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+ VIDEO - Airbus Defense a fait voler pour la première fois une escadrille de cinq drones associés à un avion, qui préfigurent le système de combat aérien du futur. Le long chantier du futur système de combat aérien européen est bel et bien lancé. Alors que la France et l'Allemagne ont confié, en avril dernier, à Airbus et Dassault Aviation la conception du programme SCAF , combinant un nouvel avion de combat et tous ses appendices, Airbus DS, la branche militaire du groupe aéronautique, vient de franchir une étape importante. Pour la première fois, Airbus est parvenu à faire voler ensemble et de... Article complet: https://www.lesechos.fr/industrie-services/air-defense/0302346339244-airbus-teste-deja-des-briques-du-futur-systeme-de-combat-aerien-2210538.php

By: Jon Gambrell and Gerry Shih, The Associated Press DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — High above Yemen's rebel-held city of Hodeida, a drone controlled by Emirati forces hovered as an SUV carrying a top Shiite Houthi rebel official turned onto a small street and stopped, waiting for another vehicle in its convoy to catch up. Seconds later, the SUV exploded in flames, killing Saleh al-Samad, a top political figure. The drone that fired that missile in April was not one of the many American aircraft that have been buzzing across the skies of Yemen, Iraq and Afghanistan since Sept. 11, 2001. It was Chinese. Across the Middle East, countries locked out of purchasing U.S.-made drones due to rules over excessive civilian casualties are being wooed by Chinese arms dealers, who are world's main distributor of armed drones. "The Chinese product now doesn't lack technology, it only lacks market share," said Song Zhongping, a Chinese military analyst and former lecturer at the People's Liberation Army Rocket Force University of Engineering. "And the United States restricting its arms exports is precisely what gives China a great opportunity." The sales are helping expand Chinese influence across a region vital to American security interests. "It's a hedging strategy and the Chinese will look to benefit from that," said Douglas Barrie, an airpower specialist at the International Institute for Strategic Studies. "I think the Chinese are far less liable to be swayed by concerns over civilian casualties," he said. At the start of the year, a satellite passing over southern Saudi Arabia photographed U.S.-made surveillance drones at an airfield, alongside Chinese-manufactured armed ones. According to the Center for the Study of the Drone at New York's Bard College, that was the first documented example of the two drone systems being used in the war in Yemen. The country has emerged as a "sort of a testing ground for these strike-capable drones," said Dan Gettinger, the co-director of the Center for the Study of the Drone. "There's a rapid turnaround from delivery to deployment." U.S. drones were first used in Yemen to kill suspected al-Qaida militants in 2002. One of the biggest Chinese exports is the Cai-Hong, or Rainbow, series made by the state-owned China Aerospace Science and Technology Corp., or CASC, the largest contractor for the Chinese space program. CASC's CH-4 and CH-5 models are on a par with San Diego-based General Atomics' Predator and Reaper drones, and much cheaper. Independent analysts say the Chinese models lag behind their American counterparts but the technology is good enough to justify the price tag, which might be half or less. A CASC executive, who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to talk to journalists, said cutting-edge U.S. models like Boeing Co.'s Stingray, introduced this year for the U.S. Navy, still hold a technological advantage. And while price is an advantage, so too is a more relaxed attitude toward how drones are used, said Ulrike Franke, an expert on drones and policy fellow at the European Council on Foreign Relations Since 2014, China has sold more than 30 CH-4's to countries including Saudi Arabia and Iraq in deals worth over $700 million, according to CASC. Ten countries are currently in negotiations to purchase the CH-4, according to the firm. Last year, China sold to the UAE the Wing Loong II, an armed unmanned aerial vehicle roughly equivalent to the American MQ-9 Reaper. "In recent years, all types of drones have proven their value and importance through a high degree of use in warfare, and the military has noticed," said the top CASC executive. "Many countries are now speeding up the development for these weapons systems, including China." During President Xi Jinping's five years in power, China has stepped up spending on stealth fighters and aircraft carriers for its own military, while boosting sales of advanced equipment such as attack submarines to close allies like Pakistan. China still lags behind the U.S., Russia, France, and Germany in total arms sales but it's catching up. Chinese arms exports rose by 38 percent between 2008-12 and 2013-17, according to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, which tracks the global arms trade. Mounting criticism over the rising civilian death toll