AIM-9 Sidewinder

May 23, 2013 By Leave a Comment

The AIM-9 Sidewinder is a supersonic, heat-seeking, air-to-air missile carried by fighter aircraft. It has a high-explosive warhead and an active infrared guidance system. The Sidewinder was developed by the U.S. Navy for fleet air defense and was adapted by the U.S. Air Force for fighter aircraft use. Early versions of the missile were extensively used in the Southeast Asia conflict.

The AIM-9 has a cylindrical body with a roll-stabilizing near wing/rolleron assembly. Also, it has a detachable, double-delta control surfaces behind the nose that improve the missile’s maeuverability. Both rollerons and control surfaces are in a cross-like arrangement. The missile’s main components are an infrared horning guidance section, an active optical target detector, a high-explosive warhead, and a rocket motor. The infrared guidance head enables the missile to home on target aircraft engine exhaust. An infrared unit costs less than other types of guidance systems, and can be used in day or night and electronic countermeasures conditions. The infrared seekers also permits the pilot to launch the missile, then leave the area or take evasive action while the missile guides itself to the target.

The AIM-9J, a conversion of the AIM-B and E models, has maneuvering capability for dogfighting, and greater speed and range, giving it greater enhanced aerial combat capability. The AIM-9L added a more powerful solid-propellant rocket motor as well as tracking maneuvering ability. An improved active optical fuse increased the missile’s lethality and resistance to electronic countermeasures. A conical scan seeker increased seeker sensitivity and improved tracking stability. The L model was the first Sidewinder with the ability to attack from all angles, including head-on.

The AIM-9P, an improved version of the J model has greater engagement boundaries, enabling it to be launched father from the target. The more maneuverable P model also incorporated improved solid-state electronics that increased reliability and maintainability.

The AIM-9P-1 has an active optical target detector instead of the infrared influence fuse, the AIM-9P-2 added a reduced smoked motor. The most recently developed version the AIM-9P-3, combined both the active optical target detector and the reduced smoke motor. It also has added mechanical strengthening to the warhead as the guidance and control section. The improved warhead uses new explosive material that is less sensitive to high temperature and has a longer shelf life.

The AIM-9M, currently the only operational variant, has the all aspect capability of the L model, but provides all around higher performance. The M model has improved defense against infrared

countermeasures, enhanced background discrimination capability, and a reduced smoke rocket motor. These modifications increase ability to locate and lock on a target and decrease the missile’s chances for detection. The AIM-9M-9 has expanded infrared countermeasures detection circuitry. AIM-9X is a future variant currently under development.

Filed Under: Aircraft and helicopters Tagged With: AIM-9 Sidewinder, air missile, fighter aircraft

Armatix Digital Revolver

May 21, 2013 By Leave a Comment


Armatix, a German-based company, has invented a pistol that requires the help and proximity of a basic digital sports watch at the Shooting Hunting and Outdoor Trade show in Las Vegas. A digital handgun with an electronic safety that can automatically be disabled via wristwatch might sound like something out of Minority Report. The high-tech watch requires fingerprint authorization from the primary owner, which is then examined through the device’s internal database and becomes activated for a restricted time period or until it’s manually deactivated. After registering the wireless signal sent from the watch, the revolver’s LED light on the back flashes green (unlocked) or red (locked) to inform the user of the gun’s initial setting. Sounds like the perfect weapon for law enforcement.

Stopping weapons from falling into the wrong hands is a chief concern for law enforcement agencies all over the world. But if keeping weapons out of the clutches of the criminal element proves too hard, the next best thing is ensuring that such weapons can’t be used if they do. That’s just what the Armatix SmartGun concept does by disabling the pistol unless it’s in the hands of someone wearing a custom wristwatch that sends a signal to arm the gun.

To ensure criminals can’t just steal the watch along with the gun the user must first have their fingerprints verified. The fingerprint is examined by a sensor on the watch, which compares it against an internal database of stored prints. Once the print is verified the watch is then activated for a definable period of time – a police officer’s work shift for example – or until manually deactivated.

Once the authentication procedure has been completed the weapon’s integrated locking electronics and actuators unlock the weapon automatically when it is within a predefined distance of the watch. In this way even if the gun is lost in a brawl, it will be useless if it is not close enough to the watch. Also, if the watch is ripped off or removed, both the watch transponder and weapon are deactivated instantaneously.

Armatrix has chosen the handgun/wristwatch combination instead of building the biometric sensor into the gun itself to ensure the gun can be used while wearing gloves or if the user’s hands are dirty. Also the biometric transponder within the watch can be used to activate any number of weapons. Similarly, several users, such as all members of a police unit, can be authorized to use a single weapon. A record is also made every time the weapon is activated.

An intelligent pistol: Which shooter is authorized for what sort of actions, how many shots have been fired in what timeframe, when was the last time the weapon has been secured and released, is a shot permitted in the direction of a target the gun sights currently are….? What still sounds to be still a long way off is already reality at Armatix. With Smart System, intelligent electronics finally has found its way into the world of handguns.

