Armada Aug/Sept 2014

Cover Armada Aug 2014.qxp:Armada

8/14/14

4:37 PM

Page 3

THE TRUSTED SOURCE FOR DEFENCE TECHNOLOGY INFORMATION SINCE 1976

Issue 4/2014

INTERNATIONAL

August/September

check file.qxp:Armada

8/20/14

1:11 PM

Page 1

Contents_Armada Sep 14:Armada

8/14/14

4:34 PM

Page 3

THE TRUSTED SOURCE FOR DEFENCE TECHNOLOGY INFORMATION SINCE 1976

Contents 4/2014 INTERNATIONAL www.armada.ch

19 SOLDIER PROTECTION

PROTECT THAT SOLDIER! I Paolo Valpolini Until they is entirely replaceable on the battlefield by robotised systems, or better still fighting androids, soldiers need to be protected against a constantly updated threat.

06

14

28

GEOSPATIAL INFORMATION – III MAPPING THIN AIR I Wesley Fox

AEROSTAT OBSERVATION A BLIMP’S POINT OF VIEW I Peter Donaldson

LANDING HELICOPTER DOCK AMPHIBIOUS ASSAULT SHIPS GAIN MOMENTUM I Luca Peruzzi

36

45

GUIDED BOMBS PIN-POINT ACCURATE BOLT FROM THE BLUE I Roy Braybrook

SHOW REPORT SOFEX 2014 I Paolo Valpolini

COMPENDIUM SUPPLEMENT RADIOS BETTER COMMUNICATIONS SAVE LIVES I Peter Donaldson

INTERNATIONAL

4/2014

03

Contents_Armada Sep 14:Armada

8/14/14

9:17 PM

Page 4

Index DEFENCE TECHNOLOG SOURCE FOR THE TRUSTED

Issue 4/2014

Y INFORMATIO

N SINCE 1976

L INTERNATIONA

August/September

I INDEX TO ADVERTISERS 3M PELTOR ADEX AZERBAIJAN AR MODULAR ARMADA DIGITAL ASELSAN AUSA AVALON AUSTRALIA BARRETT ELBIT EXELIS FLIR

7 43 37 9 17, 19, 21 C3 47 15 C4 5 13

IDEX UAE C3 INVISIO C2 LAAD BRAZIL 35 LAND FORCES AUSTRALIA 39 NORTHROP GRUMMAN AEROSPACE C2 ODU 23 ROSOBORONEXPORT 1 26, 27 TEXTRON C4 TECHNICAL COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION 11 Entries highlighted with Red numbers are found in Radios Compendium 2014

A Mechlab photo of its V-shield body armour being field tested. As explained on page 19 the war against weight is a difficult one to win and part-exoskeleton structures are envisaged to help soldiers bear increasing loads.

Volume 38, Issue No. 4, August-September 2014 INTERNATIONAL

is published bi-monthly by Media Transasia Ltd.

I INDEX TO MANUFACTURERS Companies mentioned in this issue. Where there are multiple references to a company in an article, only the first occurence and subsequent photographs are listed below: 3M Peltor

13, 26

MSA

36

Elbit Systems of America

08

Navantia

35 29, 30, 31

Aegis

16

Eris

Aeronautics

17

ESM

34

Norinco

Aeroscraft Corporation

17

Esterline

33

Northrop Grumman

38

Orizzonte Sistemi Navali

32

Oshkosh

50

AGI

08, 10, 12

Eurofighter

AgustaWestland

33

Exelis

Alenia Aermacchi

45

Fincantieri

Alliant Techsystems

38

General Atomics

Allsop

17, 18

Aselsan

12, 24, 31

03, 04, 08, 31 32, 33 37

OSK

34, 40

Otto Engineering

36

General Dynamics C4 Systems 05, 16

Panavia

38

General Dynamics

06, 07, 08, 37, 40

12

Gentex

20

Radmor

ATK

45

Gulf

08

Rafael

Atlantic Signal

31

Hanjin Heavy Industries

33, 34

Rafale

Ayesas

31

Harbin Jiangcheng

20, 21, 25, 30, 31, 42

32

Oto Melara

AT Electronics & Comm. Inter’l

BAE Systems

41 15, 38

Harris

41

04, 05, 06, 07, 08, 08, 09, 10

19 31, 41, 42, 43 44

Raytheon

11, 16, 36, 38, 40

Reutech

19

Harris RF Communications

04

Rheinmetall

29

Harris Tactical Communications

16

Rockwell Collins

12

Havelsan

31

Rohde & Schwarz

Honeywell

38

RT

Huntington Ingalls Industries

29

Saab

32

IAI

16

Sagem

CA&ST

41

Information Systems Laboratories

15

Sapura Thales Electronics (STE)

20

China South Industries Group

42

Invisio

34

Sedef

31

CJ Component Products

32

Israel Aerospace Industries

42

Selex ES

Cobham

12

Israel Military Industries

42

Silynx

Codan

25

Jeppesen

Codan Radio Communications

12

Kannad

17

Barrett Communications

12, 25

Bell Benelec Beretta Defence Technologies Boeing

25, 49

08, 10, 29, 37, 38, 39

Bose

Controp CSOC

33, 34

DS&ME

17, 23, 24, 46 09, 10, 10, 36, 37 20 17, 18 31 31, 32, 44

06, 21, 32, 34, 48 38

Silvus Technologies

18

18

Singapore Technologies Marine

34

KIG

49

SkySentry

Kongsberg Defence Systems

18

Sperry and Kevin Hughes

08, 09

34

L-3 Communications

18, 31

STX France

44

17, 18 31 31, 32, 34

L-3 Wescam

14, 45

Tawazun Dynamics

43, 44

DCNS

31, 32, 33

Lighter Than Air Systems

17, 18

Tawazun Holding

43, 44

Denel Dynamics

42, 43, 44

Lockheed Martin

Dassualt Rafael

Dicom

13, 25

Diehl BGT

43

Dyneema

21, 23, 24

EID Tactical Radio Systems Elbit Systems

14, 17, 18, 39, 42

Elbit Systems Land & C4I Tadiran

04

13, 26

13

07, 10, 14, 29, 37

Logos Technologies Martin Marietta MBDA

Tencate

24

17

Thales

44

Thales Defence and Security

22

Thales Group

22

31, 33, 40, 44

08, 08, 09, 10, 31, 38, 45

Mechlab

22

Ultralife Corporation

10

Morgan Advanced Materials

21

Xacore

38

Motorola Solutions

18

Yaroslavi Radioworks

INTERNATIONAL

4/2014

23, 24

Copyright 2012 by Media Transasia Ltd. Publishing Office: Media Transasia Ltd., 1205 Hollywood Centre, 233 Hollywood Road, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong.

Tel: (852) 2815 9111, Fax: (852) 2815 1933 Editor-in-Chief: Eric H. Biass Regular Contributors: Roy Braybrook, Paolo Valpolini, Thomas Withington Chairman: J.S. Uberoi President: Xavier Collaco Sr. Manager International Marketing: Vishal Mehta Manager Marketing: Jakhongir Djalmetov Sales & Marketing Coordinator: Atul Bali Creative Director: Bipin Kumar Asstt. Art Director : Ajay Kumar Production Manager: Kanda Thanakornwongskul Group Circulation Manager: Porames Chinwongs Chief Financial Officer: Gaurav Kumar Advertising Sales Offices AUSTRIA, BENELUX, SWITZERLAND Cornelius W. Bontje Ph: +41 55 216 17 81, cornelius.bontje@armada.ch FRANCE Promotion et Motivation, Odile Orbec Ph: +33 1 41 43 83 00, o.orbec@pema-group.com GERMANY Sam Baird Ph: +44 1883 715 697, sam@whitehillmedia.com ITALY, NORDIC COUNTRIES Emanuela Castagnetti-Gillberg Ph: +46 31 799 9028, egillberg@glocalnet.net

PAKISTAN

Kamran Saeed, Solutions Inc. Tel/Fax: (92 21) 3439 5105 Mob: (92) 300 823 8200 Email: kamran.saeed@solutions-inc.info SPAIN Vía Exclusivas, Macarena Fdez. de Grado Ph: +34 91 448 76 22, macarena@viaexclusivas.com UK, EASTERN EUROPE, GREECE, TURKEY Zena Coupé Ph: +44 1923 852537, zena@expomedia.biz RUSSIA Alla Butova, NOVO-Media Ltd, Ph: (7 3832) 180 885 Mobile : (7 960) 783 6653 Email :alla@mediatransasia.com USA (EAST/SOUTH EAST), CANADA Margie Brown, Ph: (540) 341 7581, margiespub@rcn.com USA (WEST/SOUTH WEST), BRAZIL Diane Obright, Ph: (858) 759 3557, blackrockmediainc@icloud.com ALL OTHER COUNTRIES Vishal Mehta, Tel: (91) 124 4759625, Mob: (91) 99 999 85425 E-Mail: vishal@mediatransasia.com Jakhongir Djalmetov, Mobile: (91) 98 995 50162 E-Mail: joha@mtil.biz Annual subscription rates: Europe: CHF 222 (including postage) ABC Rest of the World: USD 222 (including postage) Controlled circulation: 25,029 (average per issue) certified by ABC Hong Kong, for the period 1st January 2013 to 31st December 2013.

Printed by Media Transasia Thailand Ltd. 75/8, 14th Floor, Ocean Tower II, Soi Sukhumvit 19, Sukhumvit Road, Klongtoeynue, Wattana, Bangkok 10110, Thailand.

Tel: 66 (0)-2204 2370, Fax: 66 (0)-2204 2390 -1 Subscription Information: Readers should contact the following address: Subscription Department, Media Transasia Ltd., 1205 Hollywood Centre, 233 Hollywood Road, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong.

Tel: (852) 2815 9111, Fax: (852) 2851 1933

www.armada.ch

check file.qxp:Armada

8/20/14

1:15 PM

Page 1

SITUATIONAL AWARENESS ENABLED BY INGENUITY.

Exelis creates agile, affordable solutions based on innovative and ready-now technology. So whether you need accurate wide-area surveillance, protection for maritime and airborne assets or reliable network communications – we’ve got you covered. Upgrade an existing system, solve a single problem or take advantage of a suite of inter-operative solutions to face your toughest challenge.

Enhance your mission with the power of ingenuity.

www.exelisinc.com/A2AD

Exelis is a registered trademark and “The Power of Ingenuity” is a trademark, both of Exelis Inc. Copyright © 2014 Exelis Inc. All rights reserved.

Geospatial III:Armada

8/14/14

4:39 PM

Page 2

Geospatial Information - III

Mapping thin air Airspace is probably the most demanding dimension for accurate ground and 3D positioning information.

Nowhere else is extensive environmental description more in demand from fast movers and ground control alike, to provide air safety, plan navigation routes and approach in dense environments, or orchestrate complex air operations at multiple altitudes between manned and unmanned air vehicles, missiles and artillery.

Today, as airspace coordination increasingly relies on merged topographic and aeronautical data, the need for digitized, integrated geospatial information rises towards Earth orbit too.

Wesley Fox

W

e’re all sons of Flight Simulator. For a long time, we used to consider terrain information as a convenient green and brown carpet over which we could fly, using a few visual references to plot our course and keep track of our position and targets. This notion is being challenged by multiple new trends: increased air-to-ground missions in permissive airspace; increased need for accurate effects of air missions, in all weather, day and night, with a growing air-land integration and battle management; increased congestion of airspace in military operations, with multiple drones, helicopters, aircraft sharing the third dimension with occasional ballistic paths of rising or falling ordnance and last but not least, increased necessity of civil-military integration requirements to manage airspace at all altitudes.

Digital geospatial information thus enables air control to leverage the full set of battlespace dimensions: sea, land, air, space, information, and more importantly electromagnetic spectrum and time data. “Air� is a key dimension for battlespace management; it provides freedom of action and higher observation positions free from the friction of terrain obstacles (although still

06

INTERNATIONAL

4/2014

impacted by weather). Its command also calls for dynamic coordination between terrain features and navigation procedures. This is why aeronautical charts have little in common with topographic maps. They do leverage terrain information though, augmenting it with dedicated information to segment, navigate, and mitigate airspace use.

Visual flight route air maps thus look like topographic maps at first glance, but they are loaded with flight-related information about invisible volumes, corridors, visual landmarks and obstacles, and numbered information about runway approach or radio frequencies. For instrument flight rules, topographic information disappears altogether, to center on procedures, airways and navigation information. Aeronautical charts mark invisible walls in the sky, and display codes to enter or avoid them. Military air dominance further adds to this complexity, combining procedural control to navigate airspace, as well as positive control from sensors (radars, IFF) and weapon systems to identify, track, authorize or deny the use of particular areas. In representing such multi-layered physical and semantic information, digitization and information systems come in handy, whereas advanced information visualization, supported by 3D display technologies, free air navigation from the flat representations of paper maps. By integrating static information (terrain features, airspace volumes, radio frequencies) with dynamic information (altitude, speed,

and time computations for fast-moving air vehicles), new geospatial information products have emerged to enable aircraft pilots to focus on their mission, while planners and controllers can de-conflict and synchronise air operations at combined, joint and allied levels.

Typical aeronautical charting products (such as 1:250 000 Joint Operations Graphics or 1:500 000 Tactical Pilotage Charts, distributed by East View Geospatial) still

Geospatial III:Armada

8/14/14

4:39 PM

Page 3

An air operations centre equipped with Omnyx Air C2 leverages digital geospatial information in the air and space domain to control airspace and orchestrate friendly air and space assets.

(Lockheed Martin)

provide the bases of air navigation but are used as the basic information layer over which automation and computation features are integrated to maximize use of airspace.

This is why raster air maps, with or without vector or elevation data, are the bread and butter of drone ground control stations. For on-board systems though, all electronic navigation aids require certification from both civil and military authorities to be granted access to the cockpit. In the United

States for example, the National Geospatial intelligence Agency’s aeronautical division is responsible for the dissemination of aeronautical charts, themselves compliant with the Federal Aviation Administration.

In the late-2000s, NGA embarked in an enterprise-scale roadmap to industrialise digitized aeronautical map production and update, to ease integration into electronic navigation systems. A new Aeronautical Information eXchange Model (AIXM) was

developed to share standardized route planning, in-flight navigation or take-off and landing information update between increasingly connected devices, on-board or on the ground. On the vendor side, leading aeronautical chart providers have started to team with geospatial information companies to enhance accuracy, information content, and interoperability of their products; for example, the same East View Geospatial (EVG) teamed in 2012 with the younger

INTERNATIONAL

4/2014

07

Geospatial III:Armada

8/14/14

4:39 PM

Page 4

Geospatial Information - III

A typical VFR air navigation chart displays procedural information over terrain description. This kind of support, in paper or digital form, provides basic air navigation tools worldwide (Jeppesen)

and dissemination of information technologies impact defence applications, and civil aviation electronic air navigation products now changes military flight operations. Jeppesen, a Boeing company famous for its aeronautical charts, provides integrated ground and air information on mobile devices, pioneering the concept of electronic flight bags (EFB). Not only do the latter reduce paper volume carried by flight crews, but they also act as computing devices and thereby are able to match aircraft performance and navigation data with terrain, airspace and airport databases to maximize an air mission.

View of a joint command & control system during French operations over Libya in 2011: a legacy raster aeronautical chart is used as a base layer, while Web map services display location of Libyan air defence and ballistic missiles, as well as information on their type and range. Georeferenced friendly air tracks can be seen over the Mediterranean (Esri/Thales)

Planet Observer, to distribute global and upto-date terrain data. Combined with rich aviation-related metadata maintained in English, Arabic, Chinese and Russian, EVG is ready to move to full electronic charting.

