DTN News - DEFENSE NEWS: The Armored Group Launches Their New Ballistic Armored Tactical Transport (BATT) S AP

DTN News - DEFENSE NEWS: The Armored Group Launches Their New Ballistic Armored Tactical Transport (BATT) S AP

Source: DTN News - - This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources The Armored Group - TAG
(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - June 25, 2013: The Armored Group (TAG) is proud to announce the launch of their new Ballistic Armored Tactical Transport S AP (BATT). The newest BATT S AP was developed to provide unequalled safety features and tactical capabilities in the field for deployment, extraction and medic services.

The Armored Group’s BATT S AP was specifically designed for law enforcement agencies that needed armored personnel vehicles armored to protect against NIJ IV and .50 Caliber Ball Round threats, but had limited budgets available to outfit their tactical teams.  This vehicle offers maximum protection on a patrol-sized Ford F-550 chassis, yet allows for the movement of 12-14 fully geared officers.  Although sporting the Ford OEM hood, we used our extensive experience in the armored SUV and Sedan field to incorporate the engine bay armor protection behind the fenders, behind the headlights and under the hood.  This process helps allow us to lower production costs and weight constraints on our unit, which enables us to pass these advantages on to our customers by providing a lower entry cost into high levels of armor and extending the unit to offer more room to transport more officers. 

Like our BATT, the “S” Series was specifically engineered and designed for officers in full gear to sit and use comfortably.  The BATT Family of armored personnel carriers have more tactical advantages built into the vehicle than any other unit on the market.  Our base model units give your department the safest, most upgradeable, flexible, and versatile armored vehicle platform specifically designed for law enforcement available today.   

Some of the specific, state-of-the-art features of the BATT S AP include:

·         Designed to hold 12-14 officers

·         Advanced engineered curved 1-piece wall design

·         Armor behind front fenders, behind head lights, & under hood

·         Custom designed flip-up rescue seat to allow side entry/exit

·         Adjustable (3-height) custom flush-in-floor sniper step

·         Passenger cabin door custom designed to allow entry/exit

·         Flip-out running boards to provide a safer platform for officers riding on the rails

·         Rotating turret with multiple locking positions and optic ready port

·         Large rear HVAC system

·         Roof and side wall insulation

·         4 x 4

·         V Mux control panel system

·         Extended rear officers area to hold more officers

·         Under seat storage

·         Re-engineered to accept the NIJ IV and .50 caliber ballistic ammo protection packages

·         The only size unit available in its’ price range

“Because of its’ protection level, deployment and operational capabilities, size and cost, the BATT S AP has quickly become a crucial tool and economical solution for many law enforcement agencies across the country,” said Robert Pazderka, president and founder of The Armored Group.  “We were aware of the financial limitations that many agencies have these days and it appears the BATT S AP provides a great solution.  In order to offer them additional financial assistance we provide free grant writing for our units that are eligible for grants through the GSA 1122 program.”

For agencies that require larger vehicles, The Armored Group offers the BATT XL, which has the ability to carry over 15 fully-geared officers.  Also available is the BATT S NIJ III Edition which was designed for departments requiring rifle round armor at an affordable starting price.  Our BATT S NIJ III Editions start at pricing for less than the cost of up fitting older Peacekeepers and brings with it new armor, a new chassis, updated tactical abilities, and full factory warranties. 

TAG also has a complete non-armored specialty division that builds units for warrants/raids (I.e. our NTOA Tested and Recommended RDV), Hostage Negotiators, EOD, Command Centers, Crime Scene, Equipment trucks, etc.   

About The Armored Group

The Armored Group (TAG) has over 20 years of experience engineering, manufacturing and modifying armored vehicles for use by government military agencies, law enforcement, private businesses and individual citizens around the world.  TAG will engineer, design, build or modify tactical armored vehicles for any terrain and any environment.  They specialize in three categories of armored vehicles:  armored personnel carriers, personal protection vehicles and cash-in-transit vehicles. 

