Industrie Militaire

[tchpako]

BAE Systems debuts new tactical turrets



Written by Guy Martin Tuesday, 18 September 2012 15:50
altBAE Systems Land Systems South Africa today unveiled new versions of its SD-ROW and TRT remotely operated gun turrets, which will be displayed at the Africa Aerospace and Defence exhibition starting tomorrow.

BAE demonstrated its Self Defence Remotely Operated Weapon (SD-ROW) on an RG-32 vehicle at a range outside Pretoria today. The system is designed to be lightweight and cost effective and fills a gap in the market for a low-cost system. It is designed to carry a 7.62 machinegun – the version demonstrated today fired an FN MAG, but other weapons, such as the Russian RPK, are available.

The SD-ROW system has existed in 5.56 mm and 7.62 mm offerings, but the new version can mount 12.7 mm and 20 mm weapons (12.7 x 76 mm and 20 x 42 mm).

Gerrie van der Merwe, Business Development Manager at BAE Systems Land Systems South Africa, said the system is designed to be affordable, light and simple to use, especially on small vehicles. A key factor was reducing weight and the total system weights just 75 kg, including 200 rounds of ammunition. It uses a day camera for targeting, but a laser rangefinder and infrared camera are optional extras. A stabilisation system enables it to engage targets whilst on the move. Traverse is 110 degrees a second and elevation is 85 degrees, which van der Merwe said would be useful in urban warfare situations.

Creating more of an impression at the demonstration today was BAE Systems’ newly designed tactical remote turret, the TRT-R30MK. The 30 mm Tactical Remote Turret was demonstrated with a Russian 2A42 30 x 165 mm cannon mounted on an Iklwa armoured vehicle, which is an upgraded Ratel infantry fighting vehicle (the turret has also been integrated on BMP-1 infantry fighting vehicle). The cannon fired high explosive shells at a target over a kilometre downrange, scoring perfect hits and setting it ablaze. Single shots as well as the maximum 600 round per minute burst were demonstrated on several targets. Standard firing rate is 125 rounds per minute for best accuracy.

The TRT-R30MK is an evolution of the TRT-25 25 mm cannon. It can be adapted to carry various NATO cannons, including the Mk 44 Bushmaster. The weapon demonstrated today was housed in an unprotected turret in order to save weight and cost, but armour can be added. The turret’s control station can be integrated anywhere in the vehicle allowing for increased internal space for crew or extra payload. The system is equipped with electro-mechanical drives and high performance sight equipment (infrared camera and laser rangefinder) to allow for all round observation, fast reaction time and accurate firing on the move during day and night operation.

Two bins of ammunition were located in the turret aboard the Iklwa, along with a coaxial machinegun with 1 000 rounds of ammunition and smoke grenade launchers. In addition, the 30 mm version of the TRT can carry two anti-tank guided missiles (ATGMs), including Russian and NATO designs, as well as the South African Ingwe. The TRT on display at the African Aerospace and Defence (AAD) 2012 exhibition in Pretoria will be fitted with two Russian Konkurs ATGMs.

“The TRT family of turrets provides soldiers with a spectrum of self-protection and ground fire support capability, combined with the safety of an armoured protected vehicle,” said Johan Steyn, managing director, Land Systems South Africa.

Van der Merwe emphasised that the turrets (with the exception of some Sagem camera equipment) were developed completely by South Africa and remained the intellectual property of BAE Systems Land Systems South Africa. This means that changes and modifications can be made in house and neither turret contains any systems which are subject to US export control regulations.

BAE Systems will be displaying the TRT at AAD on the company’s RG-41 vehicle. The company will be bringing five vehicles and four turrets to the exhibition. Some of the vehicles will conduct demonstrations every day at 11:00 and 14:00.

http://www.defenceweb.co.za/index.php?o ... Itemid=105

[tchpako]

Eurocopter to consolidate African presence at AAD



Written by Eurocopter/defenceWeb Tuesday, 18 September 2012 19:30
altThere are more than 650 Eurocopter aircraft in service in Africa – some 31 percent of the continent’s total helicopter fleet – performing a wide variety of missions every day, including national security and border patrol duties, rescue missions, and corporate and offshore transportation. To demonstrate the versatility of its range of aircraft, Eurocopter will present an EC130, an EC145 and an AS350B3 at the EADS static display at the Africa Aerospace and Defence exhibition, in addition to two 1:10 scale models of the EC725 and AS565 MB.

“Through its significant presence in support of African countries and its commitment to providing them with support they can rely on, Eurocopter intends to remain a preferred supplier of helicopters for civil, parapublic and military applications,” said Olivier Lambert, Eurocopter’s Senior Vice President for Sales and Customer Relations. “Designed and equipped with state-of-the-art technology, our helicopters are capable of accomplishing missions in the toughest operating conditions and in the most demanding of situations.”

Thanks to its subsidiary Eurocopter Southern Africa, the Group guarantees technical support for the 250 aircraft currently in service in the southern part of the continent. Most of these helicopters are operated by armed forces and police services as well as by companies tapping into natural resources or offering corporate and VIP transportation services. They are also used for utility missions.

In pursuing the development of these activities, Eurocopter also draws on the training center built at Grand Central, near Johannesburg. The center provides technical training and certification to the pilots and mechanics employed by its customers in the region.

