USN picks Jacobs for air-launched and underwater test support
Both the Air Launch Test Capability and the Underwater Launch Test Capability support the Conventional Prompt Strike hypersonic programme.
Jacobs Technology has received a $64.64 million follow-on deal from the Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division (NAWCWD) for air launch testing and materials with hypersonic missiles, the DoD revealed on 8 July.
Jacobs received an earlier contract in 2019.
The latest deal covers the maintenance, modification and/or enhancement of special test equipment (STE) for the future Air Launch Test Capability (ALTC) as well as the design and development of STE for the Underwater Launch Test Capability (ULTC).
Both capabilities will, in turn, support the Conventional Prompt Strike advanced hypersonic missile programme for the USN.
Work will be performed in China Lake, California, and is expected to be completed in July 2024.
In launching a sources sought notice in November 2021, NAWCWD described a future five-year deal to enable fielding or deployment of special test equipment for the ALTC and ‘continued support for conceptual design of the ULTC, which will include providing element schedule updates’.
NAWCWD added at the time: ‘Continued air launch testing has been and will continue to be required to meet the ever-changing requirements based on [a] better understanding of what data is needed from full-scale tests.’
A contract is expected to be awarded late in FY2022.
More from Defence Notes
-
![How Canada plans to “seize” the opportunity to increase investments in defence]()
How Canada plans to “seize” the opportunity to increase investments in defence
The Canadian Department of National Defence has been increasing efforts to accelerate the acquisition of new equipment and modernise its in-service inventory.
-
![Palantir and Boeing partner up to bring AI to defence manufacturing]()
Palantir and Boeing partner up to bring AI to defence manufacturing
The partnership with the US airframer will see Palantir’s AI software leveraged to help streamline data analytics across Boeing’s 12 factories on defence and classified programmes.
-
![DroneShield to double its US footprint to meet growing demand for counter-UxS capabilities]()
DroneShield to double its US footprint to meet growing demand for counter-UxS capabilities
DroneShield disclosed to Shephard its plans to increase its workforce and manufacturing capacities while strengthening partnerships with US suppliers.
-
![Singapore’s DSTA seeks wider partnerships to advance robotics and AI capabilities]()
Singapore’s DSTA seeks wider partnerships to advance robotics and AI capabilities
The technology organisation is expecting a significant rise in the number of staff working across robotics and digital solutions as it becomes more of a focal point.
-
![Modular and attritable equipment must be a priority: US military]()
Modular and attritable equipment must be a priority: US military
Senior officers and representatives from the US Army, US Air Force and US Navy emphasised the need to expedite acquisition projects for systems and platforms that are more modular. They also highlighted that the loss of equipment is acceptable.
