Armada April May13 New Final

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THE TRUSTED SOURCE FOR DEFENCE TECHNOLOGY INFORMATION SINCE 1976
Issue 2/2013
INTERNATIONAL
April/May
Contents_Armada final 7.qxp:Armada
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Page 2
Contents_Armada final 7.qxp:Armada
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THE TRUSTED SOURCE FOR DEFENCE TECHNOLOGY INFORMATION SINCE 1976
Contents
2/2013
INTERNATIONAL
www.armada.ch | www.armadainternational.com
54
TRANSPORT AIRCRAFT
NEW-TECH
MILITARY AIRLIFTERS
I Roy Braybrook, inputs from Eric H. Biass
New-generation turbine engines
with substantially improved
thermodynamic and propulsive efficiencies
are making possible transport aircraft
that combine relatively short airfield
performance with economical
(and comparatively high-speed) cruise.
04
16
26
34
SMALL ARMS
ATTACK HELICOPTERS
NAVAL FIGHTERS
C4ISR
SPECIAL FORCES
SMALL ARMS
ATTACK HELICOPTERS
GO MULTIROLE
FIGHTING FROM
A DECK
ROBUST NETWORKING
I Paolo Valpolini
I Roy Braybrook
I Roy Braybrook
42
61
SUBMARINE TECHNOLOGY
SHOW REPORT
COMPENDIUM SUPPLEMENT
MULTIPLE ROLES AND

ROBOTICS
IDEX 2013
ARMOURED VEHICLE PROTECTION
I Eric H. Biass, Luca Peruzzi &

Paolo Valpolini
I Paolo Valpolini, inputs from Eric H. Biass
I Luca Peruzzi
I Wesley Fox &

Tom Withington
INTERNATIONAL
2/2013
01
Index
I INDEX TO ADVERTISERS
ACAMAT - RD
15
ITEC
59
REMINGTON
AR MODULAR
13
ITT EXELIS
29
RUAG
BELL HELICOPTER
19
ITT EXELIS
45
SAAB
11
BERETTA
11
IVECO
C4
SINGAPORE AIRSHOW
49
LEMO
25
TEXTRON
C2
CERADYNE
DDC
23
LEOPOLD
UDT
47
33
DEFENCE AND SECURITY THAILAND 51
MBDA
41
ULTRALIFE
DIMDEX
65
NEXTER
31
VIASAT
DSEI
C3
NORTHROP GRUMMAN AEROSPACE C2
EUROSATORY
C3
PHOTONIS
39
GDLS
15
RAFAEL
C4
VECTRONIX
37
Entries highlighted with

blue numbers are found in Armoured
Vehicle Protection Compendium 2013
I INDEX TO MANUFACTURERS
Volume 37,
Issue No. 2, April 2013/May 2013
Companies mentioned in this issue. Where there are multiple references to a company in an article,only the first
occurence and subsequent photographs are listed below
28
3M Group
25
Polaris Defense
12, 13
Gabler
50
Pratt & Whitney
ABBS
12,13
GE Aviation
Airbus Military
55, 56
General Dynamics
Alcatel-Lucent
40
Gibraltar Arms
14
Rebel Alliance
Alenia Aermacchi
58
H&K
12
Remington Defense
AMI International
43
HAL
25, 28
AmSafe
20
Harris
35, 39, 40
Antonov
54, 56, 57, 60
HDW
43, 44, 46, 52
ArmaLite
13, 14
20
Aselsan
20, 21
ATK
12
Atlas Elektronik
AugustaWestland
44, 46, 48, 50

17, 18, 20, 21, 23
Aviastar-SP
57
BAe
27, 28, 30
17, 24, 55
10, 17, 35, 44, 10
Hindistan Aeronautics Ltd
60
IAI- ELTA
9
24, 25
IBD Diesenroth Engineering
57
Ilyushin
36, 26, 27
INTERNATIONAL
27, 28
Fuji
AAI
Aselfir
33
Rafael
20, 39, 40, 50
Raytheon
17, 40, 48, 50, 52

22
14
21, 22
Renault
24, 25, 26
Rheinmetall Defence
Roketsan
18, 21
Rolls Royce
33, 54
Rosoberonexport
60
Ruag Defence
12
Rubin Design Bureau
43, 44
Russian Federation Industries
50
Indra
50
Russian Helicopters
23
International Aero Engines
60
Saab
46, 50, 2,10,11
10
Saes
48, 50
Sagem
44, 50
IMI
Israel Military Industries
BAE Systems 26, 35, 40, 50, 1, 2, 3, 17
Israel Weapon Industries
Barco
40
ITL
40
Saic
53
BEL
40
ITT
39
Sainsel
48
Bell
17, 23, 24
Ivchenko- progress
Beretta
04, 05, 14
Iveco
Boeing
17, 23, 26, 40, 54, 55, 60,
Carl Zeiss
50
Cassidian
38, 40, 8,14
Ceradyne
26, 27, 28
06, 08, 10
56, 60
23
20, 23
Scmidt & Bender

Selex
Kelvin & Sperry Marine
50
8, 25
KMW
Sener Engineering
44
Sevmash Defence Shipyard
28
Shenyang
27
Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI)
25
Sig Sauer
12, 13
20
Kotlin-Novator
58
Snecma
12
Kuznetsov
57
SRM Arms
43
L-3 Communications
27
Lockheed Martin 23, 26, 40, 48, 50, 24
Sukhoi
27
M9 Defense Armor Technology
Surgeon Rifles
14
27
Condat
Cubic
Daewoo
5,19,20
35, 39, 48, 50

27
32, 60
MBDA
32, 52, 53
26
Meday
50
DCNS
43, 44, 46, 50, 52, 53
MiG
28, 30, 31
Denel
24, 25
MiL
17, 21
Diehl
52, 4, 6
Thales
57
ThyseenKrupp
12
Tupolev
DRDO
44
Mustang Technology Group
Elta
50
35
Navantia
17
UTC Power
28
Veritay Technology
12
Volga-Dnepr
57
17, 18, 21
Oshkosh
Fincantieri
43
FN Herstal
06, 08, 14
02
40, 50
Nexter
Eurocopter
30
Ultra Electronics
57
17, 18, 20, 21
United Aircraft
Northrop Grumman
17,18
TAI
43
26
58,59,60
Falanx
20, 32, 35, 37, 44, 46
Navistar
Embraer
Eurofighter
43, 44, 48
12, 13, 19
Textron
MSC Software
40, 50
23
13,22
TenCate
Motor Sichin
Elbit Systems
14
22,23
Tata Steel
26
32
SSAB
Douglas
EDO
14
39, 50
46, 52
CMI
Dassault-Breguet
40
25, 44
Kongsberg Defence Systems
Dassault Rafale
57
Samsung
Kawasaki
17
DARPA
Salyut
Kamov
Changhe Aircraft Industries Corp
Dalian Shipbuilding Industry
36, 26
57,60
44
8,13,14,22
Wass
50, 52
Patria
27
Wipro
40
Phananx Armour
22
OTO Melara
Plasan Sasa
INTERNATIONAL
2/2013
Military air transportation is undergoing a quiet,

but significant, revolution with non-American
and non-Russian manufacturers like Military
Airbus and even Embraer now offering
serious alternatives to the market, as
exemplified by the KC-390 (featured on our
cover in mock-up form), which is slated to
make its maiden flight next year.
20,21,22, 26
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Special forces small arms7:Armada
4/1/13
1:28 PM
Page 2
Small Arms
Special Forces
Small Arms
How much the choice of a new
Individual Carbine for the US Army will
influence the word market remains
to be seen, but obviously Special Forces
units tend to be ahead of the Green Army
in terms of small arms choice.
The Negev NG7 is the 7.62 mm

version of the IWI machine
gun. It can also fire in semi-automatic
mode to allow accurate shooting,
something that might be appreciated
by special forces. (IWI)
Paolo Valpolini
n the assault rifles/carbine field, the M4

saga in the Green Army is still in full
swing while, in the special forces
community, M4 derivatives such as the
Heckler & Koch HK416 have become
popular. The weapon uses a companyproprietary gas piston system that avoids the
introduction of propellant gases and carbon
fouling into the weapon, thus solving most of
the stoppage problems that are so typical of
the basic M4 carbine. While the Socom
shifted to the 7.62x51 mm calibre with the
adoption of the SCAR Mk17, numerous
other companies have developed new
carbines in similar calibre.
It is well known that Beretta is working
04
INTERNATIONAL
2/2013
on such a weapon. For the time being the

Italian company is leveraging the modularity of its ARX-160 and the short time needed to shift from one calibre to another. This
allows one to, for example, switch from
5.56x45 to 7.62x39 mm depending on the
mission, a feature that attracted the interest
of some special forces units that might opt
for the Soviet-origin calibre for concealed
operations. The weapon is available both in
the A1 and A2 models in the 7.62x39 mm
version, equipped with a 16-inch (406 mm)
barrel. It maintains all the ARX-160 characteristics with the exception of the open bolt
position. The weapon can use standard AK47 steel or polymeric magazines.
Shifting from one calibre to another
requires the quick replacement of barrel,
magazine, bolt and lower receiver, an
4/1/13
1:28 PM
Page 3
The ARX-160 can quickly shift

from the 5.56 to the 7.62x39
mm calibre. This allows to adapt
the weapon to specific special
forces missions. The same
weapon (below) in 5.56 mm
calibre equipped with a silencer.
All accessories developed for
that calibre have or are being
developed for the 7.62 x39 mm
version as well. (Beretta)
The Beretta ARX-160A2

broken down to its main
components. The
magazine betrays the
7.62x39 mm version
that is scoring high in
the special forces
community as well as in
some of the armies
that still use the
ammunition of Soviet
origin. (Beretta)
INTERNATIONAL
2/2013
05
4/1/13
1:28 PM
Page 4
Small Arms
operation carried out without any specific

tool. In this configuration the ARX-160 is
900 mm long (700 mm with stock folded),
weighs 3.5 kg and has a rate of fire of 700
70 rounds per minute. This version is
attracting the interest of some countries
that are still using Soviet standard ammo
but intend to shift in the medium term to
Nato calibres. All accessories developed for
the 5.56 mm version have, or are being,
developed for the 7.62x39 mm.
Back to 5.56 mm, FN is still proposing its
Hamr (Heat Adaptive Modular Rifle), originally developed for the US Marine Corps
Automatic Rifle Program. This rifle
remains a one-off in the genre as it is the
only weapon capable to switch from closed
to open-bolt mode automatically, based on
heat sensors that prevent cock-offs. The
idea is to have an accurate rifle shooting
either auto or semi-auto in closed bolt
mode, the single-shot mode being definitely the most accurate. However, when suppressive fire is required, the operator just
starts to fire in auto mode and when a certain temperature is reached the rotating bolt
switches to open-bolt mode firing without
any intervention. When the barrel cools
down the system switches back to close-bolt
mode. Based on the SCAR 5.56 mm rifle,
the Hamr is available with 16- or 18-inch
(406 or 457 mm) barrels. Fitted with a telescoped and foldable stock, length being
between 940 and 686 mm, it has an empty
weight of 4.63 kg. How much such a solution will find its way in the special forces
community remains to be seen, although
The P90 submachine gun developed by FN Herstal in the 5.7x28 mm calibre. This and the H&K
MP7 in 4.6x30 mm calibre are competing against each other, special forces units having
mixed feelings on ammo and weapons. (FN Herstal)
true fire support is definitely a machine gun

business. FN intended to mount a demonstration of the Hamr, since the Socom has
also shown some interest in the weapon.
Israel Weapon Industries X95 assault
rifle chambered for the 5.56 and 9x19 mm
rounds was developed for the Israeli special
forces units based on what was once known
as the Micro Tavor. Its evolution never
ceased and 2012 saw two important evolutions for that weapon. The first was the
unveiling in June of the new flat-top configuration, extended to the whole family of
the X95 and Tavor, which enables the
attachment of all types of day and night
optics and additional accessories. This new

configuration is IWIs answer to specific
customers requests. In October IWI
announced a further development, that of
an X95 conversion kit allowing to transform the weapon in a 5.45 mm carbine, the
X95 now being available in 5.56, 5.45 and 9
mm guises.
The Israeli company also introduced the
latest version of its Uzi submachine gun, the
Uzi Pro, which makes full use of polymers.
A 9x19 mm closed-bolt weapon, it features
a 152 mm long barrel, can be operated in
semi-auto and auto modes, and weighs 2.32
kg without magazine, saving roughly 0.3 kg
compared to the older models. The Uzi Pro
features an adjustable shoulder stock with
adjustable cheek rest.
While the world of assault rifles has not
moved much in the recent past, that of
machine guns seems to be more active as
improving the team support firepower is
definitely an issue. Weight remains obviously at the top of the agenda, although terminal effect and range are becoming major
considerations. Better carrying an effective
system at some weight cost rather than
carry some weight which does not produce
the required effects.
This led many special forces units, as
well as some green army units, to acquire
the 7.62x51 mm version of the FN Minimi.
Adopted by the American special forces the
FNH SCAR-H or Mk17 in 7.62x51 mm calibre is
now in full service in Afghanistan and other
operational theatres. (FN Herstal)
06
INTERNATIONAL
2/2013
WHEN YOUR
TARGETS
SHOOT BACK,
YOU WANT
THE BEST.
The Remington Modular Sniper Rifle (MSR)
Weapons
W
eapons for W
Warfighters.
arfighters. Remington-Defense
Remington-Defense.com
ngton-Defense.com
4/1/13
1:28 PM
Page 6
Small Arms
Developed in the early 2000s under Socom

influence, which then adopted it as the
Mk48, the Minimi in 7.62 mm Nato calibre
is available in fixed-butt and sliding butt
configurations and with standard or triplerail handguard. With a weight of 8.2 or 8.4
kg (the higher being that of the sliding butt
model) it can be fed by a 50- or 100-round
pouch that attaches to the weapon. Roughly
one kilo heavier than the 5.56 mm version,
one must add the higher weight of the
ammo load (slightly more than twice that of
the smaller calibre) for a muzzle energy that
is also over the double. FN Herstal is not

much talkative on its customers, although it
has been chosen at least by Britain, Italy,
France and the Czech Republic. It is clear
that the 7.62 mm has become a commercial
success in itself within the Minimi family.
The trend towards larger calibre squad
weapons has shown up also in Israel, where
Israel Weapons Industry introduced the
Negev NG7 (see title photograph), the latest
generation of 7.62x51 light machine guns.
Unveiled in late March 2012, the NG7 is
available in two versions, standard and SF.
At Eurosatory 2012 IWI introduced the flat-top

version of many of its assault rifles.
Among those that of the X95 SF assault rifle
and submachine gun can be chambered
both for 5.56 or 9x19 mm rounds. (IWI)
The weapon is very much based on the previous Negev 5.56 mm LMG and operates in
open bolt mode, reloading being carried
out by gas impact on the piston head. The
standard model features a 20-inch (508
mm) barrel while the Special Forces model
is equipped with a shorter 16.5-inch (420
Israel Weapons Industries unveiled the

latest version of its Uzi, the Uzi Pro, which
features a slightly shorter barrel that
maintains the same muzzle velocity as the
Uzi, with improved ergonomics, and
considerable weight saving thanks to the
use of polymers. (IWI)
The 7.62x51 mm version of the Minimi light machine gun is gaining ground with special
operations forces that are looking for greater firepower at team level. (FN Herstal)
08
INTERNATIONAL
2/2013
4/1/13
2:06 PM
Page 8
Small Arms
The 5.56 mm version of the

Negev here equipped with a
Mepro 21 sight. (IWI)
mm) barrel, and both feature a 1:12 twist

rifling with four grooves. This has of course
an impact on overall length, respectively
1,000 and 912 mm, and on the length with
stock folded, 820 and 730 mm, as well as on
weight which drops from the 7.6 kg of the
standard weapon to the 7.5 kg of the shorter version. The muzzle velocity also drops
from 860 to 810 m/s with the shorter barrel.
The Negev NG7 gas regulator can be set
on two different positions, one allowing
stronger recoil when operating under difficult conditions, rate of fire being of 850-105
or 950-1150 depending on the position
selected. The weapon is fed by assault
drums containing 100 rounds or by belt
chains. However, the quite unique feature of
the Negev NG7, already seen in the smaller
The
Lightweight
Medium
Machine Gun
developed by
General
Dynamics ATP,
here in
defensive
position on a
tripod, is
chambered in
.338 Norma
Magnum and
provides a
much heavier
firepower than
7.62 mm MGs
with the only
penalty of
heavier
ammunition.
(GDATP)
10
INTERNATIONAL
2/2013
calibre version, is the availability of a semiautomatic mode in the fire selector. This
allows to use the MG as a precise support
weapon, something probably of even
greater importance in the bigger calibre
version as it allows to put down aimed support fire with good brick penetration capacity. Equipped with Picatinny rails to allow
easy accessories installation, it features
standard back-up rear sight post and front
iron sight post adjustable for windage and
elevation with a 440 mm sight line radius,
although an optical sight is the obvious
choice. The Negev NG7 has already been
selected by the Israeli Defence Forces.
Another new entry that might attract
Much lighter than a 12.7 mm MG and with a terminal effect double of that of a 7.62 mm
one at comparable weight as far as the weapon is concerned, GDATP LWMMG might well
become part of special forces armouries. (GDATP)
4/1/13
2:06 PM
Page 10
Small Arms
The new Sig Sauer MPX submachine gun

unveiled at the Shot Show 2013 is a modular
weapon and can be converted in three
calibres, 9mm Nato, .357SIG or .40S&W.
interest of SF units is the LWMMG

