[ A Specialized Monthly Journal On Military & Strategic Affairs ] 44th Year | Issue No. 524 | Sep 2015

OSPREY FLIES Emirati Women’s FLAG FOR Day Salutes FUTURE Mothers of Martyrs

LCAC Core of U.S. Amphibious Program

Issue File Anti-discriminatory Law Promotes UAE’s Coexistence Model THE CENTRE OF THE AEROSPACE INDUSTRY

ONLINE VISITOR REGISTRATION NOW OPEN. BEAT THE QUEUES AND REGISTER NOW, USE DISCOUNT CODE NATION1 TO RECEIVE A 20% DISCOUNT.*

*OFFER VALID UNTIL 31/09/15

08-12 NOVEMBER 2015 | DUBAI WORLD CENTRAL, UAE

WWW.DUBAIAIRSHOW.AERO/REGISTER

DAS_Advert_2015_NationShield_220x285_v2.indd 1 17/08/2015 09:56 Martyrs’ Day … A day for the Nation The decree of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the UAE President and Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces - may God protect him, to declare November 30th of every year as Martyrs’ Day and regard it as an official holiday, has not been a surprise to the citizens and residents of the UAE, and all who know this country. The UAE has always set a strong example for creating noble values in the hearts of its citizens. The Martyrs’ Day is a culmination of the loyalty of the wise leadership of the nation towards its sons who have sacrificed their lives for the sake of their nation and its values, both inside and outside the country. By: The UAE people have inherited from the founder of the UAE, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, may God rest his soul, the values of sacrifice and Staff Lieutenant-Colonel unlimited giving for the sake of the homeland. Our honorable martyrs embody these values and have shown that self-sacrifice is the greatest form of giving for the Yousef Juma AL Hadad defense of the homeland, and have received all the reverence and admiration from Editor in Chief UAE nationals. [email protected] Our leaders’ care for the families of martyrs and their attendance at the condo- lence meetings that were organized in different parts of the country, shows their appreciation for the sacrifices made by a number of Emirati citizens who raced to at- tain glory, so they deserve to be praised and honored by our wise leadership and all the UAE people who, not only expressed their pride in their brethren who preceded them to martyrdom, but also emphasized that they are all soldiers in this country. They have also expressed that they soldiers of this country will not hesitate to sacri- fice themselves for its sake, citing God the Almighty’s verse in the Qur’an: “Of the believers are men who are true to that which they covenanted with Allah. Some of them have paid their vow by death (in battle), and some of them still are waiting; and they have not altered in the least”. His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, has emphasized that the country will not forget the sacrifices of the righteous martyrs who have served the country with their blood. His Highness has also stressed that the people of the UAE will not forget the martyrs’ of the nation because their giving is unmatchable. He further said that he vows to God the Almighty that their names will not be for- gotten, but will turn into a series of continued national initiatives on the path of giving. The “Martyrs’ Day” is a day for the nation. It is a repayment for a favor and a chance to express the real interdependence between the homeland, the leadership and the people. The initiatives undertaken by government and private institutions towards “Mother of the Martyr” and “Children of the Martyr”, reflect the competi- tion among all Emiratis to celebrate the martyr on the one hand, and to express loyalty and belonging to the nation, on the other hand. The decision to celebrate the Martyrs’ Day has had a significant impact on the hearts of the UAE nationals. This is evident from the numerous posts and comments on social networking sites lauding the decision and expressing pride in the nation and its prudent leadership. Finally we extend a greeting of esteem and appreciation for the blessed souls of our martyrs, our beloved homeland and our wise leadership. We promise not to Editorial forget our martyrs and to remain soldiers for our nation•

| Issue 524 |Sep 2015 | 3 A Specialized Monthly Journal on Military and Strategic Affairs Issued By UAE Armed Forces. Established In August 1971.

General Supervisor Chairman of the Administrative Council 06 ‏Staff General\ Salem Saeed Ghafan Al Jaberi < Emirati Women’s Day salutes Mothers of Martyrs

Vice Chairman of the Administrative Council

Brigadier \ Saeed Mohamed Al Mazrooei

Editor in Chief

Staff Lieutenant-Colonel \ Yousef Juma AL Hadad

Editorial Manger

Major \ Jamil Khamis Al Saadi

Art Director

Moza Al Ali

Sub-Editors 12 DSEI SPREADS ITS WINGS Mariam Al Romaithi <

Editorial Board

Amal Salem Al Hosani Raya Salem Al Mazroui 22 Layout & Design < Suad Al neaimi OSPREY FLIES FLAG Ahmed Mhammoud FOR FUTURE Typing

Huda Al Attas

Advertisement & Distribution

Lt/1. Khaleil Al Kaabi Ahmad Abdulla Al Blooshi Tel: +971 (2) 4415999 FAX: +971 (2) 4078191 Sakha Pramod Marketing Fax :+971 (2) 4078191 E-Mail (Advertising): [email protected] E-Mail (Edit):[email protected]; [email protected] website: www.nationshield.ae

4 | Sep 2015 | Issue 524 | 524 COVER

50 [ A Specialized Monthly Journal On Military & Strategic Affairs ] 44th Year | Issue No. 524 | Sep 2015 <

OSPREY FLIES Emirati Women’s UAE, NEPAL TO FLAG FOR Day Salutes FUTURE Mothers of Martyrs

BOOST TIES LCAC Core of U.S. Amphibious Program

Issue File Anti-discriminatory Law Promotes UAE’s Coexistence Model

62 < Textron Systems Marine & Land RULING THE WAVES Systems Landing Craft, Air Cushion (LCAC) is the cornerstone of the U.S. amphibious program and a revolu- tionary way for the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps to land at more than 80 per cent of the world’s shorelines.

34

Advertisements DUBAI AIRSHOW IFC FIDAE 27 DIAC 47 66 EUROSATORY 49 < AC-130J GHOSTRIDER – THE FUTURE

The views expressed in Nation Shield Journal are not necessarily shared by, nor should they be taken as the views of Nation Shield Journal. The publication of advertisements does not in any way imply endorsement by the Nation Shield Journal. Instagram & twitter: @nation_Shield All rights reserved.

| Issue 524 | Sep 2015 | 5 Events Emirati Women’s Day salutes Mothers of Martyrs

heikha Fatima Bint Mubarak, SChairwoman of the Geaneral Wom� en’s Union (GWU), Supreme Chair� woman of the Family Development Foundation (FDF) and President of the Supreme Council for Mother� hood and Childhood, has expressed her pleasure at dedicating the 1st Emirati Women’s Day, observed on Aug. 28, to honour mothers of the martyrs and the women working in Emirati women have proven beyond doubt their efficiency in any role assigned to them the armed forces. in service of the nation, including the Armed Forces, national service, police and security In a speech made to mark the day, Sheikh evate the nation’s flag among other nations. of Sheikh Khalifa, Sheikh Mohammed Bin Fatima praised the support given to the Her Highness called on Emirati women Rashid, Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al UAE women by President His Highness to sustain their gains and harness available Nahyan, and the Supreme Council Mem- Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the resources to advance their cause, urging bers and Rulers of the Emirates. Vice President and Prime Minister of the them to take part in the next Federal Na- UAE and Ruler of Dubai, His Highness tional Council elections. Patriotic Emirati Women Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Mak- Sheikha Fatima also endorsed the logo Sheikha Fatima expressed her satisfac- toum, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin for Emirati Women’s Day which symbol- tion with the response and enthusiasm Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu ises the unique identity of Emirati women of young Emirati women joining up for Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Command- and depicts the country’s flag with an illus- national service. Her Highness added er of the UAE Armed Forces, and Their tration of a woman on one section. that Emirati women have proven beyond Highnesses the Supreme Council Mem- Earlier this year, Aug. 28 was declared doubt their efficiency in any role assigned bers and Rulers of the Emirates.. Emirati Women’s Day. The date marks the to them in service of the nation, including Sheikha Fatima has underscored the co- anniversary of the creation of the General the Armed Forces, national service, police hesion between the leadership and citizens, Women’s Union (GWU) in 1975, and is and security. citing the orders of the UAE President to considered a chance to celebrate Emirati Sheikha Fatima recalled that the enlist- make November 30 each year Martyr’s women’s achievements since the group ing of Emirati women in the Armed Forc- Day to remember the gallant sons of the was founded. The GWU has continued its es dates back to the era of the late Sheikh UAE who have sacrificed their lives to el- mission, thanks to the unlimited support Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, a legacy sus-

6 | Sep 2015 | Issue 524 | tained by the incumbent President, Sheikh in the diplomatic corps, seven seats on Khalifa, and Sheikh Mohamed, Crown the FNC, representing 17.5 per cent of Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme the total number of seats, one holding Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, the post of Senior Deputy FNC Speaker, to build a formidable armed forces. She four ministerial positions as well as the noted that, “We observed, on December position of the Secretary General of the 8 last year, the silver jubilee of the Khawla Cabinet. UAE women are very much in- Bint Al Azwar Military School.” volved in the Military and Police service, Her Highness said that Emirati women rising to the rank of Brigadier. One UAE have been enlisting in the Armed Forces woman currently serves as Chairperson in droves, despite the fact that they were of the Arab Women Organisation. not obliged by any law to do so. “It reflects Women in the United Arab Emirates the legendary epic of loyalty to the home- have occupied the highest positions with land and the leadership as well as willing- the support of the wise leadership of ness to take on national responsibility and Sheikh Khalifa, Sheikh Mohammed Bin partnership in the defence of national sov- Rashid, Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed, ereignty, dignity and national gains.” Her and the Supreme Council Members and Highness thanked all officials of National Rulers of the Emirates. and Reserve Service Authority for their ef- In the view of the Vice President and forts and reiterated her support for them. Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid UAE Women Success Al Maktoum, “The UAE went beyond The march of women’s advancement com- the stage of women’s empowerment. We menced with the establishment of the UAE are now empowering the community on December 2, 1971. This was part of the through women.” ambitious programme of development His Highness General Sheikh Mo- launched by the founder of the UAE, the hamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown late Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan. Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Su- The establishment of the General Wom- preme Commander of the UAE Armed en’s Union on Aug. 27, 1975, with the Forces said that the UAE is well ahead unlimited support of Sheikh Zayed and in the empowerment of women to play under the chairmanship of the pioneer- their social role, a legacy chalked out ing leader of women’s empowerment, H. by the late Sheikh Zayed by Sultan Al H Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak, repre- Nahyan. His Highness noted that Sheikh sented a starting point in the march of Zayed had persevered to provide all the women’s progress and empowerment. facilities and remove the impediments to The National Strategy for the Advance- encourage Emirati women to play their ment of Women, launched by Sheikha Fa- role in the development of the commu- tima, in 2002, is one of the major achieve- nity - a move that has reflected on the ments of the march of the Union. UAE s humanitarian and social role at Today, women in the UAE are key part- the global level. ners in leading the drive towards sustain- His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin able development and occupy the highest Zayed Al Nahyan, Foreign Minister positions in the executive, legislative and highlighted the fact that the UAE co- judicial sovereignty authorities. At pre- operates with international mechanisms sent, women hold around 30 per cent of for human rights, adding that the UAE the senior jobs related to the decision- is ranked 38th according to the Woman’s making process, 10 per cent of the jobs Empowerment Index•

| Issue 524 | Sep 2015 | 7 Events

COUNTDOWN TO HELITECH Huge Middle East influence at leading rotorcraft expo elitech International, run in association with the European Helicopter Association (EHA), is Eu- Hrope’s largest exhibition and conference dedicated to civil, business and para-public rotorcraft and a must-attend event for key buyers and operators in the global rotorcraft market. The event runs from October 6-8 at ExCeL London. The exhibition will feature leading indus- Currently there are 35 companies North Africa. The company will be par- try primes as well as innovative small to from nine countries making their debut, ticipating at Helitech International 2015 medium-size companies from around the including ATEQ UK, Eastern Atlantic with its joint venture partner, Quality world. Exhibitors from over 20 countries Helicopters, Gulf Helicopters, North- Aviation, to launch and promote its main- including Australia, New Zealand, Qatar, rop Grumman Litef, Test-Fuchs and tenance, repair and overhaul capabilities the US, Canada and 15 European nations Panalpina Inc. and Swiss Rotor Solu- to benefit operators of AgustaWestland will showcase the latest products, parts tions AG. The significant number of first AW139/AW189, Sikorsky S-92 and Bell and technologies, illustrating the truly time exhibitors illustrates the extent to helicopters. global footprint of Helitech International. which Helitech International is building “In order to promote our MRO and Prime contractors AgustaWestland, on recent success and expanding its in- training capabilities in line with our vi- Airbus Helicopters, Bell Helicopter, ternational dimension. sion to reach out to new markets, GHC BAE Systems and Lockheed Martin has decided to participate at Helitech In- have all confirmed their presence; and Gulf Helicopters ternational 2015 as it holds an important longstanding advocates of the event, Making its debut in London, Gulf Heli- position in the calendar of helicopter in- such as Curtiss-Wright, Honeywell, ITT, copters Company (GHC), headquartered dustry,” said Mohamed Al Mohannadi, Milestone, Pratt & Whitney and Vector in Qatar, is a commercial helicopter op- Chief Executive Officer of Gulf Helicop- Aerospace, will join an influx of new ex- erator with a global presence covering the ters Company. hibitors. Middle East, Far East, India, Europe and “Helitech International is ideally posi-

8 | Sep 2015 | Issue 524 | holds EASA Part 147 maintenance training organisation approval. Middle East demand The Middle East has a voracious appe- tite for helicopters fuelled by the region’s plentiful reserves of oil and a decade of rapid economic expansion. The increas- ing wealth in the Middle East will see helicopter sales soar by 50 per cent in the next decade, according to leading inter- national helicopter manufacturer, Bell Helicopter. Moreover, the Middle East’s growing reputation as a tourist destination con- tinues to feed demand for leisure flights by helicopter and its powerhouse cre- dentials as a hub for business mean that the corporate and VIP segment remains one of the world’s strongest outside the tioned to cover the full region - not just domestic USA. Investment in emergen- Europe but also Middle East, America Prime contractors cy medical services aircraft in countries and Africa. I believe that the event is the across the region is also on the increase. only dedicated forum for the helicop- AgustaWestland, Honeywell Aerospace’s 17th annual ter industry, where people from the in- Airbus Helicopters, “Turbine-Powered Civil Helicopter Pur- dustry can get together to discuss their chasing Outlook,” reports some 4,750 - business.” Bell Helicopter, 5,250 civilian-use helicopters will be de- GHC holds both European Aviation livered during the period 2015 to 2019. Safety Agency (EASA) Part 145 main- BAE Systems, The report also shows that the Middle tenance organisation approval as well as East and Africa lead all regions in new Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Northrop purchase rates, with up to 32 per cent repair station approval. GHC is also an Grumman and of respondent fleets slated for turnover ISO 9001:2008 certified organisation for with a new helicopter replacement or helicopter transportation, maintenance Lockheed Martin addition, and 18 per cent of operators and associated services. plan increases in helicopter use. This Gulf Helicopters Training Academy have all confirmed market backdrop of steady global de- is an AgustaWestland authorised train- mand and a budding rotary wing sec- ing centre, which houses an AW139 their presence tor has been reflected by an increase in Full Flight Simulator (FFS), Level B, quirements of customers. interest from industry across the board to provide the whole range of training GHC has also signed a contract with in Helitech International 2015. including Type Rating, Recurrent, Line AgustaWestland to provide a FFS capa- Delivered by business leaders, the Oriented Flight Training, Night Deck bility for the AW189, Level C; the com- Helitech International conference on Landing, Multi-crew Cooperation and pany’s plan is to add two more simu- the opening day will cover a range of Check-rides, either on a wet lease or on lators to cover market requirements key topics, including: strategy, market a dry lease. GHC delivers a complete to support demand from customers. insights, trends and thought leadership. range of training, including type spe- GHC’s AW139 FFS is certified by EASA The Rotorcraft Business Leaders Forum, cific, for both pilots and engineers and under JAR Flight Simulation Training which opens the event, will feature high also ancillary training to support the re- Devices - Helicopter. In addition, GHC profile thought leaders from across the

| Issue 524 | Sep 2015 | 9 Events

industry, giving their perspectives and their existing expertise to transform crew fatigue during HEMS Operations. opinions on major business issues and a competitor into new opportunities Hosted by the European Helicopter strategies for the next five to ten years. for growing their business. The sec- Safety Team (EHEST) and the Interna- Among other highlights, Futureproof ond Focus On session, on Wednesday tional Helicopter Safety Team (IHST), – Three Perspectives session will look at afternoon, will look at offshore wind The Safety Workshop on Thursday will new technologies, procedures and tech- farms as a growth area for rotorcraft. focus on technologies and processes nical applications; after which experts This will include an analysis of global aimed at ‘Enhancing Situational Aware- from the finance and insurance sector market trends and opportunities for ness and Making Better Decisions’, will discuss the issues that will affect offshore wind farms, including the pre- with engaging presenters from indus- the financial underpinning of rotorcraft dicted growth in offshore wind farms; try and academia. Captain Eric ‘Win- businesses. A section on helicopter pilot technology developments impacting kle’ Brown will be the keynote speaker training will assess the business benefits on transport support requirements. who will be sharing his thoughts and of using professional flight simulators. The second day will feature a series experiences on how best to prepare for Reflecting the appetite for increased of informative, free seminars sessions flight. A former Royal Navy officer and content, for this year Helitech Interna- run by the EHA that will focus on leg- test pilot, he has flown 487 different tional is introducing additional ‘Focus islation changes within the rotorcraft types of aircraft, more than anyone else On’ sessions to the conference. The busi- industry. The morning session on Rule- in history. ness opportunities presented by a grow- making and Air Traffic Management A session on safety culture and ing Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) will include a keynote address from risk taking will examine what a posi- sector will be explored on Tuesday after- Luc Tytgat, Strategy and Safety Direc- tive safety culture looks like and how noon. UAVs have the potential to sup- tor, European Aviation Safety Agency. to recognise the difference between plant helicopters across multiple mis- Following on, a presentation on ‘In- good risk taking and bad risk taking. sions – aerial photography, surveillance troducing the changes to Occurrence After lunch, a review of technologies for emergency services, power lines Reporting in Europe’ will outline what to improve situational awareness will and security, plus crop management, to these changes mean practically for avi- explore interesting new technologies name but a few. ation organisations, what is changing in Research and Development phases, and most importantly, how this feeds and promising ideas that could lead to New opportunities into the improvement of safety in Eu- valuable pilot aids in the near future. This extended session will explore how rope. Among other highlights in the Another technology review will il- rotorcraft businesses can capitalise on afternoon will be a scientific study on lustrate how ADS-B is delivering real