in Yemen prompted the U.S. to impose restrictions on drone sales, forcing foreign countries to go through the U.S. government to buy armed drones, including those with laser-guidance systems. The Washington-based New America Foundation estimates more than 240 drone strikes in Yemen have killed more than 1,300 people, including at least 111 civilians. But with China's drone sales booming, there's growing pressure from U.S. arms makers to remove restrictions to let them catch up. After some U.S. lawmakers urged President Donald Trump to loosen controls and let General Atomics sell its armed Reapers to Jordan and the UAE, the administration on April 19 permitted U.S. manufacturers to directly market and sell drones, including armed versions. The government must still approve and license the sales, which are also contingent on human rights and proliferation reviews and congressional authorization. General Atomics did not respond to a request for comment. China doesn't routinely announce arms sales like the U.S. and others, but a review of drone spottings gives some indication of who its customers are. In Iraq in October 2015, the country's then-defense minister inspected a CH-4 drone at an air base in the city of Kut. Chinese armed drones have been operating at Jordan's Zarqa Airport, at an air base in Pakistan and from bases in Egypt in the Sinai Peninsula and near its border with Libya, according to satellite photos analyzed by the Center for the Study of the Drone. Satellite photographs taken of a mysterious air base in the United Arab Emirates' deep south — a desert area known as the Empty Quarter — appear to show three Wing Loong IIs, IHS Jane's Defense Weekly reported in January. Two CH-4s were spotted by satellite alongside surveillance-only Predators purchased by the UAE at Jizan Regional Airport in southern Saudi Arabia, near the kingdom's border with Yemen, according to the Center for the Study of the Drone. Outside of the Mideast, Nigeria has used Chinese armed drones against the Islamic extremist group Boko Haram. Shih reported from Beijing. https://www.militarytimes.com/news/your-military/2018/10/03/chinese-armed-drones-now-flying-over-mideast-battlefields-heres-why-theyre-gaining-on-us-drones/

AIR FORCE SAFRAN Landing Systems, Vellzyvillacoublay, France, has been awarded a $220,154,652 firm-fixed-price requirements contract for landing systems remanufacture and supply. This contract provides for a 10-year strategic remanufacture/supply for the KC-135 heat shields, main wheel, carbon brake, torque tube adjustor, assembly, and piston housing. Work will be performed in Vellzyvillacoublay, France, and is expected to be complete by September 2028. This award is the result of a sole-source acquisition. No funds are being obligated at the time of award. Air Force Sustainment Center, Hill Air Force Base, Utah, is the contracting activity (FA8203-19-D-0001). The Boeing Co., St. Louis, Missouri, has been awarded a $45,000,000 modification (P00011) to contract FA8681-14-D-0028 for Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM) technical support and integration. Boeing will provide JDAM support for studies and analysis, product improvement, upgrades and integration. Work will be performed in St. Louis, Missouri, and is expected to be completed by March 31, 2019. No funds are being obligated at the time of award. Air Force Life Cycle Management Center, Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, is the contracting activity. Industries for the Blind Inc., Milwaukee, Wisconsin, has been awarded a $10,795,849 task order for sales promotional items. This task order provides for customization and distribution of Air Force sales promotional items. Work will be performed in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and is expected to be complete by March 29, 2019. This task order is the result of a sole-source Ability-One requirements acquisition. Fiscal 2018 operational funds in the amount of $10,795,849 are being obligated at the time of award. The 338th Specialized Contracting Squadron, Joint Base San Antonio, Texas, is the contracting activity (FA3002-18-F-0085). (Awarded Sept. 28, 2018) DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY H. Brooks and Co. LLC,* New Brighton, Minnesota, has been awarded a maximum $67,500,000 firm-fixed-price with economic-price-adjustment, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quality contract for fresh fruit and vegetables. This was a competitive acquisition with two response received. This is 54-month base contract with three 18-month tier periods. Location of performance is Minnesota, with an April 24, 2023, performance completion date. Using customers are non-Department of Defense schools and tribes. Type of appropriation is fiscal 2018 through 2023 defense working capital funds. The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (SPE300-19-D-S730). Allied Tube and Conduit Corp., Harvey, Illinois, has been awarded a maximum $37,000,000 firm-fixed-price with economic-price-adjustment contract for non-reinforced concertina razor wire. This is a two-year base contract with three one-year option periods. This