USA military developments

Raytheon 3rd-Generation EO/IR Mast-Mounted System Debuts at AUSA
United States of America, 5 October 2009

Raytheon Company (NYSE: RTN) debuted a 3rd-generation electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) Mast-Mounted System (MMS) to equip combat vehicles with greater standoff, strategic surveillance and targeting capabilities.

At the 2009 Association of the U.S. Army Annual Meeting and Exposition, Raytheon, in coordination with Lockheed Martin, featured an MMS on a new General Dynamics Land Systems wheeled combat vehicle demonstrator. The capability debut included an optimized work station inside the vehicle for improved situational awareness and joint, multimission support.

"Raytheon's Mast-Mounted System leverages investments and lessons learned from past Army modernization efforts to provide safe and responsive under-armor [operated from inside the vehicle], on-the-move reconnaissance, surveillance and target acquisition capability," said Glynn Raymer, vice president, Raytheon Network Centric Systems Combat Systems. "We've also incorporated networking capability and architecture, and a common display to support incremental modernization across a number of platforms.

"In addition, our capability leverages the Army's latest 3rd-generation EO/IR technology to provide greater resolution and performance at extended ranges, day or night, in all types of weather and in harsh battlefield conditions," added Raymer.

Mounted on a five-meter (about 16 feet) telescopic mast, the MMS meets operational requirements for both Stryker reconnaissance and fire support mission role variants. The capability can be adapted for other ground combat vehicles requiring the next generation of surveillance and fire control to include the Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP), MRAP-All Terrain Vehicle, Abrams, Bradley, and the emerging Ground Combat Vehicle and Joint Lightweight Tactical Vehicle.

An industry team is planning a wheeled combat vehicle demonstration to include MMS at the RECON Summit, Fort Knox, Ky., November 2009, and during the Army's Advanced Expeditionary Warfighting Experiment, Fort Benning, Ga., January 2010.


Source: Raytheon Company

Sailors, Marines Arrive in Manila to Participate in Relief Efforts
United States of America, 5 October 2009

MANILA, Philippines -- The USS Denver (LPD 9) Amphibious Task Group (ATG), along with the embarked 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), arrived in Manila Oct. 4 to assist the government of the Philippines in their relief efforts in the wake of Tropical Storm Ketsana and Typhoon Parma.

Approximately 2,900 Sailors and Marines, along with trucks, helicopters and landing craft arrived on the dock-landing ships USS Harpers Ferry (LSD 49) and USS Tortuga (LSD 46).

The amphibious transport dock Denver offloaded Marines from the 31st MEU and their equipment Oct. 2 and continued on to Indonesia to participate in Indonesia's relief efforts, following a recent series of powerful earthquakes in the country.

"Amphibious Task Groups are designed to be flexible," said Capt. Donald A. Schmieley, commander of Amphibious Squadron 11. "The combination of technology, personnel and experience that the ATG/MEU team brings with it is well-suited for missions like this."

Denver ATG was previously scheduled to visit the Philippines for PHIBLEX, an amphibious landing exercise conducted with the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

Denver ATG is forward deployed to Sasebo, Japan. The group reports to Commander, Amphibious Force 7th Fleet, Rear Adm. Richard Landolt, who is headquartered in Okinawa, Japan.

U.S. Air Force Selects Northrop Grumman to Provide Contractor Logistics Support for the KC-10 Extender
United States of America, 2 October 2009

The U.S. Air Force has awarded Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC) a nine-year contract to provide Contractor Logistics Support (CLS) for its fleet of KC-10 Extender refueling tanker aircraft. The indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity contract has a total ceiling value of $3.8 billion.

"We are excited to partner with the Air Force on the KC-10 CLS program and are committed to working with the Air Force to ensure the KC-10 is ready to support air mobility requirements anywhere, anytime," said Ronald D. Sugar, Northrop Grumman chairman and chief executive officer. "This award further demonstrates Northrop Grumman's important role as a premier provider of air mobility solutions."

