SPAWAR picks six small firms for C2 support

Forward Slope, San Diego, Calif.,
Moebius, San Diego, Calif.,
Harmonia Holdings Group*, Blacksburg, Va.; ISPA Technology*, Alexandria, Va.;
G2 Software Systems*, San Diego, Calif.,
Geocent*, Metairie, La.,

1. Forward Slope, San Diego, Calif., is being awarded a $28,651,472 indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity, cost-plus-fixed-fee, multiple award contract to support Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center Pacific command and control (C2) technologies, capabilities, and C2-related capabilities in the areas of innovative science and technology research, systems engineering, architecture, design, development, integration, test, experimentation, implementation and support of C2 net-centric operations (tactical, operational, strategic and national interest).  Support includes information processing relating to Joint, Navy, Marine Corps, Army, and Air Force operations and their interfacing with civil and non-government components and capabilities.  This is one of six contracts awarded: each awardee will compete for task orders during the ordering period.  This three-year contract includes one two-year option period, which, if exercised, would bring the potential value of this contract to $47,851,366.  Work will be performed in San Diego, Calif., and work is expected to be completed Dec. 29, 2016.  Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.  Funding anticipated to be obligated in fiscal 2014 include operations and maintenance, Navy, operations and maintenance, Army, other procurement, Navy, research and development, Air Force and Coast Guard multi-year appropriation acquisition, contracts, and improvements funds as task orders are issued.  This contract was competitively procured via a 100 percent Small Business Set-Aside solicitation via publication on the Federal Business Opportunities website and the SPAWAR e-Commerce Central website, with 15 proposals were received and six were selected for award.  The Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center Pacific, San Diego, Calif., is the contracting activity (N66001-14-D-0095).
2. Moebius, San Diego, Calif., is being awarded a $24,594,747 indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity, cost-plus-fixed-fee, multiple award contract to support Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center Pacific command and control (C2) technologies, capabilities, and C2-related capabilities in the areas of innovative science and technology research, systems engineering, architecture, design, development, integration, test, experimentation, implementation and support of C2 net-centric operations (tactical, operational, strategic and national interest).  Support includes information processing relating to Joint, Navy, Marine Corps, Army, and Air Force operations and their interfacing with civil and non-government components and capabilities.  This is one of six contracts awarded: each awardee will compete for task orders during the ordering period. This three-year contract includes one two-year option period, which, if exercised, would bring the potential value of this contract to $40,331,599.  Work will be performed in San Diego, Calif., and work is expected to be completed Dec. 29, 2016.  Funding anticipated to be obligated in fiscal 2014 include operations and maintenance, Navy, operations and maintenance, Army, other procurement, Navy, research and development, Air Force and Coast Guard multi-year appropriation acquisition, contracts, and improvements funds as task orders are issued.  Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.  This contract was competitively procured via a 100 percent Small Business Set-Aside solicitation via publication on the Federal Business Opportunities website and the SPAWAR e-Commerce Central website, with 15 proposals received and six were selected for award.  The Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center Pacific, San Diego, Calif., is the contracting activity (N66001-14-D-0097)
3. Harmonia Holdings Group*, Blacksburg, Va., is being awarded a $26,674,385 indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity, cost-plus-fixed-fee, multiple award contract to support Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center Pacific command and control (C2) technologies, capabilities, and C2-related capabilities in the areas of innovative science and technology research, systems engineering, architecture, design, development, integration, test, experimentation, implementation and support of C2 net-centric operations (tactical, operational, strategic and national interest).  Support includes information processing relating to Joint, Navy, Marine Corps, Army, and Air Force operations and their interfacing with civil and non-government components and capabilities.  This is one of six contracts awarded:  each awardee will compete for task orders during the ordering period.  This three-year contract includes one two-year option period, which, if exercised, would bring the potential value of this contract to $44,913,925.  Work will be performed in Blacksburg, Va. (70 percent), and San Diego, Calif. (30 percent), and work is expected to be completed Dec. 29, 2016.  Funding anticipated to be obligated in fiscal 2014 include operations and maintenance, Navy, operations and maintenance, Army, other procurement, Navy, research and development, Air Force and Coast Guard multi-year appropriation acquisition, contracts, and improvements funds as task orders are issued.  Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.  This contract was competitively procured via a 100 percent Small Business Set-Aside solicitation via publication on the Federal Business Opportunities website and the SPAWAR e-Commerce Central website, with 15 proposals received and six were selected for award.  The Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center Pacific, San Diego, Calif., is the contracting activity (N66001-14-D-0099).
4. ISPA Technology*, Alexandria, Va., is being awarded a $24,017,291 indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity, cost-plus-fixed-fee, multiple award contract to support Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center Pacific command and control (C2) technologies, capabilities, and C2-related capabilities in the areas of innovative science and technology research, systems engineering, architecture, design, development, integration, test, experimentation, implementation and support of C2 net-centric operations (tactical, operational, strategic and national interest).  Support includes information processing relating to Joint, Navy, Marine Corps, Army, and Air Force operations and their interfacing with civil and non-government components and capabilities.  This is one of six contracts awarded:  each awardee will compete for task orders during the ordering period.  This three-year contract includes one two-year option period, which, if exercised, would bring the potential value of this contract to $39,912,645.  Work will be performed in Alexandria, Va. (70 percent), and San Diego, Calif. (30 percent), and work is expected to be completed Dec. 29, 2016.  Fiscal 2014 include operations and maintenance, Navy, operations and maintenance, Army, other procurement, Navy, research and development, Air Force and Coast Guard multi-year appropriation acquisition, contracts, and improvements funds as task orders are issued.  Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.  This contract was competitively procured via a 100 percent Small Business Set-Aside solicitation via publication on the Federal Business Opportunities website and the SPAWAR e-Commerce Central website, with 15 proposals received and six were selected for award.  The Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center Pacific, San Diego, Calif., is the contracting activity (N66001-14-D-0098).
5. G2 Software Systems*, San Diego, Calif., is being awarded a $23,420,492 indefinite-delivery, indefinite-quantity, cost-plus-fixed-fee, multiple award contract to support Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center Pacific command and control (C2) technologies, capabilities, and C2-related capabilities in the areas of innovative science and technology research, systems engineering, architecture, design, development, integration, test, experimentation, implementation and support of C2 net-centric operations (tactical, operational, strategic and national interest).  Support includes information processing relating to Joint, Navy, Marine Corps, Army, and Air Force operations and their interfacing with civil and non-government components and capabilities.  This is one of six contracts awarded:  each awardee will compete for task orders during the ordering period.  This three-year contract includes one two-year option period, which, if exercised, would bring the potential value of this contract to $38,650,655.  Work will be performed in San Diego, Calif., and work is expected to be completed Dec. 29, 2016.  Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.  Funding anticipated to be obligated in fiscal 2014 include operations and maintenance, Navy, operations and maintenance, Army, other procurement, Navy, research and development, Air Force and Coast Guard multi-year appropriation acquisition, contracts, and improvements funds as task orders are issued.  This contract was competitively procured via a 100 percent Small Business Set-Aside solicitation via publication on the Federal Business Opportunities website and the SPAWAR e-Commerce Central website, with 15 proposals received and six were selected for award.  The Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center Pacific, San Diego, Calif., is the contracting activity (N66001-14-D-0094).
6. Geocent*, Metairie, La., is being awarded a $22,109,107 indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity, cost-plus-fixed-fee, multiple award contract to support Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center Pacific command and control (C2) technologies, capabilities, and C2-related capabilities in the areas of innovative science and technology research, systems engineering, architecture, design, development, integration, test, experimentation, implementation and support of C2 net-centric operations (tactical, operational, strategic and national interest).  Support includes information processing relating to Joint, Navy, Marine Corps, Army, and Air Force operations and their interfacing with civil and non-government components and capabilities.  This is one of six contracts awarded:  each awardee will compete for task orders during the ordering period.  This three-year contract includes one two-year option period, which, if exercised, would bring the potential value of this contract to $36,444,193.  Work will be performed Metairie, La. (70 percent), and San Diego, Calif. (30 percent), and work is expected to be completed Dec. 29, 2016.  Funding anticipated to be obligated in fiscal 2014 include operations and maintenance, Navy, operations and maintenance, Army, other procurement, Navy, research and development, Air Force and Coast Guard multi-year appropriation acquisition, contracts, and improvements funds as task orders are issued.  Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.  This contract was competitively procured via a 100 percent Small Business Set-Aside solicitation via publication on the Federal Business Opportunities website and the SPAWAR e-Commerce Central website, with 15 proposals received and six were selected for award.  The Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center Pacific, San Diego, Calif., is the contracting activity (N66001-14-D-0096).

