David
Fri March 21, 2003 7:38am
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BGM-71 / M-220 Tube-launc
The TOW anti-tank missile of Iran-Contra fame was introduced for service in the US Army in 1970. Current versions are capable of penetrating more than 30 inches of armor, or "any 1990s tank," at a maximum range of more than 3,000 meters. It can be fired by infantrymen using a tripod, as well from vehicles and helicopters, and can launch 3 missiles in 90 seconds. It is primarily used in antitank warfare, and is a command to line of sight, wire-guided weapon. TOW is used to engage and destroy enemy armored vehicles, primarily tanks. Secondary mission is to destroy other point targets such as non-armored vehicles, crew-served weapons and launchers. This system is designed to attack and defeat tanks and other armored vehicles. The system will operate in all weather conditions and on the "dirty" battlefield.
In May 1972, U.S. soldiers initially used the TOW in combat during the Vietnam War. This was the very first time that American troops had ever fired an American-made missile under wartime conditions. The system has also seen action in various clashes between Israel and Syria as well as during the Iran/Iraq war. During the Gulf War, in Saudi Arabia the system was represented by the HMMWV with the light forces, the Bradley Fighting Vehicle with the heavy forces, Improved TOW Vehicle with some of the forces, and the Cobra-mounted version. The TOW was one of the earliest missile systems to arrive in SWA because of the large Iraqi armored threat it was deployed with some of the first units in Saudi: the 82nd Airborne Division, the 24th Mechanized Division and the101st Airborne Division. Thousands of missiles and hundreds of launchers were used during Operation Desert Storm. Forces of other countries, including Saudi Arabia, also had TOW at their disposal.
Early reports focused on the problems being experienced by US Army and Marine Corps units in hitting targets during live-fire exercises because soldiers [lacked experience firing the weapon, as well as Iraqi use of "dazzlers" intended to interfere with the guidance of Army TOW missiles and other antitank missiles. But the TOW during ODS was a primary killer of Iraqi tanks, armored personnel carriers,and other vehicles. Before the start of the coalition air campaign in January 1991, Army and Marine Corps planners noted a trend of improvement as more and more units [had] the opportunity to practice firing the TOW. The Iraqi use of dazzlers also proved to be of little concern to coalition commanders. The purpose of the dazzler is to confuse the missile guidance system so it loses track of the missile. It did not work against the TOWs used in Southwest Asia. There were no reports since the war that any of these were effective in any way against TOWs.
Before the start of the actual ground offensive, US Marine units successfully employed the TOW against various Iraqi targets. On 18 January 1991, newspapers reported that U.S. Marine Corps AH-1T Cobra helicopter gunships destroyed an Iraqi command post following Iraq's sporadic shelling of the Khafji area near the Saudi-Kuwaiti border. Four Cobra gunships destroyed a building used as an Iraqi command post with TOW missiles. Accounts told by Gulf War veterans who witnessed the TOW in action during the fighting revealed several instances where TOWs did things that surprised the engineers who designed them more than the soldiers who fired them. TOW missiles proved to be a determining factor in the first ground engagement of Operation Desert Storm. During the Battle of Khafji, which took place before the start of the actual ground offensive, the TOW demonstrated a pretty unique ability. The Saudis fought Iraqi tanks with TOW missiles and drove them out of the city. At one point in the battle, the Saudis saw Iraqi soldiers on top of a water tower. Not wishing to blow up the tower, the Saudis fired a TOW, blew the ladder off the tower and left the Iraqis stranded until the end of the battle." The lethality of the TOW missile was proven beyond doubt during the 100-hour ground campaign when one of the antitank munitions fired by US troops went right through the tank it was aimed at and penetrated another tank parked next to it. Another TOW went through a six foot dirt berm and knocked out an Iraqi armored personnel carrier on the otherside. In both instances, the TOW performed a feat which it supposedly was incapable of accomplishing.
Even without these rather unusual and certainly unexpected displays of its effectiveness, the TOW did better than expected. The system's deadly accuracy proved to be unstoppable even out to its maximum effective range and under degraded visibility conditions. TOW was real powerful hitting because you could tell as soon as it hit, the vehicle was dead. TOW missiles were able to kill targets while the Bradley was on the move.
The basic TOW Weapon System was fielded in 1970. Manufactured by Hughes Aircraft Company, the TOW is the most widely distributed anti-tank guided missile in the world with over 500,000 built and in service in the U.S. and 36 other countries. The TOW has extensive combat experience in Vietnam and the Middle East. Iran may have obtained 1,750 or more TOWs and used TOWs against Iraqi tanks in the 1980s. The TOW 2 launcher is the most recent launcher upgrade. It is compatible with all TOW missiles. The TOW 2 Weapon System is composed of a reusable launcher, a missile guidance set, and sight system. The system can be tripod mounted. However because it is heavy, it is generally employed from the HMMWV. The missile has a 20-year maintenance-free storage life. All versions of the TOW missile can be fired from the current launcher.
