USA military developments

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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.

 

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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.

 

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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

 

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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

 

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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

 

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LONGBOW Fire Control Radar Block III Passes Testing Milestone
United States of America, 6 October 2009

BALTIMORE, Oct. 6, 2009 -- The new LONGBOW Fire Control Radar Block III system hardware and operational software successfully completed the first half of initial flight tests on an AH-64D Apache attack helicopter. The U.S. Army conducted the tests at the Yuma Proving Grounds in southern Arizona. The new system is being developed by LONGBOW Limited Liability Company (LLC), a joint venture of Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC) and Lockheed Martin Corporation (NYSE:LMT).

The flight test evaluated systems designed by Northrop Grumman, including the radar mode responsible to identify and classify moving and non-moving armored vehicular targets. These stationary and moving target detection and targeting radar modes have been cleared for the next phase of flight testing later this fall by a U.S. Army field evaluation team. The remaining flight test modes, scheduled through September 2009, focused on air surveillance and terrain mapping modes, which are designed by Lockheed Martin.

"The LONGBOW Block III design removes over 80 pounds of system weight while significantly increasing the reliability and maintainability of the LONGBOW radar in the AH-64D Apache Attack Helicopter," said Steve Considine, LONGBOW LLC vice president and director of LONGBOW Aviation programs at Northrop Grumman's Land Forces Division. "This initial testing demonstrates to our customer community the viability of this technology update while mitigating program risk."

"We are pleased to have reached this milestone," said Jerome Garman, president of LONGBOW Limited Liability Company and director of LONGBOW programs at Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control. "The Army test program for the overall Apache Block III has numerous goals; getting the LONGBOW radar through this testing allows them to focus on the next phase and fielding to our warfighters."

The LONGBOW Fire Control Radar (FCR) system enables the Apache LONGBOW to rapidly search, detect, locate, classify, prioritize and engage both moving and stationary targets. The LONGBOW system, as currently configured by the U.S. Army, consists of the LONGBOW fire control radar; the AGM-114L fire-and-forget radar frequency LONGBOW Hellfire millimeter wave-guided missile; the all-digital M299 launcher; and the AN/APR-48A Radio Frequency Interferometer for the AH-64D Apache helicopter. The Army plans to upgrade the entire Apache helicopter fleet to the Block III configuration.

The $140 million LONGBOW Block III development program was awarded to the LONGBOW LLC in 2005. The first test units were delivered to the U.S. Army in October 2008 with production deliveries scheduled to begin in 2011. Initial operational capability is planned for 2012.


Source: Northrop Grumman Corporation

 

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Goodrich to Provide EDECU for Sikorsky H-60 and Boeing AH-64 Helos
United States of America, 5 October 2009

Program Will Enhance Safety and Reduce Costs for U.S. Army, U.S. Coast Guard and U.S. Navy Fleets

Goodrich Corporation (NYSE:GR) will equip GE T700 engines powering Sikorsky H-60 Black Hawk, Jayhawk and Seahawk model helicopters for the U.S. Army, Coast Guard and Navy, as well as Boeing AH-64 Apache helicopters for the U.S. Army, with a new low cost enhanced digital electronic control unit (EDECU). The EDECUs will be produced by Goodrich's Engine Control Systems - North America business in West Hartford, Conn.

In September 2009, Goodrich received a contract from the U.S. Army for 55 EDECUs, with options for 230 additional units. Prior to this, Goodrich received contracts from the U.S. Navy, U.S. Coast Guard, and GE Aircraft Engines for more than 600 additional units. In all, nearly 1,000 firm and option EDECUs are on order for delivery now through 2011. Follow-on orders from U.S. and international customers are expected in subsequent years.

The EDECU, part of the U.S. Army's "common control" for the T700 engine, includes enhanced built-in test and fault recording algorithms to aid in engine health and performance assessments. The new EDECU will replace the current engine control units on the U.S. Army, Navy and Coast Guard Apache, Black Hawk, Jayhawk and Seahawk fleets; in addition, it will be installed on new production T700 engines.

The EDECU evolved from the Universal Control technology programs sponsored by the U.S. Army to develop a single part number common control with the processing power to contain multiple application software packages, address electronics obsolescence issues, provide a work station-like platform for improved engine health condition monitoring, and reduce engine control system recurring and logistics costs. The Universal Control system architecture is part of Goodrich's portfolio of low cost full authority digital electronic engine control (FADEC) systems that have applications on a number of other military and commercial helicopter engines.

