THE TRUSTED SOURCE FOR DEFENCE TECHNOLOGY INFORMATION SINCE 1976Issue 2/2013 April/MayINTERNATIONALCover Armada1 April13.qxp:Armada 4/1/13 2:21 PMPage 3Contents_Armada final 7.qxp:Armada 3/29/13 9:44 PMPage 201 INTERNATIONAL 2/201304SMALL ARMSSPECIAL FORCESSMALL ARMSI Paolo Valpolini16ATTACK HELICOPTERSATTACK HELICOPTERSGOMULTIROLEI Roy Braybrook26NAVAL FIGHTERSFIGHTING FROMA DECKI Roy Braybrook34C4ISRROBUST NETWORKINGI Wesley Fox &Tom Withington42SUBMARINE TECHNOLOGYMULTIPLE ROLES ANDROBOTICSI Luca Peruzzi61SHOW REPORTIDEX 2013I Eric H. Biass, Luca Peruzzi &Paolo ValpoliniNEW-TECHMILITARY AIRLIFTERSI Roy Braybrook, inputs from Eric H. Biass54TRANSPORT AIRCRAFTTHE TRUSTED SOURCE FOR DEFENCE TECHNOLOGY INFORMATION SINCE 1976INTERNATIONALContents2/2013New-generation turbine engineswith substantially improvedthermodynamic and propulsive efficienciesare making possible transport aircraftthat combine relatively short airfieldperformance with economical(and comparatively high-speed) cruise.www.armada.ch | www.armadainternational.comCOMPENDIUM SUPPLEMENTARMOURED VEHICLE PROTECTIONI Paolo Valpolini, inputs from Eric H. BiassContents_Armada final 7.qxp:Armada 4/1/13 2:16 PMPage 3Index02 INTERNATIONAL 2/20133MGroup 28AAI 12, 13ABBS 12,13Airbus Military 55, 56Alcatel-Lucent 40Alenia Aermacchi 58AMI International 43AmSafe 20Antonov 54, 56, 57, 60ArmaLite 13, 14Aselfir 20Aselsan 20, 21ATK 12Atlas Elektronik 44, 46, 48, 50AugustaWestland 17, 18, 20, 21, 23Aviastar-SP 57BAe27, 28, 30BAE Systems 26, 35, 40, 50, 1, 2, 3, 17Barco 40BEL 40Bell 17, 23, 24Beretta 04, 05, 14Boeing 17, 23, 26, 40, 54, 55, 60, Carl Zeiss 50Cassidian38, 40, 8,14Ceradyne 26, 27, 28Changhe Aircraft Industries Corp 17CMI 27Condat 20Cubic 12Daewoo43Dalian Shipbuilding Industry 27DARPA 5,19,20Dassault Rafale 32, 60Dassault-Breguet 26DCNS 43, 44, 46, 50, 52, 53Denel 24, 25Diehl 52, 4, 6Douglas 26DRDO 44EDO50Elbit Systems 40, 50Elta 35Embraer 58,59,60Eurocopter 17, 18, 21Eurofighter 30Falanx 17,18Fincantieri 43FN Herstal 06, 08, 14Fuji 25Gabler 50GE Aviation 17, 24, 55General Dynamics 10, 17, 35, 44, 10Gibraltar Arms 14H&K 12HAL 25, 28Harris 35, 39, 40HDW 43, 44, 46, 52Hindistan Aeronautics Ltd 60IAI- ELTA9IBD Diesenroth Engineering 24, 25Ilyushin 57IMI 36, 26, 27Indra 50International Aero Engines 60Israel Military Industries 10Israel Weapon Industries 06, 08, 10ITL 40ITT 39Ivchenko- progress 56, 60Iveco 23Kamov 20, 23Kawasaki 25, 44Kelvin & Sperry Marine 50KMW 8, 25Kongsberg Defence Systems 46, 52Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) 25Kotlin-Novator 58Kuznetsov 57L-3 Communications 35, 39, 48, 50Lockheed Martin 23, 26, 40, 48, 50, 24M9 Defense Armor Technology 27MBDA 32, 52, 53Meday 50MiG 28, 30, 31MiL 17, 21Motor Sichin 57MSC Software 12Mustang Technology Group 5Navantia 43, 44, 48Navistar26Nexter 17Northrop Grumman 28Oshkosh 36, 26OTO Melara 8,13,14,22Patria 27Phananx Armour 22Plasan Sasa 20,21,22, 26Polaris Defense 27, 28Pratt & Whitney 33Rafael 20, 39, 40, 50Raytheon 17, 40, 48, 50, 52Rebel Alliance 22Remington Defense 14Renault21, 22Rheinmetall Defence 24, 25, 26Roketsan 18, 21Rolls Royce 33, 54Rosoberonexport 60Ruag Defence 12Rubin Design Bureau 43, 44Russian Federation Industries 50Russian Helicopters 23Saab 46, 50, 2,10,11Saes 48, 50Sagem 44, 50Saic 53Sainsel 48Salyut 57Samsung 40Scmidt & Bender 14Selex 39, 50Sener Engineering 44Sevmash Defence Shipyard 28Shenyang 27Sig Sauer 12, 13Snecma 32SRM Arms 14SSAB 22,23Sukhoi 27Surgeon Rifles 14Tata Steel 23TenCate 13,22Textron 12, 13, 19Thales 20, 32, 35, 37,44, 46ThyseenKrupp 43Tupolev 57TAI 17, 18, 20, 21Ultra Electronics 40, 50United Aircraft 57,60UTC Power 44Veritay Technology 12Volga-Dnepr 57Wass 50, 52Wipro 40ACAMAT - RD 15AR MODULAR 13BELL HELICOPTER 19BERETTA 11CERADYNE 3DDC 23DEFENCE AND SECURITY THAILAND 51DIMDEX 65DSEI C3EUROSATORY C3GDLS 15ITEC 59ITT EXELIS29ITT EXELIS 45IVECO C4LEMO 25LEOPOLD 9MBDA 41NEXTER 31NORTHROP GRUMMAN AEROSPACE C2PHOTONIS 39RAFAEL C4REMINGTON 7RUAG 7SAAB 11SINGAPORE AIRSHOW 49TEXTRON C2UDT 47ULTRALIFE 33VIASAT 3VECTRONIX 37I INDEX TO ADVERTISERSI INDEX TO MANUFACTURERSCompanies mentioned in this issue. Where there are multiple references to a company in an article,only the firstoccurence and subsequent photographs are listed belowEntries highlighted withblue numbers are found in ArmouredVehicle Protection Compendium 2013Military air transportation is undergoing a quiet,but significant, revolution with non-Americanand non-Russian manufacturers like MilitaryAirbus and even Embraer nowofferingserious alternatives to the market, asexemplified by the KC-390 (featured on ourcover in mock-up form), which is slated tomake its maiden flight next year.Volume 37, Issue No. 2, April 2013/May 2013INTERNATIONALis published bi-monthly by Media Transasia Ltd.Copyright 2012 by Media Transasia Ltd.Publishing Office: Media Transasia Ltd,Room No. 1205-1206, Hollywood Centre 233,Hollywood Road, Central, Hong Kong.Tel: (852) 2815 9111, Fax: (852) 2815 1933Editor-in-Chief: Eric H. BiassRegular Contributors: Roy Braybrook,Paolo Valpolini, Thomas WithingtonChairman: J.S. UberoiPresident: Xavier Collaco Sr. Manager International Marketing: Vishal MehtaManager International Marketing: Yusuf AzimDeputy Manager Marketing: Tarun MalviyaSales & Marketing Coordinator: Atul BaliCreative Director: Bipin KumarDeputy Art Director: Sachin JainAsstt. Art Directors : Mukesh Kumar, Ajay KumarVisualiser: Sujit SinghProduction Manager: Kanda ThanakornwongskulGroup Circulation Manager: Porames ChinwongsChief Financial Officer: Gaurav KumarAdvertising Sales Offices AUSTRIA, BENELUX, SWITZERLANDCornelius W. BontjePh: +41 55 216 17 81, cornelius.bontje@armada.ch FRANCEPromotion et Motivation, Odile OrbecPh: +33 1 41 43 83 00, o.orbec@pema-group.com GERMANYSam Baird Ph: +44 1883 715 697,sam@whitehillmedia.com ITALY, NORDIC COUNTRIESEmanuela Castagnetti-GillbergPh: +46 31 799 9028, egillberg@glocalnet.net SPAINVa Exclusivas, Macarena Fdez. de GradoPh: +34 91 448 76 22, macarena@viaexclusivas.com UNITED KINGDOMZena CoupPh: +44 1923 852537, zena@expomedia.biz RUSSIAAlla Butova, NOVO-Media Ltd,Ph: (7 3832) 180 885 Mobile : (7 960) 783 6653Email :alla@mediatransasia.com EASTERN USA EAST OF THE MISSISSIPPI RIVER Margie Brown, Ph: (540) 341 7581,margiespub@rcn.com WESTERN USA WEST OF THE MISSISSIPPI RIVER Diane Obright, Ph: (858) 759 3557,blackrockmedia@cox.net ALL OTHER COUNTRIESVishal Mehta, Tel: (91) 124 4759625,Mobile: (91) 99 999 85425, (44) 11 5885 4423,E-Mail: vishal@mediatransasia.comAnnual subscription rates:Europe:CHF186. + 36. (postage)Overseas:USD 186. + 36. (postage)Controlled circulation: 24,351,certified by ABC Hong Kong, valid from1stApril 2012 to 30thJune 2012.Printed by Media Transasia Thailand Ltd.75/8, 14th Floor, Ocean Tower II,Soi Sukhumvit 19, Sukhumvit Road, Klongtoeynue,Wattana, Bangkok 10110, Thailand.Tel: 66 (0)-2204 2370, Fax: 66 (0)-2204 2390 -1Subscription Information: Readers should contactthe following address: Subscription Department, Media Transasia Ltd. Room No. 1205-1206, HollywoodCentre 233, Holywood Road, Central, Hong Kong.Tel: (852) 2815 9111, Fax: (852) 2851 1933ABCwww.armada.chwww.armadainternational.comviasat.com/worldwide+1 760.893.2777Copyright 2013 ViaSat, Inc. All rights reserved. ViaSat and the ViaSat logo are registered trademarks of ViaSat, Inc.All other trademarks mentioned are the sole property of their respective companies. Specifications subject to change without notice.WORLDWIDE MOBILE BROADBAND Enroute Video/Voice Conferencing "TOC-in-the-Sky" Command & Control Network Access that Feels Like You Never Left the Ground Global, Regional, Priority, and Assured Access Plans Available NowYOU CAN FOCUS ON C2 NOW,BECAUSE WE BUILT THE WORLDWIDE NETWORK THAT MAKES C2 FLY.In the assault rifles/carbine field, the M4saga in the Green Army is still in fullswing while, in the special forcescommunity, M4 derivatives such as theHeckler &Koch HK416 have becomepopular. The weaponuses a company-proprietary gas pistonsystemthat avoids theintroduction of propellant gases and carbonfoulingintothe weapon, thus solvingmost ofthe stoppage problems that are so typical ofthebasicM4carbine. WhiletheSocomshifted to the 7.62x51 mm calibre with theadoption ofthe SCARMk17,numerousother companies have developed newcarbines insimilar calibre.It is well known that Beretta is workingon such a weapon. For the time being theItalian company is leveraging the modular-ity of its ARX-160 and the short time need-ed to shift from one calibre to another. Thisallows oneto, for example, switchfrom5.56x45 to 7.62x39 mm depending on themission, a feature that attracted the interestof some special forces units that might optfor the Soviet-origin calibre for concealedoperations. The weapon is available both inthe A1 and A2 models in the 7.62x39 mmversion, equipped with a 16-inch (406 mm)barrel. It maintains all the ARX-160 charac-teristics with the exception of the open boltposition. The weapon can use standard AK-47 steel or polymeric magazines.Shiftingfromone calibre toanotherrequiresthequickreplacementofbarrel,magazine, bolt and lower receiver, an04 INTERNATIONAL 2/2013Howmuch the choice of a newIndividual Carbine for the US Army willinfluence the word market remainsto be seen, but obviously Special Forcesunits tend to be ahead of the Green Armyin terms of small arms choice.Special ForcesSmall ArmsThe Negev NG7 is the 7.62 mmversion of the IWI machinegun. It can also fire in semi-automaticmode to allowaccurate shooting,something that might be appreciatedby special forces. (IWI)Small ArmsPaoloValpoliniSpecial forces small arms7:Armada 4/1/13 1:28 PMPage 205 INTERNATIONAL 2/2013The ARX-160 can quickly shiftfromthe 5.56 to the 7.62x39mmcalibre. This allows to adaptthe weapon to specific specialforces missions. The sameweapon (below) in 5.56 mmcalibre equipped with a silencer.All accessories developed forthat calibre have or are beingdeveloped for the 7.62 x39 mmversion as well. (Beretta)The Beretta ARX-160A2broken down to its maincomponents. Themagazine betrays the7.62x39 mmversionthat is scoring high inthe special forcescommunity as well as insome of the armiesthat still use theammunition of Sovietorigin. (Beretta)Special forces small arms7:Armada 4/1/13 1:28 PMPage 3operation carried out without any specifictool. In this configuration the ARX-160 is900 mm long (700 mm with stock folded),weighs 3.5 kg and has a rate of fire of 700 70 rounds per minute. This versionisattractingtheinterest of somecountriesthat are still using Soviet standard ammobut intend to shift in the medium term toNato calibres. All accessories developed forthe5.56mmversionhave, orarebeing,developed for the 7.62x39 mm.Back to 5.56 mm, FNis still proposing itsHamr (Heat Adaptive Modular Rifle), orig-inally developed for the US Marine CorpsAutomatic Rifle Program. This rifleremains a one-off in the genre as it is theonly weapon capable to switch from closedto open-bolt mode automatically, based onheat sensors that prevent cock-offs. Theidea is to have an accurate rifle shootingeither autoor semi-autoinclosedboltmode, the single-shot mode being definite-ly the most accurate. However, when sup-pressive fire is required, the operator juststarts to fire in auto mode and when a cer-tain temperature is reached the rotating boltswitches to open-bolt mode firing withoutanyintervention. Whenthebarrel coolsdown the systemswitches back to close-boltmode. 