US Army

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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 :

U.S. Army approves JLTV program’s transition into Full-Rate Production

Jun 22, 2019



Photo by Scott Farley

The U.S. Army has announced on Friday that Dr. Bruce Jette, Assistant Secretary of the Army for Acquisition, Logistics and Technology, approved the Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV) program’s transition into Full-Rate Production yesterday.

The JLTV is a family of vehicles developed to replace the High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle (HMMWV) for some missions. The JLTV is expected to provide protection for passengers against current and future battlefield threats, increased payload capacity, and improved automotive performance over the up-armored HMMWV variant, which includes an armor package. It is designed to be transported by air or ship. Two- and four-seat variants are planned with multiple mission configurations.

According to a statement released by the Program Executive Office for Combat Support & Combat Service Support, the approval follows an Army decision in December 2018 to begin fielding the new platform with the Army’s 1st Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division, Fort Stewart, Georgia, in April. The 1-3 ID became the Army’s first unit equipped with JLTVs in April 2019, after receiving more than 300 vehicles.

Fieldings to the Ordnance School, Fort Lee, Virginia, the 84th Training Command, Fort McCoy, Wisconsin, the Marine Corps’ School of Infantry-West at Camp Pendleton, California, as well as the School of Infantry-East, Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, have also been completed.

“Thanks to tremendous teamwork across two services on requirements, resources, program management, testing, and other areas, this is a great modernization success story. JLTV shows how teams focused on stable requirements, mature technologies and the right incentives can deliver meaningful capability advancements in a cost-conscious way,” said Jeffrey White, Jette’s principal deputy.

The JLTV family of vehicles is designed to restore payload and performance that were traded from light tactical vehicles to add protection in recent conflict, giving commanders an improved protected mobility solution and the first vehicle purpose-built for modern battlefield networks.

“Getting an improved capability into the hands of Soldiers and Marines has been our team’s driving focus throughout this program, said Michael Sprang, Project Manager, Joint Program Office, Joint Light Tactical Vehicles. They are why we do what we do, and I’m so proud of the hard-working team that brought us to this point.

“We are also grateful for Soldier feedback on new features and enhancements,” he continued. “The Soldiers of the 1st ABCT, 3rd Infantry Division provided valuable input on enhancements such as increased situational awareness, reduction of system noise, a troop seat kit, and a companion JLTV trailer. Their assessments helped bring us all to a successful Full-Rate Production decision.”

The JLTV program remains on schedule and on budget to replace a significant portion of the Army’s High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle fleet. The JLTV comes in two variants and four mission package configurations: General Purpose, Close Combat Weapons Carrier, Heavy Guns Carrier, and a Utility vehicle. The U.S. Navy and Air Force also plan to field JLTVs in much smaller quantities.

https://defence-blog.com/army/u-s-army-approves-jltv-programs-transition-into-full-rate-production.html

Citation :

New robotic combat vehicles could help Soldiers knock out defenses

Jun 27, 2019


Marines from the 2nd Combat Engineer Battalion, Camp Lejeune, N.C., operate an Assault Breaching Vehicle with robotic operation capabilities
at Yakima Training Center, Yakima, Wash., May 1, as part of Joint Warfighting Assessment 2019. Photo by Staff Sgt. Monte Swift


Gen. John Murray, head of Army Futures Command, discussed during the International Armored Vehicles USA how robotic combat vehicles will change the way Army formations look and fight.

Army Futures Command is behind many of the Army’s efforts to achieve that overmatch, which include over 30 projects within its Cross-Functional Teams that are responsible for tackling modernization priorities.

While speaking at the International Armored Vehicles USA conference Tuesday, Gen. John Murray, the AFC commander, noted robotic combat vehicles as one endeavor that could help Soldiers knock out defenses.

During a Joint Warfighting Assessment in May, Murray observed Soldiers and Marines conducting defensive and attack maneuvers using breacher vehicles with robotic capabilities at Yakima Training Center in Washington.

By fiscal year 2023, he said he expects “critical decisions” to be made on robotic combat vehicles after years of experimentation.

“If there’s one single thing I think that will change fundamentally the way we look and the way we fight,” he said, “is the possibility of deploying robotic combat vehicles in the future, either completely autonomous or semi-autonomous as wingmen.”

This fall, proposals are also due from industry partners on their ideas for the Optionally Manned Fighting Vehicle, which will replace Bradley Fighting Vehicles starting in 2026.

AFC officially stood up last year, he said, after the Army missed a generation of modernization while fighting for years in counterinsurgency campaigns.

Representing the most significant Army reorganization effort since 1973, the command was created to prepare for the ongoing waves of changes in warfare.

