US, UK launch military-space competition for startups

On the same subject

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  September 22, 2020 | International, Naval, C4ISR

  BAE awarded $111M contract for Navy's Archerfish mine neutralizers

  Ed Adamczyk Sept. 21 (UPI) -- BAE Systems announced a contract Monday worth up to $111 million to supply the U.S. Navy with Archerfish mine neutralizers. Archerfish is used by the US Navy's MH-60S Helicopter squadrons as part of their Airborne Mine Neutralization System capability, and reduces the need to put diving personnel in the water for clearance missions, according to the company. The system is a remote-controlled, torpedo-like device that can be launched and operated from a surface ship, helicopter or an unmanned underwater vehicle. Using fiber optic data link relays, Archerfish can provide real-time sonar pictures of potential targets through on-board sensors, a BAE statement on Monday said. "Archerfish not only keeps sailors safer, it also reduces the number and cost of mine clearance missions," said Brooke Hoskins, director of products and training for BAE's maritime services business. Each AMNS device consists of a Launch and Handling System for all data processing during a mission, and up to four elements called destructors, which handle target acquisition and demolition. The Navy established a requirement for rapid neutralization of bottom and moored sea mines to support operations in littoral zones, confined straits, choke points and the amphibious objective area. This is the fourth Navy contract awarded to BAE since 2003 to build AMNS devices, which will be manufactured at the company's facilities in Britain. The number of devices ordered by the Navy was not reported. https://www.upi.com/Defense-News/2020/09/21/BAE-awarded-111M-contract-for-Navys-Archerfish-mine-neutralizers/3721600703371/

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  July 8, 2020 | International, C4ISR

  Ozmen’s SNC selected as AC/MC-130J RFCM integrator by U.S Special Operations Command

  Centennial, Colo., July 2, 2020 – Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC), the global aerospace and national security company owned by Eren and Fatih Ozmen, was selected by the U.S. Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) as the supplier for the AC-130J and MC-130J Radio Frequency Countermeasure (RFCM) program. The RFCM suite will provide special operation forces (SOF) operators with accurate and timely situational awareness information and improve aircraft survivability. “We are excited to expand our solutions for SOF warfighters,” said Bob Horky, Senior Vice President for SNC's ISR, Aviation and Security business area. “The aircraft they operate need the protection RFCM provides.” SNC will incorporate Northrop Grumman Corporation's RFCM system on aircraft to provide threat detection, precision geolocation, and active countermeasure capabilities. Advanced system processing and robust spectrum support significantly improve aircraft survivability in the modern threat environment. SNC's approach to aircraft survivability emphasizes full platform integration leveraging platform datalinks, integrated processing, and common tactical display systems. SNC used its electromagnetic and aerodynamic modeling expertise to maximize the performance of the installed system. SNC is a leading integrator for special mission aircraft, including USSOCOM AC‑130J and MC‑130J aircraft. As a significant supplier to the AC-130J Ghostrider Precision Strike Package and the prime contractor for the MC-130J Commando II Airborne Mission Networking systems, SNC brings novel approaches to integrating innovative technology to airborne platforms. SNC is committed to providing customers with full usage rights, breaking original equipment manufacturer (OEM) vendor lock and supporting maximized innovation, enhanced competition and reduced system life-cycle costs. For more information, visit www.sncorp.com About Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC) Owned by Chairwoman and President Eren Ozmen and CEO Fatih Ozmen, SNC is a trusted leader in solving the world's toughest challenges through best-of-breed, open architecture engineering in Space Systems, Commercial Solutions, and National Security and Defense. SNC is recognized among The Top 10 Most Innovative Companies in Space, as a Tier One Superior Supplier for the U.S. Air Force and is the only aerospace and defense firm selected as a 2020 US Best Managed Company. For nearly 60 years, SNC has delivered state-of-the-art civil, military and commercial solutions including more than 4,000 space systems, subsystems and components to customers worldwide, and participation in more than 450 missions to space, including to Mars. View source version on Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC): https://www.sncorp.com/press-releases/snc-selected-as-acmc-130j-integrator-by-ussocom/

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  November 8, 2023 | International, Naval

  Navy changing LCS maintenance and staffing practices

  More sailor maintenance and changes to crew sizes are in the works for the troubled LCS fleet, officials say.