US Navy

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(Jan. 26, 2013) Huntington Ingalls Industries celebrated significant progress today as the 555-metric ton island was lowered onto the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) at the company’s Newport News Shipbuilding division. The 60-foot long, 30-foot wide island was the 452nd lift of the nearly 500 total lifts needed to complete the aircraft carrier. (U.S. Navy photo courtesy Huntington Ingalls Industries/Released)

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Aegis Newest Baseline Demonstrates Over the Horizon Capability in Series of Three Tests


The Lockheed Martin and U.S. Navy team’s Baseline 9 Aegis Combat System recently completed multiple exercises including the longest-range engagement ever tested with a Standard Missile-6 (SM-6). This is the first major series of tests for the integrated air and missile defense (IAMD)-equipped USS John Paul Jones (DDG-53), and highlights the system’s accuracy in identifying and destroying threats from beyond the radar horizon.


PACIFIC OCEAN (June 19, 2014) The Arleigh-Burke class guided-missile destroyer USS John Paul Jones (DDG 53) launches a Standard Missile 6 (SM-6) during a live-fire test of the ship's aegis weapons system. Over the course of three days, the crew of John Paul Jones successfully engaged six targets, firing a total of five missiles that included four SM-6 models and one Standard Missile-2 (SM-2) model. (U.S. Navy photo/Released)


The first of three Naval Integrated Fire Control-Counter Air (NIFC-CA) exercises involved a long-range mission, known as AS-2A, which used data from a non-Aegis system to identify targets in a stressing scenario. The second and third tests, AS-2B and AS-2C, were conducted in increasingly difficult conditions that involved targets at varying altitudes and cross-sections.



“NIFC-CA is a game changer for the U.S. Navy because it can be used in collaboration with other systems, to track and destroy approaching cruise missiles at much longer distances than existing technologies can,” said Jim Sheridan, director of Aegis U.S. Navy programs for Lockheed Martin. “This validation of the NIFC-CA capability aboard a destroyer comes on the heels of the successful cruiser tests we completed onboard USS Chancellorsville back in August 2013 and we look forward to seeing this capability fielded in the fleet.”

NIFC-CA will be deployed on the Theodore Roosevelt Battle Group in 2015 after completing additional testing this year.


PACIFIC OCEAN (June 19, 2014) The Arleigh-Burke class guided-missile destroyer USS John Paul Jones (DDG 53) launches a Standard Missile-6 (SM-6) during a live-fire test of the ship's aegis weapons system. Over the course of three days, the crew of John Paul Jones successfully engaged six targets, firing a total of five missiles that included four SM-6 models and one Standard Missile-2 (SM-2) model. (U.S. Navy photo/Released)

http://www.navyrecognition.com

  woww
7 fois la vitesse du son

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Navy unveils prototype railguns



SAN DIEGO – Navy officials unveiled two prototype weapons Tuesday that have been cloaked in secrecy for years, and are capable of firing seven times the speed of sound.

They are electromagnetic railguns, developed by the Office of Naval Research.

A railgun can fire a projectile up to 5,600 miles per hour – about six times faster than a bullet from a handgun – at a range of up to 110 miles, Rear Adm. Matthew Klunder said.

It delivers up to 32 megajoules of energy.

“Literally it is like taking a huge freight train and going through the wall that's a few feet to my left at over 100 miles an hour. Right through that wall,” said Klunder, the Chief of Naval Research.

The Navy showed off two working prototypes aboard the USS Millinocket at Naval Base San Diego. They fire by sending an electrical pulse across metal rails to create electromagnetic force. There's nothing explosive inside or out.

“That means sailors no longer have to handle propelling charges and the safety and liability issues related to that,” said John Perry of BAE Systems, which developed the prototype the Navy has chosen to pursue.

Each projectile costs about $25,000, Klunder said. That’s about 100 times less than a conventional missile. And there's another advantage.

“We only have so many [missiles] on our ships. I can put hundreds and hundreds of these projectiles on our naval vessels with that gun system,” he said.

The Navy will mount a railgun on a Joint High Speed Vessel in 2016 for testing. The weapons could be rolled out for use as soon as the following year, Klunder said.

The railgun will complement but not replace conventional missiles, Klunder said. Missiles can travel about twice as far.

But Klunder predicts railguns will be an important deterrent.

“We think that it is part of our future,” he said. “And we think that it truly is going to make our adversaries very, very nervous in the future.”

http://www.sandiego6.com

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SAFE Boats International awarded contract for additional US Navy Mk VI Patrol Boats

SAFE Boats International (SBI) has been awarded a contract to provide the United States Navy four (4) additional Mk VI Patrol Boats (Mk VI PB); with options for an additional two (2) boats. The Mk VI PB is the Navy’s next generation Patrol Boat and will become a part of the Navy Expeditionary Combat Command’s (NECC) fleet of combatant craft.



SAFE Boats designed the 85-foot Mk VI PB for optimal performance, fuel economy, and firepower. Systems are designed to reduce Total Ownership Cost (TOC), minimize manpower and improve reliability and maintainability. Powered by twin diesel engines and water jets, the Mk VI PB is capable of speeds in excess 30 knots at full load. She has a range in excess of 600 nautical miles. Berthing accommodations, galley and head/shower facilities allow for extended missions. Additionally, the boat is fitted with ballistic protection and can be armed with a variety of crew served and remotely operated weapons systems.

