Defence Street

Author: Defence Street Editor

  • Lockheed Martin’s First LM 400 Multi-Mission Space Vehicle Completes Demanding Testing Milestone

    Lockheed Martin’s First LM 400 Multi-Mission Space Vehicle Completes Demanding Testing Milestone

    Lockheed Martin’s LM 400 satellite was designed by the company in a truly digital environment, on its advanced production line outside of Denver, Colorado.

    DENVER, 19th April,2023. The first Lockheed Martin LM 400, a versatile, mid-sized satellite which can be adapted for military, civil or commercial uses, has successfully completed Electromagnetic Interference/Electromagnetic Compatibility testing. This trial is crucial to ensure that signals from the satellite bus components will not interfere with critical payloads during operations.

    The spacecraft, which finished assembly in December, is also working toward completion of rigorous thermal vacuum (TVAC) testing.

    “This successful testing of LM 400 helps prove the satellite’s design integrity and operational capabilities,” said Malik Musawwir, Lockheed Martin Space’s satellite center of excellence vice president. “This is a significant accomplishment for this new satellite and the space vehicles that will leverage this platform from our advanced digital LM 400 production line.”

    LM 400 Spacecraft: Higher Power, More Mission Flexibility

    The agile LM 400 spacecraft enables one platform to perform multiple missions, including remote sensing, communications, imaging, radar and persistent surveillance. Additionally, the scalable and versatile design provides a new level of flexibility and the necessary power to quickly meet a wide range of customer needs and missions, including accelerating demand for more proliferated systems. The spacecraft also benefits from production capabilities such as augmented and virtual reality and artificial intelligence. With increased commonality, LM 400 reduces schedule and cost while also maintaining quality.

    The multi-mission satellite offers:

    • Versatility that can host a variety of payloads with limited or no changes in low, medium and geosynchronous earth orbits.
    • Broad set of missions with pre-defined trim packages to meet specific mission needs.
    • Joint all-domain operations and joint all-domain command and control with a Modular Open Systems Architecture.
    • Greater mission adaptability and onboard “Edge” data processing with SmartSat™, Lockheed Martin’s software-defined satellite architecture.
    • High-rate production capability to meet large constellation needs.
    • Cost and schedule efficiency enabled by supply chain agreements and automation throughout the product lifecycle, from inventory management to manufacturing and test.

    “The LM 400’s digital design allows for multiple versions to be seamlessly produced – including a ‘flat satellite’ that will support rapid launching of up to six stackable space vehicles at a time,” adds Musawwir. “These types of 21st Century Security agile deterrence capabilities will provide our customers with maximum flexibility for their missions.”

    The LM 400 is already under several contracts, most recently being named as a satellite bus supporting U.S. Space Force’s planned Missile Track Custody program in medium earth orbit.

    When launched, the LM 400 will feature a Lockheed Martin-produced Electronically Steered Array.

  • Boeing Expands Partnership with Invictus Games to Support Wounded Veterans

    Boeing Expands Partnership with Invictus Games to Support Wounded Veterans

    • Company to serve as Presenting Partner of Invictus Games Düsseldorf 2023
    • Sponsorship builds on multi-year agreement and Boeing’s support of global defense forces, veterans and their families
    Invictus Games, Dusseldorf 2023

    BERLIN, 19th April, 2023. Boeing is expanding its support of the Invictus Games and the wounded servicemen and women from around the world who compete and inspire. For the first time, the company will serve as the Presenting Partner of Invictus Games Düsseldorf 2023.

    “The Invictus Games makes a decisive contribution to the rehabilitation of wounded, injured and sick service personnel and veterans,” said Brigadier General Alfred Marstaller, project director of the Invictus Games Düsseldorf 2023. “We are delighted to be working with Boeing this year to provide lasting support to the competitors on their rehabilitation journey.”

    The announcement was made yesterday in Berlin during a parliamentary reception at the Representation of the Federal State of North-Rhine Westphalia. The expanded partnership builds on a multi-year agreement with the Invictus Games Foundation and the company’s sponsorship of Invictus Games Sydney 2018 and Invictus Games The Hague 2020.

    “Boeing has an enduring commitment to those who wear the uniform, veterans and the families who love and support them; their immense sacrifice is exceeded by their devotion to country. The courage and determination of these Invictus competitors inspire us all,” said Boeing President and CEO Dave Calhoun. “On behalf of some 20,000 veterans who proudly work at Boeing, we are honored to be the Presenting Partner for this year’s Invictus Games in Germany, where we will celebrate the remarkable achievements and indomitable spirit of all its competitors.”

