DTN News: U.S. Department of Defense Contracts Dated August 21, 2013

DTN News: U.S. Department of Defense Contracts Dated August 21, 2013
Source: U.S. DoD issued No.  600-13 August 21, 2013
(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - August 21, 2013: U.S. Department of Defense, Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense (Public Affairs) Contracts issued  August 21, 2013  are undermentioned;

Contracts

Air Force

            The Air Force is exercising an option with Computer Sciences Corp., Patrick Air Force Base, Fla., for $81,671,340 (estimate) cost-plus-award-fee, firm-fixed-price, cost-reimbursable contract.  The Eastern Range Technical Services will provide operations, maintenance and sustainment of critical range and launch processing systems that support the launch processing mission of the 45th Space Wing and its launch customers at Cape Canaveral Air Station.  Work will be performed at Patrick Air Force Base (AFB), Fla., and is expected to be completed by Sept. 30, 2014.  No funds are being obligated at time of award.  45 Contracting Squadron/LGCZR, Patrick AFB, Fla., is the contracting activity. (FA2521-07-C-0011)

            L-3 Communications Corp., Link Simulation and Training, Arlington, Texas, has been awarded an $18,510,814 modification (P00081) on a firm-fixed-price contract (FA8621-09-C-6292) for M6.2+ Operational Flight Program for the F-16 Mission Training Center.  The total cumulative value of the contract is $316,498,529.  Work will be performed at Arlington, Texas, and is expected to be completed by May 31, 2016.  Fiscal 2013 research and development funds in the amount of $6,900,000 are being obligated at time of award.  Air Force Life Cycle Management Center/WNSK, Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio, is the contracting activity.

            Science Applications International Corp. (SAIC), McLean, Va., and Signal Innovations Group (SIG) Inc., Durham, N.C. are being awarded indefinite-delivery, indefinite-quantity contracts for object physics for exploitation and recognition (OPERA) to obtain the capability to isolate and model physical mechanisms responsible for exploitation performance earlier in the exploitation development process.  Work will be performed at McLean, Va., and Durham, N.C., and is expected to be completed by Aug. 21, 2020.  This award is the result of a competitive acquisition and multiple offers were solicited through a BAA Call; four contractors submitted a total of five offers (one company submitted offers for both topics); however two contracts have been awarded.  The OPERA Program "Overall Ceiling", for the two separate contracts is $16,168,000; The Topic 1 (SAIC) contract (FA8650-13-D-1622) price ceiling is $9,274,000 and the Topic 2 (SIG) contract (FA8650-13-D-1623) price ceiling is $5,894,000.  Fiscal 2013 research and development funds in the amount of $50,000 for task order 0001 for SAIC and funds in the amount of $675,000 for task order 0001 for SIG will be obligated.  These are not multiyear funds.  Air Force Research Laboratory/RQKSR, Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio, is the contracting activity. 

Defense Logistics Agency

           Phoenix Textile Corp.**, O’Fallon, Miss., has been awarded a maximum $80,730,677 modification (P00006) exercising the second option-year period of a one-year base contract (SPM2D0-11-D-0008) with seven one-year option periods for various medical and surgical products.  The contract is a fixed-price with an economic-price-adjustment, indefinite-delivery/indefinite quantity contract.  Location of performance is Missouri, with an Aug. 24, 2014 performance completion date.  Using services are Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and federal civilian agencies.  Type of appropriation is fiscal 2013 warstopper funds.  The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support, Philadelphia, Pa.

            DRS Tactical Systems Inc., Melbourne, Fla., has been awarded a maximum $61,568,105 for support of Force Battle Command Brigade and Below (FBCB2) program.  The contract is a five-year, firm-fixed-price, sole-source contract.  Location of performance is Florida, with an Aug. 20, 2018 performance completion date.  Using service is Army.  Type of appropriation is fiscal 2013 through fiscal 2018 Army working capital funds.  The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Land and Maritime, Aberdeen Proving Grounds, Md., SPRBL1-13-D-0024.

