Boeing has been awarded a sole-source $11.9 Billion  indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) contract to support the fleet of B-52H bombers operated by the U.S. Air Force for the next eight years. The contract provides for the all acquisition and sustainment activities needed to support the aircraft and its systems, through their life extension and modernization. The award sets the framework for the program with individual orders to be awarded as required.

The B-52 is a long-range, heavy bomber that can perform a variety of missions. The bomber is capable of flying at high subsonic speeds at altitudes up to 50,000 feet (15,166.6 meters). It can carry nuclear or precision guided conventional ordnance with worldwide precision navigation capability.

In a conventional conflict, the B-52 can perform strategic attack, close-air support, air interdiction, offensive counter-air and maritime operations. For example, during Desert Storm in 1991, B-52s delivered 40 percent of all the weapons dropped by coalition forces. It is highly effective when used for ocean surveillance, and can assist the U.S. Navy in anti-ship and mine-laying operations. Two B-52s, in two hours, can monitor 140,000 square miles (364,000 square kilometers) of ocean surface. The aircraft has been equipped with heavy stores adapter beams for carrying 2,000 pound munitions, and a full array of advance weapons currently under development. All B-52s can be equipped for precision attack carrying two electro-optical viewing sensors, a forward-looking infrared and advanced targeting pods to augment targeting, battle assessment, and flight safety, thus further improving its combat ability. Pilots wear night vision goggles to enhance their vision during night operations. Night vision goggles provide greater safety during night operations by increasing the pilot’s ability to visually clear terrain, avoid enemy radar and see other aircraft in a lights-out environment.

The B-52A first flew in 1954, and the B model entered service in 1955. A total of 744 B-52s were built with the last, a B-52H, delivered in October 1962.  The first of 102 B-52H’s was delivered to Strategic Air Command in May 1961. The H model can carry up to 20 air launched cruise missiles. In addition, it can carry the conventional cruise missile that was launched in several contingencies during the 1990s, starting with Operation Desert Storm and culminating  in the early 2000s with Operation Iraqi Freedom, and Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan.

Only the H model is still in the Air Force inventory and is assigned to the 5th Bomb Wing at Minot AFB, N.D. and the 2nd Bomb Wing at Barksdale AFB, La., which fall under Air Force Global Strike Command. The aircraft is also assigned to the Air Force Reserve Command’s 917th Wing at Barksdale.

Related posts:

• Keeping the Old Horses Flying
• USAF Reactivates 69th Nuclear Strike Bomb Squadron
• Modern Bombers Applications For Conventional Warfare

Singapore has selected the M-346 from Alenia Aermacchi for its new advanced trainer, replacing the TA-4SU. Photo: Alenia Aermacchi

ST Aerospace has been selected to operate the Singapore Republic of Singapore Air Force’s (RSAF) training in Cazaux, France. As the prime contractor for the entire program, ST Aerospace is acquiring 12 M346 advanced trainers at the cost of S$543 million, the first is scheduled for delivery in 2012. In addition, ST Aerospace will provide systems maintenance and support while Boeing will provide ground based training as a subcontractor. ST Aerospace has been providing depot maintenance for RSAF’s A-4SU / TA-4SU fleet in Cazaux since 1999. In 2007 the company was selected by the Singapore Ministry of Defense (MinDef) to widen the scope of its maintenance program to Total Aviation Support.

Australia is wiring 12 of its new Super Hornets to receive Electronic Surveillance and Attack systems, if and when such capability will be required. Photo: Boeing

Boeing is pre-wiring 12 of the Royal Australian Air Force’s (RAAF) Super Hornet for potential conversion of the aircraft for Electronic Attack role. At present the Australians have not decided whether to equip the aircraft with such capabilities. According to RAAF Group Capt. Steve Roberton, Officer Commanding 82 Wing currently operating these fighters, the ability to introduce an electronic attack capability on part of the Australian Super Hornets provides maximum flexibility for future missions. “Ultimately, if a decision to incorporate an electronic attack option is pursued, it will further expand the broad capability of an already formidable Super Hornet weapon system.” Robertson said.

