The Arms Grapevine
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Rabbit Brand new land-attack cruise missile
By Wendell Minnick 21 September 2004
(Source: Janes News Brief)
China has test-fired a new land attack cruise missile (LACM) designated Dong Hai-10 (DH-10), or East China Sea-10.
A US defence source identified the DH-10 as a ground-launched second-generation LACM with a range of more than 1,500km. He said it is likely to be equipped with an integrated inertial navigation system/Global Positioning System, supplemented by a terrain contour mapping system and digital scene-matching terminal-homing system able to provide a circular error probable (CEP) of 10m.
China is also expected to field a second LACM within the next few years. The Ying Ji-63 (YJ-63), or Strike Eagle-63, is described by the source as a first-generation LACM with a range of 400-500km and the ability to carry a 500kg high explosive warhead at a speed of Mach 0.68. The missile is believed to be fitted with combined inertial and GPS mid-course guidance, plus some form of electro-optical terminal guidance. The latter is expected to provide a CEP of 10-15m, but it will probably be limited by weather. If it is a TV homing system rather than an autonomous scene-matching sensor, this will require a line-of-sight communications link with the launch aircraft or another platform.
The US source further pointed out that Harpy unmanned aerial vehicles obtained by China from Israel in 2001 are now operational.
These three sophisticated weapons pose new challenges to Taiwan, which has been engaged in extended debate over the ballistic missile threat from China. "Taiwan has not met the growing LACM threat head on," the source complained. -
New submarine picture presents Chinese puzzle
Yihong Chang Additional reporting by
Richard Scott 24 August 2004
(Source: Janes News Brief)
Western intelligence agencies are attempting to establish the provenance of a new diesel-electric submarine design recently launched from the Wuhan shipyard in China.
Identified as the Yuan class, the existence of the new design appears to have caught many analysts unaware.
Unnamed US intelligence sources quoted by the Washington Times said the emergence of the Yuan design - pictures of which have been posted on the internet in recent weeks - was a "technical surprise". Indeed, some observers harboured doubts as to the authenticity of the original images.
However, the emergence of additional images now suggests that the Yuan is indeed a new class. The design would appear similar to a model that previously appeared in People's Liberation Army Naval Journal that clearly mixes Russian and Chinese design influences.. -
Rabbit brand.
Trust China to come up with such funky names. -
The name is not rabbit brand, But it is made in china, thats why rabbit brand or panda brandOriginally posted by esesce:Rabbit brand. Trust China to come up with such funky names. -
wah rabbit brand..next time call it turtle brand ^^
missile will travel as fast as a turtle..
looks like this missile is poorly named...
some pple name tomahawks..minutemans..slam-er..
wad a very..girly name.. -
The PRC fellas have a very jingoistic and quaint nomenclature, especially for their weapon systems..
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Mirage 2000 Crashes After Take Off, Pilot Safe
(Source: Press Trust of India; issued Sept. 23, 2004)
GWALIOR --- A frontline Mirage 2000 fighter aircraft of the Indian Air Force crashed soon after take off from the airbase here today but the pilot, Squadron Leader HS Gill, ejected safely.
The aircraft, which left the airbase for a practice interception sortie at 12.45 PM, developed problem with the undercarriage with a wheel falling off soon after take off, an IAF spokesman said.
Following the emergency, “the pilot undertook a planned ejection, burning out the fuel and then pointing it towards uninhabited area near the base,” he said.
There was no casualty on the ground and the pilot who was picked up by rescue helicopters was reported to be completely safe and unscathed, the spokesman said.
A Court of Inquiry has been ordered into the crash, he said.
The French-made Mirage 2000s are the frontline aircraft of the IAF and have had a very safe flying record.
This is the fourth crash of the multi-mission fighters built by French Dassault company and inducted into the IAF in 1987.
A Mirage 2000 crashed during training sorties just two months after induction. Another crashed killing its pilot Wing Commander Joe Bakshi during the air force day air show over Palam technical area in 1988 and the last fighter crashed over the Gwalior airbase in 1994.
Mirages played a crucial role during the 1999 Kargil crises and the IAF is in the process of acquiring 125 upgraded Mirage 2000-5 version of the fighters. -
A New Concept in Combat Vehicle Self-Protection
(Source: Grintek Defence; issued Sept. 27, 2004)
Avitronics, a South African company jointly owned by Grintek (South Africa) and Saab (Sweden), has launched a revolutionary new system at African Aerospace and Defence 2004.
When installed in full configuration, the Land Electronic Defence System 100 (LEDS-100) will offer main vehicle battle tanks comparable protection against engagement by weapons like the RPG-7, anti-tank guns, missiles and artillery shells.
The LEDS-100 system consists of a warning sensor system, a central computer and a high-speed directed launcher. The control computer integrates to the vehicle intercom, command and control system and obtains data from the vehicle wind sensor. The control computer also has a global positioning system (GPS) capability.
