An upgrade is on the horizon for the French army’s Tiger helicopter. The OCCAR European joint armaments’ procurement agency announced last night that it had signed a contract on 15 December with Thales, TDA Armement and Airbus Helicopters to develop the Mark II version of the Tiger HAD, the multi-role attack version of the combat helicopter.
The contract, signed by OCCAR on behalf of France, will cover the development, production and support activities necessary to upgrade a fleet of 24 French HADs to the Mark II configuration. The first delivery is foreseen for mid 2020. Production will last until the end of 2023, at which date France and its Australian, German and Spanish partners hope to launch the Mark III version.
The Mark II standard will provide new capabilities to the French TIGER HAD helicopters such as Laser Guided Rockets (RPM) developed by TDA. Development on this 68mm rocket with a semi-active laser direction finder and an induction firing system started in 2010 and it was ordered by the French DGA procurement agency in June 2016. The system is safer for the crew as the propellent is separate from the military charge and it diminishes the logistical imprint on the platform as there are no connectors. The total budget earmarked for its integration is close to €112m, of which €64m are for the development and production of 1,000 RPMs and €48m for their integration onto the helicopter.
The Mark II standard will also include two “Made in Thales” technologies: a new GPS SAASM (Selective Availability Anti- Spoofing Module)receiver which enables access to encrypted military GPS signals, itself protected by a CRPA (Controlled Radiation Pattern Antenna) system, doubtless from the TopShield range.
The Tiger HAD is designed to provide better operability in a hot environment, such as that encountered by the Tigers deployed in the Sahelo-Saharan band. In addition to the equipment found on the HAP support and escort version of the Tiger, the HAD has the US-made air-to-ground AGM-114 Hellfire 2 and better motorisation thanks to the MTR390-E designed by a consortium consisting of MTU, Turbomeca (Safran Helicopter Engines), and Rolls-Royce.
The HAD will replace most of the 40 Tiger HAPs already in service to enable the French Army to have a homogenous fleet of 67 HADs by 2025.
GRAM-S SEM-E architecture 24 channel continuous tracking on L1 & L2 frequency; C/A-, P-, and Y-Code. Designed in accordance with the GPS “Receiver Application Module Guidelines” (GRAM-S). PPS operation handled by US JPO approved Selective Availability AntiSpoofing Module (SAASM). Able to operate either as a stand-alone or aided receiver for better A-J performances. Roadmaps include GPS M code and Galileo PRS.
Anti-Jam Thales patented Anti-Jam non-linear measurement processing and hybridisation techniques provide additional Anti-Jam benefits, that surpass conventional tight or ultra-tight coupling. Fast Y code acquisition is achieved in the most severe jamming environment, using multi-correlation algorithms that can perform up to 2,000,000 signal detection each second using more than 12,000 Time/Frequency correlators.
Myanmar Navy commissions first corvette with reduced RCS
Mrityunjoy Mazumdar, Alameda, California – IHS Jane’s Defence Weekly
29 December 2016
The Myanmar Navy (MN) commissioned several new vessels on 24 December, including UMS (Union of Myanmar Ship) Tabinshwehti with pennant number 773: the service’s first guided-missile corvette featuring radar cross-section (RCS) reducing characteristics.
Launched in late November 2014, UMS Tabinshwehtiis also the third guided-missile corvette to enter service with the MN. Unlike the two older 77 m guided missile corvettes, UMS Anawrahta (771) and UMS Bayintnaung (772), the recently commissioned corvette has a reduced-RCS superstructure with two masts and a helicopter hangar.
Weapons include one Oto Melara 76 mm gun in a stealthy cupola and two Chinese-made NG-18 gun systems for close-in defence. The ship also features a box launcher for six man-portable air defence systems (MANPADS) – presumably from North Korea.
Moreover, two sets of five-barrelled Chinese-origin RDC anti-submarine rocket launchers are mounted ahead of the main gun and what appear to be two sets of two box launchers for Chinese C-802-series anti-ship missiles are fitted amidships.
The commissioning ceremony, which took place on the MN’s 69th anniversary, was attended by the commander-in-chief of the country’s armed forces, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, who noted that Myanmar is now capable of constructing missile corvettes to its own specifications from start to finish. “Building warships on a self-reliant basis saves money and provides benefits to Myanmar,” he added.
The MN also displayed a locally developed unmanned surface vessel (USV) project using what appears to be a rigid-hull inflatable boat (RHIB) from French manufacturer Sillinger fitted with what appears to be a remotely operated machine gun.
Video footage of the demonstration suggests that the USV is controlled by two operators using a commercial-off-the-shelf-based control system with joystick controls and a line of sight radio control.
Other vessels commissioned on 24 December include a 77 m troop transport ship UMS Chindwin and six 29 m landing craft mechanised (LCM) vessels capable of carrying two armoured fighting vehicles.
Revamped Scorpion jet to begin Air Force assessment
By Jerry Siebenmark | The Wichita Eagle (Tribune News Service) | Published: December 27, 2016
With the successful first flight of Textron’s first production-conforming Scorpion jet, the aircraft enters a first-of-its-kind evaluation program with the Air Force.
Last week, the latest version of the Scorpion tactical jet — featuring improvements suggested by potential customers based on the prototype Scorpion that first flew three years ago this month — took off from McConnell Air Force Base for a one-hour, 42-minute flight.
Changes to the production-conforming Scorpion included 4 degrees of sweep to the wings, an enhanced aft horizontal stabilizer and a simplified landing gear design.
Officials from Textron AirLand, a unit of Textron Inc., said during the test flight that they verified the Scorpion’s newly configured Garmin G3000 avionics and aerodynamic performance as well as a number of other aircraft systems.
Now, the revamped twin-engine, multimission jet will undergo an assessment by the Air Force Airworthiness Office.