“The Army fundamentally woke up and realized that we have missed the wave,” he said. “They were crashing on the shore and we were about chest deep in water.”

China and Russia, he said, took note of how the Army waged war and developed anti-access/area denial capabilities to separate Army units and their partners on the battlefield.

“Where we have been is no longer good enough,” said Maj. Gen. Gary Brito, head of the Army Maneuver Center of Excellence. “The operational environment, threat and technology are driving us to change.”

Today’s potential adversaries, Brito said, have expanded the battlefield in four ways: time, domains, geography and nontraditional actors.

While less kinetic, the space, electronic warfare and cyber activities that they use are still effective, he said.

The Army’s new multi-domain operations concept, which leaders said could start becoming doctrine in the next year or two, is finding ways to defeat those capabilities.

“Multi-domain operations is here to stay,” Brito said. “We cannot put our heads in the dirt.”

Whether autonomous or not, he added next-generation combat vehicles will need to be innovative, agile, flexible and adaptive in order to succeed in a more chaotic and dispersed battlefield.

Senior Army leaders, including Murray, realigned nearly $30 billion over the next five years to modernization programs, such as combat vehicles.

“If we don’t do it now, we’ll probably be in [M1 Abrams tanks], Bradleys and [M113 armored personnel carriers] in 2035,” he said. “We just knew we couldn’t do that. We were behind.”

The character of war is changing, he explained, which is compounded by the proliferation of technology that is also available to adversaries.

“The rate of technological innovation will continue to increase at an ever-accelerating pace,” he said. “We’re not going to be able to slow it down. We’re going to have to figure out how to adapt to that rate of innovation.”

https://defence-blog.com/army/new-robotic-combat-vehicles-could-help-soldiers-knock-out-defenses.html  

Citation :

General Atomics To Provide Logistics Support To The Gray Eagle UAS

09:41 AM, June 29, 2019


Gray Eagle


General Atomics has won a $80 million contract to provide logistics support to the US Army’s Gray Eagle Block 0 Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS).

The MQ-1C Gray Eagle has a maximum altitude capability of 29,000 feet and can take off and land without operator assistance, according to published reports. Its payload includes advanced sensing gear and up to four Hellfire missiles.

Work is expected to be completed by June 28, 2020, the US Department of Defense said in a statement Friday

https://www.defenseworld.net/news/25052/General_Atomics_To_Provide_Logistics_Support_To_The_Gray_Eagle_UAS#.XRfeTqYw_IU

Citation :

BAE gets green light to build extended-range cannon prototype for US Army
By: Jen Judson   18 hours ago

Update - This story has been updated to further clarify that BAE will integrate the cannon onto the M109A7 howitzer and is not responsible for building the cannon.

WASHINGTON — BAE Systems has been given the go-ahead to integrate the various parts that will make up the U.S. Army’s Extended Range Cannon Artillery prototype through a $45 million contract award, according to a July 15 company statement.

Under the Army’s program, BAE will increase the range and the rate of fire on the current and future M109A7 self-propelled howitzers — otherwise known as Paladin Integrated Management.

The ERCA program is one of the Army’s near-term efforts within its No. 1 modernization priority — long-range precision fires — as adversaries have developed their own cannon artillery that out-ranges American capability.

https://www.defensenews.com/land/2019/07/15/bae-gets-green-light-to-build-us-army-extended-range-cannon-prototype/

Citation :

U.S. Army seeks information on M72-series portable one-shot anti-tank weapon

Jul 21, 2019


Photo by Sgt. Jesus Sepulveda Torres


The U.S. Army Contracting Command New Jersey (ACC-NJ) on behalf of the U.S. Army Project Manager Close Combat systems (PM CCS) is seeking information from industry to identify potential sources having an interest and industry technologies available to support and provide the M72-series Light Assault Weapon (LAW) portable one-shot 66-mm unguided anti-tank weapon and its variants.

In a Jul 19 sources-sought notice, the Army Contracting Command announced it is conducting market research to fund information from industry for production program supporting Army and Marine Corps ammunition stockpile requirements for M72 LAW and its variants, the M72AS Sub-caliber Trainer Launcher, the M72AS Sub-caliber Trainer Rocket, and the Components for Shoulder Launched Munitions Training Systems (SLM).

The period of performance of this requirement is expected to be 5 years and will result in a Firm Fixed Price Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity contract.

