US Navy

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Citation :

(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)

Citation :

US Navy, un logiciel d’aide à l’appontage !




Accrocher un câble d’arrêt sur un porte-avions et un exercice compliqué, qui donne des sueurs froides aux marins-pilotes. L’US Navy travaille en collaboration avec Boeing sur le développement d’un logiciel du nom de « MAGIC CARPET » qui doit rendre l’exercice plus facile.

Premiers  essais :

La marine américaine et Boeing ont récemment testés la technologie du logiciel « MAGIC CARPET » au cours des essais en mer à bord du portes-avions USS George HW Bush avec succès.

Le principe du logiciel « MAGIC CARPET » est de rendre automatique l’approche en vue de l’appontage sur portes-avions, en ayant une précision infaillible. Le logiciel guide l’avion automatiquement et permet un toucher au centimètre près, afin d’accrocher le câble d’arrêt avec une précision quasi parfaite.

Le système devrait équiper à terme la flotte de F/A-18E/F « Super Hornet » et EA-18G « Growler ».

Il n’en reste pas moins qu’en cas de panne du système, les pilotes de la Navy devront malgré tout être capable de garder les compétences nécessaires pour un appontage classique !


Photo : Appontage et arrêt grâce à MAGIC CARPET @ US Navy

http://psk.blog.24heures.ch/archive/2015/07/22/us-navy-un-logiciel-d-aide-a-l-appontage-859345.html

Citation :

SM-2 missile explodes, damaging Navy destroyer

A missile exploded as it was being fired from the destroyer The Sullivans in a Saturday exercise, damaging the the side of the ship but not injuring any crew members, according to Naval Sea Systems Command.

The Standard Missile-2, fired from the forward missile deck, caused some damage to the port side of the ship, according to a NAVSEA statement. The warhead fitted to the malfunctioning missile was not activated at the time of launch.

"On July 18 at approximately 9 a.m. a Standard Missile-2 test missile exploded after suffering a malfunction as it was fired from the guided-missile destroyer USS The Sullivans during a planned missile exercise off the coast of Virginia," NAVSEA said. "There were no injuries and only minor damage to the port side of the ship resulting from missile debris."

NAVSEA, which is responsible for building and maintaining ships and systems for the Navy, has launched an investigation into the incident. The misfire was first reported by USNI News, which obtained images of of the explosion.

"An investigation into the malfunction has been ordered and is being conducted by the Navy's Program Executive Office for Integrated Warfare Systems, which is part of Naval Sea Systems Command," NAVSEA said. "It is too early to determine what, if any, effect this will have on the ship's schedule."

NAVSEA spokesman Chris Johnson said The Sullivans crew responded, and quickly extinguished, the fire on deck.

An earlier version incorrectly identified the missile deck from which the SM-2 was launched.


http://www.defensenews.com/story/breaking-news/2015/07/22/sullivans-missile-explosion-sm2--sullivans-navy-destroyer/30530395/

Citation :

Surfacturation : Une enquête ouverte aux Etats-Unis contre Sikorsky Aircraft




Sikorsky Aircraft est visé par une enquête du département américain de la justice, selon le Wall Street Journal. L'enquête porterait sur une vente établi en 2006 entre la Marine américaine et le fabricant d'hélicoptère. L'affaire devient publique à peine quelques jours après l'annonce du rachat de Sikorsky par Lockheed Martin, groupe de défense et d'aéronautique.  


Le Wall Street Journal s'est procuré un document du département américain de la Justice annonçant l'ouverture d'une enquête contre Sikorsky. Le fabricant d'hélicoptères est mis en cause pour surfacturation lors d'un contrat établi entre la Marine américaine et deux filiales du groupe. En 2006, Derco Aerospace et Sikorsky Support Services, les deux filiales mises en cause, avaient été engagé par la Navy pour livrer des pièces détachées.

Le gouvernenement fédéral américain accuse les succursales de Sikorsky d'avoir produit des fausses factures et de ne pas avoir respecté les termes du contrat. En octobre, le gouvernement avait saisi la justice et réclame un dédommagement de 148 millions de dollars.

Cette enquête intervient quelques jours après l'officialisation de la vente de Sikorsky au profit de Lockheed Martin pour un montant de 9 milliards de dollars.

http://www.usinenouvelle.com/article/surfacturation-une-enquete-ouverte-aux-etats-unis-contre-sikorsky-aircraft.N342805

USS John Warner to be commissioned Tomorrow the 1 August 2015

The US Navy is set to commission its newest Virginia-class submarine, John Warner (SSN 785), strengthening country's underwater capabilities. The commissioning of the 12th Virginia-class submarine will take place at Naval Station Norfolk, in Norfolk, Virginia, tomorrow. Built as part of a teaming arrangement between HII's Newport News Shipbuilding division and General Dynamics Electric Boat, John Warner features sophisticated technology to improve firepower, manoeuvrability and stealth. US Navy Secretary Ray Mabus said: "The commissioning of USS John Warner marks the beginning of what is expected to be 33 years of distinguished service for this great submarine, a fitting tribute to a man who served his nation for so long as a sailor, a Marine, a US Senator and, as one of my most esteemed predecessors as secretary of the navy." John Warner is the first Virginia-class submarine to be named after a person, Senator John W. Warner, while the remaining submarines have been named after US states. With a displacement of 7,800t, hull length of 377ft and a diameter of 34ft, the Virginia-class submarines can cruise at a maximum speed of more than 25k, and dive more than 800ft deep. They can be armed with Mark 48 advanced capability torpedoes, Tomahawk land-attack missiles and unmanned underwater vehicles, and be used for anti-submarine, surface-ship warfare, and special operations support. The submarines of the class will also support a range of warfare missions including anti-submarine, anti-surface ship, strike, irregular and mines, in addition to special operation forces support, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance. a écrit:

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Src : naval-technology.com

une étude US sur la vulnérabilité des portes avions et leurs coût éxorbitants futur. on propose de trouver d'autres moyens d'être présents en mer sans portes avions.
http://www.cnas.org/files/documents/publications/CNAS%20Carrier_Hendrix_FINAL.pdf

Citation :

Harris Corporation Awarded IDIQ Contract to Support U.S. Navy's Maritime Mine Countermeasures


Harris Corporation has been awarded an IDIQ contract with a ceiling value of $228 million to support the U.S. Navy's maritime mine countermeasures (MCM) efforts. The five-year contract includes a three-year base and two one-year options.