“SAFE Boats is proud to have been awarded this new contract for additional Mk VI Patrol Boats for the US Navy. The Mk VI Patrol Boat program represents a new level of size and sophistication for the SAFE Boats product portfolio; through the execution of this program, we have increased our boat design and manufacturing capabilities and capacity. We look forward to the future of the Mk VI Patrol Boat program and other similar large craft programs” said Dennis Morris, President and CEO, SAFE Boats International.

SBI was awarded the initial contract for six (6) Mk VI Patrol Boats in May 2012 and will be contractually delivering the first boat to the Navy later this Fiscal Year. SBI is producing the Mk VI Patrol Boats in its Large Craft Production Facility (LCPF) located in the Port of Tacoma, Washington. Originally developed to build ships for the US Navy during WWII, the size and configuration of the facility allows several Mk VI PB size craft to be under construction simultaneously. Located on the water, the LCPF provides SBI an ideal location to produce and support large craft.

http://www.navyrecognition.com

MAATAWI a écrit:

  woww
7 fois la vitesse du son

Décidement les "Super Gun" sont interessant, ca me rappelle le projet avorté du "Super Canon" Irakien, a l'epoque.

C'est impressionnant l'énergie cinétique que représente ces engins, en effet rien qu'un canon de cet ampleur suffit pour percer n'importe quel blindage, pas besoin de munitions en UA..

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RPT-UPDATE 2-U.S. Navy maintains grounding order for F-35 fighter jets


(Reuters) - The U.S. Navy on Friday maintained a grounding order for F-35 B-model and C-model fighter jets built by Lockheed Martin Corp, saying it was still not clear what caused a massive engine failure on an Air Force F-35 jet on June 23.

"At this time, I do not have sufficient information to return the F-35B and F-35C fleet to flight," Vice Admiral David Dunaway, who heads the Navy's Air Systems Command, said in an update to a fleetwide grounding order issued by U.S. officials on July 3. A copy of the document was obtained by Reuters.

Dunaway said in the document that he was committed to returning the F-35 fleet to flight as soon as possible, but there was "no discernible event that represents a root cause."

In the incident last month, the Pratt & Whitney engine on an Air Force F-35 A-model jet broke apart and caught fire while a pilot was preparing to take off from Eglin Air Force Base in Florida air base.

Until the grounding is lifted, the U.S. Marine Corps and Britain will not be able to ferry four F-35B aircraft to Britain for the fighter jet's planned international debut at two air shows there this month - the Royal International Air Tattoo, world's largest military air show that began Friday, and the Farnborough air show, which starts on Monday and runs through July 20.

It would be a huge embarrassment to the United States if the jets are unable to appear at either air show, and could jeopardize export prospects for the new radar-evading plane just as two initial partners on the program - Canada and Denmark - are weighing fresh orders.

The engine failure had also prevented the F-35 from making an appearance at the July 4 naming ceremony for Britain's new aircraft carrier.

Dunaway said the Navy and other services are continuing to investigate the incident, and planned to update the flight directive no later than July 16 - two days after the start of the high-profile Farnborough air show outside London.

Dunaway's memorandum did not rule out the possibility that the most advanced U.S. fighter jet could still appear at the tail end of the Farnborough air show, but the prospects of that occurring appeared to be dimming fast.

"There are specific additional evaluation conditions required to support the Farnborough air show in the UK, including the ferry flight across the Atlantic and performance in the airshow itself. Additional work is required in order to understand and mitigate airshow unique risks," it said.

Four Marine Corps F-35B jets are waiting to fly across the Atlantic at a Maryland air base, and a UK jet that had been due to join them remains at Eglin Air Force Base in Florida.

The U.S. jets were qualified and ready to fly as soon as the grounding order was rescinded, said one person familiar with the situation.

Dunaway said the current analysis would have to be refocused to potentially meet the timeline for the F-35's participation in the Farnborough air show. The jets need a full day in Britain to allow for any maintenance or repairs before they participate in flying demonstrations.

Dunaway said officials were looking at possible operational restrictions for the jets while the issue was still being investigated, and would also likely implement recurring engine inspections to monitor for any indication of a future problem. But those measures would take several more days to complete.

It remains unclear what caused the third stage of the Pratt engine to break apart and burst through the top of the airplane. The incident severed a fuel line, which then caused a fire.

Frank Kendall, the Pentagon's chief weapons buyer, told U.S. lawmakers on Thursday there was "growing evidence" that the incident was an individual event and had not been caused by a systemic issue. He said all existing engines had been inspected and that no issues similar to the one that caused the engine failure had been found, but he said safety was the Defense Department's top priority. (Editing by Sandra Maler and Ken Wills)

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Marines, Sailors conduct first-time flight operations aboard USS America


AT SEA - The roar of propellers was heard across the flight deck of the ship as Marines and Sailors worked vigorously together to successfully land their aircraft aboard the future amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6) for the first time ever, just hours after her departure from Ingalls shipyard in Pascagoula, Miss., July 11.

It was all in a day’s work as Sailors and Marines merged their training to complete their mission of landing MV-22 Ospreys and MH-60 Seahawks aboard the ship.

America is currently carrying more than 1,000 crewmembers, many who are experiencing their first time at sea.