TAG provides the highest quality armored vehicles available and sets the standard for customization, reliability and protection.  To ensure that all TAG vehicles meet the highest standards of safety, they undergo extreme ballistics testing and have received VPAM-BVR 2009/VR7 Ballistic/ERV 2010 Blast Certification for their Toyota Land Cruiser and Toyota Hilux armoring solutions. 

All facilities are ISO 9001 certified and managed by fully qualified and experienced professionals who serve customers around the world.

TAG is a full-line commercial armored vehicles builder and has provided customized engineering, design and building solutions to a vast array of clients including law enforcement agencies all over the world, Brinks, Loomis, Dunbar Armored, KBR, Lockheed Martin, DynCorp, U.S. Army and Air Force, U.S. and foreign governments and agencies such as the DOD, DOS  and the United Nations.

For more information, please visit these company websites: http://www.armoredcars.com/ and http://www.4swat.com or call: 1 888-997-5607 or 602 840 2271.

Mary R. Garrett

President

MG Public Relations

Phone:  602-432-2010

Web site: www.mgpublicrelations.com

*Link for This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources The Armored Group - TAG
*Speaking Image - Creation of DTN News ~ Defense Technology News 
*Photograph: IPF (International Pool of Friends) + DTN News / otherwise source stated
*This article is being posted from Toronto, Canada By DTN News ~ Defense-Technology News Contact:dtnnews@ymail.com 
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DTN News - AFGHAN WAR: 3 Dead After Taliban Assault on Afghanistan's Presidential Palace

DTN News - AFGHAN WAR: 3 Dead After Taliban Assault on Afghanistan's Presidential Palace

Source: DTN News - - This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources CTV News
(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - June 26, 2013:  Afghan officials say a brazen Taliban assault on the presidential palace in Kabul has left three guards dead.

The militant group had earlier said that all eight attackers died in the early Tuesday attack on one of the most secure parts of the Afghan capital.

Militants with false papers and military-style uniforms bluffed their way through two checkpoints on their way to the palace before jumping out of their explosives-packed vehicle and opening fire on security personnel. 

Another carload of Taliban fighters got stuck between two checkpoints and detonated their own car bomb.

The Interior Ministry said a fourth guard was wounded.


*Link for This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources CTV News
*Speaking Image - Creation of DTN News ~ Defense Technology News 
*Photograph: IPF (International Pool of Friends) + DTN News / otherwise source stated
*This article is being posted from Toronto, Canada By DTN News ~ Defense-Technology News Contact:dtnnews@ymail.com 
©COPYRIGHT (C) DTN NEWS DEFENSE-TECHNOLOGY NEWS

DTN News: U.S. Department of Defense Contracts Dated June 24, 2013

DTN News: U.S. Department of Defense Contracts Dated June 24, 2013
Source: U.S. DoD issued No.  457-13 June 24, 2013
(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - June 24, 2013: U.S. Department of Defense, Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense (Public Affairs) Contracts issued  June 24, 2013  are undermentioned;

 CONTRACTS

NAVY

            Hewlett Packard Enterprise Services, Herndon, Va., was awarded a $679,792,250 modification to a previously awarded continuity of services contract (CoSC) (N00039-10-D-0010) for the Navy Marine Corps Intranet (NMCI).  The modification includes increasing the contract ceiling by $679,792,250, from $4,924,000,000 to $5,603,792,250, and adding one option that will extend the period of performance two months, from April 2014 to June 2014.  This option will only be exercised if the Government has not fully transitioned the services.  The NMCI services are currently provided under the CoSC, which was awarded to HPES in order to continue providing NMCI information technology (IT) services following the expiration of the original NMCI contract.  The CoSC network operation services currently expire in April 2014; the hardware purchase expires July 2015; and the asset usage services expire in December 2014.  The CoSC ensures that the scope of NMCI IT services and performance levels delivered are sustained until the Next Generation Enterprise Network is satisfactorily providing the replacement services.  Work is performed at approximately 2,500 Navy and Marine Corps locations worldwide, from major bases to single-user sites.  No funds will be placed on contract or obligated at the time of modification.  This is a sole-source contract with HPES being the owner/operator of the NMCI network and the only source that can satisfy the Navy’s requirement for continuity of IT service.  The Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command, San Diego, Calif., is the contracting activity. 

