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February 11, 2020 | International, Aerospace

U.S. Air Force Upgrading C-17 and C-130H Avionics As Supplier Base for Legacy Systems Falls

The U.S. Air Force is undertaking a number of avionics upgrades for Boeing [BA] C-17 and Lockheed Martin [LMT] C-130H transport aircraft, as the supplier base for legacy avionics systems falls, according to the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center (AFLCMC) at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio.

“Diminishing Manufacturing Sources Material Shortfalls (DMSMS) are driving avionics-related upgrades,” AFLCMC wrote in email responses to questions from Defense Daily.

The AFLCMC C-17 program office (AFLCMC/WLM) at Robins Air Force Base, Ga., is undertaking a nearly $286 million C-17 Replacement Head-Up Display (RHUD) program with Elbit Systems of America to replace the 1980s-era C-17 HUD by the defunct U.K.-based GEC Avionics, whose former business is now part of Leonardo.

The Elbit Systems RHUD for the C-17 has a Projector Unit (PU) and a Computer Unit (CU) that “displays symbols and real-world conformal imagery over an increased field of view to include the capability to display threat warnings and quadrant, supports two independently selectable video inputs for autonomous landing growth requirements, provides aircraft Electronic Bore-sighting capability, [and] provides improved reliability with a Mean Time between Failure (MTBF) of 3,000 operating hours,” according to AFLCMC/WLM.

A GEC Avionics brochure issued in 1987 for the C-17 HUD said that the HUD has an MTBF of 7,000 operating hours, but, “based on current performance, the actual [HUD] MTBF is between 1,600 and 1,800 hours (lower than predicted),” according to AFLCMC/WLM. “The Statement of Requirements for the Replacement Head Up Display (RHUD) development delivery order requested 3,000 hours MTBF at maturity.”

In addition, for the Boeing C-17 aircraft, the Air Force is undertaking “satellite communications upgrades for increased coverage and throughput speeds along with mitigation of obsolescence issues due to satellite service dates” and “upgrades of legacy aircraft avionics to capabilities of current commercial production aircraft, large area displays, [and] improved weather radars,” AFLCMC/WLM said.

Under a $209 million Beyond Line of Sight (BLOS) program for the C-17, AFLCMC is replacing the aircraft's L-Band Aero-I and Aero-H antennas, providing air traffic control data link capabilities, replacing the Collins Aerospace [UTX] ARC-210 Gen 3 radios with ARC-210 Gen 6 radios, and replacing KYV-5 cryptography with next-gen KYV-5M, AFLCMC/WLM said.

Last July, the Air Force picked Honeywell [HON] to install its JetWave Ka-band fuselage-mounted antenna (MCS-8100 and tail-mounted antenna (MCS-8000) on 70 C-17s to provide real-time weather, video conferencing, large file transfer, encryption capabilities, in-flight briefings, intelligence surveillance reconnaissance video and secure communications in all areas, including over water and remote areas. The C-17 BLOS program will “enable dynamic re-tasking and command and control support of MAF [Mobility Air Forces] aircraft,” the Air Force said. JetWave uses Inmarsat‘s Global Xpress Ka-band service to provide worldwide connectivity with up to 50 Mbps of bandwidth to defense customers, according to Honeywell Aerospace.

In December, AFLCMC completed Block 21 upgrades for all 275 C-17s, operated by the Air Force and allied nations, according to AFLCMC/WLM. The upgrades included hardware and software for Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast Out (ADS-B Out) required by the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration and aviation authorities in Europe for planes operating in controlled airspace.

“In addition to ADS-B Out, Block 21 included an Identification of Friend or Foe (IFF) modification and other communication/navigation capability software updates,” AFLCMC said. “These additional modifications significantly improve the aircraft's flight management systems.”

For the C-130H, the Air Force last June awarded L3Harris [LHX] a nearly $500 million contract for avionics upgrades to 176 Air Force Reserve and Air National Guard aircraft under the C-130H Avionics Modernization Program (AMP).

L3Harris has chosen Collins Aerospace to provide its commercial off-the-shelf Flight2 integrated avionics system. Collins Aerospace said that is providing seven multifunctional displays (MFDs), three control display units (CDUs), and a new digital autopilot that will replace more than 100 analog instruments in C-130H cockpits.

