David
Sat January 3, 2004 8:43pm
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M61A1 20mm Cannon
Description: The current version of the M61, the M61A1, remains relatively unchanged from past models. In its basic form the M61A1 is a six barreled rotary cannon firing a variety of electrically primed 20mm cannon shells. The gun can be mounted either internally in aircraft, or externally in a pod arrangement, and has been mounted on both ground vehicles and trailers for use as an air defense weapon. The M61A1 can be driven hydraulically, electrically, or by ram air and has a variable rate of fire of between 4,000 and 7,200 rounds per minute (depending on individual settings and performance requirements).
Background: Soon after the end of the Second World War the newly formed United States Air Force identified a need for an improved gun system for its aircraft. While adequate as an air combat / ground attack weapon during World War Two, the Browning M2 .50 caliber machine gun had been rendered obsolete by jet aircraft and needed to be replaced by a weapon with increased range, rate of fire, and projectile lethality. Realizing that singled barreled automatic weapons had essentially reached their design limits, the U.S. Army Ordnance Research and Development Service hit on the idea of re-introducing the multi-barreled rotary weapon invented by Richard J. Gatling in the 1880s. Initial tests proved promising as a vintage Gatling gun, now powered by an electric motor in place of the usual hand crank, was able to achieve rates of fire in excess of 4,000 rounds per minute.
In 1946 the General Electric company received the contract for this new program, code named "Project Vulcan," and was tasked with producing functional prototypes in a number of calibers for further testing. In 1952 GE produced three different guns; .60 caliber, 20mm, and 27mm. After extensive testing, the 20mm version was selected for further testing to determine its suitability as an aircraft mounted weapon. In 1956 the gun was standardized as the M61 20mm cannon and entered service with both the United States Army and Air Force.
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David
Sat January 3, 2004 9:09pm
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M49 Telescope
Function: Daytime telescope for making ground observations.
Description: The M49 Observation Telescope is a 20-power daytime telescope. The telescope is used for making ground observations of a target area and effectiveness artillery fire. Having no reticle, it is not used as a sighting device. Associated equipment is the M15 Tripod which has adjustable metal legs and a carrying strap. It allows for full rotation of the mounted telescope. The basic components of the M49 are the objective assembly, body tube, prism housing assembly, and eyepiece assembly with focusing sleeve. The front end of the body tube extends 3/4 of an inch beyond the objective, thereby providing a permanent sunshade. The telescope is furnished with an objective cover and an eyepiece cover cap which are screwed in place to protect the lenses when the telescope is not in use.
History: The M49 has seen several decades of general purpose use as a daytime observation device. Its most common application is in the scout/sniper section of the infantry battalion where it is used to detect and identify targets.
General Characteristics, M49 Telescope
Manufacturer:
IMO, VARO, Garland, Texas and various other vendors
Length:
13.5 inches (34.29 centimeters)
Weight (Without Tripod):
2.75 pounds (1.25 kilograms)
Magnification:
20x
Unit Replacement Cost:
$511
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David
Sat January 3, 2004 9:38pm
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Su-27 Flanker-B
Function: High performance air combat and air superiority fighter.
History: Developed in the late 1960s as a dedicated air superiority fighter, the Flanker combines the maneuverability of the MiG-29 Fulcrum with the precision "fly-by-wire" flight controls found on Western fighters as well as an incrediable payload of ten Air to Air Missiles (AAM). Entering service in 1984, the basic Su-27 design has produced a number of variants, including the Su-27IB (or Su-34), a side by side tandem seat tactical fighter bomber similar in function to the American FB-111 Aardvark, and the Su-27UB Flanker-C (or Su-30) another tandem designed used as a long range interceptor and trainer. Additionally, the Su-27 has been converted for use on Russian aircraft carriers as the Su-27K (or Su-33) which incorperates strengthined landing gear, folding wings, a retractable in-flight refueling probe, an arrestor hook assembly, and movable forward mounted canards.
Though currently in service with the Russian Airforce and available for export, the Su-27 is being replaced by the much improved Su-35 and the vectored thrust Su-37.
General Characteristics, Su-27 Flanker-B
Designer:
Sukhoi Design Bureau
Power Plant:
Two Lyulka AL-31F afterburning turbofans
Thrust:
27,557 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
Ceiling:
18,000 meters (59,055 feet)
Weight:
20,774 kilograms (45,801 pounds) empty
Maximum Takeoff Weight:
30,000 kilograms (66,138 pounds)
Range:
4,000 kilometers (2,485 miles)
Crew:
One (two in some variants)
Armament:
One GSh-30-1 30mm internally mounted cannon with 150 rounds of ammunition
6,000 kilograms (13,228 pounds) of external ordinance including missiles, rockets, gravity bombs, and guided munitions carried on 10 hardpoints
Date Deployed:
1984
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David
Sat January 3, 2004 9:38pm
Rating: 8
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Il-76 Candid
Function: Medium range, medium lift cargo aircraft.
