David
Fri April 18, 2003 11:33am
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An Iraqi boy and his sist
Friday, April 11, 2003, An Iraqi boy and his sister join the line for fuel and water as it is distributed by members of Britain's 3 Regiment Army Air Corps Civilian Military Cooperation Team in a village in southern Iraq on April 11.
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exlrrp
Sun May 11, 2003 8:28pm
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Hills
my team got into a firefight as we were getting off a helicopter between these 2 hills, which you can see from the road. they literally dropped us in right on top of these people.
just west of MangYang Pass
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David
Sat December 20, 2003 2:29pm
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U.S. army commander Colon
U.S. army commander Colonel James B. Hickey, 1st Brigade Combat Team, U.S. Army 4th infantry division, of Chicago, Ill., in front of the farm where Saddam Hussein was hiding before he was captured, Dec. 15, 2003. Colonel Hickey was the top officer in charge of the raid.
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David
Sat January 3, 2004 8:19pm
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M249 SAW Light Machine Gu
Function: Hand-held combat machine gun.
Description: The Squad Automatic Weapon (SAW), or 5.56mm M249 is an individually portable, gas operated, magazine or disintegrating metallic link-belt fed, light machine gun with fixed headspace and quick change barrel feature. The M249 engages point targets out to 800 meters, firing the improved NATO standard 5.56mm cartridge. The SAW forms the basis of firepower for the fire team. The gunner has the option of using 30-round M16 magazines or linked ammunition from pre-loaded 200-round plastic magazines. The gunner's basic load is 600 rounds of linked ammunition.
Background: The SAW was developed through an initially Army-led research and development effort and eventually a Joint NDO program in the late 1970s/early 1980s to restore sustained and accurate automatic weapons fire to the fire team and squad. When actually fielded in the mid-1980s, the SAW was issued as a one-for-one replacement for the designated "automatic rifle" (M16A1) in the Fire Team. In this regard, the SAW filled the void created by the retirement of the Browning Automatic Rifle (BAR) during the 1950s because interim automatic weapons (e.g. M-14E2/M16A1) had failed as viable "base of fire" weapons. Early in the SAW's fielding, the Army identified the need for a Product Improvement Program (PIP) to enhance the weapon. This effort resulted in a "PIP kit" which modifies the barrel, handguard, stock, pistol grip, buffer, and sights.
General Characteristics, M249 SAW
Manufacturer:
Fabrique Nationale Manufacturing, Inc.
Length:
40.87 inches (103.81 centimeters)
Weight:
With bipod and tools: 15.16 pounds (6.88 kilograms)
200-round box magazine: 6.92 pounds (3.14 kilograms)
30-round magazine: 1.07 pounds (.49 kilograms)
Bore Diameter:
5.56mm (.233 inches)
Maximum Effective Range:
3281 feet (1000 meters) for an area target
Maximum Range:
2.23 miles (3.6 kilometers)
Rates of Fire:
Cyclic: 725 rounds per minute
Sustained: 85 rounds per minute
Unit Replacement Cost:
$4,087
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David
Sat January 3, 2004 8:19pm
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M25 Sniper Rifle
Function: Special Operations semi-automatic sniper rifle
Background: Originally developed by the 10th Special Forces Group at Ft. Devens, the M25 was built as a joint services system, meeting the needs of both Army SF and Navy SEAL sniper teams for a semi-automatic sniper rifle built on the same lines as the match grade M14 and M21 semi-automatic rifles. The M25 is not a replacement for existing bolt-action rifles, such as the Army's M24 and the Marine Corps' M40A3, but rather the M25 is intended to serve as a sniper support weapon for the sniper team observer. The M25 will provide the sniper observer with a more effective support weapon than the M16/M203, capable of delivering very accurate fire out to 500 meters. In addition, the M25 will fill a mission specific role as an urban area sniper rifle, where ranges are limited and high rate of fire is the primary concern. Chambered for 7.62mm NATO (.308 Winchester) the M25 is capable of firing any 7.62mm ammunition, though it was designed to fire the same ammunition (M118 and M852 Match and Special Ball ammunition) that the M40A3 and the M24 currently fire.
