Ford's Police Interceptor Sedan and Utility customers will now have the option of armor-piercing bullet protection for even greater levels of officer safety. These are the first police vehicles available from the factory with panels that can guard against armor-piercing .30 caliber rifle rounds.
The armor panels are inside the front doors and don't change the vehicle's exterior appearance. They use a similar combination of a ceramic plate and aramid fabric as Ford's currently optional door protection, which can handle handgun rounds and non-armor piercing bullets up to .30 caliber. For this stronger application, the Blue Oval changes some things like using a tighter weave for the fabric. The plates add more than 80 pounds to each door.
Ford will open orders for the armor-piercing bullet protection on March 15. He estimates the price "in the $1,000 range" but said costs can vary depending on the size of a police force's order. The Blue Oval also offers its current armored door panels as a retrofit option for the vehicles too.
The Department of the Navy’s Office of Naval Research directed in tandem with researchers from the Georgia Tech Research Institute of the Georgia Institute of Technology 30 aircraft flight of UAVs.
The ONR’s also under their Low-Cost Unmanned aerial vehicle Swarming Technology (LOCUST) program envisions a tube based launcher that could deploy with Marines ashore or from the decks of Navy ships and operate in masses that could conceivably reach hundreds, overwhelming an enemy.
This video shows a swarm test launching where they rip off 9 drones in 9 seconds.
The USN demonstrated a coordinated flight of 50 drones out of Monterrey, CA. The low cost Unmanned aerial vehicle Swarming Technology (LOCUST) is a prototype tube-launched UAV. The LOCUST program will make possible the launch of multiple swarming UAVs to autonomously overwhelm an adversary.
Check out a tour of the V-22 Osprey Tour at The Navy League’s Sea-Air-Space Expo 2016.
The Bell Boeing V-22 Osprey is an American multi-mission, tiltrotor military aircraft with both vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL), and short takeoff and landing (STOL) capabilities. It is designed to combine the functionality of a conventional helicopter with the long-range, high-speed cruise performance of a turboprop aircraft.
The V-22 originated from the United States Department of Defense Joint-service Vertical take-off/landing Experimental (JVX) aircraft program started in 1981. The team of Bell Helicopter and Boeing Helicopters was awarded a development contract in 1983 for the tiltrotor aircraft. The Bell Boeing team jointly produce the aircraft. The V-22 first flew in 1989, and began flight testing and design alterations; the complexity and difficulties of being the first tiltrotor intended for military service in the world led to many years of development.
The United States Marine Corps began crew training for the Osprey in 2000, and fielded it in 2007; it supplemented and then replaced their Boeing Vertol CH-46 Sea Knights. The Osprey's other operator, the U.S. Air Force, fielded their version of the tiltrotor in 2009. Since entering service with the U.S. Marine Corps and Air Force, the Osprey has been deployed in transportation and medivac operations over Iraq, Afghanistan, Libya and Kuwait.
The TAPV is a 4x4 wheeled armoured vehicle specifically engineered and designed to provide survivability, mobility and versatility over the full spectrum of operations. The comprehensive, modern design is aimed at shielding troops from ballistics and roadside blasts while providing large power reserves for future electronics enhancements, with an ergonomically designed interior for optimum comfort and payload. Notably, the Canadian Army states that the TAPV exceeds its requirements for protection levels, thereby offering an additional degree of confidence for soldiers in operational situations.
The Sukhoi Su-30MKI[a] (NATO reporting name: Flanker-H) is a twinjet multirole air superiority fighter developed by Russia's Sukhoi and built under licence by India's Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for the Indian Air Force (IAF). A variant of the Sukhoi Su-30, it is a heavy, all-weather, long-range fighter.
Development of the variant started after India signed a deal with Russia in 2000 to manufacture 140 Su-30 fighter jets. The first Russian-made Su-30MKI variant was accepted into the Indian Air Force in 2002,[ while the first indigenously assembled Su-30MKI entered service with the IAF in 2004. Additional MKIs have been ordered to increase the total to 272 to 314. The IAF had 242 Su-30MKIs in service as of August 2016. The Su-30MKI is expected to form the backbone of the Indian Air Force's fighter fleet to 2020 and beyond.
The aircraft is tailor-made for Indian specifications and integrates Indian systems and avionics as well as French and Israeli sub-systems. It has abilities similar to the Sukhoi Su-35 with which it shares many features and components
Full Overview at the Navy League’s Sea-Air-Space U.S. Army and Marine Corps gear that Marines take into battle, as well as the innovative future Wearable Technology and Robotics. The Army and Marines are working together to save batteries and power with all their new gadgets on the battlefield with what the Naval Surface Warfare Center is developing and some of the robots that the Marine Corps has been working on.