was a competitive acquisition with one response received. Maximum dollar amount is for the life of the contract. Locations of performance are Illinois and Ohio, with an Oct. 2, 2023, performance completion date. Using military services are Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps. Type of appropriation is fiscal 2019 through 2023 defense working capital funds. The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (SPE8E6-19-D-0001). NAVY The Boeing Co., Jacksonville, Florida, is awarded a $62,719,985 cost-plus-fixed-fee, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract. This contract provides for F/A-18 E/F and EA-18G aircraft inspections, modifications and repairs as well as F/A-18 E/F and EA-18G Inner Wing Panel (IWP) modifications and repairs. The remanufacturing efforts for the F/A-18 E/F and EA-18G will restore aircraft and IWP service life projections to new design specifications. Work will be performed in Jacksonville, Florida (77 percent); St. Louis, Missouri (13 percent); and Lemoore, California (10 percent), and is expected to be completed in September 2019. No funds are being obligated at time of award; funds will be obligated on individual orders as they are issued. This contract was not competitively procured pursuant to Federal Acquisition Regulation 6.302-3. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Maryland, is the contracting activity (N00019-19-D-0003). Chugach Federal Solutions Inc.,* Anchorage, Alaska, was awarded a $67,433,703 modification under a previously awarded, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract (N44255-14-D-9000) to exercise Option Five for base operations support at various installations in the Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC) Northwest area of responsibility (AOR). The work to be performed provides for all management and administration, visual services, security, fire and emergency, facilities management and investment, pest control, integrated solid waste, pavement clearance, utilities services, base support vehicles and equipment, and environmental services for base operations support services. After award of this option, the total cumulative contract value will be $332,825,487. Work will be performed at various installations in the NAVFAC Northwest AOR, including but not limited to, Washington (90 percent); Alaska (1 percent); Idaho (1 percent); Iowa (1 percent); Minnesota (1 percent); Montana (1 percent); Nebraska (1 percent); Oregon (1 percent); North Dakota (1 percent); South Dakota (1 percent); and Wyoming (1 percent). This option period is from October 2018 to September 2019. No funds will be obligated at time of award. Fiscal 2019 operations and maintenance (Navy); fiscal 2019 Navy working capital funds; and fiscal 2019 Defense Health Program contract funds in the amount of $32,975,017 for recurring work will be obligated on individual task orders issued during the option period. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Northwest, Silverdale, Washington, is the contracting activity. (Awarded Sept. 29, 2018) CDM Constructors Inc., Carlsbad, California, was awarded a $49,118,094 firm-fixed-price contract for design and construction of a potable water treatment/blending facility at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms. The project includes the following main elements: new potable water treatment blending facility (treatment plant), new holding tank, new wells to extract water from the deadman aquifer, connect surprise springs existing wells to new plant, evaporation ponds, new pipelines, new and associated fiber optic cabling, widening of the access road to the water treatment plant. The contract also contains five unexercised options, which if exercised, would increase cumulative contract value to $55,482,027. Work will be performed in Twentynine Palms, California, and is expected to be completed by September 2021. Fiscal 2018 military construction (Navy)contract funds in the amount of $49,118,094 are obligated on this award and will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via the Navy Electronic Commerce Online website with three proposals received. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Southwest, San Diego, California, is the contracting activity (N62473-18-C-4602). (Awarded Sept. 29, 2018) Syte Paschen JV,* Chicago, Illinois, was awarded a maximum amount $45,000,000 indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for minor construction, alteration and repair of real property and utilities at Naval Submarine Base (NSB) Kings Bay. Work will primarily consist of general building type projects including industrial, administrative, training, dormitory, and community support facilities, as well as wharfs, piers, dry docks and other waterfront facilities activities. Initial task order was awarded at $96,581 for Building 3046 siding replacement within the limited area at NSB Kings Bay. Work for this task order is expected to be completed by March 2019. Work will be performed in Kings Bay, Georgia. The term of the contract is not to exceed 60 months with an expected completion date of September 2023. Fiscal 2018 operations and maintenance (Navy) contract funds in the amount of $96,581 are obligated on this award and expired at the end of fiscal 2018. Future task orders will be primarily funded by operations and maintenance (Navy). This contract was competitively procured via the Federal Business Opportunities website, with 10 proposals received. