Thursday, February 28, 2013

Russian Airborne Troops will receive GAZ-2330 Tigr armored vehicles

The Russian Airborne Troops will be mainly equipped with Russian GAZ-2330 Tigr light armored vehicles, manufactured by MIC, a GAZ Group division, at the Arzamas machine-manufacturing plant.

The Tigr family of 4x4 multi-purpose armored vehicles comprises many different variants for both military and police forces, such as the SPM-2 GAZ-233036 Tigr vehicle.

The Russian Defense Ministry had earlier announced that it would not acquire anymore Italian Iveco LMV M65 Lynx 4x4 light armored vehicles. The Lynx vehicle had been selected over the Tigr under the previous Defense Minister Anatoly Sedyukov.

That decision was unusual in that Russia in principle tends to buy from domestic companies. The new Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu has now insisted that domestic companies must receive priority in procuring weaponry for the Russian military.

The first 57 Lynx vehicles were assembled last year with 10 percent local content at a plant in Voronezh. In 2013, the remaining 301 vehicles under the existing contract will be assembled at a new KAMAZ plant in Tatarstan. A total of 1775 Lynx vehicles are planned to be acquired by 2015 for $1 billion.

The Russian Airborne Troops may also be equipped with KamAZ 6x6 armored personnel carriers, provided the design is tailored to meet the requirements of Russian paratroopers.


http://en.ria.ru/military_news/20130226/179682507/Russian-Paratroopers-to-Receive-Indigenous-Armored-Vehicles-----.html


Wednesday, February 27, 2013

DAGR rocket tested using JLTV vehicle

The Direct Attack Guided Rocket (DAGR) from Lockheed Martin successfully demonstrated its ability to be surface launched from a vehicle or vessel. The tests were conducted from M299 launchers fitted to a Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV).

The precision guided DAGR is based on the Hydra 70 rocket, but much improved with features such as lock-on-after-launch (LOAL) and lock-on-before-launch (LOBL) capability. It is compatible and can be fitted on existing Hellfire II systems and launchers.

The DAGR can be launched from both the surface and air, and has:
  • a length of 1.9 m
  • a diameter of 70 mm
  • a wingspan of 222 mm
  • a weight of 15.8 kg
  • a warhead of 5 kg
  • a range of 5 km at sea-level
  • a range of 12 km at 20000 feet
It is guided by a semi-active laser seeker and has an accuracy of up to 1 meter.

The 4x4 wheeled JLTV is to succeed the Humvee currently in service, but designed to be more survivable and carry greater payload than its predecessor. It will be able to fill the roles its predecessor was not designed for, but is expected to perform.


http://www.lockheedmartin.com/us/news/press-releases/2013/february/LM-Demonstrates-DAGR-Missile.html




Tuesday, February 26, 2013

Arrow 3 missile interceptor tested for the first time in Israel

Israel has tested for the first time the Arrow 3 anti-missile interceptor. The Arrow 3 is the latest version of the Arrow missile program that is jointly being developed and funded by the United States and its Missile Defense Agency.

The primary contractors are Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) and Boeing, which is also the lead contractor of the Ground Based Interceptor (GBI) program in the US.

The test did not involve a target, but a full exoatmospheric test is planned for the future. The Arrow missile forms the upper layer of Israel's multi-layered missile defense. It is complemented at lower altitudes by David's Sling and the Iron Dome.

Unlike its predessor, the Arrow 2, which destroys its target with a proximity warhead, the Arrow 3 destroys its target with a kinetic collision or hit-to-kill technology.

The Arrow 3 will be lighter and smaller than the Arrow 2, while also being faster and able to engage targets at higher altitudes.

The two-stage, solid-fueled Arrow 2 which has served Israel since 2000, has:
  • a length of 680 mm
  • a winspan of 820 mm
  • a weight of 2800 kg
  • a warhead of 150 kg 
  • a maximum speed of Mach 9
  • a maximum ceiling of 60 km
The missile is guided by a dual-mode infrared and active radar seeker.

Israel is currently the only country operating the Arrow system. Attempts by India to acquire the Arrow 2 from Israel were rejected by the US as joint partner of the Arrow program.

