US Army

Rappel du premier message :

Citation :

« J'aime les USA, et je combats pour elle», c'est ainsi que Lamia Lahlou commente son adhésion à l'armée américaine, et sa participation à la guerre contre l'iraq- depuis déjà 8 mois-. Née au Maroc en 1986, Lamia Lahlou rejoint l'armée américaine 3 ans après les attentats du 11 septembre 2001.

Tempérée par sa propre volonté, «la marocaine», ne mâche pas ses mots pour affirmer que ce pas emboité s'inscrit dans le cadre d'un «vrai Jihad». Rapporte une idéo diffusée largement sur Internet (Voir ci-aprés).

Choquée par la mort de sa meilleure amie, Lamia croit dur comme fer que l'adhésion à l'armée américaine est le seul et unique moyen susceptible de calmer le feu de sa vengeance.

A noter que les USA continuent à «renforcer » son armée via le recrutement des marocains, à l'heure où ALQIADIA ciblent d'autres recrues du Maroc vers la Hollande et la Belgique, tout en passant par la Syrie, l'Espagne et l'Iraq.

source: emarrakech.info

Rafi

Citation :

Des Pilatus pour les FS d'Afghanistan: le Pentagone commande 18 avions à Sierra Nevada


Sierra Nevada va fournir 18 Pilatus modifiés aux forces spéciales de l'armée afghane. Un prix de consolation, l'entreprise ayant remporté puis perdu le contrat pour la fourniture de Light Attack aircraft à l'Afghanistan?

La notification:
Sierra Nevada Corp., Sparks, Nev., (FA8620-13-C-4007) is being awarded a $218,000,000 firm fixed price contract for 18 uniquely modified Pilatus PC-12/47E aircraft. The location of the performance is Sparks, Nev. Work is expected to be completed by July 31, 2015. The contracting activity is 645 AESG/WIJK, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio. Contract involves foreign military sales to Afghan National Army Special Operations Forces.

http://lignesdedefense.blogs.ouest-france.fr/archive/2012/10/17/des-pilatus-pour-les-afghans-le-pentagone-commande-18-avions.html

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By Army News Service on Friday, October 19th, 2012


The Army has begun fielding new radar systems to protect forward-deployed forces.

Several next-generation, mobile Counter Target Acquisition, or CTA radar systems are now able to provide Soldiers with a 360-degree protective envelope or warning capability against incoming enemy rocket, artillery and mortar fire, service officials said Oct. 10, at a Pentagon display.

The radar systems on display, the AN/TPQ-53 truck-mounted mobile radar system, and the Humvee-mounted AN/TPQ-50 Lightweight Counter Mortar Radar, incorporate a series of technological upgrades to prior iterations of deployed radar capability developed through Army and industry science and technology efforts.

The radars work by pulsing electromagnetic signals or radio waves across a particular area in various wavelengths and in various directions; once these radio waves bounce off of or hit an object in their path, they send back a return signal or small amount of electromagnetic energy, allowing radar operators to determine the range, elevation, size and speed of incoming projectiles.

“These radars systems give a lot of capability to commanders in the field, especially since we are not fighting a linear fight anymore,”said Chief Warrant Officer 4 Daniel McDonald, Training and Doctrine Command capability developer and requirements staff officer. “We’ve got a non-contiguous battlefield where the enemy can pop up anywhere. Commanders love the tactical flexibility that this gives them.”

Also, the CTA radar capability is able to predict the point of impact of a given incoming round by calculating or assessing its ballistic trajectory, said Lt. Col. Robert Thomas, product manager for radars. This information, determined with the help of specially engineered computer algorithms, allows radar operators to determine the point of origin and estimated point of impact related to incoming hostile fire.

The technological maturation of both the Q-53 and Q-50 radar systems, described as the cornerstone programs of record for the future, were heavily informed by an S&T effort beginning in 2002, called Multi-Mission Radar Advance Technology Objective, said Kris Gardner, director for Command, Control, Communications, Intelligence Portfolio, deputy assistant secretary of the Army for Research and Technology.

The goal of this effort, which involved Army and industry scientists and experts, was to develop a single mobile radar system able to simultaneously perform Air Defense Surveillance, Air Defense Fire Control, Counter Target Acquisition and Air Traffic Service missions under all geographical and operational conditions, Gardner explained.

“Many of the hardware, software and processing advances developed and demonstrated in the MMR S&T effort paved the way for the current Q-53 and Q-50 displayed Oct. 10,” Gardner added.

The Oct. 10 Pentagon radar display was organized to demonstrate the Army’s program of record CTA capability, Thomas said. At the same time, these CTA capabilities with Product Manager Radars are transferring management from Program Executive Office Intelligence, Electronic Warfare and Sensors to PEO Missiles and Space.

“This alignment presents a lot of opportunities for development because it will organize air defense radars under the same umbrella as the counter-fire radars,” said Thomas.

Both the Q-50 and Q-53 radars are configured to integrate with ground-based Counter Rocket Artillery and Mortar systems designed to protect forward operating bases. C-RAM provides an integrated system with Fire Control Radar capability engineered to detect, track and destroy incoming hostile fire.

The Q-53 is a C-130 transportable, truck-mounted Counter Target Acquisition radar system configured to provide 360-degree threat detection capability, Thomas and McDonald explained.

The Q-53 Program of Record, which achieved a formal milestone C production decision in February, was informed by earlier or legacy versions of a similar technology called the AN/TPQ-36 and AN/TPQ/37 radar systems.

