David
Sat January 3, 2004 9:38pm
Rating: 8
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Il-76 Candid
Function: Medium range, medium lift cargo aircraft.
History: The Ilyushin Il-76 (NATO designation Candid) was fielded by the Soviet Air Force in 1974 as a medium range, medium payload, rough surface capable cargo aircraft. Produced by the Ilyushin Aviation Complex Joint Stock Company in Moscow and the Tashkent Aircraft Production Corporation in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, the Il-76 was purpose built as a combat support aircraft who's primary mission was to deliver infantry and light armored vehicles. The Il-76 is also paratrooper capable, and can air deliver palletized cargo and specially prepared military vehicles.
To facilitate rough field operations, the Il-76 is equipped with a low ground pressure landing gear system and extendable trailing flaps and leading edge slats on the wings to generate additional lift at low airspeeds. To support airborne cargo delivery missions, the Candid is equipped with a telpher; an over-head electrically operated track from which cargo can be suspended and deployed, as well as a deck mounted roller conveyer system. The Il-76 can also be converted to a litter capable airborne ambulance.
Since its introduction, the Il-76 has undergone a number of modifications. The Il-76M is virtually identical to the base line Il-76 in terms of physical appearance, and flight characteristics, but with almost twice the payload capacity (47 tons for the M model, up considerably from the 28 tons of the basic model.) The Il-76MD is essentially an Il-76M with structural modifications to increase fuel load and range. The additional fuel carried increased the MD's maximum take off weight by 20 tons, and increased the range of the aircraft by 40%. The Il-76MF variant incorporates a 6.6-meter insertion into the fuselage to increase cargo hold dimensions, as well as improved engines, replacing the four D-30KP turbofan engines with four more powerful PS-90A-76 turbofans. These new engines improve range by 20% over the MD model. The MF's maximum take off weight has been increased to 210 tons, and the maximum payload has been increased to 52 tons.
In addition to serving as a cargo aircraft, the basic Il-76 design has been modified to fill a number of additional aircraft requirements. The A-50 Mainstay Airborne Early Warning radar aircraft is derived from the Il-76 design, and the Il-78 Midas aerial tanker is derived from a modified MD airframe.
Description: As with most cargo aircraft, the Il-76 body was designed to maximize available space. The fuselage is long and more rounded in cross-section than the more contemporary An-124 Condor, with a tapered aft section and rounded nose. The tail has a pair of clamshell doors and integral loading ramp for cargo. The nose, un-like the C-5 Galaxy or the An-124 Condor, is fixed, and the lower section is glassed in for observation. Directly behind the glass nose section is an oval radome, which extends laterally beyond the sides of the frame.
The wings are mounted high on the fuselage at a slight negative dihedral, and are tapered and swept. The four turbofans are mounted on pylons underneath, and forward of the wings. The horizontal stabilizers are also swept back and tapered, and are mounted high on the vertical stabilizer.
Designed as a combat aircraft, the Il-76 is capable of mounting an electronic warfare ECM package, to include radar warning receiver, and chaff and flare dispensers, to defend the aircraft from radar guided and heat seeking missile threats, and is capable of mounting air dropped ordnance on external, wing mounted ejector racks. In addition, the tail section incorporates a manned weapons station, mounting two 23mm cannons and a fire direction radar. This tail gun station is retained on many Russian owned, civilian operated Il-76s, as they were expected to serve with the Air Force during a time of war.
General Characteristics, Il-76 Candid
Power Plant:
Four D-30KP turbofans
Thrust:
12,000 kef
Length:
46.6 meters (152.9 feet)
Height:
14.42 meters (47.31 feet)
Wingspan:
50.5 meters (165.7 feet)
Cargo Hold Dimensions:
Length (less ramp): 20 meters
Width: 3.45 meters
Height 3.4 meters
Speed:
Cruise speed at an altitude of
9 to 12 kilometers: 760 to 780 kmh
Ceiling:
20,695 meters (67,900 feet)
Load-Carrying Capacity:
47 tons
Maximum Takeoff Weight:
170 tons
Range:
With 20-ton payload: 6,100 kilometers (3,660 miles)
With 47-ton payload: 3,000 kilometers (1,800 miles)
Crew:
Six or seven
Runway:
Takeoff run on concrete runway: 1,600 meters
Landing roll on concrete runway: 780 to 1,000 meters
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David
Sat January 3, 2004 9:38pm
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Shenyang J-8 (F-8 Finback
Function: Twin-engined, single-seat aircraft is primarily used for air combat, with the capability of ground attack.
