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65 result(s) to your search. (Explosive)

David
Fri March 21, 2003 6:25am
Rating: 10

Joint Service Lightweight

The Joint Service Lightweight Integrated Suit Technology or JSLIST consists of a two piece garment designed to replace the Navy's existing Chemical Protection Overgarment (CPO). The JSLIST garment offers a number of advantages over the Navy' s current CPO. The JSLIST garment features state-of-the-art chemical protective lining technology which provides increased chemical protection while allowing more mobility for the wearer, and can be laundered up to three times. The CPO suit contains a charcoal impregnated lining. During wear, this lining is leached onto the wearer causing inner garments to become coated with charcoal dust. The CPO suit would disintegrate if laundered.

In 1993 the U.S. Marine Corps Systems Command, the U.S. Army Aviation and Troop Command, the U.S. Naval Sea Systems Command and the U.S. Air Force Material Command signed a Memorandum of Agreement establishing the JSLIST Program. The program combined development and testing efforts resulting in the procurement of a single U.S. military CBR Garment at a significantly reduced cost.

The U.S. Army Natick Soldier Systems Center is participating in the management, design and development of the next generation chemical/biological protective clothing system. Key requirements of the JSLIST program included protection against chemical/biological agents, a lighter weight, more flexible garment, and the ability to be laundered. Key requirements of the footwear include combined environmental and CB protection, POL resistance, and self flame extinguishing characteristics. In addition, the system is required to be durable, designed to take into account the human factors of (and acceptability to) the user, and reduce the heat stress associated with protective gear.

JSLIST consolidates service programs to develop next generation chemical/biological protective clothing systems into common goal objectives: obtain the best suit possible at the least cost; minimize types of suits in service; maximize economies of scale; and conserve service resources. JSLIST created an avenue for new, potential candidate chemical protective material technologies/prototype ensembles to be evaluated for technical merit and performance. This process screened potential technologies for inclusion into future advanced development programs.

Description:
Components include an Overgarment to be worn over the Battle Dress Uniform (BDU), and the Multipurpose Rain / Snow / CB Overboot (MULO). These items allow complete MOPP and heat stress management flexibility while tailoring the protection levels relative to mission scenarios and threat. Procurement of these items began in FY97.

The JSLIST program developed and is fielding the JSLIST Overgarment and is manufacturing Multi-purpose Overboots (MULO). The JSLIST Overgarment and the Multipurpose Overboot (MULO) were adopted by all four services. These items, when combined with standard CB protective butyl gloves and masks for respiratory protection, allow complete MOPP flexibility. The Joint Firefighter Integrated Response Ensemble (J-FIRE) will also utilize the JSLIST overgarment.

The JSLIST overgarment is designed to replace the Battle Dress Overgarment, the USMC Saratoga, and the Navy Chemical Protective Overgarment. It is lighter and less bulky than the previous Battle Dress Overgarment (BDO) chemical protective garments, is durable for 45 days, can be laundered up to six times and provides 24 hours of protection against liquid and vapor chemical challenges. The overgarment consists of a coat and trousers. The trousers have bellows-type pockets, high-waist, adjustable suspenders, and adjustable waistband. The trousers also have a slide fastener front opening with protective flap and a bellows pocket with flap located on each thigh. Each leg opening has two hook and loop ankle adjustment tabs. The waist-length coat has an integral hood, a slide fastener front concealed by a flap with hook and loop closure, enclosed extendable elasticized drawcord hem with jacket retention cord, full-length sleeves with hoop and loop wrist closure adjustment tabs, and an outside bellows pocket with flap on the left sleeve. The outer shell of both pieces is a 50/50 nylon/cotton poplin ripstop with a durable water repellent finish. The liner layer consists of a nonwoven front laminated to activated carbon spheres and bonded to a tricot knit back. Garments are being procured in 4-color Woodland Camouflage or 3-color Desert Camouflage patterns.

Component Materials: The outer shell is a 50/50 nylon/cotton poplin ripstop with a durable water repellent finish. The liner layer consists of a nonwoven front laminated to activated carbon spheres and bonded to a tricot knit back.

