The LCAC 110’s arrival follows the completion of its acceptance trials under the naval inspection and survey authority, which validated the hovercraft’s capability and readiness.

Once operational, the ship will be used for amphibious troop landing and deployment as well as logistical support.

“This new craft will provide the Navy and Marine Corps team with unparalleled capability in amphibious warfare, ensuring we remain agile and responsive to emerging threats and global challenges,” US Navy Amphibious Assault and Connectors Programs Manager Capt. Jason Grabelle stated.

“The introduction of LCAC 110 into our fleet marks a significant milestone in our ongoing efforts to maintain and enhance operational readiness.”

Upgrading LCAC Fleet

The navy’s Ship-to-Shore Connector expansion effort is part of the US Department of Defense’s objective to replace the country’s older LCACs, operational since the late 1980s.

The new platforms have improved functions, faster transport features, and modern weapon systems.

Textron accepted the initial $213-million contract in 2012 to initiate the Ship-to-Shore Connector production at its center in New Orleans, Louisiana.

In 2020, the firm received a follow-on agreement to manufacture 15 additional vessels for the program.

Currently, Textron is engaged in the serial production of LCAC 111 to 123.

The Ship-to-Shore Connector

The US Navy’s Ship-to-Shore Connector measures 92 feet (28 meters) and has a 48-foot (14.6-meter) beam.

It is operated by a crew of four, including a pilot, co-pilot, loadmaster, and engineer, while its 1,608-square-foot (149 square meters) deck can accommodate up to 74 tons of payload.

The hovercraft is powered by four Rolls-Royce MT7 gas turbines that are derivatives of engines installed in Bell V-22 Osprey tiltrotor aircraft for a top speed of 35 knots (65 kilometers/40 miles per hour).

The boat can be armed with naval gun mounts, machine guns, and grenade launchers,

The post Textron Hands Over Latest Ship-to-Shore Hovercraft to US Navy appeared first on The Defense Post.

The devices will include eight operational prototypes of the Next-Generation Jammer – Low Band (NGJ-LB) modular and open-system electronic warfare solution.

They will be adopted by the US Naval Air Systems Command for fleet evaluations, airworthiness, and associated design verification review.

Once approved, the NGJ-LB pods will replace the Growler’s AN/ALQ-99 Tactical Jamming System, which has been operational since the early 1970s.

“Our Next Generation Jammer – Low Band solution provides the US Navy with the latest digital, software-based technologies to address advanced and emerging threats from peer adversaries,” L3Harris Chair and CEO Christopher Kubasik stated.

“L3Harris is proud to support the Navy’s efforts to extend US air superiority and operate seamlessly with coalition forces.”

Modernization Partnership With Australia

The US Navy noted that the NGJ-LB order supports a cooperative strategy with the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) to employ an advanced airborne electronic capability for its respective fleets.

Announced in 2020, the original contract for this initiative was met with “multiple protests,” causing the Pentagon to issue an amended proposal request in 2023.

The design, manufacturing, and operational capability of the final prototype pods under this program are expected by 2029.

“The contract award is a major step for our fleet as well as the RAAF,” US Navy Airborne Electronic Attack Systems Program Manager Capt. David Rueter said.

“Our partnership with Australia to develop the newest AEA jamming capability exhibits our joint commitment to ensure continued superiority over the electromagnetic spectrum.”

Tactical Aircraft Program Executive Officer Rear Adm. John Lemmon added that the “NGJ-LB will meet current and emerging electronic warfare threats and increase the lethality of 4th and 5th generation platforms and strike weapons.”

Upgrading Advanced Hawkeyes

Earlier in September, the US Navy invested in a similar modernization program for its E-2D Advanced Hawkeye aircraft.

This involved a contract award worth $16 million to a California-based company to manufacture new routers for the early warning and control planes, boosting the platform’s network resiliency in contested, long-range scenarios.

The post L3Harris to Supply New Jamming Pods for US Navy Growler Aircraft appeared first on The Defense Post.

Under the deal, the company will build eight John Lewis-class ships in addition to the nine already ordered in 2016, 2022, and 2023.

The so-called auxiliary vessels will provide fuel to other ships, allowing them to remain at sea and combat-ready for extended periods.