Pre-wiring prepares the infrastructure on aircraft to feed RF signals, power, and cool the unique payloads associated with electronic surveillance and attack. Pre-wiring will enable a standard Super-Hornet Block II to carry Signals Intelligence (SIGINT) payloads (ALQ-218 radar band and ALQ-227 communications scanners) as well as the ALQ-99 Electronic Attack jammer. Both are currently employed with the U.S. Navy’s F-18G Growler. Australia is the first Super Hornet customer to follow the ‘pre wiring’ track. Boeing completed the production of the first batch of 12 Australian F/A-18E/Fs and is on schedule to deliver the last of the 24h Super Hornets in 2011. According to Boeing’s Australian Super Hornet program manager, Carolyn Nichols, the pre-wired configuration reduces the cost associated with future retrofit at a later date”

The 24 F/A-18E/F Block II Super Hornets ordered by Australia in 2007 are multirole aircraft, able to perform virtually every mission in the tactical spectrum, including air superiority, day/night strike with precision-guided weapons, fighter escort, close air support, suppression of enemy air defenses, maritime strike, reconnaissance, forward air control and tanker missions. Adding an Electronic surveillance and Attack capabilities will dramatically enhance the nation’s cyber-warfare potential to engage future adversaries with non lethal but highly effective, means.

DARPA’s Vulture Program Enters Phase II, demonstrating over one month of continued flight with a near-full-scale flight demonstrator. Photo: DARPA

The U.S. Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) has selected a concept developed by the Boeing Company (NYSE:BA) for the second phase of the Vulture long-endurance unmanned aerial system (UAS) program. The Solar eagle was selected over the Odysseus, a rival proposal submitted by Lockheed Martin and Aurora Flight Science’s. The agency awarded Boeing an $89 million contract for the development and flight demonstration of the Vulture air vehicle, a 400 ft. (122 m) wing span, quad-tail flying wing, designed for operation at very high-altitude of 90,000 – 60,000 ft, and operate continuously, unreplenished, for a period of five years. The Vulture will be able to carry a payload of 1,000 lb (450 kg) operated with 5kw of power. Vulture type platforms have potential in numerous roles: operation as a single platform, as a formation of multiple aircraft or as a constellation providing infrastructure augmentation or recovery.


Flight testing is expected to run through 2014, demonstrating a continuous mission spanning over 32 days. In addition, the agency will continue the definition of an objective system design and military utility in a range of applications. DARPA’s Vulture program is supported by a government team including the Air Force Research Laboratory and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration. Boeing is leading the program, teamed with Qinetiq that develop the ‘Solar Eagle’, a new airframe developed by QinetiQ, powered by a combination on solar panels and solid oxide fuel cells developed by Versa Power Systems. Boeing is also developing another high altitude UAV – the Phantom Eye, powered by hydrogen engines. Under another program, QinetiQ has developed a smaller solar powered drone – Zephyr UAS, which recently broke the world record for continuous flight.

DARPA considers the Vulture technology to provide services similar to a low-earth-orbit satellite, enabling rapid re-tasking and persistent surveillance capability addressing immediate needs of warfighter. An airborne, aircraft like platform have the inherent advantages of flexibility and mission responsiveness, as well as sensor resolution, reduced transmit/receive power and affordable deployment typical of an endo-atmospheric flight. Other attributes are typical of a satellite – such as low speed, high altitude and extended mission capability providing on-station persistence, zero logistics tail, and emissions, energy independence, minimal fleet size, absence of in-country footprint etc.

The program will help mature several key technologies, considered essential for future platforms of this type, includig solar energy collection, reliable and efficient energy storage and retrieval, aircraft reliability and mission assurance, and aeroelastics and flight control of a very large, flexible, lightly-loaded aircraft structure.

Related posts:

• Future High Altitude Drones to Remain on Station for Months, Years

The U.S. and Saudi Arabia are finalizing an arms package that shadows even the large arms mega-sales in the region. The packages worth about $60 Billion include mostly platforms produced by Boeing, including 84 F-15 fighter jets, replacing the Kingdom’s aging F-15C/D fighters, upgrading of existing F-15S strike fighters in service with the RSAF, supply of 70 new AH-64D attack helicopters and upgrading of existing Apaches, and delivery of 36 AH-6 Little Bird. The package also includes 70 Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk assault helicopters. the deal will also include various types of air/air, and air/surface precision guided weaponry. It is assumed that the quoted price ($60 billion) reflects the full life cycle cost over 10 years.