According to notice, the Army Contracting Command requires:
1.M72A7 LAW with Graze Fuze Function and Night Vision Device (NVD) Mount. The M72A7 LAW utilizes a shaped charge warhead, is used against light armored targets and can only be fired in the open field environment.
2.M72E8 LAW Fire from Enclosure and NVD Mount. The M72E8 LAW utilizes a shaped charge warhead with base detonating fuze, is used against light armored targets and can be fired from within an enclosure.
3.M72A9 LAW Anti-Structure Munition and NVD Mount. The M72A9 LAW has the capability to penetrate brick, adobe, concrete block, and urban terrain walls, doors and windows in most common Military Operations and can only be fired in the open field environment.
4.M72E10 LAW Fire from Enclosure Anti-Structure Munition and NVD Mount. The M72E10 LAW contains an enhanced explosives warhead with base detonating fuze, has the capability to penetrate brick, adobe, concrete block, and urban terrain walls and can be fired from within an enclosure.
5.M72AS Trainer Launchers. The M72AS trainer launcher is the training system for the M72 weapon system.
6.M72AS 21mm Subcaliber Training Rockets. The 21mm Training rocket is the ammunition for the M72AS training system
7.M72AS 21mm Subcaliber Inert Trainer. The Inert Training rocket is a classroom tool for the M72AS training system.
8.Components for Shoulder Launched Munitions Training Systems (various)

The M72 LAW is a portable one-shot 66-mm unguided anti-tank weapon that is issued as a round of ammunition.

In early 1963, the M72 LAW was adopted by the U.S. Army and U.S. Marine Corps as their primary individual infantry anti-tank weapon, replacing the M31 HEAT rifle grenade and the M20A1 “Super Bazooka” in the U.S. Army. It was subsequently adopted by the U.S. Air Force to serve in an anti-emplacement/anti-armor role in Air Base Defense duties.

https://defence-blog.com/army/u-s-army-seeks-information-on-m72-series-portable-one-shot-anti-tank-weapon.html

Citation :

U.S. Army to designate its new self-propelled howitzers as M1299

Jul 22, 2019


Photos courtesy of U.S. Army Yuma Proving Ground


The U.S. Army officially confirmed that it will designate the newest 155mm self-propelled howitzer (SPH) as M1299.

According to new data from the U.S. Army, a new artillery system developing under the Extended Range Cannon Artillery program will be called the M1299 and the prototype designate as XM1299.

The U.S. Army’s extended-range artillery system designed to increase the range and rate of fire on current and future M109A7 self-propelled howitzers. Compared to its predecessors, a new artillery system will receive two leading-edge technology – new XM1113 rocket-boosted shell and a longer howitzer 58 caliber cannon increases range from 38km to 70km+.

In addition, M1299 will have a fully automated ammunition loading system increases rate of fire from 3 rpm to 10 rpm and a communications system that will work in GPS-denied environments.

The U.S. Army aspires to field systems capable of accurately firing at targets 100 kilometers away in the next four years, a dramatic increase over the 30 kilometers a currently-fielded 155mm howitzer shell is capable of when fired at the top zone with rocket assistance.

Building on mobility upgrades, M1299 will increase the lethality of self-propelled howitzers. New SPH provides a “10x” capability through a combination of an increased range, increased rate of fire, increased lethality, increased reliability and greater survivability.

M1299 will provide integrated cannon artillery technology solutions to maximize performance at a system level and regain lethality overmatch for U.S. Army 155mm indirect fire systems for operations in emerging battlespaces and near/peer environments.




https://defence-blog.com/army/u-s-army-to-designate-its-new-self-propelled-howitzers-as-m1299.html

Citation :

U.S. Army awards $249M in contract for T-11 advanced parachute system

Jul 24, 2019


Photo by Staff Sgt. Opal Vaughn


The U.S. Army has awarded the contract for the purchase T-11 Personnel Parachute System, according to the U.S. Department of Defense.

Airborne Systems North America (ASNA) from Santa Ana and Ashville-based Mills Manufacturing Corp. will compete for orders of $249 million contract for Army’s new T-11 personnel parachute system.

Bids were solicited via the internet with two received. Work locations and funding will be determined with each order, with an estimated completion date of July 22, 2019.

The Advanced Tactical Parachute System T-11 is intended to replace 50,000 T-10 parachute system and will provide the airborne Soldier with the first modernization of the tactical parachute system since the 1950s.

There are several major differences between the T-10 parachute system, which the brigade utilized until just recently, and the T-11. The T-11 is able to handle a load capacity of more than 400 pounds to accommodate today’s paratrooper and their equipment load.

Additionally, the new parachute is cruciform in shape, as opposed to a circle, with a larger surface area and diameter. Due to its difference in shape and size, the new parachute system slows the rate of descent from 22 feet per second to 19.1 feet per second, which greatly reduces the chance of jump-related injuries.