At the Navy League’s Sea-Air-Space Expo, Boeing has brought its F-18 Simulator to the show to allow the public, military personnel, and decision makers feel what it's like to be in the cockpit. Training immersion inside the cockpit of an F-18 can also be achieved with Bohemia's virtual reality simulator.
Check out the USV E.M.I.L.Y., the Emergency Integrated Lifesaving Lanyard, at the Navy League’s Sea-Air-Space Expo, and how this remote-controlled life raft is saving lives.
This 4-ft long remote controlled buoy can cruise through rip-currents and swift water at speeds up to 22 mph to reach distressed swimmers faster than human lifeguards.
E.M.I.L.Y helps ensure the safety of rescue personnel and visitors of beach, river, or lake areas. EMILY also has mission applications for supporting swift water rescue teams in flash flood incidents.
In the maritime environment, EMILY is a valuable device for safety on cruise ships, commercial shipping, oil rig operations, and in pier or dock locations.
The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, or DARPA, is a Defense Department agency responsible for developing emerging technologies for the military. From new prosthetics to new materials, DARPA is on it.
For more than fifty years, DARPA has held to a singular and enduring mission: to make pivotal investments in breakthrough technologies for national security.
The genesis of that mission and of DARPA itself dates to the launch of Sputnik in 1957, and a commitment by the United States that, from that time forward, it would be the initiator and not the victim of strategic technological surprises. Working with innovators inside and outside of government, DARPA has repeatedly delivered on that mission, transforming revolutionary concepts and even seeming impossibilities into practical capabilities. The ultimate results have included not only game-changing military capabilities such as precision weapons and stealth technology, but also such icons of modern civilian society such as the Internet, automated voice recognition and language translation, and Global Positioning System receivers small enough to embed in myriad consumer devices.
DARPA explicitly reaches for transformational change instead of incremental advances. But it does not perform its engineering alchemy in isolation. It works within an innovation ecosystem that includes academic, corporate and governmental partners, with a constant focus on the Nation’s military Services, which work with DARPA to create new strategic opportunities and novel tactical options. For decades, this vibrant, interlocking ecosystem of diverse collaborators has proven to be a nurturing environment for the intense creativity that DARPA is designed to cultivate.
DARPA comprises approximately 220 government employees in six technical offices, including nearly 100 program managers, who together oversee about 250 research and development programs.
DARPA goes to great lengths to identify, recruit and support excellent program managers—extraordinary individuals who are at the top of their fields and are hungry for the opportunity to push the limits of their disciplines. These leaders, who are at the very heart of DARPA’s history of success, come from academia, industry and government agencies for limited stints, generally three to five years. That deadline fuels the signature DARPA urgency to achieve success in less time than might be considered reasonable in a conventional setting.
Program managers address challenges broadly, spanning the spectrum from deep science to systems to capabilities, but ultimately they are driven by the desire to make a difference. They define their programs, set milestones, meet with their performers and assiduously track progress. But they are also constantly probing for the next big thing in their fields, communicating with leaders in the scientific and engineering community to identify new challenges and potential solutions.
Program managers report to DARPA’s office directors and their deputies, who are responsible for charting their offices’ technical directions, hiring program managers and overseeing program execution. The technical staff is also supported by experts in security, legal and contracting issues, finance, human resources and communications. These are the people who make it possible for program managers to achieve big things during their relatively short tenures.
At the Agency level, the DARPA Director and Deputy Director approve each new program and review ongoing programs, while setting Agency-wide priorities and ensuring a balanced investment portfolio.
DARPA benefits greatly from special statutory hiring authorities and alternative contracting vehicles that allow the Agency to take quick advantage of opportunities to advance its mission. These legislated capabilities have helped DARPA continue to execute its mission effectively.
SM-3® is a defensive weapon used by the U.S. Navy to destroy short- to intermediate-range ballistic missile threats. This "hit-to-kill" missile interceptor uses an exoatmospheric "kill vehicle," to collide with targets in space, a capability that's been likened to hitting a bullet with a bullet. The massive collision of the kill vehicle hitting its target obliterates the threat completely; explosives are not necessary. The resulting impact is the equivalent of a 10-ton truck traveling at 600 mph.
The Israeli Navy demonstrates the Iron Dome over water. The Tamir Adir Missile Defense System officially broke the land barrier with a successful interception on the high seas.
The system can be installed aboard navy vessels and is intended to protect Israeli economic assets at sea, including gas rigs.
The test was conducted a few weeks ago from aboard the INS Lahav naval vessel, with a number of test rockets fired from onshore and successfully intercepted by the Tamir interceptor, which works in tandem with Adir radar systems.
The Tamir is capable of intercepting short range ballistic rockets from a moving vessel.
