Ray Burick and Mark Jarvis reflect on the 2010 P-3 IOSC.
Showing posts with label P-3 IOSC. Show all posts
Showing posts with label P-3 IOSC. Show all posts
Friday, October 29, 2010
Video: Bruce Lewis
Bruce Lewis from Canada talks about how P-3 operators can learn from each other at the IOSC.
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Day 3 Photos
Last night, conference attendees enjoyed the IOSC dinner with keynote speaker, Major General Michael C. Kostelnik (Ret.), Assistant Commissioner, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Office of Air and Marine. General Kostelnik discussed CBP's decision to re-wing 14 of their P-3s to keep them operating for 20-25 more years. He said CBP leadership examined their mission and determined that the P-3 was the best airframe to accomplish the mission, as long as the aircraft are safe and the systems are relevant.
Video: Hilton Baker
Flight Lieutenant Hilton Baker from the Royal New Zealand Air Force talks about the value of the IOSC for P-3 operators.
Last Day of P-3 IOSC 2010
Today is the last day of the 2010 P-3 IOSC.
There were just a couple presentations this morning. Attendees will wrap up any final meetings, and then the 2010 P-3 International Operators Support Conference will be complete.
We have some pictures and videos to post today to wrap up the blog. Please let us know if you have and questions or suggestions for us.
If you're looking for presentations from the conference, check the P-3 IOSC website in a couple weeks.
Hope everyone had a great conference!
There were just a couple presentations this morning. Attendees will wrap up any final meetings, and then the 2010 P-3 International Operators Support Conference will be complete.
We have some pictures and videos to post today to wrap up the blog. Please let us know if you have and questions or suggestions for us.
If you're looking for presentations from the conference, check the P-3 IOSC website in a couple weeks.
Hope everyone had a great conference!
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
P-3 Aircraft Tour at Lockheed Martin
Today, conference attendees and Lockheed Martin employees had the opportunity to tour the Customs and Border Protection P-3 that was recently re-winged, as well as a U.S. Navy aircraft.
Ray Burick (middle, left), Lockheed Martin’s vice president of P-3 Programs, talks with U.S. Customs and Border Patrol crew members and Gen. Michael Kostelnik (front, right), assistant commissioner, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Office of Air and Marine.
Lockheed Martin employees tour the CBP aircraft.
Ray Burick (middle, left), Lockheed Martin’s vice president of P-3 Programs, talks with U.S. Customs and Border Patrol crew members and Gen. Michael Kostelnik (front, right), assistant commissioner, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Office of Air and Marine.
Lockheed Martin employees tour the CBP aircraft.Operator: Germany
Manfred Brunkowski from the German Federal Office of Defense Technology and Procurement introduced a contract recently awarded to ESG for the German P-3C Mission Support Center. Brunkowski is responsible of mission systems of the P-3.
Ingo Eickmann from ESG discussed the Mission Support Center in greater detail.
The system provides mission preparation and post-mission analysis to establish a common data base and archive. The data archives includes three classifications of information: geo (map and satellite images), object (ship or submarine information) and mission (from original task order through mission report).
The report generator can pre-fill the mission report with data, which can then be expanded upon by the crew after the mission.
The German Navy began using the preliminary systems in mid-2010, and expect final systems delivery in 2011.
Ingo Eickmann from ESG discussed the Mission Support Center in greater detail.
The system provides mission preparation and post-mission analysis to establish a common data base and archive. The data archives includes three classifications of information: geo (map and satellite images), object (ship or submarine information) and mission (from original task order through mission report).
The report generator can pre-fill the mission report with data, which can then be expanded upon by the crew after the mission.
The German Navy began using the preliminary systems in mid-2010, and expect final systems delivery in 2011.
Operator: U.S. Customs and Border Protection
Lothar Eckardt and Rick High of U.S. Customs and Border Protection are the first briefing after lunch.
U.S. CBP P-3s operate out of Jacksonville, Florida and Corpus Christi, Texas.
