December 1, 2013 By John Keller - militaryaerospace.com

PATUXENT RIVER NAS, Md., 1 Dec. 2013. Electronic warfare (EW) experts at the BAE Systems Electronic Systems segment in Nashua, N.H., will build 262 AN/ALE-55 fiber optic towed decoys (FOTDs) and 70 electronic frequency converters (EFC) under terms of a $28.2 million U.S. Navy contract announced last week.

The AN/ALE-55 is an RF airborne countermeasure designed to protect the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet carrier-based jet fighter-bomber from radar-guided missiles. BAE Systems began full-rate production of the AN/ALE-55 in late 2011.

The AN/ALE-55 FOTDs and EFCs are components of the integrated defensive electronic counter measures suite. The AN/ALE-55 transmits complex electronic countermeasures signals from a transmitter that trails behind its combat jet to spoof incoming radar-guided anti-aircraft missiles.

The aircraft-towed decoy with onboard electronics works together with the Super Hornet's electronic warfare system to jam radar seekers in air-to-air missiles. The system also can lure incoming missiles away from their actual targets.

The ALE-55 detects a threat radar in its acquisition mode and uses radar jamming to prevent it from locking to a target. The ALE-55's electronic warfare package analyzes the threat, and the towed decoy emits the jamming signals to confuse the incoming missile's tracking radar. If an incoming missile locks on with radar, the ALE-55 analyzes the signal to determine the best jamming technique to break radar lock.

The ALE-55 system consists of an onboard electronic frequency converter and a fiber-optic towed decoy. The EFC converts radio frequency signals sent from the plane’s electronic warfare system into data coded and transmitted via light to the fiber optic towed decoy.

Although the ALE-55 now is in use with the F/A-18E/F Super hornet, it can be adapted to a wide variety of combat aircraft with minimal modifications, BAE Systems officials say.

On this contract BAE Systems will do the work in Nashua, N.H.; Mountain View, Calif.; and Chelmsford, England, and should be finished in November 2015. Awarding the contract were officials of the Naval Air Systems Command at Patuxent River Naval Air Station, Md.

Dec 2, 201 ASDNews Source : Raytheon Corporation

    SM-6 achieves initial operational capability

The U.S. Navy is deploying Raytheon Company's (NYSE: RTN) Standard Missile-6 for the first time, marking the initial operational capability milestone for the U.S. Navy's newest, most advanced extended range area defense weapon.

"We're very pleased to achieve initial operational capability on schedule," said Capt. Mike Ladner, Surface Ship Weapons major program manager. "The SM-6, with its ability to extend the battlespace, truly offers improved capability for the warfighter. I'm very proud of the entire STANDARD Missile team on this historic achievement."

The SM-6 provides extended range protection against fixed- and rotary-wing aircraft, unmanned aerial vehicles and cruise missiles. The interceptor combines the airframe and propulsion of legacy Standard Missiles with the advanced signal processing and guidance control capabilities of the Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missile (AMRAAM).

"This is a monumental moment for the SM-6 program and signifies a new era of fleet defense for our naval warfighters," said Dr. Taylor W. Lawrence, president, Raytheon Missile Systems. "The SM-6 significantly improves the sailor's ability to strike at various targets at extended range."

Raytheon has delivered more than 50 SM-6 interceptors to the Navy under low-rate production contracts. In September, Raytheon won a contract for $243 million to build 89 new SM-6 interceptors, signaling the start of full-rate production.

About the Standard Missile-6

SM-6 delivers a proven extended range air defense capability by leveraging the time-tested advantages of the Standard Missile's airframe and propulsion.

    The SM-6 uses both active and semi-active guidance modes and advanced fuzing techniques.

    It incorporates the advanced signal processing and guidance control capabilities from Raytheon's Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missile.

02.12.2013 Philippe Chapleau - Lignes de Défense

Lu ce matin dans notre édition de Concarneau, sous la plume de Catherine Gentric:

Piriou Naval Service, la branche réparation du groupe, vient d'annoncer l'acquisition du patrouilleur P400, La Tapageuse, auprès de la Marine nationale. Construit par les CMN de Cherbourg, le patrouilleur a été admis en service actif, en février 1988. Basé dans un premier temps à Cherbourg, le bâtiment a ensuite rejoint Tahiti, en 1989. Lors de ses différentes missions dans les îles de Polynésie, il aura parcouru quelque 600 000 miles nautiques, soit 27 fois le tour de la Terre. Durant ses 25 ans de carrière, il aura accompli plus de 140 missions de protection des zones économiques exclusives ou de service public.
Le patrouilleur était arrivé à Brest, le 31 août 2012, pour être désarmé.

