David
Tue February 11, 2003 2:04pm
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AN/ALQ-135
Function: Internal countermeasures set.
Description: The F-15 TEWS consists of the AN/ALR-56C radar warning receiver (RWR), the AN/ALQ-135 internal countermeasures set (ICS), the AN/ALQ-128 electronic warfare warning set, and the AN/ALE-40/45 countermeasures dispenser. The TEWS provides electronic detection and identification of both surface and airborne threats. In addition, it allows for activation of appropriate countermeasures to include electronic jamming and dispensing of expendables such as chaff and flares Integral to the F-15 TEWS, the ALQ-135 ICS is an internally mounted responsive jammer designed to counter surface to air threats with minimum air crew activity. The system is sized to fit into the limited space of the F-15E interdiction aircraft's ammunition bay although upgraded components have also been retrofitted into the F-15C air superiority variant. The system has an improved reprogramming support capability to rapidly change pre-flight message (PFM) software in response to changing threat parameters and mission requirements. The ALQ-135 ICS has been fielded in several phases to provide incremental improvements to jamming coverage. Phase one has provided an initial Band 3 capability that includes integrated operation with both the F-15E fire control radar and the ALR-56C RWR. ALQ-135 ICS Band 3 capability currently allows full interoperability and robust jamming techniques against modern pulse Doppler radar. Full system capability requires the installation and integration of Band 1.5 hardware to provide coverage against threats operating in the lower frequency range. . The F-15 TEWS AN/ALQ-135 Band 1.5 contributes to full-dimensional protection by improving individual aircraft probability of survival through improved air crew situation awareness of the radar guided threat environment, cueing of both active and passive counter measures in Band 1.5 frequency spectrum, and waveform select feature for jamming optimization against specific threats.
AFOTEC was directed to conduct an interim TEWS OA to characterize the operational capabilities and limitations of the fielded systems and assess readiness for IOT&E. The OA concluded in September 1994 recommended five ALQ-135 improvements: interoperability with the APG-70 radar; system response times; built-in-test (BIT) displays; BIT accuracy; and low band frequency coverage for the F-15E (i.e., Band 1.5).
FOT&E operations conducted by the United States Air Force Air Warfare Center (USAFAWC) concluded in August of 1996, addressed ALQ-135 Band 3 ICS interoperability with the APG-70 radar and improvements in the BIT displays. The USAFAWC is currently conducting FOT&E at the Multi-Spectral Threat Environment (MSTE) range located at Eglin AFB to evaluate intra-flight (wing man) compatibility, the advanced threat de-interleave processor (for improved system response times), and jamming effectiveness and BIT upgrades.
History: The ALQ-135 is an outgrowth of an early 1980s feasibility demonstration and follow-on quick reaction capability (QRC) high band jammer developed to counter rapidly changing threats. Developmental problems precipitated a restructuring of the ALQ-135 ICS program in 1988 to provide incremental capabilities. A TEWS EOA of the Phase I Band 3 ICS was planned in July 1989 to support F-15E IOC. However, technical problems delayed EOA start until July 1990. Fifteen sorties were flown against threat simulators on the Eglin AFB, FL range complex in air-to-air and air-to-ground mission scenarios. The ICS demonstrated the capability to identify and counter most current threats in a limited density environment, but the test indicated additional software and hardware development was needed to achieve desired operational capabilities.
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David
Tue February 11, 2003 10:23pm
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Civil Affairs Branch Insi
CIVIL AFFAIRS
Branch Insignia: On a globe 5/8 inch in diameter, a torch of liberty one inch in height surmounted by a scroll and a sword crossed in saltire, all of gold color.
In 1955, The Civil Affairs and Military Government Branch, USAR, was established. On 30 April 1956, the Office of Civil Affairs and Military Government gave concurrence in the design (gold global background with gold torch, sword and scroll superimposed thereon). The Department of the Army General Staff approved the design on 1 June 1956. The branch was redesignated to Civil Affairs USAR on 2 October 1959. The globe indicates the worldwide areas of Civil Affairs operations. The torch is from the Statue of Liberty, a symbol associated with the spirit of the United States. It also represents the enlightened performance of duty. The scroll and sword depict the civil and military aspects of the organization's mission. The insignia was authorized for wear by all personnel assigned to Regular Army Civil Affairs TOE units on 13 October 1961.
Branch Plaque: The plaque design has the branch insignia, letters, and border in white and the background is purple.
