David
Fri December 20, 2002 9:47pm
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The Military Sealift Comm
The Military Sealift Command ship USNS Mount Baker (T-AE 34) pulls along side USS Theodore Roosevelt as the aircraft carrier readies for its return to its homeport in Norfolk, VA. Roosevelt and its carrier air wing are nearing the end of an extended deployment in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 3rd Class James K. McNeil.
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David
Fri December 20, 2002 9:47pm
Rating: 10
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The Military Sealift Comm
The Military Sealift Command Ship USNS Rappahannock (T-AO 204) conducts a replenishment at sea (RAS) with the carrier, during Kitty Hawk?s first full day of sea trials following a shipyard availability following mission in support of Operations Enduring Freedom. Kitty Hawk is home based in Yokosuka, Japan and is the only permanently forward deployed U. S. Navy aircraft carrier. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer?s Mate Airman Jason R. Williams.
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David
Fri December 20, 2002 9:47pm
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A Puma Helicopter, assign
A Puma Helicopter, assigned to the U.S. Navy?s Vertical Replenishment (VERTREP) Puma Team, replenishes multiple ships in the Roosevelt Battle Group. This Military Sealift Command operates world wide in support of U.S. Naval forces. U.S. Navy photo by Chief Photographer?s Mate Eric A. Clement.
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David
Fri December 20, 2002 9:47pm
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Eurocopter AS 332
Eurocopter AS 332 ?Super Puma? transport aircraft lift cargo from the U.S. Military Sealift Command (MSC) ship USNS Spica (T-AFS 9), for delivery aboard ship during a vertical replenishment in the Mediterranean Sea. The Kennedy is scheduled to relieve USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) and will conduct missions in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer?s Mate 1st Class Jim Hampshire.
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David
Fri December 20, 2002 10:15pm
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Members of SEAL (Sea Air
Members of SEAL (Sea Air Land) Team Two conduct SEAL Delivery Vehicle (SDV) training in the warm waters of the Caribbean. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer?s Mate 1st Class Andy McKaskle.
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David
Wed January 8, 2003 8:00am
Rating: 8
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M-113 Armoured Personnel
The hull of the M-113 is fully watertight with all hatches having rubber seals which allows the vehicle to cross bodies of water and slow moving streams.
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David
Wed January 8, 2003 8:00am
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M-113 Armoured Personnel
The hull of the M-113 is fully watertight with all hatches having rubber seals which allows the vehicle to cross bodies of water and slow moving streams.
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David
Thu January 16, 2003 10:39am
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CH-47 Chinook
Function: Fire support and security for forward and rear area forces, point target/anti-armor, anti-helicopter, armed escort, supporting arms control and coordination, point and limited area air defense from enemy fixed-wing aircraft, armed and visual reconnaissance.
History: Development of the medium lift Boeing Vertol (models 114 and 414) CH-47 Series Chinook began in 1956. Since then the effectiveness of the Chinook has been continually upgraded by successive product improvements, the CH-47A, CH-47B, CH-47C, and CH-47D. The amount of load a cargo helicopter can carry depends on the model, the fuel on board, the distance to be flown, and atmospheric conditions.
The CH-47B was introduced by Boeing after a production run of over 350 CH-47A?s . The B model introduced the Lycoming T55-L7C engine, a beefed up airframe. Nonsymmetrical rotor blades, and the blunted aft pylon for better stability. Boeing began delivering the CH-47B in May of 1967 and eventually produced a total of 108 B models before production shifted to the CH-47C.
During Desert Storm the CH-47D was often the only mode of transportation to shift large numbers of personnel, equipment, and supplies rapidly over the vast area in which US forces operated. The cargo capacity and speed provided commanders and logisticians a capability unequalled by any Army in the world." (Army Aviation in Operation Desert Storm, 1991) During the ground phase, the flanking maneuver executed by the XVIII Airborne Corps was planned with the CH-47D as the keystone. Forward Operating Base Cobra was deliberately positioned to accommodate the combat radius of a fully loaded CH-47D. Cobra was initially secured by an air assault of the 101st's 2nd Infantry Brigade. This air assault, consisting of 5000 soldiers, was accomplished by a total of 126 Blackhawks and 60 Chinooks. By the end of the first day the CH-47Ds had lifted 131,000 gallons of fuel along with pallets of combat-configured ammunition for the next day's fight. Forty separate refueling and rearming points were active in FOB Cobra in less than two hours.
During peacekeeping operations in Bosnia, a Chinook company (A company, 5th Battalion, 159th Aviation Regiment) of 16 aircraft flew 2,222 hours, carried 3,348 passengers, and transported over 3.2 million pounds of cargo over a six month period. These numbers equate to carrying 112 infantry platoons, 545 HMMWVs, or 201 M198 Howitzers. The most publicized mission was assisting the 502d Engineer Company build a float bridge across the flooded Sava River allowing the 1st Armored Division to cross into Bosnia. On 29 and 30 December 1995, Big Windy lifted bridge bays and dropped them into the Sava River so the engineers could quickly assemble the bridge. When the Sava River flood washed away the engineer's tentage and personal equipment, Big Windy quickly resupplied the engineers so they could continue their vital mission. Additionally, a key early mission in support of NATO was the recovery of Admiral Smith's aircraft. The Blackhawk had performed a precautionary landing for what was later found to be a transmission seizure. A CH-47D sling-loaded the Blackhawk back to the Intermediate Staging Base (ISB). Big Windy began redeploying to Giebelstadt on 14 June 1996. One platoon of six CH-47Ds remained in Hungary throughout 1997.