The TOW is a crew portable, vehicle-mounted, heavy anitarmor weapon system consisting of a launcher and one of five versions of the TOW missile. It is designed to defeat armored vehicles and other targets such as field fortifications from ranges up to 3,750 meters. After firing the missile, the gunner must keep the cross hairs of the sight centered on the target to ensure a hit. The system will operate in all weather conditions in which the gunner can see a target throughout the missile flight by using either a day or night sight.
The TOW Sight Improvement Program (TSIP) effort began in 199 However, on 15 October 1991 The Secretary of the Army cancelled the TSIP because of declining budget & funding issues. The Assistant Secretary of the Army for Research, Development and Acquisition directed the PEO, Tactical Missiles to coordinate the development of an affordable alternative. The latter effort subsequently became known as the Improved Target Acquisition System (ITAS) being developed for the Army's light forces.
The TOW Improved Target Acquisition System (ITAS) is a materiel change to the The ITAS is a material change to the current TOW2 ground launcher and M966 HMMWV TOW2 acquisition and fire control subsystems for first-to-deploy light forces. ITAS aides in firing all versions of TOW and builds the bridge to TOW F&F. The TOW tripod and launch tube remain unchanged. ITAS significantly increases target acquisition and engagement ranges, while retaining the capability to fire all configurations of the TOW missile. ITAS uses a second-generation forward-looking infrared system, digital components, and an eyesafe laser range finder. ITAS has an improved design with BIT/ BITES for increased maintainability and reduced logistics requirements. It also features an improved man-machine interface that improves system engagement performance. The ITAS modification kit consists of an integrated (Day/ Night Sight with Laser Rangefinder) Target Acquisition Subsystem (TAS), Fire Control Subsystem (FCS), Battery Power Source (BPS), and Modified Traversing Unit (TU). The ITAS will operate from the High Mobility Multi- Purpose Wheeled Vehicle (HMMWV) and the dismount tripod platform. The ITAS will be fielded at battalion level, replacing TOW 2 in light infantry units. The TOW Improved Target Acquisition System low- rate initial production (LRIP) I contract was awarded September 30, 1996, with a production quantity of twenty- five units. LRIP II was awarded March 1998 for a quantity of seventy-three systems for the 1st BDE Fielding in September 1999. First unit equipped (FUE) was conducted in September 1998.
Increased funding for Stryker and Future Combat Systems (FCS) came as a result of Army decisions in 2002 to terminate or restructure some 48 systems in the FY ?04-?09 Program Objective Memorandum (POM) long-term spending plan. Among the systems terminated were: United Defense?s Crusader self-propelled howitzer and the A3 upgrade for the Bradley Fighting vehicle, GD?s M1A2 Abrams System Enhancement Program, Lockheed Martin?s Army Tactical Missile System Block II and the associated pre-planned product improvement version of Northrop Grumman?s Brilliant Anti-armor (BAT) munition, Raytheon?s Stinger missile and Improved Target Acquisition System, and Textron?s Wide Area Mine.
The TOW system is used on the HMMWV, the M151 jeep, the armored personnel carrier, the Bradley Fighting Vehicle (BFV) COBRA helicopters, the ITV, and the US Marine Corps light armored vehicle.
Considerable improvements have been made to the missile since 1970. There are six missiles available for the TOW. Three of the five TOW missile versions--Basic TOW, Improved TOW and TOW 2--are no longer being produced for US forces. However, these versions are still used by 40 allied countries.
In May 1972, US soldiers initially used the TOW in combat during the Vietnam War. This was the very first time that American troops had ever fired an American-made missile under wartime conditions. The system has also seen action in various clashes between Israel and Syria as well as during the Iran/Iraq war. In Saudi Arabia the system was represented by [the HMMWV] with the light forces, the Bradley Fighting Vehicle with the heavy forces, Improved TOW Vehicle with some of the forces, and the Cobra-mounted version.
The TOW was one of the earliest missile systems to arrive in SWA because of the large Iraqi armored threat. It was deployed with some of the first units in Saudi: the 82nd Airborne Division, the 24th Mechanized Division and the 101st Airborne Division. Thousands of missiles and hundreds of launchers were used during Operation Desert Storm. Forces of other countries, including Saudi Arabia, also had TOW at their disposal.
