DARPA, Defense Advanced Research Projects Agenc

UNITED STATES: The Armory.

Notes:
1. To all former US Players (Schwer, Bugs etc.) I anticipate that in some cases I shall be taking projects, or part of projects, from previous rounds as has been done several times before. This is my crediting and thank you mention for you all. The original projects can be found in these threads; 2.3, 2.4 and 2.5.

Projects Summary:
TBC

Projects Format:

AC-27J Stinger II
Cost Per Unit: $125 million



Following a review of gunship operations and potential means of exportation it has been decided to re-commission the program to develop a gunship variant of the C-27J Spartan transporter. A requirement for twenty aircraft has been declared with the program resuming its Air Force endorsed status having been kept on loosely by Alenia. The aircraft is expected to enter service at the delayed timeframe of 2016 accounting for the time required to restart and resume production. As part of this arrangement additional C-27J aircraft are being purchased for the US Air Force and US Air National Guard.

Long Range Anti-Ship Missile (LRASM)
Cost Per Unit: $3-4.5 million



“The LRASM is the US Navy's replacement for the Harpoon missile. The Harpoon design will be 45 years old when the LRASM achieves Initial Operating Capability in April 2013. The anti-ship role is increasingly relevant with the naval buildups of China, India, and Russia underway; if anything, the signal for the need for a new missile was the launch of the Varyag by the PLAN. The missile is intended to provide an anti-ship capability which will make US forces able to strike at enemy surface combatants with impunity. To this end, the missile must be able to operate even without external guidance and be launched from ranges which keep the launch platform out of harm's way.

The Harpoon, while a fine missile (and the Harpoon fleet is currently being upgraded to Block III standard) does not provide a top-of-the-line capability. It is possible that anti-ship missiles may be one of the few areas where rivals have deployed superior types than the American system.

In the face of Chinese proliferation of extremely long-range and deadly anti-ship systems (such as the DF-21D AShBM) as well as anti-satellite weapons to deny US forces both accurate targeting information as well as denying huge swaths of ocean (particularly around the Taiwan Straight - the range of the DF-21D makes F-35 strikes from carriers an extremely risky proposition) the threat environment has changed drastically. China (as well as other regional powers worldwide) have also increased proliferation of large surface combatants and aircraft carriers. Not since the end of the Second World War has the US Navy operated in a environment containing such strong contenders for global supremacy on the high seas.

The answer? A missile which is not tethered to external guidance in order to strike. The missile's "capabilities will enable positive target identification, precision engagement of moving ships and establishing of initial target cueing in extremely hostile environment. The missile will be designed with advanced counter-countermeasures,to effectively evade hostile active defense systems." Missiles, at recent request of DARPA, will also be able to be fired in swarms, with one missile popping up to use radar to locate ships and provide targeting data for the remainder of the swarm (as is common in Russian AShMs).

The LRASM will come in two variants: LRASM A (based on the JASSM-ER) with extremely stealthy characteristics, vast range, and subsonic speed; the missile will mostly fly at high altitudes. The LRASM B is similar, but takes a different approach. A Ramjet enables supersonic speeds while sea-skimming, but limits range.

The LRASM is compliant with existing US Navy launchers (principally the Mk41 VLS) and will also be deployable from submarines. The LRASM-A is also available as an air-launch missile. The missiles will also replace the long-range anti-ship capability lost when the TASM was retired.” – Courtesy of Bugs

GBU-53B
Cost Per Unit: $200,000

The GBU-53B is a more advanced take on the GBU-39 Small Diameter Bomb already in service. The GBU-53 is expected to reach IOC in 2014. The great leap in capability with the new bomb will be it's ability to destroy moving targets (unlike the old SDB), even in dust and poor weather conditions. Entry to full active service globally is planned for late 2015 should no delays or issues occur.

CH-53K
Cost Per Unit: $70 million



This is an existing program that has commenced testing with the anticipation that it shall deliver approximately 200-250 of these new heavy lift helicopters to the United States military.

KCV-22
Cost Per Unit: $140 million



The KCV-22 is a joint Navy-Army project to design and develop an MV-22 variant capable of aerial refueling of helicopter aircraft. The aircraft will essentially stay the same, with a lack of armament however.

Internally, the KCV-22 draws on its medium capacity for storage, and adds internal bladders similar in design to those used on the KC-130, for a total of 18,100 lbs of fuel or roughly 2,168 gallons (enough to sustain six Blackhawks or a number of CH-53E). Additionally, conformal fuel tanks are added above the wheel well outside of the aircraft, adding some 900 gallons of fuel to the fray. These can be diverted between either fueling the KCV-22 or to refueling other aircraft.