    Featuring more than 500 competitors from 22 nations participating in 10 sports, the Invictus Games Düsseldorf 2023 presented by Boeing will also bring together family and friends of the competitors to acknowledge their role in recovery, post-injury or illness. The Invictus Games Düsseldorf 2023 will take place September 9–16, 2023 in and around the Merkur-Spiel Arena.

    “We are very grateful for Boeing’s long-term support for the Invictus movement. Today’s announcement builds on Boeing’s past sponsorship of the Invictus Games Sydney 2018 and the Invictus Games The Hague 2020, each time with greater and deeper support,” said Invictus Games Foundation CEO Dominic Reid OBE. “Our work supporting international wounded, injured and sick servicemen and women through sport is only made possible by partners like Boeing, which has committed to long-term support for veterans and their wider community, both at the Invictus Games and beyond.”

    The Boeing and Invictus Games Foundation partnership continues to inspire the recovery of international wounded, injured and sick veterans and service personnel through the power of sports, esports and adventurous challenges. In 2022, Boeing contributed more than $13 million to support veterans workforce transition and recovery and rehabilitation programs globally. Over the past decade, Boeing has contributed more than $70 million to programs that support veterans and their families and has long-standing partnerships with veteran service organizations from Invictus Games partner countries.

  • Northrop Grumman Rapidly Completes Critical Design Review for Tranche 1 Transport Layer

    Northrop Grumman Rapidly Completes Critical Design Review for Tranche 1 Transport Layer

    • 42-satellite constellation will provide resilient, secure communications for U.S. troops operating globally
    The Space Development Agency has formerly announced that Northrop Grumman is under contract to develop and build 42 Tranche 1 Transport Layer satellites and 14 Tranche 1 Tracking Layer satellites as part of its Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture. (Credit: Northrop Grumman)

    WASHINGTON. 18th April, 2023. Northrop Grumman Corporation recently completed a critical design review for its Tranche 1 Transport Layer (T1TL), part of Space Development Agency’s (SDA) low-earth orbit network designed to communicate vital information to wherever it’s needed to support U.S. troops on the ground quickly and securely.

    The Tranche 1 Transport Layer (T1TL) communication satellites will provide resilient, low-latency, high-volume data transport supporting U.S. military missions around the world. Designed to connect elements of an integrated sensing architecture, the network will deliver persistent, secure connectivity, and serve as a critical element for advancing the U.S. Department of Defense’s vision for Joint All Domain Command and Control.

    “We are leveraging our commercial marketplace partnerships to deliver a rapid, affordable, highly effective solution for SDA,” said Blake Bullock, vice president, communication systems, strategic space systems, Northrop Grumman. “Our T1TL solution builds on our decades of end-to-end mission expertise. We are uniquely capable of delivering a credible capability to support the warfighter.”

    SDA formerly announced that Northrop Grumman is under contract to provide the agency with 56 satellites, including the 42 communication satellites in the Tranche 1 Transport layer and 14 for the Tranche 1 Tracking layer, which includes an infrared sensor payload. The Tracking layer program recently completed its preliminary design review. Northrop Grumman is also providing the ground system for both its Transport and Tracking constellations.

    Northrop Grumman is a leading global aerospace and defense technology company. Our pioneering solutions equip our customers with the capabilities they need to connect and protect the world, and push the boundaries of human exploration across the universe. Driven by a shared purpose to solve our customers’ toughest problems, our 95,000 employees define possible every day.

  • Lockheed Martin CubeSats Successfully Validate Essential Maneuvers for On-Orbit Servicing

    Lockheed Martin CubeSats Successfully Validate Essential Maneuvers for On-Orbit Servicing

    • LM 50 satellites demonstrate advanced navigational algorithms and cloud-based operations
    Lockheed Martin’s In-Space Upgrade Satellite System showcased several new capabilities that include close proximity maneuvers and on-orbit servicing techniques.

    LITTLETON, Colo. Lockheed Martin announced on 18th April, 2023 that its In-space Upgrade Satellite System (LM LINUSS™) accomplished a successful on-orbit demonstration, proving how small satellites can serve an essential role in sustaining critical space architectures. They do this by regularly upgrading existing constellations with new capabilities and extending spacecraft design lifecycles.