“This level of digital information, which replaces the pilot’s kneepad map display, is already valuable to plan air missions and support in-flight navigation.”

08

INTERNATIONAL

4/2014

I ELECTRONIC FLIGHT BAGS

The electronic charting revolution started in the late 1970s in the mission-critical aeronautical sector, to equip 4th generation fighter-bombers with moving maps. A sound reference is the family of Harris Flitescene digital maps, supporting vector (navaids, airways, airports, etc), vertical obstruction points, and tactical symbology.

Flitescene software still equips most of the American special operations aircraft. This level of digital information, which replaces the pilot’s kneepad map display, is already valuable to plan air missions and support inflight navigation. In turn, standardization

A raster aeronautical chart is augmented with a drone flight path against adverse radar detection patterns and missile ranges over the Persian Gulf, provided by AGI’s System Tool Kit. This kind of simulated or live data is extensively used in planning and control of drone operations worldwide (AGI)

iPad-based electronic flight bags were adopted in 2012 by both US Special Operations Command and Air Mobility Command, sometimes replacing legacy moving maps. Not only do they replace paper maps and manuals, but some duly certified versions can also be taken on board to manage flight missions in real time. Design-controlled EFBs type C, undergoing airworthiness and software certification, can even replace multifunction displays.

Geospatial III:Armada

8/14/14

4:39 PM

Page 5

The Flitescene 2.7 digital map software displays aeronautical information in the flight management system of a special operations C-130 (Harris)

I INTEGRATED FLIGHT MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS

An electronic flight bag uses digital aeronautical charts to compute route and approach and maximize fuel consumption, combining navigation and avionics information (Jeppesen)

In the mission-critical domain, flight management systems (also known as FMS) have replaced navigators and flight engineers (and in some cases navigation computers) as the ultimate on-board aeronautical information application. flight management systems handle flight plan from multiple databases, updated on a monthly basis, to determine aircraft position and compute the course to be followed by the pilot or the autopilot. Military aircraft can augment navigational sensors (radio beacons, air control radars, or differential GPS) with dedicated on-board sensors (inertial navigation systems, terrain-following radar) to provide very accurate positional information.

The most demanding air missions, such as close air support or special operations, require high integration and automation between multiple information databases to provide very strict platform control. For example, the Garmin GTN 750/650 helicopter-specific database manages 30,000 low altitude obstacles, navigation information, combined with heliports, helicopter landing zone, and high-resolution terrain mapping. Taking integration further with cockpit avionics and flight controls, the Rockwell Collins Helisure family of integrated flight decks for critical mission helicopters combine flight management systems with a synthetic vision system, helicopter terrain awareness and multiple threat warning systems. A similar top-of-the range solution is proposed by

Helisure flight situational awareness solutions combine helicopter synthetic vision with terrain awareness and warning system to allow safe flight in poor visibility conditions (Rockwell Collins)

INTERNATIONAL

4/2014

09

Geospatial III:Armada

8/14/14

4:40 PM

Page 6

Geospatial Information - III

An interactive flight management system, such as the Topdeck fitted here in an S-70 helicopter, merges air information system with flight control avionics (Thales)

Thales for its Topdeck military helicopter avionics suite, adopted by the RAF for its upgraded CH-47 Chinook Mk 4s after initial success on the civilian Sikorsky S-70.

I AIR C2 AND BATTLE MANAGEMENT

Geospatial information integration in tactical mission systems are key enablers of network-centric operations. Managing the air battle calls for simultaneous sharing of terrain, navigation, and real-time tracking

10

INTERNATIONAL

4/2014

information about friends, neutrals and hostiles. For on-board missions, proven systems such as the Rockwell Collins Joint Moving Map Tactical Information Display System (JMMTIDS) combine networking and messaging information from tactical datalinks with navigation and terrain

information (from imagery, digital terrain models, and aeronautical charts). The resulting local situational awareness enables fighter crews to focus on delivering their aircraft and its payload over recognized targets, maintaining situational awareness while navigating around obstacles, threats and collision risks. Sharing tactical situations over tactical networks paves the way to airland-integration between fighter aircraft, tactical air control parties on the ground, and supported army or special forces units.

For ground-based air defence, latestgeneration air C2s merge multiple sensor data (radar and military navigation aids) with accurate terrain mapping to generate and manage multiple airspace volumes. The resulting positive control, arrayed on tactical communications networks between radars, missile batteries and command centres, provides safe orchestration of complex air operations while accommodating civil aviation requirements. The Nato Air

3D computation of radar energy over terrain data displays fine-grain radar detection ranges and resolution at various flight level. This level of performance is achieved through a special plug-in developed by Thales for AGI’s System Tool Kit (TRS/AGI)

Geospatial III:Armada

8/14/14

4:40 PM

Page 7

Space weather, generated by cosmic rays and the solar activity cycle (solar flares, coronal mass ejections, and geomagnetic storms), can compromise communications and information systems, and also affect satellite orbits.

Understanding it is critical to air and space operations (ESA)

Command & Control System (ACCS) unified air C2 delivered by Thales Raytheon Systems has the benefit of such capabilities. It can provide allocation and monitoring of extended airspace while performing planning and coordination of unmanned aircraft vehicles and helicopters (in so-called standard-use army aircraft flight routes) with multiple aircraft flight profiles (combat, combat support, mobility or special missions) at coalition level. Its interoperability requirements enable ACCS to exchange information with civil aviation authorities, Army aviation or field artillery units requesting ballistic trajectory corridors for their fire missions. A few countries boast such an advanced capability as Nato ACCS; the Thales Skyview Air C2 can integrate with extensive Army air defence (Martha) and artillery C4I (Atlas) systems to maximize use of airspace volumes and trajectories. The American Omnyx-10 Air C2 from Lockheed Martin Mission Systems & Sensors has been provided to Taiwan, Kazakhstan, Jordan and more recently to Irak (through Foreign Military Sales); its cots-based, serviceoriented architecture eases interoperability with civil air traffic management and requires a less expert operator base.

I NAVIGATING ORBITAL SPACE

The increasing integration of space assets in current operations has drawn attention on the need to better manage Earth orbit, in order to maximize access to it, ensure availability of space assets, and their survivability against the many natural or man-made threats to space vehicles. The growing congestion of low Earth orbit or geostationary positions by active or inactive satellites and a rising number of debris posing risks to active satellites, adds to intentional threats to unattended space platforms.

This congested and contested environment has given rise to space situational awareness as a new, vital component to information superiority in network-centric operations.

One might be tempted to wonder about the validity of geospatial information in space though. Indeed ground references lie far below, and orbit is free from airspace restrictions on safety and sovereignty.

However, space is not without trajectories, flight paths and obstacles, even if all abide by the predictable laws of space mechanics. A space object can achieve a stabilized trajectory in orbit, but is always subjected to slight oscillations, and its orbital parameters can be altered to avoid slow erosion from residual

atmosphere, or collision risks with space debris. Also, space weather, from cosmic radiation or solar activity (solar winds or eruptions which trigger sudden charged particle flows), can have a disrupting, or even damaging impact on space systems, as well as ground communications infrastructure. Last but not least, a satellite ground footprint must be assessed with accuracy, to compute its sensor swath for observation satellites (which normally over fly a given target site once a day and for a few minutes), ground spots for communications satellites, or their line-ofsight with ground control stations for sending commands or downloading information.

Space control is not only a boon for commercial or government satellite operators worried with quality of service, it also is the privilege of a few space-rich military powers whose space assets are paramount to information superiority.

Indeed communication satellites ensure connectivity on a global scale, free from ground networks, while navigation satellites maintain positioning accuracy and common time references, granting subscribers with sub-metric navigation and targeting facilities.

Observation satellites, for their part, provide regular access to areas of interest, free from

INTERNATIONAL

4/2014

11

Geospatial III:Armada

8/14/14

4:40 PM

Page 8

Geospatial Information - III

interference from ground or air, to map, discover or assess damage. All these strategic assets must be controlled though, not only to fulfil their individual mission (sensor and platform alignment, tracking of ground antennae) and surviving the hostile orbital environment, but to synchronise flight operations as constellations (e.g. optical and radar surveillance).

This is why military space operation centres in a handful of countries (essentially United States, Russia, France, China and Israel) share a mix of commercial and bespoke tools to provide situational awareness and ensure accurate control of their space assets. One such tool is the Satellite Tool Kit (STK) from AGI, augmented by a specialized space situational awareness software suite. Connected to live or simulated sensor information (ground radars or optical telescopes) and using space tracking algorithms, the STK can provide real-time tracking of space objects, analyse interaction between payload and terrain, alert on collision risks, and mitigate electromagnetic interference or degradation.

The US Space Command in Colorado Springs is a long-time user of STK. Memoranda of understanding between Joint Space Operations Command in Vandenberg AFB and allied countries (France, Israel or ABCA allies) often rest on exchange of

An Ikonos imaging satellite manoeuvres in low Earth orbit in a cluttered environment, displayed in terms of areas of uncertainty around each tracked orbital object.

Maintaining accurate orbital parameters and anticipating collision risks in orbit is paramount to ensure safe operations of satellites (AGI)

12

INTERNATIONAL

4/2014

The CSpOC initiative is aiming at combining various national space surveillance sensors to map Earth orbit and maintain a shared catalogue of tracked space objects, in order to maximize access to orbit, now considered as a common area of development (Space Data Association)

information managed by, or compatible with STK. The growing need to maintain space situational awareness, notably a catalogue of some 23,000 tracked objects of more than 10 cm in orbit, or early detection of solar activity, has fuelled a service-based initiative from AGI and the private Space Data Association, to provide commercial services to proven or emerging space powers. The recent Commercial Space Operations Centre initiative (ComSpOC) is thus challenging legacy space surveillance systems, that can be tempted to augment their non-critical space tracking activity by the AGI-provided Spacebook catalogue of orbital objects, or leverage sensors on a global scale. Since space power is increasingly linked to sovereignty though, progress may be slow before space surveillance is put into the hands of nonnational, private entities. A more pragmatic approach is a burden sharing between international bodies (e.g. the European Space Agency), national space agencies, commercial providers or part of the scientific community, to provide common services to track hazardous objects in orbit and warnings of re-entry of large objects, or anticipate and mitigate space weather. More mission-critical tasks, such as the safe operation of national satellites, or the tracking of adverse space capabilities (inorbit or through their ground footprint) can thus be left to military forces. In any case, such capabilities are drawing interest from a growing number of countries outside space

powers, either because they have recently acquired valuable space assets, or because they worry about the use adverse countries could do of their own.

I BETTER, BUT DIFFERENT

Aerospace geospatial information requirements thus differ from classical ground mapping, integrating much more dynamic (semantic or spectrum-related) knowledge, while powerful decision support and asset optimisation potential rests on successful and accurate integration of aerospace and terrain information with weather (space or atmospheric) data, shared between fast movers and operational or tactical command centres. The trend has just begun to exploit information of aeronautical interest in all dimensions of the battlespace with a view to serving communities of interest with high-resolution, accurately located and standardized geospatial information. Few companies combine the know-how of highgrade geospatial information production, integration into standardised, enterprisebased architectures, and dissemination of high-value services to operational users. But the growing role of geospatial information systems, and the increasingly mature interoperability standards in both the commercial and military spheres, shows every sign of a bright future for the exploitation of the immaterial fields of the battlespace to augment ground and atmospheric physical information.

check file.qxp:Armada

8/20/14

1:16 PM

Page 1

Aerostat:Armada

8/14/14

4:44 PM

Page 2

Aerostat Observation

A Blimp’s Point of View Aerostats occupy a sweet spot, providing a less mobile but far more persistent surveillance than aeroplanes and drones. This old idea revitalised by new materials, sensor and communications technologies has proved invaluable for counterinsurgency. The United States has been very enthusiastic, operates several large, long-endurance types and smaller tactical systems. Israeli industry has developed a number of integrated systems, and France, Germany and Britain also have companies active in the area offering innovative envelopes, sensor combinations and operational concepts.

Peter Donaldson I MILLION-HOUR PERSISTENCE

The US Army/Lockheed Martin Persistent Threat Detection System (PTDS) has logged more than a million mission hours supporting forces in Iraq and Afghanistan since 2007, boosting real-time situational awareness to help troops identify IEDs and track insurgents. Lockheed Martin has built, delivered and crewed 66 systems comprised of aerostats, sensors and ground stations.

Airborne around the clock for weeks, the

14

INTERNATIONAL

4/2014

craft is based on Lockheed Martin’s 74K Aerostat, the number referring to its 74,000 cubic feet (2,100 cubic metres) envelope.

Measuring 35 metres long, it can lift a 500kg payload to its 5,000-ft operating altitude, extending the radar horizon to 160-km. It is connected to a movable mooring by a tether that includes optical signal fibre and power cabling. Communication to the wider force goes through a secure backbone.

L-3 Wescam’s MX20, an “ultra-longrange” multi-spectral imaging and targeting system with up to seven sensors in a stabilised turret weighing 91-kg. The turret is

stabilised to four microradians, the inner gimbal in pitch, roll and yaw, the outer azimuth and elevation. There is a choice of mid-wave thermal imagers, one with a 640 x 512 element detector and an HD option with a 1,280 x 1,024 chip, each with four fields of view. The HD imager, for example, offers 31.5°, 6.4°, 1.3° and 0.86° with 1,080p resolution. The second sensor is a colour HD TV camera with continuous zoom between 40.5° and 2.8°. Sensors three and four are long lens daylight and low-light spotter cameras, the latter offering four fields of view between 0.73° and 0.14°.

Aerostat:Armada

8/14/14

4:44 PM

Page 3

I MOBILE REAP

A smaller, more mobile system operated by the US Army and the United Arab Emirates is the Rapidly Elevated Aerostat Platform (or REAP) XLB from Information Systems Laboratories (ISL). It can be carried by an FMTV truck or towed by a Humvee. It deploys automatically on command from a hand-held controller, inflating itself as it emerges from its container, and rising to its 1,000-ft operating altitude in 20 minutes and remaining there for up to seven days.

While assembly and recovery require three people, REAP can be deployed by one.

The balloon has a volume of 5,000 cubic feet (142 cubic metres) and is 12 metres long and six metres tall. ISL quotes a payload of 20-kg carried on a bar assembly, which can support sensors including cameras, lasers, signals intelligence, direction finders and communications relays, etc. Without helium, the REAP weighs around 1,134-kg ready for deployment. Power comes from a 24 V battery. Made from urethane impregnated

A member of an American provincial reconstruction team in Afghanistan watches as a REAP is inflated. Built by Information Systems Laboratories, it can carry 20-kg to 5,000-ft, needs a team of just three and can be operated from a truck or trailer. (US Navy)

The Persistent Ground Surveillance System (PGSS), a 22-metre aerostat, provides surveillance at heights of up to 2,000 feet, its camera feeding full motion video directly to a tactical operations centre.

PGSS aerostats have found bomb makers and improvised explosive devices and helped locate weapon caches. (US DoD)

Sensor five is an eye-safe laser range finder accurate to 10 metres at up to 30-km.

Sensors six and seven are laser illuminators.

The Army PTDS team also has evaluated the 99.8-kg MX 25.

The radar is Northrop Grumman’s 29.5kg AN/ZPY-1 StarLite synthetic aperture radar offering strip and spot modes, plus ground moving target indication capable of spotting vehicles and dismounts. In strip mode, the StarLite generates imagery along a specified path, while in spot mode it images a selected area. The moving target indication modes overlay symbols on a digital map.

INTERNATIONAL

4/2014

15

Aerostat:Armada

8/14/14

4:45 PM

Page 4

Aerostat Observation

nylon, the envelope can be repaired in the field if it suffers damage from small arms fire. Small holes and low pressure mean very slow deflation.