"This program will be a cornerstone for growth in our small engine controls business," said Bob Yancey, president, Engine Control and Electrical Power Systems for Goodrich. "The GE T700 engine powers more than 10 models of helicopters including the H-60 and H-64, and is the most widely used helicopter engine in its class. The Sikorsky H-60 is one of the most popular helicopters in the world, with more than 3,000 aircraft in operational service with 26 nations. And Boeing has delivered more than 1,700 AH-64 helicopters to customers around the world. We look forward to exceeding our customers' expectations as we begin delivering these new EDECUs to help our warfighters enhance their mission capability."


Source: Goodrich Corporation

 

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Javelin Joint Venture Awarded $214 Million Contract for Javelin Weapon System
United States of America, 6 October 2009

The Raytheon Company (NYSE: RTN) - Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) Javelin Joint Venture received a $214 million U.S. Army contract for the production of the Javelin Close Combat Weapon System. The contract includes the Javelin missile, command launch units (CLUs), and training and field support.

Javelin is the world's first man-portable, fire-and-forget, medium-range missile system. The compact, lightweight missile is designed for one-soldier operations in all environments.

"The Javelin missile continues to provide the U.S. Army with a weapon that has been proved in irregular and conventional warfare," said Duane Gooden, program director of Raytheon's Javelin program and president of the Javelin Joint Venture.

The Javelin enhances direct-fire capability against armored vehicles, buildings and field fortifications.

"The Javelin CLU gives the warfighter critical surveillance and situational awareness," said Barry James, Lockheed Martin Javelin program director and Javelin Joint Venture vice president. "We are committed to partnering with our soldiers, sailors, Marines and coalition allies to provide a mission capability that will continue to meet their defining moments."

Source: Raytheon Company


File Photo: Javelin

 

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Raytheon-Boeing Team Tests Joint Air-to-Ground Missile Form-Factored Integrated Seeker
United States of America, 6 October 2009

Raytheon Company (NYSE: RTN) and The Boeing Company (NYSE: BA) completed a series of captive carry flight tests of a form-factored tri-mode seeker for the Joint Air-to-Ground Missile competition.

"The test series demonstrated that Raytheon's form-factored tri-mode seeker and guidance electronics units are ready to enter prototype missile builds in preparation for guided missile firings early next year," said Bob Francois, Raytheon's vice president of Advanced Missiles and Unmanned Systems. "The Raytheon-Boeing JAGM system will give warfighters a capability they have asked for and do not have. JAGM is an affordable, all-weather weapon capable of defeating a variety of targets from fixed- and rotary-wing platforms."

JAGM will reduce the U.S. military's logistics footprint by replacing three legacy missiles currently in the U.S. Army's, Navy's and Marine Corps' inventories.

Along with Boeing's proven airframe, JAGM features Raytheon's tri-mode seeker. Raytheon's next-generation tri-mode seeker leverages technology used on the Small Diameter Bomb II and the Non Line-of-Sight-Launch System's improved Precision Attack Missile.

"Boeing's proficiency integrating weapons on platforms like the Super Hornet and AH-64D Apache Longbow, combined with Raytheon's seeker expertise, makes our JAGM system the low-risk and cost-effective solution," said Carl Avila, Boeing's director of Advanced Weapons and Missile Systems.


Source: Raytheon Company

 

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Navy's First Flying Helo Warrant Boards Bataan
United States of America, 6 October 2009

USS BATAAN, At sea -- Fourteen Sailors were selected in 2006 to become the Navy's first "Flying Chief Warrant Officers," and more than three years later, the "Flying 14" are still making history.

When Chief Warrant Officer (CWO) Michael Adams, from Coalinga, Calif., reported to Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 22, and embarked aboard the multipurpose amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5) in June, he became the first CWO helicopter pilot to complete his training and begin living his dream as a pilot in an operational environment.

Adams was no stranger to rotary aircraft, spending nearly nine years as an aviation warfare systems operator before his commissioning in December 2006.

"I was a rescue swimmer flying in H60F/H's, and I wanted to change seats," said Adams. "This program was the perfect opportunity for me to do that."

For Adams, the timing to switch seats could not have been better. According to the first NAVADMIN soliciting applications, the Navy was looking to supplement the current officer aviation force by placing qualified CWOs in the cockpit as pilots and naval flight officers (NFOs). The requirements specified candidates must be between paygrades E-5 and E-7, young enough to be commissioned by their 27th birthday (29 for NFOs) and must already possess an associate's degree. Adams met every requirement.