FAA announces six civilian drone test sites

FAA UAS test site selection a first step toward tremendous growth, more than $82B in first decade, AUVSI says - Avionics Intelligence 

 

And the UAS goes to: Fact Sheet – FAA UAS Test Site Program 

Alaska, Nevada, New York, North Dakota, Texas, Virginia

On December 30, 2013, the FAA announced the following six applicants had been selected to operate the UAS test sites:

• University of Alaska.  The University of Alaska proposal contained a diverse set of test site range locations in seven climatic zones as well as geographic diversity with test site range locations in Hawaii and Oregon. The research plan includes the development of a set of standards for unmanned aircraft categories, state monitoring and navigation.  Alaska also plans to work on safety standards for UAS operations.
  Testing Center Home | University of Alaska Southeast
• State of Nevada. Nevada’s project objectives concentrate on UAS standards and operations as well as operator standards and certification requirements. The applicant’s research will also include a concentrated look at how air traffic control procedures will evolve with the introduction of UAS into the civil environment and how these aircraft will be integrated with NextGen.  Nevada’s selection contributes to geographic and climatic diversity.
  BREAKING: Nevada Selected as UAV Development Center - My News 4 - KRNV, Reno, NV
• New York’s Griffiss International Airport.  Griffiss International plans to work on developing test and evaluation as well as verification and validation processes under FAA safety oversight. The applicant also plans to focus its research on sense and avoid capabilities for UAS and its sites will aid in researching the complexities of integrating UAS into the congested, northeast airspace.
  FAA selects Central New York as national test site for drone research | syracuse.com
• North Dakota Department of Commerce.  North Dakota plans to develop UAS airworthiness essential data and validate high reliability link technology. This applicant will also conduct human factors research. North Dakota’s application was the only one to offer a test range in the Temperate (continental) climate zone and included a variety of different airspace which will benefit multiple users.
  FAA Chooses North Dakota To Test Unmanned Aircraft Systems -- GRAND FORKS, N.D., Dec. 30, 2013 /PRNewswire/ --
• Texas A&M University – Corpus Christi.  Texas A&M plans to develop system safety requirements for UAS vehicles and operations with a goal of protocols and procedures for airworthiness testing. The selection of Texas A&M contributes to geographic and climactic diversity.
  Texas A&M University – Corpus Christi selected by FAA to develop unmanned aircraft systems | North Dallas Gazette
• Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech).  Virginia Tech plans to conduct UAS failure mode testing and identify and evaluate operational and technical risks areas. This proposal includes test site range locations in both Virginia and New Jersey.
  VaCAS | Virginia Center for Autonomous Systems

Avionics Magazine :: First UAV Test Site to Open June 28, 2014
 From the congested air traffic of the northeast, to the extreme climates of Hawaii and Alaska, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) sought to represent U.S. airspace diversity in its six choices for all Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) testing to begin June 28, 2014.