“We improved the software and improved the overall hardware of the system, incorporating lessons learned from the earlier systems,” McDonald explained.

“We developed more robust gears, a rotating platform, an automated leveling system and an improved air cooled system.”

In fact, some of these technical improvements to the Q-53 substantially reduce the logistical footprint of the system, lowering the life-cycle costs by millions of dollars and making it easier to operate and transport quickly on a C-130 aircraft, Thomas added.

Previous versions of the capability, such as the AN/TPQ-36, required three trailers, three vehicles and a six-man crew; the Q-53 requires a four or five-man crew and includes a 60-kilowatt transportable generator and one support shelter vehicle, Thomas explained.

“This system is easier to emplace, especially in a high-optempo environment,” McDonald said. “Now it is all automated, so it reduces wear and tear on the crew and system. Also, the Q-53 enhances force protection. It uses an encrypted wireless network able to reach up to 1,000 meters away, so I can put myself in a tactical operations center, or TOC, or nearby shelter.”

While the Q-53 is configured to perform CTA radar missions locating the origin and impact of incoming fire, the hardware and software are engineered such that they could accommodate technical advances in capability as technology matures, Thomas said.

For instance, it is possible that the Q-53 could, through software upgrades, incorporate the ability to detect larger threats such as UAS, Cruise missiles and rotary or fixed-wing aircraft, Thomas said.

The Q-50 LCMR program of record, which emerged out of a quick reaction capability effort to quickly deploy radar able to protect forward-deployed forces on the move, has greater range capabilities and is more accurate than previous models of the technology, the Q-48 and Q-49 LCMRs. QRCs represent efforts to quickly get capability-enhancing technology to theater while simultaneously harvesting Soldier input and refining requirements for a traditional program of record.

“The Q-50 represents the third iteration of LCMR technology. It is designed so that it can mount multiple versions of the HMMWV or be mounted on a tripod,” McDonald added.

The Q-50 radar, now being delivered to the 101st Airborne Division, is effective out to a range of greater than 10 kilometers and a minimum range of 500 meters against rockets, artillery and mortar fire, Thomas explained.

At 500 pounds and 3.6 feet in diameter, the Q-50 is designed to be mobile, lightweight and rapidly deployable in support of early entry operations; it can be powered up by a 5-kilowatt generator or draw power from a Humvee. The cylinder-like radar structure electronically steers electromagnetic pulses across a 360-degree protective envelope, Thomas said.

“We can get this capability on the ground rapidly. Getting Counter-fire capability on a drop zone is very important to secure an area. You want to know where the threats may be,” said McDonald.

The Q-50 is engineered to work in tandem with and complement the longer-range, truck-mounted Q-53 radar by filling potential holes in its coverage areas, Thomas explained.



Read more: http://www.defencetalk.com/army-fields-next-generation-radar-45188/#ixzz29kzr8R4K

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US Army Chooses Raytheon to Provide Thermal Weapon Sights


(Photo: Raytheon)

Most affordable solution to the government cited as key performance metric

07:49 GMT, October 22, 2012 WASHINGTON | In a competition against two other suppliers, Raytheon Company was selected by the U.S. Army to provide Thermal Weapon Sights (TWS) with enhanced capabilities so soldiers can better detect and engage targets day or night. One of the key drivers behind the Army's decision was Raytheon's ability to deliver cost-effective, advanced technology.

The awards for new deliveries were made under a modification to an existing contract and have a potential value of $131 million. Under the contract, which extends the period of performance by three years, Raytheon could potentially supply more than 24,000 sights over the life of the contract. The TWS systems will be built in McKinney, Texas, the headquarters of Raytheon's Network Centric Systems (NCS) business. The thermal sights allow a soldier to spot targets at long distances through haze, dust, fog and other obscurants.

"This is just one example of how Raytheon is putting rugged lightweight thermal imaging technology in soldiers' hands to deliver clear targeting and surveillance imagery, significantly increasing survivability," said Jeff Miller, vice president of Combat and Sensing Systems in NCS. "Our troops are getting equipment with improved detection ranges and the ability to operate effectively day or night."

Since 2000, Raytheon has provided more than 65,000 sights to the Army under various contracts.

defpro

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The U.S. Army-led Joint Light Tactical Vehicle, or JLTV program, is beginning a 33-month Engineering and Manufacturing Development phase, also known as EMD.

The EMD phase is designed to test and prepare the next-generation vehicles for a Limited User Test, Capabilities Production Document and Milestone C procurement decision in fiscal year 2015, service officials said.

“The JLTV incorporates a whole new generation of automotive technology,” said David Bassett, deputy program executive officer, Combat Support and Combat Services Support, known as PEO CS & CSS.

The Army-Marine Corps JLTV program, designed to develop a new light tactical vehicle engineered with an unprecedented blend of protection, performance and payload capability complete with improvised explosive device, or IED, protection, networking capability, and on-board power generation, recently awarded three EMD-phase contracts worth roughly $65 million each to Lockheed Martin, Oshkosh Defense and AM General.

The JLTV program worked with engineers, requirements experts with the Army’s Training and Doctrine Command and industry partners during the TD phase to identify and, in some cases, trade-off less crucial requirements in order to lower the per-unit vehicle price to a range of $250,000 and still develop substantial leap-ahead capability. These cost-informed trades, along with the integration of mature technologies, allowed the JLTV program to shorten the EMD phase from 48 to 33 months, JLTV program officials said.