The Space and Naval Warfare (SPAWAR) Systems Center Pacific in San Diego, California, awarded Harris the contract to provide surface and subsurface unmanned maritime systems solutions. Harris will provide solutions to support current systems and future technologies in MCM; anti-submarine warfare; intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance; and force protection.

Harris will compete for task orders for specification and design, fabrication, installation, test and evaluation, fielding, maintenance, training, and configuration and program management of both hardware and software. Harris' deep MCM expertise stems from more than 30 years of experience supporting Navy explosive ordnance disposal programs.

"This contract continues Harris' legacy of service and support that has proven vital to our national interest in securing the seas for military vessels and merchant shipping," said Carl D'Alessandro, president, Harris Critical Networks. "It demands the type of sophisticated, integrated and ultra-reliable performance our customers count on from Harris."

SPAWAR is the Navy's information dominance systems command and technical lead for command, control, communications, computers, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, providing the hardware and software to connect our warfighters at sea, on land and in the air. SPAWAR's products and services transform ships, aircraft and vehicles from individual platforms into integrated battle forces, delivering and maximizing information dominance and awareness among Navy, Marine, joint forces, federal agencies and international allies.

Harris Critical Networks delivers, operates and sustains essential networks and systems for government and commercial customers. It operates on a 24/7 basis worldwide, including in challenging environments, and supports air traffic management, energy and maritime communications, ground network operations, and high-value IT and engineering services.


http://www.navyrecognition.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=2958

Citation :

Virginia-Class Block III Submarine USS John Warner (SSN 785) Commissioned

The Virginia-class attack submarine USS John Warner (SSN 785) was commissioned during a ceremony attended by more than 2,500 in its future homeport of Naval Station Norfolk, Aug. 1, 2015. Proudly displaying its motto "On a Mission to Defend Freedom," the ship is the 12th Virginia-class attack submarine to join the Navy's operating fleet.


NORFOLK, Va. (Aug. 1, 2015) Sailors man the rails as they bring the ship to life during the commissioning ceremony for the Virginia-class attack submarine USS John Warner (SSN 785) at Naval Station Norfolk. John Warner is the 12th Virginia-class attack submarine to join the fleet and the first Virginia-class attack submarine to be homeported in Norfolk, Va.
Note the Virginia Payload Tube hatch open forward
(U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Casey Hopkins/Released)

"Let them know of your presence and your determination to defend freedom," said Warner, as he addressed the audience and the ship's crew. "Defend the sea lanes of the world which are the very arteries of international commerce. Manned by our submarines, our surface ships, and naval aircraft, we are carefully working to keep those sea lanes open - not just for us but for all."

The keynote speaker for the commissioning ceremony was Adm. Jonathan Greenert, Chief of Naval Operations.

"This boat is the latest incarnation of American sea power, and is a strategic asset for this country," said Greenert. "This affords us what we refer to as global access, and it is fundamental to any mission that you ask your military to do. Frankly, we are challenged in space, we are challenged in cyber, we are challenged in the air and we are challenged on the surface. We are not currently challenged in the undersea. We own the undersea domain. We must keep that situation as we go into the future."



John Warner is the second of eight Block III Virginia-class submarines to be built. The Block III submarines are built with new Virginia Payload Tubes designed to lower costs and increase missile-firing payload possibilities. The first 10 Block I and Block II Virginia-class submarines have 12 individual 21-inch diameter vertical launch tubes able to fire Tomahawk Land Attack Missiles (TLAMS). The Block III submarines are built with two-larger 87-inch diameter tubes able to house six TLAMS each.

As the most modern and sophisticated attack submarine in the world, the submarine can operate in both littoral and deep ocean environments and presents combatant commanders with a broad and unique range of operational capabilities. John Warner is a flexible, multi-mission platform designed to carry out the seven core competencies of the submarine force: anti-submarine warfare; anti-surface warfare; delivery of special operations forces; strike warfare; irregular warfare; intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance; and mine warfare.

The submarine is 377 feet long, has a 34-foot beam, and will be able to dive to depths greater than 800 feet and operate at speeds in excess of 25 knots submerged. It will operate for 33 years without ever refueling.


http://www.navyrecognition.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=2956

Citation :

US Navy sidelines three newest submarines pending steam plant inspections

WASHINGTON — The US Navy has restricted the operations of its three newest submarines — including one placed in commission just last Saturday — pending inspections and repairs to a key steam plant component.

At issue are problems found with elbows in 10-inch pipes that funnel steam from the reactor plant to the propulsion turbines. Elbows are installed in piping to get around corners and other obstructions.

The problems, said a senior Navy official, were detected earlier this year, prompting a civil investigative demand leading to an investigation begun in April. A fleet message restricting operations of the three submarines was sent Aug. 5, and congressional authorities were notified the same day.

Rory O'Connor, a spokesman for the Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) in Washington, said the problems affect the submarines Minnesota, North Dakota and John Warner. He described the situation late Wednesday in a statement:

"As part of an ongoing investigation into a quality control issue with a supplier, General Dynamics Electric Boat (GDEB) determined that three steam pipe elbows supplied by the vendor in question required additional testing and repair due to unauthorized and undocumented weld repairs having been performed on these elbows.

"GDEB along with Huntington Ingalls Industries-Newport News Shipbuilding (HII-NNS) are performing additional inspections to bound the issue. Currently, USS Minnesota (SSN 783), USS North Dakota (SSN 784), and USS John Warner (SSN 785) are impacted.

"The Navy is committed to ensuring the safety of its crews and ships. High quality standards for submarine components are an important part of the overall effort to ensure safety."