“A lot of my Marines have never been on a ship before,” said Sgt. Daniel Zawicki, a crew chief with Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force South. “It presents a new challenge for us, but whenever the Navy and Marine Corps comes together, we make a great team.”

America is carrying Marines and Sailors from SPMAGTF-South on her transit around the South American continent. The SPMAGTF will utilize the MV-22 to transport Marines and Sailors from ship to shore for all of their upcoming partner-nation engagements.

The Sailors and Marines showed their prowess as they worked together to land the aircraft, setting the standard as they concluded the mission.
“It’s a pleasure to work with the Navy,” said Staff Sgt. Joshua Rochat, a quality assurance chief with SPMAGTF-South. “The Sailors and Marines performed great today, which is why we’re always a force in readiness. We’ve received a great deal of help and support from them.”

The Marines praised the design of the ship as it accommodates their needs.

“The America is perfect for the V-22,” Rochat said. “The flight deck couldn’t be better for our aircraft. Everything is laid out perfectly for us to accomplish our mission.”

America is transiting through U.S. Southern Command and U.S. 4th Fleet area of operations en route to its assigned homeport, San Diego. U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command and U.S. 4th Fleet employ maritime forces in cooperative maritime security operations in order to maintain access, enhance interoperability, and build enduring partnerships that foster regional security in the U.S. Southern Command area of responsibility.

Through partner-nation port visits, key leader engagements and security cooperation activities, Sailors and Marines will demonstrate the flexibility, utility and unparalleled expeditionary capability the Navy-Marine Corps team provides our nation and partners.

Read more: http://www.dvidshub.net/news/136626/marines-sailors-conduct-first-time-flight-operations-aboard-uss-america#.U80VMECeYcu#ixzz386uTBCWs

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US Navy Selects Northrop Grumman for Ship Self-Defense System
Open architecture modernization effort updates obsolete equipment and enables a hardware backbone for increased cybersecurity

2014-07-22T07:00:00-0700

MCLEAN, Va. – July 22, 2014 – The U.S. Navy has awarded Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC) a $12 million task order for a full range of engineering services to continue modernizing the Ship Self-Defense System Mark 2 (SSDS MK2). The contract has a potential value of $61 million over five years, if all options are exercised.

SSDS MK2 is a combat system designed for anti-air defense of U.S. and coalition partner aircraft carriers and amphibious ships. The system coordinates the ship's existing sensors, self-defense weapons and countermeasures to shorten the detect-to-engage cycle.

"The system is critical to enhance the self-defense capabilities of the Navy's aircraft carriers and amphibious ships," said Mike Barrett, director, maritime combat systems, Northrop Grumman Information Systems. "It's important we continue migrating toward COTS [commercial off-the-shelf] equipment to improve performance and enable increased cybersecurity."

The task order was awarded under the SeaPort-e indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity contract vehicle. Under the direction of the Combat Direction Systems Activity (CDSA), Dam Neck, Virginia Beach, the company will provide life cycle engineering, system engineering and integration, and hardware prototype development. Replacing obsolete components with open systems COTS computing hardware will allow adaptable deployment of more current and secure capabilities.

With the SSDS MK2 program, Northrop Grumman continues its decade-long collaboration with CDSA delivering flexible, quality engineering services for naval combat systems.

Northrop Grumman is a leading global security company providing innovative systems, products and solutions in unmanned systems, cyber, C4ISR, and logistics and modernization to government and commercial customers worldwide. Please visit www.northropgrumman.com for more information.

http://www.northropgrumman.com

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LCS to conduct test of Norwegian missile





WASHINGTON — The littoral combat ship USS Coronado will get a chance at an historic LCS first this fall when it launches a surface-to-surface missile in tests off Southern California.

The Navy confirmed this week that the Coronado is scheduled to test-launch the Kongsberg Naval Strike Missile (NSM) off Point Mugu, California, where the Naval Air Warfare Center maintains an extensively-instrumented missile range.

The test will follow a successful NSM launch July 10 from the Norwegian frigate Fridtjof Nansen during Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) exercises near Hawaii. The frigate fired a single NSM at the decommissioned amphibious ship Ogden and scored a direct hit.

The NSM is a 13-foot-long weapon already in service aboard Norwegian warships and with Polish defense forces in a land-based, truck-mounted version. A helicopter-launched version is under development, and the company recently announced it was working on a smaller, submarine-launched variant.

Kongsberg has been aggressively targeting the US Navy as a potential NSM customer. The LCS, although planned to carry the non-line-of-sight missile, has been without a missile system since the Army cancelled NLOS development in early 2011. The Navy recently decided to begin development work to adapt the proven Hellfire missile to naval use for the LCS.

The NSM, in the 500-pound class of missile, is significantly larger than the Hellfire, in the 100-pound class. The smaller missile could essentially be a placeholder until a more effective weapon can be identified.

While there have been calls in the service to develop new surface-to-surface missiles, the Navy emphasized the upcoming NSM tests are not in response to a specific requirement.

“The planned September live-firing demonstration aboard USS Coronado (LCS 4) of the Naval Strike Missile under the Foreign Comparative Testing Program will test the ship’s feasibility to execute an increased anti-surface warfare role,” Lt. Kurt Larson, a spokesman with the Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) in Washington, said in a statement.

“Additionally, it will provide insights into the weapon’s stated capabilities of increased range, survivability and lethality.

“While there is currently no requirement for this capability aboard LCS, we view the demonstration as an opportunity to test a possible future warfighting tool,” Larson added.