Navy

            Northrop Grumman Systems Corp., San Diego, Calif., is being awarded a $27,599,424 modification to a previously awarded cost-plus-fixed-fee contract (N00019-12-C-0117) to exercise an option for additional operations and maintenance services in support of the Broad Area Maritime Surveillance – Demonstrator Unmanned Aircraft System.  Work will be performed in Patuxent River, Md. (70 percent), and outside continental United States (30 percent), and is expected to be completed in May 2014.  Fiscal 2013 operations and maintenance, Navy contract funds in the amount of $27,599,424 will be obligated at the time of award, all of which will expire at the end of the current fiscal year.  The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity.

            Logos Technologies Inc.*, Arlington, Va., is being awarded an $8,000,994 modification to a previously awarded firm-fixed-price contract (N68335-12-C-0192) to exercise an option for field service representatives, operators, and analysts required to support Persistent Ground Surveillance Systems Kestrel systems deployed outside of the continental United States for the U.S. Army.  Work will be performed in Afghanistan (90 percent), and Fairfax, Va. (10 percent), and is expected to be completed in February 2014.  Fiscal 2013 operations and maintenance, Army contract funds in the amount of $8,000,994 are being obligated on this award, all of which will expire at the end of the current fiscal year.  The Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division, Lakehurst, N.J.,is the contracting activity.

            Central Texas College, Killeen, Texas, is being awarded $7,689,190 for modification #P00005 under a previously awarded firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract (N00189-09-D-Z059) for Navy’s Center for Personal and Professional Development Navy College Program for Afloat College Education instructor led services.  Work will be performed on Navy ships worldwide (84 percent); Norfolk, Va. (8 percent); San Diego, Calif. (8 percent), and is expected to be completed by Sept. 30, 2014.  Funding for this contract will be done on individual task orders using fiscal 2014 operations and maintenance, Navy funds, which will not expire before the end of the current fiscal year.  This contract was awarded on a competitive basis using Navy Electronic Commerce On-line, with one offer received in response to the solicitation.  The NAVSUP Fleet Logistics Center Norfolk, Philadelphia Office, Philadelphia, Pa., is the contracting activity.

            Correction:  No. 582-13, Aug. 14, 2013:  Contract awarded to Whitesell-Green Inc.*, Pensacola, Fla., for $15,949,000, is revised to show the corrected contract number as N69450-13-C-1257.

Army

           BAE Systems Land and Armaments, L.P., York, Penn., was awarded a firm-fixed price, no option, multi-year, contract with a cumulative maximum value of $149,882,446 for forty-nine M88A2 Heavy Equipment Recovery Combat Utility Lift Evacuation System (HERCULES) and three sets of spare parts.  Performance location will be York, Penn., and funding will be from fiscal 2013 other funding. This contract was a competitive acquisition with one offer received.  The U.S. Army Contracting Command – Tank and Automotive, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (W56HZV-13-C-0358).

           General Electric Aviation, Lynn, Mass., was awarded a firm-fixed price, no option , non-multi-year contract with a cumulative maximum value of $57,498,658 for seventy-two each of production T700-GE-701D engines with extended warranties and four each spares and support for the Unites States Army for the Government of the Republic of Korea.  Performance location will be Lynn, Mass., and funding will be from fiscal 2013 other funding. This contract is an approved Foreign Military Sale to the Republic of Korea. This contract was a competitive acquisition with three bids solicited and three received. The U.S. Army Contracting Command – Redstone Arsenal (Aviation), Redstone Arsenal, Ala., is the contracting activity (SPRTA1-12-G-0006).

           Patriot Construction, LLC.,  Dunkirk, Md., (W91278-13-D-0040); and Willis-McKenneys, 8(a) Joint Venture, Atlanta, Ga., (W91278-13-D-0041) were awarded a firm-fixed price, no option, multi-year contract with a cumulative maximum value of $25,000,000 to provide mechanical systems repair for DoD Army medical facilities in the Southeastern United States to include repair and replacement of mechanical systems such as heating, ventilation, air conditioning, plumbing, ductwork, exhaust systems and other related systems. Performance location will vary by task order and funding will be incremental and determined by each order.  This contract was a competitive acquisition with two offers received. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers – Mobile District, Mobile, AL is the contracting activity. 

