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Northrop Grumman partners with NVIDIA to accelerate AI innovation

By
Dylan Malyasov
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Photo by Manuel Alvarado

Northrop Grumman Corporation announced on 16 May an agreement to access and use NVIDIA AI software to accelerate the development of advanced systems.

This agreement, facilitated by Future Tech Enterprise, grants Northrop Grumman access to NVIDIA’s extensive portfolio of AI and generative AI software, including platforms and frameworks such as NVIDIA Omniverse.

The partnership opens new research and development pathways, enabling Northrop Grumman to quickly integrate advanced AI technologies across its portfolio, enhancing operational efficiency.

“NVIDIA’s AI platforms will help us deliver Northrop Grumman’s advanced capabilities to our customers faster and with greater effect,” said Vern Boyle, vice president of Northrop Grumman Microelectronics Center.

“NVIDIA’s AI platform is at the forefront of the industry, driving innovation that solves difficult challenges,” said Anthony Robbins, vice president for North America public sector at NVIDIA. “Northrop Grumman is the latest example of how businesses and organizations around the world are increasingly using NVIDIA AI software to realize the potential of AI.”

US Army awards $451M contract to upgrade M270 launchers

By
Dylan Malyasov
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Earlier this month, the U.S. Army awarded Lockheed Martin a $451 million contract to recapitalize additional M270 rocket launcher systems, expanding its domestic fleet of launchers and providing upgrades for global partners.

This award follows an initial agreement issued in 2019 and subsequent contracts aimed at supporting mission readiness through 2050.

“The modernization effort will add capability to the combat-proven launcher and ensure the M270-series launcher remains effective, reliable, and interoperable with NATO forces for decades to come,” said Jay Price, vice president of Precision Fires for Lockheed Martin. “The procurement will bring additional precision fires capability to our global partners.”

Recapitalization includes a complete overhaul and upgrades to the systems with new engines, improved armored cabs, and the new Common Fire Control System (CFCS), which will provide compatibility with current and future MLRS Family of Munitions (MFOM). Lockheed Martin’s next-generation Extended-Range GMLRS and Precision Strike Missile (PrSM) can only be fired by M270A2 and HIMARS launchers.

The M270A2 is a Joint All Domain Operations (JADO) enabling, heavy-tracked mobile launcher, transportable via C-17 and C-5 aircraft. The launcher and its munitions are designed to enable soldiers to support the joint fight by engaging and defeating artillery, air defense concentrations, trucks, light armor, and personnel carriers at greater distances than previously possible.

MLRS will also be able to fire the Precision Strike Missile and Extended-Range GMLRS rockets, both currently in development.

US Navy takes step closer to future helicopter

By
Dylan Malyasov
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Photo by Seaman Carson Croom

The U.S. Navy’s Future Vertical Lift (Maritime Strike) (FVL (MS)) program has recently completed its Analysis of Alternatives (AoA), culminating in a Deputy Chief of Naval Operations (DCNO) for Warfighting Requirements and Capabilities (N9) “Gate 2” Resources and Requirements Review Board (R3B).

The board unanimously endorsed the results of the AoA and directed the program to proceed with developing a Capabilities Development Document (CDD) and a Concept of Operations (CONOPS).

The Navy’s current helicopter fleet, comprising MH-60R and MH-60S Seahawks, will reach the end of their service lives in the late 2030s, even with Service Life Extensions. FVL (MS) provides an opportunity to transition this legacy fleet to a more advanced platform designed to operate within a Distributed Maritime Operations concept.

Rear Admiral Buzz Donnelly, Director of the Air Warfare Division (N98) at the Office of the Chief of Naval Operations, stated, “FVL (MS) will be the most widely distributed aviation platform in the Navy, embarking on all surface combatants from future FFGs to aircraft carriers and contributing to more primary mission areas than any other aviation platform in the Navy.”

