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Wednesday, September 19, 2007

Pulling Security



A U.S. Army Soldier from 2nd Battalion, 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment pulls security as Soldiers from his battalion search the mountains af Andar province, Afghanistan, for Taliban members and weapons caches June 6. Photo by Staff Sgt. Marcus Quarterman


Missile Interceptor


A ground-based missile interceptor is lifted from its transport to be placed into its missile silo during a recent emplacement at the Missile Defense Complex at Fort Greely, Alaska. Eighteen interceptors are emplaced in two fields on the 800-acre complex.

Special Ops on the Salt River


FT. KNOX, Ky. (Aug. 25, 2007) - A Special Operations Craft-Riverine (SOC-R) performs a crash-back maneuver during training along the Salt River in northern Kentucky. Special Warfare Combatant-craft Crewmen (SWCC) attached to Special Boat Team 22 (SBT-22) based in Stennis, Miss., employ the SOC-R, a craft designed for the clandestine insertion and extraction of U.S. Navy SEALs and other special operations forces along shallow waterways and open water environments. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jayme Pastoric

Exercise Koa Lightning


A B-52 Stratofortress takes off from Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, to participate in an exercise scenario Aug. 22. The aircraft, aircrew and maintainers are deployed from Barksdale AFB, La., as part of the continuous bomber presence in the Pacific region. During their deployment to Guam, the bomber squadron's participation in exercises will emphasize the U.S. bomber presence, demonstrating U.S. commitment to the Pacific region. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Master Sgt. Mahmoud Rasouliyan)

Air Force Assist


A Navy F/A-18 Hornet fighter receives fuel from a KC-10 Extender over Afghanistan. On Sept. 15, coalition tankers flew 46 sorties and off-loaded approximately 2.4 million pounds of fuel to 210 receiving aircraft. (DOD photo/Navy Lt. Peter Scheu)

Tuesday, September 18, 2007

Another Military Purge in Russia

September 17, 2007: There's a purge underway in the Russian armed forces, a purge at the very top. Officially, it's not happening. The latest victim, the head of the navy, was officially dismissed because he had reached the mandatory retirement age of 60. Admiral Vladimir Masorin was only on the job for two, and it was customary for senior officers to be extended, until age 65, by the president. This didn't happen with Masorin. The unofficial rumor was that Masorin accepted a U.S. medal (a Legion of Merit) during a recent visit to Washington, without asking the Defense Minister for permission. The real reason apparently has more to do with long promised reforms in the military. A new Defense Minister was installed last February, and since then, the commanders of the air force and navy have been dismissed, as well as a senior procurement officials, and lots of lesser officers involved with spending, or misspending, money. No one is saying anything officially, but actions speak loudly.
Since the fall of the Soviet Union in 1991, the presidents of Russia have tried, without success, to get the military to clean up the corruption and incompetence, and reform itself. The generals and admirals have dragged their feet. So now, those who don't get with the program, are quickly shown the door. The officers at the top of the heap now, entered military service in the 1970s, a time when the military was riding high, and viewed as the most powerful military force on the planet. But it was downhill from there. Apparently there's still a lot of 1970s nostalgia among the generals.

The last purge of the military was 70 years ago, and it was carried out with firing squads, not retirement papers. Times have changed in Russia, but problems with peacetime generals have not.

http://www.strategypage.com/htmw/htlead/articles/20070917.aspx

Why They Hate Osama

September 17, 2007: The collapse of support for Islamic terrorism was not just an Indonesian thing. Throughout the Islamic world, the al Qaeda terrorism in Iraq, Indonesia, Saudi Arabia, Jordan and Afghanistan has turned public opinion against the Islamic militants, and leaders like Osama bin Laden. The loss of popular support has made it difficult for Islamic terrorists to recruit and operate. That is particularly true in Indonesia, which was never very enthusiastic about Islamic radicalism to begin with. Meanwhile, even the ethnic unrest among Melanesians (who are often Christians) in eastern Indonesia, is dying down. Newly independent East Timor continues to fester, but mainly for economic reasons. There is no functioning economy in East Timor, thus few jobs and lots of anger over the situation. As a practical matter, the wars in Indonesia are over. There are still some Islamic terrorists running around, or, more commonly, away from the police. There are still some ethnic separatist rebels in Papua. But natural disasters, like earthquakes, are killing more people than man made terrorism.

http://www.strategypage.com/qnd/indones/articles/20070917.aspx

Show Me The Money, Not The Jihad

August 30, 2007: The major Islamic organizations are turning from politics and religious issues, to economic ones. The Islamic radicals have been pushed to the fringes of Indonesian politics, and everyone has become more aware of how much people are concerned with poverty and education. To the dismay of Islamic radicals, this is an old tradition in Indonesia, where Islam is not taken as seriously as in the Middle East.

http://www.strategypage.com/qnd/indones/articles/20070830.aspx

Buying $12 Billion Worth of Russian Weapons

September 9, 2007: The government finalized a billion dollar arms purchase from Russia. Easy payment terms (fifteen years) were provided. The Russians are eager to please, as this is expected to be but the first installment of a larger arms deal that could add up to $12 billion or more. This massive sale would give Indonesia dozens of Su-27/30 aircraft and ten Kilo class submarines, as well as armored vehicles, helicopters, warships and a wide array of military equipment. Indonesia has no enemies in the region, although there is some hostility towards Australia (for being richer, more powerful and part of the "West"). The new weapons don't really change the balance of power in the region. It will take years of practice for the Indonesian pilots and sailors to master their new equipment. And that assumes that the government would spend the large amounts of money needed to pay for fuel and spare parts to keep the planes in the air, and the ships at sea, for that training. Meanwhile, Australia already has more advanced subs, and equally capable aircraft. Australia is getting more capable F-35 fighters. But, basically, Indonesian fighters and subs really don't have anyone to fight, which is why it's likely politicians will find other things to do with the money their pilots and sailors want for training.

September 6, 2007: A side effect of the recent massive arms purchase from Russia, are a number of non-military deals. One involves setting up a satellite launching operation in Indonesian Papua. Launching some types of satellites from near the equator is cheaper. Russia will use air launched satellites (a large solid fuel rocket is shoved out the back of a large transport), and the operation will be based at an air port in Papua. Preparations will take about three years.

September 2, 2007: In Aceh, the ruling party tried to use mob violence and other illegal tactics to prevent newly elected officials from an opposition party, from taking power in the southeast. A riot at a swearing in ceremony left 26 injured and twelve arrested. The new provincial government in Aceh is dominated by former separatist rebels, but they are also tempted by traditional, and unsavory, political practices.

http://www.strategypage.com/qnd/indones/articles/20070909.aspx

Monday, September 17, 2007

Aimpoint AB - High Performance Red Dot Reflex Sights







Aimpoint AB is a supplier of Electro-optical Sighting Systems including passive red dot collimator sight, laser device and mounts
RED DOT SIGHT, IR LASER AIMING DEVICE, MOUNTING SOLUTIONSAimpoint AB supplies red dot sights, IR laser devices and mounts for hunting, sport shooting, police and military applications. The company strengthened its position as market leader when it was awarded the first multi-year contract ever for red dot sights by the US Army in 1997. Since then, Aimpoint has continued to deliver large quantities of sights to the US Army, French Army, US Airforce, US SOCOM, Swedish Army, Danish Army and Italian Army.
Through this, the company has proven its capability to manufacture and supply large quantities of first class equipment. The Aimpoint sight is also currently in use with Special Forces all over the world and regarded as the standard optical sight in most NATO countries. Aimpoint Sweden AB's manufacturing facility in Sweden is one of the first companies certified according to the new standard SS-EN ISO 9001:2000
COMPM3 AND COMPML3 – MOST ADVANCED RED DOT SIGHTS FOR SMALL CALIBRE WEAPONSThe new Advanced Circuit Effectiveness Technology (ACET) is a breakthrough in technology and has been implemented in a new series of sights. The new sights are called Aimpoint CompM3 and Aimpoint CompML3 and have several improvements in comparison to present sights. ACET combines Aimpoint's superior accuracy and ease of use with significantly lower power usage. ACET sights can last nearly 50,000 hours (on setting 7 out of 10) on a single DL1/3N battery. That is 49,000 hours more than other competitive sights on the same setting.
The new sights are even more rugged than the previous generation and with the new ACET technology follows the possibility to choose from two fixed sizes of the red dot – four Minutes Of an Angle (MOA) or two MOA. They also come with a rubber cover that makes these sights extremely sustainable to severe environment. Both sights are submersible down to an impressive 135ft (45m).
Aimpoint AB supplies the CompM3 and CompML2 sights and mounting systems for a wide range of small-calibre weapons such as pistols, sub-machine guns and assault rifles. The sights are non-magnifying, parallax free and allow for unlimited eye relief, which makes them suitable for close combat applications. Further, it allows for operation under all light conditions. The CompM3 is compatible with all NVD.
COMPM2 AND COMPML2 - RED DOT SIGHTS FOR SMALL CALIBRE WEAPONSAimpoint AB supplies the CompM2 and CompML2 sights and mounting systems for a wide range of small-calibre weapons such as pistols, sub-machine guns and assault rifles. The sights are non-magnifying, parallax free and allows for unlimited eye relief, which makes them suitable for close combat applications. Further, it allows for operation under all light conditions. The CompM2, also called M68 by the US Army is compatible with all NVD. The revolutionary CETechnology gives the sights an improved LED and an impressive battery lifetime of 10,000 hours of active use.
3XMAG – MAGNIFYING MODULE

