Replicator offers use case for defense budget reform, panel says

On the same subject

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  May 20, 2020 | International, Aerospace

  USAF Opens Bidding Phase Of B-52 Re-Engine Competition

  Steve Trimble May 20, 2020 The U.S. Air Force has kicked off a three-way competition to re-engine the entire 76-aircraft B-52 fleet from 2021 to 2035. The request for proposals (RFP) released on May 19 invites bids from GE Aviation, Pratt & Whitney and Rolls-Royce to supply 608 engines to replace each of the eight, 60-year-old, 16,000 lb.-thrust P&W TF33 turbofans on the heavy bomber. GE can choose between the CF34 or Passport engine or offer both. P&W has proposed the PW800. Rolls-Royce will offer a military version of the BR.725. The Air Force RFP lays out a two-step selection process. In step one, companies must submit “virtual” prototypes of their engine, meaning a digital design with integrated models for manufacturing, performance and sustainment. Step 2 calls for the traditional engine source selection process, which will be informed by the data from the virtual prototypes and an integration risk analysis completed in the first step. The Air Force has said the TF33 engines that now power the B-52 cannot be sustained practically beyond 2030. The Cold War jet, meanwhile, is expected to continue operating beyond 2050, outliving the B-2 and B-1B fleets scheduled for retirement in the 2030s. Armed with a new class of hypersonic and long-range missiles, including the nuclear Long-Range Stand-Off Weapon, the B-52 will perform the standoff mission, while the B-21 penetrates into contested airspace. https://aviationweek.com/defense-space/aircraft-propulsion/usaf-opens-bidding-phase-b-52-re-engine-competition

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  February 11, 2021 | International, Land

  Oshkosh announces production of its 10,000th JLTV

  Feb. 9 (UPI) -- Oshkosh Defense recently produced its 10,000th Joint Light Tactical Vehicle -- more than half it's orders for the vehicle -- the company announced Tuesday. Oshkosh officials pointed to the JLTV becoming a central piece of the U.S. military's ground force, as both the Army and Marine Corps plan to adopt the vehicle, as making the milestone significant. Oshkosh Defense has received orders for 18,126 JLTVs for a total contract value of more than $6 billion. "Producing the 10,000th JLTV in under five years is further evidence of our ability to meet the demands of our domestic and international customers," George Mansfield, vice president and general manager of joint programs for Oshkosh Defense, said in a press release. The JLTV was developed by the U.S. Marine Corps and the Army to replace the Marines' aging fleet of Humvees. The vehicle includes variants with multiple mission package configurations, including packages for personnel, heavy guns and close combat weapons. The first contract for JLTVs was awarded in 2015 and the first orders were placed in 2016. In addition to outfitting the United States with JLTVs, Oshkosh has received orders for the vehicles from overseas allies and partners including, Britain, Belgium, Montenegro, Slovenia, Lithuania, Brazil, and North Macedonia. https://www.upi.com/Defense-News/2021/02/09/Oshkosh-announces-production-of-its-10000th-JLTV/4471612895785/

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  October 29, 2023 | International, Aerospace, C4ISR

  Turkey F-16 sale not a done deal, even with Sweden’s NATO bid on track

  At least two key U.S. lawmakers have not committed to greenlighting the Turkey F-16 sale, citing concerns beyond Sweden's NATO accession.