Naval Technology
 
 

Video: U.S. Navy P-8A Poseidon Maritime Patrol Aircraft from VP-45 at Dubai Airshow 2015
 
Navy Recognition had the chance to conduct a video walkaround of the U.S. Navy latest Maritime Patrol Aicraft (MPA) at Dubai Airshow. The Executive Officer (XO) of the aircraft belonging to Patrol Squadron 45 (VP-45) Pelicans gave us his personnal feedback.
Navy Recognition had the chance to conduct a video walkaround of the U.S. Navy latest Maritime Patrol Aicraft (MPA) at Dubai Airshow. The Executive Officer (XO) of the aircraft belonging to Patrol Squadron 45 (VP-45) Pelicans gave us his personnal feedback.
 

Oto Melara, Bofors and BAE Systems Inc all in Technical Talks with DCNS Regarding FTI Frigates
 
While attending various defense exhibitions this Fall, it was brought to Navy Recognition's attention that the leading naval gun manufacturers all have started technical talks with DCNS on the future FTI frigates. The FTI will be a 4,000 tons class multi-role frigate developed from the design stage to answer French Navy needs as well as export customer requirements. According to DCNS, the FTI will benefit from the most advanced technology solutions, including planar array radar.
While attending various defense exhibitions this Fall, it was brought to Navy Recognition's attention that the leading naval gun manufacturers all have started technical talks with DCNS on the future FTI frigates. The FTI will be a 4,000 tons class multi-role frigate developed from the design stage to answer French Navy needs as well as export customer requirements. According to DCNS, the FTI will benefit from the most advanced technology solutions, including planar array radar.
 

Textron Systems Unveiled its Advanced Amphibious Craft for US Army MSV(L) and US Navy SC(X)R
 
AUSA 2015 (Association of the US Army annual convention) may be an army event (which our affiliate website Army Recognition was covering) an eminently naval product was showcased for the first time, at the Textron Systems booth: The Advanced Amphibious Craft.
AUSA 2015 (Association of the US Army annual convention) may be an army event (which our affiliate website Army Recognition was covering) an eminently naval product was showcased for the first time, at the Textron Systems booth: The Advanced Amphibious Craft.
 

Modernization of French Strategic Oceanic Force: Le Triomphant SSBN Now Fitted with M51 SLBM
 
On August 4, 2015, the French Navy (Marine Nationale) took over full responsibility and the effective command of ballistic missile submarine (SSBN) Le Triomphant. This transfer of responsibility is an important milestone following the refit period started in May 2013 for maintenance, repairs, modernization and adaptation to the M51 new generation submarine launched ballistic missile (SLMB). Le Triomphant will now start some trials at sea before returning in the operational cycle.
On August 4, 2015, the French Navy (Marine Nationale) took over full responsibility and the effective command of ballistic missile submarine (SSBN) Le Triomphant (S616). This transfer of responsibility is an important milestone following the refit period started in May 2013 for maintenance, repairs, modernization and adaptation to the M51 new generation submarine launched ballistic missile (SLBM). Le Triomphant will now start some trials at sea before returning in the operational cycle.
 

Photo report: 24 Hours Aboard a PLAN (Chinese Navy) Type 052C Luyang II class Destroyer
 
Journalists from a Chinese naval magazine were able to spent some time aboard People's Liberation Army Navy's (PLAN or Chinese Navy) Type 052C Destroyer Changchun (hull numer 150). They published an interesting photo report with one picture every hour during an entire day (24 hours) showing the life of the crew on board a PLAN destroyer. Pictures were taken in July 2015 while the vessel was deployed in the western Pacific ocean.
Journalists from a Chinese naval magazine were able to spent some time aboard People's Liberation Army Navy's (PLAN or Chinese Navy) Type 052C Destroyer Changchun (hull numer 150). They published an interesting photo report with one picture every hour during an entire day (24 hours) showing the life of the crew on board a PLAN destroyer. Pictures were taken in July 2015 while the vessel was deployed in the western Pacific ocean.
 