The system is expected to become fully operational shortly with the recent test considered a major step forward.
During the 2014 war between Israel and Hamas in Gaza, Israel deployed its Iron Dome system on land to shoot down rockets fired across the border.
A similar system has been in development for several years and was revealed to the public by the army showing a rocket launcher installed on a ship firing at targets in the sky and later intercepting a missile.
Israel has a number of assets at sea, including a major offshore gas rig around 16 nautical miles from Gaza.
Hamas has previously targeted the installation unsuccessfully.
Any damage to the rig could be potentially hugely damaging to the Israeli economy, since it provides large amounts of the country’s energy needs.
Last month the US Army successfully tested an Israeli-made interceptor air defense missile, used by Iron Dome batteries, to bring down a target drone as part of an exercise.
It was the first successful trial of an interceptor air defense missile made by Israeli defense company Rafael and it was carried out in cooperation with major US defense contractor Raytheon.
The Iron Dome system was jointly developed and funded with the United States.
Check out how the LOCUST UAV is deployed from tube launchers, and begins to swarm.
The Office of Naval Research (ONR) has revealed that it has been conducting demonstrations of swarming unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) at various locations. The demonstrations were part of the Low-Cost UAV Swarming Technology (LOCUST) program, which is developing quick launching UAV swarm technology to overwhelm adversaries.
Unsurprisingly, the military has also recognized the potential of drone swarms and ONR's LOCUST drones are designed to share information between each other once in the air to allow them to collaborate autonomously on defensive or offensive missions.
As well as taking people out of harm's way, the technology is anticipated to free personnel up to perform more complex tasks and allow fewer people to carry out more missions. They are also expected to significantly lower costs, with ONR pointing out that even hundreds of small autonomous UAVs cost much less than a single tactical aircraft.
The LOCUST system consists of a tube-based launcher that is able to get multiple drones airborne in quick succession. ONR says the small size of the launcher and the drones themselves means the system can be used to launch UAVs from ships, tactical vehicles, aircraft, or even larger unmanned platforms.
The Scorpion RS2 by Howe and Howe Technologies and ARDEC represents the next evolution of ground combat. Robotic Weapon Station Scorpion RS2 .50cal Crows, as one of the first effective mid-sized UGVs to be developed, the RS2 Scorpion allows the war fighter safe accurate stand off and effectiveness while still engaging the enemy with lethal and/or "less-than-lethal" force. A robotic weapon station for ground combat that lets you engage the enemy with lethal or less-than-lethal force in a safer fashion. It is accurate and runs 24 hours. Its low center of gravity offers better stability.
Drones are not just in the skies, but underwater too. Check out the REMUS 600 AUV, and see how it protects the U.S. fleet at the Navy League’s Sea-Air-Space Expo.
The REMUS 600 AUV / marine robot was designed through funding from the Office of Naval Research to support the Navy's growing need for operations requiring extended endurance, increased payload capacity, and greater operating depth. The REMUS 600 AUV boasts the same proven software and electronic subsystems found in our highly successful REMUS 100 AUV, with a depth rating and increased capabilities that take autonomous operations to the next level.
The REMUS 600 has been designed to operate to depths of 600 meters, allowing for greatly increased operational scope. The highly versatile system can also be configured for 1500 meter operations.
The REMUS 600 delivers unprecedented endurance, with mission duration capability of up to 24 hours. Upon mission completion, simply recharge the internal battery, or swap out the battery section. (Endurance is subject to speed and sensor configuration).
The REMUS 600 has been designed with modularity in mind. The vehicle can be easily reconfigured for a wide variety of customer configured payloads. The vehicle is comprised of a series of hull sections that are quickly separated for vehicle reconfiguration, maintenance, and/or shipping.
The REMUS 600 has been designed to be an autonomous workhorse. Its increased size and energy capacity enable it to carry large, power-hungry payloads to meet your increasing mission demands.
The REMUS 600 incorporates the same proven Vehicle Interface Program (VIP) used in the complete family of REMUS vehicles. The highly refined VIP makes vehicle maintenance, checkout, mission planning, and data analysis fast and easy. Windows operation, quick look indicators, quality control checks, and a sophisticated data export capability all add to the user friendly nature of this software package.
The REMUS 600 is based on the same leading edge technology that has brought the REMUS 100 to the forefront of autonomous operations.
Insider info on some of the biggest stories at the Sea-Air-Space Expo 2016 in Washington DC. The Navy League’s Sea-Air-Space Exposition brings the U.S. defense industrial base, private-sector U.S. companies and key military decision makers together for an annual innovative, educational, professional and maritime based event.
