Space Force to upgrade sensors for in-orbit testing, training

On the same subject

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  September 21, 2020 | International, Aerospace, C4ISR

  Why Did Boeing Opt To Fully Redesign The KC-46 Remote Vision System?

  Lee Hudson Why did Boeing opt to fully redesign the vision system on the KC-46 instead of using the Royal Netherlands Air Force KDC-10's reliable and proven technology? Aviation Week Pentagon Editor Lee Hudson answers: The Netherlands' Organization for Applied Scientific Research, Physics and Electronics Laboratory designed the Tanker Remote Vision System in 2006 for the McDonnell Douglas KDC-10. It is used on two tankers that serve in both tanking and transporting missions. The technology supports inflight refueling operators by providing a picture of the air-to-air tanking process, even in bad visual conditions. Boeing was unable to use the KDC-10 Tanker Remote Vision System (TRVS) because the technology does not meet U.S. Air Force requirements for the KC-46. The 1980s design does not support covert aerial refueling missions or operate in all lighting and background conditions. Boeing says that is why it opted to build a system featuring high-resolution cameras, display and processing capability. Some critics believe the Air Force and Boeing would both be better off if the remote vision system outfitting the KC-46 adopted pieces of the TRVS, given the new aircraft has experienced years of delays and cost overruns. Boeing took a $551 million charge in the first quarter because of changes agreed to by both the company and the Air Force in April for the KC-46 Remote Vision System (RVS). The redesign includes high-definition color cameras, updated displays and computing systems. The problem with the initial RVS design is what the Air Force called a “rubber sheet” effect that distorts the image on the visual display used by the boom operator during refueling. To date, Boeing has taken more than $4 billion in charges for the problem-plagued tanker. This is roughly the same amount the company was willing to pay for Embraer's commercial aircraft division before it walked away from that deal. https://aviationweek.com/defense-space/aircraft-propulsion/why-did-boeing-opt-fully-redesign-kc-46-remote-vision-system

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  June 13, 2024 | International, Security

  Why SaaS Security is Suddenly Hot: Racing to Defend and Comply

  Are your third-party SaaS risks under control? Discover the four-step process to secure your SaaS ecosystem.

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  July 24, 2020 | International, Aerospace

  BAE Systems Receives $33 Million Contract to Produce Long Range Artillery Guidance System

  July 22, 2020 - BAE Systems has received a $33 million multi-year contract from the U.S. Army to further develop its Long Range Precision Guidance Kit (LR-PGK) for 155mm artillery shells, enabling the Army to conduct long range precision strikes in challenging electromagnetic environments. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200722005518/en/ LR-PGK is a critical program in the Army's 155mm Extended Range Cannon Artillery (ERCA) munitions suite, designed to deliver accurate, lethal fires at greater ranges than near-peer adversaries. The BAE Systems solution builds on proven, mature technology, offering greater performance than current guidance kits through increased maneuverability and an incorporated anti-jam capability. “We're helping the Army meet its precision strike objectives with this critical long range artillery capability,” said John Watkins, vice president of Precision Strike at BAE Systems. “Our experience in precision guidance, rugged electronics, and artillery platforms has helped us develop a kit that improves mission effectiveness.” Under the new contract, BAE Systems will produce a series of LR-PGK fuzes for live-fire testing, further validating the solution and demonstrating its accuracy and reliability in challenging battlefield conditions. Prior to the award, BAE Systems successfully demonstrated the LR-PGK capability and performance at Yuma Proving Ground in September 2019. The company committed significant investment to deliver on the Army's modernization goals by intentionally designing the LR-PGK's modular architecture for low-cost production and upgradeability. LR-PGK is one of several BAE Systems programs that support Long Range Precision Fires, one of the U.S. Army's top modernization priorities. In addition to designing and manufacturing the M109 family of Self-Propelled Howitzers, BAE Systems has developed and delivered guidance systems for precision munitions for decades and is a major supplier of artillery round explosives and propellants. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200722005518/en/