History: Introduced in 1964, the J-8 was the first People's Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) aircraft utilizing a wholly Chinese design. While similar in configuration to the Soviet MiG-21 or the Chinese J-7, the J-8 airframe has been enlarged to accommodate two engines. Although the design was approved in 1964, prototype production was not completed until 1969. Because of the civil unrest caused by the Cultural Revolution (1966-76), the prototypes would see only limited flight activity through 1976, delaying production further. Production of the J-8 began in December 1979, with very few airframes actually entering service. These first-run aircraft were equipped with a single axial air intake supplying air to both engines, with a centrally mounted ranging radar, which gave the aircraft an appearance similar to the Mig-21/J-7. These aircraft were also equipped with two Type 30 30mm cannons and four under wing hardpoints, capable of firing the PL-2B short-range air-to-air missile. First-run production was completed in 1987.
The second run J-8 I "Finback A" entered production in 1985. Similar to the original J-8, the J-8 I had an improved radar which gave it all-weather capability. In addition, the two 30mm cannons were replaced by a single twin-barreled 23mm cannon. Production was halted in 1987 after some 100 aircraft were built (including original J-8 aircraft converted to the J-8 I design).
The completely redesigned J-8 II "Finback B" was first flown in 1984 and made public in 1986. The forward section of the airframe has been completely redesigned, replacing the single combination air intake-radome with two separate intakes, mounted laterally on the fuselage just aft of the cockpit, and a solid nose housing the aircraft's search radar. The solid nose also increases the amount of space available for additional after-market avionics. The J-8 II also incorporates a ventral stabilizer fin for increased maneuverability, which can folded for takeoff and landing. The export model of the J-8 II, designated the F-8 II, has improved avionics, to include digital electronics, a Heads Up Display (HUD), and Doppler radar, and engines, along with leading edge slats and in-flight refueling capabilities, giving it improved performance characteristics.
The J-8 IIM is a private venture (sponsored by Shenyang Aircraft Company) to improve the performance, and marketability, of the Basic J-8 II design. The J-8 IIM is capable of launching a variety of air-to-air and air-to-ground ordnance, including the PL-8, R-27/AA-10 and PL-5B. In addition, conventional iron bombs can be carried on seven hardpoints. The J-8 IIM also incorporates the advanced Russian made Zhuk-8II (FG-8) look-down, shoot-down radar, which replaces the older Chinese Type-208 radar. The Zhuk-8II has a range of 70 nautical miles, is able to track up to 10 targets at once and engage 2 targets simultaneously with radar-guided missiles such as the AA-10, as well as to launch anti-ship missiles such as the Kh-31. While the J-8 IIM also incorporates improved engines, the J-8 IIM is actually heaver than the baseline model, so aircraft range and performance are down slightly. Though the J-8 IIM completed its first test flight in 1998, none have been exported.
The most recent variant of the J-8 introduced, the J-8D, appears to be a basic J-8 II modified with a fixed in-flight refueling probe. In addition, it would seem that the avionics package has been upgraded to allow the ability to fire the PL-8 IR missile and the PL-11 semi-active radar guided missile.
Description: The basic J-8 design is very similar in appearance to the Soviet MiG-21 and Chinese J-7 aircraft, with the modified delta wing, swept horizontal and vertical stabilizers and central combination air intake-radar housing. The J-8's laterally mounted twin engines, however, readily give it away, the twin exhausts easily visible below and aft of the vertical stabilizer. The J-8 II replaces the MiG-21 forward section with a completely new design, incorporating the same single seat stepped cockpit, but with a solid nose and two laterally mounted, one on each side of the fuselage, square air intakes. The back half of the J-8 II, however, remains largely unchanged from the original J-8 design.
General Characteristics, Shenyang J-8 (F-8 Finback)
Country:
People's Republic of China
Designation:
Jian-8 Finback
Type:
Intercept
Builder:
Shenyang Aircraft
Power Plant:
Two open 13A-II turbojets at 14,815 pounds thrust
Length:
70 feet, 10 inches (21.6 meters)
Wingspan:
30 feet ( 9.3 meters)
Weight:
Empty: 21,600 pounds (9,820 kilograms)
Normal Takeoff: 31,500 pounds (14,300 kilograms)
Maximum Takeoff: 39,200 pounds (17,800 kilograms)
Speed:
Maximum Speed: 1,450 mph (2,340 kmh, Mach 2.2)
Cruising Speed: 800 mph (1,300 kmh)
Ceiling:
18-20,000 meters
Range:
Combat Radius: 2,500 miles (800 kmh)
Cruise Radius: 800 miles (1,300 kilometers)
Ferry Range: 1,400 miles (2,200 kilometers)
Internal Fuel Capacity:
3994 kilograms
Armament:
Two 23mm cannons (J-8 only; not found on J-8II)
One underfuselage hardpoint
Six underwing hardpoints for fuel, bombs, rockets or missiles
Four PL-2 or PL-7 and 800 L drop tank (680 nm)
Two PL-2 or PL-7 and two 480 L drop tanks and one 800 L drop tank (741nm)
Sensors:
Izmurd raging radar
RWR
Ballistic bomb sight
Crew:
One
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David
Sat January 3, 2004 10:15pm
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BTR-60 APC
Function: Soviet 1950 era wheeled APC.
