MIDS JTRS Receives NSA Certification — Press Release
SAN DIEGO – The Joint Program Executive Office for the Joint Tactical Radio System (JPEO JTRS) announced today that the Multifunctional Information Distribution System Joint Tactical Radio System (MIDS JTRS) has received National Security Agency (NSA) Certification to provide secure distribution of situational awareness and command and control information among airborne warfighters. The NSA Certification was granted March 9, 2010 by Mr. Richard C. Schaeffer, Jr., Director, NSA Information Assurance Directorate (IAD). This is the first JTRS product to be certified at this level of security by the NSA.
“Formal NSA Certification is a monumental accomplishment for the MIDS JTRS Program and the JTRS Enterprise. This is another first for MIDS JTRS as the program continues to blaze new trails and pave the way for other JTRS products to be successful and meet warfighter requirements. The MIDS Program Office has been working extremely close with NSA for over six years to bring this leading edge, next generation technology to the warfighter at the right time. I want to thank NSA, the MIDS JTRS vendors, and all the government personnel for their outstanding work. This is huge for the MIDS JTRS Program,” stated CAPT Scott Krambeck, USN, MIDS Program Manager.
The NSA Certification confirms that the MIDS JTRS terminal has met the highest standards in ensuring the confidentiality and integrity of the data and the availability of the system. NSA Certification is a critical milestone in support of the Initial Operational Capability (IOC) for MIDS JTRS on the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet. A successful NSA Technical Review Board (TRB) was conducted on MIDS JTRS in December 2009 which was the precursor to this NSA announcement.
The MIDS JTRS terminal is the first in a series of networking systems that will provide a single chassis, multiple channel capability to the warfighter, significantly reducing the number of different and unique radios in the operational environment. Use of JTRS radios also means a very real reduction of the upkeep and spare parts necessary to support our forward deployed forces.
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About JPEO JTRS
The Joint Program Executive Office for the Joint Tactical Radio System, headquartered in San Diego, Calif., was initiated in early 1997 to improve and consolidate the Services’ pursuit of separate solutions to replace existing legacy radios in the Department of Defense inventory. The JTRS program has evolved from separate radio replacement programs to an integrated effort to network multiple weapon system platforms and forward combat units where it matters most – the last tactical mile. JTRS will link the power of the Global Information Grid to the warfighter in applying fire effects and achieving overall battlefield superiority.
JTRS is developing an open architecture of cutting edge radio waveform technology that allows multiple radio types (e.g., handheld, aircraft, maritime) to communicate with each other. The goal is to produce a family of interoperable, modular software-defined radios which operate as nodes in a network to ensure secure wireless communication and networking services for mobile and fixed forces. These goals extend to U.S. allies, coalition partners and disaster response personnel. For more information, please visit http://jpeojtrs.mil/.
Northrop Wins Contract To Re-Engine the E-8C JSTARS
Filed under: Business Line, Companies, Contract Awards, Events, IT, Military Aviation, Northrop Grumman Corp., Services, U.S. Air Force, production program
The U.S. Air Force operates E-8C JSTARS aircraft to survey the ground and provide information to combat commanders on enemy forces and movements. They are converted Boeing 707 aircraft carrying radars and other sensors. The aircraft were used successfully in Desert Storm but were designed to support the defense of Western Europe against the Soviet Union. That threat has obviously passed.
The aircraft were converted by Northrop Grumman at a facility in Florida. They are aging and money is being spent to upgrade the platforms and systems since the replacement E-12 MC2A was canceled a few years ago. Northrop was awarded a contract worth over $200 million to re-engine two of the aircraft. New engines will extend their useful life, improve fuel consumption and increase the range and mission time of the E-8. It is a wise investment of money into these capable and useful platfomrs.
BRAC Work Continues At Fort Sam Houston For Eaton
Filed under: BRAC, Business Line, Companies, Congress, Contract Additions, Contract Awards, Department of Defense, Events, Services, States, Texas, U.S. Air Force, U.S. Army, logistics, medicine
The last round of the Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) act in the United States moved to consolidate development and training centers. One base that is gaining from this policy is Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio, TX. Because it was decided to move most of the military’s medical training to this location much work is being done to expand the facilities there. Eaton Corporation received a further contract addition worth $8 million.
The contract is for electrical services and parts to support the construction of the required facilities. One key component of this is a 425 bed hospital that Eaton Corp. has been working on.
