Welcome to MSW’s Scuttlebutt! Here’s the news for the day.
Goodrich to Supply Composite Components for Eight Virginia-Class Submarines
Source: Goodrich Corporation
CHARLOTTE, N.C. --- Goodrich Corporation has received a $49 million contract from Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding to provide a number of composite components for the next eight Virginia Class nuclear fast attack submarines, collectively referred to as Block III.
Goodrich's Engineered Polymer Products team in Jacksonville, Fla. is building components to support the construction of one ship per year in 2009 and 2010, rising to two ships per year from 2011 through 2013. The components include the bow dome, and sonar and weapons equipment.
"These contract awards continue the core work that is the foundation of our submarine business," said Jim Pollock, vice president for Goodrich's Engineered Polymer Products team. "We have been able to expand our composite product content on the Virginia-class Block III multi-year buy, and will remain focused on securing additional content for Block III as well as developing composite solutions for Virginia-class Block IV and the Ohio-class replacement submarine. We will continue to invest in our people, processes and technology to provide innovative world-class solutions for submarines."
The Virginia-class submarines are the first U.S. Navy combatant designed for the post-Cold War era. Unobtrusive, non-provocative and connected with land, air, sea and space-based assets, the Virginia-class submarines are equipped to wage multi-dimensional warfare around the globe, providing the U.S. Navy with continued dominance in coastal waters and the open ocean.
General Dynamics Electric Boat with its construction partner Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding has contracts to build a total of 18 Virginia-class ships; 30 ships are planned altogether.
Taiwan Plans to Buy US Frigates Despite China Thaw
Source: ddi Indian Government news
Taiwan plans to buy eight second-hand Perry-class frigates from the United States despite improved ties with arch rival China.
The island hopes to arm them with a version of the advanced Aegis Combat System, which uses computers and radars to take out multiple targets, as well as sophisticated missile launch technology.
Taiwan's defence ministry was not immediately available for comment though.
The United States designed the Perry-class frigates in the 1970s but the majority remains in service, equipped with various forms of modern technology.
The deal would add to Taiwan's existing inventory, as it already has eight Perry-class frigates built on the island.
The China Times report came less than a week after the US Defense Department said it had approved the sale of Patriot missile equipment to Taiwan as part of a package passed by Congress more than a year ago.
When unveiled in 2008, the package triggered strong protests from Beijing, which considers Taiwan part of its territory and has vowed to take the island back, by force if necessary.
Farther, Faster, Stronger; Osprey Enhances Battlefield Capabilities
Source: US Marine Corps
MARINE CORPS AIR STATION MIRAMAR, Calif. --- The 40-year legacy of the CH-46 Sea Knight is built on stories of valor and heroism from Marines in combat missions around the world, but that era is coming to a close as the Marine Corps replaces the Sea Knight with it’s newest bird of prey, the MV-22 “Osprey.”
In 2006, the Marine Corps became the first service to host an operational MV-22 Osprey squadron. Now almost four years later, the Marine Corps has six operating or currently transitioning squadrons on the East Coast, and is in the process of transitioning six on the West Coast.
The replacement of the 40-year-old CH-46 Sea Knight doesn’t come cheap, with a price tag of roughly 100 million dollars per bird, but the Osprey’s capabilities provide enhanced mission capabilities and more safety than the CH-46.
“The [advantage is the] capabilities we bring to the battlefield. It’s newer, we’re faster, we go farther and we can stay longer,” said Maj. Richard McGahhey, a Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 161 Osprey pilot. “All of the capabilities of the 46 ... It expands upon them.”
One of the important safety features of the Osprey is a reduced heat signature. Air-to-air heat seeking missiles will have a harder time tracking the Osprey because of the significant reduction in the amount of detectable heat from the aircraft. In addition to lower heat detection, the aircraft has a radar warning receiver, a ballistically-tolerant airframe to reduce structural damage and an M240G machine-gun mounted on the back ramp.
Another vital part of mission capability for military aircraft, especially in a combat zone, is fuel efficiency. The CH-46 has low fuel endurance and must be refueled approximately every 90 to 100 minutes, which can be dangerous in a tactical environment. The Osprey has an increased fuel capacity, and according to Sgt. Darin Levesque, a crew chief who has deployed with both the CH-46 and the Osprey, the aircraft has proven itself in battle.
“It’s two different worlds,” said Levesque. “It’s a completely different aircraft. It goes twice as far so you can get Marines where they need to be -- faster.”
The increased fuel capacity means the Osprey can go longer and farther than the CH-46, and it also provides an increased payload. The CH-46 current internal and external weight restrictions are approximately 22,000 pounds and 12 combat equipped troops. The Osprey offers significant advantage in that it can carry over 20,000 pounds and 24 combat equipped troops, at twice the speed of the CH-46.
The high-speed, high-flight capabilities of the aircraft are made possible by its ability to convert to a turboprop airplane. Once airborne, the Osprey can convert to a turboprop airplane and fly more than 400 mph and reach altitudes of almost 25,000 feet, which is significantly greater than the CH-46.
In a mission where a pilot is navigating great distances in unfamiliar areas of the world, often in poor weather or at night, pilots must be able to rely on certain equipment in the cockpit to safely transport troops or lift external cargo. Upgraded navigation and communication systems and a cockpit lighting system that is compatible with night vision goggles greatly enhance the safety and success of medium lift missions.
Although the capabilities of the Osprey will significantly increase the mission capabilities and success of medium lift missions, according to Lt. Col. Evan LeBlanc, the commanding officer of VMM-161 -- one thing hasn’t changed.
“The things that make the Marine Corps strong isn’t the aircraft. It’s the Marines,” said LeBlanc.
Although the first VMM-161 Osprey landed at MCAS Miramar in early December, the squadron expects 11 more to complete the 19-month transition.
USS Constitution Museum
Today’s website is USS Constitution Museum. Enjoy.
This Day in U.S. Naval History
1865 - Amphibious attack on Fort Fisher, N.C.
1917 - The cruiser Milwaukee (CL 21) strands off Eureka, Calif., while attempting to refloat the submarine H-3 (SS 30).
1964 - USS Manley (DD 940) evacuates 54 American and 36 allied nationals after Zanzibar government is overthrown.
Photo of the Day
The remains of a Japanese mini-submarine lie on the seafloor under 1,000-feet of water near Pearl Harbor, Hawaii.
Gator
