PLYMOUTH, Minn. – Oct. 4, 2023 – The U.S. Navy has awarded Northrop Grumman Corporation a development contract for the company’s newly designed 57mm guided high explosive ammunition. Designated for use with the Mk110 Naval Gun Mount, the company will test and mature the munition for qualification.
The 57mm guided high explosive ammunition has the unique ability to continuously maneuver in-flight as it moves toward a designated target. Designed to defend against fast moving surface threats, drones and swarming threats, the guided 57mm ammunition features an on-board seeker to acquire moving targets and a fuze with the ability to self-select for either proximity or point-detonation mode to best engage and defeat the intended target.
“Our new 57mm guided ammunition is truly innovative in its ability to identify, track and guide itself to a target,” said Dave Fine, vice president, armament systems, Northrop Grumman. “The Navy will gain a greater capability to defend against moving threats and a new level of accuracy to defeat them.”
As the newest addition to Northrop Grumman’s advanced ammunition portfolio, the 57mm round leverages the company’s expertise in guided munitions, such as the Precision Guidance Kit. Utilizing seekers and an aft-maneuver system, the round provides continuous trajectory guidance no matter how often the target may pivot. This new guided ammunition will give the Navy greater stand-off range and a cost-effective solution against small, fast-moving threats, without any weapon system modifications.
Coast Guard takes part in San Francisco Fleet Week with ship tours and community events
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Oct. 5, 2023
By U.S. Coast Guard District 11
SAN FRANCISCO — The U.S. Coast Guard will participate in the annual San Francisco Fleet Week from October 2-10 in San Francisco Bay.
Throughout the week, the Coast Guard will showcase its capabilities and commitment to the community through various public engagements, including weekend ship tours of the National Security Cutter Waesche (WMSL-751) and Fast Response Cutter Benjamin Bottoms (WPC 1132), search-and-rescue demonstrations and recruiting booths with static displays at the Fleet Week Expo on the Marina Green from Oct. 5-8, and more.
“We are honored to be a part of San Francisco Fleet Week – we are the largest branch of service in the Bay Area, and we are thrilled to be a large piece of this honored event,” said Rear Adm. Andrew Sugimoto, commander 11th Coast Guard District. Our vast mission specialties gives us an opportunity to help ensure a safe event for everyone, as well as highlight the skills and capabilities of our service.”
San Francisco Fleet Week is a multi-day event that celebrates our nation’s sea services and offers the public a unique opportunity to engage with the men and women serving in the U.S. Coast Guard, Navy, and Marine Corps.
“We are the oldest continuous seagoing service in the U.S. and encourage more young men and women to join our ranks,” said Capt. Taylor Lam, commander, Coast Guard Sector San Francisco. “We hope that our presence at Fleet Week will be an opportunity for visitors to learn more about us.”
Media interested in interviewing Coast Guard personnel during San Francisco Fleet Week can contact District 11 Public Affairs via email at [email protected] or at 510-437-3808.
The U.S. Coast Guard invites the public to celebrate our nation’s sea services and meet our Coast Guard members. For more information about San Francisco Fleet Week, click here.
U.S. Navy Awards Sev1Tech $45 Million Contract for Logistics IT Support
Release from Sev1Tech
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Sev1Tech to provide services for the Program Executive Office for Manpower, Logistics, and Business Solutions’ portfolio of essential branch operations
WOODBRIDGE, Va., October 5, 2023 – Sev1Tech, a leader in providing information technology (IT), engineering, program management, C5ISR and cybersecurity systems integration and support services, was awarded a $45 million contract with the U.S. Navy’s Program Executive Office for Manpower, Logistics and Business Solutions (PEO MLB) to provide Logistics IT integration and support (LIIS) services. Over the next five years, Sev1Tech will integrate Naval Logistics IT (LOG IT) capabilities into an end-to-end System of Systems (SoS) solution using agile and DevSecOps methodologies. These capabilities will include Naval Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (N-MRO), Naval Supply Chain Management (N-SCM), Naval Product Lifecycle Management (N-PLM), Logistics Integrated Data Environment (L-IDE), and Logistics Information Naval Connector (LINC).