“The JLTV program capitalized on the benefits of competitive prototyping during the TD phase, where the efforts of multiple vendors substantially improved the fidelity of the designs, and increased confidence in operational performance,” said Robert Schumitz, deputy program manager.

NEW AUTOMOTIVE TECHNOLOGY

The JLTV represents the next-generation of automotive technology in a number of key respects, such as the ability to design a light tactical, mobile vehicle with substantial protective ability to defend against IEDs, roadside bombs and other threats, Bassett explained.

“The vehicle is designed from the ground up to be mobile and get you to the fight with a level of underbody protection equivalent to the original MRAP-ATV (mine resistant, ambush protected — all-terrain vehicle) vehicle standards. Also, the vehicle is being designed with modular armor, so that when the armor is not needed, we can take it off and bring the weight of the vehicle down to drive down the operating costs,” Bassett said.

With a curb weight of roughly 14,000 pounds, the JLTV will provide protection comparable to the 25,000-pound M-ATV, thus combining the mobility and transportability of a light vehicle with MRAP-level protection.

“I remember transitioning from the jeep to the Humvee as a young enlisted Soldier, because our needs had changed. Now warfare and our Soldiers needs have changed again. By the time we put extra armor on the Humvee to meet today’s threats, there wasn’t any payload (weight) capacity left. And, while the MRAP had the armor and some payload, it wasn’t well equipped to maneuver. The intent with JLTV is to have a vehicle with MRAP-level armor in some places, but also still with payload and maneuverability,” said incoming JLTV Joint Program Manager Col. John Cavedo.

When compared with earlier light tactical vehicle models such as the Humvee, the JLTV is being engineered with a much stronger, 250 to 360 horsepower engine and a 570-amp alternator able to generate up to 10 kilowatts of exportable power. In fact, due to the increase in need for on-board power, the JLTV testing during the EMD phase will include the integration of a suite of Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance, or C4ISR, kits and networking technologies, Bassett explained.

“We expect to see a 10 to 15-percent improvement in fuel economy just by going to a modern fuel-injected, digitally-controlled engine and have a curb weight that still meets Army and Marine Corps mobility requirements,” he explained. “The JLTV will be designed with enough on-board power to support the Army’s future network and be able to take advantage of the latest generation of diesel engine technology to maximize fuel economy.”

The in-vehicle network approach is grounded in “open architecture,” meaning that information technology systems and electronics will all be built to commercial technical standards ensuring maximum interoperability. JLTV is aligning with the new VICTORY standards, which will enable a single computer or system to run a host of interoperable applications and functions.

With the JLTV architecture, the vehicle will be able to streamline and more easily exchange and transmit information while ensuring that the maximum number of programs and applications are possible on any given computer or display screen.

EMD PHASE

The first part of the EMD phase will be a build phase wherein industry vendors are given nine months to refine their designs and deliver 22 trucks, complete with corresponding blast hulls and armor coupons to the government, Bassett said.

This will be followed by three months of contractor testing and then a series of formal government tests in key areas such as ballistic and blast testing, reliability and performance assessments, corrosion testing and a series of mobility and transportability evaluations, Bassett explained.

Affordability remains a large part of the calculus regarding the JLTV program, so the Army-Marine Corps program office encourages competition among vendors and expects to maintain a cost-conscious approach. In fact, a competitive procurement model, which will continue to inform the effort through the EMD phase, has greatly helped the maturation of the program thus far, Bassett said.

The JLTV is being built as a single truck in two primary configurations, a four-door platform called the Combat Tactical Vehicle and a two-door platform called a Combat Support Vehicle. The four-door platform will include a Heavy Gun Carrier and Close Combat Weapons Carrier variants designed to carry weapons such as a .50-cal machine gun, TOW missile and conduct mounted patrols and convoy escort missions, among other things. The Combat Tactical Vehicle will be able to carry 3,500 pounds of payload.

All of the JLTVs will be configured with what is called Variable Ride-Height Suspension, described as the ability to raise and lower the suspension to meet certain mission requirements such as the need to raise the suspension in high-threat areas and lower the suspension so that the vehicles can be transported by maritime preposition force ships. Also, the JLTV will be able to sling-load beneath a CH-47 Chinook helicopter under standard conditions, Bassett said.

The goal at the end of the EMD phase will be for the Army-Marine Corps program to down-select a single vendor and move into Low Rate Initial Production, or LRIP, by 2015, Bassett said. The plans call for three years of LRIP, to be followed by five years of full-rate production, resulting in an incremental delivery of the vehicle. The Army plans to acquire roughly 50,000 JLTVs and the Marine Corps plans to procure about 5,500.



Read more: http://www.defencetalk.com/jltv-program-moves-into-emd-phase-45218/#ixzz2A1hf0kDU

Citation :

Army engineers develop chargers for phones, laptops in combat

Read more: http://www.defencetalk.com/army-engineers-develop-chargers-for-phones-laptops-in-combat-45222/#ixzz2A1iOGwUf

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Boeing contracts Elbit for Apache Block III mission processor upgrade
22 October 2012
Boeing has awarded a contract to Elbit Systems of America for retrofit and modernisation of the mission processor of the US Army's Block III AH-64D Apache Longbow attack helicopters.

Under the $17.5m contract, Elbit's Airborne Solutions unit will be responsible for carrying out the technology refresh programme over the next five years.

