Search Results for: "AB+Precision+Ltd"
BAE Gets Deployment Approval For APKWS
Relevance Score: 3.189 2010-04-12 16:09:00
BAE Systems informed about a milestone for its next-generation precision weapons technology following a deployment approval from the U.S. Navy. BAE has been working in partnership with the U.S. government on its Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System, or APKWS. Thursday BAE informed the Navy has approved the precise weapons system as ready to be deployed. The production-ready approval for APKWS, which is expected to be initially integrated with the AH-1W Cobra helicopters to offer aviators a next-generation precision weapon against soft and lightly armored targets, demonstrates that all objects for the program have been met. The Navy decision marks a milestone achievement for BAE. "We have demonstrated APKWS' maturity by taking it through the full range of operational and environmental challenges it will face in theater," Capt. Brian Corey, program manager for the Navy's direct and time-sensitive strike programs, informed in a statement. "APKWS performed like a champ throughout flight tests and will make a significant contribution in allowing aviators to fulfill their missions."
A Higher-Tech Hog: USAF A-10C Upgrades and Refurbishments
Relevance Score: 2.551 2009-06-17 11:05:56
The Precision Engagement modification is the largest single upgrade effort ever undertaken for the USA’s unique A-10 “Warthog” close air support aircraft fleet. While existing A/OA-10 aircraft continue to outperform technology-packed rivals on the battlefield, this set of upgrades is expected to make them more flexible, and help keep the aircraft current until the fleet’s planned phase-out in 2028. When complete, A-10C PE will give USAF A-10s precision strike capability sooner than planned, combining multiple upgrade requirements into one time and money-saving program, rather than executing them as standalone projects. Indeed, the USAF accelerated the PE program by 9 months as a result of its experiences in Operation Iraqi Freedom. This is DID’s FOCUS Article for the PE program, and for other modifications to the A-10 fleet. It covers the A-10’s battlefield performance and advantages, the elements of the PE program, other planned modifications, related refurbishment efforts to keep the fleet in the air, and the contracts that have been issued each step of the way. In the latest updates, the A-10C program’s $2 billion re-winging effort became a higher priority, as wing cracking became a problem for the entire A-10 fleet.
KVH Receives Another $3.1 Million Order for Fiber Optic Gyros for Remote Weapon Stations
Relevance Score: 1.991 2010-03-16 14:23:33
KVH Industries, Inc., (Nasdaq: KVHI) informed that it has received a new $3.1 million order for its precision fiber optic gyros (FOGs) for use in remote stabilized weapon stations (RWS). Shipment of this order is expected to be completed by the summer of 2010. "Thanks to their precision and rugged design, KVH fiber optic gyros play an integral role in the successful operation of remote weapon stations, which are critical to the safety and effectiveness of U.S. and allied soldiers around the globe, especially in light of the military surge in the Afghan theatre of operations," informed Jay Napoli, KVH's vice president of FOG and OEM sales. Remote weapon stations allow gunners to operate, aim, and fire the weapon from inside the safety of their vehicles, taking the gunners out of turret positions where they are exposed to hostile fire. KVH's DSP-3100 FOGs deliver precise optical stabilization and weapon recoil control for RWS units while ensuring that the weapon stays on target whether the vehicle is stationary or on the move. KVH's fiber optic guidance and sensor systems are used in an array of commercial and defense-related stabilization, navigation, autonomous vehicle, and precision guidance applications. KVH's fiber optic gyro resource page − http://www.fiberopticgyro.com − offers additional details regarding KVH's fiber optic gyro solutions. About KVH Industries, Inc. KVH Industries is a leading manufacturer of solutions that provide global high-speed Internet, television and voice services via satellite to mobile users at sea, on land, and in the air. KVH is also a premier manufacturer of high performance sensors and integrated inertial systems for defense and commercial guidance and stabilization applications. The company is based in Middletown, RI, with facilities in Tinley Park, IL; Kokkedal, Denmark; and Singapore. This release may contain certain forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Forward-looking statements include, for example, the functionality, characteristics, quality and performance of KVH's products and technology; and customer preferences, requirements and expectations. The actual results could differ materially. Factors that may cause such differences include, among others, delays in customers' qualification processes for our products or other delays in shipping, uneven military sales cycles, changes in military fielding and equipment requirements, and changes in international situations, as well as those discussed in KVH's most recent Form 10-Q filed with the SEC. KVH does not assume any obligation to update its forward-looking statements to reflect new information or developments.