Description: The CH-47 is a twin-engine, tandem rotor helicopter designed for transportation of cargo, troops, and weapons during day, night, visual, and instrument conditions. The aircraft fuselage is approximately 50 feet long. With a 60-foot rotor span, on each rotor system, the effective length of a CH-47 (with blades turning) is approximately 100 feet from the most forward point of the forward rotor to the most rearward point on the aft rotor. Maximum airspeed is 170 knots with a normal cruise speed of 130 knots. However, speed for any mission will vary greatly depending on load configuration (internal or external), time of day, or weather conditions. The minimum crew for tactical operations is four, two pilots, one flight engineer, and one crew chief. For more complex missions, such as NVG operations and air assaults, commanders may consider using five crew members and add one additional crew chief.
The CH-47A, first delivered for use in Vietnam in 1962, is a tandem-rotor medium transport helicopter. The Chinook's primary mission is moving artillery, ammunition, personnel, amd supplies on the battlefield. It also performs rescue, aeromedical, parachuting, aircraft recovery and special operations missions. On June 25, 1958 the Army issued an invitation for a General Management Proposal for the US Army Medium Transport Helicopter. Five aircraft selected Vertol to produce the YCH-1B as the Army?s new medium transport helicopter. In July 1962 DoD redesignated all U.S. military aircraft and the HC-1B was redesignated the as the CH-47A. Early production CH-47A?s operated with the 11th Air Assault Division during 1963 and in October of that year the aircraft was formally designated as the Army?s standard medium transport helicopter. In June 1965 the 11th Air Assault Division was redesignated as the 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile) and readied for deployment to Viet Nam. Chinooks from the 11th Air Assault formed the nucleus of the 228th Assault Helicopter Battalion which began operations in Viet Nam in September, 1965. CH-47A?s deployed to Viet Nam were equipped with Lycoming T55-L7 engines generating 2650 shp. The aircraft had a maximum gross weight of 33,000 pounds allowing for a maximum payload of approximately 10,000 pounds. The hot mountainous conditions of Viet Nam limited the A models performance capabilities and generated a requirement for increased payload and better performance.
The CH-47C Chinook model has a maximum cargo hook capacity of 20,000 pounds. The CH-47C has only a single cargo hook below the center of the aircraft. When hooking a single load, soldiers use the main hook. They must coordinate closely with the aircrew as to which hooks to use when carrying multiple loads. The planning figure for the fore and aft hooks is 10,000 pounds each. The Army?s continued need for further performance improvements lead to the development of the CH-47C. Designed to meet an Army requirement to transport a 15,000 pound sling load over a 30 mile radius, the C model boasted an increased gross weight to 46,000 pounds, increased fuel capacity, the Lycoming T55-L11 engine developing 3750 shp, and addition structural improvements. The first C model flew in late 1967 and became the mainstay of the Chinook fleet until the advent of the CH-47D. Production of the C model continued until 1980 with improvements such as the crash worthy fuel system and fiberglass rotor blades being incorporated into the fleet.
The CH-47D was the result of June 1976 contract for a modernized Chinook. The Army recognized that that the Chinook fleet was rapidly reaching the end of its useful life and signed a contract with Boeing to significantly improve and update the CH-47. Three airframes, CH-47A, CH-47B, and a CH-47C, were stripped down to their basic airframes and then rebuilt with improved systems to provide three CH-47D prototypes. Improvements included upgraded power plants, rotor transmissions, integral lubrication and cooling for the transmission systems, and fiberglass rotor blades. Other improvements included a redesigned cockpit to reduce pilot workload, redundant and improved electrical systems, modularized hydraulic systems, an advanced flight control system, and improved avionics. The Chinook has two tandem three-bladed counter-rotating fiberglass rotors. The CH-47D is powered by two Allied Signal Engines T55-L-712 3750 shp turboshaft engines and has a maximun speed of 163 mph (142 knots). The CH-47D was rolled-out in March 1979. The CH-47D carrys twice the load of a CH-47A and has improved performance. The CH-47D can operate at night and in nearly all weather conditions. The CH-47D is equipped with an air-to-air refueling probe. The Chinook can accommodate a wide variety of internal payloads, including vehicles, artillery pieces, 33 to 44 troops, or 24 litters plus two medical attendants. The Chinook can be equipped with two door mounting M60D 7.62mm machine guns on the M24 armament subsystem and a ramp mounting M60D using the M41 armament subsystem. The "D" model can carry up to 26,000 pounds externally. The CH-47D has three cargo hooks: a center (main) hook and two additional hooks fore and aft of the main hook.
