David
Sat January 3, 2004 10:02pm
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ZU-23 23mm Anti-Aircraft
Function: Lightweight towed anti-aircraft gun.
Background: Introduced in 1964 the ZU-23 was a lightweight air-transportable anti-aircraft gun system. The ZU-23 saw extensive use with airborne and airmobile units, as well as some use in lower readiness motorized rifle units that had not received the mechanized ZSU-23-4 self-propelled air-defense artillery vehicle.
The ZU-23 has an effective range of 2,500 meters vs. air targets, is effective against light armored vehicles and ground targets, and can be fired while limbered.
Description: The ZU-23 weapon system consists of two air-cooled 23mm automatic only cannons mounted on a two wheel transport-firing carriage. While the gun can be fired while limbered for traveling, it is intended to be emplaced wheels up, suspended on its carriage. The carriage contains three built in jacks to level the platform.
General Characteristics, ZU-23 23mm Anti-Aircraft Gun
Length:
14.85 feet (4.57 meters)
Width:
5.95 feet (1.83 meters)
Height:
9.33 feet (2.87 meters)
Weight:
1900 pounds
Rate of Fire:
Maximum:
800-1000 rounds per minute, per gun.
Sustained:
200 rounds per minute per gun.
Maximum Range:
2,500 meters vs. air targets
Introduction Date:
1964
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David
Sat January 3, 2004 10:15pm
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BTR-60 APC
Function: Soviet 1950 era wheeled APC.
Background: Introduced in 1963 as a replacement for the fully tracked BTR-50, the BTR-60 represents the first of a series of 8x8 wheeled APC that are still in production in the former Soviet Union. In terms of numbers produced, the BTR-60 was the most important vehicle in the Soviet Army and was issued to the Soviet naval Infantry. In addition, the BTR-60 has been supplied to most Warsaw Pact countries in addition to North Korea. The BTR-60 has also been manufactured in Czechoslovakia and Poland.
Initial BTR-60s were equipped with a single 12.7mm DShK machine gun and two PKT 7.62mm machineguns, all mounted forward of the personnel compartment. Later models used the standard Warsaw Pact APC weapons turret equipped with one KPV 14.5mm machine gun and one PKT 7.62mm machine gun. Power is supplied to all eight wheels by means of a unique twin engine/transmission arrangement. The BTR-60 uses two V-8 90hp gasoline engines and two separate transmissions; one supplies power to the 1st and 3rd axles and the other supplies power to the 2nd and 4th axles.
The BTR-60 is fully amphibious and does not require any preparation time. Steering, both on land and in the water, is provided by the forward two axles, which are also power assisted. Water propulsion is provided by a single rear mounted water jet.
Although the BTR-70 began to replace the BTR-60 in 1978, the BTR-60 has never been retired, and continues to serve in Russian reserve formations and numerous countries world-wide.
Description: The BTR-60 an all-wheeled 8x8 fully amphibious armored personnel carrier. The boat shaped vehicle is divided up into three sections: crew compartment, personnel compartment, and engine compartment. In early versions the personnel compartment is open topped; in later versions the entire vehicle is fully enclosed. The BTR-60 may be readily distinguished from the later 70/80/90 series by the presence of a single "automotive-type" muffler exhaust located on either side of the hull rear.
The BTR-60 "P" and "PA" variants are equipped with a single 12.7mm DShK machine gun and two PKT 7.62mm machineguns. These MGs are mounted forward of the personnel compartment, and require the gunners to be exposed while firing. Because of the size of the gunner's position, only two of the three MGs can be manned at any given time. The "PB" model is equipped with a small, one man, turret, mounted over the second axle that contains one KPV 14.5mm machine gun and one PKT 7.62mm machine gun.
In all models, the personnel compartment can only be accessed from the roof of the carrier. There are three infantry mounting steps on each side of the vehicle, mounted between the road wheels, and three additional mounting rails located on the hull above the steps. There is a large personnel compartment access hatch located on each side of the hull.
General Characteristics, BTR-60 Armored Personnel Carrier
Manufacturers:
Soviet Union, Czechoslovakia, and Poland.
Transmission:
2x manual
Engine:
2x 90hp V-8 gasoline
Length:
23.47 feet (7.22 meters)
Width:
9.17 feet (2.82 meters)
Height:
6.7 feet (2.06 meters)
Combat Weight:
10.1 tons
Cruising Range:
500 kilometers
Speed:
Maximum: 50mph ( 80kph)
Off-road: 38mph (60kph)
Fording:
Fully amphibious without preparation
Crew:
Two (driver, gunner-commander)
12 passengers
Armament:
Main:
One 12.7mm DShK HMG (BTR-60P)
One 14.5mm KPV HMG (BTR-60PB)
Secondary:
Two7.62mm PKT-T MG (BTR-60P)
One 7.62mm PKT-T MG (BTR-60PB)
Introduction Date:
1961
Variants:
BTR-60P: Initial production model. The BTR-60P was open topped and armed with a single 12.7mm DShK machine gun.
BTR-60PA: Modified "P" model. Incorporates overhead cover for the personnel compartment. Because of space restrictions in the gunner's hatch, no more than two of the weapons can be manned at any given time.
BTR-60PB: Most widely fielded varient. Has increased overhead protection for passengers and crew and incorporates the standard Warsaw Pact APC weapons turret. This one-man turret houses one KPV 14.5mm machine gun and one PKT 7.62mm machine gun.
