DTN News - U.S. DOD: Army Contracting Command Awarded Contract $48.6 Million To Northrop Grumman For Continue Logistic Services For The Hunter Unmanned Aircraft System

DTN News - U.S. DOD:  Army Contracting Command Awarded Contract $48.6 Million To Northrop Grumman For Continue Logistic Services For The Hunter Unmanned Aircraft System

Source: DTN News + U.S. DoD No: CR-055-15 Dated March 25, 2015
(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - March 27, 2015: Northrop Grumman Technical Services, Sierra Vista, Arizona, was awarded a $48,691,384 modification (P00033) to contract WR8RGZ-13-C-0010 to continue contractor logistic services for the Hunter unmanned aircraft system. 

Fiscal 2015 operations and maintenance (Army) funds in the amount of $27,745,692 were obligated at the time of the award. Estimated completion date is March 29, 2016. 

Work will be performed in Sierra Vista, Arizona, and Afghanistan. 

Army Contracting Command, Redstone Arsenal, Alabama, is the contracting activity.

*Link for This article compiled by K. V. Seth from reliable sources + U.S. DoD No: CR-055-15 Dated March 25, 2015
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DTN News - DEFENSE NEWS: U.S. DoD Awarded Contract To General Dynamics Land Systems, Michigan, For All Logistic Requirements of The Buffalo A2 M1272 Vehicle

DTN News - DEFENSE NEWS: U.S. DoD Awarded Contract To General Dynamics Land Systems,  Michigan, For All Logistic Requirements of The Buffalo A2 M1272 Vehicle

Source: DTN News + CR-051-15 Dated March 19, 2015

(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - March 23, 2015: General Dynamics Land Systems, Sterling Heights, Michigan, was awarded a $22,786,250 firm-fixed-price multi-year contract for updates and revisions to all logistic requirements and data, except provisioning, in support of the Buffalo A2 M1272 vehicle, and completion of a total system support package. 

Work will be performed in Sterling Heights, Michigan, with an estimated completion date of March 10, 2018. 

One bid was solicited with one received. Fiscal 2015 other procurement (Army) funds in the amount of $22,786,250 are being obligated at the time of the award. 

Army Contracting Command, Warren, Michigan, is the contracting activity (W56HZV-15-C-0101).

BUFFALO
The Buffalo Mine Protected Clearance Vehicle (MPCV) is the recognized leader in route clearance missions around the globe and is currently in service with the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, France and Italy. The Buffalo’s improvements include increased engine power and greater compatibility, increased driving range, increased fording and slope angle performance, enhanced HVAC and a common spare for all six tires. The enhanced safety features include, larger roof hatches for crew egress and both crew and engine compartment Automatic Fire Extinguishing Systems (AFES). With bar armor and an air spade as optional features, the more powerful, improved Buffalo is ready to roll.

HISTORY
The Buffalo vehicle was designed based on the successful South African Casspir mine-protected vehicle. While the Casspir is a four wheeled vehicle, the Buffalo has six wheels. Buffalo is also fitted with a large articulated arm, used for ordnance disposal. Both vehicles incorporate a "V" shaped monohull chassis that directs the force of the blast away from the occupants.

Buffalo is also now equipped with BAE Systems' LROD cage armor for additional protection against RPG-7 anti-tank rounds. Glass armor is sufficient at 6 inches thickness. Run-flat tires are present in all tires. The Buffalo combines ballistic and blast protection with infrared technology to detect the presence of dangerous ordnance and a robotic arm to disable the explosive ordnance. Personnel operate the Buffalo’s 30-foot robotic arm and claw from within the armoured hull via a mounted camera and sensory equipment, to safely dispose of mines and IEDs.

In 2004, the United States had a limited number of Buffaloes in service, with an order for 15 more, at a cost of $10 million. On June 6, 2008 Force Protection, Inc delivered its 200th Buffalo to the U.S. Military.


In 2009 Force Protection Started work on the A2 version, with major changes in the Axle Tech rear axles, Cat C13 engine, Cat CX31 transmission and suspension, along with addition upgrades to the HVAC system, hood and front bumper. the easiest way to identify an A1 version from the A2 version is the front bumper of the A2 has a larger profile. The last Buffalo A2 truck 795 will be completed in June 2014. Force protection was bought by General Dynamics Land Systems.