The fully integrated system provides automated warning to the vehicle occupants and dynamically and intelligently screens the vehicle from attack in any direction in less than 700 milliseconds. The screen will obscure the attackersÂ’ line of sight and give the vehicle and occupants a chance to get behind cover. The screen is multi-spectral and cannot be penetrated by thermal imaging equipment used to aim weapons or guide missiles. The screen can be deployed hemispherically around the vehicle without having to turn the vehicle or the gun turret. This is achieved by the use of a high-speed directed launcher which can turn to any position in the protected hemisphere in less than 100 milliseconds.
An option is to add an infra-red jammer to the system. This jammer interferes with the guidance of older generation anti-tank guided missiles. These missiles have proliferated in Africa and together with the RPG, currently form a major portion of the threat against combat and support vehicles.
The LEDS system has applications for local Army requirements such as the future infantry combat vehicle and ground based air defense system. Due to its exceptional flexibility and modular growth it is also well suited to meet foreign vehicle self protection requirements.
Use of the LEDS system is not only restricted to combat vehicles. It has been designed to be used on fast patrol boats intended for riverine patrols or special operations and is light enough to fit into vehicles used by Non-Governmental Organisations engaged in medical and other humanitarian relief in conflict areas.
Avitronics has been successful in entering the world electronic warfare (EW) self protection market with innovative products in the past. Last year the company, together with its partner SaabTech, was rated amongst the top 25 EW companies in the world in an international survey in the USA.
Two years ago the company launched a world-leading laser warning system for use on combat vehicles. This system was designed to form the baseline sensor system for a self-protection concept that will provide main battle tank comparable protection to light and medium combat vehicles like the Mamba and Ratel types used by the SA Army.
macam mini ciws for tanks!! -
AUSSIES BUY MORE AMRAAMS
Pentagon Contract Announcement
(Source: US Department of Defense; issued Sept. 24, 2004)
Raytheon Co., Tucson, Ariz., is being awarded a $9,958,168 firm fixed price contract modification. This action will exercise an option of 11 Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missiles (AMRAAM) Air Intercept Missile (AIM)-120 5 (FMS) missiles, 6 AMRAAM Air Vehicles Instrumented (AAVIs), 10 non- development item-airborne instrumentation unit field kits, 6 non-developmental item airborne instrumentation unit original equipment manufacture kits, and 1 lot software configuration management.
This effort supports foreign military sales to Austrialia.
Total funds have been obligated. This work will be complete by August 2005.
Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., is the contracting activity (F08635-03-C-0031, P00023). -
more and more news!!
French MoD Updates Rafale Program Status
(Source: French Ministry of Defence; issued Sept. 24, 2004)
As indicated by the Minister of Defence on Sept. 22, 2004, the ministry and the manufacturers involved in the Rafale combat aircraft program have successfully concluded negotiations for a further order of 59 aircraft.
This order is valued at about 3.1 billion euros.
This agreement covers the acquisition of 11 Rafale B two-seater aircraft, 36 Rafale C single-seat air force aircraft and 12 Rafale M naval single-seat aircraft. All of these aircraft will be delivered to the F 3 multirole standard, whose development contract was awarded in February 2004.
The new order will bring to 120 the total number of production Rafale aircraft ordered to date by France, 82 for the air force and 38 for the navy.
It includes remedial action for some electronic components which have become obsolescent, for which an equitable cost-sharing agreement has been concluded.
The new order will be translated into several contract awards to industry, the main contracts going to Dassault Aviation (1.5 billion euros), SNECMA (600 million euros) and Thales (500 million euros). MBDA and SAGEM are also included.
These contracts will be awarded before the end of 2004, at the completion of the review process.
Delivery of the newly-ordered aircraft will take place between June 2008 and January 2012. -
Virgin Galactic
(Source: Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty; issued Sept. 27, 2004)
PRAGUE --- “I hope with the launch of Virgin Galactic and the building of our fleet of spacecraft that someday, children around the world will wonder why we ever thought that space travel was just a dream we’ve read about in books or watched with longing in Hollywood movies.”
That was British tycoon Richard Branson, announcing his new commercial space venture, Virgin Galactic, at a news conference in London today.
Each sub-orbital flight, preceded by three days of training, is expected to cost five customers around 170,000 euros ($209,000). Flights are expected to leave from the United States, last up to three hours, and include periods of weightlessness.
The Virgin transport, entertainment, and communications group signed an agreement with pioneering aviation designer Burt Rutan to build an aircraft based on RutanÂ’s SpaceShipOne.
SpaceShipOne became the first private space flight in June by flying 100 kilometers above the Earth -- above the distance scientists widely consider to be the boundary of space.
“In the early hours of Saturday morning, [Virgin] signed a historical deal to license SpaceShipOne’s technology to build the world’s first private spaceship to go into commercial operating service,” Branson said.
