Noticias Navales del Mundo

[angel55]

Estados Unidos proyecta la construcción del primer avión submarino



EE.UU - Las guerras modernas necesitan modernas armas. Y Estados Unidos aprovecha el arsenal que quedó aparcado tras la guerra fría. Ambas pretensiones han dado lugar a un proyecto, que desarrollará la empresa Lockheed Martin, llamado Cormorant. Se trata de un avión que viajará en los tubos de los misiles de los submarinos hasta que deba actuar. Entonces, un brazo artificial lo sacará a la superficie del agua, desde la que despegará para realizar su labor. Espionaje, ataques y transporte de armas o equipamiento de salvamento serán sus funciones. Las primeras pruebas de algunos de sus sistemas ya están siendo realizadas por el Departamento de Defensa nortemericano.

La empresa norteamericana Lockheed Martin, dedicada a la fabricación de motores de aviones, naves espaciales y sofisticados equipos electrónicos, planea un nuevo y revolucionario proyecto que quizá supere a todos los anteriores. Durante décadas, esta empresa ha sido pionera en la fabricación de aeronaves que han llevado a sus pilotos más alto, rápido y más sigilosamente que nadie.

El nuevo proyecto se llama Cormorant (en castellano, cormorán, que es un ave de mar de plumaje blanco), un avión que empezará y terminará sus misiones a más de 45 metros bajo el agua.

Se trata de un avión a reacción, autónomo e invisible a los radares, que estará dotado de armamento de corto alcance, o de equipos de observación y vigilancia. Será lanzado a través de los tubos lanzadores de los misiles Trident, desde alguno de los submarinos gigantes de la clase "Ohio", que en la actualidad son restos de la Guerra Fría.

Al no ser utilizados con este fin militar, el Cormorant los aprovechará los tubos de los misiles Trident para convertirse en una opción teledirigida de espionaje o de destrucción de objetivos cercanos a las costas. El Cormorant ha sido diseñado especialmente para ser lanzado desde los tubos de los misiles Trident.

Apenas ocupados ahora que la situación internacional ha cambiado, los lanzamisiles van a pasar a desempeñar nuevas funciones, con prototipos del tipo del nuevo Cormorán, que podría servir para transportar armas o equipamiento de salvamento a distancias de hasta 800 kilómetros mar adentro.

Fabricación complicada

La fabricación del Cormorant no será una tarea fácil: tendrá que caber en los tubos de los lanzamisiles, de algo más de dos metros de ancho. Además, deberá ser lo suficientemente fuerte como para aguantar la presión del agua a 45 metros de profundidad, y lo suficientemente ligero como para poder volar, informa la revista Popular Science.

Asimismo, los técnicos deberán arreglárselas para que no sea detectado en el momento de volver a su base acuática, puesto que las posiciones geográficas de los submarinos deben permanecer desconocidas para los enemigos.

El avión pesará cuatro toneladas y tendrá unas alas similares a las de las gaviotas. Estas alas se pegarán al resto de la estructura del aparato para poder entrar en los tubos de los misiles. La aeronave estará hecha de titanio, un material resistente a la corrosión, y todos sus espacios vacíos serán rellenados con espuma plástica, con el fin de que la nave aguante la presión. El resto de la estructura estará presurizada con gas inerte. Las puertas quedarán selladas con material inflable.

Motor a propulsión

El Cormorant no saldrá al exterior disparado como un misil, sino que una especie de brazo artificial lo guiará hacia el exterior, sacándolo a la superficie mientras el submarino se mantiene bajo el agua. Cuando sea sacado del agua, la carga impelente del cohete se pondrá en marcha, y el Cormorant comenzará a volar.

Una vez cumplida su misión, la aeronave regresará para amerizar en el agua, y el submarino enviará entonces un vehículo robótico subacuático para devolverlo a su sitio. La finalidad del envío de este robot sería evitar que la posición del submarino pudiese ser descubierta.

La Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) estadounidense hará, hasta septiembre de este año, algunas pruebas de los sistemas del Cormorant, como el del modelo de amerizaje o el del vehículo acuático de recogida de la aeronave. DARPA es el principal centro de investigación del Departamento de Defensa estadounidense.