The T-11 system includes the main canopy and harness and the T-11R reserve parachute.


Photo by Staff Sgt. Opal Vaughn

https://defence-blog.com/army/u-s-army-awards-249m-in-contract-for-t-11-advanced-parachute-system.html

Citation :

U.S. Army reveals more details of its latest variant of Abrams tanks

Jul 25, 2019


Image by fox10phoenix.com


The U.S. Army has revealed new details about the latest version of America’s iconic main battle tank, called the M1A2C Abrams.

In an interview for FOX 10, Yuma Proving Ground’s test engineer Robert Wilson said that the upgrade of a new version of Abrams tank includes a new machine gun for the tank commander, improved fire control, with the crew being able to set the distance it wants a shell to explode, better infrared sights, and a new power unit that allows the tank to power communications and sensors without running its 1,500 horsepower gas turbine engine.

The list of improvements is lengthy: improved fire control electronics mean the M1A2C’s gun can shoot faster and more accurately; the engine, drivetrain, and tracks have been updated for higher performance and to support the platform’s weight increase.

“The sheer power of it moving over 70 tons, no problem,” said Wilson. “You can obviously see in the videos, it takes off like nothing.”

Earlier this year was reported that rhis version rectifies many of the space, weight and power issues identified during Operation Iraqi Freedom and will be the foundational variant for all future incremental upgrades. In addition to having improved survivability, the Abrams M1A2C can host any mature technology the Army deems operationally relevant. Improvements focus on increasing the electrical power margin, Vehicle Health Management Systems, integrated counter-improvised explosive device protection, a new Auxiliary Power Unit, embedded training and an ammunition data link.

It is the most reliable Abrams tank ever produced, will decrease the Army’s logistic burden, and leads the Army in enterprise-level connectivity to maintenance and supply systems.

Some sources reported that new the latest version of Abrams will be fitted with a cutting-edge active protection system for tanks eliminates enemy threats, such as rocket-propelled grenades and anti-tank guided missiles.

https://defence-blog.com/army/u-s-army-reveals-more-details-of-its-latest-variant-of-abrams-tanks.html

Citation :

US Army Contracts General Atomics To Support Its MQ-1C Drones


08:20 AM, July 31, 2019


MQ-1C Gray Eagle drone


General Atomics has won a $21.7 million modification contract to supply spares and ground support equipment for US Army’s fleet of extended range MQ-1C Gray Eagle drones.

“General Atomics was awarded a $21.7 million modification contract for MQ-1C Gray Eagle extended range aircraft unique initial spares and ground support equipment,” the US department of Defense said in a statement Tuesday.

The Gray Eagle unmanned combat vehicle has a maximum altitude capability of 29,000 feet and can take-off and land without operator assistance. The drone’s payload includes advanced sensing gear, four GBU-44/B Viper strike bombs, and up to four Hellfire missiles or eight AIM-92 Stinger missiles.

Work is estimated to be completed by July 31, 2021.

https://www.defenseworld.net/news/25220/US_Army_Contracts_General_Atomics_To_Support_Its_MQ_1C_Drones#.XUHXx6Yw_IU

Citation :

U.S. Army to procure new 40mm M320 grenade launchers

Aug 1, 2019


Photo by Pfc. Laurie Ellen Schubert


The U.S. Army is set to procure a new batch of 40mm M320 and 40mm M320A1 grenade launchers designed to attach to a rifle or be fired independently, the Army Contracting Command announced in Jul. 30 notice posted to the U.S. government’s main contracting website.

In a notice posted on the Federal website, the Army Contracting Command announced the Government anticipates issuing a formal request for proposal, on or around 30 August 2019, to procure new M320 and M320A1 Grenade Launcher Modules (GLMs).

“The Government intends to award a single award IDIQ contract with a five year ordering period on a best value trade-off basis. Delivery orders will be issued on a Firm-Fixed-Price basis,” said in the notice adding that “the estimated quantities expected to be ordered during the ordering period are 1,000 40mm M320 GLMs and 15,000 40mm M320A1 GLMs.”

M320 Grenade Launcher Module (GLM) is the U.S. military’s designation for a new single-shot 40 mm grenade launcher system to replace the M203 for the U.S. Army, while other services initially kept using the older M203.

The M320 has three major parts: a grenade launcher with a rifled barrel, Day/Night Sight (DNS) produced by Insight Technology, Inc and a handheld Laser Range Finder (LRF).

The M320 can be used as a weapon itself or attached to a carbine rifle. The heavier barrel causes the weapon to have a longer lifespan because the more rounds fired through a lighter barrel can deteriorate accuracy much quicker than a thicker one.

