The Arms Grapevine

last SG · 2004-10-02T08:40:39+00:00

Jetstar Asia Awards ST Aerospace US$47m Total Aviation Support Maintenance Programme (Source: ST Aerospace; issued Oct. 20, 2004) SINGAPORE --- Singapore T...

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Bushmasters Strong Performance in UAE Trials

(Source: ADI; issued Sept. 29, 2004)

ADIs Bushmaster infantry mobility vehicle has performed strongly in two, three-day evaluation trials in the harsh environment of the United Arab Emirates.

In temperatures reaching 58 degrees C and very high humidity, the five-year old left-hand drive prototype vehicle conquered mountainous sand dunes, plus a variety of deserts and rocky tracks in successfully completing the 2500km evaluation.

Separate maintenance testing included the timing of the removal, replacement and installation of vehicle components. ADIs team at the trials won praise when it removed and re-installed Bushmasters power pack in less than three hours.

ADI managing director, Mr. Lucio Di Bartolomeo, said that Bushmasters strength, capability and reliability had impressed UAE defence officials.

The importance of the central tire inflation system, air conditioning and the engine cooling system capable of operating in the harsh environment are fundamental requirements for the vehicles deployment in the UAE, he said.

Our team has reported that the Bushmaster crossed the entire country from north to south, handling the most daunting cross country conditions and unrelenting heat without faulting. One of the keys to Bushmasters success in the UAE was the extensive trials and development work done by ADI in similar conditions in northern and central Australia.

The testing of Bushmaster was part of the UAE Defence Forces Summer Trials when equipment that might be purchased is evaluated. While ADI was required to provide the driver, a UAE observer was a passenger in the vehicle throughout the trials.

The Bushmaster vehicle tested by the UAE will be on display at AUSA 2004, the major defence exhibition in mainland America, in October.

ADI is now producing Bushmaster vehicles for the Australian Defence Force BUSHRANGER project.

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ADI Details Plans for Aussie Army Bids

(Source: ADI Ltd.; issued Sept. 28, 2004)

ADI was focused on developing the weapons, web based systems and other capabilities essential to warfighters of the hardened and networked Australian Army, ADI managing director, Mr Lucio Di Bartolomeo, said today.

We are working with international partners to develop, deliver and support leading edge and affordable capabilities that will enable our soldiers to operate with confidence and effectiveness in complex, diffuse and lethal environments, he said.

Mr Di Bartolomeo was delivering the keynote address at the opening day luncheon of the Land Warfare Conference 2004. ADI is a major sponsor of the conference.

Mr Di Bartolomeo outlined to delegates the initiatives ADI was undertaking in its role as The partner in hardening and networking the Army:

One of the first steps of the recently signed strategic R&D alliance between ADI and DSTO will be to investigate techniques for modelling the capability enhancement delivered by network centric warfare.

ADI is working with Thales to develop a sophisticated, digital artillery command and control system that will network all of the firepower assets available to a joint or coalition task force. He also announced that ADI had teamed with GIAT Industries of France to offer the 155mm CAESAR gun system as part of its solution for the Land 17 artillery replacement program.

ADI and the Australian Army are working together to develop an enhancement package for the F88 Austeyr rifle. The Army is currently trialling 12 A4 prototype weapons.

The JP 129 Tactical Unmanned Tactical Vehicle (UAV) program is a key program for networking the Army and the Australian Defence Force and ADI would be proposing a very innovative solution.

Mr Di Bartolomeo offered his thanks to the Chief of Defence Force, General Peter Cosgrove, and Chief of Army, Lieutenant General Peter Leahy, for their support of ADIs Bushmaster infantry mobility vehicle. He said Bushmaster, with its protection from anti tank mines and improvised explosive devices, would make a major contribution to protecting the soldiers of the hardened Army.

Referring to Defences Land 121 program, Mr Di Bartolomeo said the ADFs experience in Cambodia, Africa, East Timor, Afghanistan and the Middle East had clearly demonstrated the need for high mobility vehicles to support operations in undeveloped, austere environments where roads are often very poor or non-existent. He said the Pinzgauer and Oshkosh vehicles being proposed by ADI were serving with unsurpassed distinction in Afghanistan and Iraq and could not be bettered for off-road missions.

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China to Trial Australian Engineer Vehicle

(Source: ADI Ltd.; issued Sept. 29, 2004)

ADIs world leading high mobility engineering vehicle (HMEV) is to be trialled by Chinas Peoples Liberation Army (PLA) later this year.