BBC News - US announces six drone test sites

The US aviation regulator has announced the six states that will host sites for testing commercial use of drones.The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) picked Alaska, Nevada, New York, North Dakota, Texas and Virginia.The sites are part of a programme to develop safety and operational rules for drones by the end of 2015.Hitherto mainly used by the military, the potential of drones is now being explored by everyone from real estate agents to farmers or delivery services.The head of the FAA, Michael Huerta, said safety would be the priority as it considers approval for unleashing the unmanned aircraft into US skies.

And the losers are:

18 others, including California, Ohio, Colorado

Six states chosen as drone testing sites; California among losers - latimes.com
WASHINGTON -- After a fierce nationwide competition that offers potentially big economic benefits for the winners, six sites were selected Monday for testing of how drones can be more widely used in U.S. airspace. ... California, vying to become the Silicon Valley of robotic aircraft, was among the losers in the 24-state competition.

http://www.latimes.com/nation/nationnow/la-na-nn-us-drone-testing-sites-20131230,0,5172767.story#ixzz2ozshunYc

FAA does not pick Dayton or Springfield as drone test site | www.daytondailynews.com
WASHINGTON D.C. — The Federal Aviation Administration announced today six public entities that will develop unmanned aircraft systems, and the Dayton-Springfield area was not on the list.
The rejection delivered a major blow to Ohio officials who had argued that the combined Ohio-Indiana application and the presence of Wright-Patterson Air Force Base would have made an ideal location.


FAA nixes Colorado as drone test site | Today's News | Boulder County Business Report
 Gov. John Hickenlooper and Sen. Mark Udall, D-Colo., backed the idea of a drone test site in Colorado. In May, Udall said Colorado's strong aerospace industry could support such a test site.

Civilian uses for drones include agriculture, forest-fire support, disaster assessment, search and rescue missions, oil and gas exploration and research projects, according to a letter sent from Colorado leaders to the FAA in the test-site request.

A team of Colorado leaders working on the project included 10 economic development agencies, seven universities, five industry associations, two state agencies and dozens of private companies.

The Navy’s First Radar Turns 75! | XAF Flying Bedspring

The Navy’s First Radar Turns 75! | Armed with Science

XAF Antenna on USS New York in Dec 1938

XAF Antenna Today @ NRL

 December 2013 marks the 75th anniversary of one of the Naval Research Laboratory‘s most important contributions to technology development and national defense: the Fleet’s first shipboard radar.

Weapons & Sensors -- Radar -- U.S. Navy XAF Radar
 The "XAF", an experimental radar that resulted from several years' technical progress by the Naval Research Laboratory (NRL), was constructed in 1938, following a late February decision to install a radar set on a major warship. Operating at 200 megacycles (1.5 meter wavelength) at a power of 15 kilowatts, the XAF featured a "bedspring"-like antenna about 17 feet square. This was mounted in a rotating yoke that allowed it to scan around the horizon, and to elevate for what was hoped would be improved aircraft detection. This large antenna and yoke had to be strong enough for sea service, while remaining as light as possible to avoid excessive topside weight. Accordingly, the Brewster Aeronautical Corporation (then also building the Navy's first monoplane shipboard fighter, the F2A "Buffalo"), was given the job of fabricating a suitable duralumin structure. The XAF's transmitter, receiver and other equipment were made by NRL.

The unit was installed on BB34, the USS New York, a 27,000 ton battleship built in 1914, atop the pilot house. At the conclusion of these tests, New York's Commanding Officer recommended installation of radar in all aircraft carriers (whose vulnerability to surprise air attack was very well-understood), while the Commander of the Atlantic Squadron commented "The XAF equipment is one of the most important military developments since the advent of radio ...". Later in 1939, the XAF was reengineered and placed in production by the Radio Corporation of America. Designated CXAM, six of these production models were delivered in 1940 and installed on an aircraft carrier, a battleship and four cruisers.

The CXAM was operationally quite different from the British Chain Home. Instead of using separate, fixed, broad-beam transmitting and receiving arrays, it employed a common  antenna for transmitting and receiving. To produce as narrow as beam as possible, it operated at the then ultrahigh frequency of 195 Mc/see, and employed a “mattress” array of dipoles with reflectors, giving a gain of 40 and a beam 14° wide in azimuth by about 70° in elevation. The antenna could be rotated in azimuth at a speed of 5 rpm, or manually trained to follow a particular target. The peak pulse power was 15 kw, the pulsewidth 3 µsec, and the repetition rate 1640 pps. Range against bombers was about 70 miles, against fighters about 50 miles.

The display was an A-scope in which the trace was lengthened by causing the sweep to take place from left to right across the tube, then drop down and return from right to lem Range was estimated with the help of marks on the face of the tube; bearing was determined as the direction of antenna-pointing which yielded maximum signal. The height of targets could be estimated with the help of nulls in the vertical antenna pattern.

