Anti-Helicopter Mine

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Oct 20, 2004

Institute Of Metal Sciences, Bulgaria

AMH-200-1 — Anti-Helicopter mine shows shaped and fragmentation charges and sensor unit (on top)

AHM-200-1 was the prototype anti-helicopter mine designed to operate against low flying helicopters. The 90 kg mine is activated by specific targets, identified by acoustic and radar Doppler shift signatures. The acoustic sensor can identify targets at a range of 500 meters. The Doppler sensor can measure the target range, at distances up to 150 meters, activating the mine at a distance of of 100 m from the target. The mine uses two warheads, an explosive formed projectile and augmented by a second TNT bar charge distributing 17kg of steel ball fragments. The mine can be activated for periods up to 30 days. The mine is placed on a stand permitting general orientation of the sensors and charges in the direction of potential threat. The control unit uses a signal processor to process the acoustic signals and determine activation parameters. Activation, neutralization and explosion by Radio control from a range of up to 2,000 meters is optional in model AHM-200-1RC. The mine will explode when attempts for moving, tampering or disassembly during its activation phase.

AHM-200-2 is a modified version of the original anti-helicopter mine, under development at the Institute of Metal Sciences in Sofia, Bulgaria. This version weighs 90 kg, but uses a larger, 23.5 kg load of cubic steel fragments, rather than steel balls used in the basic model. It uses a different type of an explosive formed projectile, believed to incorporate up to five sub-charges.

The institute is developing a new concept concept of a distributed anti-helicopter mine designated 4AHM-100. This new weapon will consist of 4 vertical, surface laying charges positioned in an array to effectively cover an area of approximately 0.4 square kilometer. Each charge creates a fragmentation cone maintaining effective lethality up to 100 meters. The total system weighs 125 kg and can be operated continuously for up to 90 days. The array uses four charges linked to a centrally located sensor and control unit. Unlike previous models, these warheads are placed horizontally on the ground enabling effective concealment. As previous models, the sensor uses acoustic and Doppler radar sensors for target identification, ranging and activation. However, this system uses more sophisticated digital signal processor which can identify specific types of helicopters, based on customer specific threat library.

120mm Tank Gun HE Ammunition

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Oct 20, 2004

M830 HEAT (General Dynamics)

M830 High Explosive Anti-Tank Tracer (HEAT-T) is the service round for the smoothbore 120mm tank gun, used by the US Army M-1A2. This round serves as a companion to the kinetic energy M829 series anti-tank munition.

120mm HE Projectile (Rheinmetall)

A new High Explosive service round, currently under development at Rheinmetall will be a successor to the DM12A2 currently in service. The HE round is intended primarily for dealing with long range anti-tank weapons. It is designed to engage soft and semi-hard targets, uses high explosive warhead containing steel and heavy metal fragmentation case. The full caliber warhead is equipped with a time fuse which also has a percussion function which can be activated with or without delay to ensure effective target penetration. Fuse setting is performed automatically by the fire control system. The weight of the HE round is 19 kg, muzzle velocity (L44) is 950 m’/sec and with the L55 – 1,100 m’/sec.

M830A1 HEAT-MP-T (ATK)

This multi-purpose HEAT round is type classified as an M830 replacement. It provides greater lethality and longer range and shorter flight, compared to conventional HEAT rounds. Similar to the KE cartridge, the HEAT-MP-T uses a discarding sabot with a sub-caliber warhead, and multifunction fuse facilitating both time and impact activation. The cartridge uses multi-purpose fragmentation/shaped-charge warhead which despite its smaller diameter, compared to the M830, demonstrated 20% performance increase against bunkers and 30% increase against light armored vehicles. The HEAT-MP-T can also be used against helicopters. The total weight of this cartridge is 22.3kg, of which 7.1kg are 19 Perf Hex JA2 propellant and 11.4kg are the projectile. Muzzle velocity is 1,400m/sec. firing at ranges up to 4,000 m’.

M337 HE-MP (IMI)

APAM (General Dynamics / IMI)
105 / 120mm Anti-Personel / Anti Material Projectile

Lahat (General Dynamics / IAI)

105/120mm Gun Launched Anti-Tank Guided Missile.