           Coordinated Defense Supply Systems, Inc.*, Clinton Township, Mich., was awarded a firm-fixed price, no option, non-multi-year contract with a cumulative maximum value of $6,785,518 to provide 6,211 each tan, cover kits for medium tactical vehicles. Performance location will be Clinton Township, Mich., and funding will be $2,400,223 from fiscal 2011 other procurement, Army funds and $4,385,295 from fiscal 2012 other funding. This contract was a competitive acquisition with four offers received. The U.S. Army Contracting Command – Tank and Automotive, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity (W56HZV-13-C-0326).

 *Small Business

**Woman Owned Small Business

*Link for This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources U.S. DoD issued No.  600-13 August 21, 2013
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DTN News - INDIAN DEFENSE NEWS: Indian Air Force Su-30MKI Squadron To Be Based Near Indo-Pak Border

DTN News - INDIAN DEFENSE NEWS: Indian Air Force Su-30MKI Squadron To Be Based Near Indo-Pak Border

Source: DTN News - - This article compiled by Roger Smith 
(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - August 19, 2013:  DTN News has reported India was deploying its lethal combat arsenal near the Indo-Pak border, the Air Force (IAF) is going to base a squadron of its frontline fighter aircraft Su-30MKI at Sirsa in Haryana by December.

This will be the second squadron of the Su-30MKI to be deployed in the Western Command area after deployment of the aircraft in Halwara, Punjab.

The aircraft will be deployed in Sirsa which is a key base along the Pakistan border, IAF officials said.

Till now, the Sukhois have been deployed in seven squadrons including the two in the eastern sector at Tezpur and Chabua, Bareilly in Uttar Pradesh, Halwara in Punjab and at its home base Lohegaon in Pune.


The IAF is planning to induct a total of 272 Sukhois

India’s Air Force wants to put you in the cockpit of a Sukhoi Su-30 MKI—not the multi-million dollar fighter jet, but its digital avatar. It is planning to create flight simulators in the hope that young Indians will enlist.

The Air Force announced July that it plans to develop an “air combat game based on the Indian Air Force.” It plans on Aug. 8 to meet with game developers to build a game for smartphones, and possibly game consoles.

The Air Force, whose motto is “touch the sky with glory,” hopes that the experience of flying a jet fighter on their phones will lure youngsters to sign up.

While the transition from iPhone gamer to Top Gun is not immediately obvious, the Air Force is facing a real problem. A.K. Antony said in November that the Indian Air Force faces a shortage of 882 officers.

The idea that video games can drive recruitment is not as far-fetched as it may seem.

The U.S. Army in 2009 created America’s Army, an online multiplayer game, hoping that experiencing the reality of combat would lead young people to join up. Even Hezbollah has tried its hand at attracting recruits with a video game called Special Force 2, a simulation of the 2006 war between Israel and Lebanon.

A study by academics at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology suggested that video gamers make the best drone operators in pressurized situations because they are good at multitasking.

Depending on the content of the game, India’s Air Force simulator could be controversial. The Chinese online game Glorious Mission Online, created in partnership with the People’s Liberation Army, simulates the invasion of disputed islands, known as Diaoyu in China and Senkaku in Japan.

No bombing runs over the Line of Actual Control then.

In addition DTN News report, Russian-Indian joint venture BrahMost Aerospace hopes to transfer the first Su-30MKI jet fighter to Indian Air Force in September 2015, JV President Sivathanu Pillai said.

Two Su-30MKI fighter planes are now being modernized by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited. Their full-scale mock-ups have already been made and delivered to India. They will be tested before December of this year.

According to Pillai, the first launch of airborne BrahMos missile is scheduled for June 2014. He expressed hope that the Su-30MKI jet fighter armed with BrahMos missiles would be ready in September 2015.

Pillai told ITAR-TASS that Russia would surpass its competitors in terms of military-technical cooperation with India only if the two countries create more joint ventures.

In 1960s-1980s India was completely dependable on contracts with the Soviet Union and use of Soviet technologies. After the Soviet Union’s breakup, other countries started supplying arms and hardware to India, and Russian-Indian military-technical cooperation decreased, he said.

Pillai believes that Russia and India should have learnt a lesson that they need create more joint ventures to design and make military products.

In his opinion, the development of BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles is a successful example of such cooperation.

“India and Russia are big friends. I would even say that Russia is the only true friend of India. And if we want to keep military-technical cooperation at the previous levels, we have to create more joint ventures, especially when it concerns high-tech products,” Pillai said.