US Navy successfully tests modified Longbow Hellfire missiles for use on LCS
 
Engineering development tests of modified Longbow Hellfire missiles for use on littoral combat ships (LCS) were successfully conducted in June the US Navy reported July 30. Integration of the Longbow Hellfire missile system, designated the Surface-to-Surface Missile Module (SSMM), will increase the lethality of the Navy's fleet of littoral combat ships. The SSMM is expected to be fully integrated and ready to deploy on LCS missions in late 2017.
Engineering development tests of modified Longbow Hellfire missiles for use on littoral combat ships (LCS) were successfully conducted in June the US Navy reported July 30. Integration of the Longbow Hellfire missile system, designated the Surface-to-Surface Missile Module (SSMM), will increase the lethality of the Navy's fleet of littoral combat ships. The SSMM is expected to be fully integrated and ready to deploy on LCS missions in late 2017.
 

Exclusive: DCNS Working on Electric Propulsion Variant of the BRAVE Replenishment Tanker
 
Navy Recognition learned that DCNS and its partner STX France recently received a risk assessment contract from the French procurement agency (DGA) to study a fully electric variant of its BRAVE replenishment tanker design. Unveiled at Euronaval 2010, DCNS updated the design of the support ship for Euronaval 2012. BRAVE served as the basis for the study contract won by DCNS and STX in 2012 as part of the future FLOTLOG program which aims at replacing the Durance class in the French Navy.
Navy Recognition learned that DCNS and its partner STX France recently received a risk assessment contract from the French procurement agency (DGA) to study a fully electric variant of its BRAVE replenishment tanker design. Unveiled at Euronaval 2010, DCNS updated the design of the support ship for Euronaval 2012. BRAVE served as the basis for the study contract won by DCNS and STX in 2012 as part of the future FLOTLOG program which aims at replacing the Durance class in the French Navy.
 

Pictures and Video: Chinese Navy (PLAN) Mobile Landing Platform (MLP) Donghaidao
 
State television broadcaster in mainland China CCTV released a TV report on the latest addition to the People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN or Chinese Navy): a new class of vessels with allegedly similar capabilities as the US Navy's new Mobile Landing Platform or MLP. The first vessel of the class is nammed Donghaido with hull number 868.
State television broadcaster in mainland China CCTV released a TV report on the latest addition to the People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN or Chinese Navy): a new class of vessels with allegedly similar capabilities as the US Navy's new Mobile Landing Platform or MLP. The first vessel of the class is nammed Donghaido with hull number 868.
 

Details on the FREDA: The Future Air-Defense FREMM Frigates of the French Navy
 
According to the recent update to the French Military Planning Law, the French Navy is set to receive two FREDA (frégate de défense aérienne or air defense frigate) by 2022. Not much information was available so far on the FREDA besides the fact they would be based on the DCNS FREMM (Aquitaine class), get a modified Thales Herakles radar and would likely deploy MBDA's ASTER 30 long range surface-to-air missiles. Navy Recognition contacted both DCNS and Thales to learn more.
According to the recent update to the French Military Planning Law, the French Navy is set to receive two FREDA (frégate de défense aérienne or air defense frigate) by 2022. Not much information was available so far on the FREDA besides the fact they would be based on the DCNS FREMM (Aquitaine class), get a modified Thales Herakles radar and would likely deploy MBDA's ASTER 30 long range surface-to-air missiles. Navy Recognition contacted both DCNS and Thales to learn more.
 

Exclusive: Latest Details on Kongsberg NSM-SL (Submarine Launch) Weapon System
 
Kongsberg is still working on a submarine launched variant of its Naval Strike Missile (NSM) and is cooperating with Babock and Nammo for this project. The information was confirmed to Navy Recognition by a Kongsberg official. We first revealed the existence of this project last year during Balt Military Expo, a maritime defense exhibition held every two years in Poland.
Kongsberg is still working on a submarine launched variant of its Naval Strike Missile (NSM) and is cooperating with Babock and Nammo for this project. The information was confirmed to Navy Recognition by a Kongsberg official. We first revealed the existence of this project last year during Balt Military Expo, a maritime defense exhibition held every two years in Poland.
 

