David
Tue January 7, 2003 11:12pm
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AH-1G Cobra 'Snake'
Initially the Cobra mounted a modified chin-turret developed for the Bell Sioux Scout. The XM64 (TAT-102) mounted a single M134 "Minigun". Initial versions of the AH-1G Cobra were fielded with an enlarged, modified chin-turret, designated the XM28 armament subsystem (TAT-141), mounting two 7.62mm "Miniguns" or two 40mm grenade launchers, or one of each.
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David
Tue January 7, 2003 11:15pm
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OH-6A 'Loach'
The Boeing (McDonnell Douglas - formerly Hughes model 369A) OH-6A was designed for use as a military scout during the Vietnam war to meet the U. S. Army's need for an extremely maneuverable light observation helicopter (LOH). Initially fielded in Vietnam in early 1968, the Hughes OH-6A was used for command and control, observation, target acquisition, and reconnaissance.
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David
Fri January 10, 2003 11:56am
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Scouts and guides for the
Scouts and guides for the Army of the Potomac, Berlin, Md., October 1862.
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David
Thu January 16, 2003 10:39am
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RAH-66 Comanche
Function: Fire support and security for forward and rear area forces, point target/anti-armor, anti-helicopter, armed escort, supporting arms control and coordination, point and limited area air defense from enemy fixed-wing aircraft, armed and visual reconnaissance.
Description: The Boeing-Sikorsky RAH-66 Comanche is the Army's next generation armed reconnaissance helicopter. It also is the first helicopter developed specifically for this role. The Comanche will provide Army Aviation the opportunity to move into the 21st century with a weapon system of unsurpassed warfighting capabilities crucial to the Army's future strategic vision. The Comanche is intended to replace the current fleet of AH-1 and OH-58 helicopters in all air cavalry troops and light division attack helicopter battalions, and supplement the AH-64 Apache in heavy division/corps attack helicopter battalions.
The first Boeing-Sikorsky RAH-66 Comanche prototype was rolled-out at Sikorsky Aircraft, Stratford, Connecticut, May 25, 1995. The prototype's first flight was made on 04 January 1996. The second prototype is scheduled to fly in late March 1999. Six early operational capability aircraft are scheduled to be delivered 2002 to participate in an Army field exercise in 2002-2003, or possibly later in "Corps 04." The Comanche is powered by two Light Helicopter Turbine Engine Co. (LHTEC) T800-801 engines. These advanced engines and a streamlined airframe will be enable the Comanche to fly significantly faster than the larger AH-64 Apache.
The RAH-66 Comanche helicopter's primary role will be to seek out enemy forces and designate targets for the AH-64 Apache Attack helicopter at night, in adverse weather, and in battlefield obscurants, using advanced infrared sensors. The helmet has FLIR images and overlaid symbology that can be used as a headup display in nape-of-the-earth (NOE) flight.
The aircraft has been designed to emit a low-radar signature (stealth features). The Comanche will perform the attack mission itself for the Army's light divisions. The RAH-66 will be used as a scout and attack helicopter to include an air-to-ground and air-to-air combat capability. The Comanche is slated to replace the AH-1 Series Cobra light attack helicopter, the OH-6A Cayuse, and the OH-58A/OH-58C Kiowa light observation helicopters.
The Comanche mission equipment package consists of a turret-mounted cannon, night-vision pilotage system, helmet-mounted display, electro-optical target acquisition and designation system, aided target recognition, and integrated communication/navigation/identification avionics system. Targeting includes a second generation forward-looking infrared (FLIR) sensor, a low-light-level television, a laser range finder and designator, and the Apache Longbow millimeter wave radar system. Digital sensors, computers and software will enable the aircraft to track and recognize advesarys long before they are aware of the Comanche's presence, a key advantage in both the reconnaissance and attack roles.
Aided target detection and classification software will automatically scan the battlefield, identifying and prioritizing targets. The target acquisition and communications system will allow burst transmissions of data to other aircraft and command and control systems. Digital communications links will enable the crew unparalleled situational awareness, making the Comanche an integral component of the digital battlefield. The armament subsystems consist of the XM301 20mm cannon, and up to 14 Hellfire anti-tank missiles, 28 Air-to-Air Stinger (ATAS) anti-aircraft missiles, or 56 2.75 inch Hydra 70 air-to-ground rockets carried internally and externally. Up to four Hellfire and two Air-to-Air Stinger (ATAS) missiles can be stowed in fully-retractable weapons bays and the gun can be rotated to a stowed position when not in use. This design feature reduces both drag and radar signature.