The Fatcow is a CH-47 with the Extended Range Fuel System [ERFS] II system located in the cargo bay. The configuration consists of three or four fuel tanks attached to a refueling system. The system contains 2400 gallons of JP4/8 excluding the CH-47 internal fuel load of 1050 gals. The Fatcow can set up a 1,2,3,or 4 point system using HTARS. The fuel cells must be crash-worthy and self sealing up to 50 caliber hits.
The Improved Cargo Helicopter (ICH) is a remanufactured version of the CH-47D Chinook cargo helicopter with the new T55-GA-714A engines. The ICH program is intended to restore CH-47D airframes to their original condition and extend the aircraft's life expectancy another 20 years (total life of 60 years) until the 2025-2030 timeframe. The program will remanufacture CH-47 aircraft, reduce the aircraft's vibration, thereby reducing Operations and Support costs, and allow the aircraft to operate on the digitized battlefield by incorporating a 1553 data bus. The ICH will also acquire the capability to carry 16,000 pounds of external/internal cargo for a 50 NM combat radius at 4000 feet pressure altitude and 95 degrees fahrenheit. In addition, the following improvements will be incorporated into the aircraft:
- Fuselage stiffening and possible active systems for vibration reduction (this is expected to lead to improved reliability and therefore reduced operating and support costs)
- Integrated cockpit
- Digital architecture for Force XXI compatibility
Additional improvements may be incorporated into the aircraft if funding permits. The ICH will transport weapons, ammunition, equipment, troops, and other cargo in general support of combat units and operations other than war. The ICH is a dominant maneuver platform that provides focused logistics to the force. The ICH program was built as a "bare bones" program to satisfy the battlefield requirements of operations on the 21st century digital battlefield by replacing the existing 1970s technology cockpit with a new cockpit.
The 101st Air Assault Division is scheduled to receive the first ICH in FY03. The First Unit Equipped (FUE) date to the 101st, a company of sixteen aircraft, is FY04. The 101st, 18th Airborne Corps, Korea, and USAREUR will complete fielding through FY09. ICH completes the fielding of 300 aircraft in 2015. Only 300 of the 431 CH-47Ds convert to ICHs based on the fielding of JTR. As the Army fields JTR to Force Package One units, the ICH aircraft will cascade to units that retained CH-47Ds. Those CH-47Ds would retire.
Separate programmatically from the ICH program, the 714 engine program is an Engineering Change Proposal (ECP) to convert the present T-55-712 engines to a T-55-714 engine. This buys back performance on high/hot days lost over time by the addition of weight through modification work order enhancements. Specifically, it will provide an increased lift capability allowing the CH-47 to transport 16,000 pounds for an unrefueled combat radius of 50 nautical miles at 4,000 feet PA and 95 degrees F. The ICH Operational Requirements Document (ORD) requires the CH-47F(ICH) to carry 16,000lbs at 4000ft/95? for a 50nm combat radius (50nm with load, return empty). The CH-47D -714A engine program achieves this requirement. The -714A engine program converts current CH-47D -712 engines to -714A engines. The engine program converts the engines on all 431 CH-47D aircraft. The -714A engine begins fielding in FY99 and, because of recent budget cuts, completes in FY09. 160th (Hunter), 101st, 18th AB Corps, Korea, and Germany are scheduled to be fielded through FY05. The -714A budget constantly fluctuates because of plus-ups and decrements. For this reason, the fielding dates may change.
The MH-47E Special Operations Aircraft (SOA) is a derivative of the Boeing CH-47 Chinook. Included with other modifications is a significantly increased fuel capacity with modified main and auxiliary fuel tanks. The aircraft has modified integrated avionics suites and multi-mode radars and is intended to provide adverse-weather infiltration/exfiltration and support to US Military Forces, country teams, other agencies and special activities. The CH-47D Chinook has been specially modified to perform the special operations mission and has been tested in combat. The three versions of the CH-47 in the Army inventory are the CH-47D, the MH-47D, and the MH-47E. The MH-47D and the MH-47E are air refuelable. It provides long-range penetration, medium assault helicopter support to special operations forces. Depending on the version, it can be ferried 1,100 to 2,000 nautical miles unrefueled. During Operation Just Cause, CH-47s conducted H-hour assaults to support other elements who were air-landing SOF to disrupt enemy responses and seize key facilities. During Operation Desert Storm, the CH-47 conducted infiltration and exfiltration of SOF and CSAR of downed pilots. MH-47E testing was limited to the major change to the aircraft which affects vulnerability. In the case of the MH-47E, this was the addition of an 800 gallon Robertson Auxiliary Fuel Tank in the cabin and Boeing designed sponson tanks with expanded capacity and honeycomb shell construction. Analyses conducted during the test planning phase revealed that the largest potential vulnerability was associated with projectiles entering the fuel tanks in the volume above the liquid fuel. Such impacts could ignite the fuel vapors and cause explosions and/or fires with serious consequences. During test planning, USSOCOM decided to add an inerting system to the fuel tanks to avoid such fires/explosions. This will be a lead-the-fleet system that will be available for similar helicopter variants in other fleets as well.