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Southeast, Jacksonville, Florida, is the contracting activity (N69450-18-D-0902). (Awarded Sept. 29, 2018) Skookum Educational Programs, Bremerton, Washington, was awarded a $34,403,068 indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for base operating support services at Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Northwest. The work to be performed provides for janitorial services, grounds maintenance, facility investment, pest control, integrated solid waste, chemical toilets, pavement clearance and warehousing services. The maximum dollar value including the base period and five option yearsis $227,382,385. Work will be performed at Naval Base Kitsap (73 percent); Naval Air Station Whidbey Island (17 percent); and Naval Station Everett (7 percent) in Washington; the Acoustic Research Detachmentin Idaho (1 percent); as well as Navy Operational Support Centers in Oregon (1 percent); and Montana (1 percent), and is expected to be completed by September 2024. No funds will be obligated at time of award. Fiscal 2019 operations and maintenance (Navy) contract funds in the amount of $28,489,905 for recurring work will be obligated on individual task orders issued during the base period. This contract was awarded under the AbilityOne Program, Federal Acquisition Regulation Part 8.7, Acquisition from Nonprofit Agencies Employing People Who Are Blind or Severely Handicapped. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Northwest, Silverdale, Washington, is the contracting activity (N44255-18-D-5009). (Awarded Sept. 30, 2018) Johnson Controls Government Systems LLC, Gaithersburg, Maryland, was awarded a $30,419,226 firm-fixed-price modification to increase the maximum dollar value of a previously awarded indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract task order (DACA87-97-D-0069-EJP3) to upgrade, improve, or replace cogeneration plant utility monitoring control systems (UMCS) within the Naval Facilities Engineering Command Southwest area of responsibility. The work to be performed provides for contractor-installed computer systems and networked building control devices to bring the UCMS into compliance with current Department of Navy risk management framework requirements by ensuring critical upgrades to legacy hardware and software; switchgear communications processors to ethernet; and complete commissioning of the cogeneration plant facilities and programmable logic controller after migration from the legacy system. After award of this modification, the total cumulative task order value will be $186,268,118. Work will be performed in Twentynine Palms, California, and is expected to be completed by November 2025. For this project, Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center has agreed to pay for the costs of services/construction from project financing which will be obtained by Johnson Controls Government Systems LLC. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command Engineering and Expeditionary Warfare Center, Port Hueneme, California, is the contracting activity. (Awarded Sept. 29, 2018) Industria Inc.,* Des Plaines, Illinois, was awarded a maximum amount $25,000,000 indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for exterior building envelope repairs for the James A. Lovell Federal Health Care Center and Naval Station Great Lakes. This project includes tuck-pointing for all exterior mortar joints and replacement of brickwork that is damaged, cracked, spalled, missing or unsound. Mortar and brick replacement shall match existing and shall be properly sealed. Replace existing weeps and weep holes with new and include cell vents. Replace exterior gutters, downspouts, louvers, wall vents and gutter flashing as needed. Repair roof as needed. Repair foundation as needed. Replace windows as needed. Initial task order was awarded at $7,190,979, inclusive of options, for masonry tuck-pointing and exterior repairs at building 4VA at James A. Lovell Federal Health Care Center. Work for this task order is expected to be completed by March 2019. All work on this contract will be performed in North Chicago (80 percent); and Great Lakes (20 percent), Illinois. The term of the contract is not to exceed 60 months with an expected completion date of September 2023. Fiscal 2018 Joint Department of Defense/Veteran's Affairs Medical Facility Demonstration funds in the amount of $2,030,650 are obligated on this award and will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Future task orders will be primarily funded by operations and maintenance, (Navy); and Joint Department of Defense/Veteran's Affairs Medical Facility Demonstration. This contract was competitively procured via the Federal Business Opportunities website, with three proposals received. