Nouvelles

The Department of Defense (DoD) has released details on major defense acquisition program cost, schedule, and performance changes since the December 2018 reporting period. This information is based on the comprehensive annual Selected Acquisition Reports (SARs) for the first quarter of FY 2019, as updated by the President's Fiscal Year (FY) 2020 budget submitted to Congress on March 11, 2019. SARs summarize the latest estimates of cost, schedule, and performance status. These reports are prepared annually in conjunction with submission of the President's Budget. Subsequent quarterly exception reports are required only for those programs experiencing unit cost increases of at least 15 percent or schedule delays of at least six months. Quarterly SARs are also submitted for initial reports, final reports, and for programs that are rebaselined at major milestone decisions. The total program acquisition cost estimates provided in the SARs include research and development, procurement, military construction, and acquisition-related operations and maintenance. These totals reflect actual costs to date as well as future anticipated costs. All estimates are shown in fully inflated then-year dollars. The prior current estimate of program acquisition costs for programs covered by SARs for the reporting period for December 2017 (83 programs) was $1,917,840 million. The current estimate for December 2018 (87 programs) is $2,018,684 million. Quantity changes account for the majority of the $101,000 million increase (+$51,000 million), in addition to scope changes (+$18,000 million) and revised indices (+$11,500 million). 16 of the 20 programs with quantity changes are either equal to or underrunning their current baseline costs, as well as 60 of the 84* SARs reporting Unit Cost this SAR cycle overall. To view the full news release and SAR Summary Tables, click here. https://dod.defense.gov/News/News-Releases/News-Release-View/Article/1923492/department-of-defense-selected-acquisition-reports-sars-december-2018/source/GovDelivery/

By: Jen Judson WASHINGTON — The U.S. Army has awarded a contract each to Northrop Grumman and Raytheon to build a 50-kilowatt-class laser weapon for Stryker combat vehicles for the Short-Range Air Defense (SHORAD) mission, according to an Aug. 1 statement from the service's Rapid Capabilities and Critical Technologies Office. The two companies will build their respective directed-energy weapons as subcontractors to Kord Technologies. The Rapid Capabilities and Critical Technologies Office, or RCCTO, entered into a $203 million agreement with Kord under the OTA, or other transaction authority, contracting mechanism that is used to rapidly fund the production of prototypes. The contract could increase to $490 million for the delivery of four prototypes. One of the laser weapon systems developed through the OTA could be integrated onto a platoon of four Stryker vehicles in fiscal 2022. But the Army is leaving competition open to any vendors that did not receive an OTA contract to compete using their own internal research and development dollars. The Army is rapidly developing and fielding Manuever-SHORAD vehicles in response to an urgent need in Europe. A year ago, the Army chose Leonardo DRS to integrate a mission equipment package that will include Raytheon's Stinger vehicle missile launcher onto a Stryker as its M-SHORAD capability. General Dynamics Land Systems — which produces the Stryker — will be the platform integrator for the system. The final prototypes will be delivered to the service by the first quarter of FY20. The directed-energy M-SHORAD capability will protect brigade combat teams from unmanned aircraft, helicopters, rockets, artillery and mortars. “The time is now to get directed energy weapons to the battlefield,” Lt. Gen. L. Neil Thurgood, director of hypersonics, directed energy, space and rapid acquisition, said in a statement. “The Army recognizes the need for directed energy lasers as part of the Army's modernization plan. This is no longer a research effort or a demonstration effort. It is a strategic combat capability, and we are on the right path to get it in soldiers' hands.” The award marks progress toward the Army's new strategy for accelerating and fielding directed-energy weapons. The M-SHORAD laser weapon prototypes are part of a technology maturation effort — the Multi-Mission High Energy Laser. The Army is also building a High Energy Laser Tactical Vehicle Demonstrator. While the laser for the demonstrator will be a 100-kilowatt-class laser on a Family of Medium Tactical Vehicles platform — developed by Dynetics and Lockheed Martin — the service aims to develop 250- to 300-kilowatt-class directed-energy weapons. More powerful laser weapon systems will allow the services to protect against rockets, artillery, mortars and drones “as well as more stressing threats,” according to the release. The Army plans to deliver prototypes of approximately that power onto tactical vehicles for the High Energy Laser Indirect Fire Protection Capability to a platoon by FY24. “By teaming with the other services and our industry partners, we will not only save resources, but exponentially increase the power level and get a better system to soldiers faster,” Thurgood said. https://www.defensenews.com/land/2019/08/01/northrop-and-raytheon-to-compete-to-build-laser-weapon-for-short-range-air-defense/

By Kristi Britt, Public Affairs Specialist, PORTSMOUTH, Va (NNS) -- Although they have only worked at Norfolk Naval Shipyard (NNSY) for less than 10 months, two employees are already involved in the future of innovative technologies in America's Shipyard. Code 268 Engineering Technician Jason Ewick and Code 2340 Assist Shift Test Engineer (ASTE) Joey Hoellerich were brought into the NNSY Technology and Innovation (T&I) Lab, a group dedicated to bringing the real ideas and technologies of the shipyard to the forefront. With their arrival to the team, both were given the unique opportunity to share knowledge with Puget Sound Naval Shipyard and Intermediate Maintenance Facility (PSNS&IMF), using laser scanning to provide accurate measurements for shipboard work. “The USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) was at NNSY in years past, Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) brought Puget Sound representatives to our shipyard to use their laser scanning technology to cut off all added material from four sponsons onboard the vessel,” said NNSY T&I Lab Lead Dan Adams. Sponsons are the projections extending from both sides of the watercraft to provide protection, stability, mounting locations, etc. “During the time, we observed the process and wanted to learn what we could from our sister shipyard team.” The team from PSNS&IMF returned to NNSY to give guidance on the process, with Code 290 representative Dan Hager, and Shop 11 Mold Loft representatives Jason Anderson and Jeremiah Swain taking charge in sharing what they knew to Ewick and Hoellerich. “The team from Puget was absolutely amazing and shared the ins and outs of the 3-D scanning technology with us,” said Ewick. “I had done laser scanning work in the private industry but it was my first time tackling something like this. Hager, Anderson, and Swain guided us through each step, sharing as much knowledge as they could with us about two different processes we could use to get the results we needed.” The first process is photogrammetry, where you place targets an inch apart on a desired object or space for scanning. Once complete, you take multiple photographs which are then compiled into a software to build the 3-D model. The second process is the 3-D laser scanning, which requires more space for a larger read. The targets would be placed and then someone would operate the laser tracker and scanner from the pier to get the scan needed. Once completed, the 3-D model would be compiled in the software for use. With the knowledge provided by PSNS&IMF and USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77) in drydock, Ewick and Hoellerich were ready to tackle the process for NNSY. “We