Under the terms of the contract, Northrop Grumman will provide supply chain management, depot-level logistics integration and support, engine maintenance, aircraft maintenance and modifications for the KC-10 refueling tanker. The tanker/cargo aircraft is part of the Air Force's Air Mobility Command arsenal and has supported anti-terrorist and humanitarian operations around the globe. The team will perform the work at depots located at Northrop Grumman's Lake Charles Maintenance and Modification Center, Lake Charles, La., and at teammate TIMCO Aviation Services' facility in Greensboro, N.C.

Northrop Grumman's other partners include AAR CORP, Wood Dale, Ill.; Chromalloy Gas Turbine LLC, San Antonio; and MTU Maintenance, Richmond, British Colombia.

"The KC-10 Extender is the U.S. Air Force's strategic air mobility asset today, and the Northrop Grumman team is committed to ensure its operational readiness to meet all mission requirements through world-class program management, innovation and commitment to excellence," said James Cameron, corporate vice president and president of Northrop Grumman's Technical Services sector. "Our clear focus now is to conduct a flawless phase-in that will facilitate the superior program performance that both the U.S. Air Force and Northrop Grumman demand, which is also what is required to support the great men and women of our armed services serving this country proudly across the globe protecting freedom's frontier."

The contract also includes aerial refueling system support for two Netherlands KDC-10 aircraft.

Source: Northrop Grumman Corporation


File Photo: U.S. Air Force KC-10 Extender refueling tanker aircraft

Raytheon Awarded $73 Million U.S. Army Contract for Excalibur Ia-2 Rounds
United States of America, 5 October 2009

Raytheon Company (NYSE:RTN) received a $73.3 million U.S. Army contract for the production of Excalibur Ia-2 155 mm precision-guided projectile rounds.

Excalibur Ia-2 is the next generation of precision-guided projectiles for U.S. Army and Marine Corps artillery. Using GPS precision guidance technology, Excalibur rounds provide warfighters with an accurate first-round, fire-for-effect capability in urban settings.

"Instead of focusing on CEP (circular error probable) that allows for target misses up to 60 meters (196 feet), we're redefining what precision means to the warfighter today," said Steve Bennett, Raytheon's Excalibur program director. "Precision means consistently impacting the target within 10 meters (32 feet). Excalibur provides the warfighter with precision that is essential to the protection of civilians and combat forces."

Raytheon recently demonstrated the success of the Excalibur Ia-1's new inertial measurement unit by firing nine shots with a 100 percent success rate. Recent Excalibur Ia-2 testing demonstrated precision well within 10 meters (32 feet) of the target.

"Excalibur rounds are important to the success of our warfighters in Afghanistan," said Lt. Col. Mike Milner, U.S. Army Excalibur product manager. "They deserve the kind of precision capability Excalibur can deliver."

Source: Raytheon Company

Integral Systems Announces Continued Partnership With the US Air Force on RAIDRS Block 10
United States of America, 2 October 2009

Integral Systems, Inc., (Nasdaq: ISYS) today announced its continued partnership with the US Air Force on the Rapid Attack, Identification, Detection and Reporting System Block-10 (RAIDRS RB-10) program. On September 25, the US Air Force Space and Missile Systems Center obligated $27,740,754 to implement the restructure of the program from a 6 fixed and 3deployable site configuration, to a 5 transportable system construct. The Air Force has approved the system restructure under a contract modification with a ceiling of $77,662,446.

RB-10, managed by the Air Force Space and Missile Systems Center (SMC) through its Space Superiority Systems Wing, detects, identifies, locates, classifies, and reports interference events against our military space assets. It includes automated detection sensors, information processors, and a reporting architecture.

"Integral Systems is proud to continue our partnership with the Air Force to provide the Warfighter with this important and highly anticipated capability," said Jeff Benesh, Vice President of Air Force Programs, Integral Systems.


Source: Integral Systems, Inc.

First Cruiser Sails with New Fuel-Saving Hull Coating
United States of America, 3 October 2009

WASHINGTON -- Navy engineers announced Oct. 1 that a new underwater hull coating applied to USS Port Royal (CG 73) is being tested to validate the projected saving of more than $180,000 in fuel costs per year. Testing will assess fuel cost savings for the ship while underway.