US Will Not Transfer Drone Tech To Pakistan
Relevance Score: 1.768 2010-05-16 00:26:29
Islamabad and Washington are at odd over the US incessant drone strikes into Pakistani territory that analyst believed could influence Pakistan’s terror fight efforts and cause delay in launching an effective military operation in North Waziristan. Well-placed military sources informed TheNation on Wednesday that US has refused to oblige its frontline ally in war against terror in transferring the drone technology capable of delivering weapons. “Apart from other issues, the issue pertaining to transfer of requisite drone technology could cause delay in Pakistan’s launching of military operation in North Waziristan”, sources informed. They were of the view that Pakistan has already mastered in developing indigenous drone technology largely capable for reconnaissance missions; therefore, it was imperative that US should give the most suited technology to Pakistan. Pakistan could do a lot more in effectively targeting terrorists with drones capable of providing weapons than having hardware for mere reconnaissance purpose. “Drones with weapon systems are imperative to meet Pakistan’s pressing needs in tackling low intensity conflict such as terrorism especially with back up intelligence support from US satellite network on Pak- Afghan border”, sources informed. They argued that Pakistan needed drone technology capable of both delivering variety of missiles as well as reconnaissance crucial tactical gains in mountain terrain like North Waziristan where analysts believed even high-powered combat helicopters would not be effective. Some sources were of the opinion that the US authorities had made it clear to Pakistan that it should use the new state of the art fighter aircraft F-16 that the US would deliver to Pakistan in June for precision operations. Pakistan would receive first four F-16 aircrafts next month of the total 18 to be provided by the end of this year which are capable to carry out night precision missions. But the analysts believed that despite having multipurpose capability, these aircraft might not prove effective in places like North Waziristan. Moreover, they say the incessant US air campaign against the alleged Al-Qaeda and Taliban hideouts in Pakistan’s tribal region could cause serious political repercussions for Pakistan. They were of the view that the PPP-led Government, which had evolved national consensus last year on national security would not be able to risk political implications of the continued US drone strikes in Pakistan on question of sovereignty of the State as well as of its Parliament.
Missile-tracking Satellites Launched On Demo Flight.
Relevance Score: 1.702 2009-10-03 11:32:31
A United Launch Alliance Delta 2 rocket roared to life and thundered away from the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station Friday, successfully boosting a pair of experimental missile-tracking satellites into orbit for the U.S. Missile Defense Agency. A United Launch Alliance Delta 2 rocket blasts off from the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station Friday carrying two Missile Defense Agency tracking satellites, part of a $1.5 billion technology demonstration mission. With its roots in the old "Star Wars" program, the goal of the $1.5 billion Space Tracking and Surveillance System mission is to demonstrate the ability to detect and track enemy missiles from launch, through the so-called mid-course phase of flight to atmospheric entry, delivering more accurate targeting data for interceptors. "The purpose of these satellites is to enable acquisition and precision tracking from space, tracking of a sufficient quality to enable an interceptor to close the fire control loop, that is, to be able to determine a fire control solution based on information from space," stated Rear Adm. Joseph Horn, deputy director of the Missile Defense Agency. The results of the demonstration mission, he added, "will guide our decisions on the development of an affordable, continuously available, operational, precision-track space sensor constellation." Running two days late because of bad weather and a small ground system fuel leak, the Delta 2 blasted off at 8:20 a.m. EDT from launch complex 17B at the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, 20 minutes late because of morning rain showers. NASA managed the launching for the Missile Defense Agency. Built by Northrup Grumman Aerospace Systems, the two solar-powered satellites boosted into space by the Delta 2 trace their heritage to President Ronald Reagan's Strategic Defense Initiative, which envisioned a constellation of missile-tracking satellites in low-Earth orbit. The original tracking satellite concept evolved into the "Brilliant Eyes" program, which later was transferred to the Air Force and ultimately became part of the Space-Based Infrared System, or SBIRS. SBIRS had two components: satellites in geosynchronous orbit intended to replace aging Defense Support Program - DSP - early-warning spacecraft, and a constellation of tracking satellites in low-Earth orbit. Brilliant Eyes was redesigned to become the lower-altitude component of the system. Work on two demonstration satellites was started under the Brilliant Eyes program and later put on hold in favor of a different approach. In 2002, mission managers decided to press ahead with the demonstration satellites under management of the U.S. Missile Defense Agency. A schematic showing how new missile-tracking satellites, working with gound- and sea-based sensors, can track an enemy missile through all phases of flight, delivering precision targeting data for interceptors. The 2,200-pound satellites are equipped with horizon-to-horizon missile detection sensors and a narrow-angle tracking telescope that can follow an enemy missile in flight, even during the mid-course phase of flight when it is most difficult to detect. The sensors were built by Raytheon. By combining tracking data from two spacecraft, computers can assemble a three-dimensional view of a missile's trajectory and quickly provide targeting information to future interceptors. At least that's the idea. The new spacecraft will spend two to four years carrying out a series of tests to demonstrate the effectiveness of the technology, working in concert with two earlier experimental satellites. Whether the STSS demonstration program will spur funding and development of an operational constellation remains to be seen. "The greatest hedge against missile defense threats of all ranges remains a highly available, early missile-tracking capability from space," Horn informed. "With the successful launch of these two demonstrator satellites, we enter into an orbit checkout period after which we plan to use both targets of opportunity and dedicated targets to demonstrate STSS capabilities." The requirements for an operational constellation are not yet defined, Horn said, but "what we expect to learn from these two demonstrators is exactly that, the (number) of satellites necessary to support a constellation and provide that continuous precision tracking information."