The company has delivered two HMEVs to China in kit form for assembly there. The PLA has specified that it will require in-country manufacture of the vehicle.

ADI has established a license manufacturing agreement with Guizhou Jonyang Machinery Industry Co Ltd. based in Guiyang in the province of Guizhou. A semi knocked down kit would be used for initial manufacturing with increasing localisation of components for China based production.

ADI managing director, Mr Lucio Di Bartolomeo, said Guizhou Jonyang was a long established manufacturer of wheeled and tracked excavators with more than 3000 employees. It sold in excess of 600 units of various models annually in China.

We have faced a significant language barrier in transferring information to China, he said. But visits from Guizhou Jonyang personnel to our Bendigo engineering and vehicle facility have helped overcome this and we will be visiting its operation to provide technical assistance.

The HMEVs highway speed, combined with its excellent off-road mobility make it an ideal vehicle for disaster-relief operations. Its earth moving, lifting and drilling capabilities make it highly suitable for a wide range of other non-military roles. Given Chinas size, we believe there are good prospects for civil sector sales of the vehicle if its PLA trials are successful.

The unique HMEV was designed, developed and manufactured in Bendigo by ADI to meet an Australian Army light engineering tractor need. The HMEV is believed to be the only military vehicle in the world that offers the off-road capability of a four wheel drive, a highway speed of 100 kph speed and the functions of a tractor with back hoe attached. The PLA also require a capability to operate at high altitude.

The Australian Army has 27 HMEVs in service. The US Army has purchased 40 High Mobility Engineering Excavators (HMEE), a variation of the HMEV. Several of these vehicles are currently deployed in Iraq. The US Army subsequently contracted ADI to develop three new generation HMEEs for trialing for a 750 plus vehicle contract. An HMEV is also operating in Canada and in the harsh environment of the UAE.

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US Navy Accepts Tactical Tomahawk Missile to Fleet

(Source: US Department of Defense; issued Sept. 29, 2004)

WASHINGTON --- The Navy has placed another arrow in its quiver as it celebrated the acceptance of the Tactical Tomahawk cruise missile to the fleet during ceremonies at the Pentagon today.

John Young, Navy assistant secretary, called the missile system "an elegant solution" that adds new capabilities to the fleet while costing taxpayers half of what the current Tomahawk costs.

The system, built by Raytheon Missile Systems, has already been loaded aboard some ships and has new capabilities that make it far more useful to warfighters, said Navy Capt. Robert E. Novak Jr., Tomahawk program manager. The new "Block 4" missile carries a two-way satellite link that allows operators to reprogram the missile in flight.

"This gives commanders targeting flexibility," Novak said. Commanders can switch the missile from one target to another after launch. The missile can also loiter over an area to wait for higher-value targets.

The new missile also delivers messages of its health and accuracy back to operators and can transmit limited battle damage imagery. The system has enhanced anti-jam global positioning system receivers.

The total buy is up to 2,200 missiles over a five-year cycle. The total cost of the program is $1.6 billion. Each missile will cost about $729,000, down from the $1.4 million each for the Block 3 Tomahawks, now in the fleet.

The Tomahawk cruise missiles are the "weapon of choice" for engaging well- defended targets, Young said. Tomahawks were first used at the beginning of Operation Desert Storm in 1990. They have been used in all conflicts since then, including Operation Iraqi Freedom. The missiles are extremely accurate and have a 1,000-mile range. They hug the earth and travel at 550 miles per hour. This makes them extremely difficult to detect and even harder to shoot down.

The missile can be launched from surface ships or submarines and carries a 1,000-pound warhead.

The missile buy is the first multiyear procurement contract to reach this stage. Young said the Navy-Raytheon team effort made this work well and helped drive down the missile price. He said the working relationship can be used as an example for other similar procurements. He specifically mentioned applying the procurement lessons learned in this buy to the Standard missile. Raytheon Vice President Harry Schulte said the company is also applying them to the Joint Stand-off Weapon.

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S. Korean Navy Tests Lightweight Torpedo

(Source: Korean Information Service; issued Sept. 30, 2004)

The South Korean Navy has successfully tested an anti-submarine lightweight torpedo called the Cheongsangeo (Blue Shark), which can be launched both at sea and from the air, a researcher at the Agency for Defense Development said.

The Cheongsangeo, developed with Korean technology for the first time, will boost the Navys anti-submarine combat capability, said Lee Jae-myung. It can be launched from warships and from the air by P-3C maritime surveillance patrol aircraft.

