Orbital Express: Testing On-Orbit Servicing

Astro checks out NextSat

The Orbital Express advanced technology demonstration couples a prototype servicing satellite (ASTRO) and a surrogate next generation serviceable satellite (NextSat). Together, they are meant to test robotic, autonomous, on-orbit refueling and reconfiguration of satellites. If that were possible, it would mean faster, less risky missions to maintain and extend the lives of America’s critical military satellite fleet – and the technology would have more than a few civilian/NASA uses, as well.

Lockheed to Supply ALQ-210 Derivative for CH-148 Helicopters

CH-148 Cyclone

The recent GAO decision concerning the USAF’s CSAR-X program has given Sikorsky’s H-92 Superhawk platform a second life. At the moment, however, Canada remains the only country to order the helicopter (after a torturous, decades-long selection process) for use in a primary military role. As the CH-148 Cyclone, the 28 Superhawks on order will be Canada’s primary naval helicopter for many years to come. Delivery is lagging somewhat behind early expectations due to a strike at Sikorsky, but is expected in January 2009.

As part of that overall program, Lockheed Martin just announced a $59.4 million U.S. Navy Foreign Military Sales contract to provide the helicopters with Radar Warning Receiver (RWR)/Electronic Support Measure (ESM) systems derived from its AN/ALQ-210 system, which will also be deployed on the US Navy’s new MH-60R multi-mission naval helicopters. The ALQ-210 passively detects, identifies and geo-locates hostile ground-based and airborne radar transmitters, and the systems provided to Canada’s Department of National Defence will also feature new functionality designed to meet specific Canadian Forces requirements.

Honorary Col. Rick Mercer of 423 Maritime Helicopter Sqn will be relieved, we’re sure.

$50.8M for M4 Carbines

M4 MWS

Small business qualifier Colt Defense LLC in Hartford, CT received the full delivery order amount of $50.8 million as part of a firm-fixed-price contract for M4 and M4A1 carbines. The M4 is a modernized form of the M16 rifle used by the US Army. It’s designed to accommodate a lot of different attachments, and is sometimes referred to in military-speak as an “M4 modular weapons system”.

Work will be performed in Hartford, CT and is expected to be complete by July 30, 2008. This was a sole source contract initiated on Feb. 16, 2007 by the U.S. Army Tank-Automotive and Armaments Command in Rock Island, IL (W52H09-04-D-0086).

Spacesaver Sees Big Follow-on Contract for Weapons Storage

Spacesaver Storage Systems, Inc. in Fort Atkinson, WI received an estimated maximum value $129.4 million indefinite-delivery/ indefinite-quantity contract for weapons cabinets and associated accessories. This contract contains options which, if exercised, will bring the cumulative value of the contract to $244.3 million. Work will be performed in Fort Atkinson, WI and is expected to be complete by April 2012.

This contract was competitively procured via GSA’s E-Buy website, with 1 offer received by the Marine Corps Systems Command in Quantico, VA (M67854-07-D-1092). Note that “Fort Atkinson” is a city, not a military post. Spacesavers also won a much smaller $5.1 million contract in October 2005 for Universal Weapons Racks, used in armories throughout the Marine Corps to store and transport a variety of Marine Corps infantry weapons and associated equipment.