US Navy

Rappel du premier message :

Bonjour/Bonsoir ;

Alors, je vous présente quelques portes avions USA :

USS Carl Vinson


USS Harry S Truman


USS Nimitz



USS Eisenhower


USS George H. W. Bush


USS Kity Hawk



USS Wasp


USS Tarawa


USS Saipan

Citation :

U.S. Navy Selects Lockheed Martin for Submarine Sonar Upgrades





MANASSAS, Va., January 14th, 2011 -- Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT] received a U.S. Navy contract to continue providing sonar systems for U.S. submarines, enabling the fleet to maintain an acoustic advantage.
The $84 million contract contains options which, if exercised, will bring the total contract value to $2.1 billion. The program’s scope includes the development, production, support and modernization of all U.S. submarine sonar systems including initial system deliveries for Virginia Class submarines under construction as well as upgrades for all in-services submarines.
“By adapting commercial technology in an open architecture environment, the program rapidly delivers capability to the submarine fleet at a lower cost than a unique custom-built development,” said Jack Gellen, Lockheed Martin vice president of anti-submarine warfare and integration programs. “As a result, we’re able to help the Navy affordably outpace growing undersea warfare threats.”
Acoustic Rapid Commercial-off-the-Shelf Insertion, or ARCI, provides software and hardware updates on a regular basis to ensure the submarine fleet’s sonar systems are up-to-date. System upgrades are fielded in 18 to 24 months increments, allowing the government to take advantage of commercial information technology.
Headquartered in Bethesda, Md., Lockheed Martin is a global security company that employs about 133,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services. The Corporation’s 2009 sales from continuing operations were $44 billion.

lockheedmartin

Citation :

Prowler Coming Aboard



Posted 1/18/2011
PACIFIC OCEAN (Jan. 15, 2011) An EA-6B Prowler assigned to Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 134 lands aboard the aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) during heavy seas. Carl Vinson and Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 17 are on deployment to the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Rosa A. Arzola)

Citation :

FRCSE receives first Super Hornet to prototype maintenance



JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – An F/A-18F Super Hornet fighter aircraft that arrived in Jacksonville Dec. 8 will be the first prototype to undergo planned maintenance and minor repairs in a Fleet Readiness Center Southeast (FRCSE) hangar at Cecil Commerce Center.
FRCSE is prototyping a six-year Planned Maintenance Interval (PMI) site for Super Hornet aircraft in a modified maintenance hangar designated as an overflow facility for Naval Air Station Oceana, Va., as large numbers of aircraft become due for maintenance.
“CNAF (Commander, Naval Air Forces) and NAVAIR (Naval Air Systems Command) Program Manager Air (PMA) 265 were really instrumental in the jet coming here,” said Larry Hanks, an FRCSE business management specialist.
“It started around October (2009) when Dennis Berry with the CNAF Super Hornet Class Desk suggested we resubmit a quote,” said Hanks. “We did and Capt. Mark Darrah (Program Executive Officer for Tactical Aircraft Programs) at PMA 265 approved it.”
F/A-18E/F Integrated Maintenance Concept (IMC) Program Manager John Bandor said this is a “new capability” for FRCSE.
We are the only fly-in, fly-out program on the East Coast,” he said. “At Oceana the aircraft get towed over for maintenance. They might get an aircraft without an engine, but we don’t have (Super Hornet) squadron support locally.”
FRCSE artisans began pre-inducting the first Super Hornet Dec. 9. During the 3-day phase, systems inspectors conducted a preliminary evaluation of the aircraft. They performed engine turns and preserved the aircraft prior to disassembly.
During the disassembly phase in the hangar, artisans visually inspected for corrosion by removing flight control surfaces and related components and opening or removing access doors.
Bandor said once the artisans complete their inspection, they report any condition issues to the customer, along with an estimated delivery date.
“There is a history of several corrosion-prone areas,” he said. “If we catch any condition issues that are outside the scope of the specification, the artisans will have time to make the repairs and the aircraft will not be held up at delivery.”
Artisans continued the work throughout December to keep pace with the 53-day maintenance schedule projected for completion Jan. 30. They also performed minor repairs and paint touchups where needed.
“We are working on four prototypes in Fiscal Year (FY) 2011,” Bandor said. “Our goal once capability is established is to do 16 aircraft each year, an average of four per quarter.”
Bandor said the hangar is “divided into four work cells.” Cell 1 is the disassembly and inspection cell; Cell 2a and 2b are repair cells; Cell 3 is the final assembly and operations cell. Artisans complete the final phase on the flight line in preparation for the Functional Check Flight. FRCSE returns the aircraft to the customer when it is ready for issue.
“Every two weeks, something is going to be moving,” said Bandor.
F/A-18 Super Hornet Overhaul and Repair Supervisor Gary L. Lawrence said 15 artisans and support personnel are currently working on the project, but that number will climb when the second aircraft arrives in February.
“By the time we finish the last prototype and go to full production in the first quarter of FY12, we will have about 40 to 50 personnel on the project,” he said.
FRCSE has leveraged on the lessons learned from other F/A-18 production lines, including packaging disassembled parts in custom kits to prevent loss and enhance overall product turnaround times. Bandor credits AirSpeed champion Roger Collamati for the kitting process and mapping out the critical path from day to day.
F/A-18 Fleet Support Team Senior Engineer and Integrated Maintenance Concept Lead Pete Weintraub and his team traveled from Naval Air Station North Island in California to provide assistance with establishing the new maintenance prototyping.
Weintraub leads the Extensive Age Exploration Program at North Island. He and his team disassemble Super Hornets three to four times each year and look for problematic areas. These results feed his work specifications for establishing PMI requirements, such as what parts to inspect and where to inspect.
“Whenever we prototype a new site, we attend to help with lessons learned from other sites,” he said. “This is the fifth site we have stood up, and we want to standardize the work. Other sites are at full capacity with phased implementation.”
Weintraub said it is “quite a big process to get a program approved” by the Integrated Maintenance Review Board (IMRB) that convenes in Patuxent River, Md.
“The Super Hornet is still in production and each jet gets inspected every six years,” he said. “Jets produced about five years ago are coming due for PMI.”
According to its website, Boeing is building 201 additional Super Hornets under a multi-year contract for the U.S. Navy as it awaits the arrival of the replacement platform, the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter.
The U.S. Navy Fact File lists the Super Hornet E/F model as an all-weather fighter and attack aircraft capable of precision-guided munitions and used for Fleet air defense and force protection. It is 60.3 feet long with a wingspan of nearly 45 feet. It has a range of 1,275 nautical miles and can travel at an airspeed of Mach 1.8 plus.
Source: NAVAIR press release

