David
Sat January 3, 2004 8:51pm
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Mark 38 25mm Machine Gun
Function: Single barrel, air cooled, semi- and full-automatic, manually trained and elevated machine gun system.
Description: The MK-38 is a 25-mm (one inch diameter) heavy machine gun, effective to 2,700 yards (2,457 meters).
History: The MK 38 machine gun system (MGS) was employed aboard various combatant and auxiliary ships in the Mid-East Force escort operations and during Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm. The weapons are maintained in a rotatable pool, available for temporary installation on various deploying ships and permanent installation on certain amphibious and auxiliary ships, patrol craft and Coast Guard cutters.
General Characteristics, Mark 38 25m Machine Gun System
Contractor:
Designed and assembled by Crane Division, Naval Surface Warfare Center; components procured from various contractors
Range:
2,700 yards (2,457 meters)
Guidance System:
Unstabilized, manually trained and elevated
Type of Fire:
Single shot; 175 rounds per minute automatic
Rates of Fire:
25 mm (1 inch)
Date Deployed:
1986
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David
Sat January 3, 2004 9:03pm
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Ghillie Suit Accessory Ki
Function: The Ghillie Suit Accessory Kit (GSAK) provides Special Operations Forces Long Range Surveillance Units, and U.S. Marine Corps and Army snipers with various camouflage material components to construct, repair and modify Ghillie Suits that meet unique mission and climatic requirements. Soldiers customize each suit to their own specific design and performance requirements.
Description: This lightweight kit consists of 17 items. These components include: jute burlap strips in four colors, duck cloth, nylon cord, sewing needles, thread, foam padding, tie straps, face paint, overwhite trousers, overwhite mittens, overwhite parka, netting, camouflage covers, trouser suspenders, and several other accessory items. These items provide suitable materials to complement natural colors, patterns, shadows and textures to fabricate and maintain one Ghillie Suit. Each item is available individually for replacement purposes. The kit items are packed in a flyer?s kit bag. The kits are assembled by the snipers and long range surveillance personnel when they attend their training courses. After completion of the course the use, care and maintenance of the Ghillie Suit becomes the individual?s responsibility.
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David
Sat January 3, 2004 9:03pm
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M40/42 Protective Mask
Function: Provide respiratory, eye and face protection against chemical and biological agents, radioactive fallout particles, and battlefield contaminants.
Entered Army Service: 1992.
Description: The M40-series protective masks replace the M17-series protective mask as the standard Army field mask, providing improved comfort, fit and protection. The mask consists of a silicone rubber face piece with an in-turned peripheral face seal, binocular rigid eye lens system and elastic head harness. Other features include front and side voicemitters allowing better communication particularly when operating FM communications, drink tube for a drinking capability while being worn, clear and tinted inserts, and a filter canister with NATO standard threads. Because of these features, the mask can be worn continuously for 8 to 12 hours.
The face-mounted canister (gas and aerosol filter) can be worn on either the left or the right cheek, and will withstand a maximum of 15 nerve, choking, and blister agent attacks. It will also withstand a maximum of two blood agent attacks. Biological agents do not degrade the filter.
The M40A1 is the mask issued to dismounted soldiers. It is available in small, medium, and large sizes.
The M42A2 Combat Vehicle Crewman Mask has the same components as the M40A1 with an additional built-in microphone for wire communication. The filter canister is attached to the end of the hose with an adapter for the CPFU connection.
The M45 Protective Mask, issued to Blackhawk crew members, provides protection without the aid of forced ventilation air. It is compatible with aircraft sighting systems and night vision devices. It has close fitting eyepieces, a voicemitter, drink tube, and a low profile filter canister.
The M48 and M49 masks, issued to Apache aviators, are an upgrade of the M43 Type I mask. Their improved blower is chest-mounted, lighter, less bulky, and battery powered.
Several mask improvements have been introduced over the years through Pre-Planned Product Improvement (P3I) Programs, which resulted in M40A1 and M40A2 configurations. The improvements include a quick-doff hood, second skin, canister interoperability (M42A1 only), and voice amplification (M7), new nosecup, two new carriers, and improved vision correction. An additional product improvement was adopted in late 1994, which upgraded the M42 to the M42A2 configuration. This change provides a detachable microphone that improves reliability, simplifies production, and permits field replacements.
General Characteristics, M40/42 Protective Mask
Contractor:
ILC Dover (Frederica, Delaware)
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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
Sat January 3, 2004 9:23pm
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Modular Lightweight Load-
Function: Joint service item designed and developed to incorporate the requirements of the Army and Marines. This system was designed to replace the All-purpose Lightweight Carrying Equipment (ALICE) rucksack and Integrated Individual Fighting System (IIFS).
Description: The MOLLE consists of a modular rucksack with removable compartments and components, and a fighting load vest that can accept removable pockets for the Rifleman, Pistol, Squad Automatic Weapon (SAW) Gunner, and Grenadier configurations. The modularity allows individuals to tailor the load to meet mission needs. One waist belt serves both the vest and backpack, and allows quick-release of the backpack from the waist belt. The MOLLE will be made of woodland camouflage, water-repellant coated fabric.