Regimental Insignia: A silver and gold color metal and enamel device 1 3/16 inches in height consisting of a shield, crest and motto. The insignia is blazoned as follows: Purpure, a scroll and sword saltirewise, and overall a torch palewise or; a bordure Argent. Attached below the shield, a silver scroll inscribed "SECURE THE VICTORY" in black letters. The crest above the shield: On a wreath of the colors (Or and Purpure), a globe Celeste gridlined Argent superimposed by a dexter gauntlet argent holding a balance scale Or. The Regimental Insignia was approved on 14 April 1989.
Regimental Coat of Arms: The coat of arms appears on the breast of a displayed eagle on the regimental flag. The coat of arms is: Purpure, a scroll and sword saltirewise, and overall a torch palewise Or; a bordure Argent. Crest: On a wreath of the colors (Or and Purpure) a globe Celeste gridlined Argent superimposed by a dexter gauntlet Proper holding a balance scale Or. The regimental flag has a purple background and white fringe.
Symbolism of Regimental Insignia: Purple and white are the colors traditionally associated with Civil Affairs. Gold is emblematic of honor and achievement. The scroll, sword and torch are adapted from the Civil Affairs branch insignia and denote the branch-wide scope and application of the design. The scroll and sword depict the civil and military aspects of the organization. The torch refers to the Statue of Liberty, a symbol associated with the spirit of democracy of the United States. The border emphasizes unity, continuity and the whole regimental concept. Crest: The scales represent balance and normality; the gauntlet denotes the military's role in establishing, administering and protecting the equilibrium. The globe signifies the extensive scope of the mission of the Civil Affairs Regiment.
Branch Colors: Purple piped with white. Purple - 65009 cloth; 67115 yarn; PMS 267.
White - 65005 cloth; 67101 yarn; PMS white.
The colors were approved for Civil Affairs units in June 1956.
Birthday: 17 August 1955. For many years prior to the establishment of the Civil Affairs/Military Government Branch as an Army Reserve branch on 17 August 1955, dedicated civil affairs professionals had contributed significantly to the accomplishment of the Army mission. Subsequently redesignated the Civil Affairs Branch on 2 October 1959, it has continued to enhance the traditions of expertise and thoroughness. It has been tasked to provide guidance to commanders in a broad spectrum of activities ranging from host-guest relationships to the assumption of executive, legislative and judicial processes in occupied or liberated areas.
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David
Wed February 12, 2003 9:40pm
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Armed Forces Reserve Meda
ARMED FORCES RESERVE MEDAL
1. Description: A bronze medal 1 ? inches in diameter, with a flaming torch in front of a crossed powder horn and a bugle within a circle composed of thirteen stars and thirteen rays. On the reverse is a different design for each of the reserve components. The reverse of all medals have the inscription "ARMED FORCES RESERVE" around the rim. Organized Reserve: On a wreath, the Lexington Minuteman statue as it stands on the Common in Lexington, Massachusetts encircled by thirteen stars. National Guard: The National Guard insignia (two crossed fasces superimposed on an eagle displayed with wings reversed. Air Force Reserve: The crest from the Air Forces seal (on a wreath, an eagle displayed in front of a cloud form). Naval Reserve: The center device of the Department of the Navy seal (an eagle displayed on an anchor in front of a ship in full sail). Marine Corps Reserve: The Marine Corps insignia (eagle perched on a globe superimposed on an anchor). Coast Guard Reserve: The central design of the Coast Guard seal (crossed anchors superimposed by a shield within an annulet).
2. Devices: Bronze hourglass to indicate 10 years service; silver hourglass to indicate 20 years service; gold hourglass to indicate 30 years service; letter "M" to indicate mobilization in support of US Military operations or contingencies designated by the Secretary of Defense; and a numeral to indicate number of times mobilized.
3. Ribbon: The ribbon is 1 3/8 inches wide and consists of the following stripes: 1/16 inch Bluebird 67117; 1/32 inch Chamois 67142; 1/16 inch Bluebird; 1/32 inch Chamois; 1/16 inch Bluebird; 3/8 inch Chamois; center 1/8 inch Bluebird; 3/8 inch Chamois; 1/16 inch Bluebird; 1/32 inch Chamois; 1/16 inch Bluebird; 1/32 inch Chamois; and 1/16 inch Bluebird.