The 3XMag is a magnifying module that provides maximum flexibility and increased performance in the field. Designed to be compatible with all Aimpoint sights, the 3XMag uses the red dot of the Aimpoint sight while offering the operator a greatly extended range. It also makes re-zeroing unnecessary which allows for quick and easy targeting at longer ranges. In addition to the magnifying attachment, Aimpoint has also developed a patented new mount called Aimpoint TwistMount. This allows the operator to switch from semi-sniping to close-quarter battle in a split second.
By using the sight and the 3X module, the same firearm can quickly be transformed to adapt to any situation. The result is increased confidence and performance.
The 3XMag has been combat tested in the Enduring Freedom campaign in Afghanistan.

MPS II - RED DOT SIGHT FOR HMG AND AGL

The Aimpoint® MPS II is the second generation of passive collimated red dot sights suitable for medium or heavy-support weapons. MPS II is developed for military applications it is preferably used on vehicle mounted weapons.
The Aimpoint MPS II is a non-magnifying sight with unlimited eye relief allowing an unequalled speed of target acquisition. As requested by the user, the MPS II has been set with manually adjustable reticle brightness for all light conditions and with the new CETechnology. Thanks to its NVD compatibility, the MPS II now offers the possibility to be used 24 hours a day
LPI – INFRA RED LASER POINTERThe Aimpoint® LPI, IR Laser Aiming Device is an active aiming device or target designator for military and Law Enforcement applications in darkness or poor light conditions. The Aimpoint LPI is a complement to the passive aiming systems from Aimpoint. It is designed to fit directly on an Aimpoint red dot sight, which means that no special rail system is required. This is a truly unique tool, lightweight, small and sturdy. It enhances the red dot sight capability and meets the increasing demands on target lasers.
AIMPOINT COMPANY CULTUREAimpoint AB is the inventor of the red dot sighting technology. The Head office along with R&D, production, sales and marketing is located in Sweden. A subsidiary, located in Chantilly, Virginia, USA, handles sales and marketing on the US market and a sales office located in Hong Kong handles the Asian market.
http://www.army-technology.com/contractors/machine_guns/aimpoint/

Royal Danish Air Force Formally Accepts Two Lockheed Martin Long-Range Surveillance Radars


by Staff WritersSyracuse NY (SPX) Aug 22, 2007. The Defence Acquisition and Logistics Organization (DALO) of the Danish Ministry of Defence formally transferred ownership of two Lockheed Martin TPS-77 mobile, long-range surveillance radars to the Tactical Air Command of the Royal Danish Air Force. A ceremony on August 16 attended by representatives from the Danish government, the Royal Danish Air Force and Lockheed Martin was held at Karup Air Station, in Denmark, where the radars temporarily are deployed.In 2005, Lockheed Martin's Radar Systems business unit in Syracuse, NY (USA) received a contract from DALO to provide the radar systems along with a four-year logistics support package. The radars were delivered by Lockheed Martin to Karup several months ahead of schedule.
"These new radars will substantially improve the air surveillance capability within Denmark and over the surrounding seas," said Henrik Hornhaver, Technical Director, DALO, who participated in the ceremony.
"We are very proud that Lockheed Martin radars will play a significant role in the safety and well being of the Danish people," said Carl Bannar, vice president and general manager of Lockheed Martin's Radar Systems business, who also was present for the transfer ceremony.
The TPS-77 is the latest configuration of the world's most successful three-dimensional (3-D) solid-state radar design, the FPS-117. This L-band tactical radar provides high-quality 3-D surveillance data on air targets at ranges out to 250 nautical miles and at elevations up to 100,000 feet. These two Danish radars represent the 26th and 27th TPS-77 radar sets produced to date. In addition, there are 127 FPS-117 systems operational in 14 countries, including several European nations. Many have operated for years in remote areas, completely unmanned and in a wide range of environments.
http://www.spacewar.com/reports/Royal_Danish_Air_Force_Formally_Accepts_Two_Lockheed_Martin_Long_Range_Surveillance_Radars_999.html

Stratotanker Celebrates 51 Years Of Military Service


by Maj. Adriane CraigManas AFB, Kyrgyzstan (AFNS) Sep 11, 2007As the Air Force celebrates its 60th anniversary later this month, the first all jet tanker-transport that has been the backbone for combat operations in Afghanistan isn't far behind. The KC-135 Stratotanker celebrated its birthday Aug. 31. It was 1956 -- 51 years ago -- when the Boeing aircraft made its maiden flight."Anyone who has been watching the (Manas Air Base) flightline can tell you, we are flying them hard," said Lt. Col. Steve Hart, the 22nd Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron commander.
The KC-135 is still going strong with the help of some modifications and refurbishments. The upgrade to the R-model involved swapping out the original J-57 turbo jet engine for the CFM-56 turbo fan engine. The R-model conversion process started in 1984 and took about 20 years to complete.
"It was major leap in power from the old engines, where water was injected into the engines on takeoff to help us get airborne with heavy fuel loads," Colonel Hart said.
Today there are less than 500 of the original 729 KC-135s built between 1955 and 1964, but the demand for the aircraft is as high as ever.
Despite the long hours logged by the aircraft in some pretty tough environments, the plane has held up remarkably well.
For Colonel Hart, the longevity of the airplane is a tribute to the design and the maintainers who keep it flying.
"The maintenance professionals truly make the mission happen," he said. "I simply position the switch to 'On' and take their aircraft to the fight. You can't hide on the flightline. You are either the hero or the goat."
The Manas AB maintenance members have definitely been heroes.
"This wing has shattered records throughout this rotation. Sorties, offload, you name the metric we've crushed it," Colonel Hart said.
Every day, 24 hours a day, KC-135s from Manas AB are in the sky over Afghanistan, off-loading fuel to aircraft that are providing critical combat air support to coalition ground forces.
It is this 51-year-old aircraft that gives the Air Force its real capability, Colonel Hart said.
"I may be a bit biased, but while the combat power produced from the combined effects all the different weapon systems is utterly amazing, what sets us apart from every other air force in the world is our ability to air refuel," Colonel Hart said. "Air refueling is the critical component that allows Air Force to take the fight to the enemy on a global scale.
"Yes, it is funny at air shows when children ask us where we put our bombs and where do our guns come out of, but you know what? When the fuel gauge is running low and there are troops on the ground needing support, the first radio transmission from that fighter pilot after he has dropped his weapon is 'Is my tanker up there?'" he said.
And the answer is always, yes that they are holding just a few minutes away, and will be for many more years to come.
"The joke that is not lost on many of us who fly the KC-135 is that the last KC-135 pilot probably hasn't even been born yet," Colonel Hart said.
KC-135:
-- Fuel capacity for a KC-135 31,275 gallons -- enough for a car to drive 938,250 miles.
-- The average car can operate for more than a year on the amount of fuel transferred through the boom in a single minute.
-- The total fuel carried on a KC-135 would last the average driver 48 years.
-- The electrical power generated by one aircraft would power 35 homes.
-- To lubricate its four engines, the aircraft carries 64 gallons of oil, enough for 50 cars.
http://www.spacewar.com/reports/Stratotanker_Celebrates_51_Years_Of_Military_Service_999.html

Sunday, September 16, 2007

Northrop Grumman To Provide US Army With Additional Laser Rangefinders



by Staff WritersApopka FL (SPX) Sep 07, 2007Northrop Grumman has been awarded a contract from the U.S. Army to provide more than 500 hand-held laser target locators to assist soldiers in locating and identifying enemy targets. The value of the contract is $17.5 million, with the first deliveries scheduled for April 2008 and the final deliveries due August 2009.The Mark VII is a hand-held target locator that can accurately identify enemy positions and locations during the day or at night. It can be used to conduct surveillance and target enemy positions for air or artillery engagement.
"The Mark VII laser rangefinder has been a mainstay in the Army for a number of years because it is such a great piece of equipment," said Gregory Williams, general manager of the company's Laser Systems business unit. "It is small, lightweight, easily carried, very rugged, highly accurate, gives precise targeting information, and is extremely dependable. Our warfighters are comfortable with it, know how to use it, and do, on a regular basis to effectively locate and identify enemy targets."
The Mark VII system is currently deployed with Army forward observers and scouts, U.S. Air Force tactical air control parties, U.S. Marine Corps forward observers and forward air controllers and members of Special Operations Forces. It is used in the mountains of Afghanistan and the deserts of Iraq where it provides accurate target location information for U.S. forces.
http://www.spacewar.com/reports/Northrop_Grumman_To_Provide_US_Army_With_Additional_Laser_Rangefinders_999.html

BMP-3 Tracked Infantry Combat Vehicle, Russia











The BMP-3 infantry combat vehicle entered production in the late 1980s. About 120 BMP-3 vehicles are in service with the Russia Army and over 600 have been exported to a number of countries, including United Arab Emirates (390 vehicles), Cyprus (40), Indonesia (30), Kuwait (110) and South Korea (70).