The KCV-22 will be able to refuel two aircraft simultaneously, achieved by having drogues mounted on wings, and lengthening right side drogue by 10 feet. This will allow up to two MH-60R helicopters to refuel. However, larger aircraft will not be able to refuel in this manner. - Bugs

C-2J Super Greyhound
Cost Per Unit: $40 million

The United States Navy’s previous Common Support Program outlined the clear details which meant that some form of replacement for the C-2 and E-2 Carrier Based Fixed-Wing Support Aircraft would be required within the next few years. For the C-2 this initially came in the form of the SLEP (Service Life Extension Program) which will allow the existing airframes to continue in service for several more years. This however is not perfect and the United States Navy has now requested that some reproduction C-2 airframes are made utilising the new E-2D production line as a base. These new aircraft will be built from the ground up to support the modern avionics and communications systems seen in the C-130J, C-27J and the SLEP C-2As and will hopefully give the class at least thirty more years’ service life. The Navy also believes that this new variant could be entered into the growing catapult-based carrier aircraft export sector for sales with the Royal Navy, Indian Navy and Brazilian Navy. At a minimum forty will be required to replace existing Navy units however the current request is for fifty units to allow for extended operational capabilities, any excess units found later on would likely be either upgraded to an E-2 or sold abroad. – Antler

The alternative option which was to be considered was modifying the MV-22 Osprey series of aircraft which already fulfil a similar role on the fleet’s amphibious assault vessels. The phenomenal cost of those aircraft however discredited such a plan and led to the selection of this cheaper option.

AGM-180A/B/C/D Joint Air-to-Ground Missil
Cost Per Unit: $350k - $390k

JAGM began as a development project to replace a series of missiles still in operation. The well aged class of air-ground missiles needs upgrade and replacement to provide a new munition for CAS operations at greater ranges to disable potential damage to aircraft by RPGs, SAMs, and AA guns.

The JAGM is the answer. Undergoing slow development for cost purposes, the JAGM is a relatively low cost development of a prolonged competition between Raytheon-Boeing (winner) and Lockheed Martin.

The A variant will be the base variant for years to come (until upgrade, augmentation, or outright replacement). This variant features the enhanced range and targeting capacities of the previously constructed JCM, but enhances overall range and other versatility.

The B variant will be effectively the same, but featuring improved capacities and integration to enable limited and improved use against air targets. An additional length will allow the insertion of additional avionics to achieve this capacity.

The C variant features a selective ignition, enabling a proximity explosion for anti-personnel uses, delayed ignition, or basic explosion. Use requires pilot to select designation (available only for two man aircraft) before launch.

Finally, the D variant merely features a smaller warhead for better use in heavily civilian populated areas, as a general purpose variable weapon with same capacities as C variant.

Another variant is being explored for use as a thermobaric munition that can be controlled by vehicles in route to attack, enabling precise calculations and a change of course from fire and forget mechanisms before impact, enabling a diversion several kilometers (range permitting) away.

AGIM-10 (JDRADM)
Cost Per Unit: $1 million ->

Being the first new series of designated missiles with the purpose of anti-air and anti-ground capabilities, the new designation to symbolize this was incorporated. Initially the JDRADM will be air launched, but later research will potentially increase its capacity as a short range missile fired from a ship.

As previously stated and intended, the AGIM-10 will be an anti-air and anti-ground missile, primarily by incorporation of anti-radiation technology and active seekers jammed into a super kick ass missile.

By implementing ramjet methods from the LRASM and other technologies, the AGIM-10 will be capable of intercepting high speed targets and engaging ground radars. More importantly, lessons learned from the AGM-88E HARM and other conflicts will be integrated to enable the AGIM-10 to counter radar shutdown of targeted ground based radars and those of opposing fighters. For ground targets the missile will communicate with its launching craft and other airborne assets to designate GPS targeting, which will allow a continued attack despite radar shutdown.

For air to air engagements, thrust vectoring and the dual combustion, with a booster pushing the missile to speed, after which the ramjet will officially kick into action. This will allow the missile to post speeds of Mach 5.2, making it a suitable weapon for air engagements for years to come. A C-variant upgrade will reduce its ground attack capacities and implement other technologies that will allow engagement of low speed anti-air missiles, namely, R-77, R-73, and 3M9 series of missiles. Further upgrades would ideally increase this capability with higher speeds and greater threat engagement. This would be accomplished by integration and communication with nearby AWACS and ELINT aircraft assisted by satellite communication where possible. The final touch is the high off the bore capacity to attack targets to the rear for 360 degree engagement, using the high capabilities of the F-35 and F-22 for such engagements.