10 | Sep 2015 | Issue 524 | safety and operational benefits to indi- vidual pilots and organisations in the USA, and how quickly and easily those will become available in Europe. Other highlights include a review of the is- sues and concerns associated with the introduction of automated systems and cockpits; a look at the latest thinking on how to train for automated cockpits; and an introduction of the new EHEST Instructor Training Manual and risk as- sessment tool, MARIA. The Learning & Skills Zone is a new initiative being launched by Helitech International in 2015 aimed at young people with an interest in a career in the rotary wing sector. The Zone will introduce and explain the various ca- reer paths available to young adults, covering key areas such as design, en- gineering and piloting. Participants include Helicentre Avia- tion Academy who, as well as bringing a GuimbalCabri G2, will be offering visitors the opportunity to explore their groundbreaking BSc (Hons) Profes- sional Aviation Pilot Practice (Helicop- ter) Degree programme. Organisations such as the Air Cadets, British Gliding Association and Norwich International Aviation Academy will also participate actively in the Zone. The rotary wing sector is very diverse and the young visitors will also have an opportunity to observe the broad spectrum of options available. Also new this year is the Aviation Skills Award for the rotorcraft industry. The winners of this international com- petition, comprising four categories: Young Person of the Year, Skills Pro- vider of the Year, Business of the Year and Coach/Mentor/Trainer/Teacher of the year, will be presented at ceremony during the show.• Reference Text/Photos: CMS Strategic, Reed Exhibitions

| Issue 524 | Sep 2015 | 11 Events

DSEI SPREADS ITS WINGS More speakers, countries, exhibitors, hardware Organised by Clarion Events, DSEI 2015 the United Arab Emirates among the efence and Security Equip- is expected to attract more than 32,000 world’s top 10 defence spenders. De- mentD International (DSEI) is visitors, including 150 programmed del- fence spend in the region per capita the largest integrated defence egations from over 60 countries, and over outstrips that of any other geographical and security exhibition in the 2,800 global VIPs. Breaking all previous region worldwide. world, focusing on key sectors records, the event, to be staged Septem- Both large and small international such as air, land, naval, un- ber 15-18, is set to showcase more than military and defence companies compete manned, medical and security. 1,500 exhibitors from over 50 countries. heavily within this market influenced by Hosted at ExCeL London every It is the must-attend event of 2015 with declining military spending across Eu- two years, DSEI continues to more exhibitors, zones and demonstra- rope and the United States. Many of be recognised internationally tion content than ever before. the Middle East’s biggest spenders, his- as the market leading exhibi- torically depended on the Western na- tion for defence and security Middle East defence tions, particularly the US, for their mili- products, technology and ser- The Middle East defence market is cer- tary imports, and are now consciously vices. tainly among the world’s most densely looking into diversifying their provider populated and well funded markets. base - a significant recent development Military expenditures in the region con- contributing to the growth of the local, tinue to be high, with Saudi Arabia and mostly Turkish, defence industry. In

12 | Sep 2015 | Issue 524 | light of this, DSEI, with its international notes and speakers including the UK breadth and global stature, will provide Secretary of State for Defence, Michael Leading aerospace the ideal platform and opportunity for Fallon MP and Philip Dunne MP, Min- companies exhibiting Middle Eastern companies to build re- ister of State for Defence Procurement. include Airbus Defence lationships in the defence sector, market Dunne, who is responsible for defence & Space, BAE Systems, their latest products and services and ul- procurement and support of equipment, Bell Helicopters, Boeing, timately secure business. science and technology within the Min- When looking at the likely export ad- istry of Defence (MOD), has identified Finmeccanica, General dressable opportunities at a global level strongly with DSEI since he first as- Dynamics, L3, Lockheed for the defence industry, five of the 10 sumed his role in 2012. Martin, MBDA, Northrop leading countries are from the Middle Dunne says: “The last DSEI in 2013 Grumman, Rafael, Rolls- East. According to the IHS Global De- provided an impressive global platform Royce, SAAB, CAE and fence Trade Report, the Middle East is for a huge range of British defence and the biggest regional market and there security firms to showcase and promote Thales. The platforms are $110 billion in opportunities in the their products, technologies and ser- on display will include coming decade. Saudi Arabia and UAE vices. DSEI 2015 will provide a similar AgustaWestland’s together imported $8.6 billion in de- substantial forum, it is against a darker Sea King, Merlin and fence systems in 2014, more than the landscape that leaders of defence will imports of Western Europe combined. once again come together. Wildcat helicopters, The Middle East is strongly represented DSEI 2015 will also have unprecedent- Airbus Helicopters’ Puma at DSEI with numerous companies from ed support from both the UK and inter- 2, as well as Thales’ Turkey, Israel, Jordan and the UAE. national military, with senior personnel, Watchkeeper UAV, including the four UK MOD service Boeing ScanEagle and the Largest speaker line-up chiefs, confirmed to speak throughout DSEI will have the strongest speaker the four days of the show in the exhibi- Eurofighter Typhoon multi line-up ever with 300 high-level key- tion floor theatres: Admiral Sir George role combat aircraft

| Issue 524 | Sep 2015 | 13 Events

lenges, developments and future of the Defence & Security sector’s ever- changing landscape providing the global platform of choice for key government figures and influential policy makers within the sector. Each zone will have its own dedicated theatre plus there will be an additional theatre covering global partnerships. DSEI will also stage four new high- level conferences focused on the future strategy of maritime defence, rotorcraft technology, front line medical servic- es, and lessons learnt from the recent Ebola epidemic. The DSEI Strategic Zambellas, First Sea Lord and Chief of make it easier for visitors to meet exhib- Conferences, which will take place at the Naval Staff of the Royal Navy; Gen- iting companies and view their associ- ExCeL on Monday September 14 and eral Sir Nicholas Carter, Chief of the ated products, either on their stand, in Tuesday September 15, will provide General Staff, British Army; Air Chief a static display or in a realistic demon- opportunities for top industry profes- Marshal Sir Andrew Pulford, Chief of stration scenario. Focus areas include, sionals, academics and members of the the Air Staff, Royal Air Force and Gen- but are not limited to: Air Zone; Land military to discuss and debate these im- eral Sir Richard Barrons, Commander Zone; Medical Innovation Zone; Naval portant topics.. Joint Forces Command. Zone, to include waterborne demon- Admiral Zambellas will be giving the strations and a visiting ship programme; keynote address at ‘The First Sea Lord/ International breadth Security & Special Forces Zone; and the RUSI International Sea Power Confer- To date over 40 international pavilions Unmanned Zone. ence’, which will provide an excellent have a presence at DSEI 2015. Coun- Each zone will have a dedicated thea- conceptual component to the already tries attending for the first time include tre area where visitors can attend free Malaysia, Latvia, and Lithuania. Nations educational sessions that are designed returning to this year’s edition include: to showcase the latest technologies. Visi- Australia, Brazil, Chile, , Ger- tors to the exhibition can listen to panel many, Holland, India, Israel, and and individual discussions on a wide Switzerland. A number of pavilions are range of subjects including: best prac- expanding for 2015 such as the UK, US, tices and innovations within the medi- Turkey, Japan and South Korea. cal field; future maritime mine warfare DSEI will feature a strong interna- and anti-piracy; synergies and lessons tional speaker line-up including: Lt learned between defence and the civil- Gen Alexander Schnitger, Commander, ian arena reflecting the increased co-op- Royal Netherlands Air Force, Rear Ad- eration and partnership between large miral Tony Dalton, Head Helicopters, security companies and defence primes. Unmanned Aerial Systems and Guided Weapons Division (HUG-D), Austral- Conferences ian Defence Organisation, Rear Admi- DSEI will host around 300 seminar ses- ral Kevin Donegan, Deputy CNO Ops, sions and keynotes across seven theatres Professor Jim Bergeron, POLAD MAR- and four strategic conferences facilitat- COM, Associated Fellow RUSI and Ad- ing knowledge sharing and networking miral Carlos Ortega, Mexican Navy. around key topics and technical areas. A popular highlight of DSEI is its At DSEI 2015, six themed zones will DSEI’s seminars will address the chal- line-up of international warships

14 | Sep 2015 | Issue 524 | strong maritime element of DSEI 2015. Recognising the unique opportunity for international engagement ahead of DSEI, the conference will provide a plat- form for exploring thinking from across the globe on the strategic responsibili- ties fulfilled by navies in the contempo- rary and future maritime environment. Brigadier Tim Hodgetts CBE, Medi- cal Director at Defence Medical Services (DMS) will be the keynote speaker of the ‘Trauma Innovation’ strategic con- ference. Trauma Innovation will show- case cutting edge trauma developments. Designed in partnership with DMS, their next generation of vertical lift util- case an impressive variety of exhibiting the agenda has three themes: Legacy of ity and attack rotorcraft that will offer, aerospace companies. Leading aero- Conflict; Future Conflict; and Conflict at a minimum, significantly increased space primes including Airbus Defence Research. speed and range. Major General Rich- & Space, Bell Helicopters, Saab AB, The ‘Future of Military Rotorcraft: ard Felton, Commander, Joint Helicop- Lockheed Martin, Boeing and Northrop 2030 and Beyond’ conference will ex- ter Command, will provide the keynote Grumman will all be present, in addi- amine the drive to develop military speech here. tion to a host of global supply chain pro- rotorcraft beyond their current tradi- viders, such as: Aero Tec Laboratories, tionally limited operational capabili- Ebola Copper and Optic Terminations, Hel- ties. It will involve an in-depth discus- Air Marshal Paul Evans, Surgeon Gen- met Integrated Systems, IA Technology, sion of the US’ Future Vertical Lift eral of Defence Medical Services (DMS) Linwave, Lyra, Metis Aerospace, Moto- (FVL) Programme. The United States’ will chair the ‘Ebola Learning Exploita- tok International and PPG Aerospace. Department of Defence is developing tion’ strategic conference which will Building on its participation at DSEI be staged during the first day of DSEI, 2013, the Royal Air Force has demon- Tuesday September 15. It will review the strated full support of this year’s event. DSMS role in the UK response to the Air Vice-Marshal Malcolm Brecht, 2014-15 Ebola outbreak in West Africa, Chief of Staff Air Capability, said: “DSEI particularly Sierra Leone. Jennifer Cole, 2015 enables us to highlight themes that Senior Research Fellow, Resilience & will influence future UK air capability, Emergency Management, Royal United and we will continue to pursue the ex- Services Institute (RUSI) will give the cellent opportunity that DSEI 2015 pro- keynote speech. vides to engage in high-level industry The air component at this year’s briefings and bilaterals”. event will address the frontline opera- DSEI 2015 will see the largest Land tional requirements and support func- Zone to date which is evolving to pro- tions available to the aerospace sector. vide even more suppliers, content and A range of static displays are expected diversity, and more exhibitors offering to include a Sea King helicopter, Merlin, land capabilities outside the Zone. Ex- Wildcat, Apache, Puma, Watchkeeper hibitors from the land domain include and ScanEagle UAVs and Eurofighter leading players in the global indus- Typhoon multi-role combat aircraft, try, ranging from prime contractors to among others. niche specialist suppliers such as BAE The Air Zone has grown notably in Systems, General Dynamics, Jankel Ar- the last few years and 2015 will show- mouring, JCB Government & Defence,

| Issue 524 | Sep 2015 | 15 Events

Land Rover, Patria Oyj, Rheinmetall, Lt Gen Mark Poffley, Commander Force tion programme and in depth scenarios, Streit and Supacat. Development and Capability said: “Re- encompassing current and future threats cent events have highlighted the need to maritime security and naval warfare. Land focus expands for an integrated and persistent secu- There will be around a dozen vessels The land static display area is being ex- rity response across a wide spectrum of undertaking demonstrations, with two panded this year following its success operations. The British Army is recon- performances per day. in 2013. Iveco are planning to bring figuring to meet the challenges of the three vehicles. Supacat are expanding contemporary security environment. Security their presence and are launching a new An important part of this adjustment is Security is another growth area: this year product range at the show. First time establishing a close relationship with its the Security Zone will be bigger than in exhibitors, Isotrex Manufacturing FZE industrial partners, seeking out innova- 2013 and will include a cyber security from the UAE, and CS – Force Com- tive and relevant solutions as part of the zone. A record number of first time ex- pany form the UK are also launching DGP and exploiting mutually beneficial hibitors will be showcasing their capa- new products. Streit Group has recently agendas to defeat those who threaten bilities covering a broad spectrum of se- opened one of the world’s largest biggest our security.” curity and counter terrorism disciplines. bulletproof glass factories of the MENA A popular highlight of DSEI is its A vital area given the domestic dangers region in Ras Al Khaimah - UAE. For line-up of international warships and the UK police now have to deal with this year DSEI exhibition, Streit Group the event’s organisers are working close- daily; DSEI 2015 will provide a window is displaying 10 Armoured Personnel ly with various nations to provide more towards mitigating the most prevalent Carriers’ latest models with various bal- variety and higher numbers of visiting security threats faced by services across listic protection levels. vessels this September. To date DSEI has the UK and around the world. A ‘Future Soldier Systems Showcase’ in secured eight ships which will include The Zone will operate in conjunction the static display area is being launched (subject to operational requirements): with the Cyber Security Pavilion to host for the 2015 edition of DSEI. Another a Royal Navy Type 23 , Royal a series of eminent speakers from lead- important development, the showcase Navy River Class Offshore Patrol Vessel, ing security organisations, alongside a will provide an additional platform for Royal Navy Hunt Class MCMV, Ger- broad mix of exhibitors. Following the exhibitors to display land focused capa- man Navy K 130 corvette FGD Ludwig- award-winning success of the inaugural bilities, discuss new technologies, trends shafen, Belgian Navy – 52 metre Coastal Unmanned Zone, a series of stakehold- in combat clothing, tactical require- Patrol Vessel BNS Castor, an Indian ers, including the Association for Un- ments for national soldier systems and Navy Frigate and VN. Partisan – Train- manned Vehicle Systems International other key issues. ing vessel. (AUVSI), have continued their support The British Army is again planning to This year’s event will also stage its for 2015. deliver a strong presence at DSEI 2015. most extensive waterborne demonstra- The 2015 Unmanned Zone will host the complete spectrum of unmanned system designers and manufacturers for all applications and developments across all of the military and security sectors. Examples of current exhibitors partic- ipating in the Unmanned Zone include AIE, CES, DOK-ING, ELI Military Simulation, Galleon EC, IAT 21, Lin- wave, Milrem, Northwest UAV, Panvion Technology, Planet Ocean, Reamda, Rotron Power, Spectracom, Velodyne and Wolfstone. In addition to the zone, companies presenting unmanned tech- nologies in the wider exhibition include The land static display area is being expanded this year following its success in 2013 primes such as Selex, Northrop Grum-

16 | Sep 2015 | Issue 524 | Thales Watchkeeper WK450, Remote Piloted Air System (RPAS) for all weather, Intel- ligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition and Reconnaissance (ISTAR)

The Royal Navy has demonstrated full support of this year’s event. man, QinetiQ, BAE Systems and Thales. from a diverse range of new exhibitors hanced waterborne and medical dem- such as Exmed, Cellox, Laerdal, Military onstrations, DSEI is the must-attend Medical Medical Personnel, Philips Healthcare, event in 2015. Offering the opportunity The introduction of highly focussed Prometheus Medical and Ryozo will be to meet, network and engage with more combat training courses, combined on show. The zone will host more dem- exhibitors from primes to SMEs, VIP with an increase in medical combat in- onstrations (twice daily), and seminars delegations, colleagues and visitors than novation over recent years has led to a than previous years and has full sup- ever before, it will be a unique meeting significant decrease in the number of port from the Defence Medical Servic- point for the defence, aerospace, mari- preventable deaths occurring in modern es (DMS) and Joint Forces Command time, security, unmanned and medical conflict. These important developments, (JFC). industries. DSEI will once again be a which continue to take place in military A highly topical medical issue, ex- platform to research, procure, under- healthcare, will be highlighted within an ploiting the learnings from the Ebola stand new products and services, plus expanded Medical Innovation Zone at outbreak, will be the subject of a high meet and do business with the whole DSEI 2015, reflecting the rising require- level Strategic Conference to be held supply chain.” said DSEI event director, ments of medical personnel within the in ExCeL London on Day 1 of DSEI – Duncan Reid• armed forces. Tuesday 15 September. A Trauma Inno- For more information please visit www. The Medical Innovation Zone will vation conference will be held in part- dsei.co.uk, Reference Text/Photos: feature products and technologies with nership with DMS the day before. www.dsei.co.uk, www.cmsstrategic.com applications in humanitarian as well as “With increased content, more key- military domains. The latest equipment notes, new strategic conferences and en-

| Issue 524 | Sep 2015 | 17 News

Lockheed Martin to upgrade US Navy’s Electronic Warfare Defenses

he US Navy recently awarded Lock- Theed Martin a US$154 million contract to upgrade the fleet’s electronic warfare defenses against evolving threats, such as anti-ship missiles. Under this low-rate initial production contract for Block 2 of the US Navy’s Surface Electronic Warfare Improve- ment Program (SEWIP), Lockheed Martin will provide additional systems to upgrade the AN/SLQ-32 systems on US aircraft carriers, cruisers, destroyers and other warships with key capabilities to determine if the electronic sensors of potential foes are tracking the ship. Systems and Training. Martin was awarded 24 systems as part “We are proud to continue supporting Block 2 is the latest in the succession of low-rate initial production, the first 10 the US Navy with capabilities delivered of improvement “blocks” the US Navy of which have been delivered to the US on schedule to rapidly introduce new is pursuing for its shipboard electronic Navy on schedule. technology to the sailors,” said Joe Ot- warfare system, which will add new de- Work on the SEWIP program will be taviano, Electronic Warfare Program fensive technologies and functional ca- carried out at the company’s Syracuse, Director for Lockheed Martin Mission pabilities. In 2013 and 2014, Lockheed New York, facility.

