Boeing Supports 1st Hellfire Test Launch from Avenger System UNITED STATES - 5 APRIL 2011
HUNTSVILLE, Ala., April 5, 2011 -- Boeing [NYSE: BA] supported the U.S. Army's first test launch of an AGM-114 Hellfire missile on Feb. 23 at Eglin Air Force Base in Florida. The missile was fired from a modified Avenger weapon system as part of Boeing's continuing development of the Avenger-derived Adaptive Force Protection System (AFPS).
"The Avenger turret's ability to launch Hellfire missiles offers the warfighter another choice of weapon, one with significant ground firepower," said Phil Hillman, Avenger program manager for Boeing Network & Tactical Systems. "We continue to integrate and test additional capability on this system. Since Avenger is already in the Army inventory, upgrading Avengers instead of developing and fielding new systems has obvious cost advantages -- something that we believe is critically important in the current budget environment."
The test evaluated the feasibility of adding the Hellfire missile and Hydra 2.75-inch rocket capabilities to the Army's Avenger system. Boeing designed, built and installed the mechanical integration equipment to mate the Hellfire and rocket launchers to the Avenger, and supported the live firing at the test site.
Avenger was originally designed as an air defense system, but other ground defense capabilities, such as Hellfire, are being considered to expand the system's range and versatility. The Avenger turret can be mounted on a variety of vehicles, including Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected vehicles, or used as a stand-alone, fixed-mounted weapon station.
Lockheed Martin Receives $58 Million Contract Award for Vehicle-Mounted And Portable Sensor Systems UNITED STATES - 9 JUNE 2011
ORLANDO, FL, June 9th, 2011 -- Lockheed Martin [NYSE:LMT] received a $58.6 million contract from the U.S. Marine Corps for new systems, equipment and support services associated with the Vehicle Optic Sensor Systems II (VOSS II) and Portable Rapid Deployment Surveillance Systems (PRDSS).
The Gyrocam VOSS, a vehicle-mounted sensor system, can be mast-mounted on virtually any land vehicle or expeditionary system for remote surveillance needs, providing high-resolution color, night vision and thermal sensors in a 15-inch class gyro-stabilized gimbal.
The Gyrocam PRDSS, a free-standing, portable, rapid deployment surveillance system, can be easily moved and set up in urban, rural and extreme terrain environments and provides command personnel a bird's eye view of activity in the area.
"The VOSS and PRDSS provide the Marines with the warfighting capability necessary to meet their evolving mission needs," said Jay Pitman, director and general manager of Lockheed Martin Gyrocam Systems, LLC. "Thanks to a combination of rugged design, along with our strong in-theater support team, the Marines have been able to maintain an exceptional operational readiness rate for the VOSS and PRDSS while operating in harsh and remote environments."
Under the contract, Lockheed Martin will provide 110 VOSS II and 30 PRDSS, plus additional field services and equipment in support of these systems. The equipment will be produced at the Lockheed Martin Gyrocam Systems facility in Sarasota, Fla., and the period of performance will continue through March 2012.
Lockheed Martin Gyrocam Systems has installed more than 900 Gyrocam camera systems on Mine Resistant Ambush Protected vehicles throughout Afghanistan and Iraq. These systems provide warfighters with crucial capabilities to conduct threat surveillance missions in the harshest environments.
Gyrocam Systems:
Lockheed Martin Gyrocam Systems, LLC specializes in world-class optical surveillance systems for land, airborne, expeditionary, and maritime applications for both military and commercial customers. We provide a complete, integrated surveillance solution for our customers' requirements – including research and design, production, system integration, installation, maintenance, and training. We are dedicated to providing force-multiplying optical sensor systems to meet the current and future requirements of our customers.Gyrocam product line:
Gyrocam 9 Series:
Specifically designed for expeditionary surveillance missions.
The Gyrocam 9 Series includes thermal and high-definition color imaging, laser pointing, geo-location, and eye-safe laser range finder for surveillance targets up to 20 km away from the observer. The Gyrocam 9 is specifically designed for expeditionary surveillance missions. The product's lightweight design makes it Soldier-transportable to the most remote locations. When deployed with the Gyrocam Lightweight Surveillance System (LSS), the Gyrocam 9 is a highly effective, covert surveillance asset. Two models are available – the 9L (with long-wave thermal imaging) and the 9M (with mid-wave thermal imaging).
Through the use of long-range optics, Gyrocam camera systems can magnify up to 100 times what the human eye can resolve. The Gyrocam 15 Series offers multiple optical and laser payload configurations to satisfy different mission requirements across airborne, land, and maritime applications. These configurations can include, but are not limited to, advanced thermal imaging, high-resolution color, high-definition color, and next-generation night vision technology. Laser illuminator/pointer and laser range finder options are also available to increase mission effectiveness and pinpoint targets in no-light conditions. Because the 15 Series gimbal is gyro-stabilized, movements and vibrations inherent with an image captured on a moving platform are eliminated, rendering clear and "rock solid" images. The Gyrocam 15 has been tested to MIL-STD-810F and operates reliably in the harshest environments, from extreme desert heat to cold conditions in the high altitudes of the mountains, without any loss of capability or functionality.
Gyrocam Expeditionary Systems:
Self-contained, complete surveillance systems designed for on-the-spot field deployment.
Lightweight Surveillance System
The Gyrocam Lightweight Surveillance System (LSS) provides users with a new and unique portable situational awareness capability. It integrates a state-of-the-art color and thermal imaging system and multiple lasers mounted to a telescoping 24-foot mast, all of which is powered by batteries or the sun. The complete system is light enough to be carried in backpacks and rapidly transported to the most inhospitable locations. The LSS can be set up in less than 15 minutes, allowing the military to instantly monitor any activity within kilometers of their position, in absolute darkness.
Perimeter Surveillance System
The Gyrocam Perimeter Surveillance System (PSS) is a freestanding, portable, rapid-deployment surveillance system that includes a telescoping 32-foot mast, which can be raised and lowered in minutes, a choice of any Gyrocam optical sensor system, mounting kit, power supplies, and mobile command and control unit.
Transportable Surveillance Center
The Gyrocam Transportable Surveillance Center (TSC) is a turnkey mobile command center designed for rapid deployment and remote operation capabilities. The TSC can be equipped with any Gyrocam optical sensor system, mounted on a freestanding, telescoping 60-foot mast, and integrated with communications equipment for remote C2 activity. The full command center includes up to two analyst stations, heating, and air conditioning. It is self-contained with power supplied by generator, shore power, or 24-volt backup power.
Gyrocam Systems has hundreds of vehicle mast-mounted optical sensor systems installed on Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles deployed overseas.
Gyrocam's expeditionary systems can be rapidly deployed and operated in any type of land environment, including urban areas, undeveloped land, and mountainous terrain.
More than 100 Gyrocam optical sensor systems currently operate on a variety of helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft, providing steady, clear images for long-distance standoff detection.
Gyrocam maritime systems have the full capability to see through fog and haze, as well as complete darkness, which makes them an invaluable addition to any maritime mission.
