Air-launched Weapons

[buglerbilly]

DATE:13/01/10

SOURCE:Flight InternationalGuided rockets set to arm US A-10s and Harriers

By Stephen Trimble

Precision-guided rockets could be added to the weapons load-out of the US Air Force's Fairchild A-10 and the US Marine Corps' Boeing AV-8B Harrier II strike aircraft under a proposal led by the US Navy.

The USN soon plans to launch a joint concept technology demonstration to add a BAE Systems guided rocket called the advanced precision kill weapon system (APKWS II) to both aircraft.

Plans for the demonstration were revealed in a navy acquisition notice posted on 4 January. This says that the service intends to buy 50 guided rockets from the APKWS II programme for use by the AV-8B and A-10.

Both aircraft types are often called on to support ground troops that are in close combat. In such tight spaces, the smallest and most precise weapon with enough lethal power is preferred.

The APKWS II munition, like the unguided Hydra 70mm (2.75in) rocket, is considered a safer alternative to the more powerful Lockheed Martin AGM-114 Hellfire or Raytheon AGM-65 Maverick air-to-surface missiles. However, the unguided type tends to be less accurate.

The AV-8B is equipped to carry Hydra rockets, but not the APKWS II design. The demonstration represents the A-10's first experience of using a guided rocket.

It is not clear from the acquisition notice how the A-10 became involved in the USN-led demonstration, but either the US Air Force or Air National Guard must also be participating in the joint concept technology demonstration process.

The APKWS II programme has had a difficult past. The USMC assumed control of the programme after the US Army abandoned the technology. It had also previously terminated its original APKWS contract with a General Dynamics/BAE team.

BAE is shooting the APKWS II in the last series of test firings to support a decision by the USMC to enter low-rate initial production.

The losing bidders from the APKWS II contest are also continuing to develop their respective technologies. Lockheed has developed the direct attack guided rocket, while the United Arab Emirates has funded development of a Raytheon alternative. Alliant Techsystems (ATK) and Elbit Systems have also teamed to offer their guided advanced tactical rocket.

[Tim]

How complicated would integration for this kind of weapon be? In the case of laser guided weaponry, is it the platform mostly a middleman between the designator pod and the weapon, or are there more complex issues in terms of platform software?

Sorry, total newbie when it comes to systems integration.

[buglerbilly]

US Air Force says Lockheed missile "back on track"

Thu Jan 21, 2010 6:34pm EST

By Andrea Shalal-Esa

WASHINGTON, Jan 21 (Reuters) - Lockheed Martin Corp's (LMT.N) $6 billion radar-evading JASSM cruise missile is "back on track" after acing 18 of 19 tests since September 2009, the Air Force colonel in charge of the program said on Thursday.

The Air Force on Wednesday awarded Lockheed a $245 million contract to build an eighth lot of 160 more baseline and extended range Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff missiles (JASSM) for the Air Force and foreign military customers.

"With the award of the Lot 8 contract, the Air Force has further expressed its confidence that the program is back on track to continue delivering its unique combination of stealth, standoff precision, and flexibility off of both fighters and bombers," Air Force Colonel Stephen Demers told Reuters.

The Air Force last year threatened to cancel JASSM, a long-range missile designed to destroy fixed and moving targets, after years of repeated technical problems if the next round of tests did not show markedly better missile reliability.

The missile succeeded in 15 of 16 tests last August, assuaging those concerns.

The weapon was declared combat-ready five years ago and has been deployed despite several testing failures, but it faced increased scrutiny as Pentagon officials targeted weapons programs with cost overruns and technical problems.

Demers declined comment on the fiscal 2011 budget, which is due to be released on Feb. 1, but said the program now had the support of the Air Force and Pentagon leaders, and he did not anticipate any "future programmatic issues."

Alan Jackson, director of JASSM programs for Lockheed, said Wednesday's contract brought the total number of missiles under contract to 1,200, about one-fourth the total number of missiles the Air Force plans to buy in coming years.

The missile reached a 94 percent reliability rate in the most recent tests, and has an overall reliability rate of well over 80 percent over the history of the program. The Air Force aims to reach a reliability rate of 90 percent by 2013.

Demers said the Air Force would continue testing the reliability of the missiles, although the number of tests could be reduced in coming years.

In his annual report to Congress, the Pentagon's chief weapons tester acknowledged that testing had shown improved reliability, but said more flight tests were needed to characterize the performance of the weapons.

The report, a copy of which was obtained by Reuters, also raised questions about the Air Force's decision to halt work on an electronic fuze for the missile, noting that 4 of 26 missiles launched in fiscal year 2009 had fuze issues.

"The Air Force should renew the pursuit of the Electronic Safe and Arm Fuze, ensuring the availability of a second fuzing option," said the report.

Demers said the service had funded an alternate program to upgrade the missile's existing mechanical fuze to a model with fewer moving parts, an effort he said would help the missile achieve the reliability target "even faster."

Officials familiar with the issue, who were not authorized to speak on the record, said upgrading the current mechanical fuze would save millions of dollars in development costs.

While industry had developed an electronic fuze, it would be difficult to use on JASSM, they said, noting that the missile is designed to penetrate many feet of concrete.

(Reporting by Andrea Shalal-Esa; Editing by Phil Berlowitz)

[buglerbilly]

DATE:03/02/10

SOURCE:Flight InternationalSINGAPORE 2010: Raytheon unveils long-range torpedo for P-8

By Stephen Trimble

Raytheon has revealed plans to challenge Boeing and Lockheed Martin for a US Navy contract to modify a torpedo for high-altitude launch by a P-8 Poseidon.

The Raytheon Fish Hawk programme integrates a wingkit, flight-control surfaces and a guidance system to a Mk 54 or Mk 46 torpedo, says Mark "Smoke" Borup, senior business development manager for Raytheon's advanced missiles and unmanned aircraft systems unit.

The objective of the USN's High Altitude Anti-Submarine Warfare Concept (HAAWC) programme is to allow the P-8 to launch at high altitude. The stand-off distance protects the P-8 from an emerging new class of submarine-launched, anti-aircraft missiles. The concept also would reduce the stress caused by diving to low altitude on the P-8 airframe.

Raytheon's approach with the Fish Hawk is unique among its competitors in a key area, Borup says. Instead of modifying an existing wing-kit for the Fish Hawk, Raytheon developed an all-new design over the last three years, he says. The purpose-built design allows the Fish Hawk to be loaded on each of the P-8's internal and external weapons stations.

The Raytheon design also includes a unique pivot-wing, with a spring-loaded mechanism releasing the wing into position after the torpedo is launched. The Fish Hawk is designed to be launched upside-down and right itself after the wing deploys. A tail guidance section, which includes four fins, is also deployed at the same time as the wing.

Raytheon has performed a single flight test in March 2008 to demonstrate that the technology works, Borup says. Raytheon had planned to perform two flight tests, but the single event achieved all of the desired test results, he adds.

The Fish Hawk uses a global positioning/inertial navigation system to glide to a location in the proximity of the targeted submarine. As the weapon reaches a specific point in space, the wingkit and guidance section is jettisoned. The torpedo drops into the water, using its terminal guidance system to fix the position of the target.

Raytheon has not integrated a datalink on Fish Hawk. However, Borup says, the company is aware that the USN eventually plans to adopt a datalink for such weapons, and has made provisions for the Fish Hawk to accept a datalink.

[buglerbilly]

Marine Aviators Complete Operational Assessment of Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System with 8-for-8 Performance

(Source: BAE Systems; issued February 9, 2010)

CHINA LAKE, Calif. --- Aviators from the U.S. Marine Corps have completed their operational assessment of BAE Systems’ Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System, scoring eight direct hits in eight shots in the past two weeks. Operational assessment gives Marine aviators the opportunity to “test drive” the system before it is deployed and confirms that the laser-guided 2.75-inch rocket will meet their needs in combat.

APKWS, developed by BAE Systems in partnership with the U.S. government, provides aviators with a highly precise weapon that is effective against soft and lightly armored targets while minimizing collateral damage — important in urban areas and other situations in which non-combatants or friendly forces are near hostile targets.

In a series of shots fired during the weeks of Jan. 11 and 18, Marine AH-1W Cobra helicopters flying a variety of scenarios fired laser-guided APKWS rockets at targets typical of those encountered in theater. Live warheads were fitted to the APKWS guidance section, and in day and night tests, the guided rockets struck their laser-designated targets and detonated on impact.

“The APKWS operational assessment has demonstrated the system’s effectiveness in a variety of scenarios involving various targets, platform speeds, ranges, and tactics,” said Maj. Matt Sale, requirements officer for Marine Corps Aviation Weapons. “The system’s reliability has been proven with its 19-for-19 performance in tests, exceeding requirements and expectations. We are confident that APKWS is the right-size weapon for many of our typical engagements and will be highly effective in allowing Marine aviators to prosecute targets.”

The final step in the APKWS development program is system qualification against the envelope of environments in which it might be employed, transported, and stored. That testing is expected to be finalized in time to allow the Navy to complete a production decision within the next 60 days. From there, the system is expected to enter low-rate initial production.

“Any time I have the opportunity to talk to our men and women in uniform, I hear about the pressing need for the capability afforded by APKWS,” said John Watkins, director of missiles and munitions for BAE Systems in Nashua, New Hampshire. “This weapon will make a real difference in allowing U.S. warfighters to complete their missions and come home safely.”

APKWS provides the military with a low-cost alternative to other air-launched munitions currently in inventory. The system transforms a standard 2.75-inch unguided rocket into a smart, highly precise laser-guided missile. Because it uses standard launchers, APKWS requires no platform integration or aircraft modifications, and because it is loaded and fired like a standard 2.75-inch rocket, it requires little additional aviator or ordnance crew training. The mid-body design of its guidance section enables use of existing warheads, fuzes, and rocket motors, enhancing the capability of existing inventory.

APKWS can be fired from any helicopter that can launch 2.75-inch rockets, including the AH-1 Cobra, UH-1 Huey, OH-58 Kiowa Warrior, and AH-64 Apache. On Jan. 4, the U.S. Navy published its intent to ask BAE Systems to study the use of APKWS on fixed-wing platforms through a joint cooperative technology demonstration program with the U.S. Air Force.

The Navy assumed acquisition executive oversight of the program in 2008 and has fully funded it for production. BAE Systems has been the APKWS prime contractor since 2006.

BAE Systems is a premier global defense, security and aerospace company delivering a full range of products and services for air, land and naval forces, as well as advanced electronics, security, information technology solutions and customer support services. With approximately 105,000 employees worldwide, BAE Systems' sales exceeded £18.5 billion (US $34.4 billion) in 2008.
-ends-

[buglerbilly]

Pentagon Eyes More Than $800 Million for New Nuclear Cruise Missile

Tuesday, March 9, 2010

By Elaine M. Grossman

Global Security Newswire

WASHINGTON -- The U.S. Air Force plans to spend more than $800 million to build a new nuclear-armed cruise missile for its bomber aircraft, according to little-noticed details buried inside the Obama administration's fiscal 2011 budget request delivered last month to Capitol Hill (see GSN, Dec. 16, 2009).

A "Follow-on Long-Range Stand-off Vehicle," or LRSO for short, would replace 375 aging AGM-86B Air Launched Cruise Missiles, expected to retire from the fleet by 2030. The Defense Department has estimated the new effort could cost a total $1.3 billion, Global Security Newswire has learned.

"The current system is experiencing obsolescence of parts [and] components," the Air Force stated in one budget document. "Missile components and support equipment are becoming non-supportable."

The service is closely monitoring "critical components" -- such as the missile's fuse, guidance and electrical power systems -- for age-related malfunctions, according to the text. It calls a service life extension of the Air Launched Cruise Missile "essential" to meeting war-plan requirements.

At the same time, the Air Force is conducting an "analysis of alternatives" aimed at weighing technical options for replacing the AGM-86B, which was first deployed in 1982. The document shows that the Pentagon is expected to make a formal acquisition decision around October 2012 on how to proceed.

The budget documents indicate a service intention to sharply ramp up research-and-development funds for the nuclear-capable weapon between fiscal 2013 and 2015, culminating in an estimated half-billion dollars to be spent on the LRSO effort in fiscal 2015 alone.

For the near term, though, the Air Force is requesting $3.63 million in 2011 to complete the ongoing technical studies on the new cruise missile.

Inclusion of the funds in the White House budget request is sure to rankle lawmakers on the left flank of President Barack Obama's political base, who have supported his commitment to taking "concrete steps" toward the eventual global elimination of nuclear weapons. Obama laid out this vision in a major speech last April in Prague, an event frequently cited as helping him win a Nobel Peace Prize.

On the other side of the aisle, Republicans can be expected to welcome the cruise missile plans as a potential indication of the administration's intent to modernize the U.S. nuclear arsenal. The Senate's entire GOP contingent in December told Obama that their support for the president's arms control agenda would rest on his commitment to funding modern replacements or updates for U.S. nuclear weapons (see GSN, Dec. 17, 2009).

Today's Air Launched Cruise Missiles are launched from the B-52 bomber, which is slated to remain in service through 2040. The aircraft can carry six cruise missiles under each of its wings and eight internally on a rotary launcher, giving each B-52 a capacity of 20 missiles.

The cruise missile flies roughly 550 mph and has a range of more than 1,500 miles, allowing the bomber to stand off at a safe distance from its target.

Though a future LRSO weapon's capabilities have not yet been publicly defined, a new cruise missile might be expected to ride aboard either a B-52 bomber or a future Long-Range Strike aircraft, which could be manned or unmanned (see GSN, Dec. 18, 2009).

Whether the future bomber itself proceeds -- and on what time line -- is uncertain. It is also not known yet if a new aircraft would be nuclear-weapon capable, like today's B-52 and B-2 planes, or instead be limited to conventional missions, like today's B-1 bomber.

The Defense Department is expected to announce its plans for a future Long-Range Strike aircraft as part of a major Nuclear Posture Review. The congressionally directed review of atomic forces, strategy and readiness has been repeatedly delayed but is anticipated for release in the coming weeks (see GSN, March 1).

Air Force budget documents for the first time include a funding line item for development of the new bomber. Budget dollars for the aircraft rise on a schedule roughly parallel to the proposed new cruise missile. The service expects to fund the new bomber at nearly $200 million in fiscal 2011, with program expenditures totaling $1.74 billion through 2015.

The service has not revealed exactly how it would use these large sums over that period or when bomber production would begin. Nor has the Air Force officially divulged a total program cost estimate for the proposed new bomber or an LRSO cruise missile.

The documents submitted to Congress on Feb. 1 state that Air Force studies on how to maintain the Air Launched Cruise Missile "identified system components that cannot be sustained beyond the initial missile service life," but that date has long since passed.

When the missile first entered the fleet in 1982, its service life was expected to be 10 years, according to a Pentagon official's response to written questions from Global Security Newswire. In 1998 -- six years after that anticipated retirement date -- the Air Force began a "service life extension program."

Current expectations are that "the Air Launched Cruise Missile will be retained through FY-20 with an option through FY-30," the official said in an e-mailed response, released on condition of anonymity. "Presently, ALCM is mission-ready and sustainable through 2030."

At the same time, the Defense Department appears to be leaving open the possibility that some of the first cruise missiles to enter the force might encounter age-related malfunctions prior to 2030.

"The ALCMs will age out as limited life components fail," the Pentagon official stated, without offering specifics. "Additional future investment and [service life extension program] actions would determine the actual time frame for obsolescence."

To keep the bomber leg of the nuclear triad useful and viable in the years to come, the Air Launched Cruise Missile must be replaced with a new weapon that offers similar stand-off launch capability, according to Christopher Ford, a senior fellow at the Hudson Institute.

"You don't want to fly B-52s over anything but tribal militias these days. That's a good way to lose B-52s," he said in an interview last week, suggesting the bombers are increasingly vulnerable to advanced surface-to-air missile technologies. "Hence we need a stand-off capability."

In fact, without a nuclear cruise missile, the utility of the bomber leg of the triad could significantly decline and eventually disappear, according to some issue experts. Lacking an ALCM replacement, the Pentagon could ultimately convert all its bombers to solely conventional use, leaving the nation with a "dyad" of submarine-launched ballistic missiles and ICBMs, insiders say.

Ford commended the Obama team for taking steps to ensure that key facets of the nuclear arsenal remain viable into the long term, even if that means alienating liberals in the White House's political base.

"This would be an interesting wrinkle that the Obama administration is at least contemplating modernizing nuclear delivery systems," Ford said. "The United States has been the only major world power not modernizing its delivery systems."

Others argue there is no urgent need for Washington to modernize its nuclear delivery platforms because they remain quite capable today and could continue functioning reliably for years to come.

"I think the president has quite clearly said no new nuclear weapons," said Hans Kristensen, who has closely tracked annual funding for a cruise missile replacement. Though liberal and conservative pundits alike tend to focus on whether and how nuclear warheads are modernized, "a nuclear warhead won't have much effect without a delivery platform," he said.

Kristensen, director of the Federation of American Scientists' Nuclear Information Project, said that even if the Nuclear Posture Review envisions a continued role for a nuclear-armed bomber for the time being, funding the future cruise missile would seem to "fly in the face of the president's pledge."

"Who are we kidding?" he said in an interview last week. "We're telling the world we're not going to produce new nuclear weapons, and in the first budget of the administration there is a new nuclear weapon."

In fact, the Pentagon official also would not rule out the possibility that a replacement cruise missile could carry a warhead other than the W-80, which is fitted on today's Air Launched Cruise Missile and on the Navy's Tomahawk Sea-Launched Cruise Missile. The latter weapon system is widely expected to retire soon from the U.S. arsenal (see GSN, Feb. 22).

The Air Force suspended an effort to extend the service life of the W-80 warhead in fiscal 2006, deferring work to what the Bush administration at that time anticipated would be a multiservice Reliable Replacement Warhead. The pause in the W-80 overhaul also allowed the nuclear complex to initiate a life-extension effort on another warhead, the Navy's W-76 weapon, the Pentagon official said.

Though Congress ultimately eliminated the RRW effort -- citing concerns that the new warhead could undermine Washington's nonproliferation objectives -- work to refurbish the W-80 has not resumed, according to the Defense Department.

The service has "archived" its previously conducted study of W-80 life-extension options, pending a "possible late FY-11 restart decision," according to the Pentagon official.

"While the W-80 is an obvious candidate" for use in a weapon that replaces the Air Launched Cruise Missile, "the LRSO study will help inform that decision," the official said.

Should the W-80 remain in the U.S. arsenal, it is likely to require another major life extension beginning in the 2030 time frame -- just as the last Air Launched Cruise Missiles retire -- according to a 2008 planning document compiled by the Energy Department's National Nuclear Security Administration.

That document, obtained by GSN, shows initial studies beginning late in fiscal 2029 and overhaul work on the nuclear explosive package and firing set commencing in 2036.

[McDethWivFries]

It is also not known yet if a new aircraft would be nuclear-weapon capable, like today's B-52 and B-2 planes, or instead be limited to conventional missions, like today's B-1 bomber.

i thought the B-1 was a nuke capable bomber?

[buglerbilly]

Mach 6 Cruise Missile, Ready for Prime Time?

By Nathan Hodge March 10, 2010 | 10:20 am

This spring, the Air Force was preparing for a groundbreaking test of the X-51 WaveRider, a hypersonic cruise missile that would reach speeds of up to Mach 6. But it looks like the WaveRider’s debut flight will have to wait while some technical issues are addressed.

Boeing spokeswoman Christina Kelly confirmed to Danger Room that the test would have to be rescheduled. “We don’t have a firm date,” she said. “It’s going to happen, but it’s just going move to the right.”

The X-51 program is a collaboration between Boeing Phantom Works and engine maker Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne to develop a new class of cruise missile that can reach targets much, much faster than current designs. As this Air Force video explains, the X-51 employs scramjet propulsion: It collects air from the atmosphere to mix and burn with its fuel, but unlike a jet, it doesn’t rely on a turbine to do the compression work.

Hypersonic flight was once considered too extreme for an air-breathing vehicle to handle in a controlled way. But as Danger Room’s Noah Schachtman explained in Popular Mechanics a few years back, the X-51’s unique shape uses the shockwaves created by hypersonic flight to create lift, and compress the air to mix with its fuel.

If the concept works, It fits neatly with the military’s “prompt global strike” concept. The idea is to develop a new class of conventional weapon that can reach distant targets — say, a weapon of mass destruction, or an enemy command post — and hit it in a hurry. But a conventionally armed ICBM or submarine-launched ballistic missile might not be the ideal solution: You don’t want your global strike mission to be mistaken for a nuclear attack.

Testing the X-51 is a fairly complex thing. First, a B-52 has to carry the WaveRider up to 50,000 feet, and then drop it away. A solid rocket booster will then accelerate the aircraft to about Mach 4.5. After the booster drops, the scramjet is supposed to ignite, taking the WaveRider up to Mach 6.

Lt. Col. Todd Venema, director of the Hypersonic Combined Test Force, said in this Air Force news item that the flight test would push the altitude limit for the B-52. And tracking the flight will also require some orchestration. “Telemetry has to be relayed to the Naval Air Station at Pt. Magu to a control room with about 35 people, all watching the various telemetry,” he said. “So there will be a lot of team work aspects to the whole project.”

Read More http://www.wired.com/dangerroom/2010/03/mach-6-cruise-missile-ready-for-prime-time/#more-23119#ixzz0hpvbJY5C

[Deks]

i thought the B-1 was a nuke capable bomber?

It was, but if I remember right they were deactivated as part of the START treaty.

[Gubler, A.]

Report: U.S. positioning 'bunker-busters' for possible Iran strike

By Haaretz Service

Last update - 09:10 17/03/2010

The United States is transporting 387 "bunker-buster" bombs to its air base on the island of Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean as part of preparations for a possible strike against Iran's nuclear facilities, according to a report in Scotland's Sunday Herald.

The U.S. government signed a contract in January with Superior Maritime Services to transport 10 ammunition containers to Diego Garcia from Concord, California. The shipment includes 195 smart, guided Blu-110 bombs and 192 Blu-117 2,000lb bombs.

Both types of bombs could be used against reinforced or underground facilities.

Neither the United States nor Israel have ruled out military action if diplomacy fails to resolve the long-running row over Iran's disputed nuclear ambitions.

Contract details for the shipment were posted on an international tenders' website by the U.S. Navy.

"They are gearing up totally for the destruction of Iran," Dan Plesch, director of the Center for International Studies and Diplomacy at the University of London, told the Herald. "U.S. bombers are ready today to destroy 10,000 targets in Iran in a few hours."

Plesch is the co-author of a recent study on U.S. preparations for an attack on Iran.

The final decision on whether to launch an attack would be in the hands of U.S. President Barack Obama. Obama may decide it would be better for the U.S. to strike instead of Israel, Plesch said.

"The U.S. is not publicizing the scale of these preparations to deter Iran, tending to make confrontation more likely," he added. "The U.S....is using its forces as part of an overall strategy of shaping Iran's actions."

Diego Garcia is a British territory about 1,000 miles south of India and Sri Lanka. It is used as a U.S. military base as part of an agreement reached in 1971.

In the past, the British Defense Ministry has said that the U.S. would need permission to use Diego Garcia for offensive action. It has already been used in operations against Iraq during the 1991 and 2003 Gulf wars.

The U.S. Department of Defense did not respond to a request for a comment from the Sunday Herald

[buglerbilly]

U.S. Targets Precision Arms for 21st-Century Wars

Seeks Capability To Strike Targets From Safe Range

By JOHN REED

Published: 22 March 2010

As the U.S. military focuses on fighting in a world where it can no longer count on unfettered access to the airspace over hostile territories, the Pentagon is looking at developing a new generation of precision weapons that can penetrate 21st-century air defenses and hit targets from thousands of miles away.

"In the future, U.S. forces conducting power-projection operations abroad will face myriad challenges," reads the 2010 Quadrennial Defense Review (QDR). It goes on to say that potential enemies like Iran and North Korea are acquiring a broad range of weapons and sensors aimed at impeding the deployment of U.S. forces to the theater and blunting the operations of those forces that deploy forward.

In such an environment, the United States won't be able to position jets at forward bases or fly from aircraft carriers sailing near enemy coastlines to launch airstrikes.

Even if U.S. jets can operate from bases or carriers near an enemy, next-generation air defense systems that are being sold around the world mean that only the most advanced jets will be capable of surviving over enemy territory in the future.

To counter these new air defenses, the Pentagon wants to build a host of precision weapons that can hit any target from thousands of miles away. Known as a family of systems, these weapons could include whatever the Air Force chooses as its next bomber, a new set of cruise missiles and even, someday, hypersonic weapons developed under the Pentagon's Prompt Global Strike program that would give the speed and range of an ICBM to a conventional warhead.

"Enhanced long-range strike capabilities are one means of countering growing threats to forward-deployed forces and bases and ensuring U.S. power projection capabilities," the 2011 QDR says. "The Secretary of Defense has ordered a follow-on study to determine what combination of joint persistent surveillance, electronic warfare and precision-attack capabilities, including both penetrating platforms and stand-off weapons, will best support" U.S. power projection until 2040.

Expanding on the themes of the QDR, the U.S. Air Force has begun to develop what Maj. Gen. Charles Davis, director of the service's Air Armaments Center (AAC) at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., describes as a "long-term munitions road map" aimed at developing weapons capable of overcoming 21st-century challenges.

The AAC develops airborne munitions for the Air Force and Navy.

"We have a whole lot of folks at the lab that are asking us to look at the next-generation missile, the next-generation long-range strike, to look at the next generation of hardened target penetrators," Davis said.

While the service has no concrete designs for the new generation of munitions, it is exploring various concepts based on the theme of range, loiter time and ability to be retargeted in flight, Davis said.

The Pentagon must also come up with an efficient way to punch through massive amounts of earth and concrete, since more nations are burying their most sensitive facilities hundreds of feet underground.

"We're definitely going to have to find a way to penetrate very deep, complex targets, but we're going to have to figure out a way to do it with less than 30,000 pounds of brute force," Davis said, referring to the 30,000-pound Massive Ordnance Penetrator, the U.S.'s current effort to develop a penetrating weapon.

"We clearly have to find a way to do that with smaller, more flexible weapons," he added. To do this, Davis imagines that the air service will begin looking at ways to boost the speed or improve the shape of future penetrating weapons.

End of the Line for AMRAAM

After that, the United States must start looking at what will replace the AIM-120 Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missile (AMRAAM), which has dominated air-to-air combat for the last two decades.

"It's clear that we've rung about all we can out of the warhead and the seeker and the motor on the AMRAAM, so we've got to look at what's the new generation of motors and warheads and seekers," Davis said.

"We've clearly got to get better range; we've got to get more powerful warheads, and the seeker will be a mix" of multimode tracking devices similar to prototype versions of the Small Diameter Bomb II's combination of infrared, laser and radar seekers.

This is going to be true for both future air-to-air and air-to-ground weapons. However, doing this in an affordable manner will be critical. This leads Davis to predict that future missiles will be rolled out in spirals.

"All that will be decided when the services take whatever concepts come up in their analysis of alternatives and basically decide what becomes a program," he added.

"There will probably be a lot less programs, but they'll probably be some very new and exciting technologies in three or four new areas; penetration, long-range strike, hard and deeply buried targets, and close controlled strike ... It's net-enabled weapons, it's multimode seekers with a variety of flexible effects - that'll be a theme for all those areas."

This upgrade in the U.S. missile portfolio will likely result in a technological advancement in the realm of air warfare akin to the advent of fifth-generation fighters like the F-22 Raptor and F-35 Joint Strike Fighter, the general said.

Before all of this can happen, however, the Pentagon must decide what its future long-range strike portfolio will look like, as mandated by the QDR, said Teal Group missile analyst Steve Zaloga.

"This really comes down to perhaps a radical new think about what the nation needs for its long-term requirements post-Cold War, post-Apocalyptic visions of nuclear war," Zaloga said. "It's going to force a lot of new thinking, so the solutions will probably be very, very different."

This process will involve the Pentagon figuring out "what does the president need to carry out national policy. Then, once you define what that requirement is, tailoring the technology to meet that requirement. That's going to be hard."

Zaloga compared the current status of long-range strike munitions to the late 1940s when such technology was just emerging and missions for it had yet to be fully fleshed out.

"I wouldn't say we're back to square one because the technology is mature," he said. "I think the big issue here is the new missions, not developing new technology."

Part of this debate will involve how the U.S. Air Force and Navy will each participate in the "family of [long-range and penetrating strike] systems" being hashed out by the Pentagon, according to Zaloga.

The Air Force may require some sort of stealthy air launched cruise missile - resembling a beefed up version of its Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile - launched from a bomber and capable of penetrating heavily defended enemy airspace and striking targets with precision, Zaloga said.

Meanwhile, the Navy may require what Zaloga describes as a hypersonic version of a sea-launched Tomahawk cruise missile that is capable of quickly striking terrorists from ships that are floating thousands of miles away.

It all depends on what types of targets the services want to hit and how they want to carry the weapons, added Zaloga. ■

E-mail: jreed@defensenews.com.

[buglerbilly]

JSOW C-1 variant successfully tested

A U.S. Navy F/A-18F Super Hornet completed the first captive carriage test of the AGM-154 Joint Standoff Weapon (JSOW) C-1 variant at the Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division, China Lake, Calif., March 4.

This variant of the combat-proven JSOW provides upgraded capability to strike moving maritime targets. The weapon’s data link allows the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet aircraft to relay targeting information to the weapon.

Captive carriage testing is executed to ensure the C-1 maturity is sufficient to support more extensive testing to ensure warfighter requirements are met.

“The JSOW team has reached a critical milestone in the C-1 program,” said Capt. Carl Chebi, Precision Strike Weapons (PMA-201) program manager. “The team is on target and moving toward the full system captive carriage test in spring and the first free flight event later this year.”

According to a report, the weapon was able to enter the Link-16 network – a secure military tactical data exchange – to receive network-enabled messages. Operators use Link-16, which encrypts words to coordinate communications, to search for potential hostiles. From ground to air, forces are able to exchange secure tactical data, be it picture, text or voice, in near-real time.

“The team planned and executed this event to test the JSOW C-1’s Link-16 network interoperability,” said Cmdr. Douglas Phelan, JSOW integrated product team lead. “All major and primary objectives of this test were met.”

JSOW C-1 is an all-weather, day or night, launch-and-leave, network-enabled weapon that employs a Global Positioning System/inertial navigation system. The weapon uses an infrared seeker for terminal guidance.

The JSOW team will continue testing the C-1 variant with additional captive carriage and free flights later this year.

PMA-201 is responsible for the research, development and acquisition of the Fleet’s air-to-ground precision guided weapons, general-purpose bombs and aircraft armament-related equipment.

[buglerbilly]

DATE:01/04/10

SOURCE:Flight International

MBDA: more nations to order Meteor this year

By Craig Hoyle

MBDA expects more partner nations in its UK-led Meteor programme to sign their first production orders this year for the beyond visual-range air-to-air missile, and has identified Spain as a lead candidate.

Company chief executive Antoine Bouvier says all certification activities on the Meteor weapon will be completed by 2012, with production deliveries to start the following year. So far, only the UK has placed a firm order for the design, which will arm its Eurofighter Typhoon combat aircraft in operational use from around 2015.


© Eurofighter

Eurofighter and Meteor partner nations Germany, Italy and Spain have yet to follow the UK's commitment, along with France and Sweden, who will field the missile with their respective Dassault Rafale and Saab Gripen fighters.

This year "will be an important year for MBDA to secure production orders from other Meteor partners", says Bouvier. "There is a high level of maturity in the Spanish decision process," he comments, but declines to say which other nations could follow Madrid in ordering the system.

[buglerbilly]

JAGM Effort Likely To Feature Cost-Plus and Fixed-Price Contracts

By KATE BRANNEN

Published: 1 Apr 2010 18:37

The U.S. Army expects to award a cost-plus contract for the engineering phase of the multibillion-dollar Joint Air-to-Ground Missile (JAGM) program, and a fixed-price contract for the low-rate initial production phase, according to a draft request for proposals released March 31.

Army Aviation and Missile Command released the draft request for the program's engineering, manufacturing and development and low-rate initial production phases.

The draft request does not indicate the evaluation criteria the Army will use to select the winning team. Therefore, contractors will have to wait a little longer before they know how the service will weigh various factors, including this summer's three planned test shots.

Companies have 45 days to respond to this request and the government will issue a final request for proposals on or before July 3, the draft says. A preliminary design review for the system is scheduled for June; subsystem design reviews are already taking place. The engineering, manufacturing and development phase is planned to start in January 2011.

While the draft indicates the types of contracts planned, it is clear these are just expected contract types that could change before the final request for proposals is released this summer, said Frank St. John, director of tactical missiles at Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control. The company is competing for the program, along with a team from Raytheon and Boeing.

The JAGM is to replace Hellfire, Maverick and air-launched TOW missiles. The program is led by the Army but also includes the Navy and Marine Corps.

The new missile will be carried by rotary-wing and fixed-wing aircraft, including the Navy's F/A-18E/F Super Hornet, the Army's AH-64D Apache helicopter, the Marine Corps' AH-1Z Super Cobra attack helicopter, the Navy's MH-60R Seahawk helicopter and the Army's Extended Range Multi Purpose unmanned aircraft system. The services also aim to integrate the missile on the Air Force's F-35 and other aircraft.

[buglerbilly]

Lockheed Martin, Aerojet Achieve Joint Air-To-Ground Missile (JAGM) Rocket Motor Breakthrough

(Source: Lockheed Martin; issued April 6, 2010)

ORLANDO, Fla. --- Lockheed Martin and Aerojet, a GenCorp company and teammate on the Joint Air-to-Ground Missile (JAGM) program, achieved a technological breakthrough by successfully completing full temperature range testing and validation to support a single rocket motor solution for all JAGM fixed-wing and rotary-wing platforms. The final completed tests were a series of cold temperature missile motor firings conducted in Camden, AR.

The rocket motor was manufactured to a tactical configuration using a composite motor case and conditioned to -65 degrees F, replicating the highly stressful thermal requirements of a fixed-wing launch at altitude. Building upon a series of previous developmental static motor tests at various temperatures, including a prior successful test at -65 degrees F in a heavywall motor case, this test further validates that the Aerojet rocket motor offers a single-motor solution for JAGM's challenging fixed-wing, rotary-wing and unmanned aerial vehicle requirements.

"Given the positive results of this rocket motor test and previous tests, we are confident we can deliver a single missile motor offering for the JAGM program as specified in the Statement of Work," said Hady Mourad, JAGM program director at Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control. "Our motor has been optimized for employment off fixed-wing, rotary-wing and unmanned aerial vehicles, and it meets or exceeds every key performance parameter including maximum and minimum ranges, minimum-smoke propellant and, as just demonstrated, the hot and cold temperature parameters."

"The JAGM launch environment provides an extremely challenging set of requirements for the rocket motor, using a minimum-smoke propellant over a very large temperature range while also providing the necessary high turn-down ratio (boost to sustain) to power the launch and sustain flight to maximum ranges," said Aerojet's vice president for Tactical Programs, John Myers. "Aerojet is pleased to be able to successfully demonstrate these capabilities in support of Lockheed Martin's single-motor JAGM solution. We look forward to delivering rocket motors for their upcoming flight tests and ultimately to getting this vital new capability into the hands of our nation's warfighters as soon as possible."

Developed along with partners Roxel, General Dynamics Armament and Technical Products, and Pacific Scientific Energetic Materials Company, Aerojet's advanced boost-sustain motor supports the Lockheed Martin JAGM team effort as part of the competitive Technology Demonstration phase of the program.

The JAGM TD program is being conducted by the U.S. Army's Joint Attack Munition Systems Project Office in Huntsville, AL, to replace the currently fielded HELLFIRE, Longbow, Airborne TOW and Maverick missiles for the U.S. Army, Navy and Marine Corps. JAGM provides the next-generation air-to-ground missile for employment from the services' rotary-wing, fixed-wing and unmanned platforms.

Threshold aviation platforms include the U.S. Army's AH-64D Apache attack helicopter, the Army's Extended Range Multi-Purpose (ERMP) Sky Warrior unmanned aerial system, the U.S. Marine Corps' AH-1Z Super Cobra attack helicopter, and the U.S. Navy's MH-60R Seahawk armed reconnaissance helicopter and F/A-18E/F Super Hornet jet fighter. Numerous Objective platforms are also in consideration, including the tri-service Joint Strike Fighter program. The initial operational capability of JAGM on the AH-64D, AH-1Z and F/A-18E/F is scheduled for 2016, and the IOC for the MH-60R and ERMP is 2017.

Aerojet is a world-recognized aerospace and defense leader principally serving the missile and space propulsion, defense and armaments markets. GenCorp is a leading technology-based manufacturer of aerospace and defense products and systems with a real estate segment that includes activities related to the entitlement, sale, and leasing of the company's excess real estate assets.

Headquartered in Bethesda, Md., Lockheed Martin is a global security company that employs about 140,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services. The Corporation reported 2009 sales of $45.2 billion.

-ends-

[buglerbilly]

Enhanced APKWS Rockets Enter Production, to arm Marine Corps Gunships

APKWS, the lightweight 2.75" laser guided rocket developed by BAE Systems in partnership with the U.S. government, has been approved for production. The U.S. Marine Corps will initially deploy APKWS from AH-1W Cobra helicopters. APKWS also has been successfully demonstrated from a U.S. Army OH-58 Kiowa Warrior. APKWS is the Program of Record established by the U.S. Government to meet war fighter requirements for a laser-guided 2.75" rocket. The Navy assumed acquisition executive oversight of the program in 2008 and has fully funded it for production.

Prior to being declared production-ready, the weapon underwent a rigorous series of flight, component, and all-up-round qualification tests. The flight tests, which culminated in a perfect 8-for-8 score in a series designed and conducted by Marine test pilots, demonstrated that the system's accuracy exceeds government requirements. Throughout its eight-year history of flight tests, APKWS has hit an average distance from the center of the laser spot of less than 0.75 meters against a government specification of 2 meters.

In a series of shots fired during the weeks of Jan. 11 and 18, Marine AH-1W Cobra helicopters flying a variety of scenarios fired laser-guided APKWS rockets at targets typical of those encountered in theater. Live warheads were fitted to the APKWS guidance section, and in day and night tests, the guided rockets struck their laser-designated targets and detonated on impact.

"The APKWS operational assessment has demonstrated the system's effectiveness in a variety of scenarios involving various targets, platform speeds, ranges, and tactics," said Maj. Matt Sale, requirements officer for Marine Corps Aviation Weapons. "The system's reliability has been proven with its 19-for-19 performance in tests, exceeding requirements and expectations. We are confident that APKWS is the right-size weapon for many of our typical engagements and will be highly effective in allowing Marine aviators to prosecute targets."

The weapon system, which transforms standard 2.75-inch unguided rockets to smart, highly precise laser-guided missiles, "is a game-changer for our nation's war fighters," said Mike Lewis, vice president and general manager of soldier and vehicle solutions at BAE Systems. "Its demonstrated precision and small warhead mean aviators can prosecute very specific targets from a greater distance without incurring collateral damage. The technology's low weight compared to other precision-guided munitions is critical to mission success on helicopters operating in high-altitude environments."

APKWS is a low-cost alternative to other air-launched munitions currently in inventory. Because it uses standard launchers, APKWS requires no platform integration or aircraft modifications, and because it is loaded and fired like a standard 2.75-inch rocket, it requires little additional aviator or ordnance crew training. The mid-body design of its guidance section enables use of existing warheads, fuses, and rocket motors, enhancing the capability of the existing 100,000-unit inventory of unguided rockets.

© Copyright 2010 - Defense Update, Lance & Shield Ltd.

[Deks]

The mid-body design of its guidance section enables use of existing warheads, fuses, and rocket motors, enhancing the capability of the existing 100,000-unit inventory of unguided rockets.

Didn't know that, that has to be a pretty big selling point :)

[buglerbilly]

Raytheon-Boeing Team Validates Joint Air-to-Ground Missile Seeker During Captive Flight Tests

(Source: Raytheon Co.; issued April 15, 2010)

TUCSON, Ariz. --- Raytheon Company and The Boeing Company completed a second series of captive flight tests for the Joint Air-to-Ground Missile competition.

"This test proved that all modes of the Raytheon-designed seeker work properly, and that the JAGM seeker can transfer back and forth between the two hardest modes – imaging infrared and millimeter wave," said Bob Francois, vice president of Raytheon Missile Systems' Advanced Missiles and Unmanned Systems product line. "With the latest tests under our belt, we are well on the way to conducting seeker tests in a countermeasure-intensive environment."

JAGM will replace three legacy missiles currently in the U.S. Army, Navy and Marine Corps inventory. The Raytheon-Boeing team's JAGM features a Boeing body, a Boeing warhead and a Raytheon tri-mode seeker. The tri-mode seeker leverages technology used on Raytheon's GBU-53/B Small Diameter Bomb II. The tri-mode seeker enables JAGM to attack a variety of fixed and moving targets in all weather conditions.

"Raytheon's expertise in advanced guidance-seeker technology combined with Boeing's proficiency in integrating weapons on platforms like the AH-64D Apache Longbow make our JAGM the best choice for the warfighter," said Carl Avila, Boeing's director of Advanced Weapons and Missile Systems. "By leveraging proven components from both companies, the Raytheon-Boeing team will be able to provide the warfighter a reliable, best-value solution."

Raytheon Company, with 2009 sales of $25 billion, is a technology and innovation leader specializing in defense, homeland security and other government markets throughout the world. With headquarters in Waltham, Mass., Raytheon employs 75,000 people worldwide.

A unit of The Boeing Company, Boeing Defense, Space & Security is one of the world's largest defense, space and security businesses specializing in innovative and capabilities-driven customer solutions, and the world's largest and most versatile manufacturer of military aircraft. Headquartered in St. Louis, Boeing Defense, Space & Security is a $34 billion business with 68,000 employees worldwide.

-ends-

[buglerbilly]

Raytheon-Boeing Team Fires First Joint Air-to-Ground Missile

WHITE SANDS MISSILE RANGE, N.M., April 20, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- Raytheon Company (NYSE: RTN) and The Boeing Company (NYSE: BA) fired the first Joint Air-to-Ground Missile during a test funded by the two companies.


CAPTION: The first Raytheon-Boeing Joint Air-to-Ground Missile is fired during a company-funded test at White Sands Missile Range, N.M. The Raytheon-Boeing JAGM uses existing technologies to provide the warfighter a cost-effective, low-risk solution for destroying a wide range of stationary and moving targets in all weather conditions. (PRNewsFoto/Raytheon Company)
LOCATION: WHITE SANDS MISSILE RANGE, NM, UNITED STATES
POST DATE: Apr/20/2010 8:59 AM
(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20100420/NE88948 )

The weapon, fired from a ground-based rotary-wing launcher, performed a series of preprogrammed maneuvers and flew to a predesignated location, validating the flight control software and Brimstone airframe. The mission met all primary test objectives.

"The Raytheon-Boeing JAGM is on track to demonstrate our low-risk entry into the engineering manufacturing development (EMD) phase of the program," said Bob Francois, Raytheon vice president of Advanced Missiles and Unmanned Systems. "The missile uses existing technologies to provide the warfighter a cost-effective, low-risk and highly capable solution for destroying a wide range of stationary and moving targets in all weather conditions."

The Raytheon-Boeing JAGM features proven components from other Raytheon and Boeing programs including the Raytheon GBU-53/B Small Diameter Bomb II and Boeing Brimstone.

"We had a successful flight of the control test vehicle and anticipate achieving additional milestones with a successful series of guided test vehicle missile firings as a culmination of our technology demonstration phase," said Carl Avila, director of Boeing Advanced Weapons and Missile Systems. "Our system-solution approach to the JAGM program will carry forward into EMD, setting the stage for success. Boeing's extensive experience integrating weapons on the F/A-18 E/F Super Hornet and AH-64D Apache Longbow combined with Raytheon's proficiency in seeker design and integration make our JAGM the lowest-risk and lowest total-cost solution."

[buglerbilly]

USAF Eyes Low-Yield Munitions

Apr 23, 2010



By Amy Butler

U.S. Air Force officials are eyeing another low-yield weapon in their strategy to field a family of munitions with limited collateral damage potential.

They are using a composite case for the 500-lb. MK 82 bomb with the goal of reducing the weapon’s blast fragmentation effects and shifting to an overpressure kill mechanism, says Col. Mike Fantini, Air Force headquarters division chief for combat force application requirements. The MK 82 can be coupled with a Boeing Joint Direct Attack Munition kit to form a precision-guided weapon.

Navy officials fielded a 500-lb. Low Collateral Damage Bomb in 2007 by using a concrete fill to limit blast effects.

The casing for the new Air Force weapon will be modeled after that used for the 250-lb. Small Diameter Bomb Focused Lethality Munition (FLM) variant, Fantini says. FLM combines a composite casing with a high-density fill to reduce the blast radius. The goal of FLM is to kill occupants of a crudely made structure without destroying the structure. The Air Force has purchased 250 FLMs.

Fantini says the Air Force views a 500-lb., low-collateral damage weapon as a step toward acquiring a family of selected effects weapons.

Eventually, service officials are hoping to field a weapon with variable yields that can be selected prior to engagement. However, a program has not yet been formed to achieve that goal.

Photo: US Navy

[The image they've used is mis-leading! It's actually a SPIKE missile test!!!]

[buglerbilly]

Boeing Expands SDB I Weapon's Capability with Block 09 Software

(Source: Boeing Co.; issued April 22, 2010)

ST. LOUIS --- The Boeing Company has begun fielding Block 09 software for the Small Diameter Bomb Increment I (SDB I) that adds to the weapon system's capability and updates its concept of operations.

"In response to the changing battlefield environment, Boeing and the U.S. Air Force have worked together to expand SDB I's mission capability from a long-range standoff weapon into a weapon that also minimizes flight time to target -- ideal for close air support," said Dan Jaspering, Boeing program director for Direct Attack Weapons.

The software upgrade is designed to minimize flight time so that the weapon reaches the target faster while maintaining accuracy and low collateral damage. The upgrade does not require any physical changes to the weapon or the carriage. Both fielded weapons and new productions of SDB I and its Focus Lethality Munition (FLM) variant will receive the upgrade.

SDB I is a 250-pound class, low-cost and low-collateral-damage precision strike weapon. It incorporates a steel case and penetrating blast-fragmentation warhead. The weapon's smaller size, coupled with its four-place carriage, enables more weapons to be carried on each aircraft to improve mission effectiveness and reduce the number of sorties required per mission. The FLM variant provides even lower collateral damage effects with the use of a composite case warhead.

Since 2003, Boeing has delivered more than 5,000 SDB I weapons to the Air Force, all on schedule and on cost. Deliveries are on contract through 2012.

A unit of The Boeing Company, Boeing Defense, Space & Security is one of the world's largest defense, space and security businesses specializing in innovative and capabilities-driven customer solutions, and the world's largest and most versatile manufacturer of military aircraft. Headquartered in St. Louis, Boeing Defense, Space & Security is a $34 billion business with 68,000 employees worldwide.

-ends-

[buglerbilly]

Raytheon-Boeing Team Demonstrates JAGM Can Be Employed From Super Hornet

TUCSON, Ariz., May 5, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- Raytheon Company (NYSE: RTN) and The Boeing Company (NYSE: BA) completed wind tunnel testing of the Joint Air-to-Ground Missile. The test proved the team's JAGM can be flown and employed from the F/A-18 E/F Super Hornet's outboard wing station.

"The warfighter can place a full Raytheon-Boeing JAGM missile load on the outer wing stations, enabling the system to safely exceed the objective load-out requirement on the Super Hornet," said Bob Francois, Raytheon vice president of Advanced Missiles and Unmanned Systems.

The Raytheon-Boeing offering features a Boeing body and warhead combined with a Raytheon tri-mode seeker. The tri-mode seeker, which leverages the same technology used on the Raytheon GBU-53/B Small Diameter Bomb II, enables the weapon to attack a variety of fixed and moving targets in all weather conditions.

"Boeing has a long history of integrating weapons on platforms like the Super Hornet and the AH-64D Apache helicopter," said Carl Avila, Boeing director of Advanced Weapons and Missile Systems. "Combining that with Raytheon's seeker expertise makes our JAGM the lowest-risk and most cost-effective solution."

[buglerbilly]

Su-30MKI To Get Indian Nirbhay Cruise Missile

May 7, 2010



By Douglas Barrie, Neelam Mathews
London, New Delhi


India intends to integrate a variant of its Nirbhay long-range cruise missile on the Suhkoi Su-30MKI Flanker strike aircraft, following the weapon’s initial development in the ground-launch configuration.

The addition of the Nirbhay to the Flanker’s weapons inventory would give the platform a long-range—and potentially strategic—strike capability. While details on the Nirbhay program remain scant, Indian officials have suggested the weapon will have a range of 800-1,000 km. (500-620 mi.).

An air-launched derivative of the Nirbhay would be a candidate platform for the air force element of India’s strategic nuclear triad ambitions. Packaging of a warhead in the constrained space of a cruise-missile body is a key technical challenge. The current Indian air force nuclear weapon capability consists almost certainly only of free-fall weapons.

The Nirbhay project is being led by India’s Defense Research and Development Organization’s (DRDO) Hyderabad-based Advanced Systems Laboratory.

The overall design and aerodynamic study work has been completed, as has the design of the propulsion system. There are suggestions that a mock-up of the design could be displayed at the AeroIndia show in 2011. A transporter erector launch vehicle is already being developed for the ground-launched version of the cruise missile by the DRDO’s Pune-based Research and Development Establishment (Engineering).

The acquisition of a 1,000-km.-class cruise missile is part of New Delhi’s strategy to match and surpass systems being developed by Islamabad. Pakistan is working on a ground-launched cruise missile called the Babur, likely with substantial Chinese help, and is probably receiving support from South Africa in developing the Ra’ad air-launched weapon. The Babur was unveiled in 2005 and the shorter-range Ra’ad was announced in 2007. The service status of both weapons remains uncertain.

Development of the Nirbhay apparently began at least five years ago. It would be the third indigenous weapon to equip the Su-30MKI, joining the Brahmos supersonic cruise missile—a variant of the NPO Mashinostroenia 3M55 (SS-N-26)—and the Astra medium-range air-to-air missile. The Nirbhay would have three times the range of the Brahmos. The army is also acquiring a ground-launched land-attack version of the Brahmos alongside the system in development for the air force.

An air-launched variant of the subsonic Nirbhay “is in the initial stages,” says an Indian industry official. There are “plans for it, but not immediately,” he adds.

The Nirbhay likely adopts a conventional cruise missile configuration with some form of flip-out mid-body wing and cruciform tail surfaces. The turbofan engine most likely will be recessed in the airframe body, given the requirement that the weapon be canister-launch-capable.

It is not yet clear which turbojet India plans to use for the Nirbhay. It did strike a deal with Russia over the supply and in-country manufacture of the Saturn 36MT engine in 2006, though the extent to which this deal has been implemented is uncertain.

There are also suggestions that India’s development program has had some technical support from Israel.

Given the size of the Nirbhay—reports suggest it is 6 meters (19.6 ft.)—the Su-30MKI would likely carry one or two of the missiles. To maximize platform range, the aircraft could carry one weapon on a pylon in the tunnel between the two engine bays. This is the approach being taken with the Brahmos missile, which is now scheduled to begin initial launch trials from a test aircraft in 2011. If the aircraft were to carry two Nirbhays, one could fit under each inboard wing-station.

New Delhi has also yet to disclose what kinds of mid-course and terminal guidance the Nirbhay will use. India and Russia did, however, strike a deal this year allowing Indian access to the high-precision signal of Moscow’s Glonass satellite navigation system.

In terms of medium-range standoff weapons, the Indian air force’s Su-30MKI can carry the Russian Missile Corp. Kh-59M (AS-18 Kazoo). A conventional variant of the Nirbhay, with the requisite level of accuracy, would provide a long-range precision-strike complement to the Kh-59M.

[buglerbilly]

First Torpedo Launched from C295

(Source: Airbus Military; issued May 7, 2010)



Airbus Military successfully conducted the first torpedo launch from one of its C295 Maritime Patrol Aircraft (MPA).