The special coating is part of Naval Sea Systems Command's (NAVSEA) Fleet Readiness Research & Development Program (FRR&DP) Underwater Hull Coatings initiative to apply new anti-fouling hull coatings on Ticonderoga-class cruisers and Arleigh Burke-class destroyers. Marine fouling causes hydrodynamic drag, significantly impairing fuel efficiency, and coatings to prevent or inhibit this growth are constantly evolving.

"Marine fouling is a chronic and costly problem for Navy ships," said Petter Kristiansen, FRR&DP program manager. "In addition to the increased fuel consumption, cleaning and recoating ship hulls is expensive and time-consuming, and recoating can only be done while a ship is in dry dock. The hull coatings will help reduce marine bio-fouling, build-ups of tubeworms, mussels, barnacles and other shell organisms on the ship's hull."

Port Royal is the U.S. Navy's first guided-missile cruiser, and second ship overall, to receive the new hull coatings, that was applied during a maintenance availability period at Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard in September. USS Cole (DDG 67) was the first ship to receive.

"The new process uses a fouling-release coating system. It is a silicone-based, non-toxic technology that provides a very smooth, slick, low friction surface," Kristiansen explained. "Settling marine organisms like barnacles, tunicates and algae can't attach themselves firmly to the slick surface. Those that do attach, do so weakly and are usually washed away when ships are underway, or are removed during regularly scheduled pierside hull inspections and cleanings."

Once fully implemented on the 70-plus active ships across the two classes, the program could potentially deliver fuel consumption cost avoidances of more than $12.6 million per year, based on fuel oil prices of $100 per barrel.

The Port Royal left dry dock Sept. 24 and is scheduled to rejoin the fleet later this year. Kristiansen said FRR&DP will closely monitor the coating's performance over the next 12 to 18 months.

NAVSEA is committed to fiscal responsibility and streamlining our maintenance and modernization processes to maintain current readiness at a lower cost.

Kilgore Flares Awarded Multi-Year Flare Contract
United States of America, 5 October 2009

Chemring Group PLC ("Chemring") is pleased to announce that its US subsidiary, Kilgore Flares Company LLC ("Kilgore"), based in Toone, Tennessee, has been awarded an IDIQ (indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity) contract for the supply of M206, MJU-7A/B, and MJU-10/B infra-red (IR) decoy flares to the US Department of Defense. The flares are used by the US Army and US Air Force to protect both fixed wing and rotary wing aircraft from the threat of IR guided missiles. The contract extends over a five year period, and has a maximum potential value of $804 million. A first delivery order at a value of $42 million, for delivery in 2010 and the first quarter of 2011, has already been placed on Kilgore.

Dr David Price, Chief Executive of Chemring, commented "This contract is the largest ever IDIQ award received by Chemring from the US Department of Defense and underpins our countermeasures business at Kilgore over the next five years."

Chemring is an international leader in defensive countermeasures and energetic materials. The countermeasures division comprises Alloy Surfaces Company, Inc. and Kilgore Flares Company LLC in the US, and Chemring Countermeasures Limited in the UK.


Source: Chemring Group PLC

BAE Systems Receives $63.9 Million U.S. Army Contract for Prototype Paladin Integrated Management Vehicles
United States of America, 5 October 2009

BAE Systems has been awarded a contract from the U.S. Army Tank Automotive & Armaments Command for the procurement and fabrication of five prototype M109A6 Paladin Integrated Management (PIM) self-propelled howitzer vehicles and two prototype M992A2 Field Artillery Ammunition Support Vehicles (FAASV). The total contract value is $63.9 million.

"The Paladin provides critical fire support for soldiers in the Heavy Brigade Combat Team," said Joe McCarthy, vice president and general manager, Heavy Brigade Combat Team (HBCT) Systems for BAE Systems. "The PIM program will ensure that this essential fire support system remains sustainable through its projected life beyond the year 2050."

The Paladin PIM uses the existing M109A6 main armament and cab structure while replacing outmoded chassis components with up-to-date components from the Bradley Combat Systems to increase sustainability and commonality across the HBCTs. Paladin PIM incorporates a state-of-the-art “digital backbone” and robust power generation capability. PIM also integrates electric elevation and traverse drives, electric rammer and a digital fire control system. The M992A2 FAASV provides armor protected ammunition delivery for the M109A6 Paladin.