Other elements on the shopping list being discussed between Riyadh and Washington focus on missile defense, integrating both land-based and, potentially, ship borne elements – once the Saudis commit to an adequate platform. Such systems commonly include variants of the SM-3 or THAAD interceptors, and early warning and fire control systems including the TPY-2 radar or TPY-1 AEGIS BMD naval systems. Unlike other countries in the region, the Saudis preferred to invest in modernizing their airpower but delayed the upgrade of their Patriot air defense systems, which could provide limited ballistic missile defense capability.

In recent years Saudi Arabia has bought military hardware from Russia (main battle tanks, helicopters) the U.K., (Typhoon strike fighters). The kingdom is yet to improve its air defense systems (probably, an element in the new package) and naval capabilities. As other Gulf States, Saudi Arabia is bolstering its military power against the growing from Iran. Most of the investments made by the rich Gulf countries were in missile defense and airpower, trusting the U.S. presence in the Persian Gulf to deal with the Iranian naval forces. On the other side of the Gulf, Iran is constantly expanding its naval capabilities and ballistic missile reach, seeking strategic domination of the region, by conventional and unconventional means.

A notional representation of the U.S. Army Ground Combat Vehicle. Photo: US Army

The Army has cancelled the request for proposal process for the Ground Combat Vehicle, delaying the program by about six months. Details about revised rules for a more affordable program are expected within 60 days. Despite the setback, the Army is still hopeful the GCV could be deployed by the year 2017. However, in the near term the service could lose part of the $934 million funding, part of the fiscal 2011 budget request set aside for the development of the GCV prototypes.

The decision followed a report by the Army and Office of Secretary of Defense, Acquisition, Technology and Logistics (OSD/ATL), that evaluated the new vehicle and determined that the service should better prioritize its requirements to better define achievable goals on schedule. Critics in industry have claimed the requirements for the vehicle were set to be too vague as the Army was not in agreement on exactly what the vehicle’s should do. “The refined RfP will result in a vehicle that provides soldiers with critical armored protection in the modern combat environment.” The Army statement said. One of the main concerns about the GCV was that to provide such protection the vehicle weight could increase up to 70 tons.

The announcement comes as the Defense Department prepares for major budget cuts. The GCV program is considered vital for the Army, but since the definition and requirement were too vague from the beginning, the Army finds it difficult to justify committing to a long-term multi-billion dollar program only to replace the Bradley fighting vehicles. The proposed GCV meant much more than just a replacement, it is intended to be a bridge between current warfare and future, networked operations. While different from the cancelled Manned Ground Vehicle (MGV) mainly for political reasons, GCV should be much better protected and survivable, and well equipped to operate in distributed operations, where small units, sometime individual vehicles are empowered to conduct decisive military operations. Modifying current vehicles to perform such missions was found to be too complex.

Three industry teams participated in the program; next month (September) the Army had planned to award contracts to at least two of the three teams, for the development of  demonstrator vehicles. These teams competing for these contracts were SAIC-led group with Boeing and Krauss-Maffei Wegmann; a BAE Systems – Northrop team, and a third group led by General Dynamics Land Systems partnered with MTU Detroit Diesel, Lockheed Martin and Raytheon. The development phase of the program is valued at $2.1 billion. The entire program could cost about $40 billion.

More on GCV in the following Defense-Update articles:

U.S. Army Defines Ground Combat Vehicles Priorities

U.S. Army Requests Proposals for a New Ground Combat Vehicle

Teaming for the Ground Combat Vehicle

Army Begins GCV Contractor Selection Process

A notional representation of the U.S. Army Ground Combat Vehicle. Photo: US Army

The Army has cancelled the request for proposal process for the Ground Combat Vehicle, delaying the program by about six months. Details about revised rules for a more affordable program are expected within 60 days. Despite the setback, the Army is still hopeful the GCV could be deployed by the year 2017. However, in the near term the service could lose part of the $934 million funding, part of the fiscal 2011 budget request set aside for the development of the GCV prototypes.