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David
Sat January 3, 2004 9:23pm
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SPEAR Body Armor/Load Car
Function: Special Operations Forces Equipment Advanced Requirements (SPEAR) is the United States Special Operations Command's modernization effort for the joint Special Operations Forces. SPEAR will focus on four areas of improvement in personal equipment from 1996-2005, including body armor and load carriage. SPEAR's Body Armor/Load Carriage System (BALCS) consists of body armor, an equipment load carrying subsystem, and a backpack subsystem.
Description: The BALCS maximizes ballistic protection, buoyancy compensation, and load carrying capacity, while minimizing the burdens of weight, bulk and heat stress.
The BALCS components are:
Body Armor: Provides protection against fragmentation, handgun, and rifle threats. The armor system contains a soft armor vest; front and back interchangeable upgrade plates, and modular neck and groin protection. The neutrally buoyant soft vest is available in four sizes (S-XL); plates are sized with the vest. Approximate weight of a Medium vest is 6.5 lbs.; the Medium plates are approximately 6 lbs. each.
Equipment Load Carrying Subsystem (ELCS): The modular pocketing and harness system (H-Harness or Vest) allows mission tailoring of load and system configuration. The ELCS is compatible with the SPEAR Body Armor and Backpack Subsystem, and provides optimum compatibility with individual equipment and weapons. The positive buoyant ELCS comes in one size, and features easy adjustments for shoulder, waist, and chest.
Backpack Subsystem: The modified commercial Backpack Subsystem contains a backpack, patrol pack, and butt pack. The backpack's state-of-the-art internal frame affords a stable platform sufficient to carry 120 pounds effectively. The backpack transfers load efficiently from the shoulders to the waist and provides adjustments to fit the 5th-95th percentile male SOF operator. The butt pack attaches to ELCS or the backpack; the patrol pack attaches to the backpack, and is compatible with the other SPEAR BALCS components. The one size subsystem weighs 17 pounds.
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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-47 (S-37) Berkut
Function: The Su-47 (initially known as the S-37) Berkut (Golden Eagle) is a testbed for developing technologies for the next generation of aircraft.
Description: The basic dimensions and weight of the Su-47 "Berkut" are similar to those of Su-37, although they are different aircraft, and the tail, nose and canopy are similar to those of the Su-35. The first two prototypes of this aircraft were evidently designated the S-32, and the S-37 designation was previously applied to an unrelated fighter project for a smaller delta wing single aircraft that was cancelled due to lack of funding.
The Su-47 features forward-swept wings, which promises a range of benefits in aerodynamics at subsonic speeds and at high angles of attack. The forward-swept wing, which enables the aircraft to increase its range and its manoeuvrability at high altitude, makes extensive use of composite materials. The aircraft has large canards mounted on the intake side, close to the leading edge of the wing. The vertical stabilizers are canted slightly outward [not inward, as previously believed], and two large auxiliary intake doors are visible on the center fuselage section. It is unclear which engines are used on this aircraft. The two powerplants are at the moment D-30F6 turbojets which are normaly used at the MiG-31M, while the second prototype uses the Ljulka AL-37FU turbojet with thrust vectoring. The Su-47 is an experimental program for developing fifth-generation technologies.
The Su-47 is a better performer at high angles of attack in post-stall manoeuvring much needed in close-in dogfight. Having the edge in manoeuvring, the Su-47 is clearly catching up in stealth with US and European new-generation fighters. However even with its internal weapon bay and RAM coating, the new Sukhoi is a very different concept than F-22. The heavy accent on RAM rather than radar absorbing structures (RAS) is obvious. The major components of radar stealth -- RAM coatings and surface quality -- are subject to the production and maintenance tolerance as it was shown by USAF F-117 and B-2 operational experience. Untightened screws, scratches or unfastened access panels were known to greatly deteriorate the RCS of the aircraft, reducing the engineering efforts put into aircraft design. It remains to be seen how Sukhoi will overcome the looser production standards of the Russian aircraft plans.
General Characteristics, Su-47 (S-37) Berkut
Designer:
Sukhoi Design Bureau
Power Plant:
* 2 Perm Aviadvigatel D-30F6 (34,170 lbst), or
* 2 Saturn/Lyul'ka AL-37FU afterburning 142.2 kN (31,966 lb st) with afterburning thrust-vectoring in pitch -20o to 20o at 30o per second
Length:
22.2 m - 22.6 m (72.83 ft - 74.15 ft)
Height:
6.36 m - 6.40 m (20.87 ft - 21.00 ft)
Wingspan:
15.16 m - 16.7 m (49.74 ft - 54.8 ft)
Max Speed:
2,500km/h (1,350 knots)
Ceiling:
18,000 meters (59,055 feet)
Weight:
* Empty: 24,000 kg (52,910 lb)
* Equipped: 26,000 kg (57,320 lb)
Maximum Takeoff Weight:
34,000 kg (74,960 lb)
Range:
1,782 nm (3,300 km/2,050 miles)
Crew:
One
Hardpoints:
14: 2 wingtip, 6-8 underwing, 6-4 conformal underfuselage
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David
Sat January 3, 2004 10:15pm
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T-62 MBT
Function: Soviet front line MBT during the 1960s.
Background: The T-62 was introduced in 1961 to replace the T-55 as a Soviet front line main battle tank. In many respects, the T-62 represents a product improvement upgrade of the T-55; the T-62 uses the same 580hp V-12 diesel engine, the track, suspension, and drive train arrangement are essentially the same. The initial-run T-62 also shared the same NBC protection system and active infrared gunner's sight as the T-55. The T-62 uses the same fording components as the T-55 and is capable of fording to a depth of 1.4m without modification and to 5.5m with the snorkel kit. The T-62 is capable of producing onboard smoke by injecting vaporized diesel fuel directly onto the engine exhaust.