This represents an important milestone in the development of the antisubmarine version of the C295 MPA. It is also a significant entry for Airbus Military into the market of Anti Submarine Warfare (ASW) aircraft, currently dominated by veteran aircraft such as the P-3 Orion and the Atlantique.

The C295 MPA/ASW includes two under-wing pylons for the installation of torpedoes and other external loads. It also incorporates a Store Management System (SMS), integrated with the Airbus Military Fully Integrated Tactical System (FITS), to control the deployment of sonobuoys for submarine detection and torpedoes.

The C295 MPA has a flight endurance of over 11 hours, and it is used for a wide variety of missions: Search and Rescue (SAR), control of the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), law enforcement, marine pollution detection, as well as defence missions. The C295 platform, a multi-mission short / medium range tactical transport aircraft, offers high manoeuvrability and excellent qualities for low-altitude flying.

In addition, it has been widely tested in all kinds of aerial deployments: launch of chains of SAR rafts, emergency equipment and parachutists.

With this new version, Airbus Military increases the capabilities offered by its surveillance aircraft family.

To date, a total of 82 C295s have been sold to 12 operators, and nine countries have contracted 47 CN235/C295s MPA, which demonstrates the capabilities and effectiveness of Airbus Military platforms for maritime patrol missions. Airbus Military has sold more than 800 C295/CN235/C212s to more than 120 costumers.

[buglerbilly]

DATE:10/05/10

SOURCE:Flight International

Raytheon moves MALD-J forward with new contract

By Stephen Trimble

Raytheon will begin manufacturing and testing a new version of the miniature air-launched decoy (MALD) designed to penetrate hostile airspace and jam radars within range of surface-to-air missiles.

A $48.9 million contract announced on 6 May launches the engineering, manufacturing and design phase for the US Air Force programme. By the end of 2012, Raytheon's MALD-J is expected to enter service after completing a series of free flight and captive carry tests.

The MALD-J is launched by a fighter, bomber or unmanned aircraft system, flies up to about 925km (500nm) and weighs up to 136kg (300lb).

MALD-J is the air force's only option to field a "stand-in" jammer against radar threats. It is derived from the baseline MALD, which is designed to spoof radars.

Raytheon envisages that US military demand for decoys and jammers will drive sales for thousands of MALDs and MALD-Js, says missile systems business development manager Michael Spencer.

So far, the MALD-J has completed two free flights testing both the flight controls and jammer payload, he says.

The USAF, meanwhile, is mulling over the idea of investing in a power upgrade for the jammer. An option to install a datalink was declined, Spencer says.

[Deks]

Slightly older news but I don't recall reading it on here before.



U.S. Navy's Multipurpose Bomb Rack program reaches Milestone B
NAVAL AIR STATION PATUXENT RIVER, Md. | The U.S. Navy’s first bomb rack design effort in four decades recently met a new milestone.

The BRU-69/A multipurpose bomb rack (MPBR) received a Milestone B approval, which authorizes the program to move into the System Development and Demonstration phase. The Navy awarded the Engineering Manufacturing Development contract to Raytheon March 29.

The 210-pound rack will replace the current inventory of BRU-33, BRU-41, BRU-42 and BRU-55 racks.

“By replacing four racks with one, the MPBR will significantly reduce the Aircraft Armament Equipment (AAE) logistical footprint, aircraft turnaround time and life-cycle cost,” said Capt. Carl Chebi, NAVAIR’s Precision Strike Weapons (PMA-201) program manager. “Being able to carry multiple store configurations from a single weapons rack provides tremendous flexibility to the warfighter.”

The twin-store, non-pyrotechnic carriage system will consolidate the capabilities of legacy bomb racks currently deployed on the F/A-18 E-F into a single rack, reducing overall logistics and ownership cost. MPBR will also be integrated on the Joint Strike Fighter.

“MPBR’s primary technical advantage to the fleet is that it is non-pyrotechnic and much less labor intensive to maintain,” said Ralph “Chip” Whipkey, PMA-201 AAE integrated product team lead. “Current bomb racks use Cartridge Actuated Devices (CADs) to provide the energy to drive the rack and release the stores. The CAD, while effective, leaves an explosive residue that is corrosive thereby driving additional rack cleaning and maintenance by the fleet maintainer.”

The rack’s Universal Armament Interface (UAI) software enables the aircraft to communicate with its ordnance. UAI’s functionality is similar to USB architecture which enables compatible hardware to be connected and operated without any additional hardware or software changes.
This capability enables MPBR to be used with current and future “smart weapons,” including laser guided weapons, Joint Direct Attack Munition, Joint Standoff Weapon and Joint Air-to-Ground Missiles.

Raytheon and Ultra Electronics will team up to develop MPBR, with assessment expected in early 2011 followed by low rate initial production in 2014. Inventory objectives call for 2,050 units to be produced.

MPBR is slated to reach the fleet in 2017.

PMA-201 is responsible for the research, development and acquisition of the fleet’s air-to-ground precision guided weapons, general-purpose bombs and aircraft armament-related equipment.


link (http://www.defpro.com/news/details/14432/)


Also worth a scan through

https://www.fbo.gov/utils/view?id=917fe4ef255bfb361a244815ba217ecc

Main point to take away is that it will allow dual carraige (on a single pylon) of GBU-12, JDAMs, JSOW, and also quad carraige of JAGM. Do doubt something the RAAF would be interested in, though apparently the rack is to go through 7 years of testing. !

[buglerbilly]

Ares

A Defense Technology Blog

IPODS - Coming to a Cave Near You

Posted by Graham Warwick at 5/18/2010 11:10 AM CDT

"Bomb them back to the Stone Age" might become a mild enjoinder if the US Air Force proceeds with a program call IPODS - Integrated Precision Ordnance Delivery System. It's aim is to develop a prototype air-launched, highly maneuverable weapon capable of "defeating internal tunnel defenses and targets deep within tunnels." And caves.

Details are scant - the Air Force Research Laboratory has announced there will be a Phase 2 industry day at Elgin AFB on 24 June - but a solicitation for Phase 1 concept refinement released a year ago said IPODS was needed "to hold at risk critical mission areas far down a tunnel behind blast doors". Multiple weapons would be carried by the F-15E, B-52 and B-2 using existing carriage hardware.

That suggests IPODS is intended to fly into cave and tunnel complexes and penetrate man-made barriers before exploding. The current method is to detonate a thermobaric weapon in the entrance to send a blast wave down the tunnel, with devastating effect. BLU-118/B penetrator bombs, AGM-114N Hellfire missiles and SMAW shoulder-fired rockets with thermobaric warheads have been used in Iraq and Afghanistan.


Thermobaric explosion (Credit: ISL)

But such weapon can be defeated by blast doors and other barriers, and penetrating defended cave and tunnel complexes is clearly becoming an issue. In March, the US Defense Threat Reduction Agency issued a request for information on the Robotic Underground Munition (RUM), "a one-time use, air-delivered, highly mobile vehicle having certain characteristics similar to an unmanned ground vehicle." RUM would have the ability to "avoid, traverse, neutralize or defeat natural and man-made obstacles".

Not sure what Apple will make of AFRL's choice of acronym, but I noticed the US Army has announced its intent to award Canada's Ultra Electronics Marine Systems a contract for "Rock Phones". These magneto-inductive communication systems can work through rock and earth that radio cannot penetrate. Clearly caves and tunnels will soon not be the refuge they once were.

[buglerbilly]

DATE:19/05/10

SOURCE:Flight International

Lockheed’s Scalpel bomb finds first customer

By Stephen Trimble

The US Navy is acquiring a new type of weapon to allow fast jets to precisely strike small targets in urban areas without causing widespread damage.

The Lockheed Martin small contained-area precision energetic load, or Scalpel, weapon will be acquired under a sole-source contract placed by the US Naval Air Systems command, says an acquisition notice published on 14 March.

Lockheed developed Scalpel as a weaponised version of the Paveway II-based enhanced laser guided training round. The munition integrates a small warhead and an improved seeker.

The notice is the first public indication that Lockheed has found a customer for Scalpel, which the company last marketed two years ago. At that time, the design was used in tests by the Naval Air Warfare Center, which integrated the weapon on a McDonnell Douglas AV-8B Harrier.

Lockheed has billed Scalpel as a small weapon that offers precision targeting and minimal collateral damage, especially for close air support and urban warfare missions.

The weapon can be integrated on the navy's AV-8B and Boeing F/A-18 fleets, as well as the Lockheed Martin F-16 and medium and large unmanned air systems fleets.

[buglerbilly]

DATE:25/05/10

SOURCE:Flight International

Raytheon, Boeing hail JAGM test success

By Stephen Trimble

As a Raytheon/Boeing team seeks to capture the joint air-to-ground missile (JAGM) contract, the team's first guided test vehicle launch struck a fixed target board "dead centre" from a 16km (8.6nm) range.

The self-funded, 2 April test demonstrated the Raytheon tri-mode seeker's ability to acquire and remain locked-on to the 1.2 x 2.4m (4 x 8ft) target board as the missile body pitches over at maximum altitude, says Mike Riley, Raytheon's JAGM programme manager.

The guided test vehicle used a semi-active laser to lock-on to an illuminated spot on the target board. The seeker also includes an imaging infrared camera and millimetre-wave radar, but relied on only the laser mode to maintain lock in the first test launch, Riley says.

The Raytheon/Boeing team is competing with Lockheed Martin for the JAGM contract to replace thousands of Lockheed AGM-114 Hellfire and Raytheon AGM-65 Maverick missiles fired from both helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft.

JAGM intends to introduce a tri-mode seeker in the regular US Army and US Marine Corps munition inventory, as well as doubling the striking range of helicopters now equipped with Hellfire missiles to 16km.

Contract award for JAGM is expected in December 2010.

[buglerbilly]

Smaller, Lighter, Cheaper

New Missiles Are 'Absolutely Ideal' for Irregular Warfare

By WILLIAM MATTHEWS

Published: 31 May 2010

A new generation of small missiles promises to improve precision strike, limit collateral damage and bring new capabilities to UAVs - if the U.S. military can be convinced to use them.

Meet Scorpion, Spike and Griffin, missiles that are designed to be smaller, lighter and cheaper than the missiles now widely used by the U.S. services. They're byproducts of irregular warfare - precise so they hit their intended target, low-yield to limit collateral damage.

And they're a good match for irregular war's other technological luminary, the unmanned aerial vehicle.

"They're absolutely ideal for UAVs," said Steve Farrow, who heads weapons business development for Lockheed Martin in Orlando, Fla.

Lockheed's entry in the small missile domain is the Scorpion. Weighing 35 pounds, it's 21.5 inches long and 4.25 inches in diameter and is designed to use the same M-299 and M-310 launchers that are used to launch Hellfire missiles from helicopters and Predator UAVs.

Scorpion is meant to be a Hellfire alternative.

"The war we're currently fighting is a different kind of battle," Farrow said. "The bad guys are figuring out how to hide out in homes and near schools. We can't go in and drop large bombs - that just doesn't work any more."

The 100-pound Hellfire armed with a 20-pound high-explosive warhead was designed to kill tanks and attack bunkers. It causes substantial damage, sometimes too much.

The Scorpion can be armed with a 17-pound warhead or a five-pound charge, Farrow said.

"You want to fly around with UAVs, pick out the bad guys and you want specifically to take out the bad guys without hurting anyone else," he said. "You want low collateral damage."

That, Farrow said, is what Scorpion delivers.

It's a gliding bomb rather than a rocket-powered missile. Depending on the altitude and speed from which it is launched, it can glide up to 10 nautical miles.

"Very precise targeting capabilities" also help limit collateral damage by ensuring that the Scorpion hits only its intended target, Farrow said.

It accommodates a variety of precision seekers that are accurate to within a meter of their target. A semi-active laser seeker guides the Scorpion to a target being illuminated by a laser; a millimeter-wave seeker finds targets through fog and rain; and imaging infrared and shortwave infrared seekers go after heat sources such as engines.

Lockheed has been working mainly with the U.S. Air Force and Special Operations Command to develop the Scorpion and lately has been pursuing the Navy as a possible customer, Farrow said.

So far, though, the Scorpion remains in development. Reports suggesting that it has been used in Afghanistan and Pakistan were inaccurate, a Lockheed spokesman said.

While a Scorpion is one-third the size of a Hellfire, a Spike missile is less than one-third the size of a Scorpion.

"We started out looking for a sub-10-pounder," said Steve Felix of the Naval Air Warfare Center at China Lake, Calif. It wasn't intended for UAVs; Felix was looking for a guided missile that was small enough, light enough and cheap enough for Marines to carry in backpacks and fire with abandon.

"Cost was our primary driver," Felix said. "Marines say if they can't shoot them by the bunch, they don't want 'em."

Felix quickly discovered that no such missile existed, nor did most of the parts needed to build one. So Felix set about building his own.

The Spike "was wholly developed by the Navy, right down to mixing the rocket fuel" and the explosive for the missile's one-pound warhead, Felix said.

The result is a 25-inch-long, 2.25-inch-diameter missile that weighs about 5.4 pounds. It's powered by a small solid rocket motor and guided by a tiny 1-megapixel video camera. It has a range of about two miles.

The camera "feeds you a picture, you put a box on the target, pull the trigger and it's fire-and-forget," Felix said.

It's the smallest guided missile in the world, according to the Naval Air Warfare Center, and its projected $5,000 per-missile price tag would make it the cheapest.

And it works.

"We've had seven successful firings that resulted in hits of targets. Four were moving targets," Felix said. One was a truck traveling at 20 miles per hour that was hit from a mile and a half away. Others include a small speedboat hit by a Spike missile fired from a boat.

The missile has also been fired from an Army Vigilante UAV, a 625-pound unmanned helicopter.

Because it was designed to be shoulder-fired, the Spike missile shows promise as a weapon for small UAVs.

"When you look at anything other than a Predator, most UAVs have about the same lift capability, shock tolerance and temperature tolerance as a human being," Felix said.

UAVs can't haul the weight of a 100-pound missile or withstand the kick of 1,000 pounds of thrust from a rocket motor or accommodate a complex fire control system.

The Spike avoids all that.

"We designed it as a bolt-on weapon," said Felix, adding that it requires only a tiny fire control system and very little integration with the platform that carries it. "We were trying to make that piece of the puzzle less expensive, too."

Limiting collateral damage was a goal in Spike development as well.

"We were concerned after our experience in Iraq about being about to pick out point targets," Felix said. "You want to hit only the guy you want, not the school bus three cars back."

Precision guidance and the small warhead accomplish that, he said.

The Spike missile is currently being considered for use by the services.

One new small missile that seems to already be in service is the Griffin.

Raytheon received a $14.5 million contract from the Army in June 2009 to supply "Griffin A and B munitions and engineering services," the company said. The Army Aviation and Missile Contracting Center at Redstone Arsenal, Ala., said the missiles were to be delivered May 31.

Raytheon officials won't talk about the missile or the contract, insisting that they are forbidden to do so by "the customer."

Instead, Raytheon refers questions to an Air Force testing center in Florida. Officials there refer questions back to Raytheon and to the Pentagon, and the Pentagon refers them back to the Air Force.

Not all about the Griffin is secret, though.

It's 43 inches long, 5.5 inches in diameter and weighs about 35 pounds. It has a solid rocket motor and a 13-pound warhead. And three Griffin missiles can be carried by a Predator UAV in place of one Hellfire, according to published reports. ■

E-mail: bmatthews@defensenews.com

[buglerbilly]

Northrop Grumman's Viper Strike Being Added to KC-130J Arsenal

(Source: Northrop Grumman Corp.; issued June 2, 2010)

HUNTSVILLE, Ala. --- The U.S. Marine Corps Harvest Hawk aircraft will soon be equipped with Northrop Grumman Corporation-built Viper Strike stand-off precision guided munition as part of an effort under way to bring greater utility to the Marines' KC-130J refueling and cargo aircraft.

Under the terms of the contract, Northrop Grumman will deliver 65 Viper Strike munitions beginning this year to the Joint Attack Munition Systems Project Office within the Program Executive Office Missiles and Space at Redstone Arsenal for eventual integration onto the KC-130J platform.

Viper Strike is a gliding munition capable of precision attack from extended stand-off ranges using GPS-aided navigation and a semi-active laser seeker. Its small size, precision and high agility provide a very low collateral damage weapon that can be used in the difficult operational environments where U.S. troops may be deployed.

"In today's irregular warfare environment, Viper Strike provides the right characteristics needed to support our warfighters in the current fight - high precision and agility to hit targets in complex terrain and with very low collateral damage," said Steve Considine, programs director, Aviation and Weapons for Northrop Grumman's Land and Self-Protection Systems Division. "The KC-103J represents the latest military airborne asset to be equipped with Viper Strike's formidable capabilities."

Viper Strike munitions are produced at the company's Huntsville, Ala., facility.

Northrop Grumman Corporation is a leading global security company whose 120,000 employees provide innovative systems, products, and solutions in aerospace, electronics, information systems, shipbuilding and technical services to government and commercial customers worldwide.

-ends-

[buglerbilly]

DATE:04/06/10

SOURCE:Flight International

USAF sets 2013 entry for extended-range JASSM

By John Croft

The US Air Force says it will be ready to deploy the extended-range version of its Lockheed Martin-built AGM-158 joint air-to-surface stand-off missile (JASSM) in the second half of 2013.

Using larger fuel tanks and a more efficient Williams International F107-WR-105 turbofan engine, rather than the Teledyne CAE J402-CA-100 turbojet, the JASSM ER (AGM-158B) will have a range of more than 926km (500nm), up from 370km for the original missile.

The AGM-158 entered service in 1999 and has not been used in combat to date. Lockheed in April rolled out the 1,000th JASSM round from its Troy, Alabama factory, one of 1,200 units that have been purchased for use with the Boeing F-15, B-1B and B-52, Lockheed F-16 and Northrop Grumman B-2, and with the US Navy's Boeing F/A-18.

Early problems with the cruise missiles, which caused the air force to put the programme on hold from June 2007 until May 2008 have been addressed. This was evidenced by 15 successful launches in 16 tests of Lot 7 JASSMs in autumn 2009, says Col Stephen Demers, air force JASSM programme manager and 308th Armament Systems Group commander. "These are the best results in the history of the programme," he says.

Lockheed was awarded a Lot 8 production contract for 158 missiles in January. Problems with Lot 5 and 6 missiles, which included fuzes that failed to initiate detonation and electrical problems elsewhere in the missile were fixed at Lockheed's expense and incorporated into Lot 7 examples, says Demers.

The USAF "upped" quality control on all suppliers in the aftermath of the investigations, he adds.

To date, the air force has tested six JASSM-ER missiles launched from a B-1 bomber (below) and has five additional tests due this summer, starting in July.


© Lockheed Martin

Demers expects the first production buy for the JASSM ER by January 2011 as part of the weapon's Lot 9 purchase. Air force testing of the JASSM ER, which has 70% hardware commonality and 95% software commonality with the regular version of the cruise missile, will include 21 test launches.

Demers says Lockheed's F-35 Lightning II is "on the list" to receive both missiles, to be carried externally, but that no funding is in place for the work. A systems level readiness review is set for summer, following successful subsystem production readiness reviews conducted between February and April, the air force says.

[buglerbilly]

VIDEO: Air Force JASSM ER cruise missile -- No need for an ER

By John Croft on May 26, 2010 10:47 PM

While I don't usually cover the military beat, I find myself at Eglin Air Force base in Florida today, covering a variety of topics including CV-22 and F-35 simulators -- and missiles -- as part of a Lockheed Martin sponsored media blitz on the panhandle.

We learned that the big brother of the standard JASSM (Joint air-to-surface standoff missile) , of which there are more than 1,000 in the field (for several fighters and the B-52, B-1 and B-2 bombers) and which have not yet been called upon for bunker-bursting duty, could be finished with testing and deployed to the field in mid-2013.

The JASSM ER (extended range) has a 500nm range, up from 200nm with the standard unit. It's a bit longer and weighs more, but is 70% common with the existing unit with respect to hardware and 95% common in software.

The Air Force just today gave us a video of the ER going about its business on six test flights on the B-1 to date. A series of five more shots are slated for this summer, with another 16 on tap as part of the test program that could see a military decision to buy by year's end, with deployment to the troops 2.5 years later, after a great deal of testing and evaluation.

When this baby hits, there's no need for an ER (emergency room)....Enjoy!

[Tim]

Would anyone hereabouts be able to tell me where the RAAF sits re JASSM at the moment? All I could find were dated articles about its acquisition and mention of an intent to achieve IOC by late 2009. The various developmental setbacks suffered by JASSM have as I recall appeared quite prominently in the media, though I don't know how serious the setbacks really were to the overall program. I would think we would have heard something from Faulkner or Combet if IOC had been achieved, so I was wondering if anyone could tell me - how is the weapon coming along in the RAAF? Have the various problems that reportedly affected the missile's development diminished the RAAF's confidence in the weapon? Has the Super Hornet purchase (a potential launch platform for SLAM-ER and, should it be developed, JSOW-ER) reduced the priority of integrating JASSM with the legacy Hornets?

Or am I jumping the gun, and the integration is proceeding as best it can? Personally I hope things are going strong, it seems like a hell of a capability if it can be made to work as advertised. Beats the hell out of AGM-142...

[ARH v.3.1]

I have vague recollections about the weapon's integration with the Hornet fleet heading along successfully, and it comes as a standard fit for the SHornet.

I would personally really like to see the ER variant integrated with the AP-3 fleet to provide a more strategic strategic strike capability that can target more than the Indonesians and is more responsive than sea based missiles.

[Tim]

I have vague recollections about the weapon's integration with the Hornet fleet heading along successfully, and it comes as a standard fit for the SHornet.

I would personally really like to see the ER variant integrated with the AP-3 fleet to provide a more strategic strategic strike capability that can target more than the Indonesians and is more responsive than sea based missiles.

Cheers for the update mate. I didn't realise the Super could employ JASSM, but now reading my articles more closely I see it was integrated onto the aircraft before the US Navy dropped out of the program in 2005. That's handy then - makes all the nonsense about our diminishing strike capacity in the wake of the F-111's retirement sound even more ridiculous. I know integration of a single weapon type isn't a big deal, but the more I learn about the Super, the happier I am with the decision to acquire it. I'll be interested to see how it goes in the Indian and Brazilian competitions - it seems to offer a lot more in terms of developed, existing capabilities than something like Rafale or Eurofighter.

ARH, it's an interesting thought, the maritime patrol aircraft filling a strategic strike role. Added to the recent and upcoming RAAF and RAN acquisitions it certainly paints a bloody fierce picture. From what I understand the P-8 has a hell of a payload to play with too, but then that's getting a bit ahead of myself... and for the purposes of slinging a JASSM-ER to a launch point I suppose the difference between a P-3 and P-8 isn't all that great.

When you mention sea-based missiles, I take it you mean Collins-fired Harpoons?

[ARH v.3.1]

When you mention sea-based missiles, I take it you mean Collins-fired Harpoons?

More along the lines of sub and AWD based Tomahawk. Not that I think we shouldn't get it as well, but the area that can be covered and the potential volume of fire is limited.

[buglerbilly]

Cheers for the update mate. I didn't realise the Super could employ JASSM, but now reading my articles more closely I see it was integrated onto the aircraft before the US Navy dropped out of the program in 2005. That's handy then - makes all the nonsense about our diminishing strike capacity in the wake of the F-111's retirement sound even more ridiculous. I know integration of a single weapon type isn't a big deal, but the more I learn about the Super, the happier I am with the decision to acquire it. I'll be interested to see how it goes in the Indian and Brazilian competitions - it seems to offer a lot more in terms of developed, existing capabilities than something like Rafale or Eurofighter.

ARH, it's an interesting thought, the maritime patrol aircraft filling a strategic strike role. Added to the recent and upcoming RAAF and RAN acquisitions it certainly paints a bloody fierce picture. From what I understand the P-8 has a hell of a payload to play with too, but then that's getting a bit ahead of myself... and for the purposes of slinging a JASSM-ER to a launch point I suppose the difference between a P-3 and P-8 isn't all that great.

When you mention sea-based missiles, I take it you mean Collins-fired Harpoons?

See here................2010 Australian Budget report published by Abe

http://www.w54.biz/showthread.php?462-2010-Australian-Budget&highlight=jassm


JASSM: First live fire from a RAAF F/A-18A/B in the USA is expected in June 2010 and in Australia in September 2010. The IOC is expected in 2010 and will be for both fixed and relocating land targets. For other targets: “The capability requirement to engage a moving maritime target is an option under the contract. Proceeding with this option is dependent on USAF development of an anti-surface warfare capability within a timeframe that is suitable for the Australian application. Defence-funded Lockheed Martin simulation studies into the missile performance in a maritime environment are now complete, and are informing Defence and Government decisions on whether to proceed with the moving maritime target capability.”

[Tim]

Oh thanks very much for digging that up mate! Appreciated :D

[Gubler, A.]

A few points:

JASSM and Orion: Beloved of the likes of Carlo Kopp the Orion and JASSM upgrade was far from a long range strategic cruise missile attack platform. Firstly the upgrade was cancelled because of the MU90 torpedo. The idea was to fit a new systems upgrade to the AP-3C that could operate both the MU90 and the JASSM. With the MU90 being delayed and overrun this was dropped. Secondly the key capability of the JASSM for Orion would be against littoral targets and re-attack profiles.

JASSM and Range: The JASSM has long range (and even longer range in the turbofan ER version: normal JASSM has a turbojet) but it also has a data link. Combined with its seeker head this provides a man in the loop capability for precision engagement. In particular this means loiter and re-attack capability. This is a highly effective way to find complex targets in complex environments and has been proven in operations with the Delilah missile by the IDF (itself a weaponised version of the Chukar target drone). The RAAF is more interested in using JASSM’s range to not bomb strategic targets deep in mainland China (!!!) but to hit a complex target with stand off range. So the aircrew operating the weapon can prowl around a bit and find the right target.

JASSM and Super Hornet: The Super Hornet shares a lot of systems needed to make JASSM work thanks to integration of JSOW but more needs to be done to clear and integrate the weapon. This has been funded and is progressing. JSOW-ER is a very different weapon to JASSM despite having a similar gross range. JSOW is very much a glide bomb, even the –ER version, and a very good glide bomb. JASSM is a flying missile and can do all the things an aircraft can do in terms of flight profile.

JASSM and Ships: Lockheed have done a basic integration study of JASSM and the MK 41 VLS and it does fit. You wouldn’t be able to encapsulate it and launch it form a torpedo tube because it’s too wide. It probably could fit in a submarine VLS but a lot of work would be needed to integrate it. Though some basic, wider application under water launch work being done by the USN might make it easier. With the automatic tracking of moving maritime targets option JASSM would make an ideal Harpoon replacement for RAN destroyers and frigates. Especially with its enhanced land attack capability.

Anyway JASSM is a very good weapon but it’s still no Turana!

[buglerbilly]

I've never driven a Turana, who makes that Ford or Holden?

[Gubler, A.]

I've never driven a Turana, who makes that Ford or Holden?

Government Aircraft Factory. It was a turbojet powered version of the Ikara used as a target drone by the RAN. Kind of looks like JASSM.

PS Torana or Turana be it made by GMH or GAF is an Aboriginal language word for "to fly"...

[ARH v.3.1]

JASSM and Orion: Beloved of the likes of Carlo Kopp the Orion and JASSM upgrade was far from a long range strategic cruise missile attack platform.

I don't ever recall saying it was. I'll re-quote myself.


I would personally really like to see the ER variant...

[Gubler, A.]

I don't ever recall saying it was. I'll re-quote myself.

I don't think I even read your post. But of course the ER version would be good. The difference is just a more fuel efficent engine and more fuel. Once it is available I'm sure it will be purchased. Its more a Block 2 than a variant.

[Tim]

Some great information there Abe, thanks very much for sharing. Ship-launched JASSM sounds like it would be a pretty big step forward from Harpoon for any warship with the VLS to spare. I had wondered whether a Harpoon replacement was on the horizon - haven't heard any complaints about it, but the compared to modern weapons like JASSM the basic design is starting to look pretty dated...

Cheers for the info on the Super Hornet, my material must have been wrong (random article from google so no surprise there). Glad to hear they're going forward with JASSM integration.

[ADMk2]

Some great information there Abe, thanks very much for sharing. Ship-launched JASSM sounds like it would be a pretty big step forward from Harpoon for any warship with the VLS to spare. I had wondered whether a Harpoon replacement was on the horizon - haven't heard any complaints about it, but the compared to modern weapons like JASSM the basic design is starting to look pretty dated...

Cheers for the info on the Super Hornet, my material must have been wrong (random article from google so no surprise there). Glad to hear they're going forward with JASSM integration.

DMO states on it's website that they signed a contract to integrate JASSM onto the F/A-18F. I know there's some doubt about this, but the information is still there...


Prime contractor: An FMS case was established with the US Air Force in July 2006 to supply AGM-158 Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missiles(JASSM). A commercial contract was signed with Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control in September 2006 for support for integration of JASSM with F/A-18F aircraft and supply of technical data and documentation.

http://www.defence.gov.au/dmo/lsp/further_LSP.cfm#followsow

[Gubler, A.]

Some great information there Abe, thanks very much for sharing. Ship-launched JASSM sounds like it would be a pretty big step forward from Harpoon for any warship with the VLS to spare. I had wondered whether a Harpoon replacement was on the horizon - haven't heard any complaints about it, but the compared to modern weapons like JASSM the basic design is starting to look pretty dated...

The new maritime strike missile is in the DCP but missed out on being in the last public one from the fortunately short lived decision to reduce the outlook from 5 to 10 years. Like the Harpoon there is no doubt a desire to have a common air and surface launched missile. However the project is for an air launched missile. The Navy seems happy with the Harpoon for the time being though this may all be changed as definition of the naval cruise missile and land attack weapon capabilities are explored.


4th from left: JASSM
L to R: SM3, THAAD, TLAM, JASSM, SLAM-ER, SM4 (LASM), Polythem, SM2ER/SM6, SM2, Aster 30, Aster 15, RIM-7, ESSM, VL-ASROC

The big issue that may crunch the apparent inevitable forward path of JASSM “Turana Mk 2/3” is the internal weapons bays of the F-35A and the Kongsberg NSM/JSM. JASSM is too big for internal carriage on the F-35A. The NSM and its ‘American Made’ derivative the JSM is very similar in capability to JASSM. Just less range and less of a warhead. But it can fit into the bays. Defence co-funded an integration study with Norway to make sure of this but Australia is NOT a partner in NSM (which you can read around the internet).

If internal carriage becomes a key requirement then the NSM may win the new maritime strike missile. In which case it may replace Harpoon onboard the warships. It is an angle launched missile from canisters but could be modified for VLS launch. Which you really wouldn’t need to do as its canisters could just replace the Harpoon canisters.


NSM

[ADMk2]

L-M is also looking at a JASSM model with less range, but which WILL fit internally on the F-35. of course this will be some years off, but RAAF was previously interested in a 'family' of air to surface weapons, the options with JASSM might provide exactly that...

[buglerbilly]

Published 01:53 08.06.10
Latest update 01:53 08.06.10

Israel asked U.S. to increase weapons supply, Haaretz learns

Air force seeking more JDAM bombs, and larger emergency stores held by American army.

By Amos Harel

Israel recently approached the United States with new requests for security-related purchases, Haaretz has learned. The requests included Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM ) bombs for the Israel Air Force, as well as a significant expansion of the emergency stores held by the U.S. army in Israel.


Defense Minister Ehud Barak and U.S. President Barack Obama at the King David Hotel in Jerusalem, July 2008
Photo by: Daniel Bar-On / Jini

The Israeli requests were brought up during recent visits to Washington by Defense Minister Ehud Barak and director-general of the Defense Ministry, Udi Shani, and in conversations with senior administration and Congress officials.

The priority list reflects the security threats the defense establishment believes Israel will face in the next few years, i.e. the eventuality of a prolonged war, which would necessitate using the IAF widely to attack many targets, along with ensuring enough spare parts and supplies.

Israel also requested JDAM bombs, seeking to significantly increase the number of such munitions already in its arsenal. The JDAM bombs have been used increasingly in recent operations, including in the Second Lebanon War in 2006 and Operation Cast Lead in 2008.

Israel is also seeking to increase the amount of gear held by the American army in their emergency stores in Israel by 50% - from $800 million to $1.2 billion. The Obama administration placed the stores in Israel in December, as part of a number of steps to improve U.S. assistance to Israeli security. To date, $600 million worth of American emergency equipment has been placed in Israel.

The American stores hold rockets, bombs, aircraft ammunition and armored vehicles, along with other weapons. The gear fully matches equipment already used by the Israel Defense Forces and is cataloged upon arrival to ensure quick and easy access at a time of need, pending permission from the United States. The American move has a dual purpose: bringing military equipment closer to areas in which Americans might need to fight, and assisting the U.S. ally should the need arise.

Senior military sources told Haaretz that the IDF attaches great importance to the stores; in the event of an extensive conflict, considerable time will pass before an airlift of ammunition and spare parts - similar to the one operated during the 1973 Arab-Israeli war - gets under way.

[buglerbilly]

User Trials of DRDO-Developed Laser-Guided Bombs Successful

(Source: India Press Information Bureau; issued June 9, 2010)

The Aeronautical Development Establishment (ADE), a premier DRDO aeronautical lab at Bangalore, has successfully designed, developed and carried out the user trials of laser guided bombs at Pokhran with the participation of users, Indian Air Force.

Flight tests have demonstrated the accuracy, reliability and performance of these precision air-launched bombs. The tests have been conducted after extensive simulation, design validation and ground experiments followed by series of flight evaluation.

A number of high-tech components have also been developed by Indian industries for this advanced weapon package. IAF is expected to upgrade a large number of unguided bombs to this standard based on the excellent results seen during these tests.

-ends-

[buglerbilly]

Spain’s Participation in the Production Phase of the Meteor Missile

(Source: Spanish Council of Ministers; issued June 11, 2010)

(Issued in Spanish only; unofficial translation by defense-aerospace.com)

The Council of Ministers has authorized the signing of the agreement covering Spain’s participation in the series production phase of the Meteor programme. The cost is one hundred million euros, to be disbursed in seven annual installments.

The purpose of the Meteor program is the development and subsequent production of a long range (more than one hundred kilometers) air-to-air missile to equip the Eurofighter EF-2000, which will gain a true beyond visual range air combat capability.

The Council of Ministers at its meeting of December 14, 2001 had authorized the Minister of Defence to sign the Meteor Program Memorandum of Understanding, along with representatives from France, Germany, Italy, Sweden and United Kingdom, which are the other participating countries.

The entry of Spain into the production phase will allow the allocation of related work packages which imply the transfer of technology relating to subsystems that are being developed in other coutries, principally Germany and the United Kingdom. This will offset a small deficit that occurred in the allocation of work at the development stage, and will favorably position the Spanish industry for possible future exports.

In accordance with the conditions contained in the Memorandum of Understanding and the industrial contract, Spain will get a 10 percent industrial return (value equal to its participation in the program).

Spanish industrial participation in the development program involved the companies Navantia, Indra, Inmize, INTA and General Dynamics-Santa Barbara Sistemas.

-ends-

[buglerbilly]

Lockheed Martin's Scorpion Successful in Flight Test

(Source: Lockheed Martin; issued June 21, 2010)


Scorpion is the warfighter's answer to precision attack using a small, lethal warhead against targets in areas requiring low collateral damage. A Lockheed Martin photo

ORLANDO, Fla. --- A Lockheed Martin Scorpion munition was successfully flight tested June 17 from a C-130 aircraft at Yuma Proving Ground, AZ. Ejected at an altitude of 5,000 feet through a Common Launch Tube on the aircraft, Scorpion successfully deployed its fins and wing, allowing it to precisely glide 1.65 nautical miles to the target.

Utilizing a Global Positioning System / Inertial Navigation System to locate the target area, Scorpion employed its Semi-Active Laser (SAL) seeker to strike the laser-designated target. The SAL seeker is one of several seekers that can be used with Scorpion.

Scorpion is an unpowered, lightweight, compact munition that provides the Warfighter with an affordable strike option against a broad target set. Scorpion is adaptable to multiple launch platforms, including manned and unmanned systems. Targets can include structures, personnel, lightly armored vehicles, trucks, cars, missile launchers, and artillery or gun positions. It has a maximum range of over 10 nautical miles.

"Scorpion provides the Warfighter with a much-needed affordable solution against targets in areas requiring low collateral damage, such as urban environments," said Randy Bigum, vice president of Strike Weapons for Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control. "This precision attack munition features a small, lethal warhead which can be launched from a wide variety of platforms to take out time-critical fixed or moving targets."

Scorpion uses a SAL seeker for man-in-the-loop terminal guidance, and can be tailored to use planned, imaging infrared, shortwave infrared or millimeter wave seekers. The precision provided by these seeker types ensures accuracy to less than one meter and dramatically reduces the possibility of collateral damage. Multiple warhead options are also available for use against various target types.

Headquartered in Bethesda, Md., Lockheed Martin is a global security company that employs about 136,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services. The Corporation reported 2009 sales of $45.2 billion.

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[buglerbilly]

£8.6M Weapon Enhancement Improves Tornado Aircraft Capability

(Source: BAE Systems; issued June 29, 2010)

WARTON, UK --- BAE Systems has been awarded an £8.6M contract to integrate improved weaponry onto the Tornado GR4 fleet, by the UK Ministry of Defence.

Introduction of the Insensitive Munition (IM) variant of the Dual Mode Brimstone guided missile will provide the UK's Royal Air Force with a low collateral, precision attack capability against manoeuvring and fixed targets, in line with operational requirements and forms part of a wider weaponry package known as SPEAR (Selective Precision Effects At Range).

A series of flight trials which will commence in 2011 will be carried out at BAE Systems Warton site to provide the necessary evidence to clear the Tornado GR4s to carry and deploy this weapon. The contract is just one element of a larger Complex Weapons contract, awarded by the UK Ministry of Defence to MBDA (UK) under the Team Complex Weapons initiative, earlier this year.

The award of this contract further underlines the company's capabilities in the area of readiness and sustainment, which accounts for around 40 per cent of BAE Systems' revenue in 2009.

Alun Fishburne, Managing Director Tornado and Harrier said: "It is vitally important that we support the frontline by offering the RAF the very best in complex weaponry. This programme will significantly enhance the Tornado fleet which already has proven capability on deployed operations in Afghanistan."

Tornado GR4s are currently operated from RAF Marham and RAF Lossiemouth and are also on operational deployment to Afghanistan.

BAE Systems is a global defence, security and aerospace company with approximately 107,000 employees worldwide. The Company delivers a full range of products and services for air, land and naval forces, as well as advanced electronics, security, information technology solutions and customer support services. In 2009 BAE Systems reported sales of £22.4 billion (US$ 36.2 billion).

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[buglerbilly]

DATE:30/06/10

SOURCE:Flight International

USAF seeks out low-collateral damage Mk 82 bomb

By Stephen Trimble

The US Air Force could soon deploy a 226kg (500lb)-class guided bomb designed with a composite warhead to destroy targets while causing the least amount of collateral damage.

The first 50 Precision Lethality Mk 82 bombs could be delivered by January 2011, with up to 750 carbonfibre-wound warheads designated as BLU-129/B to follow.

The air force has issued a market survey seeking contractors that can deliver the composite warheads rapidly in response to an urgent request by Central Command, the US headquarters in the Middle East and parts of south Asia.

The Air Armament Center could award a contract as soon as August to build 125-175 warheads for a test programme, the survey says.

A "one-time production option" for 400-800 warheads could follow if the test programme is successful.

The air force also is buying a low-collateral damage version of the 130kg Boeing small diameter bomb called the full lethality munition.

Precision Lethality bombs would be nearly twice the size of the full lethality munition, but are still intended to minimise damage beyond a precise strike zone.

The new, composite BLU-129/B warheads would be installed in the Mk 82 bomb, which would be mated to a joint direct attack munition (JDAM) and laser JDAM guidance kits.

Earlier this year, the Senate added $35.5 million to overseas contingency operations budgets in fiscal year 2010 for the air force and navy to develop, test and field the Precision Lethality programme.

[buglerbilly]

More on this new approach for BRIMSTONE..............

DATE:01/07/10

SOURCE:Flight International

BAE to test MBDA's new Brimstone variant with Tornado GR4

By Niall O’Keeffe

Flight trials of the Panavia Tornado GR4 equipped with an insensitive munition variant of MBDA's dual-mode Brimstone guided missile are to be carried out next year from BAE Systems' Warton site in Lancashire.

The UK Ministry of Defence has awarded BAE an £8.6 million ($12.9 million) contract to assist with integrating the weapon into the Royal Air Force's GR4 fleet, which MBDA expects to take place by 2012.

Readiness and sustainment contracts accounted for 40% of BAE's revenue in 2009.


© Crown Copyright

Tests due to start at Warton in 2011 will "provide the necessary evidence to clear the Tornado GR4 to carry and deploy this weapon", BAE says. Its work forms an element of a larger development and manufacturing contract awarded to MDBA by the MoD in March, within the Team Complex Weapons initiative, and which replaces an urgent operational requirement.

The new variant of the 50kg (110lb) dual-mode Brimstone forms part of the Selective Precision Effects At Range (Spear) Capability 2 Block 1 weapons package for RAF fast jets. It is intended to deliver a low-collateral, precision-attack capability deployable against manoeuvring and fixed targets in short- to medium-range close air support or counter-insurgency operations.

The RAF's Tornado GR4s, eight of which are deployed in Afghanistan, are operated from main bases at Marham, Norfolk and Lossiemouth, Scotland.

As part of a "spiral development" programme targeting "pan-platform utility", MBDA plans to integrate the IM-variant dual-mode Brimstone on the UK's BAE Harrier strike aircraft by 2012. It is also conducting an assessment that addresses applications with attack helicopters, the UK's Joint Combat Aircraft - Lockheed Martin's F-35B Joint Strike Fighter - and for unmanned aircraft systems and surface-launch.

Under the banner of Spear Capability 3, MBDA will, over the next three years, assess potential new 100kg-category weapons for deployment in long-range JSF-type missions, with a focus on reusing technologies to provide a low-cost option.

[buglerbilly]

Ares

A Defense Technology Blog

French Air Force Rafales Go Nuclear

Posted by Robert Wall at 7/6/2010 4:07 AM CDT

One July 1, the French air force's Rafale strike fighter fleet was declared operationally ready in the nuclear strike mission.


(credit: SIRPA Air)

The Rafale carries the MBDA ASMP-A missile for that purpose. The mission is assigned to the 1/91 fighter squadron at the Saint-Dizier base.

The development of the ramjet-powered ASMP-A has not been trouble-free, but French air force chief of staff Gen. Jean-Paul Palomeros says the weapon is meeting performance demands. And, he notes, it is the first time the country has fielded such a nuclear weapon without an actual nuclear test. (As far as is known, France is the first nation to accomplish this feat.)

The Rafale will supersede the Mirage 2000N in the nuclear role.

[buglerbilly]

DATE:06/07/10

SOURCE:Flight International

South Africa, Brazil ready for A-Darter missile test

A South African Air Force Saab Gripen D fighter is expected to perform the first live firing of an A-Darter short-range air-to-air missile later this month, advancing a joint project with Brazilian industry.

Launched in April 2007 under a 66-month development and production programme co-funded by the Brazilian and South African air forces, the A-Darter is intended to arm the services' respective Northrop F-5EM/FM and future F-X2 fighters, and Gripen and BAE Systems Hawk 120 aircraft.

Worth $130 million, the project involves Denel Dynamics and a group of Brazilian companies headed by Mectron. Production activities should start in 2013, with Brazil's air force expecting the missile to enter service the following year.

Launch trials with the new weapon are scheduled to take place at South Africa's Overberg test range. Ground seeker tests concluded in January and captive carriage flight trials were completed in March, following the delivery of a first test missile to Saab in Sweden last September.

Nearly 50 Brazilian civilian and military engineers are supporting development work in South Africa, and Avibras and Mectron sources have pinned high hopes on the A-Darter's export potential.

Avibras chief executive Sami Hassuani believes an initial 100-200 units could be sold to international users, with Pakistan viewed as a prime candidate. Mectron delivered its first MAA-1A Piranha-1 air-to-air missiles to the nation last month, and Islamabad has also signed a letter of intent to purchase B-version Piranha-2s.

[buglerbilly]

France Completes World's First Vertical Strike Of Laser-Guided AASM

By PIERRE TRAN

Published: 9 Jul 2010 08:52

PARIS - France claimed a world-first vertical strike of a laser-guided AASM smart munition on July 9.

"The Direction Générale pour l'Armement (DGA) completed successfully Thursday June 17 2010 the first firing of an modular air to ground weapon (armament air sol modulaire - AASM) in a laser version at its Biscarosse site," the procurement office said in a statement. "This firing of a laser guided munition with a vertical impact constitutes a world first," the DGA said.

The firing was part of a feasibility study awarded to Safran group's Sagem in 2008.

A Rafale strike fighter flying from the DGA test flight center fired the laser guided AASM out at sea at a height of 13,000 ft and 25 km from the target at the Biscarosse missile test center. The target, made up of concrete blocks, was designated by a ground laser placed a few hundred meters away. A GPS reading had been entered which deliberately gave coordinates several tens of meters away from the target, to see whether the laser guidance would correct the targeting.

A vertical strike is intended to reduce damage and deaths in urban use, the DGA said. This version is also intended to be use against moving targets at sea or on ground.

A laser version of the AASM follows the initial GPS/inertial-guided AASM propelled bomb, and an infrared model is currently undergoing operational and technical tests.

Tests of the laser AASM will continue in the year.

[buglerbilly]

DATE:15/07/10

SOURCE:Flight International

ATK seeks to HARM Raytheon in new anti-radar missile bid

By Stephen Trimble

Alliant Techsystems (ATK) has submitted a bid to upgrade a worrisome control unit on the AGM-88 high-speed anti-radiation missile (HARM), challenging a rival proposal from the weapon's designer Raytheon.

By entering the race for the $51 million contract to upgrade 500 missiles, ATK is seeking to break into the Raytheon-dominated market for US Air Force anti-radar missiles.

ATK has proposed adapting a control unit, which includes a Global Positioning System/Inertial Navigation System (GPS/INS), originally developed for the US Navy AGM-88E advanced anti radiation guided missile (AARGM) programme.

The AARGM has entered a final round of operational testing before entering service next year, says Bill Kasting, vice president and general manager of ATK's defence electronics division.

Raytheon also confirms that the company has submitted a bid for the air force contract, which is named "HARM control section modification" (HCSM). As the HARM's original designer, Raytheon has developed and tested a new control section as part of a larger, internally funded upgrade called the HARM destruction of enemy air defenses attack module (HDAM).

Unlike the navy's AARGM programme, the air force is not asking contractors to upgrade both the missile's control section and guidance system.

The USAF only wants a new control section, which can ensure that HARM does not lock-on to friendly radars by mistake.

The navy also wanted a guidance system for AARGM to defeat a relatively new enemy tactic. Opposing radar crews had learned to avoid getting hit by shutting down the radar after a HARM is launched. By adding the guidance system, the missile precisely aims for the last-known point where the radar was emitting.

[buglerbilly]

Anglo-French Naval Missile Passes Design Review

Posted by Bradley Peniston | July 20th, 2010

By PIERRE TRAN, FARNBOROUGH, UK – MBDA has completed the critical design review of the future air-to-surface guided weapon (FASGW), known in France as the missile anti-navire leger (ANL), said Steve Wadey, managing director of MBDA UK, at the Farnborough air show.


The future air-to-surface guided weapon (FASGW), known in France as the missile anti-navire leger (ANL). (MBDA photo)

“We are very advanced in the assessment phase,” Wadey said July 20.

He said design work would continue on key subsystems while waiting for the signing of the full-scale development contract in 2011. The ANL is a cooperative Anglo-French program.

There were no signs the missile program might fall prey to impending defense budget cuts in Britain and France.

The new missile is intended to enter service in 2015 or 2016 to replace the Sea Skua missile on Royal Navy helicopters.

The missile company is also talking to AgustaWestland and Eurocopter regarding the physical integration aspects of the program.

He also said that the Aster missile, the principal anti-air missile of the Type 45 Daring destroyer, has completed salvo firing in the Mediterranean and is expected “to enter service very soon.”

The Royal Navy has all the elements needed to bring the missile system into operational service, he said.

The Aster missile is a cooperative program common to Britain, France and Italy.

[buglerbilly]

Raytheon: UK Unlikely To Change Protectionist Policy

Posted by Bradley Peniston | July 21st, 2010

A couple of comments, the lack of a signed off agreement on US Arms Exports to the UK, signed by the UK but still to be signed by the USA has a direct influence here, and hence Raytheon's hesitance and concerns with State Department reactions IF they had joined Team Complex Weapons...........they stand a chance of missing out on Billions of dollars worth of Exports as a result of US Government intransigence...........

By ANDREW CHUTER, FARNBOROUGH, UK – Raytheon Missile Systems’ boss says he is not optimistic that Britain will any time soon change its industrial policy of giving “preferential treatment to other weapons companies.”


A pilot from the U.S. Air Force's 416th Flight Test Squadron fires the newest variant of Raytheon AIM-9 Sidewinder for the first time from an F-16 Fighting Falcon on April 9 at Edwards AFB, Calif. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tom Reynolds)

Speaking to reporters at the air show, Taylor Lawrence, the president of the Raytheon missile business, said he saw no near-
term likelihood Britain would change a 2006 policy to shield local companies from competition in order to preserve skills and capabilities.

The British government’s Team Complex Weapons arrangement was planned to hand a series of missile contracts to MBDA, Thales UK and others without competition.

That teaming arrangement has now switched to a number of bilateral agreements between the British-based weapons makers and the government.

Several major weapons programs are now going ahead without competition.

Raytheon was offered the opportunity of joining Team Complex Weapons in 2006 but declined, primarily due to fears the scheme would contravene U.S. anti-trust regulations.

The U.S. company is a major supplier of weapons to the British military; it supplies Javelin anti-tank weapons, AMRAAM air-to-air missiles, the Paveway IV precision guided bomb and other weapons.

The U.S. company has been holding discussions about a possible bilateral agreement of its own with the British and met MoD officials at the show for talks.

Lawrence said the bilateral agreements were a step in the right direction.

“We support it and stand ready to expedite negotiations,” he said.

[buglerbilly]

MBDA Unveils Small Guided Bomb at Farnborough

July 21, 2010 at 6:25 pm



The SABER small air bomb extended range (SABER) from MBDA is designed as a glide weapon deployed by smal UAVs such as teh Shadow, which will be able to carry multiple weapons, engaging targets off-axis flying at medium altitude, beyond enemy anti-aircraft fire. The unpowered weapon does not have distinctive launch signature and therefore maintains the element of surprise.

MBDA Missile Systems have unveiled a small laser+GPS/INS guided weapon developed with company funding at MBDA’s U.S. subsidiary. The weapon called Small Air Bomb Extended Range (SABER) can be configured as a rocket or glide weapon, according to the customer’s requirements. The dual mode warhead uses blast-fragmentation or shaped charge, for reduced collateral damage and penetration effect. The SABER uses a semi-active laser seeker for terminal guidance, and GPS/INS mid-course navigation enabling the weapon to fly off-axis, regardless to the direction of the launching platform. An alternative seeker employing TV/IR sensor with data-link communications enabling ‘man in the loop’ control is currently in development.

Douglas J. Denneny, Vice President of Government Relations at MBDA Inc. told Defense Update that the SABER could be available for operational use following the completion of flight tests anticipated in the ‘upcoming months’. The unpowered version weighs only 10 pounds, and its range is dependent on the launch altitude, with the rocket powered version adapted for low altitude launch, weighing about 30 pounds.

© 2010 Defence Update

[buglerbilly]

South Africa Purchases Raytheon Paveway Laser-Guided Bombs

(Source: Raytheon Company; issued July 22, 2010)

First sale of significant U.S. defense equipment to South Africa in 25 years

FARNBOROUGH, England --- The South African Department of Defence awarded Raytheon Company a contract for Paveway II laser-guided bombs.

Raytheon will provide the South African military with LGB computer control groups and air foil groups that transform "dumb" bombs into precision-guided munitions for operational test and evaluation on South Africa's Gripen fighter aircraft.

ARMSCOR awarded a contract on behalf of the South African Air Force for the procurement of LGB bomb kits. ARMSCOR, the Armaments Corporation of South Africa, is the officially appointed acquisition organization for the South African DoD.

