Venezuela receives 13 BMP-3 Infantry Fighting Vehicles from Russia

Venezuela has received another shipment of 13 BMP-3 Infantry Fighting Vehicles (IFV) from Russia. Deliveries of the BMP-3 had begun in 2011 and are part of an order in 2009 for 123 vehicles.

The BMP-3 vehicles are part of a Venezuelan program to modernize its armed forces. Other purchases include the Su-30 fighter aircraft, and the local manufacture of AK-103 assault rifles.

In 2010, Venezuela received a $2.2 billion loan from Russia for the purchase of 92 T-72M1M main battle tanks, BTR-30 armored personnel carriers and artillery systems.

Venezuela is projected by Russia to become its second largest market for arms purchases after 2015. Only India would be a bigger market and surpassing China.

The BMP-3 is an amphibious, tracked Infantry Fighting Vehicle with several variations developed by the Tula Design Bureau for Instrument Engineering. The specifications of the basic version are:

• a crew of 3
• a length of 7.1 m
• a width of 3.2 m
• a height of 2.4 m
• a weight of 18.7 tons
• a range of 700 km
• a road speed of 72 km/hr
• an offroad speed of 45 km/hr
• a speed of 10 km/hr in the water

The BMP-3 is powered by a 500 hp UTD-29M diesel engine, which unusually is located at the rear.

The crew of the BMP-3 consists of a driver, gunner and commander and can carry between 7 to 9 passengers. The vehicle provides NBC protection for the crew and can be fitted with reactive armor.

The BMP-3 is one of the most heavily armed IFV around. The turret is fitted with a 100 mm 2A70 low-velocity rifled gun, 30 mm 2A72 gun and 7.62 mm coaxial gun. There are usually two 30 mm machine guns at the front of the chassis.

The 100 mm gun can fire the 9M117 / AT-10 Stabber laser beam-riding anti-tank missiles. There are also grenade launchers and all weapons can be fired when the vehicle is stationary, afloat or on the move. 

Depending on the BMP-3 version, the vehicle can be fitted with an automatic fire control system, including a laser range-finder, an optical sight and thermal imaging sight. The Shtora or Arena counter-measures systems may also be fitted.


http://en.rian.ru/world/20130328/180309221/Venezuela-Receives-13-Russian-Armored-Vehicles.html

By Пользователь (9 мая 2008) [CC-BY-3.0], via Wikimedia Commons

Bangladesh plans to purchase 24 Yak-130 aircraft

According to Viktor Komardin, the Deputy Chief of Rosoboronexport, Russia and Bangladesh will negotiate the purchase of 24 Yakovlev Yak-130 aircraft. Negotiations are due to start in the spring.

The deal is to be financed using a $1 billion credit line that was granted by Russia to the Prime Minister of Bangladesh during her visit to Moscow in January.

The Yak-130 is a two-seat, multi-role Lead-In Fighter Trainer that can be used for training, light attack and reconnaissance mission. It features a glass cockpit with advanced avionics and digital fly-by-wire.

The aircraft features a rugged design and landing gear, which allows it to land or takeoff from unpaved and unprepared landing strips. The Yak-130 specifications are:

• a crew of 2
• a length of 11.49 m
• a wingspan of 9.72 m
• a height of 4.76 m
• an empty weight of 4600 kg
• a maximum takeoff weight of 9000 kg
• a maximum payload of 3000 kg
• a maximum speed of 1050 km/hr
• a range of 2000 km
• a ceiling of 12500 m

The aircraft is powered by 2 Progress AI-222-25 turbofans, each with 2500 kgf of thrust.

Currently, the Yak-130 is in service with the Air Forces of Russia and Algeria. Contracts for the Yak-130 had also been signed with Libya and Syria, but are on hold due to the current situation in the two countries.

The Yak-130 basic design has been used by Yakovlev and Italy's Alenia Aermacchi to develop the Alenia Aermacchi M-346 Master for the Italian Air Force. Israel and Singapore have placed additional orders for the M-346 Master.


http://en.rian.ru/world/20130327/180281752/Bangladesh-Plans-to-Buy-24-Russian-Jet-Trainers.html

By Adrian [CC-BY-2.0], via Wikimedia Commons

Malaysia Wants to Buy 18 Fighter Aircraft by 2015

Malaysia is looking to buy 18 new fighter aircraft by 2015 to replace the Mikoyan MiG-29 aircraft it currently has in service. It has short listed the following 5 candidates:

• the Russian Su-30 from Sukhoi
• the Swedish Jas-39 Gripen from Saab
• the American F/A-18E/F Super Hornet from Boeing
• the French Rafale from Dassault
• the European Eurofighter Typhoon from EADS, BAE and Alenia Aeronautica

The Su-30 and F/A-18 are already in service with the Malaysian Air Force.

The exact cost of the contract for the new fighter aircraft has yet to be determined, but is certain to run into the billions. The competition for the contract is expected to be intense with extensive lobbying for the contract by manufacturers.

Some of the competitors, such as Sweden and France, are in dire need of an export contract. Winning the contract would greatly help the Gripen E/F and Rafale program with the addition of a second buyer.

Despite having been selected as the winner of India's MMRCA competition, France has yet to score an export contract for the Rafale. Sweden has recently ordered the Gripen E/F, but Switzerland has yet to decide on a proposal for 22 Gripen E/F.

Malaysia now has a fighter aircraft fleet of 18 Su-30MKM, 8 F/A-18D and 18 MiG-29N, of which only 10 are operational. All of the MiG-29N aircraft are to be retired by 2014.

The MiG-29N and F/A-18 had been ordered at the same time in 1993 in a split order. They were delivered in 1995 and 1997 respectively. The MiG-29N reportedly proved less than satisfactorily in service.

The MiG Corporation own internal problems starting in the nineties meant that is was unable to provide adequate after sales service and the aircraft suffered from a chronic lack of spares.

In 2003, Malaysia ordered the 18 Su-30MKM in a $900 million contract with Russia. The Su-30MKM is similar to India's Su-30MKI with some changes in avionics. It has canards and thrust-vectoring engines.


http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/03/28/malaysia-fighters-idUSL3N0CK7WW20130328

By Rizuan [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

By Rizuan [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

Denmark Considering Alternative Fighters Besides F-35

Denmark, one of the eight partner countries of the United States in the development of the F-35 fighter aircraft, will consider alternative candidates to replace its existing fleet of 30 F-16 aircraft.

The number and type of aircraft will be determined before the end of June 2015. The candidates under consideration are:

• the F-35 Lightning II from Lockheed Martin
• the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet from Boeing
• the Eurofighter Typhoon from EADS, BAE and Alenia Aeronautica
• the Gripen from Saab

The Dassault Rafale will not be competing at this point in time.

Denmark had originally been expected to buy as many as 48 F-35 aircraft, but may now only be able to afford at best 24 fighters. That is assuming aircraft costs that are escalating are brought under control.