Color: The outer layer is a 40 color Woodland Camouflage pattern or a 3-color Desert Camouflage pattern.

Weight: 2.63 kg (5.8 lbs) per overgarment (Med/Reg)

Size: Coat, 7 sizes, Small/X-Short through Large/Long; Trousers, 7 sizes, Small/X-Short through Large/Long

Basis of Issue: The overgarment will be issued to troops requiring chemical protection.

Price: Coat, Med/Reg $91.80; Trousers, Med/Reg $91.80

NSN: Coat, Med/Reg 8415-01-444-2310; Trousers, Med/Reg 8415-01-444-1238

The JSLIST suit has a five-year shelf life, with an estimated total life of 15 years. Once a production lot of suits has reached five years of age, samples from that lot are visually inspected and chemical agent tested to determine whether the shelf life of that lot should be extended an additional five years with sound confidence of quality / durability. Once the suit reaches ten years of service life it is chemical tested, inspected, and if qualified, is extended annually thereafter. Equipment Assessment Program personnel will perform the visual inspection. The chemical testing will be performed by the Battelle Memorial Institute. Inspection and testing of the JSLIST suits will begin in FY02 (first five year period) for shelf life extension. Representative samples from FY97 production lots will be inspected at that time.

JSLIST suits in packages with some loss of vacuum, but no clearly visible holes or tears, are considered fully mission-capable. If a bag is opened or accidentally torn, and has not been exposed to any petroleum, oil, or lubricant (POL) products or possible contaminants and not damaged in any way, it can be immediately re-packaged or carefully repaired with high quality adhesive tape, "duct tape", or some similar product to re-create the seal, and it will maintain its original shelf life. Repair procedures to the inner bag should not obliterate surveillance data. If a package is visibly torn or punctured with no determination as to when it was damaged or to what contaminants the suit was exposed, the suit should be used for training only. The words training only must be stenciled 2.5 inches high or larger on the outside of a sleeve or leg of the item, in a contrasting colored permanent ink.

The Multi-purpose Overboots (MULO) will replace the black vinyl overboot/ green vinyl overboot (BVO/GVO). The MULO is a 60 day boot that provides 24 hours of chemical protection. The boot has increased traction, improved durability, petroleum, oil, and lubricant (POL) and flame resistance, and better chemical protection than the BVO/GVO.

The focus of Joint Service Lightweight Integrated Suit Technology Pre-Planned Product Improvement (JSLIST P3I) is to leverage Industry for mature fabric technologies for use in garments. The existing JSLIST design will be used as the baseline, with minimum modification as necessary for improvement. Mature fabric technologies and designs for gloves and socks will be sought as well to address the glove and sock requirements that were not met in JSLIST.

A market survey was conducted in FY97. Materials received from responding forms were evaluated, and material screening was scheduled to be completed in 4FQ98. Field evaluation was projected to start 1QFY99, and technology insertion in 1QFY00.

The JSLIST P3I is a follow-on to the existing JSLIST program which developed a joint service chemical protective ensemble. It will address the JSLIST objectives (i.e. desired) requirements and those that were not met. This joint program will include full participation by the US Air Force, Army, Marine Corps, and Navy.

The JSLIST Block 1 Glove Upgrade (JB1GU) Program is seeking an interim glove to replace the current butyl rubber glove. The follow on to the JB1GU will be the JB2GU program that will be produce gloves for both ground and aviation units. The Joint Protective Aircrew Ensemble (JPACE) will be developed to provide aviators with the same advantages and improved protection as JSLIST provides to other warfighters. Similarly, clothing systems for Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) personnel and firefighters are required to enhance existing chemical protection systems.