This past June, Eurocopter put its first helicopter flight simulator in the region into service at Kempton Park, near Johannesburg. Designed to provide training for pilots and flight engineers on the Super Puma and similar helicopters, such as the Oryx operated by the South African Air Force, the simulator is located at the SimAero training center, next to O.R. Tambo International Airport.



“Our investments underscore the determination and desire of Eurocopter Southern Africa to supply its customers with first-class services and to consolidate our long-term commitment to the region,” said Fabrice Cagnat, CEO of Eurocopter Southern Africa.



Prior to the airshow, Eurocopter Southern Africa will hold two seminars in Centurion, near Pretoria. The first of these, which takes law enforcement helicopter missions as its theme, will bring together around 100 representatives of agencies and police forces the world over, including the San Francisco Police Department, police services from Namibia and Botswana, and the French Gendarmerie, who be sharing their operational experiences and exchanging views on how their missions will evolve in the years to come. The second seminar, which will be attended by helicopter operators, customers and the Group’s experts and engineers, will focus on flight safety and the latest developments in this field.

http://www.defenceweb.co.za/index.php?o ... Itemid=237

[tchpako]

Les CMN dévoilent leur nouveau patrouilleur hauturier multifonctions

19/09/2012

La Vigilante 1400 CL 79
crédits : CMN

Les Constructions Mécaniques de Normandie présentent un nouveau design de patrouilleur hauturier multifonctions. Cette plateforme est conçue pour répondre aux contraintes budgétaires des marines en proposant un bâtiment aux coûts d’exploitation réduits mais aussi très polyvalent, à même de remplir non seulement les missions traditionnellement confiées aux patrouilleurs, mais également d’autres fonctions clés, comme la chasse aux mines, la lutte anti sous-marine et la lutte contre la pollution. Longue de 79.2 mètres pour une largeur de 13.6 mètres et un tirant d’eau de 3.6 mètres, la Vigilante 1400 CL 79, selon la propulsion adoptée, peut atteindre la vitesse de 25 nœuds et franchir 8000 milles à 12 nœuds. Conçue pour rester en opération durant 30 jours, elle est armée par un équipage réduit, comprenant seulement 25 marins, mais peut héberger 25 passagers supplémentaires, par exemple des forces spéciales. A cet effet, le nouveau patrouilleur des CMN, dont la coque est en acier et les superstructures en aluminium est pourvue d’une passerelle avec vision à 360°, compte deux niches sur chaque bord pour des embarcations commando (RIB) de 9.5 mètres


La Vigilante 1400 CL 79 (Image : CMN)



Un système de bossoirs ultraperformant



Et c’est le système de bossoir du Norvégien Vestdavit qui a été retenu pour assurer la mise à l’eau des semi-rigides. Considéré comme ultra-performant et retenu notamment par la marine allemande sur les frégates du type 124, ce système, qui s’inspire des équipements utilisés dans l’offshore, est doté d’un dispositif d’absorption de chocs et d’un compensateur de roulis et de tangage (système amorti avec trois axes de rotation), avec gestion de la vitesse de descente en fonction de l’état de la mer. Grâce à l’amortisseur de houle et à un croc à largage automatique, l’ensemble permet de sécuriser au mieux les personnels et le matériel durant les opérations de lancement et de récupération des embarcations, qui peuvent, selon Vestdavit et le retour d’expérience de la marine allemande, être mise à l’eau bien au-delà d’un état de mer 5. Le système serait, de plus, extrêmement réactif, puisqu’il faudrait moins d’une minute pour lancer un RIB, les opérations pouvant être contrôlées visuellement depuis la passerelle. Ces dispositifs de mise à l’eau sont, en fait, le système d’armes principal de la Vigilante 1400 CL 79 puisqu’en dehors des semi-rigides, ils peuvent aussi déployer d’autres équipements, comme on le verra plus loin. On notera aussi qu’une troisième embarcation de 9.5 mètres peut être logée sur la plage arrière, sa mise à l’eau étant assurée au moyen d’une grue.

La Vigilante 1400 CL 79 avec l'une de ses niches pour RIB (Image : CMN)

Le système de mise à l'eau de Vestdavit (Image : DR)



Beaucoup d’espaces modulaires



En termes de moyens aéronautiques, le patrouilleur compte une plateforme de 270 m², pouvant accueillir un hélicoptère de 10 tonnes de type NH90, et un hangar pour une machine de 5 tonnes, comme le Panther, ou des drones aériens, les CMN travaillant notamment, sur ce sujet, avec l’Autrichien Shiebel, dont le Camcopter S-100 constitue le premier drone aérien de la Marine nationale (testé à titre expérimental, cet engin, qui a été accidentellement perdu cet été, devrait être prochainement remplacé). S’étalant sur une surface de 180 m², la plage arrière dispose, quant à elle, d’une grue d’une capacité de 8 tonnes à 4 mètres et, en dehors de l’aire de stockage pour un RIB, compte un espace pour loger des conteneurs de fret, ou bien servir au stockage de matériels spécifiques. Des conteneurs aménagés peuvent également être utilisés, par exemple pour un état-major. Ils s’ajoutent alors aux locaux opérationnels logés sous la plateforme hélicoptère. Cet espace modulaire dispose d’un accès direct à la plage arrière.