They showed a great video about the record-breaking fiscal year 2009. That year, CBP interdicted more than 250,000 pounds of narcotics - their best year ever. This includes seizing 29 vessels, 102,000 pounds of cocaine, 106 suspects and $12.4 million in cash. CBP P-3s were also the FEMA first responder to Hurricane Ike.
In the 2010 fiscal year, CBP disrupted and seized more than 197,000 pounds of narcotics. Their primary accomplishment in 2010 was increased availability, with 6 aircraft each on the ramps in Jacksonville and Corpus Christi. This allowed CBP to surpass flight hour requirements and achieve the most flight hours Jacksonville has ever achieved in a single year.
CBP P-3s are uniquely able to locate self-propelled semi-submersibles (SPSS), which are 60-85 feet long and difficult to find. Eckardt mentioned that the next threat will be self-propelled fully submersibles, although CBP has not found one yet.
CBP recently received its first re-winged aircraft from Lockheed Martin, which High said flies like a brand new aircraft. CBP plans to re-wing 14 of its 16 airplanes, allowing for 20 more years of operation.
Because of the relatively small P-3 fleet, CBP prefers to work with other operators to conduct joint projects that will help both operators save money. They are currently discussing full-motion video capability and cockpit upgrade projects with other operators and are open to other ideas.
U.S. CBP P-3s operate out of Jacksonville, Florida and Corpus Christi, Texas.
They showed a great video about the record-breaking fiscal year 2009. That year, CBP interdicted more than 250,000 pounds of narcotics - their best year ever. This includes seizing 29 vessels, 102,000 pounds of cocaine, 106 suspects and $12.4 million in cash. CBP P-3s were also the FEMA first responder to Hurricane Ike.
In the 2010 fiscal year, CBP disrupted and seized more than 197,000 pounds of narcotics. Their primary accomplishment in 2010 was increased availability, with 6 aircraft each on the ramps in Jacksonville and Corpus Christi. This allowed CBP to surpass flight hour requirements and achieve the most flight hours Jacksonville has ever achieved in a single year.
CBP P-3s are uniquely able to locate self-propelled semi-submersibles (SPSS), which are 60-85 feet long and difficult to find. Eckardt mentioned that the next threat will be self-propelled fully submersibles, although CBP has not found one yet.
CBP recently received its first re-winged aircraft from Lockheed Martin, which High said flies like a brand new aircraft. CBP plans to re-wing 14 of its 16 airplanes, allowing for 20 more years of operation.
Because of the relatively small P-3 fleet, CBP prefers to work with other operators to conduct joint projects that will help both operators save money. They are currently discussing full-motion video capability and cockpit upgrade projects with other operators and are open to other ideas.
Operator: Portugal
Major Horacio Santos from the Portuguese Air Force is presenting about the P-3C CUP+ Upgrade.
Portugal is a small country, but has responsibility for a large sea area, so the PtAF has a great need for updated maritime patrol aircraft. The primary mission is maritime patrol, including submarines and surface ships. The secondary mission is search and rescue, but Major Santos suspects that their P-3 mission will be redefined when new capabilities are achieved with new mission systems.
The PtAF was able to work with Lockheed Martin MS2 in the lab during mission system software qualification tests, which Major Santos says was very helpful and suggests to other operators. They will have new hardware, radar, acoustic systems, data link, navigation, electronic warfare and many other new systems. The new systems will give the PtAF improved pictures, often with information or sensor output integrated. The PtAF is looking forward to fielding the upgraded aircraft to see how it operates. They are hoping to operate the P-3 CUP+ for 25 more years.
1st Lt. Filipe M. S. Pedro is now briefing about PtAF P-3 operation and sustainment.
The PtAF currently operates several different P-3 configurations, which fly 300-400 hours per year.
Current sustainment issues include the air multiplier, propellers, landing gear, drag struts and navigation units. He is looking for feedback from other operators regarding whether they have similar issues and how they are addressing them.