Background: Introduced in 1963 as a replacement for the fully tracked BTR-50, the BTR-60 represents the first of a series of 8x8 wheeled APC that are still in production in the former Soviet Union. In terms of numbers produced, the BTR-60 was the most important vehicle in the Soviet Army and was issued to the Soviet naval Infantry. In addition, the BTR-60 has been supplied to most Warsaw Pact countries in addition to North Korea. The BTR-60 has also been manufactured in Czechoslovakia and Poland.
Initial BTR-60s were equipped with a single 12.7mm DShK machine gun and two PKT 7.62mm machineguns, all mounted forward of the personnel compartment. Later models used the standard Warsaw Pact APC weapons turret equipped with one KPV 14.5mm machine gun and one PKT 7.62mm machine gun. Power is supplied to all eight wheels by means of a unique twin engine/transmission arrangement. The BTR-60 uses two V-8 90hp gasoline engines and two separate transmissions; one supplies power to the 1st and 3rd axles and the other supplies power to the 2nd and 4th axles.
The BTR-60 is fully amphibious and does not require any preparation time. Steering, both on land and in the water, is provided by the forward two axles, which are also power assisted. Water propulsion is provided by a single rear mounted water jet.
Although the BTR-70 began to replace the BTR-60 in 1978, the BTR-60 has never been retired, and continues to serve in Russian reserve formations and numerous countries world-wide.
Description: The BTR-60 an all-wheeled 8x8 fully amphibious armored personnel carrier. The boat shaped vehicle is divided up into three sections: crew compartment, personnel compartment, and engine compartment. In early versions the personnel compartment is open topped; in later versions the entire vehicle is fully enclosed. The BTR-60 may be readily distinguished from the later 70/80/90 series by the presence of a single "automotive-type" muffler exhaust located on either side of the hull rear.
The BTR-60 "P" and "PA" variants are equipped with a single 12.7mm DShK machine gun and two PKT 7.62mm machineguns. These MGs are mounted forward of the personnel compartment, and require the gunners to be exposed while firing. Because of the size of the gunner's position, only two of the three MGs can be manned at any given time. The "PB" model is equipped with a small, one man, turret, mounted over the second axle that contains one KPV 14.5mm machine gun and one PKT 7.62mm machine gun.
In all models, the personnel compartment can only be accessed from the roof of the carrier. There are three infantry mounting steps on each side of the vehicle, mounted between the road wheels, and three additional mounting rails located on the hull above the steps. There is a large personnel compartment access hatch located on each side of the hull.
General Characteristics, BTR-60 Armored Personnel Carrier
Manufacturers:
Soviet Union, Czechoslovakia, and Poland.
Transmission:
2x manual
Engine:
2x 90hp V-8 gasoline
Length:
23.47 feet (7.22 meters)
Width:
9.17 feet (2.82 meters)
Height:
6.7 feet (2.06 meters)
Combat Weight:
10.1 tons
Cruising Range:
500 kilometers
Speed:
Maximum: 50mph ( 80kph)
Off-road: 38mph (60kph)
Fording:
Fully amphibious without preparation
Crew:
Two (driver, gunner-commander)
12 passengers
Armament:
Main:
One 12.7mm DShK HMG (BTR-60P)
One 14.5mm KPV HMG (BTR-60PB)
Secondary:
Two7.62mm PKT-T MG (BTR-60P)
One 7.62mm PKT-T MG (BTR-60PB)
Introduction Date:
1961
Variants:
BTR-60P: Initial production model. The BTR-60P was open topped and armed with a single 12.7mm DShK machine gun.
BTR-60PA: Modified "P" model. Incorporates overhead cover for the personnel compartment. Because of space restrictions in the gunner's hatch, no more than two of the weapons can be manned at any given time.
BTR-60PB: Most widely fielded varient. Has increased overhead protection for passengers and crew and incorporates the standard Warsaw Pact APC weapons turret. This one-man turret houses one KPV 14.5mm machine gun and one PKT 7.62mm machine gun.
BTR-60PBK: Command variant with additional communications equipment.
BTR-60 PU: Armored command vehicle (ACV) variant for battalion level. The "PU" is open-topped and can be identified by its canvas roof, additional communication equipment and lack of weapons turret. The "PU" also has an easily recognizable dipole antenna that runs nearly all around the top of the vehicle.
BTR-60 PU-12 and -12M: "U" and "PU" variants used by air defense controllers and configured for ground to air communication.
BTR-60 R-975: Forward Air Control Vehicle (FACV). A modified BTR-60PB with sighting optics and laser designator installed in the turret in place of the weapons. Can also be identified by the large portable generator mounted on the rear of the vehicle.
