UK Aircraft Carrier Budget Shortfall Likely

Controversial from the start, the UK’s new aircraft carrier program has endured many twists and turns. It is now 14 years since the government first defined the need for new carriers and it will be another four years before the first of the two Queen Elizabeth II-class warships is delivered. Beyond that, it will be another four years before the carrier-strike capability becomes fully operational, in 2020.
The second vessel is now being built but, on current budget projections, the country cannot afford to operate both. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) has twice changed its mind on the type of F-35 stealth fighter to be operated from them.
At 65,000 metric tons displacement, the QEII and the Prince of Wales are the largest ships ever built in the UK, and are designed to support a variety of missions, such as amphibious or humanitarian operations, as well as air strikes. Described as eight acres of floating sovereign territory, they are three times the size of the three old Invincible-class carriers, which were originally designed for antisubmarine operations during the Cold War. Two of those warships have now been retired in defense cuts, along with the entire fleet of Harriers. One remains but only as a helicopter carrier.

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Lockheed ready to deliver UK's first F-35

Lockheed Martin (chalet D9-10, OE8) will deliver its first F-35 Joint Strike Fighter to an international customer on 19 July, with the UK to formally accept short take-off and vertical landing (STOVL) test aircraft BK-1.
The milestone will take place at Lockheed's Fort Worth site in Texas, where F-35B BK-1 flew for the first time on 13 April. Following its acceptance, the aircraft will be flown to Eglin Air Force Base in Florida, where it will join a US-led initial operational test and evaluation programme for the F-35.
A second UK aircraft has recently undergone preparations to conduct engine runs at Fort Worth, and will be flown soon. Its delivery is scheduled for two or three months after BK-1, according to Steve O'Bryan, Lockheed's vice-president F-35 programme integration and business development. A third STOVL jet will be produced for the UK during the programme's fourth lot of low-rate initial production (LRIP-4).

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FARNBOROUGH: GKN wins Bell 525 airframe part deal

Picture: Bell

Bell Helicopter (chalet L2) has contracted UK aerostructures specialist GKN Aerospace (Innovation Zone) to provide fuselage components for the 525 Relentless super medium twin in developent. The helicopter's first first flight is due in 2014.
The work package covers aluminium and composite panels and structural parts in the cockpit, cabin and tail boom. Manufacture is scheduled to start late this year, with deliveries to follow from 2013.
GKN's facility in St. Louis, Missouri, will provide aluminium bulkheads, frames and spares, while the company's site in Tallassee, Alabama, will produce composite components including skin panels, bulkheads and frame assemblies.

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Northrop Grumman Supplys PMS for UK Royal Navy's Next Astute-Class Submarine

File image: Astute-class submarine.

Northrop Grumman has been selected to supply the Platform Management System (PMS) for the Royal Navy's fifth Astute-class submarine, Anson. Northrop Grumman's Sperry Marine business unit will supply the PMS for Astute Boat 5 under a performance partnering arrangement (PPA) with BAE Systems Maritime-Submarine.
BAE Systems will install the PMS equipment, which controls and monitors the submarine's platform machinery and onboard systems, at its shipyard in Barrow-in-Furness, U.K. The contract also includes software, safety case, equipment and obsolescence management.
The Astute-class is the Royal Navy's latest series of nuclear-powered hunter-killer submarines. Northrop Grumman's Sperry Marine business unit previously supplied the PMS for Astute Boat 4, Audacious.

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Upgraded UK Navy frigate returns to homeport

HMS Richmond. A Royal Navy photo

PORTSMOUTH (BNS): UK Navy's upgraded Type 23 frigate HMS Richmond will return to its homeport at Portsmouth on Friday.

The anti-submarine warfare (ASW) frigate underwent an eight-month long overhaul at Devonport Dockyard in Plymouth under a £20m contract awarded to Babcock Marine.

The work included improvements to several weapons - including the Seawolf missile system and two automatic 30mm small calibre guns - and a new versatile command system, the Navy said.

