December 10, 2023 | International, Naval
Swedish military sharpens its focus on submarine tech in 2024
The country navy's wants new capabilities for its new submarine fleet and for countering sea mines.
June 27, 2019 | International, Aerospace
USMC gets final RQ-21A Blackjack unmanned aircraft system
The US Marine Corps (USMC) has received the final RQ-21A Blackjack unmanned aircraft system (UAS) under a programme to procure 21 of these platforms.
The final unit was delivered by the US Navy and Marine Corps Small Tactical UAS Program Office (PMA-263) at Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Cherry Point, North Carolina.
In a release, Naval Air Systems Command stated that the fleet readiness detachment (FRD) at MCAS Cherry Point will use the RQ-21A for training purposes.
Marine Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Squadron 2 (VMU-2) is also located at MCAS Cherry Point and will be responsible for maintaining the UAS.
This delivery comes after VMU-3 received its fourth and final system in March this year to complete the squadron deliveries. VMU-3 is stationed in Hawaii.
PMA-263 Program Manager colonel John Neville said: “As we wrap up the production phase of the RQ-21A programme for the Marine Corps and Navy, we have also been transitioning to continued sustainment for the fleet to include platform and payload capability improvements.
“While it's a normal shift in the life of any programme, we maintain our focus on system readiness, affordability and capability improvements to ensure Blackjack remains a critical intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance capability that's relevant for the warfighter.”
Medium UAS lead lieutenant colonel Russell Strange noted that the programme also intends to enhance the capability of the RQ-21A system.
In addition, the focus will be on growing the customer base for foreign military sales.
Strange said: “Increased capability will include work on command and control, communication systems, avionics, optics, laser designation, and payloads.”
RQ-21A Blackjack UAS was developed by Boeing Insitu in collaboration with the US Navy to meet requirements for a small tactical UAS that can operate from land and sea.
With a flight endurance of up to 16 hours and an altitude ceiling of 19,500ft, RQ-21A can carry loads up to 39lb.
The runway-independent system can be used to support tactical missions on land and at sea.
The Marine Corps' RQ-21A Blackjack UAS achieved initial operational capability in 2016.
https://www.naval-technology.com/news/usmc-gets-final-rq-21a-blackjack-unmanned-aircraft-system/
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October 4, 2018 | International, Aerospace
Sikorsky S-97 Raider Exceeds 200 Knots as Company Prepares Proposal for U.S. Army's Future Attack Reconnaissance Aircraft
Sikorsky's self-funded X2 Technology is backbone of company's next generation helicopters WEST PALM BEACH, Fla., Oct. 4, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- The Sikorsky S-97 Raider light tactical prototype helicopter is advancing rapidly through its flight test schedule, recently exceeding 200 knots at the Sikorsky Development Flight Center. Raider, developed by Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) company, is based on the company's proven X2 Technology, enabling speeds twice that of conventional helicopters. View the latest Sikorsky S-97 Raider video. "The Sikorsky S-97 Raider flight test program is exceeding expectations, demonstrating Raider's revolutionary speed, maneuverability and agility," said Tim Malia, Sikorsky director, Future Vertical Lift Light. "X2 Technology represents a suite of technologies needed for the future fight, enabling the warfighter to engage in high-intensity conflict anytime, anywhere as a member of a complex, multi-domain team." Sikorsky continues to demonstrate the application of its X2 Technology as the company prepares its proposal for the U.S. Army's Future Attack Reconnaissance Aircraft (FARA) competition, driving forward the Army's efforts to revolutionize its aircraft fleet as part of what is known as Future Vertical Lift. Raider incorporates the latest advances in fly-by-wire flight controls, vehicle management systems and systems integration. The suite of X2 Technologies enables the aircraft to operate at high speeds while maintaining the low-speed handling qualities and maneuverability of conventional single main rotor helicopters. "It's exciting to achieve these high speeds with X2 Technology," said Sikorsky experimental test pilot Bill Fell, a retired U.S. Army pilot. "It's undeniably important for the warfighter to get to the mission fast. And once they get there, X2 Technology provides the critical handling qualities that make the aircraft survivable, lethal and agile. Sikorsky X2 Technology changes the way we fly and fight – we can get there fast, be more effective while on the scene and we can get out fast." Sikorsky's X2 Technology at the heart of the Raider helicopter is scalable to a variety of military missions including light assault, light attack, armed reconnaissance, close-air support, combat search and rescue and unmanned applications. The development of X2 Technology and the Raider program has been funded entirely by significant investments by Sikorsky, Lockheed Martin and industry partners. For more information, visit www.lockheedmartin.com/raider. About Lockheed Martin Headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland, Lockheed Martin is a global security and aerospace company that employs approximately 100,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services. This year the company received three Edison Awards for ground-breaking innovations in autonomy, satellite technology and directed energy. SOURCE Lockheed Martin https://news.lockheedmartin.com/2018-10-04-Sikorsky-S-97-Raider-Exceeds-200-Knots-as-Company-Prepares-Proposal-for-U-S-Armys-Future-Attack-Reconnaissance-Aircraft
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December 18, 2019 | International, C4ISR
BAE Systems to Provide Intelligence Analysis for Defense Intelligence Agency
December 17, 2019 - The Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) has awarded BAE Systems a prime contractor position on Solutions for Intelligence Analysis 3 (SIA 3), a ten-year multiple award indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity (IDIQ) with a combined ceiling value of over $17 billion. Through this contract, the company will provide worldwide coverage, support and assistance to DIA, delivering timely, objective and cogent military intelligence to warfighters, defense planners and policy makers. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20191217005768/en/ “We are delivering secure, cost-efficient services to maintain and enhance the mission-critical systems DIA relies on every day,” said Peder Jungck, vice president and general manager of the sector's Intelligence Solutions business. “We're excited to continue our longstanding partnership with DIA and bring our next-generation talent to work for their mission.” BAE Systems was the largest provider of analytic services on DIA's prior IDIQ, SIA 2, and has provided intelligence support and related services to the agency for over three decades. The company will continue to bring a workforce of cleared personnel in highly technical fields with an excellent understanding of the customers, their mission, and their environment. BAE Systems delivers a broad range of services and solutions enabling militaries and governments to successfully carry out their respective missions. The company provides large-scale systems engineering, integration, and sustainment services across air, land, sea, space, and cyber domains. BAE Systems takes pride in its support of national security and those who serve. Click here to learn more about career opportunities with BAE Systems. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20191217005768/en/