Just Nice Pics

French/German Tiger around Le Luc Army base.

 Via Anthony Pecchi

Aurora Flight Sciences to Develop New X-Plane Under DARPA Contract

Active Flow Control in early stage aircraft design will enable revolutionary capabilities

MANASSAS, Va., Nov. 12, 2020 — Aurora Flight Sciences, a Boeing Company, aims to develop an experimental plane under a new Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) contract. The X-plane seeks to demonstrate the advanced capabilities of Active Flow Control (AFC) as a primary design consideration.

Through DARPA’s Control of Revolutionary Aircraft with Novel Effectors (CRANE) program, Aurora is under contract for Phase 0 in partnership with Boeing and the University of Arizona. The team will develop tools and technology for incorporating AFC in the early stages of aircraft design to later demonstrate in a custom X-plane.

During Phase 0, Aurora will study AFC-enabled designs across multiple mission domains for one year to identify an X-plane demonstrator concept. Phase 1 will follow with preliminary design of an X-plane demonstrator.

“This team builds upon decades of AFC research and prototyping, including flight tests of full-scale implementations,” said Per Beith, Aurora President and CEO. “Together with DARPA, we can enable fundamentally new approaches to aircraft design and look forward to exploring game-changing configurations.”

Navies of India, US, Japan, Australia conclude phase 1 of Malabar 2020 naval exercise

Ships from the Royal Australian Navy, Indian Navy, Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force, and the United States Navy participate in Malabar 2020. Malabar 2020 is the latest in a continuing series of exercises that has grown in scope and complexity over the years to address the variety of shared threats to maritime security in the Indo-Asia Pacific where the U.S. Navy has patrolled for more than 70 years promoting regional peace and security. Nimitz Carrier Strike Group is currently deployed to the 7th Fleet area of operations in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific. 

The first phase of the Malabar naval exercise has culminated in the Bay of Bengal with the participation by Indian Navy (IN), United States Navy (USN), Japan Maritime Self-Defence Force (JMSDF), and Royal Australian Navy (RAN).

The 24th multinational maritime naval exercise, which started on November 3, was restricted to sea phase and conducted in “zero contact” format considering COVID19 pandemic.

The first phase of the exercise witnessed complex and advanced naval exercises including surface, anti-submarine and anti-air warfare drills, cross deck flying, and weapon firing exercises. It concluded on Friday.

The 24th edition of the Malabar naval exercise is scheduled in two phases this month. It will display “high-levels of synergy and coordination” based on their shared values and commitment to an open, inclusive Indo-Pacific and a rules-based international order.

It is for first time in more than a decade that the exercise will see the participation of all four Quad countries. Australia is taking part in the exercise after 2007.

The first phase of Malabar 20 witnessed the participation of Indian Navy units with United States Ship (USS) John S McCain (guided-missile destroyer), Her Majesty’s Australian Ship (HMAS) Ballarat (long range frigates) with integral MH-60 helicopter and Japan Maritime Self Defence Ship (JMSDF) Onami (destroyer) with integral SH-60 helicopter.

The second phase of the Malabar practice started on Tuesday in the Northern Arabian Sea with the support of Indian Navy plane carrying warship INS Vikramaditya, the American plane carrying warship USS Nimitz alongside other Indian, US, Australian and Japanese warships completing 'Malabar-2020' wargames.

The Australian Navy is participating with its warship HMAS Ballarat and Japan with destroyer JS Murasame. The second period of the Malabar exercise will be led in the Northern Arabian Sea till November 20.

"Taking forward the cooperative energy accomplished in the as of late closed Phase 1 of Exercise Malabar 2020, which was led in the Bay of Bengal November from 03 to 06, this stage will include composed activities of expanding intricacy between the naval forces of Australia, India, Japan and the United States," an official delivery on Monday.

"Stage 2 of Exercise Malabar 2020 will observer joint activities, revolved around the Vikramaditya Carrier Battle Group of the Indian Navy and Nimitz Carrier Strike Group of the US Navy. The two transporters, alongside different boats, submarine and airplane of the taking an interest naval forces, would be occupied with focused energy maritime tasks more than four days," the delivery added.

The delivery expressed that these activities incorporate cross-deck flying tasks and progressed air guard practices by MiG 29K warriors of VikramadityaandF-18 contenders and E2C Hawkeye from Nimitz.