Component maintenance work will Saab Signs NH90 Contract With FMV be carried out at the Saab facilities in ensures the availability of our prod- Järfälla, Jönköping, Linköping and by efence and security company Saab ucts throughout their lifecycle. It also a number of foreign subcontractors. hasD signed a contract to provide com- confirms our long-standing and good Saab has already developed and ponent maintenance for the tactical relationships with the Swedish Defence delivered the tactical mission system mission system (TMS) on NH90 heli- Materiel Administration and the Swed- (TMS) for the Swedish variant of the copters of the Swedish Armed Forces. ish Armed Forces when it comes to NHIndustries NH90 helicopter, des- The contract is for five years with an their helicopter operations,” says Jonas ignated Helikopter 14 (Hkp 14) in option for one further year. The order Hjelm, head of Saab business area Sup- Swedish service. is valued at approximately SEK 170 port and Services. million. This new contract covers compo- nent maintenance for the TMS to en- sure full system availability. This will include, among other capabilities, the helicopter’s sonar system for anti-sub- marine warfare. Saab is now responsi- ble for the support and maintenance of the entire Hkp 14 TMS. “This agreement confirms our strength as a support provider who

18 | Sep 2015 | Issue 524 | Rheinmetall to supply Kuwait with biological detection capability. This consti- tutes another major technological advance, advanced armoured NBC vehicles made possible thanks to Rheinmetall’s The Fuchs/Fox 2 NBC-RS features a comprehensive, longstanding expertise in he Emirate of Kuwait has contracted comprehensive, fully integrated suite of this field, in turn underpinning RMMV’s Twith Rheinmetall to supply it with twelve devices for identifying NBC warfare agents leading position in this segment of the state-of-the-art armoured NBC reconnais- and other hazardous materials, built into market. When it comes to detecting biolog- sance vehicles, the 2 NBC-RS “Spürfuchs”. a well-protected, high-mobility 6x6 ar- ical threats, RMMV can supply users not The order also includes comprehensive moured transport vehicle capable of oper- only with the advanced Fuchs/Fox 2 NBC- support in the form of training, service and ating in extreme terrain. RS, but – depending on their operational spare parts. Delivery of the vehicle com- The outcome of a systematic develop- requirements – with a separate biological mences in 2017. An accompanying tech- ment effort, the vehicles earmarked for detection laboratory as well, mounted on nical support agreement contract covers Kuwait are the first to feature an additional the carrier platform of their choice. a period of five years, beginning as soon as the first Fuchs/Fox 2 NBC-RS vehicle enters service. The parties to the contract have agreed not to disclose the cost of the order. The contractor is Rheinmetall MAN Military Vehicles GmbH (RMMV). Rhein- metall holds a 51% share in the company. As Pietro Borgo, Managing Director of RMMV and Member of the Executive Board of Rheinmetall Defence, explains, “This important order is a major vote of confidence by an Arab country in Rhein- metall, Europe’s leading supplier of army technology.” Fincantieri carries out training program for UAE students Italian excellence in the marine sector in Sestri, operating in the building of cruise ithin the scope of the interna- various aspects such as naval, cruise and ships, and to the University of Genoa. tionalW cooperation program with the mega-yachts and increase the relation- The initiative highlights that training United Arab Emirates, Fincantieri has ship with leading UAE universities that programs are a key factor in Fincan- carried out training courses for students will be opening up in the coming years. tieri’s value chain as it operates in an of the Higher Colleges of Technology The lectures focused on the maritime intensive-knowledge sector. This project and Khalifa University of Science, Tech- sector and were held by Fincantieri’s in particular has been appreciated by the nology and Research in Genova, Italy. staff and field experts. The topics- in UAE government and will be crucial to They were held at the headquarters of cluded ‘Introduction to Naval Architec- get the younger generation’s interest in Fincantieri’s subsidiary company, Center ture’, ‘Project Management’, ‘Design’, and Etihad Shipbuilding, the joint venture, for Naval and Maritime Field Research ‘Construction and Outfitting’, among which Fincantieri set up in 2010 with (CETENA). others. The visits involved trips to the the Al Fattan shipyard in Abu Dhabi. Both universities are located in Abu two sites of the integrated naval ship- As part of the agreement, they design, Dhabi and are among the most pres- yard in Riva Trigoso and Muggiano. produce and sell different types of civil- tigious institutes in the region. The aim Trips were also organized to the Group’s ian and military ships as well as perform of the activity was to raise awareness of shipyards in Monfalcone, Marghera and maintenance and refitting activities.

| Issue 524 | Sep 2015 | 19 News

Nexter Systems and Krauss-Maffei Wegmann form an alliance two companies and their regional pres- ments in place. exter Systems and Krauss-Maffei ences in the world market complement In the future whenever the new group NWegmann (KMW), two of Europe’s each other. would develop any consolidation pro- leading manufacturers of military land The alliance further creates a group ject, this would be based on the preser- defense systems, recently formed an with the momentum and innovative vation of the balance between the two alliance under the umbrella of a joint force required to succeed and prosper operational companies as well as the holding company. in international competition. It offers protection of their related key technolo- The aim was to create a Franco-Ger- its European and NATO customers the gies, know-how and competences, in man defense technology group with an opportunity of increased standardiza- full compliance with the export regula- annual turnover nearing 2 billion euro, tion and interoperability for their de- tions. an order book of around 9 billion euro fense equipment, with a dependable For the unification of the two com- and more than 6,000 employees. industrial base. panies, the sole owners are contributing KMW, Nexter and their owners view The two CEOs have said that the their shares into a newly incorporated this step as decisive for the consolida- creation of the new groups will have no joint holding company based in the tion of the defense technology industry social consequence and will not impact Netherlands. in Europe. The product portfolios of the employment or the collective agree- Raytheon to build more than 500 hard-target-penetrating missiles

Standoff Weapon (JSOW) systems. The weapon can be launched from aytheon is all set to provide the The order includes 200 AGM-154C-1 F/A-18, F-16, F-15, F-35, and Jas USR and Saudi Arabian military forces unitary-variant JSOW missiles for the Gripen jet fighter-bombers, as well as with more than 500 hard-target-pen- US Navy and 355 AGM-154 Block III from B-1B, B-2A, and B-52H long- etrating and data-linked medium- C unitary-variant JSOW missiles for range jet bombers. The AGM-154C range precision-guided target-pen- the government of Saudi Arabia. JSOW unitary variant uses an imag- etrating missiles under terms of a The AGM-154 JSOW is a medium ing infrared seeker with autonomous US$180.4 million contract. range precision-guided weapon for guidance. Officials have asked the Raytheon attacking defended targets from out- Raytheon will carry out the work Missile Systems segment in Tucson, side the range of standard anti-aircraft in Tucson, Arizona and McAlester, Arizona, to produce 555 full-rate- defenses. Pilots typically fire JSOW Oklahoma, and it is most likely to be production lot 11 AGM-154 Joint from ranges of 22 to 70 nautical miles. completed by April 2018.

20 | Sep 2015 | Issue 524 | Selex ES wins contract to update UK RAF Puma EW Capability ditional sets for spares and training and inmeccanica – Selex ES has won a several sets of ‘A-kit’ equipment – the Fcontract worth around £19 million to antennas and cockpit control equipment provide an ongoing radar warning capa- needed to quickly install the full sys- bility for the UK Royal Air Force’s fleet tem as a helicopter switches over from of Puma helicopters. The company was a training to operational environment. selected by the UK Ministry of Defense This provision means that the RAF’s en- to provide its SG200-D Radar Warning tire fleet of 24 Pumas will have access to Receiver (SG200-D RWR). the technology. SG200-D is a UK-specific product Selex ES is pursuing a range of further SG200-D Radar Warning Receiver from the family of Selex ES’s SEER sys- opportunities for its SG200-D RWR tem. An advanced digital Radar Warn- technology in the UK. The company fully programmable and allows users to ing Receiver, SG200-D is self-protection has built a close operational relationship configure its operation with indigenous equipment that detects and identifies with the Ministry of Defense (MoD) mission-dependent data. The system’s emitters in high density and complex ra- having worked extensively on helicopter small-footprint, low-weight and power dar environments. electronic warfare systems across the UK characteristics ensure its suitability for The contract includes a number of full fleet. aircraft of new or upgrade program, in- sets of SG200-D equipment for instal- For export customers, Selex ES of- cluding fixed and rotary wing aircraft lation onto the Puma helicopters, ad- fers the SEER RWR, a system that is and Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS). Thales awarded Sighting Systems Contract for UK MoD Scout SV hales recently won an award ofT a £125M contract for the supply of Sighting Systems and Ancillary Equipment to General Dynamics UK for the production phase of the UK Ministry of Defense’s (MoD) Special- ist Vehicle (SV) program. Under the terms of the contract, Thales will supply 245 vehicle sets, each consisting of a Primary Sight, Local Situational Awareness (LSA) camera system and Smoke Dispenser, over a 5 year program between 2016 and 2021, specifically for the Scout ness of the Scout SV sighting system Thales’ optronics facility in Glasgow. variant of the vehicle. for the UK MoD. Keeping in mind Victor Chavez, CEO of Thales in the Thales will also supply a further 344 the in-service support contract for UK said, “Our sighting systems for sets of their LSA systems for other the Scout SV fleet recently secured the Scout SV vehicle will provide the versions of the vehicle in the same by General Dynamics UK, an initial UK MoD with a step change in its ve- time period. spares provisioning package is also hicle reconnaissance and surveillance Both Thales and General Dynamics included within the Thales scope of capability and will enhance the pros- UK want to maximize the long-term supply. pect of mission success and surviv- operational availability and effective- All equipment will be built at ability on the battlefield”.

| Issue 524 | Sep 2015 | 21 Report

PHROG’S FINE FAREWELL Osprey flies flag for future

fter more than 50 years of Aservice to the U.S. Marine Corps, the CH-46 Sea Knight, affec- tionately known as the “Phrog,” jumped into the history books, with a final flight. The flight was to the famous Smithsonian’s Na- tional Air and Space Museum, Udvar-Hazy Center. Now HMM- 774, the last operational CH-46 squadron, prepares for its future aboard the MV-22 Osprey. With the speed of a plane and the hov- ering ability of a helicopter, the V-22 Osprey is a true multi-task aircraft de- veloped by Boeing and Bell Helicop- ters. Boeing is responsible for the fu- selage, landing gear, avionics, electrical and hydraulic systems, performance and flying qualities. Bell Helicopter Textron is responsible for the wing and nacelle, propulsion, rotor, empennage (complete tail system), ramp, overwing fairing and the dynamics. Bell/Boeing serves the United States Marines Corps with its MV-22 vari- ant, the U.S. Air Force with its CV-22 variant and the U.S. president with the HMX-1. They have all served their missions since 2007, when the first V-22 was fielded. Bell Boeing was re- cently awarded a U.S. Navy contract for five Bell Boeing V-22 Osprey tiltro- tor aircraft to be delivered to Japan, marking the first sale of the aircraft through the U.S. government’s foreign military sales program. The contract for the Block C aircraft includes support, training, and equip- V-22 Osprey is a true multi-task aircraft developed by Boeing and Bell Helicopters ment. The versatile V-22 tiltrotor will

22 | Sep 2015 | Issue 524 | allow Japan’s Ground Self-Defense At twice the speed of a helicopter, accommodate nine litters with medical Force greatly enhanced capabilities, the Osprey carries 24 combat troops, personnel and equipment. while providing an ideal platform for or up to 20,000 pounds (9,072 kg) of Two Rolls-Royce AE1107C Liberty relief efforts in response to natural dis- internal cargo or 15,000 pounds (6,804 turboshaft engines supply power for asters. kg) of external cargo. Its cargo bay can the V-22, producing 6,150 shp (4,586

| Issue 524 | Sep 2015 | 23 Report

Bell/Boeing serves the United States Marines Corps with its MV-22 variant kW) each. For safe, reliable flight, the celerating and decelerating flight. This V-22’s cross-coupled transmissions al- “The V-22 wide corridor results in a safe and com- low either engine, separately or togeth- fortable transition, free of the threat of er, to power the rotors. redefines what’s wing stall. Airplane mode operationally Airframe The V-22 can perform a complete tran- Composite materials were a key tech- sition from helicopter mode to airplane possible for a nology that enabled the development mode in as little as 16 seconds. The air- of the V-22 and reduced cost and craft can fly at any degree of nacelle tilt country” weight, improved reliability, and in- within its conversion corridor at the Shelley Lavender, President, creased ballistic tolerance. The past range of permissible airspeeds for each two decades of extensive research and angle of nacelle shift. Boeing Military Aircraft development on composite materials During vertical takeoff, conventional in the aerospace industry has directly helicopter controls are utilized. As the benefited the V-22 structural design. tiltrotor gains forward speed between (VTOL) modes is what truly makes More than 43 percent of the V-22 40 to 80 knots, the wing begins to pro- the V-22 a unique and capable aircraft. airframe structure is fabricated from duce lift and the ailerons, elevators, In conversion mode the flight control composite materials. The wing is made and rudders become effective. The -ro computers blend the control laws and primarily with IM-6 graphite-epoxy tary-wing controls are then gradually program the flight control surfaces for solid laminates that are applied unidi- phased out by the flight control system. optimum performance and response rectionally to give optimum stiffness. At approximately 100 to 120 knots, at intermediate airspeeds. This couples The fuselage, empennage, and tail as- the wing is fully effective and pilot con- the efficiency of wing-borne flight with semblies have additional AS4 graphite trol of cyclic pitch of the proprotors is helicopter manoeuvrability. fiber materials incorporated during locked out. The ability to operate in the The conversion corridor is very wide their fabrication. Many airframe com- realm between airplane and helicopter (approximately 100 knots) in both ac- ponents such as stiffeners, stringers

24 | Sep 2015 | Issue 524 | and caps, are co-cured with the skin panels. This technique provides sub- assemblies with fewer fasteners, thus fewer fatigue effects. The V-22 provides alternate means for personnel insertion and/or extrac- tion when landing is not practical or desired. The rescue hoist is an electrically driven system, capable of hoisting de- vices into the cabin like the stokes lit- ter, two-man rescue team, forest pen- etrator, or a stokes litter with attached floatation device. Optional fastrope equipment can be installed that pro- vides for two fastropes in the cargo area.

Shipboard compatible The V-22 provides alternate means for personnel insertion The V-22 is fully shipboard compat- and/or extraction when landing is not practical or desired ible, with the world’s first complete blade fold and wing stowage system. It is able to operate off all US Navy L- function displays, a shared control dis- class amphibious ships, the LHA/LHD “The Bell Boeing play unit and a standby flight display. assault carriers, and can be stowed on team is honored The flight crew have a pilot’s night- full-size CV/CVN carriers. vision system and a Honeywell inte- For stowage, the wings are rotated to to have Japan grated helmet display. The aircraft’s lie above and parallel to the fuselage to electronic warfare suite includes the create a compact rectangular volume. as the first ATK AN/AAR-47 missile warning The automatic wing and rotor fold- system, which consists of four electro- ing sequence, which can be completed international optic sensors with photomultipliers, a in 90 seconds in a 60kt wind, is as fol- signal processing unit and a cockpit lows: the aircraft lands in helicopter customer for the display. The V-22 Osprey aircraft is mode; the two outboard blades of each V-22 tiltrotor,” equipped with a 12.7mm turreted gun rotor are folded inboard; the nacelles system. are rotated forward to cruise mode; Mitch Snyder, Executive and the wings are rotated by 90 degrees vice president of Military Operation Enduring Freedom clockwise. Business for Bell During Operation Enduring Freedom, The US Air Force and US Navy the MV-22 established its presence in variants are equipped with a Raytheon Helicopter an historic 10-aircraft, 510-mile, sin- AN/APQ-186 terrain-following, mul- gle-leg transit from amphibious ship- timode radar. The helicopter night-vi- ping. All aircraft arrived safely at their sion system is the Raytheon AN/AAQ- new base two hours and 15 minutes 16 (V-22) FLIR, which is mounted on after takeoff. the nose. The glass cockpit is equipped To date, MV-22s in OEF have flown with six night-vision goggle compatible over 14,000 flight hours, carried over displays including four six inch-square 148,000 passengers and over five mil- color active matrix liquid crystal multi- lion pounds of cargo.

| Issue 524 | Sep 2015 | 25 Report

In January 2010 a Taliban leader in the Marine’s Area of Operations (AO) had been working with an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) maker. Intel sources had been tracking his move- ments as he arrived at one of two loca- tions every day around the same time. In a bold daylight raid, 4 MV-22s hit two separate Landing Zones (LZs) si- multaneously. Leveraging the aircraft’s precision navigation capability, L-hour was made exactly on time, and the air- craft landed within 50’ of the target buildings. On short final, 30-40’ from landing, Osprey aircrews “saw the sur- prise in a local national’s face as he did a ‘jump stutter step’ because he had just noticed us.” Upon landing, the as- sault element debarked. The target was in the vicinity of a effectiveness of what not only the MV- others, the MV-22’s speed, precision bazaar, was tracked, and subsequent- 22 brings to the fight, but what the navigation, and ability to land virtually ly captured.Later that day, a resupply Navy Marine Corps team provides the anywhere gave the Marines the neces- mission was conducted by a pair of nation. sary capability to quickly and sucess- MV-22s into the LZ, now controlled Namely, an expeditionary force in fully perform this critical mission. by friendly forces. In the words of the readiness ready and able to respond forward air controller on the ground, where and when needed. Tactical Re- Operation Iraqi Freedom “the two MVs came out of the sun and covery of Aircraft and Personnel, or In its combat debut, the MV-22’s speed we couldn’t see or hear them until they TRAP, is a mission to which the MV- and range immediately provided an were right on top of us... less than 30 22 is ideally suited. Less than two hours operational reach that revolutionized seconds out.” after the F-15E crew ejected, 2 MV- assault support capability. Often the Missions that could not be executed 22s, along with other elements of the aircraft of choice for missions where using conventional rotorcraft have be- TRAP package including AV-8B Har- speed, range, and survivability were come commonplace, greatly enhanc- riers, CH-53E Super Stallion helicop- critical, the MV-22 was widely lauded ing the Commander’s ability to influ- ters, and a 46 Marine Quick Reaction as an assault support platform. ence the Area of Responsibility (AOR). Force, were ready to launch from the During consecutive Operation Iraqi These examples, and countless others USS Kearsarge, approximately 133 nm Freedom deployments over a period like it, show the tremendous perfor- away from the downed aircrew. of 18 months, three Marine Medium mance of both the MV-22 and the Quickly covering the distance to the Tiltrotor Squadrons logged more Marines who operate and maintain the objective, the Ospreys, supported by than 6,000 sorties, nearly 10,000 flight aircraft. the Harriers and other assets overhead, hours. MV-22s moved more than were able to land, rapidly recover one 45,000 passengers and more than 2.2 Operation Odyssey Dawn of the downed crew, and depart. million pounds of cargo. The MV-22 In 2011, while in support of Operation Within a half hour of their depar- broadened the ground commander’s Odyssey Dawn, an F-15E went down ture, the Ospreys and the rescued pilot area of influence for boots on the over Libya due to mechanical issues. were safely back aboard Kearsarge. The ground• Both aircrew were able to safely eject. second aircrew was safely recovered What rapidly followed was a textbook shortly thereafter via other means. Reference: example of the agility, flexibility, and In this instance, as it has in countless Text/Photo: www.boeing.com

26 | Sep 2015 | Issue 524 |

Report MBDA Successfully Deploys Laser Effector The process makes it possible to combat small, highly agile targets reliably

BDA Deutschland recently Mdeployed a laser effector to ac- quire, track, and defeat a free- flying mini drone, the first time such technology has been used to this effect. The mini drone was destroyed within seconds of the start of the test, which was car- ried out at MBDA Deutschland’s testing area in Schrobenhausen, . The drone maneu- vered in the target area at a range of about 500m with the test prov- ing the laser effector’s capability to combat realistic targets with precision, speed and safety. Commercial mini drones represent a new type of threat that can be quite im- possible to counter with conventional ef- fectors. In 2013, a mini drone crashed at a distance of only two meters from German Chancellor Angela Merkel and other dignitaries during an election campaign event being held in Dresden, Germany. In France alone, more than 60 over flights by such craft over significant locations have been reported since Octo- The laser effector can acquire, track, and defeat a free-flying mini drone ber 2014. Highly precise and scalable la- tests. In 2012, they demonstrated the full air defense and guided missile systems for ser weapon systems could protect major operational sequence, from target acqui- the German Army, Navy and Air Force. events and critical infrastructures. sition to target engagement, at distances They are also a world leader in the field of MBDA’s technological approach is a of up to 2.5 km against a dummy mortar. high-energy laser effectors and draws on multi-stage, highly precise tracking pro- MBDA is also examining laser-arma- expertise and experience acquired over cedure and laser effector that bundles ment options for waterborne platforms more than 40 years of industrial research numerous laser sources into a single and ground-based mobile laser effec- and development in this field. laser beam using the principle of geo- tor concepts with high power sources, MBDA serves more than 90-armed metric coupling. These processes make 360-degree coverage and open system forces customers in the world and the it possible to combat small, highly agile architecture for close and intermediate- group offers a range of 45 missile - sys targets reliably with a single laser effec- range protection against micro UAVs and tems and countermeasure products that tor. RAM (rocket and mortar) targets. are already operational and more than 15 The company has proven the function- The company is one of the world’s lead- others that are currently in development• ality of its laser effectors in a range of ers in the development and production of