This will allow Russia to go far ahead of its competitors in India, he added.

Pillai is confident that the BrahMos missile project can be considered successful only if the missiles are bought by both Russia and India. Now only India has been buying them. He said this issue is discussed at different levels and expressed hope that Russia would make a positive decision.

The overall value of BrahMos missile contracts with India’s Navy, Air Force and Army has reached $4.2 billion and may increase to $7.5 billion by 2015.

*Link for This article compiled by Roger Smith DTN News
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*This article is being posted from Toronto, Canada By DTN News ~ Defense-Technology News Contact:dtnnews@ymail.com 
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DTN News - DEFENSE NEWS: Oshkosh Defense Products on Video

DTN News - DEFENSE NEWS: Oshkosh Defense Products on Video

Source: DTN News - - This article compiled by K. V. Seth
(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - August 17, 2013: Oshkosh Defense, a division of Oshkosh Corporation presented its solution for the Engineering Manufacturing & Development (EMD) phase of the Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV) program. With the JLTV program, the U.S. military is seeking to modernize its light vehicle fleet. Oshkosh is offering the latest generation of its Light Combat Tactical All-Terrain Vehicle (L-ATV) to upgrade the light tactical fleet with MRAP-level protection and unprecedented mobility in future missions. The Oshkosh L-ATV has been extensively tested and proven to meet or exceed all of the JLTV program's requirements.

"Military leaders have recognized JLTV as one of their top modernization priorities, and the Oshkosh L-ATV entry represents our significant investment in this project and showcases our advanced technology," said John Bryant, vice president and general manager of Joint and Marine Corps Programs for Oshkosh Defense. "Our engineers have drawn upon extensive tactical vehicle operating experience in Iraq and Afghanistan to develop the L-ATV, with an eye toward future combat environments."

The Light Combat Vehicle, Redefined
The Oshkosh L-ATV is designed to keep Warfighters safe as battlefield threats evolve. The vehicle's crew protection system has been extensively tested and proven to optimize protection, weight and mobility. The L-ATV can accept multiple armor configurations so it can easily be adapted to changing operational requirements.

The L-ATV also uses the Oshkosh TAK-4i™ intelligent independent suspension system, building on the success of the TAK-4 family of suspensions used on more than 20,000 military vehicles. The TAK-4i system is tailored for high-performance, lightweight vehicles to give Warfighters unprecedented mobility in severe off-road terrain. It uses an advanced Oshkosh technology to deliver 20 inches of independent wheel travel; 25 percent more than any vehicle fielded with the U.S. military today.

Oshkosh's innovative L-ATV delivers expanded power capabilities, greater fuel efficiency and integrated diagnostics compared to legacy engine technologies. An optional Oshkosh ProPulse® diesel-electric hybrid powertrain is available to further improve fuel economy, lower life-cycle costs, and provide high levels of stationary and on-the-move exportable power.

*Link for This article compiled by  K. V. Seth - DTN News
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DTN News - INDIA NEWS: DTN News Wish Indian in India and Around The World A Happy Independence Day

DTN News - INDIA NEWS: DTN News Wish Indian in India and Around The World A Happy Independence Day

Source: DTN News - - This article compiled by K. V. Seth
(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - August 15, 2013: Independence Day, observed annually on 15 August, is a national holiday in India commemorating the nation's independence from British rule on 15 August 1947. India attained freedom following an independence movement noted for largely nonviolent resistance and civil disobedience led by the Indian National Congress. Independence coincided with the partition of India, in which the British Indian Empire was divided along religious lines into the Dominions of India and Pakistan; the partition was accompanied by violent riots and mass casualties.

The flagship event in Independence Day celebrations takes place in Delhi, where the Prime Minister hoists the national flag at the Red Fort and delivers from its ramparts a speech. The holiday is observed throughout India with flag-hoisting ceremonies, parades and cultural events. Indians celebrate the day by displaying the national flag on their attire, accessories, homes and vehicles; by listening to patriotic songs, watching patriotic movies; and bonding with family and friends. Books and films feature the independence and partition in their narrative. Separatist and militant organisations have often carried out terrorist attacks on and around 15 August, and others have declared strikes and used black flags to boycott the celebration.