The direct commercial sale was negotiated with the assistance of South Africa's ATLANTIS Corporation and calls for Raytheon to begin delivery in 2011. In addition to the weapons, Raytheon will provide air- and ground-crew training.

"The combat-proven Paveway family of weapons is integrated on more than 22 aircraft and serves 41 nations around the globe, making this weapon the ideal choice for the South African warfighter," said Harry Schulte, vice president of Raytheon's Air Warfare Systems product line. "Raytheon is the sole provider of the Paveway family of weapons and is committed to providing the warfighter with a reliable direct-attack weapon at a cost-effective price."

Raytheon Company, with 2009 sales of $25 billion, is a technology and innovation leader specializing in defense, homeland security and other government markets throughout the world. With headquarters in Waltham, Mass., Raytheon employs 75,000 people worldwide.

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[Deks]

Interesting, perhaps the SADF isn't as completely useless as I'd thought. It certainly spent a fair amount of time as a shadow of their it's self.

[buglerbilly]

DATE:23/07/10

SOURCE:Flight Daily News

FARNBOROUGH: Raytheon Systems eyes export opportunities for Sentinel

By Craig Hoyle

UK company Raytheon Systems Limited is looking to export its Paveway IV precision-guided bomb, Sentinel R1 ground surveillance system and Shadow R1 signals intelligence platform.

The potential deals are among the objectives of Bob Delorge, its newly installed chief executive.

"We are working towards a big announcement" on the 226kg (500lb) Paveway IV, he says, but declines to provide further details of the proposed export deal.

India has previously selected the Sentinel system, but is currently re-assessing its options for the capability, which has been deployed on operations over Afghanistan for the last year by the UK armed forces. Delorge says RSL already has UK government approval to export the technology to New Delhi.

The company is also talking to the UK Ministry of Defence about introducing additional capability to the Royal Air Force's Sentinel R1 aircraft, even though the system will not achieve full operational capability until mid-2011.

The talks could potentially lead to enhancements funded via the urgent operational requirement mechanism, or form part of a planned future Sentinel sustainment programme upgrade, the company says.

Sentinel is used to provide services such as ground vehicle traffic analysis and convoy overwatch in Afghanistan, and is "non-stop out there", says a source at the RAF's 5 (Army Cooperation) Squadron. The unit will fly the Sentinel R1 on the first three show days.

Raytheon is meanwhile offering to use its UK company's experience in developing the Royal Air Force's Hawker Beechcraft King Air 350ER-based Shadow R1 SIGINT aircraft to meet the requirements of the US Army.

The service is seeking a similar capability through its extended medium-altitude reconnaissance and surveillance system programme. The Shadow flies with a two-person flight crew and five onboard system operators.

"One of the hot spots going forward is intelligence, and actionable intelligence," Delorge says.

[buglerbilly]

Raytheon Joint Standoff Weapon C-1 Completes Captive Flight Test Series

FARNBOROUGH, England, July 23, 2010 /PRNewswire

The U.S. Navy completed a series of three captive flight tests on Raytheon Company's (NYSE: RTN) Joint Standoff Weapon C-1, putting the program closer to achieving initial operating capability in 2012.

JSOW is a family of low-cost, air-to-ground weapons that employs an integrated GPS- inertial navigation system and terminal imaging infrared seeker, guiding the weapon to the target. JSOW C-1 adds moving maritime target capability and the two-way Strike Common Weapon Datalink (SCWDL) to the combat-proven weapon.


"The Raytheon-U.S. Navy team completed a test series that showed JSOW C-1's seeker can detect moving maritime targets. The tests also demonstrated that JSOW C-1 can communicate via its two-way SCWDL," said Phyllis McEnroe, Raytheon's JSOW program director. "The JSOW platform is a 'truck' with many options that continues to evolve to meet emerging threats. Though not a program of record, we are working on a JSOW extended range variant with an objective range of up to 300 nautical miles (345 statute miles)."

JSOW ER completed its first demonstration flight in October 2009, flying more than 260 nautical miles.


"The warfighter asked for a Link-16 network-enabled standoff weapon that can engage moving maritime targets while maintaining the capability to attack stationary land targets," said Cmdr. Douglas Phelan, the U.S. Navy's JSOW Integrated Product Team leader. "JSOW C-1 will meet this requirement."

Raytheon Company, with 2009 sales of $25 billion, is a technology and innovation leader specializing in defense, homeland security and other government markets throughout the world. With a history of innovation spanning 88 years, Raytheon provides state-of-the-art electronics, mission systems integration and other capabilities in the areas of sensing; effects; and command, control, communications and intelligence systems, as well as a broad range of mission support services. With headquarters in Waltham, Mass., Raytheon employs 75,000 people worldwide.

Note to Editors:

Raytheon has produced more than 4,000 JSOWs to date, with more than 106 months of continuous on-time delivery. The JSOW-C is currently in production, and Raytheon will continue producing it for international customers.

[buglerbilly]

Raytheon-Boeing team on target during JAGM test

July 26, 2010

Raytheon Company and The Boeing Company completed the first of three government-sponsored firings of the Joint Air-to-Ground Missile. During the successful test, the JAGM used its laser guidance system to hit an 8-by-8-foot target board from a distance of 16 kilometers (10 miles).

The Raytheon-Boeing JAGM features a tri-mode seeker with laser; an uncooled imaging infrared sensor; and millimeter wave guidance. The weapon leverages proven components from other Raytheon and Boeing programs, including the Raytheon GBU-53/B Small Diameter Bomb II and the Boeing Brimstone.

"When Raytheon and Boeing won the JAGM contract Sept. 11, 2008, we committed to demonstrate our affordable and innovative missile design in these prototype tests," said Bob Francois, Raytheon vice president of Advanced Missiles and Unmanned Systems. "We've kept our commitment, which is a credit to both the US government for effectively managing this program and to the Raytheon-Boeing JAGM team for executing as promised. This latest test demonstrates Raytheon's fully integrated tri-mode seeker is an extremely reliable and mature approach."

This marks the third time the Raytheon-Boeing team test-fired the weapon; the team conducted two successful company-funded tests of the weapon in April 2010. During the most recent test, all three guidance systems operated simultaneously and provided telemetry data that enabled engineers to conduct further analysis of the weapon.

"This test demonstrates that the combination of Raytheon's guidance section with Boeing's rocket motor, airframe and warhead gives the warfighter a proven, affordable, reliable and accurate solution," said Carl Avila, director of Boeing Advanced Weapons and Missile Systems.

JAGM, designed to replace three legacy systems, offers the warfighter improved lethality, range, operational flexibility, supportability and cost savings compared with older weapons like the Hellfire missile.

[Deks]

I realise that we've only recently acquired hellfire, but is JAGM something that Australia intends to purchase? It'd be available for a large number of our air platforms.

[buglerbilly]

ALL Users of Hellfire are potentially Users of JAGM, budgets allowing...............this is still a Trials program hence until it is completed and proven no one is going to sign on any dotted line.

[buglerbilly]

Defense Security Cooperation Agency
NEWS RELEASE

On the web: http://www.dsca.mil Media/Public Contact: (703) 601-3859

Transmittal No. 10-32

The Netherlands – GBU-39 Small Diameter Bombs

WASHINGTON, July 27, 2010 – The Defense Security Cooperation Agency notified Congress July 26 of a possible Foreign Military Sale to The Netherlands of 603 GBU-39/B Small Diameter Bombs1 (SDB1) and associated equipment, parts, training and logistical support for an estimated cost of $44 million.

The Government of the Netherlands has requested a possible sale of 603 GBU-39/B Small Diameter Bombs1 (SDB1), containers, flight test integration, spare and repair parts, support equipment, personnel training and equipment, publications and technical data, U.S. Government and contractor engineering and logistics personnel services, and other related elements of logistics support. The estimated cost is $44 million.

This proposed sale contributes to the foreign policy and national security objectives of the U.S. by improving the military capabilities of The Netherlands and enhancing standardization and interoperability with U.S. forces. The sale of this equipment and support will improve The Netherlands’ ability to destroy protected, high-value targets such as command and control nodes and weapons storage facilities. This will be the first sale of this weapon to The Netherlands.

This sale will not alter the basic military balance in the region.

The principal contractor will be The Boeing Corporation in St. Louis, Missouri. There are no known offset agreements proposed in connection with this potential sale.

This program will involve multiple trips to The Netherlands by U.S. Government and contractor representatives for one to two week intervals for approximately three years.

There will be no adverse impact on U.S. defense readiness as a result of this proposed sale.

This notice of a potential sale is required by law and does not mean the sale has been concluded.

[buglerbilly]

DATE:29/07/10

SOURCE:Flight International

BAE close to launch contract for APKWS rocket

By Craig Hoyle

BAE Systems is poised to receive its first production orders for a new low-cost guided rocket that will equip the US Marine Corps' attack helicopters.

The company expects to secure contracts within days for the first two low-rate initial production lots of its advanced precision kill weapon system (APKWS), totalling a combined 925 of the 2.75in (70mm) rounds.

"We've started ordering long-lead items with our own funds," says George Adamakos, BAE's business development manager for soldier and vehicle solutions. Although the LRIP 1 and LRIP 2 orders will total 325 and 600 weapons, respectively, the company is "ordering materials for 2,000".

With more than 1,000 rounds to be produced above the USMC's initial requirements, Adamakos says: "We're ready for international sales, or for the US Army. We've had a lot of interest from people on APKWS."

Test firings using the new weapon have demonstrated an average hit distance of 0.44m (1.4ft) from the laser spot, Adamakos says. The system is due to enter initial operational test and evaluation with the USMC late during the first quarter of next year, and will initially be fielded with its Bell AH-1W Cobra fleet.

Other candidate airframes include the service's Bell AH-1Z and UH-1Y rotorcraft, the US Navy's Sikorsky MH-60R Seahawk and potentially even the USMC's Northrop Grumman MQ-8 Fire Scout unmanned aircraft system.

Adamakos says the US Army is in "wait-and-see mode" with regard to its requirement for a new guided rocket. "They want to look at the manufacturing readiness of the bidders," he says, adding: "Development-wise, they know where we are."

[buglerbilly]

U.S. Ducks As Cluster Bomb Ban Takes Effect

By Spencer Ackerman July 29, 2010 | 12:26 pm



Every war must end, instructed the U.S. strategist Fred Ikle. But leftover unexploded ordnance can be a war’s legacy, particularly when small and unstable munitions lay around areas where civilians rebuild their lives after the fighting stops. That’s why a new international ban on cluster munitions will take effect on Saturday. The U.S., however, isn’t part of the accord.

More than 30 countries have ratified the Convention on Cluster Munitions — the threshold for it entering into force — and over 100 have signed it since 2008. Holdouts include Russia, Israel and the United States. All three of those countries have used cluster bombs in the past decade: Russia during its conflict with Georgia in 2008 (Georgia also used cluster munitions against Russia); Israel during its conflict with Hezbollah in 2006 (Hezbollah also used cluster munitions against Israel); and the U.S. during the initial phases of the Afghanistan and Iraq wars. (Neither the Taliban nor Saddam used cluster bombs against U.S. troops.)

There are a variety of cluster bombs, but they generically work like this: the munitions spray out smaller bombs across a given target, so you can cover a wide area and take out enemy vehicles, weapons, and, of course, fighters with a single, relatively small burst. Some versions, like the Wind Corrected Munition Dispenser, equip the bomblets with tech to control their trajectory, making them more like smart bomblets.

The case against their use is well known: cluster sub-munitions are, in effect, the world’s deadliest duds. The bomblets have a failure rate of up to ten percent by some estimates — and can act as unexploded ordnance, going off in civilian areas after a battle has concluded, similar to landmines. The Cluster Munition Coalition, a group opposed to the weapons, estimates that 60 percent of cluster-bomb casualties are injured “while undertaking their normal activities.”

In 2008, the Pentagon agreed to scale back its use of cluster weapons, pledging not to use any bomb with a failure rate higher than 1 percent after 2018. So why isn’t the U.S. on board with an outright ban?

According to the Pentagon’s 2008 policy, cluster munitions are actually humane weapons. “Because future adversaries will likely use civilian shields for military targets – for example by locating a military target on the roof of an occupied building – use of unitary weapons could result in more civilian casualties and damage than cluster munitions,” the policy claims. “Blanket elimination of cluster munitions is therefore unacceptable due not only to negative military consequences but also due to potential negative consequences for civilians.” In other words, it’s better to use a cluster bomb on enemies using a building than to blow up the entire building.

Cluster opponents don’t buy it. “The vast majority of U.S. allies have banned this weapon,” Thomas Nash, the coordinator of the Cluster Munition Coalition, said in a statement e-mailed to Danger Room. “In line with his rhetoric on multilateralism, Obama needs to bring the U.S. in line with other nations that respect international law and the protection of civilians in armed conflict.”

While the Pentagon argues against ruling out the use of cluster bombs, the military is experimenting with potential replacements. For instance: a warhead that sprays tiny darts called “kinetic energy pellets” at a target. These pellets act like bullets, not explosives, so there isn’t a danger of delayed blast if civilians later come into a pellet-littered area.

Credit: Globalsecurity.org

Read More http://www.wired.com/dangerroom/2010/07/u-s-ducks-as-cluster-bomb-ban-takes-effect/#more-28847#ixzz0v84PdJ8O

[JimWH]

The Netherlands – GBU-39 Small Diameter Bombs

WASHINGTON, July 27, 2010 – The Defense Security Cooperation Agency notified Congress July 26 of a possible Foreign Military Sale to The Netherlands of 603 GBU-39/B Small Diameter Bombs1 (SDB1) and associated equipment, parts, training and logistical support for an estimated cost of $44 million.
That would make the Netherlands the first non-US customer for SDB wouldn't it?
IMHO this is possibly going to be as important a weapon as JDAM in the medium term, and I must admit that I've been somewhat stumped as to why it hasn't been picking export sales. I live in hope that the RAAF and RAF/RN will be investing in SDB for JSF. Certainly not a hugely expensive bit of kit, though somewhat more expensive than I'd have expected.

Edit: I see that Israel is buying them from Boeing, and OTO Melara have a license production line for the Italians. Still, that'll mean a grand total of 3 non-US customers, which I still find bloody odd.

[Deks]

In other words, it’s better to use a cluster bomb on enemies using a building than to blow up the entire building.

Cluster opponents don’t buy it.

I'm sure there are lots of good reasons to use cluster munitions, but taking out enemies that just happen to only be on top of a particular building certainly is stretching the limits.

Reality distortion field in full effect..

[Gubler, A.]

I'm sure there are lots of good reasons to use cluster munitions, but taking out enemies that just happen to only be on top of a particular building certainly is stretching the limits.

Reality distortion field in full effect..

Not quite. In urban warfare cluster bombs can be used like air burst artillery to suppress enemy forces without destroying buildings and their occupants. It’s a legitimate reason. Obviously for use in a larger scale conflict than typical contemporary urban counter insurgency. More ‘Thunder Run’ than ‘Sadr City’.

[buglerbilly]

The Last Tac Missile Competition

By Colin Clark Friday, August 6th, 2010 10:56 am



UPDATED: Lockheed Details Test Results; Raytheon Faring Better So Far

Put $5 billion on the table, factor in shrinking budgets, add the fact that you are competing for what is likely to be the last tactical missile competition for the next quarter of a century and you’ve got one hell of a fight for the Joint Air to Ground Missile (JAGM).

The weapon system that results will replace the Maverick on F/A-18 E/F, as well as the Hellfire and missiles on the Army’s AH-64D Apache attack helicopter, the Army’s Extended Range Multi-Purpose Sky Warrior unmanned aerial system, the Marine’s AH-1Z Super Cobra attack helicopter, and the Navy’s MH-60R Seahawk. On top of that, it may be used for the Joint Strike Fighter program. IOC is scheduled on the AH-64D, AH-1Z and F/A-18E/F for 2016. If all goes as currently planned, the program will produce 33,000 missiles over the next 20 years. For those who follow acquisition closely, this is the successor program to the deeply troubled Joint Common Missile.

On one side of the missile corral stands mighty Lockheed Martin. Facing the largest defense company in America is a team of Raytheon and Boeing. JAGM is a test for the companies, as well as the Pentagon, being the first of two programs set up by former head of acquisition John Young as a test of his prototyping approach: prove to the Pentagon that you can actually build what you say you can build by building a few successful models that can meet some test requirements.

The importance of a success for a significant joint program can’t be overstated. One after another of programs called joint have disappointed, failed or been cancelled. “Joint programs have not enjoyed a great deal of success in the past,” said Mike Riley, head of JAGM business development at Raytheon.

Raytheon paid for two missile test shots in April to see if they were on the right path. On 23 June, they fired the first test shot supervised and scored by the government at White Sands Missile Range. A second shot is coming Aug. 13.

So far, the Raytheon team has scored, well, “perfectly,” according to Riley.

The technical challenges are daunting for both competitors. The rocket motor must be able to operate in temperatures up to 140 degrees Fahrenheit and operate without a contrail that might blind a helicopter pilot and, for fixed-wing aircraft; it must remain operational at minus 65 degrees. This is, as they say, rocket science.

One advantage Raytheon boasts is an infrared seeker that does not depend on a cooling system to help it distinguish targets. That should mean substantially less maintenance and weight.

Lockheed has not fared as well in the test shots. Here’s what the company sent in response to questions.


To date, Lockheed Martin has fired 2 of the 3 shots, the SAL and I2R.

The SAL shot was Monday, August 2:

Lockheed Martin’s Joint Air-to-Ground Missile (JAGM) testing is ongoing, with a highly successful test flight of its semi-active laser (SAL) seeker on August 2 at White Sands Missile Range, NM. The 16-kilometer shot was the first flight test under the JAGM Technology Development contract, testing the three JAGM sensors in the missile’s tri-mode seeker. The JAGM missile scored a direct hit on the target board in the test.

The I2R shot was Tuesday, August 3:

Lockheed Martin conducted a JAGM flight test on August 3 at White Sands Missile Range, NM, against a tank target at 4 km to test the missile’s imaging infrared (I2R) seeker. The missile launched successfully and indications are that the missile initially guided to the target but overshot it. We are analyzing the flight test data to isolate the precise cause of the anomaly. We will then take immediate corrective action so we can proceed to validate the performance of the I2R and subsequently the millimeter wave (MMW) sensors during our next round of testing in September.

Lockheed Martin is confident we will meet the government’s requirement for the three successful test firings with intercepts within the schedule.

Lockheed Martin also conducted two Flight Readiness Checks during the months of June/July:

A government check which was declared a no-test due to a range instrumentation malfunction. (That missile was scheduled to August 2 and produced the successful SAL shot mentioned earlier)

A Lockheed Martin-funded effort which was a no-test due to a pre-launch malfunction.

Lockheed Martin’s JAGM cooled-seeker technology provides superior resolution and performance unmatched by alternative solutions. The open architecture and modular design enable future capabilities to be seamlessly inserted into our JAGM system, and we have an extensive legacy of proven platform integration experience. As the world’s leading provider of precision engagement systems, we look forward to providing this critical capability to the nation’s Warfighters.

Read more: http://www.dodbuzz.com/2010/08/06/the-last-tac-missile-competition/#ixzz0vsITlRX8

[Deks]

I'm not personally too surprised that the Raytheon/Boeing team is doing well considering that the JAGM is loosely based on the hellfire.

LM missing is a bit of a surprise, you'd think by that stage they'd have test-run the scenarios many times.

[buglerbilly]

DATE:09/08/10

SOURCE:Flight International

Raytheon wins SDB II contract over Boeing/Lockheed team

By Stephen Trimble



Raytheon has won a $450 million contract to launch development of the small diameter bomb increment II (SDB II) for the US Air Force and Navy, a competitive triumph over a Boeing/Lockheed Martin team that seemed to be the early favourite for the award.

The award gives Raytheon a key position in the hotly contested market for an all-weather munition that can strike targets on the move. The weapon will be integrated on the US military's most advanced tactical strike aircraft - the Boeing F-15E and Lockheed Martin F-35B and F-35C.

Raytheon says the company is "pleased" by the contract award, but declines further comment until a press conference scheduled next week.

The key technology in the competition to deliver the 113kg (250lb)-class SDB II is a tri-mode seeker, with electro-optical, semi-active laser and millimetre wave radar on board. In bad weather, the weapon could shift terminal guidance from the laser to the radar, allowing the SDB II to strike stationary or moving targets even in bad weather.

Boeing originally won the SDB contract in 2003. The programme was split into two increments after it was revealed that former air force acquisition official Darleen Druyun steered the contract to Boeing as a "gift" in return for future employment.

Shortly afterward, Raytheon entered the competition after the only two previous SDB competitors - Boeing and Lockheed - decided to team up.

The Boeing team planned to offer the SDB Increment 1 body with a tri-mode seeker derived from the terminated Lockheed Joint Common Missile (JCM).

Meanwhile, Raytheon adapted a tri-mode seeker originally developed for the US Army's iPAM precision attack missile programme, which was also subsequently cancelled.

The SDB II contract is awarded as the army enters the last few months of the competition for the joint air to ground missile (JAGM) contract, which replaces JCM. JAGM is a competition between a Raytheon/Boeing team and Lockheed, and also involves a weapon with a tri-mode seeker.

[buglerbilly]

Ares

A Defense Technology Blog

Will SDB II Draw a Protest?

Posted by Robert Wall at 8/10/2010 2:27 AM CDT

With US Aerospace protesting its exclusion from the KC-X tanker competition, and Sikorsky also asking lawyers at the Government Accountability Office to intervene on a sole source U.S. Navy contract for transport helos, the logical question is whether Boeing/Lockheed Martin will protest the U.S. Air Force decision to award Raytheon the 250-lb.-class Small-Diameter Bomb II development contract?

The $450 million contract is potentially a huge deal. The tri-mode seeker will make the weapon more expensive than a regular SDB, but also more attractive to operators given the ability to attack moving targets also in bad weather.

For Boeing, in particular, the loss is a huge setback given its position as the builder of the Joint Direct Attack Munition and the increment one SDB.

But beyond the protest, there are many other questions still hanging over SDB II. One is whether the program will actual be sustained, given budget pressures.

What is more, it will be a real test case for the Pentagon and its effort to shift back to fixed-price development programs.

Raytheon, for its part, faces a non-trivial schedule. The weapon is to be operational on F-15Es already in 2015. That does not provide a lot of margin for error. The weapon also is to go on the F-35B and F-35C, for starters.

[buglerbilly]

Ares

A Defense Technology Blog

Bombs Small And Large

Posted by Bill Sweetman at 8/9/2010 6:00 PM CDT

Raytheon just pipped Boeing for a $451 million contract for the Small Diameter Bomb Increment II program, with its GBU-53/B design. It's a disappointment to Boeing, which had hoped to follow on its success with the GBU-39/B SDB I, but a big feather in the cap of Raytheon and (in particular) Taylor Lawrence, the boss of Raytheon Missile Systems, who is interviewed in the latest DTI (page 60).

SDB II will be quite challenging, involving the development and integration of a tri-mode seeker - imaging infrared, semi-active laser and millimeter-wave radar - in a small low-cost weapon. Advances in uncooled IR technology - much cheaper than a cooled system, which requires its own mechanical refrigeration unit - are important, as is an architecture that blends laser guidance with the IR system.

SDB II was originally conceived as a moving-target attack weapon, and in future warfare scenarios would be used against tactical missile launchers and surface-to-air missile systems. The initial platforms will be teh F-15E for the USAF and the F-35B and F-35C for the Marines and Navy.

What SDB II may not be is a close air support weapon. The problem is the wing kit that gives the weapon standoff range: it also means that the SDB can't get to ground level fast enough to deal with rapidly changing tactical situations with troops in contact.

For the Navy, the solution to this problem is the Joint Air to Ground Missile (JAGM), the subject of another competition, in which Raytheon and Boeing are teamed against Lockheed Martin, with a downselect to a single EMD contractor due early next year. (The competitors are 23 months into a 27-month technology demonstration program.) JAGM replaces air-launched TOW missiles, all versions of Hellfire and the Maverick, and will be integrated on the Super Hornet.

JAGM could be a consolation price for Boeing, because the SDB II result may favor the Raytheon-Boeing team. This is because a key technology in JAGM is a low-cost tri-mode seeker and the technology in the Raytheon-Boeing contender is closely based on SDB II.

Meanwhile, at the other end of the bomb scale, Boeing has been awarded a $20 million contract to deliver eight Massive Ordnance Penetrator (MOP) "extended user evaluation assets" comprising warheads, tail kits (I think this is what is meant by "tool kits" in the DoD release) and aircraft adaptors.

[buglerbilly]

Ares

A Defense Technology Blog

USAF Debriefs Boeing on SDB II Today

Posted by Amy Butler at 8/10/2010 8:25 AM CDT

Raytheon's win of the nearly half-billion dollar Small Diameter Bomb II could be the end of a long, sordid chapter in U.S. Air Force acquisition. But, we'll have to wait about 10 days to find that out. By then, we'll know if loser Boeing/Lockheed Martin protests the source selection. If there is a protest, a long, 100-day review will commence. It will determine not just the outcome of the protest, but speak to the ability of the Air Force's acquisition corps to run a clean competition.

Raytheon's win is an upset; company officials acknowledged they were the underdogs in this competition. The company took a low-cost approach in a competition that didn't heavily weigh cost. Price was the least important factor. The top two -- weighed equally -- were proposal risk and past performance. Next was missile capability. Also, the Raytheon team had to overcome a problem in the Rockwell Collins datalink for the weapon. The datalink was delayed, and work on it was tabled when the Navy cancelled the Harpoon Block III upgrade, in part due to Rockwell's performance on the datalink.

Raytheon chose an uncooled IR sensor as part of its tri-mode seeker design for SDB II. Boeing/Lockheed Martin officials didn't specify whether their seeker was cooled or uncooled. The seeker designs were driven by the complex requirement of hitting moving targets through weather and dust. But, this could have put Raytheon ahead in terms of missile complexity, development risk and price.

Boeing/Lockheed Martin officials will find out in a debrief scheduled for today why they lost the competition.

It is important to keep in mind the history of this program. SDB II was originally envisioned as an upgrade to Boeing's win on SDB I, the 250-lb. class PGM. After the Darleen Druyun scandal broke in 2002/2003, the GAO found several procurement problems. And, Druyun admitted to unfairly steering contracts to Boeing, including SDB work.

So, the long journey for an SDB II took a major turn and the Air Force established the long dual-source competition, opening the door for Raytheon to win some of the work once thought lost.

It seems Raytheon did just that.

And, here we are ... waiting to see if there is a protest!

If there isn't, it speaks well of USAF's procurement process. If there is, the jury is out until GAO rules. But, you can bet there will be more than a few senior officials at the USAF losing sleep until a ruling comes down.

[buglerbilly]

Ares

A Defense Technology Blog

Meet the Raytheon GBU 53/B: Pic

Posted by Amy Butler at 8/11/2010 8:24 AM CDT

Ares readers: meet the new SDBII (at least for now, unless there is a protest that overturns the source selection).


Raytheon concept

Note the blunt nose designed to house the tri-mode seeker, including Raytheon's uncooled design. The Rockwell Collins datalink sits on the back end of the weapon. The design was confined to the same basic outer mold lines and weight qualities of the SDB, the 250-lb. PGM made by Boeing so that it can be attached to aircraft using the same equipment. The earlier version lacks the sophisticated guidance system, which is needed to attack moving targets through weather.

This image is about all Raytheon, the winner of the $450 million fixed-price development contract, is releasing for now. Raytheon and its losing rival, a Boeing/Lockheed Martin team, are locked in a contractor's game of chicken. Neither will flinch until a key decision is made by Boeing on whether to protest the source selection, or whether those 10 calendar days they have to protest run out first.

Not surprisingly, Raytheon's press conference on the win is scheduled for Aug. 20, on the 11th day after the contract award.

A Boeing spokesman said the company received its debrief on the loss first thing yesterday (Aug. 17), and is assessing the data. No decision on a protest has been made yet.

[buglerbilly]

No SDB II Protest From Boeing, Company Says

Aug 13, 2010



By Amy Butler abutler@aviationweek.com
Washington

Boeing officials will not protest their loss in the U.S. Air Force competition to design a 250-lb. weapon capable of striking moving targets through weather.

“Boeing does not intend to protest the Small Diameter Bomb II contract award,” says company spokesman Damien Mills. Company officials were debriefed on their loss Aug. 10; the contract announcement took place a day earlier. Boeing had 10 calendar days to file a protest with the Government Accountability Office.

Raytheon’s win of the $450 million contract was an upset. Boeing was teamed with Lockheed Martin, which was providing its tri-mode seeker. Boeing was responsible for system integration for the bid, and the company was building off of its existing design for the SDB being built for fixed targets.

Boeing’s decision not to protest is an endorsement of the Air Force’s acquisition corps, which has been under fire for numerous missteps in recent years. Air Force competitions for tankers and combat rescue helicopters have been overturned or suspended due to mistakes made by procurement officials.

“We appreciate the Air Force’s professionalism, and Boeing will remain a committed partner with the Dept. of Defense by continuing to provide the JDAM and SDB family of products that will protect the lives of American war fighters across the globe,” said Boeing Weapons Vice President Debra Rub.

The service has lately implemented an acquisition improvement plan to add more workers to the procurement ranks and shore up training for its personnel. SDB II is a major award, and a protest would not only have stunted progress in the critical work to field the weapon, it would also have deflated an already beleaguered workforce.

The contract between Raytheon and the Air Force has already been signed; a protest would have prompted a stop-work order. Boeing’s decision not to protest clears the way for progress in the development program. Deliveries of the GBU-53/B will begin in Fiscal 2013.

Credit: Raytheon

[JimWH]

This'll be a project to watch then. If SDB II does what it says on the can, then it'll be a game changer. I can imagine that ove time SDB II would become the weapon of choice for a whole range of missions, and that it could be used in lieu of a great many different bombs.
Now lets wait and see who'll order them.

[buglerbilly]

Ares

A Defense Technology Blog

Range of Options

Posted by Robert Wall at 8/16/2010 4:08 AM CDT

Do western air forces need to start seriously considering fielding longer-range air-to-air missiles given the growing fighter/missile threat from China?

That is a debate now taking place among military planners which we explore in an Aviation Week & Space Technology article this week (here). Japan is among the countries interested in more air-to-air punch driven by hardware developments in China.

The issue is not straight forward, though, and there are several points to consider. One of them is rules of engagement for use of such a very long-range air-to-air missile.

Another question to ponder, of course, is how the need should be addressed. Finding funding for a new program is going to be a challenge in the current fiscal environment, so military buyers may have to look for means short of developing a brand new missile.

But even when thinking about an incremental approach, for instance an upgrade to the AIM-120 Amraam, the path forward is not clear cut. Is adding a ramjet the way to go, or is there a less risky multi-pulse motor enough of a bridge, at what should be lower cost and lower risk?

Or maybe we should just bring back the Phoenix missile:

[ADMk2]

Aren't Ares blog's writers "supposed" to be informed persons, telling US, about new advancements?

AIM-120D, features a 50% range improvement over AIM-120C7, which itself is longer ranged than the R-77. It does this through a new ballistic flight profile, but range is range and the C7 motor keeps a bit in reserve (boost/sustain graining for the propellent) for end game maneuvering, not through a new "dual pulse" motor, despite what they reported earlier. Apparently not knowing the difference between a boost/sustain grained rocket motor and a dual pulse rocket motor, doesn't matter so long as everyone thinks you're an "expert"...

ATK have been funded for a new generation AMRAAM motor, based on the dual pulse principal in October last year. The FIRST time AMRAAM has had a dual pulse motor. Which of course categorically rules out AIM-120D having such a motor, at least at the beginning of it's service. I'm sure AIM-120D will benefit from a product improvement program, just as the earlier generation designs did, but it doesn't have a dual pulse design, today...

[Deks]

Bring back the phoenix to take out a fighter target? Insane. Real world the Pheonix didn't perform that well in general, and whilst I hate saying stuff without references I'd be surprised if it could even hit a fighter that was aware it was coming.

In the end of the day you can hang many more AMRAAM's on fighters than you'd ever be able to do with Phoenix, and the AIM-120D has comparable or longer range in any case. If it were a real requirement for ultra-long range AAMs, I think the more logical step would be to look at air launching SM-6's.

[Tim]

Aren't Ares blog's writers "supposed" to be informed persons, telling US, about new advancements?

AIM-120D, features a 50% range improvement over AIM-120C7, which itself is longer ranged than the R-77. It does this through a new ballistic flight profile, but range is range and the C7 motor keeps a bit in reserve (boost/sustain graining for the propellent) for end game maneuvering, not through a new "dual pulse" motor, despite what they reported earlier. Apparently not knowing the difference between a boost/sustain grained rocket motor and a dual pulse rocket motor, doesn't matter so long as everyone thinks you're an "expert"...

ATK have been funded for a new generation AMRAAM motor, based on the dual pulse principal in October last year. The FIRST time AMRAAM has had a dual pulse motor. Which of course categorically rules out AIM-120D having such a motor, at least at the beginning of it's service. I'm sure AIM-120D will benefit from a product improvement program, just as the earlier generation designs did, but it doesn't have a dual pulse design, today...

Bloody oath - this article seems really redundant in light of the fact that Western air forces quite clearly ARE working on longer range AAMs, or perhaps the writer has never heard of AMRAAM-D, Meteor, or JDRADM? I'd argue that the Indian Astra missile project is also relevant to the author's "point" too, considering they share a border with China...

That he ignores all this in favour of a throwaway line about the Phoenix is just stupid.

[buglerbilly]

DATE:17/08/10

SOURCE:Flight International

VIDEO: Raytheon/Boeing show JAGM direct hit

By Stephen Trimble

A Raytheon/Boeing team has released the first video showing a live firing of their proposed replacement for the AGM-114 Hellfire and AGM-65 Maverick missiles.

The 23 June test shot by the Raytheon/Boeing team is one of the final steps in the bidding process for the joint air to ground missile (JAGM) contract, which the army intends to award around December or January. The army also is evaluating a JAGM bid from Lockheed Martin.

The video shows the unarmed missile striking a 2.4 x 2.4m (8 x 8ft) target board from a distance of 16km - the required range for a JAGM launched by a helicopter.

The video also shows how the missile veers steeply upward after being fired from a launcher. The test requires the guided test vehicle to lock-on to the target with a tri-mode seeker after reaching maximum altitude. Each JAGM has a sensor package that includes uncooled imaging infrared, semi-active laser and millimetre-wave radar.

The JAGM also includes a long-range rocket motor that doubles the roughly 8km firing distance of the AGM-114. To replace the AGM-65 on fixed wing aircraft, the JAGM is required to hit targets up to 28km away.

Both the army and US Marine Corps intend to buy thousands of JAGMs to replenish Hellfire and Maverick inventories with a single munition.

Raytheon provides the tri-mode seeker for its JAGM team, while Boeing provides the missile body.

The video was approved for release only a week after Raytheon beat a Boeing/Lockheed Martin team to win a US Air Force contract to develop the GBU-53/B small diameter bomb (SDB) increment II, a 113kg (250lb)-class weapon that also features a tri-mode seeker.



This is a company video showing various engagement options JAGM provides.............

[Deks]

Good promo, I'm surprised they didn't include UAV's, though I suppose you're not going to get the advantages out of a platform that can only carry a couple of missiles.

[buglerbilly]

Good promo, I'm surprised they didn't include UAV's, though I suppose you're not going to get the advantages out of a platform that can only carry a couple of missiles.

There you go dear, just for you JAGM on a UAV.............

[Deks]

haha nice, thanks!

It's excellent that they're going to get dual-carriage per pylon with JAGM, and the off-axis targeting makes loads of sense in that context as well. :)

[ADMk2]

I hope RAAF picks up JAGM eventually. It has always bothered me that they've only ever acquired free fall bombs for our airborne air to surface capability, whether guided or no...

I know they are acquiring JASSM and JSOW now, but I truly wonder why the "top end" of capability is always deemed so important by ADF? The air-launched weapons more likely to be used are lower scale CAS type munitions... RAAF has never seemed interested in Maverick AGM's for instance, when it is the virtual standard in air to surface munitions amongst the majority of "Western" nations. Even NZ operates them fer crying out loud...

[Deks]

I'd say it's more than likely we will, and almost a certainty if we end up taking the MH-60Rs as they will be the standard kit. I completely agree with your sentiment regarding the AGM-65's, never made much sense to me either.

I hope noone will make the argument that we don't need JAGM as the navy can share the Army's Hellfires, but that woudn't surprise me. (Assuming MH-60R wins, which I think is likely)

[buglerbilly]

The successful LockMart JAGM launch..........

[buglerbilly]

Small guided missile can be deployed in attacks by unmanned aerial vehicles

Raytheon's new Griffin fit for drone

David Wichner Arizona Daily Star | Posted: Sunday, August 22, 2010 12:00 am


U.S. ARMY PHOTOS
The Griffin is 3 1/2 feet long, with a 13-pound warhead. .

Tucson-based Raytheon Missile Systems is quietly vying for a key role in America's remote-control war on insurgents and terrorists.

Raytheon has developed a small guided missile called the Griffin for the U.S. military for use on weapon platforms including unmanned aerial vehicles, or UAVs.

It's unclear whether the Griffin has been used yet in the recently stepped-up campaign of U.S. military drone attacks on insurgent targets in Afghanistan, or the controversial UAV attacks in Pakistan widely attributed to the CIA.

Raytheon declined to comment on the Griffin, citing restrictions imposed by the military. The company plans to discuss the program this week at a UAV conference in Denver.

But Army officials have publicly discussed some details and confirmed unclassified information about the program.

Raytheon's Griffin is being developed along with other small guided munitions to be carried on UAVs such as the Predator and the Army's smaller Hunter UAV, Major Gen. James R. Myles, commanding general of the U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Command, said in a presentation to an Army advocacy group.

Since May 2008, Raytheon has won more than $40 million in Army contracts for Griffin munitions, according to Pentagon contracts data.

The Griffin is being developed as a complement to the Viper Strike, a small, unpowered guided munition made by Northrop Grumman Corp. for use on UAVs including the Predator and Northrop Grumman's Hunter drone, said an Army spokesman who confirmed and clarified Myles' remarks.

The Viper Strike and Griffin systems should not be considered competing technologies, said Dan O'Boyle, a spokesman for Army Aviation and Missile Command.

"Both munitions have separate and very distinct capabilities that are complementary to one another," he said in an e-mail to the Star.

Myles said in his remarks that the Army was considering putting the Griffin on the Hunter UAV, possibly sometime this year.

In clarifying comments, the Army spokesman said there have been "preliminary discussions" about putting lighter-weight munitions on current Army UAVs, to increase the number of weapons that the craft can carry and to increase "loiter time" - time spent circling an area - by reducing payload weight.

Other Army documents note that Raytheon invested its own funds for much of the Griffin development work, reusing proven components from existing weapon systems.

The system, which can be adapted to a variety of ground and air vehicles, was highly successful in testing and was in low-rate initial production as of mid-2009, according to Army documents.

The Griffin's maneuverability and accuracy reduce the risk of "collateral damage" - civilian casualties and damage, the Army says.

About 3 1/2 feet long and 35 pounds, the satellite- and laser-guided Griffin packs a 13-pound warhead.

The 3-foot long, 44-pound Viper Strike carries a warhead weighing just 2.3 pounds.

By comparison, the Hellfire missile fired by Predator UAVs weighs about 100 pounds, including a warhead weighing about 20 pounds.

The ability to use precision guided munitions to deliver smaller warheads is sought to limit collateral damage - both physical and political.

President Obama has continued an escalation of UAV attacks in Afghanistan and Pakistan that started with President George W. Bush in June 2008, said Bill Roggio, editor of The Long War Journal, which tracks UAV strikes daily as part of its online reporting on the war on terrorism.

The U.S. military offers little information on such strikes, and the CIA has not formally acknowledged its involvement in Pakistan, said Roggio.

The New America Foundation, a nonprofit centrist think tank, has counted 147 reported drone strikes in northwest Pakistan since mid-2004, including 51 in 2010. Roggio reports similar totals.

Estimates of the number of people killed in those attacks vary widely - from 1,047 to 1,592 - as do the ratio of civilians killed, the group notes.

Based on its analysis, the New America Foundation estimates that a third of the fatalities were "non-militant." Roggio said his count is about half of New America's.

Whatever the number, the attacks have prompted a backlash in Pakistan and elsewhere in the world community, prompting military planners to search for smaller weapons to limit civilian casualties.

"This is a political war; it's a war of perception," said Anthony Cordesman, Arleigh Burke Chair in Strategy at the Center for Strategic and and International Studies in Washington, D.C.

"When you can start producing a lower ratio of collateral damage, that's how you win this kind of war."

P.W. Singer, senior fellow in foreign policy at the Brookings Institution, said the move to smaller munitions has been enabled by technological advances and driven by the need to limit the collateral damage.

"The nature of the targets has changed," said Singer, author of "Wired for War: The Robotics Revolution and Conflict in the 21st Century."

"The Hellfire missile was designed to go after Soviet tanks. It's a little bit big for using against a single insurgent leader in Fallujah," Singer said.

Other small guided munitions still under development for use with UAVs include Lockheed Martin's Scorpion, an unpowered, precision-guided munition that is 21 inches long and weighs less than 35 pounds.

Did you know

Raytheon Missile Systems is Southern Arizona's largest employer, with more than 12,000 local full-time-equivalent employees at the end of 2009, according to the Star 200 survey of the region's major employers.

Contact Assistant Business Editor David Wichner at dwichner@azstarnet.com or 573-4181.

[buglerbilly]

Raytheon May 'Adjust' SDB Development to Match JSF Schedule

By JOHN REED

Published: 24 Aug 2010 16:34

Raytheon officials announced that the company may adjust development of its Small Diameter Bomb (SDB) II to accommodate for slips in the testing of the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter.

There will probably need to be "an adjustment to the baseline" schedule for the fielding of the new precision strike bomb in order to stay in synch with the JSF's recently altered development schedule, said Tom White, Raytheon's SDB II program director, on Aug. 24. He did not elaborate how much tweaking will be done to the bomb's schedule.

Right now, the weapon is slated to enter low-rate initial production in 2013 with an expected initial operational capability (IOC) on U.S. Navy and Marine Corps F-35s in 2018, according to the company. The weapon is slated to be ready for IOC on the Air Force's F-15E Strike Eagles by 2017.

The F-35 program was revamped this spring following Defense Department estimates predicting massive cost overruns and testing delays in the program.

The restructuring resulted in the U.S. Air Force and Navy delaying their initial operation dates for the airplane by two and three years, respectively, to 2016. The Marines are still on track to achieve IOC in 2012. F-35-maker Lockheed Martin is going all out to accelerate testing on the jet in order to make up for the delays that were predicted in several reports by the Pentagon's Cost Assessment and Program Evaluation office.

Raytheon was awarded a $450 million engineering and manufacturing contract for the weapon on Aug. 9, beating out original SDB manufacturer Boeing. The Waltham, Mass.-based Raytheon expects eventually to supply the Air Force with roughly 12,000 of the weapons and another 5,000 to the Navy and Marines under a follow-on contract totaling about $2 billion.

[buglerbilly]

Small Diameter Bomb II - GBU-53/B



The U.S. Air Force has awarded the Raytheon Company (NYSE: RTN) US$450 million for the development and production of GBU-53/B for the Small Diameter Bomb increment II program. SDB II is the next generation of the lightweight, aerial precision-strike standoff weapon designed with integral capability to accurately strike moving and fixed targets in adverse weather conditions.

Raytheon has developed an all-new, streamlined bomb casing and folding swept-wing for the new weapon, departing from the MBDA designed ‘Diamond Back’ configuration used by the Boeing designed first generation SDB. Raytheon will begin producing the new weapons in 2013 with initial deliveries completing the first production lot by late 2014.


One of the key featutures of the GBU-53/B is that it is designed to maximize the loadout on fourth and fifth generation fighter aircraft. BLU-61/A suspension equipment enables the F-15E fighter aircraft to carry seven groups of four GBU-53/Bs for a total of 28 weapons.

The GBU-53/B incorporates an three-modal seeker featuring millimeter-wave radar, a semi-active laser (SAL) and an uncooled imaging infrared. The use of an uncooled thermal imager is a unique implementation of such sensor in aerial weapons, demonstrating the maturity and high resolution achieved with bolometric technology.

“Our uncooled IIR seeker met all the warfighter’s requirements and reduced the weapon’s total life-cycle cost and logistics footprint” said Dr. Taylor W. Lawrence, Raytheon Missile Systems president. The tri-modal terminal seeker is a derivative from the seeker systems used in the 120mm Medium Range Munition for the M-1A2 tank and the cancelled XM-501 Precision Attack Missile. For the warhead, Raytheon opted for the new developped 'multi effect warhead'. Originally, Raytheon adapted the warhead used in the SDB Increment I weapon, but in parralel, decided to develop another warhead optimized for the services' requirements. "This new warhead used a plasma jet [created by the shaped charge] to penetrate armor, it could stop a tank and in many cases also destroy it. We also improved blast-fragmentation effects by scoring the case design. It was so effective, Air Force engineers dubbed it 'the shredder.'" said Harry Schulte, Vice President, Air Warfare Systems at Raytheon blogging on Aviation Week. "By changing the weapon’s length, our design team had the opportunity to repackage the seeker electronics in a way that improved affordability and producibility, while providing a clear path for the plasma jet." Schulte added.

The selection followed a successful technical demonstration program, during which the company tested and verified that its form factored tri-mode seeker could seamlessly transition between modes. The GBU/53-B seeker proved its reliability during flight testing when it flew 26 missions in 21 days without a single hardware failure. Test flights during the risk reduction phase included seperation, subsystems deployment and operation, autopilot functions and navigation. Fit checks were also conducted at Langley AFB, on the F-22 Raptor, verifying that the Raptor can carry eight weapons in its internal weapons bay, along with two AMRAAM missiles. All versions of the F-35 will also be able to carry eight GBU-53/Bs and two AMRAAMS in the internal weapons bay. Fitting the weapon into these internal bays was not easy, said Schulte. "we needed to shorten the weapon’s length in order to meet the government requirements to carry eight weapons in the Marine Corp’s Short Takeoff and Vertical Landing F-35B Joint Strike Fighter. Without reducing the weapon's length, the F-35B would be limited to six internal weapons, instead of the desired eight weapons.


The multi-effect warhead went through more than 80 live testsdemonstrating its capability to meet the warfighter's requirements with minimal risk of collateral damage. The multi-effect warhead packs a shaped charge, blast and fragmentation effects, defeating armored targets, structures as well as unarmored targets.

[buglerbilly]

DATE:26/08/10

SOURCE:Flight Daily News

AUVSI: Raytheon designing UAV-specific weapons

By Gayle Putrich

Huge growth area this and MBDA is active in this as well.............

Putting weapons on UAVs "is a fait accompli," says Raytheon's Robert Francois, vice president of advanced missile systems and unmanned systems.

With several unmanned systems already armed and militaries seeking to ultimately arm many more, he says Raytheon is positioning itself to fill in the gaps in the market by designing weapons with UAVs in mind.

The company is focusing on weapons for the Tier III, Tier II and small tactical aircraft with three new munitions, Francios says.

The Small Tactical Munition is about 10cm (4 inches) in diameter, 61cm long and weighs in at 5.9kg (13lbs) with GPS/inertial navigational system (INS) and a semi-active laser (SAL) seeker for targeting personnel and light vehicles.

The 15kg Griffin is a short-range, air-to-surface missile is tube launched, also featuring GPS/INS and SAL guidance and is smaller and lighter than the Hellfire.

Filling in the 45kg gap is Monsoon, for targeting buildings, trucks and personnel, with GPS/INS, optional SAL and an 18kg warhead.

Though the aircraft may be unmanned, Francois believes a man will stay in the loop when it comes to matters of weaponzation. "For the major target set, I think there will always be a man in the loop approving weapons release," he says.

[buglerbilly]

DOD Liability Capped At $470M For SDB II

Aug 26, 2010

By Amy Butler

The $450-million fixed-price contract won this month by Raytheon to develop and build the Small-Diameter Bomb (SDB) II for the U.S. Air Force could be a model for future deals in a fiscally constrained Pentagon.

The SDB II has been “one of the most heavily reviewed programs” since Congress passed the Weapon Systems Reform Act, and strict adherence to its principles gave the service confidence in moving forward with what some may consider an unconventional approach to developing a highly sophisticated weapon, according to Col. Brian Buell, Air Force SDB II program manager.

The 250-lb. GBU-53/B will employ a tri-mode seeker — millimeter-wave radar, uncooled imaging infrared and semi-active laser — to classify and destroy moving targets through weather or dust from 40 nm. out. Raytheon won over a Boeing/Lockheed Martin team, which opted not to protest its loss. Boeing officials declined to comment on why they lost the competition (Aerospace DAILY, Aug. 10 and 16).

The development contract is fixed price, incentive fee, and the target profit for the Raytheon team is 15%, Buell says. If there is a cost overrun in development, the government will pick up 75% of the overage. But the government’s liability is capped at $470 million for the entire development effort, says Tom White, SDB II program manager for Raytheon.

Any overages above that are the responsibility of Raytheon and its team. For low-rate initial production (LRIP), which begins with the first lot in 2013, the government’s liability for overruns goes down to 70%. This is for Lots 1-3, he says.

Whereas the government will pay its share of development overages up to 130% of the anticipated development cost, that decreases to 127% in Lots 1-3 of LRIP. White says Raytheon has already established fixed-price contracts with its suppliers for 90% of the materials needed to build the weapon. And, some margin is included in the pricing to allow for failures in flight test, which will require 250 weapons.

The use of this type of fixed-price development contract could become more widespread. Pentagon acquisition czar Ashton Carter says he hopes to use this vehicle to reduce risk for the government of major overruns.

LRIPs 1-4 will include a buy of 1,300 units, with LRIP-1 starting at 144 weapons and ramping up to 550 in Lot 4. The target profit for the early production phase is about 12%. The first full-rate production lot will include a buy of 1,050 SDB IIs.

The Pentagon expects to spend between $62,000 and $81,000 per round in base year 2005 dollars, White says. This figure is an average cost across the entire buy.

The first guided test shot designed to destroy a target will take place in late 2011, White says. The F-15E and F-35B/C fighters are slated for integration of the SDB II. The government is not, however, expecting to lose the leverage over the contractor offered by the fixed-price arrangement if renegotiations are required to accommodate any possible slips in F-35 development, Buell says. “Any time we would make an adjustment, we are bound to keep the contractor in the same relative position with respect to the changes we need to incorporate.”

The total U.S. buy of SDB II is anticipated to be 17,000 weapons, 5,000 for the Navy and the remainder for the Air Force. There is international interest, but no formal requests have yet been made for purchasing the system.

[buglerbilly]

A bit more on Griffin.......interesting that it has both an aft-eject and forward-firing ability versions.....

AUVSI: Raytheon offers up Griffin for UAS

August 26, 2010

Raytheon is in early talks with the US Army, Navy and Air Force to integrate its Griffin lightweight, precision kinetic effects munition onto a variety of UAS, company officials have told Unmanned Vehicles.

Speaking to UV at AUVSI on 26 August, Raytheon business development senior manager for air warfare systems, Everett Tackett, said 'conversations' had taken place with a variety of users regarding compatibility. However, he stressed that no test flights had yet taken place.

'We have had conversations regarding fit checks and looked at interfaces,' Tackett said while referring to discussions with the army for its Grey Eagle UAS and navy for the Fire Scout UAS. Additionally, he said Griffin would be suitable for any 'group two' tactical UASs or larger and hinted at a possible demonstration in 2011.

Griffin was originally designed for the US Special Operations Command and has been launched from the MC-130W 'Dragon Spear' gunship, although Tackett was unable to comment on whether this capability had been used on active deployment.

A 33 lb munition measuring 43 inches in length, the Griffin Block II B Missile comprises less than half the weight of a Hellfire round and includes a 13 lb warhead. It has a 15 km range when air-launched, which is reduced to around 5.5 km when ground-launched, Tackett added. To date, it has also been fired from the US Army Remote Weapon Station, multi-round Wedge launcher and Kiowa Warrior and Smart Launcher manned helicopters.

