20 octobre 2012 par Jacques N. Godbout  - 45enord.ca

Le gouvernement fédéral a publié, vendredi 19, un communiqué avant le premier anniversaire, en janvier, de l’attribution aux chantiers d’Irving en Nouvelle-Écosse et Seaspan en Colombie-Britannique, des contrats pour le renouvellement de la flotte canadienne.

Il y aura donc bientôt un an que le gouvernement a annoncé l’attribution de ces contrats. Le premier, d’un peu moins de huit milliards a été donné à Seaspan Marine, dans l’Ouest, pour sept navires. Quant au deuxième contrat, il a été donné au chantier Irving Shipbuilding Inc., dans l’Est du Canada, à Halifax, pour la construction de 21 navires au coût de 25 milliards de dollars.

Les représentants du gouvernement et des deux chantiers navals ont déjà commencé, dit le communiqué, à  régler les détails des accords d’approvisionnement pour l’attribution des futurs contrats individuels. La signature de ces accords-cadres en février 2012 a marqué le feu vert pour commencer les négociations sur toutes les classes de grands navires.

Irving et Seaspan investissent et se préparent

Irving a annoncé le nom la firme d’ingénierie néo-écossaise, Hatch Mott MacDonald,  qui concevra les plans de la modernisation du chantier naval à Halifax en vue de la réalisation des contrats de construction des navires. . Ce plan de modernisation coûtera environ $ 300 millions et sera principalement payé grâce à un prêt de 260 millions de dollars du gouvernement de Nouvelle-Écosse.

Le président de la société Irving Shipbuilding, Steve Durrell , à l’occasion d’une séance d’information qui a marqué le premier anniversaire du contrat de 25 milliards $ accordé aux chantiers d’Halifax pour construire 21 navires de combat sur une période de plus de 30 ans, a déclaré que la compagnie est toujours en négociations avec Ottawa pour les deux contrats, un pour le travail de conception technique et l’autre pour la construction effective des navires de patrouille.

Steve Durell, affirme que l’entreprise doit commencer ses travaux d’ingénierie sur les huit nouveaux navires de patrouille en janvier si le chantier naval d’Halifax veut atteindre son objectif d’en commencer la construction en 2015.

Pendant ce temps, sur la côte du Pacifique, Seaspan a lancé une mise à niveau de 200 millions $ pour son chantier naval de North Vancouver vendredi. Cet investissement dans l’infrastructure du  chantier est le premier investissement majeur lié à la Stratégie nationale d’approvisionnement en matière de construction navale ( SNACN).

Le président de Seaspan, Jonathan Whitworth, a déclaré que, le chantier naval réaménagé, il sera en mesure de «construire de grands navires complexes pour le gouvernement fédéral».

La SNACN

 Rappelons que la SNACN, la Stratégie nationale d’approvisionnement en matière de construction navale est un processus d’une durée de 30 ans.

La stratégie  compte cinq étapes:

• Élaboration de la stratégie
• Sélection des chantiers navals
• Établir la relation
• Préparation des chantiers et finalisation des dessins
• La construction des navires

La SNACN en est maintenant dans sa quatrième phase, avec les dessins de la première série de navires en cours de finalisation et les chantiers navals qui entreprennent le travail nécessaire pour être en mesure de construire des navires.

À lire aussi:

L’achat de nouveaux navires coûtera-t-il plus cher que prévu ? >>

Irving: «Il était un petit contrat » (enfin!) >>

Il était un petit navire! >>

24.10.2012 par P. Chapleau Lignes de Défense

L'US Navy a annoncé deux attributions de contrat de soutien à l'entraînement (simulation et opfor). L'un des contrats de près de 50 millions de dollars a été attribué à ATAC; cette société détient ce contrat annuel depuis 2002, soit dix ans!
L'autre contrat, d'une valeur de 31,8 millions $, est allé à L-3 C Flight International. Cette société met en oeuvre des LearJet.

Airborne Tactical Advantage Co., L.L.C., Newport News, Va., is being awarded a $49,862,526 modification to a previously awarded indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract (N00019-09-D-0021) to exercise an option for services in support of the commercial air services program, which provides contractor owned and operated Type III high subsonic and Type IV supersonic aircraft to Navy Fleet customers for a wide variety of airborne threat simulation capabilities. This provides for training shipboard and aircraft squadron weapon systems operators and aircrew how to counter potential enemy electronic warfare and electronic attack operations in today's electronic combat environment. Funds will be obligated on individual delivery orders as they are issued. Work will be performed in Newport News, Va. and Jacksonville, Fla. (45 percent); Pt. Mugu, Calif. (35 percent); and outside the United States (20 percent). Work is expected to be completed by October 2013. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity.