Each oiler has a full load displacement of 49,850 tons and the capacity to carry 162,000 barrels of oil.

Most of the work for the contract will be performed in California, with an estimated completion date of January 2035.

The navy is expected to award a contract for three more replenishment ships to complete a fleet of 20.

General Dynamics NASSCO delivered the first ship in the class in July 2022 and is currently constructing two more.

‘Block Buy’ Method

According to a Pentagon announcement, the multibillion-dollar deal follows the “block buy” method, which is intended to save costs and streamline the procurement process.

The US Navy anticipates saving up to $491 million with the bulk order compared to awarding annual contracts.

The contract also includes a shipbuilding capability preservation agreement, which encourages shipbuilders to seek commercial work and helps reduce the navy’s expenses.

“We are pleased to continue building these ships, with seventeen of the Navy’s twenty-ship program of record now on contract,” General Dynamics NASSCO President Dave Carver said.

“The NASSCO team is honored to continue working with our Navy customer and thankful for their unwavering support.”

The post General Dynamics to Build More US Navy Replenishment Ships in $6.7B Deal appeared first on The Defense Post.

The USS North Carolina (SSN 777) was docked at the Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard and Intermediate Maintenance Facility (PHNSY & IMF) in Oahu in preparation for the sustainment.

Throughout the project, the vessel will receive complete structural inspections, repairs, and major overhauls. It will also undertake mechanical and electrical system replacements, repaints, and nuclear work.

After the Depot Modernization Period, the North Carolina will be subjected to a 10-month testing phase and crew certification before rejoining the Pacific Fleet.

The PHNSY & IMF team expects to support over 600 roles to finalize the effort.

“North Carolina is approaching the midway point of her planned life cycle and it is important to conduct repairs and state of the art upgrades to ensure she is combat-ready and equipped to conduct all assigned tasking well into the 2030s,” USS North Carolina Commanding Officer Cmdr. Tad Robbins stated.

The North Carolina entered into service in May 2008 and became the first system to bear the state’s name.

It is homeported at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam and has a crew of about 140 personnel.

Naval Maintenance in Hawaii

The PHNSY & IMF serves as the “one-stop” regional maintenance hub for all US Navy surface and underwater assets.

Its strategic position in the Indo-Pacific enables the military to rapidly address engineering requirements of units stationed between the US West Coast and the Far East.

In March 2023, the Pentagon invested $2.8 billion to construct a new concrete dry dock in Oahu to support the center’s nuclear submarine renovation services.

“We are all aligned and working together as one big Ohana to achieve the goal of getting the boat back to the fleet as soon as possible,” PHNSY & IMF Project Superintendent Kevin Alford said.

“And while it’s definitely hard, dirty, challenging work, with the right team it can also be a lot of fun. I definitely have the right team.”

The post Fourth US Navy Virginia Nuclear Submarine Starts Upgrade in Pearl Harbor appeared first on The Defense Post.

The $16-million deal orders the company’s proprietary CORE 4.0 devices, which will upgrade the E-2D’s external networking systems into software-based connectivity.

The equipment will employ a tactical edge network targeting a contested long-range environment or TENTaCLE architecture to bolster the aircraft’s network resiliency, according to the navy.

“As an advanced, small-Size, Weight, and Power – Cooling router, CORE 4.0 improves reliability and maintainability for the platform by replacing bulky and obsolete routers while simultaneously hosting applications that enhance E-2D mission capabilities,” US Navy E-2D Systems Engineering Assistant Program Manager Shawn Thompson explained.

Integration of a new virtualized network into the platform aligns with the navy’s fifth iteration of the continuous Delta System Software Configuration effort to sustain the platform’s operability for modern warfare.

“CORE 4.0 will help the E-2D quickly adapt to evolving network architectures as well as provide a means for rapid deployment of new tactical applications,” Thompson added.

“CORE 4.0 enables an additional layer of cyber-security for the platform by hosting new firewall applications as part of the Beyond Line-of-Sight upgrade program for the E-2D.”

The E-2D Aircraft

Developed by Northrop Grumman, the US Navy’s E-2D has a length of 57.8 feet (17.6 meters) and a wingspan of 80.7 feet (24.5 meters).

