 Your new post is loading...
Your new post is loading...
|
Scooped by
Romain
May 21, 2013 9:54 AM
|
The Australian Minister for Defence has announced that Australia is considering the US Navy’s MQ-4C Triton unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) as part of the replacement programme for the Royal Australian Air Force AP-3C fleet. The Australian government outlined plans in the 2013 Defence White Paper to replace the AP-3C fleet with P-8A Poseidon aircraft complemented by unmanned aircraft capable of undertaking broad area maritime surveillance and fleet overwatch.
On 16 May, the Minister for Defence, Stephen Smith, and Minister for Defence Materiel, Dr Mike Kelly, announced that the Australian government would issue a Letter of Request (LOR) to the US to gain access to detailed cost, capability and availability information on the US Navy’s MQ-4C Triton UAV.
The Australian Department of Defence (DoD) said that the goal is to provide long-range, long-endurance maritime surveillance and response and an effective anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare capability. The acquisition of high-altitude, long-endurance unmanned aircraft for maritime patrol and other surveillance is being developed under project AIR 7000 Phase 1B.
If the Australian government does go ahead with the acquisition of the Triton UAV it would be welcome news for Northrop Grumman, prime contractor for the US Navy’s MQ-4C fleet, after it was revealed earlier this week that Germany is planning to end its Eurohawk UAV programme due to problems relating to air space integration and airworthiness.
To help assess the suitability of the Triton for Australia’s requirements, the government will establish a Foreign Military Sales Technical Services Case with the US Navy to obtain detailed cost, capability and availability information to inform future government consideration of Project AIR 7000 Phase 1B.
The Australian DoD plans to continue to investigate options for a mixed manned and unmanned aircraft fleet to inform government consideration later in the decade.
|
|
Scooped by
Romain
May 21, 2013 9:29 AM
|
The growing use of unmanned surveillance "eyes in the sky" aircraft raises a thicket of privacy concerns, but Congress is getting mixed advice on what, if anything, to do about it. A future with domestic drones may be inevitable. While civilian drone use is currently limited to government agencies and some public universities, a law passed by Congress last year requires the Federal Aviation Administration to allow widespread drone flights in the U.S. by 2015. According to FAA estimates, as many as 7,500 civilian drones could be in use within five years. "Technology is great — as long as it's used the right and proper way," Rep. Jason Chaffetz, R-Utah, said at a House Judiciary subcommittee hearing Friday on the issues surrounding drones — which can be as small as a bird and as large as a plane. Congress isn't alone in seeking to address the issues: Since January, drone-related legislation has been introduced in more than 30 states, largely in response to privacy concerns. Rep. James Sensenbrenner, R-Wis., said it was important for new standards to address the privacy issues associated with use of drones. With Rep. Zoe Lofgren, D-Calif., and Rep. Ted Poe, R-Texas, he is sponsoring legislation that would codify due process protections for Americans in cases involving drones and make flying armed drones in the U.S. sky illegal. "Every advancement in crime fighting technology, from wiretaps to DNA, has resulted in courts carving out the Constitutional limits within which the police operate," Sensenbrenner said. The subcommittee heard from experts who were divided on what actions Congress should take to address the new technology. But the four witnesses all agreed that drones raised new, often unprecedented questions about domestic surveillance. "Current law has yet to catch up to this new technology," said Chris Calabrese, legislative counsel for the American Civil Liberties Union. Calabrese said he supported immediate regulation of the drone industry and said his biggest concern was the overuse of drones by police and government officials for surveillance. But Calabrese said he doesn't want to hinder the growth of drones with the power to do good, including helping find missing persons, assisting firefighters and addressing other emergencies. Tracey Maclin, a professor with the Boston University School of Law, said the issues raised by drones haven't been addressed by courts before because the technology goes beyond what humans had been capable of through aerial surveillance. Past court rulings, "were premised on naked-eye observations — simple visual observations from a public place," he said. Rep. Cedric Richmond, D-La., said he wanted to know when drone technology will advance to the point where Congress will have to act on the issue. He said he was concerned about the effect on privacy. "At what point do you think it's going to get to a point where we have to say what a reasonable expectation of privacy is?" Richmond said. Republicans expressed similar concerns. "It seems to me that Congress needs to set the standard, rather than wait and let the courts set the standard," Poe said. Some experts urged caution. Gregory McNeal, an associate law professor at Pepperdine University, said writing laws to cover drones will be difficult because the technology continues to improve and Congress could think it's addressing key issues, only to have new ones emerge. He compared drones to the privacy concerns raised by development of the Internet in the 1990s. Regulating then, he said, could have stymied the rapid growth of the Internet and wouldn't have addressed today's Internet privacy issues. If Congress feels compelled to act, McNeal said, it should think in terms broader than a "drone policy" and set standards for surveillance or realistic expectations of privacy. "A technology-centered approach to privacy is the wrong approach," he said. But the ACLU's Calabrese said Congress should work quickly. "This can't be adequately addressed by existing law," he said. "Manned aircraft are expensive to purchase. Drones' low cost and flexibility erode that natural limit. They can appear in windows, all for much less than the cost of a plane or a helicopter."