In eight-shot test-firing sequences between July and September, the torpedoes hit unmanned targets at depths of 40 to 50 meters in the East Sea.

The 280 kilogram, 2.7-meter long torpedo, which can attain a speed of more than 45 knots (83 kilometers per hour), was developed at a cost of about 50 billion won ($43 million) beginning in 1995.

Each torpedo carries an estimated one billion won price tag, almost half that of a similar foreign-made torpedo.

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Third Consecutive SAAM Firing Success from a SAWARI II Frigate

(Source: Eurosam; issued Sept. 30, 2004)

On the 29th September 2004, an operational firing was successfully conducted from the "Makkah" frigate at the CEM (Centre dEssais de la Méditerranée) test centre.

The "target destroyed" announcement was made for the third time in a row on board a SAWARI II frigate.

This success marks the end of the training firing campaign for SAWARI II frigate crews.

As in the case of the last firings, made on the 23rd March from the "Al Damman" frigate and on the 7th September from the "Al Riyadh" frigate, the target was destroyed by a direct hit.

The 100% success rate of this firing campaign once again proves the excellence of the SAAM system. The system, which equips the three SAWARI II frigates, is a self-defence system consisting of a fire control unit (with ARABEL multifunction radar) and SYLVER vertical launchers, combined with ASTER 15 missiles.

This same configuration protects the French Navys Charles de Gaulle aircraft carrier.

This step is also important for the SAMP/T system and the PAAMS programme development, as it confirms the success of these shared components:

The ASTER missile and ARABEL fire control unit are major components of the SAMP/T ground based system which will provide protection to vital assets and area defence against tactical ballistic missiles, cruise missiles and aircraft.

The ASTER missiles associated with fire control based on the EMPAR multifunction radar (qualified for the SAAM-IT program) are major components of the PAAMS system (Principal Anti-Air Missile System) of the Franco-Italian HORIZON frigate.

EUROSAM GIE brings together the skills of MBDA and Thales within the surface-to-air weapon systems field. It was created as a systems prime contractor for the marketing of systems in the FSAF family.

BACKGROUND NOTE:

--SAAM = Surface Air Anti Missile
--SAMP/T = Sol-Air Moyenne Portée Terrestre (Land-Based Air Defense System)
--PAAMS = Principal Anti Air Missile System

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ECM Kits for Chilean, Omani F-16s

Pentagon Contract Announcement

(Source: US Department of Defense; issued Sept. 30, 2004)

Lockheed Martin Aeronautical Co., Fort Worth, Texas, is being awarded a $26,970,000 firm fixed price contract to provide for Incorporation of Advanced Integrated Defense Electronics Warfare Systems (AIDEWS) and ALE-47 into Oman and Chile F-16 C/D aircraft.

Total funds have been obligated. This work will be complete by June 2006. Solicitation began October 2002 and negotiations were completed April 2004.

The Headquarters Aeronautical Systems Center, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, is the contracting activity (F42620-01-D-0058, SC0 Cool .

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JSF Engine Logs 1,000 Test Hour

(Source: Pratt & Whitney; issued Sept. 29, 2004)

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. --- Earlier this month the Pratt & Whitney led F135 System Development and Demonstration (SDD) team completed the programs 1,000th test hour. This testing milestone represents the cumulative hours of F135 SDD Testing and includes both the Conventional Take-Off and Landing (CTOL/CV) engine tests, as well as the Short Take-Off and Vertical Landing (STOVL) system test runs.

The achievement of this testing milestone is positive proof of the overall health and maturity of the F135 Program, said Bill Gostic, F135 Program Vice President at P&W. Accumulating 1,000 test hours only 15 months after completing Critical Design Review has put us in a great position to reach our testing goals for 2004 and beyond. I thank the entire F135 Team, without whose tireless efforts this accomplishment would not have been possible.

Since testing began in October of 2003 both the CTOL/CV and STOVL configured F135 systems have achieved some very impressive testing milestones. The F135 program has seen FX631 - the first CTOL/CV configured system to test - complete several test runs to full afterburner power during which it demonstrated over 39,000lbs of thrust, meeting the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter performance requirements. And earlier this year the F135 Team celebrated as FX641 performed sustained runs to hover thrust demonstrating over 39,000lbs of thrust in the vertical take off mode; satisfying a very important STOVL performance requirement.