What's more, cutting-edge surface and hostile to submarine fighting activities, seamanship advancements and weapon firings will likewise be attempted to additional improve interoperability and cooperative energy between the four agreeable naval forces.

Notwithstanding Vikramaditya and its warrior and helicopter air-wings, indigenous destroyers Kolkata and Chennai, secrecy frigate Talwar, Fleet Support Ship Deepak and indispensable helicopters will likewise partake in the activity, driven by Rear Admiral Krishna Swaminathan, Flag Officer Commanding Western Fleet. Indigenously fabricated submarineKhanderiand P8I oceanic observation airplane of the Indian Navy will likewise grandstand their capacities during the activity.

US Navy's Strike Carrier Nimitz will be joined by cruiser Princeton and destroyer Sterett notwithstanding P8A sea observation airplane. The Royal Australian Navy will be spoken to by frigate Ballarat alongside its vital helicopter. Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force will likewise partake in the activity.

"The Malabar arrangement of activities, which started as a yearly two-sided maritime exercise among India and the US in 1992, has seen expanding degree and multifaceted nature throughout the long term. The 24th version of Malabar, which is by and large as of now embraced, features improved union of perspectives among the four dynamic vote based systems on sea issues, and grandstands their pledge to an open, comprehensive Indo-Pacific and a guidelines based worldwide request," the delivery said.

Nov. 17, 2020. Ships from the Royal Australian Navy, Indian Navy, Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force, and the United States Navy participate in Malabar 2020. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Elliot Schaudt/Released)

Soviet/Russian Nuclear Ballistic Missiles, from left to right:

Soviet/Russian Nuclear Ballistic Missiles, from left to right:

1 - 9M76 Temp-S

2 - ICBM 15Zh42 Temp-2S

3 - MRBM 15Zh45 Pioneer

4 - MRBM 15Zh53 Pioneer UTTKh

5 - ICBM15Zh59 Courier

6 - Command missile 15Zh56 Horn

7 - MRBM 15Zh66 Speed

8 - MRBM 15ZHh57 Pioneer-3

9 - MBR 15Zh58 Topol

10 - Command missile 15Zh75 / 15Yu75 Siren

11 - ICBM 15Zh55 / 15Zh65 Topol-M

12 - ICBM 15ZH55M / 15ZH65M Yars

SM-3 Block IIA Missile Excels In First Ever ICBM Intercept Test

For the first time ever, an SM-3 Block IIA missile successfully intercepted a threat-representative Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) target.

MDA press release

The U.S. Missile Defense Agency (MDA), and U.S. Navy sailors aboard an Aegis Ballistic Missile Defense (BMD) System-equipped destroyer intercepted and destroyed a threat-representative Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) target with a Standard Missile-3 (SM-3) Block IIA missile during a flight test demonstration in the broad ocean area northeast of Hawaii, Nov. 16.

At approximately 7:50 p.m. Hawaii Standard Time, (12:50 a.m., Nov. 17, Eastern Standard Time), the ICBM-representative target was launched from the Ronald Reagan Ballistic Missile Defense Test Site, located on Kwajalein Atoll in the Republic of the Marshall Islands, toward the broad ocean area northeast of Hawaii. In this developmental test, the destroyer used engage-on-remote capabilities through the Command and Control Battle Management Communications (C2BMC) network as part of a defense of Hawaii scenario. After receiving tracking data from the C2BMC system, the destroyer launched a SM-3 Block IIA guided missile which destroyed the target.

 

“This was an incredible accomplishment and critical milestone for the Aegis BMD SM-3 Block IIA program. The Department is investigating the possibility of augmenting the Ground-based Midcourse Defense system by fielding additional sensors and weapon systems to hedge against unexpected developments in the missile threat. We have demonstrated that an Aegis BMD-equipped vessel equipped with the SM-3 Block IIA missile can defeat an ICBM-class target, which is a step in the process of determining its feasibility as part of an architecture for layered defense of the homeland. My congratulations to the entire test team, including our military and industry partners, who helped us to achieve this milestone.”

Based on preliminary data, the test met its primary objective: demonstrate the ability for a SM-3 Block IIA missile to intercept an ICBM target. Program officials will continue to evaluate system performance based upon telemetry and other data obtained during the test.