The problem, said the senior Navy official, "is not a safety concern in terms of what's involved right now. Basically it's being prudent in looking into it." The concern, the official added, is "long-term wear-and-tear."

The Navy, said the senior Navy official, is developing a more detailed inspection plan before certifying affected submarines for further operations.

It is not clear what prompted the investigation, but it was apparently begun at the behest of Electric Boat.

Construction of Virginia-class submarines is split evenly between Electric Boat in Connecticut and Rhode Island, and Newport News Shipbuilding in Virginia. The yards, however, do not supply pipe elbows.

According to an official source, the defective elbows are manufactured by Nuflo, a Jacksonville, Florida-based company that, according to its website, "manufactures piping solutions for every aspect of industry." The company, "has been qualified for the most critical standards of quality and inspection certifications," the site continued.

According to the senior Navy official, the Nuflo pipe elbows initially failed magnetic test inspections that showed "minor surface indications," then successfully passed ultrasonic test inspections after minor repairs.

Further testing by Electric Boat using acid etch inspections, however, showed that "unauthorized and undocumented weld repairs had been performed by the vendor on these elbows."

Nuflo had not responded to phone messages or emails from a reporter before this story was published.

According to the senior Navy official, the suspect elbows are not believed to have been installed on submarines built before the Minnesota, which was commissioned in September 2013. Ten elbows were installed on subs now in service — one on the Minnesota, six on the North Dakota, three on the John Warner. Another 40 elbows were installed on still-incomplete submarines or are in stock.

In late July, the Minnesota was to have completed its post-shakedown availability (PSA), a major, post-delivery overhaul that fixes problems found during a sub's initial service period, provides system updates and puts on finishing touches wherever needed. But the submarine is still at Electric Boat's shipyard in Groton, Connecticut, and its "maintenance availability has been extended to support the evaluation," O'Connor said.

The North Dakota, commissioned in October, is at Submarine Base New London, just upriver from Groton, and is expected to move to the shipyard in a few weeks to begin its PSA, during which the elbow problems will be addressed. The submarine returned to New London on July 20 from a seven-week mission.

The John Warner, which was officially placed in service Saturday in a ceremony at Norfolk attended by her namesake and top Navy officials, has had its operations "restricted until the investigation is complete and the issue has been adjudicated," O'Connor said.

Another submarine, the Illinois, is expected to be floated off for the first time in a few days at Groton. Any problems with the ship, O'Connor said, "will be taken care of in construction."

http://www.defensenews.com/story/defense/naval/submarines/2015/08/05/submarine-virginia-class-nuclear-shipbuilding-electric-boat-newport-news-huntington-ingalls-naval-sea-systems-command-navsea-john-warner-minnesota-north-dakota-reactor-nuflo/31188575/

Citation :

US Navy considers reduced annual F-35C buy
By: JAMES DREWWASHINGTON DC Source: 7 hours ago

The US Navy believes budget pressures and competing priorities could drive it to purchase fewer Lockheed Martin F-35Cs per year in the 2020s, and a worst-case scenario could see it procure as few as 12 aircraft per year, or one squadron.

Naval Air Forces commander Vice Adm Mike Shoemaker says the current plan is to purchase around 20 carrier variants per year in the 2020s, but depending on the resources available, annual output could fall to anywhere between 12 and 20 aircraft.

“I think the current realities of the budget and other priories inside the navy may drive something between those two numbers, but we’re still on the path to [initial operational capability] for our first squadron in 2018,” Shoemaker said at the US Centre for Strategic and International Studies in Washington.

“I’ll keep working as hard as I can with our leadership in the [Pentagon] to ensure we can stay on the path and get out of Classic Hornets and replace them with our F-35C as quick as we can.”

The admiral had two charts with him at the forum, one showing an annual buy of 12 C-models per year through the 2020s and one showing a buy rate of 12. The navy’s latest five-year spending plan shows production peaking at 12 in 2020 as it works toward a total purchase of 369 aircraft to replace its legacy fleet of Boeing F/A-18C/D Hornets.

Talk of decreased production rate comes just one month after incoming chairman of the joint chiefs of staff Gen Joseph Dunford told lawmakers the Pentagon was reviewing how many F-35s it should purchase given new defence strategic guidance and budget pressures, casting doubt about the current requirement for 2,443 aircraft, which was set about two decades ago.

The navy is by far the least enthusiastic recipient of the F-35, with the Marine Corps and Air Force holding firm on their annual buys despite facing similar budget pressures. The C-model was designed specifically for carrier-based operations and has larger wings and horizontal tails as well as stronger landing gear than the A- and B-models.


The reason boils down to simple mathematics, with the navy paying $265 million per F-35C in fiscal year 2014, but also because the navy has a more modern combat fleet comprised mostly of newer F/A-18 Super Hornets. Even though the cost per jet is expected to fall to $144 million in 2020, it far exceeds the $80 million to $90 million the navy was paying for Boeing Super Hornets over the past few years.

The air force, on the other hand, relies mostly on aircraft it purchased during the Cold War with the exception of the F-22 Raptor. The Marine Corps’ aviation fleet is in worse shape, since it is stuck with war-weary F/A-18 Hornets and AV-8B Harriers, both decades old.

The navy, however, is faced with a fighter gap and is developing a service life extension programme to keep its Super Hornets in flying condition into the 2030s. The programme will draw on lessons learned from the life extension of the Classic Hornet, and will start overhauling E- and F-models sometime in the early 2020s.

“I think we’ve got a pretty good plan right now to move forward and avoid a significant reduction or gap in our strike fighter inventory as those airplanes come out of service to get repaired and get back into service,” Shoemaker says of upgrading F/A-18s. “It’s not an inconsequential challenge we have ahead of us.”