This latest milestone comes on the heels of the F135 Programs delivery of the second Short Take-Off and Vertical Landing Propulsion System to test, engine FX643. The Propulsion System was delivered to P&Ws test facility in West Palm Beach in the middle of August and began testing on August 20. FX643 is focused on endurance testing.

Next up for the F135 team will be the delivery of the remaining two F135 STOVL Propulsion Systems to test under the testing portion of the teams SDD contract. Delivery of the two remaining systems, FX642 and FX640, is expected before the end of October. FX642 will be delivered to Arnold Engineering Development Center (AEDC) at Arnold Air Force Base near Tullahoma, Tenn., where it will perform simulated altitude testing. Testing on FX640 will be focused mainly on aircraft integration.

The F135 Propulsion System Team consists of P&W, the prime contractor with responsibility for the propulsion system and system integration for all variants; Hamilton Sundstrand provider of the F135s control system, external accessories and gearbox; and Rolls-Royce, providing the Rolls-Royce LiftFanR, 3 Bearing Swivel Module and Roll Posts to the STOVL (Short Take-Off/Vertical Landing) F-35B. The technologically advanced F135 has evolved from the highly acclaimed F119 engine powering the F/A-22 Raptor.

The F135 will power all versions of the F-35 - CTOL, CV, and STOVL. Among the aircraft the F-35 will replace are the AV-8B Harrier, A-10, F-16, F/A-18 and United Kingdoms Harrier GR.7 and Sea Harrier. Potential orders for the JSF are anticipated to be almost 4,000. The F135 is the only propulsion system in the F-35s System Development and Demonstration phase, and will power the first flights of the F-35. Development of an interchangeable engine is planned for future production competitions.

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Defense Security Cooperation Agency
NEWS RELEASE
On the web: http://www.dsca.mil Media/Public Contact: (703) 601-3670
Date: 28 September 2004 Transmittal No. 04-38

Netherlands Secure Mobile Anti-Jam Reliable Tactical Terminals

On 28 September 2004, the Defense Security Cooperation Agency notified Congress of a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Netherlands of seven Secure Mobile Anti-Jam Reliable Tactical Terminals (SMART-T), seven M998A1 High Mobility Multi-purpose Wheeled Vehicles (HMMWV), as well as associated equipment and services. The total value, if all options are exercised, could be as high as $71 million.

The Government of the Netherlands has requested a possible sale of seven Secure Mobile Anti-Jam Reliable Tactical Terminals (SMART-T), seven M998A1 High Mobility Multi-purpose Wheeled Vehicles (HMMWV), installation, modification kits, support equipment, spare parts, supply support, personnel training and training equipment, publications and technical data, U.S.

Government and contractor technical assistance and other
related elements of logistics support. The estimated cost is $71 million.
The proposed sale is associated with an ongoing cooperative effort in the area of Advanced Extremely High Frequency MILSATCOM and will contribute to the foreign policy and national security objectives of the
United States by helping to improve the military capabilities of the Netherlands, a NATO ally.

The terminals are transportable as well as portable, so they can be installed on a vehicle or used in stand-alone operation. The Netherlands Ministry of Defense has not made a final decision regarding the vehicle on which
the SMART-Ts will be mounted. Candidates include the HMMWV, a Mercedes built Light Support Wheeled Vehicle (LSWV), and a tailor made trailer. The LSWVs or trailers will require some modification in order to
mount the SMART-Ts.

The proposed sale of this equipment and support will not affect the basic military balance in the region. The principal contractors will be: Raytheon Incorporated in Marlborough, Massachusetts and AM General in
Detroit, Michigan. Although generally the purchaser requires offsets, at this time, there are no known offset agreements proposed in connection with this potential sale.

Implementation of this proposed sale will require travel of U.S. Government and contractor personnel to the Netherlands for program reviews, site surveys, equipment installation and training. The specific requirements
for the support in country will be established during program definition between representatives of the United States Government and the Netherlands.

There will be no adverse impact on U.S. defense readiness as a result of this proposed sale. This notice of a potential sale is required by law; it does not mean that the sale has been concluded.

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Defense Security Cooperation Agency
NEWS RELEASE
On the web: http://www.dsca.mil Media/Public Contact: (703) 601-3670
Date: 30 September 2004 Transmittal No. 04-39

Canada - TOW-2A/B Anti-Armor Guided and Bunker Buster Missiles

On 30 September 2004, the Defense Security Cooperation Agency notified Congress of a possible Foreign Military Sale to Canada of 2,000 Radio Frequency (RF) TOW-2A and 600 RF TOW-2B Anti-Armor Guided Missiles, 400 RF Bunker Buster Missiles as well as associated equipment and services. The total value, if all options are exercised, could be as high as $136 million.