28 | Sep 2015 | Issue 524 | Royal Jordanian Air Force Opts For Pilatus PC-9 M It is a cost-effective system that offers basic and advanced pilot training happy that Pilatus won the deal against ilatus Aircraft recently an- several other international competi- nouncedP that the Royal Jor- tors and that, in the final round, the “We are very danian Air Force (RJAF) has Royal Jordanian Air Force chose our pleased to signed a contract for the pur- PC-9 M over all other aircraft.” chase of nine Pilatus PC-9 M Markus Bucher, CEO of Pilatus add- welcome the training aircraft. The order also ed, “We are truly delighted to have a includes a simulator, training new customer and are confident that Royal Jordanian equipment and a comprehen- this purchase will encourage other air sive logistics support package. forces to consider our efficient Pila- Air Force as a new tus training aircraft for their own pi- Keen to modernize its pilot training lot training needs in the future. This member of the facilities, the RJAF has opted for the decision is further proof that we are Pilatus family” Pilatus PC-9 M, knowing that it will a world class provider of training air- provide an up-to-date, high perfor- craft.” Oscar J. Schwenk, mance, cost-effective system for basic The PC-9 M is a proven and effi- and advanced pilot training. The or- cient training system already used by Chairman of the Board of der was awarded after several years of many air forces around the world. The Directors at Pilatus negotiations, from which the PC-9 M PC-9 M acquired by the RJAF will be finally emerged as the winner. ready for delivery from January 2017 Oscar J. Schwenk, Chairman of the and will form the future backbone for Board of Directors at Pilatus said, “We training the pilots tasked with flying with them to implement the optimum are very pleased to welcome the Royal the latest generation of military jets. training system for its requirements Jordanian Air Force as a new mem- Pilatus is all set to offer RJAF pre- in respect of basic and advanced pilot ber of the Pilatus family. I am equally mium Swiss quality and will work training. A variant of Pilatus PC-9, the Pilatus PC-9 M aircraft is a single-engine, low- wing tandem-seat turboprop training aircraft. The aircraft, which is powered by a Pratt and Whitney PT6A-62 tur- boprop engine, is designed to provide advanced and instructor pilot training and close air support. It is equipped with a comprehen- sive, fully tandem-capable VFR / IFR avionics package for navigation, communication and identification. In addition, the aircraft has modern avionics including a head up display (HUD) and electronic flight instru- mentation system (EFIS) along with a Martin-Baker CG-A ejection seat for The PC-9 M is a proven and efficient training system already used by many air forces safe escape• around the world

| Issue 524 | Sep 2015 | 29 Report US Coast Guard selects Sagem’s BlueNaute The unit is based on the innovative HRG technology technology. A technological break- gyros, BlueNaute exceeds the IMO’s he US Coast Guard recently through, the HRG-based inertial core performances and environmental re- choseT Sagem to contribute to the in the BlueNaute system offers a com- quirements and can easily be integrated modernization of the navigation petitive advantage over previous-gen- on to different platforms. Further, with systems on its Reliance class me- eration inertial technologies (mechani- its proven outstanding sensor reliabil- dium endurance cutters (WMEC). cal or fiber-optic gyros), in terms of ity, BlueNaute is maintenance-free and According to the terms of the con- both total cost of ownership and per- thereby minimizes the global cost of tract, the 14 Reliance class ves- formance. The HRG in the BlueNaute shipping operations. It is totally unaf- sels will be fitted with Sagem’s unit ensures very high attitude and fected by the surrounding environ- BlueNaute attitude and heading heading precision. ment, unlike mechanical technology, reference system. Sagem’s BlueNaute unit also fea- giving it a virtually unlimited service tures great reliability, with mean time life with the added advantage of no This comes after the US Coast Guard between failures (MTBF) exceeding maintenance. Its small size and flexible had already chosen the BlueNaute unit 100,000 hours. Because of the HRG, interfaces mean it can be integrated in April for 10 Juniper class seagoing the system perfectly matches the into all types of platforms such as con- buoy tenders (WLB). US Coast Guard’s emerging needs of maritime naviga- tainer ships, tankers, cruise ships, off- WMEC have a displacement of 1,145 tion, in line with the requirements of shore support vessels or mega-yachts. tons at full load and are 64 meters long. the International Maritime Organiza- Sagem produces the BlueNaute unit Offering an endurance of up to six to tion (IMO) and the Safety of Life at Sea at its Montluçon plant in the Auvergne seven weeks, they are assigned to fight (SOLAS) treaty. Its performance char- region of France. One of the world against illegal trafficking, anti-pollution acteristics make it perfectly suited to leaders in navigation systems, Sagem monitoring, fishery protection and at- maritime applications, from scientific has more than 60 years of expertise in sea rescue missions. research vessels and offshore support civil and military navigation systems The new-generation BlueNaute navi- ships, to coast guard and maritime po- for all environments: land, air, sea and gation unit is based on the innovative lice forces. space• Hemispherical Resonator Gyro (HRG) Thanks to its disruptive vibrating

US Coast Guard Reliance class medium endurance cutters (WMEC)

30 | Sep 2015 | Issue 524 | Rohde & Schwarz equips the British Royal Navy Type 26 GCS The integrated communications system offers cost-effective solutions nection of future technologies. are proud to be part of this project aimed ohde & Schwarz recently re- External communications will at bringing further enhancements to this ceivedR an order from BAE Systems be handled by Rohde & Schwarz’s leading-edge platform. We bring with us to equip the Type 26 Global Com- VHF/UHF and HF transceivers, our many years of experience in the naval bat Ship (T26 GCS) with an inte- from the R&S M3SR family of ra- sector and offer technological innovations grated communications system for dios (R&S Series4400 and R&S Se- for future-ready, secure and efficient com- the British Royal Navy. The solu- ries4100). The Rohde & Schwarz munications equipment.” tion was selected based on its prov- radio equipment will provide both Rohde & Schwarz have also provided en technology, usability and cost-ef- TRANSEC and advanced high- communications solutions for the Queen fectiveness. The core component is speed data transmission. RF filters Elizabeth Class Aircraft carriers, Offshore the R&S NAVICS, a new IP-based and hopping EPM filters will further Patrol Vessels (OPV) and the Royal Fleet switching system with a unique se- ensure interference-free communi- Auxiliary’s Bay Class Vessels. International curity concept. cations. The unique RF filter tech- work include the equipping of the Austral- nology will also be combined with ian Hobart Class Air Warfare Destroyers, The integrated communications system the company’s latest antenna and the Royal Dutch Navy LCF and covers both internal and external com- mast designs. Landing Platform Docking ships (LPDs) as munications. Built around the innova- Bosco Novak, Executive Vice well as the F100 Class Frigates and LPD for tive R&S NAVICS IP-based switching President of the Radio communi- the Spanish Navy• system, it interconnects the distributed cations Systems Division said, “We on-board voice terminals as well as all other subsystems for internal and ex- ternal communications via a uniform IP network. What’s different about this system is the extensive use of rugge- dized, conventional IT technology with accreditable security provided by Rohde & Schwarz. As a result, the number of voice terminals can be reduced and state-of-the-art ATEX smartphones can be employed within security-critical en- vironments. Operation of the technically complex Type 26 Global Combat Ship 22 system is kept uncomplicated through the use of an intuitive graphical user interface (GUI). With this system, BAE Systems and Rohde & Schwarz will bring the advantages of IT technology to naval communications for the first time, while also helping with the issue of obsolescence. A common infrastructure will be set up for all services on board, named ‘shared network infrastructure’ and ‘shared computing environment’. The Rohde & Schwarz radio equipment will provide both TRANSEC and advanced high- The open architecture will facilitate con- speed data transmission

| Issue 524 | Sep 2015 | 31 Report DI Awarded Multiple Contracts Will continue providing maintenance, support and logistic services ynCorp International (DI) has beenD awarded a contract modifica- tion to continue providing aviation maintenance and logistic support at the Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division in Patuxent Riv- er, Maryland, USA. The contract modification is valued at US$104.1 million. DI will continue providing maintenance services for the Naval Test Wing Atlan- FA-18s and other combat aircraft at a Naval Center in Nevada receives maintenance service tic’s fleet of test and evaluation aircraft from DynCorp International and for the US Navy Test Pilot School. This includes all rotary, fixed, lighter- lation of modification work orders and than-air, and unmanned aircraft on-site “Our team at Pax support of combat aviation brigades. for project testing, as well as transient, Also, nearly four-dozen aircraft of the loaner, leased and tested civilian aircraft River has proudly Naval Strike and Air Warfare Center assigned to the Naval Air Warfare Cent- in Nevada are to receive logistics and er Aircraft Division. DI will also - per supported the US maintenance support from DI. The task form supportability/safety studies and order received for the services has a per- off-site aircraft safety/spill containment Navy for more formance period of one year and carries patrols and aircraft recovery services. a maximum value of US$44.5 million. This contract modification is the last than four decades. DI to offer support services to Iraqi of four possible option years and the We truly value our Army: DynCorp International has been total contract value is estimated to be awarded another contract by the US around US$490 million. relationship with Army Contracting Command to pro- Further, US Army helicopters at loca- vide technical support services to the tions overseas will continue to receive this important Iraqi Army in Taji, Iraq. Through this field and sustainment maintenance contract, DI will help increase the com- from DI under the exercise of a contract customer” petence of Iraqi Army maintenance option. Helicopters, such as the CH-47, Steven Schorer, personnel in performing vehicle main- deployed abroad are scheduled to re- tenance and repairs. DI team members ceive field services from DI. DynAviation president will further use their expertise to edu- The services come under a contract cate Iraqi Army maintenance personnel option to a previous award from the US supporting this customer as well as the on proper techniques and procedures Army Aviation and Missile Life Cycle international community in each region to perform vehicle maintenance and Management Command and are worth is something our team members take repairs independently. This cost-plus US$56 million. great pride in.” fixed-fee contract has a one-year base James Myles, senior vice president, The field and sustainment level main- period valued at US$45.5 million with DynAviation said, “DI has decades of tenance services will be performed in two, one-year options for a total poten- experience providing army aviation line with established technical bulletins tial value of US$139.3 million• field maintenance. Our dedication to and directives, and will include instal-

32 | Sep 2015 | Issue 524 | Rockwell Collins unveils new DF-500 The system offers advanced capabilities and enables shorter searches uilding on the search and res- cueB (SAR) mission success of its predecessor, Rockwell Collins has introduced its new DF-500 Direc- tion Finder. The highly capable DF-500 system pin- points distress signals with unmatched accuracy and reliability. It enables aircraft to receive and immediately locate acti- vated 406 MHz Emergency Position-In- dicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB) signals, DF-500 direction finder@Rockwell Collins allowing crews to go directly to people in distress. in all domains worldwide. The DF-500 well as fast scanning and interoperabil- “When it comes to airborne SAR mis- is fully backwards compatible with the ity with maritime digital selective calling sions, saving time is often the difference DF-430 direction finding system. - Ad (DSC) and automatic identification sys- between a rescue and a recovery,” said ditionally, the system’s all solid-state tem (AIS) distress protocols. Its unique Troy Brunk, vice president and general antenna is designed to easily drop into multi-channel architecture enables key manager, Airborne Solutions for Rock- mounting provisions for the widely used frequencies to be monitored simultane- well Collins. “That’s why civilian, govern- DF-301E direction finding antenna sys- ously allowing rapid detection of emer- ment and military SAR organizations are tem. gency beacons and distress or safety calls upgrading their aircraft’s direction-finder Software defined radio technology over V/UHF radios. capabilities with Rockwell Collins’ DF- developed for the DF-500 enables high- The DF-500 provides full compatibility 500 direction finder.” er sensitivity, immunity to interferences, with all existing and all future identified The next generation DF-500 direction and stability of bearing indications. frequencies for the International COS- finder replaces the DF-430, which serves New features include multi-channel PAS-SARSAT Program, a satellite-based government and military SAR operators scanning and real-time monitoring, as SAR distress alert detection and informa- tion distribution system, and can be up- graded to new waveforms. The DF-500 has stand-alone or inte- grated line replaceable units for univer- sal interface ability, with flush mounted antenna that doesn’t affect the aircraft flight envelope. It is DF-301E/DF-430 footprint-compatible for upgrade/retrofit installation. And, the DF-500 has proven performance on various platforms, in- cluding as a stand-alone system or in- tegrated with existing aircraft. Rescuers will have the ability to pinpoint signals produced by a wide variety of civil and The highly capable DF-500 system pinpoints distress signals with unmatched accuracy and military emergency locator beacons in reliability use around the world•

| Issue 524 | Sep 2015 | 33 Report LCAC CORE OF U.S. AMPHIBIOUS PROGRAM Landing craft Air Cushion (LCAC) mission-proven globally pan Defense Agency. LCAC is in world- cold to Sahara heat. extron Systems Marine & wide use by the U.S. Navy. As evidenced Cargo is easily loaded onto the LCAC LandT Systems Landing Craft, by successful operations in Somalia, via the bow and stern ramps, allowing Air Cushion (LCAC) is the cor- Bangladesh, Liberia, Haiti and Kuwait, roll-on/roll-off capability. The LCAC nerstone of the U.S. amphibious LCAC is combat-proven. It has also transports up to 150,000 pounds (68,040 program and a revolutionary proven invaluable in times of disaster, kg) of cargo while in overload mode. way for the U.S. Navy and Ma- including tsunami and hurricane relief Use of deck tie-down rails ensures sta- rine Corps to land at more than operations. bility of heavy loads during transit. 80 per cent of the world’s shore- The LCAC can traverse snow, marsh, lines. ice, tundra and sand. Traveling at 50- Multimission knot speeds, LCAC operates at a range Whether operating from the well As evidenced by successful relief and of 250 miles while maintaining 10 per deck of an amphibious transport ship, combat operations in Haiti, the U.S. cent fuel reserves. through the surf zone or beyond the Gulf Coast, Malaysia, Somalia, Bang- On land, it surmounts obstacles as beach inland, LCAC provides unparal- ladesh, Liberia, Lebanon, Iraq and Ku- high as four feet. Designed to function leled over-the-horizon performance. wait, LCAC is mission-proven. in extreme temperatures, LCAC with- Beyond its basic mission of transport- Customers are the U.S. Navy and Ja- stands climates ranging from the Arctic ing personnel and equipment from ship

The LCAC can traverse snow, marsh, ice, tundra and sand

34 | Sep 2015 | Issue 524 | to shore, LCAC has become a multimis- sion craft. As a troop carrier, LCAC can be outfitted with a personnel transport module that carries up to 180 people or troops. In civil emergencies, its extensive cargo capacity enables delivery of life- saving supplies and equipment to oth- erwise inaccessible sites. As a Medevac, LCAC’s speed ensures rapid response and timely extraction. The first LCACs were delivered in 1984 with a service life design of 20 years. Following decades of fleet service, the LCAC will operate well into the 21st century with markedly improved per- formance and increased life span due to a Service Life Extension Program (SLEP). With SLEP, LCAC will continue to Next-generation LCAC is called Ship-to-Shore Connector or SSC define state-of-the-art, with improve- ments that include an expanded perfor- formance, the Textron Systems, L-3, Al- materials, systems integration, manu- mance envelope; reduced operating and coa and Rolls Royce team has the tech- facturing, high-rate production and ser- maintenance costs and crew workload; nology and experience to eliminate risk vice life extension with the only facility and an extended service life from 20 to and successfully deliver the SSC to the in the world that has successfully pro- 30 years. US Navy within budget, at weight and duced 10 SSC-like craft per year – Tex- Moreover, SLEP allows improvement on schedule. tron Systems, Marine & Land Systems in combat readiness by aligning systems The current contract is for the -de shipyard. capability with other U.S. Armed Forces tailed design and construction of an Located on the Gulf of Mexico, Tex- during joint operations. The SLEP pro- initial SSC test and training craft, with tron Systems, Marine & Land Systems’ gram was launched following signifi- work to be completed in 2017, and in- 600,000-plus square-foot shipyard is cant design and development. cludes options for up to eight produc- not your ordinary shipbuilding facility. tion craft to be delivered by 2020 worth Specially designed to optimize the pro- Push limits a total potential value of $570 million. duction of Air Cushion Vehicle materi- Marine & Land Systems continues to The next generation SSC will replace als, the concept of this unique platform push the limits of Air Cushion Vehicle the Landing Craft, Air Cushion (LCAC), is based on years of experience and design with development of the next- providing a modernized means for the proprietary research that streamlines generation LCAC called Ship-to-Shore U.S. Navy and Marine Corps to land the construction process with a highly Connector or SSC. In partnership with at more than 80 percent of the world’s efficient assembly station configura- the U.S. Navy, the unique center of shorelines. SSC will project and sustain tion that cuts time and effort by con- knowledge at Marine & Land Systems military operations from the sea, inde- solidating production. When these craft has been employed to refresh the tech- pendent of tides, water depth, underwa- are finished, they roll off the assembly nology in order to design a craft with ter obstacles or beach gradient. line and right into open water, mission increased reliability and maintainability, ready• as well as meet the Marine Corps’ in- Collaborative experience creasing payload requirements. The Textron Systems team brings to- Reference With more than 55 years of combined gether extensive collaborative experi- Text/Photo: Textron Systems and proven ACV production and per- ence in engineering, design, specialty

| Issue 524 | Sep 2015 | 35 Report

Northrop Grumman develops MADL for US Marine The communications link allows aircraft to coordinate tactics covertly ith the US Marine Corps achieving F-35B ini- data passed among the aircraft via MADL could be correlated tialW operating capability (IOC), the Multifunction Ad- with data from other F-35 sensors and fused to form a unified vanced Data Link (MADL) waveform developed by situational awareness picture on cockpit displays. Northrop Grumman Corporation has been proven to “In addition, Northrop Grumman’s CNI system also pro- be a key combat-ready capability of the F-35 Lightning vides a core capability for fifth-to-fourth generation networked II program. data sharing and unparalleled interoperability,” added Hilger, citing a series of operational flight tests under the Jetpack Joint MADL is a high-data-rate, directional communications link Capability Technology Demonstration (JCTD) program. that allows fifth-generation aircraft to communicate and coor- As part of the Jetpack JCTD program, Northrop Grum- dinate tactics covertly. During testing of the Lockheed Martin man developed the Freedom 550 software-defined radio that F-35, MADL exceeded 1,000 flight hours. bridges the fifth-to-fourth generation platform interoperability The Marine Corps declared the F-35B short takeoff and ver- gaps. tical landing (STOVL) aircraft and the first squadron, the -Ma Northrop Grumman’s integrated CNI system provides F-35 rine Fighter Attack Squadron 121 (VMFA-121), known as the pilots the equivalent capability of over 27 avionics subsystems. Green Knights, officially operational from July 31. VMFA-121, By using its industry-leading software-defined radio technol- based at Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Arizona, is equipped ogy, the design allows the simultaneous operation of multi- with 10 aircraft. ple critical functions while reducing size, weight and power Jeannie Hilger, vice president and general manager, commu- demands on the advanced fighter. These functions include nications division, Northrop Grumman Information Systems Identification Friend or Foe, automatic acquisition of fly-to said, “The successful completion of IOC validates Northrop points, and various voice and data communications, includ- Grumman’s more than 10-year effort to advance communica- ing MADL, which was approved by the US Department of tion among fifth-generation aircraft”. Defense Joint Requirements Oversight Council for use on all MADL is part of Northrop Grumman’s F-35 integrated low-observable platforms. communications, navigation and identification (CNI) avionics As a member of the Lockheed Martin-led F-35 industry and an important element of the F-35 Block 2 software release. team, Northrop Grumman performs a significant share of the Northrop Grumman has delivered 181 CNI systems to Lock- work required to develop and produce the aircraft. Lockheed heed Martin, the F-35 prime contractor. Martin is developing three models of the F-35 for the U.S. Since August 2012, MADL has been used continuously to military and 11 for other nations. The F-22 Raptor and F-35 support a variety of developmental and operational objectives Lightning II are the world’s only operational fifth-generation during testing at Edwards Air Force Base, California. Block 2B stealth aircraft; fourth-generation fighters include the F-15, MADL testing culminated with four F-35s demonstrating that F-16 and F-18 •

