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This is a carry-over from an "archived/locked" thread: US Army aviation faces overhaul
--------------------------------------- EADS Touts Airlifters to US Army (Source: EADS North America; issued May 9, 2005) ORLANDO, Florida --- EADS North America has a high-profile presence at this year’s Army Aviation Association of America (AAAA) annual convention, highlighting the company’s broad range of solutions that meet requirements of U.S. military and homeland security customers. The AAAA meeting is being held through May 11 at Orlando, Florida’s Coronado Springs Resort Convention Center, and features a large EADS North America exhibit stand with products and services from its various business units. A static display of EADS transport aircraft and helicopters also has been set up at the nearby Kissimmee Airport. The Kissimmee Airport static display showcases the EADS CASA C-295 and CN-235 military airlifters, which are being offered for the U.S. Army’s Future Cargo Aircraft (FCA) acquisition. The displayed C-295 and CN-235 are currently performing a month-long U.S. tour to demonstrate their capabilities for the FCA mission. Both the C-295 and its shorter-fuselage CN-235 version are produced by EADS CASA – the industry leader in the light and medium military transport aircraft sector. They offer no-risk, combat-proven solutions for the Army’s FCA requirement with aircraft that are in full-scale production for a growing international customer base. This message has been edited. Last edited by: Sgt_Schlappy, |
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I just hope they increase the capabilities by at least double (payload in particular) of what the C-23s can do. A cruise airspeed of greater than ~180kts would be nice too (something near what a 130 can do in IAS would be nice).
Lived off and on in the Bahamas for about 18 months with the Sherpas as our primary means of supply...glad to have had them, but their capabilities are very underwhelming. |
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they carry about 20,000 lbs and max cruise around 240kts. Range is good: around 1-2 k ktm. The c-130 carries more than double the load and is faster, 325 kts max cruise,also double the range. unit cost is double, about 60 mill vs around 30 mil. Educate me: why can't the army use 130's? Too much plane for the job?
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don't worry about that last question, found my own answer.
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Another Cloudy Day in the Sunni Triangle |
I am in the Bahamas now. I know what you mean!  |
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Oh dude--I know the deal...Gtown is not all its cracked up to be. Better you than me  |
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I know you found your own answer...but I would LOVE the C-130 for our own internal requirements. Not even the "J" model...we'd be more than happy with their old hand me downs Not likely to happen, but one can dream. |
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Another Cloudy Day in the Sunni Triangle |
This is my second rotation and Im ready to go home. At least Im flying and doing something other than RL progressions in the pattern.
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F##K EADS! ...and anybody who teams with them.  Raytheon, EADS Create Partnership for U.S. Army Future Cargo Aircraft (Source: jointly issued by EADS and Raytheon Co.; issued May 10, 2005) WASHINGTON --- Raytheon Company and EADS North America have established a partnership to offer the world's best medium transports for the U.S. Army's Future Cargo Aircraft (FCA) program. Raytheon's Space and Airborne Systems (SAS) business and the EADS CASA North America business unit will lead the program capture and execution effort. "Raytheon, as prime contractor, is proud to lead this FCA team and join with EADS North America on this critical modernization program for the Army," Jack Kelble, president of Raytheon Space and Airborne Systems, said. "This team, with its combination of international, world-class expertise in mission systems integration, production and mission support, offers the best, no-risk solution for the Army's intratheater transport." "The EADS family of military transport aircraft sets the global standard for capability and performance," Ralph D. Crosby, Jr., EADS North America's Chairman and CEO, said. "Our team offers the Army a complete, proven cargo aircraft solution, tailored to meet its demanding mission requirements, while also returning best value to the U.S. taxpayer." The planned FCA acquisition will provide the Army with a new fixed-wing transport aircraft capable of performing rapid-response intratheater missions with cargo, equipment and soldiers, as well as medevac duties and airdrop delivery. As prime contractor for the FCA team, Raytheon Company is providing program management, mission systems integration and mission support solutions for FCA. EADS CASA North America will assemble and deliver the Future Cargo Aircraft in the United States. The Raytheon FCA team will offer a