The T-62's real improvement lay in its 115mm smoothbore, high velocity cannon. With a muzzle velocity of over 1,600m/s, the T-62 has a nearly flat trajectory through its entire effective range, making the gun very accurate. Later production models incorporate a true NBC filtration/over-pressurization system, thus eliminating the need for the crew to wear protective masks while inside the tank, as well as a passive IR gunner's sight which eliminated the need for active infrared search lights which would reveal the location of the illuminating tank.
Although the Soviet Union ceased production of the T-62 in 1975, the T-62 still remains in front-line service with a number of countries world-wide.
Description: The T-62 is similar in appearance to the T-55. The T-62 uses the same "live track" design as the T-55. There are 5 large cast road wheels, with a distinctive gap between the third and fourth and the fourth and fifth road wheels. The track is all steel, the idler wheel is to the front, the drive sprocket is to the rear and there are no return rollers.
The turret is more egg or pear-shaped than dome-shaped, as with the T-55, and the attached infantry hand rails, if present, are both curved, as opposed to the straight and curved rails on the T-55.
The main IR searchlight is mounted on top of the turret, to the right of the main gun, as with the T-55, with one secondary searchlight mounted below the main light to the right of the gun and one mounted on the commander's cupola on the left side of the turret.
The 115mm smoothbore cannon uses the same trunion arrangement as with the T-55, substituting an armored mantlet for a canvas weather-resistant cover. The cannon has a bore evacuator mounted one third of the way down the gun tube and may be equipped with a thermal sleeve.
The T-62 employs the same coaxial PKT-T 7.62mm machine gun as the T-55 and is mounted to the right of the main gun. The 12.7mm DShK anti-aircraft machine gun is mounted at the loader's station.
As with the T-55, the T-62 does not use armored fuel cells. Instead, the fuel is stored in exposed tanks on the track fenders. The engine exhaust is expelled out the left rear side of the hull. Auxiliary fuel tanks may be attached to the rear of the hull.
General Characteristics, T-62 Main Battle Tank
Manufacturer:
Soviet Union
Transmission:
Automatic
Engine:
620hp liquid cooled V-12 diesel
Length. Gun Forward:
21.55 feet (6.63 meters)
Width:
11.44 feet (3.52 meters)
Height:
7.8 feet (2.4 meters)
Combat Weight:
41.5 tons
Cruising Range:
450 kilometers (650 kilometers with additional fuel tanks)
Speed:
Maximum: 28 mph (45 kph)
Fording:
Without Preparation:
4.55 feet (1.4 meters)
With Snorkel:
17.88 feet (5.5 meters)
Crew:
Four (Loader, driver, gunner, Tank Commander)
Armament:
Main:
115-mm smoothbore gun, 2A20
AT-10 Sheksna Cannon launched ATGM
Secondary:
One 12.7mm DShK anti-aircraft machine gun (loader's station)
One 7.62mm PKT-T coaxial machine gun
Ammunition:
40 main gun rounds, typically 12 HVAPFSDS rounds, 6 HEAT rounds, and 22 HE rounds
Sensors:
Drozd APS (T-62D)
Introduction Date:
1961
Variants:
T-62A: First production model of the T-62. Incorporates the 12.7-mm DShK anti-aircraft machine gun, which is mounted at the loader's station, and an improved two-axis gun stabilization system that gives the gunner limited a shoot-on-the-move capability.
T-62K: Command variant. In addition to having increased radio capabilities, the "K" model also possesses an inertial land navigation system. Using a gyroscopic compass and distance calculator this navigation system allows the commander to plot his location from a known point as well as display direction and distance to a plotted point.
T-62M: The T-62M is essentially an "A" model upgraded to the T-55M standard. Added the Soviet made Volna fire control system (dual-axis stabilization, laser range finder) as well as a cannon launched ATGM (AT-10 Sheksna.) Upgrades in armor protection include the 180o "bra" armor belt on the front half of the turret, track side skirts, and smoke grenade launchers.
T-62M1: "M" model without the through cannon ATGM capability. "-1" variants have replaced their standard power plant with the 780hp V-46 12 cylinder diesel engine from T-72 MBT.
T-62D: Variant with the Drozd APS in place of Explosive Reactive Armor (ERA.) Developed by the Soviet Union in 1977, the Drozd system was designed as an active defense against ATGMs and anti-tank grenades. The system was based on a number of millimeter-wave radar transceivers situated around the turret. The radar sensors would detect the approach of an ATGM and fire off short-ranged fragmentation rockets that were intended to shred the incoming missile. To prevent accidental discharge, the system was equipped with a filter to react only to objects flying at characteristic ATGM speeds. The four-barreled launchers were located on the forward part of the turret and only provided protection for the front 60? portion of the turret. To change the covered arc of coverage the crew would have to rotate the turret and orient the coverage cone on the threat.
T-62MK: Command variant of the T-62M.
T-62MV: "M" variant with ERA (either Kontakt or Kontakt-5 second generation) in place of the bra armor.
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David
Sat January 3, 2004 10:15pm
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T-80 MBT
Function: Current Russian front line main battle tank (MBT).