For now, the US Navy is not committing to anything beyond the September tests.

“At this time, there are no further tests planned for the NSM or similar weapons,” said Lt. Jackie Pau, a Navy spokesperson at the Pentagon.

In addition to Kongsberg, other missile makers, including Raytheon and Lockheed Martin, have been working on potential weapons to arm the LCS. Lockheed makes the Hellfire, while Raytheon’s small Griffin missile was briefly considered, then dropped, as an interim weapon aboard LCS.

One key Navy official acknowledged the NSM as an effective weapon.

“Naval Strike Missile is an incredible missile,” Capt. Michael Ladner, NAVSEA’s program manager for surface ship weapons, said during a July 23 interview. A recent war game, he said, showed that “NSM has a highly survivable, very advanced seeker, and it goes 100 miles.”

Just to be considered for LCS, however, the NSM has to be shown to fit aboard the ships. That’s one aim of the Coronado tests, Ladner said.

“The demonstration is not to integrate it into the ship but to launch it, and to explore the concept of operations for launching a missile that can go far from an LCS,” he explained, noting the LCS is not fitted with long-range fire control systems.

“If I can shoot 100 miles, but I can’t see a target at 100 miles, then that may or may not be the right missile for that ship,” Ladner explained. “If we can figure out how to solve the detect-to-engage sequence then that might be the right candidate.”

But, he added, “maybe the right answer is a shorter-range missile that goes closer to what the ship can detect organically. That is what the Navy is looking at right now to understand where we really want to go for this ship class.”

Coronado’s launch of the NSM will be the first-ever firing of a surface-to-surface missile from an LCS, NAVSEA confirmed.

To date, only the first LCS, Freedom, has launched a missile. The ship fired a Rolling Airframe Missile (RAM), intended for close-in point defense, during a 2009 test and in fleet exercises in 2010.

http://www.navytimes.com

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Arrivée du 15e P-8A «Poseidon» !



Seattle,  le 15 e P-8A Poseidon construit par Boeing a été livré sur les installations de de Jacksonville, en Floride, où il permettra d'élargir à long terme les capacités de patrouille maritime de l'US Navy.

L'avion, livré dans les délais prévus a rejoint un autre exemplaire de «Poséidon» utilisé pour former les équipages de la marine en préparation pour le déploiement.

Boeing travaille sur le contrat de construction et de soutien de 53 avions de type P-8A. «Poseidon». La Marine prévoit d'acheter 117 P-8A, qui sont basés sur la prochaine génération de Boeing B737-800.

Le P-8A "Poseidon" est un avion de longue portée de lutte anti-sous-marine (ASM) et anti-surface (LAN), renseignement, surveillance et reconnaissance (RSR). Le P-8A est capable de longues patrouilles proche et loin des côtes.

Le P-8A "Poseidon" est conçu pour assurer l'avenir de la Marine à long rayon d'action dans les missions de patrouille maritime. Le P-8A offre une plus grande capacité de combat et demandera moins d'infrastructure tout en se concentrant sur la réactivité et l'interopérabilité avec les forces traditionnelles. L’avion peut échanger ses informations avec l’ensemble des bâtiments de surface, sous-marins, avions et drones en service dans l’US Navy.


Photos : 1 le 15e P-8A de l’US Navy 2 Essais de tir d’une torpille @ Boeing/USN

http://psk.blog.24heures.ch/archive/2014/08/06/arrivee-du-15e-p-8a-poseidon-856734.html

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U.S. Denies Attack Submarine ‘Expelled’ From Barents Sea

http://news.usni.org/2014/08/11/u-s-denies-attack-submarine-expelled-barents-sea#more-8740

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More than 100 aircraft, 8 ships ready for Iraq air campaign

http://www.navytimes.com/article/20140808/NEWS08/308080074/104-aircraft-8-ships-ready-Iraq-air-campaign

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Austal USA launches future USS Montgomery; USNS Fall River completes acceptance trials

http://www.al.com/business/index.ssf/2014/08/austal_usa_launches_future_uss.html

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LCS to Mayport

http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=82634

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US Navy's VP-45 squadron launched AGM-84D missile from P-8A Poseidon MPA for the first time


Patrol Squadron (VP)-45 Combat Aircrew Four (CAC)-4 recently completed the first P-8A Coordinated Time on Top (CTOT) AGM-84D live missile shot with a Japan Maritime Self Defense Force (JMSDF) P-3C crew during RIMPAC 2014. The missile shot was comprised of a P-8A-launched AGM-84D Harpoon missile and a JMSDF P-3C- launched ATM-84D Harpoon telemetry missile. The result was a successful strike against a surface target – with both missiles arriving simultaneously.


An AGM-84D Harpoon anti-ship missile is launched from an underwing weapon pylon of a P-8A Poseidon assigned to VP-45. It was the first P-8A "Coordinated Time On Top" exercise with the Japanese Maritime Self Defense Force as an element of RIMPAC. Picture: US Navy/VP-45

The challenging exercise displayed the P-8A Poseidon’s ability to coordinate with a foreign asset to deliver air-to-surface missiles on a target.
“This on-target shot represents the tip of the iceberg for current and future capabilities of the Poseidon,” said Lt. Cmdr. Carl White, officer in charge of the detachment.