Branson said the new company intends to launch its maiden flight in three years, and added that he plans to be aboard the first trip himself. He said he has “dreamt of seeing the beauty of our planet from space” for many years.
In addition to his business savvy, Branson is known as an adventurer, having achieved a number of records in ballooning and other pursuits.
Branson said Virgin Galactic will be run as a business, but a business with the sole purpose of making space travel more affordable. He said plans call for building five spacecraft capable of soaring 130 kilometers above the Earth.
Space experts warn that Branson’s plan, while technically feasible, is riddled with potential difficulties and unlikely to immediately begin a new era of mass space travel. French news agency AFP quoted Andre Balogh, a professor of space physics at London University’s Imperial College, as saying that “space tourism is likely to remain an expensive business for a very long time.”
SpaceShipOne designer Burt Rutan was standing beside Branson during todayÂ’s press conference. Rutan said those involved in SpaceShipOne had always wondered about the future application of the technology.
“Throughout these three years of development on this research program, occasionally we’d wonder as to what will happen later,” Rutan said.
RutanÂ’s SpaceShipOne is a capsule with stout wings and several circular windows on the nose. The SpaceShipOne launch involves takeoff while attached to a broad-winged mother ship called White Knight, which was also designed by Rutan. It is then released like a cruise missile as the spacecraftÂ’s own rocket engines ignite.
SpaceShipOne is now aiming to win the so-called “X-Prize,” a $10 million bounty on offer for sending a private craft capable of carrying three people into space twice.
SpaceShipOne is scheduled to fly again on 29 September, and then once more on 4 October -
Yak-130 Test Program Will Be Completed by the End of 2005
(Source: Irkut Corp. dated Sept. 21, web-posted Sept. 27, 2004)
IRKUT Corporation is completing flight tests of the first production Yak-130 training and light combat aircraft. In November 2004, a second production aircraft will take-off, and next year, a third flying sample of the aircraft will join the trials. Besides, two more aircraft are used in the static ground tests. The whole cycle of the static and flight trials will be accomplished by the end of 2005.
In the course of the tests, take-off and landing performance, stability and controllability, aircraft systems and power plant operation have already been checked. The auxiliary power unit and the main engines were successfully started in flight at 6,000m and 8,000m correspondingly. During the trials, the aircraft achieved speed of 750km/h, 5G overload and flight altitude of 10,000m.
The Yak-130 is equipped with a quadro-redundant fly-by-wire system enabling application of the aircraft for basic and advanced training of all current and prospective fighters. Due to availability of 9 external suspension points that provide fitting of up to 3 tons of combat load (including weapons, external fuel tanks, homing pods, reconnaissance equipment, EW systems) the Yak-130 can be used as a light combat aircraft.
In 2002, the Yak-130 won a tender of the Russian Defence Ministry to deliver a training and light combat aircraft for the Russian Air Force.
In terms of operational and technical performance as well as training efficiency, the Yak-130 considerably surpasses its competitors and has a good export prospective. The global fleet of training aircraft is expected to be replaced fully in the period to 2010 because of life time expiry and new requirements to pilots education level for the 4th and 5th generation aircraft. The Yak-130 aircraft is included in the «General list of military purpose products approved for export.”
IRKUT Corporation is a vertically integrated holding company providing development, manufacture, sales and after-sale support of civil and military purpose aviation products. -
Medium Armor and the Transformation of the U. S. Military
(Source: The Lexington Institute)
Released September 2004
The war in Iraq has made one fact clear: the U.S. Army and Marine Corps need units organized around medium armor. Light forces and vehicles are maneuverable but lack force protection and striking power. Traditional heavy forces, while providing excellent protection, are strategically ponderous, logistically expensive and largely inappropriate for peacekeeping missions. Had more medium armor been available in Iraq, American lives could have been saved.
From this premise, the authors of this report analyze the US military’s current plans to set up, equip and deploy units equipped with medium armored vehicles that are “more mobile, digital, survivable and lethal.”
The centerpiece of the Future Force is expected to be the Future Combat System (FCS). The FCS is more than a single weapons platform and will serve more than one kind of warrior. It is an array of up to 18 platforms, manned and unmanned, ground and airborne. It is envisioned as a network-centric “system of systems” centered on a common vehicle chassis. The Army has declared that it wants the first FCS-equipped Unit of Action by 2014.
Full text
http://www.lexingtoninstitute.org/defense/pdf/MediumArmor.pdf
24 pages in PDF format (with illustrations) (2 MB) -
EU Green Paper: Defence Procurement
Source: European Commission
Ref: COM (2004) 608
Dated Sept. 17, released Sept. 23, 2004
The European Commission has published a consultative Green Paper on how to improve cross-border competition in certain types of defense procurement, in a way consistent with the special nature of the sector.
EU law (Article 296 EC) does not require competition in procuring supplies, works and services intended for specifically military purposes and crucial to national security.
