Industry: L-3 to Deliver Soldier Modernization Technology to the Australian Army

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov. 14, 2016-- L-3 Communications (NYSE:LLL) announced today that it has been awarded a contract totaling $208 million by the Australian Defence Force (ADF), under the LAND 53 Phase 1BR program, to deliver soldier modernization technology, including specialized night vision equipment, to the Australian Army. The five-year contract was awarded through a competitive bid process that included extensive ADF field testing. Deliveries are expected to occur between May 2017 and May 2021.

“This new business award demonstrates the growing demand for our highly advanced, capable products and solutions in a key international market,” said Michael T. Strianese, L-3’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. “L-3’s ability to deliver a collaborative, one-company solution to meet a wide range of requirements is increasingly important to our customers, both in Australia and across the globe.”

Work will be performed by L-3 Warrior Systems in collaboration with Australia-based L-3 Oceania, both in L-3’s Electronic Systems business segment. Under this contract, L-3 will provide the Australian Army with innovative targeting and detection capabilities that are designed to perform at night and under all weather conditions. These include binocular night vision goggles, which incorporate white phosphor image intensification technology, a compact multifunction aiming laser with integrated white light capability, and the next generation of lightweight, miniature laser rangefinders. L-3 Warrior Systems is also scheduled to open a new sustainment center in Australia to provide in-country logistics support, as well as regional customer support, for this project.

L-3 Warrior Systems develops and manufactures fully qualified, advanced night vision and electro-optical systems and components for the United States military, law enforcement, first responder agencies and allied nations across the globe. An original and qualified manufacturer of night vision imaging technology, L-3 Warrior Systems uses the latest in thermal, image intensifier and fusion technologies to provide an extensive portfolio of products that enables optimal performance during the day, at night and in adverse weather. L-3 Warrior Systems is committed to the quality, reliability and supportability of all its fielded systems. To learn more, please visit www.L-3com.com/warriorsystems.

L-3 Communications

USA: Advanced Space Surveillance Telescope Has Critical Military Applications

By Cheryl Pellerin

DoD News, Defense Media Activity

WASHINGTON, Oct. 22, 2016 — The most sophisticated space surveillance telescope ever developed is ready to begin tracking thousands of space objects as small as a softball. It’s a boon to space surveillance and science and a new military capability important to the nation and the globe, an Air Force general says.

“It’s not often we get an opportunity to witness the beginning of an entirely new military capability,” Air Force Maj. Gen. Nina Armagno said at the transfer event, “but that's exactly what we're doing here today.”

The telescope, developed by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, was turned over to the Air Force Oct. 18 at the Space Surveillance Telescope site atop North Oscura Peak on the northern part of the Army’s 3,200-square-mile White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico.

Armagno, the director of strategic plans, programs, requirements and analysis for Air Force Space Command headquarters at Peterson Air Force Base in Colorado, was one of several speakers at the event, which was attended by officials, scientists and engineers from DARPA, MIT Lincoln Laboratory, L3 Communications, media and others.

The formal transition of the SST from a DARPA-led design and construction program to ownership by the Air Force begins the telescope’s operational phase. The Air Force will move the SST to Harold E. Holt Naval Communication Station in Western Australia, operating and maintaining the telescope jointly with the Royal Australian Air Force.

The SST also will be a dedicated sensor in the U.S. Space Surveillance Network, operated by the Air Force Space Command.

According to DARPA, SST represents breakthroughs in telescope design, camera technology and image analysis software, and allows much faster discovery and tracking of previously unseen or hard-to-find small space objects.

News Story: Storms Disrupt First-Ever Taiwan Maritime and Defense Expo

By: Wendell Minnick

TAIPEI - The Kaohsiung International Maritime and Defense Industry Expo held last week in southern Taiwan could be considered a public relations disaster. But despite being pancaked between two typhoons -- forcing a delay of one day that pushed it into the Mid-Autumn Moon Festival -- and ending with numerous exhibitors, visitors, and guests failing to show up, the expo still managed to stand up despite a second typhoon slamming into the island, further reaping chaos and destruction. 

The first maritime expo of its kind was a serious effort, despite the disarray, of introducing the international defense industry to Taiwan’s shipbuilding capabilities and programs. Exhibitions were broken down into amphibious task force equipment, combat systems, communications, construction, platform equipment, propellers, radar, shafting, ship design, telemetry and underwater operations. 