Despite early reports of the problems being experienced by U.S. Army and Marine Corps units in hitting targets during live-fire exercises because soldiers lacked experience firing the weapon as well as Iraqi use of 'dazzlers' intended to interfere with the guidance of Army TOW missiles and other antitank missiles," the TOW during Operation Desert Storm was a primary killer of Iraqi tanks, armored personnel carriers,and other vehicles. Before the start of the coalition air campaign in January 1991, Army and Marine Corps planners noted a trend of improvement as more and more units [had] the opportunity to practice firing the TOW. The Iraqi use of dazzlers also proved to be of little concern to coalition commanders. The purpose of the dazzler is to confuse the missile guidance system so it loses track of the missile. It's a well known technology that does not work against the TOWs used in Southwest Asia. There were no reports since the war that any of these were effective in any way against TOWs.
Before the start of the actual ground offensive, US Marine units successfully employed the TOW against various Iraqi targets. On 18 January 1991, newspapers reported that US Marine Corps AH-1T Cobra helicopter gunships destroyed an Iraqi command post following Iraq's sporadic shelling of the Khafji area near the Saudi-Kuwaiti border. Four Cobra gunships destroyed a building used as an Iraqi command post with TOW missiles. Accounts told by Gulf War veterans who witnessed the TOW in action during the fighting revealed several instances where TOWs did things that surprised the engineers who designed them more than the soldiers who fired them. TOW missiles proved to be a determining factor in the first ground engagement of Operation Desert Storm. During the Battle of Khafji, which took place before the start of the actual ground offensive, the TOW demonstrated a pretty unique ability: the Saudis fought Iraqi tanks with TOW missiles and drove them out of the city. At one point in the battle, the Saudis saw Iraqi soldiers on top of a water tower. Not wishing to blow up the tower, the Saudis fired a TOW, blew the ladder off the tower and left the Iraqis stranded until the end of the battle." The lethality of the TOW missile was proven beyond doubt during the 100-hour ground campaign when one of the antitank munitions fired by US troops went right through the tank it was aimed at and penetrated another tank parked next to it. Another TOW went through a six foot dirt berm and knocked out an Iraqi armored personnel carrier on the otherside. In both instances, the TOW performed a feat which it supposedly was incapable of accomplishing.
Primary function: Guided missile weapon system.
Manufacturer: Hughes (missiles); Hughes and Kollsman (night sights); Electro Design Mfg. (launchers)
Size:
TOW 2A Missile:
Diameter: 5.87 inches (14.91 cm)
Length: 50.40 inches (128.02 cm)
TOW 2B Missile:
Diameter: 5.8 inches (14.9 centimeters)
Length: 48.0 inches (121.9 centimeters)
Warhead weight 12.4 kg Maximum effective range: 2.33 miles (3.75 kilometers)
Armor penetration: T-80 + / 800+ mm [>700 mm]
Time of flight to maximum effective range:
2A: 20 seconds
2B: 21 seconds
Weight:
Launcher w/TOW 2 Mods: 204.6 pounds (92.89 kilograms)
Missile Guidance Set: 52.8 pounds (23.97 kilograms)
TOW 2 Missile: 47.4 pounds (21.52 kilograms)
TOW 2A Missile: 49.9 pounds (22.65 kilograms)
TOW 2B Missile: 49.8 pounds (22.60 kilograms)
Introduction date: 1970
Unit Replacement Cost: $180,000
Launching Platforms Man portable crew of 4
HMMWV
M2/M3 Bradley Fighting Vehicle
Marine Corps Inventory: TOW launchers - 1247
Characteristics of the TOW missile family
CHARACTERISTICS
BASIC
TOW
I-TOW
TOW 2
TOW 2A
TOW 2B
Missile weight (lb)
41.5
42
47.3
49.9
49.8
Weight in container (lb)
56.3
56.5
61.8
64
64
Prelaunch length (in)
45.8
45.8
45.9
45.9
46
Standoff probe (in)
NA
14.6
17.4
17.4
NA
Max velocity (fps/mps)
981/299
970/296
1079/329
1079/ 329
1010/309
Warhead diameter (in)
5
5
6
5
5(2x)
Explosive filler (lb)
5.4
4.6
6.9
6.9
-
Max range (m)
3000
3750
3750
3750
3750
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David
Tue March 25, 2003 7:48am
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The Tactical Operations O
The Tactical Operations Officer (TAO), along with Operations Specialists, stand watch in the Combat Direction Center (CDC) aboard the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72). The Center monitors all surface and aerial contacts in the operating area, and the data can also be transmitted to Central Command headquarters or wherever needed.
