DTN News: Royal Navy's Best To Get World Class Support

DTN News: Royal Navy's Best To Get World Class Support

• £309m in-service support contract for Type 45 destroyers

• Delivering high levels of availability for world’s most advanced warships

• Improving equipment reliability while providing best value for Defence

*Source: DTN News / BAE Systems (NSI News Source Info) LONDON, UK - September 17, 2009: The Royal Navy’s newest warships, the Type 45 destroyers, will receive the very best service and support to ensure that they meet the UK’s operational requirements, thanks to a deal announced today.

The Type 45 class will be the largest and most powerful air defence destroyers ever operated by the Royal Navy and the largest general purpose surface warships (excluding aircraft carriers and amphibious ships) to join the fleet since World War Two cruisers. The projected deep load displacement of the Type 45, at around 7,200 tonnes, will also exceed that of any other general purpose surface combatant, again excluding aircraft carriers and amphibious ships, built for the Royal Navy since the Tiger class cruisers of the 1941 programme. When the Type 45 enters service later this decade it will provide the fleet with an air defence capability that is several orders of magnitude greater than that provided by the existing force of Type 42 destroyers. The £309m, seven year Type 45 Support Contract between the Ministry of Defence and BVT Surface Fleet, the maritime Joint Venture between BAE Systems and VT Group, will deliver In-Service Support to the six Daring class Type 45 anti-air warfare destroyers being delivered to the Royal Navy. Commenting on the support contract, Minister for Defence Equipment and Support, Quentin Davies, said “As builders of the Type 45s, BVT bring the in-depth knowledge of these Destroyers that will assure the high quality support that is so essential to the continued delivery of this world class capability. The contract is expected to sustain around 120 quality jobs, primarily in Portsmouth, and many more with key supply chain partners across the country, helping to retain the essential skills we need in this industry.“Type 45 is setting the standard for the modern Royal Navy, providing a multi-role asset combining state of the art power and propulsion systems, a world class weapons system and modern accommodation for its crew.” BVT Surface Fleet Chief Executive, Alan Johnston said “This contract demonstrates an entirely new and genuinely innovative approach to providing the support that the ships and sailors of the Royal Navy need and deserve. The key requirement for T45 Support is not only to ensure the ships are available when required by the Royal Navy but to reduce the costs of supporting them through life. “Working more closely in partnership with both our customer and our major partners will ensure that the Royal Navy is better able to deliver its operational commitments around the world”. DE&S Director Ships Rear Admiral Bob Love said, “The Type 45 support solution is an innovative contract which sees the prime contractor for the build of the ships providing in-service support, ensuring high quality support at best value of money for defence. “The contract incentivises BVT to minimise the cost of support by improving equipment reliability and is the first time this arrangement has been used for a major warship.” Under Type 45 In-Service Support, BVT will act as the Class Output Manager (COM) and will co-ordinate all aspects of support delivery to the ship including maintenance, supply chain and design management, as well as planning and optimising support to the ships. Acting as this single point of contact simplifies the provision of support for the customer by removing the need for the ship to contact multiple agencies. BVT is proving the benefits of this approach in supporting the first of class, HMS Daring. Recognising the key importance of supply chain in delivering support to the Type 45s, BVT has developed innovative contracting arrangements with key equipment partners: Thales, BAE Systems Insyte, Raytheon, Northrop Grumman Sperry Marine, Ultra and Converteam. These new arrangements are focused on providing availability of the ships’ major systems. This new approach better aligns all parties to meet the ships operational requirements and strengthens the partnering approach which has proved successful during the build and support of the ships. Under this new approach, BVT will continuously review and optimise the maintenance regime, aiming to reduce cost and the ships staff maintenance burden. Working with its partners, BVT has developed innovative support arrangements providing greater incentives to both maintain equipment effectively and to improve the reliability of the equipment in line with operational requirements. Built-in contract flexibility will accommodate variations in the operational profile that don’t require any contract changes. This is a first for a complex warship such as Daring and, by working more closely with the MOD, it aims to deliver more effective management of support budgets. The support contract requires BVT to manage obsolescence issues for the ships and incorporate changes where required to maintain and enhance the support service About BVT Surface Fleet BVT Surface Fleet, a Joint Venture between BAE Systems and VT Group, is a leader in the design, manufacture, integration and support of naval ships, delivering complex engineering, integration and through-life support across the lifecycle of a vessel. With operations in Glasgow, Portsmouth and Filton near Bristol, it employs over 7,000 people and has the facilities, skills and partnerships to set the global standard in excellence as a trusted and innovative through-life surface warship partner in both the UK and export markets.