The Government of Canada has requested a possible sale of 2,000 Radio Frequency (RF) TOW-2A and 600 RF TOW-2B Anti-Armor Guided Missiles, 400 RF Bunker Buster Missiles, spare and repair parts, technical support, support equipment, personnel training and training equipment, technical data and publications, U.S.

Government and contractor engineering and logistics support services, and other related elements of logistics support. The estimated cost is $136 million.
This proposed sale will contribute to the foreign policy and national security objectives of the United States by improving the military capabilities of Canada and further weapon system standardization and interoperability with U.S. forces.

Canada will use these missiles to increase its military defensive posture and will have no difficulty absorbing these additional missiles into its armed forces. The proposed sale of this equipment and support will not affect the basic military balance in the region.

The prime contractor will be Raytheon Company in Tucson, Arizona. There are no known offset agreements proposed in connection with this potential sale. Implementation of this proposed sale will not require the assignment of any additional U.S. Government or contractor representatives to Canada.

There will be no adverse impact on U.S. defense readiness as a result of this proposed sale. This notice of a potential sale is required by law; it does not mean that the sale has been concluded.

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US Navy to Upgrade EP-3E

(Source: US Navy; issued Sept. 30, 2004)

PATUXENT RIVER, Md. --- A new technology project called Story Maker will bring critical improvements to the capability of the Navy EP-3E to identify potential hostile targets. The EP-3E is the Navys sole land-based signals intelligence reconnaissance aircraft.

In mid-August, the Office of Naval Research Missile Defense, Future Naval Capabilities, transitioned the science and technology of a composite combat identification and data fusion technology development project to Maritime Surveillance Aircraft Program Manager (PMA) 290, Capt. Steven R. Eastburg for use in the EP-3E aircraft.

The Story Maker project will provide our EP-3 crews with greatly improved information gathering capability, remarked Eastburg. We must continue to develop new systems to strengthen the quality and accuracy of this information. This will be critical to ensuring our success in the global war on terror.

Through the application of newly developed algorithms funded by the Office of Naval Research, Story Maker fuses and reasons with on-board and off-board collected data, building evidence for track identification. The result is faster and improved target identification accuracy, critical in the reduction of missed engagement opportunities and the prevention of fratricide.

In early 2004, comparison testing was conducted with an EP-3E operational crew engaged in a simulated wartime scenario at the EP-3E Systems Integration Lab in China Lake, Calif. The test results found that the addition of Story Maker enabled identification of 10 times as many tracks with 98.6 percent accuracy, a significant improvement over current capabilities. The new technology will be fielded on the EP-3E Joint Airborne SIGINT Architecture Modification Common Configuration aircraft as a systems upgrade in mid-year 2006.

Based on the P-3 Orion airframe, the mission of the EP-3E is to provide national, fleet and theater commanders with near-real-time signals intelligence information. With sensitive receivers and high-gain dish antennas, the platform exploits a wide range of electronic emissions from deep within targeted territory. The Story Maker project will further support this mission.

We will continue to provide our Sailors and air crew with everything they need to ensure that the U.S. militarys best operational Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance aircraft continues to improve, said Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) Special Missions Aircraft Department Head Cmdr. James Baratta.

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DARPA Launches New Radar for UAVs

(Source: DARPA; dated Sept. 29, issued Sept. 30, 2004)

The first phase of the Affordable Adaptable Conformal Electronic Scanning Antenna Radar (AACER) program began this summer when the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) awarded funding to Northrop Grumman Electronic Systems (Baltimore, Md.), and Raytheon Space and Airborne Systems (El Segundo, Calif.).

Raytheon was awarded $6,057,431 and Northrop Grumman received $5,781,583.

The AACER program will develop extended range ground moving target indication (GMTI) radar combined with a high resolution synthetic aperture radar (SAR) and integrated communications to be used on tactical-level unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) such as the U.S. Armys Class IV UAV or the A-160 Hummingbird.

The radar will provide unprecedented, high update rates for tracked targets, and persistent stare over large areas with high update rates. The affordable, adaptive and conformal electronic scanning antenna developed under the AACER program will provide the U.S. Army with enhanced GMTI/SAR systems for reconnaissance, surveillance, target acquisition and tracking missions.

During the initial 12-month phase of the AACER program, the contractors will demonstrate key electronic scanning antenna technology and develop preliminary designs for each radar concept.