Designed as an air and ground launched, low-collateral damage weapon for 'irregular warfare operations', Griffin Block II comprises semi-active laser seeker, fuze, warhead, motor and control actuator system. It relies on either GPS coordinates, inertial navigation or laser designation and an operator is able to switch between height-of-burst, point detonation and delayed fuzes in 'seconds' before firing. A multiple-round-simultaneous-impact capability is also available.

The 'A' round is designed as an aft-eject missile, designed for integration on aircraft and the 'B' round as a forward-firing missile which can be fired from unmanned, rotary-wing and ground platforms.

A Raytheon spokesman: 'Griffin has successfully engaged moving vehicle targets in several demonstrations.'

By Andrew White, Denver

[buglerbilly]

Raytheon Scores Second JAGM Success

By Colin Clark Wednesday, September 1st, 2010 5:51 pm



Raytheon and Boeing took a step closer last week to qualifying their prototype Joint Air to Ground Missile for the next acquisition milestone in the $5 billion program with what company officials say was a visually spectacular test.

The missile, which had no explosive warhead, struck a working T-72 tank after a 4-kilometer flight and destroyed the tank, driving it half a foot across the ground, sending a several hundred pound road wheel flying through the air and leaving White Sands Missile Range with nothing much left to shoot at, said Mike Riley, Raytheon business development manager for JAGM. (Pictures and video coming soon, we hope.) As long as the propellant did not explode that is all to the good. The propellant is not supposed to be volatile enough to explode, an important consideration for the Navy as it packs missiles belowdecks.

The successful test leaves the Raytheon team with two of three successful tests needed under the framework set up by former Pentagon acquisition czar John Young. The company has fired the missile four times, twice on the company dime. The final test, company officials said, will occur very soon. The prototyping deadline is mid-September. They are competing against Lockheed, which has not fared as well in the testing contest so far. Lockheed’s first test went well. The second test missed the target by roughly 500 yards.

Lockheed says they now know what caused the missile in the second government test to miss the target. As often happens with high-tech weapon systems it was a simple part that failed. “You’re going to think this is silly, but it’s a mechanical bracket that holds one of the rocket motors. It wasn’t a design issue. We are confident the design is sound,” Frank St. John, head of Lockheed’s JAGM’s effort.

Time is tight for Lockheed. The three government tests must be finished by Sept. 11, 24 months after the contract for this phase was awarded. St. John says they’ve got a range slot at White Sands on Sept. 10 for the third government supervised test, which will require them to use the missile’s radar sensor prior to launch to capture the target. The next day, St. John says Lockheed will pay for what will essentially be a make-up test to compensate for the failed second test. Lockheed will pay for that test. And the company may do more test shots after that date as long as it pays for them. Data for any test after the Sept. 11 deadline that is paid for by Lockheed or Raytheon may be submitted to the government for consideration in the program’s next phase.

Read more: http://www.dodbuzz.com/2010/09/01/raytheon-scores-second-jagm-success/#ixzz0yKUACoVh

[buglerbilly]

Boeing, Raytheon Test Joint Air-To-Ground Missile

By JOHN YANTIS, THE ARIZONA REPUBLIC

Published: 7 Sep 2010 12:35

Raytheon Missile Systems and Boeing Co. recently completed a second government-sponsored test of a tactical missile that someday could be launched by a half-dozen aircraft, including the AD-64D Apache Longbow attack helicopter.

The two aerospace and defense companies are teaming up in an effort to land what is an estimated $5 billion program to build more than 33,000 missiles for the U.S. Army, Navy and Marine Corps. The Joint Air-to-Ground Missile, or JAGM, is expected to replace Hellfire, Maverick and TOW missiles.

The companies announced last week that the missile was successfully launched Aug. 13 from White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico. The JAGM used its imaging-infrared guidance system to lock on to the target before it launched and hit a stationary battlefield tank more than 2 miles away.

"We're very pleased with our efforts," said Michael Riley, Raytheon business-development chief for the program. "We have accomplished all of the contractual agreements on time and on budget. We have done a significant amount of effort on our own company money to reduce the risk for us and the government to ensure success of this program. One of things we've done between the two companies is we've paid for two missile shots on our own money."

The Raytheon-Boeing proposal faces competition from Lockheed Martin. The winner, expected to be announced in 2010 or early 2011, will supply missiles that can be launched from the Apache and the F/A-18 E/F, MH-60R Seahawk, AH-1Z Super Cobra, ARH-70 Arapaho and ER/MP Warrior UAS.

The goal is to create one missile for several applications so the armed forces save hundreds of millions of dollars in operating costs. Officials declined to say if more jobs would come to either Boeing or Raytheon if the companies are awarded the contract.

"For the next 25 years, this is probably going to be one of the last new-start programs they purchase for something that's going to be fired off of a helicopter," said Mike Nachshen, a Raytheon spokesman. For the Apache, JAGM provides a weapons system that will match the capabilities of the latest generation of helicopters. The Apache would have double the targeting range compared with current Hellfire missiles.

A Lockheed Martin spokeswoman said Sept. 3 that the company completed a preliminary design review of its missile and is confident it will provide greater capabilities than existing weapons and do so more affordably. Lockheed performed two test flights in early August and said it is looking forward to F/A-18 flight tests in the fourth quarter of this year.

Because it's a joint program for the Army and Navy, JAGM is unique, Riley said. When it began in late 2007, it was one of two programs the secretary of Defense decided would go forward under a plan in which multiple contractors could be selected to provide prototypes for evaluation. In September 2008, the Raytheon-Boeing and Lockheed Martin teams were selected and given 27-month contracts to provide a prototype to the government for it to evaluate on six different platforms.

"That's highly unusual for any program whatsoever," Riley said. "Normally, you would have one, maybe two aircraft or platforms you would integrate the system on."

Raytheon and Boeing teamed because two of the aircraft, the Apache and Super Hornet, are Boeing products.

Earlier this year, the Boeing-Raytheon team shared with the government its final engineering and design. It is waiting to receive a final request for proposals from the Department of Defense. The missiles are expected to be ready to go into service in 2016 on three of the main aircraft.

The first government-sponsored launch of the Boeing-Raytheon missile was successful in June, but because the Defense Department requires three, it will be launched again soon. On their own, the companies launched the missile twice successfully in April.

The weapon is 6 feet long, 7 inches in diameter and weighs 108 pounds. The Boeing-Raytheon team says what separates its design from other missiles is the powerful sensor on the front of missile, which combines the use of semi-active laser, uncooled imaging infrared and millimeter wave.

It's the same seeker that Raytheon uses on its GBU-53/B small-diameter bomb design. Last month the company won a $450 million contract to develop a winged bomb that can be dropped from long distances through clouds and bad weather to hit fixed and moving targets, including tankers and armored personnel carriers.

The Lockheed Martin spokeswoman said its semi-active laser and infrared sensor performed flawlessly in its tests, contending that its rivals' uncooled technology is subject to environmental degradation, which can compromise the system and affect the overall maintenance and cost of aircraft.

Besides the seeker, one of the other main components of JAGM is a dual-mode warhead. It must be capable of defeating a battlefield tank, but also be able to knock a hole in a brick wall and destroy it and everything behind it, said Steve Sherrick, Boeing business-development chief for the program. Because it must work on the soldier level and hit multiple targets, JAGM is called a "dirty boots missile" in military parlance.

The contract requires the rocket motor to send the weapon 16 kilometers, or nearly 10 miles, twice as far as the Hellfire. It must also work in temperatures ranging from 65 degrees to 140 degrees.

"When you put those requirements on a motor, it's really pushing the state of art and moving rocket motors into the next generation," Sherrick said.

[buglerbilly]

VIDEO: JAGM the Sequel

By Stephen Trimble on September 7, 2010 6:18 PM



Raytheon has released video showing the second of three scheduled launch tests of the company's candidate for the Joint Air to Ground Munition (JAGM) contract, which is due to be awarded in early 2011.

Although JAGM includes a tri-mode seeker, this test involved only the imaging infrared (IIR) mode and Raytheon's uncooled sensor technology. The direct hit on the tank at 4mi distance is fairly spectacular considering this test involved only a dummy award. Kinetic energy alone caused the explosion of dust and shrapnel from the high-velocity impact.

Lockheed Martin is competing against Raytheon for the JAGM contract, but its second launch test failed to hit the target. The company is self-funding a repeat test of the IIR seeker mode later this month.

[buglerbilly]

Sweden Moves On Meteor for Gripen

Posted by Robert Wall at 9/8/2010 3:46 AM CDT

I'd love to see METEOR on our F-18's and F-35's...........:thumbsup

Gripen fighters have fired Meteor missiles several times, but the Swedish government now is properly moving forward on getting the ramjet-powered MBDA beyond visual range air-to-air missile on the fighter.

Gripen has served as the test platform for Meteor flight trials, with the first shot having taken place in 2006. Gripen was seen as a relatively low-cost flight test option.


(credit: Gripen International)

But now the Swedish defense procurement agency, FMV, is ready to focus on getting Meteor properly onto Gripen, integrating the missile with the radar, displays, and mission planning system. The 312 million Swedish kronor contract also includes some test firings.

It's an important step for Gripen, because it gives the fighter some bragging rights in international competitions.

[JimWH]

I'd put money on MBDA paying to integrate Meteor onto F-35. If they don't, they'll surrender a potentially highly significant income stream. As is Lightning with AMRAAM-D will be just fine for any currently conceivable operational, which means that the impetus for governments to invest in the integration of Meteor onto Lightning in spite of the extra capability it brings to the table.
But yes, I agree that it'd be great to see RAAF Lightnings toting Meteor and ASRAAM.

[ADMk2]

VIDEO: JAGM the Sequel

By Stephen Trimble on September 7, 2010 6:18 PM



Raytheon has released video showing the second of three scheduled launch tests of the company's candidate for the Joint Air to Ground Munition (JAGM) contract, which is due to be awarded in early 2011.

Although JAGM includes a tri-mode seeker, this test involved only the imaging infrared (IIR) mode and Raytheon's uncooled sensor technology. The direct hit on the tank at 4mi distance is fairly spectacular considering this test involved only a dummy award. Kinetic energy alone caused the explosion of dust and shrapnel from the high-velocity impact.

Lockheed Martin is competing against Raytheon for the JAGM contract, but its second launch test failed to hit the target. The company is self-funding a repeat test of the IIR seeker mode later this month.

Interesting to note, the rocket motor is still burning at impact in this video! No wonder it has such outstanding range...

Also there is an awful lot of flame at impact for this non-warhead equipoed round... Methinks some 'assistance' may have been provided inside the tank itself, to make the video a bit more spectacular, just like that famous Javelin ATGW destroying the T-72 video floating around the net...

[buglerbilly]

Fixed-Price Limits Pentagon Risk On SDB II

Sep 8, 2010



By Amy Butler
Washington

The $450-million fixed-price contract won last month by Raytheon to develop and build the Small Diameter Bomb (SDB) II will likely be a model for future deals, including the contentious KC-135 replacement, in a fiscally constrained Pentagon.

And it is giving the service confidence as it proceeds through arguably its thorniest procurement decision to date between Boeing and EADS designs for a KC-X refueler.

A Boeing/Lockheed Martin team opted not to protest the decision; Boeing officials have declined to discuss the loss further. “Raytheon’s proposal offered the best value to the government,” says Col. Brian Buell, Air Force SDB II program manager.

This was a “woo-hoo victory” for the Air Force, says Lt. Gen. Mark Shackelford, military deputy to the Air Force acquisition executive. It comes after a series of highly publicized procurement missteps by the service, including the botched attempt to buy Northrop Grumman/EADS aerial refuelers. That KC-135 replacement is being recompeted, with a downselect expected this fall. The SDB II outcome “gives us confidence we are going in the right direction” with improvements made to the Air Force acquisition process, Shackelford says.

The SDB II has been “one of the most heavily reviewed programs” since Congress passed the Weapon Systems Acquisition Reform Act, and strict adherence to the act’s principles assured the service in proceeding with what some may consider an unconventional approach to developing a highly sophisticated weapon, Buell says. Shackelford says an independent team of uniformed officials and civilians conducted reviews of the source selection process five times as it played out, and this method is being applied to KC-X.

It is ironic that SDB II would be the program through which Air Force officials feel they are righting their past mistakes in acquisition because the program’s predecessor, the SDB built by Boeing, was caught up in one of the service’s largest procurement scandals. Former senior acquisition official Darleen Druyun, who served jail time for illegal job talks with Boeing, admitted to unfairly steering contracts, including the SDB II’s fixed target predecessor program, to the company while she oversaw Air Force activities. It was because of that admission that USAF officials were forced to compete the more sophisticated moving-target version, which became SDB II.

The service spent about $300 million over 42 months for both companies to develop prototypes. The 250-lb. GBU-53/B will employ a trimode seeker—millimeter-wave radar, uncooled imaging infrared and semi-active laser—to classify and destroy moving targets through weather or dust from 40 n.m.

Raytheon’s work will be handled through a fixed-price, incentive-fee contract, and the target profit for the Raytheon team is 15%, Buell says. If there is a cost overrun in development, the government will pick up 75% of the overage. But the government’s liability is capped at $510 million for the entire development effort, including maximum overruns, says Tom White, SDB II program manager for Raytheon. Any overages above that are the responsibility of Raytheon and its team. For low-rate initial production (LRIP), which begins with the first lot in calendar year 2013, the government’s liability for overruns goes down to 70%.

Whereas the government will pay its share of development overages up to 130% of the anticipated development cost, that decreases to 127% in Lots 1-3 of LRIP. White says Raytheon has established fixed-price contracts with its suppliers for 90% of materials. And some margin is included in the pricing to allow for failures in flight testing, which will require 250 weapons.

Pentagon acquisition czar Ashton Carter says he hopes to use this type of fixed-price development contract to reduce risks from major overruns.

Lots 1-4 will include a buy of 1,300 units, with LRIP-1 starting at 144 weapons and ramping up to 550 in Lot 4. The target profit for the early production phase is about 12%. The first full-rate production lot will include a buy of 1,050 SDB IIs.

The Pentagon expects to spend $62,000-81,000 per round in base-year 2005 dollars, White says. This figure is an average cost across the entire buy.

The first guided test shot designed to destroy a target will take place in late 2011, White says.

The F-15E and F-35B/C are systems slated for integration of the SDB II. Raytheon is required to be able to arm 12 F-15Es with the SDB II and provide spares and necessary support equipment by July 2016. Initial fielding on the F-35B/C is slated for June of 2018, though Buell and White say the Joint Strike Fighter schedule may have to be adjusted if there are future slips in that Lockheed Martin-led program. The F-35A will likely take on the weapon later.

However, the government does not expect to lose its fixed-price leverage if renegotiations are required due to F-35 integration, Buell says. “Any time we would make an adjustment, we are bound to keep the contractor in the same relative position with respect to the changes we need to incorporate.”

Harry Schulte, Raytheon vice president of air warfare systems, says the use of an uncooled infrared imager on the team’s SDB II design was a discriminator for the proposal. The technology is now employed on the Joint Standoff Weapon and will be included in the company’s joint proposal with Boeing for the Army’s Joint Air-to-Ground (JAGM) competition.

The total U.S. buy of SDB IIs is anticipated to be 17,000 weapons, 5,000 for the Navy and the rest for the Air Force.

Photo: Boeing

[buglerbilly]

DATE:08/09/10

SOURCE:Flight International

Raytheon's Griffin missile makes quiet gains with US military

By Stephen Trimble

The US Air Force plans to launch production of a new Raytheon missile to equip its weaponised unmanned air vehicles with a precision-guided projectile featuring a smaller but still potent blast radius.

The announcement by the Aeronautical Systems Center (ASC) pushes Raytheon's internally funded, 15kg (33lb) Griffin into the spotlight after spending three years in near-obscurity.

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems is being awarded a contract to support production of a capability to integrate the Griffin on the MQ-1 Predator and MQ-9 Reaper UAVs, the ASC says in a solicitation notice posted on 30 August.

It is the latest sign of the US military's growing support for the Griffin missile, which includes a selectable fusing capability, for both manned and unmanned aircraft.


© USAF

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems has been awarded a contract to support production of a capability to integrate the Griffin on the MQ-1 Predator and MQ-9 Reaper UAVs

US Army officials are seeking to integrate the weapon on the AAI RQ-7 Shadow UAV. Meanwhile, US Marine Corps budget documents show the Griffin is in the weapons package carried by the Lockheed Martin KC-130J Harvest Hawk, a tanker/transport modified to perform a supplementary role as an aerial surveillance and attack system.

Although less than one-third the size of Lockheed Martin's AGM-114 Hellfire, the Griffin is among of a new class of miniature, precision-guided weapons rising in demand during an era when aerial strikes on insurgents carries the risk of killing innocent civilians.

As an internally funded project by Raytheon, Griffin also represents a new kind of business model for the US munitions market, with the manufacturer paying for development and assuming the risk of failure.

Raytheon credits a new organisation stood up by US Special Operations Command to promote the fielding of new kinds of miniature, precision-guided weapons.

"The experience with the Joint Acquisition Task Force Dragon effort enabled Raytheon to develop an internal quick-reaction capability for rapid fielding and rapid integration," the company says, adding that the capability is being applied to UAVs.

In addition to the Griffin, Raytheon has also developed the small tactical munition, a 5.9kg unpowered bomb with a dual-mode seeker for attacking personnel and light vehicles.

[buglerbilly]

Third Lockheed JAGM Test Misses

By Colin Clark Friday, September 10th, 2010 5:43 pm

The day before the deadline for official government testing, Lockheed Martin’s Joint Air To Ground Missile prototype missed the target, leaving the defense giant with two misses out of three in the competition for the $5 billion program. Raytheon struck the target on its third test, a company source said, giving them their third successful shot of three.

“Lockheed Martin conducted a JAGM Technology Demonstration flight test September 10 at White Sands Missile Range, NM. The test was designed to demonstrate the missile’s millimeter wave radar sensor capability. During the test, an anomaly was detected causing the missile to impact outside of the target. A post flight analysis is currently underway to determine the cause. The millimeter wave and imaging infrared tests will be rescheduled and conducted once range time is available,” a Lockheed Martin spokeswoman said in an email.

The company defended its performance thus far. “The goal of the flight test portion of the Technology Demonstration phase is to collect sensor data and technical information, which was successfully accomplished during all three tests. We look forward to conducting the FA-18 captive carry data collection flight tests later this year,” the spokeswoman said. Lockheed had another test set for today but I understand that has been postponed. The company is likely to pay for more tests and submit data from those to the government.

The Raytheon-Boeing team had no further comment on their final test.

Lockheed knows what caused the missile in the second government test to miss the target. As often happens with high-tech weapon systems, it was a simple part that failed. “You’re going to think this is silly, but it’s a mechanical bracket that holds one of the rocket motors. It wasn’t a design issue. We are confident the design is sound,” Frank St. John, head of Lockheed’s JAGM’s effort, told me Sept. 1.

[Deks]

Wow, they missed again? If I'm not mistaken, that test was funded by Lockheed to replace a previously failed test.

Looks like the competition will go to raytheon, if for no other reason than their quality control is apparently far better.

[buglerbilly]

DATE:17/09/10

SOURCE:Flight International

PICTURE: MBDA reveals clipped-fin Meteor for F-35

By Stephen Trimble

MBDA has revealed a slightly modified Meteor that would allow four of the beyond-visual-range air-to-air missiles to be stored inside the Lockheed Martin F-35.

A miniature Meteor mock-up featuring four clipped fins appeared for the first time in the company's display at the Air Force Association's Air & Space Conference and Technology Exposition in Washington DC.

The missile's total fin area is reduced by roughly 20% compared with the original design, says Rob Thornley, MBDA sales and business development executive. The new shape allows the Meteors to squeeze into the space designed to house four Raytheon AIM-120C7 AMRAAMs.


© Stephen Trimble/Tim Bicheno-Brown/Flightglobal

The new fin design is the product of a Lockheed study made nearly three years ago and funded by the UK Ministry of Defence to investigate the feasibility of carrying four Meteors within the F-35's internal weapons bay.

Unlike its short-range ASRAAM, MBDA has not yet found a customer willing to integrate the Meteor on the F-35. However, the company is preparing the missile to be included as part of the fighter's Block 5 upgrade package.

Meteor is scheduled for integration on Dassault Rafale, Eurofighter Typhoon and Saab Gripen fighters under a six-nation programme involving France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Sweden and the UK.

Lockheed has previously shown off a modified weapons bay door that creates enough room to store as many as six AMRAAMs.

US Air Force officials, meanwhile, are seeking approval in the next budget cycle to develop a new, long-range missile to replace both the AMRAAM and Raytheon's AGM-88 high-speed anti-radiation missile. The dual-role air dominance missile remains in early technology development.

"We need to move forward with fifth-generation weapons for a fifth-generation platform," Air Combat Command chief Gen William Fraser said during the AFA conference.

[JimWH]

Groovy. Here's hoping the idea makes it off the drawing board and into production. Mind you, the AIM-102D will be no slouch.

[buglerbilly]

Sweden Signs Production Order Contract for Meteor Missile

(Source: Swedish Defence Materiel Administration, FMV; issued Sept. 20, 2010)

On the 17th of September FMV, the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration, signed a production order contract with United Kingdom MOD regarding the Meteor missile.

With the Meteor missile the JAS39 Gripen system gets a significantly increased capability to operate against air targets at long distances with very high performance.

The European co-operation behind the Meteor missile system began in 2002 with UK as lead nation and Germany, France, Italy, Spain and Sweden as participants. Sweden has been a very active participant since the beginning and most of the test-firings during the development have been carried out with the JAS 39 Gripen aircraft as the primary development platform.

“The development has now reached the point where Sweden can sign a production order for operational missiles. Sweden is number three to sign production orders after UK and Spain,” says Project Manager Michael Östergren at FMV.

From Sweden FMV’s Director General Gunnar Holmgren signed the agreement and from the UK it was General Sir Kevin O'Donoghue in his role as Chief of Defence Materiel within the UK MOD.

FMV has already signed an order with Saab Aerosystems for integration of the Meteor missile on the JAS39 Gripen C/D, version 20. The Meteor missile system is expected to be operational within the Swedish Air Force 2015.

Meteor Facts

Meteor is a next-generation radar-guided missile, driven by a ramjet engine. This makes it possible to adjust thrust and thereby maximizing the performance during the missile flight, as well as its speed and range. The missile is resistant to electronic countermeasures.

The type of missile that Meteor represents is known as BVRAAM, which stands for Beyond Visual Range Air to Air Missile.

Swedish industry has collaborated in the development of subsystems for the missile. Subsystems will also be produced in Sweden during the production phase.

The final assembly will take place in the UK.

-ends-

[buglerbilly]

DATE:22/09/10

SOURCE:Flight International

JAGM contract race nears final phase

By Stephen Trimble

A competition that could redefine the US industrial base for air-launched weapons will enter its final phase in October, after a two-year technology demonstration effort that yielded mixed results for the rival bidders.

The US Army is expected to issue a request for proposals in mid-October for the joint air-to-ground missile (JAGM) contract, with a decision between Lockheed Martin and a Raytheon/Boeing team set for the second quarter of 2011.

The process to award the last in a series of major air-to-ground missile contracts has been long and arduous.


© Lockheed Martin

The Department of Defense terminated a Lockheed contract to develop the joint common missile (JCM) in 2006. The army then relaunched a competition for a tri-mode seeker-equipped weapon to replace the company's AGM-114 Hellfire (above) and Raytheon's AGM-65 Maverick (below) with a single, 49kg (108lb) missile.


© US Navy

Lockheed re-entered the race using technology first developed for JCM, including a cooled imaging infrared (I²R) seeker. Raytheon, meanwhile, teamed up with Boeing, combining the latter's MBDA Brimstone-based missile body with its tri-mode seeker, which features an uncooled I²R sensor.

Both contractors face a long list of requirements drafted to accommodate the needs of at least seven different aircraft platforms operated by the US Army and US Navy, including fighters, helicopters and unmanned air vehicles.

Unlike the Hellfire, the JAGM must survive on fast-moving jets, requiring stronger construction and sturdier propellant that can operate in frigid temperatures down to -65°C (-85°F). The new missile also must be able to see and hit targets at 16km (8.6nm), or twice the range of a helicopter-launched Hellfire.

But the key requirement is to overcome when bad weather obscures a moving target from both a semi-active laser and an I²R sensor. This has forced both teams to integrate a millimetre-wave radar, which can "see through" fog and rain.

Heeding a then-new acquisition policy, the army in September 2008 funded both teams to complete a 27-month technology demonstration phase, including three live fire shots to test the performance of each sensor in the tri-mode seeker.

Those flight tests are now complete, with the Raytheon/Boeing team having scored three direct hits and Lockheed having missed two of the three targets.

In a recent interview, Lockheed programme director Frank St John notes the technology demonstration was not intended to serve as a "shoot-off" between the two competitors. It was instead set up to gather data, he says.

Lockheed's first test shot using a semi-active laser struck the target, but the second, 4km-range shot demonstrating the I²R sensor missed by about 400m (1,300ft). However, the I²R seeker cleared a key data point by locking on to its target, St John says.


© Lockheed Martin
Lockheed's candidate uses a cooled imaging infrared seeker

Moreover, post-flight analysis showed that the critical tri-mode seeker technology was not at fault for missing the target. A small bracket holding an electric motor for a sensor "had an interference issue", St John says.

Lockheed was still investigating the cause of an anomaly detected on a third test on 10 September that caused the "missile to impact outside of the target", the company says. It adds that it is looking forward to captive carry tests on a Boeing F/A-18 later this year, where it believes its cooled I²R sensor will prove more reliable than Raytheon's uncooled design.

Michael Riley, Raytheon's senior business development manager, says the company's internal analysis shows that materials for the seeker dome accommodating an I²R seeker have fully matured. Such materials differ from a cooled I²R because the sensors operate in different wavelengths.

Both companies acknowledge that Lockheed's cooled I²R technology provides superior detection range. "In some conditions, the standoff range can be 50% greater than the uncooled alternative that has been traded out [by Raytheon]," St John says.

In the most challenging real-world scenario, a pilot will depend on the JAGM's I²R sensor to identify targets in close proximity to friendly troops at standoff range, St John says.

Raytheon, however, argues that a pilot in that scenario will already have an infrared-based surveillance and targeting system onboard the platform that is superior to the missile's tri-mode seeker.


© Raytheon
The Raytheon/Boeing team scored three direct hits during tests

That allows Raytheon to offload the most challenging part of the standoff detection requirement to the host platform, allowing the missile's I²R technology to rely on a more affordable uncooled sensor, Riley says.

The seeker technology represents critical choice in a heated competition. The winner is expected to deliver 33,000 missiles and lock up the air-to-ground missile market now dominated by Lockheed's Hellfire for at least the next two decades.

In August, the US Air Force selected Raytheon to build the small diameter bomb increment II weapon, which features a similar uncooled I²R sensor in a tri-mode seeker. The losing bidder for SDB II was a Lockheed/Boeing team.

[buglerbilly]

DATE:24/09/10

SOURCE:Flight International

Boeing, Raytheon win work on high power microwave missile

By Stephen Trimble

Boeing and Raytheon have won seedling contracts to define requirements for a new kind of aerial weapon for the US Air Force that uses high-power microwave (HPM) beams instead of explosives.

Both companies received separate contracts worth less than $1 million each in early September from the USAF Air Armament Centre (AAC) for an "NKCE" concept.

Neither company could clarify what NKCE means, but the AAC issued a request for proposals last May for technical information to support the development of a "non-kinetic counter electronics" capability.

"It is envisioned that the NKCE capability will require an aerial delivery platform for operational flexibility and desired capability to engage multiple targets per mission," says the AAC acquisition notice.

The new weapon will be used to disrupt or destroy "electronic equipment deep in the enemy's infrastructure", it adds.

The NKCE concept emerges as Boeing continues to develop an airborne demonstrator called the counter-electronics high-power microwave advanced missile project (CHAMP). The $38 million demonstrator is funded by the Air Force Research Laboratory, and includes ground and flight demonstrations to run through 2012.

The HPM source for the CHAMP missile demonstrator is supplied by a New Mexico-based company called Ktech Corp. Sandia National Laboratories is providing the pulse power system.

[buglerbilly]

Boeing Completes 1st Flight Tests of MK-84 Laser Joint Direct Attack Munition

(Source: Boeing Co; issued September 28, 2010)


2000 pound Mk84 weapon fitted with GBU-54 Laser JDAM guidance kit loaded on an F-16 at Eglin Air Force Base, prior to a test flight in July 2010. The Precision Laser Guidance Set (PLGS) at the tip of the weapon is covered, to minimize wear of the transparent window protecting the seeker. Photo: Boeing

ST. LOUIS --- Boeing announced today that it successfully completed the first flight tests of the MK-84 Laser Joint Direct Attack Munition (Laser JDAM) this summer at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla. The first two of seven planned tests at Eglin demonstrated the 2,000-pound weapon's precision strike capability against fixed, relocatable and moving targets.

During the tests in July, two inert MK-84 Laser JDAM weapons were released from a U.S. Air Force F-16 test aircraft flying at an altitude of 30,000 feet and a speed of Mach 0.95. Both weapons flew a series of aggressive, preprogrammed maneuvers to verify their maneuverability and aerodynamic performance.

"Boeing continues to develop weapon systems to meet today's changing battlefield requirements to make smart bombs even smarter," said Brian Schoene, MK-84 Laser JDAM program manager for Boeing. "The MK-84 Laser JDAM is an example of Boeing's commitment to enhancing the capabilities of JDAM, the most reliable and effective weapon in the U.S. Air Force and Navy inventories."

An existing JDAM becomes a Laser JDAM with the installation of the Precision Laser Guidance Set (PLGS). The MK-84 PLGS uses the same laser sensor as the 500-pound MK-82 Laser JDAM, which has already been fielded with the U.S. Air Force, U.S. Navy, and internationally.

"JDAM has been the warfighter's weapon of choice for more than a decade," said Kerry Bush, JDAM program manager for Boeing. "Laser JDAM demonstrates how the Boeing team is using affordable technology to expand the capabilities of a standard JDAM. By adding the PLGS feature, warfighters can now attack relocatable and moving land and maritime targets with the same precision and reliability that they rely on every day with the existing JDAM."

Known as the world's most accurate bomb guidance kit, JDAM is a GPS-aided, near-precision weapon used extensively by the U.S. Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps and global allies in combat operations, including Afghanistan and Iraq. Boeing has produced more than 215,000 JDAM guidance kits since 1998.

A unit of The Boeing Company, Boeing Defense, Space & Security is one of the world's largest defense, space and security businesses specializing in innovative and capabilities-driven customer solutions, and the world's largest and most versatile manufacturer of military aircraft. Headquartered in St. Louis, Boeing Defense, Space & Security is a $34 billion business with 68,000 employees worldwide.

-ends-

[buglerbilly]

JAGM Duel Looms Following Mixed Demo Results

Sep 28, 2010

By Amy Butler



The next significant air-launched weapons battle is about to heat up with the U.S. Army’s forthcoming solicitation for a single Hellfire, Javelin and TOW missile replacement called the Joint Air-to-Ground Missile (JAGM).

JAGM could be worth billions of dollars, and will be integrated onto six platforms – including fixed and rotary wing – for the Army and Navy : the Boeing F/A-18E/F and Apache Block III, Bell AH-1Z and OH-58D, Sikorsky MH-60R/S and General Atomics MQ-1C Gray Eagle .

A request for proposals is expected by the end of October. Meanwhile, two industry teams are wrapping up work on separate $125-million technology demonstration contracts, each of which lasted 27 months. JAGM grew out of the defunct Joint Common Missile effort, which was led by Lockheed Martin prior to termination. This time, the company is pitted against a Raytheon/Boeing team.

During the JAGM technology demonstration phase, both teams were required to conduct three tests, each designed to prominently feature the capabilities of a single mode of the tri-mode seeker required. The three modes are the semi-active laser (SAL), imaging infrared (I2R) and millimeter wave (MMW) radar, and the tests were conducted in that order. The Raytheon/Boeing weapon, which did not include a new solid-rocket propelled motor under development for the JAGM requirement, scored all three hits.

Lockheed Martin’s, however, scored one of three hits. The second test, featuring the I2R, took place Aug. 3. “It was successful in that we did acquire target lock before launch,” says Frank St. John, close combat systems director for Lockheed Martin. A bracket that holds the motor onto the weapon prevented the seeker from detecting the target during flight, he says. A fix was validated in the third flight, which took place Sept. 10.

The cause of a miss in the third shot is still under investigation. At a minimum, a retest of the MMW radar flight will be conducted and paid for by Lockheed Martin; another demonstration of the I2R could follow.

By contrast, Raytheon’s uncooled I2R seeker was a discriminator in the SDB II competition, according to Harry Schulte, a vice president at Raytheon Missile Systems. With the Pentagon looking to curb spending, the Raytheon/Boeing team is banking on its uncooled I2R being good enough to do the job. Use of this design will reduce the overall cost of the weapon, says Michael Riley, Raytheon’s business development manager for advanced missiles. Raytheon’s tests took place June 23-Sept. 3.

Initial operational capability for the S F/A-18E/F, Apache Block III and AH-1Z is slated for Fiscal 2016 with the MH-60R/S, Gray Eagle and Kiowa Warrior to follow a year later. Riley says aircraft integration will be the key to the program.

Lockheed Martin expects to begin aerodynamics and vibration testing of a mass-representative unit on the wing of an F/A-18E/F within the next six weeks, St. John says.

While Lockheed Martin’s design is using an Aerojet motor, Raytheon is teamed with Alliant Techsystems (ATK).

Photo credit: Raytheon

[buglerbilly]

Airmen make impact with first GBU-54 combat drop in Afghanistan

Posted 10/4/2010

by Tech. Sgt. Drew Nystrom
455th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs


Tech Sgt. Darrin Sather performs a supervisory post load on a guided bomb unit-54 loaded on an F-16 Fighting Falcon Sept. 30, 2010, at Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan. The GBU-54 is the Air Force's newest 500-pound precision weapon, equipped with a special targeting system that uses a combination of Global Position System and laser guidance to accurately engage and destroy moving targets. Sergeant Sather is a weapons expeditor assigned to the 455th Expeditionary Aircraft Maintenance Squadron. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Christopher Boitz)


A guided bomb unit-54rests on the wing of a F-16 Fighting Falcon Oct. 1, 2010, at Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan. The GBU-54 is the Air Force's newest 500-pound precision weapon, equipped with a special targeting system that uses a combination of Global Position System and laser guidance to accurately engage and destroy moving targets. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Christopher Boitz)

10/4/2010 - BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan -- Airmen from the 510th Fighter Squadron here employed a guided bomb unit-54 laser joint directed attack munition for the first time in the Afghan area of operations recently.

The GBU-54 is the Air Force's newest 500-pound precision weapon, equipped with a special targeting system that uses a combination of Global Positioning System and laser guidance to accurately engage and destroy moving targets.

"The fielding of the new bomb allows Air Force assets to deliver precise effects against both moving and stationary targets when requested by ground force commanders, said Capt. Nick Ilchena, a fighter pilot with the 510th FS.
Air Force jets were previously using a combination of two different weapons, the captain said.

One was the GBU-38, a standard 500-pound JDAM that used a GPS guidance control unit to guide it to the target and the GBU-12, a 500-pound laser guided bomb.

"So what this (the GBU-54) does is combine the benefits of both of those into one weapon," Captain Ilchena said.

Identified as an urgent operational need in early 2007, the Air Force completed the GBU-54's development and testing cycle in less than 17 months, fielding it for the first time in combat in Iraq in 2008, Captain Ilchena said.

Another benefit of the Air Force's newest weapon is that it actually uses a majority of the same parts to build as the previous JDAMs.

For weapons loaders and maintainers that means the learning curve to become proficient at their building and loading isn't quite as steep.

The same can be said for the pilots who employ them.

"One of the biggest benefits is we (pilots) don't have to learn a whole new weapon. You can use it exactly like the old one or you can use the laser," Captain Ilchena said.

"Since (Airmen from the 510th FS) first-employed the GBU-54, the bomb has become part of the standard load out for Air Force assets providing close air support," Captain Ilchena said. "It allows the ground commander more flexibility to attack a variety of targets in a variety of environments and situations."

[ADMk2]

Australia – MK 54 Lightweight Torpedoes


(Source: Defense Security Cooperation Agency; issued October 5, 2010)



WASHINGTON --- The Defense Security Cooperation Agency notified Congress today of a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Australia of up to 200 MK 54 All-Up-Round Torpedoes, 179 MK 54 Flight in Air Material Kits, 10 MK 54 Exercise Sections, 10 MK 54 Exercise Fuel Tanks, 10 MK 54 Dummy Torpedoes and 6 MK 54 Ground Handling Torpedoes.

The estimated cost is $169 million.

The Government of Australia has requested a possible sale of up to 200 MK 54 All-Up-Round Torpedoes, 179 MK 54 Flight in Air Material Kits, 10 MK 54 Exercise Sections, 10 MK 54 Exercise Fuel Tanks, 10 MK 54 Dummy Torpedoes, 6 MK 54 Ground Handling Torpedoes, support and test equipment to upgrade Intermediate Maintenance Activity to MK 54 capability, spare and repair parts, technical data and publications, personnel training and training equipment, U.S. government and contractor engineering, technical and logistics support services, and other related elements of logistics support.

Australia, one of our most important allies in the Western Pacific, contributes significantly to ensuring peace and economic stability in the region. Australia’s efforts in peacekeeping and humanitarian operations in Iraq and in Afghanistan have served U.S. national security interests.

Australia intends to use the MK 54 torpedo on the Lockheed/Sikorsky MH-60R helicopter. Australia has significant experience with modern weapons systems, particularly the MK 46 Mod 5 (SW) torpedo. The MK 54 torpedo is an upgrade of the MK 46 torpedo.

The proposed sale of this equipment and support will not alter the basic military balance in the region.

The prime contractor will be Raytheon Integrated Defense Systems in Tewksbury, Massachusetts. There are no known offset agreements proposed in connection with this potential sale.

Implementation of this proposed sale will not require the assignment of U.S. Government or contractor representatives to Australia.

There will be no adverse impact on U.S. defense readiness as a result of this proposed sale. This notice of a potential sale is required by law and does not mean the sale has been concluded.

-ends-

It is only a "possible"sale, but I haven't seen many announcements of "possible"" MU-90 air launched torpedo sales for NFH-90's...

[Milne Bay]

Australia – MK 54 Lightweight Torpedoes


(Source: Defense Security Cooperation Agency; issued October 5, 2010)



WASHINGTON --- The Defense Security Cooperation Agency notified Congress today of a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Australia of up to 200 MK 54 All-Up-Round Torpedoes, 179 MK 54 Flight in Air Material Kits, 10 MK 54 Exercise Sections, 10 MK 54 Exercise Fuel Tanks, 10 MK 54 Dummy Torpedoes and 6 MK 54 Ground Handling Torpedoes.

The estimated cost is $169 million.

The Government of Australia has requested a possible sale of up to 200 MK 54 All-Up-Round Torpedoes, 179 MK 54 Flight in Air Material Kits, 10 MK 54 Exercise Sections, 10 MK 54 Exercise Fuel Tanks, 10 MK 54 Dummy Torpedoes, 6 MK 54 Ground Handling Torpedoes, support and test equipment to upgrade Intermediate Maintenance Activity to MK 54 capability, spare and repair parts, technical data and publications, personnel training and training equipment, U.S. government and contractor engineering, technical and logistics support services, and other related elements of logistics support.

Australia, one of our most important allies in the Western Pacific, contributes significantly to ensuring peace and economic stability in the region. Australia’s efforts in peacekeeping and humanitarian operations in Iraq and in Afghanistan have served U.S. national security interests.

Australia intends to use the MK 54 torpedo on the Lockheed/Sikorsky MH-60R helicopter. Australia has significant experience with modern weapons systems, particularly the MK 46 Mod 5 (SW) torpedo. The MK 54 torpedo is an upgrade of the MK 46 torpedo.

The proposed sale of this equipment and support will not alter the basic military balance in the region.

The prime contractor will be Raytheon Integrated Defense Systems in Tewksbury, Massachusetts. There are no known offset agreements proposed in connection with this potential sale.

Implementation of this proposed sale will not require the assignment of U.S. Government or contractor representatives to Australia.

There will be no adverse impact on U.S. defense readiness as a result of this proposed sale. This notice of a potential sale is required by law and does not mean the sale has been concluded.

-ends-

It is only a "possible"sale, but I haven't seen many announcements of "possible"" MU-90 air launched torpedo sales for NFH-90's...

When is decision time for the naval helicopter programme?
Must be soon.

[buglerbilly]

Already posted in the Torpedoes thread..............hold one..........been in that thread BUT .....it SHOULD have been there BUT its vanished! Ferkin games time again with V-Bulletin?

[buglerbilly]

Europe’s HARDBUT Missile Is Your Ultimate Penetrator

By Spencer Ackerman October 12, 2010 | 3:44 pm



It’s late at night. The enemy is out there, lying in wait. Only he’s well protected, impervious to your advances, hidden deep inside his fortified bunker. Your mission is clear: you need that thing torn up. But your missile lacks heft, girth and thrust. Your answer? The HARDBUT.

Meet the Hard and Deeply Buried Target Next Generation Multiple Warhead System, known as — yes — the HARDBUT. It’s designed to go deep where others can’t, penetrating the most secure command centers, hardened infrastructure and “underground facilities including caves,” according to its manufacturer. As you might have presumed, it’s European, designed by the Euro mega-missile giant MBDA, with research cash for testing it provided by the French and British defense ministries.

And it performs under pressure. MBDA announced today that the HARDBUT missile successfully smashed through a “massive concrete target” on September 14. The company boasted that the HARDBUT “penetrated through and exited the rear face of the target, demonstrating a penetration capability significantly in excess of any warhead currently produced by MBDA.” It sounds like it’s been raring to go, having not gotten any action since its first test in May.

Unfortunately, we’ve only got the company’s word to go on in assessing the power of the HARDBUT. MBDA didn’t reveal how thick the concrete target was, nor how big the multi-warheaded missile actually is. Here in the U.S., the Air Force is getting ready to unleash a 30,000-pound Massive Ordnance Penetrator by 2012, and the Defense Threat Reduction Agency is bolstering its own bunker-buster capability. That’s on top of the 5000-pound “Divine Thunderbolt” missile that the Air Force already has. Can HARDBUT top their performance?

The jury’s still out on whether Americans or Europeans make the more effective penetrators. Still, judging from MBDA, the HARDBUT is certainly nothing to laugh at.

Photo: MBDA

Read More http://www.wired.com/dangerroom/2010/10/europes-hardbut-missile-is-your-ultimate-penetrator/#more-33079#ixzz12CP4BYLP

[buglerbilly]

DOD Needs to Reassess Joint Cruise Missile Costs before Starting New Production Phase

(Source: Government Accountability Office; issued Oct. 13, 2010)

Over the past two and a half decades, the Department of Defense (DOD) has invested heavily to acquire a cruise missile capable of attacking ground targets stealthily, reliably, and affordably. After abandoning an earlier, more expensive missile and a joint service effort, the Air Force began producing the Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile (JASSM) in 2001.

After that, the program (1) encountered many flight test failures, (2) decided to develop an extended range version, and (3) recognized significant cost growth. The production decision for the JASSM-ER is planned for November 2010. Also, the Secretary of Defense has recently announced a major initiative to restore affordability and productivity in defense spending. This initiative is expected to, among other things, identify savings by conducting needed programs more efficiently.

As DOD faces the initial production decision on JASSM-ER, GAO was asked to assess (1) most recent test results, correction of causes of previous flight test failures, and efforts to improve JASSM’s reliability; and (2) JASSM cost changes, efforts to control costs, and additional cost risks for the program.

What GAO Found

Since 2007, design changes and other corrective actions by the Air Force have improved the baseline JASSM’s test results significantly—the missile has now demonstrated 85 percent success versus 58 percent achieved previously and before the corrections. The JASSM-ER variant has done well thus far, with no failures during the first seven flight tests. These results reflect the Air Force’s enhanced oversight of the program and significant investments made to improve reliability. These efforts also identified many of the root causes for flight test failures.

While baseline JASSM missile reliability has improved, it is not expected to achieve the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition, Technology and Logistics’ required level of 90 percent until 2013. Tests conducted thus far of the improved baseline JASSM and the JASSM-ER variants have been developmental—or controlled—in nature. Neither the improved JASSM baseline missile nor the JASSM-ER has been demonstrated in operationally realistic testing or in a combat operation.

JASSM costs have increased by over seven percent since the program was restructured in 2008. [Since] 1998, JASSM quantities have more than doubled and estimated program costs have grown from $2.2 billion to a $7.1 billion.

The Air Force has taken several steps to control JASSM costs, but options to reduce costs at this point appear limited. In fact, several factors suggest additional cost growth is likely. First, the Air Force has not been able to provide enough funding to produce the missiles at planned rates. That has led to a less efficient production process, a longer production period, and higher costs that have not yet been reflected in the $7.1 billion estimate.

Second, the Air Force’s potential plans to retrofit existing missiles with the reliability improvements may not be feasible, given the missile’s sensitivity to being reopened. If retrofits prove infeasible, new replacements may have to be purchased; if they are feasible, the Air Force may have to provide additional funding to retrofit all existing missiles.

Finally, since the Air Force last compared JASSM to possible alternatives, the unit cost was assumed to be about 40 percent less than currently expected and that now could make alternatives more competitive in terms of cost and/or capabilities. A reevaluation of the JASSM program, given that most of its costs have yet to be incurred, is warranted before the decision to produce the JASSM-ER is made.

What GAO Recommends

GAO recommends that the Secretary of Defense reevaluate the JASSM program’s affordability and cost-effectiveness before making the decision to produce the JASSM-ER. DOD partially concurred with GAO’s assessment, but believes the JASSM-ER should begin production in November 2010.

GAO believes that it is incumbent upon the department to reexamine JASSM before making the production decision to ensure that the program is structured as efficiently as possible and is still a good investment given the other demands DOD faces.

Click here for the full report (44 pages in PDF format) on the GAO website.

http://www.gao.gov/new.items/d11112.pdf

-ends-

[buglerbilly]

Questions Rise On JAGM Missile

By Colin Clark Friday, October 15th, 2010 11:18 am



It is one of the hottest weapons system contests around. The Raytheon/Boeing team has hit the target in the government-funded tests of the $5 billion Joint Air To Ground Missile three out of three times. Lockheed has missed two out of three times in the government tests, though they plan to pay for more tests. But DoD Buzz has learned that Raytheon and Boeing are not using the same missile they are likely to use for production should they beat Lockheed Martin out for the program.

This appears to raise questions about whether Raytheon is offering an integrated system at a high enough level of development to prove to the Army that the system is low enough risk and is ready to meet production requirements soon after EMD............edited from here...........

Read more: http://www.dodbuzz.com/2010/10/15/questions-rise-on-jagm-missile/#ixzz12TtaPU1g

[buglerbilly]

Ares

A Defense Technology Blog

Call it 'Hammer'

Posted by Robert Wall at 10/20/2010 8:21 AM CDT

The French government has decided to give the Sagem AASM air-to-ground weapon a new name.

Formally called the Armement Air-Sol Modulaire, the name has never been seen as particularly attractive for exports. And French officials see great sales potential for the weapon because of their own experience and feedback from allies they have shown the weapon. So to get over that hurdle, the AASM is now called the Hammer.

The modular weapon that can be bought with different guidance systems also has now been given numerical designations.

The INS/GPS-guided version is the SBU-38 (SBU=Smart Bomb Unit)

The laser-guided version is the SBU-54.

The INS/GPS/Infrared-guided version is the SBU-64



Now there’s only one more issue to be addressed, that of cost. The AASM is regarded as a very capable weapon system, particularly for destruction of enemy air defenses, but the unit cost is considered high compared with some of the more prevalent albeit perhaps less capable weapons on the market.

[buglerbilly]

Ares

A Defense Technology Blog

Meteor On the Move

Posted by Robert Wall at 10/22/2010 3:12 AM CDT

With the raft of fighter competitions going on around the globe, it is still too early to tell which manufacturer and aircraft will come out ahead and who will be left behind. But it seems the MBDA beyond-visual-range air-to-air is already one winner.

The Swedish government recently moved to pay to fully integrate the ramjet-powered weapon into Gripen. The move is seen as a potential boosts for Gripen in the export market.


(Credit: MBDA)

Not to be outdone, France is ready to follow. A French defense ministry official notes that a contract to integrate Meteor on Rafale is very close to being awarded.

And the Eurofighter consortium also is pushing its members to get the missile on the Typhoon and is urging a contract be awarded sooner rather than later.

The fielding timelines are roughly similar for the three European combat aircraft. Sweden says the integration with Gripen should be done around 2013, although a government official says the missile itself may not be fielded in Sweden until 2015. That’s probably also when Meteor would appear on Rafale. Typhoon could see the missile already in mid-2014, if the integration contract is awarded soon, first using an upgraded version of the Captor-M radar (the AESA radar, also not yet on contract for Typhoon, would follow around 2015 and have the Meteor datalink functionality from day one).

That’s all good news for a missile program that has been quietly progressing, even if not without its test failures. Despite some setbacks which industry has kept largely close hold, the development now appears to be heading in the right direction.

What is more, Airbus CEO Tom Enders, says the cooperative arrangement used to develop Meteor, with one lead country (in this case the U.K.), is a model other European projects should consider embracing. It is a far more efficient way to manage a program and problems than, for instance, the A400M set-up, he notes.

Enders certainly knows what he’s talking about with the A400M structural mess. It took about a year for government and industry to come up with the March agreement on how to revise the program; it took threats from industry to stop the project all together before terms could be agreed. Now another seven months have passed and there is still no contract to turn that agreement into reality.

[buglerbilly]

Raytheon Tests New Weapon Designed for Unmanned Aircraft Systems

YUMA PROVING GROUND, Ariz., Oct. 22, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- Raytheon Company (NYSE: RTN) successfully flight tested Small Tactical Munition, a new weapon specifically designed to be employed from unmanned aircraft systems (UAS). STM is a 13-pound guided bomb that is approximately 2-feet long, making it the smallest bomb in the Raytheon family of weapons.

The bomb's dual-mode, semiactive laser seeker and GPS-inertial navigation system enable the weapon to engage both fixed and moving targets around-the-clock, regardless of weather conditions.

"Current combat operations have highlighted the need for extremely small, precise weapons that are optimally designed for remotely piloted aircraft," said Bob Francois, Raytheon vice president of Advanced Missiles and Unmanned Systems. "STM is part of a portfolio of weapons that meets the warfighter's need in this area."

Raytheon flight tested two STM weapons on two separate passes from a Cobra™ UAS. The GPS-INS guided the weapons to a mid-course position where the semiactive laser seeker precisely guided the weapon to the target, achieving all test objectives.

"Raytheon has been the world leader in weapons and aircraft weaponization for 60 years; developing a unique weapon for today's unmanned aircraft combat operations is a natural fit," added Francois.

[buglerbilly]

Raytheon-Boeing Team Completes JAGM Launcher, Missiles Flight Testing on Super Hornet

WASHINGTON, Oct. 26, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- Raytheon Company (NYSE: RTN) and The Boeing Company (NYSE: BA) completed flight testing of the Joint Air-to-Ground Missile's fixed-wing launcher and Instrumented Measurement Vehicle on the Boeing F/A-18 E/F Super Hornet fighter aircraft.

An IMV is the same size, shape and mass as an all-up JAGM round, and it contains equipment that evaluates JAGM's performance during a mission. The flight tests are a crucial first step toward qualifying JAGM for Super Hornet employment.

"The JAGM fixed-wing launcher is based on the BRU-33 and previous Boeing launchers, which are in service today," said Carl Avila, director of Boeing's Advanced Weapons and Missile Systems. "The Raytheon-Boeing team designed JAGM for affordability; re-using existing technology and equipment is one way we are driving cost out of the program to provide a best-value solution for the warfighter."

The Raytheon-Boeing JAGM features a fully integrated tri-mode seeker that incorporates semiactive laser, uncooled imaging infrared and millimeter wave guidance. The weapon leverages proven components from other Raytheon and Boeing programs, including the Raytheon Small Diameter Bomb II and previous Boeing-fielded launchers.