Design and engineering analysis work for the vehicle structure, automotive systems and electric and vehicle electronics will be performed at BAE Systems facilities in Pennsylvania, California, New York, Minnesota and Michigan as well as U.S government facilities at the Army Research and Development Center in Picatinny, New Jersey. The remanufacture program for the Paladin fleet will be performed in partnership with the Anniston Army Depot and at BAE Systems facilities in York, Pennsylvania and Elgin, Oklahoma.

The M109A6 PIM is supported by the Army as a vital technology enhancement program to sustain the M109 Family of Vehicles well into the future, and maintain the combat capability of the HBCT.

Source: BAE Systems

L-3 Wins Special Operations Contract for Expeditionary Unmanned Systems
United States of America, 5 October 2009

NEW YORK -- L-3 Communications (NYSE: LLL) announced today that the U.S. Special Operations Command (SOCOM) has awarded its Geneva Aerospace division a contract for expeditionary unmanned systems. This contract has a potential value of $250 million over five years.

L-3 will provide its Viking 400 Unmanned Aircraft System, along with training and sustaining engineering for SOCOM’s Expeditionary Unmanned Aircraft System (EUAS) program.

“We are very pleased to be working with SOCOM on this important program,” said Todd Gautier, vice president of Business Development. “The Viking 400 is an excellent, proven system providing expanded payload, endurance and operational performance to meet the challenges of expeditionary operations."

The company offers a full range of Unmanned Systems products and services ranging from individual components through fully integrated systems. These include remote video terminals, video management systems, communications & datalinks, Electro Optic Infrared (EO/IR) and Electronic Warfare (EW) sensors, training & simulation, command and control systems and operational services.

Recently, L-3 introduced its family of Unmanned Air Systems from the tube-launched expendable Cutlass Small UAS to the Tactical Viking UAS Family and the medium altitude long endurance (MALE) Mobius Optionally Piloted Aircraft (OPA).


Source: L-3 Communications

EMALS completes Highly Accelerated Life Testing, begins System Functional Demonstration launch motor commissioning
United States of America, 28 september 2009

NAVAL AIR STATION PATUXENT RIVER, MD -- The Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System (EMALS) is one step closer to launch with the completion of the first phase of Highly Accelerated Life Testing and the second phase of System Functional Demonstration (SFD) commissioning.

“This testing allows our engineers to gather data and prepare the Navy for the next evolution of EMALS tests” George Sulich, EMALS Integrated Program Team lead said.

“While HALT gives an indication of how the system’s launch motor will perform under at-sea conditions,” Sulich said, “SFD commissioning prepares us for upcoming test launches of dead-loads and aircraft.”

The HALT gauges the EMALS launch motor’s ability to operate in simulated at-sea environmental conditions on board the carrier. HALT also supplies the system’s engineers with the data necessary to verify EMALS’ peak performance, even in extreme conditions.

The SFD testing replicates full-scale launching capabilities of EMALS. Commissioning is performed to ensure all components of SFD are prepared for actual dead-load and aircraft launches. Dead-loads are large-wheeled, steel-framed vehicles used in lieu of aircraft to test catapults. The dead-load is weighted to simulate the launch weight of an actual aircraft for each test event.

The second phase of SFD commissioning integrated and tested all power components of the system with the launch controller. The upcoming third phase will integrate the remainder of the system, and test the ability to convert electrical power to mechanical force by static and low-speed motion of the armature, the component that interfaces with dead loads and aircraft.

The testing culminates with the launch of dead-load weights and non-operational test aircraft at Naval Air Engineering Station Lakehurst, N.J. Commissioning with dead loads is scheduled to begin this fall.

EMALS design provides greater flexibility in launching capabilities of both current and future generations of the carrier air-wing.

“EMALS is the launching system for a whole new generation of Sailors and air wings,” said Capt. Randy Mahr, Aircraft Launch and Recovery Equipment Program Office (PMA-251) program manager here. “We’ve been using the venerable steam catapults for more than 50 years, and the upgrade to EMALS expands our envelope for efficiency, safety and performance.”

Production of EMALS equipment has begun, and the technology is on schedule for delivery to CVN 78.


Gerald R. Ford Class (CVN-78) artist's depiction. U.S. Navy's Future Super Aircraft Carrier Programme.
The length will be: 333 m.

