Oshkosh Defense is in production of the JLTV, and ready to deliver to the US Army. Take a sneak peak at the vehicle at Modern Day Marine 2016 Expo.
Oshkosh Joint Light Tactical Vehicle – JLTV is based on decades of tactical wheeled vehicle engineering and manufacturing experience, only the Oshkosh® Light Combat Tactical All-Terrain Vehicle (L-ATV) delivers next-generation performance to serve the JLTV mission.
The Oshkosh® TAK-4i™ intelligent independent suspension system is the next generation of the world’s most advanced, combat-proven suspension system TAK-4. TAK-4i provides Warfighters with unprecedented maneuverability and a smoother ride to reduce fatigue after traveling the world’s toughest terrains.
It’s the trusted solution that’s designed, built and backed by 98 years of vehicle production, integration and life cycle know-how to keep ground operations moving.
CAPABILITIES:
• 70% faster off-road speeds than today’s gold standard TWV
• 20 inches (508 mm) of usable wheel travel for improved off-road mobility
• Adaptable suspension can be raised and lowered to meet transportability
requirements using interior controls
• High-performance brake solution to provide exceptional stopping and
grade holding capability
• Unprecedented levels of off-road performance
• Greater versatility and efficiency
• Improved fuel economy in both idle and operational modes
• Power train adapts to different operating conditions
• Optimized engine power-to-weight ratio to provide superior
acceleration, mobility and speed on grade capability
The Northrop Grumman X-47B is a demonstration unmanned combat air vehicle (UCAV) designed for aircraft carrier-based operations. Developed by the American defense technology company Northrop Grumman, the X-47 project began as part of DARPA's J-UCAS program, and subsequently became part of the United States Navy's Unmanned Combat Air System Demonstration (UCAS-D) program. The X-47B is a tailless jet-powered blended-wing-body aircraft capable of semi-autonomous operation and aerial refuelling.
The X-47B first flew in 2011, and as of 2015, its two active demonstrators have undergone extensive flight and operational integration testing, having successfully performed a series of land- and carrier-based demonstrations. In August 2014, the US Navy announced that it had integrated the X-47B into carrier operations alongside manned aircraft,[6] and by May 2015 the aircraft's primary test program was declared complete. Northrop Grumman intends to develop the prototype X-47B into a battlefield-ready aircraft, the Unmanned Carrier-Launched Airborne Surveillance and Strike (UCLASS) system, which will enter service in the 2020s. The X-47B demonstrators themselves were intended to become museum exhibits after the completion of their flight testing, but the Navy later decided to maintain them in flying condition pending further development
More Jets & Helix: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=33AfohKqeWI&list=PLsWKNvuOwNpLZI1UXweNpxJywqvSGgu--
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A quick report from AFA 2016 on the Air Force's naming of the B-21 Stealth Bomber currently in development by Northrop Grumman.
The Northrop Grumman B-21 Raider is a heavy bomber aircraft under development by Northrop Grumman. As part of the Long Range Strike Bomber program (LRS-B), it is to be a long-range strategic bomber for the United States Air Force, intended to be a heavy-payload stealth aircraft capable of carrying thermonuclear weapons. A request for proposal to develop the aircraft was issued in July 2014. The Air Force plans to purchase 80–100 LRS-B aircraft at a cost of $550 million each (2010 dollars). A development contract was awarded to Northrop Grumman in October 2015. A media report states that the bomber could also be used as an intelligence gatherer, battle manager, and interceptor aircraft.
At the 2016 Air Warfare Symposium, the LRS-B was formally designated B-21 signifying the aircraft as the 21st century's first bomber. Secretary of the Air Force Deborah Lee James stated that the B-21 is a fifth-generation global precision attack platform that will give the US networked sensor-shoot capability, thus holding targets at risk. The head of the US Air Force Global Strike Command expects that 100 B-21 bombers is the minimum ordered and envisions some 175-200 bombers in service. Initial operating capability is expected to be reached by 2030.
In March 2016, the USAF announced several tier-one suppliers for the program, including Pratt & Whitney, Spirit AeroSystems, and BAE Systems.
The F-35 program manager Chris Bogdan stated that the commonality of the B-21's engines should reduce the cost of the Pratt & Whitney F135 engine. The B-21 will be designed from the start with an open systems architecture.