Smart System consists of an active RFID watch that is responsible for gun access and use. Microchips in the watch and in the gun communicate with each other. A smart system will only shoot if it is within the range of this watch. It is possible to release the safety mechanism via the active RFID watch activated by means of a PIN code. As soon as the gun loses radio contact with the watch – e.g. if it is knocked out of the shooter’s hand or in case of loss, theft etc. it automatically deactivates itself. Smart System can be linked computer technology enabling a complete tracking and monitoring of the gun. Using the optional Target Control module the weapon will only function if the gun’s sights are on the “permitted” target.

Armatix is currently involved in advanced licensing negotiations with several gun manufacturers. In addition, Armatix offers a tried and tested smart system in the form of a development of its own: the iP1 pistol (.22 LR calibers) and the iW1 active RFID watch. This technology carrier from Armatix is proof that guns with integrated electronic intelligence are already possible and feasible today.

Armatix shifts the issue of gun safety to the 21st century. The company, headquartered in Unterföhring near Munich, combines the know-how of SimonsVoss, being the European market leder in the sector of electronic lock systems with the experience of using these systems for securing handguns.

Filed Under: Light Assault weapons Tagged With: Digital Revolver, Revolver

Matador Rocket Launcher

May 17, 2013 By Leave a Comment

MATADOR (Man-portable Anti-Tank, Anti-DOoR) is a 90 mm (3.5 in) man-portable, disposable anti-armor weapon system developed in collaboration between Singapore and Israel. It is an updated version of the German Armbrust design, and operates on the same principles. The development of this weapon began in 2000 and the MATADOR will eventually replace the German-Singaporean Armbrust Light Anti-tank Weapon which has been in service since the 1980s.

The MATADOR was developed jointly by the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) and the Defence Science and Technology Agency (DSTA), in collaboration with Rafael Advanced Defense Systems and Dynamit Nobel Defence (DND) joint team. The MATADOR is among the lightest in its class. The warhead is effective against both vehicle armor and brick walls. The weapon has little backblast, making it safe for operation in confined spaces.

The MATADOR is supposed to be capable of defeating the armor of most known armored personnel carriers and light tanks in the world. The dual-capability warhead, when acting in the delay mode, creates an opening greater than 450 mm (18 in) in diameter in a double brickwall, and acting as an anti-personnel weapon against those behind the wall, offering an unconventional means of entry when fighting in built-up areas.

The MATADOR’s projectile is claimed to be insensitive to wind due to its propulsion system which results in a highly accurate weapon system. The warhead can be used in both High Explosive Anti-Tank (HEAT) and High Explosive Squash Head (HESH) modes against armor and walls and other fortifications respectively. Selection is done by extending a “probe” (most likely a fuse extender) for HEAT mode and leaving the “probe” retracted for HESH mode.

Similar to the Armbrust, the countermass counteracts the recoil of the weapon upon firing. The countermass consists of shredded plastic which is projected out of the rear of the weapon when it is fired. This plastic is rapidly slowed by air resistance allowing the weapon to be fired safely within an enclosed space. In addition, the positioning of the countermass takes into consideration the centre of gravity of the weapon to ensure good balance for greater accuracy.

Further variants of MATADOR have also been developed by Rafael and Dynamit Nobel, designed primarily for anti-structure use by soldiers operating in dense urban environments.

MATADOR-MP: Multi-purpose weapon with a warhead effective against a wide variety of ground targets, from light armored vehicles to fortified positions and urban walls. As with the initial MATADOR,

this is achieved with a dual-mode fuze, which has been improved on the MATADOR-MP such that it now automatically discriminates between hard and soft targets rather than requiring the operator to manually make the selection. A dedicated targeting device, mounted on its Picatinny rail, incorporates a reflex sight and laser rangefinder to provide a high hit probability.

MATADOR-WB: Specialized wall-breaching weapon, featuring an Explosively-formed Ring (EFR) warhead that breaches a man-sized hole, between 75 cm (30 in) to 100 cm (39 in) across, in typical
urban walls.

MATADOR-AS: Anti-structure weapon with an advanced tandem warhead that can also be set between two modes. The anti-emplacement mode uses an enhanced blast effect to defeat structures and fortifications, while the penetrating/mouse-holing mode defeats light armored vehicles and creates mouseholes in urban walls. MATADOR-AS has been ordered by the British Army, and is slated for service entry in 2009! The MATADOR saw its first combat deployment in January 2009, by Israeli Defence Force soldiers during Operation Cast Lead in the Gaza Strip. MATADOR-WB in particular was used to breach walls in structures, allowing IDF troops to pass through and attack opponents inside.