Kurganmashzavod of Kurgan, Russian Federation manufactures the chassis and the Instrument Design Bureau (KBP) of Tula is responsible for the turret. It is a tracked, armoured, amphibious vehicle designed to engage armoured ground and air targets while stationary, on the move and afloat.

In 2007, the Russian Army placed an order with Kurganmashzavod for a number of new-build BMP-3 vehicles.

A command version, the BMP-3K, is available, which is the same as the basic BMP-3, but with additional communications and navigation equipment. A version designed for more sustained amphibious operation is the BMP-3F. Changes in construction allow movement afloat in sea state three and firing with necessary accuracy in sea state two. The BMP-3F can endure continuous amphibious operation for seven hours. A reconnaissance version, the BRM-3K, is in service with the Russian Army.


UPGRADED BMP-3M VEHICLE

KBP and Kurganmashzavod have upgraded the vehicle with a new turret and engines. The upgraded vehicle is called the BMP-3M and the new turret includes a new automatic fire control system with digital computer, new BZS1 gunner's sight with SAGEM thermal imager and laser illuminator, TKN-AI commander's periscope with laser infrared illuminator and new ammunition loading system.

The BMP-3M will also be able to fire ammunition types including new 100mm laser-guided projectiles, new 100mm HE-FRAG (High-Explosive Fragmentation) rounds and new 30mm APSDS (Armour-Piercing Discarding Sabot) rounds.

Additional passive armour protection is effective against 12.7mm armour-piercing rounds from a range of 50m. Explosive reactive armour is available as an option. The new uprated engine is the UTD-32, which is rated at 660hp.

BMP-3 ARMAMENT

The main armament of the BMP-3 is a 100mm 2A70 semi-automatic rifled gun / missile launcher, which is stabilised in two axes and can fire either 3UOF HE-FRAG (High Explosive-Fragmentation) rounds or 3UBK10 anti-tank guided missiles. Effective range for the HE-FRAG round is 4,000m. Muzzle velocity is 250m/s. 22 HE-FRAG rounds can be carried in the automatic loader, total ammunition load being 40 rounds. Rate of fire is 10 rounds a minute.
The gun fires the 3UBK10 anti-tank guided missile round, which consists of the 9M117 laser beamriding missile and container. This missile is used in the Bastion missile system (NATO designation AT-10 Stabber). It can engage tanks with Explosive Reactive Armour (ERA) as well as slow, low-flying targets such as helicopters. Range is 100m to 4,000m. Hit probability is given as at least 0.8 with armour penetration of 600mm. Ammunition load is eight rounds.

Armament also includes a 30mm 2A72 automatic gun, stabilised in two axes, which fires 3UOR-6 and 3UOR-8 rounds. Ammunition load is 500 AP (Armour-Piercing) or HE-FRAG rounds. Rate of fire is more than 300 rounds a minute and range is 1,500m to 2,000m. There is also one 7.62mm PKT coaxial machine gun and two 7.62 bow machine guns.

SELF-PROTECTION

The BMP-3 can be fitted with the Arena Defensive Aids suite, developed by KBM Kolumna. The system consists of target detection and tracking radar, computer and processing unit and protective ammunition.

The system is automatic: the radar passes tracking data to the computer, which selects the number of ammunition rounds and controls firing. The selected ammunition is then expelled as a directed field. The vehicle can also be fitted with the Shtora defensive aids system which counters anti-tank guided weapons with SACLOS (Semi-Automatic Command-to-Line-of-Sight).

The hull and turret are constructed from aluminium alloy armour. Protection also includes steel external straps fitted on the turret, side armour displacement panels and a double-bottom at the front of the vehicle.

NBC equipment includes a filter ventilation unit as well as hermetic sealing. This system is located in the rear of the vehicle, as is the ejection cooling system which, coupled with the reduced length of the gas ventilation system exhaust, serves to reduce the tank's thermal signature.

FIRE CONTROL AND OBSERVATION

The fire control system is automatic with manual override for both gunner and commander. It includes a 1V539 ballistic computer, 2E52 electro-mechanical armament stabiliser and 1D16 laser rangefinder. The gunner has a 1K13-2 main sight, a combined image-intensified day / night sight and PPD-1 standby day sight. The commander has a 1PZ-10 day sight and TKN-3 combined day and image-intensified night sight.

The French company SAGEM, with Kurganmashzavod and Peleng of Belarus, have developed the Namut thermal sight for the BMP-3.

This sight is based on the SAGEM Athos eight – 12 micron three field of view thermal imager and is fitted to the BMP-3 ICV's delivered to the United Arab Emirates.


PROPULSION

The engine is the V-shaped UTD-29 diesel engine, which produces 500hp. The transversal mount of the engine enables the wheel drive, cardan shaft for the waterjet drives and electric bilge pump to be located underneath. Transmission is hydromechanical with a hydrostatic gearbox for the steering gear and power take-off for the water jets.

The BMP-3 vehicle weighs 18.7t and is capable of a maximum speed of 70km/h and range of 600km on roads.

http://www.army-technology.com/projects/bmp-3/

Friday, September 14, 2007

AH 64 Apache











The AH-64 Apache is the United States Army's principal attack helicopter, and is the successor to the AH-1 Cobra. The AH-64 is powered by two General Electric T700 turboshaft engines. The crew sits in tandem, with the pilot sitting behind and above the copilot-gunner in an armored crew compartment. The AH-64 is armed with a 30mm M230 chain gun and carries a mixture of AGM-114 Hellfire and Hydra 70 rockets on four hard points mounted on its stub-wing pylons.
Designed by Hughes Helicopters in response to the Army's Advanced Attack Helicopter Program, it was built to endure front-line environments and to operate during the day or night and in adverse weather using avionics and electronics, such as the Target Acquisition and Designation System, Pilot Night Vision System (TADS/PNVS), passive infrared countermeasures, Global Positioning System (GPS), and the Integrated Helmet And Display Sight System (IHADSS). McDonnell Douglas purchased Hughes Helicopters and continued the development of the AH-64 resulting in the AH-64D Apache Longbow which is currently produced by Boeing Integrated Defense Systems.




Development
Following the cancellation of the AH-56 Cheyenne, the United States Army sought an aircraft to fill an anti-armor attack role. The Army wanted an aircraft better than the AH-1 Cobra in firepower, performance and range. It would have the maneuverability to fly nap-of-the-earth (NoE) missions. To this end, the US Army issued a request for proposals (RFP) for an Advanced Attack Helicopter (AAH) in 1972.[2]
Proposals were submitted by 5 manufacturers: Bell, Boeing-Vertol (teamed with Grumman), Hughes, Lockheed, and Sikorsky. In 1973, the U.S. Department of Defense selected finalists Bell and Hughes Aircraft's Toolco Aircraft Division (later Hughes Helicopters). This began the phase 1 of the competition.[2]
Each company built prototype helicopters and went through a flight test program. Hughes' Model 77/YAH-64 prototype first flew on September 30, 1975, while Bell's Model 409/YAH-63 prototype first flew the following day.[2] After evaluating test results, the Army selected Hughes' YAH-64 over Bell's YAH-63 in 1976.[3] The AH-64 then entered phase 2 of the AAH program. This called for building three preproduction AH-64s, and upgrading the two YAH-64 flight prototypes and the ground test unit up to the same standard.[4] Weapons and sensor systems were integrated and tested during this time,[2] including the new Hellfire missile.[4]
In 1981, three pre-production AH-64s were handed over to the U.S. Army for Operational Test II. The Army testing was successful, but afterwards it was decided to upgrade to the T700-GE-701 version of engine, producing 1,690 shp (1,259 kW).[2] In late 1981, the AH-64 was named the "Apache" keeping with the Army's traditional use of Native American tribal names for its helicopters. Hughes was approved for full scale production in 1982.[2] In 1983, the first production helicopter was rolled out at Hughes Helicopter's facility at Mesa, Arizona. In 1984, Hughes Helicopters was purchased by McDonnell Douglas for $500 million. Hughes later became part of The Boeing Company with the merger of Boeing and McDonnell Douglas in August 1997. The total cost of the AH-64D program is US$ 10.5 billion through April 2007.[5]




Operators
The original unit cost for the AH-64A was about US$14.5 million. In September 2003, Greece ordered 12 AH-64D (in addition to the already existing fleet of 20 AH-64A+) for a total cost of $675 million (presumably including weapons and support), indicating a gross unit cost for the AH-64D of $56.25 million. Singapore purchased a total of 20 AH-64D Longbow Apache aircraft in two batches between 1999 and 2001. Pakistan is thought to have ordered 6 Apache Longbow for its various anti-terrorism missions;[citation needed] unofficial reports suggest that the Pakistan Army has a requirement of up to 30 AH-64D Apache Longbow by 2010.