Description: Physically, the M25 is very similar in appearance to the M14/M21 semi-automatic rifle. The M25 uses National Match grade components, to include barrel, receiver, trigger assembly and spring guide, and a custom built gas cylinder. The barrel is glass bedded to a synthetic McMillan stock and the Advanced Scope Mounting System is manufactured by Brookfield Precision Tool. The M25 has been equipped with a number of scopes, to include the Bausch & Lomb10x Tactical scope, the Leupold Ultra MK4 series (M1 and M3)as well as the Leupold VariX-III LR M3.
General Characteristics, M25 Sniper Rifle
Manufacturer:
Springfield Armory
Length:
44.3 inches (112.5cm)
Barrel Length:
22 inches (56.4 cm)
Weight:
10.8 lbs (4.9kg)
Bore Diameter:
7.62mm (.308 inches)
Maximum Effective Range:
800 meters (3250 feet)
Optics:
10x42mm Leupold Ultra M3A telescope sight (Mil-Dot), plus detachable emergency iron sights.
Magazine Capacity:
20 or 5 round detachable box magazine
Mechanism:
National Match M-14 rotating bolt, gas operated, semi-automatic.
Unit Replacement Cost:
$3,500
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David
Sat January 3, 2004 8:19pm
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M60 7.62mm Machine Gun
Description: The M-60 series general purpose machine gun is a light weight, belt fed, gas operated, air cooled weapon with fixed headspace and timing to allow for the rapid exchange of barrels during sustained firing situations. The M-60 can be carried and operated by one individual, though it is common practice to assign the weapon to a fire team (gunner and assistant gunner, who carries an additional barrel and ammunition). The M-60 is equipped with an integral bipod assembly which can be used to stabilize the weapon during offensive operations. Optionally, the M-60 can be set up on a tripod for increased stability and long range accuracy. In addition to the basic M-60 there are two variant models; the M-60 C/D (for use on helicopters) and the M-60E3, a lighter version of the basic model used by the Marine Corps and U.S. Special Operations Forces.
General Characteristics, M60 7.62mm Machine Gun
Length:
42.4 inches (107.70 centimeters)
Weight:
Weight: 18.75 pounds (8.51 kilograms)
Bore Diameter:
7.62mm (.308 inches)
Maximum Effective Range:
3609.1 feet (1,100 meters)
Maximum Range:
2.3 miles (3725 meters)
Muzzle Velocity:
2,800 feet (853 meters) per second
Rates of Fire:
Cyclic: 550 rounds per minute Rapid: 100 rounds per minute* Sustained: 100 rounds per minute*
(* with barrel changes at each 100 rounds)
Unit Replacement Cost:
$6,000
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David
Sat January 3, 2004 8:19pm
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MEU (SOC) Pistol
Function: Modified .45 caliber pistol.
Description: This weapon is a modified M1911A1 .45 caliber pistol sometimes referred to as "near match" or "combat accuratized." The MEU(SOC) Pistol is the designated "backup weapon" of Marines armed with the 9mm MP5-N Close Quarters Battle weapon. The M1911A1 was chosen for this role (and its modifications generated) because of its inherent reliability and lethality, and because the MEU(SOC) modifications make the M1911A1 design more "user friendly." The unique characteristics of the MEU(SOC) pistol are: commercial/competition grade ambidextrous safety, precision barrel, precise trigger, and rubber coated grips, rounded hammer spur, high profile combat sights, and an extra-wide grip safety for increased comfort and controllability (which aids in a quick follow-up second shot). The issue magazines are replaced with stainless steel competition-grade magazines with rounded plastic follower and extended floor plate.
Background: The weapon modifications were designed in 1986 to meet the requirements of the MEU(SOC). Each pistol is hand-built by specially trained armorers at the Rifle Team Equipment (RTE) shop, Quantico, Virginia.