|
|
Rescooped by
Romain
from Newsletter navale
May 20, 2013 6:13 PM
|
(Infodefensa.com) Madrid - The 25 percent market share of new vessels corresponds to projected military programs planned in Asia-Pacific . Business value naval defense of these countries have already felled to Europe 's second world still led by the United States . In the next two decades all these Eastern nations expected to acquire 800 new warships. One hundred of them will be underwater, which will make the area's largest market these systems in the world in terms of number, and the second in spending after U.S. . So says Bob Nugent , vice president of advisory services AMI International , an American company specializing in the analysis of navies. Concrete Nugent prognosis signature is "that the armed forces of the Asia-Pacific region will spend a total of 180,000 million in 2031 to nearly 800 new ships, including submarines and surface vessels." Only submarines and anti-submarine warfare systems ( ASW , for its acronym in English), represent a hundred new submersible, 40 percent of the total market of new submarines, which is worth about 63,000 million. The general interest in promoting the navies of these countries, contained in a report by Defense News after the conclusion last week of the exhibition and maritime defense biennial conference of Singapore (Imdex), corroborating other industry officials. The vice president of international strategy and business development for the U.S. firm Raytheon , Jim Hvizd , remember that more than 60,000 ships transit each year by the Strait of Malacca , and many of them with energy matters critical to the needs of countries in Asia- Pacific. Hvizd explains how "traditional disputes over land borders have moved to the marine environment, and every country is now much more focused on their respective economic zones and to obtain a full awareness of the maritime domain." John Fox president of Ocean Systems L- 3, another important sector American firm, agrees the current importance of defending "ports, economic exclusion areas and coastal zones" that is occurring in the area. Also influences the desire to enhance maritime security in the region's career military modernization has taken China , the importance of the area for the United States, movements in North Korea , the rise in gross domestic product in the region and the existence of the terrorist threat and piracy. Nugent, AMI International, estimates that of the 180,000 million armed calculated for the Asia-Pacific to 2031, 26,000 million correspond to the new acquisitions of the closest countries to the West : Japan , South Korea and Australia . Australia, already a customer of Spain, is a key reference The latter stands out especially for Spain, who is a leading customer. For now Navantia has already sold to the Navy two Australian-based amphibious Juan Carlos I , twelve type landing craft LCM-1E , design and technology for the construction of three frigates destroyers based on the Spanish F-100 , and could manufacture , among others, combat supply ships as Cantabria , which currently operates as a test Australia. For the future stands in Australia the replacement program of its old submarines Collins is a "key reference for the subsea development of the Asia-Pacific region," said Nugent. Malaysia and Indonesia stand as two interesting markets for large amphibious ships, of which the first is planning to buy one and the second, five, plus new submarine contract with South Korea , for its construction and combined in local shipyards foreigners, and acquired Germany . But the two countries are going to make more acquisitions are China and India , whose military will go to swell almost a third of all military vessels planned for Asia-Pacific to 2031. Vietnam is also acquiring new submarines, besides frigates and other fast attack boats, but Nugent notes that this is a country still heavily dependent on Russian manufacture. But the biggest acquirer of submersibles in the area will be China , which hopes to gain 16 new aircraft, including conventional and nuclear, in the next five years. Singapore and Thailand -another important traditional client Spain , who acquired his carrier, similar to the Prince of Asturias - will also gain new submarines. The submarine weapon is a segment of the defense industry on the rise. The trade publication ASD Reports concluded in a report released barely a month ago that this activity will grow an average of 4.2% annually over the next ten years. This same exercise is estimated at 14,400 million which will move the world market military submersibles, and in 2023 the business will likely reached 21,700 million. In its report, ASD highlights the drastic reduction in this market has experienced in the West after the Cold War , which also is a self-sustaining market, and points to the countries BRIC ( Brazil , Russia , India and China ) and Southeast Asia as the regions to which you are moving the industry's interest to do business with the sale of military submarine.
Via Patrick H.
|
|
Rescooped by
Romain
from Newsletter navale
May 20, 2013 6:13 PM
|
At the IDEF 2013 defense exhibition which was held recently Istanbul, Turkey, Italian company Oto Melara unveiled for the first time the 40mm single FAST FORTY naval mounting with dual feeding system (type C) with stealth cupola. The Oto Melara Single Fast Forty Gun Mount is a new generation naval weapon, which fully satisfies the requirements of full automation, high reliability, easy installation (no deck penetration) and ease of maintenance.
This weapon is fitted with a 40mm cannon characterized with high rate of fire, high accuracy and two ammunition feeding system that provides the plentiful availability of two different types of rounds ready to fire. The Oto Melara Single Fast Forty Gun Mount with stealth cupola has the same gun as the existing “40mm Single Fast Forty”, but it was subjected to a technological update.
Specifications of the 40mm gun mount:
» 450 rpm (mod. Fast Forty)
» Stand alone, Local control, Remote control, Mannned
» Availability due to High Performance Local Control:
Simplified - 2/3 Axis stabilization
Enhanced - Micro fire control system
» Digital interface
» Ready to fire rounds: 144
» Stealth cupola
» No deck penetration
» Environment Protected
This new gun mount will be installed on Turkish Navy future LST ships, in a manned version.
Via Patrick H.
|
|
Rescooped by
Romain
from Newsletter navale
May 20, 2013 6:11 PM
|
La Russie remettra la poupe du premier bâtiment de projection et de commandement (BPC) Mistral à la France pour y installer des équipements à l'automne prochain, a annoncé lundi à RIA Novosti le vice-ministre russe de la Défense Iouri Borissov. "Les chantiers navals de la Baltique l'envoient en France à l'automne prochain pour y installer des équipements supplémentaires", a indiqué M.Borissov. "Nous avons signé des contrats portant sur le premier et le deuxième Mistral qui doivent être réalisés en 2014 et 2015", a rappelé le vice-ministre. La Russie et la France ont signé en juin 2011 un contrat de 1,2 milliard d'euros prévoyant la construction de deux BPC de classe Mistral pour la Marine russe. Le premier navire, baptisé "Vladivostok", sera livré à la Marine russe en 2014 et le second, "Sébastopol", en 2015. Les deux BPC feront partie de la flotte russe du Pacifique. La cérémonie de mise en cale sèche du premier des deux Mistral commandés par la Russie s'est tenue aux chantiers navals de Saint-Nazaire, en France, le 1er février dernier. Toutefois la Russie assurera 20% des travaux de construction de son premier BPC et 40% des travaux pour le second Mistral. Un responsable du Groupe unifié de construction navale russe (OSK) a annoncé en février que la Russie avait déjà produit les 30 premiers petits blocs de la poupe du BPC qui devraient être envoyés en France.
Via Patrick H.
|
|
Rescooped by
Romain
from Newsletter navale
May 18, 2013 8:31 PM
|
Kongsberg Underwater Technology, Inc. has completed negotiations with the University of Washington’s Center for Commercialisation to obtain the sole rights to produce, market and continue the development of Seaglider technology. iRobot had a licence however the company halted the maritime activities. Kongsberg Underwater Technology reckons the Seaglider technology offers interesting perspectives. Also, co-operation with existing Seaglider users will be initiated. This is an autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) system developed at UW’s School of Oceanography and Applied Physics Laboratory with funding from the Office of Naval Research and the National Science Foundation. Rather than using a propeller to move through the water, a Seaglider uses fixed wings and changes in buoyancy to achieve both vertical and forward motion. It can dive as deep as 1,000 metres and then ascend to the surface to communicate data on water properties, such as temperature, salinity, and oxygen concentration, back to users via satellite. After verifying position and getting any new instructions, it dives again, repeating the cycle over and over. The use of buoyancy propulsion is very energy efficient and allows mission periods of over 9 months and distances of thousands of kilometres rather than just a few days and tens of kilometres, typical of propeller-driven AUVs. Fritz Stahr, manager of UW’s Seaglider Fabrication Center, wanted a company with broad experience in both the marine instrument and AUV businesses. He hopes Kongsberg will bring the technology to many more people interested in understanding the ocean.