Citation :

Carrier Reagan to leave in 2012 for overhaul




The San Diego-based aircraft carrier Ronald Reagan will move to Bremerton, Wash., in early 2012 for a year of scheduled maintenance, raising questions about the future for flattops in San Diego, the Navy’s West Coast hub.
If no other changes are made, San Diego Bay will be home to only one carrier, the Carl Vinson, for a year -- a first for the region since at least 1990.
A Navy aircraft carrier takes with it at least $200 million in yearly salaries and more than 3,000 sailors. San Diego has piers available for three 1,000-foot carriers at North Island Naval Air Station.
Unlike the carrier Nimitz, which left in December for good, the Reagan is slated to return in early 2013 -- though Navy officials stress that the choreography of these movements depends on national security needs.
Defense analysts say it makes strategic sense, given San Diego’s proximity to Asia, to keep a stable of carriers in San Diego. However, they acknowledge that untethering one of Virginia’s five flattops, or Washington’s two permanent ones, would mean a tough political battle.
“Given China’s rapid naval modernization and confrontational stance, chances are good that a few more carriers may start calling San Diego home,” said Craig Hooper, a national security strategist and defense consultant in San Francisco.
But the Lexington Institute’s Loren Thompson said the Navy may not be willing to rock the boat further. A hotly contested move of a flattop from the Norfolk, Vir., area to Mayport, Fla., is still being considered after at least two years of debate.
“It’s not as though a San Diego carrier is only carrier we have in the Pacific, from an operational point of view,” Thompson said.
“My bet right now is that not much will change in the way the Navy positions aircraft carriers. They already have enough fights going on right now without adding to the list.”
San Diego has been a revolving door for flattops in the past year.
The Vinson arrived after a five-year overhaul in April, giving the city three carriers for its skyline. Then, in December, the Nimitz was permanently reassigned to the Puget Sound region following a year of maintenance there. Now, the Reagan will take its turn in colder climes.
Rep. Susan Davis, D-San Diego, on Wednesday dispatched a letter to the chief naval officer, Adm. Gary Roughead, asking him to discuss the future of East and West Coast carriers. Davis reported in December that the Navy was working to bring a new carrier to San Diego by 2016.
“I am interested to learn the Navy’s plan for how these carriers will be moved among different homeports, and on what time frame, in response to current and emerging threats,” the Davis letter says.
“I have yet to learn of a concrete plan to return three carriers to San Diego, and want to ensure that the Navy is working to address this.”
The Reagan has seen a lot of action in its less than eight years.
Commissioned in July, 2003, it has deployed four times in four years.
Both Navy officials and defense analysts said a carrier gets a drydock overhaul about once every eight to 10 years for preventative maintenance. One Navy maintenance official said it’s like changing your car’s brake pads before they start grinding metal.
The Navy also said the Reagan will be modernized to be able to handle the Navy’s next-generation plane, the Joint Strike Fighter, in 2015, and the latest version of the MH-60 Seahawk helicopter.
Hooper, the San Francisco analyst, said the way the Navy has pushed the Reagan probably led to some maintenance being delayed until now. However, the carrier just finished a six-month fix-it period in May, and Hooper said the results of a major inspection that followed are classified.
“It would be good for policymakers to know if our carriers are holding up under the strain of sustained combat operations,” he said.

www.signonsandiego.com

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BAE Systems to Build Gun Systems for U.S. Navy Littoral Combat Ships


ARLINGTON, Virginia | As the country's leading naval guns producer, BAE Systems will provide the primary gun systems on 10 U.S. Navy Littoral Combat Ships (LCS) to be built by the Lockheed Martin-led team. BAE Systems will equip the 10 ships with 57 millimeter Mk 110 gun systems.