An improved version, CXAM-1, with a simplified antenna, was produced in greater numbers. By the time the United States entered World War II in December 1941, the use of radar in the U.S. Navy was rapidly expanding. Despite its early design and its lack of adequate coverage against low flying aircraft, this simple, rugged equipment proved highly satisfactory in service use. It was the direct forerunner of the later shipborne long range air-search radar equipments (SA, SC and its various redesigns, SK and its redesigns) used on large ships until the end of the war. 


The XAF radar's antenna survived World War II as a historic artifact. For several decades in the middle and later Twentieth Century it was exhibited in Willard Park, close to the Washington Navy Yard's waterfront. However, the outdoor environment contributed to serious deterioration in the antenna's condition, and it was placed in storage in the mid-1990s. In May 2008 it was loaned to the Historical Electronics Museum, located in Linthicum, Maryland, where it is to be restored and again placed on public exhibit.

New York went on to be of great service. With the coming of war to Europe, New York participated in Neutrality Patrol operations, and, as the U.S. drew closer to the conflict in 1941, helped in the occupation of Iceland and in escorting convoys. Her convoy activities continued after the United States became a combatant in December 1941. In November 1942, New York also took part the North African invasion, providing gunfire support for landings at Safi, Morocco. She spent 1943 and most of 1944 on escort and training duties, steaming to the Pacific war zone in early 1945. In February, New York's big guns were active bombarding Iwo Jima before and during the Marines' assault on that island. She was similarly employed off Okinawa from late March until June, and was lightly damaged by a suicide plane on 14 April 1945.

Following the Japanese capitulation in August 1945, New York moved back to the Atlantic and was at New York City for the Navy Day fleet review in late October. Her last active service was as a target during the atomic bomb tests at Bikini, Marshall Islands, in July 1946. Too radioactive and far too old for further use, she decommissioned a month later. In July 1948, USS New York was towed out to sea off Pearl Harbor and sunk as a target for Navy aircraft and ships.

Know your drones: Glossary of terms

Know your drones: Glossary of terms

Drone:
A term for an unmanned aerial or underwater vehicle. The word is closely associated with the large UAVs used by the military and intelligence agencies to drop bombs, launch missiles and conduct surveillance. For that reason, most domestic UAV boosters do not use the term to describe their aircraft.

not a very good definition. 

As I recall, military use of drone arose in terms of "target drone", which served no function other than to be shot at. This came from the dictionary drone original use for a male honey bee, which did no work.

maybe a better discussion at

What Is a Drone, Anyway? | Guest Blog, Scientific American Blog Network

CFLs contain cancer causing chemicals - Incandescents use more engergy in operation

Is the legal ban on incandescent bulbs in the US justified by rational evaluation of risks and benefits?

Energy saving light bulbs 'contain cancer causing chemicals' - Telegraph

Energy saving light bulbs 'contain cancer causing chemicals'

Fears have been reignited about the safety of energy saving light bulbs after a group of scientists warned that they contain cancer causing chemicals. 

Their report advises that the bulbs should not be left on for extended periods, particularly near someone’s head, as they emit poisonous materials when switched on.

Peter Braun, who carried out the tests at the Berlin's Alab Laboratory, said: “For such carcinogenic substances it is important they are kept as far away as possible from the human environment.”

The bulbs are already widely used in the UK following EU direction to phase out traditional incandescent lighting by the end of this year.

But the German scientists claimed that several carcinogenic chemicals and toxins were released when the environmentally-friendly compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) were switched on, including phenol, naphthalene and styrene.

Andreas Kirchner, of the Federation of German Engineers, said: “Electrical smog develops around these lamps.

Mercury in CFL: 5. Do environmental benefits of compact fluorescent lamps outweigh potential risks?

On the one hand, CFLs consume less electricity than conventional household lamps so they offer some clear benefits in that they lead to lower emissions of mercury, greenhouse gases and other pollutants from power plants. On the other hand, CFLs contain mercury which is a hazardous substance so there is a potential health risk in the mercury released from lamps that break accidentally in the consumer’s home or after they have been thrown with the general refuse. It is very difficult to weigh benefits against these potential risks and determine the relative importance of these different aspects: effects of greenhouse gases on global warming, mercury released to the environment and potential effects on human health. 

Russian OTH RADAR Can spy on United States from Eastern Europe (Ukraine)

▶ WORLDS MOST POWERFUL RADAR Can spy on United States from Eastern Europe (Ukraine) - YouTube

Previous Post



BREAKING NEWS The Russian Woodpecker was a notorious Soviet radio signal that could be sporadically heard on the shortwave radio bands worldwide between July 1976 and December 1989. It sounded like a sharp, repetitive tapping noise at 10 Hz,[1] giving rise to the "Woodpecker" name. The random frequency hops disrupted legitimate broadcast, amateur radio, commercial aviation communications, utility transmissions, and resulted in thousands of complaints by many countries worldwide. Because of its extremely high power output (over 10 MW in some cases), the signal became such a nuisance that some receivers such as amateur radios and televisions actually began including 'Woodpecker Blankers' in their design.

The mysterious and unclaimed signal was a source for much speculation, giving rise to theories such as Soviet mind control and weather control. However, after careful study, many experts and amateur radio hobbyists long believed it to be that of an extremely powerful over-the-horizon radar (OTH) system. This theory was publicly confirmed after the fall of the Soviet Union, and is now known to be the Duga-3 (Russian: Дуга-3)[2] system, part of the Soviet ABM early-warning network. NATO military intelligence had photographed the system and given it the NATO reporting name Steel Yard.

