Here are the programs that made the biggest news over the past week
LCS successor bids submitted — The process to find the successor to the Littoral Combat Ship has begun: LCS builders Lockheed Martin and Austal USA submitted a response to the Navy’s request for information on the subject, as did General Dynamics and Huntington Ingalls Industries,
we reported last week. While GD has revealed little detail on its proposal, it’s no secret that Huntington Ingalls believes its National Security Cutter would be a perfect fit as the Navy’s next-generation frigate. It’s the first major milestone in what is likely to be a long process as the Navy tries to figure out what’s next after slashing 20 ships from its 52-ship LCS buy earlier this year. Read more LCS analysis >>>
Aegis Ashore fires away — Aegis Ashore took a big step this past week by firing off a Standard Missile-3 interceptor against a simulated target for hte very first time, we reported. Based on the Aegis Ballistic Missile Defense system used aboard Navy ships, Aegis Ashore is set for deployment in Romania next year. The test took place at the Pacific Missile Range Facility in Hawaii on May 21, and the purpose of the test was to confirm the functionality of the system by launching a land-based SM-3. The test comes amid some squabbling in Congress over the program, as a House plan would accelerate intallation of the second site in Poland, a move the Obama Administration opposes. Read more Aegis BMD analysis >>>
Excalibur passes IOT&E — The Excalibur 1b munition made a big step toward full-rate production by completing initial operational test and evaluation (IOT&E) during some recent tests, we reported last week. Manufacturer Raytheon said the program still on track to announce a full-rate production decision by this summer. Raytheon expects to conduct a live fire demonstration later this year of a 5-inch naval variant the company is developing. Read more Excalibur analysis >>>
GPS delays put Exelis on hot seat — The Air Force has expressed its displeasure with Lockheed over the frustrating slowness in getting the first GPS III satellite, according to a recent Reuters report. The problems may even lead to the ousting of Exelis Inc. from the team, which is responsible for the satellite’s navigation payload. Overall, Lockheed will build eight GPS III satellites to replacing the older ones currently in orbit, providing both better accuracy and improved anti-jamming capbailities. Read more GPS analysis >>>