General Characteristics, CH-47 Chinook
Manufacturer:
Boeing Company
Power Plant:
Two Textron Lycoming T55-L712 engines
Length:
99 feet (30.18 meters), including rotor lengths
Height:
19 feet (5.79 meters)
Rotor Diameter:
60 feet (18.29 meters)
Weight:
Empty: 10,578 kilograms
Maximum: 24,494 kilograms
Useful load: 13,916 kilograms
Forward and aft cargo hooks: 9,072 kilograms
Centre cargo hook 12,701 kilograms
Speed:
Sea level cruise speed: 265 kmh
Speed at maximum continuous power: 269 kmh
Ceiling:
8,448 feet (2,575 meters)
Range:
230 nautical miles
Crew:
Two
Sensors:
Raytheon AN/APQ-174A for terrain following flight, air-to-ground ranging and ground mapping
Raytheon AN/AAQ-16 forward looking infrared (FLIR)
Introduction Date:
1963
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David
Thu January 16, 2003 10:39am
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RAH-66 Comanche
Function: Fire support and security for forward and rear area forces, point target/anti-armor, anti-helicopter, armed escort, supporting arms control and coordination, point and limited area air defense from enemy fixed-wing aircraft, armed and visual reconnaissance.
Description: The Boeing-Sikorsky RAH-66 Comanche is the Army's next generation armed reconnaissance helicopter. It also is the first helicopter developed specifically for this role. The Comanche will provide Army Aviation the opportunity to move into the 21st century with a weapon system of unsurpassed warfighting capabilities crucial to the Army's future strategic vision. The Comanche is intended to replace the current fleet of AH-1 and OH-58 helicopters in all air cavalry troops and light division attack helicopter battalions, and supplement the AH-64 Apache in heavy division/corps attack helicopter battalions.
The first Boeing-Sikorsky RAH-66 Comanche prototype was rolled-out at Sikorsky Aircraft, Stratford, Connecticut, May 25, 1995. The prototype's first flight was made on 04 January 1996. The second prototype is scheduled to fly in late March 1999. Six early operational capability aircraft are scheduled to be delivered 2002 to participate in an Army field exercise in 2002-2003, or possibly later in "Corps 04." The Comanche is powered by two Light Helicopter Turbine Engine Co. (LHTEC) T800-801 engines. These advanced engines and a streamlined airframe will be enable the Comanche to fly significantly faster than the larger AH-64 Apache.
The RAH-66 Comanche helicopter's primary role will be to seek out enemy forces and designate targets for the AH-64 Apache Attack helicopter at night, in adverse weather, and in battlefield obscurants, using advanced infrared sensors. The helmet has FLIR images and overlaid symbology that can be used as a headup display in nape-of-the-earth (NOE) flight.
The aircraft has been designed to emit a low-radar signature (stealth features). The Comanche will perform the attack mission itself for the Army's light divisions. The RAH-66 will be used as a scout and attack helicopter to include an air-to-ground and air-to-air combat capability. The Comanche is slated to replace the AH-1 Series Cobra light attack helicopter, the OH-6A Cayuse, and the OH-58A/OH-58C Kiowa light observation helicopters.
The Comanche mission equipment package consists of a turret-mounted cannon, night-vision pilotage system, helmet-mounted display, electro-optical target acquisition and designation system, aided target recognition, and integrated communication/navigation/identification avionics system. Targeting includes a second generation forward-looking infrared (FLIR) sensor, a low-light-level television, a laser range finder and designator, and the Apache Longbow millimeter wave radar system. Digital sensors, computers and software will enable the aircraft to track and recognize advesarys long before they are aware of the Comanche's presence, a key advantage in both the reconnaissance and attack roles.
Aided target detection and classification software will automatically scan the battlefield, identifying and prioritizing targets. The target acquisition and communications system will allow burst transmissions of data to other aircraft and command and control systems. Digital communications links will enable the crew unparalleled situational awareness, making the Comanche an integral component of the digital battlefield. The armament subsystems consist of the XM301 20mm cannon, and up to 14 Hellfire anti-tank missiles, 28 Air-to-Air Stinger (ATAS) anti-aircraft missiles, or 56 2.75 inch Hydra 70 air-to-ground rockets carried internally and externally. Up to four Hellfire and two Air-to-Air Stinger (ATAS) missiles can be stowed in fully-retractable weapons bays and the gun can be rotated to a stowed position when not in use. This design feature reduces both drag and radar signature.
Mission management, status, and control information is provided over the MIL-STD-1553B databus between the mission equipment packages and the Turreted Gun System. The Comanche will have enhanced maintainability through it's modular electronics architecture and built-in diagnostics.