The M320 has a removable stock that can be attached to the weapon to allow it to fire as its own weapon. Another of the features Soldiers prefer is how the weapon is loaded. While the M203 was loaded by pushing the barrel forward, the M320’s breach swings open with the press of a button to allow loading from the side.


Photo by Jason Johnston

https://defence-blog.com/army/u-s-army-to-procure-new-40mm-m320-grenade-launchers.html

Citation :

U.S. Army awards Northrop Grumman with $25M contract for medium-caliber ammunition

Aug 2, 2019


A U.S. Army 30mm cannon Stryker Infantry Carrier Vehicle - Dragoon assigned to Apache Troop, 1st Squadron, 2d Cavalry Regiment. Photo by
Pfc. Denice Lopez


Northrop Grumman Corporation, one of the world’s leading producers of 30mm tactical and training ammunition, said on Friday it had got a $24.8 million order for delivering 30x173mm PGU 46/B HEI rounds to the U.S. Army.

The ammunition order will be manufactured at Northrop Grumman-operated facilities in Virginia and West Virginia, and processed through the company at the Lake City Army Ammunition Plant in Independence, Missouri. Earlier this year, the U.S. Army ordered $194 million of small-caliber ammunition produced at Lake City.

“We have a long, proven history of delivering the products our soldiers need to help defend our nation,” said Rick Lavelock, vice president, small caliber systems, Northrop Grumman. “This order, for expertly manufactured ammunition, is a testament to the continuous unwavering commitment we have for the U.S. Army.”

The PGU-46 is a modification of the PGU-13 HEI, adding a non self destruct, Northrop Grumman Low Drag fuze.

The Low Drag fuzes produced exclusively by Northrup Grumman, provides superior performance at extended ranges. These rounds are capable of defeating light armor vehicles and ground targets used with the Mk44 and GAU-23 (which arm AC BOJ gunships) or any cannon firing 30mm x 173mm ammunition.

According to The Drive, the single-barrel GAU-23/A is a variant of Orbital ATK’s Bushmaster II cannon. The Navy has installed its own version, the Mk 44, on the San Antonio-class of amphibious ships and the new Zumwalt-class destroyers as a means of defending against small, swarming watercraft.

The U.S. Army recently began to field a new type of Stryker armored vehicle with another variant of the weapon, known as the XM813.

Northrop Grumman’s 30mm ammunition is currently fired from many platforms worldwide.


https://defence-blog.com/army/u-s-army-awards-northrop-grumman-with-25m-contract-for-medium-caliber-ammunition.html  

Citation :

Le futur fusil d’assaut de l’US Army utilisera des cartouches de 6,8 mm en ayant recours à l’intelligence artificielle

par Laurent Lagneau · 4 août 2019



À partir de 2023, l’US Army remplacera les mitrailleuses légères M249 et les carabines M4 de ses unités de mêlée par de nouvelles armes développées dans le cadre du programme NGSW [Next Generation Squad Weapons], pour lequel 30 millions de dollars devraient être consentis au titre de l’exercice budgétaire 2020 pour financer la phase de recherche et de développement actuellement en cours.

Concrètement, il s’agit de mettre au point deux armes : le NGSW-R [R pour Riffle] remplacera les carabines M4/M4A1 tandis que le NGSW-AR [AR pour « Automatic Riffle »] succédera aux mitrailleuses M249 Squad [SAW]. Au total, l’US Army compte commander 100.000 exemplaires de ces futures armes qui auront une précision, une portée et une létalité accrues tout en étant plus silencieuses.

Pour cela, le cahier des charges précise que ces armes devront être en mesure de tirer des cartouches spéciales de 6,8 mm, appelées XM1186. Par rapport à celles de 5,56x45mm actuellement utilisées, elles ont une capacité de pénétration supérieure, tout en offrant une meilleure portée et une précision améliorée.

Justement, s’agissant de la précision, ces armes seront en outre équipées d’un système de conduite de tir devant visant à augmenter « la capacité du soldat à engager rapidement des cibles de la taille d’un homme jusqu’à 600 mètres ou plus tout en lui laissant la possibilité de mener un combat au corps à corps ».

Ce système de conduite de tir devrait intégrer plusieurs fonctions, comme le suivi de cible, la reconnaissance faciale et une optique principale à vision directe intégrant la réalité augmentée, une capacité qui sera probablement fournie par Microsoft, qui développe l’IVAS [Integrated Visual Augmentation System] dans le cadre d’un contrat de 480 millions de dollars notifié par le Pentagone en novembre 2018.

