Kuwait Looking to Add Second C-17 Globemaster III Transport Aircraft

The Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) has notified the United States congress of a possible Foreign Military Sale (FMS) of a single Boeing C-17 Globemaster III transport aircraft. The value of the contract is estimated at $371 million.

The C-17 is a heavy transport aircraft with a maximum payload of 77000 kg. Besides Short Take-Off and Landing capability, the C-17 can also operate from unpaved runways.

If the deal is concluded, the contract provides Kuwait with:

• 1 Boeing C-17 transport aircraft
• 4 F117-PW-100 turbofan engines
• 1 AN/AAR-47 Missile Approach Warning System
• 1 AN/ALE-47 Countermeasure Dispenser Set (CMDS)
• secure radios
• precision navigation equipment
• spare and repair parts
• support and test equipment
• publications and technical documentation
• tactics manuals
• personnel training and training equipment
• US Government and contractor engineering
• aircraft ferry support
• aircraft fuel
• technical and logistics support services
• logistical and program support

The Kuwaiti Air Force had reportedly already ordered one C-17.

Besides Kuwait, the C-17 is already in service with 6 countries. They are Australia, Canada, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom and the United States.

The C-17 is also in service with NATO. India has ordered 10 C-17 aircraft in 2011. The first aircraft is currently conducting flight tests and is scheduled to be delivered sometime in 2013.


http://www.dsca.mil/PressReleases/36-b/2013/Kuwait_13-14.doc.pdf

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

NORINCO PLZ91 / PLZ45 Self Propelled Gun / Howitzer artillery system

The PLZ45 is the export designation of the PLZ91 tracked Self-Propelled Gun / Howitzer  and developed by China North Industries Corporation (NORINCO) as a replacement for the 152 mm PLZ83. It was the first to adopt the French 155 mm gun standard, which is more compatible with the international arms market, instead of the previous Russian 152 mm standard.

The PLZ45 comes equipped with the same 45 caliber 155 mm gun found in the Type 89 or PLL01 towed gun / howitzer. The gun has a maximum rate of fire of 5 rounds per minute and is compatible with all standard 155 mm NATO rounds, including:

• ERFB/HE
• ERFB-BB/HE
• ERFB-BB/Cargo
• ERFB/Smoke
• ERFB/ILL
• ERFB/WP

The PLZ45 carries 30 rounds with 30 charges of ammunition. The turret can traverse 360 degrees and comes with a semi-automatic loader. It also carries a 12.7 mm anti-aircraft gun and two sets of four-barrel grenade launchers.

The PLZ45 has been exported to Bangladesh, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia. However, except for limited numbers in a single battalion for training purposes, the PLZ91 has not been adopted by the Chinese army. Its role has been superseded in China by the more powerful PLZ-05 with a longer 54 caliber 155 mm gun.

PLZ45 specifications

Crew: 5
Weight: 33 tons
Length: 10.15 m
Width: 3.23 m
Height: 3.42 m
Ground Clearance: 0.45 m

Engine: air-cooled diesel 525 hp
Operational range on road: 450 km
Fuel tank capacity: 320 litre
Maximum Speed: 55 km/hr
Average Speed on road: 40 km/hr
Average Speed cross country: 30 km/hr