Features:
Sensors and avionics. In the reconnaissance role, the Comanche will be equipped with a new generation of passive sensors and a fully integrated suite of displays and communications. Advance infrared (IR) sensors will have twice the range of OH-58D Kiowa Warrior and AH-64 Apache sensors. The Comanche will be equipped with the Apache Longbow fire control radar and the Helmet Integrated Display and Sight System (HIDSS). The fully integrated avionics system will allow tactical data to be overlaid onto a digital map, allowing the crew to devote more time for target detection and classification. A triple-redundant fly-by-wire system can automatically hold the helicopter in hover or in almost any other maneuver, reducing workload, allowing the pilot to concentrate on navigation and threat avoidance. A hand-on grip permits one-handed operation.
Stealth characteristics. The Comanche incorporates more low-observable stealth features than any aircraft in Army history. The Comanche radar cross-section (RCS) is less than that of a Hellfire missile. To reduce radar cross-section, weapons can be carried internally, the gun can be rotated aft and stowed within a fairing behind the turret when not in use, and the landing gear are fully-retractable. The all-composite fuselage sides are flat and canted and rounded surfaces are avoided by use of faceted turret and engine covers. The Comanche's head-on RCS is 360 times smaller than the AH-64 Apache, 250 times less than the smaller OH-58D Kiowa Warrior, and 32 times smaller than the OH-58D's mast-mounted sight. This means the Comanche will be able to approach five times closer to an enemy radar than an Apache, or four times closer than an OH-58D, without being detected.
Noise suppression. The Comanche only radiates one-half the rotor noise of current helicopters. Noise is reduced by use of a five-bladed rotor, pioneered by the successful Boeing (McDonnell Douglas) MD-500 Defender series of light utility helicopters. The fantail eliminates interaction between main rotor and tail rotor wakes. The advanced rotor design permits operation at low speed, allowing the Comanche to sneak 40% closer to a target than an Apache, without being detected by an acoustical system.
Infrared (IR) suppression. The Comanche only radiates 25% of the engine heat of current helicopters, a critical survivability design concern in a low-flying tactical scout helicopter. The Comanche is the first helicopter in which the infrared (IR) suppression system is integrated into the airframe. This innovative Sikorsky design feature provides IR suppressors that are built into the tail-boom, providing ample length for complete and efficient mixing of engine exhaust and cooling air flowing through inlets above the tail. The mixed exhaust is discharged through slots built into an inverted shelf on the sides of the tail-boom. The gases are cooled so thoroughly that a heat-seeking missile cannot find and lock-on to the Comanche.
Crew Protection. The Comanche features a crew compartment sealed for protection against chemical or biological threats, an airframe resilient against ballistic damage, enhanced crash-worthiness, and reduced susceptibility to electromagnetic interference.
Maintainability. Comanche will be easily sustained, will require fewer personnel and support equipment, and will provide a decisive battlefield capability in day, night and adverse weather operations. Comanche has been designed to be exceptionally maintainable and easily transportable. Through its keel-beam construction, numerous access panels, easily accessible line-replaceable units/modules and advanced diagnostics, the RAH-66 possesses "designed-in" maintainability. Comanche aircraft will be able to be rapidly loaded into or unloaded from any Air Force transport aircraft.
General Characteristics, RAH-66 Comanche
Manufacturer:
Boeing Sikorsky
Power Plant:
Two T800 1,440 SHP gas turbine engines
Thrust:
1,052 shaft horsepower
Length:
47.84 feet (14.58 feet)
Width:
7.58 feet (2.31 meters)
Height:
11 feet (3.35 meters)
Rotor Diameter:
39.04 feet (11.90 meters)
Weight:
9,300 pounds empty
Primary mission:
12,349 pounds w/o radar
12,784 pounds with radar
Speed:
172 knots (330 kph) dash speed
161 knots (310 kph) cruise speed
Range:
1,200 nautical miles w/o radar
860 nautical miles with radar
Crew:
Two
Armament:
Three-barrel 20 mm Gatling gun
Stinger, Starstreak or Mistral air-to-air missiles
TOW II, Hot II or Longbow Hellfire air-to-ground missiles
Sura D 81 mm, Snora 81 mm, or Hydra 70 rockets
Army Counter Air Weapon System
Date of First Flight:
1996
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David
Thu January 16, 2003 11:24pm
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GBU-15
Function: The Guided Bomb Unit or GBU-15 is an unpowered, glide weapon used to destroy high value enemy targets. It was designed for use with F-15E, F-111F and F-4 aircraft, but the U.S. Air Force is currently only deploying it from the F-15E.
Description: The weapon consists of modular components that are attached to either a MK-84 general purpose or BLU-109 penetrating warhead. Each weapon has five components -- a forward guidance section, warhead adapter section, control module, airfoil components, and a weapon data link.
The guidance section is attached to the nose of the weapon and contains either a television guidance system for daytime or an imaging infrared system for night or limited, adverse weather operations.