BTR-60PBK: Command variant with additional communications equipment.
BTR-60 PU: Armored command vehicle (ACV) variant for battalion level. The "PU" is open-topped and can be identified by its canvas roof, additional communication equipment and lack of weapons turret. The "PU" also has an easily recognizable dipole antenna that runs nearly all around the top of the vehicle.
BTR-60 PU-12 and -12M: "U" and "PU" variants used by air defense controllers and configured for ground to air communication.
BTR-60 R-975: Forward Air Control Vehicle (FACV). A modified BTR-60PB with sighting optics and laser designator installed in the turret in place of the weapons. Can also be identified by the large portable generator mounted on the rear of the vehicle.
MTP-2: Armored recovery vehicle.
R-145BM: ACV used ad Brigade level. Has increased radio range and communications capabilities.
ACRV 1V18: Artillery command and reconnaissance vehicle. The 1V18 is a command and observation vehicle (COP) while the 1V19 variant serves as an artillery fire direction center (FDC).
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David
Sat January 3, 2004 10:15pm
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T-55 MBT
Function: Soviet front line MBT during the 1950s.
Background: Introduced in 1949, the T-54/55 is in service with more countries world-wide and in greater numbers than any other tank manufactured since World War II. The first new tank of the post-World War II Soviet Union, the T-54/55 can trace its lineage back to the IS series Stalin heavy tanks and the revolutionary T-34 medium tanks.
The T-54 entered production in the Soviet Union in 1947, and was fielded with Soviet ground forces in 1949. By 1958, the T-54 had undergone a number of improvements and modifications and was re-designated the T-55. The T-55 represents an evolution of the T-54 rather than a completely new design.
The T-55 was produced by the Soviet Union through 1981. In addition, the T-55 was also produced in China (where it was designated the Type 59), Czechoslovakia, and Poland. The T-55 is capable of fording to a depth of 1.4m without modification and to 5.5m with the addition of a snorkel kit. The T-55 is capable of producing onboard smoke by injecting vaporized diesel fuel directly onto the engine exhaust.
Though time and technology have rendered the T-55 obsolete as a front-line main battle tank, large numbers of 54/55s remain in service with militaries world-wide. The T-55 saw service in Hungary in 1956, Czechoslovakia in 1968, and in Syria in 1970. In addition, it was the main battle tank used by the Arab forces during the 1967 and 1973 Arab-Israeli wars. During the 1970s the T-54/55 also saw extensive use during the border wars in Africa. Since so many T-54/55s remain in service, many countries, such as Israel, Pakistan, and India offer upgrade packages to rebuild existing tanks using more modern, and in many cases Western, fire control components, thus extending their usable life even further.
There are currently seven production models of the T-54/55, and more than a dozen variants.
Description: The T-54/55 tank follows a conventional layout, with a dome-shaped turret centrally located on the hull and the engine mounted in the rear. The 54/55 has a crew of four; driver (located in the left hand side of the hull, forward of the turret) loader (right hand side of the turret) tank commander and gunner (both located on the left side of the turret.
The T-54/55 can be identified by the distinct gap between the first and second of its five large cast road wheels. The 54/55 uses steel track (this may be substituted for padded track in modified versions), a torsion bar "live track" suspension with no return rollers and a rear mounted drive sprocket. The T-55 does not use armored fuel cells. Instead, the fuel is stored in exposed tanks on the track fenders. The engine exhaust is expelled out the left rear side of the hull.
The 100mm cannon is centrally mounted in the turret. The cannon trunions are not protected by an armored mantlet, but rather a canvas sleeve that protects the mechanism from the elements. There is no fume extractor on the T-54, while the T-55 has a bore evacuator mounted on the muzzle of the gun.
There are two hatches on the top of the turret (loader's and tank commanders.) Both hatches open forward. In the T-54 the 12.7mm DShK AA MG is mounted in the commander's station; on the T-55 ("A" version and beyond) the machine gun is located in the loader's position.
Two infantry support rails (one straight, one curved) are affixed to the turret sides. These may be removed to accommodate ERA, APS or applique armor packages. If present the main IR searchlight will be mounted on top of the turret (to the left of the gun.) An additional searchlight may be mounted on the commander's hatch. If present, the laser rangefinder will be mounted externally on the top of the main gun itself.
Because the T-55 does not use synchronized optics for the main gun, another identifying characteristic of the T-55 is the large sighting oval on the left hand side of the turret next to the gun mantlet. The aperture on the right hand side of the turret is the firing port for the coaxial PKT-T machine gun.
General Characteristics, T-55 Main Battle Tank
Manufacturers:
Soviet Union, Czechoslovakia, and Poland
Transmission:
Automatic
Engine:
580hp liquid cooled V-12 diesel
Length. Gun Forward:
20.15 feet (6.20 meters)
Width:
11.7 feet (3.60 meters)
Height:
7.54 feet (2.32 meters)
Combat Weight:
40.5 tons
Cruising Range:
500 kilometers (715 kilometers with additional fuel tanks)
Speed:
Maximum: 31 mph (50 kph)
Off road: 22 mph (35 kph)
Fording:
Without Preparation:
54.5 feet (1.4 meters)
With Snorkel:
17.9 feet (5.5 meters)
Crew:
Four (Loader, driver, gunner, tank commander)
Armament:
Main:
100mm rifled gun, D-10T2S
AT-10 Sheksna Cannon launched ATGM
Secondary:
One 12.7mm DShK anti-aircraft machine gun (loader's station.)