However, the Commission wants to help Member States to get better value in the Euro 30 billion plus EU market for defense procurement, and to help EU defense industries to be more competitive, by providing guidance on how EC Treaty exceptions and requirements should be interpreted.
The ideas set out in this report focus on opening national defense procurement contracts to all EU companies for items that do not raise national security issues, such as boots, uniforms, food and other dual-use items.
The Green Paper assesses how the Commission might clarify in a Communication the criteria to establish when procurement of military equipment, services and works can be exempted from competitive procurement requirements and when they cannot.
Full text
http://europa.eu.int/comm/internal_market/publicprocurement/docs/defence/com04-608_en.pdf
16 pages in PDF format -
BAE Wins 2 Australian Contracts
(Source: BAE Systems; issued Sept. 28, 2004)
BAE Systems Australia has been awarded a AUD$8 million contract to supply the Australian Army with 16 state-of-the-art Artillery Orienting Systems (AOS).
BAE Systems Australia in its capacity as prime contractor, will team with BAE Systems Artillery Pointing Systems, Edinburgh, UK, to provide the Army with an automated capability, enabling ground troops to determine their orientation and position in all weather conditions independent of the Global Positioning System. The AOS enables the rapid, accurate survey of weapon positions and survey points in support of the Army's artillery assets.
Jim Hanson, BAE Systems Australia Operations Director said, "This contract is great news for BAE Systems Australia. It enables us to use over 30 years of company navigation experience to deliver the Army with a highly effective inertial navigation system. The flexibility and user friendliness of the system will prove critical to the successful use of the system in varying operations and deployments. The AOS also has excellent export potential."
The AOS program will be centred at BAE Systems Australia's Electro-Optic (EO) centre of excellence located at Holden Hill in South Australia. This facility is equipped with comprehensive assembly and test capabilities complemented with highly skilled team of systems, mechanical, electronic, optical and electronic engineers and production personnel. These support in-country assembly, integration, test, sustainment and upgrade of the AOS and its sub-systems to meet the intent of the Defence Electronic Systems Sector Strategic Plan.
The first of the Artillery Orienting System will enter service in 2005 with the final system being delivered in 2006. -
Australian Electronic Warfare System Enters Production
(Source: BAE Systems; issued Sept. 28, 2004)
BAE Systems Australia has signed a contract worth AUD$8.9 million to manufacture and support the ALR2002 Advanced Radar Warning Receiver (RWR) for the Australian Defence Force.
Under the new contract, BAE Systems will commence Low Rate Initial Production as a lead into future production programs.
The ALR2002 Advanced Radar Warning Receiver, also known as ComBat, is a cutting edge Australian designed and developed airborne electronic sensor that passively uses the electromagnetic spectrum to gain information about other radars in the operating environment.
David Gordon, Electronic Warfare Systems Manager of BAE Systems Australia said, "The ALR2002 RWR system will greatly enhance the Air Force and Army's ability to provide situational awareness to airborne platforms and immediate warning of potential threats. The ADF's acquisition of ALR2002, proves once again Australia's excellence in indigenous electronic warfare design, production and support."
"The fact that we have now entered the Production phase for the ALR2002 demonstrates that it is cost-effective to design and develop Electronic Warfare systems in Australia. The contract win further demonstrates our company's ability to support military self-reliance in Electronic Warfare systems in Australia. It also means additional manufacturing, maintenance and ongoing support jobs".
The initial contract will provide an additional 20 jobs within BAE Systems in South Australia and will support growth in other companies including specialist small-to-medium companies like Micreo Limited in Queensland.
The ALR2002, locally developed and co-funded by BAE Systems, ensures Australia's access to software source code for these electronic warfare sensors.
BAE Systems has developed a number of ALR2002 variants for use on RAAF and Army platforms. These include the ALR2002B variant for fast-jet applications, including the F/A-18 Hornet, and the ALR-2002D variant for rotary-wing platforms including the S-70A-9 Black Hawk and Chinook.
BAE Systems has major operations across five continents and customers in some 130 countries. The company employs more than 90,000 people and generates annual sales of more than £12 billion through its wholly owned and joint-venture operations.
BAE Systems Australia employs approximately 2,600 people, supports customers at more than 50 locations across the country and has its centre of operations in Adelaide, South Australia. BAE Systems Australia designs, manufactures, and supports military aircraft, surface ships, submarines, space systems, radar, avionics, electronic systems, guided weapons and a range of other defence products, many of these with international partners. It has key skills in engineering and systems integration and is a leading supplier of electronic warfare, communications, military air support, software and support services to the Australian Defence Force. -
ADI, GIAT Bid for Aussie Artillery Deal
(Source: GIAT Industries; issued Sept. 28, 2004)
MELBOURNE --- ADI Limited (Australia) and Giat Industries (France) have signed a cooperation agreement to offer the proven Caesar artillery system to the Australian Army for its Land 17 Artillery Replacement program.
