September 24, 2024 | International, Land
Lithuania and Northrop Grumman unite for ammo production - Army Technology
Lithuania and Northrop Grumman have entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at promoting industrial cooperation.
July 6, 2018 | International, Aerospace
Study finds these gaps in Army’s small unit counter-drone capabilities
Army units at and below the battalion level are unprepared to defeat aerial drones and current plans can't keep up with rapidly evolving technology, according to a recent study.
Back in 2016, the Army Research Office asked an outside organization, The National Academies of Science, Engineering and Medicine, to evaluate their counter drone capabilities for battalion and below operations.
The report they published earlier this year notes some significant gaps and threats to soldiers with this technology.
“Contrary to the past, when U.S. warfighters may have found (improvised explosive devices), now the IEDs will find our warfighters,” according to the report.
While the Army and Marine Corps, which also included representatives in the study, are throwing resources at the small drone problem, they are not keeping pace with the threat.
“Army time frames are significantly out of sync with the rapidly advancing performance capabilities of individual (small Unmanned Aerial Systems) and teams of sUASs,” according to the report.
The report noted that most of the service's counter drone asset work was focused on heavy vehicle platforms or on fixed sites, which leaves smaller units most likely to first encounter the threat more exposed.
“Significant quantities of man-portable” counter-drone systems have been fielded, Army spokesman Maj. Chris Ophardt told Army Times in an email. The Army will continue to pursue those capabilities based on emerging threats.
Based on his response, which did not include details of capabilities, the Army is pursuing other ways to defeat drones. A large portion of the study was classified, due to operational security concerns.
“Future Army C-UAS systems will encompass a variety of potential platforms to include fixed, mobile, and Soldier-portable capabilities,” Ophardt wrote.
But beyond the types of systems employed, what they're targeting or attacking also came under fire in the report.
The Army and other branches have invested significantly in counter-drone technology, “often focusing on detecting radio frequency transmissions and GPS signals of individual sUASs. However, today's consumer and customized sUASs can increasingly operate without radio frequency (command and control) links.”
Drones now available can use automated target recognition, tracking, obstacle avoidance and other software-enabled activities instead of traditional RF and GPS.
Ophardt did not divulge specifics of how the Army is addressing this, but responded that the service's counter drone capabilities, “include multiple methods in order to detect, identify and defeat enemy UAS.”
A new school began last month at Fort Benning, Georgia to give basic trainees familiarity with small drones. The drone school gives infantry and scouts the ability to fill out a seven-line report when they encounter a drone then relay that info to their headquarters.
The students use both fixed-wing and helicopter small drones. They also learn defensive tactics such as how to use dispersal and hiding tactics to minimize casualties from drone-coordinated fires, according to an Army release.
Those introductory tactics can help even brand-new soldiers start thinking about how to deal with drone threats.
But, at the same time, the low-level tactics currently used for counter drone work have tried to use “kinetic effects,” basically shooting down the drone by interfering with its signals or overheating its circuits.
The report noted that method isn't practical on a wide scale for large numbers of troops, especially dismounted units.
That path only adds more gear from the equipment to the batteries, to an already overloaded soldier, not to mention the “cognitive load” of training and using another piece of equipment, according to the report.
Ophardt responded that the Army's counter-drone strategy included “multiple methods” to detect, identify and defeat” enemy drones.
The major provided a similar response when asked about Army efforts at counter-drone tactics, capabilities against swarming drones and collaboratively acting drone groups, which the report remarks will be more prevalent and sophisticated as soon as 2025.
Report authors urge Army leaders to adjust their timelines for matching tech development, which are woefully inadequate for the exponential changes in software, hardware and drone capabilities.
Current Army time frames consider near-term planning to run from now until 2025; mid-term planning in the 2026 to 2035 window and far-term at the 2036 to 2050.
Those efforts mirror vehicle acquisition strategy timelines, not the drone arena.
The report pushes for a near-term planning of one to two years, mid-term at the three- to five-year level and far term in drone tech at the six- to eight-year range.
The advances are happening so quickly, authors point out, that it is “impossible to predict performance capabilities beyond eight years.”