History: The Ilyushin Il-76 (NATO designation Candid) was fielded by the Soviet Air Force in 1974 as a medium range, medium payload, rough surface capable cargo aircraft. Produced by the Ilyushin Aviation Complex Joint Stock Company in Moscow and the Tashkent Aircraft Production Corporation in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, the Il-76 was purpose built as a combat support aircraft who's primary mission was to deliver infantry and light armored vehicles. The Il-76 is also paratrooper capable, and can air deliver palletized cargo and specially prepared military vehicles.
To facilitate rough field operations, the Il-76 is equipped with a low ground pressure landing gear system and extendable trailing flaps and leading edge slats on the wings to generate additional lift at low airspeeds. To support airborne cargo delivery missions, the Candid is equipped with a telpher; an over-head electrically operated track from which cargo can be suspended and deployed, as well as a deck mounted roller conveyer system. The Il-76 can also be converted to a litter capable airborne ambulance.
Since its introduction, the Il-76 has undergone a number of modifications. The Il-76M is virtually identical to the base line Il-76 in terms of physical appearance, and flight characteristics, but with almost twice the payload capacity (47 tons for the M model, up considerably from the 28 tons of the basic model.) The Il-76MD is essentially an Il-76M with structural modifications to increase fuel load and range. The additional fuel carried increased the MD's maximum take off weight by 20 tons, and increased the range of the aircraft by 40%. The Il-76MF variant incorporates a 6.6-meter insertion into the fuselage to increase cargo hold dimensions, as well as improved engines, replacing the four D-30KP turbofan engines with four more powerful PS-90A-76 turbofans. These new engines improve range by 20% over the MD model. The MF's maximum take off weight has been increased to 210 tons, and the maximum payload has been increased to 52 tons.
In addition to serving as a cargo aircraft, the basic Il-76 design has been modified to fill a number of additional aircraft requirements. The A-50 Mainstay Airborne Early Warning radar aircraft is derived from the Il-76 design, and the Il-78 Midas aerial tanker is derived from a modified MD airframe.
Description: As with most cargo aircraft, the Il-76 body was designed to maximize available space. The fuselage is long and more rounded in cross-section than the more contemporary An-124 Condor, with a tapered aft section and rounded nose. The tail has a pair of clamshell doors and integral loading ramp for cargo. The nose, un-like the C-5 Galaxy or the An-124 Condor, is fixed, and the lower section is glassed in for observation. Directly behind the glass nose section is an oval radome, which extends laterally beyond the sides of the frame.
The wings are mounted high on the fuselage at a slight negative dihedral, and are tapered and swept. The four turbofans are mounted on pylons underneath, and forward of the wings. The horizontal stabilizers are also swept back and tapered, and are mounted high on the vertical stabilizer.
Designed as a combat aircraft, the Il-76 is capable of mounting an electronic warfare ECM package, to include radar warning receiver, and chaff and flare dispensers, to defend the aircraft from radar guided and heat seeking missile threats, and is capable of mounting air dropped ordnance on external, wing mounted ejector racks. In addition, the tail section incorporates a manned weapons station, mounting two 23mm cannons and a fire direction radar. This tail gun station is retained on many Russian owned, civilian operated Il-76s, as they were expected to serve with the Air Force during a time of war.
General Characteristics, Il-76 Candid
Power Plant:
Four D-30KP turbofans
Thrust:
12,000 kef
Length:
46.6 meters (152.9 feet)
Height:
14.42 meters (47.31 feet)
Wingspan:
50.5 meters (165.7 feet)
Cargo Hold Dimensions:
Length (less ramp): 20 meters
Width: 3.45 meters
Height 3.4 meters
Speed:
Cruise speed at an altitude of
9 to 12 kilometers: 760 to 780 kmh
Ceiling:
20,695 meters (67,900 feet)
Load-Carrying Capacity:
47 tons
Maximum Takeoff Weight:
170 tons
Range:
With 20-ton payload: 6,100 kilometers (3,660 miles)
With 47-ton payload: 3,000 kilometers (1,800 miles)
Crew:
Six or seven
Runway:
Takeoff run on concrete runway: 1,600 meters
Landing roll on concrete runway: 780 to 1,000 meters
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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 9:38pm
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Su-37 Flanker
Function: Multi role air superiority, ground attack fighter.
Description: Developed as an improved version of the basic Su-27 Flanker designed, the Su-37 is based on the Su-35 airframe but with thrust vectoring nozzles to give it unsurpassed maneuverability. In addition to providing more power than previous engines, the engines on the Su-37 utilize steerable nozzles which can vector the engine thrust through +/- 15 degrees of travel in the vertical axis. This thrust vectoring is fully intigrated with the aircraft's flight control systems, and requires no input or manipulation by the pilot. In the event of a system failure, an emergency system will return the nozzles to their normal position. Other modifications to the Su-37 include improved offensive and defensive avionics, an improved pulse doppler phased array radar in the nose as well as the rearward facing radar already present on the Su-34 and 35.