            General Dynamics National Steel and Shipbuilding Co., San Diego, Calif., was awarded an $11,200,000 modification on a not-to-exceed basis to previously awarded contract (N00024-09-C-2229) to accomplish the detail design of Afloat Forward Staging Base (AFSB) modifications for the Mobile Landing Platform (MLP) program to support the construction of MLP 3 and MLP 4 which will be AFSB variants.  Work will be performed in San Diego, Calif., and is expected to be completed by November 2013.  Fiscal 2012 National Defense Sealift funds in the amount of $5,600,000 will be obligated at the time of award.  Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.  The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington D.C., is the contracting activity. 

            Rolls-Royce Corp., Indianapolis, Ind., was awarded a $7,069,292 modification to a previously awarded firm-fixed-price contract (N00019-10-C-0020) for additional engineering services for up to 9,253 flight hours for the MV-22 fleet aircraft in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and the east and west coast Marine Expeditionary Units deployments.  Work will be performed in Oakland, Calif. (70 percent), and Indianapolis, Ind. (30 percent), and is expected to be completed in November 2013.  Fiscal 2013 Operations and Maintenance, Navyand fiscal 2013 Operations and Maintenance, NavyOverseas Contingency Operationsfunds in the amount of $7,069,292 will be obligated at the time of award, all of which will expire at the end of the current fiscal year.  The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity. 

DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY

            Brad Hall & Associates,* Idaho Falls, Idaho,has been awarded a maximum $140,879,899 fixed-price with economic-price-adjustment contract.  This contract is for fuel.  Locations of performance are Idaho, Virginia, West Virginia, District of Columbia, and Maryland with a July 31, 2017 performance completion date.  Using military services are Army, Navy, Air Force, and federal civilian agencies.  Type of appropriation is fiscal 2013 through fiscal 2017 Defense Working Capital funds.  The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Energy, Fort Belvoir, Va., (SP0600-13-D-4009). 

            Papco, Inc.,* Virginia Beach, Va., has been awarded a maximum $125,759,158 fixed-price with economic-price-adjustment contract. The contract is for fuel. Locations of performance are Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, Indiana, Ohio, and West Virginia with a July 31, 2017 performance completion date. Using military services are Army, Navy, Department of Defense, and federal civilian agencies. Type of appropriation is fiscal year 2013 through fiscal year 2017 Defense Working Capital funds. The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Energy, Fort Belvoir, Va., (SP0600-13-D-4028).  

            Ahntech, Inc.,* San Diego, Calif., has been awarded a maximum $108,265,092 fixed-price with economic-price-adjustment contract. The contract is for fuel. Locations of performance are District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia with a July 31, 2017 performance completion date. Using military services are Army, Navy, and federal civilian agencies. Type of appropriation is fiscal year 2013 through fiscal year 2017 Defense Working Capital funds. The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Energy, Fort Belvoir, Va., (SP0600-13-D-4007). 

            Petroleum traders Corp.,* Fort Wayne, Ind., has been awarded a maximum $79,115,989 fixed-price with economic-price-adjustment contract.  This contract is for fuel.  Locations of performance are Indiana, Ohio, Tennessee, Kentucky, Delaware, Virginia, West Virginia, District of Columbia, and Maryland with a July 31, 2017 performance completion date.  Using military services are Army, Navy, Air Force, and federal civilian agencies.  Type of appropriation is fiscal 2013 through fiscal 2017 Defense Working Capital funds.  The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Energy, Fort Belvoir, Va., (SP0600-13-D-4029). 

