Sotech 13 3 final

Wing Facilitator

Col. John J. DickinsonCommander193rd Special Operations Wing

UAVs O Rangers O Contractor AISR O Biometrics Diver Gear O Sequestration

April 2015 Volume 13, Issue 3

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World’s Largest Distributed Special Ops Magazine

Special SectionGunships &

next-Generation Gunships

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Col. John J. DiCkinsonCommander

193rd Special Operations Wing

16

Departments Industry Interview2 EDitor’s PErsPECtivE3 WhisPErs4 PEoPlE14 BlaCk WatCh27 rEsourCE CEntEr

Brian GooDWinSenior Project ManagerParsons Government Services Inc.

April 2015Volume 13, Issue 3Special OperatiOnS technOlOgy

28

“The primary flying mission of the 193rd

Special Operations Wing

is to execute specialized

and contingency operations

using advanced

aircraft and highly trained

operators to perform information operations for special operations

forces.”

— Col. John Dickinson

5soCoM uavsSOF obtains mission-critical support for a variety of combat operations from a host of UAVs. The Predator, Reaper, Shadow, Scan Eagle, Aerosonde and Puma represent those systems that are consistently in direct support of SOF forces.By Chris MCCoy

18BioMEtriC solutions for thE sPECial oPEratorDefense industry contractors discuss the biometric solutions they offer to SOCOM. Modern biometric technologies offer a number means of identification that go beyond fingerprints. Some systems even provide insight into medical conditions such as traumatic brain injury.

21ranGErs honor WWii lEGEnD Rangers from all generations gathered at Fort Benning’s Ranger Memorial April 9 to honor the life and service of World War II Ranger legend and Ranger Hall of Fame inductee Raymond Noel Dye, who died March 8 in Florida.By TraCy a. Bailey

22DivEr GEarThe U.S. military’s dive teams, like other special operators, face enormous challenges and dangers. Not the least of these dangers is operating in an underwater environment.By PeTer BuxBauM

9a sof MainstayFor years, the Air Force has emphasized the acquisition of next-generation fighters and bombers. But the mainstay of Air Force special operations has been the fleet of smaller gunships, the AC-130 Stingers, which were first deployed in Vietnam in 1969 and are now being updated for 21st-century missions.By PeTer BuxBauM

12suPPortinG sof tEaMs With airBornE isrContractor owned and operated airborne ISR aircraft and crews have long played an integral part in supporting our SOF teams worldwide; however, they are purposefully hampered from being able to conduct critically needed tasks to fully support SOF teams on the ground.By John alvarez

26sPECial oPErations lEaDErs voiCE sEquEstration ConCErnsChallenges caused by limited resources, fiscal uncertainty and the changing nature of threats have forced the military’s special operations forces to operate creatively, the Defense Department’s top special operations officials told Congress March 18.By arMy sergeanT 1sT Class Tyrone C. Marshall Jr.

Special Section: Gunships & next-Generation Gunships

On April 6, 2015, nine former special forces operators were inducted into the SOCOM Commando Hall of Honor. The ceremony took place at MacDill Air Force Base, Fla.

“These men embody the skills, value, spirit and courage of the special operations warrior,” said General Joseph L. Votel. “Today is about honoring these men and their sacrifice to the nation they love, to honor their sacrifice and to honor their families who stood by their side.”

The inductees are:

• Retired Air Force Major General James L. Hobson, Jr• Army 1st. Lieutenant Jack L. Knight (Killed in action in World War

II)• Retired Air Force Colonel James H. Kyle• Retired Army Command Sergeant Major Richard C. Lamb• Retired Marine Corps Lieutenant Colonel Terrence L. Moore• Retired Marine Corps Colonel John W. Ripley• Retired Army Colonel Phillip R. Stewart• Retired Army Colonel Lynn B. Stull• Retired Army Chief Warrant Officer 4 Paul A. Zeisman

Noticeably, those special operators who were inducted into the SOCOM Commando Hall served as far back as the Second World War. Others served in wars as recent as Operation Enduring Freedom.

I enjoy hearing of these ceremonies and honors for past special operators, as it exemplifies that their sacrifices and actions have not and will not be forgotten. It also reminds current special opera-tors that their own sacrifices and actions will not be forgotten.

As usual, feel free to contact me with questions or comments for Special Operations Technology.


EditorialEditorChris McCoy [email protected]

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Special Operations Technology

Volume 13, Issue 3 • April 2015

Chris McCoyeDiTor

eDitOr’S perSpectiVe

The Commando Hall of Honor plaque is unveiled at a ceremony honoring nine new U.S. Special Operations Command Hall of Honor inductees April 6, 2015, at the headquarters, MacDill Air Force Base Fla. [Photo courtesy of SOCOM/by Mike Bottoms, SOCOM Public Affairs]

Compiled by KMi Media group staffWhiSperS

Tactical & Survival Specialties Inc (TSSi) has announced the “Thor” all-weather bag from Force Protector Gear (FPG).

The Thor delivers proven FPG performance in a maritime envi-ronment. With over 6300-cubic-inch capacity, it marries size and

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on the water or fit longer items. The large mesh pocket in the lid has ample storage while allowing one to see the contents. Thor is made with #10 YKK water-resistant zippers.

TSSi offers the Thor, as well as the entire line of Force Protector Gear’s products.

The 352nd Special Operations Group was redesignated as the 352nd Special Operations Wing (SOW) during a ceremony held in Hangar 814 on March 23. Immediately following this ceremony, the 752nd Special Operations Group and the 352nd Special Operations Maintenance Group were activated.

Consisting of six squadrons and two groups, the 352nd SOW includes more than 1,200 Air Commandos and provides support to the European theater as well as other combatant commands when necessary.

“We not only support Special Operations Command-Europe, but we will also support Special Operations Command-Africa to combat the challenges we see and the struggles we have against violent extremism. And that is not going away anytime soon,” said U.S. Air Force Lieutenant General Brad Heithold, commander of Air Force Special Operations Command.

The request for the redesignation was made to reflect the increased responsibilities and capabilities of the units, people and assets—a tradition carried on by today’s Air Commandos.

“To the men and women of the 352nd Special Operations Wing—congratulations,” said U.S. Air Force Colonel William

Holt, 352nd SOW and Joint Special Operations Air Component-Europe commander. “Seventy-one years ago, the 2nd Air Commando Group was formed with a singular task: Be one-fourth the size of comparable units, yet bring twice the capability. That is your lineage, and that

is how we will move into the future.”The 752nd SOG, commanded by

U.S. Air Force Colonel Nathan C. Green, is responsible for plan-

ning and executing specialized and contingency operations using advanced aircraft, tactics and air refueling tech-niques to infiltrate, exfil-

trate and resupply special operations forces.

“The [752nd SOG is] a busy place, and it is only getting busier. We currently have planes, crews, maintenance, support personnel and battlefield personnel all over Europe, Africa and the Central Command theaters,” Green said. “We have people forward right now, this very minute, in harm’s way and several others on alert for whatever needs to be done, whatever call comes next. We are ready; you are ready.”

The 352nd SOMXG, commanded by U.S. Air Force Colonel Eric V. Faison, provides all organizational maintenance on MC-130J Commando II and CV-22B Osprey aircraft assigned to the group’s two special operations flying squadrons. The 352nd SOMXG also provides management for the group’s engine and equipment inventories.

“I’m excited, yet humbled, to be given the opportunity to lead this remarkable team of maintenance professionals, men and women who maintain two of this nation’s newest and highest-demanded weapon systems in the defense of our nation,” Faison said. “Never forget that, when all is said and done, the power of the Air Force is in our people, not our platforms. It is the total force team here at RAF Mildenhall that fulfills the purpose and the promise of our Air Force.”

The 352nd SOW’s mission will continue with its current purpose: to provide combat-ready forces, first and foremost.

“In the past year, you’ve increased your aircraft by 40 percent and personnel by 200,” Holt said. “We will continue to build our new CV-22 and MC-130J capabilities and training. We will work closely to develop and strengthen new and enduring relationships with our partners across Europe. And we will maintain a sharp and constant focus on safety and mission accomplishment. Europe’s Air Commandos will prove the motto of ‘Mission First, People Always.’”

The 352nd SOW is comprised of the 67th Special Operations Squadron flying the MC-130J Commando II; the 7th Special Operations Squadron flying the CV-22B Osprey; the 321st Special Tactics Squadron composed of combat controllers, pararescuemen and combat weath-ermen; and the 352nd Special Operations Support Squadron, which provides in-garrison and deployed command and control support as well as the two maintenance squadrons, the 352nd Special Operations Maintenance Squadron and the 352nd Special Operations Aircraft Maintenance Squadron.

By Technical Sergeant Stacia Zachary352nd Special Operations Wing Public Affairs

352nd SOW, Two Groups Activate at RAF Mildenhall

All-Weather Bag

www.SOTECH-kmi.com SOTECH 13.3 | 3

Compiled by KMi Media group staffWhiSperS

Air Force Chief Master Sergeant Gregory A. Smith, currently assigned to Special Operations Command, European Command,

has been selected to replace Navy Master Chief Petty Officer Derrick Walters as the command senior enlisted leader for NATO Special Operations Headquarters, Europe.

Rear Admiral (lower half) Colin J. Kilrain has been nominated for appointment to the rank of rear admiral. Kilrain is currently serving as commander, Special Operations Command, U.S. Pacific Command, Camp H. M. Smith, Hawaii.

Brigadier General Clayton M. Hutmacher, deputy commanding general (support), 2d Infantry Division, Eighth

U.S. Army, Republic of Korea, has been assigned as deputy commanding general, U.S. Army Special Operations Command, Fort Bragg, N.C.

Rear Admiral (lower half) Robert D. Sharp has been nominated for appointment to the rank of rear admiral. Sharp is currently serving as director of intelligence, J-2, U.S. Special Operations Command, MacDill Air Force Base, Fla.

Compiled by KMi Media group staffpeOple

Brig. Gen. Clayton M. Hutmacher

Chief Master Sgt. Gregory A. Smith

FLIR Systems Inc. has annonced four new infrared imaging systems: the handheld Recon V thermal imager, the HISS-XLR long-range thermal weapon sight, the SeaFLIR 280-HD for boat crews and the Star Safire 380-HDc for full-size imaging performance on small aircraft.

The Recon V is a compact, rugged, ultra-lightweight, multisensor thermal binocular designed for field operations that require enhanced imagery and long standoff range, 24/7.

With internal GPS, a digital magnetic compass (DMC) and a long-range laser rangefinder, the Recon V provides accurate range-to-target and target geo-location. The 10x continuous zoom optic, Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems-based elec-tronic stabilization and high-definition color video display combine to provide unmatched image quality and flexibility while operating on AA lithium batteries.

Its new, simple user interface does away with multiple buttons and compli-cated multilayer menus and makes the Recon V easier to use than ever.

The new HISS-XLR clip-on thermal weapon sight allows snipers to detect and recognize man-size targets in excess of

2,000 meters, an increase in engagement range of more than 25 percent compared to previous models.

Fully tested on weapons up to and including .50 caliber, the HISS-XLR includes a built-in ballistics mode that can give an instantaneous target solution when integrated with laser rangefinder and ballistics computer.

The HISS-XLR includes an integrated DMC for azimuth information, and can be remotely operated with the stock-mount-able control pendant. Its high-definition display provides cleaner text and symbology while allowing the use of day scopes of up to 25 times without image distortion.

Designed to meet the demanding requirements of the maritime special oper-ations community, the SeaFLIR 280-HD is the first maritime multisensor imaging system to deploy high-definition digital image quality from all of its imaging sensors in a compact package.