General Characteristics, Su-37 Flanker
Designer:
Sukhoi Design Bureau
Power Plant:
Two Lyulka AL-37FU vectored thrust afterburning turbofans
Thrust:
30,855 pounds each
Length:
21.94 meters (71.98 feet)
Height:
6.84 meters (22.44 feet)
Wingspan:
15.16 meters (49.73 feet)
Speed:
2,440 kmh (1,516 mph) at 30,000 feet
Ceiling:
18,000 meters (59,055 feet)
Weight:
18,400 kilograms (40,565 pounds) empty
Maximum Takeoff Weight:
33,999 kilograms (74,956 pounds)
Range:
3,500 kilometers (2,175 miles)
Crew:
One
Armament:
One GSh-30-1 30mm internally mounted cannon with 150 rounds of ammunition
8,200 kilograms (18,075 pounds) of external ordinance including missiles, rockets, gravity bombs, and guided munitions carried on 11 hardpoints
Date Deployed:
Still under development
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David
Sat January 3, 2004 9:38pm
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Su-47 (S-37) Berkut
Function: The Su-47 (initially known as the S-37) Berkut (Golden Eagle) is a testbed for developing technologies for the next generation of aircraft.
Description: The basic dimensions and weight of the Su-47 "Berkut" are similar to those of Su-37, although they are different aircraft, and the tail, nose and canopy are similar to those of the Su-35. The first two prototypes of this aircraft were evidently designated the S-32, and the S-37 designation was previously applied to an unrelated fighter project for a smaller delta wing single aircraft that was cancelled due to lack of funding.
The Su-47 features forward-swept wings, which promises a range of benefits in aerodynamics at subsonic speeds and at high angles of attack. The forward-swept wing, which enables the aircraft to increase its range and its manoeuvrability at high altitude, makes extensive use of composite materials. The aircraft has large canards mounted on the intake side, close to the leading edge of the wing. The vertical stabilizers are canted slightly outward [not inward, as previously believed], and two large auxiliary intake doors are visible on the center fuselage section. It is unclear which engines are used on this aircraft. The two powerplants are at the moment D-30F6 turbojets which are normaly used at the MiG-31M, while the second prototype uses the Ljulka AL-37FU turbojet with thrust vectoring. The Su-47 is an experimental program for developing fifth-generation technologies.
The Su-47 is a better performer at high angles of attack in post-stall manoeuvring much needed in close-in dogfight. Having the edge in manoeuvring, the Su-47 is clearly catching up in stealth with US and European new-generation fighters. However even with its internal weapon bay and RAM coating, the new Sukhoi is a very different concept than F-22. The heavy accent on RAM rather than radar absorbing structures (RAS) is obvious. The major components of radar stealth -- RAM coatings and surface quality -- are subject to the production and maintenance tolerance as it was shown by USAF F-117 and B-2 operational experience. Untightened screws, scratches or unfastened access panels were known to greatly deteriorate the RCS of the aircraft, reducing the engineering efforts put into aircraft design. It remains to be seen how Sukhoi will overcome the looser production standards of the Russian aircraft plans.
General Characteristics, Su-47 (S-37) Berkut
Designer:
Sukhoi Design Bureau
Power Plant:
* 2 Perm Aviadvigatel D-30F6 (34,170 lbst), or
* 2 Saturn/Lyul'ka AL-37FU afterburning 142.2 kN (31,966 lb st) with afterburning thrust-vectoring in pitch -20o to 20o at 30o per second
Length:
22.2 m - 22.6 m (72.83 ft - 74.15 ft)
Height:
6.36 m - 6.40 m (20.87 ft - 21.00 ft)
Wingspan:
15.16 m - 16.7 m (49.74 ft - 54.8 ft)
Max Speed:
2,500km/h (1,350 knots)
Ceiling:
18,000 meters (59,055 feet)
Weight:
* Empty: 24,000 kg (52,910 lb)
* Equipped: 26,000 kg (57,320 lb)
Maximum Takeoff Weight:
34,000 kg (74,960 lb)
Range:
1,782 nm (3,300 km/2,050 miles)
Crew:
One
Hardpoints:
14: 2 wingtip, 6-8 underwing, 6-4 conformal underfuselage
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David
Sat January 3, 2004 10:02pm
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ZPU-4 14.5mm Anti-Aircraf
Function: Lightweight towed anti-aircraft gun.