DTN News: Second Advanced Military Communications Satellite Completes Major Environmental Test At Lockheed Martin

DTN News: Second Advanced Military Communications Satellite Completes Major Environmental Test At Lockheed Martin *Source: DTN News / Lockheed Martin

(NSI News Source Info) SUNNYVALE, Calif., - September 17, 2009: Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT] has successfully completed acoustic testing of the second Advanced Extremely High Frequency (AEHF) military communications satellite. The Advanced EHF system will provide survivable, highly secure, protected, global communications for all warfighters serving under the U.S. Department of Defense. The Advanced Extremely High Frequency (AEHF) satellite communications system is designed to provide secure, survivable communications to U.S. warfighters during all levels of conflict. It will follow Milstar as the protected backbone of DoD’s military satellite communications architecture. The first flight of the AEHF satellite program, named Pathfinder, will be programmed to operate initially as a Milstar II satellite (in lieu of an additional Milstar satellite to replace Flight 3, which placed the satellite in a non-operational orbit). The second flight will then be launched as a fully capable AEHF satellite. After it is operational, Pathfinder will be reprogrammed on-orbit as an AEHF satellite. During the test, the fully integrated space vehicle (SV-2) was subjected to the acoustic levels expected during launch into orbit. The successful test, conducted at Lockheed Martin's Space Systems facilities in Sunnyvale, Calif., is the last of the critical environmental test phases for SV-2 that validates the overall satellite design, quality of workmanship and survivability of the space vehicle launch and on-orbit environment and is now the second AEHF satellite that has completed this critical test phase. “Successful completion of this rigorous test demonstrates the quality of workmanship, the integrity of our design, and the satellite's readiness to withstand the loads it will experience in flight," said John Miyamoto, Lockheed Martin’s Advanced EHF vice president and program manager. "We look forward to successfully executing the final testing necessary to prepare this vitally important spacecraft for launch and achieving mission success for our customer." With the completion of spacecraft acoustic testing, the team of Lockheed Martin Space Systems, Sunnyvale, Calif., the AEHF prime contractor, and Northrop Grumman Aerospace Systems, Redondo Beach, Calif., the payload supplier, will now perform final integrated spacecraft and system test activities necessary to prepare the vehicle for flight. The second AEHF is planned for launch in 2011 aboard an Atlas V launch vehicle. The first AEHF satellite (SV-1) is planned for a launch in 2010. One AEHF satellite will provide greater total capacity than the entire Milstar constellation currently on-orbit. Individual user data rates will be five times improved. The higher data rates will permit transmission of tactical military communications, such as real-time video, battlefield maps and targeting data. In addition to its tactical mission, AEHF will provide the critical survivable, protected, and endurable communications to the National Command Authority including presidential conferencing in all levels of conflict. Lockheed Martin is currently under contract to provide three Advanced EHF satellites and the Mission Control Segment to its customer, the Military Satellite Communications Systems Wing, located at the Space and Missile Systems Center, Los Angeles Air Force Base, Calif. The program has begun advanced procurement of long-lead components for a fourth AEHF satellite. Headquartered in Bethesda, Md., Lockheed Martin is a global security company that employs about 140,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services. The corporation reported 2008 sales of $42.7 billion.