Strengths & Weaknesses of the Contenders for Australia's Submarine Replacement Programme
 
Plans to replace the existing Royal Australian Navy's (RAN) Collins-class submarines began in 2007 with the launch of "SEA 1000" also known as the Future Submarine Programme. In February this year, the Australian Government announced the acquisition strategy for the Future Submarine Program and invited three countries: France, Germany and Japan to participate in a competitive evaluation process. Here is our analysis of the strengths and weaknesses of each contender:
Plans to replace the existing Royal Australian Navy's (RAN) Collins-class submarines began in 2007 with the launch of "SEA 1000" also known as the Future Submarine Programme. In February this year, the Australian Government announced the acquisition strategy for the Future Submarine Program and invited three countries: France, Germany and Japan to participate in a competitive evaluation process. Here is our analysis of the strengths and weaknesses of each contender:
 

Video: French Navy FREMM Frigate Aquitaine fires MBDA's MdCN Naval Cruise Missile
 
The French Navy (Marine Nationale) has released a video showing the first launch of an MdCN (Missile de Croisiere Navale) Naval Cruise Missile from a FREMM Frigate. On May 19, frigate Aquitaine (head of the class and first unit in the multi-mission frigate program FREMM) successfully fired its first naval cruise missile on the firing ranges of the DGA missile testing centre off Levant Island. This event marked the first time a European surface ship has fired a cruise missile.
The French Navy (Marine Nationale) has released a video showing the first launch of an MdCN (Missile de Croisière Navale) Naval Cruise Missile from a FREMM Frigate. On May 19, frigate Aquitaine (head of the class and first unit in the multi-mission frigate program FREMM) successfully fired its first naval cruise missile on the firing ranges of the DGA missile testing centre off Levant Island. This event marked the first time a European surface ship has fired a cruise missile.
 

Video report: Defense Conseil International (DCI) New Military Diving School for EOD Divers
 
Navy Recognition brings you a video report on Defense Conseil International (DCI) Military Diving School which specializes in training Navy Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) and mine clearance divers. DCI took possession of brand new and modern infrastructure to open its new international military diving school (CIFPM) in Saint-Mandrier in December 2014.
Navy Recognition brings you a video report on Defense Conseil International (DCI) Military Diving School which specializes in training Navy Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) and mine clearance divers. DCI took possession of brand new and modern infrastructure to open its new international military diving school (CIFPM) in Saint-Mandrier in December 2014.
 

Video: USMC F-35B STOVL Aircraft Conducting Field Carrier Landing Practice
 
The United States Marine Corps (USMC) released a video showing F-35B (the short take-off and vertical-landing STOVL variant) pilots performing short take off and vertical landings as part of required flying field carrier landing practices (FCLP). The pilots are from Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 121 based out of Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Arizona.
The United States Marine Corps (USMC) released a video showing F-35B (the short take-off and vertical-landing STOVL variant) pilots performing short take off and vertical landings as part of required flying field carrier landing practices (FCLP). The pilots are from Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 121 based out of Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Arizona.
 

Turkish Navy Future LHD Model Showcased with F-35B STOVL Aircraft at IDEF 2015
 
At IDEF 2015, the International Defence Industry Fair currently held in Istanbul, Turkey, local shipyard "Sedef Shipbuilding" is showcasing a model of the future Turkish Navy Landing Helicopter Dock (LHD) with the short take-off and vertical landing (STOVL) variant of the Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II jets on board. The same model is showcased on the Turkish Navy booth.
At IDEF 2015, the International Defence Industry Fair currently held in Istanbul, Turkey, local shipyard "Sedef Shipbuilding" is showcasing a model of the future Turkish Navy Landing Helicopter Dock (LHD) with the short take-off and vertical landing (STOVL) variant of the Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II jets on board. The same model is showcased on the Turkish Navy booth.
 