Sea-Air-Space is now the largest maritime exposition in the U.S. and continues as an invaluable extension of the Navy League’s mission of maritime policy education and sea service support. The Sea-Air-Space Exposition will continue to support the mission of the Navy League and lead the way as “THE” Exposition to attend each year to display the most current information and technology relevant to maritime policy.
The M1A2 SEP V2 is an improvement of the M1A2 SEP main battle tank. Upgrades include improved survivability, automotive power pack, computer systems, and night vision capabilities. As the second version in the M1A2 SEP, the V2 variant provides the Army with a digital tank with a new electronic backbone, powerful new computers and an open architecture designed to accept future technologies without the need for significant redesign. The variant fully exploits the intent of the SEP to maximize the tank’s effectiveness on today’s battlefields while preparing for the challenges of tomorrow. The M1A2 SEP V2 has improved microprocessors, color flat panel displays, improved memory capacity, better Soldiermachine interface, and a new open operating system designed to run the Common Operating Environment (COE) software. In February 2015, it was announced that General Dynamics Land Systems in Sterling Heights, Mich., will build six M1A2 Abrams System Enhanced Package (SEP) Version 2 (V2) main battle tanks with digital vetronics under terms of a $49.8 million U.S. Army contract modification. Officials of the Army Contracting Command in Warren, Mich., awarded the contract on behalf of the Army TACOM Life Cycle Management Command (LCMC) in Warren, Mich. The M1A2 SEP V2 is considered to be one of the most technologically advanced and most survivable digital main battle tank available worldwide.
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Austal shows off the Independence Class Littoral Combat Ships in this promo.
The Independence class is a class of littoral combat ships built for the United States Navy.
The hull design evolved from a project at Austal to design a 40 knot cruise ship. That hull design evolved into the high-speed trimaran ferry HSC Benchijigua Express and the Independence class was then proposed by General Dynamics and Austal as a contender for Navy plans to build a fleet of small, multipurpose warships to operate in the littoral zone. Two ships were approved, to compete with Lockheed Martin's Freedom-class design.
As of late 2015, the lead ship and two additional ships, Coronado and Jackson, have been commissioned. Despite initial plans to only accept one of the Independence and Freedom classes, in 2010 the Navy announced plans to order up to ten additional ships of each class, for a total 12 ships per class. Starting in 2019, ships of this class will be designated as fast frigates (FF) which will include increased firepower and heavier armor.
On March 31, 2016, Austal announced that construction of one additional Littoral Combat Ship was awarded to Austal by the U.S. Navy. Funding for LCS-26, the thirteenth Independence-class vessel to be built, has been confirmed by the Navy as not to exceed the congressional cost cap of $564 million.
This Austal built and designed Independence-class LCS combines superior seakeeping, endurance, and speed with the volume and payload capacity needed to support emerging missions enabling rapid response to ever-evolving missions, technologies and future threats.
Six Littoral Combat Ships along with four Expeditionary Fast Transports (EPF) – previously known as Joint High Speed Vessels (JHSV) - are currently under construction in Austal’s Mobile, Alabama facility. Austal has delivered three LCS and five EPF to the US Navy to date. The US Navy took delivery of the future USS Jackson (LCS 6) in late July and she will sail away from Mobile in the coming weeks on her way to the Port of Gulfport, Mississippi to be commissioned. The future USS Montgomery (LCS 8) is preparing for acceptance sea trials in early 2016.
Austal is a global defense prime contractor and a designer and manufacturer of defense and commercial ships. For more than 27 years Austal has been a leader in the design, construction and maintenance of revolutionary ships for governments, navies and ferry operators around the world. More than 255 vessels have been delivered in that time.
Defense vessels designed and built by Austal include combatants, such as the Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) and military high speed vessels for transport and humanitarian relief, such as the Expeditionary Fast Transport (EPF) (previously known as the Joint High Speed Vessel or JHSV) for the U.S. Navy and High Speed Support Vessel (HSSV) for the Royal Navy of Oman. Austal also designs, constructs, integrates and maintains an extensive range of patrol and auxiliary vessels for government agencies globally, including the Cape Class Patrol Boat Program for Australian Customs and Border Protection. Defense vessels are designed and constructed in Mobile, Alabama and in Henderson, Western Australia.
Austal has been at the forefront of the high-speed ferry market since the early days of the industry. Our market-leading designs of high performance aluminum vessels have long been at the heart of Austal’s research and development. Today, commercial ship construction is centered on our shipyard in Balamban, Philippines. Austal has expertise in integrating complex systems into its ships, including ride control, ship management, and communication, sensors and weapon systems. Austal provides a wide range of support services, including through life support, integrated logistics support, vessel sustainment and systems support. These services are delivered through our global support network in the USA, Australia, Asia and the Middle East together with partner shipyards worldwide.
