The U.S. Army has approved the final design of Increments 1 and 2 of the Warfighter Information Network-Tactical (WIN-T) program, authorizing General Dynamics C4 Systems and partner Lockheed Martin to prepare for field testing in October 2008. Testing will be followed by deployment of the WIN-T on-the-move communications capabilities in 2009. WIN-T will be the Army’s primary battlefield communications network.
The approval follows successful critical design reviews (CDR) conducted in January and February. During the CDRs, the Army assessed the systems’ final designs to validate that baseline requirements would be met.
A key success factor in these CDRs was the detailed plan to enable mobile battle command down to the company level. In particular, WIN-T Increment 2 will provide tactical communication nodes, mobile “points of presence,” vehicle wireless packages and soldier network extensions to enable mobile battle command in a completely ad-hoc, self-forming, self-healing network. These warfighter-mobility features will support a commander’s ability to exercise command-and-control and synchronize warfighting functions from anywhere on the battlefield.
“These successful CDRs further demonstrate that the WIN-T program is on track for initial fielding in 2009 and confirms that the Army’s incremental delivery strategy will put broadband, on-the-move communications capabilities in soldiers’ hands as soon as possible,” said Bill Weiss, vice president of Tactical Networks for General Dynamics C4 Systems.
Prime contractor General Dynamics and partner Lockheed Martin lead a team of communications, network systems and platform integration experts that includes BAE Systems, Harris Corporation and L-3 Communications.
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Warfighter Information Network-Tactical (WIN-T)
Mini Robots for military
BAE has signed a $38 million agreement with the U.S. Army Research Laboratory (ARL) to lead an alliance of researchers and scientists from the Army, academia and industry. The goal? Mini robots for situational awareness.
"The Micro Autonomous Systems and Technology (MAST) Collaborative Technology Alliance will research and develop advanced robotic equipment for use in urban environments and complex terrain, such as mountains and caves. The alliance will create an autonomous, multifunctional collection of miniature intelligence-gathering robots that can operate in places too inaccessible or dangerous for humans."
"The alliance has a planned duration of five years with an option to extend for an additional five years. MAST consists of four primary research areas, led by four principal alliance members: BAE Systems will lead Microsystems Integration, the University of Michigan will lead Microelectronics, the University of Maryland will lead Microsystem Mechanics, and the University of Pennsylvania will lead Processing for Autonomous Operation."
"The alliance also has five general members participating in one or more of the research areas: the University of California at Berkeley, the California Institute of Technology and the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, the Georgia Institute of Technology, the University of New Mexico, and North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University."
Source: BAE
Batteries, bullets and beans ....
Changes in military technologies have resulted in an increasing demand for light, mobile, power.
After an intial $3.5 million for development and successful delivery of 10 test units, Protonex Technology has received an additional $3.65 million to continue research from the U.S. Army Research Office (ARO).
The unit, known as the Pulse M250, is a 250-watt portable system. "Proton exchange membrane (PEM) technology ... use a polymer electrolyte and porous carbon electrodes containing a platinum catalyst stacked in a planar configuration. They operate at relatively low temperatures (around 80oC, or 176oF) so they offer quick startup times and reduced wear on system components, which allows for greater durability. They require only hydrogen fuel, oxygen from the air and water to operate. ... Depending on the system size and application, hydrogen fuel for Protonex systems is supplied from one of the following sources: Compressed hydrogen, Metal hydrides, Chemical hydrides, (or) Reformed methanol"
Photo: Protonex
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
More Humvee contracts
AM General has been awarded two High Mobility Multi-Purpose Wheeled Vehicles contracts.
The first is a $11,601,414 firm-fixed price contract for 101 EA HMMWVs. The second contract is for 54 Humvees and is worth $5,789,443.
Work on both contracts will be performed in Mishawaka, Ind., and is expected to be completed by Dec. 31, 2009. TACOM is the contracting activity.
Photo: AM General
Monday, April 28, 2008
Force Protection gets logistics support work
Force Protection Industries has been awarded a $15,279,151 modification tunder a previously awarded firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for the purchase of Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicle Integrated Logistic Support (ILS) sustainment parts.
Work will be performed in Ladson, S.C., and work is expected to be completed Oct. 2008.