With up to four high-definition imaging payloads—including mid-wave thermal, daylight, low light and a long-range spotter scope option—plus three laser payloads for rangefinding, illumi-nation, and target pointing, the 280-HD

provides all of the imaging options needed for tactical and close support missions.

The 280-HD is the latest member of the illustrious SeaFLIR line of maritime SOCOM systems that has been serving with small boat units at the tip of the spear for nearly 15 years.

The Star SAFIRE 380-HDc is FLIR’s latest compact, high-performance, stabi-lized, HD imaging system specifically engineered for special operations and ISR helicopter operators, so it excels at long-range imaging performance under extreme conditions.

With up to four high-definition imaging payloads—including midwave thermal, two high-definition daylight payload options, and low-light and short-wave infrared camera options—plus three laser payloads for rangefinding, illumi-nation and target pointing, the 380-HDc provides an all-HD solution in a powerful, compact package.

For operators whose mission can’t sacrifice performance for size, but who need to operate from lightweight aircraft like the AH-6 Little Bird, the Star Safire 380-HDc provides true 15-inch system performance at half the weight.

Four New Systems for Special Operations

www.SOTECH-kmi.com4 | SOTECH 13.3

By Chis MCCoy, soTECh EdiTorspECial opEraTions CoMMand opEraTEs a nuMBEr of uaV plaTforMs.

SOF obtains mission-critical support for a variety of combat operations from a host of UAVs. The Predator, Reaper, Shadow, Scan Eagle, Aerosonde and Puma represent those systems that are consistently in direct support of SOF. They are owned and/or operated under the command of SOF or take direct tasking from the SOF commander.

“These UAVs are launched by different means because they are of different sizes and weights,” said SOCOM AT&L spokesperson, Navy Captain Kevin Aandahl. “Predators and Reapers use runways; Shadows and Scan Eagles use launchers with a rail; and Puma UAVs are hand-launched, or you can use a small launcher.”

Aandahl continued, “UAVs can be teamed with manned assets in the sense that both types of assets are used on the same mission or collect information on the same target based on the situation. There is no set method or situation where it is required.”

TExTron sysTEMs

Textron Systems is serving SOCOM on a fee-for-service basis with the Aerosonde Small Unmanned Aircraft System (SUAS).

“Under the MEUAS II indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) contract awarded in 2012, we received two task orders for services in multiple international locations in 2014 and a third in the first quarter of 2015. Under a similar fee-for-service IDIQ, we also are supporting the U.S. Navy and other customers with the Aerosonde system,” said Bill Irby, senior vice president and general manager. “The company is delivering high operational tempos of thousands of monthly mission hours for these customers—deliv-ered by the company’s own operators and supported by its field service specialists.”

In addition, Textron is currently delivering the Shadow RQ-7B Version 2 Tactical Unmanned Aircraft System (TUAS)—an all-digi-tal system upgrade—to the U.S. Army, Marine Corps and SOCOM.

The company also provides remote video terminals to sup-port both its Shadow and Aerosonde systems. These are part of its larger family of remote products, which are designed to place real-time data and full motion video from unmanned assets at the warfighter’s fingertips for enhanced decision-making.

“Our Aerosonde SUAS delivers the multimission flexibility and performance of a larger system in a highly expeditionary con-figuration ideally suited to a variety of military and commercial mission sets,” said Irby. “The Aerosonde system incorporates the Lycoming EL-005 engine, the only purpose-built engine in its class, which was developed by a National Transportation Safety Board-compliant, Federal Aviation Administration-certified manu-facturer. This enables our system to achieve benchmark-setting reliability rates, giving us the ideal platform on which to continu-ously evaluate additional new payload and operational uses.”

The system is equipped for electro-optic/infrared (EO/IR) and a communication relay within a single sortie and also offers a mul-timission payload pod to integrate additional capabilities, such as signals intelligence, based on customer requirements.

“We recently completed sea-based trials aboard two U.S. Navy vessels with the Aerosonde system, launching and recovering dur-ing sea states that exceeded U.S. Navy parameters and using auto-matic identification systems to locate vessels at great distances,” said Irby. “For land-based operations in the most austere condi-tions, a highly expeditionary configuration has been developed to transport the system for moving hub operations.”

The Shadow 200 TUAS, designated RQ-7B, has amassed nearly 1 million total flight hours for DoD and international customers. The Shadow RQ-7B V2 is an all-digital configuration, incorporat-ing Ku-band communications and National Security Agency-approved encryption with the Tactical Common Data Link (TCDL). The TCDL also supports greater interoperability, while the full system is NATO standardization agreement 4586 compliant.

The Shadow V2 aircraft is able to carry a high-definition EO/IR payload for full motion, high-quality digital video imagery—sup-ported by the greater data pipeline the TCDL affords. The Shadow system also offers proven multimission capability, including com-munications relay and laser designation.

SOTECH 13.3 | 5 www.SOTECH-kmi.com

“Textron Systems also has demonstrated the Shadow aircraft with its Fury small, lightweight, precision-guided glide weapon designed by our weapon and sensor systems team along with Thales UK to address a wide range of target sets,” said Irby. “Fury is 27 inches long, 3 inches in diameter, weighs 12.7 pounds and uses a common interface for rapid integration on multiple manned and unmanned aircraft systems.”

The company is fielding the Shadow V2 with its universal ground control station, which also will serve as the common con-trol system for the Army’s Gray Eagle and Hunter UAS.

“Our family of remote products delivers streamlined, real-time information from our unmanned systems to dismounted users and also can be integrated easily into ground vehicle and manned aircraft configurations to power manned/unmanned teaming,” said Irby. “In October 2014, we announced our first deliveries of the One System Remote Video Terminal (OSRVT) -50 variant to the U.S. Army.”

The -50 configuration enables Level of Interoperability (LOI) 3, a bi-directional capability which allows users in the field to control the unmanned aircraft’s payload for greater situational awareness and better-informed decision-making in kinetic operations.

“Under an ongoing support contract, we expect to upgrade more than 3,100 OSRVT systems to the -50 configuration for the U.S. Army, Marine Corps and SOCOM through 2016,” said Irby. “Our Aerosonde system utilizes the remote tactical terminal, or RT2, a small, wrist-mounted configuration, for real-time data dis-semination.”

The Aerosonde SUAS is runway-independent, utilizing an automated rail launch or optional car-top launch. The aircraft uses automated net recovery or optional belly landing.

Shadow systems utilize a hydro-pneumatic catapult for auto-mated launch, with automated wheeled landing via the tactical automated landing system.

“We continuously evaluate new payloads and operational uses for both systems, addressing the needs of military and commer-cial customers,” said Irby. “Both our Shadow 200 and Aerosonde systems offer a variety of options for multimission performance.”

Textron’s Shadow M2 TUAS also offers enhanced multimission capability. The Shadow M2 offers higher-altitude flight and longer endurance; it can accommodate greater payload capacity, as well as satellite communications equipment for beyond-line-of-sight applications.

“In fact, its performance and capabilities make the Shadow M2 able to accommodate many of the same mission sets as much larger, more expensive strategic UASs,” said Irby. “This comes with roughly 80 percent commonality to the Shadow 200 system, delivering an incredibly valuable upgrade path for current system owners, as well as a compelling use case for new customers.”

GEnEral aToMiCs

SOCOM leverages General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Inc. (GA-ASI)’s MQ-1 Predator and MQ-9 Reaper/Predator B.

FY 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020

RQ-11 Raven 6.397 20.087 17.231 14.305 4.694 4.802

MQ-1 Predator 1.934 1.934

MQ-9 Reaper 18.593 11.726 10.681 11.752 5.327 5.454

STUAS 1.500 1.514 1.537 1.560 1.590 1.621

FY2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020

RQ-11 Raven 0.259 0.758 3.332 4.890 3.436 3.492

MQ-1 Predator 0.263 0.126 0.178 0.104

MQ-9 Reaper 14.902 18.151 17.938 18.005 14.372 14.63

United States Special Operations Command President’s Requested Budget ($ in Millions)

Procurement

Research, Development, Test & Evaluation

SOCOM funding for RQ-11 Raven procurement reaches its peak in 2016 after a near quadruple increase in spending from the previ-ous fiscal year. Spending on RQ-11 Raven procurement then decreases with a large decrease in procurement in fiscal year 2019. Funding for MQ-9 Reaper procurement reached $18,593,000 in FY15 and then declines to nearly a quarter of that sum by FY19, which is then followed by a small uptake in procurement costs in 2020. Over the course of the proposed spending, for the six fiscal years provided, procurement cost for small tatical UAS (STUAS) remains remarkably similar with an average annual procurement cost of $1,554,000.

Research, development, test and evaluation costs for SOCOM UAV platforms is dominated by funding related to the MQ-9 Reaper. Spending for the Reaper reaches its peak in FY18 at $18,005,000. Unlike the Reaper, costs related to the older MQ-1 Predator peak at just $263,000 in FY17. Spending related to the Predator system is only built in the budgets of the last four fiscal years given.


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Ball Aerospace technologies are ever-present in the battlespace. Our antennas and tactical electro-optical systems are capable, reliable and survivable. From high-performance phased arrays to advanced cameras, thesthese products enable EW and C4ISR for the warfighter.

“Predator is the most combat-proven UAV system in the world,” said Jason Ehret, manager, strategic development. “Pro-viding essential situational awareness for the warfighter, Predators continue to excel in combat missions focusing on ISR, targeting, forward air control, laser designation, weapons delivery and bomb damage assessment.”

Predator B performs ISR as well and plays a role in the methodical practice of collecting data on terrorist activities. The aircraft’s camera sensor provides surveillance imagery for intel-ligence analysts over a period of days, or sometimes even weeks, helping to understand the contact’s pattern of life.

“As IEDs continue to target U.S. troops in southwest Asia, Predator B consistently demonstrates its life-saving abilities, identifying lethal devices using the Lynx multimode radar, EO/IR camera systems and other advanced sensors before they strike,” said Ehret. “Dangerous rocket, mortar and IED attacks have been prevented because the aircraft finds these devices, keeping troops safe.”

Predator was the first weaponized UAV. “First flown in 1994, it since has been named by Smithsonian’s

Air & Space magazine as one of the top 10 aircraft that changed the world,” said Ehret. “Offering unprecedented reliability, the aircraft has the highest operational readiness rate in the U.S. Air Force and also is operational with the U.S. government, Italian Air Force and other international customers worldwide.”

Predator B was developed with GA-ASI funding and is built on the experience gained with the company’s Predator UAV.

“An evolutionary leap in UAV performance and reliability, Predator B features triple-redundant flight control systems and is engineered to operate in the U.S. National Airspace System,” said Ehret. “The aircraft has tremendous endurance, can remain airborne for 20 to 30 hours, and is equipped with 4,000 pounds of fuel and an extremely efficient 66-foot-long wingspan.”

Predator B flies as fast as 240 knots and has a payload capacity that includes 3,000 pounds of external stores beneath its wings and another 750 pounds on its centerline, allowing the carriage of future payload pods.

“GA-ASI closed the Predator line in 2011 because our largest Predator customer, the U.S. Air Force, shifted its procurement pri-orities, focusing on Predator B,” said Ehret. “Predator B continues to improve and evolve, making it more relevant for its customers’ emerging needs. A new variant, Predator B ER, has been designed with field-retrofittable capabilities such as wing-borne fuel pods that extend the aircraft’s already impressive endurance from 27 hours to 34 hours while further increasing its operational flex-ibility.”

In 2016, Predator B will evolve again when its wingspan will grow from 66 feet to 79 feet to hold the fuel that was previously stored in the fuel pods. This configuration will deliver 42 hours of endurance.