Via Patrick H.
|
|
Rescooped by
Romain
from Newsletter navale
May 18, 2013 8:28 PM
|
Kronstadt, St. Petersburg, May 18 (Interfax-AVN) - The second Mistral-class amphibious assault ship being built for Russia in France will be named the Sevastopol and will join Russia's Black Sea Fleet in 2017, a military official told Interfax-AVN on Saturday. "The Sevastopol helicopter carrier will join the Black Sea Fleet not sooner than 2017 and will be based in Novorossiysk. Spetsstroy is supposed to prepare all the necessary infrastructure for it at the port to be based there by this time. In addition, a simulator is supposed to be built in Yeisk for helicopter crews to be based on this ship to receive training there," he said. Two Mistral-class ships, the Vladivostok and the Sevastopol, were originally supposed to join Russia's Pacific Fleet upon their completion in France in 2014 and 2015 respectively, the official said. Berth 33 in Vladivostok is being reconstructed for this purpose now. "However, the geopolitical situation required beefing up the Russian Navy's resources in the Mediterranean region, where an operational group is being built now. Its operation will require a significant number of new ships of various classes, including universal amphibious helicopter-carrying assault ships," he said.
Via Patrick H.
|
|
Scooped by
Romain
May 17, 2013 10:00 AM
|
Avec son rachat par Nexter, le fabricant de poudres et explosifs pour munitions, obus et petits missiles, ne veut pas être considéré uniquement comme un satellite du groupe public d'armement terrestre. Nexter ne représente que 15 % du chiffre d'affaires du groupe Eurenco. L'opération de rapprochement entre les deux groupes publics, SNPE (maison mère d'Eurenco) et Giat Industrie (holding de Nexter), qui va dans le bon sens selon tous les acteurs concernés, nécessite néanmoins quelques ajustements très fins pour que la consolidation de la filière munitionnaire française soit gagnante-gagnante, notamment pour Eurenco. Car Nexter ne représente que 15 % du chiffre d'affaires environ du groupe Eurenco, qui a réalisé, selon nos informations, 248 millions d'euros de chiffre d'affaires en 2012 (plus de 1.000 salariés). "Les besoins de Nexter ne sont pas suffisants pour faire vivre Eurenco", explique-t-on à "La Tribune". Cette acquisition permettra au groupe d'armements terrestres de sécuriser son approvisionnement en poudres et explosifs (Eurenco lui vend environ 30 % de sa production) en internalisant la fourniture des composants essentiels pour ses munitions. Ce contexte économique et stratégique a donc été pris en compte dans la rédaction du communiqué publié lundi. Il précise que "cette opération devrait permettre de regrouper, au sein d'une même entité et dans le respect de leurs stratégies, de leurs clients et de leurs marchés respectifs, les activités complémentaires des deux groupes". C'était la volonté de SNPE de protéger l'activité d'Eurenco. "Nous ne voulons pas devenir une société de poudres que pour le compte de Nexter", fait-on valoir dans le groupe SNPE. Eurenco exporte 60 % de sa production Pas question donc qu'Eurenco, qui se partage par exemple les charges modulaires du canon tracté Caesar de Nexter avec le groupe suisse Nitrochemie (groupe Rheinmetall), soit considéré que comme un "satellite de Nexter". Ce qui lui ferait perdre des marchés. Car Eurenco, selon nos informations, exporte environ 60 % environ de sa production, en dehors des pays où la filiale de SNPE est implantée. Elle a cinq usines de production modernes en Belgique (Clermont), en Finlande (Vihtavuori), en France (Bergerac et Sorgues) et en Suède (Karlskoga) et a ouvert un bureau commercial à Washington ainsi qu'une société de distribution à Houston. Enfin, Eurenco devrait régler le dossier de Vihtavuori, dont le site a perdu près de 4 millions d'euros en 2012. Tout en poursuivant les discussions pour une éventuelle reprise du site avec les autorités finlandaises, la filiale de SNPE a lancé en parallèle une procédure de licenciement des salariés de Vihtavuori en vue d'une fermeture éventuelle. Une mesure qui pourrait éviter à Eurenco des discussions à l'infini pour la reprise du site. Vers une consolidation européenne La consolidation de la filiale munitionnaire pourrait être un premier pas vers un mouvement européen. Eurenco, qui avait entamé des discussions très amont avec Nitrochemie. De son côté, le PDG de Nexter n'est pas hostile à une telle opération. Philippe Burtin aimerait pouvoir rapprocher Eurenco de son rival Nitrochemie, une coentreprise détenue par l'allemand Rheinmetall et le suisse Ruag. Car selon lui, il ne peut pas y avoir deux fournisseurs européens de cette taille sur un marché aussi restreint.
|
|
Scooped by
Romain
May 17, 2013 9:57 AM
|
Comme leurs homologues indiennes, les forces aériennes algériennes ont été de bonnes clientes de l’industrie aéronautique russe. Elles le restent d’ailleurs, mais dans des proportions moindres que par le passé étant donné que, de plus en plus, et comme New Delhi d’ailleurs, Alger se tourne vers d’autres fournisseurs pour moderniser les équipements de son armée. C’est ainsi que, par exemple, dans le domaine du transport aérien militaire, l’Algérie a opté pour le C-295 d’Airbus Military et qu’il est question, à l’avenir, d’aquérir le C-17 Globemaster américain. Mais ce n’est pas tout car, comme le rapporte Aviation Week, l’armée de l’Air algérienne a évalué l’avion ravitailleur A-330 MRTT (Multi-Role Tanker Transport), configuré comme les appareils déjà en service au sein de la Royal Air Force. Les démonstrations ont commencé le 10 mai dernier sur la base aérienne de Boufarik. Selon un blog algérien traitant des affaires de défense, 3 A-330 MRTT pourraient être commandés par Alger – c’est aussi le chiffre avancé par l’hebdomadaire américain – afin de remplacer les avions ravitailleurs d’origine russe Il-76 (Il-78 Midas). Jusqu’à présent, 28 A330 MRTT ont été vendus par Airbus Military, à l’Australie, l’Arabie saoudite, les Emirats arabes unis et le Royaume-Uni. En outre, cet appareil a été retenu par l’Inde en janvier dernier (un contrat portant sur 6 unités doit être négocié). Et il devrait également équiper l’armée de l’Air française. Selon le dernier Livre Blanc sur la Défense et la Sécurité nationale ( LBDSN) publié le 29 avril dernier, il serait désormais question de commander 12 exemplaires au lieu des 14 intialement envisagés.