La Vigilante 1400 CL 79 (Image : CMN)



CO isolé et mât unique



Retravaillée en termes de sécurité, d’ergonomie et de tenue à la mer par rapport aux anciens designs proposés par les CMN, la nouvelle Vigilante compte un Central Opération (CO) séparé de la passerelle, de manière à permettre aux opérateurs de travailler à l’écart de l’agitation qui règne souvent dans la timonerie. En termes de moyens électroniques, le bâtiment est équipé du C-Mast, le mât unique développé par les CMN, Inéo et Cassidian, qui abrite un radar de veille (de type TRS-3D,ou Sea Giraffe), des systèmes optroniques, des équipements de guerre électronique et de communication. L’armement de base comprend un canon télé-opéré de 20mm, par exemple le Narwhal de Nexter, ainsi que des affûts de 12.7mm. Mais, en cas de besoin, le patrouilleur est également conçu pour mettre en œuvre de l’artillerie plus lourde, allant jusqu’au canon de 76mm, asservi à une conduite de tir.

La Vigilante 1400 CL 79 peut être dotée d'un canon de 76mm (Image : CMN)



Configuration guerre des mines



La Vigilante 1400 CL 79 a été conçue pour remplir des missions très variées, comportant la surveillance et le contrôle d’espaces océaniques et d’approches maritimes, la lutte contre la piraterie et les trafics illicites, la police des pêches, le recueil d’informations et la mise en œuvre de commandos. Mais, et c’est une grande nouveauté, la Vigilante peut, également, être configurée en bâtiment de guerre des mines et de lutte anti sous-marine. A cet effet, les CMN ont travaillé avec l’Allemand Atlas Elektronik, l’un des leaders mondiaux du domaine. Le patrouilleur a, ainsi, été adapté pour pouvoir mettre en œuvre des drones et engins télé-opérés de type SeaOtter Mk2 et SeaFox, conçus pour la détection, l'identification et la neutralisation de mines. Ces moyens seraient déployés depuis les systèmes de mise à l’eau des embarcations. La modularité de la plage arrière et des locaux, notamment ceux situés sous la plateforme hélicoptère, permettra en outre d‘accueillir toute l’infrastructure et les équipements nécessaires à une opération de chasse aux mines mais aussi de lutte anti-sous-marine.


Drone anti-mine SeaOtter Mk2 (Photo : ATLAS ELEKTRONIK)



Le concept de l'OPV anti-sous-marin



A ce titre, les CMN ont également travaillé avec Atlas afin d'intégrer sur le bâtiment le système ACTAS (Active Towed Array Sonar), un sonar remorqué actif à basse fréquence, qui peut être déployé depuis la plage arrière. L'ouverture d'un domaine ASM sur un bâtiment de type OPV (Offshore Patrol Vessel) est en effet sérieusement étudiée dans certains états-majors. Des marines d'Europe du nord réfléchissent notamment à ce concept d’emploi, dans un contexte de restriction budgétaire, qui incite à limiter le recours aux grandes frégates anti-sous-marines, très couteuses et trop spécialisées pour certaines missions. Un OPV doté de moyens ASM pourrait, ainsi, être employé dans la lutte contre les narcotrafiquants, qui ont développé l'utilisation de moyens submersibles, par exemple dans les Caraïbes. Il pourrait également remplir des missions de renseignement et de repérage et, dans certains cas, travailler en coopération avec un bâtiment doté de moyens lourds pour l'interception et la neutralisation de menaces sous-marines. Une capacité offensive peut néanmoins être intégrée sur le patrouilleur via la mise en oeuvre d'un hélicoptère équipé de moyens ASM, comme des torpilles légères.



Lutte contre la pollution



Un autre grand atout du patrouilleur, en termes de polyvalence, est sa capacité à intervenir contre une pollution maritime. A cet effet, le patrouilleur peut accueillir soit une version de lutte antipollution « classique » comprenant un barrage flottant déployé depuis la plage arrière, un écrémeur mis à l’eau et des réservoirs flottants tractés ; soit une version conteneurisée développée par la société LAMOR, plus compacte, comprenant deux récupérateurs latéraux et des réservoirs tractés. Ces différentes solutions seront présentées lors du prochain salon EURONAVAL Les CMN travaillent par ailleurs avec la société Ecocéane afin de proposer une variante de la Vigilante dotée de bras récupérateurs pouvant être déployés à l’arrière. La particularité du concept sera que le bateau effectuera sa manœuvre de récupération des pollutions flottantes en marche arrière, de manière à optimiser le recueil des déchets tout en protégeant mieux la coque. Comme pour la guerre des mines, les locaux modulaires pourront servir à l’accueil des équipes et du matériel spécifique.

Fortes de ce nouveau concept, les CMN, déjà en discussion à l’export avec ce navire, comptent le proposer à la Marine nationale dans le cadre du programme BATSIMAR, qui doit se traduire par la commande de 18 bâtiments de surveillance et d’intervention maritime destinés à remplacer l’ensemble des patrouilleurs et frégates de surveillance français.

