Rheinmetall and Sikorsky will collaborate to lead a team of German industrial providers to offer the best solution for STH, including dependable maintenance, training and other program support for the German Armed Forces

BONN, Germany, Feb. 6, 2018 /PRNewswire

Rheinmetall and Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) Company signed a strategic teaming agreement for competing in the German Air Force "Schwerer Transporthubschrauber" (STH) Program.

Rheinmetall brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to the Sikorsky STH team. With Sikorsky's breadth and depth of heavy lift experience and Rheinmetall's leadership as the lead teammate for STH sustainment, the German Air Force will experience the high levels of aircraft availability and reliability that Sikorsky customers have come to expect.

"With Rheinmetall as the strategic partner for Sikorsky, we are convinced that together we provide the best possible state-of-the-art aircraft for the German Air Force as successor for the legacy CH-53G fleet," said Armin Papperger Rheinmetall CEO. "Furthermore, we stand strongly together in offering a cost-effective, reliable solution oriented to the needs of today's operations, and able to evolve with the Armed Forces as its needs change over time."

"Sikorsky has a 45-year history supporting the German Armed Forces fleet of CH-53G aircraft, and we are humbled by the opportunity to continue to serve the German Armed Forces for another 45 years with Sikorsky's CH-53K," said Dan Schultz, president of Sikorsky. "As a former CH-53 pilot, I can attest that this aircraft is truly the most capable heavy lift helicopter we have ever built. Sikorsky's CH-53K, combined with Rheinmetall as our key German partner, is a winning solution for STH."

Sikorsky and Rheinmetall will look to introduce more German teammates in the weeks to come. The team will leverage and build upon the deep knowledge and  expertise of the German defense industry.

The CH-53K King Stallion advances Sikorsky's 50 years of manufacturing and operational success of its CH-53A, CH-53D/G, and CH-53E. Built to thrive on the 21^st-century battlefield, including shipboard operations, the CH-53K aircraft is an all-new aircraft, using modern intelligent design. The rugged CH-53K is designed to ensure reliability, low maintenance, high availability and enhanced survivability in the most austere and remote forward operating bases.

The U.S. Marine Corps will field the CH-53K as a fully-operational aircraft in 2019.  By the time Germany receives its first aircraft, the CH-53K will have been in service with the U.S. Marine Corps for five years.  The CH-53K provides the German Armed Forces with a proven heavy lift helicopter that can be entered into service seamlessly without need for upgrades for the next several decades.

The CH-53K helicopter is the best choice for completing missions like humanitarian aid, troop transport, casualty evacuation, support of special operations forces, and combat search and rescue. No matter the mission, the aircraft provides the highest degree of safety for its crew and occupants in all conditions.

With the legacy fleet of the CH-53G, Sikorsky has a long lasting strong relationship with the Bundeswehr, which Sikorsky looks forward to strengthening with the CH-53K. The CH-53K will enable the German Armed Forces to conduct real heavy lift operations. Intelligent, reliable, low maintenance and survivable, the CH-53K is the future of German Heavy Lift.

For additional information about CH-53K, visit: https://www.lockheedmartin.com/us/products/ch-53k-helicopter.html

About Lockheed Martin
Headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland, Lockheed Martin is a global security and aerospace company that employs approximately 100,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services. 

About Rheinmetall
The Rheinmetall Group is a high-tech enterprise specializing in mobility and security solutions. Consisting of three divisions – Vehicle Systems, Electronic Solutions and Weapon and Ammunition – the Group's Defense arm is one of the world's foremost defense technology organizations. Its wide array of products ranges from vehicle, force protection and weapon systems to infantry equipment and air defense technology, and from engagement sequence networking to sensors and electro-optics as well as advanced simulation and training solutions. With some 23000 employees worldwide, the Düsseldorf based Group generated sales of €5.6 billion in 2016.

25/01/2016 par Antony Angrand – Air & Cosmos

Un F-35 du 461st Flight Test Squadron a tiré un missile AIM-9X pour la première fois au-dessus de la zone d'essais du Pacifique le 12 janvier. L'appareil, AF-1, était piloté par David Nelson, chef pilote d'essais du Lockheed Martin F-35 à la base aérienne d'Edwards AFB. Le missile a été tiré à une altitude de 6 000 pieds (1 828 m).

