US Army

Rappel du premier message :

quote]Strengthening The Ukrainian Army
(Source: U.S Army; issued Aug 21, 2016)
YAVORIV, Ukraine ----The Ukrainian army, with the assistance of U.S. and multinational partners, continues to strive to improve the capability and capacity within its armed forces. Approximately 20 Ukrainian cadre recently completed their first rotation training Ukrainian Soldiers on individual combat skills at the International Peacekeeping and Security Center.

The training is part of the ongoing operations of the Joint Multinational Training Group-Ukraine. The JMTG-U mission is focused on building a sustainable, enduring combat training center here. Part of this mission includes building training capacity quickly through the consolidation and resourcing of dedicated training cadre.

These instructors are the first group of cadre trained on conducting the first six modules of a nine-week rotational training set. The modules include weapons training, land navigation, combat lifesaving skills, and section live-fire. Soldiers of 6th Squadron, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division certified the instructors by observing and gauging their ability to put the six modules into action and effectively train other Ukrainian Soldiers.

Spc. Brett Jones, a rifleman assigned to 6-8 Cav., is a fourth generation veteran and is excited to be able to continue the family tradition. Jones said that he is optimistic about training alongside the Ukrainian Armed Forces.

"Every time we go out and observe the Ukrainian Soldiers, they do the training to a T," said Jones. "They are very hands on with the training and make sure each Soldier knows how to effectively do each task to standard."

Staff Sgt. Alex Fernandez, a squad leader and instructor assigned to 6-8 Cav. spent two years as a drill sergeant and was able to use the skills he acquired to ensure the Ukrainian instructors were fully up to speed on training their Soldiers on individual tasks.

"They have always been comfortable teaching the Soldiers, but now I feel they are more confident with their teaching techniques," said Fernandez. "They have built that trust and bond with the Soldiers and they listen to the instructors when given instructions."

After the training has been conducted, the Soldiers from 6-8 Cav pull the Ukrainian instructors aside and brief them on their performance during the exercise.

According to Jones the Ukrainian Soldiers respond well when they receive praise, validation and feedback from the multinational force trainers. "They do training by the book and listen to recommendations that we make," he said.

1st Lt. Taras Tanailov, an instructor assigned to the Combat Training Center mentored the newly graduated Ukrainian instructors over the past three weeks. Tanailov has been with the instructors since they were certified to teach and observed the progression in their ability to train Soldiers.

Tanailov said that over the last few weeks his instructors had learned a lot about leading and training Soldiers. He said that they are more confident in the training, which allows them to be more effective leaders.

Cpt. Abdullah H. Clark, company commander for Charlie Troop, 6-8 Cav., had the opportunity to observe the Ukrainian instructors and was able to view military tactics from a different perspective.

"So far I've learned a different method of every aspect of military affairs from logistics to tactics to unofficial dynamics of the social system," said Clark. "They have taught me a different way to run things other than the way we normally do for our military."

The ultimate goal of the JMTG-U is to establish a sustainable Combat Training Center staffed and led completely by the Ukrainian military.

"I think if we left here today, they would do everything they need to do to train their military," said Jones. "I definitely think they are doing a good job."

Now that the initial six modules are complete, the Ukrainian instructors will move on to learn the next two modules, which is a milestone for the JMTG-U. This marks the first time Ukrainian instructors will learn modules seven and eight, which include squad, section and platoon collective tasks.



http://www.defense-aerospace.com/articles-view/release/3/176345/us-army%2C-partner-nations-strengthen-ukrainian-army.html






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Citation :

L’US Army investit 650.000 dollars pour se procurer des armes non létales tirant des cartouches… au piment

Posté dans Amériques, Forces terrestres par Laurent Lagneau Le 01-07-2018



L’entreprise américaine PepperBall a récemment annoncé qu’elle venait d’obtenir un contrat d’une valeur de 650.000 dollars pour livrer à l’US Army des armes non-létales destinés aux troupes déployées en Afghanistan.

La particularité de cette arme, appelée VKS, est qu’elle tire des projectiles de la même nature que ceux utilisés pour le paintball. Sauf que, à la place de la peinture, ces cartouches contiennent de la nonivamide [ou vanillylamide de l’acide pélargonique – PAVA], c’est à dire une substance naturellement présente dans les piments et généralement utilisée comme additif alimentaire pour donner du « piquant » aux assaisonnements.

Une fois qu’ils ont été tirés, ces projectiles dégagent un « nuage débilitant » qui affecte les yeux et le système respiratoire de potentiels adversaires.

« Nous sommes vraiment honorés que l’armée américaine ait choisi le VKS de PepperBall comme arme non létale pour sa mission de défense des Etats-Unis », a commenté Ron Johnson, Pdg d’United Tactical Systems et propriétaire de PepperBall. « Notre plate-forme VKS était la seule arme non létale capable de se conformer aux normes de l’armée américaine », a-t-il ajouté.

D’une portée d’environ 50 mètres, ce VKS a la même ergonomie qu’une carabine M4 ou qu’un fusil M16. En outre, il peut tirer jusqu’à 180 cartouches.

Une arme non létale est utilisée généralement pour le contrôle de foule et le maintien de l’ordre.

http://www.opex360.com/2018/07/01/lus-army-investit-650-000-dollars-se-procurer-armes-non-letales-tirant-cartouches-piment/

Citation :

12/07/2018

L’US Army commande le MH-47G BlockII « Chinook » !