Lockheed Martin aims to bring the average cost of an F-35A down to $80 million by 2019, but much of the anticipated savings come from increased quantities. The company expects to ramp up Joint Strike Fighter production to more than 160 aircraft in 2019, and is also eyeing a multi-year block buy for about 450 jets that combines domestic and international orders.

http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/us-navy-considers-reduced-annual-f-35c-buy-415654/

Citation :

U.S. Navy Orders 46 Electronic Warfare Jammers for F/A-18E/F Super Hornet & F/A-18C/D Hornet

Electronic warfare (EW) experts at the Exelis Inc. in Clifton, N.J., will provide the U.S. Navy with 46 sophisticated EW systems designed to protect Navy combat aircraft from incoming radar-guided missiles. Officials of the Naval Air Systems Command at Patuxent River Naval Air Station, Md., have announced a $97.3 million contract to Exelis to build 46 full-rate production lot XII AN/ALQ-214(V)4/5 integrated defensive electronic countermeasures airborne jammer systems for the Navy's F/A-18C/D and F/A-18E/F Hornet and Super Hornet carrier-based strike fighters.

The AN/ALQ-214(V)4/5 is an electronic jammer component of the integrated defensive electronic counter measures system (IDECM), which comes to the Navy from a joint venture of Exelis and BAE Systems. It protects Navy fighter-bombers from radar-guided surface-to-air and air-to-air missiles by jamming the missile guidance systems.

This effort also includes the repair of test assets and field support for the AN/ALQ-214(V)4/5. Exelis is a wholly owned subsidiary of Harris Corp. in Melbourne, Fla.

The ALQ-214 component of the IDECM EW system has been delivered to the Navy as well as to the Royal Australian Air Force for contemporary versions of the Boeing F/A-18 fighter-bomber. The system blends sensitive receivers and active countermeasures to form an electronic shield around the aircraft, Exelis officials say.

The RF countermeasure system engages incoming missiles autonomously with a series of measures designed to protect the aircraft from detection.



The AN/ALQ-214(V)4 a smaller and lighter version of its predecessors, and has an open-architecture design that is ready for integration on several different kinds of aircraft.

The system is designed to counter radar-guided anti-aircraft missiles with electronic countermeasures (ECM) techniques that deny, disrupt, delay, and degrade the enemy missile launch and engagement sequence. The system identifies, ranks, and counters incoming missiles, and displays engagements to the flight crew for situational awareness.
http://www.navyrecognition.com/index.php/news/defence-news/year-2015-news/august-2015-navy-naval-forces-defense-industry-technology-maritime-security-global-news/2998-us-navy-orders-46-electronic-warfare-jammers-for-fa-18ef-super-hornet-a-fa-18cd-hornet.html

Citation :

Ocean Aero to develop hybrid maritime vessel

Huw Williams, London - IHS Jane's International Defence Review
13 August 2015


The US Department of Defense (DoD) has contracted Ocean Aero to develop a hybrid unmanned underwater/surface vessel.

Through its Rapid Innovation Fund (RIF) the DoD is seeking a long-range, high-endurance hybrid unmanned underwater/surface vehicle that can transit for long, open ocean distances on the surface with a relatively low signature and then submerge to avoid surface traffic. The platform will be used for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) operations.

San Diego-based Ocean Aero has announced that its solution will build on work undertaken for the company's Submaran vessel. In its surface configuration, Submaran uses wind power as its primary propulsion method, supplemented by electric motors. Solar panels mounted on top of the hull generate the electricity for the motors and payload. For submerged operations the wingsail folds backwards and propulsion comes from a buoyancy-changing glider unit and electric thruster.

According to a company spokesperson, two Submaran prototypes have already been developed and tested as well as a pre-production vehicle, with a second under construction. The spokesperson said that the company intends to build three pre-production vehicles and demonstrate their abilities to customers; production and sales are scheduled for early 2016.

To date, the programme has demonstrated the vessel's ability to sail under remote control and autonomously, and has also successfully submerged under computer control in a tank testing environment, which included trimming up and down and resurfacing. Operationally representative tests are scheduled to take place in the next few months.

The spokesperson said that Ocean Aero intends to meet or exceed all of the parameters listed in the RIF's Broad Area Announcement, which outlined that the system developed should be capable of operating at average speeds of in excess of 10 kt and 2 kt for the surface and submerged modes respectively, and have a range of 3,000 n miles.

For underwater operations, a maximum dive depth of 500 ft has been stipulated, combined with the ability to travel up to 200 n miles at any depth; the system should also be able to position itself near to the surface with only its sensors, communications equipment, and other small masts above the water.

It is envisaged that the primary payload will consist of a minimum of two canisters that have a diameter of 21 in (53 cm) and are 60 in (152 cm) long, and which have dry and wet weights of 600 lb (272 kg) and 200 lb (90kg) respectively. A further requirement is for a dry payload bay with a minimum volume of 4 ft 3 . The system should be able to provide payloads with a steady state power supply of 50 W which can periodically be increased to 100 W.

The RIF document also stipulates that the system should be transportable by standard 20 or 40 ft equivalent unit containers.

While the company has yet to integrate any customer payloads, the spokesperson said that they have demonstrated the ability to do so and equipped the platform with a number of sensors, including an anemometer, camera, speed sensor, and GPS.

The spokesperson said that the biggest challenge in developing the system is long-range underwater navigation. "Though we do have an inherent advantage on the surface of the water and in our ability to resurface, the challenge of navigating underwater is something we are constantly working to improve. Long-range underwater navigation becomes a bigger challenge when we deploy in poorly surveyed waters, which presents the possibility of striking submerged, uncharted objects. [But] we are confident in the vessel's collision-avoidance abilities with respect to moving objects, such as ships."

'Smart' features of the system are set to include what the company calls "heavy weather awareness and avoidance" - the latter element of which sees the system submerging. It will also be capable of working as part of a network of systems.

Multiple deployment methods are also slated for the system, as well as shore- and ship-based launches. An aerial delivery method is also under consideration.

Apart from the military ISR function, Ocean Aero is projecting a number of commercial, scientific, and security missions for the system, including oil and gas exploration, environmental monitoring, and coastal law enforcement, among others.

The RIF contract is valued at over USD2.3 million and is scheduled to last for two years, the last four months of which are set to be primarily focused on testing and acceptance work.