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January 25, 2021 | International, Aerospace, Naval, Land, C4ISR, Security
Contract Awards by US Department of Defense - January 21, 2021
AIR FORCE Northrop Grumman, San Diego, California, has been awarded a $3,600,000,000 indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for Battlefield Airborne Communications Node (BACN) operations, sustainment and support. This contract provides for research, development, test, and evaluation, integration and operations and sustainment for existing and future payloads contained in or connected to the BACN system and associated ground stations or controls, ancillary equipment, support equipment and system integration laboratories. Work will be performed in San Diego, California, and overseas locations, and is expected to be completed by Jan. 24, 2026. Fiscal 2021 operation and maintenance funds in the amount of $23,673,035 are being obligated with the initial task order, FA8726-21-F-0023, at the time of award. The Air Force Life Cycle Management Center, Hanscom Air Force Base, Massachusetts, is the contracting activity (FA8726-21-D-0001). DEFENSE INTELLIGENCE AGENCY Jones Lang LaSalle Americas Inc., Chicago, Illinois, was awarded a $45,000,000 firm-fixed-price blanket purchase agreement (HHM402-21-A-0002) to provide the Defense Intelligence Agency with furniture products and services. Work will be performed in the National Capital Region, with an expected completion date of Jan. 18, 2026. Fiscal 2021 operation and maintenance funds in the amount of $616,166 are being obligated at time of award. The Virginia Contracting Activity, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity. NAVY Black Construction/Mace International JV,* Harmon Industrial Park, Harmon, Guam, is awarded a $28,877,806 firm-fixed-price task order (N40084-21-F-4134) under previously-awarded design-build/design-bid-build, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity unrestricted multiple-award construction contract N40084-18-D-0066 to perform various repairs to deep-draft wharf infrastructure at Naval Support Facility (NSF), Diego Garcia. Work to be performed includes demolition of seven wharf fender standoff panels (FSOPs) and replacement of 24 FSOPs, including pile supports; replacement of broken/missing timber fender piles at the north end of the wharf; replacement of steel ladders; repair of concrete deck and sub-structure, including concrete slab replacement, crack sealing and paint striping; repair of cathodic protection, mooring hardware and pedestal/foundation cracks; repair of high mast lighting; providing additional lighting to meet current design criteria; and demolition and replacement of above-ground ductile iron water lines along the wharf edge where it interferes with FSOP work. Work will be performed at NSF Diego Garcia, British Indian Ocean Territory, and is expected to be completed by September 2023. Fiscal 2021 operation and maintenance (Navy) funds in the amount of $28,877,806 will be obligated at time of award and will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Two proposals were received for this task order. The Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command Far East, Diego Garcia, is the contracting activity. Conflict Kinetics Corp., Sterling, Virginia, is awarded a $28,164,522 single-award, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract that will include terms and conditions for the placement of firm-fixed-price task orders for the procurement of Tactical Ocular Reaction Area™ (TORA™) small arms simulator support services to include on-site hardware; software and contracted information technology system security; air compressors; replacement equipment; and software modifications/software warranty as needed for all TORA™ simulators in support of Naval Expeditionary Combat Command within the continental U.S. and outside the continental U.S. locations. The contract will include a five-year ordering period with no options. The ordering period is expected to begin January 2021 and be completed by January 2026. Work will be performed in Williamsburg, Virginia (15%); Virginia Beach, Virginia (15%); Gulfport, Mississippi (15%); San Diego, California (15%); Port Hueneme, California (15%); Newport, Rhode Island (7%); Jacksonville, Florida (7%); Seal Beach, California (7%); and Guam (4%). Fiscal 2021 operation and maintenance (Navy) funds in the amount of $1,000 will be obligated to fund the contract's minimum amount and funds will expire at the end of the fiscal year. Individual task orders will be subsequently funded with appropriate fiscal year appropriations at the time of their issuance. One source was