David
Mon December 15, 2003 12:47am
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Diagram of the spider hol
Diagram of the spider hole were former Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein was found hiding December 13th 2003
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David
Mon December 15, 2003 5:37am
Rating: 9
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Diagram of the spider hol
Diagram of the spider hole were former Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein was found hiding December 13th 2003
1. Inside the hut, Lt. Gen. Ricardo Sanchez called the area where Saddam was found a "spider-hole." It was between 6 to 8 feet deep and covered by fabric and dirt.
2. A small fridge contained a few Bounty candy bars, some hot dogs and a can of 7-UP. There was old bread on a counter, leftover rice in a pot and dirty dishes in the sink. On a shelf above the gas stove, there was soap, a canister of coffee, mouthwash, a mirror and two Mars candy bars.
3. Dirty laundry, including gray trousers and a towel, hung from a clothesline above a bed covered with a floral blanket. A poster depicting Noah's Ark was tacked to the wall near a second bed which appeared unused.
A box on the floor contained a long, black Arab robe; two new, white men's T-shirts and two pairs of white cotton boxer shorts. Black moccasins and a pair of slippers with gold-colored buckles were shoved against the wall. There were old textbooks on the floor.
4. Troops had found a white cloth concealing the underground room Saddam was in. Beneath the cloth was a piece of styrofoam with two wire handles that was painted to look like concrete.
5. Next to a date tree beside the hole was a tin exhaust pipe that served as the hole's ventilation duct. Drying salamis and figs were hung on the pipe to help disguise it.
6. U.S. soldiers searching for Saddam at the farm found a small walled compound with a metal lean-to and a mud hut.
7. Saddam was found in a narrow crawl space branching off the tunnel. He was carrying a pistol.
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David
Sat January 3, 2004 9:38pm
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Su-34 Flanker
Function: Tactical fighter bomber.
History: Developed in the late 1980's as a variant to the Su-27 Flanker B, the Su-27IB (or Su-34) is a new tactical fighter bomber intended to replace the aging fleet of Russian Su-17, Su-24, and MiG-27 attack aircraft currently in service. Based on the Su-27UB two seat in line trainer, the Su-34 first flew in April of 1990 with the first purpose built tandem side by side seat prototype flying in December of 1993.
Description: As a strike aircraft, the Su-34 incorperates an advanced multi-function phased array radar capable of terrain following and avoidance for high speed, low level operations. In addition, the Su-34 features a rearward facing radar capqable of detecting, tracking, and directing R-73 or R-77 AAMs at persuing enemy aircraft. In addition to its capabilities as a strike aircraft, a version is being fielded to replace the Su-24MR for service as a tactical reconnaissance aircraft (similar in function to the RC-4 Phantom II) and airborne electronic warfare (similar to the EF-111 Raven). This version will incorperate sideways looking radar, signal gathering and classification equipment, television, infrared, laser and photographic abilities into a single, fully integrated package. The Su-34 is currently entering service with the Russian Airforce with Naval and export versions under development.
General Characteristics, Su-34 Flanker
Designer:
Sukhoi Design Bureau
Power Plant:
Two Lyulka AL-31MF afterburning turbofans
Thrust:
29,320 pounds each
Length:
21.94 meters (71.98 feet)
Height:
5.93 meters (19.45 feet)
Wingspan:
14.7 meters (48.22 feet)
Speed:
2,500 kmh (1,553 mph) at 30,000 feet
1,400 kmh (870 mph) at sea level
Ceiling:
18,000 meters (59,055 feet)
Weight:
23,249 kilograms (51,257 pounds) empty
Maximum Takeoff Weight:
44,359 kilograms (97,796 pounds)
Range:
4,000 kilometers (2,485 miles) on internal fuel; capable of in-flight refueling
Crew:
Two
Armament:
One GSh-30-1 30mm internally mounted cannon with 225 rounds of ammunition
17,635 pounds (8,000 kilograms) of external ordinance including missiles, rockets, gravity bombs, and guided munitions carried on 11 hardpoints
Date Deployed:
1997
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David
Sat January 3, 2004 9:38pm
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Shenyang J-8 (F-8 Finback
Function: Twin-engined, single-seat aircraft is primarily used for air combat, with the capability of ground attack.