Elbit Systems of America president and CEO Raanan Horowitz said the Apache Block III mission processor would provide Boeing and the army with enhanced computing power and operational capabilities to deliver advanced technologies to soldiers.

"The refresh and upgrade programme will ensure the Apache takes advantage of the latest processing technology available," Horowitz added.

The full-performance Block III mission processor is designed to provide Apache with an open-system computing architecture that supports integration of current and evolving next-generation technologies, such as new systems, sensors, applications and electronics.

As well as enabling the helicopter's avionics and mission equipment to conduct sophisticated networking and onboard computing tasks, the processor also provides the basis for implementation of 'system of systems' common operating environment (SOSCOE).

Equipped with 48 processing cores, 80 future growth cores for general purpose processing, four graphics processors, it also features enhanced video processing and additional encoding/decoding capabilities.

Powered by two GE T700-701D engines, the Block III aircraft includes improved digital connectivity, joint tactical radio system, new composite rotor blades, full IFR capability and a VNsight low-light television sensors (LLTV), 30mm chain gun, AGM-114 Hellfire missiles and Hydra 70 rocket pods.

The helicopters are also in operational service with several nations worldwide including the UK, Israel, Japan, Netherlands, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Greece, Kuwait, Egypt and UAE.

http://www.army-technology.com/news/newsboeing-contracts-elbit-apache-block-iii-mission-processor-upgrade

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Honeywell Extends Strategic Relationship with U.S. Army for Support of the M1 Abrams Main Battle Tank


U.S. Marines load a Honeywell AGT1500 gas turbine engine from an M1A1 Abrams tank engine back into the tank. (Photo: U.S. Marine Corps, Paul L. Anstine II)

Honeywell to manufacture 125 new AGT1500 engines for the M1 Abrams tank program

07:00 GMT, October 24, 2012 PHOENIX | Honeywell has been awarded two contracts worth a combined $221 million to continue its highly successful support of the U.S. Army's M1 Abrams main battle tank program.

Honeywell's AGT1500 vehicular gas turbine engine is the proven power source for the M1 Abrams and provides the tank with superior power and torque, low noise, and smokeless operation, contributing to the tank's unmatched combat performance.

The first contract is a $111 million, 18-month follow-on agreement through December 2013 for continuation of the Total InteGrated Engine Revitalization (TIGER) program, a collaboration between Honeywell, the U.S. Army's Abrams Project Management Office, the Army's Tank-automotive and Armaments Command (TACOM), and the Anniston Army Depot (ANAD). This contract continues to leverage Honeywell's expertise in maintenance and product improvement for the AGT1500 M1 Abrams engine to extend operational life and reduce life-cycle costs for the Abrams tank.

The second contract is valued at $110 million for the production of 125 new Honeywell AGT1500 engines from September 2012 through October 2015. This contract extends Honeywell's relationship with ANAD in Alabama where new AGT1500 engines are assembled and tested.

WHAT IS THE TIGER PROGRAM?

Honeywell's TIGER program provides comprehensive maintenance and continuous improvements to the battle-proven AGT1500 engine, which results in enhanced durability and lower operational costs for Abrams tank operators. Since the inception of the TIGER program in 2005, the Abrams fleet of tanks has seen improvements in the following areas:

• Twice the durability of pre-TIGER engines
• Significantly improved on-time parts delivery to the TIGER warehouse at the Anniston Army Depot
• Depot cost avoidance savings through a disciplined approach to repairing engines in the field when possible, rather than sending all engines back to the depot
• Significantly reduced life-cycle costs due to online, visual work instructions, easily accessible electronic records of assembly and maintenance, and application of tailored repair work scopes based on engine condition

Tom Davis, vice president, Honeywell, U.S. Army Programs, said: "Honeywell's integrated approach to support for the Abrams fleet of tanks incorporates demand and supplier management, product support, and condition-based maintenance to reduce our customers' life-cycle costs. When combined with the Department of Defense's significant investment in infrastructure and its hands-on repair and overhaul experience, the Honeywell and Army enterprise team delivers higher-quality, more reliable AGT1500 engines for the U.S. Army, Marine Corps and international customers."

Read more about the Honeywell AGT1500 at http://goo.gl/snRf5.

defpro

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TPG selects Honeywell’s Spectra Shield for US Army helicopters
25 October 2012
The Protective Group (TPG) has selected Honeywell's Spectra Shield ballistic material for integration into the US Army's UH-60 Black Hawk and CH-47 Chinook helicopters.

The Spectra Shield materials will be incorporated into armoured upgrades that TPG is developing for army helicopters to help lower armour weight by as much as 40%, when compared with existing systems.

TPG business development executive vice president Michael Breslin said the selection was based on the Spectra Shield materials' proven performance in military applications.

"Honeywell's materials and expertise enabled us to deliver design solutions that meet the demanding specifications set out by the US Army," Breslin added.

Honeywell advanced fibres and composites business global marketing manager Roy Ash said the Spectra Shield offered a combination of lighter weight and combat-proven ballistic performance, which is important for applications ranging from body armour to aircraft.

"Armour that uses Spectra Shield material provides a superior level of protection for helicopters and the personnel inside, while the material's lighter weight will allow the aircraft to carry heavier loads and save fuel," Ash added.

TPG has a contract with the army for upgrading the armour of an approximately 200 Chinook and Black hawk helicopters over the next four years.

