministry of Defence.

Northrop Grumman’s RQ-4B Block 20 Global Hawk was the starting point for the new system. An EADS-built SIGINT mission system will be the heart of the Euro Hawk’s intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) system, providing stand-off capability to detect radar emitters (ELINT) and communications emitters (COMINT). EADS would also provide the ground stations that will receive and analyze the data from Euro Hawk. The stations will be similar to existing Global Hawk Block 20 stations, with an additional workstation for the SIGINT payload.

It’s technically possible to control more than one Eurohawk from a single ground control station, as long as satellite bandwidth is sufficient. Providing satellite bandwidth will be a challenge for most militaries in the coming years, the USA included, but platforms like Euro Hawk will get priority.

Timeline

Roll-out
(click to view full)

Northrop Grumman and EADS initiated their transatlantic cooperation in August 2000, followed by a bilateral project agreement between the USAF and the German Ministry of Defence signed in October 2001. The first phase of the project included the operation of the HALE UAV concept, the mission system integration, and the October 2003 flight demonstration program at the German Naval Base in Nordholz.

The program stayed on track for the formal unveiling in late 2009 at the firm’s Palmdale, CA manufacturing facility. First flight and delivery to Germany was planned for 2010, but requires certification to fly in civilian airspace. While the first flight took place in June 2010, and tests began at Edwards AFB in December 2010, project and FAA certification delays pushed delivery to Germany back to July 2011.

If they could get past that certification block to allow successful testing and introduction into German operational service, Northrop Grumman anticipated that the 4 operational Euro Hawk systems would be delivered between 2016 and 2017. Instead, EASA/ICAO flight certification difficulties killed the program in 2013.

Contracts and Key Events 2018

Rollout; Flight certification challenges; Euro Hawk finally in Germany – but certification issues kill it.

Euro Hawk 2013
(click to view full)

September 26/18: Scrap it, or sell it? Germany plans to sell a secondhand surveillance drone to Canada. The Euro Hawk is one of Germany’s white-elephants, having cost the country more than $823 million since its introduction. The transatlantic Euro Hawk project aimed to produce an RQ-4B with additional capabilities in signals intelligence collection (SIGINT), to complement its native ground surveillance capabilities. But the program quickly ran into several costly problems and subsequent delays. Germany ordered the Global Hawk variant from Northrop Grumman in 2000, but later cancelled the order because of skyrocketing costs and revelations that the prototype wouldn’t be certified to fly in Europe. Since then Germany demilitarised the UAV, meaning technicians removed the drone’s radio equipment, its GPS receiver and aerials, as well as all encryption and the flight control system. Considering this, it remains to be seen if Canada would truly bee interested in purchasing a gutted UAV that practically can’t fly.

2010 – 2013

June 5/13: Ministerial statement. German defense minister Thomas de Maiziere offers an official statement regarding Euro Hawk’s cancellation, in which he defends both the decision to go ahead with the project, and the decision to terminate it. Among his reasons, he cites increased support costs as a result of the US decision to phase out its Global Hawk Block 20/ 30 UAVs, and says that independent national mission planning from outside the USA wouldn’t have been possible until at least 2017. Bundesminiterium [PDF] | Full Minister’s Report [PDF, in German] | Full Ad-Hoc Working Group Report [PDF, in German] | Aviation Week.

May 22-24/13: AGS next? German defense minister Thomas de Maiziere (CDU) is taking fire over the Euro Hawk’s cancellation, including criticism from Bundestag allies like Elke Hoff (FDP) and Norbert Barthle (CDU). The criticism stems from the military’s refusal to answer program information requests from Germany’s Federal Audit Office in November 2011 – even though they had known of the civilian certification requirement since 2008, and were aware of fundamental problems as of summer 2011.

A Northrop Grumman spokesperson told Die Zeit magazine that the delivered Euro Hawk prototype would have been the only example without automatic collision avoidance systems. The logical question follows: if the presence of collision avoidance in Euro Hawk still left it with an uncertain EUR 600 million path to certification, why would NATO’s AGS Global Hawk Block 40s do better? Both Hoff and Barthle are urging that Germany pull out of NATO’s AGS program, too. NATO is offering assurances, and saying that AGS will go ahead. Unfortunately, trust in official assurances to the contrary is understandably thin right now, and Germany’s AGS commitment is large: EUR 400 million. Der Spiegel | Deutsche Welle.

May 14/13: Cancellation. Germany has decided to end the Euro Hawk project, after spending EUR 562 million on system development and test flights. Not only would it cost hundreds of millions more euros to attempt EASA/ICAO flight certification, but German authorities reportedly lacked confidence that they would receive a certification at the end of the process. Rather than pay another EUR 600 – 700 million for additional UAVs and equipment, and an equivalent amount to attempt EASA certification, Germany will attempt to find another path.

That leaves an equipped Euro Hawk SIGINT UAV open for use, and a problem for AGS founding member Germany. UAV hours were supposed to be a big part of their AGS contribution. The RQ-4B Block 20 SIGINT prototype could transfer fully into AGS, alongside the 4 planned RQ-4B Block 40 UAVs at Sigonella Air Base in Italy. Key questions would include who would pay to upgrade the Euro Hawk and ensure full AGS compatibility, and how to deal with the issue of certification. Germany’s alternative would move Euro Hawk’s sensors into a manned and certified aircraft, then pursue a much simpler and cheaper type certificate amendment. Luftwaffe | Agence France Presse | Deutsche Welle | Deutsche Welle interview: Christian Molling | India’s Economic Times.

Canceled

March – April 2013: Program in danger? Reports in the French and German media highlight the problems Euro Hawk has been having with airspace certification, and say that its cost could end the program entirely. Parliamentary State Secretary of Defense Thomas Kossendey says the program is having problems furnishing the documentation it needs for flight certification in shared airspace, and that those efforts could end up costing EUR 500-600 million on top of the EUR 1.3 billion already spent on development, UAVs, sensors, basing, etc. With the USA pulling back from further Global Hawk purchases in the 2013 & 2014 budgets, Germany is also contemplating issues like future support and maintainability.

Without that certification, Germany can certainly own the Euro Hawks, but how does it fly them where it needs them to go? This is also bad news for General Atomics’ hopes of selling Germany MQ-9 Reaper UAVs, which would face many of the same problems. Shz.de [in German] | TTU [in French].

Jan 11/13: Testing. Northrop Grumman Corporation and EADS Deutschland GmbH hail the 1st full system test flight of the Euro Hawk, complete with advanced signals intelligence (SIGINT) sensors to detect of radar and communication emitters. It happens in closed airspace.

As one might gather from the date, the program is somewhat behind its schedule to begin operations. NGC | EADS Cassidian.

Oct 12/11: The Luftwaffe formally unveils the Euro Hawk as a new platform for the force, which will soon fill the gap created by the retired Breguet Atlantiques.

Eleven German pilots have already received training in the United States, and the Luftwaffe will now begin working with the UAV in order to verify its capabilities and set up usage procedures. The Euro Hawk system as a whole is expected to begin operations in summer 2012. German Bundeswehr [in German] | Der Spiegel.

July 20-21/11: To Germany. Things get sorted with the FAA, and the first Euro Hawk is able to fly from Edwards AFB, CA to Manching, Germany. NGC | EADS.

July 18/11: FAA. The Euro Hawk’s flight to Germany will be delayed by the FAA, apparently over weather-related issues en route from Edwards AFB, CA to Germany. It was supposed to land in Manching on July 19th, but there is now no date for approval of its flight plan. Flight International.

July 8/11: German plans. Aviation Week reports on Germany’s high-end UAV plans, beyond its planned 6 RQ-4 Euro-Hawk surveillance and SIGINT drones. The publication states that Germany is looking to buy 4 UAVs for wide-area surveillance, probably more RQ-4 variants, in order to complement NATO’s 6 RQ-4B Block 40 AGS drones. They’re also looking at fielding 16 systems of MALE drones over the next decade, to replace the current Heron UAV lease, and are even considering unmanned combat aircraft (UCAV).

March 10-11/11: Testing. A Euro Hawk test aircraft is hung up in an anechoic chamber for electromagnetic interference testing, at the Edwards AFB Benefield Anechoic Facility, after a specific request from the German Ministry of Defence.

NGC Euro Hawk System Engineering manager Daniel Suh sums up the issue: “In highly populated areas there are more [electro-magetic] emitters [of all types] so there’s risk associated in flying an unmanned aircraft in those environments.” The BAF testing is designed to duplicate and test those risks. Edwards AFB.

Dec 1-2/10: Testing. A Euro Hawk UAV flies for 30.3 hours from Edwards AFB, CA, soaring up to 60,000 feet. The Euro Hawk has now logged over 100 flight hours.

The Euro Hawk aircraft will undergo additional flight testing in Germany before being delivered to the German Air Force by the end of 2011, and delivery of 4 subsequent systems is anticipated between 2015 and 2016, following successful testing and introduction in German operational service. Northrop Grumman.

June 29/10: Testing. The Euro Hawk successfully completes its 1st flight, taking off from Northrop Grumman’s Palmdale, CA, manufacturing facility and landing nearly 2 hours later at Edwards Air Force Base, CA. Northrop Grumman.

Oct 8/09: Rollout. Northrop Grumman and EADS Defence & Security unveil the first Euro Hawk unmanned aircraft system (UAS) in a ceremony at Northrop Grumman’s Palmdale, CA facility. Northrop Grumman | EADS.

Rollout

July 31/09: Industrial. Northrop Grumman announces that it has finished assembling Germany’s first Euro Hawk UAV at its facility in Palmdale, CA. The program is currently on track for the formal unveiling in late 2009 at the firm’s Palmdale, CA manufacturing facility.

May 5/09: FAA. Flight International reports that the Euro Hawk program is facing further delays – most of them regulatory. Northrop says it is still discussing the December 2009/January 2010 transfer flight to Edwards AFB with the US Federal Aviation Administration, which involves an unmanned aircraft in civilian airspace. A follow-on transfer flight to southern Germany is expected in mid-2010, but may be delayed if there are further setbacks involving that initial flight, or subsequent acceptance tests at Edwards AFB for the German authorities.

The proposed trans-Atlantic transfer flight will require agreements from the US, UK and German aviation authorities over the next 14 months, as well as a preliminary flight airworthiness certificate. As an added wrinkle, EADS also plans for the Eurohawk’s German ground control station to take over from Northrop once the UAV reaches northern Scotland.

2003 – 2009

From MoU to contract; ELINT sensor test.

Euro Hawk payloads
(click to view full)

Jan 31/07: The German Ministry of Defence (MoD) awards a EUR 430 million (then about $560 million) contract to EADS and Northrop Grumman joint venture Eurohawk GmbH. In return, they’ll develop, test and support the Euro Hawk unmanned SIGINT, surveillance, and reconnaissance system, and deliver 1 UAV. A separate contract will order the other 5 later, if the system meets its objectives. EADS release | Northrop Grumman release.

Euro Hawk development contract

Sept 7/06: Negotiations. Aerospace Daily & Defense Report explains that the Euro Hawk’s delayed contract involves issues within the German government and in the U.S. export control process. The fact that it’s a mix of commercial transactions and Foreign Military Sale transactions adds to that complexity. The report quotes Edward Walby, Northrop Grumman’s head of high-altitude/long-endurance systems:

“The administrative piece of it has been extremely difficult… This isn’t a large profit objective for Northrop Grumman, but it is a big deal to get an export of a system such as a Global Hawk under way. The next one, or the next country will be easier because you’ve gone through all of those little problems already.”

The report says that a contract is expected in October 2006. It would end up being later than that.

May 16/06: MoU. The German Ministry of Defence and the U.S. Department of Defense sign a memorandum of understanding (MoU) establishing the base conditions for U.S./German cooperation on the RQ-4 Global Hawk-derivative “Euro Hawk” UAV. The government-to-government MoU is cited by EADS and Northrop Grumman as a critical step towards the Euro Hawk risk-reduction contract, which is expected in autumn of 2006. Northrop Grumman news release

MoU

November 2003: ELINT. The Global Hawk high-altitude, long-endurance UAV completes a series of flight tests in the USA and Germany carrying an EADS electronic intelligence (ELINT) payload. Source.

Most Global Hawk UAVs are configured with SAR radars for finding ground targets, plus electro-optical and infrared sensors (see examples of Global Hawk imagery). An August 2005 DID article noted that in November 2003, the Global Hawk high-altitude, long-endurance UAV completed a series of flight tests in the USA and Germany carrying an EADS electronic intelligence (ELINT) payload. EADS.

Additional Readings

• Northrop Grumman – Euro Hawk

• EADS – Euro Hawk

• German BWB Procurement Agency – Wachsames Auge in der Stratosphare [in German]

• ISR Journal (Sept 5/06) – Super-sized Global Hawk revealed. Covers the RQ-4 from Block 10-40, and their planned capabilities.

• DID (Aug 30/05) – [American] Order for 10 Global Hawk UAVs Includes 5 for SIGINT Role.

• DID Subscription – AGS: NATO’s Battlefield Eye in the Sky

• Naval Technology – Atlantique ATL3 – Maritime Patrol Aircraft, France. Includes some details regarding the Atlantique ATL1.

• EADS – Breguet Atlantic SIGINT aircraft.

Americas

The Navy is procuring support equipment for its MQ-8B Fire Scout UAV. Telephonics Corp will deliver a number of AN/ZPY-4 Radar supplies at a cost of $23.5 million. This includes the delivery of 14 complete AN/ZPY-4 Radar sets and associated equipment ranging from signal processors to Radar Command and Control Systems. The MQ-8B is an unmanned full-sized light naval utility helicopter. The AN/ZPY-4 Radar is an X-band radar that uses state-of-the-art ground clutter cancellation techniques to automatically detect and track moving targets. The enhanced radar is capable of supporting missions ranging from blue water to shoreline, and land operations. The radar is configured to uniquely enable the VTOL UAV to conduct broad area intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions. Work will be performed at Telephonics’ Huntington, New York facility and expected to be completed in September 2019.

Northrop Grumman is being tapped to to support organizational level maintenance for the MQ-4C Triton UAS. The awarded firm-fixed-price delivery order is valued at $64.8 million and provides for the production of spares needed to keep the Triton’s Multi-Function Active Sensor (MFAS) operational. According to the company’s website the AN/ZPY-3 MFAS is a 360-degree field-of-regard AESA radar designed for maritime surveillance. The initial spares requirement includes six antenna group assemblies, six wideband receivers/exciters, ten radar signal processors (RSP), two antenna drive electronics and two RSP external power supplies for the MFAS. The MQ-4C Triton provides real-time intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) including vessel detection, tracking and classification over vast ocean and coastal regions. Work will be performed at multiple locations inside and outside the continental US, including – but not limited to – Linthicum, Maryland; Exeter, New Hampshire and San Diego, California. The delivery order is scheduled to run through June 2022.

The Navy is contracting Bell for the delivery of essential parts for its fleet of V-22 Osprey tilt rotor aircraft. The company is being awarded with two firm-fixed-price delivery orders each valued at $48.4 million. They cover the procurement of V-22 PRGB right- and left hand aircraft assembly parts. The V-22’s propulsion system’s external link consists of dual counter rotating proprotors attached to gearboxes driven by two turboshaft engines. PRBG, or proprotor gearboxes are an integral part of the Osprey’s gearbox system, which also includes one mid-wing gearbox (MWGB), two tilt-axis gearboxes and the emergency reservoir system (ELS).

The Air Force is stocking up on aircraft parts. Harris Corp will provide the service with parts for its B-52 bombers and SOF configured C-130 transport planes. The fixed-price, requirements contract is valued at $255.4 million. The B-52H Stratofortress is the mainstay of the US strategic fleet. It provides both penetrating and standoff capabilities that allow the USAF to hit targets almost anywhere in the world. The aircraft is an essential part to the country’s nuclear and conventional posture. The C-130J is a combat proven aircraft system that served as the tactical airlift backbone since 1956. SOF configured airframes include the AC-130J, EC-130J, HC-130J, and MC-130J. Work will be performed at Harris’ New Jersey facility and will run through May 24, 2026.

Middle East & Africa

South African Paramount Group and Italian defense contractor Leonardo are planning to jointly develop a weaponised version of the M-345 trainer jet for the African market. The two companies recently signed a letter of intent during the Africa Aerospace & Defence exhibition. The M-345 is a training jet aircraft with costs comparable to those of a turboprop aircraft, however it features superior performances compared to other airframes. The aircraft is powered by one Williams International FJ44-4M turbofan engine accelerating it to speeds of up to 460 mp/h. The trainer is equipped with five hardpoints supporting up to 2.205 lbs of external stores in the form of drop bombs, rocket pods, and gun pods. Leonardo and Paramount, will evaluate cooperation for the development of an operational configuration of M-345 jet trainer marketed in the African market and will include the possible involvement of Paramount in the SF-260 program and its Logistic Support services.

Europe

The State Department is determined to approve a possible Foreign Military Sale to the United Kingdom. The UK is looking to purchase 50 Mk15 Phalanx CIWS upgrade kits at a cost of $75 million. The radar-guided, rapid-firing MK 15 Phalanx Close-In Weapons System serves as a last-ditch defense against incoming missiles and other targets. The Block IB Baseline 2 Upgrade Kits incorporate digital off-the-shelf signal processing electronics, a new signal source and mixer, and a “surface mode” software upgrade that improves performance against targets on or near the water’s surface. The deal would also include support equipment, test equipment, initial spare parts, technical documentation, training, and engineering technical assistance, and other related elements of logistics and program support. Prime contractor will be Raytheon.

The French government is reaffirming that it will speed up the upcoming delivery of 12 aerial tankers to the French Air Force. The A330-200 MRTT is a derivative of the Airbus A330, and was designed from the outset to be able to function as an aerial tanker and a transport aircraft at the same time. The French Air Force wants the Phénix by 2023, two years earlier as initially envisaged. The new tankers will replace France’s fleet of ageing C-135FR and KC-135R aircraft, some of which are close to 60 years old. The acquisition is part of a number of equipment modernization measures included in the 2019-2025 military budget law.

Asia-Pacific

The Russian Navy adds a second Project 667 submarine to its fleet. Russian media reports that the country launched a new Lads-class diesel-electric submarine in a special ceremony at the Admiralty Shipyards in St. Petersburg on Thursday September 20th. The Kronstadt is a fourth-generation sub that succeeds Kilo-class vessels and offers a much quieter, powerful propulsion and new combat systems. The vessel can achieve speeds of up to 21 knots and is operated by a crew of 35. It carries club-S submarine launched cruise missiles and can fire a total 18 torpedoes, tube-launched anti-submarine and anti-ship missiles. The Lada-class submarines are intended for anti-submarine and anti-ship defense of naval bases, costal installations and sea lanes, as well as patrol and surveillance tasks.

Today’s Video

Watch: Russia deploys 3rd S-400 air defense missile system in Crimea

C-135FR refuels A330
(click to view full)

France currently relies on 14 C-135s for its aerial refueling needs, but these militarized relatives of the Boeing 707 are expensive to maintain, lack key technologies required for unrestricted flight, and are approaching 50 years old. Over those intervening decades, European governments have built up their own aviation industry, and the Airbus A330 MRTT has been ordered by a number of countries. In 2014, France is finally joining them, and beginning a EUR 3 billion program for 12 A330 “Phenix” aerial tanker-transports.

The French purchase will cap a series of interim moves to keep the existing fleet operational. French governments have searched for space in their multi-year military budgets to fund recapitalization, even as technical delays held up key projects…

What’s Now, and What’s Next

C-135FR
(click to view full)

France’s aerial refueling fleet consists of 11 C-135FRs modernized from KC-135A equivalent status, and 3 KC-135Rs. Both fleets fly with GE/Snecma CFM56-2 turbofan engines, in place of more primitive Pratt & Whitney J57 turbojets. In addition to standard aerial refueling roles, they remain vitally important to the reach France’s nuclear deterrent, which retains a significant dependence on Mirage 2000N and Rafale F3 fighters armed with ASMP-A missiles.

In 2009, France’s DGA announced that they would be modernizing the avionics in the Armee de l’Air’s 11 C-135FR aerial tankers to the C-135FR RENO2 standard, in order to keep them compliant with ICAO regulations for operation in civilian airspace. The goal was to deliver the first modernized aircraft in 2011, finish deliveries by 2013, and begin replacing the fleet in 2015 with A400Ms and A330 MRTTs. Budget problems (A330, see below) and late projects (A400M, late by 3.5 years) have scrambled that timeline, and so France added its 3 KC-135Rs to the upgrade program.

France also has a small passenger transport fleet, made up of 3 shorter-range A310s and 2 long-range A340s. They can fly long distances more efficiently than France’s C-160 Transall and C-130H Hercules fleets, using civilian airports and other infrastructure to carry larger numbers of troops and some cargo.

Unfortunately, the sum total of all current French fleets would only meet 25% of the airlift requirements set out in France’s 2008 defense white paper, and falls well short of aerial refueling requirements. France’s aerial refueling and large/ long-distance transport fleets will be replaced in a 2-part maneuver.

Airbus: A330 MRTT

At the high end, France is buying 12 A330 MRTT tanker-transports to replace 14 C-135 variants, and 5 Airbus passenger jets. They are significantly larger than the C-135s and A310s they replace, albeit slightly smaller than the 2 A340s. They will be delivered in a conventional core configuration, powered by Rolls-Royce Trent 700 engines and equipped with both Cobham’s underwing hose-and-drogue refueling units and the Airbus Refuelling Boom System (ARBS). France will be the 1st customer for an “MRTT Enhanced” option that upgrades the mission system, flight controls, IFF, and refueling boom, while providing better cruising performance.

The planes are expected to carry full defensive systems, and can be configured in a variety of layouts for carrying up to 271 passengers. MEDEVAC arrangements will include the French MORPHEE intensive care module, which can carry up to 10 patients and 88 passengers. Cargo payload can be up to 40t of containerized freight.

C-160 Transall
(click to view full)

At the lower end, France has modernized the avionics on its 14 C-130H medium tactical transports, and bought a fleet of 27 new CN-235 light tactical transports from Airbus to offset the decrepit state of their 52-plane C-160 fleet. The ultimate solution involves around 50 A400M Atlas medium-heavy tactical transports, which finally began delivery in “austere configuration” by 2013. The A400M is covered in-depth via its own DII FOCUS article.

If the appropriate Cobham plc wing pods are added, fully equipped A400Ms will be capable of refueling both jets and helicopters, though their 4-turboprop design will make them less efficient than the A330s in the jet refueling role. They’ll also become France’s core cargo airlifters, with short take-off capability and in-air refueling ability that will let them carry 35t+ loads intra-theater distances. They won’t be as efficient as the new A330s for long-range cargo work, but their ability to carry tactical loads like vehicles, helicopters, etc. will more than make up for it.

France’s future fleet is expected to be:

• 12 Airbus A330-MRTT Phenix aerial tanker-transports
  
• 50 Airbus A400M Atlas tactical transports with aerial refueling capabilities
  
• 27 Airbus CN235 light tactical transports

Contracts & Key Events 2018

A330 order coming at last; KC-135R upgrade contract; A330 training has already begun.

A330 refuels A400M
(click to view full)

September 25/18: Scheduled for 2023 The French government is reaffirming that it will speed up the upcoming delivery of 12 aerial tankers to the French Air Force. The A330-200 MRTT is a derivative of the Airbus A330, and was designed from the outset to be able to function as an aerial tanker and a transport aircraft at the same time. The French Air Force wants the Phénix by 2023, two years earlier as initially envisaged. The new tankers will replace France’s fleet of ageing C-135FR and KC-135R aircraft, some of which are close to 60 years old. The acquisition is part of a number of equipment modernization measures included in the 2019-2025 military budget law.

2014

Nov 21/14: A330. France’s DGA hammers out an agreement with Airbus to supply A330 MRTT tanker-transports, but they haven’t formally signed a contract yet. The EUR 3 billion program is expected to cover 12 A330 planes in France’s specific “Phenix” configuration, It also includes associated support and training systems, spares, ground support equipment, and an initial 5 years of in-service support from first delivery.

Purchases are expected to take place with an initial order for 1 plane before the end of 2014, a major order for 8 planes in 2015, and then 3 more that will be ordered at some future date. The 1st flight of the A330-MRTT Enhanced variant is expected in fall 2015, with flight testing beginning in earnest by July 2016. Initial delivery to the Armee de l’Air is expected to take place in 2018, followed by the 2nd A330 in 2019, and then the rest at a rate of 1-2 per year. In other words, France’s C-135s and existing Airbus transports will be completely replaced somewhere between 2024 – 2029.

France’s A330 MRTTs will use the standard basic configuration: Rolls-Royce Trent 700 engines, 2 underwing Cobham hose-and-drogue pods, and the high-flow, fly-by-wire Airbus Refuelling Boom System (ARBS). French “Phenix” aircraft will also benefit from A330 Enhanced improvements that include upgraded an mission system, flight controls set, IFF, and refueling boom, while providing better cruising performance. Communications and defensive systems, and internal outfitting, are also expected to receive some customization. Once the contract is signed, France will become the A330’s 6th military customer after Australia (5), Britain (13), Saudi Arabia (6), Singapore (4), and the UAE (3); with India (6) and Qatar (2) waiting in the wings. Sources: French DGA, “Le ministre de la Défense annonce la commande de 12 avions MRTT” | Airbus DS, “France announces order for Airbus A330 MRTT air-to-air refuelling aircraft” | Defense News, “France orders 12 “Phoenix” aerial refuellers from Airbus for €3 Billion” | Le Journal de L’Aviation, “Jean-Yves Le Drian officialise les A330 MRTT Phenix”.

12 A330-MRTT Phenix

Oct 28/14: A330. The French Ministry of Defense formally approves the launch of the program to buy 12 A330-MRTTs, during a session of its investment committee. Airbus had reportedly submitted a proposal back in February 2014. Sources: Le Journal de L’Aviation, “Jean-Yves Le Drian officialise les A330 MRTT Phenix”.

Aug 21/14: KC-135R. The 1st modernized KC-135RG is delivered to Istres AB in France, by an American crew who ferried the aircraft from San Antonio.

The upgrades include avionics that meet the RENO Global Air Traffic Management standard, creating navigation standards identical to those of modernized American KC-135s. They also preserved the on-board intercom that’s unique to the French planes, fitted a high-frequency wire antenna, and re-configured the aircraft to carry standard cargo pallets. Sources: French Armee de l’Air, “Le premier KC-135 renove se pose e Istres”.

June 10/13: KC-135R. Rockwell Collins Inc. in Cedar Rapids, IA receives a $44.5 million firm-fixed-price contract to install the KC-135 Global Air Traffic Management Block 40 Upgrade into 3 French KC-135R aerial tankers.

France flies 3 KC-135Rs alongside its 11 C-135FRs, and the Block 40 upgrade is a well proven solution. The USA finished its own KC-135R fleet retrofits in 2010.

Work will be performed at Cedar Rapids, IA and is expected to be complete by Nov 10/15. The USAF Life Cycle Management Center/WKKPA at Tinker AFB, Okla., is the contracting activity (FA8105-13-C-0001).

KC-135 RG upgrade

April 7/14: Training. An AirTanker release highlights the efforts of Armee de l’Air pilot Capitaine Francois Gilbert, who is on secondment to RAF No.10 Squadron at Brize Norton:

“The French Air Force is expected to place its first order for the MRTT later this year. With the first of 12 tankers built by Airbus Defence and Space to be delivered by 2018, they will replace France’s 14-strong [refueling and transport] fleet of C135 FR jets, three A310 and two A340.

“I’m here to build an understanding of the MRTT, its capability and training required to fly it so that when I go back, the knowledge and understanding that I have gained here, can be applied to the French AAR programme”, he says.”

It also provides a solid foundation if France should need to buy FSTA flight hours before 2018, though that’s looking less likely. Sources: AirTanker, “Entente [Most] Cordiale”.

2010 – 2013

C-135R upgrades; A330 delays; Lancaster House accord with UK offers a fill-in A330 option, but France doesn’t bite.

C-135FR & JAS-39C/Ds
(click to view full)

Feb 22/12: A330. Defense Aerospace reports on a 2012 news conference involving French DGA head Lauren Collet-Billon. He leaves the door open to participation in Britain’s FSTA, but makes it clear France will have its own tankers:

“Although it may buy tanker capacity from the Royal Air Force “if the flight hour price is affordable,” France intends to buy its own fleet of A330 tankers which are required to support the French air force’s sovereign nuclear strike mission. These will be ordered in 2013.”

Due to budget difficulties and other commitments, they are not. Sources: Defense Aerospace, “France Could Loan Rafales to Royal Navy”.

Nov 18/11: A330. AIN reports that Libyan lessons learned have made new Airbus A330 MRTT aerial tankers a bigger priority for France, alongside their aging C-135FRs.

An interim contract for 5-7 A330 MRTT planes is now expected in 2013, which means that Britain’s AirTanker LLC partnership is less likely to see any French leasing contracts (q.v. Nov 2/10). Sources: AIN, “French Air Force Chief: Tankers Soon, but Anglo-French UAV Much Later”.

Nov 2/10: UK & France. The “UK-France Summit 2010 Declaration on Defence and Security Co-operation” has this to say:

“15. Air to air refuelling and passenger air transport. We are currently investigating the potential to use spare capacity that may be available in the UK’s Future Strategic Tanker Aircraft (FSTA) programme to meet the needs of France for air to air refuelling and military air transport, provided it is financially acceptable to both nations.”

France currently flies 14 C-135FRs for aerial refueling, and will probably need to keep these Boeing 707 relatives in service for refueling in combat zones and nuclear strike missions. Their planned replacement buy of A330 MRTT refueling and transport planes has been pushed back due to budget concerns, however, creating a need for a stopgap than can lower the C-135FR fleet’s flight hours, and fill some of the gaps. The FSTA tankers will be downgraded versions of France’s own future buy, making it an attractive option that could even result in a reduced future purchase of A330s for the Armée de L’Air.

On the British side, more hours bought by military users beyond Britain makes key modifications like defensive systems easier to justify, and easier to handle operationally because the need for civilian conversions and removal/ modification is reduced.

Oct 12/10: C-135FRs. The French Air Force recaps the C-135FR modernization, and says that the first modified C135 is expected to be delivered in early 2011. Delivery of the equipment will continue until 2013. Sources: French Armee de l’Air, “Renovation des avions ravitailleurs de l’armee de l’air”.

Jan 14/09: C-135FRs. France will replace the avionics in its 11-plane C-135FR fleet, in order to comply with ICAO requirements and fly in civil air space. Modified planes will become C-135FR RENO2.

The EUR 37 million (almost $50 million) installation contract will be handled by Air France, who is also handling a similar set of upgrades to E-3F AWACS fleet. The planes have similar base airframes, with the tankers using the militarized C-135 as their base, and the E-3Fs using the civil 707-320B. DGA release [in French] | Flight International.

C-135FR RENO2 upgrade

July 7/10: A330 delayed. French defense minister Hervé Morin tells the parliamentary defense committee that France will postpone program contracts worth EUR 5.4 billion, in an effort to slash EUR 3.5 billion from the military budget over the next 3 years. France’s plan to replace its aged C-135FR aerial tankers with 14 A330-200 MRTT aircraft by 2015 is one of the delayed programs, even though it’s critical to many of the goals in the government’s 2009 defense white paper.

The parliamentary committee reportedly asked Morin if sharing the British FSTA service might help as a stopgap. If so, it would be a partial one at best. Not only is FSTA unable to operate in even low-threat areas, a commercial service cannot be used to refuel nuclear-armed strike aircraft. That was not an issue for Britain, whose nuclear weapons are limited to submarine-launched Trident missiles. Defense News. “France To Delay Air Programs: Mirage Jets, Tankers, C2 Hit by Cuts”.

Additional Readings

• Airbus Defence & Space – A330 MRTT: the 21st Century Benchmark.

• French DGA – L’avion multirole de ravitaillement en vol et de transport – MRTT.

• DII FOCUS – Airbus’ A400M Aerial Transport: Delays, Development, and Deployment.

• DID – With A400M Delayed, France Beefs up CN-235 Fleet.

Other A330-MRTT Customers

• DII FOCUS – Britain’s A330 Voyager FSTA: An Aerial Tanker Program – With a Difference.

• DID – Saudi Arabia’s A330 MRTT Tankers.

• DID – Singapore’s Aerial Tanker Buy.

• DID – UAEAF’s Long Reach: 3 Airbus A330 Tankers for the UAE.

• DID – India Selects Airbus A330 MRTT in Aerial Tanker Competition.

• DID – Qatar’s Air Force Multipliers: Aerial Tankers and AEW&C.

Americas

The US Army is increasing its processing power as part of the Defense High Performance Computing Modernization Program. Cray Inc. will increase the processing capability of the current Cray XC 40 High Performance Supercomputer under this $12.5 million firm-fixed-price contract. The supercomputer consists of 101,312 computer cores, 32 general-purpose computing on graphics processing units, or GPGPUs, and 411 terabytes of memory, and provides 3.77 petaflops of peak computing capability. The supercomputer is at the heart of the ERDC, which conducts R&D in support of the soldier, military installations, and civil works projects, as well as for other federal agencies, state and municipal authorities, and with US industry through innovative work agreements. The contract also includes the purchase of 2083 additional nodes compatible with the existing system architecture. Work will be performed at the US Army Engineer Research and Development Center DoD Supercomputing Resource Center (ERDC DSRC) in Vicksburg, Mississippi and is expected to be completed by October 31, 2018.

Boeing is being tapped to arm the Navy’s F/A-18E/F and EA-18G aircraft. The awarded contract modification is valued at $40.3 million and provides for the procurement of aircraft armament equipment (AAE) in support of 12 Super Hornets and 14 Growlers. The AAE program procures, modifies and upgrades common bomb racks, peculiar bomb racks, missile launchers, and provides related support for Navy and Marine Corps platforms. Work will be performed at multiple locations, including – but not limited to – Meza, Arizona; St. Louis, Missouri and Minneapolis, Minnesota. The contract is set to run through November 2022.