Specifications

Weight: 8.9 kg (19 lb 10 oz)
Length: 1 m (3 ft 3 in)
Caliber: 90 mm (3.5 in)
Muzzle velocity: 250 m/s (820 ft/s)
Effective range: 500 m (1,600 ft)
Feed system: Disposable
Sights: Integral optical sights; Night Vision Device on a Picatinny rail

Filed Under: Armoured vehicle and tanks Tagged With: anti tank, Anti-DOoR, Armbrust Light Anti-tank, MATADOR, rocket launcher

RIM-161 Standard Missile 3

May 16, 2013 By Leave a Comment

The RIM-161 Standard Missile 3 (SM-3) is a ship-based missile system used by the US Navy to capture short- to intermediate-range ballistic missiles as a part of Aegis Ballistic Missile Defense System. Although first and foremost designed as an anti-ballistic missile, the SM-3 has also been employed in an anti-satellite faculty against a satellite at the lower end of low Earth orbit. The SM-3 is mainly used and tested by the United States Navy and also operated by the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force.

The SM-3 developed from the proven SM-2 Block IV design. The SM-3 uses the same booster and dual thrust rocket motor as the Block IV missile for the first and second stages and the same steering control section and midcourse missile guidance for maneuvering in the atmosphere. To support the extended range of an exo-atmospheric intercept, additional missile thrust is provided in a new third stage for the SM-3 missile, containing a dual pulse rocket motor for the early exo-atmospheric phase of flight.

On 18 May 2010 the Missile Defense Agency responded to a report of problems with the SM-3 in The New York Times, calling the report flawed and stating that the missile tests had been successful.

The ship’s AN/SPY-1 radar finds the ballistic missile target and the Aegis weapon system calculates a solution on the target. When the missile is ordered to launch, the Aerojet MK 72 solid-fuel rocket booster launches the SM-3 out of the ship’s Mark 41 vertical launching system (VLS). The missile then establishes communication with the launching ship. Once the booster burns out, it detaches, and the Aerojet MK 104 solid-fuel dual thrust rocket motor (DTRM) takes over propulsion through the atmosphere. The missile continues to receive mid-course guidance information from the launching ship and is aided by GPS data. The ATK MK 136 solid-fueled third stage rocket motor (TSRM) fires after the second stage burns out, and it takes the missile above the atmosphere (if needed). The TSRM is pulse fired and provides propulsion for the SM-3 until 30 seconds to intercept.

At that point the third stage separates, and the Lightweight Exo-Atmospheric Projectile (LEAP) kinetic warhead (KW) begins to search for the target using pointing data from the launching ship. The Aerojet throttleable divert and attitude control system (TDACS) allows the kinetic warhead to maneuver in the final phase of the engagement. The KW’s sensors identify the target, attempt to identify the most lethal part of the target and steers the KW to that point. If the KW intercepts the target, it provides 130 megajoules (96,000,000 ft•lbf, 31 kg TNT equivalent) of kinetic energy at the point of impact.

Independent studies by some physics experts have raised some significant questions about the missile’s success rate in hitting targets. In a published response, the Defense Department claimed that these findings were invalid, as the analysts used some early launches as their data, when those launches were not significant to the overall program.

In September 2009, President Obama announced plans to scrap plans for missile defense sites in East Europe, in favor of missile defense systems located on US Navy warships. On 18 September 2009, Russian Prime Minister Putin welcomed Obama’s plans for missile defense which may include stationing American Aegis armed warships in the Black Sea. This deployment began to occur that same month, with the deployment of Aegis-equipped warships with the RIM-161 SM-3 missile system, which complements the Patriot systems already deployed by American units.

In February 2013, a SM-3 intercepted a test IRBM target using tracking data from a satellite for the first time.

On February 14, 2008, U.S. officials announced plans to use a modified SM-3 missile launched from a group of three ships in the North Pacific to destroy the failed American satellite USA 193 at an altitude of 130 nautical miles (240 kilometers) shortly before atmospheric reentry, stating that the intention was to “reduce the danger to human beings” due to the release of toxic hydrazine fuel carried on board. A spokesperson stated that software associated with the SM-3 had been modified to enhance the chances of the missile’s sensors recognizing that the satellite was its target, since the missile was not designed for ASAT operations.

On February 21, 2008 at 3:26 am (UTC) the USS Lake Erie, a Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser, fired a single SM-3 missile, hit and successfully destroyed the satellite, with a closing velocity of about 22,783 mph (36,667 km/h) while the satellite was 247 kilometers (133 nautical miles) above the Pacific Ocean. USS Decatur, USS Russell as well as other land, air, sea and space-based sensors were involved in the operation.

Specifications

Unit cost: US$9 million – US$24 million
Weight: 1.5 t
Length: 6.55 m (21 ft 6 in)
Diameter: 0.34 m (13.5 in)
Wingspan: 1.57 m (62 in)
Operational range: >500 km (270 nautical miles)
Flight ceiling: >160 km (100 miles)
Speed: Mach 7.88 or 9,600 km/h
Guidance system: GPS/INS/semi-active radar homing/passive LWIR seeker (KW)

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: anti-ballistic missile, missile, RIM-161Missile, ship-based missile, US Navy

Yuri Dolgoruky (K-535)

May 15, 2013 By Leave a Comment

K-535 Yuri Dologoruky is the first Borei class ballistic missile submarine of the Project 955 in service with the Russian Navy. Construction of the boat was handled by Sevmash in Northwest Russia.