Spectra Shield is an advanced hard armour product made with binding of Honeywell's patented Spectra fibre with an advanced resin system to offer enhanced ballistic protection for military and law enforcement vest and vehicle applications.

Weighing 50% less than legacy vehicle armour, the material is expected to provide the helicopters with easy-to-transport capabilities and improved agility, ensuring survival even in challenging environments.

As well as aircraft, the products are also used in a wide range of applications requiring lightweight strength, such as bullet-resistant helmets, vests, breast plates and combat vehicles.

http://www.army-technology.com/news/newstpg-selects-honeywells-spectra-shield-us-army-helicopters

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AUSA 2012: Polaris' lightweight mortar takes aim at US Army
By Nick Brown
10/25/2012
Polaris Defense displayed the latest evolution of its lightweight 6x6 Ranger Fire Support System (RFSS) at the Association of the US Army (AUSA) exhibition in Washington, DC, ahead of dispatching it to participate in a live-fire exercise providing organic fire support to light infantry at Fort Benning next month.

The system started life as a basic, manually launched version of BAE Systems' M326 120 mm mortar mounted on the back of a 4x4 Ranger vehicle, but the army requested that the mortar be fitted with its associated digital fire-control system (FCS) and automated setup system, which exceeded the 1,000-lb (454-kg) payload of the 4x4 vehicle, hence its migration to a 6x6 platform with its 1,625-lb payload.

The lightweight manual deployment system was recently tested during live firing at Fort Campbell for the US Army's product manager for Guided Precision Munitions and Mortar Systems, but crews preferred the automated system.

As a result, the latest RFSS version uses essentially the same fixtures and launching system as the in-service trailer-mounted weapon, but removes the need for a prime mover. The 6x6 Ranger platform has a high degree of cross-country mobility and can travel at speeds of up to 40 mph.

http://www.janes.com/products/janes/defence-security-report.aspx?ID=1065972734&channel=defence

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4 sur 5 pour la défense antimissile américaine
26 octobre 2012 – 14:56
Le Pentagone a annoncé, le 25 octobre, avoir réalisé l’exercice antimissile le plus compliqué jamais organisé aux Etats-Unis. Il s’est agi de tester, en conditions réelles, les systèmes de défense Aegis Ballistic Missile Defense (BMD), THAAD (Terminal High Altitude Aera Defense) et Patriot PAC-3, depuis le site d’essais Reagan, installé sur l’atoll de Kwajalein, situé dans les îles Marshall,

Cet exercice a notamment mobilisé les 94th et 32nd Army Air and Missile Defense Command (AAMDC), les aviateurs du 613th Air and Space Operations Center et les marins du destroyer de la classe Arleigh Burke l’USS Fitzgerald. Il a été demandé à ces unités d’intercepter 5 missiles tirés simultanément.

Ainsi, mis en oeuvre par les soldats du 32nd AAMDC, le système THAAD, qui fonctionne avec un radar N/TPY-2 X-Band, a pu détecter et détruire un engin balistique de moyenne portée pour la première fois de son histoire, selon l’Agence de défense antimissile américaine (MDA).

Quant au système Patriot PAC-3, déployé par le 94th AAMDC, il a intercepté avec succès un missile balistique de courte portée, lancé depuis une plateforme mobile située au au nord-est de l’atoll de Kwajalein.

De son côté, le destroyer USS Fitzgerald a pu détruire un missile de croisière évoluant au ras de l’eau. Seulement, s’il a pu repérer, grâce à son système AEGIS, tous les engins qu’il était censé intercepter, il semblerait qu’un de ses missiles intercepteurs SM-3 Block 1A ait manqué sa cible.

Au final, la MDA a annoncé que 4 missiles sur 5 ont pu être interceptés par ces systèmes de défense. Ce qu’elle présente comme un succès. Ce qui est vrai si l’on regarde le verre à moitié plein en estimant que ce sont 4 menaces qui ont été éliminées.

Si on le voit à moitié vide, l’on peut avancer que le taux d’échec est de 20% et que par conséquent, le bouclier antimissile n’est pas aussi protecteur comme il devrait l’être, la question étant de savoir ce qu’il se passerait dans le cas d’une attaque balistique de grande ampleur, susceptible de saturer les systèmes défensifs de cette nature.

http://www.opex360.fr/

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ITT Exelis to supply AN/AVS-6 aviator goggles to US Army
26 October 2012
ITT Exelis has received an indefinite-delivery indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) contract for providing its enhanced third-generation aviation night-vision systems and associated spare parts to the US Army.

Valued at nearly $217.5m, the five year IDIQ deal allows the company to compete for supply of AN/AVS-6 aviator night-vision imaging systems (ANVIS), as well as spare aviation image intensifiers.

Exelis Night-Vision business area vice president and general manager Nick Bobay said the AN/AVS 6 offers unprecedented resolution, reliability and performance required by the aviators during night time operations.

"Generation 3 image intensification technology provides aviators the world's most advanced night vision capability," Bobay added.

The delivered ANVIS systems are expected to be installed in the HGU-56/P helmets of the military rotary-wing and fixed-wing aircraft pilots.

Powered by standard AA batteries, the AN/AVS-6 aviator is an advanced image intensification system designed to help rotary-wing aircraft pilots to efficiently conduct and complete operations during night or low-visibility conditions.