    LM LINUSS, a technology demonstration funded internally by Lockheed Martin, is made up of two LM 50™ 12U CubeSats. While on-orbit, the system demonstrated highly-automated rendezvous and proximity operations (RPO), which enables complicated yet precise maneuvering across multi-satellite constellations. This allows on-orbit servicing coordination and upgrades at scale in any orbit. The RPO demonstration was part of Lockheed Martin’s mission to validate essential maneuvering capabilities for future space upgrade and servicing missions.

    Close Proximity Maneuvers Set Stage for Future Mission Capabilities

    During the demonstration, one of the LM LINUSS CubeSats acted as the designated servicing vehicle, navigating a flightpath towards the second CubeSat, which represented the resident space object (RSO). As the servicing vehicle approached the RSO, on-board guidance algorithms made final real-time adjustments to complete its rendezvous operations. Its culminating success was declared when the CubeSats maneuvered in a proximity of one another that demonstrated high confidence in conducting future on-orbit servicing missions for customers.

    “The LM LINUSS pathfinder is an excellent example of how Lockheed Martin is investing in innovation in the real world. Agile development, cloud-based operations, and smallsat platforms came together at speed and in orbit, where the real test of technology occurs,” said Johnathon Caldwell, Lockheed Martin, Vice President and General Manager, Military Space. “Through the accomplishments of LM LINUSS, Lockheed Martin is pioneering how future small and medium class missions will be upgraded on-orbit, and continuing to develop critical, breakthrough technologies that keep our customers ahead of ready.”

    In addition to RPO, the toaster-sized CubeSats also accomplished additional technology demonstrations while on-orbit. Several of these include:

    • Performing automated maneuvers and using artificial intelligence to fly coordinated flightpaths, supporting a variety of operational conditions.
    • Using Lockheed Martin’s Horizon™ 2.0 command and control (C2) software and advanced RPO software.
    • Maintaining connection with a secure cloud-based architecture for mission telemetry, tracking and control.
    • Showcasing the company’s advanced SmartSat™
    • Demonstrating miniaturized Space Domain Awareness capabilities.
    • Validating new onboard high-performance processing, low-toxicity propulsion, inertial measurement units, machine vision, and 3D-printed components.

    LM LINUSS could be considered the most capable pair of CubeSats in geosynchronous Earth orbit today, based on customer community feedback. The spacecraft have higher bus density, payload accommodation and on-orbit processing than any other CubeSat, which helps enable revolutionary mission capabilities in the future. Part of Lockheed Martin’s LM 50 smallsat family, it is the collaborative integration of the company’s mission electro-optical payload deck with a next-generation bus from Terran Orbital Corporation. LM LINUSS and other Lockheed Martin pathfinders are helping create a more sustainable future, safely adding mission life and more.

    “This LM LINUSS demonstration was a success for many reasons, including the fact that our team navigated the inherent challenges of a novel technology and validated our software for future missions,” said David Barnhart, a Technology Director at Lockheed Martin Space. “We will leverage what our team learned from LM LINUSS’ design, development, and operations to continue advancing Lockheed Martin’s innovative vision for on-orbit satellite servicing and upgrades.”

  • Elbit Systems Awarded Contract Worth Approximately $100 Million to Supply Intelligence and EW Aircraft to an International Customer

    Elbit Systems Awarded Contract Worth Approximately $100 Million to Supply Intelligence and EW Aircraft to an International Customer

    Haifa, Israel. Elbit Systems Ltd. announced on 18th April that it was awarded a follow-on contract worth approximately $100 million to convert commercial aircraft into Intelligence and Electronic Warfare (EW) aircraft for an international customer. The contract will be performed over a period of three years.

    As part of the contract, Elbit Systems will equip the aircraft with advanced Intelligence Mission Suite and EW capabilities. This solution will provide a comprehensive operational picture of the arena generated by SIGINT and Electro-Optics VISINT sensors and systems as well as the capability to activate Electronic Counter Measures against a range of threats. The aircraft will also be equipped with Immune Satellite Navigation Systems (ISNS) and an advanced self-protection solution.

    Using electronic warfare systems, targeted electronic attacks can be launched to disrupt and block a wide variety of Communication and Radar threats and enable the aircraft SIGINT operator’s full spectrum control.