In phase II, the program will down-select to a single contractor to complete a system design and build key sub-assemblies that meet weight and form factors for the Armys Future Combat Systems Unit of Action Class IV UAV.

During phase III, the program will perform a final system integration and flight test demonstration that will bring forth a new capability for the Armys Future Combat Systems Unit of Action.

Although the AACER program is focused on a future Army ground unit capability, the AACER capability may also be useful to other ground forces such as the U.S. Marine Corps and special operations forces.

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Airbus Hands Over First A310 MRTT Air-To-Air Refueling Aircraft

(Source: EADS; issued Sept. 29, 2004)

TOULOUSE --- The first two Airbus aircraft with air-to-air refueling capabilities, A310 Multi-Role Transport Tanker (MRTT) aircraft, were handed over to the German Air Force and the Canadian Air Force, during a ceremony in Dresden, Germany. A total of six A310 MRTTs, to be used both for passenger and cargo transport as well as for in-flight refueling, are scheduled to be delivered to the German Air Force, which will receive four aircraft, and the Canadian Air Force, which will receive two.

The A310 MRTT, currently the most modern tanker aircraft, is based on the A310 passenger aircraft, which was first converted to combine passenger and cargo carrying capabilities in the Multi-Role Transport (MRT) version. A310 MRT aircraft have been flying with the German and Canadian Air Forces for a number of years and have proven to be very reliable and flexible passenger and cargo transport aircraft. Following a second modification, the MRT has become an MRTT version of the A310, now including in-flight refueling capabilities for all military aircraft that can connect to hose/drogue refueling systems, such as the Tornado, the Eurofighter or and F-18s.

The A310 MRTT is a conversion package offered by a consortium of Airbus and Lufthansa Technik (LHT). The work on three aircraft will be done at Elbe Flugzeugwerke (EFW) in Dresden, while another three will be converted at LHT facilities in Hamburg.

Airbus is proud to hand over the first A310 MRTT aircraft to their customers today. With this milestone event, Airbus has become a provider of aircraft with in-flight refueling capabilities, further expanding the scope of its products. Together with the A330 MRTT and the A400M, which is a tactical tanker, several tanker solutions with distinctive qualities will be available, said Dr. Gustav Humbert, Airbus Chief Operating Officer.

The A330 MRTT, based on the Airbus A330 long-range passenger aircraft, is a product offered by the Military Transport Aircraft Division (MTAD) of EADS, which also played a significant role in the design of the A310 MRTT modifications. The A330 MRTT complements the A310 MRTT as a solution for customers requiring greater payload, range and endurance. Contract negotiations with the Australian Air force as well as discussions with the Royal Air Force in the UK and with France are advancing well.

The A400M will be the most advanced military Turboprop airlifter and will be fully equipped as an air-to-air refueled. Currently seven European Nations have ordered a total of 180 A400Ms.

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orgy of news today

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New Missile Destroyer Joins US Navy

(Source: US Naval Sea Systems Command; issued Oct. 1, 2004)

WASHINGTON --- The newest Arleigh Burke class guided-missile destroyer, Forrest Sherman (DDG 9 Cool , will be christened on Saturday, Oct. 2, during a 10 a.m. CST ceremony at Northrop Grumman Ship Systems in Pascagoula, Miss.

Senator Thad Cochran of Mississippi will deliver the ceremonys principal address. Ann Sherman Fitzpatrick will serve as sponsor of the ship named for her father. In the time-honored Navy tradition, she will break the bottle of champagne across the bow to formally christen Forrest Sherman.

DDG 98 honors Adm. Forrest Percival Sherman (1896-1951). Sherman served as Chief of Naval Operations from November 1949 until his death on July 22, 1951. Following World War I service, he was designated a naval aviator and later served on USS Lexington (CV-2) during the carriers first year in service.

He twice held squadron commands on USS Saratoga (CV-3) and served as navigator on USS Ranger (CV-4) prior to joining the staff of Commander, U.S. Fleet. When World War II began, he served in the War Plans Division under the Chief of Naval Operations. After assuming command of USS Wasp (CV-7) in May 1942, he attained the rank of Captain and earned the Navy Cross for his leadership during the early phases of the occupation and defense of Guadalcanal in the Solomon Islands.

After a Japanese submarine sank Wasp on Sept. 15, 1942, he became chief of staff to Commander Air Force, Pacific Fleet and served in that capacity until November 1943, when he became deputy chief of staff to Adm. Chester W. Nimitz.