MTP-2: Armored recovery vehicle.
R-145BM: ACV used ad Brigade level. Has increased radio range and communications capabilities.
ACRV 1V18: Artillery command and reconnaissance vehicle. The 1V18 is a command and observation vehicle (COP) while the 1V19 variant serves as an artillery fire direction center (FDC).
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David
Sat January 3, 2004 10:24pm
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Akula Class Nuclear Attac
Function: Nuclear powered attack submarine.
History: The Delfin class attack submarines (SSN) were originally conceived in 1972 as Project 971/971U "Bars", a strategic cruise missile launch platform (SSGN) capable of launching the S-10 Granat missile, a Soviet copy of the American Tomahawk cruise missile. Originally designed along the same lines of the Pr. 671RTM (NATO Victor III) submarines, and armed with six 53cm torpedo tubes (to fire the S-10) and 2 65cm tubes (to launch defensive torpedoes and missiles), when the Soviet navy realized that its production facilities were not capable of producing titanium hulled Pr. 945 (NATO Sierra I and II) submarines, the 971 was redesigned to take advantage of the advanced sensor, command, communication, and weapons systems of the Zubatka and Karp class boats, yet made from steel. This redesign also increased the number of 53cm and 65cm torpedo tubes to four apiece. Additionally, the Pr. 971 submarines incorporated the active countermeasures suite found on the Pr. 945 boats. This system would use acoustic sensors to detect, classify, and automatically prioritize these contacts and display this information to an operator who then could take more precise action. Furthermore, in the case of torpedoes, the system could automatically take action, launching decoys and initiating barrage and deception jamming of the threat sensors. Surprisingly, when the 971 series entered production, it was found to offer performance similar to the 945 but at a fraction of the cost,with lower maintenance requirements, and the only real drawback being the reduction of the basic load from 40 weapons to 32. Consequently, the 971, and not the 945, was adopted as the follow on general purpose submarine to replace the aging 671 fleet.
Improvements to the basic Delfin design were incorporated into a more advanced production model designated the 971U. These improvements included the installation of 6 external 53cm torpedo tubes (for launching the S-10 Granat) and the non acoustic sensor system from the Pr. 945 submarines, which uses infrared sensors to detect the thermal gradients produced in submarine wakes. As production of the 971U was initiated, attempts to reduce the noise signature to levels comparable with the early Los Angeles class boats were made, which necessitated the redesign of the engine spaces. These modifications were incorporated into a new design designated Project 971A.
Deployed roughly at the same time as the American Improved Los Angeles class fast attack submarines, the 971 boats produce more noise than the early Los Angeles class, though their performance is far superior to earlier Soviet designs. The 971U is comparable to the early Los Angeles submarines in radiated noise levels at low speeds, becoming progressively noisier as speed increases. Additionally, the 971 series are far inferior to their US counterparts in terms of sonar sensitivity and combat capabilities. Production was limited to twelve 971U submarines before the collapse of the Soviet Union. Additionally, production was initiated on two 971A submarines but discontinued for lack of funding. Eleven of the surviving 971U submarines are currently in limited service with the Russian navy.
General Characteristics, Delfin Class
Builders:
Krasnoye Soromovo Zavod 112, Nizhniy Novgorod
Power Plant:
One OKB-650B-5 rated at 190 Megawatts, two steam turbines, one shaft with one VRSh-7 controllable pitch screw, 47,000 shaft horsepower
Length, Overall:
354.2 feet (107.9 meters)
Beam:
44.3 feet (13.5 meters)
Draft:
31.4 feet (9.6 meters)
Displacement:
7,900 tons submerged
Speed:
35 knots submerged
Crew:
31 Officers; 31 Enlisted
Maximum Safe Diving Depth:
1,475 feet
Armament:
Two internal 53cm torpedo tubes
Two external 53cm torpedo tubes (8 on 971U series)
Four internal 65cm torpedo tubes
S-10 Granat (NATO SS-N-21 SAMPSON) strategic cruise missiles
Two RPK-6 Vodopod (NATO SS-N-16 STALLION) rocket delivered nuclear depth charges
RPK-7 Vodopei (NATO SS-N-16 STALLION) rocket delivered homing torpedoes
BA-111 Shkval underwater rockets
Type 53-65K torpedoes
SET-65 torpedoes
TEST-68 torpedoes
Sensors:
Vspletsk combat direction system
Radar:
One Chiblis surface search radar
One Medvyedista-945 navigation radar
Sonar:
One MGK-503-M Skat active/passive sonar suite
One Pelamida towed sonar array
Two Akula flank arrays
One MG-70 mine detection sonar
Countermeasures:
Bukhta ESM/ECM system
Two MG-74 Korund noise simulation decoys
One MT-70 sonar intercept reciever
Nikhrom-M IFF system
Ships:
K.239 Karp, Commissioned June 1987, decommissioned 1997.
