Tag Archives: Special Operations

Soratnik Unmanned Combat Ground Vehicle (UCGV) was tested in Syria

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The Kalashnikov Corporation, the producer of the famous Kalashnikov assault rifle and a subsidiary of Russia’s state hi-tech corporation Rostec, is developing an advanced reconnaissance and attack system , the BAS-01G BM Soratnik unmanned combat ground vehicles. It became known that the Soratnik Unmanned Combat Ground Vehicle (UCGV) was tested in conditions that were as close as possible to combat. It is reported that the tests took place in Syria. The air temperature was extremely hot. Soratnik UCGV was tested in conditions as close as possible to combat. These tests confirmed the characteristics of the complex and proved the possibility of using this robotic system at an air temperature above 30 degrees Celsius.

The armored tracked vehicle Soratnik is designed for reconnaissance, retransmission, patrolling and guarding of territories and important facilities and demining. Soratnik operates in three modes of control, the weight of the UCGV does not exceed 7 tons, it can reach speeds of up to 40 km/h. With remote control and line of sight, the range of the vehicle is up to 10 km.

On the tracked platform can be integrated guns of caliber of 7.62 mm and 12.7 mm, as well as an AG-17A automatic grenade launcher of the caliber of 30 mm. The weapon station is equipped with gyroscopic stabilization of weapons and is able to independently detect, track and destroy targets, determining their type. In addition, it is possible to install eight anti-tank guided missiles of the type Kornet-EM on the Soratnik. The UCGV can also work in conjunction with drone.

BAS-01G BM Soratnik is a small squad-level tactical UCGV intended for limited support of troops on the battlefield, as it is basically armed with small arms and light weapons (SALW). However, the vehicle demonstrates the latest achievements of Kalashnikov in the area of unmanned vehicles. In 2015-2016, the company acquired ZALA Aero, one of the most prominent UAVs manufacturers in Russia and the Rybinsk Shipyard, a builder of fast attack craft (FAC). Therefore, Soratnik is believed to be one more element of the aforementioned combat system being designed by the company. Russia’s military is reported to have shown interest in the BAS-01G BM Soratnik unmanned robotic platform.

Soratnik Unmanned Combat Ground Vehicle (UCGV) was tested in Syria

Soratnik Unmanned Combat Ground Vehicle (UCGV) was tested in Syria

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The First Flight of IL-78M-90A Air Refuiling Tanker

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The maiden flight of the new Ilyushin Il-78M-90A aerial refuelling tanker for the Russian Aerospace Forces (VKS/Vozdushno-Kosmicheskiye Sily) took place on 25 January. The VKS is expected to buy 34 of the new tankers to replace its current Il-78s. The Il-478 can carry 91 tonnes of fuel in its main tanks, plus another 36 tonnes in an auxiliary tank in the cargo hold to give 127 tonnes of transferable fuel. The Il-78M-90A (previously referred to as the Il-478) is based on the new Il-76MD-90A (Il-476) transport aircraft, which is itself a modernised version of the Soviet-era Il-76 ‘Candid’ airlifter.

The new tanker version shares the avionic, structural, and powerplant improvements of the upgraded transport aircraft. These enhancements include a digital ‘glass’ cockpit as well as modernised flight, navigation, and communication systems. Structural improvements comprise a modified wing and reinforced landing gear. The new aircraft powered by four PS-90A-76 turbofan engines instead of D-30KP-2. The engines have also been updated, giving the aircraft a 60-tonne payload (up from 40 tonnes for the baseline Il-76/78) and a 12% reduced fuel consumption. The aircraft will allow simultaneous fuelling of two front-line planes (Su-27, MiG-29) with wing-mounted fuelling units. The tail unit allows refueling of long-range and special-purpose aircraft. Also when used on the ground the Il-78M-90A will allow simultaneous refueling of four aircraft.