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 tele-scopedandfoldable stock, lengthbeingbetween 940 and 686 mm, it has an emptyweight of 4.63 kg. How much such a solu-tion will find its way in the special forcescommunity remains to be seen,althoughtrue fire support is definitely a machine gunbusiness. FN intended to mount a demon-stration of the Hamr, since the Socom hasalso shown some interest in the weapon.Israel WeaponIndustries X95assaultrifle chambered for the 5.56 and 9x19 mmrounds was developed for the Israeli specialforces units based on what was once knownas the MicroTavor. Its evolutionneverceased and 2012 saw two important evolu-tionsforthat weapon. Thefirst wastheunveiling in June of the newflat-top con-figuration, extended to the whole family ofthe X95 andTavor, whichenables theattachmentofall typesofdayandnightoptics and additional accessories. This newconfigurationisIWIsanswertospecificcustomers requests. In October IWIannounced a further development, that ofanX95conversionkitallowingtotrans-form the weapon in a 5.45 mm carbine, theX95 now being available in 5.56, 5.45 and 9mm guises.The Israeli company also introduced thelatest version of its Uzi submachine gun, theUzi Pro, which makes full use of polymers.A 9x19 mm closed-bolt weapon, it featuresa 152 mm long barrel, can be operated insemi-auto and auto modes, and weighs 2.32kg without magazine, saving roughly 0.3 kgcompared to the older models. The Uzi Profeatures an adjustable shoulder stock withadjustable cheek rest.While the world of assault rifles has notmovedmuchintherecent past, that ofmachine guns seems to be more active asimprovingtheteamsupportfirepowerisdefinitelyanissue. Weightremainsobvi-ously at the top of the agenda, although ter-minal effect and range are becoming majorconsiderations. Better carrying an effectivesystemat some weight cost rather thancarry some weight which does not producethe required effects.Thisledmanyspecial forcesunits, aswell as some green army units, to acquirethe 7.62x51 mm version of the FN Minimi.06 INTERNATIONAL 2/2013The P90 submachine gun developed by FNHerstal in the 5.7x28 mmcalibre. This and the H&KMP7 in 4.6x30 mmcalibre are competing against each other, special forces units havingmixed feelings on ammo and weapons. (FNHerstal)Adopted by the American special forces theFNHSCAR-Hor Mk17 in 7.62x51 mmcalibre isnowin full service in Afghanistan and otheroperational theatres. (FNHerstal)Small ArmsSpecial forces small arms7:Armada 4/1/13 1:28 PMPage 4WHEN YOUR TARGETS SHOOT BACK, YOU WANTTHE BEST.The Remington Modular Sniper Rie (MSR) Weapons for Warghters. Remington-Defense.com arghters. Remington-Defense W eapons forW .com ngton-Defense08 INTERNATIONAL 2/2013Developed in the early 2000s under Socominfluence, whichthenadoptedit as theMk48, the Minimi in 7.62 mm Nato calibreisavailableinfixed-buttandslidingbuttconfigurations and with standard or triple-rail handguard. With a weight of 8.2 or 8.4kg (the higher being that of the sliding buttmodel) it can be fed by a 50- or 100-roundpouch that attaches to the weapon. Roughlyone kilo heavier than the 5.56 mm version,one must addthe higher weight of theammo load (slightly more than twice that ofthe smaller calibre) for a muzzle energy thatis also over the double. FN Herstal is notmuch talkative on its customers, although ithas been chosen at least by Britain, Italy,France and the Czech Republic. It is clearthat the 7.62 mm has become a commercialsuccess in itself within the Minimi family.The trend towards larger calibre squadweapons has shown up also in Israel, whereIsrael Weapons Industry introducedtheNegev NG7 (see title photograph), the latestgeneration of 7.62x51 light machine guns.Unveiled in late March 2012,the NG7 isavailable in two versions, standard and SF.The weapon is very much based on the pre-vious Negev 5.56 mm LMG and operates inopenbolt mode, reloadingbeingcarriedout by gas impact on the piston head. Thestandardmodel features a 20-inch(508mm) barrel while the Special Forces modelis equipped with a shorter 16.5-inch (420The 7.62x51 mmversion of the Minimi light machine gun is gaining ground with specialoperations forces that are looking for greater firepower at teamlevel. (FNHerstal)Israel Weapons Industries unveiled thelatest version of its Uzi, the Uzi Pro, whichfeatures a slightly shorter barrel thatmaintains the same muzzle velocity as theUzi, with improved ergonomics, andconsiderable weight saving thanks to theuse of polymers. (IWI)At Eurosatory 2012 IWI introduced the flat-topversion of many of its assault rifles.Among those that of the X95 SF assault rifleand submachine gun can be chamberedboth for 5.56 or 9x19 mmrounds. (IWI)Small ArmsSpecial forces small arms7:Armada 4/1/13 1:28 PMPage 6mm) barrel, and both feature a 1:12 twistrifling with four grooves. This has of courseanimpact onoverall length, respectively1,000 and 912 mm, and on the length withstock folded, 820 and 730 mm, as well as onweight which drops from the 7.6 kg of thestandard weapon to the 7.5 kg of the short-er version. The muzzle velocity also dropsfrom860 to 810 m/s with the shorter barrel.The Negev NG7 gas regulator can be setontwodifferent positions, oneallowingstronger recoil when operating under diffi-cult conditions, rate of fire being of 850-105or 950-1150dependingonthe positionselected. The weaponis fedby assaultdrumscontaining100roundsorbybeltchains. However, the quite unique feature ofthe Negev NG7, already seen in the smallercalibre version, is the availability of a semi-automatic mode in the fire selector.Thisallows to use the MG as a precise supportweapon, something probably of evengreater importance inthe bigger calibreversion as it allows to put down aimed sup-port fire with good brick penetration capac-ity. Equipped with Picatinny rails to alloweasy accessories installation, it featuresstandard back-up rear sight post and frontiron sight post adjustable for windage andelevation with a 440 mm sight line radius,althoughanoptical sight is theobviouschoice. The Negev NG7 has already beenselected by the Israeli Defence Forces.Anothernewentrythat might attractMuch lighter than a 12.7 mmMG and with a terminal effect double of that of a 7.62 mmone at comparable weight as far as the weapon is concerned, GDATP LWMMG might wellbecome part of special forces armouries. (GDATP)The 5.56 mmversion of theNegev here equipped with aMepro 21 sight. (IWI)Small Arms10 INTERNATIONAL 2/2013TheLightweightMediumMachine Gundeveloped byGeneralDynamics ATP,here indefensiveposition on atripod, ischambered in.338 NormaMagnumandprovides amuch heavierfirepower than7.62 mmMGswith the onlypenalty ofheavierammunition.(GDATP)Special forces small arms7:Armada 4/1/13 2:06 PMPage 8interest of SF units is the LWMMG(Lightweight Medium Machine Gun),unveiled by General Dynamics Armamentand Technical Products in May 2012 andthenshowninpublicat AUSA2012inOctober that same year. With the LWMMG,GD-ATP aims at providing the warfighterwith a machine gun having the weight of amedium machine gun, in 7.62 mm calibre,and a firepower as close as possible to thatof a12.7mmheavymachinegun. Thiswould allow to employ the same machinegunbothfor mountedanddismountedoperations. The new squad weapon is builtaround the .338 Norma Magnum ammuni-tion, the terminal energy of which at 1,000metres is four times that of a 7.62x51 mmNatoround, accordingtoGD-ATP. ThenewammocanthusperforateaLevel 3body armour at over 1,000 metres and neu-tralise a light skinned vehicle at the samedistance. The round was developed in 2008byNorma, aSwedishcompanywhichispart of the Swiss Ruag Ammotec group. Theball is a Sierra FML AP weighing 300 gramsthat leaves thebarrel at aspeedof 807metres per secondandhas aneffectiverange of 1,700 metres. In terms of completeround weight, that of a .338 NM is nearlythe double of a 7.62 mm Nato, 44 gramsversus 27 grams approximately, and is lessthan half of a 12.7 mm which is around120 grams, the latter ball having a weightwhich is nearly the double of a .338 NMandthus remains top in terms of anti-materieloperations.Though the ammo load will increase by76 per cent, this is not true for the weapon.Thanks to the use of modern design tech-niques andnewmaterials theLWMMGweighs only 10.9 kg, which compares wellwith the 12.5 kg of an M240B and even tothe10.1kgof theM240Llight version,while it has a weight similar to the H&K121and saves 2 kg when compared to the ven-erable MG3. Any comparison with a 12.7mm machine gun would be a no contest,the bigger calibre weapon starting from 38kg up.The LWMMG has a 24-inch (609mm) quick change barrel, the whole lengthbeing 1,244 mm. During transport this canbe shortened thanks to the foldable stock,while in defensive position the M192 tripodis available,with a weight of 5.2 kg.TheLWMMG is belt fed and has a cyclic rate offireof 500roundsperminute, whichiscomparablewiththat of aforementioned7.62mmMGs, whileaneffectiverecoildamping system allows to maintain aimingduringautomaticfire. Themachineguncan be quickly disassembled in six majorcomponents without the need of any tool.Starting the adoption of a new calibre inthe military world has never been an easytask, thus it seems improbable that a greenarmy will fall in love with the LWMMG.However, new and evolutive systems oftenfind their way through specialists who usetheminlimitednumbers, andSpecialForces might well be the point of entry ofthe LWMMG in the US military if the needfor a much more powerful machine gun isfelt by such units.Looking at the future, according toinformation acquired at AUSA, the Socomhas started showing interest in the LSAT(Lightweight Small Arms Technologies)programme. The LSAT development teamis ledbyTextronAAI CorporationandincludesATK, Cubic, MSCSoftwareandVeritay Technology. The programmereached TRL7 in September 2011 followingthetrialscarriedoutwitheightmachineguns that fired 25,000 rounds overall. Testswere not limited to the firing sessions, asbesides day and night firings the 20 militarypersonnel involved in the trials also carriedout quick march and obstacle courses usingboth LSAT weapons and M249 light12 INTERNATIONAL 2/2013The newSig Sauer MPX submachine gununveiled at the Shot Show2013 is a modularweapon and can be converted in threecalibres, 9mmNato, .357SIGor .40S&W.Small ArmsSpecial forces small arms7:Armada 4/1/13 2:06 PMPage 10machine guns. The out-come of those trials seemsto have clearly favoured theLSATsystem. The US Armyis concentrating ontele-scope-cased ammunition,whichwouldensurea40per cent weight reduction, but only a marginal volume reduction.Caseless ammunition would provide a much higher volume sav-ing and an even greater weight saving, but risks are consideredmuch higher, thus current activity is limited to the research onnewpropellants. Over 80,000 telescope-cased ammunition in 5.56mmhave been fired during the whole programme, and the Socomasked for four modified machine guns. These will feature a 12-inch barrel