La Vigilante 1400 CL 79 (Image : CMN)

http://www.meretmarine.com/fr/content/l ... ifonctions

[dil@w]

Northrop avance dans le programme JSRM de modernisation d'un E-8 JSTARS



Ces modifications ont pour but d’améliorer plusieurs systèmes électroniques de bord ainsi que les radars de surveillance maritime et terrestre. il devrait être opérationnel début 2014.
un problème subsiste tout de même, la modernisation a été financé par le congres comme programme pilote et de démonstration et le planning pour le reste de la flotte n'est pas inscrit dans la loi des finances 2013, ce qui risque de mettre un terme à ce programme si aucune intervention ne survient.

Northrop Grumman is making progress on upgrading the Boeing E-8 joint surveillance target attack radar system (JSTARS), a Boeing 707 with a side-looking infrared radar underneath.

In August, the first aircraft operationally deployed with the enhanced land and maritime (ELM) modification, which manufacturer Northrop says greatly increases radar precision.

Flight tests are also being conducted with the prime mission equipment diminishing manufacturing sources (PME DMS) modification and JSTARS radar modernization (JSRM).

PME DMS, upgrades the operating system to Linux, and provides increased computing power, in addition to larger displays and a new signal processor. Northrop expects the project to be deployed operationally in early 2014.

JSRM is a congressionally-mandated demonstration programme, an update to the radar sensors. The programme, which has been funded by congressional fiat, is not included in the FY 2013 budget. Without intervention, the programme is likely to end.

http://bit.ly/Odcvpv

[dil@w]

BAE Systems obtient le contrat de modernisation des radars BMEWS (Ballistic Missile Early Warning System)


le contrat courre sur 6 ans et a une valeur de 49.2 millions $ implique la modernisation, gestion et la maintenace des installations.

In September 2012, BAE Systems Technology Solution and Services, Rockville, MD received a 6-year, $49.2 million contract modification to manage, operate, maintain and logistically support the Solid State Phased Array Radar Systems (SSPARS). This array is also known as BMEWS, the ballistic missile early warning system of large radar installations developed during the Cold War. The radars themselves are about 11 stories tall, and excel at searching large volumes of sky that extend into space. Each has several transmitter faces, in order to provide wide coverage. BAE has a history of handling these support contracts, alongside firms like ARCTEC. This maintenance and support contract is expected to be complete by Sept 30/18. The 21st Space Wing at Peterson Air Force Base, CO, who provides missile warning and space control to NORAD and U.S. Strategic Command, manages this contract (FA2517-06-C-8001, PO 0312).

Work would be performed at Cape Cod Air Force Station, MA; Beale Air Force Base, CA*; Thule Air Base, Greenland*; Clear Air Force Station, AK, and Royal Air Force Fylingdales, United Kingdom*. Installations with an asterisk have received UEWR upgrades, which also allow them to be used as low-grade targeting radars for ballistic missile defenses. Alaska’s Clear AFS is next.

http://bit.ly/VecfFV

[Youma]

Russia To Set Up Aerospace Company To Develop Hypersonic Weapons

Thu, Sep 20, 2012 13:55 CET

Russia is planning on setting up a super holding aerospace company that consists of missile makers and tactical missiles corporation which will develop hypersonic weapon technology.

Dmitry Rogozin, Deputy Prime Minister of Russia, said, "Initially, we are talking about a big 'super-holding' based on Tactical Missiles Corporation and NPO Mashinostroyenie. Discussions on the creation of such a super-holding have been underway at least six months”.

Hypersonic weapons are capable of flying at a faster with the scramjet engines. The hypersonic weapons will replace the Russian Air Force's existing long-range bomber fleet.

Hypersonic technology will be relevant to an air-launched weapon itself, rather than a manned aircraft. NPO Mashinostroyenie, based at Reutov just east of Moscow, has designed and produced most of the Russian Navy's submarine-launched cruise missiles as well as satellites and other space systems, and has previously conducted extensive research into hypersonic weapons technology, including making a prototype hypersonic air-launched missile called GELA.

defenseworld.net

[Youma]

BAE Systems Launches Latest In 6x6 Fighting Vehicle

Thu, Sep 20, 2012 10:54 CET

BAE Systems introduced the latest 6x6 variant of the RG35 family of vehicles – the RG35 multi-purpose blast protected fighting vehicle – at the 2012 Africa Aerospace and Defence exhibition (AAD).

“The RG35 family of vehicles incorporates 30 years of experience in tactical mobility and protection,” said Johan Steyn, managing director, Land Systems South Africa.

The RG35 6x6 has an 8.5 ton payload, a 12 cubic meters volume under armour, can seat up to 14 crew members, and carry light and medium remote controlled weapon stations. Like the 4x4 variant, the latest 6x6 variant includes independent suspension and a side mounted powerpack that can be replaced in less than one hour.

The RG35 family of vehicles can be deployed in many different roles and offers a choice of variants and configurations while maintaining 80 percent vehicle commonality. RG35 combines the high levels of survivability of the RG31 Mine Protected Vehicle with the tactical capability of an infantry fighting vehicle.

