Bradley IFV Mission Enabling Technologies Demonstrators (MET-D)

Modified Bradley Fighting Vehicles known as Mission Enabling Technologies Demonstrators (MET-D) and modified M113 tracked armored personnel carriers, known as Robotic Combat Vehicles (RCVs) are being utilized in a soldier operation experimentation at Ft. Carson, Col., from June 15 – Aug. 14, 2020.

Boeing delivers 2,500th AH-64 Apache helicopter

The AH-64A Apache was first delivered to the U.S. Army in 1984 and the helicopter fired the first shots of Operation Desert Storm in 1991, was called into service for Homeland Defense following the September 11, 2001 tragedies, and later deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. (Boeing photo)

MESA (Ariz.) – Boeing recently delivered its 2,500th AH-64 Apache helicopter, an E-model Apache for the U.S. Army, from the company’s production line in Mesa, Arizona.

The first production AH-64, an A-model Apache, rolled off the assembly line on September 30, 1983, and was delivered by Boeing heritage company McDonnell Douglas to the U.S. Army in January 1984. Today, Boeing is producing and delivering AH-64E helicopters to a growing list of customers around the world.

“The Apache has built an impressive legacy of success, and is well-positioned to bring relevant technologies and capabilities that defense forces require today and in the future,” said Kathleen Jolivette, Vice President of Attack Helicopter Programs and Senior Mesa Site Executive. “Company teammates and suppliers worldwide are focused on assembling, delivering and supporting U.S. and global customers working to deter aggression and defend freedom. Apache is ready to have a key role in the future of multi-domain operations.”

Today’s E-model Apache features integrated technologies including communications and navigation capabilities to enhance situational awareness and coordination; a new, faster multi-core mission processor for advanced systems integration; and maritime capability in the Fire Control Radar for watercraft detection and identification along with a shorter engagement timeline. The helicopter’s improved drive system includes a split-torque face gear transmission, a 701D engine and composite main rotor blades that ensure the Apache succeeds as a highly stable aerial weapons-delivery platform.

Continuing in service today with the U.S. Army and multiple international defense forces, the AH-64D Apache Longbow helicopter was initially delivered to the Army in April 1997 and was in 2003 deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Production and deliveries of the D-model helicopter was concluded in 2013, however Boeing continues to provide training and support to customers around the world. (Boeing photo)

Selected by, or in service today with the U.S. Army and the defense forces of 15 nations, Apache helicopters are slated to fulfill the requirements of aviators and battlefield commanders for decades to come. Planned modernization has ensured that Apaches have evolved with revolutionary technologies. Today’s helicopters feature capabilities for resiliency in multi-mission operational environments.

“As a former Army aviator with military service dating back to October 1978 and later selected to fly the first AH-64A and later the AH-64D model Apaches, it’s a thrill today to be a part of the crews who complete flight testing on aircraft during development and prior to delivery to customers,” said Dave Guthrie, Boeing’s chief pilot for Apache programs. “I know that I’m part of this helicopter’s history and its future.”

Legacy Apache deliveries, including new-build and remanufactured helicopters, include 937 A-models through 1997, more than 1,000 AH-64Ds between 1997 and 2013, and more than 500 E-models since 2011.

Evaluation test of different vehicles in Yuma Proving Ground

Evaluation test of different vehicles in Yuma Proving Ground

and very interesting vehicle is the LAV-25 with mounted NEMO turret

U.S. Army Yuma Proving Ground's test and evaluation mission takes place in the desert of Arizona, the Arctic cold of the Alaskan interior, and the tropical jungles of Central and South America. It has jurisdiction over all of the extreme weather testing in the Army, in the desert of Arizona and the Arctic cold of the Alaskan interior. 

In-bore Detonation of Non-standard Ammunition, Testing a Russian T-55 Tank in U.S. Army Aberdeen Test Center

INCIDENT:

On 21 May 2009 the U.S. Army Aberdeen Test Center (ATC) was performing an accuracy and fire control test on a Russian T-55 tank at the H-Field Firing Range, Aberdeen Proving Ground (APG). The three man crew, commander (also loading), gunner and driver were firing Russian designed 100-mm UBK-4M cartridge with the BK5M High Explosive Anti Tank (HEAT) warhead. Upon firing the second round of the day, a catastrophic incident occurred. The warhead exploded in the tank cannon rupturing the tube, killing the commander, fatally injuring the gunner and seriously injuring the driver.

The U.S. Army Combat Readiness/Safety Center (CRC) team arrived on 23 May and initiated their investigation. The authors need to acknowledge the efforts of the CRC team in their thorough and professional investigation. Much of the factual information presented herein was obtained through the combined efforts of the CRC team and individuals in the unit. This paper provides general details surrounding the incident and address contributing factors. The conclusions and recommendations presented herein are those of the authors and not the findings, conclusions or recommendations of the Central Accident Investigation Board.

Throughout the paper unless specifically designated otherwise the term ‘unit’ refers to that team within ATC that was responsible for executing the test and reporting the results. The unit is comprised of engineers and technicians with personnel ranging from less than 1 to 20 plus years of experience in the test, operation and maintenance of Russian designed equipment. The authors of this paper are members of the unit.

DETAILS:

1) In January 2009 testing was initiated on the T-55 tank at the H-Field Firing Range. At this time fourteen armor piercing, fin stabilized, discarding sabot – tracer (APFSDS-T) rounds were fired. The firing of forty-four HEAT rounds was scheduled but field gun not tank ammunition was delivered to the test site. The ammunition delivered was for use in an anti-tank field gun, which was incompatible with the tank. The field gun ammunition was turned in; no HEAT rounds were fired at this time.

In May 2009 the tank HEAT rounds were acquired for testing. Twenty-two of the UBK-4M/BK5M HEAT rounds and 24 APFSDS-T rounds were fired between 14 and 20 May 2009 by the crew as a part of the test. The test scenarios were, stationary tank – stationary target and stationary tank – moving target.

On 21 May 2009 the crew prepared the tank for firing, moving tank – stationary target scenario. The incident occurred on the second round of the day at approximately 0930.

Failed 100-mm gun tube after incident, 65” and 60” long cracks in images A and B respectively

Whole report - In-bore Detonation of Non-standard Ammunition, Testing a Russian T-55 Tank

Upgrade projects for BTR-50, BTR-60 and T-72 of Iran Armed forces

Upgrade projects for BTR-50, BTR-60 and T-72 of Iran Armed forces