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Marissa
Tue March 25, 2003 5:38pm
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Operation Iraqi Freedom i
Operation Iraqi Freedom is the multinational coalition effort to liberate the Iraqi people, eliminate Iraq's weapons of mass destruction and end the regime of Saddam Hussein. The Tactical Operations Officer (TAO), along with Operations Specialists, stand watch in the Combat Direction Center monitoring all surface and aerial contacts in the area March 23, 2003. USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) and Carrier Air Wing Fourteen (CVW 14) are currently conducting combat missions in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
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Marissa
Wed March 26, 2003 8:23am
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A member of Charlie Compa
A member of Charlie Company 1-41 Infantry, 1st Armored Division, fires his weapon during tactical movement exercise at Camp Virginia, Kuwait. The Division is currently deployed as a part of Operation Enduring Freedom.
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Marissa
Wed March 26, 2003 8:24am
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12 March 2003, C Co 1-41
12 March 2003, C Co 1-41 Infantry, 1st Armored Division, lined up in formaiton after completion of maneuvers during tactical movement exercise at Camp Virginia, Kuwait. The Division is currently deployed as a part of OPERATION ENDURING FREEDOM.
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Marissa
Wed March 26, 2003 8:35am
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Soldiers assigned to the
Soldiers assigned to the V Corps Tactical Command Post collapse a DRASH tent at Camp New York, Kuwait, March 11, 2003. The TAC was at Camp New York taking part in a training excercise designed to better familiarize assigned soldiers with movement of the TAC.
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David
Fri March 28, 2003 2:06pm
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Operation Iraqi Freedom i
Operation Iraqi Freedom is the multinational coalition effort to liberate the Iraqi people, eliminate Iraq's weapons of mass destruction and end the regime of Saddam Hussein. The Tactical Operations Officer (TAO), along with Operations Specialists, stand watch in the Combat Direction Center monitoring all surface and aerial contacts in the area March 23, 2003. USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) and Carrier Air Wing Fourteen (CVW 14) are currently conducting combat missions in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
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David
Wed April 2, 2003 7:54am
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Struggle for food
A small child sitting on his father's shoulders fights for a box of food as people crush to grab food packages handed out by the British Tactical Supply Wing from the back of a truck in the southern Iraqi town of Safwan on March 31. The British forces are helping the local people with humanitarian aid.
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David
Sat January 3, 2004 8:19pm
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M25 Sniper Rifle
Function: Special Operations semi-automatic sniper rifle
Background: Originally developed by the 10th Special Forces Group at Ft. Devens, the M25 was built as a joint services system, meeting the needs of both Army SF and Navy SEAL sniper teams for a semi-automatic sniper rifle built on the same lines as the match grade M14 and M21 semi-automatic rifles. The M25 is not a replacement for existing bolt-action rifles, such as the Army's M24 and the Marine Corps' M40A3, but rather the M25 is intended to serve as a sniper support weapon for the sniper team observer. The M25 will provide the sniper observer with a more effective support weapon than the M16/M203, capable of delivering very accurate fire out to 500 meters. In addition, the M25 will fill a mission specific role as an urban area sniper rifle, where ranges are limited and high rate of fire is the primary concern. Chambered for 7.62mm NATO (.308 Winchester) the M25 is capable of firing any 7.62mm ammunition, though it was designed to fire the same ammunition (M118 and M852 Match and Special Ball ammunition) that the M40A3 and the M24 currently fire.
Description: Physically, the M25 is very similar in appearance to the M14/M21 semi-automatic rifle. The M25 uses National Match grade components, to include barrel, receiver, trigger assembly and spring guide, and a custom built gas cylinder. The barrel is glass bedded to a synthetic McMillan stock and the Advanced Scope Mounting System is manufactured by Brookfield Precision Tool. The M25 has been equipped with a number of scopes, to include the Bausch & Lomb10x Tactical scope, the Leupold Ultra MK4 series (M1 and M3)as well as the Leupold VariX-III LR M3.
General Characteristics, M25 Sniper Rifle
Manufacturer:
Springfield Armory
Length:
44.3 inches (112.5cm)
Barrel Length:
22 inches (56.4 cm)
Weight:
10.8 lbs (4.9kg)
Bore Diameter:
7.62mm (.308 inches)
Maximum Effective Range:
800 meters (3250 feet)
Optics:
10x42mm Leupold Ultra M3A telescope sight (Mil-Dot), plus detachable emergency iron sights.
Magazine Capacity:
20 or 5 round detachable box magazine
Mechanism:
National Match M-14 rotating bolt, gas operated, semi-automatic.
Unit Replacement Cost:
$3,500
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David
Sat January 3, 2004 9:38pm
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MiG-21 Fishbed
Function: High performance Cold War era air combat and air superiority fighter.
