David
Fri December 20, 2002 8:01am
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Members of the flight dec
Members of the flight deck crew inspect the arresting gear aboard USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) before flight operations. The arresting gear is four sturdy cables made of tightly woven high-tensile steel wire, 20 feet from one another at the aft end of the flight deck. These arresting "wires" are snagged by tailhook on an aircraft, making possible the ability to land and come to a full stop within a few hundred feet. Theodore Roosevelt is conducting training in the Atlantic Ocean. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer?s Mate 3rd Class Sabrina A. Day.
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David
Fri December 20, 2002 5:17pm
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Steelworker 3rd Class Joh
Steelworker 3rd Class John Dubois assigned to Naval Mobile Construction Battalion One (NMCB-1) Detachment Sasebo measures a ceiling tile which will be installed in a new permanent guard house being built for the amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2) pier gate guards. NMCB-1 is on a regularly scheduled six-month deployment from Naval Construction Battalion Center, Gulfport, Miss., and are scheduled to conduct various upgrades to existing facilities and facility installation projects at Fleet Activities, Sasebo. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer?s Mate 2nd Class Andrew D. Wiskow.
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David
Fri December 20, 2002 5:17pm
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Steelworker 2nd Class Don
Steelworker 2nd Class Donald Lockhart, a Naval Reservist from Malden, Mass., works on a frame in the welding shop. Petty Officer Lockhart drills with Naval Mobile Construction Battalion Two Seven (NMCB 27), Detachment 16, in Quincy, Mass., and is on annual training with NMCB 5 deployed in Rota, Spain. U.S. Navy photo by Journalist 1st Class Scott Sutherland.
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David
Fri December 20, 2002 5:17pm
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Steel Worker 2nd Class Ca
Steel Worker 2nd Class Carl Hiller of Holly, Mich. stationed with the Naval Mobile Construction Battalion Four Two One (NMCB-421) builds the foundation for the Ball Field Restroom Facility Project. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer?s Mate 3rd Class Katrina L. Beeler.
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David
Fri December 20, 2002 5:17pm
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Steelworker 3rd Class Jor
Steelworker 3rd Class Jorge Garcia from Waco, Texas, communicates strategy from a foxhole during a mini-field exercise (Mini-Fex). U.S. Navy Seabees provide construction and rear-area support to the Navy and Marine Corps front lines as well as significant construction contributions throughout the world. U.S. Navy photo by Journalist 2nd Class Charles Isom.
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David
Fri December 20, 2002 5:17pm
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Steel Worker 3rd Class Do
Steel Worker 3rd Class Don Stansell from Marysville, CA, applies a fresh batch of stucko to the barracks wall. Petty Officer Stansell is attached to Naval Mobile Construction Battalion Four Zero (NMCB-40) and is working on renovating the barracks at Naval Computer Telecommunications Station in Guam. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 3rd Class Lamel J. Hinton.
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David
Fri December 20, 2002 5:17pm
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Steelworker 3rd Class Dan
Steelworker 3rd Class Daniel Montano from Santa Fe, NM, cuts reinforcement wire for what will be a guardhouse. Petty Officer Montano and the Seabees of Naval Mobile Construction Battalion Four Zero (NMCB 40) are working on various construction projects throughout the island of Guam. U. S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 3rd Class Lamel J. Hinton
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David
Thu January 16, 2003 10:34pm
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M577 Mobile Command Post
Function: Mobile command post.
Description: The M577 is very similar to the M113 in appearance. The driver is situated in the left front corner of the vehicle, while the powerpack is located in the right front corner. The M577 retains the M113's torsion bar suspension, utilizing five pairs of evenly spaced aluminum alloy cast road wheels with the drive sprocket in front, the idler wheel to the rear, and no track support return rollers. The track is a steel single pin variety with each track block riding on a replaceable rubber pad. As with the M113, the M577 is fully amphibious, and is equipped with a driver deployable trim vane mounted on the front slope of the hull. The M577 is propelled through the water and maneuvered by track manipulation.