L-3 Communications Flight International, Newport News, Va., is being awarded a $31,894,417 modification to a previously awarded firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/ indefinite-quantity contract (N00019-09-D-0018) for commercial air services for military training support. This modification provides airborne threat simulation training for shipboard and aircraft squadron weapon systems operators and aircrew, to enhance abilities to counter potential enemy electronic warfare and electronic attack operations in an electronic combat environment. No funding will be obligated at time of award. Work will be performed in Newport News, Va. (50 percent) and San Diego, Calif. (50 percent), and is expected to be completed in December 2013. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity.

Oct. 24, 2012 by Dave Majumdar – FG

Washington DC - The US Army is re-designating the Boeing AH-64D Block III Apache as the AH-64E.

The decision comes as the upgraded attack helicopter is moved into full rate production after a successful operational test phase.

The Block III has a significant enough boost in capabilities to warrant the change in designation, says Boeing's Ray Handy, marketing manager and a pilot for the AH-64.

The soon-to-be E-model's rotor blades are made of composites and the airfoil is shaped differently, he says. Moreover, the entire drive system has been completely revamped, with the engines and transmission significantly upgraded. "It's a completely new gearbox," Handy says.

The new drive system, in many respects, restores performance of the helicopter to earlier days. The introduction of the D-model in the 1990s added a large amount of weight to the aircraft over the years.

"It has taken us back to the days when the Apache was a much lighter aircraft," says Todd Brown, Boeing's chief rotary-wing test pilot. The E-model is similar in performance to the much lighter A-model helicopter, he adds.

The Block III's avionics have also been greatly improved. The biggest change is that the system has moved to an open-architecture design. But there have also been improvements to the flight controls and flight management systems.

The aircraft's mission capabilities have also been greatly improved, although Brown declines to elaborate. However, Boeing says one of the biggest improvements in that regard is the addition of a level four manned-unmanned teaming system, which will allow the aircraft's crew to work with unmanned air vehicles.

Rafael's SpotLite system

(Photo: Rafael)

20/10/2012 Moria Ben-Yosef - israeldefense.com

What are the Israeli companies planning to display at the largest North American ground expo to take place at the end of October? A special preview

A significant presence of Israeli companies is expected at the AUSA (Association of the United States Army) Expo, considered the largest annual ground expo in the United States. The event will take place in Washington DC through October 22-25, 2012.

RADA, a company specializing in the development and production of electronic systems and radars, will present stationary and portable tactical radars for fighters, as well as ground navigation systems for combat vehicles. These systems are characterized by a high degree of precision, providing various operational needs, including: navigation, integration with command and control (C2) systems, as well as assistance for artillery fire and armor.

Seraphim Optronics will present its Mini Unattended Ground Imaging (MUGI) electro-optic sensors at the Expo. The product it will present is a concealed system placed in the ground. It includes daytime and thermal cameras, and can stream information and photographs to its operators in real time once motion has been detected. The system is energy-efficient and can be placed in the field for two years without requiring a charge or replacement of batteries. The company will also display a new integration between the MUGI and tactical radar, which represents an ultimate breach blocker, especially in sensitive places and in “dead areas.” The company will also display an upgraded Chameleon system, an electro-optic sensor with day and night cameras for ranges that are shorter than the MUGI.

ESC BAZ, a major provider that develops and produces advanced observation and security systems, will present man portable observation systems at the Expo, as well as observation systems for protecting radar and fence-reliant facilities. Among other products, the company will display the “Layla” – a new, economical thermal camera that provides protection for both short and long ranges via continuous zoom.

International company Meprolight will display uncooled NOA family thermal scopes of various sizes for use in a variety of gun and rifle platforms for 0.5 to 5.56 calibers. The company will also present the Minimon – a compact, hardened and versatile night vision measure that can be used on a helmet or gun, in addition to bright scopes for guns and rifles and a range of illumination products from the Self-Illuminated family.