"My wife and I were so excited when the message came back," said Adams. "It was surreal."

The new officer didn't have much time to look back on the hard work that earned him a selection. He spent the next two years attending various officer indoctrination courses, pre-flight schools and piloting schools before completing his training at Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 2.

Adams has now settled in with his new squadron embarked aboard Bataan where he serves as the detachment's assistant operations officer and flight schedule writer, but he never misses an opportunity to step into the cockpit.

"His flying abilities are equal to any unrestricted line officer pilot that I've seen," said Aviation Warfare Systems Operator 2nd Class (NAC) Aaron Gardner, from Benson, N.C. "Plus, his prior enlisted background gives him an understanding of the crew, which makes him a more approachable leader."

With 12 years of service under his belt, Adams has plenty of flight hours ahead of him, both in and out of uniform.

"This is an opportunity that will certainly carry me into retirement many years from now," said Adams. "When I've retired, I hope to be flying helicopters somewhere on the West Coast."


File photo: USS Bataan (LHD-5), U.S. Navy Wasp-class amphibious assault ship. The Wasp-class amphibious assault ships of the United States Navy are designed to land forces on hostile shores, and they are the largest vessels of this type in service anywhere in the world. Length: 257 m.

 

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US troops ramp up Indonesia quake relief
United States of America, 6 October 2009

PADANG, Indonesia – American troops set up a field hospital Tuesday and rerouted ships to aid victims of a powerful earthquake that left hundreds of thousands homeless, in their largest relief operation in Muslim-majority Indonesia since the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami.

The expansion of the U.S. mission comes as efforts shifted from searching for survivors amid the rubble to providing relief to villages that have been cut off by massive landslides generated by last week's magnitude-7.6 quake.

Aid workers from at least 20 countries focused on caring for the homeless, who huddled in makeshift shelters and cooked meager meals of rice and noodles over open fires or ate vegetables from their fields.

Rear Adm. Richard Landolt, who arrived Tuesday in Padang, the largest city in the quake zone, told The Associated Press that three U.S. Navy ships were on their way, full of supplies, food and heavy equipment that can be used to clear roads and excavate collapsed buildings.

"There is a huge valve that is about to turn on," he said. "There is going to be a terrific ramp-up of operations out here."

Landolt said two naval ships were expected to arrive in the next day or so. A supply ship has also been cleared to begin operations with four helicopters large enough to carry 30-40 people or equipment to areas that cannot be reached by land, he said.

Also Tuesday, 69 U.S. troops — including 11 doctors — flown in from Alaska, Hawaii, Guam and Japan opened up a 300-bed field hospital outside Padang's main medical facility.

"We are ready for the long haul," said Col. Dan Settergren, who led the military team that set up the hospital. "We will do whatever it takes."

The official death toll rose Tuesday to 704 and officials said it could reach into the thousands.

Lt. Col. Dan Olson, the chief doctor at the hospital, said the main concern is to keep infectious diseases from spreading, while also giving more space to local doctors who are now operating out of hospitals that have been severely damaged by the quake.

"Usually, if there has been a big disaster the infrastructure has been destroyed and infectious diseases like diarrhea and cholera can be a very, very big problem," he said. "We haven't had any reports of that yet, so it remains to be seen whether it will become a risk."

The bolstered U.S. military mission comes as so much aid was arriving at Padang's tiny airport from around the world that flights had to be delayed because there was no space for them to land.

A USAID flight with 50 tons of supplies was scheduled to land Tuesday, but had to be postponed until Wednesday.

Supplies — including drinking water and medicines — are desperately needed in outlying areas, which were inundated by landslides after the quake, but some survivors complained that aid was slow in coming.

Eni Fahriani came to an aid center near the provincial governor's office in Padang from her village 25 miles (40 kilometers) away on Tuesday after the five packets of noodles and an egg her family of six was given by a private group five days earlier ran out.

"Even one drop of drink we have not yet got from the government," she said. "I saw a mountain of aid on TV, I saw broadcasters showing packages of basic foods, toiletries, toothbrushes, even clothes. ... Where are they going to? We need it now."

The sensitivity of the shift from rescue to relief was underscored as bulldozers began razing to the ground a hotel in Padang that has become a symbol of the quake's devastation.

The bulldozers buried hopes that any of the more than 100 people believed inside would be found alive.

"I've been coming here every day for any kind of news," Firmansyah Blis said as he watched backhoes dig chunks of concrete from the wreckage of the hotel, where his wife was last seen. "I doubt she is alive. I think the search crews tried hard to find her. I just want them to find her body."