FVL (MS) is envisioned as a Family of Systems (FoS) that will be both crewed and uncrewed, performing the same missions as legacy helicopters but with greater range, endurance, and modularity to leverage emerging technologies. The FoS will be developed under the same Program Executive Office (PEO) to ensure interoperability, including crewed-uncrewed teaming. The FVL (MS) FoS aims to be more capable, survivable, reliable, and sustainable.

The Navy’s FVL (MS) will be developed to perform unique maritime missions, primarily operating from surface combatants such as DDGs, FFGs, and LCSs. The program will leverage advancements from the Army and Marine Corps in areas such as engine design, digital backbone, Modular Open Systems Architecture (MOSA), advanced rotor blades, materials, and launched effects.

A press release from Naval Air Systems Command indicates that while working towards a materiel solution and aiming for an initial operational capability (IOC) in the early 2040s, OPNAV N98 and Naval Air Systems Command will hold an Industry Day in 2024 to relay requirements for FVL (MS) capabilities and to share details on the concept of employment (CONEMPS).

NVIDIA technology found in Russian military drones

By
Dylan Malyasov
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Hacktivists from the Cyber Resistance group have provided new data revealing a connection between American graphics processor manufacturer NVIDIA and the Russian drone manufacturer “Albatros.”

InformNapalm, an investigative organization, analyzed the documents, exposing that Russia is using NVIDIA’s Jetson series microcomputers for image recognition in its new Albatros M5 drones.

The analysis of internal documents from “Albatros” and the email communications of the company’s CEO, Frolov, uncovered that collaboration with NVIDIA has been ongoing since at least 2016. This cooperation continued despite Russia’s annexation of Crimea, sanctions against Russia, and direct U.S. sanctions against “Albatros.”

The primary contact at NVIDIA is Anton Dzhoraev, a senior manager in corporate business development.

A recent email dated February 26, 2024, invited “Albatros” to the NVIDIA GTC 2024, a leading conference on artificial intelligence. Dzhorayev suggested that invitations could also be sent to students and interested colleagues, likely referring to students from “Alabuga Polytechnic,” who are involved in drone assembly. This indicates Dzhorayev’s awareness of “Albatros,” the “Alabuga” special economic zone, and their activities.

The Albatros website even resells and supports Jetson microcomputers.

According to NVIDIA’s website, Jetson is a leading platform for autonomous transport, robots, and other embedded applications. It includes high-performance modules, the NVIDIA JetPack SDK for software acceleration, and an ecosystem of partners offering sensors, SDKs, services, and products for development acceleration. Jetson is compatible with the same AI-based software and cloud technologies used on other NVIDIA platforms, providing the performance and energy efficiency needed for autonomous machine infrastructure.

Despite the evidence, NVIDIA representatives have not commented on their collaboration with the Russian military drone manufacturer.

US Army awards new contract to Lockheed Martin for HIMARS

By
Dylan Malyasov
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Photo by Devin Klecan

The U.S. Army has awarded Lockheed Martin an Undefinitized Contract Action (UCA) with an initial obligation of $410 million, potentially reaching up to $861 million, to expedite the production of High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) launchers.

According to a press release from the Army, the contract, announced on May 8, aims to increase the Army’s fleet of these launchers while also supporting Ukraine and other foreign military sales partners.

The contract is structured as an Indefinite-Delivery, Indefinite-Quantity (IDIQ) agreement and is expected to be finalized within the regulatory timeline. Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control will receive the award on a sole source, Firm-Fixed-Price basis. This procurement effort is part of the U.S. Army’s strategy to replenish and enhance its long-range mobile firepower capabilities.

HIMARS is known for providing unparalleled long-range mobile firepower, supporting Joint All-Domain Operations. This lightweight mobile launcher is transportable by C-130 and larger aircraft, facilitating rapid deployment. HIMARS is capable of firing the entire Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS) family of munitions, including a six-pack of Guided MLRS (GMLRS) or Extended-Range GMLRS rockets, two Precision Strike Missiles, or one Army Tactical Missile System missile. Along with the M270, HIMARS is one of the only launchers that can fire these munitions, making it highly versatile.