I IRAQ REQUEST TACTICAL 17MS

Experience with American aerostat operations has led the Iraqi military to request up to seven of TCOM’s 17M aerostats, as reported by the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) on 13 May. The request also covers up to 14 Rapid Aerostat Initial Deployment tower systems along with a training and support package worth around $90 million. TCOM, which builds aerostats for prime contractor Raytheon, builds what it terms tactical, operational and strategic class aerostat systems.

The company’s systems have served extensively in Iraq and Afghanistan and help monitor America’s border with Mexico.

Optimised for inland surveillance, the highly mobile 12M and 17M aerostats can be deployed in hours from trailers and remain aloft for up to seven days, normally at 1,000ft. Both operate in winds of up to 40-kt and survive 55-kt. Larger current “operational” aerostats include 22M and 28M vehicles.

Carrying radar, signals intelligence and comms relay equipment, they are often used in coastal and port surveillance.

IAI Elta Systems based its EL/I-330 Multi-Payload Aerostat System (MPAS) on a

TCOM 32M that carries a GMTI radar capable of detecting vehicles at 20-km and people on foot at 10-km, paired with an IAI Tamam Mosp turret housing television and thermal imaging sensors. With a typical operating altitude of 3,280-ft, it can carry a 363-kg payload, operate in winds of 55-kt, gusting to 70.

TCOM’s largest systems are the 71M and 74M “strategic” aerostats. Operated from fixed mooring stations because of their size, they can carry 1,600-kg to 15,000-ft or twice that weight to 10,000-ft respectively. Both can remain airborne for 30 days and can operate in 70-kt winds and survive at 90 or 100-kt. The Raytheon Joint Land Attack Cruise Missile Defense Elevated Netted Sensor (JLENS) system is based on TCOM vehicles of this size.

Still a developmental system, the JLENS is arguably the most ambitious aerostat surveillance system ever. It has shown promise in cruise missile and ballistic missile defence tests and is on the way to becoming a fixture in the United States’ integrated air defence system as part of the Noble Eagle low-altitude air defence effort.

Known as an orbit, a JLENS consists of a pair of aerostats and their ground segment.

One carries a wide area surveillance radar supplied by Raytheon Space and Airborne Systems, the other a fire control radar from Raytheon IDS.

A JLENS aerostat on White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico. The full system includes two aerostats, one with a surveillance radar, the other with a fire control radar. Over the last three years it has proved its ability against a wide range of airborne, ballistic and surface threats over sea and land. (White Sands Missile Range)

16

INTERNATIONAL

4/2014

I JLENS COMBINES SURFACE SURVEILLANCE, MISSILE DEFENCE

The last three years have been marked by milestones for the JLENS, which proved its ability to track cruise missile surrogates, drones, fighters and surface targets in a series of tests in Utah at the end of 2011. It followed this with a test in which it provided fire control data to a Patriot battery that destroyed a cruise missile surrogate over Utah.

In June 2012, soldiers qualified using the system to detect, track and engage swarming boats and cruise missiles from hundreds of miles away. The JLENS also generated targetquality data on multiple speedboats on the Great Salt Lake. In September 2012, Raytheon reported that the system had worked with Aegis to cue a Standard SM-6 to the destruction of an anti-ship cruise missile surrogate. This was followed by a test in which the system simultaneously detected and tracked “double digit” swarming boats, hundreds of cars and trucks, other boats and aircraft including drones.

Announced in January 2013, the next event was a multi-sensor demonstration in which it employed an electro-optical MultiSpectral Targeting System (MTS-B) to watch a terrorist role-player planting a roadside bomb while the radar tracked multiple surface targets, groundwork for later integration of these sensors. It went on to detect and track four ballistic surrogates in

Aerostat:Armada

8/14/14

4:45 PM

Page 5

their boost phase, an achievement announced in February 2013. In six weeks of Early User Testing completed in July, US Army soldiers ran it through several realistic scenarios and tested its endurance with 20 days of continuous operation. In July 2013 the JLENS successfully cued an Amraam fired by an F-15E onto an anti-ship cruise missile surrogate.

While the JLENS combines two radars carried by two aerostats, Israeli company Aeronautics took a different approach with its smaller Persistent Surveillance System (PSS), pairing the aerostat with a tower. The Persistent Surveillance Aerostat (PSA) carries its electro-optical sensor up to 300 metres, providing a range of up to 20-km. The Persistent Surveillance Tower (PST) can raise its electro-optics and optional radar sensors up to 32 metres, extending its reach to 10-km in all weathers. Control software adds value to the imagery with meta data such as the sensor’s field of view, target range and position. The Canadian Army deployed the device in Afghanistan, an application for which Rheinmetall acted as prime contractor.

I SMALL AEROSTATS SOAR

Controp’s new 27-kg DSP-HD is intended for aerostats as well as helicopters, light reconnaissance aircraft and drones. The DSPHD features a high-definition colour camera, optical zoom in its thermal camera, a highdefinition black-and-white or colour day spotter channel, an eye-safe laser rangefinder and a laser pointer/illuminator. (Controp)

Smaller aerostats systems represent an area in which there is significant innovation and growth, driven by the need for low-cost persistent surveillance capabilities that can be launched, operated, recovered and moved using small vehicles and few personnel. It is a competitive area with companies such as Allsopp in Britain, Elbit and RT in Israel, Aeroscraft Corporation (“Aeros”), Lighter Than Air Systems and SkySentry in the United States offering a growing range of innovative aerostats and integrated systems and participating in military operations and exercises.

Aeros announced the seventh order for its new low-cost, rapidly deployable Sky Crow system at the end of March. The company is supplying the system to the DoD for operations outside the United States informs senior military programme manager Mario Pantuso pointing to growth in the product line and the company’s pursuit of new military market opportunities. The Sky Crow operates at 1,000-ft in winds up to 40-kt.

Aeronautics’ subsidiary RT reported in March this year that it has been invited to

new approach to dedicated aerostat sensors, emphasising wide area electro-optical coverage. Airborne systems often pair radars and optical sensors, the radar scanning continuously through 360° and cueing the cameras to take a closer look at targets of interest. Logos rethought this with its Kestrel system, using a spinning electro-optical turret with mid-wave infrared sensors to collect imagery all around what it describes as a citysized area, with camera resolution optimised to detect and track vehicles and dismounts.

The 68-kg system monitors multiple “watch boxes” at once, says the company, enabling operators to look at several areas of interest at the same time, with unlimited panning and digital zooming contributing much to overall situational awareness. When it detects activity in a selected watch box, Kestrel sends a cue to the operator, who might respond by putting FMV sensors onto the area. With recording capability and an interface to a Geospatial Information System (see our article – the third of a series of five on the subject – elsewhere in this issue), the Kestrel can track targets in real time or trace them back to their point of origin. Managed by the Naval Air Systems Command and deployed in Afghanistan since March 2012, the Kestrel passed an operational milestone of 60,000 hours in theatre last summer.

Built by RT in Israel, Skystar 180 has a payload capacity of 6.5 kilos and can be readied for launch in 15 minutes from a small trailer by a crew of only two (RT)

I DEDICATED SENSORS

While aerostats successfully employ sensors developed for other airborne platforms such as fixed-wing aircraft, helicopters and drones, sensors designed specifically for them promise greater things. In 2009, Israel’s Controp introduced roll stabilisation with its 23-kg Speed-A camera system to counter the rolling motions characteristic of low relatively low-altitude aerostats. The Canadian Army was an early adopter, using the system aboard its RT SkyStar 300s, with other operators in Europe and elsewhere in addition to Israel. Exhibited publicly for the first time at the 2013 Paris Air Show, Speed-A features continuous zoom lenses on its thermal and day cameras, an optional laser rangefinder and a laser pointer.

The company’s new 27 kg DSP-HD payload is intended for aerostats as well as helicopters, light reconnaissance aircraft and drones, the company announced on 4 April 2014. DSP-HD features a full HD colour day camera, optical zoom in its thermal camera as well as a black and white or colour HD day spotter channel, eye-safe laser rangefinder and a laser pointer/illuminator. Unlike the Speed-A, the DSP-HD has no roll stabilisation, but Controp explains that it is not needed for high altitude aerostat operations.

Logos Technologies in America took a

INTERNATIONAL

4/2014

17

Aerostat:Armada

8/14/14

4:45 PM

Page 6

Aerostat Observation The unusual combination of Military Sealift Command highspeed vessel Swift (HSV-2) and a tethered Raven Aerostar TIF-25K aerostat demonstrated their potential counter illicit trafficking and other transnational organised crime at sea during Operation Martillo in the Caribbean in spring 2013. (US Navy)

provide a SkyStar 180 system for the next iteration of the Army Expeditionary Warrior Experiment, known as Spiral J. The experiment puts a variety of new technologies in the hands of soldiers to explore their potential and scope their strengths and weaknesses. They also complement the Army’s Network Integration Evaluation (NIE) process. With 83 technologies selected, Spiral J is scheduled for January-February 2015 and has improvement of small unit ISR among its many objectives.

Based on a single-axle trailer that can be towed behind a civilian pick-up truck, the SkyStar 180 can lift up to 6.5-kg to about 1,000-ft, can operate for three days with a 20 minute re-inflation break after 72 hours and is operated from a portable ground control station. Two people can inflate and launch it in 15 minutes, says the company.

RT’s systems had logged more than half a million flight hours around the world. As well as Israel, the company has systems operating in Africa, South America, the Far East, North America and Afghanistan. Since 2002 in Gaza and Afghanistan there have been constant attempts to shoot the aerostats down, but without success, according to RT’s Chief Executive Officer Rami Shmueli.

Local competition comes from Elbit

18

INTERNATIONAL

4/2014

Systems, whose Oasis deployable aerostat surveillance system includes the company’s MicroCompass electro-optical and lasercapable turret, which weighs less than nine kilos, trailer inflator, ground anchor, control station and a digital video recorder. The system can be deployed from its trailer to its 590-ft operating height in 20 minutes, Elbit figures indicate.

Lighter Than Air Systems, part of the World Surveillance Group, was invited to NIE 14.2, which took place in April and May, with a pair of its self-contained, trailer mounted BiB 250 “ Blimp in a Box” systems following successful participation in NIE 14.1, where they were referred as Winch Aerostat Small Platforms (Wasps). The BiB 250 uses a four-metre diameter Kingfisher aerostat that can remain airborne for days at 1,000-ft in 50-kt winds. Like the SkyStar 180, it can be deployed in 15 minutes and operated by two people. Kingfisher aerostats have a spheroid shape and a fabric wing underneath, features that enhance their stability in high and variable winds and make balancing the system with a payload easier. It uses two-axis stabilised three-gimbal systems similar to those used by drones, with a weigh of less than 3.5-kg.

On 21 January, SkySentry announced the

release of a new mooring platform for its Tactically Expedient Aerostat (TEA) range.

Developed over the previous year, the selfcontained platform can support aerostats from 34 to 75 cubic metres in volume, can be placed on flat-bed trailers, trucks, boats or ground sites and is heavy enough to hold the aerostats in place without further anchoring, says the company.

SkySentry builds systems with payload capacities between two and 50-kg that use Allsopp’s hybrid Helikites, which use buoyancy from helium and aerodynamic lift from the integral kite. SkySentry says that the resulting lift measured in kilos is about half of the aerostat’s volume in cubic metres in zero wind conditions, with much more available in a steady wind. This combination is claimed to provide payload and altitude performance usually associated with larger vehicles. A 45 cubic metres TEA-45, for example, can lift about 22-kg to 1,000-ft, providing a line of sight of about 66-km to the horizon and needs helium topping up approximately every five to seven days. Two operators can launch it in about an hour and recover it in about 20 minutes.

Lighter than air systems may be the oldest practical aviation technology, but it is far from outdated.

Soldier Protection:Armada

8/14/14

4:50 PM

Page 3

Soldier Protection

Protect that Soldier!

Until they is entirely replaceable on the battlefield by robotised systems, or better still fighting androids, soldiers need to be protected against a constantly updated threat.

Gone are the days when men were sent out on the muddy field of Verdun to stop raining steel shells with their chests, and when their alternative was to face the pistol muzzle of their own commanders.

Paolo Valpolini

U

nder the auspices of Program Executive Office Soldier, the US Army is developing its Soldier Protection System (SPS), with three major objectives: achieve a 5-15% weight reduction over the current soldier’s load using mature technologies to reduce risks and to be sure to reach the desired results. obtain better efficiency in the design form, fit and function to increase soldier comfort,

and – importantly – preserve compatibility with current systems in use. guarantee modularity and mission adaptability in dichotomy with today’s approach which sees the addition of multiple systems that often present redundancies.

Integration must involve two sides of the protective skin: first the inner skin of the system itself to ensure that all the protection elements fit perfectly together to achieve maximum protection for a minimum weight, then the outer side to ensure compatibility with external elements such as night vision goggles and the modular

Since 2007 the US Army has adopted fire resistant combat uniforms to cope with the threat posed by the flash of improvised explosive devices. (US Army)

lightweight load carriage equipment (basically a modern rucksack).

The SPS includes a number of components such as protective under garment, enhanced army combat pants, ballistic knee pads/elbow pads, enhanced army combat shirt, enhanced ballistic gloves, protective outer garment, plate carrier,

INTERNATIONAL

4/2014

19

Soldier Protection:Armada

8/14/14

4:50 PM

Page 4

Soldier Protection

BAE Systems Gen II helmet sensor is being replaced by the Gen III system that will improve the gathering of information for diagnosis. (US Army) BAE Systems developed the Integrated Soldier Sensor System which, beside ballistic protection, also includes a power and data architecture that can be embedded in belts and harnesses, plate carriers and ballistic vests. (Armada/P. Valpolini)

ballistic plates, enhanced combat helmet with nape protection, transition combat eye protection, integrated soldier sensor suite and hearing protection.

For many items the programme foresees two Developmental Testing (DT) phases known as DT1 and DT2, involving a maximum of three competitors, that will eventually lead to a low-rate initial production phase and ultimately equip a Brigade Combat Team with 6,518 kits.

Currently the programme is at DT1, with some contracts already announced. Two of them are linked to the IHPS (Integrated Head Protection System) and have been assigned to Gentex and Revision. BAE Systems has won a DT1 contract for ballistic plates and for the Integrated Soldier Sensor System (ISSS).

These are part of the Vital Torso Protection which aims at reducing weight while maintaining the current baseline ballistic plate performance. The requirements also call for the incorporation of a sensor capability to gauge plate serviceability at user level. The programme requires a weight decrease between 10% and 15%. For example, a medium-size Esapi plate (front or rear) currently weighs 5.5 lb (2.5 kg), threshold requirement is 4.91 lb (2.23 kg) while

20

INTERNATIONAL

4/2014

For the time being technology jumps did not materialise, body armour weight reductions being more an evolution than a revolution. (US Army – PEO Soldier)

objective requirement is 4.63 lb (2.1 kg).

Within the DT1 phase BAE Systems managed to reduce weight by 4-10% – a major part of this being attributable to the adoption of new formulation ceramics, while the remaining saving was due in equal parts to the use of next-generation polyethylene fibres and to an improved internal processing for producing the armour package.

Turning to DT2, BAE Systems believes

that a further weight reduction is possible through further materiel refinements and new bonding resins to improve trauma reduction. According to BAE Systems, even more improvements might be obtained through a better integration of soft and hard elements. Incidentally the company has shelved its liquid armour programme for Vital Torso protection applications, as this has shown an insufficient weight versus

Soldier Protection:Armada

8/14/14

4:50 PM

Page 5

performance in this particular application.