The AFLCMC C-130 program office (AFLCMC/WLN) at Robins Air Force Base said that the C-130H AMP increments 1 and 2 include “compliance with latest commercial and military Position, Navigation, and Timing (PNT) standards, a new flight management system, new commercial and military GPS receivers, improved [RNP] Required Navigation Performance], compliance with VHF 8.33KHz channel spacing requirements and ADS-B Out and Mode S Enhanced Surveillance (EHS) requirements, military satcom voice and data via the Lockheed Martin Mobile User Objective System (MUOS), improved UHF anti-jam capability via the Collins Aerospace Second generation Anti-jam Tactical UHF Radio for NATO (SATURN), Real-Time Information into the Cockpit (RTIC), Link 16, [and a] digital map.”

The C-130H upgrades also include a terrain awareness and warning system (TAWS), according to AFLCMC/WLN. RTIC is to allow the C-130H aircraft to share data with other systems over multiple data link networks.

https://www.defensedaily.com/u-s-air-force-upgrading-c-17-c-130h-avionics-supplier-base-legacy-systems-falls/air-force/

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  • Contract Awards by US Department of Defense - November 19, 2020

    November 20, 2020 | International, Aerospace, Naval, Land, C4ISR, Security

    Contract Awards by US Department of Defense - November 19, 2020

    WASHINGTON HEADQUARTERS SERVICES American Systems Corp., Chantilly, Virginia (HQ0034-21-D-0003); Applied Research Associates Inc., Alexandria, Virginia (HQ0034-21-D-0004); and Modern Technology Solutions Inc., Alexandria, Virginia (HQ0034-21-D-0002), have been awarded an indefinite-delivery/indefinitely-quantify contract with a maximum amount of $496,000,000. This requirement will provide the range of research, development, test and evaluation technical and engineering services required to assist the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering in accomplishing its mission to create innovative warfighting technologies and advanced capabilities required to maintain U.S. technological superiority. Work performance will take place in the Northern Capital Region, including Alexandria, Virginia; and Chantilly, Virginia. No funds will be obligated at time of the award. The expected completion date is Nov. 18, 2025. Washington Headquarters Services, Arlington, Virginia, is the contracting activity. DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY Vermilion Valley Produce Co.,* Danville, Illinois, has been awarded a maximum $265,500,000 fixed-price with economic-price-adjustment, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for fresh fruits and vegetables. This was a competitive acquisition with one response received. This is a four-year six-month contract with no option periods. Location of performance is Illinois, with a May 18, 2025, ordering period end date. Using customers are Army, Air Force, and Department of Agriculture schools. Type of appropriation is fiscal 2021 through 2025 defense working capital funds. The contracting agency is the Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (SPE300-21-D-P359). Hill-Rom Co. Inc., Batesville, Indiana, has been awarded a maximum $48,000,000 fixed-price with economic-price-adjustment, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for medical equipment and accessories for the Defense Logistics Agency electronic catalog. This was a competitive acquisition with 135 responses received. This is a five-year contract with no option periods. Location of performance is Indiana, with a Nov. 16, 2025, ordering period end date. Using military services are Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps. Type of appropriation is fiscal 2021 through 2026 defense working capital funds. The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (SPE2DH-21-D-0052). AIR FORCE Journey Construction Inc., Taylor, Texas (FA4661-21-D-0001); Pace-Amtex JV LLC, Boerne, Texas (FA4661-21-D-0002); GMA Construction Group, Chicago, Illinois (FA4661-21-D-0003); Pro-Mark Services Inc., Rapid City, South Dakota (FA4661-21-D-0004); and Sea Pac Engineering Inc., Los Angeles, California (FA4661-21-D-0005), have collectively been awarded a ceiling $150,000,000 firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity, multiple award construction contract for $150,000,000. Work will be performed at Dyess Air Force Base, Texas, and is expected to be completed Nov. 18, 2027. Current fiscal operation and maintenance funds will be used per individual task order. The 7th Contracting Squadron, Dyess AFB, Texas, is the contracting activity. Siemens Industry Inc., Buffalo Grove, Illinois, has been awarded a $54,000,000 indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity, firm-fixed-price, supply/install contract for the switchgear replacement effort program. This contract will provide for a streamlined means to provide supply and installation of gas insulated switchgear. Work will be performed at Arnold Air Force Base, Tennessee; Mountain View, California; Eglin AFB, Florida; Holloman AFB, New Mexico; Kirtland AFB, New Mexico; and Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio, and is expected to be completed Nov. 16, 2025. This award is the result of a sole-source acquisition. Fiscal 2020 research, development, test and evaluation funds in the amount of $8,365,562 are being obligated at the time of award. Air Force Test Center, Arnold AFB, Tennessee, is the contracting activity (FA9101-21-D-0003). L-3 Technologies, Greenville, Texas, has been awarded an $18,796,399 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract modification (P00009) to contract FA8620-18-F-4801 for an additional engineering effort. This modification provides for additional non-recurring and recurring engineering required to develop and install structural reinforcements to the aircraft. Work will be performed in Greenville, Texas, and is expected to be completed Dec. 24, 2022. This contract involves 100% Foreign Military Sales (FMS) and is the result of a sole-source acquisition. The total cumulative face value of the contract is $273,945,200. FMS funds in the full amount are being obligated at the time of the award. The 