solicited for this non-competitive, sole-source requirement pursuant to the authority set forth in 10 U.S. Code 2304(c)(1) in accordance with Federal Acquisition Regulation 6.302-1, with one offer received. The Naval Supply Systems Command Fleet Logistics Center, Norfolk, Contracting Department, Norfolk, Virginia, is the contracting activity (N00189-21-D-0005). San Juan-Black & Veatch International Ltd. JV,* Montrose, Colorado, is awarded a $23,145,586 task order (N40084-21-F-4131) under previously awarded, firm-fixed-price, design-build/design-bid-build, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity, unrestricted multiple-award construction contract (N40084-18-D-0068) to provide long-term repairs to the north parking apron, Phase I, at Naval Support Facility (NSF), Diego Garcia. The work to be performed will provide long-term repairs to the north parking apron at NSF Diego Garcia, including demolishing existing concrete pavement and replacing with new 330 mm-thick portland cement concrete pavement complete with joints, dowels and sealants; removing cement-treated base and sub-base, replacing or reusing excavated material and re-grading/compacting to recommended design elevation; scarifying, re-grading and compacting existing subgrade; providing tie-down moorings and static grounding points; repairing/repaving parking apron cement-treated shoulders; and providing airfield markings. Work will be performed at NSF Diego Garcia, British Indian Ocean Territory, and is expected to be completed by May 2022. Fiscal 2021 operation and maintenance (Navy) funds in the amount of $23,145,586 will be obligated at time of award and will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Two proposals were received for this task order. The Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command, Far East, Diego Garcia, is the contracting activity. DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY Kampi Components Inc.,* Fairless Hills, Pennsylvania, has been awarded a maximum $26,650,143 firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for valves and valve accessories. This was a sole-source acquisition using justification 10 U.S. Code 2304 (c)(1), as stated in Federal Acquisition Regulation 6.302.1. This is a three-year base contract with one one-year option period that is being awarded with the base. Locations of performance are Pennsylvania and California, with a Jan. 18, 2025, performance completion date. Using military service is Navy. Type of appropriation is fiscal 2021 through 2025 defense working capital funds. The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Land and Maritime, Columbus, Ohio (SPE7MX-21-D-0044). Woodward HRT Inc., Santa Clarita, California, has been awarded a maximum $9,662,562 firm-fixed-price contract for F-15 rotary vane assemblies. This was a sole-source acquisition using justification 10 U.S. Code 2304 (c)(1), as stated in Federal Acquisition Regulation 6.302-1. This is a one-year contract with no option periods. Location of performance is California, with an Apr. 1, 2025 ordering period end date. Type of appropriation is fiscal 2021 defense working capital funds. The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Aviation, Tinker Air Force Base, Oklahoma (SPRTA1-20-C-0006). ARMY Goodwill Industries of San Antonio Contract Services, San Antonio, Texas, was awarded a $17,454,530 modification (P00012) to contract W81K04-18-C-0002 to provide support to the Army, Air Force and Air National Guard, medical record processing and storage services. Work will be performed in San Antonio, Texas, with an estimated completion date of Jan. 25, 2022. Fiscal 2021 and 2022 Defense Health Program funds in the amount of $17,454,530 were obligated at the time of the award. U.S. Army Health Contracting Activity, San Antonio, Texas, is the contracting activity. Jacobs Engineering Group Inc., Tullahoma, Tennessee, was awarded a $9,238,191 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract to support field, chamber, laboratory and range developmental and operational testing at Dugway Proving Ground, Utah, and other locations. Bids were solicited via the internet with two received. Work will be performed in Dugway Proving Ground, Utah, with an estimated completion date of Dec. 28, 2025. Fiscal 2021 research, development, test and evaluation funds in the amount of $48,193 were obligated at the time of the award. U.S. Army 418th Contracting Support Brigade, Fort Hood, Texas, is the contracting activity (W91151-21-C-0006). *Small business https://www.defense.gov/Newsroom/Contracts/Contract/Article/2479160/source/GovDelivery/
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June 18, 2019 | International, Aerospace