General Dynamics Mission Systems is being contracted to sustain essential systems on SSBNs and SSGNs. The contract modification is valued at $12.8 million and provides for sustainment of Fire Control Systems installed on US and UK SSBNs, as well as the Attack Weapon Control System on US SSGNs. The contract further includes relevant training and support equipment. The Fire Control System delivers data required to monitor the launch sequence of ballistic missiles. The Attack Weapon Control System (AWCS) consists of an integrated Launch Control System interfaced with the Tactical Tomahawk Weapon Control System and the Captain’s Information and Control Station, having the capability to launch up to 154 missiles from a maximum of 22 missile tubes. Work will be performed at multiple locations in the US and the UK, including GD’s facility in Pittsfield Massachusetts. The contract has a performance period of five years and is expected to e completed by September 2023.

Middle East & Africa

The governments of Jordan, Morocco, Afghanistan, Senegal, Tunisia and Pakistan are set to receive additional rifles as part of US Foreign Military Sales. Colt will provide the countries with up to 10,000 additional M4 and M4A1 5.56mm carbine rifles at a cost of $57.7 million. The M4/M4A1 Carbine is a lightweight, gas operated, air cooled, magazine fed, selective rate, shoulder fired weapon with a collapsible stock. It is now the standard issue firearm for most units in the US military. The M4 offers a collapsible buttstock, flat-top upper receiver assembly, a U-shaped handle-rear sight assembly that could be removed, and assortment of mounting rails for easy customization with a variety of sight, flashlight, grenade launchers, shotgun attachments, etc. Like its predecessor the M16, the M4 also has a reputation as an excellent weapon – if you can maintain it. Work will be performed at Colt’s facility in West Hartford, Connecticut, and is scheduled for completion by September 2019.

Saab is currently recommending that the South African Air Force (SAAF) adopts the latest software update for its JAS39C and JAS39D Gripen fighter jets. MS 20 is the latest step in Saab’s process of constant capability expansion. The MS 20 upgrade includes integration of the MBDA Meteor beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile and Boeing GBU-39 Small-Diameter Bomb, improved radar modes and a new laser designation pod (LDP) among other things. The new software will would also increase the performance of the Gripen’s radar and would allow the fitting of an automated Ground Collision Avoidance System. The Swedish Air Force was using MS 20 to improve the reconnaissance performance of its Gripens.

Europe

The US is sending missiles to European allies under its FMS program. The governments of Estonia, Lithuania and Ukraine will each receive an unspecified number of Javelins under this $27.6 million contract modification awarded to Raytheon/Lockheed Martin Javelin JV. The Javelin is a portable anti-tank weapon, which is shoulder-fired but can also be installed on tracked, wheeled or amphibious vehicles. The Javelin system consists of the CLU and the round. With a carry weight of 6.4kg, the CLU incorporates a passive target acquisition and fire control unit with integrated day sight and thermal imaging capabilities. This contract also includes sales to the governments of Australia, Turkey and Taiwan. Work will be performed in Tucson, Arizona and is scheduled for completion by August 31, 2021.

The State Department is determined to approve a FMS to the United Kingdom. If approved, the UK would receive three SEAL Delivery Vehicles (SDV) MK 11 Shallow Water Combat Submersibles (SWCS) for an estimated cost of $90 million. The SWCS is a manned submersible and a type of swimmer delivery vehicle which will deliver US Navy SEALs and their equipment for special operations missions. The SWCS is deployable from surface ships, land, and Dry Deck Shelters on submarines. The SWCS carries passive sonar the ability to sense electromagnetic energies like radars, a navigation system with INS/ secure GPS capability, secure wireless underwater communication links, and the ability to operate down to at least down to 190-300 feet undersea. Included in the contract are spares, relevant equipment, manuals and other support services. Prime contractor will be Teledyne Brown Engineering.

Asia-Pacific

Chinese defense manufacturer Ziyan is showcasing its new Blowfish I VTOL UAV at the Africa Aerospace and Defence (AAD) 2018 exhibition in South Africa. The Blowfish I is a multifunctional and universal unmanned helicopter. It can flight in ultra-low altitude to medium-altitude environment, complex geography and in all-weather conditions. According to the company, the new UAV has a maximum take-off weight of between 28 and 50 kg and an endurance of between 45 to 60 minutes. It is electrically powered and has a payload of 12 kg that can include different types of weapons. The company also revealed that the Blowfish I is currently entering service with the People’s Liberation Army Navy.

Today’s Video

Watch: REVEALED! The UK’s New Challenger 2 tank known as BLACK NIGHT

Americas

The Navy is accelerating the LPD 17 Flight II development program. The service is awarding a $11.9 million cost-plus-fixed-fee modification to Huntington Ingalls (HII), allowing the company to speed up the development of the Flight II ship design. LPD-17 San Antonio class amphibious assault support vessels are currently entering service and will be used to embark, transport, land, and support elements of a US Marine Corps Landing Force. Flight II is the next design step of the LPD 17s, these vessels have the same basic hull, but carry fewer Marines, hold less cargo, and remove costly elements. Flight II ships can be configured to serve as a Joint Control and Command Center, as a hospital ship or fulfil ballistic missile defense roles. Work will be performed at HII’s Pascagoula facility and is scheduled for completion by February 2019.

The Navy is ordering more Advanced Anti-Radiation Guided Missile (AARGM) for itself and the government of Italy. Northrop Grumman will convert 32 AGM-88Bs into AGM-88Es at a cost of $22 million. Of those converted missiles 29 will be delivered to Italy and three to the US Navy. The AARGM is a medium range, supersonic, air-launched tactical missile whose primary job is to attack and kill enemy radars. The Italian Air Force is expected to buy up to 250 of these new missiles. Work will be performed at various national and international locations, including Northridge, California; Ridgecrest, California and Sanguinetto, Italy. The missiles’ delivery is expected by March 2020.

Lockheed Martin is being tapped to keep the Navy’s Integrated Submarine Imaging System (ISIS) running. The company will provide the Navy with engineering services in support of the AN/BVY-1 ISIS under this $132.2 million cost-plus-incentive-fee modification. ISIS integrates visual and digital imagery into submarine periscopes. It provides all-weather, visual, and electronic search, digital image management, indication, warning, and platform architecture interface capabilities for a variety of submarine classes. Work will be performed at multiple locations including – but not limited to – Manassas, Virginia; Syracuse, New York and Newport, Rhode Island.

Military.com reports that an MQ-9 Reaper UAV is now capable of engaging aerial targets. The Reaper proved its air-to-air combat capability during a controlled simulation held in November 2017. “It was an MQ-9 versus a drone with a heat-seeking air-to-air missile, and it was direct hit … during a test,” said Col. Julian Cheater, commander of the 432nd Wing at Creech Air Force Base, Nevada.

Flight Global reports that Raytheon is currently pitching a modified version of its Joint Precision Approach and Landing System (JPALS) to the US Air Force. The modified JPALS would provide USAF F-35As with an auto-landing capability on expeditionary airfields. JPALS was initially designed to help naval aviators to safely land their jets on aircraft carriers in poor visibility. The Air Force version of JPALS would be integrated onto a Humvee and then airlifted in a C-130J to expeditionary air bases. According to Raytheon, the system would be able to manage 50 different aircraft making different approaches within a radius of 20nm.

Middle East & Africa

Israel’s Elbit Systems will provide an unnamed Asian-country with its Naval Remote Controlled Weapon Station. The contract is valued at $173 and sees for the delivery of the RCWS to the Navy and Coast Guard of the country in question. The contract will be performed over a five-year period. The Naval RCWS to be provided feature a 12.7mm machine gun and ammunition, advanced fire control system and a modular electro-optic suite. The RCWS family is a third-generation, multi-purpose weapon system for small and mid-caliber weapons. With modular, dual-weapon capabilities, the RCWS is designed for dynamic or static operation, to be used on ground stationary, ground mobile or naval platforms.

Europe

MBDA presents a new UAS at the Defence Vehicle Dynamics exhibition. The new UAV concept is designated as Spectre and is designed to provide rapid close air support at sub-unit level in military organisations. The low cost Spectre is an electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing (eVTOL) air system. Its tilt wing design allows it to quickly transition to forward flight mode for rapid traversal over complex terrain at low altitude. The UAV is capable of carrying a 50 lbs payload and is armed with either two MBDA Enforcer missiles or one Missile Moyenne Portee (MMP) multirole weapons system. The Spectre is able to navigate, find, fix and track targets with an operator over the loop (OOTL) and can engage light armored, soft-skinned and unmanned threats, or heavier armored threats. Other mission module options include re-supply payloads, improved sensors, or electronic warfare payloads. The Spectre will have a cruising speed of 111 mp/h, and will be able to provide coverage in a 6 miles radius for over 60 minutes.

Asia-Pacific

Thailand is ordering additional helicopters form Airbus. The Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) will receive four additional H-225M multirole utility helicopters as part of a fleet strengthening program. The H-225M can operate from sea and land and comes with an all-weather capability supported by night vision goggle compatibility. Powered by two Makila 2A1 engines the helicopter has a range of 700 nm and boasts an air-to-air or hover in-flight refuelling capability. The helicopter can be configured to perform tactical transport, SAR and MEDEVAC missions. The rotorcraft to be delivered to the RTAF will be specially equipped with emergency flotation gear, fast roping, cargo sling, search light and electro-optical systems. This follow-on order will bring the RTAF’s H225M fleet to 12 units by 2021.

Today’s Video

Watch: Insitu unveils Integrator Extended Range

Americas

The US Department of Defense is heavily investing in current and future MIDS-JTRS development efforts. Data Link Solutions LLC and ViaSat Inc are each being awarded with contract modifications valued at $386.9 million and $96.2 million, respectively. Both modifications increase the ceiling of existing indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contracts that provide for the production and engineering efforts related to the MIDS-JTRS program. The Multifunctional Information Distribution System (MIDS) Joint Tactical Radio Systems (JTRS) program replaces numerous legacy radios, reducing the need for excessive spares and logistics support. The software-defined MIDS-JTRS is a 4-channel radio designed to run the complex Link 16 waveform and up to three additional communication protocols, including the Airborne Networking Waveform (ANW). Because MIDS-JTRS is a software-defined system, new capabilities can be added within the limits of a module’s on-board processing and storage capabilities. Both contracts combine purchases for the Navy, Air Force and the MIDS Program Office, as well as to the governments of Austria, Chile, Finland, Israel, Jordan, Japan, Kuwait, Malaysia, Morocco, Oman, Pakistan, Qatar, South Korea, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand, United Arab Emirates, Australia, Canada, New Zealand and the United Kingdom. DataLink Solutions will perform all relevant work at its Cedar Rapids, Iowa and Wayne, New Jersey facilities, whereas ViaSat will perform its work in Carlsbad, California. The ordering periods are expected to be completed by June 15, 2020.

The Navy is contracting General Dynamics Electric Boat for research on future Vertical Launch Payloads (VLP) concepts. The cost-plus-fixed-fee modification is valued at $22.5 million and provides for relevant engineering and technical design efforts needed to develop and formulate concepts on how VLP can be applied to current and future submarine platforms. Vertical launch payloads could be used in the Virginia Payload Module (VPM) once it is installed into Virginia-class submarines. The VPM consists of four large-diameter payload tubes in a new hull section to be inserted in the new class of attack submarines. This system will increase the Virginia’s strike capacity by 230 percent. Work will be performed at Electric Boat facilities in Groton, Connecticut, Kings Bay, Georgia and Bremerton, Washington. The initial efforts are expected to be completed by October 2019.

The Navy is ordering one Freedom-class LCS from Lockheed Martin and two Independence-class LCSs from Austal. Both companies are being awarded with fixed-price-incentive firm target modifications to previously awarded contracts. The DoD press release however does not specify the value of those modifications because the price-tag is considered to be a ‘source selection sensitive information’ as stated under in 42 in US Code 2101 and Federal Acquisition Regulations 2.101 and 3.104. Austal received an initial $584.2 million contract (N00024-17 C-2301) for the construction of one LCS-2 on October 6, 2017. The ships to be built will be the 33rd, 34th and 35th littoral combat ships in the fleet, and will exceed the 32-ship requirement set by the Navy. Appropriators, however are slashing funds for the acquisition of necessary mission modules in the 2019 Defense Department funding bill, raising concerns about future program delays. Work will be performed at various locations, including – but not limited to – Mobile, Alabama; Cincinnati, Ohio; Marinette, Wisconsin and Monrovia, California, and is expected to be completed by September 2024.

Middle East & Africa

Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) aims to win a future tender to supply the Royal Air Force (RAF) with new airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) aircraft. The platform offered by IAI’s subsidiary, Elta systems, would be a Gulfstream G550 long-range business jet with the Conformal Airborne Early Warning (CAEW) structural modifications. The aircraft offers L- and S-band antennas, satellite links, 10-hour endurance, a 12,000-kilometer range, and a speed of 0.88 Mach. The plane entered development in 2003 and was delivered to the Israeli Air Force in 2007. Existing international customers include Italy and Singapore. If and when the UK will launch an open tender is yet unclear, because first of all, the RAF needs to decide whether it will upgrade its existing seven Sentry platforms or replace them.

Qatar is marking another milestone in its Eurofighter Typhoon acquisition program. The country made its first payment to BAE Systems on Tuesday, and thus finalises the $6 billion purchase of 24 Eurofighter jets and 9 Hawk trainers. This deal is the first major defense contract between the Emirate and the UK. In October 2017 the deal was hailed by former UK Defence Secretary Sir Michael Fallon as “an important moment in our defence relationship and the basis for even closer defence co-operation between our two countries.” The contract also provides for the training of Qatari pilots, facilitated by the British Royal Air Force’s (RAF) No. 12 squadron. This joint UK-Qatari operational squadron will also help to police the skies during he Gulf state’s hosting of World Cup 2022. Deliveries of the fighter aircraft are expected to commence in 2022.

Europe

Following a report by the FFI defense research institute, the Norwegian government concludes that it will be able to use its fleet of 14 NH-90 NFHs for both naval and coastguard operations. This decision reverses an initial plan that would have split the fleet, ultimately assigning 6 helicopters to conduct anti-submarine warfare (ASW) missions and the remainder for fisheries and border protection missions. The helicopters will need to generate a total of 5,400 flight hours per year. This requirement presumes a good availability of spare parts, a sufficient number of aircraft for maintenance scheduling and a sufficiently large overhaul capacity. The recent FFI analysis suggests, that about 3,900 flight hours will be possible in the first year of operation, albeit at an increased cost of $57 million.

Jane’s reports that MBDA is currently working on mission module concepts to be integrated with the Boxer IFV. MBDA is developing those concepts as answer to the British Army’s future land surface-to-surface fire requirements. MBDA Future Land Indirect Fires concepts include the incorporation of an eight-cell land indirect fire mission module able to fire a 178 mm surface-to-surface missile. An MBDA spokesperson told Jane’s that the “Boxer is effectively designed to accept different mission modules that can be swapped in or out as required. So we are proposing is a modular mission module equipped to conduct a land indirect fires role.” The UK rejoined the Boxer program after a 14-year hiatus in April 2018. The Boxer is supposed to fulfill the Army’s mechanised infantry vehicle requirement by 2023.

Asia-Pacific

The Royal Australian Air Force introduces its first F-35A to its Air Combat Group. The aircraft is part of No.3 Squadron, which will gradually replace its old F/A-18 A/B “Classic” Hornet aircraft with the 5th-generation JSF. Australia currently operates 55 F/A-18As and 16 F/A-18Bs, all of which will be retired by 2022. This is the RAAF’s ninth jet, and the first which will not be used at the Luke AFB International Pilot Training Centre. Australia is a Tier 3 partner in the JSF program and has a total of 72 F-35As on order.

Today’s Video

Watch: B-1B Lancer Loads With GBU-31 JDAMs For Combat Mission

Link 16 Display
(click to see situation)

What one sees, all see. Jam-resistant Link-16 radios automatically exchange battlefield information – particularly locations of friendly and enemy aircraft, ships and ground forces – among themselves in a long-range, line-of-sight network. For example, air surveillance tracking data from an Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) aircraft can be instantly shared with fighter aircraft and air defense units. More than a dozen countries have installed Link 16 terminals on over 19 different land, sea, and air platforms, making it an interoperability success story.

While recent advancements may make AESA radars the future transmitters of choice, Link 16 is the current standard. The Multifunctional Information Distribution System-Low Volume Terminals (MIDS LVTs) were developed by a multinational consortium to provide Link 16 capability at a lower weight, volume, and cost than the Joint Tactical Information Distribution System (JTIDS). This free-to-view DID Spotlight article throws a spotlight on the program, explaining Link 16, and covering associated contracts around the world.

The MIDS-LVT Program

DLS’ MIDS-LVT

As Rockwell Collins notes:

“Link 16 provides real-time, jam-resistant secure transfer of combat data, voice and relative navigation information between widely dispersed battle elements. Participants gain situational awareness by exchanging digital data over a common communication link that is continuously and automatically updated in real time, reducing the chance of fratricide, duplicate assignments or missed targets. Each participant in the communication link is able to electronically see the battle space, including assigned targets or threats. The DLS MIDS LVT represents the latest generation of Link 16 equipment incorporating secure data and voice into a single, small, affordable and highly reliable unit.”

The MIDS program was inaugurated via a Memorandum of Understanding amongst the founding MIDS nations (Germany, Italy, Spain, France, and the United States). It is managed by the U.S. Navy MIDS International Program Office in San Diego, CA, whose responsibilities include management of several versions of MIDS terminals for the US Navy, Air Force, Army and international militaries.

DLS on MIDS

MIDS Low-Volume Terminals (LVTs) are on most U.S. Air Force fighters, bombers and tankers, most U.S. Navy aircraft, ships, and US bases and air defense systems. Other NATO countries have generally been slower and less comprehensive in their implementations, but Link 16 is often installed on fighters, surveillance and patrol aircraft of all types, and air defense systems. Some countries have even taken extra steps, and installed broader network management and transmission systems to extend Link 16’s reach within defined territories.

The MIDS-LVT (1) family is the “airborne terminal,” but it is also used by some ground units. In addition to basic Link 16 functionality:

• LVT (1) implements the TACAN Tactical Air Navigation System, and Voice.
  
• LVT (4) provides Voice, but eliminates TACAN.
  
• LVT (6) eliminates Voice, but provides TACAN.
  
• LVT (7) is the bare-bones model, eliminating both TACAN and Voice.

The MIDS LVT (2) family does not implement TACAN, since it’s the “ground terminal,” but it is also used by some airborne units:

• The LVT (2) does not implement Voice.
  
• The LVT (11) does implement Voice. Sometimes written LVT-2/11.

LVT-2/11 is specifically designed for U.S. Army Patriot Information Coordination Central (ICC) and Battery Command Posts, Forward Area Air Defense Command and Control Units (FAAD C2) and surface launched missiles, along with U.S. Air Force Air Operations Centers and Joint Interface Control Officer Support Systems. Future upgrades for the terminal are expected to include enhanced throughput, frequency remapping, and improved cryptography.

There is also a MIDS on ship (MOS) implementation, which is a separate type of equipment that performs key Link 16 functions. It serves in the US Navy, and in many allied navies as well.

Into the Future: FAST, MIDS JTRS, and Beyond

Right now, there are a pair of efforts underway to improve Link 16 based connectivity. One is BAE Systems’ Flexible Access Secure Transfer (FAST) waveform, aimed at upgrading older aircraft using Link 16 terminals. FAST aggregates unused time slots within Link 16 to boost throughput from 256kbps up to 1Mbps.

A more advanced solution is also underway. Data Link Solutions (DLS) and ViaSat are collaborating on the forthcoming MIDS JTRS/ MIDS-J, which will have a software-controlled architecture. JTRS is expected to be the foundation of future US radio-based communications.

Within the same volume as the MIDS-LVT, the software-defined MIDS-JTRS will be able to handle Link 16 with NSA certified encryption, Link-16 Enhanced Throughput (ET) and Link-16 Frequency Remapping (FR). It will also have TACAN (a tactical air navigation aid providing range and bearing from a beacon), UHF or VHF, and the Wideband Networking Waveform as communication options, and additional capabilities are implemented on 3 additional programmable channels from 2 MHz – 2 GHz. The US military wants to be able to upgrade MIDS-JTRS by simply removing an older MIDS LVT-1 module, and installing the new MIDS-JTRS module in the aircraft as a plug-and-play upgrade.

Once that is accomplished, other possibilities open up. Because MIDS-JTRS is a software-defined system, new capabilities can be added within the limits of a module’s on-board processing and storage capabilities.

One option under development is called the Tactical Targeting Network Technology (TTNT) waveform. TTNT is an IP-based, auto-forming mesh network that can easily admit over 200 new platforms (aircraft, UAVs, weapons, etc.) closing at up to Mach 8, so long as they have the right encryption and use TDMA transmissions. Dynamic TDMA-based networks usually have latency issues and are very complex; TTNT claims to have simplified this by using something called Statistical Priority-Based Multiple Access (SPMA) to automatically prioritize traffic. Communications satellite destroyed? No problem; indeed, that’s the point of TTNT. So long as TTNT-enabled platforms can transmit to each other, they have a network together and can share enemy positions over Link-16, sensor data, or even use TTNT to help with automated take-off and landing. Optimum throughput is said to be about 10 Mbps of system traffic at a range of 300 nmi.

Another capability under development is Talon HATE, a pod that uses MIDS-J’s programmable flexibility to enable communication with stealth fighters like the F-22, which use different datalinks in order to avoid revealing their position.

The 1st platforms to reach Initial Operational Capability MIDS-JTRS will be the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet fighter family, the E-8C JSTARS battlefield surveillance & communication aircraft, and the RC-135 Rivet Joint electronic eavesdropping plane. Full production and fielding of MIDS JTRS generally was approved in April 2012.

MIDS JTRS has also been slated for the EC-130H Compass Call electronic warfare variant of the Hercules turboprop, under limited production & fielding. Future US Navy platforms will include the E-2 Hawkeye AWACS plane, as well the Navy’s aircraft carriers, destroyers, and cruisers. The USAF will eventually field it on F-15E Strike Eagles, its B-1B and B-52H bombers, Special Operations aircraft (mostly C-130 variants like the Compass Call), and Ground C2 & ISR units. Other aircraft will continue to use existing MIDS terminals, and so will US Army systems.

Members of EuroMIDS are also collaborating in these efforts, and will probably produce MIDS JTRS in the future. Thales and Data Link Solutions, for example, already have a June 2006 agreement to that effect. On the other hand, the US National Security Agency had not approved the programmable cryptographic keys for foreign users, as of April 2012. Until that approval is forthcoming, it will force buyers outside America to either continue buying MIDS-LVTs, or take the problematic route of incorporating their own cryptography into MIDS JTRS.

MIDS/ Link 16 Contracts & Key Events:
FY 2004 – Present

Unless otherwise noted, the US Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command (SPAWAR) in San Diego, CA issues these contracts. Delivery orders are competitively procured, typically with 2 proposals solicited and 2 offers received via the SPAWAR e-commerce web site, after the synopsis is first released via the US Federal Business Opportunities web site.

Note that Data Link Solutions is a BAE Systems/ Rockwell Collins joint venture with its headquarters in Cedar Rapids, IA. EuroMIDS is another joint venture which includes Thales (France), Selex (Italy), EADS (Germany) and INDRA (Spain).

FY 2018

September 20/18: Funding The US Department of Defense is heavily investing in current and future MIDS-JTRS development efforts. Data Link Solutions LLC and ViaSat Inc are each being awarded with contract modifications valued at $386.9 million and $96.2 million, respectively. Both modifications increase the ceiling of existing indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contracts that provide for the production and engineering efforts related to the MIDS-JTRS program. The Multifunctional Information Distribution System (MIDS) Joint Tactical Radio Systems (JTRS) program replaces numerous legacy radios, reducing the need for excessive spares and logistics support. The software-defined MIDS-JTRS is a 4-channel radio designed to run the complex Link 16 waveform and up to three additional communication protocols, including the Airborne Networking Waveform (ANW). Because MIDS-JTRS is a software-defined system, new capabilities can be added within the limits of a module’s on-board processing and storage capabilities. Both contracts combine purchases for the Navy, Air Force and the MIDS Program Office, as well as to the governments of Austria, Chile, Finland, Israel, Jordan, Japan, Kuwait, Malaysia, Morocco, Oman, Pakistan, Qatar, South Korea, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand, United Arab Emirates, Australia, Canada, New Zealand and the United Kingdom. DataLink Solutions will perform all relevant work at its Cedar Rapids, Iowa and Wayne, New Jersey facilities, whereas ViaSat will perform its work in Carlsbad, California. The ordering periods are expected to be completed by June 15, 2020.

FY 2015

August 24/15: Two firms have been awarded contracts totaling $880.8 million to produce and maintain the tri-service Multifunctional Information Distribution System (MIDS) Low Volume Terminal (LVT) communications system (MIDS-LVT). ViaSat Inc. and Data Link Solutions LLC (a Rockwell Collins and BAE Systems joint venture) have been handed IDIQ contracts potentially valuing $514.3 million and $366.5 million respectively, with these lasting five years. The MIDS-LVT system facilitates the exchange of real-time situational awareness data and voice communication using Link 16 connection on various platforms.

August 7/15:The Defense Department wants to upgrade US AV-8B Harriers with the Link 16 datalink system. The proposed $71.5 million, six-year upgrade is currently in the DoD’s FY2016 budget request, but if designated for re-programming, Harriers could begin to receive the new equipment this year through a $7.5 million acquisition. With the AV-8B fleet scheduled for retirement in 2025, the tactical datalink system will enable the older aircraft to integrate with more modern platforms, including the F-35.

FY 2014

MIDS-LVT Block 2 development; TTNT added to MIDS-JTRS.

TTNT

Sept 16/14: Talon HATE. Boeing Advanced Network & Space Systems, Phantom Works has completed the final design review for the USAF’s Talon HATE pod program, which is designed to enable existing fighters to share information with F-22s over stealth-friendly secure datalinks. The core of this effort integrates the same IFDL datalink used on F-22As with MIDS-JTRS, which can generate different waveforms concurrently. Fighters equipped with the Talon HATE pod can bridge the gap between the F-22A and everyone else, serving as a distribution node over more universal modes like Link-16. As a bonus, pod-equipped fighters also get IRST long-range infrared to find targets – a method that bypasses radar stealth. This is especially useful against low-flying cruise missiles.

Note that unarmed platforms like the BACN UAVs and business jets can already handle datalink bridging, but you wouldn’t take them into enemy airspace. Hence the fighter pod approach. Tactically, Talon HATE allows the F-22 to act as a “bird dog” forward observer of sorts, transmitting the position of enemy aircraft and key ground systems to pod-equipped legacy fighters, who share the data with the rest of the force. To the extent that legacy fighters employ new missiles with full 2-way datalinks and compatibility with F-22 retargeting, the F-22s could even serve as terminal guidance. The idea isn’t entirely new, and was demonstrated during the Northern Edge 2006 exercise when F-22s were used to find opponents whose positioning behind obstacles made them invisible to standard AWACS (q.v. Key Events, June 9-16/06). What’s new is the ability to do this without giving away the F-22’s position: Talon HATE is an initial effort, and may be followed by a “5-to-4” program.

F-15C air superiority fighters are Talon HATE’s initial platform, but MIDS-JTRS is being deployed on the US Navy’s multi-role F/A-18E/F Super Hornets, as is expected to spread to other fighters as a standard. Boeing is scheduled to deliver several Talon HATE systems to operational F-15C squadrons in 2015. Sources: Boeing, “Boeing Completes Design Review for U.S. Air Force’s Talon HATE Program”.

Aug 19/14: TTNT. US SPAWAR in San Diego, CA issues a pair of contracts to add the Tactical Targeting Network Technology (TTNT) waveform to MIDS-JTRS, and take development through to Critical Design Review. Work is expected to be complete by Aug 19/17.

TTNT is designed to significantly increase operational Link-16 networks’ capacities, improve network performance, and provide more capable and flexible Link-16 network configurations. In concrete terms, it’s an IP-based, auto-forming mesh network that can easily admit over 200 new platforms (aircraft, UAVs, weapons, etc.) closing at up to Mach 8, so long as they have the right encryption and use TDMA transmissions. Dynamic TDMA-based networks usually have latency issues and are very complex; TTNT claims to have simplified this by using something called Statistical Priority-Based Multiple Access (SPMA) to automatically prioritize traffic. Communications satellite destroyed? No problem; indeed, that’s the point of TTNT. So long as TTNT-enabled platforms can transmit to each other, they have a network together and can share enemy positions, sensor data, or even help to enable automated take-off and landing. Optimum throughput is said to be about 10 Mbps of system traffic at a range of 300 nmi.

Data Link Solutions, LLC in Cedar Rapids, IA wins a $124.3 million multiple award contract modification, which provides the necessary scope increase. $11.6 million in FY 2014 US Navy RDT&E funds is committed immediately. Work will be performed in Wayne, NJ (30%), and Cedar Rapids, IA (70%) (N00039-10-D-0031).

ViaSat, Inc., Carlsbad, CA wins a $72.7 million multiple award contract modification, which provides the necessary scope increase. $11.6 million in FY 2014 US Navy RDT&E funds is committed immediately. Work will be performed in Carlsbad, CA (N00039-10-D-0031).

MIDS-JTRS adding TTNT

July 30/14: Support. US SPAWAR issues a combined $116.75 million modification to an existing multiple award contract, exercising options for MIDS-LVT and MIDS-JTRS engineering and integration. Awards will be issued as task orders when necessary, and work is expected to be complete by March 9/15. The original contract was competitively procured as a multiple award contract via FBO.gov and SPAWAR e-Commerce Central, with 2 proposals solicited, 2 offers received, and 2 contracts issued:

For Data Link Solutions, LLC, in Cedar Rapids, IA (N00039-10-D-0031), work will be performed in Wayne, NJ (50%) and Cedar Rapids, IA (50%).

For ViaSat, Inc. in Carlsbad, CA (N00039-10-D-0032), work will be performed in Carlsbad, CA.

Nov 4/13: Block 2. BAE Systems Information and Electronic Systems Integration Inc. in Wayne, NJ receives a $48 million cost-plus-incentive-fee contract modification for MIDS-LVT systems engineering and integration. This includes a corresponding delivery order for MIDS-LVT Block Upgrade 2 software and test equipment on behalf of the USA, France, Italy, Germany and Spain.

Work will be performed in Wayne, NJ and is expected to be complete by March 2017. $1.6 million is committed immediately, and will expire at the end of the current fiscal year on Sept 30/14. This contract was not competitively procured pursuant to FAR 6.302-4 International Agreement, 10 U.S.C. 2304(c)(4) (N00039-10-D-0060, #0015).

Nov 4/13: Block 2. ViaSat in Carlsbad, CA receives up to $39.2 million cost-plus-incentive-fee contract modification for MIDS-LVT production and engineering services, including a delivery order for MIDS-LVT Block Upgrade 2 design and development on behalf of the United States.

Work will be performed in Carlsbad, CA, and is expected to be complete by Dec 31/16. $1.3 million is committed immediately, and will expire at the end of the current fiscal year on Sept 30/14. This contract was not competitively procured pursuant to FAR 6.302-1 and 10 U.S.C. 2304(c)(1) (N00039-10-D-0032, #0035).

Nov 4/13: Block 2. Data Link Solutions LLC in Cedar Rapids, IA receives up to $32.9 million as a cost-plus-incentive-fee contract modification for MIDS-LVT production and engineering services, including a delivery order for MIDS-LVT Block Upgrade 2 development and retrofits on behalf of the USA.

Work will be performed in Wayne, NJ (50%), and Cedar Rapids, IA (50%), and is expected to be complete by Dec 31/16. $1.5 million is committed immediately, and these funds will expire at the end of the current fiscal year on Sept 30/14. This contract was not competitively procured pursuant to FAR 6.302-1 and 10 U.S.C. 2304(c)(1) (N00039-10-D-0031, #0043).

Block 2 development

FY 2013

Orders from USA, Australia, Germany, Japan, Oman, Poland, Saudi Arabia, Thailand, Turkey, UAE; Crypto upgrade coming; MIDS-JTRS CMN-4 R&D; DLS joint venture extended.

Aug 5/13: US Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command in San Diego, CA issues $33.1 million in contracts for MIDS-LVTs.

ViaSat Inc. in Carlsbad, CA receives a $21.7 million firm-fixed-price delivery order for MIDS-LVTs. This delivery order combines purchases for the USA (47%), Australia (22%), Oman (16%) and Thailand (15%), and all funds are committed immediately. Work will be performed in Carlsbad, CA (30%) and in various other locations worldwide (70%), and is expected to be complete by July 31/15. $980,030 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year, on Sept 30/13 (N00039-10-D-0032, #0031).

Data Link Solutions in Cedar Rapids, IA receives an $11.4 million firm-fixed-price delivery order for MIDS-LVTs. This delivery order combines purchases for the USA (71%), Poland (8%), Japan (8%), Australia (5%), UAE (5%) and Saudi Arabia (3%). All funds are committed immediately. Work will be performed in Wayne, NJ (50%), and Cedar Rapids, IA (50%), and is expected to be complete by July 31, 2015. $894,200 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year, on Sept 30/13 (N00039-10-D-0031, #0039).

MIDS-LVTs

July 10/13: MIDS JTRS CMN-4. US Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command in San Diego, CA issues a pair of MIDS JTRS cost-plus-incentive-fee delivery orders, involving the design & implementation of a major bandwidth expansion. MIDS JTRS is a 4-channel, software-defined system. CMN-4 implements 4 nets of concurrent multi-netting (hence the name) with concurrent contention receive, in order to take full advantage of that architecture. Not only does it improve Link-16’s bandwidth, it also improves network flexibility and performance. There are only 2 suppliers for this, so the delivery orders weren’t competitively procured, per 10 U.S.C. 2304(c)(1).

Data Link Solutions LLC in Wayne, NJ receives $33.4 million. Work will be performed in Wayne, NJ (88%) and Cedar Rapids, IA (12%), and is expected to be complete by March 7/15. $28.7 million in FY 2012 RDT&E funds is committed immediately, and will expire at the end of the current fiscal year on Sept 30/13 (N00039-10-D-0031, #0037).

ViaSat Inc. in Carlsbad, CA receives $19.5 million. Work will be performed in Carlsbad, CA, and and is expected to be complete by March 7/15. $16.8 million in FY 2012 RDT&E funds is committed immediately, and will expire at the end of the current fiscal year on Sept 30/13 (N00039-10-D-0032, #0029).

R&D: CMN-4 bandwidth & capability expansion

June 28/13: Support. US Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command in San Diego, CA issues a pair of engineering research & support contracts for MIDS-LVT and MIDS-JTRS terminals. The total set of available funds is $166.3 million, but it’s a multiple-award contract, with task orders issued between the 2 qualified firms until March 9/14. Neither firm will receive their theoretical maximum, because SPAWAR isn’t about to move to a sole supplier.

