August 31, 2023 | International, C4ISR
NATO to test 5G capabilities in Latvia with virtual reality, drones
The technology is on the rise in military applications, promising faster data transfer and better security than the 4G standard.
February 5, 2020 | International, Naval
Navy awards a $178M contract to update GPS systems
By: Nathan Strout
The Naval Information Warfare Center Pacific has awarded Booz Allen Hamilton a $178 million contract for to modernize GPS systems in partnership with the Air Force's Space and Missile Systems Center, the company reported Jan. 24.
The Naval Information Warfare Center heads the Navy's research, development, and engineering efforts for space systems, and its Positioning, Navigation and Timing Division oversees research and development for the service's navigation sensors and systems.
Under the contract, Booz Allen will support the modernization of the GPS architecture, specifically through programs such as Military GPS User Equipment, GPS III and the Next Generation Operational Control System. In other words, the company will help the Navy and Air Force modernize all three segments of the GPS enterprise, from the user terminal to the ground system to the new GPS III satellites. Booz Allen will provide system definition, requirements synchronization, capability improvement, cybersecurity engineering, platform integration and testing and acquisition program management.
The contract comes at a key moment for GPS, with the first GPS III satellite on orbit and online and the military working to ensure that ground systems are capable of fully interacting with and utilizing the new satellites' more advanced features, including increased accuracy and stronger anti-jamming capabilities. While the Next Generation Operational Control System being custom built to work with the GPS III satellites is years behind its original schedule, the Air Force has contract with Lockheed Martin to provide a contingency operations software update that allows the current ground segment to work with the new, more advanced satellites.
According to a Jan. 30 report from the Pentagon's Director of Operational Test and Evaluation, slips in scheduling to all three segments of the GPS enterprise have caused testing delays. Those delays, especially to the user segment, could lead to integration issues for those platforms developed to rely on GPS.
“The Air Force has improved the GPS Enterprise schedule by addressing schedule and performance risks; however, articulation of program risks with stakeholders continues to be incomplete, increasing the probability of unmitigated risks causing further program problems and delays,” the report warned.
The Air Force plans to conduct operational testing of the enterprise in 2020.
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June 26, 2019 | International, Aerospace
Safran to continue supporting UK MOD Merlin and Apache helicopter engines
Safran Helicopter Engines has signed a three-year support contract extension with the UK Ministry of Defence's Defence Equipment and Support agency, to provide an end-to-end availability service for the RTM322 engines fitted to Royal Navy Merlin and British Army Apache AH Mk1 helicopters. Covering a fleet of more than 400 engines, the contract represents a continuation of the support provided by Safran for this engine type since 2013, when they bought out Rolls-Royce's share of the RTM322. Since then, Safran has significantly improved engine reliability and can now boast more than four years of significantly exceeding availability targets for engines, accessories and spare parts. Safran Helicopter Engines manages this contract from its UK facility in Fareham, Hampshire with more than 40 people on site directly involved. The contract covers the provision of engines, modules, accessories and spares, including maintenance, repair and overhaul, logistics, technical support and technical publications. It runs until 31st March 2022 with additional option years to 2024. Air Vice-Marshal Graham Russell, Director Helicopters at the UK MOD's Defence Equipment and Support Organisation, commented: "Safran Helicopter Engines has provided highly capable, reliable and responsive support to our fleet of RTM322 engines during the previous contract, consistently delivering high levels of engine availability. Consequently, we are very pleased to have signed this extension to the contract which will ensure continued effective support to the front line." Franck Saudo, Safran Helicopter Engines CEO, said, "We're delighted to be awarded this contract extension. It shows a high level of confidence from the UK MOD in our engine solutions and in our teams. We are committed to earn that trust by providing them with a high level of service, as they prepare to deploy these helicopters aboard the UK's new aircraft carriers." https://www.safran-helicopter-engines.com/media/safran-continue-supporting-uk-mod-merlin-and-apache-helicopter-engines-20190624
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October 27, 2024 | International, Aerospace
France, Germany to hammer out next steps for delay-prone FCAS warplane
A top French acquisition official stresses the aircraft's envisioned role in nuclear deterrence.