645th Aeronautical Systems Group, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, is the contracting activity. Siemens Healthineers, Flanders, New Jersey, has been awarded a $12,381,645 firm-fixed-price contract for an industrial base expansion. The contract provides building modifications, equipment purchases, installation and qualification testing to expand U.S. domestic production capacity for SARS-CoV-2 antigen assays. Work will be performed in Walpole, Massachusetts, and is expected to be completed Aug. 31, 2021. This contract award is part of the ongoing collaboration between the Department of Defense and the Department of Health and Human Services and is funded through the Health Care Enhancement Act. The Air Force Lifecycle Management Center, Hanscom Air Force Base, Massachusetts, is the contracting activity (FA8730-21-C-0006). BAE Systems Technology Solutions & Services Inc., Rockville, Maryland, has been awarded a $12,342,000 firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for Diminishing Manufacturing Sources and Material Shortages support. This contract provides support for Air Force (AF) and non-AF users, supporting the AF, to proactively reduce mission capability impacts to improve logistics support and weapon system sustainability. Work will be performed at Hill Air Force Base, Utah; Robins AFB, Georgia; Tinker AFB, Oklahoma; and Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio, with some work performed at Fort Walton Beach, Florida. The work is expected to be complete by June 20, 2025. This award is the result of a competitive acquisition resulting in receipt of one offer. Fiscal 2021 Consolidated Sustainment Activity Group engineering funds in the amount of $10,285,000 are being obligated in the first task order at the time of award. The Air Force Sustainment Center, Tinker AFB, Oklahoma, is the contracting activity (FA8109-21-D-0001). Hardwood Products Co. LP, Guilford, Maine, has been awarded a not-to-exceed $11,640,270 firm-fixed-price, undefinitized contract action as a modification (P00003) to contract FA8730-20-C-0056 for industrial base expansion for U.S. domestic production capacity for medical flock tip swabs. This contract modification funds the design, procurement and expedited implementation of facility upgrades, enabling an early, interim production capability of flock tip swabs. Work will be performed in Pittsfield, Maine, and is expected to be completed March 30, 2021. Fiscal 2021 other procurement funds in the amount of $5,078,350 are being obligated at the time of award. The cumulative face value of the contract is $62,599,861. The Air Force Life Cycle Management, Hanscom Air Force Base, Massachusetts, is the contracting activity. FCN Inc., Rockville, Maryland, has been awarded a $7,846,260 firm-fixed-price modification to exercise the first option period for the Endgame Endpoint Security program software subscription to maintain the weapon system components and weapon system baseline to meet Air Force Space Command authority to operate configurations. Work will be performed in Rockville, Maryland, and is expected to be completed Nov. 29, 2024. This award is the result of a competitive acquisition and four offers were received. Fiscal 2021 operation and maintenance; and Air National Guard procurement funds in the full amount are being obligated at the time of modification to exercise the first option period. The Air Force Life Cycle Management Center, Joint-Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas, is the contracting activity (FA8307-20-F-0005). NAVY IAP-ECC LLC, Burlingame, California, is awarded firm-fixed-price task order N62742-21-F-4000 for $84,547,765 under a multiple award contingency contract for construction and maintenance of a contractor berthing camp at Naval Air Weapons Station (NAWS), China Lake, California. The work to be performed provides for incidental temporary facilities and facility services for a berthing camp in support of the China Lake Earthquake Recovery project at NAWS, China Lake. Incidental temporary facilities include fencing, living/sleeping units, operational center and a security station. Facility services include management and administration, unaccompanied housing, facility investment, custodial, pest control, integrated solid waste management, grounds maintenance and landscaping, pavement clearance, wastewater and water. The need for the berthing camp to support 11 military construction (MILCON) project contractors is an emergency response to the earthquakes that affected the China Lake area in July 2019. The task order also contains four unexercised options, which if exercised, would increase the cumulative task order value to $138,743,035. Work will be performed in Ridgecrest, California, and is expected to be completed by March 2025. Fiscal 2020 MILCON (Navy) funds; and fiscal 2021 working capital (Navy) funds in the amount of $84,547,765 are obligated on this award and will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. One proposal was received for this task order. The Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command, Pacific, Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, is the contracting activity (N62742-16-D-3553). Cherokee Nation Management and Consulting LLC, * Catoosa, Oklahoma, is awarded an $80,943,352 firm-fixed-price, time-and-materials contract for a two-month phase-in period and a 10-month base period with two 12-month option periods for logistics services to manage, support and operate the Marine Corps Consolidated Storage Program warehouse network. Work will be performed in Barstow, California (23%); Camp Lejeune, North Carolina (18%); Camp Pendleton, California (13%); Okinawa, Japan (10%); Miramar, California (9%); Camp Geiger, North Carolina (7%); Twenty-nine Palms, California (4%); Cherry Point, North Carolina (4%); Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii (3%); Yuma, Arizona (2%); Beaufort, South Carolina (2%); Iwakuni, Japan (2%); New River, North Carolina (2%); and Bridgeport, California (1%). Work is expected to be completed January 2024. No funding will be obligated at time of award and the award will be made contingent to the