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20/01/2016 par Antony Angrand – Air & Cosmos

La Norvège va devoir très certainement revoir le nombre de F-35 commandés. Avec un prix du baril de pétrole toujours au plus bas et une monnaie nationale qui rend les JSF encore plus coûteux une fois leur prix converti en dollars américains, la ministre de la défense Ine Eriksen Søreide travaille actuellement sur un plan à long terme afin d'enrayer le sous-financement chronique des forces armées norvégiennes. Ce plan pourrait être révélé ce printemps.

Si le nombre de F-35 commandés n'est pas revu à la baisse, la Norvège se verra très certainement obligée de procéder à des coupes claires dans le budget de la défense ou de faire appel de manière beaucoup plus importante à l'Otan.

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 17 December, 2015 By Greg Waldron – FG

Singapore - Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) has revealed the prototype that will form the basis of Lockheed Martin’s bid for the US Air Force’s T-X next generation trainer competition.

Based on the T-50 family of trainer/light fighter aircraft, the company’s “T-X demonstrator aircraft” will conduct ground and flight tests in 2016, says KAI in an email to Flightglobal. In 2017, KAI plans flight tests in the USA. The aircraft features several new features, including a large area display (LAD), embedded training systems, and an aerial refuelling capability.

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12.11.2015 Le Monde.fr

Le groupe européen Airbus prend un coup, sur le plan commercial, avec l’achat par la France, son pays d’origine, de plusieurs appareils concurrents. Les Etats-Unis ont validé la vente à la France de quatre avions de la société américaine Lockheed Martin, pour 606 millions d’euros, a annoncé l’Agence américaine de coopération militaire (DSCA). Il s’agit de deux avions de transport C-130J, modèle proche de l’A400M d’Airbus, et deux avions ravitailleurs KC-130J. Mais alors que le C-130J est entré en service dans les années 1950 et est devenu un produit standard vendu à beaucoup d’armées dans le monde, l’A400M d’Airbus a connu plusieurs déboires techniques et subit de surcroît les conséquences de l’accident mortel d’un de ses avions à Séville en mai, lors d’un vol d’essai.

Les avions américains présentent également l’avantage de permettre le parachutage et le ravitaillement aérien. Chaque appareil sera équipé de moteurs AE-2100D du groupe britannique Rolls-Royce, et la France va acheter quatre moteurs de rechange ainsi que d’autres matériels, comme des radars ou des radios.

Nov 10, 2015 ASDNews Source : Lockheed Martin

LM Transitions to Digital Engineering in Program's 60th Year

The U.S. Navy conducted successful test flights Nov. 7 and 9 of two Trident II D5 Fleet Ballistic Missiles built by Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT). The world’s most reliable large ballistic missile, the D5 missile has achieved a total of 157 successful test flights since design completion in 1989. The D5 is the sixth in a series of missile generations deployed since the sea-based deterrent program began 60 years ago. The Navy launched the unarmed missiles in the Pacific Ocean from a submerged Ohio-class submarine. The missiles were converted into test configurations using kits produced by Lockheed Martin that contain range safety devices and flight telemetry instrumentation. The test flights were part of a demonstration and shakedown operation, which the Navy uses to certify a submarine for deployment following an overhaul.

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November 10, 2015: Strategy Page

In late 2015 U.S. SOCOM (Special Operations Command) two more MC-130J all-weather transports. SOCOM has already received most of the 37 on order and deliveries are supposed to be complete by 2017. This is part of a major program to upgrade and expand the SOCOM fleet of specialized aircraft. Despite cuts in the American defense budget since 2010 SOCOM gets money for its aircraft program because SOCOM personnel are still in big demand worldwide.

Since 2009 SOCOM  has been devoting the largest chunk of its procurement budget to aircraft and most of that is going for one type of aircraft; the C-130J. SOCOM wants to buy about a hundred C-130Js and use them as commando transports (MC-130J) or gunships (AC-130J). In addition several hundred million dollars is being spent on sensors and weapons that can be quickly installed in MC-130Js to turn them into temporary gunships.