That assessment will be performed by way of the Cooperative Research and Development Agreement reached in August between the Air Force and Textron Air Land. Air Force officials said the assessment is unique because it has never done a CRADA involving an airplane that it doesn’t formally plan to buy.
“We have not done a CRADA like this before and we have never had a partnership with industry to assess aircraft that are not under a USAF acquisition contract,” Jorge Gonzalez of the Air Force Technical Airworthiness Authority said in a news release announcing the agreement.
Gonzalez also will oversee the Scorpion assessment program.
The Air Force said the assessment is important to making direct, commercial sales of the airplane to foreign military services.
Since the first flight of the prototype Scorpion in December 2013, it has accumulated more than 800 flight hours and flown to 10 countries for demonstrations to foreign military services. The jet was designed and built in Wichita. Textron AirLand says the subsonic Scorpion can be used for intelligence gathering, surveillance and reconnaissance, and close air support missions.
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Lockheed Martin designed and developed the MK 48 Mod 7 Common Broadband Advanced Sonar System (CBASS) submarine-launched heavyweight torpedo for the US Navy.
The torpedo, which has advanced counter-countermeasure capabilities, is operational with the US and its allied submarine fleet, and serves as a highly effective and lethal weapon against anti-surface and anti-submarine threats in deep and shallow waters.
The heavyweight torpedo is equipped with advanced commercial-off-the-shelf technologies to provide superior reliability and performance against challenging threats in both littoral and blue water environments, and can support multi-band operation.
MK 48 Mod 7 CBASS development details
The MK 48 Mod 7 CBASS is an upgraded version of the MK 48 Advanced Capability (ADCAP) Mod 6 Advanced Common Torpedo (ACOT), manufactured by Raytheon. The new torpedo was developed as part of an Armaments Cooperative Programme between the US Navy and the Royal Australian Navy.
MK 48 Advanced Capability (ADCAP) Mod 6
The Mk-48 has been operational in the US Navy since 1972. MK-48 ADCAP (Advanced Capability) became operational in 1988 and was approved for full production in 1989. The USS NORFOLK (SSN 714) fired the first ADCAP torpedo on July 23, 1988, sinking the FORREST SHERMAN-class destroyer JONAS INGRAM (DD 938).
Mk-48 and Mk-48 ADCAP torpedoes can operate with or without wire guidance and use active and/or passive homing. When launched they execute programmed target search, acquisition and attack procedures. Both can conduct multiple reattacks if they miss the target.
A highly capable weapon, the Mk-48 can be used against surface ships or submarines, and has been test fired under the Arctic ice pack and in other arduous conditions. The ADCAP version, in comparison with earlier Mk-48 torpedoes, has improved target acquisition range, reduced vulnerability to enemy countermeasures, reduced shipboard constraints such as warmup and reactivation time, and enhanced effectiveness against surface ships. The Mk-48 is propelled by a piston engine with twin, contra-rotating propellers in a pump jet or shrouded configuration.
The engine uses a liquid monopropellant fuel, and the torpedo has a conventional, high-explosive warhead. The Mk-48 has a sophisticated guidance system permitting a variety of attack options. As the torpedo leaves the submarine’s launch tube a thin wire spins out, electronically linking the submarine and torpedo. This enables an operator in the submarine, with access to the submarine’s sensitive sonar systems, initially to guide the torpedo toward the target. This helps the torpedo avoid decoys and jamming devices that might be deployed by the target. The wire is severed and the torpedo’s high-powered active/passive sonar guides the torpedo during the final attack.
General Characteristics – Mk-48 and Mk-48 ADCAP Torpedo
Primary Function
Heavyweight torpedo for submarines
Contractor
Gould
Power Plant
Piston engine, pump jet
Length
19 feet (5.79 meters)
Weight
Mk-48: 3,434 lbs (1545.3 kg)
Mk-48 ADCAP: 3,695 lbs (1662.75 kg)
MK 48 Advanced Capability (ADCAP) Mod 6 – Source navysite.de
The US Navy awarded a $70.2m contract to Raytheon for 15 MK 48 ADCAP torpedoes in support of MK 48 CBASS initial production and production engineering. Development testing of the MK 48 CBASS torpedo was completed in November 2004 and operational testing was completed in November 2005. Initial operational capability was achieved in 2006 after hardware and software upgrades.
The torpedo was successfully test-fired by HMAS Waller submarine of the Australian Navy during the Rim of the Pacific 2008 (RIMPAC 08) exercise in July 2008.
Orders and deliveries
MK 48 Mod 7 CBASS
The US Navy awarded a five-year fleet-wide CBASS programme to Lockheed Martin in 2011 to modernise a total of 1,263 MK 48 torpedoes deployed by the entire submarine fleet as anti-submarine or anti-surface warfare weapons. The company received a contract worth over $50.68m for functional item replacement kits, engineering services, spare parts and production support material in March 2011.
The upgrade kit consists of a broadband analogue sonar receiver, a guidance and control box, a pre-amplifier, guidance and control materials, and cable assemblies. It provides increased bandwidth and streamlined targeting and tracking capabilities to the heavyweight torpedo.
Lockheed Martin secured a $37m contract from the US Navy in August 2013 to provide Mod 7 CBASS replacement kits and services for the MK 48 heavyweight torpedoes in service with the US Navy and allied naval customers from Canada and the Netherlands. Polaris Contract Manufacturing, a subsidiary of Lockheed Martin, is responsible for building the circuit card and module assembly. Completion of the work is scheduled for July 2017.
Lockheed Martin was awarded a $10m contract by the Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) in April 2014 to provide maintenance support for all MK 48 torpedoes.