availability of funds. This contract was competitively solicited via beta.sam.gov with seven proposals received. The Marine Corps Logistics Command, Albany, Georgia, is the contracting activity (M67004-21-C-0001). Marine Group Boat Works LLC,* Chula Vista, California, is awarded a $48,717,886 firm-fixed-price modification to previously awarded contract N00024-18-C-2223 in support of the government of Jordan for two 37-meter patrol boats, communications equipment and other technical assistance. Work will be performed in Chula Vista, California, and is expected to be completed by September 2023. Foreign Military Sales (Jordan) in the amount of $48,717,886 will be obligated at time of award and will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. In accordance with 10 U.S. Code 2304 (c) (4), this contract was not competitively procured: International Agreement. This contract is for two 37-meter Patrol Boats, communications equipment and other technical assistance for the Royal Jordanian Navy. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity. Kings Bay Support Services LLC, Alexandria, Virginia, is awarded a $24,085,883 indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity modification for a bridge contract to extend services for base operating support services at Naval Submarine Base, Kings Bay, Georgia. The work to be performed provides for all labor, facilities management, supervision, tools, materials, equipment, incidental engineering, environmental services and transportation to effectively execute base operations support services. All work will be performed in St. Mary's, Georgia. After award of this option, the total cumulative contract value will be $392,424,567. This option period is from December 2020 to May 2021. No funds will be obligated at time of award. Fiscal 2021 operation and maintenance (Navy) contract funds in the amount of $16,213,566 for recurring work will be obligated on individual task orders issued during the option period. The Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command, Southeast, Jacksonville, Florida, is the contracting activity (N69450-11-D-7578). Insitu Inc., Bingen, Washington, is awarded a $9,769,387 modification (P00009) to firm-fixed-price order N68335-19-F-0434 against previously issued basic ordering agreement N68335-16-G-0046. This modification definitizes pricing and exercises options for the procurement of 15 ScanEagle unmanned aerial vehicles, nine ScanEagle payloads, and three spares lots needed to provide the Afghanistan National Army (ANA) intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities, and support current ANA ScanEagle efforts. Work will be performed in Bingen, Washington (100%), and is expected to be completed in July 2021. Foreign Military Sales funds in the amount of $9,769,387 will be obligated at time of award, none of which will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Warfare Center, Aircraft Division, Lakehurst, New Jersey, is the contracting activity. I.E. Pacific Inc.,* Escondido, California, is awarded firm-fixed-price task order N62473-20-F-5102 for $8,123,000 under a multiple award construction contract for repair of a bachelors enlisted quarters (BEQ) and repair of water channel at Marine Corps Base, Camp Pendleton, Virginia. The work to be performed provides for the repair of BEQ Building 53451 with 64 units and the existing open channel/swale and culvert system through this corridor. BEQ Building 53451 requires work to bring it up to current building code and life safety standards. The channel is undersized and needs to be upgraded to provide higher flow rates without spilling over the channel. The renovation project includes replacement of the existing built-up roof with a standing seam metal roof and the replacement of exterior hollow metal doors, windows, window screens, shades, hollow metal doors/frames and door locks with an electronic card reading lock system; the patching, repairing, and repainting of all existing interior walls and ceilings, exterior walls/façade, balcony, stair panels, handrails and guardrails, and other surfaces; and the installation of new ceiling fans in each billeting room, the duty room and the lounge. Work will be performed in Oceanside, California, and is expected to be completed by May 2022. Fiscal 2021 operation and maintenance (Marine Corps) contract funds in the amount of $8,123,000 are obligated on this award and will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Four proposals were received for this task order. The Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command, Southwest, San Diego, California, is the contracting activity (N62473-17-D-4628). ARMY Franconia Real Estate Services Inc., doing business as Franconia Allegiance Government Relocation, Woodbridge, Virginia, was awarded a $65,000,000 blanket purchase agreement (W912DR-21-A-0001) for the Defense National Relocation Program. Bids were solicited via the internet with 11 received. Work will be performed in Baltimore, Maryland, with an estimated completion date of Nov. 30, 2025. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Baltimore, Maryland, is the contracting activity. Reliance Relocation Services Inc., doing business as Relo Direct, Chicago, Illinois, was awarded a $65,000,000 blanket purchase agreement (W912DR-21-A-0002) for the Defense National Relocation Program. Bids were solicited via the internet with 11 received. Work will be performed in Baltimore, Maryland, with an estimated completion date of Nov. 30, 2025. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Baltimore, Maryland, is the contracting activity. Attain LLC, McLean, Virginia, was awarded a $19,125,495 modification (BA0733) to contract W91QUZ-11-D-0016 for contractor resources to support the Army Shared Services Center. Bids were solicited via the internet with one received. Work locations and funding will be determined with each order, with an estimated completion date of April 30, 2022. The U.S. Army Contracting Command, Rock Island Arsenal, Illinois, is the contracting activity. *Small business https://www.defense.gov/Newsroom/Contracts/Contract/Article/2421845/source/GovDelivery/