ATK Marks 30 Years of Tank Ammunition Innovation
United States of America, 5 October 2009

ATK Delivered Four Million Tank Rounds Since 1979

Pioneering Systems Integration Approach Led by ATK Continues Today for U.S. Army Procurements of Large Caliber Ammunition

MINNEAPOLIS, Oct. 5 -- Alliant Techsystems (NYSE: ATK) is marking its 30th year as an innovative developer and producer of tank ammunition for the U.S. Army and its allies. In 1979, the company became a systems integrator for tank ammunition when the U.S. Army sought to "upgun" the M1 Abrams Main Battle Tank (MBT) from a 105mm system to a 120mm main gun. Thirty years and nearly four million rounds later, ATK continues to pioneer developments in the design and production of world-class tactical and training tank ammunition. In total, ATK has type-classified ten U.S. Army 120mm rounds as a systems integrator.

"ATK is meeting the evolving needs of the warfighter by delivering world-class, large-caliber, direct-fire ammunition to U.S. and allied troops," said Bruce DeWitt, vice president and general manager for ATK Advanced Weapons. "Our design and production capabilities allow us to rapidly field the highest quality rounds in the quantities required to meet urgent needs while also ensuring that the munitions are affordable for our expanding customer base."

In 1979, ATK was awarded a technology transfer program for Rheinmetall's 120mm smooth bore technology for the U.S. Army's Abrams tank main gun upgrade. This effort resulted in the successful type classification of four rounds: the M829 Kinetic Energy (KE) tactical, the M865 KE trainer, the M830 High Explosive Antitank (HEAT) tactical, and the M831 HEAT training round. These systems-managed programs were the first for U.S. Army large caliber ammunition procurements.

ATK also developed and produced the M830A1 High Explosive Antitank - Multi-Purpose with Tracer (HEAT-MP-T) round. This innovative round increased the accuracy and firepower of the Abrams MBT to not just enhance its ability to defeat enemy armored vehicles at extended ranges, but also give the Abrams the ability to engage helicopter threats and destroy bunkers.

"As worldwide threats continue to emerge and evolve, meeting today's challenges with the future in mind is critical," said DeWitt. "ATK takes pride in its ability to improve existing platform capabilities through innovative, cost-effective solutions."


Source: Alliant Techsystems Inc.

PACAF Airmen deploy to Indonesia to help quake victims
United States of America, 5 October 2009

Airmen assigned to Pacific Air Forces left here and Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, Oct. 5 for Padang, Indonesia, to provide medical care to those affected by the recent 7.6-magnitude earthquake.

The Airmen are part of an Air Force Humanitarian Assistance Rapid Response Team that left on two C-17 Globemaster IIIs for Indonesia. Padang and surrounding areas on the west coast of Sumatra were devastated by the Sept. 30 earthquake and several strong aftershocks.

The HARRT, comprised of members from the 36th Wing at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam; 13th Air Force at Hickam AFB, Hawaii; 3rd Wing at Elmendorf AFB, Alaska; and the 374th Medical Group here, combines medical and contingency response experts.

"HARRT augments a host nation's medical response during times of disaster," said Lt. Col. David Olson, HARRT medical commander from Andersen. "Four hospitals in Padang are damaged, two of them severely, so we'll be providing disaster relief, predominantly ambulatory care."

Included in the HARRT is a seven-person mobile field surgical team, consisting of specialists in the fields of general surgery, orthopedic surgery, anesthesiology and emergency medicine, out of the 3rd Medical Group at Elmendorf.

The HARRT is led by Col. Dan Settergren, 36th Contingency Response Group commander at Andersen. The team combines the command and control and base operating support capability of the 36th CRG with the medical expertise of medical personnel to form a small, rapid-response unit deployable within 24 hours to an austere environment to help host nations during disaster relief operations.

"With all the recent natural disasters, Pacific Air Forces is facing many challenges throughout the Pacific Rim," said Colonel Settergren. "With approximately 3,000 people still missing, Indonesia calls for the most need of urgent medical care."

A C-17 crew from Elmendorf transported the personnel and 13 pallets of equipment at Yokota, while a C-17 crew from Hickam transported the personnel and equipment at Andersen. The team is self-sustaining for up to five days.