An advanced derivative of Predator B named “Certifiable Preda-tor B” will soon be available and will be fully compliant with the airworthiness requirements of the Air Force and anticipated NATO customers, offering enhanced capabilities for integration into domestic and international airspace. This will involve changes to the aircraft’s software and upgrades such as improved fatigue and damage tolerance, as well as certification for operating in adverse weather, including icing conditions. Additionally, it will be designed to survive bird and lightning strikes.

aEroVironMEnT inC.

AeroVironment produces and supports a family of portable UAVs designed to provide rapid intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance as an organic asset to small tactical teams.

“Our Puma All Environment (AE), Raven and Wasp systems range in size, weight, payload capacity and flight time, providing optionality to operators based on mission requirements,” said Steven Gitlin, vice president of marketing strategy and communi-cation. “For missions requiring longer flight duration, the Puma AE system can fly for more than three hours per fully charged battery pack.”

For missions where portability is critical, the 2.85 pound Wasp AE can be carried in a backpack and provides nearly one hour of flight time.

“Our family of small UAVs comprise more than 85 percent of the entire U.S. Department of Defense unmanned aircraft fleet and have become standard issue for the Army, Marines, SOCOM and Air Force,” said Gitlin.

The company has more than 25 years of experience developing, supplying and supporting small UAVs. AeroVironment is a prime contractor and supplier to all DoD programs of record for this cat-egory of UAV and has delivered more than 20,000 new and replace-ment air vehicles to customers in the United States and elsewhere.

“The Raven, Wasp, Puma and Shrike vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) are backpackable/man-portable, hand-launched systems that are carried and used by armed forces,” said Gitlin.

By transmitting live, streaming color and infrared video from onboard cameras directly to a common, handheld ground control system with an embedded color monitor, the UAVs provide real-time information for U.S. and allied armed forces.

“We design our UAVs for real-world applications,” said Gitlin. “This means our systems must be reliable, easy to use, effective in desert, maritime and high mountain environments and safe. Puma AE, Raven and Wasp AE support their operators with reliable, rapidly accessible situational awareness wherever and whenever needed.”

Puma AE and Wasp AE can also land on the ground or in salt or fresh water, making them useful in littoral and maritime opera-tions. Each system also comes equipped with electro-optical and infrared video sensors.

“We have [also] demonstrated radiation and chemical/biologi-cal agent detection payloads,” said Gitlin. “We currently employ LiDAR sensors for certain commercial customers.”

The company recently introduced a gimbaled sensor payload for the Raven system. This new payload integrates two previously separate sensors into a single pan-tilt-zoom package to deliver more capabilities.

ConClusion

Ultimately, a wide variety of UAV platforms provide mission-critical support for SOF operators. From the large hunter-killer Reaper, to the small situational awareness mission-focused Wasp, SOCOM UAVs fill a number of operational niches. O

For more information, contact SOTECH Editor Chris McCoy at [email protected] or search our online archives for related stories

at www.sotech-kmi.com.


For years, the Air Force has empha-sized the acquisition of next-generation fighters and bombers. But the mainstay of Air Force special operations has been the fleet of smaller gunships, the AC-130 Stingers, which were first deployed in Viet-nam in 1969 and are now being updated for 21st-century missions.

The AC-130s saw lots of action during operations in southwest Asia because they were good at spotting and killing irregu-lar forces that the U.S. military chased across deserts and over mountains. The development of the latest variant of the AC-130 gunship, the AC-130J, which will replace legacy AC-130H/U aircraft, will bring greater flexibility to the number and variety of weapons and sensors that can be integrated on the gunship platform.

“As part of the command’s efforts to modernize and sustain our force by opti-mizing our force structure and identifying next-generation capabilities that keep us at the tip of the spear, the Air Force Spe-cial Operations Command is scheduled to replace 37 legacy AC-130H/U/W with 37 AC-130J Ghostriders,” said Major Craig

Savage, an AFSOC spokesperson. “The AC-130Js will be in a single configuration with an advanced suite of sensors and pre-cision weapons and will provide a menu of scalable effects on the battlefield. The United States Special Operations Com-mand, AFSOC’s combatant command, has determined that the additional capabilities of the AC-130J fleet will meet the require-ments of the future.”

The AC-130J is a medium-size, multi-engine, tactical aircraft with a variety of sensors and weapons for air-to-ground attack. SOCOM is developing the AC-130J through the integration of a modular precision strike package (PSP), which was previously developed for and tested on several AC-130W aircraft since 2009, onto existing MC-130Js, a transport and tanker aircraft. The modification of the first AC-130J took place in 2013 and its first flight was in January 2014. A second MC-130J was delivered for conversion in September 2014.

On the international front, the MC-27J is a new, multimission version of the combat-proven C-27J Spartan battlefield

airlifter that is being developed by the Ital-ian aerospace company Alenia Aermacchi. The C-27J Spartan is considered the benchmark in Europe and NATO for new-generation, medium battlefield airlifters, offering payload, performance, maneuver-ability and the capability to operate on short unpaved strips.

The AJ-130J’s PSP provides a weapons suite composed of a 30 mm side-firing chain gun, wing-mounted GPS-guided small diameter bombs, and Griffin laser-guided missiles mounted internally and launched through the rear cargo door. According to a report released earlier this year by DoD’s Director for Opera-tional Test and Evaluation (DOTE), future increments of AC-130J may incorporate a side-firing 105 mm howitzer and wing-mounted, laser-guided Hellfire missiles.

The aircraft’s PSP also provides an ISR suite composed of two electro-opti-cal/infrared sensor/laser designator pods, a synthetic aperture radar pod, a pilot helmet-mounted cueing system, and multiple video, data and communication links. “SOCOM continues to develop new


By pETEr BuxBauM, soTECh CorrEspondEnT

Gunships arE CEnTral To sof supporT, and nEw plaTforMs arE now aVailaBlE.


PSP capabilities in parallel on legacy AC-130W aircraft prior to introduction on the AC-130J,” said the DOTE report. “The program intends to add a 105 mm gun beginning with aircraft number 3 (sched-uled to complete modification in mid-fis-cal year 2016). Partially, as a result of this, the crew complement will increase from seven to nine, and some crew responsibili-ties will change. Future updates will add a laser-guided variant of the small-diameter bomb, and wing-mounted laser-guided Hellfire missiles.”

The aircraft’s flexibility is attributable to its open architecture, which will allow its adaptation to new technologies as they develop. The lack of proprietary interfaces means that SOCOM will be able to rapidly integrate new weapons onto the gunship.

The AC-130J will be used to provide persistent strike operations, including close air support, air interdiction, and armed reconnaissance. These operations may also include time-sensitive close air support for troops in contact, helicopter and convoy escort, air base defense, and strike coordination and reconnaissance. The AC-130J sensor, data, and commu-nications suite will provide battlespace-wide area surveillance and situational awareness, execute non-traditional ISR operations and support combat search and rescue operations.

“To date, one AC-130J is in modifica-tion, while one AC-130J has completed modification and is undergoing testing,” said Savage. “The first AC-130J is antici-pated to reach initial operating capability in FY18.”

According to DOTE, the program selected a different intercommunica-tion system for the second aircraft. “This change ... has caused a projected two to three month delay in availability of air-craft #2 for testing,” said the report. “In addition, developmental testing and evalu-ation (DT&E) identified several problems that require resolution and have delayed the Milestone C decision by approximately four months.”

Alenia Aermacchi’s Spartan is a twin-engine turboprop aircraft which incorpo-rates advances in avionics, propulsion and other on-board systems. “The C-27J is a true multirole military transport aircraft that may be used for a wide range of mis-sions,” said a company spokesperson. “The

C-27J is a more cost-effective solution than any other airlifter due to a combi-nation of its adaptability, performance and low acquisition and operating costs. The C-27J provides effective tactical capa-bilities, high cost-effectiveness, extreme operating flexibility, the best performance among other aircraft of its class in all weather conditions, and interoperability with heavier airlifters.” Alenia Aermacchi has sold 80 of the C-27Js to the air forces of Italy, the United States, Greece, Bul-garia, Lithuania, Romania, Morocco, Mex-ico, Australia, Chad, Peru and Slovakia.

The C-27J can perform a variety of missions including transport of troops, goods and medicines, logistical re-supply, medevac, airdrop operations, paratroop-ers’ launches, search and rescue, fire-fighting, humanitarian assistance, oil spill relief and operations in support of home-land security, according to the Alenia Aermacchi spokesperson. “The platform is easily reconfigured with operational kit that are stowed and installed in the air-craft,” he added. “Reconfiguration between air transport roles can be accomplished by one loadmaster in less than one hour.”

The primary capabilities of the C-27J aircraft are traditionally in support of the tactical airlift roles much like other tacti-cal versatile cargo planes. “However, with the addition of palletized mission payloads, a wide range of additional missions can now be supported,” said the spokesperson. “For the MC-27J, Alenia Aermacchi has adopted a modular approach maximizing the use of roll-on/roll-off mission-pallet kits for both systems and armaments. This allows tailoring of the payload to specific mission needs and allows the aircraft to be easily reconfigured back to the airlift role. That makes the MC-27J an adaptable and agile solution for the various airborne multimission requirements of air forces and special forces, fulfilled today by a wide variety of specialized and dedicated aircraft.”

The MC-27J is also a battlefield plat-form equipped with a sensors, communica-tions capabilities, and weapons to execute a wide range of missions. “The MC-27J’s sensors/communications/weapons suite is a combination of proven commercial and military off-the-shelf subsystems that pro-vide a modular and reconfigurable capabil-ity with minimal aircraft integration,” said

the spokesperson. “This solution offers the ability to cover a broad spectrum of capabilities with a quick aircraft recon-figuration enabling the aircraft to perform multiple mission profiles while retaining the C-27J’s primary airlift capability. In particular, the aircraft will have the capa-bility to perform command and control, ISR and data link.” The aircraft will also be able to provide support to friendly forces through the 30 mm ATK GAU 23 Bushmaster cannon and guided precision systems to limit collateral damages.

Last July during the Farnborough Air Show, Alenia Aermacchi announced it had successfully completed the first phase of ground and flight testing of the fully configured multimission MC-27J tactical transport aircraft with the support of the Italian Air Force. The MC-27J was modi-fied with a L-3 Wescam MX-15Di Elec-tro-Optical and Infrared Turret mounted under the nose of the aircraft, various additional tactical radios, data links, SAT-COM capabilities and ATK’s roll-on/roll-off palletized gun and mission control system to support multimission applications.

“The series of tests exceeded all test objectives and demonstrated the accuracy of ATK’s side-mounted GAU-23 30 mm cannon,” said Alenia Aermacchi’s spokes-person.

The modular and scalable design of the MC-27J presents the potential for the aircraft to expand to special mission areas usually reserved for pure military single-purpose aircraft. “If new weapons become available, the palletized solution allows rapid replacement of one pallet-ized solution with a new capability. This allows upgrading and enhancement of the MC-27J without any major impacts to the airframe,” said the company spokesperson.

The palletized system allows for easy loading and unloading via the aircraft’s rear ramp. “This configuration requires minimal integration on the aircraft’s frame, reducing acquisition costs and development times, while retaining the C-27J’s airlift transport capabilities,” said the spokesperson.

The MC-27J weapons pallet options includes support of the ATK 30 mm GAU-23 cannon as well as support of common launch tubes for precision-guided muni-tions. “Historically, gunships required tar-get acquisition and a fixed orbit around



that target to deliver munitions,” said the company spokesperson. “This tactic makes that aircraft more vulnerable to ground attack. The long range of the precision-guided munitions allows the MC-27J to fly far above the lethal ranges of ground weapons.”