He earned a Distinguished Service Medal for his role in planning the capture of the Gilberts, Marshalls, Marianas, Western Carolines, Iwo Jima, and Okinawa. Following a brief tenure as Commander, U.S. Naval Forces, Mediterranean, Sherman became the youngest man ever to serve as Chief of Naval Operations on Nov. 2, 1949. One previous ship, USS Forrest Sherman (DD-931) (1955-1982) was named in his honor, earned a Navy Unit Commendation and performed distinguished service off Lebanon (195 Cool , Quemoy-Matsu (195 Cool , Cuba (1961), and in the Indian Ocean (1980).

Forrest Sherman is the 48th of 62 Arleigh Burke class destroyers currently authorized by Congress. This highly capable multi-mission ship can conduct a variety of operations, from peacetime presence and crisis management to sea control and power projection, in support of the National Military Strategy. Forrest Sherman will be capable of fighting air, surface, and subsurface battles simultaneously. The ship contains myriad offensive and defensive weapons designed to support maritime defense needs well into the 21st century.

Cmdr. Michael G. Van Durick of Pennsylvania will become the first commanding officer of the ship, which has accommodations for 383 officers and enlisted personnel. The 9,200-ton Forrest Sherman is being built by Northrop Grumman Ship Systems. It has an overall length of 509.5 feet, a waterline beam of 59 feet and a navigational draft of 32 feet. Four gas turbine engines will power the ship to speeds in excess of 30 knots.

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Canada to Buy 2,000 TOW-2A Missiles

(Source: US Defense Security Cooperation Agency; issued Sept. 30, web posted Oct. 1, 2004)

On 30 September 2004, the Defense Security Cooperation Agency notified Congress of a possible Foreign Military Sale to Canada of 2,000 Radio Frequency (RF) TOW-2A and 600 RF TOW-2B Anti-Armor Guided Missiles, 400 RF Bunker Buster Missiles as well as associated equipment and services. The total value, if all options are exercised, could be as high as $136 million.

The Government of Canada has requested a possible sale of 2,000 Radio Frequency (RF) TOW-2A and 600 RF TOW-2B Anti-Armor Guided Missiles, 400 RF Bunker Buster Missiles, spare and repair parts, technical support, support equipment, personnel training and training equipment, technical data and publications, U.S.

Government and contractor engineering and logistics support services, and other related elements of logistics support. The estimated cost is $136 million.

This proposed sale will contribute to the foreign policy and national security objectives of the United States by improving the military capabilities of Canada and further weapon system standardization and interoperability with U.S. forces.

Canada will use these missiles to increase its military defensive posture and will have no difficulty absorbing these additional missiles into its armed forces.

The proposed sale of this equipment and support will not affect the basic military balance in the region.

The prime contractor will be Raytheon Company in Tucson, Arizona. There are no known offset agreements proposed in connection with this potential sale.

Implementation of this proposed sale will not require the assignment of any additional U.S. Government or contractor representatives to Canada.

There will be no adverse impact on U.S. defense readiness as a result of this proposed sale.

This notice of a potential sale is required by law; it does not mean that the sale has been concluded.

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First Hungarian Gripen in Final Assembly

(Source: Swedish Defence Materiel Administration, FMV; issued Oct. 1, 2004)

At a ceremony, at Saab's aircraft factory in Linköping today, the start of the final assembly phase of the first Hungarian Gripen aircraft took place.

In the presence of the Hungarian ambassador to Sweden, Dr Szöke and General Hollósi from the Hungarian Ministry of Defence the ribbon, that marks the start of the final assembly phase, was cut.

" The ceremony marks an important milestone in the Gripen for Hungary program. It also means that the production of the Hungarian Gripen aircraft is on schedule," says Mats Hansson, Program Director for the Gripen for Hungary project at FMV.

The final assembly phase is the final production phase before rollout. This is the phase were all parts are fitted to the aircraft fuselage, including the engine, radar, the wings, fin and the ejection seat. The final assembly phase takes about 4 months.

This is the first Hungarian Gripen aircraft of the 14 (fourteen) ordered by Hungary that has reached the final assembly phase. After the final assembly the aircraft are painted and the testing, on ground and in the air, take place before they are delivered to Hungary between Mars 2006 and December 2007.

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Fourth Submarine Joins Canada's Navy

(Source: Canadian Department of National Defence; issued Oct. 1, 2004)

OTTAWA --- The last of four diesel electric submarines purchased for Canada's Navy will be accepted formally this weekend by the Canadian Forces from the British Ministry of Defence at an official ceremony in Faslane, Scotland.