Citation :

Littoral Combat Ship USS Coronado (LCS 4) Conducts Live Fire Test of Guns and SeaRAM

Littoral Combat Ship USS Coronado (LCS 4) successfully tracked and neutralized both single and multiple fast inshore attack craft during live-fire testing off the coast of California July 18-22. It also demonstrated the ability to counter incoming anti-ship missiles when it successfully executed the first even at-sea demonstration of the SeaRAM Point-Defense Weapon System on August 14.



The ship’s crew and embarked surface warfare (SUW) mission package (MP) detachment conducted test events using the ship’s core weapons system — the Mk 110 57mm gun—and the embarked SUW MP Mk 46 30mm gun weapon systems (GWS) against a “swarm raid” of representative fast inshore attack craft. In a swarm raid, multiple enemy ships attempt to attack a ship using large numbers of smaller craft.



The test validated the accuracy and capability of the ship’s weapons systems against representative attack craft in an operationally realistic scenario. This test is part of a larger series of test and trial events which will culminate this fall in the Initial Operational Test and Evaluation (IOT&E) of the Independence-variant LCS operating with a surface warfare mission package. IOT&E is a major developmental milestone for defense systems, confirming a system is operationally effective as designed and built. The Navy completed Freedom-variant testing last fall aboard USS Fort Worth (LCS 3).


“After extensive testing, the Mk 110 serves as a powerful deterrent capability in protection of both the USS Coronado’s crew and those of her sister littoral combat ships,” said the ship’s commanding officer, Cmdr. Peter Kim. “The Mk 110 paired with the surface warfare mission package expands the ship’s ability to defend against threats faced in a global environment and testing further proves these weapons systems are highly-capable and versatile against multiple representative fast attack craft.”

The Mk 110 is an adaptable weapons system capable of firing up to four rounds per second. The gun is also capable of using programmable, proximity-fuzed smart ammunition, which features six selectable modes of fire. The Mk 50 gun mission modules are designed to destroy enemy small boats by direct fire, complementing the ship’s 57mm gun by covering a different attack range and angle. Enclosed in the MK 50 Mod 0 GMM structure, is the MK 44 Mod 2 30mm automatic gun in a MK 46 turret. The gun can be fired in single shot, five-round bursts, and unlimited length bursts at a rate of 200 rounds per minute. To optimize accuracy against small, high-speed targets, the gun system uses a forward-looking infrared sensor, a low light television camera, and laser range finder with a closed-loop tracking system.

On August 14, LCS Crew 204 successfully executed the first ever at-sea demonstration of the SeaRAM Point-Defense Weapon System. Coronado's Combat Systems Team shot down a BQM-74E utilizing the RIM-116 Blk1A/SeaRAM missile off Pt. Mugu. This test validates the LCS-2 Variant's Core self-defense capability and further demonstrates the ship's effectiveness against high-end missile threats.

Intended to enlarge Phalanx's keep-out range against evolving anti-ship missiles, rotary- and fixed-wing aircraft and other threats, SeaRAM uses advanced Phalanx Block 1B sensors and replaces the gun with an 11-round Rolling Airframe Missile guide. SeaRAM is aboard the USS Independence (LCS 2) and USS Coronado (LCS 4), and will soon be in the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force.

http://www.navyrecognition.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=3006

Citation :

U.S. Navy is planning to open its elite SEAL teams to women.

The U.S. Navy is planning to open its elite SEAL teams to women who can pass the grueling training regimen, the service's top officer said Tuesday, August 18, 2015, in an exclusive interview. Adm. Jon Greenert said he and the head of Naval Special Warfare Command, Rear Adm. Brian Losey, believe that if women can pass the legendary six-month Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL training, they should be allowed to serve.




The move to integrate the military's most storied commando units comes the day after news broke that two women had passed the Army's arduous Ranger course. Nineteen women began the course, which has about a 45 percent passing rate.

The Navy has said it is on track to open all ratings to women by next year, but this is the first indication that the SEALs are leaning toward accepting candidates. Greenert didn't specify a timeline for allowing women candidates into BUD/S training.



Marine Corps Forces Special Operations Command is also conducting a review of its standards with an eye to including women, according MARSOC head Maj. Gen. Joseph Osterman.

The SEALs would be the latest, and the last, of the traditionally male-only branches to open to women during Mabus' tenure.

It's not clear how many women will attempt to join the SEALs when it opens to them. The percentage of women in expeditionary specialties, like Seabees and Navy divers, are exceedingly low.

http://www.armyrecognition.com/armies_in_the_world_analysis_focus/u.s._navy_is_planning_to_open_its_elite_seal_teams_to_women_11908151.html

Citation :

US looks to sole-source Lockheed Martin for frigate CMS

Richard Scott, London - IHS Jane's Navy International
18 August 2015


The US Navy (USN) plans to sidestep competition and sole-source Lockheed Martin for the supply of its COMBATSS-21 (Common Combat Management System Component Based Total Ship System - 21st Century) combat management system (CMS) to equip the 20 new frigates that will follow on from the current Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) programme.

A pre-solicitation notice issued by the Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) earlier in August outlined plans for a single contract award to Lockheed Martin Mission Systems and Training (MST), based in Moorestown, New Jersey, for Common LCS Class Frigate CMS hardware and software development for integration into the combat systems of both the Freedom- and Independence-variant hulls.

Citation :

Triton UAV to undergo USN operational assessment in September


By: Beth Stevenson  London


The US Navy is to begin an operational assessment of its Northrop Grumman MQ-4C Triton unmanned air vehicle in September, ultimately paving the way for the start of low rate initial production of the type.

Expected to take two months to complete, the testing will take place at Naval Air Station Patuxent River in Maryland. If it is successful it will lead to the so-called Milestone C decision, which triggers the award of an initial production contract – anticipated in the second quarter of the 2016 fiscal year.

Initial operational capability is also expected to be declared in 2018 in accordance with the programme schedule, says Sean Burke, Triton programme manager at the US Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR).