The DOTE report noted that there have been several problems identified dur-ing the development and testing of the AC-130J. Problems integrating the PSP weapon kit onto the aircraft delayed por-tions of developmental testing by prohib-iting weapons employment. In addition, “the visual acuity of the electro-optical/infrared sensors installed on the AC-130J is not sufficient for accurate target iden-tification and designation because the new aircraft causes more vibration than the legacy AC-130W aircraft on which the PSP was previously installed,” the report said. “Electrical/radio-frequency interfer-ence between aircraft systems and the hand controllers used by crewmembers to direct the sensors and weapons has caused erratic sensor movements. This inhibits target tracking and is a safety hazard ... during weapon employment” because of the risk of fratricide.

The program is working on correcting the sensor vibration issue by collecting flight test data that can be used by the sub-system contractor to develop mechanical and software updates to reduce the effect of vibration. Other efforts are under way to correct electrical interference with the controllers. “The program has reported some progress in the laboratory environ-ment on both issues, but definitive solu-tions have not yet been demonstrated on the aircraft,” said the DOTE report.

Developmental testing and evalua-tion identified a problem that will delay completion of DT&E by approximately two months. In February 2014, during flying and handling qualities testing, the aircraft experienced a temporary depar-ture from controlled flight. The recovery maneuver exceeded some speed and load limits. Flight testing was suspended for aircraft inspections and a safety incident investigation.

“Upon return to flight, testing was added to the DT&E plan to characterize the flight envelope more carefully,” said the report. “The program has accomplished 36 test flights out of approximately 130

flights planned for a total of 97 flight hours (including flights added after the stall inci-dent). Initial DT&E is now expected to be completed in May 2015.”

The second aircraft undergoing modi-fication is planned to go though a second phase of DT&E in order to verify functional-ity of several design changes on the first air-craft. These range from minor adjustments to software and hardware integration to more significant changes like the selection of a new intercommunication system. Ulti-mately, a third aircraft will be delivered for modification. The configuration installed

on that third aircraft is intended to be the configuration for fielded AC-130Js. Fielding is expected in FY19.

Meanwhile, “the legacy AC-130s will be retired in a phased approach to ensure AFSOC maintains the appropriate capacity to support combatant commanders,” said Savage. “We’re scheduled to retire our last legacy AC-130 in 2022.” O

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230-28725 MILAV 485x69 SOTECH.indd 1 3/20/15 1:41 AM

For more information, contact SOTECH Editor Chris McCoy at [email protected]

or search our online archives for related stories at www.sotech-kmi.com.


Last night near a remote and isolated village, U.S. special opera-tions forces were operating in a foreign country alongside host nation (HN) special forces. Our forces are there at the request of the host nation government, training, advising and assisting HN security forces in order to defeat violent extremists while simultaneously attempting to placate and win over belligerent and dispersed tribes. While not des-ignated a combat zone, there is no doubt our SOF are in harm’s way. A lion’s share of the direct support to the host nation is intelligence and persistent surveillance, including airborne ISR (AISR). Aviation assets supporting our SOF operators with the HN SOF are under the com-mand and control of a Joint Special Operations Aviation Detachment (JSOAD) working out of the capital city airport, which in turn reports to the theater’s Joint Special Operations Aviation Component (JSOAC) where AISR requirements are vetted and taskings originate. Assigned to the JSOAD are a detachment of active duty Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC) personnel with two MQ-1B Predators and one U-28 AISR aircraft on rotational status when available. Also assigned to the JSOAD are two contractor-owned/contractor-operated (COCO), highly-modified King Air AISR aircraft. When required, the JSOAD is also augmented with additional aviation assets, such as multipurpose helicopters which provide airlift and medical/casualty evacuation. While this is a notional scenario, it is not an uncommon arrangement.

COCO AISR aircraft and crews have long played an integral part in supporting our SOF teams worldwide; however, they are purposefully hampered from being able to conduct needed tasks to fully support our teams on the ground. Contractor aircraft are often prohibited from being configured with a laser designator range finder, which is a common option on the aircraft’s electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) slewable sensor.

Scenario: A contractor AISR crew was flying an assigned AISR mission as part of a persistent surveillance objective at night with deteriorating visibility conditions near the crowded outskirts of a border city. The crew was directed to and identified a vehicle of inter-est, then tracked it onto busy streets and crowded intersections. The crew continued to provide accurate information for several hours on the activity of the vehicle and its occupants, expecting to be relieved by the JSAOD-assigned U-28. The crew was asked to extend its sortie because the U-28 sortie was canceled due to maintenance issues. The King Air specifically modified for maximum endurance was approach-ing 11 hours airborne and its time on station was nearly up. As the vehicle’s actions warranted further surveillance, the JSOAC quickly decided to replace the aircraft with its only military platform available: one of the JSOAD-assigned MQ-1B Predators. The Predator arrived on station and the complicated process of talking to the remotely located MQ-1 pilot sensor operator (SO) to tag the vehicle of interest began. Time ran out for the contractor crew, as it had to return to base and

land safely after flying nearly 12 hours. Due to the time-consuming attempt to get the MQ-1 SO oriented and focused on the exact vehicle and deteriorating visibility, the vehicle was lost during the handoff. If the contractor aircraft had been configured with a laser designator, the handoff would have been a simple and almost seamless task. The Predator SO could have identified the designated vehicle and taken over the surveillance mission.

One of the reasons why this imposed restriction exists is to prevent contractors from being able to use a sensor-based laser designator to actively “target” or guide delivery of laser-guided munitions. While this editorial is not recommending that contractors actively be involved in laser targeting, it fully endorses that COCO ISR aircraft deploy with fully capable EO/IR sensors with laser designator/rangefinder/illu-minator capability intact. This editorial also acknowledges that laser designator targeting, even a handoff in a terminal phase, is considered a uniquely “inherent governmental” and military function. The pur-pose of this editorial is to generate a renewed discussion on deploying COCO AISR aircraft with a fully capable EO/IR sensor. There are other valid uses for the sensor-tied laser designator/rangefinder that comply with the intent and letter of government regulations. The example above illustrates just one.

In 2009, Representative John F. Tierney stated, “The ‘Fog of War’ still requires a direct line of sight on contractors.” In modern times, the use of contractors has been debated since the Eisenhower admin-istration. Since 9/11, there has been increased controversy on the appropriate use of defense contractors and what they should be barred from doing. Since 2009, additional oversight and delineation has been defined through legislation and executive branch directives. Revised, and in some cases new, regulations and guidance have been dissemi-nated and acted upon by the DoD on the use of contractors and con-tracted services. In addition, exhaustive research and opinion from all of the services’ Judge Advocate Corps have been applied. Referred to as “inherently governmental functions,” there are certain tasks that are solely considered the purview of the government and therefore should be carried out or executed by federal employees or military personnel only. There is an explicit list of those functions in the Federal Acquisi-tion Regulation section 7.5, and a more exhaustive list in the Office of Federal Procurement Policy Letter 11-1. Furthermore, DoD Instruc-tion 1100.22 also lists “military essential functions.”

Critics of using contractors in AISR operations refer to the list of functions in these documents in particular: command of military forces; combat; and the direction and control of intelligence and counterintelligence operations. Others in legal and scholarly arenas also argue that contractors participating in any part of tactical AISR operations (some argue to include analysis) could be considered in violation of the laws of armed conflict and subject to arrest in other countries while traveling.

should ConTraCTor airCrafT BE EquippEd wiTh a lasEr dEsiGnaTor ranGE findEr? By John alVarEz


Regardless, the current reality is contractors are deployed by the U.S. government conducting and supporting AISR opera-tions, albeit in small numbers. AISR-contracted crews and support personnel are currently deployed to remote and austere locations as integral members of the SOF enabler team in direct support to our SOF operators. While not taking a position on whether or not contractors should continue conducting such operations into perpetuity, the fact is that contracted AISR providers are filling a critical capabilities gap imperative to our nation’s national security goals and objectives. Today, oversight, control and direction of these contracted AISR crews supporting SOF are firmly established and operating procedures are strictly applied. Contractor crews are per-forming specifically assigned tasks exceedingly well and are deliver-ing critical and timely information to our deployed commanders and analysts, so much so that contractor AISR crews have earned outspoken accolades from SOF commanders, their analysis teams, and more importantly, the SOF operators on the ground. AISR pro-viders, pilots, sensor operators, maintenance and support personnel are thoroughly vetted, experienced and mature professionals and adhere to strict operating guideless established by the government and their companies. Many of them are combat veterans with exten-sive special operations experience. They are well-qualified; the solu-tions that defense companies provide the government save money, time, and at times—lives. These companies and their employees have committed themselves to faithful service to our country and the warfighter.

Contracted assets and personnel are deployed globally, providing high-quality solutions to SOF customers and adhering to stringent guidelines and the highest professional and ethical standards. Con-tracted personnel are proud of their continued service to the United States and the contributions they make in ensuring SOF operators have what they need to complete their missions and come home safely. That is why we’d like to see more dialogue regarding the cur-rent approach to equipping and tasking contracted AISR crews. Our SOF operators deserve every available advantage when conducting the tough, sensitive missions for which they are tasked. O



John Alvarez

John Alvarez is the spe-cial operations and missions, assessment and development director for Commuter Air Technology.

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The General Dynamics Mission Systems-built four-channel digital modular radios (DMR) successfully completed a Mobile User Objective System (MUOS) satellite communi-cations test at the General Dynamics MUOS test facility in Scottsdale, Ariz. Using the MUOS satellite communications and ground station simulators, the DMR radio successfully completed voice calls and data transmission to and from the DMR to an Army AN/PRC-155 two-channel Manpack radio. DMR is the U.S. Navy’s networking radio currently operating on many Navy vessels and on-shore locations.

“The success of this test is important because it demon-strates the Navy’s work, in collaboration with the Army, to deliver on the promise of the MUOS satellite communications to joint forces worldwide,” said Chris Marzilli, president of General Dynamics Mission Systems.

Built using open-architecture standards, the DMR radios will continue to provide improved functionality and interoper-ability while accommodating next-generation communica-tions waveforms such as MUOS, the Integrated Waveform and future advanced network communications waveforms that will be added to the U.S. military’s waveform library.

DMR was the first software-defined radio used by the U.S. military. As a digital radio, adding new operating upgrades and enhanced capabilities, like connecting with the narrow-band MUOS satellite network, are completed by software with few hardware changes keeping the radio operationally current and cost-effective for the Navy. There are currently 500 secure, four-channel DMR radios supporting Navy operations worldwide.

Carol T. Smith; [email protected]

Telephonics Corporation, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Griffon Corporation, announced that it has successfully completed a round of testing at the U.S. Army Research, Development and Engineering Command (RDECOM) Rotorcraft Degraded Visual Environment (DVE) project event at Yuma Proving Ground, Ariz. At this event, an EH-60L helicopter was flown to create simulated DVE/brownout conditions, including sand and dust. Evaluators gathered and exchanged information on the effectiveness of various sensor solutions to penetrate through these dangerous environments.

During testing, the Telephonics 35 GHz Test Demonstrator Radar successfully achieved positive results in these degraded conditions. Thirty-five GHz is an optimal frequency for DVE environments, providing the requisite resolution needed for clear imaging. These very promising results support the designed intent of the system, which is to enable aviators to effectively navigate through sand, dust and other brownout conditions at longer ranges, leading to increased safety and mission success.

In addition to the Yuma Proving Ground event, the system has under-gone extensive successful testing at Telephonics’ Long Island, N.Y., facility, detecting both manmade and natural obstacles as well as terrain features in dense fog, snow and whiteout conditions.

“Testing at the Yuma Proving Ground created ideal DVE conditions to thoroughly test this system, enabling the U.S. Army to accurately assess our sensor solution. These environments accurately simulate what our armed forces experience during flight, yielding important information to help solve this longstanding problem.” said Joseph J. Battaglia, president and CEO of Telephonics. “Telephonics is extremely pleased that its Test Demonstrator Radar successfully achieved these objectives during the U.S. Army-sponsored event, proving our ability to offer a millimeter-wave solu-tion that helps to solve the often dangerous situations arising from DVE.”