KC-X Tanker Proposal News
Filed under: BNET, Boeing, Business Line, Companies, Department of Defense, EADS, Events, Military Aviation, Northrop Grumman Corp., Proposal, Services, U.S. Air Force, commercial aviation, development program, logistics
To our loyal readers we are not ignoring the KC-X tanker RFP on Defense Procurement News but we have established a separate site, KC-X Tanker News, to cover that issue.
Cray Wins Three New Computer Contracts
Filed under: Business Line, Companies, Contract Awards, Cray, Events, IT, Services, U.S. Air Force, U.S. Army, development program
Cray announced that it had been awarded a contract to provide three new computers to parts of the U.S. Defense Department. The value of the award will be $45 million. The computers will be provided to the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), U.S. Army and the Arctic Region Supercomputing Center.
Cray had been struggling recently with the decision by the Defense Advanced Research Products Agency (DARPA) to cancel a contract with Cray to provide computers and support. That program was scaled back and its loss cost Cray about $60 million in revenue. That decision seriously impacted future projections but much of that will be made up for with this contract.
Turkey To Buy Targeting Pods
Filed under: Business Line, Canada, Companies, Contract Awards, Countries, England, Events, Lockheed Martin, Military Aviation, Services, Turkey, U.S. Air Force, logistics, production program
The Turkish government awarded Lockheed Martin (LMT) a contract to provide Snyper targeting and navigation pods for use on their F-16 aircraft. The contract is wroth over $100 million. The U.S. military and many allies that operate the F-16 have ordered the system. It has also been outfitted on aircraft such as the F-15E, A-10, Harriers and the CF-18.
The pod provides targeting and imaging equipment that integrates with the aircraft and its weapons to help make attacks more precise. The pod contains various sensors such as Forward Looking Infra-Red (FLIR) and a laser targeting system. The pod is stabilized to improve the quality of the picture and the targeting information. Of course the aircraft must give up a hard point when using this system trading off payload for a more precision strike.
U.S. Air Force Awards United Launch Alliance WGS-4 Satellite Launch — Press Release
Filed under: Boeing, Business Line, Companies, Contract Awards, Countries, Events, Lockheed Martin, Press Releases, Satellites, Services, U.S. Air Force, United Launch Alliance, United States, development program, space
U.S. Air Force Awards United Launch Alliance WGS-4 Satellite Launch
DENVER, Jan. 4 /PRNewswire/ — The U.S. Air Force Space and Missile Systems Center recently awarded United Launch Alliance a contract modification to perform the launch services for the Wideband Global SATCOM-4 (WGS-4) satellite aboard a Delta IV Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicle. The anticipated launch period is December 2011 – February 2012 from Space Launch Complex-37 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla.
The WGS-4 mission will be the fourth satellite of the WGS system and the first in the Block II series. The WGS satellites are from the space component of a new high-capacity satellite communications system providing enhanced communications capabilities to America’s troops in the field for the next decade and beyond. WGS enables more robust and flexible execution of Command and Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (C4ISR), as well as battle management and combat support information functions.
WGS-4 will join the existing constellation of the WGS-1, 2 and 3 satellites and provide additional information broadcast capabilities. WGS-1 and WGS-2 were both launched previously on ULA Atlas V rockets on Oct. 10, 2007 and Apr. 3, 2009 respectfully. WGS-3 was launched on a Delta IV on Dec. 5, 2009.
“Following the launch of WGS-3, United Launch Alliance is proud to continue our vital role in providing the latest technology for the warfighter with this contract for the fourth launch of a WGS spacecraft,” said Michael Gass, ULA President and Chief Executive Officer. “The WGS constellation was the first series of satellites to launch on both the Atlas V and Delta IV launch vehicles since the inception of ULA. This operational flexibility for our government customers was a primary reason for the creation of ULA.”
This mission will be launched by the Delta IV Medium+ (5,4) configuration using a single common booster core with a Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne RS-68 main engine with four Alliant Techsystems GEM 60 solid rocket motors, a PWR RL10B-2 upper stage engine and a five-meter diameter upper stage and composite payload fairing.
ULA program management, engineering, test and mission support functions are headquartered in Denver, Colo. Manufacturing, assembly and integration operations are located at Decatur, Ala., Harlingen, Texas, and San Diego, Calif. Launch operations are located at CCAFS, Fla., and Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif.
For more information on the ULA joint venture, visit the ULA website at www.ulalaunch.com, or call the ULA Launch Hotline at 1-877-ULA-4321 (852-4321).