|
|
Rescooped by
Romain
from Newsletter navale
May 17, 2013 9:47 AM
|
The three upgraded Warrior-class strike craft that were converted into offshore patrol vessels have almost completed sea trials prior to acceptance by the South African Navy, with trials due for completion by the end of the month.
At the end of February this year, SAS Isaac Dyboha (P1565) completed its SATS (Sea Acceptance Trials), according to Southern African Shipyards, which refurbished the vessels. SAS Galeshewe (P1567) has completed HATS (Harbour Acceptance Trials) and is scheduled to undergo SATS by the end of this week. SAS Makhanda (P1569), which had to be towed to Durban, is currently undergoing pre-HATS and is expected to have completed SATS by the end of May.
It was revealed last year that the Navy was keen to retain three Warrior-class (ex-Minister-class) strike craft as offshore patrol vessels (OPV), of nine originally received in the in the 1970s and 1980s. The first vessel, SAS Isaac Dyobha, arrived in Durban in October last year. The next vessel to undergo refurbishment was SAS Makhanda, which left Simon’s Town under tow on November 3. SAS Galeshewe arrived in Durban in mid-December, having just completed a patrol off the east coast.
According to Southern African Shipyards, a range of work was done on all three vessels, which can be broken down into electrical and mechanical. The electrical part included the replacing of alternators, air circuit breakers and engine monitoring systems. The company repaired cabling and serviced the switchboards. On the mechanical side, storage tank and hulls were inspected and corroded areas and all doublers were replaced with inserts.
“At the end of the programme the Navy will have three serviceable reliable vessels that it will be able to use effectively for the next five years,” said Lucinda Creamer, Southern African Shipyards PRO/Marketing Officer.
A fourth fast attack craft has been towed to Durban, but as the tender for its refurbishment has not yet been awarded, it is not with Southern African Shipyards. The stripped hull of SAS Adam Kok (P1563) left Simon’s Town for Durban on May 8, under tow by the hydrographic and oceanographic research vessel SAS Protea.
The South African strike craft were fitted with6-8 Gabriel Mk II surface-to-surface missiles, known locally as the Scorpion, and two Oto Melara 76 mm guns. Secondary armament comprised two 20 mm Oerlikon cannons and two 12.7 mm machineguns.
The 58-metre long strike craft displace 415 tons, or 450 tons fully loaded. Four MTU diesel engines developing 12 000 hp give a speed of at least 34 knots (60 km/h) and a range of around 4 800 nautical miles (8 900 km) at 19 knots (35 km/h).
Since the commissioning of the four Valour-class frigates in 2004/5, strike-craft have been used in the OPV role. Late last year, Rear Admiral (JG) Bravo Mhlana, South African Navy Director Force Preparation, told defenceWeb that “what we are building with those patrol vessels is for the future acquisition of offshore patrol vessels under Project Biro. That is why we must keep those vessels as long as we can when we can transfer crews from those to the new patrol vessels.”
Via Patrick H.
|
|
Rescooped by
Romain
from Newsletter navale
May 17, 2013 3:50 AM
|
Israel Shipyards is expanding the SAAR class of missile boats, extending the range from missile boats into ‘Mini Corvette’ class vessels. The new class is addressing the growing requirements of Israel and other nations in extending maritime control and sovereignty far from their territorial waters. Defense-Update reports from IMDEX 2013. The Israel Navy is required to expand the security and responsibility over much larger area while doing that with an ageing fleet of Saar 4, 4.5 missile boats and 5 corvettes. If only to maintain the numbers of boats in service, the Israel Navy will require several new vessels in the coming years. Many of these vessels are becoming obsolete – some of the oldest missile boats in service – INS Atzmaut (Independence) and INS Nitzahon (Victory) are reaching 35 years in service – an age considered the end of service life for such boats. Therefore, new platforms will be required in the near future. Through the years the Navy acquired 20 Saar 4/4.5 vessels, but the cash-strapped service could not afford to buy larger vessels, and, therefore limited the procurement of the larger Saar 5 corvettes to the three vessels built in the U.S. funded by Washington’s Foreign Military Sales (FMS). The new Saar S-72 unveiled by Israel Shipyard at the recent IMDEX event in Singapore fits between the Navy’s existing Saar 4.5 missile boats, and Saar 5 corvettes. Through the years Israel Shipyards have built 33 Saar 4 and 4.5 class missile boats; 20 were delivered to the Israel Navy over the years. With the new Mini Corvette the shipyard hopes to expand it’s offering to meet the evolving requirements, of the Israel Navy, as well as of international customers overseas. For Coast Guards and non-military operations the S-72 is a new platform that better fits the category of Offshore Patrol Vessel (OPV). For naval applications the same 800-ton vessel can be finished as a versatile ‘Mini Corvette’. Both are highly applicable to asymmetric warfare at sea, providing sufficient space for command and control, accommodation for special task forces on military or counter terror missions, or supporting rapid response or rescue operations. The large hangar stores a medium size helicopter and UAVs. The adjacent 15 meter long flight deck supports medium size helicopters up to AW139 class. The vessel is configured with loading crane, storage and berth deploying rubber boats / RHIB’s or unmanned surface vessels. In the military configuration the Saar-72 will offer a significant upgrade over the current Saar 4.5 – in performance and combat capabilities. Applied with a slanted stealth finish, recessed exhausts, and radar integrated mast, designed to host both emitters (radar, EW) and passive sensors (ESM) without interference. The vessel can accommodate the IAI Elta EL/M-2258 Advanced lightweight Phased Array (ALPHA) multi-mission naval radar, designed for blue water and littoral warfare support. This radar was selected by the Israel Navy for the upgrading of existing vessels as well as for its new combatants. The vessel can carry different weapons, including IAI’s Barak 8 type missiles, various anti-ship missiles and precision surface attack weapons. The naval configuration is also fitted with an advanced naval gun. Saar 72 type vessels are designed with spacious accommodation to 50 crewmembers plus 20 additional accommodations for passengers or special troops. It is equipped to sail on a 21 day missions, with mission range above 3000 NM. Sources at the Israeli shipyard said they can complete the design and construction of the lead S-72/Saar-72 ship within a period of 30 months, and produce follow-on vessels in eight months. The shipyard can build the 72m’ vessel with its current facilities, but to accommodate the 85 meter version some expansions will be necessary.