and a folding stock, the weight without ammo beingslightly over 4 kg (similar to the weight of the MGs tested in 2011,but the weight saved from the barrel length is offsetby the addedweight of the folding mechanism).To conclude a short list of firsts from the Shot Show 2013, SigSauer introduced its new MPX submachine gun, an AR-15-look-ing weapon that can easily be converted into three calibres, name-ly 9mm Nato, .357SIG or .40S&W. The MPX operates with a fullyclosed and locked rotating bolt employing the companys provencompany gas-operated short stroke pushrod system. The MPX isavailable in four military-only versions, the standard select firewith a 6.5 inch (165 mm) barrel, the MPX-SDsuppressed 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-config-urablestocksystem(telescoping, foldingorpistol). Non-sup-pressed versions have a weight of between 1.9 and 2.1 kg, the SDweighing 2.9 kg.AmongthelatestadditionstothesnipersworldArmaLiteintroduced the next generation of its bolt-action rifles, the AR-30A1, available both in .300 Win Mag and .338 Lapua Magnum.Most components, almost all the mechanicals one, were subject toupgradeswhichallowedtoconsiderablyimproveergonomics,versatility, reliability and ease of use. They are fed by a five-roundmagazine. The rifles are available with 24-inch and-26 inch bar-rels and have a muzzle thread standard for sound suppressors,The LSAT teamled by AAI Textron isproviding the Special OperationsCommand with speciallydeveloped machine guns using5.56 mmcased telescopedammunition. (Armada/P. Valpolini)At 2 1/2 lbs,Its AReal HeavyweightIn Booster AmpsThe KMW1031KT is the lightest, most compact20-watt booster amplifier kit for military transceivers.The entire kit weighs less than 2.5 lbs. But its a realheavyweight when it comes to performance, durability,and ease of use. It covers the30 512 MHzfrequency and isSINCGARS,HAVEQUICK, IW,HPWand DAMA capable.It supports all 5 watttactical radios such asHarris AN/ PRC-152, Thales MBITR AN/ PRC-148 plus others.The KMW1031 can be powered by a single batteryor a 12 or 24 volt vehicle system. The portable, waterproofkit includes everything needed to boost radio signals:Amplifier, antenna, RF cables, battery cable and tacticalvest pouches for both the amp and antenna.It couldnt be easier. Or more dependable.To learn more, visit us atwww.arworld.us/propVidor call us at 425-485-9000.modular rfOther ar divisions: rf/microwave instrumentation receiver systems ar europeThe Battle Tested logo is Reg. U.S. Pat. & TM. Off. # 3,821,099.Copyright 2013 AR. The orange stripe on AR products is Reg. U.S. Pat. & TM. Off.Special forces small arms7:Armada 4/2/13 10:00 AMPage 1114 INTERNATIONAL 2/2012namely 5/8x24 and 3/4x24. The buttstockcan be easily removed to allowrifle use evenin confined spaces, ArmaLite stating that itsefficient muzzle brake allows to fire it evenin pistol configuration. The rifles have amaximum length of 1,222 and 1,273 mm, a51mmstockadjustmentbeingavailable,and tip the scales at 6.58 and 6.94 kg.InVegas SRMArms unveiledsomemajor improvements to its 1216 shotgunand to the other members of the family.The main one is that the cast metal receiv-er of Generation 1 & 2 weapons has beenreplaced by a solid, machined receiver. Thisprovides increased strength and ensures aperfect alignment between the receiver, thestock and the barrel. The new receiver isimmediately visible as it comes with a newsquared-jawappearance. Other mechanicalimprovements are the redesigned camtrack that reduces stress on bolt and receiv-er, and the increased thickness of bolt trackwalls inside the stock, whichcannowaccommodate high-velocity rounds. Anoptional push-pin removal of the magazineis now available to comply with detachablemagazines specific laws in some US Statessuch as California, as well as with some for-eign countries regulations. In Fall 2013 aVersion 3 will be available with completemagazineselectivityallowingtheusertochange from current magazine tube to anyof the other tubes on the fly. On the com-mercial front the full-auto version is nowinproductionandavailabletolawenforce-ment and military worldwide, whileGibraltar Arms, currently the sole sourcefor international distribution of SRMArms 1216 shotguns, is developing anetworkof in-country distributors thatwill be handled by the export commercialarm of SRM.The AR-30A1 is thelatest addition tothe ArmLite snipersrifles catalogueand is available in.300 WinchesterMagnumand .338Lapua Magnum.(ArmaLite)ThePrecisionSniper Riflebidfor theUSSocom might finally lead to a new weaponfor special forces. Launched in 2008,theprogrammehadaseries of ups anddowns, but according to latest info it mightfinally materialise. This will bring a newbolt actionmulti-calibreweaponthat willcertainly includethe.338and.300WMcalibres in the hands of Socomsnipers.Competitors are believed to includeAccuracy Internationals AX, BerettaDefence Technologies Sako M10, FNHerstals Ballista PSR, Remington DefensesModular Sniper Rifle, andSurgeonRiflesRemedy XL. What is sure is that the scopewill be supplied by Schmidt & Benderwhich, in November 2011, received a$34 million contract for an undisclosednumber of 5-25x56 PMIIs.I SOCOM PSR GOES AHEADAT LONG LAST?A 1216 shotgun by SRM; the company hasdeveloped a series of improvements to thatweapon, afull-auto version of which is nowavailable to military units, the SRMweaponbeing promoted on the export market byGibraltar Arms. (Gibraltar Arms)Small ArmsSpecial forces small arms7:Armada 4/1/13 2:06 PMPage 12www.renault-trucks-defense.com www.acmat.fr www.panhard.frThe world over, vehicles fromRenault Trucks Defense, Acmat and Panhard offer the best protected land force mobility.Whatever the mission, wherever, whenever16 INTERNATIONAL 2/2013First tested in Vietnam, but later developed primarily to counter massed armour thrustsacross Europe, the attack helicopter may nowbe going back to its roots, as a fastescort for ground convoys and heliborne assaults, and as a fire support gunship.Attack HelicoptersGo MultiroleAttack HelicoptersAttack Helicopter.qxp:Armada4/1/132:19 PMPage 2While some operators stillexpect each aircraft to kill asquadron of tanks, there is abroader market for lessexpensive though well armed and protectedhelicopters for peacekeepingoperations, butwith the flexibility to cover other missions,includinganti-piracy andcounter-narcotics.Viewed as a sector of the global defenceequipment market, the attack helicopter isunique in that most recent export ordershave been won by a single product: theBoeing AH-64 Apache.True, the AgustaWestland A129Mangusta (Mongoose) was adopted as thebasis for the Tusas Aerospace Industries(TAI) T129Atakprogramme, andtheEurocopterTigerwoninAustraliaandSpain. Likewise, the Changhe AircraftIndustries Corp (CAIC) Z9WEand the MilMi-28NE have been acquired by Kenya.The lightweight Changhe CZ11WAis to belicence-built in Argentina for ArgentineArmy Aviation and the wider LatinAmericanmarket.However, theseisolatedsalespaleincomparisonwiththeAH-64s selectionby Egypt, Greece, India, Israel, Japan,Kuwait, theNetherlands, Saudi Arabia,Singapore, Taiwan, the United ArabEmirates and the UK.Nothing comes close to the recent exportrecordof the Apache, if early sales of around2400 (each) by the first-of-breed Bell AH-1Cobra and the Mil Mi-24/35 assaulthelicopter are excluded. It may be notedthat the AH-1Z is being built for the USMarine Corps (189 units), while Rostvertolproduces the Mi-35M for the air forces ofRussia (22) and Brazil (15).IAPACHEThe AH-64s success was partly due to itinitially having no direct competitor. TheAH-64 first flewin 1975 (ten years after theprototype for the AH-1), andit representedamassive stepinsize andcost. Inessence, the4310-kg AH-1G, powered by a single 820-kW Lycoming L53, was to be replaced by a10,433-kg AH-64, with two 1400-kWGeneral Electric T700s.Coming whenmany felt that a helicoptercould not survive over the modernbattlefield, there was no immediate rush tocompetewiththeAH-64. Inthesameweight category, the Mil Mi-28 and single-seat Kamov Ka-50 flew only in 1982, andtheir service entry was delayed by a bungledcompetition and lack of productionfunding, following dissolution of theSoviet Union.The muchlighter AgustaWestland A129followedin1983, andthe mid-weightEurocopter Tiger in 1991. When the AH-64A entered service in 1984, there was noalternative product ready to compete. Itssales were boosted by outstandingperformanceintheGulf War of 1991.Between 1984 and 1997, a total of 937 AH-64As were built.The radar-equipped AH-64D LongbowApachefirst flewin1992andenteredservice in 1998 with day/night all-weathercapability. The Mi-28N had flown in 1996,but did not enter service with the RussianArmy until 2006.17 INTERNATIONAL 2/2013Roy BraybrookThis French Army Hap Tiger isarmed with 68-mmSneb rocketsand a 30-mmNexter 30M781cannon in a THL30 turret. Itscallsign F-MBHC indicates that it isassigned to 5-RHC (5e RegimentdHelicopteres de Combat) at PauPyrenees Airport in southwestFrance. (Eurocopter/Eric Raz)One of 60 purchased by the Italian Army, thisAgustaWestland AH-129 serial EI-929 isarmed with a 20-mmGeneral DynamicsM197 Gatling gun in an OtoBreda turret, andeight Raytheon BGM-71 Towanti-armourmissiles. (AgustaWestland)Attack Helicopter.qxp:Armada4/1/132:19 PMPage 3The Apache (of which over 1800 havealready been delivered) has been a truemarket leader, and it may still be the bestoptionfor thosenations fearingheavyarmouredattacks. However, today there areseveral alternatives, promoted by nationsthat are less averse to customers demandingoffsets and industrial participation.Furthermore, smaller, less expensive attackhelicopters offer adequatecapabilityinmany scenarios.The remainder of this report summarisesthe development andmarketing status of theprincipal attack helicopters, according toregionof origin.ICHINAThe PRChas beenparticularly slowtoadoptthe tandem-seat, slender fuselageconfiguration of the dedicated attackhelicopter. It first developedanarmedversion of the Harbin Z9, a licence-builtEurocopter SA356N1 Dauphin, effectivelyreinventing the Panther. Chinas army (PLA)has large numbers of 4100-kg Z9WAs andatleast one squadronof Z9WZs. The principalattack helicopter marketed by CATICis theZ9WE, as usedby the KenyanArmy.CATIC also offers the Z9EC ship-basedASWversion.The 4500-kg Changhe Z19 is a recentdevelopment of the Z9, withtandemseatingand a slimmed oval-section fuselage. Likethe Z9, the Z19 has no chinturret.TheChangheZ10is amuchlarger7000-kg (class) design with an X-type tailrotor in place of the Fenestron, a slenderdiamond-section fuselage, a flexibly-mounted chin gun, and a large wing andhorizontal tail. It first flewin2003, probablywithP&WCPT6Cengines.The single-engined 2250-kg ChangheCZ11W light attack helicopter appears tobe an unlicensed copy of the EurocopterFennec. In 2008 the CZ11WA was selectedby Argentine Army Aviationfor in-countrylicence productionby Fabrica Argentina deAviones (FAdeA), with sales rightsthroughout Latin America. It is plannedto offer a choice of the ZhuzhouWZ8D, Turbomeca Arriel and LycomingLTS101 engines.18 INTERNATIONAL 2/2013Attack HelicoptersTurkeys TAI T129 Atak helicopter isdistinguished fromthe original AW129 by itsmuch larger sensor turret and use of thetube-launched, infrared-guided RoketsanUmtas missile, with a range of 8000 metres.