Photo: Force Protection
General Dynamics gets MRAP work
Canadian Commercial Corp. (CCC), General Dynamics Land Systems Canada, is being awarded a $28,585,655 firm-fixed-priced delivery order modification under a previously awarded contract for the purchase of Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicle tranportation to Durbin, South Africa, battle damage assessment repair list, removal of gun ports in the ballistic windows, revised statement of work and related contract data requirements list.
Work will be performed both in a combat area of operations operating in an austere environment (35 percent); Lansing, Mich., (35 percent); and Texarkana, Texas, (30 percent), and work is expected to be completed by Apr. 2009. Contract funds will not expire by the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured. The Marine Corps Systems Command, Quantico, Va., is the contracting activity.
Editor's Note: "... Canada’s international contracting agency, CCC negotiates and executes bilateral government-to-government contracts to meet allied militaries’ defence requirements. ... For fifty years, CCC has been responsible for helping Canada meet its commitments under the Defence Production Sharing Agreement (DPSA), put in place to foster a strong and integrated North American defence industrial base."
Photo: GDLS
Some reading to begin the week ...
Here are some items of general interest that we have found or have brought to our attention by readers. Thank you!
- The Birth of the Combined Explosives Exploitation Cell (Small Wars Journal, pdf)
- Forces see spike in IEDs in April (USA Today)
- Developments in Zimbabwe including Chinese arms shipment returning home ( New York Times)
- A look at Empire Challenge 2008 (Military Geospatial Technology)
- Loopholes keep Windows XP alive (BBC)
Sunday, April 27, 2008
Lockheed moves JLTV forward with EMI testing
Lockheed Martin has completed initial electromagnetic interference (EMI) testing of the next-generation vehicle it is building for the U.S. Army’s Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV) competition. The tests are helping team engineers reduce risk and ensure JLTV program success by advancing the team’s vehicle design in the early stages of development.
EMI testing was performed on the JLTV Team’s Combat Tactical Vehicle Payload Category B infantry carrier inside an anechoic chamber at Lockheed Martin Systems Integration in Owego NY. Insulated from outside radio signal interference, the chamber enables test engineers to precisely measure the emission levels radiating from specific equipment. Systems tested included radio antennas, displays, engine and transmission controllers and electrical components. Additional tests conducted on an outdoor range characterized the interactions of the vehicle’s antennas, which will determine the optimum design of the communications suite.
The tests were performed by Lockheed Martin’s Owego-based EMI Laboratory team, which recently gained accreditation from the National Voluntary Laboratory Accreditation Program (NVLAP). Run by the U.S. Department of Commerce’s National Institute of Standards and Technology, the NVALP verifies that testing and calibration laboratories meet national and international quality and procedural requirements.
This summer, the U.S. Army and U.S. Marine Corps are expected to award 27-month technology development contracts to at least two industry teams. Prototype JLTV vehicles developed for the demonstration will undergo a host of trials to military standards, including EMI testing. The services could order as many as 50,000 vehicles for operation beginning in the mid 2010s.
In addition to its infantry carrier, Lockheed Martin also has built a second JLTV prototype — the Utility Vehicle Light Payload Category C — designed to carry personnel, general cargo and ammunition. The Category B vehicle already has undergone more than 5,000 miles of on and off-road testing, and both vehicles will complete 25,000 test miles by the end of this year.
As a lightweight tactical vehicle, the JLTV program will provide the services with a family of expeditionary vehicles capable of on and off-road mobility, protection from roadside bombs and the ability to haul a variety of useful payloads. As a system, the sensors and communications suite aboard the JLTV will tap into the military’s global communications network, enabling forces to coordinate operations by sharing up-to-the-minute battlefield information.
The Lockheed Martin-led JLTV Team includes Lockheed Martin as the prime contractor and design agent, providing systems engineering, platform integration, design expertise and program management. BAE Systems Mobility & Protection Systems provides advanced armor solutions and production facilities for high volume assembly. Alcoa Defense supplies materials knowledge, design services and aluminum components that give the vehicle its structural strength at reduced weight.
Source: Lockheed Martin
Saturday, April 26, 2008
Conference listing updated
The Defense, Security & Tech conference listing has been updated. You will find it in the menu section on the right under "Research and References".
