The Latest On Trends And Developments In Aerospace And Defense
Sequester Counting. The numbers are in on the FY ’13 impact of sequestration, the $500 billion in decade-long defense cuts that started in March. A Pentagon report from earlier this month–“Department of Defense Report on the Joint Committee Sequestration for Fiscal Year 2013”–shows total defense-wide and Navy resources (including unobligated balances) each were cut by 7.7 percent for FY ‘13. Comparable Air Force and Army resources dropped 7 percent and 4.4 percent, respectively, according to an analysis by Capital Alpha Partners LLC. Research, development, test, and evaluation monies were trimmed 8.1 percent, and notably more-evenly distributed among the Army, Navy, and Air Force. Capital Alpha Partners notes that “Army Other” and “Other” Air Force space program were spared procurement cuts. “This suggests that some companies whose products are funded by these categories may see less of an impact from FY ’13 sequestration than consensus anticipates,” its analysis says.
NASA Nudge. Democrats on a panel that oversees NASA are concerned about a Republican-crafted reauthorization bill for the space agency. After a June 19 hearing of the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee’s Space subcommittee, they release a statement listing their qualms with the GOP majority’s recently released discussion draft of the NASA Authorization Act of 2013. They say “the bill cuts NASA’s overall budget while establishing new requirements and programs; it appears to change NASA’s core mission to one of supporting human spaceflight from the multi-mission approach NASA has had since its inception; the “go as we can afford to pay” requirement is inconsistent with the mandated milestones included in the legislation; the Earth science budget is cut by 1/3; there are aggressive goals such as requiring a commercial crew flight to the ISS by 2017, without any mention of safety requirements; and that there is a requirement to establish a ‘sustained human presence’ on the Moon and Mars in spite of sequestration-level budgets.”
Hagel’s Triad. The Pentagon remains committed to a nuclear triad of nuclear bombers, ICBMs, and ballistic missile submarines, even as President Barack Obama proposes additional nuclear arms reductions with Russia, Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel says June 19. Hagel notes at the University of Nebraska in Omaha that Obama’s proposal comes after a two-year review of the size and mission of U.S. nuclear forces. The review finds “a credible nuclear deterrent remains essential to peace and security,” but that the United States needs fewer deployed strategic nuclear weapons to sustain that credibility. As the U.S.-Russia negotiations proceed, Hagel says three things will not change. “First, the U.S. will maintain a ready and credible deterrent. Second, we will retain a triad of bombers, ICBMs and ballistic-missile submarines. Third, we will make sure that our nuclear weapons remain safe, secure, ready and effective.”
Aerojet J-2X. Aerojet Rocketdyne successfully completes the first of a series of full motion hot-fire tests on the J-2X engine, according to a company statement. The A-1 test stand at John C. Stennis Space Center, Miss., allows engineers to gimbal, or pivot, the J-2X engine during a live firing and test the range of motion for the engine’s flexible parts. Gimbal tests on that stand were last performed on the Space Shuttle main engines, which powered all 135 space shuttle missions with 100 percent mission success. Those engines, called RS-25s, will return to the test stand in 2014 for use on the core stage of the Space Launch System (SLS). NASA selected the J-2X as the upper-stage propulsion for the evolved 143-ton SLS, an advanced heavy-lift launch vehicle. Federal regulators recently signed off on Aerojet’s acquisition of Rocketdyne from United Technologies Corp.’s (UTC) Pratt & Whitney division.
NASA SLS PDR. NASA begins a preliminary design review (PDR) for its Space Launch System, according to an agency statement. This assessment will allow development of NASA’s new heavy-lift rocket to move from concept to initial design. The PDR process includes meticulous, detailed analyses of the entire launch vehicle. Representatives from NASA, its contractor partners and experts from across the aerospace industry validate elements of the rocket to ensure they can be safely and successfully integrated. The review process will take several weeks and is expected to conclude this summer.
Donley Last Day. Air Force Secretary Michael Donley steps down June 21 after serving as the service’s top civilian for nearly five years. Air Force Under Secretary Eric Fanning will serve as secretary on an interim basis until President Barack Obama appoints, and the Senate confirms, an individual for the position. Fanning was confirmed as under secretary April 29. Donley was confirmed as the 22nd Air Force secretary Oct. 2, 2008, after serving as the acting secretary since June of that year, as well as for seven months in 1993, making him the longest serving secretary in Air Force history. He also served as the Air Force’s top financial officer from 1989 to 1993.
GD IT G-Cloud iii. The United Kingdom Government Procurement Service awards General Dynamics Information Technology a place on its G-Cloud iii framework agreement, which allows public-sector organizations to procure information and communication technology (ICT) cloud services, according to a company statement. The framework agreement allows General Dynamics IT to supply four different categories of ICT cloud offerings to UK public-sector organizations. Offerings will include system lifecycle services such as next-generation development and integration of Microsoft Dynamics Customer Relationship Management (CRM), email-as-a-service, cyber security and learning services. Other companies new to the G-Cloud iii framework agreement include BAE Systems Maritime Services, Deloitte LLP, Ernst & Young LLP and PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP. General Dynamics IT is a business unit of General Dynamics.
AFI AWACS. Boeing subcontractor Air France Industries (AFI) begins upgrading the electrical, mechanical and structural systems and mission hardware of the first four French E-3F Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) aircraft, according to a company statement. The $354 million Mid Life Upgrade (MLU), the largest for French AWACS, will provide the fleet a fuller picture of the battle space and more actionable information while reducing aircrew workload. Work on the first E-3F AWACS aircraft at AFI’s facility near Paris is scheduled to be completed in 2014 with the rest of the fleet completed by 2016.