Accompagné du remorqueur Le Saint-Denis, il devrait arriver à Concarneau dimanche, vers midi. Long de 55 m, pouvant transporter 20 passagers, avec une capacité de fret de 35 m3, et disposant d'une plage arrière permettant des hélitreuillages ou des embarquements de matériels, "le navire bénéficiera d'une refonte technique complète (remotorisation, remise en état de la coque et des apparaux de pont, remise à niveau des équipements et installations), avant d'être revendu à une marine étrangère, souhaitant bénéficier d'un navire opérationnel rapidement et à moindre coût", précise le groupe.
"Le rachat de La Tapageuse, avant sa refonte puis sa revente, participe de notre stratégie commerciale sur le marché de l'Action de l'État en mer. Notre positionnement est clairement celui des solutions originales, précise Pascal Piriou, le PDG du groupe. En ce sens, elle contribuera, nous l'espérons, à nous ouvrir la porte de marines étrangères en recherche de solutions rapides et bon marché pour se doter de moyens navals performants."

A noter que les Philippines avaient marqué de l'intérêt pour l'acquisition du navire mais cette piste ne semble plus complètement d'actualité. Le patrouilleur pourrait prendre la direction d'un pays africain. Mais aucune annonce officielle n'a encore été faite.

30 novembre, Sergueï Tomine - La Voix de la Russie

L'histoire de la modernisation et du transfert à l'Inde du croiseur porte-avions Admiral Gorchkov transformé en porte-avions Vikramaditya n'était pas brève. En 2004, année de la signature du contrat sur Admiral Gorchkov, personne à Moscou et à New Delhi ne supputait que sa réalisation s'étalerait à près de dix ans et qu'outre des reports de sa date d'exécution, les relations entre les deux pays seraient pendant un certain temps assombries par l'absence du financement, le renchérissement du contrat et des travaux complémentaires non prévus.

Pour l'heure, tous ces problèmes sont dans le passé. La partie russe a démontré sa volonté d'aller à la rencontre du partenaire, et la partie indienne a eu assez de retenue et de tact pour ne pas exacerber les tensions. En fin de compte un bâtiment tout à fait nouveau, équipé des instruments de navigation les plus modernes et capable d'embarquer 30 aéronefs, plus particulièrement les avions MiG-29K et les hélicoptères Ka-27 et Ka-31 se dirige vers les côtes indiennes.

Tous ont gagné. Moscou a confirmé se réputation de partenaire clé de l'Inde dans le domaine de la coopération militaro-technique. Des pertes d'image qui paraissaient imminentes ont été évitées. Ceux qui disaient que Moscou aurait tenté de remettre à l'Inde un patouillard rouillé se sont tus. Tout comme ceux qui accusaient l'Inde de tricher dans le différend sur le prix et de vouloir obtenir presque gratuitement un porte-avions modernisé.

Le contrat Vikramaditya dépasse le cadre de sa simple livraison à la marine indienne. La Russie s'occupe également de la formation de l'équipage indien. En plus, elle créera une infrastructure du stationnement de Vikramaditya en océan Indien. Etant donné que le navire restera fonctionnel pendant 30 ans, on peut dire avec certitude que Vikramaditya est non seulement le présent, mais aussi le futur de la coopération russo-indienne dans le domaine militaro-technique.

L'Inde a actuellement de nombreuses tâches à affronter eu égard à la protection des voies commerciales maritimes, à la nécessité d'assurer l'accès aux ressources et à la défense des intérêts de la diaspora indienne en Asie. Dans ce contexte, l'accent de la construction militaire doit être porté sur la composante navale. En d'autres termes, l'objectif stratégique devient la transformation de l'Inde ayant reçu le porte-avions Vikramaditya en une grande puissance navale.

Le fait de s'être dotée d'un porte-avions de pointe place la marine indienne dans une catégorie de poids tout à fait différnete. Cela lui permettra de relever un défi ambitieux : contribuer à ce que l'Inde ait des avantages stratégiques dans la région asiatique. Telle est la dimension géopolitique du marché qui a permis de transformer Admiral Gorchkov en Vikramaditya.