U.S. Navy Declares BAE Systems' Sophisticated Precision Kill Weapon System Ready for Production and Deployment
Relevance Score: 1.692 2010-04-13 14:25:13
BAE Systems' Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS) has been declared by the U.S. Navy ready to enter production. The decision, known as "Milestone C," signifies that the APKWS development program has met its objectives and the system is ready to be deployed. The system will now enter low-rate initial production, with the first systems expected to be fielded later this year. APKWS, developed by BAE Systems in partnership with the U.S. government, delivers aviators with a highly precise weapon that is effective against soft and lightly armored targets while minimizing collateral damage -- important in urban areas and other situations in which non-combatants or friendly forces are near hostile targets. The U.S. Marine Corps will initially deploy APKWS from AH-1W Cobra helicopters. Prior to being declared production-ready, APKWS underwent a rigorous series of flight, component, and all-up-round (completely assembled) qualification tests. The flight tests, which culminated in an 8-for-8 score in a series designed and conducted by Marine test pilots, demonstrated that the system's accuracy far exceeds government requirements. Throughout its eight-year history of flight tests, APKWS has hit an average distance from the center of the laser spot of less than 0.75 meters against a government specification of 2 meters. "We have demonstrated APKWS's maturity by taking it through the full range of operational and environmental challenges it will face in theater," informed Capt. Brian Corey, program manager for the Navy's direct and time-sensitive strike programs. "APKWS performed like a champ throughout flight tests and will make a significant contribution in allowing aviators to fulfill their missions." The weapon system, which transforms standard 2.75-inch unguided rockets to smart, highly precise laser-guided missiles, "is a game-changer for our nation's war fighters," informed Mike Lewis, vice president and general manager of soldier and vehicle solutions at BAE Systems. "Its demonstrated precision and small warhead mean aviators can target very specific threats from a greater distance without incurring collateral damage. The technology's low weight compared to other precision-guided munitions is critical to mission success on helicopters operating in high-altitude environments." APKWS is a low-cost alternative to other air-launched munitions currently in inventory. Because it uses standard launchers, APKWS requires no platform integration or aircraft modifications, and because it is loaded and fired like a standard 2.75-inch rocket, it requires little additional aviator or ordnance crew training. The mid-body design of its guidance section enables use of existing warheads, fuses, and rocket motors, enhancing the capability of the existing 100,000-unit inventory of unguided rockets. APKWS can be fired from any helicopter that can launch 2.75-inch rockets. While the initial platform is the AH-1W Cobra, APKWS also has been successfully demonstrated from a U.S. Army OH-58 Kiowa Warrior. The completion of Milestone C allows program offices for platforms such as the Kiowa, UH-1Y Huey, and AH-64 Apache to begin to integrate the weapon for fielding on those platforms. To ensure the safety of aviators and ordnance crews, weapons must be recertified on each additional platform. APKWS is the program of record established by the U.S. Government to meet war fighter requirements for a laser-guided 2.75-inch rocket. The Navy assumed acquisition executive oversight of the program in 2008 and has fully funded it for production. BAE Systems has been the APKWS prime contractor since 2006. About BAE Systems BAE Systems is a global defense, security and aerospace company with approximately 107,000 employees worldwide. The Company delivers a full range of products and services for air, land and naval forces, as well as advanced electronics, security, information technology solutions and customer support services. In 2009 BAE Systems reported sales of GBP 22.4 billion (US$ 36.2 billion).