The system is equipped with an auto-gated Gen 3 Pinnacle image intensifier to provide enhanced low-light-level performance and significantly lowered halo, eventually extending the pilots' ability to fly in changing light conditions.

An optional clip-on power source helps facilitate hand-held operation of the binocular in escape and evasion missions, as well as an improved positive objective lens to maximise clarity under all conditions of the flight.

Additional features include an independent eye-span adjustment and 25mm eye relief eyepiece, as well as a 'Minus-blue' objective lens to filter screen glares resulting from cockpit instrument lighting.

In addition to HGU-56/P, the binoculars are also installed aboard a wide range of the SPH-4B and Alpha rotary-winged helmets.

http://www.army-technology.com/news/newsitt-exelis-supply-anavs-6-aviator-goggles-us-army

Le catalogue des systèmes d'armes utilisés dans l'US Army

http://armyalt.va.newsmemory.com/wsh.php

Citation :

New Jersey National Guard maintainers with the 1-150th Assault Helicopter Battalion prepare UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters for further search and rescue missions following the passing of Hurricane Sandy Oct. 30. U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Mark C. Olsen

Citation :

Des camions militaires comme bureaux de vote
Des camions de l'armée vont être transformés en bureaux de vote mardi pour l'élection présidentielle américaine. Ils se rendront dans les zones les plus touchées par l'ouragan Sandy.
http://www.20min.ch/ro/news/dossier/electionsusa/story/Des-camions-militaires-comme-bureaux-de-vote-25823458

bien pensé

Citation :

EADS North America awarded $181.8 million Army contract option for 34 UH-72A Lakotas


Contract builds on 243 on-time, on-budget Lakota deliveries


ARLINGTON, Va.,, 14 November 2012




UH-72A Lakota in the Security and Support Battalion configuration (Copyright EADS-North America)
UH-72A Lakota in the Security and Support Battalion configuration (Copyright EADS-North America)
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The U.S. Army has awarded EADS North America a $181.8 million contract option to deliver 34 additional UH-72A Lakota helicopters, bringing the total aircraft ordered to date to 312. Army plans call for procuring 347 Lakotas through 2016.

EADS North America has delivered 243 Lakotas – all on time and on budget – from its American Eurocopter facility in Columbus, Miss., where up to five aircraft per month are produced by a workforce that is more than 50 percent U.S. military veterans. The same production line would produce the company’s armed Lakota derivative, the AAS-72X+, for the Army’s Armed Aerial Scout helicopter program. "This latest contract award is a reflection of EADS North America’s commitment to on-time, on-cost performance with the Lakota, a proven, flexible aircraft that is flying every day to meet the Army’s mission," said Sean O’Keefe, EADS North America Chairman and CEO. "We’re proud of delivering on our promises. In today’s fiscal environment, the Army needs and deserves programs that meet their cost and schedule commitments."

"The Lakota program is an example of a successful program that is meeting the Army’s needs by complying with the Army and OSD goals for an ACAT-1 high performing program," said Colonel Thomas H. Todd, the Utility Helicopters Project Manager. "High performing, well-run programs are the benchmark for major defense program acquisition; the Lakota is clearly in that category." Aircraft deliveries under the latest option will begin in September 2013. The contract also includes eight engine inlet barrier filter kits.

Twenty-four of the aircraft on this contract will receive the Security and Support (S&S) Battalion mission equipment package (MEP), which was procured under a separate contract action. The S&S Battalion MEP expands the Lakota’s capabilities for missions ranging from disaster response to border security operations. It includes a moving map, EO/IR sensor, digital video recording capability, digital and analog downlink, and a searchlight. Army National Guard units across the country currently operate Lakotas equipped with the S&S Battalion MEP, including extensive operations along the U.S. southwest border.

A combination of full contractor logistics support (CLS) for the Active Army and hybrid CLS for the Army National Guard enables the units to operate the Lakota in accordance with their flying hour plan. The Army program office, military units, and the industry team of EADS North America, American Eurocopter and Helicopter Support International has provided tailored program logistics to the Army and Army National Guard since 2006.

The Lakota fleet has averaged an operational availability rate greater than 90 percent for locations with the full contractor logistics (CLS) support, encompassing 21 different military units. Spare parts fill rate under the hybrid CLS concept supporting 33 units has averaged 97 percent.

The UH-72A is a Defense Acquisition Category (ACAT) I major defense acquisition program, and marked one of the most rapid introductions of a new aircraft in the U.S. Army’s history. Deliveries of the aircraft to National Guard units allow aging OH-58 and UH-1 rotary-wing aircraft to be retired, while UH-72As assigned to the active component of the U.S. Army free up UH-60 Black Hawks for assignment to combat missions.

www.eads.com

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US Army orders Paladin DesignBase software from Power Analytics
15 November 2012
Power Analytics has been awarded a contract for delivery of its Paladin DesignBase software to the US Army Aviation and Missile Research Development and Engineering Center (AMRDEC).

The software will be installed at AMRDEC System Simulation and Development Directorate's (SSDD) new energy and environment systems laboratory, located in Huntsville, Alaska, US.

Power Analytics public sector business development vice president Rex Luzader said: "We are excited to assist SSDD in establishing their new smart grid lab and providing valuable modelling tools to enable the design of smart grids for expeditionary forward operating base microgrids."

Selection was based on the Center for Electromechanics at the University of Texas at Austin's report, 'Modeling and Simulation Roadmap to Enhance Electrical Energy Security of US Naval Bases', according to Luzader.