US Navy contracts Lockheed for MK 48 Mod 7 torpedo guidance upgrades
Excerpt
The U.S. Naval Sea Systems Command has awarded Lockheed Martin Sippican a $72,8 million contract for the procurement of MK 48 Mod 7 heavyweight torpedo guidance and control sections.
Under the contract, Lockheed will also provide MK 48 Mod 7 Common Broadband Advanced Sonar System upgrade kits, test equipment, spares, production support material, engineering support, and hardware repair support.
This contract includes options which, if exercised, would bring the cumulative value of this contract up to $424,7 million.
Work will be performed in Marion, Massachusetts and is expected to be completed by December 2019. Source navaltoday.com
Design and features of the MK 48 Mod 7 CBASS
The MK 48 Mod 7 CBASS torpedo has a length of 5.8m and diameter of 53cm, and can reach a maximum depth of 1,200ft. It weighs 1,676kg and carries a high explosive warhead of 292.5kg.
Active and passive homing guidance is provided by the Common Broadband Advanced Sonar System. The torpedo can effectively engage low-Doppler shallow submarines, fast deep diving submarines and high-performance surface ships.
It supports autonomous fire-and-forget operation or wire-guide capability to provide post-launch monitoring and updates through the submarine combat system. It also allows the transmission and reception over a wide frequency band. The broadband signal processing techniques ensure improved search, acquisition and attack effectiveness for the torpedo.
Mk 48 Mod 7 CBASS submarine torpedoes
The CBASS broadband sonar makes the torpedo more effective against emerging submarine classes in the harshest of acoustic environments, Lockheed Martin officials say. The Mark 48 Mod 7 CBASS torpedo uses modern commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) technologies in an open-architecture computing environment, and can be improved with regular hardware and software upgrades.
(Edit: HD) Mk 48 Mod 7 CBASS schematic, the US Navy’s current heavyweight torpedo. Sonar transducer in front followed by the electronics, warhead, fuel tank, and engine.
The Mark 48 Mod 7 torpedo is standard armament for the Navy’s fleet of Los Angeles-, Virginia-, and Seawolf-class fast attack submarines, as well as Ohio-class ballistic-missile and cruise-missile submarines.
Mk 48 Mod 7 CBASS schematic, the US Navy’s current heavyweight torpedo. Sonar transducer in front followed by the electronics, warhead, fuel tank, and engine.
The Lockheed Martin Corp. Mission Systems and Training segment in Washington is building the Mark 48 Mod 7 CBASS heavyweight torpedo with advanced common broadband advanced sonar system for expanded operational capabilities for shallow waters along coastlines and inside harbors, as well as in the deep-water open ocean.
The CBASS torpedo also has the ability of multiband operation with active and passive homing; advanced counter-countermeasure capabilities; effectiveness against low-Doppler shallow submarines, fast deep diving submarines, and high-performance surface ships; autonomous fire-and-forget operation or wire-guide capability to enable post-launch monitoring and updates via the submarine combat system; and running Otto Fuel II as the propellant.
Detail: CBASS fuel tank containing Otto II fuel (wire reel on the right)
The Mark 48 Mod 7 CBASS torpedo can transmit and receive over a wide frequency band and use broadband signal processing techniques to improve the torpedo’s search, acquisition, and attack, Lockheed Martin officials say. Source militaryaerospace.com
Lockheed Martin provides the U.S. Navy the latest advancements in sonar systems for guidance and control systems for the MK 48 Mod 7 torpedo. The Lockheed Martin guidance and control systems will equip the heavyweight torpedoes with increased bandwidth and streamlined targeting and tracking capabilities. These systems will optimize the MK 48’s effectiveness as well as provide advanced counter-measure capabilities.
Lockheed Martin provides fully integrated guidance and control sections to increase the inventory of MK 48 torpedoes over several years. The expectation is that the production orders will range with the potential for more than 250 torpedoes over the next five years for the U.S. Navy, which are used by all classes of submarines as their anti-submarine warfare (ASW) and anti-surface warfare (ASuW) weapon.
The guidance and control systems for MK 48 torpedoes include the same section of the Navy’s existing heavyweight torpedoes that Lockheed Martin is upgrading under the MK 48 Common Broadband Advanced Sonar System (CBASS) awarded by the U.S. Navy in 2011. Lockheed Martin delivers to the U.S. Navy at least 20 Mod 7 CBASS kits per month and is on track to deliver all kits on schedule. Lockheed Martin also performs work intermediate maintenance of these torpedoes for fleet training, giving the Navy a critical combat advantage.
MK 48 Mod 7 CBASS
The MK 48 is designed for:
Active and/or passive homing; Advanced counter countermeasure capabilities.
High effectiveness against low-Doppler shallow submarines, fast deep diving submarines and high-performance surface ships.
Autonomous fire-and-forget operation or wire-guide capability to allow post-launch monitoring and updates via the submarine combat system.
Otto Fuel II as the propellant is an inexpensive and safe alternative to other fuels and electric propulsion.
Canada blocks sale of defence equipment to Thailand
Jon Grevatt, Bangkok – IHS Jane’s Defence Industry
21 December 2016
Canada’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Stéphane Dion has recently blocked the sale of military equipment to Thailand, the Canadian government has confirmed to IHS Jane’s.
A spokesperson for Global Affairs Canada (GAC) – the government department that oversees the country’s foreign relations and trade – did not provide details about the type of equipment that was barred from sale but said the value was “modest”.
The spokesperson indicated that the sales ban was decided on a case-by-case basis and that it was a response to Canada’s concerns about Thailand’s human rights record. The Southeast Asian country has been governed by the military since a coup d’etat in May 2014.
I must say what an idiotic decision when Thailand has not invaded or the military has not killed anyone! While Saudi Arabia have their weekly market beheading and bombing Yemen civilians with cluster bombs!
