DEFENSE STUDIES

11 Januari 2017

Sazhen-TA mobile missile test monitoring station (photos : Sputnik, TASS)

Four Sazhen-TA mobile stations intended for visual measurements during missile armament tests were supplied and deployed in Vietnam by Russia’s NPK Precision Instrument-Making Systems, the company said on Jan 9.

"Startup work was completed and four video theodolite posts 14Sh27 [Sazhen-TA mobile optical-electronic system] were put into service," the company said on its website.

Russian specialists also trained Vietnam’s counterparts in equipment handling and participated in launches of observation targets.

Sazhen-TA mobile system for outer trajectory measurements provides for measurements of the range and angular coordinates of targets in visible and IR bands and for recording of target flight phases.

(TASS)

11 Januari 2017

Textron VTOL Shadow UAV (photos : FlightGlobal, Textron)

Textron Unmanned Systems is studying the feasibility of a vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) variant of its RQ-7 Shadow unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), which it hopes could be an upgrade option for the Australian Army's ageing fleet.

In 2016, the company revealed a VTOL variant of its smaller Aeronsonde UAV dubbed the HQ, and it is now assessing the possibility of transferring this technology to the Shadow.

Both Australia and Sweden operate the older V1 variant of the UAV, but while Sweden is working under a sustainment contract that will keep the fleet flying until 2020, Australia is looking towards alternative VTOL systems.

"I think they are looking more at the vertical take-off technology, and they haven't warmed up to the V2 [digital Shadow] yet," Ed Fox, Textron Systems Unmanned Systems vice president of tactical unmanned aircraft systems, told IHS Jane's in early January. "[VTOL] gives them some flexibility that the current V1 system doesn't have, which is expeditionary, smaller runways, and all those features their user community is looking for."

Textron is studying adding the VTOL capability to both the V1 and V2 variants. While the basic concept is scalable from the Aerosonde, Textron is assessing the availability of commercial battery and motor technology to support the larger Shadow airframe, which is three times the size of Aerosonde.

"We're currently completing some trade studies … on current battery and motor technology," Fox said. "I think we'll complete the trade studies and analysis this year, depending on what is out there in the commercial market.

"We could be flying a technology demonstrator sometime next year if the technology exists. What we don't want to be doing is developing a brand new motor and brand new lithium technology. We want to make this a low-cost alternative to the units [operated by] the customers that have the V1."

(Jane's)

11 Januari 2017

Roket RHan-450 (photos : Lapan)

Konsorsium roket nasional Indonesia yang diinisiasi oleh Balitbang Kemhan dan Pusat Teknologi Roket Lapan dan pelaksana kegiatan adalah PT Dahana , salah satu program utamanya di tahun 2016 adalah uji terbang roket 3 digit RHan-450 dan telah dilaksanakan pada tanggal 15 Desember 2016 bertempat di stasiun peluncuran roket Balai Uji Teknologi dan Antariksa dan Atmosfer Pameumpeuk, kabupaten Garut Propinsi Jawa Barat.

Uji terbang kali ini adalah uji fungsi/dinamis roket jarak 100 km ground to ground RHAN-450. Sebagai Ketua pelaksana kegiatan Kabid Matra Darat Balitbang KemenHan Kol Cpl.Abdullah Sani . Acara dihadiri antara lain Sestama Lapan Drs I L Aridiyo MSi , Deputi teknologi Roket Lapan DR. Rika Andiarti dan Kapustekroket Lapan Drs Sutrisno MT, Kapus Alpalhan Balitbang KemenHan Laksma Budiharja Raden, Dirtekbang PT Dahana Hari Hariswan, utusan dari Presiden RI, serta para pensiunan peneliti Lapan yang telah banyak memberi kontribusi mengenai peroketan Indonesia.

Roket 3 digit RHan-450 memiliki konfigurasi: diameter 450 mm, panjang total 7100mm massa total 18000 kg, dengan potensial payload 300 kg. Payload menggunakan dua system yaitu telemetri GPS dan Radar serta dilengkapi sensor accelerometer, Gyro yang dapat merekam perilaku roket dan dilengkapi system utk mentransfer data ke ground station. Uji terbang roket pada sudut elevasi 700 dan azimuth 1930 serta required safety area bearing 1480 s/d 2380 dengan radius 140 km. Pada pukul 8.30, roket RHan-450 meluncur baik menembus awan pantai Pameumpeuk.

(Lapan)

11 Januari 2017

M109 simulator (photo : Shephard)

The Royal Thai Army (RTA) is an ardent user of Howitzer Crew Trainers (HCT) for its M109 crews, with their software upgraded to the latest version in 2015.

Delivered to the army’s Artillery Centre on 29 January 2003, Thailand acquired the HCTs from Van Halteren Defence in the Netherlands for a price of $2 million.

The HCT is an indoor simulator for the M109A5 155mm self-propelled howitzer, providing a realistic environment to train crews.

The HCT has three main parts. The first is the instructor station, a control section used to set training situations, and to correct, record and evaluate the results of each training session for debriefings.

The second part is the training station, a transparent compartment allowing instructors to view crews and training situations. It is arranged to mimic the interior of an M109A5 turret, and it features all the equipment needed by gunners.

The final part is the training ammunitions system, it features all ammunition types that are the same size and weight as real ammunition rounds. Gunners can select and use them in their training.

The HCTs offer the RTA artillery corps low-cost training for crews in a controllable and safe environment. It avoids the cost of live-fire training and commitment of all associated resources, plus it can be used any time.