The system is particularly effective against stationary targets such as infrastructure and concentrated troops. HIMARS rockets have been crucial in Ukraine’s defense efforts, especially in the Donbas region, by enabling strikes on Russian supply and ammunition depots.

The contract is led by the Army’s Program Executive Office for Missiles and Space and executed in partnership with the Army Contracting Command at Redstone Arsenal.

US Army showcases autonomous unmanned rocket launcher

By
Dylan Malyasov
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Photo by Lucas Hunter

Approximately one month earlier, the U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command (DEVCOM) Aviation & Missile Center, in collaboration with the DEVCOM Ground Vehicle Systems Center and the Tennessee National Guard’s 1st Battalion, 181st Field Artillery Regiment, successfully demonstrated the Autonomous Multi-Domain Launcher (AML) in a live-fire exercise.

The U.S. Army has revealed that the event included the launch of three Reduced Range Practice Rockets (RRPR) in a ripple fire mission.

The two weeks leading up to the demonstration saw the team firing three RRPRs, with a total of six fired at Yuma Proving Ground. The AML prototype’s mobility modes—teleoperations, waypoint navigation, and convoy operations—were also showcased. This exercise highlighted the launcher’s capability to move independently from a concealed position to a firing point, adjust its direction as instructed, and receive fire control commands from a remote operator.

Led by the DEVCOM AvMC team, the event highlighted the collaboration between human operators and autonomous systems. Field Artillery Soldiers from the Tennessee National Guard conducted all operations during the demonstration, while subject matter experts from DEVCOM AvMC and GVSC gathered crucial feedback to inform future design iterations.

“The DEVCOM AvMC/GVSC AML team has succeeded in proving the possibility of using remote, autonomous technologies to deliver Long-Range Precision Fires,” remarked Lucas Hunter, AML project manager for DEVCOM Aviation & Missile Center. “This opens the possibility of increasing firepower without major force structure adjustments and without risk to our Soldiers.”

The productive event at Yuma Proving Ground validated the integration of autonomous technology into a modified High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) launcher. This achievement marks a milestone for the AML, setting the stage for its participation in Valiant Shield ’24.

“Our Soldiers and the Tennessee National Guard are grateful for the opportunity to see the developments of the AML program and provide feedback to shape the future of long-range precision fires,” said Maj. Michael S. Lowry, 1-181st Field Artillery battalion executive officer. “To be able to follow the AML project over the past four years from inception to operating in a tactical environment is a unique experience for a National Guard HIMARS Battalion.

“Our launcher chiefs present for the operator’s training and live fire quickly envisioned how the AML could augment our current force structure and increase lethality and were eager to provide crew feedback,” Lowry continued. “The accomplishments of the DEVCOM AvMC AML engineers are truly remarkable in such a relatively short amount of time.”

The AML concept aligns with the Army Modernization Strategy, which emphasizes the integration of robotics and autonomy to enhance lethality. The autonomous, unmanned, highly mobile launcher, transportable via C-130 aircraft, promises to amplify firepower with additional launcher platforms and triple the magazine depth, potentially without increasing personnel.

“We are skillfully integrating humans and machines into formations that optimize the natural advantages that both bring,” stated Brig. Gen. Rory Crooks, director of the Long Range Precision Fires Cross-Functional Team. “Our collective efforts allow humans to determine how to best utilize terrain to accomplish the fire support mission while offloading burdens and risk of executing them to machines.”

With the AML program set to transition to the LRPF CFT and their ASA (ALT) partners beginning Fiscal Year 2025, the successful live fire demonstration underscores the Army’s commitment to advancing warfighter capabilities through innovative technologies and collaborative partnerships with the warfighter and industry.