MRM KE / CE Guided Projectile Developments

M1028 120mm Canister (General Dynamics)

The M1028 cartridge, fired from the main cannon of the M1A1/M1A2 Abrams Battle Tank, contains tungsten balls that provide a “shotgun-like effect” from the muzzle of the tank out to several hundred meters and can be used to clear enemy dismounts, break up hasty ambush sites in urban areas, clear defiles, stop infantry attacks and counter-attacks, and support friendly infantry assaults by providing cover-by-fire. When fielded, the M1028 will provide U.S. Army tank units and the Marine Expeditionary Force with quick-response, highly lethal, direct fire capability. The canister can also be filled with various payloads, including less than lethal means (such as chemical agents or “flash and bang” stun charge). The 11kg projectile payload is filled with hundreds of tungsten pellets dispersed from the canister immediately after clearing the muzzle at a speed of 1,410 m/sec, forming an effective lethal barrage at ranges between 200 – 500 meters. This canister will replace the flechette ammunition which is currently available only for 105mm guns. The canister cartridge length is 780mm and its weight is 22.9kg. It uses double base propellant. Following the completion of System Development and Demonstration (SDD) phase as XM1028, the type classified M1028 entered low rate production in January 2005, with an initial order for the production of 3,800 rounds.

Non Lethal Stun Canister (IMI)

120mm Cargo projectile designed stunning providing flash-bang effect.

Demand Assigned Multiple Access

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Oct 18, 2004

One of the widely used satellite channel access protocols is Demand Assigned Multiple Access (DAMA). This technique matches user demands to available satellite capacity. Satellite channels are grouped together as a bulk asset, and DAMA assigns users variable time slots matching user information transmission requirements. While user notices no change in channel quality, the result is a dramatic increase of up to x4 in communications capacity, number of supported users and networks. DAMA is most effective where there are multiple users operating at low to moderate duty cycles, which is the typical military usage pattern. The network can assign different priorities or serve users on a “first come first served” basis. Prioritization technique is suitable for command type nets, while the minimum percentage operation is suitable for support/logistic nets.

GPS Anti-Jam Protection Techniques

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Oct 14, 2004

The US Department of Defense constellation of Global Positioning System (GPS) Satellites has become a global utility currently used to provide position, velocity and time information to a wide range of commercial and military applications. The GPS system’s signal is extremely weak and is vulnerable to both intentional and unintentional interference. As dependence on GPS increases, the need to ensure the availability of GPS also grows and therefore, GPS jamming is becoming a major concern for many armies. The US military maintains exclusive access to the accurate “P-code” pseudo random code, which has ten times the frequency of the civilian Coarse/Acquisition (C/A) code and therefore is potentially more accurate and much more difficult to jam. An encrypted military “Y-code” is also available to receivers equipped with suitable encryption key.

The DOD GPS Joint Program Office established the Navigation Warfare (NAVWAR) program in 1996 to address the electronic warfare threat to the GPS system. The NAVWAR program was tasked with protecting DoD and allied use of GPS during times of conflict, preventing its use by adversaries, and maintaining normal availability to the civil user outside the area of conflict. The US Air Force is planning the deployment of a new, more powerful, x100 jam-resistant GPS Block III satellite constellation, but has been subjected to funding delays and will not be deployed before 2015. Another countermeasure aspect is the deployment of anti-jam equipment with existing and new receiver systems.

Anti-Jam GPS address both narrow band interference signals which occupy a small portion of the overall GPS frequency spectrum, (such as harmonious frequencies from TV stations, FM radios etc.) and broadband jammers, occupying the entire GPS spectrum. Current anti-jam analog technology use several antennas, and receiving channels on each receiver device, employing nulling techniques, to eliminate the interfering signal. The number of antenna elements usually determines the maximum number of signals which can be eliminated with such systems. New digital anti-jam receivers and such as the DAR system known as G-STAR is currently fielding, offering significant improvement over existing anti-jamming capabilities. Other techniques are approaching the problem by providing stronger GPS signals over the area of interest. Such signals can be transmitted by Pseudolites deployed on UAVs or ground systems and augment the weak satellite signals by providing local reference points.