Par ailleurs, et selon le Joint Service Small Arms Program, cité par Defence Blog, il aura recours à l’intelligence artificielle pour l’identification des menaces et la « hiérarchisation des priorités ».

Il s’agira également de permettre au tireur de prendre en compte la « distance par rapport à la cible, les conditions atmosphériques et la balistique des armes et des munitions. » Le tout sera alimenté par une batterie logée dans la crosse et donnant une autonomie de 72 heures.

En outre, les lentilles des caméras devant équiper ces armes seront « hydrophobes » et « anti-rayures ». Enfin, le NGSW devra également être compatible avec les systèmes d’optique et de vision nocturne actuels.

Plusieurs industriels sont sur les rangs pour fournir des prototypes à l’US Army, dont AAI Corporation [filiale de Textron Systems], General Dynamics-OTS Inc, PCP Tactical LLC, Sig Sauer et FN America LLC.

Photo : Joint Service Small Arms Program

http://www.opex360.com/2019/08/04/le-futur-fusil-dassaut-de-lus-army-utilisera-des-cartouches-de-68-mm-en-ayant-recours-a-lintelligence-artificielle/

Citation :

U.S. Army to unveil first IM-SHORAD prototype in October

Aug 9, 2019



The U.S. Army will take the opportunity at the AUSA Annual Meeting and Exposition in Washington D.C. to unveil a new air and missile defense Stryker variant that will be further developed to harden ground forces in Europe from Russian threats.

Over the past 15 years, the Army inactivated many of its Short Range Air Defense (SHORAD) units because leaders didn’t see a compelling need for them. Then the Russians showed what they could do in Ukraine, attacking with drones, rockets and missiles, and setting up considerable anti-access, aerial denial.

The Inside Defense reported Thursday, citing program manager for cruise missile defense systems Col. Chuck Worshim, that first Initial-Maneuver-Short Range Air Defense vehicle will be on display at the Association of the US Army (AUSA) exhibition in October.

The new air defense system, called the IM-SHORAD, will be integrated on the Stryker A1 platform, will provide maneuver Brigade Combat Teams with a full “detect-identify-track-defeat” capability required to defeat Unmanned Aerial System (UAS), rotary-wing and fixed-wing threats.

The new combat system includes kinetic and non-kinetic defeat capabilities and an on-board radar that would provide 360-degree air defense protection of the Stryker and Armor Brigade Combat Teams (BCT) throughout the range of military operations.

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 the current information, the U.S. Army expects to receive the first 36 Stryker-based air defense systems in FY21, and between 36-72 units per year in FY22 and FY23. Follow on battalions will be equipped with enhanced effectors such as a laser or improved missile.



https://defence-blog.com/army/u-s-army-to-unveil-first-im-shorad-prototype-in-washington-in-october.html

Citation :

U.S. Army moves forward with purchase of Iron Dome system


in Army, Missiles & Bombs, News


Photo by the Israel Defense Forces


The U.S. Army took its first official step toward purchasing a new Iron Dome missile defense system, according to Defense News.

America’s military magazine, Defense News, quoting the deputy in charge of the service’s air and missile defense modernization efforts, has confirmed that the contract to purchase two Iron Dome batteries for the U.S. Army’s interim cruise missile defense capability has been finalized.

“Now that the contract is set in stone, the Army will be able to figure out delivery schedules and details in terms of taking receipt of the systems,” Daryl Youngman told Defense News at the Space and Missile Defense Symposium in Huntsville, Alabama, on Aug. 8.

The Iron Dome is the world’s most-used system, intercepting more than 1,900 incoming targets with a success rate exceeding 90 percent since being fielded in 2011.

Iron Domedetects, assesses and intercepts a variety of shorter-range targets such as rockets, artillery and mortars. It is effective day or night and in all weather conditions including low clouds, rain, dust storms and fog. It features a first-of-its-kind multi-mission launcher designed to fire a variety of interceptor missiles.

The system can protect deployed and maneuvering forces, as well as the Forward Operating Base (FOB) and urban areas, against a wide range of indirect and aerial threats.

Last month, a senior advisor to the director of the Air and Missile Defense Cross-Functional Team of Army Futures Command, Terry Young stated that the U.S. negotiated with Israel for a contract to purchase two batteries of the Iron Dome system.

“Right now, we’re thinking ‘Iron Dome’ offers the best solution for an initial capability for IFPC,” Young said. Iron Dome is an air defense system used by Israel effectively in over 1,900 combat engagements, he said. Further testing and experimentation with the Iron Dome System and its components will take place and help inform the Army’s enduring solution for IFPC, he said.