Sev1Tech’s Maritime Division will assist PEO MLB in managing its portfolio of over 200 current LOG IT systems by integrating common capabilities, data, and support services to improve service performance and decrease operational costs by reducing, eliminating, and automating duplicative services, capabilities, and data sets. In addition, Sev1Tech’s highly specialized integration platform and use of agile development processes and adaptable DevSecOps architecture will support continuous modernization, integration, and migration of LOG IT systems and accelerate speed to fleet of logistics capabilities.
“This is a tremendous opportunity to accelerate Naval logistics IT modernization efforts across Navy SYSCOM and fleet end users,” noted Bob Lohfeld, CEO at Sev1Tech. “Leveraging our data integration, DevSecOps, and digital engineering expertise, our team will implement our portfolio integration solution to transform nearly 200 Navy logistics IT systems to a single, integrated Naval portfolio of systems, services and applications, deployed ashore and afloat. This capability is critical in enabling our warfighters to maintain their competitive edge and win the high-end fight.”
Sev1Tech will be responsible for supporting more than 200 afloat and ashore IT systems and applications that service over 150,000 users. The contract will ultimately support all Naval Systems Commands (SYSCOMS) and Naval Operational Forces, including ships, carriers, submarines, aviation squadrons, and expeditionary forces.
The contract will leverage Sev1Tech’s systems engineering, DevSecOps, and product support capabilities to accelerate the Navy’s ongoing Logistics IT modernization journey and enable Naval platforms, weapon systems, and associated infrastructure to be more ready, agile, efficient, and cost-effective.
U.S. Ships to participate in San Francisco Fleet Week
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03 October 2023
Story by Brian O’Rourke
SAN FRANCISCO – Sailors, Marines and Coast Guardsmen from several ships, squadrons and military units will be in San Francisco for the annual San Francisco Fleet Week, Oct. 2-9.
Participating ships and units include the San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock ship USS John P. Murtha (LPD 26); the Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer USS Paul Hamilton (DDG 60); the Legend-class Coast Guard cutter USCGC Waesche (WMSL 751); the Coast Guard fast response cutter USCGC Benjamin Bottoms (WPC 1132); the Blue Angels; the Navy parachute team, the Leap Frogs; Navy Band Southwest; 1st Marine Division Band; I Marine Expeditionary Force; 1st Marine Logistics Group; Combat Logistics Battalion 11; 1st Medical Battalion; U.S. Coast Guard District 11; Navy Talent Acquisition Group Golden Gate; Explosive Ordnance Disposal Group 1; Amphibious Construction Battalion 1; Amphibious Squadron 7; Expeditionary Strike Group 3; and Navy Region Southwest.
San Francisco Fleet Week offers the public an opportunity to take a tour of the ships and interact with service members as they showcase their ships’, units’, and services’ capabilities. It also gives the public a chance to gain a better understanding of how the sea services support the national defense of the United States and protect freedom of the seas.
Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard forces and assets also participate in a robust disaster response exercise, an annual event joint training event that adds a serious, practical objective to San Francisco Fleet Week. The exercise is designed to train military forces and local, county, state and federal government agencies to work together to respond to natural and man-made disasters, such as earthquakes, wildfires and industrial accidents.
Service members will have an opportunity to interact with the local community while participating in a number of community relations projects and entertainment events throughout the week.
The Fleet arrived in San Francisco Sunday-Monday, Oct. 1-2. The public will have opportunities to tour the ships and meet service members following their arrival.
The schedule for ship tours is as follows and is subject to change: Wednesday, October 4 Pier 30/32 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Thursday, October 5 Pier 30/32 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Friday, October 6 No tours, however, the ships can be seen in the San Francisco Fleet Week Parade of Ships 11-11:30 a.m. from Marina Green, Fort Mason, Aquatic Park, Fisherman’s Wharf, Pier 39 and the Embarcadero.
