August 2015 News - Naval Forces, Defense Industry, Navy Technology, Maritime Security
 
 

USS Ronald Reagan Completes Sea Trials and Post Hull Swap Assessment
 
The Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) returned to Naval Base Coronado in San Diego after completing sea trials and a post hull swap assessment, Aug. 29. In order to prepare the ship for her upcoming patrol and to re-certify shipboard qualifications, the crew completed five days of drills and training. Carrier Air Wing (CVW-11) was embarked to assist.
The Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) returned to Naval Base Coronado in San Diego after completing sea trials and a post hull swap assessment, Aug. 29. In order to prepare the ship for her upcoming patrol and to re-certify shipboard qualifications, the crew completed five days of drills and training. Carrier Air Wing (CVW-11) was embarked to assist.
 


Raytheon and U.S. Navy Collaborate to Optimize LCS' AN/AQS-20A Minehunting Sonar
 
Raytheon Company is working closely with the Naval Undersea Warfare Center (NUWC) – Division Newport to enhance the features of the company's AN/AQS-20A minehunting sonar. Together, the team is analyzing the system's synthetic aperture sonar to fully optimize its ability to capture and process high- and low-resolution images of mine threats undersea.
Raytheon Company is working closely with the Naval Undersea Warfare Center (NUWC) – Division Newport to enhance the features of the company's AN/AQS-20A minehunting sonar. Together, the team is analyzing the system's synthetic aperture sonar to fully optimize its ability to capture and process high- and low-resolution images of mine threats undersea.
 

Second Royal Australian Navy Canberra class LHD NUSHIP Adelaide Completes Final Sea Trials
 
Williamstown, Victoria: NUSHIP Adelaide, Australia’s second Landing Helicopter Dock (LHD) ship, is successfully completing her second and final sea trials in Port Phillip Bay. The 27,800 tonne warship will return to BAE Systems’ Williamstown shipyard later today where she will then be prepared for delivery to the Department of Defence’s Capability Acquisition and Sustainment Group (CASG) and the Royal Australian Navy (RAN).
Williamstown, Victoria: NUSHIP Adelaide, Australia’s second Landing Helicopter Dock (LHD) ship, is successfully completing her second and final sea trials in Port Phillip Bay. The 27,800 tonne warship will return to BAE Systems’ Williamstown shipyard later today where she will then be prepared for delivery to the Department of Defence’s Capability Acquisition and Sustainment Group (CASG) and the Royal Australian Navy (RAN).
 

Boeing to Provide 9 P-8A Poseidon to US Navy, 4 to RAAF as Part of 2nd Full-Rate Production Lot
 
The US Navy awarded a $15.5 million system development contract to Raytheon Company to develop a flexible, application-based architecture (ABA) for the P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft. The ABA will allow mission commanders to rapidly field new or enhanced capabilities through third-party software applications.
Boeing will provide the first P-8A Poseidon maritime surveillance aircraft for Australia and additional P-8As for the U.S. Navy following a $1.49 billion contract award from the Navy for 13 aircraft. The order includes nine aircraft for the U.S. Navy and four Poseidon aircraft for the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF), a long-time partner to the U.S. Navy on P-8A development.
 

BrahMos Anti-Ship Cruise Missile Will Be Tested on Su-30MKI in March 2016
 
The test trials of the air-launched variant of the BrahMos anti-ship cruise missile are due to begin in March 2016, Sudhir Kumar Mishra, director-general of the BrahMos Aerospace Company, told TASS at the MAKS-2015 Air Show. "We have modified a Su-30MKI fighter jet for the installation of a BrahMos cruise missile. The launching pad, which is currently undergoing qualification tests, has also been modified," Mishra said.
The test trials of the air-launched variant of the BrahMos anti-ship cruise missile are due to begin in March 2016, Sudhir Kumar Mishra, director-general of the BrahMos Aerospace Company, told TASS at the MAKS-2015 Air Show. "We have modified a Su-30MKI fighter jet for the installation of a BrahMos cruise missile. The launching pad, which is currently undergoing qualification tests, has also been modified," Mishra said.
 

HMS Queen Elizabeth Aircraft Carrier's S1850M Long Range Radar Tested by Tracking Aircraft
 
The crew of HMS Queen Elizabeth flashed up the new carrier's 'invisible eyes' as part of ongoing preparations to ready the leviathan for sea next year. The S1850M radar – the same as those fitted to Type 45 and Horizon destroyers – is a large black slab (over eight tonnes, 32 square metres) sitting on top of the carrier’s forward island.
The crew of HMS Queen Elizabeth flashed up the new carrier's 'invisible eyes' as part of ongoing preparations to ready the leviathan for sea next year. The S1850M radar – the same as those fitted to Type 45 and Horizon destroyers – is a large black slab (over eight tonnes, 32 square metres) sitting on top of the carrier’s forward island.
 