While the partner countries are not obliged to opt for the F-35 and the Joint Strike Fighter may ultimately get selected, the decision by Denmark to look at alternative fighter aircraft is indicative of the problems facing the F-35 program.

The F-35 program that is led by Lockheed Martin is several years behind schedule in development, over budget and continues to suffer from unresolved technical problems.

These same issues have already caused several other countries such as Australia, Canada and the Netherlands to make changes to their original plans regarding the F-35.

The reduced purchases or even outright cancellations of F-35 aircraft by just once country put further pressure on aircraft costs for everyone else. These price increases can lead to further reductions in aircraft numbers somewhere else, creating a vicious cycle that feeds on itself.

The F-35 program was originally projected to be produced in very large numbers. Much of the original aircraft costs calculations were based on those projected numbers.

The F-35 program needs to have those numbers produced. If one country reduces its purchases, they have to be made up by purchases from some other country. Without that, it will be very hard for the F-35 to realize the goals that had originally been envisioned when the project was first conceived.


http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/03/26/denmark-fighters-idUSL6N0CE7UH20130326

By U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Julius Delos Reyes [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

US funding for MEADS restored

Funding for the Medium Extended Air Defense System (MEADS) that had earlier been cut by the United States Congress has been restored by congressional appropriators, who control the actual funding for arms programs.

Lockheed Martin and US officials had urged them to do so as this move helps prevent termination fees and diplomatic backlash from Germany and Italy, who are partners of the US in the development of MEADS.

The contract calls for the US to pay termination fees that are roughly equal to the $380 million that the US has made available. The last year of funding had been blocked earlier, because it didn't make sense to help fund a program that will not be used by the US.

The United States is currently confronting some cuts in defense spending and MEADS was seen as a good candidate to help reduce spending. However, thanks to some politicians, MEADS is now set to again receive funding.

About $4 billion has already been spent on MEADS, a successor of the Patriot Air Defense System. In the event that the UC withdraws from the program, Lockheed Martin has stated that it intends to keep working on MEADS with Italy and Germany.

MEADS will be tested later this year if it can interecept a ballistic missile target. Lockheed Martin claims MEADS will offer capabilities that the US lacks. It will be cheaper to operate and be able to provide wider coverage.

MEADS is to use the new Patriot Advanced Capability-3 Missile Segment Enhancement (PAC-3 MSE). The PAC-3 MSE is an improved version of the PAC-3 missile, featuring improved manoeuvrability and extended range of up to 50 percent.

In Germany, it may also be complemented by the shorter-range IRIS-T SL missile. This missile is derived from the air-to-air IRIS-T missile, somewhat similar to how the Evolved Sea Sparrow Missile (ESSM) came to be.

Still, even if development of MEADS does get completed, it will find it hard to find widespread adoption in many countries due to competing systems with the possible exception being Germany.

In the US, MEADS will have to compete with the Patriot Defense System, which continues to be constantly upgraded and modernized. In Italy, there is the SAMP/T Air Defense System that has already entered service and performs a similar role as MEADS.


http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/03/25/us-lockheed-missiles-idUSBRE92O02F20130325

F-35 Orders From The Netherlands May Have To Be Reduced

The Netherlands may have to reduce the number of F-35 fighter aircraft by 17 to 33 from the 85 it originally planned to acquire. The F-35 is supposed to replace the F-16 currently in service in the Air Force.

However, a number of factors have made the role of the F-35 in the Netherlands uncertain, including:

• The F-35 program is plagued by technical problems
• The F-35 program is 7 years behind schedule
• The cost of the F-35 is now 70 percent above initial cost estimates
• Defense budgets are being reduced
• There is uncertainty over the Netherlands future defense strategy

Some Dutch politicians are of the opinion that the F-35 may not be ideal for Dutch needs and that the Netherlands would be better off with a different aircraft such as Saab's Gripen, Boeing's F/A-18 E/F Super Hornet, or the EADS Eurofighter.

Even though the Netherlands is one of the 8 partner countries of the United States and it has already spent $1.59 billion on the development of the F-35, it is unlikely to buy the 85 F-35A, which is considered unrealistic.

It currently has a budget of $5.82 billion to replace 68 F-16 aircraft, which is enough for about 33 to 35 F-35 aircraft. The target now is to acquire about 52 to 68 F-35 fighter aircraft.

Although the Netherlands has yet to make any firm decision about the F-35, the worry is that reduced purchases of the F-35 will raise the price for everyone else.

Already other countries, such as Canada and Australia, have signalled their intention to acquire fewer F-35 aircraft due to the same reasons that the Netherlands has cited.

Lockheed Martin, in charge of development of the F-35 program, has stated in response to criticism that technical difficulties will be resolved. The cost estimate for the F-35 may be reduced from as high as $137 million to $90 million by 2018.

As a fifth-generation fighter, the F-35 can offer capabilities that other fighters cannot match. For now, the Netherlands remains active in the development of the F-35 and has ordered 2 test aircraft for this purpose.


http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/03/21/lockheed-fighter-dutch-idUSL6N0CBJX620130321

By DoD [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

Colombia receives 5 Sikorsky S-70i helicopters

Colombia has received 5 new multi-purpose Sikorsky S-70i Black Hawk helicopters from the United States.  It is the first country in South America to have bought the aircraft.

The S-70i were custom made for the Special Forces of the Colombian Army. The aircraft were build at PZL Mielec, a subsidiary of Sikorsky in Poland. They join 96 UH-60L aircraft already in service in Colombia.

The Sikorsky S-70i is a medium transport and utility helicopter with the following specifications:

• a crew of 2
• a length of 19.76 m
• a rotor diameter of 16.36 m
• a height of 5.33 m
• a payload of 4000 kg
• a empty weight of 5350 kg
• a maximum takeoff weight of 10000 kg
• a maximum speed of 361 km/hr
• a range of 463 km with 20 minutes reserve
• a ceiling of 4000 m

The S-70i is powered by 2 General Electric T700-GE-701C turboshafts with, 1409 kW (1890 shp) each.

The Black Hawk helicopters can perform a wide variety of missions including:

• troop transport and air assault
• search and rescue (SAR)
• medical evacuation (MEDEVAC)
• cargo lift
• VIP transport

Over 3000 Black Hawk helicopters of various types are in service in over 30 countries around the world.


http://www.sikorsky.com/About+Sikorsky/News/Press+Details?pressvcmid=bd8830d295e8d310VgnVCM1000004f62529fRCRD

By Julian H. [CC-BY-SA-3.0], via Wikimedia Commons

ZSL92 / WZ551 / WMZ551 / VN2 / Type 92 family of wheeled vehicles

The ZSL92 / WZ551 / Type 92 is an improved version of the original Type 90 vehicle. The vehicles can be distinguished externally by the Type 92 having evenly spaced wheels, whereas that is not the case with the Type 90.