Mission management, status, and control information is provided over the MIL-STD-1553B databus between the mission equipment packages and the Turreted Gun System. The Comanche will have enhanced maintainability through it's modular electronics architecture and built-in diagnostics.
Features:
Sensors and avionics. In the reconnaissance role, the Comanche will be equipped with a new generation of passive sensors and a fully integrated suite of displays and communications. Advance infrared (IR) sensors will have twice the range of OH-58D Kiowa Warrior and AH-64 Apache sensors. The Comanche will be equipped with the Apache Longbow fire control radar and the Helmet Integrated Display and Sight System (HIDSS). The fully integrated avionics system will allow tactical data to be overlaid onto a digital map, allowing the crew to devote more time for target detection and classification. A triple-redundant fly-by-wire system can automatically hold the helicopter in hover or in almost any other maneuver, reducing workload, allowing the pilot to concentrate on navigation and threat avoidance. A hand-on grip permits one-handed operation.
Stealth characteristics. The Comanche incorporates more low-observable stealth features than any aircraft in Army history. The Comanche radar cross-section (RCS) is less than that of a Hellfire missile. To reduce radar cross-section, weapons can be carried internally, the gun can be rotated aft and stowed within a fairing behind the turret when not in use, and the landing gear are fully-retractable. The all-composite fuselage sides are flat and canted and rounded surfaces are avoided by use of faceted turret and engine covers. The Comanche's head-on RCS is 360 times smaller than the AH-64 Apache, 250 times less than the smaller OH-58D Kiowa Warrior, and 32 times smaller than the OH-58D's mast-mounted sight. This means the Comanche will be able to approach five times closer to an enemy radar than an Apache, or four times closer than an OH-58D, without being detected.
Noise suppression. The Comanche only radiates one-half the rotor noise of current helicopters. Noise is reduced by use of a five-bladed rotor, pioneered by the successful Boeing (McDonnell Douglas) MD-500 Defender series of light utility helicopters. The fantail eliminates interaction between main rotor and tail rotor wakes. The advanced rotor design permits operation at low speed, allowing the Comanche to sneak 40% closer to a target than an Apache, without being detected by an acoustical system.
Infrared (IR) suppression. The Comanche only radiates 25% of the engine heat of current helicopters, a critical survivability design concern in a low-flying tactical scout helicopter. The Comanche is the first helicopter in which the infrared (IR) suppression system is integrated into the airframe. This innovative Sikorsky design feature provides IR suppressors that are built into the tail-boom, providing ample length for complete and efficient mixing of engine exhaust and cooling air flowing through inlets above the tail. The mixed exhaust is discharged through slots built into an inverted shelf on the sides of the tail-boom. The gases are cooled so thoroughly that a heat-seeking missile cannot find and lock-on to the Comanche.
Crew Protection. The Comanche features a crew compartment sealed for protection against chemical or biological threats, an airframe resilient against ballistic damage, enhanced crash-worthiness, and reduced susceptibility to electromagnetic interference.
Maintainability. Comanche will be easily sustained, will require fewer personnel and support equipment, and will provide a decisive battlefield capability in day, night and adverse weather operations. Comanche has been designed to be exceptionally maintainable and easily transportable. Through its keel-beam construction, numerous access panels, easily accessible line-replaceable units/modules and advanced diagnostics, the RAH-66 possesses "designed-in" maintainability. Comanche aircraft will be able to be rapidly loaded into or unloaded from any Air Force transport aircraft.
General Characteristics, RAH-66 Comanche
Manufacturer:
Boeing Sikorsky
Power Plant:
Two T800 1,440 SHP gas turbine engines
Thrust:
1,052 shaft horsepower
Length:
47.84 feet (14.58 feet)
Width:
7.58 feet (2.31 meters)
Height:
11 feet (3.35 meters)
Rotor Diameter:
39.04 feet (11.90 meters)
Weight:
9,300 pounds empty
Primary mission:
12,349 pounds w/o radar
12,784 pounds with radar
Speed:
172 knots (330 kph) dash speed
161 knots (310 kph) cruise speed
Range:
1,200 nautical miles w/o radar
860 nautical miles with radar
Crew:
Two
Armament:
Three-barrel 20 mm Gatling gun
Stinger, Starstreak or Mistral air-to-air missiles
TOW II, Hot II or Longbow Hellfire air-to-ground missiles
Sura D 81 mm, Snora 81 mm, or Hydra 70 rockets
Army Counter Air Weapon System
Date of First Flight:
1996
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David
Thu January 16, 2003 10:39am
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OH-58 Kiowa Warrior
History: The first Kiowa Warrior was delivered to the Army in May 1991. It is replacing selected AH-1 Cobra attack helicopters (those that function as scouts in air cavalry troops and light attack companies), and OH-58A and C Kiowas in air cavalry troops. Initially a Full Material Release decision was scheduled for Q4FY94. However, the aircraft has been able to attain only a "conditional" material release from the Army Materiel Command due to the autorotation issue described below and other safety concerns. The Kiowa Warrior was placed on the OSD oversight list in 1990 for DT, OT, and as a LFT candidate. There is no B-LRIP report or acquisition decision required for this system, however a LFT&E report will be submitted to Congress.