History: Type classified in March 1963 as a mobile command post, the M577 has also been utilized as a mobile field aid station, artillery fire direction center, and communications vehicle. Essentially a vertically expanded M113 armored personnel carrier, the interior of the M577 has been reconfigured to accommodate additional communications equipment, map and tactical information boards, field desks or artillery plotting tables, and additional crewmembers. Each 577 is equipped with an externally mounted electric generator capable of powering the additional equipment to reduce loading on the vehicle's inherit electrical system. In addition, each M577 is equipped with an integral expandable shelter which can be deployed when the vehicle is stationary. In a tactical situation, multiple M577 shelters can be linked together to create an enclosed working space. Like the M113, the M577 is amphibious, and is equipped with a diagram for load equalization, necessary to counteract the M577s high center of gravity. The M577 is equipped with a standard M113 driver's hatch and a single vehicle commander's hatch centered in the roof of the vehicle. The commander's position is equipped with a pintle machine gun mount which may accommodate either an M2 HB caliber .50 machine gun, an M60 7.62mm machine gun, or a Mk19 40mm grenade launcher. The vehicle is equipped with an engine driven Nuclear, Biological, Chemical, filtration system which supplies the crew with purified air via a protective mask hose coupling, but does not over pressurize the crew compartment. Since it's introduction, over 4,000 M577, M577A1, and M577A2 command vehicles have been produced for the United States Army.
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David
Thu January 16, 2003 10:49pm
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AAVP7A1 Amphibious Wheele
Function: Amphibious Assault.
History: The AAV7A1 is the newest Assault Amphibian in a series that started with the Roebling ALLIGATOR. The Alligator was developed over a period of 7 years, starting in 1932. The first "Gators" were a disappointment, in that the water speed was only 2.5 mph. The land speed was 25 mph. Through design changes, and by using larger engines, the water speed of the Alligator was increased to 8.6 mph by 1939. In 1940, Roebling built a new model which was designated the CROCODILE. The Crocodile had a land speed of 25 mph and a water speed of 9.4 mph. The LVT-1 was a direct copy of the Crocodile, except that it was fabricated from sheet steel instead of aluminum. The LVT-1 was in production from 1941 to 1943. Being heavier, the land speed of the LVT-1 was 18 mph and the water speed was 7 mph. A 6-cylinder, 146 hp Hercules engine was used for power. The LVT-1 was propelled by two endless chains fitted with cleats, both in the water and on land. The first LVT-1's were used as logistic support vehicles only. They were not armored and carried no armament, however, this soon changed. At the Battle of Tarawa, bolted on armor plate was used and the vehicles were equipped with one to four 30 cal. machine guns. The second generation of LVT's was the LVT-2. This vehicle was developed in 1941 and was in production from 1942 to 1945. The LVT-2 was the basic design for a series of vehicles used during WW II. This family of vehicles included the: LVTA1, LVTA2, LVT4, LVTA4, and LVTA5. A few of the LVTA5s were modified in 1949 and continued in service until the mid 1950s. These vehicles were powered with 7-cylinder radial aircraft engines built by Continental Motors. These engines developed 220hp, their service life was very short. Major overhaul was scheduled for 100 hours, however few ever lasted that long. The transmission was a 5 speed, manual shift SPICER that incorporated a manually operated steer differential. This transmission had been developed for the M-3 light tank. As a result, the transmission was too narrow for the LVT. This problem was overcome by using four final drives. The internal finals were bolted to the transmission / differential gear case and supported by two mounting yokes. The external final drives were bolted to the hull and powered the drive sprockets. This generation of LVTs was used through the Okinawa campaign in 1945.
Description: The AAVP7A1 is an armored assault amphibious full-tracked landing vehicle. The vehicle carries troops in water operations from ship to shore, through rough water and surf zone. It also carries troops to inland objectives after ashore.