Southeast Asia's tri-border black spot

Western diplomatic officials are increasingly concerned about Islamist militant activity in the east Malaysian state of Sabah on the island of Borneo. Sabah has porous and poorly policed land and maritime borders with Indonesia and the Philippines, both countries grappling with Islamist insurgencies.
Western intelligence gathering on the 750,100 km2 island of Borneo, which comprises the Malaysian states of Sabah and Sarawak, Brunei and the four Indonesian provinces of Kalimantan, has been far less extensive than in the neighbouring flashpoint areas of Indonesia, the southern Philippines and southern Thailand, a US Department of State source recently told Jane's. Without citing any specific threat or incident, the source said more resources should be channelled into gathering intelligence in Borneo, particularly in Sabah.
Sabah is close to the southern Philippine islands where the military has been struggling to put down Islamist insurgencies. Since 2001, the US has supported the effort with money and military training. The US has also offered large rewards for information leading to the arrest or killing of named militants believed to be in the region. One such militant is Dulmatin, a suspected member of the regional group Jemaah Islamiyah (JI) and a suspect in the October 2002 Bali bombings.
JI has long used Sabah as a logistical hub through which to send recruits to training camps in the southern Philippines. Former JI commander Nasir Abbas, now a police informant, confirmed to Jane's in a recent interview that he headed Camp Hudabiya on the Philippine island of Mindanao between 1994 and 1997. He described how he always went through Sabah when travelling back to peninsular Malaysia, saying he would mostly travel illegally, bribing fisherman to ferry him overnight to Sabah's coastline. Abbas said he carried a forged Philippine passport as a backup, using the Tagalog language he had picked up from his students to enhance his false identity.

http://www.janes.com/news/lawenforcement/jtsm/jtsm070423_1_n.shtml

Thursday, September 13, 2007

M 1 Garand


Design and mechanics
The M1 rifle is a gas-operated, semi-automatic, clip-fed rifle.[28] By modern standards, the M1's feeding system is archaic, relying on clips to feed ammunition, and is the principal source of criticism of the Garand rifle. Officials in Army Ordnance circles demanded a fixed, non-protruding magazine for the new service rifle. At the time, it was believed that a detachable magazine on a general-issue service rifle would be easily lost by U.S. soldiers (a criticism made of British soldiers and the Lee-Enfield 50 years previously), would render the weapon too susceptible to clogging from dirt and debris (a belief that proved unfounded with the adoption of the M1 Carbine), and that a protruding magazine would complicate existing manual-of-arms drills. As a result, inventor John Pedersen developed an "en bloc" clip system that allowed ammunition to be inserted from above, clip included, into the fixed magazine. While this design provided the requisite flush-mount magazine, the clip system increased the rifle's weight, and prevented it from being fired without a clip, such as while reloading.
Garand's rifle was originally chambered for the .276 Pedersen cartridge,[29] charged by means of 10-round clips. Later, it was chambered for the then-standard .30-06 Springfield. With this new cartridge, the Garand had a maximum effective range of 500 yards (457 m), with the capability of inflicting a casualty with armor-piercing ammunition well beyond 880 yards (approx. 800 m). Because of the larger diameter of the .30-06 cartridge, the reworked magazine design held only eight rounds instead of ten.
Garand's original design for the M1 used a complicated gas system involving a special muzzle extension gas trap, later dropped in favor of a simpler drilled gas port. Because most of the older rifles were retrofitted, pre-1939 gas-trap M1 Garands are very rare today and are prized collector's items.[28] In both systems, expanding gases from a fired cartridge are diverted into the gas cylinder. Here, the gases met a long-stroke piston attached to the operating rod. The operating rod was therefore pushed rearward by the force of this high-pressure gas. Then, the operating rod engaged a rotating bolt inside the receiver. The bolt was attached to the receiver via two locking lugs, which rotated, unlocked, and initiated the firing cycle when the rifle was discharged. The operating rod (and subsequently the bolt) then returned to its original position.

Operation
The Garand is loaded with a full clip of 8 cartridges. Once all eight rounds are expended, the bolt will be automatically locked back and the clip ejected, readying the rifle for the insertion of a fresh clip of ammunition[29]. Compared to contemporary detachable box magazines, the M1's "en bloc" clip is light, simple, and only has to be oriented with the bullets pointing forward prior to charging the rifle (the clips have no top or bottom).
Once the clip is inserted, the bolt snaps forward on its own as soon as pressure is released from the clip, chambering a round and leaving it ready to fire.[34][35] It is advisable for the operator to ride the bolt forward with his hand (in order to prevent the bolt from closing on his thumb, resulting in the very common "Garand thumb" or "M1 thumb"), and to strike the operating rod handle with his palm to ensure the bolt is closed.[36][35]
The M1's safety is located at the front of the trigger guard. It is engaged when it is pressed rearward into the trigger guard, and disengaged when it is pushed forward and is protruding outside of the trigger guard.[36]
Contrary to widespread misconception, partially expended or full clips can be ejected from the rifle by means of the clip latch button.[36] It is also possible to load single cartridges into a partially loaded clip while the clip is still in the magazine, but this requires both hands and a bit of practice. In reality, this procedure was rarely performed in combat, as the danger of loading dirt along with the cartridges increased the chances of malfunction, not to mention the added delay in returning fire.[35][30][32] Later, special clips holding two or five rounds became available on the civilian market, as well as a single-loading device which stays in the rifle when the bolt locks back. It is also possible to modify the clip latch, disabling the clip ejection function, and thereby allowing the weapon to be charged like a traditional top-loading rifle.
In battle, the manual of arms called for the rifle to be fired until empty, and then recharged quickly. Due to the well-developed logistical system of the U.S. military at the time, this wastage of ammunition was generally not critical, though this could change in the case of units that came under intense fire or were flanked or surrounded by enemy forces.[30]
The Garand's en-bloc clip system proved particularly cumbersome when using the rifle to launch grenades, requiring removal of an often partially loaded clip of ball ammunition and replacement with a full clip of blank cartridges.

Komando Pasukan Katak (Kopaska)







Kopaska was formed on March 31 1962 by President Sukarno to help his campaign in Irian Jaya. In that campaign they were ordered to be human torpedoes similar to Japanese 'kamikaze' troops. In doing so they rode the torpedo, guided it until hit the enemy's ship. KOPASKA is heavily influenced by the early U.S. Navy Underrwater Demoliton Teams (UDT) and modern Navy SEAL Teams. This foundation was built when early KOPASKA members were sent to the United States for training with the UDTs. That tradition continues today as each year a few men from the unit travel to Coronado, California and Norfolk, Virginia to participate in SEAL training.
Today, the unit strength is approximately 300 men, divided into two groups. One is attached to western fleet, based in Jakarta and the other one is attached to eastern fleet, based in Surabaya, East Java. Their main duty is underwater demolition which consists of raiding enemy's ships and bases, destroying main underwater installations, beach reconnaissance, prisoner snatches, and preparing beaches for larger naval amphibious operations. In peace time the unit deployes seven man teams to serve as security personnel for VIPs. Primary among these duties are the escort and personal security of the Indonesian president and vice president. They are also responsible for limited search-and-rescue duties and have deployed as part of United Nations peace forces.
Recruitment for the unit is held once a year and draws exclusively on navy personnel (not from the marines). The maximum age of recruits are no more than 30 years. The length of recruitment is seven months. Usually from 700-1500 men who signed up only 15-20 men will pass the initial selection. After the selection the men who pass will undergo four-phase continual training. The first phase of this is one week of physical training (Hell Week), the second phase is basic underwater training, the third phase is commando training, and the fourth phase is parachute training. In the end from 15-20 men, usually only five or six make it and become Kopaska.

The Jala Mengkara Detachment (Denjaka)


The Jala Mengkara Detachment (Denjaka) is an elite special operations forces of the Indonesian Navy. It is a combined detachment formed from selected personnel of the Navy's Underwater Special Unit (Kopaska) and the Marine Corps' Amphibious Reconnaissance Battalion (Yontaifib).
The Detachment was formed in 1984 by the Chief of the Indonesian Armed Forces to counter maritime strategic threats including, but not limited to, terrorism and sabotage. Despite the specific reason for its formation, as in the case of any other special operations forces around the world, the Detachment is also fully trained in conducting reconnaissance, unconventional warfare, and clandestine behind-enemy-lines operations.