Shortly after the work began, Australian experts used specialized voice detection equipment to scour the remnants of the Ambacang hotel in four different places after a worker said he heard a woman's voice.

They found no signs of life, said team leader John Cowcutt, and demolition of the remnants of the building resumed.

"We have stopped looking for living survivors and are maximizing the use of heavy equipment," said Ade Edward, head of operations control at West Sumatra's Center for Disaster Management.

"We hope to clear the rubble in two weeks so we can start reconstruction."

Landolt said the new phase of relief operations will require close coordination with local authorities because of the logistical difficulties, but added that both sides had learned lessons from the giant tsunami that devastated parts of Sumatra and southern Asia in 2004, when Indonesia was at first reluctant to accept foreign aid.


Source: Associated Press

 

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Stork Fokker wins important JSF order for production of flaperons
6 October 2009

Complex combination of composite and titanium in wing component increases strength and saves weight

The Dutch aerospace industry has won another important order in relation to the JSF project. The US aircraft manufacturer Lockheed Martin has selected Stork Fokker to produce the 'flaperons' for the F-35 Lightning II, also known as the Joint Strike Fighter. Spread over the period from 2009 to the end of 2014 this selection represents a turnover value of US$ 200 million. The order could exceed US $1.0 billion over the life of the program.

Flaperons are control surfaces on the wings’ trailing edge that combine the functions of both flaps (enabling deceleration and low-speed flight) and ailerons (enabling roll and bank). The F-35’s flaperons are 3 metre long flaps on the wing trailing edges which are vital for the controllability of the aircraft. The unique design is based on the low maintenance combination of composite and titanium with a better resistance to fatigue and corrosion. The flaperons contribute to improved aircraft performance by saving weight and increasing strength at the same time. Stork Fokker has already manufactured more than 2000 sets of flaperons for the Lockheed Martin F-16 aircraft type for many years. Production of the F-16 components started in 1978 and is still going on today.

The selection for production is a very important step in winning the order to supply the flaperons for all the F-35 aircraft to be built. This initial order will provide employment for around 100 people, a figure that will be doubled if the total production order is received. Production will be in the Netherlands, initially in the existing Stork Fokker factory in Hoogeveen, and will later be transferred to the new F-35 factory which is to be built. “This selection is an excellent achievement and shows that the Netherlands is able to win substantial JSF orders”, says Erick Vink, executive vice president of Stork Fokker. “An important condition is and remains that the Netherlands participates in the JSF project, as shown by the recent de facto purchase of the first test aircraft.”

Other contributions by Stork Aerospace to the JSF project include the design and production of the doors and hatches, the electrical wiring harnesses, the wiring and structural components for the Pratt & Whitney engines and the arresting gear. Stork has up to now involved forty suppliers in the Netherlands in these JSF orders, and this number is expected to increase further when the serial production phase starts.

Stork Fokker is internationally recognized as a prime specialist in lightweight aerostructures. The company is a strategic unit of Stork Aerospace. Stork aerospace develops and produces aerostructures and wiring systems for the aerospace and defense industry, and supplies integrated services and products to aircraft owners and operators.


Source: Stork Fokker

 

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GE Aviation Delivers First X-47B Navy Unmanned Combat Air System Landing Gear
United States of America, 6 October 2009

SANTA ANA, Calif. | GE Aviation recently delivered the first fully-dressed landing gear to Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE: NOC) in support of the X-47B Navy Unmanned Combat Air System Carrier Demonstration (UCAS-D) program.

"This delivery is a major step in supporting the Navy UCAS-D program as Northrop Grumman prepares for first flight later this year,” commented Sagar Patel, president of GE Aviation’s Mechanical Systems business. “We are proud of our landing gear team’s performance in achieving this key milestone. This program is a critical first step to provide the U.S. Navy with insight into how an autonomous aircraft might be integrated into future carrier operations. Performing the first-ever carrier launches and recoveries of an unmanned tailless aircraft of this size will be a historic accomplishment.”

The delivery includes production fully-dressed landing gear that is designed to meet and/or exceed all U.S. Navy carrier landing requirements for a fully loaded UCAS-D aircraft.

The X-47B UCAS landing gear system is designed to endure the challenges and rigors of catapult take-offs and arrested landings on U.S. Navy aircraft carriers at sea. GE is responsible for the design, development, qualification and manufacturing of the fully integrated landing gear system. Due to the demanding mission profiles required for this advanced carrier platform, the landing gear system incorporates the latest technology advancements in steering control from Parker Hannifin as well as anti-skid braking systems from Goodrich Corporation. GE Aviation’s combined systems make it the largest non-partner equipment supplier to the X-47B.