C’est ce qu’on appelle un retour gagnant. L’avionneur américain Boeing a bien failli sortir du marché des avions de combat. Tout simplement parce que son plus dangereux rival, l’insolent Lockheed Martin qui possède le record de ventes d’avions de combat avec son F-16 (plus de 4500 exemplaires), s’est adjugé le marché des avions de cinquième génération avec son F22 Raptor et son F35 Lightning II, plus connu sous le nom de JSF.

Faute de nouveaux appels d’offres de la part du Pentagone à l’horizon, Boeing était donc condamné à envisager la fermeture des chaines de sa gamme actuelle, composée de F/A 18 Super Hornet et de F-15 Eagle à moyen terme. Mais c’était sans compter sur les déboires de Lockheed Martin.

F-15 Silent Eagle de Boeing photo Boeing

Après des années de développement, l’avion de supériorité aérienne et d’attaque F22 Raptor est au mieux une demi réussite du faite de son prix supérieur à 250 M$ et de son haut niveau technologique le rendent inexportable. Et quand bien même, ce bijou de technologie qui n’est toujours pas guéri de ses maladies de jeunesse commence à accumuler des problèmes d’obsolescence. Et que dire du développement de son petit frère furtif le F35 qu’on nous annonçait dans les années 90 comme le nec plus ultra des avions d’arme à prix discount ?

Force est de constater aujourd’hui que les années de développement laborieux, jalonnées de soucis techniques, de retards et de surcoûts importants commencent à faire réfléchir plus d’un client potentiel. Certains mettent même en doute les performances de l’appareil face à des systèmes de défense modernes. Bref le crédo du « tout furtif » à tout prix ne fait plus recette.

Une tendance bien comprise ailleurs dans le monde. Ainsi l’Eurofighter, le Gripen et le Rafale conçus sur le vieux continent, qui ne sont peut être pas aussi furtifs que les avions de Lockheed Martin, mais qui revendiquent un juste compromis prix/performances. Autrement dit, le meilleur avion de combat, c’est encore celui qu’on peut se payer…

F-15 Silent Eagle de Boeing photo Boeing

Et ce n’est pas tout. Les Russes qu’on disait finis dans les années 90, reviennent sur le devant de la scène avec le MIG-35 et des évolutions toujours plus performantes des SU-30 et SU-35. Des appareils à la signature radar diminuée et dont les systèmes d’arme seraient capables, dans certaines conditions, de détecter les avions furtifs. Pour couronner le tout, Sukhoi promet une version d’exportation du prometteur T-50 Pak FA sous peu… enfin dès que son radar et ses moteurs seront prêts.

Au sol, la perspective de la dissémination systèmes de détection et de défense sol-air toujours plus performants tels que les S-300 et 400 russes relèguent au rang de cibles tous les avions produits dans les années 80 et 90.

Fort de ce constat morose, Boeing, qu’on croyait condamné avec sa gamme vieillissante ne s’avoue pas vaincu pour autant. L’avionneur américain estime qu’il y a un marché dans les pays qui veulent un avion de combat qui serait à la fois moderne, furtif, éprouvé et performant. Ce mouton à cinq pattes destiné à damer le pion à tous ses concurrents américains, russes et européens serait en quelque sorte un JSF « Made in Boeing », le prix indécent et les maladies de jeunesse en moins. A défaut de pouvoir financer sur ses fonds propres un nouvel appareil, l’avionneur américain parie sur ses deux produits phares, dont la conception initiale remonte aux années 70, à savoir le F15 et le F/A 18. A chaque fois la recette est la même : on modernise le système d’arme et on réduit la signature radar.

Advanced Super Hornet de Boeing photo Boeing

Après avoir dévoilé dans un premier temps une version bodybuildée du légendaire F15 Eagle désignée « Silent Eagle », c’est au tour du F/A 18 E de subir une cure de jouvence.
L’ « Advanced Super Hornet » en cours de tests par Boeing est un FA/18 E « Super Hornet » de base sur lequel des matériaux absorbant les ondes radar ont été apposés. Les interstices entre les différents éléments du fuselage et de la voilure ont été réduits au minimum. L’autre point noir en termes de furtivité se situe au niveau des points d’emport. Sur un avion de combat classique, Les missiles et les réservoirs de carburant externes avec les fixations associées sont autant de points brillants pour les radars de défense aérienne adverse.