However, India was able to acquire components of the system, such as the Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) EL/M-2080 Green Pine radar system in 2005, which can detect targets at a range of up to 500 km. 


http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-21571422





Monday, February 25, 2013

NORINCO M99 / M06 12.7 mm anti-materiel rifle

The M99 rifle used by the Chinese armed forces is an anti-materiel rifle developed by China North Industries Corporation (NORINCO). The domestic version uses 12.7 x 108 rounds. An export version that uses 12.7 x 99 also exists. A bull-pup variant of the rifle is referred to as the M06.

The rifle is fitted with an adjustable bipod, an adjustable rear monopod, and a buffered buttstock. Various types of optical and night vision capable telescopes can also be mounted on a rail.

Accuracy with standard rounds is advertized as:
  • R50 < 50 mm at 100 m
  • R50 < 120 mm at 300 m
  • R50 < 200 mm at 600 m
Dedicated sniper rounds for increased accuracy in addition to the standard rounds are available.

The anti-materiel rifle is mostly meant to be used against enemy equipment and against personnel in a secondary role, a role which is better suited for conventional sniper rifles with much less recoil.

The rifle can be used at long range with high accuracy against targets such as unprotected and lightly armored vehicles, aircraft, small boats or unexploded ordnance.

Specifications
Type: anti-materiel rifle
Action: Gas operated, Rotating bolt
Length: 1480 mm
Weight: 12 kg (unloaded)
Cartridge: 12.7x108, 12.7x99 NATO
Muzzle velocity: 800 m/s
Feed system: 5-round detachable box magazine


M99_anti_materiel_rifle_2.jpg

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Sunday, February 24, 2013

Meteor to Give Further Impetus to Ballistic Missile Defense in Russia, US and China

The meteor that exploded over Russia on February 15 is destined to give further impetus to accelerate development of ballistic missile defenses and especially exoatmospheric intercepts.

While there is a real need to counter a reoccurrence of what happened in Russia, the same systems that are needed to detect, track and intercept meteroids and other objects from outer space can also be used against ballistic missiles and satellites.

It is also debatable whether trying to intercept a meteor is a good idea and could actually make things worse. Recent findings suggest that a meteor with a certain composition is much more likely to result in an air burst if intercepted. The resulting damage would then be much greater.

Coincidentally, both China and the United States conducted exoatmospheric test intercepts in late January, not long before the Russian meteor struck.

On January 26, a Ground-Based Interceptor (GBI) was flight tested by the US Missile Defense Agency from Vandenberg AFB in California. While this test did not involve a target, the GBI can be fitted with a hit-to-kill Exoatmospheric Kill Vehicle (EKV).

Another test on February 13 saw for the first time a SM-3 missile launched from a Ticonderoga class cruiser intercept a ballistic missile using targeting data provided by the Space Tracking and Surveillance System-Demonstrators (STSS-D) satellite constellation.

While the SM-3 currently does not have the same reach as other systems from the US and China, future developments envision it to have much greater reach in intercepting targets.

China has in turn conducted several exoatmospheric tests to date:
  • on January 11, 2007 a direct ascent SC-19 based on a modified DF-21 missile intercepted a FY-1C weather satellite using a Kinetic Kill Vehicle at an altitude of 865 km
  • on January 11, 2010 a SC-19 was again tested, but this time intercepted a ballistic missile using the same hit-to-kill technology
  • on January 27, 2013 another SC19 again intercepted a ballistic missile

Russia had until recently not been actively developing exoatmospheric defenses the way China and the US have been doing, but now reportedly intends to restart development after the meteor impact.

The US, Russia and China are the only three nations to have successfully demonstrated the ability to conduct exoatmospheric ballistic missile and satellite intercepts. All three also have capable systems for endoatmospheric missile intercepts with the PAC-3, S-300 / S-400 and HQ-9 respectively.


http://en.rian.ru/russia/20130220/179590080/Russian-Military-to-Develop-Anti-Meteorite-Defenses.html


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Credit original poster, via Chinese Internet



Saturday, February 23, 2013

Taiwan to Begin Receiving P-3C Orion, AH-64E Apache and UH-60M Black Hawk

After some delay, Taiwan is set to finally receive the aircraft it had previously ordered during the first administration of President Ma Ying-jeou. The aircraft to be delivered by the United States include:
  • a $1.96 billion contract for delivery of 12 P-3C Orion anti-submarine warfare aircraft to replace the S-2T patrol aircraft starting at the end of 2013
  • a $2.53 billion contract for 30 AH-64E Apache attack helicopters to supplement the two existing squadrons of AH-1W Super Cobras starting in the fourth quarter of 2013
  • a $3.11 billion contract for delivery of 60 UH-60M Black Hawk utility helicopters to replace the UH-1H utility helicopters starting in March 2014
The total value is around $7.6 billion.