Portugal is a small country, but has responsibility for a large sea area, so the PtAF has a great need for updated maritime patrol aircraft. The primary mission is maritime patrol, including submarines and surface ships. The secondary mission is search and rescue, but Major Santos suspects that their P-3 mission will be redefined when new capabilities are achieved with new mission systems.
The PtAF was able to work with Lockheed Martin MS2 in the lab during mission system software qualification tests, which Major Santos says was very helpful and suggests to other operators. They will have new hardware, radar, acoustic systems, data link, navigation, electronic warfare and many other new systems. The new systems will give the PtAF improved pictures, often with information or sensor output integrated. The PtAF is looking forward to fielding the upgraded aircraft to see how it operates. They are hoping to operate the P-3 CUP+ for 25 more years.
1st Lt. Filipe M. S. Pedro is now briefing about PtAF P-3 operation and sustainment.
The PtAF currently operates several different P-3 configurations, which fly 300-400 hours per year.
Current sustainment issues include the air multiplier, propellers, landing gear, drag struts and navigation units. He is looking for feedback from other operators regarding whether they have similar issues and how they are addressing them.
Operator: Norway
Lt. Colonel OddArne Andreassen from the Royal Norwegian Air Force is giving a short presentation about the RNAF P-3 program.
RNAF is making some small modifications to the cockpit, but most of the work is being done on the Aircraft Service Life Extension Program (ASLEP).
P-3Cs are being updated with new systems as well as the ASLEP. Lockheed Martin is manufacturing the RNAF ALSEP kit, and the wings are installed by IMP Aerospace.
First ASLEP delivery is expected for the first quarter of 2011.
RNAF is making some small modifications to the cockpit, but most of the work is being done on the Aircraft Service Life Extension Program (ASLEP).
P-3Cs are being updated with new systems as well as the ASLEP. Lockheed Martin is manufacturing the RNAF ALSEP kit, and the wings are installed by IMP Aerospace.
First ASLEP delivery is expected for the first quarter of 2011.
Operator: New Zealand
Flight Lieutenant Hilton Baker from the Royal New Zealand Air Force is presenting about RNZAF P-3 operations.
The RNZAF has six P-3s, which they plan to operate through 2025.
Current roles of the RNZAF P-3 vary and include anti-submarine warfare, disaster relief, airshows, surveillance and reconnaissance, and even aeromedical evacuation. They carry out operations across the world.
RNZAF challenges include radomes, weapon systems, acoustic processor and sea rescue obsolescence. The RNZAF has a System Upgrade Project that is underway to improve P-3 mission systems.
The RNZAF has six P-3s, which they plan to operate through 2025.
Current roles of the RNZAF P-3 vary and include anti-submarine warfare, disaster relief, airshows, surveillance and reconnaissance, and even aeromedical evacuation. They carry out operations across the world.
RNZAF challenges include radomes, weapon systems, acoustic processor and sea rescue obsolescence. The RNZAF has a System Upgrade Project that is underway to improve P-3 mission systems.
Operator: NOAA
Commander Carl Newman from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is briefing about their P-3s. Their P-3s are primarily used for hurricane hunting. NOAA's first two aircraft are named Miss Piggy and Kermit, and they recently refurbished a third aircraft.
NOAA has 10,000 hours on the airframes, which have many unique features for their weather and science mission.
Commander Newman says NOAA's three challenges are engines, sea salt effects on the aircraft, and determining whether the aircraft should be re-winged.
Lockheed Martin is doing a Service Life Assessment Program (SLAP) for NOAA to determine whether they need to re-wing their planes, particularly taking cost and timeline into account.
NOAA has 10,000 hours on the airframes, which have many unique features for their weather and science mission.
Commander Newman says NOAA's three challenges are engines, sea salt effects on the aircraft, and determining whether the aircraft should be re-winged.
Lockheed Martin is doing a Service Life Assessment Program (SLAP) for NOAA to determine whether they need to re-wing their planes, particularly taking cost and timeline into account.
Operator: Canadian CP-140 Aurora
Lt. Colonel Derek (Duff) Gowanlock of the Canadian Forces is presenting about the CP-140 Aurora.