The new Ilyushin Il-78M-90A will allow simultaneous fuelling of two front-line planes (Su-27, MiG-29) with wing-mounted fuelling units. The tail unit allows refueling of long-range and special-purpose aircraft. Also when used on the ground the Il-78M-90A will allow simultaneous refueling of four aircraft.

The First Flight of IL-78M-90A Air Refuiling Tanker

The First Flight of IL-78M-90A Air Refuiling Tanker

Lockheed C-130 Hercules: 60 Years and Climbing

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A look back on the first six decades of Lockheed (now Lockheed Martin) C-130 Hercules four-engine turboprop military transport flight. Capable of using unprepared runways for takeoffs and landings, the C-130 was originally designed as a troop, medevac, and cargo transport aircraft. The versatile airframe has found uses in a variety of other roles, including as a gunship (AC-130), for airborne assault, search and rescue, scientific research support, weather reconnaissance, aerial refueling, maritime patrol, and aerial firefighting. It is now the main tactical airlifter for many military forces worldwide. Over forty variants and versions of the Hercules, including a civilian one marketed as the Lockheed L-100, operate in more than 60 nations.

The C-130 entered service with the U.S. in the 1950s, followed by Australia and others. During its years of service, the Hercules family has participated in numerous military, civilian and humanitarian aid operations. In 2007, the C-130 became the fifth aircraft—after the English Electric Canberra, B-52 Stratofortress, Tupolev Tu-95, and KC-135 Stratotanker—to mark 50 years of continuous service with its original primary customer, in this case, the United States Air Force. The C-130 Hercules is the longest continuously produced military aircraft at over 60 years, with the updated Lockheed Martin C-130J Super Hercules currently being produced.

Lockheed C-130 Hercules: 60 Years and Climbing

Lockheed C-130 Hercules: 60 Years and Climbing

Leonardo AW101 medium-lift helicopter

Leonardo AW101 medium-lift helicopter

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The AgustaWestland (Leonardo) AW101 is a medium-lift helicopter used in both military and civil applications. The AW101 combines the most advanced technologies, safety by design, mission systems and leading-edge manufacturing to provide a proven platform for Heads of State and VVIP operators. It was developed by a joint venture between Westland Helicopters in the United Kingdom and Agusta in Italy in response to national requirements for a modern naval utility helicopter. Several operators, including the armed forces of Britain, Denmark, Norway and Portugal, use the name Merlin for their AW101 aircraft. It is manufactured at factories in Yeovil, England and Vergiate, Italy; licensed assembly work has also taken place in Japan and the United States.

Leonardo AW101 medium-lift helicopter

Leonardo AW101 medium-lift helicopter


Prior to 2007, the aircraft had been marketed under the designation EH101. The original designation was EHI 01 but a transcription error of a handwritten note changed this to EH101 and the designation stuck. In 2000, Westland Helicopters and Agusta merged to form AgustaWestland, leading to the type’s redesignation as AW101. Since the AW101’s introduction, it has replaced several older helicopter types, such as the Sea King, performing roles such as medium-sized transport, anti-submarine warfare, and ship-based utility operations. The Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) operates a variant of the AW101, designated CH-149 Cormorant, in the air-sea rescue role. Another variant, designated VH-71 Kestrel, was being developed to serve in the US presidential transport fleet; however, the program was cancelled. Civil operators also use AW101s in roles such as passenger and VIP transportation.
Leonardo AW101 medium-lift helicopter

Leonardo AW101 medium-lift helicopter


Three engines provide exceptional “hot and high” capability and the best One Engine Inoperative (OEI) performance. The largest cabin in class can be configured with seats, stretchers and medical equipment to meet a wide range of search and rescue requirements; with space for up to 16 stretchers. In flight re-fuelling extends the AW101’s exceptional range and endurance to provide SAR coverage in the most remote locations and full rotor blade ice protection ensures operations in the harshest of winter conditions. AW101 provides the highest levels of safety, reliability and availability. Operating world-wide, day and night, in all weathers and extremes of temperature, AW101 equipped with advanced communications, navigation, search and rescue mission equipment and systems, sets the standard by which other SAR helicopters are judged.
Leonardo AW101 medium-lift helicopter