New Video Details Chinese Navy (PLAN) J-15 Operations On Board Liaoning Aircraft Carrier
 
State television broadcaster in mainland China CCTV 13 (China Central Television) recently conducted a report on board People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN or Chinese Navy) aircraft carrier Liaoning (CV16). The video report shows "at sea carrier operations" with J-15 Flying Shark fighter jets.
State television broadcaster in mainland China CCTV 13 (China Central Television) recently conducted a report on board People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN or Chinese Navy) aircraft carrier Liaoning (CV16). The video report shows "at sea carrier operations" with J-15 Flying Shark fighter jets.
 

Pictures and videos: Interoperability between US Navy and Marine Nationale CSG in the Gulf
 
The current deployment in the Gulf region of two carrier strike groups (CSG): A U.S. Navy one with the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier (CVN) USS Carl Vinson a French Navy (Marine Nationale) one with CVN Charles de Gaulle is the occasion for the two allied navies to test, implement and improve their interoperability while on theatre and while actively engaged in combat missions.
The current deployment in the Gulf region of two carrier strike groups (CSG): A U.S. Navy one with the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier (CVN) USS Carl Vinson a French Navy (Marine Nationale) one with CVN Charles de Gaulle is the occasion for the two allied navies to test, implement and improve their interoperability while on theatre and while actively engaged in combat missions.
 

Exclusive Interview With The French Navy On The Barracuda SSN Program
 
On January 22, 2015, six US Navy Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) divers participated in an exchange of know-how with the crew of the French Navy (Marine Nationale) anti-aircraft frigate Jean Bart. For the past 3 months Jean Bart is deployed with aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson in the Carrier Strike Group One for escort mission. In order to share their know-how and to strengthen interoperability, 6 US clearance divers were airlifted to the Jean Bart for an "EOD day".
Between 2017 and 2027, Barracuda-type nuclear-powered attack submarines (SSN) will replace the Marine Nationale (French Navy's) current-generation Rubis/Améthyste-class SSNs. Navy Recognition recently had the unique opportunity to ask to the French Navy's Barracuda program manager & officer a few questions on the next generation submarine of the French Navy.
 

Focus: U.S. Navy’s Mobile Landing Platform Demonstrates Key Capabilities
 
Over months of at-sea testing, USNS Montford Point (MLP 1), the first ship of the U.S. Navy’s class of Mobile Landing Platform (MLP) demonstrated exceptional capabilities and inherent flexibility during her participation in a series of Post-Delivery Tests and Trials (PDT&T) events. These events, held in the Pacific Northwest and Southern California, successfully evaluated and demonstrated the performance of the ship and her systems. We applaud the ship and her crew.
Over months of at-sea testing, USNS Montford Point (MLP 1), the first ship of the U.S. Navy’s class of Mobile Landing Platform (MLP) demonstrated exceptional capabilities and inherent flexibility during her participation in a series of Post-Delivery Tests and Trials (PDT&T) events. These events, held in the Pacific Northwest and Southern California, successfully evaluated and demonstrated the performance of the ship and her systems. We applaud the ship and her crew.
 

Exclusive: New Details on the Kongsberg Vertical Launch Joint Strike Missile (VL JSM)
 
Navy Recognition was the first to reveal images and (limited) details on the Vertical Launch Joint Strike Missile project when our team stumbled upon a scale model of the anti-ship missile project on the Kongsberg's booth in October last year during the AUSA show. You can read about it here. Kongsberg has since got back to Navy Recognition with some fresh details and an illustration.
Navy Recognition was the first to reveal images and (limited) details on the Vertical Launch Joint Strike Missile project when our team stumbled upon a scale model of the anti-ship missile project on the Kongsberg's booth in October last year during the AUSA show. You can read about it here. Kongsberg has since got back to us with some fresh details and an illustration.
 

