Defence-Update » USMC http://www.defence-update.net/wordpress Defense Technology News Sat, 12 Feb 2011 17:19:54 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.0.4 U.S. Marines Receive New Command Vehicles http://www.defence-update.net/wordpress/20100819_lav_c2.html http://www.defence-update.net/wordpress/20100819_lav_c2.html#comments Thu, 19 Aug 2010 15:54:51 +0000 admin http://www.defence-update.net/wordpress/?p=1297 Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT] has delivered the first two of 52 upgraded Command and Control variants of the Light Armored Vehicle (LAV) to the U.S. Marine Corps. The remaining 50 vehicles are to be delivered over the next two years. The vehicle provides a mobile command center providing advanced communication capabilities to Marines in the [...]

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Fully equipped LAV C2. Photo: Lockheed Martin

Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT] has delivered the first two of 52 upgraded Command and Control variants of the Light Armored Vehicle (LAV) to the U.S. Marine Corps. The remaining 50 vehicles are to be delivered over the next two years. The vehicle provides a mobile command center providing advanced communication capabilities to Marines in the field.

The LAV-C2 upgrades include integration of communications equipment such as the Multi-Band Multi Mission Radio System and the Enhanced Position Radio System, as well as improved automated workstations and command systems. The new equipment offers the Marines universally interchangeable workstations, an expanded workspace, improved transportability, upgraded radio systems and consolidated antennas. The platforms are provided to by the U.S. Marine Corps with Lockheed Martin installing and integrating the communications suite, automated workstations and command systems.

Lockheed Martin was awarded the system integration part of the program in 2006. The follow-on production contract was awarded in December 2009. The total cost of the program is around $30 million.

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]]> http://www.defence-update.net/wordpress/20100819_lav_c2.html/feed 0 InSitu Selected for STUAS UAV Program, Potential Future Orders: Over $0.5 Billion http://www.defence-update.net/wordpress/20100802_insitu-selected-for-stuas-uav-program-potential-future-orders-over-0-5-billion.html http://www.defence-update.net/wordpress/20100802_insitu-selected-for-stuas-uav-program-potential-future-orders-over-0-5-billion.html#comments Mon, 02 Aug 2010 02:35:03 +0000 admin http://www.defence-update.net/wordpress/?p=888 Integrator UASThe U.S. Navy Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) has selected the InSitu Integrator unmanned aircraft for the Small Tactical Unmanned Air System (STUAS)/Tier II system, and awarded the system developer Insitu Inc., – a wholly owned subsidiary of the Boeing Company – a contract worth nearly $44 million for the development and fielding of the service’s [...]

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Integrator UAS

Insitu Awarded Small Tactical Unmanned Air System/Tier II Contract

The U.S. Navy Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) has selected the InSitu Integrator unmanned aircraft for the Small Tactical Unmanned Air System (STUAS)/Tier II system, and awarded the system developer Insitu Inc., – a wholly owned subsidiary of the Boeing Company – a contract worth nearly $44 million for the development and fielding of the service’s next generation tactical UAS, this contract will support low-rate initial production of two systems, one each for the U.S. Navy and U.S. Marine Corps. Reportedly worth around $450 million, STUAS/Tier II calls for an initial fielding of 56 UAV systems, beginning in 2013. This follow-on contract worth up to $450 million.  Initial operating capability is expected in fourth quarter fiscal 2013.
“I’m looking forward to fielding the capabilities of STUAS to our forward deployed forces,” said Capt. JR Brown, PMA-263 Program Manager. “This critical system will greatly increase their intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities in theater.” According to Insitu Vice President of Emerging Programs and STUAS/Tier II Program Manager Bill Clark, the Integrator provides unsurpassed growth capability for expanding into new and future missions. The Integrator STUAS team led by The InSitu also includes the Harris Corporation, Corsair Engineering and Black Ram Engineering Services. Each Integrator system will comprise three or four unmanned aircraft, multi-sensor Electro-Optical (EO) payloads and a ground segment including launch, recovery and mission control elements.

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.

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]]> http://www.defence-update.net/wordpress/20100802_insitu-selected-for-stuas-uav-program-potential-future-orders-over-0-5-billion.html/feed 0 Diesel Powered Motorcycle, ATV for Military, SpecOps http://www.defence-update.net/wordpress/20100705_diesel-powered-motorcycle-atv-for-military-specops.html http://www.defence-update.net/wordpress/20100705_diesel-powered-motorcycle-atv-for-military-specops.html#comments Mon, 05 Jul 2010 19:51:44 +0000 tamir_eshel http://www.defence-update.net/wordpress/?p=210 Two HDT M2 diesel motorcycles displaying their offroad mobility at Eurosatory 2010. Photo: Noam EshelHDT displayed new diesel powered M2 cross motorcycle and U1 tactical four-wheeled 'quad' tactical support all-terrain vehicle, both vehicles are designed for special ops. Both M2 and U1 are powered by a single-cylinder engine - the MAC-C1 advanced multiple heavy fuel engine consuming almost any type of liquid carbon fuel. The U1 comes in a two and four seat configuration. The two-seat version is the support vehicle, accommodating two soldiers and ample room to carry equipment on a rear flat cargo bed.

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M2 diesel motorcycles from HDT

Two HDT M2 diesel motorcycles displaying their offroad mobility at Eurosatory 2010. Photo: Noam Eshel

At the dynamic demonstration at the recent Eurosatory 2010 exhibition in Paris, France the U.S. company HDT displayed new diesel powered M2 cross motorcycle and U1 tactical four-wheeled ’quad’ tactical support all-terrain vehicle, both vehicles are designed for special ops. Both M2 and U1 are powered by a single-cylinder engine – the MAC-C1 advanced multiple heavy fuel engine consuming almost any type of liquid carbon fuel. According to HDT, the development of the 760 cc M1030-M2 engine and motorcycle was purpose-built for military applications. The M2 has a maximum speed of 152km/h and a range of 653km at 90km/h.

HDT Quad ATV

The MAC-C1 Quad ATV demonstrating off-road mobility at Eurosatory 2010. Photo: Noam Eshel

The U1 comes in a two and four seat configuration. The two-seat version is the support vehicle, accommodating two soldiers and ample room to carry equipment on a rear flat cargo bed. Both all-terrain quad vehicles have a 1,340 cc engine with a continuously variable, belt drive transmission running two or four-wheel drive. Both variants have a rollover cage, but on the tactical vehicle there is a quick exit for the rear-facing seats.

Our video coverage will follow soon, stay tuned…

Quad and M2 diesel motorcycles at the dynamic demonstration - Eurosatory 2010. Photo: Noam Eshel

Quad and M2 diesel motorcycles at the dynamic demonstration - Eurosatory 2010. Photo: Noam Eshel

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