History
In November 4, 1982, the Navy Chief of Staff issued a decree (No. Skep/2848/XI/1982) forming a task force called Naval Special Forces (Pasusla) to fulfill the need for a maritime special operations forces capable of countering terrorism and sabotage. In the initial phase, 70 personnel from the Amphibious Reconnaissance Battalion and Underwater Special Unit (or Navy Frogman) were recruited to form Pasusla. Trainings for this new unit was under the command of the Western Fleet commander with assistance from the Commandant of the Marine Corps, while the Navy Chief of Staff acted as the operational commander of Pasusla. The unit was based at the Western Fleet Command Headquarter, Jakarta.
Upon further development of this unit, in November 13, 1984, the Navy Chief of Staff requested the Chief of the Indonesian Armed Forces to form Denjaka. The Chief of the Armed Forces approved the request and through the issuance of an approval letter (No. R/39/08/9/2/SPN), Pasusla changed into Denjaka and was designated as a Naval Counter-Terrorism Detachment.

Mission
Denjaka's primary task is to develop anti-terrorism, anti-sabotage and other clandestine operations capabilities in support of maritime counter-terrorism, counter-sabotage and other special operations as directed by the Chief of the Armed ForcesOrganizational Structure
Organizational Structure
According to the directive of the Navy Chief of Staff, Denjaka is a Marine Corps Task Force under the Indonesian Navy, with the Commandant of the Marine Corps holding responsibilities for general trainings, while specific trainings fall under the responsibilities of the Chief of Armed Forces Strategic Intelligence Agency. Operational command falls directly under the Chief of the Armed Forces.
Denjaka consists of one Detachment Headquarter, one Command Element, one Engineering Element and three Combat Elements

Recruitments and Training
Denjaka's recruitment process begins after the conclusion of Para and Commando trainings. Prior to enrolling in Denjaka training, the applicant must possess amphibious reconnaissance qualification.

Colt M4







The M4 Carbine is a family of firearms tracing its lineage back to earlier carbine versions of the M16, all based on the original AR-15 made by ArmaLite. It is a shorter and lighter version of the M16A2 assault rifle, achieving 80% parts commonality with the M16A2. The M4 has selective fire options including semi-automatic and three-round burst (like the M16A2), while the M4A1 has a "full auto" option in place of the three-round burst.



Overview
The M4 and variants fire 5.56 x 45 mm NATO ammunition and are gas-operated, air-cooled, magazine-fed, selective fire firearms with a 4-position telescoping stock. Original M4 models had a flat-ended telescoping stock, but newer models are now equipped with a redesigned telescoping stock that is slightly larger and the end has a curvature.[1] A fixed stock can also be fitted, but this is not a common practice in the U.S. military.
As with many carbines, the M4 is handy and more convenient to carry than a full-length rifle. While this makes it a candidate for non-infantry troops (vehicle crews, clerks and staff officers), it also makes it ideal for close quarters combat (CQC), and airborne and special operations. It has been adopted by United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) and is the preferred weapon of the U.S. Army Special Forces. Malaysia purchased M4 Carbine service rifles to replace the Steyr AUG service rifles in its armed forces in 2006.
The M4 was developed and produced for the United States government by Colt Firearms, which has an exclusive contract to produce the M4 family of weapons through 2009; however, a number of other manufacturers offer M4-like firearms. The M4, along with the M16A4, has mostly replaced M16 and M16A2 firearms; the U.S. Air Force, for example, plans to transition completely to the M4 Carbine. The M4 has also replaced the M3A1 submachine gun that remained in service (mostly with tank crews). The M4 is similar to much earlier compact M16 versions, such as the 1960s-era XM177 family, though unlike them it is not intended to fire the earlier M193 ball ammunition.
The United States Marine Corps has ordered its officers (up to the rank of lieutenant colonel) and SNCOs to carry the M4A1 carbine variant instead of the M9 Beretta pistol. This is in recognition that pistols are largely useless in current conflicts, and is in line with the Marine Corps phrase, "Every Marine a rifleman." United States Navy corpsmen will also be issued M4A1s instead of the M9, according to the Marine Corps Times.



History and variants
Except for the very first delivery order, all U.S. military-issue M4 and M4A1 possess a flat-top NATO M1913-specification (Picatinny) rail on top of the receiver for attachment of optical sights and other aiming devices — Trijicon TA01 and TA31 Advanced Combat Optical Gunsights (ACOG) and Aimpoint M68 Close Combat Optic (M68 CCO) being the favorite choices —, and a detachable rail-mounted carrying handle. The current government standards are the Colt Model 920 (M4) and 921 (M4A1).
M4/M4A1
The major difference between these models is that the M4 has a "S-1-3" (safe/semi-automatic/3-round burst) trigger group, while the M4A1 has a "S-1-F" (safe/semi-automatic/fully automatic) trigger group.
M4 MWS (Modular Weapon System)
Colt Model 925 carbines were tested fitted with the Knight's Armament Corporation (KAC) M4 RAS under the designation M4E2, but this designation appears to have been scrapped in favor of mounting this system to existing carbines without changing the designation. The U.S. Army Field Manual specifies for the Army that adding the Rail Accessory System (RAS) turns the weapon into the M4 MWS or Modular Weapon System.
M4A1
The M4A1 carbine is a variant of the basic M4 carbine intended for special operations use. The M4A1 can be found in use by many U.S. military units, including the Delta Force, U.S. Navy SEALs, U.S. Army Rangers, and the U.S. Marine Corps' Radio Reconnaissance Platoons and Force Reconnaissance companies. The M4A1 Carbine is specially favored by counter-terrorist and special operations units for close quarters combat because of the carbine's compactness and firepower. These features are also very useful in urban warfare. Although the M4 does not have as great an effective range as the longer M16, many military analysts consider engagement with a non-specialized small arm above a range of 300 meters to be unnecessary. It is effective at ranges of 150 meters or less. It has a maximum effective range of about 460 meters.
In the last few years, M4A1 carbines have been refit or received straight from factory with barrels with a thicker profile under the handguard. This is for a variety of reasons such as heat dissipation during full-auto and accuracy as a byproduct of barrel weight. These heavier barrel weapons are also fitted with a heavier buffer known as the H2. Out of three sliding weights inside the buffer, the H2 possesses two tungsten weights and one steel weight, versus the standard H buffer, which uses one tungsten weight and two steel weights. These weapons, known by Colt as the Model 921HB (for Heavy Barrel), have also been designated M4A1, and as far as the government is concerned the M4A1 represents both the 921 and 921HB.



SOPMOD Block I
USSOCOM developed the Special Operations Peculiar Modification (SOPMOD) Block I kit for the carbines used by units under its jurisdiction. The kit features an M4A1 carbine, a Rail Interface System (RIS) handguard developed by Knight's Armament Company, a shortened quick-detachable M203 grenade launcher and leaf sight, a KAC sound suppressor, a KAC back-up rear sight, an Insight Technologies AN/PEQ-2A visible laser/infrared designator, along with Trijicon's ACOG and Reflex sights, and a night vision sight. This kit was designed to be configurable (modular) for various missions, and the kit is currently in service with special operations units (though many soldiers have changed the Trijicon reflex sight for M68 CCO red dot sights and EOTech holographic sights).



SOPMOD Block II
A second-generation SOPMOD kit (now known as SOPMOD II) is currently under development, with many different manufacturers competing for a contract. Notable bidders include Knight's Armament Company, Atlantic Research Marketing Systems (ARMS), and Lewis Machine & Tools. Daniel Defense has won the contract for the RIS-II, the next generation of rail handguards.
Variants of the carbine built by different manufacturers are also in service with many other foreign special forces units, such as the Australian Special Air Service Regiment (SASR). While the SASR uses weapons of essentially the same pattern built by Colt for export (Colt uses different models to separate weapons for the U.S. military and those for commercial/export purposes), the British SAS uses a variant on the basic theme, the SFW built by Diemaco of Canada. Although Diemaco was purchased by Colt and renamed Colt Canada, the Diemaco names and related firearms were kept.
As mentioned, the M4 replaced the M3A1 "Grease Gun" submachine gun that remained in U.S. service, mainly with tank crews. They previously had M3s, but this was changed to two M4s and two M9 pistols ("personal defense weapons"). This was as much to increase capability as it was to change over from .45 ACP, as M3A1s could be configured to fire 9 mm ammunition.