(Lightweight Medium Machine Gun),
unveiled by General Dynamics Armament
and Technical Products in May 2012 and
then shown in public at AUSA 2012 in
October that same year. With the LWMMG,
GD-ATP aims at providing the warfighter
with a machine gun having the weight of a
medium machine gun, in 7.62 mm calibre,
and a firepower as close as possible to that
of a 12.7 mm heavy machine gun. This
would allow to employ the same machine
gun both for mounted and dismounted
operations. The new squad weapon is built
around the .338 Norma Magnum ammunition, the terminal energy of which at 1,000
metres is four times that of a 7.62x51 mm
Nato round, according to GD-ATP. The
12
INTERNATIONAL
2/2013
new ammo can thus perforate a Level 3

body armour at over 1,000 metres and neutralise a light skinned vehicle at the same
distance. The round was developed in 2008
by Norma, a Swedish company which is
part of the Swiss Ruag Ammotec group. The
ball is a Sierra FML AP weighing 300 grams
that leaves the barrel at a speed of 807
metres per second and has an effective
range of 1,700 metres. In terms of complete
round weight, that of a .338 NM is nearly
the double of a 7.62 mm Nato, 44 grams
versus 27 grams approximately, and is less
than half of a 12.7 mm which is around
120 grams, the latter ball having a weight
which is nearly the double of a .338 NM and
thus remains top in terms of anti-materiel
operations.
Though the ammo load will increase by

76 per cent, this is not true for the weapon.
Thanks to the use of modern design techniques and new materials the LWMMG
weighs only 10.9 kg, which compares well
with the 12.5 kg of an M240B and even to
the 10.1 kg of the M240L light version,
while it has a weight similar to the H&K 121
and saves 2 kg when compared to the venerable MG3. Any comparison with a 12.7
mm machine gun would be a no contest,
the bigger calibre weapon starting from 38
kg up. The LWMMG has a 24-inch (609
mm) quick change barrel, the whole length
being 1,244 mm. During transport this can
be shortened thanks to the foldable stock,
while in defensive position the M192 tripod
is available, with a weight of 5.2 kg. The
LWMMG is belt fed and has a cyclic rate of
fire of 500 rounds per minute, which is
comparable with that of aforementioned
7.62 mm MGs, while an effective recoil
damping system allows to maintain aiming
during automatic fire. The machine gun
can be quickly disassembled in six major
components without the need of any tool.
Starting the adoption of a new calibre in
the military world has never been an easy
task, thus it seems improbable that a green
army will fall in love with the LWMMG.
However, new and evolutive systems often
find their way through specialists who use
them in limited numbers, and Special
Forces might well be the point of entry of
the LWMMG in the US military if the need
for a much more powerful machine gun is
felt by such units.
Looking at the future, according to
information acquired at AUSA, the Socom
has started showing interest in the LSAT
(Lightweight Small Arms Technologies)
programme. The LSAT development team
is led by Textron AAI Corporation and
includes ATK, Cubic, MSC Software and
Veritay Technology. The programme
reached TRL7 in September 2011 following
the trials carried out with eight machine
guns that fired 25,000 rounds overall. Tests
were not limited to the firing sessions, as
besides day and night firings the 20 military
personnel involved in the trials also carried
out quick march and obstacle courses using
both LSAT weapons and M249 light
4/2/13
10:00 AM
Page 11
At 2 1/2 lbs,
Its A Real Heavyweight
In Booster Amps
machine guns. The outcome of those trials seems

to have clearly favoured the
LSAT system. The US Army
is concentrating on telescope-cased ammunition,
which would ensure a 40
per cent weight reduction, but only a marginal volume reduction.
Caseless ammunition would provide a much higher volume saving and an even greater weight saving, but risks are considered
much higher, thus current activity is limited to the research on
new propellants. Over 80,000 telescope-cased ammunition in 5.56
mm have been fired during the whole programme, and the Socom
asked for four modified machine guns. These will feature a 12inch barrel and a folding stock, the weight without ammo being
slightly over 4 kg (similar to the weight of the MGs tested in 2011,
but the weight saved from the barrel length is offset by the added
weight of the folding mechanism).
To conclude a short list of firsts from the Shot Show 2013, Sig
Sauer introduced its new MPX submachine gun, an AR-15-looking weapon that can easily be converted into three calibres, namely 9mm Nato, .357SIG or .40S&W. The MPX operates with a fully
closed and locked rotating bolt employing the companys proven
company gas-operated short stroke pushrod system. The MPX is
available in four military-only versions, the standard select fire
with a 6.5 inch (165 mm) barrel, the MPX-SD suppressed version,
the MPX-P pistol variant Carbon fibre rail-adaptable hand-guard,
and the MPX-K short version with a 4.5 inch (114 mm) barrel.
The MPX has an 850 rpm rate of fire, is fitted with a user-configurable stock system (telescoping, folding or pistol). Non-suppressed versions have a weight of between 1.9 and 2.1 kg, the SD
weighing 2.9 kg.
Among the latest additions to the snipers world ArmaLite
introduced the next generation of its bolt-action rifles, the AR30A1, available both in .300 Win Mag and .338 Lapua Magnum.
Most components, almost all the mechanicals one, were subject to
upgrades which allowed to considerably improve ergonomics,
versatility, reliability and ease of use. They are fed by a five-round
magazine. The rifles are available with 24-inch and-26 inch barrels and have a muzzle thread standard for sound suppressors,
The LSAT team led by AAI Textron is

providing the Special Operations
Command with specially
developed machine guns using
5.56 mm cased telescoped
ammunition. (Armada/P. Valpolini)
The KMW1031KT is the lightest, most compact

20-watt booster amplifier kit for military transceivers.
The entire kit weighs less than 2.5 lbs. But its a real
heavyweight when it comes to performance, durability,
and ease of use. It covers the
30 512 MHz
frequency and is
SINCGARS,
HAVEQUICK, IW,
HPW and DAMA capable.
It supports all 5 watt
tactical radios such as
Harris AN/PRC-152, Thales MBITR AN/PRC-148 plus others.
The KMW1031 can be powered by a single battery
or a 12 or 24 volt vehicle system. The portable, waterproof
kit includes everything needed to boost radio signals:
Amplifier, antenna, RF cables, battery cable and tactical
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4/1/13
2:06 PM
Page 12
Small Arms
namely 5/8x24 and 3/4x24. The buttstock

can be easily removed to allow rifle use even
in confined spaces, ArmaLite stating that its
efficient muzzle brake allows to fire it even
in pistol configuration. The rifles have a
maximum length of 1,222 and 1,273 mm, a
51 mm stock adjustment being available,
and tip the scales at 6.58 and 6.94 kg.
In Vegas SRM Arms unveiled some
major improvements to its 1216 shotgun
and to the other members of the family.
The main one is that the cast metal receiver of Generation 1 & 2 weapons has been
replaced by a solid, machined receiver. This
provides increased strength and ensures a
perfect alignment between the receiver, the
stock and the barrel. The new receiver is
immediately visible as it comes with a new
squared-jaw appearance. Other mechanical
improvements are the redesigned cam
track that reduces stress on bolt and receiver, and the increased thickness of bolt track
walls inside the stock, which can now
accommodate high-velocity rounds. An
optional push-pin removal of the magazine
is now available to comply with detachable
magazines specific laws in some US States
such as California, as well as with some foreign countries regulations. In Fall 2013 a
A 1216 shotgun by SRM; the company has
developed a series of improvements to that
weapon, a full-auto version of which is now
available to military units, the SRM weapon
being promoted on the export market by
Gibraltar Arms. (Gibraltar Arms)
14
INTERNATIONAL
2/2012
The AR-30A1 is the

latest addition to
the ArmLite snipers
rifles catalogue
and is available in
.300 Winchester
Magnum and .338
Lapua Magnum.
(ArmaLite)
I SOCOM PSR GOES AHEAD

AT LONG LAST?
The Precision Sniper Rifle bid for the US
Socom might finally lead to a new weapon
for special forces. Launched in 2008,
the programme had a series of ups and
downs, but according to latest info it might
finally materialise. This will bring a new
bolt action multi-calibre weapon that will
certainly include the .338 and .300 WM
calibres in the hands of Socom snipers.
Competitors are believed to include
Accuracy Internationals AX, Beretta
Defence Technologies Sako M10, FN
Herstals Ballista PSR, Remington Defenses
Modular Sniper Rifle, and Surgeon Rifles
Remedy XL. What is sure is that the scope
will be supplied by Schmidt & Bender
which, in November 2011, received a
$34 million contract for an undisclosed
number of 5-25x56 PMIIs.
Version 3 will be available with complete

magazine selectivity allowing the user to
change from current magazine tube to any
of the other tubes on the fly. On the commercial front the full-auto version is now in
production and available to law enforcement and military worldwide, while
Gibraltar Arms, currently the sole source
for international distribution of SRM
Arms 1216 shotguns, is developing a
network of in-country distributors that
will be handled by the export commercial
arm of SRM.
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Attack Helicopter.qxp:Armada
4/1/13
2:19 PM
Page 2
Attack Helicopters
Attack Helicopters
Go Multirole
First tested in Vietnam, but later developed primarily to counter massed armour thrusts
across Europe, the attack helicopter may now be going back to its roots, as a fast
escort for ground convoys and heliborne assaults, and as a fire support gunship.
16
INTERNATIONAL
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4/1/13
2:19 PM
This French Army Hap Tiger is

armed with 68-mm Sneb rockets
and a 30-mm Nexter 30M781
cannon in a THL30 turret. Its
callsign F-MBHC indicates that it is
assigned to 5-RHC (5e Regiment
dHelicopteres de Combat) at Pau
Pyrenees Airport in southwest
France. (Eurocopter/Eric Raz)
Page 3
have been won by a single product: the

Boeing AH-64 Apache.
True, the AgustaWestland A129
Mangusta (Mongoose) was adopted as the
basis for the Tusas Aerospace Industries
(TAI) T129 Atak programme, and the
Eurocopter Tiger won in Australia and
Spain. Likewise, the Changhe Aircraft
Industries Corp (CAIC) Z9WE and the Mil
Mi-28NE have been acquired by Kenya.
The lightweight Changhe CZ11WA is to be
licence-built in Argentina for Argentine
Army Aviation and the wider Latin
American market.
However, these isolated sales pale in
comparison with the AH-64s selection
by Egypt, Greece, India, Israel, Japan,
Kuwait, the Netherlands, Saudi Arabia,
Singapore, Taiwan, the United Arab
Emirates and the UK.
Nothing comes close to the recent export
record of the Apache, if early sales of around
2400 (each) by the first-of-breed Bell AH-1
Cobra and the Mil Mi-24/35 assault
helicopter are excluded. It may be noted
that the AH-1Z is being built for the US
Marine Corps (189 units), while Rostvertol
produces the Mi-35M for the air forces of
Russia (22) and Brazil (15).
I APACHE
The AH-64s success was partly due to it

initially having no direct competitor. The
AH-64 first flew in 1975 (ten years after the
prototype for the AH-1), and it represented a
massive step in size and cost. In essence, the
4310-kg AH-1G, powered by a single 820kW Lycoming L53, was to be replaced by a

10,433-kg AH-64, with two 1400-kW
General Electric T700s.
Coming when many felt that a helicopter
could not survive over the modern
battlefield, there was no immediate rush to
compete with the AH-64. In the same
weight category, the Mil Mi-28 and singleseat Kamov Ka-50 flew only in 1982, and
their service entry was delayed by a bungled
competition and lack of production
funding, following dissolution of the
Soviet Union.
The much lighter AgustaWestland A129
followed in 1983, and the mid-weight
Eurocopter Tiger in 1991. When the AH64A entered service in 1984, there was no
alternative product ready to compete. Its
sales were boosted by outstanding
performance in the Gulf War of 1991.
Between 1984 and 1997, a total of 937 AH64As were built.
The radar-equipped AH-64D Longbow
Apache first flew in 1992 and entered
service in 1998 with day/night all-weather
capability. The Mi-28N had flown in 1996,
but did not enter service with the Russian
Army until 2006.
One of 60 purchased by the Italian Army, this
AgustaWestland AH-129 serial EI-929 is
armed with a 20-mm General Dynamics
M197 Gatling gun in an OtoBreda turret, and
eight Raytheon BGM-71 Tow anti-armour
missiles. (AgustaWestland)
Roy Braybrook
hile some operators still

expect each aircraft to kill a
squadron of tanks, there is a
broader market for less
expensive though well armed and protected
helicopters for peacekeeping operations, but
with the flexibility to cover other missions,
including anti-piracy and counter-narcotics.
Viewed as a sector of the global defence
equipment market, the attack helicopter is
unique in that most recent export orders
INTERNATIONAL
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Page 4
Attack Helicopters
The Apache (of which over 1800 have

already been delivered) has been a true
market leader, and it may still be the best
option for those nations fearing heavy
armoured attacks. However, today there are
several alternatives, promoted by nations
that are less averse to customers demanding
offsets and industrial participation.
Furthermore, smaller, less expensive attack
helicopters offer adequate capability in
many scenarios.
The remainder of this report summarises
the development and marketing status of the
principal attack helicopters, according to
region of origin.
I CHINA
The PRC has been particularly slow to adopt

the tandem-seat, slender fuselage
configuration of the dedicated attack
helicopter. It first developed an armed
version of the Harbin Z9, a licence-built
Eurocopter SA356N1 Dauphin, effectively
reinventing the Panther. Chinas army (PLA)
Chinas Peoples Liberation Army uses armed
versions of the Harbin Z9, a licence-built
Eurocopter Dauphin. The main domestic
model is the Z9WA and the export version is
the Z9WE (shown here). The Chinese
characters on the rear fuselage translate as
Harbin Aircraft Industries Group. (CATIC)
18
INTERNATIONAL
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Turkeys TAI T129 Atak helicopter is

distinguished from the original AW129 by its
much larger sensor turret and use of the
tube-launched, infrared-guided Roketsan
Umtas missile, with a range of 8000 metres.
(AgustaWestland)
has large numbers of 4100-kg Z9WAs and at

least one squadron of Z9WZs. The principal
attack helicopter marketed by CATIC is the
Z9WE, as used by the Kenyan Army.
CATIC also offers the Z9EC ship-based
ASW version.
The 4500-kg Changhe Z19 is a recent
development of the Z9, with tandem seating
and a slimmed oval-section fuselage. Like
the Z9, the Z19 has no chin turret.
The Changhe Z10 is a much larger
7000-kg (class) design with an X-type tail
rotor in place of the Fenestron, a slender
diamond-section fuselage, a flexibly-
mounted chin gun, and a large wing and

horizontal tail. It first flew in 2003, probably
with P&WC PT6C engines.
The single-engined 2250-kg Changhe
CZ11W light attack helicopter appears to
be an unlicensed copy of the Eurocopter
Fennec. In 2008 the CZ11WA was selected
by Argentine Army Aviation for in-country
licence production by Fabrica Argentina de
Aviones (FAdeA), with sales rights
throughout Latin America. It is planned
to offer a choice of the Zhuzhou
WZ8D, Turbomeca Arriel and Lycoming
LTS101 engines.
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4/1/13
2:20 PM
Page 6
Attack Helicopters
Photographed at the Maaks show near

Moscow, the Kamov Ka-52 Alligator reportedly
is more manoeuvrable and has more
advanced avionics than the rival Mi-28N.
Following the precedent set by the single-seat
Ka-50, the Ka-52 has ejection seats, which
naturally require jettison of the rotor blades.
(Armada/Eric H. Biass)
I WESTERN EUROPE
The 4600-kg AgustaWestland A129 is only

half the weight of most attack helicopters,
but may respond better to 21st century
needs. The Italian Armys 58 remaining
Mangustas have been upgraded to multirole
AH-129C (previously A129CBT) standard,
with five-blade rotors and some of
the modifications developed for the
export market. The AH-129D is a further
development that will feature the Rafael
Toplite sighting system and Spike-ER
missiles. Italian Army aircraft have been
deployed to Macedonia, Somalia, Iraq and
Afghanistan.
Turkeys TAI T129 Atak helicopter is a
joint development with AgustaWestland,
based on the A129, but with 1014-kW
LHTEC CTS800s built by Tusas Engine
Industries. The 2007 contract evidently
called for one prototype to be built in Italy
(it flew in 2009) and five in Turkey, followed
by 45 production aircraft with an option on
40 more. In 2010 nine T129s were ordered
from AgustaWestland for delivery in 2012, to
meet an urgent Turkish Army requirement.
The first 30 TAI-built T129s will be
completed to TUC-1 standard (Turkish
Army designation T129A), with an Aselsan
mission computer, Aselflir-300T targeting
system, and a Thales helmet-mounted
display. Subsequent aircraft will be built to
MAIN
CHARACTERISTICS
Aircraft
Mi-28N
Ka-52
AH-64E
Rooivalk
AH-1Z
Engines
Max kW
Max TOW
Cruise Speed (km/hr)
Max Speed (km/hr)
Range (km)
Rotor Dia (m)
Turret Gun Calibre (mm)
VK-2500
2x1640
10,900
270
300
1100
17.2
30
VK-2500
2x1864
11,300
270
310
1108
T700-GE-701D
2x1490
10,433
279
293
1900
14.63
30
Makila
2x1420
8750
278
n.a
1335
15.58
20
T700-401C
2x1340
8390
296
n.a
685
14.6
20
20
INTERNATIONAL
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4/1/13
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Page 7
Shown armed with two 20-tube 80-mm S-8 rocket pods and the 30-mm
Shipunov 2A42 cannon, the Mil Mi-28N Night Hunter is now in squadron
service with the Russian Air Force. (Russian Helicopters)
TUC-2 standard (T129B), introducing an

Aselsan helmet display, and Roketsan
Umtas anti-tank missiles and Cirit 70 mm
laser-guided rockets.
AgustaWestland is now promoting the
T129 (not the A129) internationally, and
TAI is authorised to market the aircraft
anywhere except Italy and the UK. Potential
customers include Azerbaijan, Jordan,
Malaysia, Pakistan, the Philippines and the
United Arab Emirates. In the long term Italy
might buy T129s from AgustaWestland.
The 6100-kg Eurocopter EC665 Tiger
was launched in 1999 on the basis that 160
would be produced, split equally between

the French and German armies. Germany is
(so far) adhering to its plan to buy 80 antitank UHT Tigers, but France is now to
buy 40 Hap (fire support) and 40 Had
(multirole) Tigers. The French Army Hap
Tiger has been operated in Afghanistan and
over Libya, and the German Army UHT was
deployed to Afghanistan in late 2012.
The Had Tiger was developed for Spain,
which ordered 24, with 18 to be assembled
in-country. Australia ordered 22 ARH
Tigers, based on the Hap variant, with 18
assembled locally.
I RUSSIA
In 2005 it was decided to replace the Russian