“The P-8A platform will be an invaluable anti-surface warfare (ASuW) asset of the Maritime Patrol and Reconnaissance Force for decades to come.”

Lt. Justin Rogers, tactical coordinator of CAC-4, said “This live-fire CTOT exercise took several months of preparation, planning and coordination with a myriad of organizations, including Commander Patrol and Reconnaissance Group (CPRG), Commander Patrol and Reconnaissance Wing 2 (CPRW-2) and CPRW-11.”


During the recent RIMPAC 2014 exercise, Sailors from the VP-45 Ordnance Division load a Harpoon missile on the wing pylon of a P-8A Poseidon. It was the first P-8A Coordinated Time on Top (CTOT) AGM-84D live missile shot. Picture: US Navy/VP-45

Rogers also noted the participation of Maritime Patrol and Reconnaissance Weapons School (MPRWS), VP-30), VP-26, Air Test and Evaluation Squadron (VX)-1, Pacific Missile Range Facility (PMRF), Fleet Weapons Support Team (FWST), Mobile Tactical Operations Centers (MTOC)-1 and -5, in addition to the expertise demonstrated by the JMSDF P-3C Orion aircrew.

White concluded, “We look forward to continuing the relationships we built at RIMPAC during on our upcoming deployment to the 7th Fleet Area of Responsibility.”

On the 24th anniversary of the RIMPAC exercise, the P-8A Poseidon showcased its abilities in joint anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare, and intelligence surveillance reconnaissance scenarios. The VP-45 Pelicans joined a coalition of 22 participant countries and six observer countries that worked together to execute RIMPAC 2014, a massive training evolution involving 48 surface ships, six submarines, more than 200 aircraft, and 25,000 personnel.

http://www.navyrecognition.com/index.php/news/defence-news/year-2014-news/august-2014-navy-naval-forces-maritime-industry-technology-security-global-news/1935-us-navys-vp-45-squadron-launched-agm-84d-missile-from-p-8a-poseidon-mpa-for-the-first-time.html

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U.S. Navy, General Atomics and HII started EMALS tests onboard USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78)

http://www.navyrecognition.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1931

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Navy Designs New Amphib




The Navy is evaluating designs, costs and specifications for a new class of amphibious assault ships designed to replace the current fleet of cargo-carrying LSD 41/49 dock landing ships, service officials said.
The existing fleet of dock landing ships, which function in a key cargo-carrying capacity as part of an amphibious ready group, will be nearing the end of their expected 40-year life span in coming years, said Marine Corps Maj. Gen. Robert Walsh, director of the Navy’s expeditionary warfare division.
“It is not often you replace a ship class,” he said.
Slated to be procured in 2020 and enter service by 2026, the new LXR amphib will need to function with more autonomy than its predecessor and be able to conduct what’s called disaggregated operations apart from an amphibious ready group.
The LXR will need more aviation, command and control and medical technologies compared to existing LSDs, Walsh explained.
“The LSD’s we’re replacing were meant to be the trucks – heavy cargo capability for the [amphibious ready group]. It has a landing platform but it doesn’t have a hangar and an aviation deck,” he said. “Due to the concept of operations we are under today, it needs independent capability. It needs to have aviation capability and be able to go somewhere and take helos with it. It needs an aviation detachment and be able to do the maintenance.”
The Navy used to be able to deploy ARGs with up to five ships at one time, however the fleet is no longer the size it used to be in the 1980s and the service is working on a strategy to get by with three ships per ARG and  as few as 33 amphibs overall.  As a result, the Navy needs more ships that have the technological ability to operate independently of an ARG if need be.
“When it comes to amphib forces, quantity does matter.  We’ve got to have the numbers to be able to do the things we want to be able to do. We are trying to recapitalize the LSD force,” Walsh said.
The Navy has completed its initial capabilities document for the LXR and recently finished an Analysis of Alternatives, or AoA, wherein service engineers, experts and acquisition professional explore options for the ship.
Results of the AoA determined that the Navy is considering basing the construction and design upon the existing LPD 17 amphibious transport dock hull – or designing and entirely new ship altogether.
Walsh explained that the AoA wound up reducing the alternatives or options for the LXR from eleven different options down to two options.
Designed to serve alongside 400 sailor-strong LDS dock landing ships in the ARG, the amphibious transport docks, or LPD 17s, carry up to 700 sailors and have a higher degree of aviation and command and control technologies for independent operations, Walsh explained.
The new LXR will need to have the command and control and aviation technology to operate independently while still remaining true to its cargo-carrying mission and be less expensive than an LPD 17.
The 684-foot long LPD 17s can hit speeds of 22 knots and carry four CH-46 Sea Knights or two MV-22 Osprey aircraft. The LSD also travels around 20 knots, however, it is only 609-feet long and not equipped to house aircraft.
Both the LPD 17 and the LSDs have well-decks for amphibious operations along with the ability to launch Landing Craft Air Cushions, or LCACs. The LPD 17 weighs close to 25,000 tons and the LSD is only 16,000 tons. The Whidbey Island class of LSDs can carry and launch up to four LCACs.
The new ship now in development, the LXR, will likely wind up drawing upon elements of both of these amphibious assault ships as the Navy seeks to maximize the performance of the ship while keeping its cost well below $2 billion, the approximate cost of an LPD 17.
“The LPD 17 is just too high-end cost wise when you are looking at replacing the LSD class. We’re working with industry to look at lowering costs for the ship,” Walsh explained.
The Navy has recently awarded two “design for affordability” contracts to two shipbuilders, Huntington Ingalls Industries and National Steel and Shipbuilding Company, or NASSCO. The contracts are aimed at exploring design specifications and technologies best suited for the LXR with a mind to lowering costs while maximizing technical capability, Walsh explained.
Walsh said the Navy is integrating the requirements work with cost analysis in order to ensure that cost goals are not compromised by growing requirements.