Caliber: 5.56mm NATO Action: Gas operated, rotating bolt Overall length: 838 mm (stock extended); 757 mm (stock fully collapsed) Barrel length: 370 mm Weight: 2.52 kg without magazine; 3.0 kg with magazine loaded with 30 rounds Rate of fire: 700 - 950 rounds per minute Maximum effective range: 360 m

Self Propelled artillery




Self-propelled artillery (also called mobile artillery or locomotive artillery) vehicles are a way of giving mobility to artillery. Within the term are covered Self-propelled guns (or howitzers) and rocket artillery. They are high mobility vehicles, usually based on caterpillar track carrying either a large howitzer or other field gun or alternatively a mortar or some form of rocket or missile launcher. They are usually used for long-range indirect bombardment support on the battlefield.
In the past, self-propelled artillery has included direct fire vehicles such as assault guns and tank destroyers. These have been heavily armoured vehicles, the former providing close fire-support for infantry and the latter acting as specialized anti-tank vehicles.
Modern self-propelled artillery vehicles may superficially resemble tanks, but they are generally lightly armoured, too lightly to survive in direct-fire combat. However, they protect their crews against shrapnel and small arms and are therefore usually included as armoured fighting vehicles. Many are equipped with machine guns for defense against enemy infantry.
The key advantage of self-propelled over towed artillery is that it can be brought into action much faster. Before the towed artillery can be used, it has to stop, unlimber and setup the guns. To move position, the guns must be limbered up again and brought - usually towed - to the new location. By comparison self-propelled artillery can stop at a chosen location and begin firing almost immediately, then quickly move on to a new position. This ability is very useful in a mobile conflict and particularly on the advance.
Conversely, towed artillery was and remains cheaper to build and maintain. It is also lighter and can be taken to places that self-propelled guns cannot reach, so despite the advantages of the self-propelled artillery, towed guns remain in the arsenals of modern armies.

FN MAG




The FN MAG (or MAG-58) is a machine gun manufactured by Fabrique Nationale (FN), Belgium. It was developed in the 1950s, in production since 1958, and has become a widely adopted 7.62 mm NATO-firing machine gun, used by more than 20 countries. MAG stands for Mitrailleuse d'Appui General, translated as 'general purpose machine gun' (GPMG).


Design
Chambered for the 7.62 x 51 mm NATO cartridge, the MAG uses a locking system similar to that of the Browning Automatic Rifle and has made use of some other work by John Browning who had worked on other, earlier designs in Belgium. The downward locking bolt drives the belt feed system, which is a similar type to that of the MG42, itself borrowing it from an earlier design. They are, however, not identical: the MAG works with the standard NATO belt type, which was a capability not added until a 1968 redesign of the MG3, a descendant of the MG42. The MG42 also influenced the MAG's trigger mechanism.
The FN MAG has proven to be extremely reliable under all conditions. In U.S. Army testing it could fire, on average, 26,000 rounds until a failure (such as a part breaking). Mean rounds to a stoppage was lower.
One popular feature of this weapon is that the barrels can be switched very quickly; indeed during sustained usage, a well trained crew can swap to a fresh barrel within about three seconds, and are technically supposed to do so after every second 220 round belt during sustained fire in order to prevent overheating. In practise, this is often skipped, with no detriment to the weapon. During the Falklands War British Paratroopers participating in the assault on Goose Green were forced to fire over eight thousand rounds through individual barrels without significant pause or opportunity to change them. The result was muzzles glowing red hot, but the weapons still proving effective.


Operation
The weapon is cleared by pulling the charging handle to lock the piston assembly to the rear, pushing the safety button to safe, opening the feed cover, sweeping away any rounds or links, and lifting the feed tray to inspect the bolt. If a live round is on the bolt face, it is knocked loose. If there is a round in the chamber, and the weapon is hot (from firing), the soldier must move his face away from the weapon to prevent injury in event of the round cooking-off. If a cook-off is likely, the best course of action is to slam the feed cover shut, put the weapon to fire, and squeeze the trigger to fire off the round. Some militaries prescribe this course of action as an automatic drill, or variations thereof.
Loading the weapon is performed by pulling the charging handle to the rear, locking the piston assembly to the rear, placing the weapon on safe and then pushing the charging handle forwards. The feed tray cover is then lifted and rounds are laid against the feed stop on the feed tray. The feed cover is then closed and the weapon is ready for operation. In some armies, however; such as the Canadian Forces, it is broked down into two drills: the load and the ready. The load drill is to cant the weapon to the right (helps with keeping the rounds properly seated on the tray), lift the feed cover, place the rounds on the feed tray, close the feed cover, and bring the weapon upright. To ready the weapon: bring it into the shoulder, cock the weapon, and put it on safe.


Gas setting
The rate of fire may be controlled by three different settings. The first setting allows the weapon to cycle at 750 round/min. The two remaining settings increase the rate of fire by 100 round/min per setting — second setting being 850 round/min and third setting, 950 round/min). These settings are changed by turning the gas regulator using the C-tool provided. It is generally performed before missions, as changing the setting is distracting at best under field or combat conditions. In event of sluggish operation due to fouling, the gas regulator is usually turned two positions up in situ to provide more gas for reliable operation. This operation is usually done by the assistant gunner, on instruction by the gunner. As well the barrels, gas plugs, and gas regulators are matched to a given machine gun, and mixing parts with other barrels or guns may cause gas stoppages. Having the gas setting too high when using blanks may cause stoppages where the cartridges get bent and jammed. An indication of this is usually a hard extraction, and an inspection of the round will show a dent in the side of the cartridge. This stoppage is most common with using blanks, and like all other stoppages hardly ever occurs on a well maintained gun when using ball and tracer ammunition. Proper preparation of the MG is to set the head space and timing for each barrel. For example, on some barrels the default gas setting may be on "2" in order for the piston assembly to be driven the proper distance to the rear.


Changing barrels
The barrels can be exchanged rapidly, thanks to a barrel release button located on the left side of the weapon. The weapon is cleared first and then the button is held down, while the barrel's carrying handle is moved from the right side of the weapon to the center, unlocking it from the receiver. At this point, the barrel is pushed down and forward to remove it from the receiver, and placed to the side on a clean heat resistant surface. Ammo can lids work well for this making a V shape from the lids to prevent rolling. The new barrel is inspected for obstructions, inserted into the receiver, and then the carrying handle is shifted to the right, locking it into place. Take special care to not lift up on the carrying handle release button while locking or unlocking the barrel in place. When the carrying handle is rotated to lock the barrel in place, there should be distinct clicking sounds. A good gun crew will count and know how many clicks their barrels are supposed to make.
During prolonged firing, care must be taken to not allow exposed skin to come in contact with the weapon. The barrels can become hot enough to inflict second degree burns instantly without becoming visibly different. However, such barrels glow brightly to anyone using any sort of night-vision device. In winter use, care must also be taken not to let the removed barrel lay on bare snow, as it will melt its way through that in a very short time, causing some embarrassment, or worse, when the replacement barrel is lost in the snow.
Note: The FN MAG does not have a bolt, but a breach block assembly. When it comes forward it does not lock into the barrel such as the 5.56mm Minimi, therefor the barrels may be removed without the weapon being cocked. Some armies still prefer to cock the weapon and put it on safe after carrying out a complete unload to maintain the same drills as using the Minimi.
Type General Purpose Machine Gun Place of origin Belgium Service history Used by See Operators Wars South African Border War,Falklands War,Gulf War,2003 Iraq conflict Production history Designer Ernest Vervier Designed 1950s Manufacturer Fabrique Nationale (FN) Produced 1955— Variants British L7 and L8, M240 (US) Specifications Weight 10.15 kg Length 1231 mm Barrel length 546 mm


Cartridge 7.62 × 51 mm NATO Caliber 7.62 mm (.308 in) Action gas-operated long piston Rate of fire 850 rounds/min Effective range 800 m (with bipod),on tripod 1800m (tracer burnout) Maximum range 2500m map predicted fire using dial sight Feed system Belt fed