Rolls-Royce F-35B. Rolls-Royce recently delivers the 50th 3-Bearing Swivel Module and the 40th Lift Fan for F-35B aircraft and is on schedule for LiftSystem deliveries, according to a company statement. The F-35B, the Marine Corps’ variant of the Joint Strike Fighter, is the short takeoff and vertical landing (STOVL) version. Rolls-Royce says its LiftSystem is the only technology in the world capable of providing vertical lift for fifth-generation aircraft. Rolls-Royce is also supporting the Marine Corps in preparation for upcoming sea trials with the F-35B, as well as the process moving forward toward Initial Operational Capability (IOC) in 2015. The F-35 is developed by Lockheed Martin.
Embraer/Boeing KC-390. Embraer and Boeing team on the sales and marketing of Embraer’s KC-130 multi-mission mobility and aerial refueling aircraft, according to a Boeing statement. Under the agreement, Boeing is the lead for KC-390 sales, sustainment and training opportunities in the U.S., U.K. and select Middle East markets. Embraer will manufacture the aircraft and collaborate on sales, sustainment and training. Boeing says the KC-390 has completed the critical design review (CDR) phase and is on schedule.
Dassault Systèmes Solution. Dassault Systèmes develops its latest aerospace and defense industry solution experience “Co-Design to Target,” according to a company statement. Co-Design to Target’s mission is to design components and sub-systems to reach their specifications more quickly and prevent late issues that may have dramatic impact on program cost and schedule. Co-Design to Target addresses issues such as companies failing to reach budget, schedule and specification targets due to increasingly complex systems, overly aggressive plans or premature incorporation of new technologies. Co-Design to Target provides a real-time view of program status and an aircraft’s design performance as well as integrated engineering value streams. Dassault Systèmes provides 3D design software and 3D digital mock up and product lifecycle management (PLM) solutions.
Boeing/Raytheon Radars. Boeing awards Raytheon a follow-on contract for the sixth production lot of APG-63(V)3 active electronically scanned array (AESA) radars for Air Force and Air National Guard F-15C aircraft, according to a Raytheon statement. The original contract from Boeing began in 2007 as part of the F-15C upgrade program. More than 46 radar systems plus spares have been delivered to date. Production lot six, awarded in March, includes radar modification kits and spares for the Air Force and Air National Guard. The APG-63(V)3 is an all-weather, multi-mode radar that offers extended range, improved tracking and precision engagement for the F-15C.
Raytheon Global Hawk. The Air Force awards Raytheon a subcontract to provide contractor logistics support to the ground station elements for the service’s fleet of RQ-4 Global Hawk unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) according to a company statement. Raytheon will provide on-sight field support services to the mission control, launch and recovery operations, as well as testing and maintenance of the ground segment to assure availability of the ground stations. The ground stations are deployed at Beale AFB, Calif., and Grand Forks AFB, N.D.
Fined. United Technologies Corp. has been found liable by a federal court for over $473 million in damages and penalties related to an Air Force contract for engines for F-15 and F-16 fighter aircraft between 1985 and 1990. The Justice Department says that UTC’s proposed prices for the contract “misrepresented how UTC calculated those prices, resulting in the government paying hundreds of millions more than it otherwise would have paid for the engines.” Justice says the company left out from its proposal historical discounts it received from its suppliers. The government’s suit against UTC was filed in1999.
The Kingfish. The Navy has deployed the first MK18 Mod 2 underwater unmanned vehicle for minehunting to the Middle East following a series of tests in the Gulf of Mexico, Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) says. The “Kingfish” UUV underwent more than 30 sorties during a two-week period in May to assess its capabilities before it was shipped to the U.S. Fifth Fleet in Bahrain. Kingfish is to replace the “Swordfish” systems by offering improved endurance and area coverage. The UUVs operate from an inflatable boat.
Rank Hath Fewer Privileges. Fewer receptions, dinners, dining ins and living in stately mansions for the U.K. officer corps. “We firmly believe that all ranks, both military and civilian, must share the burden of efficiency savings,” top MoD officials say. That’s why, after changes made in 2011, Defense already has saved $3.8 million a year on official hospitality given to senior officers and another $4.6 million a year from discontinuing the practice of providing official service residences. Changes announced a year ago will see further reductions made to senior officer accommodations. This includes the release of Bulford Manor in Wiltshire, an apartment at Kensington Palace and Admiralty House in Northwood, while the Chief of the Air Staff will move from his residence in London to occupy the vacated Commander-in-Chief’s residence at High Wycombe. This is all expected to produce about $311,000 a year in savings.
New Leader, New Position. BAE Systems Inc. names John Suttle senior vice president of International Business Development, a newly created position, effective June 17. Suttle will work to further BAE Systems’ success in international pursuits. Additionally, this role will create a more efficient and responsive marketing activity by eliminating duplicative positions across the enterprise and creating common processes. “The creation of the International Business Development role is consistent with the company’s strategy to emphasize exports as the U.S. defense market declines,” says Linda Hudson, president and CEO of BAE Systems Inc. “John has a broad understanding of our markets and customers and will be a significant asset in shaping and delivering our international strategy.” Previously, Suttle was the senior vice president of Communications at BAE Systems Inc. Before that he served as the vice president of communications for the company’s Land & Armaments sector. Before joining BAE Systems, Suttle was senior director of communications for General Dynamics Armament and Technical Products. Suttle is a retired Army lieutenant colonel, having served in various public affairs roles and as an Army aviator.