The teaming agreement, signed at this yearÂ’s Land Warfare Conference, will enable the most advanced wheeled, self-propelled artillery system to be a key element of the networked system solution ADI is proposing for Land 17. This agreement covers both delivery and through life support of the system and the ability to provide ongoing development to meet the Australian Defence ForceÂ’s (ADF) future needs.
The agreement follows a long assessment by ADI of the most flexible, effective and mature systems that meet AustraliaÂ’s strategic and tactical requirements of the ADFÂ’s future indirect fire weapons system.
“Caesar has achieved what its competitors are still striving for. It is a cost-effective, low-risk, balanced system that offers a quantum shift in Army’s current capability. It would take the Army to the forefront of current developed technology. It provides substantial manpower efficiencies and much lower support costs compared to competing systems.” said Lucio Di Bartolomeo, ADI’s Managing Director.
“Both the French Army and United Defense, Giat's U.S. partner, have come to the same conclusion as ADI, added Luc Vigneron, CEO of Giat Industries. The French Army is on the eve of signing a contract for of 72 units and we are working with United Defense to offer Caesar to the US Army.”
Caesar is a lightweight 52 calibre, 155mm howitzer that is mounted on a 6x6 truck. Its ordnance is derived from the battle proven Giat 155mm gun systems used in previous towed and tracked configurations in the 1st Gulf War and Balkans War in particular. Caesar provides both strategically agile air transportable firepower and the flexibility of a modular system that can be adjusted to meet changing battlefield requirements now and in the future.
ADI Limited is AustraliaÂ’s oldest, largest and most diverse defence company with annual revenues in excess of $A700m. ADI is AustraliaÂ’s pre-eminent defence prime contracting and systems integration company. It is a major supplier to the Australian Army and is actively engaged in providing product which will enable the army to meet its hardening and networking objectives. It constructs and maintains naval ships; designs and supplies command support systems, aviation mission systems and naval communications equipment; designs and manufacturers high mobility and protected military and emergency response vehicles; and supports the ADFÂ’s small arms and its medium and large calibre guns systems. ADI is also the primary supplier of munitions to the ADF.
Heir to more than three centuries of land armament, Giat Industries' mission is to meet the requirements of the French Army as well as other armies worldwide. Giat has acquired unrivalled expertise in all the components of modern air-land systems: protection, command, mobility, fires, and support. Giat Industries generated revenues of 729 million euros in 2003 and allocates 20 % of sales invested in research and development. Giat Industries equipment and customer's services (MBTs, armoured vehicles, artillery systems, munitions, information terminal systems, product support and upgrades) is in service in over 100 countries. -
U.S. to build 8 subs in deal with Taiwan
By Sharon Behn
THE WASHINGTON TIMES
Published September 29, 2004
The United States plans to build eight diesel-electric submarines for Taiwan as part of an $18 billion arms package, a decision likely to irritate China, which has opposed the sale of weapons to Taipei.
Taiwan's new representative to the United States, David Tawei Lee, said yesterday that the submarines would be built "probably in Mississippi, in [former Senate Majority Leader] Trent Lott's state."
Such a decision would end years of speculation about who would build the submarines, which had been promised to Taiwan in 2001.
The United States no longer builds diesel submarines, and other nations that do -- notably Germany and the Netherlands -- were not willing to take the risk of angering China.
"The Americans will have to start from scratch," said Mr. Lee, adding that the shipyard -- most likely Ingalls in Pascagoula -- would have to purchase the blueprints abroad.
Taiwan's legislature had been expected to vote in October to approve the $18 billion arms purchase from the United States, but Mr. Lee said the deal has become a guns vs. butter debate as lawmakers gear up for legislative elections in December.
"This has become a political issue, an election issue," Mr. Lee said at a luncheon with editors and reporters from The Washington Times at Taiwan's Twin Oaks estate in Northwest Washington.
Mr. Lee said the vote may be put off until after the elections in Taiwan, formally known as the Republic of China.
A State Department official said yesterday that the Pentagon has been looking for a way to "make the submarines available" to Taiwan, but that he did not know whether a decision had been made.
President Bush, shortly after taking office in 2001, broke away from previous administrations and cleared the way for the sale of the submarines as part of a larger weapons deal.
On Saturday, people took to the streets in Taiwan to protest spending $18 billion on the arms package rather than social projects such as education.
The package also includes anti-submarine airplanes and Patriot anti-missile systems, as well as ships equipped with advanced electronic battle management systems.
Taiwanese leader Chen Shui-bian said Sunday that only "by engaging in arms buildup and preparing for war can wars be avoided," Agence France-Presse reported.
Taiwan says the arms deal is crucial to counter a growing military threat from China.
Mr. Lee said Taipei's government remained completely committed to the purchase, but would consider waiting until after the elections to bring the $18 billion budget to a vote.
"We want to ensure the package will be passed at the appropriate time, to assure the U.S. government will not get the wrong message from the [political] disputes in Taipei," he said.