*Link for This article compiled by K. V. Seth from reliable sources + CR-051-15 Dated March 19, 2015
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DTN News - BOEING DEFENSE NEWS: Boeing System Could Bring Precision to Laser Weapons on US Navy Ships

DTN News - BOEING DEFENSE NEWS: Boeing System Could Bring Precision to Laser Weapons on US Navy Ships
*Directed energy expertise key to integrating laser weapons on ships

Source: DTN News - - This article compiled by K. V. Seth from reliable sources Boeing
(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada (ALBUQUERQUE, N.M.,) - February 18, 2015:  – Boeing [NYSE: BA] has been awarded a $29.5 million contract to design and develop a beam control system that could provide exceptional accuracy for laser weapons on U.S. Navy warships. 

Boeing will begin to design a prototype High Power Beam Control Subsystem (HP BCSS) that’s compatible with High Energy Lasers (HEL) based on solid-state laser (SSL) technology. Boeing’s solution will be compatible with systems other companies are designing for the Office of Naval Research’s (ONR) Solid State Laser Technology Maturation (SSL-TM) program.

The resulting beam control system will focus and hold a laser on a moving aimpoint long enough to disable the target. Doing that with a ship-based laser is particularly challenging, given the maritime environment and constant movement of an at-sea vessel.

“Boeing innovations in beam control and directed energy technologies are keys to understanding laser weapon system configurations that could yield a capability for the Navy in their maritime environment,” said Peggy Morse, vice president, Boeing Directed Energy & Strategic Systems (DESS).

The Boeing beam control system capitalizes on the company’s work with the U.S. Army’s High Energy Laser Mobile Demonstrator (HEL MD). In demonstrations at Eglin Air Force Base in Florida in 2014, in which Navy program team members participated, HEL MD acquired, tracked and destroyed targets in windy and foggy conditions. Important technical data was collected on energy systems within a maritime environment, which ONR shared with the Army and Boeing. HEL MD has disabled mortars and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) during recent testing.

A unit of The Boeing Company, 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, Defense, Space & Security is a $31 billion business with 53,000 employees worldwide. Follow us on Twitter: @BoeingDefense.

*Related Boeing News;
    

Feb 17, 2015 British Prime Minister Cameron Praises Boeing-led Chinook Support Program

Feb 17, 2015 Boeing System Could Bring Precision to Laser Weapons on US Navy Ships

Feb 16, 2015 Boeing to Build All-Electric Propulsion Satellite for SES

Feb 12, 2015 Boeing, Transavia Announce Order for Up to 20 Next-Generation 737-800s

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Feb 11, 2015 Boeing Opens Propulsion Systems Facility in South Carolina

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Feb 10, 2015 Boeing Director Cook to Step Down from Board

Feb 10, 2015 Bell Boeing Training System Readies Marine Pilots for High-Profile Mission

Feb 10, 2015 British Airways Receives Operational Approval for Boeing Electronic Logbook

Feb 5, 2015 Boeing, LATAM Airlines Group Celebrate Delivery of Airline's First 787-9 Dreamliner

Feb 4, 2015 Boeing Receives Contract to Modernize B-52 with Digital Communications

Feb 4, 2015 Boeing Chairman and CEO McNerney to Speak at Barclays Industrial Select Conference on Feb. 18

Feb 4, 2015 Boeing Partners to Develop New Criminal History System for Minnesota Criminal Justice Agencies

Feb 3, 2015 Boeing, DLA Exercise $223 Million Combat Logistics Support Agreement

Feb 2, 2015 With Boeing Inmarsat-5 Launch, Global Broadband Network Closer to Reality

Feb 2, 2015 Boeing Delivers Scoot's First 787 Dreamliner

Feb 1, 2015 Boeing, Ethiopian Airlines, Vital Voices Global Partnership Join Together for Humanitarian Flight

Jan 30, 2015 Boeing Delivers Okay Airways' First Next-Generation 737-900ER

Jan 30, 2015 Boeing Announces ANA’s Commitment to Become Newest 787-10 Customer

Jan 29, 2015 Boeing Wins $51 Million Contract to Sustain ICBM Guidance System

Jan 28, 2015 Boeing Reports Record 2014 Revenue, Core EPS and Backlog and Provides 2015 Guidance