Breeze Active Air Circulated Vest

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Oct 14, 2004

Breeze is an active air circulation system which replaces humid air trapped between the bullet proof vests and the human body with fresh air. Breeze blows fresh air underneath the vest and pushes out warm and humid air trapped inside. As sweat evaporates, body temperature and heart beat are reduced back to normal levels. Wearing Breeze vests underneath the body armor significantly improves human performance under physical effort.

The Breeze vest fits into most existing bulletproof vests and adds about 400 gr. to the wearer’s load. As it is won underneath the bullet proof vest, ballistic performance and protection levels are maintained. Breeze uses a quite electrical blower powered by four AA rechargeable batteries providing continuous operation for 8 – 10 hours. Two power modes are available – for regular and high stress modes.

CV9035 MKIII

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Oct 10, 2004

Alvis (now BAE Systems Land Systems Hagglunds) unveiled the third generation CV9035 MkIII infantry fighting vehicle at Eurosatory 2004. The vehicle is designed for gross weight of 32tons and has a growth potential up to 35 tons.

Armed with the ATK Bushmaster III 35/50 cannon and an ammunition programmer for airburst munitions, integrated with the fire control system. The coax machine gun is fitted with increased elevation, for urban warfare situations. It is equipped with an independent commander’s sights located in a rotating cupola, providing hunter-killer operating mode. Both commander and driver have stabilized day/night sights fitted with third generation thermal cameras.

Fitted with a new armor package, the CV-9035 MkIII uses beefed-up frontal and top armor, as well as improved mine protection and defensive aids suit (DAS) composed of laser warning sensors linked with the smoke grenade launchers. The main armament is also linked with the DAS to engage potential threats with effective counterfire. The vehicle is air conditioned and fully protected for operation under CBR conditions. The vehicle also uses third generation vehicle control and information system, integrating various C4I functions from internal and external sources. Other features of the system support combat identification functions, supporting protocols as required by external systems.

December 23, 2005: The Danish MOD placed an £123 million order with BAE Systems’ Land Systems Hagglunds for 45 CV99035 vehicles, for the Danish Army. Local support and life cycle upgrades will be done by Hydrema Export A/S in Denmark. The two companies will jointly investigate the possibility of through-life support for both maintenance and upgrades.

GPS / INS – Precision Guidance System

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Oct 10, 2004

Global Positioning Satellite (GPS) navigation and guidance is providing effective, low cost means for precision targeting. This targeting option is used primarily against fixed or relocateable targets, where the location of the target is expected to remain fixed for the duration of planning and execution of the attack. GPS guided weapons are provided with an integral multi-channel GPS receiver and Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) which monitors the weapon’s locations and attitude to adjust its flight path to accurately impact on the target. In low cost un-powered weapons, the guidance system adjusts the weapon’s free fall to hit a pre-selected point fed into the weapon prior to takeoff. GPS is also used in guided missiles and cruise missiles, for mid-course navigation.

GPS weapons are not designed for engagement of moving targets. GPS guidance provides very efficient means for coordinated attack, as they are unaffected by weather, target concealment or countermeasures. Modern weapons are more immune to GPS jamming, by the use of advanced GPS-AJ modules. Basic GPS weapons have limited precision (around 1-10 meter CEP) but can also provide higher precision by using combined GPS/SAL or GPS/IIR techniques which also provide aimpoint selection. GPS guided weapons can be preloaded with target coordinates before the flight, or link with the aircraft weapon’s control systems, over the 1760 armament control bus, to receive updated target coordinates directly from on-board or remote targeting systems. Modern SAR and target pods are already supporting geo-targeting capabilities, and automatically extract target coordinates from the images they generate.

Virtual Combat Convoy Trainer (VCCT)

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Oct 6, 2004

The US Army received two Virtual Combat Convoy Trainers (VCCTs) developed and built by Lockheed Martina and Firearms Training Systems (FATS), Inc. under a $9.6 million contract awarded on June 2003, to help train troops to recognize and respond to potential convoy threats including Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs). The VCCT enables combat crews to communicate, maintain situational awareness and acquire targets while moving at highway speeds operating in a convoy environment. The simulators will be operated at US Army bases at Camp Shelby, MS and Fort Bragg, NC. The trainers are expected to improve convoy tactics and minimize combat related injuries and deaths resulting from attacks on convoys. One-third of all US casualties since the beginning of Operation Iraqi Freedom were caused by attacks and accidents related to convoy traffic.