History: Introduced in 1964, the J-8 was the first People's Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) aircraft utilizing a wholly Chinese design. While similar in configuration to the Soviet MiG-21 or the Chinese J-7, the J-8 airframe has been enlarged to accommodate two engines. Although the design was approved in 1964, prototype production was not completed until 1969. Because of the civil unrest caused by the Cultural Revolution (1966-76), the prototypes would see only limited flight activity through 1976, delaying production further. Production of the J-8 began in December 1979, with very few airframes actually entering service. These first-run aircraft were equipped with a single axial air intake supplying air to both engines, with a centrally mounted ranging radar, which gave the aircraft an appearance similar to the Mig-21/J-7. These aircraft were also equipped with two Type 30 30mm cannons and four under wing hardpoints, capable of firing the PL-2B short-range air-to-air missile. First-run production was completed in 1987.
The second run J-8 I "Finback A" entered production in 1985. Similar to the original J-8, the J-8 I had an improved radar which gave it all-weather capability. In addition, the two 30mm cannons were replaced by a single twin-barreled 23mm cannon. Production was halted in 1987 after some 100 aircraft were built (including original J-8 aircraft converted to the J-8 I design).
The completely redesigned J-8 II "Finback B" was first flown in 1984 and made public in 1986. The forward section of the airframe has been completely redesigned, replacing the single combination air intake-radome with two separate intakes, mounted laterally on the fuselage just aft of the cockpit, and a solid nose housing the aircraft's search radar. The solid nose also increases the amount of space available for additional after-market avionics. The J-8 II also incorporates a ventral stabilizer fin for increased maneuverability, which can folded for takeoff and landing. The export model of the J-8 II, designated the F-8 II, has improved avionics, to include digital electronics, a Heads Up Display (HUD), and Doppler radar, and engines, along with leading edge slats and in-flight refueling capabilities, giving it improved performance characteristics.
The J-8 IIM is a private venture (sponsored by Shenyang Aircraft Company) to improve the performance, and marketability, of the Basic J-8 II design. The J-8 IIM is capable of launching a variety of air-to-air and air-to-ground ordnance, including the PL-8, R-27/AA-10 and PL-5B. In addition, conventional iron bombs can be carried on seven hardpoints. The J-8 IIM also incorporates the advanced Russian made Zhuk-8II (FG-8) look-down, shoot-down radar, which replaces the older Chinese Type-208 radar. The Zhuk-8II has a range of 70 nautical miles, is able to track up to 10 targets at once and engage 2 targets simultaneously with radar-guided missiles such as the AA-10, as well as to launch anti-ship missiles such as the Kh-31. While the J-8 IIM also incorporates improved engines, the J-8 IIM is actually heaver than the baseline model, so aircraft range and performance are down slightly. Though the J-8 IIM completed its first test flight in 1998, none have been exported.
The most recent variant of the J-8 introduced, the J-8D, appears to be a basic J-8 II modified with a fixed in-flight refueling probe. In addition, it would seem that the avionics package has been upgraded to allow the ability to fire the PL-8 IR missile and the PL-11 semi-active radar guided missile.
Description: The basic J-8 design is very similar in appearance to the Soviet MiG-21 and Chinese J-7 aircraft, with the modified delta wing, swept horizontal and vertical stabilizers and central combination air intake-radar housing. The J-8's laterally mounted twin engines, however, readily give it away, the twin exhausts easily visible below and aft of the vertical stabilizer. The J-8 II replaces the MiG-21 forward section with a completely new design, incorporating the same single seat stepped cockpit, but with a solid nose and two laterally mounted, one on each side of the fuselage, square air intakes. The back half of the J-8 II, however, remains largely unchanged from the original J-8 design.
General Characteristics, Shenyang J-8 (F-8 Finback)
Country:
People's Republic of China
Designation:
Jian-8 Finback
Type:
Intercept
Builder:
Shenyang Aircraft
Power Plant:
Two open 13A-II turbojets at 14,815 pounds thrust
Length:
70 feet, 10 inches (21.6 meters)
Wingspan:
30 feet ( 9.3 meters)
Weight:
Empty: 21,600 pounds (9,820 kilograms)
Normal Takeoff: 31,500 pounds (14,300 kilograms)
Maximum Takeoff: 39,200 pounds (17,800 kilograms)
Speed:
Maximum Speed: 1,450 mph (2,340 kmh, Mach 2.2)
Cruising Speed: 800 mph (1,300 kmh)
Ceiling:
18-20,000 meters
Range:
Combat Radius: 2,500 miles (800 kmh)
Cruise Radius: 800 miles (1,300 kilometers)
Ferry Range: 1,400 miles (2,200 kilometers)
Internal Fuel Capacity:
3994 kilograms
Armament:
Two 23mm cannons (J-8 only; not found on J-8II)
One underfuselage hardpoint
Six underwing hardpoints for fuel, bombs, rockets or missiles
Four PL-2 or PL-7 and 800 L drop tank (680 nm)
Two PL-2 or PL-7 and two 480 L drop tanks and one 800 L drop tank (741nm)
Sensors:
Izmurd raging radar
RWR
Ballistic bomb sight
Crew:
One
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David
Sat January 3, 2004 10:24pm
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Akula Class Nuclear Attac
Function: Nuclear powered attack submarine.
