US Air Force Orders Latest Northrop Grumman LITENING Targeting Pod Upgrade

On the same subject

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  July 25, 2018 | International, Aerospace

  Boeing proposes designs for new ICBM deterrent

  By Stephen Carlson July 24 (UPI) -- Boeing has proposed design options to the U.S. Air Force for design of the Ground Based Strategic Deterrent, a possible replacement for the Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile. "We offered the Air Force cost and performance trades for a deterrent that will address emerging and future threats," Frank McCall, vice president for Boeing Strategic Deterrence Systems, said in a press release. "By considering the various capabilities and opportunities for cost savings, the Air Force can prioritize system requirements as we progress toward the program's next phase," McCall said. Boeing received a $349 million contract from the Air Force last August for work on the GBSD, and completed a design review in November. A system functional review will be completed later this year, while Boeing is expected to present the completed design to the Air Force in 2020. Along with Boeing, Northrop Grumman and Lockheed Martin are competing for development contracts on the new missile. The Ground Based Strategic Deterrence program is the U.S. Air Force effort to replace the venerable LGM Minuteman II ICBM, which is nearing the end of its lifespan. Upgrades of the Minuteman series of ICBMs have been in service since the early 1960's. Much of its components are over 50 years old and making replacement necessary. The GDSM program is still in its early stages but is expected to start entering service in 2027 and is planned to be in service until 2075. The current Minuteman III is an underground silo-launched missile armed with nuclear warheads with up to a 350 kiloton yield. It has a range of well over 6,000 miles, though the exact maximum range classified. The Minuteman III can carry up to three multiple independent reentry vehicle warheads but is restricted to one per missile by treaty. The United States currently has 450 ICBMs in service. https://www.upi.com/Defense-News/2018/07/24/Boeing-proposes-designs-for-new-ICBM-deterrent/7861532445298

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  April 8, 2022 | International, C4ISR, Security

  Cyber defence agency gets significant boost in Liberals’ Budget 2022

  Canada’s cyber defence agency gets almost $700 million over five years to bolster cyber defences in government and the private sector – and launch offensive ‘cyber operations.’

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  January 13, 2021 | International, Aerospace

  BAE, Vertex announce deal to maintain Harrier II fleet

  By Christen McCurdy Jan. 12 (UPI) -- BAE Systems and Vertex Aerospace announced Tuesday that they have signed a nine-year agreement to enhance availability of the U.S. Marine Corps' AV-8B Harrier II fleet. Vertex, which received a $123 million task order for maintenance of the fleet in July, chose BAE as its subcontractor for the logistics support contract. Under the contract, BAE and Vertex will "support the crucial training and combat operations conducted from U.S. Navy's aircraft carriers, amphibious assault ships, and forward operating bases," said an announcement from BAE. "The Harrier is one of the most iconic military aircraft ever created, with its British designed short take-off and vertical landing technology," Tom Fillingham, senior vice president of US Programs for BAE Systems Air, said in a press release. "Our expertise with the aircraft goes back 40 years and this new contract with Vertex Aerospace ensures we can continue to apply our expertise to support the U.S. Marine Corps in their crucial operations," Fillingham said. In May, Boeing was awarded two contracts worth $87.5 million to upgrade the U.S. Marines' T/AV-8B Harrier II trainer aircraft. The Harrier, meanwhile, is due to be phased out in 2025 while the Marines extend the life of Boeing F/A-18 Hornet strike fighters, per an aviation plan released in 2014. https://www.upi.com/Defense-News/2021/01/12/BAE-Vertex-announce-deal-to-maintain-Harrier-II-fleet/6641610478105/