Better hopes are promised by carbon nanotubes and nanotype structures when these are not yet producible in sufficient quantities and at acceptable costs.

The ISSS is an integrated suite of bodyworn sensors that monitors and records head accelerations and blast overpressures during an energetic or impact event. It also monitors and displays real-time physiological status such as heart rate, core body temperature and heat stress. It includes a display device and a common data retrieval system using unified software and a wireless data acquisition system to minimise field service representative support. The correlation of head acceleration and body overpressure in tandem with embedded algorithms will allow medical teams to gather better information for use in diagnoses and treatment. The BAE Systems approach utilises the Gen III Head Sensor (the company has already supplied the US Army with a Gen II Head Sensor currently in use) together with two cots systems – a blast overpressure gauge and a basic health status monitoring system – that are currently in their last phase of adaptation to meet the ISSS standards. Because the amount of produced data is considerable, BAE Systems is proposing a system that will only transmit “flagged data” of events that exceed threshold limits. This will reduce both throughput and energy consumption. The ISSS contract was awarded in August 2013, with the prototype delivery scheduled for August-September for field evaluation, followed by low-rate initial production in FY15.

I MATERIALS

Morgan Advanced Materials in Britain, formerly NP Aerospace, has recently introduced its Lasa, with the aim of offering maximum protection for a minimum weight with increased freedom of movement. The Lasa consists of three major elements: the helmet, torso protection and lower body armour.

The new helmet uses the latest upgrades in materiel developed by Morgan Advanced Materiel. The company adopted a hybrid approach, exploiting Kevlar’s rigidity while leveraging the Dyneema fragment protection performance. This reduced shell weight by some 400 grams, bringing the helmet weight under the one-kilo mark, while keeping the same shape and protected surface as the standard Mark 7 helmet in service in the British Army. A key factor has been the development of the manufacturing process

Morgan Advanced Materials Lightweight Armour Soldier Architecture allows an overall saving of around six kilos between helmet, torso protection and lower body armour. (Morgan AM)

that allowed the Kevlar-Dyneema coupling to be achieved. This R&D work led to a new British Army helmet, known as the Mark 7A. Known as the AC904 on the export market this features only marginal differences and maintains the same four-point chinstrap and the good blunt trauma performances that proved their worth in mine accidents that propelled British soldiers against their vehicle’s roof. A high-cut version providing

better situational awareness is also available as the AC905 which weighs 100 grams less. The new process allows a saving of 40% on the AC904 shell (50% on the AC905s), bringing a 29% weight saving on the helmet system (36% on the AC905).

A similar path was followed in the manufacturing of the ballistic plates, with a third materiel added in the form of ceramics.

Morgan Advanced Materiel produces its own

INTERNATIONAL

4/2014

21

Soldier Protection:Armada

8/14/14

4:50 PM

Page 6

Soldier Protection

Mechlab is co-operating closely with the Italian Army in testing the V-Shield prototypes.

The final version should be delivered to the Army by the end of 2014. (Mechlab)

ceramics which allows the company to fully control the process. All Morgan plates feature the company’s Crack Mitigation System (CMS) which adds further multi-hit performance. According to Morgan the new process saves around two kilos for each of the two main plates which, added to a 200-gram lighter soft armour, results in a vest assembly saving of 500 grams. Further savings of 200 to 700 grams in the Tier 2/3 garments lead to an overall weight saving of over six kilos.

In Italy MechLab, a start-up company specialised in military R&D, started developing an innovative concept in 2011 based on a fully-rigid body armour rather than the typical soft-rigid package. A most innovative development, however, was the first-generation torso-rachid exoskeleton that that transfers the shoulder-borne weight to the leg muscles and thereby decreases

22

INTERNATIONAL

4/2014

stress levels and allow for a potential load increase. The MechLab exoskeleton is a system that merely allows optimising loadcarrying. While it does have some electrically powered regulation actuators, its energy consumption is extremely low when compared to the more complex solutions designed to carry a soldier’s load. The system, known as V-Shield (also see cover), is part of the Advanced Individual Protection System (AIPS) programme launched in 2011

by MechLab with Italian MoD financing. It aims at improving thermal regulation, optimising ergonomics and power consumption, reducing rachis stress and increasing protection. Thanks to its exoskeleton configuration the V-Shield plates have minimal contact with the soldier’s body thus easing perspiration and body cooling either naturally or through the

use of powered ventilation. It also has a hydration system.

Still under development, the V-Shield has evolved considerably over time. The MkII version added shoulder plates and additional protection for arms and legs and a manual setting of the structure, while the Mk III saw a restyling of all armour plates together with the adoption of a release system for the spinal structure. In the Mk IV the V-Shield was equipped with a harness for heli-winch operations and easy extraction from armoured vehicles; side plates were separated from the front plate, while a motorised structure setting system was adopted. The Mk IV Plus adopts a spherical joint, a new anatomic back, and features more compact plates. MechLab is currently working on the Mark V, which will see a redesign of armour plates to meet army requirements and the adoption of a biometric sensor. Qualification of the ballistic package and harness will soon start in view of delivery of the V-Shield Mk VI

Soldier Protection:Armada

8/14/14

4:50 PM

Page 7

Exploiting DSM Dyneema Force Multiplier Technology Rheinmetall improved its Verha ballistic plates further reducing weight and improving protection. (Armada/P. Valpolini)

with its optimised and industrialised version of the new body armour by year end to the MoD. According to data provided by MechLab, a comparison of the V-Shield with the current Italian Army body armour show that the 34% lighter weight configuration V-Shield provides 29% more protected surface against 7.62x39 mm ball ammunition. As for the heavy configuration, the V-Shield ensures 79% more protection for only a 6% weight increase against the AK-47 ball ammo. MechLab underlines that the key element to take into consideration is reduced soldier effort, around 30%, thanks to reduced back stress, improved thermal regulation and increased mobility, which decreases the weight impression by as much as –35%.

I ERGONOMICS AND FIRE

Many other manufacturers are working on both ballistic properties and ergonomics. In its Thor load-bearing system NFM has adopted full modularity. Indeed the system is able to act as a plate carrier, a chest rig or a vest. To improve ergonomics a lumbar belt ensures weight distribution around the waist and hip while an X-yoke ensures optimal burden redistribution on the shoulders. Ventilation channels help improve body

Soldier Protection:Armada

8/14/14

4:50 PM

Page 8

Soldier Protection

Tencate Multi-light plates exploit the new Force Multiplier Technology unveiled in 2013 by DSM Dyneema. (Armada-P. Valpolini)

cooling during intense activity. As for protection – NFM is well known for its plates – the Thor system guarantees optimal plate alignment, which ensures identical protection front and rear as well as optimal balancing.

At Milipol 2013 Rheinmetall of Germany exhibited its improved Verha ballistic plates, an acronym standing for Versatile Rheinmetall Armour, while Tencate showcased its Multilight insert. Both plates use DSM Dyneema new Force Multiplier Technology built on the Radical Innovation platform, the company’s newest product development programme.

Dyneema Force Multiplier Technology combines breakthroughs in polymer science, and is considered the nextgeneration fibre technology the unidirectional engineering of which delivers up to 25% higher ballistic protection while reducing weight by up to 20%.

Protection is by no means limited to ballistics. Resistance to flame has become a key issue due to the increased number of burns caused by roadside bombs in Iraq after

24

INTERNATIONAL

4/2014

the second Gulf War. Of course flameresistant fabrics were already available, but were mostly aimed at niche markets such as fire-fighters and other operators for whom fire was a daytime threat. Aircraft pilots and armoured vehicles crews also used uniforms mostly made from Dupont Nomex.

Extremely resistant to flames, this fabric was however not optimised for use in infantrymen combat uniforms. While a combat soldier will not have to dare flames like a fire-fighter, he might be exposed to the flash caused by a nearby explosion. Actual exposure time is thus very limited. The first major company reacting to the new need was Tencate. In 2006 the company unveiled its Defender M, a flame-resistant, lightweight and breathable fabric that self-extinguishes when exposed to fire. At the heart of the new fabric is the Lenzing viscose fibre, a natural raw material that features a flame retardant substance incorporated throughout the cross section of the fibre. In its most recent versions of its Defender M Tencate declares

64% Lenzing fibre, with 24% para-aramidic fibre, 10% polyamid and 2% antistatic. In this mix the para-aramid and polyamid percentage was optimised to increase durability. Since 2007 the Defender M fabric has been adopted by the US Army for its Fire Resistant Army Combat Uniform (FR ACU) and by the Marine Corps for its Flame Resistant Organisational Gear (FROG). The Australian Defence Force also adopted it, as well as the Italian Army that is fielding it in the new combat uniforms part of the Soldato Futuro programme.

One of the last nations to have adopted Tencate’s product are the Netherlands for the manufacture of the uniforms of the special units operating in Mali. Overall 19 countries are currently using Tencate’s Defender M, which initially weighed 210 g/m2, but that is now also available in 180 g/m2 form.

In October 2011 W.L. Gore & Associates announced the introduction of the Gore Pyrad flame retardant which can be used to transform the non flame-retardant fabrics, often used in military garments such as nylon and polyester based fabrics, into flame-retardants. The Pyrad can thus be

Soldier Protection:Armada

8/14/14

4:51 PM

Page 9

Beretta Defense Technologies developed a complete line of combat garments most of them being flame retardant and adopting the Gore Pyrad technology. (Armada/P. Valpolini)

used for battledress uniforms as well as for rainproof breathable jackets. Nylon and polyester face fabrics are inherently abrasion and pilling resistant. Moreover they are a perfect support for printing infrared camouflage patterns. Garments can be washed at high temperatures without losing their camouflage pattern, colour stability being another key advantage, mechanical durability remaining also unaltered after multiple washing cycles. Talking about outer shells, compared to a standard GoreTex garment, a Pyrad one is 5-7% heavier and has a slightly lower breathability. However, according to Gore, the latter factor remains higher than that obtained with other flame-retardant solutions. Pyrad garments are currently in use with French special forces units, though a major customer appears to be Italy, who has adopted the Gore solution for the outer shell in its Soldato Futuro programme, the battledress of its Joint Landing Force as well as those of some of the units of its joint special forces. At least another undisclosed customer adopted the Gore solution for its Special Forces units, while some countries are currently testing the product.

Talos: the Socom approach

W

hile some systems are already being used in the wake of the demonstration organised in November 2013, September 2014 should mark the start of the Talos (Tactical Assault Light Operator Suit) programme launched by the US Special Operations Command. The programme is based on nine key elements.

Requirements call for an advanced armour made of materials capable to support next generation full-body NIJ-IV ballistic protection, including the head. Some form of blast pressure wave mitigation is also being considered. A solution that could be adopted to improve current ballistic plates performance is the use of nano-particle based Shera Thickening Fluid in the Kevlar fabric, which might considerably reduce the number of layers (hence the weight) needed to provide an equivalent protection

level. This technology is still under development since the 2000s, but might eventually allow ceramics – which represent a considerable part of today’s ballistic package weight – to be discarded.

Because protection should not hamper mobility and agility, the Talos should feature a powered exoskeletons capability to restore mobility once the operator dons the full-body vest. Body worn and remote sensor integration, fusion, and display will

improve the understanding of the tactical environment. The C4 suite will be pivotal to that, allowing the operator to be fully networked. Weight reduction remains a must, thus wearable antennae, computers and advanced radios are required. To avoid information overload proper humanmachine interface is also needed; nonvisual means of information display are being looked into including the use of cognitive thoughts and the surrounding environment to display personalised information. Discretion remains a must, thus systems enhancing light and noise discipline will be included, with thermal management an important part of the game. Improved medical assets might include embedded monitoring, oxygen systems, wound stasis, and so on. All this will require power, thus new forms of power generation and management are being considered.

INTERNATIONAL

4/2014

25

ROE-Armada-approved:Armada

8/14/14

5:02 PM

Page 2

REALISTIC NAVAL BATTLE SIMULATOR:

I

EFFECTIVE, EFFICIENT AND SAFE

n the 21st century naval warfare in open sea and oceanic regions requires naval commanders and headquarters to plan combat actions taking well-grounded decisions in a complex and volatile tactical situation under a systematic time shortage pressure. Enemy massed fire, electronic and information countermeasures make this combat environment even more complex. The above factors greatly raise requirements for tactical training levels of admirals and naval officers.

Theory and practice of modern warfare dictates that commanders and their staff officers should have perfect command of skills that allow them to properly evaluate battle situation, quickly make decisions, and provide all-round support and interaction for task forces. They must be able to prepare optimal plans at short notice, offering most effective weapons delivery options for current situation and nonstandard tactical maneuvers. At the same time commanders and officers must have full and clear vision of real-time battle situation at the sea theater, exercise covert and swift control over subordinate forces, maintain communications with superior

commanders/headquarters, forecast further development of the situation.

Such skills, knowledge and experience are needed to exercise efficient control over naval, mixed forces and task forces, and, ultimately, to ensure successful accomplishment of assault, antisubmarine, landing and other operations.

However, the question is how to get all this knowledge in good time, as well as how to gain adequate combat experience in the peaceful period.

Usually for this purpose were conducted large-scale naval training exercises burdened with high financial spendings and, sometimes, with serious damage of costly ships and shipborne equipment.

Nowadays, the best way to raise training levels of naval officers and naval task forces is to actively introduce computerised education methods, training classes and combat/tactical exercises conducted with the help of computer-based simulators. They provide unlimited opportunities for reviewing and analysing trainees’ actions, identifying errors, and allow repeated practicing in most complicated and challenging situations.

Well-known Russian enterprises, recognised as world leaders in maritime simulator design, have developed Lagunafamily naval task force tactical simulators providing Navy’s combat training of various types and at different levels within a single information field. This high-technology simulators are promoted to the international market by Rosoboronexport, the Russian state trade company for export and import of the whole range of military and dual-purpose end items and services.

Experts have expressed great interest in this simulators at the Defexpo India 2014 exhibition. This year Rosoboronexport also plans to introduce them at world’s largest naval exhibition Euronaval, which will be held in October in Paris.

Modern information and networking technologies normally realised by software engineers and programmers in the Laguna integrated simulators provide realistic operational models of both single ships/boats and various-purpose naval tactical forces, such as search-and-strike, antisubmarine, reconnaissance, landing and other teams.

To realise this potential the tactical simulator has an open architecture

ROE-Armada-approved:Armada

8/14/14

5:02 PM

allowing its structure to be tailored to match the assigned task and force composition. Its backbone component is a headquarters module integrating simulators of ships and other tactical items into a joint local area network. On the other hand such simulators also integrate simulators of ship’s weapons and technical subsystems used for crews’ combat training. In the group training mode of a naval task force these simulators are not standalone any more, but are entered into a joint information space with a joint tactical background. The new system/technical capabilities allow crews of ships/submarines/aircraft/helicopters, as well as coastal units, to hone their combat coordination/interoperation skills in joint combat actions.

The naval tactical simulator offered by Rosoboronexport is designed to teach and train commanders and operative officers at headquarters and command posts in order to improve their practical skills in managing task force/tactical formation operations. It ensures implementation of: training tasks and tactical (special tactical) exercises carried out by single ships within flagship command posts of task forces in preparing and conducting combat actions, delivering weapons, and employing joint technical facilities; combat shakedown of naval task forces and training of their interoperability with other arms; training of ships’ combat crews in performing joint ship evolutions and weapons delivery both independently and

Page 3

within tactical groups; information support for data collection, situation evaluation, tactical calculations and analysis of effectiveness to justify made decisions and plans; debriefing and analysis of training activities.