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Mid-Atlantic, Norfolk, Virginia, is the contracting activity (N40085-18-D-3019). (Awarded Sept. 30, 2018) Environmental Chemical Corp., Burlingame, California, was awarded $15,848,403 for firm-fixed-price task order N6945018F0086 under a previously awarded, multiple award construction contract (N62470-13-D-6020) for construction of Hurricane Matthew Phase 4C repairs at Atlantic Underwater Testing and Evaluation Center, Andros Islands. The work to be performed provides for construction, alteration, and repair of real property and utilities. Work also includes any and all ancillary and incidental mechanical and electrical support services needed to accomplish required work including, but not limited to, disconnects, temporary reconnects, removals, extensions, modifications, alterations, reinstalls, new components, and permanent reconnects necessary for functional operation. Work will be performed in Andros Islands, Bahamas, and is expected to be completed by December 2019. Fiscal 2017 and fiscal 2018 research, development, test and evaluation(Navy) in the amount of $15,848,403 are obligated on this award, of which $15,061,888 expired at the end of fiscal 2018. One proposal was received for this task order. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Southeast, Jacksonville, Florida, is the contracting activity. (Awarded Sept. 30, 2018) BB&E Inc.,* Northville, Michigan, was awarded $10,090,253for firm-fixed-price task order N4008518F9965 under a General Services Administration One Acquisition Solution For Integrated Services (OASIS) small business contract for professional support services at various locations within the Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Mid-Atlantic area of responsibility. The work to be performed provides for professional support services to assist in completing various capital improvement projects through contracted design and construction support in the areas of architecture, design (including various engineering disciplines) and construction management. Work will be performed at various installations in the Hampton Roads area, Virginia (74 percent); Albany, Georgia (8 percent); Jacksonville, North Carolina (5 percent); Havelock, North Carolina (3 percent); Parris Island, South Carolina (3 percent); Crane, Indiana (3 percent); Great Lakes, Illinois (2 percent); and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (2 percent), and is expected to be completed by September 2022. Fiscal 2018 operations and maintenance, (Navy) contract funds in the amount of $9,295,220 are obligated on this award, of which $8,595,220 expired at the end of fiscal 2018. Five proposals were received for this task order. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Mid-Atlantic, Norfolk, Virginia, is the contracting activity (N40085-18-F-9965). (Awarded Sept. 30, 2018) Coastal Enterprises of Jacksonville Inc., Jacksonville, North Carolina, was awarded an $8,008,489 firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for Naval Hospital custodial services at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune. The work provides for various custodial services including, but not limited to, emptying trash cans, sweeping, dusting, mopping, cleaning toilets, and medical waste disposal for the naval hospital, medical clinics, dental clinics, and wounded warrior barracks. Work will be performed in Jacksonville, North Carolina, and is expected to be completed by September 2019. Fiscal 2019 operations and maintenance (Navy) contract funds in the amount of $7,760,087 are obligated on this award and will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was procured via AbilityOne in accordance with Federal Acquisition Regulation 8.603. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Mid-Atlantic, Norfolk, Virginia, is the contracting activity (N40085-18-D-6161). (Awarded Sept. 30, 2018) DEFENSE HEALTH AGENCY M2 Technology, San Antonio, Texas, was awarded an $8,419,560 firm-fixed-price contract (HT0015-18-F-0136) providing replacement computer server hardware parts for the Defense Health Agency (DHA). This is a one-time purchase order for hardware placed against National Aeronautics and Space Administration Solution enterprise-wide supporting Military Health System operations. This contract award differs from previous contract awards because this procurement is for the replacement parts for end-of-life computer server hardware currently in use by the Military Health System. This contract is a small business competitive set-aside and received five quotes. This contract is funded by fiscal 2018 procurement funds. The Contracting Office-Health Information Technology, San Antonio, Texas, is the contracting activity. (Awarded Sept. 29, 2018) *Small Business https://dod.defense.gov/News/Contracts/Contract-View/Article/1652198/source/GovDelivery/

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