History: Originally designed as a replacement for the MiG-19 Farmer, the Mikoyan-Gurevich Design Bureau passed on sophisticated technology in favor of pure airframe performance using solid, reliable technology which was easy to maintain. The end result was Soviet workhorse capable of performing a wide variety of missions, from close air support, to tactical aerial reconnaissance to air superiority and air combat. The MiG-21 design has been so successful that more MiG-21s have been produced than any other fighter aircraft and, 25 years after its introduction, it is still in production in a number of countries. The first prototype flew in 1955 and its existence was made public in 1956. Conceived as high performance daylight fighter-interceptor, the Fishbed sacrificed endurance and all weather capability for pure speed and aerobatic performance. Although the MiG-21 lacked the ordinance capacity of its contemporaries, the F-4 Phantom II and the F-105 Thunderchief, it was more maneuverable, and because of its simple design, it was both easier and cheaper to maintain by the cash poor countries which purchased it.
Since its introduction over 15 different variants of the Fishbed have been produced. Initial prototypes MiG-21s (Fishbed-B) were armed with two NR-30 30mm cannons but this was reduced to one in later (Fishbed-C) production runs as the Soviet Union followed the West in converting fighters from gun to missile platforms. In addition to eliminating one of the cannons, the Fishbed-C had an increased internal fuel capacity and launch rails for two AA-2 Atoll IR Missiles or rocket pods for ground support missions. The Fishbed-D eliminated the internal cannon armament while increasing internal fuel load as well as redesigning the Spin Scan radar located in the movable nose cone. The Fishbed-E is essentially a sub variant of the D model, incorporating a number of minor modifications, including the reintroduction of a cannon armament in the form of a GP 9 gun pod. The Fishbed-F was the final "first generation" production aircraft. In addition to improvements in the fuselage, internal fuel capacity and control surfaces, the F model incorporated a new radar which allowed it to fire semi-active medium range radar homing air to air missiles.
The "Second Generation" MiG-21s represented a divergence from the original lightweight fighter concept. These aircraft would be characterized by larger fuel loads, more advanced electronics, greater ordnance capacity, and better performance. The first of the "Second Generation" aircraft were the Fishbed-H, a dedicated reconnaissance and offensive electronic warfare variant, and the Fishbed-J, which dispensed with the GP 9 pod in favor of a single, internally mounted GSh-23L 23mm cannon. Wing pylons were also increased from two to four. The last of the "Second Generation" MiG-21s introduced was the Fishbed-H which was similar to the J but featured a greatly enlarged dorsal spine which housed additional fuel. Unfortunately this increased weight so reduced performance that its carrying capacity had to be cut by 50 percent.
"Third Generation" Fishbeds represent the final iteration of MiG-21 evolution. Though "Third Generation" aircraft represent a real improvement over earlier versions, in comparison to current aircraft, the lack of a Beyond Visual Range (BVR) missile capability, poor endurance and poor slow speed/high G handling limit its combat utility. The Fishbed-L was the first of the next generation aircraft, incorporating numerous technological improvements, and was designed with low altitude performance in mind. Though the MiG-21 remains in limited production in a number of countries, the Fishbed is likely to remain in service for many more years, thanks to an aggressive aftermarket product improvement program. Many countries, such as Israel, Russia, India, and China offer aftermarket upgrade packages, where countries can refit older versions of the MiG-21 with more advanced, to include Western technology, components.
General Characteristics, MiG-21 Fishbed
Designer:
Mikoyan-Gurevich Design Bureau
Power Plant:
Fishbed-F: one Tumanskii R-11F2S-300 turbojet rated at 8,600 pounds thrust dry and 13,613 pounds thrust on afterburner
Fishbed-J: one Tumanskii/Gavrilov R-13-300 turbojet rated at 8,972 pounds thrust dry and 14,307 pounds thrust on afterburner
Fishbed-L: one Tumanskii R-25-300 turbojet rated at 9,038 pounds thrust dry and 15,653 pounds thrust on afterburner; the R-25-300 is capable of producing 21,825 pounds of thrust above Mach 1 and up to 13,000 feet for periods of up to three minutes
Length:
12.285 meters (40 feet, 3.9 inches)
Height:
4.125 meters (13 feet, 6.2 inches)
Wingspan:
7.154 meters (23 feet, 5.7 inches)
Speed:
Fishbed-F: 2,125 kmh (1,320 mph) at 11,000 meters (36,090 feet)
Fishbed-J: 2,230 kmh (1,385 mph) at 11,000 meters (36,090 feet); maximum level speed at sea level 1,300 kmh (807 mph)
Fishbed-L: 2175 kmh (1,351.5 mph) at 13000 meters (42,650 feet)
Ceiling:
Fishbed-F: 19,000 meters (62,335 feet)
Fishbed-J: 18,200 meters (59,711 feet)
Fishbed-N: 17,500 meters (57,415 feet)
Weight:
Fishbed-F: 5,350 kilograms (11,795 pounds) empty
Fishbed-J: 5350 kilograms (11,795 pounds) empty
Fishbed-N: 5450 kg (12,015 pounds) empty
Maximum Takeoff Weight:
Fishbed-F: 9,080 kilograms (20,018 pounds)
Fishbed-J: 9,400 kilograms (20,723 pounds)
Fishbed-N: 10,400 kilograms (22,928 pounds)
Range:
Fishbed-F: Maximum ferry range with one external fuel tank 1300 kilometers (808 miles)
Fishbed-J: Maximum ferry range with three external fuel tanks 1,800 km (1,118 miles)
Fishbed-N: Maximum ferry range with one external fuel tank 1,470 km (913 miles)
Crew:
One
Armament:
Fishbed-F: One NR-30 30mm cannon in an external pod plus either two AA-2 short range Infrared homing air to air missiles or up to 500kg (1,100 pounds) of external ordnance on two pylons
Fishbed-J,N: One GSh-23L internally mounted 23mm cannon plus either four air to air missiles or up to 2000 kilograms (4,409 pounds) of external ordnance carried on four pylons
Date Deployed:
1956 (Fishbed-C)
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David
Sat January 3, 2004 9:38pm
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Su-24 Fencer
Function: Cold War era high performance, low level, all weather tactical fighter bomber.