Michael Callahan; [email protected]

Successful Degraded Visual Environment Testing

Digital Modular Radios

During the recent Army Expeditionary Warrior Experiment (AEWE) demonstration at Fort Benning, Ga., Exelis demonstrated a network deployment based on new capability enhancements to the Single Channel Ground and Airborne Radio System (SINCGARS).

The new technology enhancements provide greater networking capability for SINCGARS tactical radios with more than 580,000 delivered to date. Some of the demonstrated enhancements were the Embedded Tactical Data Router (ETDR), C4i SwitchPlus, SideHat and the latest release of software for the SINCGARS radio platform.

As part of the SINCGARS Software Version 9 release, users now have access to SINCGARS—Universal Network Situational Awareness. This soft-ware update provides position location information for every radio- and beacon-equipped platform or

soldier on the battlefield. During the AEWE, the capability was integrated with both Joint Battle Command-Platform and Nett Warrior computers, resulting in a common operating picture at the company and platoon levels.

Additionally, the ETDR that was demonstrated at AEWE provides data routing among not only different radios, but also among different waveforms. The ETDR was also integrated into the existing SINCGARS footprint. The Switchplus Combat Net Radio Gateway was also demonstrated, giving the command centers the ability to cross-band and monitor different radios and networks from a remote location. This capability provides mission-essential command and control while enabling cross-banding between different waveforms, frequencies, and disparate radio/communication systems within law enforcement, DoD, first responders and other agencies.

“Exelis continues to provide upgrade and modernization options for the enduring SINCGARS fleet that is widely used across the Army. We will continue to seek improvement opportuni-ties to better support to provide mission-essential and mission-enhancing capabilities to soldiers in the field,” said Jennifer Schoonover, vice president and general manager of communications solu-tions for Exelis.

Networking Technology Enhancements

BlacK Watch


Compiled by KMi Media group staff

SOCOM, Special Operations Forces, Acquisition, Technology and Logistics (AT&L), Directorate of Procurement intends to award a sole-source contract under the authority of FAR 6.302-1 to Raytheon Company, McKinney, Texas.

Only one responsible source and no other supplies or services will satisfy the government requirements for a low-rate initial production (LRIP) of the SOCOM Silent Knight Radar (SKR). SOCOM intends to issue a contract to Raytheon Company for up to 11 LRIP units for manufac-turing optimization, with an option for up to 16 full-rate production units, as well as corre-sponding engineering support and/or interim logistics support, to maintain the radars’ post production. The estimated award date is sched-uled for last quarter fiscal year 2015. RTN is currently under contract for the SKR design and development. The requirements identified in this notice of intent is in addition to the current LRIP option for six radars and contractor logistics support included in the Silent Knight Radar system design and development contract.

Variants of the C-130J Super Hercules aircraft were recently delivered to U.S. mili-tary operators from Lockheed Martin.

On March 19, a U.S. Air Force crew took delivery of and ferried an MC-130J Commando II Special Operations tanker aircraft that is assigned to Air Force Special Operations Command’s 353rd Special Operations Group at Kadena Air Base, Japan.

On March 24, a U.S. Air Force crew ferried an HC-130J Combat King II personnel recovery aircraft assigned to Air Combat Command’s (ACC) 347th Rescue Group at Moody Air Force Base, Ga. That aircraft was officially delivered to the U.S. government on March 20.

Stephanie Sonnenfeld Stinn;[email protected]

Orbital ATK, Inc. performed a live-fire demonstration of a key element of its Helicopter Active Protection System (HAPS). The HAPS Kill Vehicle (KV) was able to launch, perform pitch maneuvers and fly to a detonation point that simulated the location of an incoming rocket-propelled grenade (RPG). The demonstration is a valuable step toward a solution for the RPG threat to heli-copters flying missions in dangerous areas.

Helicopters are vulnerable to damage from RPGs because the aircraft often hovers in position at low altitude, making it easy to target by an enemy on the ground. HAPS is designed to identify an incoming threat, launch and guide a KV to a precise location and detonate a warhead at a point where the RPG is rendered ineffective. All of this is designed to occur within a fraction of a second and far enough away from the helicopter to ensure the crew and aircraft are not harmed by metal fragments from the destroyed RPG.

The live-fire demonstration was designed to prove-out launch from a fixed ALE-47 Countermeasures Dispense System, off-axis pitch maneuvers of the KV and controlled flight of the KV to an impact point. The test flights successfully demonstrated these attributes and validated a number of HAPS components, including the KV launch cartridge, KV divert and attitude thrusters, non-linear guidance and control algorithms, and the fast-sync wireless command guid-ance link.

The HAPS system consists of an Engagement Management Module a slightly-modified Counter Measures Dispense System such as the ALE-47, and the KVs that launch from the counter-measures dispenser. The KVs fit within the envelope of the standard flare and chaff launch tubes. In addition to countering RPGs, HAPS can serve as a last line of defense against advanced man-portable air-defense systems, or MANPADS.

The live-fire test was conducted in Socorro, N.M., and witnessed by personnel from the Rapid Reaction Technology Office of the Office of the Secretary of Defense. The technology office sponsored the testing of Orbital ATK’s internally developed active countermeasure.

Orbital ATK’s aircraft survivability product portfolio includes the AAR-47 missile, laser and hostile-fire threat warning sensor and the ShotFinder acoustic hostile-fire detection system. The AAR-47 missile warning system is installed on more than 3,200 fixed- and rotary-wing aircraft and is flown by the United States and its allies in more than 16 countries.

Orbital ATK’s Defense Systems Group is an industry leader in providing innovative and affordable ammunition, precision and strike weapons, electronic warfare systems, and missile components across air-, sea- and land-based systems.

Radar Contract Awarded

Off They Go: Three More C-130Js Delivered

Helicopter Active Protection System


Colonel John J. Dickinson is the wing commander of the 193rd Special Operations Wing, Pennsylvania Air National Guard, Middletown, Pa.

Dickinson is responsible for training and readiness of 1,800 combat-ready airmen and seven uniquely modified EC-130J aircraft that provide military information support operations, electronic attack (EA) and SOF mobility in support of SOCOM and AFSOC. The wing also includes eight geographically separated units organized in a unique regional support group construct that provides various expeditionary combat support capabilities to USAF, Air Combat Command, Air Force Space Command, the National Guard Bureau and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

Dickinson joined the 193rd Special Operations Wing in May 1990 after accepting an inter-service transfer from the Army Reserves, where he last served as a helicopter aviation officer.

Dickinson’s career includes participation in numerous classified missions, including Operations Desert Shield/Desert Storm, Uphold Democracy, Joint Guard, Southern Watch, Desert Thunder, Allied Force, and most recently Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom.

Q: Could you tell us about the primary wartime mission of the 193rd SOW?

A: The primary flying mission of the 193rd Special Operations Wing (SOW) is to execute specialized and contingency operations using advanced aircraft and highly trained operators to perform information operations for special operations forces. The unit also provides agile combat support with joint tactical air control-lers, expeditionary civil engineering, combat communications and engineering support, air operations, weather support and the 553rd Band. The wing’s Bollen Range delivers a realistic tactical training environment; the Lightning Force Academy develops the level of knowledge and skill needed to train personnel to support the engineering installation mission; the regional train-ing site gives engineers hands-on combat skills training; and the Regional Equipment Operators Training Site provides additional readiness training for civil engineer heavy equipment operators throughout DoD.

Q: Are you content with the status of the current fleet of EC-130Js?

A: The 193rd is always postured for growth within our fleet. As technological advancement of current applications makes sys-tems lighter, faster, cheaper, more agile and multifaceted, we stay updated with emerging technology. To maintain our EC-130Js in a constant state of readiness, we update and revamp our software and equipment to remain on the cutting edge for our nation’s security. In concert with John Hopkins University, we are developing an inter-service broadcast capability that is more cost-effective, streamlined for easier and quicker installation, and supports multimission agile combat global special opera-tions initiatives.

Q: What advancements would you like to see in future aircraft within your command?

A: The Air Force Special Operations Command focuses on main-taining a strong fighting force. They continue to modernize and sustain the command to ensure we have the tools we need to be successful.

Future endeavors for tactical airborne information superior-ity should include robust communications capabilities offered

Executing Operations with Advanced Aircraft and Highly Trained Operators

Wing Facilitator

Colonel John J. DickinsonCommander

193rd Special Operations Wing

Q&AQ&A


by systems like SOF Air Mission Suite Enhanced Situational Awareness (SAMS-ESA), but they must begin to address human factors and interface issues from concept to reality. Applications should become similar to smartphones. They should be more user-friendly and focus on highly reliable core software as plug-in applications that all share the same ‘big data’ resources.

Q: Are there any new initiatives or programs within the 193rd SOW that you would like to discuss?

A: The movement to ensure airborne information dominance through SOF airborne mission networks is starting to take hold. One such example is the use of SAMS-ESA on EC-130J aircraft.

Q: Over the next three years, what can we expect to see from the 193rd SOW?

A: Let there be no doubt, our greatest asset in our wing is our exceptional airmen. Over the next three years, we will increase our focus on readiness and resiliency of our forces while safely sustaining and maintaining our resources. The wing will train and prepare the very best airmen to carry out all overseas con-tingency, domestic and special operations missions. We will con-tinue our proud legacy of flexibility to exceed the standards and meet the needs of the Air National Guard and the United States Air Force. O

A biomedical equipment technician at the 193rd Special Operations Wing, Middletown, Pa., practices CPR on a mannequin. The 193rd Special Operations Medical Group recently won the Air National Guard Medical Service Outstanding Medical Readiness Team Award. [Photo courtesy of the U.S. Air National Guard/by Airman Julia Sorber]

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Defense industry contractors discuss the biometric solutions they offer to SOCOM. Modern biometric technolo-gies offer a number of means of identification that go beyond fingerprints. Some systems even provide insight into medical conditions such as traumatic brain injury.

During an earlier time in my professional career, I was honored to work with many unsung American heroes with U.S. Special Operations Com-mand during the definition, training and deployment of its

current portable biometric technology. During that assign-ment I had the opportunity to receive direct feedback from the actual operators using the equipment; what follows is my personal view, which should not be construed as an endorse-ment by SOCOM.

The effective use of biometrics by our military to deny anonymity to the enemy has advanced rapidly based on requirements and feedback provided by our military and most especially SOCOM. Through the leadership of the Office of Identity Superiority Manager, Intelligence and Surveillance Division, great strides have been made in defining and imple-menting all aspects of a practical and highly functional solu-tion to gather, process, search and submit standards-based Electronic Biometric Transmission Specification biometric

records to our automatic biometric identification system database.

Working with this office to supply the current generation of handheld multi-biometric collection and identification devices, I have observed a hardnosed, no-nonsense dedica-tion to demanding the best practical solutions for the warf-ighter. What has always been emphasized, however, was not letting “perfection” get in the way of “good enough.” If the threshold of functionality could be reliably demonstrated, real and achievable solutions have been rapidly and effectively implemented. The result of this philosophy is a very impres-sive record of effectively developing and utilizing the newest technology, resulting in large numbers of persons looking to do us harm being removed from the battlefield.

This office, however, has not rested on its success. It has continued to solicit feedback from field operators to iden-tify areas to improve safety and effectiveness. Drawbacks of optical-based fingerprint sensor technology used by SOCOM have been subsequently shared within the biometric industry to advance the next generation of tools; some of these weak-nesses include:

Tom BussBusiness Development Executive and Strategic AdvisorIntegrated Biometrics


Within the U.S. military, special operations forces stand out for highly specialized tech-nology requirements. They must be able to adapt to diverse and unpredictable missions that can involve general com-

bat and small unit tactics. Given these parameters, traditional biometrics solutions—

which require the subject to be facing the device straight on, typically indoors in a controlled environment with good light-ing, and at close proximity (often as little as three to four feet away)—are a poor fit for SOF operations. They need a way to identify subjects quickly and seamlessly.