Besides other tasks the simulator’s modeling system is designed to verify decisions made which allows not only training officers but also studying tactical and weapons delivery techniques. Ample capabilities offered by high-performance computer simulation allow the navy to elaborate and test new tactical concepts in basic conditions, to assess combat effectiveness, to evaluate tactical and technical solutions implemented in prototypes of naval weapons under development.

Since this tactical simulator is computerbased it costs several times less than full-scale trainers, and its employment allows saving ships’ fuel, service life and ammunition.

The tactical simulator can be used to educate and train military cadets

Armada Marketing Promotion

and personnel of active military units at their home bases. Navy’s combat training practice shows that these naval simulators help increase tactical training intensity by 20-25 percent, irrespectively of weather conditions, time of the year and other factors. Thanks to early mastering of joint maritime activities with the help of the simulator at naval stations, the number of ship accidents at sea has been decreased by 1.7-1.8 times, and weapon/equipment failures by 2.5 times.

Carrying out special tactical training exercises within naval task forces has allowed elaborating new tactical concepts, forms and methods of weapons delivery and employment of electronic countermeasures and other systems, as well as cutting periods of their assimilation by 1.3-1.6 times.

The tactical simulator composition and completeness can be changed to satisfy customer requests. It’s cartographic and reference data bases can be reduced.

Specialised software written to simulate tactical activities is unchangeable, allowing instructors to increase the number of training tactical groups to required quantity. Rosoboronexport also offers education of instructors coming from national naval training centers, helping them to master training and database preparation methodology.

Amphibious LHD:Armada

8/14/14

5:05 PM

Page 2

Landing Helicopter Dock

Amphibious Assault Ships Gain Momentum The increasing number of peace-keeping operations combined humanitarian assistance and disaster relief missions in recent years have pushed both shipbuilders and governments to develop new multipurpose vessels, including Landing Helicopter Dock/Assault platforms. European and American shipbuilding companies maintain the edge in this sector, although Eastern Asian shipyards are attempting to break into this market.

28

INTERNATIONAL

4/2014

Luca Peruzzi

T

he US Marine Corps is returning to its traditional maritime and sea-based expeditionary operations after more than a decade of ground combat in Iraq and Afghanistan. The new concept of operations called “Expeditionary Force 21� presented last April during the Navy League Sea-Air-Space Exposition indicates a range of missions to be accomplished, which now need to include crisis response,

Amphibious LHD:Armada

8/14/14

5:06 PM

Page 3

Navantia’s BPE, or strategic projection ship, design has been selected as the basis for both Australian and Turkey LHDs. Here depicted is the Royal Australian Navy’s firstof-class Canberra. (Australian DoD)

The first-of-class America (LHA 6) is an aviation-centric modified version of the Wasp-class, without the well deck but enlarged and enhanced facilities for F-35B STOVL version aircraft and MV-22B tiltrotor operations. (US Navy)

The America (LHA 6), here see during sea trails, will be commissioned in October 2014. As her twin ship Tripoli (LHA 7) under construction, she belongs to ‘Flight 0’ sub-class with aviation-centric capabilities. (US Navy)

international security assistance training, and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HA/DR), focusing principally on the Pacific theatre of operations.

I US NAVY AND MARINE CORPS “BIG DECKS” AND CONNECTORS

The “Big Deck Amphib” Landing Helicopter Dock/Assault platform (LHD/LHA) requirement is gaining momentum with funding for new LHA replacement – LHA(R) class ships and the planned mid-life upgrade of the Wasp class LHDs. The new LHA(R)

class ships are flexible, multi-mission platforms with capabilities that span the range of military operations. These ships will replace the remaining Tarawa-class LHAs, of which only the Peleliu (LHA 5) remains in service and the eight aging Wasps as they begin decommissioning in the late 2020s.

On 11 April 2014, the US Navy officially accepted delivery of amphibious assault ship America (LHA 6), the first-of-class of LHA(R) platforms, which was built by Huntington Ingalls Industries alongside previous and current LHAs/LHDs. It will be

commissioned next October. The America (LHA 6) as well the second-of-class Tripoli (LHA 7), under construction for delivery in 2018, are an aviation-centric modified version of the Wasp-class LHDs using the same gas propulsion plant with auxiliary electric motors for low speed propulsion.

Key differences between the new LHA(R) Flight 0 and the LHD class ships include the deletion of the well deck, an enlarged hangar deck with enhanced aviation maintenance facilities for Bell/Boeing MV-22 Ospreys and Lockheed Martin F-35B Lightning IIs,

INTERNATIONAL

4/2014

29

Amphibious LHD:Armada

8/14/14

5:06 PM

Page 4

Landing Helicopter Dock

The new Ship-to-Shore Connector (SSC) programme is planned to introduce the Lcac-100 class craft to replace the current Lcac Sleps between 2020 and 2029, providing more lift, lower fuel consumption and less maintenance compared to the current connector. (US Navy)

increased cargo stowage and aviation fuel, in addition to an electronically configurable C4ISR (Command, Control, Communication, Computer, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance) suite.

The third-of-class LHA 8 is a modified repeat of the Flight 0, which restores the well deck with capacity for two Lcacs allowing to conduct simultaneous vertical and surface connector operations, a key flexible element for independent or aggregate US Marine Corps operations. An additional feature is the reduced island while retaining the enhanced aviation support capabilities of LHA(R) Flight 0. Being funded in FY2017 to be delivered in FY2024, the LHA 8 sees a

competitive early industry involvement in order to develop a more affordable, producible detail design and build strategy.

The Wasp class mid-life upgrade programme is however critical for sustained amphibious warship readiness and to make the best of the major investment represented by the F-35B. With an expected service life of 4050 years, this programme is planned to see the eight LHDs to be subjected to mid-life upgrades in the FY16-23 period. These upgrades include structural modifications to support MV-22 and Small Tactical Unmanned Air System operations and maintenance, the introduction of Consolidated Afloat Network and Enterprise Network Services (CANES),

latest Ship Self Defence System (SSDS) suite with Link 16, and JSF external environment and support modifications.

The new Marine Corps “Expeditionary Force 21” concept of operations also focuses on the ship-to-shore “connectors” that will be essential to operate in theatres characterised by adversary longer-range and greater precision weapon systems. The Navy and Marine Corps team is looking into new concepts such as the Ultra Heavy-lift Amphibious Connector (UHAC) launched by the Office of Naval Research (this is in addition to the Lcac service life extension programme involving 72 craft to be completed in FY18 and the new SSC ship-to-shore connector programme intended to introduce the Lcac-100 class craft replacement between 2020 and 2029). A displacement craft with buoyancy and propulsion provided by an innovative captive air-cell technology, a future scale UHAC would have three times the payload of the new SSC connector and approximately the payload of 1600-series Landing Craft Utility (LCU), maintaining the same well deck footprint of SSC with speeds twice of an LCU. A half-scale UHAC demonstration is planned for this year’s Advanced Warfighting Experiment in conjunction with RIMPAC 2014.

At any rate, an “analysis of alternatives” was launched in 2013 to work out the replacement of the LCU 1610 heavy lift displacement class craft under the Surface Connector (X) Replacement programme. Critical is capacity for two M1A1 tanks with track-width mine plough and the ability to provide intratheatre/shore-to-shore manoeuvre of up to 170 tonnes of equipment.

I EUROPEAN SHIPBUILDERS EXPORT FOCUS

The Old Continent defence budget constraints are continuing to push shipbuilding companies to turn to the export market.

I NAVANTIA

The Ultra Heavy-lift Amphibious Connector (UHAC), here depicted in a reduced-scale demonstrator, is an amphibious craft that has three times the lift capacity and greater coastal access than the current Lcac. (US Marine Corps)

30

INTERNATIONAL

4/2014

Commissioned into service in September 2010 with Spanish Navy, the Navantia Buque de Proyección Estratégica, or strategic projection ship, has also been selected as the basis for both Australian and Turkish LHDs acquisition programmes. Under the Amphibious Deployment and Sustainment JP2048 phase 4A/B programme, which was assigned in 2007 by Australia to a BAE Systems Australia-lead team including Navantia and combat system suppliers, the team is building the two 27,800 tonne

Amphibious LHD:Armada

8/14/14

5:06 PM

Page 5

I DCNS AND STX

The first-of-class Canberra (L 02) LHD is to be delivered to Royal Australian Navy later this year with twin ship Adelaide to follow in 2016. (Australian DoD)

Canberra-class LHDs, of which the first-ofclass, Canberra (L 02), is to be commissioned this year while the second ship, the Adelaide, will follow in 2016. These LHDs differ from the Juan Carlos class mainly for its equipment suite including a derivative of Saab 9VL Mk3E combat management system, Saab Giraffe AMB multifunction radar, Sagem Vampir-NG electo-optical sensor suite, L-3 Communications integrated communication systems, Sperry and Kevin Hughes integrated navigation and helicopter control radar suite, a self-defence package based on the Exelis ES3701 ESM, BAE Systems Nulka decoys plus Rafael Typhoon 25 mm remote-control weapon systems. In addition to up to eight medium-sized helicopters housed in the hangar, the 1,050 troops, 110 vehicles and materiel can be delivered with the 12 ordered Navantia-built LCM1E-type landing craft (the first four have already reached Australia). With the capability to carry an M1A1 Abrams tank, the 120 tonne full load and 23.3 metres long roll-in/roll-off craft can reach over 13 knots when loaded.

In December 2013, Turkey’s Defense Industry Committee directed the SSM procurement agency to begin contract negotiations with shipbuilder Sedef, partnered with Navantia, to offer the same class design.

Based on the BPE design, customer changes include a derivative of Genesis Combat Management System (CMS) supplied by the local Havelsan-lead industrial consortium for the Turkish navy’s “G” class frigates. Ship profile will be very similar except for the ski-

jump removal. Other platform modifications include accommodation changes, hatch instead of the forward aircraft elevator, increased capacity deck crane and so forth.

Local companies, including Havelsan, Aselsan and Ayesas will perform the main work. Negotiations are underway with contracts awards expected before the end of this year. Provisional hand-over is expected 67 months from contract date, while final delivery is planned after the 12-month guaranteed period.

The DCNS shipbuilder group and STX France company, together with French defence equipment and electronics companies is offering the family of Bâtiment de Projection et Commandement (BPC) platforms. A major breakthrough on the international market was achieved with the French Government-supported effective sale of “two plus two BPCs” to the Russian Federation in late 2011.

These platforms are based on the French Navy’s Mistral class, which saw the delivery of three vessels, the Mistral, Tonnerre and Dixmude, between 2005 and 2012. Despite third-of-class enhancements, including better view from the island’s modified bridge area, all vessels boast a DCNS Senit 9 combat management system with a Thales MRR3DNG multirole radar and Aquilon fully integrated communications suite, SIC 21 command support system. The Mistral can transport a battle group including 450 troops in addition to 60 armoured vehicles, including 13 Leclerc main battle tanks. The design also offers ample capacity for hospital services, extensive joint command operations modular facilities and a self-protection suite including two MBDA Simbad twin-Mistral missiles launchers and two Nexter 20mm F2 guns. Troops, materiel and vehicles can be delivered ashore by medium size transport helicopters (max. 16 in the hangar), in addition to four CTM (Chaland de Transport de Matériel) landing crafts or

The first-of-class Vladivostok BPC for Russian Federation Navy is scheduled for delivery later in 2014. The two LHDs ordered from DCNS will have modifications to hull, equipment and armament to satisfy customer requirements. (DCNS)

INTERNATIONAL

4/2014

31

Amphibious LHD:Armada

8/14/14

5:06 PM

Page 6

Landing Helicopter Dock

two L-CAT/EDA-R (Engin de Débarquement Amphibie-Rapide) high-speed landing craft.

A sensors suite upgrading for all French Navy’s amphibious fleet is introducing the Sagem EOMS-NG electro-optical system, providing both 360 degree surveillance and weapon system control.

The Russian platforms, however, will differ from the French Navy’s ships. Hangars are taller to accommodate Kamov Ka-52K Alligator attack and Ka-29 armed transport helicopters, fully closing well dock doors.

On-board systems meet Russian standards and are to withstand cold temperatures, while the island is modified and the hull slightly reinforced. An exportable version of the Senit combat management system is reportedly being installed, together with a communications suite including both Russian and French equipment. Selfprotection will be based on Russian-supplied AK630 30mm Gatling guns and SA-N10/Gibkha 3M-47 missile-launchers. STX France is building the vessel platforms as a subcontractor to DCNS, while Russian United Shipbuilding Corporation (OSK) is contributing to the construction of both vessels as a subcontractor to STX. The programme is progressing as planned.

Floating out of the first vessel, the Vladivostok, took place in October 2013, followed by initial sea trails last March and planned delivery in October 2014.

The second-of-class Sevastopol rear-hull section is being built in Saint Petersburg by OSK as already done for the Vladivostok, and later transferred by sea to STX France shipyard at Saint-Nazaire to be joined with

America LHA 6 / LHA 8

Juan Carlos I BPE

Huntington Ingalls Industries US 1/1 2014 45,693/43,000t 257.3m 32.3 1,059 2GT, 2 ElectrMot 22+ 9,500/20 1,687 No/2 LCAC* 2 LCAC in the dock -----Not Necessary 9 9 F-35B + 25 mix helos 23 F-35B/2 helo 2,409 m2 2 24 beds

Navantia SP/AUS/TK 1/3 2010 27,560t 230.80m 32 m 254+172 1GT,2DG+2Pod 21 9,000/15 1,009 4 LCM-1E 4 LCM + 4 Supercat 5,440msq Yes 6 12 NH90 10 AV-8B 19 AV-8B 985 m2 2 18 beds

Main Characteristics

Prime/Shipbuilder Customers Deliveries/Orders Commission Displacement Length Beam Crew Propulsion Speed (knots) Range/knots Amphib Force Dock capacity Amphibious craft Flight Deck dim Ski-jump Helo spots Air Wing Max V/STOL Max Hangar Elevators Hospital

the bow hull section, with delivery planned for October 2015. The contract also involves Russian crew training and the delivery of four French ‘New Generation CTM’ landing craft, which are being built by STX France under DCNS design.

No official Russian comment is made on the construction of the two following ships, but French Government has recently reassured Russia about deliveries and contract progress despite the Ukraine crisis. At the time of going to press, however, the downing of Malaysian flight MH17 might see the future of the programme change dramatically.

The EDA-R connector represents a huge technology development compared to current air- cushion craft. The Constructions Industrielles de la Méditerranée has delivered four EDA-R connectors to French Navy. (US Navy)

32

INTERNATIONAL

4/2014

I FINCANTIERI

Italy’s Fincantieri shipbuilder is marketing an updated and enlarged version of San Marco/San Giusto-class of amphibious assault ship and is working on a new LHD

project with the Italian Navy. The LHD programme could be launched within this fiscal year and involves a large LHD- capable platform with full-length flight deck and stern dock with extensive C4ISR, hospital facilities and combat system.