solution that is compliant with both Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and Global Air Traffic Management (GATM) standards. The EADS CASA aircraft are able to operate from austere forward runways and deliver both troops and materiel within the theater. Furthermore, the FCA solution is interoperable with Army heavy-lift helicopters currently in service. The Raytheon FCA solution has greater than 95% mission capability. Raytheon for its nearly 83-year history has supported the full spectrum needs of the U.S. Army warfighter. Raytheon has supported Army fixed wing aviation since its inception starting with the first delivery of the YC-43 (Model 17 Staggerwing) to the Army Air Corp in 1939 through the C-12 Huron and Guardrail programs. Today, Raytheon is the ground systems integrator for the Army's Future Combat System. Raytheon's advanced systems for the Army include the Patriot air and missile defense system, the Sentinel air defense radar, weapons such as the Stinger missile, anti-armor TOW and Excalibur extended range precision guided artillery projectile and tactical communications systems. Raytheon also provides air traffic control systems for the Army and the Marine Corps. EADS North America oversees the U.S. operations of EADS, the world's second largest aerospace and defense company. EADS CASA is the world leader in the light and medium military transport aircraft sector, and produces the combat-proven CN-235 and C-295 family of airlifters. Approximately 250 CN-235s and C-295 aircraft have been sold to some 30 military and governmental users in 24 countries -- including for the U.S. Coast Guard's Deepwater program maritime patrol aircraft, which will be delivered beginning in 2007. Currently in full production, the C-295 is in service with the air forces of Spain, Poland and Jordan. Additionally, the Brazilian air force placed an order for 12 C-295s in April, and the aircraft has also been selected by Switzerland and Portugal for their transport requirements. EADS CASA North America recently completed construction of an integrated customer support center in Mobile, Ala., to service its growing American customer base. In addition, a multi-state tour this month is bringing the C- 295 and CN-235 to Army facilities and key conventions across the U.S. to demonstrate the two airlifters' operational capabilities. The tour includes stops at Ft. Campbell, Kentucky; Redstone Army Airfield and Ft. Rucker, Alabama; and Fort Bragg, North Carolina; as well as the Army Aviation Association of America's annual convention in Orlando, Fla., the annual meeting of the Adjutants General Association of the United States and the 2005 Fixed Wing Conference of the U.S. Army in Little Rock, Ark. |
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Allright, after a brief google search I find that the eads fits a narrow capability rather well. It seems it would be good to fly; manuverable etc.. it is survivable as well. The cargo load is the same height as a chinook so if transfering cargo very fast on the ground is the most important factor then it has a slight advantage to a c-27j. The c-27j's carry more payload further and faster with good survivablity and it too can land on a carrier. it does, however, carry a higher unit and operating cost. Who cares though; bottom line, you need 2 "c-295's" to carry the same payload as 1 "c-27j".
Maybe around 10 c-295's would be suitable for the occasional special mission but I venture to bet the c-27j would be more practical most of the time. I would go further to bet the c-130 would be more practical than the c-27j's even more often. That is my short sighted point of view through 10 minutes of comparisons. I will end it with this: I do not care for the frogbus, I do not care for the frogfalcon (dassault), I would not turn my nose up to a shiny new rolls, I especially do not care for antonov, and I certainly do not feel we have any need to rely on "EADS CASA" to build a plane . I like boeing, I like lockheed martin, I like mcdonald douglas. I do not think the US army has any business buying anything in large numbers from different countries, except cheese. The us army has my permission to trust the frogs with cheese if they wish because they do that pretty well but that is it. If not, fine, I prefer cheese from california. :** |
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Since the Spanish, French and Germans have proven quite unreliable with assistance in Iraq, I think buying anything from them (let alone military hardware) is a bad idea! At least with the C-27J, the Italians have a more reliable track record. |
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Boeing joins army transport contest