Description: The T-80 MBT is a continuation of the T-64/T-72 series, retaining many similar features of the previous tanks. It is similar to the T-72 in that it retains the low silhouette, centrally mounted round turret with the commander seated to the right of the main gun and the gunner on the left. As with the T-72 the T-80 retains the use of the automatic loader, feeding ammunition from a 27 round circular magazine around the turret ring. Attached to the hull below the front slope is a toothed dozer blade. Beneath the blade are attachment points for the KMT-6 mine plow. The T-80 is the first Soviet design to incorporate a laser rangefinder as well as a gas turbine engine for increased automotive performance. The T-80 is currently in service with the Russian army and is slowly being replaced by the T-90.
General Characteristics, T-80 Main Battle Tank
Manufacturer:
KBTM, Omsk, Russian Federation
XKBM, Kharkov, Ukraine (T-80UD and T-84)
Transmission:
Automatic
Engine:
GTD-1250 gas turbine, 1250 horsepower (T-80U, T-80 originally equipped with the GTD-1000 delivering 1,100 horsepower)
Length. Gun Forward:
31.69 feet (9.66 meters)
Width:
12.00 feet (3.60 meters)
Height:
7.21 feet (2.20 meters)
Combat Weight:
46 tons
Cruising Range:
350 kilometers (600 kilometers with additional fuel tanks)
Speed:
Maximum: 43 mph (70 kph)
Cross Country: 30 mph (48 kph)
Obstacle Crossing:
Trench: 9.35 feet (2.85 meters)
Slope: 32 degrees
Fording:
Without preparation: 5.9 feet (1.8 meters)
With Snorkel: 16.4 feet (5 meters), or (39.4 feet (12 meters) with BROD-M system
Crew:
A three-man crew composed of a driver, gunner, and tank commander
Armament:
Main: 125mm 2A46M-1 main gun
Secondary: One 12.7mm NSVT anti-aircraft machine gun (commander's station), one 7.62mm PKT coaxial machine gun
Ammunition:
45 125mm Cannon rounds (combination of kinetic energy (SABOT), High Explosive Anti Tank (HEAT) shaped charge, High Explosive-Fragmentation (HE-FRAG), cannon launched AT-8 ATGM)
450 12.7mm machine gun rounds
1,000 7.62mm machine gun rounds
Sensors:
Shtora-1 countermeasures suite (T-80UK, T-80UM1)
Arena active protection system (T-80UM1, T-84)
Introduction Date:
1978
Variants:
T-80: Original production version. Fielded in 1978, equipped with the GTD-1000 gas turbine engine delivering 1100 horsepower. Utilized the same 125mm smoothbore cannon (2A46M-1) as the T-72 series but capable of firing the cannon launched, 9M177 Kobra ATGM (NATO designation AT-8 SONGSTER.) Tank is equipped with a 7.62mm PKT machine gun coaxial mounted on the right side of the cannon and a 12.7mm NSV machine gun mounted in the commanders cupola.
T-80B: First upgrade. Incorporates composite K ceramic armor in turret design to improve defense against kinetic energy (KE) penetrators. T-80BK is the command variant of the B model and has increased communications equipment. T-80BV: B model equipped with first generation reactive armor. At the time of its introduction, the application of reactive armor made the T-80 immune to all NATO ATGMs in production. The T-80BVK was the command variant of the T-80BV.
T-80U: First observed in 1989. Designated the M1989 SMT (Soviet Medium Tank). Modifications include a new turret design with improved frontal armor as well as the application of second generation explosive reactive armor. The AT-8 has been replaced by the cannon launched, laser guided 9M119 Refleks ATGM (NATO designation AT-11 SNIPER). Engine has been upgraded to the more powerful GTD-1250 gas turbine producing 1250 horsepower. The commander's weapon station has been redesigned to allow the firing of the 12.7 NSVT machinegun from within the turret. The T-80UK is the command variant of the T-80U. In addition to additional communications equipment, the T-80UK also fields the Shtora-1 countermeasures suite, an automated system combining an infrared jammer, laser warning system, and grenade discharging system.
T-80UM1: Incorporates new gunner's thermal sight as well as the Shorta-1 countermeasures suite and new Arena active ATGM protection system. Use of the Arena system precludes the need for the Kontakt-5 second generation reactive armor and so it has been removed.
T-80UD: Esentially a Ukrainian built version of the Russian T-80U. Major differences include the replacement of the gas turbine engine with a GTF V-12 diesel engine producing 1000 horsepower and the use of first generation reactive armor in pmace of the second generation Kontakt-5 ERA.
T-84: An improved version of the Ukrainian T-80UD incorporating the 6TD-2 diesel engine generating 1200 horsepower. In addition, the T-84 fields the Shtora-1 countermeasures suite and the ARENA active antimissile defensive system as well as the Ukrainian produced KBA-3 125mm smoothbore cannon and 28 round autoloader.
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David
Sat January 3, 2004 10:15pm
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T-55 MBT
Function: Soviet front line MBT during the 1950s.
Background: Introduced in 1949, the T-54/55 is in service with more countries world-wide and in greater numbers than any other tank manufactured since World War II. The first new tank of the post-World War II Soviet Union, the T-54/55 can trace its lineage back to the IS series Stalin heavy tanks and the revolutionary T-34 medium tanks.