Background:Introduced in 1949 the ZPU-4 is a quad version of the basic Soviet 14.5mm machine gun. The ZPU-4 saw service with North Korea during the Korean War and with Iraq during the Gulf War. During the Vietnam war the ZPU-4 was considered to be the most dangerous anti-helicopter weapon of the war. Exported to numerous countries worldwide, the ZPU-4 was also manufactured in China as the Type 56.
Description: The ZPU-4 system is made up four air-cooled, fully automatic 14.5mm machineguns mounted on a 4 wheeled, two axle chassis. While the ZPU-4 may be fired while limbered for traveling, the gun can be jacked off of the ground, using built in leveling jacks, for increased stability.
General Characteristics, ZPU-4 14.5mm Anti-Aircraft Gun
Length:
4 feet (1.2 meters)
Width:
5 feet (1.5 meters)
Height:
6 feet (1.8 meters)
Weight:
1 ton
Rate of Fire:
550-600 rounds per minute, per gun.
Maximum Range:
1,400m vs. air targets
Introduction Date:
1949
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David
Sat January 3, 2004 10:15pm
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BTR-70 APC
Function: Soviet 1970-era wheeled APC.
Background: Introduced in 1978 as a replacement to the BTR-60, The BTR-70 is very similar externally to the older vehicle, as many if the improvements made to the vehicle are internal.
The BTR-70 uses the standard Warsaw Pact APC weapons turret equipped with one KPV 14.5mm machine gun and one PKT 7.62mm machine gun. As with the BTR-60, power is supplied to all eight wheels by means of a unique twin engine/transmission arrangement. The BTR-70's power plants, however, have been upgraded to two 120hp gasoline engines. The gearbox arrangement, however, remains unchanged; one supplies power to the 1st and 3rd axles and the other supplies power to the 2nd and 4th axles.
The BTR-70 is also 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.
Though replaced by the BTR-80 in the early eighties, the BTR-70 continues to serve in many armies world-wide, including most former Warsaw Pact as well as many Middle Eastern, African, and Asian countries.
Description: The BTR-70 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 the case of the BTR-70 the hull has been lengthened somewhat and the axles now have a paired appearance, with a distinctive gap between the second and third axles.
The BTR-70 may be readily distinguished from the 60 and 80 series by the presence of a single, large, curved "caterpillar" insulated exhaust located on either side of the hull rear. In addition the amphibious operations trim vane has been moved from underneath the nose of the vehicle, BTR-60 series, to on top of the nose, just forward of the driver's station.
The BTR-70 is equipped with the standard Warsaw Pact APC turret. The small, one man turret is mounted over the second axle and contains one KPV 14.5mm machine gun and one PKT 7.62mm machine gun.
The personnel compartment can be accessed by a triangular doorway located between the second and third axles. The three infantry mounting steps and the three additional mounting rails located on the hull above the steps, present on the BTR-60, have been eleminated. The large personnel compartment access hatches located on each side of the hull have also been eliminated and replaced with three firing ports.
General Characteristics, BTR-70 Armored Personnel Carrier
Manufacturers:
Soviet Union
Transmission:
2x manual
Engine:
2x 120hp V-8 gasoline
Length:
25.51 feet (7.85 meters)
Width:
9.1 feet (2.80 meters)
Height:
7.96 feet (2.45 meters)
Combat Weight:
11.5 tons
Cruising Range:
450 kilometers
Speed:
Maximum: 50mph ( 80kph)
Off-road: 38mph (60kph)
Fording:
Fully amphibious without preparation
Crew:
2; driver, gunner-commander
8 passengers
Armament:
Main:
One 14.5mm KPV HMG
Secondary:
One 7.62mm PKT-T MG
Introduction Date:
1978
Variants:
BTR-70 M1986/1: Improved version of the Basic BTR-70.
BTR-70Kh: Chemical recon variant. Equipped with a proximity fuse jammer. This device is designed to prematurely detonate proximity fused artillery rounds.
BTR-70MS: Communications support variant.
BTR-70KShM: Mobile command post variant.
BREM: Armored Recovery Vehicle variant.
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David
Sat January 3, 2004 10:15pm
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T-72 MBT
Function: Soviet and Warsaw Pact Cold War main battle tank (MBT).
Description: Where the T-64 was never exported from the Soviet Union the T-72 was a parallel design intended for distribution throughout the Soviet Bloc as well as exported through arms sales to other nations. Similar to the T-64, the T-72 has the low, round turret made from cast steel as well as the 2A46M 125mm smoothbore cannon, which, at the time, was the largest mounted on an MBT. In addition, the T-72 mounts a 12.7mm antiaircraft machine gun in the commander's station and a single 7.62mm machine-gun coaxial to the main gun. Though outclassed by the T-80 and T-90 tanks which followed it, the T-72 is currently still in service with the Russian army as well as being produced for export.