(AgustaWestland)Chinas Peoples Liberation Army uses armedversions of the Harbin Z9, a licence-builtEurocopter Dauphin. The main domesticmodel is the Z9WA and the export version isthe Z9WE (shown here). The Chinesecharacters on the rear fuselage translate asHarbin Aircraft Industries Group. (CATIC)Attack Helicopter.qxp:Armada4/1/132:19 PMPage 42013BELLHELICOPTERTEXTRONINC.PROTECT AND DEFEND YOUR MISSION: MILITARY CUSTOMER SUPPORT & SERVICES COMMERCIALBELLHELICOPTER.COMAH-1Z Zulu is the most exible, most effective multi-mission attack helicopter intheworld. Afullyintegratedflightdeckprovidesanunequaledtargeting system and digital data link capability while reducing pilot workload. Ready and capable in austere environments, Zulu is highly survivable and combat proven. All while offering a low acquisition price and life cycle costs.20 INTERNATIONAL 2/2013IWESTERNEUROPEThe 4600-kg AgustaWestland A129 is onlyhalf the weight of most attack helicopters,but may respond better to 21st centuryneeds.The Italian Armys 58 remainingMangustas have beenupgradedtomultiroleAH-129C(previously A129CBT) standard,with five-blade rotors and some ofthe modifications developed for theexport market. The AH-129D is a furtherdevelopment that will feature the RafaelToplite sighting systemand Spike-ERmissiles. Italian Army aircraft have beendeployed to Macedonia, Somalia, Iraq andAfghanistan.Turkeys TAI T129 Atak helicopter is ajoint development with AgustaWestland,basedontheA129, but with1014-kWLHTEC CTS800s built by Tusas EngineIndustries. The2007contract evidentlycalled for one prototype to be built in Italy(it flewin2009) andfive inTurkey, followedby 45 production aircraft with an option on40 more. In 2010 nine T129s were orderedfromAgustaWestlandfor delivery in2012, tomeet anurgent TurkishArmy requirement.Thefirst 30TAI-builtT129swill becompletedtoTUC-1standard(TurkishArmy designationT129A), with anAselsanmission computer, Aselflir-300T targetingsystem, and a Thales helmet-mounteddisplay. Subsequent aircraft will be built toAttack HelicoptersAircraft Mi-28N Ka-52 AH-64E Rooivalk AH-1ZEngines VK-2500 VK-2500 T700-GE-701D Makila T700-401CMax kW 2x1640 2x1864 2x1490 2x1420 2x1340Max TOW 10,900 11,300 10,433 8750 8390Cruise Speed (km/hr) 270 270 279 278 296Max Speed (km/hr) 300 310 293 n.a n.aRange (km) 1100 1108 1900 1335 685Rotor Dia (m) 17.2 14.63 15.58 14.6Turret Gun Calibre (mm) 30 30 30 20 20MAINCHARACTERISTICSPhotographed at the Maaks shownearMoscow, the Kamov Ka-52 Alligator reportedlyis more manoeuvrable and has moreadvanced avionics than the rival Mi-28N.Following the precedent set by the single-seatKa-50, the Ka-52 has ejection seats, whichnaturally require jettison of the rotor blades.(Armada/Eric H. Biass)Attack Helicopter.qxp:Armada4/1/132:20 PMPage 6TUC-2 standard (T129B), introducing anAselsan helmet display, and RoketsanUmtas anti-tank missiles and Cirit 70 mmlaser-guided rockets.AgustaWestland is now promoting theT129 (not the A129) internationally, andTAI is authorised to market the aircraftanywhere except Italy andthe UK. Potentialcustomers include Azerbaijan, Jordan,Malaysia, Pakistan, the Philippines and theUnitedArabEmirates. Inthe long termItalymight buy T129s fromAgustaWestland.The 6100-kg Eurocopter EC665 Tigerwas launched in 1999 on the basis that 160would be produced, split equally betweenthe FrenchandGermanarmies. Germany is(so far) adhering to its plan to buy 80 anti-tank UHT Tigers,but France is now tobuy40Hap(firesupport)and40Had(multirole) Tigers. The French Army HapTiger has beenoperatedinAfghanistanandover Libya, andthe GermanArmy UHTwasdeployed to Afghanistaninlate 2012.The Had Tiger was developed for Spain,which ordered 24, with 18 to be assembledin-country. Australia ordered22 ARHTigers, based on the Hap variant, with 18assembled locally.IRUSSIAIn2005 it was decidedtoreplace the RussianArmys Mi-24/35 with the 10,900-kg MilMi-28N Night Hunter, which is currentlyassignedtotheRussianFederationAirForce(RFAF), but will returntoArmyAviationfrom2015.The first production order covered 67Mi-28Ns for delivery by 2013. A furthercontract covers 30 to be completed by 2014.The service currently has Mi-28Ns with atraining unit and three operationalsquadrons. The Mi-28N has taken so longto reach service that the RFAF plans toZ10 Tiger LCH T129 Z9WE OH-1WZ9 MTR390 Shakti CTS800 Arriel 2C Mitsubishi TS12x1000 2x1092 2x895 2x1014 2x626 2x6607500 6600 5500 5000 4100 4000270 n.a n.a 269 n.a n.a300 271 265 270 238 305800 1130 700 1000 528 55013 n.a n.a n.a 12.01 11.623 30 (ARH/HAD/HAP) 20 20 (no turret) (no turret)Shown armed with two 20-tube 80-mmS-8 rocket pods and the 30-mmShipunov 2A42 cannon, the Mil Mi-28NNight Hunter is nowin squadronservice with the Russian Air Force. (Russian Helicopters)21 INTERNATIONAL 2/2013Attack Helicopter.qxp:Armada4/1/132:20 PMPage 722 INTERNATIONAL 2/2013Attack HelicoptersWhen back at camp, a 21 year-old corporal told me thanksfor savingmylife. I thenrealisedhowmuchmyA129attackhelicopter wasabletosolvecritical situationsthatother assets are not able to handle, Capt. Paolo Trotta, 5thRigel ArmyAviation Regiment of the ItalianArmy, told Armada.Awaiting the latest version of the chopper, Italian Mangusta crews areflying in Afghanistan with some situational awareness improvements thatprovedtobegame-changingitems. ThefirstistheSafeStrikeAirappthat we run on an iPad-mini equipped with a leg-strap. Developed by anItalian start-up called RebelAlliance,the app was initially developed forhelping JTACs in their job. We immediately saw a potential, Capt. Trottasays, and asked some adaptation for using it in flight. The main advan-tageisthat thesystemhandles.sidmapsandthisallowstostorethemaps of the whole area of responsibility down to half-meter resolutionmaps, something of key importance when carrying out kinetic operations.Capacitytouch-screenNomexgloveswereacquiredtocopewiththenew system. Safe Strike Air dramatically helps the mission commanderininterfacingwithgroundpersonnel whencarryingout closecombatattack missions, Trotta adds.InItalythesystemwastestedbyintegratingtheiPadwithaThalesStarMille radio, with the radio providing GPS data. With ground forces soequipped it allowed A129 crews to have a real-time force tracking sys-tem on their iPad at very low cost. Giving such radios to ground low levelcommanders provides us with both blue and green force tracking, greenbeingtheAfghanforces,Trottasays. Thiswouldbelimitedtoline-of-sight, but that is plenty enough for close air support missions. Other sim-ilar radios might provide similar functions. The system allowed us to dra-maticallycut downour reactiontimewhenweareonQuickReactionAlert both for planning and for operating, he concludes.Capt. Trotta also explains that another important tool used inAfghanistan is the Virtual Battlespace 2 (VBS.2) battlefield simulation sys-tem. It allowsustoconsiderablyshortenourplanningtimeformajoroperations,and we were able to implement a scenario using data pro-videdbyoursensorssuchasPredators, helicopteroptronics, etc., thatwas used for rehearsing the mission. The system is also used for after-action report, and it has been used by the Italian Aviation Battalion basedinHerattooperateinconjunctionwiththeUSShindad-basedAviationBattalion, ItalybeingthefirstnationtodeployVBS.2inAfghanistan, aswell as Safe Strike Air, the latter having been integrated with the formerin order to export the planning on Safe Strike.Last but not least Italian attack helicopters have been equipped witha Rover 5 receiver at experimental level. We have used it in ad-hoc mis-sions and it proved very useful, although as it is not integrated into thehelicopter cockpit wehavesomespaceproblemonboard. Thereforewhen possible we prefer to have it on board a CH-47 where the air mis-sioncommander canaccommodateit onthechoppers jumpseat,Capt. Trotta tells Armada. The addition of some C4I systems thus allowedA129 crews to considerably improve their effectiveness on the field.I SOFTWARE TOOLS IMPROVE A129 EFFECTIVENESS IN AFGHANISTANInterview and photos by Paolo ValpoliniThe more dramatic underbelly viewof the A129 seen herereveals the standard load carried in Afghanistan to cope with hotand high conditions, namely a 250-round 20 mmgun, two TOWmissiles and one auxiliary tank, which provides the best balancebetween endurance and firepower.Attack Helicopter.qxp:Armada4/1/132:20 PMPage 8launcha modernised Mi-28NMin2015.Exports of the Rostvertol-built Mi-28N(E) are difficult toconfirm. The KenyanArmy has receivedat least three of arumoured16. Iraqs order for 30 wascancelled, but is saidtobe reinstated.Venezuelas planfor ten, andAlgeriasinterest inacquiring 42, have not yetreachedthe contract stage. The Mi-28UBis atrainer version, due to fly in2013.The 11,300-kg Kamov Ka-52 Alligatorprogramme is running behind the Mi-28N,since it was recognised only at a latestagethattheformerhasadvantagesinmanoeuvrability and avionics. It first flewin 1997. In 2009 the first 12 of an initialbatch of 36 were ordered, and the Ka-52enterednominal service withthe RFAFat theend of 2010. In 2011 Russian Helicoptersstated that it had signed a contract to delivermore than140Ka-52s tothe RFAFby 2020.The marinised Ka-52Kwill have foldingrotor blades andwings, anti-corrosiontreatment, and emergency flotation gear.Russian Naval Aviation is expected to buyKa-52Ks for its Mistral-class amphibiousassault ships, whichwill eachaccommodateeight Ka-52Ks andeight Ka-29assaultAlso known as Arrowhead, the Lockheed Martin M-Tads (Modernized Target Acquisition andDesignation System) represents an upgrade to the AH-64s original sensors, in this caseapplied to Britains licence-built Apache AHMk1. (AgustaWestland)helicopters. The first pre-production Ka-52Kis due tofly in2013, andwill be testedontheAdmiral Kuznetsovcarrier, pendingavailability of the Mistral class. Productionaircraft will roll off the AACProgress line inArseniev in2014.IUSAThe latest variant of the BoeingApache is theAH-64E(formerly AH-64DBlock III),informally known as the Apache Guardian.Itwasdevelopedtoaddresstheweight-growth that resulted in the AH-64D beingunable to fly with full weapons load in theAlbanianmountains. The US Army plans toacquire690AH-64Es, consistingof 634remanufacturedand56new-buildaircraft.The AH-64E improvements includemore powerful GE Aviation T700-701Dengines, anupratedtransmission, newcomposite rotor blades and the ability tocontrol drones. Some 51 remanufacturedAH-64Es wereorderedinthelow-rateinitial production phase, beginning witheight Lot One aircraft in FY2010. Lot Twoconsisted of 16 in FY2011, 19 in FY2012,and eight of the 40 in the FY2013 request(which added the first ten new-buildaircraft). USArmydeliveries beganinNovember 2011. In October 2012, full-rateproductionwas authorised.Remanufacturing Apaches to AH-64Estandard is expected to cost the US Armyaround $ 16 million each,compared toabout $ 40 millionfor a new-build aircraft.Taiwan was the first export customer fortheAH-64E, thefirst of 20new-buildaircraft being handed over