AK 47







Caliber: 7.62x39 mmAction: Gas operated, rotating bolt with 2 lugs Overall length: 870 mm Barrel length: 415 mm Weight, with empty magazine: AK 4,3 kg; AKM 3,14 kg Magazine capacity: 30 rounds (40 rounds box magazines and 75 rounds drums from RPK also may be used)Cyclic rate of fire: 600 rounds per minute Maximum effective range: about 400 meters
The Kalashnikov assault rifle, also known as the AK-47 (Avtomat Kalashnikova - 47, Kalashnikov automatic rifle, model of 1947), and its derivatives, also known under the common name of AK, is the most prolific small arm of the 2nd half of the XX century. It had been and still is (in more or less modified forms) manufactured in dozens of countries, and used in hundreds of countries and conflicts since its introduction. The total number of the AK-type rifles made worldwide during the last 50 years is estimated at 90+ millions. This is a true legendary weapon, known for its extreme ruggedness, simplicity of operation and maintenance, and unsurpassed reliability even in worst conditions possible. It is used not only as a military weapon, but also as a platform for numerous sporting civilian rifles and shotguns (see Saiga semiautomatic shotguns, for example). The AK is an amalgam of previously known features and solutions, combined in the most effective way. The effectiveness, however, depends on the criteria used to measure it, and the key criteria for any and every Soviet and Russian military arm are: Reliability, Simplicity of operation and maintenance, Suitability for mass production. There never was any significant demand for good ergonomics or superb accuracy, though. In general, the AK can be described as an ideal small arm for the past war (the Second World War). Obviously, it's not a surprise - AK incorporated most lessons learned the hard way during that war.
The official story of the AK says that the sergeant Mikhail Kalashnikov, being in hospital after the wound, began to develop various small arms during the World War 2. Circa 1944 he was assigned to the Izhevsk Machinebuilding Plant (IZHMASH), where in 1944 he developed a semi-automatic, gas-operated carbine. Starting with this design, during 1945 and 1946 he developed an assault rifle that he submitted for official Soviet Army trials in 1946. During the 1946 and early 1947 he redesigned his initial rifle and submitted it to the second trials, held in 1947. The latter design was found superior to the rivals and was consequently adopted in 1949 as the "7,62mm Automat Kalashnikova, obraztsa 1947 goda" (7.62mm Kalashnikov automatic rifle, model of 1947). After extensive field trials it was slightly modified in 1951, but retained the same name. Along with the basic version, a folding butt version had been developed for paratroop forces, and it was named AKS.
By the 1959 the AK was modified again, this time more extensively, and was consequently adopted (after trials) as the AKM (Avtomat Kalashnikova Modernizirovannyj - Kalashnikov Automatic rifle, Modified). The key changes were the introduction of the stamped receiver instead of the milled one, and improved trigger/hammer unit, that introduced a hammer release delay device (often incorrectly referred as a rate reducer). Other changes were the redesigned, slightly raised buttstock and the pistol grip, and the addition of the removable muzzle flip compensator. This spoon-like compensator is screwed onto the muzzle and used the muzzle blast to reduce muzzle climb during the burst fire. The compensator could be replaced by the screw-on "PBS-1 noiseless firing device", generally known as a silencer. This silencer required a special, sub-sonic ammunition with heavier bullets to be used. Another change from AK to AKM was a slightly improved rear sight, with settings from 100 to 1000 (instead of the 800 on AK) meters. Both 800 and 1000 meters, however, are way too optimistic for any practical use, since the effective fire is limited roughly to 300-400 meters, if not less.
In the 1974, Soviet Army officially adopted the 5.45mm ammunition and the appropriately chambered AK-74 assault rifle as its new standard shoulder arm. The AKM, however, was never officially removed from service, and is still in Russian army stocks. many non-infantry units of the Russian Army are still armed with 1960s vintage AKM assault rifles. There's also an increasing interest in the 7.62mm weapons since many troops were disappointed by the effectiveness of the 5.45mm ammo during the local conflicts in the 1990s. Some Russian special forces troops (mostly police and Internal Affairs Ministry), currently operating in Chechnya, are using the venerable 7.62mm AKM rifles.
The AK and AKM rifles also were widely exported to the pro-Soviet countries and regimes all around the world. Manufacturing licenses along with all necessary technical data packages were transferred to many Warsaw Pact countries (Bulgaria, East Germany, Hungary, Romania, Yugoslavia) and to some other Communist countries, like China and North Korea. Some non-communist, but friendly countries, like the Egypt, Finland and Iraq, also received these licenses. The AK is the only firearm ever that was depicted on the national flag - the Mozambique flag features a distinctive silhouette of the Kalashnikov rifle.
At the present time almost all manufacturers of the AK-type weapons ceased the production of the 7.62mm assault rifles for the military use (except probably for the newest AK-103, made in limited numbers by the IZHMASH in Russia). On the other hand, production of the semi-automatic only civilian AK derivatives is continued in many countries, including Russia, Bulgaria, Romania, China and some others.
Technical description for the AKM assault rifle:The AKM is a gas operated, selective fire assault rifle.
The gas operated action has a massive bolt carrier with a permanently attached long stroke gas piston. The gas chamber is located above the barrel. The bolt carrier rides on the two rails, machined in the receiver, with the significant clearances between the moving and stationary parts, which allows the gun to operate even when its interior is severely fouled with sand or mud. The rotating bolt has two massive lugs that lock into the receiver. Bolt is so designed that on the unlocking rotation it also makes a primary extraction movement to the fired case. This results in very positive and reliable extraction even with dirty chamber and cases. The rotation of the bolt is ensured by the curved cam track, machined in the bolt carrier, and by the appropriate stud on the bolt itself. The return spring and a spring guide are located behind the gas piston and are partially hidden in its hollow rear part when bolt is in battery. The return spring base also serves as a receiver cover lock. The cocking handle is permanently attached to the bolt carrier (in fact, it forms a single machined steel unit with carrier), and does reciprocate when gun is fired.
The receiver of the AKM is made from the stamped sheet steel, with machined steel inserts riveted into the place where required. Earliest AK-47 receivers were also made from the stamped and machined parts, riveted together, but this soon proved to be unsatisfactory, and most of the AK (pre-1959) rifles were made with completely machined receivers. The receiver cover is a stamped sheet metal part, with stamped strengthening ribs found on the AKM covers.
The relatively simple trigger/hammer mechanism is loosely based on the 1900's period Browning deigns (much like the most other modern assault rifles), and features a hammer with two sears - one main, mounted on the trigger extension, and one for the semi-automatic fire, that intercepts the hammer in the cocking position after the shot is fired and until the trigger is released. Additional auto sear is used to release the hammer in full auto mode. The AKM trigger unit also featured a hammer release delay device, which is served to delay the hammer release in the full auto fire by few microseconds. This does not affects the cyclic rate of fire, but allows the bolt group to settle in the forwardmost position after returning into the battery. The combined safety - fire selector switch of distinctive shape is located on the right side of the receiver. In the "Safe" position (topmost) it locks the bolt group and the trigger, and also served as a dust cover. The middle position is for automatic fire, and the bottom position is for single shots. The safety / fire selector switch is considered by many as the main drawback of the whole AK design, which is not cured in the most of derivatives until now. It is slow, uncomfortable and sometimes stiff to operate (especially when wearing gloves or mittens), and, when actuated, produces a loud and distinctive click. There's no bolt stop device, and the bolt always goes forward when the last shot from the magazine is fired.
AKM is fed from the 30 rounds, stamped steel magazines of heavy, but robust design. Early AK magazines were of slab-sided design, but the more common AKM magazines featured additional stamped ribs on the sides. Positive magazine catch is located just ahead of the trigger guard and solidly locks the magazine into the place. Insertion and the removal of the magazine requires slight rotation of the magazine around its front top corner, that has a solid locking lug. If available and required, a 40 round box magazines of similar design, or the 75 rounds drums (both from the RPK light machine gun) can be used. Late in production plastic magazines of the distinctive reddish color were introduced.
AKM rifles were issued with wooden stocks and pistol handles. Late production AKM rifles had a plastic pistol grip instead of wooden one. The wooden buttstock has a steel buttplate with mousetrap cover, that covers the accessory container in the butt. The AK buttstock are more swept-down than the AKM ones. The folding stock version had been developed for the airborne troops and its had an underfolding steel shoulder stock. These modifications of the AK and AKM were designated the AKS and AKMS, respectively. AK were issued with the detachable knife-bayonets, and the AKM introduced a new pattern of the shorter, multipurpose knife-bayonet, which can be used in conjunction with its sheath to form a wire-cutter. All AK and AKM rifles were issued with the canvas carrying slings.
The sights of the AKM consist of the hooded front post and the U-notch open rear. Sights are graduated from 100 to 1000 (800 on AK) meters, with an additional "fixed" battle setting that can be used for all ranges up to 300 meters.
AKM rifles also can be fitted with the 40mm GP-25 grenade launchers, that are mounted under the forend and the barrel. Grenade launchers had its own sights on the left side of the unit.

Kopassus











The Special Forces Command (KOPASSUS), formerly called the Sandi Yudha Forces Command and KOPASSANDHA (which also means Special Forces Command), are trained in intelligence gathering, a variety of special operations techniques, sabotage, and airborne and seaborne landings. Founded on 16 April 1952, KOPASSUS was reorganized and reduced in size in 1985, and by 1992 KOPASSUS forces numbered some 2,500 army personnel identifiable by their distinctive red berets organized into two operational groups and one training group. By the late 1990s KOPASSUS numbered some 6,000-strong, an increase in the number of troops, but below that of 1985. Headquarters at Cijantung, East Jakarta, KOPASSUS had expanded to five Groups, with Group IV specifically handling intelligence operations along with the KOPASSUS Joint Intelligence Unit [SGI].
Circa year 2001, Kopassus reorganizes its personnels into some 5,000-strong forces. The new organization is as follows:
Group 1 Para Commando (Taktakan, Serang, Banten) with 3 batallions Group 2 Para Commando (Kandang Menjangan, Kartasura, Solo) with 3 batallions Group 3 Intelligence (Cijantung, Jakarta) (1) Para Commando batallions (independent) (Semplak, Bogor) (1) HQ Detachment (Cijantung, Jakarta) (1) Unit-81 Anti-Terrorists (Cijantung, Jakarta) Pusdikpassus / Special Forces Training Center (Batujajar, Bandung)
KOPASSUS is considered to be an elite force that has traditionally emphasized its small size and its quick-strike potential. It has been involved in numerous military actions in response to internal Indonesian unrest. KOPASSUS units were involved in 1981 in freeing the hostages from the "Woyla," the Garuda Airline plane hijacked by followers of Imran, leader of an Islamic splinter movement in West Java. KOPASSUS members climbed Mount Everest in 1997.