Source: United Launch Alliance
CONTACT: Michael Rein of United Launch Alliance, +1-321-730-5646, cell,
+1-321-693-6250, michael.j.rein@ulalaunch.com
Web Site: http://www.ulalaunch.com/
UAV’s Are Like Other Aircraft — General Atomics To Support Fielded Systems
Filed under: Business Line, Companies, Contract Awards, Events, General Atomics, Military Aviation, Services, U.S. Air Force, development program, production program
When a company makes an aircraft for the U.S. military they not only get contracts to build them; they also get contracts to provide engineering support, modifications and maintenance. The U.S. Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) fleet is just like their manned aircraft in this manner. It was announced yesterday that General Atomics received a contract to provide technical support to the Predator and Reaper UAV systems in use by the U.S. Air Force. Genral Atomics of course manufactures these weapons.
The two systems which are both armed have seen heavy use in Afghanistan and Iraq providing Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) as well as precision strike. These type of contracts continue to provide a steady source of revenue for companies that make systems for the military. Eventually though they can go to any company and the bidding may become quite intense.
U.S. Air Force Continues To Buy Paveway Guidance Systems
Filed under: Business Line, Companies, Contract Awards, Events, Military Aviation, Raytheon, Services, States, U.S. Air Force, production program
The Paveway is a kit that converts an iron bomb into a laser guided one. They are not powered but use aerodynamic controls and a sensor kit to guide the bomb to where a laser is pointing. This laser may be ground or air based. With the development of the Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM) GPS guided system laser bombs have been used less but Paveways are still being produced and available for service in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Raytheon was awarded a contract last week to build another 750 kits to convert bombs with the Paveway kit. This is the full amount of the contract so it may be this will see the winding down of production. JDAM have the advantage of not requiring a designator as the coordinates are loaded into the weapon and by using GPS satellites it guides itself to them.
C-130J Production Looking Up
Filed under: Business Line, Companies, Congress, EADS, Events, Lockheed Martin, Military Aviation, Services, U.S. Air Force, U.S. Navy, logistics, production program
Lockheed is planning on doubling production of the C-130J transport aircraft over the next few years. Demand for the aircraft from overseas customers has increased. The U.S. Air Force and Marine Corps also buy several aircraft a year as they upgrade their fleets of C-130E and C-130H and the program has garnered strong Congressional support.
Several of the Gulf States have placed orders and others are negotiating deals. The delays to the competing A400M made by EADS has also opened up some market opportunities as countries wanting that aircraft have had to wait several more months then originally planned. South Africa has already canceled their planned buy of the European transport. There really is no other aircraft in the class as most other aircraft are smaller or much larger such as the C-27 Joint Cargo Aircraft (JCA) or the C-17. Lockheed is obviously confident that the success of the program will continue if they are willing to make a commitment such as this.
Israel To Buy The F-35 If Their Conditions Met
Filed under: Business Line, Companies, Contract Awards, Countries, Department of Defense, Events, FMS, Israel, Lockheed Martin, Military Aviation, Services, U.S. Air Force, development program, production program
Israel would like to buy the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) to add modern, stealthy aircraft to its fleet of F-15 and F1-6 aircraft. As with the previous generation of United States aircraft they would also like the ability to integrate their own electronics and weapon systems on it. The Israelis have done this with all the weapons they have bought or captured over the years.
They rely on their own sophisticated defense industry to develop systems that they would like to put on the various platforms that they operate. The U.S. has resisted the Israeli requests in a bid to protect the technology and systems developed for the F-35. The Israelis have been negotiating this issue for several months and have won most of what they want but the desire to put their own electronic warfare system has things stymied. The U.S. will allow radar and weapons to be added but do not want to open the software at that level to Israel.
The contract could be for up to seventy-five aircraft total making Israel one of the largest purchasers and would certainly help the program facing budget issues and delays. The more that the U.S. is able to sell overseas the lower the average price of an aircraft will be. It behooves the U.S., Lockheed Martin and Israel to work out some sort of deal as the advanced capability of this aircraft will only help Israel in the future.
Air Force Buys Five Global Hawks
Filed under: Business Line, Companies, Congress, Contract Awards, Events, Federal Budget Process, Military Aviation, Northrop Grumman Corp., Services, U.S. Air Force, development program, production program
Despite the debate in Congress over how many Global Hawks could be ordered with the 2010 money the Air Force went ahead and used their Continuing Resolution Authority (CRA) money to buy five. The House had written into their version of the Defense Appropriations bill that only three could be purchased due to concerns with delays in the program. The Senate had said five. The bill currently is in Conference as the two versions are reconciled. It is proving to be a long process as their are several key differences between the two.