In July 2011, Algeria assigned a contract for a new BDSL (Bâtiment de Débarquement et de Soutien Logistique) platform, together with LCMs and extensive training package to Orizzonte Sistemi Navali, which is a jointventure between Fincantieri (51%) and Selex ES (49%). Built and outfitted at Riva Trigoso and Muggiano integrated shipyard in 30 months, the 8,000 tonne Kalaat Beni-Abbes multi-purpose landing helicopter dock platform started sea trails ahead of schedule in spring 2014. Platform and combat system customer acceptance trails are to be completed before September 2014, when the

Amphibious LHD:Armada

8/14/14

5:06 PM

Page 7

Mistral BPC

San Marco Mod/BDSL

Dokdo LPH

20,000T LHD

DCNS STX France FR/RUS 3/2+2 2006 21,300t 199m 32m 180 4DG + 2 Pod 19 11,000/15 450 2 EDA-R 4 CTM or 2 EDA-R 5,200msq No 6 6 deck 16 hangar No 1,800 m2 2 69 beds

OSN Fincantieri Italy-Algeria 3/1 1988/2014* 6.687/8.800t 133/142.9m 20.5/21.5m 168/152+ 2D 21/20 7,000/15 400+ 3 LCM* 3 LCM /2-3 LCVP/ 1 LCPL ----/---No 4/2 4/2+ deck No No dedicated 1 10/58 beds

Hanjin Heavy Ind RoK 1 2007 18,860t 199.40m 31,4 m 340 4D 23 10,000/18 700+ 2 LCAC 2 LCAC -----No 6 5 deck 15 hangar No Yes 1 No

CSOC China --------22,000t 198m 21.8 m 350+ 2D 22 7,000/16 700+ Yes ----------No 4 4 deck 8 hangar No Yes 2 ----

Built under Italy’s Rina latest safety, environment protection, construction and platform-combat system integration standards, the BDSL will be handed over to Algerian Navy in September 2014. (Luca Peruzzi)

ship is scheduled to be handed over to Algerian Navy. She will, however, remain in Italy until the first quarter of 2015 for crew and maintenance staff training and qualification under the supervision of the Italian Navy at its facilities.

The Kalaat Beni-Abbes can carry more than 600 personnel, including a 152-strong crew, flight operations detachment and embarked amphibious force. It can host an amphibious force command-and-control facility, and embark up to 15 armoured vehicles in the deck/hangar space, plus containers and soft-skinned vehicles on the flight deck. The latter has two helicopter landing spots, one ahead of the island and the other behind for AgustaWestland AW101 or Super Lynx 300 helicopters. With extensive hospital facilities, the ship has a stern dock for three landing craft based on

INTERNATIONAL

4/2014

33

Amphibious LHD:Armada

8/14/14

5:07 PM

Page 8

Landing Helicopter Dock

the Italian Navy’s Cantiere Navale Vittoria craft design, but built locally in Algeria. The combat system and radar are from Selex ES while MBDA supplies the surface-to-air defence missile system based on the Aster 15.

Selex ES/GEM Elettronica integrated bridge and navigation, Elettronica ESM and Oto Melara 76/62 mm Super Rapid, two 25 mm guns and decoy launchers round up the systems description.

I EASTERN ASIA

The economical development and recent strategic shift towards Asia-Pacific region has pushed different regional main shipbuilders to develop exportable solutions.

Drawing heavily on the Singaporean Navy’s experience with its four 141-meter Endurance-class tank landing ships (LST), which was also built for the Thai Navy, Singapore Technologies Marine is marketing the 14,500 tonne and 163.7 metre Endurance 160 variant. A model of an LHD design was showed during Singapore air show in February 2014 and in connection with the Ministry of Defence’s alleged interest in the F-35B. China Shipbuilding & Offshore International Co is promoting a 20000T Landing Patrol Dock design, which formed the basis for a Turkish tender. The 22,000 tonne, 198 metre LHD design would be

The Singapore Technologies Marine is marketing the 14,500 tonne, 163.7 metre ‘Endurance 160’ design variant of the same family. It could become the basis for a light short take-off and vertical launch aircraft carrier. (Luca Peruzzi)

The follow-on class twins of Hanjin Heavy Industries-built Dokdo LPH seen here could be equipped with a ski jump to operate shorttake off and vertical landing (STOVL) aircraft. (US Navy)

The Chinese CSOC group is marketing a 20,000 to 22,000 tonne design. The People’s Liberation Army Navy is however looking into a similar but larger design, which was previously set at around 40,000 tonne. (Luca Peruzzi)

34

INTERNATIONAL

4/2014

powered by four diesel engines to offer a 22knot max speed and a 7,000 nm range at 16 knots with a 30-day endurance. Characterized by a stern dock, a flight deck with four spots and a hangar for eight helicopters, the LHD could accommodate up to 1,068 personnel, including 700 troops and over 50 armoured vehicles. According to Chinese and foreign sources a similar but larger platform design class is being built for the People’s Liberation Army Aviation Navy, but no confirmed details have emerged (earlier design requirement involved a 40,000 tonne ship).

South Korean shipyards are also actively promoting multirole and amphibious platforms. Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine

Engineering has delivered and is building LPDs for different international customers while Hanjin Heavy Industries have built the Dokdo LPH, which was commissioned into South Korean navy service in July 2007 under a contract awarded in October 2002.

The still single 19,000 tonne LPH can lift 720 troops and 10 tanks, operate two hovercrafts from a stern dock and has a ten UH-60 helicopter-capable hangar. A second-of-class Dokdo LPH with a ski jump to operate short-take off and vertical landing aircraft and to be deployed before 2019 is being considered as an interim solution before the acquisition and delivery of two light aircraft carriers in the 2030s.

check file.qxp:Armada

8/20/14

1:20 PM

Page 1

Guided Bombs:Armada

8/14/14

5:18 PM

Page 2

Guided Bombs

Pictured over the Atlantic Test Range off Patuxent River US Naval Air Warfare Center, Maryland, a 225-kg class GBU-12/B Paveway II LGB is released from the port weapons bay of BF-01, the first Lockheed Martin F-35B Lightning II development aircraft. (Lockheed Martin)

Pin-point Accurate Bolt from the Blue Targets that are hardened or moving can be engaged cost-effectively by the use of guided ordnance. These weapons used an enormous number of different techniques and developments over the years, but the very later-generation guided weapons all have the common endeavour to reduce collateral effects and attrition of the attackers.

I THE PAVEWAY SERIES

Roy Braybrook

A

merica’s involvement in Vietnam (1962-75) generated an urgent need to destroy strongly-built, well defended bridges with the minimum sorties.

There were then two lines of US guided bomb development: the Texas Instruments (TI) Paveway 1 using laser guidance, and the Rockwell Paveway 2 using television (blackand-white contrast-lock) guidance. The latter produced the 1,027-kg GBU-8/B Hobos based on the 900-kg Mk 84 GP bomb, but reliability was poor and it cost over four times as much as Paveway 1.

36

INTERNATIONAL

4/2014

From 1972 over 10,000 LGBs were used over Vietnam by the US Air Force alone, and the US Navy dropped a further 1,000. The principal members of the Paveway I family were the GBU-10/B based on the Mk 84, the 1,360-kg GBU-11/B with the M118, and the GBU-12/B with the 225-kg Mk 82.

The Paveway II series introduced an improved laser seeker and fold-out wings.

The principal variants are the 900-kg class GBU-10 based on the Mk 84 bomb or the Lockheed Martin BLU-109/B penetrator, the 1,360-kg GBU-11 with the M118, and the US Navy’s 450-kg GBU-16C/B with the Mk 83.

Later Paveway II versions include the 115-kg GBU-58, based on the Mk 81 bomb. The

225-kg class GBU-51/B uses the BLU-126/B low collateral damage bomb (LCDB).

The TI Paveway business was purchased

by Raytheon in 1997. Most Paveway IIs (over 350,000 for 43 customers) have been manufactured by Raytheon, but Lockheed Martin is now a second approved source, with over 70,000 LGB and 7,000 Dual-Mode LGB kits and around 130,000 training rounds delivered.

The Enhanced Paveway II (EP2) adds GPS/INS guidance. The 503-kg GBU-48 is a dual-mode derivative of the GBU-16 LGB, often referred to as the EGBU-16. The 285-kg GBU-49 is likewise an EGBU-12, and the 953-kg GBU-50 is an EGBU-10. The GBU59 EP2 is based on the 115-kg GBU-58 LGB.

Guided Bombs:Armada

8/14/14

5:19 PM

Page 3

The US Navy uses the 450-kg class GBU-16 version of the Paveway II LGB, here being loaded on a Boeing F/A-18F Super Hornet of VFA-32 ‘Fighting Swordsmen’ strike fighter squadron on board CVN-75 USS Harry S Truman. (US Navy)

Shown mounted on a General Atomics MQ-9 Reaper drone, this 285-kg GBU-49 or EGBU12 Enhanced Paveway II has both a laser seeker and GPS receiver to combine allweather capability with precision in clear conditions. (US Air Force)

Over 7,000 Dual-Mode Paveway II kits have been supplied by Lockheed Martin. This 285-kg GBU-49 or EGBU-12F/B is mounted on a US Marine Corps Boeing AV-8B Harrier II. (Lockheed Martin)

Desert Storm produced a need for special penetration bombs, such as this two-tonne GBU-28 Paveway III LGB, shown released from Boeing F-15E-62-MC serial 98-0133 of the 48th Fighter Wing, based at RAF Lakenheath, England. (US Air Force)

The Paveway III was introduced by the US Air Force in 1986, with larger wings and two-stage proportional guidance. Paveway III variants include the 327-kg GBU-22/B with the Mk 82 bomb, the 1,050-kg GBU24/B with the Mk 84, the GBU-24B/B with the BLU-109/B penetrator, and the 987-kg GBU-27/B with cropped aerofoils for internal carriage.

I DESERT STORM ERA

Storm (though on a much smaller scale) was the EO/IIR-guided 1,140-kg Rockwell GBU15 glide bomb. The US Air Force retains an undisclosed number of GBU-15s.

Enhanced Paveway III (EP3) dual-mode bombs are used by the US Air Force as the 984-kg GBU-27A/B with BLU-109 warhead on the Boeing F-15E and Lockheed Martin F-16. The 2,232-kg GBU-28B/B with BLU-

The 2,130-kg GBU-28A/B Super Penetrator Weapon was developed for very hard targets during Desert Storm, employing the General Dynamics BLU-113A/B warhead. The later GBU-28C/B has GD’s further improved BLU-122/B. Over 27,000 Paveway IIIs have been produced.

Another guided ordnance used in Desert

INTERNATIONAL

4/2014

37

Guided Bombs:Armada

8/14/14

5:19 PM

Page 4

Guided Bombs

113, and the GBU-28C/B with BLU-122, are used on the F-15E and Northrop Grumman B-2A. The US Navy uses on the Boeing F/A18 series two 1,077 kg EP3 variants: the GBU-24E/B with the BLU-109 and the GBU-24G/B with BLU-166. The 1,050-kg GBU-14(V)9/B with Mk 84 warhead, plus the 1,077-kg GBU-24(V)10/B and EP3 DMLGB(UK), both with the BLU-109, are all cleared for the Panavia Tornado.

Released from 20,000 ft, the EP3 has a range of 36.5km, compared to 21.5 km for the EP2, and 5.0 km for a Paveway I. More than 1,600 EP3s have been produced.

I THE PAVEWAY IV

Britain’s Royal Air Force, having earlier used a 557-kg EP2 variant with Mk 13/20 warhead and 1,077-kg EP3 with BLU-109 penetrator, now uses the 308-kg Raytheon Systems Paveway IV with Mk 82E (Enhanced) penetration warhead and a Thales/Alliant Techsystems fuze. The RAF has received 4,000 Paveway IVs, of which over 1,000 have been released in operations over Afghanistan and Libya.

The first export contract for the Paveway IV has recently been signed, reportedly for around 2,400 units, worth approximately $ 240 million. This order is believed to be for the Royal Saudi Air Force, for use on the Tornado and Eurofighter Typhoon.

This 250-kg class Boeing GBU-54 Laser Jdam is mounted on Lockheed Martin F-16AM serial 89-0008 of the 510th Fighter Squadron ‘Buzzards’, deployed from Aviano AB in Italy to Bagram Airfield in Afghanistan. (US Air Force) I SatNav

The leader in GPS/INS weapons is the Boeing Jdam (Joint Direct Attack Munition), which consists of a tail-mounted guidance and control module with a Rockwell Collins GPS

Historical Background

H

itler’s Germany led the world in guided bombs with radiocontrolled, anti-ship 1,565-kg Ruhrstahl FX-1400 or ‘Fritz-X’, which entered service in July 1943. The ‘Fritz-X’ debuted on September 9, 1943, when six Luftwaffe Dornier Do 217K-2s attacked the Italian fleet, en route to surrender to the Allies. The battleship Roma was sunk and its sister-ship Italia was badly damaged.

38

INTERNATIONAL

4/2014

receiver and Honeywell inertial measurement unit. The tail surfaces are moved by HR Textron actuators, powered by a thermal battery. The kit also includes body strakes to extend maximum range to 28 km. The Jdam is a joint US Air Force/Navy programme.

Jdam unit production cost dipped to $ 24,000 in FY14, when 10,415 were purchased. Low rate production continues, with 2,973 requested in FY15. Some 28 nations have ordered Jdam. Boeing has so far produced around 260,000 units.

Jdam was first employed over Kosovo in 1999 in Operation Allied Force, during which 651 were released from B-2As. The principal Jdam variants are the 946- to 981-kg GBU-31 series with Mk 84 or BLU109/117/119 warhead, the 468-kg GBU-32 with Mk 83 or BLU-110 warhead, and the 253-kg GBU-38 equipped with Mk 82, the BLU-111 penetrator or BLU-126 LCDB. In 2008 tests began with a Jdam-ER (extended-range) developed by Boeing in cooperation with the Australian Department of Defence, based on the lightweight GBU38, but with fold-out wings. Production deliveries of the wing kit for the RAAF are expected to begin in 2015.

In 2009 Boeing began development of a wing kit for 900-kg class Jdams in cooperation with Times Aerospace Korea (TAK), but this heavier Jdam-ER project was

The US Army Air Force’s radio-controlled 450-kg VB1 Azon followed in June 1944. As its name implies, the Azon (AZimuth ONly) could be guided only to either side. Developed to destroy Japanese-operated bridges in Burma, it reached US Army Air Forces in India in early 1945. Then came the US Navy’s radar-guided ASM-N-2 Bat anti-ship glide bomb in April 1945. The Korean War (1950-53) saw use of the radio-controlled 450-kg VB-3 Razon and the VB-13 Tarzon, based on the 5,400-kg British Tallboy penetration bomb.

France, for its part, pioneered the use of a guided missile – the joystick-controlled, wire-guided Nord Aviation AS-11 – from helicopters in its war in Algeria. However, the appearance of modern-age weapons really started during the 1960s in Vietnam.

Guided Bombs:Armada

8/14/14

5:24 PM

Page 5

Shown mounted on a four-unit rack under a Boeing F-15E, the same company’s 130-kg GBU-39/B Small Diameter Bomb Increment-1 (SDB-1) is equipped as standard with an MBDA Diamond Back wing kit. (US Air Force)

This artist’s impression illustrates how Boeing’s Laser Jdam will appear with a fold-out wing for extended range. (Boeing)

later “mutually terminated”. In 2012 Boeing selected a new (unspecified) development partner to complete the design.

The wish to attack moving targets led to a Centaf (Air Force Central) Urgent Operational Need (Uon) for a Laser Jdam (Ljdam) and to Boeing adding an Elbit Systems seeker to Jdam.

Brisbane, Australia

22-25 September

LAND FORCES MEANS BUSINESS www.landforces.com.au

Guided Bombs:Armada

8/14/14

5:19 PM

Page 6

Guided Bombs

The 93-kg Raytheon GBU-53/B SDB-II has a range of 75 km, a General Dynamics multi-effects warhead, and a Raytheon tri-mode seeker, combining imaging-infrared, active mm-wave radar and laser sensors. (Raytheon)

The standard Ljdam is currently the GBU-54, based on the GBU-38, but Ljdam versions of the GBU-31 and -32 are under development. The GBU-54 made its operational debut in US Air Force strikes over Iraq in 2008 and over Afghanistan in 2010.