in May 2012.India is negotiating the purchase of 22 new-build AH-64Es, suggesting far more thanthe ` 3095 crores discussed in the press.Indonesia has requested eight new-buildaircraft, and Qatar 24. The Saudi requestfor 40 is for mostly new aircraft, and theUAE request for 60 is understood to beequally divided between new andremanufactured AH-64Es.The 8390-kg Bell AH-1ZViper (or CobraZulu) is inbroadly the same weight categoryas the AH-64. It was developed to meet theneeds of the US Marine Corps under the H-1 Upgrade Program, aimed at maximumcommonality with the UH-1YVenom. Theplanin1991 was toupgrade 180 AH-1Ws toAH-1Zs, and100UH-1Ns toUH-1Ys.After several changes, it currently appearsthat the Marine Corps will receive 123 new-build UH-1Ys and a total of 189 AH-1Zs,including only 37 remanufactured aircraft.The AH-1Z has two GE Aviation T700-401C engines, four-blade rotors, a ThalesTopOwl helmet-mounted display, aLockheedMartinAAQ-30Target SightSystem (TSS) and a strengthened landinggear. Itfirstflewin2000, andthefirstdelivery took place in 2005. The AH-1Zachieved initial operational capability inSeptember 2010. Full-rate production wasapproved inDecember 2010.At time of writing the little-publicised,latecoming AH-1Zhas wonnoexportorders, but South Korea is considering theprocurement of 36 (the AH-1Z beingshortlistedalongside the AH-64EandT129).IREST OF THE WORLDAttempts to market South Africas 8750-kgDenel Rooivalk (Red Kestrel) wereterminated after Turkeys selection of theA129. Rooivalk is completely dependent onFrenchsuppliers, who naturally support theTiger in international sales. It is in servicewith one SAAF squadron, and is expectedtobedeployedelsewhereinAfricaforpeacekeeping duties.In January 2013 Iran announced initialdeliveries of the Hesa/Panha Toufan2(Storm2), a warmed-over 4540-kg Bell AH-1J, ofwhich the Imperial Iranian Army received202 in the 1970s. Iran has a more originallightweight (1450-kg) single-seat attackhelicopter, the Shahed 285, which wasderivedfromthe Bell JetRanger andfirst flew24 INTERNATIONAL 2/2013Attack HelicoptersThis Bell AH-1Z serial 167809 is operated bythe US Navys Air Test and EvaluationSquadron HX-21 (callsign Blackjack) atNAWC Patuxent River, Maryland. The unit isresponsible for testing rotary-wing and tilt-rotor aircraft and drones. (US Navy)Attack Helicopter.qxp:Armada4/1/132:20 PMPage 10in2009. The ground-basedversion, designatedAH-85A, is insmall-scale service withthe IranianRevolutionary GuardAir 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 wasinspiredby the poor performance of the Mi-35inthe Kargil War of1999, high in the Himalayas. The 5500-kg LCH has two 895-kWShakti (licence-built Turbomeca Ardiden) engines, to give aservice ceiling of over 20,000 ft.The LCH was designed for a wide range of roles, including airdefenceagainstslowmannedaircraftanddrones. Thefirstdevelopment aircraft flewin2010, andservice entry is due shortly.It is planned that the Indian Air Force will have 65 LCHs and theIndianArmy 114.If the tandem-seat LCHis emerging muchlike anarmedscout,the 4500-kg Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) Korean AttackHelicopter (KAH) looks like anarmed utility helicopter, since it isrequiredalso to provide the basis for a six/eight-seat civil product.The KAHis toenter service withthe Republic of Korea Army in2018, up to 260 complementing 36 heavy attack helicopters, andreplacing 70 Bell AH-1Fs and 257 MD500s.Japans evenlighter 4000-kgKawasaki Aerospace OH-1conforms to the traditional tandem-seat, slender fuselageconfigurationof anattack helicopter, but (like the LCHandKAH)has no gun turret. As in South Koreas dual-use approach, someOH-1 parts will be employed in Kawasakis UH-X proposal for aJGSDF UH-1H/J replacement.The first of four prototype OH-1s flew in 1996. Despite initialplans for 150-200 OH-1s, only 34 productionaircraft were orderedfor the JGSDF, the last being built under FY2010 funding.Thisisnot thefirst timethat Japansdefenceequipmentprogrammes have been cut to unrewarding levels. Fuji (FHI) hascomplained that, after having invested $ 600 million to launchlicence-productionof the AH-64DJP, productionfor the JGDSFwascut from60 to 13 units. Japans manufacturers are arguing that thegovernment shouldeither refundsuchnon-recurringcosts, or allowthe export of defence equipment. In hard times, it is not only theproduct that needs tobe flexible.CONNECTORSFOR HARSH ENVIRONMENTS U.S.Navyphotousedwithpermissionwithoutendorsement.A ratchet screw system enables quick and secure coupling of the connectors.An innovative solutionfor harsh environments Very high contact density Ratchet screw coupling mechanism 6 different sizes Lightweight aluminium shell 2 to 114 contacts Optimum space saving Oil and fuel resistant IP 68 High shock and vibration resistance Vibration absorbtion flange Arctic grip or knurled design Lightning test passed USB version availableLEMO SA - SwitzerlandPhone: (+41 21) 695 16 00Fax: (+41 21) 695 16 02 info@lemo.comContact your local partner on www.lemo.comThe South African Air Forces Denel Rooivalk (Red Kestrel) is basedon the dynamic components of the Eurocopter Super Puma, andequips No 16 Sqn at AFB Bloemspruit. The Rooivalk is intended forpeace-enforcing missions in Africa. (Armada/RB)Given ten 100,000-tonne Nimitz-class nuclear-powered carriers(CVNs), of whichat least four areconstantly at sea (currently intheEast China Sea, NorthArabianSea, PersianGulf and West Atlantic), the United StatesNavy tends to dominate any discussion ofnaval airpower. Eachcarrier has anair wing(CVW) that typically includes three Navystrike fighter (VFA) squadrons of BoeingF/A-18E/Fs and F/A-18C/Ds, and oneMarine Corps fighter attack squadron(VMFA) of F/A-18C/Ds.The US Navy also has nine amphibiousassault ships (one Tarawa-class LHA andeight Wasp-class LHDs) that caneachaccommodate a squadron of Marine CorpsBoeing AV-8BHarrier IIs, and may one dayserve as platforms for the services LockheedMartinF-35BLightning IIs.ICARRIERS ELSEWHEREAircraft carriers are highly visible statussymbols and effective means of projectingpower (and of assisting in disaster-reliefoperations) at long range. However, they areexpensive, and their future viability mayhave been placed in doubt by the Chinese-leddevelopment of long-rangeballisticmissiles with terminal homing.Nonetheless, up to tennon-US nations maybe operating fixed-wing aircraft at sea inthenear future.In the 1982 Falklands/Malvinas conflictwithBritain, Argentinahadanaircraftcarrier, the16,000-tonneVeinticincodeMayo(formerlytheNetherlands KarelDoorman). This was to launch its DouglasA-4Qs against the British task force, butevidently failed to produce sufficient windover deck. Under threat from a Royal Navysubmarine (which had sunk Argentinas12,000-tonne cruiser General Belgrano), theship returned to port and took no furtherpart inthe conflict.In1983 the ship was modifiedto operatethe Dassault-Breguet Super Etendard,whichhadperformedwell fromlandbases inCarrier-based fighters and attack aircraft are a special breed. Their weight is strictlylimited, and they have either a slowstall to facilitate catapult/skijump-launch andarrested-recovery, or jet lift. Both solutions require excellent control at lowairspeeds.Such aircraft also have to be rugged and tolerant of salt spray and designed tooccupy only a limited area of deck or hangar floor.Roy BraybrookNaval FightersFightingFromaDeckHaving just left the Charles deGaulle, this Rafale Mis on its wayto a ground attack mission,armed with four laser-guidedweapons (Dassault)26 INTERNATIONAL 2/2013Naval Fighters.qxp:Armada4/1/132:11 PMPage 2the 1982 conflict, sinking the 4800-tonnedestroyer HMS Sheffield with an AM-39Exocet missile. However, increasingmaintenance problems led to the carrierbeing decommissioned in 1997, and towedto India for scrapping in2000.Argentinas Super Etendards can nowpractice deck operations only during visitsby US Navy carriers and Brazils 32,800-tonne Sao Paolo (previously the FrenchNavys Foch). In 2009 the Brazilian NavycontractedEmbraer toupgrade twelveA-4s (mainly ex-Kuwaiti A-4KUs), withmodernised cockpits, armament andavionics, whichinclude the Elta EL/M-2032radar. Theyareexpectedtoremaininservice until 2025.Reports indicate that the Brazilian Navywill assist the Chinese Navy in developingits carrier operations. China revealed itsintentiontobecome a maritime power as farback as the 1970s, with serious interest inacquiring a development of the BAe SeaHarrier (a sale that fell throughdue todelaysimposed by the Thatcher government).China subsequently imported a series ofretired aircraft carriers, mostly for theirdesign know-how. Australias 20,000-tonneHMAS Melbourne was purchasedas scrapin1985 (but was broken up only in 2002),followed in 1994 by Russias 42,000-tonneMinsk (now the Minsk World museum inShenzhen), andin1996 by the Kiev (nowtheTianjinAircraft Carrier Hotel).Finally, in 1998 China purchased fromthe Ukraine the 67,500-tonne AdmiralKuznetsov-class Varyag, for a mere $ 20million. The ship was designed toaccommodate 26 fixed-wing aircraft and24helicopters, but was only 70%complete andhad been stripped of its engines andarmament. Extensively refurbished by theDalian Shipbuilding Industry Company,equipped withChinese radars and missiles,and renamed the CNS Liaoning (hullnumber 16), the vessel was handed over tothe Chinese Navy onSeptember 25, 2012.Intelligence sources inTaiwanhaveasserted that the construction of two non-nuclear Liaoning-class carriers has alreadystarted in Shanghai. There have also beenrumours of two nuclear-powered carriersfollowing, derived from the Soviet Unions85,000-tonneProject1143.7Ulyanovsk,theconstructionof whichwasstoppedin1991. However, all of this may bepure speculation.Chinas Shenyang J-15 Flying Shark is acopy of the RussianNaval Aviations SukhoiSu-33 (formerly Su-27K). In earlyNovember 2012 two J-15s (side numbers552 and 553) began flight trials from theLiaoning. The production J-15 is expectedto have a Chinese phased-array radar, fifth-generation air-air guided weapons, and anew version of the YJ-63 anti-ship missile.The J-15 may eventually be replaced by thestealthy Shenyang J-31, which first flew onOctober 31, 2012.The fear of China building carriers mayencourage its neighbours toconsider the useof the F-35B from their helicopterplatforms. For example, Japan (whichplans to buy the F-35A) already has two18,000-tonne Hyuga-class escort ships(16/18DDH) with flat decks for helicopteroperations. Two 24,000-tonne 22/24DDHthrough-deck destroyers are due to followin2015 and 2017.Likewise, South Korea (which isconsidering the F-35A in the context of itsF-Xrequirement)hasthe18,800-tonneDokdo, the lead vessel of a four-ship class ofamphibious landing ships withflat decks.The French Navy has only one carrier,the 42,000-tonne Charles de Gaulle, and thefuture of the plannedsecondvessel isIf China decides to build carriersbeyond the CNS Liaoning, some Asia-Pacific countries may buy F-35Bs tooperate fromthrough-deck ships suchas Japans 18,000-tonne Hyuga(illustrated) and South Koreas 18,800-tonne Dokdo. (US Navy).Pictured during Exercise Malabar with theUS Navy, Indias INS Viraat is