Key Suppliers for "Go Fast" Program Selected Just 45 Days from Prime Contract Award SUNNYVALE, Calif., Oct. 4, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) has selected Raytheon and a Northrop Grumman/Ball Aerospace team to compete as potential mission payload providers for the U.S. Air Force's Next Generation Overhead Persistent Infrared (Next Gen OPIR) Geosynchronous (GEO) Block 0 missile warning satellite system. This payload competition between Raytheon and Northrop Grumman/Ball Aerospace will be executed as part of the Phase 1 contract for the Air Force's Next Gen OPIR Block 0 GEO satellites. The competition includes development scope through the Critical Design Review (CDR) phase. As part of a program heralded by the Air Force as a pacesetter for "Go Fast" acquisition, Lockheed Martin selected the two suppliers on September 28 -- just 45 days after the company's own prime contractor award. The Air Force awarded Lockheed Martin the contract for rapid development of the Next Gen OPIR Block 0 GEO system on August 14. The Raytheon and Northrop Grumman/Ball Aerospace teams were selected due to their ability to meet stringent schedule and capability requirements. They are now tasked to develop detailed designs and compete their solutions for potential use on the Next Gen OPIR Block 0 GEO satellites. A final down-select is expected at the end of the CDR phase in 2020. Next Gen OPIR is a new missile warning satellite system acquisition program that will deliver advanced capabilities to keep pace with adversary advancements. It will succeed the Space Based Infrared System by providing improved missile warning capabilities that are more survivable and resilient against emerging threats. The Air Force implemented Next Gen OPIR as a rapid acquisition program with Lockheed Martin targeting the first GEO satellite delivery in 60 months. "Next Gen OPIR is a very important program for our nation, with a challenging schedule, and set of technical and resiliency requirements, different than prior programs," said Tom McCormick, Lockheed Martin's vice president for OPIR systems. "We recognize that this is a watershed program for the Air Force, and we understand the need to 'Go Fast' to ensure our national security posture stays ahead of emerging global threats." Lockheed Martin is working with the Air Force on a variety of initiatives to increase the speed of satellite acquisition, including introducing more commonality of parts and procedures into production, building predictability into schedules and supply chain orders, and incorporating additive manufacturing. 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-Lockheed-Martin-Selects-Industry-Mission-Payload-Providers-for-Next-Gen-OPIR-Missile-Warning-System

by Lisa Gordon The 55-year reign of the Canadian Sea King is coming to a close. In December, a crew from 443 Maritime Helicopter Squadron in Patricia Bay, B.C., will fly the CH-124 Sea King on its last flight for the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF). Earlier this year, their counterparts at 423 Maritime Helicopter Squadron in Shearwater, N.S., marked the aircraft's final East Coast mission on Jan. 26, 2018. While five helicopters are still operational until the end of the year in B.C., Canada's remaining 23 Sea Kings have been retired and are currently making their way through the fleet disposal process. Administered by the Department of National Defence (DND) and Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC), this process aims to repurpose, sell or otherwise dispose of the old helicopters in a safe and environmentally responsible manner. While final arrangements for the aircraft are subject to change, DND told Skies on Oct. 2 that eight of the 28 remaining aircraft will be publicly displayed by the Canadian Armed Forces at various military bases and museums across the country. Another airframe will be retained by the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) as a training aid, and one will be displayed at the Canada Aviation and Space Museum in Ottawa. Three aircraft were demilitarized and scrapped due to their poor condition, with components being recycled where possible. The remaining 15 Sea Kings and their associated parts — 12 are currently located at 12 Wing Shearwater and three are at Patricia Bay — are now for sale, a process that is being administered by PSPC. “Essentially, we have a website that is used to source interest for controlled and sensitive assets that are for sale,” explained Josée Doucet, manager of the GCMil group at PSPC, which deals with the disposal of surplus Canadian military goods. “In this case, we put the Sea Kings up for sale. Once we had expressions of interest, we held a bidders' conference on Sept. 26 in Shearwater, to showcase those aircraft. It gave bidders the chance to look at them, ask questions regarding the assets, and gave them an idea of what they are bidding on.” The helicopters are being sold in “as is, where is” condition. Doucet said she was very pleased by the number of potential bidders who attended the Shearwater event. “Now, the interested parties will receive a package from my office and be invited to submit a bid. There will be a timeline as to when we will start reviewing offers.” While Doucet said that timeline has not yet been finalized with DND, she indicated the goal would