Boeing a remporté un contrat de 140 millions de dollars pour la livraison de quatre hélicoptères Boeing MH-47G Block II « Chinook » pour venir équiper le « Special Operations Aviation Command » (USASOC) de l'US Army

Cette première commande lance ainsi le démarrage de la production du standard Block II, qui devrait se poursuivre vers la fin des années 2020, selon Boeing.

«L'armée utilise le MH-47G pour certaines de ses missions les plus difficiles», a déclaré Pat Donnelly, directeur des programmes de ventes militaires nationales et étrangères du programme CH-47.

«En intégrant les principales caractéristiques du Block II, nous prolongerons considérablement la durée de vie utile, améliorerons la performance et maintiendrons la position du « Chinook » en tant qu'hélicoptère d'opérations spéciales par excellence au monde.

A ce jour l’US Army exploite une flotte de 61 MH-47G au standard Block I. Le programme Block II intègre plusieurs améliorations la capacité de levage de l’hélicoptère.Commandée par le Commandement des opérations spéciales de l'armée américaine (USASOC), la flotte actuelle de MH-47G comprend les 61 hélicoptères reconstruits du Block I (62 ont été livrés, soit 35 CH-47D, 9 MH-47D et 18 MH-47E).

Dérivé du célèbre hélicoptère « Chinook » de base le MH-47G est une plate-forme spéciale qui comprend des réservoirs de carburant à double capacité, une sonde de ravitaillement en vol, un système numérique avancé de contrôle de vol et des capteurs avancés, un système de guerre électronique. Le MH-47G utilise 2 moteurs T55-GA-714A équipés de suppresseurs d'échappement infrarouges IES-47 pour réduire la visibilité IR de l'hélicoptère. La cellule a une trappe abdominale, des fenêtres à bulles le long de chaque côté. Un treuil de sauvetage est monté au-dessus de la porte avant tribord. La fenêtre du tireur se trouve sur le fuselage bâbord, à l'arrière du poste de pilotage.

Le MH-47G dispose d'un cockpit numérique compatible avec les lunettes de vision nocturne. Il comporte 5 écrans d'affichage multifonctions (MFD) à cristaux liquides de 6x8 pouces et 2 unités d'affichage de contrôle (CDU). Le cockpit est conforme à la norme CAAS (Common Avionics Architecture System), partageant les mêmes unités de traitement et d'affichage que le MH-60M « Black Hawk ». Le CAAS a été développé pour les « Night Stalkers » puis adopté par l'armée.

Les améliorations du standard Block II, qui sont en cours de développement pour la flotte de CH-47F de l'armée américaine, comprennent une nouvelles pâlles de rotor avancée (ACRB), dotée d'une géométrie pour augmenter la capacité de levage de 680 kg à 4 000 ft et 35 ° C en vol stationnaire et de nouveaux équipements électroniques.

Photo : MH-47G Block I @ US Army

http://psk.blog.24heures.ch/archive/2018/07/12/l-us-army-commande-le-mh-47g-blockii-chinook-865971.html

Citation :

U.S. Army to upgrade 100 more Abrams tanks to M1A2 SEPv3 configuration

Jul 29, 2018


M1A2 SEPv3 Abrams fitted with Trophy APS


General Dynamics Land Systems has announced that company received a delivery order to upgrade 100 more M1A1 Abrams main battle tanks for the U.S. Army.

According to the statement, the General Dynamics the U.S. Army has signed a delivery order for General Dynamics Land Systems to upgrade 100 more M1A1 Abrams Main Battle Tanks to the state-of-the-art M1A2 System Enhancement Package Version 3 (SEPv3) configuration.

Upgrades to the tank in this System Enhancement Package (SEP) include an additional electrical power to support future technologies, the ability to interface with advanced 120mm ammunition, an auxiliary power unit, improved armor and radios, network upgrades and increased reliability and ease of maintenance.

Unlike previous version, the M1A2 SEPv3 has better communications and networking, a new Vehicle Health Management System (VHMS) and Line Replaceable Modules (LRMs) for improved maintenance, an Ammunition DataLink (ADL) to use airburst rounds, improved counter-IED armor package, improved FLIR using long- and mid-wave infrared, a low-profile CROWS RWS, and an Auxiliary Power Unit (APU) under armor to run electronics while stationary instead of the engine.

The new version offers enhanced protection and survivability, as well as high lethality than its predecessors.

The delivery order is part of an Army Requirements Contract signed in December 2017 through which the Army can upgrade up to 435 M1A1 Abrams tanks to the M1A2 SEPv3 configuration. The M1A2 SEPv3 configuration features technological advancements in communications, reliability, sustainment and fuel efficiency, plus upgraded armor.

Work on this delivery order will be performed at Land Systems locations in Scranton, Pa., and Tallahassee, Fla., and at the Joint Systems Manufacturing Center in Lima, Ohio, the only operational tank plant in the country.

https://defence-blog.com/army/u-s-army-upgrade-100-abrams-tanks-m1a2-sepv3-configuration.html

Citation :

03/09/2018

Assemblage final du Chinook BlockII !



Boeing à débuté l’assemblage final du premier hélicoptère CH-47F « Chinook » au standard Block II pour le développement et l’ingénierie (EMD) au début de l’été. Le contrat pour développer la nouvelle génération du « Chinook » pour les forces d'opérations conventionnelles et spéciales de l'armée américaine a été attribué à Boeing en juillet 2017. Le programme Block II comprend plusieurs améliorations pour augmenter la capacité de levage et réduire les coûts de maintenance, y compris un fuselage amélioré, un nouveau système de carburant et une nouvelle transmission.

Le premier CH-47 au standard du Block II devrait être achevé en 2019, les essais en vol étant prévus peu après. La première livraison est prévue pour 2023. L’armée américaine prévoit de mettre à jour plus de 500 « Chinook » dans la future configuration.