DTN News Wish Indian in India and Around The World A Happy Independence Day.

*Link for This article compiled by K. V. Seth - DTN News
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*This article is being posted from Toronto, Canada By DTN News ~ Defense-Technology News Contact:dtnnews@ymail.com 
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DTN News - INDIA DEFENSE NEWS: India Launches Indigenously Built Aircraft Carrier

DTN News - INDIA DEFENSE NEWS: India Launches Indigenously Built Aircraft Carrier

Source: DTN News - - This article compiled by Roger Smith 
(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - August 12, 2013: India has launched an indigenously built aircraft carrier, joining a small group of countries capable of building such a warship.The project is part of India's efforts to enhance its naval capabilities amid a growing regional rivalry with the other Asian giant, China.

Standing in front of the 37,500 ton warship decorated with flags and buntings in the southern city of Kochi on Monday, Defense Minister A.K. Antony called it a “red letter day [a day of special significance] for the nation.”

There was an outpouring of national pride at the carrier's launch. India's biggest warship has been designed and built locally, making it the fifth country after Britain, France, Russia and the United States to do so.

The aircraft carrier is not yet operational. It will be fitted with advanced weaponry and undergo extensive sea trials before being put into service sometime around 2018. 

But defense analysts point out that New Delhi has beaten its regional rival, China, in building an indigenous aircraft carrier.

Uday Bhaskar, former director of the National Maritime Foundation in New Delhi, said it is the first time India has embarked on such an ambitious project. “For a country that does not have any significant indigenous capability, we don't make a main battle tank, we don't make an artillery gun, we don't even make a personal weapon. Forget about trainer aircraft and jet aircraft. So against this backdrop, to come to a point where you are able to design a carrier, and bring it from keel to launch is, for India, a technological and industrial accomplishment of considerable significance,” said Bhaskar.

Defense Minister Antony said India needs a strong navy to defend itself and will press ahead with developing its maritime capabilities.

Vikrant's launch comes just two days after India announced that its first indigenously built nuclear submarine was ready for war trials. That was described by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh as a “giant stride” for the nation.

India's efforts to boost its naval capabilities come amid a growing rivalry with regional power, China.  One of the critical areas where they are competing for influence is the Indian Ocean region, a busy sea lane. 

Rahul Bedi in New Delhi is a defense expert with Jane's Defense Weekly. He said an aircraft carrier will help India project its power in the Indian Ocean, which he calls a potential zone of conflict between major powers. “The navy is one of the principal riders and game changers in this whole region. So this will significantly add punch to the Indian navy in the Indian Ocean region, which is going to be a zone of competition for many, many years to come,” he said. India has one aircraft carrier in operation, and Russia is due to deliver another one later this year. 

 The launch of INS Vikrant has raised hackles in China, with Chinese defence experts saying the aircraft carrier would have great significance for India as it would allow the Indian Navy to wade into the Pacific Ocean - which Beijing considers as its backyard.

"This bears great significance to Indian Navy. It makes India only the fifth country after the US, Russia, Britain and France to have such capabilities," senior captain Zhang Junshe, vice-president of China's Naval Research Institute, told the state-run CCTV on Monday.

The Indian Navy will have lead over China as it will have two aircraft carriers by the end of this year with INS Vikramaditya, the refitted carrier from Russia joining INS Viraat, which is already in service even though Vikrant was expected to be operational by 2018, he said.

"Which means by the end of this year India will become the only country in Asia to have two aircraft carriers. This will enhance the overall capabilities especially the power projection capabilities of the Indian Navy," Zhang said.

Ruling out any race for more carriers in the region, Zhang defended India and China having more carriers since they have vast coasts and huge populations and the importance of defending the sea lanes far from home due to dependence on external trade.

Last year China has launched its first aircraft carrier, Lioning. Its hull was imported from Ukraine and refurbished in China.

China also subsequently launched J-15 aircraft to operate from its deck. The ship with over 50,000 tonnes displacement will have about 30 aircraft on its deck.

China is reportedly building two more aircraft carriers but their schedules are not known yet.

Zhang earlier told the state-run China Daily that with Vikrant, the Indian Navy will be more capable of patrolling distant oceans.

"India's first self-made carrier, along with reinforced naval strength, will further disrupt the military balance in South Asia," he said.