If you know of a conference or seminar that may be of interest to your fellow reader, please let us know. As arrangements can often require considerable coordination we ask for at least one month advance notice.
Thursday, April 24, 2008
UAE to get deployable tactical internet
After an international competition Thales has been selected to supply the United Arab Emirates with military capable, deployable, multimedia IP services.
The Zagil solution, based on IP standards and Wimax technology, demonstrates Thales' ability to develop solutions from civil products and technologies. This large use of COTS and the development of an active policy of Transfer of Technology, along with a highly performing offer, are the key elements of Thales' international successes in tactical networks. Today, in addition to UAE, clients of Thales' tactical communication solutions include France, Switzerland, the UK, and Austria.
The core of the Di@ne/IP system is the IPS (IP-Services) software suite which comes on top of standard IP equipment and features subscriber mobility, military quality of service, and efficient networking as a perfect answer to operational military communication requirements.
Including a very new secured IEEE 802.16 Wimax technology, this network solution will provide to users a broadband wireless IP access even on the move.
The main transmission media of Di@ne is the TRC 4000 Microwave Radio Relay operating in NATO Band IV (4.4 to 5.0 GHz) and providing secured 34 Mbps high data rate transmission links. Its integrated planel antenna and its split design offers low wind resistance, flexible deployment and quick setup and teardown.
The TRC 4000 radio is fielded in operational service with numerous armed forces, most notably in France, Switzerland, and TRC 4000 34 Mbps is currently under delivery for FALCON in UK, PTPRS in Austria and of course Zagil in the Emirates.
Di@ne also provides Automatic integration of PR4G/Fastnet combat radios offering both radiotelephony and efficient data networking on the battlefield using high secure but sometimes bandwidth constrained military radios.
Source: Thales
BAE sells more FMTVs to Jordan
BAE Systems has been awarded a $6 million contract from the U.S. Army for a Foreign Military Sale of Family of Medium Tactical Vehicles (FMTV) destined for Jordan. This is the third order for Jordan in the last four years, bringing the total value to over $16 million.
The FMTV is available in 18 variants with payloads ranging from 2 to 16.5 metric tons. The FMTV features cargo hauling to include weapon systems, soldier transport, vehicle recovery, and more. The FMTV can also be equipped with armor to protect crew and up to a squad of soldiers in certain variants. More than 48,000 FMTV trucks and trailers are in service around the world with the U.S. Army and U.S. allies. The commonality of parts among the FMTV includes shared engines, transmissions, power trains, tires and cabs.
In March BAE showcased FMTVs at 7th Special Operations Forces Exhibition and Conference (Sofex) in Amman.
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
Robotic FX and now for the soap opera
Last December we covered newcomer Robotic FX losing a huge Army contract. It seems their robot was actually iRobot's machine.
Noah Shachtman has written a great story about all of this over at Wired. Check it out.
More iRobot stories here.
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Daimler get truck contracts
Daimler Trucks North America has been awarded a $169,990,717 firm-fixed price contract for 600 each of M916A3 (now able to handle add-on armour) light equipment transporters, 150 each, M917A2 dump trucks and 50 each, M917A2 W/MCS (Material Control System) dump trucks.
Work will be performed in Portland, Ore., and is expected to be completed by Oct. 31, 2009.
Daimler has also received $5,991,503 for the addition of M915 test vehicles, test assets, test support design engineering and other non-recurring tooling costs to the contract.
Some facts about the M916A3 6x6 Tractor and M917A2 6x6 Dump Truck: Detroit Diesel S60 (430 hp, 1450 lb-ft torque); Allison 7 speed transmission; Michelin: XZY-3 425/65R22.5 (front) and XDY-3 315/80R22.5 (rear) and Eaton Central Tire Inflation System.
The tractor has a 45,000 lbs capacity winch. The dump truck has a cruising range of 550 miles (100 gal tank; 30 mph @ 68,000 lbs GVW).
Photo: Daimler Trucks
UAE get Swiss mine clearance machines
The Land Forces of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) signed a multi-million euro contract with BAL Bauer Industries Ltd. for the procurement of large-scale mine clearance machines “MineWolf”. The purchase follows extensive trials of the MineWolf in harsh desert conditions in the Gulf region in 2006, and includes special modifications for lifting mine fragments buried in sandy terrain to the surface.