DCNS-Built OPV L’Adroit Confirms its Operational Capacities with the French Navy
 
L’Adroit, an offshore patrol vessel (OPV), built by DCNS on its own funds and placed at the disposal of the French Navy since October 2011, returned at the start of July after 4 months of intense operations around the African continent. Its commander, frigate captain Luc Régnier, talks about the operational capacities and availability of the vessel, which demonstrated its reliability to carry out fisheries policing and maritime security missions. The partnership developed between DCNS and the French Navy can therefore be considered a veritable success.
L’Adroit, an offshore patrol vessel (OPV), built by DCNS on its own funds and placed at the disposal of the French Navy since October 2011, returned at the start of July after 4 months of intense operations around the African continent. Its commander, frigate captain Luc Régnier, talks about the operational capacities and availability of the vessel, which demonstrated its reliability to carry out fisheries policing and maritime security missions. The partnership developed between DCNS and the French Navy can therefore be considered a veritable success.
 

U.S. Navy New Research Vessel Neil Armstrong (AGOR 27) Completes Acceptance Trials
 
The first-of-class Oceanographic Research Vessel R/V Neil Armstrong (AGOR 27), successfully completed Acceptance Trials August 7 the Navy reported today. Neil Armstrong is a modern mono-hull research vessel based on commercial design, capable of integrated, interdisciplinary, general purpose oceanographic research in coastal and deep ocean areas.
The first-of-class Oceanographic Research Vessel R/V Neil Armstrong (AGOR 27), successfully completed Acceptance Trials August 7 the Navy reported today. Neil Armstrong is a modern mono-hull research vessel based on commercial design, capable of integrated, interdisciplinary, general purpose oceanographic research in coastal and deep ocean areas.
 

Japan Named and Launched its 2nd Izumo Class Helicopter Destroyer DDH-184 "Kaga"
 
Today, around 14:30 of August 27, 2015 (Thursday), Japan's Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) launched its second Izumo class helicopter destroyer. The vessel was officially name "Kaga" (hull number DDH-184) during the ceremony at the JMU Japan Marine United Corporation shipyard in Yokohama Isogo.
Today, around 14:30 of August 27, 2015 (Thursday), Japan's Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) launched its second Izumo class helicopter destroyer. The vessel was officially name "Kaga" (hull number DDH-184) during the ceremony at the JMU Japan Marine United Corporation shipyard in Yokohama Isogo.
 

Orbital ATK Delivers 100th GQM-163A Coyote Target to U.S. Navy
 
Orbital ATK, Inc., a global leader in aerospace and defense technologies recently marked a major milestone highlighting 15-years of success as the company delivered the 100th GQM-163A “Coyote” target vehicle to the U.S. Navy.
Orbital ATK, Inc., a global leader in aerospace and defense technologies recently marked a major milestone highlighting 15-years of success as the company delivered the 100th GQM-163A “Coyote” target vehicle to the U.S. Navy.
 

2nd Australian Company to Provide Parts for Initial Production of the MQ-4C Triton Naval UAS
 
Northrop Grumman Corporation has awarded a second Australian supplier contract to Mincham Aviation for the U.S. Navy's MQ-4C Triton unmanned aircraft system (UAS) initial production lot. South Australia-based Mincham Aviation will manufacture aircraft structure components for the first low-rate production lot of four Triton air vehicles. This second supplier contract follows one awarded in July to Ferra Engineering for mechanical sub-assemblies.
Northrop Grumman Corporation has awarded a second Australian supplier contract to Mincham Aviation for the U.S. Navy's MQ-4C Triton unmanned aircraft system (UAS) initial production lot. South Australia-based Mincham Aviation will manufacture aircraft structure components for the first low-rate production lot of four Triton air vehicles. This second supplier contract follows one awarded in July to Ferra Engineering for mechanical sub-assemblies.
 

New Kamov Ka-35 Airborne Early Warning Helicopters Authorized for Service with Russian Navy
 
The Russian Armed Forces have authorized for service the newest early warning radar-carrying helicopter Ka-35, a source in the defense-industrial complex has told TASS. "The Ka-35 has passed all tests and has been authorized for service," the source said.
The Russian Armed Forces have authorized for service the newest early warning radar-carrying helicopter Ka-35, a source in the defense-industrial complex has told TASS. "The Ka-35 has passed all tests and has been authorized for service," the source said.
 