Meanwhile, electromagnetic compatibility testing of the high-altitude, long-endurance UAV has recently commenced. The MQ-4C has been lifted inside Patuxent River’s anechoic chamber for a series of trials – to last around eight weeks – to ensure its installed systems do not interfere with each other.


Triton in the anechoic chamber  US Navy

This is the first time that an unmanned system has been controlled from outside the chamber, says NAVAIR.

Apart from the USN the only other customer is the Royal Australian Air Force, which will acquire up to seven of the type to complement its fleet of on-order Boeing P-8 Poseidons. The RAAF deal is subject to completion of the navy's development programme, however.

http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/triton-uav-to-undergo-usn-operational-assessment-in-415907/

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USA: plus de 3.000 marins échangent leurs postes sur des porte-avions

     
Los Angeles, 21 août 2015 (AFP) -

La marine américaine a réuni deux porte-avions géants à San Diego, à l'extrême sud de la côte californienne, pour l'un des plus colossaux échanges de postes jamais vus qui concerne environ 3.000 militaires.

Elle opère de telles rotations de personnels entre certains de ses navires les plus avancés technologiquement et militairement, afin de pouvoir les entretenir et les redéployer.

Les équipages de l'USS George Washington et de l'USS Ronald Reagan, deux des plus gros navires de l'armée américaine, sont stationnés à San Diego depuis le 10 août.

Quelque "3.000 marins changent de navire (...) Probablement le plus gros échange de postes jamais vu", a commenté auprès de l'AFP le commandant en chef de la marine américaine Jason Haka.

Chaque porte-avions transporte au total environ 3.500 marins et civils. Quelque 1.500 militaires de chacun des navires participent à cette opération.

C'est le premier échange d'équipage de cette ampleur depuis 2008, une opération qui avait concerné l'USS George Washington et l'USS Kittyhawk.

"Jusqu'à présent cet échange a été un peu stressant mais ça ne se passe pas trop mal. Nous avons travaillé encore plus dur que d'ordinaire. Je suis en fait heureuse d'être de retour sur le Ronald Reagan, j'adore ce navire, il est si propre, tout est tellement bien fait, (...) j'adore ça", s'est réjouie Ronika Peeples, qui passe de l'USS Washington au Reagan.

"C'est énorme, il y a des milliers de gens avec des milliers de boîtes d'équipements, ça dure des heures. C'est assez stressant pour être honnête", a renchéri Jacob Thomas, en train d'être lui aussi transféré du Washington vers le Reagan.

Les militaires vont désormais s'entraîner plusieurs semaines sur leur nouveau navire et à leur nouveau poste, un processus dit de certification.

L'USS Washington quittera ensuite San Diego pour rejoindre la base navale de Norfolk, en Virginie (est des Etats-Unis) cet automne. Il suivra ensuite à partir de l'automne 2016 un long processus de réapprovisionnement nucléaire, de réparations et d'améliorations qui devrait durer plusieurs années.

L'USS Reagan va quant à lui partir pour Yokosuka, au Japon, en remplacement de l'USS Washington qui s'y trouvait jusqu'alors.

Par ailleurs, l'USS Theodore Roosevelt va sillonner le monde avant de rejoindre San Diego cet automne.

http://www.marine-oceans.com/actualites-afp/11247-usa-plus-de-3000-marins-echangent-leurs-postes-sur-des-porte-avions

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23/08/2015

Nouveau missile antinavire pour le Super Hornet !  




L'US Navy a commencé à intégrer le nouveau missile antinavire à longue distance Lockheed-Martin LRASM (Long Range Anti-Ship Missile) sur le Boeing F/A-18E/F « Super Hornet ». Les premiers essais de vols vont débuter prochainement.

Les premiers essais d’intégration du missile LRASM sont actuellement réalisés sur le site de test de la base de Patuxent River, dans le Maryland. Ces premiers tests doivent permettre de préparer la première phase de certification de navigabilité, puis les essais en vol débuteront, d’ici un mois.

Le Lockheed-Martin LRASM :

Le LRASM (Long Range Anti-Ship Missile) a déjà été intégré sur le bombardier Boeing B-1B de l'US Air Force. Ce nouveau missile antinavire est furtif, il doit a terme devenir le remplaçant de l’actuel missile « Harpoon » au sein de l’US Navy.

Contrairement aux missiles antinavires actuels le LRASM sera capable de mener un ciblage entièrement autonome. Il devra être capable d’identifier des cibles et d’engager avec précision des navires ennemis dans un environnement extrêmement hostile. Le missile est conçu avec des contre-contre-mesures avancées.



Le LRASM est basé sur la plateforme AGM-158B « JASSM-ER », mais intègre un capteur multi-mode à fréquence radio, une nouvelle liaison de données et d'un altimètre, un système d'alimentation revalorisée. Il peut être dirigé pour attaquer les navires ennemis depuis sa plate-forme de lancement, et recevoir des mises à jour via sa liaison de données, ou d'utiliser des capteurs  de bord pour trouver sa cible. LRASM volera vers son objectif à moyenne altitude, puis descendra basse altitude pour une approche au ras de l’eau pour contrer les défenses anti-missiles. Selon le DARPA, sa portée est supérieure à 200 milles nautiques (370 km).

La marine espère mettre ne œuvre le LRASM sur le Boeing F/A-18 E/F « Super Hornet » en 2019.


Photos : 1 & 3 LRASM et Super Hornet 2 le LRASM @ Lockheed-Martin

http://psk.blog.24heures.ch/archive/2015/08/23/nouveau-missile-antinavire-pour-le-super-hornet-859544.html

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Maintenance for U.S. Navy's Boeing E-6B Mercury Airborne Command Post Aircraft

The U.S. Navy's Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) awarded two contracts for the maintenance of the Boeing E-6B Mercury airborne command post. The E-6B is a dual-mission aircraft providing either airborne command, control, and communications or serving as an airborne strategic command post and is equipped with an airborne launch control system capable of launching U.S. land based intercontinental ballistic missiles



According to the contract announcements, DRS was awarded a contract for logistics support for maintaining and supporting the E-6B aircraft while Rockwell Collins received a contract option for the manufacturing of one Block I modification aircraft kit and one very low frequency transmit terminal kit for the E-6B Mercury aircraft.