Local entities and companies included Ching Fu Shipbuilding, Coast Guard Administration, Hung Hua Construction, Jong Shyn Shipbuilding, Ministry of National Defense (MND), MND Armaments Bureau, MND Material Production Center, National Chungshan Institute of Science and Technology, National Defense University, and the Taiwan Navy. International participants included DCNS, Harris, L-3 Communications, Lockheed Martin, Raytheon, and Thales. 

Read the full story at DefenseNews

USA: Possible Foreign Military Sale to Singapore for the F-16 Block 52 Upgrade Program

WASHINGTON, May 7, 2015 - The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to Singapore for the F-16 Block 52 Upgrade Program and associated equipment, parts and logistical support for an estimated cost of $130 million. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale on May 5, 2015.

The Government of Singapore has requested a possible sale for the upgrade of 60 F-16C/D/D+ aircraft. The upgrades will address reliability, supportability, and combat effectiveness concerns associated with its aging F-16 fleet. This proposed sale contains additional requirements not previously identified in congressional notification 13-67. Items included in the proposed sale are 50 Joint Helmet-Mounted Cueing System, 90 AN/APX-126 Advanced Identification Friend or Foe Interrogator/Transponders, 150 LAU-129 Missile Launchers, 8 KMU-572/B 500lbs Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM) Tail Kits, 9 KMU-556/B 2000lbs JDAM Tail Kits, 2 FMU-152 Munition Fuze Units, 10 MK-82 500lbs Inert Bombs, 3 MK-84 2000lbs Inert Bombs, 12 LN-260 Embedded Global Positioning System/Inertial Navigation Systems (GPS/INS), 20 GBU-39/B Small Diameter Bombs (SDB), 92 Link-16 Multifunctional Information Distribution System/ Low Volume Terminals (MIDS/LVT), 2 SDB Guided Test Vehicles, Computer Control Group and Tail Assembly for GBU-49, DSU-38/40 Proximity Sensor for JDAM, GBU-39 Tactical training Round, ADU-890/E and 891 Adaptor Group for Common Munitions Built-In-Test/Reprogramming Equipment, Encryption/Decryption devise, MIDS/LVT Ground Support Station, spare and repair parts, repair and return, support equipment, publications and technical documentation, personnel training and training equipment, tool and test equipment, U.S. Government and contractor engineering, technical and logistics support services, and other related elements of program and logistics support. The estimated cost is $130 million.

AUS: Defence upgrades to satellite terminals

The Australian Government has given second pass approval for the acquisition of satellite terminals for deployed land forces, upgrades to existing satellite terminals and terminal monitoring and control systems, as part of Joint Project 2008 Phase 5B1. Approximately $180 million has been approved for the acquisition.

Satellite communications are a critical enabler of Australian Defence Force (ADF) operations, connecting our troops on the ground with command and control, intelligence, geospatial and logistics information.

The project will provide a significant increase in Defence’s satellite communications capabilities, including the first large terminals capable of adequately supporting deployed headquarters. It will also upgrade existing terminals and establish networked terminal monitoring and control systems.

AUS: Air Force Spartans prepare for glory

Royal Australian Air Force personnel have commenced training on the C-27J Spartan Battlefield Airlifter in the United States after the the first two aircraft were transferred to the Australian register.

Air Force Director General Capability Planning Air Commodore Mike Kitcher said the first Spartans were expected in Australia by mid-2015.

“A total of 10 aircraft will be delivered over the next two years, operated by No. 35 Squadron initially from RAAF Base Richmond,” AIRCDRE Kitcher said.

“The C-27J will integrate seamlessly with existing Defence transports such as Army’s CH-47 Chinooks and Air Force’s C-130J Hercules and C-17A Globemaster III.”

News Story: Australia Targets Mid-Nov. for Its First C-27J's Maiden Flight

By NIGEL PITTAWAY

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA — The head of Australia’s New Airlift Project Office revealed the maiden flight of Australia’s first C-27J Spartan tactical airlifter will occur in Italy in mid-November, two months ahead of schedule.

Australia is buying 10 C-27Js under Project AIR 8000 Phase 2 via a Foreign Military Sales agreement with the United Sates. L-3 Communications is the prime contractor and the first Spartan is due to be handed over at L-3s facility in Waco, Texas, in the second half of next year.

Group Capt. Warren Bishop, who heads New Airlift Project Office, also said the project was on time and on budget, despite the United States Air Force divesting itself of its C-27J fleet.