The WZ551 was developed by China North Industries Corporation (NORINCO) comprises an extensive family of vehicles with 4x4, 6x6 and 8x8 wheeled variants.

The Type 92 chassis is used in different types, such as:

• Armored personnel carrier (APC)
• Infantry Fighting Vehicle (IFV)
• Self Propelled Gun / Howitzer
• Assault Gun variant
• Air Defense System variant
• Recovery Vehicle
• Ambulance variant
• Command Post variant

The Typ 92 chassis is made of all-welded steel and fully amphibious with 2 water propellers at the rear. In the basic version, the driver and commander are seated left and right at the front of the vehicle.

Both have a forward windscreen, which can be covered during combat with vision then provided by periscopes. Both the driver and commander have rear-opening, circular roof hatches on top.

The troop compartment is at the rear of the vehicle with firing ports on each side of the vehicle. On top of the troop compartment are four oblong roof hatches with another exit at the rear of the vehicle.

This family of vehicles can also be fitted with a wide range of weapons such as:

• 82 mm and 120 mm breech-loading mortars, including the PLL05
• 100 and 105 mm assualt guns, including the PTL02
• 122 mm howitzer
• 30 mm, 25 mm, 12.7 mm guns, including the ZSL92
• HJ-8 and HJ-9 anti-tank missiles, including the ZSL02
• TY-90 surface-to-air missiles, including the Yitian SHORADS

The Type 92 continues to be used and developed in a wide range of roles. The latest versions include the WMZ551 and WMZ551B. An export version is marketed abroad as the VN2 and VN2A. Another export version of the Type 90 exist as WZ523 / ZSL93.

The vehicles are used by both military and police forces domestically and have been exported abroad to numerous countries. They have also served with United Nations peacekeeping forces in many different parts of the world.

Specifications (depending on variant)
Crew: 2 + 11 (APC) or 3 + 9 (IFV)
Length: 6.63 m
Width: 2.8 m
Height: 2.1 m
Max Weight: 16500 kg
Max road speed: 100 km/hr
Max range: 800 km

Brahmos missile for submarines tested for the first time

A submarine-launched version of the Brahmos missile has been successfully tested for the fist time by Brahmos Aerospace, a joint venture between India and Russia.

According to the chief executive of Brahmos Aerospace, Sivathanu Pillai, the missile was launched vertically from a submerged platform in the Bay of Bengal and reached its maximum range of 290 km.

The submarine-launched version joins the already existing versions launched from ships or on land. An air-launched version is also being developed, although that version is 3 years behind schedule.

The Indian Air Force will have 40 of its Su-30MKI fighters modified to carry the air-launched version. Meanwhile, the Brahmos missile continues to be improved, most recently with the addition of satellite navigation.

India and Russia have agreed to develop the Brahmos II to succeed the supersonic Brahmos missile. The Brahmos II will be capable of reaching hypersonic speeds of between Mach 5 and Mach 7.

The Brahmos missile is a variant of the Yakhont (SS-N-26) missile, which itself is an export version of the P-800 / 3M-55 Onyx (Oniks) missile developed by NPO Mashinostroyeniya. Its specifications are:

• a length of 8.4 m
• a diameter of 0.7 m
• a wingspan of 1.7 m
• a maximum speed of Mach 2.8
• a cruise altitude of between 5 m to 14000 m 
• a warhead of 300 kg
• a weight: of 3000 kg for the surface-launched version
• a weight of 2500 kg for the air-launched version
• a range of 290 km with a Hi-Lo flight profile
• a range of 120 km with a Lo-Lo flight profile

The Brahmos missile is powered by a two-stage, rocket booster and liquid-fuelled ramjet engine.

India is the only country to use the Brahmos missile. Despite repeated urging by India, Russia has so far not inducted the Brahmos missile and is highly unlikely to do so in the future.

For Russia, there is no need for the Brahmos missile when it can use the 3M55 Onyx missile, which offers superior performance. The performance of the Brahmos missile, such as range, will always be constrained by the limits set by the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR).

In general, Russia tends to favor products that are completely owned by its own companies. In the few instances where it did acquire foreign products, such as the purchase of French Mistral ships, it was because there were no suitable Russian alternatives available. That is not the case with Brahmos.

There is also no incentive for Russia to export the Brahmos missile to other countries, when it can sell the Yakhont missile instead. Unlike the Brahmos missile, Russia retains full rights over the Yakhont missile and doesn't have to share anything with India.

While India would very much like to export the Brahmos missile, Russia does not feel the same way. There isn't much India can do about it. India requires Russian consent and it cannot build the Brahmos missile by itself.

It is not surprising therefore that the Brahmos missile has not been exported. On the other hand, the Yakhont missile has already been exported by Russia to Syria, Vietnam and Indonesia.


http://en.rian.ru/world/20130320/180142434/India-Tests-Submarine-Launched-Supersonic-Missile.html

By One half 3544 [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

Project 971 / Akula class submarines to be upgraded by Russia

According to the head of the Malakhit Design Bureau, Vladimir Dorofeyev, Russia will modernize all third generation nuclear attack submarines, including the Project 971 / Akula class submarines.

The first Project 971 is already being upgraded at the Zvezdochka shipyard. The overhaul of the submarine must be complete in 2 years before it will rejoin the Russian Navy. The upgraded submarines will have a reduced signature to make them harder to detect and improved electronics.

The Project 971 submarines were developed by the Malakhit Design Bureau as a cheaper alternative to the more expensive titanium-hulled Project 945 / Sierra class submarines, which are also to be upgraded and returned to service.

These submarines will be joined by new Project 885 Yasen or Graney class submarines that are now under construction to form the backbone of Russia's nuclear attack submarine fleet.

A total of 15 Project 971 submarines have been build and are subdivided into 4 different subclasses:

• the project 971 or Akula-I class
• the Project 971I or Akula-I class
• the Project 971U or Akula-II class
• the Project 971M

The double-hulled Project 971 submarines can differ depending on the subclass they belong to, such as:

• their length varies between 110 to 113 m
• their submerged displacement varies from 12700 tons to 13800 tons
• later units have a reduced complement
• later units can dive deeper
• the sail has been enlarged on later units

Some of the 15 Project 971 submarines are out of service and may not be bought back. One of the them, the Nerpa, has been leased to India for 10 years, starting in 2012, and where it is known as the INS Chakra.

The INS Chakra is known to be different from its counterparts in the Russian Navy. Among others, it lacks many of the sensors that are present on the Russian units. Equipment installed may not be identical to Russian ones.

The 650 mm torpedo tubes have also been removed and it is not compatible with the more advanced weapons available. The INS Chakra is therefore not as capable a submarine as those in Russian service.