History: The Delfin class attack submarines (SSN) were originally conceived in 1972 as Project 971/971U "Bars", a strategic cruise missile launch platform (SSGN) capable of launching the S-10 Granat missile, a Soviet copy of the American Tomahawk cruise missile. Originally designed along the same lines of the Pr. 671RTM (NATO Victor III) submarines, and armed with six 53cm torpedo tubes (to fire the S-10) and 2 65cm tubes (to launch defensive torpedoes and missiles), when the Soviet navy realized that its production facilities were not capable of producing titanium hulled Pr. 945 (NATO Sierra I and II) submarines, the 971 was redesigned to take advantage of the advanced sensor, command, communication, and weapons systems of the Zubatka and Karp class boats, yet made from steel. This redesign also increased the number of 53cm and 65cm torpedo tubes to four apiece. Additionally, the Pr. 971 submarines incorporated the active countermeasures suite found on the Pr. 945 boats. This system would use acoustic sensors to detect, classify, and automatically prioritize these contacts and display this information to an operator who then could take more precise action. Furthermore, in the case of torpedoes, the system could automatically take action, launching decoys and initiating barrage and deception jamming of the threat sensors. Surprisingly, when the 971 series entered production, it was found to offer performance similar to the 945 but at a fraction of the cost,with lower maintenance requirements, and the only real drawback being the reduction of the basic load from 40 weapons to 32. Consequently, the 971, and not the 945, was adopted as the follow on general purpose submarine to replace the aging 671 fleet.
Improvements to the basic Delfin design were incorporated into a more advanced production model designated the 971U. These improvements included the installation of 6 external 53cm torpedo tubes (for launching the S-10 Granat) and the non acoustic sensor system from the Pr. 945 submarines, which uses infrared sensors to detect the thermal gradients produced in submarine wakes. As production of the 971U was initiated, attempts to reduce the noise signature to levels comparable with the early Los Angeles class boats were made, which necessitated the redesign of the engine spaces. These modifications were incorporated into a new design designated Project 971A.
Deployed roughly at the same time as the American Improved Los Angeles class fast attack submarines, the 971 boats produce more noise than the early Los Angeles class, though their performance is far superior to earlier Soviet designs. The 971U is comparable to the early Los Angeles submarines in radiated noise levels at low speeds, becoming progressively noisier as speed increases. Additionally, the 971 series are far inferior to their US counterparts in terms of sonar sensitivity and combat capabilities. Production was limited to twelve 971U submarines before the collapse of the Soviet Union. Additionally, production was initiated on two 971A submarines but discontinued for lack of funding. Eleven of the surviving 971U submarines are currently in limited service with the Russian navy.
General Characteristics, Delfin Class
Builders:
Krasnoye Soromovo Zavod 112, Nizhniy Novgorod
Power Plant:
One OKB-650B-5 rated at 190 Megawatts, two steam turbines, one shaft with one VRSh-7 controllable pitch screw, 47,000 shaft horsepower
Length, Overall:
354.2 feet (107.9 meters)
Beam:
44.3 feet (13.5 meters)
Draft:
31.4 feet (9.6 meters)
Displacement:
7,900 tons submerged
Speed:
35 knots submerged
Crew:
31 Officers; 31 Enlisted
Maximum Safe Diving Depth:
1,475 feet
Armament:
Two internal 53cm torpedo tubes
Two external 53cm torpedo tubes (8 on 971U series)
Four internal 65cm torpedo tubes
S-10 Granat (NATO SS-N-21 SAMPSON) strategic cruise missiles
Two RPK-6 Vodopod (NATO SS-N-16 STALLION) rocket delivered nuclear depth charges
RPK-7 Vodopei (NATO SS-N-16 STALLION) rocket delivered homing torpedoes
BA-111 Shkval underwater rockets
Type 53-65K torpedoes
SET-65 torpedoes
TEST-68 torpedoes
Sensors:
Vspletsk combat direction system
Radar:
One Chiblis surface search radar
One Medvyedista-945 navigation radar
Sonar:
One MGK-503-M Skat active/passive sonar suite
One Pelamida towed sonar array
Two Akula flank arrays
One MG-70 mine detection sonar
Countermeasures:
Bukhta ESM/ECM system
Two MG-74 Korund noise simulation decoys
One MT-70 sonar intercept reciever
Nikhrom-M IFF system
Ships:
K.239 Karp, Commissioned June 1987, decommissioned 1997.