  • Safran and MTU agree on way ahead for next-gen fighter aircraft engine

    December 6, 2019 | International, Aerospace

    Safran and MTU agree on way ahead for next-gen fighter aircraft engine

    By: Christina Mackenzie PARIS — A 50-50 joint venture between France's Safran and Germany's MTU will be incorporated by the end of 2021 to manage the development and production of an engine that will power the Next Generation Fighter, a key segment of Europe's Future Combat Air System program, the companies announced this week. Safran Aircraft Engines will be the prime contractor, taking the lead in engine design and integration, while MTU Aero Engines, as the main partner for the first phase of research and technology, will take the lead in engine services. The industrial agreement is based on the principles that were set out in a letter of intent signed between the two companies last February. "This agreement is a major step forward, which reflects Safran Aircraft Engines and MTU Aero Engines' willingness to ensure a strong and effective management of the program relying on a balanced partnership and clear accountabilities,” Olivier Andriès, CEO of Safran Aircraft Engines, and Michael Schreyögg, chief program officer of MTU Aero Engines, were quoted as saying in a joint statement. The agreement lifts the last impediments that were standing in the way of contracts being signed by the French, German and Spanish governments; now companies can get the Future Combat Air System program underway. Joël Barre, the director of France's procurement agency, the DGA, said on Oct. 2 that appointing Safran as prime contractor on the engine program with MTU Aero Engines as principal industrial partner was one of the two elements that remained before launching work on a technology demonstrator for the New Generation Fighter. The other element is organizing the entry of Spain into the program. Although Spain signed up for the program during the Paris Air Show last June, the industrial aspect of its participation has not been settled. https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2019/12/05/safran-and-mtu-agree-on-way-ahead-for-next-gen-fighter-aircraft-engine

  • Marine Corps will use AI to revamp recruiting and retention models

    November 4, 2021 | International, Naval, C4ISR

    Marine Corps will use AI to revamp recruiting and retention models

    The Marine Corps needs a more mature and more intellectual force. Digital HR systems and big data decision aids will help them cultivate that force.

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