Advanced Super Hornet de Boeing photo Boeing

A défaut de disposer de réservoirs de carburant internes conséquents et d’une soute interne comme le F22 Raptor et le JSF, la partie dorsale du fuselage de l’ « Advanced Super Hornet » se voit dotée de réservoirs additionnels conformes tandis que les missiles prennent place dans un container ventral profilé et furtif. Ainsi équipé, le bon vieux Hornet ne sera pas plus rapide que ses devanciers, avec une vitesse maximale voisine de Mach 1.6. Il conservera cependant ce qui fait sa force, à savoir une robustesse, une maniabilité et une polyvalence air-air et air-sol de très bon niveau. Il y gagnera même un peu en rayon d’action.

En revanche sa signature radar en secteur avant sera réduite de moitié ! Pour les pilotes cela se traduit par des chances de survie accrues lors de missions d’attaque au sol où il est important de ne pas être détecté par les défenses adverses. Pour l’Oncle Sam, ce gain de performances se traduit par un surcoût de 10% par rapport au Super Hornet de base. Et ce n’est pas tout, bientôt Boeing le promet, le Super Hornet furtif sera doté d’un capteur infrarouge IRST afin d’acquérir ses cibles sans utiliser son radar à antenne active. Un peu à la manière des MiG-29 et SU-30.

Advanced Super Hornet de Boeing - photo Boeing

Il sera ainsi possible de détecter et d’identifier une cible en l’air ou au sol à 50 km de distance environ et ce, en toute discrétion. Dans le cockpit les écrans multifonctions actuels seront remplacés par un unique écran tactile. Le moteur fera lui aussi l’objet d’améliorations pour augmenter sa poussée et réduire sa consommation. Boeing vise principalement le marché de la modernisation et la prolongation des centaines de Super Hornet de l’US Navy et des appareils australiens.

Avec cette stratégie intelligente de remise à jour des F-15 et F/A 18, Boeing espère tenir ses concurrents à distance en espérant cette fois-ci gagner la compétition finale, celle de l’avion de combat de sixième génération.

source EATC

29 November 2013 naval-technology.com

The UK Royal Navy's new Queen Elizabeth-class (QE) aircraft carrier, HMS Queen Elizabeth, has been fitted with large long range radar.

With the installation of main radar antenna onto the forward island, the aircraft carrier's main structure blocks are now in place.

Designed to provide a three dimensional and long-range picture, the radar can track up to 1,000 contacts up to a range of 400km away from the vessel.

Recently, HMS Queen Elizabeth has been fitted with final ramp section of the flight deck, at the Rosyth shipyard, Scotland.

The 64m-long and 13m-wide ramp section, which will allow jet aircraft to take off from the ship, is the final exterior piece of the aircraft carrier to be integrated.

Queen Elizabeth-class carriers will have a full-load displacement capacity of 65,000t, an operational range of 10,000nm and can carry up to 40 aircraft.

"The radar can track up to 1,000 contacts up to a range of 400km away."

Aircraft Carrier Alliance (ACA), a joint venture between Babcock Thales, BAE Systems and the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD), is constructing these two new aircraft carriers HMS Queen Elizabeth and HMS Prince Of Wales.

Powered by two Rolls-Royce Marine 36MW MT30 gas turbine alternators, the carriers can accommodate a crew of 1,200, including an aircrew of 600.

Expected to be structurally complete next year, HMS Queen Elizabeth is scheduled to commence sea trials in 2017, followed by Lightning II aircraft flight trials in 2018.

HMS Queen Elizabeth and HMS Prince Of Wales are expected to be operational with the Royal Navy in 2016 and 2018 respectively, replacing the Invincible-class vessels.

November 29, 2013 defense-aerospace.com

(Source: Thales; issued November 27, 2013)

Thales Awarded FFG Combat System Support Extension

Thales Australia has been awarded a three-year extension to its support contract for the Royal Australian Navy’s Adelaide Class FFG frigate combat system.

The contract covers on-board systems and associated support facilities, and will be delivered from the company’s facilities in Sydney and Perth. The extension ensures FFG combat system capability is effectively sustained leading into the future transition to the country’s new Air Warfare Destroyers.

The versatile FFG combat system was developed by Thales as part of the FFG Upgrade project that concluded in 2009, and which was the most technologically advanced warship upgrade program ever performed in Australia.

At the core of the upgrade, the Australian Distributed Architecture Combat System (ADACS) integrated various shipboard sensors, effectors, tactical data links and support systems to provide the frigates’ command teams with a common battlespace management environment.

Thales Australia CEO Chris Jenkins said: "As the FFGs are the RAN’s front line combatants, it is crucial to ensure the combat system performs at the highest levels.