In April 2016, it was reported that the U.S. Air Force Global Strike Command (AFGSC) expected the required number to increase to a minimum of 100 B-21s.
In July 2016, the U.S. Air Force stated they would not release the estimated cost for the B-21 contract with Northrop Grumman. The Air Force argued releasing the cost would reveal too much information about the classified project to potential adversaries. The Senate Armed Services Committee also voted to not publicly release the program's cost, restricting the information to congressional defense committees over the objections of a bipartisan group of legislators led by the Committee's Chairman, Senator John McCain of Arizona. Senator McCain's proposed revisions to the National Defense Authorization Act for FY2017 would have reduced authorization for the B-21 program by $302 million "due to a lower than expected contract award value," while requiring "strict...program baseline and cost control thresholds," "quarterly program performance reports," and "disclosure of the engineering and manufacturing development total contract award value..."
On 19 September 2016, the B-21 was formally named "Raider" in honor of the Doolittle Raiders. The last surviving Doolittle Raider, retired Lt. Col. Richard E. Cole, was present at the naming ceremony at the Air Force Association conference.
A quick presentation at Air Force Association 2016 of ThermoSight T75 and Star SAFIRE multi camera and sensor platform from FLIR. The ThermoSight T75 has become pretty popular with Special Operators, while FLIR Star SAFIRE is so light it can be mounted onto a helicopter or UAV.
ThermoSight T70 / T75 Features:
Long-wave thermal imaging sensor
In-line design
Ergonomic user-interfaces
Easy to use quick detach locking throw lever
Dual control modes
Adjustable field-of-view
Rugged, small, and lightweight
No special batteries required
Bellows eye cup
It’s all FLIR inside
ThermoSight T70 / T75 Benefits:
Clip-on to day-sight/RCO or use as stand-alone thermal sight for mission flexibility; works with all combat optics and rapidly adaptable to various weapon platforms
Provides crisp imagery through total darkness, fog, smoke, dust, and many other obscurants
Low opto-mechanical profile minimizes height above rail allowing installation of other devices (RCOs) and minimizes snag hazards
Allows operators to keep positive control of the weapon’s muzzle while adjusting the sight
Compatible with any 1913 Mil-Std Rail System
Precise target acquisition using mini-joystick placed at operator’s thumb and/or remotely via a control pad allowing operators to adjust and control the sight while keeping hands on rails, grips, triggers, ammo-belts, etc.
SR: Ultra-wide for increased situational awareness and narrow for enhanced target identification
Three zoom capabilities: 1X, 2X, and 0.5X. LR: Native FOV compliments standard RCOs. Three zoom capabilities, 1X, 2X, and 4X, for long range ID and engagement
Minimizes impact on host weapon and reduces operator fatigue. Designed for extreme operating environments and tested to withstand thousands of rounds of rapid fire gun shock
Hot swap standard CR123 batteries, no downtime, never have to turn the unit off, can be swapped while weapon mounted
Ensures covert operation by eliminating illumination of the operator from the viewfinder.
Star SAFIRE 380-HLDc
Long Range Targeting Performance in a Compact System
Introducing the Star SAFIRE 380-HLDc compact, high-definition, multisensor targeting system designed specifically for use on light rotorwing aircraft. The 380-HLDc provides an unmatched "SWaP-T" advantage – Size, Weight and Power plus true Targeting capabilities – in a sensor package tailored to give light attack helicopters the uncompromising Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance and Targeting (ISR&T) performance required to locate, identify, and engage targets at maximum range.
A short Interview and Overview of T-X Trainer from Boeing which was unveiled in St. Louis Missouri.
Boeing T-X is an all-new advanced pilot training system designed specifically for the U.S. Air Force training mission. It includes trainer aircraft, ground based training and support – designed together from the ground up.
The aircraft – the cornerstone of the complete training system – has one engine, twin tails, stadium seating and an advanced cockpit with embedded training. Boeing T-X is a production aircraft; it is not a prototype. We’ve already built two and we’re ready to build more! The system also includes state-of-the-art ground-based training and a maintenance-friendly design for long-term supportability.