General Characteristics, MEU (SOC) Pistol
Builder:
Specially trained armorers at the Rifle Team Equipment (RTE) Shop, MCB Quantico, Virginia
Length:
8.625 inches (21.91 centimeters)
Length of Barrel:
5.03 inches (12.78 centimeters)
Weight:
Magazine empty: 2.5 pounds (1.14 kilograms)
Magazine loaded: 3.0 pounds (1.36 kilograms)
Bore Diameter:
.45 caliber
Maximum Effective Range:
164 feet (50 meters) for specially-trained user
Magazine Capacity:
Seven rounds
Muzzle Velocity:
830 feet/252 meters/second
Unit Replacement Cost:
$600
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David
Sat January 3, 2004 8:19pm
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MP-5N 9mm Submachine Gun
Description: The MP5-N fires from a closed and locked bolt in either the automatic or semiautomatic modes. This gun is recoil operated and has a unique delayed roller locked bolt system, a retractable butt stock, a removable suppressor, and illuminating flashlight integral to the forward handguard. The flashlight is operated by a pressure switch custom fitted to the pistol grip. This is the same basic weapon used by the FBI's Hostage Rescue Team and other world-class counter-terrorist organizations.
The present inventory includes both suppressed and non-suppressed versions of the MP5. The basic configuration of this weapon makes for an ideal size, weight,and capable (accuracy, lethality, reliability, etc.) close quarters battle weapon system.
Background: This weapon is manufactured by Heckler and Koch and is presently fielded to Marine Corps Force Reconnaissance Companies and Marine Security Force Battalions. It is currently considered the main weapon in the close quarters battle (CQB) environment.
General Characteristics, MP-5N 9mm Submachine Gun
Manufacturer:
Heckler and Koch
Length:
Collapsed stock: 19.29 inches (49 centimeters)
Extended stock: 25.98 inches (66 centimeters)
Weight:
7.44 pounds (3.38 kilograms) with 30 round magazine
Bore Diameter:
9mm (.355 inches)
Maximum Effective Range:
328.1 feet (100 meters)
Rate of Fire:
800 rounds per minute
Unit Replacement Cost:
$894
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David
Sat January 3, 2004 8:19pm
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Objective Individual Comb
The Objective Individual Combat Weapon (OICW) provides an enhanced capability for the 21st century infantryman, with the potential to selectively replace the M16 rifle, M203 grenade launcher, and M4 carbine. When fielded, the OICW dual munition system will provide superior firepower to the U.S. Army, Marine Corps, Air Force, Special Operations Command, Navy, and Coast Guard.
Program guidelines were derived from the Small Arms Master Plan (SAMP) and Joint Service Small Arms Master Plan (JSSAMP). OICW was managed by JSSAP during the Advanced Technology Demonstration (ATD) phase. For the PDRR/EMD phase, OICW management will transition to PM Small Arms with support provided by ARDEC.
Effective range to 1,000 meters
Full defilade target capability
Moving target tracking capability
KE semi two-round burst; HE semi automatic
Recoil level 1/3 that of the M14
Ruggedized composite weapon housing
Separable HE/KE weapons
Precise target range, automatically communicated to 20mm HE bursting ammo
Five times more lethal than the M16/M203, at > twice the range
Rate of fire with KE ammo >850 rounds/min, with HE >10 rounds/minute
Easily field strippable in under two minutes
Day/night fire control; weapon interface, iron sight backup
HE ammo functional modes: airburst, MOUT short arm, point detonation, point detonation delay, and self-destruct
Laser ranging accuracy ?1/2m out to 500m, ?1m out to 1000m
Weapon Operation
The fire control system (FCS), using a laser range finder, pinpoints the precise target range at which the HE round will burst and relays this information to the 20mm ammunition fuzing system. Fragments from the bursting munition will defeat PASGT body armor and incapacitate the target. The sighting system provides full 24-hour capability by employing uncooled IR sensor technology for night vision.
World-Class Team
For the ATD program, ATK served as system integrator, fuze developer and 20mm HE developer. ATK formed a strong international team, including Heckler & Koch (weapon), Contraves-Brashear Systems (fire control), Octec (video tracker), and Dynamit Nobel (KE and propellant support). For the PDRR/EMD program, the ATK team remains intact and will evolve a combat ready system.
