Friday, January 15, 2010

IAF Mi-25 / Mi-35 Hind - Akbar



IAF currently operates two Mi-25/35 Helicopter Squadrons (No.104 Firebirds and No.125 Gladiators). IAF Mi-25s and 35s have now been painted in a low visibility paint scheme.The wake-up call to Mi-24 export operators (as many as 600 Mi-24/25/35 export types are deemed suitable for various scales of upgrade) came from Israel Aircraft Industries. It's mission 24 Mi-24 upgrade proposal was selected by the Indian Air Force in an order comprising 25 upgrade kits under a $US20 million contract signed in 1998. It proved to be a good advertisement with which to convince potential customers that a cost-effective alternative upgrade proposal exists, and was viewed as highly competitive to those offered by Russian and French companies. With an affordable and rapid integration of observation/sighting, navigation, self-defense and self-protection equipment proven in real-world operational conditions, the helicopter could perform well in the demanding CAS/AA role in the 21'st century battlefield, including at night and in adverse weather.



IAI's Tamam electro-optical division was quick to offer an affordable upgrade package for the Mi-24 that required reduced development time and risk. The Indian Air force contract covered prototype manufacture and testing in Israel, with production conversion to be undertaken at the customer's facilities. No airframe, flight control system, autopilot, power plant, transmission or rotor system changes have been made by Tamam due to the complexity and costs of such rework and any subsequent required qualifications.

The Mission 24 upgrade package as sold to the Indian Air Force is built around a 1553B digital databus. The heart of the upgrade is a single mission computer developed with IAI MLM; it is a derivative of the model used in the US Air Force T-38 upgrade program, in which IAI is the principal subcontractor.

Mission 24 utilizes Tamam's proven helicopter multi-mission optronic stabilized payload HMOSP, which weighs around 30 kg (66 lbs). It is an improved turret ball mounted derivative of the combat proven IAI Tamam night targeting system installed in the US marine corps AH-1W super cobra and Israeli DF/AF Cobra attack helicopters FoV (between 2.4 deg and 29.2 deg on the FLIR).

The HMOSP can incorporate two types of FLIR: a scanning array 4 x 480 Cadmium-mercury-telluride detectors, operating in the low-wavelength band, and a 320x 240- element indium-antimony focal plane array functioning at the middle wavelengths. Monochrome or color CCD TV cameras are included, together with a laser rangefinder, designator and pointer, plus a built in auto-tracking unit that uses centroid and edge-tracking techniques.

The cockpits are NVG compatible, and both crew members have the option to use IAI's advanced NVG set built-in monocular display on which all necessary navigation and targeting information can be presented. Both cockpits feature a single multi-function display (MFD) for TV, FLIR and targeting information, in addition to a keyword and display unit for navigation and communication control. The CPG has control grips borrowed from the AH-1W, with all necessary sensor/weapons control switches and knobs; such devices when combined with the MFD, can dramatically change work practices and reduce workload.

The HMOSP has been integrated with the Shturm-V ATGM SLOC guidance system through an IR goniometer and interface unit designed by IAI Tamam engineers, which has fully replaced the original old and bulky Raduga-F sighting/ATGM optical tracking system. The unit weighs more than 200 kg (440 lb). The Raduga-F 's role for targeting and tracking both the target and missile was taken over by HMOSP, with guidance commands being produced and transmitted to the missiles through the existing equipment. Russian sources indicated in 2002 that Tamam experienced some guidance problems during Shtrum-V test firings using the HMOSP system in place of the Raduga-F. In order to solve the sensitive missile guidance problems, IAI contacted the Russian design authority for the Shtrum, the KBP company of Tula, which provided important technical assistance. The contact was arranged through the Russian arms export agency Rosvoorouzhenie predecessor of Rosoboronexport.