Dion blocked military exports to Thailand after Saudi arms deal approval
Foreign Affairs Minister Stéphane Dion blocked a shipment of military goods to Thailand this year, with his department citing human rights among the reasons. Only months earlier, the Liberals approved the lion’s share of a $15-billion export of combat vehicles to Saudi Arabia – a country regularly excoriated for its human-rights record.
The stark contrast in how the Trudeau government treated arms shipments to the two countries surprised rights advocates and weapons-trade experts, because Saudi Arabia gets poorer marks on human rights than Thailand, at least by some benchmarks.
U.S. liberty watchdog Freedom House, for instance, gave Saudi Arabia its worst rating – 7 out of 7 – on all three benchmarks in a 2016 report: political rights, civil rights and an overall freedom rating. By comparison, it gave Thailand 6 out of 7 for political rights and 5 out of 7 for civil rights and an overall freedom rating of 5.5.
Saab receives order for NLAW Next generation Light Anti-tank Weapon
Published: 26 December 2016
Defence and security company Saab has received an order for deliveries of the anti-tank weapon system NLAW. Deliveries will take place during 2016 and 2017.
The NLAW system combines the simplicity of light anti-armour weapons with the advantages of heavy, crew-operated guided missile systems. With NLAW, a single soldier can destroy a heavily protected modern Main Battle Tank (MBT) with one shot. The soldier can within and beyond the normal dismounted combat range, immediately upon target detection, regardless of attitude, without having to mount the system, load the weapon and complete a lock-on before launch.
“There is an increased interest and demand for lightweight anti-tank weapons on the market and this order is a strong proof of our customers trust in the NLAW system” says Görgen Johansson, head of Saab business area Dynamics.
“In many countries, there has been a large focus the last decade on building up the capability to fight a war on terror, but we now see that many countries again also realize that the capability to fight a modern mechanized enemy, on an individual soldier level, is becoming more and more important. A system like NLAW provides that capability”, says Görgen Johansson.
The industry’s nature is such that depending on circumstances concerning the product and customer, further information regarding the customer will not be announced.
NLAW (Next generation Light Anti-tank Weapon) is a shoulder-launched, anti-tank missile system that attacks the tank from above. The system is originally developed for Sweden and Great Britain and it meets the requirements for a modern anti-tank weapon system in international operations as well as national defence.
Almost three decades since the AT-4 set a lasting benchmark for disposable rocket launchers SAAB worked on a new single-use system from scratch in 2002 with help from Thales and the UK defense ministry. It was an anti-armor weapon meant for the average foot soldier that emphasized being lightweight and portable.
The resulting weapon operated like a rocket launcher and combined SAAB’s expertise in heat-resistant materials and its own cutting edge technology from the pioneering BILL anti-tank missile system.
This is the NLAW or Next Generation Light Anti-Tank Weapon. It’s not supposed to be confused with the American LAW or the British LAW-80, both of which are rocket launchers. Its Swedish designation is Pansarvarnsrobot 57, or RB 57.
The NLAW is a short-range anti-tank missile whose characteristics make it sort of a hybrid. It’s armed with a powerful 150 mm High-Explosive Anti-Tank (HEAT) warhead designed to knock out Russian T-series tanks at short ranges. But like other disposable launchers favored by NATO militaries it’s a single use system with basic optics and which is extremely easy to use.
Even the NLAW’s firing mechanism is a novelty. Instead of an embedded lever or trigger on its launch tube it has an ergonomic grip on its right hand side behind the bulbous muzzle brake. To aim the NLAW a basic optical sight with 2.5 times magnification is installed on the launcher. For better accuracy night vision and red dot sights are available upon request.
A little heavier than a loaded FN MAG or similar general purpose machine gun, the NLAW is meant to be carried by infantry who are up against hostile armor and fortifications. To deal with the former, the NLAW is perfect for ambushes in densely forested terrain and even building interiors thanks to its controlled back blast—the diameter of its venturi is smaller at 115 mm than its bore which is 152 mm wide.
Cognizant of threats posed by modern active protection systems and reactive armor, the NLAW operator can opt for an overfly top attack mode. This launches the missile toward the tank turret, where it explodes. Its downward-angled HEAT warhead perforates the thin upper armor even if it’s covered with Explosive Reactive Armor (ERA).
To destroy fixed positions the NLAW can fire its warhead in direct attack mode like an oversized AT-4 with a massive punch. Direct firing can even be done on targets just 20 meters away.
Designed as a single-use weapon system the NLAW can’t be reloaded. Furthermore, its range is modest with its farthest reach of stationary targets at 600 meters. Effective range against moving targets is up to 400 meters. All newer missiles have updated guidance software and can engage targets at a range of 800 meters and up.
Since 2009 the NLAW has found an eager clientele across Europe, with significant orders from Sweden, Finland, Luxembourg and the UK, where it’s designated the MBT LAW. When newly delivered, SAAB’s product literature claims the NLAW enjoys a shelf life of 20 years.
Pakistan to receive four Mi-35M helos from Russia in 2017, says report
Gabriel Dominguez, London – IHS Jane’s Defence Weekly
21 December 2016
Russia will deliver four Mil Mi-35M ‘Hind E’ attack helicopters to the Pakistan Army (PA) in 2017, Pakistan’s minister for defence production, Rana Tanveer Hussain, was quoted by the Dunya News TV channel as saying on 19 December.
Islamabad paid a total of USD153 million for the four helicopters, the minister said without elaborating.
Pakistan and Russia had agreed to the Mi-35M deal in August 2015 in a move considered a breakthrough between the two countries.
Mindful of Indian concerns, Moscow had for years opted against engaging in any military co-operation with Pakistan.
However, in 2014 Russia decided to lift its self-imposed arms embargo against the South Asian country, with Pakistani officials telling IHS Jane’s in November that year that the two countries had agreed on the sale of up to 20 Mi-35Ms.