Outwardly, the Dolgoruky exhibits a conventionally arranged exterior with a largely cylindrical hull design capped by a bulbous nose cone, the hull running rearwards in a long grand shape before tapering at the stern. The sail is set ahead of amidships while the tail consists of dorsal and ventral vertical tail fins to serve as the rudder with horizontal planes straddling either side of the rear hull. The propeller extends a short distance away from the tail unit. Dimensionally, the Dolgoruky is a massive machine, measuring 170 meters from bow to stern while showcasing a beam of 13.5 meters with draught of 10 meters and carrying a submerged displacement of 24,000 tons. The boat is crewed by 130 officers and sailors divided into shifts with access to onboard shower, dining and sleeping facilities as standard.

Power for the Dolgoruky is primarily served through a single OK-650B series nuclear reactor which provides for essentially unlimited operational ranges and decades of service following proper maintenance routines. The nuclear propulsion system is coupled to an AEU steam turbine and the configuration drives a single shaft at the extreme rear of the vessel. A maximum surface speed of 25 knots is listed with a suggested submerged speed of 32 knots being estimated.

Since early 2013, the boat has been undergoing limited operational service that will most likely range throughout the year before large scale service begins in 2014.

Key to the design of the Borei-class submarines is her armament which consists of no fewer than 16 x Bulava Submarine Launched Ballistic Missiles (SLBMs). The Bulava type missiles are an advanced family of new submarine launched missiles having entered service only recently in early 2013. These weapons are developed through the Moscow Institute of Thermal Technology with production handled by the Votkinsk Plant State Production Association. Each missile measure approximately 40 feet long and weighs in at 40 short tons, powered by a three stage solid propellant and liquid based fuel system providing a range out to 5,000 miles. Each missile yields 150 kilotons of lethality with guidance supplied by an inertial and GPS-based system. The Dolgoruky also fields 6 x 533mm torpedo tubes for anti-ship/submarine sorties and supports the SS-N-15 Blizzard cruise missile.

Filed Under: Battle ships and aircraft carriers Tagged With: ballistic missile, K-535, missile, Russian Navy

Boeing X-37

May 15, 2013 By Leave a Comment


The Boeing X-37 (also known as the X-37 Orbital Test Vehicle) is an American reusable unmanned spacecraft which is boosted into space by a rocket, then re-enters Earth’s atmosphere and lands as a spaceplane. The X-37 is operated by the United States Air Force for orbital spaceflight missions intended to demonstrate reusable space technologies. It is a 120%-scaled derived of the earlier Boeing X-40.

The X-37 began as a NASA project in 1999, before being reassigned to the U.S. Department of Defense in 2004. It conducted its first flight as a drop test on 7 April 2006, at Edwards Air Force Base, California. The spaceplane’s first orbital mission, USA-212, was launched on 22 April 2010 using an Atlas V rocket. Its successful return to Earth on 3 December 2010 was the first test of the vehicle’s heat shield and hypersonic aerodynamic handling. A second X-37 was launched on 5 March 2011, with the mission designation USA-226; it returned to Earth on 16 June 2012. A third X-37 mission, USA-240, was launched successfully on 11 December 2012.

In 1999, NASA preferred Boeing Integrated Defense Systems to design and develop an orbital vehicle, built by the California branch of Boeing’s Phantom Works. Over a four-year period, a total of $192 million was contributed to the project, with NASA contributing $109 million, the U.S. Air Force $16 million, and Boeing $67 million. In late 2002, a new $301-million contract was awarded to Boeing as part of NASA’s Space Launch Initiative framework.

The X-37 was at first designed to be carried into orbit in the Space Shuttle’s cargo bay, but underwent redesign for launch on a Delta IV or comparable rocket after it was determined that a shuttle flight would be uneconomical. The X-37′s aerodynamic design was derived from the Space Shuttle, therefore the X-37 has a parallel lift-to-drag ratio, and a lower cross range at higher altitudes and Mach numbers compared to DARPA’s Hypersonic Technology Vehicle.

As part of its mission goals, the X-37 was designed to meet with friendly satellites to refill them, or to replace failed solar arrays using a robotic arm. Its payload could also support Space Control (Defensive Counter-Space, Offensive Counter-Space), Force Enhancement and Force Application systems. An early requirement for the spacecraft called for a delta-v of 7,000 mph (3.1 km/s) to change its orbit.

Among the technologies demonstrated in the X-37 include an improved thermal protection system, enhanced avionics, an autonomous guidance system and an advanced airframe. The spaceplane’s thermal protection system is built upon previous generations of atmospheric reentry spacecraft, incorporating silica ceramic tiles. The X-37′s avionics suite was used by Boeing to develop itsCST-100 manned spacecraft. According to NASA, the development of the X-37 will “aid in the design and development of NASA’s Orbital Space Plane, designed to provide a crew rescue and crew transport capability to and from the International Space Station”.