SRI’s easy-to-use iris on the move (IOM) biometric sys-tems capture and process iris images with accuracy in all settings, including the unpredictable, ruggedized environ-ments special ops personnel face on a daily basis. There are significant benefits to iris biometrics: A person’s irises are stable from age 3 on, and each iris has more than 250 points of identification, giving it one of the lowest false accept rates of any biometric. If two irises are identified, the odds of a false acceptance rate are one in more than 1 trillion.

SRI’s IOM biometric systems also capture high-resolution face images. Multimodal capabilities ensure the right person’s biometrics are matched against the correct biographical infor-mation and facilitate the deeper level of information sharing that military organizations strive for.

IOM solutions are optimally suited to meet the security, access control and identity management requirements of special

operations forces through a host of unique form factors and mis-sion scenarios. For example, SRI recently announced the avail-ability of a customized Samsung tablet with a built-in IOM iris module for B2B applications. This breakthrough mobile com-puting platform incorporates SRI’s face and iris enrollment, capture and authentication capabilities with the expansive features and functionality of an Android tablet.

Imagine that SOF personnel could enroll and authenticate individuals and ‘persons of interest’ anywhere in the field on the same device used for other mobile applications—reducing their load and the complexity of managing multiple devices. Iris biometric technology can also give SOF personnel more seamless, secure access to their devices and sensitive infor-mation rather than remembering and inputting lengthy PIN codes.

In addition to supporting biometric enrollment and iden-tity authentication on the move, SRI’s IOM systems can allow special operations forces to effortlessly collect information and verify the identities of individuals entering a base, village, aircraft or other areas that need to be secured in rapid fashion. Agencies recognize that capturing multiple modes of biomet-rics (facial images, fingerprints, iris patterns, etc.) can assist with the development of a common database structure. This would ensure that different agencies do not need to use the same type of biometrics to exchange information effectively. Multimodal biometrics expands the tools at their disposal—and the intelligence that can be gained from these tools.

With SRI’s IOM solutions, special operations forces can realize greater authentication capabilities to help them execute missions safely and effectively.

Mark Clifton President, Products and SolutionsSRI International

• devices that were big, heavy and thick • the need for constant cleaning due to dependence on

silicon membranes to capture dry fingers• high power requirements• sensitivity to direct sunlight • fogging up when cold• emitting a light while scanning, making the operator a

target at night• need for cleaning to eliminate latent prints from the

previous subject

All of these are related to using optical total internal reflection prism-based fingerprint sensor technology in order to meet the stringent Appendix F FBI image quality specifi-cations. Clearly, these identified a need for something other than a prism-based certified fingerprint technology for next-generation multi-biometric handheld devices.

Innovations have occurred along this path, including the development of light emitting sensor (LES) technology, meeting

the stringent image performance requirements of the FBI in a thin form factor (less than 1 mm thick) while providing the level of accuracy necessary for military and criminal applica-tions. LES film—when integrated into fingerprint sensors and, eventually, mobile devices—makes it possible to capture quality images from moist to very dry fingers without the need for silicon membranes, moisturizers or constant cleaning of its platen; works well in sunlight; does not put out any light to give away the soldier’s location; and doesn’t necessitate cleaning away oils from previous users.

This particular advance is opening new doors in achieving a higher-quality fingerprint flat or “rolled” image that meets FBI specifications and thus contributes to saving a significant number of American lives.

The elegant development of technologies like LES film is a case of industry leaders actually listening to meaningful feedback from SOCOM, resulting in the significant advance-ment of biometric technology to better meet the needs of the warfighter.


In today’s evolving envi-ronment of global terror and insurgent threats, the enemy is often ambiguous—blending into civilian populations and making targeted action chal-lenging. SOF operators are

confronted with distinguishing combatants from innocent civilians, usually within a narrow window of opportunity. In this time of unprecedented intelligence-gathering capa-bilities and knowledge-driven warfare, forces require identity management solutions that are interoperable and flexible by design. Whether it is sensitive site exploitation or checkpoint screening, identities need to be established within an action-able timeframe using onboard watchlists or links to remote matching systems.

CrossMaTCh wEBs MaTCh

Webs Match is an interoperable biometric repository and scalable matching solution designed to provide customers with increased efficiency and flexibility through user-defined ‘watch-lists,’ a centralized administration portal for client-independent enrollments, algorithm-agnostic matching and categorization and distribution of identity records. Selectable features enable truly custom deployments meeting customer needs.

Webs Match provides configurable web server-based central-ized biometric matching of fingerprint and iris images, as well as the ability to easily create and manage multiple watchlists. These watchlists can be downloaded to remote devices using a network efficient format for timely in-field identification. This local watchlist capability provides an immediate response for those situations that tactically need rapid identification of subjects or operate in environments that do not, or cannot, use wireless communication. Enrolled files from distributed devices are seamlessly ingested by Webs Match, enabling centralized record interrogation, management, categorization and watchlist creation. Webs Match also provides the ability to export biometric records to other automated biometric identi-fication systems.

The functionality of Webs Match provides customers with small-to mid-size deployments, the ability to benefit from fast, accurate matching and record management services, all while maintaining budget sensitivity. Leveraging Webs Match’s interoperable architecture, users have the flexibility to inte-grate a range of software and hardware components to imple-ment a custom biometric deployment more economically than traditional solutions. O

Frank FernandezMarket Manager, Defense & Law EnforcementCrossmatch



Traumatic brain injury (TBI) has been recognized as the sig-nature injury of modern-day con-flicts. Every conflict in the last century has exposed SOF opera-tors to blasts from artillery, IEDs, rockets, explosive demolition and

more. The primary cause of injury from these blasts is overpres-sure, better known as the shockwave that rips through nearly everything in its path. For years, we’ve been unable to detect the magnitude of the shockwave with any sort of accuracy in a device small enough to wear in combat. We’ve been able to change that with the Blast Gauge System. Now, we can provide an immediate solution to capture operator exposure to blasts, guiding triage and aiding in treatment to ensure combat readiness.

The three-sensor set is worn on the helmet, chest and non-firing shoulder to log pressure and acceleration from exposure to explosive blasts. Small and lightweight, the gauges have been designed for robust performance in the most extreme

environmental conditions. The unique flexible mounting design permits tool-free attachment to any helmet strap, Pouch Attach-ment Ladder System webbing or physical structure without interference. Green, yellow and red status LEDs provide instant triage data at the press of an environmentally sealed button, allowing instant recognition of exposure based on adjustable thresholds that define moderate and severe events.

The complex data captured by the system provides medical personnel with digital information to better understand the event. A micro-USB connection allows full time-based data—such as overpressure waveforms, pressure impulse and accelera-tion—to be downloaded and analyzed by medical personnel. This allows for offline analysis and tracking of cumulative exposure for correlation to long-term effects via an integrated database.

BlackBox Biometrics Inc. specializes in developing innova-tive technology that measures the unseen impact of concussive injuries. The Blast Gauge System is a revolutionary advancement in explosive blast detection, enabling recognition of exposure and potential for TBI in the military and law enforcement.

Scott Featherman, Captain (Ret.)Product ManagerBlackBox Biometrics Inc.


By TraCy a. BailEy

ranGEr lEGEnd rayMond noEl dyE was honorEd aT forT BEnninG’s ranGEr MEMorial.

Rangers from all generations gathered at Fort Benning’s Ranger Memorial on April 9 to honor the life and service of World War II Ranger legend and Ranger Hall of Fame inductee Raymond Noel Dye, who died March 8 in Florida.

Dye joined the Army on November 12, 1942 and shipped out to Oran, North Africa, in April 1943. Upon arrival in North Africa, he answered Colonel William O. Darby’s call for volunteers for the elite Ranger Force.

He served with F Company, 1st Ranger Battalion and later with 4th Battalion. The success of 1st Ranger Battalion, known as “Dar-by’s Rangers,” in Operation Torch and in combat actions afterward, led to the formation of five additional Ranger battalions and the expansion of the Ranger program, a prelude to the historic legacy of the Rangers of today.

Dye was wounded four times according to his book, “Leading the Way.”

Dye saw too much for a young Ranger still in his late teens. His adventures in war led him from one battle to the next, surviving a gunshot wound and a mortar shelling.

“Noel represented close traits to what many of you have seen in your ranks today where you can knock a Ranger down, but he will keep getting up,” said retired Command Sergeant Major Douglas Greenway. “He has a life example we can all aspire to follow.”

One of the most tragic events of young Ranger Dye’s life was the death of his Ranger buddy Charles Roby.

“We all grow old fast in combat, and what took his breath away and a moment that was etched in his heart forever happened on a cold November morning in 1943, when he saw his Ranger buddy, Charles Roby fall on the battlefield—killed in action,” Chinn said. “Noel always talked about Roby every time we met; Roby was a true friend to him, and I know they are together now in the Objective Rally Point with the Big Ranger in the sky.”

An excerpt from Ranger Dye’s memoirs:“We made our way about two-thirds of the way across the field

when we started taking a lot of small-arms fire. We found as many low spots on the ground as we could for cover. As we lay on the ground, our packs and canteens were being shot off. The Germans then started with mortars. After the second shell, Sergeant Altieri had us sound off, in order as usual. No one had been hit. Sergeant Altieri then called us by name two at a time to get across the last part of the field and into the woods. We ran toward the woods. Roby was heavier than me and carried a Thompson submachine gun with ammo. Roby was on my right as I ran past him and dove across the

fence. The mortar barrage continued as I lay on the ground trying to catch my breath. I crawled back into the woods, where it would be safe enough to stand up. I called out for Roby, but there was no answer. I asked others around me, ‘Where’s Roby?’ No one knew. Finally, someone pointed toward the field.”

Chinn left the memorial attendees with a final thought.“When you look at the life of this great Ranger Hall of Fame leg-

end, from the beginning of his life until the end; we have an inside view of all those wonderful moments he experienced: the lives he touched, the friends he made, the soldiers he served with. His epi-taph will read, ‘Raymond Noel Dye, born November 12, 1924 dash March 8, 2015.’ The dash in the middle of his birth and his death represents everything he did in this wonderful life he had. That little dash represents someone who was truly larger than life.”

Dye’s awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart with three Oak Leaf Clusters, the Good Conduct Medal, Europe-Africa-Middle East Campaign Medal with Arrowhead, National Defense Service Medal, World War II Victory Medal, Presi-dential Unit Citation and the Combat Infantryman’s Badge. O

Tracy A. Bailey is with the 75th Ranger Regiment Public Affairs.

Sergeant Major William Pouliot, operations sergeant major for the 75th Ranger Regiment and Colonel Peter Shull, deputy commander for the 75th Ranger Regiment pay their final respects at the Ranger Raymond Noel Dye memorial ceremony held April 9, 2015, at the Ranger Memorial, Fort Benning, Ga. [Photo courtesy of the 75th Ranger Regiment]




By pETEr BuxBauM, soTECh CorrEspondEnT

MiTiGaTinG ThE risks inVolVEd in diVE Missions.

www.SOTECH-kmi.com22 | SOTECH 13.3 www.SOTECH-kmi.com22 | SOTECH 13.3

The U.S. military’s dive teams, like other special operators, face enormous challenges and dangers. Not the least of these dangers is operating in an underwater environment.

Underwater swimmers are deployed to a diversity of missions in different locations. Some are deployed to mine clearing opera-tions while others form special warfare units that target vessels or penetrate territory and execute a mission from the beach.