"We have extensive experience and in-depth knowledge of these systems not only as a result of the FFG Upgrade project, but also because of our role supporting the recent enhancement of the FFGs with SM-2 surface-to-air missiles.

"We will continue to work closely with the Defence Materiel Organisation and the RAN to maintain this important capability."

Thales is a global technology leader in the Aerospace, Transportation and Defence & Security markets. In 2012, the company generated revenues of €14.2 billion (equivalent of AUD 17.6 billion) with 65,000 employees in 56 countries. Thales Australia is a trusted partner of the Australian Defence Force and is also present in commercial sectors ranging from air traffic management to security systems and services. Employing around 3,200 people in over 35 sites across the country, Thales Australia recorded revenues of AUD 1 billion in 2012.

28 November 2013 army-technology.com

Since the Cold War main battle tanks (MBTs) have evolved from being simple and light to heavy, modernised and highly mobile, with advancements in weaponry and countermeasures. Army-technology.com lists the top 10 main battle tanks in the world based on weaponry, mobility and protection.

Leopard 2A7+, Germany

The Leopard 2A7+ is a next generation main battle tank (MBT) revealed by Krauss-Maffei Wegmann (KMW) in 2010. The new version leverages the technology of the Leopard 2 MBT and has been adopted by the Bundeswehr (German Army) to conduct warfare in urban areas, as well as traditional military missions. The 2A7+ is also presently deployed in Afghanistan by Canada under Nato command.

The Leopard 2A7+ is armed with 120mm L55 smooth bore gun capable of firing standard Nato ammunition and new programmable 120mm HE-rounds. The tank integrates an FLW 200 remotely controlled light weapon station mounting a 7.62mm/ 12.7mm machine gun or a 40mm grenade launcher.

The passive armour modules attached to the tank offer all-round protection from anti-tank missiles, mines, improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and RPG fire. The smoke grenade launchers on either side of turret conceal the tank from enemy observation. The MBT can be fitted with additional attachments, such as a mine plough, mine roller or a dozer blade for clearing mines and obstacles. This highly mobile tank has a maximum speed of 72km/h and cruising range of 450km.

Abrams M1A2, United States of America

The Abrams M1A2 is a combat proven main battle tank developed by General Dynamics Land Systems, primarily for the US Army. The tank was designed based on the experience gained from the performance of M1A1 and incorporates new technologies to deliver superior firepower and mobility, making it one of the best battle tanks in the world.

The main gun of the tank is a manually loaded 120mm XM256 smooth bore cannon which can fire a range of Nato ammunition against armoured vehicles, infantry and low-flying aircraft. The tank is also armed with two 7.62mm M240 machine guns and a .50 cal M2 machine gun and can store 42 rounds of 120mm, 11,400 rounds of 7.62mm, 900 rounds of 50 calibre ammunition, 32 screening grenades and 210 rounds of 5.56mm ammo.

The Abrams M1A2 integrates heavy exterior composite armour and steel-encased depleted uranium armour at forward hull and turret to offer high level of protection to its crew. The tank has a cruising range of 426km and can travel at maximum speed of 67.5km/h.

Challenger 2, United Kingdom

Challenger 2 (CR2) is the main battle tank of the British Army and the Royal Army of Oman. The MBT was designed and manufactured by British Vickers Defence Systems (now BAE Systems) based on the Challenger 1 tank. Promoted as the world's most reliable main battle tank by its producers, the capabilities of Challenger 2 were proven during combat missions in Bosnia, Kosovo and Iraq.

The 120mm L30 CHARM (CHallenger main ARMament) gun of the Challenger 2 provides primary fire power, while a C-axial 7.62mm chain gun and a turret mounted 7.62mm machine gun serve as secondary weapons. The tank can carry 50 Armour Piercing, Fin Stabilised, Discarding Sabot (APFSDS), high-explosive squash heads (HESH) and Soke rounds, as well as 4,000 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition.

The second generation Chobham armour of the Challenger 2 offers a high-level of protection against direct fire weapons. The Perkins-Condor CV12 engine of the tank ensures a maximum on-road speed of 59km/h and off-road speed of 40km/h.

K2 Black Panther, South Korea

The K2 Black Panther (Korean New Main Battle Tank) is a modern MBT developed by Hyundai Rotem for the Republic of Korea Army (RoKA). The MBT is intended to offer high mobility, fire power and self-protection. The Black Panther is currently under production, with service entry scheduled for 2014.