Otros proyectos de la DARPA con los que se pretenden afrontar los nuevos retos bélicos del siglo XXI son un avión que vuele a nueve veces la velocidad del sonido, y otro que tenga alas que se mueven como las de los pájaros durante el vuelo, de manera que pueda pasar de una velocidad lenta con fines de espionaje, a una velocidad rápida en caso de que se quiera bombardear un objetivo.

.- Saludos.

Hola, vi en otro foro un video del cormoran y la verdad al menos por lo que se ve es espectacular, otra cosa es que se haga realidad.
el link del foro es: http://www.abovetopsecret.com/forum/thread275833/pg4
al final de la pagina esta el video, por cierto de youtube.

[Carlos Martín]

From Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe - Commander, U.S. 6th Fleet Public Affairs

SEVASTOPOL, Ukraine (NNS) -- U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Dallas (WHEC 716) pulled into port here Sept. 1 to participate in previously scheduled theater security cooperation activities with the Ukrainian Navy.

The visit by the 378-foot, high-endurance cutter, which has been scheduled since Spring 2008, represents one of the many routine visits to the Black Sea region by the U.S. Navy and U.S. Coast Guard in recent years designed to strengthen global maritime partnerships and foster
greater maritime safety and security capabilities with Black Sea nations.

Included in the training will be shipboard damage control, law enforcement training and vessel boarding procedures.

"The principal aim of visits like these is to increase interoperability by developing the individual and collective maritime proficiency of partner nations, as well as promoting friendship, mutual understanding
and cooperation," said Capt. John Moore, commander of Combined Task Force 367, under which the Dallas is operating.

The Dallas, home-ported in Charleston, S.C., is on a regularly scheduled deployment and has been under the command of the U.S. Navy's 6th Fleet since May 25. Earlier in the deployment, Dallas participated in Africa
Partnership Station and conducted similar training with navies and coast guards throughout West and Central Africa.

On Aug. 27, the cutter became the second U.S. military ship to deliver humanitarian aid supplies to Georgia as a part of Operation Assured Delivery, the ongoing U.S. mission to bring relief supplies to the conflict-torn country.

Se estáponiendo muy calentita la región del Mar Negro. Además esta colaboración refuerza los temores de Rusia de un acercamiento de Ucrania a occidente (UE y OTAN).

[Carlos Martín]

MOORESTOWN, NJ, September 2nd, 2008 -- Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT]’s new Aegis Open Architecture Weapon System came to life during the week of Aug. 25 – on schedule and exactly as planned – aboard the U.S. Navy’s guided missile cruiser USS Bunker Hill (CG 52). The Aegis open architecture configuration was installed aboard Bunker Hill as part of that ship’s modernization.

During this milestone testing event, power was successfully applied to the newest version of the world’s most advanced naval weapon system, developed using commonly-available, commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) computing hardware and open system software.

Through the use of COTS hardware and open system software, Lockheed Martin’s Aegis Open Architecture Weapon System will allow the Navy to stay on technology’s leading edge by enabling warfighters to more easily implement technology refreshes and capability upgrades to the weapon system as these are developed in the future.

“Aegis modernization extends the sea-going horizon for the Navy’s Ticonderoga-class cruisers,” said Orlando Carvalho, vice president and general manager of Lockheed Martin’s Surface-Sea Based Missile Defense Systems line of business. “As Aegis was when it first went to sea, Aegis remains the most capable multi-mission naval weapon system in the world. Open architecture will allow the Aegis program to continue evolving the world’s most capable integrated air and missile defense system to remain a step ahead of any threat.”

USS Bunker Hill is the first of 22 U.S. Navy cruisers scheduled for modernization with Aegis Open Architecture over the next 10 years. In 2012, the Navy will begin a similar modernization program for the 62-ship class of Aegis-equipped Arleigh Burke (DDG 51) guided missile destroyers.

The road to Aegis Open Architecture included extensive systems engineering to reconfigure Aegis with COTS computing hardware and open system software. The end result is a weapon system that will be able to absorb frequent technology refreshes to remain state-of-the-art and can readily accept upgrades in capabilities, whether they are accomplished through new development or through the integration of separately developed third party products.

The Aegis Weapon System is the world’s premier proven naval defense system and the sea-based element of the U.S. Ballistic Missile Defense System. Its precision S-band SPY-1 radar and missile system seamlessly integrate with its own command and control. Its ability to detect, track and engage targets ranging from sea-skimming cruise missiles to ballistic missiles in space is unmatched, as demonstrated by thousands of successful missile firings in tests and in combat.