            Carter Enterprises LLC**, Brooklyn, N.Y., has been awarded a maximum $70,526,715 modification (P00014) exercising the first option year period for improved outer tactical vests and cable assemblies.  The contract (SPM1C1-11-D-1059) is a firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract.  Location of performance is New York with a June 27, 2014 performance completion date.  Using military services are Army and Air Force.  Type of appropriation is fiscal 2013 through fiscal 2014 Defense Working Capital funds.  The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support, Philadelphia, Pa.  

            Carroll Independent Fuel,* Baltimore, Md., has been awarded a maximum $62,579,491 fixed-price with economic-price-adjustment contract. The contract is for fuel. Locations of performance are District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia with a July 31, 2017 performance completion date. Using military services are Army, Navy, Air Force, and federal civilian agencies. Type of appropriation is fiscal year 2013 through fiscal year 2017 Defense Working Capital funds. The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Energy, Fort Belvoir, Va., (SP0600-13-D-4012). 

            Mansfield Oil Company of Gainesville, Inc.,* Gainesville, Ga., has been awarded a maximum $49,168,580 fixed-price with economic-price-adjustment contract. The contract is for fuel. Locations of performance are Delaware, District of Columbia, Indiana, Kentucky, Maryland, Ohio, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia with a July 31, 2017 performance completion date. Using military services are Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and federal civilian agencies. Type of appropriation is fiscal year 2013 through fiscal year 2017 Defense Working Capital funds. The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Energy, Fort Belvoir, Va., (SP0600-13-D-4026).  

            MedImmune Biologics, Inc., Gaithersburg, Md., has been awarded a maximum $23,274,000 firm-fixed-price, sole-source contract.  This contract is for influenza vaccine, nasal spray.  Locations of performance are Maryland and Pennsylvania with a June 25, 2014 performance completion date.  Using military services are Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps.  Type of appropriation is fiscal 2013 through fiscal 2017 Defense Working Capital funds.  The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support, Philadelphia, Pa., (SPM2DP-13-D-0006). 

            Mid-Atlantic Cooperative Solutions DBA Aero Energy,* New Oxford, Pa., has been awarded a maximum $17,341,274 fixed-price with economic-price-adjustment contract. The contract is for fuel. Locations of performance are District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia with a July 31, 2017 performance completion date. Using military service is Army. Type of appropriation is fiscal year 2013 through fiscal year 2017 Defense Working Capital funds. The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Energy, Fort Belvoir, Va., (SP0600-13-D-4004). 

            Woolrich, Inc.,* Woolrich, Pa., has been awarded a maximum $15,869,760 modification (P00010) exercising the first option year period for Marine Corps combat utility uniform trousers.  The contract (SPM1C1-12-D-1039) is a firm-fixed-price, indefinite-quantity contract.  Locations of performance are Pennsylvania, Mississippi, Texas, Alabama, and North Carolina with a June 27, 2014 performance completion date.  Using military service is Marine Corps.  Type of appropriation is fiscal 2013 through fiscal 2014 Defense Working Capital funds.  The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support, Philadelphia, Pa. 

            American Apparel, Inc., Selma, Ala., has been awarded a maximum $14,975,289 modification (P00012) exercising the first option year period for Marine Corps combat utility uniform blouse.  The contract (SPM1C1-12-D-1038) is a firm-fixed-price/indefinite-quantity contract.  Locations of performance are Alabama and Mississippi with a June 27, 2014 performance completion date.  Using military service is Marine Corps.  Type of appropriation is fiscal 2013 through fiscal 2014 Defense Working Capital funds.  The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support, Philadelphia, Pa.

