tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5579907756656776056.post8806280367182681884..comments2024-03-28T07:56:09.239-07:00Comments on Navy Matters: Industry In ChargeComNavOpshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09669644332369727431noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5579907756656776056.post-24211255348185258962013-12-02T11:15:57.632-08:002013-12-02T11:15:57.632-08:00/Dumb Question/
Back in 'the day' was BuSh.../Dumb Question/<br />Back in 'the day' was BuShips actually doing things like designing the Iowa guns and building them? <br /><br />I'd like to see something like that happen today, but to me that is a long term goal. In the meantime, I wonder if we could break up some of our defense contractors. <br /><br />I see real problems with the way we have just a couple Mega Contractors who have a ton of lobbying ability. The way the F-35 is spread out across the nation is very suspicious to me.<br /><br />In the short term, can we work on breaking up our defense contractors and using foreign purchases, if necessary, to help fill gaps we don't have, for smaller things like missiles? Is there enough money out there to support split up contractors? <br /><br />Handing all of the R&D to the megacorps is a problem. It leads to delays and cost overruns. Lets try to mix it up a bit. <br /><br />I still remember reading an article on how Rickover was just doom to contractors. He had a clear idea of the ships he wanted, but he also seemed to be very protective of the taxpayers. JFWhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16095723023404412328noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5579907756656776056.post-61556862927267484022013-11-24T04:47:10.034-08:002013-11-24T04:47:10.034-08:00Do you not think it is a play by the CNO to soften...Do you not think it is a play by the CNO to soften up Congress to authorise the production of a new ASuW, either the LRASM or the Tomahawk ESM.<br /><br />The Lockheed LRSAM based on the AirForce AGM-158B JASSM-ER is a vehicle for the BAE Systems (originally Sanders Associates New Hampshire) who have developed a multi-sensor guidance package which DARPA seem taken with and so came up with the funding. It has been undergoing captive-carry flight tests on a Sabreliner testbed since mid-2012. LRASM is designed to reduce dependence on ISR platforms, with a data link and if necessary no GPS navigation for targeting in the electronic-warfare environment expected in any future war with China. Autonomous guidance should allow the missile to use less precise cueing data to find its target, and innovative terminal survivability approaches and precision lethality to defeat countermeasures and destroy that target, <br /><br />The Tomahawk ESM is Raytheon's competitor and I would think favorite as it is already in service missile with the Navy. Surprisingly or unsurprisingly if you were more cynical Raytheon released a more detailed technical write which appeared last month, the BAE System for LRSAM it appears is still classified. A write up from http://mwrf.com/systems/tomahawk-missile-s-esm-seeker-uses-em-signature-track-targets<br />Recently, Raytheon completed field tests of an advanced ESM seeker to be installed as part of the improvement program. That seeker incorporates a next-generation processor and antenna, which are capable of locating and tracking both fixed and moving targets by following their electromagnetic (EM) signature. It also can track multiple targets at once, although the specific number is classified. A wideband conformal array consisting of 16 antennas is utilized— each providing broad frequency coverage and angular direction finding for the active-radar-homing (ARH) solution. The antenna also boasts conformal receive elements and high-precision angular DF accuracy.<br /><br />In addition, the upgrade includes a two-way satellite data-link, enabling a strike controller to redirect the missile in-flight to preprogrammed alternate targets or more critical targets. The seeker uses an ultra-high-frequency (UHF) satellite-communications (satcom) system, which is carried by the DoD UHF Follow On System. That sitcom system provides two-way data communications including in-flight health and status and mission or target re-assignments. The satcom system is set to be enhanced over the Tomahawk’s re-certification and re-manufacture program from 2017 to 2019.<br /><br />In the field tests, the seeker was validated in a realistic, high-density environment after seven months of testing in anechoic chambers. Using a high-power processor, the passive sensor successfully identified a target with accurate direction finding and location. A captive flight test of the technology is scheduled for December/January 2013. An added active RF channel is planned for 2014. The multimode technology is expected to enable the Navy’s Surface Action Group to fire Tomahawks from sanctuary and defeat mobile threats at a long range.Nicknoreply@blogger.com