John Hahn, site leader for GE Aviation said, “We’ve had outstanding support from Northrop Grumman. Their involvement, along with the combined expertise of GE Aviation teams from Santa Ana and Duarte, CA, Cincinnati, OH and Yakima, WA contributed to the successful execution of this program. We have a genuine team effort within GE and with our customer."


Source: General Electric Co.

 

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GE38 Sets Horsepower Record in Early Testing
United States of America, 6 October 2009

LYNN, Massachusetts – The GE38 turboshaft engine recently exceeded required power for the CH-53K heavy-lift helicopter that Sikorsky Aircraft is developing for the U.S. Marine Corps (USMC), reaching 7,300 shaft-horsepower and establishing a shaft-horsepower record for the GE-Lynn facility.

“The GE38 continues to meet or exceed customer expectations as the first engine to test (FETT) reaches the midpoint of its test cycle,” said Harry Nahatis, GE38 program manager. “In addition to reaching the significant shaft-horsepower milestone, the control system has operated well, and vibrations have stayed within predicted limits.”

The GE38 FETT, which is scheduled to complete testing this year, has accumulated data on more than 600 parameters, including pressures, temperature and vibrations. Testing following the FETT phase will focus on engine durability, altitude performance and environmental compatibility

GE ushered in a new era of helicopter propulsion on June 24, when first full engine testing began. Selected in December 2006 to power the CH-53K helicopter for the USMC, the GE38 represents the cornerstone for a new turboshaft/turboprop engine family, with a revenue potential of more than $4 billion including heavy-lift applications.

Testing of the GE38 is expected to run through 2011, concurrent with a full U.S. military qualification test program. This testing, conducted under a System Development and Demonstration (SDD) program contract, includes five ground-test engines that will accumulate more than 5,000 engine test hours, plus 20 flight-test engines for the CH-53K development aircraft.

GE38 architecture is updated with new aerodynamic features for more efficient operation, plus improved cooling schemes and materials for added durability. In addition, fuel consumption is substantially lower than that of other engines in its power class (7,500 shp) for longer range and/or heavier payloads.
GE Aviation, an operating unit of General Electric Company (NYSE: GE), is a world-leading provider of jet engines, components and integrated systems for commercial and military aircraft. GE Aviation has a global service network to support these offerings.

Source: General Electric Co.


U.S. Marine Corps CH-53K heavy-lift helicopter concept image

 

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MBDA Scores Direct Hit in Moving Target Demo of Zuni Rocket
United States of America, 6 October 2009

WESTLAKE VILLAGE, Calif. --- MBDA Incorporated today announced the successful demonstration of a Semi-Active Laser Guided Zuni rocket against a moving target at the Navy's test facilities at China Lake, CA. This firing comes after a successful shot against a static target in May of this year. The WGU-58/B Guidance and Control System developed in cooperation with the Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division (NAWCWD) provides the Zuni weapon precision accuracy.

Jim Pennock, Vice President of Guided Rocket Sector Business Development at MBDA Incorporated said "The WGU-58/B Guidance and Control system gives fixed wing aviators the ability to rapidly and accurately engage a moving target in close proximity to friendly forces. We are confident in the system's ability to precisely engage moving targets and we demonstrated it today."

The Zuni is fired from the LAU-10 launcher, which is a pod that is carried on a fighter aircraft's weapon station. The pod is designed to carry and fire four Zuni rockets. This gives the aircraft an immediate increase in the number of targets that it can engage giving it more capability than comparable semi-active laser guided weapons which are limited to one or two per weapon station.

The high speed profile of the weapon will permit tactical aircraft using existing targeting pods to rapidly and accurately engage a target while staying outside the range of an enemy's weapons. The WGU-58/B Guidance and Control system can provide an immediate precision guided weapon capability to any aircraft capable of carrying the LAU-10 pod.


Source: MBDA

 

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Aerojet Successfully Tests Lightweight Kill Vehicle Divert Thruster
United States of America, 6 October 2009

SACRAMENTO, Calif. --- Aerojet, a GenCorp company, announced today that the company has successfully tested a bi-propellant liquid rocket divert thruster applicable to the Early Intercept Divert and Attitude Control System (DACS). Both altitude and sea level tests were conducted as a risk reduction effort for the Early Intercept DACS.

