U.S. Coast Guard To Acquire Three Additional Lockheed Martin HC-130J Surveillance Aircraft

Lockheed Martin received a $218 million contract for three additional HC-130Js for the U.S. Coast Guard. This will increase the U.S. Coast Guard fleet of HC-130Js from six to nine. The contract also includes funding for two mission suites, which are critical in supporting U.S. Coast Guard search and rescue operations. The new aircraft are scheduled to be delivered in early 2015.

“The Coast Guard, like many services in the Hercules family, continues to recapitalize with the C-130J,” said Jack Crisler, Lockheed Martin vice president for Air Mobility. “The C-130J is without equal in terms of its multi-role, multi-mission flexibility and availability. No aircraft in production — or in development — can match the capabilities of the Super Hercules.”

                         

Lockheed Martin received a $218 million contract for three additional HC-130Js for the U.S. Coast Guard. This will increase the U.S. Coast Guard fleet of HC-130Js from six to nine. The contract also includes funding for two mission suites, which are critical in supporting U.S. Coast Guard search and rescue operations. The new aircraft are scheduled to be delivered in early 2015.

 A C-130-H (top) displaying an historic color scheme to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the C-130 in Coast Guard Service, flies in formation with a new HC-130J (bottom).

                         

The current fleet of HC-130Js, based at Air Station Elizabeth City, N.C., meets long-range maritime patrol requirements in areas that cannot be patrolled efficiently by medium range surveillance aircraft or cutters. The Long Range Surveillance (LRS) aircraft also provide heavy air transport for maritime safety and security teams, port security units, and National Strike Force personnel and equipment.

The HC-130J’s special mission suite is comprised of a two mission system operator station located behind the pilot and co-pilot, a belly-mounted 360-degree long range search radar, nose-mounted forward looking infrared radar and an advanced mission communications suite. The missionized HC-130J is designed to deliver enhanced search, detection and tracking capabilities.

Headquartered in Bethesda, Md., Lockheed Martin is a global security and aerospace company that employs about 120,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services. The corporation's net sales for 2011 were $46.5 billion.

Vigor Industrial introduces its new Offshore Patrol Cutter with Ulstein X-BOW

In response to the U.S. Coast Guard's demanding Offshore Patrol Cutter requirements, Vigor Industrial looked beyond the conventional. With the Ulstein X-BOW®, the Vigor OPC delivers unmatched seakeeping and endurance.

Vigor OPC features the innovative Ulstein X-BOW® design. The X-BOW® made its debut in 2006, and more than 40 vessels are now in-service worldwide. On a daily basis, they prove the design’s reliability and superior seakeeping in real-world operations, under the most difficult conditions.

Compared to bulbous bows, the Ulstein X-BOW ® delivers:

• Lower pitch and heave accelerations

• Higher transit speeds in both calm waters and heavy seas

• Reduced slamming, vibration, spray and noise

These qualities make Vigor OPC more capable of performing when most needed. In high seas it is faster and more comfortable for the crew and more stable for helicopter and small boat operations.

                         

Superior Seakeeping

 VIGOR OPC's seakeeping improves offshore mission effectiveness through higher sustained speed, expanded operating envelopes for boats and helicopters, greater endurance and reduced crew fatigue.

» Seakeeping performance of the patented Ulstein X-Bow is quantified through extensive model tests and validated in the actual performance of nearly 40 offshore vessels.

» Higher transit speeds in moderate to heavy seas compared to conventional bulbous bows (19% faster) puts VIGOR OPC on the scene sooner.

» Objective-level endurance maximizes time on scene.

» Lower pitch and heave accelerations due to the X-Bow expand operability.

» Reduced roll due to 54 foot beam (same as National Security Cutters) further expands operability.

» Reduced slamming, vibration and noise maximize crew effectiveness and reduce structural fatigue.

                         

In response to the U.S. Coast Guard's demanding Offshore Patrol Cutter requirements, Vigor Industrial looked beyond the conventional. With the Ulstein X-BOW®, the Vigor OPC delivers unmatched seakeeping and endurance. The Ulstein X-BOW is an inverted bow designed by Ulstein Group to improve handling in rough sea, and to lower fuel consumption by causing less hydrodynamic drag.

                         

An Innovative And Affordable Solution

VIGOR OPC is inherently producible and affordable.

» Simple hull curvature throughout reduces fabrication cost.

» At 328 feet, VIGOR OPC minimizes the need for shore infrastructure improvements.

» Larger internal volume eases constructions and maintenance.

» All accommodations are above the main deck.

» Upgrading a commercial vessel design to meet the Coast Guard's technical requirements is the affordable alternative to a conventional corvette or frigate.

                         

In response to the U.S. Coast Guard's demanding Offshore Patrol Cutter requirements, Vigor Industrial looked beyond the conventional. With the Ulstein X-BOW®, the Vigor OPC delivers unmatched seakeeping and endurance. The Ulstein X-BOW is an inverted bow designed by Ulstein Group to improve handling in rough sea, and to lower fuel consumption by causing less hydrodynamic drag.