Seven platoons from 6 NATO nations (Denmark, Germany, Italy, Poland, Slovenia and the United States) are participating in the Strong Europe Tank Challenge at Grafenwoehr Training Area, Germany May 10-13, 2016.
U.S. Army Europe and the German Bundeswehr co-hosted the Strong Europe Tank Challenge and the awards ceremony was scheduled for May 13.
Six NATO nations took part in the Strong Europe Tank Challenge -- each sending a tank platoon to vie for first place.
Each team was tested on offensive and defensive operations as well as tasks including vehicle identification, battle damage assessment, mounted orienteering and more.
The Strong Europe Tank Challenge fosters military partnership while promoting NATO interoperability.
Gripen is a new generation of multi-role fighter aircraft featuring state-of-the-art technology. It is capable of performing an extensive range of air-to-air, air-to-surface and reconnaissance missions employing the most modern range of weapons. Gripen is designed to meet the demands of current and future threats, while at the same time meeting strict requirements for flight safety, reliability, training efficiency and low operating costs.
Designed to ensure outstanding combat agility. Gripen features a delta-canard configuration with relaxed aerodynamic stability. The delta wing and canards, along with the digital Fly-By-Wire Flight Control System, give the fighter an optimum combination of manoeuvrability, acceleration, top speed and short-field performance.
NETCENTRIC WARFARE
Gripen has highly developed netcentric warfare capabilities. The objective is to find and exploit information. With this definition every Gripen unit is net centric, considering the high-end sensor suite and strong focus on data links for sharing information within the Gripen Tactical unit. Gripen already has Link 16 which is used for battle space control in large NATO-led operations, as well as digital CAS and video link for cooperation with Forward Air Controllers on the ground.
COMBAT PERFORMANCE
Gripen is a true multirole fighter, designed as such from the very beginning. This means it can perform missions in all the three roles: air-to-air, air-to-surface and reconnaissance. It can change role while airborne, and it can even act in multiple roles simultaneously. This simultaneous capability is likely to grow over time, as the Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar and other systems are further developed.
LOW LIFE CYCLE COST
Gripen has stable, affordable acquisition and low life cycle costs. This gives air forces a reliable basis on which to budget for operations and fleet sustainment over the long term. Gripen’s inherent reliability and low maintenance footprint boosts force levels and operational effectiveness.
Saab Unveils The First Gripen E
Defence and security company Saab will take the next step in the evolution of the Gripen fighter system on 18 May, with the unveiling of the first test aircraft of the next generation, Gripen E.
British soldiers from 35 Engineer Regiment blast their way through a mock village deep inside the Sennelager Training Centre known as "Tin City."
The Soldiers from 35 Engineer Regiment, based at Paderborn in Germany, will be joining a new NATO formation.
The Very High Readiness Joint Task Force (VJTF) was created in the wake of Russia's annexation of Crimea and Moscow's suspected involvement in the Ukraine conflict.
Throughout next year, Britain will lead the multi-national force and contribute 3,000 troops.
And the nine-day exercise in Germany is only the start of 35 Engineer Regiment's VJTF preparations.
Their next stop is BATUS, the British Army Training Unit Suffield in Canada.
The Leopard 2A6 has a hunter-killer capability. Many other contemporary tanks lack this capability.
Secondary armament consists of two 7.62-mm machine guns. One of them is coaxially mounted with the main gun, while the other one is positioned on top of the roof.
Vehicle has a crew of four, including commander, gunner, loader and driver.
The Leopard 2A 6 retains the engine of its predecessor. This combat vehicle is powered by an MTU MB-837 Ka501 turbocharged diesel, developing 1 500 horsepower. Cross-country performance is similar to that of the 2A5. Vehicle is fitted with an auxiliary power unit, which powers all systems, when the main engine is turned off. The Leopard 2A6 can be fitted with a deep wading kit.
The Italian C1 Ariete Main Battle Tank is one of, if not the least well known NATO member MBT’s, a title it far from deserves considering the fact it was deployed in Iraq in 2004. The Ariete was developed as a replacement of the Italian Armies old Leopard 1 & M60 fleet and to equip it with a single tank to reduce operational costs. In 1984 the two Italian companies IVECO FIAT & Oto Melara, formed a new company called IVECO FIAT Oto Melara Syndicated Company too develop a range of new vehicles including a new MBT, the Ariete. Deliveries to the army started in 1995 and by August 2002 the final of the 200 ordered tanks had been delivered at a rough cost of $4850000 per tank.
The 7th Army JMTC is a unified command consisting of seven directorates: Combined Arms Training Center, Grafenwoehr Training Area, International Special Training Centre, Joint Multinational Readiness Center, Joint Multinational Simulation Center, 7th Army NCO Academy and Training Support Activity Europe.