Read the full story at DefenseNews

Industry: L-3 to Supply Advanced Imaging Equipment to the Republic of Korea’s Air Force and Marine Corps

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 16, 2013-- L-3 Communications (NYSE: LLL) announced today that its Warrior Systems-ALST business has been awarded a contract to deliver state-of-the-art Ground Laser Target Designators (GLTD) to the Republic of Korea (ROK). L-3’s new Scarab system is a modular laser designator equipped with rangefinding and an IR thermal imager, providing accurate target designation during the day, night and in nearly all battlefield conditions. The initial contract value is approximately $30 million with product delivery beginning in mid-2014.

L-3's Scarab system offers 24/7 day/night capabilities. It is the smallest, lightest and most affordable designator in its class. (Photo: Business Wire)

“This important win provides our customer with a new and advanced capability and demonstrates the ROK’s confidence in L-3 Warrior Systems’ ability to fulfill global requirements for technologically advanced sensor fire-control systems, while consistently meeting cost and schedule constraints,” said Steve Kantor, president of L-3’s Electronic Systems Group. “It is also a strategic new business area for L-3, which expands our market share and creates near-term international opportunities for our advanced imaging product line.”

Under the terms of the contract with the ROK’s Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA), L-3 will provide Scarab GLTD systems, conduct in-country operator and maintenance training, supply spares, and establish and maintain a full-range, multi-year logistics support capability in the ROK.

As a lightweight, single man-portable system with tripod mounting, Scarab provides a unique operational capability to identify and designate targets on the ground. This battery-powered system is capable of over 60 minutes of continuous designation from a single battery and incorporates the latest advances in diode-pumped laser generation.

L-3

News Story: South Korea To Buy L-3 Laser Designators

By JUNG SUNG-KI

SEOUL — South Korea will buy US-made thermal designation systems for aerial laser-guided bombs, the Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) announced Sept. 23.

According to the arms agency, L-3 Communications’ Scarab Thermal Imager Laser Designator (TILD-A) was selected for the 50 billion won ($46 million) contract after beating out two rivals: the Ground Laser Target Designator (GLTD)-III built by Northrop Grumman and the Portable Laser Lightweight Designator developed by Israel’s Elbit Systems.

Read the full story at DefenseNews

L-3 Awarded $38.5 Million Contract to Supply SATCOM Terminals to the Australian Defence Force

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May. 21, 2013-- L-3 Communications (NYSE:LLL) announced today that it has been awarded a $38.5 million contract from the Commonwealth of Australia to supply 51 Hawkeye™ III Lite 1.2-meter Very Small Aperture Terminals (VSATs), as well as training and long-term sustainment services. This program is one of a number of coordinated projects that will enable the Australian Defence Force (ADF) to deploy an integrated wideband satellite communications capability. Specifically, the contract will deliver one type of a family of transportable land terminals that will optimize the early use of Australia’s SATCOM system and provide communication services where commercial satellite resources are limited. The capability is scheduled for delivery in 2014.

“This is L-3’s first entry into the Australian SATCOM market and this immediate success recognizes the quality of our products and solutions,” said John Mega, president of L-3’s Microwave Group. “Australia is an emerging market for WGS-qualified terminals and we look forward to establishing a long-term partnership with the ADF and other local suppliers.”

This contract is a significant win for L-3 in Australia and demonstrates the cross-business synergy that exists between L-3 divisions, specifically L-3 Oceania and L-3 GCS. For this program, L-3 GCS developed and will supply the Hawkeye III systems, which will provide ARSTRAT-certified Ka- and X-Band, as well as commercial Ku-Band capability, in a very compact, fly-away package. L-3’s Australian division, L-3 Oceania, is leading the execution of the contract, which includes system deliveries over a 12-month period, followed by an initial three-year sustainment program that engages other Australian subcontractors in the process.

L-3

AUS: Contract signature for new military satellite capability

Minister for Defence Materiel Dr Mike Kelly AM MP, today announced that Defence has signed two multi-million dollar contracts with L-3 Oceania for the supply and support of satellite terminals to the Australian Defence Force. 

Dr Kelly said L-3 Oceania was selected through an open tender process for a military-off-the-shelf solution that was certified for use on the Wideband Global Satellite System. 

“The JP 2008 Phase 3H Acquisition Contract will acquire 51 terminals, 30 deployment kits, spares and test equipment at a value of nearly $32 million,” Dr Kelly said.

“A separate performance based in-service support contract will provide integrated logistics support, engineering services, supply support services, maintenance services and training at a value of around $7 million over three years.”

News Story: L-3 Link helo simulators to Taiwan

ARLINGTON, Texas, April 9 (UPI) -- The U.S. Army has selected L-3 Link Simulation & Training to build UH-60M Operational Flight Trainers for Taiwan.