be to have a purchase agreement in place by the time the Sea Kings cease flying on Dec. 31. “It's a very aggressive timeline, so the offer to purchase dates will respect that.” Preparing for Sale Before the Sea Kings went on the market, controlled goods and military equipment were removed from the airframes wherever possible. Doucet said all Canadian bidders must be registered in the Controlled Goods Program. Interested foreign purchasers must be enrolled in their nation's equivalent program, which allows them to view military assets. “We have a number of processes. We only deal with registered Canadian companies, pre-approved foreign governments or authorized representatives of original equipment manufacturers. Only then would they be allowed to bid.” While Doucet declined to estimate the Sea Kings' worth, she said a myriad of factors are considered when selecting the winning bid. These include single-asset or full-lot bids, depreciation, condition of the fleet, and the costs to DND to maintain the helicopters as they await sale. “We also look to see if a bidder has an approved clear end use for the helicopters. What is the likelihood of obtaining export approval, as well as third-party approval from the country of acquisition — in this case the United States. We look at all that, because we don't want to exert efforts in an area that would not be fruitful.” Ultimately, she said fleet value will be driven by market demand. “I would have to say that from a commercial application perspective, the Sea King fleet has a lot of life left in it. Whether the fleet will be used as a gap measure, or to refurbish and resell, or to convert to commercial applications, the value will be subject to its intended end use.” A Lasting Legacy Canada accepted its first CH-124 Sea King at the Sikorsky plant in Connecticut on May 24, 1963. Since then, the maritime helicopter has earned its legendary status in the Canadian Armed Forces, serving with distinction on Her Majesty's Canadian Ship Bonaventure (the country's last aircraft carrier, retired in 1970), as well as on St. Laurent-class destroyer escorts, Iroquois-class destroyers, auxiliary oiler replenishment ships, and Halifax-class frigates. No other aircraft in Canadian service has ever commanded such a lasting multi-generational legacy. While 15 Sea Kings are destined for new homes, nine will remain on public display to ensure its story will never be forgotten. It's a fitting tribute to a King that ruled the waves for more than half a century. https://www.skiesmag.com/news/sea-king-disposal-underway

DENVER, Oct. 3, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, at the International Astronautical Congress (IAC) in Bremen, Germany, Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) experts revealed the company's crewed lunar lander concept and showed how the reusable lander aligns with NASA's lunar Gateway and future Mars missions. Concept video: https://vimeo.com/293133933 Lockheed Martin Crewed-Lunar-Lander The crewed lunar lander is a single stage, fully reusable system that incorporates flight-proven technologies and systems from NASA's Orion spacecraft. In its initial configuration, the lander would accommodate a crew of four and 2,000 lbs. of cargo payload on the surface for up to two weeks before returning to the Gateway without refueling on the surface. "NASA asked industry for innovative and new approaches to advance America's goal of returning humans to the Moon, and establishing a sustainable, enduring presence there," said Lisa Callahan, vice president and general manager of Commercial Civil Space at Lockheed Martin Space. "This is a concept that takes full advantage of both the Gateway and existing technologies to create a versatile, powerful lander that can be built quickly and affordably. This lander could be used to establish a surface base, deliver scientific or commercial cargo, and conduct extraordinary exploration of the Moon." The unique orbit of the lunar Gateway provides global lunar access for a lander. Having the ability to visit multiple sites with a reusable lander supports many international, commercial, and scientific communities, in addition to NASA's sustainable exploration of the Moon. After a surface mission, it would return to the Gateway, where it can be refueled, serviced, and then kept in orbit until the next surface sortie mission. "The Gateway is key to full, frequent and fast reusability of this lander," said Tim Cichan, space exploration architect at Lockheed Martin Space, who presented the lander concept at IAC. "Because this lander doesn't have to endure the punishment of re-entering Earth's atmosphere, it can be re-flown many times over without needing significant and costly refurbishment. That's a major advantage of the Gateway and of a modular, flexible, reusable approach to deep space exploration." The investments made in technology developed for Orion can be re-used to reduce the cost, complexity and development timeline. Some of the human-rated, flight-proven systems used in the design include avionics, life support, communications and navigation systems, and a light-weight version of its