24-27 / Air Force Association, Washington DC, USA

25-27 / Sensor to Shooter conference, Silver Spring, MD. USA

26-27 / Simulation Support to Military Operations / Ottawa, Canada

In the first beyond line of sight mission test held at the U.S. Army's Yuma, Ariz., Proving Grounds on Sept. 25, 2006, the laser guided MRM-CE projectile fired from an Abrams M1A2 SEP (system enhancement program) tank scored an extended-range, guided direct hit at a moving T-72 tank at a range of 5.4 miles (8.7 km). The test demonstrated the laser-guided seeker's ability to successfully target, acquire and track a moving tank and guide the munition to intercept at the required range.

US Air Force Releases First JTRS Contract

Thales Communications Corp. received the first order for its new handheld JTRS compatible radio known as JEM. Under the US$7.6 million USAF contract Thales will supply 1'675 radio sets in 2006. The initial procurement destines for Air Force personnel deployed in Afghanistan and Iraq who are currently borrowing radios from the Army to communicate with U.S. soldiers. Additional 10,000 sets will be bought next year.

USAF To Spend $2 Billion on Airborne Comms

Forecast International is projecting sales of airborne communications systems for the U.S. military to reach $2 billion over the next 10 years. 66% of the total will be spent in the next five years. The 2011-2015 time period makes up $687 million in projected sales will undoubtedly be influenced by decisions related to Joint Tactical Radio System (JTRS) related programs. The report predicts that sales volumes could increase once the JTRS issue is resolved.

ESAPI, S-SAPI Body Armor for USMC

The US Navy released several procurement orders for Enhanced Side Mounted Small Arms Protective Inserts (S-SAPI) body armor systems to support units of the USMC. Armorworks, Inc. received two orders, worth US$33 million (plus options) for ceramic inserts and carriers made of soft armor. Simula, an Armor Holdings company, also received a similar contract worth $24 million to supply  inserts and carriers. Both companies will deliver their products through 2007. Under another US$33.6 million contract, awarded to Protective Products International, the company will provide Marine Corps warfighters with 60,000 Modular Tactical Vests (MTVs).

Global Hawk Operational Support

Northrop Grumman Systems Corp. received US$22 million to continue support the operation of the two RQ-4A Global Hawks deployed in forward locations through January 2007. The company also received US$20 million to stock initial spares for RQ-4A and RQ-4B aircraft. Since 2001 and has logged more than 6,500 flight hours during combat missions. Nine RQ-4A aircraft have been produced. The first RQ-4B (Block 20) aircraft was rolled out in August 2006.

New GPS Satellite in Orbit

Up-Armored Humvees to get Improved IED Protection

Armor Holdings will provide the US Army M1114 Up-Armored HMMWV with supplemental armor components to increase the vehicle's IED protection levels. According to company sources, the contract worth is $183 million. The armor components will be delivered in 2007.

UAE interested in HIMARS Rockets

The US Congress was notified last week about a potential sale of HIMARS multiple launch rocket systems to the United Arab Emirates (UAE). According to a US Defense Security Cooperation Agency notification, the total value, if all options are exercised, could be as high as $752 million. (See report at Today's defenseindustrydaily). If approved, this will be the first export order for the system, which is currently with US Army. HIMARS is scheduled to enter service with the USMC next year. (Click to our recent article on long range rocket artillery)