BAL Bauer Industries Ltd., who acts as General Contractor for this contract, and MineWolf Systems were selected based on their superior technology, extensive regional experience and military know-how. The systems were delivered at the beginning of 2008 six month after contract signing and the training of the UAE personnel is being carried out at the present time.
It is the first army in the Middle East to procure the MineWolf.
The MineWolf is a tracked mine clearance machine implementing an interchangeable tiller or flail system. It has been proven effective against anti-personnel (AP) and heavy anti-tank (AT) mines in many mine-affected countries including Sudan, Jordan, Bosnia-Herzegovina and Croatia (humanitarian projects). The system is capable of clearing up to 30,000 square metres per day.
Canadians arrested for U.S. fraud
The president and former vice-president of Toronto-based Newcon Optik have recently been arrested. They are alleged to have attempted to defraud the U.S. military of up to $11-million.
It is claimed they attempted to bribe a competitor to withdraw their bid on night vision equipment destined for the new army of Iraq.
The Globe and Mail has the complete story.
Sunday, April 20, 2008
Catching up ...
Here is some extra reading of interest.
DARPA asks for aircraft that can stay aloft to five years and Aurora gets the contract.
Aviation Week has news videos including one on Lockheed's JLTV.
Russia scraps Libya's debts as Putin visits Tripoli.
Iran shows off its military might.
Canadians to get combat badge and multiple tours recognition.
French receive first Pétits Véhicule Protégé (in French).
Photo: French Army
Friday, April 18, 2008
Anti-jamming GIS receivers
BAE Systems has developed a satellite navigation receiver system that provides uninterrupted operation of the Global Positioning System for air, land, and sea platforms and applications.
The company developed and readied the system in response to the emerging threat of disruption to operations of GPS navigation systems. The new satellite navigational immune receiver keeps GPS navigation operable in the presence of radio frequency jamming.
'GPS jamming has become an acute threat to armed forces operating in the modern battle arena,' said Kent Jacobson, vice president of BAE Systems' Sensor Integration business in Austin. 'BAE Systems developed a unique system that offers operational immunity against electronic jamming and disruptions to maintain precise and reliable GPS operation, even in multiple jamming environments.'
During tests of the system, the anti-jam GPS successfully overcame electronic jamming in various scenarios, including multiple simultaneous jamming.
The anti-jamming satellite navigation receiver is available as a complete system or as an add-on to any existing GPS system.
Source: BAE
New on-board ROV hazard prediction application
Allen-Vanguard has launched ROV-Track CBRNE, a unique software application for its Defender and Vanguard bomb disposal robots which predicts and illustrates CBRNE hazard areas around a suspect device.
The hazard prediction is based on data compiled by meteorological and CBRNE sensors integrated with the ROV and transmitted to the command console. Scene controllers are provided with a clear visual display of potential down-wind exposure enabling the formulation of a safe and effective response. Continual recalculation based on prevailing conditions means that controllers can make decisions based on real-time status.
ROV-Track CBRNE predicts the hazard area based on relevant standards for blast effect, fragmentation and the characteristics of CBRN agents. However, these standards may be manually updated in line with the user’s experience and response protocols. Defender has integral GPS and can be fitted with up to four sensors as well as a set of disruptors. The smaller, more lightweight Vanguard™ can carry two sensors.
Thursday, April 17, 2008
Navistar MRAPS to receive upgrade
The U.S. Navy has given Navistar division International Military and Government LLC (IMG), $261,373,172 a contract modification for engineering change proposals to upgrade Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) low rate initial production vehicles.
The government will procure several engineering changes which will provide additional armor protection to increase the survivability of the MRAP Category I (CAT I) vehicles. The order also includes ambulance kits. Work is expected to be completed Nov. 2008.
More Navistar stories here.
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
Hillier resignation update
Update: General Hillier's statement to the Canadian Forces.
CBC Radio has just announced the resignation of Canadian Chief of Defence Staff, General Rick Hillier.
Hillier assumed his position in February, 2005. He has not always popular with his political overlords. However, General Hillier may have been the most respected CDS in a generation. As recently as last week he had given no direct indication as to his plans although he firmly rejected a future in politics.