Nortrop Grumman Faces Cuts to Global Hawk Production
Filed under: Business Line, Companies, Congress, Department of Defense, Events, Federal Budget Process, Military Aviation, Northrop Grumman Corp., Services, U.S. Air Force, development program, production program
A little discussed part of the House’s version of the Defense Appropriations Bill is a cut in number of the Global Hawk strategic UAV from five to two. This was done because the House felt that the development of the latest version was behind schedule so some procurement dollars could be saved by delaying sixty percent of the planned quantity. Northrop Grumman feels that the schedule has been caught up and the program is on track. The Senate has supported the full buy of five. That means that the exact number will have to be worked out in the Conference Committee and hopefully for Northrop that will be the full amount. If the aircraft are cut Northrop will have to lay off some workers and it may lead to a production break in the line. This would seriously impact future buys as there will be a cost associated with starting the line up again.
F-35 Program Has Issues DCMA Says
Filed under: Boeing, Business Line, Companies, Congress, Department of Defense, Events, Federal Budget Process, Lockheed Martin, Military Aviation, Restructuring, Services, U.S. Air Force, U.S. Marine Corps, U.S. Navy, development program, production program
The F-35 Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) has become the aviation program in the Obama defense budget. This multi-variant, multi-service aircraft will be the only new tactical aircraft built in the United States for several years now that the F-22 Raptor was canceled in the 2010 budget. In fact Secretary of Defense Robert Gates wanted to speed up production and testing of the aircraft in order to replace the aging F-15 and F-16 fleet more quickly.
Earlier this summer there were reports that a review panel had found the potential for delays and cost growth in the program that would seriously affect the plans for the aircraft. Yesterday there were reports that the Defense Contract Management Agency (DCMA) has been reporting that the program is facing production and test delays as well as having cost issues. DCMA monitors contractors for performance and delivery and reportedly Lockheed Martin and its supporting contractors are already behind on the latest schedule established in May, 2008.
When the budget was announced with the decision to cancel the F-22 and focus on the F-35 some doubts were raised that the plan would work out. The schedule was not firm enough and cost was still being worked out for the three different aircraft being developed for the U.S. and its Allies. The F-35 if unit costs do rise significantly could see lower annual buy quantities which stretches out production and extends the time the older aircraft must be flying. While it is certainly possible that the schedule problems may be overcome delays and cost increases will undermine the reasoning behind the whole proposed Obama aviation modernization budget. This report may give Congress pause and interest in re-starting the F-22 production.
EADS North America Shakes Up Management
EADS North America announced today that former NASA Administrator and Navy Secretary Sean O’Keefe will take over as their CEO. The current CEO, Ralph Crosby, will remain with the company and head up the tanker proposal. At the announcement EADS CEO Louis Gallois reiterated the company’s desire to do business in the United States and hinted at further acquisitions of companies. O’Keefe most recently had been the head of General Electrics aviation unit.DoD Early Estimates Two Tankers Have High Costs
Prior to the release of the latest RFP for the KC-X tanker program some in Congress and the media mooted using a split award for the aircraft. This would allow for faster fielding of tankers to expedite replacement of the older KC-135’s. It would also possibly reduce the chance of a protest by either Northrop or Boeing as well as spreading the contract around to different states. The biggest issue with the idea is that it would add cost to the program. Through the necessity of having two separate support tails the overall program would be more expensive. There would be two training tracks, sets of support equipment and parts pools alone. The aircraft also may not be complimentary. The DoD estimated back in April that the total additional cost would be over $14 billion. Obviously neither the Air Force or the U.S. Government has this kind of money available to support the idea. It would have to be payed for at the expense of other Air Force or DoD programs. It may be that cost estimates with more refinement are created that reduce this, but right now the plan is one company and one aircraft.Logistical Costs Burden Operations In Afghanistan
Filed under: Business Line, Congress, Countries, DLA, Department of Defense, Events, Federal Budget Process, Services, U.S. Air Force, U.S. Army, logistics
Wars are expensive there is no doubt. As part of the planning for adding troops to Afghanistan the U.S. Department of Defense was asked why it costs about a $1 billion a year for a 1,000 soldiers to operate there. One of the main expenses it turns out is fuel. To get one gallon of JP8 to a soldier or airman who needs it costs about $400 if all related costs are taken into account. This figure alone is giving Congress second thoughts.
That is because the gas is shipped to Pakistan and then trucked to Afghanistan. To get it to the various outposts and bases sometimes requires aircraft and helicopters. For a helicopter to carry a gallon of gas probably takes a few gallons of gas and at a high maintenance rate. There is also the cost of all the personnel and contractors to handle the gas and supplies.