Armys Mi-24/35 with the 10,900-kg Mil
Mi-28N Night Hunter, which is currently
assigned to the Russian Federation Air
Force (RFAF), but will return to Army
Aviation from 2015.
The first production order covered 67
Mi-28Ns for delivery by 2013. A further
contract covers 30 to be completed by 2014.
The service currently has Mi-28Ns with a
training unit and three operational
squadrons. The Mi-28N has taken so long
to reach service that the RFAF plans to
Z10
Tiger
LCH
T129
Z9WE
OH-1
WZ9
2x1000
7500
270
300
800
13
23
MTR390
2x1092
6600
n.a
271
1130
n.a
30 (ARH/HAD/HAP)
Shakti
2x895
5500
n.a
265
700
n.a
20
CTS800
2x1014
5000
269
270
1000
n.a
20
Arriel 2C
2x626
4100
n.a
238
528
12.01
(no turret)
Mitsubishi TS1
2x660
4000
n.a
305
550
11.6
(no turret)
INTERNATIONAL
2/2013
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4/1/13
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Page 8
Attack Helicopters
I SOFTWARE TOOLS IMPROVE A129 EFFECTIVENESS IN AFGHANISTAN

Interview and photos by Paolo Valpolini
hen back at camp, a 21 year-old corporal told me thanks

for saving my life. I then realised how much my A129
attack helicopter was able to solve critical situations that
other assets are not able to handle, Capt. Paolo Trotta, 5th Rigel Army
Aviation Regiment of the ItalianArmy, told Armada.
Awaiting the latest version of the chopper, Italian Mangusta crews are
flying in Afghanistan with some situational awareness improvements that
proved to be game-changing items. The first is the Safe Strike Air app
that we run on an iPad-mini equipped with a leg-strap. Developed by an
Italian start-up called Rebel Alliance, the app was initially developed for
helping JTACs in their job. We immediately saw a potential, Capt. Trotta
says, and asked some adaptation for using it in flight. The main advantage is that the system handles .sid maps and this allows to store the
The more dramatic underbelly view of the A129 seen here

reveals the standard load carried in Afghanistan to cope with hot
and high conditions, namely a 250-round 20 mm gun, two TOW
missiles and one auxiliary tank, which provides the best balance
between endurance and firepower.
22
INTERNATIONAL
2/2013
maps of the whole area of responsibility down to half-meter resolution

maps, something of key importance when carrying out kinetic operations.
Capacity touch-screen Nomex gloves were acquired to cope with the
new system. Safe Strike Air dramatically helps the mission commander
in interfacing with ground personnel when carrying out close combat
attack missions, Trotta adds.
In Italy the system was tested by integrating the iPad with a Thales
StarMille radio, with the radio providing GPS data. With ground forces so
equipped it allowed A129 crews to have a real-time force tracking system on their iPad at very low cost. Giving such radios to ground low level
commanders provides us with both blue and green force tracking, green
being the Afghan forces, Trotta says. This would be limited to line-ofsight, but that is plenty enough for close air support missions. Other similar radios might provide similar functions. The system allowed us to dramatically cut down our reaction time when we are on Quick Reaction
Alert both for planning and for operating, he concludes.
Capt. Trotta also explains that another important tool used in
Afghanistan is the Virtual Battlespace 2 (VBS.2) battlefield simulation system. It allows us to considerably shorten our planning time for major
operations, and we were able to implement a scenario using data provided by our sensors such as Predators, helicopter optronics, etc., that
was used for rehearsing the mission. The system is also used for afteraction report, and it has been used by the Italian Aviation Battalion based
in Herat to operate in conjunction with the US Shindad-based Aviation
Battalion, Italy being the first nation to deploy VBS.2 in Afghanistan, as
well as Safe Strike Air, the latter having been integrated with the former
in order to export the planning on Safe Strike.
Last but not least Italian attack helicopters have been equipped with
a Rover 5 receiver at experimental level. We have used it in ad-hoc missions and it proved very useful, although as it is not integrated into the
helicopter cockpit we have some space problem on board. Therefore
when possible we prefer to have it on board a CH-47 where the air mission commander can accommodate it on the choppers jump seat,
Capt. Trotta tells Armada. The addition of some C4I systems thus allowed
A129 crews to considerably improve their effectiveness on the field.
launch a modernised Mi-28NM in 2015.

Exports of the Rostvertol-built Mi28N(E) are difficult to confirm. The Kenyan
Army has received at least three of a
rumoured 16. Iraqs order for 30 was
cancelled, but is said to be reinstated.
Venezuelas plan for ten, and Algerias
interest in acquiring 42, have not yet
reached the contract stage. The Mi-28UB is a
trainer version, due to fly in 2013.
The 11,300-kg Kamov Ka-52 Alligator
programme is running behind the Mi-28N,
since it was recognised only at a late
stage that the former has advantages in
manoeuvrability and avionics. It first flew
in 1997. In 2009 the first 12 of an initial
batch of 36 were ordered, and the Ka-52
entered nominal service with the RFAF at the
end of 2010. In 2011 Russian Helicopters
stated that it had signed a contract to deliver
more than 140 Ka-52s to the RFAF by 2020.
The marinised Ka-52K will have folding
rotor blades and wings, anti-corrosion
treatment, and emergency flotation gear.
Russian Naval Aviation is expected to buy
Ka-52Ks for its Mistral-class amphibious
assault ships, which will each accommodate
eight Ka-52Ks and eight Ka-29 assault
Also known as Arrowhead, the Lockheed Martin M-Tads (Modernized Target Acquisition and
Designation System) represents an upgrade to the AH-64s original sensors, in this case
applied to Britains licence-built Apache AH Mk1. (AgustaWestland)
4/1/13
2:20 PM
Page 10
Attack Helicopters
This Bell AH-1Z serial 167809 is operated by

the US Navys Air Test and Evaluation
Squadron HX-21 (callsign Blackjack) at
NAWC Patuxent River, Maryland. The unit is
responsible for testing rotary-wing and tiltrotor aircraft and drones. (US Navy)
helicopters. The first pre-production Ka52K is due to fly in 2013, and will be tested on
the Admiral Kuznetsov carrier, pending
availability of the Mistral class. Production
aircraft will roll off the AAC Progress line in
Arseniev in 2014.
I USA
The latest variant of the Boeing Apache is the

AH-64E (formerly AH-64D Block III),
informally known as the Apache Guardian.
It was developed to address the weightgrowth that resulted in the AH-64D being
unable to fly with full weapons load in the
Albanian mountains. The US Army plans to
acquire 690 AH-64Es, consisting of 634
remanufactured and 56 new-build aircraft.
The AH-64E improvements include
more powerful GE Aviation T700-701D
engines, an uprated transmission, new
composite rotor blades and the ability to
control drones. Some 51 remanufactured
AH-64Es were ordered in the low-rate
initial production phase, beginning with
eight Lot One aircraft in FY2010. Lot Two
consisted of 16 in FY2011, 19 in FY2012,
and eight of the 40 in the FY2013 request
(which added the first ten new-build
aircraft). US Army deliveries began in
November 2011. In October 2012, full-rate
production was authorised.
24
INTERNATIONAL
2/2013
Remanufacturing Apaches to AH-64E

standard is expected to cost the US Army
around $ 16 million each, compared to
about $ 40 million for a new-build aircraft.
Taiwan was the first export customer for
the AH-64E, the first of 20 new-build
aircraft being handed over in May 2012.
India is negotiating the purchase of 22 newbuild AH-64Es, suggesting far more than
the ` 3095 crores discussed in the press.
Indonesia has requested eight new-build
aircraft, and Qatar 24. The Saudi request
for 40 is for mostly new aircraft, and the
UAE request for 60 is understood to be
equally divided between new and
remanufactured AH-64Es.
The 8390-kg Bell AH-1Z Viper (or Cobra
Zulu) is in broadly the same weight category
as the AH-64. It was developed to meet the
needs of the US Marine Corps under the H1 Upgrade Program, aimed at maximum
commonality with the UH-1Y Venom. The
plan in 1991 was to upgrade 180 AH-1Ws to
AH-1Zs, and 100 UH-1Ns to UH-1Ys.
After several changes, it currently appears
that the Marine Corps will receive 123 newbuild UH-1Ys and a total of 189 AH-1Zs,
including only 37 remanufactured aircraft.
The AH-1Z has two GE Aviation T700401C engines, four-blade rotors, a Thales
TopOwl helmet-mounted display, a
Lockheed Martin AAQ-30 Target Sight

System (TSS) and a strengthened landing
gear. It first flew in 2000, and the first
delivery took place in 2005. The AH-1Z
achieved initial operational capability in
September 2010. Full-rate production was
approved in December 2010.
At time of writing the little-publicised,
latecoming AH-1Z has won no export
orders, but South Korea is considering the
procurement of 36 (the AH-1Z being
shortlisted alongside the AH-64E and T129).
I REST OF THE WORLD
Attempts to market South Africas 8750-kg

Denel Rooivalk (Red Kestrel) were
terminated after Turkeys selection of the
A129. Rooivalk is completely dependent on
French suppliers, who naturally support the
Tiger in international sales. It is in service
with one SAAF squadron, and is expected
to be deployed elsewhere in Africa for
peacekeeping duties.
In January 2013 Iran announced initial
deliveries of the Hesa/Panha Toufan 2 (Storm
2), a warmed-over 4540-kg Bell AH-1J, of
which the Imperial Iranian Army received
202 in the 1970s. Iran has a more original
lightweight (1450-kg) single-seat attack
helicopter, the Shahed 285, which was
derived from the Bell JetRanger and first flew
CONNECTORS
FOR HARSH
ENVIRONMENTS
U.S. Navy photo used with permission without endorsement.
in 2009. The ground-based version, designated AH-85A, is in smallscale service with the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Air Force.
One of the most interesting new projects is Indias HAL LCH
(Light Combat Helicopter), derived from the Dhruv (Polaris)
utility helicopter, which entered service in 2002. The LCH was
inspired by the poor performance of the Mi-35 in the Kargil War of
1999, high in the Himalayas. The 5500-kg LCH has two 895-kW
Shakti (licence-built Turbomeca Ardiden) engines, to give a
service ceiling of over 20,000 ft.
The LCH was designed for a wide range of roles, including air
defence against slow manned aircraft and drones. The first
development aircraft flew in 2010, and service entry is due shortly.
It is planned that the Indian Air Force will have 65 LCHs and the
Indian Army 114.
If the tandem-seat LCH is emerging much like an armed scout,
the 4500-kg Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) Korean Attack
Helicopter (KAH) looks like an armed utility helicopter, since it is
required also to provide the basis for a six/eight-seat civil product.
The KAH is to enter service with the Republic of Korea Army in
2018, up to 260 complementing 36 heavy attack helicopters, and
replacing 70 Bell AH-1Fs and 257 MD500s.
Japans even lighter 4000-kg Kawasaki Aerospace OH-1
conforms to the traditional tandem-seat, slender fuselage
configuration of an attack helicopter, but (like the LCH and KAH)
has no gun turret. As in South Koreas dual-use approach, some
A ratchet screw system

enables quick and secure
coupling of the connectors.
An innovative solution
for harsh environments
Very high contact density
Ratchet screw coupling
mechanism
6 different sizes
Lightweight aluminium shell
The South African Air Forces Denel Rooivalk (Red Kestrel) is based
on the dynamic components of the Eurocopter Super Puma, and
equips No 16 Sqn at AFB Bloemspruit. The Rooivalk is intended for
peace-enforcing missions in Africa. (Armada/RB)
2 to 114 contacts
Optimum space saving
Oil and fuel resistant
OH-1 parts will be employed in Kawasakis UH-X proposal for a

JGSDF UH-1H/J replacement.
The first of four prototype OH-1s flew in 1996. Despite initial
plans for 150-200 OH-1s, only 34 production aircraft were ordered
for the JGSDF, the last being built under FY2010 funding.
This is not the first time that Japans defence equipment
programmes have been cut to unrewarding levels. Fuji (FHI) has
complained that, after having invested $ 600 million to launch
licence-production of the AH-64DJP, production for the JGDSF was
cut from 60 to 13 units. Japans manufacturers are arguing that the
government should either refund such non-recurring costs, or allow
the export of defence equipment. In hard times, it is not only the
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Naval Fighters.qxp:Armada
4/1/13
2:11 PM
Page 2
Naval Fighters
Fighting
From a
Deck
Having just left the Charles de

Gaulle, this Rafale M is on its way
to a ground attack mission,
armed with four laser-guided
weapons (Dassault)
Carrier-based fighters and attack aircraft are a special breed. Their weight is strictly
limited, and they have either a slow stall to facilitate catapult/skijump-launch and
arrested-recovery, or jet lift. Both solutions require excellent control at low airspeeds.
Such aircraft also have to be rugged and tolerant of salt spray and designed to
occupy only a limited area of deck or hangar floor.
Roy Braybrook
iven ten 100,000-tonne Nimitzclass nuclear-powered carriers

(CVNs), of which at least four are
constantly at sea (currently in the
East China Sea, North Arabian Sea, Persian
Gulf and West Atlantic), the United States
Navy tends to dominate any discussion of
naval airpower. Each carrier has an air wing
(CVW) that typically includes three Navy
strike fighter (VFA) squadrons of Boeing
F/A-18E/Fs and F/A-18C/Ds, and one
Marine Corps fighter attack squadron
(VMFA) of F/A-18C/Ds.
The US Navy also has nine amphibious
26
INTERNATIONAL
2/2013
assault ships (one Tarawa-class LHA and

eight Wasp-class LHDs) that can each
accommodate a squadron of Marine Corps
Boeing AV-8B Harrier IIs, and may one day
serve as platforms for the services Lockheed
Martin F-35B Lightning IIs.
I CARRIERS ELSEWHERE
Aircraft carriers are highly visible status

symbols and effective means of projecting
power (and of assisting in disaster-relief
operations) at long range. However, they are
expensive, and their future viability may
have been placed in doubt by the Chineseled development of long-range ballistic
missiles
with
terminal
homing.
Nonetheless, up to ten non-US nations may
be operating fixed-wing aircraft at sea in the

near future.
In the 1982 Falklands/Malvinas conflict
with Britain, Argentina had an aircraft
carrier, the 16,000-tonne Veinticinco de
Mayo (formerly the Netherlands Karel
Doorman). This was to launch its Douglas
A-4Qs against the British task force, but
evidently failed to produce sufficient wind
over deck. Under threat from a Royal Navy
submarine (which had sunk Argentinas
12,000-tonne cruiser General Belgrano), the
ship returned to port and took no further
part in the conflict.
In 1983 the ship was modified to operate
the Dassault-Breguet Super Etendard,
which had performed well from land bases in
4/1/13
2:11 PM
the 1982 conflict, sinking the 4800-tonne

destroyer HMS Sheffield with an AM-39
Exocet missile. However, increasing
maintenance problems led to the carrier
being decommissioned in 1997, and towed
to India for scrapping in 2000.
Argentinas Super Etendards can now
practice deck operations only during visits
by US Navy carriers and Brazils 32,800tonne Sao Paolo (previously the French
Navys Foch). In 2009 the Brazilian Navy
contracted Embraer to upgrade twelve
A-4s (mainly ex-Kuwaiti A-4KUs), with
modernised cockpits, armament and
avionics, which include the Elta EL/M-2032
radar. They are expected to remain in
service until 2025.
Reports indicate that the Brazilian Navy
will assist the Chinese Navy in developing
its carrier operations. China revealed its
intention to become a maritime power as far
back as the 1970s, with serious interest in
acquiring a development of the BAe Sea
Harrier (a sale that fell through due to delays
imposed by the Thatcher government).
China subsequently imported a series of
retired aircraft carriers, mostly for their
design know-how. Australias 20,000-tonne
HMAS Melbourne was purchased as scrap in
1985 (but was broken up only in 2002),
followed in 1994 by Russias 42,000-tonne
Minsk (now the Minsk World museum in
Shenzhen), and in 1996 by the Kiev (now the
Tianjin Aircraft Carrier Hotel).
Finally, in 1998 China purchased from
the Ukraine the 67,500-tonne Admiral
Kuznetsov-class Varyag, for a mere $ 20
million. The ship was designed to
accommodate 26 fixed-wing aircraft and 24
helicopters, but was only 70% complete and
had been stripped of its engines and
armament. Extensively refurbished by the
Dalian Shipbuilding Industry Company,
equipped with Chinese radars and missiles,
and renamed the CNS Liaoning (hull
number 16), the vessel was handed over to
the Chinese Navy on September 25, 2012.
Intelligence sources in Taiwan have
asserted that the construction of two nonnuclear Liaoning-class carriers has already
started in Shanghai. There have also been
rumours of two nuclear-powered carriers
following, derived from the Soviet Unions
85,000-tonne Project 1143.7 Ulyanovsk,
the construction of which was stopped
in 1991. However, all of this may be
pure speculation.
Chinas Shenyang J-15 Flying Shark is a
copy of the Russian Naval Aviations Sukhoi
Page 3
If China decides to build carriers

beyond the CNS Liaoning, some AsiaPacific countries may buy F-35Bs to
operate from through-deck ships such
as Japans 18,000-tonne Hyuga
(illustrated) and South Koreas 18,800tonne Dokdo. (US Navy).
Pictured during Exercise Malabar with the

US Navy, Indias INS Viraat is being
overflown by a Boeing F/A-18F of VFA-102
and an F/A-18E of VFA 27, between two
Indian Navy BAe Sea Harriers (in the
foreground) and two Indian Air Force
Sepecat Jaguars. (US Navy).
Su-33 (formerly Su-27K). In early