General Characteristics, AAVP7A1
Manufacturer:
FMC Corporation
Date First Prototype:
1979
Date First Production Vehicle:
1983
Crew:
Three
Weight:
Unloaded: 46,314 pounds (with EAAK, less crew, fuel, OEM and ammo)
Combat equipped: 50,758 pounds (EAAK, crew, fuel, OEM and ammo)
Troop loaded: 56,743 pounds (combat equipped with troops)
Cargo loaded: 60,758 pounds (combat equipped with cargo)
Mine clearance kit: 61,158 pounds (combat equipped with MKl MOD 0 MCS)
Load Capacity:
21 Combat Equipped Troops (at 285 pounds) or 10,000 pounds of cargo
Fuel Capacity:
171 gallons
Cruising Range:
Land: 20 to 30 mph
Water: 6 mph
Cruising Speed:
Land: 20 to 30 mph
Water: 6 mph
Maximum Speed Forward:
Land: 45 mph
Water: 8.2 mph
Maximum Speed Reverse:
Land: 12 mph
Water: 4.5 mph
Engine:
Make: Cummins
Model: VT400
Type: 4 cycle, 8 cylinder, 90' Vee, water cooled, turbocharged
Fuel: Multifuel
Cargo Compartment:
Length: 13.5 feet
Width: 6.0 feet
Height: 5.5 feet
Volume: 445.5 cubic feet
Capacity: 21 combat equipped troops
Armament and Ammunition:
HBM2 .50 caliber machine gun
MK 19 MOD3 40 mm machine gun
Unit Replacement Cost:
$2.2-2.5 million
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David
Thu January 16, 2003 11:24pm
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CBU-87 Cluster Bomb
Function: Combined effects sub-munition dispenser.
Background: The CBU-87 Combined Effects Munition (CEM) cluster bomb was introduced in 1986 as a replacement for earlier, Vietnam War-era cluster bombs. The CBU-87 CEM comprises the SUU-64/B Tactical Munitions Dispenser (TMD), the FZU-39 proximity fuse, and 202 BLU-97/B Combined Effect Bomb (CEB) sub-munitions.
The CBU-87 can be delivered at any altitude and at any airspeed. In addition, because the CBU-87 is proximity fused, it can be "toss" delivered, to increase the target standoff distance in high threat environments, and still detonate at the appropriate altitude. The bomblete dispersal pattern and impact area can be modified by adjusting the rate of spin on the munition dispenser and the altitude at which it opens. Set to a low rate of spin (e.g. less than 500 rpm) and opened at low altitude (e.g. less than 300 feet) a single CBU-87 will dispense bomblets over an area of 120 by 200 feet, with an average of 9 feet between bomblets. Depending on spin rate and altitude of dispersal, the coverage pattern can range from 70 x70 feet to 800 x 400 feet.
The BLU-97/B sub-munition is a combined effects munition, providing both anti-armor and anti-personnel effects, as well as an incendiary capability. The munition itself is essentially a small anti-armor shaped charge housed inside a scored steel case, designed to break up into 300 pre-formed fragments upon detonation.
Description: The SUU-64/B is made of fiberglass, and is olive drab in color. The dispenser is approximately 16 inches in diameter, 7.5 feet long, weighs approximately 950 pounds, and on deployment breaks apart into 6 separate pieces.
The BLU-97/B bomblet is yellow in color, approximately 7 inches long, 2.5 inches in diameter, and weighs 3.41 pounds. Prior to deployment the tail end of the bomblet is ringed with a series of copper metal drogue tabs. Once released, the drogue tabs orient the bomblet and deploy the munition's inflatable decelerator (essentially an air inflated pillow which both slows the munition down but orients the warhead.)
General Characteristics, CBU-87 Combined Effects Munition
Manufacturer:
Alliant Techsystems
Length:
7.6 feet (2.35 meters)
Diameter:
15.6 inches
Date Deployed:
1986
Weight:
950 lbs. (432 kg.)