It is operated by two pilots and up to four mission systems personnel, and is powered by twin 5,100-horsepower Rolls-Royce turboprop engines.

The platform can reach altitudes up to 37,000 feet (11,278 meters) and speeds over 300 knots (555.6 kilometers/345 miles per hour).

The post US Navy Procures New Routers for Advanced Hawkeye Early Warning Aircraft appeared first on The Defense Post.

The ceremony formally started the USNS Lansing’s (EPF 16) construction, which was awarded to the company in 2022.

It is the first naval platform to bear the name of Michigan’s capital. At the event, the initials of the ship’s sponsor, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer, were etched into a keel plate that will be wielded onto the vessel’s hull.

The first module to complete the logistics platform was delivered to Austal’s assembly bay simultaneously with the roll-out of the 15th Spearhead, the USNS Point Loma (EPF 15), last August.

“This ship highlights the success and importance of our Maritime Statecraft initiative, encompassing a national, whole-of-government effort to restore the comprehensive maritime power of our Nation,” US Navy Secretary Carlos Del Toro remarked.

“The future USS Lansing is named for the capital city of the state that is a leader in developing the techno-industrial workforce we need to build and assemble the ships, munitions, parts, and pieces our Naval fleet requires, and where, last month, the sponsor, Gov. Whitmer and I announced the Michigan Maritime Manufacturing (M3) initiative.”

Final Flight II Medical Ship

The Lansing is the third and final Spearhead ship to be configured according to the US Navy’s EPF Flight II configuration.

This variant employs a Role 2E enhanced medical function, which delivers basic secondary health care. It incorporates facilities for primary surgery, intensive care, patient wards, x-ray, dental, and laboratory applications.

The design also supports V-22 Osprey tiltrotor and 11-meter (36-foot) rigid hull inflatable boat deployments to complement at-sea medical procedures.

“It’s a tremendous honor to work with the men and women of Austal USA in the construction of these great ships,” Austal USA New Construction VP Dave Growden said.

“Together, thanks to the support of the Navy, our suppliers, and our local, state, and federal delegations, we are able to celebrate this major milestone for this amazing Navy ship.” 

The post Austal Lays Keel of US Navy’s 16th Spearhead Expeditionary Fast Transport Ship appeared first on The Defense Post.

The agreement covers the company’s proprietary MH-60R Tactical Operational Flight Trainer (TOFT) and the Avionics Maintenance and Weapons Load Trainer (AWWLT), as well as associated services to fulfill the military’s training requirements.

New Delhi will also receive corresponding course equipment, hardware, networking, and documentation assets.

CAE noted that the trainers will be integrated with “upgrades with unique modifications” focusing on anti-ship missiles, traffic collision avoidance, depth charges, and identification friend-or-foe interrogator and transponder simulations.

For Tactical and Support Preparations

CAE’s TOFT is a full-mission cockpit system fitted with motion seats and a 220 by 60-degree out-the-window visual display for realistic training.

The technology incorporates operational night vision goggles, weapon kits, and actual equipment employment to match the user’s proficiency on the evolving military airframes.

Meanwhile, the AWWLT replicates the back end of a helicopter commonly used by support crews for airborne strategies and sensor tasks.

This station has acoustic processors, dipping sonar, forward-looking infrared, radar, datalinks, and electronic countermeasure devices, while some configurations include underwater and atmospheric simulation environments for anti-surface and anti-warfare training.

Trainees can utilize TOFT and AWWLT separately or asynchronously to maximize pilot, co-pilot, and rear crew practice sessions.

“We are honored to continue to support the US Navy with the MH-60R TOFT and AMWLT devices,” CAE USA Defense & Security Division President Merrill Stoddard stated.

“CAE’s unmatched experience as a platform independent training and simulation provider enables us to develop and enhance solutions that advanced mission readiness.”

The post CAE to Supply Seahawk Helicopter Simulators for Indian Navy appeared first on The Defense Post.

During the ceremony, the USNS Point Loma (EPF 15) was lifted via a self-propelled modular platform 3 feet (approximately 1 meter) above ground at a distance of 400 feet (122 meters) to a deck barge adjacent to the final assembly bay.

The barge moved the vessel to the firm’s West Campus repair yard, where it was submerged via a floating dry dock to complete its first float.