ANDERSEN AIR FORCE BASE, Guam-- Members of a Humanitarian Assistance Rapid Response Team (HARRT) board a bus in route to the mobility deployment processing center here Oct. 5 before departing to Padang, Indonesia, to provide disaster relief after a 7.6 magnitude earthquake struck the area Sep 30. The HARRT is made up of members from the 36th Contingency Response Group and the 36th Medial Group at Andersen AFB.



A C-17 Globemaster III from Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska, waits to take off Oct. 5 on a mission to transport 26 members of an Air Force Humanitarian Assistance Rapid Response Team and a seven-person mobile field surgical team en route to Padang, Indonesia, to provide medical care to those affected by the recent 7.6-magnitude earthquake. The crew from Elmendorf transported the team and the equipment necessary to support the team, which is self-sustaining for up to five days.



Twenty-six members of an Air Force Humanitarian Assistance Rapid Response Team and a seven-person mobile field surgical team left here at 3:30 p.m. Oct. 5 en route to Padang, Indonesia, to provide medical care to those affected by the recent 7.6-magnitude earthquake. A C-17 Globemaster III crew from Elmendorf Air Base, Alaska, transported the team and 13 pallets of equipment necessary to support the team, which is self-sustaining for up to five days.

Lockheed Martin C-130J Program Marks Two Major Milestones
United States of America, 6 October 2009

Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) today began final assembly of the first HC/MC-130J, which will also be the 200th C-130J to be produced. U.S. Air Force and company officials commemorated the milestones during a short ceremony on the production line by signing the keel or floor of the historic C-130J that will be delivered in 2010.

"Again we see the C-130 setting new standards for mission flexibility," said Ross Reynolds, vice president of Lockheed Martin C-130 programs. "This new Special Mission configuration of the proven C-130J will give the U.S. Air Force unparalleled capability for Combat Search and Rescue, Personnel Recovery and Special Operations Missions. As demand for the C-130J continues to grow around the world, we will see more and more the way this aircraft can meet the demands of any operator and mission."

Lockheed Martin is under contract to the U.S. Air Force to build the HC/MC-130J Special Mission Hercules to replace aging fleets of Combat Search and Rescue HC-130s and Air Force Special Operations MC-130s. In April 2008, a Department of Defense Acquisition Decision Memorandum (ADM) was signed to start the HC/MC-130J program with a six-aircraft buy. Since that time, six more aircraft have been placed on contract and the latest ADM, signed on Aug. 26, 2009, authorized up to 22 HC/MC130J aircraft.

The new aircraft, based on a KC-130J tanker baseline, will have a host of factory installed provisions to support special mission operations. These include the Enhanced Service Life Wing, the Enhanced Cargo Handling System, a Universal Aerial Refueling Receptacle Slipway Installation (boom refueling receptacle), an Electro-Optic/Infrared Sensor, a Combat Systems Operator Station on the flight deck, dual military SATCOMs, Enhanced Vision System provisions, and higher capacity 60/90 kilovolt amp (KVA) generators. In-line production of this configuration reduces cost and schedule, allowing the aircraft to meet the required 2012 Initial Operational Capability.

C-130Js are engaged in high-tempo operations in multiple combat theaters and are routinely deployed in support of both peacekeeping and humanitarian missions. The C-130J is a proven airlifter that has been selected by 10 nations, with 177 aircraft delivered through the second quarter of this year. The C-130J is a flexible, multimission aircraft that has been delivered in multiple and varied configurations to meet a wide range of operational needs.

Source: Lockheed Martin

EADS North America's Armed Scout 645 Highlighted at This Year's Association of the U.S. Army's Annual Meeting
United States of America, 5 October 2009

ARLINGTON, VA --- EADS North America's Armed Scout 645 will be the centerpiece of the company's presence Oct. 5-7 at the Association of the U.S. Army's annual convention -- underscoring the helicopter's readiness as a low-risk, highly capable and best-value solution to fulfill the Army's current and long-term Armed Aerial Scout mission requirements.

This next-generation helicopter offering would strengthen U.S. Army capabilities in performing combat missions for both current and future conflicts while also meeting the demanding combat environments encountered at higher elevations and hotter temperatures.