The Ukrainian-developed computer game S.T.A.L.K.E.R. has a plot focused on the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant and the nuclear accident there. The game heavily features actual locations in the area, including the Duga-3 array. The array itself appears in STALKER: Clear Sky in the city of Limansk-13. While the 'Brain Scorcher' from STALKER: Shadow of Chernobyl was inspired by theories that Duga-3 was used for mind control, it does not take the form of the real array.

Euro Poland PDH/ UK BAE IR invisible tank PL-01 unveiled.

Polish tank future EU 01 CONCEPT successor to the T-72, PT-91 and Leopard-premiere MSPO 2013

This AFV looks like something out of the Terminator future war with the machines, with an unmanned/autoload turret. It's not apparent why men on board are necessary if you had autonomous control and good communications. Particularly if it is used in the purported role of direct fire support, it could be controlled by surrounding troops. Secret Projects

Soon, serving in the Polish army tanks T-72, PT-91 Hard or Leopard tanks can be replacee with the future polish tank PL 01 CONCEPT presented at the International Defence Industry Exhibition 2013 International Defence Industry Exhibition Kielce. Photos from the fair at http://www.naszekielce.com/?q=targi_z...

MSPO 2013: PL-01 Concept vehicle unveiled

Obrum has unveiled the PL-01 Concept, a new armoured fighting vehicle (AFV) concept, at the MSPO 2013 defence industry exhibition in Kielce, Poland.

The PL-01 was developed by Obrum, part of Poland Defence Holdings (PDH), with co-operation from BAE Systems, and is classed as a Direct Support Vehicle (DSV, or WWB in Polish) by the firm. The vehicle features a three-person crew, an auto-loading 120 mm main gun in an unmanned turret, and a chassis based on that of the BAE Systems Hägglunds CV90 AFV.

The development of the DSV is closely tied with the Polish Armed Forces' plan to create a Universal Modular Tracked Platform (UMPG), featuring a common chassis across different variants. Planned variants of UMPG include a DSV; command vehicle; armoured recovery vehicle; and mine clearing vehicle.

 The vehicle is protected by multi-layer ceramic-aramid armour, in excess of STANAG 4569 level 5 over the frontal arc (to defeat 30-40 mm calibre armour piercing rounds) and level 4 on the flanks and rear of the PL-01, with additional modular armour. The concept model shown in Kielce has an integrated the mock-up of BAE Systems' active protection system.



▶ The invisible tank PL-01 unveiled. - YouTube

Published on Dec 27, 2013

Originally published on November 28, 2013

Sign up for a free trial of News Direct's animated news graphics at http://newsdirect.nma.com.tw/Reuters....

Obrum, part of Poland Defence Holdings, has revealed its latest product, the Tank PL-01 CONCEPT at the MSPO 2013 defence exhibition. In cooperation with Polish companies and British conglomerate BAE Systems, the PL-01 which weighs 35 tonnes, measures 7 meters long, 3.8 meters wide and 2.8 meters high. Three people can fit in the hull of the vehicle.

The BAE Systems Adaptiv technology protects the tank from detection. An array of hexagonal Peltier plates on the surface can be heated and cooled to project a desired image, such as the background and or a separate object, making the tank invisible. The tank is also equipped with a system of 350-degree continuous observation day and night.

Comprised of a chassis with an unmanned turret that has an autoloading 105 mm or 120 mm caliber cannon, the PL-01 is intended to act as a fire support combat vehicle.

According to Poland Defence Holdings, production on the PL-01 is expected to begin in 2018 with exports to take place in 2022.

Polish Defence Holding is the biggest producer and supplier of arms in Poland and one of the biggest in Central and Eastern Europe. Polish Defence Holding hosts more than 40 companies operating in the defence industry in Poland and abroad, employing nearly 10 thousand people.
The Polish State Treasure is the majority shareholder in Polish Defence Holding.

Airport Security - Man Climbs Fence At Phoenix Skyharbor Airport

Man leaps fence, runs onto Sky Harbor airport tarmac

Phoenix Authorities Arrest Man, Robert Edward Bump, After Running On Sky Harbor Airport Tarmac : News : Headlines & Global News

Luckily there was good visibility so he was spotted from the tower quickly, and he was a nut, or drunk, not a terrorist.

Sat, Dec 28, 2013

Man Climbs Airport Fence At Phoenix Skyharbor Airport

Arrested After Slapping Engine Nacelle Of Southwest Airliner On Taxiway

A man who was determined to be intoxicated climbed a fence at Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport on Christmas Day and started running across the tarmac towards a taxiway.

The incident occurred about 5:30 local time, according to a report in The Arizona Republic and relayed by USA Today. Phoenix police spokesman James Holmes said the 49-year-old man, identified as Robert Bump, ran towards a Southwest jet that was waiting on a taxiway for clearance to approach the terminal. Authorities warned the pilot of the airliner that there was someone approaching the airplane, and the engine he was nearest was shut down to avoid injuring him.

Bump allegedly banged on the nacelle with his hands while walking towards the terminal. Holmes said that it took about four minutes from the time Bump was first noticed until he was apprehended.