November 2012 two J-15s (side numbers
552 and 553) began flight trials from the
Liaoning. The production J-15 is expected
to have a Chinese phased-array radar, fifthgeneration air-air guided weapons, and a
new version of the YJ-63 anti-ship missile.
The J-15 may eventually be replaced by the
stealthy Shenyang J-31, which first flew on
October 31, 2012.
The fear of China building carriers may
encourage its neighbours to consider the use
of the F-35B from their helicopter
platforms. For example, Japan (which
plans to buy the F-35A) already has two

18,000-tonne Hyuga-class escort ships
(16/18DDH) with flat decks for helicopter
operations. Two 24,000-tonne 22/24DDH
through-deck destroyers are due to follow
in 2015 and 2017.
Likewise, South Korea (which is
considering the F-35A in the context of its
F-X requirement) has the 18,800-tonne
Dokdo, the lead vessel of a four-ship class of
amphibious landing ships with flat decks.
The French Navy has only one carrier,
the 42,000-tonne Charles de Gaulle, and the
future of the planned second vessel is
INTERNATIONAL
2/2013
27
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Page 4
Naval Fighters
This MiG-29UBK (black 204) is shown

performing a low fly-by of the INS
Vikramaditya during trials in the Barents Sea
in the summer of 2012. Note the large-chord
trailing edge flaps and the extension of the
leading edge flaps on to the chine. (RAC-MiG).
currently in doubt. The ship operates with a

mix of Dassault Rafale Ms, of which the
procurement of 58 is planned, and Super
Etendard Moderniss (SEMs). The last of 27
remaining such Super Etendards is due to be
retired in 2015.
The Indian Navy operates the BAe Sea
Harrier FRS51 stovl fighter (of which
25 were purchased) from the 28,700-tonne
INS Viraat (formerly HMS Hermes). In
2014 it will introduce its first batch of
twelve MiG-29Ks and four MiG-29KUBs
on the 45,300-tonne INS Vikramaditiya
(conversion of the Admiral Gorshkov Project
1143.4). A second batch of 29 MiG-29s was
ordered in March 2010.
The conversion of the carrier for the
Indian Navy was performed by the SevMash
defence shipyard at Severodinsk (near
Arkhangelsk), an entity best known for its
nuclear submarines. In 2011 SevMash
undertook the construction of a floating
airfield in the Arctic, half-way between
Murmansk and the Prirazlomnaya oilfield.
Six HAL Tejas LCA-Navy prototypes
have been funded. Trials could lead to the
28
INTERNATIONAL
2/2013
purchase of 50-60 production aircraft to

form two squadrons to operate from the
Vikramaditiya and the 40,000 tonne INS
Vikrant. The latter, Indias first Indigenous
Aircraft Carrier (IAC), is currently
scheduled to enter service in 2018. It is
intended to replace the Viraat, but the latter
has had its life extended to 2020 to allow for
further delays.
The Vikrant is to be followed by a second
indigenous carrier, which may revert to a
flat deck with steam catapults (in place of
the skijump) to allow operation of the
Indian Navys planned Northrop Grumman
E -2D AEW&C aircraft.
The Italian Navy has two carriers: the
14,000-tonne Giuseppe Garibaldi and the
new 30,000-tonne Cavour. Each typically
operates up to eight of the services 14 AV8Bs. It may be noted that Italy and Spain
jointly funded AV-8B clearance to use the
AIM-120 medium-range air-air missile,
which the US Marine Corps did not require.
Italy plans to buy 22 F-35Bs to replace its
AV-8Bs. The Cavour will be able to
accommodate ten F-35Bs in its hangar and
six more on deck. For the longer term,
acquisition of an F-35B-capable LHD and an
LHA will allow retirement of the Garibaldi.
The Russian Navys only carrier is the
67,500-tonne Admiral Kuznetsov (Project
1143.5), with a typical fixed-wing
complement of twelve Su-33 fighters and
five Su-25UTG attack aircraft. The Su-33 is
scheduled to remain in service until 2015.

Ordering further Su-33s is deemed
uneconomic, so in early 2012, riding on the
back of the 2010 Indian Navy order for 29
MiG-29K/KUBs, the Russian Navy ordered
24 to be delivered by 2015. For the future,
Russia appears to be focussed on building
new submarines, not carriers.
The Spanish Navy operates up to ten of
its 16 EAV-8Bs (local designation VA-2
Matador II) from the 17,000-tonne Principe
de Asturias. In 2012 there were rumours that
this carrier might be retired as an economy
measure, its role being taken over by the
27,000-tonne Rey Juan Carlos I LHD. It is
anticipated that the EAV-8Bs will be
replaced by up to 20 F-35Bs.
Australia, which currently plans to buy
only the F-35A (US Air Force version), is
building two 25,790-tonne Canberra-class
amphibious assault ships based on the Juan
Carlos I (complete with skijumps), for
delivery in 2014 and 2016.
Nine of Spains earlier BAe AV-8S
Matadors were sold to the Royal Thai Navy
for operation from the Spanish-built
11,500-tonne HTMS Chakri Naruebet.
However, these aircraft were retired
in 2006, and the ship is now used only as
a helicopter carrier.
The United Kingdom pioneered highperformance stovl aircraft, but the Royal
Navys sole remaining aircraft carrier, the
22,000-tonne Invincible-class Illustrious, is
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4/1/13
2:12 PM
Page 6
Naval Fighters
Vertical landing capability minimises deck space

requirements. Here two Boeing AV-8B Harrier
II+ attack aircraft are seen landing on the LHD-3
Kearsarge, a Wasp-class amphibious assault
ship. The aircraft intake ducts are painted white
to reduce head-on visual signature. (US Navy).
now used as an amphibious assault ship,

with helicopters as its air element. It is due
to be retired in 2014. The Fleet Air Arm
began withdrawing the BAe Sea Harrier in
2004, and the ex-RAF Harrier GR7/9 was
retired at the end of 2010.
Two 65,000-tonne Queen Elizabeth-class
aircraft carriers are under construction for
the Royal Navy. The first is expected to
begin sea trials in 2017 and achieve
operational capability with the F-35B
around 2020. The F-35B could also fly from
the 21,500-tonne HMS Ocean LPH, and the
RNs two 18,500-tonne LPDs, HMS Albion
and HMS Bulwark.
Britain was originally to purchase 138 F35Bs for the Royal Air Force (RAF) and Fleet
Air Arm. In July 2012 the British defence
minister announced that an initial 48 F-35Bs
would be purchased to equip the carrier fleet,
but that a final figure for F-35 procurement
would not be decided until after the 2015
Strategic Defence and Security Review.
There was later speculation that F-35As
would be bought to replace RAF Eurofighter
Typhoons, but no more F-35Bs.
30
INTERNATIONAL
2/2013
I MiG-29K
Of the principal naval fighters now being

marketed, the most affordable is RAC-MiGs
MiG-29K. The basic configuration is old, the
first MiG-29 having flown in 1977, and it
might be criticised as a typical European
design of that period (ie, all engines, little
fuel). However, internal fuel capacity
Naval trials with the MiG-29UBK (black 941)

included carriage of air-air missiles. It is shown
taking off with two short-range 105-kg Vympel
R-73 (AA-11 Archer) IR-guided weapons
outboard and two medium-range 175-kg
Vympel R-77 (AA-12 Adder) radar-guided
weapons inboard. (RAC-MiG).
has been increased, and effort has gone

into perfecting the aircrafts handling
characteristics at low airspeeds, possibly due
to bad experience with the MiG-23/27. Over
1,600 MiG-29s are in service in 26 countries.
Responding to Soviet Navy interest,
the proof-of-concept MiG-29KVP with
strengthened undercarriage and an arrester
hook flew in 1982. The first true MiG-29K
with an enlarged, folding wing flew in 1988.
It performed the first landing on the
Admiral Kuznetsov in 1989, just before the
Berlin Wall came down.
The Russian Navy chose the heavier and
more capable Su-27K (later Su-33) to equip
the Admiral Kuznetsov. Interest in the MiG29K then waned until in 2004 the Indian
Navy decided to buy the much smaller
carrier Admiral Gorshkov, for which the
MiG was the obvious choice.
RAC-MiG has redesigned the MiG29K/KUB as part of its 4++ generation
family, with high commonality with the
MiG-29M/M2 and MiG-35/35D. It was
given 88-kN Klimov RD-33MK Sea Wasp
engines, the Phazotron Zhuk-ME pulseDoppler radar, a reduced radar signature,
quad-redundant FBW controls, in-flight
Boeing exhibits at Aero India 2011 at Yelahanka

Air Force Station, Bengaluru, included this
mockup cockpit for an upgraded F/A-18E/F, with
a single 28x48 cm multifunction display,
offering improved situational awareness and
reduced life-cycle cost. (Boeing).
Boeing showed at Aero India 2011 a

projected Super Hornet development, with
mockups of conformal fuel tanks and a
stealthy centreline weapons pod. Proposed
improvements include a modernised cockpit
and 20% more powerful GE Aviation F414
engines. (Boeing).
refuelling provisions, a structure containing

15% composite materials, increased internal
fuel and improved high-lift devices. The
first of the new series, a two-seat MiG29KUB, flew in January 2007.
The single-seat MiG-29K is capable of
Mach 2.07 at altitude, and the MiG-29KUB
of Mach 2.0. Both have a normal take-off
weight of approximately 18,600 kg and a
maximum of 24,500 kg.
I SUPER HORNET
Following 1480 F/A-18A/B/C/D Hornets,

the Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornet is a
much larger derivative with reduced radar
signature. It entered service in 2001,
followed in 2005 by the Block II with
improvements that included the Raytheon
APG-79 Aesa radar and AIM-9X missile.
The first multi-year production contract,
MYP1, funded in fiscal years FY2000-2004,
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2:12 PM
Page 8
Naval Fighters
The only export order to date for the Boeing Super Hornet has been for 24 F/A-18Fs for
Australia. These aircraft now equip No 1 Sqn, based at RAAF Amberley in Queensland. The
unit was declared operational at the end of 2010. (Commonwealth of Australia).
purchased 210 aircraft. This was followed by

MYP2 for FY2005-2009, buying 213 F/A18E/Fs and EA-18Gs Growler electronic
attack aircraft. To this was added a
supplement of 47, including 24 F/A-18Fs for
Australia (an initial six of which are to be
modified to EA-18G standard). The MYP3
covered 124 aircraft (66 F/A-18E/Fs and 58
EA-18G) for delivery in 2012-2015.
Over 500 Super Hornets and Growlers
had been delivered by the end of 2012. The
Super Hornet equips 19 squadrons of the US
Navy, which plans to acquire 515 F/A-18E/Fs
and 114 EA-18Gs.
The F/A-18E/F has two 98-kN GE
Aviation F414 engines, a maximum speed
of over Mach 1.8, and a maximum
take-off weight of 29,937 kg. It is an
outstanding strike fighter, but there is
concern over its ability to deal with fifthgeneration fighters. In the naval context, it
needs a big carrier with a powerful catapult.
Nonetheless, if the US Navy should
decide to skip the F-35C in favour of
some future F/A-XX, Boeing will be ready
with proposals for a stop-gap Block III
F/A-18E/F, with 20% more powerful
F414s, a stealthy centreline weapons pod,
conformal fuel tanks, a new cockpit and
other improvements.
I RAFALE
Pictured on board the Charles de Gaulle, this Aeronautique Navale Dassault Rafale-M is
fitted with two 2000-litre fuel tanks, a Thales Damocles laser targeting pod, one laser-guided
bomb, two IR-guided MBDA Mica air-air missiles, and two Micas with radar
guidance. (Dassault/S Rande).
With its multiplicity of fuselage doors open, the second development aircraft (BF-02) for the
US Marine Corps Lockheed Martin F-35B performs an sto from the deck of the US Navys
41,000-tonne LHD-1 USS Wasp amphibious assault ship. (Lockheed Martin).
32
INTERNATIONAL
2/2013
The carrier-capable Dassault Rafale-M first

flew in 1999. The French Navy plans to
acquire 58, and already has enough to form
two squadrons (Flotilles 11F and 12F). The
Rafale is an advanced multi-role combat
aircraft, with (initially) two 75-kN Snecma
M88-2 engines. It has a maximum take-off
weight of 24,500 kg and a maximum speed of
Mach 1.8.
The latest Rafales have the Thales
RBE2/AA Aesa radar and M88-4E engines.
Aside from extending service life and time
between inspections, these engines have
potential for thrust growth to 88 kN, subject
to airframe modifications to provide larger
air intakes. Some 200 MBDA Meteor
ramjet-powered air-air missiles have been
ordered for French Rafales.
The Indian Air Force has recently
selected the Rafale (presumably the Rafale
B/C used by the French Air Force, which is to
acquire 228) and plans to buy 126, with an
option on 63 more. This could well lead to
the Indian Navy buying the Rafale-M. A
similar situation would arise if the Brazilian
Air Force selects the Rafale B/C for its 36aircraft F-X2 programme.
Distinguished by their enlarged wings, the

first two development aircraft (CF-01 and 02) for the US Navys F-35C were
photographed somewhere over the Atlantic.
(Lockheed Martin/Andy Wolfe).
I LIGHTNING II
The US Air Force F-35A version first flew in

2006, followed by the US Marine Corps F35B (the stovl variant) in 2008 and the US
Navy F-35C (the catapulted and arrested
landing variant) in 2010. However, full-rate
production (planned as 80 F-35As and 50 F35B/Cs per year for the US services) has
been deferred until FY2019.
The planned acquisition total of 2,443
units for the domestic market includes
680 F-35B/Cs for the US Navy and
Marine Corps. The breakdown of this
number has yet to be finalised, but it is
generally expected to take the form of

around 340 F-35Bs and 80 F-35Cs for
the Marine Corps and 260 F-35Cs for
the Navy. Britain, Italy and Spain all plan
to buy the F-35B.
All F-35s have a single 191-kN
Pratt & Whitney F135 engine, the F-35B
also having three Rolls-Royce extras for
stovl: a three-bearing thrust-vectoring
jetpipe, a shaft-driven LiftFan, and wingmounted roll posts fed with bleed air for
lateral control. Maximum take-off weight is
reported as 27,300 kg for the F-35B,
although its vto weight is probably closer to
17,000 kg. The maximum launch weight for

the F-35C is reportedly 31,800 kg.
All F-35s have a maximum speed of
approximately Mach 1.6. Radius of action is
given as 835 km for the F-35B and 1100 km
for the F-35C. However, the US Marine
Corps and Navy evidently use different
mission profiles, since the F-35B has only
two-thirds the internal fuel of the F-35C.
Although the stealthy F-35 currently
enjoys a unique position in the marketplace,
there are concerns over its cost, delayed
availability and the performance penalties
incurred in designing an aircraft to meet three
different requirements (especially stovl).
There are also suspicions over the stealthiness
of export F-35s. If some competitor could
quickly develop a significantly less expensive
semi-stealth fighter, optimised for the air
combat role, it might badly dent international
sales of the F-35.
C4ISR Story Armada:Armada
4/1/13
2:17 PM
C4ISR
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Page 3
Robust
Networking:
End-to-end
Connectivity
At the heart of network-enabled capabilities, integration
of voice and data intomilitary networking,with its acute
security, jam-resistant andmobility requirements,
remains troublesome. Sitting above combat net radios,
tactical communication networks face particularly
tough challenges due to the huge numbers of
subscribers, high-capacity voice and data requirements,
and the intrinsically difficult ground environment.
Wesley Fox &

Tom Withington
he current trends pursued in most

advanced military powers address
end-to-end connectivity over IP, and
advanced network management
services to accommodate mobility and
prioritisation in exchanging an ever growing
amount of data on a tactical internet.
As most countries embark on upgrading
legacy ATM networks to full IP, the US
Army have so far the most ambitious
programme with their Warfighter
Information Network-Tactical. WIN-T in
short is to provide voice, data and video
This avionics-laden AH-64D LongBow attack

helicopter in Israeli service features Elta
Systems Ku-band Milsatcom for on-the-move
operations leveraging ISR feed from
aircraft or UAV (IAF).
connectivity from brigade to dismounted

soldiers. The programme is led by GDC4
Systems, supported by BAE Systems,
Harris, L-3 Communications and Lockheed
Martin, and is aiming at delivering tactical
network nodes throughout the Army by
2016, following three increments:
WIN-T increment 1, hitherto known as
Joint Network Nodes, has begun fielding
high-capacity line-of-sight and satellite
communications to more than 200 active,
reserve and National Guard units, where it
provides deployed, at-the-halt interim
capabilities from brigade to battalion. It
replaces Mobile Subscriber Equipment,
adapted from the Thomson-CSF (today
Thales Communications France) Rita
network on time for the 1991 war for Kuwait.
The new increment 2 extends brigade
communications to vehicle-integrated
points of presence for company
commanders (Tactical Communications
Nodes), providing connectivity with
soldier network extensions. It is offering
on-the-pause and limited on-the-move
INTERNATIONAL
2/2013
35
4/1/13
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Page 4
C4ISR
connectivity down to company level, and is

undergoing low-rate production with
initial deployment to two brigades from
the 10th Mountain division. This
deployment has been following since 2011 a
spiralling development process inspired by
the now defunct Future Combat System, to
bridge legacy Cincgars and new JTRS
combat radio networks. Known as
Network Integration & Evaluation (NIE),
this twice-a-year process consists of field
testing and limited deployment. NIE 12.2,
completed at White Sands Missile Range in
October 2002, validated mobile and onthe-pause communications for the 2nd
brigade, 1st Armoured division, and
36
INTERNATIONAL
2/2013
This newly tested WIN-T Increment 2

company-level point of presence will provide
on-the-move connectivity integrated
into a Mine-Resistant, Ambush-Protected
vehicle (here an Oshkosh Mrap), bringing
an IP layer over legacy and new combat
net radios (US Army).
connectivity with 101 Air assault brigade

headquarters at Ft Campbell. GD C4
worked with the Army and the Systems of
Systems Integration directorate to validate
the current WIN-T capabilities in a test
involving 4,000 soldiers over a 2,000 square
mile exercise range.
The next phase is Increment 3, which is

still under development and testing. It will
include an airborne component to satcomms
on the move capabilities, and enhance
overall stability, interoperability (through
the JC4ISR radio) and security. The latter
aspect, consistent with the US Army
Landwarnet network operations governance
(see Landwarnet and the Global Information
Grid, Armada April-May 2011), already
features network planning and monitoring.
Increment 1b had already upgraded WIN-T
with a colourless core encrypted IP layer
acting as a security enclave for classified and
unclassified data, and easing interoperability
with Increment 2. The same increment 1b,
provided by GD C4 over a 396M USD

contract running until 2016, enhances
dynamic networking for beyond line-ofsight communications thanks to a new
Network Centric Waveform. Overall, WIN-T
is proceeding with increased connectivity,
interoperability and has been providing a
major increase in tactical mobility.
Its latest assessment by the Pentagon
praised the NIE process as a consistent way to
test and plan for deployment, although overall
stability and reliability of a self-forming, selfhealing network is not expected before full
operational capability of Increment 2, and
may be pushed back to increment 3.
A similar capability to WIN-T increment
2, though on a lower scale, is being deployed
in France through the Rita N4 programme.
Designed as an extension of the legacy Rita
(Rseau Intgr des Tlcommunications de
lAvant), the 240M contract was placed with
Thales Communications to provide IP
connectivity and high-data rates to mobile
battlegroups. Extending deployed and onthe-pause voice, data and video exchanges
based on the TRC-4000 LOS and APCmounted Syracuse satcomm nodes, Rita N4
builds tactical internet services (voice, data,
A WIN-T Increment 2 tactical communications node for on-the-halt networking is entering

service with the US Army, providing high-capacity voice and data exchanges from
brigade to battalion. It sits next to a legacy Mobile Subscriber Equipment inherited from
the French RITA in 1990. (US Army).
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4/1/13
2:17 PM
Page 6
C4ISR
Preceding WIN-T on-the-move beyond line-of-sight capabilities thanks to an urgent operational

for Afghanistan, this French Venus VAB light APC offers Milsatcom connectivity at rate of a couple
of Mbps for mobile company commanders and interfaces with the PR4G combat net radio;
one is currently deployed in Mali to support French battlegroup operations (Arme de Terre).
and mail attachements) on an IP backbone

delivered as part of Rita 2G in 2007, and is
paving the way for battlegroup all-IP
connectivity, acting as a networking layer for
upcoming Scorpion digitized battlegroups
and their Contact software-defined radios.
One hundred new Rita N4 network nodes are
to be delivered to the French Army between
2013 and 2015, with the upgrade of 200
legacy nodes to the new higher capacity
38
INTERNATIONAL
2/2013
communications architecture, providing