http://defensetech.org/2014/08/13/navy-designs-new-amphib/#more-23478

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Two Final U.S. Navy Patrol Ships Arrive in Middle East




The two final Cyclone-class patrol ships (PC) arrived in Bahrain this week, bringing the total PC count in U.S. 5^th Fleet to ten, the service announced on Wednesday.
USS Hurricane (PC-3) and USS Monsoon (PC-4) were off-loaded in Bahrain as part of a plus up in the smaller ships to ease the stress of the U.S. Navy’s larger warships — like the service’s Arleigh Burke destroyer (DDG-51) fleet.
The Navy has operated the PCs in 5^th Fleet — largely focused on the Persian Gulf and operating as far as the Gulf of Oman — since 2003.
“This class of ship is ideal for working in this area,” said Capt. Brendan McLane, commander, Destroyer Squadron 50, in a 5^th Fleet statement.
“Having two additional assets will greatly increase our ability for continued maritime security operations and theater security cooperation in the Fifth Fleet.”
The ships are, “used to escort larger ships, provide maritime security, protect infrastructure, as well as participate in exercises with allies and regional partners,” read the statement.
Three PCs arrived in 5^th Fleet last year as part of the Cyclone plus-up.
“Our numbers of DDGs we have out here have declined over the past year. [PCs] are picking up a lot of the missions they were doing, ” Destroyer Squadron 50 and Combined Task Force 55 (DESRON50/CTF-55) then- commander Capt. Joseph Naman told USNI News last year.
“It doesn’t mean we are going to do away with the DDG. They still have a mission here.”
The Navy has a regular ballistic missile defense (BMD) patrol with BMD capable destroyers.

http://news.usni.org/2014/08/14/two-final-u-s-navy-patrol-craft-arrive-middle-east#more-8775

Citation :

Ajoutée le 18 août 2014

http://www.navyrecognition.com/index....
The Navy's unmanned X-47B conducts flight operations aboard the aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71). The aircraft completed a series of tests demonstrating its ability to operate safely and seamlessly with manned aircraft.

The first series of manned/unmanned operations began this morning when the ship launched an F/A-18 and an X-47B. After an eight-minute flight, the X-47B executed an arrested landing, folded its wings and taxied out of the landing area. The deck-based operator used newly developed deck handling control to manually move the aircraft out of the way of other aircraft, allowing the F/A-18 to touch down close behind the X-47B's recovery.(U.S. Navy video)

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Navy scraps anticipated program to develop prototype laser weapons for helicopter operations at sea



RIDGECREST, Calif., 14 Aug. 2014. U.S. Navy laser weapons experts say they are scrapping a plan to develop a high-energy laser weapon for manned and unmanned helicopters to perform a variety of military operations at sea.
Officials of the Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division at China Lake Naval Weapons Station in Ridgecrest, Calif., announced Tuesday that they are cancelling -- at least for the time being -- the anticipated High Energy Fiber Laser industry competition to develop a prototype laser weapon for demonstrations aboard a Navy helicopter.
No reasons for the program cancellation were given in an industry announcement released Tuesday. "Should the Government choose to advertise this opportunity in the future, a new synopsis will be issued," the announcement says.


Navy officials announced a plan on 28 July to issue a formal solicitation later this month for the High Energy Fiber Laser program, which was to develop and demonstrate prototype integrated high-energy laser weapon subsystems for installation in a helicopter for airborne laser weapon demonstrations.
Industry officials had expected a request for proposals by about 18 Aug., with a contract award for the program before the end of the year.
The solicitation was to call for bids to complete the High Energy Fiber Laser integration structure, design, building, testing, and qualifying hardware necessary to build the system.

The contract also was to call on the winning company to perform qualification testing, providing drawings, install the prototype system, develop test procedures, and provide system support.

http://www.militaryaerospace.com/articles/2014/08/laser-program-scrapped.html?cmpid=EnlUnmannedVehiclesAugust192014

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Littoral Combat Ship USS Coronado (LCS 4) Conducts Integration Exercise with U.S. Marines

Last week Littoral Combat Ship USS Coronado (LCS 4) demonstrated the ability to rapidly stage and deploy a U.S. Marine Corps (USMC) ground unit. Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadrons 469 and 303 conducted day and night deck-landing qualifications in preparation for an airborne raid of Marines from the 1st Reconnaissance Battalion onboard USS Coronado.

The ship’s inherent qualities, including speeds in excess of 40 knots, its large flight deck and reconfigurable mission bay, proved that littoral combat ships (LCS) can provide the Navy and USMC with significant operational flexibility anywhere in the world.