Data Link Solutions, LLC in Cedar Rapids, IA will perform any task orders in Wayne, NJ (70%) and Cedar Rapids, IA (30%) (N00039-10-D-0031)

ViaSat, Inc. in Carlsbad, CA will perform any task orders at their single site (N00039-10-D-0032).

Feb 4/13: Crypto. ViaSat announces a $34 million dollar firm-fixed-price contract to design, development, and deliver a new LCM cryptographic module, as part of MIDS-LVT Block Upgrade 2.

They’ll use their PSIAM cryptographic technology, which they tout as being “based entirely on commercial off the shelf (COTS) components”. The module they develop will be designed to be integrated into a variety of MIDS-LVT hardware variants. Indeed, award covers development, then production of 10,000 LCMs to retrofit all of America’s MIDS-LVT hardware.

R&D: Crypto upgrade

Jan 23/13: DLS JV extended. BAE Systems and Rockwell Collins decide to extend their Data Link Solutions joint venture, and hold a ceremonial signing at the Carnegie Library in Washington, DC. DLS was established in 1996.

DLS touts their support of 33 countries operating on Link-16, with an installed base of 6,000 terminals worldwide, and a portfolio of more than $2 billion in product orders. They also highlight the fact that they’re the only provider of all Link-16 variants, which they hope will position them for upgrade work.

Data Link Systems JV extended

Jan 17/13: DOT&E testing. The Pentagon releases the FY 2012 Annual Report from its Office of the Director, Operational Test & Evaluation (DOT&E). MIDS JTRS is included, and there’s some good news: FY 2012 testing showed that many of the 2010 IOT&E test’s deficiencies (q.v. November 2010 entry) have been fixed.

MIDS JTRS on the Super Hornet is now operationally effective and suitable (maintainable). IOT&E 84% success for fine sync is now 99%, with 100% of air-to-air messages exchanged successfully, and system reliability up from IOT&E’s critical failure mean time of 8.1 hours/ 68% to 21.6 hours/ 99%. The only problem left is the false alarm rate, which is 1 per 5.9 hours instead of 1 per 113.0.

MIDS JTRS on the E-8C JSTARS was declared operationally effective and suitable, but with limitations. The system worked, with no terminal failures in 114.3 hours of testing. The problem is that terminal operators had display problems, which needs to be fixed.

Finally, The US Navy is continuing development of 2 major MIDS JTRS increments: CMN-4 (Link 16 four-channel Concurrent Multi-Netting with Concurrent Retention Receive) and TTNT (Tactical Targeting Networking Technology). These new capabilities may require significant hardware and software design changes to the MIDS JTRS core terminal, as well as modifications to host platforms for TTNT. That adds considerable technical risk, and will require extensive testing.

Dec 18/12: ViaSat in Carlsbad, CA receives a $12.8 million firm-fixed-price delivery order for MIDS-LVTs from the USA (44%), from Germany (8%) under the MIDS Program Memorandum of Understanding, and from Oman (48%) as a Foreign Military Sale.

Work will be performed in Carlsbad, CA (30%) and in various other sites worldwide (70%), and is expected to be complete by July 31/14. All contract funds are committed. This contract was competitively procured under a multiple award contract (MAC) via the SPAWAR E-commerce website, with 2 proposals solicited and 2 offers received by the Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command, San Diego, CA (N00039-10-D-0032).

Nov 12/12: Lot 13. ViaSat announces $33.9 million in MIDS-LVT Production Lot 13 orders for U.S. Government EA-18G, P-3, EP-3E, P-8A, MH-60R, E-2D, B-1, and ground terminal applications (63%); and Foreign Military Sales to Turkey (37%).

MIDS-LVTs

FY 2012

Full MIDS JTRS production & fielding approved for Super Hornets, E-8C, and RC-135s; MIDS program grows; Orders from USA, Finland, Saudi Arabia, South Korea & Taiwan; DLS’ UK service facility; DOT&E test reports blast ViaSat & MIDS-JTRS.

Aug 9/12: Lot 13. DLS in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, is being awarded an $18.5 million firm-fixed-price delivery order for MIDS-LVTs. This delivery order combines purchases for the United States (33%) and the governments of Saudi Arabia (38%), Finland (27%), and the Republic of Korea (3%).

Work will be performed in Wayne, NJ (50%), and Cedar Rapids, IA (50%), and is expected to be complete by Jan 31/15. This contract was competitively procured under a multiple award contract (MAC), with 2 proposals solicited and 2 offers received via the SPAWAR E-commerce website, following a synopsis on FBO.gov (N00039-10-D-0031).

Aug 9/12: Lot 13. ViaSat in Carlsbad, CA receives an $18 million firm-fixed-price delivery order for MIDS-LVTs from the US military. Work will be performed in Carlsbad, CA (30%), and is expected to be completed by July 31/14. $402,756 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year, on Sept 30/12.

This contract was competitively procured under a multiple award contract (MAC), with 2 proposals solicited and 2 offers received via the SPAWAR E-commerce website, following a synopsis on FBO.gov (N00039-10-D-0032).

MIDS-LVTs

June 2/12: B-1s added. A USAF article covers the USAF’s B-1B Lancer Sustainment-Block 16 program, which will bring Link 16 to the bomber via a MIDS LVT-1 install.

Developmental testing for the entire Sustainment-Block 16 package, which includes a number of other items, is scheduled to begin March 2013. Under the current program schedule, the 337th TES squadron will begin operational testing September 2013.

May 2/12: Taiwan. DLS in Cedar Rapids, IA receives a $9.4 million firm-fixed-price delivery order to Taiwan of MIDS-LVT terminals, as a Foreign Military Sale transaction. Note the previous Feb 27/12 announcement regarding Taiwan’s P-3C maritime patrol planes, and its Ground Link-16 Program.

Work will be performed in Wayne, NJ (50%), and Cedar Rapids, IA (50%), and is expected to be complete by Dec 31/14. This contract was competitively procured via FBO.gov and the SPAWAR E-commerce website, with 2 offers received. The competition was real, as Taiwan has shifted its buys back and forth over time. US Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command in San Diego, CA manages the contract, on behalf of its FMS client (N00039-10-D-0031).

Taiwan

April 10/12: Per the April 4/12 entry that announced resolution of ViaSat’s quality issues to the Pentagon’s satisfaction, ViaSat in Carlsbad, CA wins a $31.5 million firm-fixed-price delivery order for MIDS JTRS systems.

Work will be performed in Carlsbad, CA (47%); Melbourne, FL (15.8%); Gilbert, AZ (14.2%); and other sites in the United States (23%), and is expected to be completed by February 2014. This contract is the result of a limited competition via the SPAWAR E-commerce website and FBO.gov, with 2 solicited proposals and 2 offers received (N00039-10-D-0032). See also ViaSat release.

April 10/12: DLS in Cedar Rapids, IA wins a $25.8 million firm-fixed-price delivery order for MIDS JTRS systems.

Work will be performed in Wayne, NJ (50%), and Cedar Rapids, IA (50%), and is expected to be complete by February 2014. This contract is the result of a limited competition via the SPAWAR E-commerce website and FBO.gov, with 2 solicited proposals and 2 offers received (N00039-10-D-0031).

MIDS JTRS award – to both vendors

April 4/12: MIDS-JTRS Approved for FP&F. Re-tests must have shown improvement since October 2011. The MIDS JTRS terminal is approved for Full Production and Fielding by Mr. Frank Kendall, Acting Undersecretary of Defense for Acquisition, Technology and Logistics.

Despite earlier problems with ViaSat terminals (vid. Jan 17/12 entry), both MIDS-JTRS vendors have now been found Operationally Effective and Operationally Suitable by Commander, Operational Test & Evaluation Force (COTF) and Director, Operational Test & Evaluation (DOT&E), and will soon attain Initial Operational capability (IOC) on 3 different platforms: the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet fighter family, the E-8C JSTARS battlefield surveillance & communication aircraft, and the RC-135 Rivet Joint electronic eavesdropping plane.

Note that the Super Hornet has also been bought by Australia, and Britain is building an RC-135 fleet that is making the platform a shared program. JPEO JTRS [PDF]

MIDS JTRS approved for full production

March 30/12: Program cost. From the Pentagon’s Selected Acquisitions Report ending Dec 31/11:

“Multifunctional Information Distribution System (MIDS) – Program costs increased $348.2 million (+13.1%) from $2,662.2 million to $3,010.4 million, due primarily to additional development and integration of the Concurrent Multi-Netting (CMN-4) capability (+$195.0 million) and the Tactical Targeting Network Technology waveform (+$91.0 million) into the MIDS Joint Tactical Radio System (JTRS) terminal. In addition, there was a quantity increase of 230 MIDS terminals from 5,028 to 5,258 terminals (+$79.0 million).”

SAR: more MIDS

Feb 27/12: Taiwan. DLS announces a $3.8 million contract for MIDS-LVTs, for Taiwan’s P-3 and Ground Link-16 Program. This program will allow Taiwan’s new sea control aircraft to share data in real time with Link-16 equipped counterparts. The U.S. Navy Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command (SPAWAR) acts as Taiwan’s FMS agent.

Taiwan P-3s

Feb 9/12: South Korea. DLS announces a $5.5 million contract to provide MIDS-LVTs for the Republic of Korea Air Force’s KF-16 fighters. Work will be performed in Wayne, NJ, and Cedar Rapids, IA.

KF-16s are F-16C/D fighters assembled on the finishing line in Korea.

South Korea F-16s

Jan 23/12: UK facility. DLS announces a $29 million, 5-year, asset availability and post design services contract from the British Ministry of Defense (MoD) Tactical Data Links Delivery Team.

The DLS Waddington Support Facility, located at RAFB Waddington, will provide the sustainment, engineering and design support services, reducing maintenance time and costs, and eliminating shipment back to the USA. Technologies covered will include Link 16 Joint Tactical Information Distribution System (JTIDS) terminals, Multifunctional Information Distribution System (MIDS) terminals, and the AN/URC-138v1C Information Distribution System.

Jan 17/12: DOT&E testing report. The Pentagon releases the FY 2011 Annual Report from its Office of the Director, Operational Test & Evaluation (DOT&E). MIDS-JTRS is included, and the system is having problems. For starters, some core capabilities like Link 16 Enhanced Data Throughput, and the addition of more JTRS Software Communications Architecture waveforms, can’t be operationally tested, because of “host aircraft configurations and funding availability.”

Beyond that, the report cites the abysmal November 2010 tests on Super Hornet fighters (q.v., below), and ViaSat comes in for special criticism over the quality of its products:

“Post-test causality analysis indicated that manufacturing and quality control problems with ViaSat-produced MIDS JTRS terminals led to new failure modes discovered during IOT&E… Terminal reliability deficiencies [of 63.8 hours MTBF] were primarily found on ViaSat Terminals, as Data Link Solutions Terminals met the threshold requirement of 220 hours, although with a low (<50 percent) confidence level.”

July 2011 test data from the E-8C JSTARS battlefield surveillance aircraft tests showed a preliminary pattern of effective Link 16 data and voice transmissions, but possible deficiencies with reliability, with imagery exchange, and with acknowledgements of JSTARS messages by other aircraft. Service Link 16 interoperability testing in December 2011 was meant to clarify.

ViaSat’s MIDS-JTRS quality criticized

FY 2011

Libya after-action report; Orders from USA, Australia, Bulgaria, Italy, Japan, Lithuania & Romania; Requests from UAE, Saudi Arabia; German Tornados adding MIDS; Major F/A-18 MIDS-JTRS test failures, but it’s approved for limited production buys.

Sept 22/11: UAE. The US DSCA announces [PDF] the United Arab Emirates’ official request to buy 107 MIDS-LVT/ LINK 16 terminals and associated equipment, parts, training and support. The compact MIDS-LVT assemblies would be installed on its F-16E/F fleet, as well as ground command and control sites, giving its air force a Link-16 network that would help UAE fighters share what they see with each other, and with related forces like American and Saudi AWACS aircraft, similarly-equipped allied fighters, etc.

If a contract is negotiated, it would include the systems, engineering/ integration services, aircraft modification and installation, testing, spare and repair parts, support equipment, repair and return support, personnel training, interface with ground command and control centers and ground repeater sites, and other related elements of program support. The estimated cost is up to $401 million.

The prime contractor is not set; this will be a competition between DLS and ViaSat. Implementation of this proposed sale will require the assignment of additional U.S. Government and contractor representatives to the UAE, which will be negotiated if a contract is signed and the program proceeds.

UAE request

Sept 7/11: Crypto upgrade. US Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command issues 2 cost-plus-fixed-fee delivery orders for Block Cycle One cryptographic modernization updates to MIDS-JTRS. Both are sole-source acquisitions to the firms in the MIDS-JTRS program, through a March 29/10 synopsis on FBO.gov.

ViaSat in Carlsbad, CA receives a $14.1 million delivery order. Work will be performed in Carlsbad, CA (30%), and in various other sites worldwide (70%), and is expected to be complete by May 6/13. $1.6 million will expire at the end of the current fiscal year (N00039-10-D-0032).

DLS in Cedar Rapids, IA receives an $8 million delivery order. Work will be performed in Wayne, N.J. (90%), and Cedar Rapids, Iowa (10%), and is expected to be completed by May 6/13 (N00039-10-D-0031).

July 18/11: Lot 12. DLS announces a direct commercial contract from the NATO Air Command and Control System Management Agency (NACMA) to provide MIDS-LVTs for Bulgaria, Lithuania and Romania. The MIDS-LVT terminals are scheduled for delivery in early 2012.

No price or volume information is disclosed. Note that Lithuania has no air force, but can still use ground-based systems.

July 14/11: Lot 12. ViaSat in Carlsbad, CA receives a $27.6 million firm-fixed-price delivery order for Production Lot 12 MIDS-LVTs, from the United States (97.6%) and the governments of Japan (2.3%) and Australia (0.1%).

The MIDS-LVT Lot 12 order includes LVT (1) airborne terminal variants for F/A-18, EA-18G, E-2D, P-3, EP-3E aircraft and MH-60R/S helicopters, along with terminals for the BACN program and U.S. Air Force applications. It also includes LVT (2) ground/air terminal variants for various US Army, Air Force, Navy, and Marine Corps applications, as well as terminals for Japan and spares for Australia under the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program.

The order falls under the 5-year contract awarded in 2010. Deliveries are scheduled to begin in July 2012, and continue through March 2013. Work will be performed in Carlsbad, CA (30%), and various other sites worldwide (70%), and $3,080,705 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year, on Sept 30/11. This contract was competitively procured under a multiple award contract via SPAWAR’s E-commerce website, with 2 proposals solicited and 2 offers received. US Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command (SPAWAR) in San Diego, CA manages the contract (N00039-10-D-0032). See also ViaSat.

July 14/11: Lot 12. DLS in Cedar Rapids, IA received a $24 million firm-fixed-price delivery order for MIDS-LVTs, from the United States (91%) and the governments of Australia (6%) and Japan (3%).

Work will be performed in Wayne, NJ (50%), and Cedar Rapids, IA (50%), and is expected to be complete by Jan 31/13. $1,015,448 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year, on Sept 30/11. This contract was competitively procured under a multiple award contract via SPAWAR’s E-commerce website, with 2 proposals solicited and 2 offers received. The Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command, San Diego, Calif., is the contracting activity (N00039-10-D-0031).

MIDS-LVTs

May 31/11: Libya after-action report. In the wake of a 2-day tour of the Rafale detachment at Solenzara, Corsica, Giovanni de Briganti of Defense Aerospace submits a report regarding their performance over Libya. Some of the tidbits that emerge illustrate the uses of Link-16:

“Data from all on-board and off-board sensors are combined into a single tactical picture presented to the pilot on the cockpit’s central color display or, if desired, on one of the lateral displays. The pilot can select the data he wants, combine it with other data, and pass it on to his wingman or to other allied aircraft, ships or ground troops through the Link 16, without speaking a single word on the radio and, if not using the radar, without any transmission whatsoever. Link 16 can also be used to de-conflict assignments with other aircraft without using radios.

To illustrate the Rafale’s networking capabilities, one pilot described how the aircraft can receive target coordinates from an AWACS or another aircraft via Link 16. To accept the assignment, the pilot pushes a button, and the [GPS] coordinates are automatically programmed into the AASM guided bombs, with no further action by the pilot who, once in range (up to 30 nautical miles), again pushes a single button to launch all three – or all six – AASMs to their individual targets.”

MIDS in Libya: French Rafales

Feb 7/11: Germany. EADS Cassidian discusses ongoing upgrades of German Luftwaffe Tornado strike/wild weasel aircraft to the ASSTA 3 (Avionics Software System Tornado Ada) standard. MIDS-LVTs are a key part of that upgrade, which also includes the latest generation radios, a digital video and voice recorder (DVDR), and the dual-guidance Laser Joint Direct Attack Munition (LJDAM). In January 2011, Cassidian in Manching, Germany began the flight testing of a Tornado with an ASSTA 3 hardware and software configuration approximating that of series production. MIDS testing in flight operations is a primary goal.

LJDAM integration and launch behavior has already been verified during test flights in Vidsel, Sweden, in September 2010. As of this release, EADS Cassidian has started to upgrade the first series aircraft in Manching, Germany, and deliveries are scheduled to start in mid-2012.

Feb 7/11: MIDS JTRS. BAE Systems Information and Electronic Systems Integration Inc. in Wayne, NJ wins a $9.4 million indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity, cost-plus-fixed-fee, cost-plus-incentive-fee contract for Link 16 Software In Service Support for the JPEO-JTRS Network Enterprise Domain. Support efforts include technical support, software maintenance/upgrades, and enhancements to baseline JTRS Link-16 software. This 2-year contract includes 3 one-year options, which could bring the cumulative value of the contract to $24.1 million.

Work will be performed in San Diego, CA (50%) and Wayne, NJ (50%), and work is expected to be completed Feb 6/13. This contract was competitively procured via publication on the Federal Business Opportunities website and posting to the Space and Naval Warfare Systems e-Commerce Central website, with 2 viable offers received (N66001-11-D-0057).

Feb 2/11: MIDS JTRS. A pair of MIDS-JTRS contracts to ViaSat and DLS. This contract is the result of a limited competition via the SPAWAR E-commerce website, with 2 proposals solicited and 2 offers received. The synopsis was released via the Federal Business Opportunities website.

DLS in Cedar Rapids, IA receives an $8.2 million firm-fixed-price delivery order for MIDS-JTRS. Work will be performed in Wayne, NJ (50%), and Cedar Rapids, IA (50%), and is expected to be complete by February 2012. $4.4 million will expire at the end of the current fiscal year, on Sept 30/11 (N00039-10-D-0031).

ViaSat in Carlsbad, CA receives a $6.8 million firm-fixed-price delivery order under previously awarded contract for MIDS-JTRS. Work will be performed in Carlsbad, CA (30 percent), and in various other sites worldwide (70%), and is expected to be complete by February 2012. $4.3 million will expire at the end of the current fiscal year, on Sept 30/11 (N00039-10-D-0032). The MIDS JTRS terminals are for F/A-18E/F Super Hornet fighters, RC-135 Rivet Joint electronic eavesdropping planes, and EC-130H Compass Call electronic warfare aircraft. See also ViaSat.

MIDS JTRS contracts

Jan 31/11: MIDS JTRS approval. Despite testing results, Dr. Ashton B. Carter, US Undersecretary of Defense for Acquisition, Technology and Logistics, signs the Multifunctional Information Distribution System Joint Tactical Radio System (MIDS JTRS) terminal Acquisition Decision Memorandum, approving it for Limited Production 2 procurement.

The MIDS Program Office is now authorized to allow MIDS JTRS to enter into a second Limited Production contract of 42 terminals for the Navy’s F/A-18E/F Super Hornet fighters, as well as the Air Force’s EC-130H Compass Call electronic warfare aircraft, and RC-135 Rivet Joint electronic eavesdropping aircraft. US Navy SPAWAR JPEO JTRS [PDF].

MIDS-JTRS approval

November 2010: F/A-18E/F Failures. The US Navy completes Initial Operational Test & Evaluation of the MIDS JTRS core terminal integrated into the F/A-18E/F. It doesn’t do very well, receiving a “not operationally effective and not operationally suitable” rating. How bad was it? This bad:

That’s a real problem, because all real-world F/A-18 missions require an operational Link 16 and Tactical Air Navigation capability. If that isn’t working, the plane is out of service. ViaSat comes in for special criticism over the quality of its products, and other deficiencies were traced to errors in the Link 16 waveform software code, poor terminal/ host system integration reliability, and inadequate aircrew and maintenance personnel training.

COTF began the F/A-18E/F MIDS JTRS Verification of Correction of Deficiencies testing on Aug 15/11, at Naval Air Station China Lake, CA. It was scheduled to conclude in December 2011. Source: 2011 DOT&E report.

MIDS-JTRS testing failures

Nov 25/10: Italy. BAE Systems announces a GBP 20 million (about $31 million) contract for 25 Tornado strike aircraft mid-life upgrade kits. Italian Air Force ECR (Electronic Combat/ Reconnaissance) and IDS (Interdictor/Strike) aircraft variants will be recipients of the new equipment, which includes new night vision compatible digital displays, and MIDS-LVTs. The kits will be installed by Alenia at their Caselle factory in Turin, Italy.

Italy Tornados

Oct 20/10: Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia’s official request to buy up to 84 F-15SA Strike Eagle fighters, and retrofit its F-15S fleet, includes a request to buy 100 MIDS/LVTs and spares. Read “A 2010 Saudi Shopping Spree” for full coverage.

Saudi request

FY 2010

Orders from USA, Australia, Finland, Germany, Japan, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Korea, & Sweden; Request from Taiwan; MIDS JTRS limited production order.

Sept 27/10: Lot 11. ViaSat Inc. announces an additional $5.5 million order for MIDS-LVTs and spares, in addition to the Lot 11 delivery orders noted on March 11/10.

This new Lot 11 add-on is for LVT (1), LVT (2), LVT (4), and LVT (11) terminals for U.S. Navy and U.S. Air Force programs, and to support a Foreign Military Sale (FMS) requirement for the Commonwealth of Australia. Terminal deliveries are scheduled to begin in March 2011.

MIDS-LVTs

Sept 09/10: JTIDS upgrades. DLS receives a $35.5 million cost-plus-incentive-fee, cost-plus-award-fee contract to implement Link 16 network upgrades for the legacy Link 16 Joint Tactical Information Distribution System (JTIDS) terminals, the predecessor of the MIDS LVTs. Modifications for JTIDS terminal variants consist of crypto modernization and frequency remapping. This contract includes options which, if exercised, would bring its cumulative value to an estimated $37.3 million.

Work will be performed in Wayne, NJ (90%), and Cedar Rapids, IA (10%), and is expected to be complete by November 2013. If all options are exercised, work could continue until March 2015. This contract (N00039-10-C-0090) was not competitively procured because DLS is the sole JTIDS manufacturer.

July 13/10: Testing. Tactical Communications Group, LLC announces a contract from Northrop Grumman’s E-8 JSTARS team for multiple TCG BOSS systems, in order to conduct comprehensive testing for Link 16 standards compliance by the new mission system and MIDS-JTRS terminals.

June 15/10: Sweden. DLS announces a $29.6 million MIDS-LVT order from the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration, (FMV). The terminals will be installed on JAS-39 Gripen fighters, Erieye AEW&C airborne radar surveillance aircraft, and various ground and maritime applications. This contract continues a 10-year relationship between DLS and the Swedish military.

Deliveries begin later in 2010, and will continue through 2012. Work will be performed in Wayne, NJ; Cedar Rapids, IA; and Heidelberg, Germany.

Sweden JAS-39 Gripens

March 25/10: Lot 11. DLS in Cedar Rapids, IA receives a maximum $5.7 million firm-fixed-price, sole-source contract for F-15 aircraft fighter data link system spare parts and installs, on behalf of Foreign Military Sales for Singapore (F-15SG), Japan (F-15J), and Saudi Arabia (F-15S, F-15C/D). There was originally one proposal solicited with one response, and the contract will run until June 30/11. The Defense Logistics Agency at Warner Robins Air Force Base, GA manages the contract (SPRWA1-10-C-0010).

March 11/10: Lot 11. ViaSat in Carlsbad, CA receives a $21.5 million firm-fixed-price contract and delivery order for MIDS-LVTs, combining purchases for the USA (68%) and Germany (11%); and for Australia (18%) and South Korea (3%) under the Foreign Military Sales program.

Contract funds in the amount of $1.6 million will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Work will be performed in Carlsbad, CA (30%) and in various other sites worldwide (70%), and is expected to be complete by Feb 28/12. This contract was competitively procured via the Space and Naval Warfare Systems E-commerce Web site, with 2 offers received, based on a synopsis released via the Federal Business Opportunities Web site (N00039-10-D-0032).

ViaSat’s March 25/10 release says that this new award includes LVT (1) terminal variants for F/A-18, P-3, and E-2D aircraft; and MH-60R/S helicopters, along with terminals for the BACN program and other U.S. Navy applications. The MIDS-LVT Lot 11 order also includes LVT (2) “ground” terminal variants for various U.S. Army, U.S. Air Force and Joint Forces applications, as well as terminals for Germany, Australia, and Korea.

March 11/10: Lot 11. DLS in Cedar Rapids, IA, received a $20 million firm-fixed-price contract and delivery order for MIDS-LVTs, combining purchases for the United States (61%) and for the governments of Finland (22%), Japan (8%) and Saudi Arabia (9%) under the Foreign Military Sales program.

Work will be performed in Wayne, NJ (50%), and Cedar Rapids, IA (50%), and is expected to be complete by Feb 28/12. Contract funds in the amount of $3.2 million will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via the Space and Naval Warfare Systems E-commerce Web site, with 2 offers received, based on a synopsis released via the Federal Business Opportunities Web site (N00039-10-D-0031). Rockwell Collins release

MIDS-LVTs

Jan 29/10: Taiwan. The US DSCA announces [PDF] Taiwan’s official request to buy 35 Multifunctional Information Distribution Systems Low Volume Terminals (MIDS/LVT-1), 25 MIDS On Ships Terminals, plus spare and repair parts, support and test equipment, training personnel training and training equipment, repair and return, software and hardware updates, publications and technical documentation, and U.S. Government and contractor engineering and support services. The estimated cost is $340 million.

By transmitting information to each other and filtering out duplications, Link 16 dramatically improves awareness, and can help to minimize friendly fire incidents. LVT-1 terminals are used in aircraft, as well as ground units like Patriot missile systems. They include both Tactical Air Navigation System, and voice capabilities.

The prime contractor will be selected through a competitive procurement conducted by the U.S. Government, involving ViaSat and the BAE Systems/ Rockwell Collins joint venture DLS. Implementation of this proposed sale will require multiple trips involving U.S. Government and contractor representatives to participate in training, program management, and technical reviews.

Taiwan request

Jan 14/10: MIDS JTRS. ViaSat in Carlsbad, CA received a $14.4 million firm-fixed-price order for MIDS JTRS limited production terminals. The MIDS JTRS terminal is a software communications architecture compliant upgrade to the MIDS-LVT that supports legacy and advanced networking JTRS compliant waveforms enabling integrated navigation, identification, voice and data communications, information security, networking, and networking applications to meet US DoD software defined radio initiatives and requirements. ViaSat will perform the work in Carlsbad, CA (35%) and in various other sites within the US (65%), and expects to complete it by December 2010 (N00039-00-D-2101). ViaSat release.

Initial MIDS JTRS order

Jan 13/10: Mystery F-16s. ViaSat in Carlsbad, CA received an order valued at $4.8 million for MIDS-LVTs. This award resulted from a competitive procurement for 30 LVT (6) configuration terminals under a Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program through the Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command (SPAWAR). The order will be for MIDS-LVTs for the F-16 fighter jet, but it didn’t specify which country.

FY 2009

Orders from USA, Belgium, Canada, Finland, Germany, Hungary, Japan, Norway, Poland, Saudi Arabia, South Korea & Switzerland; DLS’ German service facility; 1st MIDS JTRS delivery.

June 25/09: Lot 10. DLS in Cedar Rapids, IA receives a $28.9 million firm-fixed-price delivery order for MIDS-LVTs. It combines purchases for the USA (45%), Saudi Arabia (15%), Canada (10%), South Korea (8%), Switzerland (6%), Finland (6%), Poland (5%), Japan (4%), and Norway (1%).

See Sept 26/08 entry, re: Saudi Arabia’s request to equip its new Eurofighter Typhoons.

Work will be performed in Wayne, NJ (50%), and Cedar Rapids, IA (50%), and is expected to be complete by December 2010. Contract funds in the amount of $425,983 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This delivery order was competitively procured, with 2 proposals solicited and 2 offers received via the Space and Naval Warfare Systems E-commerce web site, after the synopsis was released via the Federal Business Opportunities web site (N00039-00-D-2100).

June 23/09: Lot 10. ViaSat in Carlsbad, CA received a $21 million firm-fixed-price delivery order for MIDS-LVTs that combines purchases for the United States (80%), Germany (13%), and Canada (7%). The Lot 10 production order includes LVT (1) terminal variants for F/A-18+ and E/A-18G aircraft, and MH-60R/S and CH-53K helicopters. The Lot 10 order also includes LVT (2) terminal variants for various U.S. Army and Air Force applications, as well terminals for Canada and Germany.

Work will be performed in Carlsbad, CA (30%), in various other sites worldwide (70%). Contract funds in the amount of $3.9 million will expire at the end of the current fiscal year, on Sept 30/09. Delivery of these units is expected to begin in July of 2010, and continue through the end of 2010 (N00039-00-D-2101). See also ViaSat release.

MIDS-LVTs

June 16/09: MIDS JTRS. The USA’s Naval Air Warfare Center (NAWC) China Lake receives the first pre-qualification Production Transition Terminal (PTT) version of MIDS JTRS from ViaSat, marking the first such delivery to the U.S. government. It’s slated for developmental flight testing on an F/A-18. The MIDS JTRS is completing contractor qualification testing and F/A-18 integration in anticipation of a low-rate initial production order later in summer 2009.

MIDS JTRS is a joint development of ViaSat and DLS, and other partners are also involved. Previous preliminary flight tests at China Lake and Naval Air Station Patuxent River used advanced engineering developmental terminals, referred to as Air Worthiness Terminals (AWTs). ViaSat release.

1st MIDS-JTRS delivery

June 12/09: DLS announces an $18.7 million contract to provide MIDS LVT-1 and LVT-2/11 terminals.

The MIDS LVT-1 terminals will be used on U.S. platforms and, through Foreign Military Sales (FMS), in Belgium, Hungary, Japan and Poland.

MIDS-LVTs

March 30/09: Infrastructure. DLS announces the opening of its Link 16 European Service and Support Facility in Heidelberg, Germany. It will be located within Rockwell Collins Deutschland GmbH’s facility at Grenzhoefer Weg, and will be operated under subcontract by Rockwell Collins Deutschland personnel. The goal is to improve support and turnaround times for European customers in particular, but the facility could serve any global customer who found it convenient.

The new facility will provide MIDS Organizational (“O”) and Intermediate (“I”) Level maintenance and material services, using the recently introduced MIDS Integration and Test Environment (MITE) system. MITE(TM) tests the Line Replaceable Unit (LRU) “black boxes” and identifies the faulty Shop Replaceable Unit (SRU) sub-systems, which can then be replaced with a country-specific or country-supplied SRU spare. The terminal LRU is then retested to ensure readiness.

In addition, the Heidelberg facility will provide customers with Link 16 training, logistics support, Field Service Engineering, customer LRU / SRU storage management, terminal transportation coordination and Link 16 integration support to platform OEMs.

Oct 9/08: Lot 9. ViaSat Inc. announces an additional order valued at approximately $2.97 million for Multifunctional Information Distribution System (MIDS) terminals, augmenting the $59 million worth of Lot 9 delivery orders it has received so far.

This add-on order is for LVT (11) ground-based terminals, with voice capability.

More

FY 2008

Orders from USA, Hungary & Japan; Requests from Finland, Saudi Arabia, UAE; UK Tornados to get Link-16, but not MIDS-LVTs.

Sept 26/08: Saudi Arabia. The US Defense Security Cooperation Agency announces [PDF] Saudi Arabia’s request for 80 MIDS/LVT-1 terminals, to equip its 72 ordered Eurofighter Typhoon aircraft. The request also includes data transfer devices, installation, testing, spare and repair parts, support equipment, personnel training, training equipment, contractor engineering and technical support, and other related elements of program support. The estimated cost is $31 million.

The prime contractor will be DLS of Cedar Rapids, IA. There are no known offset agreements proposed in connection with this potential sale, and implementation of this proposed sale will not require the assignment of any additional U.S. Government or contractor representatives to Saudi Arabia.

Saudi request

Sept 16/08: Lot 9. ViaSat in Carlsbad, CA receives a $7.1 million firm fixed price delivery order modification from the US military for MIDS-LVTs. Contract funds in the amount of $2.2 million will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The order augments the June 11/08 entry for MIDS Lot IX buys, and consists primarily of LVT (2)/ LVT (11) ground-based Low Volume Terminals, along with LVT (1) airborne terminals. The order boosts ViaSat’s Lot IX orders to $60 million.

Work will be performed in Carlsbad, CA (30%) and in various other sites worldwide (70%), and is expected to be complete by April 2010. This delivery order modification is a follow-on to a competitively procured delivery order, with 2 proposals solicited and 2 offers received via the SPAWAR E-commerce web site (N00039-00-D-2101). See also ViaSat release.

More

Sept 9/08: Finland. The US DSCA announces Finland’s official request for the 3rd phase of the Mid-Life Upgrade Program for its 63 F/A-18C/D Hornet fighters. The request includes 79 MIDS-LVT terminals, and 72 MIDS Electronic Interference Blanking Units. See “Finland Requests 3rd Upgrade Phase for its F-18s” for more.

Finland request

Aug 13/08: UK support. DLS announces a $12.2 million contract from the UK Ministry of Defence to provide post-design engineering and logistics support services for Britain’s Link 16 communications terminals.