All of this requires specialized equip-ment which enables these operators to reach their destinations and complete their tasks. Navy special warfare commandos often must traverse the depths for miles before executing their missions. Advances in propulsion systems and underwater vehicles expedite their infiltration and exfiltration. Communications gear tailored to the needs of specific missions, whether through-water or wired communications, are most desirable or necessary. A vari-ety of other accessories have also been developed, sometimes at the specific request of special operations commands, to help divers accomplish their missions.

“In 2007, we began developing a completely new design to update the old materials and technology that had been used almost unchanged since the 1970s,” said John Nellis, owner of Nellis Engi-neering, Inc. Nellis Engineering makes high-performance diver propulsion vehicles (DPV) with real-time power monitoring digital displays under the Logic Dive Gear brand name.

“We introduced the first frameless motor design cooled by the water flow over the shell,” Nellis added, “so that when the DPV is run at full power for extended periods, there are no overheating issues with the motor or electronics.”

“Our main product line is a diver propulsion device (DPD) that was designed, developed and manufactured specially for naval special warfare a number of years ago,” said David Wilberding, vice president of STIDD Systems, Inc. STIDD’s two-man surface and underwater mobile platform has been procured by the Navy and Marine Corps as well as Army Special Forces.

Dive Xtras provides diver propulsion devices and its associated accessories. “The biggest advancement in DPDs has come from two things, batteries and motors,” said Will Baxter, marketing and sales director at Dive Xtras Inc. “Battery capacity has increased signifi-cantly based on weight, especially in lithium-ion batteries.”

MSUBS, Ltd., a United States-based company based in the United Kingdom, builds dry submersible vehicles for U.S. special forces. “They are used to transport people over long distances,” said Brett Phaneuf, the company’s presi-dent, “allowing them to perform a variety of missions and tasks before once again transiting out to sea to be picked up by larger vessel.”

Missions for which propulsion systems and underwater vehicles are used include infiltration, exfiltration, and the placement and retrieval of sen-sors. “It’s a way to move men and equipment from a host platform to a beach and back,” said Wilberding. “They can be used to extend the legs of a mission without launching a submarine.”

“Our DPVs can be used for both special operations infiltration/exfiltration missions as well as underwater construction or demoli-tion operations,” said Nellis. “Being small and fast and with a long range, they allow operators to be deployed over the horizon from very small speedboats or submarines. They are designed to tow individual divers and their equipment, but one DPV can tow multiple divers or large loads when needed. Additionally, two units can be joined together with a frame to move much larger cargo and still be con-trolled by a single operator.”

On missions where the operators need to be disbursed onshore, they can reach their landing locations simultaneously, instead of the team arriving in a single submersible and then having to separate and take longer to get into position. “Being smaller and less expensive, each diver can have their own DPV, which provides redundancy in case a unit is lost or damaged since one DPV has no problem towing two divers,” said Nellis.

The DPV can also be cached underwater for two months or more without discharging the batteries. “Ours is the only fully variable speed control DPV that only needs one hand to control the speed and on/off trigger, leaving the second hand free for other tasks while under way,” said Nellis. “Compared to the DPVs currently in produc-tion, ours has almost four times the thrust, producing nearly 120 pounds of static thrust from a DPV weighing less than 50 pounds.”

STIDD’s DPD has been updated in recent years with a dual thruster version. “The original version had one thruster,” said Wilberding. “We have now added a second with its own battery to provide independent and redundant propulsion. The major advance is that it reduces uncer-

tainty for mission planners. The mission can continue even if there are issues with a thruster or a battery.” The dual thruster also provides more speed and range and the ability to tow up to four divers behind the DPD. The thrusters are powered with lithium-ion batteries.

“Another innovation that we introduced as a result of our European customers’ demands is incor-porating a towable cargo pod,” said Wilberding. “The pod increases the volume of the DPD by up to 400 percent. It has neutral buoyancy and follows behind the DPD with little drag penalty.” The DPD has an internal cargo capacity of 220 pounds.

John Nellis

A Navy diver assigned to Mobile Diving and Salvage Unit 1 dives with a MK 16 re-breather. [Photo courtesy of the U.S. Navy/by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Jumar T. Balacy]

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Among the innovations introduced in the Nellis propulsion are magnetic shaft couplings. “These provide for the ultimate in reliability and least amount of maintenance,” said Nellis. “The magnetic shaft coupling has no significant magnetic signature and a navigational compass operates just fine only a few inches away from it. We have the only DPV that can be recharged externally, so the operators do not have to worry about breaking the watertight seal to recharge it when they are deployed in the field. We utilize a proprietary high-efficiency propeller and nozzle system that reduces the amount of power needed and also reduces the weight and size of the DPV by using positively buoyant materials to offset the weight of heavier components.”

In addition, older DPVs were single-speed, brushed motors controlled by a relay, while the Nellis DPV has variable-speed, brushless motors. “These provide much better efficiency,” said Nellis. “The older propeller styles were modeled using airflow calculations, while the newer designs are generated with the data from 40 years of propeller advancement. Addi-tionally, some of the materials in use now did not exist 30 years ago. The most significant improvement is due to the high-power lithium batteries that allow us to build a DPV that weighs less than 50 pounds and travels up to 15 miles underwater.”

Baxter agrees that innovations in battery power are among the most significant for underwater propulsion systems. “The increase in battery capacity comes from the auto industry,” he said. “Car manufacturers are demanding higher-capacity lithium-ion batteries. The battery manufacturers must pack more power into their cells to appease the car manufacturers. In the last six months alone, we’ve seen an increase of 12.2 percent in the batteries we sell with our civilian diver propulsion vehicles and an even greater increase in military applications.”

The decrease in size and weight and increase in power of Dive Xtras’ motors comes from the usage of similar technol-ogy in cars and heavy work machinery. “While the basic motor has not changed,” said Baxter, “we have been able to increase power and sig-nificantly decrease the physical size and weight.”

The vehicles currently being designed by MSUBS, in essence mini-submarines that can accommodate as few as six personnel, are incor-porating advances in just about every aspect of their design, from hull materials, to their elec-trical, hydraulic and pneumatic systems. “These dry submarines are the exclusive focus of our company,” said Phaneuf. “We have delivered one prototype to the government and are working on two more which will be delivered later this year.”

Technical advances are also being incorporated into the vehicles in the areas of microelectronics, power distribution, motor control and navigation. “We are using

a highly sophisticated digital bridge system to provide a lot of autonomous control of the vessel and reduce the load on the crew,” said Phaneuf. “One area we see growing in the future is 3-D print-ing for fashioning components. Instead of machining them, we can take them off the printer and put them on service on the submarine. That is a huge field that will expand in the near future.”

Ocean Technology Systems first developed an underwater com-munications system for the staff and personnel support branch of the United Kingdom’s Ministry of Defence. The company now provides secure wired and through-water communications systems to other military organizations, including the U.S. Navy.

“We have an intercom system that allows divers to talk to one another,” said John Hott, training director at Ocean Technology Systems. “The system works whether a diver needs to talk to an

adjacent diver, someone from an adjacent team or someone on a vessel on the surface.”

The company continually works with the Navy to develop different voice communications system based on specific requirements. “They come to us and ask us to build it for them,” said Hott.

The question of whether to utilize a wired or through-water system depends on several factors, including

how secure the communications need to be. That, in turn, often depends on the adversar-

ies the divers are likely to face on a specific mission.

“Through-water systems use high-pow-ered ultrasound waves that can have a range of 1,000 meters,” Hott explained. “Wired communications are used when the divers need to keep their conversations to them-selves. The sophistication of the adversary is what we look at when we apply a particular technology. Groups like Abu Sayyaf in the Philippines don’t have sensors in the water to look for the acoustic signature of incom-

ing special operations teams. But if they are swimming into a harbor in North Korea, you

can bet they will be listening for a submarine or any other device using communications, so we

tailor the application to the mission.”More secure than through-water communica-

tions is wired communications technology. A six-man team can all be connected to a buddy line that allows them to talk to each other without going through the water and with minimal opportunity for detection.

Another variable to be considered is the purpose of the communications. “The British wanted long-range emergency communications,” said Hott. “That meant they needed a through-water system, but they didn’t need to say much more than yea or nay. But we can also design a system in which the users can articulate completely with a full face mask and an advanced mouthpiece.”

Heliox Technologies builds depth gauges and underwater timers and is the first to have built a combination depth gauge and timer for military use. Devices used by recreational divers are not suited for military special operators.

Special operations dive teams wear a high-tech dry suit that protects them from the underwater elements. [Photo courtesy of Diving Unlimited International]


“Recreational products are always built with costs in mind,” said Jason Van der Schyff, the company’s director of product market-ing. “They use injection-molded plastics and the cheapest possible components. Those devices are designed to operate in fairly benign environments.”

For military products, the housing is aluminum, glass and engi-neered plastics, which are much stronger. “We provide a red display for minimal surface traceability,” said Van der Schyff. “No one wants to be doing a clandestine mission with a bright light. We can also adjust the brightness of the display according to the ambient light.”

Recreational divers, and even scientists, usually plumb the depths to view fishes or coral formations. “In the military, diving is a mode of transportation,” said Van der Schyff. “For whatever reason, they need to do the insertion through the water and they have a job to do once get to their destination. There are 1,000 design parameters that we use that recreational manufacturers don’t have to consider, including jumping out of aircraft and use in rough seas. It’s all about making a product as robust as possible that requires a minimal amount of user time for training.”

Heliox is currently working on a handheld device, adapted from smartphone technology, with a 7-inch display that will facilitate navi-gation and mission planning. “It allows mission planning to be done on a desktop and then pushed onto the device,” said Van der Schyff. “The device will include sensors and compasses that will aid in naviga-tion as well as a stopwatch and a depth gauge so that users won’t have to memorize a lot of information.” The device is now being tested by the special operations community.

Future products from Heliox will likely include devices that can be tracked by low-Earth-orbit satellites or terrestrial sensors. “Divers are often not heard from for hours until they have made it to their destination or their pick-up point,” said Van der Schyff. “Over the next five years, I think we will see more products being developed that will improve situational awareness of the location of dive teams.”

Special operations dive teams wear a high-tech dry suit that protects them from the underwater elements, many of them coming from Diving Unlimited International (DUI), a company based in San Diego. The same technology that goes into developing divers’ dry suits has also been incorporated into bags carried by divers to protect their equipment, including weapons.

DUI’s shoot-through bag was developed after the U.S. invasion of Grenada in 1983, when Navy SEALs parachuted into the water and were unable to get their weapons out quickly while they were being shot at from the beach. “The customer came to us with a require-ment for a bag that they could shoot through,” said Susan Long, the company’s president. The bag is made from the same material as a dry suit and features an integrated glove, allowing users to keep a finger on the trigger of their weapons and start shooting as they emerge from the water.

More recently, DUI’s E&R (escape and recover) and Go bags were designed last year. “The E&R bag was designed to be used in the shal-low waters of the surf zone,” said Long. “The customer came to us with the requirement to be able to leave the bag in the water for three to four days while protecting its contents, which included radios and flashlights. The bag would be waiting for them at the bottom of the ocean and help them get out of there.”

The bags are like dry suits in that they are fully submersible and not merely splash-proof. “It is designed to be left underwater for days at a time at depth of up to 30 feet,” said Long. “It is constructed of waterproof material, and the seams and zippers are sealed.”

The Go bag, which was designed for the Marine Corps Special Operations Command, is also waterproof and contains several compartments for things like water bottles and magazine clips. “The idea is to standardize the locations of the contents so that users could reach into the bag and find things in the dark,” said Long.