KBP help is believed to have been instrumental in solving the software/hardware, guidance and control problems associated with the HMOSP/Shtrum-V assimilation on India's upgraded Mi-24s. There are other types of ATGMs on offer for the Mission 24 system, such as Rafael's Spike-ER that has a maximum range of 7 km (3.8 nm) and employs 'fire-and-update' fibre optic guidance. However the Indian Air Force, which has ample stocks of Shtrum-V missiles, preferred to limit the guided weapons integration work on it's upgraded choppers to the relatively cheap and well-proven Russian made supersonic ATGM. The Shtrum-V is still considered to be highly effective against older generation MBT's, such as the Chinese made Type-59/69, the chief potential targets for Indian 'Hinds' in a future war with Pakistan. Integration of the Indigenous Nag ATGM is known to have been earmarked for IAF Mission 24 machines at a later stage.

Navigation improvements introduced by IAI include a GPS receiver integrated into the existing DISS-15D Doppler sensor, and a three-dimensional digital map display. Both the HMOSP and YakB-12.7 gun are slaved to the pilot's line of sight through the use of a helmet-mounted sensor; the machine gun can also be slaved to the HMOSP. IAI chaff/flare dispenser units and Elta radar/laser/missile warning systems have provided a self-defense capability. The total weight of these new systems is about 50 kg.

It was reported that the production phase of the Indian Air force mi-35 was successfully running in 2001 or 2002. During the contract implementation phase, the IAF was tight lipped about the upgrade details, and IAI has also been reluctant to disclose the details of the launch customer for its Mission 24 package. The upgraded helicopters, in overall light grey camouflage, were displayed publicly for the first time during the Aero India 2003 air show in Feb 2003 in Bangalore.

In a nutshell, the package includes:

*A day-night sight with TV and FLIR.



*A mission computer.


*NVG-compatible cockpit with MFDs and moving-map display.


*Support for helmet-mounted sights.


The HMOSP and the 12.7mm four-barrel machine gun are slaved to the pilot's line of sight.

*A countermeasures suite.

*Global Positioning System (GPS) satellite navigation network receiver.

*Support for the AT-6 Spiral and Rafael Spike antitank missiles.

Wednesday, January 13, 2010

Assault rifles of Indian forces

* INSAS ( INdian Small Arms System ) 5.56 Assault Rifle 
File:INSAS Rifle.jpg

* INSAS mark 2


* INSAS Excalibre

* IMI Galil 



* IMI Tavor TAR-21
IMI_TAR-21.jpg (400×259)

* Zittara ,an Indian licensed production variant of the Tavor TAR-21
MTAR.jpg (400×277)
Image
* M-TAR

* AK-7,a licensed Indian variant of the AK-100 series

(Ak-7 with an UN peace keeper)


* AK47 and East German MPi-KM MPi-KMS72 7.62mmx39 mm




* Czech Vz.58 and Vz.58P 

* AK-101


* AK-103

* T91 assault rifle

* M16A2 

*M-4 or CAR-15
File:Para commando weapon aim.jpg

^^Indian Army para commondo with M-4 or CAR-15 (Colt Commando)


* FN F2000 and FN P90- In use with SPG 

^^FN P90

^^FN F2000


FN P90 (top) and FN F2000 (bottom)

DRDO Daksh RV

ROV.jpg (893×555)

Daksh is a remotely operated vehicle for defusing bombs, is currently under going trials. Developed by Defence Research and Development Organisation it is fully automated. It climbs stairs to reach hazardous materials. Using its robotized arm, it can lift a suspect object and scan it using its portable X-Ray device. If the object is bomb, Daksh can defuse it with its water jet disrupter.Daksh can be armed with a shotgun, if necessary.


Daksh is an electrically powered and remotely controlled robot used for locating, handling and destroying hazardous objects safely. [Daksh speaks for the ingenuity of the R&DE(E).




* It is a battery-operated robot on wheels and its primary role is to recover improvised explosive devices (IEDs). 

* It locates IEDs with an X-ray machine, picks them up with a gripper-arm and defuses them with a jet of water.

* It has a shotgun, which can break open locked doors.

* It can scan cars for explosives.

* Daksh can also climb staircases, negotiate steep slopes, navigate narrow corridors and tow vehicles.

* With a master control station (MCS), it can be remotely controlled over a range of 500 m in line of sight or within buildings.


Ninety per cent of the robot’s components are indigenous.The Indian Army has placed an initial order of 20 Dakshs.