Early Intercept is being developed as part of the Missile Defense Agency's Ballistic Missile Defense System to rapidly respond to the growing ballistic missile threat. The successful test highlights Aerojet's leading role in providing reliable propulsion solutions for both MDA and U.S. military services. "This test is a further testament to the innovation and reliability of Aerojet's propulsion products," said Aerojet's Vice President of Defense Systems, Bregard.

Aerojet supports the next generation of sea- and land-based U.S. missile defense capabilities by providing reliable, low-risk propulsion technologies. In addition to the current production of the Exo-Atmospheric Vehicle (EKV) DACS, the MK 72 and MK 104 rocket motors and Terminal High Altitude Air Defense (THAAD) boosters, Aerojet is developing the solid rocket Throttleable Divert and Attitude Control Systems (TDACS) for SM-3 Blocks IB and IIA, the planned missile variant upgrades to the current SM-3 Block IA.


Source: Aerojet

 

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Global Strike Command leader updates progress
United States of America, 7 October 2009

WASHINGTON -- Air Force Global Strike Command's top officer provided an update on the command's progress toward full operational capability during a speech at the Capitol Hill Club here Oct. 2.

Lt. Gen. Frank G. Klotz, the AFGSC commander, outlined the progress in bringing online the first new major command in decades since its official stand up Aug. 7, describing the mission as one part of a multiprong strategy to refocus the Air Force on one of its top priorities: the nuclear enterprise.

"The Air Force has been and will always be a service that operates at the leading edge of technology," General Klotz said. "(The) legacy of service and sacrifice has continued beyond the Cold War, and is still vitally important in winning today's fight and preparing for tomorrow's challenges."

Air Force Global Strike Command's fundamental mission is to provide safe, secure, reliable and effective forces for nuclear deterrence and global strike operations in support of combatant commanders and the president.

"As important as other defense priorities may be ... there is none more important than our special trust and responsibility for nuclear weapons," General Klotz said. "If there is one unchanging, immutable truth it is that nuclear weapons demand our constant and undivided attention."

The general said progress has been swift in building AFGSC into a full-fledged major command headquarters. The initial manpower cadre of more than 275 permanent and temporary commissioned and noncommissioned officers at Barksdale Air Force Base, La., will be dedicated to working hundreds of action items "with all eyes firmly fixed on the upcoming assumption of the (intercontinental ballistic missile) and bomber missions," General Klotz said.

The general affirmed the command's commitment to providing robust advocacy for current and future bomber capabilities in the conventional as well as the nuclear realm.

"This new command reflects the Air Force's firm and unshakeable conviction that strategic nuclear deterrence and global strike operations are a special trust and responsibility," General Klotz said. "We are determined to do it absolutely right."

The ICBM mission transfer Dec. 1 will add approximately 8,000 personnel and stewardship of 450 Minuteman III missiles located at F. E. Warren AFB, Wyo., Malmstrom AFB, Mont., and Minot AFB, N.D., to the command. On Feb. 1, the nuclear-capable bomber mission transfer will add another 12,000 personnel and three bomb wings, flying both B-2 Spirits (at Whiteman AFB, Mo.) and B-52 Stratofortresses (at Barksdale AFB, La., and Minot AFB.).

The command continues toward obtaining full operational capability and by next summer will have approximately 900 people at the headquarters and nearly 23,000 across six wings at five installations, plus two geographically separated squadrons. Those two squadrons are the 576th Flight Test Squadron at Vandenberg AFB, Calif., for the ICBM test, and the 625th Strategic Operations Squadron at Offutt AFB, Neb., for targeting analysis.

AFGSC officials will also assume lead command responsibility for the UH-1N Huey helicopter, with a focus on replacing the platform with one more suitable to the post-9/11 requirements of providing security to the fielded ICBM force.

The general also discussed the complementary missions of bombers and nuclear missiles.

"The ICBM force contributes immeasurably to both deterrence and perhaps more importantly, to stability in a crisis," the general said. He described the 20th Air Force's ICBMs, as "...the most responsive to national leadership, continuously on alert, and deployed in 450 widely dispersed locations.

"The size and characteristics of the overall Minuteman III force presents any potential adversary with an almost insurmountable challenge," the general said.

The general also characterized the 8th Air Force's B-52 and B-2 forces as "critically important because of their great flexibility and versatility ... and absolutely essential to strategic nuclear deterrence."

He noted that the two types of bombers have mutually reinforcing complementary capabilities: The B-52 provides unique stand-off capabilities and the B-2s have prowess in attacking heavily defended targets.