Combat Net Radio Integration (CNRI),
trunk nodes with HCLOS and mobile
satellite uplinks. Vehicle nodes manage
multi-link connectivity transparently to the
users, allowing battlegroup commanders to
focus on their mission. The use of
commercial technology with military
requirements allow flexible and modular
connectivity, and military-grade network
management services provide deployability

and mobility to mobile combined-arms
battalions normally deprived of the former,
regiment-attached, signals specialists. As part
of an urgent operational requirement, Thales
Communications has delivered APCs
equipped with X-band on-the-move
satcoms, supporting C4I services to legacy
Cassidians SIR battalion C2. These multilink command nodes have been successfully
deployed in Afghanistan, where the deepest
valleys often denied VHF connectivity. At
least one of these vehicles has been sent to
Mali to support Operation Serval, where
France leads a coalition of African nations
fighting Islamic insurgents. The French

technology has already been proposed via
Thales abroad; whereas Malaysian MCRS
tactical networking appears in standby due
to a shift in budget priorities despite
impressive field tests at the end of 2011
showing several tens of megabytes per second
exchanges at more than 60 km. The United
Arab Emirates, for their part, have procured
part of Rita N4 technology, both through
their Zagil tactical network and the newlydelivered ground segment of the dual-use
Yahsat programme, featuring on-the-pause
and on-the-move Ka-band satcoms.
In Britain, the ground-breaking Bowman
programme won by GD UK (with Selex, ITT,
Harris, L-3 Communications, GDC4 and
others) over Thales Communications in
2002 is proceeding to deliver tactical
networking over nearly 50,000 high-capacity
voice and data radios. The Bowman Combat
Infrastructure Platform (BCIP) is being
implemented slowly, an initial operational
capability having been accepted in 2004 with
27 major reservations, a full operational
capability having only been reached in 2008
(BCIP 5) with several important capabilities
deleted, such as mobile voice and data
The TacMax broadband tactical network is

Rafaels Missiles and NCW division answer
to converged military networking over
commercial 4G or WiMax technologies ; this
family of base stations, relays and mobile
stations is designed to be embedded in
Army platforms (Rafael).
connectivity or full interoperability with

allies. This compromise, as well as
shortcomings experienced by units in the
field in Afghanistan, led to a severe report
from the House of Commons Committee on
Public Accounts in 2007, criticizing overestimated technical challenges, unrealistic
4/1/13
2:18 PM
Page 8
C4ISR
A Bowman lower tactical user configuration during a brigade command post training in Britain;
the programme status is maximizing vehicle integration constraints under GD UK, while other
suppliers like Barco, contribute with low electromagnetic emissions tactical terminals (Barco).
project timescale, and faulty governance of

the programme.
Governance was strengthened within a
joint systems integration body to facilitate
BCIP convergence between Bowman radios
and Battlefield Information Systems
Applications providing C4I services. The
current army C2, artillery, air defence and
engineering applications are partially handled
by BCIP 5.4 fielded in 2010, and 2013 should
see a morerobust BCIP 5.5, leveraging several
urgent operational requirements enhancing
Bowman connectivity for British forces in
Afghanistan and Iraq. These difficulties
did not prevent GD UK to win the 94M
New Integrated Marines Communications
& Information System (Nimcis), delivering
Bowman-type C4I capabilities to Dutch Royal
Marines. As in Britain, the system will provide
voice and data connectivity between ships and
marines ashore.
Tactical internet ambitions are also part
of the Australian procurement plans,
through Joint Project 2072 Phase 2B. This
digital backbone component of the large
40
INTERNATIONAL
2/2013
Battlespace Communications (Land) project

is in the tendering phase, valued between
0.5 and 1 billion US dollars. The four bidding
consortia are:
Boeing Defense Australia;
GD C4 Systems with Raytheon
Australia;
Elbit Systems with Lockheed
Martin Australia, and
BAe Systems Australia with
Thales Australia.
In November 2012, however, the Defence
Department announced its decision to
postpone its shortlisting by about a year, and
even possibly announce a retendering process
instead. This would stretch any decisionmaking to FY 2013-2014, with planned
operational capabilities three years later.
In Korea, the Tactical Information
Communications Network is to be fielded by
Samsung Thales (with LIGNex1 and Huneed)
by 2014, and the leading partners are already
bidding against one another for the current
Peruvian Army C4I tender. In India, the
much-delayed Tactical Communications
System is still in design, development and

prototyping phase, with the 3 leading
consortia BEL, ITL and Wipro offering a mix
of local and Western technology, including
the Rafael TacMax WiMax-based broadband
tactical networking for C2 on-the-move
applications. Boasting 45Mbps over 12Km
n-los conditions, TacMax leverages 4G
cellular technologies, offering end-to-end
connectivity to dismounted commanders.
Its US and European competitors are
also positioned in this niche: Lockheed
Martin has adapted wireless broadband
technologies in its Monax militarized cellular
network infrastructure; Ultra Electronics
proposes its UltraMove system, Harris its
KnightHawk UMTS in a box, and Cassidian
(teaming with Alcatel-Lucent) leverages its
Tetra PMR technology adapted for military
use under Evercor, earmarked for security
and defence users in the 400MHz band.
Launched between 2010 and 2012, all
these solutions advertise connectivity
with militarised smart phones and tablets
leveraging LTE technologies. Thales is to
follow suit in 2013, extending its multi-link
network connectivity to an LTE smart
terminal using running on Android,
procured from Elektrobit.
4/25/13
4:58 PM
Page 9
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Submarine Technology
Multiple roles and

Robotics, the Silent
Worlds Tech Mutations
Recent operations in the Mediterranean Sea during Libyan crisis as well as antipiracy
activities in the Indian Ocean, highlighted the importance of underwater platform
intelligence and special forces support operations in addition to traditional SSK patrol,
deterrence, surveillance of, and attack against, illegal operations.
42
INTERNATIONAL
2/2013
4/1/13
1:25 PM
Luca Peruzzi
he importance of such capabilities is

well known to Asia-Pacific region
countries. These will acquire more
submarines and spend more on
them over the next two decades than any
other region in the world except the United
States, according to AMI International
analysts. American, European, Russian and
more recently Asian shipbuilders are also
looking into new littoral warfare and special
ops support boat designs to cope with
customer requirements.
Submarine designers, builders and system
providers all are developing new platforms
or adapting current production vehicles and
systems to meet the new requirements.
The Scorpene is one of the latest

families of advanced submarines
on the market. Being sold to the
Chilean, Malaysian, Brazilian
and Indian navies, it is being
marketed as a scalable platform
with conventional or AIP
propulsion system. (DCNS)
Page 3
I PLATFORM OVERVIEW
The demanding Australian programme, for

instance, that aims at putting 12 newgeneration submarines into service from
2025 on, with the capability to conduct long
endurance missions at considerable
distances from home, equipped with both
long-range strike weapon systems to
support special forces and unmanned
vehicles, is pushing French DCNS to offer a
scaled-up version of the Scorpene equipped
with the Mesma air independent propulsion
system already in service with Pakistans
Agosta 90B (also sold to India, Malaysia,
Chile and Brazil). The later variant
in production features an increased
displacement compared to previous models,
but maintains a conventional diesel-electric
propulsion system.
ThyssenKrupp
Marine
Systems
Howaldtswerke-Deutsche Werft (HDW)
company, on the other hand, is proposing the
new Type 216 design with an 89-metre
platform, a submerged displacement of 4,000
tonnes and a propulsion system employing a
methanol reformer air independent fuel cell
system allowing a submerged endurance of
up to four weeks. The new design will also
have a vertical multipurpose lock aft of the
sail for cruise missiles, divers or robots in
addition to a new sonar suite.
Navantia proposes a scaled-up version of
its S-80 air-independent propulsion SSK
under construction for Spanish Navy, with
enhancements for the specific programme.
The Australian DoD is also looking at
the newest Sry class SSK in service
with the Japan Maritime Self Defence
Force (JMSDF).
In Europe, these companies together
with Fincantieri and South Korean Daewoo
Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering
(DSME) recently responded to a request for

information of the Norwegian Ministry of
Defence for a possible replacement of Ulaclass submarines (instead of opting for a
further life extension operation).
Russian submarine designers and
shipyards are continuing to market their
latest versions of the Project 636 Kilo class
boats, the new Project 677 Lada or Amur
1650 for export, with both types introducing
enhancements in platform, command,
control, sonar and fire control suites and
weapon suites including Klub-S family
missiles. According to Russian newspapers,
China is also to build Lada/Amur 1650
platforms maintaining a double source
of submarines, in case the indigenous
industry cannot satisfy developments and
procurement requirements.
I CURRENT TRENDS
Current market trends, however are now

pushing submarine designers towards
littoral and special operation support boats.
Various offers are surfacing, including the
roughly 900-tonne and 50-metre Andrasta
from DCNS, the 1,150-tonne and 58-metre
Type 210 from HDW, the 1,100-tonne and
56-metre S1000 from Fincantieri & Rubin
all featuring advanced solutions and able to
conduct full-size conventional submarine
missions. The same companies and Daewoo
Shipbuilding and Maritime Engineering
(DSME) are also working on platforms
concepts for special operations, as
The new Project 677 Lada or Amur 1650 for
export family of submarines developed by
Rubin design bureau features latest national
industries platform, command, sonar and fire
control suite systems, in addition to the Klub-S
missile family. (Armada/Luca Peruzzi)
INTERNATIONAL
2/2013
43
4/1/13
1:25 PM
Page 4
exemplified by the DCNS SMX-26 showed at

Euronaval 2012, the HDW Type 200 and the
South Korean KSS 500A. The US Special
Operations Command allowed foreign
companies to participate and recently
awarded General Dynamics Electric Boat a
contract to design and build a prototype
dry submersible for evaluation by the US
naval forces community, with the
participation of Italys GSE company,
builder of commercial diver lock-out
submersibles.
HDW in Germany has pioneered the
development of air-independent systems
based on fuel-cell technology, as used by
German and Italian Type 212As, South
Korean and Portuguese Type 214s and
lately by the Israeli navys Dolphin. In late
2012, Sener engineering group and HDW
signed an agreement for the industrial
production of an air-independent
propulsion system based on a fuel cell
methanol reformer technology. The latter
provides an alternative for producing the
hydrogen required by a fuel-cell system,
which is more suitable for larger platforms
with long endurance. A fully engineered
submarine system demonstrator is to be
ready for end-2013.
In service with both the German and Italian
navies, the Type 212A AIP-equipped platform
is being produced in additional batches for
both services. Here depicted is the latest
version for the German navy, with a new flank
array sonar system and an integrated combat
system, both provided by Atlas Elektronik.
(Luca Peruzzi)
44
INTERNATIONAL
2/2013
Already in service with Pakistan navys Agosta 90B class boats (the first AIP-equipped
platform in the Indian Ocean), the Mesma system is also being promoted for the Scorpene
here illustrated. DCNS has teamed with Thales Underwater Systems and Sagem on the
integrated combat system, sonar suite, mast and sensors. (DCNS)
Applied to all Swedish navys recent

submarines, Stirling air-independent
propulsion systems also power Singapore
navys Archer class boats, as well as the
future Kockums A26 designed mainly for
littoral operations with ocean-going
capabilities. Built under licence by Japanese
Kawasaki Heavy Industry, it is also
embarked on the Sry class SSK, the
newest boat in service with Japan Maritime
Self Defence Force. The Australian DoD
through its SEA 1000 programme has also
showed interest for this method.
Pakistans Agosta 90B became the first
air-independent propulsion submarine to
operate in the Indian Ocean, soon to be
joined by other boats in 2013 courtesy of
the DCNS-supplied Mesma (Module
dEnergie Sous-Marine Autonome). It
consists of a combustion module fed with
liquid oxygen and fuel, and a steam

production loop. The Mesma endows a
Scorpene SSK with a submerged endurance
of more than 21 days. DCNS is proposing
the system for current and future P-75I-class
programmes and for Australias SEA 1000
future submarine programme.
Navantia, for its part, has developed the S80s air-independent propulsion , which is
based on a bioethanol-processor, fed with
bioethanol as fuel, and liquid oxygen,
generating high-purity hydrogen. The
output feeds a series of fuel cells provided by
UTC Power in America.
Developing an indigenous submarine
technology, Indias Defence Research and
Development Organisation (DRDO) is
working on air-independent propulsion
technology at the Naval Material Research
Laboratory (NMRL), which is expected to
be available in 2015, and which can be
applied to the new-generation P-75I.
China, however, is reported to have a
system of its own, which powers the newest
Type 041 Yuan and Type 043 Qing SSK class.
Developed by 711th Research Institute of
China Shipbuilding Heavy Industry, the
exact type hasnt been identified but,
according to some sources, it is a Stirling
cycle engine.
Russia was an early proponent of airindependent propulsion design, but in the
last decade Western European nations took
the lead. In late 2011, however, the Rubin
design bureau unveiled an electrochemical
generator plant based on the earlier Kristall27E solution, which employs fuel cells and
the reforming of diesel fuel for hydrogen
production by means of an electromechanical generator. Reported to be
available for production in less than three
3/29/13
8:38 PM
Page 5
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Page 6
years time, it is being offered to India via the

Amur 1650 project.
I COMBAT SYSTEMS
The covertness offered by underwater

platforms and the new generation of sensors
and weapon systems provide the
conventional submariners with detection
in the range required for wide-area tactical
picture compilation and long-range
engagements, but also place additional
demands on the warfare team in the
submarine control room.
The latest generation of submarine combat
systems offer far greater functional integration
of sensors, tactical data handling and weapon
systems. The latest trend is wholesale
migration toward scalable commercial offthe-shelf based open-system architectures, a
shift seen to offer multiple advantages. Their
In addition to all Swedish navys submarine
classes, Stirling AIP system equips the
Singapore navys Archer and Japan Maritime
Self-Defence Forces Soryu class SSKs. The
Royal Australian Navy also showed interest in
the system. China is reported to have
developed and put in service a similar AIP for
Type 041 Yuan and follow-on SSKs. (Kockums)
46
INTERNATIONAL
2/2013
design and development costs can be

significantly reduced by avoiding the use of
proprietary products and eliminating vendor
restrictions at all system levels. Moreover, the
regular upgrading of computer systems
enables rapid additional operational capability
to be inserted to meet emerging threats, while
potential shared computing environments
allow for reduced hardware footprint and
support rationalisation.
One of the largest providers of SSK
combat systems is Atlas Elektronik, with
variants of its Isus (Integrated submarine
combat system) integrated command,
weapon control and sonar system, which
forms the core for widely sold HDW Type
209 and Type 214 export types. The Isus
roadmap showed an increasing reliance on
cots technology and the migration toward
open-standard architecture, hardware and
system application software, including
emphasis on new sonar functionality and
sonar manager functions.
Although the Subtics (Submarine
Tactical Integrated Combat System) was
closely connected to French-built
conventional submarines export sales
(Pakistans Agosta 90B and Scorpene boats to
Brazil, Chile, India and Malaysia), DCNS
was able to expand its customer range to