Independence-variant LCS’ offer a variety of air and small-boat employment and delivery options for USMC ground and air tactical units, and ample space to embark a small USMC ground unit—even with an embarked mission module. On this platform, UH-1Y and AH-1W helicopter operations are fully supportable.         

http://www.navyrecognition.com/index.php/news/defence-news/year-2014-news/august-2014-navy-naval-forces-maritime-industry-technology-security-global-news/1955-littoral-combat-ship-uss-coronado-lcs-4-conducts-integration-exercise-with-us-marines.html

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Northrop Grumman, US Navy Successfully Conduct E-2D Aerial Refueling Preliminary Design Review
Capability will extend E-2D Advanced Hawkeye's flight endurance

2014-09-03T07:30:00-0700

MELBOURNE, Fla. – Sept. 3, 2014 – The Northrop Grumman (NYSE:NOC) and U.S. Navy team has successfully conducted the preliminary design review (PDR) for its E-2D Advanced Hawkeye Aerial Refueling system.

Completion of this critical milestone allows the program to proceed to its critical design review, moving closer to manufacturing the system and installing it on new production E-2Ds as well as retrofitting it onto E-2Ds that are currently operating in the Navy fleet.

"I'm very pleased with the progress the team has made," said Capt. John Lemmon, program manager, E-2/C-2 Airborne Tactical Data System Program Office (PMA-231). "Adding an aerial refueling capability to the E-2D Advanced Hawkeye will extend its critical mission of providing continuous information to the warfighter who depends on it."

Under a $226.7 million engineering, manufacturing and development contract awarded in 2013, Northrop Grumman is designing several system upgrades necessary to accommodate an aerial refueling capability. These include new seats to enhance pilot field-of-view and decrease crew fatigue; formation lights for better visualization and air space orientation; and enhanced software in the aircraft's flight control system to assist the pilots with aircraft handling qualities when refueling.

"The greater endurance provided by aerial refueling provides the warfighter with enhanced surveillance and targeting capability and the persistence needed to accomplish this more effectively," said Bart LaGrone, vice president, E-2/C-2 programs, Northrop Grumman Aerospace Systems. "This results in an advanced airborne early warning system that yields greater surveillance for a longer period of time at a greater distance than presently available."

As the U.S. continues its shift to Asia-Pacific, the extended range of the E-2D Advanced Hawkeye can provide the enhanced maritime security required by the vast geography of the Asia-Pacific region, for both the U.S. and its allies.

"The level of information provided to the warfighter will increase exponentially with the extended range and endurance of the E-2D Advanced Hawkeye fleet with aerial refueling," LaGrone said.

The Navy's E-2D program of record is for 75 aircraft and there are currently 62 E-2Cs operating in the Navy's fleet, with an additional 28 E-2Cs operating in the militaries of Egypt, France, Japan and Taiwan.

http://www.northropgrumman.com

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U.S. Navy converting 500 TV-guided AGB-65s to laser guidance

Raytheon Missile Systems, Tucson, Arizona, is being awarded a $49,482,902 firm-fixed-price contract for the modification of 500 AGM-65A/B guidance control sections to an AGM-65E2 configuration. Work will be performed in Tucson, Arizona (53 percent); Williamsport, Pennsylvania (31 percent); Orlando, Florida (8 percent); Ontario, Canada (4 percent); Joplin, Missouri (3 percent); and Grass Valley, California (1 percent), and work is expected to be completed in January 2017. Fiscal 2014 weapons procurement (Navy) funding in the amount of $49,482,902 is being obligated on this award, none of which will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was not competitively procured pursuant to FAR 6.302-1. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Maryland, is the contracting activity (N00019-14-C-0071).

Rolls-Royce Corp., Indianapolis, Indiana, is being awarded a $10,055,878 modification to a previously awarded firm-fixed-price contract (N00019-10-C-0020) for the procurement of MissionCareTM support for the AE1107C engine, including lower power engine removals and repairs for the V-22 aircraft. Work will be performed in Oakland, California (70 percent), and Indianapolis, Indiana (30 percent), and is expected to be completed in February 2015. Fiscal 2014 operations and maintenance (Navy) funds in the amount of $10,055,878 are being obligated at the time of award, all of which will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Maryland, is the contracting activity.

Leidos, Inc., Reston, Virginia, is being awarded a $6,547,341 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for innovative research and development in the area of Heterogeneous Networking and Advanced Communication Technologies Development and Demonstration. Work will be performed in Reston, Virginia, and is expected to be completed by February 2017. Fiscal 2014 research, development, test and evaluation (Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency) funds in the amount of $1,512,732 will be obligated at the time of award; these funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This award is the result of a competitive DARPA broad agency announcement, with 28 offers received. Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center Atlantic, Charleston, South Carolina, is the contracting activity (N65236-14-C-2821).

http://www.defense.gov/

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U.S. Navy Expeditionary Combat Command Accepts Delivery of First MK VI Patrol Boat


The U.S. Navy accepted delivery of the first MK VI patrol boat, Aug. 27. The craft is the first of 10 patrol boats currently under contract with Safe Boats International in Tacoma, Washington. The patrol boats will be operated and maintained by the Navy Expeditionary Combat Command (NECC), supporting coastal riverine forces.



"This versatile platform leverages a proven, quality design and will provide enhanced capabilities to patrol and protect shallow coastal areas," said Mr. Frank McCarthey, program manager for auxiliary ships, boats and craft in Program Executive Office, Ships. "This delivery is a significant achievement for the program and we look forward to delivering more of these flexible, capable craft in the next few years."