PI Systems, another company of the Sami Katzav (SK) Group, which specializes in laser systems for guidance and range measurement, will display various products at the Expo for use in large weapons systems – in ground, naval and aerial platforms.

Kilolambda Technologies, which develops and produces nanotechnology-based optical components capable of passively controlling light strengths, will display products used for protection in various military and defense optical systems. The components are based on a unique technology that allows for limiting or blocking light, thus helping defend against high-intensity light, such as potentially damaging sunlight or laser beams.

SYS Technologies specializes in the manufacturing of products in the field of clean air technology, used for creating a suitable treatment environment for medical teams in the field. The company will present the Medi-T Unit, an expanding room intended for the use of military or emergency forces that provides medical teams with a clean area for treating sick and wounded patients, conducting surgical activities and more.

Beth El Industries, a developer and manufacturer of air conditioning and NBC filtration systems, will present small and energy-efficient NBC systems for both vehicles and purifying tents.

Nimda, a member of the Nimda Diesel Group, specializes in upgrading land military platforms in the field of propulsion systems. The company will present the automotive upgrades it carried out for the M-113 APC, the upgrade of the T-72 tank it worked on with the Czech Defense Ministry and its heavy APC project developed with the IDF.

Among the larger Israeli defense industry companies, Elbit Systems will present a variety of its systems at the AUSA Expo. The focus of the systems will be on terrain dominance with the objective of controlling a sector or borders between countries in order to provide a comprehensive intelligence picture to operational forces in real time, protecting the lives of soldiers in the field. Elbit will demonstrate these capabilities at the Expo via cooperation between the various intelligence collection systems – from unmanned systems, various sensors (including scattered sensors), manual observation systems and more. In addition, Elbit will offer a variety of command, control and communication (C3) systems, advanced electro-optic observation systems, avionic systems and new-generation display systems.

Rafael will present the David’s Sling active defense system for intercepting medium-range missiles, in addition to the Iron Dome system for intercepting short-range rockets (which received the 2012 Israel Defense Award). The company will also present the Trophy active protection system for tanks and the Spider system for antiaircraft defense, including both of the advanced air-to-air missiles used by the system: the Python 5, an electro-optic interception missile, and Derby, a radar-guided interception missile. Rafael will also display the Samson family of remote-controlled weapon posts, the SpotLite family of electro-optic systems for detecting and neutralizing fire sources, and the Matador WB and AS breach-and-incursion systems.

Israel Military Industries (IMI) will display the Calanit shell, for which the company was awarded the 2011 Israel Security Prize. The shell is suited for the 120mm cannons of the Merkava Mark 3 and 4 tanks, effective against antitank launchers hidden behind obstacles. It is fired over squads operating antitank measures and explodes to release fragments that effectively hit squads, thereby neutralizing them. IMI will also display the “Glowing Arrow” – an active defense system integrated in a remote-controlled weapon post, which includes the following components: a sensor unit that alerts the approach of a threat while providing data for environmental conditions, a jammer against antitank missiles, and destruction capabilities to counter RPGs, missiles and tank shells via simple interceptors. IMI will also unveil a new 155 mm explosive shell, which may constitute a replacement for some of the functions of fragmentation bombs.

Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) will present the “Rex” – the robotic vehicle intended to accompany soldiers in the field. The vehicle can carry up to 200 kilograms and operate for up to 72 hours without refueling. In addition, the IAI will display a variety of stabilized electro-optic observation systems used onboard various platforms for surveillance, control, acquisition and marking of ground targets, as well as navigation measures and radar systems produced by Elta, including the Raz Radar installed in Iron Dome systems. IAI will also present the “Top Gun” fuse used for guiding 155 mm artillery shells for precise target impact, the MLGB laser guided armament, the FireBall laser and GPS guided armament, as well as the laser-guided Lahat missile which can be launched from vehicles, tanks, helicopters and more. In conclusion, IAI will demonstrate its Panther and Mirage gliders, as well as crash-enduring energy-absorbing chairs.

On average, the Expo attracts over 36,000 participants annually, providing a rich opportunity for Israeli companies to introduce their latest products.

24 October 2012 army-technology.com

The dual-mode seeker of Lockheed Martin-built joint air-to-ground missile (JAGM) has successfully demonstrated its target tracking capabilities during high-speed captive flight tests at the Yuma Proving Ground in Arizona, US.