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Raytheon UK Helps The RAF’s Smartest Bomb Get Smarter

No civilian casualties…low collateral damage…restrictive rules of engagement. Today, the air-ground attack mission is more demanding than ever. The Paveway IV precision-guided weapon produced by Raytheon UK is already the Royal Air Force’s smartest bomb. A proposed series of improvements should make it even more flexible and accurate.
“The RAF has released more than 1,000 Paveway IVs in three years, achieving close to 100 percent reliability,” claimed T.J. Marsden, chief engineer for the weapon, in a recent briefing at Raytheon UK’s Harlow facility. He described how a five-year development program from 2003 added dual-mode guidance and sophisticated fuzing to a 500-pound warhead. Paveway IV entered service in November 2008 on the RAF’s Harrier GR.9s, which have since been retired. It was soon also qualified on the Tornado GR.4, and integration on the RAF’s Eurofighter Typhoons is nearly done. The weapon will also be carried by the UK’s F-35 Lightning II stealth fighters, externally or internally. It is replacing the RAF’s earlier generation of Paveway II smart bombs, which have warheads twice the size. This means that more weapons can be carried, and more targets covered, per sortie

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BAE to begin Mantis UAV test flights in 2013

 

BAE Systems is planning to begin test flights of its long-endurance unmanned air vehicle (UAV), dubbed The Mantis, in UK airspace in early 2013.

The drone is expected to undergo a total of 20 test flights covering 750 miles, with each lasting for around three hours, at an altitude of up to 15,000ft above the Irish Sea, as reported by The Daily Mail.

According to BAE, the UAV is currently being evaluated, prior to the start of self-funded taxi tests by the company next year.

BAE military aircraft head, Chris Boardman, told The Times: "It will take a decade to mature for production and operation the next generation of technology. We understand the constraints of the current financial climate but we need to start doing what we need to do."

The tests, if successful, are expected to mark an end for the use of fighter pilots in the UK, and will also bring down the curtain on conventional aircraft, such as the Lockheed Martin-built F-35 Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) aircraft.

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UK to take delivery of first Lynx Wildcat at Farnborough air show

AgustaWestland will deliver its first Lynx Wildcat helicopter to the UK Ministry of Defence at the Farnborough air show on 11 July, the company has announced.
On order for the British Army and Royal Navy as a replacement for their legacy Lynx fleets, the new aircraft will be based at RNAS Yeovilton in Somerset for both services, which will acquire a combined 62 of the new-generation type.

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U.K. Announces Cuts of 17 Major Army Units

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A Starstreak air defense missile system is manned by members of the British Royal Artillery during a May 3 media demonstration in London. The Royal Artilllery and other British Army units are facing cutbacks under a government plan to reduce the Army's regular forces by 20,000 personnel. (AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE)

LONDON — Seventeen major units are to be culled by the British Army as part of a transformation plan that will see regular force personnel numbers reduced to 82,000 from the current level of 102,000, the defense secretary announced July 5.
The extent of the personnel cuts was flagged 12 months ago by the Ministry of Defence as part of its austerity budget effort. But it has taken until this week for the details to emerge of exactly which units would be affected.
The plan is to reduce regular Army numbers while building a 30,000-strong force of reservists better able to integrate and deploy with front-line troops than the current arrangements allow.
The transformation plan, known as Army 2020, will ax five infantry battalions; three of the 14 Royal Engineer units will go, as well as three of 15 Royal Logistics Corps units.

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Two RAF Tornado jets crash in Moray Firth

Two Royal Air Force Tornado jets have crashed off the Moray Firth on the north-east coast of Scotland.

A major air and sea rescue operation has been launched to recover the two pilots and navigators aboard each craft, and it is as yet unknown whether the two jets suffered a collision, technical malfunction or ditched into the sea.

The jets are known to fly at low altitudes, but there have been no reports of inclement weather and the surrounding area is flat.

The jets dispatched from RAF Lossiemouth, home to 617 Squadron, 12 Squadron and XV Squadron, all three flying Tornado aircraft.

A statement from the UK Ministry of Defence confirmed the incident, adding: "We are investigating the incident and further information will be provided when possible."

An RAF Sea King has been involved in the search and rescue operation, and lifeboats have also been dispatched from the Buckie and Wick stations.

Following their introduction in 1979, Tornado aircraft have been used by the RAF in various conflicts, including recent operations in Iraq, Afghanistan and Libya.