4. Criteria: Award under one of the following conditions:
a. Awarded for honorable and satisfactory service as a member of one or more of the Reserve Components of the Armed Forces of the United States for a period of 10 years within a 12-year period. Upon completion of the fourth 10-year period, a gold hourglass followed by a bronze hourglass shall be awarded.
b. Awarded for mobilization on or after 1 August 1990, to members called to active duty and served under Title 10, United States Code (USC) (Defense Department) or Title 14 USC (Coast Guard) or the member volunteered and served on active duty in support of US Military operations or contingencies designated by the Secretary of Defense. The "M" device is worn to indicate mobilization. Subsequent mobilizations are denoted by the wear of a number to indicate the number of times mobilized. No hourglass is worn unless authorized under the above paragraph.
5. Components: the following are components of the Armed Forces Reserve Medal:
a. Medal (regular size): MIL-DTL-3943/231. (Stock number for the full size medal set with ribbon bar.) National Guard: NSN 8455-00-227-1713; USAR: 8455-00-269-5781.
b. Medal (miniature): MIL-DTL-3943/231. Available commercially.
c. Ribbon: MIL-DTL-11589/13. NSN 8455-00-265-4916.
6. Background: The Armed Forces Reserve Medal was authorized by President Truman by Executive Order 10163, dated 25 September 1950. The Executive Order was amended by Executive Order, dated 6 August 1996, to include authorization for award based on mobilization.
7. Wear: If only the "M" device is authorized, it is worn in the center of the ribbon. If both the "M" device and the hourglass are worn, they will be centered with the "M" device to the wearer?s right. If numbers are worn, they will be to the wearer?s left with the hourglass in the center and the "M" device on the right.
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Nam_Angel
Wed July 9, 2003 1:56pm
Rating: 10
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My Dad in the "Blist
My Dad in the "Blister Seat" over Korea... My Hero!!
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1IDVET
Wed July 9, 2003 2:26pm
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USAF Global Hawk
USAF Global Hawk
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David
Sat January 3, 2004 8:19pm
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M9 9mm Pistol
Function: Semiautomatic pistol.
Description: The M9 is a lightweight, semiautomatic pistol manufactured by Beretta and designed to replace the M1911A1 .45 caliber pistol and .38 caliber revolvers. The M9 has redundant automatic safety features to help prevent unintentional discharges. It can be fired in either double or single action mode and can be unloaded without activating the trigger while the safety is in the "on" position. The M9 pistol has a 15-round magazine, and may be fired without a magazine inserted. This weapon can have the hammer lowered from the cocked, "ready to fire," position to the uncocked position without activating the trigger by placing the thumb safety on the "on" position.
Background: The 9mm Pistol Program was a Congressionally-directed Non-Developmental Initiative to standardize DoD with NATO and field one handgun for all United States armed services. Beretta of Italy was awarded a multi-year contract for delivery of over 500,000 pistols. The contract award stipulated that production of the weapon must transition from Italian to US production after two years. The US Army is the lead service in this program.
General Characteristics, M9 9mm Pistol
Builder:
Beretta and Beretta USA
Length:
8.54 inches (21.69 centimeters)
Width:
1.50 inches (3.81 centimeters)
Height:
5.51 inches (14 centimeters)
Barrel Length:
4.92 inches (12.5 centimeters)
Weight Fully Loaded:
2.55 pounds (1.16 kilograms)
Bore Diameter:
9 mm (approximately .355 inches)
Maximum Effective Range:
152.5 feet (50 meters)
Magazine Capacity:
15 rounds
Muzzle Velocity:
1200 feet (365 meters) per second
Unit Replacement Cost:
$263
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David
Sat January 3, 2004 8:51pm
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Mark 75 3"/62 Calibe
Function: Single barrel, lightweight, water-cooled, rapid fire, remote controlled, dual purpose automatic enclosed naval gun.
Description: A lightweight, rapid-fire three-inch gun mounted on small combat vessels.
History: Because of performance, lightweight and low manning requirements, the MK 75 is suited for installation on small combat vessels. Current usage includes one gun mount each for some Navy frigates and hydrofoils, and for one gun mount each for the larger Coast Guard cutters. The Mark 75 was provisionally approved for service use in September 1975.
The Naval Systems Division (NSD) of FMC Corporation and General Electric Co. (Ordnance Systems Division) were both licensed by the gun's designer, OTO Melara of La Spezia, Italy, and competed for the right to manufacture the MK-75 in the United States. In 1975, FMC/NSD won the competition. Since 1981, however, all MK 75 buys have been competed for by FMC/NSD and OTO Melara.