Boeing is breaking the norm by investing our own resources to give the Air Force a brand new, flexible design that meets all requirements and can evolve as technologies, missions and training needs change. We’ve also taken advantage of the latest technologies, tools and manufacturing techniques – making Boeing T-X more affordable and flexible than older, existing aircraft.
Boeing T-X is real, ready and the right choice for training future pilots for generations to come.
Russian fully automatic naval close-in weapon system based on a six-barreled 30 mm rotary cannon. In "630", "6" means 6 barrels and "30" means 30 mm. It is mounted in an enclosed automatic turret and directed by radar and television detection and tracking. The AK-630 system to include a second gun mounted above the first, which provides 10,000 rpm in total
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Boeing displays its JSTARS program which is a common platform for the Air Force to replace its aging fleet at Air Force Association 2016 Air Space Cyber Conference.
The Boeing Joint Surveillance Target Attack Radar System (JSTARS) offers benefits above and beyond competitors’ luxury business jet offerings. Built on the most successful platform in aviation history, the Boeing 737, the JSTARS solution utilizes a One Boeing global infrastructure including support, parts, training and sustainment. Other benefits include right Size, Weight, Power and Cooling (SWaP-C), reduced fuel consumption, in-flight refueling, manufacturing efficiencies, and increased aircraft availability rates.
U.S. Marines use M1 Abrams Armored Tank to conduct Large Scale Exercise (LSE) on Marine Air Ground Command Center Twentynine Palms, while soldiers are training to recover an M1117 Armored Security Vehicle, from a small creek bed during a driver's training course for the M1117.
The M1117 Guardian Armored Security Vehicle, or ASV, is an internal security vehicle manufactured by Textron Marine & Land Systems for use by the U.S. Army's Military Police Corps. Its armament consists of an Mk 19 grenade launcher and M2HB Browning machine gun, mounted in a turret similar to that used on the U.S. Marine Corps' Amphibious Assault Vehicle; and a M240H Medium Machine Gun mounted outside the gunner's hatch. The vehicle was utilized by American military police and convoy security units in Iraq and Afghanistan. It is a more heavily protected and heavily armed alternative to the armored Humvee which was not originally designed to be a protected fighting vehicle.
The M1 Abrams is an American third-generation main battle tank. It is named after General Creighton Abrams, former Army chief of staff and commander of United States military forces in the Vietnam War from 1968 to 1972. Highly mobile, designed for modern armored ground warfare, the M1 is well armed and heavily armored. Notable features include the use of a powerful multifuel turbine engine, the adoption of sophisticated composite armor, and separate ammunition storage in a blow-out compartment for crew safety. Weighing nearly 68 short tons (almost 62 metric tons), it is one of the heaviest main battle tanks in service.
The M1 Abrams entered U.S. service in 1980, replacing the M60 tank. It served for over a decade alongside the improved M60A3. The M1 remains the principal main battle tank of the United States Army and Marine Corps, and the armies of Egypt, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Australia and Iraq.
Three main versions of the M1 Abrams have been deployed, the M1, M1A1, and M1A2, incorporating improved armament, protection, and electronics. These improvements and other upgrades to in-service tanks have allowed this long-serving vehicle to remain in front-line service. In addition, development for the improved M1A3 version has been known since 2009.
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A U.S. Navy MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopter launches an AGM-114N Hellfire missile at the decommissioned USS Rentz (FFG-46) during a SINKEX (sinking exercise) during Valiant Shield 2016. The Sea Hawk helicopter is assigned to the "Golden Falcons" of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 12 (HSC-12) and is embarked aboard the aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN-76). Valiant Shield is a biennial field-training exercise in the Philippine Sea
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Full Ship Shock Trials of USS JACKSON (LCS 6) footage compilation that took place on 16th July 2016. The U.S. Navy stated that USS JACKSON (LCS 6) “performed exceptionally well” during her third and final underwater explosion as part of her Full Ship Shock Trials (FSST). This is a significant milestone for the LCS program and Independence variant warship.
During Full Ship Shock Trials (FSST) for the Independence variant USS Jackson's (LCS 6) three tests were scheduled off the coast of Florida for the ship and each was conducted with a 10,000-pound explosive charge.
Last month, the U.S. Navy commenced FSST on USS JACKSON to validate her operational survivability after exposure to underwater shock.