India is very likely to quicken its pace to steer eastward to the Pacific, where the US and China are competing to dominate.

The launch of the Vikrant as well as the first nuclear submarine Arihant also aroused the curiosity and concerns among analysts from different state-run thinktanks in China.

"The new indigenous carrier will further strengthen India's naval power and also add some bargaining chips with the world's major military vendors such as Russia," Wang Daguang, a researcher of military equipment based in Beijing said.

Song Xiaojun, a military commentator in Beijing, said the Vikrant uses technology from the 1980s and thus serves as an experiment for the Indian Navy to set technical standards for future vessels.

*Link for This article compiled by Roger Smith - DTN News
*Speaking Image - Creation of DTN News ~ Defense Technology News 
*Photograph: IPF (International Pool of Friends) + DTN News / otherwise source stated
*This article is being posted from Toronto, Canada By DTN News ~ Defense-Technology News Contact:dtnnews@ymail.com 
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DTN News: U.S. Forces - Images ~ Afghanistan: U.S. Marine Provides Security In Washir Village In Helmand Province, Afghanistan

DTN News: U.S. Forces - Images ~ Afghanistan: U.S. Marine Provides Security In Washir Village In Helmand Province, Afghanistan

Source: DTN News - - This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources U.S. DoD
(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - August 6, 2013: U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Kaleb Wilson provides security during a patrol in Washir village in Helmand province, Afghanistan, July 29, 2013. Wilson is assigned to Fox Company, 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment. The Marines conducted patrols to collect human terrain and clear the area of weapons and improvised explosive devices. 

U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Geoffrey K. Scarborough

*Presented & compiled By DTN News ~ Defense-Technology News
News

*Link for This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources U.S. DoD
*Speaking Image - Creation of DTN News ~ Defense Technology News 
*Photograph: IPF (International Pool of Friends) + DTN News / otherwise source stated
*This article is being posted from Toronto, Canada By DTN News ~ Defense-Technology News Contact:dtnnews@ymail.com 
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DTN News: U.S. Forces - Images ~ Afghanistan: U.S. Air Force Officers Training Afghan Policeman on Explosive Detonation Technology

DTN News: U.S. Forces - Images ~ Afghanistan: U.S. Air Force Officers Training Afghan Policeman on Explosive Detonation  Technology

Source: DTN News - - This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources U.S. DoD
(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - August 6, 2013: U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Alex Gaunt, left, and U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Jason Halgren, center, work with an Afghan border policeman explosive ordnance disposal trainee to prepare explosives for a controlled detonation in the Spin Boldak district in Afghanistan’s Kandahar province, July 28, 2013. Gaunt, an explosive ordnance disposal journeyman, and Halgren, an explosive ordnance disposal craftsman, are assigned to the 466th Air Expeditionary Group. 

U.S. Army photo by Spc. Jovi Prevot

*Presented & compiled By DTN News ~ Defense-Technology News

*Link for This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources U.S. DoD
*Speaking Image - Creation of DTN News ~ Defense Technology News 
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DTN News: U.S. Forces - Images ~ Afghanistan: U.S. Marines Patrol Near Base Boldak In Helmand Province, Afghanistan

DTN News: U.S. Forces - Images ~ Afghanistan: U.S. Marines Patrol Near Base Boldak In Helmand Province, Afghanistan

Source: DTN News - - This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources U.S. DoD
(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - August 6, 2013: U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Quinton McCloud, right, and Zamp, a military working dog trained to detect improvised explosive devices, search inside an Afghan compound for any evidence of insurgency and weapons during Operation Grizzly IV near Patrol Base Boldak in Helmand province, Afghanistan, July 29, 2013. McCloud is assigned to Fox Company, 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment. 