            Great Lakes Petroleum Co.,* Cleveland, Ohio, has been awarded a maximum $14,733,692 fixed-price with economic-price-adjustment contract. The contract is for fuel. Locations of performance are Ohio and Virginia with a July 31, 2017 performance completion date. Using military services are Army, Navy, Department of Defense, and federal civilian agencies. Type of appropriation is fiscal year 2013 through fiscal year 2017 Defense Working Capital funds. The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Energy, Fort Belvoir, Va., (SP0600-13-D-4018). 

            JD Logic, LLC,* Aurora, Colo., has been awarded a maximum $13,760,745 fixed-price with economic-price-adjustment contract. The contract is for fuel. Locations of performance are District of Columbia, Kentucky, Maryland, Tennessee, and Virginia with a July 31, 2017 performance completion date. Using military services are Army, Navy, Air Force, and federal civilian agencies. Type of appropriation is fiscal year 2013 through fiscal year 2017 Defense Working Capital funds. The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Energy, Fort Belvoir, Va., (SP0600-13-D-4022). 

             Macquarie Aviation North America 2 Inc.,* Louisville, Ky., has been awarded a maximum $12,211,005 fixed-price with economic-price-adjustment contract.  This contract is for fuel.  Location of performance is Kentucky with a July 31, 2017 performance completion date.  Using military service is Air Force.  Type of appropriation is fiscal 2013 through fiscal 2017 Defense Working Capital funds.  The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Energy, Fort Belvoir, Va.; (SP0600-13-D-4024).

             Dime Oil Co.,* Waterbury, Conn., has been awarded a maximum $9,797,163 fixed price with economic-price-adjustment contract.  This contract is for fuel.  Locations of performance are Connecticut and Virginia with a July 31, 2017 performance completion date.  Using military services are Army, Navy, Marine Corps, and federal civilian agencies.  Type of appropriation is fiscal 2013 through fiscal 2017 Defense Working Capital funds.  The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Energy, Fort Belvoir, Va., (SP0600-13-D-4013).

             Crown Clothing Co.,* Vineland, N.J., has been awarded a maximum $7,603,156 firm-fixed-price contract.  This contract is for men’s poly/wool coats.  Location of performance is New Jersey with a June 24, 2014 performance completion date.  Using military service is Marine Corps.  Type of appropriation is fiscal 2013 Defense Working Capital funds.  The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support, Philadelphia, Pa., (SPM1C1-13-D-1059).

             Don Small & Son’s Oil Distributor Inc.,* Auburn, Wash., has been awarded a minimum $7,483,747 fixed-price with economic-price-adjustment contract.  This contract is for fuel.  Location of performance is Washington with a July 31, 2016 performance completion date.  Using military services are Army and federal civilian agencies.  Type of appropriation is fiscal 2016 Stock funds.  The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Energy, Fort Belvoir, Va., (SP0600-13-D-4517).

             Spence/Banks, Inc.,* Terre Haute, Ind., has been awarded a maximum $6,876,323 fixed-price with economic-price-adjustment contract.  This contract is for fuel.  Location of performance is Indiana with a July 31, 2017 performance completion date.  Using military services are Air Force and federal civilian agencies.  Type of appropriation is fiscal 2013 through fiscal 2017 Defense Working Capital funds.  The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Energy, Fort Belvoir, Va., (SP0600-13-D-4035).

ARMY

            McMillen LLC, Boise, Idaho, was awarded a firm-fixed-price, option-included contract with a value of $10,088,000 for the maintenance and development of ponds in Napa, Calif., with the goal of creating habitat for marsh species.  Fiscal 2013 Procurement funds are being obligated on this award.  The bid was solicited through the Internet, with four bids received.  The Army Corps of Engineers, San Francisco, Calif., is the contracting activity (W912P7-13-C-0007). 