Via Patrick H.
|
|
Rescooped by
Romain
from Newsletter navale
May 17, 2013 3:50 AM
|
One of the most modern non-nuclear submarines in the world has been named during a ceremony at the shipyard of ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems GmbH, a company of ThyssenKrupp Industrial Solutions AG. This marks another important milestone in the ongoing shipbuilding programme for the German Navy: U36 is the second boat of the second batch of HDW Class 212A submarines destined for operation in the Navy. The German town of Plauen has assumed sponsorship for U36. The ultra-modern submarine was named by Silke Elsner, companion to the Mayor. The contract to deliver a second batch of two HDW Class 212A submarines was signed on 22nd September 2006 in Koblenz with the German Office for Military Technology and Procurement/BWB (now the German Office for Equipment, Information Technology and Employment of the Bundeswehr/BAAINBW). The submarine building activities are taking place at the shipyards of ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems in Kiel and Emder Werft- und Dockbetriebe in Emden. The two additional units will be largely identical to their sister ships from the first batch. They are also equipped with the HDW air-independent fuel cell propulsion system which has already given excellent results in operations with the boats of the first batch. The German Navy submarine U32 gave renewed proof of this in April 2013. On the way to participate in naval exercises in the USA the boat produced a new record for non-nuclear submarines with 18 days in submerged transit without snorkelling. To meet changes in operational scenarios and to take constant technological advances into account, a number of modifications have been made in the second batch: Integration of a communications system for Network Centric WarfareInstallation of an integrated Sonar and Command and Weapon Control SystemInstallation of a superficial lateral antenna sonarReplacement of one periscope by an optronics mastInstallation of a hoistable mast with towable antenna-bearing buoy to enable communication from the deep submerged submarineIntegration of a lock system for Special Operation ForcesTropicalisation to enable world-wide operations. The Italian Navy has also decided in favour of a second batch of two HDW Class 212A submarines, which are being built under licence by the Italian shipyard Fincantieri. That means that the Italian Navy will soon also have four boats of this class available for operations. U36 – Technical Data: General boat data:
Length over all: approx. 57 m
Height including sail: approx. 11.5 m
Maximum hull diameter: approx. 7 m
Displacement: approx. 1,500 t
Crew: 28
Pressure hull built of non-magnetic steel Propulsion system:
Diesel generator
SIEMENS Permasyn® motor
HDW fuel cell system [SIEMENS PEM fuel cell]
Low-noise skew-back propeller
Via Patrick H.
|
|
Scooped by
Romain
May 17, 2013 3:38 AM
|
Beechcraft vient de signer un contrat de 210 millions de dollars avec l’USAF pour la fourniture d’un nouveau lot de 35 avions écoles T-6A « Texan II » additionné de deux options. Les livraisons dureront jusqu’en février 2015. Ce contrat fait suite aux appareils déjà commandé dans le cadre du contrat commun entre l’US Air Force et la Navy pour la fourniture du système commun primaire d’avions de formation (JPATS. Beechcraft T-6A « Texan II » : Le Beechcraft T-6 «Texan II» est un aéronef à turbopropulseur monomoteur construit par la Raytheon Aircraft Company (maintenant Hawker-Beechcraft). Basé sur une cellule de Pilatus PC-9. Le T-6 est un développement du Pilatus PC-9, modifiés de manière significative par Beechcraft en vue d'entrer dans le système commun de formation primaire d'aéronef (JPATS) prévu pour les Forces aériennes américaines. Des modifications mineures ont été introduites sur la cellule d’un PC-9, mais des conflits entre l’USAF et la Navy ont entraîné des retards et des augmentations de coûts (par rapport aux estimations initiales de 3,9 millions à près de 6 millions dollars par avion). De plus, le T-6 se retrouve avec un surpoids de 22% vis-à-vis du PC-9 initial.
|
|
|
Scooped by
Romain
May 21, 2013 9:53 AM
|
FLIR Systems will supply the US Coast Guard with an Electro-Optical Sensor System (ESS) configuration of its commercially-developed military-qualified Talon 9-inch stabilised multi-sensor gimbal system. The company announced the $23 million order on 16 May. The ESS systems will be deployed on the coast guard’s H-60 and H-65 helicopters. Shipment of the systems is expected to be completed by the end of the year.
The Talon EO/IR system, of which the ESS is a specific configuration, is designed to operate on a variety of fixed and rotary wing aircraft, ships, small boats, and land vehicles. The lightweight, gyro-stabilized 9” turret contains up to six payloads simultaneously, with SMPTE digital video for all channels, providing high resolution images.
Earl Lewis, president and CEO, FLIR, said: ‘This order is a continuation of our longstanding support of the multiple missions of the Department of Homeland Security.