Before handover to the Indian Navy, the Nerpa suffered an accident in 2008 that killed 20 people. This accident was said to have been caused by gas released by the fire extinguishing system.


http://en.rian.ru/military_news/20130320/180124266/Russia-to-Modernize-Akula-Class-Attack-Submarines.html

By US Navy [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

Russia will receive its first 3 IL-476 / IL-76MD-90A aircraft in 2014

According to the chief designer of the Ilyushin IL-476 / IL-76MD-90A, the first 3 aircraft will be delivered to the Russian Air Force in 2014. Viktor Livanov, the general director of Ilyushin had earlier put the number at just 2.

The IL-476 / IL-76MD-90A had its maiden flight last September and is currently conducting a series of trial flights. These tests will be used to gather data for any changes to the aircraft should those be necessary.

Last October, the Russian Defense Ministry signed a $4 billion contract with the United Aircraft Corporation for the delivery of 39 new aircraft. That number has since been increased to 48 IL-476 according to General Vladimir Benediktov of the Russian Air Force.

Russia's current transport fleet is currently quite outdated with no new deliveries in almost 20 years. Most aircraft date back to the former Soviet Union and in need of replacement.

The IL-476 is manufactured at Aviastar in Ulyanovsk, which hopes to build up to a 100 IL-76MD-90A aircraft by 2020 for Russia. Discussions are underway over a possible contract for the IL-78MK-90, a combined refuelling tanker and transport version of the IL-476.

The IL-476 is a modernized version of the IL-76 aircraft, while retaining the basic airframe of the legacy aircraft. The IL-476 specifications are:

• a crew of 6
• a length of 46.6 m
• a wingspan of 50.5 m
• a height of 14.76 m
• a wing area of 300 m^2
• a fuselage diameter of 4.8 m
• a maximum speed of 830 km/hr
• a maximum ceiling of 12000 m
• a range of 5400 km (40 ton payload) or 4100 km (50 ton payload)

The IL-476 has added a new wing, digital flight control system, new cockpit with digital displays and four PS-90A-76 turbofan engines, each delivering 16000 kg of thrust.

The installation of PS-90A-76 engines allow the IL-476 to meet all ICAO noise and emission requirements. Their efficiency reduces fuel consumption by 12 percent at cruise speed and increases range by 18 percent.


http://en.rian.ru/business/20130319/180118238/Russia-to-Get-First-3-New-Il-476-Cargo-Planes-in-2014.html

By Doomych [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

By Doomych [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

By Doomych [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

AVIC / Xian Y-20 Transport Aircraft May Enter Service Before 2018

During the annual session of China's top political advisory body, the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, the chief designer of the Xian Y-20 transport aircraft, Tang Changhong, was interviewed by state media.

Tang Changhong has held the position since 2007 and had previously also been the chief designer of the JH-7A strike aircraft. The design and manufacture of the Y-20 involved over a 1000 companies and research institutes.

According to Tang Changhong, the Y-20 may enter service within 5 years provided testing continue to proceed as planned. The aircraft was tested successfully on January 26 and so far test flights have gone well.

Preliminary specifications of the Y-20 from the Xi'an Aircraft Industrial Corporation, which is part of Aviation Industry Corporation of China, are:

• a length of 47 m
• a wingspan of 45 m
• a height of 15 m

The Y-20 is currently powered by 4 low-bypass Soloviev D-30KP-2 turbofan engines from Russia.

The Y-20 will have the option of using several different types of engines. Tang Changhong confirmed that China is developing its own engines for the Y-20, which will be tested during test flights.

The Chinese engines will offer improved thrust-to-weight ratio and fuel efficiency. The four D-30KP-2 engines currently installed produce 12500 kgf / 27560 lbf / 122.6 kN of thrust each.

Once the domestic engines are installed, the Y-20 will increase its takeoff weight and be able to carry a payload of up to 66 tons. Once the Y-20 has entered service, it will continue to be upgraded and improved.


http://usa.chinadaily.com.cn/china/2013-03/19/content_16318248.htm

Credit original poster, via Chinese Internet

 

Project 11356M Admiral Grigorovich Frigates to be Fitted with Kalibr Missile System

The first three Project 11356M / Admiral Grigorovich class frigates that are currently being build for the Russian Navy will be equipped with the Kalibr / Klub-N missile system. The Kalibr is domestic version for Russia of the Klub missile complex which is intended for export customers.

The Klub or SS-N-27 is a multi-role missile system that can engage targets on land, at sea or under water. A second batch of three Project 11356M frigates will also be build at the Yantar shipyard in Kalingrad.

All six ships are based on the Project 11356 Talwar class, six of which were build by Russia for India. Both the Project 11356M and Talwar class are based on the hull design of the previous Krivak class.

The first batch of three Talwar class are fitted with Klub-N missile system, while the second batch of three carry the Brahmos missile. The Brahmos is a variant of the Yakhont missile, which in turn is the export version of the 3M-55 Oniks missile.

The Project 11356M ships may also replace the Shtil-1 system with the Redut air defense system, which is compatible with several vertical-launched surface-to-air missiles such as the 9M96 missile.

The Kashtan and AK-630M Close-in Weapon System of the first and second batch of the Talwar class respectively may be replaced with the Palma, a combined gun-missile system which can use the 57E6 missile found on the Pantsir-S1.

The Project 11356M ships were ordered before transitioning to the new Project 22350 / Admiral Sergei Gorshkov class frigate, which uses a completely new hull design and other more radical changes.


http://en.rian.ru/business/20130318/180089251/Russian-Frigates-to-Get-Advanced-Missile-Systems.html

By Allocer [CC-BY-SA-3.0], via Wikimedia Commons

Type 45 Destroyer May Incorporate Ballistic Missile Defense

The Ministry of Defense from the United Kingdom is looking into the potential of the Type 45 destroyer for ballistic missile defense. For the first time, a Type 45 destroyer will be included in a trial as part of a major research and development program.

The Samson radar, which is part of the Sea Viper missile system, will be tested in detecting and tracking ballistic missile targets. The trial will be conducted in cooperation with the United States Navy and the Missile Defense Agency.

The Royal Navy currently has 4 Type 45 / Daring class destroyers with another 2 to be commissioned later this year. They are:

• HMS Daring (D32) commissioned on 7/23/2009
• HMS Dauntless (D33) commissioned on 6/3/2010
• HMS Diamond (D34) commissioned on 5/6/2011
• HMS Dragon (D35) commissioned on 4/20/2012
• HMS Defender (D36)
• HMS Duncan (D37)

The Type 45 specifications are:

• a length of 152 m
• a beam of 21.2 m
• a complement of 190
• a maximum range of 13000km
• a displacement of 8000 tons

The destroyers are fitted with:

• one 4.5 inch Mk8 main gun
• 6x8 Sylver A50 VLS with Aster 15 or Aster 30 surface-to-air missiles
• two 6-barrel 20 mm Phalanx Close-In Weapon Systems
• two 30 mm guns

There is a large hangar for a Lynx or Merlin helicopter. The Type 45 will succeed the Type 42 destroyers in service.


https://www.gov.uk/government/news/royal-navy-destroyer-to-join-ballistic-defence-trial

By U.S. Navy [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

By U.S. Navy photo [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

Another Talwar Class Frigate to be Delivered to India in 2013

India is scheduled to received its sixth Talwar class frigate in the summer of 2013 after completion of contractor trials by the INS Trikand. The ship was build at the Yantar Shipyard in Kaliningrad, Russia and will now prepare for state sea trials.