The X-37 is independently powered by one Aerojet AR2-3 engine using storable propellants, providing thrust of 6,600 pounds-force (29.341 kN). The human-rated AR2-3 engine had been used on the dual-power NF-104A astronaut training vehicle, and was given a new flight certification for use on the X-37 with hydrogen peroxide/JP-8 propellants.

The X-37 lands automatically upon returning from orbit, and is the second reusable spacecraft to have such a capability, after the Soviet Buran shuttle. The X-37 is the smallest and lightest orbital spaceplane flown to date; it is approximately a quarter the size of the Space Shuttle orbiter.

The X-37A was the initial NASA version of the spacecraft; the X-37A Approach and Landing Test Vehicle (ALTV) was used in drop glide tests in 2005 and 2006. The X-37B is a modified version of the NASA X-37A, intended for the U.S. Air Force. It conducted orbital test missions in 2010, 2011 and 2012. In 2011, Boeing announced plans for a scaled-up variant of the X-37B, referring to the spacecraft as the X-37C. The X-37C would be between 165% and 180% larger than the X-37B, allowing it to transport up to six astronauts inside a pressurized compartment housed in the cargo bay. Its proposed launch vehicle is the Atlas V Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicle. The X-37C may compete with Boeing’s CST-100 commercial space capsule.

Specifications

Crew: None
Length: 29 ft 3 in (8.9 m)
Wingspan: 14 ft 11 in (4.5 m)
Height: 9 ft 6 in (2.9 m)
Loaded weight: 11,000 lb (4,990 kg)
Powerplant: 1 × Aerojet AR2-3 rocket engine (hydrazine), 6,600 lbf (29.3 kN)
Power: Gallium arsenide solar cells with lithium-ion batteries
Payload bay: 7 ft × 4 ft (2.1 m × 1.2 m)
Orbital speed: 28,044 km/h (17,426 mph)
Orbit: Low Earth orbit
Orbital time: 270 days (design)

Filed Under: Aircraft and helicopters, Armoured vehicle and tanks Tagged With: Boeing X-37, Boeing X-40, X-37 Orbital Test Vehicle

Bell OH-58 Kiowa

May 14, 2013 By Leave a Comment

Tough and versatile, the Bell OH-58 Kiowa helicopter is one of the oldest aerial vehicles still in service with the U.S. military. The Bell OH-58 Kiowa is a family of single-engine, single-rotor, military helicopters used for observation, utility, and direct fire support. Bell Helicopter manufactured the OH-58 for the United States Army based on its Model 206A JetRanger helicopter. The OH-58 has been in continuous use by the U.S. Army since 1969.

The latest model, the OH-58D Kiowa Warrior, is primarily operated in an armed reconnaissance role in support of ground troops. The OH-58 has been exported to Austria, Canada, the Dominican Republic, Taiwan, and Saudi Arabia. It has also been produced under license in Australia.

In the 1970s, the U.S. Army began evaluating the need to improve the capabilities of their scout aircraft. The OH-58A needed the power for operations in areas that exposed the aircraft to high altitude and hot temperatures, areas where the aptitude to acquire targets was a significant absence in the strategic warfare capabilities of Army aviation.

The power shortcoming caused other issues as the Army anticipated the AH-64A’s replacement of the august AH-1 in the Attack battalions of the Army. The Army began shopping the idea of an Aerial Scout Program to industry as a prototype exercise to stimulate the development of advanced technological capabilities for night vision and precision navigation equipment. The stated goals of the program included prototypes that would have an extended target acquisition range capability by means of a long-range stabilized optical subsystem for the observer, improved position location through use of a computerized navigation system, improved survivability by reducing aural, visual, radar, and infrared signatures, and an improved flight performance capability derived from a larger engine to provide compatibility with attack helicopters.

The Bell OH-58 Kiowa is a single engine helicopter that is used for observation, reconnaissance, utility missions, and direct fire support by the U.S. military. Versions of the Kiowa have been in incessant use with the U.S. Army since 1969 – giving the helicopter an illustrious service record that spans more than 40 years. The Kiowa helicopter’s operational history begins in the Vietnam Conflict of the 1960s and continues up until present day conflicts in the Middle East.

The current helicopter model – the OH-58D Kiowa Warrior – is used for armed reconnaissance and to support troops on the ground in combat zones such as Iraq and Afghanistan. Each helicopter has a crew of two people, can travel at a maximum speed of 150 miles an hour, and is armed with AGM-114 Hellfire anti-tank missiles, Hydra 70 rockets, AIM-92 Stinger missiles, and M296 50 caliber machine guns.

As is traditional with the U.S. Army, the Kiowa helicopter is named for a Native American tribe. The Kiowa are a tribe of Native Americans that resides in Oklahoma and today counts nearly 12,000 members. The Kiowa helicopter has proved popular because of its resourcefulness and the manifold roles it can execute in combat operations. Several other countries have purchased the Kiowa helicopter for their militaries, including Australia, Canada and Saudi Arabia.