It was returned upriver to Austal’s latest facility at the site and is now pier side to undergo the final construction phase and system activation in preparation for sea trials later this year.

“The continued success of this launch process is a testament to the value of teamwork and applying lessons-learned to everything we do,” Austal USA New Construction Programs VP Dave Growden stated.

“Our test and activation, crane and rigging, and safety teams work methodically alongside our Navy partners and key vendors.”

“These partnerships allow us to continually examine our process, identify opportunities for improvement, and more effectively achieve these major ship milestones.”

The Spearhead Program

The US Navy’s Spearhead program was formed to employ a modern fleet supporting rapid in-theater logistics under the Military Sealift Command.

Including the USNS Point Loma, the initiative planned to manufacture up to 19 platforms, 14 of which are already commissioned.

Each vessel built from this effort measures 103 meters (338 feet) and has a capacity for over 300 personnel, heavy-lift helicopters, and rigid hull inflatable boats.

The system is powered by four MTU diesel engines for a top speed of 43 knots (79.6 kilometers/49.4 miles per hour) and a range of 1,200 nautical miles (2,222 kilometers/1,381 miles).

Although intended for transport missions, the Spearhead is equipped with mounted machine guns for enhanced protection near its front and stern.

The post Austal Launches 15th US Navy Spearhead Logistics Ship appeared first on The Defense Post.

The deal stipulates the production of the Quebec-based company’s video distribution and combat visualization systems to enable “mission-critical display” for the service’s Surface Combatant Fleet.

The package incorporates transcoding, storage, and distribution assets, enabling coordination between the navy’s Combat Information Centers and multiple warships.

Alongside the naval combat systems, Haivision’s capabilities will support the US Coast Guard’s next-generation cutters.

Work for the contract will be conducted over five years by the company’s MCS subsidiary in Atlanta, Georgia.

“We are honored to continue our partnership with the US Navy and to be entrusted with this crucial responsibility,” Haivision MCS Strategic Programs VP Robert Kaufman said.

“This award is a testament to the excellence of our technology and our dedicated team. We are committed to delivering high-quality systems that will support the Navy’s mission and enhance the operational effectiveness of its Surface Combatant Fleet.”

Extending US Navy Support

Haivision’s award builds on its existing engagement with the US Navy’s Consolidated Afloat Networks and Enterprise Services (CANES) program, which promotes the use of a Common Computing Environment to sustain on-board network connectivity across active surface vessels.

CANES is currently leveraging the firm’s real-time video recording, encoding, transcoding, and playback technology for associated ship-wide video distribution.

In 2021, the Canadian company expanded its ongoing support for the US Department of Defense by acquiring video solutions developer CineMassive, allowing the launch of its new Mission-Critical Systems segment.

The post Quebec Company to Supply Video Processing Suites for US Navy appeared first on The Defense Post.

Mounted on an MQ-9B SeaGuardian drone, the radar performed long-range surveillance of multiple targets and transmitted critical data to an F/A-18 fighter jet.

The Super Hornet then used the data provided by the radar to successfully fire a Long-Range Anti-Ship Missile (LRASM) at a decommissioned amphibious assault ship serving as a representative target.

According to RTX advanced solutions president Bryan Rosselli, the demonstration highlighted the radar’s ability to capture high fidelity targeting data that can aid a precise weapons engagement.

It also “enabled us to test and validate [SeaVue] to ensure it can provide the situational awareness required in an operational environment – allowing faster decision making and more efficient kill chains,” he said.

In 2021, SeaVue also demonstrated its ability to pair with the MQ-9B drone and carry out wide-area maritime surveillance.

‘Superior’ Capabilities

RTX describes its SeaVue as a modern, software-defined radar capable of providing all-weather surveillance.

It reportedly offers “superior” multi-mission performance for crewed and uncrewed platforms.

The radar was designed to rapidly and efficiently identify even small targets at longer ranges and higher altitudes.

It was also made with a modular and scalable architecture to allow future upgrades without changing the hardware.

Apart from combat, the SeaVue radar can aid search and rescue, disaster response, and maritime law enforcement missions.

The post RTX Demos SeaVue Radar’s Long-Range Target Detection at RIMPAC appeared first on The Defense Post.