The Lockheed Martin P-3C Orion is a four-engined turboprop, anti-submarine warfare and maritime surveillance aircraft with:
  • a length of 35.6 m
  • a wingspan of 30.4 m
  • a height of 11.8 m
  • an empty weight of 35000 kg
  • a max takeoff weight of 64400 kg
  • a max speed of of 750 km/h
  • a max range of 4400 km
  • an endurance of 16 hrs
  • a max ceiling of 10400 m 
  • 4 Allison T56-A-14 turboprop engines, 4600 shp each
The aircraft can be fitted with depth charges, torpedoes, anti-ship missiles and other air-to-surface missiles






Friday, February 22, 2013

Project 955A / Borey-A SSBN submarines will only have 16 Bulava ballistic missiles

Previous media reports had put the number of ballistic missiles to be carried on the improved Project 955A / Borey-A class submarines at 20 or 4 more than the 16 carried on the original Borey class submarines.

According to a Russian Defense official, this number is incorrect. The number of Bulava missiles will remain at 16 on the Project 955A submarines as in the previous submarines.

The first of the upgraded Borey-A class, the Knyaz Vladimir, was laid down in July 2012. The second, the Alexander Suvorov, will be laid down during Navy Day celebrations in July this year and the third, the Mikhail Kutuzov, will be laid down in November this year.

The first Borey class submarine, the Yury Dolgoruky, officially entered service last month on January 10 with the 31st submarine division of Russia's Northern Fleet.

The Borey submarines are to replace all previous Project 941 and Project 667 class submarines. The Russian Navy expects to have 3 Borey class and 5 Borey-A class submarines by 2020.

http://en.rian.ru/military_news/20130220/179588098/Later-Borey-Class-Subs-to-Carry-Only-16-Missiles--Source.html


Thursday, February 21, 2013

UAE signs 750 MRAP deal and other contracts worth $1.42 billion

The United Arab Emirates has signed 17 contracts worth 5.2 billion Dirham or roughly $1.42 billion, including:
  • a 1.4 billion Dirham or $381 million contract with the Oshkosh Corporation from the United States for the delivery of 750 Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) All-Terrain Vehicles (M-ATVs) in 2013
  •  a 722 million Dirham or $196 million contract with General Atomics for export Predator XP unmanned aircraft
  • a 720 million Dirham or $196 million contract with Tawazun for the purchase of CIRIT laser guided missiles
  • a 472.7 million Dirham or $128.7 million contract with Russia’s KBP for the delivery of ammunition
  • a 375.4 million Dirham or $102.2 million contract with the Abu Dhabi Ship Building Company for the installation of Rolling Airframe Missiles (RAM)
  • a 140 million Dirham or $38 million contract with the Italian Fincantieri to provide technical support for naval vessels it recently acquired

The M-ATV is lighter, smaller and more maneuverable than previous generation MRAP vehicles, while maintaining their levels of protection with its Plasan composite armored hull. The vehicle has a:
  • length of 6.27 m
  • width of 2.49 m
  • speed of 105 km/hr
  • range of 510 km
  • maximum weight of 14700 kg
The Oshkosh M-ATV has been selected by the armed forces of the United States as its primary MRAP vehicle.

The Predator XP is an export version of the medium-altitude, long-endurance (MALE) MQ-1 Predator Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV). The Predator has:
  • a length of 8.22 m
  • a wingspan of 14.8 m
  • a height of 2.1 m
  • an empty weight of 512 kg
  • a max takeoff weight of 1020 kg
  • a max speed of 217 km/hr
  • a max range of 1100 km
  • a max endurance of 24 hrs
The Predator XP cannot be armed, but is suitable for surveillance and reconnaissance missions.

The CIRIT is an air-to-surface missile developed by Turkey's RoketSan for helicopters and UAVs. The missile has:
  • a length of 1.9 m
  • a diameter of 70 mm
  • weighs 14 kg
  • a warhead of 3 kg
  • a maximum range of 8 km
The CIRIT is fitted with a semi-active laser-guided seeker.