The Aegis Weapon System is currently deployed on 88 ships around the globe with 18 additional ships planned or under contract. In addition to the U.S., Aegis is the maritime weapon system of choice for Australia, Japan, Norway, South Korea and Spain.

[Carlos Martín]

02/09/2008 14:30 TOKYO, September 2 (RIA Novosti) - The Japanese government has decided to postpone joint exercises with the Russian Navy citing recent events in the Caucasus and tensions between Russia and the West, a Japanese defense source said on Tuesday.

The 10th joint sea search-and-rescue exercises near the Japanese naval base at Sasebo were scheduled to begin on September 9.

The source, speaking on condition of anonymity, told RIA Novosti that Japan had followed a decision by NATO countries, which earlier decided to suspend all joint military maneuvers with Russia. However, he said Russia should not jump to conclusions over Japan's decision.

"The Japanese government highly appreciates the fact that Russia does not equate the development of air and missile defenses around Japan to the placement of a U.S. missile shield in Europe," the source said.

Meanwhile, the spokesman for Russia's Pacific Fleet, Capt. 1st Rank Roman Martov, told RIA Novosti on Tuesday that Russia had not received any official statement from Japan regarding the postponement of the exercise.

"The large ASW ship Admiral Panteleyev is ready to sail to the Sea of Japan on September 5-6 to participate in the joint exercise," he said.

Japan and Russia have been conducting annual joint search-and-rescue exercises in the Sea of Japan since 1998.

Está claro que la acción rusa en Georgia está crespando todas sus relaciones internacionales. Ya veremos si finalmente se llevan a cabo.

[Carlos Martín]

02/09/2008 17:50 SUKHUMI, September 2 (RIA Novosti) - Abkhazia will not host new Russian military bases on its territory, the leader of the region recently recognized by Russia as independent said on Tuesday.

"There will be no new bases," Sergei Bagapsh said, adding that Russia's Black Sea Fleet will not be based in the republic either.

"Only units of Russia's ground forces that have always been based here will continue to be stationed in Abkhazia," he said.

The new statement contradicts the Abkhazian president's earlier suggestions. After Russia recognized the independence of Georgia's two breakaway regions, Abkhazia and South Ossetia, Bagapsh said Russia's Black Sea Fleet could use one of the ports in the republic to station its warships.

A Russian military diplomat said in late August, speaking on condition of anonymity, that Russia had been evaluating the possible deployment of military bases in the Abkhaz cities of Gudauta and Ochamchira and the South Ossetian city of Java.

Russia has always claimed that it closed down its military base in Gudauta in 2001 as envisaged by the OSCE Istanbul treaty, but according to some sources about 400 personnel are still stationed at the base, along with some combat and transport helicopters, various military vehicles, a fuel storage area, and other facilities.

Moscow has never allowed international inspections of the base and has provided no data on suspected stockpiles of arms and ammunition. The Russian military also maintains the Bombora airfield, which is part of the Gudauta base complex.

Russia earlier said it would station 2,142 peacekeepers in Abkhazia and had no plans to boost its peacekeeping numbers in Abkhazia and South Ossetia after it had recognized their independence from Georgia.

Tal y como está la zona, veo normal la preocupación que en occidente puede causar el que Rusia refuerce su presencia militar en el Mar Negro

[Carlos Martín]

02/09/2008 15:05 SEVASTOPOL, September 2 (RIA Novosti) - The U.S. Coast Guard cutter Dallas left Sevastopol Tuesday morning after anti-NATO protests in Ukraine's Crimean port.

The Dallas, which recently delivered humanitarian aid to Georgia's Black Sea port of Batumi, docked on Monday at the Crimean port, where Russia has a naval base, at the invitation of Kiev.

The ship's arrival was met by thousands of anti-NATO protesters chanting "Yankees go home!" and waving banners with the slogan "NATO Stop!" Police cordoned off the area around the ship.

Ukrainian customs officers who boarded the ship and met the commander said they had been prepared to lay on buses for the U.S. crew to give them a tour of the city, but apart from a few officers, no one left the vessel.