The INS Trikand is the third and last of the second batch of 3 frigates ordered from Russia by India in a 2006 contract worth $1.6 billion. The other two, the INS Teg and INS Tarkash were both delivered to the Indian Navy in 2012.

The second batch of the Talwar class differ from the first batch in the following:

• The second batch are armed with 8 Brahmos supersonic cruise missile instead of the 3M-54 Klub missile.
• The second batch lacks the Kashtan Close-In Weapon System (CIWS) and is only fitted with 2 AK-630M guns. Presumably, the Israeli Barak-1 will be added to the ships in the future similar to the Shivalik class.

All 6 units of the Talwar class are also equipped with:

• one 100 mm A-190 dual purpose gun
• the Shtil system with 24 9M317 surface-to-air missiles
• two dual 533 mm torpedo launchers

There is a hangar for a single helicopter such as the Kamov Ka-28. The Talwar class is based on the Krivak III class and is referred to in Russia as the Project 11356 class frigate based on the Krivak class.

There have been negotiations with Russia concerning a third batch of 3 Talwar class frigates to India despite the fact that some issues had to be resolved regarding the second batch. However, no final contract has so far been signed.


http://en.rian.ru/military_news/20130315/180042579/Russian-Frigate-Built-for-India-Completes-Sea-Trials.html

Germany buys fewer NH90 and Tiger but more NH90 NFH helicopters

After more than a year of negotiations, Germany and Eurocopter have agreed on how to restructure the previous contract with the following:

• reduce the number of Tiger attack helicopters from 80 to 57
• reduce the number of NH90 Tactical Transport Helicopter (TTH) from 122 to 82
• buy 18 NH90 NATO Frigate Helicopter (NFH) / NFH90

Eurocopter will buy back 18 Tiger attack helicopters that have already been delivered. Once finalized, the amended contract will allow Germany to reduce costs.

The medium-sized NH90 NFH helicopter is the naval variant of the NH90 with:

• a length of 19.56 m
• a width of 16.30 m
• a height of 5.31 m
• an empty weight of 6400 kg
• a maximum takeoff weight of 10600 kg
• a maximum speed of 300 km/hr
• a maximum range of 982 km
• a maximum endurance of 5 hrs

The helicopter is powered by 2 Rolls-Royce Turbomeca RTM322-01/9 turboshafts with 1662 kW (2230 shp) each. Alternative engines from General Electric are available.

The NH90 NFH is usually stationed on surface ships and can perform a wide range of roles, including:

• Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW)
• Anti-Surface Warfare (ASuW)
• Search and Rescue (SAR)
• Vertical Replenishment (VERTREP)
• Casualty Evacuation (CASEVAC)
• Maritime surveillance and control 
• Logistic transport and utility support
• Special Operations such as counter terrorism and anti-piracy

To complete its missions, the NH90 NFH can be fitted with a range of equipment, including:

• Tactical 360 degree radar that is capable of multiple track while scan, auto initialisation and Inverse Synthetic Aperture Radar (ISAR) 
• Dipping sonar that is capable of Low Frequency Continuous Wave and Frequency Modulation
• Tactical Forward Looking Infrared (FLIR) interfaced with the radar and navigation system 
• Electronic Warfare System including ESM and Counter Measures System
• Sonobuoys storage, launch and processing system
• Digital Map Generator system
• IFF Interrogator
• Data Link 11

The helicopters can be armed with a mix of 2 anti-ship missiles such as the Marte Mk2/S or 2 torpedoes such as the MU90, Mk46 or Stingray.

The NH90 NFH compact and efficient design allows it to perform several roles during the same flight. It can also quickly be reconfigured to a changing role should there be a need to.


http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2013-03-15/germany-cuts-eads-military-chopper-order-while-adding-navy-model.html

By Sirpa Marine [CC-BY-SA-3.0], via Wikimedia Commons

By Dmitrij Rodionov, DR [CC-BY-SA-3.0], via Wikimedia Commons

By ILA-boy [CC-BY-SA-3.0], via Wikimedia Commons

Russia Will Receive 24 Submarines and 54 Warships by 2020

Last year, President Vladimir Putin said the naval procurement of submarines and surface ships would be a priority in the coming decade as part of a major military rearmament program.

Around 5 trillion Russian Rubles or $166 billion has been set aside for the modernization and rearmament of the Russian Navy by 2020.

According to the Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu, the Russian Navy will receive 24 submarines and 54 surface warships by 2020. These include:

• 3 Project 955 / Borey class and 5 Project 955A / Improved Borey-A nuclear class ballistic missile submarines
• 8 Project 885 / Yasen class / Graney class nuclear attack submarines
• Project 636M / Improved Kilo class diesel submarines
• Project 677 / Lada class diesel submarines
• Project 22350 / Admiral Gorshkov class frigates 
• Project 20380 / Steregushchy class corvettes
• Project 21630 / Buyan class corvettes
• Project 11711 / Ivan Gren Class large landing ships

Many of the older ships and submarines such as the Admiral Kuznetsov aircraft carrier, Kirov class cruiser and Sierra class submarines are also scheduled to be brought back.

The Russian Navy is currently just a shadow of it once was during Soviet times. Only a fraction of its surface ships and submarines remain operational, with the majority having been decommissioned since the end of the Cold War and the absence of sufficient financial resources.

The Russian program is just part of a global trend towards increased naval power that can be observed throughout the world:

• the United States continues to spent record amounts despite its budget deficits
• China has embarked on a comprehensive naval expansion and modernization 
• European countries such as the United Kingdom, France and Italy continue to allocate resources for modernization despite fiscal problems
• Japan is steadily improving its Navy
• India has ambitious plans for an increased Navy
• Even countries such as Brazil that didn't place much importance in the past now want to acquire more naval power

It can be argued that most of these countries are probably not in a position to spend so heavily on their military considering the state of their economy. Yet, nations continue to allocate huge resources, which is an indication of how much they recognize the importance of naval power.


http://en.rian.ru/military_news/20130311/179945052/Russian-Navy-to-Receive-24-Subs-54-Warships-by-2020.html

By DoD [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

AGM-88E AARGM and GBU-39 SDB to be integrated on Tornado aircraft

NATO Eurofighter and Tornado Management Agency (NETMA) and Panavia Aircraft GmbH have signed the MET 27 contract regarding the Tornado aircraft. The work will be carried out in Italy and completed by 2015.