Indian Government To Demo UAVs Against Insurgent Forces
Relevance Score: 1.630 2009-11-24 15:55:22
For the first time, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) will be used by Indian Armed Forces to locate Naxal hideouts in dense forests and hilly terrains and monitor the movement of ultras to help ground forces carry out precision attacks. The UAVs, with built-in cameras and well-equipped with both data and video links, will gather and record information which will then be shared among the security forces engaged in anti-Xaxal operations, specifically in Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Orissa, Maharashtra and West Bengal. The trials of the UAVs, developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL), have recently been conducted in Hissar and Delhi, with more trials to be conducted in jungles of Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand soon. "We are satisfied with the UAV trials in Hissar and Delhi. If we are satisfied with next stage of trials, we will take the help of UAVs in our operations against Naxals," an Indian Home Ministry official informed.
US Army Awards $142m Arrowhead Production Contract to Lockheed
Relevance Score: 1.592 2009-07-30 12:19:39
The US Army has awarded a $142m contract to Lockheed Martin to provide 55 Apache Arrowhead systems for its AH-64D Apache attack helicopters. The Apache Arrowhead is a combat-proven night-vision targeting system that uses second generation long-wave infrared sensors specifically designed for the Apache. The Arrowhead kits overhaul the Army's Target Acquisition Designation Sight/Pilot Night Vision Sensor providing the Apache pilots advanced long-range, electro-optical precision engagement and pilotage capabilities, ensuring safe flight in all weather conditions. Lockheed Martin Apache fire control vice-president Bob Gunning said the Arrowhead will enhance system reliability and maintainability while improving Apache operation in severe environments at increased tempo. Under the contract, the company will provide 55 Arrowhead kits.
Textron To Provide Weapons Tech For FA-50s
Relevance Score: 1.567 2010-04-08 22:55:19
The South Korean air force has selected Textron Defense Systems to deliver its smart area weapon technology for use in the FA-50 light combat aircraft. U.S. company Textron received the contract as part of a Eglin Air Force Base Air Armament Center-led foreign military sale. Under the deal, Textron will provide its Sensor Fuzed Weapon smart area weapon technology to the South Korea air force. The Sensor Fuzed Weapon, which will be integrated into the FA-50 supersonic light attack jet, is designed to provide an accurate target acquisition of moving and stationary threats. "Sensor Fuzed Weapon's precision and reliability are valuable assets that can help ensure the security of the Korean Peninsula and greater Pacific Region," Mark Catizone, Textron Defense Systems senior vice president and general manager, informed in a statement.
Boeing Fires New Thin-Disk Laser, Achieving Solid-State Laser Milestone
Relevance Score: 1.532 2009-04-10 09:35:37
The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] fired its new thin-disk laser system repeatedly in recent tests, achieving the highest known simultaneous power, beam quality and run time for any solid-state laser to date. In each laser firing at Boeing's facility in West Hills, Calif., the high-energy laser achieved power levels of over 25 kilowatts for multi-second durations, with a measured beam quality suitable for a tactical weapon system. The Boeing laser integrates multiple thin-disk lasers into a single system. Through these successful tests, the Boeing team has proven the concept of scalability to a 100-kilowatt-class system based on the same architecture and technology. "Solid-state lasers will revolutionize the battlefield by giving the warfighter an ultra-precision engagement capability that can dramatically reduce collateral damage," said Scott Fancher, vice president and general manager of Boeing Missile Defense Systems. "These successful tests show that Boeing has made solid progress toward making this revolutionary capability a reality." The thin-disk laser is an initiative to demonstrate that solid-state laser technologies are now ready to move out of the laboratory and into full development as weapon systems. Solid-state lasers are powered by electricity, making them highly mobile and supportable on the battlefield. The Boeing laser represents the most electrically efficient solid-state laser technology known. The system is designed to meet the rapid-fire, rapid-retargeting requirements of area-defense, anti-missile and anti-mortar tactical high-energy laser systems. It is also ideal for non-lethal, ultra-precision strike missions urgently needed by warfighters in war zones. "This accomplishment demonstrates Boeing's commitment to advancing the state of the art in directed energy technology," said Gary Fitzmire, vice president and program director of Boeing Directed Energy Systems. "These successful tests are a significant milestone toward providing reliable and supportable lasers to U.S. warfighters." Boeing's approach incorporates a series of commercial-off-the-shelf, state-of-the-art lasers used in the automotive industry. These industrial lasers have demonstrated exceedingly high reliability, supportability and maintainability. A high-power solid-state laser will damage, disable or destroy targets at the speed of light, with little to no collateral damage, supporting missions on the battlefield and in urban operations.