During the company-funded tests, the seeker operated from a Sabreliner jet and successfully tracked intended ground targets while flying at tactical speeds.

The resulting test data was subsequently used to evaluate the seeker's millimetre wave and semi-active laser sensor modes against representative targets.

Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control business tactical missiles and combat manoeuvre systems vice president Frank John said his company was fully supporting the US Army's initiatives to restructure the JAGM programme for improved affordability in development and unit costs.

"Less than two months after receiving the continuing technology development contract award, we are already lowering risk by testing the dual-mode seeker our customer requires in a tactical scenario," John added.

"Less than two months after receiving the continuing technology development contract award, we are already lowering risk by testing the dual-mode seeker our customer requires in a tactical scenario."

Lockheed was awarded a 27-month $64m extended technology development contract in August 2012 for qualification of the JAGM guidance section, equipped with a dual-mode seeker, which is scheduled to be produced on the existing Hellfire production line.

JAGM's modular and open architecture design is expected to support a low-risk spiral to a tri-mode seeker, a capability that could be required by the army in future.

Equipped with a multi-purpose warhead, the JAGM is an advanced missile designed to destroy multiple heavy armour and soft land or waterborne target sets, with improved lethality, range, operational flexibility, supportability and cost-savings.

Intended to carrry out the JAGM are the army's AH-64D Apache attack helicopter, MQ-1C Gray Eagle unmanned aerial system (UAS), and OH-58D cockpit and sensor upgrade (CASUP) Kiowa Warrior armed reconnaissance helicopter.

The JAGM initial operational capability (IOC) on the Apache, Viper and Super Hornet aircraft is scheduled for 2017.

23 octobre 2012 par Jacques N. Godbout - 45enord.ca

Le chapitre trois du rapport de l’automne 2012 du vérificateur général du Canada, Michael Ferguson, déposé le 23 octobre, presse le gouvernement d’agir sans tarder pour assurer la cybersécurité des Canadiens.

Ce rapport comporte 7 chapitres :

• Chapitre 1 — Planifier le recours aux contrats de services professionnels
• Chapitre 2 — Les réformes des programmes de subventions et de contributions
• Chapitre 3 — Protéger l’infrastructure canadienne essentielle contre les cybermenaces
• Chapitre 4 — La transition à la vie civile des militaires malades ou blessés
• Chapitre 5 — Les biens immobiliers — Défense nationale
• Chapitre 6 — Les paiements de transfert au secteur aérospatial — Industrie Canada
• Chapitre 7 — La viabilité à long terme des finances publiques — Finances Canada

Au chapitre 3, Michael Ferguson y critique le gouvernement canadien qui «tarde» à assumer son rôle pour répondre adéquatement aux cybermenaces malgré la menace croissante des attaques informatiques sur les systèmes canadiens,

Le rapport révèle aussi des lacunes dans la gestion de ces risques, aussi bien dans le stockage des données sensibles que dans la surveillance d’éventuels pirates prêts à passer à l’action.

Des attaques dont des organismes gouvernementaux ont été victimes en janvier 2011 ont révélé au grand jour la faiblesse du canada en matière de cybersécurité, dit le rapport. Les terroristes, organisations criminelles ou États étrangers peuvent pénétrer les systèmes – électriques, bancaires, téléphoniques, gouvernementaux pour voler de l’information ou, même , détruire les systèmes, dit le rapport.

Le rapport formule quatre recommandations en matière de sécurité  qui ont, d’ailleurs, été toutes acceptées par le gouvernement fédéral.

1-Le rapport recommande d’établir un plan d’action interministériel, prévoyant des produits à livrer et des échéanciers, afin d’orienter la mise en œuvre de la Stratégie de cybersécurité du Canada (2010) et de mesurer les progrès accomplis.

Sécurité publique Canada émettra donc un plan d’action interministériel.