General Characteristics, T-72 Main Battle Tank
Manufacturer:
Malyshev HMB Plant, Kharkov, Ukraine
UKBM Nizhny Tagil, Russian Federation
Transmission:
Automatic
Engine:
V-12 air cooled diesel producing 840 horsepower
Length. Gun Forward:
31.70 feet (9.66 meters)
Width:
11.75 feet (3.58 meters)
Height:
7.20 feet (2.19 meters)
Combat Weight:
44.5 metric tons
Cruising Range:
310 miles (500 kilometers); 403 miles (650 km) with additional fuel tanks
Speed:
Maximum: 37 mph (60 kph)
Cross Country: 21 mph (35 kph)
Obstacle Crossing:
Trench: 2.85 meters
Slope: 32 degrees
Fording:
Without preparation: 3.9 feet (1.2 meters)
With Snorkel: 16.5 feet (5 meters)
Crew:
A three-man crew composed of a driver, gunner, and tank commander
Armament:
Main: 125mm 2A46M main gun
Secondary: One 12.7mm NSV antiaircraft machine gun (commander's station); one 7.62mm PKT coaxial machine gun; 9K120 Svir (NATO designation AT-11 SNIPER) cannon launched, laser guided Anti Tank Guided Missile (ATGM) (T-72S, SK, BM)
Ammunition:
45 125mm cannon rounds (combination of kinetic energy (SABOT), High Explosive Anti Tank (HEAT) shaped charge, High Explosive-Fragmentation (HE-FRAG), cannon launched AT-11 ATGM)
300 12.7mm machine gun rounds
2,000 7.62mm machine gun rounds
Introduction Date:
1971
Variants:
T-72: Original production version from which all variants are derived. Fielded in 1971, equipped with 780 horsepower diesel V-12 engine. Tank is equipped with a 7.62mm PKT machine gun coaxially mounted on the right side of the cannon and a 12.7mm NSV machine gun mounted in the commander's cupola.
T-72A: Basic Russian model. Differs from basic T-72 in that it incorporates a laser rangefinder, track sideskirts, additional armor on the turret top and front, smoke grenade launchers and is slightly heavier. Went out of production in 1985.
T-72AV: A model equipped with first generation explosive reactive armor.
T-72B: Entered production in 1985. Incorporates increased frontal armor in the turret. Known in the U.S. as the "Dolly Parton" version. Additionally, engine output is improved to 840 horsepower. The T-72BK is the command variant of the T-72B with additional communications equipment.
T-72BV: T-72B model equipped with first generation ERA.
T-72BM: T-72 B model with Kontakt-5 second generation explosive reactive armor. All T-72s produced for export are currently being built to this standard.
T-72M: Polish-Czechoslovakian version of the basic T-72 tank. The T-72M differs from the T-72 in that the coincident rangefinder has been replaced with a laser rangefinder. Went out of production in 1985.
T-72M1: Export version of the T-72M. Equivalent to the Soviet built T-72A. Produced in Poland and Czechoslovakia. Went out of production in 1985.
T-72M1V: M1 model equipped with reactive armor. Equivalent to the T-72AV.
T-72S: T-72A model upgraded to be on comparable with the T-72BM though lacking increased turret armor. May be equipped with first generation ERA. T-72SK is the command variant with additional communications equipment.
T-72CZ: Czechoslovakian M1 models upgraded with western automotive, fire control and weapon system components.
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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
Sun January 4, 2004 12:31am
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SSN688(I) - San Juan Clas
Function: Nuclear powered Fast Attack submarine.
History: The Los Angeles class SSN design proved to be so effective that as time progressed and technological improvements were made to the submarine's systems, rather than build a completely new class of boat it was decided to reuse the Los Angeles design, but fitted with newer, more advanced systems. Based on research and development studies, performed in part by USS Memphis (SSN691) which had been specifically modified during refit to serve as a technology test bed, several major improvements were made to the basic Los Angeles design. In addition to internal upgrades to improve the submarine's sensors and to make it quieter, the hull was also modified to increase submerged speed. Furthermore, by strengthening the sail and moving the forward dive planes from the sail to the bow, the San Juan boats have a true "under ice" capability. The Improved Los Angeles (or San Juan class) submarines currently fill the role of America's front line fast attack submarine, surpassing the Los Angeles class in all respects, and will continue to serve until replaced by either the Seawolf class (SSN21) or the Virginia class (SSN774).