The T-54 entered production in the Soviet Union in 1947, and was fielded with Soviet ground forces in 1949. By 1958, the T-54 had undergone a number of improvements and modifications and was re-designated the T-55. The T-55 represents an evolution of the T-54 rather than a completely new design.
The T-55 was produced by the Soviet Union through 1981. In addition, the T-55 was also produced in China (where it was designated the Type 59), Czechoslovakia, and Poland. The T-55 is capable of fording to a depth of 1.4m without modification and to 5.5m with the addition of a snorkel kit. The T-55 is capable of producing onboard smoke by injecting vaporized diesel fuel directly onto the engine exhaust.
Though time and technology have rendered the T-55 obsolete as a front-line main battle tank, large numbers of 54/55s remain in service with militaries world-wide. The T-55 saw service in Hungary in 1956, Czechoslovakia in 1968, and in Syria in 1970. In addition, it was the main battle tank used by the Arab forces during the 1967 and 1973 Arab-Israeli wars. During the 1970s the T-54/55 also saw extensive use during the border wars in Africa. Since so many T-54/55s remain in service, many countries, such as Israel, Pakistan, and India offer upgrade packages to rebuild existing tanks using more modern, and in many cases Western, fire control components, thus extending their usable life even further.
There are currently seven production models of the T-54/55, and more than a dozen variants.
Description: The T-54/55 tank follows a conventional layout, with a dome-shaped turret centrally located on the hull and the engine mounted in the rear. The 54/55 has a crew of four; driver (located in the left hand side of the hull, forward of the turret) loader (right hand side of the turret) tank commander and gunner (both located on the left side of the turret.
The T-54/55 can be identified by the distinct gap between the first and second of its five large cast road wheels. The 54/55 uses steel track (this may be substituted for padded track in modified versions), a torsion bar "live track" suspension with no return rollers and a rear mounted drive sprocket. The T-55 does not use armored fuel cells. Instead, the fuel is stored in exposed tanks on the track fenders. The engine exhaust is expelled out the left rear side of the hull.
The 100mm cannon is centrally mounted in the turret. The cannon trunions are not protected by an armored mantlet, but rather a canvas sleeve that protects the mechanism from the elements. There is no fume extractor on the T-54, while the T-55 has a bore evacuator mounted on the muzzle of the gun.
There are two hatches on the top of the turret (loader's and tank commanders.) Both hatches open forward. In the T-54 the 12.7mm DShK AA MG is mounted in the commander's station; on the T-55 ("A" version and beyond) the machine gun is located in the loader's position.
Two infantry support rails (one straight, one curved) are affixed to the turret sides. These may be removed to accommodate ERA, APS or applique armor packages. If present the main IR searchlight will be mounted on top of the turret (to the left of the gun.) An additional searchlight may be mounted on the commander's hatch. If present, the laser rangefinder will be mounted externally on the top of the main gun itself.
Because the T-55 does not use synchronized optics for the main gun, another identifying characteristic of the T-55 is the large sighting oval on the left hand side of the turret next to the gun mantlet. The aperture on the right hand side of the turret is the firing port for the coaxial PKT-T machine gun.
General Characteristics, T-55 Main Battle Tank
Manufacturers:
Soviet Union, Czechoslovakia, and Poland
Transmission:
Automatic
Engine:
580hp liquid cooled V-12 diesel
Length. Gun Forward:
20.15 feet (6.20 meters)
Width:
11.7 feet (3.60 meters)
Height:
7.54 feet (2.32 meters)
Combat Weight:
40.5 tons
Cruising Range:
500 kilometers (715 kilometers with additional fuel tanks)
Speed:
Maximum: 31 mph (50 kph)
Off road: 22 mph (35 kph)
Fording:
Without Preparation:
54.5 feet (1.4 meters)
With Snorkel:
17.9 feet (5.5 meters)
Crew:
Four (Loader, driver, gunner, tank commander)
Armament:
Main:
100mm rifled gun, D-10T2S
AT-10 Sheksna Cannon launched ATGM
Secondary:
One 12.7mm DShK anti-aircraft machine gun (loader's station.)
One 7.62mm PKT-T coaxial machine gun
Ammunition:
43 main gun rounds.
Sensors:
Drozd APS (T-55AMD, T-55AD Drozd)
Introduction Date:
1949
Variants:
T-54A: The initial production model of the T-54 tank. It has a bore evacuator at the end of the barrel for the 100mm gun, a stabilization system for the main gun (in the vertical plane only) and deep fording equipment. The turret is also equipped with a coaxially mounted PKT-T 7.62mm machine gun, and the tank commander's station is equipped with a 12.7mm DShK anti-aircraft machine gun.
T-54AK: Command tank variant of the T-54. The AK variant is a T-54A with long-range radio transmitting capability. The Polish model is the T-54AD.
T-54B: Equipped with active infra-red sights, giving the tank a limited night time fighting ability.
T-55: Essentially an upgraded T-54. The T-55 incorporates a more powerful water-cooled V-12 diesel engine. The cruising range has also been increased from 400km to 500km (range can be increased to 715km with the addition of auxiliary fuel tanks mounted on the rear of the hull.) The T-55 uses a new turret design, which incorporates an improve ventilation design and hatch design. The initial production T-55 did not have the 12.7mm DShK AA MG.
T-55A: Incorporates a new anti-radiation lining in the turret as well as a Nuclear Biological Chemical (NBC) air filtration system. The T-55A Model 1970 saw the re-introduction of the 12.7mm DShK AA MG, though it is now mounted at the loader's station.