This should not really surprise anyone. In John Ellis’ book about World War II soldiers, On The Front Lines, he estimated it took about eleven personnel to support one front line soldier in the Pacific and almost ten in the European. That counted everyone who touched a ton of supplies as it moved from the U.S. to the actual soldier. That cost alone was fairly high. Take into account the gas used to move it and the maintenance of the ships, trucks and aircraft and the costs go up even more. Afghanistan is remote and costs even more.
Special Defense Procurement News Page On The KC-X Tanker Contest
Filed under: Boeing, Business Line, Companies, Congress, Department of Defense, EADS, Events, Military Aviation, Northrop Grumman Corp., Proposal, U.S. Air Force, development program, logistics, production program
As part of Defense Procurement News we have set up a special site to gather information and discussions about the new U.S. Air Force KC-X aerial tanker contest. KC-X Tanker News may be found here. We will try to have all that we can find on EADS, Boeing and Northrop Grumman’s efforts to win this major contract.
Air Force Contracts With Biotechnology Company UES Inc.
Filed under: Business Line, Companies, Contract Awards, Events, Ohio, S&T, Services, States, U.S. Air Force, UES Inc., development program
The United States Air Force Research Lab (ARFL) contracted with Ohio based UES Inc. to provide biotechnology and nanotechnology research in support of materials development. The contract is worth about $44.5 million to the company and will be a major expansion of its work for that service. The ARFL is tasked with managing and funding most of the basic research performed by the service focusing on areas to improve aviation technology.
The contract will be carried out at Wright-Patterson AFB in Ohio where UES already conducts some work. The focus will be on looking at how biotechnology, nanotechnology and natural processes may be used to strengthen and protect materials. Obviously the Air Force needs to invest in material development as they are looking for lighter, stronger and stealthy ones to build advanced aircraft out of. UES has been growing recently and looking to become a prime contractor for these kind of contracts rather then just being a sub.
Raytheon Sells Encryption Gear To USAF
Filed under: Business Line, Companies, Contract Awards, Events, IT, Military Aviation, Raytheon, Services, U.S. Air Force, logistics, production program
The United States Air Force (USAF) awarded Raytheon a contract to supply KIV-77 encryption equipment. This contract will be worth about $100 million if all parts are exercised. The KIV-77 is used as part of aircraft transponder equipment to help Identify Friend or Foe (IFF).
IFF is required so that friendly air defense systems can identify whether the aircraft is hostile or not. All military and commercial aircraft and many civil ones have transponder systems for air traffic control. Military ones take it further to provide a secure way of carrying out IFF. The IFF has to be protected by encryption so that an enemy can not spoof it.
Boeing Responds To KC-X Draft RFP Release
Filed under: Acquisitions, Boeing, Business Line, Companies, Congress, EADS, Events, Military Aviation, Northrop Grumman Corp., Proposal, Services, U.S. Air Force, logistics, production program
Yesterday after the Air Force put out the draft RFP for the new tanker program. The third try at this acquisition Boeing responded with the following statement:
“Our next step is to conduct a detailed review of the document. We want to understand how requirements will be defined and prioritized and how the proposals will be evaluated. That information will help us decide which plane to offer or whether to offer both planes. We appreciate that there will be frequent, open discussion with the U.S. Air Force as we go forward. Both the Air Force and the American taxpayer will benefit from the tanker options we can offer. Boeing has a KC-7A7 ‘family of tankers’ available to meet the warfighter’s requirements. Whether it’s the agile, flexible 767-based tanker or the large 777-based tanker, Boeing will deliver a combat-ready tanker with maximum capability at the lowest cost.”
More details on Boeing’s plans may be found at the KC-7A7 United States Tanker website.
Boeing Completes Ground Tests to Prepare for 1st GPS IIF Satellite Launch — Press Release
Filed under: Boeing, Business Line, Companies, Events, Press Releases, S&T, Satellites, Services, U.S. Air Force, space
Boeing Completes Ground Tests to Prepare for 1st GPS IIF Satellite Launch
Boeing [NYSE: BA] has successfully completed key ground tests that help pave the way for next year’s launch of the first Global Positioning System (GPS) IIF satellite.
Built at Boeing’s El Segundo satellite factory, GPS IIF Space Vehicle 2 (SV-2) was tested at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida from May through August in preparation for the launch of SV-1, the first of 12 GPS IIF next-generation navigation satellites.
SV-2 successfully completed a consolidated system test (CST), which is a set of one-time, system-level design verification and validation tests involving the space vehicle, the ground-based control segment, and user equipment. In addition, GPS master control stations successfully commanded the space vehicle as they will do when the satellite is in operational orbit. SV-2 was also used as a “pathfinder” to validate transportation equipment and processes, as well as launch site test procedures and equipment.