‘We have a proven ability to provide state of the art imaging technologies that are critical to protecting people and are developed on a commercial basis, which results in reduced delivery time and lower prices for our customers. We are pleased to be able to continue our successful relationship with the US Coast Guard.’
|
|
Scooped by
Romain
May 20, 2013 6:21 PM
|
Lockheed Martin released the video of the first ever Vertical Take Off conducted by an F-35B Short Takeoff/Vertical Landing (STOVL) Lightning II test aircraft. The test was completed May 10 at Naval Air Station Patuxen River, Md.
|
|
Rescooped by
Romain
from Newsletter navale
May 20, 2013 6:13 PM
|
ROME — As warships get sleeker and stealthier, the head of the Italian Navy wants to buck the trend and plan a one-size-fits-all warship that will be cheap, roomy and dual use, even making space for containers on deck. Adm. Giuseppe Di Giorgi, who took over the Navy in January, told Defense News in an interview that he is pushing for a new generation of vessels that could be a floating hospital in disaster zones on one day and fight high-intensity wars the next. Di Giorgi’s plans come as Italy makes deep cuts to its armed forces, with around 30 naval vessels of various classes due out of service over the next decade, and only six to 10 fregata multi-missione (FREMM) ships slated to enter service. Hence, the Navy chief’s plan to buy up to 12 vessels, weighing 3,500 to 4,000 tons, 125 meters long and 15 meters wide, and which he says can replace the whole range of ships being phased out, at lower cost. Those dimensions would make the ships slightly smaller than the FREMMs. “We need to replace the Maestrale class and the Soldati class of vessels, as well as the corvettes and patrol vessels, vessels which are on average 30 years old,” he said. That would mean a vessel up to 4,000 tons replacing 2,000-ton patrol vessels. “The ship I have in mind to accompany the FREMMs would be conceived from the start as dual use, fast and modular,” he said. Di Giorgi said the new vessel would achieve a top speed of at least 35 knots, “with a traditional, combined use of turbines and diesels, possibly two of each,” he said. “It’s a concept in its early stages, but the General Staff has given preliminary approval for six vessels,” he said, referring to the type as a “simplified FREMM.” The cost, he said, would be about two-thirds of the price of a FREMM. Building big would mean saving money, Di Giorgi said. “This ship will have a huge potential for growth, with just a 127mm gun on the bow and a 76mm gun in the stern at the start, and it would be able to host further armaments. “And if I want to install an armament, its size means I don’t have to dismantle the whole vessel,” he said. “And that means I will save over the life of the vessel because I will not have paid out so much to update armaments or the radar. Furthermore, with more space, I can be more flexible about the systems I use, and maintenance will cost less. Additionally, the use of the ship becomes more extensive, since it will be used in rough weather that could stop a smaller vessel.” Di Giorgi’s ship would have a hangar for two NH90s or one AW101 helicopter and a fixed-array radar, an evolution from the rotating Empar used on the FREMMs. Technicalities aside, the ship’s planned dual-use capability is no afterthought, and could help the program win funding from politicians who are being forced to cut spending and have a rapidly declining interest in backing high-priced, purely military programs such as the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter. Below the flight deck, the ship will contain ample space for modular loads, with two large openings on the side of the vessel to receive them, including mine-hunting systems and underwater vehicles for special operations. The ship also will contain a hospital to be used by Italy’s civil protection agency, and equipment for use by civil research and environmental protection agencies. At the center of the ship’s deck, a large space could be used to carry four 15-meter special operations craft or two ramp-equipped landing craft, but also containers for civil use, with a crane to load and unload. “The ship would be able to provide electricity and clean water to a community of 6,000 people, so that in case of a natural disaster, the ship could dock and supply water and electricity to a small town,” Di Giorgi said. “Its high speed would also allow the ship to respond fast to disasters.” The Navy recently took part in an exercise with the civil protection agency that simulated relief work after an earthquake. “If you look at the map of Italy, you see that this ship, with its helicopters, could dock and reach any part of the country,” Di Giorgi said. To accommodate passengers, the ship would have 230 beds, despite requiring a crew of only 90. “The modularity of this project is very much the idea behind the littoral combat ship,” said Christian Le Miere, senior fellow for naval forces and maritime security at the International Institute for Strategic Studies in London. “It makes sense if you want to go multimission; you just need to be aware of the concerns over the time it takes to switch modules,” he said. Le Miere said one concern about replacing various classes of naval vessels with one type is that if the type experienced a technical problem, that could temporarily take all of them out of service. The dual-use concept, he said, is a sign of the times. “Militaries in Europe today are not designed for high-intensity, state-on-state wars, so this makes sense,” Le Miere said. “But if they do look to source funding from other Italian government ministries because of the civil application, there could be questions about how to share time on the vessels. Bureaucracy can be a challenge.” Apart from the new vessel, Di Giorgi said he has a handful of other vessels on his wish list, including a new submarine rescue ship with oceanographic capabilities, as well as a supply ship. For the new type, he said he would rely on in-house design work to get development underway. “We have reactivated our center for ship design to optimize costs, to reduce spending on development and increase money available for production.”
Via Patrick H.
|
|
Rescooped by
Romain
from Newsletter navale
May 20, 2013 6:12 PM
|
20.05.2013 Navy Russia plans to have the first anaerobic (air independent) propulsion system for submarines of Project 677 "Lada" in 2-3 years, said Saturday the Navy Commander Admiral Viktor Chirkov.
"We expect to have the first anaerobic power plant in 2015-2016," - said Teals, recalling that the development of this facility is currently in the Central Design Bureau "Rubin", RIA "Novosti".
He specified that the first non-nuclear submarines with the installation of an anaerobic may appear in the Navy Russia during 2016-2017. "It will be an upgraded project, it will be upgraded submarines, submarine project" Harmony "- said the commander in chief.
According to him, the first three submarines of Project "Lada" will be a classic diesel-electric propulsion system.
Anaerobic air independent power systems will be used for future non-nuclear submarines, which should greatly improve their stealth and low noise.
Via Patrick H.
|
|
Rescooped by
Romain
from Newsletter navale
May 18, 2013 8:32 PM
|
The Royal Thai Navy will ask the cabinet to approve a budget of 13 billion baht for a new frigate to be built by a South Korean shipyard. Navy chief Adm Surasak Rounroengrom said the Royal Thai Armed Forces Headquarters is scrutinising the budget proposal and later will forward it to the Ministry of Defence. Once approved, it will be submitted to the cabinet for consideration, he said. A navy source said the navy had set up several sub-committees to coordinate with the Korea-based shipbuilding and offshore contractor. A navy selection committee last month chose Daewoo Shipbuilding and Marine Engineering to build the new frigate, a navy source said. The company was one of two South Korean firms in the final round of bidding, organised by the navy panel. Three other three foreign firms were eliminated in the previous rounds - from Spain, Italy and China. The source said the high-capability frigate to be built by Daewoo would be based on the company’s type DX II frigate, which has a displacement of 5,000 tonnes, with modifications to meet the Thai navy’s special requirements. The new navy ship will have a displacement of between 3,000 and 4,000 tonnes. Navy chief of staff Chakchai Phucharoenyot, who chaired the selection committee, earlier told the media the navy also asked the company to install a Combat Management System (CMS) which can be allied to the systems already installed in the frigates HTMS Naresuan and HTMS Taksin. The new frigate, which would be the first South Korean-built naval vessel in the Thai fleet, is expected to be ready for commissioning in two years, Adm Chakchai said.