In an attempt to encourage competition and lower costs, the Joint Service Lightweight Integrated Suit Technology (JSLIST) program solicited in 4QFY00 for JSLIST overgarments in alternate materials, but having the exact same design as the original JSLIST. The purpose of the JSLIST Additional Source Qualification (JASQ) program is to qualify additional manufacturers to provide JSLIST overgarments. Manufacturers could also submit Industry Initiated Demonstration Products (IIDP) in alternate materials that might require a different design. These though will be evaluated for potential use in future garments and can not be qualified for use as a substitute JSLIST overgarment. After release of Request for Proposal in FY00, four candidate materials and two IIDP candidates were received. All have completed field-testing at 29 Palms, Cold Regions Test Center, and Tropic Test Center 4QFY01 – 2QFY02. Due to funding shortfalls, chemical agent swatch testing has been postponed until 1QFY03. Upon completion of agent testing, the candidates will be evaluated for inclusion on the Qualified Products List (QPL).

Suit shortages are projected to escalate in the next few years because the majority of suits in the current inventory will reach the end of their useful life and expire by 2007, and new Joint Service Lightweight Integrated Suit Technology (JSLIST) suits, along with other new generation protective ensemble components such as gloves and boots, are not entering the inventory as quickly as originally planned. Consequently, the old suits are expiring faster than they are being replaced.

Some ensemble components, particularly suits, may not be available in adequate numbers to meet near-term minimum requirements. As of August 30, 2002, DOD had procured about 1.5 million of the new JSLIST suits, of which the majority were issued to the military services. Others are held in Defense Logistics Agency reserves, provided to foreign governments under the Foreign Military Sales program, or allocated to domestic uses. Together with the existing inventory of earlier-generation suits, it was estimated that DOD had a total of 4.5 million suits.

David
Fri March 21, 2003 6:25am

Marissa
Tue March 25, 2003 6:17pm

U.S. Air Force Explosives

U.S. Air Force Explosives Ordinance Disposal (EOD) Craftsman Master Sgt. Joe Cross inches closer to an uncontrolled natural gas fire. His job is to prepare a safe path looking for booby traps so that firefighters can approach and extinguish the fire. Cross is with the 384th EOD Flight, Bahrain. 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.

David
Thu March 27, 2003 8:06am

A flotilla of small Iraqi

A flotilla of small Iraqi ships sailed into the Gulf on March 18, 2003 in what a U.S. admiral said might be a bid to sneak out explosives to attack U.S. or British warships. Rear Admiral John Kelly, in charge of a battle group led by the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier, said a U.S. ultimatum giving Iraqi President Saddam Hussein 48 hours to leave or face war had raised U.S. fears that Baghdad might strike first.

David
Wed April 2, 2003 9:10am

Rebel sniffs for explosiv

Rebel sniffs for explosives with handler Jesse McLure at a base south of Kuwait City.

David
Sat January 3, 2004 8:19pm

M82A1 Special Application

Function: Long range counter-sniper, anti-material, explosives disposal firearm.

History: Procured by the U.S. Army during the Gulf War for combat engineers performing explosive ordnance disposal operations, the Barrett M82A1 Special Application Scoped Rifle (SASR) soon began to see service with Special Operations Forces as a long-range counter sniper and anti-materiel weapon. Since the Gulf War, the M82A1 has been replaced by the bolt action M95 caliber .50 rifle for use in engineer EOD operations, yet remains in service with SOF and peacekeeping forces as a counter-sniper, anti-material weapon.

Description: Produced by Barrett Firearms Manufacturing, the M82A1 Special Application Scoped Rifle is an air-cooled, semi-automatic rifle equipped with a 10x Unertl scope mounted on a mil. spec. sight rail and 10 round detachable box magazine. Firing M2 Caliber .50 Browning Machine Gun cartridges, the M82A1 is capable of engaging man-sized targets out to 1500m, armored targets out to 2000m and is capable of penetrating up to 30mm of steel plate.

To keep the felt recoil to a minimum, the M82A1 utilizes the short recoil principle developed by John Browning, which diffuses the recoil energy over a longer period of time. To further reduce recoil, the rifle barrel is equipped with a double-chambered muzzle brake, which redirects expended cartridge gasses to the sides and rear of the muzzle.