 

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Airmen, aircraft showcase wing capabilities during air show
United States of America, 7 October 2009

ANDERSEN AIR FORCE BASE, Guam -- Airmen throughout the wing banded together during the Team Andersen Air Show '09 held Oct. 7 here held to showcase 36th Wing capabilities to more than 20,000 local community members.

The air show was originally cancelled due to tropical storm Melor, but wing leadership rescheduled the air show, giving Guam the gift of the U.S. Air Force's premier aerial demonstration team, the Thunderbirds.

"I wanted to let everyone know the Thunderbirds are back!" exclaimed Brig. Gen. Phil Ruhlman, 36th Wing commander, in his opening statement to local media members during a press conference Oct. 6 on the flightline.

The Thunderbirds arrived here Oct. 5 to headline the air show. The Thunderbirds were formed in 1953 and have been performing air shows worldwide for more than five decades.

"[Seeing the Thunderbirds] makes me want to be a pilot," said Cherish Cruz, a resident of Yigo, Guam, who attended the half-day festivities.

Though the Thunderbirds were the star attraction at the air show, they weren't the only aircraft to take to the skies. The air show featured a B-52 Stratofortress fly-by, a C-17 Globemaster III aerial demo and a joint demo featuring a Navy MH-60 Knighthawk and members of the 554th RED HORSE Squadron.

Andersen's flightline was also peppered with several aircraft static displays - a KC-135 Stratotanker, a C-17 Globemaster III and F-22 Raptors, the Air Force's benchmark for fighter aircraft.

Seeing the aircraft, especially the F-22 up close delighted Ray Santos, a local firefighter, and his eight-year-old son, R.J., who was attending his very first air show.

"We were very happy to be afforded the opportunity to come on base, [view] the aircraft and even get underneath it," Mr. Santos said. "It's not every day that you hide from the rain underneath the wing of a C-17. It was a big experience for the two of us. He saw [the F-22] in the movie Transformers. Now he gets to look at it from twenty feet away."

While the aircraft in the air and on the ground garnered the most attention, Airmen from other squadrons played visible roles. Some Airmen sold T-shirts or food in support of their squadron booster clubs while others showcased Andersen's non-aerial capabilities in demonstrations and displays, including the military working dog handlers and the 644th Combat Communications Squadron.

"The public generally thinks of the Air Force as a bunch of people who fly planes when in fact we do a lot more," said Senior Airman Seth Runyon, 644th CBCS network technician. "One of those aspects is being able to provide communications anywhere in the world. It's great to show the community the other things the Air Force can do, especially the people in Combat Comm."

ANDERSEN AIR FORCE BASE, Guam – The U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds world renown Delta Formation flies by the audience attending the Team Andersen Air Show '09 "Airpower over the Marianas" here on Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, Oct. 7. The U.S. Air Force's aerial demonstration team, the Thunderbirds, were one of four aerial demonstration teams to perform for the audience.

ANDERSEN AIR FORCE BASE, Guam - Thunderbird F-16's fly in formation over Andersen AFB, Guam, Oct. 7, 2009.

ANDERSEN AIR FORCE BASE, Guam - Thunderbird F-16's fly in Diamond Formation over Andersen AFB, Guam, Oct. 7.

ANDERSEN AIR FORCE BASE, Guam - A C-17 Globemaster III from Hickham Air Force Base, Hawaii, performs an aerial demonstration Oct. 7 during the Team Andersen Air Show '09 "Air Power over the Marianas." The large Pacific Air Forces aircraft is knowing for its capability of taking off in short distances.

ANDERSEN AIR FORCE BASE, Guam - A Navy MH-60S Knighthawk from the Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron-Two Five hovers over Andersen AFB's air field, Oct. 7. The Kighthawk was one of four aerial displays that participated in the Team Anderson Air Show '09 "Air Power over the Marianas." The Knighthawk crew airlifted Airmen from the 554th RED HORSE Squadron to their insertion point allowing the Airmen to conduct a fast rope demonstration.

ANDERSEN AIR FORCE BASE, Guam - Airmen from the 554th RED HORSE Squadron fast rope out of a MH-60S Knighthawk helicopter from Navy's Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron-Two Five during the Team Andersen Air Show ‘09 "Air Power over the Marianas" Oct. 7, 2009. The technique is used to access areas where helicopters or other aircraft can’t land.