Ljdam has been ordered by Germany and six other international customers. In 2012 an improved version of Ljdam entered fullrate production to fulfil the US Navy DAMTC (Direct Attack Moving Target Capability) requirement for ordnance with

a CEP better than 6.0 metres, to defeat more challenging manoeuvring targets. The DAMTC kit can be applied to the Mk 83 and 84 bombs, and the BLU-109, -110, -111, 126 and -129/B warheads.

I SDB

The Small Diameter Bomb (SDB) is a joint US Air Force/Navy programme, aimed at equalling the penetration of a one-tonne bomb with a new design weighing only 125 kg.

In 2003 Boeing was selected to develop

Inspired by the success of America’s Paveway LGB series, the Soviet Union developed various guided bombs, including this laser-homing 534-kg Region KAB-500L. (Armada/Roy Braybrook)

40

INTERNATIONAL

4/2014

and produce the GPS/INS-guided 123-kg GBU-39/B SDB Increment-1 (SDB-1), which has a blast-fragmentation warhead, fold-out fins and the MBDA Diamond Back wing kit to give a maximum range of 110 km. It was first used operationally on US Air Force F-15Es over Iraq in late 2006. The SDB-1 is believed to use differential GPS guidance to give an accuracy of around five metres.

The US Air Force purchased 12,300 SDBIs at an average cost of $ 22,675. The service has also acquired 500 examples of a low collateral damage version known as the Focused Lethality Munition, developed in response to another Uon issued by Centaf.

Export sales of the SDB-1 were launched with a $ 77 million Israeli order for 1,000 for use on the F-15I, with deliveries beginning in 2010. In 2010 a licence agreement was signed between Boeing and Oto Melara for 500 SDB-1s to be manufactured in Italy.

The second-generation SDB-II has a seeker and two-way data link to allow attacks on moving targets. In 2010 Raytheon was selected to develop and manufacture the 93-kg GBU-53/B SDB-II, which has a 75 km range, a General Dynamics multi-effects warhead that uses a plasma jet to penetrate armour, a Rockwell Collins data link, and a Raytheon trimode seeker, combining imaging-infrared, active mm-wave radar and laser sensors.

Low-rate initial production (Lrip) of the SDB-II was launched with FY14 funds. A further 246 units have been requested for FY15. It is being introduced first on the US Air Force F-15E, and later on the Marine Corps Lockheed Martin F-35B and the Navy F-35C. It is planned that 17,163 SDB-IIs will be procured for the US services, with Air Force receiving around 12,000 units and the Navy around 5,000. Full-rate production is scheduled for FY17.

The SDB-II currently costs almost $ 300,000 to manufacture, and it will remain a much more expensive weapon than the simple SDB-1, a programme unit cost of $ 225,000 being estimated in 2013.

The cost of SDB-II has led Centaf to issue a further Uon statement, calling for the SDB-1 to be fitted with the laser sensor from Ljdam.

This Laser SDB (LSDB) provides a more affordable precision attack capability in clear weather conditions than SDB-II, but does not have all-weather/zero-visibility capability.

The LSDB was launched in late 2012 with an initial $ 8.9 million contract, awarded by US Special Operations Command with a view to using it on the AC-130W/J. The most

Guided Bombs:Armada

8/14/14

5:19 PM

Page 7

China’s equivalent of America’s Jdam is the 540-kg FT-1, which has satellite/inertial navigation and a maximum range of 18 km. It was reportedly developed by the China Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology. (Armada/RB)

recent LSDB contract (of which no details are available) appears to be for a $ 131 million follow-on batch, awarded by the US Air Force to Boeing in February 2014.

I RUSSIA

The Soviet Union followed the US lead in developing guidance kits for existing bombs.

The principal laser-guided examples are the 534-kg KAB-500L and 1,560-kg KAB-1500L series, while EO guidance is used in the 560kg KAB-500Kr and the 1,525-kg KAB1500Kr (among others). The KAB family

China’s 320-kg FT-6 has satellite/inertial guidance and a fold-out wing kit, giving a range of up to 90 km from high level release. The FT-6A is an anti-radiation development. (Armada/Roy Braybrook)

was developed by Region, now part of Tactical Missiles Corporation.

Jdam’s Russian rivals are the 500-kg Region KAB-500S-E and 540-kg Bazalt PBK-500U. Both have a Glonass/Navstar receiver, but the PBK-500U (which is available with cluster and unitary warheads) also has an infrared seeker and a wing kit, giving a range of up to 50 km.

I CHINA

There so far appear to be four main Chinese families of guided bombs: the FT- series from

the CALT (China Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology) subsidiary of CASC (China Aerospace & Science Technology Corp), the LS- and LT- series from Luoyang EOTDC (Electro-Optical Technology Development Center), which is another CASC offshoot, and the TD-/TG- series from the Norinco subsidiary Harbin Jiangcheng.

Catic (China National Aerospace Technology Import & Export Agency) lists only the laser-homing 570-kg LT-2, which is similar to the KAB-500L, the 564-kg LT-3, which has satellite/inertial mid-course guidance, strakes and tail controls, and the LS-6, which has a fold-out wing and satellite/inertial guidance. Catic states that the LS-6 kit can be applied to both the Type 250-3 and 500-3 bombs, but there are also reports of a 50-kg class LS-6-50 and a 100-kg class LS-6-100.

The FT- series uses only satellite/inertial navigation. In the 500-kg class, the 540-kg FT-1 has strakes and a maximum range of 18 km, while the FT-2 replaces the strakes with a wing kit, increasing range to 90 km. In the 250-kg category the 230-kg FT-3 has strakes and the 320-kg FT-6 has a wing kit, with similar benefit to range. The 100-kg FT-5 has strakes. The FT-6A reportedly has an antiradiation seeker.

Norinco is believed to be responsible for a new family of PGMs, with the designations TG-100, TG-250, TG-250-ER, TG-500, TG500-ER and TG-1000.

It may be noteworthy that when China announced completion of the second phase of its Beidou satellite programme in September 2013, specific reference was made to its application in the FT-series of

The Rafael Spice glide bomb entered Israeli service in 2003 as the 900-kg class Spice 2000, shown here on an F-16. It combines GPS/INS mid-course navigation with EO/IIR scenematching terminal guidance and a Mk 84 warhead. (Rafael)

INTERNATIONAL

4/2014

41

Guided Bombs:Armada

8/14/14

5:19 PM

Page 8

Guided Bombs

In developing the lighter 450-kg class Spice 1000, Rafael achieved extended range by adopting fold-out wings in place the cruciform wings of the Spice 2000. (Rafael)

PGMs, the 150-kg CM-506KG small diameter bomb (with a remarkable claimed range of 130 km) and the 500-kg class CS/BBC5 cluster bomb series developed by CSG (China South Industries Group).

I ISRAEL

Rafael Advanced Defense Systems produces the Spice family of glide bombs using GPS/INS navigation and EO/IIR scenematching terminal guidance. First came the combat-proven, cruciform-wing Spice 2000, based on the Mk 84. This was followed by the Spice 1000 with fold-out wings and the Mk 83.

The latest development is the 130-kg class Spice 250, with fold-out wings, and a two-way data link for mid-course target updates and battle damage indication. Maximum range is 100km. The Spice 250 is mounted on SQRs (Smart Quad-Racks), allowing an F-16I to carry 16 and an F-15I up to 28.

Elbit Systems produces the Lizard series of laser guidance and control kits, applicable to the Mk 80 family and the 435-kg Israel

Military Industries (IMI) PB-500A1 penetrator. It began with the Lizard 2, which was suitable for fixed and slow-moving targets. This was followed by the Lizard 3, which has proportional navigation and provides better effectiveness against moving targets. The Lizard 4 adds GPS mid-course navigation. Aside from the PB-500A1 and MPR-500/1000 warhead series, IMI also produces the 15/45-kg Fastlight GPS/INSguided gliding bomb.

Israel Aerospace Industries’ MBT Missiles

The Elbit Systems Lizard series of laser guidance and control kits is used by the air forces of Israel and Italy. This example was photographed under a Saab Gripen, evidently during efforts to sell Lizard to South Africa. (Armada/RB)

42

INTERNATIONAL

4/2014

Division has developed a number of guided bombs, notably the Griffin 3 NextGeneration LGB with Mk 80-series warhead, and the Medium LGB with GPS/INS mid-course navigation, a fold-out wing and tail controls.

I REST OF THE WORLD

South Africa’s Denel Dynamics (then Kentron) developed the Raptor I EO-guided glide bomb in the 1980s for use in the Angolan conflict. The 1,200-kg Raptor II

Guided Bombs:Armada

8/14/14

5:20 PM

Page 9

added GPS mid-course navigation and a rocket motor, extending range to 130 km. It was never used by the SAAF, but is believed to have been exported to Pakistan.

The Denel Umbani (Lightning) is a guidance and range-extension kit for Mk 80series bombs. In baseline 40-km Mk 82 form it has been cleared on the BAE Systems Hawk, and has been sold to one overseas customer. The later Umbani-LR with foldout wing kit is being produced under the name Al Tariq by Tawazun Dynamics, a joint venture by Denel Dynamics and Tawazun Holdings in Abu Dhabi. The proposed Umbani-ER would have a jet engine.

South Korea’s ADD (Agency for Defense Development) has funded the 250-kg (class) Korea GPS-Guided Bomb (KGGB), which will have a wing kit and is intended primarily for use against North Korean artillery.

Iran’s Ministry of Defence has reportedly funded two EO-guided bomb developments: the M117-class Qadr and Mk 84-class Zoobin. The 900-kg laser-homing Qased is used both as a guided bomb and (with a tandem booster) as a surface-surface missile.

Other nations that have developed bomb guidance kits include Turkey, where

In baseline form, the Denel Umbani (Lightning) is a Mk 82 bomb with fixed canard surfaces and a tail-mounted GPS/INS guidance and control kit. It has been cleared on the BAE Systems Hawk and sold to one overseas customer. (Armada/Roy Braybrook)

Tubitak-Sage produces the ‘HGK’ GPS/INS tail for Mk 84 bombs. The Ukraine’s Adron has developed the nose-mounted BAU01KT GPS-guidance kit for Russian 100- , 250- and 500-kg bombs.

In 2008 Germany carried out limited flight trials with the Diehl BGT Defence Hope oblique-wing penetrator bomb, and in 2010 Diehl signed a teaming agreement with Rafael on the proposed Pilum derivative.

Guided Bombs:Armada

8/14/14

5:20 PM

Page 10

Guided Bombs

The Denel Umbani-LR with fold-out wings is the basis for the Al Tariq glide bomb manufactured by the Abu Dhabi-based Tawazun Dynamics, a joint venture by Denel Dynamics and Tawazun Holdings.

(Armada/Roy Braybrook)

average unit cost is Euros 164,000, or 252,000 if development is included. The AASM was first used operationally over Afghanistan in 2008. The first of 225 used over Libya in 2011 was likewise fired from a Dassault Rafale.

Much of the AASM’s reduced collateral damage characteristics are not only owed to the metric precision of its homing head, but also to the weapon’s ability to follow a programmed trajectory that allows it to climb to a suitable altitude and then take an almost perfectly vertical dive onto its target.

I AASM

This report has been primarily concerned with relatively low-cost guidance and rangeextension kits for standard bombs, which represent the core of the market.

However, there is also a limited demand for rocket-powered bomb developments, to allow launch from very low level and further extend range. Examples include the 1,313kg Rockwell AGM-130 development of the EO/IIR-guided GBU-15. The US Air Force retains a classified number. Various airsurface missiles make use of standard bomb warheads, as was the case with the Vietnamera command-guided 810-kg Martin Marietta AGM-12 Bullpup, which used the 115-kg Mk 81. However, a noteworthy modern examples include the Sagem AASM, which is now internationally marketed by MBDA under the name Hammer. The only export customer to date is Morocco, but India appears an excellent prospect.

The Hammer is a modular system, combining a nose-mounted guidance and control kit and a tail-mounted rocket booster, giving a range of over 60 km from altitude. It is designed to be fitted to standard bombs in the 125-, 250-, 500- and 1,000-kg categories. The baseline weapon is the SBU-38, with a 250-kg warhead and GPS/INS navigation. This was followed by the SBU-64 with IIR terminal guidance. The latest version is the SBU-54 with GPS/INS and laser homing.

France’s DGA ordered 744 AASMs in 2000, and 680 more in 2009 (out of a planned total of at least 3,000). According to the French 2012 defence budget, the

44

INTERNATIONAL

4/2014

A trio of AASM under the wing of a French Air Force Ralale, as used over Lybia in 2011. (Armada/Eric H. Biass)

Show Report Sofex:Armada

8/14/14

5:27 PM

Page 3

Show Report

SOFEX 2014 The 2014 edition of the biannual exhibition of military equipment dedicated to Special Forces was inaugurated on Tuesday 6 May in Amman, Jordan, by His Majesty King Abdullah II, himself a former special forces commander. Air and ground segments dominated the exhibition, with numerous aircraft on stand in the outside area, while three main halls hosted respectively international, US and Jordan exhibitors.

Weather forecast announced some rain for the last day, but that materialised in an intense night storm that managed to flood two of the halls, an unfortunate event that reduced by one day the exhibition for a number of participants (although some American media wrongly informed that the whole exhibition had closed).

All pictures ©Armada/Paolo Valpolini

I LIGHT GUNSHIP DUEL

The Amman exhibition marked the public début of the recently delivered AC-235, the light gunship developed by ATK with Jordan’s KADDB (King Abdullah II Design and Development Bureau). The two ordered aircraft (the programme was announced at IDEX 2011) have been delivered. One featured on the static display, while the other flew by during the opening ceremony. Flying under the colours of Jordan’s Special Operations Aviation, that is the 5th Prince Hashim Bin Abdulah II Royal Aviation Brigade, the AC-235 features two stub wings carrying Hellfire missiles as well as rocket launchers. Those installed can fire 2.75-inch rockets, but the key weapon is ATK’s M230LF 30 mm Chain Gun installed in the rear of the

cabin to fire through the portside door (see red arrow, left).

The M230 is the low recoil version of the ATK 30 mm gun and fires 30x113 ammunition at a rate of 625 rounds per minute. Target acquisition and tracking are carried by a Thales I-Master radar (a Kuband synthetic aperture radar with ground moving target indicator capability) and an L-3 Wescam MX-15 electrooptical day/night sensor, that also includes a laser designator to home the AGM-114s. BAE Systems announced that Jordan had decided to acquire its 2.75-inch APKWS laserguided rockets to the tune of $5.5 million. The agreement between the US Navy and Jordan for this FMS contract was signed on 14 April with deliveries planned for 2016 (more details on the APKWS further on).

Separated on the exhibition grounds from the AC-235 by some Jordan Special Forces helicopters and a training aircraft as if to ensure that no 30 mm gun duel between the two contenders would take place, was Alenia Aermacchi’s MC-27J – the other light gunship currently on the market. Like the AC-235 it is being developed by ATK, but in cooperation with the Italian aircraft manufacturer. The mock-up of the gun system installed on the aircraft has considerably evolved since the last Paris Air show, as the gun can now be moved both in elevation and azimuth (see red arrow, above picture).

Based on a roll-on/roll-off pallet system that allows easy reconfiguration of the aircraft for other missions, this is a phased programme that led to firing tests with a fixed gun in Spring 2013, followed by

prototype flight last April in Turin equipped with the L-3 Wescam MX-15Di optronic sensor installed under the nose of the aircraft. The main difference between the AC-235 and the MC-27J is that the latter is fitted with the GAU-23 which fires the more powerful 30x173 mm ammunition. The gun fires through a modified port-side door. A next phase will see the installation of Common Launch Tubes in the rear of the aircraft to allow the MC-27J to engage opponents with guided precision munitions. Airrefuelling capable, the MC-27J can ensure a considerable time on-station. The Italian Air Force is to have six of its C-27J outfitted to receive the palletised system and is also envisaging the acquisition of a Phase 1 version kit (with fixed gun) to deploy it to Afghanistan before the withdrawal of the Italian troops.