The K2 Black Panther's primary weapon is a 120mm smoothbore gun, which can fire advanced kinetic energy ammunition and is equipped with autoloader for on the go ammunition loading, even in rough terrain. The secondary armament includes 7.62mm and 12.7mm machine guns.

The maximum speed of 70km/h and range of 450km make the K2 highly mobile in the battlefield. The tank incorporates composite armour and explosive reactive armour (ERA) for all-round protection against direct fire. The ammunition rack also employs blow-off panels to protect against explosions.

Merkava Mk.4, Israel

The Merkava Mark IV is the latest version of the Merkava range of main battle tanks built by MANTAK (Merkava Tank Office). The tank entered into service with the Israel Defence Forces in 2004 and is regarded as one of the best protected tanks in the world.

The Mk.4 is armed with a 120mm MG253 smoothbore gun capable of firing high-explosive anti-tank (HEAT) and sabot rounds, as well as LAHAT anti-tank guided missiles. The 7.62mm coaxial and 12.7mm swivel-mounted machine guns and 60mm grenade launcher complement the fire power of the tank.

The Merkava Mk.4 is fitted with special spaced armour, sprung armour side skirts, an Elbit laser warning system and IMI in-built smoke-screen grenades. The Trophy active protection system aboard the tank protects the crew against advanced anti-tank missiles. The tank moves at a maximum speed of 64km/h.

Type 10 (TK-X), Japan

Type 10 (TK-X) is an advanced fourth-generation main battle tank built by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries for the Japan Ground Self Defence Force (JGSDF). The tank entered into service with the JGSDF in 2012 and claims outstanding mobility.

The Type 10 MBT's fire power is complemented by a 120mm smooth-bore gun, a 12.7mm heavy machine gun and Type 74 7.62mm cannon. The sophisticated C4I system ensures interoperability with the infantry troops during integrated combat missions.

The tank's hull is attached with modular ceramic composite armour offering protection against rocket propelled grenade (RPG) rounds, HEAT projectiles and anti-tank missiles. The add-on modules can be easily removed and installed to alter the protection levels. The 1,200hp water-cooled diesel engine provides a maximum speed of 70km/h.

Leclerc, France

The Leclerc is a French main battle tank developed by GIAT Industries (now Nexter Systems) for the French Army and is also currently in service with the UAE Army. The first Leclerc tank was handed over to the DGA (French Procurement Agency) in January 1992.

Leclerc is a third-generation tank armed with a Nato standard CN120-26 120mm smooth bore gun, a coaxial 12.7mm machine gun and a roof-mounted 7.62mm machine gun. The tank can carry 40 rounds of 120mm ammunition and more than 950 rounds of 12.7mm ammunition.

The advanced modular armour made of steel, ceramics and Kevlar offers all-round crew protection, which can be raised to protect against IEDs, mines and RPGs. The Galix self-protection system fitted to the tank further increases its survivability. The tank has a maximum speed of 72km/h and can strike targets at a speed of 50km/h on any terrain.

T-90MS, Russia

The T-90MS, a modernised version of the T-90 main battle tank built by Uralvagonzavod, was unveiled for the first time at Russian Expo Arms in September 2011. The T-90MS has been extensively modernised to deliver enhance combat performance in present warfare scenarios.

The 125mm 2A46M-5 gun of the tank fires different types of ammunition with high accuracy. The tank is also armed with a 6P7K 7.62mm antiaircraft machine gun on a remotely controlled weapon station.

The modular ERA panels mounted on rear and side of the tank offer protection against small weapons and shell splinters. The forward hull and turret can be fitted with RELIKT reactive armour for protection against anti-tank missiles. The T-90MS also features an optoelectronic screening system and electromagnetic protection system. A V-92S2F engine with rated power of 1,130hp provides maximum speed of 60km/h to the tank.

Oplot-M (Modernized) / BM Oplot, Ukraine

Oplot-M (Modernised) or BM Oplot is an advanced version of the T-84 Oplot main battle tank manufactured by Kharkiv Morozov Machine Building. The advanced MBT is operated by the Ukrainian Armed Forces and the Royal Thai Army.

The Oplot-M's main gun is a KBA-3 125mm cannon with an auto-loading system, which can fire HE-FRAG (high-explosive fragmentation), APFSDS and HEAT rounds, as well as guided missiles. The secondary armament constitutes a KT-7.62 (PKT) 7.62mm coaxial machine gun and a KT-12.7 remote-controlled anti-aircraft machine gun.