Sub-Munition type:
202 x BLU-97/B CEB
Unit Cost:
$13,941
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David
Thu January 16, 2003 11:24pm
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GBU-24 Paveway III
Description: The GBU-24 Paveway III represents the next step beyond the GBU-10 series of Laser Guided Bomb. Reacting to increased air defense lethality, which force attack aircraft to penetrate the target area in a nap of the earth (NOE) profile, as well as provide a low level LGB option in the event of poor battlefield visibility or low ceiling, the GBU-24 was specifically designed for low altitude deliveries. Utilizing the same principles as the GBU-10, the GBU-24 uses either the Mk. 84 2,000 pound bomb or the BLU-109 penetration bomb with an improved seeker head optimized for low-level release. To increase standoff range and improve low level glide characteristics, the GBU-24 is equipped with significantly larger guidance fins. As with the Paveway I and II, targets may be designated by either the launching aircraft or another aircraft in the area, by an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV), or by personnel on the ground. In addition, since the GBU-24 orients itself on the reflected laser, rather than the target, it can be directed towards a different target after launch simply by pointing the designator at a different target.
The Guided Bomb Unit-24 (GBU-24) Low Level Laser Guided Bomb [LLLGB] consists of either a 2,000-pound MK-84 general purpose or BLU-109 penetrator bomb modified with a Paveway III low-level laser-guided bomb kit to add the proportional guidance in place of the bang-bang type used in the Paveway II. The LLLGB was developed in response to Sophisticated enemy air defenses, poor visibility, and to counter limitations in low ceilings. The weapon is designed for low altitude delivery and with a capability for improved standoff ranges to reduce exposure. The GBU-24 LLLGB/Paveway III has low-level, standoff capability of more than 10 nautical miles. Performance envelopes for all modes of delivery are improved because the larger wings of the GBU-24 increases maneuverability. Paveway III also has increased seeker sensitivity and a larger field of regard.
The operator illuminates a target with a laser designator and then the munition guides to a spot of laser energy reflected from the target. One way to deliver LGBs from low altitude is a loft attack. In this maneuver, the aircraft pulls up sharply at a predetermined point some miles from the target and the LGB is lofted upward and toward the target. However, if the LGB guidance system detects reflected laser energy from the target designator too soon after release, it tends to pull the LGW down below its required trajectory and the bomb will impact well short of the target.
This bomb is not nearly as delivery parameter sensitive as is the Paveway II LGB, nor is it affected by early laser designation. After a proper low altitude delivery, the LLLGB will maintain level flight while looking for reflected laser energy. If it does not detect reflected laser energy, it will maintain level flight to continue beyond the designated target, overflying friendly positions, to impact long, rather than short of the target.
Unlike the Paveway II LGB, the LLLGB can correct for relatively large deviations from planned release parameters in the primary delivery mode (low-altitude level delivery). It also has a larger delivery envelope for the dive, glide and loft modes than does the earlier LGB. The wide field of view and midcourse guidance modes programmed in the LLLGB allow for a "Point Shoot" delivery capability. This capability allows the pilot to attack the target by pointing the aircraft at the target and releasing the weapon after obtaining appropriate sight indications. The primary advantage of this capability is that accurate dive/tracking is not required to solve wind drift problems.
The Multi-Segment Hard Target Penetrator (MSHTP) concept has been designed to use the penetration capability of a BLU-113 or BLU-109 linked to the void counting hard target smart fuse. This weapon detonates a copper cutter charge upon entering the target and cuts the rear portion of the bomb off, which then detonates. The rest of the weapon continues down to the next level.
BLU-116 Advanced Unitary Penetrator [AUP] GBU-24 C/B (USAF) / GBU-24 D/B (Navy)
Air Force Research Laboratory Munitions Directorate engineers have completed development of a new warhead known as the Advanced Unitary Penetrator, or AUP. The warhead was successfully transitioned to the Precision Strike System Program Office at Eglin AFB, Fla. for Engineering Manufacturing Development (EMD) and production. The AUP was developed in less than three years at a cost of less than $8M. AFRL's emphasis on operational suitability as part of AUP weapon design will allow the EMD program to be completed in less than half the time of a normal EMD program.