General Characteristics, San Juan Class
Cost:
About $900 million each
Builders:
General Dynamics Electric Boat Division
Power Plant:
One S6G nuclear reactor, one shaft, 35,000 shaft horse power
Length, Overall:
360 feet (109.73 meters)
Beam:
33 feet (10.06 meters)
Draft:
35 feet (10.67 meters)
Displacement:
6,927 tons (7,010.73 metric tons) submerged
Speed:
32 knots submerged
Crew:
13 Officers; 121 Enlisted
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)
Sensors:
BSY-1 combat data system
Radar:
1 AN/BPS-5 surface search radar
1 AN/BPS-15 navigation and fire control radar
Sonar:
1 TB-16 passive towed sonar array
1 TB-23 passive "thin line" towed sonar array
1 AN/BQG-5 wide aperture flank array
1 AN/BQQ-5 low frequency spherical bow sonar array
1 AN/BQS-15 close range active sonar (ice detection)
Mine and Ice Detection and Avoidance System (MIDAS)
SADS-TG active detection sonar)
Optics:
1 Type 2 attack periscope
1 Type 18 search periscope
Countermeasures:
WLR-9 acoustic intercept receiver
WLQ-4 ESM
WLY-1 torpedo decoy
Ships:
USS San Juan (SSN 751), Groton, CT
USS Pasadena (SSN-752), Pearl Harbor, HI
USS Albany (SSN-753), Norfolk, VA
USS Topeka (SSN-754), Pearl Harbor, HI
USS Miami (SSN-755), Groton, CT
USS Scranton (SSN-756), Norfolk, VA
USS Alexandria (SSN-757), Groton, CT
USS Asheville (SSN-758), Pearl Harbor, HI
USS Jefferson City (SSN-759), San Diego, CA
USS Annapolis (SSN-760), Groton, CT
USS Springfield (SSN-761), Groton, CT
USS Columbus (SSN-762), Pearl Harbor, HI
USS Santa Fe (SSN-763), Pearl Harbor, HI
USS Boise (SSN-764), Norfolk, VA
USS Montpelier (SSN-765), Norfolk, VA
USS Charlotte (SSN-766), Pearl Harbor, HI
USS Hampton (SSN-767), Norfolk, VA
USS Hartford (SSN-768), Groton, CT
USS Toledo (SSN-769), Groton, CT
USS Tucson (SSN-770), Pearl Harbor, HI
USS Columbia (SSN-771), Pearl Harbor, HI
USS Greeneville (SSN-772), Pearl Harbor, HI
USS Cheyenne (SSN-773), Pearl Harbor, HI
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David
Mon September 13, 2004 6:50am
Rating: 10
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XM8
The XM8 Future Combat Rifle is intended to replace existing M4 Carbines and select 5.56mm x45 weapons in the US Army arsenal beginning as early as the fourth quarter of FY05.
In October 2002 ATK (Alliant Techsystems) was awarded a $5 million contract modification from the U.S. Army Armament Research, Development, and Engineering Center (ARDEC), Picatinny, N.J., to develop the new XM8 Lightweight Assault Rifle. ATK Integrated Defense, Plymouth, Minn., and teammate Heckler and Koch, Oberndorf, Germany, will support the rapid development program, which will investigate the potential of the XM8 as the lightweight assault rifle for the Army's Objective Force.
The XM8 will be based on the kinetic energy weapon that is part of the XM29 next-generation infantry weapon system (formerly the Objective Individual Combat Weapon) currently under development by ATK Integrated Defense. The kinetic energy weapon, which fires 5.56mm ammunition, will provide maximum commonality in components and logistics with the XM29 system.
The XM8 will provide lethality performance comparable to the currently fielded M4 carbine rifle, while weighing 20 percent less than the M4 because of advanced technologies developed for the XM29 program.
The XM8 Lightweight Assault Rifle will reduce the 21st century soldier's load and increase his mobility - two very important aims of the Army's Objective Force Warrior and Land Warrior initiatives. The progress made to reduce weight and improve performance on the XM29 program is key to the decision on accelerating the development of the XM8, which is integrated with the Army's efforts to transform to a more lethal and rapidly deployed fighting force as part of its Objective Force.
ATK Integrated Defense is the system integrator on the XM29 program. Teammates on the program are Heckler and Koch, weapon development; ATK Ammunition Systems, Arden Hills, Minn., ammunition development; Brashear LP, Pittsburgh, Pa., integrated full solution fire control; and Omega, Columbus, Ga., training systems.
The XM8 is a true family of weapons with different barrel lengths designed to address all the needs of an infantry squad. The standard model is expected to be lighter than the M4 carbine and no larger in size. There?s also a sharpshooter version for increased range; a compact version for cramped quarters; and an auto-rifle version for a squad-automatic weapon. The XM8 family has a 9-inch compact, 12.5-inch carbine and a 20-inch sharpshooter and automatic rifle. The 12.5-inch carbine is 6.4 pounds with an objective of 5.7 pounds and is 33 inches with its adjustable stock extended. The M-16 A2 is 39.63 inches long and 8.79 pounds with a 30-round magazine.