began at Colonna's Shipyard in Norfolk where the sponsons are being produced,” said Ewick. “We use the scanning technology to analyze where the sponson would meet the shell of the ship. It helps provide an accurate measurement for our workers when it comes to installation and repair.” Next up was scanning after the pieces were installed. At this time three of the four sponsons have been installed onboard the Bush. “The two forward sponsons were scanned using photogrammetry,” said Ewick. “It was a first for us and required coordination across various shops and codes throughout the shipyard.” The Pipefitter Shop (Shop 56), The Optical Diesel Mechanics (Shop 38), the Shipfitter Shop (Shop 11), the Shipyard Operations Department (Code 300), and partners at Puget all played a part in this evolution. “It was a collaborative effort and we were able to be successful thanks to our shipyard family coming together to make it happen.” This process was a first for NNSY and a first for using the software directly in the drydock instead from piers and barges. “It's amazing to see something come together like this, especially when you think that we were two blank slates coming into the project,” said Hoellerich who had no prior experience working with 3-D scanning and metrology before joining the lab. “We were able to partner with our sister shipyard and work with shops and codes that I never thought I'd be able to do when I first joined the ranks of NNSY. Being able to gain that knowledge from our shipyard family and utilize what we've learned in the field is something those of us working in innovation live for.” The team will be completing the rear scans for the Bush in the future and hope to continue to perfect the process. In addition, they hope to continue to work with other shipyard entities to further expand on the technologies of the future. “This partnership has been a major success for us and we hope to continue to build those relationships with the other shipyards and beyond,” said Hoellerich. “We can all learn from each other and build from each other's experiences. We all share a mission and together we can succeed.” Ewick added, “we've also begun expanding more ways we can use the scanning technology at our shipyard. For example, we are looking into a future project where we scan inside the ship and build a path for extracting heavy equipment from within as to avoid interferences. We've seen more interest from others within the shipyard since we began to do work with this technology, seeing what ways it could help improve what we do here. That's what innovation is all about, taking those first steps in seeing what works. Even if what you try doesn't pan out, at least you gave it a shot. But you'll never know if it works or not unless you take that step. Don't be scared to try out something new.” For more information regarding innovation, contact the NNSY T&I Lab at 757-396-7180 or email the REAL Ideas program at NNSY_REALIdeas@navy.mil. https://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=110422

By Thierry Dubois Luch Olymp, a Russian satellite, is French Armed Forces Minister Florence Parly's favorite enemy. Last year, she revealed it had, in 2017, moved into close proximity to Athena-Fidus—a Franco-Italian satellite used for military communications—and tried to intercept its signal. The French military have kept a close eye on Luch Olymp. “I can't resist telling you the latest—it left a business card to another eight satellites belonging to various countries,” she says. The French government uses Luch Olymp as an example of the mounting threats against the country's space-based assets. A feeling of vulnerability was the basis for the government's decision, announced last year, to devise a space defense strategy. Now officially unveiled, it includes developing patrol satellites and space-based directed-energy weapons. The move confirms the trend for nations to consider space as an additional theater of operations for future conflicts. In the U.S., President Donald Trump signed off on a detailed plan on how to organize military space in February. The document, dubbed Space Policy Directive-4, proposes the creation of a sixth military service focused on space. The House and Senate are in agreement that a separate space service is necessary, but they are at odds on the details. Both chambers will enter conference this summer to hash out the specifics and are hopeful an agreement will be reached this fall. Last year, a report on worldwide threats to Congress stated that Russian and Chinese anti-satellite (ASAT) weapons would probably become operational within the next few years. “Both countries also are advancing directed-energy weapons technologies for the purpose of fielding ASAT weapons that could blind or damage sensitive space-based optical sensors, such as those used for remote sensing or missile defense.” Referring to China and the U.S., Parly says she believes in France asserting itself as the world's third space power. A space command with an initial 220 personnel will be created Sept. 1. One of its roles will be to establish French space doctrine. The operations center of the space command is to open in 2024 in Toulouse, where it is expected to benefit from local synergies with the space industry. As the space command will be part of the French Air Force, the latter is to become the Air and Space Force (Armee de l'Air et de l'Espace). The space command to be integrated into the air force will replace the existing Joint Space Command, created in 2010. The Joint Space Command did help French forces with their space ambitions, says Parly. However, it is believed not to be effective because of a lack of unity in the command chain and the development of a military space policy, as well as geographically scattered sites. “Space is a new front,” Parly says. She earlier requested the integration of cameras into the Syracuse 4A and 4B communications satellites, due to be launched in the early 2020s. The cameras will monitor the satellites' close environment. Parly wants to see nanosatellites patrolling in orbit as soon as 2023. They will be used to detect threats and may also carry high-power lasers. Such weapons, which may also be integrated into France's “valuable” satellites, will be able to “dazzle” a threatening spacecraft, says Parly. France is behind in high-power lasers, she admits, but she is confident the country's research laboratories and OEMs will catch up. In fact, aerospace research center ONERA has already conducted a test that temporarily made inoperative the optical sensors of an Earth-observation satellite at the end of its life. According to a report by two members of the French National Assembly, ONERA could build a system that would make such sensors inoperative permanently. ONERA is also taking part in the TALOS project. Launched last year by the European Defense Agency to create high-power laser beam weapons, TALOS is led by CILAS, an ArianeGroup subsidiary. Other ideas for “active defense” include repurposing systems currently developed under a European Space Agency program to remove debris from orbit, using a net or harpoon. France's military programming law for 2019-25 already includes €3.6 billion ($4 billion) for the renewal of satellites—such as launching the CSO Earth-observation satellites. Parly announced another €700 million will be added over that period. They will be used, among other expenditures, to create demonstrators. “Full capacity” of the space command is expected in 2030. On the ground, the existing Graves radar, which monitors low Earth orbit, will be upgraded in 2022. Parly has requested its successor deliver an initial operational capability in 2025, sooner than initially planned. Eventually, it will have to detect an object “the size of a shoe box” at 1,500 km (930 mi.). Debris is a concern, as well as illegal launches such as that of Swarm Technologies' picosatellites last year. The government is counting on European cooperation, especially with Germany and Italy, to make future surveillance equipment and weapons affordable. https://aviationweek.com/space/france-creates-space-command-help-bid-be-third-space-power