The Advanced Unitary Penetrator [AUP] hard target penetrator features an elongated narrow diameter case made of a tough nickel-cobalt steel alloy called Air Force 1410. With the official designation of BLU-116, and designated the GBU-24 C/B (USAF) and GBU-24 D/B (Navy), is designed to provide at least twice the penetration capability of existing BLU-109 2000-pound bombs. The AUP is being demonstrated with Boeing as prime and Lockheed-Martin as subcontractor. Penetration capability is directly proportional to the warhead's sectional density--its weight divided by its cross section. The AUP maximizes sectional density by reducing the explosive payload and using heavy metals in the warhead case. Lower explosive payload will diminish dispersion of NBC agents to help reduce collateral effects. The AUP will retain the carriage and flight characteristics of the BLU-109, and it will be compatible with the GBU-24, GBU-27, and GBU-15/AGM-130 series of precision-guided bombs. Thus, the AUP will be capable of delivery from a wider inventory of aircraft, including stealth platforms, than the BLU-113/GBU-28. A proposal to replace the current CALCM warhead with an AUP warhead provides 2.5 times BLU-109 penetration capability.
The AUP development effort was conducted in support of the Counterproliferation Initiative (CPI) Advanced Concept Technology Demonstration (ACTD). The program objective was to develop and demonstrate a weapon that could be rapidly transitioned for Air Force and Navy use against hardened targets associated with the production, storage, and weaponization of chemical or biological agents. Normally, the introduction of a new weapon is a very long, expensive, and tedious process - as long as ten years or more. The associated cost may be tens of millions of dollars.
The 1700-pound AUP warhead is tucked inside a lightweight aerodynamic shroud. This "outer skin" gives the AUP the exact physical and aerodynamic characteristics of the BLU-109. The shroud strips away from the internal penetrator when the weapon impacts the target. Compared to the BLU-109, the AUP has thicker case walls, a tougher case material, an improved nose shape, and a smaller explosive charge. The cross-sectional area of the AUP penetrator, however, is only half as great as the cross-sectional area of the BLU-109. A smaller explosive charge reduces collateral damage potential by reducing blast overpressure that could expel chemical or biological agents from the target. A long testing series demonstrated AUP's compatibility with the Munitions Directorate-developed Hard Target Smart Fuze (HTSF). The HTSF allows the AUP to be detonated at the optimal point within a target to inflict maximum damage. That ability compensates for the reduction in explosive charge.
Because it is a "twin" to the BLU-109, the AUP can utilize a proven system of hardbacks, guidance units, and tail fin kits. The costs associated with developing new kits is eliminated. The operational users - pilots, weapon handlers and load crews - will gain the improved war fighting capabilities of the AUP without the costs associated with retraining support personnel or the acquisition of new delivery systems and support equipment. Battle commanders will also have increased ability to neutralize deeply buried hardened targets.
GBU-24E/B
GBU-24E/B, an Enhanced Paveway Laser Guided Bomb, is a precision-guided hardened target penetrator used to destroy hardened aircraft hangers and underground bunkers. It integrates a Global Positioning System and a ring laser gyro inertial measuring unit (IMU) to the already fielded GBU-24B/B "Paveway III" with the existing laser guidance. A new guidance and control unit has been modified to incorporate GPS electronics, GPS antenna, IMU and software for precision GPS/INS guidance. Testing of this system began in late 1999.
Background: Precision-guided munitions (PGM) can trace their origins back to World War Two. These early weapons, such as the QB-17G "Aphrodite" were essentially airframes packed with explosives and guided via radio direction signals to their target, where they would crash and explode. While guidance was extremely crude by today's standards, these weapons were more accurate than conventional dropped munitions, and did not expose aircrews to deadly enemy anti-aircraft fire. Unfortunately, such weapons were unwieldy, unsuitable for small targets, and were themselves subject to defensive fire. The first truly precision-guided munitions did not appear until the Vietnam War. Serving as a major supply conduit for North Vietnam, the mile long Paul Doumer Bridge over the Red River was the most important ground target of the war. Unfortunately, it was also one of the most heavily defended, its approaches ringed with anti-aircraft guns and surface to air missile emplacements. While American pilots were able to attack the bridge using conventional munitions, such missions were extremely hazardous and casualties were high. In 1967 the Rockwell International Corporation was tasked with producing a precision munition using electro-optical guidance technology. The end result was the GBU (Guided Bomb Unit) 8 or Homing Bomb System (HOBOS), a conventional Mk. 84 2,000 pound bomb with a TV like electro-optical guidance package in the nose to provide direction and a modified tail fin assembly in the rear to provide lift. To launch the GBU-8 the pilot aligned the TV camera sight in the bomb with the target and the weapons officer locked the bomb's seeker onto the target. Once aligned, the bomb could be released well away from the target area and it would guide itself into the target with a high degree of accuracy.