Le CH-47F BlockII :

La mise à niveau présente de nouvelles pales de rotor à conception avancée, un train d'atterrissage amélioré, des réservoirs de carburant simples (par opposition à la version segmentée) et des sections renforcées à l'arrière, au pylône et au nez.

L'armée a accordé l'approbation du programme « Milestone B » pour passer de la maturation technologique au développement d'ingénierie et de fabrication (EMD). Boeing prépare al construction en vue de tester trois prototypes sous la phase EMD. L’US Army prendra une décision finale dans le cadre du plan « Milestone C » pour commencer la production initiale à faible taux (LRIP) en 2021, avec les premières livraisons en 2023.

La mise à niveau au BlockII suit un chemin évolutif qui envisage que l'hélicoptère continue d’opérer jusqu’en 2060. Il semble également qu’un futur standard BlockIII puisse être introduit en 2030 et devrait comprendre une remotorisation de l’hélicoptère. Le nouveau groupe motopropulseur résulterait du programme Future Engine Turbine Engine (FATE) de l'Armée de terre en vue de la conception d’une turbine de 5,000 à 10 000 shp.



Photos : 1 Le MH-47G existera aussi au BlockII 2 CH-47 Chinook Block II @ Boeing

http://psk.blog.24heures.ch/archive/2018/09/03/assemblage-final-du-chinook-blockii-866179.html

Citation :

08/09/2018

Toujours plus de « Lakota » pour l’US Army !



L'armée américaine prévoit d'acheter 11 autres hélicoptères Airbus UH-72A « Lakota » supplémentaires pour la formation des pilotes à son centre de Fort Rucker en Alabama.

L’armée n’a pas encore attribué de contrat à Airbus, mais elle a publié en ligne le 30 août dernier un avis d’exigence d’une source unique indiquant qu’elle avait l’intention de le faire. Le service prévoit que l’appareil sera livré pour appuyer la formation des pilotes d’ici l’année fiscale 2021.

Le « Lakota » a été initialement acquis en 2007 par l’armée américaine pour remplacer le Bell UH-1 lors de missions de soutien en temps de paix. En 2014, l'armée a décidé d'acheter 155 UH-72A supplémentaires pour remplacer les Bell TH-67 et compléter sa flotte d'hélicoptères utilitaires légers. Airbus Helicopters a livré plus de 400 exemplaires de ce type à ce service depuis 2006.

L’UH-72A « Lakota » :

L’UH-72A « Lakota » est la version militaire de l’hélicoptère civil H-145 d’Airbus Hélicoptères (ex Eurocopter). La dénomination UH (Utility Helicopter) est propre à l’armée américaine. Le H-145 et le H-135/635 forment la nouvelle génération d’hélicoptères de la gamme légère du constructeur européen.

Hélicoptère bimoteur polyvalent, il est utilisé pour une vaste gamme de missions telles que : la sécurité intérieure, la répression des drogues, un soutien logistique et d'évacuation médicale (MEDEVAC).

Pour les ambulances et les missions d'évacuation médicale, la cabine peut accueillir deux civières, plus un chef d'équipe (qui est qualifié pour faire fonctionner le treuil et autres matériels d'équipement aéronautique) et d'un accompagnateur médical.

L'UH-72A dispose d’un système de communications tactiques de type RT-5000 à large bande. L'hélicoptère est motorisé par deux Turbomeca Arriel 1E2, chacun fournissant 550kW de puissance au décollage et 516kW de puissance continue.



Photos : UH-72A « Lakota » @ Airbus

http://psk.blog.24heures.ch/archive/2018/09/08/toujours-plus-de-lakota-pour-l-us-army-866204.html

Citation :

BAE to upgrade Bradley fighting vehicles for the U.S. Army

Sep 17, 2018 in Army, News, PRESS RELEASES
 

An M2 Bradley assigned to Company A, 1st Battalion, 18th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, Fort Riley, Kansas, traverses muddy
terrain after successfully completing crew qualifications at the Novo Selo Training Area, Bulgaria, on March 20, 2018. Photo by Staff Sgt. Matthew Keeler


The U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) has announced on 13 September that BAE Systems received the new contract for Bradley Fighting Vehicle upgrades.

According to the DoD’s statement, BAE Systems Land & Armaments L.P. has been awarded a $91,1 million contract for eight Bradley Fighting Vehicle common module logic items.

The DoD also noted that this is a five-year contract with no option periods. Locations of performance are Alabama and California, with a July 30, 2024, performance completion date. Using military service is Army.

The Bradley Fighting Vehicle is a combat-proven platform that provides outstanding survivability, mobility, and lethality and is an integral part of the U.S. Army’s Armored Brigade Combat Team (ABCT).

BAE Systems has acted as the manufacturer and systems integrator of the Bradley program for over 30 years, including conducting various upgrades based on customer needs and mission requirements.

The newest Bradleys feature the latest digitized electronics for optimum situational awareness, network connectivity, and communication within the ABCT. Over the life of the Bradley program, there have been several survivability upgrades, including installation of underbelly protection and the Bradley Urban Survivability Kits (BUSK), further enhancing the safety of one of the most survivable vehicles in the fleet.

Work on the Bradleys is primarily done at BAE Systems York, Penn. facility.


https://defence-blog.com/army/bae-to-upgrade-bradley-fighting-vehicles-for-the-u-s-army.html

Citation :

22.09.2018

L'US Army ajoute du blindage à deux ses 58 brigades de combat



Jeudi, l'US Army a annoncé dans un communiqué que la 1re Brigade Combat Team de la 1re division blindée de Fort Bliss va abandonner ses Stryker (photo ci-dessus US Army) pour des blindés chenillés de type Abrams et Bradley. Elle deviendra donc une ABCT (Armored Brigade Combat Team).