The contract covers multiple DLS products including the Joint Tactical Information Distribution Systems (JTIDS), URC-138 Sea Harrier/Sea King terminal, MIDS-LVTs, and related support equipment. Supported platforms include the Royal Air Force’s E-3 Sentry AWACS, Tornado strike aircraft, and Typhoon fighters; Royal Navy Sea King helicopters; Type 42 destroyers; and the U.K. Air Defense Ground Environment.

July 18/08: MIDS JTRS. ViaSat in Carlsbad, CA received a $9.8 million firm-fixed-price order for MIDS-JTRS Pre-Production Terminals. MIDS-J uses Link 16 and TACAN functions, as well as a trio of 2 MHz – 2 GHz programmable channels. This PTT order is for terminals with the 3-channel 2 MHz – 2GHz capability, as well as terminals with Link 16 and TACAN functionality only. Future terminals will also include improved Link 16 throughput, Link 16 frequency re-mapping, and programmable crypto.

Work will be performed in Carlsbad, CA (35%), in various other sites within the U.S. (65%), and is expected to be complete by September 2009. This order was competitively procured, with 2 proposals solicited and 2 offers received. The synopsis was released via the Federal Business Opportunities web site (N00039-00-D-2101). See also ViaSat release.

June 11/08: Lot 9. ViaSat in Carlsbad, CA receives a $51.9 million firm-fixed-price Lot 9 delivery order for MIDS-LVTs. The new award includes LVT (1) terminals and spares for E-2D Hawkeye, F/A-18 Hornet family, E/A-18G Growler, EA-6B Prowler, and F-16 Falcon aircraft, and MH-60R/S and CH-53K helicopters, and MIDS LVT (2) terminal variants and spares for various U.S. Army, Air Force and Marine Corps applications [TL: 82%]. It also includes MIDS LVT (1) terminals for Portuguese [TL: 6%] and Turkish [TL: 12%] F-16 Falcon fighters.

Work will be performed in Carlsbad, CA (30%), and in various other sites worldwide (70%), and is expected to be complete by April 2010. Contract funds in the amount of $2.4 million will expire at the end of the current fiscal year (N00039-00-D-2101). ViaSat release.

June 11/08: Lot 9. DLS, Cedar Rapids, Iowa, is being awarded a $18.7 million firm-fixed-price delivery order for MIDS-LVTs that combines purchases for the USA (79%) and the governments of Hungary (20%) and Japan, (1%) under the Foreign Military Sales Program.

Work will be performed in Wayne, NJ (50%), and Cedar Rapids, IA (50%), and is expected to be complete by April 2010. Contract funds in the amount of $2.4 million will expire at the end of the current fiscal year (N00039-00-D-2100).

MIDS-LVTs

June 2/08: MIDS JTRS. DLS announces a recent live demonstration of MIDS-JTRS, involving a MIDS-JTRS form-fit terminal interfacing with a legacy MIDS Low Volume Terminal (LVT) radio and a Tactical Air Navigation (TACAN) beacon simulator. The Link 16 waveform communicated with position and track data being transferred between the radios, while another radio provided range and bearing data from a TACAN beacon simulator.

The initial host platform for the new radio is the U.S. Navy F/A-18 and U.S. Air Force BACN. DLS announcement (no permalink)

April 4/08: DLS in Cedar Rapids, IA received a contract for $25.8 million This action will provide repair of 26 National Stock Numbers (NSNs) for the multifunctional information distribution system. Platforms associated with the NSNs include, but are not limited to Joint Interface Control Officer Support System, F-15, F-16, F-22, B-1B and B-2. Robins Air Force Base, GA issued the contract (FA8539-08-D-0002).

Jan 14/08: UK: BAE, not MIDS. The UK announces a GBP 350 million program to upgrade its Tornado GR4 and Harrier GR9 fighters. Link 16 is part of the upgrade, but they’ll be using a system from BAE that is smaller, lighter, and combines the MIDS-LVT’s function into a single black box.

Dec 4/07: UAE. The United Arab Emirates requests an unspecified number of MIDS-LVT terminals as part of a $9 billion Foreign Military Sale request to acquire Patriot PAC-2 GEM-T and PAC-3 missile batteries.

UAE request

FY 2007

Orders from USA, Belgium, Finland, Germany, Greece, Japan, Poland, Portugal, Taiwan & Turkey; BAE’s Link-16 FAST; Large-scale Dutch Link 16 project; Spain moves to improve Link 16 compatibility; Link 16 and JDICE for JTACs.

July 16/07: Lot 8. Small business qualifier ViaSat in Carlsbad, CA received a $44.95 million firm-fixed-price delivery order under previously awarded contract (N00039-00-D-2101) for MIDS-LVT terminals. Contract funds in the amount of $2.5 million will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Work will be performed in Carlsbad, CA (30%) and various other sites worldwide (70%). Delivery is expected to begin in June 2008 and be complete by May 2009

The Lot 8 order includes LVT (1) airborne and LVT (2) ground-based Low Volume Terminals under the Indefinite Delivery/ Indefinite Quantity contract awarded in January 2000. The new award includes U.S. orders [94.8%] covering LVT (1) terminal variants and spares for F/A-18, EA-18G, F-16, and AC-130 aircraft; MH-60R/S and CH-53K helicopters; and LVT (2) ground terminal variants and spares for various Army and Air Force applications.

The Government of Germany [1.7%] requested LVT (2) variant terminals for German ground based applications under the MIDS Program Memorandum of Understanding, and the government of Portugal [3.5%] will receive MIDS LVT (1) variant terminals for Portuguese F-16 aircraft under the Foreign Military Sales program.

During the procurement for Lot 8 the LVT (2) terminal quantities were competed, and ViaSat remains as the only certified producer of LVT (2) terminal variants to date. ViaSat release.

July 13/07: Lot 8. DLS, Cedar Rapids, IA won a $27.6 million firm-fixed-price delivery order for MIDS-LVT purchases for the USA (89.4%) and the governments of Belgium (8.8%), Japan (0.6%), and Poland (1.2%) under the Foreign Military Sales Program. DLS’ Aug 8/07 release says that the terminals “will be installed on the U.S. Navy F/A-18 and EA-6B, U.S. Air Force F-16, B-1, B-2 and B-52, and on shipboard and foreign platforms.”

Work will be performed in Wayne, NJ (50%), and Cedar Rapids, IA (50%), and is expected to be complete by May 2009. Contract funds in the amount of $2.7 million will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This delivery order was competitively procured, with 2 proposals solicited and 2 offers received via the Space and Naval Warfare E-commerce web site. The synopsis was released via the Federal Business Opportunities web site (N00039-00-D-2100).

MIDS-LVTs

June 4/07: MIDS JTRS. DLS, Cedar Rapids, Iowa, was awarded a not-to-exceed $33.7 million undefinitized firm-fixed-price delivery order on April 27, 2007, for MIDS-JTRS Production Transition Terminals (PTTs). Note that DLS is working with Thales Communications in this area.

Work will be performed in Wayne, NJ (50%), and Cedar Rapids, IA (50%), and is expected to be complete by April 2009. This requirement was awarded on a sole source basis by Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command (SPAWAR) in San Diego, CA (N00039-00-D-2100).

June 4/07: MIDS JTRS. Small business qualifier ViaSat in Carlsbad, CA received a not-to-exceed $15.6 million undefinitized firm-fixed-price delivery order for MIDS-JTRS Production Transition Terminals (PTTs). These awards are for non-recurring terminal engineering, terminals to support government air worthiness testing, and the first lot of MIDS JTRS production transition terminals.

Work will be performed in Carlsbad, CA (30%), and in various other sites worldwide (70%), and is expected to be complete by April 2009. This requirement was awarded on a sole source basis by Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command (SPAWAR) in San Diego, CA (N00039-00-D-2101). ViaSat release.

March 28/07: Can Link 16 MIDS terminals be used to offer a combined picture of air and ground activity? No… and yes. Read DID’s “JDICE: A Common Picture for Tac-Air Controllers” for more information.

Feb 28/07: Finland. DLS announces that the Finnish Air Force has selected them to supply Link 16 MIDS-LVTs for their F/A-18 Hornet fighter aircraft. The $1 million award is the Finnish Air Force’s F-18 “lead the fleet” order for MIDS airborne terminals, and was conducted as a directed-source Foreign Military Sales procurement through the U.S. Navy Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command (SPAWAR) MIDS International Program Office. The award augments the SPAWAR Lot 7 award of $40.2 million for MIDS terminals for use by U.S. and coalition forces.

To date, DLS has been selected to provide Link 16 capability for the F-18 fleets of Finland, Australia, Canada, Greece, Norway, and Switzerland. Work will be performed in Wayne, NJ; and Cedar Rapids, IA. DLS news page.

Finland F/A-18s

Feb 13/07: Lot 7. ViaSat announces that in addition to the recent Taiwan order, they also received a $3.1 million add-on award to the Lot 7 delivery order from the Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command (SPAWAR), San Diego. This add-on covers MIDS LVT (1), LVT (2) and LVT (7) configuration terminals for U.S. Navy and U.S. Air Force applications. The Lot 7 delivery order was initially announced on July 6/06 and has had multiple add-ons, bringing the total value of Lot 7 to nearly $90 million at present.

Jan 31/07: Taiwan. Small business qualifier ViaSat in Carlsbad, CA received a firm-fixed-price delivery order for $12.05 million for 70 LVT (1) configuration terminals plus spares, destined for the government of Taiwan (100%) under the Foreign Military Sales Program. Work will be performed in Carlsbad, CA (30%) and in various other sites worldwide (70%), and is expected to be complete by February 2009. This delivery order was competitively procured with 3 offers received via the Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command E-commerce web site and released the Federal Business Opportunities web site (N00039-00-D-2101).

In a February 13, 2007 release, ViaSat adds that “The order from Taiwan is very strategic for us… Taiwan has a large fleet of aircraft and we see this initial win as an excellent entry point for future business in Taiwan. We are also very happy with our MIDS terminal market share growth over the past year. These orders bring the value of our terminal awards since June of last year to more than $100 million.”

ViaSat: Taiwan foothold

Jan 30/07: Speed it up! The U.S. Air Force has selected BAE Systems and SRA International to develop the 2nd spiral of the Flexible Access Secure Transfer (FAST) waveform into the MIDS-LVT1. FAST, developed by BAE Systems with a team of engineers from SRA and MITRE, adds mobile ad hoc networking (MANET) interoperable with high-speed Internet Protocol and Link 16 to the MIDS Fighter Data Link. The $7 million contract will enable the MIDS-LVT1 to simultaneously transmit and receive both standard Link 16 and FAST waveform messages, allowing real-time exchange of multimedia communications including data, voice, and video. BAE release.

FAST MIDS

Jan 11/07: Spain support. The Spanish Ministry of Defence’s National Acquisition Division has given EADS Defence & Security Systems Division (DS) a 2-year, EUR 8 million (currently about $10.3 million) contract to support the Spanish Interoperability Management Cell. Their goal is to make sure all of Spain’s Link 16 devices can work well together. These platforms include the MIDS systems in Spain’s Eurofighters and the EF-18 Hornets, Spain’s OGSE-OVU (Operational Ground Support Equipment for the verification of electronic warfare element), the Airbus A400M future transport aircraft, and naval vessels such as the F-100 AEGIS frigates and the ARS command and control system on its LPD amphibious assault ships. Among others.

EADS CASA Military Air Systems (MAS) will perform the necessary tests to precisely demonstrate the integration among various different platforms through the connection of ground test rigs, or through real exercises. The comprehensive analysis and testing will be conducted by experts from the EADS-CASA MAS facilities in Getafe, and at Torrejon Air Force Base. If Spain is successful, it will reach a level of Link 16 integration normally reserved for the USA and UK. See EADs release.

Dec 15/06: DLS in Cedar Rapids, IA received a $5.1 million firm-fixed-price delivery order under previously awarded contract (N00039-00-D-2100) for MIDS-LVTs. This delivery order combines purchases for the governments of Finland (79%) and Belgium (21%) under the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) Program. Work will be performed in Wayne, N.J. (50%), and Cedar Rapids, IA (50%), and is expected to be complete by May 2008. This requirement was a directed sole source to DLS by the governments of Finland and Belgium under the FMS Program.

MIDS-LVTs

Nov 23/06: Netherlands interlink. The Netherlands’ Ministry of Defence and Thales Communications B.V. signed 2 contracts worth over EUR 4 million total (about $5 million) covering a datalink management system, remote terminal sites, and 10 years of maintenance. These are not MIDS-LVT systems. Instead, they provide greater reach and better quality of service for all Link 16 participants in their coverage areas, with the ability to connect to any available IP network in order to extend this reach via the deployable control and terminal site.

The systems will also allow the Dutch military to transfer Link 16 tactical pictures to legacy military assets, and manage the Frequency Clearance Agreement to avoid interference with civilian systems. The Dutch are not the only nation to take this approach – vid. Norway’s NORGIL project, for instance, or Switzerland’s country-wide Link 16 network from ThalesRaytheonSystems, as part of its FLORAKO program.

Under this contract, Thales will deliver its Datalink Interface Processor equipment, Datalink Network Management Software and peripheral equipment. With this suite, a Datalink Management System will be set up in Nieuw Milligen and three Remote Terminal Sites in Den Helder, Vredepeel and Ried in the Netherlands. The contract also includes the delivery of one Deployable Network Management System including one Deployable Remote Terminal Site. All of these items will be delivered early 2008. A second contract for the maintenance of these systems for a period of 10 years was also signed. See Thales release.

Nov 13/06: Saudi Arabia JTIDS. DLS announces a $16 million contract from the U.S. Air Force Electronic Systems Center to provide Link 16 capability to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The contract marks Saudi Arabia’s first adoption of Link 16 capability and will include deliveries of the Joint Tactical Information Distribution System (JTIDS) to be incorporated on Saudi E-3A Airborne Warning and Control System aircraft that entered service in 1986-87. Note that per the descriptions above, JTIDS is MIDS-LVT’s larger first-generation predecessor. Work will be performed in Wayne, NJ and Cedar Rapids, IA. A subsequent $49.2 million Boeing contract to integrate the systems was announced in September 2007

Oct 31/06: Turkey. Small business qualifier ViaSat in Carlsbad, CA received a $36.7 million firm-fixed-price delivery order under a previously awarded contract for Multifunctional Information Distribution System-Low Volume Terminals (MIDS-LVTs). This delivery order is for the government of Turkey under the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) Program. Work will be performed in Carlsbad, CA (30%) and various other sites worldwide (70%), and is expected to be complete by January 2013.

ViaSat reports that the order is an add-on to the Lot 7 award previously announced for the Turkish Air Force, adding 194 MIDS-LVT Type 6 terminals plus other adjustments and bringing the total Lot 7 value to nearly $87 million. This requirement was a directed sole source procurement under the FMS Program; see the Sept 28/06 entry below, which notes Turkey’s fighter purchase. ViaSat is the sole provider of MIDS-LVT terminals to the government of Turkey, while its competitor DLS is the sole provider to Greece (N00039-00-D-2101).

Turkey

Oct 5/06: Greece. DLS in Cedar Rapids, IA is being awarded a $6.2 million firm-fixed-price delivery order for MIDS-LVTs. This contract is for the government of Greece (100%) under the Foreign Military Sales Program.

Work will be performed in Wayne, NJ (50%), and Cedar Rapids, IA (50%), and is expected to be complete by April 2009. This delivery order was competitively procured, with synopsis was released via the Federal Business Opportunities web site and 3 offers received via the Space and Naval Warfare Systems E-commerce web site. The Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command, San Diego, CA issued the contract (N00039-00-D-2100). This purchase may be connected with the 48 MIDS-LVTs in Greece’s F-16 order; see the Oct 5/05 entry below.

Greece

FY 2006

Orders from USA, Australia, Germany, Portugal, Poland, Switzerland & Turkey; Canada picks DLS; Requests from Greece, Pakistan & Turkey.

Sept 28/06: Turkey. As part of its $2.9 billion request for another 30 F-16C Block 50 aircraft, Turkey also requests 36 MIDS-LVT modules and 3 Link 16 ground stations.

Note that this is just the notification, not the contract to provide this equipment.

Turkey request

Sept 14/06: Lot 7. ViaSat Inc. receives an additional order from the Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command (SPAWAR) in San Diego, CA, valued at approximately $8.7 million. The order augments the June 28/06 order received by ViaSat as part of the MIDS annual Lot procurements. The Lot 7 add-on consists primarily of LVT (2) ground-based Low Volume Terminals and spares, along with LVT (4) and LVT (6) airborne terminals.

ViaSat also announces an order valued at just over $2.2 million for MIDS terminals from the Naval Surface Warfare Center’s Crane Division in Crane, IN. This order is for LVT (2) ground-based Low Volume Terminals and support equipment. See corporate release.

More

June 28/06: Pakistan. Pakistan requests up to 96 MIDS-LVT terminals; 36 as part of its $3 billion request for up to 36 F-16C/D Block 50/52s, and 60 more MIDS-LVT units in their $1.3 billion request for F-16 mid-life update kits. Observant analysts note that Pakistan only has 28 older-model F-16A/Bs, which implies that these upgrades would be placed in second-hand F-16A/Bs acquired on the global market with US permission (the USA must approve all resales of the military equipment it sells).

Pakistan request

June 28/06: Lot 7. Small business qualifier ViaSat in Carlsbad, CA received a $39.6 million firm-fixed-price delivery order for Multifunctional Information Distribution System-Low Volume Terminals (MIDS-LVTs). This delivery order combines purchases for the United States (83.5%) and the governments of Portugal (11%), Turkey (4.5%), and Germany (1%) under the Foreign Military Sales Program. Work will be performed in Carlsbad, CA (30%), and in various other sites worldwide (70%), and is expected to be complete by May 2008 (N00039-00-D-2101).

ViaSat’s release adds that Delivery of the Lot 7 units is expected to begin in June of 2007. While Portugal and Turkey are considered Foreign Military Sales (FMS), Germany falls under the Memorandum of Understanding amongst the founding MIDS nations (Germany, Italy, Spain, France, and the United States). The Lot 7 award includes LVT (1) terminals for F/A-18, E/A-18G, F-16, AC-130 aircraft, the MH-60R helicopter, Link-16 Alaska, China Lake, NAVICP, and Eglin AFB. The award also includes LVT (2) terminals and spares for various Army and Air Force applications including the JICO Support System (JSS), Pocket J Program, PATRIOT Program, Medium Extended Air Defense (MEADS), the Joint Tactical Ground Station (JTAGS), and for Eglin AFB Link-16 applications. During the procurement for Lot 7 the LVT (2) terminal quantities were competed and ViaSat remains as the only certified producer of the LVT (2) to date.

June 28/06: Lot 7. DLS received a $34.6 million firm-fixed-price delivery order for MIDS-LVTs. This delivery order combines purchases for the United States (77%) and the governments of Switzerland (12%), Poland (5%), Japan (3%), Australia (2%), and Germany (1%), under the Foreign Military Sales Program. Work will be performed in Wayne, NJ (50%), and Cedar Rapids, IA (50%), and is expected to be complete by May 2008 (N00039-00-D-2100).

MIDS-LVTs

Jan 4/06: Canada. DLS announces that it has been selected by the Canadian Forces to provide Multi-Functional Information Distribution System (MIDS) Low Volume Terminals (LVT) as part of their Fleet Modernization Program to add Link 16 capability to Canada’s CF-18 Hornet aircraft fleet.

The approximate value of the contract is in excess of USD $22.7 million, after an initial $34 million request to the US Congress.

Canada CF-18s

Oct 18/05: Switzerland ThalesRaytheonSystems (TRS) announces $120 million in contracts from the Swiss defense procurement agency, ARMASUISSE, to provide the Swiss Air Force with advanced Link-16 connectivity for their fighter aircraft.

MIDS terminals are included in the effort, which will create a national Link 16 network as one aspect of the FLORAKO program.

Swiss national Link-16 program

Oct 5/05: Greece requests 48 MIDS-LVTs as part of a sale of 30-40 F-16C/D Block 50/52 aircraft for up to $3.1 billion.

They would end up declining the option, and ordering just 30 new F-16s.

Greece request

FY 2004 – 2005

MIDS JTRS development contracts; Orders from USA, Australia, Belgium, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, Poland, Switzerland & Taiwan; Request from Turkey.

Sept 30/05: Small business qualifier ViaSat in Carlsbad, CA received a $5.7 million firm-fixed-price delivery order delivery order for MIDS-LVTs from the US military. Work will be performed in Carlsbad, CA (30%), in various other sites worldwide (70%), and is expected to be complete by May 2007 (N00039-00-D-2101).

Sept 30/05: Small business qualifier ViaSat in Carlsbad, CA received a $5.3 million firm-fixed-price delivery order on Sept 15/05 for MIDS-LVTs from the US military. Work will be performed in Carlsbad, CA (30%), and various other sites worldwide (70%), and is expected to be complete by May 2007 (N00039-00-D-2101).

Sept 30/05: DLS received a $5.5 million firm-fixed-price delivery order for MIDS-LVTs. This delivery order combines purchases for the USA (29%) and the government of Australia (71%) under the Foreign Military Sales Program. Work will be performed in Wayne, NJ (50%), and Cedar Rapids, IA (50%), and is expected to be completed by May 2007 (N00039-00-D-2100).

MIDS-LVTs

June 10/05: Small business qualifier ViaSat in Carlsbad, CA received a $61 million delivery order (N00039-00-D-2101). This order combines purchases for the U.S. (98%) and the government of Japan (2%) under the Foreign Military Sales Program. Work will be performed in Carlsbad, CA (30%), in various other sites worldwide (70%), and is expected to be complete by May 2007.

June 10/05: DLS received a $32.5 million delivery order (N00039-00-D-2100). This order combines purchases for the U.S. (78.4%) and the governments of Australia (4.5%); Switzerland (8.2%); Japan (6.7%); and New Zealand (2.2%) under the Foreign Military Sales Program. Work will be performed in Wayne, NJ (50%), and Cedar Rapids, IA (50%), and is expected to be complete by May 2007.

MIDS-LVTs

March 26/05: Turkey. Turkey requests a $1.1 billion program to modernize its F-16 fleet, including Link 16 integration. ViaSat Inc. in Carlsbad, CA would eventually be selected as the supplier for the MIDS-LVT (6) terminals in August 2006, with a total order quantity of 203 LVTs. See also ViaSat release.

Turkey request

Dec 28/04: MIDS JTRS. DLS received a not-to exceed amount of $82.1 million for a cost-plus-incentive-fee/ firm-fixed-price Engineering Change Proposal modification, and a cost-plus-incentive-fee/ firm-fixed-price delivery order. These cover the product improvement of the MIDS-LVT to a JTRS software communications compliant architecture under Contract N00039-00-D-2101 for U.S. Navy and Air Force Platforms. The MIDS-JTRS is intended to replace the MIDS-LVT to provide secure, high capacity, jam resistant, digital data and voice communications capability using the JTRS system, which is intended to become the future foundation on networked radio communication for US forces. Work will be performed at Cedar Rapids, IA (50%) and at Wayne, N.J. (50%), and is expected to be completed by September 2007 (N00039-00-D-2100).

Dec 28/04: MIDS JTRS. Small business qualifier ViaSat in Carlsbad, CA received a not-to-exceed amount of $60.7 million for a cost-plus-incentive-fee/ firm-fixed-price Engineering Change Proposal modification, and a cost-plus-incentive-fee/ firm-fixed-price delivery order. These cover the product improvement of the MIDS-LVT to a JTRS software communications compliant architecture under Contract N00039-00-D-2101 for U.S. Navy and Air Force Platforms. The MIDS-JTRS is intended to replace the MIDS-LVT to provide secure, high capacity, jam resistant, digital data and voice communications capability using the JTRS system, which is intended to become the future foundation on networked radio communication for US forces. Work will be performed in Carlsbad, CA and is expected to be complete by September 2007 (N00039-00-D-2101).

MIDS JTRS development

June 17/04: DLS received a $48.3 million firm fixed price delivery order for MIDS-LVTs. This delivery order combines purchases for the U.S. (76%) and the governments of Switzerland (4.8%), Belgium (4.5%), Taiwan (1%), and Poland (13.7%) under the Foreign Military Sales Program. Work will be performed 50/50 in Wayne, NJ and Cedar Rapids, IA and is expected to be complete by May 2006 (N00039-00-D-2100).

June 17/04: Small business qualifier ViaSat in Carlsbad, CA received a $47.1 million firm-fixed-price delivery order for MIDS-LVTs. This delivery order combines purchases for the U.S. (92%) and the governments of Canada (2%), Japan (2%), and Taiwan (4%) under the Foreign Military Sales Program. Work will be performed in Carlsbad, CA (43%), Melbourne, FL (29 percent), and Munich, Germany (28%), and is expected to be completed by May 2006 (N00039-00-D-2101).

MIDS-LVTs

Additional Readings

• JPEO JTRS – Multifunctional Information Distribution System. Incl. details and planned platforms; archived 2011.

• Rockwell Collins, via WayBack – Link 11, Link 22 and Link 16.

• Rockwell Collins – Tactical Targeting Network Technology (TTNT). Will become part of MIDS-JTRS; see also Brochure [PDF].

• Data Link Solutions. The Rockwell Collins/ BAE Systems joint venture. See Products, esp. MIDS-JTRS.

• ViaSat – Data Link Overview.

• Flight International, via WayBack (Sept 16/08) – BAE Systems advances airborne networking with MIDS-JTRS, FAST.

• JPEO JTRS – MIDS JTRS Status, IDLS 2007 [PDF].

• Thales, via ASD (June 16/06) – Data Link Solutions and Thales team on MIDS JTRS.

• JPEO JTRS (May 5/06) – Presentation to MIDS International Review Board: JTRS – Moving Forward [PDF].

Americas

The ex-USS Enterprise will be towed, but not for now. Huntington Ingalls will be responsible to temporarily store and eventually tow the former Nimitz-class carrier under a $34 million cost-plus-fixed-fee contract modification. CVN 65 was the oldest carrier in the fleet when it was decommissioned in February 2017. Early in the ship’s career, it was part of a blockade during the Cuban missile crisis and then joined the first nuclear-powered naval task force. The ship saw combat in Vietnam and was the first responder after 9/11. Now the US Navy uses it as a case-study to figure out the best answer to a big problem: How do we best dispose off a large nuclear-powered ship? When a nuclear-powered vessel is retiring, its shipboard nuclear reactors are defueled, the reactor vessels and their compartments are removed, encased and barged to the federal government’s Hanford Nuclear Reservation in southern Washington State, and the ships’ remains are cut up for scrap and recycling. The Navy is currently looking into two options, the Naval shipyard option, and the full commercial option. A recent GAO report estimates that dismantling of CVN 65 will cost around $1 billion and won’t start before 2024 or 2034, depending on the option the Navy chooses. Either way, ex-USS Enterprise dismantlement and disposal will set precedents for processes and oversight that may inform future aircraft carrier dismantlement decisions.

US Special Operations Command is contracting Harris Corp in support of its CV-22s. The company will provide SOCOM with components and technical services needed to keep the Osprey’s suite of integrated radio frequency countermeasures (SIRFC) operational. SIRFC is an integrated electronic combat system which provides RF threat awareness and active self-protection jamming capabilities for Army aircraft against RF air defense systems actively engaging the aircraft. SIRFC consists of the Advanced Threat Radar Warning Receiver (ATRWR) and the Advanced Threat Radar Jammer. The system contributes to the aircrew’s full-dimensional protection. The awarded modification of $93.5 million increases the contract ceiling to a total of $383.5 million. The contract and its ordering period will end by July 30, 2019.

Rockwell Collins is being awarded with a modification against a three-year contract. The modification has a value of $11.8 million and adds two national stock numbers to support the Joint Helmet Mounting Cueing System (JHMCS) for F-15 and F-16 aircraft. JHMCS is the product of RCEV, a joint venture between Rockwell Collins and Elbit. According to the company, the JHMCS provides the pilot with “first look, first shoot” weapons engagement capabilities. The system enables the pilot to accurately cue onboard weapons and sensors against enemy aircraft and ground targets without the need to aggressively turn the aircraft or place the target in the Head-Up Display for designation. Work will be performed at RCEV’s facilities in Texas and Israel, and is scheduled for completion by August 30, 2023.

UAV manufacturer Insitu is currently pitching a new variant of its RQ-21A Integrator to the US Air Force. The Integrator ER is a medium-altitude UAV that will have either an endurance of 10h on station after traveling 200nm or or 6h on station after having traveled 300nm. During an Air Force conference, Esina Alic, Insitu president and CEO, said the UAV can be controlled at greater distances using a jam-resistant satellite link, instead of a line-of-site radio link, which typically limits small UAVs to ranges of 50nm to 70nm. The body of the Integrator-ER is based on the company’s Blackjack system, a system that is valued by the Marine Corps. Insitu is pitching it as contractor owned and operated, with roughly 12 people needed to run the system.

Middle East & Africa

The Egyptian government wants to purchase close to 60.000 120mm rounds for its tanks. The State Department is determined to approve this FMS, which is valued at $99 million. The possible order would include 46,000 120mm Target Practice – Tracer (M831A1) and 120 mm Target Practice, Cone Stabilized, Discarding Sabot – (M865) rounds; and 10,000 120mm 4th-Generation Kinetic Energy-Tungsten (KE-W) A4 Armor-Piercing Fin-Stabilized Discarding Sabot with Tracer (APFSDS-T) rounds, to replace older models and to maintain a strategic munitions inventory for its M1A1 tank fleet. Included in the deal are also 4,500 120mm Insensitive Munitions High Explosive with Tracer (IM HE-T) tank rounds. Egypt will use those rounds to arm the tanks that are currently fighting the Islamic State in the Sinai peninsula. The training rounds will be used to ready M1A1 tank crews for operational deployments. Work will be performed at General Dynamics-OTS’ St. Petersburg, Florida facility,

Europe

The Dutch government is set to receive US support for its AH-64D Apache helicopter modernization program. The program was recently given the go-ahead as part of a Letter of Offer and Acceptance (LOA) signed by the DSCA and the Dutch State Secretary of Defence. The LOA has a value of $1 billion and includes the training of pilots and the upgrade of 28 Apache ‘D’ helicopters to the ‘E’ variant. The AH-64E ‘Guardian’ attack helicopter is the latest version of the AH-64. It has a number of improvements and upgrades, including more powerful engines, upgraded transmission, a new fire control radar, new sensors, avionics and has improved night operation capabilities.

Jane’s reports that French defense contractor MBDA is pitching a new adaption for its Brimstone missile system to the Polish Army. The Polish Armaments Inspectorate recently issued a requirement for a stand-off anti-armor capability, and is currently running two acquisition programs. The programs are known as ‘Pustelnik’ and ‘Karabela’, and are in support of the Polish Territorial Defence Forces (WOT) and the Polish Army. The Brimstone adaption would be part of the Karabela program, that stipulates an 8 km–10 km anti-armor weapon to equip multiple platforms. When outfitted with the palletised surface-launched salvo-fire adaptation, the Brimstone could serve as solution across all platforms.

Asia-Pacific

India’s quest of indigenously developing a 3rd generation anti-tank guided missile is nearing its end. The Man Portable Anti-Tank Guided Missile (MPATGM) met all mission objectives during recently held flight tests at India’s Ahmednagar test range. The missile is is fitted with a high-explosive anti-tank (HEAT) warhead and can engage targets to distances of up to 2.5 km. The missile’s development started after a committee examined various aspects related to a Spike-MR deal with Israel. The first MPATGM prototype is expected to be handed over to the Indian army for user trials by the end of 2018. Mass production of the missile is expected to begin in 2021.

Today’s Video

Watch: RT Documentary – Ka-52 Alligator: Strike Helicopter. The Tank Destroyer

Americas

Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace is set to further support the US Army’s CROWS. The awarded firm-fixed-price contract has a value of $498.3 million and provides for the continued production, sustainment and recurring engineering services needed to keep the M153 CROWS operational. The Common Remotely Operated Weapon Station, or CROWS, is a multi-vehicle externally mounted remote weapon system that allows the Gunner to remain inside the armor protected vehicle while firing a variety of crew served weapons. It allows on-the-move target acquisition and first-burst target engagement. Capable of target engagement under day and night conditions, the CROWS sensor suite includes a daytime video camera, thermal camera and laser rangefinder. It can mount weapons such as the M2 HB .50-cal Machine Gun, Mk19 40-mm Automatic Grenade Machine Gun, M240B 7.62-mm MG and M249 5.56-mm Squad Automatic Weapon. Work is estimated to be completed by September 2022.

General Atomics is being contracted to upgrade several MQ-9 Ground Control Stations (GCSs). The cost-plus-fixed-fee contract is valued at $92.2 million and provides for MD-1A Block 15 GCS to MD-1A Block 30 GCS retrofits. The upgraded ground station include intuitive interfaces that are designed to make potentially hazardous situations easier to identify and to improve the decision-making process generally. A GCS serves two purposes, it controls the UAV and serves as key component of the data collection and dissemination process. The GCS receives the information collected by a UAV, processes that information, and reroutes it via a datalink to the appropriate end user. Work will be performed at GA’s facility in Poway, California and is scheduled for completion by May 29, 2020.

Middle East & Africa

The armed forces of Afghanistan, Nigeria and Lebanon are set to receive unguided rockets as part of a US FMS. General Dynamics – OTS, will be responsible to procure an unspecified number of Hydra rockets at a cost of $44.3 million. Hydra-70 is a family of unguided rockets offering a variety of warhead configurations. These versatile and relatively inexpensive rockets can be fired from a variety of aircraft, from attack helicopters to jet fighters to light helicopters, and are arguably the world’s most widely used helicopter-launched weapon system. This contract modification also includes FMS to Australia and the Philippines. Work will be perfumed at GD’s facility in Williston, Vermont, with an estimated completion date of March 2021.

The government of Iraq will soon see a boost to its inventory of trucks, thanks to a US FMS. Navistar Defense will procure 4×4 and 6×6 trucks under this $31.4 million firm-fixed-price contract. Navistar has been supporting the Iraqi Ministry of Defense since 2008 and has delivered over 7,000 trucks and buses to Iraq through foreign military sales contracts. The order will likely include several militarized six-wheel flatbed trucks that come with a reinforced suspension and turbo-charged diesel engine. And four-wheeled MRAPs built to withstand ballistic arms fire, mine blasts, IEDs, and other asymmetric threats. Most of the work will be performed at Navistar’s Lisle, Illinois factory. The contract will run through September 27, 2020.

