Tuesday, December 30, 2014
Russia's next-generation Armata main battle tank, which due to be shown to the public at the 2015 Victory Day parade in Moscow, will undergo state testing in 2016, the Deputy Chairman of the Russian Military-Industrial Commission said.
"There has been no state testing yet, it is scheduled to begin in 2016," Oleg Bochkaryov told Russia's Ekho Moskvy (Echo of Moscow) radio on Monday.
Bochkaryov specified that after taking part in the May 9, 2015 Victory Day military parade, commemorating 70 years since the defeat of the Nazi Germany, several dozens of Armata machines will be tested in the army.
The Armata is designed as a modular universal combat platform that could be used as a basis for a variety of combat vehicles, including main battle tanks, fire support, mine clearing, heavy flame throwing and bridge laying vehicles, according to Russian state-run arms exporter Rosoboronexport.
The Armata tank will reportedly feature a remotely controlled gun and fully automated loading, as well as a separate crew compartment made from composite materials and protected by multilayered armor.
Russian Ground Forces are planning to renew some 70 percent of their hardware by 2020.
[via-sputniknews]
The RT-1702 SINCGARS, or Single Channel Ground and Airborne Radio Systems, being provided will be used on a variety of military vehicles, the company said.
"This order is from a long-standing international customer that recognizes not only the robustness of the SINCGARS radio, but also the technological upgrades that have kept it on the cutting edge of battlefield communications," said Ken Harrison, the vice president and general manager of the Exelis Night Vision & Communications Solutions' international business area.
The radio provides voice and network data services in its mounted and dismounted configurations. The radios will be produced by Exelis' facility in Fort Wayne, Ind.
Additional contract details were not disclosed.
With the last delivery for this year, the government, Lockheed Martin and industry team has delivered 109 operational aircraft to the US and partner nations since the programme's inception. The 36th delivery, known as CF-19, was the first F-35C carrier variant delivered to the Marine Corps.
"Meeting US and International aircraft delivery goals is a stepping stone," said Lt. Gen. Chris Bogdan, F-35 Program Executive Officer. "It's a global undertaking to build and deliver F-35s. Thousands of men and women produced the 300,000 individual parts from 46 US states and 10 other countries to make these stealth fighters, and they should be proud of their accomplishment."
The 36 F-35 deliveries include:
- 23 - F-35A - US Air Force
- 2 - F-35A - Royal Australian Air Force (first two)
- 4 - F-35B - US Marine Corps
- 7 - F-35C - US Navy and the US Marine Corps (first Carrier Variant)
The 36 F-35 Lightning II aircraft are assigned to the following installations:
- 19 - Luke Air Force Base, Glendale, AZ
- 14 - Eglin Air Force Base, Valparaiso, FL
- 2 - Marine Corps Air Station, Beaufort, S.C.
- 1 - Marine Corps Air Station, Yuma, AZ
The F-35 Lightning II is a 5th generation fighter which combines advanced low observable stealth technology with fighter speed and agility, fully-fused sensor information, network-enabled operations and advanced sustainment. Three distinct variants of the F-35 will replace the A-10 and F-16 for the US Air Force, the F/A-18 for the US Navy, the F/A-18 and AV-8B Harrier for the US Marine Corps and a variety of fighters for at least 11 other countries.
[via-dsadvance.co.uk]
Soviet military advisers in the People’s Republic of Angola during the 1980s loved to have their photographs taken in front of vehicles captured from the so called South African Defense Force, which were significantly higher than a man. This was logical as neither the USSR nor their opponents, the USA, whose army Soviet officers studied in detail, had anything like it.
In a full scale war a truck is the perfect target, which simply was not acceptable for use in large numbers. But in Angola, Soviet officers were not dealing with the US Army but with Nazis and mercenaries from South Africa, and the forces of both sides were relatively small in the vast Angolan savanna. South African mercenaries used Casspir vehicles, that later would be called the MRAP.
In fact, this is a high wheeled armored personnel carrier, "tailored" to protect troops and cargo from land mines, bombs and can withstand enemy fire in the event of ambush. For all these tasks, the Soviet BTR-70 was poorly suited and often caught fire after an ambush. Soviet soldiers wanted to get their own Casspir, after all, they were preparing for a full scale war, but had to participate in regional conflicts in Angola, Ethiopia, Afghanistan and the Middle East.
So far no full scale war has taken place, and with the conclusion of the cold war divisions around the globe have become even more visible than ever. And the US has even had to make use of the technical achievements during the apartheid era of their former allies in South Africa. In regional conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan, the US has actively used an improved version of the Casspir, which has received the name of Buffalo.