The decision followed a report by the Army and Office of Secretary of Defense, Acquisition, Technology and Logistics (OSD/ATL), that evaluated the new vehicle and determined that the service should better prioritize its requirements to better define achievable goals on schedule. Critics in industry have claimed the requirements for the vehicle were set to be too vague as the Army was not in agreement on exactly what the vehicle’s should do. “The refined RfP will result in a vehicle that provides soldiers with critical armored protection in the modern combat environment.” The Army statement said. One of the main concerns about the GCV was that to provide such protection the vehicle weight could increase up to 70 tons.

The announcement comes as the Defense Department prepares for major budget cuts. The GCV program is considered vital for the Army, but since the definition and requirement were too vague from the beginning, the Army finds it difficult to justify committing to a long-term multi-billion dollar program only to replace the Bradley fighting vehicles. The proposed GCV meant much more than just a replacement, it is intended to be a bridge between current warfare and future, networked operations. While different from the cancelled Manned Ground Vehicle (MGV) mainly for political reasons, GCV should be much better protected and survivable, and well equipped to operate in distributed operations, where small units, sometime individual vehicles are empowered to conduct decisive military operations. Modifying current vehicles to perform such missions was found to be too complex.

Three industry teams participated in the program; next month (September) the Army had planned to award contracts to at least two of the three teams, for the development of  demonstrator vehicles. These teams competing for these contracts were SAIC-led group with Boeing and Krauss-Maffei Wegmann; a BAE Systems – Northrop team, and a third group led by General Dynamics Land Systems partnered with MTU Detroit Diesel, Lockheed Martin and Raytheon. The development phase of the program is valued at $2.1 billion. The entire program could cost about $40 billion.

More on GCV in the following Defense-Update articles:

U.S. Army Defines Ground Combat Vehicles Priorities

U.S. Army Requests Proposals for a New Ground Combat Vehicle

Teaming for the Ground Combat Vehicle

Army Begins GCV Contractor Selection Process

Dassault Rafale F-3 Omnirole Fighter, loaded with an air-to-air and air-to-ground weapon mix. Photo: Dassault. Photo: Dassault

The Indian Air Force has concluded the technical assessment of six fighter aircraft proposed for the Medium MultiRole Combat Aircraft (MMRCA) program, paving the way for the Ministry of Defense to decide on the Air Force’s US$10 billion (Rs 42,000 crore) acquisition of 126 new fighters plus options for additional 63. The six proposals considered by the Indians included the Typhoon, proposed by the European Eurofighter consortium, the French Rafale from Dassault, the Russian MiG-35 from United Aircraft Corporation subsidiary RSK-MiG, the Gripen E/F, proposed by the Swedish Saab group; Two proposals were submitted by U.S. companies – Boeing offered the Super Hornet F/A-18 E/F and Lockheed Martin proposed the F-16 E/F Fighting Falcon. The Air Force report provides a technical assessment of the six candidates.

The commercial proposals, including industrial cooperation and local participation will be evaluated by the MOD beginning this week. According to unconfirmed media reports, the Indians, seeking a modern fighter, have rated both European fighters – the Rafale and Typhoon as the most preferred types and both are shortlisted for the next phase with the Boeing Super Hornet considered a ‘marginal option’. The Swedish Gripen was determined to be redundant to India’s indigenous Teja; both the Russian MiG-35 and the U.S. F-16E/F are based on obsolete platforms (both are based on 40 year old platform designs) and hence are not conforming with the program’s  primary directive.

However, the weight of the technical parameters in the final evaluation is not exclusive and determinant, since final decisions on the MMRCA will be based on the economic and political interests. New Delhi’s aim to tighten its relations with Europe is clear, and such deals are likely, since India has signed significant orders with Franch and the U.K. in the past.