The first United States produced gun mount was delivered in August 1978.
General Characteristics, Mark 75 3"/62 Caliber Gun
Contractor:
Designed by OTO Melara, Italy
Manufactured by FMC Naval Systems Division and OTO Melara
Caliber:
76 mm (3 inch)
Range:
10 nautical miles (11.5 statue miles, 18.4 km)
Guidance System:
Remotely controlled
Type of Fire:
80 rounds per minute automatic
Date Deployed:
1978
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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-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 11:33pm
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MHC Coastal Mine Hunters
Function: Designed to clear mines from vital waterways.
Entered Navy: 20 Nov 1993 (USS Osprey).
Description: In the early 1980s, the U.S. Navy began development of a new mine countermeasures (MCM) force, which included two new classes of ships and minesweeping helicopters. The vital importance of a state-of-the-art mine countermeasures force was strongly underscored in the Persian Gulf during the eight years of the Iran-Iraq war, and in Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm in 1990 and 1991. To learn more about mine warfare visit the Commander Mine Warfare Command web site.
Osprey (MHC 51) class ships are mine hunter-killers capable of finding, classifying and destroying moored and bottom mines. Eleven of the twelve Osprey-class Coastal Minehunter are assigned to the Reserve and homeported at Ingleside, TX. The MHC 51 has a 15-day endurance and depends on a support ship or shore based facilities for resupply. This mine hunter (coastal) is designed to operate from CONUS bases against enemy bottom and moored mines. It is the first US Navy mine countermeasures ship to be constructed of Glass Reinforced Plastic (GRP). The design is based on the Italian Navy Lerici Class. Voith-Schneider rotors replace the conventional propellers of the MCM and MSO classes. The ship will have modular sweep systems which can be installed as needed.
Avenger class ships are also designed as mine hunter-killers.
These ships use sonar and video systems, cable cutters and a mine detonating device that can be released and detonated by remote control. They are also capable of conventional sweeping measures. The ships' hulls are made of glass-reinforced plastic (GRP) fiberglass. They are the first large mine countermeasures ships built in the United States in nearly 27 years.
General Characteristics, MHC Coastal Mine Hunters
Contractor:
Avondale Industries Inc., Gulfport, MS MHC 53, 54, 56, 57
Intermarine USA, Savannah, GA MHC 51, 52, 55, 58, 59, 60, 61 and 62
Length:
188 feet (57.3 meters)
Beam:
36 feet (11 meters)
Draft (Navigation):
12 feet 1 inch
Displacement:
893 tons (804 metric tons) full load
Ships:
USS Osprey (MHC 51)
USS Heron (MHC 52)
USS Pelican (MHC 53)
USS Robin (MHC 54)
USS Oriole (MHC 55)
USS Kingfisher (MHC 56)
USS Cormorant (MHC 57)
USS Black Hawk (MHC 58),
USS Falcon (MHC 59)
USS Cardinal (MHC 60), forward deployed to Manama, Bahrain
USS Raven (MHC 61), forward deployed to Manama, Bahrain
USS Shrike (MHC 62)
Powerplant:
Two diesels (800 hp each); two Voith-Schneider (cycloidal) propulsion systems
Speed:
10 Knots (18.4 kmph)
Combat Systems:
* AN/SLQ-48 - Mine Neutralization Equipment
* AN/SQQ-32 - Minehunting Sonar
* AN/SYQ-13 - Navigation/Command and Control
* AN/SSQ-94 - On board Trainer
* Two .50 caliber machine guns
Crew:
5 officers, 46 enlisted
Unit Operating Cost Annual Average:
~ $3,000,000
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David
Fri January 9, 2004 2:34am
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Cuban Air Force Patch (Tn
Cuban Air Force Patch (Tng. in USA) 1942-1945
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David
Fri January 9, 2004 2:34am
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Instructor USAF AAF Patch
Instructor USAF AAF Patch 1942-1947
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David
Sat January 10, 2004 2:12am
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Son Tay Raider USAF Patch
Son Tay Raider USAF Patch 11/21/1970
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David
Sat January 10, 2004 2:12am
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USARV Ind. Tng. Gp. Cloth
USARV Ind. Tng. Gp. Cloth Patch 1972-1/1973
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David
Mon October 11, 2004 8:47am
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