“These successful tests reflect a combined effort from the Air Force and Boeing to ensure that the first GPS IIF satellite is on track to meet the Air Force’s current launch commitments,” said Craig Cooning, vice president and general manager of Boeing Space and Intelligence Systems. “The tests also demonstrate compatibility between the space vehicle and ground control segment, highlighting Boeing’s ability to integrate complex space and ground elements.”
Boeing is installing the final pieces of hardware on SV-1 and preparing it for its final cycle of environmental vacuum testing to confirm the spacecraft’s integrity for launch. SV-2 was returned to El Segundo on Sept. 3 and will follow SV-1 into environmental vacuum testing in preparation for its own launch.
GPS IIF is the product of Boeing’s experience with 39 successful satellites from the GPS Block I and Block II/IIA missions and more than 30 years of teamwork with the Air Force. GPS IIF features twice the navigational accuracy of heritage satellites, more robust signals for commercial aviation and search and rescue, and greater resistance to jamming in hostile environments. GPS IIF will form the core of the GPS constellation for many years to come.
GPS is a space-based, worldwide navigation system providing users with highly accurate, three-dimensional position, navigation and timing information 24 hours a day in all weather conditions.
A unit of The Boeing Company, Boeing Integrated Defense Systems is one of the world’s largest space and defense businesses specializing in innovative and capabilities-driven customer solutions, and the world’s largest and most versatile manufacturer of military aircraft. Headquartered in St. Louis, Boeing Integrated Defense Systems is a $32 billion business with 70,000 employees worldwide.
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Contact:
Marc Selinger
Boeing Space & Intelligence Systems
703-414-6138
marc.selinger@boeing.com
Bob Pickard
Boeing Space & Intelligence Systems
310-364-6125
robert.pickard3@boeing.com
Goodrich To Refit Wheels And Brakes On C-130 Fleet
Filed under: Business Line, Companies, Contract Awards, Events, Goodrich, Military Aviation, Services, U.S. Air Force, logistics, production program
Goodrich Corp was awarded a contract by the U.S. Air Force to begin retrofitting the C-130 fleet of transport aircraft with new wheels and brakes. The contract is worth up to $400 million. Goodrich hopes that these products will also be sold to foriegn customers of the highly used aircraft.
The new system of boltless wheels and carbon brakes should improve the wear and reduce maintenance on the aircraft. C-130 transports tend to be used on rougher fields then the C-17 and face different issues. Anything that makes maintenance less common and improves the life of components like these should save the operator money in the long run. It also may raise the readiness rate of this aircraft critical to the United State’s efforts in Afghanistan and Iraq.
Contractors Good For Something — Being A Force Mulitplier In Afghanistan
Filed under: Business Line, Companies, Department of Defense, Events, IT, KBR, SETA, Services, U.S. Air Force, U.S. Army, U.S. Marine Corps, afghanistan, logistics, medicine
For the last eight years one of the biggest complaints from the American left was that George Bush was in the sway of big government contractors. They did too much of the housekeeping services in Iraq and Afghanistan. Companies like KBR lined their pockets at the expense of the troops and taxpayers. They were doing jobs that green suiters or civil servants should be doing.
Unfortunately due to the small size of the military they had to use contractors for those jobs. This has been a trend going back thirty years. Use contractors to wash clothes, cook food and clean latrines. Then there would be more soldiers freed up to do the fighting. Despite a consistent philosophy on the use of support contractors Bush received holy hell about it. True the scale in Iraq was much larger then it ever had been before and the contracts were in some case let quickly and didn’t have enough oversight but people were trying to get things done.
Now the word is that Obama wants to increase the number of foot soldiers in Afghanistan but without increasing the number of U.S. troops deployed to that country. One way to do this is to reduce the number of soldiers assigned to logistic support units, command headquarters, maintenance and so one and do a one-for-one swap with “trigger pullers”. How do you do this and still provide the enormous tail that U.S. forces need? Use contractors.
It might be possible to assign U.S. civil servants to do this but there have been many issues in the past with getting them to serve in Iraq and Afghanistan. It is too dangerous or not career enhancing. Certainly there is a number of people assigned or who volunteer for these positions but to get the kind of capability that is needed it will have to be contractors. Contractors like KBR or other such companies experienced in logistics and maintenance.
This will not be an easy or quick switch. The ground troops will have to be designated from either those in Iraq or in the U.S. recovering from a recent deployment. Then they will have to be trained and equipped up. A plan will be figured out how to deploy a 1000 support troops and replace them with a battalion of infantry. The support infrastructure will probably have to switch first. Contractors taking over for the rear echelon folks.