T-55M: Added the Soviet made Volna fire control system (dual axis stabilization, laser range finder) as well as a cannon launched ATGM (AT-10 Sheksna.) Upgrades in armor protection included the addition of side skirts on the track, applique armor, as well as smoke grenade launchers. T-54s upgraded to the "M" standard were designated the T-54M
T-55AM: Adds an armor band around the front of turret for 180? coverage (similar to the T-72B "Dolly Parton" variant.)
T-55AMV: Substitutes Explosive Reactive Armor for the "bra" armor belt of the "AM" variant. Some variants have replaced the standard T-55 V-12 diesel with the 780hp V-46 12 cylinder diesel engine from T-72 MBT.
T-55AM2B: Czech version of T-55AMV with Czech built Kladivo fire control system.
T-55AM2: Variant of the T-55AM that incorporates all of the upgrades of the "M" and "AM" except for the Volna fire control system and cannon launched AT-10 ATGM.
T-55AM2P: Polish version of T-55AMV. Equipped with the Polish built Merida fire control system.
T-55AMD: T-55AMV incorporating the Drozd Active Protection System (APS) instead of ERA. Developed by the Soviet Union in 1977, the Drozd system was designed as an active defense against ATGMs and anti-tank grenades. The system was based on a number of millimeter-wave radar transceivers situated around the turret. The radar sensors would detect the approach of an ATGM and fire off short-ranged fragmentation rockets that were intended to shred the incoming missile. To prevent accidental discharge, the system was equipped with a filter to react only to objects flying at characteristic ATGM speeds. The four-barreled launchers were located on the forward part of the turret and only provided protection for the front 60? portion of the turret. To change the covered arc of coverage the crew would have to rotate the turret and orient the coverage cone on the threat.
T-55AD Drozd: Naval Infantry T-55A variant equipped with Drozd but not the Volna fire control system or ERA.
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David
Sat January 3, 2004 10:15pm
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T-72 MBT
Function: Soviet and Warsaw Pact Cold War main battle tank (MBT).
Description: Where the T-64 was never exported from the Soviet Union the T-72 was a parallel design intended for distribution throughout the Soviet Bloc as well as exported through arms sales to other nations. Similar to the T-64, the T-72 has the low, round turret made from cast steel as well as the 2A46M 125mm smoothbore cannon, which, at the time, was the largest mounted on an MBT. In addition, the T-72 mounts a 12.7mm antiaircraft machine gun in the commander's station and a single 7.62mm machine-gun coaxial to the main gun. Though outclassed by the T-80 and T-90 tanks which followed it, the T-72 is currently still in service with the Russian army as well as being produced for export.
General Characteristics, T-72 Main Battle Tank
Manufacturer:
Malyshev HMB Plant, Kharkov, Ukraine
UKBM Nizhny Tagil, Russian Federation
Transmission:
Automatic
Engine:
V-12 air cooled diesel producing 840 horsepower
Length. Gun Forward:
31.70 feet (9.66 meters)
Width:
11.75 feet (3.58 meters)
Height:
7.20 feet (2.19 meters)
Combat Weight:
44.5 metric tons
Cruising Range:
310 miles (500 kilometers); 403 miles (650 km) with additional fuel tanks
Speed:
Maximum: 37 mph (60 kph)
Cross Country: 21 mph (35 kph)
Obstacle Crossing:
Trench: 2.85 meters
Slope: 32 degrees
Fording:
Without preparation: 3.9 feet (1.2 meters)
With Snorkel: 16.5 feet (5 meters)
Crew:
A three-man crew composed of a driver, gunner, and tank commander
Armament:
Main: 125mm 2A46M main gun
Secondary: One 12.7mm NSV antiaircraft machine gun (commander's station); one 7.62mm PKT coaxial machine gun; 9K120 Svir (NATO designation AT-11 SNIPER) cannon launched, laser guided Anti Tank Guided Missile (ATGM) (T-72S, SK, BM)
Ammunition:
45 125mm cannon rounds (combination of kinetic energy (SABOT), High Explosive Anti Tank (HEAT) shaped charge, High Explosive-Fragmentation (HE-FRAG), cannon launched AT-11 ATGM)
300 12.7mm machine gun rounds
2,000 7.62mm machine gun rounds
Introduction Date:
1971
Variants:
T-72: Original production version from which all variants are derived. Fielded in 1971, equipped with 780 horsepower diesel V-12 engine. Tank is equipped with a 7.62mm PKT machine gun coaxially mounted on the right side of the cannon and a 12.7mm NSV machine gun mounted in the commander's cupola.
T-72A: Basic Russian model. Differs from basic T-72 in that it incorporates a laser rangefinder, track sideskirts, additional armor on the turret top and front, smoke grenade launchers and is slightly heavier. Went out of production in 1985.
T-72AV: A model equipped with first generation explosive reactive armor.
T-72B: Entered production in 1985. Incorporates increased frontal armor in the turret. Known in the U.S. as the "Dolly Parton" version. Additionally, engine output is improved to 840 horsepower. The T-72BK is the command variant of the T-72B with additional communications equipment.
T-72BV: T-72B model equipped with first generation ERA.
T-72BM: T-72 B model with Kontakt-5 second generation explosive reactive armor. All T-72s produced for export are currently being built to this standard.