"We're very happy to be part of the LCS program," said Gary Slack, president of BAE Systems U.S. Combat Systems. "We look forward to furnishing these dynamic new ships with the absolute best in naval gun technology."

BAE Systems will also provide a digital fire control system that allows the Mk 110 to accurately fire automatic salvos of the highly lethal 57-mm Mk 295 ammunition at a firing rate of 220 rounds per minute and a range of up to nine miles.

"BAE Systems' 57mm gun brings a new level of versatility against an ever-expanding range of threats, thereby matching the multi-mission requirements of the LCS program," said Mike Smith, managing director of weapons programs for BAE Systems. "We pooled the best technologies from sources around the world in order to create the most advanced weapon system of its kind."

The 6-mode programmable 57-mm Mk 295, pre-fragmented and proximity-fused (3P) ammunition allows the system to perform against either an aerial, surface or ground threat without requiring multiple round types. Sailors can switch from warning to live fire to engage a target in seconds, and the servo-controlled electro hydraulic gun laying subsystems provide robust endurance and extreme pointing accuracy, even in high sea-state conditions.

The system requires minimal manpower for operation and maintenance, and affords a high availability due to a redundant architecture design, built-in test functions, ready component access, and onboard tools and spares.

Work on the contract will take place at BAE Systems' facilities in Louisville, Kentucky; Minneapolis, Minnesota; and in Karlskoga, Sweden. Production of the gun systems is expected to run through calendar year 2017.

defpro

Citation :

From foreground, Republic of Singapore Navy frigate RSS Stalwart (72) cruises in formation with USS Gridley (DDG 101) and USS Stockdale (DDG 106), background, both assigned to the Carl Vinson Carrier Strike Group, in the Pacific Ocean, Jan. 20, 2011. Carl Vinson and Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 17 are currently on deployment to the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility. (DoD photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Apprentice Nicolas C. Lopez, U.S. Navy/Released)

Citation :

U.S. Navy Renews Successful Sikorsky Helicopter Logistics Program with $1.4B Follow-on Contract


January 21, 2011 by Rob Vogelaar · Leave a Comment


SH-60F US Navy (archive)

Woodbridge, Virginia – The Maritime Helicopter Support Company, a joint venture of Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT] and Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation, a subsidiary of United Technologies Corp. [NYSE: UTX], has received a $1.4 billion firm fixed price contract from the U.S. Navy to continue providing performance-based logistics support for more than 490 in-service H-60 SEAHAWK® helicopters.
The contract requires the Maritime Helicopter Support Company (MHSCo) to manage the supply chain and provide as-needed repair of more than 1,250 aircraft components and subsystems for the Navy’s H-60 Tip-to-Tail performance-based logistics (PBL) program. Supported aircraft include Navy SH-60B, SH-60F, HH-60H, MH-60R and MH-60S helicopters, Coast Guard HH-60J helicopters and other H-60 aircraft operated by customers of the Navy’s Foreign Military Sales program.
Sikorsky’s aftermarket support company Sikorsky Aerospace Services, Shelton, Conn., and Lockheed Martin Mission Systems and Sensors, Owego, NY, will fulfill the contract through January 31, 2015. The H-60 Tip-to-Tail PBL program will enable the Navy/MHSCo team to continue the accomplishments achieved under the initial five-year contract awarded in January 2004. Today, the program is among the largest of its kind for a fully functional aircraft fleet.
“H-60 Tip-to-Tail is recognized as one of the U.S. Navy’s most successful PBL programs,” said RADM Raymond Berube, commander, Naval Inventory Control Point in Philadelphia, which procures, manages, and supplies spare parts for naval aircraft, submarines and ships worldwide. “By meeting the Navy’s rigorous on-time parts delivery requirements, MHSCo has set a high standard of support that has had a very positive effect on H-60 flight operations.”
Performance-based logistics programs incentivize the contractor to meet measurable performance goals as the criteria for payment. In 2004, by applying commercial best practices across the supply chain, MHSCo quickly boosted delivery of replacement parts and assemblies to the fleet by 25 percent.
“Over the past seven years, MHSCo has consistently exceeded contract requirements, and enhanced the customer’s fleet readiness, by improving the availability and reliability of H-60 materiel and providing effective inventory control and materiel obsolescence management,” said David Adler, president of Sikorsky Aerospace Services. “This follow-on contract will enable MHSCo to continue to provide the maximum value and the highest service levels to the U.S. Government, the taxpayer and the warfighter.”
“Last September, Defense Secretary Robert Gates asked industry to reduce lifecycle costs and improve performance,” said Dan Schultz, vice president and general manager, Lockheed Martin Ship & Aviation Systems. “Through MHSCo, our two companies have shown that performance based logistics, properly implemented, can achieve those goals.”
Source and photo: Sikorsky

USS Winston Churchill au large de Cannes début Décembre

Citation :

Northrop Grumman to Provide Specialized Test Equipment, Training Support for U.S. Navy MH-60 Program



WOODLAND HILLS, Calif. | Northrop Grumman Corporation has been awarded a contract to provide Specialized Test Equipment (STE) and related training support for the MH-60 Seahawk helicopter program at the U.S. Navy's Fleet Readiness Center Southwest.