US Army awards contract to Lockheed Martin for hypersonic weapon system

By
Dylan Malyasov
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artist’s conception

The U.S. Army has awarded Lockheed Martin a $756 million contract to deliver additional capability for the Long Range Hypersonic Weapon (LRHW) system, a ground-based hypersonic weapon that represents a new class of ultrafast and maneuverable long-range missiles.

Under this contract, Lockheed Martin will provide additional LRHW battery equipment, systems and software engineering support, and logistics solutions. The LRHW system is designed to launch the common hypersonic All Up Round (AUR), managed by the U.S. Navy’s Conventional Prompt Strike (CPS) program. The system includes an Army canister, a battery operations center, and transporter erector launchers.

“Lockheed Martin is proud to continue our strong partnership with the U.S. government for hypersonic strike capability,” said Steve Layne, vice president of Hypersonic Strike Weapon Systems at Lockheed Martin. “With this contract, we will support the U.S. Army to sustain the Long Range Hypersonic Weapon System currently in the hands of U.S. soldiers, produce additional batteries for future fielding, and support flight testing.”

Lockheed Martin delivered equipment for the first LRHW battery, known as Dark Eagle, to U.S. soldiers in 2021. The company continues to work closely with the Army to address critical national security needs.

The Dark Eagle missile comprises a rocket booster and an unpowered hypersonic boost-glide vehicle payload. The rocket booster propels the vehicle to optimal speed and altitude, after which it travels independently at hypersonic speeds, defined as anything above Mach 5.

These hypersonic vehicles are designed for high maneuverability, enabling them to change course unpredictably. This creates challenges for defenders, making it difficult to detect, intercept, or react to the incoming threat. The ability to quickly and effectively target adversaries at long ranges without warning underscores the strategic importance of the LRHW system.

As part of this contract, Lockheed Martin will continue to develop and deliver the necessary support to ensure the LRHW system meets the evolving demands of modern warfare. This includes producing additional batteries for future deployment and supporting ongoing flight tests to validate the system’s capabilities.

Ukraine modifies Cold War-Era air defense systems to fire new missiles

By
Dylan Malyasov
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Captures via Telegram

Ukrainian forces have reportedly adapted Cold War-era 9K33 Osa (SA-8 Gecko) short-range air defense systems to launch R-73 (NATO reporting name AA-11 Archer) air-to-air missiles from their existing stocks.

This development demonstrates Ukraine’s innovative approach to enhancing its defense capabilities amid the ongoing war with Russia.

The modified Osa systems can now carry a pair of rail-launched R-73s, replacing the standard canisterized 9M33 missiles. The R-73, a short-range missile with an infrared homing head, is designed for intercepting and destroying highly maneuverable enemy aircraft and drones in close air combat. It is effective day and night, from any direction, against targets in both the front and rear hemispheres, and performs well under active electronic countermeasures.

The R-73 missile features a solid-fuel engine with gas-dynamic control system interceptors, enabling it to execute sharp maneuvers during engine operation. However, launching these missiles from a ground platform significantly reduces their effective range compared to their intended airborne deployment.

The original 9K33 Osa system, equipped with various 9M33 series missiles, has a range of up to 7.5 miles and relies on radio command guidance. The version most likely in use by Ukraine is the Osa-AKM (SA-8B Gecko Mod-1), which employs 9M33M3 missiles with a maximum range of 9.3 miles and a ceiling of 40,000 feet. Unlike the original model, which carries four exposed missiles, the Osa-AKM features six missiles housed in box-type containers.

Ukraine’s ability to adapt older equipment to modern requirements reflects the nation’s resourcefulness and determination in the face of persistent threats. This modification not only enhances the Osa system’s combat effectiveness but also maximizes the utility of available missile stocks. The exact number of these systems Ukraine possessed prior to the conflict remains unclear, but this adaptation undoubtedly strengthens its defensive capabilities.

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