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David
Thu January 16, 2003 11:24pm
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Mk. 80 Series General Pur
Function: General Purpose, low drag free-fall bomb.
Background: The Mk 80 series bombs are is a non-guided, low drag, free-fall, general purpose explosives. The cases are relatively light; approximately 45 percent of their total weight is explosive filler and are designed to be streamlined, so as to reduce aerodynamic resistance. Mk. 80 GP bombs are typically used in situations where pin-point accuracy is not critical and where maximum blast and explosive effects are desired. There are currently four variants of the Mk. 80 GP bomb: the Mk. 81 250 pound bomb, the Mk. 82 500 pound bomb, the Mk. 83 1,000 pound bomb, and the Mk. 84 2,000 pound bomb.
These bombs are usually equipped with both nose and tail mechanical fuses for ground bursts, or a radar-proximity fuse for air-bursts. For low altitude delivery, the Mk. 80 series bombs may be equipped with either a high-drag "popout" tail fin assembly or "ballute" (combination balloon/parachute) drogue assembly. These retardation devices slow the descent rate of the bomb significantly, allowing the releasing aircraft to maneuver clear of the target area prior to detonation.
Thermally protected versions of the Mk. 80 series were developed for use on aircraft carriers. These weapons are filled with a less sensitive explosive and treated to resist "cook off" in the event of exposure to an aviation fuel fire.
Two hard target penetration variants of the Mk. 80 series are currently in production. The BLU-111 is the 500lb variant and the BLU-110 is the 1,000 pound variant. The bomb case is made from forged steel, and the H-6 or Tritonal explosive filler has been replaced with PBNX-109.
Description: The basic Mk. 80 GP bomb consists of a an explosive filled metal case. Specific fuses may be added to the nose and tail sections of the case, depending on the desired blast effect, and the case can be equipped with either low drage guidance fins or a high drag "popout" fin or "ballute" assembly.
General Characteristics, Mk. 80 Series General Purpose Free Fall Bombs
Length:
Mk.81: 46 in. (1.18 meters)
Mk.82: 66.15 in. (2.21 meters)
Mk.83: 119.49 in. (3 meters)
Mk.84: 129 in.(3.31 meters)
Diameter:
Mk.81: 8.9 in.
Mk.82: 10.75 in.
Mk.83: 14.06 in.
Mk.84: 18 in.
Filler types:
H-6, Minol II, PBNX-109, Tritonal
Date Deployed:
1950s
Weight:
Mk.81: 250 lb (113 kg)
Mk.82: 500 lb (227 kg)
Mk.83: 1,000 lb (455 kg)
Mk.84: 2,000 lb (909 kg)
Filler Weight:
Mk.81:
Mk.82: 192 lb (89 kg)
Mk.83: 385 lb (202 kg)
Mk.84: 945 lb (430 kg)
Unit Cost:
Mk.81:
Mk.82: $268.50
Mk.83:
Mk.84: $3,100
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David
Thu January 16, 2003 11:48pm
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M18A1 Claymore
Description: The M18A1 antipersonnel mine was standardized in 1960, and replaced the M18 antipersonnel mine. Both mines are similar in appearance and functioning. The M18A1 claymore mine is a fragmentation munition that contains 700 steel balls and 682 grams of composition C4 explosive. It weighs 1.6 kilograms and can be detonated by command It is activated by electric or nonelectric blasting caps that are inserted into the detonator well. When employed in the controlled role, it is treated as a one-shot weapon. It is primarily designed for use against massed infantry attacks; however, its fragments are also effective against light vehicles. The M18A1 mine is equipped with a fixer plastic slit-type sight (knife-edge sight on later model), adjustable legs, and two detonator wells. The number of ways in which the Claymore may be employed is limited only by the imagination of the user. The Claymore is used primarily as a defensive weapon, but has its application in the offensive role. It must be emphasized that when the Claymore is referred to as a weapon, this implies that it is employed in the controlled role. In the uncontrolled role, the Claymore is considered a mine or boobytrap. When detonated, the M18A1 mine will deliver its spherical steel fragments over a 60? fan-shaped pattern that is 2 meters high and 50 meters wide at a range of 50 meters. These fragments are moderately effective up to a range of 100 meters and can travel up to 250 meters forward of the mine. The optimum effective range (the range at which the most desirable balance is achieved between lethality and area coverage) is 50 meters.