K.276 Krab, Commissioned September 1984, decommissioned 1997
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David
Sat January 3, 2004 10:24pm
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Sierra I Class Nuclear At
Function: Nuclear powered attack submarine.
History: The Sierra I class nuclear attack submarine (SSN) was conceived in 1972 as Project 945 "Barrakuda," and was intended to serve as a replacement for the aging Pr. 671RTM boats, which had reached the limits of their developmental potential, as the primary attack submarine in the Soviet Navy. In addition to incorporating a number of technological enhancements which improved navigation, communications, propulsion, radiated noise, sensor quality and command and control, the Pr. 945 boats featured an active countermeasures suite which worked in a manner similar to those found on aircraft. This system would use acoustic sensors to detect, classify, and automatically prioritize these contacts and display this information to an operator who then could take more precise action. Furthermore, in the case of torpedoes, the system could automatically take action, launching decoys and initiating barrage and deception jamming of the threat sensors. Lastly, the Pr. 945 submarines were the first to utilize non acoustic sensors to detect submarines, using infrared sensors to detect the thermal gradients produced in submarine wakes. The design utilized many features found in the Pr. 685 boats, including the 48-T titanium alloy hull. The 945 hulls were armed with two internal 53cm torpedo tubes, two external 53cm torpedo tubes, and four internally mounted 65cm torpedo tubes. Unlike the Pr. 685 submarines, the Barrakuda had a large torpedo room with a capacity for 40 weapons, including 53 and 65cm wake following and wire guided torpedoes, BA-111 Shkval underwater rockets, P-100 anti-ship missiles, RPK-6 rocket delivered nuclear depth charges, and RPK-7 rocket delivered homing torpedoes.
Deployed roughly at the same time as the American Improved Los Angeles class fast attack submarines, the 945 boats were comparable with the early Los Angeles class in terms of performance except in the areas of non acoustic detection and integrated acoustic countermeasure systems, where the Soviet submarines are decidedly superior. Production was limited to two submarines before the class was redesigned and reclassified Project 945A and both were decommissioned in 1997 as a result of high operating costs.
General Characteristics, Karp Class
Builders:
Krasnoye Soromovo Zavod 112, Nizhniy Novgorod
Power Plant:
One OKB-650B-5 rated at 190 Megawatts, two steam turbines, one shaft with one VRSh-7 controllable pitch screw, 47,000 shaft horsepower
Length, Overall:
351 feet (107 meters)
Beam:
36.7 feet (11.2 meters)
Draft:
27.9 feet (8.5 meters)
Displacement:
6,800 tons submerged
Speed:
35 knots submerged
Crew:
31 Officers, 28 Enlisted
Maximum Safe Diving Depth:
2,300 feet
Armament:
Two internal 53cm torpedo tubes
Two external 53cm torpedo tubes
Four internal 65cm torpedo tubes
P-100 Oniks (NATO SS-N-22 SUNBURN) anti-ship missiles
Two RPK-6 Vodopod (NATO SS-N-16 STALLION) rocket delivered nuclear depth charges
RPK-7 Vodopei (NATO SS-N-16 STALLION) rocket delivered homing torpedoes
BA-111 Shkval underwater rockets
Type 65-76 torpedoes
SET-72 torpedoes
TEST-71M torpedoes
USET-80 torpedoes
Sensors:
Vspletsk combat direction system
Radar:
One Chiblis surface search radar
One Medvyedista-945 navigation radar
Sonar:
One MGK-503 Skat active/passive sonar suite
One Pelamida towed sonar array
Two Akula flank arrays
One MG-70 mine detection sonar
Countermeasures:
Bukhta ESM/ECM system
Two MG-74 Korund noise simulation decoys
One MT-70 sonar intercept reciever
Nikhrom-M IFF systemm
Ships:
K.239 Karp, Commissioned June 1987, decommissioned 1997.