Earlier this month, the UAE received the first of 3 A330 MRTT multi-role tanker and transport aircraft it ordered from Airbus. The UAE is also negotiating the potential purchase of the Typhoon or Rafale fighter aircraft, but no contract has been signed.


http://gulfnews.com/business/general/uae-armed-forces-sign-17-deals-1.1147973





Wednesday, February 20, 2013

First F-35C CATOBAR Fighter Aircraft Flies First Sortie

While the F-35 is plagued by unresolved issues, the program continues to make incremental progress. The latest milestone is the first sortie of a production model of the F-35C carrier variant.

The aircraft will serve later this year with the US Navy Fighter Attack Squadron 101 (VFA-101) at Eglin AFB in Florida, where it will help train F-35C pilots and support personnel.

It will also be the first carrier variant at Eglin AFB, which already has 9 F-35A and 13 F-35B on station as part of the Fleet Replacement Squadron.

The Lockheed Martin F-35 Lighting II is a stealthy, fifth generation, multi-role fighter consisting of 3 variants:
  • the F-35A Conventional Takeoff and Landing (CTOL)
  • the F-35B Short Takeoff and Vertical Landing (STOVL)
  • the F-35C Catapult Assisted Take Off But Arrested Recovery (CATOBAR)

The F-35C differs from the other versions in several areas, such as:
  • larger wings with foldable wingtop sections
  • larger wing and tail control surfaces for improved low-speed control
  • decreased landing speed 
  • increased range and payload
  • strengthened landing gear
  • a tailhook compatible with arrestor cables on aircraft carriers
The F-35C is to serve on the aircraft carriers of the United States Navy, where it will complement the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet and replace all previous versions of the F-18.

Specifications F-35C
Length 15.7 m
Height 4.48 m
Wingspan 13.1 m
Horizontal tail span 8.02 m
Wing area 62.1 m²
Internal fuel capacity 8960 kg
Weapons payload 8160 kg
Empty weight 15785 kg
Maximum takeoff weight 31750 kg
Speed Mach 1.6
Combat radius: over 1100 km (internal fuel)
Range over 2200 km (internal fuel)
Max g-rating 7.5
Propulsion F135-PW-400 turbofan, 43000 lbs


http://www.lockheedmartin.com/us/news/press-releases/2013/february/first-f-35-production-model-takes-flight.html




Tuesday, February 19, 2013

AGM-158 JASSM completes reliability assessment program testing

The AGM-158 Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile (JASSM) recently completed Reliability Assessment Program (RAP) Lot 6 testing with 2 final tests:
  • destruction of a target by a JASSM released by a B-52 bomber aircraft at 35000 feet and at Mach 0.71
  • destruction of a target by a JASSM released by a B-1B bomber aircraft at 25000 feet and at Mach 0.85

The JASSM is a precision guided cruise missile developed by Lockheed Martin designed to be:
  • fully autonomous
  • low observable
  • highly accurate
  • attack from long / standoff range
  • usable in all-weather conditions
  • usable against both fixed and moving targets

The JASSM is guided by inertial navigation and the global positioning system with terminal guidance and target recognition by an imaging infrared seeker. It is intended to be used against high-value and well defended targets with a high probability of success.

An upgraded version is the JASSM-Extended Range (JASSM-ER), which has a Williams International F107-WR-105 turbofan and more fuel to increase its range to almost 925 km.

Over 1200 JASSM have already been produced and the weapon has been integrated on various platforms, including the F-16 and F-15. It has also been exported to other countries such as Australia.

Specifications:
Length: 4.27 m
Wingspan: 2.4 m
Weight: 1020 kg
Warhead: 450 kg
Range: 370 km
Propulsion: Teledyne CAE J402-CA-100 turbojet, 3.0 kN thrust


http://www.lockheedmartin.com/us/news/press-releases/2013/february/MFC-021413-JASSMLot6.html





Monday, February 18, 2013

QJZ85 / W85 / QJC88 12.7 mm heavy machine gun

The QJZ85 or Type 85 heavy machine gun was developed by China North Industries Corporation (NORINCO) to succeed the previous Type 77. It is tripod mounted and the vehicle mounted version is known as the QJC88 or Type 88.

The belt-fed and fully automatic QJZ85 / QJC88 uses the 12.7x108 cartridge of Russian origin. A variant exists using the 12.7x99 NATO cartridge for export only.

The gas-operated QJZ85 / QJC88 comes with an iron sight, but can also be fitted with an optical sight. Muzzle velocity is 850 m/s and the maximum rate of fire 600 rounds per minute.