36 | Sep 2015 | Issue 524 | Rheinmetall wins order for DM63A1 tank ammo It will supply tungsten penetrator rounds for 120mm smoothbore tank guns

be sourced from Rheinmetall Nitro- n international customer chemie, with plants at Aschau in Ba- Ahas offered a contract to Rhein- varia and Wimmis, Switzerland. The metall to supply it with state-of- order will make an important con- the-art tank ammunition. The tribution to capacity utilization at all order is worth around €39 mil- three sites. lion. The DM63A1 kinetic en- Thanks to its new propulsion unit, ergy rounds will be delivered in the DM63A1 kinetic energy round, two lots from 2016 to 2018. unlike all other types of tank ammu- nition available to date, can enhance Based on tungsten technology, the the combat performance of platforms DM63A1 is one of the world’s most armed with a 120mm smoothbore advanced kinetic energy round for gun, including those of the Leopard 120mm smoothbore tank guns in 2 main battle tank, with no need for the market today. Containing no ex- prior technical modification. plosives, the projectile’s effectiveness The ammunition’s temperature- relies entirely on the kinetic energy independent propellant solution is a of the Rheinmetall advanced heavy unique feature found nowhere else tungsten penetrator technology. and further proves Rheinmetall’s Manufacture of the penetrators strong position in the world of large- and final assembly will take place at calibre weapons and ammunition Rheinmetall’s plant in Unterlüß in technology• Lower Saxony, while the temperature- independent propellant powder will DM63A1 kinetic energy round

Leopard Firing

| Issue 524 | Sep 2015 | 37 Report SINGAPORE’S SOARING SUCCESS Military public-private logistics partnership key example of innovation

Singaporean military appointed private logistics operator (ST Logistics) to undertake Singapore’s first Public-Private-Part- nership (PPP) project to design, build, and operate (DBO) the Singapore Army Logistics Base (ALB)

design, build, and operate (DBO) the Forces’ capabilities, limited land space he eyes of the world were on Singapore Army Logistics Base (ALB). and the tight Singapore labour mar- SingaporeT on August 9 as the The ALB is part of the Singapore ket in the 1980s, commercialisation of city-state marked its 50 years of Armed Forces’ efforts to commercial- warehousing and other non-core logis- independence. The growth and ise supply management and develop tics functions was considered a strategic soaring success of the tiny nation a seamless integrated supply chain. Its priority to fund critical operational ar- has been stunning as a blueprint conceptualisation was geared to enhanc- eas and maintain a higher teeth-to-tail was developed that has been both ing supply-chain management through ratio. a model and the envy for numer- the centralisation of warehouses, fine More importantly, the Armed Forces ous other countries. It is one of tuning of its contracting approach and desired then to extend the close collab- the world’s leading hubs and the investment in a modern warehouse oration between itself and the commer- fourth-largest financial centre. handling. cial contractor beyond supply-chain management to include demand man- Along the journey, her military has Strategic priority agement for further value maximisa- undergone constant upgrades and The humble beginnings of the ALB be- tion. modernisation. The Singaporean mili- gan with the supply bases that were left In 1999, ST Logistics was awarded tary is technologically advanced. One behind by the British forces after inde- the first contract to design, build and key milestone was the appointment of a pendence. These warehouses occupied subsequently operate the ALB for the private logistics operator (ST Logistics) large areas of land and were scattered all Armed Forces. As the commercial con- to undertake Singapore’s first Public- over Singapore. tractor, ST Logistics was responsible for Private-Partnership (PPP) project to With the expansion of the Armed the overall design, construction, accept-

38 | Sep 2015 | Issue 524 | ance and operation of the Logistics Base for a fixed guaranteed period. Occupying a gross built-in floor area of 60,000 square metres, the design of the ALB followed the latest architecture for multi-storey commercial warehous- ing to maximize the efficiency of land- use. It incorporates innovative energy conservation features such as the use of translucent roofing sheets to exploit natural lighting. Boosts efficiency To conserve water, it is installed with rainwater collection system for toilet Occupying a gross built-in floor area of 60,000 square metres, the design of the ALB flushing and vehicle washing. The ALB followed the latest architecture for multi-storey commercial warehousing is also equipped with a modern ware- house handling system that boosts the are multi-fold. Besides greater efficien- of supply chain management including efficiency of material handling. cies in supply-chain management from freight management, contract logis- One of the key features of the ALB better integration and leveraging on the tics, reverse logistics and distribution includes a fully automated Storage and experience and technical expertise of in the defence and government sector. Retrieval System (ASRS) with a high best-practice commercial operators, the This also includes the full spectrum of storage density of some 13,600 pallet DBO model today is yielding about 25 fulfilment logistics commencing from locations and 30,000 bin locations. per cent savings in annual warehouse product specifications and design, de- The warehouse utilises a modern management fees for the Armed Forces. velopment test and evaluation, full scale vertical and very narrow aisles (VNA) development, institutional equipping storage system to optimise storage space 45 football fields and product disposal. for fast moving items and vertical car- Half a million square meters of land, With international affiliates located ousels to house items in rotating shelves equivalent to the size of 45 football fields, in key ports around the world, ST Lo- to optimise height usage. To comple- was saved as a result. Perhaps the great- gistics also provides network logistics ment the infrastructure, a state-of-the- est benefits to the Armed Forces were covering ship husbandry, stevedoring art warehouse management IT system the improved readiness and response and resupplies. Their key strength is is implemented to augment the current time to meet military contingency, the ability to provide emergency pro- electronic data interface between the emergency needs and operational surge curement and capacity to meet surge Armed Forces and ST Logistics. requirements – the ALB has witnessed a requirements in defence, military and The IT system is supported by a state- labour productivity improvement of 25 public sector logistics. ST Logistics op- of the-art track-and-trace wireless radio per cent and a significant reduction in erates shared, dedicated warehousing frequency identity system that helps to collection of stores during mobilization services in a range of sectors including control all warehousing and distribu- of the soldiers. defence, government and the healthcare tion management functions for ALB ST Logistics is a Singaporean based segment. operations. ST Logistics also handles company with more than 30 years of Specialisation in this area has enabled the reverse logistics such as disposal experience providing Supply Chain the organization to offer design, build, management of hazardous materials, Management and Integrated Logistics operate and transfer services for new warranty management and preserva- Solutions. ST Logistics is a member of purpose-built facilities in response to tion of military arms and maintenance the Australian TOLL Group of Com- customers’ requirements • and repair of military assets in the ALB. panies whose ultimate shareholder is The benefits of the Army Logistics Japan Post. Base to the Singapore Armed Forces Their services cover the entire range

| Issue 524 | Sep 2015 | 39 Report Airbus Defense and Space Demonstrates Sferion Combination of sensors provides realistic picture of surroundings rain, objects). Even when flying in a brownout cloud, SferiSense can relia- bly detect the surroundings and iden- tify even the smallest obstacles, such as stones as well as landing slopes that could prevent a safe touchdown. Sfe- riAssist combines the real-time sensor data with that from a database in order to create a clear, realistic picture of the helicopter’s surroundings. The system selects the information relevant for the pilot for his current flight phase such as the next navigation point, the condition of the landing zone or the most critical obstacles. Sferion in combination with state-of-the-art flight control systems builds the funda- mental baseline for further developments of semi-automatic flying in degraded visual Helicopter crews, especially search environments (DVE). and rescue teams, the police, special operations forces and military organi- matic flying in DVE. zations face a number of safety chal- ferion, the most advanced The flight demonstration was car- lenges in their missions, in particular pilotS assistance system from ried out on a Bell 206 platform in when they have to fly at low altitudes Airbus Defense and Space, has front of numerous representatives of and in DVE, such as brown-out, proven its capabilities to protect NATO army aviation services. Among white-out and darkness. In addition to helicopters in restricted visibility the manoeuvres shown were takeoffs, the task of simply flying the aircraft, conditions during a series of live en-route flights like low-level flights such crews generally have to complete flights during the German Army over hilly terrain and obstacles such as extremely challenging missions. This Aviation’s Helicopter Forum at high-voltage pylons and power lines, leads to an enormous workload for its International Training Cen- and landings. Test pilot Mark Con- the entire crew, and can result in com- tre in Bückeburg recently. don, former Chief Instructor of an plete loss of situational awareness and Apache helicopter regiment of the UK thus tragic accidents. The Sferion pilot The company demonstrated the sys- armed forces, said, “The remedy for assistance system has been developed tems’ ability to prevent the most signif- degraded vision hazards is no longer to master these operational challenges. icant causes of non-hostile losses and a future prospect. With Sferion, the The key task of the system is to en- mission failures, such as controlled solution for safeguarding helicopter sure that the crew is constantly aware flight into terrain, degraded visual pilots and missions is ready for service of their physical and tactical position, environments (DVE), object and wire today.” thus enabling them to confidently fly strike and lack of situational aware- The two main components of the the aircraft while completing their ness. system are the SferiSense laser-based mission-specific tasks • Further, the company demonstrat- sensor, already in service as obstacle ed that Sferion in combination with warning system, and the SferiAssist state-of-the-art flight control systems data fusion system. SferiSense is the builds the fundamental baseline for core sensor, which precisely and reli- further developments of semi-auto- ably records the environment (e.g. ter-

40 | Sep 2015 | Issue 524 | Thales Deployable ILS selected by US Air Force ILS 420 has proven landing experience in all weather conditions hales has been awarded a con- will receive an easily supportable, adapt- at US airports are Thales systems, and tractT by the US Air Force (USAF) able and resilient precision approach more than 7,000 Thales navigation aids to provide Deployable Instrument capability that all joint, coalition and are deployed around the world • Landing Systems (D-ILS). The civil ILS-equipped aircraft will be able systems will be used in airfield to use worldwide,” said Alan Pellegrini, environments where the ability President and CEO, Thales USA. to provide precision guidance to ILS 420 has more than 700 systems aircraft on final approach dur- sold worldwide, is certified for opera- ing low visibility or low-ceiling tions according to ICAO CAT I, II and weather conditions, while also III and has proven landing experience being able to quickly set-up, acti- in all weather conditions. The system vate, break-down and re-locate, is further supported by user-friendly are critical. The Air Force contract remote control and monitoring, versa- calls for Thales to test and deliver tile system configurations, is highly re- the production-ready systems with sistant to severe weather conditions and associated training and materials comes with the latest solid-state tech- by July 2018, leading to a possible nology design with enhanced reliability decision to begin low-rate initial and signal stability. production. Its key features include: Flexible an- tenna configurations adaptable, phase The Thales D-ILS will provide the adjustment for localizer (LLZ), medium equivalent of fixed-based Instrument and wide aperture antennas cover, sin- Landing System capability at tactical gle/dual frequency options, LLZ and airfields and environmentally diverse GP solutions and electronically adjust- regions such as areas of natural disaster able, deployable configuration designed or humanitarian relief efforts. to be delivered through a single C-130 The Thales D-ILS is a COTS system or equivalent payload and near and based on the Thales ILS 420 – a fixed- far field monitors available including based, dual frequency ILS, which is course path and width monitors posi- the industry’s next generation ILS with tion. more than 700 fixed-base systems cho- Thales has extensive experience in de- sen worldwide for civil and military ap- signing and supplying Navigation and plications. Surveillance systems in configurations The contract includes delivery of that meet the unique needs of custom- two Production Representative Units ers worldwide. For more than 80 years, (PRUs) along with technical orders and Thales has partnered with the aviation provisional technical documentation, community, providing air traffic man- training development and conduct, sys- agement solutions to the US Federal tem analysis, architecture and engineer- Aviation Administration and the US ing, and contractor support. The USAF Department of Defence, as well as Air plans to purchase up to 38 systems over Navigation Service Providers and air- Thales Deployable Instrument Landing the coming years. ports worldwide. Today, over 99 per Systems (D-ILS) is a COTS system based “With Thales D-ILS, the US Air Force cent of the instrument landing systems on the Thales ILS 420

| Issue 524 | Sep 2015 | 41 Report

SM-6’s New Anti-Ballistic Missile Defence Capability Raytheon Demonstrates interceptor’s multi-mission flexibility fixed- and rotary-wing aircraft, - un demonstrated in more than 3,800 test n a first-of-its-kind test, the manned aerial vehicles and cruise mis- shots and 10 combat victories. IUS Navy fired a Raytheon siles as part of the Naval Integrated Fire The AMRAAM is a versatile and Company Standard Missile-6, Control – Counter Air (NIFC-CA) mis- proven weapon with operational flex- intercepting and destroying a sion area. ibility in a wide variety of scenarios, short-range ballistic missile The SM-6 combines the legacy Stand- including air-to-air and surface-launch target at sea. The successful ard Missile airframe and propulsion ele- engagements. In the surface launch role, US Missile Defense Agency ments with the advanced signal process- AMRAAM is the baseline weapon on (MDA) test proved a modified ing and guidance control capabilities of the National Advanced Surface-to-Air SM-6 can eliminate threat Raytheon’s Advanced Medium-Range Missile System (NASAMS) launcher. ballistic missiles in their final Air-to-Air Missile. The Advanced Me- Raytheon continues to be one of the seconds of flight. dium-Range Air-to-Air Missile (AM- leaders in missile defence systems, in- RAAM) is one of the world’s most so- cluding the battle-proven Patriot air and “SM-6 is the only missile in the world phisticated air dominance weapons. missile defence system; the SM-3 ballis- that can do both anti-air warfare and With more than 25 years of design, test- tic missile destroyer; the Exoatmospher- ballistic missile defence from sea,” said ing and production, the AIM-120 con- ic Kill Vehicle (EKV), and AN/TPY-2, Dr. Taylor W. Lawrence, president of tinues to meet all war fighter require- one of the world’s most advanced bal- Raytheon Missile Systems. “US Navy ments. Its capabilities have been fully listic missile defence radar• commanders want both capability and flexibility to meet a wide variety of mis- sions, and that’s exactly what SM-6 of- fers.” MDA’s Sea-Based Terminal (SBT) program will protect against ballistic threats in their terminal phase of flight using SM-6 missiles integrated into the Aegis Weapon System. Called SM-6 Dual 1, it’s on track to achieve initial operating capability in 2016. Following SM-6’s interception of a ballistic missile target, three additional test events were conducted. During the series, the US Navy fired two additional SM-6s in anti-air warfare roles. Both missiles successfully engaged cruise missile targets. The US Navy also fired a Standard Missile-2 Block IV that suc- cessfully intercepted its target, validat- ing this weapon’s current capability to stop short-range ballistic missiles in their terminal phase of flight. The SM-6 provides US Navy ves- When the Standard Missile-6 deploys with the new “Dual 1” software in 2016, it will sels extended range protection against be capable of both anti-air warfare and ballistic missile defence from sea

42 | Sep 2015 | Issue 524 | Vehicle Sustainment Programs Boost Opera- tional Readiness Levels s political tensions and military conflicts rise across the Middle East and North Africa, many countries are invest- Aing in the latest military ground vehicles that can deliver both strategic and tactical advantages. Four of the top five fastest growing defense markets are in the Middle East. Robust vehicle sustainment programs can boost operational readiness levels, while also optimizing the overall lifecycle investment in the fleet. Military vehicle service life expectan- cy varies. While a typical passenger commercial vehicle’s life is 13 years, the designed service life of a High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Ve- hicle (HMMWV) is 45,000 miles, which under normal use is about 15 years. The highly protected, highly mobile Mine-Resistant Ambush Pro- tected (MRAP) All-Terrain Vehicle (M-ATV) from Oshkosh Defense, on the other hand, is designed for a 70 percent off-road mission profile over a 25-year life cycle. Oshkosh tailors its Global Inte- grated Product Support (GIPS) ser- Generic parts providers cannot du- hkosh has trained as many as 12,000 vices to be in line with each military’s plicate these supply-and-service ca- personnel in 23 countries. Oshkosh maintenance philosophy and operat- pabilities and deliver the same level also offers Virtual Task Trainers ing environment. Consider the M- of quality. (VTTs) that provide realistic training ATV – the lightest and most success- Oshkosh Defense partners with in a safe, virtual environment. VTTs ful MRAP in the industry. It has been each specific customer in the Middle are available for multiple vehicle plat- chosen to remain in the US enduring East. Oshkosh has established per- forms, and are estimated to decrease fleet while many other MRAPs are manent offices in the United Arab training costs and deliver instruc- being divested. Oshkosh provides Emirates and the Kingdom of Saudi tions that provide interactive training worldwide support to the MATV. Arabia, as well as partnerships with for soldiers. To provide a well maintained and local service providers covering the Whether acquiring new vehicles operational fleet, it is critical for mili- rest of the Middle East region. Ad- or modernizing existing fleets, high- taries to work with original equip- ditionally, Oshkosh has Field Service quality aftermarket support is imper- ment manufacturers (OEM) to cre- Representatives (FSRs) who assist ative for any military to extend the ate a full service life plan tailored to our partners in maintaining peak lives of vehicles and ultimately get the specific needs of each customer. operational readiness. Oshkosh FSRs the most out of equipment invest- Militaries benefit from getting their are highly -trained experts who pro- ments. Oshkosh’s complete life cycle parts from OEMs, as Oshkosh main- vide technical support to military sustainment capabilities – provided tains ample supplies of replacement personnel. globally and customized locally – en- parts and provides parts-supply sup- Also important to vehicle sustain- sure vehicles keep the mission mov- port to customers around the world ment is OEM level training for ve- ing and meet increasingly demand- 24 hours a day, seven days a week. hicle operators and mechanics. Os- ing military requirements •

| Issue 524 | Sep 2015 | 43 Report NULKA REVOLUTIONIZES SHIP PROTECTION Best way to draw missile fire from fleet and defeat threat

ulka is a unique off-board missile fire away from fleet and defeat installed on Australian and Canadian Ncountermeasures system that has the threat. More than 1,000 Nulka de- ships. This system has been highly ef- a hovering rocket containing an coy payloads have been delivered to the fective in sea trials and modeling. active electronic warfare package US and Australian Naval fleets since Its incorporation into a ship’s layered that has revolutionized ship pro- 1994. Lockheed Martin developed defense system is essential in providing tection. Once launched, Nulka can Nulka with BAE Australia and in Abo- ship survivability under high stress con- fly a pre-programmed flight path riginal Australian dialect, nulka means, ditions in the littoral and open ocean to entice sea-skimming missiles “be quick.” environments. Because of the charac- away from the ship. The Nulka teristics of the decoy payload and the decoy system is an integral part of High stress conditions system’s fast reaction time, the Nulka the ship self defense system against Nulka can be operated on its own, or system is highly effective against cur- active anti-ship missile attacks on act as part of a multi-layered ship self- rent and new generation anti-ship mis- most US Navy ships. defense system. It is currently being siles. Fully autonomous after launch, Nul- ka allows the decoy’s flight-path to be maintained with a high degree of preci- sion over a wide range of environmental conditions, resulting in extremely high levels of mission effectiveness against modern anti-ship missiles. The thrust vector controlled solid fuel rocket motor provides rapid response against detected threats, while the ex- tended decoy flight duration supports the engagement of multiple threats. Ac- curate control of the flight vehicle al- lows for optimal positioning of the de- coy, independent of ship maneuver, and minimizes the likelihood of collateral damage to friendly forces. This off board countermeasures sys- tem is used on every cruiser and guided missile destroyer in the US Navy, sur- face combatants in the Australian Navy, and Canada’s Iroquois-class. The Nulka decoy simulates the radar return from a large ship overlapping the target signal. To an enemy radio-frequency anti- ship missile, it’s a more attractive target instead. For US and allied ships, it’s the smartest and most reliable way to draw Sailors load a Mark-53 Nulka Decoy Launching System