2- Le rapport recommande de s’assurer que tous les réseaux sectoriels sont pleinement établis et fonctionnent comme le prévoient la stratégie nationale et le plan d’action sur les infrastructures essentielles, afin qu’ils deviennent un outil efficace pour protéger l’infrastructure essentielle et atteindre les objectifs de la Stratégie de cybersécurité du Canada

Le ministère de la Sécurité publique continuera donc de collaborer avec les ministères et les organismes fédéraux responsables pour renforcer les réseaux sectoriels, échanger de l’information avec les intervenants du secteur (y compris l’information sur les cybermenaces) et fournir des outils en appui aux efforts de gestion des risques déployés par chaque secteur. Reconnaissant que chaque secteur est unique et que la représentation ne devrait pas être uniforme dans l’ensemble des secteurs des infrastructures essentielles, Sécurité publique Canada offrira aux ministères et aux organismes fédéraux responsables des conseils sur la couverture appropriée des réseaux sectoriels d’ici décembre 2013,précise le rapport.

3- Sécurité publique Canada, recommande aussi le rapport, devrait renforcer la capacité du Centre canadien de réponse aux incidents cybernétiques à maintenir une connaissance de la situation relative aux cybermenaces qui pèsent contre l’infrastructure essentielle du Canada et à communiquer cette information aux propriétaires et aux exploitants d’éléments de l’infrastructure essentielle.

Pour accroître le soutien offert aux infrastructures essentielles et à d’autres partenaires, le gouvernement canadien augmentera donc la capacité opérationnelle et autres capacités du CCRIC, renforcera les politiques et les processus du Centre, et améliorera ses partenariats de partage d’information.

4-  Finalement, le rapport du vérificateur général recommande que le Secrétariat du Conseil du Trésor du Canada, en collaboration avec Services partagés Canada, mette à jour les politiques et les plans pertinents pour qu’ils tiennent compte des nouveaux rôles et responsabilités qu’assume SPC en matière de sécurité des TI.

Cette mesure est déjà en voie d’être réalisée. Le Secrétariat du Conseil du Trésor du Canada a révisé le Plan de gestion des incidents en matière de technologie de l’information (TI) du gouvernement du Canada, qui définit les rôles et les responsabilités de Services partagés Canada (SPC) quant à la gestion des incidents. Le Plan a été approuvé par le dirigeant principal de l’information (DPI) du Canada en mai 2012. Le Secrétariat a entrepris la mise à jour de la Politique sur la sécurité du gouvernement et la politique révisée devrait être publiée en 2013.

Le directeur du  SCRS, le Service canadien du renseignement de sécurité, Richard Fadden, dans son rapport public 2010-2011 déposé le jeudi 20 septembre au Parlement canadien, avait lui aussi insisté sur les cybermenaces. «Pour ce qui est du terrorisme,» avait-il déclaré, « Internet permet aux extrémistes de créer des communautés virtuelles. Les terroristes n’ont plus à assurer la sécurité de leur repaire, car ils peuvent discuter des méthodes à employer depuis leur petit appartement. »

À noter que les 30 et 31 octobre, Ottawa accueillera la convention SecureTech 2012.

Le dessin à camouflage canadien (CADPAT) est

facilement reconnaissable. Il sera toujours présent sur

l'uniforme amélioré

23 octobre 2012 par Nicolas Laffont on - 45enord.ca

Les militaires des Forces canadiennes vont avoir un meilleur uniforme! Le ministère de la Défense a fait savoir par le biais d’un communiqué qu’un contrat vient d’être attribué pour l’acquisition d’uniformes de combat améliorés, ce qui serait le changement le plus radical pour l’uniforme de combat depuis les années 1970.

Bernard Valcourt, le ministre associé de la Défense nationale et Rona Ambrose, la ministre des Travaux publics et des Services gouvernementaux Canada, ont annoncé que le gouvernement du Canada a octroyé un contrat d’une valeur de 8,5 millions $ à Peerless Garments, de Winnipeg (Manitoba).

Le contrat, à la suite d’un processus d’approvisionnement concurrentiel, a été attribué au plus bas soumissionnaire. Il exige que le fournisseur utilise des textiles canadiens et fabrique les uniformes au Canada. La Défense estime que le contrat devrait créer 15 emplois à Winnipeg, Manitoba.

« Cette annonce témoigne de notre constant engagement à affermir la réputation des Forces canadiennes comme force polyvalente, moderne et de premier ordre capable de défendre les Canadiens au pays et à l’étranger dans les nombreuses années à venir », affirme le ministre Valcourt.

Les améliorations

Pas moins de 17 améliorations ont été apportées à l’uniforme, mais le dessin de camouflage canadien (CADPAT), adapté spécifiquement à l’environnement sur le terrain reste le même.