A full-scale flying Armed Scout 645 demonstrator helicopter will be displayed prominently at EADS North America's exhibit (booth # 3131) at the Washington, D.C. Convention Center. The aircraft can be equipped with a full combat mission package including an EO/IR sensor, VUIT-2 (Unmanned Aircraft Systems for Interoperability Teaming - Level 2), 2.75" rockets, Hellfire missiles, a 7-shot rocket pod and a .50 caliber machine gun.

The Armed Scout 645 demonstrator to be showcased at the AUSA annual meeting is the same helicopter that performed a series of successful "high/hot" flight tests in Alamosa, Colo. earlier this year. These flights validated the Armed Scout 645's ability to meet all of the U.S. Army's previously-stated armed aerial scout performance requirements -- even in the most challenging combat environments.

During these flight trials, the Armed Scout 645 demonstrator helicopter -- operating from a takeoff elevation of more than 7,500 feet, equipped with a simulated 2,300-pound Mission Equipment Package -- successfully hovered-out-of-ground-effect at a density altitude of 6,000 feet and 95 degrees Fahrenheit. This is a key requirement included in the Army's Sources Sought document issued in October 2008.

EADS North America's Armed Scout 645 is based on the same airframe as the highly successful UH-72A Lakota Light Utility Helicopter it is currently delivering to the U.S. Army. The world-class industry team assembled by EADS North America for the Armed Scout 645 includes Lockheed Martin as the Mission Equipment Package integrator, and American Eurocopter -- which will build the aircraft at its Columbus, Miss., facility where Lakotas are currently manufactured.

The Armed Scout 645's modern design and modular weapons systems architecture ensures low lifecycle costs, maintainability and maximum operational reliability -- resulting in high operational readiness rates to meet changing Army mission requirements over time.

The Armed Scout 645's small footprint allows an entire platoon to be transported by C-17 aircraft with minimal reconfiguration upon arrival in the operating area, while its large, unobstructed main cabin can be quickly reconfigured for maximum mission flexibility.


Source: EADS North America

U.S. Army Armed Scout 645

EADS North America and U.S. Army Validates Global Mobility of the UH-72A Lakota Light Utility Helicopter
United States of America, 5 October 2009

ARLINGTON, VA --- EADS North America and the U.S. Army successfully loaded four U.S. Army UH-72A Lakota Light Utility Helicopters (LUH) and one additional company-owned EC145 helicopter, onto a U.S. Air Force C-17, validating the transportability of the LUH.

The demonstration was performed at Gulfport, Miss., in preparation for a future delivery of four U.S. Army UH-72A Lakotas to the Pacific theater for basing on the Kwajalein Atoll. The loading test confirmed that five UH-72A helicopters can be accommodated in the C-17's cargo bay with minimal disassembly, and that the aircraft can rapidly be made mission-ready upon arrival with no maintenance test flights required.

"Rapid global mobility is an operational necessity for all key military systems," said David Oliver, EADS North America's chief operating officer. "Demonstrating that five UH-72As can be quickly loaded onto a C-17 is an important validation of the Lakota's mission flexibility and offers significant operational value to the warfighter."

The UH-72A's compact airframe allows the five-helicopter load to be accommodated in the C-17 without removal of the four main rotor blades, which are designed to be folded.

To date, more than 85 Lakotas have been delivered on or ahead of schedule and on budget -- making the UH-72A one of the U.S. Army's most successful aircraft acquisition programs. Current Army plans call for up to 345 of these twin-engine helicopters to be acquired through 2016.

In addition, five H-72A helicopters have been ordered for the U.S. Naval Test Pilot School at Patuxent River, Md.

EADS North America also is offering its Armed Scout 645 variant in response to U.S. Army requirements for a next-generation combat helicopter capable of operating in hot, high altitude environments.

The Armed Scout 645 is based on the same airframe as the highly successful UH-72A Lakota Light Utility Helicopter it is delivering to the U.S. Army.

The world-class industry team assembled by EADS North America for the Armed Scout 645 includes Lockheed Martin as the Mission Equipment Package integrator, and American Eurocopter -- which will build the aircraft at its Columbus, Miss., facility where Lakotas are currently manufactured.


Source: EADS North America