Canada has 18 CP-140s Auroras in their fleet, which are primarily responsible for combat operations, support of air operations and surveillance, search and rescue and environmental law enforcement among other missions. The CP-140s also supports large events such as the Winter Olympics that were held in Vancouver earlier this year.
The Canadian Forces are incrementally adding capability with Applanix Camera and Overland Equipment Mission Suite (OEMS). These upgrades provide detailed text and imagery to ground stations.
Ten CP-140 aircraft are getting new wings (Aircraft Service Life Extension Program - ASLEP) and full mission system upgrades (Aurora Incremental Modernization Project - AIMP) to allow for operations beyond 2020 and at least 35,000 flight hours. AIMP includes fully integrated, digital and color systems that significantly increase capability.
Because of the time required for ASLEP and AIMP upgrades, the primary challenge for the Canadian Forces is aircraft availability.
Lt. Colonel Gowanlock said the future of the Canadian Forces' CP-140 is intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, as well interoperability with unmanned aircraft.
Canada has 18 CP-140s Auroras in their fleet, which are primarily responsible for combat operations, support of air operations and surveillance, search and rescue and environmental law enforcement among other missions. The CP-140s also supports large events such as the Winter Olympics that were held in Vancouver earlier this year.
The Canadian Forces are incrementally adding capability with Applanix Camera and Overland Equipment Mission Suite (OEMS). These upgrades provide detailed text and imagery to ground stations.
Ten CP-140 aircraft are getting new wings (Aircraft Service Life Extension Program - ASLEP) and full mission system upgrades (Aurora Incremental Modernization Project - AIMP) to allow for operations beyond 2020 and at least 35,000 flight hours. AIMP includes fully integrated, digital and color systems that significantly increase capability.
Because of the time required for ASLEP and AIMP upgrades, the primary challenge for the Canadian Forces is aircraft availability.
Lt. Colonel Gowanlock said the future of the Canadian Forces' CP-140 is intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, as well interoperability with unmanned aircraft.
Operator: U.S. Navy MPRA
Captain Mike Moran from the U.S. Navy Maritime Patrol and Reconnaissance Aircraft stressed that every dollar spent must improve ability to get P-3s into service. The U.S. Navy is looking to share investments across the force.
MPRA has two Integrated Project Teams for P-3: Airframe Sustainment and Mission Systems Sustainment. These IPTs work with the greater MPRA, including the P-8 team, to identify opportunities to benefit from shared investments.
Captain Moran said the team has had tremendous success with investments in acoustics that will be fielded on both the P-3 and P-8 platforms.
The future of the Navy's EP-3 is still unknown, but the Navy plans to sustain the EP-3 until a replacement is fielded (which could be 2020 or later). Captain Moran said the Navy will likely maintain 40 or so P-3 aircraft in the future, in addition to P-8 and unmanned systems.
Captain Moran reiterated Captain Rondeau's message: the Navy has much better P-3 availability compared to last year's IOSC. There are now about 80 airplanes on the ramp, up from 50 last year, and aircraft spend 92% less time awaiting depot.
Captain Moran said the U.S. Navy's fleet priorities are focused on regaining expertise in anti-submarine warfare and increasing readiness. More specifically, Captain Moran's priorities are to reduce turnaround time with depots, support missions and execute the program.
The U.S. Navy is currently investing in P-8 development, and some projects are done jointly with the P-3 program to keep the P-3 relevant and moving forward. In general, the Navy is moving toward interoperability with U.S. and joint forces.
Captain Moran said U.S. Navy P-3 program is dedicated to supporting international operators, as interoperability is key.
MPRA has two Integrated Project Teams for P-3: Airframe Sustainment and Mission Systems Sustainment. These IPTs work with the greater MPRA, including the P-8 team, to identify opportunities to benefit from shared investments.
Captain Moran said the team has had tremendous success with investments in acoustics that will be fielded on both the P-3 and P-8 platforms.