The experience from the war in Georgia in 2008 only confirmed these demands and in 2010 as part of the Concept for the Development of Military Vehicles through to 2020 appeared a reference to “the development of a highly integrated group of armored vehicles.” We have previously written on several occasions about the Tiger family of light vehicles, which have now become the norm for Russian soldiers, but it is only now that a large armored troop carrier along the lines of the Casspir has appeared at the soldiers’ disposal.
The project became the child of Russia’s leading enterprises in several branches of science and industry. Initially within the framework of the project troops received the UVZ produced armored Ural-63095, and shortly before the end of 2014 the first group of 30 Typhoon-K cab-over engine vehicles was transferred to the military by Kamaz.
The new vehicle has received the highest protection rating of 6a according to Russian classifications and even exceeds its requirements. According to NATO’s internationally better known STANAG classification it is something between 3b and 4. The vehicle is guaranteed to withstand an explosion under its wheels or under the main body of the equivalent charge of 8 kg of high explosive (HE) and during testing was able to protect the test manikins from 10 kg HE. Furthermore, representatives from Kamaz have announced that the combined steel and ceramic armor will withstand attack from B-32 armor piercing bullets, which already meets the requirements for STANAG class 4 protection.
To reduce the effects of an explosion on the vehicle’s crew and troops, seating is attached to the module’s roof, furthermore, the cabin within all vehicles is equipped with an HLF-100 device that filters all external air.
Individually producers have noted the unique bullet-proof glass developed by Magistral Ltd. During tests carried out at the Steel Research Institute, they were able to withstand KPV 14.5mm caliber, while firing at a distance of three inches. In this case, the transparency of the glass is 76%, which corresponds to the world’s best standards.
The Typhoon project is only just beginning with the first installment. A whole range of specialized vehicles are being prepared based on the Typhoon-K. The Kamaz-63969 is soon to be produced, which is also a 6x6 but has a side-ramp and a remote controlled gun.
[via-in.rbth]
Earlier media reports suggested that Russia's military doctrine could be updated to include the term "preemptive strike." However, provisions concerning the possibility of a nuclear strike remain largely similar to those outlined in the 2010 version.
“Russia reserves the right to use nuclear weapons in response to the use of nuclear weapons or any other types of weapons of mass destruction against Russia or its allies, as well as in the case of an attack with conventional weaponry that threatens the very existence of the state,” the doctrine says.
A high-ranking Russian Security Council official, who took part in drafting the new version of the doctrine, told RIA Novosti on December 10 that “the section concerning the use of nuclear weapons remains unchanged” in the draft.
According to the updated military doctrine, the prevention of a nuclear war or any other type of conflict is core to Russia’s defense policy.
The principle that Russia's nuclear arsenal is intended solely for deterrence has been at the core of the Russian military doctrine for years.
The final decision to use nuclear weapons for warfare lies with the President of the Russian Federation, according to the document. In December, Russian President Vladimir Putin stressed it was important for the country to maintain its nuclear deterrence capability due to the growing number of security challenges.
The update to the doctrine specified that NATO's military buildup and the US Prompt Global Strike program, which aims to develop the capability of striking anywhere in the world within one hour, as the new threats to Russia's security.
[via-sputniknews]
“The Twin Camera Mount System was exclusively developed for Aurizon by our Australian partner APS,” explains Sven Juerrs, CEO of microdrones GmbH. The system is equipped with a Sony A6000 digital camera with a resolution of 24 megapixels and a FLIR infrared camera.
“It is possible to switch between the high resolution photo mode and the thermography mode during flight,” says Juerrs. This support for multiple camera modes speeds up the entire inspection process. During the inspection flights, the md4-1000 quadcopter will provide valuable data, which can be used by Aurizon to perform important maintenance work.
The system has been equipped with a removable 7-inch-display which enables the UAV to work independently from its base station. “The rough and impassable operating conditions of the Australian outback demand a high amount of mobility and flexibility. By using removable displays we take this into account,” says Juerrs.
Due to microdrones’ open interfaces (mdSI2, Downlink-Decoder, etc.) and the professional, smart integration of Australian partner APS’ technology, microdrones is able to develop a large number of customized solutions.
The railway company has high hopes for the acquisition: “Safety is a top priority,” says Alex Harnby, who leads the UAV project for Aurizon. But he is confident that operational failure caused by damages on catenaries and buried cables can be reduced by 50 percent within the next three years, due to the usage of the microdrones. In total, Aurizon will have to survey more than 2,600 kilometres of rail network.