Dixon Class Submarine Tender
Cost Per Unit: $500 million



The need to replace the existing aged Submarine Tenders with two new vessels that would not only be able to support the modern range of nuclear submarines in the US Navy but also fulfil the many other missions and mandates that have been added onto the Emory S. Land class vessels as a designated role. They will also have the responsibility of manning the NATO submarine rescue system should it ever be required. The class of vessels shall be developed and constructed by Huntington Ingalls Shipbuilding with an initial order of two.

USS Dixon (AS-42) [LD: Q3 2013, C: Q1 2016]
USS McKee (AS-43) [LD: Q4 2013, C: Q2 2016]
USS Emory S. Land (AS-39) and USS Frank Cable (AS-40) to be decommissioned in 2016 for mothballing, the existing Spear, Hunley and Land Class Tenders already in storage will therefore be authorised for recycling.

Mount Olympus Class Amphibious Command Ship
Cost Per Unit: $1.4 billion



With the existing Blue Ridge Class vessels aging significantly and now operating well above their intended capacity the Navy, recognising the high significance of these units in Naval and Marine operations has commissioned the replacement of the class with four new vessels. These new vessels are designed to fulfil, from the beginning, the existing capacity of the Blue Ridge class with expansions made where necessary. These four vessels will allow for the continued command of the 6th and 7th Fleets by a dedicated warship with one unit allocated to multinational training events and the final unit placed in a reserve capacity to be called upon when needed to lead multinational fleets. The vessels will include all of the latest communication means to allow direct contact with places such as the Pentagon carrying the same communications suite as the new Gerald R Ford Class aircraft carriers. The Units will be USS Mount Olympus, Mount Whitney, Mount McKinley and Blue Ridge (LCC-21 – LCC-25).

USS Mount Olympus (LCC-21) [LD: Q12014, C: Q42016]
USS Mount Whitney (LCC-22) [LD: Q32014, C: Q22017]
USS Mount McKinley (LCC-23) [LD: Q32014, C: Q22017]
USS Blue Ridge (LCC-24) [LD: Q12015, C: Q12018]

Future Frigate Program
Cost Per Unit: $600 million



The replacement of the Oliver Hazard Perry Class Frigate in US Navy service has been a long term debate across the US Government. Some desired more Arleigh Burkes to have a fleet of only Heavy Destroyers, others desired something along the lines of the Norwegian Fridtjof Nansen class frigate aegis enabled frigates whilst many considered the Littoral Combat Ships a more suitable replacement. With the election of the Ron Paul Administration keen on a defensive capacity and securing the United States and her allies another long considered option was eventually chosen, a modification of the Legend Class cutter of the United States into a light Aegis frigate.

The modifications from the standard Coast Guard model expand the displacement to nearer 5, 000 tons similar to its predecessor however the length remains the same at a slightly smaller length compared to the FFG-7s. Weapon systems to be included include the 57mm BAE Mark 110 naval gun, twenty-four VLS cells, two triple torpedo tubes, defensive 20mm guns and the facility to take a mission module from the LCS program. The control system will be based off that of the Littoral Combat Ship.

Due to the nature of the ship’s hull design the combat survivability of this vessel will be limited however its intended role should not put it into full combat situations such as that unless in a major emergency.

It is anticipated that the frigates will begin deliveries with a lead ship in 2016 and that production will then commence alongside the Coast Guard variant into 2020s, a definite number of vessels to be procured is not established at this time although it is likely to be at least twenty. The ship will be made available for escort.

GCV: M1300 Partner IFV
Cost Per Unit: $8.5 million



Supported by the new Paul Administration the Ground Combat Vehicle Program was reorganised and ordered to increase its output starting with getting the Infantry Fighting Vehicle out on time by the 2015 prototype deadline. Under new budgetary plans it is intended that this vehicle will replace the M113, M2 and other vehicles as planned by a rough date of 2025.

GCV: M1301 Pegasus SPART
Cost Per Unit: $9 million



Supported by the new Paul Administration the Ground Combat Vehicle Program was reorganised and ordered to increase its output starting with getting the Infantry Fighting Vehicle out on time by the 2015 prototype deadline. Under new budgetary plans it is intended that this vehicle will replace the M113, M2 and other vehicles as planned by a rough date of 2025. The Self-Propelled Howitzer Variant, the Pegasus, is scheduled to arrive around about the start of the decade and will be entering service at a slightly slower rate throughout the coming years.

NSP Small Fleet Tanker
Cost Per Unit: $70 million



Component vessel of the National Shipbuilding Program which aims to deliver a fleet of vessels capable of being stored at various stages of readiness as required and brought back into service quickly to serve the military when required. These will replace the large numbers of assorted surplus vessels in reserve fleets rusting away with no chance of re-commissioning.