South America and southeast Asia for
German- and Swedish-built submarines.
The Subtics results from DCNS and
Thales shared experience with French navy
submarine sonar, command and weapon
control systems (including the Sycobs
system), adopting open standards, a fully
redundant design and Thales Underwater
Systems TSM 2233 sonar suite.
Up north, Kongsberg Defence Systems of
Norway has sold its MSI-90U Mk2 combat
and weapon system to the navies of Norway
(Ula class), Germany and Italy (Type 212)
and more recently Indonesia (Type 209
built by South Koreas DSME) and South
Korean navys Type 214 and derivatives. The
Italian navys latest Type 212 boats will
feature the Link 11/16 functionality,
navigation package and Wass Black Shark
heavyweight torpedo integration.
Saab is involved in the continuing
upgrading of Swedish navys SesuB
command and fire-control suite on its
Type A-17 and -19 submarines, while the
latest SesuB version employing cots-based
open architecture will equip the new
Type A-26. The Netherlands navys
four Walrus-class submarines are being
4/1/13
1:26 PM
Page 8
upgraded with Ministry of Defenceprovided Guardion common core system

also used by surface vessels.
Lockheed Martins MS2 and Navantias
combat systems house Faba are partners in
the development of the fully integrated Core
Combat System for the Spanish navys four
new S-80A class submarine under
construction. Based on Lockheed Martin
Subics (submarine integrated combat system)
open architecture model, it integrates Spanish
hardware and software provided by Spanish
companies, including Sainsel and Saes. The
American company is also responsible for the
Brazilian Type 209 upgrade.
Working in conjunction with America
and Australia, Raytheon supplied the
AN/BYG-1(V)8 combat control system as
part of the Royal Australian Navy Collinsclass replacement combat system
programme. Already installed across the
US Navys nuclear submarine fleet and
48
INTERNATIONAL
2/2013
The Type 209/214 family of conventional and

AIP equipped submarines built by TKMSs
HDW is the most widespread around the
world. Many customers are upgrading these
boats. The Brazilian navys Tupi class Type
209s for instance are to receive Lockheed
Martins integrated combat system and
Raytheons Mk48 Mod 6AT torpedo. (US Navy)
being periodically updated, the AN/BYG1 calls on commercial open standards,

allowing the rapid insertion of additional
sensors and/or weapons. It is expected to
become fully operational on all Australian
navy boats by 2016, and is reported to
become the basis of the SEA 1000 future
submarine combat system.
I SONAR
Spiral upgrading and cots insertion are the

main themes in sonar suite development
and enhancements. Thales is promoting its
S-Cube multi-mission sonar suite with an

open system architecture (variant of
TSM2233) using cots hardware and
software and combining Fast adaptive
beam-forming technique, large PVDF
planar flank array and a simple-to-use look
and feel human-computer interface.
Scalable for all size of submarine from
coastal to oceanic, the suite has already been
ordered for Brazils and Indias Scorpenes as
well as Ecuadors HDW Type 209/1300s.
Thales Australia has been contracted to
upgrade Australian navys Collins class TSM
2233 sonar suite.
L-3 Elac Nautik is involved in providing
subsystems to enhance acoustic packages
already in service, including the
Netherlands Walrus-class boats.
The other non-nuclear sonar providers
are Atlas Elektronik and Lockheed Martin.
The German company is proposing the
latest versions of its Isus already ordered for
3/29/13
8:38 PM
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4/1/13
1:26 PM
Page 10
Turkeys six new Type 214 submarines,

which introduces new or improved signal
processing, such as advanced ranging sonar
techniques, smarter adaptive beam-forming
algorithms, optimised contact tracking and
reduced operator workload. The company
is also looking to new sonar functionalities as
well as working on sotram (sonar track
manager) functions to improve tracking
management. Lockheed Martin together
with Saes in Spain are providing most of the
Spanish navys S-80 sonar suite.
Non-penetrating masts resulting from
advanced elector-optical sensor techniques
offer a distinct advantage over direct-view
periscopes. Most of the specialists in
periscope and related sensors, such as
Sagem, Carl Zeiss, Thales, Gabler and L-3
Communications/Calzoni, are involved in
activities aimed at providing multispectral
EO/IR, quick identification and recording
capabilities. The latest two companies have
respectively developed the Triple M and the
Universal Modular Mast that are capable of
accommodating a flying drone.
To maintain its stealthiness a submarine
relies on low-probability of intercept search
and navigation radars, such as those
supplied by Thales, Kelvin and Sperry
50
INTERNATIONAL
2/2013
Italys Wass Black Shark heavyweight torpedo

is in service with the Chilean, Malaysian,
Portuguese and Singapore (allegedly) navies,
and is being integrated on board Italian
navys Type 212A AIP-equipped submarines.
Optimized for both deep and very shallow
(coastal) waters, the 50km+ range and 50kn+
Black Shark features advanced acoustic
guidance capabilities. (Armada/Luca Peruzzi)
Marine as well as on both radar and

communications ESM suites.
Thales, Elettronica, Saab, EDO, Medav,
Lockheed Martin and Elbit are all looking
at ways of enhancing the capability of their
electronic warfare system families in view
of the increasingly challenging littoral
warfare environment. In case of detection
and attack by other submarines or surface
vessels, reliance can then be handed over to
Wass C303, Ultra Eletronics Scad 101,
DCNS Nemesis and Contralto and Rafael
Torbuster decoysto name but a fewto
defeat torpedo attacks.
The new operational scenarios require
joint and combined operation of sea,
land and air forces with communications
capabilities that extend to submerged
patrol stations. Communications specialist
such as Thales, Indra, Selex ES, Lockheed

Martin, Saab, L-3 Communications
Marinekommunikation have developed
complete packages including satcom
capabilities (for instance the Thales Aquilon
with Divesat satcom terminal) and/or
communications buoy systems like the
Callisto from Gabler, the Gateway from a
consortium led by Atlas Elektronik, not to
mention Lockheed Martin and Ultra
Electronics solutions for the US navys
Communications at Speed and Depth
(CSD) facility with both tethered and freefloating system.
I HEAVY TORPEDO RESURRECTION
The threat from diesel-electric and later airindependent propulsion submarines in the
demanding littoral warfare arena, enhanced
by increased sonar performance, is casting
fresh light on the need for new generation
heavy-weight torpedoes or upgrade kits for
in-service weapons. Required are speeds of
around 50 knots, ranges superior to 50 km
and sophisticated acoustic guidance. While in
recent years a number of navies have for
upgrading solutions (Raytheon Mk48, Atlas
Elektronik Seahake, BAE Systems Spearfish,
Saab Tp62 and Russian Federation industries
Tri-Service
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1:26 PM
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TEST and UGST), some companies have

turned to fresh developments. This is the case
of Italys Wass and more recently French
DCNS and South Korean LIG Nex1 who
have completed or entered the development
of new underwater weapons.
In April 2008, the French DGA contracted
DCNS as prime contractor and Thales
Underwater Systems as acoustic guidance
provider, to develop and produce the F21
for the new French Navys Barracuda
nuclear SSN.
The F21 will feature an electrical
propulsion system based on the DCNSsupplied MU-90 lightweight torpedo
Aluminium-Silver-Oxide
technology
battery, providing 50+km range and 50+
knots speed, according to DCNS. Equipped
with a planar array and fully digital acoustic
To enhance training and personnel
proficiency while reducing costs, Wass is
introducing rechargeable lithium-polymer
and cots-based propulsion batteries derived
from the automotive sector on the Black Shark
heavy weight torpedo, allowing multiple
exercise launches. (Armada/Luca Peruzzi)
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head, the F21 is also to comply with

demanding nuclear-powered platform
safety requirements, including insensitive
warhead and safe detonation technology.
Italys Wass is producing the Black Shark,
which is already in service with Chilean,
Malaysian, Portuguese and (allegedly)
Singaporean navies. It also is being
integrated on board Italian navys Type
212A Todaro class AIP submarines, and
marketed in India. To enhance training and
personnel proficiency while reducing costs,
Wass is introducing a rechargeable lithiumpolymer type propulsion battery derived
from automotive sector. This innovative
solution will allow multiple exercise
launches before depot maintenance is
required. Optimized for deep and very
shallow (coastal) water deployment, the
Black Shark features a 50+ knot speed and
50km+ range, while the advanced acoustic
offers
long-range
detection
and
simultaneous multi-target capabilities.
I COUNTERING BOLT FROM THE BLUE
In response to customer concerns as to the

increased anti-submarine threat posed by
maritime patrol aircraft and helicopter,

DCNS recently unveiled plans for a
compact, canister-based submarine airdefence weapon system based on the
MBDA Mistral short-range infrared
homing missile, which is to be fired from
periscope depth in lock-on before launch
mode with data provided by the
submarines optronic mast.
A German consortium, including HDW,
Diehl BGT Defence and Kongsberg,
developed and successfully tested the Idas
(Interactive Defence For Air-attacked
Submarine) submarine weapon system.
Under advanced development, the Idas is an
optical fibre-guided missile system which is
canister-launched from torpedo tubes and
designed to engage not only airborne ASW
threats such as helicopters, but also surface
ships and coastal targets. Raytheon has
however successfully tested a canisterlaunched version of the AIM-9X shortrange IIR guided missile on a ground testrange in 2009, but American and other
navies prefer to embark ASW or strike
weapons, maintaining submarine stealth
and low-acoustic signature.
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The US Defense Advanced Research

Project Agency recently selected Saic to
lead the design and construction of the
operational prototype of the Anti-Submarine
Continuous Trail Unmanned Vessel (Actuv)
illustraded here. The aim is to demonstrate,
with tests at sea as of 2015, an autonomous
vessel that can track a quiet SSK for
up to 80 days. (Darpa)
I UNDERWATER ROBOTICS
In addition to special forces operators and

vehicles, submarines have been modified to
act as mothership for so-called unmanned
underwater vehicles (UUV). Although both
US and European industries and operators
have been playing with numerous solutions,
technology maturation has only recently
allowed the US navy to launch an LDUUV
(Large Displacement UUV) programme.
The resultant vehicle is planned to have long
endurance (up to 30-45 days), and sufficient
operational speed, autonomy and payload
capacity to perform independent and
clandestine operations in forward areas.
Designed for launch and recovery from a
variety of platforms including SSGN,
Virginia SSN via their large-diameter tubes,
but also surface ships, the system, for which
a request for proposal is expected to be
In response to customer concerns about ASW

threat posed by MPAs and helicopters, DCNS
unveiled a compact, canister-based
submarine air defence weapon system at
Euronaval 2012, involving MBDAs Mistral
short-range infrared homing missile fired
from periscope depth. (DCNS)
issued in 2014, is planned for operational

service around the end of the decade.
But the real revolution in underwater
operations will come from the American
Defense Advanced Research Projects
Agency in the form of an uninhabited vessel

that can shadow a manned sub throughout
its patrol. The agency has recently selected
Saic to lead the design and construction of
an operational prototype of an antisubmarine continuous trail unmanned
vessel known as the Actuv. The aim is to
demonstrate an autonomous vessel that can
track a quiet diesel-electric submarine for
up to 80 days and over a distance of
6,200km, avoiding other shipping and with
minimal human input. At-sea testing is
planned for 2015.
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53
Transport Aircraft7:Armada
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Transport Aircraft
New-Tech
Military Airlifters
New-generation turbine engines with substantially improved
thermodynamic and propulsive efficiencies are making possible
transport aircraft that combine relatively short airfield performance
with economical (and comparatively high-speed) cruise.
Roy Braybrook, inputs from Eric H. Biass
he operation to liberate Kuwait in

1991, the occupations of Afghanistan
in 2001 and Iraq in 2003, and the
Russo-Georgian conflict of 2008 have
all highlighted logistic limitations in the
major air forces involved. The results have
included boosts to international sales of the
Lockheed Martin C-130J and the Boeing C17, and a fresh start for the Antonov An-70.
I HERCULES
The C-130 Hercules series has the

distinction of having been in continuous
production longer than any other military
aircraft. The first entered US Air Force
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INTERNATIONAL
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service in 1957, and 2154 examples of that

first generation were built (231 C-130As,
230 Bs, 488 Es and 1205 Hs). Around 1200
are still in service in 72 countries.
In 1999 deliveries began of the 70-tonne
C-130J Super Hercules with four 3424-kW
Rolls-Royce AE2100Ds turning six-blade
propellers, and a modernised flight deck
and avionics. Orders currently stand at 337
units, including Australia twelve, Canada
17, India twelve, Iraq six, Israel three,
Kuwait three, Mexico two, Norway four,
Oman three, Qatar four, the UAE twelve
and Britain twenty five. In January 2012 the
2400th Hercules was delivered.
In 2012 Lockheed Martin unveiled a

proposal for the reduced-cost C-130XJ,
aimed at operators needing only a small
number of aircraft for tactical transport and
special missions duties. Representing a price
reduction of approximately 15%, the C130XJ will omit advanced communications
and defensive systems, and will use gaseous
oxygen and a simpler cargo-handling
system. It will also have provisions for a
nose-mounted EO/IR sensor, to facilitate use
in ISR and SAR missions.
I GLOBEMASTER III
In June 2012 the US Air Force placed an

order for its 224th and last 265-tonne
Boeing C-17. The production line is being
kept open until (at least) 2014, largely by
orders from other nations: Australia six
Th
To
Tr
AF
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Page 3
The first production A400M Atlas on its

maiden flight on 6 March will soon join the
Arme de lAir.
aircraft, Canada four, India ten (with an

option on four more), Kuwait one, Qatar
four, the United Arab Emirates six and
Britain eight.
In addition, three C-17s (one provided
by the US Air Force) are operated from
Hungary by the Heavy Airlift Wing, the
operational unit of the Strategic Airlift
Program, on behalf of ten Nato nations and
the two Partnership for Peace nations,
Finland and Sweden.
A contract for two C-17s for an
undisclosed new buyer was signed in 2012.
Potential customers include South Korea
and South Africa. The production rate is
currently running at ten units per year. The
$ 316 million cost of the final British C-17
is hopefully a better indication of unit price
than the $ 693 million charge for Kuwaits
one aircraft.
An interesting facility already added to
over 70 US Air Force C-17s allows up to 100
aircraft to fly safely in close formation, day or
night, to allow a whole army brigade to be
air-dropped over a small zone within 30
minutes. It is based on a traffic collisionavoidance system (TCAS), with the lead
aircraft serving as a positional reference.
I GALAXY
The logistic demands of Afghanistan have

encouraged the US Air Force to proceed with
modernisation of its 381-tonne Lockheed
Martin C-5 fleet. By FY2017 this will consist
of 52 C-5M Super Galaxies with GE Aviation

F138 (CF6- 80C2) engines and only 29 C5As (46 C-5As having been retired).
Several European nations (including
Russia) see a need for a transport that is less
expensive than the C-17, yet can
accommodate outsize loads such as Mrap
vehicles and helicopters, and deliver them
over intercontinental ranges into short
airstrips. Similar thinking may be found in
regional leaders such as Chile, Malaysia and
South Africa.
I ATLAS
One aircraft designed to satisfy such needs is

the 141-tonne Airbus Military A400M,
officially named Atlas by the seven launch
partner nations in June 2012. It has four
Europrop International (EPI) TP400
engines turning eight-blade propellers,
allowing it to cruise at speeds up to Mach
0.72 and altitudes up to 37,000 ft.
Maximum design load is 37 tonnes.
The A400M is designed to also serve as a
tanker, using a centreline 2250 lit/min hose
or two underwing 1500 lit/min units. Its
wide airspeed range allows it to refuel
helicopters at 200 km/hr at 5000 ft, and fast
jets at 540 km/hr at 25,000 ft.
Its 8200-kW (class) TP400-D6 represents
a massive leap in Western turboprops,
The Airbus Military A400M Atlas will provide
the ability to move outsize loads over
intercontinental distances into short airstrips.
This example, side-number EC-404 is MSN4
(the fourth of five Grizzly development
aircraft) is seen taking off at the ILA Air Show
near Berlin last year. (Armada/Eric H. Biass).
This Boeing C-17 (serial 96-0001), making a spectacular take-off from the
Tonopah runway at Nellis AFB, Nevada, is owned by Air Education and
Training Command, but is assigned to the 97th Air Mobility Wing at Altus
AFB, Oklahoma. (US Air Force).
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Transport Aircraft
producing 140% more power than the

AE2100D of the C-130J. Such ambition did
not go without teething problems (which
appear to have now bee ironed out), but
allows the Atlas to operate from short and
unpaved airstrips and yet cruise at near jetaircraft speeds, which is totally unique to
date. The first production aircraft took to the
air on 6 March (see title picture) and is slated
for delivery to the French Air Force shortly.
Domestic orders for the A400M now
amount to 170 units (Belgium seven, France
50, Germany 53, Luxemburg one, Spain 27,
Turkey ten, and UK 22). The only export
order is currently four aircraft for Malaysia,
although South Africa might yet reinstate its
earlier contract for eight (with an option on
six more), which was cancelled due to cost
increases. At least 750 TP400M engines are
to be produced.
In the longer term, the US Air Force
might buy A400Ms, if only for special
operations. In 2009 Eads North America
submitted an unsolicited quotation to Air
Mobility Command for 118 aircraft.
The first of five A400M Grizzly
development aircraft (MSN1-4 and MSN6)
had its maiden flight on December 11, 2009.
As seen above, the first production aircraft
(MSN7) is due to be delivered in the second
quarter of 2013 to the French Air Force,
which will receive two more by the end of
the year. The first for Turkey (MSN9) will
also be handed over in 2013.
Deliveries to Germany (starting with
MSN18), Malaysia (MSN22) and Britain
(MSN16) are due to begin in 2014, followed
by those to Spain (MSN46) in 2017, and
Belgium (MSN136) and Luxembourg
(MSN133) in 2018.
The Airbus Military Atlas has the largest cargo

hold any turboprop transport aircraft can
currently offer in the Western World.
(Armada/Eric H. Biass).
I AN-70
The A400M is in the same size and

performance category as the Ukraines 145tonne Antonov An-70, which first flew in
1994, when procurement of 160 was planned.
The An-70 is powered by four 10,300kW Ivchenko-Progress D-27 engines (25%
more powerful than the TP400), turning
14-blade (eight at front, six at rear) contrarotating SV-27 propfans. Its cabin is
somewhat larger than that of the A400M,
and it has a ten-tonne margin in terms of
maximum payload (47 tonnes).
The An-70 is claimed to have better
payload-range performance than the A400M