U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Bobby J. Yarbrough

*Presented & compiled By DTN News ~ Defense-Technology News

*Link for This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources U.S. DoD
*Speaking Image - Creation of DTN News ~ Defense Technology News 
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*This article is being posted from Toronto, Canada By DTN News ~ Defense-Technology News Contact:dtnnews@ymail.com 
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DTN News - RUSSIA DEFENSE NEWS: World's Largest Transport Aircraft Ruslan To Rise From Ashes

DTN News - RUSSIA DEFENSE NEWS: World's Largest Transport Aircraft Ruslan To Rise From Ashes

Source: DTN News - - This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources Maria Abramova - Pravda Russia
(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - August 5, 2013: The world's largest transport aircraft that made its first flight in 1982 was designed by Russian aircraft designers and to this day remains a record holder in terms of capacity among serial models. This aircraft is the legendary AN-124 designed for the needs of the army. For a long time, Ruslan has been forgotten, but now its production may be resumed.

The giant's outstanding technical parameters played a bad joke on it. "Ruslan" has been unjustly forgotten, and was out of demand for decades. Today, after the completion of the first phase of the negotiations on the joint Russian-Ukrainian production of a modified version of AN-124, one may speak of its rebirth

The reasons for the long oblivion are quite understandable. The completion of a troubled era of Cold War slowed down the development of weapons in Russia. There was no longer a need to carry heavy military vehicles - intercontinental ballistic missiles, mobile launchers, trucks, etc. The demands of peacetime proved to be too light for the "Russian miracle" (as "Ruslan" was called at a French Airshow in 1985). Civilian work was only enough to maintain a small handful of these aircraft. Civil orders came rarely and irregularly, and a few units serving the Ministry of Defense were idle.

In the new millennium, there were only a little over 20 machines operated by three airlines - "Polyot", "Volga-Dnepr" and "Antonov Airlines." All of them were "oldies" and it was difficult to maintain them at the appropriate technical level. The production of new AN-124 units was suspended long time ago, and by 2004 the production of spare parts was also stopped. Due to the lack of spare parts at the Ulyanovsk aircraft factory the assembly of two almost finished aircraft was frozen.  

In recent years, there has been a tendency towards the revival of the unique aircraft. It is clear that the production in its original form did not make sense, and a major upgrade in line with the current realities was needed. The load capacity of over 80 tons, ("Ruslan" was originally capable of lifting up to 140 tons at a time) exceeds the needs of even the largest customer, the Ministry of Defense. Reduction of this parameter would allow more efficient use of the power of the aircraft as well as would solve the issue with airfields. The lack of electronics in the control of the aircraft served as an undoubted advantage in time of war. The aircraft remained resistant to electromagnetic pulses, but the size of the crew was increased to six people. Noise level and environmental performance of the engine no longer met the international standards.

Yuriy Boyko, Deputy Prime Minister of Ukraine, said that at the last July meeting in Sochi an agreement was reached between Russia and Ukraine on the establishment of a joint venture for serial production of the modified model of "Ruslan" taking into account all of the above considerations. AN 124-200 will replace AN 124-100 and will be equipped with an advanced D18T engine with a digital control system that will reduce the crew to three people. The founding documents of the new joint venture are expected to be signed bilaterally by September of this year. After that it will be possible to more accurately forecast the timing of the release of the first aircraft. 

The location of production facilities and the company that will be entrusted with the implementation of the project has not been fully defined, but it is very likely that it will be the Russian "Aviastar-SP" in Ulyanovsk. The co-production will allow avoiding competition between the parties to the contract and will assist in promoting the products to the foreign market that according to analysts is ready to welcome the new aircraft giant. Boyko has no doubt that each of the countries participating in the agreement will contribute to the advancement of the project. Ukraine will bring innovation and technology, while Russia will provide financial support and assistance in negotiating sales contracts. 

Both countries are equally interested in the soonest start of the joint venture and are ready to start work immediately. In the case of successful implementation of mass production and the integration of the modified model AN-124, the experience can be transferred to other aircraft, both passenger and specialized. The production of the first machines will take a long time, especially considering lengthy technical tests.

*Link for This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources Maria Abramova - Pravda Russia
*Speaking Image - Creation of DTN News ~ Defense Technology News 
*Photograph: IPF (International Pool of Friends) + DTN News / otherwise source stated
*This article is being posted from Toronto, Canada By DTN News ~ Defense-Technology News Contact:dtnnews@ymail.com 
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DTN News - INDIA DEFENSE NEWS: India Considers Buying More Boeing Apaches Helicopters

DTN News - INDIA DEFENSE NEWS: India Considers Buying More Boeing Apaches Helicopters

Source: DTN News - - This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources Boeing
(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - August 4, 2013: Boeing could snare yet another big order from India as the Indian Army has asked the Defence Ministry to acquire an unspecified number of AH-64D Apache attack helicopters, according to an MoD source.