Image: A Royal Air Force Panavia Tornado GR4 fighter during a combat mission in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Image courtesy of the US Government

Source :http://www.airforce-technology.com

MBDA's Meteor missile completes live firing trials

MBDA has successfully completed live firing of its Meteor active radar-guided beyond visual range air-to-air missile (BVRAAM), moving a step closer towards the delivery of first production units before the end of 2012, MBDA Meteor chief engineer and project head Andy Bradford has revealed.

Speaking about the programme for the first time in four years at a media briefing in the UK, Bradford said that a total of 21 trials were conducted, including three electronic protection measures (EPM) tests at Parc Aberporth in Wales, UK.

''With the successful completion of the firing campaign we have a final performance model,'' Bradford said.

MBDA is expected to deliver the final performance statement to the primary customer, the UK and its European partner nations including France, Germany, Italy, Spain and Sweden, in July 2012.

Bradford said all partner nations have already signed the contract except Germany, but added: ''We expect Germany to be on contract with us by the end of the year.''

The missile features advanced technologies such as a new seeker and propulsion system, with a range in excess of 100km, and enhanced kinematic performance when compared with the existing air-air missiles of its type.

Designed to replace the AMRAAM AIM-120 series of missiles, the Meteor provides a multi-shot capability against long-range manoeuvring targets such as fast jets, small unmanned aerial vehicles and cruise missiles in a heavy electronic countermeasures environment.

The missiles are expected to be installed on the Swedish air force's Saab Gripens in 2014 to 2015, followed by the UK Royal Air Force's Eurofighter Typhoons in 2015 to 2016 and French Air Force and Navy's Dassault Rafale fighters from 2018.

Source :http://www.airforce-technology.com

MBDA's Meteor missile completes live firing trials

MBDA has successfully completed live firing of its Meteor active radar-guided beyond visual range air-to-air missile (BVRAAM), moving a step closer towards the delivery of first production units before the end of 2012, MBDA Meteor chief engineer and project head Andy Bradford has revealed.

Speaking about the programme for the first time in four years at a media briefing in the UK, Bradford said that a total of 21 trials were conducted, including three electronic protection measures (EPM) tests at Parc Aberporth in Wales, UK.

''With the successful completion of the firing campaign we have a final performance model,'' Bradford said.

MBDA is expected to deliver the final performance statement to the primary customer, the UK and its European partner nations including France, Germany, Italy, Spain and Sweden, in July 2012.

Bradford said all partner nations have already signed the contract except Germany, but added: ''We expect Germany to be on contract with us by the end of the year.''

The missile features advanced technologies such as a new seeker and propulsion system, with a range in excess of 100km, and enhanced kinematic performance when compared with the existing air-air missiles of its type.

Designed to replace the AMRAAM AIM-120 series of missiles, the Meteor provides a multi-shot capability against long-range manoeuvring targets such as fast jets, small unmanned aerial vehicles and cruise missiles in a heavy electronic countermeasures environment.

The missiles are expected to be installed on the Swedish air force's Saab Gripens in 2014 to 2015, followed by the UK Royal Air Force's Eurofighter Typhoons in 2015 to 2016 and French Air Force and Navy's Dassault Rafale fighters from 2018.

Source :http://www.airforce-technology.com

BAE Systems Awards SAAB Sight And fire Control System Contract

      Saab has won an order from BAE Systems in Örnsköldsvik, Sweden, for sight and fire control system UTAAS (Universal Tank and Anti-Aircraft Sight) in a SEK 110 million.

      The contract covers new sight systems, including virtual image displays, and upgrade and modification of the existing systems on combat vehicle CV9030N, for the Norwegian Army.

      “The order proves that we are a leading provider of sight and fire-control system for tanks and combat vehicles. We are proud of our cooperation and good relations with BAE Systems and are looking forward to further develop our combined offer,” says Gunilla Fransson, Head of business area Security and Defence Solutions.

      With the delivery is scheduled to begin in 2014, the UTAAS is a versatile sight and fire-control system for tanks and combat vehicles. It provides high hit probability against all ground targets, as well as against helicopters and high speed aircraft.

      The modular design of UTAAS offers the user a variety of performance options and upgrading possibilities. The beam paths for all channels go through the same aperture, offering good system stability and no need for realignment.