            MTNT Energy Inc., Anchorage, Alaska, was awarded a firm-fixed-price contract with a maximum value of $9,500,000 for the installation, maintenance and renovation of new and existing electrical and communication equipment in support of deployed U.S. forces throughout Afghanistan.  Type of appropriation will be determined with each order.  One bid was solicited, with one bid received.  The Army Corps of Engineers, Philadelphia, Penn., is the contracting activity (W912BU-13-D-0014). 

AIR FORCE

            Raytheon Technical Services Company, LLC, Indianapolis, Ind., has been awarded a $10,031,657 fixed-price-incentive-firm contract for the Joint Miniature Munitions Bomb Rack Unit (JMM BRU).  The Contractor shall conduct a Technology Development Phase to initiate JMM BRU design activities, mature JMM BRU technologies, initiate production process development to determine the appropriate set of technologies to be integrated into a full system, and conduct prototyping in a relevant environment.  Work will be performed at Indianapolis, Ind., and is expected to be complete by July 2015.  This award is the result of a full and open competitive acquisition solicited on Federal Business Opportunities in which three offers were received.  Fiscal 2013 Research Development Test and Evaluation funds are being obligated on this award.  Air Force Life Cycle Management Center/EBMK, Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., is the contracting activity. (FA8672-13-C-0199). 

            Northrup Grumman Space and Mission Systems Corp., San Diego, Calif., has been awarded a $6,726,279 modification (P00075) for operational improvements on firm-fixed-price contract (FA8726-09-C-0010) to install LOW VHF antennas and Black Wideband Relay on two E-11As and two EQ-4Bs.   Work will be performed at San Diego, Calif. and OCONUS, and is expected to be completed by June 23, 2014. Fiscal 2011 missile procurement funds in the amount of $6,726,279 are being obligated on this contract.  Air Force Life Cycle Management Center/HNAK, Hanscom Air Force Base, Mass., is the contracting activity.

 *Small Business

**Small In HubZone Business

*Link for This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources U.S. DoD issued No.  457-13 June 24, 2013
*Speaking Image - Creation of DTN News ~ Defense Technology News 
*This article is being posted from Toronto, Canada By DTN News ~ Defense-Technology News Contact:dtnnews@ymail.com 
©COPYRIGHT (C) DTN NEWS DEFENSE-TECHNOLOGY NEWS

DTN News - DEFENSE NEWS: U.S. And Israel Are Nervous About Chinese Entry Into The UAV Market

DTN News - DEFENSE NEWS:  U.S. And Israel Are Nervous About Chinese Entry Into The UAV Market

Source: DTN News - - This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources Strategy Page
(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - June 24, 2013:  Despite all the publicity American UAVs receive, the major exporter of UAVs in the last decade has been Israel. Between 2002 and 2012 Israel exported $4.7 billion worth of UAVs, about twice as much as the U.S. exported. Part of this was due to the U.S. military demand for UAVs in Iraq and Afghanistan, which was largely met by American suppliers. But there were also U.S. government restrictions on American UAV exports. These still exist, for political (no weapons and a long list of countries that cannot buy) and security (many countries cannot be trusted to keep American secrets secret). These restrictions are becoming a major issue for U.S. UAV manufacturers because Israel already has a head start as an exporter and China (using copies of many Israeli and U.S. UAVs) is coming up fast. The UAV market is expected to double (to over $11 billion a year) in the next decade and American firms have to export to survive, because the American military has cut purchases way back and will not be buying much for the next five years (or more).

It’s understandable that the Israelis are leading exporters, as they developed a lot of the basic technology that made possible best-selling American models (like Predator and Raven). Israel kept developing UAV tech after successful American designs appeared. As a result of this trend, in the last decade nations have found that if they wanted American style UAVs but often could no buy American for whatever reason. But the Israelis probably had what you needed, and often at a better price.