To get to the plane, Bump had to climb over an 8-9 foot fence topped with barbed wire, according to the paper. Holmes said Bump "showed signs of alcohol impairment and possibly drug use."
Deputy Aviation Director at Sky Harbor Deborah Ostereicher said "he's lucky to be alive."
(Photo provided by Phoenix PD)

FMI: http://skyharbor.com, http://phoenix.gov/police

DEFCON 19: Build your own Synthetic Aperture Radar

▶ DEFCON 19: Build your own Radar - YouTube




DEFCON 19: Build your own Synthetic Aperture Radar By Michael Scarito
DEFCON 19 Playlist: http://bit.ly/defcon19playlist
More info? http://bit.ly/defconorg

Defcon 19: build your own radar system | Dangerous Prototypes
At the Defcon 19 (2011) conference Michael Scarito demonstrated how to construct your own radar system. The project is based on a design by Dr. Greg Charvat from MIT and uses synthetic aperture techniques to generate a two- or three-dimensional image. (You can read Dr. Charvat’s research paper here.)

The hardware operates in the 2.4 GHz ISM band (shared with WiFi.)
For a further detailed explanation of this technology, see the dissertation of Manh Hung V. Le, Dimitris Saragas and Nathan Webb from the Worcester Polytechnic Institute here.
A free MIT course on this topic is available through their Opencourseware presentation “Build a Small Radar System Capable of Sensing Range, Doppler, and Synthetic Aperture Radar Imaging.”

Synthetic aperture radar for $360 - DIY Drones

Meet the Navy's New ASW Jet P8A to replace the P-3C

As a result of the MMA program, the Navy has bought 117 new P8A Poseidon planes to replace the 196 ancient P3C Orion turboprops. It is bigger, heavier, and 4 times the unit cost. 30% greater Turbo-fan Jet speed will get it to datum more quickly, but with half the range of action. Loiter time at datum and reliability to meet mission needs to be demonstrated. It is now heading for the South China Sea to hunt Chinese submarines, and will meet a real test.

P-8A Poseidon touching down at PAX River

Boeing P-8 Poseidon 

The Boeing P-8a Poseidon is the Navy production variant of the P-8 (formerly the Multimission Maritime Aircraft or MMA) a military aircraft currently being developed for the United States Navy (USN). The aircraft is being developed by Boeing Defense, Space & Security, modified from the 737-800.





The P-8 is intended to conduct anti-submarine warfare (ASW) and shipping interdiction and to engage in an electronic intelligence (ELINT) role. This will involve carrying torpedoes, depth charges, SLAM-ER, Harpoon anti-ship missiles, and other weapons. It will also be able to drop and monitor sonobuoys. It is designed to operate in conjunction with the Broad Area Maritime Surveillance unmanned aerial vehicle. The P-8 has also been ordered by the Indian Navy.

Boeing: P-8A Poseidon
 

The P-8A is a derivative of the highly successful and reliable Next-Generation 737. The P-8A has the fuselage of a 737-800 and the wings of a 737-900. Modifications to the baseline commercial aircraft are incorporated into the aircraft in-line. In the past, commercial aircraft were sent to modification centers where they were taken apart and rebuilt to meet military specifications. The P-8A is Boeing's first military derivative aircraft to incorporate structural modifications to the aircraft as it moves through the commercial line.

The aircraft is supported by an industry team of:

CFM International supplies the CFM56-7 engine that powers the P-8A

Northrop Grumman provides the directional infrared countermeasures system and the electronic support measures system.

Raytheon provides the upgraded AN/APY-10 maritime surveillance radar and signals intelligence solutions.

GE Aviation supplies flight-management and stores-management systems.

Spirit AeroSystems builds the 737 aircraft's fuselage and airframe tail sections and struts.

Characteristics of the P8a Poseidon:

• Crew: Flight: 2; Mission: 7 = reduced by 2
• Length: 129 ft 5 in (39.47 m) = 13 ft longer
• Wingspan: 123 ft 6 in (37.64 m) = 23 ft wider
• Height: 42 ft 1 in (12.83 m) = 3 ft 3 inches taller
• Empty weight: 138,300 lb (62,730 kg) = 30,000 lb heavier
• Max. takeoff weight: 189,200 lb (85,820 kg) = 54,000 lb heavier
• Powerplant: 2 × CFM56-7B turbofan, 27,000 lbf (120 kN) each

Performance

• Maximum speed: 490 knots (907 km/h) = 79 knots faster
• Cruise speed: 440 kn (815 km/h) = 112 knots faster
• Range: 1,200 nmi (2,222 km); 1,180 nmi less
• 4 hours on station (for anti-submarine warfare mission)
• Service ceiling: 41,000 ft (12,496 m) =12,000 ft higher

For Comparison, General Characteristics and performance of P3c Orion

• Crew: 11^[1]
• Length: 116 ft 10 in (35.6 m^[72])
• Wingspan: 99 ft 8 in^[72] (30.4 m)
• Height: 38 ft 8 in^[72] (11.8 m)
• Wing area: 1300 ft² (120.8 m²)
• Airfoil: NACA 0014-1.10 (Root) – NACA 0012-1.10 (Tip)
• Empty weight: 77,200 lb (35,000 kg^[72])
• Loaded weight: 135,000 lb (61,400 kg)
• Useful load: 57,800 lb (26,400 kg)
• Max. takeoff weight: 142,000 lb (64,400 kg^[72])
• Powerplant: 4^[1] × Allison T56-A-14^[1] turboprop^[1], 4,600 shp^[1] (3,700 kW) each
• Propellers: Four-bladed Hamilton Standard propeller^[1], 1 per engine
  • Propeller diameter: 13 ft 6 in (4.11 m)