Suite à des commentaires formulés par des membres des Forces canadiennes, des améliorations importantes à l’uniforme actuel ont été proposées et analysées par les Forces canadiennes.

Ces améliorations comprennent l’ajout d’un col de style mandarin, de poches de poitrine plates, de poches sur les manches et de poches pour les stylos sur les manches et les jambes, d’attaches velcro sur les poignées des manches et aux chevilles, de genouillères intégrées, ainsi que la suppression des cordons de serrage sur les pantalons. La distribution est prévue pour très bientôt pour l’armée et les unités de combat. Ce sont les troupes en missions qui auront la priorité, toutefois, comme le remplacement se fait par attrition, la distribution devrait prendre plusieurs années.

Un document interne du ministère de la Défense datant de 2011 indique que le taux de production estimée est de 500 ensembles par semaine.

Marc Plourde, de la Direction de l’administration du programme de l’équipement du soldat, nous a précisé que Peerless Garments fabriquera près de 45 000 pantalons et 45 000 vestes à dessin de camouflage canadien des régions boisées tempérées (vert).

Le présent contrat, d’une durée de deux ans, comporte également trois options pour des quantités supplémentaires de pantalons et vestes à dessin de camouflage canadien des régions boisées tempérées (vert) ou des régions arides (beige), lesquelles pourraient possiblement hausser la valeur contractuelle à 34 millions $.

HILL AIR FORCE BASE, Utah, Oct. 22, 2012 – Boeing

CHAMP high-powered microwaves degrade or destroy electronic targets without collateral damage

A recent weapons flight test in the Utah desert may change future warfare after the missile successfully defeated electronic targets with little to no collateral damage.

Boeing  and the U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) Directed Energy Directorate, Kirtland Air Force Base, N.M., successfully tested the Counter-electronics High-powered Microwave Advanced Missile Project (CHAMP) during a flight over the Utah Test and Training Range that was monitored from Hill Air Force Base.

CHAMP, which renders electronic targets useless, is a non-kinetic alternative to traditional explosive weapons that use the energy of motion to defeat a target.

During the test, the CHAMP missile navigated a pre-programmed flight plan and emitted bursts of high-powered energy, effectively knocking out the target's data and electronic subsystems. CHAMP allows for selective high-frequency radio wave strikes against numerous targets during a single mission.

"This technology marks a new era in modern-day warfare," said Keith Coleman, CHAMP program manager for Boeing Phantom Works. "In the near future, this technology may be used to render an enemy’s electronic and data systems useless even before the first troops or aircraft arrive."

CHAMP is a multiyear, joint capability technology demonstration that includes ground and flight tests.

A unit of The Boeing Company, Boeing Defense, Space & Security is one of the world's largest defense, space and security 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 Defense, Space & Security is a $32 billion business with 61,000 employees worldwide. Follow us on Twitter: @BoeingDefense.

Oct 23, 2012 by Dave Majumdar – FG

Washington DC - Northrop Grumman plans to pitch its AN/ZPY-1 STARLite ground surveillance radar for the US Navy's MQ-8C Firescout unmanned helicopter, which is also built by Northrop Grumman.

"We're going to bid this on our Firescout-C for the navy," says Mike Lobb, the company's business development director for tactical sensor solutions.

The 45lbs active electronically scanned radar, which is mounted on a rotating mechanical gimble, has a 360° field of regard-but the antenna itself has a 110° field of view.

STARLite also has synthetic aperture radar, ground moving target indicator (GMTI) and dismount moving target indicator (DMTI) modes. In the radar's DMTI mode, the system can track humans walking on the ground at a range of 8 kilometers.

But the radar is not the version that is currently mounted on the US Army's General Atomic MQ-1C, but rather it is an extended range version. It will also have enhancements so that it can perform in a maritime environment.

Lobb also says that the radar is nearing the point where it might be exportable. A number of "tier one" NATO allies have expressed interest in the system.

Oct 23, 2012 by Dave Majumdar – FG

Washington DC - Bell is starting its voluntary flight demonstration for its Block II OH-58 Kiowa Warrior this week for the US Army's prospective Armed Aerial Scout programme.

"We started this week our portion of the voluntary flight demonstration," says Stephen Eppinette, Bell's business development manager.

The demonstration will last for about two weeks, but the army will decide in December if it will actually proceed with a new programme.