beingoverflown by a Boeing F/A-18F of VFA-102and an F/A-18E of VFA 27, between twoIndian Navy BAe Sea Harriers (in theforeground) and two Indian Air ForceSepecat Jaguars. (US Navy).27 INTERNATIONAL 2/2013Naval Fighters.qxp:Armada4/1/132:11 PMPage 3Naval Fighterscurrently indoubt. The ship operates withamix of Dassault Rafale Ms, of which theprocurement of 58 is planned, and SuperEtendardModerniss (SEMs). The last of 27remaining suchSuper Etendards is due toberetired in2015.The Indian Navy operates the BAe SeaHarrier FRS51 stovl fighter (of which25 were purchased) from the 28,700-tonneINSViraat (formerlyHMSHermes). In2014it will introduceitsfirst batchoftwelve MiG-29Ks and four MiG-29KUBsonthe45,300-tonneINSVikramaditiya(conversionof the Admiral Gorshkov Project1143.4). Asecond batch of 29 MiG-29s wasordered inMarch 2010.The conversion of the carrier for theIndianNavy was performedby the SevMashdefence shipyard at Severodinsk (nearArkhangelsk), an entity best known for itsnuclear submarines. In 2011 SevMashundertook the construction of a floatingairfieldintheArctic, half-waybetweenMurmansk and the Prirazlomnaya oilfield.SixHALTejasLCA-Navyprototypeshave been funded. Trials could lead to thepurchase of 50-60 production aircraft toform two squadrons to operate from theVikramaditiya and the 40,000 tonne INSVikrant. The latter, Indias first IndigenousAircraft Carrier (IAC), is currentlyscheduled to enter service in 2018. It isintendedto replace the Viraat, but the latterhas had its life extended to 2020 to allowforfurther delays.The Vikrant is to be followedby a secondindigenous carrier, which may revert to aflat deck with steam catapults (in place oftheskijump) toallowoperationof theIndianNavys plannedNorthropGrummanE-2DAEW&Caircraft.The Italian Navy has two carriers: the14,000-tonne Giuseppe Garibaldi and thenew 30,000-tonne Cavour. Each typicallyoperates up to eight of the services 14 AV-8Bs. It may be noted that Italy and Spainjointly funded AV-8B clearance to use theAIM-120medium-rangeair-airmissile,whichthe US Marine Corps didnot require.Italy plans to buy 22 F-35Bs to replace itsAV-8Bs. The Cavour will be able toaccommodate ten F-35Bs in its hangar andsixmoreondeck. Forthelongerterm,acquisitionof anF-35B-capable LHDandanLHAwill allowretirement of the Garibaldi.The Russian Navys only carrier is the67,500-tonne Admiral Kuznetsov (Project1143.5), with a typical fixed-wingcomplement of twelve Su-33 fighters andfive Su-25UTGattack aircraft. The Su-33 isscheduled to remaininservice until 2015.Ordering further Su-33s is deemeduneconomic, so in early 2012, riding on theback of the 2010 Indian Navy order for 29MiG-29K/KUBs, the RussianNavy ordered24 to be delivered by 2015. For the future,Russia appears to be focussed on buildingnewsubmarines, not carriers.The Spanish Navy operates up to ten ofits16EAV-8Bs(local designationVA-2Matador II) fromthe 17,000-tonne Principede Asturias. In2012 there were rumours thatthis carrier might be retired as an economymeasure, its role being taken over by the27,000-tonne Rey Juan Carlos I LHD. It isanticipated that the EAV-8Bs will bereplaced by up to 20 F-35Bs.Australia, which currently plans to buyonly the F-35A (US Air Force version), isbuilding two 25,790-tonne Canberra-classamphibious assault ships based on the JuanCarlos I (complete withskijumps), fordelivery in2014 and 2016.Nine of Spains earlier BAe AV-8SMatadors were sold to the Royal Thai Navyfor operation fromthe Spanish-built11,500-tonne HTMS Chakri Naruebet.However, these aircraft were retiredin 2006, and the ship is now used only asa helicopter carrier.The United Kingdom pioneered high-performance stovl aircraft, but the RoyalNavys sole remaining aircraft carrier, the22,000-tonne Invincible-class Illustrious, is28 INTERNATIONAL 2/2013This MiG-29UBK (black 204) is shownperforming a lowfly-by of the INSVikramaditya during trials in the Barents Seain the summer of 2012. Note the large-chordtrailing edge flaps and the extension of theleading edge flaps on to the chine. (RAC-MiG).Naval Fighters.qxp:Armada4/1/132:11 PMPage 4Building on our strong aerospace and defense legacy, ITT Exelis is the next generation of C4ISR, information and technical solutions, thanks to the tireless efforts of 20,000 engineers, scientists and business professionals. Every day, the people of Exelis help global government and commercial customers in all domains air, sea, land, space and cyber. Our advanced, affordable solutions incorporate new technology, new ideas and an enduring commitment to your mission.Todays security and fiscal challenges demand agility and efficiency. Experience the Power of Ingenuity.Aerostructures | Electronic Systems | Geospatial Systems | Information Systems | Mission Systems | Night Vision and Tactical Communications Systems The innovation and insight to anticipate your needs.The agility and dedication to successfully meet them.The partner of choice for C4ISR solutions.Image courtesy of the U.S. Navy,Lucas Silvawww.exelisinc.comExelis is a registered trademark and The Power of Ingenuity is a trademark, both of Exelis Inc. ITT is a trademark of ITT Manufacturing Enterprises, LLC., and is used under license.Copyright 2013 Exelis Inc. All rights reserved.Vertical landing capability minimises deck spacerequirements. Here two Boeing AV-8BHarrierII+attack aircraft are seen landing on the LHD-3Kearsarge, a Wasp-class amphibious assaultship. The aircraft intake ducts are painted whiteto reduce head-on visual signature. (US Navy).now used as an amphibious assault ship,with helicopters as its air element. It is dueto be retired in 2014. The Fleet Air Armbegan withdrawing the BAe Sea Harrier in2004, and the ex-RAF Harrier GR7/9 wasretired at the end of 2010.Two 65,000-tonne QueenElizabeth-classaircraft carriers are under construction forthe Royal Navy. The first is expected tobegin sea trials in 2017 and achieveoperational capability with the F-35Baround 2020. The F-35Bcould also fly fromthe 21,500-tonne HMS OceanLPH, and theRNs two 18,500-tonne LPDs, HMS Albionand HMS Bulwark.Britain was originally to purchase 138 F-35Bs for the Royal Air Force (RAF) andFleetAir Arm. In July 2012 the British defenceminister announcedthat aninitial 48F-35Bswouldbe purchasedtoequipthe carrier fleet,but that a final figure for F-35 procurementwould not be decided until after the 2015Strategic Defence andSecurity Review.TherewaslaterspeculationthatF-35Aswouldbe bought toreplace RAFEurofighterTyphoons, but nomore F-35Bs.IMiG-29KOf the principal naval fighters now beingmarketed, the most affordable is RAC-MiGsMiG-29K. The basic configurationis old, thefirst MiG-29 having flown in 1977, and itmight be criticised as a typical Europeandesign of that period (ie, all engines, littlefuel). However, internal fuel capacityNaval Fighters30 INTERNATIONAL 2/2013Naval trials with the MiG-29UBK (black 941)included carriage of air-air missiles. It is showntaking off with two short-range 105-kg VympelR-73 (AA-11 Archer) IR-guided weaponsoutboard and two medium-range 175-kgVympel R-77 (AA-12 Adder) radar-guidedweapons inboard. (RAC-MiG).Naval Fighters.qxp:Armada4/1/132:12 PMPage 6hasbeenincreased, andefforthasgoneinto perfecting the aircrafts handlingcharacteristics at lowairspeeds, possibly duetobadexperience withthe MiG-23/27. Over1,600MiG-29s are inservice in26countries.RespondingtoSoviet Navyinterest,the proof-of-concept MiG-29KVPwithstrengthenedundercarriage andanarresterhook flew in 1982. The first true MiG-29Kwithanenlarged, folding wing flewin1988.It performed the first landing ontheAdmiral Kuznetsov in 1989, just before theBerlinWall came down.The Russian Navy chose the heavier andmore capable Su-27K(later Su-33) to equipthe Admiral Kuznetsov. Interest inthe MiG-29K then waned until in 2004 the IndianNavydecidedtobuythemuchsmallercarrier Admiral Gorshkov, for which theMiGwas the obvious choice.RAC-MiGhas redesignedthe MiG-29K/KUB as part of its 4++ generationfamily, with high commonality with theMiG-29M/M2andMiG-35/35D. It wasgiven 88-kN Klimov RD-33MK Sea Waspengines, the Phazotron Zhuk-ME pulse-Doppler radar, a reduced radar signature,quad-redundant FBW controls, in-flightrefuelling provisions, a structure containing15%composite materials, increasedinternalfuel and improved high-lift devices. Thefirst of the new series, a two-seat MiG-29KUB, flewinJanuary 2007.The single-seat MiG-29K is capable ofMach 2.07 at altitude, and the MiG-29KUBof Mach 2.0. Both have a normal take-offweight of approximately 18,600 kg and amaximumof 24,500 kg.ISUPER HORNETFollowing 1480 F/A-18A/B/C/D Hornets,the Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornet is amuch larger derivative with reduced radarsignature. It entered service in 2001,followedin2005bytheBlockII withimprovements that included the RaytheonAPG-79 Aesa radar and AIM-9Xmissile.The first multi-year productioncontract,MYP1, fundedinfiscal years FY2000-2004,Boeing exhibits at Aero India 2011 at YelahankaAir Force Station, Bengaluru, included thismockup cockpit for an upgraded F/A-18E/F, witha single 28x48 cm multifunction display,offering improved situational awareness andreduced life-cycle cost. (Boeing).Boeing showed at Aero India 2011 aprojected Super Hornet development, withmockups of conformal fuel tanks and astealthy centreline weapons pod. Proposedimprovements include a modernised cockpitand 20%more powerful GE Aviation F414engines. (Boeing).purchased210 aircraft. This was followedbyMYP2 for FY2005-2009, buying 213 F/A-18E/Fs and EA-18Gs Growler electronicattack aircraft. To this was added asupplement of 47, including 24 F/A-18Fs forAustralia (an initial six of which are to bemodified to EA-18G standard). The MYP3covered 124 aircraft (66 F/A-18E/Fs and 58EA-18G) for delivery in2012-2015.Over 500 Super Hornets and Growlershad been delivered by the end of 2012. TheSuper Hornet equips 19squadrons of the USNavy, whichplans toacquire 515F/A-18E/Fsand114EA-18Gs.The F/A-18E/F has two 98-kNGEAviation F414 engines, a maximum speedof over Mach 1.8, and a maximumtake-off weight of 29,937 kg. It is anoutstandingstrikefighter, but thereisconcern over its ability to deal with fifth-generation fighters. In the naval context, itneeds a big carrier with a powerful catapult.Nonetheless, if theUSNavyshoulddecide toskipthe F-35Cinfavour ofsome future F/A-XX, Boeing will be readywith proposals for a stop-gap Block IIIF/A-18E/F, with 20% more powerfulF414s, a stealthy centreline weapons pod,conformal fuel tanks, a new cockpit andother improvements.IRAFALEThe carrier-capable Dassault Rafale-Mfirstflew in 1999. The French Navy plans toacquire 58, and already has enough to formtwo squadrons (Flotilles 11F and 12F). TheRafale is an advanced multi-role combataircraft, with (initially) two 75-kN SnecmaM88-2 engines. It has a maximum take-offweight of 24,500kg anda maximumspeedofMach1.8.The latest Rafales have the ThalesRBE2/AAAesa radar and M88-4E engines.Aside from extending service life and timebetween inspections, these engines havepotential for thrust growthto88 kN, subjectto airframe modifications to provide largerair intakes. Some 200 MBDAMeteorramjet-powered air-air missiles have beenordered for