                         

Reduced Operational And Lifecycle Costs

VIGOR OPC's lower lifecycle cost is attained through early design decisions that target the largest operating cost drivers.

» Hull for provides for 7-16% reduced fuel consumption compared to conventional bulbous bow.

» Maintenance intensive weather decks are minimized and far removed from corrosive seawater.

» Davits and deck equipment are protected from the weather for reduced maintenance.

Eurocopter’s revolutionary X3 helicopter begins its U.S. tour in Texas

Eurocopter today began the U.S. tour of its X3 high-speed hybrid helicopter, which will demonstrate the unique operational capabilities of this advanced transportation system during a month of visits to military facilities and hub locations for civil helicopter operators.

The tour was initiated with a debut X3 flight presentation at the Grand Prairie, Texas headquarters of Eurocopter’s U.S. subsidiary – American Eurocopter – which was attended by employees, elected officials, customers and industry partners.

In addition to providing the first-ever demonstration of Eurocopter’s cutting-edge innovation with the X3 outside of Europe, the company’s tradition of rotary-wing excellence was underscored by a Grand Prairie Airport fly-in of its product range, from the pioneering Alouette and BO105 to today’s UH-72A Lakota for the U.S. Army, the U.S. Coast Guard’s MH-65C Dolphin, as well as the EC225, AS350 and EC145 – which are used in civilian operations, law enforcement, medical airlift and parapublic missions.

“We have a very ambitious innovation strategy leading to the first flight of a new helicopter, a new version or a new technology demonstrator every year. Innovation is not just a buzzword, it’s a way of life at Eurocopter,” explained President & CEO Lutz Bertling. “With the ingenious design and unparalleled technology of our X3 demonstrator, we are well positioned to bring this type of helicopter to the market in the next 10 years.”

Underscoring the X3’s maturity and excellent handling characteristics, some guest pilots and observers were invited to fly aboard the demonstrator aircraft today – an opportunity that will be repeated during multiple demonstrations organized by American Eurocopter at Grand Prairie with the oil and gas, public services, law enforcement and medical airlift sectors. The X3 will then fly to Redstone Army Arsenal Airfield in Alabama; Fort Bragg’s Simmons Army Airfield in North Carolina; Virginia’s Manassas Regional Airport and military installations in the Washington, D.C. area.

Eurocopter’s aircraft configuration for the X3 uses a pair of turboshaft engines to power a fiveblade main rotor system, along with two propellers installed on short-span fixed wings. This concept is well adapted to missions requiring long transit flights and where speed is important, while retaining vertical lift and hover capabilities – all at very affordable cost.

The company envisions a wide range of purposes for its hybrid technology in future products, including long-distance search and rescue (SAR), Coast Guard missions, border patrol missions, passenger transport and off-shore airlift, along with inter-city shuttle services. It also is well-suited for military missions in special forces operations, troop transport, combat SAR and medical evacuation – benefitting from the combination of higher cruise speeds with excellent vertical takeoff/landing performance.

Eurocopter began X3 flight testing in September 2010 from the Istres Flight Test Center in southern France, where the aircraft easily surpassed its initial speed target of 220 kts.; reaching more than 230 kts. in level flight while using 80 percent of available power. Beyond confirming its excellent flight qualities, maneuverability, outstanding acceleration and deceleration capabilities, the hybrid demonstrator has shown exceptional climb and descent rates along with very low vibration levels – all without any need for passive or active anti-vibration systems.

Follow the X3 U.S. tour with daily news and updates on the company’s special events website.

http://events.eurocopter.com

and on:

http://press.eurocopter.com

About Eurocopter

Established in 1992, the Franco-German-Spanish Eurocopter Group is a division of EADS, a world leader in aerospace and defense-related services. The Eurocopter Group employs approximately 20,000 people. In 2011, Eurocopter confirmed its position as the world’s number one helicopter manufacturer with a turnover of 5.4 billion Euros, orders for 457 new helicopters and a 43 percent market share in the civil and parapublic sectors. Overall, the Group’s helicopters account for 33 percent of the worldwide civil and parapublic fleet. Eurocopter’s strong international presence is ensured by its subsidiaries and participations in 21 countries. Eurocopter’s worldwide network of service centers, training facilities, distributors and certified agents supports some 2,900 customers.

There currently are more than 11,300 Eurocopter helicopters in service in 149 countries. Eurocopter offers the most comprehensive civil and military helicopter range in the world and is fully committed to safety as the most important aspect of its business.

Navy prepares to "storm" Niantic beach

East Lyme — Unlike the submarines that move quietly in and out of the area, the Navy's amphibious landing craft will arrive Friday for OpSail in noisy, dramatic fashion.