Steyr AUG











Caliber: 5.56mm NATO (.223rem)Action: Gas operated, rotating bolt Overall length: 805 mm (with standard 508 mm barrel)Barrel length: 508 mm (also 350 mm SMG, 407 mm Carbine or 621 mm LMG heavy barrel)Weight: 3.8 kg unloaded (with standard 508 mm barrel)Magazines: 30 or 42 rounds box magazinesRate of fire: 650 rounds per minuteEffective range of fire: 450-500 meters with standard assault rifle barrel.





The Steyr AUG (Armee Universal Gewehr - Universal Army Rifle) had been in development since the late 1960s, as a replacement for venerable but obsolete Stg.58 (FN FAL) battle rifles for Austrian army. It was developed by the Austrian Steyr-Daimler-Puch company (now the Steyr-Mannlicher AG & Co KG) in close conjunction with Austrian Army. The major design is attributed to the three men - Horst Wesp, Karl Wagner and Karl Möser, who developed most of the rifle features. From the Austrian Office of Military Technology the project was supervised by the Colonel Walter Stoll. The new rifle has been adopted by the Austrian Army in 1977, as the Stg.77 (Assault rifle, model of 1977), and production began in 1978. Since then, the AUG gained serious popularity, being adopted by the armed forces of Australia, Austria, New Zealand, Oman, Malaysia, Saudi Arabia, Ireland and some others. It also was widely purchased by various security and law enforcement agencies worldwide, including the US Coastal Guard. The Steyr AUG can be considered as the most commercially successful bullpup assault rifle to date. Since the 1997, the Steyr-Mannlicher produced an updated version of the AUG, the AUG A2.In around 2005, Steyr-Mannlicher introduced the most recent version of AUG, the AUG A3. This version is characterized by addition of four Picatinny-type accessory rails - one at the top of the receiver, and three around the barrel, in front of the receiver - at both sides and below it. Therefore there AUG A3 has no standard / integral sighting equipment; instead, any open, telescope or night vision sights can be installed on the upper rail, using appropriate mountings. Lower rail can be used to mount various attachments like tactical front grips, flash-lights, and a specially designed 40mm grenade launcher. Side rails can be used for equipment like laser-aiming devices.
Some said that the AUG rifle was revolutionary in many respects when it first appeared, but this is not true. In fact, the AUG is a clever combination of the various previously known ideas, assembled into one sound, reliable and aesthetically attractive package. Let's look at this a little closer. Bullpup configuration: The Steyr AUG is not a first military bullpup ever devised. In fact, British Enfield EM-2 and Soviet Korobov TKB-408 bullpup assault rifles precede the AUG by some 25-30 years. The French FAMAS bullpup also appeared on the scene at the very same time, as the AUG did. Plastic firearm housing: Another Soviet experimental bullpup design, Korobov TKB-022, had the plastic housing as early as in 1962, and the FAMAS rifle, again, has this same feature at the same time as AUG did. Telescope sight as a standard: The British EM-2 bullpup rifle of late 1940s, as well as the experimental Canadian FN FAL prototypes of early 1950s, also featured a low-magnification telescope sights as their prime sighting equipment. A modular design: First systems, consisting of various firearms based on the same receiver and action (automatic rifle, light machine gun, carbine) were originally developed in 1920s in France by Rossignol and in Soviet Russia by Fedorov. Considering all said above, one must agree that the AUG was a logical development of various well known ideas, and a really successful one.
In general, the AUG is known for good ergonomics, decent accuracy and a good reliability.
Technical description.The Steyr AUG is a gas operated, magazine fed, selective fire rifle of bullpup layout.
AUG is built around the aluminium casting receiver, with steel reinforcement inserts. One such insert is used to provide the locking to the removable barrels and the rotating bolt, thus relieving the receiver from most of the firing stress. Other inserts are used as a bearings for the bolt carrier guide rods.
The AUG uses a short piston stroke, gas operated action, with the gas piston mounted inside the compact gas block, which is fixed to the barrel. The gas cylinder is offset to the right from the barrel. Gas piston has its own return spring, contained inside the gas block. The gas system features a three positions gas regulator, which allows for two open positions (for normal and fouled conditions) and one closed position (for launching the rifle grenades). The gas block also contains a barrel fix / release lock and a front grip hinge. Each barrel has eight lugs, that lock into the steel insert in the receiver, and there's four basic barrel patterns for the AUG: standard rifle barrel is 508 mm (~20 in) long. "Compact" or "Submachine gun" barrel is 350 mm (13.8 in) long, "Carbine" barrel is 407 mm (16 in) long, and the heavy / LMG (light machine gun) barrel is 621 mm (24.4 in) long. On each rifle barrels can be exchanged in the matter of seconds. Each barrel is fitted with the flash hider, and the heavy 621 mm barrel also is fitted with lightweight folding bipods. There's no bayonet lug on Austrian service rifles, but it can be installed if required.
Barrel replacement procedure, as noted above, takes only few seconds (assuming that the shooter has the spare barrel handy). To remove the barrel, one must take off the magazine, and clear the rifle by operating the cocking handle. Then, grasp the barrel by the front grip, push the barrel retaining button at the gas block, and rotate the barrel and pull it out of the rifle. To install a new barrel, simply push the barrel down into the front of the receiver all the way and then rotate it until it locks. The rifle now is ready to be loaded and fired.
The bolt system consists of the bolt carrier, which has two large hollow guide rods, attached to its forward part. The left rod also serves as a link to the charging handle, and the right rod serves as the action rod, which transmits the impulse from the gas piston to the bolt carrier. The rotating bolt has 7 locking lugs, claw extractor and a plunger-type spring loaded ejector. Standard bolt has its extractor on the right side, to facilitate right-side ejection, but the left-side bolts (with mirrored positions of extractor and ejector) are available for those who need left-side ejection. The two return springs are located behind the bolt carrier, around the two string guide rods, that are located inside the bolt carrier guide rods. The cocking handle is located at the left side of the gun and normally does not reciprocate when gun is fired, but it can be solidly engaged to the bolt group if required by depressing the small button on the charging handle. On the latest AUG A2 variant, the charging handle was made folding up and of slightly different shape. The AUG action features a bolt stop device, that holds the bolt group open after the last round of ammunition from the magazine is fired. To release the bolt after the magazine replacement, one must pull the charging handle.
The hammer unit is made as a separate assembly and almost entirely of plastic (including the hammer itself). Only springs and pins are steel. The hammer unit is located in the butt and is linked to the sliding trigger by the dual trigger bars. The safety is of the cross-bolt, push-button type and located above the pistol grip. There's no separate fire mode selector on the AUG rifles. Instead, the trigger itself is used to control the mode of fire. Pulling it half the way back will produce single shots, while the full pull will produce automatic fire. The enlarged triggerguard encloses the whole hand and allows the gun to be fired in winter gloves or mittens.
The standard sighting equipment of the Steyr AUG rifle is the 1.5X telescope sight, with aiming reticle made as a circle. This circle is so dimensioned so its visible inner diameter is equal to the visible height of the standing man at 300 meters range. The adjustment knobs on the sight are used only for zeroing. The sight housing, which is integral to the receiver on the AUG A1 models, also features an emergency backup iron sights at the top of the telescope sight housing. Some early production AUG rifles of A1 pattern were fitted with receivers that had an integral scope mounts. On the AUG A2 models, the standard scope mount can be quickly removed and replaced by the Picatinny-type mounting rail.
The housing of the AUG rifles, integral with the pistol handle and triggerguard, is made from the high impact-resistant polymer, and is usually of green (military) or black (police) colour. The housing has two symmetrical ejection ports, one of which is always covered by the plastic cover. The rubber-coated buttplate is detachable and, when removed, opens the access to the rifle internals, including the hammer unit and the bolt group. The buttplate is held in position by the cross-pin, which also serves a s a rear sling swivel attachment point.
The AUG is fed from the detachable box magazines, that hold 30 (standard rifle) or 42 (light machine gun) rounds. The magazines are made from semi-translucent, strong polymer. The magazine release button is located behind the magazine port and is completely ambidextrous (some said that it is equally NOT comfortable for either hand use).