The QJZ85 / QJC88 heavy machine gun weighs 18.5 kg and is being succeeded by the Type 89 or QJZ89.

The QJZ85 and QJC88 have been exported abroad as the W85 and have been used in various conflicts. Examples are Sri Lanka, Cambodia and in several African countries such as Chad and Somalia.



QJZ85_W85_12.7mm_hmg_1_.jpg

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Sunday, February 17, 2013

RIM-161 SM-3 Standard intercepts ballistic missile with STSS-D satellites

According to the US Missile Defense Agency (MDA), a RIM-161 Standard Missile-3 (SM-3) Block IA missile, for the first time successfully intercepted a medium range ballistic missile using launch-on-remote doctrine or with tracking data coming from a remote source.

The target was detected and tracked using the Space Tracking and Surveillance System-Demonstrators (STSS-D) satellite constellation, an experimental cluster of 2 satellites equipped with sensors capable of detecting visible and infrared light.

The STSS-D satellites in turn forwarded the data to the USS Lake Erie (CG70), equipped with a second-generation Aegis Ballistic Missile Defense (BMD) system, which launched a SM-3 missile to shoot down the target.

The SM-3 missile is launched from the Mk 41 Vertical Launch System (VLS) and was developed from the SM-2 by Raytheon for anti-ballistic and anti-satellite use, including exoatmospheric intercepts.

The hit-to-kill SM-3 missile destroys its target using the kinetic impact force of the Lightweight Exo-Atmospheric Projectile (LEAP) warhead.

The current SM-3 Block IA can be used against:
  • short range ballistic missiles (SRBM) with range up to 1000 km
  • medium range ballistic missiles (MRBM) between 1000 and 3000 km
  • intermediate range ballistic missiles (IRBM) between 3000 and 5500 km
Future versions will provide improved performance, including against intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBM) with range greater than 5500 km.

The USS Lake Erie is a Ticonderoga class missile cruiser. of which the US Navy now has 22 in active service. The current Ticonderoga cruiser has:
  • a length of 173 m
  • a beam of 16.8 m
  • a displacement of 9600 long tons
  • a speed of over 30 kn
  • 2 Mk 45 5-inch guns
  • 128 cell Mk 41 VLS
  • 2 x 3 Mk 46 torpedoes
  • 2 helicopters
The COGAG Ticonderoga cruisers are propelled by 4 General Electric LM 2500 gas turbine engines with up to 80000 shaft horsepower.


http://www.janes.com/products/janes/defence-security-report.aspx?ID=1065976323&channel=defence&subChannel=systems







Saturday, February 16, 2013

Saab to Start Work on 60 JAS 39 Gripen E / NG aircraft for Sweden

The Saab Group has signed an agreement with the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) for development and modification of JAS 39 Gripen E aircraft between 2013 and 2026 for Sweden.

The agreement follows an earlier decision by the Swedish Parliament to acquire the Gripen E and will lead to the start of initial deliveries of the aircraft to Sweden in 2018.

The FMV has placed an initial order of 2.5 billion Swedish Krona or about $396 million for development work in 2013 and 2014 with further orders expected. The total value may amount to 47.2 billion Swedish Krona or about $7475 million.

The initial order is just the first part of the agreement with FMV. Other parts include:
  • Another 10.6 billion Swedish Krona or $1678 million order for development work on Swedish Gripen E aircraft in the first quarter of 2013
  • Start modifying 60 Gripen C to the E standard no later than the fourth quarter of 2013 for delivery starting in 2018
  • Mission specific equipment, support and maintenance for Gripen E aircraft no later than the fourth quarter of 2014
  • Provisions for the possible acquisition of 22 new-build Gripen E by Switzerland and in the event Switzerland does not acquire the Gripen E

As reported earlier, the FMV reserves the right to make cancellations if it decides to do so. In this instance, Saab has the right to be compensated.