Tensions between Russia and the West have been exacerbated by the build up in the Black Sea of U.S. and NATO naval vessels delivering humanitarian aid to Georgia. In an apparent response, Russia sent a group of warships last week, including the Moskva missile cruiser, to Sukhumi, the capital of Abkhazia.

A Russian warship, the Smetlivy patroller, has meanwhile returned to Sevastopol after being involved in peacekeeping operations off the Abkhazian shore, a Russian Black Sea Fleet command source said.

"Smetlivy returned to its base this morning. Everyone on board is safe and sound. A group of ships has remained near the Abkhazian shore to ensure the republic's maritime security," the source said.

Most of Russia's naval group have returned to the Black Sea bases of Novorossiisk and Sevastopol.

After a Russian ship patrolling Abkhazian waters sank a Georgian missile boat during armed conflict last month, Ukraine's Foreign Ministry said Russian warships involved in the operation near Georgia could be prohibited from returning to Sevastopol.

Russia's Black Sea Fleet uses the Sevastopol base under agreements signed in 1997. Ukrainian pro-NATO President Victor Yushchenko announced earlier this year that Ukraine would not extend the lease beyond 2017.

Yushchenko signed a decree last month requiring prior notice of all movements by Russian naval vessels and aircraft from the Sevastopol base in the Crimea. Russia views it as a provocation and is likely to resist any Ukrainian attempts to restrict the deployment of its navy.

Parece ser que el recibimiento en el puerto del pueblo "ucraniano" no ha sido del todo acogedor para los americanos.

[Carlos Martín]

USS IWO JIMA, At Sea (NNS) -- Approximately 6,000 Sailors and Marines from the Iwo Jima Expeditionary Strike Group (Iwo Jima ESG) and embarked 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit deployed Aug. 26-30 for a regularly-scheduled deployment to the Navy's 5th and 6th Fleet areas of operation in support of Maritime Security Operations.

"While in theater, our strike group will conduct Maritime Security Operations to help set the conditions for security and stability in the maritime environment," said Capt. Brian T. Smith, commander, Iwo Jima ESG. "Our forces will also support the other tenets of the Navy's Maritime Strategy, which include forward presence, deterrence, sea control, power projection, and humanitarian assistance and disaster response."

The Iwo Jima ESG consists of the amphibious assault ship USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7); the amphibious dock landing ship USS Carter Hall (LSD 50); the amphibious transport dock ship USS San Antonio (LPD 17); the guided-missile cruiser USS Vella Gulf (CG 72); the guided-missile destroyer USS Ramage (DDG 61); all homeported at Norfolk; the guided-missile destroyer USS Roosevelt (DDG 80), homeported at Mayport, Fla.; and the fast attack submarine USS Hartford (SSN 768), homeported at Groton, Conn.

"Our amphibious ships provide a unique capability serving as platforms to support Marine movements and operations ashore," said Smith. "This capability is significantly enhanced by our cruiser and destroyer escorts which provide a very robust, additional set of warfighting capabilities."

San Antonio and Ramage bring new capabilities to the strike group. San Antonio's departure marks the first deployment of a San Antonio class amphibious ship, and its multifunctional design supports technological advances in landing craft, aircraft, and amphibious vehicles. Additionally, Ramage is the first east coast ship certified for AEGIS Ballistic Missile Defense.

"The nature of U.S. Navy operations is to deploy forward with the ability to be aggregated for regional security and deterrence, or disaggregated for maritime security effects, providing combatant commanders a wide range of options," said Smith. "Our forces are inherently flexible and ready to respond to emergent tasking around the globe to provide critically needed capabilities."

[Carlos Martín]

03/09/2008 14:54 ANKARA/MOSCOW, September 3 (RIA Novosti) - NATO is continuing to strengthen its naval task force in the Black Sea, a Turkish military source said on Wednesday.

"A U.S. Pathfinder ship has entered the Black Sea," the source said on condition of anonymity.

USNS Pathfinder (T-AGS 60) is an oceanographic survey ship owned by Military Sealift Command and has a civilian crew and scientists on board.

However, a Russian military source told RIA Novosti that ships of the Pathfinder class could be used for reconnaissance and intelligence gathering purposes.

"We have reliable information confirming that the [Pathfinder] ship has arrived in the Black Sea primarily to conduct intelligence gathering operations in support of the NATO naval task group currently deployed in the area," the source said.