Friday, January 8, 2010

Indian Acquisition of Admiral Gorshkov Aircraft carrier




The price of aircraft carrier Gorshkov has been finally settled at US $2.3 billion.Notwithstanding some bitterness, the Indian side finally agreed to pay this price after being told by the Prime Minister’s Office that the high level of friendship with Russia has to be maintained and an agreement had to be worked out, preferably before Manmohan Singh left for Moscow Dec 6.

That was indeed done on the morning of Dec 4, Navy Day, with a visiting Russian delegation, according to the latest issue of India Strategic defence magazine. Defence ministry officials refused to comment on the development.

The Indian side had asked for some additional onboard equipment at least as part of the increased price, but within that price, which the Russians agreed to. Details of that were still being finalized with the Russians 10 days later in the Indian capital.

The original agreement with the Russians signed in 2004 was for $974 million for the carrier’s refurbishment and upgrade, Gorshkov itself being offered free of cost. The delivery was then set for 2008.

In 2007, Rosoboronexport, the sole Russian agency responsible for selling and exporting weapon systems, indicated a delay in the delivery of the carrier. In 2008, it demanded an additional $1.2 billion in writing saying it had made mistakes in calculations and that it had to many more miles of wiring for instance than it had originally thought.

After that, during the negotiations to settle the dispute arising from this new demand, Rosoboronexport representatives mentioned varying figures asking for still more money, taking the cost of the carrier to $2.9 billion.

Rising prices of oil, which is consumed during the trials, was among the reasons quoted for this second revision of the Gorshkov cost.

The Indian side had agreed to consider the written request for additional $1.2 billion but declined to entertain anything above that.

Well placed sources from Moscow told India Strategic that the Russian government asked Rosoboronexport to come down to $2.4 billion and it also submitted a letter in this regard to the Indian Navy’s negotiating team.

Finally, India agreed to pay a total of $2.3 billion but with a request for some additional equipment, and the Russians agreed to that.

India has also agreed for delivery of the carrier, which the Navy urgently needs, by 2012 without any penalty.

It may be noted that the Russian government paid the Sevmash shipyard, which is doing the repair work on Gorshkov, $250 million as credit to ensure that the work did not stop. India had paid $600 million at the time of the contract, and another $122 million in August this year.

India has already paid more than $600 million for 16 Mig 29K carrier borne aircraft, the first four of which have been delivered at the INS Hansa, the naval base in Goa.



 


 
Mig-29k squadron would be called "black panthers"

The Indian Navy has asked for 29 more Mig 29Ks, the proposal for which has been cleared by the government. An order is likely to be placed soon.

These deals, although related to the Gorshkov, are separate and the Mig 29K aircraft will operate from both the Gorshkov and India’s first indigenous aircraft carrier now under construction at the Kochi shipyard in southern India.

There has been no official confirmation of the price from either side but Russian sources said that the agreed price was “close to what the Indian Navy wanted”.

The Indian prime minister’s delegation did announce though from Moscow that the agreement over the price had been reached.

“We do not know if the two sides shared some vodka over the deal, but there is goodwill between the negotiators on both the sides following the conclusion of the price,” said an informed source.















Friday, January 1, 2010

Indian Army Wants Cornershot Weapon

















The Indian Army is looking to procure an undisclosed number of "weapon systems for shooting around the corner without exposing the firer or with minimum exposure to the firer" according to a recent Request for Information (RFI). These are presumably for the Special Forces and some infantry units. The request calls for information on weapons that can engage targets effectively beyond 200-metres. The US-Israeli firm Cornershot LLC is currently the only firm with such weapons in its catalogue that would be open to doing such business with the Indian military (the other is an untested specimen from the Pakistan Ordnance Factory, and a third from Iran). The need for engagement beyond 200-metres means the Army will be looking for a cornershot weapon based at least on a 5.7-mm pistol-based, but this isn't specified in the RFI.CornerShot is priced between $4,000 to $6,000. The National Security Guard (NSG) recently tested a Cornershot pistol weapon and has ordered an undisclosed number for its anti-terror force.The CornerShot generally mounts a normal semi-automatic pistol, Assault Rifle and 40 mm Grenade Launcher,


















Sunday, December 13, 2009

Comparison: PAF JF-17 & IAF MIG-29 SMT



IAF MiG-29 Baaz (Hawk) 

The upgraded Indian version is known as 
Baaz (Hindi for Hawk) and forms a crucial component of the second-line offensive aircraft-fleet of the IAF after the Sukhoi Su-30MKI.Since its induction, IAF has invested nearly 2 billion on upgrading it.