Back in December we wrote:
"Sitting in the background are two officers who could replace the "Big Cod". On one hand there is Air Force Commander Lt.-Gen. Angus Watt. On the other the Army's Lt.-General Andrew Leslie. Both are sharp although Leslie was "born" for the job and has had more media experience."
Now added to this list is Lt.-Gen. Walter Natynczyk, the Vice-Chief of Defence Staff (VCDS). Natynczyk has extensive and varied experience to bring to the job.
One little known fact is his very interesting military exchange experience. On exchange you are subject to the regs of the nation you are serving with, after all you are there to learn. After time at the U.S. War College Natynczyk became Deputy Commanding General, III Corps and Fort Hood. Soon American foreign policy was focusing on Sadam. This meant that in early 2004, he deployed with III Corps to Baghdad, Iraq. There he served as the Deputy Director of Strategy, Policy and Plans and later as the Deputy Commanding General of the Multi-National Corps (Iraq). Obviously Natynczyk has international respect as a soldier.
Hillier's resignation is to be effective July 1st, Canada Day.
Sources: As cited or linked.
Photo: DND
In the age of MRAPs a humvee order
The U.S. Army has awarded AM General, LLC, South Bend, Ind. a $650,079,405 firm-fixed price contract for 4,526 high mobility multi-purpose wheeled vehicles.
Work will be performed in Mishawaka, Ind., and is expected to be completed by Dec. 31, 2009. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.
One bid was solicited on Mar. 17, 2006. TACOM, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity.
Other HMMWV, related, stories here.
Photo: AMC General
NGRAIN Canadian military's sole 3D solution provider
NGRAIN has been awarded a one year contract (with four option years) by Public Works and Government Services Canada (PWGSC) on behalf of the Department of National Defence (DND) as a sole supplier of interactive 3D equipment simulations. This NGRAIN Enterprise Software 3D Modelling & Visualization contract was sponsored by the Assistant Deputy Minister of Materiel (ADM Mat) as a national multi-year, cross services contract. This multi-million dollar contract (with all options exercised) will provide 3D virtual equipment simulations used for performance support, training and maintenance.
NGRAIN software enables non-technical users to incorporate information relevant to each element of the 3D object (part, assembly, and sub-assembly) and easily insert the resultant 3D Knowledge Object into Microsoft Word documents, PowerPoint slides, web pages or courseware.
Using NGRAIN solutions, DND personnel can interact with the 3D virtual object much as they would with a real piece of complex equipment. Once created, the same NGRAIN 3D content can be used in multiple training courses, technical publications and logistics applications, and can be deployed on standard desktops, ruggedized laptops, tablet PCs, and PDAs. This enables the rapid, efficient deployment of simulations and provides DND personnel access to the most up-to-date information in the classroom or in the field.
Extending a long-standing relationship with the Canadian Forces, this contract covers the entire suite of NGRAIN products and solutions, most notably NGRAIN 3D Virtual Task Trainers (VTTs). NGRAIN VTTs are 3D Knowledge Objects with animations, tasks, and testing built to represent a series of procedures on specific equipment. NGRAIN VTTs can be used as a standalone training or operational aid, or can be embedded into courseware or technical publications.
Conferences listing updated
The Defense, Security & Tech conference listing has been updated. You will find it in the menu section on the right under "Research and References".
If you know of a conference or seminar that may be of interest to your fellow reader, please let us know. As arrangements can often require considerable coordination we ask for at least one month advance notice.
Saturday, April 12, 2008
Top conversations around the office ...
Here are some extra stories you may find interesting.
Don't forget, you can subscribe to Defence, Security & Tech. Look to the menu for the link.
- "Romanian firefighters were shocked after a farmer was spotted using an unexploded missile as an anvil."
- " ... to send a soldier out on patrol or, indeed, into battle with defective equipment could constitute a breach of Article 2 (right to life) under the European Convention on Human Rights."
- Need a chem/bio suit or parts for your F-14? Check out eBay according to the GAO (30 page .pdf).
- A new Russian missile early warning radar station will go into service by the end of the year.
- Canadian Government blocks sale of MDA space division to American ATK.
Friday, April 11, 2008
More GPSs
The U.S. Air Force has exercised contract production options with Rockwell Collins for the purchase of 9,746 Defense Advanced GPS Receivers (DAGRs) and accessories.