T-72M: Polish-Czechoslovakian version of the basic T-72 tank. The T-72M differs from the T-72 in that the coincident rangefinder has been replaced with a laser rangefinder. Went out of production in 1985.
T-72M1: Export version of the T-72M. Equivalent to the Soviet built T-72A. Produced in Poland and Czechoslovakia. Went out of production in 1985.
T-72M1V: M1 model equipped with reactive armor. Equivalent to the T-72AV.
T-72S: T-72A model upgraded to be on comparable with the T-72BM though lacking increased turret armor. May be equipped with first generation ERA. T-72SK is the command variant with additional communications equipment.
T-72CZ: Czechoslovakian M1 models upgraded with western automotive, fire control and weapon system components.
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David
Sat January 3, 2004 10:15pm
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T-90 MBT
Function: Latest Russian production Main Battle Tank (MBT).
Description: The T-90 MBT represents a combination of the T-72 and T-80 designs, drawing from the best of both to achieve a more modern product. While the fire control system on the T-90 represents the latest in Russian design and is an improvement over the T-80, the T-90 uses the same V-12 diesel powerplant found in the late model T-72s, sacrificing speed for range and automotive reliability. The T-90 also retains the use of the 125mm smoothbore cannon and automatic loader, feeding ammunition from a 22 round circular magazine around the turret ring. In addition the T-90 continues to use the 9M119 Refleks (NATO AT-11 SNIPER) cannon launched, laser guided ATGM found on the late model T-80s. The T-90 also uses the Shtora-1 countermeasures suite as well as the ARENA hard kill Anti-Missile defensive system. Though currently the most modern tank fielded in the Russian army and available for export, production rates remain low as the T-90 is seen as an interim solution until the next generation of Russian MBT is fielded.
General Characteristics, T-90 Main Battle Tank
Manufacturer:
Nizhnyi Tagil, Russian Federation
Transmission:
Automatic
Engine:
V-84MS Liquid cooled V-12 diesel engine producing 840 horsepower
Length. Gun Forward:
31.7 feet (9.66 meters)
Width:
11.8 feet (3.60 meters)
Height:
7.21 feet (2.20 meters)
Combat Weight:
46.5 tons
Cruising Range:
403 miles (650 kilometers)
Speed:
Maximum: 43 mph (70 kph)
Cross Country: 30 mph (48 kph)
Obstacle Crossing:
Trench: 9.35 feet (2.85 meters)
Slope: 30 degrees
Fording:
Without preparation: 6 feet (1.8 meters)
With Snorkel: 16.4 feet (5 meters)
Crew:
A three-man crew composed of a driver, gunner, and tank commander
Armament:
Main: 125mm 2A46M-1 main gun
Secondary: One 12.7mm NSVT anti-aircraft machine gun (commander's station), one 7.62mm PKT coaxial machine gun
Ammunition:
43 125mm cannon rounds (combination of kinetic energy (SABOT), High Explosive Anti Tank (HEAT) shaped charge, High Explosive-Fragmentation (HE-FRAG), cannon launched AT-11 ATGM)
300 12.7mm machine gun rounds
2,000 7.62mm machine gun rounds
Sensors:
Shtora-1 countermeasures suite
ARENA active anti-missile defense system
Introduction Date:
1993
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David
Sat January 3, 2004 10:24pm
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Victor III Class Nuclear
Function: Nuclear powered attack submarine.
History: The Project 671RTM class (NATO Victor III) nuclear attack submarine (SSN) was designed based off of information delivered to the Soviet Union via the Walker spy ring. The documents delivered by the Walker family compromised every aspect of the American navy's antisubmarine warfare program. What these documents revealed was just how badly outclassed the Soviets were in submarine warfare. The current Soviet production submarines, the Pr. 671RT, were shown to be so noisy that not only was the US Navy able to maintain a "real time" position fix on these submarines, but that their own noise levels defeated the effectiveness of their own offensive sensors. In effect, had war between the Soviet Union and the United States been initiated, the Soviet submarine fleet would have been decimated.
The information provided by the Walker spies changed all this. Following their disclosures, the Soviet navy initiated a crash program to quiet its current fleet of submarines as well as improve their offensive capabilities, which were still based on World War Two technology. Designated the Pr. 671RTM, this new series would incorporate rafted and insulated machinery, a brand new sonar suite which emphasized passive detection capabilities as well as new twin flank arrays and a new towed sonar array. Improvements would be made in the processing of this additional sonar information, culminating with the development of an integrated combat system for the Pr. 671RTMK series (this was made possible through the acquisition of a Norwegian navy software program and Toshiba computer components). Externally similar to the Pr. 671RTM, the 671RTMK incorporates, among other improvements, the non acoustic sensor complex built for the Pr. 971 boats. The 671RTM/RTMK hulls were armed with four bow mounted 53cm torpedo tubes and four bow mounted 65cm torpedo tubes. Unlike the Pr. 685 submarines, the Barrakuda had a large torpedo room with a capacity for 40 weapons, including 53 and 65cm wake following and wire guided torpedoes, BA-111 Shkval underwater rockets, P-100 anti-ship missiles, RPK-6 rocket delivered nuclear depth charges, and RPK-7 rocket delivered homing torpedoes.