Via Patrick H.
|
|
Rescooped by
Romain
from Newsletter navale
May 18, 2013 8:30 PM
|
Russia sold advanced Yakhont antiship cruise missiles to Syrian President Bashar Assad, outfitted with an advanced guidance system that makes them more effective than the older version of the missile Russia sold to Syria, The New York Times cited two American officials as saying on Thursday. These missiles will allow Syria to thwart any attempt by international forces to reinforce Syrian rebels by imposing a naval embargo or no fly zone, Nick Brown the editor in chief of IHS Jane's International Defense Review told The New York Times. “It enables the regime to deter foreign forces looking to supply the opposition from the sea, or from undertaking a more active role if a no-fly zone or shipping embargo were to be declared at some point,” Brown said, “It’s a real ship killer,” he added. According to the Times report, Syria ordered the coastal defense version of the Yakhont system from Russia in 2007 and received the first units in early 2011. Jeffrey White, a fellow at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy and a former senior American intelligence official, told the Times that by strengthening Syria's arsenal Russia was signalling its "commitment to the Syrian government." In a separate report on Thursday, the Wall Street Journal cited US and European officials as saying that Russia sent at least a dozen warships to its Tartus naval base in Syria, in a move partly meant to send a message to Israel and the West not to intervene militarily in the country. "It is a show of force. It's muscle flexing," the Journal quoted a senior US defense official as saying. "It is about demonstrating their commitment to their interests." Facing international criticism for his country's decision to sell the S-300 anti-aircraft missile system to Syria, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov on Friday contended that the arms deal would not alter the balance of power in the region. During a meeting in Sochi, Russia with UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, Lavrov was quoted by AFP as saying "this does not in any way alter the balance of forces in this region or give any advantage in the fight against the opposition." Lavrov claimed that Russia's arms deals with Syria do not violate international agreements. "I do not understand why the media is trying to create a sensation out of this," AFP quoted him as saying. "We have not hidden that we supply weapons to Syria under signed contracts, without violating any international agreements, or our own legislation," he added. Justice Minister Tzipi Livni on Friday criticized Russia for sending arms to the Syrian regime, stating that "the transfer of arms to Syria is clearly not positive and does not contribute to the stability of the region," according to AFP. "Israel has the right to defend itself," AFP quoted Livni as saying. Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu reportedly urged Russian President Vladimir Putin in a summit in Sochi on Tuesday not to sell the state-of-the-art S-300 anti-aircraft missiles to Syria. Israeli officials declined to comment on Lavrov’s latest interview, which appeared to contradict a statement he made last week that Russia would not sell the S-300 advanced air defense system to Syria.
Via Patrick H.
|
|
Scooped by
Romain
May 17, 2013 10:04 AM
|
Le bureau d'étude de Toula a conçu une nouvelle version du missile antichar Kornet, capable d'anéantir des cibles en régime automatique comme l'américain Javelin et l'israélien Spike, écrit le quotidien Izvestia du 16 mai 2013. Jusqu'à présent, les missiles russes devaient être guidés manuellement vers leur cible. Le nouveau système fonctionne sur le principe " tire et oublie" (fire and forget), mais l'opérateur pourra modifier la trajectoire du projectile si besoin. Le ministère de la Défense russe reste sceptique quant à cette nouveauté : il estime que sa construction et ses performances sont obsolètes. "Le missile n'est pas autoguidé en vol comme celui des Américains mais il est contrôlé à partir du système de lancement. Autrement dit, ce n'est pas une troisième génération de missile antichar mais "2+". Le fait que la commande ne soit pas lancée par l'opérateur mais par le lance-missile ne change rien. Détruisez le lance-missile et le missile tombera", explique un officier de l'armée de terre proche du dossier. Cependant, les constructeurs expliquent qu'ils ont sciemment installé le système de guidage sur le lance-missile et non pas sur le missile. "Trois chars passent. Vous en abattez un. Il est en feu et devient une puissante source de chaleur. Par conséquent, tous les autres missiles à ogive thermique, comme Javelin, réagiront à cette puissante source de chaleur. Et l'opérateur ne pourra plus corriger la visée du missile. Or notre système frappe précisément sur la marque placée par l'opérateur", explique un ingénieur. De plus, le système d'autoguidage situé dans l'ogive du missile représente pratiquement 90% de son prix et "périt" avec le missile. Or le système de guidage du Kornet reste dans le lance-missile. Par conséquent, la version russe est meilleur marché que les missiles américain ou israélien. "Ces derniers coûtent près de 120 000 dollars pièce alors que les russes sont 6 à 7 fois plus économiques", souligne-t-il. Il ajoute que le nouveau missile peut abattre non seulement des chars et des véhicules blindés mais aussi des hélicoptères et des avions volant à plusieurs centaines de mètres d'altitude. Les missiles existent également dans une version portative et peuvent ainsi être installés sur des véhicules blindés. Viatcheslav Tselouïko, expert militaire indépendant, note que les concepteurs occidentaux mettent aujourd'hui au point leurs missiles avec des ogives autoguidées équipées de systèmes de contrôle à distance. "L'expérience irakienne, libanaise et afghane montre qu'on tire plus souvent avec les missiles antichars sur les bâtiments, les positions renforcées et les refuges que sur les chars. L'ogive autoguidée est inutile pour ce genre de cibles : elle ne les voit pas. Pour cette raison Javelin et Spike ont été dotés d'une visée multiple afin que l'opérateur puisse librement choisir et atteindre toute cible indépendamment du fonctionnement de l'ogive autoguidée", déclare Tselouïko. Le rédacteur en chef du site Otvaga-2004, Vitali Moïsseev, pense que le Kornet pourrait devenir une arme de transition avant l'apparition de missiles antichars autoguidés. "Il faut indéniablement doter les troupes de nouveaux missiles. Ce serait une version de transition avant un missile de troisième génération à part entière. Pour l'instant il remplacera les missiles obsolètes de deuxième génération Metis, Fagot et Kornet", remarque-t-il. Le premier missile antichar de troisième génération a été l'américain Javelin, conçu au début des années 1990 et mis en service dans les forces américaines en 1996. Il a été activement utilisé par les troupes américaines en Irak et actuellement en Afghanistan. Plus de 10 pays, dont la Géorgie, en disposent. Le nouveau Kornet est aujourd'hui en phase d'essais, qui devraient s'achever fin 2013.