Unit cost: ?
Max takeoff weight: 21,000 kg  

Powerplant: RD-33 series 3
Maximum Speed : Mach 2.25 (2,400 km/h) 
Radar: Phazatron Zhuk-M  

Range: 2495 km - with one in-flight refuelling.
Thrust/weight: 1.01 
Rate of climb: ~ 330 m/s 
Service ceiling: 18,013 m 
G-limit: +9.5 g 


^^upgraded MIG-29 SMT cockpit

FEATURES 



+ Zhuk-M features improved signal processing and has a detection range of up to 120 km vs a 5 m2 RCS target for the export variant, and up to 10 targets tracked and up to 4 engaged at once in air to air mode .In air to surface mode the radar can detect a tank from up to 25 km away and a bridge from 120 km awaya naval destroyer could be detected up to 300 km away and up to two surface targets can be tracked at once. The "antenna" is an electronically scanned slotted planar array.

Short range

R-60 - 8 km
R-73E - 20km
R-73M - 30km

BVR capability 

R-27R/T -200 meters to 
80 km
R-77 - 
90 km

R-27ER/ET - 200 meters to 130 km 



^^R-77

MiG-29SMT features over base model 

*Longer range and flight endurance
*High combat effectiveness
*Superb agility
*High reliability and flight safety
*Easy operation and reduced DOC, up-to-date logistic support
*Advanced architecture of cockpit avionics and information control system, *HOTAS
*Integrated fire-control system consisting of upgraded radar fire-control system built around the ZHUK-ME advanced radar boasting longer operating ranges, multichannel firing and up-to-date air-to-surface modes, and of IR search and track system and helmet-mounted sight
*Up-to-date navigation, radio communication, electronic countermeasures, monitoring and recording systems as well as optronic and reconnaissance pods
*Modified weapon system including the RVV-AE, R-27ER1, R-27ET1, R-27R1, R-27T1, R-73E air-to-air missiles, the Kh-31A, Kh-31P, Kh-29T (TE), Kh-29L air-to-surface missiles, the KAB-500KR (OD), KAB-500L guided bombs, rockets, free-fall bombs and the GSh-301 built-in gun.





JF-17 Thunder 


Unit cost: US$ 15 million (estimated) 

Max takeoff weight: 12,700 kg
Powerplant: 1× Klimov RD-93 turbofan
Maximum Speed : Mach 1.8
Radar: Italian Grifo S-7 ?
Range: 3,000 km 

Thrust/weight: 0.99
Rate of climb: 175 m/s 

Service ceiling: 16,700 m
G-limit: +8.5 g





FEATURES 

+Ra'ad ALCM is planned to be integrated with and launched from JF-17.

+The EW suite is also linked to a missile approach warning (MAW) system to help it defend against radar-guided missiles.

+NRIET KLJ-7 radar's multiple modes allow surveillance and simultaneous engagement of multiple air, ground and sea targets, of which a total of 40 can be managed. Using the track-while-scan (TWS) mode, the radar can track up to 10 targets at beyond visual range (BVR) and engage 2 of them simultaneously with radar homing air-to-air missiles. The operation range for targets with a radar cross-section (RCS) of 5 m2 is stated to be ≥105 km in look-up mode and ≥85 km in look-down mode.