The single-seat Gripen E and two-seat Gripen F are also known as the Gripen NG and feature the following improvements over the previous Gripen C/D:
  • Installation of the more powerful GE F414G engine
  • Increased payload and internal fuel capacity 
  • Two extra under-fuselage hard-points 
  • New landing gear 
  • New AESA radar from Selex Galileo
  • Passive infrared search and tracking sensor 
  • New cockpit and avionics
  • New electronic warfare (EW) suite

The development of the Gripen E/F is conducted in collaboration with Switzerland, who is also partially paying for its costs. Swiss pilots have test flown a Gripen F demonstrator, but a decision on the acquisition of 22 new Gripen E/F for 3.12 billion Swiss Franc or $3.39 billion has yet to be decided on.


http://www.saabgroup.com/en/About-Saab/Newsroom/Press-releases--News/2013---2/Saab-signs-agreement-for-the-next-generation-fighter-aircraft-Gripen-E-and-receives-development-order/




Friday, February 15, 2013

Northrop Grumman E-2D Advanced Hawkeye approved for full-rate production

The E-2D Advanced Hawkeye has been approved to enter full-rate production by the Office of the Secretary of Defense (OSD). The E-2D had earlier been declared operationally suitable and effective in a report after the successful completion of a 10-month initial operational test and evaluation (IOT&E) by the US Navy.

The E-2 is a high-wing, twin turboprop aircraft with retractable tricycle landing gear and equipped with a tail hook for landings on aircraft carriers. A rotodome is mounted on top of the fuselage to provide Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C).

The E-2D is the latest and most advanced version of the E-2 Hawkeye designed by Northrop Grumman Corporation. The E2-D features:
  • A new APY-9 Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar with both mechanical and electronic scanning capabilities
  • A fully Integrated Glass Tactical Cockpit
  • An Advanced Identification Friend or Foe System
  • A new Mission Computer and Tactical Workstations
  • Electronic Support Measures enhancements
  • A modernized Communications and Data Link Suite
  • Improved T56-A-427A turboprop engines
The E-2D offers full support for Cooperative Engagement Capability and is set to become the cornerstone of the US Navy defense in conjunction with other systems, such as the Aegis System.

Northrop Grumman has already delivered 9 E-2D aircraft to the US Navy and another 11 units are currently in various stages of manufacturing and pre-delivery flight-testing.

A further 55 E-2D aircraft are expected to be delivered over the next 10 years for a total of 75 aircraft. The US Navy expects to declare initial operational capability with the E-2D in 2015.

Specifications
Crew: 5, including pilot, copilot, Radar Officer (RO), Combat Information Center Officer (CICO), Aircraft Control Officer (ACO)
Length: 17.60 m
Wingspan: 24.56 m
Height: 5.58 m
Empty weight: 18090 kg
Loaded weight: 19536 kg
Max. takeoff weight: 26083 kg
Maximum speed: 648 km/h
Cruise speed: 474 km/h
Ferry range: 2708 km
Endurance: 6 hrs
Service ceiling: 10576 m
Powerplant: 2 Allison / Rolls-Royce T56-A-427A turboprops, 5,100 shp each


http://www.irconnect.com/noc/press/pages/news_releases.html?d=10021362



Thursday, February 14, 2013

Indian purchase of 12 AgustaWestland AW101 helicopters under scrutiny

India has instructed the country's Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to investigate the purchase of 12 AW101 helicopters from the Anglo-Italian AgustaWestland. The $752 million contract was signed in 2010 and the aircraft involved are the Very Very Important Person (VVIP) variant of the AW101.

The Italian police have arrested Giuseppe Orsi, the chairman and chief executive of Finmeccanica, on February 12. Bruno Spagnolini, the chief executive of AgustaWestland, which is a subsidiary of Finmeccanica, has also been placed under house arrest.

Both cases are thought to be related to allegations of bribery connected to the purchase of the 12 AW101 by India, which is now under investigation. The Indian Defense Ministry has stated that the contract may be cancelled if corruption and illegal payments are involved.

The AW101 or Merlin in some countries, was formerly known as the EH101 and in addition to the VVIP variant comes in a military transport and Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) variant.

Specifications
Crew: 2
Length: 22.83 m
Height: 6.66 m
Rotor diameter: 18.60 m
Max cruise speed: 278 km/hr
Max takeoff weight: 15600 kg
Max range: 1058 km (VVIP)
Max endurance: 5 hours and 10 minutes (VVIP)
Powerplant: 3 Rolls-Royce Turbomeca RTM322-01 turboshafts, 1566 kW / 2100 shp each


http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-india-21438275




Wednesday, February 13, 2013

052D Destroyer Universal VLS Continues Reemergence of Cold Launch vs Hot Launch

In recent years, some of the world navies have begun to reconsider the cold-launched Vertical Launch System (VLS) in addition to the hot-launched VLS, which until a few years ago, seem to have become the standard with cold-launched systems out of favor.