[via-microdrones.com]
The new platforms comprise air, sea and land assets, including a stealth jet fighter, destroyers and a main battle tank.
"A series of 'big moves' have stunned all people with the fact that China had made rapid progress in upgrading weapons and equipment and also greatly increased its military transparency," said China Military Online, a news site .
"In recent years, the openness of China's military has received tremendous positive comments from home and abroad. On April 7 this year, U.S. Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel boarded the Liaoning ship during his first China visit in Qingdao.
"Ni Lexiong, a Shanghai-based military expert, pointed out that 'This is a symbol of frankness that China has nothing to hide,'" the site said.
China Military Online – an official website – says it is sponsored by the PLA daily (newspaper)" of the Chinese People's Liberation Army.
According to available figures, China is one of the world's top five exporters of weaponry and spent about $171 billion on defense in 2013.
Its growing naval capability is of concern to the United States, which has strategic interests in Asia, and to countries in the region that are in sovereignty disputes with China over small islands and reefs in the South China Sea and the disputed areas' natural resources.
Those countries include the Philippines, Vietnam, Indonesia and Taiwan.
China says it added 10 new vessels to the PLA Navy last year. Among them are guided missile destroyers and frigates and minesweepers such as the Qingzhou.
"The number of new warships that are put into service annually in China has overtaken the U.S. and has become the first in the world," China Military Online said. Hou Xiaohe, Air Force colonel and the associate professor of the strategic Research department of the National Defense University of the PLA, said in an interview that the rapid development of the PLA Navy's weaponry reflects the will of China for construction of marine power.
The Y-20 is a four-engine jet airlifter with a 145,000-pound payload capacity. With maximum payload, it can travel more than 2,700 miles.
The J-31, said to be designed as a competitor to Lockheed Martin's F-35, is a fourth-generation fighter that is still undergoing development testing.
Also introduced was the J-20, a long-range strike fighter with stealth capabilities, which is expected to be ready for operational service in 2017.
Other items unveiled included a modified T-99 main battle tank, YJ-12 and YJ-100 anti-ship guided missiles.
[via-upi]
Monday, December 22, 2014
The quadcopter is attached to a virtual tether, giving you the ability to have it follow you or stay in a set position. It connects directly to your smart device (iOS or Android) via Wi-Fi and if it senses it’s strayed too far or the battery is running low, it automatically comes back to your device. It features digital image stabilization for steady footage, and you can use gesture control with your phone when it’s in free flight mode.
This is a battery-powered, self-balancing, one-wheeled transportation device that looks like it came out of a George Lucas film (just not American Graffiti). But no, it comes from a Beijing-based company that has used a magnesium alloy frame and non-slip pedals to create something unique. So how fast can it go? The Ninebot One promises a clip of 10-12.5 miles per hour with a maximum range of 18 miles. Charging up the 28-pound scooter takes 1-2 hours. It features iridescent lights that can be set to show different effects, and you can further customize the device with multiple colors for the shell.
Sunday, December 21, 2014
During the ceremony in a commercial harbor in Suao, the 500-ton corvette–called the Tuo Jiang (Tuo River)–will be officially transferred from Lung Teh Shipbuilding to the ROC Navy.
After receiving the corvette, the Navy will begin training personnel to familiarize themselves with the craft, and Navy officials did not think it would take long before the vessel would be put into service.
The corvette will be based in Suao, Yilan county, according to the Navy.
Earlier this month, the Navy released a video showing sea trials of the Tuo Jiang and said the results of the tests were satisfactory.
Naval officials praised the boat's high performance and high mobility, noting that the corvette reached a maximum speed of more than 38 knots during recent sea trials.
The twin-hull Hsun-hai class corvette will be equipped with several weapons, including the locally developed Hsiung Feng II and Hsiung Feng III anti-ship missiles, the Navy said.
Commissioned by the Navy, Lung Teh Shipbuilding began construction of the Tuo Jiang in November 2012, and it was christened in March this year.
It has a range of 2,000 nautical miles, measures 60.4 meters in length and 14 meters in width, and can hold a crew of 41.
The Navy plans to commission between eight and 12 of the corvettes if sufficient funds can be obtained in the future.
Saturday, December 20, 2014
Facing a potential conflict with Vietnam in the South China Sea, China is continuing the modification of Xian Aircraft Industry Corporation's two-seat JH-7 fighter bomber for the PLA Navy, according to the Sina Military Network based in Beijing.