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David
Sat January 3, 2004 9:15pm
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M21 Remote Sensing Chemic
Function: Long-range chemical agent detection.
Description: The Remote Sensing Chemical Agent Automatic Alarm is a two-man-portable, automatic scanning, passive infrared sensor which detects nerve and blister agent vapor clouds based on changes in the infrared energy emitted from remote objects, or from a cloud formed by the agent. The RSCAAL is a stand-alone, tripod-mounted, chemical agent overwatch system to be used in a defensive role. It consists of a detector, tripod, M42 remote alarm unit, transit case, power cable assembly, and standard military power source. It will be used for reconnaissance and surveillance missions. It will search areas between friendly and enemy forces for chemical agent vapors, and provide advanced detection and warning of chemical hazards. Where possible, the RSCAAL will be employed in pairs (two reconnaissance teams) so that one RSCAAL can be used in the overwatch position when the other reconnaissance team is moving. The remote warning can be transmitted by two methods: by hardwire to the M42 alarm or by a digital signal transmitted from the M21 via an RS232 cable. The RS232 link will provide a capability to link with the Marine Corps Hazard Warning System/Network.
General Characteristics, M21 Remote Sensing Chemical Agent Automatic Alarm
Operational Configuration:
Length: 20 inches (50.8 centimeters)
Width: 48 inches (121.92 centimeters)
Height: 51.5 inches (130.81 centimeters)
Weight: 66 pounds (29.96 kilograms)
Storage/Shipping Configuration:
Length: 31 inches (78.74 centimeters)
Width: 30 inches (76.2 centimeters)
Height: 22 inches (55.88 centimeters)
Weight:
117 pounds (53.12 kilograms)
Power Requirements:
120 watts at 21 to 30 volts
Chemical Agent Detection Range:
1.86 to 3.1 miles (3 to 5 kilometers)
Instantaneous Field of View:
Vertical: 1.5?
Horizontal: 60?
Chemical Agent Spectral Range:
800 to 1200 centimeter(-1)
Mean Time Between Operational Mission Failures:
277 hours
Inventory:
125 are currently being fielded; the acquisition objective is 197
Unit Replacement Cost:
$110,000
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David
Sat January 3, 2004 10:02pm
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SA-2 Guideline
Function: Provide medium to high altitude 360 degree coverage against single aircraft or small groups of aircraft.
Description: Designed as a replacement for the SA-1 fixed installation surface to air missile (SAM) system, the SA-2 is capable of defending fixed installations as well as mobile field forces. In addition, while the SA-1's field of fire was limited, the SA-2 has 360 degrees of coverage, though it is only capable of engaging one target at a time. Though the deployment pattern may vary, there are always six launching positions per site, generally centered around a guidance radar and accessible by roads to facilitate reloading and servicing. The SA-2 was deployed in the Soviet Union to protect military facilities and airfields, as well as civilian population centers with more than 200,000 citizens. Additionally, the SA-2 say service with Soviet military forces in Germany, and was distributed to the Warsaw Pact beginning in 1960. Though it is mobile, the lag time associated with setting up and displacing an SA-2 site precludes its following a fluid front. Rather, the SA-2 would be used to defend unit headquarters, logistic centers, and theater assembly areas.
The SA-2 is a medium to high altitude two stage surface to air missile dependent on radar command guidance and armed with either a 15kt nuclear or a 195kg fragmentation warhead, each with contact, proximity or command detonation capability. The booster is a solid rocket propellant motor fitted with four large fins. The second stage is equipped with a storable liquid propellant sustainer motor and three sets of fins, a large set of four is mounted in the mid section, a smaller set of power control fins is mounted at the base, and an even smaller set of fixed fins is mounted on the nose. The warhead is mounted in the second stage forward of the large fins. At medium and low altitude the kill radius is 65 meters and the blast radius is 100-120 meters, which compensates for the missile's 75 meter circle of accuracy. At high altitude the blast radius is 250 meters.