Eppinette argues that Bell's upgraded Kiowa Warrior aircraft offers the US Army a lower cost, lower risk option than potential competitors. The army already has an established logistical and training tail for the venerable OH-58. The new Block II would be able to leverage those facilities while offering far superior performance.

The Block II is equipped with the Honeywell HTS-900 turboshaft with 1000 shp. It also has the rotors and transmission from Bell's 407 model, Eppinette says. The tail comes from the Bell 427. The modifications should allow the helcopter to hover the 6000 ft and 95 degrees Fahrenheit.

Bell is working with an incremental upgrade strategy for the aircraft. Block II would eventually be upgraded to the Block III with a more powerful power and rotor systems should army buy the Block II Kiowa Warrior.

October 22, 2012 by Mike Hoffman - defensetech.org

No service has taken a lead role on cyber attacks in the Defense Department. Army leadership sees an opening where it could take more of a leadership position on cyber defense issues, an official said at the Association of the U.S. Army’s annual conference.

The service has scheduled a cyber presentation for Tuesday afternoon titled “Cyber Domain and LandWarNet: Powering the Army.” The Army official said to keep a close eye on that forum scheduled for 2:30  p.m. for an announcement to be made.

Pentagon officials have struggled to figure out what role they play in cyber security outside of protecting their own networks. Cyber is a growing threat within national security. Agencies like the NSA have more capabilities than a military service branch to combat cyber attacks, however, military leaders across all four services want to find a leadership role that makes sense for each branch.

Army Lt. Gen. Rhett A. Hernandez, the head of U.S. Army Cyberspace Command, will lead the panel. He will be joined by Lt. Gen. Richard P. Formica, head of U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command/Army Forces Strategic Command, Lt. Gen. Susan S. Lawrence, the Army’s chief information officer, Lt. Gen. Mary A. Legere, the Army’s deputy chief of staff G-2, and Lt. Gen. Donald M. Campbell, Jr., commanding general of III Corps and Fort Hood.

October 22, 2012 defpro.com

WASHINGTON | America’s most experienced designer and builder of light tactical military vehicles, AM General LLC, will showcase its innovation, global reach and diversification at the 2012 AUSA Annual Meeting & Exposition at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center, Washington, D.C., Oct. 22-24, Booth 7342.

Innovation will be represented in part by the Blast Resistant Vehicle - Off Road (BRV-O) Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV) that recently won a $64.5 million contract, one of three awarded by the U.S. Army for the Engineering, Manufacturing and Development phase of the JLTV program. Based on more than a decade of AM General investments in research, development and testing, BRV-O epitomizes the ideal balance of protection, performance and payload; off-road mobility; transportability; reliability; and affordability through mature systems.

For the first time, AM General also will exhibit its new Ground Mobility Vehicle (GMV) specifically designed for rapidly deployable forces. The GMV 1.1 leverages the company’s many years of experience supplying and supporting the current HMMWV-based GMV for the U.S. Government. With extraordinary mobility, performance and transportability (including CH/MH-47 internally transportable), AM General’s innovative GMV 1.1 goes faster and farther using less fuel - and navigates more difficult terrain - than any other vehicle of its size available today. At the same time, it is highly reliable and affordable through the use of proven technology, cost-effective manufacturing, and low life-cycle costs.

AM General’s global reach, will be exemplified at the AUSA Expo by a new right-hand drive version of the HMMWV, re-engineered for the 70-plus countries where vehicles are driven on the left side of the road. This is one of three new internationally focused HMMWV models the company now is offering - aiming to expand beyond the 53 foreign countries already operating HMMWVs in their security forces. Further highlighting the company’s worldwide footprint, AM General subject matter experts will be on hand to discuss ongoing global initiatives that range from providing genuine Original Equipment Manufacturer parts & components; to offering supply chain management, equipment and driver training, and field service support.

AM General’s diversification into the commercial automotive sector will be highlighted at the Expo by the MV-1 wheelchair accessible mobility vehicle. Both gasoline and compressed natural gas versions of the MV-1 are being produced for the Vehicle Production Group using AM General’s skilled workforce and a state-of-art commercial assembly plant in Indiana that previously assembled the HUMMER H2 for General Motors. The Americans with Disabilities Act compliant MV-1 is the first vehicle designed from the ground up based on inputs from wheelchair users.