A spokesman at the Pentagon would say only that the United States would "continue to assist Taiwan in meeting its legitimate self-defense needs in accordance with our obligations."
"We normally don't discuss specific details," the spokesman said.
Brian Cullin, a spokesman for Northrop Grumman Ship Systems, which owns the Ingalls shipbuilding site, said his company was "keenly interested" in obtaining contracts for the Taiwan submarine deal, but that the matter was in the hands of the U.S. and Taiwanese governments.
"I think it's extremely likely we would be involved, and we certainly want to be involved," Mr. Cullin said.
"Right now, we are standing by. The government is well-aware of our interest, and we're just awaiting a decision," he said.
The company issued a statement recently after closing a satellite office in Taiwan that Northrop Grumman remained in the hunt for Taiwanese contracts for submarines and surface combatant ships.
Based in Pascagoula, Miss., 66-year-old Ingalls Shipbuilding is the largest private employer in the state, with nearly 11,000 workers.
Harvey Feldman, who helped craft the Taiwan Relations Act and is a senior fellow at the Heritage Foundation, said Northrop Grumman and other companies could build the submarines -- but "for a price."
"That price might be high," he added.
Mr. Feldman said he doubted the submarines would be built, and questioned whether they were the ideal weapons for Taiwan against other submarines.
Citing naval analysts, Mr. Feldman said it could take eight to 10 years to train an effective submarine force. A force of anti-submarine warfare helicopters equipped with dipping sonars would be easier and faster to deploy.
China, Mr. Feldman added, would publicly react by saying that "this is a horror and the most heinous act the United States could possibly do, that it threatens the entire foundation of Sino-American relations."
But "what they would say amongst themselves might be something quite different because they know how long it takes and how difficult it would be to train an efficient submarine force," he said. -
India, US Joint Naval Exercises from Oct 4
(Source: Press Trust of India; issued Sept. 29, 2004)
NEW DELHI --- Indian Navy, which has been trying to acquire nuclear powered submarines, will have an opportunity to test its capabilities when its warships exercise jointly with the US Navy off the Goa coast from October 4.
In the sixth series of Malabar exercises, the frontline Indian anti-submarine warfare ships will match their skills with the US Pacific fleets Los Angeles class nuclear submarine as well as Ticonderoga missile cruiser and Oliver Hazard Perry class guided-missile frigate.
For the first time, the US Navy will include long-range maritime and submarine hunter aircraft P3C Orions in the exercises. New Delhi and Washington are in an advanced stage of negotiations on the Navy acquiring ten of these aircraft on Government-to-Government sales to augment its depleted maritime capabilites.
For the week-long exercises with its accent on anti-submarine warfare, the Indian Navy is fielding one Delhi class guided missile destroyer, one Brahmputra class guided missile frigate, German acquired HDW Shishukar Class Submarine and Sea-Harrier jump jet fighters operating from Goa land bases.
Besides the anti-submarine warfare, the two navies would also undertake maneuvers on sea-control missions, fleet air defence, surface firings and maritime interdiction operations. -
Successful Navy Test of Tomahawk IV
(Source: US Navy; issued Sept. 29, 2004)
PATUXENT RIVER, Md. --- The U.S. NavyÂ’s Tomahawk program completed two successful tests of the new block IV (Tactical Tomahawk) Tomahawk missile in September.
Sept. 16, the first Production Verification Test was conducted at Naval Surface Warfare Center’s Indian Head Division. The test capability at Indian Head allowed the missile to be launched while secured to a ground test stand and test the entire weapon, including the rocket motor, engine and guidance and navigation systems. A U.S. Navy Tomahawk block IV missile, with an inert warhead, was installed into Indian Head’s Functional Ground Test Facility and “launched,” completing a simulated mission.
A second test was conducted Sept. 21 aboard USS Stethem (DDG 63), an Arleigh Burke-class destroyer under way in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of southern Calif. A U.S. Navy Tomahawk cruise missile was launched and flew a land-attack mission, launching from the Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) sea ranges. The test marked the first such use of a new Tomahawk block IV production missile.
Seconds after launch from the shipÂ’s vertical launch system, the Tomahawk missile transitioned to cruise flight, utilizing global positioning satellite navigation to a target site on the NAVAIR land range. The block IV missile flew a fully-guided 674-nautical-mile flight.
“Both of these tests were good indicators of the quality of the Block IV missile being built by Raytheon Missile Systems in Tucson,” said Capt. Bob Novak, program manager for the Tomahawk All-Up-Round Programs (PMA-280). “We took two missiles off of our production line and tested them in environments that allow us to learn about our quality and the capability that we are delivering to the fleet. We are very pleased at the initial assessment of the missile test data. It reflects well on the tremendous team effort of the Navy-Raytheon Team.”
Tomahawk missiles are deployed throughout the worldÂ’s oceans on numerous surface ships and submarines, including Aegis-class cruisers, guided-missile destroyers, and Seawolf- and Los Angeles-class submarines.