 

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BAE Systems Awarded U.S. Army AMCOM Contract for Up-Armored HIMARS Cabs
United States of America, 7 October 2009

HOUSTON, Texas | BAE Systems announced today the award of a $13.97 million contract from the Army Aviation and Missile Life Cycle Management Command (AMCOM), to manufacture 64 Increased Crew Protection (ICP) cab upgrade kits for the High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS). The contract also includes 65 cab up-armor applique kits and spares.

The ICP cabs and appliqu kits will replace unarmored cabs on Army and U.S. Marine Corps HIMARS vehicles, and they will be produced and completed in Sealy, Texas by October 2010. It is based on the combat proven Family of Medium Tactical Vehicles (FMTV) built by BAE Systems. Serving as the common manufacturer for the FMTV and HIMARS system chassis, BAE Systems offers the Army and Marine Corps the ability to apply technology, parts commonality and lessons learned across the two platforms.

"This cab provides a new level of crew protection for soldiers and Marines and ensures they maintain a high level of tactical mobility," said Dennis Morris, president of Global Tactical Systems, BAE Systems. "This upgrade represents BAE Systems' support of the HIMARS program and our ability to modernize and upgrade the existing HIMARS fleet."

A unique design to BAE Systems, the HIMARS ICP cab is armored and has more than 40 enhancements from previous cab designs to make it the safest, most reliable chassis available for HIMARS crews. The ICP is designed to protect its crew from ballistic attack, mine blast, foreign object debris, and the fumes associated with rocket launch. Key enhancements include: improved crew survivability, hatch and door ergonomics, cab entry and exit, pressurization and water entry sealing. Composite materials were used to meet mission essential transportability requirements.

BAE Systems has produced the HIMARS platform since its introduction in 2003. HIMARS is a rocket and missile carrier that accommodates the entire family of Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS) munitions, including all variants of the Guided MLRS rocket and Army Tactical Missile System missiles.

Source: BAE Systems

File Photo: The High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) firing ATACMS missiles. HIMARS fires entire suite of MLRS munitions from RRPR to 300km ATACMS.

File Photo: Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System (GMLRS), nicknamed the '70km Sniper'. GMLRS is an all-weather, precision strike, artillery rocket system.

 

[BLACK_COBRA]

US 'bunker buster' bomb to be ready soon: Pentagon

WASHINGTON: The Pentagon said on Wednesday a giant "bunker buster" bomb will be ready within months, adding a powerful weapon to the US arsenal amid tensions over Iran's nuclear program.

The 30,000-pound massive ordnance penetrator (MOP) is designed to knock out fortified sites buried deep underground, like those used by Iran and North Korea to protect its nuclear work.

"It is under development right now and should be deployable in the coming months," press secretary Geoff Morrell told reporters.

The defense department had said in August it wanted to speed up production plans for the super bomb, asking Congress to shift funds to the project.

Congress approved the request and the Pentagon announced on Friday it awarded McDonnell Douglas Corporation a 51.9-million-dollar contract to enable B-2 aircraft to carry the enormous MOP.

The bomb, which holds 5,300 pounds of explosives, is designed "to defeat hardened facilities used by hostile states to protect weapons of mass destruction," Morrell said.

But he declined to comment whether the weapon's development was in response to Iran's disputed nuclear program.

"I don't think anybody can divine potential targets or anything of that nature. This is just a capability that we think is necessary given the world we live in these days," he said.

"The reality is that the world we live in is one in which there are people who seek to build weapons of mass destruction and they seek to do so in a clandestine fashion."

The United States has refused to rule out military action against Iran if diplomacy fails though President Barack Obama's administration has played down the possibility.

Defense secretary Robert Gates said last month that a military strike against Iran would only "buy time" and delay a nuclear weapons program by about one to three years.

The earth-penetrating MOP is often cited as a potential weapon to take out Iran's underground centrifuge facilities in Natanz.

Iran admitted last month it had been building a new uranium enrichment plant near the holy city of Qom, sparking international outrage. In subsequent talks with world powers, Tehran has adopted a more conciliatory stance and agreed to UN inspections of the new plant.

In an earlier request to Congress, the Pentagon comptroller had cited an "urgent operational need" to develop a weapon against buried targets in "high threat environments," ABC television news reported.

The request for the MOP was backed by US Pacific Command, which oversees an area that includes North Korea, and Central Command, which covers the Middle East, including Iran, it said.

Aerospace giant Boeing manufactures the MOP, which could become the biggest conventional bomb ever used by the US military.

US 'bunker buster' bomb to be ready soon: Pentagon - US - World - The Times of India