FrenchRafales.The Indian Air Force has recentlyselected the Rafale (presumably the RafaleB/Cusedby the FrenchAir Force, whichis toacquire 228) and plans to buy 126, with anoption on 63 more. This could well lead tothe Indian Navy buying the Rafale-M. Asimilar situationwouldarise if the BrazilianAir Force selects the Rafale B/C for its 36-aircraft F-X2 programme.Naval FightersThe only export order to date for the Boeing Super Hornet has been for 24 F/A-18Fs forAustralia. These aircraft now equip No 1 Sqn, based at RAAF Amberley in Queensland. Theunit was declared operational at the end of 2010. (Commonwealth of Australia).With its multiplicity of fuselage doors open, the second development aircraft (BF-02) for theUS Marine Corps Lockheed Martin F-35B performs an sto fromthe deck of the US Navys41,000-tonne LHD-1 USS Wasp amphibious assault ship. (Lockheed Martin).Pictured on board the Charles de Gaulle, this Aeronautique Navale Dassault Rafale-Misfitted with two 2000-litre fuel tanks, a Thales Damocles laser targeting pod, one laser-guidedbomb, two IR-guided MBDA Mica air-air missiles, and two Micas with radarguidance. (Dassault/S Rande).32 INTERNATIONAL 2/2013Naval Fighters.qxp:Armada4/1/132:12 PMPage 8ILIGHTNING IIThe US Air Force F-35Aversionfirst flewin2006, followed by the US Marine Corps F-35B (the stovl variant) in 2008 and the USNavy F-35C (the catapulted and arrestedlanding variant) in2010. However, full-rateproduction(plannedas 80 F-35As and50 F-35B/Cs per year for the US services) hasbeendeferred until FY2019.The planned acquisition total of 2,443unitsforthedomesticmarket includes680 F-35B/Cs for the US Navy andMarine Corps. The breakdownof thisnumber has yet to be finalised, but it isgenerallyexpectedtotaketheformofaround340F-35Bs and80F-35Cs fortheMarineCorps and260F-35Cs forthe Navy. Britain, Italy and Spain all planto buy the F-35B.All F-35s have a single 191-kNPratt & Whitney F135 engine, the F-35Balso having three Rolls-Royce extras forstovl: a three-bearing thrust-vectoringjetpipe, a shaft-driven LiftFan, and wing-mounted roll posts fed with bleed air forlateral control. Maximumtake-off weight isreported as 27,300 kg for the F-35B,although its vto weight is probably closer to17,000 kg. The maximumlaunchweight forthe F-35Cis reportedly 31,800 kg.All F-35shaveamaximumspeedofapproximately Mach1.6. Radius of actionisgiven as 835 kmfor the F-35B and 1100 kmfor the F-35C. However, the US MarineCorpsandNavyevidentlyusedifferentmission profiles, since the F-35B has onlytwo-thirds the internal fuel of the F-35C.Althoughthe stealthy F-35currentlyenjoys a unique position in the marketplace,thereareconcernsoveritscost, delayedavailability and the performance penaltiesincurredindesigninganaircraft tomeet threedifferent requirements (especiallystovl).Therearealsosuspicions over thestealthinessof export F-35s. If some competitor couldquickly developa significantly less expensivesemi-stealth fighter, optimised for the aircombat role, it might badlydent internationalsales of the F-35.Distinguished by their enlarged wings, thefirst two development aircraft (CF-01 and -02) for the US Navys F-35C werephotographed somewhere over the Atlantic.(Lockheed Martin/Andy Wolfe).34 INTERNATIONAL 2/2013C4ISRC4ISR Story Armada:Armada4/1/132:17 PMPage 235 INTERNATIONAL 2/2013RobustNetworking:End-to-endConnectivityThe current trends pursued in mostadvanced military powers addressend-to-endconnectivity over IP, andadvanced network managementservices toaccommodate mobility andprioritisationinexchanging anever growingamount of data ona tactical internet.As most countries embark onupgradinglegacy ATM networks to full IP, the USArmy have sofar the most ambitiousprogramme with their WarfighterInformation Network-Tactical. WIN-T inshort is to provide voice, data and videoconnectivity from brigade to dismountedsoldiers. The programme is led by GDC4Systems, supported by BAE Systems,Harris, L-3 Communications andLockheedMartin, and is aiming at delivering tacticalnetwork nodes throughout the Army by2016, following three increments: WIN-T increment 1, hitherto known asJoint Network Nodes, has begun fieldinghigh-capacity line-of-sight and satellitecommunications to more than 200 active,reserve and National Guard units, where itprovides deployed, at-the-halt interimcapabilities from brigade to battalion. Itreplaces Mobile Subscriber Equipment,adaptedfromtheThomson-CSF(todayThales Communications France) Ritanetworkontime for the 1991war for Kuwait. The new increment 2 extends brigadecommunications to vehicle-integratedpoints of presence for companycommanders (Tactical CommunicationsNodes), providing connectivity withsoldier network extensions. It is offeringon-the-pauseandlimitedon-the-moveAt the heart of network-enabled capabilities, integrationof voice and data intomilitary networking,with its acutesecurity, jam-resistant andmobility requirements,remains troublesome. Sitting above combat net radios,tactical communication networks face particularlytough challenges due to the huge numbers ofsubscribers, high-capacity voice and data requirements,and the intrinsically difficult ground environment.Wesley Fox &TomWithingtonThis avionics-laden AH-64D LongBowattackhelicopter in Israeli service features EltaSystems Ku-band Milsatcomfor on-the-moveoperations leveraging ISR feed fromaircraft or UAV (IAF).C4ISR Story Armada:Armada4/1/132:17 PMPage 3connectivity down to company level, and isundergoing low-rate production withinitial deployment to two brigades fromthe 10th Mountain division. Thisdeployment has beenfollowing since 2011 aspiralling development process inspired bythe nowdefunct Future Combat System, tobridge legacyCincgars andnewJTRScombat radio networks. Known asNetwork Integration & Evaluation (NIE),this twice-a-year process consists of fieldtesting and limited deployment. NIE 12.2,completed at White Sands Missile Range inOctober 2002, validated mobile and on-the-pausecommunicationsforthe2ndbrigade, 1st Armoured division, andconnectivity with 101 Air assault brigadeheadquarters at Ft Campbell. GDC4worked with the Army and the Systems ofSystems Integration directorate to validatethe current WIN-T capabilities in a testinvolving 4,000 soldiers over a 2,000 squaremile exercise range. The next phase is Increment 3, which isstill under development and testing. It willinclude anairborne component tosatcommsonthe move capabilities, andenhanceoverall stability, interoperability (throughthe JC4ISR radio) and security. The latteraspect, consistent with the US ArmyLandwarnet networkoperations governance(see Landwarnet andthe Global InformationGrid, ArmadaApril-May2011), alreadyfeatures network planning and monitoring.Increment 1bhadalready upgradedWIN-Twith a colourless core encrypted IP layeracting as a security enclave for classifiedandunclassifieddata, andeasing interoperabilitywith Increment 2. The same increment 1b,36 INTERNATIONAL 2/2013This newly tested WIN-T Increment 2company-level point of presence will provideon-the-move connectivity integratedinto a Mine-Resistant, Ambush-Protectedvehicle (here an Oshkosh Mrap), bringingan IP layer over legacy and newcombatnet radios (US Army).C4ISRC4ISR Story Armada:Armada4/1/132:17 PMPage 4The best things come in small packages+Supplied through the Thales FISTPrime Contract Management OfceMOSKITOCompact Day & NightObservation & Location Unit+The new Commanders Target Locator for FIST+Field-proven reliability +Less than 1.2 kg+Easy integration into C4IVectronix AG | Switzerland |www.vectronix.chprovidedbyGDC4overa396MUSDcontract running until 2016, enhancesdynamic networking for beyond line-of-sight communications thanks toanewNetworkCentric Waveform. Overall, WIN-Tis proceeding with increased connectivity,interoperability and has been providing amajor increase intactical mobility.Itslatest assessment bythePentagonpraisedthe NIEprocess as aconsistent waytotest andplanfor deployment, althoughoverallstability andreliability of a self-forming, self-healing network is not expected before fulloperational capability of Increment 2, andmaybe pushedbacktoincrement 3.Asimilar capability toWIN-Tincrement2, thoughona lower scale, is being deployedin France through the Rita N4 programme.Designed as an extension of the legacy Rita(RseauIntgr des Tlcommunications delAvant), the 240Mcontract was placedwithThales Communications to provide IPconnectivity and high-data rates to mobilebattlegroups. Extending deployed and on-the-pause voice, data and video exchangesbasedontheTRC-4000LOSandAPC-mounted Syracuse satcomm nodes, Rita N4builds tactical internet services (voice, data,AWIN-T Increment 2 tactical communications node for on-the-halt networking is enteringservice with the US Army, providing high-capacity voice and data exchanges frombrigade to battalion. It sits next to a legacy Mobile Subscriber Equipment inherited fromthe French RITA in 1990. (US Army).38 INTERNATIONAL 2/2013and mail attachements) on an IP backbonedelivered as part of Rita 2G in 2007, and ispaving the way for battlegroup all-IPconnectivity, actingas a networkinglayer forupcoming Scorpion digitized battlegroupsand their Contact software-defined radios.One hundrednewRitaN4networknodes areto be delivered to the French Army between2013 and 2015, with the upgrade of 200legacy nodes to the new higher capacitycommunications architecture, providingCombat Net RadioIntegration(CNRI),trunk nodes with HCLOS and mobilesatellite uplinks. Vehicle nodes managemulti-link connectivity transparently to theusers, allowing battlegroup commanders tofocus on their mission. The use ofcommercial technology with militaryrequirements allow flexible and modularconnectivity, and military-grade networkmanagement services provide deployabilityandmobilitytomobilecombined-armsbattalions normally deprived of the former,regiment-attached, signals specialists. As partof anurgent operational requirement, ThalesCommunications has delivered APCsequipped with X-band on-the-movesatcoms, supporting C4I services to legacyCassidians SIR battalion C2. These multi-link commandnodes have beensuccessfullydeployed in Afghanistan, where the deepestvalleys often denied VHF connectivity. Atleast one of these vehicles has been sent toMali to support Operation Serval, whereFrance leads a coalition of African nationsPreceding WIN-T on-the-move beyond line-of-sight capabilities thanks to an urgent operationalfor Afghanistan, this French Venus VABlight APCoffers Milsatcomconnectivity at rate of a coupleof Mbps for mobile company commanders and interfaces with the PR4Gcombat net radio;one is currently deployed in Mali to support French battlegroup operations (Arme de Terre).C4ISRC4ISR Story Armada:Armada4/1/132:17 PMPage 6fightingIslamicinsurgents. TheFrenchtechnology has already been proposed viaThales abroad; whereas Malaysian MCRStactical networking appears in standby dueto a shift in budget priorities despiteimpressive field tests at the end of 2011showingseveral tens of megabytes per secondexchanges at more than 60 km. The UnitedArab Emirates, for their part, have procuredpart of Rita N4 technology, both throughtheir Zagil tactical network and the newly-delivered ground segment of the