K.276 Krab, Commissioned September 1984, decommissioned 1997
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David
Sat January 3, 2004 10:35pm
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T-ATF - Powhatan Class Fl
Function: Seven ocean-going tugs are operated by Military Sealift Command and provide the U.S. Navy with towing service, and when augmented by Navy divers, assist in the recovery of downed aircraft and ships.
History: Fleet tugs are used to tow ships, barges and targets for gunnery exercises. They are also used as platforms for salvage and diving work, as participants in naval exercises, to conduct search and rescue missions, to aid in the clean up of oil spills and ocean accidents, and to provide fire fighting assistance. USNS Apache (T-ATF 172) is the last of the Powhatan class of ocean tugs delivered to the Navy in 1981.
Description: Each vessel is equipped with 10 ton capacity crane and a bollard pull of at least 54 tons. A deck grid is fitted aft which contains 1 inch bolt receptacles spaced 24 inches apart. This allows for the bolting down of a wide variety of portable equipment. There are two GPH fire pumps supplying three fire monitors with up to 2,200 gallons of foam per minute. A deep module can be embarked to support naval salvage teams.
General Characteristics, Powhatan Class
Builders:
Marinette Marine Corporation, Marinette, WI
Power Plant:
Two GM EMD 20-645F7B diesels; 5.73 MW sustained; two shafts; Kort nozzles (except on Powhatan and one other); cp props; bow thruster; 300 hp (224 kW)
Length, Overall:
226 feet (68.88 meters)
Beam:
42 feet (12.80 meters)
Displacement:
2,260 long tons (2,296.27 metric tons) full load
Speed:
14.5 knots (16.69 mph, 26.86)
Crew:
16 civilians and 4 naval communications technicians
Ships:
USNS Powhatan (T-ATF 166)
USNS Narragansett (T-ATF 167)
USNS Catawba (T-ATF 168)
USNS Navajo (T-ATF 169)
USNS Mohawk (T-ATF 170)
USNS Sioux (T-ATF 171)
USNS Apache (T-ATF 172)
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David
Sat January 3, 2004 10:46pm
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Mark V Special Operations
Function: The Mark V is used to carry Special Operations Forces (SOF), primarily SEAL combat swimmers, into and out of operations where the threat to these forces is considered to be low to medium. They also support limited coastal patrol and interruption of enemy activities.
Description: The MARK V Special Operations Craft (SOC) is the newest, versatile, high performance combatant craft introduced into the Naval Special Warfare (NSW) Special Boat Squadron (SBR) inventory to improve maritime special operations capabilities. MARK Vs are organized into detachments comprised of two boats, crews and a deployment support package mounted on cargo transporters. The detachment can be delivered in-theater rapidly by two C-5 aircraft, by a well or flight deck equipped surface ships and, if appropriate, under their own power. The detachment can be deployable within 48 hours of notification and ready for operations within 24 hours of arrival at a forward operating base. They can operate from shore facilities, from well-deck equipped ships or from ships with appropriate crane and deck space capabilities. The MARK Vs are a result of a streamlined acquisition effort managed by the United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) Special Operations Acquisition Executive (SOAE). From the awarding of the contract to actual possession of the first boat took only 18 months .
General Characteristics, Mark V
Length, Overall:
82 feet (24.99 meters)
Beam:
17 feet 6 inches (5.33 meters)
Weight:
57 long tons (57.91 metric tons)
Speed:
50 knots (57.54+ mph, 92.60 kph)
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David
Sat January 3, 2004 11:51pm
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Sea Shadow
Description: Sea Shadow is a test craft developed under a combined program by the Advanced Research Projects Agency (ARPA), the Navy, and Lockheed Martin Missiles and Space Company.
History: The Sea Shadow program was begun in the mid-1980s. Its purpose is to explore a variety of new technologies for surface ships, including ship control, structures, automation for reduced manning, seakeeping and signature control.
General Characteristics, Sea Shadow
Power Plant:
Diesel electric
Length, Overall:
164 feet (49.99 meters)
Beam:
68 feet (20.73 meters)
Draft:
14.5 feet (4.42 meters)
Displacement:
560 long tons (568.99 metric tons) full load
Crew:
10
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David
Sat January 3, 2004 11:51pm
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T-AG - USNS Hayes Acousti
Function: The USNS Hayes is one of 28 special missions ships operated by Military Sealift Command providing operating platforms and services for unique U.S. military requirements. Special missions ships work for several different U.S. Navy customers, such as the Naval Sea Systems Command, Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command and the Oceanographer of the Navy.
History: The USNS Hayes was laid down Nov. 12, 1969; launched July 2, 1970, to the Ready Reserve on June 10, 1983 and transferred to James River (Maritime Administration) for lay-up in 1984 having been too costly to operate. Under FY86 program, the Hayes was converted to an Acoustic Research Ship; reclassified T-AG 195 and completed in early 1992 after five years' work in two shipyards.