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Footage of USAF Airmen with the 16th Special Operations Squadron and from the 4th and 5th Special Operations Squadron Preparations conducting live-fire training and aerial refueling in an AC-130W Stinger II special operations aircraft over Eglin Range, Florida on May 4, 2016 and in AC-130U Spooky special operations aircraft from Hurlburt Field in Florida during Exercise Emerald Warrior 16 respectively.
The AC-130W Stinger II primary missions are close air support and air interdiction. Close air support missions include troops in contact, convoy escort and point air defense. Air interdiction missions are conducted against preplanned targets or targets of opportunity and include strike coordination and reconnaissance.
The aircraft is a highly modified C-130H featuring improved navigation, threat detection, countermeasures, and communication suites. All AC-130W aircraft are modified with a precision strike package to perform the gunship mission.
Modifications to the AC-130W include a mission management console, communications suite, two electro-optical/infrared sensors, fire control equipment, precision guided munitions delivery capability; and one side-firing, trainable 30mm gun with tracer-less ammunition and associated munitions storage system. The mission management system will fuse sensor, communication, environment, order of battle and threat information into a common operating picture. The AC-130W Stinger II Precision Strike Package modification provides ground forces an expeditionary, persistent direct fires platform that delivers precision low-yield munitions, ideally suited for close air support and urban operations.
Lessons learned from overseas contingency operations have modified the near-term needs of U.S. Special Operations Command and Special Operations Forces fire support requirements. In July 2007, the USSOCOM Commander declared the need to grow the gunship fleet. The commander's intent was not to replace current AC-130s, but rather to augment existing combat capability.
The AC-130U “Spooky” gunships’ primary missions are close air support, air interdiction and armed reconnaissance. Close air support missions include troops in contact, convoy escort and point air defense. Air interdiction missions are conducted against preplanned targets or targets of opportunity and include strike coordination, reconnaissance, and armed overwatch mission sets.
This heavily armed aircraft incorporate side-firing weapons integrated with sophisticated sensor, navigation, and fire control systems to provide surgical firepower or area saturation during extended loiter periods, at night and in adverse weather. The sensor suite consists of a multispectral television sensors, high definition infrared sensors, and radar. These sensors allow the gunship to visually or electronically identify friendly ground forces and targets anytime, anywhere.
The AC-130U employs synthetic aperture strike radar for long-range and adverse weather target detection and identification. The AC-130's navigational devices include inertial navigation systems and global positioning systems. The AC-130U’s capability to track and engage two targets simultaneously with different levels of ordnance is an invaluable asset to Special Operations Forces on the ground. The Spooky is the third generation of C-130 gunships. All gunships evolved from the first operational gunship, the AC-47, to the AC-119, and then the AC-130A which was the basis for the modern C-130 gunship. The AC-130H “Spectre” gunships were fielded in 1972 and retired in 2015.
The Proxdynamics' Black Hornet is one of the smallest battle tested drones out there. Take a closer look at this remarkable piece of technology at the Navy League’s Sea-Air-Space Expo:
The PD-100 PRS is the first airborne and commercially available Personal Reconnaissance System. It provides end users with a highly mobile sensor system providing an immediate Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance capability.
Black Hornet 2 nano sensors:
The Black Hornet 2 nano sensors are inherently safe and pose virtually no risk to other air vehicles or personnel, allowing the system to be operated almost anywhere at any time without prior airspace coordination. The Black Hornet’s small size and electric motors makes it virtually inaudible and invisible beyond short distances.
Rotor span 120 mm
Mass 18 g including cameras
Maximum speed 5 m/s
Endurance up to 25 minutes
Digital data link beyond 1600 m line-of-sight
GPS navigation or visual navigation through video
Autopilot with autonomous and directed modes
Hover & Stare, preplanned routes
Steerable EO cameras (pan/yaw and tilt)
Live video and snapshot images
Missions:
Search and rescue
Reconnaissance in confined areas
Look behind, between and below obstacles
Birds eye view for situational awareness
Object identification
Proximity surveillance
Crowd control
Inspect nuclear installations
Check chemical plants after incidents and accidents
Benefits:
Transportable – complete system fits inside a pocket
Ready to fly – airborne within one minute
Fly it anywhere – in confined areas and outdoors
Stealth – small and inaudible
Easy to operate – requires little training and no pilot experience
Safe – represents no risks to other aircraft or personell
On April 19, 2016 the USNS Charles Drew (T-AKE-10) of Military Sealift Command conducted a trilateral Replenishment At Sea (RAS), providing fuel and cargo to the guided missile destroyer USS Stockdale (DDG-106), vertical lift of cargo (VERTREP) to the Australian frigate HMAS Anzac (FF-150), and fuel to the Japanese helicopter destroyer JS Ise (DDH-182).