Current models of the Kiowa helicopter are outfitted with enhanced transmission and engines, as well as improved navigation systems and more weapons. The compact size and light weight of the Kiowa helicopters has made them susceptible to attacks. As of 2010, about 35 Kiowa helicopters had been lost in Iraq and Afghanistan since the terrorist attacks on the United States in September 2001. The Kiowa Warrior aircraft has been developed to be tougher and heavily armed than previous versions of the helicopter.

Specifications

Origin: United States
First flight: Bell 206A: 10 January 1966; OH-58D: 6 October 1983
Main users: United States Army; Australian Army; Republic of China Army; Royal Saudi Land Forces
Numbers built: 2,200
Unit cost: OH-58D: US$4.9 million (1990); OH-58D KW: US$6.7 million (1990); KW retrofit: US$1.3 million (1990)
Crew: 1 pilot, 2 pilots, or 1 pilot and 1 observer
Length: 32 ft 2 in (9.80 m)
Rotor diameter: 35 ft 4 in (10.77 m)
Height: 9 ft 7 in (2.92 m)
Empty weight: 1,583 lb (718 kg)
Max. takeoff weight: 3,000 lb (1,360 kg)
Powerplant: 1 × Allison T63-A-700 turboshaft, 317 shp (236 kW)
Fuselage length: 34 ft 4.5 in (10.48 m)
Maximum speed: 120 knots (222 km/h, 138 mph)
Cruise speed: 102 knots (188 km/h, 117 mph)
Range: 299 mi (481 km, 260 nmi)
Service ceiling: 19,000 ft (5,800 m)

Filed Under: Aircraft and helicopters Tagged With: Bell OH-58 Kiowa, military helicopters, OH-58 Kiowa helicopter

China’s Latest Attack Helicopter CAIC Z-10

May 13, 2013 By Leave a Comment

The CAIC Z-10 is a Chinese attack helicopter in the same class as the Denel Rooivalk, Eurocopter Tiger and AgustaWestland Mangusta. The CAIC Z-10/WZ-10 is a modern battlefield attack helicopter of the People’s Republic of China Army. It is intended to directly counter the threat as posed by enemy armor in a number of scenarios utilizing advanced technologies and guided munitions as well as indigenous armament types. The helicopter is produced by Changhe Aircraft Industries Corporation (CAIC) of China. The Z-10 stands as the first indigenous Chinese attack helicopter design note.

This helicopter spurred development of both an in-house attack helicopter solution and an indigenous anti-armor missile system. 602nd Research Institute headed localized development of the new helicopter components utilizing complete 3D computer work.

The end product became the Z-10 with its two man stepped cockpit arrangement similar to other modern types such as the Hughes AH-64 Apache of the American Army. The weapons officer sits in the frontal cockpit with the pilot in the rear with a commanding view of the battlefield ahead. Pilot controls are made redundant in case of incapacitation of one of the crew. Tracking and engagement systems are housed in a positional nose assembly as in the AH-64 and a chin mounted turret houses the standard cannon armament. The helicopter is equipped with five bladed main rotor and four-bladed tail rotor. Two engines are mounted at the rear of the cockpit. The helicopter has a length of 14.1m, rotor diameter of 13m and a height of 3.8m. The maximum takeoff weight of the Z-10 is 8t.

Avionics consists of a YH millimeter-wave-fire-control radar and Blue Sky navigation/targeting suite (via pod). Both pilots are afforded helmet-mounted sight displays with integrated night vision optics. The Z-10 can also combat electronics through its YH-96 Electronic Warfare (EW) system. It can further degrade incoming tracking signals through its BM/KG300G jamming pod.

The chin mounted turret can be fitted with a 20mm or 30mm autocannon. Two stub wings provide four hardpoints for holding external weapons. The GJV289A standard databus architecture allows the integration of weapon systems of both Soviet and Western origin. The helicopter can also adapt to use the newly developed HJ-10 anti-tank guided missile (ATGM). The helicopter can carry upto eight ATGMs for anti-armor role, eight TY-90 air-to-air missiles and four PL-5, PL-7 and PL-9 air-to-air missiles. The Z-10 can carry multi-barrel unguided rocket pods for ground attack missions. A total of four pods under sub wings can hold 57mm-90mm rockets.

The Z-10 is powered by two Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6C-67C turboshaft engines. The engines are equipped with Full Authority Digital Engine Control (FADEC) system. Each engine develops a maximum continuous power of 1,142kW.

Filed Under: Aircraft and helicopters Tagged With: CAIC Z-10, Chinese attack helicopter, Denel Rooivalk, Eurocopter Tiger

PP-90 Folding Machine Gun

May 8, 2013 By Leave a Comment

The PP-90 is a Russian 9 mm folding submachine gun that was developed by the KBP Instrument Design Bureau in Tula for use with special units of the Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs (MVD). It is designed for close quarter’s combat, particularly actions that require the weapon deployed hastily in unusual state of affairs.