Flight International 17 May 2005 Surprise bid could involve Chinese or Russian airframes (Talk about a BAD IDEA!)  Boeing has made a surprise, late entry into a competition to sell fixed-wing transports to the US Army, but like its rivals must seek out an available airframe designed by a foreign supplier. Boeing responded to a request for information on the army’s Future Cargo Aircraft (FCA) programme, nominally worth $1.3-1.6 billion, to deliver 33 transports through to fiscal year 2011. The company is in the process of selecting an airframe, tackling a problem already addressed by two other FCA candidates. The EADS Casa CN-235 and C-295 are being offered by prime contractor Raytheon Space and Airborne Systems under a new teaming arrangement. Raytheon will also act as systems integrator and provide mission support for the European aircraft. The L-3 Integrated Systems and Alenia North America joint venture Global Military Aircraft Systems (GMAS) is proposing the C-27J Spartan, with Honeywell, Lockheed Martin and Rolls-Royce as team-mates. Boeing’s options for a vehicle may be narrowed to Russian and Chinese aircraft, with one contender believed to be Xian Aircraft’s Y-7 – a Chinese-built derivative of Antonov’s An-24. The Y-7 is certificated by the US Federal Aviation Administration, according to the army’s requirements for FCA, and a variant is available with a rear cargo ramp. Boeing says it is keeping its options open for an airframe, and is not yet committed to stay in the programme through the competitive bidding phase. Both teams with selected airframes have launched extended demonstration tours of army bases across the USA. GMAS last week launched a three-week promotion tour with a prototype C-27J, which will return to Europe to take part in next month’s Paris air show before heading back to the USA in July for extended demonstrations. But it is clear the competition may depend less on demonstrating aircraft performance than on meeting price and sustainment goals. The army has budgeted for $33.8 million per aircraft. Logistics costs are also expected to be a major factor in the competition, with L-3 and Raytheon both stressing the significance of their relationships with the army maintenance community. A platform selection is expected during FY07, with the army hoping to later expand its FCA purchase to more than 125 aircraft. |
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Global Military Aircraft Systems To Demonstrate C-27J Military Transport in the United States; Nationwide Tour to Highlight Critical Benefits of C-27J
LINK WASHINGTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 5, 2005--Global Military Aircraft Systems (GMAS), the joint venture of L-3 Integrated Systems and Alenia North America, Inc. (a Finmeccanica company), today announced that the C-27J Spartan military transport aircraft - a leading contender for the U.S. Army's Future Cargo Aircraft (FCA) program - will soon embark on a tour of the United States for demonstrations and display. The GMAS C-27J Spring 2005 Demonstration Tour will begin on Wednesday, May 11th in Washington, D.C. and continue with stops at a number of airbases in the southeastern and central United States throughout the month of May. The tour will include flying demonstrations and loading demonstrations in selected locations. A second tour is planned for later this year. This will be the fourth tour of the C-27J in North America. The FCA program is a key component in the Army's transformation of its fixed wing fleet which calls for the procurement of a new fleet of cargo fixed wing aircraft. To support the future force, the FCA must be a multifunctional aircraft, able to perform logistical re-supply, medevac, troop movement, airdrop operations, humanitarian assistance, and missions in support of Homeland Security. "The C-27J is interoperable with existing U.S. military assets, including heavier air lifters such as the C-130 and rotor wing assets such as the CH-47, providing enhanced operational flexibility that is essential in today's high-threat environments," said Bob Drewes, President of L-3 Integrated Systems. "This demo tour provides us with an opportunity to demonstrate many of the characteristics that make the C-27J Spartan the most capable aircraft in its class." A proven tactical airlift, the C-27J is currently under production for the Italian Air Force and the Hellenic Air Force. "The C-27J Spartan was designed specifically for military operations," said Giuseppe Giordo, President and CEO of Alenia North America, Inc. "Unlike other intra-theater medium lift aircraft, which are commercial derivatives, this aircraft is a true military air lifter, designed specifically for multi-mission, intra-theater operations where a rugged and flexible aircraft with extreme short take off and landing capability is required. The C-27J is suitable for missions including cargo transport, troop transport, material and paratroop air drop, medical evacuation, and fire-fighting." Under the joint venture agreement, L-3 Integrated Systems (L-3/IS) and Alenia North America (Alenia) jointly manage GMAS. L-3/IS is a leader in aircraft modernization, systems integration, contractor logistics support, training, and simulation. Alenia is a leader in the design and manufacturing of commercial and military aircraft. For additional information on GMAS please visit www.C-27J.com. |
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It will be interesting to see what input the USAF will have on the Army's selection, if any. The USAF has their own battles this year and I wonder if the Army's FCA will be contested.