WEST LAFAYETTE, Indiana—The U.S. Defense Department says data from an upcoming four-year test campaign covering 40 flights and three basic vehicle concepts will lay the foundation for a comprehensive hypersonic weapon road map that should allay growing congressional concerns over potential overlaps in costly weapons development capability. To a quarter of the tests, representing as many as 10 flights, will be focused on air-breathing scramjet-powered vehicles, says Mike White, assistant director for hypersonics at the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering. Speaking to Aerospace DAILY on the sidelines of the inaugural National Defense Industrial Association (NDIA) hypersonics capability conference at Purdue University here, White says test results from both boosted glide vehicle flights and powered missiles will form the basis for the integrated development plan. The overarching road map also will include the integration of a counter hypersonic development strategy, the preliminary steps toward which have been proposed by both the recently formed Space Development Agency (SDA) and the Missile Defense Agency. The SDA is studying a space-based distributed satellite architecture, while the latter has proposed a Hypersonic and Ballistic Tracking and Surveillance System (HBTSS). “Offensive and defensive coordination is my job,” White says. The bulk of the prototype tests will be conducted using the common hypersonic glide body (C-HGB). Developed by Sandia National Laboratories, the bi-conic re-entry vehicle has been adopted as the basis for near-term boosted glide weapons by the U.S. Air Force, Army and Navy, with only minor differences in each version planned to reflect the varying operational characteristics of each role. The Army, which plans to ground launch the Long-Range Hypersonic Weapon (LRHW) from transporter erector vehicles, is meanwhile making the first moves toward industrializing production of what up to now has been small batch manufacturing runs of experimental vehicles. The service has issued a solicitation for transition of the design and production capability of the initial prototype LRHW C-HGB variant out of Sandia into industry. A contract award is expected to be issued this month. Other versions of the C-HGB are in development for the Navy's vertically launched Intermediate Range Conventional Strike Weapon (IR-CPS), and the Air Force's Hypersonic Conventional Strike Weapon (HCSW). Underwater launch tests of the IR-CPS, which follows the successful Flight Experiment-1 test in October 2017, from the Pacific Missile Range Facility in Kauai, Hawaii, are due to run through 2024. The Air Force is scheduled to complete critical design review of the HCSW in 2020 prior to launch tests from a B-52. At least five other flight-test campaigns make up the remainder of the hectic four-year plan, three of which will be focused on the DARPA-led Tactical Boost Glide (TBG) vehicle and two proposed follow-on air-launched rapid response weapon (ARRW) vehicles in competitive development by Lockheed Martin and Raytheon. The balance are two air breathing vehicles, also in development by Lockheed/Aerojet Rocketdyne and Raytheon/Northrop Grumman, which will be evaluated under the Air Force's Hypersonic Air-Breathing Weapon Concept (HAWC) program. Despite the ongoing efforts to refine the hypersonic road map, the proliferation of prototype vehicle programs continues to cause concern in Congress. Warning that not all programs will receive the funding requested in the fiscal 2020 budget, Peter Visclosky, chairman of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense, says some reductions are planned. Commenting at the NDIA event, he says, “Justifications in the budget for this effort receive the same scrutiny as every other program in the department and unfortunately certain aspects of that 2020 budget request were lacking.” Without identifying particular initiatives, Visclosky adds, “There were cuts to those specific programs where the justifications did not lead to a review. Each of the services impacted have been made aware of the issues that the committee has raised and the need to better define the strategy for the investment in these systems.” Visclosky also cautions that hypersonics, which is provisionally funded with a budget of $2.3 billion for fiscal 2020 and $10.5 billion over the period to 2024, also faces broader threats at a time of increased spending on other high-profile defense programs. “I am concerned about affordability in the future because this is a competitive process,” he said. “We have a nuclear modernization process that is underway and there is going to be a bulge in the federal budget. There is a new submarine and there is going to be a bulge in the budget. It is the same for the new [B-21] bomber under development and, while the Army doesn't have that ‘one' new program, collectively for the modernization program there is going to be one. “We need to make sure there is a concerted effort for commonality and collaboration to a common technical standard and system architecture. I think this will drive better affordability into the sustainment of the system,” he adds. https://aviationweek.com/defense/integrated-hypersonic-plan-forms-amid-overlap-concerns

ARMY Medico Industries Inc.,* Wilkes Barre, Pennsylvania, was awarded an $891,165,000 fixed-price with economic-price-adjustment contract to manufacture and deliver 155mm M795 projectile metal parts and 120mm mortar shell bodies. 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 July 23, 2029. U.S. Army Contracting Command, New Jersey, is the contracting activity (W15QKN-19-D-0084). Northrop Grumman Systems Corp., Rolling Meadows, Illinois, was awarded a $481,576,687 hybrid (cost-no-fee, cost-plus-incentive-fee and firm-fixed-price) contract for Common Infrared Countermeasure Quick Reaction Capability 3. 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 July 30, 2024. U.S. Army Contracting Command, Redstone Arsenal, Alabama, is the contracting activity (W58RGZ-19-D-0110). BAE Systems Information and Electronic Systems Integration Inc., Nashua, New Hampshire, was awarded a $242,251,919 hybrid (cost-no-fee, cost-plus-fixed-fee and cost-plus-incentive-fee) contract for systems engineering, integration, logistics, and other technical support services for the OT-225 Advanced Threat Infrared Countermeasures System and the AN/AAR-57(V) Common Missile Warning System. One bid was solicited with one bid received. Work locations and funding will be determined with each order, with an estimated completion date of July 31, 2026. U.S. Army Contracting Command, Redstone Arsenal, Alabama, is the contracting activity (W58RGZ-19-D-0102). Medico Industries Inc.,* Wilkes Barre, Pennsylvania, was awarded a $214,864,648 hybrid (cost-plus-fixed-fee and firm-fixed-price) contract for property management of Scranton Army Ammunition Plant. 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 July 23, 2034. U.S. Army Contracting Command, Rock Island Arsenal, Illinois, is the contracting activity (W52P1J-19-D-0075). Raytheon Integrated Defense Systems, Fullerton, California, was awarded a $160,814,850 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for engineering and technical services to support the Sentinel Radar. 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 July 31, 2019. U.S. Army Contracting Command, Redstone Arsenal, Alabama, is the contracting activity (W31P4Q-19-D-0030). Raytheon Co., Indianapolis, Indiana, was awarded a $48,756,859 hybrid (cost-no-fee and cost-plus-fixed-fee) contract for Air Soldier System engineering services. 