The public is encouraged to attend tours and interact with service members. Prohibited items aboard include the following: – Food or drinks, including ice chests and coolers – Camera tripods – Skateboards, bicycles, hover boards – Gang-related clothing – Unmanned aerial systems – Weapons, including knives, firearms and club weapons, – Defensive chemicals or sprays, including mace and pepper spray; – Spray cans of any type, fireworks, flammable liquids or other explosives – Illegal drugs and drugs considered illegal at the federal level, including marijuana, and/or drug-related paraphernalia – Electronic cigarettes – Large bags, including backpacks and large camera bags (small camera bags and small handbags may be permitted, but will be subject to search) – Strollers – Drinks, other than water, to facilitate security – Pets are also prohibited, with the exception of service dogs for the disabled. – Ship tours may not be appropriate for those with disabilities and access and functional needs or certain medical conditions. There are steep ladders (stairways) to climb and uneven surfaces to traverse on board the ship. An alternative experience will be provided on the pier for those who wish to learn more about the ships in port.
For more information, please visit the San Francisco Fleet Week web site at www.fleetweeksf.org.
USS Detroit (LCS 7) Decommissioned
KEY WEST, Fla. (June 5, 2020) The Freedom-variant littoral combat ship USS Detroit (LCS 7) passes Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park near the southern tip of Key West, Fla., preparing to pull into Naval Air Station Key West’s Truman Harbor. (U.S. Navy photo by Danette Baso Silvers)
NAVAL STATION MAYPORT (Sept. 29, 2023) – Freedom-variant littoral combat ship (LCS) USS Detroit (LCS 7) was decommissioned in Mayport, Fla., September 29.
As an operational unit, Detroit and its crew played an important role in the defense of our nation and maritime freedom. Detroit and its Sailors were key to determine the operational success and deployment capabilities of today’s LCS platform.
During the ceremony guest speaker, Capt. Meger Chappell, Commanding Officer, Destroyer Squadron Four Zero, wished the crew of Detroit fair winds and following seas as they bid farewell to their ship.
“To the Sailors who have served aboard the USS Detroit, both past and present, I extend my deepest appreciation for your service.” said Capt. Meger Chappell, Commanding Officer, Destroyer Squadron Four Zero. “Your unwavering commitment and dedication to duty have been an inspiration to us all. The legacy of Detroit will live on through your stories, your achievements, and the impact you have made on our nation’s defense.”
Detroit and its Sailors contributed a tremendous amount of work and time to ensure success of the LCS program during the ship’s time in naval service. USS Detroit (LCS 7) began the year with a Light Off Assessment (LOA) on January 30. The crew performed with distinction through several major milestones to include LOA, contractor sea trials, and the basic/advance phase in preparation for her 2023 deployment. Detroit completed her most recent deployment to Fourth Fleet in April 2023 partnered with the embarked US Coast Guard Law Enforcement Detachment, other US warships, Department of Defense, Department of Justice, Department of Homeland Security. Detroit participated in two fleet experiments off the coast of San Juan, Puerto Rico, which greatly contributed to C4F’s tactical mission set. Detroit and her embarked LEDETs, seized an estimated total of 900kg of cocaine from entering the United States. Detroit provided maritime security presence enabling the free flow of commerce in key corridors of trade.
“USS Detroit, the sixth ship to her name, represented the city of Detroit, the great state of Michigan, and her Nation with honor and distinction,” said Cmdr. Kyle Hickman, Detroit’s Commanding Officer. “Deploying four times to the SOUTHCOM AOR in just seven years, Detroit led the way in training, operations as a Surface Mission Module test platform, and critical COMFOURTHFLT tasking to include counter-drug interdiction, interoperability, and cooperative engagements throughout the Caribbean.”
Detroit was designed by Lockheed Martin and constructed by Marinette Marine Corporation (Fincantieri) Marinette, Wisconsin. Detroit was commissioned October 22, 2016, in Lake Michigan. Mrs. Barbara Levin, wife of former U.S. Senator Carl Levin, served as the ship’s sponsor.