Photos released on the website indicate that a new version of the JH-7 attacker is under development, constructed with composite materials. Internet users believe that the avionics and engine of the aircraft, referred to as the JH-7B, have been upgraded as well, while the Communist Party paper Global Times said the plane is equipped with an LM6 turbofan engine. Once the JH-7B enters service, it may also be fitted with the more advanced WS-10 Taihang engine designed by Shenyang Liming Aircraft Engine Company.
The idea for China to develop a modern fighter bomber came during the country's naval clash with South Vietnam over the disputed Paracel Islands in 1974. During the conflict, the Q-5 attackers and J-6 fighters of the PLA Navy Air Force did not have the combat radius to provide air support to the Chinese warships in the region.
Neither did China deploy its H-5 bombers to attack South Vietnamese vessels, even though they had the range, as it was unwilling to risk them being shot down by the F-5E fighters of the South Vietnamese Air Force. China eventually gained the control of the Paracels from South Vietnam without air support.
The JH-7A was upgraded because the Su-30MK2 fighter bombers the PLA Navy purchased from Russia cannot launch missiles made in China. It is not only large enough to carry a large enough payload but is also much cheaper than the Russian aircraft. Like most fourth-generation military aircraft, it is likely to be fitted with the active electronically scanned array radar system, according to the Sina Military Network.
In the article, Mizokami said that the United States Air Force is still the most powerful air force on the planet. With 5,600 aircraft in hand, the USAF is the first air force worldwide to put stealth combat aircraft such as F-22s and F-35s in service. Mizokami said that the USAF is planning to purchase 1,763 F-35 fighters and up to 100 optionally manned Long-Range Strike Bombers. The role of unmanned aerial vehicles with stealth and combat capabilities will increase as well.
With 312,000 active-duty members, the USAF has fewer personnel than the PLAAF. However, it has more aircraft than its Chinese counterpart. Mizokami then said that the US' Navy and Marine Corps together make it the world's second most lethal air power. Both groups, under the control of the US Department of the Navy and have a total of 159 fighters, 133 attack aircraft, 172 patrol aircraft, 247 transports and 1,231 helicopters.
The Russian Air Force ranks third in the world for most lethal air power, according to the article. Russia has 1,500 combat aircraft and 400 military helicopters. However, most of these aircraft are old fighters such as MiG-29s, Su-27s and MiG-31s produced at the end of Cold War. At the same time, the Russian Air Force controls strategic bombers including the Tu-95 "Bear," Tu-22 "Backfire," and Tu-160 "Blackjack," even though it does not control strategic missile forces.
Like the US, Russia is developing stealth fighters as well. Its defense contractors are now developing T-50/PAK-FA fifth-generation fighters for the Russian Air Force. There are also rumors that a new strategic bomber is being worked on as well. With the support of president Vladimir Putin, Russia also modified its Su-27 fighter with new and cutting-edge technologies to design the Su-35 fourth-generation plus fighter. It had already entered the service in limited number.
In the future, the J-31 stealth fighter is likely to serve aboard Chinese aircraft carriers just like the F-35C in the US Navy. Mizokami stressed that China is also pushing forward with a variety of unmanned combat aircraft like the Dark Sword. To project its influence overseas, China is also attempting to develop a strategic bomber to replace its older H-6 and cargo plane Y-20.
Japan, China's potential enemy in a territorial dispute over the East China Sea, ranks number five on the list. Its air self defense force has more than 300 air superiority and multirole fighters. Pilots from Japan Air Self Defense are trained to defend the country's islands from enemy attacks. They also practice ground attacks and anti-shipping missions. However, the JASDF is highly specialized towards defensive combat.
The US State Department has approved possible sales of tanks and armored vehicles worth approximately $3 billion to Iraq, where Islamic State extremists have been active, the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) has revealed.
"The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to Iraq for M1A1 Abrams tanks and associated equipment, parts and logistical support for an estimated cost of $2.4 billion," the DSCA said in a press release Friday.
Another press release, issued by the agency on the same day, said that the US State Department has also approved "Foreign Military Sale to Iraq for M1151A1 Up-Armored High Mobility Multi-Purpose Wheeled Vehicles [Humvees] and associated equipment, parts and logistical support for an estimated cost of $579 million".
According to the DSCA, the two sales will "contribute to the foreign policy and national security of the United States" and also directly support the Iraqi government and serve the interests of the people of Iraq.
The DSCA assured that the US provision of weapons will not alter the basic military balance in the region, but will better enable the Iraqi military to mobilize and defend itself.