44 | Sep 2015 | Issue 524 | Nulka is an integral element of a Decoy payload rent and new generation ASM seekers comprehensive, integrated layered de- The Nulka Payload has demonstrated and high gain and effective radiated fense system, and its unique capabili- exceptional performance against vari- power for large ship protection. It also ties complement conventional hard-kill ous ASM seekers and seeker simulators has self-contained signal processing for missile and gun systems. during sea trials and captive-carry test- compatibility with own force emitters. The system is effective over a full 360 ing. It also demonstrates excellent reli- Nulka’s other highlights include an- degrees around the defended ship. The ability and storage life. Because of its tenna assembly, broadband horns, effectiveness of the decoy is wholly in- inherent high gain and high effective state-of-the-art isolation, and modular dependent of ship maneuvers even in radiated power, it protects large ships receiver assembly along with hybrid the most extreme environmental condi- against ASMs with radar seekers. This microwave circuits. It also boasts of tions. capability, when combined with fast autonomous signal processing, built-in This decoy weapon system can be reaction time, also makes it effective protection for high power inputs and commanded automatically or manu- against those ASMs, which employ late high gain with state-of-the-art gain sta- ally by the ship’s EW system or weapons seeker turn-on. bility. control system. On receiving an ASM In addition, the broad bandwidth Nulka has been integrated with Ar- threat warning, the relative missiles an- capability and its independence from leigh Burke DDG, Ticonderoga CG, gle of arrival and ship’s positional data specific seeker characterization allow Oliver Hazard Perry FFG (Austral- are used to preprogram the decoy via effective operation against all current ian Adelaide Class FFG), San Antonio the Decoy Launch Processor (DLP). and new generation ASM seekers. LPD, Whidbey Island LPD, Bertholf, The DLP computes the best launcher Nulka is designed to be used either ANZAC FFH and Iroquois DDG class to use and an optimized flight path for as part of a multi-layer defense system ships. All USN cruisers and destroyers the selected decoy. The flight path data or for stand-alone ship protection. It equipped with AEGIS have Nulka in- is communicated to the decoy Flight comprises two key elements, the ship’s cluded in their layered defense system. Control Unit prior to launch. At launch, equipment including the fire control Future installations are planned for the the decoy payload immediately begins system and launchers, and the decoy. Royal Australian Navy’s Air Warfare to engage the ASM seeker. Some of its operational features in- Destroyer and Canberra Class Landing The decoy payload simulates a radar clude broadband to encompass all cur- Helicopter Dock. return from a large ship overlapping the BAE Systems Australia is the Nulka “target” signal. The decoy provides a prime contractor and System Design larger, more attractive target to the mis- Agent. Lockheed Martin (USA) is the sile consistent with the ASM’s range and design agent for the electronic warfare angle tracking and moves slowly away payload. Aerojet (USA) manufacture from the ship, thus defeating the threat. the rocket motor. BAE Systems manu- The decoy operates autonomously af- factures the flight control hardware at ter launch. The Flight Control Unit in their manufacturing facility in Edin- conjunction with thrust control of the burgh Parks (SA), and assembles and rocket motor exhaust and a Spin Con- tests the completed Nulka Round at trol Unit, maintain the flight trajectory their Nulka Round Assembly Facility and decoy orientation. It is sealed in in Mulwala (NSW). a canister for long storage life and of- Nulka received Milestone III ap- fers extensive self-test to assure avail- proval for full-rate production in Janu- ability. It also offers fast warm up for ary 1999. Installation began on US short reaction time, autonomous after and Australian warships in September launch and is effective against all mod- 1999. As of mid-2012, the MK 53 DLS ern ASMs with radar seekers. Further, has been installed on more than 125 US a single decoy is effective against mul- ships along with Australian and Cana- tiple ASM’s and is also effective in all dian navies, and will be in service well weather conditions. NULKA into the 21st century •

| Issue 524 | Sep 2015 | 45 Report MoD Hosts Reception for 7th DIAC Outlined the key issues that will be addressed at the conference

ajor General Abdullah Al MHashmi, Executive Director of O cial Supporter O cial Host Strategic Analysis at the Ministry of Defense (MoD) recently hosted Ministry of Defense UAE Air Force and Air Defense an industry reception at the Armed November 7, 2015, Dubai, UAE Forces Officers Club and Hotel to announce and provide details on the 7th Dubai International Air Chief Conference (DIAC 2015), to be held on November 7, 2015 in Dubai. DIAC 2015 is held under the patron- age of His Highness Sheikh Moham- med bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and De- fense Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and is supported by the MoD and the UAE Air Force and Air De- fense (AFAD). the UAE government and stressed that Equipping the Force’. Join us at the 7th Dubai International Air Chiefs Conference 2015 Major General Abdullah briefed at- through cooperation on initiatives such Following the industry reception, tendees at the industry reception about as DIAC all parties could raise the pro- Northrop Grumman announced it will his ambitions for DIAC, which con- file of shared issues and challenges for continue its participation at DIAC 2015 - The World's Most Prestigious Gathering of Air Chiefs - venes air power policy-makers and mutual benefit. as a Gold Sponsor, and Textron Systems industry partners, and his vision for it Officials from the MoD and AFAD is set to continue its participation as a Building on six highly successful editions, DIAC 2015 will once again host one the largest international gatherings to become the most significant gather- were joined at the reception by senior Silver Sponsor. MBDA had also previ- ing of its kind. This year’s conference representatives from international in- ously signed as a Silver Sponsor and a of air force leaders anywhere in the world. DIAC 2015 offers a series of operationally-oriented discussions on will address key issues of strategy and dustry partners such as Boeing, North- host of other key industry partners are employing air power against emerging hybrid threats. operations in air power today focusing rop Grumman, Lockheed Martin, Saab, expected to finalize their participation in particular on the emerging hybrid Dassault Aviation, Raytheon, L3, and in the coming weeks. threats challenging the world’s militar- Rolls Royce, as well as leaders of EDIC, Specialized Events and General Mar- DIAC 2015 can enable you to stay at the leading edge of developments in air power and offers unique ies. Mubadala, Tawazun, Emirates Ad- keting Activities (SEGMA) was select- Thanking industry partners for vanced Investments Group and their ed to organize DIAC 2015 • networking, engagement and business positioning opportunities. Visit www.inegma.com their continued support to DIAC, Ma- subsidiaries. jor General Abdullah said the MoD The session will revolve around Past Sponsors looked forward to their participation topics such as ‘Facing the Regional An o cial part of at DIAC 2015 to ensure both balance Threat: Developing an Effective - Coa An event by 971 (0)4 399 8355 / 56 and vision in its discussions and to lition Force’; ‘Shaping the Battlespace: create momentum for future develop- Leveraging Air Power’s Kinetic and 971 (0)4 399 8357 ment. He recognized the importance of Non-Kinetic Elements’ and ‘Preparing the relationship between industry and Coalition Ready Airmen: Training and [email protected]

46 | Sep 2015 | Issue 524 | O cial Supporter O cial Host

Ministry of Defense UAE Air Force and Air Defense November 7, 2015, Dubai, UAE

Join us at the 7th Dubai International Air Chiefs Conference 2015 - The World's Most Prestigious Gathering of Air Chiefs -

Building on six highly successful editions, DIAC 2015 will once again host one the largest international gatherings of air force leaders anywhere in the world. DIAC 2015 offers a series of operationally-oriented discussions on employing air power against emerging hybrid threats.

DIAC 2015 can enable you to stay at the leading edge of developments in air power and offers unique networking, engagement and business positioning opportunities. Visit www.inegma.com

Past Sponsors An o cial part of An event by 971 (0)4 399 8355 / 56

971 (0)4 399 8357

[email protected] DEFENCE & SECURITY INTERNATIONAL EXHIBITION Report Evolving Strategic Issues: “Space and Security” Strategic Developing a future national vision is fundamental to security in our complex age. Crafting such a vision requires an understanding of future geopolitical circumstances and best approaches for Perspectives achieving national interests. To do that one must understand how national power and influence might be used in the future international system. One domain that will certainly impact the future of the Arabian Gulf is space. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid has made one vision very clear, saying “the establishment of a fully fledged space sector in the UAE, with all necessary human resources, infrastructure and scientific research, is a primary national objective.” The creation of the UAE Space Agency empowers this country to take a greater role in future challenges. THE Space provides an essential backbone for telecommunications, navigation, broadcasting and cli- matology. Satellites enable weather forecasts, supply precision navigation for all sorts of applica- LAND & AIRLAND tions (mobile phones, car navigation systems and financial markets), and they provide high resolu- tion imagery to aid monitoring and disaster response. The UAE currently operates satellites for SOLUTION both commercial and military use, including communications satellites and Earth mapping and observation satellites. Locally, satellite data and connectivity touches every aspect of daily life in the UAE. More than 70 countries currently have space programs, with varying degrees of investment; the UAE’s investment currently exceeds AED 20 billion, putting it among the top 5 in the world. While only a handful of states have independent orbital launch capability, a few additional states (including the UAE) are leading efforts to innovate in space. In July 2014, the UAE announced plans to travel to Mars by 2021 (the first by an Arab, Islamic country) to enrich Emirati capabilities and increase knowledge about space. So space technology is now a new impetus for diversified economic growth here. The UAE Space Plan notes: “the future success of the UAE economy will require not just technical knowledge, but a new generation of Emirati leaders in science, technology, engineering and mathematics … a knowledge-based so- ciety that will lead to sophisticated space innovation and exploration and stimulate a sustainable By: Dr. John R.Ballard high-tech based economy.” Another strategic justification for the program is the UAE’s key posi- Dean of National Defence tion in the Arabian Gulf and a hub of global commerce; a growing space program enables the UAE College to take greater advantage of these strategic attributes. Space is vital to our national security and our ability to understand emerging threats, project power, conduct modern operations, support [email protected] diplomatic efforts, and maintain global economic viability. Space is increasingly congested, contested, and competitive and that makes space capabilities ever more important; as more nations and non-state actors recognize its benefits we will be faced with new opportunities and new challenges in space. Space activities can generate cost-reducing technology and game-changing innovation; they bring political prestige, international influence and leadership on the international stage; they create or reinforce technological capabilities and they provide an informational advantage to security operations and to strategic planning. Space activities can also significantly expand intelligence collection and analysis for assessing threats Identify and providing enhanced warning. Also, space and cyber security are crucially interrelated; having an enhanced space capability will strengthen the cyber security of the country and will also help your company as decision makers ensure the future security of the UAE. Nations that make best use of space will have a distinct advantage over their adversaries and competitors. a key player Space technology enables the UAE to take advantage of the strategic attributes of space power — perspective, access, presence, and extended strategic depth — and offers significant economic and strategic benefits. The UAE has huge potential as a leading space innovator in the Gulf and the wider Middle East region. There is no doubt that the UAE presence in space will accomplish those goals and rebalance the power and influence ratio in space to better benefit the UAE•

www.eurosatory.com 48 | Sep 2015 | Issue 524 | DEFENCE & SECURITY INTERNATIONAL EXHIBITION

THE LAND & AIRLAND SOLUTION

Identify your company as a key player

www.eurosatory.com Interview UAE, NEPAL TO BOOST TIES Training programs to come into focus

is Excellency the Nepalese HChief of Army Staff General Gaurav SJB Rana has empha- sized that there has been cooper- ation and exchange of expertise with the UAE Armed Forces for years. Nepal has unique condi- tions for training, notably in high altitude and mountain training. Military-to-military exchanges are beneficial to both nations. The country contributes exten- sively to UN troop numbers. NA- TION SHIELD spoke at length on these matters to then Chief of Army Staff General Gaurav SJB Rana on a visit to the UAE. His Excellency the Nepalese Chief of Army Staff General Gaurav SJB Rana or business around there that will help We are the only country that has The UAE and Nepal already have us in developing infrastructure such as people from China, India and Paki- excellent relations – are there plans roads and so on. stan coming to train. We also have to boost them even further? Americans and British training. I think Yes very much so, I think. The govern- How can Nepal and the UAE con- military-to-military exchanges are also ment does have plans in this regard tribute towards security? important. And in terms of UN train- and that is one of the reasons it also We have a lot of Nepalese people work- ing, we are the sixth- largest troop- gave us the sanction to come over to ing here (the UAE) for private civil contributing country in the world. At the UAE to IDEX. We have good con- security firms. There is also collabo- the moment, we have got about 4,500 nections and we certainly want to build ration and exchange of expertise with people deployed all over in 14 nations on that foundation. the Armed Forces in the UAE for years such as South Sudan, Lebanon, Congo, As to how we can invest these rela- now.We have military-to-military ex- Mali and more. tions between both countries, on the changes. We have extensive experience social level, in Nepal for us to develop in high altitude mountain training Your visit to IDEX – what was the we need foreign direct investment. One and we have good anti-terrorist, anti- objective and what were your im- of the areas is hydroelectricity where hijacking components. So exchange of pressions of the event? we have huge potential, the second training is also an important asset. To begin with, I would like to take largest potential in the world - around We have recently opened up training this opportunity to extend my thanks nearly 40,000 megawatts. Another area for foreign officers at different levels. to the Armed Forces in the UAE for is in tourism development and there The highest level is the Staff College the kind invitation for us to attend and are lots of such opportunities. We are Level, so if they come there, they will participate in this international exhibi- situated geo-strategically between Chi- understand the region. We are situated tion.This is the first time that we have na and India, two large markets. So between India and China so an officer been invited to the UAE. Nepal and there are opportunities for any trade who comes there can see and learn. the UAE share a very close friendship.

50 | Sep 2015 | Issue 524 | My government felt that establishing military-to-military relations would bring the diplomatic relations to a full circle. We have the political, economic engagements taking place as well as the diplomatic ties. It shows that the rela- tionship has developed and that is one aspect of it. The other is of course the technology and the knowledge and the trade. As you know, we have just emerged from the comprehensive peace agree- ment. Because of the comprehensive peace agreement there was a conflict in Nepal with the Maoist problems. Nation Shield Editor-in-Chief speaks to Nepalese Chief of Army Staff So there was a freeze on import of all lethal weapons and items for nearly What is your opinion on the UAE’s The United Arab Emirates takes the lead seven to eight years. So now we are national companies and what did in different roles of human aid, which is lagging behind very much in moderni- you think of them at the exhibition? testified by everyone. The UAE Armed zation. That is an area that the govern- I was very impressed by how intelli- Forces have contributed, and are still ment has opened up and is providing gently you have invested the money you contributing, to security assistance and us with the budgets. The experience have. It has been invested in the right relief operations in various afflicted -ar here has been very beneficial. way, they have not just thrown money eas. The UAE is always the first among in and bought just any system. countries to reach these regions to help You must have visited different ex- I went to see what the ships are like the distressed. hibitions all over the world, what but that is where we saw your Corvette I think there is a lot of potential in do you feel is unique about IDEX? Class Ship. It is a very intelligent way Nepal also. We are situated in South IDEX has a worldwide reputation. I of investing. Indeed, the UAE has been Asia and you are very close to South feel that it is one of the most important able to employ all its various potential Asia, only four hours away. So when exhibitions at the global level in terms and invest in its different national hu- you have the seasonal monsoons or of organization, number and diversity man resources to keep up with techno- if there are big disasters in areas like of participating companies and size logical development and progress at the Bangladesh, Pakistan and more impor- of exhibits which are in keeping with global level. It managed within a short tantly for us, in Nepal, if they have a big state-of-the-art-technologies, in ad- time to advance and match the world humanitarian disaster then I think the dition to the volume of collaboration though its achievements at all levels. The UAE is definitely an area we will ask for and major deals that take place during UAE national companies have been able assistance. the period of its organization, as well as in their own right to be a real model of the great number of visitors who come progress and innovation. Those who What are your thoughts on military to recognize and make use of the lat- seek to achieve development have to media? Do you think it is important est innovations and technologies in the take the UAE and its national compa- in today’s age? field of defense industries. This exhibi- nies as a glittering example in order to It’s very important. A lot of people tion is also an important opportunity attain their ambitions in the field of de- have negative or wrong ideas about what to strengthen the relations with various fense industries. the military is. The military is always partners and friends all over the world. used in difficult times, so when we go The opening was excellent. There are The UAE has played a major role in in difficult times there is always a con- very few exhibitions which combine humanitarian aid. What are your troversy and the military gets caught. So stands as well as the live demonstra- thoughts on our role in these mis- it is very important that the media can tions. That is a unique aspect. sions? convey the correct message •

| Issue 524 | Sep 2015 | 51 Issue File Anti-discriminatory Law Promotes UAE’s Coexistence Model It embodies the state’s role in enriching the culture of tolerance and respect for others

ince its inception, the UAE has succeeded in building a model state on several Slevels, including taking great strides in political and economic development, as well as being a role model in terms of coexistence, tolerance and respect for others. This has been reflected clearly in the ‘Anti-Discrimination and Hate Law’ issued by His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, in July.