      The Virtual Image Display (VID) is a compact and rugged multi-purpose display suitable for i.e. combat vehicles and helicopters. VID consists of a microdisplay and magnifying optics to create a virtual image. 

 

Source :http://www.defenseworld.net 

BAE Systems Awards SAAB Sight And fire Control System Contract

      Saab has won an order from BAE Systems in Örnsköldsvik, Sweden, for sight and fire control system UTAAS (Universal Tank and Anti-Aircraft Sight) in a SEK 110 million.

      The contract covers new sight systems, including virtual image displays, and upgrade and modification of the existing systems on combat vehicle CV9030N, for the Norwegian Army.

      “The order proves that we are a leading provider of sight and fire-control system for tanks and combat vehicles. We are proud of our cooperation and good relations with BAE Systems and are looking forward to further develop our combined offer,” says Gunilla Fransson, Head of business area Security and Defence Solutions.

      With the delivery is scheduled to begin in 2014, the UTAAS is a versatile sight and fire-control system for tanks and combat vehicles. It provides high hit probability against all ground targets, as well as against helicopters and high speed aircraft.

      The modular design of UTAAS offers the user a variety of performance options and upgrading possibilities. The beam paths for all channels go through the same aperture, offering good system stability and no need for realignment.

      The Virtual Image Display (VID) is a compact and rugged multi-purpose display suitable for i.e. combat vehicles and helicopters. VID consists of a microdisplay and magnifying optics to create a virtual image. 

 

Source :http://www.defenseworld.net 

MBDA sharpens Spear missile design for F-35 integration

 

European manufacturer MBDA has unveiled a UK-developed design for a next-generation air-to-surface weapon suitable for internal carriage by the Lockheed Martin F-35 Joint Strike Fighter.
To be shown for the first time as a full-scale mock-up at the Farnborough air show, the Spear concept would use a turbojet engine and a wing kit to provide a stand-off range of about 100km (54nm). "Speed and range are the two main drivers" behind this configuration, says Rob Thornley, export working group leader for MBDA UK.
"Another key requirement is to provide multiple load-out on the F-35," says Thornley. The company expects to be able to fit up to four Spear weapons and one Meteor beyond visual-range air-to-air missile in each of the F-35's two weapons bays.

MBDA UK

Firm decisions have yet to be made on the final Spear configuration, but MBDA says it will be about 2m (6.5ft) long, carry a multi-effect warhead and use a multimode seeker. The high subsonic-speed weapon will also feature INS/GPS guidance, and be able to receive mid-course updates via an onboard datalink.
The basis of the concept is now in an assessment phase study for the UK Ministry of Defence's Spear Capability 3 requirement. This activity is due to conclude in 2014 with an airframe and propulsion system demonstration using a representative weapon design.
"We are on track, and continue to mature the technologies," says business executive Adrian Monks. However, MBDA acknowledges that the UK's recent decision to revert to the short take-off and vertical landing F-35B "brings some challenges", as the type's weapons bays are shorter than those found on the carrier variant F-35C previously favoured by London.
MBDA plans to contract a European supplier to develop a new, lightweight, two-round rail launcher for the Spear missile, and says it has also identified a number of potential engine suppliers.
Beyond its application for internal carriage by the stealthy F-35, MBDA has also released artwork depicting a multi-role-configured Eurofighter Typhoon carrying 16 of the missiles.

MBDA UK

Meanwhile, the company will also detail its self-funded trials work into a new target application for the UK's current dual mode seeker-equipped Brimstone air-to-surface missile at the show on 10 July.
Fired during the Afghanistan and Libya conflicts from Royal Air Force Panavia Tornado GR4 strike aircraft, an enhanced version of the weapon is to meet the UK's Spear Capability 2 Block 1 requirements from next year.

Source :http://www.flightglobal.com

MBDA sharpens Spear missile design for F-35 integration

 

European manufacturer MBDA has unveiled a UK-developed design for a next-generation air-to-surface weapon suitable for internal carriage by the Lockheed Martin F-35 Joint Strike Fighter.
To be shown for the first time as a full-scale mock-up at the Farnborough air show, the Spear concept would use a turbojet engine and a wing kit to provide a stand-off range of about 100km (54nm). "Speed and range are the two main drivers" behind this configuration, says Rob Thornley, export working group leader for MBDA UK.
"Another key requirement is to provide multiple load-out on the F-35," says Thornley. The company expects to be able to fit up to four Spear weapons and one Meteor beyond visual-range air-to-air missile in each of the F-35's two weapons bays.