Every trainers has four cells, each occupies a tractor-trailer box and is fully self- contained, including a full-scale High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle (HMMWV) The trainer is distinguished by a full-scale HMMWV that includes high-fidelity driver controls and accurately replicates all the physical and visual constraints associated with the M1025 HMMWV. It also generates all visual and audible combat effects and actual combat scenarios which deployed troops might encounter. The new trainer will enable soldiers to hone basic-to-advanced convoy skills incorporating realistic weapons engagement training and networked vehicle simulators to reinforce crew discipline.

The Lockheed Martin/FATS team used developed a comprehensive training device based on the operational Close Combat Tactical Trainer (CCTT), integrated with FATS’ small arms, precision weapons training system to generate realistic convoy training to the troops. Vehicle simulation for the VCCT is derived from software developed for both CCTT and the United Kingdom’s Combined Arms Tactical Trainer (UK CATT).

Operational Feedback Accelerates Bushmaster’s Upgrades

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Oct 4, 2004

bushmaster-(2) — Bushmaster armored, mine protected vehicle

299 Bushmasters were procured, starting 2005 to equip the Australian Army’s 7th Brigade and the Royal Australian Air Force’s Airfield Defence Guards, under a A$316 million project. 26 vehicles were sent to Iraq, Operation Catalyst operating in support the coalition forces.

The Bushmaster can maintain speeds in excess of 90 km/h on Australian roads, with a range of up to 800km carrying nine infantry soldiers with sufficient supplies of food, water and ammunition to last three days. Each vehicle will be fitted with a weapon station capable of mounting the Army’s family of light machine guns. They have also been designed to deflect the effects of a landmine explosion, providing unprecedented protection to soldiers in the battlefield.

Following troops’ complaints about the lack of on-board facilities and limited protection, Australian MOD gathered feedback from crews of the 26 Bushmasters on operations in the Middle East to influence improvements for the Bushmaster.

According to Vice Chief of the Defence Force, Lieutenant General Ken Gillespie Lieutenant General Gillespie said that Bushmaster vehicles already provide crews with a high level of blast and ballistic protection, while future enhancements are being tested by the Defence Materiel Organisation (DMO) and Defence Science and Technology Organisation (DSTO). These tests cover ballistics, blast and handling to assess the effect of armor weight on the safe operation and capabilities of the vehicle.

In July 2006 the Government approved rapid acquisition of a protected, remotely operated weapon station for Bushmaster, improving survivability and surveillance capability for the crew. The first systems are expected to be fielded before the year’s end. Furthermore, a new prototype cooling system for the on-board drinking water tank is planned for field testing in October this year. In December 2006, Recon Optical delivered 44 Raven R-400 such systems to be integrated into the first batch of upgraded Bushrangers.

B-2 Spirit

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Oct 2, 2004

The B-2 Spirit stealth bomber offers similar capabilities, with the addition of stealth – enabling it to penetrate heavily defended airspace, especially at night. The B-2 also carries an impressive weapon’s load – it was recently re-equipped with a modified weapons rack that simultaneously dropped 80 JDAM GPS-guided weapons from a single B-2. The B-2 flew 43 combat missions in Operation Iraqi Freedom, employing more than 400 precision weapons throughout in the air campaign. Since then, the aircraft has been used to test new munitions to further enhancing its conventional attack capability, including JASSM stealth cruise missiles, which allows the aircraft to strike targets from a greater distance; The EGBU-28, which combines both global positioning system and laser guidance for increased operational flexibility (all weather) and adaptation of the 500 pound (227 kg) JDAM. The B-2 previously used this system only to guide 2,000-pound (909 kg) bombs. The smaller warhead enables the B-2 to increase the potential number of JDAMs carried per flight from 16 to as many as 80.