All this spending on aircraft is because the SOCOM air force has been worked hard since September 11, 2001 and has been constantly short of aircraft and qualified pilots. Back in 2009 SOCOM looked at their air force (some 300 MC-130s MH-53s AC-130s MH-6s MH-60s CV-22s and a few other types) and drew up a plan to shrink and update this overworked and aging collection of transports and helicopters. Having fewer, but more capable aircraft was seen as the only way out of the chronic shortages of aircraft and pilots. There was also the problem of aircraft worn out from heavy use and combat damage. So in addition to replacing the elderly C-130s SOCOM also sought to take the 31 MH-47Ds and E helicopters  (which have additional navigation gear) and upgraded them to MH-47F standards while the fleet was expanded to 61 helicopters. Most other SOCOM aircraft were also to be upgraded or refurbished.

Meanwhile the expansion and refurbishment program could not keep up with the demand in Afghanistan. Worse, there was never been enough logistics support to service all the jobs SOCOM is called on to do. In response, SOCOM improvised as much as they could. They borrowed aircraft and logistics support from other units. SOCOM is a high priority outfit, and can often get some of what they need. When SOCOM is providing specialized support for the combat units they borrow resources from they don't have a problem.

However when it's a pure SOCOM mission the army and air force are not as eager to part with scarce resources. What it means is that troops are operating at less than peak efficiency because they don't have all the tools they need to get the job done. Missions get cancelled, and opportunities are lost. SOCOM is a flexible outfit, and adaptations are often made. More commando operations were carried out using ground transportation. More troops, and equipment, were parachuted in. SOCOM is even obtained UAVs that can carry supplies. SOCOM is all about innovation, and a helicopter shortage is just seen as another opportunity to be creative. But there was always an ultimate solution for a lot of the air transportation and it was the new C-130J.

Back in 2011 SOCOM received its first MC-130J. This was part of a larger U.S. Air Force effort to replace 200 worn out C-130Es. The C-130J transport proved to be more than just another model in the fifty year old C-130 design. This is mainly because it's cheaper and easier to use. Like most new commercial transports, the C-130J emphasizes saving money. The new engines generate 29 percent more thrust while using 15 percent less fuel. Increased automation reduced crew size from four to three. The rear ramp door can now be opened in flight when the aircraft is going as fast as 450 kilometers an hour, versus the current 270 kilometers an hour.

The SOCOM MC-130s are all-weather aircraft used for everything from moving SOCOM personnel and equipment around the combat zone, to parachuting supplies, refueling helicopters in the air, dropping bombs and propaganda leaflets, or loading a pallet or two of electronic gear for special reconnaissance or psychological warfare missions. MC-130s are particularly useful because they have terrain following radar that enables them to fly at low altitude, especially at night or during bad weather. MC-130s have several additional navigation and communication systems, which allow them to fly in all weather, especially low enough to avoid radar detection.

C-130Js have cost nearly twenty percent less per hour than previous models. The most common version of the C-130 still in service is the C-130H. It has a range of 8,368 kilometers, a top speed of 601 kilometers per hour, and can carry up to 18 tons of cargo, 92 troops, or 64 paratroopers. The latest version, the C-130J, has a top speed of 644 kilometers, 40 percent more range than the C-130H, and can carry 20 tons of cargo. The stretched C-130J-30 can carry more bulky cargo, and goes for about $100 million each. The C-130J has a top speed of 644 kilometers, 40 percent more range than the C130H. The C-130 has been in service for over half a century, and has been flying for over 50 countries.

DALLAS, Nov. 9, 2015 – Lockheed Martin

Lockheed Martin’s (NYSE: LMT) Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS) and Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System (GMLRS) Unitary munitions recently underwent successful stockpile reliability tests. All rockets were launched from a High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) at White Sands Missile Range, New Mexico.

The tests included eight GMLRS rockets that were conditioned at hot and ambient temperatures. The ATACMS Unitary missile, which is the current production configuration, was conditioned hot for the test. The HIMARS launcher can fire ATACMS and GMLRS munitions ranging between 15km and 300km.

The flight tests, which were part of the U.S. Army’s tactical munitions reliability program, were conducted using simulated targets. Soldiers were inside the HIMARS’ Improved Armored Cab, where they initiated the launches.