Internally, the XM8 uses a rotary locking bolt system that functions and fieldstrips like those used in the M-16 rifle and M-4 carbine, according to the XM8 manufacturer?s ? Heckler & Koch ? Website. The bolt is powered by a unique gas operating system with a user-removable gas piston and pusher rod to operate the mechanism. Unlike the current M-4 and M-16 direct gas system with gas tube, the XM8 gas system does not introduce propellant gases and carbon back into the weapon?s receiver during firing.
While the XM8 was not exposed to battlefield conditions, it?s still a feat the current service rifle hasn?t come close to rivaling, said Rich Audette, deputy project manager for PM Soldier Weapons. During their Oct. 20-23 2003 trip to Germany, the weapons experts said they were impressed after watching Heckler & Koch engineers fire four high-capacity magazines, with 100 rounds a piece, in less than five minutes.
This improved reliability can be credited to differences in the XM8?s operating system from the one in the M16. For instance, a thin gas tube runs almost the entire length of the barrel in all of the M16 variants. When the weapon is fired, the gases travel back down the tube into the chamber and push the bolt back to eject the shell casing and chamber a new round. The XM8?s gas system instead is connected to a mechanical operating rod, which pushes back the bolt to eject the casing and chamber the new round each time the weapon is fired. So there?s no carbon residue constantly being blown back into the chamber, reducing the need to clean the weapon as often. You don?t get gases blowing back into the chamber that have contaminates in them. The XM8 also has a much tighter seal between the bolt and the ejection port, which should cut down on the amount of debris that can blow into the weapon when the ejection port?s dust cover is open.
The XM8 is part of the Army?s effort to perfect an over-and-under style weapon, known as the XM29, developed by Alliant Techsystems and H&K. It fires special air-bursting projectiles and standard 5.56mm ammunition. But the XM29 still is too heavy and unwieldy for Army requirements. Instead of scrapping the XM29, the Army decided to perfect each of XM29?s components separately, so soldiers can take advantage of new technology sooner. The parts would be brought back together when lighter materials become available. The XM8 is one of those components.
From December 2003 through late May 2004, soldiers got a chance to fire the prototypes in desert, tropical and arctic environments. A limited-user test then was conducted, possibly at Fort Campbell, Ky., where soldiers test the prototypes for about three weeks while training in offensive and defensive scenarios. Improvements will be made based on soldier and test feedback before the final three-months of operational tests, which are scheduled to begin in fall 2004. The final decision will be up to the Army?s senior leadership, but weapons officials said they were confident the XM8 weapon system will be adopted. If all goes well, the XM8 could be ready for fielding by late summer 2005.
Beginning life as the 5.56mm KE (kinetic energy) component of the 20mm air-bursting XM29 Objective Individual Combat Weapon (OICW), the XM8 Lightweight Modular Carbine System represents the state-of-the-art in 5.56x45mm NATO assault rifles. Developed by the US Army?s office of Project Manager for Soldier Weapons located at Picatinny Arsenal, New Jersey in close conjunction with the US Army Infantry Center, the XM8 Future Combat Rifle is intended to replace existing M4 Carbines and select 5.56mm x45 weapons in the US Army arsenal beginning as early as the fourth quarter of FY05. Once adopted, the M8 Carbine will replace the aging M16/M4 family of weapons, which have been in service for nearly four decades, longer than any previous US service rifle. The M8 Carbine will be up to 20% lighter than a comparably equipped M4 Carbine MWS and yet offer additional features and performance unavailable currently in any assault rifle in the world.
As a direct development of the separable OICW (XM29) KE or Kinetic Energy module, the M8 Carbine will share a high degree of common parts and training and maintenance procedures to lessen the required support for the ?family? of XM8 weapons. Being developed are four XM8 variants, which include a baseline carbine, a sharpshooter variant, an automatic rifle variant, and the ultra-compact carbine variant. A unique feature of the XM8 modular weapon system is the ability to easily and quickly reconfigure the weapon from one variant to the other to meet changing mission requirements, to include caliber conversion.
This modularity includes the exchange of interchangeable assembly groups such as the barrel, handguard, lower receiver, buttstock modules and sighting system with removable carrying handle. In addition and in parallel, the new XM320 quick detachable single-shot 40mm grenade launcher with side-opening breech and LSS lightweight 12 gauge shotgun module can be easily added to the XM8 by the user in the field without tools. The unique buttstock system allows the operator exchange buttstocks without tools from the standard collapsible multi-position version, to an optional buttcap for maximum portability or an optional folding or sniper buttstock with adjustable cheekpiece for special applications. Internally the XM8 employs a combat-proven robust rotary locking bolt system that functions and fieldstrips like that used in the current M16 rifle and M4 carbine. However this bolt is powered by a unique gas operating system that employs a user removable gas piston and pusher rod to operate the mechanism. Unlike the current M4/M16 direct gas system with gas tube, the XM8 gas system does not introduce propellant gases and the associated carbon fouling back into the weapon?s receiver during firing. This greatly increases the reliability of the XM8 while at same time reducing operator cleaning time by as much as 70%. This system also allows the weapon to fire more than 15,000 rounds without lubrication or cleaning in even the worst operational environments. A cold hammer forged barrel will guarantee a minimum of 20,000 rounds service life and ultimate operator safety in the event of an obstructed bore occurrence.