Extremely maneuverable, ultra-fast and elusive, the hypersonic Yu-71 can break through any missile defense system, military experts said. Russia has reportedly carried out four tests already.
Yu-71, a secret missile program codenamed "Project 4202", has probable speed of up to 11,200 kmh (7,000 mph) and is extremely maneuverable, which makes it an incredibly dangerous and a hardly targetable weapon.
Thanks to its speed and unpredictable trajectory, Yu-71 can evade an enemy's missile defense systems.
"This would give Russia the ability to deliver a guaranteed small-scale strike against a target of choice; if coupled with an ability to penetrate missile defenses, Moscow would also retain the option of launching a successful single-missile attack."
The report's authors assume that Russia may put into service up to 24 nuclear-capable Yu-71 aircraft between 2020 and 2025. Moreover, by that time Russia may have developed the Sarmat - a new ICBM that will carry the new hypersonic device.
The report also said that Russia's next generation strategic stealth bomber PAK DA will carry hypersonic cruise missiles.
It doesn't exist officially. It uses highly pressured mercury accelerated by nuclear energy to produce a plasma that creates a field of anti-gravity around the ship. Conventional thrusters located at the tips of the craft allow it to perform all manner of rapid high speed maneuvers along all three axes. Interestingly, the plasma generated also reduces radar signature significantly. So it'll be almost invisible on radar & remain undetected. This literally means that it can go to any country it likes without being detected by air traffic control & air defence systems.
The TR-3A Black Manta is the name of a surveillance aircraft of the United States Air Force, speculated to be developed under a so-called "black project". The only evidence for such an aircraft is based on speculations about several reported sightings of mysterious flying wing aircraft over Antelope Valley, an area of desert in southern California. This stretch of desert draws people interested in potential "black project"-related aircraft, because it is close to several known military research and testing areas, such as Edwards Air Force Base in California, and United States Air Force Plant 42.
A closer look at the helmet display and tracker system used on the V-22 Osprey by the Elbit Systems at Sea-Air-Space conference.
Elbit Systems Helmet Mounted Systems (HMS) for helicopters are designed with open architecture using the same core processor to allow flexibility from utility, to attack or multi-role use. The Nap of the Earth technologies allow for safe flight both in Day and Night operations. The systems are combat-proven and sustain a high field MTBF rate while integrating with both new and mature onboard avionics.
The HMS product line provides cost effective operational value for customer needs, including training and support. Using the standard interfaces allows HMS upgrades with no need to modify the helicopter installment base for night, day, wide-field-of-view, Cueing, MMI, and safe high performance vision systems.
Unique to Elbit Systems is the force behind the solutions – a team of active-duty pilots and highly skilled engineers who create the best solutions that optimize performance, human engineering, safety, reliability and combat operation.
The M1A1/2 Abrams main battle tank is manufactured by General Dynamics Land Systems (GDLS). The first M1 tank was produced in 1978, the M1A1 in 1985 and the M1A2 in 1986.
The first M1 Abrams battle tanks were delivered to the US Army in 1980. In all 3,273 M1 tanks were produced for the US Army, 4,796 M1A1 tanks were built for the US Army, 221 for the US Marines and 880 co-produced with Egypt.
Approximately 77 M1A2 tanks were built for the US Army, 315 for Saudi Arabia and 218 for Kuwait.
For the M1A2 upgrade programme, more than 600 M1 Abrams tanks were upgraded to M1A2 configuration at the Lima Army tank plant between 1996 and 2001. Deliveries began in 1998.
Interview of Ross Lindman, senior vice president for operations with the USG, at the Navy League’s Sea-Air-Space Expo about the Battelle Proteus "duel mode" submarine from Undersea Solutions group. The Proteus is a submersible undersea vehicle created by what is now HII's Undersea Solution Group (USG), Battelle and Bluefin Robotics. The craft came under HII's purview in late January with the purchase of the Columbia Group's Engineering Solutions Group, an outfit with long experience building swimmer delivery vehicles for the US Navy.
The Proteus is unique, designed to be manually crewed or to function as an autonomous, unmanned underwater vehicle.
The craft was built in 2012 at the Group's facility in Panama City, Florida. Since becoming operational, the Proteus has been evaluated by a number of Navy entities, including the Naval Research Laboratory, the Naval Surface Warfare Center in Panama City, the Naval Special Warfare Command in Coronado, California, and the Space and Warfare Systems Command.
The Proteus is not a submarine, in the sense that it does not provide a dry environment. As a "wet sub," the interior remains flooded at all times, although divers can hook into onboard air flasks. An air module can support a team of six divers up to eight hours.