As in all Tomahawk flight tests, air route safety was carefully planned in coordination with the Federal Aviation Administration. For safety purposes, the Tomahawk could have been guided by commands from safety chase aircraft.
The Tomahawk program is managed by the Program Executive Office, Strike Weapons and Unmanned Aviation (PEO(W)) co-located at the NAVAIR complex in Patuxent River, Md. The missile is manufactured by Raytheon Missile Systems in Tucson, Ariz. Tomahawk is a registered trademark of the U.S. Navy. -
BushmasterÂ’s Strong Performance in UAE Trials
(Source: ADI; issued Sept. 29, 2004)
ADIÂ’s Bushmaster infantry mobility vehicle has performed strongly in two, three-day evaluation trials in the harsh environment of the United Arab Emirates.
In temperatures reaching 58 degrees C and very high humidity, the five-year old left-hand drive prototype vehicle conquered mountainous sand dunes, plus a variety of deserts and rocky tracks in successfully completing the 2500km evaluation.
Separate maintenance testing included the timing of the removal, replacement and installation of vehicle components. ADIÂ’s team at the trials won praise when it removed and re-installed BushmasterÂ’s power pack in less than three hours.
ADI managing director, Mr. Lucio Di Bartolomeo, said that BushmasterÂ’s strength, capability and reliability had impressed UAE defence officials.
“The importance of the central tire inflation system, air conditioning and the engine cooling system capable of operating in the harsh environment are fundamental requirements for the vehicle’s deployment in the UAE,” he said.
“Our team has reported that the Bushmaster crossed the entire country from north to south, handling the most daunting cross country conditions and unrelenting heat without faulting. One of the keys to Bushmaster’s success in the UAE was the extensive trials and development work done by ADI in similar conditions in northern and central Australia.”
The testing of Bushmaster was part of the UAE Defence Force’s “Summer Trials” when equipment that might be purchased is evaluated. While ADI was required to provide the driver, a UAE observer was a passenger in the vehicle throughout the trials.
The Bushmaster vehicle tested by the UAE will be on display at AUSA 2004, the major defence exhibition in mainland America, in October.
ADI is now producing Bushmaster vehicles for the Australian Defence Force BUSHRANGER project. -
ADI Details Plans for Aussie Army Bids
(Source: ADI Ltd.; issued Sept. 28, 2004)
ADI was focused on developing the weapons, web based systems and other capabilities essential to warfighters of the hardened and networked Australian Army, ADI managing director, Mr Lucio Di Bartolomeo, said today.
“We are working with international partners to develop, deliver and support leading edge and affordable capabilities that will enable our soldiers to operate with confidence and effectiveness in complex, diffuse and lethal environments,” he said.
Mr Di Bartolomeo was delivering the keynote address at the opening day luncheon of the Land Warfare Conference 2004. ADI is a major sponsor of the conference.
Mr Di Bartolomeo outlined to delegates the initiatives ADI was undertaking in its role as “The partner in hardening and networking the Army”:
One of the first steps of the recently signed strategic R&D alliance between ADI and DSTO will be to investigate techniques for modelling the capability enhancement delivered by network centric warfare.
ADI is working with Thales to develop a sophisticated, digital artillery command and control system that will network all of the firepower assets available to a joint or coalition task force. He also announced that ADI had teamed with GIAT Industries of France to offer the 155mm CAESAR gun system as part of its solution for the Land 17 artillery replacement program.
ADI and the Australian Army are working together to develop an enhancement package for the F88 Austeyr rifle. The Army is currently trialling 12 A4 prototype weapons.
The JP 129 Tactical Unmanned Tactical Vehicle (UAV) program is a key program for networking the Army and the Australian Defence Force and ADI would be proposing a “very innovative” solution.
Mr Di Bartolomeo offered his thanks to the Chief of Defence Force, General Peter Cosgrove, and Chief of Army, Lieutenant General Peter Leahy, for their support of ADIÂ’s Bushmaster infantry mobility vehicle. He said Bushmaster, with its protection from anti tank mines and improvised explosive devices, would make a major contribution to protecting the soldiers of the hardened Army.
Referring to Defence’s Land 121 program, Mr Di Bartolomeo said the ADF’s experience in Cambodia, Africa, East Timor, Afghanistan and the Middle East had clearly demonstrated the need for high mobility vehicles to support operations in undeveloped, austere environments where roads are often very poor or non-existent. He said the Pinzgauer and Oshkosh vehicles being proposed by ADI were serving with “unsurpassed” distinction in Afghanistan and Iraq and could not be bettered for off-road missions. -
China to Trial Australian Engineer Vehicle
(Source: ADI Ltd.; issued Sept. 29, 2004)
ADIÂ’s world leading high mobility engineering vehicle (HMEV) is to be trialled by ChinaÂ’s PeoplesÂ’ Liberation Army (PLA) later this year.