However, Russia still has the inroad to India’s military and politics and, therefore, despite its financial alleged insufficient engine lifespan shortcoming, “the MiG-35 is likely to remain in the picture until the end” according to Sergei Kornyev, the department head of Russia’s Air Force special equipment and services at a press conference in Farnborough last month. Facing serious consequences of the planned reduction of 90 Typhoons destined for the RAF and Italian Air Force, Eurofighter is hopeful that winning the MMRCA program could compensate for these production losses and boost the program research and development for the advanced, multirole Tranch 3 phase.

For Dassault, being shortlisted by the Indian could drive Brazil to finally announce its FX-2 decision in favor of the French fighter. Winning both program could transform the Rafale from a lame duck into the leading fighter in the export market, offering the French, Indian and Brazilian aerospace industries attractive prospects for the future.

The final decision on the Indian MMRCA fighter of choice could be taken around 2011-2012. Indian Air Force officials are hopeful that Initial deliveries could be expedited and arrive in India two years after the contract award.

In addition to the ongoing MMRCA selection, India defense ministry has announced plans to increase India’s orders for Su-30MKI fighters by 42 aircraft, to be delivered over four years beginning 2014. The $4.3 billion deal will increase the number of aircraft to be produced by Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd. (HAL) to 200, setting India’s inventory of Su-30MKI fighters at at 250. India is also cooperating with Russia on the development of the next generation T-50 (PAK-FA) fifth generation fighter developed by Sukhoi. The program, valued at about US$8 billion is partly financed by New Delhi.

Insitu Awarded Small Tactical Unmanned Air System/Tier II Contract

Early Deployment Could See Mixed Integrator, ScanEagle Units

Under the initial $43.7 million contract awarded last week (29 July 2010) Insitu will begin the 24-month engineering, manufacturing and development phase to build and test its Integrator UAS satisfying STUAS/Tier II system requirements. Following this phase the Corps will have an option to buy up to five Integrator UAV systems in fiscal 2011 for quick deployment alongside the currently fielded ScanEagle. Such an early stage operation could expand the current operational capabilities offered by ScanEagle beang leased from Boeing. ScanEagle and Integrator could share the same launch and recovery systems. The ScanEagle UAS that recently completed 340,000 combat flight hours was also built by Insitu has been leased by the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps since 2004, operated and supported in the field by civil contractors.

The Integrator uses a stabilized multi-sensor payload developed by Hudd Technologies' Alticam Vision.

Introducing a New Multi-Sensor Payload

As with any UAV system, the sensors, the mission systems and, primarily the sensor payload is the main driver for the system’s success. Insitu’s continued to rely on its successful partnership with Alticam systems, currently called Alticam Vision, a division of Hood Technology that provided InSitu with EO sensors for the Scan Eagle since its inception. The Integrator will be equipped with a new EO payolad developed by Alticam Vision. The company’s gyro-stabilized 10″ diameter Multi-8000 turret that weighs 5.5 kg already provides simultaneous daylight and Near Infrared (NIR), Long Wave  Infrared (LWIR) and Mid-Wave Infra-Red thermal imaging (MWIR) covering the 3-5, 8-12 micron and the 400-900nm visual and Near InfraRed (NIR) spectral bands. A laser range finding and laser marking, effective to distances of about 3,000 meters and, ultimately, laser target designation were a mandatory requirement by the U.S. Marine Corps. The Multi-8000 stabilized turret uses a matching aperture for each sensor, contributing to the distinctive look of the Integrator’s foresection. For daylight and low-light level the 350,000 pixel CCD camera is fitted with a x36 optical zoom, while the FLIRs operate a fixed field of view with the 640×480 pixel MWIR using two magnifications – 2.5° and 10° while the 320×240 pixel LWIR, used mainly for orientation and situational awareness, opens a wide field of 24°. Hood Technology has already tested a miniature ‘Nano SAR‘ system that could also be fitted to the Integrator. Sensor images will be transmitted through an encrypted line-of-sight digital data link provided by L-3 Communication Systems-West. Harris Corporation will provide the next generation communications relay payload to support secure ground communications.

Insitu Awarded Small Tactical Unmanned Air System/Tier II Contract

Early Deployment Could See Mixed Integrator, ScanEagle Units

The Integrator uses a stabilized multi-sensor payload developed by Hudd Technologies' Alticam Vision.

Introducing a New Multi-Sensor Payload