Bourget 2019 : La vision du futur de MBDA
Par ehuberdeau Le missilier européen a imaginé plusieurs concepts d'armement qui pourraient être intégrés au sein des projets européens de futurs systèmes de combat aériens. Très connectés ces missiles et remote carriers devront pouvoir contrer des systèmes de dénis d'accès. En Europe continentale, comme au Royaume-Uni, les travaux de préparation de systèmes de combat aérien futurs avancent. Ceux ci mettront en réseau des avions de combat, des avions de mission, des moyens satellitaires, des drones et "remote carriers" mais aussi de l'armement. MBDA, spécialiste européen des missiles veut participer à ces développements et profite du salon du Bourget pour présenter des concepts innovants. Les missiles de croisière MBDA a imaginé deux concepts de missiles de croisière qui pourraient être opérationnels à l'horizon 2030 et pourraient donc être appliqués au programme FMAN/FMC (Futur missile de croisière et missile anti navires franco-britannique). Ces missiles bénéficieront de capacités de pénétration accrues par rapport aux systèmes actuels. Cette famille comprend deux concepts. D'une part un missile polyvalent supersonique et d'autre part un missile subsonique furtif. Le missile supersonique (Vitesse supérieure à mach 1) a été imaginé pour frapper principalement trois types de cibles : les centres de contrôle des systèmes de défense aérienne, les navires et les cibles aériennes de haute valeur tel que les ravitailleurs en vol et les avions de conduite et de commandement. Pour ces missions il sera nécessaire d'aller vite et d'être manoeuvrant. Le missile subsonique furtif a été pensé pour réaliser des frappes dans la profondeur. Il bénéficiera d'une grande endurance et emportera une charge militaire conséquente. Il pourra frapper notamment des cibles durcies. Les deux missiles auront un format comparable à celui du SCALP, soit environ cinq mètres de long pour une masse d'environ une tonne. Le missile pourra être emporté par un avion ou tiré depuis un navire. Le guidage ne dépendra pas du GPS et les missiles bénéficieront de portées de plusieurs centaines de kilomètres. Smart Glider/Smart Cruiser MBDA avait déjà présenté sa famille SmartGlider. Les SmartGlider sont des bombes planantes non propulsées, d'une portée de plus de 130 km, équipées d'un autodirecteur à capteurs multiples. Deux variantes ont été imaginées, une lourde de 1 200 kg et une légère de 120 kg. Cet armement met en œuvre l'intelligence artificielle. Des algorithmes devraient aider l'équipage à reconnaître sa cible et donc à être plus réactif. Une fois tirée, l'arme est conçue pour dialoguer avec l'appareil tireur durant l'ensemble de son vol. Les SmartGlider ont été conçues pour être utilisées en essaim. Avec trois points d'emport pour six armes, un Rafale pourrait emporter jusqu'à dix-huit bombes planantes SmartGlider Light. Plusieurs bombes peuvent donc être larguées en même temps pour mener une attaque saturante. Les SmartGlider pourront se coordonner en vol pour adopter des trajectoires complémentaires et perturber les défenses adverses. MBDA propose désormais aussi de développer une version propulsée de l'arme baptisée SmartCruiser. La charge militaire serait réduite mais la portée serait accrue. Remote carriers Le terme « remote carriers » désigne une large gamme de systèmes allant du missile connecté au drone de combat. MBDA propose deux effecteurs capable avant de frapper leur cible de réaliser une variété de missions. Celles-ci pourraient comprendre la reconnaissance, le renseignement ou encore la guerre électronique. Le RC 100 est un véhicule de 100 kg, le RC 200 un véhicule de 200 kg plus endurant et plus performant. Le RC 100 pourrait être intégré par le système Smart Launcher permettant d'emporter aussi des bombes SmartGlider. Un avion de combat pourrait donc lancer simultanément des bombes SmartGladier et un ou des RC 100. Le remote carrier pourrait ainsi participer à la désignation des cibles ou brouiller les systèmes de défense adverses pour améliorer l'efficacité du raid. Anti missile hardkill system Il s'agit ici d'un petit missile de un mètre de long, emporté par un chasseur, capable d'intercepter les missiles qui lui sont destinés. Sur un chasseur de prochaine génération, l'AHS pourrait être intégré directement dans la structure de l'appareil sur des lanceurs prévus à cet effet. Pour des appareils plus anciens il pourrait être emporté en nacelle. Le missile devra être intégré au système d'autoprotection de l'avion de combat et devra pouvoir être mis en œuvre sans perturber la manœuvre évasive du chasseur. https://www.air-cosmos.com/article/bourget-2019-la-vision-du-futur-de-mbda-10361