Integrated onto the vehicle at AAD will be the TRT-B25 (Tactical Remote Turret) also from Land Systems South Africa.

defenseworld.net

[dil@w]

Denel développe un drone pour le marché africain: le Hungwe


caractérisé par un prix et un coût d'utilisation bas ainsi peu de logistique nécessaire pour le faire fonctionner (un ordinateur portable et une antenne de transmission) idéal pour les pays africain à faible budget. testé récemment il a une endurance de 6h et un rayon d'action de 100km et peut atteindre les 12 000 pieds (3,66 km). Le développement continue mais un client est déjà intéressé en attendant d'autres.

South Africa's Denel is developing a new unmanned aircraft for the African market called the Hungwe.

"We're developing this for all the markets out there, obviously with the emphasis on the African market," a senior Denel official says. "It's used for surveillance, border patrol, Rhino poaching [prevention] and also intelligence collection."

The key to the aircraft's appeal to less developed nations is the type's low acquisition and operating costs and minimal logistical footprint. Even the ground station is barely more than a commercial laptop computer and ancillary communications hardware. "All you need is a laptop and other relevant equipment," the official says.

Recently flown for the first time, the Hungwe has an endurance of about 6h and a range of at least 54nm (100km). The aircraft, which is similarly sized to the Boeing/Insitu ScanEagle, can also hit altitudes of 12,000ft (3,660m). Testing continues and is going very well, the official adds.

Development activities should be complete by the end of the year and Denel has already secured a first customer for the design. Discussions are ongoing with other potential customers.

http://bit.ly/SalLLy

EDIT: j'ajoute la photo du drone

[dil@w]

SAAB cherche des marchés pour son hélidrone Skeldar


ce petit hélidrone se place comme remplaçant du Boeing/Insitu ScanEagle, il a une endurance de 5 à 6h pour une autonomie de 100km

Saab is pitching its Skeldar rotary-wing unmanned aircraft as a potential anti-piracy solution to South Africa.

"We're offering it to South Africa - all of sub-Saharan Africa, actually," says Katharina Ronnberg, Saab's business development director for tactical unmanned aircraft. "It's great for anti-piracy."

Saab is in search of its first customer as it completes the development of the aircraft, which was privately funded. "It will be on the market by the end of the year," she says.

While flight-testing is ongoing, the company is already in discussions with a number of governments. The most immediate prospect is the Skeldar's home market of Sweden, but also the US Navy, US Army and special operations forces, Ronnberg says.

The Skeldar will probably not be a challenger to the Northrop Grumman MQ-8 Fire Scout, but Ronnberg says it could take on missions currently flown by the Boeing/Insitu ScanEagle.

"This is a small tactical [unmanned air vehicle]," Ronnberg says. "This is something that could absolutely replace the ScanEagle. It's so much easier to take-off and land."

Ronnberg says the Skeldar can be readily deployed onboard ships, especially if a manned helicopter has previously been integrated. So can the ground station, which is designed to fit into existing shipboard consoles.

Another advantage of the Skeldar is that its 55hp (40kW) engine runs on diesel fuel, rather than the more volatile gasoline. This gives the aircraft an endurance of 5-6h and a range of about 54nm (100km). The aircraft carries a modular sensor payload.

http://bit.ly/P2Zt9T

[tchpako]

ESA to skim atmosphere in risky gravity measurement experiment

By: Dan Thisdell London
11 hours ago



The European Space Agency is making a risky manoeuvre with one of its most sophisticated satellites, but by lowering GOCE's orbit deeper into the high-drag outer reaches of the atmosphere scientists hope to dramatically improve their already superlative measurement of the Earth's gravity field.

GOCE - or Gravity field and steady-state Ocean Circulation Explorer - has already had its mission extended by a year to the end of 2012, more than tripling the amount of data recorded during its original mission plan since launch in March 2009. But now mission controllers at ESA's ground centre in Darmstadt, Germany, are lowering GOCE's orbit in a bid to make a "second major leap" in data quality before the spacecraft runs out of fuel next autumn.

In August, GOCE's orbit was reduced by 10km (6.2 miles) to just 247km above the Earth. In November, the orbit will be reduced by a further 11km, roughly doubling GOCE's atmospheric drag. The spacecraft is actually streamlined to travel as smoothly as possible during its extremely low orbit - about 160km lower than the International Space Station, which itself needs periodic boosting to reverse the slowing effect of remnant atmosphere.

esa goce orbiter european space agency

European Space Agency

Flying smooth and low is the key to measuring minute variations in the Earth's gravitational pull. Mission manager Rune Floberghagen says that while the purpose of GOCE is to measure the geoid as accurately as possible by repeating measurements, the error reduction achieved by gathering further data at the same 260km orbit would be increasingly small.

However, he says, by flying lower, GOCE should provide a big increase in accuracy, down to 50-80km - though at the cost of a dramatic risk to the spacecraft. At its original design orbit, GOCE's controllers could tolerate an eight-day outage of the ion propulsion system, which allows for very precise speed control, before using fuel to increase altitude. Now, their operating rule will be to allow no more than two days of ion system outage. And, controllers must be extremely diligent, as atmospheric drag rises and falls with solar activity, which is in a high and volatile cycle.

Understanding local gravity helps explain the subsurface structure of the Earth, which is not a perfect Newtonian sphere with uniform gravity; variations in density create what is shown in a gravity map, or geoid as a lumpy sphere. This lumpy shape represents the Earth's gravitational equipotential surface, with low-gravity areas shown as high points. GOCE is building on measurements from earlier craft including the tandem-spacecraft NASA-German Aerospace Center Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment, which flew a decade ago.