History: Conceived in the 60's as a replacement for the Su-17/20/22 Fitter series fighter-bomber, the Su-24 Fencer was the first Soviet aircraft to incorporate an integrated combat avionics system combining a computer bombsight, weapons control system and anavigation/terrain avoidance system. Though this was a very ambitious project (roughly equivalent to the contemporary American FB-111 Aardvark project) Soviet designers recognized that advances in Surface to Air Missile (SAM) technology had rendered level bombers such as the Ilyushin Il-28 and Yak-28 obsolete. In order to survive on the modern SAM infested battlefield, bombers would need to be capable of high speed (Mach 1 plus) low level penetrations in all weather conditions, depending on terrain masking, electronic jamming and precision weapons delivery to accomplish their mission. Lastly, in order to meet Soviet multi mission capabilities, the new aircraft would have to be adaptable to tactical reconnaissance and air interceptor missions.
An early test aircraft incorporating a delta wing VTOL (Vertical Take Off and Landing) design with separate lift and cruising engines was abandoned because of poor low level handling characteristics. Successes with the variable geometry wings of the MiG-23 Flogger interceptor and Su-17 Fitter offered another option; variable geometry allowed for acceptable performance at all altitudes and airspeeds. The first successful flight test of the Fencer-A occurred in 1970. Initial Fencer-A production aircraft were equipped with variable aperture intakes on the engines, which allowed for a high altitude maximum speed above Mach 2, but since the Su-24 wouldn't be spending much of it's life at high altitude, and such speeds were not possible at low altitude, the actuators were later dropped to save weight and reduce maintenance requirements.
Although NATO currently recognizes numerous variants of the Su-24, these variants do not represent the same degree of technological improvement that is present in the Su-27 Flanker series. Instead, the Su-24 variants represent product improvement steps, similar to the developement of the MiG-21, rather than wholesale design changes. Still in production, the Su-24 Fencer remains a capable aircraft. Many Fencer-B and C models remain in service with the Russian Air Force as well as many of the former Soviet Republics.
General Characteristics, Su-24 Fencer
Designer:
Sukhoi Design Bureau
Power Plant:
Two NPO Lyul'ka AL-21F-3A
turbojets
Thrust:
Each rated at 17,196 pounds thrust dry and 24,802 pounds thrust with afterburner
Length:
24.53 meters (80 feet, 5.75 inches)
Height:
6.19 meters (20 feet, 3 inches)
Wingspan:
17.63 meters (57 feet, 10 inches) fully extended; 10.36 meters (34 feet) fully swept
Speed:
1,470 kmh (913 mph) at sea level
2,320 kmh (1,441 mph) at 11000 meters (36,090 feet)
Ceiling:
17,500 meters (57,415 feet)
Weight:
19,000 kg (41,887 pounds) empty
Maximum Takeoff Weight:
39,700 kilograms (87,522 pounds)
Range:
Maximum combat radius 1,050 kilometers (650 miles)
Crew:
Two
Armament:
One GSh-6N-30 30mm internally mounted cannon (one GSh-6-23M 23mm cannon in early models)
8000 kilograms (17,637 pounds) of external ordinance including missiles, rockets, nuclear gravity bombs, and guided munitions carried on 7 hardpoints
Date Deployed:
1974
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David
Sat January 3, 2004 9:38pm
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Su-27 Flanker-B
Function: High performance air combat and air superiority fighter.