One 7.62mm PKT-T coaxial machine gun
Ammunition:
43 main gun rounds.
Sensors:
Drozd APS (T-55AMD, T-55AD Drozd)
Introduction Date:
1949
Variants:
T-54A: The initial production model of the T-54 tank. It has a bore evacuator at the end of the barrel for the 100mm gun, a stabilization system for the main gun (in the vertical plane only) and deep fording equipment. The turret is also equipped with a coaxially mounted PKT-T 7.62mm machine gun, and the tank commander's station is equipped with a 12.7mm DShK anti-aircraft machine gun.
T-54AK: Command tank variant of the T-54. The AK variant is a T-54A with long-range radio transmitting capability. The Polish model is the T-54AD.
T-54B: Equipped with active infra-red sights, giving the tank a limited night time fighting ability.
T-55: Essentially an upgraded T-54. The T-55 incorporates a more powerful water-cooled V-12 diesel engine. The cruising range has also been increased from 400km to 500km (range can be increased to 715km with the addition of auxiliary fuel tanks mounted on the rear of the hull.) The T-55 uses a new turret design, which incorporates an improve ventilation design and hatch design. The initial production T-55 did not have the 12.7mm DShK AA MG.
T-55A: Incorporates a new anti-radiation lining in the turret as well as a Nuclear Biological Chemical (NBC) air filtration system. The T-55A Model 1970 saw the re-introduction of the 12.7mm DShK AA MG, though it is now mounted at the loader's station.
T-55M: Added the Soviet made Volna fire control system (dual axis stabilization, laser range finder) as well as a cannon launched ATGM (AT-10 Sheksna.) Upgrades in armor protection included the addition of side skirts on the track, applique armor, as well as smoke grenade launchers. T-54s upgraded to the "M" standard were designated the T-54M
T-55AM: Adds an armor band around the front of turret for 180? coverage (similar to the T-72B "Dolly Parton" variant.)
T-55AMV: Substitutes Explosive Reactive Armor for the "bra" armor belt of the "AM" variant. Some variants have replaced the standard T-55 V-12 diesel with the 780hp V-46 12 cylinder diesel engine from T-72 MBT.
T-55AM2B: Czech version of T-55AMV with Czech built Kladivo fire control system.
T-55AM2: Variant of the T-55AM that incorporates all of the upgrades of the "M" and "AM" except for the Volna fire control system and cannon launched AT-10 ATGM.
T-55AM2P: Polish version of T-55AMV. Equipped with the Polish built Merida fire control system.
T-55AMD: T-55AMV incorporating the Drozd Active Protection System (APS) instead of ERA. Developed by the Soviet Union in 1977, the Drozd system was designed as an active defense against ATGMs and anti-tank grenades. The system was based on a number of millimeter-wave radar transceivers situated around the turret. The radar sensors would detect the approach of an ATGM and fire off short-ranged fragmentation rockets that were intended to shred the incoming missile. To prevent accidental discharge, the system was equipped with a filter to react only to objects flying at characteristic ATGM speeds. The four-barreled launchers were located on the forward part of the turret and only provided protection for the front 60? portion of the turret. To change the covered arc of coverage the crew would have to rotate the turret and orient the coverage cone on the threat.
T-55AD Drozd: Naval Infantry T-55A variant equipped with Drozd but not the Volna fire control system or ERA.
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David
Sat January 3, 2004 10:24pm
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Alpha Class Nuclear Attac
Function: Nuclear powered attack submarine.
History: The K.377 class (or zolotaya ruba, meaning "Golden Fish") nuclear attack submarine (SSN) was initiated in 1957 as a purpose built carrier battle group "interceptor." Designated Project 705, the Lyra was built to wait in port until offshore sensors detected the approach of enemy carrier battlegroups, at which time the crew would board the submarine and, vectored toward the approaching enemy fleet by ground controllers, make a high speed attack run using 53cm torpedoes. To meet these requirements, the submarine had to be fast, which in turn, required it to be small and powerful. To this end, everything was sacrificed in the name of reducing the hull's "wetted" area (that portion of the submarine in contact with the water), displaced weight and maximizing the its power output. To save on weight the reactor was designed to run automatically and sealed off from the rest of the ship by a single bulkhead. To increase power, a design cooled by liquid metal (sodium) was selected over a more conventional water cooled model. Because the Pr. 705 would not be used for extended patrols at sea, many of its systems were automated, and the crew was slashed to 29-43 officers. Lastly, in order to improve diving depth and reduce weight, a revolutionary titanium alloy was used in constructing the hull.
Unfortunately, the technology required to fabricate titanium on such a scale did not exist at the time and it was not until 1965 that the design was ready for production. Furthermore, by the time the Pr. 705 submarines were ready for production, the primary threat to the Soviet Union, and the whole reason for the class' existence, had shifted from the carrier battlegroup to the ballistic missile submarine. Nonetheless, production continued and eventually 7 submarines were built. Hated by the Soviet Navy as well as the crews aboard them, the 705's were so obsolete by the time they entered service that there was never any serious indication that they would ever be deployed. Because their automated systems were susceptible to damage by exposure to radiation the reactor systems were unreliable and it is believed that 4 of the 7 suffered reactor failures. Eventually the submarines were deemed to dangerous to be tolerated and all were pulled from service by 1995. Roughly equivalent to the American 1957 USS Seawolf (the only American submarine to use a liquid metal reactor) in design philosophy, by the time they were launched the Lyra I class submarines were hopelessly outclassed by current American SSNs.