USS Detroit (LCS 7) is the sixth US Navy vessel to bear the name of Michigan’s largest city. The ship represents the proud people of the Detroit community. Upon decommissioning, its Sailors will receive follow-on orders to new assignments.
LCS are fast, agile, mission-focused platforms designed to operate in near-shore environments, winning against 21st-century coastal threats. LCS are versatile and are capable to support a broad spectrum of fleet missions and operate alongside regional navies and coast guards while supporting forward presence, maritime security, sea control, and deterrence missions around the globe.
For more news from Commander, Littoral Combat Ship Squadron Two, visit https://www.surflant.usff.navy.mil/lcsron2/ or follow on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/comlcsron2/ ###
General Dynamics Electric Boat Awarded $967 Million Contract Modification for Virginia-Class Submarines
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GROTON, Conn. (October 3, 2023) – General Dynamics Electric Boat, a business unit of General Dynamics, announced today it has been awarded a $967 million contract modification from the U.S. Navy for Lead Yard Support and Development and Design efforts for Virginia-class fast-attack submarines.
The cost-plus-fixed fee modification to a previously awarded contract totals $967,185,528. Work will be performed in Groton, Connecticut; McLeansville, North Carolina; Newport News, Virginia; and Newport and Quonset Point, Rhode Island. Work is expected to be completed by October 2024. This contract was awarded on September 29. 2023.
“This contract award supports critical work to further advance the capability and superiority of the Virginia class submarine,” said Kevin Graney, president of General Dynamics Electric Boat. “We are proud to continue our tradition of delivering this state-of the-art platform that ensures the safety of our sailors and their continued dominance in the undersea domain.”
Virginia-class submarines are designed for the full range of 21st-century mission requirements, including anti-submarine and surface ship warfare and special operations support.
General Dynamics Electric Boat is the prime contractor and lead design yard for the Virginia class and constructs the ships in a teaming arrangement with HII’s Newport News Shipbuilding in Virginia.
SECNAV Names Future Nuclear-Powered Attack Submarine USS San Francisco (SSN 810)
Photo By Chief Petty Officer Shannon Renfroe | Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro, today, announced that the future Virginia-class nuclear-powered attack submarine SSN 810 will be named USS San Francisco, Oct. 3. In addition, Secretary Del Toro announced the Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi agreed to be the ship’s sponsor. Secretary Del Toro made the announcement during Fleet Week San Francisco.
Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro, today, announced that the future Virginia-class nuclear-powered attack submarine SSN 810 will be named USS San Francisco.
Secretary Del Toro made the announcement during San Francisco Fleet Week.
“The future USS San Francisco, once commissioned, will be our nation’s newest Virginia-class nuclear-powered fast-attack submarine. USS San Francisco will build upon the legacy of her namesakes, and will no doubt represent the people of this city and our nation with honor wherever she may sail,” said Secretary Del Toro.
In addition, Secretary Del Toro announced the Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi agreed to be the ship’s sponsor. In that role, Speaker Emerita Pelosi will represent a lifelong relationship with the ship and crew.
“For over 36 years, Speaker Emerita Pelosi has represented the people of San Francisco with honor and distinction in Congress and has served as a staunch advocate for our national security and the promotion of our democratic values around the world,” said Secretary Del Toro. “She is a champion for justice and equality, to ensure every American is afforded the dignity and respect they deserve.”
“It is with great pride and patriotism that I serve as the sponsor of the magnificent USS San Francisco, which will bring luster to our City as it sails the seas defending our Nation,” Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi said. “The naming of this ship comes as our City and our Nation continue to mourn the loss of our beloved Dianne Feinstein: our Forever Mayor, a champion of San Francisco and a proud patriot. It is fitting that we announce the naming of this ship during San Francisco Fleet Week, a tradition that she began as Mayor more than four decades ago. As we honor Senator Feinstein’s towering legacy, may the USS San Francisco always find fair winds and following seas.”
This is the fourth vessel to honor San Francisco. The first San Francisco, a steel protected cruiser, blockaded Havana, Cuba, during the Spanish-American War and served as a mine planter in the North Sea during World War I.