The geoid helps explain sub-surface structures and monitor ground water, and enhances radar altimeter measurements of sea level and ice thickness as taken by satellites including ESA's CryoSat. As GOCE's name implies, it is also an important tool in analysing ocean currents.

By flying so low, GOCE is also providing much data on air density and wind conditions at the edge of Earth's atmosphere. Floberghagen reckons the data should be useful to colleagues designing re-entry craft, but admits he has yet to be contacted for assistance.

http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articl ... nt-376671/

[dil@w]

Thales sort vainqueur de la guerre franco-française dans les sables saoudiens

Le groupe d'électronique français et le missilier MBDA s'étaient engagés dans une guerre franco-française en Arabie saoudite pour un contrat de l'ordre de 2,5 milliards d'euros. Un arbitrage interministériel rendu fin juillet bénéficie à Thales au détriment de son rival MBDA.
C'était à prévoir. La guerre franco-française entre Thales et MBDA en Arabie saoudite a soulevé cet été une belle tempête de sable au plus haut niveau de l'Etat, qui a exigé des explications aux deux industriels impétrants. Rappel des faits : les deux groupes visent un contrat de l'ordre de 2,5 milliards d'euros environ pour moderniser la défense anti-aérienne (Air defence) du Royaume (contrat Mark 3). L'un avait la légitimité de l'Etat et le bénéfice de l'antériorité dans la négociation (Thales), l'autre (MBDA) proposait au groupe d'électronique de faire une offre commune avec son rival. Sans succès. Ce qui a finalement amené le missilier à faire une proposition en solo à Ryad. Problème, cette bataille fratricide, qui agaçait les Saoudiens, pouvait à terme bénéficier à un pays tiers (Etats-Unis, Allemagne....) si le nouveau gouvernement français n'y mettait pas bon ordre. Ce qu'il a fait au cœur de l'été, fin juillet.

L'Etat soutient Thales

Cette guerre contre-productive entre deux groupes tricolores en Arabie saoudite a provoqué un branle-bas de combat au sein du ministère de la Défense. Et le dossier est même remonté jusqu'à Matignon. Selon des sources concordantes, une réunion interministérielle a finalement tranché fin juillet en faveur de l'offre de Thales. Le groupe d'électronique propose une modernisation du parc saoudien à base de Crotale NG (VT1). Et depuis 1984, Thales fait son beurre en engrangeant toute une série de contrats pour le support et la rénovation des systèmes Crotale/Shahine à l'image du contrat Shola 2 (197 millions d'euros).

MBDA sur le bord de la route

Désormais MBDA a donc interdiction de marcher sur les plates-bandes de Thales en Arabie Saoudite. Et ce malgré l'implication personnelle du PDG du missilier, Antoine Bouvier, qui a défendu son offre qu'il considérait comme représentant le mieux les intérêts de l'équipe France... et de son groupe. Car l'offre de MBDA tenait la route. Le missilier avait proposé auprès de Ryad ses missiles VL Mica et Aster ainsi que la modernisation des Crotale, sous la maîtrise d'oeuvre de Thales.

Le groupe allemand Diehl en embuscade

La bagarre franco-française a-t-elle laissé des traces en Arabie saoudite ? C'est un peu trop tôt encore pour le dire. Mais ce qui est sûr, les concurrents en ont profité. Cette guerre fratricide pourrait, à terme, avait estimé en juillet plusieurs sources concordantes, faire perdre le contrat au profit d'un concurrent étranger. Les Américains, notamment Raytheon avec le SLAMRAAM et Lockheed Martin, sont en embuscade. Mais selon certains observateurs, ce serait les allemands qui pourraient tirer les marrons du feu, comme ils l'ont déjà fait en Arabie saoudite en remportant le très gros contrat de surveillance des frontières soufflé au nez et à la barbe de Thales par EADS, défendu par Berlin. Le groupe allemand indépendant Diehl-BGT propose son missile IRIS-T SL, une version sol-air du missile air-air à guidage radar IRIS-T, le concurrent du Mica et l'ASRAAM de MBDA.

http://www.latribune.fr/entreprises-fin ... diens.html

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Denel Aviation and Irkut sign cooperation agreement



Written by defenceWeb Thursday, 20 September 2012 17:21
altDenel Aviation and Russia’s Irkut Corporation today ceremonially signed a Memorandum of Understanding at the Africa Aerospace and Defence (AAD) show, which will see Denel Aviation becoming a maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) centre for Irkut’s wide range of aircraft, including fighter jets and commercial aircraft.

“We have been engaging with Irkut for some months now resulting in the signing of an agreement on cooperation signed at the Farnborough International Air Show in England in July,” said Denel Group CEO Riaaz Saloojee. He said today’s signing would take the relationship between the two companies “to a new and higher level.”

The agreement makes provision for the promotion of Irkut’s products in southern Africa, including its Yak-130 trainer and commercial MC-21 aircraft. It also covers the establishment of a maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) centre at Denel Aviation and for industrial cooperation between the two companies.