General Characteristics, Lyra I Class
Builders:
Admiralty Yard, Leningrad Sevmashpredpriyatiye, Severodvinshk
Power Plant:
One BM-40A or OK.550 rated at 155 Megawatts, one OK.7 steam turbine, one shaft with one VRSh-5 controllable pitch screw, 47,000 shaft horsepower
Length, Overall:
260.8 feet (79.5 meters)
Beam:
31.2 feet (9.5 meters)
Draft:
22.6 feet (6.9 meters)
Displacement:
4,320 tons submerged
Speed:
43 knots submerged
Crew:
29 - 43 Officers
Maximum Safe Diving Depth:
1,150 feet
Armament:
Six bow mounted 53cm torpedo tubes
53-65K torpedoes
SET-65 torpedoes
Sensors:
Accord combat direction system
Leningrad-705 fire control system
Radar:
One MRK.50 Topol surface search radar
One Sozh navigation radar
Sonar:
One Okean active/passive sonar suite
One MG-24 Luch mine detection sonar
Countermeasures:
Bukhta ESM/ECM system
Two MG-74 Korund noise simulation decoys
One Yenisei sonar intercept reciever
Khrom-KM IFF system
Ships:
K.377, commissioned 1972, suffered reactor accident during sea trials, dismantled immediatly thereafter.
K.316, commissioned 1979, reactor destroyed in 1982 when coolant solidified. Dismantled in 1985.
K.373, commissioned in 1978, suffered reactor meltdown. Hull cut in half and forward half used as experimental test bed.
K.123, launched in 1977, liquid metal coolant contaminated engine compartment in 1982. New engine compartment installed and submarine was finally comissioned in 1991. Redesignated B.123, served as a floating pier until decommissioned in 1995.
K.432, commissioned in 1982, struck a whale during sea trials. Repairs completed in 1988 but never recommissioned. Dismantled in 1993.
K.463, commissioned in 1982, suffered unspecified reactor accident. Engine compartment decontaminated and a VM-4 conventional water cooled plant from a Pr. 671B submarine installed sometime after 1986. Served as a test bed until scrapped in 1994.
K.493, commissioned in 1983, was re-engined with a VM-4 conventional water cooled plant and served as a training ship for submariners. Reactor has since been removed and hull is awaiting scrapping in St. Petersburg.
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David
Sat January 3, 2004 10:35pm
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T-AK - Maritime Prepositi
Function: The 13 Maritime Prepositioning Ships are part of Military Sealift Command's Prepositioning Program. They preposition U.S. Marine Corps vehicles, equipment and ammunition throughout the world.
History: The Cpl. Louis J. Hauge, Jr. Class is the original class of MPS ships chartered by Military Sealift Command. The five ships are Maersk Line ships converted by Bethlehem Steel. During conversion, the ships gained an additional 157 feet amidships and a helicopter landing pad, among other additions. The Sgt. Matej Kocak Class, the second class of MPS ships chartered by MSC, also gained 157 feet amidships and a helicopter landing platform after conversion. These ships, delivered to MSC in the mid-1980s, are National Steel and Shipbuilding, San Diego, conversion ships owned and operated by Waterman Steamship Corp. The 2nd Lt. John P. Bobo Class ships are new construction ships delivered to MSC in the mid-1980s from General Dynamics, Quincy, Mass. They are owned and operated by American Overseas Marine.
Description: The MPS ships are assigned to three Maritime Prepositioning Ship squadrons located in the Mediterranean, the Indian Ocean at Diego Garcia and the Western Pacific at Guam and Saipan. The MPS ships in each squadron have sufficient equipment, supplies and ammunition to support a Marine Corps Air Ground Task Force for 30 days. The MPS ships are self-sustaining, having cranes which enable them to unload their own cargo.