NATO sent at least five warships, including guided missile frigates, into the Black Sea after Russia completed its operation "to force Georgia to peace" on August 12.

The operation came as a response to Georgia's attack on South Ossetia on August 8.

Another U.S. warship is expected to arrive in the Black Sea in the next few days, a Russian intelligence source said on Wednesday.

Prime Minister Vladimir Putin said on Tuesday that Russia will respond calmly to the presence of NATO warships in the Black Sea.

"Our response will be calm, not hysterical, but there will definitely be a response," Putin said.

Meanwhile, Admiral Eduard Baltin, a former fleet commander of Russia's Black Sea Fleet, suggested last week that the NATO naval strike group currently deployed in the area could be destroyed by a single missile salvo within 20 minutes.

"Within 20 minutes the waters would be clear," he said, stressing that despite major reductions, the Black Sea Fleet still has a formidable missile arsenal.

However, Baltin said the chances of a military confrontation between NATO and Russia in the Black Sea were negligible.

"We will not strike first, and they do not look like people with suicidal tendencies," he said.

Siguen los tira y afloja en la región del Mar Negro. Estaremos espectantes en ver como evoluciona el incidente.

[Carlos Martín]

PRUEBAS OPERATIVAS DEL USS SAN ANTONIO

USS SAN ANTONIO, At Sea (NNS) -- The amphibious transport dock ship USS San Antonio (LPD 17) deployed Aug. 28 as part of the Iwo Jima Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG), marking the first deployment of a ship in the technologically advanced San Antonio class of warships.

The deployment introduces new technology and capabilities never before seen in any ESG. One example of this technology is the shipwide area network (SWAN).

"SWAN is the first network to be the backbone of vital components of the ship," said Information Systems Technician 3rd Class Wendall Bates.

"Engineering, navigation and steering all run through SWAN, allowing Sailors to monitor all the systems in a much faster and reliable way."

Communications with other ships has always been key to the Navy's success. San Antonio has taken communications to the next level.

"Our cooperative engagement capability allows us to interact with fellow ships underway," said Fire Controlman 1st Class (SW/AW) Kevin Sanders, combat systems leading petty officer.

"By seeing what other ships see through our radars, we can see targets far ahead and either intercept them ourselves or pass along orders for our allies to intercept."

Targeting surface threats with weapons has also benefited from the new technology.

"San Antonio is the first class of ship to have an MK-46 30mm gun weapon system," said Cmdr. Kurt Kastner, San Antonio's commanding officer. "It is a very effective anti-surface weapon with specific daytime and nighttime modes."

Another force protection measure added to the transport dock ship is San Antonio's arsenal of small boats.

"Our collection of small boats makes both Amphibious Assault Vehicle (AAV) operations and visit, board, search and seizure (VBSS) operations easier with increased capability and flexibility," explained Kastner.

Other San Antonio design features make day-to-day life more comfortable for the Sailors, while also increasing efficiency.

The engineers aboard keep much cooler thanks to unmanned engine rooms. This is possible due to the engineering control system (ECS).

"ECS is a PC-based system that provides remote monitoring and control of the propulsion, fuel, electrical, auxiliary, damage control, and ballast systems," said Kastner.

San Antonio can also serve as a small-scale hospital ship, and boasts a state-of-the-art medical department that is equipped to provide the highest quality of care with the inclusion of systems like Medical Web.

"San Antonio is designed as a secondary casualty receiving ship with an in-house care facility, complete with an operating room, capable of caring for 24 intensive care patients," said Kastner. "Additionally, Medical Web allows the medical team to transfer digital X-ray images for consultation at large, to shore-based hospitals."

The design of the ship has also made moving supplies throughout the ship less laborious.

"The ship's design places the elevators in front of the store rooms, allowing for easy transfer of stores while other ships often need to snake around the ship to get the stores where they need to go," stated Kastner.

A deployment is an opportune time to work on qualifications and further in-rate knowledge. San Antonio's Total Ship Training System provides shipwide access to computer-based lessons.

"This Total Ship Training System offers everybody the opportunity to train on any computer aboard on various topics ranging from rate specific training, to basic damage control courses," continued Kastner.

Ultimately, San Antonio was designed with one predominant focus: the Marines and supporting their mission.