K.276 Krab, Commissioned September 1984, decommissioned 1997.
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David
Sat January 3, 2004 10:35pm
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T-AE - Kilauea Class Ammu
Function: Seven ammunition ships provide logistic support to U.S. Navy ships at sea.
History: The USNS Kilauea was the first ship of the Kilauea class ammunition ship to be transferred to Military Sealift Command Oct. 1, 1980. Flint was transferred in August 1995, Butte in June 1996, Kiska in August 1996 and Mount Baker in December 1996. The USNS Shasta (T-AE 33) was transferred Oct. 1, 1997. The USNS Santa Barbara (TAE 28) transferred to MSC's operation on September 30, 1998. Ships undergo a civilian modification overhaul during which accommodations are improved, main armament taken out and ships outfitted for reduced crewing by MSC. Seven UNREP stations are operational: four port, three starboard.
Description: Ammunition ships operated by Military Sealift Command provide underway replenishment of all types of ammunition via connected replenishment and vertical replenishment methods. Additionally, these ships will frequently assist with the transfer of ammunition between weapons storage and maintenance facilities worldwide.
General Characteristics, Kilauea Class
Builders:
General Dynamics, Quincy and Ingalls Shipbuilding
Power Plant:
Three Foster-Wheeler boilers; 600 psi (42.3kg/cm2); 8700F (4670C); one GE turbine, 22,000 hp (16.4 MW); one shaft
Length, Overall:
564 feet (171.91 meters)
Beam:
81 feet (24.69 meters)
Displacement:
9,340 long tons (9,489.89 metric tons) light; 19, 940 long tons (20,260 metric tons) full load
Speed:
20 knots (23.02 mph, 37.05 kph)
Crew:
125 civilians, plus 24 naval personnel, including a helicopter detachment
Aircraft:
Two UH-46E Sea Knight helicopters (cargo normally embarked)
Ships:
USNS Prevail (T-AGOS 8)
USNS Assertive (T-AGOS 9)
USNS Bold (T-AGOS 12)
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David
Sat January 3, 2004 10:35pm
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T-AKR - Fast Sealift Ship
Function: The Fast Sealift Ships are the fastest cargo ships in the world. The ships can travel at speed of up to 33 knots and are capable of sailing from the U.S. East Coast to Europe in just six days, and to the Persian Gulf via the Suez Canal in 18 days, thus ensuring rapid delivery of military equipment in a crisis. Combined, all eight Fast Sealift Ships can carry nearly all the equipment needed to outfit a full Army mechanized division.
History: All were originally built as container ships for Sea-Land Services, Inc., Port Elizabeth, N.J., but because of high fuel consuption were not cost-effective as merchant ships. Six ships of this class were approved for acquisition in FY81 and the remaining two in FY82. The purchase price included 4,000 containers and 800 container chassis for use in container ship configuration. All eight were converted to Fast Sealift Ships, which are vehicle cargo ships. With speeds up to 30 knots, they are the fastest cargo ships ever built. Conversion included the addition of roll-on/roll-off features. The area between the forward and after superstructures allows for emergency high hover helicopter lifts. Ninety-three percent of a U.S. Army mechanized division can be lifted using all eight ships. Seven of the class moved 13 percent of all the cargo transported between the U.S. and Saudi Arabia during and after the Persian Gulf War. Six were activated for the Somalian operation in December 1992 and all have been used in various operations and exercises since then. The FSS are all based in Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico ports.
Description: Fast Sealift Ships are roll-on/roll-off and lift-on/lift-off ships equipped with on-board cranes and self-contained ramps which enable the ships to off-load onto lighterage which anchored at sea or in ports where shore facilities forunloading equipment are unavailable. The vessels are specially suited to transport heavy or bulky unit equipment such as tanks, large wheeled vehicles and helicopters.