crew module pressure vessel. Reusable landers are enabled by the lunar Gateway and are important for sustainable exploration. Additionally, landed human lunar missions and a lunar orbiting outpost are valuable to prepare for sending humans to Mars. While the Moon doesn't have an atmosphere, there are still many lessons that apply to a future crewed Mars lander, such as: operations experience in a challenging and dynamic environment, operating and refueling out of orbit, long-duration cryogenic propulsion, and terminal descent navigation, guidance and control. To learn more about the Lockheed Martin's crewed reusable lunar lander concept, visit: Lander animation: https://vimeo.com/293133933 Lander illustrations: https://www.flickr.com/photos/lockheedmartin/albums/ 72157671935059557 Lander white paper: https://www.lockheedmartin.com/content/dam/lockheed-martin/space/documents/ahead/LM-Crewed-Lunar-Lander-from-Gateway-IAC-2018-Rev1.pdf 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/2018-10-03-Lockheed-Martin-Reveals-New-Human-Lunar-Lander-Concept

By Asha McLean The Australian Space Agency now has arrangements with France, Canada, and the United Kingdom. Australia's newly stood up space agency has announced signing two agreements with counterpart agencies in Canada and the United Kingdom. The Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) were signed between the Australian Space Agency, the Canadian Space Agency, and the United Kingdom Space Agency, with the three-way deal expected to help the nations develop their respective space programs and take advantage of the global industry. "Forging international partnerships is vital to building Australia's space industry and ensuring our businesses can compete on the world stage," Minister for Industry, Science and Technology Karen Andrews said Wednesday. "These agreements with counterpart space agencies in Canada and the United Kingdom will increase opportunities to work together and share information, technology, and personnel between our nations." The signing of the new MoUs took place at the International Astronautical Congress (IAC) being held this week in Bremen, Germany. The IAC is an annual meeting of international space agencies and industry. The Australian Space Agency last month signed a similar MoU with the Centre National d'Etudes Spatiales (CNES), with both agencies joining forces to develop their space capabilities, particularly in the areas of operations, science, Earth observation, positioning systems, and communications. The federal government announced during the 2018-19 Budget that it would be committing AU$41 million to the creation of the Australian Space Agency. Full article: https://www.zdnet.com/article/australia-signs-space-agreements-with-the-uk-and-canada

Opinion: In many NATO countries, national defence is a bipartisan or nonpartisan issue. Those governments don't use defence as a political tool By David Krayden Last week the United States Marine Corps flew the F-35 joint strike fighter into combat for the first time. That same day, one of the fighters also set a first: crashing in South Carolina — fortunately without the loss of life. As military aviators would remark, crap happens (or words to that effect). The state-of-the-art fighter jet first flew as a prototype in 2006 and has been flying with the United States Air Force since 2011. The Royal Air Force in the U.K. also uses the F-35. And just this year, in a moment of sheer historical irony, the Royal Australian Air Force took delivery of its first F-35s. Why irony? Because just as Australia was welcoming its new jets to its defence inventory, Canada was at the doorstep begging for Australia's used F-18s. Defence Minister Harjit Sajjan had come calling because politics had again intervened in Canada's storied but sorry defence procurement planning. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, not knowing what to do with the obsolescent CF-18s — ordered by his father in the late 1970s for a 1982 delivery — had been musing about buying some Super Hornets from Boeing but had decided not to in a peevish fit of trade retaliation. Of course the Super Hornets were only a “stop-gap” measure anyway, as both Trudeau and Sajjan emphasized. The contract to replace the entire fleet of aging CF-18s would be delayed again because Trudeau did not want to buy the previous Conservative government's fighter replacement choice: the F-35. But there's an additional irony here. The F-35 was not just the choice of the Harper government. It was initially selected by the Liberal government of Jean Chrétien. The primary reason: interoperability with our primary allies. The U.S., U.K. and Australia would all be buying the F-35 so it just made sense. I was working at the House of Commons at the time for the Official Opposition defence critic, who thought the decision to participate in the development, and eventually, the procurement of the F-35, was a refreshing but rare moment of common-sense, non-political defence planning on the part of the government. Full article: https://nationalpost.com/opinion/canadas-fighter-jet-debacle-this-is-no-way-to-run-a-military