INTERNATIONAL

4/2014

45

Show Report Sofex:Armada

8/14/14

5:28 PM

Page 4

Show Report

I KADDB NEW DEVELOPMENTS

The role of the King Abdullah II Design and Development Bureau is to provide the Jordanian armed forces with new equipment with state-ofthe-art technology or refurbishing existing equipment. The Jordanian Pavilion exhibited its last products, either developed in house or in cooperation with foreign companies.

Starting from vehicles, KADDB unveiled its new Stallion II light armoured troop transport, which in the base troop transport configuration has a gross weight of around 7.5 tonnes, the maximum number of passengers being seven plus the driver. Its 272 hp Steyr engine is located at the front and is protected by the monocoque welded steel hull that provides an all-crew base Level 1 protection. Access is via the two doors on each side and the rear door, all of them featuring an armoured window, full 360° vision being increased by two small sidewindows in the rear compartment. The bonnet is sloped to ensure good short distance visibility to the driver and commander. The Stallion II has independent suspensions with rear, front and central differential locks, a central tyre inflation system and automatic 5-speed gearbox. Maximum road speed is 125 km/h, with a road range of 500 km. No dimensions were given except a turning radius of 6.8 metres.

The Stallion II can cope with 60 percent front and 40 percent side slopes and is able to cross a 900 mm wide trench or a 500 mm high obstacle.

Standard armament includes a pintle-mounted M60 7.62x51 mm machine gun, but the roof

46

INTERNATIONAL

can withstand the weight of a light remote-control weapon station. The displayed prototype was equipped with Rheinmetall Rosy grenade launchers and a DRS Enhanced Situational Awareness system providing improved view to the driver.

KADDB plans further versions of the vehicle, such as doublecab logistic and antitank vehicles, the latter armed with Kornet-E missiles, and singlecab versions armed with Igla air defence missiles or light multiple rocket launchers.

Using older systems to provide new improved capabilities to the Jordanian

4/2014

Army was clearly shown by the new truck-mounted selfpropelled howitzer that is being developed using the old M102 105/32 mm towed weapon system of American origin installed onto a 4x4 DAF 4440 cross-country truck chassis. Stripped of its carriage, the howitzer is mounted on a baseplate fitted with an electrohydraulic control system that allows to traverse the weapon 45° left or right, the elevation arc being -5°/+75°. A manualhydraulic backup traverse and elevation system is fitted. The prototype shown had already undergone two firing trials, demonstrating an in-action

time of less than 210 seconds and an out-of action time of less than 45 seconds.

This Phase 1 development vehicle carries a GPS/inertial/odometer navigation system and 36 105mm rounds located behind the cabin. The M012 has a maximum range of 11.5 km and a first three-minute rate of fire of 10 rpm. Two outriggers are located behind the first axle to improve stability when firing and the sides and back of the truck open to increasing platform surface. The system weighs 11.17 tonnes without the crew that consists a driver plus three artillerymen – a considerable manpower saving compared to the seven needed for the towed version. Phase 1 should be concluded in October 2014 with the delivery of the first prototype to the Army for test and evaluation.

Phase 2 will include numerous improvements, including a fire control system derived from that developed by KADDB for heavy mortars, an increase in the number of ammunition and the installation of the system on a pallet, to allow quick installation on any suitable chassis.

check file.qxp:Armada

8/20/14

1:22 PM

Page 1

AUSTRALIAN INTERNATIONAL AIRSHOW AND AEROSPACE & DEFENCE EXPOSITION

AVALON2015 24 FEBRUARY - 1 MARCH 2015 GEELONG, AUSTRALIA

FLIGHTPATH TO BUSINESS - AUSTRALIA ASIA INDO-PACIFIC

www.airshow.com.au AUSTRALIAN SALES TEAM Chris Macfarlane Penny Haines Bob Wouda

T: +61 (0) 3 5282 0544 T: +61 (0) 3 5282 0535 T: +61 (0) 3 5282 0538

M: +61 (0) 417 011 982 M: +61 (0) 407 824 400 M: +61 (0) 418 143 290

E: cmacfarlane@amda.com.au E: phaines@amda.com.au E: bwouda@amda.com.au

Show Report Sofex:Armada

8/14/14

5:28 PM

Page 6

Show Report

I BAE APKWS

With over 200 rockets fired in combat by the US Marine Corps, which uses them on its AH-1W Super Cobra attack helicopters, the BAE Systems Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS) 2.75-inch guided rockets fully deserves its combat-proven tag, something that certainly weighed in Jordan’s choice to install the weapon on its Special Forces AC-235, marking the first export order for the system. At Sofex time over 3,000 rockets had been built and tested from multiple platforms, including unmanned rotary-wing and fixed-wing aircraft. The key element of the weapon is the WGU 59/B guidance kit, equipped with a distributed I NEW SATCOM ANTENNA AND PRR EVOLUTION FROM SELEX ES

The ability to carry a radio in a rucksack and deploy the satcom antenna in a matter of seconds is any special force operator’s dream, but has become a reality with the Selex ES Tacsat Razor antenna. The antenna is opened by pulling a strap, the two series of four rods being installed in a way that they do not interfere with the operator’s head. According

48

INTERNATIONAL

aperture semi-active laser seeker (Dasals) mounted between the Mk66 propulsion section and the front warhead section. Its laser seekers are installed on each one of the four flip-out flaperons, which ensures that before optics are protected before launch, including from plume of a neighbouring rocket. The seeker has a 40° field of view, which ensures a broad area to capture the laser designator beam. The system also enables the missile to be guided onto the last known target position in case of laser beam disruption. According to BAE Systems the US Marine Corps scored an over 95 percent hit rate in operations, with most of the misses intentional,

to Selex ES thorough testing showed that there is no radiation hazard. When transmission is over, the antenna goes back into its container, which is 420 mm long, just by pulling the strap in the other direction. Overall the antenna weighs one kilo, operates in the 240-320 MHz frequency band and can accept a maximum of 20W. With over 20,000 Personal Role Radios sold to Jordan years ago, Selex ES exhibited the whole evolution of its PRR radios. The first model provided only voice link with a 500-metre range in the open, due to the 50 mW output and the original antenna; an incremental evolution was then carried out adopting add-on features in successive moments. While remaining on the original 2.4 GHz frequency, a high gain antenna as well as an increase in the output power, up to 100 mW, allowed to more than double the range.

In the meantime a data variant was introduced, as well as a

4/2014

particularly when an excessive risk of collateral damage was detected after launch. The optimal launch distance for the weapon is three kilometres. At this distance the system has the maximum off-axis capacity of ±15° in azimuth and ±7.5° in

dual push-to-talk switch pack allowing the team commander to operate both the PRR and the Combat Net Radio. The addition of an encryption package brought to the EZPRR, which still maintains the shell of the PRR. The next step has been the adoption of the “in the ear” capacity, providing ear protection. The last step is more visible, as the Frontline Soldier Radio (FSR) features a

elevation. BAE Systems is working on a version for faster aircraft, since higher launch speeds require adjustments to the flaperons and their deployment mechanism. Full development depends on American intentions.

new case; but the most important change is the adoption of a dual band system, which adds to the original 2.4 GHz band UHF waveform, a soldier narrowband in the 350-400 MHz, the squad commander being now able to monitor both the squad and platoon nets simultaneously. Next step?

Full software-defined radio compatibility, of course.

Show Report Sofex:Armada

8/14/14

5:28 PM

Page 7

I BERETTA

With considerable interests in the Middle East Region and in Jordan, Beretta Defence Technologies was definitely amongst the major exhibitors.

Its pistols and assault rifles being already in service in numerous countries in the region, the firm is now presenting itself as a complete solutions supplier, having incorporated in the group numerous accessory manufacturers, with more to join. Innovative solutions include the iProtect (prototype unveiled at Milipol 2013) that records and manages automatic alerts. In addition to weapons, Beretta’s stand showcased two other main subjects, clothing and training, including a full suite of clothing (from underwear to cold weather, in standard fabric, for training or low-risk missions, and full flameretardant fabric) already ordered by the Italian MoD. Possibly a most visited item was the VirTra training simulator. The Arizona-based virtual training specialist has recently clinched an agreement with BDT by which the latter will promote the simulator to its customers around the world. Available in different versions, V-100, V-180 and V300, the numbers indicating the angles covered by the screens, the system allows full immersion and, according to operators that tested it, provides a considerable level of stress on trainees.

I ARAB DEFENCE INDUSTRIES: JORDAN AND SOUTH AFRICA UNITE FORCES

The KADDB Investment Group made a major announcement regarding its intention to join forces with South Africa’s Paramount

Group, the latter active both in the air and land sectors with the aim of bringing the production of battle-tested and proven defence technologies to Jordan for armed forces across the Middle East and North Africa.

The birth of Arab Defence Industries – or ADI in short –

was materialised by the signing of the agreement by Shadi Ramzi Al Majali, Chairman of KIG, and Ivor Ichikowitz, executive chairman of Paramount Group and by the presence of a Mbombe 6x6 IFV already bearing the ADI badge.

The first visible result of the

joint venture came on the last day of the exhibition, when ADI announced that the Jordanian Armed Forces had signed a contract for 50 Mbombe 22-tonne all-Level 4 protected vehicles to be produced in Jordan, quite probably in a new facility.

INTERNATIONAL

4/2014

49

Show Report Sofex:Armada

8/14/14

5:28 PM

Page 8

Show Report

I NEW OSHKOSH M-ATVS

In service in numbers in the US military and one of the two Mrap types that will be maintained in service, the M-ATV is looking at new markets and thus Oshkosh developed new versions to underline the flexibility of its successful vehicle. In Amman the manufacturer announced the launch of six new versions, with three on an extended wheelbase. The three versions build on the standard chassis are the SXB (base), SXU (upgrade) and SXF (special forces). The SXB features increased blast protection, which increases the curb weight from the 11,340 kg of the original vehicle to 12,747 kg, while maintaining the same 1,814 kg payload capacity. Compared to the SXB the SXU features an Underbody Improvement Kit (UIK) including energy absorbing seats. It also has new larger tyres (16.00R20 compared to the standard 395/85R20), and its curb weight is increased to 14,182 kg. Payload capacity is 2,000 kg. The SXF’s fifth seat converts to gunner stand and is compatible with a remote-control weapon.

The variant also features a rear cargo access hatch, hood steps and hand holds, an increased crew compartment volume, and a protected cargo area. As for weights, curb is increased to 14,273 while payload capacity increases to 2,500 kg.

The new extended chassis wheelbase is increased from 3,929 mm to 4,447 mm, and comes in EXI (intervention), EXE (engineer) and EXC (command) versions, all with a single extended crew capsule as well as the UIK and the 16.00R20 wheels. The EXI allows the transport of up to 11 military, two in the front seats, three in rearward facing seats and six on two rows of inward looking folding seats at the rear, the whole vehicle being protected. At 16,700 kg curb weight, it is the heaviest of the three extended models, though the 2,000 kg payload capacity is common to all three EXs. Two rear hatches hinged at the bottom act as small ramps, adding to the standard four side doors, a double door roof hatch allowing vertical deployment.

The EXE and the EXC have the same 16,500 kg curb weight.

The former normally seats five (two front and three rear). Wide

NEXT ISSUE OCTOBER-NOVEMBER 2014: 1 OCTOBER, ADVERTISING: 16 SEPTEMBER 2014 IFV & APC Update

More and more such vehicles are designed and built to «last 20 years or more». The problem is like the computer you just bought: it’s already out of date. Just imagine transporting a “Modern Soldier” like a Félin, a Gladius, or a Dominator in a five year-old infantry fighting vehicle, itself prototype-tested five years earlier. Worse, try fitting a radio that will work without interfering with the vehicle’s intercom or C4ISR system - or viceversa. And let us not even mention new armouring techniques and the fact the Bradley will celebrate its 40th in-service anniversary in 2021!

Landing Craft

The vital link between sea and shore, which must deliver troops, vehicles and equipment and get them out of harm’s way in the shortest possible time. When looking at some of the systems entering service now, one often thinks “but why didn’t they do it earlier?”

50

INTERNATIONAL

4/2014

storage space is available for various equipment including robots with tie-down points for robots. The extra-wide rear hatch ensures easy transit of big robots. An optional modular system at the rear can increase the seating to 11. The EXE is mine rollerready with integrated mounts, electrical interfaces and interior controller mounts. The EXC for its part features a single rear hatch on the right with a spare tyre on the left, leaving the left of the rear compartment free for C4I equipment. It has the same seating arrangement as the EXE. The standard base M-ATV has already scored some success in the area, 800 having been delivered to the United Arab Emirates while Saudi Arabia is another user, and the extended chassis version has already chalked up an order from an undisclosed customer. According to Oshkosh executives, further variants are in the pipeline.

The other Oshkosh vehicle on show was the L-ATV, the company name for the JLTV proposal, of which 22 prototypes are being tested by the US Army and Marine Corps. It is the first appearance of the L-ATV in the Middle East, and a clear indication of Oshkosh’s intention to promote it on the export market.

Radio Amplifiers

A segment of military radio communications that is often overlooked, radio amplifiers are now more than ever before a sine qua non, particularly since the inception of modularity and modern soldier concepts. Compatibility is obviously increased and ergonomics improved if one can use the same radio as a backpack or a vehicle-mounted radio. Problem is that if one wants to use a radio in a vehicle, it’s because it’s more powerful. But it’s heavier too. So a solution is to be able to have more oomph only where and when needed.

Submarines and Systems

They don’t call it the Silent World for nothing. Yet that of the submarines is a world that is constantly developing and spreading: it no longer constitutes the privilege of the sole great powers of the Cold War period.

Geospatial Information 4

"Mapping the Seven Seas" will address geospatial information in the maritime world, from the complex coastal environment and its stringent navigation procedures to the high seas, including the distinctively complex undersea space.

Eurosatory

If the era of massive equipment – too often developed in a rush and as an afterthought (under the euphemistic “urgent operational requirement” term) – is over for a while, the door has definitely open on a number of developments that have required a lot more grey cell work. And this, as we shall see, was quite evident at the Eurosatory exhibition held in the northern suburbs of Paris last Summer.

Compendium: Robotics – from throwables

to lorries, and from surface to underwater Having a machine to do one’s dirty work has always been one’s dream – the dish washer is a vivid example of dream come true. But the addition of the word dangerous to the concept is relatively new, even if it has already somewhat materialised with the drone. Expanding dirty and dangerous to other systems is a challenge, particularly if we need to add a pinch of smartness to make it work. The oxymoron is that robots are often used to gather intelligence, but still lack adequate intelligence.

check file.qxp:Armada

8/20/14

1:23 PM

Page 1

check file.qxp:Armada

8/20/14

1:24 PM

Page 1

EXTENDING HUMAN CAPABILITIES

FARTHER AND FASTER

Where it’s unsafe or uncertain for humans to go, Textron Systems gets you there. For more than 25 years and nearly a million flight hours, our mature, expeditionary and multi-mission unmanned systems have extended human capabilities in challenging or dangerous situations, enabling you to see, understand and act decisively whenever time is critical.

textronsystems.com/us

INGENUIT Y ACCELERATED

Textron Systems Unmanned Systems is a business of Textron Systems. © 2014 AAI Corporation. All rights reserved.