A data link in the tail section sends guidance updates to the control aircraft that enables the weapon systems operator to guide the bomb by remote control to its target. An external electrical conduit extends the length of the warhead which attaches the guidance adapter and control unit. The conduit carries electrical signals between the guidance and control sections. The umbilical receptacle passes guidance and control data between cockpit control systems of the launching aircraft and the weapon prior to launch.
The rear control section consists of four wings that are in an "X"-like arrangement with trailing edge flap control surfaces for flight maneuvering. The control module contains the autopilot, which collects steering data from the guidance section and converts the information into signals that move the wing control surfaces to change the weapon's flight path.
The GBU-15 may be used in either a direct or an indirect attack. In a direct attack, the pilot selects a target before launch, locks the weapon guidance system onto it and launches the weapon. The weapon automatically guides itself to the target, enabling the pilot to leave the area. In an indirect attack, the weapon is guided by remote control after launch. The pilot releases the weapon and, via remote control, searches for the target. Once the target is acquired, the weapon can be locked to the target or manually guided via the data-link system.
This highly maneuverable weapon has an optimal, low-to-medium altitude delivery capability with pinpoint accuracy. It also has a standoff capability. In Desert Storm, F-111F pilots used GBU-15 glide bombs to seal flaming oil pipeline manifolds sabotaged by Saddam Hussein's troops.
History: The Air Force Development Test Center, Eglin Air Force Base, FL, began developing the GBU-15 in 1974. It was a product improvement of the early guided bombs used during the Southeast Asia conflict. Flight testing of the weapon began in 1975. The GBU-15 with television guidance, completed full-scale operational test and evaluation in November 1983. In February 1985, initial operational test and evaluation was completed on the imaging infrared guidance seeker. In December 1987, the program management responsibility for the GBU-15 weapon system transferred from the Air Force Systems Command to the Air Force Logistics Command. The commands merged to become the Air Force Materiel Command in 1992. During the integrated weapons system management process, AGM-130 and GBU-15 were determined to be a family of weapons because of the commonality of the two systems. The Precision Strike Program Office at Eglin AFB became the single manager for the GBU-15, with the Air Logistics Center at Hill AFB, UT providing sustainment support.
General Characteristics, GBU-15
Contractors:
Boeing North American
Length:
Boeing North American
Launch Weight:
2,500 pounds (1,125 kilograms)
Diameter:
2,500 pounds (1,125 kilograms)
Wingspan:
4 feet, 11 inches (1.49 meters)
Range:
5-15 nautical miles
Ceiling:
30,000-plus feet (9,091 meters)
Speed:
Classified
Warhead:
MK-84 general purpose or BLU-109 penetrating bombs
Guidance System:
Television or imaging infrared seeker via data link
Inventory:
Classified
Date Deployed:
1983
Unit Cost:
TV: $242,500; IIR: $245,000
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David
Tue February 11, 2003 1:09pm
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7.62mm Cartridge
Description: There are currently five 7.62mm cartridges in service.
M80 NATO 7.62mm ball cartridge: The M80 is the standard 7.62mm ball cartridge. The M80 can be identified by its unpainted (copper) tip.
M276 NATO 7.62mm ball/dim tracer cartridge: Designed to be used with night vision devices, the M276 dim tracer is a reduced visibility alternative to the standard, high visibility M62 tracer. The M276 can be identified by its purple painted tip.
M62 NATO 7.62mm ball/tracer cartridge: The M62 is the tracer variant of the M80. It is, in all respects, identical to the M80. The M62 can be identified by its orange painted tip.
M82 NATO 7.62mm blank firing cartridge: Designed for use with training simulators, the M82 has no projectile and contains a reduced powder charge. The M82 can be identified by its crimped and sealed cartridge opening in place of a projectile.
M118 7.62mm long range special ball cartridge: Designed for use in long range sniper applications where a high degree of accuracy is required, the M118 is essentially a civilian match grade bullet adapted for military use. Externally, the M118 is identical to the M80 7.62mm ball ammunition.
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David
Tue February 11, 2003 1:09pm
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.50 Caliber Cartridge
Description: There are currently eleven .50 caliber cartridges in service.
M2/M33 .50 Caliber ball cartridge: The M2 is the original standard .50 caliber ball cartridge. The M33 is a redesigned, modern version of the M2, and is identical in all respects. The M2/M33 can be identified by its unpainted (copper) tip.
M1/M10/M17 .50 Caliber tracer cartridge: The M1/M10/M17 are tracer variants of the M2/M33 cartridge. They are essentially identical to one another in terms of ballistic performance and function. These M1 has a red painted tip, the M10 has a orange tip, and the M17 has a brown tip.
M1 .50 Caliber incendiary cartridge: The M1 incendiary cartridge is an incendiary cartridge primarily intended for use against aircraft and material. The M1 can be identified by its blue tip.
M23 .50 Caliber incendiary cartridge: The M23 incendiary cartridge is similar to the M1 incendiary cartridge and is used in the same capacity as the M1. The M23 cartridge has a blue tip with a light blue ring below it.
M2 .50 Caliber armor piercing cartridge: The M2 armor piercing cartridge was designed for use against soft skinned and lightly armored vehicles as well as for use against enemy built up defensive positions. It has no incendiary component. The M2 can be identified by its black tip.