    Oren Sabag, General Manager of Elbit Systems ISTAR & EW: “This contract highlights our market-leading broad portfolio of ISTAR and EW capabilities and our ability to provide integrated solutions adapted to the customers’ needs. This airborne ISR and EW solution is relevant for today’s defense needs and designed to be “future ready” and adaptable to the fast-evolving operational requirements of our customers.”

  • Elbit Systems Awarded Contract Worth Approximately $102 Million to Supply ATMOS Artillery Systems to an International Customer

    Elbit Systems Awarded Contract Worth Approximately $102 Million to Supply ATMOS Artillery Systems to an International Customer

    Elbit Systems Autonomous Truck Mounted Howitzer.

    Haifa, Israel. On 18th April, Elbit Systems Ltd.  announced that it was awarded a contract worth approximately $102 million to supply artillery systems to an international customer. The contract will be performed over a period of eight years.

    Under the contract Elbit Systems will supply a battalion’s worth of ATMOS (Autonomous Truck Mounted Howitzer) 155mm/52 caliber truck-mounted howitzers systems.

    The ATMOS modular artillery system is a combat proven wheeled Howitzer solution, capable of  firing all NATO-certified 155mm projectiles that has an effective range of over 40km with standard projectiles and offers extended range with Rocket-Assisted Projectiles (RAP). The ATMOS is designed for rapid deployment and operation enabling provision of fire support for a broad range of missions.

    Yehuda (Udi) Vered, General Manager of Elbit Systems Land: “Elbit Systems’ comprehensive integrated artillery solutions provide a valuable competitive edge to the ground forces of our customers around the world. This contract is a vote of confidence in the advanced indirect fire solutions we provide.”

  • India has ushered into the era of cultural renaissance under Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi: Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh in Somnath

    India has ushered into the era of cultural renaissance under Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi: Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh in Somnath

    The Union Minister for Defence, Shri Rajnath Singh attends the event of Saurashtra-Tamil Sangamam at Somnath, in Gujarat on 17th April, 2023.

    New Delhi, 17th April, 2023. India has ushered into the era of cultural renaissance under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. This was stated by Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh during his address at Saurashtra-Tamil Sangamam in Somnath, Gujarat on April 17, 2023. He stated that the Government is taking a number of steps to connect the people with the nation’s centuries-old traditions and cultures. He added that India’s deep-rooted traditions depict strength & unity, providing ability & capability to withstand any challenge.

    The Raksha Mantri stressed the need to ensure ‘cultural security’, describing it as equally essential as security of the borders and other aspects such as food, energy, environment, cyber and space. He asserted that the Government is laying emphasis on cultural security and special attention is being paid towards maintaining cultural unity. He termed the event – a confluence of Saurashtra and Tamil Nadu – as a celebration of India’s cultural unity and a shining example of ‘Ek Bharat, Shrestha Bharat’.

    On the cultural connect between Saurashtra and Tamil Nadu, Shri Rajnath Singh stated that the ties date back more than a thousand years. “Saurashtra was attacked several times by foreign invaders around the eleventh century. It was that period when a large number of people from Saurashtra migrated to South India. During that time the people of Tamil Nadu welcomed them and helped in starting a new life,” he said. He gave numerous examples of the centuries-old connect between Saurashtra and Tamil Nadu, describing it as one of the shining chapters of a unified India.

    Governor of Telangana Dr Tamilisai Soundararajan, Minister of Health and Family Welfare Dr Mansukh Mandaviya and Gujarat Chief Minister Shri Bhupendra Patel were among the dignitaries present on the occasion.

  • Online Common Entrance Exam for Army Recruitment as Agniveer and Other Categories Commences

    Online Common Entrance Exam for Army Recruitment as Agniveer and Other Categories Commences

    New Delhi, 17th April, 2023. The Indian Army has transformed the procedure for recruitment of Agniveers, Junior Commissioned Officers and other categories with the introduction of a Computer Based Online Common Entrance Exam as the first step. The online CEE for eligible registered candidates has commenced at 375 Examination Centers in 176 pan-India locations today and will continue till 26th April, 2023.

    The online exam is being conducted with assistance from Education Consultancy Services India Limited, a Mini Ratna Company under the Ministry of Education.

    The technological threshold of youth in the nation has improved significantly and with enhanced network connectivity and the proliferation of smartphones, the youth is now empowered to undertake an online exam instead of traveling long distances to appear for physical exams. The changed methodology will ensure an increased focus on the cognitive aspect during selection and prevent chances of malpractice. It will have wider outreach across the country and also reduce the large crowds seen during recruitment rallies to make them more manageable & easier to conduct.