History: Developed in the late 1960s as a dedicated air superiority fighter, the Flanker combines the maneuverability of the MiG-29 Fulcrum with the precision "fly-by-wire" flight controls found on Western fighters as well as an incrediable payload of ten Air to Air Missiles (AAM). Entering service in 1984, the basic Su-27 design has produced a number of variants, including the Su-27IB (or Su-34), a side by side tandem seat tactical fighter bomber similar in function to the American FB-111 Aardvark, and the Su-27UB Flanker-C (or Su-30) another tandem designed used as a long range interceptor and trainer. Additionally, the Su-27 has been converted for use on Russian aircraft carriers as the Su-27K (or Su-33) which incorperates strengthined landing gear, folding wings, a retractable in-flight refueling probe, an arrestor hook assembly, and movable forward mounted canards.
Though currently in service with the Russian Airforce and available for export, the Su-27 is being replaced by the much improved Su-35 and the vectored thrust Su-37.
General Characteristics, Su-27 Flanker-B
Designer:
Sukhoi Design Bureau
Power Plant:
Two Lyulka AL-31F afterburning turbofans
Thrust:
27,557 pounds each
Length:
21.94 meters (71.98 feet)
Height:
5.93 meters (19.45 feet)
Wingspan:
14.7 meters (48.22 feet)
Speed:
2,500 kmh (1,553 mph) at 30,000 feet
Ceiling:
18,000 meters (59,055 feet)
Weight:
20,774 kilograms (45,801 pounds) empty
Maximum Takeoff Weight:
30,000 kilograms (66,138 pounds)
Range:
4,000 kilometers (2,485 miles)
Crew:
One (two in some variants)
Armament:
One GSh-30-1 30mm internally mounted cannon with 150 rounds of ammunition
6,000 kilograms (13,228 pounds) of external ordinance including missiles, rockets, gravity bombs, and guided munitions carried on 10 hardpoints
Date Deployed:
1984
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David
Sat January 3, 2004 9:38pm
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Su-34 Flanker
Function: Tactical fighter bomber.
History: Developed in the late 1980's as a variant to the Su-27 Flanker B, the Su-27IB (or Su-34) is a new tactical fighter bomber intended to replace the aging fleet of Russian Su-17, Su-24, and MiG-27 attack aircraft currently in service. Based on the Su-27UB two seat in line trainer, the Su-34 first flew in April of 1990 with the first purpose built tandem side by side seat prototype flying in December of 1993.
Description: As a strike aircraft, the Su-34 incorperates an advanced multi-function phased array radar capable of terrain following and avoidance for high speed, low level operations. In addition, the Su-34 features a rearward facing radar capqable of detecting, tracking, and directing R-73 or R-77 AAMs at persuing enemy aircraft. In addition to its capabilities as a strike aircraft, a version is being fielded to replace the Su-24MR for service as a tactical reconnaissance aircraft (similar in function to the RC-4 Phantom II) and airborne electronic warfare (similar to the EF-111 Raven). This version will incorperate sideways looking radar, signal gathering and classification equipment, television, infrared, laser and photographic abilities into a single, fully integrated package. The Su-34 is currently entering service with the Russian Airforce with Naval and export versions under development.
General Characteristics, Su-34 Flanker
Designer:
Sukhoi Design Bureau
Power Plant:
Two Lyulka AL-31MF afterburning turbofans
Thrust:
29,320 pounds each
Length:
21.94 meters (71.98 feet)
Height:
5.93 meters (19.45 feet)
Wingspan:
14.7 meters (48.22 feet)
Speed:
2,500 kmh (1,553 mph) at 30,000 feet
1,400 kmh (870 mph) at sea level
Ceiling:
18,000 meters (59,055 feet)
Weight:
23,249 kilograms (51,257 pounds) empty
Maximum Takeoff Weight:
44,359 kilograms (97,796 pounds)
Range:
4,000 kilometers (2,485 miles) on internal fuel; capable of in-flight refueling
Crew:
Two
Armament:
One GSh-30-1 30mm internally mounted cannon with 225 rounds of ammunition
17,635 pounds (8,000 kilograms) of external ordinance including missiles, rockets, gravity bombs, and guided munitions carried on 11 hardpoints
Date Deployed:
1997
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David
Sat January 3, 2004 10:02pm
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SA-10 Grumble
Function: Low to high altitude, mobile radar guided surface to air missile capable of engaging multiple targets.