Another challenge will be writing and awarding the contracts for this. Unless they plan on expanding existing contracts there will be a several month period of writing the RFP, putting it out and evaluating the proposals. Awards may be protested which could add to the delays. Once awarded the contractors will have to hire their people and get them into place. Expect the almost constant sniping from Congress and the Media about this. See the LOGCAP contract from Iraq for example.
The Obama administration really cannot do anything else. They have reached the fish-or-cut-bait point. Either abandon Afghanistan or pour resources in. At the same time he does not want to “surge” troops there as that will make him and many Democrats look like idiots for opposing the same in Iraq. So he does the next best thing: surge contractors to maximize his troop availability. Good luck to them and the soldiers.
Cross posted at Inane Taskers
C-17 Engine Support Contract Worth About $1.4 Billion
Filed under: Boeing, Business Line, Companies, Congress, Contract Additions, Contract Awards, Department of Defense, Events, Military Aviation, Pratt & Whitney, Services, U.S. Air Force, logistics, production program
Last week we wrote about the award to Boeing of the C-17 maintenance support contract. Now the Air Force is getting ready to award that company and Pratt & Whitney a contract to support the engines of the transport fleet. If all options on the contract are exercised it could be a three year one worth $1.4 billion.
Because C-17 production has been ended by the Obama Administration these kind of support contracts are the only work available for the aircraft. Both Boeing and P&W are looking at issues due to the decision to cancel the F-22 as well. P&W made the engines for that aircraft.
Most programs cost is the long term support and this is certainly a viable business model for many companies. There is no requirement that the be done by the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) although in this case the OEM is getting the work. In the past especially as the equipment gets older other companies are able to get the business.
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- DOD CONTRACTS for March 18, 2010
- Today in the Department of Defense, Friday, March 19, 2010
- Contracts for March 18, 2010
- Northrop Grumman Begins Installing First EHF Satcom Hardware on B-2
- Raytheon Missile Systems Establishes Air and Missile Defense Systems Product Line
- U.S. Department of Energy Selects Lockheed Martin to Advance Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion Utility Power Plans
- Raytheon Awarded $12 Million for Patriot Missile Field Surveillance Program
- Northrop Grumman Names Janis Pamiljans Vice President of the Navy Unmanned Combat Air System Program
- Northrop Grumman Names Steven L. Enewold Vice President of Broad Area Maritime Surveillance Unmanned Aircraft System Program
- House Armed Services Committee: Hearing on the FY 2011 Budget Requests from the U.S. Central Command, U.S. Special Operations Command, and U.S. Transportation Command
- DOD CONTRACTS for March 17, 2010
- Northrop Grumman Awarded Planning Contract for the Refueling and Complex Overhaul of USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72)
- Today in the Department of Defense, Thursday, March 18, 2010
- National Guard (In Federal Status) And Reserve Activated as of March 16, 2010
- Contracts for March 17, 2010
- India, the New Land of Opportunity for Defense Contractors
- Sage [Grouse] Decision: Why the Feds Refused to Flip the Bird at Power Players
- Today in the Department of Defense, Wednesday, March 17, 2010
- DOD CONTRACTS for March 16, 2010
- US Navy Flag Officer Announcement
- USAF General Officer Announcement (REPOSTED)
- DOD Senior Executive Service Appointments and Reassignments
- Contracts for March 16, 2010
- Northrop Grumman Delivers 500th Directional Infrared Countermeasures System
- Lockheed Martin Awarded Task Order for Continued Production of Symphony IED Jammer Systems
- General Dynamics Advanced Information Systems Awarded $31 Million Navy F/A-18 Mission Computer Contract
- Lockheed’s JSF is Overdue, Over Budget – and Too Big to Fail
- Norad Flight Exercise Planned For Washington, D.C.