Northrop Grumman's Navigation Systems Division will provide the STE and training for U.S. Government technicians, subcontracting to Lockheed Martin Corporation (NYSE:LMT), prime contractor for the U.S. Navy's MH-60 Common Avionics Suite. Once trained, the technicians will be able to utilize the STE to perform depot-level repairs to Northrop Grumman-developed MH-60 cockpit avionics equipment at the Fleet Readiness Center Southwest located in San Diego.

"Northrop Grumman has worked closely with Lockheed Martin and the Navy to develop a customized solution for MH-60 avionics repairs that supports their partnership," said Gorik Hossepian, vice president of navigation and positioning systems, Navigation Systems Division. "Having the necessary test equipment on site will give the Navy greater flexibility in performing repairs and help minimize lifecycle support costs."

defpro

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US Navy Tests New Navigation Capability for DDG 1000 Destroyer

The US Navy has successfully tested Raytheon's next-generation navigation system (NAVDDX) for the DDG 1000 Class destroyer.
NAVDDX is a modern open architecture solution that enables easy distribution of navigation and high-precision time data to ship mission systems.
US Space and Naval Warfare System Command deputy Pete Shaw said NAVDDX was the advanced, mission-critical combat-support positioning, navigation and timing system available to the navy.
The DDG 1000 Zumwalt Class multirole destroyers are designed for surface warfare, anti-aircraft and naval fire support, and are the latest evolution in warfighting technology for surface combatant ships.
They are also intended for use as multimission ships with focus on land attack whilst providing incomparable capability to the US Navy to counter emerging threats.
Work on the system will be carried out at Raytheon IDS's Expeditionary Warfare Center and at the Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center Pacific in California, US.

naval-technology

Citation :

Future USS William P. Lawrence Successfully Completes "Super Trials"


USS William P. Lawrence (DDG 110) during "super trials" in the Gulf of Mexico. (Photo: US Navy)


| The future USS William P. Lawrence (DDG 110) successfully completed combined "super trials" Jan. 21 while underway in the Gulf of Mexico.

These trials are the last significant milestone before delivery of the ship to the Navy. Due to the maturity of the DDG 51 class, the Navy holds only one round of trials on each ship prior to delivery, instead of separate builder's and acceptance trials, requiring less time, fuel and manpower. The future USS William P. Lawrence is now expected to deliver in March 2011.

"DDG 110 performed extremely well for INSURV, and the success of this trial reinforces the advantages realized when a program is well into serial production," said Capt. Pete Lyle, DDG 51 class program manager for the Navy's Program Executive Office (PEO) Ships. "This class continues to provide leading capabilities designed to support current and future operational needs."

Throughout the three days underway, Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding and the U.S. Navy's Board of Inspection and Survey (INSURV) tested several ship components, including the communications and propulsion systems. A full-power run was conducted successfully and the communications suite performed exceptionally well, fully supporting all sea trial events. Overall, DDG 110 exhibited significant improvements in the level of completion, final finish and performance compared to previous ships of the class.

DDG 110's combat and weapons system also underwent thorough testing and evaluation, and the utility and reliability of the Aegis Combat System - the world's foremost integrated naval weapon system - was once again successfully demonstrated. While underway, the ship completed all planned trial evolutions, including the successful firing of the vertical launch system, the MK 45 main gun, the Phalanx close-in weapon system, and the MK 36 Super Rapid Bloom Offboard Countermeasures Chaff and Decoy Launching System.

The DDG 51 class ship is a multi-mission guided-missile destroyer designed to operate in air, surface and subsurface threat environments. The class provides outstanding combat capability and survivability characteristics while minimizing procurement and lifetime support costs due to the program's maturity. The DDG 51 program continues to reinforce affordability and efficiency in its shipbuilding program, with a commitment to delivery ships at the highest possible quality allowing seamless transition to the fleet.

DDG 110 honors the late Vice Adm. William P. Lawrence, who spent six years as a prisoner of war in North Vietnam.

As one of the Defense Department's largest acquisition organizations, PEO Ships is responsible for executing the development and procurement of all major surface combatants, amphibious ships, special mission and support ships, and special warfare craft. Currently, the majority of shipbuilding programs managed by PEO Ships are benefiting from serial production efficiencies, which are critical to delivering ships on cost and schedule.

defpro

Citation :

Boeing Delivers 11th C-40A to US Navy





The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] delivered the 11th C-40A transport aircraft to the U.S. Navy on Jan. 28 from the company’s Wichita facility. In this photo, the aircraft taxis at the site just prior to delivery.The C-40A is a modified Boeing 737-700 airplane equipped with a main-deck cargo door. It can be configured to transport troops, cargo or both. With superior range and performance; a state-of-the-art flight deck; 21st century avionics; and quiet, clean, fuel-efficient engines, the C-40A increases the Navy’s capability for rapid response to the fleet worldwide.