The MK VI patrol boat is an 85-foot craft arranged with an ergonomically designed pilothouse, covered fly bridge, re-configurable main deck cabin and below-deck accommodations.
The vessel includes shock mitigating seating for up to 10 crewmen and eight passengers with a maximum sprint speed of more than 35 knots.

The first MK VI successfully completed sea trials this summer and is undergoing testing and training evolutions before it will be transitioned to NECC for operational deployment in late spring of 2015.


The MK VI patrol boat is the Navy's first patrol boat introduced since the mid-1980s.

Tracing its lineage to the MK III and MK IV patrol boats, the MK VI has significantly more capabilities than its predecessors through improved performance, navigation, armament, survivability, and command, control, communications, computers, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance.

The MK VI patrol boats are expected to patrol shallow littoral areas beyond sheltered harbors and bays for the purpose of force protection of friendly and coalition forces and critical infrastructure, providing high value unit shipping escort, supporting maritime intercept and Visit, Board, Search, and Seizure operations and supporting theater security cooperation and security force assistance operations.

Follow-on patrol boat deliveries are planned through fiscal year 2018.

http://www.navyrecognition.com

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Deckhouse for stealthy destroyer arrives at BIW

The structure will house radar and sensors, along with the bridge and combat operations center




BATH — A composite deckhouse for the second Zumwalt-class destroyer has arrived at Bath Iron Works in Maine.

The deckhouse and helicopter hangar built at a shipyard in Mississippi arrived by barge on Friday. The structure will house radar and sensors, along with the bridge and combat operations center.

The 900-ton deckhouse will eventually be hoisted onto the hull of USS Michael Monsoor, the second of three of the stealthy ships that are being built at Bath Iron Works.



The Zumwalt destroyers were designed for shore bombardment and feature two 155mm guns that fire rocket-propelled warheads, along with other weapons. But it’s the ships’ unusual shape that gets them noticed. The Navy says the angular shape reduces the ships’ radar signature.

http://www.pressherald.com

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Deux chasseurs américains F/A-18 s'abîment dans le Pacifique

Deux avions de chasse américains F/A-18 Hornet se sont abîmés vendredi dans l'ouest de l'océan Pacifique pour une raison qui reste pour l'instant indéterminée, a annoncé la marine américaine, précisant que les recherches se poursuivaient pour retrouver l'un des deux pilotes.

Les deux appareils, rattachés au porte-avions USS Carl Vinson, étaient en opération en mer lors de l'incident survenu à 17h40 locales, "dont la cause fait l'objet d'une enquête", a précisé la Navy dans un communiqué.

L'un des pilotes a été retrouvé rapidement et transporté sur le navire où il reçoit actuellement des soins médicaux tandis que les recherches se poursuivaient pour retrouver le second pilote. Le Carl Vinson effectue actuellement une mission de soutien à la sécurité et à la stabilité de la région Indo-Asie-Pacifique, a indiqué la Navy.

http://www.lorientlejour.com/article/885720/deux-chasseurs-americains-f-a-18-sabiment-dans-le-pacifique.html

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DRS Technologies to Provide Ship Self-Defense Hardware for U.S. Navy Aircraft Carriers and Amphibious Ships


ARLINGTON, VA, SEPTEMBER 10, 2014 ̶ DRS Technologies Inc., a Finmeccanica Company, announced that the U.S Navy has awarded the company access to a $31.8 million indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract to provide command and control hardware products for the service’s Ship Self-Defense System Mark 2 (SSDS), used on Navy aircraft carriers and amphibious assault ships.

SSDS is a ship-borne battle management system that integrates elements of other combat systems to provide a flexible detect-control-engage capability that meets a ship’s self-defense and tactical situational awareness requirements. It can defend against surface and airborne threats, including low-flying cruise missiles.

The command and control hardware, including interface and networking devices, peripheral systems, displays and processors, integrates radars and other sensors with weapons systems to protect the carriers and amphibious ships from attack.

The system, installed on all classes of aircraft carriers and amphibious assault ships, also supports secondary mission areas, including fleet support operations and search and rescue operations.

“DRS has a long heritage of supporting the U.S. Navy and is proud to provide our technology to protect our carriers and amphibious ships, especially as the Navy broadens its stated focus in the Pacific region,” said William J. Lynn, CEO of DRS Technologies and Finmeccanica North America and former U.S. Deputy Secretary of Defense.

DRS is experienced at building low-cost, high-quality, mission-essential equipment for harsh naval environments. Under this contract, DRS is expected to provide hardware production, assembly, configuration, alignment, integration, testing and shipping of the SSDS hardware. The work will be performed at DRS facilities in Chesapeake, Virginia and Johnstown, Pennsylvania through 2017.

DRS’s Laurel Technologies business was awarded access to the contract from the Naval Surface Warfare Center, Dahlgren Division.

About DRS Technologies

DRS Technologies is a leading supplier of integrated products, services and support to military forces, intelligence agencies and prime contractors worldwide and is a recipient of the Defense Security Service Award for Excellence in Counterintelligence as well as three James S. Cogswell Awards for Outstanding Industrial Security Achievement. The company is a wholly owned subsidiary of Finmeccanica SpA, which employs approximately 70,000 people worldwide.

http://www.drs.com

annabi a écrit:

une dose d'adrenaline avec un F18 ...ça fait toujours du bien ..

j'ai trop aimé bonne vidéo annabi