M8 .50 Caliber armor piercing / incendiary cartridge: The M8 armor piercing / incendiary cartridge was designed for use against soft skinned and lightly armored vehicles as well as material destruction. It has an incendiary component. The M8 can be identified by its silver (aluminum) tip.
M20 .50 Caliber armor piercing / incendiary tracer cartridge: The M20 armor piercing / incendiary tracer cartridge is the tracer variant of the M8 API cartridge. The M20 can be identified by its red tip with a silver (aluminum) ring below that.
M1A1 .50 Caliber blank firing cartridge: Designed for use with training simulators, the M1A1 has no projectile and contains a reduced powder charge. The M1A1 can be identified by its crimped and sealed cartridge opening in place of a projectile.
History: Soon after American servicemen deployed to Europe for World War One, it was recognized that an automatic weapon capable of firing a cartridge larger than those currently in service was sorely needed. In addition to being more powerful than the standard rifle cartridge, this new cartridge would also need an armor penetrating capability to serve as a against the recently introduced tank. Although America was not able to produce such a weapon before the end of the war, research and experimentation with a number of captured German anti-tank firearms eventually lead to the Browning M1921A1 .50 caliber machine gun. Introduced in 1922, the Browning M1921A1 machine gun fired a massive .50 caliber cartridge and had an effective range of over 1000 meters. The M1921A1 was later modified to improve barrel life and reliability, and was redesignated the M2HB (heavy barrel) machine gun in 1933. The M2HB is still in service with the U.S. military where it is used in a number of roles, ranging from infantry heavy machine gun to vehicle, helicopter, and small boat and craft armament.
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David
Tue February 11, 2003 1:09pm
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5.56mm Cartridge
Description: There are currently five 5.56mm cartridges in service.
M193 NATO 5.56mm ball cartridge: Introduced in 1964, the M193 was the original 5.56mm cartridge designed for use in the M-16 rifle with a 1 in 12 rifled barrel twist. No longer in production, but still in stock, it has been replaced by the heavier M855 cartridge. The M193 can be identified by its unpainted (copper) tip.
M855 NATO 5.56mm ball cartridge: Introduced as a replacement for the M193 cartridge, the M855 fires a heavier projectile with greater accuracy. While the cartridge was designed to be fired from the newer heavy barreled M-16A2 assault rifle and M-4 carbine (each of which has a 1 in 7 twist barrel) it may be fired out of older M-16 models without severe degradation of accuracy. The M855 can be identified by its green painted tip.
M856 NATO 5.56mm ball/tracer cartridge: Introduced with the M855, the M856 is the tracer variant of the M855. It is, in all respects, identical to the M855. The M856 can be identified by its orange painted tip.
M200 NATO 5.56mm blank firing cartridge: Designed for use with training simulators, the M200 has no projectile and contains a reduced powder charge. The M200 can be identified by its crimped and sealed cartridge opening in place of a projectile.
M862 5.56mm Short Range Training Ammunition: Designed for indoor use, the M862 is a restricted range alternative to the M193/M855 cartridge. With a maximum range of 250 meters and an effective range of 25 meters, the M862 serves as an excellent low cost substitute for Basic Rifle Marksmanship (BRM) training. The M862 can be identified by its blue plastic tip.
History: In the mid 1950s testing was begun on finding a lighter replacement for the Winchester .308 (NATO 7.62mm) infantry rifle cartridge used by the in the M-14 rifle. Eventually three cartridges were select for further testing; the .222 Special, .224 Springfield, .222 Winchester. All were essentially lengthened versions of the recently introduced .222 Remington. Eventually the .222 Special was adopted and re-designated as the .223 Remington. The .223 Remington was introduced, along with the Armalite AR-15 Assault rifle, for experimental use by the Army in 1957. In 1964 the cartridge was officially adopted by the U.S. Army as the M193 5.56mm ball for use in the M-16 rifle (which was, itself, based on the Armalite AR-15.
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David
Wed February 12, 2003 9:39pm
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Armed Forces Service Meda
ARMED FORCES SERVICE MEDAL
1. Description: A bronze medal, 1 1/4 inches in diameter with a demi-torch (as on the Statue of Liberty) encircled at the top by the inscription "ARMED FORCES SERVICE MEDAL" on the obverse side. On the reverse side is an eagle (as on the seal of the Department of Defense) between a wreath of laurel in base and the inscription "IN PURSUIT OF DEMOCRACY" at the top.
2. Ribbon: The ribbon is 1 3/8 inches wide and consists of the following stripes: 1/16 inch goldenlight 67107; 1/8 inch jungle green 67191; 1/8 inch green 67129; 1/8 inch mosstone 67127; 1/8 inch goldenlight; center ? inch bluebird 67117; 1/8 inch goldenlight; 1/8 inch mosstone; 1/8 inch green; 1/8 inch jungle green; and 1/16 inch goldenlight.