(carrying 35 tonnes for 5100 km, compared to
the latters 30 tonnes for 4540 km). If it
achieves the estimated maximum speed of
780 km/hr, it will be marginally faster than
the A400M, reaching only 765 km/hr.
The first An-70 prototype was lost in a
mid-air collision in 1995, and the second
suffered a heavy landing in 2001. Russia
withdrew support in 2006, but in late 2009
(following the conflict with Georgia of
2008, in which the Russian Air Force was
allegedly unable to deliver loads to short
forward airfields) the Russian MoD
resumed funding.
In September 2012 the second An-70
(UR-NTK) was ferried from Kiev to
Gostomel to begin a new series of 20 test
flights. This followed two years on the
ground for modifications to the engines
and propfans to reduce noise (the
separation between the discs was increased
by 50%), and improvements to the high-lift
devices, avionics, instruments and auxiliary
power unit. These preliminary tests are to
be followed by joint state flight trials of
around 75 sorties.
Preseries production was launched in
2004, when Antonov received an order
from Ukraines Ministry of Defence for two
An-70s. These are still being built at the
The Antonov An-70 programme has now
restarted, and the Russian Air Force plans to
acquire 60, mostly built by Kapo. The second
prototype is shown in its recently upgraded
form with chin EO/IR turret, and spacing
between the propfans increased from 600 to
900 mm to reduce noise. (Antonov).
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Antonov Serial Plant (formerly Aviant) at

Svyatoshin. Russia is negotiating to buy
these aircraft.
In 2010 Russias then president Dmitry
Medvedev formally adopted the 2011-2020
Armaments Programme, which includes
deliveries to the Russian Air Force of at least
60 An-70s by 2020. These will mostly come
from the Kazan Aircraft Production
Association (Kapo), which is scheduled to
deliver the first by end-2015, and reach
twelve units per year by 2019.
Antonov will provide wings, tail, nacelles
and pylons to Kapo, which will manufacture
fuselages and perform the final assembly
and flight testing of production aircraft. On
current plans, Kapo would assemble any
An-70s required by the Ukraine (which may
be as few as ten) and the civil An-70T
proposed for Russias Volga-Dnepr and
Polet Airlines. However, the possibility of
establishing a final assembly line at the
Antonov Serial Plant is not ruled out.
Antonov will remain the design authority
for the An-70, and will retain prototype URNTK as a testbed for any later modifications.
The An-70s 10,300-kW D-27 engines
will be manufactured jointly by Motor Sich
in the Ukraine and Salyut in Russia. The D27 is also being considered as a replacement
for the 11,000-kW Kuznetsov NK-12M in
the Russian Air Forces 55 Tupolev Tu95MS bombers.
Page 5
I RUSLAN
There appears to be no interest in returning

to service retired US Air Force C-5s, hence
the only likely near-term additions to the
global heavy lift fleet are 402-tonne Antonov
An-124s.
In 2008 the governments of Russia and
the Ukraine agreed in principle to launch
An-124 production at Aviastar-SP, at
Ulyanovsk in Russia. In 2010 Antonov and
Russias United Aircraft agreed to form a
joint venture to build 60 An-124s. In May
2012 a Russian Air Force spokesman said
that up to ten would be built for Military
Transport Aviation (VTA). However, the
definitive agreement has apparently yet to
be signed.
The new model is the An-124-200 with
payload increased to 150 tonnes,
modernised flight deck and avionics, and
an 80% increase in fatigue life. The An-124300 is the proposed commercial version.
Aviastar is already refurbishing and
upgrading VTA Ruslans to An-124-100M
standard. In May 2012 it was announced
that the first three had been returned to the
service, that work had begun on four more,
Illustrating growing defence cooperation

between the US and India, this Indian Air Force
Ilyushin Il-76MD had just landed at Joint Base
Pearl Harbor Hickam (US Air Force).
and that another ten or so would be

similarly upgraded by 2020.
The VTAs 244th Flight Detachment
offers seven An-124s for international
commercial operations. This organisation
was the subject of a four-year contract
awarded by France in 2010, and will be used
by several coalition forces in the withdrawal
from Afghanistan. Commercial use of VTA
An-124s has necessitated extending the
lives of 24 of its 225-tonne, four-turboprop
An-22s, which now carry most of the
services own outsize loads.
On behalf of Isaf (International Security
Assistance Force) in Afghanistan, Nato has
recently extended to the end of 2014 its Salis
(Strategic Airlift Interim Solution) contract
with the Antonov Design Bureau and
Volga-Dnepr Airlines. The programme
began in January 2006, and covers the
full-time use of two An-124s, two on
six-days notice and a further two on nine
days readiness.
I CANDID
In terms of gross weight, the stretched 210tonne Ilyushin Il-76MF, which first flew in
1995, comes half-way between the lighter
A400M and An-70 and the heavier C-17. It
has a relatively narrow cabin, and so far has
won only one order (two aircraft for Jordan
International Air Cargo, reportedly priced at
$ 50 million each).
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Transport Aircraft
The Airbus Military C-295 pictured over Cape

Town harbour. The company is marketing the
aircraft in South Africa as a replacement for
the veteran Douglas C-47TP Turbo-Dakota in
the transport and maritime patrol roles.
(Airbus Military/Mark Mansfield).
However, In October 2012 Russias

Defence Ministry signed a $ 4.5 billion
contract with United Aircraft for 39 Il76MD-90As (sometimes referred to as Il476s, for fourth-generation Il-76s) to be
constructed by Aviastar-SP, with deliveries
running from 2014 to 2020. The first had its
maiden flight in October 2012. These newbuild aircraft will have Perm-built
PS-90A-76s, a Kotlin-Novator avionics
suite, a glass cockpit, and a stronger wing
and undercarriage.
I MISCELLANY
Chinas Avic/Xian Aircraft is developing the

Y-20 four-jet transport, grossing slightly
over 200 tonnes. It has been described
as a wide-bodied Il-76, but looks more
like a scaled-down C-17. Wingspan of 47
metres is less than that of the Il-76 (50.5
metres). Maximum payload is increased to
66 tonnes.
Taxi tests began on December 21, 2012,
and the Y-20 first flew on January 26, 2013,
using D-30KP-2s, planned for replacement
by unspecified Chinese high-bypass
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engines. It also features Chinese

supercritical aerofoils, avionics and
composite materials. The Y-20s earliest
possible in-service date is given as 2017.
Lower down the scale, sales are
dominated by twin-turboprops, notably the
32-tonne AleniaAermacchi C-27J and
Airbus Militarys 23-tonne C-295 and 16.5tonne CN-235. The Indian Air Force is
having its 105 remaining 27-tonne Antonov
An-32s upgraded in the Ukraine.
I TWIN JETS
Tactical transports emphasise airfield

performance over cruise speed, hence
most are twin-turboprops, but recent
turbofan developments have produced
several new jet projects.
Although it has not flown yet, one of the
most remarkable examples in this category,
with a maximum take-off weight of 81
tonnes is the Embraer KC-390. Although it
originally was offered as a pure transport
Considerably heavier and more expensive

than the C-295, the AleniaAermacchi
C-27J Spartan provides a larger cabin
cross-section and greater payload capacity
(Armada/Eric H. Biass).
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Transport Aircraft
According to latest news from Embraer, the

KC-390 here seen as a model in a montage to
display its air tanker capabilities, is to take to
the air next year. (Embraer).
The office of the KC-390 is as modern as one would expect from a new-gen transport,
complete with large multiple-function and head-up displays. (Embraer).
aircraft and therefore initially known as the

C-390, it underwent a number of design
reviews including the addition of an airtanker capacity for the Brazilian Air Force,
hence its current KC prefix.
The programme was formally launched
with a $ 1.5 billion Brazilian Air Force
contract in 2009, covering two prototypes.
The Fora Area Brasileira requirement
specifies a payload of 19 tonnes, but the KC390 is estimated to carry 23.6 tonnes for 2600
km. In mid-2011 Embraer selected 133-kN
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International Aero Engines (IAE) V2500-E5,

a ruggedised version of the turbofan used in
some commercial A320s and MD-90s.
As we were about to go to press, the
Brazilian Air Force and Embraer announced
that they had jest completed the aircrafts
critical design review, which confirmed the
definitive aerodynamic and structural
configuration, clearing the way for
completion of aircraft prototypes. First flight
of the KC-390 is scheduled for late 2014, and
service entry for 2016. The Brazilian Air
Force plans to buy 28 and Embraer has letters

of intent for twelve from Colombia, for six
each from Argentina, Chile and Portugal,
and for two from the Czech Republic. France
is expected to buy twelve KC-390s if the
Dassault Rafale is adopted as Brazils F-2X.
Embraer has signed an agreement with
Boeing on possible technical and marketing
collaboration, and is considering a stretched
KC-390 that could be available by 2018 for
the commercial market.
Antonov is now developing the An-178
tactical transport and civil freighter, based on
the 43.7-tonne An-158 regional transport.
The An-178 will have a maximum payload of
18 tonnes, a rear loading ramp, and uprated
Ivchenko-Progress D436-148 turbofans. It is
expected to fly in 2014.
Indias programme to develop with Russia
a 65-tonne tactical Multirole Transport
Aircraft (MTA) has moved only slowly. The
underlying Inter-Governmental Agreement
was signed in 2007, and the Bangalore-based
joint venture Multirole Transport Aircraft
Ltd (MTAL) was formed in 2010 by Russias
United Aircraft Corporation Transport
Aircraft (UAC-TA), Rosoberonexport and
Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL).
The MTA preliminary design contract
was signed in October 2012, and a joint IndoRussian team began work in December in the
UAC-TA offices in Moscow. The maiden
flight is expected to take place in 2017, with
series production following in 2019.
The investment required for MTA is
estimated at $ 771 million in 2012 terms, and
will be shared equally (as will production)
between the Indian and Russian partners. It is
planned that at least 205 MTAs will be built:
100 for the Russian Air Force, 45 for the
Indian Air Force and 60 for other countries.
Japans 141-tonne Kawasaki C-2 is much
larger (in the same weight class as
the A400M and An-70), powered by two 266kN GE Aviation CF6-80C2K1Fs. The first of
two prototypes was rolled out in July 2007, but
structural weaknesses delayed first flight to
January 2010. The FY2012 budget provides
funds (around $ 410 million) for two more. It
is anticipated that the JASDF will buy 40 C-2s
to replace its C-130s and Kawasaki C-1s. The
C-2 may also be used to replace the EW
version of the NAMC YS-11.
IDEX SHOW UPDATE.qxp:Armada
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2:07 PM
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Show Report
The 2013 Edition of IDEX

will not go down the books as an
exceptional vintage in terms of large, or
substantial order announcements many
were anxiously awaiting the Emirati
authorities to break the unbearable
suspense floating around their choice
regarding the purchase of a substantial
number of 8x8s there surprisingly were
a fair number of interesting novelties
being unveiled here and there.
Visited and Photographed by Armadas Eric H. Biass, Luca Peruzzi & Paolo Valpolini
I AVANTI-BASED HAMMERHEAD DRONE
erhaps the most unexpected piece

of news came from Italy, with
Piaggio Aero Industries and Selex
ES revealing, after a two-year joint effort,
the existence of their P.180 Avanti II
business aircraftbased drone, which had
already completed its first low-speed taxi
test on 14th February at the Sardinian
Decimomannu air base. We plan to fly
the P.1HH HammerHead unmanned
platform demonstrator by this summer,
with the aim to conduct the maiden
flight of the future dual-use medium-
altitude long-endurance fixed-wing UAS

prototype by year-end, in order to
complete the system certification by 2014end, said Alberto Galassi, Piaggios CEO.
The Italian MoD will certify the platform
to Stanag USAR 4671 for flight in both
restricted and unrestricted areas.
The P.1HH UASs main features
include a rearranged airframe without
cockpit and main cabin with ancillaries, a
new aerodynamic configuration based on
a reinforced wing with increased surface
and higher aspect ratio, more powerful
950shp P&W PT6-66B engines and new

low-noise Hartzell 5 curved blades.
Piaggio developed a new 15,5-metre span
wing but maintained the aircraft patented
3 lifting configuration. The airframe sees
the adoption of a large central internal fuel
tank together with an avionics bay, in
addition to sensors and communications
gear in nose and underbelly stations, as
well as a dorsal satcoms radome and two
lateral mid-fuselage external hard-points
for ISR payloads. The platform can fly up
to 45,000 feet, with a maximum
endurance of 16 hours with a payload of
500lbs (at maximum fuel capacity). By
reducing fuel load, a higher payload
(mission sensors/equipment) of 2,000 lbs
can be accommodated. The outer wingsections are removable for easy ground
transportation.
Selex ES is developing the mission
management system, which is based on
the companys skyISTAR platformagnostic solution that, after less than two
years from its launch, is now securing its
first customer. Selex ES also provides the
vehicle management and control system.
The SeaSpray 7300E radar is part of the
offered package.
The HammerHead meets programme
requirements such as the Canadian Forces
Juastas (Joint Uninhabited Surveillance
and Target Acquisition System).
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I NEXTER UAE-RELATED WARES

s said in our introduction, the long
awaited down-selection for the
United Arab Emirates 8x8 infantry
fighting vehicle was not announced during
the exhibition, leaving the bidding
companies for that contract quite
disappointed. This did not obviously detract
them from presenting their proposals.
Amongst these, Nexter exhibited the desert
version of its Vhicule Blind de Combat

dInfanterie (VBCI) while an Emirati Leclerc
equipped with the Azur add-on armour
aimed at improving its protection in urban
warfare scenarios was also on show. A
contract for the upgrade of 13 tanks to such
standard was signed and also includes an
undisclosed number of other tanks outfitted
to accept the Azur kit, which can be installed
in half-days work at unit level. This includes

17 boxes per side to protect it from RPGs
and other hollow charges threats, and slat
armour around the rear half of the hull. A
C4I upgrade is also ongoing by Emiraje
Systems with the support of Nexter, but that
programme is considered classified. The
VBCI in the configuration offered to the
UAE could be seen amongst the numerous
models that were exhibited at the Nexter
stand. The Emirati combat version would be
equipped with the two-man BMP-3 turret,
armed with the 2A70 gun launcher able to fire
100 mm rounds as well as AT-10 missiles and
with the 2A72 30 mm cannon. The turret
being much heavier than the one-man 25 mm
Dragar turret, the chassis will have to be
strengthened while sensors will have to be
integrated into the VBCI vetronics system.
The presence of the turret will reduce the
number of dismounts to seven, the French
Army IFV carrying nine. The UAE are
looking for a total of some 700 8x8 vehicles.
A number of other variants were also visible in
model form, including a recovery vehicle, an
ambulance, a 120 mm mortar carrier and a
cavalry vehicle armed with the new Nexter
turret unveiled at Eurosatory and armed with
the 40 mm CTAI cannon.
I PREDATOR ORDER
eneral Atomics can pride itself

with having actually won the
only significant contract of
the show, pocketing in the process a
722 million dirham contract to supply
an unspecified number of Predators to
the United Arab Emirates. The fullscale model of the aircraft was
displayed on the Navdex waterfront
part of the exhibition.
I NEW NAVAL WEAPON SYSTEM FROM CHEMRING-RAYTHEON TEAM
ompact,
lightweight
and
multirole, these are the three
main characteristics of the
Centurion launcher unveiled by the team
composed of Chemring and Raytheon.
The two companies put together their
expertise and products to provide even
small vessels with a multi-mission and
multi-round defensive system that can
easily be integrated as it is installed overdeck and sensor- and C2-agnostic. The
Centurion comes in the form of a
carousel launcher in which 12 rounds of
62
INTERNATIONAL
2/2013
different types are stored vertically. Each