The future of the Navy's EP-3 is still unknown, but the Navy plans to sustain the EP-3 until a replacement is fielded (which could be 2020 or later). Captain Moran said the Navy will likely maintain 40 or so P-3 aircraft in the future, in addition to P-8 and unmanned systems.
Captain Moran reiterated Captain Rondeau's message: the Navy has much better P-3 availability compared to last year's IOSC. There are now about 80 airplanes on the ramp, up from 50 last year, and aircraft spend 92% less time awaiting depot.
Captain Moran said the U.S. Navy's fleet priorities are focused on regaining expertise in anti-submarine warfare and increasing readiness. More specifically, Captain Moran's priorities are to reduce turnaround time with depots, support missions and execute the program.
The U.S. Navy is currently investing in P-8 development, and some projects are done jointly with the P-3 program to keep the P-3 relevant and moving forward. In general, the Navy is moving toward interoperability with U.S. and joint forces.
Captain Moran said U.S. Navy P-3 program is dedicated to supporting international operators, as interoperability is key.
Operator: U.S. Navy
Captain Aaron Rondeau, the P-3 department head for PMA-290 for the U.S. Navy, presented first in the operator presentations this morning.
The U.S. Navy made significant gains in the last year to improve their P-3 airframe sustainment efforts. Since the 2009 P-3 IOSC, the U.S. Navy has increased P-3 aircraft mission availability by 34%. Captain Rondeau said this was largely because of improvements made at organic and commercial depots.
Captain Rondeau discussed several P-3 mission systems upgrades. The upgrades will provide significant capability improvements, including Link-16 communications, new acoustic hardware and software, digital autopilot, GPS, navigation and air traffic management systems.
He said the goal is to install software on the P-3s that is common or similar to the P-8, allowing for risk reduction and ease of transition.
The U.S. Navy is also focused on airframe sustainment, including depot support, fatigue tracking, inventory projections and liaison with international operators.
The Navy monitors the airframe through a corrosion and fatigue life management program. Airframe sustainment is a continuous process, and Captain Rondeau says the Navy is doing a lot better to keep more airplanes in the fleet.
The Navy tracks hazards and safety of the aircraft. Fatigue life is highest risk, so they monitor each individual airframe with hours, flight frequency and landing data. This helps them predict data for next six months to determine when aircraft may need to be repaired.
Overall, Captain Rondeau said the goal is to return airplanes to fleet and keep P-3 mission systems relevant.
The U.S. Navy made significant gains in the last year to improve their P-3 airframe sustainment efforts. Since the 2009 P-3 IOSC, the U.S. Navy has increased P-3 aircraft mission availability by 34%. Captain Rondeau said this was largely because of improvements made at organic and commercial depots.
Captain Rondeau discussed several P-3 mission systems upgrades. The upgrades will provide significant capability improvements, including Link-16 communications, new acoustic hardware and software, digital autopilot, GPS, navigation and air traffic management systems.
He said the goal is to install software on the P-3s that is common or similar to the P-8, allowing for risk reduction and ease of transition.
The U.S. Navy is also focused on airframe sustainment, including depot support, fatigue tracking, inventory projections and liaison with international operators.
The Navy monitors the airframe through a corrosion and fatigue life management program. Airframe sustainment is a continuous process, and Captain Rondeau says the Navy is doing a lot better to keep more airplanes in the fleet.
The Navy tracks hazards and safety of the aircraft. Fatigue life is highest risk, so they monitor each individual airframe with hours, flight frequency and landing data. This helps them predict data for next six months to determine when aircraft may need to be repaired.
Overall, Captain Rondeau said the goal is to return airplanes to fleet and keep P-3 mission systems relevant.
Video: Ken Millar
Lots of notes to go through this morning - sorry for the delay. I'll post some more videos while we're sorting through.
Ken Millar from Australian Aerospace, who presented on Monday.
Photos from yesterday
Good morning everyone! We're working on the posts from this morning's presentations. In the mean time, here are some pictures from yesterday.
International reception Tuesday night
Tuesday's golf outing
Hotel displays
International reception Tuesday night
Tuesday's golf outing
Hotel displays
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