NSP 15,000 Fleet Tanker
Cost Per Unit: $200 million

Component vessel of the National Shipbuilding Program which aims to deliver a fleet of vessels capable of being stored at various stages of readiness as required and brought back into service quickly to serve the military when required. These will replace the large numbers of assorted surplus vessels in reserve fleets rusting away with no chance of re-commissioning.

NSP 25,000 Fleet Replenishment Ship
Cost Per Unit: $250 million

Component vessel of the National Shipbuilding Program which aims to deliver a fleet of vessels capable of being stored at various stages of readiness as required and brought back into service quickly to serve the military when required. These will replace the large numbers of assorted surplus vessels in reserve fleets rusting away with no chance of re-commissioning.

NSP 40,000 Fleet Replenishment Ship
Cost Per Unit: $400 million

Component vessel of the National Shipbuilding Program which aims to deliver a fleet of vessels capable of being stored at various stages of readiness as required and brought back into service quickly to serve the military when required. These will replace the large numbers of assorted surplus vessels in reserve fleets rusting away with no chance of re-commissioning.

NSP Ammunition Ship
Cost Per Unit: $100 million

Component vessel of the National Shipbuilding Program which aims to deliver a fleet of vessels capable of being stored at various stages of readiness as required and brought back into service quickly to serve the military when required. These will replace the large numbers of assorted surplus vessels in reserve fleets rusting away with no chance of re-commissioning.

NSP Aviation Support Ship
Cost Per Unit: $150 million

Component vessel of the National Shipbuilding Program which aims to deliver a fleet of vessels capable of being stored at various stages of readiness as required and brought back into service quickly to serve the military when required. These will replace the large numbers of assorted surplus vessels in reserve fleets rusting away with no chance of re-commissioning.

This vessel is similar to the RFA Argus of Britain however does not have the hospital components, more than would be expected for a vessel of this size (I.e. a couple of beds in a ward and a small surgery suite) and instead focuses purely on Aviation Support including things such as a classroom for pre-mission briefing and the ability to embark pilot and deck crew trainees, hence the relatively low price. In US Navy doctrine these would not be expected to serve in war zones like the Argus does and would probably only do the odd humanitarian mission if within range of its operational deployment sphere, i.e. Caribbean, although long ocean voyages to demonstrate piloting in rough conditions would be considered as required.

NSP Fleet Repair Ship
Cost Per Unit: $100 million

Component vessel of the National Shipbuilding Program which aims to deliver a fleet of vessels capable of being stored at various stages of readiness as required and brought back into service quickly to serve the military when required. These will replace the large numbers of assorted surplus vessels in reserve fleets rusting away with no chance of re-commissioning.

Answer to Navy’s request for additional forward deployable repair and salvaging vessels for areas such as the Persian Gulf, two to be procured, based on RFA Diligence.

Humanitarian Class Hospital Ship
Cost Per Unit: $500 million



The aging Mercy class hospital ships have long been up for a much needed replacement with a purpose built hospital ship, these four units – which are smaller yet considerably more manoeuvrable and crew friendly than their predecessors – are the answer to that requirement.

USNS Humanitarian (T-AH-21) [LD: Q1 2014, C: Q1 2017]
USNS Samaritan (T-AH-22) [LD: Q3 2014, C: Q3 2017]
USNS Mercy (T-AH-23) [LD: Q1 2015, C: Q1 2018]
USNS Comfort (T-AH-24) [LD: Q3 2015, C: Q3 2018]

Panama Class Landing Ship Logistics
Cost Per Unit: $100 million



With fast moving short interjection missions, if urgently required, the new plan for the US Armed Forces the requirement to amend their amphibious fleet exists. With the secondary requirement to replace the mothballed amphibious fleet in long term storage the decision has been made to develop a vessel similar to that of the British Round Table/Tobruk class to serve as a Landing Ship Logistics providing essential support when required. Procurement of vessels is expected to be minor using surplus funding where possible at the end of a budget, the vessel will be marketed for the budget export market alongside its smaller sibling.

Panama Class Landing Ship Tank
Cost Per Unit: $50 million



Based off the larger Landing Ship Logistics variant and with the general premise of being similar to the French BATRAL class this vessel is optimised for in theatre light transport for the US Army with the benefit of more ocean going stability so that they can travel with the Logistics Support Vessels. Again export sales would be a strong potential that would be pushed by the US.

Icebreaker Replacement (Polar Class)
Cost Per Unit: $500 million



USCGC Polar Star (WAGB-21) [LD: Q1 2014, C: Q1 2017]
USCGC Polar Sea (WAGB-22) [LD: Q3 2014, C: Q3 2017]
USCGC Polar Circle (WAGB-23) [LD: Q3 2014, C: Q3 2017]