Two squadrons, the "Ironmen" of VQ-3 and the "Shadows" of VQ-4 deploy 22 aircrews (for 16 aircraft) from Tinker Air Force Base, Okla. to meet these requirements.

Boeing derived the E-6A from its commercial 707 to replace the aging EC-130Q in the performance of the Navy's TACAMO ("Take Charge and Move Out") mission. TACAMO links the National Command Authority with naval ballistic missile forces during times of crisis. The aircraft carries a very low frequency communication system with dual trailing wire antennas. The Navy accepted the first E-6A in August 1989.

The E-6B was conceived as a replacement for the Air Force's Airborne Command Post due to the age of the EC-135 fleet. The E-6B modified an E-6A by adding battlestaff positions and other specialized equipment. The E-6B is a dual-mission aircraft capable of fulfilling either the E-6A mission or the airborne strategic command post mission and is equipped with an airborne launch control system (ALCS). The ALCS is capable of launching U.S. land based intercontinental ballistic missiles. The first E-6B aircraft was accepted in December 1997 and the E-6B assumed its dual operational mission in October 1998. The E-6 fleet was completely modified to the E-6B configuration in 2003.
http://www.navyrecognition.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=3031

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Newport News Shipbuilding Celebrates the Keel-Laying of Aircraft Carrier John F. Kennedy (CVN 79)

Newport News Shipbuilding, a division of Huntington Ingalls Industries, today celebrated the keel laying of the aircraft carrier John F. Kennedy (CVN 79), the second ship of the Gerald R. Ford class. Caroline Kennedy, the daughter of the ship's namesake, the 35th President of the United States, is the ship's sponsor. She declared the keel "truly and fairly laid" via video to signify the ceremonial start of construction.



"The aircraft carrier came of age in a time of conflict," Caroline said. "It was untested, and the capabilities it brought were questioned. Since those early days, the carrier has come to be recognized as a symbol of peace, strength and freedom."

Caroline's video was introduced by her cousin, Rep. Joseph Kennedy, D-Mass. Other ceremony participants included Virginia Gov. Terry McAuliffe; Rep. Randy Forbes, R-Va.; Rep. Bobby Scott, D-Va.; Vice Adm. William Hilarides; Assistant Secretary of the Navy Sean Stackley; Rear Adm. Earl Yates, the first commanding officer of CV 67, the first aircraft carrier to bear the name John F. Kennedy; and Newport News Shipbuilding President Matt Mulherin.

During the ceremony, Caroline's initials were welded onto a steel plate by Leon Walston, a Newport News welder from Massachusetts. The plate will be permanently affixed to the ship, signifying the sponsor's enduring relationship with the shipbuilders and crew.

In his remarks, Stackley expressed the significance of aircraft carriers, calling upon shipbuilders to recognize the importance of what they build. "They are our nation's great instruments of security and … of goodwill," he said. "In times of crisis, they are the first to respond, and when called upon, they will deliver the final word in the bidding of our nation. So let this great purpose serve as a constant reminder—as inspiration to you, the men and women of Newport News Shipbuilding—that shipbuilding is not just what you do; it is who you are. And that building great ships—it is not just your tradition; it is your duty."

Gov. McAuliffe emphasized the importance of John F. Kennedy's future presence in the Navy fleet. "President John F. Kennedy was an inspiration to all of us," he said, "so it is only fitting today that we now have a U.S. President who now will have two aircraft carriers named after him."

Rep. Joseph Kennedy spoke of the original USS John F. Kennedy and its legacy that will continue with the new aircraft carrier. "USS John F. Kennedy demonstrated strength to our enemies and support for our allies," he said. "Today, as we lay the keel of CVN 79, the next USS John F. Kennedy, we begin construction on a ship with the same mission and the same spirit, but with new capabilities and a new generation."

Mulherin spoke of the shipbuilders constructing John F. Kennedy, highlighting their commitment to ethics once emphasized by President Kennedy. "While this aircraft carrier that we lay the keel for today will serve as a tangible legacy of our nation's 35th President, so too will the people behind the steel," he said. "When we say the greatest shipbuilders in the world work right here, it isn't just because we build the most sophisticated ships known to man. It's also because of the way in which we build them. Our shipbuilders demonstrate ethics, integrity and courage every day."


John F. Kennedy will be the second U.S. Navy ship to bear the name of the 35th President. Crew members who served on the first John F. Kennedy attended and were recognized during the ceremony. To conclude the event, Yates, the first commanding officer of CV 67, signaled crane operators to lift the aircraft carrier's engine room No. 2 unit into the dry dock while more than 1,500 guests watched.

http://www.navyrecognition.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=3030

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Northrop Grumman & U.S. Navy Demonstrates Endurance on the MQ-8C Fire Scout VTOL UAV

Northrop Grumman Corporation and the U.S. Navy successfully demonstrated endurance capabilities with the MQ-8C Fire Scout unmanned helicopter. On a planned 10+ hour flight and range out to 150 nautical miles flight from Naval Base Ventura County, Point Mugu; the MQ-8C Fire Scout achieved 11 hours with over an hour of fuel in reserve.


The long range, long endurance flight was part of a series of capability based tests used by the Navy to validate their concept of operations and previously tested performance parameters. The Navy conducted the demonstration with support of Northrop Grumman engineers.

"Endurance flights provide a full evaluation of the MQ-8C Fire Scout systems," said Capt. Jeff Dodge, program manager, Fire Scout, Naval Air Systems Command. "We can better understand the capability of the system and look at crew tasks and interactions in a controlled environment. This will allow us to adjust operational procedures to maximize the system's effectiveness."

This is a new flight record set for the MQ-8 Fire Scout; a system designed to provide persistent reconnaissance, situational awareness, and precision targeting support for ground, air and sea forces.