Take, for example, the well-known American MQ-1 Predator. This is a one ton aircraft that is 8.7 meters (27 feet) long with a wingspan of 15.8 meters (49 feet). It has two hard points, which usually carry one (47 kg/107 pound) Hellfire each. Max speed of the Predator is 215 kilometers an hour while max cruising speed is 160 kilometers an hour. Max altitude is 8,000 meters (25,000 feet). Typical sorties are 12-20 hours each. The Predator evolved from concepts and UAV designs developed in Israel and Israel has long offered cheaper (and often similar looking) models that did what Predator did.

Before the Predator there was the Gnat 750 and  I-Gnat ER/ Sky Warrior Alpha. These looked like Predator and in terms of design and capabilities they were cousins, not siblings. The Gnat is a 1980s design that was used in Iraq, along with and the I-Gnat ER, which was similar in size and capabilities to Predator. All of these UAVs evolved from earlier Israeli designs and UAV concepts.

Another UAV with Israeli DNA was the Shadow 200. This was a 159 kg (350 pound) UAV that carries day and night cameras and laser designators but usually no weapons. Shadow is being replaced by the much larger MQ-1C. This “improved Predator” weighs 1.5 tons, carries 135.4 kg (300 pounds) of sensors internally, and up to 227.3 kg (500 pounds) of sensors or weapons externally. It has an endurance of up to 36 hours and a top speed of 270 kilometers an hour. MQ-1C has a wingspan of 18 meters (56 feet) and is 9 meters (28 feet) long. The MQ-1C can carry four Hellfire missiles (compared to two on the Predator), or a dozen smaller 70mm guided missiles. Each MQ-1C costs about $10 million. The army uses warrant officers as operators. The MQ-1C has automated takeoff and landing software and is equipped with a full array of electronics (target designators and digital communications so troops on the ground can see what the UAV sees).

As its model number (MQ-1C) indicates, this UAV is a Predator (MQ-1) replacement. The U.S. Air Force had planned to replace its MQ-1s with MQ-1Cs but later decided to buy only larger Reapers. The MQ-1C was developed for the army. The last member of the Predator family is the MQ-9 Reaper. This is a 4.7 ton, 11 meter (36 foot) long aircraft with a 20 meter (66 foot) wingspan that looks like the MQ-1. It has six hard points and can carry about a ton (2,400 pounds) of weapons. These include Hellfire missiles (up to eight), two Sidewinder or two AMRAAM air-to-air missiles, two Maverick missiles, or two 227 kg (500) pound smart bombs (laser or GPS guided). Max speed is 400 kilometers an hour, and max endurance is 15 hours. The Reaper is considered a combat aircraft, to replace F-16s or A-10s in ground support missions.

The most numerous U.S. Army UAVs are the micro-UAVs (Ravens and Pumas). There are over 6,000 of these tiny (under six kg/13.2 pound) reconnaissance aircraft in army service. They are the most heavily used UAVs. The RQ-11 Raven is a two kilogram (4.4 pound) aircraft popular with combat and non-combat troops alike. The current RQ-11B can stay in the air for 80 minutes at a time. The Raven is battery powered (and largely silent unless flown close to the ground). It carries a color day vidcam or a two color infrared night camera. The larger (5.9 kg) Puma AE UAV can stay in the air twice as long as Raven is more resistant to bad weather and carries better sensors.

Israel has UAVs similar in capabilities to all those mentioned above, and in many cases the Israeli versions got into service first. But that won’t do much good with the Chinese closing in. Both the U.S. and Israel are nervous about Chinese entry into the UAV market. The Chinese stuff is often copied or stolen tech and usually not as effective orreliable. But the Chinese stuff is cheaper and they will sell anything to anyone who can pay.  The Chinese pay more attention to Israeli UAVs and sales methods than those of the United States. Israel exports 80 percent of its UAVs and has customers in fifty countries. Unlike the United States, Israeli UAVs can operate within Israel and are heavily used by the Israeli military. This gives Israeli UAVs that “combat proven” seal of approval.