Jan 22, 2015 US Navy Approves F/A-18 Super Hornet IRST System for Production

Jan 22, 2015 Boeing Maritime Surveillance Aircraft Ready for Demonstration Flights

Jan 21, 2015 Boeing, Thai Airways International Celebrate 75th Direct Airplane Delivery

*Link for This article compiled by K. V. Seth from reliable sources Boeing
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DTN News - DEFENSE NEWS: Oshkosh Defense Products on Video

Defense News: 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 - DEFENSE NEWS: U.S. DoD Awarded Contract To Boeing Amounting To $ 4.9 Billion For CH-47F Cargo Helicopters Related To U. S. Army And Foreign Military Sales For Turkey And UAE

Defense News: DTN News - DEFENSE NEWS: U.S. DoD Awarded Contract To Boeing Amounting To $ 4.9 Billion For CH-47F Cargo Helicopters Related To U. S. Army, Foreign Military Sales For Turkey And UAE

Source: DTN News - - This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources DTN News & U.S. DoD issued No.  440-13 June 17, 2013
(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - June 21, 2013:  The Boeing Co., Ridley Park, Penn., was awarded a firm-fixed-price, multi-year contract with a maximum base value of $3,414,000,002 for the production of remanufactured and new-build CH-47F cargo helicopters. 

 A portion of this contract is in support of foreign military sales for Turkey and United Arab Emirates.  

The total of the contract if all options are exercised will be $4,983,900,022.  The estimated completion date is Dec. 31, 2020.  

A combination of fiscal 2011, fiscal 2012 and fiscal 2013 Procurement funds in the amount of $1,316,639,035 are being obligated on this award.  

One bid was solicited, with one bid received.  The Army Contracting Command, Redstone Arsenal, Ala., is the contracting activity (W58RGZ-13-C-0002). 

*Link for This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources DTN News & U.S. DoD issued No.  440-13 June 17, 2013
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DTN News - DEFENSE NEWS: U.S. Army Prepares For Next Network Integration Evaluation

Defense News: DTN News - DEFENSE NEWS: U.S. Army Prepares For Next Network Integration Evaluation

Source: DTN News - - This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources By Claire Heininger, U.S. Army

(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - March 16, 2013: With two units now readying for Afghanistan with the Army's new tactical communications network, the service will continue to drive technology forward through its next Network Integration Evaluation this spring.

Soldier training, vehicle integration, system check-outs and other preparations are well underway in advance of Network Integration Evaluation, or NIE, 13.2, which begins in May at Fort Bliss and White Sands Missile Range, N.M. It is the fifth in the series of semi-annual field evaluations designed to keep pace with rapid advances in communications technologies and deliver proven and integrated network capabilities to Soldiers. 

The NIEs are not stand-alone events, but build on previous exercises by improving the Army's integrated network baseline and incorporating Soldier feedback into system functionality and training methods. As the Army continues to field network capability sets with systems and doctrine vetted through the NIE, the events will further evolve to include joint and coalition involvement next year.

"The NIE offers us the ability to evaluate and improve the network incrementally," said Maj. Gen. Harold Greene, the Deputy for Acquisition and Systems Management, Assistant Secretary of the Army for Acquisition, Logistics and Technology, known as ASA(ALT). "It forces the community together in an environment where Soldiers are telling us what we did well and what we didn't do well -- very graphically, very visually, very obviously."

From combined arms maneuver across more than 150 miles of desert to subterranean operations in mountain caves, NIE 13.2 includes mission threads designed to measure network performance at all echelons, from the brigade commander down to the dismounted Soldier. It will include an aerial tier to extend the range of communications and operational energy solutions to more efficiently power networked equipment.

"We've got some good questions, and the scenario will allow us to get at a lot of those operational pieces," said Col. Elizabeth Bierden, chief of the Network Integration Division, Brigade Modernization Command, or BMC. "We've seen many of the systems before, but I think we just get the network better every single time." 