Though the primary round for the M82A1 is the Raufoss Grade A match-grade multi-purpose cartridge, the M82A1 can fire all types of caliber .50 BMG ammunition, with the exception of the M903 SLAP (Saboted, Light Armor Penetrator) and the M962 SLAPT (Saboted, Light Armor Penetrator- Tracer.)

General Characteristics, M82A1 Caliber .50 SASR

Manufacturer:
Barrett Firearms Manufacturing, Incorporated.

Overall length:
57 inches (144.78 centimeters)

Barrel length:
29 inches (73.67 cm)

Weight:
32.5 pounds (14.75 kilograms)

Bore Diameter:
12.7mm (.50 inches)

Maximum Effective Range:
4875 feet (1500 meters) for man-sized targets.

6500 feet (2000 meters) for armored targets.

Unit Replacement Cost:
$6,000

David
Sat January 3, 2004 8:19pm

Shoulder-Launched Multipu

Function: Portable anti-armor rocket launcher.

Mission: To destroy bunkers and other fortifications during assault operations (as well as other designated targets with the dual mode rocket), and destroy main battle tanks with the HEAA rocket.

Description: The SMAW is an 83mm man-portable weapon system consisting of the MK153 Mod 0 launcher, the MK 3 Mod 0 encased HEDP rocket, the MK 6 Mod 0 encased HEAA rocket, and the MK217 Mod 0 spotting rifle cartridge. The launcher consists of a fiberglass launch tube, a 9mm spotting rifle, an electro-mechanical firing mechanism, open battle sights, and a mount for the MK42 Mod 0 optical and AN/PVS-4 night sights. The High Explosive, Dual Purpose (HEDP) rocket is effective against bunkers, masonry and concrete walls, and light armor. The High Explosive Anti-Armor (HEAA) rocket is effective against current tanks without additional armor. The 9mm spotting rounds are ballistically matched to the rockets and increase the gunner's first round hit probability. Training is accomplished with the MK7 Mod 0 encased common practice rocket and the MK213 Mod 0 noise cartridge.

The SMAW MK153 Mod 0 launcher is based on the Israeli B-300 and consists of the launch tube, the spotting rifle, the firing mechanism, and mounting brackets. The launch tube is fiberglass/epoxy with a gel coat on the bore. The spotting rifle is a British design and is mounted on the right side of the launch tube. The firing mechanism mechanically fires the spotting rifle and uses a magneto to fire the rocket. The mounting brackets connect the components and provide the means for boresighting the weapon. The encased rockets are loaded at the rear of the launcher. The spotting cartridges are stored in a magazine in the cap of the encased rocket.

History: The SMAW system (launcher, ammunition and logistics support) was fielded in 1984 as a Marine Corps unique system. At that time, the SMAW included the MK153 Mod 0 launcher, the MK3 Mod 0 HEDP encased rocket, the MK4 Mod 0 practice rocket and the MK217 Mod 0 9mm spotting cartridge. The MK6 Mod 0 encased HEAA rocket is being added to the inventory. The MOD 0 has demonstrated several shortcomings. A series of modifications is currently planned to address the deficiencies. They include a resleeving process for bubbled launch tubes, rewriting/drafting operator and technical manuals, a kit that will reduce environmental intrusion into the trigger mechanism, and an optical sight modification to allow the new HEAA rocket to be used effectively against moving armor targets. Recently fielded were new boresight bracket kits that, when installed, will solve the loss of boresight problem between launch tube and spotting rifle. During Desert Storm, 150 launchers and 5,000 rockets were provided to the U.S. Army. Since then, the Army has shown increased interest in the system.