An SA-2 battalion consists of 6 launchers, a command post fire control team and fire direction computer, a Fan Song missile control radar, P-12 Spoon Rest early warning search radar and typically 6 reloads. Typically the launchers will placed in a hexagonal pattern with all the command and control elements placed in the center of the hexagon. The Spoon Rest A-band radar has a range of 275 km and the Fan Song fire control and tracking radar has a range of 60-120km (A/B versions) or 70-145 km (C/E/F versions), depending on altitude, target type, and operating conditions. China produces its own version of the SA-2 designated HQ-1 and HQ-2) as does Egypt (designated Tayir as Sabah).
General Characteristics, SA-2 GUIDELINE Surface to Air Missile
Propulsion:
Booster; solid, sustainment; liquid (inhibited red fuming nitric acid oxidizer and kerosene)
Length:
34.7 feet (10.6 meters)
Diameter:
27.5 inches (70 centimeters)
Weight Fully Armed:
5,070 pounds (2,300 kilograms)
Maximum Range:
35 kilometers (B/F models), 44 kilometers (C model), 50 kilometers (D/E models)
Minimum Range:
7-9 kilometers
Fuzing:
Impact, proximity, command detonated
Ceiling:
27 kilometers (B/C/F models), 40 kilometers (D/E models)
Speed:
Mach 4 (B/C/D models) Mach 4.5 (E/F models)
Guidance System:
Command
Warhead:
195 kilograms internally grooved fragmentation, 15 kilotons yield nuclear
Rate of Fire:
Three missiles per target but limited to one target at a time
Introduction Date:
1959
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David
Sat January 3, 2004 10:35pm
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T-ATF - Powhatan Class Fl
Function: Seven ocean-going tugs are operated by Military Sealift Command and provide the U.S. Navy with towing service, and when augmented by Navy divers, assist in the recovery of downed aircraft and ships.
History: Fleet tugs are used to tow ships, barges and targets for gunnery exercises. They are also used as platforms for salvage and diving work, as participants in naval exercises, to conduct search and rescue missions, to aid in the clean up of oil spills and ocean accidents, and to provide fire fighting assistance. USNS Apache (T-ATF 172) is the last of the Powhatan class of ocean tugs delivered to the Navy in 1981.
Description: Each vessel is equipped with 10 ton capacity crane and a bollard pull of at least 54 tons. A deck grid is fitted aft which contains 1 inch bolt receptacles spaced 24 inches apart. This allows for the bolting down of a wide variety of portable equipment. There are two GPH fire pumps supplying three fire monitors with up to 2,200 gallons of foam per minute. A deep module can be embarked to support naval salvage teams.
General Characteristics, Powhatan Class
Builders:
Marinette Marine Corporation, Marinette, WI
Power Plant:
Two GM EMD 20-645F7B diesels; 5.73 MW sustained; two shafts; Kort nozzles (except on Powhatan and one other); cp props; bow thruster; 300 hp (224 kW)
Length, Overall:
226 feet (68.88 meters)
Beam:
42 feet (12.80 meters)
Displacement:
2,260 long tons (2,296.27 metric tons) full load
Speed:
14.5 knots (16.69 mph, 26.86)
Crew:
16 civilians and 4 naval communications technicians
Ships:
USNS Powhatan (T-ATF 166)
USNS Narragansett (T-ATF 167)
USNS Catawba (T-ATF 168)
USNS Navajo (T-ATF 169)
USNS Mohawk (T-ATF 170)
USNS Sioux (T-ATF 171)
USNS Apache (T-ATF 172)
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David
Sun January 4, 2004 12:31am
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SSN637 - Sturgeon Class F
Function: America's front-line fast attack nuclear submarine during the '60s and '70s.