General Characteristics, Cpl. Louis J. Hauge, Jr. Class
Builders:
T-AKR 287, 289, 293 - Rotterdamsche D.D.Mij N.V., Rotterdam, the Netherlands
T-AKR 288, 291 - Rheinstahl Nordseewerke, Emden, West Germany
T-AKR 290, 292 - A.G. Weser, Bremen, West Germany
Power Plant:
Two Foster-Wheeler boilers, 875 psi (61.6kg/cm2); 9500F (5100C); two GE MST-19 steam turbines; 120,000 hp (89.5 MW); two shafts (60,000/shaft)
Length, Overall:
946.2 feet (288.40 meters)
Beam:
106 feet (32.31 meters)
Displacement:
55,350 long tons (56,238.26 metric tons) full load
Speed:
33 knots (37.98 mph, 61.12 kph)
Crew:
42 (fully operational); 24 (USCG minimum); 18 (reduced operating status)
Ships:
USNS Algol (T-AKR 287)
USNS Bellatrix (T-AKR 288)
USNS Denebola (T-AKR 289)
USNS Pollux (T-AKR 290)
USNS Altair (T-AKR 291)
USNS Regulus (T-AKR 292)
USNS Capella (T-AKR 293)
USNS Antares (T-AKR 294)
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David
Sat January 3, 2004 10:35pm
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LPD - San Antonio Class A
Function: The Landing Platform Dock 17, San Antonio Class, is the latest class of amphibious force ship for the United States Navy. The mission of the LPD 17 ships is to transport marines, with helicopters and air-cushioned landing craft to trouble spots around the world. The first ship, the San Antonio (LPD 17), is currently under construction and is scheduled to be delivered in November 2002.
History: In December 1996 the U.S. Navy awarded a contract to an industrial alliance led by Litton Industries Avondale with Bath Iron Works and Raytheon Company to design and construct the first of an anticipated twelve ships under the Navy's LPD 17 program. Litton Avondale will build eight of the twelve, including the first of class ship and the second. Bath will construct four, including the third of class vessel. The second ship, New Orleans (LPD 18), is planned to commission in 2004.
Description: The ship is of all steel construction with diesel propulsion. The ship provides three vehicle decks of 25,402 square feet and two cargo holds with 25,548 cubic feet for bulk cargo and ammunition magazines in addition to 1,234 cubic m for cargo fuel. Accommodation is provided for two LCAC (Landing Craft Air Cushioned), 720 troops and 15 vehicles.
At the stern of the ship the landing deck is able to accommodate two Sikorsky CH-53E Sea Stallion helicopters, four Bell AH/UH-1 Iroquois twin Huey helicopters, four Boeing CH-46 Sea Knight helicopters, or two Bell V-22 Osprey tiltrotor aircraft.
The hangar deck provides aviation maintenance facilities and is sufficiently large to accommodate one Sea Stallion, two Sea Knight, three Iroquois helicopters or one Osprey tiltrotor aircraft. The hangar doors are constructed by Indal Technologies. Each blast-resistant door weighs 18,000 kilograms and has three horizontal folding panels.
LPD 17 was planned to be equipped with the Mark 41 launcher for the Raytheon Evolved Seasparrow surface-to-air missile (ESSM), but budgetary considerations have meant that this may not now be fitted. Two Mark 31 launchers are capable of launching the fire and forget Raytheon Rolling Airframe Missile (RAM). RAM is a point defence anti-missile missile.
San Antonio will have two Mk 15 Phalanx close-in weapon systems (CIWS) from Raytheon and General Dynamics. Each Phalanx CIWS has one 20 mm M61A1 Vulcan Gatling-principle gun which fires 3,000 rounds per minute at a range of 1.5 km. The ship is also equipped with three Mark 38 25-mm machine guns and four 12.7 mm machine guns.
San Antonio is one of the classes of vessels planned to receive the SSDS (Ship Self Defense System) being developed by the U.S. Navy. SSDS will be an integration of all the ship's self defence systems and will include multi-function radar, ESSM, Advanced Integrated Electronic Warfare System and infrared search and track system (IRST). LPD 22, the sixth of class is scheduled to be the first ship to receive the complete system, which will be retrofitted to the rest of the class. SSDS is also to be fitted to the U.S. Navy projected new carriers (CVN 76) and destroyers (DD 21).