Europe

The Swiss army plans to decommission one of its major weapons systems as part of its FY2018 budget plan. The army will reduce its fleet of F-5 Tiger fighter jets by half. Some of the jets have been donated to museums and the others will be sold to international buyers. The Swiss Air Force signed an initial procurement contract for 72 Tiger fighter aircraft , 66 of the type F-5E (single seater) and 6 of the type F-5F (double seater) in 1976. In 1981, after the platform proved itself to be ideally suited for the Swiss ‘militia system’ a decision was made to procure another 38 additional aircraft. The 26 Tiger jets that will remain in service will take on some air-support tasks currently performed by F/A-18s. Switzerland is currently in the process of modernizing its air-defense systems and plans to acquire several new fighter jets.

French aircraft-carrier Charles de Gaulle will soon commence sea-trials following its mid-life upgrade and refit. The French Navy’s sole nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, entered a dry dock in early 2017, after 15 years of operational deployments. The overhaul program is led by French shipbuilder Naval Group and costs about $1.5 billion. Beyond standard maintenance operations, including refueling its nuclear reactor, the project modernized the ship’s combat system to maintain and increase interoperability with allied navies and allow the ship’s transition to the “All Rafale” air wing. The midlife work extends the carrier’s operational life for at least 20 more years.

Aerovironment is being tapped to support and deliver a RQ-20B Puma AE II system to the Estonian armed forces. The firm-fixed-price contract has a value of $8.8 million and includes the UAS and relevant support. The Puma AE is capable of conducting intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance and target acquisition (ISRT), battle damage assessment, maritime patrol, search and rescue and drug interdiction missions over water or land. The Puma is Aerovironment’s largest mini-UAV, but it’s still man-portable and hand-launched. The Puma AE’s most significant innovation is that it can land on both land and water, surviving near-vertical “deep stall” final approaches. Work will be performed at the company’s facility in Monrovia, California and will be completed by end of March, 2019.

Asia-Pacific

The Republic of Korea wants to purchase six P-8A Patrol Aircraft from the United States. The possible FMS is valued at $2.1 billion. The potential deal would also include several joint tactical radio systems, GPS, missile warning sensors, radar, electronic support measures and counter measure dispensing systems. The Poseidon is designed to perform a variety of tasks and provides a Navy with an anti-submarine, anti-ship and anti-smuggling platform that can sweep the area, launch sensors or weapons as needed, and remain aloft for many hours. The plane is equipped with a combination of sonobuoys, radars, day/night surveillance equipment, and ESM gear. Its 11 hardpoints can be armed with Mk 54 lightweight torpedoes, depth charges, and some free-fall bombs. Prime contractor will be Boeing. Other contractors include – among others – Raytheon, WESCAM, Rockwell Collins, Lockheed Martin and DRS. The DSCA notes, that the “proposed sale will support US foreign policy and national security objectives by enhancing Korea’s naval capabilities to provide national defense and significantly contribute to coalition operations”.

Today’s Video

Watch: F-35B Lightning II Start-Up & Takeoff • Valiant Shield 18

CROWS in Iraq
(click to view full)

Most military vehicles can mount some sort of weapon, and even small protected vehicles like up-armored Hummers have top mounts. Manning them can be hazardous, however, as the story behind the Chavis Turret illustrates. Gunners are especially exposed to enemy sniper fire and counter-fire in urban environments, which figure prominently in current and expected war scenarios.

In response, larger armored vehicles have begun using Remote Weapon Systems (RWS), consisting of a gun and sensors that sit on top of the vehicle. These systems are controlled from inside via joystick and screen, and all ammunition, sensors, etc. are part of the topside assembly. The USA’s Common Remotely-Operated Weapons Station (CROWS) brings those capabilities to smaller vehicles, like up-armored Hummers or blast-resistant MRAPs. CROWS orders had traditionally been filled by Recon/Optical Inc., but a major “CROWS-II” framework agreement with Kongsberg in 2007 changed that landscape. In 2012 the CROWS-3 competition confirmed Kongsberg as the incumbent supplier, via a large multi-year contract that will deliver new systems and maintain existing ones.

The CROWS System

R/O’s CROWS-I

This RWS approach does reduce situational awareness in many instances, thanks to a narrower field of view and fewer audio cues. In exchange, however, RWS systems offer full in-hull protection for the crew, much better fire-on-the-move capability for stabilized systems like BAE’s LEMUR, and the ability to use the RWS’ advanced sensors in night or obscurement scenarios. RWS have become extremely popular in recent years; major competitors in this space now include BAE (LEMUR), Elbit Systems (ORCWS), Kongsberg (Protector), RAFAEL (RCWS and Samson families), Recon Optical (Raven), and Thales (SWARM).

CROWS is versatile and modular. It can mount weapons such as the M2 HB .50-cal Machine Gun, Mk19 40-mm Automatic Grenade Machine Gun, M240B 7.62-mm MG(Machine Gun) and M249 5.56-mm Squad Automatic Weapon. The system’s sensor unit includes a daylight video camera with digital video processing capabilities, a thermal imager for night operations, and an eyesafe laser rangefinder. It is furnished with a fully integrated fire control system that provides ballistic correction, and offers a 2-axis stabilized (azimuth and elevation) gunner-operated weapon system, that corrects for vehicle movement. The Recon/Optical mount is capable of continuous 360 degree azimuth rotation and -20 to +60 degree elevation; the Kongsberg mount shares these abilities, with a maximum slew rate of 100 degrees/second and a topside weight under 350 pounds.

The system’s control group, which mounts inside the vehicle, is the gunner interface allowing operation within the vehicle’s protective shell. Its main components include a display unit, Switch Panel Unit (SPU), and hand controller (joystick). The control group provides full remote control of the weapon system via on-screen menus presented on the display, and by the switches on the SPU and joystick.

America’s Army screenshot
(click to view full)

The CROWS system has received excellent reviews from US troops in Iraq – and if this all sounds like a video-game to you, you’re in good company.

The US Army worked with game developers to put a CROWS module and mission sets into the new version of the hit Pentagon-sponsored videogame/ recruiting tool/ preparation tool “America’s Army.” That would certainly cut the time required to train new recruits. Indeed, the additional levels of proficiency made possible by these games will act as another incentive for countries to equip their vehicles with RWS systems, instead of traditional gunner mounts.

The CROWS Program

M153 CROWS-II
(click to view full)

CROWS began as an effort to quickly equip troops in Iraq, and its Capability Requirements document was approved in 2005. Initial orders were made to Chicago, IL firm Recon Optical, but as it gathered steam, CROWS was formalized into competitions.

In 2007, Kongsberg parlayed its world-leading position in Remote Weapon Systems into the CROWS-II contract. As of February 2011, the US military had invested over $2 billion in production, and ordered over 11,000 systems for all services.

The $970 million CROWS-3 competition kept Kongsberg as the US military’s supplier. CROWS-III’s scope involves spare parts for all existing systems, RESET for 6,000 existing systems, and about 3,000 new systems: 1,500 or so new systems for the Army, and 1,500 new systems for other customers. Bidders had to show that they could reach 50 RESET systems per month within 180 days, and 25 new systems/month within the same time frame. That rises to 50 new per month within 270 days, with potential surge capacity to 150 within 4 months.

In the US military, CROWS systems currently equip the M1114 up-armored HMMWVs (Armored Scouts/Military Police), and M1116 up-armored HMMWVs (U.S. Air Force); the M93A1P1 nuclear, biological, chemical reconnaissance vehicle, scout vehicle; Variants of the 8×8 Stryker wheeled APC; and MRAP blast-resistant vehicles from various manufacturers. Turreted vehicles with CROWS options for turret-top mounting include Textron’s M1117 Guardian Armored Security Vehicles (Military Police), and the Army’s M1 Abrams main battle tanks.

Contracts & Key Events FY 2018

 

CROWS

September 18/18: Sustainment Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace is set to further support the US Army’s CROWS. The awarded firm-fixed-price contract has a value of $498.3 million and provides for the continued production, sustainment and recurring engineering services needed to keep the M153 CROWS operational. The Common Remotely Operated Weapon Station, or CROWS, is a multi-vehicle externally mounted remote weapon system that allows the Gunner to remain inside the armor protected vehicle while firing a variety of crew served weapons. It allows on-the-move target acquisition and first-burst target engagement. Capable of target engagement under day and night conditions, the CROWS sensor suite includes a daytime video camera, thermal camera and laser rangefinder. It can mount weapons such as the M2 HB .50-cal Machine Gun, Mk19 40-mm Automatic Grenade Machine Gun, M240B 7.62-mm MG and M249 5.56-mm Squad Automatic Weapon. Work is estimated to be completed by September 2022.

FY 2014

Dec 19/13: Support. Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace AS in Kongsberg, Norway receives a $37.9 million contract modification for maintenance of the M153 common remotely operated weapon station.

All funds are committed immediately, using US Army FY 2014 operations and maintenance funds. The CROWS-III contract runs until Aug 16/17, and could be worth up to $970 million. Work will be performed in Johnstown, PA, and the contract is managed by Army Contracting Command at Picatinny Arsenal, NJ (W15QKN-12-C-0103, PO 0048).

FY 2013

Slow order flow, so far.

CROWS w. 40mm GMG
(click to view full)

Sept 25/13: Support. Kongsberg Defence and Aerospace AS in Norway receives was awarded a $9 million firm-fixed-price contract option for M135 CROWS depot support and system spares.

Work will be performed in Johnstown, PA, with funding from fiscal 2011, 2012 and 2013 other authority funds. This contract was a competitive acquisition via the web with two bids received. US Army Contracting Command in Picatinny Arsenal, NJ manages the contract (W15QKN-12-C-0103, PO 0039).

Aug 30/13: Support. Kongsberg Defence and Aerospace AS in Kirkegardsveien, Norway receives a $37.9 million firm-fixed-price contract modification, exercising an option for CROWS depot support. This is the largest award in a year, but the structure of the CROWS-III contract, which includes full RESET for up to 6,000 existing systems, would lead us to expect that.

Work will be performed in Johnstown, PA, and is managed by US Army Contracting Command in Picatinny Arsenal, NJ (W15QKN-12-C-0103, PO 0036). Observant readers will note that orders over $5 million have been rather slow since the CROWS-3 contract was awarded in August 2012 – less than 10% of the 5-year contract’s $970 million maximum.

Aug 14/13: Systems. Kongsberg Defence and Aerospace AS in Kongsberg, Norway receives a $14.8 million contract modification, with a cumulative maximum value of $51.1 million, to provide M153 CROWS RWS and system spares.

Work will be performed in Johnstown, PA, and 2 bids were received for the original solicitation. The U.S. Army Contracting Command in Picatinny Arsenal, NJ manages the contract (W15QKN-12-C-0103).

Oct 4/12: Systems. Kongsberg Defence and Aerospace AS in Kongsberg, Norway receives a $28 million firm-fixed-price contract modification for CROWS weapon stations, spares, and field service engineering.

Work will be performed in Johnstown, PA. The CROWS-III bid was solicited through the Internet, with 2 bids received by US Army Contracting Command in Picatinny Arsenal, NJ (W15QKN-12-C-0103). See also Kongsberg.

FY 2011 – 2012

CROWS-III award.

M-ATV w. M153
(click to view full)

Aug 27/12: CROWS-3. The Pentagon formally announces the 1st order under CROWS-III, to Kongsberg Defence and Aerospace AS in Kongsberg, Norway. Work will be performed in Johnstown, PA, and Norway, and the umbrella contract runs until Aug 16/17. The CROWS-III bid was solicited through the Internet, with 2 bids received by US Army Contracting Command in Picatinny Arsenal, NJ (W15QKN-12-C-0103).

Aug 17/12: CROWS-3. Kongsberg Defence and Aerospace wins the CROWS-III contract, beating the Northrop Grumman/EO Systems team and retaining their position as the US military’s supplier. CROWS-III is a firm-fixed-price 5-year indefinite-delivery/ indefinite-quantity contract, with items ordered as needed until Aug 16/17.

The initial contract is worth $9.1 million, and the maximum contract value for all 3,000 M153 CROWS weapons, RESET for 6,000 existing systems, spares, and support is $970 million.

The company says it has already delivered 17,000+ such systems to 17 countries, but refused to provide any breakdown of orders by country when asked. Even so, it’s clear that the USA is their biggest customer by far. Kongsberg expects a softening of US demand, as they should since it’s baked into CROWS-III’s contemplated numbers. They say that intend to compensate with more, smaller orders elsewhere. Time will tell. FBO.gov | Kongsberg | E24 [in Norwegian].

CROWS-III

July 9/12: Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace in Kongsberg, Norway receives an $85 million firm-fixed-price contract modification to provide M153 CROWS spare parts and services. Kongsberg’s release describes it as “increasing the existing CROWS II frame contract with NOK 508 million” (the $85 million), adding that they “received purchase orders for spare parts and depot support valued NOK 198 million [DID: about $32.5 million) under this modification.” The rest will be ordered as needed.

Work will be performed in Johnstown, PA, with an estimated completion date of May 31/13. The bid was solicited through the Internet, with 1 bid received by US Army Contracting Command in Picatinny Arsenal, AL (W15QKN-07-D-0018).

March 1/12: CROWS-3. The US Army releases the CROWS-3 RFP.

CROWS-3 RFP

Feb 16/11: CROWS-3. The US military posts the W15QKN-11-R-F015 pre-solicitation, outlining their intent for the follow-on CROWS-3 program.

Feb 11/11: Kongsberg Defence in Kongsberg, Norway receives a $120.4 million firm-fixed-price time-and-materials contract that raises the maximum quantity of CROWS turrets from 10,349 units to 11,690 units.

Work will be performed in Johnstown, PA, with an estimated completion date of Aug 21/12. The original bid was solicited through the Internet, with 3 bids received by U.S. Army Contracting Command in Picatinny Arsenal, NJ (W15QKN-07-D-0018).

CROWS-II boost

Dec 7/10: CROWS anti-tank The Raytheon-Lockheed Martin Javelin Joint Venture fires a Javelin anti-tank missile from a modified CROWS-II mounted on a Stryker armored personnel carrier. The 3 test missiles hit their targets at 500m and 1 km (1,640 and 3,280 feet) downrange, confirming successful integration as the Javelin vehicle launch box, fire control unit and remote weapon system communicated effectively. Raytheon.

CROWS + Javelin

Dec 6/10: Sub-contractors. BAE announces multiple contracts worth $38 million, to supply TIM1500 thermal imagers for the US Army’s CROWS-II stations. Under the contract, BAE Systems from its Lexington, MA operations will provide the TIM1500 to Kongsberg Defence and Aerospace AS. BAE company recently shipped its 10,000th TIM1500 imager, and increased its production rate in support of Army requirements, including deployment of the units on MRAP combat vehicles.

FY 2009 – 2010

CROWS-2 bosted, competition for 3rd contract.

CROWS II with
GLEF Laser Dazzler
(click to view full)

May 19/10: CROWS-3 competition. Australia’s Electro Optical Systems and Northrop Grumman team to compete for the US military’s CROWS-3 contract; US Army TACOM is expected to release its RFP in late 2010. Northrop Grumman will be the prime contractor and systems integrator if the team is selected, and the contract could involve as many as 10,000 CROWS-3 systems. Northrop Grumman believes that if the US Army goes forward with plans to equip its entire inventory of tactical vehicles under the CROWS 3 program, it could be worth as much as $4 billion.

EOS provided systems to the Army under the initial CROWS contract, and says that it currently produces a system that is compliant with both CROWS and CROWS-II requirements. The 2 firms’ announcement builds on an earlier partnership in the space sector. Northrop Grumman | EOS [PDF] | Australian Defence magazine.

April 28/10: Kongsberg announces another $57 million order from the US Army for CROWS II systems.

April 20/10: Kongsberg announces a NOK 1.2 billion (about $203 million) order from the US Army, as part of the December 2009 contract increase. The amounts to date indicate that close to half of the 3,849 additional CROWS II systems have now been ordered.

April 20/10: Read carefully. Pentagon DefenseLINK sometimes puts out announcements that seem to be CROWS orders, but are not. An excellent example is given as an $11.1 million “firm-fixed-price contract for the procurement of 1,037 Remote Weapon System / Crew Remote Operated Weapons System final production configuration for the Mine Resistant Ambush All Terrain Vehicle.”

What this actually means is that they’re paying Oshkosh Defense to set their M-ATV patrol vehicles up so that everything is in place to accept a CROWS system: power, electronic interlinks, structural support, etc. The CROWS systems themselves are provided independently, as Government-Furnished Equipment. US Army TACOM in Warren, MI says that 5 bids were solicited, with 5 bids received (W56HZV-09-D-0111).

Dec 29/09: Kongsberg Defense in Kongsberg, Norway receives a modification to their existing contract, increasing the number of systems within the existing CROWS II framework from 6,500 to up to 10,349 systems (3,849 units). An initial delivery order for NOK 950 million/ $162.2 million begins the process, and the contract’s total value may reach over NOK 4.5 billion ($820 million), depending on the US Army’s future demand and annual allocations.

In issuing this order, the US military cites FAR (Federal Acquisition Regulation) 6.302-2, unusual and compelling urgency, and also 10 US U.S.C.2304 c2. Final work is to be performed in Johnstown, PA, with an estimated completion date of Aug 1/12. One bid was solicited by the U.S. Army Contracting Command at Picatinny Arsenal, NJ, but 3 bids were received (W15QKN-07-D-0018). See also Kongsberg’s Dec 24/09 release.

CROWS-II boost

Nov 25/09: Kongsberg Defense in Konsberg, Norway receives a $15.1 million firm-fixed-price contract for “a minimum 1,000 common remotely operated weapon station systems with a maximum of 6,500, also to include the acquisition of spare parts, depot operations as well as field service representatives.” This may be a maintenance contract, or a long-lead contract related to the December 2009 changes.

Work is to be performed in Johnstown, PA, with a completion date of Aug 1/13. Bids were solicited on the World Wide Web, with 3 bids received by the U.S. Army Contracting Command, Joint Munitions & Lethality Contracting Center in Picatinny Arsenal, NJ (W15QKN-07-D-0018).

Sept 14/09: An $18.2 million unfinalized Change Order Modification firm-fixed-price multi-year contract to Kongsberg, buying up to 370 Commanders Remote Operated Weapons Stations version 2 kits (CROWS II) for upgraded M1A2 SEPv2 Abrams tanks. Work is to be performed in Lima, OH with an estimated completion date of Aug 31/12 (W56HZV-06-G-0006).

Aug 28/09: Kongsberg announces an NOK 1.1 billion (about $181.5 million) delivery order under the maximum NOK 8 billion CROWS framework agreement signed in August 2007.

June 23/09: Kongsberg announces an NOK 152 million (about $23.3 million) delivery order under the maximum NOK 8 billion CROWS framework agreement signed in August 2007.

Dec 1/08: More anti-sniper work with CROWS. Textron subsidiary AAI Corporation announces a $3 million, 12-month contract from the U.S. Army’s Project Manager Soldier Weapons organization for Projectile Detection and Cueing (PDCue) gunshot detection systems, to be integrated with the 50 M1151 up-armored Hummers and their CROWS II systems during overseas operational evaluation.

The award calls for all 50 of the PDCue systems to be delivered in the “4-corner” configuration, in which sensor clusters positioned at the 4 corners of a vehicle provide low-profile, 360-degree situational awareness. PDCue is designed to instantly locate and track the source of single-shot, multiple-shot, and burst-fire events in any environment. The 4-corner systems will each include sensors, a user display, and navigation units. AAI will provide technical support as part of the contract, and modular design and open architecture are expected to ensure plug-and-play integration of the system with the CROWS II weapon stations.

FY 2006 – 2008

CROWS-II contract.

New CROWS II
(click to view full)

Sept 23/08: Kongsberg announcement:

“Last week, the US Army issued Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace AS a contract valued at $15 million for additional PROTECTOR Remote Weapon Stations (RWSs) to be integrated into the Vanguard Sniper Defense System and manufactured in Johnstown, PA… Under this latest contract, the CROWS II will be included with the Vanguard Sniper Defense System for the US Army’s Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles.”

The Vanguard system has been developed by DoubleShot, inc. of Rohnert Park, CA, under a $10.7 million contract announced on Aug 8/07.

Sept 10/08: Kongsberg announces an order valued at NOK 1.1 billion (about $198 million) from the US Army. The weapon stations will be manufactured at Kongsberg’s plant in Johnstown, PA, and deliveries will take place in 2010.

June 12/08: Kongsberg announces that they have booked an order valued at NOK 58 million (about $11.2 million) from the US Army, as part of the CROWS framework agreement signed in August 2007. The deliveries will take place in first half of 2009.

The announcement also mentions a NOK 135 million (about $26 million) order by General Dynamics Land Systems in USA for “deliveries of weapon control systems for armoured personnel vehicles to US Army.” these are almost certainly destined for the US Army’s wheeled Stryker APCs, which use the Kongsberg Protector RWS.

May 30/08: Kongsberg announces that it has booked an order valued at NOK 585 million (about $115.8 million) from the US Army under the CROWS framework agreement signed in August 2007. Deliveries will begin in second half of 2009.

May 19/08: Sub-contractors. BAE Systems announces a $60 million order to provide thermal imaging modules to Kongsberg Defense & Aerospace AS for use with the systems in its CROWS-II contract. This is the first phase of a 5-year contract to supply up to 6,500 thermal sights, and additional contracts could increase the subcontract’s value to $200 million depending on Kongsberg’s orders. See also Oct 23/07 entry.

BAE’s release claims that its “TIM1500 is the longest-range uncooled imager in service on remote weapon stations.” Uncooled imagers are preferred, because removing the need for cryogenic cooling reduces power requirements, weight, and size.

Jan 2/08: GAO Protest. Recon/Optical’s protest to the US Congressional Government Accountability Office is denied. Kongsberg release.

Oct 23/07: Sub-contractors. BAE Systems announces a 5-year contract, with a potential value of up to $200 million to manufacture and deliver up to 6,500 TIM1500 thermal sights to Kongsberg Defence and Aerospace AS for the CROWS II system. The CROWS II program has a maximum order quantity of 6,500 remote weapon stations. Production deliveries will begin in early 2008.

The initial order is a $15 million contract. Under an August 2005 contract valued at about $50 million, BAE Systems has already provided more than 1,400 TIM1500 units to Kongsberg Defence and Aerospace AS in support of the U.S. Army Stryker program. Production deliveries under that contract began in November 2005 and are expected to continue through April 2008. BAE Systems release.

Aug 22/07: There’s a new RWS in town. Kongsberg Gruppen ASA subsidiary Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace won a 5-year, $1 billion firm-fixed-price and time and materials framework agreement for the delivery of up to 6,500 CROWS systems to the US Army. Duties will include delivery of Common Remotely Operated Weapon Station Systems, spare parts, depot operations, and field service representatives. The firm entered a modified version of its M151 PROTECTOR RWS that equips the USA’s Stryker vehicle fleet. an in-theater support arrangement is already in place for Protector systems via a General Motors/ General Dynamics partnership, under this contract, Kongsberg will handle CROWS work on its own. Kongsberg release.

The CROWS-II win means that future CROWS orders will go to Kongsberg, but actual purchases under the framework agreement will be driven by future demand and annual allocations. While DefenseLINK says that work will be performed in Johnstown, PA, this facility reportedly has only 16 employees; most of the manufacturing will take place in Norway, and is expected to be complete by Aug 1/12. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Bids were solicited via the World Wide Web on Aug. 23, 2006, and 3 bids were received by the U.S. Army Joint Munitions and Lethality Life Cycle Command at Picatinny Arsenal, NJ (W15QKN-07-D-0018).

Kongsberg also received the first order under the framework agreement, which carries a value of $292.9 million and applies to the delivery of weapon stations, spare parts and support.

CROWS-II

R/O CROWS
(click to view full)

Sept 26/06: Recon Optical Inc. in Barrington, IL received a $37.7 million modification to a firm-fixed-price contract for units of the common remotely operated weapon station. Work will be performed in Barrington, IL and is expected to be complete by June 1, 2007. This was a sole source contract initiated on March 29, 2006 by the U.S. Army Tank-Automotive and Armaments Command at Picatinny Arsenal, NJ (W15QKN-06-C-0152).

May 16/06: Recon Optical Inc. in Barrington, IL received an additional $36.3 million firm-fixed-price contract for the CROWS. Work will be performed in Barrington, IL, and is expected to be complete by April 1, 2007. This was a sole source contract initiated on March 29, 2006 by the Army Tank-Automotive and Armaments Command in Picatinny Arsenal, NJ (W15QKN-06-C-0152).

Aug 3/05: Recon Optical Inc. in Barrington, IL received a $68 million firm-fixed price contract for 230 common remotely operated weapon stations (CROWS). Work on this contract will be performed at Barrington, IL and will be completed by April 30, 2006. The U.S. Army Tank-automotive and Armaments Command Picatinny Arsenal, NJ issued the contract (W15QKN-05-C-1209).

Sept 26/05: Recon Optical Inc. in Barrington, IL received an $8 million modification to a firm-fixed-price contract for the common remotely operated weapon station. Work will be performed in Barrington, IL and is expected to be complete by March 30, 2007. This was a sole source contract initiated on Aug. 16, 2005 by the U.S. Army Tank-Automotive and Armaments Command in Picatinny Arsenal, NJ (W15QKN-05-C-1209).

Additional Readings

• Army Guide – ROI Common Remotely Operated Weapon Station

• Army News Service (May 15/06) – Tank Unit Fields Remote Weapons System. Members of Company D, 2nd Battalion, 12th Cavalry Regiment at Ft. Bliss recently became the first U.S.-based unit to have the CROWS, and the only unit in the world (so far) to have it mounted on M1 Abrams tanks. It may be part of the M1A2 TUSK Tank Urban Survival Kit.

(click to view larger)

Hydra-70 is a family of unguided rockets offering a variety of warhead configurations, from smoke and illumination rounds, to flechettes (hundreds of anti-personnel darts), submunition carriers, and unitary warheads up to 317 pounds. These versatile and relatively inexpensive rockets can be fired from a variety of aircraft, from attack helicopters to jet fighters to light helicopters. Hydra-70s have seen use in Afghanistan and Iraq, and they are arguably the world’s most widely used helicopter-launched weapon system.

While 70mm Hydra rockets are low cost weapons, and easy to carry in numbers, they’re not very accurate. This makes them problematic choices for urban warfare if limitations exist on the use of force, and sharply limits their value to platforms like UAVs. The US Army intended to scale back production of the rocket system in 2003, but Congress, led by Senator Leahy [D-VT], reversed the decision with a $900 million contract. Production continues to this day, even as technology developments promise to make Hydra rockets a multi-headed battlefield threat once again.

Leahy’s Leverage

AV-8s fire Hydras
(click to view full)

Leahy [D-VT] is a senior member of the Senate Appropriations Committee and of its Defense Subcommittee, which handles the Senate’s work in writing the annual Defense Department budget bill – a bill that includes the Army’s budget. As a result, funds for FY 2005 through 2009 will be allocated to continuing Hydra production. The $900 million contract, which calls for the production and servicing of the widely used Hydra-70 rocket, is set to run until March of 2011.

Part of the rationale for scaling back Hydra production had been the increased importance of precision strike weapons, especially in urban conflicts and against the sort of targets that often present themselves in the Global War on Terror.

In the end, however, Leahy may wind up being right on the merits, as well as being right there for his district, thanks the rapid arrival of precision strike rockets in the global defense market. A 2010-2014 contract has continued production of the base rockets.

Abroad, Magellan’s 70mm CRV-7 rockets and Thales’ 68mm SNEB system are Hydra’s main Western competitors, while countries using Russian equipment have a variety of choices that begin with the 57mm S-5 family, extending through the 80mm S-8 family, and continuing up to the 266mm S-25.

Hydra Rockets: Contracts FY 2018

New multi-year deal; New flechette rocket.

Hydra family

Unless otherwise indicated, General Dynamics Armament and Technical Products (GD-ATP) is the contractor producing the Hydra-70 family, and the U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Command Contracting Center in Redstone Arsenal, AL manages the contracts.

September 18/18: Hail Hydra! The armed forces of Afghanistan, Nigeria and Lebanon are set to receive unguided rockets as part of a US FMS. General Dynamics – OTS, will be responsible to procure an unspecified number of Hydra rockets at a cost of $44.3 million. Hydra-70 is a family of unguided rockets offering a variety of warhead configurations. These versatile and relatively inexpensive rockets can be fired from a variety of aircraft, from attack helicopters to jet fighters to light helicopters, and are arguably the world’s most widely used helicopter-launched weapon system. This contract modification also includes FMS to Australia and the Philippines. Work will be perfumed at GD’s facility in Williston, Vermont, with an estimated completion date of March 2021.

FY 2010 – 2015

Dec 15/14: GD-ATP in Williston, VT receives a $72 million modification (P00002) to existing Foreign Military Sales contract W31P4Q-14-C-0154 to exercise a fiscal 2015 option for the FY 2014-2018 Hydra-70 Rocket System which includes M151 high explosive rockets, M274 smoke signal practice rockets, M229 high explosive rockets, MK66 MOD 4 motors (Air Force and Navy) and WTU-1/B practice warheads. FY 2013 and 2014 other procurement funds in the amount of $59 million were obligated at the time of the award. Estimated completion date is Sept. 30, 2016. Work will be performed in Williston, VT, and Camden, AZ.

Sept 29/14: GD-ATP in Williston, VT receives an $18.8 million contract modification, exercising a FY 2014 option which includes Hydra-70 M151 high explosive rockets, M255A1 flechette anti-personnel rockets, and M274 smoke signal practice rockets. $4 million in FY 2014 US Army budgets are committed immediately.

Work will be performed in Williston, VT, and Camden, AR, under a contract that ends on Sept 28/19 (W31P4Q-14-C-0154 PO 0001).

Sept 15/14: Multi-year buy. General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems (GD-OTS) in Williston, VT wins a $58 million firm-fixed-price contract, with options, for Hydra-70 rocket buys from FY 2014 through FY 2018. It includes rockets, warheads, motors and containers, and all funds are committed immediately.

Work will be performed in Williston, VT (71%), and Camden, AR (29%), with an estimated completion date of Sept 30/20. Bids were solicited via the Internet, with 2 received (W31P4Q-14-C-0154).

FY 2014 – 2018 contract

Sept 11/13: An $18.7 million modification to a firm-fixed-price, multi-year contract exercises an option “to reduce hardware unit price for the Hydra rockets, motors and practice warheads in accordance with contract terms and conditions”. Presumably, this unit price reduction involves additional industrial infrastructure, and the business case made sense.

Work will be performed in Williston, VT and Camden, AK, with funding from FY 2012 through 2014 “other authorizations” budgets (W31P4Q-10-C-0190, PO 0147).

Aug 17/13: FY 2013. General Dynamics announces a $67.5 million contract modification for Hydra-70 air-to-ground rockets, with deliveries expected to be complete by the end of 2015. This contract is a modification to a previously awarded contract, and the firm says that its cumulative value has risen from $991 million to “more than $1 billion.” We do wonder about that math. Sources: Pentagon | General Dynamics, Aug 17/13 release.

June 15/11: FY 2011. A $286 million cost-plus contract, as the FY 2011 option exercise for Hydra-70 production. Work will be performed in Burlington, VT, and Camden, AZ, with an estimated completion date of Sept 30/15. One bid was solicited with one bid received (W31P4Q-11-C-0190… we think they meant W31P4Q-10-C-0190).

April 28/11: Sub-contractors. ATK announces an $80 million order from General Dynamics Armament and Technical Products for production of the Hydra Mk66 rocket motor’s MK90 propellant grain.

ATK manufactures the MK90 propellant grain using a unique rolling method and extrusion process, which aims to assure a low-cost solution that’s still safe and dependable. The grain incorporates a minimum smoke, double-base, low-signature formulation, and is used in all Hydra 70 rockets.

July 6/10: FY 2010. A $136.6 million firm-fixed-price contract for FY 2010 production of HYDRA-70 rockets. Work will be performed in Burlington, VT (71%), and Camden, AR (29%), with an estimated completion date of Sept 30/15. One bid was solicited with one bid received (W31P4Q-10-C-0190).

GD ATP representatives have confirmed to DID that this award is cumulative with the May 2010 announcement. As the contract number indicates, this is the successor to the 2005-2009 deal. The Huntsville Times reports that the June 30/10 signing date behind this announcement marked the beginning of a new 4-year, $991.7 million production contract with General Dynamics Armament and Technical Products. It adds:

“The Army’s requirements for Hydra-70 rockets can vary annually. “We bought 399,904 items in FY ’10, which is $278 million (the fiscal 2010 procurement),” Brad Schroer, the Hydra-70 production lead in JAMS Project Office, said. “Items are all up rounds, warhead and motors.”

May 24/10: FY 2010. A $139 million firm-fixed-price contract to support US Army, Air Force and Navy requirements for FY 2010 production of HYDRA-70 rockets. Work will be performed in Burlington, VT, with an estimated completion date of Oct 31/12. One sole-source bid was solicited, with one bid received (W31P4Q-10-C-0190).

FY 2010 – 2014 multi-year deal

Jan 7/10: US Navy NAVAIR announces a new Hydra warhead: The Mk 149 MOD 0 flechette warhead, which packs a load of deadly darts that will shred through light cover and vegetation. Stocks of older warheads dated from the Vietnam era, were nearly gone, and were becoming unreliable, so engineers from PMA-242, the Naval Surface Warfare Center’s Indian Head division, and General Dynamics got together to create a new warhead. The individual flechettes are about 3 times the size of the older ones, and have grown to about the size of a 5.56mm bullet. This gives them better penetrating power, while retaining flechettes’ wider area coverage compared to high explosive rockets. The flechettes themselves are just pieces of metal, which removes concerns about future hazards or chemical contamination after they’re fired.

The new Mk 149 MOD 0 rockets will be used by the US Marines’ AH-1W Super Cobra attack helicopters, and by its UH-1N/Y Huey utility helicopters in theater. They’re seen as a likely weapon of choice against troops in the open or like targets, and PMA-242 Program Manager Capt. Brian Corey says that “Reports from Afghanistan indicate that the new warhead is a major improvement over the previous version and right on the mark for today’s fight.” US Navy NAVAIR.

New flechette warhead

FY 2005 – 2009

Multi-year contract.

UAVs, too: MQ-8A
(click to view full)

May 1/09: FY 2009. GD-ATP announces a $150 million order to produce Hydra-70 rockets, warheads and motors, under the 5-year contract signed in 2005. Deliveries are expected to begin in September 2010.