History: Following in the steps of the Skipjack and Permit class nuclear submarines, the Sturgeon class incorporated a a new hull design and sensor package. Larger than either of the two earlier designs while using the same reactor plant, the Sturgeon sacrificed speed for increased weapons payload and crew efficiency. Beginning with the Archerfish (SSN678) the hull was lengthened an additional 10 feet. In addition to their regular duties as anti submarine platforms, the Sturgeon class submarines were also tasked with coastal reconnaissance and electronic intelligence gathering. Furthermore, between 1982 and 1991 six 637 class boats (SSN 678-680, 682, 684, and 686) were modified to carry the SEAL Dry Deck Shelter (DDS.) The DDS is a submersible air lock and storage area allowing for the transporting, delivery and recovery of SEAL teams and all their associated equipment. The Sturgeon class submarines were slowly phased out of front line service by the faster, more capable Los Angeles class submarines during the 80's and 90's though those still in service continue to perform intelligence gathering and support special operations missions.
General Characteristics, Sturgeon Class
Builders:
General Dynamics Electric Boat Division
General Dynamics Quincy Shipbuilding Division
Ingalls Shipbuilding
Portsmouth Naval Shipyard
San Francisco Naval Shipyard
Newport News Shipbuilding
Power Plant:
One S5W nuclear reactor, two steam turbines, one shaft, 15,000 shaft horse power
Date Deployed:
March 3, 1967 (USS Sturgeon)
Length, Overall:
292 feet (89 meters)
SSN 678-687 302 feet (91.44 meters)
Beam:
32 feet (9.75 meters)
Draft:
28.8 feet
Displacement:
4,780 tons submerged
SSN 678-687 4,960 tons submerged
Speed:
20+ knots (23.02+ miles per hour, 37.05 +kph)
Crew:
12 Officers, 95 Enlisted
Armament:
Mk 48 ADCAP Torpedoes, launched from four 533mm torpedo tubes.
Harpoon anti-ship missiles (tube launched)
Tomahawk anti-ship/ land attack missiles (tube launched)
Sensors:
BSY-2 combat data system
Radar:
1 AN/BPS-14/15 navigation and fire control radar
Sonar:
1 TB-16 passive towed sonar array
1 TB-23 passive "thin line" towed sonar array
1 AN/BQG-5 wide aperture flank array
1 AN/BQQ-2/5 low frequency spherical bow sonar array
1 AN/BQS-12/13 active sonar array
1 AN/BQR-6 active sonar array (in submarines equipped with the BQQ-2)
1 AN/BQR-7 passive sonar array (in submarines equipped with the BQQ-2)
Optics:
1 Type 2 attack periscope
1 Type 18 search periscope
Countermeasures:
WLR-9 acoustic intercept receiver
WLQ-4 ESM
Ships:
USS Parche (SSN-683), Bangor, WA
USS L. Mendel Rivers (SSN-686), Norfolk, VA
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David
Sun January 4, 2004 12:31am
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SSGN - Guided Missile Sub
Function: SSGN Guided Missile Submarines are nuclear-powered submarines armed with tactical missiles and the ability to transport and support special operations forces.
Entered Navy: Beginning 2003 / 2004.
Description: Four Ohio-class Trident submarines that were previously scheduled for inactivation during Fiscal Years 2003 and 2004 are being converted to guided missile submarines (SSGN) over a five-year period ending in 2008. The primary missions of the SSGN will be land attack and Special Operations Forces (SOF) insertion and support. Secondary missions will be the traditional attack submarine missions of intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR), battle space preparation, and sea control.
These ships will be armed with up to 154 Tomahawk? or Tactical Tomahawk? land attack missiles. They will have the ability to carry and support a team of 66 SOF personnel for up to 90 days as compared to 15 days for a SOF outfitted fast attack submarine (SSN). Clandestine insertion and retrieval of these Special Operations Forces will be enhanced by the ability to host dual dry deck shelters and/or Advanced Seal Delivery System. Each SSGN will be able to conduct a variety of peace-time, conventional deterrent, and combat operations all within the same deployment.
USS Ohio (SSBN 726) entered the conversion yard on 15 November 2002. On 14 January 2003, USS Florida (SSBN 728) became the first Ohio-class submarine to launcha cruise missile. The launch was made from underwater in the Gulf of Mexico.