"LPD-17 provides 23,000 square feet of vehicle space and wider passage ways for debarkation and embarkation," said Marine Chief Warrant Officer Two Anthonie Scott.

"This allows the ship and the Marines to perform independent operations, while the rest of the strike group works other missions. This is the future of amphibious shipping, and the Navy-Marine Corps team will only benefit from its existence."

"These systems, when combined together, will deliver to the Navy the next generation of warships," concluded Kastner.

San Antonio is part of the Iwo Jima Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG).
The strike group is currently en route to the Navy's 5th and 6th Fleet areas of responsibility in support of Maritime Security Operations (MSO). MSO helps set the conditions for security and stability in the maritime environment, as well as complement the counterterrorism and security efforts of regional nations.

The strike group will also support the other tenets of the Navy's Maritime Strategy, which include forward presence, deterrence, sea control, power projection, and humanitarian assistance/disaster response. The Maritime Strategy represents a new vision for the 21st century and establishes new capabilities to codify longstanding challenges, while maintaining the focus on enduring missions.

[Carlos Martín]

DEMOSTRACION CAPACIDADES DEL USS BATAAN

ABOARD USS BATAAN, At sea (NNS) -- The multipurpose amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5) departed Naval Station Norfolk Sept. 2 for HURREX 08-002 to demonstrate at-sea readiness for disaster response.

It will give Bataan a chance to demonstrate their ability to respond to humanitarian-assistance and disaster-relief needs during the 2008 hurricane season.

"This will be a valuable time for us at sea, and we'll stay out as long as we need to," said Capt. Rick Snyder, Bataan's commanding officer.

Nearly 1,100 Sailors make up Bataan's crew, and Snyder believes their "big hearts" may be even more important than the state-of-the-art equipment and capabilities that makes the ship an ideal platform for disaster-relief operations.

"The Sailors are all great Americans who are ready to take care of other Americans, that's probably the best asset we have," said Snyder.

During the course of the exercise, the ship and embarked commands will test their ability to coordinate and perform search and rescue operations, evacuations and provide medical care.

The coordination among all units involved was tested immediately when Commander, U.S. Second Fleet directed the short-notice underway to commence the exercise.

"Bataan is like a well-oiled machine," said Capt. Jack Sotherland, Bataan Expeditionary Strike Group commodore. "Everybody was notified; they recalled their personnel, and we went ahead and made it happen."

Bataan Sailors proved themselves during real-world events just three years earlier. The ship was on station in the Gulf of Mexico Aug. 20, 2005, and was the first Navy ship on scene after Katrina, a category 4 hurricane, made landfall.

The crew went right to work and spent 19 days supporting the relief efforts by moving more than 1,600 people to safety and delivering more than 160,000 pounds of supplies to the Gulf Coast states.

"We moved food, water and neonatal materials to the area, because everything was bad," said Storekeeper First Class (SW/AW) Antonio Gillespie, stock control leading petty officer. "This time, all the ships and commands got together to coordinate who needs to be where in order to be on site in a more timely fashion."

Embarked squadrons for the exercise include equipment and personnel from Commander, Amphibious Squadron Two; Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 22, Tactical Squadron 21, Fleet Surgical Team Six, Assault Craft Unit Two and Four and Beachmaster Unit Two.

Bataan is the fifth ship of the Navy's Wasp-class ships. She was commissioned Sept. 20, 1997, and is the second U.S. Navy warship to bear the name.

[Carlos Martín]

PRUEBAS SATISFACTORIAS DEL MISIL SM-6

WHITE SANDS MISSILE RANGE, N.M., Sept. 5, 2008 /PRNewswire/ -- The U.S. Navy conducted the second test of Raytheon Company's (NYSE: RTN) Standard Missile-6 extended range anti-air warfare missile Sept. 5.

Using the newly developed SM-6 active seeker, the missile intercepted a BQM-74 aerial drone. The active seeker, employing the U.S. Navy's legacy command system, autonomously acquired and engaged the target.

"The SM-6 integrates the legacy standard missile airframe and semi-active guidance technology with the power of the Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missile (AMRAAM) active seeker," said Louis Moncada, Raytheon Missile Systems' SM-6 program director. "Today's test demonstrated this capability at low altitudes."