Boeing is under contract to deliver the 12th C-40A to the Navy later this year.

aviationnews

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EADS North America’s TRS-3D Radar selected again for U.S. Navy’s Littoral Combat Ship


Lightweight, multifunction radar already operating on LCS 1 and U.S. Coast Guard’s National Security Cutter
07:59 GMT, February 2, 2011 Arlington, Virginia | EADS North America has received a contract from Lockheed Martin to supply its TRS-3D radar for the U.S. Navy’s Littoral Combat Ship. As part of a recent Department of Defense award, Lockheed Martin will construct up to 10 Littoral Combat Ships through 2015. Under the terms of its contract, EADS North America will deliver the first radar unit to Lockheed Martin for installation in 2012.

The TRS-3D is a standard naval multimode surface and air surveillance and target acquisition radar. Designed for the complex littoral environment, it provides excellent performance over both land and water, minimizing clutter interference in order to more effectively detect multiple surface and air targets simultaneously. Supported by its highly flexible design, the TRS-3D radar integrates with a variety of shipboard systems and C4ISR suites to provide surveillance, weapon fire control and helicopter detection and guidance.

“The TRS-3D is the perfect radar for light combatants operating in littoral waters,” said Sean O’Keefe, CEO of EADS North America. “It can perform multiple functions without adding unnecessary weight, making it suitable for a wide range of U.S. Navy and Coast Guard missions.”

EADS North America already has delivered two TRS-3D radars to Lockheed Martin for the first and third Littoral Combat Ships, USS Freedom and Fort Worth. USS Freedom completed its maiden deployment in 2010, which included the successful interception of drug vessels in the Caribbean. Installation of the radar on the Fort Worth will take place in April at the Marinette Marine Shipyard in Marinette, Wis.

As the Navy’s newest class of warship, the agile Littoral Combat Ship is designed specifically for a variety of missions in coastal waters that are often too shallow for larger ships. The ship will primarily be tasked with countering threats from submarines, surface vessels, and mines, as well as anti-piracy and humanitarian missions.

In addition to the U.S. Navy’s fleet, EADS North America also is providing the TRS-3D radar to the U.S. Coast Guard for its fleet of National Security Cutters, of which three are in operation and two more are in the process of integration.

defpro

Citation :

E-2D begins Carrier Suitability Testing aboard CVN 75


NAVAL AIR SYSTEMS COMMAND, PATUXENT RIVER, Md. – The E-2D Advanced Hawkeye, the Navy’s newest airborne early warning and command and control aircraft, began Carrier Suitability Testing aboard USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) today to assess its effectiveness in an operational environment.

During this test phase, all aspects of integrating the aircraft into shipboard operation will be addressed, including logistics, manpower and interoperability, as well as catapult and arrested landing structural tests.

Aircraft 501, flight test team and pilots assigned to the Air Test and Evaluation Squadron 20 (VX-20) here are being used to test the aircraft aboard Truman.

“Truman is here to provide the squadron with the platform it needs to perform testing,” said Lt. Cmdr. Rodney Moss, Truman’s handler. “We will be supporting its test equipment on board, as well as aiding them in launch and recovery efforts.”

Suitability testing for the E-2D is scheduled to continue through Monday. During that time, VX-20 will monitor the aircraft’s performance and determine its effectiveness in the operational shipboard environment.

“We will make our determinations based on any discrepancies with the airframe or whether we see any gaps in the anticipated capability,” said Cmdr. Mike Santomauro, flight test director. “We have about 200 test points we are trying to accomplish.”

The E-2D has the ability to scan a larger area, detect smaller objects and process information quickly than its predecessor. The all-glass cockpit and tactical operator station enable aircrew members to more easily accomplish these tasks through improved visibility.

“This new platform features state-of-the-art radar with a two-generation leap in capability and upgraded aircraft systems,” said Capt Shane Gahagan, Hawkeye, Advanced Hawkeye and Greyhound Program Office (PMA-231) here. “The E-2D continues the Navy’s integrated war fighting legacy by providing broad area coverage resulting in increased range capabilities. With the E-2D’s enhanced ability to work in the littoral areas and over land, the platform provides a critical capability to protect our nation’s interests.”