DTN News: Super Galaxy And Super Hercules Strengthen Global Airlift Capability

DTN News: Super Galaxy And Super Hercules Strengthen Global Airlift Capability

*Source: DTN News / Lockheed Martin (NSI News Source Info) WASHINGTON, D.C., - September 17, 2009: Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT] senior leadership briefed members of the media about three growing air mobility business areas at this year’s Air Force Association Air and Space Conference and Technology Exposition. Speakers provided details on how well the C-5M Super Galaxy and C-130J Super Hercules are performing and the company offered insight into future airlift technology concepts.

C-130Js are engaged in high-tempo operations in multiple combat theaters and are routinely deployed in support of both peacekeeping and humanitarian missions. The C-130J is a proven airlifter that has been selected by 10 nations, with 173 aircraft delivered to date. The C-130J is a flexible, multimission aircraft that has been delivered in multiple and varied configurations to meet a wide range of operational needs. The C-130J fleet has accumulated over 500,000 flight hours. "With the C-5M program now fully underway, and the global demand for the C-130J increasing, this is an exciting time to be in the airlifter business," said Jim Grant, vice president of Business Development. "The fully modernized C-5M Super Galaxy will provide the U.S. Air Force with unmatched strategic lift. The C-5M has range and payload capability twice that of un-modernized C 5s or any other U.S. airlifter. The C-5M will allow the Unites States to project its forces anywhere in the world efficiently and effectively." Each day, the C-130J Super Hercules is engaged in high-tempo operations in multiple combat theaters and is routinely deployed in support of both peacekeeping and humanitarian missions. The C-130J is a proven airlifter that has been selected by 10 nations. The production rate at Marietta is increasing to match the need for effective, efficient and proven airlift. "The need for dependable airlift is a constant that will not change as we look to the future," said Grant. "What will change is the technology included in future air mobility solutions and how it contributes to joint forces. We are investing in mobility research and development related to lightweight materials, low cost manufacturing, survivability technologies, powered lift and advanced aerodynamic concepts. Additionally, we are exploring short take-off and landing and heavy lift vertical take-off and landing concepts to potentially address joint air mobility needs." Headquartered in Bethesda, Md., Lockheed Martin is a global security company that employs about 140,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services. The corporation reported 2008 sales of $42.7 billion.

DTN News: Boeing Projects $400 Billion Market For New Airplanes In China

DTN News: Boeing Projects $400 Billion Market For New Airplanes In China *Source: DTN News / Boeing

(NSI News Source Info) BEIJING, China - September 17, 2009: Boeing [NYSE: BA] detailed its 2009 market update for commercial airplanes for China region, forecasting a requirement for 3,770 new airplanes valued at $490 billion over the next 20 years.

A China Eastern Airlines Boeing Next-Generation 737 using RNP navigation technology, lands and China's Lijiang Airport.

Over the forecast period, China is and will remain the largest market outside the United States for new commercial airplanes. "China is the world’s most dynamic market for commercial airplanes,” said Randy Tinseth, Boeing Commercial Airplanes vice president - Marketing. “The strong domestic air travel growth in China in the first half of 2009 gives us confidence that the world aviation industry is beginning to recover.” China air travel and air cargo market growth will cause China's fleet to more than triple to 4,610 airplanes by 2028, to about as many airplanes as are operating in Europe today. Single-aisle airplanes will account for 70 percent of the new purchases, driven by China’s fast-growing domestic market. Single-aisle airplanes such as the Boeing Next-Generation 737 will be the largest category, with 2,640 new airplane deliveries. Demand for intermediate twin-aisles, such as the Boeing 787 Dreamliner and 777, will result in approximately 790 airplane deliveries. When combined, the single-aisle and intermediate twin-aisle market will make up 91 percent of China's total delivery dollars. Demand will include a limited number of large airplanes (747-size and larger) to connect China with other major world destinations. The market forecast calls for about 75 airplanes in that category. With China's cargo markets leading the global industry, Chinese freight carriers will add about 300 freighter airplanes by 2028, almost quadrupling its total freighter fleet size. The Boeing 2009 forecast combines today's market environment with a long-term view that portrays how air transport will be transformed over the next 20 years. It's an outlook that indicates continued strong fundamentals underlying the need for new airplanes -- including economic growth, world trade, aviation market liberalization and new aircraft capabilities. The detailed study enables Boeing to better work with airlines to support fleet plans in conjunction with the airlines' future economic growth. The outlook facilitates Boeing's strategic plans to drive the development of new airplanes and the improvement of existing models. Worldwide, Boeing projects investments of $3.2 trillion for 29,000 new commercial airplanes to be delivered during the next 20 years.