General Characteristics, Shoulder-Launched Multipurpose Assault Weapon (SMAW)

Length:
To Carry: 29.9 inches (75.95 centimeters)

Ready-to-Fire: 54 inches (137.16 cm)

Weight:
To Carry: 16.6 pounds (7.54 kilograms)

Ready-to-Fire (HEDP): 29.5 pounds (13.39 kilograms)

Ready-to-Fire (HEAA): 30.5 pounds (13.85 kilograms)

Bore Diameter:
83mm

Maximum Effective Range:
1 x 2 Meter Target: 250 meters Tank-Sized Target: 500 meters

Unit Introduction Date:
1984

Unit Replacement Cost:
$13,000

David
Sat January 3, 2004 8:43pm

AN/GAU-8 30mm Cannon

Description: The AN/GAU-8 Avenger 30mm gun system was specifically built to serve as a Close Air Support "Tank Buster." Similar to the earlier M61 20mm Vulcan design, the Avenger uses seven barrels to achieve a rate of fire of 3,900 rounds per minute. The Avenger fires a mix of 30mm electrically primed PGU-13/B High Explosive Incendiary (HEI) rounds and PGU-14/B Armor Piercing Incendiary (API) rounds. While the HEI rounds provide the Avenger the ability to destroy light skinned vehicles, the weapon's real punch is delivered by the API rounds, each of which incorporates over half a pound of super-dense Depleted Uranium (DU.) At 1,200 meters (4,000 feet) a 2 second burst from the AN/GAU-8 will deliver 100 rounds containing 65 pounds of DU and place 80 percent of these projectiles within 20 feet of the target.

The AN/GAU-8 is used exclusively by the United States Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II, a dedicated Close Air Support aircraft which was essentially designed around the Avenger gun system.

Background: Soon after the end of the Second World War the newly formed United States Air Force identified a need for an improved gun system for its aircraft. While adequate as an air combat / ground attack weapon during World War Two, the Browning M2 .50 caliber machine gun had been rendered obsolete by jet aircraft and needed to be replaced by a weapon with increased range, rate of fire, and projectile lethality. Realizing that singled barreled automatic weapons had essentially reached their design limits, the U.S. Army Ordnance Research and Development Service hit on the idea of re-introducing the multi-barreled rotary weapon invented by Richard J. Gatling in the 1880s. Initial tests proved promising as a vintage Gatling gun, now powered by an electric motor in place of the usual hand crank, was able to achieve rates of fire in excess of 4,000 rounds per minute.

In 1946 the General Electric company received the contract for this new program, code named "Project Vulcan," and was tasked with producing functional prototypes in a number of calibers for further testing. In 1952 GE produced three different guns; .60 caliber, 20mm, and 27mm. After extensive testing, the 20mm version was selected for further testing to determine its suitability as an aircraft mounted weapon. In 1956 the gun was standardized as the M61 20mm cannon and entered service with both the United States Army and Air Force.

David
Sat January 3, 2004 8:51pm

Torpedoes: Mark 46, Mark

Function: Self-propelled guided projectile that operates underwater and is designed to detonate on contact or in proximity to a target.

Description: Torpedoes may be launched from submarines, surface ships, helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft. They are also used as parts of other weapons; the Mark 46 torpedo becomes the warhead section of the ASROC (Anti-Submarine ROCket) and the Captor mine uses a submerged sensor platform that releases a torpedo when a hostile contact is detected. The three major torpedoes in the Navy inventory are the Mark 48 heavyweight torpedo, the Mark 46 lightweight and the Mark 50 advanced lightweight.

The MK-48 is designed to combat fast, deep-diving nuclear submarines and high performance surface ships. It is carried by all Navy submarines. The improved version, MK-48 ADCAP, is carried by attack submarines, the Ohio class ballistic missile submarines and will be carried by the Seawolf class attack submarines. The MK-48 replaced both the MK-37 and MK-14 torpedoes. The MK-48 has been operational in the U.S. Navy since 1972. MK-48 ADCAP became operational in 1988 and was approved for full production in 1989.

The MK-46 torpedo is designed to attack high performance submarines, and is presently identified as the NATO standard. The MK-46 Mod 5 torpedo is the backbone of the Navy's lightweight ASW torpedo inventory and is expected to remain in service until the year 2015.