-- 30 --




Click here for High Resolution Photo


The E-2D Advanced Hawkeye approaches USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) during Carrier Suitability Testing today. Aircraft 501 is assigned to Air Test and Evaluation Squadron (VX) 20 and is the first of 75 E-2D Advanced Hawkeye aircraft to be acquired by the U.S. Navy. The program remains on track for Initial Operational Capability scheduled for first quarter fiscal year 2015. (Photo courtesy of Northrop Grumman)



Click here for High Resolution Photo


The latest aircraft variant of the E-2 platform, the E-2D Advanced Hawkeye, lands aboard the aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) during Carrier Suitability Testing today. The aircraft, assigned to Air Test and Evaluation Squadron 20 (VX-20), remains on track for Initial Operational Test and Evaluation scheduled for first quarter fiscal year 2012. (Photo courtesy of Northrop Grumman)



Click here for High Resolution Photo


The E-2D Advanced Hawkeye assigned to Air Test and Evaluation Squadron 20 (VX-20) catches the arresting wire aboard the aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) during carrier qualifications testing. The E-2D Advanced Hawkeye’s command and control capability makes it a multi-mission platform through its ability to coordinate concurrent missions that may arise during a single flight. (Photo courtesy of Northrop Grumman)

navair.navy.mil

Citation :

US Navy Deploys CAE MH-60R Tactical Operational Flight Trainer



CAE's first full-motion MH-60R tactical operational flight trainer (TOFT) for the US Navy has entered into service at Naval Station Mayport, Florida, US, CAE president and general manager John Lenyo has said.
"The navy now has put into service comprehensive MH-60R Romeo training systems from CAE that are helping pilots, rear crews, and maintenance personnel prepare for mission success," he added.
The MH-60R TOFT includes an operational flight trainer (OFT) used to train pilots and co-pilots as well as a weapons tactics trainer (WTT), used to train sensor operators in the MH-60R Romeo helicopter.
The MH-60R TOFT features a six degree-of-freedom CAE True electric motion system as well as motion seats to provide vibration and motion for enhanced realism.
The company is the prime contractor for the design and manufacture of MH-60R TOFTs and MH-60R avionics maintenance trainers for the US Navy.

naval-technology

Citation :

Navy Test Pilot Completes First F-35B Flight



From Naval Air Warfare Center - Aircraft Division Public Affairs

PATUXENT RIVER, Md. (NNS) -- After a series of extensive ground and simulator
training events, Lt. Cmdr. Eric "Magic" Buus completed the first flight by a U.S. Navy test pilot of an F-35B STOVL variant Joint Strike Fighter Feb. 3.

"The flight was very enjoyable and went off without a hitch," Buus said. "I'm very blessed to be on this program, and it's a testament to the designers and engineers that this airplane flies so well. I'm looking
forward to getting a few more hours, helping the team knock out test points, and delivering this airplane to the warfighters. I think the fleet is going
to love this airplane."

"This is a great milestone for the Navy and naval aviation," said Vice Adm. David Architzel, commander, Naval Air Systems Command. "Having Navy test pilots flying the future of the fleet is a testament to the unique skill set provided by our test pilot school here at Pax River."

"Technology has come a long way, and our test pilots today are doing a great job getting the technology and capability out to the front lines," he continued.

The F-35B flight control and pilot interface is designed to reduce workload through automation and integration, allowing the pilot to focus on warfighting.

For new Navy and Marine Corps test pilots at Naval Air Station Patuxent River, advanced flight simulators provide test pilots the ability to complete their first F-35 flights solo, a first for naval aviation, and will
be the model for F-35 pilot training for the fleet.

The F-35B Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter program is in the system design and development phase, focusing on delivering three different, new aircraft variants to the U.S. Marine Corps, Navy and Air Force. The Marine Corps and Navy variants represent the first fighter aircraft with stealth capabilities.

For more news, visit www.navy.mil.

Sauvetage d un marin qui a tombé de l’USS Carl Vinson

Citation :

Overboard Sailor Rescued



Posted 2/7/2011

ARABIAN SEA (Feb. 4, 2011) Rescue Swimmer Naval Aircrewman 3rd Class Toni Jester, assigned to Helicopter Anti-submarine Squadron (HS) 15, deploys to recover a Sailor who went overboard from the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70). The Carl Vinson Carrier Strike Group is deployed supporting maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class James R. Evans)

Citation :

Fighting Omars’ test Bush air defenses
A detachment of F/A-18C Hornets from Fighter Squadron Composite 12 (VFC-12) is operating from NAS Jacksonville to provide “adversary training” for the air wing on board USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77) and its carrier strike group.
Bush is currently underway in the Atlantic for its Composite Training Unit Exercise (COMPTUEX), followed by its Joint Task Force Exercise (JTFEX).
“What makes this squadron unique is that we are the adversary squadron. We provide enemy aircraft simulation for any tactical mission involving Bush operational squadrons. We bring multiple scenarios to fleet squadrons to help make them more capable when dealing with a real-time threat,” said Lt. Cmdr. Scott Seeder, officer in charge of the detachment.
The “Fighting Omars” mission is to provide tactical “dissimilar air combat training” for Navy, Marine Corps and other aviation units when tasked. VFC-12 is the Navy Reserves’ premier adversary squadron providing threat tactics training to Navy strike fighter squadrons. VFC-12 is a vital element in ensuring combat readiness for carrier strike groups preparing for deployment.
Seeder said, “The squadron plays a small, but significant role in COMTUEX and JTFEX. We enjoy the opportunity to make these training exercises extremely challenging for pilots coming off the carrier. If we are not out there attacking the strike group, it would take away a lot of the realism from the missions they will be performing.”
VFC-12 provides multiple support services including air intercept and dissimilar air combat maneuvering training for both Atlantic and Pacific Fleet units. The unique challenges of the squadron’s mission has made the Fighting Omars one of the most sought-after aviation duty assignments in the Navy.
Because of this distinction, only the “best of the best” are selected to fly as adversary instructor pilots in VFC-12. Many are veteran F-14 Tomcat pilots, hand picked for their tactical flying abilities, who have at least 10 years of experience flying the F/A-18 Hornet.
For the COMTUEX and JTFEX missions, VFC-12 detachments are usually made up of seven aircraft, with both full-time support and selective reservists.
The role of maintainers in this squadron should not be overlooked. They play a huge role in the success of each mission. For this exercise, VFC-12 utilizes 62 maintainers and about two dozen pilots to operate seven aircraft. Maintainers who travel with the squadron work 24-hour maintenance schedules. With two shifts working 12 hours at a time, maintainers do a great job to keeping these planes up for operations.
The Fighting Omars also take pride in their aircrafts’ unique color scheme –a blue/gray camouflage with a red star on the tail.
“These aircraft are some of the oldest in the fleet, so some of them are approaching the end of their service life. Our maintainers do a great job to keep them flying safely,” said Seeder.