General Characteristics, SSGN Guided Missile Submarines
Contractor:
General Dynamics Electric Boat Division
Length:
560 feet (170.69 meters)
Beam:
42 feet (12.8 meters)
Displacement:
16,764 tons (17,033.03 metric tons) surfaced; 18,750 tons (19,000.1 metric tons) submerged
Ships:
USS Ohio (SSBN 726) ? Out of service 29 Oct. 2002 for conversion to SSGN
USS Michigan (SSBN 727) ? conversion to SSGN scheduled for October 2003
USS Florida (SSBN 728) ? conversion to SSGN scheduled for October 2003
USS Georgia (SSBN 729) ? conversion to SSGN scheduled for 2004
Powerplant:
One nuclear reactor, one shaft
Speed:
20+ knots (23+ miles per hour, 36.8 +kph)
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:
15 Officers, 140 Enlisted
Armament:
Up to 154 Tomahawk missiles each (140 on SOF-configured SSGNs).
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David
Sun January 4, 2004 12:31am
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LSV-2: Large Scale Vehicl
Function: The world's largest unmanned autonomous submarine. LSV 2 Cutthroat will offer the capability to conduct a wide variety of studies dramatically improving the acoustic and operational performance of future submarines.
Entered Navy: 2001.
Description: LSV 2 Cutthroat will provide submarine design engineers a platform to test advanced submarine technologies.
Cutthroat, a 205-ton, large scale submarine test vehicle, will be used to affordably explore and test emerging technologies and to conduct physics-based experiments. Specific emphasis will be on stealth, hydrodynamics, hydroacoustics and propulsion designs to permit technology insertion into current and future submarines.
The LSV 2 will provide the capability to develop and evaluate the effectiveness of new technologies that will result in major improvements in performance for the U.S. Navy's new attack submarine, USS Virginia (SSN 774). The LSV 2 is being designed and built by an industry team from Newport News Shipbuilding and General Dynamics/Electric Boat Company under contract from Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA).
After delivery in 2001, LSV 2 will operate on Lake Pend Oreille at the Acoustic Research Detachment in Bayview, Idaho, the Navy's laboratory for demonstrating submarine stealth technology. The facility is operated by the Naval Surface Warfare Center's Carderock Division.
Cutthroat, named after a native Idaho trout, was named in 1997 after a selection process by nearby Athol Elementary School. The Navy asked the school to decide on a name from a list of indigenous Idaho fish. Many of these students attended the keel-laying in October 1997 and signed their names on the hull during the November 2000 ceremony.
Cutthroat is similar to Kokanee (LSV-1), but more advanced. Enhancements include a larger overall scale ? 29 percent, vice 25 percent for Kokanee ? which will improve the fidelity of test data to full-scale results. Cutthroat is designed to be more modular than Kokanee, so that major modifications, including radical hull changes, can be made with less impact to other systems onboard the vessel. Another advantage is an increase in ODAS capability. The Cutthroat ODAS will have twice as many data channels recorded as Kokanee at delivery ? 512, vice 256 ? and this is upgradable to 1,536 recorded channels. The Cutthroat ODAS converts the data from analog to digital form and processes the data digitally. In Cutthroat, data recording can be configured electronically under computer control, whereas Kokanee uses a patch panel. Cutthroat is equipped with a 3,000 horsepower permanent-magnet, radial-gap electric propulsion motor, provided to the Navy under a unique partnership agreement with General Dynamics Electric Boat, the owner of the technology. This motor is easily upgradable to 6,000 horsepower. Other order-of-magnitude improvements were engineered into the guidance, navigation, control, and propulsion systems, including the addition of torque sensors and other sensors of mechanical data for better reconstruction of the scenario.
General Characteristics, LSV-2: Large Scale Vehicle 2
Contractor:
Newport News Shipbuilding and General Dynamics Electric Boat
Length:
111 feet (33.83 meters)
Diameter:
10 feet (3.05 meters)
Weight:
205 tons (205,000 metric tons)
Ships:
Cutthroat (LSV 2), christened on November 15, 2000
Propulsion:
Electric drive (3,000 shaft horsepower (shp) plant coupled with electric motor controller, expandable to 6,000 shp with additional motor controlled modules).
Armament:
None
Crew:
None
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