The company has delivered two HMEVs to China in kit form for assembly there. The PLA has specified that it will require in-country manufacture of the vehicle.
ADI has established a license manufacturing agreement with Guizhou Jonyang Machinery Industry Co Ltd. based in Guiyang in the province of Guizhou. A semi knocked down kit would be used for initial manufacturing with increasing localisation of components for China based production.
ADI managing director, Mr Lucio Di Bartolomeo, said Guizhou Jonyang was a long established manufacturer of wheeled and tracked excavators with more than 3000 employees. It sold in excess of 600 units of various models annually in China.
“We have faced a significant language barrier in transferring information to China,” he said. “But visits from Guizhou Jonyang personnel to our Bendigo engineering and vehicle facility have helped overcome this and we will be visiting its operation to provide technical assistance.
“The HMEV’s highway speed, combined with its excellent off-road mobility make it an ideal vehicle for disaster-relief operations. Its earth moving, lifting and drilling capabilities make it highly suitable for a wide range of other non-military roles. Given China’s size, we believe there are good prospects for civil sector sales of the vehicle if its PLA trials are successful.”
The unique HMEV was designed, developed and manufactured in Bendigo by ADI to meet an Australian Army light engineering tractor need. The HMEV is believed to be the only military vehicle in the world that offers the off-road capability of a four wheel drive, a highway speed of 100 kph speed and the functions of a tractor with back hoe attached. The PLA also require a capability to operate at high altitude.
The Australian Army has 27 HMEVs in service. The US Army has purchased 40 High Mobility Engineering Excavators (HMEE), a variation of the HMEV. Several of these vehicles are currently deployed in Iraq. The US Army subsequently contracted ADI to develop three new generation HMEEs for trialing for a 750 plus vehicle contract. An HMEV is also operating in Canada and in the harsh environment of the UAE. -
US Navy Accepts Tactical Tomahawk Missile to Fleet
(Source: US Department of Defense; issued Sept. 29, 2004)
WASHINGTON --- The Navy has placed another arrow in its quiver as it celebrated the acceptance of the Tactical Tomahawk cruise missile to the fleet during ceremonies at the Pentagon today.
John Young, Navy assistant secretary, called the missile system "an elegant solution" that adds new capabilities to the fleet while costing taxpayers half of what the current Tomahawk costs.
The system, built by Raytheon Missile Systems, has already been loaded aboard some ships and has new capabilities that make it far more useful to warfighters, said Navy Capt. Robert E. Novak Jr., Tomahawk program manager. The new "Block 4" missile carries a two-way satellite link that allows operators to reprogram the missile in flight.
"This gives commanders targeting flexibility," Novak said. Commanders can switch the missile from one target to another after launch. The missile can also loiter over an area to wait for higher-value targets.
The new missile also delivers messages of its health and accuracy back to operators and can transmit limited battle damage imagery. The system has enhanced anti-jam global positioning system receivers.
The total buy is up to 2,200 missiles over a five-year cycle. The total cost of the program is $1.6 billion. Each missile will cost about $729,000, down from the $1.4 million each for the Block 3 Tomahawks, now in the fleet.
The Tomahawk cruise missiles are the "weapon of choice" for engaging well- defended targets, Young said. Tomahawks were first used at the beginning of Operation Desert Storm in 1990. They have been used in all conflicts since then, including Operation Iraqi Freedom. The missiles are extremely accurate and have a 1,000-mile range. They hug the earth and travel at 550 miles per hour. This makes them extremely difficult to detect and even harder to shoot down.
The missile can be launched from surface ships or submarines and carries a 1,000-pound warhead.
The missile buy is the first multiyear procurement contract to reach this stage. Young said the Navy-Raytheon team effort made this work well and helped drive down the missile price. He said the working relationship can be used as an example for other similar procurements. He specifically mentioned applying the procurement lessons learned in this buy to the Standard missile. Raytheon Vice President Harry Schulte said the company is also applying them to the Joint Stand-off Weapon. -
S. Korean Navy Tests Lightweight Torpedo
(Source: Korean Information Service; issued Sept. 30, 2004)
The South Korean Navy has successfully tested an anti-submarine lightweight torpedo called the Cheongsangeo (Blue Shark), which can be launched both at sea and from the air, a researcher at the Agency for Defense Development said.
The Cheongsangeo, developed with Korean technology for the first time, will boost the NavyÂ’s anti-submarine combat capability, said Lee Jae-myung. It can be launched from warships and from the air by P-3C maritime surveillance patrol aircraft.
In eight-shot test-firing sequences between July and September, the torpedoes hit unmanned targets at depths of 40 to 50 meters in the East Sea.
The 280 kilogram, 2.7-meter long torpedo, which can attain a speed of more than 45 knots (83 kilometers per hour), was developed at a cost of about 50 billion won ($43 million) beginning in 1995.
Each torpedo carries an estimated one billion won price tag, almost half that of a similar foreign-made torpedo.