The multilayer armour on the Oplot-M can withstand hits of HEAT and APFSDS projectiles and the built-in anti-tandem-warhead explosive reactive armour (BATW-ERA) defends kinetic energy rounds and anti-tank grenades and missiles. The protection is further enhanced by a smoke generator and Varta optronic countermeasures system. The 6?D-2 1,200hp engine ensures a maximum speed of 70km/h.

Type 99 (ZTZ-99), China

Type 99 (ZTZ-99) is a third generation main battle tank built by China Northern Industries Group Corporation (NORINCO) for the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA). The tank entered into service with the PLA in 2001.

The fully-stabilised 125mm ZPT98 smoothbore gun equipped with auto-loader provides superior firepower to the ZTZ99, and is capable of firing APFSDS, HEAT and HE-FRAG projectiles, as well as laser-guided anti-tank missiles. The tank is also armed with a 12.7mm anti-aircraft gun and a 7.62mm coaxial machine gun.

The tank features a steel armoured hull with the front portion and turret covered with explosive reactor armour (ERA). Survivability is further enhanced by a countermeasures system and smoke grenade launchers. The turbo-charged 1,500hp diesel engine fitted to the tank provides a maximum speed of 80km/h on road.

November 28, 2013: Strategy Page

Japan will expand its force of warships equipped with anti-missile systems by building two more Aegis equipped destroyers. Japan is quite pleased with its Aegis anti-missile system. In 2010 a Japanese Kongo class destroyer shot down a ballistic missile off Hawaii, using its Aegis anti-missile system. That made three successful Aegis tests for Japan's Aegis equipped destroyers, out of four attempts. Japan already has four destroyers equipped to use Aegis anti-missile systems and two more are having their Aegis upgraded to have anti-missile capability.

With the two new destroyers Japan will have eight warships with Aegis anti-missile capability. The upgrade process mainly involves software modifications to for the Aegis radar and fire control system and replacing some of the SM-2 anti-aircraft missiles with SM-3 anti-missile missiles. Not counting the cost of the SM-3 missiles, the upgrade costs about $15 million per ship.

Encouraged by the success the U.S. Navy continues developing new features. In 2013 it completed testing of the new Standard Missile 6 (SM-6) anti-aircraft missile. In 2013, two years after receiving the first production SM-6, the U.S. Navy successfully tested it hitting an aircraft (a BQM-74 target UAV) over the horizon. The SM-6 is basically the existing SM-2 anti-aircraft missile with the more capable guidance system of the AMRAAM air-to-air missile, as well as other improvements in the electronics and other components. The SM-6 is a 1.5 ton, 6.55 meter (21.5 foot) long, 533mm (21 inch) diameter missile. It has a max range of 240 kilometers and max altitude of 33 kilometers (110,000 feet).

The older SM-2 is 1.35 ton, 8 meter (26.2 foot) long missile with a max range of 190 kilometers and max altitude of 24.4 kilometers (80,200 feet). The AMRAAM guidance system is self-contained and will seek out any target it comes within range of. The current SM-2 uses a "semi-active" guidance system, which requires that a special targeting radar "light up" the target with a radar beam, which the SM-2 guidance system detects and homes in on. The "active" guidance system of the SM-6 is thus harder to jam and can home in on targets beyond the range of targeting radars. The SM-6 can attack anti-ship missiles as well.

The SM-6 took 9 years to develop and is now in production, with the initial order for 1,200 missiles at a cost of $4.3 million each. SM-6 will replace many of the SM-2 missiles currently carried by American and Australian warships and eventually other SM-2 users (like Japan) as well.

Meanwhile, the navy has been continuing years of improvements in the Aegis radar and fire control system that controls SM-2, SM-6, and the smaller SM-3 anti-missile version. The SM-3 can destroy ballistic missiles and low earth-orbit satellites. The Aegis anti-missile system has had a success rate of over 80 percent in knocking down incoming ballistic missile warheads during test firings. Aegis equipped ships are now getting version 4.0 and the next major upgrade (5.0) will make the anti-missile capabilities a standard feature of Aegis software. New destroyers are having anti-missile Aegis software installed as standard equipment. Much of the anti-missile capability of the original Aegis anti-aircraft system came from upgrades to the Aegis software.

