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Special Operations Technology
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World's Largest Distributed Special Ops Magazine
SOTECH Ennouncement 2009 - Issue 1
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Greetings!
While our first issue of 2009 is featuring a great interview
with Major General Steven Hashem, USSOCOM Director of the Center for Knowledge
& Futures and Joint SOF Knowledge, Futures & Irregular Warfare, we have
also confirmed the cover interview for the March issue. Brigadier General
Steven Hummer, USSOCOM Chief of Staff will be talking about the direction of
the command.
If any of our defense industry partners will be at IDEX in
late February, let me know and I would be happy to stop by for a briefing on
anything new you have on display.
This edition of SOTECH's E-nnouncement includes the USSOCOM
announcement for its new expeditionary unmanned aircraft system and (although
not necessarily special ops-related but a good read anyway) a look at what the
Air Force wants in a new Presidential Air Force One primary aircraft.
Best wishes,
Jeff McKaughan
KMI Editor-in-Chief
Email Jeff McKaughan
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ENNOUNCEMENT SPONSOR:
RAYTHEON SAS
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EXPEDITIONARY UNMANNED AIRCRAFT SYSTEM
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USSOCOM anticipates issuing a request for proposal using full
and open competition for an expeditionary unmanned aircraft system (EUAS). Flight
demonstrations could commence in January 2009 with a contract award anticipated
in late March 2009.
The government anticipates award of a five-year indefinite
delivery indefinite quantity contract consisting of a five year ordering period
with firm-fixed and cost type contract payment provisions. The contract minimum
will be $4 million and the contract maximum will be $250 million. The scope of
the contract will consist of new systems and sub-systems, initial spares
packages, user and maintenance training, sustaining engineering, provisioning,
spiral development, and retrofits.
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NEW AIR FORCE ONE?
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The Air Force Materiel
Command has issued a source sought synopsis in order to identify potential
sources that may possess the expertise, capabilities, and experience to meet
the requirements of the next generation Presidential fixed-wing aircraft for
use by the President of the United
States and the President's staff and guests.
The current VC-25 Air Force
One, based on the 747-200 airframe, was purchased in 1987 and delivered in 1990
with a 30 year design life. As 747-200s have been retired from airline service,
parts and maintenance are becoming increasingly expensive.
The Air Force conducted an
analysis of alternatives to examine if it would be more cost effective to
maintain the current Air Force One, or to buy a new aircraft. Given the
diminishing parts supplier base, increasing maintenance time, and system
upgrades that would be necessary to meet future air traffic control
requirements, it was found that replacing the VC-25 was the most cost effective
option.
The Presidential Aircraft
Recapitalization (PAR) aircraft will be a new-build, commercial derivative,
wide-body aircraft, uniquely modified to meet the current and projected
requirements for the worldwide transportation of the Office of the President.
Modifications regarding passenger communications, information systems, interior
work and rest environment, and aerial refueling must be accomplished before
delivery of the aircraft.
The delivery of the first
operationally capable aircraft is required in FY17, with delivery of the second
and third aircraft in FY19 and FY21, respectively. The PAR aircraft must
maintain the highest possible mission capable rate.
The PAR aircraft will
provide the President of the United
States, staff, and guests with safe and
reliable air transportation with the appropriate level of security and
communications capability. Mission
communications must provide secure, interoperable command, control, and
communications, using net-centric architectures.
The interior must provide a
work and rest environment suitable for the President, guests, and traveling
staff. The interior configuration must provide the President with ample work
and conference areas (including sleeping, lavatory, shower, and dressing
areas). The interior must be accessible to the physically impaired. The
interior must be configured with galleys that provide the aircrew with the
capability to prepare, serve, and store food and beverages. It must also
provide for housekeeping and waste disposal.
The modified aircraft will
be Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) certified, and will meet projected
aviation requirements to conduct worldwide flight operations in all civil and
military airspace as defined by the FAA, International Civil Aviation Organization
and Department of Defense.
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Thank you for your interest in Special Operations Technology magazine. For more information about SOTECH's editorial content, advertising opportunities, or to suggest a story idea, contact us.
Best regards,
KMI Media Group
* P.S. - To learn about other KMI publications, click here.
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