The contract calls for the integration of the Advanced Anti-Radiation Guided Missile (AARGM) and the Small Diameter Bomb (SDB) on the Tornado RET 7 and RET 8 configuration.

The AGM-88E AARGM is the latest version of the AGM-88 High Speed Anti-Radiation Missile (HARM), which is used for Suppression of Enemy Air Defenses (SEAD) and Destruction of Enemy Air Defenses (DEAD).

The medium-range, air-to-ground AARGM was jointly developed by the United States and Italy and has:

• a length of 417 cm
• a diameter of 25.4 cm
• a wingspan of 112 cm
• a weight of 361 kg
• a maximum speed of Mach 2+
• a maximum range of 105 km

The AARGM is guided by a multi-mode seeker, including GPS/INS, passive Anti-Radiation Homing and terminal Millimeter Wave (MMW) radar.

The addition of a Millimeter Wave radar to the original passive radar homing seeker increases the AARGM effectiveness when used against targets such as mobile or relocatable Integrated Air Defense Systems, including those that shutdown their radars.

The GBU-39 SDB is a 250 pound glide bomb guided by GPS. It has a length of 1.8 m and a width of 0.19 m and a maximum range of 105 km. Its small and compact size allows a greater number to be carried by aircraft or using internal carriage. 

The SDB has a diamondback foldout wing and is designed to penetrate hardened structures such as bunkers with little collateral damage. An improved version will have a multi-mode seeker to engage mobile targets.


http://www.aleniaaermacchi.it/en-US/Media/News/Pages/Panavia-Aircraft-GmbH-has-signed-a-major-contract-with-NATO-Eurofighter-and-Tornado-Management-Agency-%28NETMA%29-to-upgrade-th.aspx

By David Monniaux [GFDL], via Wikimedia Commons

By USAF [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

By USAF [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

First IRIS-T SLS Air Defense System Exported to Sweden

Sweden has become the first country to buy the surface-to-air (SAM) version of the Infra Red Imaging System Tail/Thrust Vector-Controlled (IRIS-T) within visual range air-to-air missile, the IRIS-T SLS.

The contract was signed by the Swedish Defence Material Administration with Diehl Defense for delivery starting in 2016. The IRIS-T missile in already in service in Sweden with the Gripen fighter aircraft. Ten other countries have also acquired the IRIS-T for their air forces.

The short range IRIS-T SLS complements the medium range IRIS-T SL / SLM, which has recently been successfully tested for the first time. Both surface launched missiles provide comprehensive air defense, including against aircraft, unmanned aerial vehicles and missiles.

However, while the IRIS-T SLS retains the basic missile body and infrared seeker of the original IRIS-T missile, the IRIS-T SL / SLM features a radar seeker and a heavily modified missile body.

Another variant based on the IRIS-T is the Interactive Defense and Attack System for Submarines (IDAS) now in development. Four IDAS can be fitted inside a magazine and fired directly from a single torpedo tube.

The IDAS missile gives submerged submarines the ability for the first time to engage aerial targets such as anti-submarine warfare (ASW) helicopters, which previously were immune from submarine counter attacks. It can also be used to attack small surface vessels and other coastal targets.


http://www.diehl.com/en/nc/diehl-defence/press/diehl-receives-swedish-air-defence-contract/6.html

By Bin im Garten [CC-BY-SA-3.0], via Wikimedia Commons

By HaraF [GFDL], via Wikimedia Commons

By Stahlkocher [CC-BY-SA-3.0], via Wikimedia Commons

SAMP/T Aster 30 Intercepts Tactical Ballistic Missile Target

The Surface-to-Air Missile Platform/Terrain (SAMP/T) air defense system from Eurosam was again tested against a simulated 300 km range tactical ballistic missile target that was launched from an aircraft.

After the target was acquired by the ARABEL multi-function radar, a Aster 30 B1 missile was fired and scored a direct hit against the target. Two other successful tests had been carried out earlier in 2010 and 2011.

The SAMP/T system is part of the Aster family of surface-to-air missiles (SAM), which are designed for:

• Point defense on naval platforms with Aster 15
• Area defense on naval platforms with Aster 30
• Area defense on land platforms with Aster 30

The SAMP/T fulfills the third requirement. An upgraded Aster 30 Block 2 Ballistic Missile Defense version is under development.

The SAMP/T is usually mounted on eight-wheeled trucks with up to eight vertically launched Aster 30 missiles. Each two-stage Aster 30 missile has:

• a length of 4.9 m
• a weight of 450 kg
• a maximum range of 120 km
• a maximum altitude of 20 km
• a maximum speed of Mach 4.5

The Aster 30 missile is guided by an active radar seeker.

Eurosam has so far delivered 14 SAMP/T units to Italy and France. Ten of those will be deployed in 5 French air defense squadrons, of which 4 are currently equipped or being equipped.

The remaining four SAMP/T units, that have been delivered, currently serve in a single Italian regiment in Mantova. The regiment is to have a total of five units. The SAMP/T may also be exported to Turkey and Singapore.


http://www.mbda-systems.com/mediagallery/#/news/3039

By Georges Seguin [CC-BY-SA-3.0], via Wikimedia Commons

By Duch.seb [CC-BY-SA-3.0], via Wikimedia Commons

Two more SBIRS satellites and additional tests of LRASM missile

The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) has awarded a $71 milion contract to Lockheed Martin to conduct air and surface-launched flight tests of the Long Range Anti-Ship Missile (LRASM).

As part of this contract, an additional air-launched LRASM flight test will be conducted from a B-1B bomber in 2013. Two air-launched flight tests were already scheduled for 2013 under an earlier contract. Two surface-launched LRASM flight tests are scheduled for 2014.

The LRASM is a stealthy, autonomous, subsonic anti-ship cruise missile based on the AGM-158 JASSM-ER. It can be launched from both aircraft and warships. A supersonic variant othe LRASM was initially proposed, but later cancelled.

The United States Air Force has also awarded a $284.4 million contract to procure long lead parts for the fifth and sixth Geosynchronous Earth Orbit (GEO) satellites that are part of the Space Based Infrared System (SBIRS) satellite constellation.

The SBIRS constellation consists of Highly-elliptical Earth Orbit (HEO) satellites in addition to the GEO satellites and provide early missile warning of ballistic missile launched.

So far, 4 HEO satellites and 6 GEO satellites are to be acquired. Of these, 2 HEO satellites and 1 GEO satellite have already been launched into orbit. A second GEO satellite is scheduled to be launched in March 2013.


http://www.lockheedmartin.com/us/news/press-releases/2013/march/mfc-030413-LM-Receives-71million.html

http://www.lockheedmartin.com/us/news/press-releases/2013/march/March52013.html

By Billy Smallwood, USAF [Public domain], from Wikimedia Commons

By US Air Force [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

Two Project 945 Barrakuda / Sierra class submarines will be recommissioned by Russia

According to the Zvezdochka shipyard, after many years the Russian Navy will recommission the two Project 945 Barrakuda / Sierra I class nuclear-powered attack submarines by 2017. The shipyard signed the contract with the Defense Ministry in December 2012.