The second San Francisco, a heavy cruiser, had an equally distinguished career, participating in operations and engagements at Cape Esperance, Guadalcanal, Guam, the Marshall Islands, and Okinawa during World War II. In total, the ship and its crew earned 17 Battle Stars, a Presidential Unit Citation, four Medals of Honor, and 32 Navy Crosses.
The third San Francisco was a Los Angeles-class nuclear submarine (SSN 711), which completed multiple deployments to the western Pacific, earning a Navy Unit Commendation and Navy Expeditionary Medal among other awards. Decommissioned in 2022, the venerable boat now serves as a moored training vessel for the Naval Nuclear Power Training Unit, Charleston, South Carolina.
Attack submarines like the future USS San Francisco are designed to seek and destroy enemy submarines and surface ships; project power ashore with Tomahawk cruise missiles and Special Operation Forces (SOF); carry out Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) missions; support battle group operations; and engage in mine warfare.
A week after calling for a new, bold maritime statecraft, Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro and key members of his team visited the Mare Island Dry Dock, located on the historic Mare Island Shipyard, in Vallejo, Calif., Oct. 2.
Established in 1854, Mare Island Naval Shipyard was the Nation’s first Navy base in the Pacific. During World War II, it was one of the busiest naval shipyards in the world. In its last 25 years of operation, it was the leading submarine port for the West Coast.
Today, with strategic competition challenges in the Pacific, Secretary Del Toro, joined by U. S. Rep. John Garamendi, toured the Mare Island Dry Dock facility, met with shipyard leadership, and discussed opportunities and options to address emerging maritime challenges and increase shipyard capacity in the Pacific.
“We’re making a concerted effort to improve our naval shipbuilding and repair industry – both public and commercial – with historically high investments in the industrial base,” said Secretary Del Toro. “That’s how we grow our nation’s strategic advantage at sea.”
During the visit, Secretary Del Toro expressed how impressed he was with the facilities and the amount of capacity and infrastructure that remains.
As Secretary Del Toro outlined in his recent address at Harvard, “The maritime industry is a strategic sector critical to our economic and national security. It is vital to achieving resilient global supply chains and is ripe with opportunity to partner with a greater number of shipbuilders here in the U.S. and with our closest allies overseas, including Japan and South Korea. It also requires urgent U.S. public investment and international statecraft to attract the necessary private capital.”
The visit to Mare Island Dry Dock is the latest shipyard engagement by the Secretary. In July, Secretary Del Toro visited Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard and Intermediate Maintenance Facility (PHNSY & IMF). In August, he toured Bayonne Drydock & Repair Corp.
The visits are part of the Department of the Navy’s efforts toward a new maritime statecraft that is bold and founded on a strong Navy and Marine Corps to fulfill our national security interests and address future challenges.
Additionally, the administration is working to set the necessary conditions to attract the most advanced shipbuilders in the world to open U.S.-owned subsidiaries and invest in commercial shipyards here in the U.S., modernizing and expanding our shipbuilding industrial capacity and creating a healthier, more competitive shipbuilding workforce.
USS Augusta Commissions Amidst the Morning Fog of Maine
EASTPORT, MAINE (Sept. 30, 2023) – Independence-variant littoral combat ship USS Augusta (LCS 34) commissioned at Eastport, Maine, Sept. 30.
In the week leading up to the commissioning ceremony, the Augusta’s crew spent time with their ship’s sponsor, Chief Justice Leigh Saufley, and participated in community relations events in their namesake city to build a strong connection with their namesake city community.
During the ceremony guest speaker, The Honorable Jared Golden, U.S. Representative, Maine’s 2nd District, wished the crew of Augusta fair winds and following seas as they brought the ship to life and began its commissioned service via recorded remarks.
Remarks were also provided by Vice Adm. John Fuller, Naval Inspector General.