- Deputy Commanding General (Support) to Brief Live from Iraq
- Contracts for March 15, 2010
- Krauss-Maffei Wegmann (KMW) Pinpoint Protection for Afghanistan
- Marinette Marine Facility Expansion to Enhance Lockheed Martin’s Littoral Combat Ship Program
- FI Report: Near-Term Growth Expected in Medium/Heavy Military Rotorcraft Market
- General Dynamics Itronix Launches New GDAssure(TM) Program that Certifies Customer Computer Systems Prior to Installation
- Lockheed Martin Delivers Innovative Full-Motion Video Intelligence System to USJFCOM
- General Officer Announcement
- USAF General Officer Assignments
- USMC Flag Officer Announcement
- Christopher Gregoire Named Lockheed Martin Vice President and Controller
- DOD CONTRACTS for March 15, 2010
- Today in the Department of Defense, Tuesday, March 16, 2010
- Now Reports That EADS May Bid After All
- General Dynamics Awarded $9 Million Contract for U.S. Army Medical Command Lean Six Sigma Support
- Lockheed Martin Delivers 1,000th Vertical Launch ASROC Missile
- Raytheon’s Excalibur Ib Demonstrates Accuracy During First Guided-Flight Tests
- James Webb Space Telescope Core Completes Thermal Testing
- Sniper ATP Demonstrates Enhanced ISR Capability at Empire Challenge
- CNO Announces Flag Officer Assignments
- DOD CONTRACTS for March 12, 2010
- DOD News Briefing with Ashton Carter from the Pentagon
- Northrop Grumman Holds 3rd Annual International CEESIM Users’ Conference in the United Kingdom
- Lockheed Martin Awarded $23 Million for Production of JASSM-Extended Range Test Missiles
- Northrop Grumman Delivers Upgraded U.S. Navy Targets
- U.S. Army Receives First Lockheed Martin EQ-36 Counterfire Target Acquisition Radar System
- Manufacturing of Northrop Grumman’s First Low-Rate Initial Production E-2D Advanced Hawkeye Begins
- Raytheon and National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency Improve Flow of Commercial Imagery to Analysts and Warfighters
- Lockheed Martin Receives $60 Million Worldwide LANTIRN Depot Award
- General Dynamics Awarded Department of Homeland Security National Communications System Contract
- Northrop Grumman Plays Major Role in NASA’s Development of Alternate Astronaut Escape System
- Government of Canada Names General Dynamics Land Systems-Canada as Prime Contractor for LAV III Upgrade Program
- Northrop Grumman’s Second E-2D Advanced Hawkeye Enters Next Phase of Flight Testing
- Optex Systems Receives $3.4 Million Purchase Order from General Dynamics Land Systems
- Raytheon Completes Critical Milestone for Mobile X-band Radar System
- General Dynamics Awarded $22 Million by U.S. Navy for Repair Work on USS Hartford
- Military Base Realignments and Closures: DOD Needs to Update Savings Estimates and Continue to Address Challenges in Consolidating Supply-Related Functions at Depot Maintenance Locations. GAO-09-703, July 9
- House Armed Services Committee: schedule for the week of July 13 –17, 2009
- GAO Report: Overseas Contingency Operations: Reported Obligations for the Department of Defense. GAO-09-791R
- Raytheon’s AESA Radar for Boeing F-15E Receives New Designation
- Northrop Grumman Successfully Demonstrates Capabilities of LITENING Targeting System on U.S. Navy F/A-18E/F
- Raytheon’s GBU-53/B Small Diameter Bomb II Completes Risk Reduction
- Hawker Beechcraft, Lockheed Martin Team to Compete for U.S. Air Force Light Attack and Armed Reconnaissance Aircraft
- Lockheed Martin C-5M Super Galaxy Sets World Aviation Records
- Northrop Grumman Advanced Composite Mate Joint Passes Stringent Tests for NASA’s Composite Crew Module Demonstration Program
- Lockheed Martin Team Passes Critical Design Review for Solar Ultraviolet Imager for GOES-R Satellite Series
- UK Awards Javelin Joint Venture $176 Million for Javelin Missile Rounds
- Contracts for March 12, 2010
- Lawsuit Successfully Defends Contract Against Inroads of In-Sourcing
- Two Helicopter Programs Start Over
- EADS-NA Says Not Comfortable Priming KC-X Contract
- Spirit AeroSystems Named to Boeing Tanker Supplier Team — Press Release
- Contracts for March 11, 2010
- Northrop Grumman Names Paul Russell to Lead Space Navigation Business Area
- Northrop Grumman Awarded U.S. Army Europe Linguist Contract
- Aegis Weapon System Tested During International Multiple Ship Demonstration
- Raytheon, Motion Reality Ink Agreement For Virtual Applications
- Lockheed Martin Awarded Arizona Support Center Contract for M-TADS/PNVS
- Lockheed Martin and Aegisound Honored With Defense Department’s Nunn-Perry Award
- GeoEye Selects Lockheed Martin to Build Next-Generation Commercial Remote Sensing Satellite System
- STOVL Jet Prepares for Vertical Landing
- DOD CONTRACTS for March 11, 2010
- US Navy: Flag Officer Announcement
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