"Today's MQ-8C Fire Scout performance matches our model exactly. With adjustments, our production aircraft will have 12 hours of total endurance on a standard day. This prolonged endurance gives the Navy's commanders a tremendous operational advantage," said George Vardoulakis, vice president, medium range tactical systems, Northrop Grumman. "Increased time-on-station and fewer launch and recovery cycles better enables the Navy's diverse missions."

The MQ-8C Fire Scout completed its developmental flight test program earlier this year and has operational assessment planned for later this year. The MQ-8C Fire Scout has accumulated over 513 flight hours and flown 353 sorties.

http://www.navyrecognition.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=3041

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Orbital ATK Delivers 100th GQM-163A Coyote Target to U.S. Navy

Orbital ATK, Inc., a global leader in aerospace and defense technologies recently marked a major milestone highlighting 15-years of success as the company delivered the 100th GQM-163A “Coyote” target vehicle to the U.S. Navy.

“I would like to commend the program for a job well done,” said Rich Straka, Vice President and General Manager of Orbital ATK’s Flight Systems Group Launch Vehicles Division. “This program has an outstanding flight record with 48 successful missions completed; a direct result of the efforts of the Coyote team.”

Orbital ATK was awarded an initial development contract in 2000. Since that time, the company has received multiple orders from the U.S. Navy, as well as orders from the Royal Australian Navy, French, Direction générale de l’armement (DGA) and other foreign military sales customers. Approximately 120 units of the supersonic sea-skimming target missile have been ordered to date.

“We are grateful for the close teamwork between Orbital ATK, our suppliers, and the Navy's Aerial Target Integrated Product Team,” said Keven Leith, Orbital ATK’s Coyote Program Manager. “Speaking on behalf of the team, we are very proud of the service and capabilities we provide to the U.S. Navy which aids the development and testing of the latest on board ship defense, ensuring the highest protection of the fleet.”

The Coyote target vehicle is based on a solid fuel ramjet propulsion system that is integrated into a compact missile airframe measuring 18 feet long and 14 inches in diameter. Rail-launched from naval test and training ranges, the highly maneuverable Coyote has two optional flight trajectories: “sea skimmer” and “high-diver.”



Throughout the history of the program, Coyote targets have been successfully launched from four sites including San Nicolas Island in the Point Mugu Test Range; the Pacific Missile Range on Kauai, Hawaii; Ile du Levant near the French Mediterranean coast; and White Sands Missile Range, New Mexico.

The development and manufacturing of the Coyote vehicles occurs at Orbital ATK’s facility in Chandler, Arizona.


http://www.navyrecognition.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=3047

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2nd Australian Company to Provide Parts for Initial Production of the MQ-4C Triton Naval UAS

Northrop Grumman Corporation has awarded a second Australian supplier contract to Mincham Aviation for the U.S. Navy's MQ-4C Triton unmanned aircraft system (UAS) initial production lot. South Australia-based Mincham Aviation will manufacture aircraft structure components for the first low-rate production lot of four Triton air vehicles. This second supplier contract follows one awarded in July to Ferra Engineering for mechanical sub-assemblies.


"We are pleased to be able to further demonstrate our ongoing commitment to developing and fostering capabilities in local supply chains," said Ian Irving, chief executive, Northrop Grumman Australia. "We will continue to look to offer opportunities to quality-focused Australian companies to be involved in the production and sustainment of Triton, which will be one of the U.S. Navy's and Royal Australian Air Force's key capabilities for many years to come."

Northrop Grumman's engagement with Mincham Aviation and Ferra Engineering were facilitated through the Australian Department of Defence's Global Supply Chain program. Under the Global Supply Chain initiative, international companies such as Northrop Grumman can assess Australian industry and provide them the opportunity to compete for business around the world on a value-for-money basis.

Australian companies have also received requests from Northrop Grumman for quotations to provide components for follow-on low rate production lots. These industry opportunities include cables, complex machined and composite assemblies, as well as special tooling and test equipment.

Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott announced his government's intent to purchase the Triton UAS for high-altitude, long-endurance surveillance missions in March 2014. Triton can fly missions up to 24 hours and at altitudes of over 55,000 feet, covering vast areas of ocean and coastal regions. Its unique sensor suite provides a continuous on-station presence in a 360-degree field of view for some of the most demanding surveillance missions.

http://www.navyrecognition.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=3046

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U.S. Navy New Research Vessel Neil Armstrong (AGOR 27) Completes Acceptance Trials

The first-of-class Oceanographic Research Vessel R/V Neil Armstrong (AGOR 27), successfully completed Acceptance Trials August 7 the Navy reported today. Neil Armstrong is a modern mono-hull research vessel based on commercial design, capable of integrated, interdisciplinary, general purpose oceanographic research in coastal and deep ocean areas.


he Navy's Board of Inspection and Survey (INSURV) found the ship to be well-built and inspection-ready. The trials evaluated the ship’s major systems and equipment to include demonstrations of the ship’s main propulsion system, dynamic positioning system, navigation, cranes and winches, and communication systems.

“These trials are the final major milestone prior to delivering Neil Armstrong,” said Mike Kosar, program manager for the Support Ships, Boats and Craft office within the Program Executive Office, Ships. “Neil Armstrong performed very well during these trials, especially for a first of class vessel. The results of these tests and the outstanding fit, finish and quality of the vessel, stand as a testament to the preparation and effort of our entire shipbuilding team. It reflects the exceptionalism of AGOR 27’s namesake, Neil Armstrong.”




Acceptance trials represent the cumulative efforts following a series of in-port and underway inspections conducted jointly by the AGOR Program Office, SUPSHIP, and builder Dakota Creek Industries throughout the construction, test and trials process. The trials are the last significant shipbuilding milestone before delivery of the ship to the Navy, expected to occur this fall.

The new ship is 238 feet long and equipped with the latest technologies, including a high-efficiency diesel engine, emission control for stack gasses, information technology tools for monitoring shipboard systems and communicating with the world, and hull coatings that should result in fewer maintenance issues. It will operate with a crew of 20 with accommodations for 24 scientists who will use the ship and its assets to collect samples and data from both coastal and deep ocean areas.


http://www.navyrecognition.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=3049