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 July 30, 2024. U.S. Army Contracting Command, Redstone Arsenal, Alabama, is the contracting activity (W58RGZ-19-D-0109). L3 Technologies Inc., Muskegon, Michigan, was awarded a $36,031,861 modification (P00077) to contract W56HZV-15-C-0119 for hydro-mechanically propelled transmissions. Work will be performed in Muskegon, Michigan, with an estimated completion date of May 31, 2020. Fiscal 2018 procurement of weapons and tracked combat vehicles, Army funds in the amount of $36,031,861 were obligated at the time of the award. U.S. Army Contracting Command, Warren, Michigan, is the contracting activity. HNTB Corp., Kansas City, Missouri, was awarded a $10,747,350 firm-fixed-price contract for engineering design services. One bid was solicited with one bid received. Work will be performed in Kansas City, Missouri, with an estimated completion date of Nov. 30, 2020. Fiscal 2019 flood control and coastal emergencies, civil funds in the amount of $10,747,350 were obligated at the time of the award. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Kansas City, Missouri, is the contracting activity (W912DQ-19-D-1009). AIR FORCE Lockheed Martin Corp., doing business as Lockheed Martin Aeronautics, Fort Worth, Texas, has been awarded a $799,955,939 firm-fixed-price incentive contract for F-16 aircraft production. This contract provides for the production and support of 14 Slovak Republic F-16 block 70 aircraft. Work will be performed at Greenville, South Carolina, and is expected to be completed by Jan. 31, 2024. This contract award involves 100% foreign military sales to the Slovak Republic. This award is the result of a Slovak Republic conducted competition. Foreign Military Sales funds in the amount of $799,955,939 are being obligated at time of award. The Air Force Life Cycle Management Center, Wright Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, is the contracting activity (FA8615-19-C-6053). Lockheed Martin Corp., doing business as Lockheed Martin Aeronautics, Fort Worth, Texas, has been awarded a $315,604,174 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract, for F-16 Contractor Logistics Support Phase IV. This contract provides the contractor logistics support and establish a training detachment at Balad Air Base, Iraq, for the government of lraq. Work will be performed at Balad Air Base, Iraq; and Greenville, South Carolina, and is expected to be complete by Dec. 31, 2022. This contract involves 100% foreign military sales to the country of Iraq. This award is the result of a sole-source acquisition. Foreign Military Sales funds in the amount of $29,819,883 are being obligated at the time of award. The Air Force Life Cycle Management Center, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Dayton, Ohio, is the contracting activity (FA8615-19-C-6051). JE DUNN Construction Co., Kansas City, Missouri, has been awarded a $158,000,000 firm-fixed-price contract for repair of the Cadet Chapel at the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado. This contract provides for repairing the building envelope, protection of exposed facility interiors/artifacts, abatement/disposal of hazardous materials, cleaning/replicate/replace historical colored glass (dalles de verre), replacement of interior lighting and controls, and installment of new fire protection system and life safety upgrades. Work will be performed at Colorado Springs, Colorado, and is expected to be completed by Nov. 1, 2022. This award is the result of a competitive acquisition with one offer received. Fiscal 2019 operations and maintenance funds in the amount of $158,000,000 are being obligated at the time of award. The Air Force Installation Contracting Center, San Antonio, Texas (FA8903-19-C-0021). Two Six Labs LLC,* Arlington, Virginia, has been awarded a $95,119,268 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for project IKE. The objective of IKE is to develop automated artificial intelligence/machine learning techniques to assist human understanding of the cyber battlespace, support development of cyber warfare strategies and measure and model battle damage assessment. Work will be performed in Arlington, Virginia, and is expected to be completed by July 30, 2024. This award is the result of a competitive acquisition with two offers received. Fiscal 2019 research, development, test and evaluation funds in the amount of $1,400,000 are being obligated at time of award. The Air Force Research Laboratory, Rome, New York, is the contracting activity (FA8750-19-C-1507). Advanced Electronics Co. Ltd., Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, has been awarded a $57,806,293 contract modification (P00013) to previously awarded contract FA8730-16-C-0019 for the Royal Saudi Air Force F-15SA Cyber Protection System and Related Facilities program. This modification provides for the construction of a secure communications facility at the Royal Saudi Air Force (RSAF) Headquarters. Work will be performed at RSAF Headquarters, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and is expected to be completed by July 31, 2022. This contract involves foreign military sales to Saudi Arabia. This award is the result of a sole-source acquisition. Foreign Military Sales funds in the amount of $57,806,293 are being obligated at the time of award. The Air Force Life Cycle Management Center, Hanscom Air Force Base, Massachusetts, is the contracting activity. IBM Corp., Reston, Virginia, has been awarded an $8,729,010 firm-fixed-price contract for advisory and assistance support. This contract will provide for the development, implementations, analysis and provision of policies, guidance, oversight, career field management and human capital management programs across the civil engineer enterprise. Work will be performed at Arlington, Virginia, and is expected to be completed by May 17, 2020. This award is the result of a competitive acquisition with three offers received. Fiscal 2019 operations and maintenance funds in the amount of $8,729,010 are being obligated at the time of award. The Air Force District of Washington Contracting Directorate, Joint Base Andrews, Maryland, is the contracting activity (FA7014-19-F-A152). NAVY Huntington Ingalls Industries Inc., Newport News, Virginia, is awarded a $290,577,495 cost-plus-fixed fee modification to add Year Two to previously-awarded contract N00024-18-C-2106 to prepare and make ready for the refueling and complex overhaul (RCOH) of USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74). This modification will provide for fiscal 2019-2020 advance planning efforts, including material forecasting; long-lead-time material procurement; purchase order development; technical document and drawing development; scheduling; resource forecasting and planning; development of cost estimates for work to be accomplished; data acquisition; pre-overhaul tests and inspections, and other technical studies as required to prepare and make ready for the CVN 74 RCOH accomplishment. This contract action includes options for the third year of planning which, if exercised, would bring the cumulative value to $476,949,310. Work will be performed in Newport News, Virginia, and is expected to be completed by July 2020. Fiscal 2019 shipbuilding and conversion (Navy) incremental funding in the amount of $107,500,000 will be obligated at time of award and will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, District of Columbia, is the contracting activity. SSFM-NOEI LLC, Honolulu, Hawaii, is being awarded a maximum amount $100,000,000 indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity architect-engineering contract for architect-engineer services for various structural projects and other projects primarily under the cognizance of Naval Facilities Engineering Command Hawaii. The work to be performed provides for architect-engineer structural services with associated multi-discipline architect-engineer support services. Services include, but are not limited to, the execution and delivery of military construction project documentation; functional analysis and concept development workshops, design charrettes; design-build request for proposal solicitation documents; design-bid-build design contract documents; cost estimates; technical surveys and reports including concept studies, site engineering investigations and surveys; collateral equipment buy packages; comprehensive interior design, to include structural interior design; and furniture, fixtures, and equipment packages; and post construction award services. No task orders are being issued at this time. Work will be performed at various Navy, Marine Corps and other government facilities in Hawaii (100%). The term of the contract is not to exceed 60 months with an expected completion date of August 2024. Fiscal 2019 operations and maintenance (Marine Corps) contract funds in the amount of $10,000 are obligated on this award and will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Future task orders will be primarily funded by military construction planning and design funds. This contract was competitively procured via the Navy Electronic Commerce Online website, with one proposal received. Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, is the contracting activity (N62478-19-D-5033). AEG Group Inc.,* Grayslake, Illinois, is awarded an $85,571,796 fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract to provide for up to 33,382 Motorola brand name ultra high frequency, very high frequency, and multiband radios in support of the Commander, Navy Installations Command Enterprise Land Mobile Radio modernization. Work will be performed in Grayslake, Illinois, and is expected to be completed in July 2024. Fiscal 2019 operation and maintenance (Navy) funds in the amount of $502,792 will be obligated at time of award, all of which will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via an electronic request for proposal; six offers were received. The Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division, Lakehurst, New Jersey, is the contracting activity (N68335-19-D-0154). Duke Energy Progress, Raleigh, North Carolina, is awarded $48,787,671 for firm-fixed-price task order N40085-19-F-9253 under a General Services Administration area-wide contract (GS-00P-14-BSD-1005) for the implementation of eight energy conservation measures at Marine Corps Base, Camp Lejeune. The work to be performed provides for implementation of cost-effective energy conservation measures that include installation of automatic meter-reading (AMR) compliant meters, upgrade AMR meters at photovoltaic locations, provide a new mobile meter data collector and meter data management software, retrofit existing lighting systems with light emitting diode systems, retrofit all elevated taxiway, runway, taxiway, in-pavement and approach lighting, upgrade multiple substations and replace heating, ventilation, and air conditioning chillers. The primary goal of the project is to reduce energy consumption and provide more resilient and sustainable facility infrastructure. Work will be performed in Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, and is expected to be completed by October 2021. Fiscal 2019 operations and maintenance (Marine Corps) contract funds in the amount of $33,114,052 are obligated on this award and will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 authorizes agencies to use appropriations, private financing, or a combination to comply with its requirements for utility energy service contracts for evaluations/project implementation. For this project, the Navy has agreed to pay for the remaining costs of services/construction from project financing which will be obtained by Duke Energy Progress. The contract was procured under the authority of Title 10 U.S. Code Section 2304(c)(5), which expressly authorizes or requires that the acquisition be made through another agency or from a specific source, as implemented by Federal Acquisition Regulation 6.302-5. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command Mid-Atlantic, Norfolk, Virginia, is the contracting activity. Teehee Bishop JV,* Carlsbad, California, is awarded a maximum amount $30,000,000 indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for new work, additions, alterations, maintenance, and repairs of roofing systems at Naval Weapons Station, Seal Beach and Marine Corps Base, Camp Pendleton. Projects will be primarily design-bid-build (fully designed) task orders or task order with minimal design effort (e.g. shop drawings). Projects may include, but are not limited to, new work, additions, alterations, maintenance and repairs of roofing systems projects. Work will be performed in Seal Beach, California (50%); and Oceanside, California (50%). The term of the contract is not to exceed 60 months with an expected completion date of July 2024. Fiscal 2019 operations and maintenance (Navy) contract funds in the amount of $5,000 are obligated on this award and will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Future task orders will be primarily funded by operations and maintenance (Navy). This contract was competitively procured via the Navy Electronic Commerce Online website with eight proposals received. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Southwest, San Diego, California, is the contracting activity (N62473-19-D-2630). CDW Government LLC, Vernon Hills, Illinois, is awarded a master limit $26,669,800 firm-fixed-price, blanket purchase agreement for the purchase of a maximum 6,800 Panasonic CF-20 Toughbooks and accessories. Work will be performed in Vernon Hills, Illinois, and is expected to be complete by July 30, 2022. Fiscal 2019 procurement (Marine Corps) funds in the amount of $6,826,905 will be obligated on the first delivery order immediately following contract award. Funds will expire the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via the General Services Administration eBuy website, with five quotes received. The Marine Corps Systems Command, Quantico, Virginia, is the contracting activity (M67854-19-A-5136). The Boeing Co., St. Louis, Missouri, is awarded $25,345,439 for modification P00003 to a previously awarded cost-plus-incentive-fee contract (N00019-18-C-1057). This modification continues the Phase I design maturity, analysis and test planning for the Stand-off Land Attack Missile – Expanded Response (SLAM-ER) production line for the government of Saudi Arabia. In addition, this modification provides for the redesign of obsolete parts to replace obsolete, nearly obsolete or uneconomical parts to support SLAM-ER weapon system production and improve future sustainment. Work will be performed in St. Louis, Missouri (37%); Indianapolis, Indiana (30%); Melbourne, Florida (10%); Pontiac, Michigan (10%); Middleton, Connecticut (7%); Black Mountain, North Carolina (2%); South Pasadena, California (1%); Albuquerque, New Mexico (1%); Stillwater, Oklahoma (1%); and various locations within the continental U.S. (1%), and is expected to be completed in September 2019. Foreign Military Sales funds in the amount of $25,345,439 will be obligated at time of award, none of which will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Maryland, is the contracting activity. The Boeing Co., Seattle, Washington, is awarded $17,647,771 for firm-fixed-price delivery order N00019-19-F-2947 against a previously issued basic ordering agreement (N00019-16-G-0001). This delivery order provides for the production and delivery of 27 Sixth Mission Crew Workstation (MCW) Retrofit B-kits for the Navy in support of P-8A Lots One through Three aircraft, and four Sixth MCW Retrofit B-kits for the government of Australia in support of P-8A Lot Six aircraft. Work will be performed in Seattle, Washington (67.8%); Huntington Beach, California (21.7%); and San Antonio, Texas (10.5%), and is expected to be completed in January 2023. Fiscal 2018 and 2019 aircraft procurement (Navy); and cooperative partner funds in the amount of $17,647,771 will be obligated at time of award, none of which will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Maryland, is the contracting activity. The Boeing Co., Seattle, Washington, is awarded $16,853,707 for modification P00179 to a previously awarded fixed-price-incentive-firm contract (N00019-12-C-0112). This modification provides for the production and delivery of 29 Sixth Mission Crew Workstation Retrofit B-kits in support of P-8A production lots four and five. Work will be performed in Seattle, Washington (67.8%); Huntington Beach, California (21.7%); and San Antonio, Texas (10.5%), and is expected to be completed in December 2021. Fiscal 2013 aircraft procurement (Navy) funds in the amount of $7,539,663 will be obligated at time of award, all of which has expired. Prior approval was granted to obligate expired funds. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Maryland, is the contracting activity. J&J Contractors Inc.,* North Billerica, Massachusetts, is awarded $12,267,000 for firm-fixed-price task order N40085-19-F-5728 under a previously awarded multiple award construction contract (N40085-17-D-5050) for Sims Hall center wing upgrades at the Naval War College, Naval Station, Newport. The work provides for extensive interior renovation to the first, second, and third floors of the center wing of Sims Hall. This requirement includes expanding the existing secure room area currently located in the center wing and east connector, new building addition of a stair and elevator tower to the east side of the center wing, and complete removal of the electrical, and mechanical and plumbing systems. Work will be performed in Newport, Rhode Island, and is expected to be completed by January 2021. Fiscal 2019 operations and maintenance (Navy) contract funds in the amount of $12,267,000 are obligated on this award and will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Two proposals were received for this task order. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Mid-Atlantic, Norfolk, Virginia, is the contracting activity. NexGen Communications LLC, Nashua, New Hampshire, is awarded an $11,640,404 indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract to provide up to 1,500 each remote display units and filter box kits in support of the Family of Special Operations Vehicles Ground Mobility Vehicle 1.1 and the Mine Resistant Ambush Protected platforms. Work will be performed in Nashua, New Hampshire, and is expected to be completed in July 2024. Fiscal 2019 other procurement defense-wide funds in the amount of $128,205 will be obligated at time of award, none of which will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was not competitively procured pursuant to 10 U.S. Code 2304(c)(1). The Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division, Lakehurst, New Jersey, is the contracting activity (N68335-19-D-0046). Northrop Grumman Systems Corp., Rolling Meadows, Illinois, is awarded $10,314,373 for cost-plus-fixed-fee delivery order N00019-19-F-4033 against a previously issued basic ordering agreement (N00019-15-G-0026). This delivery order provides for non-recurring engineering required to develop, qualify and test an updated APR-39D(V)2 processor configuration. In addition, this delivery order will procure 16 Digital Receiver Processor (DRP) 2 circuit card assemblies (CCA) for the Army and six for the Navy. Four of the six DRP2 CCAs procured for the Navy will be retrofitted into the APR-39D(V)2 processor establishing an updated configuration. Work will be performed in Rolling Meadows, Illinois, and is expected to be completed in July 2021. Fiscal 2019 aircraft procurement (Army and Navy) in the amount of $10,314,373 will be obligated at time of award, none of which will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Maryland, is the contracting activity. Military & Federal Construction Co.,* Jacksonville, North Carolina, is awarded $9,852,959 for firm-fixed-price task order N4008519-F-6226 under a previously awarded multiple award construction contract (N40085-16-D-6303) for repairs to Bachelor Enlisted Quarters (BEQ) 4199 at Marine Corp Air Station, Cherry Point. The work provides improvements and repairs to existing BEQ 4199, replacing windows and doors, replacing and providing new interior finishes, minor structural modifications, providing a sprinkler fire suppression system, fire alarm system modifications, replacement and repair of plumbing, mechanical and electrical systems, repairs and resurfacing of existing parking areas. Work will be performed in Havelock, North Carolina, and is expected to be completed by January 2021. Fiscal 2019 operations and maintenance (Marine Corps) contract funds in the amount of $9,852,959 are obligated on this award and will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Five proposals were received for this task order. Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Mid-Atlantic, Cherry Point, North Carolina, is the contracting activity. Vertex Aerospace LLC, Madison, Mississippi, is awarded $9,556,334 for modification P00003 to a previously issued firm-fixed-price contract (N00019-17-C-0080). This modification is for Automatic Dependence Surveillance-Broadcast Out installs and also exercises an option for organizational and intermediate depot maintenance and logistics and supply support for three KC-130J aircraft for the government of Kuwait under the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program. Work will be performed at the Abdullah Al-Mubarak Air Base, Kuwait, and is expected to be completed in August 2020. FMS funds will be obligated at time of award, none of which will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Maryland, is the contracting activity. Military & Federal Construction Co.,* Jacksonville, North Carolina, is awarded $8,870,147 for firm-fixed-price task order N40085-19-F-6215 under a previously awarded multiple award construction contract (N40085-16-D-6303) for repairs to Bachelor Enlisted Quarters (BEQ) 4200 at Marine Corps Air Station, Cherry Point. The work provides for improvements and repairs to existing BEQ 4200, replacing windows and doors, replacing and providing new interior finishes, minor structural modifications, providing a sprinkler fire suppression system, fire alarm system modifications, replacement and repair of plumbing, mechanical and electrical systems, repairs and resurfacing of existing parking areas. Work will be performed in Havelock, North Carolina, and is expected to be completed by January 2021. Fiscal 2019 operations and maintenance (Marine Corps) contract funds in the amount of $8,870,147 are obligated on this award and will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Five proposals were received for this task order. Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Mid-Atlantic, Cherry Point, North Carolina, is the contracting activity. Northrop Grumman Systems Corp., Rolling Meadows, Illinois, is awarded $8,723,882 for cost-plus-fixed-fee delivery order N00019-19-F-0306 against a previously issued basic ordering agreement (N00019-15-G-0026). This delivery order provides for non-recurring engineering required to modify software to correct software deficiencies identified by the Navy and Marine Corps aircrews and test community in the Navy Large Aircraft Infrared Countermeasures AN/AAQ-24 system. Work will be performed in Rolling Meadows, Illinois, and is expected to be completed in May 2021. Fiscal 2018 and 2019 aircraft procurement (Navy); and fiscal 2019 operations and maintenance (Navy) funds in the amount of $8,723,882 will be obligated at time of award, $3,199,581 of which will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Maryland, is the contracting activity. TOTE Services Inc., Jacksonville, Florida, is being awarded an $8,065,927 modification under a previously awarded firm-fixed-price contract (N32205-18-C-3002) with reimbursable elements for operation and maintenance of the offshore petroleum discharge system vessels. Work will be performed at sea worldwide, and is expected to be completed July 2020. If all options are exercised, work will continue through July 31, 2023. Navy working capital funds in the amount of $8,065,927 are obligated at the time of award, and will not expire at the end of the fiscal years. This contract was competitively procured with proposals solicited via the Federal Business Opportunities website, with four offers received. The Navy's Military Sealift Command, Norfolk, Virginia, is the contracting activity. Coastal Enterprises of Jacksonville Inc.,* Jacksonville, North Carolina, is awarded an $8,054,652 modification under a previously awarded indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract (N40085-16-D-6318) to exercise Option Three for grounds maintenance services at Marine Corps Base, Camp Lejeune; Marine Corps Air Station, New River; and other outlying locations. The work to be performed provides for grounds maintenance services that will maintain landscaping, mowing, trimming grass, weed control, and fire ant treatment for the Camp Lejeune complex which include commands such as the Naval Hospital, Marine Corps Special Operations Command and Department of Defense Dependent Schools. After award of this option, the total cumulative contract value will be $31,447,230. Work will be performed in Jacksonville, North Carolina, and is expected to be completed July 2020. No funds will be obligated at time of award. Fiscal 2019 operations and maintenance (Marine Corps) contract funds in the amount of $4,593,444 for recurring work will be obligated on individual task orders issued during the option period. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command Mid-Atlantic, Norfolk, Virginia, is the contracting activity. Nova Group Inc., Napa, California, is awarded $7,425,000 for firm-fixed-price task order N44255-19-F-4332 under a previously awarded multiple award construction contract (N44255-14-D-9006). The work to be performed includes removing piles, installing piles, demolishing concrete deck, building roof sections, restoring concrete deck, repairing miscellaneous damaged utilities, repairing spalling piles and pile caps and replacing corroded or missing utility hangers. The work is located at the Naval Magazine, Indian Island. Work will be performed on the ammunition pier and will include the removal of nine existing concrete piles and the installation of nine new concrete piles. The total task order amount with the exercise of the option will be $7,425,000. Work will be performed in Port Hadlock, Washington, and is expected to be completed by March 15, 2021. Fiscal 2019 Commander Navy Installation Command contract funds in the amount of $7,425,000 are obligated on this award and will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Four proposals were received for this task order. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command Northwest, Silverdale, Washington, is the contracting activity. Quality Performance Inc., Fredericksburg, Virginia, was awarded $7,021,996 for modification P00003 to a previously awarded a firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract (N68335-15-D-0031). This modification increases the ceiling of the contract to procure up to 14 additional Moriah Wind Systems as well as associated sub-components, ancillary components, repair services and as required, non-recurring engineering to support engineering change proposals for the Aircraft Launch and Recovery Equipment Moriah program. Work will be performed in Fredericksburg, Virginia, and is expected to be completed in September 2021. No funds are being obligated at time of award, funds will be obligated on individual orders as they are issued. The Naval Air Warfare Center, Aircraft Division, Lakehurst, New Jersey, is the contracting activity. (Awarded July 29, 2019) DEFENSE HEALTH AGENCY Deloitte LLP, Arlington, Virginia, was awarded a five-year contract (one-year base and four option periods) with an estimated value of $197,277,630. This contract supports the Defense Health Agency (DHA), Deputy Assistant Director for Information Operations, Solutions Delivery Division (SDD). This entails performing a variety of functions, such as configuration management, information assurance, training support, deployment activities, and other business, technical and administrative functions necessary for sustaining existing SDD products and project lines, including: Armed Forces Health Longitudinal Technology Application; the Composite Health Care System; the Clinical Data Repository; Essentris®; the Health Artifact and Image Management Solution; the Interagency Comprehensive Plan for Care Coordination Support; the Defense Medical Logistics Support System; and the Defense Occupational and Environmental Health Readiness System – Industrial Hygiene. This contract was competitively awarded under the General Services Administration's eBuy vehicle; DHA received three offers. Location of performance is inside the U.S. The base year will be funded with fiscal 2020 operations and maintenance funding in the amount of $34,213,809. The Defense Health Agency, Professional Services Contracting Division, Falls Church, Virginia, is the contracting activity (HT0011-19-F-0068). DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY Viasat Inc., Carlsbad, California, has been awarded a maximum $28,379,192 firm‐fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite‐quantity contract for small tactical terminals. This was a sole-source acquisition using justification 10 U.S. Code 2304 (c)(1), as stated in Federal Acquisition Regulation 6.302-1. This is a five‐year contract with no option periods. Location of performance is California, with a May 30, 2024, performance completion date. Using military service is Army. Type of appropriation is fiscal 2019 through 2024 Army working capital funds. The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Aviation, Redstone Arsenal, Alabama (SPRRA1-19-D-0070). Baxter Healthcare Corp., Deerfield, Illinois, has been awarded a maximum $24,354,889 fixed-price with economic-price-adjustment, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for pharmaceutical products. This is a one-year base contract with nine one-year option periods. To date, this is the eighth contract awarded from standing solicitation SPE2D0-15-R-0002. Location of performance is Illinois, with a July 30, 2020, performance completion date. Using customers are Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps and federal civilian agencies. Type of appropriation is fiscal 2019 through 2020 Warstopper funds. The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency, Troop Support, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (SPE2D0-19-D-0004). South Alabama Regional Airport Authority, Andalusia, Alabama, has been awarded a minimum $11,474,983 fixed-price with economic-price-adjustment contract for fuel. This was a competitive acquisition with 148 responses received. This is a 44-month contract with one six-month option period. Location of performance is Alabama, with a March 31, 2023, performance completion date. Using customers are Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps and federal civilian agencies. Type of appropriation is fiscal 2019 through 2023 defense working capital funds. The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Energy, Fort Belvoir, Virginia (SPE607-19-D-0112). Avfuel Corp., Ann Arbor, Michigan, has been awarded a maximum $8,611,528 fixed-price with economic-price-adjustment contract for fuel. This was a competitive acquisition with 155 responses received. This is a 43-month contract with one six-month option period. Locations of performance are Michigan and Texas, with a March 31, 2023, performance completion date. Using customers are Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps and federal civilian agencies. Type of appropriation is fiscal 2019 through 2023 defense working capital funds. The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Energy, Fort Belvoir, Virginia (SPE607-19-D-0107). *Small Business https://dod.defense.gov/News/Contracts/Contract-View/Article/1922486/source/GovDelivery/