General Characteristics, Cpl. Louis J. Hauge, Jr. Class
Builders:
Odense Staalskibsvaerft A/S, Lindo
Power Plant:
One Sulzer 7RND76M diesel; 16,800 horsepower; one shaft; bow thruster
Length, Overall:
755 feet (230.12 meters)
Beam:
90 feet (27.43 meters)
Displacement:
46,552 long tons (47,299.07 metric tons) full load
Speed:
17.5 knots (20.14 mph, 32.41 kph)
Crew:
32 civilians, 10 technicians
Ships:
MV Cpl. Louis J. Hauge, Jr. (ex-MV Estelle Maersk) (T-AK 3000)
MV PFC William B. Baugh (ex-MV Eleo Maersk) (T-AK 3001)
MV PFC James Anderson, Jr. (ex-MV Emma Maersk) (T-AK 3002)
MV 1st Lt. Alex Bonnyman (ex-MV Emilie Maersk) (T-AK 3003)
MV Pvt. Franklin J. Phillips (ex-Pvt. Harry Fisher, ex-MV Evelyn Maersk) (T-AK 3004)
General Characteristics, Sgt. Matej Kocak Class
Builders:
Pennsylvania SB Company, Chester, PA
Power Plant:
Two boilers; two GE turbines; 30,000 horsepower; one shaft
Length, Overall:
821 feet (250.24 meters)
Beam:
105.6 feet (32.19 meters)
Displacement:
48,754 long tons (49,536.41 metric tons) full load
Speed:
20 knots (23.02 mph, 37.05 kph)
Cargo Capacity:
Containers, 532; ro-ro, 152,236 square feet; JP-5 bbls, 20,290; DF-2 bbls, 12,355; Mogas bbls, 3,717; stable water, 2,189; cranes, two twin 50 ton and 1-30 ton gantry
Helicopters:
Platform Only
Crew:
34 civilians, 10 technicians
Ships:
MV Sgt. Matej Kocak (Ex-SS John B. Waterman) (T-AK 3005)
MV PFC Eugene A. Obregon (ex-SS Thomas Heywood) (T-AK 3006)
MV Maj. Stephen W. Pless (ex-SS Charles Carroll) (T-AK 3007)
General Characteristics, 2nd Lt. John P. Bobo Class
Builders:
General Dynamics, Quincy
Power Plant:
Two Stork-Wartsilia Werkspoor 16TM410 diesels; 27,000 horsepower sustained; one shaft, bow thruster; 1,000 horsepower
Length, Overall:
675.2 feet (205.80 meters)
Beam:
105.5 feet (32.16 meters)
Displacement:
44,330 long tons (45,041.41 metric tons) full load
Speed:
18 knots (20.71 mph, 33.33 kph)
Cargo Capacity:
Containers, 530; ro-ro, 152,185 square feet; JP-5 bbles, 20,776; DF-2 bbls, 13,334; Mogas bbls, 4,880; stable water, 2,357; cranes, one single and two twin 39 ton
Helicopters:
Platform Only
Crew:
38 civilians, 10 technicians
Ships:
MV 2nd Lt. John P. Bobo (T-AK 3008)
MV PFC Dewayne T. Williams (T-AK 3009)
MV 1st Lt. Baldomero Lopez (T-AK 3010)
MV 1st Lt. Jack Lummus (T-AK 3011)
MV Sgt. William R. Button (T-AK 3012)
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David
Sat January 3, 2004 10:46pm
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Landing Craft, Air Cushio
Function: Heavy lift, high speed, over the horizon air cushion landing craft.
Description: The Landing Craft, Air Cushion (LCAC), is a heavy lift, high speed landing craft which floats on a layer of air. Where conventional landing craft have a maximum speed of 8 knots and had to move to within two miles before loading and landing troops ashore, the LCAC can load and assault from 50 miles out and deliver its payload at 35 knots or more. In addition, where conventional landing craft are limited to less than 17% of the world's beach area, the LCAC can ignore the effects of tides, ocean depth, sand bars and underwater obstacles, ice, marshes, wetlands, and can clear above ground obstacles up to 4 feet high, giving it access to over 80% of the world's beaches. Lastly, where conventional landing craft are of limited value in transporting troops and equipment in other than assault conditions, the LCAC is capable of delivering payloads far inland, using existing road networks or accessible terrain, to prevent the dangerous buildup of equipment and supplies on the beach, or rapidly shuttling troops and equipment up and down the beach to meet critical tactical needs. The LCAC achieves its performance by floating four feet above the ground or ocean. Where conventional landing craft and surface effect ships have at least some portion of their hull in the water, the LCAC hovers above it. The air cushion is formed by a flexible, rubberized canvas skirt which surrounds the bottom of the LCAC and filled by four centrifugal fans driven by two of the craft's Avco-Lycoming gas turbine engines, each of which generates 12,280 brake horsepower. Each LCAC is capable of transporting up to 60 tons of payload (75 tons in approved overload situations) or up to 180 combat soldiers, and has front and rear loading ramps fro rapid transfer of cargo. The LCAC is compatible with all existing Amphibious Warfare transports and carriers, and can be driven directly into the loading area (forgoing the need for a lengthy recovery operation) for rapid reloading and combat turn around.
General Characteristics, Landing Craft, Air Cushion
Builders:
Textron Marine and Land systems, Lockheed, Avondale Gulfport Marine
Power Plant:
Four Avco-Lycoming gas turbines (two for propulsion, two for lift), 12,280 brake horsepower each, two shrouded reversible-pitch propellers, four double-entry fans for lift
Length, Overall:
88 feet
Beam:
47 feet
Displacement:
200 tons full load
Speed:
40 knots
Cargo Capacity:
60 tons/75 ton overload, up to 180 troops
Crew:
20 civilians
Range:
200 miles at 40 knots with payload, 300 miles at 35 knots with payload
Armament:
Two weapons mounts capable of mounting the M2 .50 caliber machine gun, M-60 7.62mm machine gun, or the Mk19 40mm automatic grenade launcher
Crew:
Five
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David
Sat January 3, 2004 11:33pm
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CV67 - John F. Kennedy Cl
Function: Centerpiece and Flagship of the Navy's "Forward....from the sea..." power projection mission.
Description: Hosting 85 aircraft and carrying enough supplies to sustain her Air Wing and escorts for 90 days, the modern U.S. Navy aircraft carrier, in effect, represents a mobile piece of American real estate, capable of projecting the power and influence of the United States any where in the world. With the end of the Cold War the navy carrier mission has shifted from maintaining Sea Lanes of Communication and confronting the Soviet Navy to addressing regional threats to U.S. interests. While still fully capable of dominating the open seas, the Navy, through the Carrier Battle Groups, now focuses on supporting near shore "littoral zone" and inshore U.S. ground operations. While the Ticonderoga class Guided Missile Cruisers and Arleigh Burke class Guided Missile Destroyers possess an awesome amount of firepower, they lack the flexibility of the carrier air wing. By swapping out and adjusting the number of aircraft aboard, the aircraft carrier can tailor its air wing to meet mission needs. Though powered by eight conventional boilers, the Kennedy was originally supposed to be nuclear powered, but budget constraints forced its conversion to conventional boilers. The USS John F. Kennedy became the first active carrier assigned to the Naval Reserve fleet in September of 1995, where she supports active Navy training.