"The Raytheon-Boeing JAGM team has an affordable, simple design that meets the warfighter's requirements," said Bob Francois, Raytheon vice president of Advanced Missiles and Unmanned Systems. "Our three successful JAGM government test shots and this captive carry test prove the maturity of our missile system solution."

During the tests, the JAGM launcher and IMVs were loaded on the Super Hornet's outboard wing station. The aircraft then flew representative mission profiles that a JAGM-armed Super Hornet might experience during a combat mission. As a necessary requirement for full envelope qualification, the test subjected the system to the harsh F/A-18 E/F flight environment: transonic speed, extreme cold and extreme vibrations.

JAGM, designed to replace three legacy systems, offers the warfighter improved lethality, range, operational flexibility, supportability and cost savings compared with older, Cold War era weapons like the Hellfire missile.

[Riđđu]

It´s a pity that even T5C showcases mostly Western air-launched weapons. USA or France are still not our potential adversaries.

For example in Russia KAB-500S-E was introduced in 2003, but apparently its range is only 2-9 km. KTRV (Russian Tactical Missiles Corporation) and others are developing a new family of guided air-launched weapons, but information remains limited.

[buglerbilly]

............but information remains limited.

Could this be a reason why I, for one, post little about Russian or Eastern European systems! :rofl :rofl :rofl

[Riđđu]

Could this be a reason why I, for one, post little about Russian or Eastern European systems! :rofl :rofl :rofl

Well, that doesn´t seem to bother APA.:g7

[buglerbilly]

Well, that doesn´t seem to bother APA.:g7

I prefer to tell something near the truth.............:drunk

[Deks]

but information remains limited.

IMHO that's the main reason. I do on occasion post info about Russian gear but it's never from anything close to a reputable source. Suppose the language barrier does have an impact, though.

edit: hah, bug beat me to it !

[buglerbilly]

Raytheon to design advanced air-to-air missile with multi-mode seeker for manned aircraft and UAVs under DARPA T3 program

Oct 26, 2010

Posted by John Keller

ARLINGTON, Va., 26 Oct. 2010. Engineers at the Raytheon Co. Missile Systems segment in Tucson, Ariz., are developing a high speed, long-range air-to-air missile able to shoot down high-performance aircraft, cruise missiles, and air defense targets under terms of a $21.3 million contract announced Monday from the U.S. Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) in Arlington, Va.

The contract is for the DARPA Triple Target Terminator (T3) program to develop the T3 advanced air-to-air missile that would be carried internally on stealth jet bombers, the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter, or the Boeing F-15-SE Silent Eagle, as well as externally on conventional jet fighters, bombers, and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).

For the T3 program, Raytheon experts will concentrate on the program's prime enabling technologies, including propulsion, multi-mode seekers to defeat countermeasures, data links, digital guidance and control, and advanced missile warheads.

DARPA officials say the future T3 missile will be designed to enable any aircraft to switch rapidly between air-to-air and air-to-surface capabilities. T3's speed, maneuverability, and network-centric capabilities would improve U.S. aircraft survivability and increase the number and variety of targets that could be destroyed on each sortie.

Raytheon will do the work in Tucson, Ariz., and Gainesville, Va., and should be finished with this phase of research and development by October. 2011.

For more information contact DARPA online at www.darpa.mil, or Raytheon Missile Systems at www.raytheon.com/businesses/rms.

[buglerbilly]

ATK Offers Miniature Precision Guided Weapon for Unmanned Aerial Systems

October 29, 2010

tamir_eshel



The miniature guided weapon from ATK weighs about six pounds. Fitted with three folding air surfaces and moving tail fins for flight control, the weapon uses laser and GPS to home in on targets designated by the UAV or by supported ground forces. Photo: Tamir Eshel, Defense Updatets,

ATK is developing a lightweight precision guided munition, compact and light enough to be carried by the dozens or even hundreds by unmanned aerial aircraft. The new glide weapon is packed into a conformal container launcher carried under the wing of the Shadow, fitted on top of the strut root. Upon release the weapon’s fins are extracted and three airfoils pop into place, as the weapon glides on its path to the ground. As the three laser detectors are activated, they seek laser signals reflected from the designated target. Once the laser spot is detected, the weapon’s flight control processor computes the necessary corrections and activates the tail fins to point the weapon on the course homing in on the spot, hitting the target with high precision.

The weapon weighs about six pounds (2.7 kg). Its hand-grenade size warhead makes more than half that weight (about four pounds or 1.8 kg). The resulting effect offers maximum lethality against exposed targets, with minimal collateral damage to their surrounding.

Persistence and immediate response close air support based on such weapons has the potential to transform combined air/ground operations, as UAVs loitering above a ground combat element could continuously support ground forces through sustained combat engagements, without the logistical and operational burden when rotating through rearmament or replenishment cycles. Brigades could rely on their own Small UAVs assets like the Shadow, each carrying four weapons in addition to the standard ISR and radio relay payloads. Larger drones will employ multiple ejector racks packing 12 weapons or more, each loaded rack could be carried under a pylon currently carrying Hellfire missiles. Therefore, an MQ-1A Predator currently carrying two Hellfires will carry 24 of the new weapons. A similar load will be carried by the MQ-5B Hunter, while the MQ-1C Grey Eagle will be able to carry twice that load. The Air Forces’ MQ-9 Reaper will be able to carry 72 units and the A-160 destined for the Special Operations Command will haul over 200 such weapons.

The miniature guided weapon currently under development could, potentially, replace current cluster weapons banned by international treaties. When employed in weapon systems, individually targeted guided weapons could be directed to scatter over the area to focus on specific target location, guided by GPS – or disperse over a specific area in a pattern maximizing the desired effect. Optional carriers such as new cruise missiles, or loitering weapons, will be able to employ such guided submunitions to attack multiple targets along their flight path, on a single mission.

© 2010 defense-update.com

[buglerbilly]

31 Oct, 2010, 10.05AM IST,PTI

Navy to buy anti-submarine bombs for aviation fleet

NEW DELHI: To strengthen its anti-submarine warfare capability, the Navy will soon buy bombs that can be air-dropped to hit enemy vessels lurking in the dark underwaters.

The Defence Ministry has issued a request to original equipment manufacturers and vendors for information on such bombs, which could be USED by Navy's fixed-wing aircraft.

"The Defence Ministry intends to procure air-dropped underwater bombs for fixed wing aircraft (in service), to be used as an urgent attack weapon against submarines," a Navy officer said here.

"The bomb should be capable of being dropped from an aircraft for engaging a submarine in deep waters as well as those on surface and periscope depths," he said.

"We also are looking for bombs that could be launched from rotary wing (helicopters) platform too," he said.

The Navy is searching for bombs that are effective in sinking submarines in tropical conditions that prevail in the Indian Ocean region in depths up to 1,000 metres.

"The bombs should have sufficient high explosive to destroy target submarine at proximity distance. The conventional warheads' shelf-life should be about 30 years," the officer said.

Apart from the bombs for war-time deployment, the Navy will buy its practice version too, but it will be an operational bomb in all respects except the warhead, which would be replaced by inert material.

"We require the practice version to validate and train the air crew in bomb drop procedures. These versions will be reusable," he said.

If the Navy decides to go in for a global tender for the deal, then the contract would entail an offset clause.

Under the clause, the winning contractor should plough back 30 per cent of the deal amount back in Indian industries by either buying or making defence equipment here.

The Navy's aviation wing currently operates Sea Harrier and MiG-29K fighters, Tupolev Tu-142 bomber, Dornier and IL-38 patrol aircraft, apart from Kamov, Sea King, Dhruv ALH, Cheetah and Chetak helicopters.

[buglerbilly]

Navy Suspends Alliant Techsystems Missile Tests Following Software Failure

By Tony Capaccio - Nov 5, 2010 1:23 AM GMT+0800

The U.S. Navy halted tests of an Alliant Techsystems Inc. anti-radar missile following 6 software or circuit-card failures in the first 12 trials.

It’s “a rare occurrence” to stop combat testing so soon, the Pentagon’s office of operational testing said in an e-mail provided by Cheryl Irwin, a spokeswoman for the U.S. Defense Department. The office said it doesn’t know how long it will take the Navy and Alliant Techsystems to evaluate fixes and resume testing.

Testing stopped Sept. 3. One hundred flights are planned to evaluate the missile’s effectiveness in destroying enemy missile radar, with the initial flights to assess missile guidance, internal diagnostics and pre-launch communications with the pilot, Navy and Pentagon officials said.

The Pentagon uses the tests to determine whether a system will go into production. Minneapolis-based Alliant Techsystems has said it may see as much as $1.1 billion in revenue from missile sales over a decade if the Navy decides to go ahead with orders.

The “minor delay” will have no lasting effect on the program, Captain Brian Corey, the Navy’s manager for the program, said in an e-mail. Three “minor” software updates are planned, he said.

“We have flown the first set of corrections and have had positive results,” Corey said. “At this point, there is no significant hardware rework expected.”

‘Substantial’ Shock

The test glitches included one that gave a pilot a “substantial electrical shock” during a post-flight inspection, according to the Pentagon’s test office.

“There are going to be challenges when you develop a new breakthrough technology,” Bryce Hallowell, a spokesman for Alliant Techsystems, said in an e-mail. “We are confident that the corrective actions will mitigate the known anomalies. We are clearly making progress.”

The Navy has spent $98.1 million to date on the project. Production may total $1.2 billion for as many as 1,879 supersonic, medium-range missiles to equip Navy, Marine Corps and Italian Air Force aircraft. The weapon is designed to home in on enemy air-defense radar and weapons.

The Advanced Anti-Radiation Guided Missile is intended as an upgrade to the existing Harm missile made by Waltham, Massachusetts-based Raytheon Co. The Alliant Techsystems version is equipped with a more modern homing receiver and navigation systems that let it detect the radar signals of stationary and mobile air defense systems.

The missiles will be equipped with a transmitter that transfers target images just before impact for improved reconnaissance and intelligence.

To contact the reporter on this story: Tony Capaccio at acapaccio@bloomberg.net

To contact the editor responsible for this story: Ed Dufner at edufner@bloomberg.net .

[buglerbilly]

Raytheon-Boeing JAGM Team Verifies Rocket Motor During Flight Test

Team now 6-for-6 in flight testing

WHITE SANDS MISSILE RANGE, N.M., Nov. 8, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- Raytheon Company (NYSE: RTN) and The Boeing Company (NYSE: BA) completed the third company-funded missile launch of the Joint Air-to-Ground Missile (JAGM). The test sets the stage for Raytheon and Boeing to enter engineering and manufacturing development (EMD).

"The government's requirements for the competitive prototyping flyoff were to fire three preliminary design review configuration missiles. We were the only contractor who met those requirements, and we were the only contractor whose missiles hit all three targets," said Bob Francois, Raytheon vice president of Advanced Missiles and Unmanned Systems. "To continue maturing our design, we used our own funding to shoot a weapon with an EMD-representative motor."

During the Oct. 23 test, the JAGM was fired using the Boeing-ATK rocket motor, which was designed for EMD. The test met all primary objectives including updating the flight control software and providing data to incorporate into the simulation software.

The Raytheon-Boeing JAGM features a fully integrated tri-mode seeker that incorporates semiactive laser, uncooled imaging infrared and millimeter wave guidance. The weapon leverages proven components from other Raytheon and Boeing programs, such as the Raytheon Small Diameter Bomb II and the Boeing Brimstone.

"The ATK rocket motor advances the Raytheon and Boeing JAGM from the preliminary design review stage," said Carl Avila, director, Boeing Advanced Weapons and Missile Systems. "While still being able to withstand the rigors of rotary-wing flight, JAGM is also capable of withstanding temperatures of minus 65 degrees Fahrenheit, which might be experienced on an F/A-18 E/F Super Hornet or unmanned aircraft."

The Raytheon-Boeing team has completed six successful tests of the missile to date. Three of the tests used company funding to reduce program risk. The other three tests fulfilled a contractual obligation to the government to complete a competitive prototyping flyoff.

JAGM, designed to replace three legacy systems, offers the warfighter improved lethality, range, operational flexibility, supportability and cost savings compared with older weapons like the Cold War-era Hellfire missile.

[buglerbilly]

Boeing Receives $106 Million Small Diameter Bomb Contract Extension

(Source: Boeing Co.; issued November 9, 2010)

ST. LOUIS --- Boeing today announced it has received a $106 million contract extension from the U.S. Air Force for nearly 2,700 Small Diameter Bomb Increment I (SDB I) munitions and approximately 380 BRU-61 carriages.

Boeing will deliver the munitions and carriages starting in January 2012. The Lot 7 production order is the seventh option exercised by the Air Force’s Air Armament Center since 2003 and contains the most SDB I weapons ordered in a single lot. Lots 1 through 7 comprise a total of 12,379 munitions and 2,059 carriages. All the contracts resulted from options created under the 2003 SDB I System Development and Demonstration (SDD) contract.

"Boeing and the U.S. Air Force have worked together to expand SDB I’s mission capability from a long-range standoff weapon into a weapon that also minimizes flight time to target -- a capability that is ideal for close air support in today’s ever-changing battlefield," said Debbie Rub, Boeing Military Aircraft vice president of Missiles and Unmanned Airborne Systems. “Our team is ready to swiftly put more of these tools into the hands of U.S. warfighters."

Boeing has delivered approximately 7,000 munitions and 1,200 carriages to the Air Force under Lots 1 through 5. Production of the 2,613 munitions and 472 carriages in Lot 6 is more than three months ahead of schedule, with the first munitions delivery planned for later this month and the first carriage delivery planned for December.

"The Air Force’s exercise of this Lot 7 contract option ensures SDB I’s long-term availability and continued cost-effectiveness," said Dan Jaspering, Boeing program director for Direct Attack Weapons. “We will continue our track record of delivering this effective, accurate and battle-proven weapon on time and on price with Lot 7 in 2012."

SDB I is a 250-pound class, low-cost and low-collateral-damage precision strike weapon. It incorporates a steel case and penetrating blast-fragmentation warhead. The weapon’s smaller size, coupled with its four-place carriage, enables more weapons to be carried on each aircraft to improve mission effectiveness and reduce the number of sorties required per mission. The Focused Lethality Munition (FLM) variant provides even lower collateral damage effects with the use of a composite case warhead.

A unit of The Boeing Company, Boeing Defense, Space & Security is one of the world's largest defense, space and security businesses specializing in innovative and capabilities-driven customer solutions, and the world's largest and most versatile manufacturer of military aircraft. Headquartered in St. Louis, Boeing Defense, Space & Security is a $34 billion business with 68,000 employees worldwide.

-ends-

[buglerbilly]

Lockheed expects 2nd anti-ship U.S. missile contract

By Jim Wolf

WASHINGTON | Thu Nov 11, 2010 6:58pm EST

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Lockheed Martin Corp said it expected a Defense Department contract for further development of an air-launched long-range anti-ship missile, alongside one just received for a ship-based version.

The weapons are designed to knock out enemy ships using onboard sensing and computing capabilities. They would reduce U.S. dependence on intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance systems as well as data links and the space-based Global Positioning System.

Such onboard capabilities could be critical in war if U.S. eyes in the sky were blinded by anti-satellite weapons, for instance, of a type that China demonstrated in January 2007, when it pulverized one of its own orbiting weather satellites.

Lockheed has already won a $157.7 million follow-on contract to develop the ship-launched, high-speed, liquid-fueled version. The Pentagon said Wednesday that work on this was expected to be completed by April 2013.

"We and our customers believe this technology fills a critical capabilities gap in anti-surface warfare," the company said in a statement on Thursday.

It anticipated a "Phase 2" contract in the near future for the air-launched version, derived from Lockheed's Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile-Extended Range (JASSM-ER) system, the statement said.

"We have great confidence in our ability to develop and ultimately produce an effective, affordable, highly-accurate precision air- and ship-launched weapon system for the naval warfighter," added the company, the Pentagon's No. 1 supplier by sales.

The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, an incubator for leap-ahead technologies for the military, awarded Lockheed the first contract under the long-range anti-ship missile program in June 2009.

The joint DARPA-U.S. Navy program aims to demonstrate a mature enough weapon "to support rapid transition to operational use," DARPA said at the time.

The project is moving ahead amid Pentagon concerns over China's development of anti-ship ballistic missiles capable of putting U.S. aircraft carriers and other warships at risk.

Defense Secretary Robert Gates, in a May 3 speech to the Navy League of the United States, said a virtual U.S. monopoly on precision-guided weapons was eroding, "especially with long-range, accurate anti-ship cruise and ballistic missiles that can potentially strike from over the horizon."

"This is a particular concern with aircraft carriers and other large, multibillion-dollar blue-water surface combatants," he said.

The new U.S. anti-ship missile would have sufficient range to engage targets from "well beyond direct counter-fire ranges of projected threats," DARPA said last year.

(Reporting by Jim Wolf; editing by Tim Dobbyn)

[buglerbilly]

New Chinese LACM Unveiled

Nov 15, 2010

By Robert Wall wall@aviationweek.com
ZHUHAI, CHINA



The China Aerospace Science and Industry Corp. (Casic) has unveiled a new air-launched, land-attack cruise missile.

The weapon, first shown here at Airshow China, is the latest member of the C-802 missile family. The CM-802AKG, as the new weapon is designated, also has longer range than the air-launched version of the anti-ship C-802A, a company official says. The CM-802AKG range exceeds 200 km, whereas the C-802A has a range of around 180 km.

The missile weighs less than 700 kg and is equipped with a multipurpose warhead of slightly below 300 kg mass. One of the main design features of the weapon was achieving the range target at low weight, the Casic engineer notes.

The CM-802AKG uses either an infrared seeker or TV-seeker for terminal guidance. It uses a strap-down inertial navigation system, but GPS-guidance kit could be installed.

The missile is now in production in China, the Casic official says, and the company now is pursuing export customers.

(Photo: Aviation Week)

[buglerbilly]

Lockheed Martin JASSM-ER Test Flights Highlight Outstanding Development Effort

(Source: Lockheed Martin; issued November 16, 2010)

ORLANDO, Fla. --- Lockheed Martin's Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile - Extended Range (JASSM-ER) recently flew two successful test flights at White Sands Missile Range, NM, increasing the program's success rate to 91 percent in 11 flights. The live 2,000-pound class missiles, released from B-1B bombers, effectively navigated to and destroyed their intended targets.

The primary flight test objectives were to demonstrate end-to-end system performance while exercising the missile's alternate terminal engagement profile and Time-on-Target (TOT) mode: the ability to control time of flight to engage time critical targets. During the TOT first-time event for JASSM-ER, the missile adjusted its cruising speed throughout the flight profile based on winds and other atmospheric data.

The first JASSM-ER missile was released from an altitude of 13,000 feet and a speed of 0.72 Mach, while the second missile was released from 30,000 feet at 0.88 Mach.

"JASSM-ER delivered outstanding performance through developmental flight testing as evidenced by 10 of 11 successful flights," said Alan Jackson, JASSM program director at Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control. "As the program transitions to production, we'll take the next step toward providing this critical long-range strike capability to the Warfighter."

Col. Steve Demers, United States Air Force JASSM Program Manager, stated, "In my 25 years of Air Force Acquisition, I have never seen a more successful air launched cruise missile developmental test program! I'm confident JASSM-ER is ready for production."

The Milestone C low rate initial production (LRIP) decision is scheduled for December 2, with contract award for 30 tactical JASSM-ER missiles expected in January. The Initial Operational Test & Evaluation phase, comprising 16 flights, would commence in the second quarter of 2011, with production missile deliveries beginning in late 2012.

JASSM-ER is an autonomous, air-to-ground, precision-guided standoff missile designed to meet the needs of U.S. warfighters. It shares the same powerful capabilities and stealthy characteristics of the baseline JASSM, but with more than two-and-a-half times the range. This additional reach allows warfighters to deploy JASSM-ER against high-value, well-fortified, fixed and relocateable targets while remaining clear of highly defended airspace and long-range surface-to-air missiles.

Produced at the company's award-winning manufacturing facility in Troy, AL, Lockheed Martin has assembled more than 1,000 JASSM missiles for testing and operational use since late 1999. Armed with a dual-mode penetrator and blast fragmentation warhead, JASSM-ER cruises autonomously day or night in all weather conditions. The missile employs a state-of-the-art infrared seeker and enhanced digital anti-jam Global Positioning System receiver to precisely engage specific target aimpoints.

Headquartered in Bethesda, MD, Lockheed Martin is a global security company that employs about 133,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services. The Corporation's 2009 sales from continuing operations were $44.0 billion.

-ends-

[buglerbilly]

Lockheed Martin's JAGM Hits Target from 6 Kilometers

(Source: Lockheed Martin; issued November 22, 2010)

ORLANDO, Fla. --- Lockheed Martin scored a hit on a main battle tank at six kilometers in a company-funded, multiple-mission firing of its Joint Air-to-Ground Missile (JAGM). The complex flight test at White Sands Missile Range, NM, demonstrated the ability of the imaging infrared (I2R) sensor in the missile's cooled tri-mode seeker to lock on before launch at extended range.

The test also demonstrated the ability of the millimeter wave (MMW) radar sensor to simultaneously track a nearby moving tank, as well as the ability of the two sensors to discriminate targets and to hit the target of choice. Other test objectives included characterization of the launch shock environment, free-flight environment characterization and verification of design maturity, including demonstrating the success of corrective actions following minor anomalies in earlier tests.

"This test was an extremely challenging first-time event, considerably more complex than any of the three contract-funded tests," said Frank St. John, vice president of Tactical Missiles at Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control. "In addition to confirming the ability of our cooled tri-mode seeker to detect and lock onto threats from safe standoff range, we also demonstrated multi-sensor correlation and high-fidelity target discrimination."

Propelled by the single multi-platform rocket motor the company has designed for the Engineering and Manufacturing Development (EMD) phase of the program, the tactically configured JAGM was fired from a static Lockheed Martin HELLFIRE M299 launcher. The cooled I2R sensor acquired and locked on to a stationary main battle tank prior to launch from six kilometers. Following launch, the I2R sensor guided the missile to a lethal hit. Concurrently, the MMW sensor detected and tracked a nearby secondary target, a moving main battle tank.

"The test also verified the success of corrective actions we implemented to resolve anomalies from two earlier flight tests," St. John said. "This multiple-engagement flight experienced no anomalies and sensor performance was optimal, increasing confidence in the maturity of our design going into EMD."

Coupled with an August 2 target hit at 16 kilometers in a contract-funded test of the semi-active laser (SAL) seeker, this latest shot completed the process of demonstrating the performance of Lockheed Martin's tri-mode seeker.

The August 2 test was a static launch against a target board 16 kilometers downrange to assess performance of the SAL seeker in a lock-on-after-launch profile. The target was illuminated by a ground-based laser designator 1.1 kilometers from the target at a 20-degree offset angle. Following launch and activation of the laser designator, the SAL seeker acquired the laser spot and successfully guided the missile to the target, scoring a hit.

Of the three JAGM sensor modes, the I2R is passive; it picks up the threat's heat signature without radiating detectable energy that makes the launch platform vulnerable to counter-fire. The other two sensor modes, SAL for precision strike and MMW to penetrate adverse weather and battlefield obscurants, defeat countermeasures and more accurately acquire moving targets, are both active.

"In establishing the flight profile for the company-funded shot, we moved the range for the I2R engagement from four to six kilometers because passive target detection from safe standoff range is critical to platform and aircrew survivability," said Hady Mourad, JAGM program director at Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control. "The cooled I2R also provides clear target discrimination, which reduces collateral damage. This is especially critical when rules of engagement demand confirmation of target track prior to launch."

"Flawless sensor correlation in the cooled tri-mode seeker is what allows JAGM to fill the eight identified capability gaps," said St. John. "We demonstrated this in earlier contract-funded tests in which the cooled tri-mode seeker penetrated battlefield obscurants and defeated all threat countermeasures. As in all our tests, we used a tactical configuration, thereby significantly reducing risk going into EMD."

Threshold aviation platforms for JAGM include the U.S. Army's AH64D Apache attack helicopter, MQ1C Extended Range Multi-Purpose (ERMP) unmanned aerial system (UAS) and OH-58D CASUP Kiowa Warrior armed reconnaissance helicopter; the U.S. Marine Corps' AH1Z Cobra attack helicopter; and the U.S. Navy's MH60R Seahawk armed reconnaissance helicopter and F/A-18E/F Super Hornet jet fighter.

Initial operational capability (IOC) of JAGM on the AH64D, AH1Z and F/A18E/F is scheduled for 2016; IOC for the MH60R, OH58 CASUP and MQ1C is 2017.

Numerous additional platforms are under consideration, including the Tri-Service Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) F35 being developed by Lockheed Martin with an anticipated initial fielding in 2011.

Headquartered in Bethesda, Md., Lockheed Martin is a global security company that employs about 133,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services. The Corporation's 2009 sales from continuing operations were $44.0 billion.

-ends-

[buglerbilly]

Is China's new decoy a decoy?

By Stephen Trimble on November 23, 2010 12:58 PM


Credit: Tom Gordon/Billypix

China's AVIC exhibited a new toy at Zhuhai air show called the TL-8 decoy. The placard on the exhibit booth ominously describes this winged missile body as a "multifunctional medium-sized drone". By using the loaded term "multifunctional", it is possible AVIC merely was describing the airframe's ability as a decoy missile to simulate both aircraft and cruise missiles. Of course, if the TL-8 can simulate other cruise missiles, it can also become a cruise missile. Perhaps even the TL-8's decoy title is itself a decoy?

Another interesting factor to consider is the TL-8's design, which strongly resembles the Northrop Grumman BQM-74 Chukar III target drone. Israel adapted Chukar into the Delilah drone/cruise missile (see Israel air force history on Delilah here). In 1995, Flight International reported that Israel's TAAS sold the Delilah technology to China. I asked the author of that story, Douglas Barrie, who is now an analyst for the London-based International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS), if he thinks there may be a connection. But Barrie was dubious that Israel would provide China with Delilah's design secrets for any price. However, Barrie was impressed with AVIC's performance claims for the TL-8.

"Quite high speed, bigger and heavier than Delilah also," Barrie wrote in an email. The TL-8 "would make a useful platform for uses other than that of a drone! If the range figure is credible it would suggest a decent engine with reasonable fuel consumption."

Specs TL-8 Chukar III Delilah
Speed M0.85 M0.81 M0.85
Range 500km 650km 250km+
Maximum takeoff weight 250kg 206kg 250kg
Length 3.77m 4m 3.3m
Wingspan 1.76m 1.9m 1.2m

[buglerbilly]

From earlier this month..............

KC-130J Harvest Hawk takes on new role in Afghanistan

CAMP DWYER, AF - (11.17.2010)

Story by Sgt. Deanne Hurla


Maj. Marc Blankenbicker, a fire control officer for the only KC-130J Harvest Hawk in Afghanistan, checks the Hellfire missiles attached to the aircraft on the flightline at Forward Operating Base Dwyer. The Harvest Hawk, which is a 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (Forward) asset, has only been in country since October, but has already detected three improvised explosive devices and fired one GPS guided Hellfire.

Since 2003, KC-130Js have played a vital role in transporting coalition forces and cargo throughout Helmand and Nimroz provinces; however, the latest KC-130 to enter the area is providing a new kind of support.

The KC-130J "Harvest Hawk" of Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 352, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (Forward), has all the same capabilities of a KC-130J "Hercules," but the Harvest Hawk carries four Hellfire and 10 Griffen GPS guided missiles and houses an infrared and television camera.

Its mission is to provide close air support, conduct intelligence surveillance and reconnaissance missions and find improvised explosive devices.

"This aircraft is not traditional – yet," said Maj. Marc Blankenbicker, a fire control officer for the Harvest Hawk.

There is only one Harvest Hawk operating in Afghanistan, and it is used to fill the gaps where coverage from other aircraft isn't available; it operates in a role similar to that of an F/A-18, explained Blankenbicker, who is originally from Avon, Conn.

Though the Harvest Hawk only began its first deployment in October, it has already had its first weapons engagement Nov. 4.

"We supported [3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment] in Sangin when they were in a fire fight," said Blankenbicker. "We shot one Hellfire missile, and the battle damage assessment was five enemy [killed in action]."

The assessment also stated there were no civilian causalities or property damage during the fire fight.

Using the Harvest Hawk, VMGR-352 Marines have already found at least three IEDs near 3/5's area of operation and in support of other coalition forces.


The first and only KC-130J Harvest Hawk in Afghanistan sits on the flightline at Forward Operating Base Dwyer for routine maintenance. The Harvest Hawk, which is a 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (Forward) asset, has only been in country since October, but has already detected three improvised explosive devices and fired one GPS guided Hellfire. The battle damage assessment was five enemy forces killed in action and no civilian causalities.

Missions such as these are aiding the VMGR-352 Marines to build relationships with ground forces that may be skeptical of the KC-130's new abilities.

"There wasn't time to teach battalions what we are capable of so a lot of it has been real time, and everyone has been really receptive," Blankenbicker said. "It's a matter of a little bit of education and a little bit of getting to know each other."

"When we first get [overhead], the [ground forces] ask what our capabilities are, but after having worked with them for a while, they've gotten used to it," added Capt. Joel Dunivant, a Harvest Hawk aircraft commander. "From what we've been told, the guys really like working with us. We're taken seriously, we're professional and we've got the time to sit there and dig thoroughly into what's going on, on the ground."

Marines and other coalition forces are all making the adjustment to having a KC-130J in the combat role, and according to the pilots, the transition is going smoothly.

"On a standard day, we arrive on station and talk to the forward air controllers attached to battalions to see what is going on," Blankenbicker said. "While we're on hand, we use our cameras to look at villages, watch pattern of life and assess what is going on in the [area of operation] at that time. If they get into some kind of conflict with the enemy forces, then we are available to provide close air support with our weapons systems."

Using the added capabilities, the Harvest Hawk is able to provide support to two or three ground units for up to three hours each time it flies.

The aircraft is kept at a medium altitude above ground level and can work alone or in conjunction with UH-1Y Hueys and AH-1W Cobras, added Dunivant, who is originally from Boise, Idaho.

Other than operating in a combat role, there are only slight differences between the Harvest Hawk and the Hercules. The four Hellfire missiles on the left wing, the Griffen missiles, secured on the aircraft's ramp and the addition of the camera are what make a Hercules the Harvest Hawk.

The KC-130J has provided transport and refueling capabilities throughout Regional Command (Southwest) and now provides the extra advantage of staying overhead for longer than any other aircraft operating in the region. The Harvest Hawk provides accurate and effective combat offensive capabilities to support coalition forces on the ground through surveillance and overwatch.

[buglerbilly]

DARPA Long Range Anti-ship Missile Program Continues to Demonstration Phase

Current anti-ship weapons possess limited range and lethality. As at-sea warfare advances, next generation standoff anti-ship weapons systems are needed. The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency’s (DARPA) Long Range Anti-Ship Missile (LRASM) program is addressing this need by designing and demonstrating two variants of a new anti-ship missile.

The joint DARPA – U.S. Navy LRASM program was initiated in 2009 to deliver a new generation of highly capable anti-ship weapons. During Phase 1 of the program, preliminary designs of the LRASM-A and LRASM-B variants were completed by Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control Strike Weapons and assessed by an independent government assessment team.

LRASM-A leverages the state-of-the-art Joint Air to Surface Standoff Missile Extended Range (JASSM-ER) airframe and adds additional sensors and systems to achieve a stealthy and survivable subsonic cruise missile. LRASM-B leverages prior ramjet development activities and a suite of supporting sensors and avionics to achieve a supersonic cruise missile with balanced speed and stealth for robust performance. Phase 1 ended successfully and provided sufficient confidence in the two designs to support further investment for flight testing.

Phase 2 (demonstration phase) will continue the development and demonstration of both missiles, including the common BAE provided sensor system. Once detailed designs are generated, the LRASM government assessment team will conduct comprehensive analytical evaluations of their expected operational performance. A series of developmental test activities will demonstrate the performance of key subsystems, including propulsion, sensors and mission execution software. Detailed designs, analytical assessments and developmental test results will culminate in critical design reviews (CDR), ensuring each design is ready to continue on to flight demonstration. Following approval of CDR, the program will complete system fabrication and integration to support the flight test series. LRASM-A will execute two air-launched demonstrations leveraging its JASSM-ER heritage and demonstrating applicability to Navy and Air Force tactical aircraft employment, while LRASM-B will complete four Vertical Launch System (VLS) demonstrations proving applicability to Navy surface combatant employment. Both LRASM-A and LRASM-B designs plan to support air-launch and VLS-launch configurations.

DARPA has selected three vendors to complete the design and flight demonstration of the two LRASM variants as well as deliver common sensor technology. Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control Strike Weapons, based in Orlando, Fla., will demonstrate the LRASM-A prototype weapon system while Lockheed Martin Missile and Fire Control Tactical Missiles, based in Grand Prairie, Texas, will demonstrate the LRASM-B prototype weapon system. BAE Systems, Information and Electronic Systems Integration, based in Nashua, N.H., will design and deliver the onboard sensor systems to support both LRASM variants.
Program Update

LRASM

LRASM is on track to deliver two prototype weapon options to the military services with unprecedented capability to succeed in challenging future operational environments, while having sufficient maturity to support rapid transition to address today’s operational challenges.

[buglerbilly]

MBDA Delivers 600th Taurus KEPD 350 to German Luftwaffe

(Source: MBDA; issued December 6, 2010)


A German Air Force Tornado strike aircraft fires a Taurus KEPD 350 stand-off missile while carrying a second one on its port belly pylon. (Luftwaffe photo)

TAURUS System GmbH (TSG), a subsidiary of LFK-Lenkflugkörpersysteme GmbH (MBDA Deutschland) and Saab Dynamics, has delivered the 600th missile to the German Federal Office of Defence Technology and Procurement (BWB). The delivery of the 600th missile marks the successful conclusion of the series order.

“The TAURUS order was of decisive importance to our organisation. This contract played a major role in the positive development of MBDA Deutschland. My special thanks go to our customers who supported our work over the years and helped to make this success possible”, said Werner Kaltenegger, Managing Director of MBDA Deutschland.

“We are proud to have delivered this unique missile to our German customer in the required quality and within the specified time and budgetary framework”, added Helmut Hederer, Managing Director of TAURUS Systems GmbH. “Going forward, we are optimistic that we will be able to successfully market the TAURUS KEPD 350 for export”.

“TAURUS KEPD 350 is a positive example of the successful performance on the part of industry” emphasised Brigadier General Hermann Muntz, Assistant Head of the Weapon Systems Command of the Luftwaffe and the Luftwaffe’s highest-ranking procurement officer. “With this system, the German Luftwaffe has at its disposal one of the most modern and effective guided missiles for combating fortified targets from a safe standoff range. For us, the delivery of the 600th missile does not mean that the TAURUS story is now finished. We need to respond to continually evolving mission scenarios and consider further developments”.

The TAURUS KEPD 350 is considered one of the world’s most modern long-range standoff guided missile systems. Thanks to its Tri-Tec navigation system, which consists of a GPS-supported inertial navigation, a radar altimeter and an imaging IR seeker head, the TAURUS is designed for precision strike. To achieve the maximum effect against the target, the TAURUS utilises the MEPHISTO tandem warhead system (with distance sensor, shaped charge, penetrator and PIMPF intelligent detonator system). It is designed to combat a wide range of targets, including hard, deeply buried targets, enabling the neutralisation of high value point and area targets whilst avoiding collateral damage and without exposing launch aircraft and crews to enemy air defences.

The German Luftwaffe deploys the TAURUS KEPD 350 precision standoff guided missile system on the Tornado IDS. The Spanish Air Force uses it to arm its EF-18 aircraft. All missiles were delivered on schedule to the Spanish Air Force by August 2010.

Future development enhancements to this system are possible in such areas as in-flight control, anti-ship operations, integration within a network enabled environment and integration onto the Eurofighter Typhoon.

The integration of this modular designed missile started in 2004 at the MBDA site in Schrobenhausen. In addition to the supply of the 600 missiles, the 2002 contract also included the preparation for and the carrying out of series production as well as logistics elements such as the supply of spare-parts sets and equipment for munitions monitoring.

With industrial facilities in four European countries and within the USA, MBDA has an annual turnover of EUR 2.6 billion and an order book of EUR 12 billion. With more than 90 armed forces customers in the world, MBDA is a world leader in missiles and missile systems.

MBDA is the only group capable of designing and producing missiles and missile systems that correspond to the full range of current and future operational needs of the three armed forces (land, sea and air). In total, the group offers a range of 45 missile systems and countermeasures products already in operational service and more than 15 others currently in development.

-ends-

[buglerbilly]

ATK Awarded $4.5 Million Contract for U.S. Air Force High-Speed Anti-Radiation Missile (HARM) Control Section Modification Program

ATK to Begin Limited Production Phase to Modify High-Speed Anti-Radiation Missile (AGM-88C) Control Sections

Work on this program will be performed at ATK facilities in Woodland Hills, CA and Rocket Center, West VA

Dec 14, 2010

MINNEAPOLIS, Dec. 14, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- ATK (NYSE: ATK) announced that it has been awarded a $4.5-million contract from the U.S. Air Force for the limited production phase of the High-Speed Anti-Radiation Missile (HARM) Control Section Modification (HCSM) program.

The HCSM program adds geo-specific targeting capability to the legacy U.S. Air Force HARM (AGM-88C) control section. With the addition of an inertial measurement unit, a GPS receiver, modified guidance software and platform provided coordinates, the Air Force's HARM missiles will have the capability to attack targets based on their geographic location and avoid zones of exclusion.

ATK is one of two companies awarded a limited production phase contract. In this 18-month phase, the Air Force will evaluate overall compliance with the HCSM program's technical objectives and the companies' ability to reliably produce modification kits at the lowest cost. The evaluation will include both ground and flight tests. Following the technical evaluation of both companies, the Air Force plans to award a single full-rate production contract.

ATK's HCSM solution leverages flight-proven and in-production control section hardware from AGM-88E Advanced Anti-Radiation Guided Missile program. ATK is currently delivering production AGM-88E missiles for the United States Navy and the Italian Air Force.

"We are very pleased that ATK has been selected to participate in the limited production phase of the HCSM program," said Bill Kasting, Vice President and General Manager of ATK Defense Electronics Systems. "We have acquired a great deal of experience in the lab, in flight testing and in limited rate production with fused anti-radiation homing and navigation solutions for missiles. We are confident that we can provide a competitively priced solution that will meet the Air Force's mission requirements and also provide joint commonality and cost savings to the services."

[buglerbilly]

France Foresees Big Market for AASM

(Source: Forecast International; issued December 20, 2010)

I'd really love to know how low this French one is? JDAM prices are bloody low............

Sagem has major hopes for the Armement Air-Sol Modulaire (AASM). The AASM is a low-cost weapon that is similar in concept to the Boeing Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM) developed by the United States that turns a general-purpose bomb into a precision-guided munition (PGM). In addition, the AASM bridges the gap between weapons such as the BGL laser guided bomb and the AS.30L, and long-range missiles such as the SCALP-EG.

Production of the AASM is proceeding to meet domestic and foreign orders. Deliveries to the French Air Force are under way and could eventually reach 5,000 units. The initial procurement goal is in the area of 3,400 kits. Deliveries of these units will occur over a longer period than once anticipated. This will stretch out procurement, and reduce annual production levels.

Meanwhile, Sagem is pursuing potential export orders. The company is looking to mimic the sales success of similar systems marketed by U.S. defense firms. Sagem sees a potential foreign market for up to 10,000 AASM units. The company is also hoping the commercial success of the Rafale fighter aircraft will help boost demand for this weapon.

The first export contract for the AASM came from Morocco. Sagem sees Finland and India as potential customers for AASM, as well as Saudi Arabia. Riyadh is purchasing an array of missiles to arm its upgraded Tornado and new Typhoon fighter aircraft. The AASM may be among the items acquired by the Royal Saudi Air Force.

Other operators of French- and European-built aircraft may want to arm them with this strike weapon, perhaps even Libya.

-ends-

[ADMk2]

About as "low cost" as the Rafale I'd suggest.

In other words, FARKIN expensive, unless you are prepared to order many tens of time the number the French themselves are ordering...

It is illuminating that the French have spent more time on integrating and deployed operationally sooner, the Paveway II series of laser guided weapons from their Rafale aircraft, than the AASM, AS-30L or SCALP-EG...


Meanwhile, Sagem is pursuing potential export orders. The company is looking to mimic the sales success of similar systems marketed by U.S. defense firms. Sagem sees a potential foreign market for up to 10,000 AASM units. The company is also hoping the commercial success of the Rafale fighter aircraft will help boost demand for this weapon.

Er, the Americans are ordering MORE than this in each MYP. THAT is why JDAM is cheap. Not because AASM is so complicated, but rather because JDAM is outselling it at a rate of more than 500 to 1 at present...

[buglerbilly]

Excellent articles by Defense Systems, follow the link, lots of side links worth reading as well....................recommended



http://defense-update.com/wp/20101231_killer-mini-uav.html

[buglerbilly]

India – AGM-84L HARPOON Block II Missiles

(Source: Defense Security Cooperation Agency; issued December 22, 2010)

Presumably aimed at the new P-8's.........

WASHINGTON --- The Defense Security Cooperation Agency notified Congress today of a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of India of 21 AGM-84L HARPOON Block II Missiles and associated equipment, parts and logistical support for a complete package worth approximately $200 million.

The Government of India has requested a possible sale of 21 AGM-84L HARPOON Block II Missiles, 5 ATM-84L HARPOON Block II Training Missiles, Captive Air Training Missiles, containers, spare and repair parts, support and test equipment, publications and technical documentation, personnel training and training equipment, U.S. Government and contractor representatives’ technical assistance, engineering and logistics support services, and other related elements of logistics support.

The estimated cost is $200 million.

This proposed sale will contribute to the foreign policy and national security of the United States by helping to strengthen the U.S.-India strategic relationship and to improve the security of an important partner which continues to be an important force for political stability, peace, and economic progress in South Asia.

India intends to use the missiles on its Indian Navy P-8I Neptune maritime patrol aircraft which will provide enhanced capabilities in effective defense of critical sea lines of communication. India has already purchased HARPOON Block II missiles for integration on the Indian Air Force Jaguar aircraft and will have no difficulty absorbing these weapons into its armed forces.

The proposed sale of this equipment and support will not alter the basic military balance in the region.

The prime contractors will be The Boeing Company in St. Louis, Missouri, and Delex Systems Incorporated in Vienna, Virginia. Details of a potential offset agreement in connection with the proposed sale are not known as of the date of this transmittal.

Implementation of this proposed sale will require annual trips to India involving U.S. Government and contractor representatives for technical reviews, support, and oversight on for approximately five years.

There will be no adverse impact on U.S. defense readiness as a result of this proposed sale.

This notice of a potential sale is required by law and does not mean the sale has been concluded.

-ends-

[buglerbilly]

DATE:03/01/11

SOURCE:Flight International

France orders Meteor missiles for Rafales

By Craig Hoyle

France has ordered 200 Meteor beyond visual-range air-to-air missiles, making it the third nation to commit to the production phase of the MBDA programme.

The ramjet-engined Meteor will arm Dassault Rafale fighters in French air force and navy service, with deliveries to commence in 2018, the nation's DGA procurement agency says. MBDA UK was notified of the contract award on 22 December 2010, it adds.

The UK is the lead buyer for the Meteor, having signed a development and production contract in 2002. Its acquisition is projected as valuing around £1.3 billion ($2.0 billon), according to data included in the UK National Audit Office's Major Projects Report 2010 publication. The type should enter operational use around 2015, although MBDA expects to complete certification activities by next year.

Sweden also in September 2010 signed a production order for the Meteor, which will arm its air force's Saab Gripens. Sweden's Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) expects the type to become operational in 2015.

Other partners to the Meteor programme who have yet to sign production orders for the BVRAAM design are Eurofighter operators Germany, Italy and Spain. The type is also being offered to potential export operators of the Typhoon, Gripen and Rafale, and touted by MBDA as a candidate weapon system for the Lockheed Martin F-35 Joint Strike Fighter.

[ADMk2]

India – AGM-84L HARPOON Block II Missiles

(Source: Defense Security Cooperation Agency; issued December 22, 2010)

Presumably aimed at the new P-8's.........

WASHINGTON --- The Defense Security Cooperation Agency notified Congress today of a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of India of 21 AGM-84L HARPOON Block II Missiles and associated equipment, parts and logistical support for a complete package worth approximately $200 million.

The Government of India has requested a possible sale of 21 AGM-84L HARPOON Block II Missiles, 5 ATM-84L HARPOON Block II Training Missiles, Captive Air Training Missiles, containers, spare and repair parts, support and test equipment, publications and technical documentation, personnel training and training equipment, U.S. Government and contractor representatives’ technical assistance, engineering and logistics support services, and other related elements of logistics support.

The estimated cost is $200 million.

This proposed sale will contribute to the foreign policy and national security of the United States by helping to strengthen the U.S.-India strategic relationship and to improve the security of an important partner which continues to be an important force for political stability, peace, and economic progress in South Asia.

India intends to use the missiles on its Indian Navy P-8I Neptune maritime patrol aircraft which will provide enhanced capabilities in effective defense of critical sea lines of communication. India has already purchased HARPOON Block II missiles for integration on the Indian Air Force Jaguar aircraft and will have no difficulty absorbing these weapons into its armed forces.

The proposed sale of this equipment and support will not alter the basic military balance in the region.

The prime contractors will be The Boeing Company in St. Louis, Missouri, and Delex Systems Incorporated in Vienna, Virginia. Details of a potential offset agreement in connection with the proposed sale are not known as of the date of this transmittal.

Implementation of this proposed sale will require annual trips to India involving U.S. Government and contractor representatives for technical reviews, support, and oversight on for approximately five years.

There will be no adverse impact on U.S. defense readiness as a result of this proposed sale.

This notice of a potential sale is required by law and does not mean the sale has been concluded.

-ends-

And the IAF Jaguars...

[buglerbilly]

True, they have the late model, Indian-built Jaguars equipped with radar good enough to do Maritime Strike.............

[buglerbilly]

Lockheed Martin’s JAGM Successfully Completes Flying Qualities Tests On Navy’s Super Hornet

ORLANDO, FL, January 3rd, 2011 -- Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT] has successfully completed a comprehensive series of tests to demonstrate the flight characteristics of the U.S. Navy’s F/A-18E/F while carrying the Joint Air-to-Ground Missile (JAGM). The flying qualities test series consisted of six flights from Patuxent River Naval Air Station, MD, between October 5 and November 2 with a total flying time of 11.2 hours.

The aircraft flew at altitudes ranging from 5,000 feet to 35,000 feet and at speeds approaching Mach 1.0. During each flight, the Super Hornet was refueled in the air by a support tanker to enable the aircraft to reach all the required speeds and altitudes at which JAGM had to be tested.

The JAGM test articles were six instrumented measurement vehicles (IMVs) equivalent in weight, size and dimensions to tactical JAGM rounds and outfitted with resistive temperature devices, acoustic sensors and accelerometers to measure the flight environments experienced by the launchers and the missiles.

Three IMVs were loaded onto each of two new Navy fixed-wing triple-rail launchers designed and manufactured by Lockheed Martin and Marvin Engineering to carry JAGM on the F/A-18E/F. Fully outfitted, the Super Hornet could be configured to carry 18 JAGMs, as opposed to just four of the Maverick air-to-ground missiles that JAGM will replace.

For the flight series, the two “three-packs” of JAGM IMVs were carried at the most challenging stations—outboard and midboard—in varying load-out combinations with other weapon systems including bombs, anti-radiation missiles and air-to-air missiles, as well as external fuel tanks.

“The F/A-18E/F presents some of the most challenging environments for JAGM,” said Hady Mourad, JAGM program director at Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control. “Collecting vibration, acoustic and shock data in these environments for 11.2 hours of flight with no anomalies or problems represents a very successful beginning of flight test efforts that will continue into the EMD phase to integrate JAGM on the Super Hornet.”

Lockheed Martin’s Deputy Program Director Rick Packard, who is responsible for integrating JAGM with Navy platforms, said the company was very pleased with the results of the flying qualities tests. “When you couple the highly successful outcome of these flying quality tests with our previous hot and cold temperature missile motor tests, we remain confident in our ability to provide our customers with a single-missile-motor offering for JAGM, a critical capability voiced by all three Services since the inception of the joint program.”

“One of the key tenets of the JAGM program is to replace three aging weapon systems and their associated parts, supply and logistics networks with one weapon to increase operational flexibility and reduce support costs,” Packard said. “We remain steadfastly committed to meeting that requirement.”

Threshold aviation platforms include the U.S. Army’s AH-64D Apache attack helicopter, the Army’s Extended Range Multi-Purpose (ERMP) Sky Warrior unmanned aerial system, the U.S. Marine Corps’ AH-1Z Super Cobra attack helicopter, the U.S. Navy’s MH-60R Seahawk armed reconnaissance helicopter and the Navy’s F/A-18E/F Super Hornet jet fighter. The tri-service Joint Strike Fighter also is under consideration as an objective platform.

The initial operational capability of JAGM on the AH-64D, AH-1Z and F/A-18E/F is scheduled for 2016, and the IOC for the MH-60R and ERMP is 2017.

[buglerbilly]

Lockheed Martin Receives $218 Million for Long Range Anti-Ship Missile (LRASM) Demonstrations

DALLAS, TX, January 20th, 2011 -- Lockheed Martin [NYSE:LMT] has received two contracts totaling $218 million for the Demonstration Phase of the Defense Advanced Research Project Agency’s (DARPA) Long Range Anti-Ship Missile (LRASM) program.

The program encompasses the rapid development and demonstration of two distinct variants of the LRASM missile: LRASM-A is a stealthy air-launched variation and LRASM-B is a high-speed ship-launched missile.

Lockheed Martin’s LRASM-A team received a $60.3 million cost plus fixed fee contract to execute two air-launched demonstrations, leveraging its Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile – Extended Range (JASSM-ER) experience and demonstrating Navy and Air Force tactical aircraft employment.

Lockheed Martin’s LRASM-B team received a $157.7 million cost plus fixed-fee contract to complete four Vertical Launch System (VLS) demonstrations, proving applicability to Navy surface combatants. Both LRASM-A and LRASM-B designs plan to support air-launch and VLS-launch configurations.

“Both of our LRASM solutions will deliver extraordinary range, willful penetration of ship self defense systems and precise lethality in denied combat environments,” said Rick Edwards, vice president of Tactical Missiles and Combat Maneuver Systems at Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control. “The maturity of these weapons and technologies allows near term transition to Navy magazines at an affordable price. These are low risk, practical options with the Navy initiating studies of anti-surface warfare capability.”

The joint DARPA/U.S. Navy LRASM program was initiated in 2009 to deliver a new generation of highly capable anti-ship weapons. Current anti-ship weapons possess limited range and lethality. As at-sea warfare advances, a new generation of standoff anti-ship weapons systems are needed.

During Phase 1 of the program, preliminary designs of the LRASM-A and LRASM-B variants were successfully completed by Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control. LRASM-A leverages the state-of-the-art JASSM-ER airframe, and adds additional sensors and subsystems to achieve a stealthy and survivable subsonic cruise missile. LRASM-B leverages prior ramjet development activities and a suite of supporting sensors and avionics to achieve a supersonic cruise missile with balanced speed and stealth for robust performance.

Phase 2 of the program will continue the development of both missiles and culminate in flight demonstrations of tactically relevant prototypes of both missiles, including a common sensor system from BAE Systems.

“Lockheed Martin is proud to offer our technology for Navy solutions,” said Glenn Kuller, director of Tactical Missiles Advanced Programs at Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control. “These LRASM contracts will demonstrate two mature tactical missiles for new generation anti-surface warfare weapons capability; one low and stealthy, the other high and fast with moderate stealth.”

[ARH v.3.1]

Through the powers of logical deduction I'm calculating that the range of the JASSM-ER based variant will be similar to the JASSM-ER, or ~1000km, but are there any indicators of what the ramjet based variant's range will be?

[buglerbilly]

Through the powers of logical deduction I'm calculating that the range of the JASSM-ER based variant will be similar to the JASSM-ER, or ~1000km, but are there any indicators of what the ramjet based variant's range will be?

1,530 Kilomteres has been quoted elsewhere...............