Dunya News also quoted Rana Tanveer Hussain as saying that Islamabad is in contact with the governments of the Maldives and Azerbaijan for the export of 100 MFI-17 Super Mushshak military training aircraft.
The announcement comes after Pakistan secured a deal in November for the sale of 52 of the trainers to the Turkish Air Force. The Super Mushshak is a Pakistan Aeronautical Complex (PAC) licence-built version of the Saab MFI-17 Supporter aircraft, which is usually the initial platform used for training air force cadets.
Russian Airborne Troops to get 30 new infantry fighting vehicles
December 24, 8:09 UTC+3
After receiving 30 military vehicles, the Airborne Troops will have an assault regiment armed with BMD-4M military vehicles and Rakuska BTR-MD
MOSCOW, December 24. /TASS/. Russian Airborne Troops will receive a battalion set of modern infantry fighting vehicles (BMDs), the Russian Defense Ministry’s press service said on Saturday.
“A battalion set of modern BMD-4M will be solemnly handed in the city of Ryazan to a military unit of Russian Airborne Troops based in the Tula Region. Colonel General Andrey Serdyukov, Russian Airborne Troops commander, will take part in the event,” the press service said.
“After receiving 30 military vehicles, the Airborne Troops will have an assault regiment armed with BMD-4M military vehicles and Rakuska BTR-MD (armored personner carriers),” the defense ministry noted.
Japan seeks to win Thai air defense radar contract – sources
Thu Dec 22, 2016 | 3:06pm IST
By Tim Kelly and Nobuhiro Kubo| TOKYO
Japan is seeking to win a contract to supply Thailand with an air defense radar system built by Mitsubishi Electric Corp, as it looks to counter growing Chinese influence in the Southeast Asian nation, according to four Japanese government officials and one industry source.
The effort is part of a wider push by Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s administration to bolster its position in the region along with its U.S. ally. The Chief of Staff of Japan’s Air Self Defense Force, Yoshiyuki Sugiyama, traveled to Bangkok last month to discuss areas of possible cooperation.
Japan expects the Thai military government to begin accepting competitive bids as early as next year as it upgrades and adds to its existing U.S. and European radar systems, the sources said. It is unclear who else may be bidding.
The value of such a contract is unclear as the specifications for the system have not yet been released. Radar systems built by Mitsubishi and other companies for Japan can stretch to hundreds of millions of dollars depending on the complexity and coverage. The sources said Japan would look to offer a lower price system because of Thailand’s limited defense budget.
Japan’s push for stronger ties with Thailand, will benefit the U.S. given the growing tensions over China’s claims in the South China Sea, according to the sources. Japan, which until 2014 had a ban on arms exports, has not previously sold military equipment to Thailand.
Since the 2014 coup brought the current Thai government to power, the U.S. has had strained relations with its old ally, which served as a staging ground for American forces during the Vietnam War, offering access to strategic airfields and ports.
In July, Thailand agreed to buy three Chinese-built submarines worth around $1 billion in a deal that illustrated Beijing’s willingness to fill the vacuum left by Washington. And last month, Thai and Chinese military planes performed acrobatic demonstrations together at the Korat Royal Thai Air Force Base, around 260 km (161 miles) northeast of Bangkok, as a prelude to the first joint military drill between the nations’ air forces.
A company spokeswoman said Mitsubishi Electric does not discuss individual deals.
“While we are aware that Thailand is moving ahead with the deployment of air defense radar, we can’t comment on the activities of individual corporations,” a spokesman for Japan’s defense ministry said.
A Thailand Defense Ministry spokesman, Kongcheep Tantravanich, said that “many countries want to sell it to us but we have to see if the system fits.” Spokesmen for the Royal Thai Navy and the Royal Thai Air Force said they had no knowledge of a plan for a new system.
Washington has a statutory obligation to withhold aid to militaries involved in coups against democratically elected governments. That includes restricting its arms makers from selling military kit to the country. Japan does not face such restrictions in engaging with the Thai government.
Tokyo is worried that China’s wooing of Thailand could further split members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and blunt criticism of China’s island building in the South China Sea. Beijing has claimed most of the resource-rich waterway as its own, sparking protests from other claimants, including Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia, Taiwan and Brunei.
The radar Japan proposes for the deal is a variant on Mitsubishi Electric’s fixed-position FSP-3 radar, an older generation system that has been used by Japan’s Self Defense Forces to detect air threats, the sources said.
(Reporting by Tim Kelly and Nobuhiro Kubo; additional reporting by Amy Sawitta Lefevre and Panarat Thepgumpanat in BANGKOK; Editing by Martin Howell in Singapore)
Two types of antenna equipment (for long-distance and short-distance antenna rotary active consisting) phased array . Such as a signal processing device has been installed underground, thereby improving the endurable. Japan developed, is the first of the active phased array radar was put into practical use. Long distance for a two-dimensional ( azimuth , elevation ), at close range for the one-dimensional electronic scanning system, for each element antenna more than 1,000 semiconductor microwave with a transceiver module.
2008 from the degree, missile defense in order to respond to ballistic missile capacity building in order to track the is carried out, in 2009 all until the degree of J / FPS-3 breaks have been fixed in.
Pseudo radio wave generator ( decoy ) to generate a decoy radio waves than, radio homing missiles ( versus radar missiles to interfere with) electronic warfare also corresponds to. In addition, fiber-optic long-distance, high-speed, large-capacity using the cable data transmission for the first time to adopt the technology in the warning and control radar, by isolating the radar antenna and the operation room, etc., made it possible to ensure safety of personnel, equipment. Source wikiwand.com
S-70i Black Hawk helicopter is the latest in the family of Black Hawk multimission aircraft. The helicopter is being built by Poland-based PZL Mielec, a subsidiary of Sikorsky Aircraft. The S-70i is being offered for international military customers and government agencies.