The XM8 has fully ambidextrous operating controls to include a centrally located charging handle that doubles as an ambidextrous forward assist when required, ambidextrous magazine release, bolt catch, safety/selector lever with semi and full automatic modes of fire and release lever for the multiple position collapsible buttstock. The operating controls allow the operator to keep the firing hand on the pistol grip and the weapon in the firing position at all times while the non-firing hand actuates the charging handle and magazine during loading and clearing. Major components of the weapon are produced from high-strength fiber reinforced polymer materials that can be molded in almost any color to include OD green, desert tan, arctic white, urban blue, brown and basic black. Surfaces on the XM8 that interface with the operator are fitted with non-slip materials to increase comfort and operator retention. The XM8 uses 10 or 30-round semi-transparent box magazines and high-reliability 100-round drum magazines for sustained fire applications.
Special integral flush mounted attachment points are located on the handguard and receiver to allow the quick attachment of targeting devices. Unlike MIL-STD-1913 rails, the XM8 attachment points do not add additional weight, bulk and cost to the host weapon, and will accept MIL-STD-1913 adapters to allow for the use of current in-service accessories. The attachment points for the standard multi-function integrated red-dot sight allow multiple mounting positions and insure 100% zero retention even after the sight is removed and remounted. The battery powered XM8 sight includes the latest technology in a red dot close combat optic, IR laser aimer and laser illuminator with back-up etched reticle with capability exceeding that of the current M68-CCO, AN/PEQ-2 and AN/PAQ-4. This sight will be factory zeroed on the weapon when it is delivered and does not require constant rezeroing in the field like current rail-mounted targeting devices. The XM8 will be fully compatible with future Land Warrior technology and components.
The US XM8 Carbine is being designed at the HK Defense design center in Sterling, Virginia and will be produced and assembled in the United States at the new Heckler & Koch manufacturing plant located in Columbus, Georgia, adjacent to Fort Benning. The unit cost of the XM8 will be less than that of the current M4 Carbine and will guarantee the American war fighter uncompromising performance far exceeding that of current in-service M4 Carbines.
XM-8 Prototype Specifications
Caliber:
5.56 x 45mm NATO
Builder:
Heckler & Koch
Weight:
6.4 lbs (prototype),
5.7 lbs objective
Overall Length:
33.3 inches (carbine stock extended)
Barrel Length:
Assault: 12.5"
Sharpshooter: 20.0"
Compact: 9.0"
Automatic Rifle: 20.0"
Rate of Fire:
Cyclic - 750 rpm
Sustained - 85 rpm up to 210 rounds
Rate of Twist:
1 in 7 inches
Barrel Life:
20,000 rounds mininum
Muzzle Velocity:
3005 feet/second (M855 Ball) with 20" barrel
2675 feet/second with 12.5" barrel
2365 feet/second with 9.0" barrel
Magazine Capacity:
10 or 30 rounds (magazines can be nested together); 100 round drum available
Stock:
5 position adjustable for length
Bayonet Lug:
Yes (12.5 & 20" barrels)
Bipod Interface:
Yes (20" only)
Sighting System:
Fully integrated red dot with laser illuminator and pointer
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David
Thu October 7, 2004 9:48am
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Chateau-Thierry Medal
Chateau-Thierry Medal -- Created in July 1920 by the town, to celebrate the efforts of American and French soldiers who fought in the vicinity. Two basic designs exist for this medal, but there are variants. One design depicts, on its obverse, the busts of George Washington and Lafayette, both facing left, the latter in front. The words "Chateau-Thierry: Cote 204" are in raised letters on the 'sash' suspension device. The reverse has the image of the Legion d' Honneur. I've seen two variants of this first design. One has finer details, such as the inscription of "WASHINGTON" and "LAFAYETTE" around the rim of the obverse, and more delicate details in the suspension device. Another variant has more robust lettering, deeper relief and chunkier details in the suspension device. This other variant also has the artist's name inscribed in Lafayette's shoulder, where the finer variant has none.
The second design also has Washington and Lafayette, but has the pair facing right, Washington in front. The second design's reverse has a stylized sunburst below the inscription text. It has the deeper relief and chunkier details, similar to the variant of the first design.
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David
Thu October 7, 2004 12:13pm
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Army Crosses
"Army Crosses" Awarded after the war to members of specific Italian Armies for their participation in the Great War. While awarded by the army, recipients often had to purchase the medal itself. Some variations in the crosses exist, but the basic designs remained fairly consistent.
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