The United States partnered with the Iraqi government and over thirty other nations in September to oppose the Islamic State, a radical Sunni group also known as the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) or the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL), that currently controls significant portions of the Iraqi and Syrian territories.
[via-sputniknews]
“The Oshkosh FMTV program exemplifies the quality and value that we provide to our military customers,” said John Bryant, senior vice president of defense programs at Oshkosh Defense. “Since the day Oshkosh was awarded the FMTV program, we’ve applied our vehicle expertise and operational efficiency to dramatically improve quality – all while saving U.S. taxpayers more than $2 billion. Today’s Oshkosh-produced FMTVs are supporting soldiers in operations around the world with the more reliable equipment they deserve.”
The FMTV program supports the U.S. Army and National Guard at home and abroad in tactical and combat operations, relief efforts, and unit resupply missions. The vehicles feature crew-protecting armor and advanced technologies to provide the capability, versatility, mobility and protection to move troops and supplies, recover vehicles and weapon systems, or haul equipment wherever the mission requires. The FMTV is a series of 17 models and 23 configurations ranging from 2.5-ton to 10-ton payloads. Vehicles have a parts commonality of more than 80 percent, resulting in streamlined maintenance, training, sustainment and overall cost efficiency.
Source : Oshkosh Corporation
These three helicopters were assembled in the Spanish plant in Albacete, which successfully carried out the industrial phase, airworthiness certification and technical acceptance.
“The delivery of these three helicopters is a very important milestone for our company and we wish to thank the Spanish Ministry of Defense for trusting in us,” declared Francisco Vergé, CEO of Airbus Helicopters España. “Our close relationship with the Spanish Army and the different departments of the Directorate-General of Armament and Equipment (DGAM) has been crucial to ensuring the success of these two high-tech programs”.
Airbus Helicopters España will supply a total of 22 NH90 helicopters to the Spanish Armed Forces under a delivery schedule that continues through to 2021. The Spanish plant is responsible for assembly of all the NH90 helicopters for the Spanish Armed Forces, along with manufacture of the front fuselage section both for the Spanish helicopters and for those destined for export.
As for the combat helicopters, Tiger deliveries belong to the new HAD-E version, which offers numerous advantages compared to the HAP-E Tigers currently in service: a new MTR-E turboshaft with 14% more power, an improved optronic vision system, Spike air-to-ground missiles, an Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) system coupled with an interrogator and a new electronic warfare and countermeasure system.
The Spanish Army purchased a total of 24 of these helicopters. To date, six HAP-E Tiger helicopters have been delivered to the Attack Helicopter Battalion. Their satisfactory deployment in Afghanistan during 2013 represents an important milestone for this helicopter.
The Industrial Participation Plan designed for these programs has ensured that Spanish industry, headed by Airbus Helicopters España, is fully involved in the entire life cycle for these helicopters, from the design stage through to flight testing and certification, component manufacture, the final assembly line and integrated support. Albacete is the only site that manufactures the rear fuselage section of the Tiger helicopter and the front fuselage of the NH90.
Source : Airbus Helicopters
The CLS contract includes continuous maintenance and support services for the Gripen NG aircraft, and their associated equipment, that will be delivered to Brazil during the five years between 2021 and 2026. The CLS services will be provided to COMAER by Saab and its Brazilian partners.
The CLS contract is supplementary to the main contract with Brazil covering development and production of 36 Gripen NG aircraft, which was announced on 27 October 2014. The CLS contract will come into effect once certain conditions linked to the main contract – such as the delivery of aircraft - have been fulfilled.
Source : Saab AB
Friday, December 19, 2014
“State trials of the Ratnik combat gear are finalised. As for these two assault rifles AK-12 and AEK-971, Kalashnikov certainly has more chances. It is easier to handle, has fewer parts, but they are close in their features,” Bochkarev said. He added that AEK-971 was produced at Degtyarev Kovrov electromechanical plant.
A winner of a tender on a new assault rifle for Russian army will be named by the end of this year, said Sergey Chemezov, chief of Russian state-run technologies corporation Rostec, which incorporates weapons-producing concern Kalashnikov. Bochkarev believes that the choice will be made in the first half of next year.
Combat gear Ratnik is positioned as “an outfit of a soldier of the future.” The contract with Russian Defence Ministry destined for three years is already signed, chief of the Central Scientific-Research Institute of Precise Mechanical Engineering Dmitry Semizorov said in late October. Main supplies are expected to be made next year, he said. Ratnik export variant will be put on display at an arms show in Abu Dhabi in February 2015.
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