System engineering and program management will be performed at General Dynamics’ Burlington Technology Center in Vermont. Final assembly and component sub-assembly will occur at the company’s Camden, AK, facility, which has produced the Hydra-70 rocket for more than 12 years. This is the last year in the multi-year buy, and the firm has stopped releasing totals, but the reported number as of FY 2007’s buy, plus the last 2 years, would total around $820 million of the $900 million limit.

March 24/08: FY 2008. GD-ATP announces that the U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Life Cycle Management Command has awarded them a $166.4 million contract for Hydra-70 rockets, as part of part of the 5-year contract signed in 2005.

April 10/07: FY 2007. GD-ATP announces 2 orders totaling $149 million for the production of 2.75-inch Hydra-70 rockets. The U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Command in Redstone Arsenal, AL ordered the rockets as part of a multi-year contract. According to the firm, orders to date under this contract now total $502 million.

System engineering and program management will be performed at General Dynamics’ Burlington Technology Center in Vermont. Final assembly and component sub-assembly will occur at General Dynamics’ Camden, AR facility.

April 4/06: FY 2006. GD-ATP announces a $165 million delivery order from the U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Command in Redstone Arsenal, AL for 2.75-inch Hydra-70 rockets, motors and warheads. System engineering and program management will be performed by existing employees at General Dynamics’ Burlington Technology Center in Vermont (70%). Final assembly and component sub-assembly will occur at General Dynamics’ Camden, AR facility (30%). This order is part of a 5-year requirements contract awarded in April 2005, and brings its total awarded value to date to $336 million.

June 23/05: General Dynamics announces a $17.8 million delivery order from the U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Command in Redstone Arsenal, AL for Hydra-70 rockets and warheads. This is an order under the multi-year deal, and orders to date under this contract total $154 million.

System engineering and program management will be performed at General Dynamics’ Burlington Technology Center in Vermont. Final assembly and component sub-assembly will occur at General Dynamics’ Camden, AR facility.

May 26/05: GD-ATP announces a $129 million delivery order from the U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Command in Redstone Arsenal, AL for Hydra-70 rockets and warheads. This order was awarded under the 5-year requirements contract, which now has a stated potential value of $900 million.

System engineering and program management will be performed at General Dynamics’ Burlington Technology Center in Vermont. Final assembly and component sub-assembly will occur at General Dynamics’ Camden, AR facility.

May 5/05: General Dynamics announces a 5-year indefinite delivery/ indefinite quantity contract with an estimated value of $900 million from the U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Command in Redstone Arsenal, AL for the production of 2.75-inch Hydra-70 rockets, motors and warheads. Later reports place the contract signing date at April 28/05.

System engineering and program management will be performed at General Dynamics’ Burlington Technology Center in Vermont. Final assembly and component sub-assembly will occur at General Dynamics’ Camden, AR facility.

2005 – 2009 multi-year buy

Hydra Precision: APKWS etc.

APKWS
(click to view full)

After some false starts, postponements for budgetary reasons, and disappointing test results, the US Army has finally entered the selection and system design/development (SDD) phase for the APKWS II (Advanced Precision-Kill Weapons System).

APKWS aims to turn unguided rockets into precision weapons by adding relatively inexpensive laser seekers and guidance systems to Hydra-70 rockets and rocket motors. The result, dubbed “Hellfire Jr.” by some, could arguably turn precision Hydra variants into the air-launched weapon of choice for the US Army and many other militaries, while greatly multiplying the number of platforms with precision-kill capabilities.

If APKWS meets its goals, these rockets have the potential to vastly increase the number of precision weapons carried by helicopters, aircraft, and even UAVs. Precision Hydra weapons also have the capacity for high-explosive and even thermobaric warheads that can kill personnel, destroy most armored personnel carriers and lighter vehicles, and even collapse buildings if the Marines’ SMAW experiences in Fallujah are any indication.

The ability to vastly expand the varieties of aircraft, helicopters, and UAVs carrying precision weapons and the number of weapons per platform, all in a package that is good enough for most targets and offers both more warhead flexibility and reduced collateral damage, is a pretty significant combination. The more expensive Hellfire IIs would then be reserved for attacks on tanks, strikes on larger or more heavily fortified structures, and longer-range “sniping” in high-threat situations.

Designation Systems notes that the APKWS program actually began in 1996, when a guided development of the Hydra-70 also known as LCPK (Low Cost Precision Kill) was selected. The idea was that it would use the MK 66 rocket motor with a new warhead/guidance section assembly, and would therefore be instantly compatible with all existing 70 mm rocket launchers in the U.S. inventory. Fielding was planned for 2001-2002, but significant delays due to lack of funding ended up postponing this date several times. In September 2002, the APKWS program was expanded to cover all unguided rockets of the Hydra 70 family.

General Dynamics Armament and Technical Products (ATP) awarded BAE Systems a $26.7 million contract for the development and demonstration of the Block 1 guidance section back on April 10, 2003. Unfortunately, the US Army eventually canceled the General Dynamics guided APKWS program in April 2005 because of poor test results.

Hence the label APKWS II for the restarted competition, which offered the competitors more freedom by reducing the number of requirements. Broadly speaking, APKWS II narrowed the focus to the specified performance criteria with a system based on the Hydra-70.

On September 29, 2005, BAE Systems announced it would bid on APKWS II as a prime contractor, along with Northrop Grumman Corp. and General Dynamics. They joined other consortia already in the APKWS II competition, led by Lockheed and Raytheon.

In the end, BAE’s team won. Funding for the APKWS II was zeroed out of the FY 2008 budget, but the Navy stepped in with funding, and the program continues.

Hydras & Hellfires
(click to view full)

The future of Hydra rockets as a precision weapon is even more certain, thanks to the efforts of BAE’s competitors. Lockheed Martin’s DAGR was fully developed with private funds, and is 100% compatible with all Hellfire missile platforms and launchers. A 4-pack of DAGR missiles can be fitted to any Hellfire launcher missile slot, without modification.

Beyond Lockheed, the guided rocket field is growing quickly, with programs involving the USA and South Korea (70mm LOGIR, uses IIR), Raytheon and the UAE (70mm), Israel’s Elbit and ATK (70mm GATR-L), Canada and Norway (70mm CRV-7-PG, based on CRV-7 rocket and with several guidance options), France (68mm, SNEB-based), Russia (‘Ugroza’, options from 57mm – 122mm), and more.

Additional Readings:

• DID Spotlight Article – Guided Hydra Rockets: Program Halts & New Entries. Covers other competitors, from Lockheed Martin’s DAGR, to separate development partnerships involving Canada, Israel, Korea, and the UAE, to efforts in Russia.

• DID FOCUS Article – APKWS II “Hellfire Jr.” Hydra Rockets Enter SDD Phase. Focuses on the APKWS II laser-guided rocket, won by BAE Systems & Northrop Grumman.

• GD-OTS – Hydra-70 – 2.75-inch (70mm) Family of Rockets.

• GlobalSecurity.org – Hydra-70 Rocket System.

• Aeronautics.RU (December 1999) – Unguided rockets get guidance [dead link]. Mentions SYROCOT and Ugroza.

• US Senator Patrick Leahy (D-VT, May 5/05) – Army Awards $900 Million Contract To Burlington’s General Dynamics. . . Leahy Instrumental In Securing Funds

Americas

General Dynamics Electric Boat is receiving additional funding to advance with work on the Navy’s new-class of ballistic missile submarines. The cost-plus-fixed-fee modification is valued at $480.6 million and provides for advance procurement and construction of the Columbia-class submarines. The USA aims to begin construction of the new SSBN in 2021, and have the new type enter service with the fleet in 2031. A total of 12 boats would be produced, with the last boat expected to leave service around 2085. The new Columbia-class boats will field 16 Trident II D5 nuclear ballistic missiles, along with torpedoes for self-defense. Work will be performed at multiple locations including Quonset, Rhode Island; Newport News, Virginia and Groton, Connecticut. This modification will be subsumed into the lead ship construction contract in October 2020.

The US Air Force is contracting Raytheon for materials needed to keep its AIM-9X infrared missile and Captive Air Training Missiles flying. The $24.7 million contract provides for the procurement of urgent spares, containers, and materials needed to repair and refurbish the missile systems. The AIM-9X is the USA’s newest short-range air-to-air missile, using an advanced array seeker that widens the missile’s “boresight” cone, and allows a TV-like “imaging infrared” picture that’s much harder to fool with decoys. The Captive Air Training Missiles is designed to simulate the weight and operations of the AIM-120 AMRAAM radar-guided missile for training purposes. The contract includes the procurement of four active optical target detectors (AOTD) and radio frequency (RF) data links, four tactical guidance units, eight CATM guidance units, five AOTD containers, one Block I propulsion steering section (PSS), one Block 2 PSS for the Navy, and similar acquisitions for the Air Force. Work will be performed at multiple national and international locations including Cheshire, Connecticut; Tucson, Arizona and Heilbronn, Germany and is set to run through March 2021.

The Missile Defense Agency needs more Intercontinental Ballistic Missile target kits. Orbital Sciences will provide three ICBM Stage 0 conversion kits and and associated support services at a cost of $34.2 million. Orbital’s target ICBMs are needed to test the Ground-based Midcourse Defense interceptor designed to protect the US from incoming missiles. The awarded modification increases the total value of the contract to $1.2 billion. To date, Orbital ATK has designed and developed more than 200 targets, which include air-launched intermediate-range ballistic missile (IRBM) target, the inter-continental ballistic missile (ICBM) target and the patriot target vehicle (PTV). Work will be performed at Orbital’s facility in Chandler, Arizona and at a missile test range in Promontory, Utah. The contract will run from September 2018 through December 2023.

Middle East & Africa

The Royal Saudi Navy now flies the first of its new MH-60R helicopters. The helicopter was handed over at a ceremony last Thursday, marking a major milestone in the Saudi naval multirole helicopter acquisition program. The MH-60R is designed to handle all surface attack and anti-submarine roles by itself, and can fulfil secondary missions that include directing naval surface fire support, search and rescue, vertical replenishment, logistics support, personnel transport, medical evacuation and communications and data relay. Saudi Arabia’s $1.9 billion purchase of 10 Sikorsky MH-60R Seahawk anti-submarine helicopters was finalised in 2015.

Europe

The Hellenic Air Force is upgrading its ageing fleet of F-16 fighter jets. Lockheed Martin is being contracted to upgrade a total of 85 Greek F-16s to the Block 70/72 Viper configuration. The Block 70/72 is the latest evolution of the venerable F-16 fighter designed in the 1970s. The core of the F-16V configuration is an Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar, a modern commercial off-the-shelf (COTS)-based avionics subsystem, a large-format, high-resolution display; and a high-volume, high-speed data bus. The F-16V fighter jet can be deployed in suppression of enemy air defences (SEAD) missions, air-to-ground and air-to-air combat, and deep interdiction and maritime interdiction missions. Purchase of the F-16V will provide Greece with a fourth generation fighter aircraft that is inter-operable with various international partner nations.

Jane’s reports that the Portuguese Army is ordering 12 RQ-11B Raven DDL UAS to strengthen its ISTAR Battalion’s surveillance systems company. The contract has a value of $6.9 million and also includes the acquisition of equipment and services. The RQ-11 Raven is a 4.2-pound, backpackable, hand-launched UAV that provides day and night, real-time video imagery for “over the hill” and “around the corner” reconnaissance, surveillance and target acquisition. The man-portable Raven system features 3 UAVs, a ground control unit, a remote video terminal, transit cases and support equipment. Deliveries are scheduled to take place from March 2019 to January 2021.

Asia-Pacific

The State Department is determined to approve a FMS to the Republic of Korea. The Asian-nation wants to buy up to 64 Patriot PAC-3 MSE missiles for an estimated cost of $501 million. The PAC-3 MSE is the follow-on variant of the PAC-3 missile and is designed to be a longer range missile that is more agile, and able to counter both tactical ballistic missiles and more conventional threats. The PAC-3 MSEs improved capability is achieved through a higher performance solid rocket motor, modified lethality enhancer, more responsive control surfaces, upgraded guidance software, and insensitive munitions improvements. The deal would also include the purchase of two PAC-MSE Test Missiles, range and test programs and other services. South Korea needs those upgraded missiles to enhance its missile defense capabilities. The Korean peninsula has been a contested space for decades. Recently South and North Korean relations started to harmonise, with both sides granting concessions to each other.

According to a Defense News report, Indonesia is moving ahead with its gradual drive to modernize its military. Indonesia’s defense minister confirms that the country intends to buy new tactical air transport planes and heavy-lift helicopters from the United States. The expected procurement will likely include five C-130Js and three to five CH-47 Chinooks. The C-130J is the latest variant of the combat-proven Hercules, and comes with better performance and a lower operational costs than its predecessors. Indonesia plans to completely renew its fleet of ageing B and H variants – the oldest of which first flew in the early 1960s – by 2024. It is yet unclear if Indonesia already formally submitted a FMS request to the US State Department.

Today’s Video

Watch: USAF CV-22 Osprey Demo Flight at Yokota Air Base, Japan

SSBN-X concept
(click to view full)

The US Navy needs new SSBN nuclear missile submarines. Their existing Ohio Class boats will begin to retire at a rate of 1 hull per year, beginning in 2027, as they reach the end of their 42-year operational lifetimes. Hence SSBN-X, also known as the Ohio Replacement Program for now.

The first step toward recapitalization involved a new Common Missile Compartment and Advanced Launcher for current and future nuclear missiles. The next step involves finalizing a design that can serve effectively to 2080, without destroying the US Navy’s shipbuilding budget in the process. Good luck with that one, but they have to to try. The maintenance of the USA’s nuclear deterrent is too important, in a world where nuclear weapons are proliferating.

SSBN-X Background

Trident D5 (larger)
and C4 predecessor
(click to view larger)

The USA aims to begin construction of the new SSBN in 2021, and have the new type enter service with the fleet in 2031. A total of 12 boats would be produced, with the last boat expected to leave service around 2085. That’s a very long lifetime for a submarine, whose hull is alternately squeezed and released by water pressure as it dives and surfaces. Unfortunately, delays in starting the program mean that the USA is likely to end up with just 10 SSBNs from 2029 – 2042. If the Ohio Replacement Program suffers further development delays, this high-risk period will see corresponding extensions.

America isn’t alone in their pursuit. At present, Britain, France, India, Russia, and China are all working on new sub-launched ballistic missile systems and/or SSBN submarines. The American SSBN-X will be the end product of intense debate, especially given its aggressive production cost target of FY10$ 4.9 billion. So far, what’s known about the design includes:

Basics: The submarines will be about the same length as the Ohio Class at 560 feet, but may be a bit wider. They will be powered by a new-design reactor using 90% enriched uranium. Like the current SSN Seawolf and SSN Virginia Classes, the new reactor won’t need refueling during the submarine’s lifetime.

SSBN-X propulsion will be all-electric, which decouples the drive train from the turbines, and the pump-jet propulsor will use shrouded technology taken from the Virginia Class. The usual sail-mounted dive planes will be present, along with X-shaped stern surfaces.

One suggested way to save money was to reduce the submarine’s maximum speed from 20 to 15 knots. That would cut maximum power needs sharply, and reduce maximum required diving depth because the submarine won’t require as much space to pull out of a jam dive. The penalty would be poorer evasion of enemy torpedoes if the sub is found.

Sensors: SSBN-X is expected to use the horseshoe-shaped Large Aperture Bow Array (LAB) sonar that was developed for the Virginia Block III submarines. The submarines will undoubtedly deploy an array of other sensors, including flank sonars, towed sonar, fiber-optic masts that don’t have to penetrate the ship’s hull, ESM signal recognition and location technologies, etc.

The key will be making these sensors upgradeable at low cost. The 65 years from 2015 – 2080 is a huge amount of time in the technology world. If upgrades are too expensive, the entire SSBN force could find itself compromised mid-way through its life.

ULRM
(click to view full)

Weapons: The new CMC/AL assemblies are slated for production in blocks of 4 tubes, allowing the USA and UK to tailor the total number of missile tubes to their final submarine designs. Current American Ohio Class SSBNs have 24 tubes, but SSBN-X currently plans to reduce that to 16 tubes. The Trident II D5 missiles, which are being refurbished and improved, will switch over to the new boats as their initial nuclear weapons.

Beyond that, there are questions. Should the new boats have torpedo tubes, in order to protect themselves from enemies under, on, or even above the water? Or should they eliminate that feature and its accompanying space? Sometimes the best defense really is a good offense, but even if the torpedo or missile destroys its enemy, the act of destruction is a beacon to enemy forces as soon as they’re aware of it. Attention is the last thing an SSBN wants, so this is a last resort action. On the other hand, torpedo tubes are useful to keep up SSN training and testing roles, ensuring that American submariners remain proficient enough to be assigned between types.

Then there’s the question of non-nuclear payloads in some of the CMC missile tubes. Converted Ohio class SSGNs, for instance, have already replaced nuclear missiles with American special forces, land attack missiles, and UAVs. In a similar and related vein, the Virginia Class Block III fast attack submarine replaced their 12 vertical-launch cruise missile tubes with 2 Common Weapon Launcher (CWL) “six-shooters” derived from the SSGNs’ converted missile tubes. The size of those CWLs allows Virginia Class Block III submarines to launch cruise missiles, UAVs, UUVs, and more from these same tubes.

Nuclear missile submarines are a nation’s most strategic assets, because they are its most secure and certain deterrence option. One does not commit them casually, to any purpose. As key trends like cheaper sensors and the Robotic Revolution grind onward, however, the next 40 years will see big changes underwater warfare. SSBNs will need the flexibility to adapt and leverage these changes if they intend to survive. For the USA and Britain, their weapon launchers need to be part of that adaptation.

Contracts and Key Events

Note that Common Missile Compartment design, and refurbished Trident nuclear missile production, are covered by their own articles. Unless otherwise indicated, the US Strategic Systems Programs in Washington, DC manages the contract.

FY 2018

September 17/18: Contract mod General Dynamics Electric Boat is receiving additional funding to advance with work on the Navy’s new-class of ballistic missile submarines. The cost-plus-fixed-fee modification is valued at $480.6 million and provides for advance procurement and construction of the Columbia-class submarines. The USA aims to begin construction of the new SSBN in 2021, and have the new type enter service with the fleet in 2031. A total of 12 boats would be produced, with the last boat expected to leave service around 2085. The new Columbia-class boats will field 16 Trident II D5 nuclear ballistic missiles, along with torpedoes for self-defense. Work will be performed at multiple locations including Quonset, Rhode Island; Newport News, Virginia and Groton, Connecticut. This modification will be subsumed into the lead ship construction contract in October 2020.

FY 2017

April 25/17: Electric Boat Corporation has been selected by the US Navy to produce 17 ballistic missile tubes for submarines constructed under the Ohio Replacement Program. Valued at $95.6 million, delivery is expected to be completed by December 2023. These upcoming Columbia-class submarines are being produced under the Common Missile Compartment program—joint effort with the UK to use the Trident ballistic missile as primary underwater nuclear deterrent—and will eventually enter service after 2031. Once in service, the vessels will serve as the primary undersea nuclear force for the United States for at least 50 years.

FY 2016

Shipbuilders Growing Impatient

October 6/15: The US’ top shipbuilders are growing impatient with the Navy over the Ohio-class Replacement Program (SSBN-X), with General Dynamics Electric Boat and Huntington Ingalls Industries both calling for the service to comment on a proposed workshare between the two yards. The two yards submitted a proposal for a working arrangement in March, which will see Electric Boat complete the majority of work for the twelve new subs; however the Navy has yet to finalize its procurement strategy for the program, despite advanced procurement scheduled to start in 2017 after a DoD review of the Navy’s acquisition strategy in mid-2016.

FY 2015

 

Mar 5/15: Congressmen praise new refresh effort.
At trade association forum, senator and representative both stressed the importance of replacing the boomers. They also, coincidentally, come from states with the major East Coast sub bases.

Feb 5/15: FYDP puts $10 Billion in kitty.The Future Years Defense Plan calls for a $10 billion investment, split between research and long-lead-time procurement, over the next five years. After that, the real money really starts to add up. The Navy today estimates that it will cost $100 billion to replace the existing 14 boomers with 12 new ones – an amount equal to Saudi Arabia’s gross domestic product at the end of the first cold war. Over their service life, they would be expected to cost roughly four times that. Several rear admirals have suggested that the navy will need budget relief to get this accomplished, yet still have funds to afford other shipbuilding programs. The idea of moving this big project off their books appears to be more and more frequently floated.

FY 2014

Specifications “finalized”; GAO and DOT&E reports; Proposal to move it outside of Navy budgets.

Plans 2014-2023
(click to view full)

June 10/14: GAO Report. The US GAO releases GAO-14-373, “Ten-Year Budget Estimates for Modernization….” of American nuclear forces. With respect to SSBNs:

“…the Navy’s Ohio Replacement Program included $27.8 billion in research, development, test, and evaluation and ship construction estimates over the 10-year period for a new SSBN. However, the Navy’s submarine-replacement program is further along in the acquisition process than either the Air Force’s ICBM-replacement effort, or its new bomber program.”

May 27/14: Sub-contractors. Northrop Grumman announces a contract from General Dynamics Electric Boat to design and deliver the Ohio Replacement Program’s 1st turbine generator units, which will provide all of the submarine’s propulsion and other electrical power. They add that the award “…follows separate ORP contract awards from General Dynamics to Northrop Grumman’s Marine Systems business unit for other ORP components.” Sources: NGC, “Northrop Grumman Selected to Provide Turbine Generator Units For US Navy’s Ohio Replacement Submarine Program”.

May 23/14: Politics. The Senate Armed Services Committee’s FY 2015 mark-up calls for the establishment of a separate budget to finance SSBN-X construction, instead of consuming the Navy’s shipbuilding budget for several years:

“Establishes a National Sea-based Deterrence Fund, to provide resources for ensuring that we implement the Ohio-class replacement program at the appropriate level of priority assigned to it by the Secretary of the Navy and the Chief of Naval Operations, with an [initial] authorization of $100 million.”

They’re going to have to reconcile that with the House bill before that becomes any kind of organizing structure for the program. Sources: SASC, “Senate Committee On Armed Services Completes Markup Of The National Defense Authorization Act For Fiscal Year 2015”.

April 7/14: Specifications. The US Navy has reportedly finalized the specifications for their new SSBNs. They’ll be about as long as the current Ohio Class, but with 8 fewer missile tubes (16 total). The submarines will have a new electric propulsion system, and the same kind of no-refuel reactor enjoyed by recent American fast attack boats. All of this was already established wisdom, and they aren’t saying much more than that publicly.

The latest Navy figures reportedly estimate $110 million per boat per year in operating costs. US Navy estimates at this stage of a program have a bad record, so caveat lector. Sources: DoD Buzz, “Navy Finishes Specs for Future Nuclear Sub” | USNI, “Navy Has Finalized Specifications for New Ohio-Replacement Boomer”.

SSBN spec done?

March 31/14: GAO Report. The US GAO tables its “Assessments of Selected Weapon Programs“. Which is actually a review for 2013, plus time to compile and publish. With respect to SSBN-X, the numbers are very large: $95.103 billion total for 12 boats, split $11.718 billion RDT&E and $85.385 billion in procurement costs.

“The Navy has set initial configurations for areas including the torpedo room, bow, and stern. In 2014, the program expects to complete initial specifications, set ship length – a major milestone – and start detailed system descriptions and arrangements.”

Navy officials are trying to reduce costs for boats 2-12 from an estimated FY10$ 5.6 billion to FY10$ 4.9 billion, and one approach is to seek commonalities with the Virginia Class and the UK’s Successor SSBN. The CMC itself is already doing some of that.

Jan 30/14: UUV launcher. A joint effort between the US Navy and General Dynamics Electric Boat is now testing a prototype Universal Launch and Recovery Module (ULRM) system that would launch and capture underwater drones from SSBN/SSGN vertical launch tubes, and from the Virginia Payload Module on forthcoming Virginia Class submarines. Diagrams show payloads up to a pair of Bluefin-21 (future SMCM mine countermeasures) UUVs, but the extend and launch method itself is adaptable to any new UUV that fits within the space.

This isn’t a development that touches the CMC directly, nor is it new. Indeed, engineer Steve Klinikowski’s idea was tabled in 2005, and a model was exhibited at DSEi 2011 in Britain. This article is particularly helpful in showing pictures of the mechanisms, and in confirming that ULRM has progressed to testing. If there was any doubt that the CMC’s tubes are likely to include payload options beyond nuclear missiles, those doubts are effectively removed. The time to contemplate those needs is right now, during the CMC’s design phase. Engineering.com Designer Edge, “Navy Begins Test of UUV Launch System” | Fox News, “Navy, Electric Boat test tube-launched underwater vehicle”.

Jan 28/14: DOT&E Testing Report. The Pentagon releases the FY 2013 Annual Report from its Office of the Director, Operational Test & Evaluation (DOT&E). CMC is included indirectly, as part of the “SSBN Ohio Class Replacement Program”.

SSBN-X is currently slated to include a new propulsor, a new electric drive system, and a degaussing system, all of which should make the new submarines harder to detect. The new nuclear reactor won’t require mid-life refueling, a long refit whose operational impact would have forced the USA to build 14 submarines instead of the planned 12. CMC provides the main weapons interface, and there’s currently a debate about whether to even give the SSBNs torpedo tubes. The Strategic Weapon System includes the Trident II D5 Life Extension missile, launcher, fire control, navigation systems, and associated support systems. Most of the SWS will be carried over from existing submarine classes, as will items like communications, sonar, and internal computer networks.

From September 2012 – July 2013, the Navy conducted an Early Operational Assessment (EOA) – an extensive review of Ohio and Ohio Replacement documentation to identify program risks, and a modeling and simulation study to compare the survivability of the existing and future submarine classes. The EOA did come up with some program risks, which are classified. The modeling and simulation was informative, but the acoustic and threat models need updating.

FY 2012 – 2013

The case for the program; Some specifications finalized, incl. all-electric propulsion; Navy decides not to adapt Virginia Class.

Ohio class SSBN, tubes open
(click to view full)

Jan 9/13: Long-lead. GD Electric Boat in Groton, CT receives a $15 million cost-plus-fixed-fee contract modification for integrated tube and hull long-lead-time material in support of the Ohio Class Replacement Program. This contract combines purchases for the US Navy (50%) and the Britain (50%).

All funds are committed immediately, using FY 2014 RDT&E budgets and UK government monies. Work will be performed in Groton, CT, and is scheduled to be complete by November 2016. The USN’s Supervisor of Shipbuilding Conversion and Repair in Groton, CT manages the contract (N00024-13-C-2128).

Jan 26/13: All-Electric. TG Daily reports that the next American SSBNs will be doing away with their mechanical drivetrain, which connects the reactor turbines directly to the boat’s propellers. In order to make the boat quieter, and free up electricity for other functions, power from the reactor would flow into an all-ship electrical grid. Some of that power would be harnessed by electric motors connected to the shortened propeller shafts, and it would probably be more than the 20-25% available in more conventional nuclear designs.

This kind of “all-electric” system is becoming more and more common on naval surface ships, so its adaptation to next-generation submarines is unsurprising. Even so, the cramped, no-failure world of submarine design always adds new engineering challenges. The USN also plans to field its new SSBN submarines with reactors that don’t require mid-life refueling, something they’ve already accomplished on the Virginia Class fast attack boats.

Sub design 101
click for video

Dec 21/12: SSBN Design. General Dynamics Electric Boat Corp. in Groton, CT receives a $1.849 billion cost-plus-fixed-fee with special incentives contract to design America’s new class of ballistic missile submarines. GDEB will also undertake shipbuilder and vendor component and technology development; engineering integration; concept design studies; cost reduction initiatives using a design for affordability process; and full scale prototype manufacturing and assembly. Additionally, this contract provides for engineering analysis, should-cost evaluations, and technology development and integration efforts. This contract includes options which could bring the cumulative value to $1.996 billion.

Other efforts contemplated under this contract include the continued design and development of US unique Common Missile Compartment efforts; and continuing the design and development of the joint US Navy/UK CMC. About 8% of the contract involves foreign military sales to the United Kingdom.

Work will be performed in Groton, CT (91%); Newport News, VA (7%); Quonset, RI (1%); and Bath, ME (1%), and is expected to be complete by September 2017. $183.1 million is committed immediately, with the rest allocated as needed; $8 million will expire at the end of the current fiscal year, on Sept 30/13. This contract was not competitively procured in accordance with FAR 6.302-1 by US Naval Sea Systems Command in Washington, DC (N00024-13-C-2128).

Initial SSBN design ordered

Sept 27/12: Integration. Lockheed Martin Space Systems Co. in Sunnyvale, CA receives a sole-source $51.6 million cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for engineering efforts to support next-generation SSBN programs. The firm was deemed to be the only company that could integrate the TRIDENT II Missile and Reentry Strategic Weapon System subsystems into the CMC, and design an updated missile service unit that will be compatible with both current and new submarine fleets. With options, this contract could rise to $52.2 million.

Work will be performed in Cape Canaveral, FL (50%); Sunnyvale, CA (34%); Syracuse, NY (10%); Magna, UT (2%); Washington, DC (1%); yet to be determined locations (2%); and other locations of less than 1% (1% TL); and will run until Dec 31/17 (N00030-12-C-0058).

Sept 24/12: Program Risk. US Navy Director, Undersea Warfare Rear Adm. Barry Bruner answers questions about the Ohio Class Replacement Program. He defends the Navy’s vision of 12 submarines instead of 14, with 16 tubes each instead of 24, at a target cost of $FY10 4.9 billion per hull for boats 2-12. At the same time, he acknowledges that the existing SSBN force will have a problematic period, which will become very problematic if the replacement program suffers any significant delays:

“Because ship construction of the Ohio Replacement shifted from the year 2019 to 2021, there will be fewer than 12 SSBNs from 2029 to 2042 as the Ohio-class retires and Ohio replacement ships join the fleet. During this time frame no major SSBN overhauls are planned, and a force of 10 SSBNs will support current at-sea presence requirements. However, this provides a low margin to compensate for unforeseen issues that may result in reduced SSBN availability. The reduced SSBN availability during this timeframe reinforces the importance of remaining on schedule with the Ohio Replacement program to meet future strategic commitments. As the Ohio Replacement ships begin their mid-life overhauls in 2049, 12 SSBNs will be required to offset ships conducting planned maintenance.”

If the Ohio Class Replacement Program manages to come in on time, and anywhere close to its budget, it will be a very unusual example within recent US Navy shipbuilding programs. The higher-odds bet, unfortunately, is that the USA is headed for serious problems with the readiness of its SSBN deterrent. With respect to costs, and proposals to use the Virginia Class or existing Ohio Class blueprints:

“To date, the Navy has reduced costs by reducing specifications to the minimum necessary to meet national strategic deterrent requirements, implementing modular construction design, re-using the Trident II D5 Strategic Weapons System, and re-using Virginia- and Ohio-class components where feasible….. has already reduced approximately $1.1 billion in construction per ship and ~$3 billion in design from its fiscal year 2011 plan (calendar year 2010).

….Although some savings would be realized due to lower design costs, an SSBN class based on a Virginia hull would require additional platforms, additional nuclear refueling, increased personnel costs, and its acoustic signature would be vulnerable to projected threats. Ultimately, the Navy would receive an SSBN class that is more expensive and less capable. Similarly, rebuilding Ohio-class SSBNs would save on design costs. However, the Ohio-class does not have sufficient stealth to stay viable out to the 2080s, and construction of more Ohio-class ships would not be able to take advantage of efficiencies of modern construction techniques.”

Sources: USN’s Navy Live, “Next Generation Ohio-Class”.

Sept 6/12: SSBN-X Specifications. US Navy, “Navy Signs Specification Document for the Ohio Replacement Submarine Program, Sets forth Critical Design Elements”:

“The Navy formalized key ship specifications for both the United States’ Ohio Replacement and United Kingdom’s Successor Programs in a document signed Aug. 31 at the Washington Navy Yard…. Ship specifications are critical for the design and construction of the common missile compartment, which will be used by both nations’ replacement fleet ballistic missile submarine (SSBN) programs. Specifically, the First Article Quad Pack Ship Specification establishes a common design and technical requirements for the four missile tubes and associated equipment that comprise each quad pack.”

CMC specifications

Oct 18/11: No Virginia. The US Navy has reportedly shelved the idea of a Virginia Class SSBN variant (vid. July 20/11), in favor of a new and quieter SSBN design that will carry the CMC. The question is whether that stance can last, given the new design’s current estimated cost of $7 billion per boat. If those costs rise, or budgets shrink, that Navy may find itself with fewer submarine platform choices than it would like. AOL Defence

FY 2008 – 2011

Britain joins common CMC program, launches its own future SSBN program; US Navy considering SSN Virginia Class adaptation.

Virginia Block III bow
(click to view full)

July 20/11: Virginias? To date, the assumption in America has been that CMC would equip a newly designed SSBN submarine, and GD Electric Boat has been hiring with the idea in mind. Connecticut’s The Day now quotes vice-Adm. Cartwright, Vice-Chair of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, as saying that budget cuts may force the Navy to lengthen its Virginia Class attack submarine, in order to fit ballistic missile compartments and act as an SSBN.

By nature, fast attack submarines tend to be less optimized for stealth than SSBNs. The Virginia Class is said to be remarkably stealthy, but the USA will still want improvements, and the weight/ size gap is very challenging. Ohio Class SSBNs are about 18,750 tons submerged. Britain’s Vanguard Class SSBNs are 17,800 tons, and France’s Triomphant Class SSBNs are 15,800 tons. In contrast, the basic Virginia Class is about 7,800 tons. Even with fewer missile tubes on board, finding a solution that offers an affordable extension, instead of a full submarine redesign that defeats the point of starting with the Virginia Class, won’t be easy. The Day.

July 6/11: General Dynamics Electric Boat Corp. in Groton, CT receives a $15.8 million modification to previously awarded contract (N00024-09-C-2100) for continued engineering, technical services, concept studies, and design of a common missile compartment for the United Kingdom Successor SSBN and the Ohio replacement SSBN submarine.

Work will be performed in Groton, CT (93%); Quonset Point, RI (3%); Newport News, VA (2%); and Newport, RI (2%). Work is expected to be complete by December 2011. US Naval Sea Systems Command in Washington, DC manages the contract.