The MK-50 is an advanced lightweight torpedo for use against the faster, deeper-diving and more sophisticated submarines. The MK-50 can be launched from all ASW aircraft, and from torpedo tubes aboard surface combatant ships. The MK-50 will eventually replace the MK-46 as the fleet's lightweight torpedo.

MK-48 and MK-48 ADCAP torpedoes can operate with or without wire guidance and use active and/or passive homing. When launched they execute programmed target search, acquisition and attack procedures. Both can conduct multiple reattacks if they miss the target. The MK-46 torpedo is designed to be launched from surface combatant torpedo tubes, ASROC missiles and fixed and rotary wing aircraft. In 1989, a major upgrade program began to enhance the performance of the MK-46 Mod 5 in shallow water. Weapons incorporating these improvements are identified as Mod 5A and Mod 5A(S).

General Characteristics, MK-48, MK-48 (ADCAP)

Primary Function:
Heavyweight torpedo for submarines

Contractor:
Gould

Power Plant:
Piston engine; pump jet

Length:
19 feet (5.79 meters)

Weight:
MK-48: 3,434 pounds (1545.3 kilograms)

MK-48 ADCAP: 3,695 pounds (1662.75 kilograms)

Diameter:
21 inches (53.34 centimeters)

Range:
Greater than 5 miles (8 km)

Depth:
Greater than 1,200 feet (365.76 meters)

Speed:
Greater than 28 knots (32.2 mph, 51.52 kph)

Guidance System:
Wire guided and passive/active acoustic homing

Warhead:
650 lbs (292.5 kg) high explosive

Date Deployed:
1972

General Characteristics, MK-46 MOD 5

Primary Function:
Air and ship-launched lightweight torpedo

Contractor:
Alliant TechSystems

Power Plant:
Two-speed, reciprocating external combustion; Mono-propellant (Otto fuel II) fueled

Length:
102.36 in. tube launch configuration (from ship)

Weight:
517.65 lbs (warshot configuration)

Diameter:
12.75 inches

Range:
8,000 yards

Depth:
Greater than 1,200 feet (365.76 meters)

Speed:
Greater than 28 knots (32.2 mph, 51.52 kph)

Guidance System:
Homing mode: Active or passive/active acoustic homing

Launch/Search Mode:
Snake or circle search

Warhead:
98 lbs. of PBXN-103 high explosive (bulk charge)

Date Deployed:
1966 (Mod 0)
1979 (Mod 5)

General Characteristics, MK-50

Primary Function:
Air and ship-launched lightweight torpedo

Contractor:
Alliant Techsystems, Westinghouse

Power Plant:
Stored Chemical Energy Propulsion System

Length:
112 inches

Weight:
750 pounds

Diameter:
12.75 inches

Speed:
40+ knots

Guidance System:
Active/passive acoustic homing

Warhead:
Approximately 100 pounds high explosive (shaped charge)

David
Sat January 3, 2004 10:02pm

SA-3 Goa

Function: Medium altitude Surface to Air Missile.

Description: The SA-3 is a medium altitude two stage surface to air missile dependent on radio command guidance for tracking. In the event of jamming or radar shut down the SA-3 may be guided optically and acquire its target after launch. The SA-3 is armed with a high explosive fragmentation warhead with contact, proximity, and command detonation capability. The booster is a solid rocket propellant motor fitted with four large fins. The second stage is similar to the booster, utilizing a solid propellant motor with a set of four fixed fins mounted at the base and a set of four movable control fins mounted on the nose.

Target acquisition and long range surveillance was originally performed by a vehicle mounted P-15 FLAT FACE radar which has a range out to 250 km, though this unit is being replaced by the P-15M SQUAT EYE which has its antennae mounted on a 20-30 meter mast to improve low level acquisition. In addition, the PRV-11 SIDE NET height finding radar, with a range of 180 km, is used to acquire targets to an altitude of 32,000 meters. Once targets are acquired, they can be tracked and engaged with a trailer mounted LOW BLOW fire control radar. The LOW BLOW is capable of acquiring targets out to 110 km and tracking within 40-85 km (depending on the size and altitude of the target.) The LOW BLOW can track six targets simultaneously, as well as direct one or two missiles. Improved versions of the LOW BLOW radar incorporate television cameras to allow operators to engage targets out to 25 km under conditions of heavy ECM jamming.