The PP-90 (short for Pistolet-Pulemet obrazets 1990, “Machine Pistol model of 1990″) is an automatic-only weapon that uses the straight blowback method of operation, chambered for the 9x18mm Makarov cartridge. The weapon bears a conceptual resemblance to the 9 mm FMG submachine gun made by the American company Ares.

The PP-90 consist of the following main groups: the receiver which houses the barrel, action (bolt and recoil mechanism), safety, fire selector switch and supports the pistol grip with magazine well and the shoulder rest. When carried in the stowed position (the bolt is in its forward, closed position) the pistol grip and magazine are folded under the barrel in line with the bore axis and covered by the folded stock body. The folded weapon looks like a cuboid with the following dimensions – 270x90x32 mm, devoid of any protruding elements, enabling easy concealment. To ready the weapon for firing the stock is pivoted out simultaneously the pistol grip with magazine, trigger and trigger guard deploy, the safety is disengaged and the bolt cocked. The bolt’s cocking handle is installed at the rear of the receiver and is accessed from beneath the stock.

During the design phase, importance was placed on safety when operating the weapon. It is impossible to discharge the firearm in its folded position or when the stock is not fully deployed. The PP-90 also has a manual safety and fire selector. The safety toggle, installed on the left side of the receiver housing, has two settings: a top “P” position – indicating the weapon is safe and the bottom “O” setting – automatic fire. The “safe” setting ensures the bolt catch is disabled mechanically. The weapon’s internal safety mechanism features a drop safety that prevents the weapon from firing when dropped with a loaded chamber.

The submachine gun is fed from a detachable 30-round box magazine, placed in a well inside the hollowed pistol grip. The magazine catch is located inside the heel of the pistol grip. For aimed firing the PP-90 uses flip-up iron sights (notch and front post), which lie flush with the receiver housing’s top cover when folded down. The threaded barrel can also accept a sound suppressor. The submachine gun with spare magazines and a cleaning brush is carried in a holster that can be slung from a duty belt or shoulder rig. The weapon can also be used with a sling.

The PP-90 represents the unsuccessful effort to duplicate the concept from ineffective American Ares FMG (Folding Machine Gun) weapon, produced by Ares Defense Company in mid-1980s. PP-90 had been developed in early 1990s by KBP design bureau in Tula, otherwise known for highly efficient and successful weapons, from submachine guns and up to tank and naval guns. Both Ares FMG and its PP-90 replica were intended for concealed carry, and folded down to relatively compact, plain looking metal box. When needed, these guns were to be unfolded into ready to fire position in 3 – 4 seconds. There is not much known about Ares FMG, but the PP-90 became a crash – resulting design was somewhat untrustworthy and completely prickly. Initially issued to some police and security forces in Russia, this gun now destined to collect dust in farthest corners of the armory rooms, due its terrible ergonomics and poor handling characteristics.

The PP-90 is entirely made from stamped steel, and folds around the point just behind the barrel breech face. PP-90 is a blowback operated, automatic only weapon (selective fired in PP-90M1 version). A version of the PP-90 chambered in the 9x19mm Parabellum pistol cartridge is known as the PP-92. A selective fire version has also been developed, designated PP-90M.

Specifications

Weight: 1.83 kg (4.03 lb) (empty); 2.23 kg (4.9 lb) (loaded)
Length: 490 mm (19.3 in) (unfolded)
Width: 32 mm (1.3 in)
Cartridge: 9x18mm Makarov
Rate of fire: 600–700 rounds/min
Muzzle velocity: Approx. 320 m/s (1,050 ft/s)
Effective range: 100 meters
Feed system: 30-round detachable box magazine
Sight: Rear notch, post front sight

Filed Under: Light Assault weapons Tagged With: PP-90, PP-90 Russian 9 mm Folding Submachine Gun

FN SCAR

May 4, 2013 By Leave a Comment

The Special Operations Forces Combat Assault Rifle (SCAR) is a modular rifle made by FN Herstal (FNH) for the United States Special Operations Command (SOCOM) to meet the requirements of the SCAR competition. This family of rifles consists of two main types. The SCAR-L, for “light”, is chambered in the 5.56×45mm NATO cartridge and the SCAR-H, for “heavy”, fires 7.62×51mm NATO. Both are available in Long Barrel and Close Quarters Combat variants.

The FN SCAR systems finished low rate initial production testing in June 2007. After some delays, the first rifles began being issued to operational units in April 2009, and a battalion of the US 75th Ranger Regiment was the first large unit deployed into combat with 600 of the rifles in 2009.The US Special Operations Command has at present cancelled their acquisition of the Mk 16 SCAR-L and are setting up to remove the rifle from their inventory by 2013. However, they intend to purchase 5.56 mm conversion kits for the Mk 17, displacing the loss of the Mk 16. The SCAR is now one of the competing weapons in the Individual Carbine competition which aims to find a substitute for the M4 Carbine.

