US Navy receives final Independence-class Littoral Combat Ship
The delivery acceptance of the future USS Pierre marks the conclusion of the construction phase for the Independence-variant.
Vulcanair Aircraft has selected UTC Aerospace Systems to deliver its Cloud Cap Technology TASE500 imaging systems to support the Chilean Navy’s maritime search and rescue (SAR) mission, UTC Aerospace Systems announced on 8 December.
The systems will be installed on Vulcanair's P68 Observer 2 twin-engine aircraft, which are being delivered to the navy for patrol, maritime observation and SAR operations.
The TASE500 is an all-HD, digital imaging system designed for improved situational awareness. Its lens design is optimised for object recognition, and it features a continuous zoom function and advanced processing capabilities.
Remo De Feo, CEO, Vulcanair Aircraft, said: ‘The addition of the Cloud Cap Technology TASE500 Imaging System to the P68 Observer 2 will allow us to provide a turnkey, high performance, cost efficient solution to the search and rescue market. The all HD imaging system of the TASE500 was a critical requirement in providing the Chilean Navy with superior night-time imaging as well as long range daylight surveillance.’
John Trezza, vice president, Force Protection, UTC Aerospace Systems, said: ‘We are proud to be selected by Vulcanair Aircraft, a respected name in aviation, to provide the Chilean Navy with an optical imaging solution that meets the demands of their extensive maritime operations. The TASE500's optimised lens design will enable search and rescue operators to more easily identify objects at sea and along the coastline.’
The delivery acceptance of the future USS Pierre marks the conclusion of the construction phase for the Independence-variant.
The new Barracuda version has been engineered to perform enhanced subsea and seabed warfare missions.
The nearly $25 billion investment will cover USCG procurement of cutters, aircraft, helicopters, training simulators and Polar capabilities over the next four years.
After commissioning, FRC Frederick Mann will operate in Alaska and perform multiple missions.
The US Coast Guard (USCG) created new units, including five Programme Executive Offices (PEOs), to facilitate and speed up the procurement of new capabilities.
The US Navy does not have a precise date for the award of the procurement contract for the third Arleigh Burke-class destroyer despite having the funds to advance with the programme in FY2025.