U.S Marines from MARSOC and U.S. Coast Guard Demonstrated Small UAS Capabilities
 
The U.S. Coast Guard and Marines from MARSOC joined forces to demonstrate the ability to launch and recover several small size unmanned air systems (UAS) from the Coast Guard’s smallest boats. MARSOC is the United States Marine Corps Forces Special Operations Command.
The U.S. Coast Guard and Marines from MARSOC joined forces to demonstrate the ability to launch and recover several small size unmanned air systems (UAS) from the Coast Guard’s smallest boats. MARSOC is the United States Marine Corps Forces Special Operations Command.
 

Northrop Grumman & U.S. Navy Demonstrates Endurance on the MQ-8C Fire Scout VTOL UAV
 
Northrop Grumman Corporation and the U.S. Navy successfully demonstrated endurance capabilities with the MQ-8C Fire Scout unmanned helicopter. On a planned 10+ hour flight and range out to 150 nautical miles flight from Naval Base Ventura County, Point Mugu; the MQ-8C Fire Scout achieved 11 hours with over an hour of fuel in reserve.
Northrop Grumman Corporation and the U.S. Navy successfully demonstrated endurance capabilities with the MQ-8C Fire Scout unmanned helicopter. On a planned 10+ hour flight and range out to 150 nautical miles flight from Naval Base Ventura County, Point Mugu; the MQ-8C Fire Scout achieved 11 hours with over an hour of fuel in reserve.
 

Cobham to Assemble Antenna Array Panel Assemblies for Lockheed Martin & US Navy SEWIP
 
Cobham recently received a Low Rate Initial Production (LRIP) award for the production of Antenna Array Panel Assemblies (AAPAs) from Lockheed Martin Corporation, Liverpool, N.Y. The AAPAs are used in the Block II configuration of the Navy’s Surface Electronic Warfare Improvement Program (SEWIP). Work under this contract will be performed by Cobham Integrated Electronic Solutions, a business unit of the Cobham Advanced Electronic Solutions sector, in Lansdale, Pa.
Cobham recently received a Low Rate Initial Production (LRIP) award for the production of Antenna Array Panel Assemblies (AAPAs) from Lockheed Martin Corporation, Liverpool, N.Y. The AAPAs are used in the Block II configuration of the Navy’s Surface Electronic Warfare Improvement Program (SEWIP). Work under this contract will be performed by Cobham Integrated Electronic Solutions, a business unit of the Cobham Advanced Electronic Solutions sector, in Lansdale, Pa.
 

PASSEX for French Navy ASW Frigate Montcalm and U.S. Navy Destroyer USS Porter
 
In mid-August , the French Navy (Marine Nationale) Georges Leygues-class anti--submarine warfare frigate Montcalm (D 642) and the U.S. Navy Arleigh Burke Flight II Class destroyer USS Porter (DDG 78) conducted a passing exercise (PASSEX) in the eastern Mediterranean sea.
In mid-August , the French Navy (Marine Nationale) Georges Leygues-class anti--submarine warfare frigate Montcalm (D 642) and the U.S. Navy Arleigh Burke Flight II Class destroyer USS Porter (DDG 78) conducted a passing exercise (PASSEX) in the eastern Mediterranean sea.
 

Royal Moroccan Navy Orders Stan Pontoon 3011 Water Barge from Damen for Rapid Response
 
The Royal Moroccan Navy, in response to the severe drought that is currently affecting the country, recently awarded Damen Shipyards Group a contract to supply a Stan Pontoon 3011 Water Barge. Due to the urgent need for water in the region, Damen Shipyards Gorinchem, the Netherlands, is putting all its efforts into a fast delivery.
The Royal Moroccan Navy, in response to the severe drought that is currently affecting the country, recently awarded Damen Shipyards Group a contract to supply a Stan Pontoon 3011 Water Barge. Due to the urgent need for water in the region, Damen Shipyards Gorinchem, the Netherlands, is putting all its efforts into a fast delivery.
 

Lürssen subcontracted French shipyard Couach to built 79 Interceptors for Saudi Arabia Coast Guard
 
German shipbuilding company Lürssen has subcontracted French Shipyard Couach to built 79 15-meters interceptor vessels for the coast guard of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The information was first revealed by our colleagues from Le Marin, a French weekly newspaper specialized in maritime news.
German shipbuilding company Lürssen has subcontracted French Shipyard Couach to built 79 15-meters interceptor vessels for the coast guard of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The information was first revealed by our colleagues from Le Marin, a French weekly newspaper specialized in maritime news.
 