Short range

AIM-9L/M -1–18 km
PL-5E - 0.5-16~18km
PL-9C -22km

BVR capability 

PL-12 / SD-10 - 
100 km


^^SD-10

Monday, December 7, 2009

The British Accuracy International AS50 BMG Sniper Rifle



The British Accuracy International AS50 BMG Sniper Rifle 





Weight
27 lb (14.1 kg) (no scope/sight, empty mag)
Length
53.9" (1369 mm)
Barrel length
692 mm

Cartridge
12.7 x 99 mm NATO
Caliber
12.7 mm .50 BMG
Action
Direct impingement
Rate of fire
semi-automatic, estimated at 5 rounds/1.3 seconds
Effective range
1,500 m
Feed system

5 or 10 round detachable box magazine
The AS50 fifty caliber (12.7mm) sniper / antimateriel rifle is the latest development of the famous British company Accuracy International Ltd. First displayed in January 2005 in USA at the ShotShow-2005, this rifle reportedly has been developed especially for US SOCOM users, and is now being tested by the US NAVY Special Operations center. The AS50 is to provide combat operators with highly accurate and rapid aimed fire at extended ranges. The rifle has an accuracy of 1.5 MOA. The barrel is free floated and features a dual chamber muzzle brake to reduce recoil, which is lower than that of the AW50 bolt action .50 BMG rifle. The two-part machined steel receiver features an integral accessory rail for the mounting of optical sights. Two additional rails are mounted on the sides of the short barrel shroud. An adjustable bipod and rear support leg/hand grip allow for stable shooting. This weapon is proven to accurately hit a target over a mile away. The low recoil system built in the back of the rifle can allow it to fire rapidly while still retaining its accuracy.The AS50 weighs 14.1 kg empty and holds 5 rounds of .50 BMG in a single stack removable box magazine.

Wednesday, November 25, 2009

SU-30 MKI vs Su-30MKK

Roundel of the Peoples Liberation Army Air Force.svg  Su-30MKK (PLAAF)

Su-30MKK 503(yellow)

Crew: 2

Unit cost: US $53 million

Max takeoff weight: 34,500 kg

Powerplant: 2× Lyulka AL-31F turbofans, 123 kN (27,600 lbf)[9] each

Maximum Speed : Never exceed speed: Mach 2.5

Radar: 1 × NIIP N001VEP fire-control radar (PESA)

Role: All-weather, long-range strike fighter

Range: 3,000 km

Thrust/weight: 1


Rate of climb: > 305 m/s

+ jointly developed by Russia and China 

+ M400 reconnaissance pod developed by china be used to detect the blind spot behind the aircraft to provide targeting information for rearward-firing air-to-air missiles, but this capability has not been utilized by the Chinese yet. 





Roundel SU-30 MKI (IAF) 


Crew: 2

Unit cost: US $40 million  

Max takeoff weight: 38,800 kg (85,600 lb) 

Powerplant: 2× Lyulka AL-31FP turbofans with thrust vectoring, 131 kN (29,449 lbf) each 


Maximum speed: Mach 2.35

Radar: N011M Bars (Panther) (PESA)

Role: Multi-role aircraft

Range: 5,000 km and 8,000 km at a cruise height of 11 to 13 km with air refueling system

Thrust/weight: 1.07 (at loaded weight & 1.15 with 50% fuel) 

Rate of climb: > 355 m/s 

+ canard increases the aircraft lifting ability and allow high angle-of-attack (AoA) 

+ avionics sourced from Russia, France, Israel and India 

+ radar range of 60 km in the rear hemisphere 

+ N011M has a 350 km search range and a maximum 200 km tracking range The radar can track 15 air targets and engage four simultaneously. These targets can even include cruise missiles and motionless helicopters. The Su-30MKI can function as a mini-AWACS as a director or command post for other aircraft. The target co-ordinates can be transferred automatically to at least four other aircraft. The radar can detect ground targets such as tanks at 40–50 km. 

+ A modified Su-30MKI is being used to carry BrahMos cruise missiles with range of 300 km.

+N011M can function in air-to-air and air-to-land/sea mode simultaneously while being tied into a high-precision laser-inertial or GPS navigation system.

+built-in single-barrel GSh-301 gun



CONCLUSION 


Even though both MKK and MKI are good fighters, MKK has the upper hand in all aspects.
MKI out performs MKK in maneuverability with its canards and thrust vectoring engines.
MKI has superior range compared to MKK (3,000 km vs 5,000 km and 8,000 km at a cruise height of 11 to 13 km with air refueling system ).So for me MKI is the winner, have your say.. 