DTN News: Boeing Flies Harpoon Missile With Updated Guidance Control

DTN News: Boeing Flies Harpoon Missile With Updated Guidance Control

*Source: DTN News / Boeing (NSI News Source Info) ST. LOUIS, USA - September 17, 2009: A Boeing [NYSE: BA] Harpoon Block II missile equipped with a redesigned Guidance Control Unit (GCU) flew for the first time in a test conducted on Sept. 10. It was launched from the USS Princeton off the coast of California and scored a direct hit on a land-based target on San Nicolas Island, Calif. Harpoon Block II expands the capabilities of the Harpoon anti-ship weapon. Harpoon, the world's most successful anti-ship missile, features autonomous, all-weather, over-the-horizon capability. Harpoon Block II provides accurate long-range guidance for land and ship targets by incorporating the low-cost inertial measuring unit from the Boeing Joint Direct Attack Munition, or JDAM, program; and the software, mission computer, integrated Global Positioning System/Inertial Navigation System and the GPS antenna and receiver from the Standoff Land Attack Missile Expanded Response, or SLAM-ER. Harpoon Block II is capable of executing both land-strike and anti-ship missions. To strike targets on land and ships in port, the missile uses GPS-aided inertial navigation to hit a designated target aimpoint. The 500-pound blast warhead delivers lethal firepower against a wide variety of land-based targets, including coastal defense sites, surface-to-air missile sites, exposed aircraft, port/industrial facilities and ships in port. For conventional anti-ship missions, such as open ocean or near-land, the GPS/INS improves midcourse guidance to the target area. The accurate navigation solution allows users to discriminate target ships from islands or other nearby land masses or ships. These Block II improvements maintain Harpoon's high hit probability even against ships very close to land. The new GCU, which controls most of the missile's functions, incorporates a Selective Availability Anti-Spoofing Module (SAASM) Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver to improve GPS security. In addition, the GCU resolves obsolescence issues and can accommodate possible future implementation of a data link for network centric operations. "The implementation of the new GCU reinforces Boeing's vision for Harpoon's long-term viability," said Jim Young, Boeing Harpoon/SLAM ER Weapons program manager. "Boeing's investment in this technology eliminates obsolescence and will give Harpoon customers a weapon system with the flexibility to upgrade to meet current and future needs." Boeing began developing the new GCU in 2007 to provide a common guidance system for Block II and future versions of the Harpoon missile. All new Harpoon missiles will incorporate the redesigned GCU. Boeing has delivered more than 7,100 Harpoon missiles to the United States and 28 allied partners. Harpoon Block II executes both anti-ship and land-strike missions. The 500-pound blast fragmentation warhead delivers lethal firepower against a variety of surface and land-based targets, including ships at sea, coastal defense sites, surface-to-air missile sites, exposed aircraft, port/industrial facilities and ships in port. A unit of The Boeing Company, Boeing Integrated Defense Systems is one of the world's largest space and defense businesses specializing in innovative and capabilities-driven customer solutions, and the world’s largest and most versatile manufacturer of military aircraft. Headquartered in St. Louis, Boeing Integrated Defense Systems is a $32 billion business with 70,000 employees worldwide.