The T-14 Armata (Russian: Т-14 «Армата»; industrial designation "Object 148") is a new Russian main battle tank based on the Armata Universal Combat Platform. It is the first series-produced next generation tank.[10] The Russian army plans to acquire 2,300 T-14s in the period 2015-2020
Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/T-14_Armata
More Tanks & Vehicles: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pbWo4JfraNY&index=2&list=PLsWKNvuOwNpLg-ppr6NniPDPd8n1yidQ8
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Boeing highlighting the new T-X Aircraft: B-roll, Interviews and Official Presentation.
Boeing and its partner Saab AB will use their two production T-X aircraft, revealed Tuesday September 13th, to show the U.S. Air Force the performance, affordability, and maintainability advantages of their approach. Boeing T-X is an all-new aircraft designed specifically for the U.S. Air Force training mission.
Boeing’s design takes advantage of the latest technologies, tools and manufacturing techniques. It is an advanced aircraft designed to evolve as technologies, missions and training needs change.
The design is more affordable and flexible than older, existing aircraft.
“Our T-X is real, ready and the right choice for training pilots for generations to come,” said Boeing Defense, Space & Security President and CEO Leanne Caret.
The Boeing T-X aircraft has one engine, twin tails, stadium seating and an advanced cockpit with embedded training. The system also offers state-of-the-art ground-based training and a maintenance-friendly design for long-term supportability.
T-X will replace the Air Force’s aging T-38 aircraft. Initial operating capability is planned for 2024.
Boeing T-X is an all-new advanced pilot training system designed specifically for the U.S. Air Force training mission. It includes trainer aircraft, ground based training and support – designed together from the ground up.
The aircraft – the cornerstone of the complete training system – has one engine, twin tails, stadium seating and an advanced cockpit with embedded training. Boeing T-X is a production aircraft; it is not a prototype, Boeing has already two built is ready to build more! The system also includes state-of-the-art ground-based training and a maintenance-friendly design for long-term supportability.
Boeing is breaking the norm by investing our own resources to give the Air Force a brand new, flexible design that meets all requirements and can evolve as technologies, missions and training needs change. We’ve also taken advantage of the latest technologies, tools and manufacturing techniques – making Boeing T-X more affordable and flexible than older, existing aircraft.
Boeing T-X is real, ready and the right choice for training future pilots for generations to come.
The Navy's newest and most technologically advanced surface ship, future USS Zumwalt (DDG 1000) departed Bath Iron Works Sept. 7, marking the beginning of a 3-month journey to its new homeport in San Diego.
The Zumwalt-class destroyer is a class of United States Navy guided missile destroyers designed as multi-mission stealth ships with a focus on land attack. The class emerged from the previous DD-21 vessel program, previously known as the "DD(X)". The class is multi-role and designed for surface warfare, anti-aircraft warfare, and naval gunfire support. They take the place of battleships in filling the former congressional mandate for naval fire support, though the requirement was reduced to allow them to fill this role. The vessels' appearance has been compared to that of the historic ironclad warship.
The class has a low radar profile; an integrated power system, which can send electricity to the electric drive motors or weapons, the Total Ship Computing Environment Infrastructure (TSCEI), automated fire-fighting systems, automated piping rupture isolation, and may someday include a railgun or free-electron lasers. The class is designed to require a smaller crew and be less expensive to operate than comparable warships. It has a wave-piercing tumblehome hull form whose sides slope inward above the waterline. This will reduce the radar cross-section, returning much less energy than a conventional flare hull form.
The lead ship is named Zumwalt for Admiral Elmo Zumwalt, and carries the hull number DDG-1000. Originally 32 ships were planned, with the $9.6 billion research and development costs spread across the class, but the quantity was reduced to 24, then to 7, and finally to 3, greatly increasing the cost-per-ship.
East Trainers of the 157th Infantry Brigade (1st Army Division) utilized some of the simulations capabilities at Camp Atterbury Joint Maneuver Training Center for weapons familiarization and squad level exercises.
Camp Atterbury is a United States Army National Guard installation located in Edinburgh, IN, approximately 55 miles south of Indianapolis. Named for Indiana native and World War I veteran Brigadier General William Wallace Atterbury, Camp Atterbury rose from the once-fertile farmland in six months to prepare troops for service in World War II.