The S-70i helicopter can be configured according to customer specific missions, including troop transport and air assault, command and control, border patrol, search and rescue, cargo lift and VIP transport. The first S-70i Black Hawk helicopter successfully made its first flight in July 2010.
S-70i international orders, deliveries and design
Image: defence24.pl
PZL Mielec delivered the first three S-70i Black Hawk helicopters to an undisclosed launch customer in August 2011.
Sikorsky Aircraft signed a contract with the Brunei Ministry of Defence in December 2011, to supply 12 S-70i helicopters for the Royal Brunei Air Force (RBAF). The contractual scope also includes the supply of spare parts, training and ground support equipment, plus an option for ten additional helicopters.
Royal Brunei Air Force S-70i – Image: janes.com
Sikorsky delivered five S-70i Black Hawks to the Special Forces unit of the Colombian Army’s Air Assault Division in March 2013.
The Colombian Army placed an order with Sikorsky Aircraft for two additional S-70i Black Hawk helicopters in April 2013. The deliveries are scheduled to conclude by October 2013.
The S-70i Black Hawk helicopter has a maximum gross weight of 9,979kg. It can carry two crew members and up to 13 troops.
Chilean Air Force selects Black Hawk for medium-lift helicopter:Here
The Turkish government plans to build a fleet of multi-role T70 utility helicopters:Here
Turkish Utility Helicopter Program to build a fleet of multi-role T70 utility helicopters based on the S-70i™ BLACK HAWK aircraft – Image: lockheedmartin.com
Airbus fury as Poland scraps helicopters deal and gives Lockheed $3.5bn order instead:Here
The reliable crash-worthy airframe design of the S-70i integrates a machined cabin structure and a single-piece cockpit assembly. The structure can resist small-arms fire and high-explosive projectiles. Entry and exit of the crew and troops are provided by two jettisonable cockpit doors and two sliding cargo doors respectively.
Royal Thai Army UH-60M – Image: thaidefense-news.blogspot.com
The helicopter can be fitted with ballistic protection, an active vibration control system, medical equipment, wire strike protection, Integrated Vehicle Health Management (IVHM) system, auxiliary fuel tanks, an external rescue hoist, rappelling equipment and cargo hook.
Cockpit and avionics of the S-70i Black Hawk
gdziewojsko.files.wordpress.com
The glass cockpit of the S-70i features crash-worthy seats for pilot and co-pilot. The fully integrated digital cockpit is equipped with an advanced avionics suite incorporating four ten-inch colour multifunctional displays (MFDs), a dual digital automatic flight control system and coupled flight director and flight management system (FMS).
CMA-2082MC flight management system (FMS)
The CMA-2082M is an intelligent, self-contained multifunction control and display unit that integrates and provides centralized control of navigation sensors, communications radios, displays, mission avionics and aircraft systems. It features a large, user friendly three-inch by five-inch display area, a full alpha-numeric key panel and supports a number of interfaces.
For added flexibility, the unit offers multiprocessor support for the development of independent or customer designed software applications. These features, in combination with the unit’s modular, open architecture, provide numerous benefits, including enhanced obsolescence management as well as exceptional growth and upgrade capabilities.
The CMA-2082MC is currently installed and flying on the U.S. Army UH-60M, the HH-60M and S-70i export version of the UH-60M. Source verticalmag.com
S-70 – Image: wired.com
The navigation and communication systems include a dual embedded GPS/INS system with digital map, two UHF/VHF AM/FM radios, automatic direction finder, VOR/ILS and three-station crew digital inter-communication system (ICS).
AN/ARC-220 HF Airborne Communications System
Features & Benefits
The standard high-frequency radio of U.S. Army aviation platforms
Offers embedded ALE, ECCM and data modem
Includes Automatic Quick Call ALE (AQC-ALE) for faster connections
ALE Region ID for reduced ALE overhead; less sounding required
Features automatic position reporting for situational awareness
Includes binary messaging with ARQ protocol
Able to rapidly and efficiently tune a variety of antennas
Includes form/fit/function retrofit of existing AN/ARC-199 installations
Provides email messaging using Rockwell Collins HF Messenger™ software
Performance
Frequency
2.0000 – 29.9999 MHz in 100-Hz steps
Channels
20 user programmable simplex or half-duplex
20 programmable simplex or half-duplex
20 programmable automatic link establishment (ALE) scan lists
12 programmable ECCM hop sets (RT-1749 only)
Frequency Stability
3.3 x 10-7 over operating temperature range
Emission Modes
USB & LSB-voice and data, CW, and AME
ALE
IAW MIL-STD-188-141B Appendix A and MIL-STD-188-141B Appendix A AQC-ALE JITC certified 26 July 2002
ALE Linking Protection
ALE Linking Protection AL1, AL2, & AL3 (MIL-STD-188-141B Appendix B)
ECCM
IAW MIL-STD-188-148A – JITC certified 18 July 2002
Modem
IAW MIL-STD-188-110B and STANAG 4285 – JITC certified 18 July 2002
The highly capable DF-500 system pinpoints distress signals with unmatched accuracy and reliability. It enables aircraft to receive and immediately locate activated 406 MHz Emergency Position-Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB) signals, allowing crews to go directly to people in distress.
Software defined radio technology developed for the DF-500 enables higher sensitivity, immunity to interferences, and stability of bearing indications. New features include multi-channel scanning and real-time monitoring, as well as fast scanning and interoperability with maritime digital selective calling (DSC) and automatic identification system (AIS) distress protocols. Its unique multi-channel architecture enables key frequencies to be monitored simultaneously allowing rapid detection of emergency beacons and distress or safety calls over V/UHF radios. Source rockwellcollins.com
S-70 with weather radar dome – Image: fotograficzka.flog.pl
Integrated Primus 701A Weather Radar
Honeywell’s Primus® 700A/701A search and rescue weather radars are the finest systems available with surveillance and search modes integrated with color weather radar. Primus 701A has all of the features of the Primus 700A, but has the additional beacon detection.