Capt. Marc W. Denno said the landing craft puts on "quite a show" with its gas turbines, which are essentially jet engines. The USS Carter Hall is sending the landing craft to "storm" the Hole-in-the-Wall Beach as part of the opening ceremonies for OpSail 2012CT.

"It's very loud. It will look like a big, white cloud of water spray approaching the beach. Then the sand will start to kick up," said Denno, commander of the Naval Submarine Base in Groton.

While the submarine force is the "silent service," Denno said it's "their job is to make a statement."

Organizers of the local OpSail held a press conference at the beach Monday to highlight Friday's events in town. The military and tall ships participating in the Parade of Sail to New London Saturday will be anchored off Niantic Friday.

The main event is the storming of the beach at 4 p.m., when a Humvee will drive off the landing craft, onto the beach.

McCook Point Park, overlooking Niantic Bay, is the best place to watch the demonstration since the beach will be closed until the demo concludes. Following the demonstration, spectators can walk down to check out the equipment and talk with the sailors and Marines, said First Selectman Paul Formica. The town also is hosting an OpSail food stroll, starting at 6:30 p.m. downtown, and a dinner for the visiting service members.

The Carter Hall, a cargo variant of the Navy's dock landing ships, will be anchored about a mile offshore. At 609 feet long, it will be the largest vessel at OpSail.

Giving local residents a chance to see another side of the Navy, Denno said, is "a great way to kick off OpSail."

OpSail, from July 6 to 9, commemorates the bicentennial of the War of 1812 and the composition of the "Star-Spangled Banner." The Navy, Coast Guard and tall ships will be open for tours Saturday and Sunday in New London. For more information, visit www.OpSail2012CT.org.

Greenpeace ships shadow drilling vessels to Arctic

Greenpeace is shadowing two Shell drilling vessels that left Seattle to start their journey to the Arctic this week.

Shell Oil spokesman Curtis Smith said Friday that as long as Greenpeace adheres to maritime law and respects a court order requiring it to stay a certain distance away from the drilling ships, the company has no concerns.

The Greenpeace team stopped in Kodiak this week for three days and met with the Coast Guard to discuss the trip, part of the environmental group's "Save the Arctic" campaign. The Esperanza will shadow Shell's drilling vessels as they make their way north. The Greenpeace crew will then spend time documenting Arctic environmental conditions.

The Kodiak meeting was necessary to go over safety concerns and to understand what Greenpeace is trying to accomplish, said Coast Guard Capt. Gregory Sanial.

"With everything, especially in the Arctic, what we're looking to achieve is safety for life at sea for everybody on the water," Sanial said. "Our dialogue with Greenpeace isn't any different than it is with Shell."

The Coast Guard was also concerned with Greenpeace's plans to use small submarines to document the Bering Sea's marine canyons.

"I did explain to them that the Coast Guard has no capability to rescue that submarine," Sanial said. "If it gets in trouble at the bottom of the Arctic Ocean, there is very little the Coast Guard can do."

Greenpeace plans to use two small submarines - one carrying a single person, the other two people - to take scientists underwater to gather information.

"Our intent is to document that pristine environment in places that no submarine-manned expeditions have been before and to bring back to the world images," said lead Arctic campaigner Jackie Dragon.

The information, he said, is especially important "as the industrialization of the high north begins."

California Chaplain facing misconduct charges

SAN DIEGO — The Marine Corps has formally charged a Navy chaplain at the Marine Corps’ desert training base with several counts of alleged misconduct, including sexual harassment, indecent conduct, assault and fraternization, a spokesman confirmed Friday.

The chaplain, Lt. Cmdr. Steven E. Hicks, is scheduled to appear July 24 at an Article 32 investigation hearing at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center in Twentynine Palms, Calif., said Marine Capt. Nick Mannweiler, a combat center spokesman.

Hicks, 57, is a Catholic priest assigned who arrived at Twentynine Palms in 2008. He was pulled from his religious duties after allegations surfaced and an investigation began in late February, Mannweiler said. He remains assigned to the combat center staff.

Mannweiler said he did not have information about the nature of the charges, and he said he could not provide a copy of the official charge sheet that details the allegations. The Article 32 officer will preside over the preliminary hearing and recommend whether the charges against Hicks should be sent to a court-martial, be reduced or dismissed.

Hicks’ reassignment in February left the remote desert base with only one Catholic priest for the holy season leading to Easter Sunday on April 8. The only other priest at the base was attached to a unit preparing to deploy to Afghanistan.

Hicks, of San Angelo, Texas, was commissioned a chaplain in the Air Force in 1993, and he served two years before transferring into the Navy in 1995, according to Navy Personnel Command records. He served with 1st Marine Logistics Group at Camp Pendleton, Calif., and Naval Support Activity New Orleans, La., before joining the amphibious assault ship Peleliu in San Diego in 2003. Hicks also had assignments with the Coast Guard in Kodiak, Alaska, and Souda Bay, Greece, prior to moving to Twentynine Palms.