*Link for This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources Strategy Page
*Speaking Image - Creation of DTN News ~ Defense Technology News 
*Photograph: IPF (International Pool of Friends) + DTN News / otherwise source stated
*This article is being posted from Toronto, Canada By DTN News ~ Defense-Technology News Contact:dtnnews@ymail.com 
©COPYRIGHT (C) DTN NEWS DEFENSE-TECHNOLOGY NEWS

DTN News: U.S. Department of Defense Contracts Dated June 11, 2013

DTN News: U.S. Department of Defense Contracts Dated June 11, 2013
Source: U.S. DoD issued No.  428-13 June 11, 2013
(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - June 11, 2013: U.S. Department of Defense, Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense (Public Affairs) Contracts issued  June 10, 2013  are undermentioned;

CONTRACTS

 DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY

             Landoll Corp., Marysville, Kan., has been awarded a maximum $633,000,000 fixed-price with economic-price-adjustment contract for procurement of commercial type material handling equipment.  Location of performance is Kansas with a June 10, 2018 performance completion date.  Using military services are Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and federal civilian agencies.  Type of appropriation is fiscal 2013 through fiscal 2018 Defense Working Capital funds.  The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support, Philadelphia, Pa., (SPE8EC-13-D-0019). 

            Artcraft Optical Company Inc.*, Rochester, N.Y., has been awarded a maximum $11,069,988 modification (P00006) exercising the fourth option year of a one-year base with four one-year option periods contract (SPM2DE-09-D-7539) for the optical electronic catalog program for aircrew spectacle frames.  The contract is a firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract.  Location of performance is New York with a June 30, 2014 performance completion date.  Using military services are Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and federal civilian agencies.  Type of appropriation is fiscal 2012 Defense Working Capital funds.  The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support, Philadelphia, Pa. 

            Meadow Gold Dairy, Honolulu, Hawaii, has been awarded a maximum $7,950,000 fixed-price with economic-price-adjustment, indefinite-quantity contract.  This contract is for market ready milk and dairy products.  Locations of performance are Hawaii and various locations throughout the continental United States with a June 11, 2016 performance completion date.  Using military services are Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps.  Type of appropriation is fiscal 2012 through fiscal 2013 Defense Working Capital funds.  The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support, Philadelphia, Pa., (SPE300-13-D-V108).  

NAVY

             Lockheed Martin Mission Systems and Training, Moorestown, N.J., is being awarded a $19,263,000 cost-plus-fixed-fee, cost-plus-award-fee modification to previously awarded contract (N00024-09-C-5103) to exercise options for fiscal 2013 Aegis Platform Systems Engineering Agent activities and Aegis Modernization Advanced Capability Build engineering.  The Platform Systems Engineering Agent manages the in-service combat systems configurations, as well as the integration of new or upgraded capability into CG 47 and DDG 51 class ships.  Work will be performed in Moorestown, N.J., and is expected to be completed by September 2013.  Fiscal 2013 Research, Development, Test & Evaluation, fiscal 2012 Shipbuilding and Conversion, Navy, and fiscal 2013 Operations & Maintenance, Navy funding in the amount of $19,263,000 will be obligated at the time of contract award.  Contract funds in the amount of $63,000 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year.  The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity. 

U.S. SPECIAL OPERATIONS COMMAND

            Trivec-Avant Corp., Huntington Beach, Calif. (H92222-13-D-0010), and Antenna Research Associates Inc., Beltsville, Md. (H92222-13-D-001), were awarded a maximum $10,000,000, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for nine types of UHF SATCOM antennas to be used in various configurations by special operations forces.  Both contracts have a period of performance not to exceed five years.  Type of appropriation is fiscal 2013 Operations and Maintenance funds.  This award was the result of a competitive acquisition with seven bids received.  The U.S. Special Operations Command, MacDill Air Force Base, Fla., is the contracting activity. 

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*Link for This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources U.S. DoD issued No.  428-13 June 11, 2013
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