[buglerbilly]

Denel’s Mokopa PGM ready for market

Written by Leon Engelbrecht

Wednesday, 26 January 2011 13:45

Denel Dynamics, the missiles and UAV business in the state arsenal, says it has successfully qualified its Mokopa guided missile. Mokopa is a precision-strike, multi-purpose 10km-plus weapon that can be fired from ground, sea, helicopter and fast-jet launchers.

Though initially developed as the primary anti-tank weapon for the Rooivalk combat helicopter, it has since evolved to a multi-purpose missile applicable to both conventional and asymmetrical scenarios. During trials completed last week the missile’s performance was validated utilising precision semi-active laser guidance and a powerful tandem anti-tank warhead (HEAT) configuration capable of destroying targets equipped with Explosive Reactive Armour (ERA), Denel says in a statement of the firing trials held at the company's OTB test range on January 21.

Alternative Mokopa configurations on offer include imaging infrared guidance and multi-purpose warhead option.

The Ministry of Defence in June 2007 said the SA National Defence Force had up to then spent R120 million (in 2007 Rand) on the Mokopa development program, with a further R4.6 million due to be spent in financial year 2007/8. “Denel is expected to spend a further R98.25 million (in 2007 currency) to complete the development of the missile. All figures exclude VAT and other statutory costs,” the MoD said in answer to a question asked by then-Democratic Alliance deputy defence spokesman Advocate Hendrik Schmidt. The answer added that an amount of R70 million (2007 Rand) had “been reserved for the acquisition of operational Mokopa missiles once the development is complete.”

It is not clear if the funds are still available and the Rooivalk is currently being operationalised with just its 20mm chin cannon and unguided rockets as armament. The MoD in 2007 added that Project Impose, the Rooivalk programme, “was initially mandated to fund the production baseline and industrialisation of the missile, but due to funding problems at Denel a decision was made that Project Impose would fund the allocated baseline and Denel the production baseline. The allocated baseline is nearing completion with a few deliverables outstanding.” There has been no further word on the matter.

According to the wikipedia development of the Mokopa began in November 1996, apparently due to the then-United States arms embargo against South Africa that made the acquisition of the AGM-114 Hellfire impossible. The first air-launched tests from a Rooivalk helicopter took place in 1999, with the first guided tests following in 2000, the online encyclopedia adds. The missile is considered to be very accurate, with an accuracy believed to match that of the company's other anti-tank missile, the Ingwe, at around 300 mm CEP (circular error probable) at maximum range. Its range is also said to long for an anti-tank missile – at 10 km it is greater than that of most current competitors, including the Hellfire (max 9km, although the MBDA Brimstone, the fast jet version of the Hellfire, can range to 32km). The range is achieved through an advanced solid-fuel composite rocket motor that has a relatively slow burning rate compared to similar motors – as well as being largely smokeless.

Wessels last year told defenceWeb that although the weapon was developed as a tank killer, “the bulk of the interest in the Mokopa has shifted to non-tank targets. A Denel marketing brochure notes the Mokopa, named after SA's deadliest snake, known in English as the black Mamba, was designed as a modular long-range, precision-guided anti-armour missile. “It may, however, be used effectively against other high-value ground, air or naval targets from a variety of launch platforms such as land vehicles, shore battery installations, naval vessels and fixed wing aircraft.” the brochure reads. The modular design of the missile allows for different warheads such as penetration, fragmentation or anti-armour optimised for the type of target.

Wessels was at the time very excited as the prospects for the Mokopa aboard the Lynx, of which the SuperLynx 300 maritime helicopter version series with the SAAF for deployment aboard the Navy's Valour-class frigates. “Today we look a the Lynx. It seems to us most of Lynx customers has a requirement for an affordable precision weapon to take on non-traditional threats example the pirate threat.” Bigger systems, such as the Sea Skua are often considered to be too pricey for this role. Wessels adds the SAAF is interested in the system for Lynx “but want us to succeed somewhere else first”, as it does not have the cash on hand to pay for the integration costs. This is in line with comments made by SAAF chief Lieutenant General Carlo Gagiano on that subject.

Wessels added the SAAF had “offered us flight tests and help, combined with some of their activities, which is already very helpful. My personal preference would be if we could fire the first qualification Mokopa off a Lynx. Not a SA Lynx, perhaps, but a Lynx. The Dynamics CE in the April 2010 interview said the Mokopa should be particularly effective with a multi-purpose warhead in support of offshore patrol vessels, such as those contemplated for the SA Navy’s Project Biro. The weapon is also suitable as a secondary PGM for larger vessels,such as frigates. “You cannot fire an Exocet at a small boat, it is overkill,” he said. “There are a number of tenders out for new frigates where the shipyard offer our Umkhonto air defence missile plus the Lynx with the Mokopa. That is very important.”

On the other hand, he saw only limited short-term opportunity for Mokopa with the land services. “Most armies won't use it optimally, he noted. Land-to-land targeting at 5.5km, as with Ingwe, is already a very long range for target acquisition. You cant's see much further in the dust and glare of the battlefield. With Mokopa you go over-the-horison and then your communications and command-and-control has to be very advanced. Many armies are not yet confident enough to use such a weapon. The Ingwe is still very much on the sweet spot for most applications,” he said.

Denel Dynamics surprised the market at Africa Aerospace & Defence at AFB Ysterplaat in Cape Town last September when it exhibited a mock-up of the Impi, a 25kg hybrid of the business' existing Mokopa and Ingwe PGM. Impi was developed to arm the company's Seeker 400, itself a new development. Denel Dynamics' Garsen Naidu said at the show the new missile concept “brings all our experience together”. The missile combines the Mokopa's seeker and laser guidance units with the Ingwe's multipurpose warhead and Umkhonto surface-to-air missile's datalink. Like the Mokopa, the weapon has a 10km range. Impi is currently in its design phase and is a small, low-cost system designed specifically for operation on lightweight armed reconnaissance platforms.

Pic: A Mokopa about to impact a target during a short range but high-manoevre test

[buglerbilly]

Raytheon Completes First Series of Laser-Guided Maverick Captive Flight Testing

BENGALURU, India, Feb. 9, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Raytheon Company (NYSE: RTN) completed a series of initial captive carry flight tests of the AGM-65E2/L, the newest variant of the laser-guided Maverick missile.

The laser-guided Maverick missile is a direct-attack, air-to-ground precision munition used extensively by the U.S. Air Force, Navy and Marine Corps in ongoing combat operations.

"The combat-proven, laser-guided Maverick is an ideal weapon for urban combat and high-speed maneuvering targets, both on land and at sea," said Harry Schulte, vice president of Raytheon Missile Systems Air Warfare Systems product line. "With more than 33 customers around the globe and certified on more than 25 aircraft, Maverick is clearly the warfighter's weapon of choice for direct-attack precision engagement."

The AGM-65E2/L will have an enhanced laser seeker and new software that reduces the risk of collateral damage and enables aircraft to use onboard, buddy and ground-based lasing to designate targets.

During the tests, which took place in the fourth quarter of 2010, the Maverick's laser seeker locked on to a variety of stationary and moving targets from distances as far as 28 kilometers (18 statute miles). The tests were conducted on the F/A-18, F-16, and A-10C fighter aircraft.

[buglerbilly]

Airmen Assist in Air Force-Wide Missile Modification

(Source: U.S Air Force; issued February 16, 2011)

RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany --- Members of the 86th Munitions Squadron here recently assisted a Joint Air to Surface Standoff Missile team in a weeklong project of modifying several missiles as part of an Air Force-wide initiative.

Officials from Lockheed Martin Corporation, the developer of the missiles, dispatched a team to work the issue here Jan. 31 to Feb 4.

"Our team deals with retrofits, periodic maintenance inspections and making sure the AGM-158 (air-to-ground missile) is up to speed," said Jerry Stroud, a Lockheed Martin Corp. assistant test engineer from Orlando, Fla.

Once the team members complete their modifications, Airmen from the 86th MUNS have the important task of testing and safely securing the munitions.

"After the Lockheed Martin contractors finished doing the retrofit, my crew and I performed an initiated built-in test to ensure the missiles are in perfect condition," said Senior Airman Troy Kiel, an 86th MUNS crew chief.

Airman Kiel said he enjoyed this opportunity to work with other experts in their trade. "It's really a great learning experience to work with the Lockheed Martin personnel and also to learn more about the missile," Airman Kiel said.

With the workload of this mission, it takes an effort from several Airmen. "On our side, we have a lot of different groups working to make sure this gets done efficiently," said Master Sgt. Daniel Clark, the 86th MUNS conventional maintenance NCO in charge.

The unit was responsible for safely retrieving, transporting and securing the missiles after the process was complete.

The task may sound simple, but it is quite labor intensive and must be done correctly. After the repair of each missile and the return to storage, the missiles will be ready for use, said Staff Sgt. Nicholas Dillenbeck, an 86th MUNS conventional maintenance supervisor.

Having the missiles available creates a better opportunity for the Air Force's mission to be completed successfully. "It's important to make the adjustment to these missiles because we're improving reliability and reducing the risk to aircrew and aircraft involved," said Jared Grace, JASSM program office engineer from Eglin Air Force Base, Fla. "Essentially, better safety allows for mission success."

-ends-

[buglerbilly]

DATE:18/02/11

SOURCE:Flight International

Raytheon reveals first glimpse of next-generation missile

By Stephen Trimble



Raytheon has offered the first peek into the company's approach to designing a next generation missile to replace both the AIM-120 AMRAAM and AGM-88 HARM.

For the first time, the company has displayed a full-scale mock-up of one of several candidates being considered for the emerging US Air Force requirement for a dual role air dominance missile (DRADM).

The design shown at the Air Warfare Sympsoium on 16-17 February features an AMRAAM-like missile body integrated with what appears to be a variable flow ducted rocket (VFDR), or ramjet.

In 2004, Raytheon commissioned Aerojet to demonstrate a VFDR propulsion system on an AMRAAM for a contract sponsored by the Air Force Research Laboratory. Raytheon acknowledges the influence of the VFDR demonstration.

"This model incorporates lessons learned from VFDR," Raytheon says. "However, the requirements haven't been established yet, so the model you see is one of several possibilities in consideration."

Raytheon and Boeing received separate contracts from the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) late last year to work on a next generation missile. The triple target terminator (T3) programme is aimed at hitting three types of targets - aircraft, cruise missiles and ground-based radars.

For two years, Boeing has displayed a conventional, solid rocket-powered missile at major trade shows as its DRADM concept. The 18cm (7in)-diameter mock-up for a next generation missile also was shown at Boeing's booth in the exhibit hall.



In addition to the DARPA work, Boeing also is known to have received three contracts from AFRL to develop three key technologies for a next-generation air dominance missile.

These include adaptable warheads that increase the lethal distance of the weapon, sensors that also serve as fuses for the warhead and reaction jet controls that allow the missile to intercept targets behind the launching platform.

The USAF had previously intended to launch full development of DRADM in Fiscal 2014, but the Pentagon's latest budget request may allow the service to accelerate contract award to 2013.

Speaking to the symposium audience on 16 February, Gen William Fraser, head of Air Combat Command, noted that the appearance of China's Chengdu J-20 underscores the need for key modernization programmes, including a next generation missile.

[buglerbilly]

Latest Chinese PGMs

David Donald

Tuesday, 22 February, 2011


Precision attack from China: the 100kg LS-6 in the foreground adds laser terminal guidance to the inertial/GPS system, while the LS-6L behind has an imaging infrared seeker

China has been expanding its range of precision-guided munitions for some time, and new versions are on show at the CATIC display (Hall 10, Stand E25) for the first time outside China.

Revealed in 2006, and developed by the Luoyang Optoelectro Technology Development Centre (LOEC), the LS-6 is a family of bombs produced by strapping guidance, wing and fin kits to a standard warhead, ranging between 50kg and 500kg. The baseline guidance system is GPS/INS, which can be configured to work with various global GPS systems, depending on customer choice.

As shown here at IDEX on a 250kg warhead, the LS-6 family includes an option for pop-out wings, which increase range to about 60km when launched from altitude.

New to the international market are three more variations of the LS-6 family, which were first revealed at the Zhuhai air show late last year. Presented here are 50kg and 100kg versions, with fixed cruciform wings instead of popout surfaces. These smaller wings give a modest range increase, to about 24km. The weapons add a laser seeker for terminal guidance, the combination of GPS/INS guidance and laser giving the dual-mode bomb a similar capability to the Enhanced Paveway range.

Along with these smaller weapons is a 250kg LS-6L bomb, with an extended nose housing an infrared seeker. This weapon lacks wings, but has a JDAM-style jacket with small strakes.

[buglerbilly]

Pentagon Official: We Didn't Need Test of Bunker-Buster Bomb

Feb 23, 2011 – 6:45 PM


Sharon Weinberger
Contributor

Several years ago, the Pentagon fought a pitched battle over a test, called "Divine Strake," that was designed to study the use of a massive conventional explosive against hardened underground facilities, such as those that might be used to harbor weapons of mass destruction.

But the controversial test of what would have been the largest non-nuclear conventional explosive was not necessary, according to a senior Pentagon official.

"We were able to examine data collected during previous tests, so there was no need to carry out the test at that time," Kenneth Myers, the director of the Defense Threat Reduction Agency, told reporters today at a breakfast in Washington, D.C.

Divine Strake was set to use 700 tons of chemical explosive, which could reportedly have been used to simulate the effect of a nuclear-tipped bomb against deeply buried facilities. "I don't want to sound glib here, but it is the first time in Nevada that you'll see a mushroom cloud over Las Vegas since we stopped testing nuclear weapons," former DTRA director James Tegnelia said previously of Divine Strake.

The test, which was to take place in Nevada, was eventually canceled in early 2007 amid mounting opposition. Among other concerns, opponents said it could spread radioactive material from previous nuclear tests.

Plans for a nuclear-tipped bunker buster have also since been scrapped, though the Pentagon is developing conventional weapons designed to hit bunkers.

Myers declined to speculate as to why the test was originally planned if testing data was already available. But he said that researchers were able to "comb through" previous data and use that information for other weapons, like the Massive Ordnance Penetrator, a conventional 30,000-pound precision-guided weapon.

"It was a step along the way," he said of the canceled test.

The Massive Ordnance Penetrator, which is designed to be dropped from a heavy bomber, is supposed to be ready for deployment over the next year. Myers said the Pentagon has made "great progress" with the weapon and has demonstrated that it can destroy buried targets.

"We want to deter," he said of the weapon. "It's a tool."

[buglerbilly]

Mini-Weapons Add Punch To Small UAVs

Mar 3, 2011

By David Hambling
Washington



A new generation of highly accurate mini-weapons is being developed for small, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for use against personnel and light vehicles. One factor in development is the need to weaponize small UAVs such as the RQ-7 Shadow from AAI Corp., in use by the U.S. Army and Marine Corps, which cannot carry a 100-lb. Hellfire missile.

Raytheon’s latest offering in this area is the Small Tactical Munition (STM), a 13-lb. glide bomb with GPS and semi-active laser guidance that can hit fixed and moving targets in all weather. Development has been completed in an approach that Don Newman, program director for advanced weapons at Raytheon, calls “Lamott”—lay a missile on the table. “We build a missile with company money, then demonstrate it to people who might be interested,” he says.

The gamble is worthwhile because of the potential market—the U.S. Army and Marine Corps are interested in arming their Shadow UAVs with the weapon. Raytheon successfully tested the STM against targets. Newman says it is not a prototype but a producible weapon, and the company can take immediate orders.

Being small does not mean the STM is cheap. “When you have a precision weapon with GPS and seeker, most of the cost is in the nose,” says Newman. “You’ve got the same precision as a larger weapon, just in a smaller package.”

Mass production would bring costs down, and the STM could also increase the weapon load of the larger RQ-1 Predator and MQ-9 Reaper UAVs, both from General Atomics. “You could replace one Hellfire missile with 6-8 STMs,” Newman says.

Lockheed Martin is working on a small missile for the Army’s Extended Area Protection and Survivability (EAPS) program. This will be a mobile counter-rocket, artillery and mortar system with a range of at least 2.5 km (1.5 mi.). The EAPS defense will be radar-guided, with two interception options under consideration: a 50-mm projectile and the missile being developed by Lockheed Martin, which is 2 ft. long, 1.5-in. in diameter and weighs 5 lb.

“We are pushing the limits with this,” says EAPS Product Manager Chris Murphy, who is not aware of smaller guided missiles. Miniaturizing the components was a challenge Murphy compares to the technology used to downsize mobile phones and medical imaging devices. “The key is in the electronics and the receiver,” he says. “These are not off-the-shelf components.”

The missile will be a kinetic interceptor with semi-active radar guidance. Development has progressed well. Successful hardware-in-the-loop tests will be followed by flight tests this summer. In 2012 the missile will be tested against targets. At that point, says Murphy, the aim is to have something that is “nearly tactical.”

Lockheed Martin and the Army see other applications for the missile, including small UAVs. “There’s an option for a semi-active laser seeker,” says Murphy, with active millimeter-wave guidance as a possibility. With an explosive warhead it could engage ground targets as well as enemy UAVs. Other platforms might include fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters, where it would be a self-defense or offensive weapon. It might even become an infantry weapon, weighing a fifth as much as the FGM-148 Javelin guided antiarmor missile, made by Lockheed Martin and Raytheon.

Textron Defense Systems is one of three companies (the others are Aerovironment and IAT) competing for the U.S. Air Force’s Lethal Miniature Aerial Munition System (Lmams) contract. Lmams will be a 3-lb. weapon that a dismounted soldier can launch from behind cover to seek and identify distant targets via a video link and destroy them.

Textron’s entry is the Tactical Remote Aerial Munition (TRAM). Its advantages include a 1-hr. loiter time, twice what is required, and an advanced warhead. Software permits the operator to lock TRAM on to a maneuvering target.

The Air Force contract calls for three weapons from each manufacturer to be delivered in April for target tests. An order for the winning design should follow soon after.

Photo: Raytheon

[buglerbilly]

Air Force Gears Up for Hypersonic Missile Test

Mar 15, 2011 – 12:25 PM

Sharon Weinberger
Contributor

The Air Force later this month is set to test what could be a ground-breaking flight of a hypersonic missile.

The X-51 WaveRider took its maiden flight last year, demonstrating the longest-ever flight of a supersonic combustion ramjet engine, also known as a scramjet. But the next test flight is expected to fly faster and farther: at speeds of up to Mach 6 and lasting four minutes.

"Our next flight is scheduled for March 22," Charlie Brink, Air Force Research Laboratory's X-51A program manager, told AOL News today.


Chad Bellay, U.S. Air Force
An X-51A WaveRider hypersonic flight test vehicle is uploaded to an Air Force Flight Test Center B-52 for fit testing at Edwards Air Force Base on July 17, 2009.

The X-51 will be launched from a B-52 bomber flying over the Pacific Ocean Point Mugu Naval Air Warfare Center Sea Range, and then will be rocket-boosted to speeds up to several times the speed of sound before transitioning to scramjet power. The last test flight, though successful in some respects, was cut short due to a faulty seal that allowed hot gases to build up inside of the vehicle, rather than going out of the back nozzle as designed.

Although the Air Force has long said that the X-51 could eventually be used for a number of purposes, a senior Air Force official recently confirmed that it is moving forward with plans to turn it into a weapon.

"In Fiscal Year 2012, we will begin weaponizing the X-51 research vehicle," Stephen Walker, the Air Force's deputy assistant secretary for science, told a congressional panel earlier this month. "Development activities will focus on miniaturization of subsystems to allow for a payload and the ability to cold-start the weapon after release from an aircraft."

Pentagon officials have talked about using hypersonic weapons as part of the military's plans to develop a Prompt Global Strike weapon, which could hit anywhere in the world within two hours. Such a missile could be used to hit a fleeing terrorist, or a suspected nuclear site.

Brink declined to go into details on plans to weaponize the X-51, saying the current vehicle is merely for testing. "The X-51 is not a weapon," Brink said.

However, Brink said there are plans to work on technologies that would allow the service to transition the X-51 "to a more weapons-friendly design."

[buglerbilly]

Multipurpose HELLFIRE II ‘Romeo’ Strikes Target, Completes Proof-of-Principle Flight Tests

ORLANDO, FL, March 28th, 2011 -- The U.S. Army’s Joint Attack Munition Systems (JAMS) Project Office and Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT] successfully fired a multipurpose AGM 114R HELLFIRE II “Romeo” missile with a live warhead and penetrated a brick-over-block target in its sixth proof-of-principle (POP) test.

The flight test, at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., demonstrated the Romeo’s enhanced software capability and superior performance in a military-operations-in-urban-terrain scenario. The new Romeo’s multipurpose warhead design enables the missile, with a designator spot laser, to seek out and defeat hard, soft and enclosed targets with outstanding success. The initial fielding of the HELLFIRE II Romeo is scheduled for late 2012.

“The AGM-114R baseline design is now defined and allows us to go into system qualification,” said U.S. Army Lt. Col. Mike Brown, HELLFIRE Systems product manager at JAMS. “The R model remains on cost and on schedule, and meets all performance objectives.”

Engineers ground-launched the single HELLFIRE II Romeo missile in a lock-on-after-launch mode, simulating the missile being fired from a rotary-wing platform. The short-range (2.5 kilometer) high-speed impact shot penetrated the brick-over-block target and successfully detonated with the specified fuze delay.

This was the final POP test for this next-generation precision missile. The Romeo’s advanced fuze technology and new warhead design performed flawlessly in test flights, proving reduced risk through system performance. Additionally, Lockheed Martin’s Joint-Air-to-Ground Missile (JAGM) incorporates the same warhead technology and fuze design that is present in the HELLFIRE II Romeo.

“We redesigned the warhead to combine the capabilities of our four previous HELLFIRE II variants into one single multipurpose missile,” said Ken Musculus, director of Air-to-Ground Missile Systems at Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control. “Our POP tests conclusively proved that the HELLFIRE II Romeo meets all of its requirements, and will provide a valuable capability to the warfighter.”

New design features on the HELLFIRE II Romeo include a three-axis inertial measurement unit, which enables properly equipped launch platforms to engage targets to the side and behind them without having to maneuver the aircraft into position. The missile can be launched from high or low altitudes due to its enhanced guidance system and improved navigation capabilities, optimizing the missile’s impact angle for enhanced lethality.

The HELLFIRE II Romeo integrates with all HELLFIRE II-compatible platforms, and can be launched autonomously or with remote designation. Rotary-wing platforms include the Apache, Kiowa Warrior, Cobra and Seahawk, as well as the Tiger Armed Reconnaissance Helicopter for Australia and the Tiger Hélicoptère d’Appui Destruction for France. The HELLFIRE has also been demonstrated on ground-based tripods, ground vehicles and boats.

With multi-mission and multi-target capability, HELLFIRE is the primary air-to-ground missile system for the U.S. Armed Forces and many allied nations. Lockheed Martin performs all work on behalf of the HELLFIRE Systems Limited Liability Company at its manufacturing facilities in Troy, Ala., and Ocala, Fla.

[buglerbilly]

Thales Wins UK Missile Order by Giving Up Other Work

By ANDREW CHUTER

Published: 4 Apr 2011 17:01

A very nice bit of kit this new missile system, very high velocity derived from Starstreak technology.................

LONDON - Britain's Ministry of Defence has become the first customer for a Thales UK multirole missile in an unusual deal which has seen the final part of another contract with the company canceled to release funds for the new weapon.


The British Ministry of Defence plans to arm its AgustaWestland Lynx Wildcat helicopters with the Thales Lightweight Multi-role Missile. (Thales UK)

Known as the Lightweight Multi-role Missile (lmm), the weapon will make its debut as part of the armament on the Royal Navy's new Wildcat Lynx surface combatant helicopter, which is due to enter service in 2015.

Thales plans to deliver the first production standard version of LMM to the MoD in 2013, said David Beatty, the managing director of the Belfast, Northern Ireland, facility where Thales is developing and manufacturing the missile.

In a statement, company officials said they had agreed to a deal with the MoD to "re-role previously contracted budgets to facilitate the full-scale development, series production and introduction of the LMM."

Beatty declined to give any further details, such as which of the company's other contracts had been cut to find the funds to LMM.

Analysts here said it was most likely the tail end of a Thales deal to supply Starstreak short-range ground-to-air weapons that had been affected.

Starstreak deliveries to the British Army have been going on for years with little call for the weapon's use in an era dominated by counterinsurgency operations.

The British MoD is in the midst of large-scale budget cuts to help repair public finances and has little money for new programs.

The Thales executive would not give the value of the deal but said that the order involved the initial delivery of 1,000 missiles.

The weapon ordered for the Royal Navy is a laser beam-riding missile weighing just 13 kilograms, with a range when fired from the air of more than eight kilometers. Combating the growing threat posed by swarms of fast attack craft is one of its prime maritime roles.

Other versions eventually could arm UAVs and Army attack helicopters in the air-to-ground mode, and could serve as a ground-to-ground weapon against light and medium armored vehicles.

Turkish and UAE defense companies separately exhibited potential applications for fitting LMM variants to small naval craft and land vehicles at the recent IDEX show in Abu Dhabi.

Beatty said development work on new variants of the LMM family are underway.

In late March, the company for the first time test-fired a version of the weapon fitted with a semi-active laser for precision strike against surface targets.

"We don't want development of this variant to drag much behind the laser beam-rider version we are launching with. We could be talking 2013 or 2014 for the new family member," he said.

In the next five to 10 years, Thales could have up to five versions of the multirole weapon available, he said.

[buglerbilly]

Raytheon's Small Diameter Bomb II Program Completes Critical Design Review

(Source: Raytheon Company; issued April 4, 2011)



TUCSON, Ariz. --- Raytheon Company's Small Diameter Bomb II program completed a U.S. Air Force critical design review (CDR), clearing the way for the weapon to begin captive flight testing later this year.

"Raytheon's SDB II features a mature tri-mode seeker and a cutting-edge warhead, and completing the CDR proves our design is producible and mature," said Harry Schulte, Raytheon Missile Systems vice president of Air Warfare Systems. "Raytheon has an affordable and executable plan to deliver a robust engineering and manufacturing development program."

SDB II is an air-launched, precision-strike standoff weapon that will enable the warfighter to defeat moving and fixed targets in adverse weather conditions. The weapon incorporates an improved seeker that features three modes of operation: millimeter-wave radar, uncooled imaging infrared and semiactive laser.

"By using an uncooled seeker and other innovative approaches, we can reduce part count, which improves reliability and reduces the life-cycle and production cost of the weapon," said Tom White, Raytheon's SDB II program director. "The CDR demonstrated Raytheon and its suppliers can balance the cost, performance, schedule and risk of the SDB II program."

Raytheon Company, with 2010 sales of $25 billion, is a technology and innovation leader specializing in defense, homeland security and other government markets throughout the world. With headquarters in Waltham, Mass., Raytheon employs 72,000 people worldwide.

-ends-

[buglerbilly]

More on this system........the thing to note here is its lightweight and small size. What it lacks in mass however, is made up in terminal effect. Now whether its a true Mach 5 missile or not only time will tell, but one can fairly say it is high velocity, probably hyper velocity. a missile whipping along at Mach 4 or 5 is going to have a precise and significant terminal effect on a target whether vessel or land target..........the small small size also makes it UAV compatible, an obvious market opportunity and a growth market at that...............

DATE:05/04/11

SOURCE:Flight International

UK orders Thales lightweight multi-role missiles for Lynx Wildcat

By Craig Hoyle

Thales UK has secured a 1,000-unit launch order for its lightweight multi-role missile (LMM), less than three years after revealing its development work on the modular design.

Announcing its success on 5 April, the company says the breakthrough order is the result of a new agreement with the UK Ministry of Defence "to re-role previously contracted budgets".

Full-scale development and series production of a laser beam-riding version of the LMM will be launched to equip the UK Royal Navy's AgustaWestland Lynx Wildcat helicopters. Formal selection of the design meets the MoD's requirement to arm the type with a future anti-surface guided weapon light.


© AgustaWestland

Thales UK says another version with a blast/fragmentation and shaped charge warhead is also planned for use against light and medium armoured ground vehicles, while others could satisfy a range of air-launched applications.

"The modular design of the missile permits the future development and introduction of alternative warheads and seekers, including a semi-active laser version for precision strike surface attack roles," it says.

Each LMM round has a launch weight of around 13kg (28lb) and a claimed range of up to 4.3nm (8km). Unveiled in June 2008, the weapon "will deliver a highly accurate performance against static and mobile targets and with low-collateral damage," its developer says. The design, which draws on elements of the in-service Starstreak ground-based air defence missile, is also suitable for carriage by unmanned air vehicles.


© Craig Hoyle/Flightglobal
Thales UK has displayed its LMM weapon with UAV types including the Schiebel S-100 Camcopter

"We firmly believe that this is what armed forces require now and in the future, as it not only can provide adaptability in the battlefield but also major benefits in whole-life costs by having one weapon family with a highly cost-effective associated logistic support," says David Beatty, managing director of Thales UK's Belfast manufacturing facility.

Export sales are also being sought, with Beatty citing "a very high level of interest in this new family of missiles from land, sea and air platform suppliers".

The LMM programme is among a series of initiatives being advanced through the MoD's Team Complex Weapons initiative: a partnership involving the MoD, MBDA UK, Qinetiq, Roxel and Thales UK. Others include the MBDA-led Fire Shadow loitering munition concept.

[buglerbilly]

USAF Getting More Penetrating Power

By John Reed Friday, April 8th, 2011 4:18 pm



Here’s a little gem that was tucked in the Pentagon’s contract announcement email last night: The Air Force just gave Boeing a $28 million cost-plus contract modification to deliver eight Massive Ordnance Penetrator (MOP) bombs, “16 separation nuts, eight MOP loading adapters, and an aft closure redesign.”

Remember, the Pentagon moved to accelerate the deployment of the bomb in late 2009, which was supposed to enter limited service sometime in 2010. The air service has been working to modify some B-2 stealth bombers to carry two of the 30,000-pound, GPS-guided bombs, each. The weapons are designed to penetrate up to 200 feet of reinforced concrete.

In 2009, the Air Force has planned to buy a total of 15 MOPs, five test weapons and ten operational bombs.

The Air Force is already looking for a more practical, (smaller) complement to the MOP; the service basically wants a 2,000-pound weapon that can match the GBU-28’s 5,000 pound penetrating power. Man, that phrase is loaded with innuendo. Happy Friday!

Read more: http://www.dodbuzz.com/2011/04/08/usaf-getting-more-penetrating-power/#ixzz1Iyo2JrE1

[buglerbilly]

B-1B Lancer upgrade will triple payload

Posted 4/11/2011

by Airman Charles Rivezzo
7th Bomb Wing Public Affairs


An assortment of 500-pound and 2,000-pound joint-direct-attack munitions are connected to a multiple ejector rack on a B-1B Lancer March 31, 2011, at a weapons load barn at Dyess Air Force Base, Texas. If fielded, a 16-carry modified rotary launcher will increase the number of 500-pound JDAMs and laser-guided JDAMs carried by a B-1B from 15 to 48, a 320 percent increase in capability. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Shannon Hall)

4/11/2011 - DYESS AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- Airmen from the 337th Test and Evaluation Squadron began their first phase of demonstrations of a multiple ejector rack on a B-1B Lancer here March 22.

If fielded, 16-carry modified rotary launchers will increase the number of 500-pound joint direct attack munitions and laser-guided JDAMs carried by the B-1B from 15 to 48, a 320 percent increase in capability.

"Currently a B-1 can deliver twice the payload of a B-52 (Stratofortress), meaning, theoretically, with the MER upgrade, one B-1 will be able to deliver the same amount of payload as four B-52s," said Col. Gerald Goodfellow, the 7th Operations Group commander.

Also, the MER has a mixed-load capability, meaning each bomb bay can hold an assortment of joint air-to-surface stand-off missiles, and both 2,000-pound and 500-pound JDAMs, giving the aircrew much greater flexibility during combat missions.

"The war we are in requires target specific weaponry that is capable of destroying a single room of a building," said Tech Sgt. David Koscienski, the 337th TES weapons suitability NCO in charge. "With the addition of the MER, B-1 operators have the ability to conduct numerous individual attacks and massive air-strikes as needed, without needing to stop to reload."

Aircrews from the 337th TES and 419th Flight Test Squadron from Edwards Air Force Base, Calif., flew a Dyess AFB B-1B equipped with a MER and successfully released two inert 500-pound JDAMs over China Lake Missile Range, Calif, March 22. An additional mission was also successfully flown March 24 to test drop the weapons again.

"The B-1 is absolutely a choice war-fighting platform considering it can carry multiple weapons, each with specific capabilities, and deploy those weapons at a moment's notice," Sergeant Koscienski said. "The adaptation of the MER, along with the sniper pod and laser-guided JDAMS, will only increase that same lethal capability to an even greater level."

The purpose of the 16-carry demonstration program is to validate the release and safe separation of 500-pound class weapons from a modified B-1B rotary launcher.

"This upgrade will not only save the Air Force money, but will also put less of our Airmen at risk; and that is our main priority," Colonel Goodfellow said.

[buglerbilly]

Eurofighter Typhoon Successfully Adds More Air-to-Ground Capabilities

(Source: Eurofighter GmbH; issued April 11, 2011)

The Eurofighter’s air-to-ground capabilities were further improved last week when partner company Cassidian Spain achieved the first EGBU-16 precision-guided munition avionic release.

This success comes immediately after the first successful Paveway IV release carried out during February in the UK. These trials saw both bomb types being successfully released from Eurofighter aircraft and focused on the functional integration into the weapon system.

The EGBU-16 is the selected dual mode precision guided munition for Germany, Spain and Italy whereas the Paveway IV precision-guided bomb is the choice for the UK.

Included in the broad-ranging Phase 1 Enhancement (P1E) programme, both weapons improve the all weather precision attack capability on the Typhoon.

The Typhoon aircraft has been autonomously air-to-ground capable since 2008 when the RAF successfully integrated the Paveway laser guided bombs with the Litening III laser designation pod on to its Typhoon fleet.

Demonstrating an unrivalled precision, the combination of weapons has been tested during several exercises both in the UK and abroad, confirming the built-in multi-role capability of the Typhoon.

-ends-

[buglerbilly]

The Norwegian Government Has Decided to Present the Continued Development of JSM

(Source: Kongsberg; issued April 12, 2011)

The Norwegian Government has decided to present the continued development phase II of the Joint Strike Missile (JSM) for the F-35 Lightning II – Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) - for the Parliament (“The Storting”).

For Kongsberg this represents a continuation of the JSM development until 2013, should the Storting approve it. There is consensus between Kongsberg and the Norwegian Defence Logistics Organization (NDLO) for a JSM phase II development contract worth MNOK 535. The contract will engage more than 100 employees at Kongsberg. The JSM development started in 2008. A development contract worth MNOK 166 between Kongsberg and NDLO was signed in 2009.

“The JSM-development contract will contribute to secure Kongsberg and several Norwegian Defence suppliers export related to the fighter program. This confirms that the missile technology developed by the Norwegian Defence, Norwegian Defence Research Establishment, Kongsberg and its suppliers is competitive internationally and covers the operational requirements for Norway and other F-35 partner nations. JSM will be a technological joint effort that will lift a broader scope of Norwegian industry to a new level,” says President in Kongsberg Defence Systems, Harald Aannestad.

JSM could generate significant work for more than 100 Norwegian subcontractors for decades. Some of the Norwegian SME`s that will be involved in JSM are:

-- ProPartner Defence AS
-- Kitron AS
-- Eidel AS
-- Natech AS
-- Berget AS
-- Kongsberg Devotek AS

In a future situation with full-scale production, the JSM program will engage more than 450 employees at Kongsberg.

The Joint Strike Missile is a new missile designed to fill an identified operational capability gap on the F-35. JSM is a high performance, long range, stand-off missile with land- and anti-ship capabilities. JSM is the only missile under development that can be internally carried on the F-35 meeting the operational requirements. The missile can also be integrated on other platforms. Kongsberg sees a large potential for future deliveries of the JSM to F-35 customers. Based on agreement between US Department of Defense (DoD) and Norwegian Ministry of Defence (MoD), Kongsberg is invited to participate in a competition in the US Navy in their need for both ship- and aircraft based missiles.

“The JSM-development and the F-35 integration is a confirmation of Kongsberg’s leading position as a supplier of advanced missiles. This will create business opportunities for several decades. Based on the interest we have seen from the other F-35 partner nations, JSM supports Kongsberg’s growth ambitions,” says President and CEO, Walter Qvam.

As part of the JSM development, new capabilities will be developed and tested and made available for upgrades of the Naval Strike Missile (NSM). The NSM is in production for Poland and Norway.

Kongsberg is an international, knowledge-based group that supplies high-technology systems and solutions to customers engaged in the oil and gas industry, the merchant marine industry, and the defence and aerospace industries. In 2010, Kongsberg had a turnover of NOK 15.5 billion, and the Group had 5 681 employees in more than 25 countries.

-ends-

[buglerbilly]

Joint Strike Missile: Development of Phase 2

(Source: Norwegian Ministry of Defence; issued April 12, 2011)

“The Government has decided to submit to Parliament the development of Phase 2 of the Joint Strike Missile (JSM) to Parliament," said State Secretary for Defence Roger Ingebrigtsen said at the Defense Ministry during an INFO / ERFA conference today.

Development of the Joint Strike Missile covers the requirement for a long-range missile capable of hitting land and naval targets, and which can be carried inside the F-35’s weapons bay. JSM is developed in cooperation with Kongsberg Defence Systems.

“The Joint Strike Missile will thus satisfy an important operational need, as well as providing significant industrial opportunities for Norway. This is an important project for the whole of Norway and for our industry. We have great expectations that Kongsberg intends to help businesses throughout the country to become part of the JSM group,” Ingebrigtsen said.

The operational level of ambition for the new combat aircraft capability requires long-range anti-surface weapons with anti-ship and land attack capability. JSM is considered to be the only weapon in development that will meet the operational requirements and is capable of being carried inside the F-35’s weapons bay.

Approximate cost for Phase 2 of JSM’s development, including a contingency reserve, is estimated at 1,029 million Norwegian kroner. The amount of the contract with Kongsberg, including value-added tax (VAT), accounts for about half of this sum.

-ends-

[buglerbilly]

DATE:14/04/11

SOURCE:Flight International

US Army advances JAGM weapons contest

By Stephen Trimble

The US Army has released a request for proposals for its joint air-to-ground missile (JAGM) contract.

Lockheed Martin and a Raytheon/Boeing team are competing for the requirement with tri-mode seeker-equipped offerings. The successful bidder will provide weapons to replace the army's current Lockheed AGM-114 Hellfire and Raytheon AGM-65 Maverick missiles for use by a variety of helicopters, unmanned aircraft and fixed-wing jets.

The rival teams participated in a technology demonstration phase that ended late last year. In addition to the new tri-mode seeker, the selected contractor must also deliver a rocket motor with at least twice the range performance of the 4.3nm (8km) class Hellfire, and a propellant that can survive the extreme temperatures of being carried by fixed-wing aircraft flying at high altitudes.

[buglerbilly]

Thales’s Lightweight Multirole Missile to enter production

19:23 GMT, April 13, 2011

Following three years of development, Thales UK’s Lightweight Multirole Missile (LMM) will now move forward into full development, qualification and initial production following contract award by the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD).

Qualification testing will take place during 2012 with production starting at the end of the year, and deliveries scheduled to commence in 2013. LMM will first enter service with the UK Armed Forces aboard the new Wildcat Lynx helicopter.

Specific activities covered under the MoD contract include the design, development and qualification of the laser beam rider version of LMM, together with production of an initial quantity of 1,000 missiles.

LMM is a low-cost, lightweight missile, the development of which began in 2008. It has been designed to be launched from a variety of air, sea and land platforms against a wide range of threats.

The LMM programme has made significant progress since its launch. Development is at an advanced stage and Thales has conducted successful guidance control firings in recent months, including for the first time a semi-active laser (SAL) version.

In parallel with the UK MoD programme, Thales plans to continue the development of the LMM suite of missiles for land, sea and air launched applications.

A full-scale model of the LMM was exhibited at LAAD on the UK Trade & Investment Defence & Security Organisation Stand (number 060).

Thales has a long association with air defence missiles, such as Javelin, Starburst and Starstreak, and LMM is part of the company’s plan to enter in other lightweight missile sectors.

Core characteristics of LMM:

• Low cost
• Precision strike out to ranges of >6km – low collateral damage
• Wide range of targets – land, sea & air
• Launch from Lightweight air, land & sea platforms

Summary

• Diameter 76mm
• Length 1.3m
• Max range 6000m >> 8000m
• Max mach ~1.5
• Max weight 13kg
• Min range 400m
• Wing span .26m
• Warhead weight 3.0kg
• Propulsion 2 Stage solid propellant

• Multi-mode guidance
• Laser beam riding and/or semi active laser
• IR terminal homing
• INS/GPS
• Laser proximity sensor
• Modular warhead options
• Low cost

[buglerbilly]

New Warhead Reduces Size of Raytheon Small Tactical Munition

(Source: Raytheon Company; issued April 18, 2011)

TUCSON, Ariz. --- Raytheon Company tested a new warhead for its Small Tactical Munition, a new weapon specifically designed to be employed from unmanned aircraft systems (UAS). STM is a 13-pound guided munition that is approximately 2 feet long, making it the smallest air-launched weapon in the Raytheon portfolio.

The new 5-pound warhead, manufactured by NammoTalley, is lighter than the current warhead but has significantly improved blast-fragment capability compared with the old design enabling Raytheon to reduce the size and weight of STM significantly.

"The low weight and small size of STM enables UAS to fly farther, faster and carry more weapons then they could if they were limited to carrying a single 100-pound class weapon," said Bob Francois, Raytheon vice president of Advanced Missiles and Unmanned Systems. "STM's small size also enables weaponization of smaller UAS, such as the Shadow 200, that currently cannot be weaponized because of payload limitations."

STM is part of a portfolio of Raytheon weapons built specifically for UAS. Like the other weapons in the portfolio, STM is easy to use because it's designed with rapid integration in mind and engineered for improved operator system interface.

"NammoTalley's new warhead is purpose-built for Raytheon's STM and the associated target set encountered in warfare today. This design packs the same 'punch' into a smaller package and is optimally designed for this target set," said John Hill, NammoTalley vice president of business development and program management. "The test proved that a sophisticated warhead analysis combined with proprietary, low-cost manufacturing techniques can provide a powerful and effective solution for the warfighter."

Raytheon Company, with 2010 sales of $25 billion, is a technology and innovation leader specializing in defense, homeland security and other government markets throughout the world. With headquarters in Waltham, Mass., Raytheon employs 72,000 people worldwide.

-ends-

[buglerbilly]

Interest Grows In Dual-Mode Brimstone

Apr 19, 2011

By Robert Wall wall@aviationweek.com
LONDON



The operational success the U.K. Royal Air Force has had with MBDA’s dual-mode Brimstone is driving U.S. and French interest in the munition, says the RAF’s assistant chief of the air staff, Air Vice Marshal Baz North.

The dual-mode weapon has been among the main munitions the RAF Tornado GR4 has been relying on during Libya operations.

The initial discussions with the French have begun, although they are at an early stage.

Still unclear is which French and U.S. platforms might launch the weapons. Dual-mode Brimstone is a Hellfire-class weapon, which should ease integration on new aircraft.

The dual-mode Brimstone has been used so heavily that inventory has become a concern—the weapon is modified out of a large existing stock of regular Brimstones. However, a senior NATO official notes that no missions have been scrapped owing to munitions shortages.

Although the dual-mode Brimstone has been well received, the U.K. for now has no plans to accelerate its fielding on the other U.K. fighter, the Eurofighter Typhoon. So far, the defense ministry has yet to award an integration contract for that weapon.

Photo: Crown Copyright

If you want to know about the Dual Mode Seeker read here:

http://www.mbda-systems.com/mbda/site/ref/scripts/EN_DUAL-MODE-BRIMSTONE_416.html

[ADMk2]

Er America has the JAGM well on the way...

[JimWH]

This is true AD however:
1). DB Brimstone is available right now, and integrating it onto at least a few American platforms could be done in a tearing hurry if the need dictated (pessimistically by the end of next year in the request was made by the middle of this year).
2). IOC for JAGM is 2016 which has the possibility of shifting to the right in the event of any issues being found in testing (not that they necessarily will be).
Which means that even without any program slippage the US could get 4 years of good service out of DB Brimstone prior to the introduction of JAGM. Which might be worth the effort if the USN/USMC/USAF are sufficiently impressed with DB Brimstone and feel that it'd add enough over that time period in the active hot-spots the US is engaged in.

[ADMk2]

All good points, however JAGM is replacing Maverick in USAF, USN, USMC, whilst Brimstone filled a capability gap in UK service. Can't see that Maverick is that out-dated that it would need to be replaced by a capability such as Brimstone in such a short period of time?

[buglerbilly]

BUT how big are the Maverick stocks now? Far as I remember they haven't been produced for a number of years?

Also, JCM - Joint Common Missile was supposed to replace Hellfire, Maverick and TOW in certain scenarios and was due to be in initial service by 2010...........its cancellation still sits badly with the Brits at least, never mind the USAF etc, as JCM was due to replace a range of missile systems. Now here we are in 2011 and the JAGM, bastard son of JCM, is only just being explored, there isn't even a nominated contractor yet and won't be for a 2-3 years.

There is nothing to say that JAGM won't be delayed, at least nothing in the current range of missile projects. IF system problems don't delay then fiscal problems may/will.

[buglerbilly]

Just as I enetered that last post I remembered something..........

DID » Industry » Contracts - Awards » Raytheon Restarts Production of Laser Maverick Missiles

10-Feb-2011 08:24 UTC


AGM-65E onto F/A-18

Captive carry tests work; Industrial team. (Feb 9/11)

Raytheon is restarting its production line to produce AGM-65E2/L laser-guided Maverick missiles, and will also upgrade existing stocks, in response to demand from the front lines. The AGM-65 rose to its greatest prominence during Desert Storm, when many of TV’s missile-eye views of air strikes came from Mavericks. In truth, it was produced in 3 versions: TV-guided, Imaging Infrared (IIR) guided, and laser-guided. Production continues for the TV and IIR variants, but the Marines’ AGM-65E laser-guided version had gone out of production.

The AGM-65 Maverick was the first general purpose fire-and-forget tactical air-to-ground missile in service with the U.S. Air Force. The JAGM program proposes to replace it, but until then, Maverick remains the default option for jet fighter precision-guided missile strikes. While IIR and TV guidance allow precision attacks, laser guidance generally offers the best accuracy of the 3 against ground targets. Likewise, there are circumstances in which a fully-powered missile is a better choice than an unpowered gliding bomb............EDITED..........

[buglerbilly]

However Maverick would have a much large blast/damage area thus Brimstone may prove more suited to FIBUA scenarios common in, say, Libya or Iraq.

[buglerbilly]

DATE:20/04/11

SOURCE:Flight International

New problem hits candidate for US Army missile contract

By Stephen Trimble

After missing two of three live-fire shots last year, Lockheed Martin acknowledges finding a new problem with its candidate for the US Army's joint air-to-ground missile (JAGM) contract.

The Aerojet-supplied single rocket motor has encountered unspecified problems, says Frank St John, Lockheed's vice-president for tactical missiles. As a result, Lockheed is implementing manufacturing process changes to improve the quality of the advanced propellant, he says.

Such process improvements are routine in the development of a new missile, St John adds.

The Lockheed proposal, which is competing against a Raytheon Systems/Boeing team, has already faced two setbacks in the live-fire tests required at the end of the technology development phase last year.

In one test, a mechanical interference in the gimbal of Lockheed's tri-mode seeker caused the missile to miss its target by 400m (1,310ft). Another test shot went awry due to a software glitch in the inertial measurement unit system, St John says. Lockheed fixed both problems and successfully fired a missile in a self-funded test, he adds.

Lockheed has delivered eight single rocket motors to the army for additional testing, but the results of those tests have not been disclosed, St John says.

Raytheon also confirms having delivered eight rocket motors to the army. In March, the first four motors cleared a set of thermocycling tests with no problems, says J R Smith, the company's business development manager for JAGM. Another four rounds will be subjected in May to a series of thermocycling tests with vibration included, he says.

Raytheon cleared the technology demonstration tests by hitting the target all three times in government-funded test shots, as well as during three company-funded tests.

[buglerbilly]

Lockheed Martin Tests JAGM Tri-Mode Seeker on Sabreliner in High-Speed, Long-Range Captive Flight Tests

(Source: Lockheed Martin; issued April 19, 2011)

ORLANDO, Fla. --- Lockheed Martin recently tested its Joint Air-to-Ground Missile (JAGM) tri-mode seeker in high-speed captive flight tests on a Sabreliner jet at Yuma Proving Ground, Ariz., demonstrating the robustness of the seeker on fixed-wing aircraft.

The long-range, high-speed seeker tests were company funded and collected data that validated the maximum ranges of the imaging infrared (I(2)R) and semi-active laser (SAL) sensor modes at speeds approaching 400 knots at a 20,000 foot altitude.

"We continue to invest in JAGM testing to mature our design," said Hady Mourad, JAGM program director at Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control. "We plan to conduct additional fixed-wing seeker tests in the near future against maritime surface combatants, and we expect the same robust performance."

During the captive flights on the Lockheed Martin Sabreliner series 60 jet, acting as both a surrogate tactical fixed-wing JAGM weapon launch aircraft and as a surrogate JAGM in-flight missile, simultaneous I(2)R and SAL sensor data was collected from long range against representative urban and vehicle targets.

Conducted at altitudes and airspeeds reflecting typical fixed-wing target engagement profiles, positive SAL, cooled I(2)R and millimeter wave sensor detections occurred at ranges far exceeding the threshold target engagement range requirements of the F/A-18 Super Hornet.

JAGM is the next-generation air-to-surface guided missile that is being competed as the replacement for the currently fielded Hellfire, Longbow, Airborne TOW and Maverick missiles for the U.S. Army, Navy and Marine Corps. The next-generation JAGM must meet all eight critical capability gaps identified and revalidated twice in the Joint Capabilities Integration and Development System (JCIDS) process.

Threshold aviation platforms for JAGM include the U.S. Army's AH-64D Apache attack helicopter, MQ-1C Gray Eagle unmanned aerial system and OH-58D CASUP Kiowa Warrior armed reconnaissance helicopter; the U.S. Marine Corps' AH-1Z Cobra attack helicopter; and the U.S. Navy's MH-60R Seahawk armed reconnaissance helicopter and F/A-18E/F Super Hornet jet fighter. JAGM initial operational capability (IOC) on the AH-64D, AH-1Z and F/A-18E/F is scheduled for 2016; IOC for the MH-60R, OH-58 CASUP and MQ-1C is 2017.

Headquartered in Bethesda, Md., Lockheed Martin is a global security company that employs about 126,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services. The Corporation's 2010 sales from continuing operations were $45.8 billion.

-ends-

[buglerbilly]

Libya: RAF fears over missile shortages

Fears over a shortage of missiles for RAF bombers have seen chiefs urgently order more weapons as nearly a quarter of their state-of-the art bomb stockpile has been used up in a month.


British and allied forces target a Libyan T-72 main battle tank near Ajdabiya. In the last four weeks an estimated 60 Brimstones have been fired at armoured vehicles in Libya Photo: AP

By Thomas Harding, Defence Correspondent9:00PM BST 20 Apr 2011

The RAF only has an armoury of just over 300 of the dual-mode Brimstone bombs that have proved so effective against tanks as well as pickup trucks in Libya and also Afghan insurgents.

The Daily Telegraph understands that more than 110 of the Brimstones have been fired since they were first used on operations in Afghanistan in 2009.

In the last four weeks of the bombing campaign an estimated 60 have been fired at armoured vehicles in Libya.

Using a millimetric wave radar and laser seeker the £105,000 Brimstone's are extremely accurate but with a small warhead they are ideal for urban attacks as they do not cause much collateral damage. With Col Gaddafi moving his armour into towns the weapon will become in increasing demand to avoid civilian deaths.

However, if a large number are used in the coming weeks then the RAF risks having dangerously low stocks as it takes weeks to make the dual mode version of Brimstone.