Since the last OA conducted in 1994, the Army has determined that modifications in mission and equipment over time have created a deficiency in the Kiowa Warrior autorotation capability. In general terms, the cumulative addition of new equipment caused the weight of the aircraft to increase dramatically, meaning that in the event of an engine failure or other similar occurrence, the aircraft lost some of its original autorotative capability, causing the aircraft to descend faster and experience an extended ground slide upon touchdown. As a result, the Army developed a two-phase Safety Enhancement Program (SEP) to reduce the safety risk to Kiowa Warrior aviators. The SEP consists of both training and material changes.
An improved version of the T-703 (R-3) engine will be installed which provides higher reliability and double the current overhaul interval, greater hot day power, and a Full Authority Digital Electronic Control (FADEC). The FADEC provides automatic rotor speed control, inflight restart, and performance recording, as well as more precise fuel metering capabilities. Additionally, an integrated body and head restraint system, a cockpit air bag system, and energy absorbing seats will be installed to enhance survivability in any crash situation.
Beginning in March 1997, a number of improvements were introduced into new production OH-58Ds resulting from Task Force XXI exercises that took place at Fort Irwin, CA in March 1997, to demonstrate the Army's concept of the "digital battlefield". These improvements include an improved Allison 250-C30R/3 650 shp engine equipped with an upgraded hot section to improve high-altitude/hot-day performance. The C30R/3 will be fitted with a full authority digital electronic control system that will replace the hydromechanical fuel control unit. The improved production Kiowa Warrior will have an integrated cockpit control and display system, master control processor with digital map and video crosslink, along with an improved data modem, secure radio communications, and a GPS embedded in the inertial navigation system. Additional improvements include an infrared jammer, infrared suppressor, radar warning receivers, and a laser warning detector to improve aircraft survivability.
Description: The OH-58D Kiowa Warrior is a two-place single engine armed reconnaissance helicopter. The OH-58D's highly accurate navigation system permits precise target location that can be handed-off to other engagement systems. The OH-58D has an infrared thermal imaging capability and can display night vision goggle flight reference symbology. It's laser designator/laser rangefinder can provide autonomous designation for laser-guided precision weapons. Air-to-Air Stinger (ATAS) issiles provide the Kiowa Warrior with protection against threat aircraft.
The primary mission of the Kiowa Warrior is armed reconnaissance in air cavalry troops and light attack companies. In addition, the Kiowa Warrior may be called upon to participate in the following missions or tasks:
- Joint Air Attack (JAAT) operations
- Air combat
- Limited attack operations
- Artillery target designation
The Kiowa Warrior is an armed version of the earlier OH-58D Kiowa Advanced Helicopter Improvement Program (AHIP) aircraft, which itself was a highly modified version of the OH-58A/C Kiowa. A hostile gunboat presence at night in the Persian Gulf in 1987 created the need for a small armed scout helicopter for interdiction. Close team work between the U.S. Armed Forces and Bell Helicopter Textron, Inc. developed the OH-58D Kiowa Warrior in less than 100 days, to counter this threat.
The Kiowa Warrior procurement plan is to acquire, through modification or retrofit of existing OH-58A and D aircraft, approximately 401 Kiowa Warriors. There are two concurrent programs which produce Kiowa Warriors: a program which modifies OH-58A aircraft, and a retrofit program that will eventually re-configure all 185 OH-58D Army Helicopter Improvement Program models. The Department of the Army has specified an acquisition objective of 507 Kiowa Warriors even though the current procurement authorization is for only 401 of them.
The Mast Mounted Sight (MMS) is one of the key elements of the Kiowa Warrior. Its unique day/night capabilities allow the crew to scan the battlefield with the ability to acquire, identify, and derive the coordinate locations of potential targets.