Last year, the Indian Air Force purchased 22 Apaches for US $1.3 billion. Beyond the Indian Army request, a third order of helicopters could be in the offing for India’s planned Mountain Corps.

Boeing executives in New Delhi were unavailable for comment.

US companies have already won contracts worth more than $8 billion over the past four years, and most of the weapons and equipment supplied to India have come through the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) route. India has bought 10 Boeing C-17 aircraft, 12 Boeing P-8I maritime surveillance aircraft and six Lockheed Martin C-130J transport planes.

The Indian Army wants its Apaches to be exclusive to the service and not associated with the Air Force’s 22 helicopters.

The MoD source added that, instead of inviting fresh bids, the MoD is considering a repeat order, which he said could be finalized by the end of the year. The size of the order is not known.

Meanwhile, an Indian Army official said the newly sanctioned Mountain Corps of roughly 30,000 troops, which could be deployed along the China border, would also be equipped with yet another purchase of attack helicopters.

The Cabinet Committee on Security, the highest decision-making body on weapon purchases and security, approved the additional troops this month.

The attack helicopters for the Mountain Corps would be in addition to the order being considered by the MoD for the Army. The Indian Army, however, must still decide when and how to procure the additional unspecified numbers of attack helicopters for the Mountain Corps, which is expected to be in operation in about 10 years, the Indian Army official said.

India has, meanwhile, developed an indigenous light combat helicopter. Hindustan Aeronautics Limited will build 60 Rudra helicopters for the Army and Air Force.

The Rudra is powered by a new Shakti engine, jointly developed by Hindustan Aeronautics and French engine manufacturer Turbomeca. The new engine will allow the Rudra to fly above 20,000 feet.

The multi-mission AH-64D Apache Longbow is the next-generation version of original AH-64A Apache. With its fire-control radar, the aircraft is known as the AH-64D Apache Longbow. Without the radar, the combat-proven aircraft is called the AH-64D Apache.

AH-64A Apache
Between 1984 and 1997, Boeing produced 937 AH-64As for the U.S. Army, Egypt, Greece, Israel, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates. The combat-proven AH-64A is still in service and includes the following features:
*Two high-performance turboshaft engines and maximum cruise speed of 284 kph
*Laser, infrared, and other systems (including target acquisition designation sight/pilot night vision sensor) to locate, track, and attack targets
*A combination of laser-guided precision Hellfire missiles, 70mm rockets, and a 30mm automatic cannon with up to 1,200 high-explosive, dual-purpose ammunition rounds
AH-64D Apache and AH-64D Apache Longbow
The combat-proven AH-64D Apache and AH-64D Apache Longbow share the following history and characteristics:
*Testing in the late 1990s, delivery in 1997, in production for the U.S. Army and several international customers
*Selection by the U.S. Army, Egypt, Greece, Israel, Japan, Kuwait, The Netherlands, Saudi Arabia, Republic of Singapore, the United Arab Emirates, and United Kingdom (as the AH Mk1)
*Ability to assimilate advancements in digital connectivity, sensors, weapon systems, advanced training devices, and maintenance support systems
AH-64D Apache Longbow Enhancements
The radar-equipped AH-64D Apache Longbow features numerous enhanced capabilities, including:
*Longer-range weapons accuracy and all-weather/night fighting
*Detection of objects (moving or stationary) without being detected
*Classification and threat-prioritization of up to 128 targets in less than a minute
*Integrated sensors, networking, and digital communications for situational awareness, management of the combat arena in real time, and digital transmission of images and target locations to joint operations battlefield commanders

The AH-64 Apache has been developed since its inception using incremental technology insertions at regular intervals to ensure that the world's most capable multi-role combat helicopter meets the needs of the warfighter today and in the future.

*Link for This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources Boeing
*Speaking Image - Creation of DTN News ~ Defense Technology News 
*Photograph: IPF (International Pool of Friends) + DTN News / otherwise source stated
*This article is being posted from Toronto, Canada By DTN News ~ Defense-Technology News Contact:dtnnews@ymail.com 
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