The contract was issued by the Army's Program Executive Office for Simulation, Training and Instrumentation. It's value was not disclosed.

"We look forward to providing the Taiwan Army with advanced technology flight simulators that will enable UH-60M aircrews to gain aircraft-equivalent training for all modes of flight," said Lenny Genna, president of L-3 Link. "The delivery of the OFTs will enable the Taiwan Army to conduct pilot training commensurate with the U.S. Army's Flight School XXI training capability."

Read the full story at UPI

AUS: Arrival of Landing Helicopter Dock Hull

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Minister for Defence Stephen Smith and Minister for Defence Materiel Jason Clare today announced that Australia’s largest ever warship has arrived in Australia.

The hull of the first of two Landing Helicopter Docks (LHD) has been transported from Spain to Australia by a Heavy Lift Ship, Blue Marlin.

The Canberra Class LHDs are bigger than Australia’s last aircraft carrier HMAS Melbourne.

The hull is 230m long and 32m wide, making it the same length as the Rialto Tower in Melbourne.

The height from waterline to the aft mast is just 40cm lower than the deck of the Sydney Harbour Bridge.

The flight deck on the LHD is as big as 24 tennis courts and could fit four ANZAC Class frigates.

The LHD will be equipped with a hospital that could treat a town the size of Warrnambool and it generates enough electricity to power a city the size of Darwin.

The arrival is a significant milestone and marks the next step towards a new era for Defence’s amphibious force capability.

Construction of LHD 01 began in September 2008. The first three blocks were laid down in September 2010 and the hull was launched in February 2011.

The hull was constructed in Spain by shipbuilder Navantia and has taken around nine weeks to complete the 13,000 nautical mile voyage to Australia.

The hull will now be unloaded and moved by tug to the BAE Systems’ Williamstown dockyard for consolidation of the superstructure and other critical fitout work.

BAE Systems CGI of Finished HMAS Canberra LHD

LHD 01, to be commissioned HMAS Canberra, is the first of two LHDs being built for the Royal Australian Navy.

The introduction into service of these ships will mark a significant change in the way the Australian Defence Force (ADF) deploys its land forces and conducts amphibious operations.

The LHDs are the largest ships ever built for the RAN.

Each ship with its crew of around 300 personnel can also carry and embark a combined armed battlegroup of more than 1100 personnel, 100 armoured vehicles and 12 helicopters, and features a 40-bed hospital.

Work on LHD 02, to be commissioned as HMAS Adelaide, began in February 2010. The first hull blocks were laid down in February 2011.

The hull of LHD 02 was launched in July 2012 and is due to arrive in Australia for superstructure completion and fitting out in early 2014.

The LHD 01 is expected to be introduced into RAN service in 2014. LHD 02 is expected to follow in 2016.

BAE Systems is the Prime Contractor for the LHD project and is managing the overall project in cooperation with subcontractors Navantia, Saab and L-3 Communications.

AUS DoD

AUS: Installation complete on LHD Land-Based Test Site

WILLIAMSTOWN, Australia - The Land-Based Test Site (LBTS) at BAE Systems in Williamstown for the Landing Helicopter Dock (LHD) project is now complete.

BAE Systems, Saab and L-3 Communications (L-3) completed the installation in July 2011 as a key milestone in the development of the integrated combat and communications systems. 

Director BAE Systems Maritime Business Unit Harry Bradford said testing in the LBTS will commence immediately with the final testing concluding next year.

“The major activity of the test site is risk mitigation of equipment integration prior to installation on the ship. The equipment will undergo significant testing to ensure all systems, including those supplied by several sensor manufacturers, are properly integrated and working effectively.

“The Line Replaceable Units (LRUs) installed in the Land-Based Test Site are to be installed on the second LHD, with the first ship receiving new equipment.

“While not fully operational, we are seeing real benefits from the test site as the team has discovered some issues that will require system modification, and these are much less costly when uncovered early in the program,” he said.

L-3 has supplied a large and complex communications suite, while Saab has installed the Combat Direction System which will provide the core command and control system for the ship. The CDS is based on a derivative of Saab's latest 9LV Mk 3E Combat Management System implemented on the ANZAC-class frigates, with added capability for helicopter and watercraft control for the LHD's amphibious warfare roles.

Design work began on the test site in 2008 with outfitting and installation of equipment having commenced in the latter half of last year. The first ship is expected to arrive in August 2012.

BAE Systems