52 | Sep 2015 | Issue 524 | Anti-discriminatory Law Promotes UAE’s Coexistence Model It embodies the state’s role in enriching the culture of tolerance and respect for others This law promotes co-existence and re- spect for others by its articles that ensure equality of members of the community and the criminalization of discrimination between individuals or groups on the basis of religion, beliefs, sect, caste, race, color or ethnic origin. In the current issue, Nation Shield reviews the dimensions of this law, as well as its political, cultural and social importance and implications. There is no doubt that the timing of the anti-discrimination and hate law is- sued by His Highness Sheikh Khalifa, highlights the fact that the UAE is aware of its responsibilities, not only towards its citizens and residents, but also towards all Arab and Islamic societies as well as the rest of the world. This law includes items and actions that may counter extremism, terrorism and the tendencies of hatred and discrimination. The content of Anti-Discrimination and Hate Law or vandalism of religious rituals, holy sites for the crime committed if it is proved that His Highness Sheikh Khalifa issued the or symbols, and takes a serious view of vio- he knew of it. The legal person shall be Anti-Discriminatory Law No. 2 that crimi- lence on the basis of religious doctrines. jointly liable for fulfilling any due financial nalizes any acts that stoke religious hatred 3. Severe Punishment: The text of the law penalties or compensation. Without preju- and/or which insult religion through any on the punishment of imprisonment for a dice to the implementation of the penal- form of expression. The law thereby en- term is not less than 10 years and a fine not ties stipulated in this Law, the court shall riches the culture of global tolerance and less than five hundred thousand dirhams issue a judgement for the dissolution or counters the manifestations of ethnic, reli- but not more than two million dirhams if closing temporarily or permanently of as- gious and cultural discrimination and rac- one of the crimes set out is committed by sociations, centers, bodies, organizations, ism, including the following clauses: a public official during or in connection groups, and their branches. The court shall 1. The Anti-Discriminatory Law pro- with the performance of his work, or by a also issue a judgement for the confiscation hibits any act that would be considered as person with a religious capacity, or in case of money, luggage, instruments or papers, insulting God, his prophets or apostles or the act took place in one of the houses of which have been used in committing the holy books or houses of worship or grave- worship. crimes stipulated in this Law. The Court yards. 4. Punishment of legal persons: The law shall also judge that foreigners be deported 2. It also has provisions to fight discrimi- punishes the representative, director or from the state after the implementation of nation against individuals or groups on the agent of the legal person if any of the of- the sentence imposed on them. basis of religion, caste, doctrine, race, color fenses set forth in this law is committed Any offenders in one of the crimes stip- or ethnic origin. The law also criminalizes by one of his employees in his name and ulated in this Law who inform the judicial any act that amounts to abuse of religion for him by the same penalties prescribed or administrative authorities about the

| Issue 524 | Sep 2015 | 53 Issue File

crime prior to its discovery shall be exempt and social levels, as follows: methods of expression, calling on Arab from punishment. If they are reported after • Promote UAE coexistence model do- countries to issue similar legislation. the detection of the crime, the court may mestically. 2. French parliamentarians and politi- excuse them from punishment if reporting 2. Confront the tendencies of extremism cians praised the anti-discrimination and led to arresting of the rest of the culprits. and terrorism that threaten social security hate law, and stressed that this law reflects The law by decree also considered that any and peace. the image of the United Arab Emirates in feature or advantage or benefit determined 3. Preventive countering of any attempts the world, as a country of tolerance, equal- under the provisions of any other legisla- to denigrate religions at the homeland. ity, security, stability and fraternity. tion in the country, for women, children, 4. Confront racial discrimination ten- 3. The European Islamic Conference people with disabilities, the elderly or oth- dencies which in turn threaten social se- commended the issuance of anti-discrim- ers, is not a prohibited discrimination in curity and peace: ination law and called on the governments the application of the provisions of this law. 5. Rationalize the use of social media and of Islamic countries that are members of The law by decree included other provi- prohibit any abuse of people on the “Inter- the Organization of Islamic Cooperation sions aimed as a whole to combat all acts net”. and Member States of the United Nations associated with contempt of religions and Arab and International Consensus to follow the example of the UAE’s initia- sanctities, fight against all forms of dis- The following are some of the reactions tive. crimination and reject hate speech through to this law: 4. Many of the world’s media praised the various means and methods of expression. 1-In a statement, Al-Azhar Al-Sharif law to combat discrimination and hatred, These rules shall be effective one month -af applauded the legislative decree issued by and considered that it confirms the supe- ter the date of publication of Decree Law His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al riority of the UAE in the fight against ex- in the Official Gazette. Nahyan, UAE President, may God protect tremism and terrorism. The U.S. “Washing- Positive Outcome of the Law (socially, him, on the fight against the criminaliza- ton Post” highlighted in particular the law’s militarily and politically) tion of acts related to contempt of religions criminalization of all forms of discrimina- The anti-discrimination and hatred law and their holy sites, and against all forms tion and emphasis on the renunciation of with its terms referred to above involves a of discrimination, as well as the rejection hate speech, as well as the criminalization positive outcome, at all security, political of hate speech through various means and of discrimination between individuals and

54 | Sep 2015 | Issue 524 | groups on the basis of religion, creed, doc- ing mechanisms in upscale interaction trine, faith, sect, caste, race, color or eth- Anti- between the different groups and multiple nic origin. For its part, New York Times nationalities resident on its soil. It provid- pointed out that part of the importance Discrimination ed a unique model of peaceful coexistence of the issuance of this law lies in that it and human solidarity that deserved respect comes in the context of the GCC coun- Law is inseparable from the world and international organiza- tries’ fight against the wave of extremism tions concerned with this aspect. led by “Daash” organization. Herald Cou- from the • This law is inseparable from the pio- rier said that this law derives a large part pioneering UAE neering UAE efforts to counter extremism of its unique importance from combating and terrorism and to enhance the values​ hatred, discrimination and defamation of efforts to counter of moderation. It also supports the UAE’s religions. efforts to provide a civilized image of the 5. Many Arab experts in international extremism and principles of Islam, and refute the lies that law lauded the Anti-Discrimination Law, were unfairly attached to the Arab and Is- stressing that it reflects the UAE leadership terrorism lamic culture that they are the source of in issuing a comprehensive legislative and UAE and consolidates its image as a model extremism, violence and terrorism in the legal culture towards fighting discrimina- of the support for peace, dialogue and co- world. This law, along with the positive tion and hatred. They considered it a bold existence values, for by issuing this law it Arab and international reactions, proves law and civilized step. has become the 29th state in the world to that the United Arab Emirates is worthy of Model of Coexistence and Moderation apply such a law. leading the Islamic world in the face of ter- The Anti-Discrimination Law involves • It promotes the brilliant record of the rorist groups and igniters of religious and many important indications, which are UAE in the field of human rights: This law sectarian fires inside the Muslim commu- linked to the UAE’s foreign policy, as a certainly enhances the value of equality nities, and building an alternative project model of coexistence and moderation, as and justice between all members of society, based on moderation, return to the true Is- follows: for the UAE has adopted an outstanding lamic religion and liberating it from abduc- • It strengthens the global position of the approach in the application of pioneer- tion, distortion and abuse by extremists•

| Issue 524 | Sep 2015 | 55 Researches GUARDIAN OF EUROPE’S SKIES Unlocking Eurofighter’s full potential while most European jets are aging The limited remaining lifespan of scenarios beyond 2030. he Eurofighter will pro- legacy aircraft such as the Tornado Options such as leading-edge root T and F-16A/B in European air forces, extensions (LERX), conformal fuel vide the core of four of the coupled with the cost and timescales tanks (CFTs), up-rated engines and five most powerful Euro- associated with the F-35 program, thrust vectoring would all enhance the mean that the Eurofighter Typhoon, performance of the jet. However, since pean air forces for at least along with the French Rafale, will be the aerodynamic performance is quite a decade between the late the backbone of Europe’s combat air good, the cost-benefit ratio would be power for at least a decade from 2020. less favorable than the radar and sub- 2010s and around 2030. With sensor, weapon and network system fixes. upgrades scheduled for integration, If the DB -110 RAPTOR Tac/R pod the Eurofighter could remain combat is not integrated onto Typhoon before effective in most likely operational the out-of-service date (OSD) for Tor-

56 | Sep 2015 | Issue 524 | GUARDIAN OF EUROPE’S SKIES

nado (2019), the RAF will lose an ex- tremely important and internationally valued capability currently performed by its fast-jet fleet as part of coalition operations. It is currently operated by the UK, Germany, Italy, Spain, Austria and Saudi Arabia, and is soon to enter service in Oman. Europe’s NATO member states col- lectively possess just over 2,030 fast-jet aircraft. The alliance boasts formida- ble combat air power even without the US. However, there is a legacy- aircraft problem within NATO, espe- around the world. The Eurofighter cially within Europe. The majority of Typhoon and Dassault Rafale are both Europe’s fast jets are aging third- and The Eurofighter effective air-superiority and strike fourth-generation types such as the platforms, which were designed spe- AV-8B Harrier, Panavia Tornado and Typhoon and cifically to replace the legacy fighter F-16 Fighting Falcon. fleets in Europe. Dassault Rafale Current UK plans for the F-35 en- Legacy platforms visage an initial order of 48 aircraft Though undeniably impressive -air are both effective spaced across production lots such craft for their day, these are unlikely to air-superiority that a maximum of 37 F-35Bs will be remain operationally credible against in service at any given time until at near-peer opponents, let alone peer and strike least 2030 with the RAF/Royal Navy. opponents such as Russia’s Su-35S, for Due to the needs of the training cy- long enough to be replaced by fifth- platforms, which cle, maintenance and readiness, a generation platforms. The problem maximum effort during a crisis might for European air forces is that replac- were designed deliver up to 20 F-35Bs to be forward ing these legacy platforms with capa- deployed, whether on land or carrier. bilities to match the projected threat specifically to This would yield between 12 and 15 environment in the next 10–20 years replace the legacy aircraft serviceable at any given time. will end up being an expensive under- The UK is one of the largest potential taking. fighter fleets in F-35 customers in Europe, with states Europe currently produces the two such as the Netherlands, Norway and most-capable multirole fighter aircraft Europe Italy aiming to field even fewer aircraft available for purchase by air forces within a 10 to 15 year timeframe. The

| Issue 524 | Sep 2015 | 57 Researches

Typhoon Cockpit

F-35 is a potentially huge force multi- The distinctive delta-wing shape plier for other networked assets on the with large, aerodynamically decoupled ground and in the air. However, unless The Eurofighter canard control surfaces mounted on NATO is prepared to accept a crip- can operate at the nose is optimized for maximum pling reduction in combat mass in the maneuverability at supersonic speeds, air domain, the F-35 alone cannot ful- extremely high lift at low speeds or high altitudes, and fill Europe’s combat-air requirements. the ability to sustain high-G turns. An As of early 2015, the Rafale can be altitudes of up to intended effect of this aerodynamic considered a more mature platform configuration is very high airframe than the Eurofighter. Its active elec- 65,000 feet strength and a large wing area for un- tronically scanned array (AESA) ra- der-wing stores. The Eurofighter can dar, while significantly smaller than operate at extremely high altitudes of the Captor-E, on contract for integra- superiority, the most aerodynami- up to 65,000 feet and speeds of up to tion in the Eurofighter from 2018, is cally demanding role for a jet fighter. Mach 2. operational and is capable of deliver- Thanks to powerful engines and gen- This performance, coupled with ing almost all the air-launched weap- erous use of light composite materials, powerful radar and up to eight long- onry in France’s arsenal. it has a positive thrust-to-weight ratio, and medium/short range missiles, is which allows it to accelerate even in designed to allow the aircraft to out- Enhanced capabilities a vertical climb and maintain energy perform and destroy any opposing air- The Eurofighter was designed for air during combat maneuvers. craft at beyond visual range or within

58 | Sep 2015 | Issue 524 | Typhoon P2E package

visual range if necessary. Operating at prices.It is important to recognise that, missile load-out. Within visual range, extreme altitudes at supersonic cruise if the same pricing criteria were ap- the new Helmet Mounted Symbology speeds without needing to use thirsty plied to other competitor aircraft, then System (HMSS) allows extreme off- afterburners allows the Eurofighter the Eurofighter Typhoon is competi- boresight missile shots which, coupled pilots to not only maintain an energy tively priced. The strength of Typhoon with the high thrust-to-weight ratio advantage over opponents in combat, comes through the return on invest- and agility of the platform, make it a but also extends the effective range of ment when through-life costs are fac- very dangerous opponent even against their missiles by up to 50 per cent. tored in. the most-modern super-maneuvera- In terms of design philosophy, its ble Russian and Chinese Su-27 ‘Flank- closest antecedent is the twin engine Outmatching er’ derivatives. US F-15C Eagle. As with the F-15, Although expensive, partner nations One of the standout features of the the drawbacks of this approach are receive an air-superiority fighter ca- Eurofighter is the Eurojet EJ-200 en- high procurement and operating costs pable of outmatching all currently op- gine that offers super cruise capabil- compared to lighter single engine de- erational fighter aircraft in the world ity and is the most reliable military jet signs such as the F-16 and Saab Grip- with the exception of the stealthy and engine in the world. en. If total program cost is divided by even more expensive US F-22 Rap- During seven months of intensive the number of aircraft procured then tor. The Eurofighter’s exceptional BVR operations over Libya on Operation according to some estimates the RAF’s performance comes from the powerful Ellamy in 2011, RAF Typhoons flew Typhoons cost somewhere in the re- and wide field-of-regard radar, brute more than 3,000 hours. During that gion of £110 million each at current aerodynamic performance and large time RAF maintenance crews per-

| Issue 524 | Sep 2015 | 59 Researches formed only a single EJ-200 engine by hostile threats. HMSS helmet. change, which was conducted as a Italy has made some progress with practice to maintain ground-crew Pirate/Captor sensor fusion, but this is Longer-range engagements proficiency rather than due to any still a work in progress. The UK’s ver- ASRAAM also has lock-on-after- failure. sion of Captor-E (Radar 2 Extended launch capability, which allows high The engines are software managed Assessment Phase) is being developed off-boresight shooting as well as the to allow ‘care-free’ operation for the to take advantage of some of this work potential for longer-range engage- pilot at all speeds and angles of at- and build on it to incorporate inputs ments cued through Pirate. Both mis- tack, significantly decreasing pilot from Pirate and the Dass much more siles have IR seekers with high resist- workload and thereby increasing per- than the current sensor suite centered ance to countermeasures. formance in more advanced tasks. on Captor-M. Real strike capabilities currently ex- In the early years of the Eurofighter BVR armament is the AIM-120C ist only in the British and Saudi Ty- program, software bugs would often AMRAAM radar-guided missile and phoon fleets, with the Italian, Spanish complicate start-up procedures and the much longer-ranged Meteor will and German Eurofighters currently aircraft availability. soon boost this with full two-way data exclusively tasked in the air-to-air role. However, especially during the last link allowing midcourse guidance The CP-193 Austere air-to-ground five years, these issues have largely updates. The two-way data link (not software package for Tranche 1 Ty- been solved and the jet has earned a available for the Rafale due to plat- phoons in RAF service enabled Liten- reputation among pilots and mainte- form limitations) is crucial for realiz- ing III targeting pods and Paveway II nance crews for excellent reliability ing the full performance of the mis- and enhanced Paveway II laser-guid- ‘on the ground’, helping deliver greater sile, in particular for expanding the ed bombs to be used from 2008 but serviceability and operational output no-escape zone given the long flight outside the standardized consortium per airframe and pilot. time and potential for significant tar- software-development plan. The P1Eb get course changes at long range. software upgrades currently being ap- Powerful and precise At close range, the Eurofighter na- plied to RAF Tranche In terms of sensors, the Captor-M tions field one of two different mis- 2 Typhoons provide genuine mul- radar currently mounted on the Eu- siles in addition to the internal 27-mm tirole capability with the ability to rofighter is widely recognized as one Mauser cannon. Germany, Italy, Spain switch between air-to-air and air-to- of the most powerful and precise of and Austria use the IRIS-T heat-seek- ground modes in flight, as well as its kind. ing missile, which offers extreme off- Paveway IV bombs and many other This new radar offers a wide field of boresight capability, enabling success- enhancements. regard compared to standard fixed- ful engagements of targets behind the As a result of the British-led upgrade plate arrays and will offer improve- aircraft itself in conjunction with the work, the DASS, which includes threat ments in range, tracking resolution detection, early warning and coun- and fidelity, stealth, tactical options, termeasures systems, now includes a electronic attack and ground mapping Eurofighter is thoroughly effective electronic sup- over the current Captor-M. Since al- port measures package. This enables most all modern combat aircraft carry equipped with a the recognition and tracking of hostile radar-warning receivers to detect hos- threat signals (including those from tile radar signals, passive operation is powerful IRST ‘low probability of intercept’ AESA an important capability for the Eu- scanner called radars), as well as various other clas- rofighter. To this end, and to provide sified functions. a limited stealth-detection capability, Pirate, except in However, the active electronic coun- the Eurofighter is equipped with a termeasures (ECM) components of powerful IRST scanner called Pirate, Luftwaffe service the DASS, while sophisticated, still lag except in Luftwaffe service. This is- en behind the latest French and US capa- tirely passive in operation, producing bilities on platforms such as the Ra- no emissions, which could be detected fale, EA-18G and F-22. This is an area