General Characteristics, John F. Kennedy Class
Builders:
Newport News Shipbuilding, Newport News, VA
Power Plant:
Eight Foster & Wheeler boilers, four Westinghouse steam turbines, four shafts, 280,000 total shaft horsepower
Date Deployed:
September 7, 1964
Length, Overall:
1052 feet (320.65 meters)
Flight Deck Length:
252 feet (76.81 meters)
Beam:
130 feet (39.62 meters)
Displacement:
82,000 long tons (83,315.95 metric tons) full load
Speed:
30+ knots (34.52+mph, 55.55+ kph)
Crew:
Ship's Company: 3,117
Air Wing: 2,480
Armament:
Three Mk 29 Launchers for NATO Sea Sparrow (RIM-7M) Surface to Air missile
One Mk 15 Mod 2 Close-In Weapon System (3 mounts)
Sensors:
One AN/SPS-49 air search radar
One AN/SPS-67 surface search radar
One AN/SPS-64 navigational radar
Three Mk 91 fire control directors (Sea Sparrow)
Countermeasures:
One Mk 36 Mod 2 Super Rapid-Blooming Off Board Chaff System (SRBOC)
One AN/SLQ-32(v)3 electronic warfare suite
One AN/SLQ-25 towed torpedo decoy (Nixiee)
Aircraft:
Approximately 85
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David
Sat January 3, 2004 11:33pm
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CVN68 - Nimitz Class Airc
Function: Centerpiece and Flagship of the Navy's "Forward....from the sea..." power projection mission.
Description: Hosting 85 aircraft and carrying enough supplies to sustain her Air Wing and escorts for 90 days, the modern U.S. Navy aircraft carrier, in effect, represents a mobile piece of American real estate, capable of projecting the power and influence of the United States any where in the world. With the end of the Cold War the navy carrier mission has shifted from maintaining Sea Lanes of Communication and confronting the Soviet Navy to addressing regional threats to U.S. interests. While still fully capable of dominating the open seas, the Navy, through the Carrier Battle Groups, now focuses on supporting near shore "littoral zone" and inshore U.S. ground operations. While the Ticonderoga class Guided Missile Cruisers and Arleigh Burke class Guided Missile Destroyers possess an awsome amount of firepower, they lack the flexability of the carrier air wing. By swaping out and adjusting the number of aircraft aboard, the aircraft carrier can tailor its air wing to meet mission needs. The Nimitz-class carriers, eight operational and one under construction, are the largest, most powerful, warships in the world. The USS Nimitz (CVN 68) underwent its first refueling during a 33-month Refueling Complex Overhaul at Newport News Shipbuilding in Newport News, Va., in 1998.
General Characteristics, Nimitz Class
Cost:
About $4.5 billion each
Builders:
Newport News Shipbuilding, Newport News, VA
Power Plant:
Eight Westinghouse A2W nuclear reactors, four geared steam turbines, four shafts
Date Deployed:
May 3, 1975 (USS Nimitz)
Length, Overall:
1,092 feet (332.85 meters)
Flight Deck Length:
252 feet (76.81 meters)
Beam:
134 feet (40.84 meters)
Displacement:
Approx. 97,000 long tons (98,556.67 metric tons) full load
Speed:
30+ knots (34.52+mph, 55.55+ kph)
Crew:
Ship's Company: 3,200 - Air Wing 2,480
Armament:
Three Mk 29 Launchers for NATO Sea Sparrow (RIM-7M) Surface to Air missile
One Mk 15 Mod 2 Close-In Weapon System (3 mounts on Nimitz and Dwight D. Eisenhower, and 4 mounts on Carl Vinson and later ships of the class)
Sensors:
One AN/SPS-48 air search radar
One AN/SPS-49 air search radar
One AN/SPS-67 surface search radar
One AN/SPS-64 navigational radar
Three Mk 91 fire control directors (Sea Sparrow)
Countermeasures:
One Mk 36 Mod 2 Super Rapid-Blooming Off Board Chaff System (SRBOC)
One AN/SLQ-32(v)3 electronic warfare suite
One AN/SLQ-25 towed torpedo decoy (Nixiee)
Aircraft:
85
Ships:
USS Nimitz (CVN-68), Norfolk, VA
USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN-69), Norfolk, VA
USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70), Bremerton, WA
USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN-71), Norfolk, VA
USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72), Everett, WA
USS George Washington (CVN 73), Norfolk, VA
USS John C. Stennis (CVN-74), San Diego, CA
USS Harry S. Truman (CVN-75), Norfolk, VA
Ronald Reagan (CVN-76) (under construction)
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David
Sat January 3, 2004 11:34pm
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CV63 - Kitty Hawk Class A
Function: Centerpiece and Flagship of the Navy's "Forward....from the sea..." power projection mission.