Simultanément, la 2e Brigade Combat Team de la 4e division d'infanterie de Fort-Carson va devenir une Stryker Brigade Combat Team.

L'annonce a été faite par le général Mennes qui a précisé que la conversion aura lieu au printemps 2019 pour la 1re division blindée et au printemps 2020 pour la 4e division d'infanterie.

Avec ce nouveau format, l'US Army disposera lors de 16 ABCT.

Elle disposera aussi de 58 BCT (Brigade Combat Team):
- 31 d'active dont 11 ABCT (Armored), 7 SBCT (Stryker) et 13 IBCT (Infantry)
- 27 pour la Garde nationale dont 5 ABCT, 20 IBCT et 2 SBCT.

http://lignesdedefense.blogs.ouest-france.fr/archive/2018/09/21/l-us-army-blinde-ses-brigades-de-combat-19669.html

Citation :

 02.10.2018

Remplacer les canons de 155 mm M777... Pourquoi pas par du CAESAR?  



L'US Army en parle déjà depuis quelques mois: elle envisage de remplacer son parc de canons de 105 (M119) et surtout de 155 mm (M777) par un unique type de canon. Elle a toutefois acheté 18 canons M777 en septembre 2018 pour 37 millions de dollars.

Une première initiative en ce sens vient toutefois d'être prise. Les 7 Stryker Brigade Combat Team (SBCT) de l'active sont concernés par un avis (un "market survey"; il ne s'agit donc pas d'un appel d'offres) du 1er octobre qui prévoit le remplacement des 155mm tractés de type M777. .

Ce canon de plus de 4 tonnes, construit par BAE Systems, est tracté par un camion de 5 tonnes:



L'avis est intitulé : "High Mobility SBCT Howitzer" (Solicitation Number: W15QKN19X040L). Il précise que le Pentagone recherche "un système hautement mobile" pour remplacer l'artillerie de 155 mm des SBCT.

On peut imaginer que le CAESAR français soit l'équipement idoine (certains articles américains sur les canons de 155mm ne sont-ils pas déjà illustrés par des photos du CAESAR?).

Voici d'ailleurs la liste des caractéristiques demandés par l'Army Contracting Command:
1) System Operation (i.e. level of manual input to operate primary weapon)
2) System Reliability (% probability without system abort)
3) Mobility (e.g. speed, refueling range, off road capability)
4) Transportability (e.g. qualified land and air modes of transport)
5) Survivability (i.e. crew protection capability, ballistic protection to system)
6) Weight (combat loaded)
7) Range (i.e. armament range)
8 ) Rate of Fire (Sustained w/duration and Max w/duration)
9) Indirect/Direct Azimuth of Fire Range
10) First Round Response Time
11) Emplacement / Displacement Times
12) Crew Size (include Crew Transportation)
13) Cannon Caliber length
14) Cannon Chamber ICD (To assess Ammo interchangeability)
15) Fire Control Adaptability (i.e. ability to integrate USG fire control)
16) Direct Sighting Capability
17) Qualified US and/or NATO Ammunition (i.e. List all qualified US and/or NATO ammunition combinations (i.e. Projectile, Propelling Charges (zones range if applicable), Fuze, & Primer)
18) Ammunition Handling/Loading (i.e. on vehicle loading and storage)
19) Ammo Resupply (i.e. effort and time)
20) Elevating/Traversing system (i.e. Hydraulic, Electric, Manual)

A suivre...

http://lignesdedefense.blogs.ouest-france.fr/    

Citation :

US Army prepares for November AMPV production decision

Ashley Roque, Washington, DC - IHS Jane's Defence Weekly

31 October 2018
   

The US Army is scheduled to make a LRIP decision in November for its AMPV programme. BAE Systems is developing five AMPV
variants to replace the service’s M113 family of vehicles. Source: BAE Systems


The US Army and BAE Systems are ironing out the final design for the new Armored Multi-Purpose Vehicles (AMPVs) fleet in anticipation of a low-rate initial production (LRIP) decision in November.

"The AMPV programme recently completed a successful LUT [limited user test] and a large majority of the developmental testing scheduled prior to [the Milestone C decision]," the army said in a 31 October statement to Jane's . "In both cases, the AMPVs demonstrated superior effectiveness and survivability than the M113s."

While an LRIP decision is scheduled for November, the service said BAE Systems will begin delivering vehicles in the second quarter of fiscal year 2020 and ramping up to a rate of more than 180 vehicles in the first 13 months.

The service also noted that programme officials are using LUT feedback to "make minor modifications" to vehicle designs before moving into LRIP.

"These modifications will improve overall vehicle reliability and soldier accommodation," the service added.

During a 25 October interview with Jane's , BAE Systems business development director for combat vehicles James Miller explained that some of the potential changes deal with trade-offs between cost and objective.

"Do we want to have 'X'? Is it going to give us such a great advantage or are we going to scale that back a little bit?" Miller explained. "Those are some of the decisions the army's making now that we're going to help them with and work through the redesign on."

"You want to learn as much as you can about the vehicle and the manufacturing process so you can get it right," Miller added. "We learned a bunch of stuff about the vehicle [and] we're going to get it right."
 

Citation :

U.S. Army unveils experimental 155mm truck-mounted howitzer

Nov 2, 2018



The U.S. Army developed an experimental 155mm truck-mounted howitzer, called the Brutus.