jacksonville.com

Citation :

General Dynamics Awarded $60 Million to Produce More Affordable Virginia-Class Submarines


GROTON, Conn., Feb. 11, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- General Dynamics Electric Boat has been awarded a $60 million U.S. Navy contract modification that funds continued design efforts to make Virginia-class submarines more affordable. Electric Boat is a wholly owned subsidiary of General Dynamics (NYSE: GD).
Initially awarded in 2008, the overall contract – known as Block III – calls for the procurement of eight submarines through FY 13, and has a potential value of $14 billion. The last Block III ship is scheduled for delivery in 2019.
Under the terms of the modification, Electric Boat will continue to develop and implement cost-reduction design changes, an effort called Design For Affordability (DFA). This work will enable the Virginia-class program to reduce acquisition costs by 20 percent in time for the FY 12 submarines.
The most significant design change implemented in Block III is the modification of the submarine's bow, replacing the sonar sphere with a large aperture bow array and the 12 vertical-launch missile tubes with two Virginia Payload Tubes, each carrying six missiles. This redesign will save more than $40 million per ship, beginning with the submarine North Dakota (SSN-784).
The DFA effort is supported by Electric Boat's engineering and design organization, which comprises more than 3,000 employees. Possessing proven technical capabilities, these employees are engaged in all facets of the submarine life cycle from concept formulation and design through construction, maintenance and modernization, and eventually to inactivation and disposal.
More information about General Dynamics is available on the Internet at www.generaldynamics.com.

SOURCE General Dynamics Electric Boat

Citation :

Navy Begins Work on Fixed Wing Precision Weapons Platform


PATUXENT RIVER, Md. – On Feb. 10, the Navy awarded a contract marking the start of a two-year Joint Capability Technology Demonstration (JCTD) program to implement the Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System II (APKWS II) on the Marine Corps’ AV-8B and the Air Force’s A-10 aircraft platforms.

As demonstrated by operational requirements in theater, the need for precision laser-guided munitions with low collateral damage is an important capability currently not available to legacy fixed-wing aircraft.

“This is an important capability for the Marine Corps and Air Force crews supporting the troops in harm’s way,” said Capt. Brian Corey, program manager for Direct and Time-Sensitive Strike Weapons. “The team is looking forward to showing that we can fill the capability gap that exists today.”

If the APKWS II can be successfully demonstrated on these legacy aircraft, it will increase safety by allowing greater standoff range during employment as well as provide the ability to support operations in urban terrain.

“This demonstration is important for these fixed wing aircraft to improve their ability to support our troops on the ground,” said Corey. “Both services are very excited about this demonstration and what it could mean in future operations. If we can show this can work, we’ll take those lessons learned and provide some potential cost savings back to the taxpayer.”

APKWS II currently is on track to reach Initial Operating Capability in 2011 to deliver capability to the AH-1W and UH-1Y platforms with Fleet Marine Forces currently supporting operations in Afghanistan.

www.navair.navy.mil

Citation :

Navy test pilot completes first F-35C flight



The carrier variant of the F-35 (CF-1) Joint Strike Fighter flew for the first time with a Navy test pilot at the controls February 11.
Taking off at 2:06 p.m., Lt Cmdr. Eric "Magic" Buus flew the F-35C for approximately two hours. Buus' first flight in the CF-1 checked the function of the flutter excitation system, which will help measure structural loads of the airframe during various flight maneuvers.

"The aircraft flew great for more than two hours with no issues. It's a really smooth, solid flying airplane and a joy to fly," said Buus. "This flight was a great milestone for me, personally, and more importantly, for the services during the 100 year anniversary of naval aviation. This airplane is going to give us a great leap in capability, and I'm looking forward to putting it through the demanding carrier suitability tests required to ensure it's ready for the fleet."