Camp Atterbury was discontinued as a Department of the Army installation on December 31, 1968, and the Military Department of Indiana assumed control of the area. From 1969 to the late 1990s, the primary mission of Camp Atterbury was to support to the Indiana National Guard and its various missions, including providing support with conflicts in Vietnam, Desert Shield, and Desert Storm.
In 2003, the Department of Defense called upon Camp Atterbury to help support war efforts in Iraq and Afghanistan as well as numerous peacekeeping and support operations worldwide.
U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon fighter jet Cockpit view of Takeoff and Landing.
The General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon is a single-engine supersonic 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 for 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.
Footage of F-22 Raptors taking off from Langley AFB. The Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor is a fifth-generation, single-seat, twin-engine, all-weather stealth tactical fighter aircraft developed for the United States Air Force (USAF).
The result of the USAF's Advanced Tactical Fighter program, the aircraft was designed primarily as an air superiority fighter, but also has ground attack, electronic warfare, and signals intelligence capabilities. The prime contractor, Lockheed Martin, built most of the F-22's airframe and weapons systems and did its final assembly, while Boeing provided the wings, aft fuselage, avionics integration, and training systems.
The aircraft was variously designated F-22 and F/A-22 before it formally entered service in December 2005 as the F-22A. After a protracted development and despite operational issues, the USAF considers the F-22 critical to its tactical air power, and says that the aircraft is unmatched by any known or projected fighter. The Raptor's combination of stealth, aerodynamic performance, and situational awareness gives the aircraft unprecedented air combat capabilities.
The high cost of the aircraft, a lack of clear air-to-air missions due to delays in Russian and Chinese fighter programs, a ban on exports, and development of the more versatile F-35 led to the end of F-22 production. A final procurement tally of 187 operational production aircraft was established in 2009 and the last F-22 was delivered to the USAF in 2012.
Ordnance crewmembers from the USAF 18th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron load live munitions--missiles and bullets--on F-15 Eagle aircraft at Kadena Air Base on Okinawa Japan - August 22, 2016.
The McDonnell Douglas F-15 Eagle is an American twin-engine, all-weather tactical fighter aircraft designed by McDonnell Douglas (now Boeing) to gain and maintain air supremacy in aerial combat. Following reviews of proposals, the United States Air Force selected McDonnell Douglas' design in 1967 to meet the service's need for a dedicated air superiority fighter. The Eagle first flew in July 1972, and entered service in 1976. It is among the most successful modern fighters, with over 100 victories and no losses in aerial combat, with the majority of the kills scored by the Israel Air Force.
The Eagle has been exported to Israel, Japan, and Saudi Arabia. The F-15 was originally envisioned as a pure air superiority aircraft. Its design included a secondary ground-attack capability that was largely unused. The aircraft design proved flexible enough that an all-weather strike derivative, the F-15E Strike Eagle, was later developed and entered service in 1989. The F-15 Eagle is expected to be in service with the U.S. Air Force past 2025. Newer models are still being produced for foreign users. The F-15 production line is set to end in 2019, 47 years after the type's first flight.
U.S. Air Force aircrew flying MC-130H Combat Talon II from the 15th Special Operations Squadron conduct low-level flight training and mass container drop system (CDS) training during Task Force Exercise Olympus Archer at Wright Patterson Air Force Base, OH on August 21, 2016.
The MC-130H Combat Talon II provides infiltration, exfiltration, and resupply of special operations forces and equipment in hostile or denied territory. Secondary missions include psychological operations and helicopter and vertical lift air refueling.
Features :
The aircraft feature terrain-following and terrain-avoidance radars capable of operations as low as 250 feet in adverse weather conditions. Structural changes to a basic C-130 include the addition of an in-flight refueling receptacle and strengthening of the tail to allow high speed/low-signature airdrop. Their navigation suites include dual ring-laser gyros, mission computers, and integrated global positioning system. They can locate and either land or airdrop on small, unmarked zones with pinpoint accuracy day or night.
An extensive electronic warfare suite enables the aircrew to detect and avoid potential threats. If engaged, the system will protect the aircraft from both radar and infrared-guided threats.