“Competing and being successful in the maritime starts at home. The state of Maine’s has a strong bond with the sea and our nation’s military. More than 30 ships proudly represent this state, its cities, places, and people” said Fuller. “The USS AUGUSTA and her crew will play an important role in defending our nation and enabling global maritime freedom and commerce. She will be integrated into operations that provide presence and support both sea control and power projection, which are at the core of the Navy’s mission.”
Rear Adm. James Downey, Special Assistant to the Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Research, Development, and Acquisition; the Honorable Mark O’Brien, Mayor of Augusta, Maine; and the Honorable Chris Gardner, Director of the Eastport Port Authority and Washington County Maine Commissioner. The ship’s sponsor is the Honorable Leigh Saufley, President and Dean of University of Maine School of Law and former Chief Justice of the Maine Supreme Judicial Court.
“This ship, born of American aluminum, is a testament to the versatility, resolve, and unwavering spirit that have defined our nation from its very inception. The USS Augusta stands as a living embodiment of our shared commitment to safeguarding liberty, defending democracy, and preserving peace around the world,” said Cmdr. Christopher Polnaszek, USS Augusta’s commanding officer. “Augusta, Maine, a place steeped in tradition and history, has given rise to brave sons and daughters who have answered the call of duty time and again. From the early days of our nation’s founding, through the trials of the Civil War, to the modern challenges of the 21st century, the people of Augusta have shown an indomitable spirit, unyielding in the face of adversity. As we commission this warship, we pay homage to that spirit. May it sail the seas as a testament to the enduring strength of the American spirit. Protecting the Frontier.”
Augusta is the 17th Independence-variant LCS commissioned in the United States Navy, and the second U.S. Navy ship to bear this namesake.
Augusta (SSN-710), the first Naval vessel to be name for Maine’s capitol, served from 1985 – 2009, taking part in Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. Its sponsor was Mrs. Diana D. Cohen, wife of Senator William S. Cohen of Maine, who later served as the Secretary of Defense (1997–2001).
USS Manchester (LCS 14), USS Gabrielle Giffords (LCS 10), USS Mobile (LCS 26), and USS Oakland (LCS 24) are deployed to Commander, 7th Fleet area of operations under Destroyer Squadron 7. USS Jackson (LCS 6) is currently deployed and is supporting Pacific Partnership, the largest annual multinational humanitarian assistance and disaster relief preparedness mission conducted in the Indo-Pacific.
Independence-variant Littoral Combat Ships are fast, optimally manned, mission-tailored surface combatants that operate in near-shore and open-ocean environments, winning against 21st-century coastal threats. LCS integrate with joint, combined, manned and unmanned teams to support forward presence, maritime security, sea control, and deterrence missions around the globe.
Independence-variant littoral combat ships (LCS) are built by Austal USA in Mobile, Alabama.
The mission of Commander, Naval Surface Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet is to man, train, and equip the Surface Force to provide fleet commanders with credible naval power to control the sea and project power ashore.
For more news from Naval Surface Forces, visit https://www.surfpac.navy.mil/.
For more news from Commander, Littoral Combat Ship Squadron One, visit https://www.surfpac.navy.mil/comlcsron1/ or follow on Facebook at www.facebook.com/COMLCSRONONE/
Raytheon and Texas A&M Establish Texas’ First Laser Weapon Test Site
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First high-energy laser demonstration in Texas takes down drone targets in flight at Texas A&M-RELLIS
BRYAN-COLLEGE STATION, Texas, Sept. 29, 2023 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — On Sept. 21 and 22, Raytheon, an RTX company, conducted an open-air test of an operational laser weapon on the Texas A&M-RELLIS campus at the George H.W. Bush Combat Development Complex (BCDC). Raytheon’s high-energy lasers (HEL) are combat-ready weapons that use silent, invisible beams of light to destroy drone threats at great distances. The open-air test was the first such shot of a laser weapon in the State of Texas, creating a new capability to advance critical defense technologies.
“We are proud to collaborate with Raytheon on the latest technologies for national security,” said John Sharp, chancellor of The Texas A&M University System. “This is another example of the world-changing impact that Texas A&M-RELLIS will have for generations to come.”
