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
-
![UK Chancellor commits £2 billion to make the country a “defence industrial superpower”]()
UK Chancellor commits £2 billion to make the country a “defence industrial superpower”
Rachel Reeves announced port upgrades, protected budgets for innovation and investment in novel technologies.
-
![Avalon 2025: Australian defence budget meets the low expectations of show attendees]()
Avalon 2025: Australian defence budget meets the low expectations of show attendees
The Australian Budget was marked by tax cuts and a looming general election which led to little hope that there would be a substantial defence boost even with a big bill for nuclear submarines due.
-
![Launch of Gilat Defense targets DoD market]()
Launch of Gilat Defense targets DoD market
The communications company Gilat launched its new Gilat Defense division at the Satellite 2025 expo, with future solutions aimed at US military customers.
-
![Collins MAPS Gen II to equip US DoD watercraft]()
Collins MAPS Gen II to equip US DoD watercraft
US services have already conducted multiple tests with military maritime systems fitted with the system.
-
![OCCAR expects substantial boost in programme numbers “in the coming months”]()
OCCAR expects substantial boost in programme numbers “in the coming months”
Europe’s Organisation for Joint Armament Cooperation (OCCAR) “has to establish itself…as a centre of excellence for cooperative Defence Equipment Programmes” in the face of growing threats and the need for rearmament, according to the organisation’s chairman.