The MC-130H is equipped with aerial refueling pods to provide in-flight refueling of special operations forces and combat search and rescue helicopters and vertical lift assets. The Combat Talon II, designed in the 1980s, features an integrated glass flight deck which improves crew coordination and reduces the crew complement by two.
Background:
The first variant of the MC-130, the MC-130E Combat Talon, first flew in 1966 and saw extensive service in Southeast Asia, including the attempted rescue of Americans held at the Son Tay prisoner-of-war camp in 1970. Also, the MC-130E landed in the Iranian desert in April 1980 in support of Operation Eagle Claw, the attempt to rescue American hostages held by Iran.
Combat Talon IIs first arrived at Hurlburt Field, Fla., June 29, 1992, and after acceptance testing, began official flying operations Oct. 17, 1992. Since then, the MC-130H has played a vital role in AFSOC operations. Some of the aircraft's highlights include the evacuations of non-combatant Americans and other civilians from conflicts in Liberia in 1996. Also, in 1998, a Combat Talon II aircrew was awarded the Mackay Trophy for the involvement in the evacuation of civilians from the Republic of the Congo (1997); and they participated in combat operations in the Balkans during Operation Allied Force.
In 2001, MC-130Hs were employed to seize an airfield in southern Afghanistan delivering U.S. Army Rangers to commence ground operations in Operation Enduring Freedom and later in 2003, the MC-130H was the first US aircraft to land at Bagdad International to initiate missions supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Since Oct 2001, this aircraft has been used extensively in combat and humanitarian operations worldwide – operations Enduring Freedom and Inherent Resolve, Resolute Support, Tomodachi in Japan, Unified Response in Haiti, and Sahayogi Haat in Nepal.
General characteristics:
Primary function: infiltration, exfiltration, and resupply of special operations forces
Contractor: Lockheed
Power plant: four Allison T56-A-15 turboprop engines
Thrust: 4,910 shaft horsepower each engine
Wingspan: 132 feet, 7 inches (40.4 meters)
Length: 99 feet, 9 inches (30.4 meters)
Height: 38 feet, 6 inches (11.7 meters)
Speed: 300 mph
Load: 77 troops, 52 paratroopers or 57 litter patients
Ceiling: 33,000 feet (10,000 meters)
Maximum takeoff weight:155,000 pounds (69,750 kilograms)
Range: 2,700 nautical miles (4,344 kilometers); in-flight refueling extends this to unlimited range
Crew: two pilots, a navigator and electronic warfare officer (officers); flight engineer and two loadmasters (enlisted)
Date deployed: June 1991
Unit cost: $160 million
Inventory: 18
Deck Gun MK-46 30mm during Live-fire exercise of the amphibious transport dock ship USS Green Bay (LPD-20) on August 17, 2016.
The MK 46 GWS is a remotely operated naval gun system that uses a 30mm high velocity cannon, a forward looking infrared sensor, a low light television camera and a laser rangefinder for shipboard self defense against small, high speed surface targets. The gun can be operated locally at the gun turret or remotely at the remote operating console in the Combat Information Center (LPD 17 & DDG 1000 classes)/Mission Control Center (LCS class).
The requirements documents for the DDG 1000, LPD 17 and LCS ship programs included the need for weapons systems capable of defeating small, fast, highly maneuverable surface craft. The MK 46 GWS was selected to provide these ships a capability against small surface craft. The MK 46 GWS is permanently installed aboard LPD 17 class ships. It is part of the Surface Warfare (SuW) mission module for LCS class ships.
The MK 46 Mod 2 GWS incorporates new open architecture, fault isolation software and an embedded trainer. The Navy is installing the MK 46 Mod 2 GWS aboard LPD 17 and DDG 1000 class ships during construction. The Navy designed and developed the SuW mission module for LCS class ships. When equipped, the LCS class ships will have two SuW mission modules (each including one MK 46 Mod 2 GWS).
General Characteristics
Primary Function: Shipboard self defense against small, high-speed surface craft.
Date Deployed: 2005 (Mark 46 Mod 1)
Range: 4,400 yards - max effective range for full caliber ammunition. Effective range can be extended with sub-caliber munitions. Rate of Fire: 200 rounds/minute. Modes of fire: single round, five-round burst, or fully automatic. Gun may be fired locally at the gun mount or remotely from the Combat Information Center.