Polish Navy Kormoran II Class Mine Countermeasures Vessel to be Launched on September 4th
 
The Polish Navy new generation mine countermeasures vessel (MCMV) Kormoran II will be launched on September 4 2015. The vessel is designed by Remontowa shipbuilding (Gdanska Stocznia "Remontowa" im. J. Pilsudskiego S.A.) based in Gdansk. The Kormoran II launch closely follows the launch of a new OPV for Polish Navy which took place in July. This was the first vessel naval ship launch in Poland for years.
The Polish Navy new generation mine countermeasures vessel (MCMV) Kormoran II will be launched on September 4 2015. The vessel is designed by Remontowa shipbuilding (Gdanska Stocznia "Remontowa" im. J. Pilsudskiego S.A.) based in Gdansk. The Kormoran II launch closely follows the launch of a new OPV for Polish Navy which took place in July. This was the first vessel naval ship launch in Poland for years.
 

Russian Navy Troops and Landing Ships in Large Arctic Naval Drills Test New Amphibious Vehicle
 
The Northern Fleet Saint George and Kondopoga Project 775M Ropucha-II class tank landing ships of the Russian Navy arrived in Dudinka port and transported servicemen and hardware including new TTM-4902PS-10 all-terrain tracked vehicles. The goal of the exercise is to train in the defence of important industrial facility located in the Arctic zone.
The Northern Fleet Saint George and Kondopoga Project 775M Ropucha-II class tank landing ships of the Russian Navy arrived in Dudinka port and transported servicemen and hardware including new TTM-4902PS-10 all-terrain tracked vehicles. The goal of the exercise is to train in the defence of important industrial facility located in the Arctic zone.
 

Lockheed Martin's LRASM Anti-Ship Missile Just Got its U.S. Navy Designation: AGM-158C
 
Contacted by Navy Recognition, a Lockheed Martin spokesperson said "we learned over the weekend that LRASM's official designation will be AGM-158C". AGM-158C is the designation for the air-launched LRASM missile only. There is no surface-launch LRASM program of record yet. The Department of the Navy, Naval Air Warfare Center, gave the official designation.
Contacted by Navy Recognition, a Lockheed Martin spokesperson said "we learned over the weekend that LRASM's official designation will be AGM-158C". AGM-158C is the designation for the air-launched LRASM missile only. There is no surface-launch LRASM program of record yet. The Department of the Navy, Naval Air Warfare Center, gave the official designation.
 

U.S. Outlines Asia-Pacific Maritime Security Strategy
 
The United States has spelled out its maritime security strategy so that all nations understand the American position, David Shear, the assistant secretary of defense for Asian-Pacific security affairs, said during a Pentagon news conference on August 21, 2015.
The United States has spelled out its maritime security strategy so that all nations understand the American position, David Shear, the assistant secretary of defense for Asian-Pacific security affairs, said during a Pentagon news conference on August 21, 2015.
 

Belgian Navy Achieved Initial Operational Capacity for its First Three NH90 NFH Maritime Helicopters
 
The Belgian Navy declared the Initial Operational Capacity (IOC) for its frist three NH90 NFH (Nato Frigate Helicopters) on Friday. The new generation maritime helicopters will eventually replace the 5 ageing Sea King Mk.48 by the end of 2018 for Search and Recuse (SAR) missions.
The Belgian Navy declared the Initial Operational Capacity (IOC) for its frist three NH90 NFH (Nato Frigate Helicopters) on Friday. The new generation maritime helicopters will eventually replace the 5 ageing Sea King Mk.48 by the end of 2018 for Search and Recuse (SAR) missions.
 

Maintenance for U.S. Navy's Boeing E-6B Mercury Airborne Command Post Aircraft
 
The U.S. Navy's Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) awarded two contracts for the maintenance of the Boeing E-6B Mercury airborne command post. The E-6B is a dual-mission aircraft providing either airborne command, control, and communications or serving as an airborne strategic command post and is equipped with an airborne launch control system capable of launching U.S. land based intercontinental ballistic missiles
The U.S. Navy's Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) awarded two contracts for the maintenance of the Boeing E-6B Mercury airborne command post. The E-6B is a dual-mission aircraft providing either airborne command, control, and communications or serving as an airborne strategic command post and is equipped with an airborne launch control system capable of launching U.S. land based intercontinental ballistic missiles
 

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