This event, designated Flight Test Aegis Weapon System-44 (FTM-44), was the sixth flight test of an Aegis BMD-equipped vessel using the SM-3 Block IIA guided missile. FTM-44, originally scheduled for May 2020, was delayed due to restrictions in personnel and equipment movement intended to reduce the spread of COVID-19.

FTM-44 satisfies a Congressional mandate to evaluate the feasibility of the SM-3 Block IIA missile’s capability to defeat an ICBM threat before the end of 2020. The SM-3 Block IIA was originally designed and built for the Intermediate-range Ballistic Missile threat set.

The Aegis Ballistic Missile Weapons System is the naval component of the U.S. Missile Defense System. The MDA and the U.S. Navy cooperatively manage the Aegis BMD system. Aegis BMD ships (and Aegis Ashore) receive track data via the C2BMC system, build the fire control solutions, then launch and guide the SM-3 family of missiles to destroy incoming threats. MDA’s mission is to develop and deploy a layered Missile Defense System to defend the U.S., its deployed forces, allies, and friends from missile attacks of all ranges in all phases of flight.

PT-91M Pendekar MBTs of the Malaysia Army at firing range

PT-91M Pendekar MBTs of the 11th Tank Regiment of the Malaysia Army's Royal Armored Corp at firing range

 

First images of the three version of the US Army's Optionally Manned Tank.

OMT, Variant 1

Subsystem characteristics of the OMT, Variant 1

OMT, Variant 1, combat load

OMT, Variant 2

Subsystem characteristics of the OMT, Variant 2

OMT, Variant 2, combat load

OMT, Variant 3

Subsystem characteristics of the OMT, Variant 3

OMT, Variant 3, combat load

 

Technical requirements for new combat vehicles:

7.1 Learning Objective 1 from section 1.1.1

Assess the ability of the proposed OMT configurations to conduct combat operations.

• The following were identified as needs for an OMT to conduct combat operations.

- The ability to draw power from an AEU rather than turn on the engines would extend opera-tional capability considerably, reduce strain on the battery bank, and reduce noise signature of a formation while in an long duration/ TAA location.

- HVAC / NBC combined system. Soldiers expressed frustration with the quality of the separate heating system (heating element does not last long enough) and cooling system (insufficiently strong enough). In addition the need for improved NBC detection within an armored system was identified. Having to depend on a hand held unit is 'just one more thing' to keep track of in an already cluttered control node. Soldiers were very receptive to the idea of an NBC integrated HVAC unit that could be swapped out as it failed and would monitor the Air as it circulated the under armor enclosure. If there were an NBC threat detected the sensor would automatically engage the NBC system and alert the crew.

- Fall back to Manual/mechanical capability. Soldiers were adamant that the platform be able to operate with out turret power or an enabled hydraulic system. This would include a fall back to manual loading capability

- Automated Recovery Support/ Auto deploy hook up tow ban Soldiers expressed concern about the reduction in crew size and the amount of platforms required to conduct a like for like rapid recovery. While Soldiers did agree that the number of platforms needed to do a like for like recovery would not change the tasks and capability degrading for each participating system would, the amount of effort required for a 3 man crew to in place a tow bar would need some additional enabling technology to help keep the time spent out of armor to a minimum. Soldiers stated they currently use a 6 member TTP to hook up a tow bar, this normally comes from the system being recovered and the recovering system. If the crew sizes were reduced to 3 then the recovery process would need to include a member or two from the platforms providing security.

- The next generation main battle tank would need improved logistics diagnostic sensors (what needs to be replaced), a track tension sensor to detect imminent failure/ breakage.

- Transparent Armor to enclose SA cameras.

- Spoofing system for enemy target acquisition systems: Soldiers requested the ability to send a false signal for enemy target acquisition systems. This system would send bad data to an enemy weapon systems resulting in the round landing away from the formation, when asked about where the round should go Soldiers wanted the result to be that threat forces could not get an accurate visual on landing to 'wind adjustment' the round on a subsequent engagement. Soldiers wanted the round to be vectored away from the formation (such as short of the formation/ high wide of the formation).

- Independent viewer optics similar to the M2/M3

- Fratricide detection capability, if a target is believed to be a friendly by the computer it sends a 'are you sure' prompt to the gunner.

- An ability to depress the main weapon system to go 'over a reverse slope' capability. Suggestions for how to achieve this were either through a large depression arc or a hydraulic lift capability .