Description: Hosting 85 aircraft and carrying enough supplies to sustain her Air Wing and escorts for 90 days, the modern U.S. Navy aircraft carrier, in effect, represents a mobile piece of American real estate, capable of projecting the power and influence of the United States any where in the world. With the end of the Cold War the Navy carrier mission has shifted from maintaining Sea Lanes of Communication and confronting the Soviet Navy to addressing regional threats to U.S. interests. While still fully capable of dominating the open seas, the Navy, through the Carrier Battle Groups, now focuses on supporting near-shore "littoral zone" and inshore U.S. ground operations. While the Ticonderoga class Guided Missile Cruisers and Arleigh Burke class Guided Missile Destroyers possess an awesome amount of firepower, they lack the flexibility of the carrier air wing. By swapping out and adjusting the number of aircraft aboard, the aircraft carrier can tailor its air wing to meet mission needs. Deployed in 1961, The Kitty Hawk and the Constellation are the only conventional carriers still on active duty with the U.S. Navy, with the Kitty Hawk also being the only forward-deployed conventional carrier. These carriers are expected to remain in service until 2008.
General Characteristics, Kitty Hawk Class
Builders:
CV 63 - New York Ship Building Corp., Camden, NJ
CV 64 - New York Naval Shipyard, Brooklyn, NY
Power Plant:
Eight Foster & Wheeler boilers, four Westinghouse steam turbines, four shafts, 280,000 total shaft horsepower
Date Deployed:
April 29, 1961 (USS Kitty Hawk)
Length, Overall:
1062.5 feet (323.85 meters)
Flight Deck Length:
252 feet (76.81 meters)
Beam:
130 feet (39.62 meters)
Displacement:
Approx. 80,800 long tons (82,096.69 metric tons) full load
Speed:
30+ knots (34.52+mph, 55.55+ kph)
Crew:
Ship's Company: 3,150 - Air Wing: 2,480
Armament:
Three Mk 29 Launchers for NATO Sea Sparrow (RIM-7M) Surface to Air missile
One Mk 15 Mod 2 Close-In Weapon System (3 mounts)
Sensors:
One AN/SPS-48 air search radar
One AN/SPS-49 air search radar
One AN/SPS-67 surface search radar
One AN/SPS-64 navigational radar
Three Mk 91 fire control directors (Sea Sparrow)
Countermeasures:
One Mk 36 Mod 2 Super Rapid-Blooming Off Board Chaff System (SRBOC)
One AN/SLQ-29 electronic warfare suite
One AN/SLQ-25 towed torpedo decoy (Nixie)
Aircraft:
85
Ships:
USS Kitty Hawk (CV-63), Yokosuka, Japan
USS Constellation (CV-64), San Diego, CA
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David
Sat January 3, 2004 11:34pm
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CVN65 - Enterprise Class
Function: Centerpiece and Flagship of the Navy's "Forward....from the sea..." power projection mission.
Description: Hosting 85 aircraft and carrying enough supplies to sustain her air wing and escorts for 90 days, the modern U.S. Navy aircraft carrier, in effect, represents a mobile piece of American real estate, capable of projecting the power and influence of the United States any where in the world. With the end of the Cold War the navy carrier mission has shifted from maintaining Sea Lanes of Communication and confronting the Soviet Navy to addressing regional threats to U.S. interests. While still fully capable of dominating the open seas, the Navy, through the Carrier Battle Groups, now focuses on supporting near shore "littoral zone" and inshore U.S. ground operations. While the Ticonderoga class Guided Missile Cruisers and Arleigh Burke class Guided Missile Destroyers possess an awesome amount of firepower, they lack the flexibility of the carrier air wing. By swapping out and adjusting the number of aircraft aboard, the aircraft carrier can tailor its air wing to meet mission needs. The Enterprise is the first American nuclear-powered aircraft carrier and is expected to remain in service until 2013, when it will be replaced by the CVX-78.
General Characteristics, Enterprise Class
Builders:
Newport News Shipbuilding, Newport News, VA
Power Plant:
Eight Westinghouse A2W nuclear reactors, four geared steam turbines, four shafts
Date Deployed:
November 25, 1961 (USS Enterprise)
Length, Overall:
1,040 feet (335.64 meters)
Flight Deck Length:
252 feet (76.81 meters)
Beam:
133 feet (40.54 meters)
Displacement:
89,600 long tons (91,037.91 metric tons) full load
Speed:
30+ knots (34.52+mph, 55.55+ kph)
Crew:
Ship's Company: 3,350 - Air Wing 2,480
Armament:
Three Mk 29 Launchers for NATO Sea Sparrow (RIM-7M) Surface to Air missile
One Mk 15 Mod 2 Close-In Weapon System (3 mounts)
Sensors:
One AN/SPS-48 air search radar
One AN/SPS-49 air search radar
One AN/SPS-67 surface search radar
One AN/SPS-64 navigational radar
Three Mk 91 fire control directors (Sea Sparrow)
Countermeasures:
One Mk 36 Mod 2 Super Rapid-Blooming Off Board Chaff System (SRBOC)
One AN/SLQ-32(v)3 electronic warfare suite
One AN/SLQ-25 towed torpedo decoy (Nixiee)
Aircraft:
85
Ship:
USS Enterprise (CVN 65), Norfolk, VA
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David
Tue January 27, 2004 12:25am
Rating: 10
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Navy Recruiting Poster
Navy Recruiting Postcard, circa 1910-1917
Back side of a postcard entitled "Trooping the Colors", featuring a comparison between conditions in civil life and in the Navy, and other benefits of a Naval career.
The front side of this card features a parade ground scene at the Naval Training Station, San Francisco, California, located on Yerba Buena Island in San Francsico Bay.