Magazine Capacity: 400 rounds (dual feed, 200 per side).
Caliber: The MK 46 Mod 2 GWS includes the Mk 44 Mod 2 30mm cannon, a single barrel, open bolt, dual feed, electrically powered, chain driven automatic cannon.
Guidance System: A forward-looking infrared sensor, a low-light television camera, and a laster range finder provides inputs to a closed loop tracking system.
Platforms: MK 46 Mod 2 - LPD 17 class (2 mounts per ship), DDG 1000 class (2 mounts per ship) and LCS class (2 mounts per ship).
Living with their motto "Sparta Lives" the U.S. Army's 4th Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 25th Infantry Division (Spartan Brigade) -is the only U.S. airborne infantry brigade in the Pacific Theater. Here is a training footage of Spartan Brigade filmed on August 22, 2016.
The 4th Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 25th Infantry Division is an airborne infantry brigade combat team of the United States Army. The unit is stationed at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Anchorage, Alaska and is the only airborne brigade combat team in the Pacific Theater. It is also the newest airborne brigade combat team and one of only five in the United States Army; the others are the three brigade combat teams of the 82nd Airborne Division and the 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team.
United States Army Alaska is the brigade's next higher command, not the 25th Infantry Division which is headquartered in Hawaii. The brigade, along with 1st Brigade Combat Team (Stryker), 25th Infantry Division, which is also stationed in Alaska, share in the history of the 25th Infantry Division, but are not subordinate to the division; the chain of command goes direct from United States Army Alaska to United States Army Pacific.
U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons assigned to the 455th Air Expeditionary Wing take off from Bagram Airfield in Afghanistan - footage of August 25, 2016 night and day.
The General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon is a single-engine supersonic 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 for 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.
Members of US Navy SEAL and Marine Corps Forces Special Operations Command (MARSOC) conduct free fall training jumps from Black Hawk helicopters (Stuttgart, Germany on August 19, 2016).
The United States Navy's SEa, Air and Land Teams, commonly known as the Navy SEALs, are the U.S. Navy's primary special operations force and a component of the Naval Special Warfare Command. Among the SEALs' main function is to conduct small-unit maritime military operations that originate from, and return to, a river, ocean, swamp, delta, or coastline. The SEALs are trained to operate in all environments (Sea, Air, and Land) for which they are named.
As of 2016, all active SEALs are currently male and members of the U.S. Navy. The CIA's highly secretive and elite Special Operations Group (SOG) recruits operators from SEAL Teams, with joint operations going back to the MACV-SOG during the Vietnam War. This cooperation still exists today, as evidenced by military operations in Iraq and Afghanistan.
United States Marine Corps Forces Special Operations Command (MARSOC) is a component command of the United States Special Operations Command that comprises the Marine Corps' contribution to SOCOM. Its core capabilities are direct action, special reconnaissance and foreign internal defense. MARSOC has also been directed to conduct counter-terrorism, and information operations.
Footage of U.S. Army's M1A2 Abrams Tank Crews with 3rd Battalion, 69th Armor Regiment bounding maneuvers and live-fire exercise at Adazi, Latvia on August 22, 2016.
The M1 Abrams is an American third-generation main battle tank. It is named after General Creighton Abrams, former Army chief of staff and commander of United States military forces in the Vietnam War from 1968 to 1972. Highly mobile, designed for modern armored ground warfare,[14] the M1 is well armed and heavily armored. Notable features include the use of a powerful multifuel turbine engine, the adoption of sophisticated composite armor, and separate ammunition storage in a blow-out compartment for crew safety. Weighing nearly 68 short tons (almost 62 metric tons), it is one of the heaviest main battle tanks in service.
The M1 Abrams entered U.S. service in 1980, replacing the M60 tank.[15] It served for over a decade alongside the improved M60A3. The M1 remains the principal main battle tank of the United States Army and Marine Corps, and the armies of Egypt, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Australia and Iraq.
Three main versions of the M1 Abrams have been deployed, the M1, M1A1, and M1A2, incorporating improved armament, protection, and electronics. These improvements and other upgrades to in-service tanks have allowed this long-serving vehicle to remain in front-line service. In addition, development for the improved M1A3 version has been known since 2009.