MBDA UK

Firm decisions have yet to be made on the final Spear configuration, but MBDA says it will be about 2m (6.5ft) long, carry a multi-effect warhead and use a multimode seeker. The high subsonic-speed weapon will also feature INS/GPS guidance, and be able to receive mid-course updates via an onboard datalink.
The basis of the concept is now in an assessment phase study for the UK Ministry of Defence's Spear Capability 3 requirement. This activity is due to conclude in 2014 with an airframe and propulsion system demonstration using a representative weapon design.
"We are on track, and continue to mature the technologies," says business executive Adrian Monks. However, MBDA acknowledges that the UK's recent decision to revert to the short take-off and vertical landing F-35B "brings some challenges", as the type's weapons bays are shorter than those found on the carrier variant F-35C previously favoured by London.
MBDA plans to contract a European supplier to develop a new, lightweight, two-round rail launcher for the Spear missile, and says it has also identified a number of potential engine suppliers.
Beyond its application for internal carriage by the stealthy F-35, MBDA has also released artwork depicting a multi-role-configured Eurofighter Typhoon carrying 16 of the missiles.

MBDA UK

Meanwhile, the company will also detail its self-funded trials work into a new target application for the UK's current dual mode seeker-equipped Brimstone air-to-surface missile at the show on 10 July.
Fired during the Afghanistan and Libya conflicts from Royal Air Force Panavia Tornado GR4 strike aircraft, an enhanced version of the weapon is to meet the UK's Spear Capability 2 Block 1 requirements from next year.

Source :http://www.flightglobal.com

FRUKUS 2012 Kicks Off in Russia

BALTIYSK, Russia (NNS) -- The multinational training exercise FRUKUS 2012 began with an opening ceremony held at the Baltic Fleet Headquarters in Baltiysk, Russia, where participating senior leaders from France, Russia, the United Kingdom and the United States discussed the exercise objectives, June 25.

Russian navy Vice Adm. Viktor Chirkov, commander, Baltic Fleet, welcomed the guests to Baltiysk and expressed his excitement about the upcoming training.

"I am glad to welcome all of our mutinational partners to the Baltic Fleet, which, for the first time, hosts this international cooperative naval xercise, FRUKUS 2012," said Chirkov. "I hope that all of the training events of the exercise will be conducted in a highly professional manner and that this event will become an important piece in international military cooperation and our nations' development."

During the event, the commanding officers of French destroyer De Grasse (D612), Russian frigate Yaroslav Mudriy (727), British destroyer HMS York (90), and guided-missile cruiser USS Normandy (CG 60) discussed the importance of the collaborative training events that will occur during this year's iteration of FRUKUS.

"We are very pleased to be participating in FRUKUS with our Baltic partners," said Capt. Kevin Hill, commanding officer of Normandy. "The events that will take place over the next several days will improve our cooperative capabilities in our efforts to continue maritime security cooperation throughout the Baltic region, and we look forward to getting started."

FRUKUS is an annual exercise aimed at improving maritime security through an open dialogue and increased training between the navies of France, Russia, United Kingdom and United States.


Source :USNavy

FRUKUS 2012 Kicks Off in Russia

BALTIYSK, Russia (NNS) -- The multinational training exercise FRUKUS 2012 began with an opening ceremony held at the Baltic Fleet Headquarters in Baltiysk, Russia, where participating senior leaders from France, Russia, the United Kingdom and the United States discussed the exercise objectives, June 25.

Russian navy Vice Adm. Viktor Chirkov, commander, Baltic Fleet, welcomed the guests to Baltiysk and expressed his excitement about the upcoming training.

"I am glad to welcome all of our mutinational partners to the Baltic Fleet, which, for the first time, hosts this international cooperative naval xercise, FRUKUS 2012," said Chirkov. "I hope that all of the training events of the exercise will be conducted in a highly professional manner and that this event will become an important piece in international military cooperation and our nations' development."