The photos of experimental truck-mounted howitzer were published on the Facebook page of the 75th Field Artillery Brigade (artillery brigade in the United States Army) on 26 October.

The Brutus is a 155mm truck-mounted howitzer for increased mobility and enhanced firing capabilities. Experimental 155mm howitzer installed on an FMTV 6X6 truck chassis.

Howitzer is capable of using a wide range of ammunition for deployment against protected and unprotected targets, to create counter-mobility obstacles to block the manoeuvres of enemy armoured forces and to obscure or illuminate an area.

No further details on the type of howitzer have been released.

The U.S. Army interested in new, more mobile, lightweight artillery pieces.

Early, Army’s officials showed interest in 105mm Mobile Weapon System (105MWS), also dubbed HAWKEYE by AM General, consists of one 105mm cannon mounted at the rear on HUMVEE light tactical vehicle chassis. Maybe U.S Army is also interested in upgrades for or modification to its existing weapons, especially lightweight 155mm cannons, or various types of self-propelled guns.

Having that kind of firepower on-call is immensely important for the Army’s light infantry, especially when conducting independent operations where they might not have the guarantee of support from other services or even other elements within the Army





https://defence-blog.com/army/u-s-army-unveils-experimental-155mm-truck-mounted-howitzer.html

Citation :

U.S. Army contracts Colt’s Manufacturing for M4 and M4A1 carbines

Nov 9, 2018


M4A1 carbine rifle Photo by Steven Stover


The U.S. Army Contracting Command has awarded Colt’s Manufacturing an $88,6 million modification (P00008) to contract for M4 and M4A1 carbines.

According to a statement put out by the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD), Colt’s Manufacturing Company LLC, West Hartford, was awarded an $88,607,109 modification (P00008) to contract W15QKN-15-D-0102 for M4 and M4A1 carbines.

Work will be performed in West Hartford, Connecticut, with an estimated completion date of Sept. 25, 2020.

Also, on 20 September, the DoD has announced that as part of the Foreign Military Sales the Colt’s Manufacturing LLC received a contract for procurement of up to 10,000 additional M4 and M4A1 5.56mm carbine rifles.

The new 5.56mm carbine rifles to be supplied to Jordan, Morocco, Afghanistan, Senegal, Tunisia and Pakistan as part of the Foreign Military Sales.

The M4 carbine is a shorter and lighter variant of the M16A2 assault rifle. The M4 is a 5.56×45mm NATO, air-cooled, direct impingement gas-operated, magazine-fed carbine.

The weapon delivers superior performance and accuracy for the joint coalition forces conducting the most challenging combat missions. The performance of M4 has been proven across the world in military operations, including combat actions in Afghanistan and Iraq.

The US Army has acquired a total of 500,000 M4 carbines since the M4 series was introduced in 1993. The M4 was also exported to the US allied forces and Nato nations as part of foreign military sales (FMS) packages.


https://defence-blog.com/army/u-s-army-contracts-colts-manufacturing-for-m4-and-m4a1-carbines.html

Citation :

12.11.2018

Pinks and Greens! L'US Army adopte sa nouvelle tenue de service



Exit l'Army Service Uniform bleu... C'est officiel le Pinks and Greens, au look très vintage, est de retour. Ci-dessus les deux tenues lors d'une présentation en octobre.

On sait désormais que la tenue Pinks and Greens sera distribué à partir de l'été 2020

Cette nouvelle tenue de service courant, l'équivalent de la tenue Terre de France, est effectivement totalement "vintage" avec sa veste "dark olive" et son pantalon "pinkish brown" dont on peut voir ci-dessous une des premières versions.



http://lignesdedefense.blogs.ouest-france.fr/archive/2018/11/11/pinks-and-greens-l-us-army-adopte-sa-nouvelle-tenue-19794.html

Citation :

U.S. Army tests new longer-range artillery weapon at Yuma Proving Ground

Dec 2, 2018


Photo by the Secretary of the Army


The U.S. Army being tested longer-range artillery weapon called Extended Range Cannon Artillery, or ERCA, at the Yuma Proving Ground, according to the Secretary of the Army, Mark Esper.

In a statement posted on official Secretary of the Army Twitter account, Mark Esper said that the ERCA increases Soldier’s firepower and reflects the Army’s top modernization priority: long-range precision fires.

Existing 155m artillery rounds, fired with precision from mobile (light and Stryker units) and self-propelled howitzer platforms, have a maximum range of about 30km; the new ERCA weapon is designed to hit ranges greater than 70km and with new ammunition possibly extended to 100+ km.

The upgraded self-propelled howitzer platform, as part of the ERCA programme, is being tested at Yuma Proving Ground. The modification adds 1,000 pounds to the overall weight of the weapon and an additional six feet of cannon tube. The ERCA systems also uses a redesigned cab, new breech design and new “muzzle break”.

According to Popular Mechanics, longer barrels allow the explosive gasses produced by burning propellant to act longer on the shell, so it gives the barrel at greater velocities. Greater velocity equals greater range. A short-barreled rifle, for example, will have a slower muzzle velocity and shorter range than a rifle with a longer barrel.

The ERCA is currently being configured to fire from an M109a8 Self-Propelled Howitzer, using a 58-Cal. tube; the existing M109a7, called the Paladin Integrated Management, fires a 39-Cal. weapon.

A 70-kilometer target range is, by any estimation, a substantial leap forward for artillery; when GPS guided precision 155mm artillery rounds, such as Excalibur, burst into land combat about ten years ago – its strike range was reported at roughly 30 kilometers. A self-propelled Howitzer able to hit 70-kilometers puts the weapon on par with some of the Army’s advanced land-based rockets – such as its precision-enabled Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System which also reaches 70-kilometers.