The radars incorporate ARINC 429 and ARINC 708 interfaces allowing compatibility with a wide range of display products. These radar offer ruggedized chassis, reduced electromagnetic interference (EMI) emissions and susceptibility and improved blanking outputs.
The Primus 701A operates with either a weather radar indicator or with an electronic flight information system (EFIS) system using controllers. Source aerospace.honeywell.com
S-70i helicopter cabin and armament
The cabin of the S-70i is equipped with multifunctional 300psi cabin flooring and internal sound-proofing panels. The flexible design of the cabin allows for quick modifications to meet the mission requirements. The seating can be removed to accommodate cargo and supplies. The spacious cabin offers an area of 8.1m².
The baseline S-70i helicopter comes with no standard armament fit out. The new-build S-70i helicopters or existing platforms can be integrated with Battlehawk system. The system encompasses machine guns, 70mm rocket launchers, air-to-ground laser missile system, helmet-mounted sight, external gun mounting system and external stores weapon system.
Battlehawk system
LockMart explores Adaptable Weapons Kit for S70i Black Hawks:Here
DAGR™ air-to-ground missile
The 2.75-inch/70mm DAGR missile is a precision-strike, multi-role, multi-platform munition that effectively neutralizes lightly-armored and high-value targets close to civilian assets or friendly forces. DAGR offers strike capability with the reliability of a HELLFIRE II missile while further limiting collateral damage.
The DAGR system puts HELLFIRE II missile and Joint Air-to-Ground Missile technology in a 2.75-inch guidance section that integrates seamlessly with legacy Hydra-70 rockets. Like HELLFIRE, DAGR offers lock-on-after-launch (LOAL) and lock-on-before-launch (LOBL) capability, target handoff, enhanced built-in testing on the rail, and laser coding from the cockpit. The result is a laser-guided missile that offers capabilities beyond those of a simple guided rocket.
Shephard Media
DAGR has proven itself in over 30 successful guided flights, launched from such rotary-wing platforms as the AH-64D Apache, AH-6 Little Bird and OH-58 Kiowa Warrior. And every DAGR target strike has hit within 1 meter of the laser-designated aimpoint. The seeker’s ±8 degree field of view provides a large engagement envelope, enabling DAGR to acquire and launch at targets off-axis, maintain contact with a laser spot in high winds while in flight, and zero in on pop-up or moving targets.DAGR is compatible with digital smart launchers—ready to integrate with HELLFIRE systems today and modernized rocket launchers tomorrow. DAGR missiles can also be launched from legacy or modified M260/M261 launchers.
The DAGR rail-mounted canister (RMC) mounts to HELLFIRE-compatible digital and analog launchers (e.g., M299/M310 and M272). The RMC readily integrates with all HELLFIRE platforms, including unmanned aerial vehicles and Apache, Kiowa, Little Bird, Cobra, and Tiger helicopters.
Plug-and-play HELLFIRE II compatibility allows aircrews to mix loadouts between HELLFIRE and DAGR missiles on the same launcher, providing the flexibility to meet any challenge on an ever-changing battlefield. When increased loadout or reduced weight is a must, DAGR delivers. Source lockheedmartin.com
19-shot Hydra-70 rocket pod & HELLFIRE II
Shephard Media
FN HERSTAL Belgium manufactured machine gun pod
Defence24
Specially-Designed Machine GunThe .50 cal FN® M3P machine gun has been especifically designed by FN Herstal for airborne applications.
High Hit Probability
A high rate of fire guarantees short time on target (1,025 +/- 75 RPM, per pod, adjustable)
Improved Accuracy and SafetyThe FN® M3P machine gun features a Flash Hider and is installed on a soft mount that absorbs most recoil forces for increased accuracy.
Accurate suppressive and defensive fire against troops up to 3,000m
Suppressive fire against light armored vehicles up to 1,000m (.50 cal APEI round)
Ignition of fuel tanks and containers up to 2,500m (.50 cal APEI round)
FN HERSTAL 50-caliber (12.7mm) machine gun mounted to the cabin floor
Defence24
The M3M is a .50 caliber (12.7mm) machine gun suitable for rotary-wing aircraft applications manufactured by FN Herstal of Belgium. This .50 caliber machine gun provides suppressive fire to counter light armored vehicles, support fire in landing zones, ground and aerial threat suppression, and training. Its short time maximum firing rate is 1,100 rounds per minute or 600 rounds in a single burst against targets at ranges of over 2,000 meters. The weapon’s design with the hands on the pintle and an elastic craddle (recoil forces absorbed) allow for high accuracy. The weapon system is provided with ammunition boxes with the capacity ranging from 100 rounds (14.4 kg) to 600 rounds (96.4 kg).
In January 2004 the US Navy awarded FN Herstal a contract for the procurement of 136 M3M .50 caliber machine guns and 24 spare M3Ms. The new weapon system was designed the GAU-21 and was slated for use by the US Navy and the US Marine Corps rotary-wing aircraft assault groups. In September 2006, the US Navy awarded a $22 million contract to FN Herstal for 519 GAU-21 weapon systems with related equipment and services.