The B-2 can also carry eight of the massive 5,000-pound (2.27 ton kg) GBU-37 bunker-buster bombs, and may eventually carry a pair of the 30,000-pound (13.6 ton) (Massive Ordnance Penetrators. Eventually, the could carry 216 or even as many as 324 of the new, guided Small Diameter Bombs (SDB). These bombs are carried on the BRU-61/A smart pneumatic carriage, each holding four SDB weapons. In addition, improvements have been made to the Spirit’s coating, which has reduced maintenance actions from days to minutes.

Next on the upgrade plan is the introduction of Link-16 communications will further improve the bomber’s integration to support tactical operations. These datalinks will feed targeting information including image and video directly to individual bombs. Other future upgrades will include radar updates, which will enable the B-2’s weaponry to reach targets further underground.

IDF Selects IMI Tavor Assault Rifle

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Oct 1, 2004

IMI Tavor assault rifle has been selected as the future weapon for Israel Defense Forces infantry units. For several years the IDF evaluated the Tavor against the M-16 M4. The two weapons recently completed extensive field evaluations with special forces as well elite infantry units, such as the Givati Brigade. Following the conclusion of these tests, the IDF made its decision. The evaluations were very positive and overall, Tavor proved to be significantly more accurate and reliable compared to the M4, and became the favorable sidearm by the majority of the infantrymen participated in the tests. The weapon proved to be more comfortable to operate, and more accurate in instinctive fire, as the natural carrying position – an inherent advantage of the rear center of gravity, derived by the compact bull-pup design.

Due to budget constraints and large quantities of M-16 and M-16A2 which are already in its inventory, the IDF is expected to order only thousands of rifles per year, however, according to IMI, the importance of the decision is the recognition in the quality and superiority of the new Israeli weapon, to promote export sales. The IDF selected Tavor with an optical reflection sight, the initial batch will be equipped with the ITL battery powered MARS, but follow-on batches could be equipped with either the passive, non-powered Mepro-21 Rexfelx sight, produced by Meprolight or the ITL MARS. IMI believes that Tavor will soon take its place as a leading brand in the world market, similar to the ubiquitous Uzi, IMI produced in the 1950s. India became the second country to order Tavor. The new assault rifle will equip paratroops and special forces of the Indian Army. The Indian version will be equipped with the ITL MARS optical reflection sight. On September 2004 Georgia became the third country to select the Tavor, which will be used by special operations units.

Humvee Armor Survivability Kit (ASK)

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Sep 21, 2004

The development of the Armor Survivability Kit for the Humvee began in October 2003. following the reports on the growing damages caused by ambushes and IEDs. The kit includes replacement of the doors with armored doors fitted with small ballistic-resistant windows. Further protection is provided by armored seatbacks, reinforced floor and windshield made of bullet proof glass.

The kit weighs half of that designed for the up-armored Humvee (ths ASK adds about 1,000 pounds to a standard non-armored vehicle). The kit provides some RPG and IED protection, as commonly encountered in Iraq. There are two ASK versions, one supporting a two-door Humvee and the other, a four-door Humvee. The resulting armoring package provides an effective protection against typical attack (small arms fire, IED), but at the cost of considerable damage to the vehicle. Most frequently, an IED explosion will cripple the vehicle, and when abandoned in hostile area, leaving it preys for the rioting mob. This is one reason that caused motivated the use of heavier, more survivable vehicles for such tasks.

Advanced Effect and Protection System AEPS

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Sep 21, 2004

A technology demonstrator of the Advanced Effect and Protection System, designed to protect ground targets from cruise missile attacks, was shown by Bofors Defense AB at Eurosatory 2004. Similar to the BONUS target scanner, the AEPS uses fast rotation to scan for targets, and once detected, it activates a directional warhead to destroy it with its large fragmentation charge. While AEPS can be used against a wide range of targets, its main goal is to provide the last line of defense over sensitive targets, protecting them from precision weapons and cruise missile attacks.

Displacive Compensation of Porosity

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Sep 18, 2004

Displacive Compensation of Porosity (DCP), a novel method for fabricating shaped monolithic ceramics, uses a chemical reaction to fill preformed, porous ceramic material with a different ceramic compound, resulting in super-dense material. This process works at relatively low temperatures and therefore, is more economical. The resulting compound can be molded into complex shapes and offers improved protection at significantly lower weight.

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