As part of the acceptance procedure the submarine, HMS UPHOLDER, will be formally renamed HMCS CHICOUTIMI at a ceremony tomorrow involving both Canadian and British officials.

"The acceptance and transfer of this last of four submarines acquired by Canada from the United Kingdom is a hugely significant milestone that underscores the cooperation between our two countries," said Bill Graham, Minister of National Defence. "HMCS CHICOUTIMI's handover to the Canadian Forces illustrates the progress we are making in establishing a modern submarine fleet that will serve Canadians extremely well for the next 25 years."

"Despite the delays in getting all four submarines to Canada they represent a vital national asset. These vessels are cost effective and essential to the Navy and its mandate to defend Canada and its interests," said Vice-Admiral Bruce MacLean, the commander of Canada's Navy. "Two of our submarines, HMCS WINDSOR and HMCS VICTORIA, are already taking on taskings off our East and West Coasts."

The submarine and its Canadian crew are expected to begin their transit to Halifax, NS, next week.

After arriving in Canada, it is expected that CHICOUTIMI will go to sea immediately so that new submariners can receive much-needed practical training at sea.

HMCS CHICOUTIMI is the last of four VICTORIA Class submarines purchased from the UK for Canada's Navy. Extremely quiet and stealthy, these boats are well suited for a range of critical roles including Canadian maritime sovereignty and supporting foreign policy objectives.

arburthen? SG

Austria Orders Dingo 2

(Source: Krauss Maffei Wegmann; dated Sept. 30, issued Oct. 1, 2004)

MUNICH --- On September 30, 2004 a contract for the supply of twenty Dingo 2 APC vehicles was signed in Vienna between Austrias Ministry of Defence and Krauss-Maffei Wegmann (KMW).

Dingo 2, a four-wheel drive all-round protected APC, offers a high level of mobility as well as providing the vehicle occupants with protection against modern hand-held infantry firearms, artillery shrapnels and shell splinters, and anti-personnel and anti-tank mines. Dingo 2 can accommodate up to eight fully equipped soldiers and has a top speed of 90 km/h and a range of around 1000 km. It can be carried in the C-130 and A400M transport aircraft and can be air-lifted using the CH47 Chinook helicopter.

Another outstanding feature of the Dingo 2 is the high off-road-capability profided by the UNIMOG chassis which forms its basis and which guarantees excellent maneuverability on bendy roads and in severe terrain. The fact that this chassis unit is a commercially available product makes the vehicle both cost-effective and easy to maintain. The manufacturer also guarantees worldwide availability of spare parts throughout the vehicle's service-life.

The Dingo 2 is equipped with air-conditioning, a parking heating system, ABS, a rear-view camera, a GPS-based navigation system, a modern radio and outboard intercom system and a overpressure NBC protection system.

The twenty vehicles for the Austrian forces will be fitted with an equipment kit for eight soldiers. The first Dingo 2 is scheduled for handover to Austria in December, 2004, with the remaining nineteen vehicles following in 2005.

Austrias Ministry of Defence is the first foreign customer to opt for the high all-round protection and excellent mobility offered by the new generation Dingo 2. The vehicle also makes a significant contribution to the achievement of interoperability vital for modern-day missions.

arburthen? SG

Pentagon Orders More Armored Humvees

Pentagon Contact Announcement

(Source: US Department of Defense; issued Oct. 1, 2004)

--AM General Corp., South Bend, Ind., was awarded on Sept. 29, 2004, a $115,573,953 modification to a firm-fixed-price contract for 1,408 M1114 Chassis for the High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle.
Work will be performed in South Bend, Ind., and is expected to be completed by Dec. 31, 2007. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This was a sole source contract initiated on July 17, 2000.
The U.S. Army Tank-Automotive and Armaments Command, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity.

--OGara-Hess & Eisenhardt Armoring Co., Fairfield, Ohio, was awarded on Sept. 29, 2004, a $93,238,340 modification to a firm-fixed-price contract for 1,441 M1114, 78 M1116 Up-Armored High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicles, and 1,234 Gunner Protection Kits.
Work will be performed in Fairfield, Ohio, and is expected to be completed by July 31, 2006. Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This was a sole source contract initiated on April 10, 2000.
The U.S. Army Tank-Automotive and Armaments Command, Warren, Mich., is the contracting activity.

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