|
|
Scooped by
Romain
May 17, 2013 9:59 AM
|
On connaissait 13 à la douzaine. Voici la version australo-eurocopteresque: l'Australie avait commandé 46 exemplaires du MRH-90, une version de l'hélicoptère de transport européen NH-90. Trois ans de retard et quelques tensions entre le ministère de la Défense australien et Australian Aerospace, la filiale locale d'Eurocopter, ont failli déboucher sur un/des procès. Pour faire passer la pilule, le constructeur a décidé de donner un 47e exemplaire, gratuit! Beau geste! On devrait exiger la même chose avec l'A400. Au pro rata des années de retard bien sûr.
|
|
Scooped by
Romain
May 17, 2013 9:55 AM
|
Une cérémonie d’hommage à quatre commandos marine morts en opérations extérieures au lieu ce vendredi au Mémorial national des marins morts pour la France. Les commandos marine honorés sont : - Capitaine de Corvette Jean-Loup Eychenne (Croatie 1992)
- Capitaine de Corvette Yvon Graff (Serbie 1997)
- Maître Jonathan Lefort (Afghanistan 2010)
- Maître Benjamin Bourdet (Afghanistan 2011) Le nom de Loïc Le Page, tué en Afghanistan en mars 2006, en y figure déjà (depuis mars 2009). Cliquer ici pour voir les photos de la cérémonie.
|
|
Scooped by
Romain
May 17, 2013 3:52 AM
|
Dans un communiqué publié le 15 mai, le fabricant européen de missiles MDBA, filiale commune d'EADS, BAE Systems et Finmeccanica, a annoncé son accord de partenariat avec le géant américain de la défense Lockheed Martin. Le memorandum d'accord signé entre MDBA et Lockheed Martin portera sur les missiles navals. Selon le communiqué, Lockheed intégrera les missiles de MBDA sur ses lanceurs verticaux. De manière plus large, le partenariat visera à "explorer toutes les opportunités mutuellement bénéfiques". Lockheed Martin met un pied de plus en Europe par le biais de cet accord signé avec MBDA, qui équipe 24 marines nationales. Et, à son tour, le fabricant de missiles compte ainsi s'immiscer sur le marché américain de la défense, le plus grand du monde, via les nombreux clients du centenaire Lockheed. Pour entériner cet accord, les deux entreprises annoncent un lancement commun du missile Sea Ceptor CAMM de MBDA sur un système de lancement Lockheed Martin MK 41 Vertical cette année.
|
|
Rescooped by
Romain
from Newsletter navale
May 17, 2013 3:50 AM
|
The Australian Ministers for Defence and Defence Materiel announced May 15 that the government of Australia will enter into a Foreign Military Sales (FMS) planning case with the U.S. Navy for the MQ-4C Triton Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS). The FMS planning case will help Australian defense officials assess the applicability of Triton’s capabilities to their high-altitude, long-endurance UAS for maritime patrol and other surveillance requirements. According to a press release issued by Australia's Minister for Defence Stephen Smith and Minister for Defence Materiel Dr. Mike Kelly on May 15, "The goal is to provide long-range, long-endurance maritime surveillance and response and an effective anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare capability."
Australia's interest in the U.S. Navy’s persistent maritime surveillance unmanned systems development dates back to 2007 when it participated in the Broad Area Maritime Surveillance (BAMS) UAS pre-system development and demonstration under a cooperative partner project agreement.
"Our team is eager to partner with Australia on this FMS planning case involving the MQ-4C Triton UAS," said Capt. Jim Hoke, the Navy's Persistent Maritime (PMA-262) UAS program office here. "The development of a system based on the Triton UAS would significantly improve Australian and US capabilities in the region, enhancing our joint ability to respond to regional challenges, including humanitarian assistance and disaster relief."
As an adjunct to the manned P-8A, the U.S. Navy's Triton will be able to cover more than 2.7 million square miles in a single mission. Its capability to perform persistent intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance with a range of 2,000 nautical miles will allow P-8A, P-3C and EP-3E aircraft to focus on their core missions, adding to the capability of the Navy's Maritime Patrol and Reconnaissance Force.
Australia is a cooperative partner with the U.S. Navy in the development and production of the P-8A.
Via Patrick H.
|
|
Scooped by
Romain
May 17, 2013 3:50 AM
|
Un missile balistique stratégique M51 s'était échoué le 5 mai au large du Finistère. Le ministère de la Défense annonce le 16 mai que les résultats de l'enquête ne seront pas rendus publics. Les raisons de l’échec du tir de missile M51 le 5 mai dernier tomberont sous le sceau du "secret défense" une fois connues. Un échec qui "ne remet pas en cause la dissuasion" selon le général Martin Klotz, porte-parole adjoint de la défense, qui s’est exprimé le 16 mai au cours d'un point de presse comme le rapporte l’AFP. "Avec trois sous-marins nucléaires lanceurs d'engins et une composante aéroportée qui sont pleinement opérationnels, cet incident n'obère ni les capacités ni la crédibilité de la dissuasion", a-t-il assuré. Une commission d'enquête a été créée par le ministère de la Défense pour analyser les raisons de l’explosion en vol d’un missile balistique stratégique le 5 mai, après un tir du sous-marin nucléaire lanceur d'engins "Le Vigilant". La commission "communiquera ses conclusions aux autorités au plus tôt, mais doit auparavant accomplir un travail minutieux d'analyse". Le général Klotz n'a pas souhaité entrer dans les détails de l'échec du tir de missile. Tout juste a-t-il consenti à assurer que "la sortie du missile à partir du sous-marin s'est déroulée normalement, en toute sécurité pour le sous-marin et son équipage".
|