Leonardo AW101 medium-lift helicopter


The ultimate multi-mission maritime helicopter. The 15 tonne class AW101 provides operators with complete multi-role maritime capabilities, including: Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR), Maritime Interdiction Operations (MIO), Anti Surface Warfare (ASuW), Anti Submarine Warfare (ASW), Airborne Surveillance and Control (ASaC), Airborne Mine Countermeasures (AMCM), VERTREP, Amphibious Support and Search and Rescue (SAR). Designed from concept to operate in the harshest maritime environments, including high sea state with associated deck motion conditions and equipped with the most advanced technologies and maritime mission systems and exceptional One Engine Inoperative (OEI) performance, the AW101 extends operational theatre horizons to provide force projection for Maritime Commanders.
Leonardo AW101 medium-lift helicopter

Leonardo AW101 medium-lift helicopter


AW101 provides the highest levels of safety, reliability and availability. Three engines provide exceptional “hot and high” capability and One Engine Inoperative (OEI) performance. Full rotor blade ice protection ensures operation in the harshest winter conditions. Combat proven and in operation from the Arctic to the Antarctic, the AW101 combines advanced technologies, comprehensive communications, navigation, air-refuelling capability, sensors, weapons and role equipment. Cost-effective through-life support and comprehensive training is available, for ongoing operational success.

Leonardo M60A3 Upgrade Solution

Leonardo M60A3 Upgrade Solution

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The American designed M60 main battle tank has been around for decades and remains in service with numerous nations around the world. When it came out decades ago the fully cast armor was very good but with the spread of anti-tank weaponry such as rocket-propelled grenades and anti-tank guided missiles the armor is today outdated. Keeping a tank in service with upgrades has significant advantages for a nation, for example, it is cheaper than buying new and makes crew training easier as they are already familiar with many parts of the vehicle. To this end, many schemes and packages have been offered in recent years to modernize the M60 and ensure it is capable of performing its role as a main battle tank.

Leonardo M60A3 Upgrade Solution

Leonardo M60A3 Upgrade Solution


Leonardo is presenting its M60 tank overhaul and upgrade programme at the first edition of the Bahrain International Defence Exhibition and Conference (BIDEC) in Manama, Bahrain. The proposed upgrade for the M60A3 will integrates a new 120/45 mm main gun with a state-of-the-art Fire Control System (FCS), modern protection systems and an enhanced power system. The Leonardo solution retains existing maintenance and logistics assets and requires minimal additional training for support. Leonardo fully owns and controls the core technologies involved, such as the FCS, the InfraRed cameras, the 120mm smooth-bore main gun and the technology which improves turret performance. The M60A3 upgrade and overhaul programme provides fleet operators with a cost-effective opportunity to enhance the capabilities of the platform in line with other 3rd Generation Main Battle Tanks.
Leonardo M60A3 Upgrade Solution

Leonardo M60A3 Upgrade Solution


The Leonardo M60A3 Tank Upgrade offers the same 120mm 45 calibers low recoil smoothbore gun as used on the Centauro II tank destroyer. This armament, combined with the LOTHAR gun sight and TURMS digital fire control system, give hunter/killer capability and increase the effective range. The gun, like on the Centauro II, is able to fire standard NATO 120mm smoothbore ammunition. Should it be required, all the fire control upgrade features are compatible with the 120mm L40 NATO standard gun too if the customer doesn’t want or can’t afford the newer L45 higher performance gun.
Leonardo M60A3 Upgrade Solution

Leonardo M60A3 Upgrade Solution


Leonardo is offering the M60A3 package with a whole new passive protection suite fitted around the M60’s existing cast armor turret and hull. Protection is claimed to meet STANAG Level 6. Protection for the turret is optimised for protection against kinetic energy (KE) weapons and artillery across the frontal arc. The hull to is upgraded to the same standard with the protection covering the hull sides extending to the third roadwheel. For the rear of the turret, slat armor is provided with an emphasis on protecting against the RPG-7 – a 60% probability of success against this threat is expected.