The U.S. Navy selected the Kiowa Warrior Mast Mounted Sight for use on their ships. They were so pleased with its performance that they entered into a program to update the technology in the existing platform. Their current Mast Mounted Sight II sight is smaller, lighter in weight, and half the cost of the US Army MMS. In addition, the optics have been upgraded through the application of technology insertion. The dollar cost avoidance in acquisition, operations and support cost, and spare components to support this system on the Kiowa Warrior is potentially significant.
The AIM-1 MLR (and DLR), a class IIIb infrared (IR) laser, provides a beam of light invisible to the naked eye. Its beam is said to be effective for aiming at ranges up to 3km. It is designed to operate in conjunction with standard night vision devices (its beam's impact point visible). The AIM-1 laser is boresighted to a point 2.8 inches vertically above the .50 Cal machine gun barrel bore center line of sight at a distance of 500 inches. This provides the proper offset for firing at a range of 1000 meters.
The principal difference between the Kiowa Warrior and its immediate OH-58D predecessor is a universal weapons pylon on both sides of the aircraft capable of accepting combinations of the semi-active laser Hellfire missile, the Air-to-Air Stinger (ATAS) missile, 2.75" Folding Fin Aerial Rocket (FFAR) pods, and a 0.50 caliber machine gun. In addition to these weapons, the Kiowa Warrior upgrade includes changes designed to provide improvements in air-to-air and air-to-ground communications, mission planning and management, available power, survivability, night flying, and reductions in crew workload through the use of on-board automation and cockpit integration.
The robust sensor capabilities of the KW in its mission as an armed reconnaissance aircraft, would be greatly enhanced by more effective communications within today?s digitized battlefield. By using the highly integrated avionics already on the aircraft, this capability can be added with only minor hardware and software changes. Video Image Crosslink (VIXL) provides the KW with the capability to send and receive still frame images over one of the FM radios. The VIXL consists of a circuit card installed in the IMCPU. In 1996 the KW Product Manager?s Office (PMO) developed four VIXL ground stations, which consist of an Aviation Mission Planning Station (AMPS) with a Tactical Communication Interface Modules (TCIM) and a SINCGARS radio. The ground stations will be used to transfer VIXL images on the ground.
The Improved Mast Mounted Sight System Processor (IMSP) will replace the current configuration MMS System Processor (MSP). The product improved aircraft will include a new high-speed digital signal processor that will provide improved tracking capabilities by split-screen in both TV and Thermal Imaging Sight (TIS) modes, low contrast target tracking, simultaneous multi-target tracking of up to six targets, moving target indicator, aided target recognition, and automatic reaquiring of targets lost due to obstruction. The operator video display will reflect real time TV zoom and still frame capabilities. The IMSP enhancements consist of the use of high-speed Gallium Arsenide based digital signal processor integrated circuits in the MMS signal processor. The Circuit Card Assembly count in the processor will be reduced from 30 to 16. This reduction and use of state-of-the-art component technology enhances reliability, maintainability, and supportability. The IMSP will provide for enhanced growth and will not require substantial aircraft hardware changes. An update to the aircraft software, however, is required to execute the enhanced functions of the upgraded processor. This provides for future insertion of neural net automatic target recognition, identification of friend or foe, passive ranging, and real-time image enhancements. Form and fit of the existing MMS system processor is maintained, and is backwards compatible with the MMS System Processor (MSP). As of July 1997, all aircraft delivered from the Bell Helicopter production lots will have the IMSP installed. All retrofit aircraft will be equipped MSPs. As the MSPs are removed through attrition, they are replaced with IMSPs.
The addition of weapons, improved cockpit integration, and better navigational capability have resulted in an aircraft that is much more capable than its predecessor. Furthermore, the potential enhancements to mission planning and management provided by the aviation mission planning system (AMPS) and data transfer system (DTS) were very apparent during the DSUFTP. All of these improvements were achieved without any noticeable impact on readiness, as indicated by the aircraft's operational availability.
General Characteristics, OH-58D Kiowa Warrior
Contractor:
Bell Helicopter Textron
Power Plant:
485 kilowatt (650 skip) Allison turbine
Survivability Equipment:
Infrared seeker jammer
Pulse and CW radar warning receivers
Laser warning detector
Inherent infrared suppression
Maximum Speed:
125 knots (232 kph)
Range:
268 nautical miles (497 kilometers), sea level
Weapons:
Two pylons can be armed with any of the following:
Two Hellfire missiles
Seven Hydra 70 rockets
Two air-to-air Stinger missiles
.50 caliber machine guns
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David
Thu January 16, 2003 6:05pm
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S-3B Viking
Function: Jet aircraft is used in the detection and attack of submarines, and as an armed scout in the anti-surface role. Extremely versatile, the aircraft is also equipped for tanking, mining, and limited electronic surveillance.