The GAU-21 specifications are as follows: firing rates of 1,000 rounds per minute, barrel life of 10,000 rounds, the ability to use 100, 300 and 600 round ammunition cans, compatibility with all NATO .50 caliber ammunition, and the capability of dismounting the machine gun by a person within 2 minutes. The US Navy and the US Marine Corps plans call for integration of the GAU-21 machine gun on the following platforms: CH-53 (rear ramp), CH-46, H-60, UH-1 and MV-22 aircraft. Source deagel.com
29.5 in (75 cm) including suppressor
Barrels are 22 in (55.9 cm) long
Bore Length
N/A
Rifling Length
20 in (50.8 cm)
Grooves
4
Lands
N/A
Twist
Uniform RH 1 in 33.333
Chamber Volume
N/A
Rate Of Fire
(see Note 3)
2,000 to 4,000 rounds per minute
Barrel cluster rotates counterclockwise as viewed from the breech end.
M134D is the minigun itself. Other designations are usually for the “gun assemblies” that include the mounting. The GAUSE designation appears only on text released with U.S. Navy photographs. It may represent a “sailor-alt” rather than an official U.S. Navy designation, although I have been unable to confirm that one way or the other. I have been told by USN personnel that the “SE” in GAUSE probably stands for “Shipboard Equipment” and refers to the entire gun and mounting assembly rather than to just the minigun itself.
The original design of the 1960s had a fixed rate of about 6,000 rounds per minute. This was unsustainable over any period of time and the weapon was redesigned to add a transmission housing at the motor, giving the weapon a variable speed of 2,000 or 4,000 rounds per minute. On the newer Dillon Aero Inc. version, the rate of fire is determined by the gun drive unit used, with drive units giving either 3,000 or 4,000 rounds per minute available. There is no speed selection on this version other than by assembling a different gun drive motor to the the gun system assembly. The 3,000 ROF drive motor takes 0.5 seconds to spin up to speed and 0.25 seconds to spin down to stop. When the trigger is released, there is a delay until all six barrels have been cleared by fire. This ensures that no live ammunition is left in the firing chambers, thus eliminating cook-off problems. Source navweaps.com
Engines and landing gear of Black Hawk helicopters
The S-70i Black Hawk is powered by two T700-GE701D turboshaft engines equipped with C controls.
Each engine develops a maximum power of 1,447kW. The twin-engine power plant drives the main rotor comprising of four composite-titanium blades.
Sikorsky S-70i – s/n n/a – c/n n/a – Paris LeBourget, France – 22 June 2011 Main rotor hub detail. Note lead-lag damper w/ ball joint bearings, spring-loaded droop stop (brass colored), internal spherical elastomeric bearing (around white part with red stripe) and bi-filar vibration absorber (top left) – Image: b-domke.de
The fuel system is composed of two crash-worthy and self-sealing fuel tanks. The single-point service connection allows close circuit and pressure refuelling.
The S-70i Black Hawk features a three-point dual OLEO landing gear with energy absorbing features.
The rugged landing gear allows the landing and take-off from virtually any unprepared terrain.
Performance of the S-70i multimission helicopter
The S-70i can fly at a maximum cruise speed of 277km/h. The AEO (All Engines Operating) service ceiling of the helicopter is 13,200ft. The helicopter has a maximum range of 459km with no reserve.
Variants
S-70
The company name for the H-60/S-70 family is the S-70 Black Hawk.
S-70A Black Hawk (UH-60 Black Hawk): Military model for the export market.
S-70A Firehawk Firefighting variant of the UH-60L. Tank system designed and built by Aero Union in Chico, California.
S-70A (N) Naval Hawk Maritime variant that blends the S-70A Black Hawk and S-70B Seahawk designs.
S-70B/C Seahawk: Maritime military model for the export market.
S-70A-9: Australian derivative Black Hawk
S-70C Firehawk: Commercial variant
S-70i Black Hawk: International military version assembled by Sikorsky subsidiary, PZL Mielec in Poland.
Derivatives
Sikorsky S-71 – a proposed attack helicopter using dynamic components from the S-70.
Sikorsky S-92 – Civilian medium-lift derivative of the Black Hawk.
H-92 Superhawk – Military version of the S-92. The Sikorsky CH-148 Cyclone is the H-92 version for the Canadian Forces.
Turkish Aerospace Industries T-70: A Turkish variant of the S-70i, built under license by Turkish Aerospace Industries with indigenous Turkish mission-computer, avionics, landing gear and transmission. Turkey was to initially to produce about 150 T-70s under license. US Ambassador to Turkey Frank Ricciardone stated that Turkey now intends to produce some 600 T-70s.
MK 48 Mod 7 CBASS
(Edit: HD) Mk 48 Mod 7 CBASS schematic, the US Navy’s current heavyweight torpedo. Sonar transducer in front followed by the electronics, warhead, fuel tank, and engine.
Mk 48 Mod 7 CBASS schematic, the US Navy’s current heavyweight torpedo. Sonar transducer in front followed by the electronics, warhead, fuel tank, and engine. 
Detail: CBASS fuel tank containing Otto II fuel (wire reel on the right)
Image: lockheedmartin.com
MK 48 Mod 7 CBASS
MK 48 Mod 7 CBASS
Image: defence24.pl
Royal Brunei Air Force S-70i – Image: janes.com
Image: 
Royal Thai Army UH-60M – Image: thaidefense-news.blogspot.com
S-70 – Image: wired.com
Columbian S-70i – Image: aviacionejercito.mil.co
S-70 with weather radar dome – Image: fotograficzka.flog.pl
Shephard Media
Shephard Media
Shephard Media
Shephard Media
Lapua Magnum
photo – (Photo André BOUR) – Image: 
Lapua Magnum
Sikorsky S-70i – s/n n/a – c/n n/a – Paris LeBourget, France – 22 June 2011 Main rotor hub detail. Note lead-lag damper w/ ball joint bearings, spring-loaded droop stop (brass colored), internal spherical elastomeric bearing (around white part with red stripe) and bi-filar vibration absorber (top left) – Image: b-domke.de
Image: pzlmielec.pl
Thai Military and Asian Region 