“Lockheed Martin’s HIMARS, ATACMS and GMLRS precision fire solutions provide critical, quick-strike capabilities to U.S. and allied forces worldwide,” said Ken Musculus, vice president of tactical missiles at Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control.

In service since 2005, HIMARS brings MLRS firepower to a wheeled chassis. It carries a single six-pack of rockets or one ATACMS missile, and can launch the entire MLRS family of munitions. It is C-130-transportable and can be deployed into areas previously inaccessible to heavier launchers.

For additional information, visit our website

About Lockheed Martin

Headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland, Lockheed Martin is a global security and aerospace company that – with the addition of Sikorsky – employs approximately 126,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services.

Nov 2, 2015 ASDNews Source : Lockheed Martin

The Q-53 has been successfully deployed in combat since 2010

 When troops need to set up and quickly track incoming threats, they rely on battlefield-proven 360-degree protection provided by the Lockheed Martin AN/TPQ-53 (Q-53) counterfire target acquisition radar . The U.S. Army announced that it will buy an additional seven Q-53 systems valued at $85 million, ensuring that the Q-53 continues to be the radar of choice to keep troops safe from persistent insurgent attacks. Additionally, Lockheed Martin was selected in June to upgrade 19 of the U.S. Army’s Q-53 radars. The high-performing hardware and software is constantly evolving to accommodate technical advances in capabilities and address global threats.

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Nov 3, 2015 ASDNews Source : Lockheed Martin

Vector Hawk to support canister and hand launch requirements for U.S. forces

Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) was awarded a $4.6 million contract from the Combating Terrorism Technical Support Office (CTTSO) for the continued development of a maritime canister-launched small Unmanned Aircraft System (sUAS). “We are extending our sUAS capabilities to tactical maritime users with the Vector Hawk’s innovative canister deployment and launch ability,” said Jay McConville, Lockheed Martin director of business development for Unmanned Solutions.

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Nov 3, 2015 ASDNews Source : Lockheed Martin

The F-35A Lightning II completed the first three airborne gunfire bursts from its internal Gun Airborne Unit (GAU)-22/A 25mm Gatling gun system during a California test flight, Oct. 30 . This milestone was the first in a series of test flights to functionally evaluate the in-flight operation of the F-35A Conventional Take Off and Landing (CTOL) variant's internal 25mm gun throughout its employment envelope, a major event towards certifying the gun for use in the F-35A, and a key component for reaching U.S. Air Force Initial Operational Capability (IOC) in 2016.

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Oct 29, 2015 ASDNews Source : Lockheed Martin Corporation

Lockheed Martin (NYSE:LMT) announced today that Jeff Babione has been named the executive vice president and general manager of the F-35 Program, effective January 1, 2016. Babione succeeds Lorraine Martin who has been appointed to the newly created position of deputy executive vice president, Mission Systems and Training (MST).

As head of Lockheed Martin’s F-35 team, Babione will lead development, production, and sustainment efforts across the three F-35 variants for 13 military services in nine partner countries and a growing list of foreign military sales customers. Under his leadership, the F-35 team will focus on completing the System Development and Demonstration Program, ramping up production and supporting the Initial Operational Capability of the U.S. Air Force in 2016 and the U.S. Navy in 2018.

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27/10/2015 par George de Bonadona - Air & Cosmos

Le programme F-35 pourrait être malmené au Canada, allié pourtant indéfectible des Etats-Unis. Justin Trudeau, qui a été élu Premier ministre le 19 octobre, a fait la promesse que son pays se retirerait du programme F-35. Bien que le jeune fils de Pierre Elliott Trudeau n’ait pas encore pris ses fonctions, Washington a déjà manœuvré pour empêcher le Canada de quitter le couteux programme.  Car si Ottawa abandonne le programme de recherche et développement et l’achat des 65 appareils, Washington espère compenser cette perte par l’augmentation du prix d’achat unitaire de 1 million de dollars pour les autres pays acquéreurs. C’est ce qu’a déclaré le chef du programme F-35 au Pentagone, le Lieutenant Général Chris Bogdan de l’U.S. Air Force.

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