“Denel Aviation has set itself the objective to strengthen its market position as the leading provider of MRO services in Africa. This means that we want to grow our capacity to service most of models and makes of rotary and fixed wing aircraft that are currently flying on the continent,” Saloojee stated.

“Our agreement with Irkut also demonstrates the benefits that are flowing from South Africa’s membership of the BRICS group of nations – most notably Brazil, Russia and India. It has opened up new markets for South African industry and presents us with an improved ability to participate in multinational projects and partnerships.
In addition to Irkut Denel will be signing two other agreements with major original equipment manufacturers from Eastern Europe this week and we have a long-standing partnership with Brazil on the development of the A-Darter air-to-air missile.

“These agreements will significantly broaden Denel Aviation’s footprint on the continent and position us as a reliable one-stop destination to maintain the bulk of the aircraft types flying in Africa.”

Saloojee thanked the Board and executive management of Irkut Corporation for their decision to enter into this relationship with Denel. The next step in the cooperation process will be to establish joint working groups to explore additional areas of cooperation between the two companies and identify the infrastructure that will be required at Denel Aviation’s facilities next to the O R Tambo International Airport in Kempton Park.

“I trust that this agreement, together with our other activities and exhibitions at AAD 2012 will clearly demonstrate that we have the skills, the know-how and the capacity to meet the aviation engineering needs of any country in Africa, making Denel an exceptional valuable partner in the global industry,” Saloojee concluded.

Irkut produces Su-27 and Su-30 fighter jets and Beriev amphibious aircraft, as well as Yak-130 combat trainers. The Yak-130 was designed to provide basic and advanced pilot training for Russian and foreign-made combat aircraft, including 4th+ and 5th generation fighters. The aircraft is fitted with an advanced glass cockpit and can carry 3 000 kg of weaponry.

The Yak-130 was chosen as the main aircraft for basic and advanced training of Russian Air Force pilots. Deliveries to the Russian Air Force, which expects to order an initial 72 aircraft, began in February 2010. In December last year the Russian defence ministry signed a contract with Irkut for 55 Yak-130s, which will be supplied to the Russian Air Force by 2015.

In 2006 Irkut signed a contract for 16 Yak-130s for the Algerian Air Force. Deliveries took place at the end of last year. Irkut estimates the market capacity for the Yak-130 is 250 aircraft between now and 2015.

Irkut is developing the MC-21 as a family of 150 to 210-passenger aircraft with first flight planned for 2015 and entry into service in 2017. The MC-21 is intended to compete with the Airbus A320neo and Boeing 737 MAX, which use new generation engines and sharklets/winglets to achieve improved fuel efficiency. Irkut says its all-new design will result in lower procurement and operating costs, with 10% less fuel burn than the A320neo. It is slated to replace the Tupolev Tu-154 and Tupolev Tu-204/214 in service.

Irkut has 15% share of the Russian arms export, with an order book of approximately US$7 billion as of June this year. Over the past ten years the company’s revenue grew more than three times. Its core work includes exporting multi-role Su-30MK fighters, as well as Yak-130 combat trainers.

http://www.defenceweb.co.za/index.php?o ... Itemid=107

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Denel and Tawazun Holdings to manufacture precision-guided weapon systems



Written by Denel/defenceWeb Thursday, 20 September 2012 16:31
altDenel has established a joint venture with Abu Dhabi-based Tawazun Holdings for the development, manufacturing, assembly and integration of precision-guided weapon systems, the company announced today at the Africa Aerospace and Defence exhibition currently being held at Air Force Base Waterkloof.

The joint venture is with Denel Dynamics, trading as Tawazun Dynamics, owned 51% by Tawazun Holdings and 49% by Denel. It will provide precision-guided weapon system manufacturing and integration, as well as product system management services to the defence force of the United Arab Emirates and other international clients.

Geographically, this is the first deal of its kind for Denel Dynamics where the partnership is located outside of South Africa, creating an international footprint.

Riaz Saloojee, the Group Chief Executive, of Denel, said the joint venture will strengthen Denel’s reputation as a global defence manufacturer and provide it with another important foothold in a strategically important region.

“Denel possesses world-class technology, systems and processes and a proven ability to transform conventional air munitions into precision-guided weapon systems. This high-level skills investment will be our core contribution to the newly established company,” said Saloojee.

Denel Dynamics is already successfully partnering with Brazil in developing the A-Darter air-to-air-missile, with production scheduled to start at the end of 2014.

Also included in its range of precision-guided products and missile systems are the Umkhonto-IR air defence missile systems, the Ingwe and Mokopa anti-armour missile systems, precision-guided munitions and the Raptor II stand-off weapons. Denel Dynamics has the unique ability to offer turnkey armed surveillance UAVS (e.g. Seeker-400) equipped with its in-house missile solutions (e.g. Mokopa).

Manufacturing will be central to Tawazun Dynamics’ operations. This will enable Denel Dynamics, traditionally a very strong development house with a relatively small production capacity, to expand and strengthen another side to its business.

Tawazun Holdings is a strategic investment holding company focused on defence and specialised manufacturing, owned by the Government of Abu Dhabi. The Tawazun Dynamics production facility will be located in the Tawazun Industrial Park in Al-Ajban, on the outskirts of Abu Dhabi.