• Maximum speed: 411 kn^[1] (750 km/h)
• Cruise speed: 328 kn^[1] (610 km/h)
• Range: 2,380 nmi radius^[1] (4,400 km)
• Combat radius: 1,346 nmi^[1] (2,490 km)three hours on-station at 1,500 feet
• Ferry range: 4,830 nmi^[72](8,944 km)
• Endurance: 16 hours^[72]
• Service ceiling: 28,300 ft^[1] (8,625 m)
• Rate of climb: 3,140 ft/min (16 m/s)
• Wing loading: 107 lb/ft² (530 kg/m²)
• Power/mass: 0.03 hp/lb (0.06 kW/kg)

Naval Air: P-8 Moves To The Tropics

December 21, 2013: In early 2013 the U.S. Navy activated its first maritime surveillance squadron (VP-16) equipped with the new P-8A aircraft. Late in 2013 VP-16 sent two of its P-8As off to Okinawa for seven months of patrolling, intelligence gathering and getting a better idea of how the aircraft operates for extended periods in the tropics. This will also make it possible to see how well the P-8A is at hunting down Chinese submarines, which have been at sea a lot more often in the last few years.

Meet the Navy's New $150M Submarine-Destroying Jet

Dec. 9 (Bloomberg) -- Boeing's P-8 Poseidon plane may look a lot like the company's 737, but it's actually a highly-advanced military aircraft that's equipped to hunt submarines. The U.S. Navy has just deployed several of the airplanes to Japan to increase U.S. military presence around the disputed Senkaku Islands, which Japan controls and China claims. It's the first ever deployment for the aircraft, which has been in development for nearly a decade. Here's a look at the game-changing capabilities of the P-8. (Source: Bloomberg)

New drone supports P-8A Poseidon - Whidbey News-Times

The Triton is expected to supplement the P-8A Poseidon in patrol missions, and is expected to be operational at NAS Whidbey by 2015-2016, Brown said.

The Triton is a multiple-sensor, unarmed, unmanned aircraft system that is approximately 48 feet long and has a wingspan of approximately 131 feet, according to the Navy’s executive summary on the project. The Triton will provide continuous maritime intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance data collection and dissemination capability to remain in flight up to 24 hours per day.

The Triton UAS is a complement to the Navy’s P-8A Multi-Mission Maritime Aircraft and uses the same tactical support centers as the P-8A aircraft.

The tactical support centers operate the command and control functions of both the P-8A aircraft and Triton UAS.

OPTEVFOR says sensors not ready

Boeing surveillance plane found not yet effective for missions | The Columbian

WASHINGTON — A new Boeing surveillance aircraft deployed to Japan last month as part of the U.S. shift to Asia isn't yet effective for its primary submarine-hunting and intelligence missions, the Pentagon's weapons tester found.

The new P-8A Poseidon exhibited "all of the major deficiencies" identified in earlier exercises when subjected to more stressful realistic combat testing from September 2012 to March 2013, Michael Gilmore, chief of the Pentagon testing office, wrote in his annual report on major weapons, which has yet to be released. Flaws included the plane's radar performance, sensor integration and data transfer.
"Many of these deficiencies" led Gilmore to determine that the P-8A "is not effective for the intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance mission and is not effective for wide area anti-submarine search," he said in a section of the report obtained by Bloomberg News. The Navy plans to conduct additional testing "to verify the correction of some deficiencies," he wrote.

Gilmore's conclusions suggest the initial aircraft in the $35 billion program — a modified Boeing 737-800 packed with radar and sensors — aren't ready for deployment. Among its primary missions is tracking Chinese submarines. Six of the planes have been deployed to Japan supporting 7th Fleet maritime patrol operations at Naval Air Facility Atsugi.

China's First Stealth Drone - Lijan or Sharp Sword

China's First Stealth Drone - Analysis Eurasia Review
The test flight of China’s first stealth drone, in November 2013, makes China leap from drones to combat drones. It demonstrates China’s enormous military expenditure towards building a world class level of military power. Lijian’s successful test flight has made China the fourth country, after the US (X-47B), France (Dassault nEUROn) and Britain (Taranis), to have independently developed a UCAV. The stealth drone, Lijan or Sharp Sword can be used for electronic surveillance and air-to-ground strikes. Its potential and technological capability makes it a suitable choice for the navy as it may also function as an unmanned combat platform for its aircraft carrier. It is capable of flying undetected at high altitudes, providing intelligence information supported by high resolution video.

China successfully tests new stealth drone 'Sharp Sword' - YouTube

China has successfully tested its first stealth combat drone, known as Lijian or 'Sharp Sword' on Thursday (November 21).

It was reported that the test flight lasted for 20 minutes and was carried out in a testing base in southwestern China.

The Lijian reportedly has a wingspan of 14 meters, smaller than the U.S. Navy's X-47B, which has a wingspan of 19 meters. It is powered by a single jet engine, presumed to be the Shengyang WP7 based on the design of turbojet engine Tumansky R-11. It is estimated that the Lijian's ordinance payload might not exceed 2,000 kg. The Chinese CM-506 small-diameter bomb, which has a range of 130 km against land or maritime targets, is said to have been recommended for the Lijian.

The drone is also said to be similar to the X-47B drone being tested by the US Navy as well as France's experimental Neuron project.

China has been developing stealth aircraft in recent years, including J-20 and J-31 stealth fighter jets.