Deployed roughly at the same time as the American Improved Los Angeles class fast attack submarines, the 671RTM boats were comparable with the much earlier Permit class American Submarines while the 671RTMK were the equivalent to the later Sturgeon class in terms of performance. Production was stopped at 26 submarines with 14 still in limited service. The remaining 671RTM series submarines will be withdrawn from service once their reactor life has been exhausted.
General Characteristics, K.138 (Victor III) Class
Builders:
Krasnoye Soromovo Zavod 112, Nizhniy Novgorod
Power Plant:
Two VM-4T rated at 72 Megawatts each, two steam turbines, one shaft with one VRSh-7 controllable pitch screw or two VRSh-4 screws on a single shaft, 31,000 shaft horsepower
Length, Overall:
351.6 feet (107.2 meters)
Beam:
35.4 feet (10.8 meters)
Draft:
24.2 feet (7.4 meters)
Displacement:
6,990 tons submerged
Speed:
30 knots submerged
Crew:
27 Officers; 73 Enlisted
Maximum Safe Diving Depth:
1,150 feet
Armament:
Four bow mounted 53cm torpedo tubes
Two bow mounted 65cm torpedo tubes
P-100 Oniks (NATO SS-N-22 SUNBURN) anti-ship missiles
Two RPK-2 Viyoga (NATO SS-N-16 STARFISH) rocket delivered nuclear depth charges or two S-10 Granet (NATO SS-N-21 SAMPSON) strategic cruise missiles
Six RPK-7 Vodopei (NATO SS-N-16 STALLION) rocket delivered homing torpedoes (ASW variant)
Six P-100 Oniks (NATO SS-N-22 SUNBURN) anti-ship missiles (ASuW variant)
BA-111 Shkval underwater rockets
Type 53-65K torpedoes
SET-65 torpedoes
TEST-68 wire guided torpedoes
Sensors:
Vodopod combat direction system (671RTM)
Viking combat direction system (671RTMK)
Radar:
One MRK-50 Topol surface search radar
One Medvyedista-671 navigation radar
Sonar:
One MGK-400 Rubikon active/passive sonar suite
Two Akula flank arrays One Pithon towed array
One MG-24 Luch mine detection sonar
Countermeasures:
Bulava ESM/ECM system
Two MG-74 Korund noise simulation decoys
One MT-70 sonar intercept receiver
Nikhrom-M IFF system
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David
Sun January 4, 2004 12:31am
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SSN21 - Seawolf Class Att
Function: America's last Cold War Fast Attack Submarine.
Description: Following the tradition for unchallenged dominance established by the Los Angeles class submarines, the Seawolf class submarines are the most technologically advanced and lethal Attack Submarines in the world. The Seawolf submarines exceed the capabilities of the Los Angeles class boats in all respects. In addition to having twice the number of torpedo tubes (eight) the tubes are also of a larger design which allows the current Mk 48 ADCAP torpedo to "swimout" under its own power rather than launched with a blast of high pressure air. This allows the Seawolf to have a much lower launch "signature" than earlier boats. The Seawolf was also designed with a more efficient hull design, advanced sound absorbing material, as well as improved propulsion and powerplant systems. This allows the Seawolf to achieve a higher top speed as well as a higher low noise "silent" speed. Finally, the major components on the Seawolf are modular in construction and were made to be easily replaced as upgrades in technology became available. This results in a much faster and more efficient refit period as new equipment becomes available. Designed to perform every mission currently given to fast attack boats, the Seawolf's performance and capabilities allow it to take on the additional mission of hunting and eleminating threat Ballistic Missile submarines (SSBN.) Unfortunately, this performance does not come without a price, and with the downsizing of military forces and budgets following the end of the Cold War, the 3 billion dollar price tag per submarine was deemed prohibitively high. Consequently, production of the Seawolf was halted at three boats. Replacing the Seawolf will be the NSSN774 Virginia class New Attack Submarine, a smaller, less expensive design which incorporates many of the technological advantages of the Seawolf submarines.
General Characteristics, Seawolf Class
Cost:
About $3 billion each
Builders:
General Dynamics Electric Boat Division
Power Plant:
One General Electric PWR S6W nuclear reactor, two geared steam turbines, one shaft with shrouded pumpjet propulsor, 52,000 shaft horse power
Length, Overall:
353 feet (107.6 meters)
Beam:
40 feet (12.2 meters)
Displacement:
16,912 long tons (17,183.41 metric tons)
Speed:
35+ knots submerged
Crew:
134
Armament:
Mk 48 ADCAP Torpedoes, launched from eight 660mm torpedo tubes
Tomahawk anti-ship/ land attack missiles, launched from a 12 tube vertical launch system (VLS)
Sensors:
BSY-2 combat data system
Radar:
1 AN/BPS-16 navigation and fire control radar
Sonar:
1 TB-16 passive towed sonar array
1 TB-29 passive "thin line" towed sonar array
1 AN/BQG-5 wide aperture flank array
1 AN/BQQ-5 low frequency spherical bow sonar array
1 AN/BQS-24 close range active sonar (ice detection)
Mine and Ice Detection and Avoidance System (MIDAS)
SADS-TG active detection sonar
Countermeasures:
WLR-9 acoustic intercept receiver
WLQ-4 ESM
WLY-1 torpedo decoy
Ships:
USS Seawolf (SSN 21), Groton, CT
USS Connecticut (SSN-22), Groton, CT
USS Jimmy Carter (SSN-23), under construction
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