The DAGR is the replacement for the Precision Lightweight GPS Receiver (PLGR) in integrated platforms as well as for the advanced and basic GPS user. It provides users, including Foreign Military Sales (FMS), with a GPS Precise Positioning System (PPS), hand-held, dual-frequency (L1/L2), lightweight receiver (less than one pound) with a built-in next generation, tamper-resistant GPS “SAASM” (Selective Availability Anti-Spoofing Module) Security module.
This is a modified firm fixed price contract for $21,765,082.
Photo: Rockwell Collins
More CREW systems to Iraq
ITT Communications & Countermeasures Systems is being awarded a $45,194,148 modification to previously awarded contract for the production and support of 586 JCREW 2.1 Radio-Controlled Improvised Explosive Device (RCIED) Electronic Warfare (CREW) systems to meet urgent Department of Defense (DoD) requirements in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Vehicle mounted CREW systems are one element of the DoD’s Joint Counter RCIED Electronic Warfare program. Spiral 2.1 CREW systems are vehicle mounted electronic jammers designed to prevent the initiation of RCIED.
Land Rover WMIK replacement introduced
This week the Jackal was introduced in Helmand province, southern Afghanistan. Among the features of this new platform is an airbag suspension system which allows for a relatively smooth ride over rough terrain and a more stable firing platform. The system can also raise the vehicle by more than a metre for obstacle clearance or to gain a better view of the field. Jackal facts 
The British Army has wanted to replace its' under-armoured and relatively slow, Land Rover-based, Weapons Mounted Installation Kit (WMIK).
Thursday, April 10, 2008
It's in the numbers
The success of the U.S. Transportation Command is being heralded by the Armed Forces Press Agency. They certainly have been busy supplying troops in Iraq and Afghanistan along with their other tasks including humanitarian assistance.
One of the pressures on the system has been the delivery of MRAPs to theatre. Illustrating this point are the air and sea deliveries for this program which have now reached a confirmed total of 5,200 units.
Future robots without a robotics industry?
Popular Mechanics has a good article out on robots and their future. One interesting quote is from iRobot's CEO Colin Angle. He was speaking at the RoboBusiness Conference and said, quite rightly, “Are we sure we’re not just an adjunct to another industry?”
Also covered in the piece is the quiet retreat from Iraq of the armed SWORDS robot. This Talon product was designed to carry 240, 249 or 50-caliber machine guns, the M202 –A1 with a 6mm rocket launcher or the ubiquitous M16. It seems there were technical issues.
Update April 15: Sharon Weinberger, at Danger Room, has an update on "the quiet retreat".
Update April 16: Popular Mechanics clarification.
Wednesday, April 9, 2008
New UK de-mining kit
It has been so successful that doctrine has been changed to lead with the new detector, as opposed to the 'prodder', which greatly improves the rate of advance. The kit is made up of the impressive Vallon detector, improved marking equipment and enhancements to the level of protection for the operator in the event of a mine explosion. There is also a package of training which includes kits for users to keep up skill levels while in their unit."
Ultra Electronics Command and Control Systems (Ultra CCS) worked closely with Director Equipment Capability (Ground Manoeuvre) to bring a new counter-mine capability to theatre a year early.
"The dismounted counter-mine capability provides Royal Engineer combat engineers, infantry assault pioneers, Royal Armoured Corps assault troopers and Royal Marine assault engineers with the ability to detect minimum metal mines in very challenging soil conditions.
Source: MoD
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
New biodetector for U.S.
The U.S. Army Research, Development and Engineering Command Acquisition Center, Aberdeen Proving Ground, Md., has awarded General Dynamics Armament and Technical Products a contract option worth approximately $43 million to produce and test Joint Biological Point Detection Systems (JBPDS). The contract terms also include field-support packages and user training for the technology. This award is a modification of a 2004 contract and brings the total value to date to more than $200 million.
The JBPDS is a self-contained instrument suite that rapidly detects and identifies biological warfare agents. Available in man-portable, shelter-based, ship-based and trailer-mounted variants, the JBPDS is a Joint Services program and is configured to meet the operational requirements of the U.S. Army, Navy, Marine Corps and Air Force.
Monday, April 7, 2008
New Army trucks
Stewart & Stevenson Tactical Vehicle Systems has been awarded a $6,096,214 firm-fixed price contract for 38 medium tactical vehicle 5-ton cargo trucks.