Examples of this new trend towards using cold-launched VLS are:
  • The Europeans build their equivalent of the hot-launched Mk 41 VLS from the United States in the SYstème de Lancement VERtical (Sylver) VLS. The United Kingdom adopted the Sylver VLS with Aster missiles in their Type 45 destroyers. However, in their future Type 26 frigate, they will also use the smaller and lighter cold-launched Common Anti-Air Modular Missile (CAMM(M)) or Sea Ceptor, based on the ASRAAM missile.
  • The Chinese first VLS developed was a cylindrical, cold-launched system in their Type 052C destroyer. This was followed by a hot-launched Mk 41 like system in the Type 054A frigate. Now it appears the Type 052D destroyer will use a new universal VLS combining hot-launch with cold-launch.

Both the European and Chinese hot-launched systems were basically modeled after the 2 x 4 square Mk 41/Mk 48 in general layout and design, featuring a centralized exhaust system.

The Russians have mostly stuck with cold-launch for their VLS, while the US has preferred hot-launched VLS, including in the new Mk 57.

In hot-launched VLS, the missile is fired from within the VLS cell and the missile rocket motor itself propels it out into the air. In cold-launched VLS, there is an additional stage, where the missile is ejected, usually by compressed gas or a piston, out of the VLS cell before the missile rocket motor is fired.

Both system have their advantages and disadvantages and can be more suitable depending on the situation, such as:
  • Hot-launched VLS allows faster engagement of the target, while cold-launch is delayed by the extra ejection stage. However, in general, the shorter the target distance, the less suitable either VLS becomes, such as in Close-In Weapon Systems (CIWS) where every second is crucial. In this case, a more horizontal and direct launch path is preferable such as adopted by the Rolling Airframe Missile (RAM) or HHQ-10 / FL-3000N.
  • Hot-launched VLS necessitates a complex, large and heavy venting and exhaust system, while cold-launched VLS does not. This allows much bigger and heavier missiles to be integrated with cold-launched VLS. Beyond a certain limit, hot-launched VLS exhaust cannot safely deal with excessive heat and fire generated by larger missiles and may cause damage to the ship.

Possible problems with cold-launch such as the missile falling back after failure of the rocket motor to ignite has reportedly in Russian and Chinese service been insignificant and not more likely than other possible missile malfunctions in hot-launched systems.

The Chinese have adopted the military standard GJB 5860-2006, which seeks to create a hybrid VLS, which combines the advantages of both hot-launch and cold-launch by supporting both.

The Chinese have until now used both VLS systems, sometimes at the same time. For example, the HQ-16 / HHQ-16 comes in both a cold-launched version and a hot-launched version.

The new VLS has no central and shared exhaust system, but only when necessary, will each missile cannister have their own exhaust system. This takes up space alongside the square edges and reduces the thickness hot-launched missiles can have. When not necessary with cold-lauched missiles, almost the entire cell diameter can be used.

The Chinese modular VLS, which looks to make its debut on the Type 052D destroyer can:
  • Support both current and future hot-launched missiles like the HHQ-16 and cold-launched missiles such as the HHQ-9. Quad-packed missile canisters in one VLS cell similar to ESSM can also be integrated such as the DK-10.
  • Various versions come in different canister length, such as 9000 mm, 7000 mm and 3300 mm for ships of different displacement. Each canister has a diameter of up to 850 mm.

The VLS can be used against all targets:
  • In the air with surface-to-air missiles
  • At sea with anti-ship missiles
  • On land with land attack cruise missiles
  • Under water with anti-submarine rocket assisted torpedoes

The addition of cold-launch and larger cells allows the integration of much larger missiles than has been seen in the past without taking up too much space in the confines of each ship.

If the hybrid system works in practice, it could offer crucial advantages in for instance anti-ballistic missiles or anti-satellite applications, where larger missiles could greatly increase the scope of high-altitude exoatmospheric engagement.


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Tuesday, February 12, 2013

Botswana receives 5 Pilatus PC-7 MkII trainer aircraft

Pilatus Aircraft from Switzerland has delivered 5 PC-7 MkII turboprop basic trainer aircraft to Botswana. Botswana has in the past ordered 7 previous generation Pilatus PC-7 aircraft in 1989, which entered service the following year.