Description: The USNS Hayes' mission is to transport, deploy and retrieve acoustic arrays, to conduct acoustic surveys in support of the submarine noise reduction program and to carry out acoustic testing. The catamaran design provides a stable platform with a large deck availability. The design also permits installation of a center-line well, with access to sheltered water between the hulls. The ship is equipped with two auxiliary propulsion diesel engines for use during acoustic operations, providing a creeping speed of 2-4 knots.
General Characteristics, USNS Hayes
Builders:
Todd Shipyards, Seattle, WA
Power Plant:
Diesel-electric; twoCaterpiller diesels, 3,620 horsepower sustained, two generators, two Westinghouse motors, 2,400 hp; two auxiliary diesels (for creep speed); 330 horsepower; two shafts, cp props
Length, Overall:
247 feet (72.29 meters)
Beam:
75 feet (22.86 meters)
Displacement:
3,952 long tons (4,015.42 metric tons) full load
Speed:
10 knots (11.5 mph, 18.52 kph)
Crew:
19 civilians, seven officers and 30 scientists
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David
Sat January 3, 2004 11:51pm
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T-AG Navigation Research/
Function: The USNS Vanguard (TAG 194) is a navigational test launch ship which perform assorted tests related to research on various missile navigational systems.
History: The USNS Vanguard supports sponsor programs in navigation research by providing a platform for testing fleet ballistic missile guidance and missile systems. Reclassified as AG 194 in September 1980, this ship is under the operational control of Director, Strategic Systems Program. In May 1997, equipment was installed to enable the ship to serve as a range instrumentation ship in support of the fleet ballistic missile program.
Description: The USNS Vanguard (TAG 194) is one of 30 special missions ships operated by Military Sealift Command providing operating platforms and services for unique U.S. military and federal government missions. Special missions ships work for several different U.S. Navy customers, such as the Naval Sea Systems Command, Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command and the Oceanographer of the Navy.
General Characteristics, USNS Vanguard
Builders:
Marine Ship Corporation, Sausalito, CA
Power Plant:
Turbo-electric; two boilers; eight Westinghouse turbo-generators; 10,000 horsepower; one motor, one shaft
Length, Overall:
595 feet (181.36 meters)
Beam:
75 feet (22.86 meters)
Displacement:
13,882 long tons (14,104.78 metric tons) light
24,761 tons (25,158.37 metric tons) full load
Speed:
14 knots (16.11 mph, 25.93 kph)
Crew:
45 civilians, 18 scientists plus 141 spare
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David
Sun January 4, 2004 12:31am
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SSN640 - Benjamin Frankli
Function: Benjamin Franklin class Fleet Ballistic Missile Submarine converted for special operations support.
History: Commissioned on December 10, 1965 as the second of the Benjamin Franklin class Fleet Ballistic Missile Submarines (SSBN) the USS Kamehameha served as an SSBN through 1992, conducting a total of 63 deterrent patrols. Following her withdrawl from the SSBN fleet, Kamehameha was extensivly modified to support Navy special operations missions. To create additional living space the entire ballistic missile section was removed and turned into living quarters where embarked special operations personnel could rest, train, plan operations, and maintain their equipment in relative comfort (especially when compared to the cramped quarters associated with the much smaller Sturgeon and Los Angeles class Fast Attack Submarines.) In addition, Kamehameha was modified to accommodate two Dry Deck Shelters (DDS) as well as 2 SEAL Delivery Vehicles. With the decommissioning of her sister ship, the USS James K Polk (SSN645) in 1999, the Kamehameha remains the only converted SSBN in active service.
General Characteristics, Benjamin Franklin Class
Builders:
Mare Island Naval Shipyard
Power Plant:
One S5W nuclear reactor, two steam turbines, one shaft, 15,000 shaft horse power
Date Deployed:
December 12, 1965 (USS Kamehameha)
Length, Overall:
425 feet (129.6 meters)
Beam:
33 feet (10.06 meters)
Draft:
28.8 feet
Displacement:
8,250 tons submerged
Speed:
25 knots submerged
Crew:
140
Armament:
Mk 48 ADCAP Torpedoes, launched from four 533mm torpedo tubes
Harpoon anti-ship missiles (tube launched)
Tomahawk anti-ship/ land attack missiles (launched from a 12 tube Vertical Launch System (VLS) )
Sonar:
1 AN/BQR-15 passive towed sonar array
1 AN/BQR-19 active sonar array
1 AN/BQR-7 passive sonar array
Ships:
USS Kamehameha (SSN-642), Pearl Harbor, HI
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David
Sun January 4, 2004 12:31am
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Deep Submergence Rescue V
Function: Deep submergence rescue vehicle.