“We see drone attacks having an out-sized impact in combat zones and even civilian settings, and they are extremely difficult to detect and defeat,” said Michael Hofle, senior director of high energy lasers at Raytheon. “That’s why we’re making Texas a hub for solving these challenges, side-by-side with the Bush Combat Development Complex. Our combat-ready laser weapons are a cheat code against drones. So, having the ability to test our systems in our own backyard is a game changer for getting this technology into the hands of uniformed personnel quickly and affordably.”
The 15-kilowatt laser weapon is the ninth Raytheon has produced in McKinney, Texas. Previous tests and demonstrations were conducted in other states where appropriate firing ranges already exist. With the successful test on the BCDC Innovation Proving Ground (IPG), Raytheon can now design, produce and test laser weapons in Texas.
“We are proud to collaborate with Raytheon on the latest technologies for national security,” said John Sharp, chancellor of The Texas A&M University System. “This is another example of the world-changing impact that Texas A&M-RELLIS will have for generations to come.”
The Raytheon test is an example of how the BCDC will help various customers accelerate innovative research and development on behalf of national security. The complex’s labs offer a wide array of capabilities for collaboration among the defense industry, universities, government and the tech sector.
A team of experts transported the laser weapon to the RELLIS campus for final adjustments, and the calibrations and tests performed on the laser weapon included tracking, targeting and destroying multiple drone targets while fine-tuning system parameters. The system will be shipped to the United Kingdom in October for final integration and delivery to the U.K. Ministry of Defense.
“When we met with Army Futures Command four years ago, they identified a need for our assistance in advancing their directed energy capabilities,” said BCDC director Tim Green. “Texas A&M System leadership then worked with the 2019 Texas legislature and the Board of Regents to obtain a combined $130 million toward the development of facilities here on Texas A&M-RELLIS, designed to accelerate the development of key national security technologies, including directed energy, at what is now known as BCDC. We are proud to bring together industry and academic experts, working closely together to provide a capability Texas needs to be a leader in delivering directed energy weapons to meet urgent military needs.”
When Raytheon representatives visited BCDC in February 2023, the BCDC team anticipated the primary discussion topic would be related to directed energy testing inside the Ballistic, Aero-optic and Materials (BAM) range, which is scheduled for completion in Spring 2024, and ongoing research at the Texas A&M Aerospace Laboratory for Lasers, ElectroMagnetics and Optics (ALLEMO). Following a full overview and tour, Raytheon officials saw an opportunity to test both weapon systems and potential platforms using the IPG, and they inquired about the ability to conduct open-air shots on the IPG.
Dr. James Creel, a BCDC-directed energy senior research engineer, served as lead for the project.
“When Raytheon asked about our ability to perform live-fire tests, it did catch us off guard. But when we saw how much of a game changer this could be for the State of Texas and for our troops, we quickly established a team of experts from across the Texas A&M University System, and other state agencies like the Texas Department of State Health Services, (DSHS) to quickly develop the capability where that kind of test could be conducted safely here on the Texas A&M-RELLIS campus,” said Creel. “We’re proud of the way this team came together to provide this new capability, and we’re excited to work with Raytheon to help them develop future capabilities.”
BCDC is in the process of establishing a more formal relationship with Raytheon over the coming months.
“This type of HEL testing and evaluation was previously considered impossible within Texas. I am so thankful to have partners from Raytheon, other state agencies, and many system organizations working together to solve problems and create capabilities here that will help make us more secure and protect our military personnel,” Green said. “Dr. Creel did a great job pulling together our system teammates from RELLIS administration, safety, the Texas A&M Experiment Station (TEES) and the IPG. Col. (U.S. Army, Ret) Brian McHugh’s excellence at range operations was critical to winning state approval for the permit. I see this as the beginning of several emerging partnerships, and I’m honored to be a part of it.”
Directed energy weapons are proving to be a critical need as the U.S. and partner nations work to develop counter-drone capabilities. Industry, government and academia are working diligently to deliver the technology to protect both our forces as well as the homeland.