F-15K Slam Eagle

F-15K Slam Eagle
Roundel of the Republic of Korea Air Force.svg


 


The F-15K Slam Eagle is a variant of the combat-proven F-15E Strike Eagle. Equipped with the latest technological upgrades, it is more capable, survivable, and maintainable than its predecessor, the F-15E, and is capable of long-range precision strike missions without escort, day or night, in any weather.


The F-15K Slam Eagle represents the technology of choice for the increasingly complex combat arena. It is a true multi-role aircraft that operates in the air-to-air, air-to-ground, and air-to-sea role. The F-15K is highly capable with an effective combination of brains and brawn.


In 2002, South Korea/the Republic of Korea ordered 40 F-15K worth $4.2 billion including a weapons package for its F-X program with deliveries beginning in 2005 and ending in August 2008. The F-15K Strike Eagle maiden flight occurred on March 3, 2005, in Saint Louis. Subsequently, the first F-15K for the Republic of Korea rolled out at Boeing's facility in Saint Louis, Missouri, on March 16, 2005.


The F-15K Slam Eagle was the first F-15E variant entitled to carry up to 12 JDAM/Mk-82 500 pounds bombs on the aircraft's conformal fuel tanks stations. The armament options of the F-15K also highlights Harpoon Block II, SLAM ER and AIM-9X missiles.



General Characteristics:


Length: 63.8 ft (19.45 m)


Height: 18.5 ft (5.64 m)


Wingspan: 42.8 ft (13.05 m)


Maximum gross takeoff weight and payload: 81,000 lbs (metric) and 23,000 lbs (metric)


Maximum combat radius without refueling: More than 1,000 nm (1,800 km)


Power - F-15K Next Fighter I Program: Two GE F110 turbofan engines, 29,000 lb (131 kN) thrust class
Power - F-15K Next Fighter II Program: Two Pratt & Whitney F-100-PW-229 EEP engines (29,100 lb (metric) thrust class)


Payload: A mix of air-to-air weaponry: 20mm cannon; AIM-120, AIM-9, AIM-7, and AGM-130 missiles
A mix of air-to-ground ordnance, including precision-guided munitions


The continuing success of the F-15K Slam Eagle is the result of a blend of speed, power, and agility – a combination that makes the aircraft the ultimate multi-role strike fighter. It is agile and highly capable in the dogfight role, precise and survivable in the strike role.



The Brains


A state-of-the-art cockpit and advanced avionics make the F-15K Slam Eagle and its aircrew as smart as they are capable. Combined with the Joint Helmet Mounted Cueing System (JHMCS), the F-15K provides increased situational awareness and enhanced air-to-air and self-defense capabilities.


•The F-15K’s AN/APG-63 radar incorporates all air-to-air and air-to-ground modes of the APG-70 and adds Ground Moving Target Track, sea surface search and high resolution capability.

Late-generation Forward Looking Infrared (FLIR) system enhances target detection and tracking.
•Link 16 Fighter Data Link connects the Slam Eagle to the networked battlefield.


•Improved self-protection capability through the ALQ-135M


•Third-generation Infrared Search and Track for enhanced air-to-air capability
Combat Radius
The Slam Eagle operates with a combat radius/endurance of nearly 1,800 kilometers – more than 200 kilometers greater than any competitor’s aircraft.
Speed
With a top speed of Mach 2.5, the F-15K offers unmatched climbing and closing speeds.
Maximum Payload
The Slam Eagle carries a greater variety of weapons and a larger payload – more than 13,000 kilograms – to ensure a true multi-role strike capability.


•Mission capability rate exceeding 95%


•Two-man crew and advanced avionics ideal for night low-altitude strike


•Unparalleled range, payload and endurance for the deep-strike mission


•Service life planned through 2030+ with technology insertions and upgrades throughout the life cycle


Long-term Relationship


Boeing is committed to a strong, mutually beneficial long-term relationship with Korea, and values Korea as a key partner in Asia. Boeing and Korea are partners with a strategic relationship; partners in innovation, and partners for security.





courtesy :- www.boeing.com

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