Work will be performed in Sealy, Texas, and is expected to be completed by Nov. 15, 2008.
More Stewart and Stevenson news here.
Source: DoD
Photo: S & S AAR
Friday, April 4, 2008
Thursday, April 3, 2008
Time marches on ...
Softsol Technologies Inc., is being awarded a Firm Fixed Price contract for $10,969,599.00.
This requirement acquired service to transform the business application software currently being used by the Defense Security Assistance Management System from Sun Microsystems Unified Development Server environment, formerly known as Forte, and using Transactional Object-Oriented Language, to a new environment and language called .NET.
Editors note: The Defense Security Assistance Management System is part of the Defense Security Cooperation Agency which comes under the Undersecretary of Defense. Forte (formerly Sun Performance WorkShop Fortran) was a development environment for applications in Fortran and C on the Solaris Operating Environment. Forte HPC also provided for C++. Sun no longer supports these products. Really, you can't call .Net a language but rather it's Microsoft's proprietary application development environment.
Photo: SPARC station (good times ...)
Canada tightens controls on resitricted chemicals
This one almost slipped under the radar ...
The Government of Canada is taking action to better control the sale of chemicals that can be used to make explosives.
The Honourable Gary Lunn, Minister of Natural Resources, and the Honourable Stockwell Day, Minister of Public Safety, have announced that new regulations for these chemicals, known as explosives precursors, will be implemented under the Explosives Act.
The new regulations will require that anyone who sells ammonium nitrate or any of the eight other chemicals be registered with the Explosives Regulatory Division of Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) and comply with security measures for storage, record keeping and customer identification.
"Our government believes that new controls on explosives precursors are necessary to reduce the risk of terrorist acts," said Minister Day. "This list of chemicals was drawn up on the basis of expert scientific and security analyses and includes chemicals that pose the greatest risk, and therefore, require regulatory control."
The nine chemicals to be controlled under the new regulations currently have a wide range of legitimate uses, such as ammonium nitrate, which is commonly used in agriculture as fertilizer. The chemicals are: ammonium nitrate; nitric acid; nitromethane; hydrogen peroxide; potassium nitrate; sodium nitrate; potassium chlorate; sodium chlorate; and potassium perchlorate.
BAE MMPVs start rolling
In December 2007, BAE Systems was selected as the prime contractor for the MMPV program, worth up to $2.2 billion to produce up to 2,500 vehicles through 2015, for Army Engineers and Explosive Ordnance Disposal teams. BAE Systems has now received a $132 million production contract from the U.S. Army TACOM Life Cycle Management Command for 179 Medium Mine Protected Vehicles (MMPV).
Twenty-four of 179 vehicles ordered will include a remotely controlled interrogator arm. MMPV is a multi-purpose, mine protected, 6x6 wheeled vehicle based on BAE Systems' next generation RG33 family of vehicles. The contract brings the total amount awarded to date to $152 million.
Under a strategic public/private partnership agreement, BAE Systems and the Letterkenny Army Depot will perform automotive and final assembly production operations of the vehicles in facilities on and adjacent to the Letterkenny Army Depot facilities in Pennsylvania. Deliveries are scheduled to begin in July 2008 and continue through April 2009.
U.S. Army engineers will use MMPVs to conduct route and area clearance missions, command and control, mount mine clearing systems, and conduct explosive hazards reconnaissance. MMPVs will also be used by Explosive Ordnance Disposal teams.
Source and photo: BAE
IMG contracts DRS
DRS Technologies, Inc. (DRS) has announced today it has received two contract awards valued at $34 million to manufacture 2,500 armored roof assemblies for the International Military and Government (IMG) MaxxPro 4 x 4 Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicle (International Military and Government LLC (IMG) is a unit of Navistar ).
The first award, granted in early February for 1,000 assemblies, was valued at $14 million. The second contract, worth $20 million, recently was awarded for an additional 1,500 roof assemblies.
Production is being performed by the company's DRS Sustainment Systems unit's manufacturing facility in West Plains, Missouri. Production of the first 1,000 units should be complete by mid-April, while the remaining 1,500 roof assemblies will be delivered by July 31. Deliveries of both orders will be made to IMG's vehicle production facility in West Point, Mississippi.