The Mk 16 Mod 0 was intended to replace the M4A1, the Mk 18 CQBR and the Mk 12 SPR currently in SOCOM service; before SOCOM decided to cancel the order for the Mk 16 Mod 0. The Mk 17 Mod 0 will replace the M14 and Mk 11 sniper rifles. However the weapons will only appendage other weapons while issuing remains at the operator’s decision.

The Mk 20 Sniper Support Rifle is based on the 7.62mm Mk 17 rifle. It includes a longer receiver, a beefed up barrel extension and barrel profile to reduce whip and improve accuracy, and an enhanced modular trigger that can be configured for single-stage or two-stage operation together with a non folding precision stock.

The SCAR features an essential, uninterrupted Picatinny rail on the top of the aluminum receiver, two removable side rails and a bottom one that can mount any MIL-STD-1913 compliant accessories. It has a polymer lower receiver with an M16 compatible pistol grip, flared magazine well and raised area around magazine and bolt release buttons. The front sight flips down for unobstructed use of optics and accessories. The rifle uses a ‘tappet’ type of closed gas system much like the M1 Carbine while the bolt carrier otherwise resembles the Stoner 63 or Heckler & Koch G36.

The SCAR is built at the FN Manufacturing LLC, plant in Columbia, South Carolina, United States. Fabrique Nationale introduced a semi-automatic version of the SCAR modular rifle system, the 16S (Light) and 17S (Heavy), at the end of 2008. This version of the SCAR is designed for the law enforcement and commercial markets, and is manufactured in Herstal, Belgium and imported by FNH USA, Fredricksburg, Virginia, United States. FNH USA slightly modifies the rifle (supplying a U.S. made magazine and machining a pin in the magazine well) to be in compliance with U.S. Code before selling them.

The SCAR was selected in 2004 out of the Special Operations Forces (SOF) Combat Assault Rifle Program. The MK 16, MK 17, and MK 13 were officially designated as operationally effective (OE), operationally suitable (OS), and sustainable as a result of a 5-week Field User Assessment conducted by operational SOCOM forces in late 2008. These SCAR variants began fielding in April 2009. On 4 May 2010, a press release on FNH USA’s official website announced the SCAR Acquisition Decision Memorandum was finalized on 14 April 2010, moving the SCAR program to the Milestone C phase. This was an approval for the entire weapons family of the Mk 16 SCAR Light, Mk 17 SCAR Heavy, and the Enhanced Grenade Launcher Module. In late October 2010 SOCOM approved full-rate production of the Mk 20 sniper variant of the SCAR, with fielding beginning in mid-May 2011.

Specifications

Variants: SCAR-L (Mk 16 Mod 0); SCAR-H (Mk 17 Mod 0); SSR (Mk20)
Weight: 3.04 kg (6.7 lb) (SCAR-L Short); 3.29 kg (7.3 lb) (SCAR-L Standard); 3.49 kg (7.7 lb) (SCAR-L Long); 3.49 kg (7.7 lb) (SCAR-H Short); 3.58 kg (7.9 lb) (SCAR-H Standard); 3.72 kg (8.2 lb) (SCAR-H Long); 2.5 kg (5.5 lb) (SCAR PDW); 4.85 kg (10.7 lb) (Mk 20 SSR)
Length: 787 mm (31.0 in) stock extended, 533 mm (21.0 in) stock folded (SCAR-L CQC)
889 mm (35.0 in) stock extended, 635 mm (25.0 in) stock folded (SCAR-L Standard)
990 mm (39 in) stock extended, 736 mm (29.0 in) stock folded (SCAR-L Long)
889 mm (35.0 in) stock extended, 635 mm (25.0 in) stock folded (SCAR-H CQC)
965 mm (38.0 in) stock extended, 711 mm (28.0 in) stock folded (SCAR-H Standard)
1,067 mm (42.0 in) stock extended, 813 mm (32.0 in) stock folded (SCAR-H Long)
632 mm (24.9 in) stock extended, 521 mm (20.5 in) stock collapsed (SCAR PDW)
1,080 mm (43 in) stock extended, 1,029 mm (40.5 in) stock collapsed (Mk 20 SSR)
Barrel length: 254 mm (10.0 in) (SCAR-L Short)
355 mm (14.0 in) (SCAR-L Standard)
457 mm (18.0 in) (SCAR-L Long)
330 mm (13 in) (SCAR-H Short)
400 mm (16 in) (SCAR-H Standard)
500 mm (20 in) (SCAR-H Long)
171.45 mm (6.750 in) (SCAR PDW)
508 mm (20.0 in) (Mk 20 SSR)
Cartridge: 5.56×45mm NATO (SCAR-L); 7.62×51mm NATO (SCAR-H)
Rate of fire: 625 rounds/min
Sights: Iron or various optics

Filed Under: Light Assault weapons Tagged With: Combat Assault Rifle, FN SCAR, FN SCAR RIFLE
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