3. Criteria: The medal will be awarded to personnel assigned to operations in an area designated by the Department of Defense (DOD) for award of the medal.
4. Components: The following are authorized components and related items:
a. Medal (regular size): MIL-DTL-3943/231. NSN 8455-01-426-5479 for set which includes a regular size medal and ribbon bar.
b. Medal (miniature size): MIL-DTL-3943/231. Available commercially.
c. Ribbon: MIL-DTL-11589/13. Available commercially.
5. Background:
a. On 2 March 1995, the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense (Force Management Policy) (OASD-RMP) requested that The Institute of Heraldry prepare a medal and ribbon design for the proposed Armed Forces Service Medal. This medal was to be awarded to members of the Armed Forces who participated as members of units involved in military operations of significant numbers with no foreign armed opposition or the threat of imminent hostile action. This medal is intended to meet a void in the criteria between the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal and the Humanitarian Service Medal.
b. Proposed design was forwarded by OASD-FMP to the Services and the Joint Staff. Concurrence in the establishment of the medal from the Services and the Joint Staff was received and the proposal was forwarded to the Office of Budget and Management (OMB) for issuance of an Executive Order. The medal was authorized by Executive Order 12985, dated 11 January 1996.
c. Eligibility requirements include:
(1) Service as a member of a unit participating for one or more days in the operation with the designated area of eligibility, or- -
(2) Be engaged in direct support for 30 consecutive days in the area of eligibility (or for the full period when an operation is less than 30 days duration) or for 60 nonconsecutive days provided this support involves entering the area of eligibility, or- -
(3) Participate as a regularly assigned crewmember of an aircraft flying into, out of, within, or over the area of eligibility in support of the operation.
d. The Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS), has approved award of the Armed Forces Service Medal to US Military personnel as follows: (1) In operations relating to the former Republic of Yugoslavia from 1 June 1992 to a future date. This area includes military forces deployed in operations Provide Promise, Joint Endeavor, Able Sentry, Deny Flight, Maritime Monitor, Sharp Guard and Joint Guard within the total land and air space of the former Republic of Yugoslavia, the country of Italy (including Sicily); and the waters and air space above that portion of the Adriatic Sea that lies north of forty degrees North latitude; (2) In operations: United Nations Missions in Haiti (UNMIH); US Forces Haiti (USFORHAITI) and US Support Group-Haiti (USSPTGP-Haiti) from 1 April 1995 to a date to be determined. This area includes the total land area, sea and air space defined by the following coordinates: 16-30N/71-40W; 18-00N/71-45W; along the Haitian/Dominican Republic Border to 20-00N/71-44W; 21-00N/71W; 21-25N/73-00W; 21-25N/74-00W; 20-00N/74-00W; 19-45N/75-00W; 19-00N/76-00W; 16-30N/76-00W; to 16-30N/71-40W.
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David
Wed February 12, 2003 9:39pm
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Medal for Humane Action w
MEDAL FOR HUMANE ACTION
1. Description:
Medal: The bronze medal is 1 ? inches in diameter. The miniature medal is 5/8 inch in diameter. On the obverse, in the center, a C-54 airplane (as viewed from above) within a wreath of wheat connected at the bottom by a coat of arms. On the reverse, an eagle, shield and arrows from the seal of the Department of Defense, beneath the words "FOR HUMANE ACTION" and above the inscription in four lines, "TO SUPPLY NECESSITIES OF LIFE TO THE PEOPLE OF BERLIN GERMANY".
2. Ribbon: The ribbon to the Medal for Humane Action is 1 3/8 inches in width and consists of the following stripes: 9/32 inch black; 1/16 inch white; 9/32 inch teal blue; 3/64 inch white; 1/32 inch scarlet; 3/64 inch white; 9/32 inch teal blue; 1/16 inch white; and 9/32 inch black.
3. Criteria: a. The Medal for Humane Action was awarded for qualifying service between 26 June 1948 and 30 September 1949.
b. The medal commemorates military service in direct support of the Berlin Airlift. It was awarded to members of the Armed Forces for 120 consecutive days of service in, or in direct support of, the Berlin airlift, between 26 June 1948 and 30 September 1949, within the following prescribed boundaries:
(1) Northern Boundary - 54th parallel north latitude.
(2) Eastern Boundary - 14th meridian east longitude.
(3) Southern Boundary - 48th parallel north latitude.
(4) Western Boundary - 5th meridian west longitude.
4. Components: The following are authorized components:
a. Medal (regular and miniature sizes): MIL-DTL-3943/232.
b. Ribbon (regular and miniature sizes): MIL-DTL-11589/85E
5. Background: a. The Medal for Humane Action was established by an Act of Congress (Public Law 178, 81st Congress), 20 July 1949.
b. The medal was designed by Mr. Thomas Hudson Jones of The Institute of Heraldry.
c. The C-54 is the type of aircraft used in support of the Berlin airlift, and the coat of arms is that of the City of Berlin. The wreath of wheat represents the staff of life and thereby the necessities of life alluded to on the reverse of the medal.
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