SSDD will use the DesignBase software to design and enhance smart microgrid/command centres for energy security and reliability, as well as to safeguard soldiers' lives through reduction in fuel consumption by diesel generators, which are used to provide energy in the battlefield.

Launched in 2006, the Paladin DesignBase is a power systems engineering modelling platform designed to provide professionals with an ability to efficiently create mission-critical computer-aided design (CAD) models for smart grid and alternative energy projects.

Originally used by the Center for Electromechanics at UT Austin for smart grid research, the software is capable of creating a robust electrical design base, which represents a comprehensive knowledge base of all the components, processes and performance specifications of an entire electrical distribution system.

Together with Paladin Live platform, the software helps power system operators to model electrical networks for simulation in BlackBoard environments for future network planning.

http://www.army-technology.com/news/newsus-army-orders-paladin-designbase-software-power-analytics

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US Army establishes new proteomics research facility
19 November 2012
The US Army has established a new Proteomics Core Facility, to support basic and applied research projects aimed at developing solutions to counter an array of chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear and high-yield explosives (CBRNE) issues.

Jointly opened by the Army Edgewood Chemical Biological Center (ECBC) and Medical Research Institute of Chemical Defense (MRICD), the facility is designed to support Defense Threat Reduction Agency/Joint Science and Technology Chemical and Biological Defense Programme, MRICD and ECBC objectives to improvement soldiers' defence against chemical and biological threats.

ECBC technical director Joseph Wienand said the facility represented a collaborative effort by scientists to enable resources sharing and cost-savings, while working towards the common goal of increasing protection of troops and the country.

ECBC Proteomics Core Facility project lead molecular toxicologist PhD, Jennifer Sekowski said: "Having a combined genomics and proteomics core now allows us to more easily share our resources, provide new training opportunities, and expand the amount and type of research we both can do."

The new facility was opened after one year of collaboration; it will enable the organisations to support sponsored research currently underway in whole genomic sequencing and finishing, transcriptome analysis, as well as expression analysis and microRNA.

In addition, the facility will help ECBC and MRICD further expand their research through advanced techniques, such as mass spectrometry-based proteomics, high content image analysis of cells and tissues and gel-based imaging.

Scientists started non-agent research operations at the facility in August, and are expected to collaborate on future research programme, even though they are currently working on individual projects.

ECBC is responsible for the country's non-medical chemical and biological defence, while MRICD conducts research in medical chemical countermeasures research and development fields.

http://www.army-technology.com/news/newsus-army-establishes-new-proteomics-research-facility

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US Army contracts Rockwell Collins for satellite communication services
22 November 2012
Rockwell Collins has been awarded a contract to provide satellite communication (SATCOM) services to the US Army Communication-Electronics Command (CECOM), which is located at Aberdeen Proving Ground in Maryland, US.

Awarded under the $88m indefinite-delivery indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) contract, the $35m deal covers provision of a wide range of SATCOM services through the company's FlexForce Lifecycle Service Solution.

The company will more specifically provide services for operations, maintenance, upgrades, as well as training, in support of the army missions throughout the US and worldwide.

Rockwell Collins Service Solutions vice president and general manager Scott Gunnufson said the existing US Department of Defence's (DoD) budgetary conditioned sought provision of cost-effective sustainment of military equipment.

"The flexibility and proven strengths of our FlexForce solution keep customers mission-ready while minimising risk and cost," Gunnufson said.

"These services include operating and maintaining critical satellite communication equipment that provides data, voice and video communications from remote areas to enhance the situational awareness of the warfighter."

Launched in April at the MRO Americas Conference, held in Dallas, Texas, the FlexForce Lifecycle Service Solution is a comprehensive programme designed to provide the company's multiple service offerings on a single platform for defence and government agencies worldwide.

Availability of systems, subsystems and original equipment manufacturer (OEM) will result in a service solution that will address customer specific operational requirements, including enhanced efficiencies and cost savings.

The customisable service solution also helps the company to closely work with customers in an effort to share risk and also offer transparency in repair and supply chain on performance-based agreements (PBA).

http://www.army-technology.com/news/newsus-army-contracts-rockwell-collins-for-satellite-communication-services

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US Army contracts ManTech for software and systems engineering services
23 November 2012
ManTech International has been awarded a contract for the delivery of software and systems engineering services (SSES) to the US Army's Communications-Electronics Command Life Cycle Management Command (CECOM LCMC) Software Engineering Center (SEC).

With a value of $7bn, the multiple-award indefinite-delivery indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) contract features two-years of base performance, one two-year option, as well as an additional one-year option.

The company will use its Agile software development processes, CMMI Maturity Level 3 development rating, rapid prototyping capabilities, and cyber and information assurance toolsets to provide wide range of support services to the SEC.

ManTech Technical Services group president and chief operating officer Louis Addeo said the company would deliver SSES and other capabilities to the SEC in support of troops.

"ManTech's use of Agile methodologies has enabled us to increase productivity by as much as 67% and cut project costs by 49%," Addeo added.

Under the contract, ManTech will provide scientific, systems engineering, and software engineering technical services to help support the SEC's troops, enterprise services and business mission areas.

Services to be provided by the company will support multiple specific functional areas, including communications, intelligence fusion, avionics, command and control, business applications, financial management and fire support.

The majority of contracted work will be carried out at the army's Aberdeen Proving Ground in Maryland, US, while support will also be provided upon requirements at other military sites throughout the US and worldwide.