- A digital map board

- Wireless CVC set/ WiFi enabled systems/speakers

- USB plug for charging systems

- Variable size coax; able to handle .50, 7.62, or 4omm grenade weapon systems. Also integrated in such a way such as to reduce observation (such as cowling/ flash suppressor)

- Better back up cameras

- When asked about the WMI Soldier asked that an app be added that would allow for 3-d mapping for drone data as it came in, and for an electronic map board that could be used either in an open hatch (mounting bracket needed) or in closed hatch configuration. The other feature asked for would be for a mission planning module to allow for direct graphic control overlays from the company/ BN. One member went so far as to state that this capability (3-d mapping and graphics over lay) would eliminate the need for terrain models and would enable the plt to brief missions while under armor.

- Better torsion arms

7.2 Learning Objective 2 from section 1.1.2

How do each of the OMT key technologies impact the vehicles operational utility? 

• The UAV was seen as the most impactful enabling technology utilized by the crews during the experiment, but there would need to be additional changes to make the three man crew feasible. Additionally, current features evaluated would need to be refined and/or improved 

- UAV should be able to assist in the local security of the TAA, desired features to help with TAA security include, an ability to have a top down look out (camera orientation o degree down) to 300 meters around the formation with additional sensors (radar, thermal, proximity detection). It is important that nothing given to the formation require a SM to dismount the tank. The Company has a ground based proximity sensor that is never used because it requires the tank crew to dismount to emplace it.

- The UAV should have a far target locator capability that communicates with the JCR/WMI. All Soldiers concurred that having a far target locator capability on the UAV would increase the capability of the formation.

- The far target locator function also lead into the observation that the UAV should also have the ability to 'laze' (provide a grid, distance, and direction from platform).

- The flight range of the UAV should be the max effective range of the direct Fire weapon system, with the ability to observe/laze out to the max effective range of the direct fire weapon system.

- The UAV will need to have an improved optics package; Soldiers did not find the yellow/green contrast option presented in the VE to be useful. Other improvements to the optics package on the UAV include; matching views with platform display settings(controls, sight picture, HUI) presentation), night vision (PSQ-20-A/B) equivalent, and blended thermal night vision setting.

- The UAV needs to have signal strength/ auto return feature. Soldiers expressed concern that with all of the requested upgrades to the UAV it would become a sensitive item; lightly used in training, and come with a host of restrictions that would prevent the UAV from being leveraged to its full capability.

- The 'Assualt' variant, Soldiers expressed mixed reaction to one members suggestion that the UAV needed to be have a limited ability to engage troops/ or act as a stand off capability for the formation. While all members would never turn down more weapons on the battle field, the task saturation of a stand off UAV did not garner universal support.

- Persistent capability. Soldiers brought up the idea on an optional tether UAV to enable long duration observation 

• The inclusion of a UAV that had all of the features discussed pointed to the UAV operator need-ing to receive special training, not only on its use, but on air space de-conflicting,and indirect fires control. Which would put the capability in conflict with the crew progression system currently used (driver/loader/gunner/TC). As a UAV operator would be in the hull with the TC/Gunner yet not be in an active role in platform operation/ only enabling its periphery equipment. If the UAV operator is to remain in the OMT consideration set then the system will require more development to become simpler to use than it already is, almost needing to be intuitive from or to a tank control screen/menu/system so that the cognitive dissonance is not as jarring when trying to juggle multiple roles, or moving from UAV operator to Gunner.

• If the UAV is very expensive then a set of smaller disposable(or easily replaced/repaired) single pur-pose drones should be considered to allow for a mix of gaining quick SA or special purpose (ie lane marking) cases.

• APS was also identified as being the most impactful enabling technology, especially in less survivable OMT variants

• Two IWS stations is too much, consider a CIV and weapon station to prevent one system obscuring the visibility of the other while allowing the TC or loader to scan while the opposite member of the team uses the weapon station. The weapon station should also allow the ability to hand off targets to the gunner.

• The LWRS was a sustain. It should auto-deploy smoke when activated, and give a bearing to the TC.

ASELSAN A.Ş. new facility opening ceremony exhibition in Gölbaşı

 ASELSAN A.Ş. new facility opening ceremony exhibition in Gölbaşı. Company univled the newest Tanks, IFVs, Air Defence, EW, Radars and surveillance systems.