Description: The SA-10 was designed to defeat massed aircraft raids at any altitude and represents a serious improvement over previous theater SAM systems in that it can engage multiple aircraft at different altitudes, is low altitude capable, can engage targets with a low radar cross section, such as stealth aircraft, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) or cruise missiles, as well as tactical ballistic missiles. Though its primary purpose is the defense of large military complexes and population centers, the SA-10b is a mobile system and is capable of being forwardly deployed on the battlefield and is capable of engaging targets within 5 minutes of vehicle emplacement.
The SA-10 is a low to high altitude vertically launched single stage surface to air missile utilizing track via missile guidance. The FLAP LID radar is capable of engaging six targets simultaneously and can assign two missiles to each target. The SA-10 is armed with a 100 kilogram fragmentation warhead (a low yield tactical nuclear warhead is also possible) with proximity detonation capability. An SA-10 battalion consists of a battery command post and fire direction center, a CLAM SHELL three dimensional continuous wave pulse Doppler target acquisition radar, a FLAP LID A multifunction phased array engagement radar and up to twelve semitrailer erector-launchers, each armed with four tubular missile launcher-containers. A Regimental sized unit will have three battalions as well as the BIG BIRD long range three dimensional surveillance and tracking radar. The SA-10 is capable of engaging targets at any altitude between 25 and 30,000 meters and can engage high altitude targets beyond 90 kilometers. In forested environments the FLAP LID radar can be deployed on a special trailer mounted 24.4 meter extendable platform, which increases the low altitude engagement range from 32 kilometers to 43 kilometers.
General Characteristics, SA-10 GRUMBLE Surface to Air Missile
Propulsion:
Single stage air fired, solid rocket propellant
Length:
24.6 feet (7.5 meters)
Diameter:
19.7 inches (50 centimeters)
Weight Fully Armed:
3,968.3 pounds (1,800 kilograms)
Maximum Range:
90+ kilometers
Maximum Altitude:
25 meters
Fuzing:
Proximity
Ceiling:
30,000 meters
Speed:
Mach 5.6
Guidance System:
Track via missile
Warhead:
100 kilograms fragmentation
Rate of Fire:
Two missiles per target up to six targets
Introduction Date:
1980
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David
Sat January 3, 2004 10:46pm
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Landing Craft, Air Cushio
Function: Heavy lift, high speed, over the horizon air cushion landing craft.
Description: The Landing Craft, Air Cushion (LCAC), is a heavy lift, high speed landing craft which floats on a layer of air. Where conventional landing craft have a maximum speed of 8 knots and had to move to within two miles before loading and landing troops ashore, the LCAC can load and assault from 50 miles out and deliver its payload at 35 knots or more. In addition, where conventional landing craft are limited to less than 17% of the world's beach area, the LCAC can ignore the effects of tides, ocean depth, sand bars and underwater obstacles, ice, marshes, wetlands, and can clear above ground obstacles up to 4 feet high, giving it access to over 80% of the world's beaches. Lastly, where conventional landing craft are of limited value in transporting troops and equipment in other than assault conditions, the LCAC is capable of delivering payloads far inland, using existing road networks or accessible terrain, to prevent the dangerous buildup of equipment and supplies on the beach, or rapidly shuttling troops and equipment up and down the beach to meet critical tactical needs. The LCAC achieves its performance by floating four feet above the ground or ocean. Where conventional landing craft and surface effect ships have at least some portion of their hull in the water, the LCAC hovers above it. The air cushion is formed by a flexible, rubberized canvas skirt which surrounds the bottom of the LCAC and filled by four centrifugal fans driven by two of the craft's Avco-Lycoming gas turbine engines, each of which generates 12,280 brake horsepower. Each LCAC is capable of transporting up to 60 tons of payload (75 tons in approved overload situations) or up to 180 combat soldiers, and has front and rear loading ramps fro rapid transfer of cargo. The LCAC is compatible with all existing Amphibious Warfare transports and carriers, and can be driven directly into the loading area (forgoing the need for a lengthy recovery operation) for rapid reloading and combat turn around.
General Characteristics, Landing Craft, Air Cushion
Builders:
Textron Marine and Land systems, Lockheed, Avondale Gulfport Marine
Power Plant:
Four Avco-Lycoming gas turbines (two for propulsion, two for lift), 12,280 brake horsepower each, two shrouded reversible-pitch propellers, four double-entry fans for lift
Length, Overall:
88 feet
Beam:
47 feet
Displacement:
200 tons full load
Speed:
40 knots
Cargo Capacity:
60 tons/75 ton overload, up to 180 troops
Crew:
20 civilians
Range:
200 miles at 40 knots with payload, 300 miles at 35 knots with payload
Armament:
Two weapons mounts capable of mounting the M2 .50 caliber machine gun, M-60 7.62mm machine gun, or the Mk19 40mm automatic grenade launcher
Crew:
Five
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