The SM-6 provides advanced anti-air warfare and over-the-horizon capabilities against aircraft, unmanned aerial vehicles and cruise missiles. The over-the-horizon capabilities allow the missile to engage a target beyond the ship's line of sight.

"The SM-6 program continues to move forward on budget and on schedule," said Kirk Johnson, Naval Sea Systems Command Standard Missile program manager. "Combining the legacy SM-2 Block IV capability with the AMRAAM's active seeker is a true accomplishment."

[Carlos Martín]

INDIA COMPRA EL ADMIRAL GORSHKOV A RUSIA Y LO MODERNIZA

05/09/2008 14:17 GELENDZHIK (South Russia), September 5 (RIA Novosti) - Russia will deliver the modernized Admiral Gorshkov aircraft carrier to India after 2011, Russia's state-run arms exporter said on Friday.

"We are planning to deliver the aircraft carrier to India after 2011, but an addendum to the original contract must be signed," Mikhail Zavaliy, a Rosoboronexport official told reporters at an air show in the Krasnodar Region.

The original $750-million contract to deliver the Admiral Gorshkov aircraft carrier to India, which Rosoboronexport signed with the Indian Navy in 2004, projected the work would be completed in 2008.

However, Russia later claimed it underestimated the scale and the cost of the modernization and demanded an additional $1.2 billion, which New Delhi said was "exorbitant."

After long-running delays and disputes, Russia and India agreed in February to raise refit costs for the aircraft carrier, docked at the Sevmash shipyard in northern Russia for the past 12 years, by at least $800 million.

The current contract covers a complete overhaul of the ship and equipping it with modern weaponry, including MiG-29K Fulcrum aircraft and Ka-27 Helix-A and Ka-31 Helix-B anti-submarine helicopters.

The carrier, renamed the Vikramaditya, is to replace India's INS Viraat carrier, which, although currently operational, is now 50 years old.

The Sevmash shipyard said on June 3 it planned to sail the aircraft carrier out into the Barents Sea for trials in 2011. In early 2012, the ship is expected to be finally refitted and trials will continue into the summer of that year.

At the end of 2012, the aircraft carrier is expected to be fully prepared for its handover to the Indian navy, the company said.

After it has been refitted, the Gorshkov is expected to be seaworthy for 30 years.

[Carlos Martín]

LA NAVY RECEPCIONA EL USS GREEN BAY (LPD20)

NEW ORLEANS (NNS) -- The Navy accepted delivery of Green Bay (LPD 20) from Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding (NGSB) in New Orleans, La., Aug. 29. This is the fourth ship of the San Antonio class of amphibious transport dock ships NGSB has delivered.

Capt. Beth Dexter, Supervisor of Shipbuilding, Conversion and Repair, Gulf Coast and Green Bay's Commanding Officer, Cmdr. Joe Olson accepted the ship on behalf of the Navy during a simple on board ceremony. Following the delivery ceremony, the crew of Green Bay boarded its ship. The ship's sponsor, Mrs. Rose Magnus, and her husband, retired Marine Corps Gen. Robert Magnus, joined the crew for their first onboard meal in the "Lambeau Lounge." With the move aboard the ship, the crew started their regular duties of standing watches, preparing meals, training and conducting post-delivery testing.

During the next two-and-a-half months, as Northrop Grumman Avondale Operations puts the finishing touches on the ship, the crew will participate in various inspections and crew certification events, including a light-off assessment before they depart New Orleans.

In late November, Green Bay will transit through the Panama Canal en route to its homeport of San Diego where it will join sister ship USS New Orleans (LPD 18). In late January 2009, Green Bay will be commissioned in a formal ceremony in Long Beach, Calif.

[Carlos Martín]

TEST DE LANZAMIENTO MISILES TOMAHAWK DESDE EL USS VIRGINIA

WASHINGTON (NNS) -- The Navy conducted multiple launches of Tomahawk cruise missiles from USS Virginia (SSN 774) in August in the Gulf of Mexico as part of the program's developmental and operational testing efforts.

The test launches, the first ever for a Virginia-class submarine, included the launch and extended flight of multiple missiles to demonstrate the Virginia's launch capabilities.

"Completing the Tomahawk flight tests is an important milestone in proving the class design and brings us a significant step closer to the program's full rate production decision in 2009," said Rear Adm. (sel.) David Johnson, Virginia Class program manager. "The Virginia Class was conceived and designed as a multi-purpose warship, and these flight tests are another indication of the significant capabilities a Virginia submarine brings to the fight."