During the event, the commanding officers of French destroyer De Grasse (D612), Russian frigate Yaroslav Mudriy (727), British destroyer HMS York (90), and guided-missile cruiser USS Normandy (CG 60) discussed the importance of the collaborative training events that will occur during this year's iteration of FRUKUS.

"We are very pleased to be participating in FRUKUS with our Baltic partners," said Capt. Kevin Hill, commanding officer of Normandy. "The events that will take place over the next several days will improve our cooperative capabilities in our efforts to continue maritime security cooperation throughout the Baltic region, and we look forward to getting started."

FRUKUS is an annual exercise aimed at improving maritime security through an open dialogue and increased training between the navies of France, Russia, United Kingdom and United States.


Source :USNavy

BAE to upgrade RAF's Tranche 1 Typhoon fleet

BAE Systems has delivered a Drop 2 upgrade package to help equip the UK Royal Air Force's (RAF) Tranche 1 fleet of Eurofighter-built Typhoon FGR4 multi-role combat aircraft.

The upgrade package is expected to provide capability upgrades to a range of aircraft's avionic systems, including the displays and controls, attack and identification, as well as defensive aids and communication sub systems, simultaneously offering availability and sustainability improvements to the fleet.

A Drop 2 package equipped Tranche 1 Typhoon has already completed its first test flight on 2 May 2012, at RAF Coningsby in Lincolnshire, UK.

The testing was conducted by 17(R) Test and Evaluation Squadron, which will continue to evaluate the aircraft in the future, prior to its roll out to the Tranche 1 fleet.

The package is jointly developed by BAE, German SUZ and QinetiQ, as part of a mutual support agreement between the partner nations.

MOD Defence Equipment and Support Fast Air Support Typhoon team drops desk officer, Robert Forshaw, said: "The success of this upgrade programme has demonstrated the ability of BAE Systems to deliver weapon system improvements, integrated with a tailored support solution, to the Royal Air Force in collaboration with their industrial partners.''

A Capability Sustainment Team within BAE was first contracted by the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD), to develop Tranche 1 Drop1 upgrade, following closure of the Tranche 1 main development contract between the Nato Eurofighter and Tornado Management Agency (NETMA) and Eurofighter.

The package was integrated into the RAF's Typhoon fleet, which was deployed in support of Libyan Operation Ellamy in 2011.

Typhoon is a twin-engine, canard-delta wing, multirole fighter designed for deployment in support of air operations, such as air policing, peace support and high intensity conflicts.

Source :http://www.airforce-technology.com

BAE to upgrade RAF's Tranche 1 Typhoon fleet

BAE Systems has delivered a Drop 2 upgrade package to help equip the UK Royal Air Force's (RAF) Tranche 1 fleet of Eurofighter-built Typhoon FGR4 multi-role combat aircraft.

The upgrade package is expected to provide capability upgrades to a range of aircraft's avionic systems, including the displays and controls, attack and identification, as well as defensive aids and communication sub systems, simultaneously offering availability and sustainability improvements to the fleet.

A Drop 2 package equipped Tranche 1 Typhoon has already completed its first test flight on 2 May 2012, at RAF Coningsby in Lincolnshire, UK.

The testing was conducted by 17(R) Test and Evaluation Squadron, which will continue to evaluate the aircraft in the future, prior to its roll out to the Tranche 1 fleet.

The package is jointly developed by BAE, German SUZ and QinetiQ, as part of a mutual support agreement between the partner nations.

MOD Defence Equipment and Support Fast Air Support Typhoon team drops desk officer, Robert Forshaw, said: "The success of this upgrade programme has demonstrated the ability of BAE Systems to deliver weapon system improvements, integrated with a tailored support solution, to the Royal Air Force in collaboration with their industrial partners.''

A Capability Sustainment Team within BAE was first contracted by the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD), to develop Tranche 1 Drop1 upgrade, following closure of the Tranche 1 main development contract between the Nato Eurofighter and Tornado Management Agency (NETMA) and Eurofighter.

The package was integrated into the RAF's Typhoon fleet, which was deployed in support of Libyan Operation Ellamy in 2011.

Typhoon is a twin-engine, canard-delta wing, multirole fighter designed for deployment in support of air operations, such as air policing, peace support and high intensity conflicts.

Source :http://www.airforce-technology.com