History: DSRVs were developed as a result of the USS Thresher submarine accident in 1963, when all hands were lost. At the time, submarine operating depths greatly exceeded the capabilities of rescue vessels. The Deep Submergence Systems Project contracted with Lockheed Missiles and Space, Co. to produce a deep diving rescue submarine, the first of which was launched in 1970.
Description: The primary mission of the DSRV is to provide a quick reaction, worldwide, all-weather capability to rescue personnel from submerged, disabled submarines (DISSUB) of the U.S. Navy or foreign navies at depths up to 2000 feet. The maximum operating depth is approximately 5000 feet. Mystic can be transported by truck, aircraft, surface ship, or on a mother submarine. For a rescue operation, it can dive, locate the DISSUB, and attach itself to the DISSUB's rescue seat. After the DSRV is properly attached to the submarine, the DISSUB's access hatches are opened and submarine personnel can directly the DSRV. The DSRV then detaches from the submarine and transfers the rescued personnel to the support ship.
General Characteristics, DSRV
Builders:
Lockheed Missiles and Space Company, Sunnyvale, CA
Power Plant:
Electric motors, silver/zinc batteries,
1 shaft, 15 shaft horsepower, 4 thrusters, 7.5 horsepower
Length, Overall:
49 feet (14.94 meters)
Beam:
8 feet (2.44 meters)
Displacement:
38 long tons (38.61 metric tons)
Speed:
4 kts (4.6 mph, 7.40 kph)
Maximum Operating Depth:
5,000 feet (1524 meters)
Crew:
2 pilots, 2 rescue personnel and capacity for 24 passengers
Sonar:
Deep submergence obstacle avoidance sonar (DSOAS): 27 kHz, (8,000 yard range)
Downward looking sonar (DLS): Sonar for hatch mating 500 kHz (600 ft. range)
Altitude/depth sonar(A/D): 24 kHz SONAR 0-5,000 ft. range)
UQC, 8 kHz, Voice and CW (ATM 504)
Directional listening hydrophone tuned to 3.5 kHz
Side looking sonar (installed for alternate mission), 1 ft. resolution, 183 kHz; maximum range 1200 ft. either side (2400 ft. total)
Equipment:
One gripper/cutter designed to clear debris from hatch; capable of cutting steel cable and lifting 1000 lbs.
Ships:
Mystic (DSRV-1) deployed 1970
Avalon (DSRV-2) deployed 1971
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David
Sun January 4, 2004 12:31am
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NR-1 Deep Submergence Cra
Function: A nuclear-powered ocean engineering and research submarine.
History: NR-1, the first deep submergence vessel using nuclear power, was launched at Groton on Jan. 25, 1969, and successfully completed her initial sea trials August 19, 1969. It maneuvers by four ducted thrusters, two in the front and two in the rear. The vehicle also has planes mounted on the sail, and a conventional rudder. NR-1's missions have included search, object recovery, geological survey, oceanographic research, and installation and maintenance of underwater equipment. NR-1's unique capability to remain at one site and completely map or search an area with a high degree of accuracy has been a valuable asset on several occasions. Following the loss of the Space Shuttle Challenger in 1986, the NR-1 was used to search for, identify, and recover critical parts of the Challenger craft. Because it can remain on the sea floor without resurfacing frequently, NR-1 was a major tool for searching deep waters. NR-1 remained submerged and on station even when heavy weather and rough seas hit the area and forced all other search and recovery ships into port. Today, NR-1 continues to provide a valuable service to the Navy and many research and educational institutions.
Description: The NR-1 performs underwater search and recovery, oceanographic research missions and installation and maintenance of underwater equipment, to a depth of almost half a mile. Its features include extendable bottoming wheels, three viewing ports, exterior lighting and television and still cameras for color photographic studies, an object recovery claw, a manipulator that can be fitted with various gripping and cutting tools and a work basket that can be used in conjunction with the manipulator to deposit or recover items in the sea. Surface vision is provided through the use of a television periscope permanently installed on a mast in her sail area. NR-1 has sophisticated electronics and computers that aid in navigation, communications, and object location and identification. It can maneuver or hold a steady position on or close to the seabed or underwater ridges, detect and identify objects at a considerable distance, and lift objects off the ocean floor. NR-1 can travel submerged at approximately four knots for long periods, limited only by its supplies. It can study and map the ocean bottom, including temperature, currents, and other information for military, commercial and scientific uses. Its nuclear propulsion provides independence from surface support ships and essentially unlimited endurance. NR-1 is generally towed to and from remote mission locations by an accompanying surface tender, which is also capable of conducting research in conjunction with the submarine.