The next wave of development for small diver delivery systems is improved underwater navigation, according to Nellis. “Since GPS does not penetrate underwater, it requires expensive sen-sors to navigate underwater with only modest precision,” he said. “Typically, these are all too large and heavy for small, portable diver propulsion vehicles.”

STIDD is launching the latest version of its electronic naviga-tion system later this year. “It will be detachable,” said Wilberd-ing, “so that it can be used on a DPD or removed to be used in a standalone capacity for divers who don’t need or want propulsion. We are also working on an autopilot for the DPD and a system that will provide Blue Force Tracking in the water.”

“We can expect to see further advancement in battery and motor technologies,” said Baxter, “as well as greater integration of computers for autonomous DPD piloting and readouts for the health and safety of both diver and vehicle.” O

June 22-24, 2015 | Fort Bragg, NCwww.SpecialOperationsSummit.com

Now in it’s 8th iteration, Special Operations Summit & Warfi ghter Expo returns on June 22nd

MILITARY AND GOVERNMENT PERSONNEL CAN ATTEND FOR FREE!

Visit www.SpecialOperationsSummit.com for more information.

IDGA is proud to present the Special Operations Summit & Warfi ghter Expo taking place, for the fi rst time, on Fort Bragg, NC, home of Army Special Operations. This event will bring together Special Operations leaders and stakeholders within the US Army Special Operations community to identify the current and future needs of the Army Special Operations Command.

WHY ATTEND? • Learn the requirements being set by stakeholders within Army Special Operations Command

• Access to the heart of the Army Special Operations Command Leadership• Interact with Fort Bragg soldiers and leadership as they

evaluate the equipment and technology• Understand the future goals of the new leadership

within the SOC and how you can help

WHY ATTEND?




By arMy sErGEanT 1sT Class TyronE C. Marshall Jr.

liMiTEd rEsourCEs haVE forCEd ThE MiliTary’s sof To opEraTE CrEaTiVEly.

Challenges caused by limited resources, fiscal uncertainty and the changing nature of threats have forced the military’s spe-cial operations forces to operate creatively, DoD’s top special operations officials told Congress.

Michael D. Lumpkin, assistant secre-tary of defense for special operations and low-intensity conflict, and Army General Joseph L. Votel, commander of U.S. Special Operations Command, appeared before the House Armed Services Committee’s emerg-ing threats and capabilities subcommittee to discuss SOCOM’s fiscal year 2016 budget request.

Lumpkin said special operations forces are navigating a challenging fiscal environ-ment through enhanced oversight.

“As the service-like secretary of U.S. SOCOM,” he said, “I provide oversight and supervision of SOF resources, develop SOF policies for counterterrorism to counter narcotics, and pre-serve and protect our special operations force. This role becomes more challenging in a constrained budgetary envi-ronment in which we must use limited resources efficiently and effectively so that SOF is globally postured to support the combatant commands.”

With sequestration-level spending cuts scheduled to take effect in FY16, which begins October 1 of this year, Lump-kin said SOCOM continues to strengthen its budget manage-ment to maximize the return it provides on the taxpayer dollars the command receives. When agile authorities are available, he added, special operations forces can be most effective in handling the changing nature of threats they face.

“From [the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant] to pro-Russian rebel forces in

Ukraine,” Lumpkin said, “the United States and our international partners face a diverse set of unconventional threats worldwide cen-tered within the physical terrain, the human domain, the information environment and financial cyberspace.

“Additionally,” he continued, “our response efforts often require security force assistance missions in non-permissive and politically sensitive areas where the host nation demands a discreet U.S. footprint.”

Due to their unique, irregular and unconventional capabilities, Lumpkin noted, special operations forces routinely become the force of choice, and agile authorities max-imize their capabilities in their operations.

Lumpkin also emphasized to the sub-committee that taking care of special opera-tions forces is a top priority.

“Protection and preservation of SOF is of utmost importance,” Lumpkin testified.

“Our people are the founda-tion of special operations, and we strive to ensure our force and their families have a support system necessary to ensure their long-term prosperity and health.

Votel lauded the “amaz-ing actions” special opera-tions forces take every day.

“Alongside our con-ventional force partners,” he said, “the 69,000 quiet professionals of SOCOM are committed to values-based excellence and service to our nation. They relent-lessly pursue mission suc-cess, and today roughly 7,500 of them are deployed to roughly 90 countries worldwide supporting geo-graphic combatant com-mander requirements and named operations.”

Special operations forces have been heav-ily deployed over the past 14 years, he said,

and have paid a significant physical and emotional price.

“We are very appreciative of the support we’ve received from Congress,” Votel said, “to address the visible and invisible challenges, and we never forget that for SOCOM, people are our most important resource.”

The general said the United States faces many challenges, noting that the spread of technology and the diffusion of power are tools not only for responsible leaders, but also for “wicked actors” to orchestrate terror and violence regionally and globally.

The growing use of cyber capabilities and social media make it easy for U.S. adversaries to communicate, coordinate, execute and inspire their actions, he added.

Votel said the fiscal environment is of concern to him as well. While SOCOM has been “well supported” in recent years, he told the House panel, sequestration still affects the command.

“I remain profoundly concerned by the impact of another round of sequestration,” he said, “and how it not only impacts SOCOM but, more importantly, how it will affect the four services, upon whom we are absolutely dependent for mission support.”

To address the challenging security environment, Votel said, SOCOM provides a portfolio of options to national leaders and geographic combatant commanders. Special operations forces are “uniquely suited” to operate in the “gray zone between normal international competition and open con-flict,” he added.

“It is in this area,” he said, “where we see our very best opportunity to help shape the future environment.” O

Army Sergeant 1st Class Tyrone C. Mar-shall Jr. is with DoD News, Defense Media Activity.

Gen. Joseph L. Votel

Michael D. Lumpkin

For more information, contact SOTECH Editor Chris McCoy at [email protected]

or search our online archives for related stories at www.sotech-kmi.com.


SOtech reSOUrce center

Calendar

April 29-30, 2015Warrior Expo WestSan Diego, Calif.www.warrior-expo.com/warrior-expo-west

May 4-8, 2015ASPRS Annual ConferenceTampa, Fla.www.asprs.org

May 5-7, 2015AUVSIAtlanta, Ga.www.auvsishow.org

May 12-14, 2015SpecOps West Warfighter ExpoJoint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash. www.specopswest.com

May 19-21, 2015SOFICTampa, Fla. http://ndia.org/meetings/3890

June 22-23, 2015Special Operations Summit & Warfighter Expo Ft. BraggFort Bragg, N.C.www.specialoperationssummit.com

June 23-25, 2015GEOINT 2015Washington, D.C.www.geoint2015.com

July 9-10, 2015Warrior Expo EastSan Diego, Calif.http://adsinc.com/warrior-expo/

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Advertising with SOTECH will showcase your product to the military.

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Q: Could you tell our readers about some of the solutions that Parsons offers to the military and other government con-tractors?

A: Since 1944, Parsons’ cutting-edge tech-nologies have made improvements in the ways people connect, manage facilities and protect critical assets, to name a few areas. Our long history reflects our inno-vative solutions that take a project from inception and startup through execution to testing and closeout. Parsons Govern-ment Services Inc. (PGS), our federal busi-ness unit, has nearly 5,000 professionals, with over a third maintaining the security clearances required to support DoD and the intelligence community (IC).

PGS generates $1 billion in revenue annually and supports operations globally. PGS, coupled with our transportation, construction, environment and infrastruc-ture entities and a composite group dedi-cated to customers in the Middle East and Africa, ensures that Parsons is exception-ally well-positioned to offer competitive and high-quality support to an increas-ing customer base. We design, build and/or manage the largest, most com-plex infrastructure projects—from federal buildings to roads, bridges, tunnels and airports worldwide. For instance, we built and maintain the largest sensitive com-partmented information facility in North America, manage network security for sev-eral IC members and built the Pentagon 9/11 memorial. Parsons is also a technol-ogy and innovation leader, offering solu-tions in cybersecurity and critical asset protection, systems engineering, intel-ligence services, information technology, facility management and environmental technology.

Q: What unique benefits do some Parsons products provide to customers in compar-ison with other companies in your field?

A: Integrity, safety and quality are three of six core values that Parsons adheres to.

These values are infused in everything we do. Parsons’ culture is very much like what I experienced in uniform. Add our core values of innovation, sustainability and diversity, and you have a company aligned with the expectations of our cus-tomers. I’d add that Parsons’ global net-work offers customers such as SOCOM, who absolutely depend on industry, an established worldwide reach to enable their operations.

Q: What are some interesting new pro-grams or initiatives at Parsons?

A: Our chem-demil program under defense threat reduction efforts is notable for its ability to succeed in challenging environments like Libya, Syria and Russia. Logistics, security and construction pro-grams that we executed in these projects were game-changers, and the national security outcomes were among our gov-ernment’s highest priorities. The result is a safer world. Our cyber-warfare contribu-tions have made history. While they can’t be discussed in detail here, I can say with confidence that the ingenuity, innovations and utility of our teams with these capa-bilities are increasingly sought after by federal customers.

Q: Can you provide a few success stories?

A: Our defense, demil and nuclear process-ing capabilities make Parsons the choice for the tough jobs in tough places. These

include sensitive work in highly corrosive environments where the job has to be done safely and correctly to ensure our customers achieve critical national secu-rity outcomes. We have significant pres-ence in the Missile Defense Agency, Space and Naval Warfare Command, federal law enforcement and the IC.

Q: Which of your sectors has experienced the fastest growth, and why?

A: Three divisions/sectors: national secu-rity (including intelligence), defense and mission support and services have all experienced growth. My sense is that our customers have recognized the value of Parsons as a partner and are increasingly seeking us out for their teams. I’d add that we have some unique technologies designed for our defense and IC customers that have generated strong growth.

Q: Can you describe the challenges that you are facing in the government market?

A: All companies servicing defense custom-ers are subject to continuing resolutions and constraints from the Budget Control Act of 2011. The government resorts to incremental funding and reductions in procurement of materials and services. The government is not hiring, so depen-dence on industry has increased, albeit with funding constraints. To respond to this environment, industry partners had better be agile and become more efficient.

Q: Is there anything I haven’t asked that you’d like to discuss?

A: First, I truly enjoy being a Parsons employee. We have a framework that puts customers (e.g., SOF operators) first. Sec-ond, I like how Parsons collaborates. We view a strong industrial base as essential to offering national security customers required capabilities. Parsons is viewed everywhere as a great partner and collabo-rator, which contributes to our success. O

inDUStry interVieW Special Operations technology

Brian GoodwinSenior Project Manager

Parsons Government Services Inc.

Insertion Order Deadline: April 27, 2015 | Ad Materials Deadline: May 4, 2015

Contact Philippe Maman at 301.670.5700 x157 or [email protected]


May 2015Vol. 13, Issue 4Next Issue

Non-lethal DevicesA special operator’s objectives are sometimes accomplished through the use of non-lethal force.

Global SOF FoundationThe Global SOF Foundation is a nonprofit organization that advocates for Global Special Operations Forces.

Insertion Order Deadline: April 27, 2015 | Ad Materials Deadline: May 4, 2015

Contact Philippe Maman at 301.670.5700 x157 or [email protected]

Bonus Distribution: SOFIC

SPeCIAl SeCTIONProgram Management UpdatesThe authoritative annual overview where SOCOM’s acquisition executive and SOCOM’s Special Operations Research, Development and Acquisition Center senior staff provide the details you need on SOCOM acquisition programs.

COveR AND IN-DePTh INTeRvIew wITh:

Doing Business with SOCOM Science & TechnologyTony Davis, director, S&T SOCOM, discusses how companies can best do business with his office.

UAvsThe defense industrial base continues to invest in novel UAV platforms for future SOCOM use.

FeATUReS


General Joseph L. VotelCommanderSOCOM

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