Without Brimstone the Tornado GR4 bombers would have to make do with 500lb Paveway II bombs or the Typhoon's 1,000lb Paveway IV both of which could cause civilian casualties in a built-up area.

More than 2,000 Brimstones were originally built to take on massed Soviet armoured divisions and were unable to discriminate between friend or foe vehicles.

The MoD decided to convert more than 300 Brimstones into the "dual mode" under an urgent operational requirement and proved a huge success in Afghanistan where it can target individuals, buildings and fast-moving vehicles.

However, converting more bombs is a complex process taking a number of weeks. It is understood that the British manufacturers MBDA have been quietly asked to begin making more.

Other foreign countries, including America and France, are now keen to buy up the missile after seeing its success in Libya, putting further pressure on stockpiles.

It is also thought that part of the reason the British Government is keen for other Nato countries to be involved is due to the high expenditure of ammunition.

An RAF spokesman said: “As is normal practice we are working closely with industry to ensure we maintain capability for both Libya and Afghanistan.”

[buglerbilly]

PHOTOS: Bits and bobs around Quad-A

By Stephen Trimble

on April 20, 2011 9:22 PM

Back by popular demand, a photo round-up of some of more interesting items on display inside the exhibit hall of the Army Aviation Association of America's (Quad-A) annual convention in Nashville, Tennessee.

1. The Hatchet

Alliant TechSystems (ATK) displayed this miniature guided bomb for RQ-7 Shadow-class unmanned air vehicles (UAVs), with this rendering showing an attack on a mobile surface-to-air missile launcher. According to ATK, the Hatchet is designed 24 bombs inside the launcher of an AGM-114 Hellfire missile. If the launcher can carry one 108lb Hellfire, that may imply a roughly 4lb weight for the Hatchet.



EDITED.............

[buglerbilly]

Alliant Techsystems Missile Glitches Corrected, U.S. Navy Says

By Tony Capaccio - Apr 27, 2011 9:00 PM GMT+0800

Alliant Techsystems Inc. (ATK) has corrected software and manufacturing glitches that halted combat testing and delayed a potential $1.1 billion Pentagon production decision on a new anti-radar missile, according to the U.S. Navy.

“The anomalies experienced in the first operational test period have been corrected and verified,” Navy program manager Captain Brian Corey said in an e-mail. “The weapon is performing very well and the team has been able to meet the affordability goals.”

“We are confident we will successfully complete” combat testing, which may resume in June if a Pentagon review confirms the corrections in flight tests, he said. The missile will miss its scheduled May date to be declared initially ready for combat, however.

The test results will determine whether the Pentagon will order full production of the missile. Minneapolis-based Alliant Techsystems has said it may see as much as $1.1 billion in revenue from the missile’s sales over a decade if the Navy decides to go ahead with orders.

The Navy has spent $98.1 million to date on the project. Production may total as many as 1,879 supersonic, medium-range missiles to equip Navy, Marine Corps and Italian Air Force aircraft. The weapon is designed to home in on enemy air-defense radar and weapons.

‘Making Progress’

“There are going to be challenges when you develop a new breakthrough technology,” Bryce Hallowell, a spokesman for Alliant Techsystems, said in an e-mail. “We are confident that the corrective actions will mitigate the known anomalies. We are clearly making progress.”

The Navy on Sept. 3 halted tests of the missile following six software or circuit-card failures in the first 12 trials. It’s “a rare occurrence” to stop combat testing so quickly, the Pentagon’s office of operational testing said last year in an e-mail provided by Cheryl Irwin, a Pentagon spokeswoman.

The revised missile has flown more than 160 flight hours on aircraft since February to assess its readiness to resume combat testing.

One hundred flights are planned to evaluate the missile’s effectiveness in destroying radar. Initial flights will assess missile guidance, internal diagnostics and pre-launch communications with the pilot, Navy and Pentagon officials said.

The Pentagon’s Defense Contract Management Agency said the test failures “were caused by both hardware and software issues,” according to the U.S. Government Accountability Office’s annual weapons report released last month.

‘Poor Parts Quality’

“The hardware failures involved multiple subcontractors and were primarily attributed to poor parts quality,” according to the report.

The Advanced Anti-Radiation Guided Missile is intended as an upgrade to the existing Harm missile made by Waltham, Massachusetts-based Raytheon Co. (RTN) The Alliant Techsystems version is equipped with a more modern homing receiver and navigation systems that let it detect the radar signals of stationary and mobile air defense systems.

The missiles will be equipped with a transmitter that sends operators target images just before impact, for improved reconnaissance and intelligence.

Alliant Techsystems has dropped 13 percent in the last 12 months. Shares yesterday rose 98 cents, or 1.4 percent, to $70.15 in New York Stock Exchange composite trading.

To contact the reporter on this story: Tony Capaccio at acapaccio@bloomberg.net

To contact the editor responsible for this story: Mark Silva at msilva34@bloomberg.net

[buglerbilly]

Hatf-VIII (Ra’ad) Flight Test conducted

Updated at 10:30 PST Friday, April 29, 2011



RAWALPINDI: Pakistan, today conducted a successful Flight Test of the indigenously developed Air Launched Cruise Missile, Hatf-VIII (Ra’ad).

The missile test was conducted as part of the continuous process of improving the technical parameters of the weapon system. The Ra’ad Missile, with a range of over 350 km, has been developed exclusively for launch from Aerial Platforms.

This missile system has enabled Pakistan to achieve a greater strategic stand off capability on land and at sea. ‘Cruise Technology’ is extremely complex and has been developed by only a few countries in the world.

The state of the art Ra’ad Cruise Missile with Stealth Capabilities is a Low Altitude, Terrain Hugging Missile with high maneuverability, and can deliver nuclear and conventional warheads with great pinpoint accuracy.

The successful launch has been appreciated by the President, the Prime Minister of Pakistan, and Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee who have congratulated the scientists and engineers on their outstanding achievement.

[buglerbilly]

JSOW C-1 Variant Successfully Tested

(Source: U.S Naval Air Systems Command; issued May 2, 2011)

NAVAL AIR STATION PATUXENT RIVER, Md. --- A U.S. Navy F/A-18F Super Hornet completed the first captive carriage test of the AGM-154 Joint Standoff Weapon (JSOW) C-1 variant at the Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division, China Lake, Calif., March 4.

This variant of the combat-proven JSOW provides upgraded capability to strike moving maritime targets. The weapon’s data link allows the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet aircraft to relay targeting information to the weapon.

Captive carriage testing is executed to ensure the C-1 maturity is sufficient to support more extensive testing to ensure warfighter requirements are met.

“The JSOW team has reached a critical milestone in the C-1 program,” said Capt. Carl Chebi, Precision Strike Weapons (PMA-201) program manager. “The team is on target and moving toward the full system captive carriage test in spring and the first free flight event later this year.”

According to a report, the weapon was able to enter the Link-16 network – a secure military tactical data exchange – to receive network-enabled messages. Operators use Link-16, which encrypts words to coordinate communications, to search for potential hostiles. From ground to air, forces are able to exchange secure tactical data, be it picture, text or voice, in near-real time.

“The team planned and executed this event to test the JSOW C-1’s Link-16 network interoperability,” said Cmdr. Douglas Phelan, JSOW integrated product team lead. “All major and primary objectives of this test were met.”

JSOW C-1 is an all-weather, day or night, launch-and-leave, network-enabled weapon that employs a Global Positioning System/inertial navigation system. The weapon uses an infrared seeker for terminal guidance.

The JSOW team will continue testing the C-1 variant with additional captive carriage and free flights later this year.

PMA-201 is responsible for the research, development and acquisition of the Fleet’s air-to-ground precision guided weapons, general-purpose bombs and aircraft armament-related equipment.

-ends-

[buglerbilly]

Direct Attack Moving Target Capability Tests Successfully

(Source: U.S Naval Air Systems Command; issued May 2, 2011)

NAVAL AIR STATION PATUXENT RIVER, Md. --- The U.S. Navy’s Direct Attack Moving Target Capability has successfully completed the final scheduled integrated test, including a live round test conducted March 21.

DAMTC is a modification to the Joint Direct Attack Munition that provides a dual-mode (GPS and laser) guidance capability. The 18 completed tests to date show the requirements to be able to strike a moving and maneuvering target are being met.

“This will give the warfighter the ultimate ability to pursue time-sensitive targets and targets of opportunity,” said Capt. Carl Chebi, program manager for Precision Strike Weapons, PMA-201. “That, combined with the dual-mode capability of this weapon, brings a targeting flexibility that will be critical to mission success.”

The tests, conducted at Naval Air Warfare Center at China Lake, Calif., use Circular Error Probable, or CEP, as one measure of success. CEP marks the circle around the target within which 50 percent of the bombs are statistically expected to impact.

“While not a statistically relevant number, if five of 10 weapons dropped are in that circle around the target, the weapon has met its CEP requirement,” said Mark Lakner, Integrated Product Team Lead for PMA-201’s Direct Attack Weapons. “One guided test vehicle has been released in each of the 18 tests thus far, and all tests have been considered successful. “

The inert tests, or ones that do not use live rounds, include a telemetry kit inside the weapon which allows data to be captured. The information collected includes where the weapon is at any given moment and the speed and angle at which it is falling. This helps the test team know exactly what to expect when a live round is released.

“In our live weapon configuration, there’s no telemetry kit that fits or is qualified, so we forfeit that information,” Lakner said.

During the testing process, DAMTC has undergone a configuration change to replace the current glass window with one made of sapphire, which will better withstand exposure to weather and the elements. To ensure the change does not adversely affect system performance, three additional regression tests are scheduled for July 2011.

In regression testing, one aircraft will be loaded with four weapons – two with the old configuration and two with the new sapphire window. The aircraft will drop one of each type, with GPS coordinates to strike a shipping container designated as ‘target A’ while a ground laser identifies an alternate shipping container as ‘target B.’

“Once the weapon is released, we’re going to lase ‘target B,’ and the weapon should change course and strike there,” Lakner said. “Then we’ll make a second hot run with reverse target designation. That will complete one flight test.”

The test will be repeated two more times to complete regression testing. The additional regression tests are not expected to impact the program’s timetable.

“The team has been working at a high tempo against a very aggressive schedule,” Lakner said. “They’ve been dealing with adversity and this is no easy task, but the contractor, the government team, and all involved are doing an exceptional job to make these changes in such a short amount of time.”

This target capability provides tactical flexibility for use on all F/A-18 Hornet, Super Hornet and AV-8B aircraft. The modification kit requires minimal logistical adjustments that will save time, money and manpower.

Operational testing is expected to begin in late summer 2011, with DAMTC reaching initial operating capability by late winter 2012.

-ends-

[buglerbilly]

Single Rocket MotoRaytheon-Boeing Team Achieves Milestone with Test of JAGM's Single Rocket Motor Solutionr Tested for JAGM Missile

(Source: Raytheon Company May 2, 2011)

HUNTSVILLE, Ala. --- Raytheon Company and The Boeing Company completed a series of government-funded tests of the Joint Air-to-Ground Missile's single rocket motor solution.

During the tests, rocket motors designed by Boeing and its subcontractor ATK were subjected to 5-to-20 thermal cycles of minus 45 to 160 degrees Fahrenheit. The motors were then fired, meeting all test objectives.

"These tests of our engineering and manufacturing development rocket engine validated our simulations and proved the maturity of the Raytheon-Boeing JAGM single rocket motor solution," said Carl Avila, director of Boeing's Advanced Weapons and Missile Systems. "Our single rocket motor solution makes our JAGM the ideal system for the warfighter."

The Raytheon-Boeing JAGM features a fully integrated tri-mode seeker that incorporates semiactive laser, uncooled imaging infrared and millimeter wave guidance. The system leverages proven components from other Raytheon and Boeing programs, including the Raytheon Small Diameter Bomb II and previously fielded Boeing launchers and missiles.

"Every single test of the Raytheon-Boeing JAGM has been an unqualified success, even those using EMD motors," said Bob Francois, Raytheon vice president of Advanced Missiles and Unmanned Systems. "The Raytheon-Boeing JAGM system is the ideal solution for the warfighter because it has a low total-ownership cost and can hit the target."

JAGM, designed to replace three legacy systems, offers the warfighter improved lethality, range, operational flexibility, supportability and cost savings compared with older, Cold War era weapons such as the Hellfire missile and its multiple derivatives.

Raytheon Company, with 2010 sales of $25 billion, is a technology and innovation leader specializing in defense, homeland security and other government markets throughout the world. With headquarters in Waltham, Mass., Raytheon employs 72,000 people worldwide.

A unit of The Boeing Company, Boeing Defense, Space & Security is one of the world's largest defense, space and security businesses specializing in innovative and capabilities-driven customer solutions, and the world's largest and most versatile manufacturer of military aircraft. Headquartered in St. Louis, Boeing Defense, Space & Security is a $32 billion business with 66,000 employees worldwide.

-ends-

[buglerbilly]

Boeing Receives JDAM Contracts Valued at $100 Million


A MK-84 Laser JDAM is being flight-tested for the first time.

NAVAIR signs 1st major production contract for Laser JDAMUS Air Force orders more than 4,000 Lot 15 JDAMs

16:01 GMT, May 3, 2011 ST. LOUIS | The Boeing Company yesterday announced that it has received contracts totaling $100 million for two types of Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM) kits.

Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) on March 17 awarded the company an $8 million contract that represents the first major production order for Laser JDAM kits. The contract is for low-rate initial production of 700 laser sensor kits for the Navy’s direct-attack moving target capability weapons requirement.

The U.S. Air Force announced a $92 million contract for more than 4,000 Lot 15 JDAM kits on March 14. This follows an $88 million contract awarded Jan. 14 for the first 3,500 tail kits in the same lot.

"JDAM has been the warfighter's weapon of choice for more than a decade," said Debbie Rub, vice president and general manager for Boeing's Missiles and Unmanned Airborne Systems division. "Boeing innovation has allowed us to consistently and affordably meet our customers' ever-evolving needs with unprecedented accuracy.”

After the Laser JDAM was identified as an urgent operational need by warfighters in early 2007, Boeing completed the weapon's development and testing cycle in less than 17 months. The company delivered the first production Laser JDAM kits to the Air Force in May 2008. Laser JDAM was successfully employed by the Air Force in combat in Iraq in August 2008.

"Adding the laser sensor to the conventional JDAM kit allows warfighters to attack mobile land and maritime targets with precision and reliability," said Dan Jaspering, Boeing director for Direct Attack Weapons. "Laser JDAM is an affordable option that’s easy for ordnance crews to install, and very straightforward for conventional JDAM users to adopt."

The Navy's first Laser JDAMs were delivered in October 2008. In March 2010, the Navy selected Laser JDAM to satisfy its direct attack moving target capability mission requirement.

The Air Force continues to use Laser JDAM in theater and it remains the highest-priority weapon sought by Air Forces Central Command. On Feb. 23 -- 27 days after receipt of a contract -- Boeing delivered the first 189 of 550 Air Force low-rate initial production Laser JDAMs to warfighters in theater, in response to an urgent operational need for replenishment assets.

JDAM is a low-cost guidance kit that converts existing unguided free-fall bombs into near precision-guided weapons. In addition to conventional JDAM and Laser JDAM applications, the JDAM Extended Range configuration -- currently in demonstration with an international customer -- is designed to increase the stand-off range to approximately 40 miles. Since JDAM production started in 1998, Boeing has built more than 225,000 JDAM tail kits in its St. Charles, Mo., facility.

[ADMk2]

Boeing Receives JDAM Contracts Valued at $100 Million

They will be delivering 3...

(A joke relating to the recent POGO report...)

[buglerbilly]

The usual brief but excellent article from Defense Update............read the rest at the linked pages............

The High Cost of Precision Attack

By tamir_eshel on May 6, 2011 5:36 pm


RAF Panavia Tornado GR4 carrying two enhanced laser guided bombs, takes off on a mission in Libya. While demonstrating impressive range and lethality, Tornados were able to carry a limited number of precision weapons, as many of the hardpoints originally designed for stores carriage were used to carry extra fuel, electronic warfare support and countermeasures. Photo: MOD

This is a page 1 of a three page article: 1 - 2 - 3

http://defense-update.com/wp/20110506_aasm.html

Copyright © 2011 Defense Update. All Rights Reserved.

[buglerbilly]

JSOW C-1 Completes 2nd Captive Carry Test

(Source: U.S Naval Air Systems Command; issued May 9, 2011)

NAVAL AIR STATION PATUXENT RIVER, Md. --- The newest variant of the Joint Standoff Weapon, the JSOW C-1, completed the second of its three scheduled captive carry tests March 8 at Naval Air Station Point Mugu, Calif.

JSOW C-1 builds upon the combat-proven JSOW-C, an air-to-ground, medium-range precision guided weapon. In addition to adding a thermal imager, the C-1 variant adds a Link-16 weapon data link and moving maritime target capability.

“This weapon will make a marked difference for the warfighter,” said Capt. Carl Chebi, program manager for Precision Strike Weapons (PMA-201). “It provides optimal precision with significantly decreased risk, and with this variant, we continue to adapt and evolve to meet the warfighters’ needs.”

The captive carry tests are simulated launches where the weapon stays on the aircraft. For the testing, two mission-capable jets are needed with a working weapon and network, a qualified aircrew, an instrumented target, and range support at both China Lake, Calif., where the tests begin, and at Pt. Mugu, where they end. The weather is also critical – and the most unpredictable factor.

“It’s not just clouds, but also sea state,” said Lt. Cmdr. Samuel Hanaki, deputy program manager JSOW program. “If it gets too windy, the boats can’t go out so the planes don’t fly. These tests are the culmination of a much larger, complicated effort.”

According to Hanaki, the weapon has performed as expected in both tests to date with “no major surprises.”

Two more captive carry tests are scheduled for early summer 2011 before the free flight test in mid-summer 2011.

“The free flight is a live fire test, where you let the JSOW off the jet and it flies to the target,” said Dr. Jennifer Long, JSOW C-1 class desk engineer. “The weapon performed so well in the second captive carry test, we are confident that we have demonstrated the capability for a successful free flight.”

The two-way data link on the JSOW C-1 ensures that targeting commands can be received, and missile status and position can be transmitted in return up to the moment of impact.

“The ability for the pilot to ‘talk’ to the weapon as it is flying out to the target is game-changing, and vital to the warfighter,” Hanaki said.

Initial operating capability is scheduled for 2012.

PMA-201 is responsible for the research, development and acquisition of the fleet’s air-to-ground precision guided weapons, general purpose bombs, and aircraft armament-related equipment.

-ends-

[buglerbilly]

Ares

A Defense Technology Blog

Brimstone for France?

Posted by Christina Mackenzie at 5/10/2011 12:59 PM CDT

France has the AASM, which has seen action in Libya, and Britain has the Brimstone, which has also seen action in Libya.

But the Brimstone has an advantage over the AASM, notably where collateral damage is concerned. It has been described as "a highly accurate, lethal and very low collateral damage weapon," by Britain's assistant chief of the air staff Air Vice Marshal Baz North. And France has been so impressed that it is highly likely to procure some as an urgent operational requirement.

The Brimstone was first used operationally in Afghanistan in 2009. Antoine Bouvier, CEO of MBDA which makes the weapons says that "the millimetric-precision, all-weather homing head of this missile was supplemented [three years ago] with a second semi-active laser mode, putting man in the control loop in order to meet very strict rules of engagement."

The Brimstone is much smaller than the AASM, the former weighing 48.5 kg, the latter 250kg, and thus much more appropriate for hitting targets such as vehicles without causing injuries to people or buildings near by.

The AASM, on the other hand, causes damage in a 200-meter diameter (more or less) circle from the point of impact and is thus not recommended for use in towns.

MBDA is 37.5% owned by Franco/German/Spanish EADS while Sagem, which makes the AASM, is a fully-owned subsidiary of French group Safran.

[buglerbilly]

Britain Orders Dual Mode Brimstone Missiles

By ANDREW CHUTER

Published: 11 May 2011 09:44

LONDON - Britain's Ministry of Defence ordered a batch of Dual Mode Brimstone missiles for the Royal Air Force late last year but has placed no follow-on order since then, procurement minister Peter Luff said.

Responding to a parliamentary question, Luff said an order to convert 150 standard Brimstone missiles to the Dual Mode variant had been agreed in December - before the Libyan crisis developed.

The MoD is in discussion with supplier MBDA to ensure weapon stocks are available for operations in Afghanistan and Libya, he said.

MBDA has large stocks of the standard Brimstone missile left over from a development and production contract awarded for the anti-armor weapon in 1996. Luff said the conversion work to the dual mode configuration normally takes between six and nine months, and the modified weapons would be delivered in monthly batches at a cost of between 35,000 pounds ($57,700) and 45,000 pounds per missile.

The question comes in the wake of media speculation that NATO was running low on air-launched precision guided weapons for use against the forces of Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi.

NATO has denied claims that the air forces involved in enforcing UN Resolution 1973 were running short of weapons.

Dual Mode Brimstone is a precision ground attack missile originally developed in response to an urgent operational requirement for RAF fighters deployed in Iraq.

Conversion of the basic anti-armor weapon involves modification to the existing millimetric wave seeker with the addition of a semi-active laser. The man-in-the-loop weapon is now being used against a range of vehicle and fixed targets.

Air Vice Marshal Baz North, the RAF's assistant chief of the air staff, said recently that the weapon's operational success in Afghanistan and Libya had attracted the interest of France and the U.S.

The weapon is operational on RAF Tornado GR4 strike aircraft deployed on operations over Afghanistan and Libya.

[buglerbilly]

ONR Propels Cutting-edge Technologies at Naval Helicopter Association Symposium

(Source: US Navy; issued May 11, 2011)

ARLINGTON --- The Office of Naval Research (ONR) revealed the Low-Cost Imaging Terminal Seeker (LCITS), during the 63rd annual Naval Helicopter Association (NHA) Symposium being held in San Diego, May 9-12.

According to Lt. Col. Raymond Schreiner, a developmental test pilot assigned to China Lake's Naval Air Warfare Center's Weapons Division in California, the technology will give helicopters such as the MH-60 and the AH-1 Cobra that protect fleet ships a newfound tactical advantage, allowing helicopter aircraft commanders to "take the fight away from the boat."

The LCITS system essentially offers a "fire and forget" capability, enabling pilots to designate a target, fire a rocket and move on to the next threat. That ability relieves the pilot of the responsibility of guiding the weapon to the target during the time of flight, as is the case with laser-designated weapons. For pilots, that means a faster response when countering threats.

Schreiner fired a prototype LCITS weapon and witnessed the LCITS' capability firsthand. "Putting this on a helicopter gives us the ability to take the fight away from the boat," he said. "The LCITS technology appears to be well suited for engaging multiple, high-speed seaborne targets in a very short period of time."

The LCITS system comprises three main components: the algorithms that calculate targeting and transfer alignment data; a digital smart launcher; and the prototype LCITS weapon.

The system is a collaborative effort among several partners, including South Korea; the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency; the Office of the Secretary of Defense; and the Navy International Program Office, all of which helped advance its optical sensors and infrared-seeker technologies.

"The LCITS program is a wonderful example of how investments in multiple technologies can come together and produce a new capability for the naval warfighter," said Michael Deitchman, director of ONR's Naval Air Warfare and Weapons Department.

Deitchman also praised the LCITS system's ability to accomplish the mission with little to no support. "The LCITs program is considered "low cost" because it is an augmentation or upgrade to a pre-existing 2.75-inch rocket system," Deitchman said. "Instead of relying on costly parts, sensors and guidance systems, it relies on the aircraft systems to provide the targeting information."

LCITS is undergoing further testing as part of the Medusa Joint Capability Technology Demonstration (JCTD). Medusa JCTD's goal is to integrate the rocket onto the MH-60 aircraft platform. It will also demonstrate the LCITS' capability to defend against multiple fast-attack craft threats from various directions and ranges. Demonstrations will show the rocket system's potential to defeat these targets.

ONR's participation in the NHA event underscores the Navy's commitment to develop technology for the helicopter community. With more than 3,000 active-duty, Reserve, retired and corporate members, the association says its mission is to enhance the professionalism of military personnel working in the rotary wing aviation field.

The NHA's annual symposium is a platform for collaboration, discussion and a chance to address challenges facing the entire naval rotary wing community, including the Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard.

The Department of the Navy's Office of Naval Research (ONR) provides the science and technology necessary to maintain the Navy and Marine Corps' technological advantage. Through its affiliates, ONR is a leader in science and technology with engagement in 50 states, 70 countries, 1,035 institutions of higher learning and 914 industry partners. ONR employs approximately 1,400 people, comprising uniformed, civilian and contract personnel, with additional employees at the Naval Research Lab in Washington, D.C.

-ends-

[buglerbilly]

The CGI Video that goes with this announcement........




Uploaded by usnavyresearch on May 10, 2011

The LCITS system allows pilots to designate a target, fire a rocket and move on to the next target. The LCITS system comprises three main components: the algorithms that calculate targeting and transfer alignment data; a digital smart launcher; and the prototype LCITS weapon.

[buglerbilly]

Ares

A Defense Technology Blog

Raytheon Eyes Upgrades for MALD

Posted by Amy Butler at 5/13/2011 11:29 AM CDT

Raytheon is looking at options to further diversify the capabilities of its Miniature Air Launched Decoy (Mald).


Mald on the interior station of the left wing of an F-16. source: Raytheon

Though officials are mum about the potential upgrade plans, there were hints at Raytheon's Tucson, Ariz., plant this week. One indicated a plan to potentially weaponize and network the decoy.

Another, was a poster displaying the Mald with C-130 and C-17 aircraft. According to sources close to the program, the company is developing a standard palette-based magazine for ejection of up to eight Malds.

The goal is to develop a magazine frame for up to eight Malds. The system is designed to rapidly eject the Malds when the cargo aircraft -- a C-130 or C-17 -- reaches a specific altitude and opens the rear cargo door.

Raytheon has demonstrated the ejection of weight-representative surrogates from a C-130 ramp equipped with the cargo launch system. Traditionally, Mald is carried by fighter or bomber aircraft.

This capability would allow the Air Force to rapidly fill the airspace with multiple jammers and decoys during an air campaign without using up space on the weapons stations of its fighter and bomber aircraft.

The system weights just under 300 lb and can travel about 500 naut. mi. Under contract with the Air Force, Raytheon has developed the standard Mald as well as a jammer version (Mald-J).

[buglerbilly]

Thales’s Lightweight Multirole Missile to enter production


Thales' Lightweight Multirole Missile (LMM). (Photo: Thales)

13:26 GMT, May 13, 2011 Following three years of development, Thales UK’s Lightweight Multirole Missile (LMM) will now move forward into full development, qualification and initial production following contract award by the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD).

Qualification testing will take place during 2012 with production starting at the end of the year, and deliveries scheduled to commence in 2013. LMM will first enter service with the UK Armed Forces aboard the new Wildcat Lynx helicopter.

Specific activities covered under the MoD contract include the design, development and qualification of the laser beam rider version of LMM, together with production of an initial quantity of 1,000 missiles.

LMM is a low-cost, lightweight missile, the development of which began in 2008. It has been designed to be launched from a variety of air, sea and land platforms against a wide range of threats.

The LMM programme has made significant progress since its launch. Development is at an advanced stage and Thales has conducted successful guidance control firings in recent months, including for the first time a semi-active laser (SAL) version.

In parallel with the UK MoD programme, Thales plans to continue the development of the LMM suite of missiles for land, sea and air launched applications.

Thales has a long association with air defence missiles, such as Javelin, Starburst and Starstreak, and LMM is part of the company’s plan to enter in other lightweight missile sectors.

Core characteristics of LMM:
• Low cost
• Precision strike out to ranges of >6km – low collateral damage
• Wide range of targets – land, sea & air
• Launch from Lightweight air, land & sea platforms

Summary
• Diameter: 76mm
• Length: 1.3m
• Max range: 6000m >> 8000m
• Max mach: ~1.5
• Max weight: 13 kg
• Min range: 400 m
• Wing span: 0.26 m
• Warhead weight: 3.0 kg
• Propulsion: 2 Stage solid propellant
• Multi-mode guidance
• Laser beam riding and/or semi active laser
• IR terminal homing
• INS/GPS
• Laser proximity sensor
• Modular warhead options
• Low cost

[buglerbilly]

China successfully develops new-generation air-to-air missile

16:54, May 19, 2011

China has achieved what some foreign experts once thought was impossible — it has independently developed a next-generation air-to-air missile without assistance from foreign specialists or borrowed technology.

Designed by Fan Huitao, the deputy director of the Air-to-Air Missile Research Institute under the Aviation Industry Corporation of China, the missile, known as the "Key Model," successfully passed the designed type approval test and achieved an excellent result, with all seven missiles hitting their targets.

Its successful development indicates that China already fully possesses the ability to independently develop internationally-advanced air-to-air missiles. It is a historic breakthrough in China's air-to-air missile development and has met the Chinese Air Force's requirement for the model to be designed, produced, delivered and made combat effective within one year. The new missile offers the military and country another trump card.

The Key Model is an international-advanced AAM model. It is a secret weapon for gaining air superiority. It plays a crucial role in reinforcing the power of national defense and strengthening the influence of China.

However, it is very hard to develop and only a few developed countries around the world possess such a capability. The complicated system of the model and the high-grade, high-precision and advanced technologies needed to develop it has never been seen in the development of other models.

Foreign military experts once believed that employing foreign specialists as chief designers was the only way for China to succeed. Even some Chinese experts believed that the success rate of developing this kind of missile was not high when relying only on the current technical conditions of China. This was because China did not have any documents to refer to and could not use a shortcut.

The successful completion of the missile is the culmination of Fan Huitao's career in the aviation industry. After Fan graduated from Northwestern Poly-technical University with a major in aircraft engines in April 1986, he went to Luoyang and devoted himself to the field of air-to-air missiles.

In 2000, Fan took over as the chief model designer and began to lead a group in researching China's new-generation air-to-air missile.

By People's Daily Online

[jack412]

I'm being a little sarcastic, but does it look French or Israeli ?

[buglerbilly]

Ares

A Defense Technology Blog

German Anti-Tank Missile Tested for India

Posted by Robert Wall at 5/20/2011 5:52 AM CDT

German missile makers (MBDA and Diehl) report progress in getting the infrared-guided PARS 3 LR anti-armor missile ready for use on the Tiger attack helicopter.
MBDA, a partner with Diehl in the consortium working on the weapon, reports three hits in three firings using live tandem warheads. The shots were taken from a German army helicopter.

The trials are being conducted to sway the Indian army to buy the weapon -- it would be the first export order for PARS 3LR and only the second customer for the weapon.


(Credit: MBDA)

MBDA says the helicopter was flying at 10 meters and fired at a target at a range of 7 km. A minute later a mobile target moving at 40 km/h was engaged at a range of 700 meters. To take that shot, the Tiger repositioned itself, climbing to 100 meters and turning 180 deg.

The next test came the following day, with the Tiger launching its weapon while flying at 180 km/h and striking a stationary target at 7 km range.

All the tests took place at Sweden’s Vidsel range.

Germany is buying 680 of the missiles to be delivered through 2014 under a 380 million euro contract.

[buglerbilly]

Turkey develops missile for T129 helicopters

Sunday, May 22, 2011

ANKARA - Anatolia News Agency


Designed by the Turkish company Roketsan, the Cirit is poised to become 'the most effective weapon' of Turkish T129 assault helicopters.

Turkey’s first active laser-guided missile, the “Cirit,” has been receiving attention from other countries as well, Turkish executives have told the Anatolia news agency.

As successful tests continue, foreign armies have started showing interest in the air-to-ground weapon. Turkish officials expect a high volume of foreign sales after the missile meets domestic needs.

Used by “Atak” helicopters against ground targets, the Cirit performs well on light-armored targets. The missile uses a multipurpose warhead and an electromechanical control propulsion system.

Designed by Turkish company Roketsan, the Cirit is poised to become “the most effective weapon” of Turkish T129 assault helicopters, the agency reported, noting that the missile represents an important stage in domestic missile technology.

The missile can use two alternative warheads: The first is used to pierce armor or start a fire and also has a shrapnel effect, while the second only has a magnified shrapnel effect.

As of this year, the Cirit is ready for serial production, Anatolia reported. The missile has a range of eight kilometers, and will be installed in T129 helicopters that will be jointly produced by Turkey’s Tusaş and Italy’s AgustaWestland.

Roketsan was established in 1988 by a decision of the Defense Industry Executive Committee. More than 35 percent of the company belongs to the Turkish Armed Forces Foundation, while state lender Vakıfbank has a 10 percent stake.

[buglerbilly]

India Performs Ballistic Flight Test of Astra Missile

(Source: Forecast International; issued May 20, 2011)

BALASORE --- India conducted a ballistic flight test of its Astra Beyond-Visual-Range Air-to-Air Missile (BVRAAM) at the Integrated Test Range at Chandipur on May 20. Additional tests will follow. India's state-run Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO) is developing this missile.

The Astra is a supersonic missile with a range of 80 km in its head-on mode and 20 km in tail-chase mode. The missile uses a solid-propellant motor and carries a 15 kg conventional warhead. The Astra is 3.8-meters long and has a diameter of 178 mm. The missile's overall launch weight is 160 kg.

The Astra can travel 110 kilometers when launched from an altitude of 15 km, 44 km when fired from an altitude of 8 kilometers, and 21 kilometers when launched at sea-level.

The missile is to arm Indian fighters such as the Su-30MKI, MiG-29 and Tejas Light Combat Aircraft (LCA).

-ends-

[buglerbilly]

Raytheon Deploys Miniature Air Launched Decoys From C-130 Cargo Aircraft

YUMA PROVING GROUNDS, Ariz., May 25, 2011 /PRNewswire/ --

Raytheon Company (NYSE: RTN) launched two Miniature Air Launched Decoy instrumented shapes from the ramp of a C-130 Hercules equipped with the new Raytheon-funded MALD® Cargo Air Launched System (MCALS). This test marked the first deployment of a MALD airframe from a cargo aircraft.

MALD is a state-of-the-art, low-cost flight vehicle that is modular, air-launched and programmable. It weighs less than 300 pounds and has a range of approximately 500 nautical miles (about 575 statute miles). The current MALD family includes both the baseline MALD and a stand-in jammer variant called the MALD-J.

"Dispensing the MALD family of weapons from cargo aircraft gives warfighters an important new capability they currently don't have in today's high-threat environment," said Harry Schulte, vice president of Raytheon Missile Systems' Air Warfare Systems product line. "MCALS opens the door for the non-traditional use of a high-capacity aircraft to deliver hundreds of MALDs during a single combat sortie."

MCALS has a steel, birdcage-like framework body that can hold as many as eight MALDs. MCALS is loaded on a standard cargo pallet, placed on a transport aircraft, and at a pre-determined altitude rapidly ejects the MALDs, which then initiate a standard wing deployment and engine ignition sequence.

"MCALS is another example of the innovative and affordable technologies Raytheon engineers are developing to support the warfighter," said Bob Francois, vice president of Raytheon Advanced Missiles and Unmanned Systems.

The baseline MALD, which is currently in production, protects aircrew and airborne systems by mimicking the signatures and combat flight profiles of U.S. and allied aircraft. The MALD-J protects aircrew and airborne systems by reducing or eliminating the need for manned stand-in jamming aircraft.

[buglerbilly]

DATE:27/05/11

SOURCE:Flight International

Raytheon jammer attracts US Navy interest as roles expand

By Stephen Trimble

A new customer has emerged for the Raytheon ADM-160 miniature air launched decoy jammer (MALD-J) as the company looks to expand the applications and roles of the turbojet-powered, expendable craft.

Offering no explanation, the US Navy has revealed its intention to at least experiment with the air force's developmental MALD-J, which is designed to disrupt flight tracks on enemy radar displays.

The Naval Surface Warfare Center (NSWC)'s Crane Division plans to sign an order with Raytheon worth up to $12.5 million for the MALD-J, according to an acquisition notice.


©Raytheon

As part of Naval Sea Systems Command, the NSWC normally supports the navy's research on warships, but the Crane Division is often tasked with supporting the electronic warfare community within naval aviation.

Raytheon declined to comment on the navy's interest, and the NSWC did not immediately return calls seeking comment.

Meanwhile, Raytheon is attempting to expand the applications for the Teledyne Ryan TJ-50-poewred ADM-160. In March, the company conducted a self-funded release of a MALD shape from the cargo hold of a Lockheed Martin C-130 Hercules.

The test involved the first use of the MALD cargo air-launched system (MCALS), a roll-on/roll-off launcher designed by Raytheon to eject ADM-160s from a variety of cargo aircraft, including the Boeing C-17 and V-22. Raytheon declined to describe how the MCALS releases the decoys from the cargo bay.


©Raytheon

Work also continues on a new version of the decoy called the "MALD-V (truck)", which offers an empty payload compartment. The space can be used to install any sensor, data link or jammer that fits, transforming the decoy into a surveillance and reconnaissance system with 500nm range or 5h endurance.

It is possible that the MALD-V may need to be modified to be recovered like an unmanned aircraft system. Otherwise, the aircraft's customers will lose a possibly valuable sensor during each flight. But Raytheon declined to answer questions about possible recovery methods for the MALD-V, referring such queries to the Air Force Research Laboratory.

[buglerbilly]

USAF MOP integration success

May 27, 2011

The USAF is attributing the successful integration of its Massive Ordnance Penetrator (MOP) onto its B-2 Spirit stealth bomber to its weapons load trainer, because it is ‘that close’ to the original aircraft.

The simulator enables the 509th Bomb Wing to practice loading the MOP without taking an aircraft out of service, and is ‘an identical match to the B-2’ in terms of the interior shape and size of the weapons bays.

‘The weapons load is that close to the B-2 that they can do anything as far as munitions-wise with the weapons load trainer that you can do on the actual aircraft,’ Capt Michael Crass of the 509th Bomb Wing told the Air Weapons Integration conference in London on 26 May.

‘You wouldn’t be able to tell if this is the airframe or the weapons load trainer.’

The system is a full-scale, easy weapon loading trainer, with two functional weapon bays, just like the B-2 itself, and it simulates the interior of the aircraft, producing a high-fidelity mock-up of the MOP.

The MOP is a GPS and precision-guided bomb designed to penetrate dirt, rock and reinforced concrete.

The 13,608kg weapon contains some 2,404 kg of conventional explosives inside a 6m long body of hardened steel.

Northrop Grumman, the USAF’s prime contractor for the B-2, boasts that the aircraft can: ‘Deliver 80 independently targeted 500lb [227kg] class bombs from its smart bomb rack assembly or up to 16 2,000lb [907kg] class weapons from its rotary launcher’.

Beth Stevenson, London

[buglerbilly]

Enhanced Paveway III Arrives for Operation ELLAMY

(Source: Royal Air Force; issued May 29, 2011)

Royal Air Force capabilities for missions over Libya have been increased with the arrival of ‘bunker busting’ 2000lb bombs.

Enhanced Paveway III (EPWIII) bombs, designed to punch through the roof or wall of a hardened building, have arrived at Gioia Del Colle in Southern Italy.

The first set has been prepared for use and could be loaded onto an aircraft and flown to attack a Qadhafi regime target in Libya in just a few hours.

The arrival of EPWIII adds to a suite of complementary air to ground weapons carried by the RAF’s Typhoon and Tornado aircraft.

With Enhanced Paveway II, Paveway IV, and Dual Mode Seeker Brimstone the RAF was already equipped to strike a range of targets while minimising collateral damage.

EPWIII gives the RAF an additional capability to attack hardened structures in Libya like command centres or communications nodes. Such targets are key to disrupting Regime control of its forces preventing attacks that could target civilians.

Secretary of State for Defence, Dr Liam Fox MP, said:

“The introduction of Enhanced Paveway III bombs is another way in which we are developing our tactics to protect civilians and achieve the intent of United Nations Security Council Resolutions 1970 and 1973. We are not trying to physically target individuals in Qadhaffi’s inner circle on whom he relies but we are certainly sending them increasingly loud messages. Qadaffi may not be capable of listening but those around him would be wise to do so.”

-ends-

[buglerbilly]

DATE:06/06/11

SOURCE:Flight International

Raytheon/Boeing submit JAGM bid with questions left unanswered

By Stephen Trimble

One competitor for an advanced missile contract is prepared to submit a bid later today, but remains unsure how the US Army will evaluate a key aspect of the proposal.

The ambiguity over the criteria for winning the highly contested joint air-to-ground missile (JAGM) contract could prove critical after the award is declared, as both competitors reserve the right to formally launch a protest about the result.

Lockheed Martin and a Raytheon/Boeing team are competing for the contract to replace thousands of AGM-114 Hellfire and AGM-65 Maverick missiles with the JAGM, which has a tri-mode seeker to introduce the capability of striking moving targets in any weather.

The army invested $250 million in a three-year technology demonstration phase that ended with three live-fire missile shots by each competitor late last year. Hardware glitches caused two of Lockheed's missiles to miss the target, but a third shot was successful. Raytheon/Boeing's missiles hit the target in all three tests.

The army's evaluation process does not specifically account for the results of the technology demonstration phase, said Raytheon. The results of the three test shots may be evaluated as part of a broader evaluation of past performance, but the army has not quantified the weighting the technology demonstration will receive in the final selection process, Raytheon said.

Because the JAGM programme is expected to spend more than $2.19 billion in fiscal year 2000 constant dollars, it is classified as an acquisition category 1D item. That means it is among a handful of programmes that require the army's acquisition strategy to be approved by US undersecretary of defence for acquisition, technology and logistics Ashton Carter.

The Raytheon/Boeing team has stopped short of officially complaining or expressing concern about the army's evaluation process, but it is clear the companies wants it to make the results of the technology demonstration phase a major factor in the criteria for winning the contract.

"The US taxpayer has invested $250 million on the technology demonstration phase for the purpose of reducing risk and proving out the technology key to the JAGM programme," the Raytheon/Boeing team said. "Raytheon is confident the Raytheon/Boeing JAGM team's unmatched success will be carefully assessed."

[buglerbilly]

Lockheed Martin submits proposal for JAGM

June 07, 2011

Lockheed Martin announced today it submitted a proposal in response to the government's Request for Proposal (RFP) for the next phases of the Joint Air-to-Ground Missile (JAGM) programmeme.

"Lockheed Martin's JAGM builds on HELLFIRE, LONGBOW and Javelin, three of the most trusted precision-guided weapons on the battlefield today," said Frank St. John, vice president of Tactical Missiles at Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control. "Our JAGM offering will provide US Army, Navy and Marine Corps warfighters with the next product in that line, an affordable weapon that will offer the decisive edge in combat."

The US Army Aviation and Missile Command issued the RFP for Engineering and Manufacturing and Low-Rate Initial Production for the JAGM programme on April 13, with a submittal deadline of June 6.

"Our proposed JAGM weapon system can provide significant performance advantages to help save warfighter lives," St. John said. "And with hot, high-volume production lines already in place for HELLFIRE, Javelin and the M299 launcher family, we can provide a critically needed capability at an affordable price and with best value over programme life."

Lockheed Martin is partnered with some of the industry's leading suppliers on the JAGM programme. Aerojet, a GenCorp company, will provide the JAGM rocket motor for all six threshold JAGM platforms. GenCorp is headquartered in Sacramento, Calif., with production facilities in Camden, Ark. Marvin Engineering, headquartered in Inglewood, Calif., will provide launchers for all six threshold platforms. General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems (GD-OTS), a business unit of General Dynamics, will provide the multi-purpose warhead with significant HELLFIRE commonality. GD-OTS is headquartered in Saint Petersburg, Fla., with production in Niceville, Fla.

Work on the JAGM programme will be performed in Orlando and Ocala, Fla., and Troy, Ala., as well as at suppliers' facilities across the US Contract award is expected during fourth quarter 2011.

JAGM is the next-generation air-to-surface guided missile that will replace the aging Airborne TOW, Maverick and HELLFIRE family of missiles for the US Army, Navy and Marine Corps.

Initial operational capability (IOC) of JAGM on the Army's AH64D Apache, the USMC's AH1Z Cobra attack helicopter and the Navy's F/A18E/F Super Hornet jet fighter is scheduled for 2016. IOC for the Navy's MH60R Seahawk armed reconnaissance helicopter, the Army's OH58 cockpit and sensor upgrade programme for the Kiowa Warrior armed reconnaissance helicopter and the Army's extended range multi-purpose unmanned aerial system is 2017.

Source: Lockheed Martin

[buglerbilly]

Lockheed Martin demonstrates JAGM tri-mode seeker

June 08, 2011

Lockheed Martin's Joint Air-to-Ground Missile (JAGM) tri-mode seeker successfully acquired and tracked multiple moving maritime vessels during recent high-speed, captive flight tests.

The tests occurred in the Gulf of Mexico, off the shore of Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., against multiple maritime targets, including a Revenge Advanced Composites (RAC) state-of-the-art, low-signature, high-speed patrol craft. The RAC performed a series of evasive maneuvers against Lockheed Martin's JAGM tri-mode seeker, mounted in the nose section of a Sabreliner Series 60 jet aircraft.

"These tests demonstrated the strong performance of our seeker design," said Frank St. John, vice president of Tactical Missiles at Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control. "There are many variables in tracking a target at sea, especially a moving target. Lockheed Martin's JAGM has clearly proven it fills all eight critical capability gaps identified and revalidated twice in the Joint Capabilities Integration and Development System (JCIDS) process."

The tests highlighted the robustness of the seeker on fixed-wing aircraft, as well as its performance against one of the most challenging targets in JAGM's target set. The tests also validated superior seeker performance in the demanding, high-humidity environment associated with contingency operations in the world's littorals.

The long-range, high-speed seeker tests were company funded. They collected data that validated the effectiveness of the seeker against sea targets at the maximum ranges of the fire-and-forget modes. Speeds during the test approached 400 knots at 20,000 foot altitude.

Captive flight testing against maritime targets was not required by the recently completed JAGM Technology Demonstration phase, but is part of the upcoming JAGM Engineering, Manufacturing and Development (EMD) phase. These tests reduce risk for EMD and demonstrate the seeker's capability to acquire and track a moving target at sea from the required range. The tests also demonstrated the mid-wave infrared technology used in Lockheed Martin's JAGM seeker is capable of acquiring and tracking targets during any typical engagement scenario.

JAGM is the next-generation air-to-surface guided missile that is being competed as the replacement for the currently fielded Airborne TOW, Maverick and HELLFIRE missiles for the US Army, Navy and Marine Corps.

Threshold aviation platforms for JAGM include the US Army's AH-64D Apache attack helicopter, MQ-1C Gray Eagle unmanned aerial system and OH-58D CASUP Kiowa Warrior armed reconnaissance helicopter; the US Marine Corps' AH-1Z Cobra attack helicopter; and the US Navy's MH-60R Seahawk armed reconnaissance helicopter and F/A-18E/F Super Hornet jet fighter. JAGM initial operational capability (IOC) on the AH-64D, AH-1Z and F/A-18E/F is scheduled for 2016; IOC for the MH-60R, OH-58 CASUP and MQ-1C is 2017.

Source: Lockheed Martin

[buglerbilly]

MBDA Produces 10,000th Diamond Back Wing for the Small Diameter Bomb Program

(Source: MBDA; issued June 7, 2011)

10,000! Gotta be a lot in service then...................

WESTLAKE VILLAGE, California --- MBDA Missile Systems celebrated a milestone in the company’s U.S. history today during a ceremonial rollout of the 10,000th Diamond Back wing assembly at their Westlake Village, California division.

The Diamond Back wing assembly is used by the US Air Force’s Small Diameter Bomb (SDB Increment 1) program. The Boeing Company is the prime contractor. In 2010, MBDA Missile Systems received a Boeing Performance Excellence Award for its work as a Diamond Back wing manufacturer. The Boeing Company issues the award annually to recognize suppliers who have achieved superior performance. MBDA maintained a Silver composite performance rating for each month of the 12-month performance period, from Oct. 1, 2009, to Sept. 30, 2010.

Jerry Agee, CEO of MBDA Missile Systems in the US said: “This production milestone and the performance award are a credit to every employee who had a hand in designing and building Diamond Back wings and a testament to the high quality of our work force.”

The fully integrated Diamond Back wing for SDB is in full rate production and has been combat proven in Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. Future variants of the Diamond Back wing are in development for other applications, including MBDA’s SABER (Small Air Bomb Extended Range) weapon.

-ends-

[buglerbilly]

DATE:09/06/11

SOURCE:Flight International

France zeroes in on lightweight weapon for Rafale

By Craig Hoyle

France is close to selecting a new, reduced collateral effect weapon for its Dassault Rafale fighters, with the need for a lightweight air-to-surface store having been underlined by its recent combat experience over Libya.

Discussions involving the air force and France's DGA defence procurement agency have advanced over the recent weeks, with several options understood to be under consideration.

Recent attention has focused on the MBDA dual-mode seeker-equipped Brimstone missile, which has been used by UK Royal Air Force Panavia Tornado GR4 strike aircraft during NATO's Unified Protector campaign to safeguard Libyan civilians from attack by forces loyal to Col Muammar Gaddafi.


© DGA

"Brimstone is a solution, but it's not the only option," said Stéphane Reb, the DGA's Rafale programme manager. Other candidates could include guided rockets or a weapon in the class of Lockheed Martin's small contained-area precision energetic load bomb, or Scalpel, said industry sources. Meetings about a possible acquisition were held in late May, and a selection decision could come soon.

Acquiring a precision-guided, lightweight weapon for the Rafale has interested the French military for some time, with a TDA 68mm rocket pod having been exhibited alongside a Rafale at 2009's Paris air show.

A new system would provide a strike capability between the aircraft's internal 30mm cannon, and 250kg (550lb) bombs equipped with Sagem's AASM "Hammer" precision guidance and range extension kit.

"If you want to integrate something very quick and with a very limited firing envelope then it can be done, but if you want to do a complete system integration with a large firing envelope then we would need more time," said Reb.

The French air force is sustaining a detachment of seven Rafale B/Cs at Solenzara air base on Corsica in support of its operation Harmattan commitment to the NATO campaign in Libya. It will also send other Rafales to Afghanistan for a repeat tour of duty, to start on 1 August.

[buglerbilly]

IAI to Unveil a Medium Range Guided Weapon at the Paris Airshow

By tamir_eshel on June 13, 2011 10:21 am


IAI will unveil its newest laser guided weapon MLGB at the paris Airshow 2011. Photo: IAI

Israel Aerospace Industries is unveiling the Medium range Laser Guided Bomb (MLGB), a 250 pound class (115 kg) laser guided weapon designed for operation from fighter and light attack aircraft carried by standard 14″ lugs.

The bomb provided as a unified weapon (unlike other laser guidance kits) comes with GPS/INS and laser guidance, and a three-mode fuse, offering airburst, impact or delayed detonation of the warhead effectively defeating soft, surface or semi-protected targets such as buildings or vehicles. The integration of GPS/INS and laser guidance enables the MLGB to attack both stationary or moving targets. The 170cm long weapon uses 82 cm span dual cruciform wing, GPS/INS based guidance and control system keeping the weapon on course to achieve the required precision. Terminal homing on a laser designation spot enables pinpoint accuracy when required.

Prior to release, the MLGB is powered up and mission parameters are loaded. Upon release, a midcourse navigation trajectory is executed with transition to terminal homing taking place in the final flight stage, using a combination of GPS and semi- active laser (SAL) guidance. With high precision and relatively lightweight warhead MLGB provides an option for an offensive effect while minimizing collateral damage and risk of fratricide.

IAI will unveil the MLGB at its ‘weapons farm’ a collective display of air defense missiles, missile interceptors, guided weapons and guided ballistic missiles and rockets, presented next week at the Paris Air Show.


IAI's new MLGB is a unified GPS/INS+Laser guided weapon designed with carriage and release envelope compatible with fighters and light combat aircraft. The weapon boasts optimal navigation and guidance capabilities, achieving hit accuracies of better than 1m CEP in SAL (Semi Active Laser) mode, and GPS accuracies in GPS mode. The relatively light warhead is optimized for such missions where minimum collateral damage is of high importance. Photo: IAI

[buglerbilly]

The battle to replace the Hellfire

By Philip Ewing Monday, June 13th, 2011 8:18 am

You know about the Joint Strike Fighter and Britain’s “joint strike frigate” — well there’s also a “joint strike missile” in the works. DoD wants the Joint Air to Ground Missile to replace three long-serving, near-legendary weapons: The Tube-Launched, Optically Tracked, Wire-guided missile known as TOW; the Maverick; and, probably best known, the AGM 114 Hellfire. Like the F-35, the JAGM continues the Pentagon’s trend of super high-stakes competitions where all the marbles are on the line, holding the promise of thousands upon thousands of missiles, and billions of dollars, for whichever corporate giant can get the deal to build it.