Prior to commissioning, the two submarines will undergo a comprehensive refit and modernization program that includes replacement of the submarines sonar and navigation systems and refuelling of their nuclear reactors.

The two Project 945 Barrakuda submarines are the only members of its class:

• the K-239 Karp was commissioned in 1984
• the K-276 Kostroma / Karb was commissioned in 1986

The Kostroma was involved in a collision with the Los Angeles class USS Baton Rouge (SSN-689) in the Barents Sea in 1992.

There are also two improved Project 945A Kondor / Sierra II class submarines, which are currently in service with the Russian Northern Fleet. They are the  Nizhny Novgorod and the Pskov and can be easily distinguished by their larger sail.

The submarines have a releasable escape pod on the sail for the crew. Unlike most steel submarines, the four submarines feature a titanium pressure hull, which is both lighter and stronger than steel.

This enables them to withstand depths of up to 550 meters, while also increasing their survivability and makes them harder to detect with their low magnetic signature.

However, despite their benefits, the titanium hull also made them much more expensive to build, which limited their numbers. The cheaper Project 971  Schuka / Akula class submarines with their steel hull was preferred and build in much greater numbers.


http://en.rian.ru/military_news/20130305/179831565/Russia-to-Resurrect-Titanium-Submarines.html

By DoD [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

By US Navy [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

Canada Looking at Alternatives to F-35 for CF-18 Replacement

In July 2010, Canada had announced that it would acquire 65 F-35 aircraft to replace its CF-18, which would reach the end of their lifespan sometime between 2017 and 2020.

The CF-18 is a slightly modified version of the F/A-18A/B Hornet, which entered service starting in 1983. The remaining aircraft of about 78 have since been upgraded to the F/A-18C/D standard.

However, the decision to select the F-35 from Lockheed Martin without a competition or cost analysis has been severely criticised by several different sources.

In December last year, Canada stated it would consider purchasing fighter aircraft other than the F-35 after a KPMG report estimated the cost of those 65 aircraft would amount to $43.8 billion over a period of 42 years.

Canada has now asked five companies,

• Boeing
• Lockheed Martin
• Dassault Aviation
• European Aeronautic, Defense & Space Company (EADS)
• Saab

to provide detailed technical information on a potential replacement for the CF-18, throwing open the race to win Canada's selection of its future fighter aircraft at the expense of the F-35.

Although the F-35 may again be selected as Canada's future fighter, this decision is another setback for the F-35 program, which has encountered numerous delays and other problems.

Should Canada, one of the eight F-35 partner countries of the US, not select the F-35, it would join several other countries, which have already delayed or reduced the number of F-35 aircraft to be procured.

Australia, another one of the eight partner countries, has already procured the F/A-18E/F recently and may buy more, which is almost certain at the very least reduce the number of F-35 to be purchased.

Boeing intends to again offer the F/A-18E/F to Canada as a candidate to replace the CF-18, where it will go up against the F-35, the Rafale, the Eurofighter Typhoon and the Gripen fighter aircraft.


http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2013-03-03/boeing-lockheed-among-5-fighter-jet-makers-queried-by-canada.html

By SSgt. Greg L. Davis, USAF [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

Chinese J-31 may succeed J-15 fighter on aircraft carrier

In a recent interview with state media, Sun Cong made several comments on the J-15 naval fighter and the next generation J-31 fighter programs. In both programs, he is the chief designer.

As for the J-15 fighter, which will enter service on the Liaoning aircraft carrier and previously known as the Varyag, he said:

• naval fighters such as the J-15 have higher demands than their land-based counterparts
• the J-15 must have the same combat capability as the land-based fighters in terms of bomb load, combat radius and maneuverability
• the J-15 must have good low-speed performance and be compatible with arrested recovery and ski-jump takeoff
• the J-15 equipped with a naval variant of the WS-10A engine can have a combat radius exceeding 1000 km

According to Sun Cong, the J-15 is comparable to the F/A-18 carrier fighter of the United States, although he did not specify the exact version of the F/A-18.

He also hopes that the J-31 now in development will complement the larger J-20 with the two fighters serving side-by-side. A naval variant of the J-31 could eventually succeed the J-15 on China's aircraft carriers.

Sun Cong and his team are also researching key technologies for the next generation of fighters. These would be the fifth generation by Chinese standards and the sixth generation by western standards.

Both the J-20 and J-31 and their low observable western counterparts, such as the F-22 and F-35, are considered fourth generation fighters using Chinese terminology.

The J-15 and every other variant of the Flanker aircraft are third generation fighter aircraft. By western standards, they would be fifth and fourth generation respectively.


http://english.peopledaily.com.cn/90786/8154954.html

Iraq expects delivery of 30 Mi-28NE and 50 Pantsir-S1 later this year from Russia

According to the Iraqi Foreign Minister Hoshyar Zebari, Russia will start delivery of the Mi-28NE attack helicopter and Pantsir-S1 Self Propelled Anti-Aircraft Gun as soon as financial matters have been resolved, which he estimates to be no later than the start of this summer.

Last October, Russia and Iraq announced a $4.2 billion contract for the delivery of 30 Mi-28NE attack helicopters and 50 Pantsir-S1 gun-missile, short-range, air defense systems.

The announcement was made during a meeting between Iraq's Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki and his Russian counterpart, Dmitry Medvedev. The deal would be Russia's largest since 2006.

Shortly thereafter, Iraq announced that the deal had been put on hold pending review. In November, Iraq’s acting Defense Minister Sadun Al-Dulaymi denied reports that the deal had been cancelled due to corruption.

The Mil Mi-28NE Havoc is a tandem, all-weather, day-night, two-seat, attack helicopter with:

• a length of 17 m
• a rotor diameter of 17.2 m
• a height of 4.7 m
• an empty weight of 8600 kg
• a maximum takeoff weight of 11500 kg
• a maximum speed of 320 km/hr
• a ferry range of 1100 km
• a ceiling of 5700 m

The Mi-28NE is powered by 2 Klimov TV3-117VMA turboshafts with 1636 kW (2194 shp) each.

The Mi-28NE can be fitted with up to 16 Ataka anti-tank, thermobaric or other guided air-to-surface missiles, air-to-air missiles, unguided rockets and a 30 mm gun mounted beneath the chin.

The Pantsir-S1 from the KBP Design Bureau is a mobile, short-to-medium range, air defense system fitted with:

• 2 x 6 radio-command guided, 57E6 surface-to-air missiles with a range of up to 20 km and an altitude of 15 km
• two dual 2A38M 30 mm guns with a range of up to 4 km

The Pantsir-S1 is considered to be the successor of the Tunguska-M1.


http://en.rian.ru/world/20130304/179805890/Iraq-to-Get-Russian-Weapons-by-June---Minister.html

By RuLavan [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

By A.Savin [CC-BY-SA-3.0], via Wikimedia Commons

Australia May Buy 12 F/A-18E/F Super Hornet and 12 E/A-18G Growler Aircraft

The Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) has notified the United States Congress of a possible sale of 12 multi-role F/A-18E/F Super Hornet fighter aircraft and 12 E/A-18G Growler electronic warfare aircraft to Australia.

