The cornerstone of the U.S. amphibious program is the Marine & Land Systems Landing Craft, Air Cushion (LCAC).  The LCAC vehicles are nearing the end of their service lives. The Ship to Shore Connector is set to replace the LCAC. However, delivery of the first SCC isn’t scheduled until 2017. The oldest LCACs are set for retirement this year 2015. Therefore, the Navy has been forced to exercise their contract option for delivery of two LCACs. Read more >>

Oshkosh Defense has begun the production and deployment phase of their aircraft rescue firefighting (ARFF) vehicle, the United States Marine Corps’ P-19R. Read more >>

In an April 2015 announcement, the U.S. Navy awarded Astronics Test Systems (ATS) a $36.4 million contract for five years of production. ATS is expected to produce, test, and deliver the Radio Frequency Distribution and Control System (RFDACS) through the year of 2020. This subsystem is used for a submarine radio room, creating routing signals between antenna systems. Program manager of this project Peter J. Gundermann stated, “The RFDACS is deployed on all active Virginia-class and Los Angeles-class submarines and designated for all future Virginia-class submarines. This follow-on production award is a testament to the quality and reliability of the complex RF Subsystem we delivered to the U.S. Navy. We are pleased to have been selected again to support the men and women of our Naval Forces in meeting their mission." Read more >>

A new type of anti-submarine vessel is under development as part of DARPA’s Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) Continuous Trail Unmanned Vessel (ACTUV) program. The concept was announced in 2010—now five years later, the prototype is about to set sail. The unmanned surface vessel could independently track adversaries’ ultra-quiet diesel-electric submarines over thousands of miles. One of the challenges the program faces is developing autonomous behaviors that will comply with the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea, known as COLREGS. The current system relies on radars for sensing other vessels. This solves 90 percent of the issue but the system is not able to determine the class of vessel. For example, current technology does not know whether the vessel is a powered boat or a sailboat. In addition, COLREGS requires a “proper lookout by sight and hearing” to be maintained. Read more >>

In April 2015, Royal Dutch Shell announced that it has agreed to purchase BG Group for almost USD$70 billion. This strategic move by Royal Dutch Shell challenges rival Exxon Mobil’s top spot in the liquefied natural gas industry. The BG Group currently exists as a major player in this industry even through the recent decrease in oil prices. Via the acquisition, Royal Dutch Shell looks to increase its ability to provide gas as a global commodity. In addition, the company looks to increase its scale and profits in liquefied natural gas and deep water drilling. Though Royal Dutch Shell already stands in the number two spot globally after Exxon Mobil in the oil and deep water drilling sectors, it looks to capitalize on emerging markets—Asia’s liquefied natural gas industry is expected to grow, along with major oil locations in Nigeria and the Gulf of Mexico. Acquiring BG Group will also allow Royal Dutch Shell to establish a strong position in Brazil against Petrobras which is expected to become a key player in production. Read more >>