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GMAS C-27J - The Answer for the Army's FCA Challenge
(Source: Global Military Aircraft Systems; issued Sept. 1, 2005) HUNTSVILLE, Ala. --- The GMAS C-27J aircraft not only meets all of the U.S. Army requirements for the Future Cargo Aircraft (FCA) as identified in the recently released Draft RFP but it also anticipates the need for growth beyond the current requirements. Global Military Aircraft Systems (GMAS), a joint venture between L-3 Communications’ subsidiary, Integrated Systems, and Alenia North America, Inc. (a Finmeccanica company), intends to produce and missionize the C-27J military aircraft for the U.S. Army's Future Cargo Aircraft (FCA) program. The C-27J is uniquely designed to meet the needs of our fighting force by allowing the Army to return more Chinook aircraft to combat operations and reduce the number of ground convoys required for logistical re-supply. It would clearly support today's warfighter and is ready for future challenges. The C-27J aircraft is a workhorse; built using the latest U.S. technologies and military standards to meet the requirements of the U.S. warfighter. The key to meeting these requirements is reducing the burden on the warfighter, and that is only accomplished through the C-27J's capability and flexibility. Its ability to land in the most rugged terrain in areas not accessible by heavier airlifters, its ability to carry loads transferred directly from heavier airlifters, its ability to load and unload cargo autonomously without the need for the ground power or fork lifts, its ability to load and off-load up-armored HMMWV's in a matter of seconds, its ability to fly higher, faster, and farther with more payload: these are the characteristics that are essential to the warfighter. The C-27J Spartan is the right platform for the job. "Every C-27J in the air takes three convoys off the road and out of harm's way," said Bob Drewes, President and COO of L-3 Integrated Systems. "That's almost twice more than the competition. "GMAS' goal is to provide an uncompromising weapon system and long-term support that reduces the burden on the soldier, meets the Army's FCA objectives, and achieves improved system availability and readiness. We know how to do this job." The C-27J will enable the U.S. Army to acquire an aircraft that will remain viable for the next 30 years, eliminating the need to find a replacement aircraft in 10 to 15 years. This means skipping a generation of weapons systems and better managing costs over time by choosing a long term solution to today's problem. "Unlike the competition, the C-27J's airframe and propulsion system was designed specifically for tactical flight profiles, potential flight emergencies from enemy fire, and to provide airlift operations in support of ground operations," said Giuseppe Giordo, President of Alenia North America, Inc. The C-27J has greater range, higher cruise speed, greater floor strength, better interoperability, greater cabin height, greater payload capability, better airdrop capability, and better cargo and vehicle loadability than any medium fixed-wing production aircraft. This aircraft meets all the FCA requirements and provides the flexibility and capacity necessary to meet future needs. The C-27J is a perfect fit for today's Global War On Terrorism and homeland defense missions. Unlike other alternatives which provide little improvement over the shortcomings of the C-23 Sherpa, the C-27J is the best value solution and will remain a viable workhorse for the Army for the next 30 years. The U.S. Army FCA program is a key component in the Army's transformation of its fixed wing fleet, which calls for the procurement of a new fleet of transport, fixed wing aircraft. To support the future force, the FCA must be a multifunctional aircraft, able to perform logistical re-supply, medevac, troop movement, airdrop operations, humanitarian assistance, and missions in support of U.S. Homeland Security. The FCA is expected to replace the Army's C-23, C-12 and C-26 aircraft. The C-27J is equipped to address the mission requirements for each of these platforms and outperforms the competition. Under the joint venture agreement, L-3 Integrated Systems and Alenia North America jointly manage GMAS. L-3 Integrated Systems is a leader in aircraft modernization, systems integration, contractor logistics support, training, and simulation. Alenia is a leader in the design and manufacturing of commercial and military aircraft. The GMAS team embodies an uncompromising commitment to deliver a proven, interoperable, and survivable airlifter to military customers. |
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The Army may want to look into updating their fleet with the Nayy's C-2 greyhound a/c. This will give them carrier capabilitiy as well as the Navy's supply network. Of course, you need AF's blessing.