60 | Sep 2015 | Issue 524 | Eurofighter Typhoon where operators suggested that fur- with the earlier Tranche 1 aircraft and combat aircraft currently available ther priority investment could yield have been addressed in Tranche 2 and on the world market. Seven nations significant increases in survivability, Tranche 3 aircraft with fixes offered (Germany, the United Kingdom, It- especially against ground-based air to the user nations. There is also an aly, Spain, Austria, Saudi Arabia and defenses. ongoing programme of subsystem Oman) have already ordered the Eu- improvements delivered through the rofighter Typhoon and it is currently Challenges phased enhancement packages. the largest military procurement pro- From an operator’s perspective, the However, at squadron level, espe- gram in Europe. most limiting factor of the Eurofight- cially in German and Italian service, Its high technology strengthens the er platform at present is not the slow problems remain and should be fixed position of European aerospace indus- pace of upgrades for weapons systems as a priority. Currently, pilots are try in the international market. The or sensors. While the major systems forced to spend mental capacity cop- program secures more than 100,000 such as the engines are extremely re- ing with minor errors and trying to jobs in 400 companies. Eurofighter liable, there have been problems with work around them. This limits their Jagdflugzeug GmbH manages the some of the smaller subsystems such ability to use some of the more ad- program on behalf of the Eurofighter as the radios and even the digital al- vanced capabilities of the platform. Partner Companies: Finmeccanica - timeter. Further, certain relatively minor de- AleniaAermacchi, BAE Systems and These issues are longstanding and ficiencies can seriously constrain the Airbus Defence and Space in Ger- in the past have not been treated as capability of the system as a whole to many and Spain. Since delivery of the priority investment areas because they function as intended. first Eurofighter Typhoon to the Royal are by nature small and unassuming Recent investments in the Eu- Air Force in the United Kingdom at from a program management point of rofighter Program around E-Scan the end of 2003, a total of 436 aircraft view. However, in practice small sub- radar, Brimstone, Storm Shadow and have been delivered to six nations and systems, which do not function prop- Meteor missiles and new launcher sys- close to 300,000 flying hours have erly, act as serious performance bot- tems, have all been well received. been achieved• tlenecks for the system as a whole. The Eurofighter Typhoon is the most majority of these issues are associated advanced new generation swing-role Ref: Text/Photo: www.baesystems.com

| Issue 524 | Sep 2015 | 61 Researches RULING THE WAVES The elite missile technologies for naval warfare

high-speed, highly maneuverable anti- air threats, and high divers. issiles are a vital compo- ship missiles in the naval environment. ESSM is the third Raytheon missile to Mnent of any successful navy. In ESSM is bringing transformational be successfully fired from the NASAMS anti-ship missile defense capabilities to launcher, joining AMRAAM and AIM- our last issue, as part of a series, the fleets of the United States, NATO 9X. ESSM currently has more than 2,000 we reviewed the modernization and other allies. The missile was devel- proven rounds in service or in produc- requirements of eight nations. oped by the U.S. Navy and nine of the tion with another 1,500 rounds antici- This month we take an in-depth other 11-member nations of the NATO pated. It is likely that ESSM will be sup- Seasparrow Consortium. Members of ported through 2030 and beyond, based look at the latest missile tech- the Consortium include Australia, Bel- on current customer requirements. nologies on offer in the field of gium, Canada, , Germany, naval combat. Greece, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, RGM-84L Harpoon Block II Spain, Turkey and the United States. The McDonnell Douglas Harpoon was One of the most important upgrades of Raytheon Missile Systems, along with originally developed for the U.S. Navy Royal Australian Navy’s ANZAC (a ship a global industrial partnership, has in- but in 1983 was adapted for use on B-52H class of frigates) has involved the fitting of troduced an initiative that expands bombers. The Harpoon, first deployed in the RIM-162 Evolved Sea Sparrow Mis- the missile’s original mission from 1977, is an all-weather, over-the-horizon, sile (ESSM). sea-based to ground-based air defense anti-ship missile system. It has a low-lev- arena. ESSM used in a ground-based el, sea-skimming cruise trajectory, active Evolved Sea Sparrow application will build on the proven ca- radar guidance. Evolved Seasparrow Missile is an interna- pabilities of the ship-based application The Harpoon missile is the world’s tional cooperative upgrade of the RIM-7 by providing the same air defense capa- most successful anti-ship missile and is Seasparrow Missile. ESSM provides self- bility against the full threat spectrum, in service with the armed forces of more defense battlespace and firepower against including aircraft, high and low velocity than 30 countries. It has been upgraded

62 | Sep 2015 | Issue 524 | RULING THE WAVES

An Evolved Seasparrow Missile is launched from the aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson

over the years and is now available as performance, efficiency and safety far -be the Harpoon Block II. It also led to the Harpoon is capable yond any competitor. development of the standoff land attack The can be deployed by any missile (Slam) and subsequently the of executing both type of platform such as vessels, fixed and Slam expanded response (Slam-ER). rotary wing aircraft, submarines, missile The Harpoon is capable of executing land-strike and and continental shelf mine. A specific both land-strike and anti-ship missions. MU90 Hard-Kill version anti-torpedo- To strike targets on land and ships in anti-ship missions torpedo has also been developed. port, the missile uses GPS-aided iner- Designed and built with outstanding tial navigation to hit a designated target technologies, the weapon features any- aimpoint. The 500-pound blast warhead Launched from the ANZAC-class frig- task any-environment capability. It is delivers lethal firepower against a wide ate “HMAS Stuart”, the torpedo detected, currently in mass production and it is en- variety of land-based targets, including classified then engaged with its shaped tered into service with the French, Italian, coastal defense sites, surface-to-air mis- charge, the submerged target, representa- German, Danish and Polish Navies and sile sites, exposed aircraft, port/indus- tive of a small-sized submarine. accepted by the Australian Navy. trial facilities and ships in port. The MU90/Impact Advanced Light- weight Torpedo is the leader of the third Sea Ceptor Eurotorp MU90 generation of LWTs. Designed and built New Zealand’s Ministry of Defence has Last year the Royal Australian Navy per- with the most advanced technology, the signed a contract with MBDA for the formed the first firing of a “war shot” weapon is of fire-and-forget type con- procurement of the Sea Ceptor anti-air MU90 lightweight torpedo, a torpedo ceived to cope with any-task any-environ- guided weapon system. MBDA carried developed by the European Economic In- ment capability requirements and meet out two successful guided firings by the terest Group Eurotorp formed by DCNS, the ASW operational needs of the 21st Sea Ceptor air defence system at the land- THALES and the Italian company Wass. century. The MU90 torpedo has reached based Vidsel range facilities in Sweden.

| Issue 524 | Sep 2015 | 63 Researches

These firings were the first seeker guided firings for the Common Anti-air Modu- lar Missile (CAMM), including using its two-way data link to communicate with the Sea Ceptor system. The CAMMs both performed as- ex pected, with their active radio frequency seeker acquiring the targets shortly after launch and staying in track until they in- tercepted their respective targets. CAMM is to be used by the Royal Navy and Royal New Zealand Navy in the Sea Ceptor system and the British Army with A Harpoon missile is launched from the Ticonderoga-class cruiser USS Shiloh during a live-fire exer- the Future Local Area Air Defence Sys- cise in 2014 tem Land system. Sea Ceptor is the next-generation, ship- based, all-weather, air defence weapon system. Through the use of new advanced technologies, Sea Ceptor provides com- plete protection against all known and projected air targets. The weapon system is now in full-scale development for the UK MOD as the principal air defence capability for the Royal Navy’s Type 23 and Type 26 frig- ates. Sea Ceptor will protect both the host ship and high value units in the local area. The Weapon System has the capability to intercept and thereby neutralise the full range of current and future threats in- cluding combat aircraft and the new gen- eration of supersonic anti-ship missiles. Capable of multiple channels of fire, the system will also counter saturation attacks. Sea Ceptor will enter service in 2016. Eurotorp MU90 - lightweight torpedo Raytheon SM-3 equivalent of a 10-ton truck traveling at and Raytheon Company is beginning Standard Missile 3 (SM-3) is a defensive 600 mph. Whether on land or at sea, the flight testing in 2015 to keep the pro- weapon used by the U.S. Navy to destroy SM-3 continues to excel in testing. gram on track for 2018 deployment at short to intermediate-range ballistic mis- The new SM-3 Block IIA is being de- sea and on land in . sile threats. This ‘hit-to-kill’ missile -in veloped in cooperation with Japan and terceptor uses an exoatmospheric “kill will be deployable on land as well as RBS15 Mk3 vehicle,” to collide with targets in space, a at sea. It has two distinct new features: The RBS15 Mk3 is the latest generation capability that’s been likened to hitting a larger rocket motors that will allow it to surface-to-surface missile system and bullet with a bullet. The massive collision defend broader areas from ballistic mis- perfect as the main anti-surface arma- of the kill vehicle hitting its target oblite- sile threats and a larger kinetic warhead. ment. It can be launched from naval ves- rates the threat completely. Explosives are SM-3 Block IIA is the centerpiece of sels, in scenarios from blue water to the not necessary. The resulting impact is the the European missile defense system, littorals, as well as in land attack missions.

64 | Sep 2015 | Issue 524 | A Harpoon missile is launched from the Ticonderoga-class cruiser USS Shiloh during a live-fire exer- cise in 2014

RBS15 Mk3 is the latest generation sur- face-to-surface missile system and perfect SEA CEPTOR firing as the main anti-surface armament The RBS15 Mk3 is contracted by leading lish sea control/sea denial within the guided weapon system derived from the navies in international competition and area of operations, including the littoral, Sea Skua. in production and under delivery to Swe- and on relatively undefended coastal There is a chance that FASGW(H) den, Germany and Poland. targets. Britain’s MoD has a require- could be part of a cooperative devel- The missile is jointly produced and ment for two types of missile, a light opment signed by the governments of marketed by Saab, Sweden and Diehl version FASGW(L) and a heavy version France and the UK, both governments BGT Defence, Germany. It is a fire-and- FASGW(H). having a similar requirement. The forget, subsonic cruise type missile with FASGW(L): This requirement is to French are believed to requirement for all weather capability. It can be launched be met with a Thales Lightweight Multi- an FASGW(H) type system for their from ships, trucks and aircraft and is in- Role Missile System (LMM), a deriva- Panther and NH90 helicopters. tended for anti-ship missions and land tive of the Starstreak missile. LMM will The UK MoD has spent about £1.7 strikes. RBS15 Mk3 is the latest version be used to attack smaller surface targets million (end of 2012) on the FASGW(H) of the reliable RBS15 anti-ship missile at sea and unprotected targets on land. assessment and the in-service date has family. In 2011 Thales received a production yet to be finalised. The estimate is that contract for 1,000 LMM that provided an in-service date of 2016-2017 would Future Anti-Surface Guided Weapon for final testing and qualification and not be unrealistic• The Future Anti-Surface Guided Weapon integration of the LMM on helicopter (FASGW) is intended to meet the re- platforms. The LMM includes beam rid- Reference Text/Photo: quirement for the Royal Navy to main- ing or semi-active laser guidance where www.wikipedia.com tain its anti-surface warfare (ASuW) at- the missile homes in on reflected energy www.raytheon.com tack capability well into the middle part with differing warhead options. www.finmeccanica.com of the next century. FASGW(H): MBDA is leading the www.mbda-systems.com FASGW will provide the most cost- Assessment Phase for the FASGW(H) www.navy.mil effective ASuW delivery system to meet requirement and it is likely that the de- www.saab group.com the perceived threat of missile firing Fast sign will include a system that incorpo- Attack Craft (FAC) and to help estab- rates a new 100 kg modular, infrared-

| Issue 524 | Sep 2015 | 65 Techniques AC-130J GHOSTRIDER – THE FUTURE Ultimate battle plane moving from test to operational

ir Force Special Operations Command received their first AC-130J Ghostrider at Hurlburt Field, FloridaA last July. Operational testing and evaluation of the AC-130J begins later this year. The AC-130 flying gunship fleet is one of the most fabled and feared assets in the entire USAF inventory. Known for its ability to unleash a broadside of cannon fire in the dead of night, the newest of the AC-130 lot is more about smart bombs than raining lead and howitzer shells down on the enemy.

“Putting it through these tests will duction superintendent. features that will enable it to provide allow us to wring out the AC-130J in “Additionally, the modified weapons ground forces with an expeditionary, di- a simulated combat environment, in- system it possesses is a precision strike rect-fire platform that is persistent, suit- stead of the more rigid flight profiles in package that was collected from the ed for urban operations and capable of formal developmental testing,” said Lt. older models, such as the laser-guided delivering precision munitions against Col. Brett DeAngelis, the 1st SOG Det. bombs and AGM-176 Griffin bombs, ground targets. 2 commander. “Now that we know the and combined to give us all the capabili- “This is an exciting transition as we equipment works when we turn it on, ties of the AC-130W Stinger II and AC- move the AC-130J from the test com- it’s our task to determine the best way to 130U Spooky all in one package.” munity to the operational community,” employ our newest asset.” The AC-130J Ghostrider has an over- DeAngelis said. “While we still have ini- For most, the new gunship is the fu- all length of 29.3m, height of 11.9m and tial operational testing in front of us to ture. wingspan of 39.7m. It can operate at a accomplish, it will now be done by air- “The AC-130J brings new technology maximum altitude of 28,000ft with a crews selected for their combat exper- to the table for AFSOC with more effi- payload of 42,000lb. Its maximum take- tise, instead of their testing background.” cient engines, improved fuel efficiency off weight is 164,000lb. A cadre of 60 aircrew and maintainers and the ability to fly higher, further and were selected by the Air Force Person- quieter,” said Master Sgt. Michael Ezell, Exciting transition nel Center to stand up the program, and the 1st SOAMXS (Special Operations The AC-130J is a modified MC-130J there will be an additional 30 contrac- Aircraft Maintenance Squadron) pro- Commando II, containing advanced tors to help work on the new gunship.

66 | Sep 2015 | Issue 524 | “We will be training on the airplane, Ghostrider in May 2012. getting all the qualifications and hands- AC-130 gunships The United States Special Operations on experience we need to be able to Command (USSOCOM) developed AC-130J GHOSTRIDER – THE FUTURE perform operational testing in order to have an extensive and installed the modular Precision Ultimate battle plane moving from test to operational give an exact picture of how this plane Strike Package (PSP) for the aircraft. will operate in a real-world environ- combat history The armament kits under the PSP in- ment,” Ezell said. “Our focus right now clude a 30mm GAU-23 automatic side is to learn how to maintain the aircraft dating to back to firing chain gun, a 105mm cannon, and and the operators will learn how to fly Standoff Precision Guided Munitions it and get ready for (initial operational Vietnam (SOPGM) comprising wing-mounted test and evaluation), which should start GBU-39 small diameter bombs and later this year.” AGM-176 Griffin laser-guided missiles. “As more AC-130Js are produced and have significantly contributed to mis- The internally mounted missiles can be delivered, the older models will slowly sion success. launched through the rear cargo door. be retired,” DeAngelis said. “Until then, The first MC-130J arrived at for con- The intelligence, surveillance, and we’ll hold on to them while the AC-130J version into AC-130J configuration in reconnaissance equipments under the completes operational tests and the fleet January 2013. The aircraft was officially PSP include two electro optical/infrared becomes abundant in numbers.” named Ghostrider in May 2012. sensors, an all weather synthetic aper- The Preliminary Design Review ture radar pod, a pilot helmet-mounted Combat history (PDR) for the AC-130J programme was cueing system, and multiple video, data, The AC-130J is the fourth generation concluded in March 2013. The Opera- and communication links. A dual-con- gunship replacing the aging SOF fleet of tional Test Readiness Review (OTRR) sole Mission Operator Pallet within the 37 AC-130H/U/W gunships. AC-130 and the Critical Design Review (CDR) cargo bay controls all the PSP subsys- gunships have an extensive combat his- were conducted in April 2013 and Au- tems. The aircraft is also equipped with tory dating to back to Vietnam where gust 2013 respectively. advanced fire control equipment. gunships destroyed more than 10,000 The initial operational capacity for 16 trucks and were credited with many aircraft of the AC-130J Ghostrider fleet Strike operations life-saving close air support missions. is scheduled for 2015, while the last de- The hybrid AC-130J Ghostrider -in Over the past four decades, AC-130s livery is scheduled for 2021. corporates the flying proficiencies of have deployed constantly to hotspots The MC-130J Commando II is a spe- the MC-130J and the air to ground throughout the world in support of spe- cial operations tanker aircraft manufac- combat capabilities of the AC-130. It cial operations and conventional forces. tured by Lockheed Martin for the US will conduct continuous strike opera- In South America, Africa, Europe and Air Force Special Operations Com- tions including close air support (CAS) throughout the Middle East, gunships mand. The aircraft was officially named for troops in contact, convoy escort

| Issue 524 | Sep 2015 | 67 Techniques and point air defence. The deep air support missions are executed against pre-planned targets and targets of op- portunity.The aircraft is capable of air refuelling with the Universal Air Re- fueling Receptacle Slipway Installation (UARRSI) system, but is not fitted with the external hose-and-drogue pods used to refuel other aircraft. The AC-130J Ghostrider’s primary missions are close air support and air interdiction. Close air support missions include troops in contact, convoy escort and point air defense. Air interdiction missions are conducted against pre- Preflight inspections in an AC-130J Ghostrider planned targets or targets of opportu- nity and include strike coordination and reconnaissance. The AC-130J will provide ground forces an expeditionary, direct-fire plat- form that is persistent, ideally suited for urban operations and delivers precision low-yield munitions against ground tar- gets. The AC-130J is a highly modified C-130J aircraft that contains many advanced features. It contains an ad- vanced two-pilot flight station with fully integrated digital avionics. The aircraft is capable of extremely accurate naviga- tion due to the fully integrated naviga- tion systems with dual inertial naviga- tion systems and global positioning First AC-on-line system. Aircraft defensive systems and color countermeasure installation, the aircraft critical components, and QinetiQ’s Last weather radar are integrated as well. The is also designed to accommodate the lightweight composite armour system aircraft is capable of air refueling with Large Aircraft Infrared Countermeas- protecting the crew locations and oxy- the Universal Air Refueling Receptacle ures (LAIRCM) system. gen supply areas from 7.62mm ball pro- Slipway Installation system. To handle jectiles. power requirements imposed by the Safety and protection Additionally, the AC-130J is modi- advanced avionics and aircraft systems, The AC-130J is fitted with AN/ALR- fied with a precision strike package, the AC-130J is equipped with 60/90 kilo 56M radar warning receiver, AN/AAR- which includes a mission management volt amp generators that provide in- 47 (V) 2 missile warning system, and console, robust communications suite, creased DC electrical output. . AN/ ALE- 47 countermeasures dispens- two electro-optical/infrared sensors, ad- The fourth generation gunship -air ing system for reducing susceptibility. vanced fire control equipment, precision craft can accommodate two pilots, two The safety and protection systems of the guided munitions delivery capability combat systems officers, and three -en aircraft include a fuel protection system as well as trainable 30mm and 105mm listed gunners. In anticipation of IR from ullage explosion, redundant flight weapons. The mission management sys-

68 | Sep 2015 | Issue 524 | tem will fuse sensor, communication, environment, order of battle and threat information into a common operating picture. The new AC-130J will have similar sensors to the AC-130W and a high- power synthetic aperture radar pod that can provide live targeting for SDB IIs and its other weaponry will be in its quiver. It will also feature helmet mounted sights for its pilots for en- hanced situational awareness. All these systems can also be reverse upgraded A crowd gathers to view the inside of the Air Force Special Operations Command’s first AC- into the AC-130W fleet down the line 130J Ghostrider at Hurlburt Field, Fla., July 29, 2015. if need be. The aircraft is fitted with four Rolls- Royce AE 2100D3 Turboprops with a thrust power of 3,458kW each. Each of the AE 2100D3 engines is 3.15m in length and 0.73m in diameter. The en- gines drive four six-bladed Dowty pro- pellers. The aircraft is equipped with 60/90KV amp generators providing increased direct current electrical out- put. The aircraft can reach a maximum distance of 3,000 miles without refuel- ling and can fly at a speed of 362kt at 22,000ft altitude. Lockheed Martin will deliver 32 AC-130J Ghostrider aircraft to the Air Force Special Operations Command AC-130J is modified with a precision strike package (AFSOC). Initial operational capacity is expected in fiscal 2017 and the last delivery is scheduled for fiscal 2021. Technical Specifications The total investment for the AC-130J Ghostrider programme is estimated to Maiden Flight: January 2014 reach $2.4bn• Manufacturer: Lockheed Martin Length: 29.3m Reference: Text/Photo Wingspan: 39.7m www.af.mil Maximum: Takeoff Weight 164,000lb www.airforce-technology.com Range: 3,000 miles www.lockheedmartin.com Speed: 362kt at 22,000ft altitude Crew: Two pilots, two combat systems officers, and three enlisted gunners Armament: Precision Strike Package (PSP) - 30mm GAU-23/A cannon; 105mm cannon and Standoff Precision Guided Munitions(SOPGM) ie. GBU-39 SmallDiameter Bomb (SDB) and the AGM-176 Griffin missile

| Issue 524 | Sep 2015 | 69