According to Army News Service, Young was part of a team that went to Israel earlier this year to get briefed and observe the Iron Dome and its capabilities in action. The team included the AMD CFT director, the Air Defense Artillery School commandant and elements from Program Executive Office Missiles and Space.

https://defence-blog.com/army/u-s-army-moves-forward-with-purchase-of-iron-dome-system.html

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U.S. Army awards Honeywell $110 Million to increase Abrams engine performance

Aug 16, 2019


Photo by 1st Lt. Robert Barney


The U.S. Army awarded American multinational conglomerate Honeywell a $110,8 million to provide spare parts for the Honeywell-made AGT1500 gas turbine engine for the M1 Abrams family of vehicles.

Honeywell’s AGT1500 engine provides superior acceleration and mobility to the M1 Abrams, making it the platform of choice for the U.S. Army, Marine Corps, National Guard, and many international allies. With more than 40 million miles of use over 25 years, the engine has proved its operational performance and reliability.

The U.S. Department of Defense announced on Thursday an agreement that will make it easier and speed the delivery of overhauls, maintenance and equipment while significantly cutting maintenance costs of Abrams tanks fleet.

The new agreement is part of the Army’s Total Integrated Engine Revitalization (TIGER) program to meet the Anniston Army Depot production of the Advanced Gas Turbine 1500 engine for the Abrams tanks and TIGER field repair site requirements.

“Work will be performed in Phoenix, Arizona, with an estimated completion date of Feb. 22, 2022,” said in DoD.

The U.S. Army’s TIGER program enhances the longevity of the M1 Abrams battle tank through data collection for strategic-decision making and field support, and doubling the durability of fielded engines. By evaluating key factors such as operating history and engine performance trends, individual engine part designs can be improved using commercial best practices to ensure a near-new engine standard on the AGT1500 for fielded Abrams tanks.

https://defence-blog.com/army/u-s-army-awards-honeywell-110-million-to-increase-abrams-engine-performance.html

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173rd Airborne Brigade

Your “Rock” #SkySoldiers have been training hard during Exercise Rock Shock Two in Grafenwoehr Training Area, Germany.

Rock Shock Two is a multi-day combined live-fire exercise that tests company and squad level capabilities through tough, high intensity training
in day and night conditions.

2D Battalion (Airborne) 503D Infantry "The Rock" is posturing to fight during Exercise Saber Junction 2019 which will commence in September.

Sky Soldiers!

(U.S. Army photos by Sgt. Henry Villarama and Spc. Ryan Lucas)

PHOTOS:

 

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1st Battalion (Airborne), 503rd Infantry Regiment

DAY 3 CALFEX Recap:

#FirstRock #Paratroopers continued to build confidence on our weapons as we progress towards the live fire iterations.

Dog Company executed a TOW #Missile range, the Scouts of Hostile Company qualified on their various weapon systems
including the Barrett M107 .50 caliber #SniperRifle, and several companies executed a M320 Grenade Launcher Range.

PHOTOS:

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 2d Cavalry Regiment

Maintaining proficiency, our lethal Quickstrike Troop, 4th Squadron, 2d Cavalry Regiment #soldiers successfully fired multiple tube launched,
optically tracked, wire guided (TOW) missiles during gunnery this week!
(U.S. Army by 1st Lt. Ellen C. Brabo)

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Field Artillery Squadron, 2d Cavalry Regiment

#FreedomFriday || #ArtilleryHell take a look at some awesome pictures of Bulldog Battery sending rounds down range in Georgia
! Their commitment to excellence in training helps build trust between us and our multinational partners during exercises like
Agile Spirit 19. Keep crushing it Bulldog and stay #AlwaysReady !

PHOTOS:

 

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U.S. Army discloses development of biosensors for future warfighter

Aug 18, 2019


Photo by Master Sgt. Michel Sauret


The U.S. Army has newly disclosed details on the development of biosensor technologies to benefit future warfighter.

The researchers’ group is currently working on peptide-based receptor development for potential integration into wearable biosensors, according to new data from the U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command Army Research Laboratory.

In the multifaceted operational environments of future wars, Army forces will need to be more adaptive and optimized for execution. The development and production of ruggedized biosensors can provide real-time feedback for soldier health, performance, and biothreats.

The new technology will use Protein Catalyzed Capture agents based receptors, that should provide present a rate of detection tree times faster when carbon nanotubes are used in the nano-biosensor construction, preventing the attachment of the protein to the device components.

The change in electric resistance of carbon nanotubes when proteins touch them is immediate, which confer to the device a fast recognition ability, and leads to increased efficiency of the biosensor.