General Characteristics, LPD
Builders:
Defoe SB Co, Bay City
Dillingham SR, Portland
Norshipco, Norfolk
Tampa SY
Keith Ship Repair, New Orleans
Power Plant:
Four medium speed turbocharged marine diesels; two shafts; two single reduction gears; two controllable pitch propellers
Length, Overall:
683 feet (208.18 meters)
Beam:
105 feet (32 meters)
Displacement:
25,300 long tons (25,706 metric tons) full load
Aviation Facilities:
Hangar "O" level maintenance facilities for one CH-53E, or two CH-46s, or three UH/AH-Is helicopters, or one MV-22 tiltrotor aircraft
Landing deck for two CH-53E, or four AH/UH-1, or four CH-46, or two MV-22 tiltrotor aircraft
Medical Facilities:
Two operating rooms
24-person hospital ward
100 casualty overflow
Maximum Speed:
22+ knots
Weapons Systems:
Mark 41 16-cell vertical launch missile system for evolved Sea Sparrow missile
Mark 31 Mod 0, Rolling Airframe missile launchers
Two Mark 15 Phalanx CIWS
Mark 38 25mm machine guns
Mark 26 0.50 calibre machine guns
Countermeasures:
AN/SLQ-25A Nixie towed decoy system
Mark 36 Mod 18 Super Rapid Bloom Offboard Chaff (SRBOC) launchers
Nulka decoy countermeasures
Raytheon AN/SLQ-32Q(V) system
TISS
Radar:
AN/SPS-48E
AN/APQ-9B
AN/SPS-64(V)9
AN/SPS-67(V)3
Crew:
Ship's crew, 422; officer accomodation, 190;
accomodation for enlisted men, 1038
Ships:
San Antonio (LPD 17), commissioned September 2002
New Orleans (LPD 18), to be commissioned Summer 2003
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David
Sun January 4, 2004 12:31am
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SSN640 - Benjamin Frankli
Function: Benjamin Franklin class Fleet Ballistic Missile Submarine converted for special operations support.
History: Commissioned on December 10, 1965 as the second of the Benjamin Franklin class Fleet Ballistic Missile Submarines (SSBN) the USS Kamehameha served as an SSBN through 1992, conducting a total of 63 deterrent patrols. Following her withdrawl from the SSBN fleet, Kamehameha was extensivly modified to support Navy special operations missions. To create additional living space the entire ballistic missile section was removed and turned into living quarters where embarked special operations personnel could rest, train, plan operations, and maintain their equipment in relative comfort (especially when compared to the cramped quarters associated with the much smaller Sturgeon and Los Angeles class Fast Attack Submarines.) In addition, Kamehameha was modified to accommodate two Dry Deck Shelters (DDS) as well as 2 SEAL Delivery Vehicles. With the decommissioning of her sister ship, the USS James K Polk (SSN645) in 1999, the Kamehameha remains the only converted SSBN in active service.
General Characteristics, Benjamin Franklin Class
Builders:
Mare Island Naval Shipyard
Power Plant:
One S5W nuclear reactor, two steam turbines, one shaft, 15,000 shaft horse power
Date Deployed:
December 12, 1965 (USS Kamehameha)
Length, Overall:
425 feet (129.6 meters)
Beam:
33 feet (10.06 meters)
Draft:
28.8 feet
Displacement:
8,250 tons submerged
Speed:
25 knots submerged
Crew:
140
Armament:
Mk 48 ADCAP Torpedoes, launched from four 533mm torpedo tubes
Harpoon anti-ship missiles (tube launched)
Tomahawk anti-ship/ land attack missiles (launched from a 12 tube Vertical Launch System (VLS) )
Sonar:
1 AN/BQR-15 passive towed sonar array
1 AN/BQR-19 active sonar array
1 AN/BQR-7 passive sonar array
Ships:
USS Kamehameha (SSN-642), Pearl Harbor, HI
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David
Thu January 8, 2004 3:03pm
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2nd Army Air Force
Worn from 16 December 1943 to 1 July 1948
This organization served as both an air defense and a training organization. The design is of a flying falcon on an ultramarine background with the army air force star above. The falcon, a symbol of controlled destruction, represents the fighter and bomber groups of the Second Air Force. Activated9 April 1941 at Fort George Wright, Washington.
Campaigns:
American Theater.
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David
Thu January 8, 2004 3:03pm
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United States Strategic A
Worn from 27 December 1944 to 1 August 1945
The shape suggests the shield of the United States. The winged star symbolizes army air forces. Three air forces serving under the command are represented by the three small stars at the top of the shield. The letters "USSTAF" are the command's designation. As the redesignated United States Air Forces in Europe, this unit directed United States Air Force operations in the Berlin airlift from June 1948 to September 1949. Activated 1 January 1944 at Bushy Park, England.
Campaigns:
WWII (Air Combat, European-African-Middle East theater; Air Offensive, Europe; Normandy; Northern France; Rhineland; Ardennes-Alsace; Central Europe).
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David
Thu January 8, 2004 3:03pm
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Far East Air Forces
The Far East Air Forces shoulder patch was approved by the QMG on April 230h, 1945. The colors are those of the United States Army Air Forces. The wings and the star with the red disc in the center indicate that the organization is an Army Air Forces unit, while the Philippine Sun and the Southern Cross represent the location of the organization.