The main focus for NIE 13.2 is the Follow-on Test and Evaluation, or FOT&E, for Warfighter Information Network-Tactical, known as WIN-T, Increment 2, the Army's mobile network backbone. WIN-T Increment 2 provides an enhanced capability over the current Increment 1 version used today in Afghanistan, including unprecedented "on-the-move" communications capabilities down to the company level. A successful test will enable the Army to keep fielding WIN-T Increment 2 to operational units beyond Capability Set 13, which is now being delivered to select brigade combat teams, or BCTs, preparing for deployment.

During the FOT&E, the 2nd Brigade, 1st Armored Division will conduct the full range of military operations -- from movement to contact to peacekeeping -- and stretch the WIN-T network over even greater distances than during NIE 12.2, which was the unit's first formal chance to assess the system. Following that evaluation in May 2012, the Army aggressively pursued and implemented corrective actions to address the areas identified for improvement, and 2/1 AD Soldiers have also become more comfortable and proficient with the equipment.

"The training is more hands-on, and with the knowledge we already have we're able to go more in-depth," said Spc. Erik Liebhaber, who has participated in three NIEs and said training for 13.2 incorporated specific scenarios that Soldiers had previously encountered in the field. "That's a big part of the continuity." 

Other systems under formal test include Joint Battle Command-Platform (JBC-P), the Army's next-generation situational awareness and blue force tracking technology; Nett Warrior, a smartphone-like system for dismounted leaders; the Area Mine Clearance System-Medium Flail, an armored vehicle designed for clearing large areas of anti-tank and anti-personnel landmines; and Tactical Communication and Protection System, designed to prevent hearing injury while allowing Soldiers to remain cognizant of their environment during combat. A dozen additional systems, such as those comprising the aerial tier, will receive less formal evaluations.

Both JBC-P and Nett Warrior have actively incorporated user feedback from several previous NIE cycles into their hardware and software designs.

"It's gotten a lot simpler to use," Staff Sgt. Lance Bradford said of JBC-P. "That was our largest suggestion to them -- you've got to get this more user-friendly."

Soldier feedback and lessons-learned from the NIEs not only affect the conduct of future NIE iterations, but have also been applied to the process of producing, fielding and training units on Capability Set (CS) 13, which is the Army's first such communications package to provide integrated connectivity throughout the BCT. The NIEs informed all aspects of CS 13, from how network systems are installed onto a vehicle, to which training approach is most effective, to which Soldiers within a brigade are issued certain pieces of equipment. 

Two BCTs of the 10th Mountain Division, now in the final stages of training before deploying to Afghanistan later this year, are receiving lessons-learned and recommended operational uses for the equipment that were developed during the NIE process. Serving as Security Forces Advise and Assist Teams (SFAATs), the units will rely on the new network as they work closely with the Afghan forces, take down fixed infrastructure and become increasingly mobile and dispersed in their operations.

While NIE missions to date have confirmed that CS 13 can support such operations, they have not been limited to the Afghan mission. The NIE 13.2 scenario will set the stage for future exercises that will include new offensive and defensive operations replicating what units may face in other regions, including joint and coalition involvement beginning with NIE 14.2 next spring. 

"We are trying to set the stage for a joint and multinational effort in 14.2, and so we're looking across functions at Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance, close air support, air ground-integration, with the major objectives focused on joint entry operations and the joint network," said Brig. Gen. Randal Dragon, BMC commander. "We'll be in a position to look at a number of those joint functions and we'll set the stage through the series of NIEs we have coming up."

*Link for This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources By Claire Heininger, U.S. Army
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DTN News - AFGHAN WAR: U.S. Forces And Afghan Border Police At Observation Point 12 Along Afghanistan-Pakistan Border

Defense News: DTN News - AFGHAN WAR: U.S. Forces And Afghan Border Police At Observation Point 12 Along  Afghanistan-Pakistan Border

Source: DTN News 
(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - February 2, 2013: U.S. soldiers and Afghan border police hike from their landing zone to Observation Point 12 along the Afghanistan-Pakistan border, Jan. 21, 2013. 

The soldiers are assigned to the 101st Airborne Division's 1st Brigade Combat Team. 

U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Jon Heinrich - Download Hi-Res


*Link for This article compiled by Roger Smith - DTN News
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