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David
Tue January 27, 2004 12:25am
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Navy Recruiting Poster
Navy Recruiting Postcard, circa 1910-1917
Front side of a postcard entitled "Trooping the Colors", featuring a parade ground scene at the Naval Training Station, San Francisco, California, located on Yerba Buena Island in San Francsico Bay.
The reverse side of this card features a comparison between conditions in civil life and in the U.S. Navy.
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David
Thu April 15, 2004 2:04pm
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Charleston, 28 June 1776
In June 1776 British Admiral Peter Parker 'a fleet, loaded with troops commanded by General Henry Clinton, made an appearance off Charleston, South Carolina. The city, feverishly preparing for an attack, had partially completed Fort Sullivan, Charleston's key defense position. The 30-gun fort on Sullivan's Island was hastily constructed from the moat abundant materials available, palmetto logs and sand. The garrison, commanded by Colonel William Moultrie, contained over 400 men including 22 artillerists and the 2d South Carolina Provincial Regiment.
Because of a sand bar the British delayed their attack on Charleston until 28 June 1775 while they lightened ship. Clinton's 2,000 British soldiers, landing on adjacent Long Island, were unable to cross an estuary to join in the attack. The fleet began its bombardment at a range of about 400 yards. Low on powder, Moultrie directed his men to fire slowly and accurately in reply.
During the engagement a shell struck the flagpole, and the blue South Carolina banner fell outside the fort. Sergeant William Jasper retrieved it and, oblivious to British fire, secured the flag to a makeshift staff.
The falling shells, absorbed by the soft palmetto loge and sand, caused little damage to the fort and few casualties. Even shells that did enter the fort buried themselves in the swampy parade ground. The wooden frigates on the other hand were riddled with shot. One explosion blew away Sir Peter Parker's breeches.
Finally, after more than ten hours of firing, the British fleet withdrew and several weeks later sailed for New York. For three years following the defeat at Charleston the British were to leave the South unmolested and the Southern Tories, who were undoubtedly numerous, without succor.
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David
Thu April 15, 2004 2:04pm
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Guilford Courthouse, 15 M
General Nathaniel Greene assumed command of the remnants of the Southern Army after Horatio Gates' disastrous defeat at Camden. In his ensuing campaign against Lord Cornwallis he sought to gain strength while harassing British forces and drawing them further from their bases on the coast. His position immensely strengthened by Daniel Morgan's victory at Cowpens (17 January 1781), Greene skillfully retreated before Cornwallis' force and finally, his ranks swollen by militia, gave battle on grounds of his own choosing at Guilford Court House, N.C.
Greene deployed his forces in three lines. The first was composed of North Carolina militia whom he asked to fire several volleys and retire; the second was made up of Virginia militia; the third, posted on a rise of ground, comprised Virginia, Maryland, and Delaware Continentals.
When Cornwallis' Regulars launched their attack, the first line of militia fired their rounds and fled the battlefield, the second line offered stiffer resistance but also withdrew. Before the second line gave way, several British units broke through and charged the last line. Greene observed as the veteran First Maryland Continentals threw back a British attack and countered with a bayonet charge. As they reformed their line, William Washington's Light Dragoons raced by to rescue raw troops of the Fifth Maryland who had buckled under a furious assault of British Grenadiers and Guards.
Finally Greene ordered a retreat, since he was determined not to risk the loss of his army. For the British it was another Pyrrhic victory. Cornwallis, his force depleted, withdrew to the coast at Wilmington and then went on to his rendezvous with destiny at Yorktown. Greene, while losing two more such battles, by October 1781 had forced the British to withdraw to their last enclaves in the South-Charleston and Savannah.
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David
Thu April 15, 2004 2:04pm
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Monmouth, 28 June 1778
On 18 June 1778, Sir Henry Clinton evacuated Philadelphia and with 10,000 men set out on a march to New York. Washington followed closely, but on 24 June a council of his officers advised him to avoid a major engagement, though a minority favored bolder action. A change in the direction of the British line of march convinced the Continental Commander he should take some kind of offensive action, and he detached a force to attack the British rear as it moved out of Monmouth Court House. General Charles Lee, who had been the most cautious in council, claimed the command from Lafayette, who had been most bold, when he learned the detachment would be composed of almost half the army.
One of the most confused actions of the Revolution ensued when, on the morning of 28 June, Lee's force advanced to attack Clinton's rear over rough ground that had not been reconnoitered. The action had hardly begun when a confused American retreat began over three ravines. Historians still differ over whether the retreat and confusion resulted from Lee's inept handling of the situation and lack of confidence in his troops, or whether the retreat was a logical response to Clinton's quick countermoves and the confusion a product of the difficulties of conducting the retreat across the three ravines.
In any case, Washington, hurrying forward with the rest of his Army to support an attack, met Lee amidst his retreating columns and irately demanded of him an explanation of the confusion. Lee, taken aback, at first only stuttered "Sir, sir." When Washington repeated his question, Lee launched into a lengthy explanation but the Commander-in-Chief was soon too busy halting the retreat to listen very long.
The retreat halted, Washington established defensive positions and the Continental Army beat off four British assaults. During the night the British slipped away. Monmouth was the last major engagement fought in the north. However inconclusive its result, it did show that the Continental line, thanks to the training of Von Steuben, could now fight on equal terms with British regulars in open field battle. It also led to the court martial of Charles Lee and his dismissal from the Continental service.
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