The Far East Air Forces (FEAF) was activated in Brisbane, Australia on the 3rd of August, 1944. The mission of the FEAF was for providing command control over the United States Air Forces units in the Southwest Pacific Area. The Commander of the FEAF was General MacArthur's chief air officer, Major General George Kenney whom orginized the remnants of Air Force units in the command into the Fifth Air Force in 1942. When the Thirteeth Air Force moved into the area to join in the New Guinea fighting, a unified command was needed to coordinate the efforts of the two Air Forcees, and so the FEAF was established. Operating from an advanced base in New Guinea and later from the Philippines, the Headquarters provided brilliant and innovative command leadership through much of the hard fighting in the Southwest Pacific island area and during the Battle for Philippines. Although the Command's mission included flying strategic and tactical missions, the main objective of FEAF was to destroy the Japanese Air Forces, and the aircrews assigned to FEAF did just that. After Okinawa was added to General MacArthur's area of responsibility in July of 1945, the Seventh Air Force was also assigned to FEAF. When the United States occupation forces arrived in Japan in August of 1945, an advanced Headquarters for FEAF comprised part of the first group that landed, and FEAF established its Headquarters i Tokyo. The FEAF was redesignated the Pacific Air Command on December 6th, 1945, and eventually became the Pacific Air Forces in July of 1947. It should be noted that the lineage of the original Far East Air Forces that was created in October of 1941 went to the Fifth Air Force when it was formally established in September of 1942. On Januaty 19th, 1946, a letter from the QMG redesignated the FEAF shoulder patch for the Pacific Air Command, United States Army.
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David
Thu January 8, 2004 3:03pm
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Alaskan Air Command
The Alaskan Air Command shoulder patch was approved by the OMG on May 20th, 1947. The colors are those of the United States Army Air Forces. The single folded wing represents the Command's ties with the Eleventh Air Force. The "Big Dipper" and "North Star" represent the far northern skies where the Command is operational and stands watch.
On December 18th, 1945 the Eleveth Air Force was redesignated the Alaskan Air Command, maintaining its Headquarters at Elmendorf Field (near Anchorage), Alaska. Initially, the mission of the command was to defend Alaska from enemy air attacks, but later the responsibility for providing sites for early warning communications and for maintaining bases for retalitory attacks was added. In January of 1947, a unified land-sea-air Alaskan Command was established with the United States Air Force acting as executive agent. The Alaskn Air Command arc was worn from December of 1945 until May of 1947 when this shoulder patch was approved.
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David
Thu January 8, 2004 3:03pm
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5th Army Air Force
The 5th Air Force - Headquarters on Java in the Neatherlands Indies, February 1942. Headquarters moved to Brisbane, Australia in September 1942, and moved throughout the Sowthwest Pachific with the Allied advance.Worn from 25 March 1943 to the Mid 1950's
This air force lost most of its men and equipment in the defense of the Philippines after 7 December 1941. In January 1942, re-equipped, they were sent to Java to help delay Japanese advances in the Netherlands Ins. The Fifth participated in operations that stopped the Japanese drive in Papua, recovered New Guinea, neutralized islands in the Bismarck Arhipelago and the Netherlands East Indies, and liberated the Philippines. From June 1950 to July 1953, it was engaged in the Korean war. The five small stars form the Southern Cross constellation under which the unit fought in the Pacific theater. The army air force star is encompassed in the comet taken from the unit's aircraft markings. The three tails represent bombers, fighters, and troop carriers. Activated 5 February 1942 in the Dutch East Indies.
Campaings:
WWII (Philippine Islands; East Indies; Air Offensive, Japan; China Defensive; Papua, New Guinea; Northern Solomons; Bismarck Archipelago; Western Pacific; Leyte; Luzon; Southern Philippines; China Offensive), Korean War (UN Defensive, UN Offensive, CCF Intervention, First UN Counter Offensive, CCF Spring Offensive, UN Summer-Fall Offensive, Second Korean Winter, Summer-Fall 1952, Third Korean Winter, Summer-Fall 1953).
Decorations:
Distinguished Unit Citations (Philippine Islands, 8-22 December 1941; Philippine Islands, 7 December 1941-10 May 1942; Papua, September 1942-23 January 1943). Philippine Presidential Unit Citation (two are shown in AFR 900-902)
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