dual-useYahsat programme, featuring on-the-pauseandon-the-move Ka-bandsatcoms.InBritain, the ground-breaking Bowmanprogramme wonby GDUK(withSelex, ITT,Harris, L-3 Communications, GDC4 andothers)overThalesCommunicationsin2002 is proceeding to deliver tacticalnetworkingover nearly 50,000high-capacityvoice anddata radios. The BowmanCombatInfrastructurePlatform(BCIP)isbeingimplemented slowly, an initial operationalcapability having beenacceptedin2004with27 major reservations, a full operationalcapability having only beenreached in2008(BCIP5) withseveral important capabilitiesdeleted, suchas mobilevoiceanddataconnectivity or full interoperability withallies. This compromise, as well asshortcomings experienced by units in thefield in Afghanistan, led to a severe reportfromthe House of Commons Committee onPublic Accounts in 2007, criticizing over-estimated technical challenges, unrealisticThe TacMax broadband tactical network isRafaels Missiles and NCW division answerto converged military networking overcommercial 4G or WiMax technologies ; thisfamily of base stations, relays and mobilestations is designed to be embedded inArmy platforms (Rafael).project timescale, and faulty governance ofthe programme.Governance was strengthened within ajoint systems integration body to facilitateBCIP convergence between Bowman radiosand Battlefield Information SystemsApplications providing C4I services. Thecurrent army C2, artillery, air defence andengineeringapplications arepartiallyhandledby BCIP5.4 fieldedin2010, and2013 shouldseeamorerobust BCIP5.5, leveragingseveralurgent operational requirements enhancingBowman connectivity for British forces inAfghanistanandIraq. Thesedifficultiesdid not prevent GD UK to win the 94MNew Integrated Marines Communications& Information System (Nimcis), deliveringBowman-typeC4I capabilities toDutchRoyalMarines. As inBritain, thesystemwill providevoiceanddataconnectivitybetweenships andmarines ashore.Tactical internet ambitions are also partof the Australian procurement plans,through Joint Project 2072 Phase 2B. Thisdigital backbone component of the largeBattlespace Communications (Land) projectis in the tendering phase, valued between0.5and1billionUSdollars. The four biddingconsortia are:Boeing Defense Australia;GDC4 Systems withRaytheonAustralia;Elbit Systems withLockheedMartinAustralia, andBAe Systems Australia withThales Australia.In November 2012, however, the DefenceDepartment announced its decision topostpone its shortlisting by about a year, andevenpossiblyannouncearetenderingprocessinstead. This would stretch any decision-makingtoFY2013-2014, withplannedoperational capabilities three years later.In Korea, the Tactical InformationCommunications Networkis tobe fieldedbySamsungThales (withLIGNex1andHuneed)by 2014, andthe leading partners are alreadybidding against one another for the currentPeruvian Army C4I tender. In India, themuch-delayed Tactical CommunicationsSystem is still in design, development andprototyping phase, with the 3 leadingconsortiaBEL, ITLandWiproofferingamixof local and Western technology, includingthe Rafael TacMaxWiMax-basedbroadbandtactical networkingfor C2on-the-moveapplications. Boasting 45Mbps over 12Kmn-los conditions, TacMax leverages 4Gcellular technologies, offering end-to-endconnectivity to dismounted commanders.Its US and European competitors arealsopositionedinthis niche: LockheedMartinhas adaptedwireless broadbandtechnologies inits Monaxmilitarizedcellularnetworkinfrastructure; UltraElectronicsproposes its UltraMove system, Harris itsKnightHawkUMTSinabox, andCassidian(teaming with Alcatel-Lucent) leverages itsTetra PMR technology adapted for militaryuse under Evercor, earmarked for securityanddefenceusersinthe400MHzband.Launched between 2010 and 2012, allthese solutions advertise connectivitywith militarised smart phones and tabletsleveraging LTE technologies. Thales is tofollow suit in 2013, extending its multi-linknetwork connectivity to an LTEsmartterminal using running on Android,procuredfromElektrobit.40 INTERNATIONAL 2/2013A Bowman lower tactical user configuration during a brigade command post training in Britain;the programme status is maximizing vehicle integration constraints under GDUK, while othersuppliers like Barco, contribute with lowelectromagnetic emissions tactical terminals (Barco).C4ISRC4ISR Story Armada:Armada4/1/132:18 PMPage 8lock on tombda solutionswww.mbda-systems.comWORLD LEADINGMISSILE SYSTEMSMBDA combines technological excellence with industrial cooperation to equip the armed forces with the best operational capabilities regarding missiles and missile systems.SEEUSATLAADSHDW*STANDF40www.mbda-systems.comC4ISR Story Armada:Armada4/25/134:58 PMPage 9Recent operations in the Mediterranean Sea during Libyan crisis as well as antipiracyactivities in the Indian Ocean, highlighted the importance of underwater platformintelligence and special forces support operations in addition to traditional SSK patrol,deterrence, surveillance of, and attack against, illegal operations.Multiple roles andRobotics, the SilentWorlds Tech MutationsSubmarine Technology42 INTERNATIONAL 2/2013Submarine Technology.qxp:Armada4/1/131:25 PMPage 2The importance of suchcapabilities iswell known to Asia-Pacific regioncountries. These will acquire moresubmarines andspendmore onthem over the next two decades than anyother region in the world except the UnitedStates, accordingtoAMI Internationalanalysts. American, European, Russianandmore recently Asian shipbuilders are alsolooking intonewlittoral warfare andspecialops support boat designstocopewithcustomer requirements.Submarine designers, builders andsystemproviders all are developing new platformsor adapting current productionvehicles andsystems tomeet the newrequirements.IPLATFORMOVERVIEWThe demanding Australianprogramme, forinstance, that aims at putting12new-generation submarines into service from2025 on, withthe capability to conduct longendurance missions at considerabledistances from home, equipped with bothlong-range strike weapon systems tosupport special forces and unmannedvehicles, is pushing French DCNS to offer ascaled-upversionof the Scorpene equippedwiththe Mesma air independent propulsionsystem already in service with PakistansAgosta 90B (also sold to India, Malaysia,Chile and Brazil). The later variantin production features an increaseddisplacement comparedtoprevious models,but maintains a conventional diesel-electricpropulsionsystem.ThyssenKrupp Marine SystemsHowaldtswerke-Deutsche Werft (HDW)company, onthe other hand, is proposingthenewType216designwithan89-metreplatform, asubmergeddisplacement of 4,000tonnes anda propulsionsystememployingamethanol reformer air independent fuel cellsystem allowing a submerged endurance ofup to four weeks. The new design will alsohave a vertical multipurpose lock aft of thesail for cruise missiles, divers or robots inadditiontoa newsonar suite.Navantia proposes a scaled-upversionofits S-80 air-independent propulsion SSKunder construction for Spanish Navy, withenhancements for the specific programme.TheAustralianDoDisalsolookingatthe newest Sryclass SSKinservicewiththe JapanMaritime Self DefenceForce (JMSDF).In Europe, these companies togetherwithFincantieri andSouthKoreanDaewooShipbuilding & Marine Engineering(DSME) recently respondedto a request forinformation of the Norwegian Ministry ofDefence for a possible replacement of Ula-class submarines (instead of opting for afurther life extensionoperation).Russian submarine designers andshipyards are continuing to market theirlatest versions of the Project 636 Kilo classboats, the new Project 677 Lada or Amur1650for export, withboth types introducingenhancements in platform, command,control, sonar and fire control suites andweaponsuites including Klub-S familymissiles. According to Russian newspapers,ChinaisalsotobuildLada/Amur1650platforms maintaining a double sourceof submarines, in case the indigenousindustry cannot satisfy developments andprocurement requirements.ICURRENT TRENDSCurrent market trends, however are nowpushing submarine designers towardslittoral andspecial operationsupport boats.Various offers are surfacing, including theroughly 900-tonne and 50-metre AndrastafromDCNS, the 1,150-tonne and 58-metreType 210 from HDW, the 1,100-tonne and56-metre S1000 fromFincantieri &Rubinall featuring advanced solutions and able toconduct full-size conventional submarinemissions. The same companies andDaewooShipbuilding and Maritime Engineering(DSME)arealsoworkingonplatformsconcepts for special operations, as43 INTERNATIONAL 2/2013The newProject 677 Lada or Amur 1650 forexport family of submarines developed byRubin design bureau features latest nationalindustries platform, command, sonar and firecontrol suite systems, in addition to the Klub-Smissile family. (Armada/Luca Peruzzi)Luca PeruzziThe Scorpene is one of the latestfamilies of advanced submarineson the market. Being sold to theChilean, Malaysian, Brazilianand Indian navies, it is beingmarketed as a scalable platformwith conventional or AIPpropulsion system. (DCNS)Submarine Technology.qxp:Armada4/1/131:25 PMPage 3exemplifiedby the DCNSSMX-26showedatEuronaval 2012, the HDWType 200 andtheSouth Korean KSS 500A. The US SpecialOperations Command allowed foreigncompanies to participate and recentlyawarded General Dynamics Electric Boat acontract to design and build a prototypedry submersible for evaluation by the USnaval forces community, with theparticipation of Italys GSE company,builder of commercial diver lock-outsubmersibles.HDW in Germany has pioneered thedevelopment of air-independent systemsbased on fuel-cell technology, as used byGerman and Italian Type 212As,SouthKoreanandPortugueseType214sandlately by the Israeli navys Dolphin. In late2012, Sener engineering group and HDWsignedanagreement fortheindustrialproduction of an air-independentpropulsionsystembasedonafuel cellmethanol reformer technology. The latterprovides an alternative for producing thehydrogen required by a fuel-cell system,which is more suitable for larger platformswith long endurance. A fully engineeredsubmarine system demonstrator is to beready for end-2013.Appliedtoall Swedishnavysrecentsubmarines, Stirling air-independentpropulsion systemsalso power Singaporenavys Archer class boats, as well as thefuture Kockums A26 designed mainly forlittoral operations with ocean-goingcapabilities. Built under licence by JapaneseKawasaki Heavy Industry, it is alsoembarkedontheSryclass SSK, thenewest boat in service with Japan MaritimeSelf Defence Force. The Australian DoDthrough its SEA 1000 programme has alsoshowed interest for this method.Pakistans Agosta 90B became the firstair-independent propulsion submarine tooperate in the Indian Ocean, soon to bejoined by other boats in 2013 courtesy ofthe DCNS-supplied Mesma (ModuledEnergie Sous-Marine Autonome). Itconsists of a combustion module fed withliquid oxygen and fuel, and a steamproductionloop. TheMesmaendowsaScorpene SSKwitha submergedenduranceof more than 21 days. DCNS is proposingthe systemfor current andfuture P-75I-classprogrammes and for Australias SEA 1000future submarine programme.Navantia, for its part, has developedthe S-