There are actually two models of the U.S. Navy Standard anti-aircraft missile that can hit missiles. The RIM-161A, also known as the Standard Missile 3 (or SM-3), has a range of over 500 kilometers and max altitude of over 160 kilometers. The Standard 3 is based on the anti-missile version of the Standard 2 (SM-2 Block IV). This SM-3 missile has a shorter range than the SM-2, which can destroy a warhead that is more than 200 kilometers up. The SM-3 is only good for anti-missile work, while the SM-2 Block IV can be used against both ballistic missiles and aircraft. The SM-2 Block IV also costs less than half of what an SM-3 costs.

28.11.2013 par P. Chapleau Lignes de Défense
 

On connaissait ATAC (Airborne Tactical Advantage Company), ATSI, Phoenix Air, L3C Flight International ou encore les Canadiens de DADS (Discovery Air Defence Services); voilà que le petit monde des Tactical Aircraft Services s'agrandit aux Etats-Unis (petite parenthèse pour rappeler qu'en France Apache Aviation et AvDef jouent dans cette catégorie). Les deux nouveaux venus ont encore peu de contrats dans leurs carnets de commande mais ils ont de l'ambition et des moyens.

Air USA (photo ci-dessus).

Cette société de l'Illinois (cliquer ici pour accéder à son site web) dispose de trois types d'appareils: des Alpha Jet, des L-59 Super Albatros et quelques Mig-29. Elle offre les prestations habituelles: simulation, plastronnage, opfor, tractage de cibles etc. Mais c'est la première et la seule société (à ma connaissance) à offrir du "JTAC training". L'USMC et l'USAF ont déjà eu recours à leurs services pour entraîner leurs JTAC. En allant sur leur page d'accueil, il est possible de voir une vidéo d'un entraînement au guidage d'Alpha Jet en mission de bombardement.

Draken International (photo ci-dessus).

Draken a été fondé en Floride en 2012 et dispose d'un impressionnant parc: 11 Skyhawk (ex-néo-zélandais), 9 MB-339CB, 25 Mig-21 (ex-polonais), 5 L-39, et un couple de bimoteurs... Soit une cinquantaine d'appareils disponibles alors que l'entreprise n'a pas encore engrangé de contrats significatifs et en est réduit à courir les meetings aériens.

28 November 2013 naval-technology.com

The US Navy's Raytheon-developed Standard Missile-6 (SM-6) tactical missile has achieved initial operation capability following its successful installation onboard Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile vessel USS Kidd (DDG 100) in San Diego, California, US.

Designed to provide extended range protection for naval vessels against cruise missiles, unmanned aerial vehicles and fixed and rotary wing aircraft, the SM-6 missile entered full rate production while the programme has delivered 50 missiles ahead of schedule and under budget.

Surface Ship Weapons major programme manager captain Mike Ladner the SM-6 missile has achieved initial operational capability on schedule.

"The SM-6, with its ability to extend the battle space, truly improves shipboard air defence capability," Ladner said.

The missile is scheduled to undergo follow-on test and evaluation in 2013 and 2014 aimed to demonstrate the integrated fire control capability in an operationally realistic environment.

In May 2013, Raytheon's SM-6 had received full-rate production approval from the US Defense Acquisition Board.

Capable of offering over-the-horizon air defence capability, the missile features advanced signal processing and guidance control capabilities of the advanced medium-range air-to-air missile (AMRAAM).

Raytheon Standard Missile one, two, and six programmes senior director Mike Campisi said the company delivered the first SM-6 production round to the US Navy in February 2011.

Forming part of a major component in the US Navy's naval integrated fire control-counter air (NIFC-CA), the system uses both active and semi-active guidance modes and advanced fusing techniques to protect against several air threats.

MOSCOU, 28 novembre - RIA Novosti

Cinq batteries de missiles sol-air S-500 équiperont l'armée russe conformément au  programme d'armement pour l'horizon 2020, a annoncé jeudi le commandant des Troupes de défense aérospatiale Alexandre Golovko.

"Au total, l'achat de cinq batteries de missiles sol-air S-500 est prévu par le programme d'armement russe", a indiqué le général dans une interview à RIA Novosti.

Il a été antérieurement annoncé que les premiers systèmes de missiles S-500 équiperaient les Troupes de défense aérospatiale en 2017.

Les missiles sol-air de nouvelle génération à longue portée S-500 seront en mesure de détruire 10 cibles aérodynamiques à la fois (avions, hélicoptères, autres cibles aériennes) volant à une vitesse de 7 km/sec à 200 km d'altitude, ainsi que les ogives de missiles de croisière hypersoniques.