The conventionally designed PC-7 MkII aircraft features:
  • lowest direct operating cost off all turboprop trainer aircraft
  • On-Board Oxygen Generating System (OBOGS)
  • comprehensive safety and training features
  • easy to operate and maintain
  • modern glass cockpit and avionics
  • exceptional aircraft handling
  • easy access to engine and other systems
  • can be customized according to customer requirements
  • long engine life
  • ejection seats
  • anti-g system
The aircraft is suitable for both beginners and more advanced users.

Over 500 PC-7 and PC-7 MkII training aircraft have served in the air forces of 21 countries. The latest is India, which signed a $525 million contract for 75 PC-7 MkII aircraft in 2012 with an option for another 37 aircraft.

Deliveries of the first aircraft have already begun and is expected to be completed by 2015. They will replace the HPT-32 Deepak, which have all been grounded since 2009.

Specifications (aerobatic configuration)
Crew: 2
Length: 10.18 m
Wingpan: 10.19 m
Max takeoff weight: 2850 kg
Max range: 1500 km
Takeoff distance: 415 m
Landing distance: 665 m
Max speed: 556 km/hr
Powerplant: Pratt & Whitney PT6A-25C turboprop engine, 700 shp, with Hartzell 4-bladed aluminium propeller

http://www.pilatus-aircraft.com/




Monday, February 11, 2013

Russian Novator 3M-54 Klub / Kalibr / SS-N-27 missile complex

The 3M-54 Klub / Kalibr (SS-N-27) family of cruise missiles were designed by the Novator Design Bureau and cruise at a low altitude between 10 to 15 m. The Kalibr is the domestic version of the Klub for Russian use, while the Klub is for the export market only.

The Klub can be used to engage submarines, ships and ground targets and consists of the following components:
  • the Klub-N for surface warships
  • the Klub-S for submarines
  • the Klub-M for vehicles on land
  • the Klub-K for commercial shipping containers
An air-launched version of the Klub was also proposed, but has yet to be developed.

The Klub can be launched from 533 mm torpedo tubes, from UKSK Vertical Launch System (VLS) cells, inclined missile box launchers and commercial shipping containers.

The Klub missile complex consists of the following members:
  • the 3M-54E is a sea-skimming, active radar, subsonic anti-ship missile with a supersonic terminal stage: length of 8.2 m, weight is 2300 kg, range is 220 km, warhead of 200 kg, maximum speed of Mach 2.9
  • the 3M-54E1 is a sea-skimming, active radar, subsonic anti-ship missile: length of 6.2 m, weight is 1780 kg, range is 300 km, warhead is 400 kg, maximum speed of Mach 0.8
  • the 3M-14E is a low-flying land attack cruise missile: length of 6.2 m, weight is 1780 kg, range is 300 km, warhead is 400 kg, maximum speed of Mach 0.8
  • the 91RE1 is a submarine launched, rocket-assisted, anti-submarine torpedo similar to SUBROC: length of 8 m, weight is 2050 kg, range is 50 km, warhead is 76 kg, maximum speed is Mach 2.5
  • the 91RE2 is a surface-launched, rocket-assisted, anti-submarine torpedo similar to ASROC: length of 6.5 m, weight is 1300 kg, range is 40 km, warhead is 76 kg, maximum speed is Mach 2.0
The Klub is in service with Russia and has been exported to China, India and Algeria.






Sunday, February 10, 2013

PF89 / Type 89 LAW rocket launcher from China

The Chinese Type 89 / PF89 Light Anti-Tank Weapon (LAW) is a 80 mm, single shot, disposable rocket launcher designed to succeed the Type 69 Rocket Propelled Grenade (RPG) launcher. It is similar to the slightly bigger AT4 / M136 rocket launcher of Swedish origin.

The PF89 comes with an optical sight only and is completely self-contained and water-tight for ease of transportation and storage. The fin-stabilized 80 mm High-Explosive Anti-Tank (HEAT) unguided rocket is sealed within the fiber-glass tube.

The man-portable PF89 can be used by a single infantry soldier to engage lightly armored vehicles, bunkers or other reinforced buildings with very little recoil and high accuracy.

Specifications
Caliber: 80 mm
Barrel length: 900 mm
Effective range: 200 m
Muzzle velocity: 147 m/s
Weight launcher: 1.86 kg (unloaded), 3.70 kg (loaded)
Weight rocket: 1.84 kg

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