General Characteristics, SA-3 GOA Surface to Air Missile

Propulsion:
Booster and sustainment stages; solid rocket propellant

Length:
22 feet (6.7 meters)

Diameter:
23.6 inches (60 centimeters)

Weight Fully Armed:
881.8 pounds (400 kilograms)

Maximum Range:
25 kilometers

Minimum Range:
6 kilometers

Minimum Height:
100 meters

Fuzing:
Impact, proximity, command detonated

Ceiling:
25 kilometers

Speed:
Mach 3+

Guidance System:
Radio command, possibly infrared in terminal phase

Warhead:
High explosive fragmentation

Rate of Fire:
One or two missiles per target, capable of tracking six targets

Introduction Date:
1961

David
Sat January 3, 2004 10:15pm

BMP-3 APC

Function: Soviet Union's latest tracked Armored Personnel Carrier.

Description: The BMP-3 is, in effect, a light tank capable of transporting an infantry squad. Representing a complete departure from the previous BMP-1/2 designs, the BMP-3 mounts a 100mm cannon, 30mm cannon, a cannon launched anti-tank guided missile and a 7.62mm machine gun. In addition, the automotive characteristics have been improved, with the introduction of a 500 horsepower diesel engine, giving the 18 ton vehicle performance similar to the American Bradley Infantry Fighting Vehicle (IFV). The hull of the BMP-3 is more similar to the new BMD-3 airborne personnel carrier, with the low, flat turret mounted in the center of the hull. As with the BMP-1/2, the BMP-3 is fully amphibious, relying on two rear mounted water jets for propulsion. The BMP-3 also incorperates another two 7.62mm machine guns mounted in the bow of the hull.

General Characteristics, BMP-3 Armored Personnel Carrier

Transmission:
Automatic

Engine:
Diesel producing 500 horsepower

Length:
22 feet (6.7 meters)

Width:
10.3 feet (3.15 meters)

Height:
8.03 feet (2.45 meters)

Combat Weight:
18.7 tons

Cruising Range:
372 miles (600 kilometers)

Speed:
Maximum: 44 mph (70 kph)

Cross Country: 28 mph (45 kph)

Obstacle Crossing:
Trench: 8.2 feet (2.5 meters)
Slope: 31 degrees

Crew:
Three: driver, gunner and commander (who serves as squad leader when the the infantry squad dismounts)

Armament:
Main: 100mm rifled cannon 2A70

Secondary: One 30mm 2A42 cannon, one AT-10 STABBER (NATO designation), one 7.62mm PKT coaxial machine gun, two 7.62mm PKT bow mounted machine guns (left and right sides)

Ammunition:
30 100mm HE cannon rounds

500 30mm cannon rounds (a variable mix of high explosive and armor piercing)

2,000 7.62mm machine gun rounds

Eight AT-10 STABBER (NATO designation) ATGM rounds

Introduction Date:
1990

Variants:
BMP-3F: BMP-3 modified for use with naval Infantry.

BMP-3 M1995: Dedicated ATGM platform armed with the AT-14. The 9P157 is similar but designed to fire the AT-15 ATGM.

BMP-3K: The command variant of the BMP-2 with additional communications equipment. In addition, the bow machine guns have been removed and a PSNR-5K (NATO designation TALL MIKE) battlefield surveillance radar has been installed.

BREhM-L: Armored Recovery Vehicle variant.

BRM-3K: Recon variant of the BMP-3. Similar to the BRM-1K, the BRM-3K incorperates the PSNR-5K (NATO designation TALL MIKE) battlefield surveillance radar. The bow machine guns have been removed as well as all turret weapons have been removed except for the 30mm cannon.

David
Sat January 3, 2004 10:15pm

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.

David
Sat January 3, 2004 10:15pm

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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