China May Have Started Construction of Next Generation Destroyer Type 055 for the PLAN
 
A picture has just emerged on the Chinese internet showing that construction of the first Type 055 destroyer may have started. The Type 055 guided missile destroyer is the next generation destroyer designed for the People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN or Chinese Navy).
A picture has just emerged on the Chinese internet showing that construction of the first Type 055 destroyer may have started. The Type 055 guided missile destroyer is the next generation destroyer designed for the People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN or Chinese Navy).
 

Meet the new CCM Mk1 naval special warfare craft of the US Special Forces
 
One year from now, the United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) will commission its first Combatant Craft Medium Mark 1 (or CCM Mk1): A new generation of special warfare craft that is set to replace the ageing fleet of Special Operation Command’s Mark V boats as well as RHIBs for select missions. Navy Recognition contacted the USSOCOM to learn more about the CCM Mk1, the US Special Forces craft of the 21st century.
One year from now, the United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) will commission its first Combatant Craft Medium Mark 1 (or CCM Mk1): A new generation of special warfare craft that is set to replace the ageing fleet of Special Operation Command’s Mark V boats as well as RHIBs for select missions. Navy Recognition contacted the USSOCOM to learn more about the CCM Mk1, the US Special Forces craft of the 21st century.
 

Visit at PIRIOU shipyard: Update on Almak training ship, B2M programme and new designs
 
As part of the EURONAVAL Press Tour, Navy Recognition visited Piriou shipyard in Concarneau. About one year following the christenning of Almak training ship, we asked a DCI representative about the first return of experience. We also witnessed the good progress on the first hull of the French Navy's future B2M ship. Finally we were shown some of the new patrol vessel designs that will be unveilled by Kership (a joint Piriou-DCNS company) during Euronaval 2014.
As part of the EURONAVAL Press Tour, Navy Recognition visited Piriou shipyard in Concarneau. About one year following the christenning of Almak training ship, we asked a DCI representative about the first return of experience. We also witnessed the good progress on the first hull of the French Navy's future B2M ship. Finally we were shown some of the new patrol vessel designs that will be unveilled by Kership (a joint Piriou-DCNS company) during Euronaval 2014.
 

MBDA’s Naval Cruise Missile Production Started and Program is Progressing Well
 
As part of the EURONAVAL Press Tour, Navy Recognition had the chance to visit the MBDA site of Selles Saint Denis last week. This “missile factory” is the European Missile Integration Center. During our tour, we got the chance to see the production lines of the Exocet family of anti-ship missiles, Mica and Aster anti-air missiles and Scalp cruise missiles. But the highlight of the visit was by far when MBDA showed us two freshly assembled Naval Cruise Missile (NCM or MdCN in French).
As part of the EURONAVAL Press Tour, Navy Recognition had the chance to visit the MBDA site of Selles Saint Denis last week. This “missile factory” is the European Missile Integration Center. During our tour, we got the chance to see the production lines of the Exocet family of anti-ship missiles, Mica and Aster anti-air missiles and Scalp cruise missiles. But the highlight of the visit was by far when MBDA showed us two freshly assembled Naval Cruise Missile (NCM or MdCN in French).
 

E-2D Advanced Hawkeye: The Sixth Sense of the XXIst Century U.S. Navy Fleet
 
Navy Recognition recently visited the Northrop Grumman facility in Melbourne, Florida. This was the occasion to meet with Jay Mulhall, Director of Business Development for the E-2/C-2 programs and with Fred Shelton, manager of international business development for the E-2C/D programs. So here is what we learned about the next generation airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) of the U.S. Navy: The E-2D Advanced Hawkeye.
Navy Recognition recently visited the Northrop Grumman facility in Melbourne, Florida. This was the occasion to meet with Jay Mulhall, Director of Business Development for the E-2/C-2 programs and with Fred Shelton, manager of international business development for the E-2C/D programs. So here is what we learned about the next generation airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) of the U.S. Navy: The E-2D Advanced Hawkeye.
 

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