Capt. Rick McQueen, program manager for Naval Air Systems Command's (NAVAIR) Tomahawk Program Office, noted that the missile launches were the culmination of years of a joint effort between NAVAIR and Naval Sea Systems Command developers and engineers.

"Virginia Class submarines provide a brand new flexible, stealthy platform for employment of the Tomahawk Weapon System, while the Tomahawk provides the platform with a long range, accurate and flexible strike capability to support the Navy's warfighting roles," said McQueen.

The submarine force has experienced an influx of capability during the past 15 months, according to Rear Adm. William Hilarides, Program Executive Officer Submarines. As examples, he cited the SSGN Strike certification of USS Florida (SSGN 728) in May 2007; USS Ohio's (SSGN 726) participation as a special operations forces command, control and support platform during the Exercise Key Resolve/Foal Eagle in February/March 2008; and the Submarine Rescue Diving and Recompression System's successful debut during the international Exercise Bold Monarch in May/June 2008.

"We will keep pushing the boundaries to deliver the capability to the hands of the warfighter," Hilarides concluded.

The Virginia Class is currently executing operational evaluation (OPEVAL) testing that is designed to evaluate the submarine's war fighting capabilities in operationally realistic and demanding scenarios across its seven mission areas – anti-submarine; anti-surface ship; strike; naval special warfare; intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance; battle group support; and mine warfare. The OPEVAL testing, conducted by the Commander, Operational Test and Evaluation Force, continues through the fall.

The Virginia Class has celebrated three construction milestones so far this year – the April 12 keel authentication of Pre-Commissioning Unit (PCU) New Mexico (SSN 779), USS North Carolina's (SSN 777) commissioning May 3, and the Christening of PCU New Hampshire (SSN 778) June 21. New Hampshire will be commissioned into the Navy Oct. 25 at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, marking the first time in 12 years the Navy has commissioned two submarines of the same class in the same year. In the coming months the Virginia Class program will also celebrate PCU Missouri's (SSN 780) keel laying Sept. 27 at General Dynamics Electric Boat's Groton, Conn., facility, and PCU New Mexico's christening at Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding's shipyard in Newport News, Va., Dec. 13.

[Carlos Martín]

LLEGADA DEL USS MOUNT WHITNEY A GEORGIA

05/09/2008 19:50 SEVASTOPOL, September 5 (RIA Novosti) - The third U.S. Navy vessel to bring humanitarian aid to Georgia arrived in the Black Sea port of Poti on Friday, a Russian navy source said.

The USS Mount Whitney, which passed through the Bosporus on Wednesday, brought various supplies, including blankets, hygiene kits and baby food to become the first NATO ship to arrive in Poti since the Russian-Georgian conflict.

Two previous ships, the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Dallas and USS McFaul docked in the Georgian port of Batumi.

The White House announced Thursday a $1 billion economic aid package for war-ravaged Georgia.

The Black Sea Fleet source also said the flagship of the U.S. Sixth Fleet was big enough to carry heavy weapons, which - the Russian military believes - is probably the main part of the delivery.

An intelligence source said Russia was scrutinizing the vessel. "Very soon it will be clear, what the ship has really brought to Georgia," the source said.

The Blue Ridge class ship is a command and control vessel, which, the source said, coordinates the group of NATO ships in the Black Sea also including two U.S., one Spanish, one German and one Polish vessel.

Lt. Col. John Dorrian, a spokesman for the US European Command, said Friday that Russian peacekeepers would not be allowed to examine the cargo as the port of Poti is on sovereign Georgian territory.

Russia's Foreign Ministry said Friday that the overall deadweight of NATO ships can exceed the limit set by international agreements and added that no military action is planned against the vessels.

The U.S. aid is being provided to Georgia after it launched an assault on South Ossetia in an attempt to regain control over the republic, which split from Tbilisi in the early 1990s.

Moscow subsequently launched an operation to "force Georgia to accept peace," which was concluded on August 12. Since then more than 400 metric tons of U.S. aid has been shipped and flown to Georgia amid disputes over the NATO presence in the Black Sea and Moscow's recognition of the independence of South Ossetia and Abkhazia, a second separatist Georgian republic.