The new biosensors will be embedded under or on the skin and designed to find a specific molecule and signals from body.

Cutting-Edge technology will support water and food defense, individual soldier protection, collective protection and soldier health monitoring.

Protein Catalyzed Capture agents will be integrated into silicon-based photonic integrated circuits sensors to provide multiplex detection with true portability and high accuracy for Department of Defense relevant applications.

Peptide-based receptors fulfill the need for alternative antibodies by addressing critical gaps in adaptability, manufacturability, and stability. Also, PCCs can be integrated into multiple platforms for real-time monitoring of biothreats and soldier health and performance.




https://defence-blog.com/army/u-s-army-discloses-development-of-biosensors-for-future-warfighter.html

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U.S. Army seeking information from contractors for enhanced parachute oxygen delivery system

Aug 20, 2019


Photo by Sgt. 1st Class Brent Powell


The U.S. Army Contracting Command on Monday issued a request for information for enhanced Parachutist Oxygen Delivery System (PODS) that will provide parachutists with oxygen (O2) during all phases of high altitude and standoff insertions.

Oxygen consumption studies have confirmed that the current parachutist oxygen mask, which employs a dilution-demand technology, cannot provide the parachutist with sufficient oxygen to support these extended operations when used with current O2 bailout bottles,” according to a notice posted to U.S. government’s main contracting website this week.

“Future Ram Air parachute systems are expected to have descent rates of approximately 9 feet/second from an objective altitude of 35,000 feet Mean Sea Level (MSL), exceeding 60 minutes from the parachutist’s exit from the aircraft to the ground,” said in the request.

The Army Contracting Command is interested in information regarding both complete O2 systems and individual components, Technical Readiness Level (TRL) 6 or higher, which may meet this requirement. Individual components shall be capable of integration into the existing parachutist oxygen system. The Government intends to perform any required integration.

At present a complete system is anticipated to be comprised of a Parachutist Oxygen Mask (POM), an Individual Oxygen System (IOS) such as a bailout cylinder, an on-board Oxygen Console to support parachutist pre-breathing or supplemental O2 requirements, a Transfer Pump to charge the IOS, and a Test Device to test POM performance. However, any system/component/configuration that meets performance requirements is of interest.

According to released technical requirements, the new system should provide the parachutist with sufficient O2 concentration for a minimum 45-minute parachutist descent, plus provide sufficient O2 to support parachutist through a pre-breathing phase of 75 minutes.

Also noted that the enhanced parachute oxygen delivery system shall operate at temperatures ranging from -65 deg F to 140 deg F and humidity ranging from zero to 100 percent (100%) condensing, in non-cold soak environment.


A United States Army Special Forces Soldier, assigned to 10th Special Forces Group (Airborne), receives an equipment check during training at
Tunnel Drop Zone, Eloy, AZ, Sep. 14, 2018. Photo by Spc. Christopher Stevenson

https://defence-blog.com/army/u-s-army-seeking-information-from-contractors-for-enhanced-parachute-oxygen-delivery-system.html  

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U.S. Army to receive additional wireless-guided TOW missiles

Aug 22, 2019


Photo by Sgt. William Prahl


Raytheon, one of the world’s largest defense contractors, has announced on Wednesday that company will deliver additional tube-launched, optically tracked, wireless-guided missiles for the TOW weapon system under a$101 millionU.S. Army contract announced by the U.S. Department of Defense onMay 10, 2019.

The weapon system transitioned to wireless guidance in 2010 and is being produced for the Army, U.S. Marines and international customers, according to a news release put out by Raytheon.

The TOW system consists of two pieces: the tube-launched, optically-tracked, wireless-guided TOW missile, and the Improved Targeting Acquisition System that enables the missile to acquire and lock on to a target. It is capable of destroying an armored target from up to 3,750 meters away.

With both day and night capabilities, it can be a combat multiplier for a unit facing armored threats or lacking aerial support.

The company’s website said the TOW weapon system, with the multi-mission TOW 2A, TOW 2B Aero and TOW Bunker Buster missiles, is a long-range, heavy assault-precision anti-armor, anti-fortification and anti-amphibious landing weapon system used throughout the world.

“TOW gives soldiers the upper hand in battle,” said Sam Deneke, Raytheon Land Warfare Systems vice president. “The system easily defeats opponents at long range in main battle tanks, fortified bunkers or moving armored vehicles.”

The TOW missile will remain in the Army’s inventory until at least 2034. Raytheon has delivered over 700,000 TOW weapon systems to U.S. and allied forces.

https://defence-blog.com/army/u-s-army-to-receive-additional-wireless-guided-tow-missiles.html