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10 Mar 17. Navy Conducts Successful Missile Test Firing. The U.S. Navy conducted a successful structural test firing of the Surface to Surface Missile Module (SSMM) from littoral combat ship USS Detroit (LCS 7), Feb. 28, off the coast of Norfolk. The test marked the first SSMM missile launch from an LCS, as well as the first vertical missile launch from an LCS, as part of the developmental test program for the surface warfare (SUW) mission package (MP).
“The testing aboard USS Detroit was an important milestone in advancing LCS capability, not only for the LCS community, but for the entire fleet,” said Cmdr. Michael Desmond, Detroit’s commanding officer. “As small boat threats proliferate, the SSMM will give our ships added lethality.”
SSMM utilizes the Army Longbow Hellfire Missile in a vertical launch capability to counter small boat threats. SSMM is the next delivery of capability for the LCS SUW MP, which achieved initial operational capability November 2014 with delivery of the gun mission module — two 30mm guns — and the Maritime Security Module — 11-meter rigid hull inflatable boat for visit, board, search, and seizure.
“This was another positive step forward in fielding of the next increment for the SUW MP,” stated Capt. Ted Zobel, Mission Modules program manager. “The SSMM is a critical piece of the SUW MP, and this event will allow us to move safely into developmental testing and soon to fielding this capability aboard LCS.”
When new or different ordnance systems are first installed aboard Navy warships, a structural test fire (STF) is required to determine if shipboard structures, equipment, and systems can operate satisfactorily after weapon firing; and if any personnel hazards such as toxic gas intrusion or damaging noise levels exist during weapon firing operations. Specifically, STF verifies the ship’s structure and equipment, as well as the interfaces between ordnance and the ship, are capable of withstanding the vibration, shock, noise, gases, and other blast derivatives from ordnance firing. STF results will be used to evaluate and document safety requirements.
The Surface Warfare Mission Package will begin developmental testing aboard USS Milwaukee (LCS 5) later this year and will culminate in operational testing and IOC in 2018. (Source: ASD Network)
09 Mar 17. Seven-year anti-ship missile defence programme completed for RAN’s Anzac-class frigates. Work has been completed on the AUD650m (USD488m) anti-ship missile defence (ASMD) upgrade of the Royal Australian Navy’s (RAN’s) eight Anzac-class frigates, contractor BAE Systems disclosed on 9 March.
HMAS Stuart, the final ship to complete the 12-month upgrade at the company’s facility at Henderson in Western Australia, will now undertake harbour and sea trials and return to service later this year.
ASMD modifications include the installation and integration of the CEAFAR and CEAMOUNT active phased-array radars developed by Australian company CEA Technologies; enhancement of the Saab Systems 9LV 453 combat management system to Mk3E standard; installation and integration of a Sagem Vampir NG infrared search and tracking (IRST) system; and major changes to the layout of the operations room. (Source: IHS Jane’s)
09 Mar 17. Aeronautics Producing ‘Hundreds’ of Armed Orbiter 1Ks. Israel’s Aeronautics Defense Systems has secured substantial orders for its armed Orbiter 1K unmanned air system, according to deputy chief executive Dany Eshchar. Eshchar declines to identify confirmed customers for the type, but says orders received so far are for “hundreds” of systems. The first examples will be supplied to foreign customers in the coming months, he adds. Aeronautics’ first loitering weapon system, the Orbiter 1K is based on the structure and properties of its Orbiter 2 UAS. The company says the armed ve