The F-35C is distinct from the F-35A and F-35B variants with its larger wing surfaces and reinforced landing gear for greater control in the demanding carrier take-off and landing environment.

"Magic's flight today is a tremendous accomplishment for him and the test team, and a historic event for naval aviation," said Capt. Thomas Huff, commodore of Naval Test Wing Atlantic. "The determination and thoroughness of test professionals across all our programs is shaped by the education and training they receive at the U.S. Naval Test Pilot School and Test and Evaluation University, ensuring delivery of warfighting capability to Sailors and Marines."

Coincidentally timed with the kickoff of the Centennial of Naval Aviation in San Diego, this milestone represents the Navy's first hands-on experience in its future fighter aircraft with stealth capabilities.

The F-35 Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter program is in the system design and development phase, focusing on delivering three different, new aircraft variants to the U.S. Marine Corps, Navy and Air Force. The integrated test force at Naval Air Station Patuxent River, Md., is focused on testing and evaluation of the F-35B and F-35C.

f-16.net/news

Citation :

Sea Hawks in the Parade of Flight



Posted 2/14/2011

SAN DIEGO (Feb. 12, 2011) A formation of CH-53 Super Stallion helicopters flies past the USS Midway aircraft carrier museum during the Centennial of Naval Aviation Open House and Parade of Flight at Naval Air Station North Island. The Navy is observing the Centennial of Naval Aviation with a series of nationwide events celebrating 100 years of heritage, progress and achievement in naval aviation. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Joseph M. Buliavac)

Citation :

GD to Produce Virginia Class Submarines for US Navy



General Dynamics Electric Boat has been awarded a modification contract to continue its design efforts to produce Virginia Class submarines that are affordable for the US Navy.
The $60m contract is a modification to the block III contract, which was initially awarded in 2008 for the procurement of eight submarines through 2013.
Under the contract, Electric Boat will continue to develop and implement cost-reduction design changes called 'design for affordability' (DFA) to reduce the acquisition costs by 20% for fiscal year 2012.
The significant design change will be modifications to the submarine's bow, replacement of the sonar sphere with a large aperture bow array and the 12 vertical-launch missile tubes with two Virginia payload tubes, each carrying six missiles.
The overall contract has a potential value of $14bn and the last block III ship is scheduled for delivery in 2019.

naval-technology

Citation :

Navy budget request adds Hornets, ships in 2012



By Joshua Stewart and [email=sfellman@atpco.com?subject=Question from NavyTimes.com reader]Sam Fellman[/email] - Staff writers

The Navy Department has proposed buying 28 Super Hornets, building 10 ships, and scrapping a Marine ship-to-shore tank as part of its $176.4 billion budget proposal for fiscal 2012.

The Navy on Monday requested a baseline of $161.4 billion for fiscal 2012, up $800 million from last year’s proposal. However, Congress never approved that budget, and the federal government is relying on an extension of last year’s funds called a continuing resolution, a bankroll that expires in early March. That extension has left the Navy grappling with misappropriated funds and a de facto $5.7 billion cut.
“It’s a crisis on the secretary’s doorstep, it’s a crisis for the Navy,” Rear Adm. Joseph Mulloy, a Navy budget official, said of the funding impasse at a Pentagon press briefing Monday.

Of the Navy’s baseline money, the service would spend $46.6 billion on personnel; $47.9 billion on operations and maintenance of ships and aircraft; $45.8 billion on buying new ships, aircraft and weapons; $18 billion on research and development; and $3.1 billion on infrastructure. The Navy’s total budget includes $15 billion for the Navy’s part of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars, a drop of $3.5 billion from last year.
The $18.6 billion aviation request includes the purchase of 67 F/A-18 E and F Super Hornets through fiscal 2016, 41 more of the airplanes than previously planned. Of those airplanes, 28 would be bought in the fiscal 2012 and another 28 in fiscal 2013. Additionally, the budget calls for 72 F-35C Lightning II joint strike fighters through fiscal 2016, down from the 74 previously planned. The first seven carrier-ready planes will be purchased in the next fiscal year. Mulloy said the reduction was due to sequencing at Lockheed Martin’s assembly plant. The budget also scraps 65 F-35Bs, a Marine Corps version of the airplane that is capable of taking off and landing on small runways.
The Navy will also build more P-8A maritime patrol craft than originally planned. Previous budgets called for nine airplanes, but now the Navy wants 11.
Not all of the new aircraft will require pilots. The budget calls for 12 Fire Scout unmanned helicopters, nine more than originally planned. By 2016 the Navy plans to purchase 57, up from the 31 included in earlier budgets.
Some programs went untouched. For example, the Navy still wants 30 MV-22B, 24 MH-60R and 18 MC-60S helicopters.
The Navy is ramping up shipbuilding, with two more ships than previously planned. The Navy plans to build two Virginia-class attack submarines; one Arleigh Burke-class destroyer; four littoral combat ships, double the two planned for this year; one San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock; one joint high speed vessel; and a second mobile landing platform auxiliary. The total price tag for the Navy’s shipbuilding plan is $14.1 billion.

navytimes