SEC provides systems and software engineering and scientific support for a wide variety of US Army and Department of Defense (DoD) customers across the country.
http://www.army-technology.com/news/newsus-army-contracts-mantech-software-systems-engineering-services

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US Army awards additional TEIS III task orders to NCI
26 November 2012
NCI has been awarded multiple contracts to continue providing support services to the US Army under the existing Total Engineering and Information Systems (TEIS) III contract vehicle.

Valued at a combined $27.1m, the order has a two-year base performance period, and involves both new and follow-on work for the company in support of the US Army Information Systems Engineering Command (USAISEC), which is located at Fort Huachuca in Arizona, US.

The latest task orders are being awarded as part of the original $892m TEIS III contract secured by the company in September 2011 for the provision of information systems engineering and IT support to USAISEC and its customers worldwide.

NCI president Brian Clark said the latest contracts will leverage the company's earlier successes while also introducing novel technological solutions to the Department of Defense (DoD) enterprise.

''They represent NCI's full-spectrum IT support capabilities to USAISEC customers across the US Army and the DoD Joint Community,'' Clark added.

Under the new contracts, the company will provide a broad spectrum of base realignment and closure (BRAC)-like support, including surveying, design, installation and testing for command, control, communications, computers, and intelligence/information technology (C4I/IT) relocation operations.

Additional responsibilities include the provision of engineer, furnish, install, and test (EFIT) capabilities to local area networks (LAN) and wireless LANs.

The support services will directly benefit many DoD customers, including the Special Operations Command South (SOCSOUTH), Network Enterprise Technology Command (NETCOM), Military Health System (MHS) Cyber-infrastructure Services (MCiS), and the Military Construction Army (MCA) and Sustainment Repair/Maintenance (SRM) programme.

TEIS III is a next-generation indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity (ID/IQ) programme designed to offer engineering, information assurance and systems integration computer services to army facilities across the US and worldwide until 2016.

http://www.army-technology.com/news/newsus-army-awards-additional-teis-iii-task-orders-to-nci

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CACI wins US Army’s MTCS training and simulation support contract
28 November 2012
The US Army Reserve Command (USARC) has awarded a contract to CACI International for the delivery of simulation and training solutions in support of the mission command training support (MCTS) programme.

Awarded under the operations, planning, training and resource support services (OPTARSS II) contract vehicle, the deal is valued at $31m and includes a one-year base performance period and two option years.

CACI president and chief executive officer Dan Allen said the contract would boost the company's training capabilities and also expand its activities in command, control, communications, computers, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (C4ISR) market.

"It is a strong demonstration of our success in pursuing new business that aligns with our nation's highest priorities; in this case, assuring mission readiness for our armed forces," Allen added.

Under the contract, CACI will integrate live, virtual, and constructive simulations with Army Mission Command systems to provide commanders with enhanced situational understanding of unit activities and capabilities in the battlefield.

Work will specifically involve provision of pre and post-mobilisation training support, including development of scenarios for battle simulations followed by their integration with the Reserve Command's digital systems, networks, and infrastructure.

CACI chief operating officer and US Operations president John Mengucci said the company would support the MCTS programme based on its 50-year experience in delivering modelling and simulation solutions for the Department of Defense (DoD) and US forces.

Previously known as the battle command training programme, MCTP provides combined arms training for Brigade Combat Teams, Divisions, Corps, Army Service Component Commands (ASCC), Joint Force Land Component Commander (JFLCC) and joint task forces (JTFs) in a relevant operational environment worldwide.

As federal reserve force of the US Army, the USARC is headquartered at Fort Bragg, and oversees staffing, training, management, mobilisation and deployment of all army reserve troop units in the US to ensure readiness for combat missions.

http://www.army-technology.com/news/newscaci-wins-us-army-mtcs-training-and-simulation-support-contract

Citation :

BAE and Northrop reveal details of hybrid Ground Combat Vehicle
27 November 2012
BAE Systems and Northrop Grumman have released details of their proposed vehicle for the US Army's Ground Combat Vehicle (GCV) programme.

The hybrid GCV is an armoured tank, designed to carry three crew and nine squad members inside its steel-core hull. It features an integrated electronic network capability and embedded command, control, communications, computers, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance equipment.

By using customisable combinations of armour packages on the hull, the vehicle can offer enhanced protection to troops in comparison with an RG-33 mine-resistant ambush protected (MRAP) vehicle.

The GCV is powered by a hybrid electric drive (HED) propulsion system for economical fuel use, although even with a mechanical drive the design could have saved the army 10,492gal of fuel over a 180-day campaign.

A 10% to 20% improvement in fuel economy is possible without compromising power, as an HED GCV can accelerate from 0mph-20mph in just 7.8 seconds, which a mechanical GCV would require 10.5 seconds to reach.

The 1,500 horsepower HED is capable of providing 1,100kW of electricity and can run silently, which could be an advantage during night operations.

In addition to fuel cost savings, the proposed GCV would require fewer parts and maintenance hours than existing systems, lowering operational cost to the army over the vehicle's service life.

The hybrid GCV weighs some 70t and is almost twice as heavy as that of the Bradley infantry fighting vehicle, which it will replace under the $40bn GCV programme.

http://www.army-technology.com/news/newsbae-northrop-reveal-infographic-details-hybrid-ground-combat-vehicle