Two divers can fit in the forward end of the vehicle, while directly behind them is a payload bay that opens at the bottom to raise and lower equipment. The craft's lifting mechanism can hoist and lower loads up to 3,600 pounds. Such operations can be carried out in manned modes or as an unmanned vehicle.
Battelle handled development of the craft's navigational and software systems, while software was developed by Battelle subsidiary Bluefin Robotics.
The software was developed originally for the Knifefish, an autonomous underwater vehicle developed as a mine hunter for the US Navy. The Proteus also uses the same lithium polymer batteries that power the Knifefish.
Since entering service, the Proteus has run more than 100 test missions and logged more than 400 hours underwater.
The Proteus is just under 26 feet long, with a diameter of about 5 feet 4 inches, and can be transported in a standard, 40-foot container. Two 20-foot containers are used to carry support gear. The vessel has been transported by air and by road.
The craft has a top speed of nine and a half knots submerged and cruises at eight knots. In unmanned mode, the Proteus can maintain four knots for increased range.
The estimated price for the craft is between $10 million and $12 million.
A-10 Thunderbolt II and F-16 Fighting Falcon fighter aircrafts perform an Elephant Walk on the runway during Exercise Beverly Herd 16-01 at Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea. The Elephant Walk was a demonstration of United States Air Force capabilities and strength.
The Fairchild Republic A-10 Thunderbolt II is a single seat, twin-engine, straight wing jet aircraft developed by Fairchild-Republic for the United States Air Force. Its official name comes from the Republic P-47 Thunderbolt, a fighter particularly effective at close air support. The A-10 is more commonly known by its nicknames "Warthog" or "Hog". The A-10 was designed for close-in support of ground troops, close air support, providing quick-action support for troops against helicopters, vehicles, and ground troops. It entered service in 1976 and is the only production-built aircraft that has served in the USAF that was designed solely for CAS. Its secondary mission is to provide forward air controller - airborne (FAC-A) support, by directing other aircraft in attacks on ground targets. Aircraft used primarily in this role are designated OA-10.
The A-10 was intended to improve on the performance of the A-1 Skyraider and its poor firepower. The A-10 was designed around the 30 mm GAU-8 Avenger rotary cannon that is its primary armament. Its airframe was designed for durability, with measures such as 1,200 pounds (540 kg) of titanium armor to protect the cockpit and aircraft systems, enabling it to absorb a significant amount of damage and continue flying. Its short takeoff and landing capability permits operation from airstrips close to the front lines, and its simple design enables maintenance with minimal facilities. The A-10 served in Operation Desert Shield, and Operation Desert Storm, the American intervention against Iraq's invasion of Kuwait, where the A-10 distinguished itself. The A-10 also participated in other conflicts such as Operation Urgent Fury in Grenada, the Balkans, Afghanistan, Iraq, and against the Islamic State in the Middle East.
The A-10A single-seat variant was the only version produced, though one pre-production airframe was modified to become the YA-10B twin-seat prototype to test an all-weather night capable version. In 2005, a program was begun to upgrade remaining A-10A aircraft to the A-10C configuration with modern avionics for use of precision weaponry. With a variety of upgrades and wing replacements, the A-10's service life may be extended to 2028.
The General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon is a single-engine multirole fighter aircraft originally developed by General Dynamics (now Lockheed Martin) for the United States Air Force (USAF). Designed as an air superiority day fighter, it evolved into a successful all-weather multirole aircraft. Over 4,500 aircraft have been built since production was approved in 1976. Although no longer being purchased by the U.S. Air Force, improved versions are still being built for export customers. In 1993, General Dynamics sold its aircraft manufacturing business to the Lockheed Corporation, which in turn became part of Lockheed Martin after a 1995 merger with Martin Marietta.
The Fighting Falcon has key features including a frameless bubble canopy for better visibility, side-mounted control stick to ease control while maneuvering, a seat reclined 30 degrees to reduce the effect of g-forces on the pilot, and the first use of a relaxed static stability/fly-by-wire flight control system which helps to make it a nimble aircraft. The F-16 has an internal M61 Vulcan cannon and 11 locations for mounting weapons and other mission equipment. The F-16's official name is "Fighting Falcon", but "Viper" is commonly used by its pilots and crews, due to a perceived resemblance to a viper snake as well as the Battlestar Galactica Colonial Viper starfighter.
In addition to active duty U.S. Air Force, Air Force Reserve Command, and Air National Guard units, the aircraft is also used by the USAF aerial demonstration team, the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds, and as an adversary/aggressor aircraft by the United States Navy. The F-16 has also been procured to serve in the air forces of 25 other nations. As of 2015, it is the second most common currently operational military aircraft in the world.