May 18/11: British go-ahead. Defence Secretary Dr Liam Fox announces government approval for the early phase of design to replace the existing Vanguard Class. The new “Successor Class” submarines will use the same CMC launcher system as the USA’s SSBN-X, and fire the same Trident II D5 MK6LE missiles. They’ll also be powered by a new nuclear propulsion system known as the Pressurised Water Reactor 3, which is more expensive but safer. The design phase as a whole could be worth up to GBP 3 billion.

The Initial Gate approval ensures that more detailed design work will be undertaken and long-lead items ordered, even though the main build decision for the submarines will not be taken until 2016. Under current plans, the first replacement submarine is expected in 2028. For all further coverage of Britain’s new submarines, see “New Nukes: Britain’s Next-Gen Missile Submarines“.

Britain’s related SSBNs

Dec 23/08: General Dynamics Electric Boat Corporation, Groton, CT receives a $75.6 million sole-source, cost plus fixed fee contract to perform concept studies and design of a Common Missile Compartment (CMC) for the United Kingdom Successor SSBN and the USA’s Ohio Class Replacement program. This contract includes options which would bring the cumulative value of this contract to $591.8 million, and take design work to December 2013.

Work will be performed in Groton, CT (92%), Newport News, VA (4%), Quonset, RI (3%), and Newport, RI (1%), and is expected to be complete by December 2009 for the base contract, and December 2013 if all options are exercised. This contract was not competitively procured, and is formally run through the Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, DC (N00024-09-C-2100). At present, this contract involves Foreign Military Sales to the United Kingdom (100%), but that may change.

CMC: initial concept studies

Additional Readings Background: Related Technology

• US Navy Fact File – Fleet Ballistic Missile Submarines – SSBN.

• GlobalSecurity – SSBN-726 Ohio-Class FBM Submarines.

• DID – Trident II D5 Missile: Keeping Up with Changing Times.

• DID – CMC Program Defining Future SSBN Launchers for UK, USA.

• DID – SSGN “Tactical Trident” Subs: Special Forces and Super Strike. the 1st 4 Ohios had their 24 tubes converted to cruise missile arsenals via rotary 7-slot launcher inserts, and also became mobile special forces bases.

• DID – New Nukes: Britain’s Next-Gen Missile Submarines.

Official Reports

• US GAO (June 10/14, #GAO-14-373) – Ten-Year Budget Estimates for Modernization Omit Key Efforts, and Assumptions and Limitations Are Not Fully Transparent. Not a problem for SSBNs, but it is for the USAf’s bombers and missiles.

News & Views

• Defense One (April 30/14) – Funding to Replace Nuclear Subs Up in the Air. It may be moved outside the Navy shipbuilding budget, as a national strategic item.

• Defense Tech (Oct 24/13) – Ohio Replacement Submarine Starts Early Construction. At least, CMC does.

• USNI Proceedings Magazine (September 2013) – The Future of Deterrence? Ballistic-Missile Defense. In other words, remove the USA’s SSBN capability. Doesn’t get a great reception from readers.

• USN’s Navy Live blog (Sept 24/12) – Next Generation Ohio-Class. Q&A with Rear Adm. Barry Bruner.

• USNI Proceedings Magazine (June 2012) – The Incredible Shrinking SSBN(X).

AIM-9X test, F-18C
(click for close-up)

Raytheon’s AIM-9X Block II would have made Top Gun a very short movie. It’s the USA’s most advanced short range air-air missile, capable of using its datalink, thrust vectoring maneuverability, and advanced imaging infrared seeker to hit targets behind the launching fighter. Unlike previous AIM-9 models, the AIM-9X can even be used against targets on the ground.

These changes will help keep it competitive against foreign missiles like MBDA UK’s AIM-132 ASRAAM, RAFAEL of Israel’s Python 5, the multinational German-led IRIS-T, and Russia’s R73/ AA-11 Archer. So far, only American fighter types can use AIM-9X missiles, but that hasn’t stopped a slew of export requests and sales, especially in the Middle East.

AIM-9X: The Program AIM-9X Variants

AIM-9X sees QF-4
(click to view full)

The AIM-9X is the USA’s newest short-range air-to-air missile, using an advanced array seeker that widens the missile’s “boresight” cone, and allows a TV-like “imaging infrared” picture that’s much harder to fool with decoys. The missile’s maneuvering fins are smaller than previous Sidewinders, lowering aerodynamic drag in flight, but the missile compensates with thrust vectoring in the rocket’s exhaust for added maneuverability. The final piece of the puzzle is lock-on after launch capability (the key Block II improvement), which takes full advantage of the 9X’s improved sighting cone, maneuverability, and low drag. By telling the missile to fly to a designated location and look for a target, kills have even been scored behind the firing aircraft.

On the maintenance end, the AIM-9X avoids the need for argon cooling, and the missiles are field reprogrammable rather than forcing a hardware swap out of the circuit cards.

These new capabilities came with one significant cost: because the AIM-9X is all-digital, aircraft that want to fire it need integration work to make them fully compatible. At present, F-16C/D Vipers, F/A-18 Hornet and Super Hornet family aircraft, F-15C/D Eagles, and some F-15 Strike Eagle variants can use the AIM-9X. It has been bought for F-15 Strike Eagles flown by Singapore (F-15SG) and South Korea (F-15K), and will be integrated with Saudi Arabia’s forthcoming F-15SA Strike Eagles.

Other American aircraft, and foreign aircraft that can fire Sidewinders, are limited to previous-generation AIM-9Ms for now. Note that this list even includes the F-22A Raptor, until its Increment 3.2B upgrade program is fielded around 2017. The missile is being tested on the F-35 Lightning II stealth fighter, but that combination won’t be operational for a few years. Other prospective customers include UAE’s standing request (but no contract, yet) to equip its F-16E/F Block 60 “Desert Falcons” with the AIM-9X.

AIM-9X
(click to view full)

AIM-9X Block I. The AIM-9X Block I (missile)/ OFS 8.220 (software load) combination includes limited lock-on-after-launch, full envelope off-boresight capability without a JHMCS helmet mounted display, and improved flare rejection performance against countermeasures. It uses the warhead, fuze, and rocket motor from the previous AIM-9M missile, but adds thrust-vectoring, a new body, a new imaging infrared seeker, a new digital processor, and a new autopilot.

The USA bought 3,097 Block I missiles: 1,745 were USAF, incl. 67 modified from AIM-9Ms in FY 2001. The US Navy bought 1,352, inc. 63 modified from AIM-9Ms in FY 2001. AIM-9X Block I export customers included Australia, Denmark, Finland, Poland, Singapore, South Korea, Switzerland, and Turkey.

Block I production was terminated early by the US military, and orders ended in FY 2011. Because it was separated out as its own program and terminated early, we don’t cover it here.

AIM-9X engagements

AIM-9X-2. This variant swaps in a new processor, a new ignition battery for the rocket motor, an electronic ignition safety/arm device, better all weather laser fusing against small targets, and the DSU-41/B Active Optical Target Detector (AOTD) fuze/datalink assembly. None of these things radically change performance by themselves, but OFS 8.3 software upgrades help bring them all together.

AIM-9X Block II. A combination of AIM-9X-2 hardware and OFS 8.3+ software. OFS 8.3 added trajectory management to improve range, makes full use of the datalink with the launching aircraft, and improves lock-on-after-launch and target re-acquisition performance. Those capabilities have been refined further in OFS 9.3.

Overall, the Block II has about 85% parts commonality with the Block I. The 2-way datalink is the most significant single Block II change, as it allows the missile to fly toward targets its seeker can’t yet see, using target position tracking from its fighter. Improved seeker lock-on-after-launch and re-acquisition makes the missile harder to evade, and the new ‘lofting’ fly-out profile boosts the Block II enough to give it some capabilities beyond visual range.

AIM-9X Block III. US NAVAIR is pushing for an AIM-9X Block III, with Initial Operational Capability by 2022. The Block III aims for a 60% range boost from a new rocket motor and better flight programming, and a new insensitive munitions warhead for safer use at sea. That range would start to push the AIM-9X into comparable territory to France’s MICA, a medium-range missile with radar and IR-guided versions. The decision represents the military’s growing recognition that the prospect of enemy stealth planes, and of advanced DRFM radar jammers on advanced fighters, make it a bad idea to rely too heavily on radar-guided AIM-120 AMRAAMs.

Block II+ Program and Sales

Moroccan F-16C
(click to view full)

AIM-9X Block II production began in June 2011. In 2012 the Pentagon moved to terminate the Block I program entirely, in favor of the Block II. The Block II was slated for a full-rate production decision in April 2014, and Initial Operational Capability was scheduled for September 2014, but technical problems have delayed the full-rate decision until Q2 2015.

The American Block II program is tracking close to December 2011 baseline cost estimates, which placed it at about $3.99 billion (incl. $178.8 million for R&D) to buy 6,000 missiles. It’s still early days, with another $113.2 million in R&D and 5,321 missiles/ $4.167 billion in US procurement funding left to go as of September 2013. The Block II program experienced its big shift in 2012, so tracking its early days through American budgets is somewhat tricky, but American buys since FY 2011 have revolved exclusively around the Block II:

Excel
download

The USA will buy 6,000 total Block II missiles, under current plans. The USAF will buy 3,352, while the US Navy will buy 2,648. Foreign buys are added over and above, and will help drive down prices thanks to volume production. The current Pentagon budget estimate is roughly $600,000 per missile overall, but current orders are running closer to $500,000, and those prices will drop with enough foreign sales.

Foreign customers for AIM-9X-2 and AIM-9X Block II missiles include Belgium (F-16 MLU), Kuwait (F/A-18C/D), Malaysia (F/A-18D), the Netherlands (F-16 MLU), Morocco (F-16C/Ds), Saudi Arabia (F-15s), and Singapore (F-15SG, could add to F-16s).

AIM-9X Block II Export requests are pending from Australia (F/A-18F and F-35A), Israel (F-16s and F-15 variants, F-35A), Oman (F-16C/D), South Korea (1 no platform, 1 part of F-35A request), and the UAE (F-16E/F).

Contracts & Key Events

USAF on AIM-9X

Note that this article only covers export requests, contracts, etc. that involve or include the AIM-9X Block II and AIM-9X-2, since the latter will presumably receive the software upgrade. Unless otherwise noted, Raytheon Missile Systems in Tucson, AZ is the contractor, and US Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) in Patuxent River, MD manages the contracts.

Finally, some quick terminology may be helpful:

• All-Up Rounds include both the live missile and its storage container.
  
• CATM (captive air training missiles) have no warhead or rocket motor: a dummy back end and live front end.
  
• NATMs are fully live missiles with a telemetry package in place of the warhead, and are used for test shots.
  
• “Propulsion Steering Sections” include the rocket motor, internal thrust vectoring vanes, and control actuation system for the tail fins.
  
• A Guidance Section is the missile seeker and all electronics.
  
• An “Active Optical Target Detector” is the mechanism that tells the missile when it’s within lethal range of its target for detonation.

FY 2015 – 2018

F-22 integration work.

F-22 shows AIM-9M
(click to view full)

September 17/18: Repair and Refurbish The US Air Force is contracting Raytheon for materials needed to keep its AIM-9X infrared missile and Captive Air Training Missiles flying. The $24.7 million contract provides for the procurement of urgent spares, containers, and materials needed to repair and refurbish the missile systems. The AIM-9X is the USA’s newest short-range air-to-air missile, using an advanced array seeker that widens the missile’s “boresight” cone, and allows a TV-like “imaging infrared” picture that’s much harder to fool with decoys. The Captive Air Training Missiles is designed to simulate the weight and operations of the AIM-120 AMRAAM radar-guided missile for training purposes. The contract includes the procurement of four active optical target detectors (AOTD) and radio frequency (RF) data links, four tactical guidance units, eight CATM guidance units, five AOTD containers, one Block I propulsion steering section (PSS), one Block 2 PSS for the Navy, and similar acquisitions for the Air Force. Work will be performed at multiple national and international locations including Cheshire, Connecticut; Tucson, Arizona and Heilbronn, Germany and is set to run through March 2021.

March 9/18: FMS Approval The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has received the US State Department’s blessing for the procurement of Sidewinder air-to-air missiles. A statement released by the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) listed the package to include 300 AIM-9X-2 Sidewinder Block II missiles, 40 AIM-9X-2 Sidewinder Captive Air Training Missiles (CATMs), 30 AIM-9X-2 Block II Tactical guidance units, 15 AIM-9X-2 CATM guidance units, containers, spares, support equipment and missile support, US Government and contractor technical assistance and other related logistics support, and other associated support equipment and services. The total value is expected to be $270.4 million. Raytheon will act as the lead contractor.

January 2/18: Contracts-Engineering Services The Naval Air Systems Command has tapped Raytheon to provide support and engineering services for the AIM-9X Sidewinder missile. Valued at $10.2 million, the contract calls for the incorporation of the Block II plus engineering change proposal into 100 AIM-9X missiles that were purchased under Lot 17. Work on the contract will occur in Tucson, Ariz., and is expected to be completed in September 2020. More than $10.2 million will be obligated to Raytheon at the time of award, which will be allocated from Navy and Air Force missile and weapon procurement funds from fiscal year 2017. The funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.

June 19/17: Raytheon has received a $83 million contract modification for the procurement of full-rate production of 180 AIM-9X Block II air-to-air missiles. The US Navy award will see the firm will supply missiles to the Navy, USAF, Romania, Poland, Indonesia, Romania and Belgium. Also included in the modification is the procurement of 19 captive air-training missiles for the Air Force and Navy, along with 50 missiles containers for the US military and foreign governments. The USMC will receive three special training missiles for its Harrier jump jet program, and a wide spectrum of spare parts and support systems will be delivered to the Navy, Air Force, and Poland. Work will primarily be completed at Raytheon’s facilities in Tuscon, Ariz., and Andover, Mass., and is scheduled for completion in March 2020.

April 24/17: Raytheon has been awarded a $78.7 million US Navy contract to provide support and sustainment services for AIM-9X Sidewinder Block II tactical missiles. Under the agreement, the company will provide for the repair of AIM-9X Block II tactical missiles, captive air training missiles and special air training missiles, along with integrated product support, such as training, in-service software support, depot management, and obsolescence/diminishing manufacturing sources and material shortages monitoring. Customers provided for include the Navy and USAF, as well as the governments of Australia, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, Israel, Japan, Korea, Kuwait, Oman, Malaysia, Morocco, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Romania, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Switzerland, Taiwan, and Turkey, under the Foreign Military Sales program. Completion is expected by May, 2019.

April 13/17: Orbital ATK has won a USAF contract to supply rocket motors for AIM-9P Sidewinder missiles. The agreement, which could reach a potential value of $67 million, covers the production and provision of motors for ordinance that will be sold to other governments under the US foreign military sales program. First developed in the 1970s, the AIM-9 has undergone significant upgrades to improve its capabilities and lethality over the years, with the present version featuring Orbital ATK’s SR116-HP-1 reduced-smoke rocket motor. Work will continue through until February 2022.

April 4/17: Raytheon has been awarded a $199 million contract to supply various missiles to the US Navy and allied partner nations. The deal includes orders for 317 AIM-9X Block II Sidewinder missiles in addition to 199 Block II captive air training missiles to be used during military exercises. Raytheon will also deliver spares and supporting equipment to several foreign military sales customers including Indonesia, the Netherlands, Taiwan, Romania, Poland, Saudi Arabia, Belgium, Turkey, Switzerland, South Korea, Norway, Morocco, Japan, Denmark, Finland, Israel and Singapore; work will be completed by March 2020. The munitions have been integrated on F-15, F-16, and F/A-18 aircraft.

March 5/17: ATK Tactical Propulsion and Control has been contracted by the USAF to produce SR-116 motors for the AIM-9P Sidewinder missile. The $67 million deal supports planned foreign military sales to Bahrain, Egypt and Taiwan and work is expected to be completed by February 27, 2022. In addition, Sidewinder munitions were recently approved by State Department officials to be sold to South Korea.

August 15/16: The AIM-9X Sidewinder has become the first short range air-to-air missile to be fully integrated on the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter. Testing of the missile so far has lead to a three for three success with a fourth guided test expected by the end of the year alongside final integration work. The F-35 is capable of holding two AIM-9Xs on its wings, and when configured for air superiority missions, can hold four AIM-120s internally.

July 20/16: AIM-9X Block II missiles are getting an air-to-surface mode. Manufacturer Raytheon is currently working on porting the software necessary for the transition following the award of a $291.7 million contract by the US Navy. The deal is for the provision of 660 Lot 16 AIM-9X missiles as well as AIM-9X Block II Captive Air Training Missiles, containers, and spare components for the Navy, USAF, and a number of foreign militaries.

July 6/16: Raytheon has been awarded a $291.75 million contract to supply 660 AIM-9X Block II missiles. The deal will see deliveries of the latest Sidewinder upgrade to Taiwan and Norway for the first time, as well as follow-on missiles, training, and support solutions for the USAF, Navy, Army and other Foreign Military Sales customers of the missile. Completion of the contract is expected for March 2019.

May 18/16: The US Navy has disclosed that AIM-9X Block II missiles have a “beyond-visual-range” capability. Announcing the capability was Capt. Jim Stoneman, chief of the US Navy’s Air-to-Air Missiles Program Office at the 2016 Sea-Air-Space Exposition. Plans for a Block III version of the newest member of the Sidewinder family are also in place; the program however, remains unfunded.

April 12/16: AIM-9X missiles fired from the US Army’s new Multi-Mission Launcher has defeated a cruise missile and an unmanned aerial system (UAS). The tests conducted on April 1 and March 29 respectively were part of an engineering demonstration of the Indirect Fire Protection Capability Increment 2-Intercept (IFPC Inc 2-I). Other missiles capable of being fired from the system include the Miniature Hit-to-Kill (MHTK) missile, Raytheon’s Stinger, and Lockheed Martin’s Longbow Hellfire missiles, although the last two have yet to been tested rigorously. The IFPC Inc. 2-I is intended to defeat UAS, cruise missiles, rockets, artillery, and mortars, and so far $119 million has been spent on developing prototypes for the system, a figure believed to be three times higher if developed outside the Army.

January 25/16: The USAF has successfully tested the AIM-9X missile on the F-35 fighter for the first time. The test of the heat-seeking missile took place on January 12 at the Pacific Sea Test range. The F-35 will eventually carry two AIM-9X missiles on its wings, and four of the the radar-guided AIM-120 missiles internally. The success of the test moves integration of the AIM-9X forward, with introduction across the F-35 fleet expected in Block 3F in 2017.

September 28/15: Raytheon has been awarded a $264.8 million contract for improvement works to the AIM-9X air-to-air missile, with these destined for the Air Force, Navy and six Foreign Military Sales customers. The Block II missile recently entered full rate production, with Friday’s contract announcement intended to assist in bringing up some Block I stockpiles up to the Block II standard, including new components and software upgrades.

Also on Friday the company received a $227.1 million contract for the production of 447 AIM-9X missiles, with these headed for the Navy, Air Force and four Foreign Military Sales customers. The contract also covers the delivery of 129 training missiles, with these scheduled for delivery to multiple governments, including Switzerland, Morocco, Israel and Oman.

September 1/15: The AIM-9X Sidewinder Block II got the full production go-ahead.

May 13/15: The Air Force has test fired two AIM-9X Sidewinder missiles from a F-22 Raptor fighter. This test-firing is a step towards the F-22’s Increment 3.2B upgrade program, with Lockheed Martin awarded a contract last October to modify 220 F-22 Configurable Rail Launchers to accommodate the AIM-9X. Full operational fielding of the AIM-9X by the F-22 is not expected until 2017.

Oct 24/14: F-22. Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Co. in Fort Worth, TX receives a maximum $33.4 million unfinalized contract for AIM-9X Configurable Rail Launcher (CRL) modification to the F-22. They’ll provide upgrade to 220 AIM-9 CRLs with AIM-9X capability. $5.8 million is committed immediately, using FY 2014 USAF aircraft budgets.

The ability to fire AIM-9X missiles is part of the F-22A’s Increment 3.2B upgrade program, and limited testing has begin (q.v. July 30/12) but a fielded capability isn’t expected until at least 2017. The lack of a corresponding helmet-mounted display is a concern for Raptor pilots (q.v. Jan 31/13).

Work will be performed at Fort Worth, TX, and is expected to be completed by Feb 28/17. The USAF Life Cycle Management Center at Hill AFB, UT manages the contract (FA8611-08-C-2897, PO 0559).

FY 2014

Orders from USA, Belgium, Kuwait, Morocco, Netherlands, Singapore, Turkey; Export requests from Australia, Israel, South Korea; USN has suspended deliveries.

AIM-9X on USAF F-15
(click to view full)

Sept 29/14: Support. Raytheon Missile Systems in Tucson, AZ receives a $13.7 million firm-fixed-price contract modification to a previously awarded for Lot 14 AIM-9X Block I/II spare parts in support of the USAF (8.4M / 61.62%); US Navy ($3.7M / 27.3%); and the governments of Saudi Arabia ($404,762 / 2.96%); Oman ($311,377 / 2.28%); Korea ($305,031 / 2.23%); Kuwait ($111,282 / 0.82%); Morocco ($95,772 / 0.70%); Malaysia ($93,405 / 0.68%); Turkey ($71,263 / 0.52%); Finland ($41,228 / 0.30%); Switzerland ($32,612 / 0.24%); Poland ($29,241 / 0.21%); and Denmark ($18,562 / 0.14%) All funds are committed immediately.

Work will be performed in Tucson, AZ, and is expected to be complete in February 2016. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, MD; manages the contract (N00019-11-C-0001).

July 14/14: Israel. The US DSCA announces Israel’s export request for up to 600 AIM-9X-2 Sidewinder Block II All-Up-Round Missiles, 50 CATM-9X-2 Captive Air Training Missiles, and 4 Dummy Air Training Missiles; plus containers, missile support and test equipment, provisioning, spare and repair parts, personnel training and training equipment, publications and technical documentation, and support. The estimated cost is up to $544 million, and Raytheon Missile Systems Company in Tucson, AZ is the main contractor.

Israel operates a number of different F-16 and F-15 fighter variants, and will soon begin taking delivery of F-35s. Israel would become a new AIM-9X customer, but all the DSCA will say is that “The Israeli Air Force is modernizing its fighter aircraft to better support its own air defense needs.” They could achieve similar performance using their own RAFAEL Python-4 and Python-5 missiles, but AIM-9Xs can be bought with foreign aid dollars, and the F-35A’s initial configuration will only accept AIM-9Xs as its (externally-mounted) short-range air-to-air missile. Sources: DSCA #14-31, “Israel – AIM-9X Sidewinder Missiles”.

DSCA request: Israel (600)

June 25/14: Lot 14. Raytheon Missile Systems in Tucson, AZ receives a $223.1 million fixed-price-incentive-firm contract for 485 AIM-9X Block II All Up Round missiles, and more. The USAF and USN are using FY 2014 missile budgets:

USAF ($74.1 million, 33.24%)

• 158 AIM-9X Block II AUR
  
• 55 CATM-9X Block II
  
• 12 Special Air Training Missiles
  
• 60 All Up Round storage containers

US Navy ($74.1 million, 33.2%)

• 161 AIM-9X Block II AUR
  
• 47 CATM-9X Block II
  
• 13 Special Air Training Missiles
  
• 59 All Up Round storage containers

Kuwait ($390,283, 0.18%, q.v. Feb 27/12 request)

• 1 AIM-9X Block II AUR

Morocco ($522,442, 0.23%, q.v. July 8/12 request)

• 2 CATM-9X Block II
  
• 1 All Up Round storage container
  
• 1 Spare Advanced Optical Target Detector

Netherlands ($16.5 million, 7.38%, q.v. Oct 17/12 request)

• 28 AIM-9X Block II AUR
  
• 2 Spare Tactical Guidance Units
  
• 20 CATM-9X Block II
  
• 2 Spare Captive Air Training Missile Guidance Units
  
• 2 Special Air Training Missiles
  
• 18 All Up Round storage containers

Singapore ($10.6 million, 4.74%, q.v. April 4/13 request)

• 20 AIM-9X Block II AUR
  
• 2 Spare Tactical Guidance Units
  
• 8 CATM-9X Block II
  
• 5 Spare Captive Air Training Missile Guidance Units
  
• 8 All Up Round storage containers
  
• 1 Spare Advanced Optical Target Detector

Turkey (46.9 million, 21.03%, q.v. Dec 4/12 request)

• 117 AIM-9X Block II AUR
  
• 34 All Up Round storage containers
  
• 6 Spare Tactical Guidance Units

Work will be performed in Tucson, AZ (43.74%); Andover, MA (10.08%); Valencia, CA (6.10%); Midland, Ontario, Canada (5.54%); Rocket Center, West VA (5.49%); Vancouver, WA (5.07%); Goleta, CA (2.86%); Cheshire, CT (2.05%); Heilbronn, DE, Germany (1.88%); Simsbury, CT (1.61%); Cincinnati, OH (1.22%); San Jose, CA (1.48%); Anniston, AL (1.31%); Maniago, Italy (1.21%); Chatsworth, CA (1.11%); San Diego, CA (1.04%); Montgomery, AL (0.60%); Orlando, FL (0.55%); Valencia, CA (0.53%); Newbury Park, CA (0.50%); El Segundo, CA (0.50%); Claremont, CA (0.43%); Joplin, MO (0.39%); Lombard, IL (0.28%); El Cajon, CA (0.15%); and various locations inside and outside the continental United States (3.98 and 0.30%, respectively). Work is expected to be complete in December 2016. This contract was not competitively procured pursuant to FAR 6.302-1, i.e. no-one else makes these missiles. US Naval Air Systems Command in Patuxent River, MD manages all contracts, either directly or as an FMS agent (N00019-14-C-0053).

June 25/14: Lot 14. Raytheon Missile Systems in Tucson, AZ receives a $28.2 million firm-fixed-price contract modification for 774 AIM-9X Production Inertial Measurement Units retrofits and upgrades, and an engineering investigation for the U.S. Navy ($2.9 million, 10.2%, FY 2013) and USAF ($3.4 million, 12.1%, FY 2012).

This modification also covers a $21.9 million purchase from Belgium, as part of Production Lot 14. That should get them going (q.v. Sept 26/13 request):

• 30 AIM-9X Block II AUR
  
• 2 Spare Tactical Guidance Units
  
• 30 CATM-9X Block II
  
• 8 Spare CATM-9X Block II Guidance Units
  
• 18 All Up Round Containers
  
• 1 Spare Advanced Optical Target Detector
  
• 1 lot of tooling

Work will be performed in Tucson, AZ (43.74%); Andover, MA (10.08%); Valencia, CA (6.10%); Midland, Ontario, Canada (5.54%); Rocket Center, West VA (5.49%); Vancouver, WA (5.07%); Goleta, CA (2.86%); Cheshire, CT (2.05%); Heilbronn, DE, Germany (1.88%); Simsbury, CT (1.61%); Cincinnati, OH (1.22%); San Jose, CA (1.48%); Anniston, AL (1.31%); Maniago, Italy (1.21%); Chatsworth, CA (1.11%); San Diego, CA (1.04%); Montgomery, AL (0.60%); Orlando, FL (0.55%); Valencia, CA (0.53%); Newbury Park, CA (0.50%); El Segundo, CA (0.50%); Claremont, CA (0.43%); Joplin, MO (0.39%); Lombard, IL (0.28%); El Cajon, CA (0.15%); and various locations inside and outside the continental United States (3.98 and 0.30%, respectively). Work is expected to be complete in December 2016. US Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, MD, is the contracting activity (N00019-11-C-0001).

Lot 14 order: USA, Belgium, Kuwait, Morocco, Netherlands, Singapore, Turkey

May 13/14: Australia. The US DSCA announces customer Australia’s official export request for more advanced AIM-9X-2 missiles, beyond their existing AIM-9X Block I stockpile. The estimated cost is up to $534 million, but one of the addenda was equally significant:

“These missiles will be used on the RAAF’s F/A-18 aircraft (and eventually F-35 aircraft) and will maintain the RAAF’s air-to-air capability….”

Australia uses ASRAAMs on its F/A-18AM/BM Hornets, and if they don’t add them to the F-35As, they’ll need to phase out their stock when the Hornets retire in 2022. F-35A Block-2/-3s come integrated with the AIM-9X missile for external carriage. For stealth-maximizing internal carriage, Australia will either have to rely on AIM-120 AMRAAM radar-guided missiles, or pay extra to add the same internal AIM-132 ASRAAM infrared-guided missile capability that Britain is incorporating into its F-35B STOVL aircraft. It’s not an either/or decision, as Australia could integrate ASRAAM and AIM-9X, but this request is another step toward a possible single-SRAAM future for the RAAF. The request includes up to:

• 350 AIM-9X-2 Sidewinder missiles
  
• 22 AIM-9X-2 Tactical Guidance Units
  
• 95 AIM-9X-2 Captive Air Training Missiles (CATMs)
  
• 19 CATM-9X-2 Guidance Units
  
• 35 AIM-9X Special Air Training Missiles (NATMs) for test shots
  
• 3 DATM-9X telemetry units
  
• Plus containers, test sets and support equipment, spare and repair parts, publications and technical documents, personnel training and training equipment, and other forms of US Government and contractor support.

The principal contractor will be Raytheon Missile Systems Company in Tucson, AZ. If a deal is negotiated, additional US Government or contractor representatives will participate in bi-annual, 1-week program management and technical reviews in Australia. They may also be called on to provide technical and logistics support for 2 years. Sources: DSCA #14-12, “Australia – AIM 9X-2 Sidewinder Missiles”.

DSCA request: Australia (350)

April 7/14: Korea. The US DSCA announces a formal request from South Korea for up to $98 million in AIM-9X-2 Sidewinder Missiles and associated equipment. The request includes:

• 76 AIM-9X-2 Sidewinder Block II All-Up-Round Missiles
  
• 4 AIM-9X-2 Block II spare Tactical Guidance Units
  
• 24 CATM-9X-2 Captive Air Training Missiles
  
• 8 CATM-9X-2 Block II spare Missile Guidance Units
  
• Plus containers, missile support and test equipment, provisioning, spare and repair parts, personnel training and training equipment, publications and technical data, and other US government and contractor support.

South Korea is already an AIM-9X Block I customer. This request doesn’t specify the platform, but the ROKAF’s F-16s haven’t been upgraded yet, which means it’s likely to represent additional AIM-9X orders for their F-15K Strike Eagles. The principal contractor will be Raytheon Missile Systems Company in Tucson, AZ, and no additional personnel will be needed in the ROK. US Government or contractor personnel will conduct in-country visits on occasion, per management oversight and support requirements. Sources: DSCA #14-06, “Korea – AIM-9X-2 Sidewinder Missiles”.

DSCA: South Korea request

April 7/14: Support. Raytheon Missile Systems in Tucson, AZ receives a $9.6 million indefinite-delivery/ indefinite-quantity contract modification to provide AIM-9X Sidewinder mission support and sustainment. Customers include the USAF and US Navy, and the governments of Singapore, Australia, Denmark, Finland, Turkey, South Korea, Switzerland, Saudi Arabia, and Poland under the Foreign Military Sales Program.

Work will be performed in Tucson, AZ, and is expected to be complete in April 2015. Funds will be committed as individual delivery orders are issued. US NAVAIR in Patuxent River, MD manages the contract (N00019-11-D-0004).

March 31/14: GAO Report. The US GAO tables its “Assessments of Selected Weapon Programs“. Which is actually a review for 2013, plus time to compile and publish. There’s good news and bad news for the AIM-9X:

“The “should-cost” initiative, introduced through DOD’s “Better Buying Power” initiatives, emphasizes the importance of driving cost improvements during contract negotiation and program execution to control costs, improvements that could lead to program efficiencies which increase buying power. For example, the AIM-9X Block II Air-to-Air Missile program realized a procurement cost decrease of approximately $327 million with no change in quantity over the past year and also reported $128 million in “should-cost” savings that are expected in the future.”

“….In July 2013, the Navy suspended operational testing for the AIM-9X Block II due to two issues with missile performance. According to the program office, [target acquisition time] has been resolved with a software fix. However, the root cause for the second issue, related to probability of kill, a key performance requirement, was still under investigation during our review. The program has stopped accepting missiles until the root cause analysis is complete and the program determines what, if any, fixes to those missiles may be needed. The program also expects to delay the full-rate production decision from April 2014 until the second quarter of fiscal year 2015.”

March 4-11/14: Budgets. The US military slowly files its budget documents, detailing planned spending from FY 2014 – 2019. The US Navy is decreasing the planned rate of production over the next few years, but that’s offset somewhat by an increase in USAF orders. The figures have been added to the article’s charts, along with Foreign Military Sale figures from those same documents. Note that export sales figures can be expected to rise as we come closer to any specific year, and new countries decide to place orders. Sources: USN, PB15 Press Briefing [PDF] | USAF, Fiscal Year 2015 Budget Overview.

FY 2013

Lot 13 order for USA, Kuwait, Malaysia, Morocco, Oman, Saudi Arabia, and Switzerland; Export requests from Turkey & the Netherlands; Multinational support contract; GAO report.

AIM-9X Sidewinder
(click to view full)

Sept 26/13: Belgium. The US DSCA announces Belgium’s formal request to buy 40 AIM-9X-2 Sidewinder Block II All-Up-Round Missiles, 36 CATM-9X-2 Captive Air Training Missiles, 2 CATM-9X-2 Block II Missile Guidance Units, and 10 AIM-9X-2 Block II Tactical Guidance Units, 4 Dummy Air Training Missiles, plus containers, missile support and test equipment, spare and repair parts, personnel training and training equipment, publications and technical data, and US Government and contractor support. The estimated cost is up to $68 million.

The Belgian Air Component cooperates with the Royal Netherlands Air Force, which operates the same F-16 MLUs and also has an AIM-9X-2 request underway. Even so, a future contract will require some level of additional US government and contractor support. A successful deal is expected to cement the Belgian military’s status as the world’s best-armed pension fund. Sources: US DSCA.

DSCA: Belgium request

Sept 18/13: A $10.3 million cost-plus-fixed-fee, firm-fixed-price contract for AIM-9X Block II Engineering Analysis, including program protection implementation plans, technical studies, and services. $6.3 million is committed immediately.