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David
Thu January 16, 2003 11:48pm
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M2 SLAM
Description: The M2 selectable lightweight attack munition (SLAM) is a multipurpose munition with an anti-tamper feature. The SLAM is compact and weighs only 1 kilogram, so it is easily portable. The SLAM is intended for use against APCs, parked aircraft, wheeled or tracked vehicles, stationary targets (such as electrical transformers), small fuel-storage tanks (less than 10,000-gallon), and ammunition storage facilities. The explosive formed projectile (EFP) warhead can penetrate 40 millimeters of homogeneous steel.
The SLAM has two models -- one is self-neutralizing (M2) and the other is self-destructing (M4): The M2 is solid green and has no labels, brands, or other distinguishing marks. This device is used by SOF and is not available to other units.
The M4 is green with a black warhead (EFP) face. This device is normally used by units designated as light, airborne, air assault, crisis response, and rapid deployment.
The SLAM has four possible modes of detonation--bottom attack, side attack, timed demolition, and command detonation. Bottom Attack: The SLAM has a built-in magnetic sensor, so it can be used as a magnetic- influenced munition against trucks and light armored vehicles. It can be concealed along trails and roads where target vehicles operate and can be camouflaged with dry leaves, grass, and so forth without affecting EFP performance. Mud, gravel, water, and other debris that fill the EFP cup have minimal impact on EFP formation and effectiveness as long as the debris does not extend beyond the depth of the EFP cup. The magnetic sensor is designed to trigger detonation when it senses a vehicle's overpass. For the EFP to form properly, it needs a minimum of 13 centimeters from the point of emplacement to the target. The bottom-attack mode is active when the selector switch is set to 4, 10, or 24 HOURS and the passive infrared sensor (PIRS) cover is in place. The SLAM will self-destruct (M4) or self-neutralize (M2) if the selected time expires before the SLAM is detonated by a vehicle. Side Attack: The SLAM is equipped with a PIRS that was specifically developed for the side-attack mode. The PIRS detects trucks and light armored vehicles by sensing the change in background temperature when vehicles cross in front of the PIRS port. The PIRS is directional and aligned with the EFP when the device is aimed. The side-attack mode is active when the SLAM selector switch is set to 4, 10, or 24 HOURS and the PIRS cover is removed to expose the PIRS. The SLAM will self-destruct (M4) or self-neutralize (M2) if the selected time expires before it is detonated by a vehicle. Timed Demolition: The SLAM's built-in timer will trigger detonation at the end of a selected time. The timed-demolition mode is active when the SLAM selector switch is set to 15, 30, 45, or 60 MINUTES. In this mode, the magnetic sensor and the PIRS are inoperable, and the SLAM will detonate after the selected time has expired. Command Detonation: This mode provides manual warhead initiation using standard military blasting caps and a priming adapter (Figure 4-7). The command-detonation capability bypasses the SLAM's fuse and safing and arming (S&A) assembly. The SLAM has an anti-tamper feature that is only active in the bottom- and side-attack modes. The SLAM will detonate when an attempt is made to change the selector switch's position after arming.
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David
Sat January 18, 2003 1:28pm
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Mist of Time
Mist of Time
by Phillip Steel
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The Patriot Files Forums