General Characteristics, NR-1
Builders:
General Dynamics Electric Boat Division
Power Plant:
1 nuclear reactor, 1 turbo-alternator; 2 motors (external), 2 propellers, 4 ducted thrusters (2 horizontal, 2 vertical)
Date Deployed:
Oct. 27, 1969
Length, Overall:
150 feet (45.72 meters)
Displacement:
400 long tons (406.42 metric tons)
Diameter:
12 feet (3.66 meters)
Maximum Operating Depth:
2,375 feet (723.90 meters)
Crew:
2 officer, 3 enlisted, 2 scientists
Armament:
None
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David
Sun January 4, 2004 12:31am
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SSGN - Guided Missile Sub
Function: SSGN Guided Missile Submarines are nuclear-powered submarines armed with tactical missiles and the ability to transport and support special operations forces.
Entered Navy: Beginning 2003 / 2004.
Description: Four Ohio-class Trident submarines that were previously scheduled for inactivation during Fiscal Years 2003 and 2004 are being converted to guided missile submarines (SSGN) over a five-year period ending in 2008. The primary missions of the SSGN will be land attack and Special Operations Forces (SOF) insertion and support. Secondary missions will be the traditional attack submarine missions of intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR), battle space preparation, and sea control.
These ships will be armed with up to 154 Tomahawk? or Tactical Tomahawk? land attack missiles. They will have the ability to carry and support a team of 66 SOF personnel for up to 90 days as compared to 15 days for a SOF outfitted fast attack submarine (SSN). Clandestine insertion and retrieval of these Special Operations Forces will be enhanced by the ability to host dual dry deck shelters and/or Advanced Seal Delivery System. Each SSGN will be able to conduct a variety of peace-time, conventional deterrent, and combat operations all within the same deployment.
USS Ohio (SSBN 726) entered the conversion yard on 15 November 2002. On 14 January 2003, USS Florida (SSBN 728) became the first Ohio-class submarine to launcha cruise missile. The launch was made from underwater in the Gulf of Mexico.
General Characteristics, SSGN Guided Missile Submarines
Contractor:
General Dynamics Electric Boat Division
Length:
560 feet (170.69 meters)
Beam:
42 feet (12.8 meters)
Displacement:
16,764 tons (17,033.03 metric tons) surfaced; 18,750 tons (19,000.1 metric tons) submerged
Ships:
USS Ohio (SSBN 726) ? Out of service 29 Oct. 2002 for conversion to SSGN
USS Michigan (SSBN 727) ? conversion to SSGN scheduled for October 2003
USS Florida (SSBN 728) ? conversion to SSGN scheduled for October 2003
USS Georgia (SSBN 729) ? conversion to SSGN scheduled for 2004
Powerplant:
One nuclear reactor, one shaft
Speed:
20+ knots (23+ miles per hour, 36.8 +kph)
Combat Systems:
* AN/SLQ-48 - Mine Neutralization Equipment
* AN/SQQ-32 - Minehunting Sonar
* AN/SYQ-13 - Navigation/Command and Control
* AN/SSQ-94 - On board Trainer
* Two .50 caliber machine guns
Crew:
15 Officers, 140 Enlisted
Armament:
Up to 154 Tomahawk missiles each (140 on SOF-configured SSGNs).
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David
Thu October 7, 2004 12:21am
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George Medal
George Medal
The George Medal was established on 24 September 1940 and is awarded only for acts of great bravery and was intended primarily for civilians. Awards to the military were confined to actions for which purely military honours were not normally granted. The George Medal is named after King George VI who recognized that there was a need to reward acts of bravery in the absence of the enemy.
The Royal Warrant authorising the award of the George Medal was published in January 1941, and it is ordained that the award shall be worn by recipients on the left breast, immediately after the King?s Police Medal and Fire Service Medal. By His Majesty?s Command : Winston Churchill.
The George Medal is a circular silver medal (1.42 inches in diameter), and the obverse shows a crowned effigy of the reigning monarch and an legend :
King George VI (facing left)
a. GEORGEIVS VID: G: BR: OMN: REX ET INDIAE IMP: (1940-1949)
b. GEORGIVS VI DEI GRA BRITT: OMN REX FID: + (1949-1952)
Queen Elizabeth II (facing right)
a. ELIZABETH II D: G: BR: OMN: REGINA F: D: (1952-1959)
b. ELIZABETH II DEI GRATIA REGINA F: D: (1959-1964)
The reverse of the award shows St.George on horseback slaying the Dragon with the legend THE GEORGE MEDAL around the top edge of the medal (modelled by George Kruger Gray). The crimson ribbon is 1.25 inches wide, with five equally spaced thin blue stripes, ?borrowed? from the George Cross ribbon.
Names are engraved in Roman capital letters. Service personnel normally have their first name, surname, rank and regiment or corps, while civilians have only the surname and initials. A bar is awarded for a further act of bravery.
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David
Mon October 11, 2004 8:50am
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AF Space Command
AF Space Command
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