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US Army speeds up schedule for Future Cargo Aircraft programme
Flight International 13-Sep-2005 The US Army has accelerated a decision on its $1.3 billion Future Cargo Aircraft (FCA) programme by six months to June 2006, say industry sources. “We understand the army would like to accelerate the schedule due to the shortcomings of the [Shorts C-23B] Sherpa and the needs of the National Guard realised today in [combat operations] and homeland defence,” says Global Military Aircraft Systems, which is offering the Alenia C-27J in a joint venture between the Italian company and L-3 Communications. Speeding up the replacement of its ageing Sherpas may be only one of the army’s motives, however. Awarding the contract next June instead of in January 2007 will also help to protect the programme’s funding stream, because making an award in the middle of fiscal year 2006 would create a contractual obligation before the start of the next fiscal year. The army’s overall plan is to buy up to 30 fixed-wing cargo aircraft to replace the National Guard’s fleet of 43 C-23Bs. The service plans to make an initial award next June for the engineering and services portion of the contract, with the winning company also expecting a follow-on order for production aircraft. Competing against the C-27J is the Raytheon/EADS North America team offering EADS Casa’s CN-235 and C-295, or a combination of both platforms. Boeing has also expressed interest in joining the competition, recently naming the McDonnell Douglas YC-15 prototype jet airlifter as a potential candidate in an industry forum with army officials. Bell-Boeing has also inquired about the army’s interest in a tiltrotor offering, although the service currently requires only a short take-off and landing capability under the FCA programme. The army hosted an industry day on 2 September after releasing a draft version of its request for proposals last month. Raytheon FCA programme manager Jim Hvizd says he came away from the army briefing encouraged for the prospects of his team’s CN-235/C-295 proposal. |
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Basic Training |
Any idea what unit will get them first?
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Basic Training |
You have to wonder if the Army is behind this one.
October 19, 2005 Report gives nod to airships for strategic lift By Rick Maze Times staff writer A new congressional report endorses the idea of buying heavy-lift airships instead of cargo jets to get troops and equipment to future wars. In a report looking at options for strategic lift, the Congressional Budget Office says airships, such as the Walrus program that is in its initial development stages, “would be virtually independent of air bases and would be well suited to deliver combat-ready troops, along with their vehicles and other equipment, directly to their destinations.” The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, DARPA, awarded two contracts in August for the first phase of Walrus development. The idea, if it works, is to have a hybrid airship capable of carrying 500 tons over 6,000 miles within a week, without refueling. The Walrus is not a traditional blimp. It would use a combination of lighter-than-air or almost lighter-than-air characteristics, along with an airfoil-shaped hull that would provide additional lift. The aircraft also could have wings. CBO, a nonpartisan analytical arm of Congress, likes the heavy-lift airship concept because it could do more than the airlift aircraft and surge sealift capabilities currently used when U.S. forces deploy. “Delivering fully equipped units straight to their destination would reduce the time that units typically spend between arriving in a theater and beginning operations,” the report says. “Although not as prompt as conventional aircraft, hybrid airships could still begin arriving in the Persian Gulf region from the United States in about five days, assuming that the units they transported were ready for loading immediately.” Fifteen airships could deliver 1,000 tons of cargo a day, three times as much as a fleet of 21 C-17 Globemasters, the report says. Developing and buying 14 to 16 airships and operating them for 30 years would cost about $11.3 billion, the report says. There are downsides to heavy airships, the report says. A big disadvantage is that they are vulnerable to antiaircraft fire because they fly lower and slower than traditional cargo aircraft. Those characteristics also might lead some nations to deny overflight rights they might grant to other, swifter aircraft. |
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Basic Training |
FCA will provide the Army with capabilities that will minimize dependence of the Air force
This message has been edited. Last edited by: FCAmaster, |
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