Brodosplit Coastal Patrol Vessel

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The 43.50 long vessel will be fitted with the basic weapon of all coastal guards today, 30 mm automatic gun and two manually operated 12.7 mm machine guns. The vessel can reach the speed of 28 knots at 90% MCR-a and is very capable of pursuit. It has a large navigational range and can stay at sea for ten days with 14 crew members.

The vessel is certified in accordance with Croatian Register of Shipping Rules (CRS) member of IACS.

It is a project of five vessels for the needs of Croatian Coast Guard. The basic purpose of the vessel is surveillance and protection of Croatian interests at sea. They will be used as support to island population and in search and rescue sea operations. One remotely operated stabilized

30 mm naval gun system, installed on the main deck forward at the centerline, ensuring a wide field of gun action. Such configurations incorporate advanced features as remote operation, built-in electro-optic sensor system for autonomous operation, day and night operation, stabilized turret, automatic target tracking (detect, track and fire on the move) and ballistic computation.

Stabilized turret enables the line-of-sight of the gun to be aimed at the target at all times. Due to the stabilization feature, the system can perform precise firings against stationary or moving targets while the platform is on-the-move.

Two 360° pedestals for 12.7 mm machinegun (of M2HB type, e.g.), situated starboard and portside on the superstructure, ensuring a wide field of gun action with same level of protection assured by open bridge wing structure.

EOS – Electric-optical Surveillance (EOS) system for observation, search and recognition of targets at sea and in air, and weapons control. It contains next sensors: Thermal Camera (3-5 μm cooled thermal imager, resolution: 640×480 pixels), Day Camera (minimum 20x optical zoom, resolution: 640×480 pixels) and Laser Range Finder (range: 100-20000m, accuracy ± 5 metres, divergence: < 1 mrad).

Brodosplit Coastal Patrol Vessel

Brodosplit Coastal Patrol Vessel

Royal Thai Navy M58 Patrol Gun Boat

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In December 2013, Thai shipbuilder Marsun Company Limited first announced that it had been awarded the contract to build the 58 meter vessel. While the RTN and Marsun have had an established partnership, the M58 is largest patrol boat the RTN has ever ordered from the company. This new class of Patrol Boat is expected to replace Huahin class ships: HTMS Huahin (541), HTMS Klang (542) and HTMS Sriracha (543), which were built by Asian Marine Services and Royal Thai Naval Dockyard. In August 2016, Marsun disclosed that the first M58 patrol boat, Leamsing (561), had been launched at the RTN-owned Thonburi Naval Dockyard in Bangkok.

The Leamsing (561) M58 Patrol Gun Boat type had a lenght of 58 meters and top speed of 24 knots. It is armed with a 76mm Oto Melara (compact variant) main gun, one 30mm cannon from MSI Defence and two .50 cal machine guns. Thales is likely to supply its TACTICOS combat management system as well as its MIRADOR optronic system. It has a length of 58 meters, a range of 2,500 nautical miles, a maximum speed of more than 24 knots, and a full-load displacement of 520 tons. Thales is likely to supply its TACTICOS combat management system as well as its MIRADOR optronic system.

The vessels are usually used for activities such as law enforcement, preventing infiltration in sea or onshore, protecting commercial and fishing boats, and carrying out search and rescue missions. According to the Navy’s Strategic Plan 2008 – 2017 Royal Thai Navy will add this series with another three boat.

Royal Thai Navy M58 Patrol Gun Boat

Royal Thai Navy M58 Patrol Gun Boat