Work will be performed in Tucson, AZ and is expected to be complete in March 2014. Oddly, the Pentagon release divides the award on multiple occasions as being between the USAF ($8.65M / 84%) and the US Army ($1,648,129 / 16%). Unless the Army is working to adapt the missile to the top-tier AFPS upgrade for its Avenger mobile air defense systems, the US Navy would be the logical 2nd service (N00019-12-C-2002).

Aug 12/13: FY 2013. A $200.5 million firm-fixed-price, fixed-price-incentive-firm target contract modification for FY 2013 procurement of 354 AIM-9X Block II All Up Round missiles and Active Optical Target Detectors, 20 spare Tactical Guidance Units, 3 spare Advanced Optical Target Detectors, 3 spare Propulsion Steering Sections, 1 spare Inertial Measuring Unit, 178 Block II Captive Air Training Missiles, 26 spare Captive Air Training Missile Guidance Units, 9 Special Air Training Missiles, 147 All Up Round Containers, 19 Guidance Unit Containers, and 1 spare Missile Tube Assembly. All funds are committed immediately (N00019-11-C-0001). Customers include:

USAF ($52.45 million, 26.16%)

• 92 AIM-9X Block II missiles
  
• 4 spare Tactical Guidance Units
  
• 2 spare Advanced Optical Target Detectors
  
• 1 spare Propulsion Steering Section
  
• 58 CATM-9X Block IIs
  
• 8 spare Captive Air Training Missile Guidance Units
  
• 39 All Up Round missile containers

USN ($54.7 million, 27.27%)

• 92 AIM-9X Block II missiles
  
• 4 spare Tactical Guidance Units
  
• 1 spare Advanced Optical Target Detector
  
• 1 spare Propulsion Steering Section
  
• 58 CATM-9X Block IIs
  
• 4 spare Captive Air Training Missile Guidance Units
  
• 9 Special Air Training Missiles
  
• 43 All Up Round missile containers

Kuwait ($40.2 million, 20.04%)

• 80 AIM-9X Block II missiles
  
• 2 spare Tactical Guidance Units
  
• 20 CATM-9X Block IIs
  
• 2 spare Captive Air Training Missile Guidance Units
  
• 28 All Up Round missile containers
  
• 6 Guidance Containers

Malaysia ($11.5 million, 5.71%)

• 20 AIM-9X Block II missiles
  
• 2 spare Tactical Guidance Units
  
• 8 CATM-9X Block IIs
  
• 4 spare Captive Air Training Missile Guidance Units
  
• 8 All Up Round missile containers
  
• 6 Guidance Containers

Morocco ($12 million, 5.97%)

• 20 AIM-9X Block II missiles
  
• 2 spare Tactical Guidance Units
  
• 1 spare Propulsion Steering Section
  
• 1 spare Missile Tube Assembly
  
• 10 CATM-9X Block IIs
  
• 4 spare Captive Air Training Missile Guidance Units
  
• 9 All Up Round missile containers

Oman ($28.8 million, 14.37%)

• 50 AIM-9X Block II missiles
  
• 6 spare Tactical Guidance Units
  
• 24 CATM-9X Block IIs
  
• 4 spare Captive Air Training Missile Guidance Units
  
• 19 All Up Round missile containers
  
• 7 Guidance Containers

Saudi Arabia ($880,023, 0.44%)

• 2 Special Air Training Missiles
  
• 1 All Up Round missile container

Switzerland ($76,400, 0.04%)

• 2 Special Air Training Missiles
  
• 1 spare Inertial Measuring Unit

Work is expected to be complete in August 2015, and will be performed in Tucson, AZ (43.74%); Andover, MA (10.08%); Valencia, CA (6.10%); Rocket Center, WVA (5.49%); Vancouver, WA (5.07%); Goleta, CA (2.86%); Cheshire, CT (2.05%); Simsbury, CT (1.61%); Cincinnati, OH (1.22%); San Jose, CA (1.48%); Anniston, AL (1.31%); Chatsworth, CA (1.11%); San Diego, CA (1.04%); Montgomery, AL (0.60%); Orlando, FL (0.55%); Valencia, CA (0.53%); Newbury Park, CA (0.50%); El Segundo, CA (0.50%); Claremont, CA (0.43%); Joplin, Mo. (0.39%); Lombard, IL (0.28%); El Cajon (0.15%); Midland, Ontario, Canada (5.54%); Heilbronn, Germany (1.88%); Maniago, Italy (1.21%); and other various locations inside and outside the United States (4.28%).

Lot 13 order: USA, Kuwait, Malaysia, Morocco, Oman, Saudi Arabia, and Switzerland

Aug 24/12: Upgrades. Military & Aerospace Electronics reports that Raytheon has received a minor sole-source contract to begin developing AIM-9X upgrades. Longer range and an insensitive warhead that burns rather than exploding if subjected to hot fires are reportedly the priorities.

July 18/13: Block 3 plans. Flight Global reports that US NAVAIR is pushing for an AIM-9X Block III, with a 60% range boost from a new rocket motor and better flight programming. That would push the AIM-9X farther into comparable territory to France’s MICA, a medium-range missile with radar and IR-guided versions. The other major change would be an insensitive munitions warhead, for safer use at sea, per the Aug 24/12 entry.

US NAVAIR intends to launch the Block III’s EMD development phase in 2016, developmental testing in 2018, and operational tests in 2020, followed by Initial Operational Capability in 2022.

Part of the reported justification for Block III involves the proliferation of digital radar jammers on enemy fighters, which lowers the AIM-120 AMRAAM’s odds of a successful radar lock and strike. NAVAIR doesn’t say it, but the F-35’s provision for just 2 internal air-to-air missiles forces all weapon options to be more versatile – which sometimes means more expensive. Unfortunately, programs like the “Triple Target Terminator” were seen as too expensive. Raytheon’s NCADE was another alternative, which would have placed a larger AIM-9X seeker on an AMRAAM missile. NCADE offered even longer range air warfare strikes, some capability against launching ballistic missiles, and no additional integration work for AMRAAM-qualified planes, but the US military hasn’t pursued it.

May 31/13: Support. A $19.6 million modification to a previously awarded cost-plus-fixed-fee, firm-fixed-price contract for the design and engineering analysis of the AIM-9X Block II Missile System for the U.S. Navy ($8.3 million / 42.6%), the U.S. Air Force ($5.7 million/ 29%), and the Government of Saudi Arabia ($5.6 million / 28.4%). $7.5 million in American and Saudi funds are committed immediately.

Work will be performed in Tucson, AZ (96%); Andover, MA (3%); and various locations inside and outside of the United States (1%), and is expected to be complete in June 2014 (N00019-12-C-2002).

May 22/13: South Korea. The US DSCA forwards South Korea’s official weapons export request for up to $823 million worth of weapons to equip F-15SE Silent Eagles [PDF], or up to $793 million in weapons for F-35As [PDF], if either plane is picked as the winner of the F-X-3 fighter competition. The AIM-9X Block II is common to both requests, and involves 154 missiles, 14 spare tactical guidance units, 33 CATM training missiles, and 7 spare CATM guidance units.

Their competitor, EADS’ Eurofighter, isn’t integrated with the AIM-9X. It would either use the ROKAF’s existing stocks of previous-generation AIM-9 Sidewinders, or trigger a separate purchase of the AIM-9X equivalent IRIS-T or ASRAAM.

April 15/13: SIP. An $8.6 million modification to a previously awarded cost-plus-fixed-fee contract services in support of the Phase II AIM-9X System Improvement Program for the USAF ($5.5M/ 64%), US Navy ($1.7M/ 19.77%), and the government of Saudi Arabia ($1.4M/ 16.23%), including hardware and software development activities and implementation of security architecture requirements.

Work will be performed in Tucson, AZ using FY 2012 Navy RDT&E and FY 2013 USAF RDT&E budgets. and is expected to be complete in March 2014. $4 million is committed immediately, $529,748 of which will expire at the end of the current fiscal year on Sept 30/13 (N00019-11-C-0026).

April 4/13: Singapore. The US DSCA announces [PDF] that Singapore has requested export clearance for 20 AIM 9X-2 SIDEWINDER Block II All Up Round Missiles, 8 CATM-9X-2 Captive Air Training Missiles, 5 CATM-9X-2 Block II Missile Guidance units, 2 AIM-9X-2 Block II Tactical Guidance units, containers, spare and repair parts, support and test equipment, publications and technical documentation, personnel training and training equipment, U.S. Government and contractor engineering, technical and logistics support services, and other related elements of logistical and program support.

The prime contractor is Raytheon in Tucson, AZ, of course, and the cost is estimated at up to $36 million. Singapore has already purchased AIM-9X-2s, and they won’t need any additional support.

Singapore request

March 28/13: GAO Report. The US GAO tables its “Assessments of Selected Weapon Programs” for 2013. Which is actually a review for 2012, plus time to compile and publish. GAO cites the AIM-9X Block II as a ready program, with mature critical technologies and a stable design.

The biggest issue is production processes, which are described as “not in control,” with the missile a bit below expected reliability targets. The program plans to demonstrate process control before the 2014 full-rate production decision. GAO adds that:

“The program expects to realize over $595 million in cost savings over the life of the program by implementing “should cost” initiatives, such as improvements to the design and production of key missile components…. The program office estimated that it has already realized $21 million in savings on the first low-rate initial production contract. To achieve these savings, the program office analyzed cost drivers and prioritized opportunities to reduce cost by considering factors such as the up-front investment costs, ease of implementation, time to realize savings, and magnitude of the unit cost benefits. The program has implemented technical initiatives, such as active optical target detector design and production improvements and non-technical initiatives, such as accelerated production rates.”

March 25/13: Support. A $20.1 million indefinite-delivery/ indefinite-quantity contract modification to provide AIM-9X Sidewinder mission support and sustainment activities for the USAF, US Navy, and the governments of Singapore, Australia, Denmark, Finland, Turkey, South Korea, Switzerland, Saudi Arabia, and Poland under the Foreign Military Sales program. This support includes both Block I and Block II missiles.

Work will be performed in Tucson, AZ, and is expected to be complete in March 2014. Funds will be obligated on individual delivery orders as they are issued (N00019-11-D-0004).

Jan 31/13: F-22. Increment 3.2B upgrades are supposed to deliver AIM-9X Sidewinder missile capabilities to the F-22A fleet, but pilots are concerned that the short-range air combat missile will fall short of required performance without a Helmet Mounted Display, and leave the F-22A at a disadvantage in close-in fights. One Raptor pilot told Flight International that:

“We’ve been screaming for years that the F-22 needs to have the capability fielded, and fast… Once the jets transitions from BVR [beyond visual range] to WVR [within visual range] with only AIM-9M-9s it is hugely vulnerable…”

The pilots like the AIM-9X’s added range, which extends to beyond visual range levels when launched at supercruise speed, and its ability to lock-on after launch. The problem is that without an HMD like the JHMCS I/II on other USAF fighters, or the Thales (Gentex) Scorpion that equips A-10s and some Air National Guard F-16s, the pilots can’t take full advantage of the missile’s full targeting cone. It doesn’t help that AIM-9X Block II’s one cited deficiency is helmetless high off-boresight (HHOBS) performance, but a fix can be expected by 2017.

The Raptor may be able to out-turn anyone, but an opponent with 30 degrees more sighting cone to work with doesn’t have to maneuver as hard. As experiences with the Eurofighter show (q.v. June 30/12 entry), some 4+ generation aircraft do approach the F-22’s capabilities in close. Russian thrust-vectoring designs like the MiG-35, SU-30SM, and SU-35 may also fall into this category, and top-end SRAAMs can even create openings against the F-22’s infrared masking countermeasures.

Jan 17/13: DOT&E Testing Report. The Pentagon releases the FY 2012 Annual Report from its Office of the Director, Operational Test & Evaluation (DOT&E). With respect to the AIM-9X Block II, the services had accomplished 5,460 total captive-carry hours as of mid-November 2012, with 23 failures. That’s a Mean Time Between Captive-Carry Failure (MTBCCF) of 237 hours. The goal is 1 per 500 hours by 80,000 flight hours, and the missile is slightly below that expected growth curve.

In testing, 8/12 missile shots have been successful, and at least 2 of the failures have involved lock-on after launch mode. A 3rd failure involved the fuze. Those failures are being investigated, and the USAF has a concern involving Helmet-less High Off-Boresight (HHOBS, means wide-angle pickup with no JHMCS helmet) performance. They believe that Block II is slower to acquire targets in HHOBS than Block I was, instead of being equal or better.

Dec 24/12: Turkey. The US DSCA announces [PDF] Turkey’s official request to buy AIM-9X Block II Sidewinder missiles and associated equipment, as part of a larger modernization drive for the country’s fighter fleet. Raytheon Missile Systems Company in Tucson, AZ is the prime contractor, and implementation of this proposed sale will require an unspecified number of U.S. Government or contractor representatives on a temporary basis for support and oversight. The request includes:

• 117 AIM-9X Block II All-Up-Round Missiles
  
• 6 AIM-9X-2 Block II Tactical Guidance Units
  
• 6 “Dummy Air Training Missiles” (could be CATMs, or loading practice rounds)
  
• 130 LAU-129 Launchers
  
• Plus containers, missile support and test equipment, provisioning, spare and repair parts, personnel training and training equipment, publications and technical data, and support.

Turkey already deploys the AIM-9X Block I. The estimated cost of this contract is up to $140 million, but the exact price will depend on negotiations.

Turkey request: 117

Oct 17/12: Dutch. The US DSCA announces [PDF] the Netherlands’ request to buy AIM-9X-2 Block II Sidewinder missiles and accessories, as an initial order to equip its modernized F-16 MLUs and improve its air defense capabilities. The estimated cost is up to $60 million, but will depend on contract negotiations. The request includes:

• 28 AIM-9X-2 Sidewinder Block II AUR missiles
  
• 20 CATM-9X-2s
  
• 2 CATM-9X-2 Block II Missile Guidance Units
  
• 2 AIM-9X-2 NATMs
  
• 2 AIM-9X-2 Block II Tactical Guidance Units
  
• 2 Dummy Air Training Missiles
  
• Plus containers, missile support and test equipment, provisioning, spare and repair parts, personnel training and training equipment, publications and technical data, and US Government and contractor support.

Raytheon Missile Systems Company in Tucson, AZ is the prime contractor, and implementation of this proposed sale will require US Government or contractor representatives in the Netherlands on a temporary basis for program technical support and management oversight.

Dutch request: 20

FY 2012

Purchases by the USA, Morocco, Malaysia, Saudi Arabia, & South Korea; Export requests from Kuwait, Malaysia, Oman; Block II software upgrades for USA.

F-15SG, armed
(click to view full)

Aug 31/12: Software. A $13.6 million cost-plus-fixed-fee contract to update AIM-9X software from version 8.220 to 8.300 for USAF ($9.6M/ 71%) and US Navy ($3.9M/ 29%). $5.4 million will expire at the end of the current fiscal year.

As noted above, this software update creates the Block II missile. Work will be performed in Tucson, AZ, and is expected to be complete in December 2013. This contract was not competitively procured pursuant to FAR 6.302-1 (N00019-12-C-0111).

July 30/12: F-22. An F-22A performs the 1st supersonic launch of an AIM-9X short range air to air missile over the Sea Test Range at Point Mugu, CA. The first launch of an AIM-9X from the F-22 was carried out in May 2012.

Note that these are mechanical and aerodynamic tests, to ensure safe separation, ignition, etc. F-22As won’t be able to really use the AIM-9X in combat until the Increment 3.2B upgrade, which is expected to debut in 2017. Lockheed Martin @ Flickr.

July 8/12: Morocco. The May 19/11 DSCA request leads to a letter of offer and acceptance (LOA) to buy Raytheon’s AIM-9X Block II short range air-to-air missile for Morocco’s new F-16C/Ds. Numbers and prices are an “undisclosed quantity,” but can be inferred by consulting the DSCA request: 20 + training missiles.

The RMAF will be the 4th country using the Block II version with the added datalink and lock-on after launch capability, after the USA, Saudi Arabia, and South Korea. Raytheon.

Morocco (20?)

June 13/12: Oman. The US Defense Security Cooperation Agency announces [PDF] Oman’s formal request for 55 AIM-9X Block II Sidewinder All-Up-Round Missiles, 6 spare AIM-9X Block II Tactical Guidance Units, 36 inert AIM-9X Block II Sidewinder Captive Air Training Missiles (CATM) for exercises, 4 spare AIM-9X Block II CATM Guidance Units, 1 Dummy Air Training Missile for loading practice, plus containers, weapon support equipment, spare and repair parts, publications and technical documentation, and other US government & contractor support.

Oman will negotiate with Raytheon Missile Systems in Tucson, AZ is the prime contractor, and the estimated cost is up to $86 million. Implementation of this proposed sale would require multiple trips to Oman involving U.S. Government or contractor representatives for program and technical support, and management oversight.

The RAFO flies 12 compatible F-16C/D Block 50s, and ordered 12 more in December 2011. There’s no point in updating their Jaguars, but in December 2012, they’ll buy some Eurofighter Typhoons to serve as the high end of their air force. The Typhoons are AIM-9 compatible, but only up to the AIM-9M.

Oman request: 55

March 30/12: The Pentagon’s Selected Acquisitions Report ending Dec 31/11 includes the AIM-9X Block I. It’s being canceled, which creates a critical cost breach – but since the cause is program cancellation, it doesn’t matter. See Jan 17/12 entry for why it’s being cancelled.

“AIM-9X Block I – The Program Acquisition Unit Cost (PAUC) increased 49.3% to the current APB and 71.8% to the original APB as a result of an adjustment to the program of record quantities from 10,142 to 3,142 missiles. Based on direction from Navy and Air Force requirements offices, there are no future production contracts for Block I after Lot 10 deliveries are complete. The approval of Block II to enter Low Rate Initial Production ends new production for Block I missiles, and shifts new production to Block II missiles. Since the critical Nunn-McCurdy breach is due to cancellation of the Block I program, no certification determination by the USD AT&L is required pursuant to section 2433 of title 10, United States Code.”

Block I done

March 30/12: ROKAF & RSAF. A $97.1 million firm-fixed-price, fixed-price-incentive-firm target contract modification, buying Lot 12 low rate initial production (LRIP-2) equipment for South Korea and Saudi Arabia.

South Korea: $11.8 million, 12.15%. 19 AIM-9X Block II AUR missiles; 5 more containers. This is test-size lot.

Saudi Arabia: $85.3 million, 87.85%. 120 AIM-9X Block II AUR missiles; 42 more containers; 33 Block II CATMs. Saudi Arabia’s huge Oct 20/10 DSCA request to upgrade and grow its F-15 Strike Eagle fleet included 300 AIM-9X missiles, 25 CATMs, and 25 NATMs, but did not specify which AIM-9X block. They already field AIM-9X missiles, which could be compatible with the F-15C/D Eagle air superiority fighters, or their multi-role F-15S Strike Eagles.

Work will be performed in Tucson, AZ. (41.40%); Andover, MA (10.12%); various locations in and outside the continental United States (6.56%); Valencia, CA (5.71%); Midland, Ontario, Canada (5.40%); Rocket Center, WVA (5.24%); Vancouver, WA (5.08%); Goleta, CA (2.99%); El Segundo, CA (2.81%); Cheshire, CT (2.30%); Simsbury, CT (1.60%); Cincinnati, Ohio (1.53%); Heilbronn, Germany (1.52%); El Cajon, CA (1.48%); San Jose, CA (1.45%); Anniston, AL (1.16%); San Diego, CA (0.87%); Chatsworth, CA (0.80%); Newbury Park, CA (0.74%); Orlando, Fla. (0.66%); and Montgomery, AL (0.58%). Work is expected to be completed in August 2014. US Naval Air Systems Command in Patuxent River, MD acts as the agent for its Foreign Military Sale clients (N00019-11-C-0001).

Lot 12: Singapore (19) & Saudi Arabia (120)

March 27/12: Exports. US NAVAIR discusses the AIM-9X’s “heightened interest in foreign military sales (FMS),” and what that means for the USA:

“The future is bright for the AIM-9X program as robust international sales lower the procurement costs for all purchasers, including the U.S. government,” said Rick Cooley deputy program manager for international programs for the Navy’s Air-to-Air Missile program office (PMA-259) here. In recent years, international sales for the joint Navy and Air Force AIM-9X Sidewinder program have comprised almost half [emphasis DID’s] of the program’s production. The Sidewinder is the most widely used air-to-air missile currently employed by more than 40 nations throughout the world.

In a surge of FMS agreements in late December 2011, Saudi Arabia and South Korea became the first international purchasers of the latest generation of the Sidewinder family, the infrared-guided AIM-9X-2 (Block II) missile system, for employment on their unique F-15 aircraft. “

Feb 27/12: Kuwait. The US DSCA announces [PDF] Kuwait’s official request to buy up to 80 AIM-9X-2 Sidewinder Block II AUR Missiles, 26 CATM AIM-9X-2s, 2 CATM Block II Missile Guidance Units, 8 AIM-9X-2 Block II Tactical Guidance Units, 2 Dummy Air Training Missiles; plus containers, missile support and test equipment, provisioning, spare and repair parts, personnel training and training equipment, and US Government and contractor support. The estimated cost is up to $105 million.

The prime contractor will be Raytheon Missile Systems Company in Tucson, AZ, and implementation of this proposed sale will require an undetermined number of US Government or contractor representatives.

Kuwait flies 35 F/A-18C/Ds, and is considering how to replace them. All non-American competitors would be unable to use the AIM-9X without custom integration work.

Kuwait request: 80

Jan 31/12: Lot 12 additional. A $39.6 million firm-fixed-price, fixed-price-incentive-firm target contract modification to AIM-9X Lot 12 low rate initial production. It adds “special test equipment and various spare components,” plus…

USAF ($35.5 million, 89.57%)

• 42 AIM-9X Block II all up round missiles (now 108)
  
• 42 Block II active optical target detectors (now 108)
  
• 51 CATM-9X Block II, with no motor or warhead (now 51)
  
• 27 containers (now 45)

US Navy ($4.1 million, 10.43%)

• 5 AIM-9X Block II all up round missiles (now 54)
  
• 5 Block II active optical target detectors (now 54)
  
• 2 containers (now 26)

Work will be performed in Tucson, AZ (41.42%); Andover, MA (10.12%); various locations in the continental United States (6.31%); Valencia, CA (5.71%); Ontario, Canada (5.40%); Rocket Center, WVA (5.24%); Vancouver, WA (5.08%); Goleta, CA (2.99%); El Segundo, CA (2.81%); Cheshire, CT (2.30%); Simsbury, CT (1.60%); Cincinnati, OH (1.53%); Heilbronn, Germany (1.52%); El Cajon, CA (1.48%); San Jose, CA (1.45%); Anniston, AL (1.16%); San Diego, CA (0.87%); Chatsworth, CA (0.80%); Newbury Park, CA (0.74%); Orlando, FL (0.66%); Montgomery, AL (0.58%); and various location outside the continental United States (0.23%), and is expected to be complete in January 2014 (N00019-11-C-0001).

Lot 12 order

Jan 17/12: DOT&E testing report. The Pentagon releases the FY 2011 Annual Report from its Office of the Director, Operational Test & Evaluation (DOT&E). The AIM-9X is included, and the report reveals that the Navy has asked to re-baseline the AIM-9X Block II as a new program entering a pre-Milestone C decision. When it does pass Milestone C, production of the Block I missile will end.

“This decision was primarily driven by a cost per unit increase due to the new DSU-41/B AOTD fuze/datalink assembly, reductions in Service funding, software costs, and schedule delays.”

DOT&E’s one serious concern:

“Recent captive-carry testing has revealed declining missile reliability due to communication problems in 9.303 software and host aircraft compatibility deficiencies. The program office plans to fix these deficiencies, along with software changes in OFS 9.308. Raytheon plans another software build prior to the [Operational Test Readiness Review]… in April 2012. The schedule of live fire events required before the OTRR is aggressive; the Navy and Air Force must execute five more live flight tests prior to the OTRR. Testing delays could result in a delayed OTRR.”

Dec 29/11: Lot 12 Main. A $68.9 million firm-fixed-price, fixed-price-incentive-firm target contract modification, for Lot 12 low rate initial production of AIM-9X Sidewinder short range missiles. Customers and ordered items include…

USAF ($36 million, 52.3%)

• 66 AIM-9X Block II AUR missiles
  
• 66 Block II active optical target detectors
  
• 18 containers

US Navy ($32.8 million, 47.7%)

• 49 AIM-9X Block II AUR missiles
  
• 49 Block II active optical target detectors
  
• 29 CATM AIM-9X Block II, with no motor or warhead
  
• 24 containers

Work will be performed in Tucson, AZ (41.42%); Andover, MA (10.12%); various locations in the continental United States (6.31%); Valencia, CA (5.71%); Ontario, Canada (5.40%); Rocket Center, WVA (5.24%); Vancouver, WA (5.08%); Goleta, CA (2.99%); El Segundo, CA (2.81%); Cheshire, CT (2.30%); Simsbury, CT (1.60%); Cincinnati, OH (1.53%); Heilbronn, Germany (1.52%); El Cajon, CA (1.48%); San Jose, CA (1.45%); Anniston, AL (1.16%); San Diego, CA (0.87%); Chatsworth, CA (0.80%); Newbury Park, CA (0.74%); Orlando, FL (0.66%); Montgomery, AL (0.58%); and various location outside the continental United States (0.23%), and is expected to be complete in January 2014 (N00019-11-C-0001).

Lot 12 order

Nov 8/11: Malaysia. The US Defense Security Cooperation Agency announces [PDF] Malaysia’s official request for 20 AIM-9X-2 All-Up-Round Missiles, 8 CATM-9X-2 Captive Air Training Missiles with no rocket motor or warhead, 4 CATM-9X-2 Block II Missile Guidance Units, 2 AIM-9X-2 Block II Tactical Guidance Units, 2 Dummy Air Training Missiles, containers, missile support and test equipment, provisioning, spare and repair parts, personnel training and training equipment, publications and technical data, and other U.S. Government and contractor support.

If the sale is not blocked by Congress, and a contract is signed, the prime contractor will be Raytheon Missile Systems Company in Tucson, AZ. Implementation of this proposed sale will require travel of U.S. Government or contractor representatives to Malaysia on a temporary basis for program technical support and management oversight.

Malaysia request: 20

FY 2011 and Earlier

From program start to Milestone C; Initial US orders in Lot 10 & 11; Export requests from Morocco & UAE.

Sept 29/11: Lot 11. The $61.9 million Lot 11 order is placed. It includes:

USAF ($34.5 million, 55.83% of the order)

• 30 AIM-9X Block II AUR missiles
  
• 40 CATM AIM-9X Block IIs
  
• 30 active optical target detectors
  
• 20 additional containers for the missiles
  
• Associated tooling

US Navy ($27.3 million, 44.17% of the order)

• 30 AIM-9X Block II AUR missiles
  
• 20 CATM AIM-9X Block IIs
  
• 30 active optical target detectors
  
• 14 additional containers for the missiles
  
• Associated tooling

Work will be performed at Raytheon Missile Systems in Tucson, AZ (39.85%); Andover, MA (14.36%); Midland, Ontario, Canada (6.60%); Vancouver, WA (6.21%); various locations inside the continental United States (5.89%); Goleta, CA (4.04%); Rocket Center, WVA (2.95%); Valencia, CA (2.81%); Heilbronn, Germany (2.20%); El Cajon, CA (2.13%); Cheshire, CT (2.03%); Chatsworth, CA (1.89%); Cincinnati, Ohio (1.80%); San Jose, CA (1.60%); Montgomery, Ala (1.40%); Anniston, AL (1.18%); Newbury Park, CA (1.08%); San Diego, CA (0.94%); Orlando, FL (0.77%); and various locations outside the continental United States (0.27%). Work is expected to be complete in April 2013. This contract was not competitively procured pursuant to FAR 6.302.1, as Raytheon is the only source (N00019-11-C-0001).

Lot 11 order

Sept 1/11: Testing. US NAVAIR finishes a pair of successful live fire AIM-9X Block II test missions by VX-31 Squadron at Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division in China Lake, CA. Both missions achieve their objectives, which makes the new missile 9/9 in tests so far.

Both F/A-18 test missions involve a jet-powered BQM-74 target drone. The 1st kill involved the drone flying at low altitudes over the desert, approaching “at an extended beyond visual range.” The second kill had the test pilot flying at 1,000 feet below clouds, with the target above the clouds. NAVAIR was equally pleased by the new GPS-enabled AN/DKT-89-3 Airborne Telemetry Equipment inside, which was designed and built by the government team in China Lake. Instead of having to estimate how close the missile came to the target, they now know.

The AIM-9X Block II was approved for Milestone C / low rate initial production in June 2011, and is scheduled to enter operational test in spring 2012. US NAVAIR.

June 2011: Milestone C. AIM-9X Block II is approved for low-rate initial production. Source: GAO.

Milestone C/ LRIP

May 19/11: AIM-9X missile request. The US DSCA announces [PDF] Morocco’s official request to buy 20 AIM-9X Block II Sidewinder short range air-to-air missiles, plus 10 CATM-9X-2 Captive Air Training Missile All-Up-Rounds (missiles with seekers and wiring, but no motor, in their case), 8 CATM-9X-2 Missile Guidance Units, 8 AIM-9X-2 Block II Tactical Guidance Units, 2 Dummy Air Training Missiles, plus containers, missile support and test equipment, provisioning, spare and repair parts, personnel training and training equipment, publications and technical data, and other forms of U.S. Government and contractor support.

Morocco’s July 9/08 DSCA request for F-16s involved AIM-9Ms, which still equip many American aircraft and are inferior to the Vympel R-73/AA-11 Archer missiles flown on Algerian fighters. This initial number of AIM-9X missiles would give the RMAF’s new F-16s enough missiles to train with, and field a very preliminary operational capability to match their neighbor’s.

The estimated cost is up to $50 million, with exact totals to be negotiated if a contract is signed with prime contractor Raytheon Missile Systems in Tucson, AZ. Implementation of this proposed sale will require travel of U.S. Government or contractor representatives to Morocco on a temporary basis for program technical support and management oversight, but the DSCA has no estimate of how many yet.

Morocco request: 20

April 19/11: The US Defense Security Cooperation Agency announces [PDF] the United Arab Emirates’ formal request to buy 218 AIM-9X Block II Sidewinder short-range air-to-air missiles, another 18 AIM-9X-2 WGU-51/B Tactical Guidance Units, 40 CATM-9X-2 Captive Air Training Missiles (CATMs) without rocket motors, another 8 CATM-9X-2 WGU-51/B Guidance Units, 8 Dummy Air Training Missiles for loading practice and such, plus containers, support and test equipment, spare and repair parts, publications and technical documentation, personnel training and training equipment, and other forms of U.S. Government and contractor engineering and logistics support.

The AIM-9X isn’t a fit for their Hawks or Mirage 2000s, so the UAE’s F-16E/F Desert Falcon fleet is their sole realistic deployment option. The UAE already fits earlier-model Sidewinders to its F-16 fleet, and the DSCA doesn’t believe that they’ll have any difficulty absorbing these newer-model missiles. The estimated cost is up to $251 million, but exact amounts must wait until/if a contract is negotiated with Raytheon Missiles Systems in Tucson, AZ.

UAE request: 218

June 28/10: Lot 10. $128.6 million in contracts for Lot 10 production. The contracts were announces as 2 separate orders, even though they took place under the same contract number (N00019-09-C-0061), and were both managed by US Naval Air Systems Command in Patuxent River, MD. The first order was for the USAF and ROKAF. The second order covered the US Navy, RAAF, ROKAF and RSAF. Totals and percentages below are amalgamated.

For the USAF ($60.2 million, 46.82%):

• 65 Block I all-up-round tactical missiles
  
• 15 Block I NATM special air training missiles
  
• 21 Block II NATM special air training missiles
  
• 7 Block II CATM training missiles
  
• 5 Block I guidance units
  
• 15 Block II guidance units
  
• 7 Block II Active Optical Target Detectors
  
• 6 Block I propulsion steering sections
  
• 30 missile containers
  
• Associated tooling and test equipment

For the US Navy ($35.7 million, 27.82%):

• 54 Block I all-up-round tactical missiles
  
• 4 Block I propulsion steering sections
  
• 15 Block II NATM special air training missiles
  
• 4 Block II CATM training missiles
  
• 7 Block II guidance units
  
• 3 Block II Active Optical Target Detectors
  
• Associated tooling and test equipment

Australia and Singapore also have pieces of this contract, but they’re for Block I equipment.

Lot 10 order: USA, Australia, Singapore.

Sept. 2007: CDR. Critical Design Review held and passed. Source: GAO.

March 2007: PDR. Preliminary Design Review held and passed. Source: GAO.

2004: Program start. Source: GAO.

Additional Readings

Background: AIM-9 Sidewinder

• Raytheon – AIM-9X.

• USAF – AIM-9 Sidewinder. Describes the different versions from AIM-9A to X.

• US NAVAIR – Sidewinder.

• Defence Today, via Air Power Australia (March 2009) – Post Cold War Air to Air Missile evolution [PDF].

• Australian Aviation, via Air Power Australia (April 1994) – The Sidewinder Story: The Evolution of the AIM-9 Missile. covers previous generations to AIM-9M, but not the AIM-9X.

Background: Competitors

• MBDA – ASRAAM. The USA’s pullout led to development of AIM-9X, and Germany’s led to the IRIS-T. Integrated with Eurofighter Typhoon, F/A-18 Hornet, Tornado, and Jaguar DARIN-III fighters.

• Air Power Australia (1998) – Matra-BAe AIM-132 ASRAAM – The RAAF’s New WVR AAM. The capabilities described are no longer unique to the ASRAAM.

• Diehl Defence – IRIS-T. Integrated with Eurofighter Typhoon, F-16, JAS-39 Gripen, and Tornado.

• RAFAEL – Python-5. Python-4/-5 missiles serve on F-5, F-15, and F-16 aircraft. There are rumors that it has also been integrated on India’s Mirage 2000s and some Jaguar varieties.

• Tactical Missiles Corporation JSC – R-73E/R-73EL Air-to-Air Guided Missiles. Kicked off the entire wave of advanced SRAAM development after its introduction in 1982. The R-73M/ RVV-MD is the current export variant. Serves on many Russian aircraft: upgraded MiG-21s, MiG-23s, Su-24 and Su-25 planes; plus MiG-29, MiG-31, MiG-35, and the entire “Flanker family” of Su-27 to Su-35 fighters.