The long-range cannon’s increased range, effectiveness and accuracy of beyond-line-of-sight fires is in direct response to operational needs in the Pacific and Europe.

https://defence-blog.com/army/u-s-army-tests-new-longer-range-artillery-weapon-at-yuma-proving-ground.html

Citation :

U.S. Army conducts trials of new Squad Designated Marksman Rifle

Dec 28, 2018


Photo by Heckler and Koch


The U.S. Army has confirmed that this fall began trials of the new Squad Designated Marksman Rifle or SDM-R.

According to an Army’s statement, a limited-user test of the new 7.62x51mm SDM-R is also underway now at Fort Bliss in Texas.

The new 7.62x51mm rifle is based on the Heckler and Koch G28E-110 / M110A1 Compact Semi-Automatic Sniper System, or CSASS, and provides infantry, scout, and engineer squads the capability to engage with accurate rifle fire at longer ranges.

The new rifle will be equipped with a different buttstock and barrel twist than the CSASS model and carries a base weight of about 9.9 pounds.

In June, Captain Weston Goodrich, PEO Soldier’s assistant program manager for Soldier Weapons, said: “The Army’s current rifle technology is most effective below the 300-meter range; however, Soldiers are fully capable of fighting beyond that threshold”.

“The new rifle addresses the 300 to 600 meters range gap outlined in the 2015 U.S. Army Small Arms Capabilities-Based Assessment,” Goodrich said.

“The Army is working to equip each squad with a predetermined amount of marksman rifles,” he added. The rifle is capable of firing either M80A1 Enhanced Performance Rounds or XM1158 Advanced Armor Piercing Rounds.

The U.S. Army has initiated many changes to help modernize the service, bolster readiness, and increase lethality.

https://defence-blog.com/army/u-s-army-conducts-trials-of-new-squad-designated-marksman-rifle.html

Citation :

U.S. Army to upgrade additional 174 Abrams main battle tanks

Jan 8, 2019


Photo by Mark Schauer

General Dynamics Land Systems announced Tuesday that the U.S. Army has signed a $714 million delivery order to upgrade an additional 174 M1A1 Abrams Main Battle Tanks to the state-of-the-art M1A2 System Enhancement Package Version 3 (SEPv3) configuration.

This brings the total of M1A2 SEPv3 tanks ordered by the Army in 2018 to 274 (more than three brigades of tanks).

The M1A2 SEPv3 configuration features technological advancements in communications, reliability, sustainment and fuel efficiency, plus upgraded armor. The delivery order is part of an Army Requirements Contract signed in December 2017 through which the Army can upgrade up to 435 M1A1 Abrams tanks to the M1A2 SEPv3 configuration.

“We’re proud to help the Army provide world-class combat capability to Armored Brigade Combat Teams,” says Don Kotchman, Vice President and General Manager of General Dynamics Land Systems U.S. Market. “This delivery order, along with our previous orders, means our production line will be rolling at a steady rate through 2021.”

Work on this delivery order will be performed at Land Systems locations in Scranton, Pa., and Tallahassee, Fla., and at the Joint Systems Manufacturing Center in Lima, Ohio, the only operational tank plant in the country.

Land Systems is a business unit of General Dynamics (NYSE: GD). General Dynamics Land Systems provides innovative design, engineering, technology, production and full life-cycle support for land combat vehicles around the globe. The company’s extensive experience, customer-first focus and seasoned supply chain network provide unmatched capabilities to the U.S. military and its allies.

Except for the exterior, today’s SEPv3 would be almost unrecognizable to the tankers who served on its earliest incarnation.

The M1A2 SEP V3 retains the layout of the M1A2 MBT with the driver’s cab at the forward centre hull, turret in the middle and power-pack at the rear. The tank integrates the line-replaceable module technology to enable easy maintenance of the fleet.

The tank integrates joint tactical radio system (JTRS) handheld, man-pack, and small form fit radio to ensure network readiness and interoperation with future brigade combat teams (BCTs).

The MBT measures 9.7m-long, 3.7m-wide and 2.4m-high, and is manned by a crew of four, including a driver, a commander, a loader and a gunner.

The newest Abrams is also more heavily armored than previous versions, which necessitates improvements in the power system and suspension.

https://defence-blog.com/army/u-s-army-to-upgrade-additional-174-abrams-main-battle-tanks.html

Citation :

U.S. Army will acquire Israel’s Iron Dome air defense systems

Jan 17, 2019


Photo by Times of Israel


The U.S. Army is planning to acquire Israel-built combat-proven Iron Dome air defense system, according to Inside Defense newspaper.

According to a media report, the U.S. Army is seeking to buy two batteries of Iron Dome air defense system developed by Rafael Advanced Defence Systems.

It has sought to receive by 2020 two Iron Dome batteries with 12 launchers, 240 interception missiles, two battle-management systems and two radar systems to enable U.S. ground forces’ protection against artillery, rockets, cruise missiles, mortars and unmanned air vehicles in conflict areas globally, according to Inside Defense.

The previously unreported decision was detailed to Congress in a 14-page document dated Oct. 26, 2018 by Army acquisition executive Bruce Jette, the report said.

“Based on an analysis of cost, schedule and performance, the Army [has decided to]: field two interim IFPC batteries of Iron Dome in [fiscal year] 2020,” the Congressional document said, adding that it would concurrently explore the full adoption of the Israeli system by 2023.