130 mm tube stands at 90 in resting
position and can reach a 0 elevation in
one second, azimuth orientation being
ensured by carousel rotation. The
minimum elevation allows easy munition
reload or replacement even at sea.
Chemring also envisages 150 mm launch
tubes, with launcher height growing to
two metres and munitions to 1.8 metres
maximum. The system uses Raytheon
munitions such as the Griffin, the
wireless guided TOW, and the Talon
laser-guided rocket, while Chemring

provides
its
array
of
naval
countermeasures. In perspective the
Centurion should acquire new capacities,
in the form of drone and surface-to-air
missiles. Integration firing of the system
(Chemring has invested some 5 million
in its development), is planned for 2013,
with missile demonstration and
qualification planned for 2014. With
increasing threats and shrinking budgets,
the advent of the low-cost multi-role
Centurion is timely, one system being
considered enough for smaller vessels
while two systems are advised for frigates
and above. Weighing less than one tonne
sans munitions, two versions are
available: one covered, with an RCS of less
than 0.3 m2 (each munition being
protected by a petal), and the other
uncovered. Chemring is also working on
an initial concept for land warfare that
might see the Centurion installed on the
back of a truck.
4/1/13
2:08 PM
Page 5
I THALES VETRONICS STAR
esides their two main Thales stands (one at IDEX per se and
one across the road at Navdex), the firms vetronics could also be
seen on a number of other armoured vehicle manufacturer
stands, in the form of the VSYS-Net. The system allows to put together
intercom, communications, vetronics and BMS in a single network,
allowing the commander to call the other crewmembers screens
either individually or collectively, and to share digitised info with other
vehicles in the team. The VSYS-Net was installed, inter alia, on a
GDLS Ocelot exhibited in ISR guise, complete with mast-mounted
optronic sensor, shot
detection system, local
situational awareness
system and drivers
thermal imager. The
Thales system was also
installed on the RTD
Crab (photo) exhibited
on the CMI stand, on
the Greek Leopard 2 at
the KMW stand and on
FNSS Pars 8x8. Thales
and Renault Trucks
Defense announced a
co-operation
agreement on digitised vehicles systems. The agreement will address a
range of operational scenarios, such as Army surveillance and
reconnaissance units, security forces, special forces, battlegroups
formed by different types of combat and support vehicles, and security
and law enforcement units, particularly in urban environments.
I TRAJAN
aving its first public

outing in the Middle
East, Nexters Trajan
howitzer extensively draws on its
lorry-mounted counterpart Caesar
for what regards the 155mm/52
calibre gun system per se,
including its fire-control system
and loading system, which enables
it to fire three rounds in 30
seconds. A towed howitzer, the
Trajan was clearly developed with eyes set on the export market
to further expand terrain thus far conquered by the Caesar in
Saudi Arabia, Thailand and Indonesia. The howitzers base,
which really is the new part of the system, was designed to satisfy
a co-operative and technology transfer agreement with Larsen &
Toubro in India to meet the Indian Armys towed howitzer
requirement (which includes the possibility of firing
ammunition of Indian origin). Two units are to be built for trials
this summer and then in the Himalayas for winter trials. At
stake are about 1,500 items. Should a choice be made (the Indian
towed acquisition programme has been going on for years), this
should intervene in 2014 followed by contract signature in 2015
with deliveries starting a year later.
4/1/13
2:08 PM
Page 6
Show Report
I UAE NAVAL DEVELOPMENTS
he 2013 edition of Navdexs naval defence and maritime security

exhibition saw the participation of latest ship deliveries to United Arabs
Emirates naval forces and the announcement of contracts and
developments related to local ship industries.
Abu Dhabi Ship Building (ADSB), the UAE public joint stock company owned
10% by the Abu Dhabi Government, 40% by Mubadala corporation and 50% by
private shareholders, was heavily present at Navdex, showing the Al Hensen (P
172) 915 full load corvette, the second vessel of the Buynunah class, the first
missile version of the Ghannatha (see picture) fast boat class and fast interceptors
for Critical Infrastructure and Coastal Protection Authority.
Set up to develop local industry capability, increase self-reliance and meet the
naval requirements of the UAE and other Gulf Co-operation Council (GCC) states,
ADSB outlined its strategic five-year vision during the show, realigning its business
towards four key market segments: prime contractor for major shipbuilding
programmes focusing on value added to the UAE, small boat construction,
servicing and combat systems integration activities, the later building on existing Abu
Dhabi Systems Integration (ADSI) joint-venture with Selex ES.
The Al Hensen Buynunah second-of-class corvette is set to complete trails and
workup well in advance of 2013 year-end, while delivery of all six class vessels is
planned within 2014. The first Ghannatha class missile boat, equipped with a small
ADSI-provided and integrated command, control and fire director suite with Selex
ES sensors, managing MBDA Marte Mk2/N anti-ship missiles, Rheinmetall 27 mm
MLG (see picture) and Oto Melara Hitrole-G 12,7 mm Gatling GAU-19/A remotely
controlled guns, was set for delivery in March 2013, while the troop carrier version
was also on display. The programme covers the delivery of 12 new missile version
boats and upgrading of the same number already in-service craft (split between
troop carrier and Finish Patria company mortar-equipped versions).
During the show, ADSB announced its selection to meet the Kuwait Navys
future landing craft requirements, involving the supply of two 64-metre landing
craft, one 42-metre landing craft and five 16-metre composite landing craft, all to
be built in the Emirates, starting in mid-2013. Moreover the same company
received from UAE armed forces three contracts for a total of 160 million
including Buynunah class corvette upgrading and acquisition and integration of Al
Yah Satellite Communications satcom suite on the same vessels, in addition to a
separate weapon system acquisition and integration on UAE navys vessels.
I VARIATIONS ON THE VBCI THEME

t exhibition time, Nexter said that is was
currently in the process of building the
500th VBCI for the French Army,
which has 630 on order, both command post
and infantry combat variants included. Nexter
thus needs to attract new customers and with
that objective in mind has unveiled a brand
new series of scaled-down models, which
Armadas editors were given the privilege of
pulling out of their display window to
photograph them. In addition to the UAEspecific version covered elsewhere in this
report, the other new variants are the VBCI
40mm (sporting a CTI gun turret), VBCI
Ambulance, VBCI Mortar (here clearly
boasting a 2R2M rifled 120mm) and VBCI
Dpanneur (recovery vehicle).
64
INTERNATIONAL
2/2013
25-27 MARCH 2014
THE MENA REGIONS LEADING INTERNATIONAL

MARITIME DEFENCE EXHIBITION & CONFERENCE
Organised By
Venue
Media Partners
4/1/13
2:09 PM
Page 8
Show Report
I SELEX ES MIYSIS IR MISSILE DAZZLER
lso unveiled by Selex ES was

the Miysis Dircm (Directed
InfraRed Countermeasure)
system which as showed at Idex, can be
provided as either federated equipment,
or as a role-fit pod solution. Developed
on company funds the Miysis (named
after ancient Egypts lion-headed god
of war) faced three key technical
challenges in terms of weight, laser
power and speed of response.
Based on experience garnered in the
field of high performance airborne lasers
and electro-optic pointing and
stabilisation systems, together with the
contribution to Northrop Grummans
AAQ-24(V) Nemesis system family, Selex
ES developed a new Dircm build around
their Eclipse advanced, lightweight, lowcost Ircm point/tracker, and the Type 160
IRCM laser. The Selex Eclipse is centred
on a 14cm diameter dome sensor head,
low inertia, two-axis servo mechanism
with a strap-down inertial sensor and
advanced sightline control algorithms,
allowing effective tracking through the
nadir and providing superior sightline
performance. The Type 160 Ircm laser is a
lightweight, high-performance subsystem, which is directly coupled to the
Eclipse. These two systems were selected
by the British MoD in March 2010, to be
part of the Common Defensive Aid Suite
technology demonstrator programme
aimed to define the architecture for
advanced defensive aid systems.
The new-generation Miysis is based

on the Eclipse and Type 160 laser
developments, in a hardware and
software format that is readily exportable.
Elements of the system have been tested in
over 90 live firing tests, combining
tracking and real or emulated jamming
activities, with a 100% success rate, says
Selex ES. A typical Miysis installation
includes two Eclipse Sensor Head
Assembly/Ircm (as a single LRU laser
point tracker) units, a missile warning

system package with five sensor heads, an
electronic unit, cockpit display and
control unit, weighing a total of less than
50kg, which makes it suitable for light
aircraft, smaller helicopters and drones,
providing the full suite a complete
detection and protection system capable,
according to Selex, of all-aspect
(spherical) defence that would draw less
than 500 watts of electrical power.
I THALES NEW NS100
uilding on established pedigree in 3D

multibeam radars, Thales Nederland
unveiled its latest NS100 S-band (Nato
E/F) pulse-Doppler naval surveillance radar.
Claimed to be the first company to have
introduced a 3D dual-axis multi-beam radar by
applying an active array antenna in combination with
digitalization at antenna element level, the NS100 is reported as a
flexible and scalable platform capable to accommodate other
sensors and provided with advanced logistics package.
The NS100 combines an electronically stabilised rotating
antenna (operating at 30rpm) with an AESA active array able to
generate multi-beam in both elevation and azimuth simultaneously.
The latter capability results in higher time-on-target at the same
rotation rate and significantly improves Doppler resolution
(therefore small target detection and clutter suppression).
66
INTERNATIONAL
2/2013
I ABU DHABI
fter her delivery by Fincantieri to the

UAE navy on 8 January, the 1,650tonne Abu Dhabi (P 191) ASW
corvette was officially presented at Navdex.
Under 3 million contract Al Fattan Ship
Industry is also fitting Oto Melara Hitrole-G
remotely controlled 12,7 mm guns on board
each Falaj-2 type vessels (first-of-class
completed). In addition a 5,8 million
contract award to Finmeccanicas WASS
(Whitehead Sistemi Subacquei) was revealed
to cover anti-torpedo effectors for the Abu
Dhabi. According to industrial sources,
Fincantieri has also received an undisclosed
contract worth about 30 million to install the
Raytheon Mk49 launch system for the Rolling
Airframe Missile and the Thales Underwater
Systems Catpas towed array sonar on board
the same corvette. The UAE Navy has an
option for a second same class vessel, which is
in advanced stage of negotiations with
Fincantieri, together with a second batch of
two Falaj-2 type stealth patrol vessel, which
according to technology transfer agreement
could be built by ESB joint-venture at Al
Fattan shipyard facilities.
Capable of 3D air surveillance with fast track

initiation and active tracking, 2D surface
surveillance and surface gunfire support, together
with jammer surveillance and IFF interrogator
support, the NS100 has a maximum instrumented
range of 200km, a 70 max elevation coverage and
a combined air and surface tracking of 750 targets.
Thales developed an antenna housing able to
accommodate other sensors. Options include an infrared camera for
situational awareness, a frequency modulated continuous wave low
probability of intercept radar such as the Sout for close-in surface
surveillance, AIS (automatic identification system) or ADS-B
(Automatic Dependent SurveillanceBroadcast) for respectively
commercial ship or aircraft tracking and an IFF interrogator and
transponder. The NS100 is positioned between the Thales Variant
and Smart-S Mk2 naval surveillance radars. Full-scale development
of NS100 is now underway at Thales Nederlands Hengelo plant,
with tests planned for 2014.
4/1/13
2:09 PM
Page 9
I SCHIEBEL GOES BIG
he United Arab Emirates is a bit a second home for Austrias

Schiebel company, that nation having been the first major
customer for its S-100 Camcopter, with an order for 80 units.
Not only did the drone perform daily during the exhibitions static
show, it also featured on the deck of the Adroit moored nearby (and
where this photograph was taken). Idex also appeared as a natural
setting for Schiebel to announce that its S100 had recently completed a serials of
fully operational trials involving a
somewhat serious payload in the form of
the turretted 30-kilo Thales I-Master, the
very same radar used by the Thales
Watchkeeper drone being developed for
Britain. The most impressive results of
these long-endurance mission test,
according to Schiebel, was the consistency
of data transfer stability. This follows
earlier tests with yet another synthetic
aperture radar with ground moving target
indicator capability, namely the Selex
Picosar a couple of years ago. The S-100, sales of which have well
exceeded the 120 unit mark, is poised to grow well beyond
expectations. Not only is it also used by an undisclosed customer,
fitted with a lidar, it also is being increasingly looked at as an
electronic warfare platform EW is definitely becoming a reality
according to a company official.
Asked about the status of the development of the new heavy fuel
engine being devised for the S-100 (heavy fuel now being a sine qua
non for the acceptance of any operational drone aboard a ship), Hans
Schiebel told Armada Internationals Editor-in-Chief that it will soon be
ready for delivery. He also confirmed that by being a dieselised
version of the existing Diamond rotary piston engine and having
similar performances, the new powerplant uses the same mounting
points on the aircrafts structure and thus constitutes a straight-swap
option for current operators on the
occasion of engine end-of-life replacement
operation. The most impressive news,
however, came when Schiebel confirmed
certain rumors about a heavy version of the
S-100. Hitherto unnamed, the machine
would be a blown-up version of the S-100,
not only in external physical appearance,
but also in its monocoque construction,
Schiebel having become an international
authority in the field of carbon composite
structural elements. Hans Schiebel was
understandably shy on details at this stage,
but reading his mind revealed that the
helicopter would be looking at the maritime surveillance market,
which presupposes the on-board presence of a substantial maritime
radar. If one imagines endurances of between 12 and 24 hours, one can
say that the Northrop Grumman Fire Scout might sooner or later have
good company on the tail segment of that export market. The new
drone would, however, remain fully compatible with the current
ground station employed by the S-100. A demonstrator might be able to
take to the air by the end of this year of early next year.
I DRONE MISCELLANEA
s the photos herewith show, a few

other drones kept the General
Atomics Predator company on
the harbours banks. Not that any of them
are new, but they are not often shown as
full size display at other exhibition. Most
noticeable on its red carpet was the Selex
Falco Evo, which is a quasi-male
evolution (hence it suffix in the form of
an apocope) of the Falco. Wing and tail
boom extensions enable its payload to
increase from 85 kilos to a notable 120.
Most interestingly, cut-outs in this mockup enabled one to see the emplacement
of a Picosar synthetic aperture radar in

the nose, and of interesting electronic
warfare sensors in the wingtips (not
shown here).
Almost facing the Evo were a couple
of rarely seen drones from Pakistans Gids,
like the 200-kilo Uqab, but one that caught
the eye was the futuristic-looking
Shahpar. Described as a canard aircraft,
it is more a biplane a la Piaggio Avanti, the
smaller front wings obviously providing
substantial lift in addition to nose-pitch
control. The rest of the aircrafts
configuration is also interesting featuring
as it does a combination of delta and swept

wings, plus wing-mounted vertical planes
with directional surfaces while a pusher
prop rounds up the basic portrait.
According to a company official, the 480kilo Shampar (which means Hawk, by the
way) is an all-composite design that was
qualified two years ago and that entered
service with the Pakistani Army and Air
Force in 2012. At the time of the
exhibition five had been delivered and five
more were still to be delivered. Powered
by a 100 hp Rotax, all its avionics were
developed in Pakistan.
INTERNATIONAL
2/2013
67
4/1/13
2:09 PM
Page 10
Show Report
NEXT ISSUE JUNE/JULY 2013: 3 JUNE, ADVT: 16 MAY

High tier Ground air defence and ABM defence: While ongoing missions
downrange do not include third dimensions threats, with the exception of the
C-RAM segment, the risk of air and missile attacks against contingents
deployed in certain areas of operation might well become a reality.
Trainer aircraft: The business of developing and selling fixed-wing military
training aircraft lacks continuity, and survival is enhanced by being part of a
large multi-product empire. On the bright side, all sections of the market are
reporting orders, and the new-generation jet trainers are finally taking off.
I TR-50 SCOUT
anging up discretely in a recessed corner of

Cassidians otherwise fairly large indoors stand was a
relatively newcomer in the drone world, making
more than one observer ask themselves a few questions about
Eadss strategy regarding the so-called unmanned aircraft
discipline after contradictory news on the Tanan and the
straight out-of-the-blue announcement of the Spanish
Cassidian Atlantes maiden flight shortly after Idex.
At any rate, after talking to Cassidians Bjrn Symank, it
appeared that the aircraft is known as the TR50 (but
internally referred to as the Scout) and had performed its first
flights last year. Designed to provide ten hours of endurance at
a speed of 180km/h, it can carry a variety of chin-mounted
payloads (infrared and day cameras as well as a laser pointer)
to a maximum weight limit of ten kilos. Powered by a 7kW
flat-twin engine, it has a maximum takeoff (catapult) weight of
55kg, has a wingspan of four metres for an overall length of 2.5
metres, land on skids (though a back-up parachute is fitted)
and is targeted to being ready for procurement in 2014.
Transport Aircraft self protection and civilian airspace issues: Selfprotection devices were until recently the privilege of fighter or attack aircraft
whether fixed- or rotary-winged. Airlifters, however are now also flying into
harms way, especially with the proliferation of shoulder-fired heat-seeking
missiles. The problem stems from the fact that they are increasingly asked to
operate with civilians on board into of from civilian airports, where
pyrotechnics are not exactly perceived as proper items.
Armament for Attack helicopters: All helicopters are weight-sensitive,
hence the emphasis in choosing their weapons is invariably on lightness.
However, whereas utility helicopters need armament for all-round selfdefence, attack helicopters need forward-firing weapons that can destroy
hardened objectives from a safe standoff distance.
Air-launched Laser-guided Rockets: The military need for low-cost semiactive laser-homing guided rocket projectiles has been evident for decades.
Suddenly, half a dozen manufacturers are vying to satisfy that need.
Blos C2: Satellite Communications or SATCOM is as essential to warfare as
bullets and body armour. Armada has recently chronicled the latest
developments in tactical SATCOM for use on the battlefield. This article will
discuss the long-distance satellite links connecting deployed headquarters
back to national command authorities at the strategic level.
Compendium Drones: Some of the commercially most successful drone
manufacturers, hit by the general defence cutbacks and the ending of
Operation Enduring Freedom, are recognising that hard times lie ahead.
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Cover Armada1 April13.

THE TRUSTED SOURCE FOR DEFENCE TECHNOLOGY INFORMATION SINCE 1976

Contents_Armada final 7.qxp:Armada

Contents_Armada final 7.qxp:Armada

THE TRUSTED SOURCE FOR DEFENCE TECHNOLOGY INFORMATION SINCE 1976

MULTIPLE ROLES AND

ARMOURED VEHICLE PROTECTION

I Eric H. Biass, Luca Peruzzi &

I Paolo Valpolini, inputs from Eric H. Biass

I Wesley Fox &

DEFENCE AND SECURITY THAILAND 51

NORTHROP GRUMMAN AEROSPACE C2

Entries highlighted with

Pratt & Whitney

54, 56, 57, 60

43, 44, 46, 52

44, 46, 48, 50

Hindistan Aeronautics Ltd

IBD Diesenroth Engineering

20, 39, 40, 50

17, 40, 48, 50, 52

Rubin Design Bureau

Russian Federation Industries

International Aero Engines

46, 50, 2,10,11

Israel Military Industries

BAE Systems 26, 35, 40, 50, 1, 2, 3, 17

Israel Weapon Industries

17, 23, 26, 40, 54, 55, 60,

38, 40, 8,14

Scmidt & Bender

Kelvin & Sperry Marine

Sevmash Defence Shipyard

Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI)

Lockheed Martin 23, 26, 40, 48, 50, 24

M9 Defense Armor Technology

35, 39, 48, 50

43, 44, 46, 50, 52, 53

Mustang Technology Group

20, 32, 35, 37, 44, 46

Kongsberg Defence Systems

Changhe Aircraft Industries Corp

Dalian Shipbuilding Industry

Military air transportation is undergoing a quiet,

is published bi-monthly by Media Transasia Ltd.

YOU CAN FOCUS ON C2 NOW,

WORLDWIDE MOBILE BROADBAND

Special forces small arms7:Armada

The Negev NG7 is the 7.62 mm

n the assault rifles/carbine field, the M4

on such a weapon. For the time being the

Special forces small arms7:Armada

The ARX-160 can quickly shift

The Beretta ARX-160A2

Special forces small arms7:Armada

operation carried out without any specific

true fire support is definitely a machine gun

optics and additional accessories. This new

Special forces small arms7:Armada

Developed in the early 2000s under Socom

is also over the double. FN Herstal is not

At Eurosatory 2012 IWI introduced the flat-top

Israel Weapons Industries unveiled the

Special forces small arms7:Armada