Saloojee said that Denel has enjoyed a very productive long-term relationship with the United Arab Emirates and the new company will help to strengthen and deepen these ties. The UAE is strategically located in the global markets and is investing strongly in industrial knowledge-building.

“This makes it a logical partner for Denel and supports our commitment to be a leading player in advanced manufacturing and systems engineering. Through Tawazun Dynamics we will also strengthen the profile of the South African Defence Industry in a very strategic region,” said Saloojee.

The Chief Executive Officer of Tawazun Holding, H.E. Saif Mohamed Al Hajeri, said that, “The creation of Tawazun Dynamics marks the next chapter of Tawazun’s continued focus on the development of the UAE as the leading regional hub in defence and specialised engineering and manufacturing.”

“It is critical for us to work with partners who share our long-term vision and our organisational values. We believe that Denel, with its focus on operational excellence, corporate governance and sustainable growth, matches our own ambitions and that our partnership will be a long-term and mutually-beneficial one.”

Saloojee said the joint venture with Tawazun will provide Denel with an important foothold in a strategically important region. In terms of the new marketing strategy, Denel will focus on entering new markets in Africa, the Middle East, the Asia-Pacific Region and Latin America.

Denel’s relationship with the United Arab Emirates stretches back over decades following the delivery of G5 and G6 self-propelled artillery systems. The UAE air force has been using the Seeker range of unmanned aerial vehicles for more than two decades and last year renewed the contract with Denel Dynamics for the maintenance of the system.

At Eurosatory in 2010 Denel became the first defence company to sign a partnership with the UAE's Offset Programme Bureau.

http://www.defenceweb.co.za/index.php?o ... Itemid=105

[tchpako]

Denel and Alenia Aermacchi sign agreement on future collaboration



Written by Denel Thursday, 20 September 2012 16:18
altDenel SOC and Italian aerospace company, Alenia Aermacchi, today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for future projects and collaborations between the two companies on major manufacturing ventures, training programmes, maintenance and high-level technical support in Africa.

The MoU was signed at the Africa Aerospace and Defence Exhibition (AAD2012) at Air Force Base Waterkloof. Riaz Saloojee, the Group Chief Executive of Denel, said the agreement was another important step for the company to strengthen its working relationships with major original equipment manufacturers in the global aerospace environment.

“It is an important recognition of Denel’s position as the leading defence manufacturer in Africa and an invaluable partner to any company who wants to grow its presence on the continent,” said Saloojee. “Through this venture we will stimulate the growth of South Africa’s own future aerospace industry and support the national objectives to strengthen the country’s high-technology manufacturing sector.”

Giuseppe Giordo, Chief Executive Officer of Alenia Aermacchi, commented: “This agreement with a leading African player is potentially extremely important to strengthen the position of our company in a growing economic environment. Alenia Aermacchi products represent the perfect solution for the demanding requirements of the African air forces and airlines. In the whole continent, Alenia Aermacchi has a long product tradition with over 750 aircraft delivered to African air forces and have had a fruitful industrial collaboration in South Africa with more than 250 Impala trainer and light attack aircraft produced in the country”.

Saloojee said that, “Our relationship with Alenia Aermacchi fits perfectly with Denel’s strategic vision to grow its presence in the African market and be a strategic partner of choice for most of the global defence manufacturers.”

http://www.defenceweb.co.za/index.php?o ... Itemid=116

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Boeing defense CEO says BAE-EADS merger needs scrutiny



Written by Reuters Thursday, 20 September 2012 17:53
altA merger of Europe's EADS and Britain's BAE Systems Plc would raise national security and industrial questions and should be reviewed carefully by government regulators, the head of Boeing Co's defense operations said on Wednesday.

"We would expect that to be subjected to all the normal regulatory scrutiny," Dennis Muilenburg told Reuters at the annual Air Force Association conference. "There are ... national security questions, industrial questions, and those will have to be dealt with."

"This is a serious matter that needs to be scrutinized," Muilenburg said, adding that it was difficult to comment further until the two companies released details of the proposed structure of the combined company.

EADS and BAE said last week they were in advanced talks about a possible $48 billion merger, which would create a global aerospace and defense giantm, Reuters reports.

Boeing Chief Executive Jim McNerney last week said his company was not threatened by the discussions, but the talks reflected the start of global consolidation in the defense industry. At the time, he declined to comment further, saying he had not studied the issue.

Deputy Defense Secretary Ashton Carter told the conference earlier on Wednesday that the Pentagon had been told informally about the possible merger, but would wait to carry out a formal review until it received a proposal from the companies.

He said the department's industrial policy was aimed at allowing companies to make individual business decisions about mergers that allowed them to be financially successful, with each proposed merger to be reviewed on a case-by-case basis, taking competition and security factors into consideration.

"We understand that our industry needs to be technologically successful. It needs to be dynamic. It has to be financially successful because it has to exist in the capital markets," Carter said.

"What is economically sensible for them is going to deliver good value and productivity growth for the department," Carter said, adding that the BAE-EADS deal was just one of many transactions under consideration by the industry.

U.S. companies are evaluating whether the possible merger would affect their close ties with BAE, which is a key supplier for many other companies in both the commercial and defense sectors. EADS also has partnerships with many U.S. companies.

http://www.defenceweb.co.za/index.php?o ... Itemid=116