The giants in question are Lockheed Martin, which builds the Hellfire, and a team comprising Boeing and Raytheon. And as Richard Burnett of the Orlando Sentinel writes, if Lockheed gets the JAGM contract it could be an economic boon to Central Florida for decades — but it, and the other two companies, are worried that the missile might not survive in Austerity America. As such, Lockheed is trying to rally the hometown crowd in support of the new weapon:


Lockheed Martin Corp. is playing the “jobs card” as it seeks to counter the budget-cutting climate in Washington. Earlier this month, the nation’s largest military contractor brought a contingent of company executives to its missiles unit in south Orlando to tout the economic benefits of the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter program in Central Florida (525 jobs and $800 million annually).

At a record cost approaching $1 trillion (a congressional figure that Lockheed disputes), the F-35 stealth jet is the frequent target of congressional budget-cutting proposals. Lockheed has been fending them off by focusing on the jobs the program creates amid the country’s persistently high unemployment. Now Lockheed is angling for another lucrative contract that has been threatened by budget cuts. Last week, it bid on the Army’s Joint Air to Ground Missile, successor to the Apache helicopter’s Hellfire missile.

Long a staple of Lockheed’s missile unit in Orlando, the Hellfire has generated hundreds of jobs and billions of dollars in revenue through the years. Winning JAGM would extend and expand that work, Lockheed says.

But Boeing and Raytheon would probably hasten to point out that Lockheed’s submission had some trouble in a live-fire test last year, Burnett reports, whereas their missile scored three hits on three tries — see one of them here. They want those billions, and those jobs, just as much.

Read more: http://www.dodbuzz.com/2011/06/13/the-battle-to-replace-the-hellfire/#ixzz1PAIJJ1ck
DoDBuzz.com

[buglerbilly]

Saudi Arabia – CBU-105 Sensor Fuzed Weapons

(Source: Defense Security Cooperation Agency; issued June 13, 2011)

A lot of money for not a lot of bombs...........

WASHINGTON --- The Defense Security Cooperation Agency notified Congress Friday of a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Saudi Arabia of 404 CBU-105D/B Sensor Fuzed Weapons and associated equipment, parts, training and logistical support for an estimated cost of $355 million.

The Government of Saudi Arabia has requested a possible sale of 404 CBU-105D/B Sensor Fuzed Weapons, 28 CBU-105 Integration test assets, containers, spare and repair parts, support and test equipment, personnel training and training equipment, publications and technical documentation, U.S. Government and contractor engineering, technical, and logistics support services, and other related elements of logistics support.

The estimated cost is $355 million.

This proposed sale will contribute to the foreign policy goals and national security objectives of the United States by meeting the legitimate security and defense needs of a partner nation, which has been and continues to be an important force for peace, political stability, and economic progress in the Middle East.

Saudi Arabia intends to use Sensor Fused Weapons to modernize its armed forces and enhance its capability to defeat a wide range of defensive threats, to include: strongpoints, bunkers, and dug-in facilities; armored and semi-armored vehicles; personnel; and certain maritime threats.

Additionally, the precision nature and extremely low dud rate of these munitions will reduce fratricide incidents and increase effectiveness.

The Royal Saudi Air Force will be able to develop and enhance its standardization and operational capability and its interoperability with the USAF, Gulf Cooperation Council member states, and other coalition air forces. Saudi Arabia will have no difficulty absorbing these munitions into its armed forces.

The proposed sale of this equipment and support will not alter the basic military balance in the region.

After arming, the CBU-105D/B Sensor Fuzed Weapon will not result in more than one percent unexploded ordnance across the range of intended operational environments.

The agreement applicable to the transfer or the CBU-105D/B and the CBU-105 integration test assets will contain an agreement of the Government of Saudi Arabia that the cluster munitions and cluster munitions technology will be used only against clearly defined military targets and will not be used where civilians are known to be present or in areas normally inhabited by civilians.

The prime contractor will be Textron Systems Corporation of Wilmington, MA. There are no known offset agreements proposed in connection with this potential sale.

Implementation of this proposed sale will require annual trips to Saudi Arabia involving up to two U.S. Government and three contractor representatives for technical reviews/support, and program management for a period of approximately two years.

There will be no adverse impact on U.S. defense readiness as a result of this proposed sale.

This notice of a potential sale is required by law and does not mean the sale has been concluded.

-ends-

[buglerbilly]

AARGM completes first test on Growler


The Navy conducts initial flight integration test for Advanced Anti-Radiation Guided Missile (AARGM)on the EA-18G Growler in China Lake, Calif. in May 2011.

Jun 14, 2011

NAVAL AIR SYSTEMS COMMAND, PATUXENT RIVER, Md. -- The Navy’s Advanced Anti-Radiation Guided Missile (AARGM) successfully completed its first test on the EA-18G Growler in China Lake, Calif. May 25.

A combined government/industry team conducted the EA-18G captive carry flight test in parallel with the ongoing AARGM Integrated Test & Evaluation phase on the FA-18 C/D aircraft.

Captive carry tests are simulated launches where the weapon stays on the aircraft. The team gathers information from sensors on the weapon to evaluate AARGM performance.

“AARGM is a very capable weapon performing a complex mission. VX-31 and VX-9 have done a superb job of carrying and testing the weapon on FA-18C/Ds as well as Super Hornets,” said Cmdr. Chad Reed, deputy program manager for Anti-Radiation Missiles within the Direct and Time Sensitive Strike program office (PMA-242). “AARGM has the potential to be a superb compliment, a force multiplier, in fulfilling current Growler missions.”

A complement to the existing AGM-88C High-speed Anti-Radiation Missile (HARM), AARGM provides the warfighter with a supersonic, air-launched tactical missile to be carried on the FA-18C/D, and Italian Air Force Tornado electronic countermeasures/reconnaissance aircraft.

“AARGM has demonstrated a much greater accuracy than our existing HARM inventory in striking hostile emitters,” Reed added. “The weapon is specifically designed to increase our warfighting capabilities in neutralizing enemy air defenses and will provide aircrews with an additional tool for the electronic attack mission.”

According to Reed, the successful integration of AARGM with the EA-18G on this milestone first flight, as well as with F/A-18E/F aircraft bodes well for the success of the program. AARGM has already flown more than 175 flight hours since November 2010, including 25 hours on Super Hornet and Growler aircraft.



PEO(U&W) Public Affairs
(301) 757-9703

[buglerbilly]

DATE:16/06/11

SOURCE:Flight International

Raytheon's AIM-120D AMRAAM faces funding cut

By Stephen Trimble

A panel of US lawmakers has proposed a devastating funding cut for the Raytheon AIM-120D AMRAAM in order to clear a growing production backlog.

Raytheon's production line for the latest version of the medium-range air-to-air missile is more than 100 weapons behind schedule and operational testing has yet to begin.

As a result, the House appropriations committee's defence panel wants to eliminate funding in the AIM-120D production account, freeing up $435 million for 379 missiles to be spent elsewhere in the fiscal year 2012 defence budget.

Such a move, if approved by the Senate, would gut Raytheon's production line for one year. Since its AIM-120D and export AIM-120C7 missiles are produced on the same line, the price of the latter could rise as order quantities are reduced. That could leave foreign buyers with a larger bill or fewer missiles next year.

If Raytheon's production line catches up next year, the proposal also threatens to create a break in the line for AIM-120D missiles, which add a two-way data link and GPS-aided navigation. Production breaks generally create higher costs when funding resumes.

The proposed funding cut would wipe out Lot 26 in the annual AMRAAM production sequence.

The US Air Force is still negotiating terms with Raytheon for Lot 25 of production, which also includes AIM-120D missiles for the US Navy.

"The combination of the delayed FY2011 contract and the lag in production allows the requested FY2012 funding to be used for higher priorities," the appropriations panel's report said.

The Senate appropriations committee's defence panel is expected to consider the issue in July as part of the FY2012 defence budget.

Any differences between the Senate and the House versions of the defence spending bill must be resolved in conference before a joint package can be sent to the White House to be signed.

[buglerbilly]

Raytheon Re-Introduces 250-Pound Paveway™ Precision-Guided Munition

PARIS, June 18, 2011

PRNewswire/ -- Raytheon Company (NYSE: RTN) is re-introducing its 250-pound Paveway laser-guided precision munition to the warfighter inventory. Raytheon's combat-proven Paveway is a kit that transforms "dumb" bombs into precision guided weapons.

The 250-pound weapon, which is now designated the GBU-58, is currently undergoing testing on the Hawker-Beechcraft AT-6 and other counter-insurgency aircraft. GBU-58 is currently integrated on the Super Entendard and the Mirage 3. The Paveway family of weapons is integrated on more than 17 aircraft in 42 countries, and Raytheon has delivered more than 350,000 of the systems.

"Warfighters around the world have asked for smaller precision-guided munitions to reduce collateral damage and the GBU-58 is Raytheon's solution because it has unmatched standoff capability and flexible warhead options," said Harry Schulte, vice president of Raytheon Missile Systems' Air Warfare Systems product line. "With thousands of combat uses, Raytheon's Paveway family of weapons is the most frequently employed and cost effective direct-attack precision guided weapon on the market."

[buglerbilly]

More on this...............

DATE:20/06/11

SOURCE:Flight International

PARIS: Raytheon targets lightweight role for Paveway kit

By Stephen Trimble

Raytheon will re-introduce Paveway laser-guided bomb kits for 113kg (250lb)-class Mk81 warheads, the manufacturer will announce today.

The GBU-58 is already being integrated on the Hawker Beechcraft AT-6 Texan II, one of two competitors for the US Air Force's light air support contract.

Raytheon also is testing the GBU-58 on other aircraft aimed at the counter-insurgency mission, but did not disclose further details. The company has previously integrated the same weapon on the Dassault Super Etendard strike aircraft and Mirage III fighter.

Harry Schulte, vice-president of Raytheon's air warfare products, said the GBU-58 is wanted for its smaller blast radius, which reduces the likelihood of innocent deaths and injuries, and "flexible warhead options".

The GBU-58 also joins a growing family of Mk-series warheads that have been converted into smart bombs with Paveway guidance systems. More than 17 aircraft types in 42 countries have the ability to carry Paveway bombs. Overall, the company has delivered more than 350,000 kits worldwide.

[buglerbilly]

DATE:20/06/11

SOURCE:Flightglobal.com

PARIS: Eurofighter clears Meteor release trials

By Craig Hoyle

BAE Systems has finished a programme of carriage and separation trials during which a Eurofighter Typhoon was flown with MBDA Meteor beyond visual-range air-to-air missiles.

Eurofighter said “trials to ensure the safe separation of the missile across the flight envelope” were performed using instrumented production aircraft IPA 1. The activity was performed over the Aberporth test range off the coast of Wales, the UK.

Representing a key future addition to the Typhoon’s weapons inventory for Eurofighter partner nations Germany, Italy, Spain and the UK, the Meteor will also arm the Dassault Rafale for France and the Saab Gripen for Sweden. MBDA also hopes to have a version of its design integrated with the Lockheed Martin F-35 Joint Strike Fighter.


© Eurofighter

Development work on the Meteor is scheduled to conclude next year, with the ramjet-powered design currently expected to enter operational use with the Royal Air Force’s Typhoon fleet in 2015. It will provide a European replacement for the Raytheon AIM-120 AMRAAM air-to-air missile.

Several potential export customers have also shown interest in the Meteor, the UK Ministry of Defence said recently.

[buglerbilly]

Raytheon Lines Up Alternate Amraam Motor

Jun 20, 2011

By Amy Butler abutler@aviationweek.com
LE BOURGET



Raytheon and Nammo, a Norwegian ammunitions firm, are qualifying a second motor for use on the Advanced-Range Medium-Air-to-Air Missile (Amraam) after an accident at the primary source, Alliant Techsystems (ATK), hampered its ability to deliver on time.

ATK is currently more than 100 deliveries behind, Harry Schulte, director of air warfare systems for Raytheon’s missile business, tells Aviation Week during a June 20 interview at the Paris air show.

The second-source motor qualification is being paid for by Raytheon at $5 million, the U.S. government at $5 million, Nammo at roughly $5 million and slightly more by the Norwegian government.

Early testing of the second-source motor, done this year, is producing good results, Schulte says. Qualification should be complete by next spring, he adds.

Depending upon ATK’s ability to absorb orders, Schulte says the buy of Amraam motors could be split roughly evenly next year. The goal is to get ATK back up and running fully by year’s end, he adds.

The introduction of a second source will not affect the unit cost of the Amraam, also called the AIM-120 series.

Meanwhile, Raytheon is reeling from a proposal by House appropriators to zero funding for Amraam production in fiscal 2012. This would have a 12-18 month impact on production at Raytheon’s Tucson, Ariz., facility, according to an industry source. Senate budget marks have not yet been made, and it is possible some funding could be restored.

Meanwhile, Raytheon is continuing work on the AIM-120D program, which features an advanced seeker and datalink for U.S. customers. One more shot remains in the combined developmental test/operational test phase; a total of three took place in this period. The plan was to conduct the shot late next week, though the test is on hold pending availability of a drone target.

Operational testing, slated to take 12-14 months, would follow in advance of an in-service date in late 2012 or early 2013.

[buglerbilly]

Ares

A Defense Technology Blog

Raytheon Eyes Arsenal of Directed Energy Warheads For Its Missiles

Posted by David A. Fulghum at 6/20/2011 8:21 AM CDT

A lineup of airborne or air-launched, directed energy, warheads is moving closer to operational reality as the need grows for weapons that can destroy enemy electronics without killing bystanders.

Raytheon, for example, is taking a close look at the development of a warhead that would fit into their existing lineup of missiles that ranges from the miniature air-launched decoy (the MALD-V with its generic 51 lb. payload) to the ship-based Standard missile series. The project will be announced June 21 at the Paris Air Show.

The effort is tied to the company’s purchase of Ktech, a company with specialties in airborne electronic warfare, directed energy and pulsed power, says Mike Booen, Raytheon’s vice president for advanced security and directed energy systems. Booen’s organization has already developed and demonstrated a high power microwave (HPM) system that can protect airports and the airliners using them from man-portable air defense (Manpad) missiles.

Operationally, these directed energy systems are planned to solve three problems facing the U.S. military: how to avoid inflicting needless casualties, how to judge the effects of weapons that do not produce explosive or impact damage, and how to overcome anti-access and denied airspace defenses that are already being fielded around the world. Applications include medium-range ballistic missiles targeted against ships, anti-satellite weapons, cyberattack and information attack.

Programmatically, Raytheon’s business strategy works around the Pentagon’s reluctance to start new programs. Adm. Gary Roughead, the chief of naval operations, said “If it is not a system that is currently being procured, there is great aversion to going forward boldly. We are encumbered by an extraordinarily bureaucratic process. It is best to not have something [on the path to becoming] a program of record if you want it to move quickly.”

Raytheon officials will not discuss details of Ktech’s expertise, but it is known to include vulnerability assessment of enemy electronic systems, high power applications, advanced signals generation, antennas, antenna control, frequency management and deployed telemetry.

These capabilities are all needed for the development of airborne weapon systems that can analyze targets and then tailor a beam of radio frequency or high power microwaves to upset or even electronically destroy systems dependent on electronics. The beam of directed energy can be varied in width, energy output, modulation and frequency to create precise effects. Such systems also will have feedback monitoring to analyse the impact of these unseen, non-kinetic weapon.

Airframes initially expected to carry Raytheon’s new non-kinetic warheads (which inflict neither impact or explosive damage) are the Tomahawk cruise missile, a weapon that is the size and shape of a HARM high-speed, anti-radiation missile and MALD-V. The last is newly redesigned for a non-specific 51-lb.warhead and sized for carriage even by light aircraft, helicopters and UAVs.

All these air-to-ground missile would be designed for use against electronic and “no-collateral damage” targets such as sophisticated command and control, communications, weapons storage and intelligence-gathering facilities that may be located in heavily populated areas. They also would be a key element in defeating anti-access and denial of entry capabilities – all based on electronic defenses – being developed by many nations including China.

Other missions for non-kinetic warhead, air-to-air missiles could be the destruction of sensors and communications on enemy combat, surveillance and intelligence gathering aircraft,

The warheads at first would likely be disposable devices for standoff electronic attack and suppression or destruction of enemy air defenses. They would first be fitted to air-to-ground weapons like Harm and Mald, and they would likely arm the F/A-18E/F Super Hornets, EA-18G Growler, the F-16CJ Wild Weasel and the B-52. Tomahawks would be ship-launched.

Later, reusable HPM devices would be sized for the larger weapons bays of X-45 and X-47-size unmanned aircraft and the F-35 or F-22.

There are both explosively-generated and pulsed energy options for the anti-electronic devices, but Raytheon will focus on the latter for its initial rapid-development program to meet the demand for non-lethal, non-collateral damage weapons that can be used to avoid civilian casualties in combat.

The technological heart of the non-kinetic, anti-electronics warhead is an array of high performance batteries and capacitors, a pulsed power generator and a high-efficiency magnetron developed by Ktech that serves as the “business end” of directed energy and anti-cyber weapons, Booen says.

[buglerbilly]

PAS 2011: Griffin finds a home at US SOCOM

June 21, 2011



Raytheon has secured regular funding for its Griffin B Block II missile, with the US Special Operations Command (SOCOM) incorporating the lightweight missile into its FY2012 budget.

Speaking at the Paris Air Show, Harry Schulte, Raytheon vice president for air warfare systems, said production has so far been funded in block purchases by SOCOM and the US Marine Corps but the missile’s inclusion under the Stand-Off Operations Precision Guided Munition (SOPGM) funding stream provided some production certainty.

The company has adapted its Tucson, Arizona, facility to handle up to 100 units a month following a production floor upgrade in 2009.

While some $40 million has been allocated for the SOPGM funding line, it is unclear what proportion will be devoted to Griffin.

Raytheon is taking a fresh look at the missile’s potential rotary-wing application and plans to move into phase II of integration later in 2011, culminating in a live-fire demonstration for the US Army from a OH-58D.

Schulte argued that the development of the Modular Smart Launcher (MSL) greatly simplified installation on a helicopter, with the missile offering a significant weight advantage over the Hellfire.

Griffin was originally a company-funded design for the SOCOM and has been launched from the MC-130W 'Dragon Spear' gunship.

A 33 lb munition measuring 43 inches in length, the Griffin Block II B Missile comprises less than half the weight of a Hellfire round and includes a 13 lb warhead. To date, it has also been fired from the US Army Remote Weapon Station, multi-round Wedge launcher and Kiowa Warrior manned helicopter.

Designed as an air and ground launched, low-collateral damage weapon for 'irregular warfare operations', Griffin Block II comprises semi-active laser seeker, fuze, warhead, motor and control actuator system. It relies on either GPS coordinates, inertial navigation or laser designation and an operator is able to switch between height-of-burst, point detonation and delayed fuzes in 'seconds' before firing. A multiple-round-simultaneous-impact capability is also available.

The 'A' round is designed as an aft-eject missile, designed for integration on aircraft and the 'B' round as a forward-firing missile which can be fired from unmanned, rotary-wing and ground platforms.

Tony Skinner, Paris

[buglerbilly]

PARS 3 LR Competes for Two Indian Attack Helicopter Programs

By tamir_eshel on June 22, 2011 9:14 pm

MBDA confirmed today that its PARS 3 Long Range (LR) guided missile system has been short listed for the Indian Army helicopter future air-to-ground requirement. MBDA Deutschland is also cooperating with Russian helicopter manufacturers Kamov and Mil, integrating the Ka-52 and Mi-28 with PARS 3 LR air/ground and Mistral Air/Air missiles.

MBDA submitted a proposals for its PARS 3 LR multi-target, long range weapon system for HAL’s Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH DHRUV) and for two attack helicopters, the KAMOV KA-52 and the MIL MI-28, proposed for a parallel Indian Air Force replacement of Mi-25 gunships. The Tiger from Eurocopter hasn’t been shortlisted, the only competitor remaining is the Boeing Apache Longbow Block III. On the weapon’s side MBDA is competing with RAFAEL for the Indian Army program. The Longbow can use Hellfire laser guided missiles or Longbow MMW guided missiles. MBDA is expecting a final selection in India by year’s end or early 2012. The Indian Air Force program may take longer.

According to Peter Meuthen, MBDA anti-tank programs sales manager, the recent firing trials held at the Vidsel test range in Sweden in April 2011 were performed in support of the Indian program qualification. All three missiles were equipped with live warheads and all three struck their intended targets at the optimal hit points. Two firings were carried out within one minute of each other, the first against a static target at a range of 7,000 m and the second against a moving target at a range of 700 m. The third firing was carried out with the helicopter in fast forward flight against a static target at a range of 7,000 m.

PARS 3 LR is a ‘Fire and Forger’ /long-range third generation missile. At present, the missile was selected only for the Tiger helicopter ordered by the German Army. Equipped with a powerful tandem warhead, PARS 3 is capable of engaging mobile and stationary targets at long range (in the recent tests the missile demonstrated engagement at ranges of 7,000 m’. Another capability highlighted by the weapon is the rapid firing capability, in a recent test conducted for the German Bundeswehr four missiles were launched in 10 seconds, each engaging a separate target.

MBDA Deutschland is currently preparing for serial production of PARS 3 LR missiles delivering 680 missiles to equip German Army Tiger helicopters by 2014. Production is scheduled to begin in 2012 following a final firing campaign scheduled for September 2011, where missiles will be fired at tactical representative targets rain (urban, moving targets etc). According to Patrick de la Reveliere, MBDA India the each of the two programs in Indian is several times larger than the German procurement, offering substantial gain and significant offset opportunities to India. MBDA Deutchland is setting a production line capable of producing 50 missiles per month, more than twice that required to fulfil the German order (up to 20 /month).

The contract for industrialisation and series production of the PARS 3 LR missiles will be managed by PARSYS, a joint venture between LFK-Lenkflugkörpersysteme GmbH (50%), now MBDA Deutschland, and Diehl BGT Defence (50%). Development of the overall PARS 3 LR system was formally completed in mid-2004. However, MBDA Deutschland has been manufacturing key components (electronics, launchers) of the PARS 3 LR system which have then been integrated by Eurocopter into the platform since the series production contract for the 80 Tiger helicopters was signed in 1998.


The PARS 3LR weapon was developed under a three-nation cooperation (TRIGAT), which fell apart upon the withdrawal of British support. Later, the French MOD decided to discontinue its support leaving Germany to back the program. A possible Indian order could bring the missile back to the limelight. Photo: Tamir Eshel, defense Update

Copyright © 2011 Defense Update. All Rights Reserved.

[buglerbilly]

DATE:23/06/11

SOURCE:Flight Daily News

PARIS: Elbit expands precision weapons range

By Arie Egozi

Elbit Systems is developing more precision weapons using its capabilities in lasers and electro-optics.

The Israeli company is the sole supplier of the laser seeker that is part of the laser Joint Direct Attack Munition used by the US Navy.

Elbit Systems is showing some of its advanced precision weapon systems at the show.

The laser JDAM is a Boeing product and Elbit Systems was chosen to supply the special laser sensor.

Laser JDAMs are already employed in the navy's weapons arsenal.

Boeing officials said that adding direct-attack moving target capability to laser JDAMs will improve the smart munitions' moving and manoeuvring capability beyond current laser JDAM capabilities. The new direct-attack moving target capability weapons JDAMs will ensure the navy has the ability to combat stationary, fast-moving or manoeuvring land targets by combining a precision laser seeker to acquire and track laser-targeted signals and the JDAM guidance tail kit.

Elbit Systems will soon demonstrate its guided advanced tactical rocket to the Israeli air force.

According to Elbit Systems aerospace division joint general manager Yoram Shmuely, the GATR is aimed at replacing the Hellfire missile.

He said: "it will cost one-third of the price and will be tailored to asymmetric warfare that is the type fought around the world."

A deal to sell the GATR is said to be "very close".

Shmuely said that the GATR will be easily fitted to combat helicopters currently armed withe the Hellfire missile.

"It will have an effective range of 8km (4.3nm), and with the laser guidance will ensure very precise hits."

The GATR is being developed jointly by Elbit Systems and ATK. The two companies performed the initial flight tests of the new low-cost missile in 2009.

GATR is a precision strike weapon designed to minimise collateral damage, while providing stand-off deployment against a wide array of target sets.

"It is not designed to penetrate a tank but will destroy most of other moving targets," said Shmuely.

GATR supports lock-on before or after launch as well as autonomous or remote laser designation.

The system can be deployed against targets at ranges of 1.5-8km from fixed and rotary-wing aircraft. It is compatible with existing launcher hardware.

GATR will be particularly effective in urban areas or against targets where low collateral damage is required.

[buglerbilly]

PAS 2011: Raytheon moves into next phase of STM tests

June 23, 2011



In line with the increasing trend to weaponise UAVs, Raytheon is testing out its offering in the form of its new Small Tactical Munition (STM).

Three tests were conducted on a prototype of the weapon a year ago, and it is now being tested on a Cobra UAS, with the company seeing how far it can go in its testing on internal funds, Jean-Charles Lede, Raytheon director of advanced missiles and unmanned systems told Shephard at Paris Air Show on 22 June.

'We feel confident that where the UASs are going is weaponisation,' Lede commented.

'When you look at the mission, in the best case you find the bad guy, but you need to take care of it. You can't wait half an hour, and if you're trying to reduce the timeline then it means having a lot of other bigger platform available which means your costs are going through the roof.'

Last year's tests led to the company focusing on two main areas for the missile: affordability through the use of off-the-shelf parts, cheaper components, part count and reduction of assembly time; and changing the launch method to tube launched.

Lede said that roughly six to eight STMs could replace a Hellfire missile in a mission, and for a much cheaper rate.

The company is working on the exportability of the munition. Lede pointed out that it can also be used on a manned platform, and the company is planning to do research into it applications to helicopters.

The missile comes in two modes, semi-active laser and/or GPS, and aims to increase precision strike. The warhead on the missile is less than 7lb, and the combination of the enhanced precision and small warhead makes it an effective weapon with low collateral damage, according to Lede.

Beth Stevenson, Paris

[buglerbilly]

Jammer MALD-J expands B-52’s defensive role



WICHITA, Kan., June 29, 2011 -- Boeing [NYSE: BA] earlier this month supported the U.S. Air Force in the first powered launch of a Miniature Air Launched Decoy Jammer (MALD-J) from a B-52. The successful test, in which the electronic jammer was launched from a B-52 Stratofortress, took place over the Gulf of Mexico at the Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., test range.

Boeing designed the avionics software onboard the B-52 that controls and launches the Raytheon-built MALD-J.

“The software functioned exactly as we designed,” said Scot Oathout, B-52 program director for Boeing. “We were able to power up the MALD, send the mission through the interface and verify that the data was properly received.”

MALD-J is the newest variant in the MALD family. It has added capabilities to loiter or orbit over an area and jam adversaries’ radars.

"This is another great opportunity for the Air Force and Boeing to transform the B-52 and expand its mission from a predominantly offensive role to a more defensive player, defending U.S. and allied aircraft in combat zones," said Oathout.

[buglerbilly]

Kongsberg Signs Contract on Continued Development of JSM

(Source: Kongsberg Gruppen; dated June 29, issued June 30, 2011)

Kongsberg has today signed a contract for the continued development Phase II until 2013 of the JSM (Joint Strike Missile) with the Norwegian Defence Logistics Organization (NDLO). The value is 543 MNOK.

The JSM development started in 2008. A development contract worth 166 MNOK was signed in 2009.

The Norwegian Parliament “Stortinget” voted on 16 June 2011 in favour of starting JSM Phase II now and the acquisition of four F-35s in 2016.

"It is of great importance that both the government and the Parliament have endorsed the continued development of the JSM. This shows strong political support for JSM. JSM meets Norway`s and its international F-35 partners operational needs, while the development and its production are important contributions to the industrial content of the F-35 program," says Walter Qvam, CEO of Kongsberg.

The JSM is a new missile designed to fill an identified operational requirement on the F-35. JSM is the only missile under development that meets the operational requirements and can be internally carried on the F-35. The missile can also be integrated on other platforms.

"Kongsberg has subcontracted a number of Norwegian companies to participate in the development and to qualify them for the future development and production phases. In a future situation with full-scale production, the JSM program will engage more than 450 employees at Kongsberg and could generate significant work for more than 100 Norwegian subcontractors for decades," says Harald Ånnestad, President of Kongsberg Defence Systems.

-ends-

[buglerbilly]

Israel, Germany developing smart missile for Eurofighter

By YAAKOV KATZ, Jerusalem Post

07/04/2011 03:05

Israel and Germany are jointly developing a smart missile that could be sold together with the Eurofighter currently in service worldwide, including in Saudi Arabia.

The air-to-ground missile, called PILUM, is under development by Israel’s Rafael Advanced Defense Systems and Germany’s Diehl, and is based on Rafael’s Spice missile which has the reported ability to hit targets while aircraft are positioned at a standoff range of 100 kilometers away.

The twin-engine Eurofighter is currently in use in the UK, Germany, Italy, Spain, Austria and Saudi Arabia. It was unclear if the new missile would be offered to all Eurofighter operators – including Saudi Arabia – or if Israel would condition its participation in the development on banning the missile from being sold to Arab countries.

The new missile is unique in its ability to hit targets by using a GPS satellite guidance system, or alternatively with electro-optical guidance – meaning that the pilot or navigator can direct the missile towards its target by watching live video footage as the missile speeds towards it.

Diehl said that the dual-targeting systems make the PILUM an ideal weapon for use in operations when targets are on the move. The Spice is operational in the Israeli Air Force and is configured to be launched from F- 16 and F-15 fighter jets.

The PILUM, Diehl said, could be used against ships, enemy radar positions as well as air defense systems.

“It opens new possibilities of flexible mission planning and execution in view of rapidly changing air-to-ground scenarios,” the German company said.

A decision to develop the new missile was concluded a few months ago and a sketch of it was unveiled in late June at the Paris Air Show.

The primary advantage of the missile is the ability to use two different systems to bomb targets. For example, in the event that satellite systems are not working during a future conflict, an operator will be able to upload a picture of a target into the missile, which, using unique scene-matching algorithms, adjusts the missile’s flight path to find the target.

In related news, Der Spiegel reported Sunday that Germany has decided to sell more than 200 Leopard tanks to Saudi Arabia in a multi-billion dollar deal.

A German government spokesman declined to comment on the report that said Saudi Arabia was interested in acquiring more than 200 2A7+ tanks, saying the government provided no information on decisions regarding export deals.

The tanks are made by Krauss-Maffei Wegmann and Rheinmetall.

Der Spiegel said Saudi Arabia has long sought the Leopard tanks from Germany, but the country had repeatedly turned down the requests, citing a danger to Israel.

The report said the government no longer considered Saudi Arabia a threat for Israel.

Benjamin Weinthal contributed to the report.

[buglerbilly]

AIM-9X achieves milestone C

Jul 13, 2011



NAVAL AIR SYSTEMS COMMAND, PATUXENT RIVER, Md. – The Navy’s Air-to-Air Missile Systems Program Office (PMA-259) reached a Milestone C decision June 24 for the AIM-9X Sidewinder Block II missile, thus authorizing the system to enter low rate initial production.

PMA-259’s industry partner, Raytheon, will begin production of more than 5,000 operational AIM-9X Block II rounds for U.S. Navy and U.S. Air Force warfighters over the life of the program.

“This milestone allows us to provide U.S. and allied fighter pilots upgraded missiles which are needed to dominate air combat in an increasingly challenging threat environment,” said Capt. John Martins, PMA-259 program manager.

The AIM-9X Block II program corrects obsolescence issues and provides performance upgrades to the highly successful, fifth generation infrared-guided air-to-air-missile, AIM-9X Block I program. Obsolescence changes include updates for the guidance unit electronic circuit card assemblies, battery, and the active optical target detector (Fuze). The Block II has ability to operate with impunity against modern threat radar counter measures such as Digital RF Memory Jammers, Towed Decoys, and Stealth airframes.

Performance upgrades to Block II variant include the addition of advanced capabilities to maintain warfighter advantage in the visual arena and meet requirements for beyond visual range employment. These technical improvements focus on seeker performance, infrared counter-countermeasures, kinematics, and lock-on after launch supported by a data-link.

“The AIM-9 is one of the oldest and most successful missiles in the U.S. weapons inventory, Martins added. “The Sidewinder continues to be the most widely used air-to-air missile and is currently employed by more than 40 nations throughout the world.”

To date, more than 4,500 AIM-9X Block I missiles and 175 AIM-9X Block II captive air training missiles and test rounds have been fielded.

PEO(U&W) Public Affairs
(301) 757-9703

[buglerbilly]

Navy Conducts JSOW C-1 Free-Flight Testing


The Navy completes the first free-flight testing of the Joint Standoff Weapon C-1 variant at Point Mugu Sea Range Calif., July 26.(U.S. Navy photo)

Jul 29, 2011

NAVAL AIR STATION PATUXENT RIVER, Md. - The U.S. Navy completed the first free-flight testing of the Joint Standoff Weapon C-1 variant at Point Mugu Sea Range Calif., July 26.

Free-flight tests are done to verify that the weapon's characteristics meet the performance requirements in the design. Tuesday’s event was the first end-to-end functionality test of an inert JSOW C-1, from pre-flight to target impact.

"The successful outcome of free-flight testing marks another important milestone achieved by the dedicated men and women of PMA-201," said Capt. Carl Chebi, Precision Strike Weapons (PMA-201) program manager. "JSOW C-1 will provide a much needed Network Enabled Weapon capability to the fleet."

A team from Air Test and Evaluation Squadron (VX) 31 deployed the test weapon from an F/A-18F Super Hornet. On shore, an Integrated Battlespace Arena asset, an advanced simulation facility, maintained the Link 16 network – a secure military tactical data exchange – and managed the network messages. The target for the test was an unmanned 260-foot long Mobile Ship Target(MST).

After the weapon achieved Link 16 net-entry, it was launched and began receiving in-flight target updates via the weapon data link on the moving target. It successfully acquired the MST autonomously and guided to the predetermined aim point on the ship.

"The accomplishment of this free-flight test has advanced the program closer to providing a standoff weapon that the aircrew can provide target updates after weapon separation," said Lt. Cmdr. Samuel Hanaki, JSOW Deputy Program Manager. "Precisely engaging moving maritime targets is a needed capability for the warfighter and we are working diligently to provide this weapon to the fleet."

The JSOW is an air-to-ground, medium-range precision guided, glide weapon that employs a GPS/inertial navigation system and an infrared seeker for terminal guidance. The JSOW C-1 variant adds a Link 16 weapon data link for in-flight target updates and upgraded seeker software to autonomously target and strike a specific aim point on a moving ship.

The JSOW C-1 will be the first Network Enabled Weapon in the military’s inventory and the first weapon with the capability to precisely strike moving maritime targets.

This test was the first of two planned developmental test free-flights. Following the developmental test phase, the program will enter an integrated test series of free-flights prior to operational testing.

Initial operating capability of the JSOW C-1 is scheduled for 2013.

PMA-201 is responsible for the research, development and acquisition of the fleet's air-to-ground precision guided weapons, general purpose bombs, and aircraft armament-related equipment.

PEO(U&W) Public Affairs
(301) 757-9703

[buglerbilly]

Umbani becomes first SA weapon trailed off Hawk

Written by Leon Engelbrecht Thursday, 28 July 2011 14:55



The Denel Dynamics Umbani precision guided munition (PGM) bomb kit optimised for the NATO Mk 82 gravity bomb has been test dropped from a South African Air Force's BAE Systems Hawk Mk120, making it the first indigenous guided weapon trialled from the lead-in fighter aircraft.

Denel Dynamics CE Jan Wessels last year May said the development of the bomb kit was being funded by the SAAF as a technology project. According to the Armscor Bulletin System some R34 537 231.11 was spent on the kit between 2008 and last year.

He added the tests would also open opportunity for the weapon in the 17 other air forces that operate the light fighter, giving them a precision stand-off attack range of some 40km.

Jane's Defence Weekly earlier this month reported Denel Dynamics and the SAAF recently carried out two successful test launches.

The Umbani (meaning “lightning”) has been long in coming. Initial flight tests were successfully conducted on the Denel Cheetah some years ago. “In the last year we've moved to a Aerosud-owned (Dassault) Mirage F1 test platform because of the non-availability of the Cheetah and the high cost of integration on the new Saab Gripen as test platform,” he told defenceWeb last year May. “The next series of tests will probably be on the Hawk, for us it is significant as it is another step towards the Hawk becoming a workhorse of the SAAF. We see a lot of opportunity to take our Umbani onto that product. … There are many potential export customers but all are looking to the SAAF to adopt it first.”

Wessels says their customer’s major requirement is in the PGM arena for bomb kits for the Mk 82 227kg (500lb) bombs. But Umbani can also be made to fit the 113kg (250lb) Mk 81 and 454kg (1000lb) Mk 83 bombs. “In two years' time this could be a bread and butter product,” says Wessels. “Our bomb-kit design is an optimal trade-off between performance and affordability plus ease of use. We have matured the technology sufficiently to offer Umbani in its basic configuration to the market at stand-off range up to 40km and with great accuracy.”

Umbani has been advertised as an all-weather, day and night system and is fitted with a GPS/INS (Global Positioning System – Inertial Navigation System) capability. According to Denel, the system was designed with ease of use in mind and has low maintenance and life-cycle costs.

A marketing brochure some years ago advertised increased accuracy could be obtained using an imaging infra-red (IIR) sensor with an automatic target recognition capability or a semi-active laser seeker. The system could reportedly also be fitted with a radio frequency proximity fuse for area targeting, using a pre-fragmented warhead. Typical imagined mission sets include offensive counter-air such as demolishing hardened aircraft shelters – and parked aircraft or cratering runways. With the appropriate fuse the bomb can also be turned into a large anti-personnel or anti-material mine. On the battlefield, the weapon could be employed against air defence units or supply columns. Buildings, bridges, refineries, industrial areas and dams would also make useful targets. Accuracy is said to be within 3m circular error probable (CEP) when using laser or IIR. The addition of a rocket motor extends the stand-off range for the mother aircraft or allows low-level launch. Denel says various seekers, fuze and warheads may be fitted. The bomb can manoeuvre during the glide phase.

The Umbani replaces the Raptor 1 and 2 in the state arsenal's inventory. The Raptor was developed in the early 1980s under Project Hanto and integrated on the Dassault Mirage F1AZ and the Blackburn Buccaneer S.50. The Raptor 1, called the H-2 by the SAAF, was first used operationally against a bridge at Cuito Cuanavale during Operations Hooper on December 12, 1987. The H-2, dropped from a 24 Squadron Buccaneer, failed to destroy its target but a second attack on January 3, 1988 proved more successful. The Raptor 2 never entered SAAF service but did achieve export success.

The Raptor programme by the then-Kentron company was followed by the MUPSOW (MUlti-Purpose, Stand-Off Weapon) that was advertised as a multi-purpose, surgical-strike cruise missile, designed to neutralise enemy targets such as airfields, bunkers and command-and-control centres at “stand-off ranges”. Pinpoint accuracy was to be achieved by using an advanced navigation and terminal guidance technology (data link, choice of TV, IIR or MMW seekers). The airframe would be made out of composites, powered by a turbojet. Work reportedly commenced in 1991 with unpowered flight tests commencing in 1997. MUPSOW led to Torgos, another concept long-range, precision-guided strike missile. Neither have yet made the leap from concept to product.

Pic: A take from a Denel Dynamics marketing brochure showing an Umbani with a Saab Gripen. Air Force chief Lt Gen Carlo Gagiano has previously said the air service did not have the funds to integrate weapons, implicitly also the Umbani, onto the Gripen (the Denel A-Darter being an exception). It is understood the SAAF is acquiring a number of US Raytheon Paveway IV laser-guided bomb kits that are similar to the Denel weapon. Paveway is already integrated onto the Swedish platform.

[buglerbilly]

Raytheon's Small Diameter Bomb II Uncooled Tri-Mode Seeker Exceeds Expectations

Uncooled tri-mode seeker offers customer significant cost savings

TUCSON, Ariz., Aug. 8, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- A series of laboratory tests on the Raytheon Company (NYSE: RTN) Small Diameter Bomb II tri-mode seeker demonstrated that it exceeds anticipated performance parameters.

SDB II's seeker fuses millimeter-wave radar, uncooled imaging infrared (IIR) and semiactive laser sensors on a single gimbal. The result is a powerful, integrated seeker that seamlessly shares targeting information between modes, enabling the weapon to engage fixed or moving targets around-the-clock in adverse weather conditions.

"We kept SDB II affordable by designing it to meet -- not exceed -- government requirements. The fact that the uncooled IIR sensor surpasses design specifications is a win for the warfighter and the taxpayer," said Harry Schulte, vice president of Air Warfare Systems for Raytheon Missile Systems. "These tests prove there's no need to increase the cost of a tri-mode seeker by adding a cooled IIR seeker when an uncooled IIR will work just as well."

Raytheon is currently producing integrated tri-mode seekers in the world's only operational factory specifically designed to assemble such seekers.

"Raytheon pioneered tri-mode seeker technology, and we're the only company that can claim its tri-mode seeker is reliable and consistently accurate," said Tom White, Raytheon's SDB II program director. "In addition to being effective, uncooled IIR sensors are affordable and have a reduced total life-cycle cost."

[buglerbilly]

NOT sure if this is going to be ship-launched, air-launched and/or ground=launched but I suspect all three..........I'll stick it here as a start............

Supersonic Cruise Missile in Development

South Korea is developing a supersonic cruise missile that can be used to attack aircraft carriers, Aegis ships and up-to-date destroyers.

"Think tanks like the Agency for Defense Development have been developing a supersonic anti-ship cruise missile for some years now. They're expected to complete development in three to four years at the earliest," a government source said Tuesday.

The missile under development is modeled after Russia's powerful Yakhont missile, which is 8.9 m long and weighs 3 tons, but will be smaller, the source added. It will be able to reach speeds of up to Mach 2.5, with a range of 250-300 km.

Currently, the Navy has homegrown Haesung ship-to-ship missiles with a range of 150 km and the American-made Harpoon anti-ship missiles with the same range. But they can be intercepted by short-range anti-aircraft missiles or machine guns, as they fly slower than the speed of sound.

But supersonic missiles are harder to intercept as they fly fast a few meters above the surface. Russia has been developing various models to respond to American aircraft carriers. China and Japan already have such missiles or are developing them.

The missile South Korea is developing will also be capable of hitting targets on the ground, including North Korean coastal artillery batteries and long-range artillery.

But a military source said, "We're developing a supersonic cruise missile to cope with the threat from the navies of neighboring big powers rather than from North Korea."

englishnews@chosun.com / Aug. 17, 2011 09:25 KST

[buglerbilly]

Raytheon continues Improved Small Tactical Munition testing

August 18, 2011



Raytheon Company completed laboratory integration and testing of its Small Tactical Munition Phase II configuration, setting the stage for flight tests later this year.

STM Phase II is a new 12-pound, 21.5-inch long, precision-guided, gravity-dropped bomb specifically designed for employment from manned and unmanned aircraft systems, and is the smallest air-launched weapon in the Raytheon portfolio.

"STM Phase II was designed from the ground up to blend lethality and extreme precision with affordability, making it highly attractive to the warfighter," said Bob Francois, vice president of Advanced Missiles and Unmanned Systems for Raytheon Missile Systems. "STM is part of Raytheon's broad portfolio of air-launched weapons and is easy to use because it's designed for rapid integration and engineered for improved operator system interface and flexibility in loadout."

STM Phase II is more than two inches shorter than the Phase I design and has foldable fins and wings, enabling employment from the US military's common launch tube. STM Phase II incorporates a new, purpose-built warhead designed by Nammo-Talley, and features a Kaman Aerospace enhanced electronic safe arm device. STM Phase II's easier assembly will make the system simpler to manufacture on a large scale.

Source: Raytheon

[buglerbilly]

Navy plans to arm Fire Scout UAV with missiles

By Joshua Stewart - Staff writer

Posted : Thursday Aug 18, 2011 9:36:29 EDT


MC2 Alan Gragg / Navy A MQ-8B Fire Scout operates in the Atlantic Ocean with the frigate McInerney in 2009. The Navy has plans to arm Fire Scouts with air-to-surface missiles.

The MQ-8B Fire Scout unmanned aerial vehicle may soon head to sea with a major upgrade: air-to-surface missiles.

The Navy’s drone helicopter, which recently finished its second deployment, will start carrying either Raytheon’ Griffin or BAE’s Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System, two small missiles that would give an aircraft designed for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance a deadly capability.

The Navy test-fired missiles from Fire Scout in 2005. Now it’s a matter of waiting for funding to arm the rotary-wing unmanned vehicle, said Capt. Patrick Smith, Fire Scout program manager, at the Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International conference.

Northrop Grumman, the aircraft’s developer, is working to integrate a Griffin onto the UAV and will likely demonstrate the system later this month, but ideally, the aircraft will be able to carry several different types of missiles, Smith said.

“We would like to become agnostic with what weapon goes onboard” and carry whatever missile can be used effectively, he said.

Fire Scouts have already deployed in situations were armaments could have been a game changer. On June 21, one of three aircraft deployed on the frigate Halyburton was shot down by forces loyal to Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi while flying over that country’s central coast. The aircraft was below cloud layers in an area known to have anti-air defenses, a risky environment for any aircraft, said Rear Adm. William Shannon, program executive officer for unmanned aviation and strike weapons.

While the Fire Scout will soon be armed, preparations are also underway for deploying the aircraft on the littoral combat ship Independence. A date hasn’t been set, but dynamic interface testing is expected to begin sometime in fiscal 2012. The aircraft was designed specifically for flying from LCSs — its forthcoming weapon system will integrate into existing mission modules — but so far it has only deployed with frigates McInerney and Halyburton. Due to scheduling issues, it’s possible that an armed Fire Scout will make its debut on another frigate, Smith said.

[buglerbilly]

Ares

A Defense Technology Blog

Small Bomb, Russian Style

Posted by Robert Wall at 8/18/2011 11:13 AM CDT

Tactical Missile Corp. used the Moscow air show to unveil a new weapon, the KAB-250.



It is the smallest member of the Tactical Missile Corp. bomb family, that also includes the KAB-500 and KAB-1,500. All the weapons are equipped with an electro-optical seeker for terminal guidance.

[buglerbilly]

Additional Northrop Grumman Viper Strikes With Moving Target Capability Being Added to KC-130J Arsenal

HUNTSVILLE, Ala., Aug. 22, 2011 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC) has been awarded a contract for additional Viper Strikes munitions to equip the U.S. Marine Corps Harvest Hawk aircraft and bring greater utility to the Marines' KC-130J refueling and cargo aircraft.

Under the terms of the contract, Northrop Grumman will deliver multiple Viper Strikes beginning this year to the Joint Attack Munition Systems Project Office within the Program Executive Office Missiles and Space at Redstone Arsenal for eventual integration onto the KC-130J platform.

All the Viper Strike munitions on Harvest Hawk will now carry the latest software load that greatly enhances the weapon's effectiveness against moving targets. During flight testing at China Lake, Calif., Viper Strike scored multiple hits against moving vehicles in various scenarios to prove this new capability.

Viper Strike is a gliding munition capable of precision attack from extended stand-off ranges using GPS-aided navigation and a semi-active laser seeker. Its small size, precision and high agility provide a very low collateral damage weapon that can be used in the difficult operational environments where U.S. troops may be deployed.

"In today's irregular warfare environment, Viper Strike provides the right characteristics needed to support our warfighters in the current fight ─ high precision and agility to hit moving and stationary targets in complex terrain and with very low collateral damage," said Steve Considine, programs director, Aviation and Weapons for Northrop Grumman's Land and Self Protection Systems Division. "The KC-103J represents the latest military airborne asset to be equipped with Viper Strike's formidable capabilities."

Viper Strike munitions are produced at the company's Huntsville, facility.

Northrop Grumman is a leading global security company providing innovative systems, products and solutions in aerospace, electronics, information systems, and technical services to government and commercial customers worldwide. Please visit www.northropgrumman.com for more information.

[buglerbilly]

Taiwan Developing New Air-To-Surface Missile: Lawmaker

AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE

Published: 6 Sep 2011 11:13

TAIPEI - Taiwan is expected to mass produce a potent new missile system designed to nip a Chinese invasion in the bud by striking airfields and harbors on the mainland, a lawmaker said Sept. 6.

The defense ministry has brought forward production of the "Wan Chien" missile to as early as 2014 from 2018 to equip locally-developed fighter jets with the new system, said lawmaker Lin Yu-fang, who is also military pundit.

"If all goes smoothly mass production for 'Wan Chien' missile can start three to four years earlier from 2014," he said in a statement.

The missile will allow Taiwanese fighter jets to aim at Chinese targets from a distance and reduce the risks of having to fly over mainland territory, Lin said.

Also known as "Ten Thousand Swords." the missile is designed to target harbors, missile and radar bases, as well as troop build-up areas prior to any invasion of the island, he said.

Each missile carries more than 100 warheads capable of blowing dozens of small craters in airport runways, making them impossible to use.

"Taiwan's warplanes can strike military targets along China's southeast coast with the 'Wan Chien' missiles from long distances to avoid the huge risk of getting deep into China's aerial defense net," Lin said.

Taiwanese experts estimate the People's Liberation Army currently has more than 1,600 missiles aimed at the island.

Ties between Taiwan and its giant neighbor have improved significantly since the Beijing-friendly Kuomintang government took power in Taipei in 2008.

But China still considers the island part of its territory awaiting reunification, by force if necessary, prompting Taipei to seek more advanced defense weaponry mainly from the United States.

Washington in January 2010 unveiled a weapons package for Taiwan that included Patriot missiles, Black Hawk helicopters, and equipment for Taiwan's F-16 fighter jets, but no submarines or new fighter aircraft.

A defence spokesman was not immediately available for comment.

[buglerbilly]

Miniature Air Launched Decoy Jammer Demonstrates Capability to Protect Manned Aircraft

Complex test involved strike package of manned aircraft, multiple airborne MALD-Js®

Sep 6, 2011



TUCSON, Ariz., Sept. 6, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- The U.S. Air Force demonstrated that Raytheon Company's (NYSE: RTN) Miniature Air Launched Decoy Jammer could protect aircraft when it completed the first test of the MALD-J in a simulated operational environment.

MALD® is a state-of-the-art, low-cost flight vehicle that is modular, air-launched and programmable. It weighs less than 300 pounds and has a range of approximately 500 nautical miles (about 575 statute miles). The current MALD family includes both the baseline MALD and a stand-in jammer variant called the MALD-J.

"This test marked the greatest number of multiple Raytheon MALD vehicles airborne at once and demonstrated MALD-J's ability to protect manned aircraft," said Harry Schulte, vice president of Raytheon Missile Systems' Air Warfare Systems product line. "Completion of this test also removes the last major hurdle toward MALD-J completing a Functional Configuration Audit."

In an FCA, the government validates that the system meets all requirements and performs to specifications. With the completion of the FCA, the U.S. Air Force could authorize a Milestone C decision – the decision to begin production – by the end of 2011.

The flight test was the most rigorous and complex test to date. Multiple MALD-Js in free flight and multiple captive-carry MALD-Js conducted electronic attack missions and demonstrated MALD-J's ability to operate in a dynamic environment with a manned aircraft strike package.

The baseline MALD, which is currently in production, protects aircrew and airborne systems by mimicking the signatures and combat flight profiles of U.S. and allied aircraft. The MALD-J protects aircrew and airborne systems by reducing or eliminating the need for manned stand-in jamming aircraft.

[McFriday]

I've done a basic search of Raytheon & Wiki but no answer to the question "do these self destruct or do they just crash intact" at the end of their mission?

Can anyone offer some enlightenment?

Cheers,
Mac

[buglerbilly]

Self-destruct if they are not flown into the ground first.....someone told me a while ago that MALD generally has a auto FIT action at flight termination but I'm not completely convinced myself.