    The new recruitment procedure will be carried out in three stages. In stage one, all candidates who have registered and applied online on www.joinindianarmy.nic.in will undergo Online Common Entrance Exam. In stage two, the shortlisted candidates will be called for recruitment rallies from June 2023 onwards in phases at locations decided by respective Army Recruitment Office where they will undergo Physical Fitness Test and Physical Measurement Test. Finally, in Stage three the selected candidates will undergo Medical Test. Thereafter, the final merit list of the successful candidates will be declared.

    The modified recruitment system will make the recruitment process more streamlined, transparent and is designed to optimally exploit the latest IT infrastructure available in the nation.

  • Northrop Grumman Unveils New Facility in Albuquerque

    Northrop Grumman Unveils New Facility in Albuquerque

    Northrop Grumman and New Mexico leaders cut the ribbon for Northrop Grumman’s new facility next to Kirtland Air Force Base (Photo Credit: Northrop Grumman)

    ALBUQUERQUE, N.M., 13th April, 2023. Northrop Grumman Corporation opened its new facility to support space systems engineering, integrated mission operations and cybersecurity services for Kirtland Air Force Base and other U.S. military customers.

    U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich and Cyrus Dhalla, vice president and general manager, tactical space systems, Northrop Grumman, attended the event. Matt Verock, vice president, space security systems, Northrop Grumman said, “this close proximity to our customers further enhances our ability to support their rapidly evolving needs in space.”

  • Boeing’s New Military Satellite Integrates Anti-Jam Payload for Enhanced Battlefield Communication

    Boeing’s New Military Satellite Integrates Anti-Jam Payload for Enhanced Battlefield Communication

    On-orbit render of Wideband Global SATCOM (WGS)-11 with integrated Protected Tactical SATCOM Prototype (PTS-P) payload. The combination of military satellite communications (MILSATCOM) and anti-jam capabilities underpin the Protected Wideband Satellite design. (Boeing photo)

    EL SEGUNDO, CALIF., 13th April, 2023. Boeing unveiled its Protected Wideband Satellite (PWS) design featuring Boeing’s Protected Tactical SATCOM Prototype (PTS-P) payload hosted aboard the U.S. Space Force’s Wideband Global SATCOM (WGS)-11 spacecraft.

    “The joint force is relying on us to deploy capabilities that enable secure communications in a prolific jamming environment,” said Charlotte Gerhart, Space Systems Command’s Tactical SATCOM division chief at the U.S. Space Force. “We also need mission-relevant speed and affordability, while being mindful of the evolving threat in the battlefield. The Boeing PTS-Prototype payload hosted on WGS-11 is an exciting leap forward for new warfighter capabilities.”

    The combination of military satellite communications (MILSATCOM) and anti-jam capabilities underpin the PWS design. Both programs are based on Boeing’s 702X software-driven technology enabling real-time and automated beam-forming for improved stand-off performance and signal protection.

    “The Protected Wideband Satellite combines significantly upgraded WGS capability with PTS-P’s automated anti-jam features,” said Michelle Parker, vice president of Boeing’s Space Mission Systems. “This capability sets the stage for future generations of protected wideband systems that can operate in both legacy transponded and new onboard processed modes.”

    The program is scheduled for launch in 2024, with on-orbit testing slated for 2025. After on-orbit demonstration, the PTS-P payload will be available to transition for operational use.

    The PTS-P design features automated anti-jam capabilities, including jammer geolocation, real-time adaptive nulling, frequency hopping and other techniques, harnessing the power of the U.S. military’s Protected Tactical Waveform (PTW) to ensure the warfighter can stay connected in a contested environment.

    By flying PTS-P on the WGS-11 spacecraft as part of the WGS constellation, PWS works seamlessly with all the existing WGS user terminals, while allowing gradual fielding of PTW modems in a theater of operation.

    WGS provides the Department of Defense with a broad majority of tactical communications going through the constellation that currently includes 10 satellites.

    As a leading global aerospace company, Boeing develops, manufactures and services commercial airplanes, defense products and space systems for customers in more than 150 countries. As a top U.S. exporter, the company leverages the talents of a global supplier base to advance economic opportunity, sustainability and community impact. Boeing’s diverse team is committed to innovating for the future, leading with sustainability, and cultivating a culture based on the company’s core values of safety, quality and integrity.