Description: Modified from the earlier S-3A Viking, the S-3B's high speed computer system processes information generated by the acoustic and non-acoustic target sensor systems. This includes a new Inverse Synthetic Aperture Radar (ISAR) and ESM systems suites. To destroy targets, the S-3B Viking employs an impressive array of airborne weaponry. This provides the fleet with a very effective airborne capability to combat the significant threat presented by modern combatants and submarines. Additionally, all S-3B aircraft are capable of carrying an inflight refueling "buddy" store. This allows the transfer of fuel from the Viking aircraft to other Naval strike aircraft, thus extending their combat radius.
General Characteristics, S-3B Viking
Contractor:
Lockheed-California Company
Unit Cost:
$27 million
Propulsion:
Two General Electric TF-34-GE-400B turbofan engines (9,275 pounds of thrust each)
Length:
53 feet 4 inches (16 meters)
Height:
322 feet 9 inches (6.9 meters)
Wingspan:
68 feet 8 inches (20.6 meters)
Weight:
Maximum design gross take-off: 52,539 pounds (23,643 kilograms)
Maximum Speed:
450 knots (518 mph, 828.8 kph)
Ceiling:
40,000 feet
Range:
2,300+ nautical miles (2,645 statute miles, 4232 kilometers)
Armament:
Up to 3,958 pounds (1,781 kilograms) of AGM-84 Harpoon and AGM-65 Maverick missiles, torpedoes, mines, rockets and bombs
Crew:
Four
Initial Operational Capability:
1975
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Marissa
Wed March 26, 2003 5:16pm
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CAMP DOHA, KUWAIT: MAR 17
CAMP DOHA, KUWAIT: MAR 17, 2003 - Army Pvt. 1st Class Justin R. Miller, a scout with the 19th Armored Cavalry Regiment installs a winch onto a HUMVEE at Camp Doha, Kuwait during final preparations for war. The Rapid City, Michigan soldier is among the large number of military forces assembled in Kuwait prepared to respond if President Bush calls
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David
Sat January 3, 2004 9:09pm
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M49 Telescope
Function: Daytime telescope for making ground observations.
Description: The M49 Observation Telescope is a 20-power daytime telescope. The telescope is used for making ground observations of a target area and effectiveness artillery fire. Having no reticle, it is not used as a sighting device. Associated equipment is the M15 Tripod which has adjustable metal legs and a carrying strap. It allows for full rotation of the mounted telescope. The basic components of the M49 are the objective assembly, body tube, prism housing assembly, and eyepiece assembly with focusing sleeve. The front end of the body tube extends 3/4 of an inch beyond the objective, thereby providing a permanent sunshade. The telescope is furnished with an objective cover and an eyepiece cover cap which are screwed in place to protect the lenses when the telescope is not in use.
History: The M49 has seen several decades of general purpose use as a daytime observation device. Its most common application is in the scout/sniper section of the infantry battalion where it is used to detect and identify targets.
General Characteristics, M49 Telescope
Manufacturer:
IMO, VARO, Garland, Texas and various other vendors
Length:
13.5 inches (34.29 centimeters)
Weight (Without Tripod):
2.75 pounds (1.25 kilograms)
Magnification:
20x
Unit Replacement Cost:
$511
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David
Fri January 9, 2004 12:38am
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86th Field Artillery Patc
86th Field Artillery Patch (Phil. Scouts) 4/1941-4/1946
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David
Fri January 9, 2004 2:14am
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23rd Fld. Arty.,Pack Patc
23rd Fld. Arty.,Pack Patch (Phil. Scout) 3/1936-5/1942
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David
Fri January 9, 2004 2:14am
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57th Infantry Regt. Patch
57th Infantry Regt. Patch (Phil. Scout) 10/1921-6/1945
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David
Fri January 9, 2004 2:14am
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43rd Infantry Regt. Patch
43rd Infantry Regt. Patch (Phil. Scouts) 4/1941-6/1945
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David
Fri January 9, 2004 2:14am
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45th Infantry Regt. Patch
45th Infantry Regt. Patch (Phil. Scouts) 12/1920-6/1945
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David
Fri January 9, 2004 2:56am
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Philippine Airborne Patch
Philippine Airborne Patch (Phil. Scout) 1940-1946
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David
Fri January 9, 2004 2:24pm
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SCOUT Tab Subdued Tab 196
SCOUT Tab Subdued Tab 1968-Current
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