Iron Dome is an all-weather air defense system designed to intercept and destroy short-range rockets and artillery shells fired from distances of 2.5 mi to 43 mi away and whose trajectory would take them to a populated area.

The United States has reportedly been seeking a system to protect US ground forces from such threats in various conflict zones for several years now, and in the past has attempted to develop interceptor systems of their own.

Since 2011, the U.S. has paid Israel $1.4 billion towards development of Iron Dome. Moreover, US defense electronics company Raytheon has teamed with Rafael to produce the Iron Dome system, with over 50% of components manufactured in the US, within the framework of US Department of Defense requirements in return for the funding.

https://defence-blog.com/army/u-s-army-will-acquire-israels-iron-dome-air-defense-systems.html

ils vont payer pour un produit qu'ils ont eux même financé

vraiment bizarre les relation US/Israel

Citation :

U.S. Army orders additional M3E1 weapon systems from Saab

Feb 12, 2019

in Army, News


Photo by Saab


Sweden’s Defense and aerospace group Saab on Tuesday has announced that the U.S. Army ordered additional M3E1 weapon systems.

According to statement, Saab and the U.S. Army have signed a multi-year framework agreement for delivery of the Carl-Gustaf M4 weapon system, designated M3E1 in the US.

The company added the first delivery order amounts to $9 million with deliveries expected in 2019.

The recently signed framework contract has a duration of 3 years and gives the U.S. Army the opportunity to place orders for M3E1 systems for a total value of approximately $9 million. The M3E1 84-mm recoilless rifle is a combat-proven system capable of operating in demanding environments that provides soldiers with clear overmatch capability needed to dominate in the battlespace.

The system has been regularly modernized and enhanced to meet users’ changing needs. The latest version, the Carl-Gustaf M4 (designated M3E1 in the U.S.), reduces the launcher weight from 10 kg to less than 7 kg, among several other significant improvements.

“This agreement is the result of many years of great cooperation between Saab and the US Government. The order clearly demonstrates the confidence that the user has both in the capability of the Carl-Gustaf system as well as in Saab as a supplier,” says Görgen Johansson, Head of Saab business area Dynamics.

“The Carl-Gustaf has been a force multiplier and the support weapon of choice for U.S. Special operations forces for many years. With the system now being fielded to light infantry units in multiple theatres and now to the U.S. Marines as well, the game changing capabilities of this weapon system and the flexibility provided by the multiple munition types available to the operator will deliver even greater value to the American warfighter,” says Erik Smith, President and CEO of Saab Defense and Security USA.

Since it was introduced in 1948, the Carl-Gustaf Weapon System has been used to support dismounted infantry all over the world. The new Carl-Gustaf M4 weapon is fully backwards compatible with all ammunition types and prepared to take full advantage of future ammunition, while being significantly lower weight than its M3 predecessor.

https://defence-blog.com/army/u-s-army-orders-additional-m3e1-weapon-systems-from-saab.html

Citation :

U.S. Army seeking contractor to build 144 IM-SHORAD systems

Feb 14, 2019




The U.S. Army is preparing to acquire 144 Interim Maneuver-Short-Range Air Defense systems (IM-SHORAD) on the Stryker vehicle platform.

In a recent notice posted on the Federal Business Opportunities website, the service asked industry proposals in regards to an ability to deliver 144 IM-SHORAD systems with deliveries beginning in the fiscal year 2020 and final deliveries in 2024.

According to a recent notice, the U.S. Army wants a new anti-aircraft weapon system that would provide 360-degree air defense protection of the Stryker and Armor Brigade Combat Teams (BCT) throughout the range of military operations.

The new mobile air defense systems need to provide a capability to fill the lack of air defense in current maneuver formations against air threats encountered to include: Rotary Wing (RW), Fixed Wing (FW) and Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS).

IM-SHORAD, mounted on a Stryker, applies an open mission command architecture approach integrating the Sentinel Radar, Forward Area Air Defense – Command and Control (FAAD-C2), a Stinger Vehicle Universal Launcher (SVUL), M299 Launcher, and Line of Sight radios on a vehicle platform. The system can interoperate with the fielded Air Defense Interrogator (ADI) and Blue Force Tracker (BFT) systems.

The final prototypes of IM-SHORAD will be delivered to the service by the first quarter of fiscal 2020.

The Army’s goal is to provide the first battery no later than the fourth quarter of 2020, but that will depending on funding.

A notice from the U.S. Army claims that the first and second battalions are expected outfit 36 IM-SHORAD systems each by the fiscal year (FY) 21 and a third and fourth battalion with another 36 systems each by FY-22.

https://defence-blog.com/army/u-s-army-seeking-contractor-to-build-144-im-shorad-systems.html

Citation :

U.S. Army orders more Family of Medium Tactical Vehicles

Feb 16, 2019


FMTV A2. Photo by Oshkosh Corporation


On 15 February, Pentagon has announced that Oshkosh Defense LLC was awarded modification to contract a contract worth up to $74 million to acquire additional Family of Medium Tactical Vehicles.

“Oshkosh Defense LLC, Oshkosh, Wisconsin, was awarded a $74,189,379 modification (P00004) to contract W56HZV-18-F-0153 for procurement of Family of Medium Tactical Vehicles variants,” said in a statement.

Pentagon also noted that work will be performed in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, with an estimated completion date of Sept. 30, 2021.

According to Oshkosh Defense, the current generation FMTV is comprised of 17 models ranging from 2.5-ton to 10-ton payloads, enabling the vehicle to perform a wide range of missions, and to support combat missions, relief efforts and logistics and supply operations.