The total value of the US Foreign Military Sales contract, including associated equipment, parts, training, and logistical support would amount to roughly $3.7 billion.

If the aircraft are indeed acquired, they would join 24 two-seat F/A-18F already in service and another 71 of the older F/A-18, which are now in the process of being upgraded.

Those Super Hornet aircraft were originally acquired as a gap filler between the retirement of the F-111 in 2010 and the arrival of the F-35 in 2014. Delays and other F-35 problems have now postponed this schedule by several years.

Australia had been expected to acquire 100 F-35, but that number is now in doubt and may be reduced substantially. This has already happened in other countries such as Italy, which has already cut the number of F-35 it plans to acquire.

Australia is also one of the eight partner countries of the US in the F-35 program. By helping fund development of the F-35, it is entitled to a share of the work worth billions.

The Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornet is an enlarged version of the F/A-18 and has:

• a length of 18.31 m
• a wingspan of 13.62 m
• a height of 4.88 m
• an empty weight of 14550 kg
• a maximum takeoff weight of 29940 kg

The aircraft is powered by 2 General Electric F414-GE-400 turbofans with 98 kN thrust  each in afterburner.

The EA-18G Growler is a specialized electronic warfare version of the two-seat F/A-18F, which can be fitted with:

• AN/APG-79 Active Electronically Scanned Array radar
• AN/ALQ-218 wideband receivers on the wingtips
• ALQ-99 high and low-band jamming pods
• AIM-120 AMRAAM missiles
• AGM-88 HARM missiles

The EA-18G Growler will succeed the EA-6B Prowler and would make Australia the first export customer.


http://www.dsca.mil/pressreleases/36-b/2013/Australia_13-05.pdf

By Dmitry A. Mottl [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

By US Navy [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

First RIM-174 SM-6 missile delivered by Raytheon for IOC in 2013

The United States Navy has received the first RIM-174A Standard Extended Range Active Missile (ERAM) or SM-6 Standard surface-to-air missile from Raytheon's new integration and testing facility in Huntsville, Alabama. This milestone puts the SM-6 missile on track to reach Initial Operating Capability (IOC) this year.

The SM-6 missile is the latest version of the Standard family and will succeed the previous SM-2 missile in providing defense against:

• fixed-wing aircraft
• rotor-wing aircraft
• unmanned aerial vehicles
• cruise missiles
• ballistic missiles in terminal stage

The SM-6 missile uses the RIM-156A SM-2ER Block IV airframe and propulsion, but also incorporates the signal processing and guidance control capabilities from Raytheon's AIM-120C AMRAAM seeker to deliver both active and semi-active guidance modes and advanced fuzing techniques.

The two-stage SM-6 missile has:

• a length of 6.55 m
• a wingspan of 1.57 m
• a diameter of 0.53 m (booster) or 0.34 m
• a weight of 1500 kg
• a maximum speed of mach 3.5
• a ceiling of 33000 m
• a maximum range of 240 km

The Standard missile was developed to replace the RIM-2 Terrier, RIM-8 Talos and RIM-24 Tartar in the US Navy. The Standard missile has gone through many different versions and block improvements, including:

• the RIM-66A SM-1MR Block I
• the RIM-66B SM-1MR Block V
• the RIM-66C SM-2MR Block I
• the RIM-67A SM-1ER Block I
• the RIM-67B SM-2ER Block I

The older RIM-67 has now been phased out because it was not compatible with the Mk 41 vertical launch system. A VLS variant of the RIM-67 was designated the RIM-156.

Another variant of the Standard missile is the RIM-161 SM-3 and designed exclusively to intercept ballistic missiles using hit-to-kill technology.


http://raytheon.mediaroom.com/index.php?s=43&item=2286

QJY88 / Type 88 5.8 mm GPMG / SAW / LMG

The QJY88 or Type 88 machine gun was originally developed by China North Industries Corporation (NORINCO) as a General Purpose Machine Gun (GPMG) to succeed the Type 67 GPMG.

Despite being originally developed to be a GPMG, the QJY88 in practice now fulfills the role of Squad Automatic Weapon (SAW) / Light Machine Gun (LMG) in Chinese service. The QJY88 complements the lighter QBY88 with more sustained fire.

The gas-operated QJY88 can be operated by a single person or a crew of 2 and comes in two configurations:

• a light configuration fitted with a bipod
• the less common heavy configuration fitted with a tripod

The QJY88 is belt-fed or with 100 and 200 round box magazines. It also comes with a standard iron sight, but may also be fitted with an optional optical scope attached to the rail.
The QJY88 normally uses the 5.8x42 DBP88 or heavy round for increased range and penetration when compared to the standard 5.8x42 DBP87 round. It is to be replaced by the improved DBP10 round.

Specifications:
Crew: 1 or 2
Cartridge: 5.8x42 DBP88
Muzzle velocity: 895 m/s
Effective range: 800 to 1000 m
Weight: 7.6 kg (light configuration), 11.8 kg (heavy configuration)
Length: 1151 mm (light configuration), 1321 mm (heavy configuration)
Barrel length: 600 mm

US purchases 20 A-29 Super Tucano aircraft from Embraer

The United States Air Force has selected the A-29 Super Tucano from Brazil's Embraer in partnership with Sierra Nevada Corporation for its Light Air Support (LAS) program.

The Super Tucano had already been selected in a December 2011 contract, which was subsequently cancelled. In both cases, the losing bidder for the contract was Hawker Beechcraft. The sale is the first ever for Embraer from the United States armed forces.

The contract for 20 aircraft, maintenance and other services is worth $427 million. The aircraft will be build in Jacksonville, Florida and will be used for advanced flight training, aerial reconnaissance and light air support operations.

The objective of the LAS program is to find a non-developmental solution that provides the versatility, engagement, and persistence that is needed in a counterinsurgency environment and at a significantly lower cost than fighter jets.

The aircraft of the LAS program:

• must offer intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities
• deliver a wide variety of munitions (including precision guided weapons)
• operate in extremely rugged terrain and austere conditions

 The A-29 Super Tucano is a versatile, multi-role, turboprop aircraft capable of  close air support, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance. More than 190 Super Tucanos have been ordered and over 170 delivered to 9 air forces in the world.


http://www.embraer.com/en-US/ImprensaEventos/Press-releases/noticias/Pages/Forca-Aerea-dos-EUA-seleciona-o-A29-Super-Tucano-para-o-programa-LAS.aspx

Brazilian Air Force [Attribution], via Wikimedia Commons