Lockheed Martin recently delivered the 100thElectro-Optical Targeting System (EOTS) for the F-35 Lightning II. EOTS provides affordable, high performance multifunction targeting to the F-35′s full spectrum of military operations. EOTS is the primary sensor that mixes forward-looking infrared and infrared search and track functionality to supply F-35 pilots with situational awareness and air-to-air and air-to-surface targeting from a secure distance. This technology allows aircrews to spot areas of interest, perform reconnaissance and precisely deliver laser and GPS-guided weapons. “F-35 pilots can use the imagery to make your mind up exactly where to strike while staying out of harm’s way,” said... Read More »

When the M320 40 mm grenade launcher began replacing the M203 in 2009, it put a brand new and more lethal weapon into the hands of the Soldier. There was one question, however. How would she or he best carry it? An equipment specialist with Product Manager Soldier Clothing and Individual Equipment, or PM SCIE, is making an attempt to reply that query. Darren Bean have been working on the Natick Soldier Systems Center since November 2012 at the M320GL Holster Soldier Enhancement Program, or SEP. The detachable M320, named one of several Army’s top 10 inventions of 2009, comes... Read More »

German defence technology group Rheinmetall said on Tuesday its military vehicles three way partnership with truck maker MAN had landed a 1.1-billion-euro ($1.45-billion) contract in Australia. “The Australian Defence Force has contracted with Rheinmetall MAN Military Vehicles (RMMV) to provide it with an intensive fleet of advanced logistical vehicles,” Rheinmetall said in a press release. As section of a modernization program, the Australian Defence Force (ADF) would procure “some 2,500 protected and non-protected logistical vehicles from Rheinmetall MAN Military Vehicles Australia,” the statement said. The contract covered trucks “in a few different weight classes in various configurations,” Rheinmetall continued. They... Read More »

Plans to sell US Reaper drones to France advanced Monday as Congress raised no objections to the contract, Pentagon officials said. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency, which oversees foreign military sales, had notified Congress on June 27 of the proposed contract, and lawmakers voiced no opposition during a fifteen-day review period. “Congress didn’t propose any joint resolution of disapproval. The case can proceed to be offered,” Lorna Jons of the DSCA told AFP. French Defense Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian had announced on June 11 plans to shop for 12 Reaper aircraft from the us, a purchase order worth about $874... Read More »

From Jennies to jets to stealth bombers, the 131st Bomb Wing’s history really began with its co-located flying squadron, now the 110th Bomb Squadron, which traces its roots back to the 110th Observation Squadron. The 110th OS was organized by Maj. Bill Robertson and his brothers, Lieutenants Frank and Dan Robertson, owners of Robertson Aircraft Company. The Robertsons were aviation pioneers, noted for being the 1st two pilots from Missouri to enlist in World War I (Dan was too young). Among their associates were numerous former Army Air Corps veterans and visionary young men who shared an interest in organizing... Read More »