The Oshkosh FMTV seamlessly integrates technologies needed on the battlefield and in support of Homeland Security. The vehicles feature a parts commonality of more than 80 percent, resulting in streamlined maintenance, training, sustainment and overall cost efficiency for the U.S. Army, Army Reserves, National Guard and U.S. Air Force.

Furthermore, Oshkosh Defense is a leading provider of tactical wheeled vehicles and life cycle sustainment services.

For decades Oshkosh has been mobilizing military and security forces around the globe by offering a full portfolio of heavy, medium, light and highly protected military vehicles to support our customers’ missions.

Citation :

US Army contract for BAE Systems for AMPV low-rate initial production

February 2019 Global Defense Security army news industry Posted On Saturday, 23 February 2019 17:15


The U.S. Army has awarded BAE Systems two contract modifications worth up to $575 million for the low-rate initial production of the Armored Multi-Purpose Vehicle (AMPV). These awards mark the beginning of low-rate production for the highly mobile, survivable, multipurpose vehicle designed to meet the mission of the U.S. Army’s Armored Brigade Combat Teams (ABCT).


AMPV Armored Multi-Purpose Vehicle (Picture source BAE Systems)


“Moving into this phase of the AMPV program is exciting because it brings soldiers one step closer to deploying this critical capability for completing their missions and coming home safely,” said Bill Sheehy, AMPV program director for BAE Systems’ combat vehicles business. “We have been preparing for this moment and are ready to take this program to the next stage.”

Previously awarded funding to support production planning, combined with the $128 million January award allowed BAE Systems to start production. A second award in February for $447 million brings the total LRIP funding so far to $873 million.

The AMPV program provides the Army with a more survivable and mobile fleet of vehicles that addresses a critical need to replace the Vietnam War-era M113s. Production will include five variants of the AMPV: command and control, general purpose, medical evacuation, medical treatment, and mortar carrier.

The AMPV is a mature, cost-effective solution that leverages the most modern and proven combat vehicle designs. It meets the Army’s force protection and all-terrain mobility requirements, enabling the AMPV to maneuver with the rest of the ABCT. Commonality within the ABCT also reduces developmental risk and streamlines maintenance, providing significant cost savings to the Army.

These contracts come following the Engineering, Manufacturing and Development phase and a Milestone C decision. Under the earlier EMD award, the company produced and delivered prototype vehicles to the Army for test and evaluation purposes. The initial award in 2014 also provided options to begin the LRIP phase prior to the completion of the EMD phase, at which time the company would produce up to approximately 460 additional vehicles for a cumulative contract value of up to $1.2 billion.

BAE Systems is a premier supplier of combat vehicles to the U.S. military and allied nations. We have an extensive manufacturing network across the United States and continue to invest in it. Work on the program will take place at BAE Systems’ facilities in Aiken, South Carolina; Minneapolis, Minnesota; San Jose, California; Sterling Heights, Michigan; and York, Pennsylvania

https://www.armyrecognition.com/february_2019_global_defense_security_army_news_industry/us_army_contract_for_bae_systems_for_ampv_low-rate_initial_production.html

Citation :

L’US Army a mis au point une grenade pour capturer les mini-drones

par Laurent Lagneau · 23 février 2019



Survols de centrales nucléaires ou à proximité de sites militaires sensibles, perturbations du trafic aérien près des aéroports [comme à Londres, Dubaï ou, plus récemment, à Dublin], détournement à des fins terroristes, comme l’a montré l’État islamique… Les drones que l’on trouve facilement dans le commerce peuvent poser de gros problèmes en matière de sécurité.

Ce qui fait que le marché des solutions « anti-drones » va croître significativement dans les années à venir. Et, en la matière, nombreux sont les industriels à s’être lancés dans la course, avec des dispositifs qui se veulent toujours plus innovants et efficaces. Ainsi, l’on parle de brouiller les signaux entre un drone et sa station de contrôle, de neutralisation électromagnétique, de capacités à localiser le propriétaire de l’engin… Ce qui est toujours mieux que d’utiliser les gros moyens.

En effet, en 2017, le général David Perkins, de l’US Army, a raconté qu’un allié des États-Unis avait utilisé le système de défense aérienne Patriot pour abattre un mini-drone. « Ce quadcopter, qui coûte 200 dollars sur Amazon.com n’avait pas une chance contre un missile Patriot […] En revanche, je ne suis pas sûr que le rapport économique soit à son avantage », avait-il dit.

Quoi qu’il en soit, en la matière, l’US Army a mis au point un concept à la fois efficace et peu coûteux. Sans doute que les super héros « Marvel », en particulier Spiderman, ont inspiré les ingénieurs de l’Armament Research, Development, and Engineering Center [ARDEC]… Car ces derniers ont imaginé une grenade de 40 mm qui, une fois tirée par un lance-grenade M320 [ou Mk-19 ] libère un filet lesté qui permet de capturer un drone suspect, voire plusieurs quand ils évoluent en essaim. Et cela, à condition de le[s] détecter à temps…

Quoi qu’il en soit, cette solution a fait l’objet d’un dépôt de brevet [.pdf]. « Les petites unités terrestres mobiles, déjà équipées de lanceurs M320, pourraient facilement transporter des dizaines de grenades de ce type pour éliminer de petits drones à des centaines de mètres de distance », fait ainsi valoir Techlink, une structure chargée de commercialiser les innovations issues des rangs du Pentagone. Comme quoi, il n’est nullement besoin d’un marteau pour écraser une mouche…

http://www.opex360.com/2019/02/23/lus-army-a-mis-au-point-une-grenade-pour-capturer-les-mini-drones/