▶ China's 'Lijan' (Sharp Sword) UCAV Taxiing video and take-off photos - YouTube
Video footage were posted on Chinese military forums showing the Lijian drone taxiing and first flight take-off photos

China conducts test flight of stealth drone 

China has successfully conducted the first test flight of the domestically built and designed stealth unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), media reports said Friday. The drone aircraft, named "Lijan" or "Sharp Sword" is believed to be the country's first stealth technology-based aircraft, Global Times quoted huanqiu.com as saying. The test flight began around 1 p.m. Thursday from an undisclosed location and lasted for about 20 minutes, the report said. The aircraft was designed by the Shenyang Aircraft Design and Research Institute under the Aviation Industry Corporation of China and was manufactured by the Jiangxi Hongdu Aviation Industry Group, the report added.

China Pulls Ahead Of Britain and Russia In Stealth Drones!!

Naval Air: China Catching Up With X-47B

China's First Stealth Drone - Analysis Eurasia Review
The test flight of China’s first stealth drone, in November 2013, makes China leap from drones to combat drones. It demonstrates China’s enormous military expenditure towards building a world class level of military power. Lijian’s successful test flight has made China the fourth country, after the US (X-47B), France (Dassault nEUROn) and Britain (Taranis), to have independently developed a UCAV. The stealth drone, Lijan or Sharp Sword can be used for electronic surveillance and air-to-ground strikes. Its potential and technological capability makes it a suitable choice for the navy as it may also function as an unmanned combat platform for its aircraft carrier. It is capable of flying undetected at high altitudes, providing intelligence information supported by high resolution video.

China successfully tests new stealth drone 'Sharp Sword' - YouTube

China has successfully tested its first stealth combat drone, known as Lijian or 'Sharp Sword' on Thursday (November 21).

It was reported that the test flight lasted for 20 minutes and was carried out in a testing base in southwestern China.

The Lijian reportedly has a wingspan of 14 meters, smaller than the U.S. Navy's X-47B, which has a wingspan of 19 meters. It is powered by a single jet engine, presumed to be the Shengyang WP7 based on the design of turbojet engine Tumansky R-11. It is estimated that the Lijian's ordinance payload might not exceed 2,000 kg. The Chinese CM-506 small-diameter bomb, which has a range of 130 km against land or maritime targets, is said to have been recommended for the Lijian.

The drone is also said to be similar to the X-47B drone being tested by the US Navy as well as France's experimental Neuron project.

China has been developing stealth aircraft in recent years, including J-20 and J-31 stealth fighter jets.

▶ Defcon 21 -Hacking Ford and Toyota ECU's on the CAN Bus

▶ Defcon 21 - Adventures in Automotive Networks and Control Units - YouTube


Published on Nov 16, 2013

Charlie Miller & Chris Valasek

August 1st--4th, 2013
Rio Hotel & Casino • Las Vegas, Nevada

DailyTech - Charlie Miller Releases Open Source "Car Sabotage Toolkit"

New how-to guide allows even layman hackers to carry out attacks similar to suspected government efforts

During a presentation at Def Con 21 last month, famed Apple, Inc. (AAPL) hacker Charlie Miller (who works at Twitter) and Chris Valasek, director of security intelligence at IOActive, revealed an interesting side project. The presentation showed how to affordably attack a vehicle's CAN bus with malicious messages, causing the vehicle to brake, refuse to break, or even steer into a wall.  The presentation shows how such attacks could be carried out -- even by relatively unskilled hackers.
 
Defcon hackers release Ford and Toyota car hijack data - IT News from V3.co.uk
Renowned hackers Charlie Miller and Chris Valasek have released tools capable of hijacking control of moving cars to the general public.

Miller and Valasek released the tools alongside a white paper explaining their research. The tools relate to the 2010 Toyota Prius and the 2010 Ford Escape and let hackers remotely take control of the cars' electronic smart steering, braking, acceleration, engines and lights.

Miller and Valasek originally showed off the attack with a live demonstration at the Defcon hacker conference at the start of August. The paper shows the specific processes required to hack various different electronic components to enact specific commands.

USAF says Merry Christmas to GA-ASI with $362M Contract for MQ-1/MQ-9 Sustainment

AIR FORCE CONTRACTS
General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc., doing business as GA-ASI, Poway, Calif., has been awarded a $362,193,866 cost-plus-fixed-fee contract for Predator (MQ-1)/Reaper (MQ-9) Unmanned Aerial Systems contractor logistic support sustainment. Contract performance includes, but is not limited to, program management, logistics support, configuration management, technical manual and software maintenance, contractor field service representative support, inventory control point management, flight operations support, depot repair, and depot field maintenance. Work will be performed at Poway, Calif. and is expected to be completed Dec. 31, 2014. This award is the result of a sole-source acquisition. Fiscal 2014 operations and maintenance funds in the amount of $89,976,837 are being obligated at time of award. Air Force Life Cycle Management Center/WIKBA at Robins Air Force Base, Ga., is the contracting activity (FA8528-14-C-0001).CONTRACTS
 

Toying with Barcodes

▶ DEFCON 16: Toying with Barcodes - YouTube

"FX" Felix Lindner, Head of Recurity Labs

DEFCON 16 Archives



The talk focuses on 1D and 2D barcode applications with interference possibilities for the ordinary citizen. Ever wondered what is in these blocks of squares on postal packages, letters and tickets? Playing with them might have interesting effects, reaching from good old fun to theft and severe impact.

Barcodes have been around for ages, but most of the time were used as simple tags with a number. The rise of 2D barcodes started to put them into customer hands as authentication, authorization, payment method and other arbitrary data transport. The implicit trust in them is enormous. The talk gives a very quick intro into barcodes and then proceeds to review the contents of selected samples, including their usage in the real world. This is going to be fun, tool release included.

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