Londres (awp/afp) - Le groupe britannique de défense BAE Systems a enregistré un bond de son bénéfice net au premier semestre gr'ce aux dépenses militaires toujours fortes des gouvernements et malgré les nuages géopolitiques. Le bénéfice net a grimpé de 69% à 795 millions de livres (866 millions d'euros) au cours des six premiers mois de l'année, selon un communiqué publié mercredi. Cette hausse s'explique principalement par la bonne tenue de son chiffre d'affaires qui a progressé de près de 7% à 9,4 milliards de livres. "Les gouvernements sur nos principaux marchés continuent de donner la priorité à la défense et à la sécurité et il y a une demande toujours plus forte pour nos produits et services", note le groupe. Les Etats-Unis sont en particulier un marché essentiel pour BAE Systems qui participe au programme d'avions furtifs F-35 notamment pour ce qui relève de l'électronique. Son carnet de commandes s'est toutefois légèrement tassé au total à 47,4 milliards de livres, en raison d'un essoufflement de contrats de long terme dans l'aérien partiellement compensé par ses activités aux Etats-Unis. Le groupe maintient par ailleurs son objectif d'une croissance de 5% du bénéfice par action ajusté pour l'ensemble de l'année mais prévient toutefois être encore soumis aux incertitudes géopolitiques avec notamment les interrogations de certains pays autour des ventes d'armes à l'Arabie Saoudite. BAE Systems mise énormément sur les négociations en cours avec le Royaume saoudien pour une commande géante de 48 Eurofighter Typhoon. Cet avion, qui équipe les forces armées britanniques notamment, est le grand concurrent du Rafale du groupe français Dassault, mais ses performances ont été relativement modestes jusqu'à présent à l'export. Le groupe redoute notamment les conséquences de la décision prise il y a quelques mois par l'Allemagne de geler ses ventes d'armements au Royaume saoudien, alors même que Berlin est partie prenante du programme Eurofighter. De son côté, la justice britannique a récemment estimé que la vente d'armes à l'Arabie saoudite par le Royaume-Uni dans le contexte du conflit au Yémen avait été entachée d'une "erreur de droit", sans suspendre pour autant les exportations militaires britanniques à destination de Ryad. BAE Systems explique suivre de près la situation et avertit du fait que l'éventuelle perte de permis d'exportation vers l'Arabie Saoudite pourrait affecter sa capacité à continuer d'approvisionner le Royaume. https://www.zonebourse.com/BAE-SYSTEMS-PLC-ADR-8382778/actualite/BAE-Systems-augmente-sa-rentabilite-au-1er-semestre-malgre-les-incertitudes-28986174/

Les ministres suédois et britannique de la Défense ont signé un protocole d'accord concernant le développement conjoint des systèmes de combat aérien du futur. Face à l'axe mis en place entre l'Allemagne, l'Espagne et la France pour développer conjointement un système de combat aérien du futur (SCAF), le Royaume-Uni et la Suède cherchent à rompre leur isolement en s'alliant. La secrétaire d'État à la Défense du Royaume-Uni, Penny Mordaunt, et le ministre suédois de la Défense, Peter Hultqvist, se sont donc rencontrés à Londres pour signer un protocole d'accord portant sur le développement d'un système similaire de combat aérien du futur (SCAF). S'étalant sur dix ans, cet accord doit permettre d'établir les conditions d'une coopération plus étroite concernant le développement d'un SCAF. Cela inclut la possibilité d'intégrer des technologies installées sur les Saab JAS 39 Gripen et BAE Systems Typhoon. Selon les parties concernées, les industriels et les gouvernements des deux pays ont identifié des besoins futurs similaires en matière de combat aérien. Le ministre de la Défense suédois, Peter Hultqvist, a souligné que les relations industrielles partagées par les deux pays étaient essentielles pour garantir cette future puissance aérienne de combat. « La coopération internationale fait partie de la stratégie de croissance de Saab et la collaboration avec les industries britanniques représente cette façon de travailler, également en prévision du futur », commente Håkan Buskhe, président de Saab. Le constructeur suédois rappelle qu'il développe actuellement le chasseur de nouvelle génération, le Gripen E/F, et qu'il « s'engage à le faire en étroite collaboration avec ses partenaires stratégiques, les forces aériennes suédoises et brésiliennes, ainsi qu'avec d'autres clients existants et nouveaux du Gripen, afin que le Gripen évolue pour répondre aux nouvelles exigences opérationnelles des prochaines décennies. » De son côté, le ministre britannique chargé des achats de la Défense, Stuart Andrew, a rappelé que le partenariat entre le Royaume-Uni et la Suède comportait déjà des exercices conjoints dans l'Arctique ainsi que l'exercice Ramstein Alloy au-dessus de l'Europe de l'Est. De même, les Typhoons de la Royal Air force sont équipés de distributeurs de paillettes et de leurres de fabrication suédoise tandis que le radar Giraffe de Saab est un élément clé du système de défense aérienne au sol britannique Sky Saber. Enfin, les Gripen sont équipés de radars conçus et construits par Leonardo à Edimbourg et le Royaume-Uni, en collaboration avec des partenaires européens, dont la Suède, a mis au point des missiles air-air Meteor. https://www.air-cosmos.com/article/scaf-la-sude-et-le-royaume-uni-cherchent-rompre-leur-isolement-21536

By Sara Francis, U.S. Naval Research Laboratory Public Affairs WASHINGTON (NNS) -- A pigment package designed by the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory (NRL) to slow discoloration of the exterior coating on surface ships has started to make its way into the fleet and is producing early, positive results. NRL researchers created the pigment combination to satisfy the fleet requirement for the Navy standard "haze gray" paint that will remain color stable for longer than current coatings. While many paint manufacturers had produced new coating technologies that solved a variety of other problems, such as corrosion and delamination, some ships still showed discoloration in as little as 18 months. Additionally, different coatings from different manufacturer's fade to different hues, resulting in an inconsistent appearance between the original coatings and any in-service touch-ups or repairs. “We had a good idea on how to solve the issue, and we leveled the playing field by providing the pigment combination to all companies at the same time,” said Dr. Erick Iezzi, senior research chemist in the Center for Corrosion Science and Engineering at NRL. NRL is currently working with Naval Sea Systems Command, Naval Systems Engineering Directorate, Ship Integrity & Performance Engineering (SEA 05P) to transition the new pigment combination into a military specification, which will become the standard for haze gray paint applied to surface ships. The first vessel to receive a coating with the pigment combination was USS Essex (LHD 2) in 2017. The most recent to vessel to receive it was USS George Washington (CVN 73). While all paint manufacturers have access to the pigment technology, three companies have already started mass-producing the paint, generating an estimated tens of thousands of gallons thus far. Recently, Sherwin-Williams won the Society for Protective Coatings Military Coatings Project Award of Excellence for its new topcoat paint that incorporates the new pigment after it was used to overhaul USS George Washington. “It was motivating to know that several companies were willing to lean on our expertise to provide a new technology that would produce the best product for the Navy,” Iezzi said. From 2012 to 2013, Iezzi worked with corrosion science researchers Jimmy Tagert and Candice Langaster to design five new pigment combinations and test them for color stability, solar reflectance and other coating properties. After testing all combinations, they provided the best performer to paint and coating manufacturers to begin integration in 2015. The pigment combinations underwent testing at NRL's Key West facility for atmospheric exposure performance and accelerated weathering. Coatings that contained the new pigments proved to have excellent color stability, were five times harder than silicone alkyd, had improved gloss retention and chemical resistance, and provided greater barrier properties. “It was great working with the manufacturers and demonstrating our ability to provide a product needed for the fleet,” Tagert said. For more information, visit http://www.navy.mil, http://www.facebook.com/usnavy, or http://www.twitter.com/usnavy. https://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=110401