Currently the RTA has 18 M109A5s in its inventory, these have been in service since 1994.

(Shephard)

12 Januari 2017

RTA Oplot tank (photo : News)

Thailand refused to buy Ukrainian tanks

MOSCOW - RIA Novosti. Thailand Ministry of Defense to terminate the contract with Kiev on supply tanks "Oplot" because of the failure by the Ukrainian side of the agreement, according to Ukrainian edition of "Vesti" referring to the statement by the head of the military department of the Thai Pravita Vongsumona.

According to General Vongsumona, according to the contract signed yet in 2011, the Thai army was to receive 49 tanks by October 2017, but began to supply problems. Last year, the Ukrainian side has provided only 20 tanks. In Bangkok, it said that the situation is mainly due to the internal situation in Ukraine.

After that the army committee of Thailand, making decisions about procurement of military equipment, reduced the volume of orders in the Ukraine, and then completely transferred to tanks in China. With China signed a contract to supply 28 armored VT-4 with the possibility of increasing the order.

(RIA Novosti)

11 Januari 2017

Raytheon's Next Generation Jammer (image : Raytheon, Scout)

Australia is looking at options to influence development of Raytheon's Next Generation Jammer (NGJ) by possibly entering into a cooperative agreement with the US Navy (USN), a senior Australian official revealed.

Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) director general of capability planning at Air Force Headquarters, Air Cdre Mike Kitcher, said the NGJ will be a key component of Project Air 5439 Phase 6, a further step in Australia’s Boeing EA-18G Growler airborne electronic attack acquisition programme.

‘Phase 6 is looking at upgrading the current Growler capability to the US Navy-common Advanced Growler capability, and one of the key components of that is the NGJ suite of jamming pods to replace the existing ALQ-99 pods,’ Kitcher said.

‘We’re working hard with the US Navy, looking at options as to how we might enter into a co-development programme with elements of the Advanced Growler capability as well,’ he continued.

Australia is acquiring 12 Growlers under Air 5439 Phase 3, and Australian crews have been working up with USN Growler squadrons ahead of the first aircraft arriving in Australia in February.

Although largely similar to USN aircraft, RAAF Growlers have the added ability to use Raytheon’s ATFLIR targeting pod and AIM-9X air-to-air missiles. Initial operational capability is due in mid-2018.

A further initiative under consideration for the Advanced Growler capability is integration of CEA Technologies’ phased-array radar into a future Advanced Mobile Threat Training Emitter System (MTTES). In December Australia announced a Foreign Military Sales purchase of an initial MTTES capability under Air 3021 Phase 1.

‘The US test community has bought CEA Technology radars, largely for F-35 testing, and I think there is potential for other elements of the US forces to look at adopting our Advanced MTTES system,’ Kitcher said.

(Shephard)

12 Januari 2017

KOnsep penggelaran skuadron pesawat TNI AU (image : Analisis Militer)

Jokowi: Penempatan TNI jangan lagi Jawa sentris

JAKARTA. Presiden Joko Widodo menyatakan, saat ini penataan pasukan TNI belum merata. Berdasar hasil evaluasi yang dilakukannya, ada beberapa daerah di Indonesia yang penempatan anggota TNI masih kurang.

Daerah tersebut, umumnya berada di wilayah terluar yang strategis dan memiliki potensi ekonomi besar, seperti Natuna, Miangas, Biak, Merauke dan Pulau Rote.

"Penempatan pasukan TNI di titik utara sebelah timur, utara sebelah barat, selatan bagian timur, selatan bagian barat masih sangat kurang," katanya dalam pembukaan Rapat Terbatas tentang Sinkronisasi Gelar TNI dengan Pembangunan di Kantor Presiden , Kamis (12/1).

Atas masalah itulah, Jokowi memerintahkan kepada jajarannya, khususnya Kementerian Politik Hukum dan Keamanan maupun TNI untuk segera memperbaiki permasalahan tersebut. Dia memerintahkan agar paradigma penempatan pasukan TNI yang selama ini banyak terpusat di Jawa diratakan ke seluruh Indonesia.

"Jangan lagi Jawa sentris, tapi Indonesia sentris, apalagi dalam dua tahun terakhir, pemerintah fokus percepat pembangunan di kawasan pinggiran, Indonesia timur, perbatasan dan pulau terdepan," katanya.

(Kontan)

13 Januari 2017

RAAF F-35 combat radius (image : ASPI)

One of Australia’s F‐35A aircraft has conducted its first ever in‐flight weapons release during an exercise departing from Luke Air Force Base (AFB), Arizona on 14 December 2016.

The GBU‐12, 500lb Paveway II Laser Guided Bomb, was employed by Australian aircraft A35‐002, during a sortie over the Barry M Goldwater Range (BMGR) just west of Luke AFB.

Australian Deputy Director of the JSF Transition Team and F‐35 Operational Requirements Manager, Wing Commander (WGCDR) Steven “Rooster” Bradley, is enthusiastic about what this achievement signifies for the Australian F‐35A Program, and said this exercise marks a significant milestone for the Australian F‐35A Program and is indicative of the steady progress being made on the Program every day.

RAAF F-35 A35-002 (photo : picssr)

“The GBU‐12 is the first in a long line of weapons to be certified in the years leading up to Australia’s Initial Operating Capability (IOC) declaration in 2020,” he said.

The exercise was conducted only weeks after the two Australian fifth generation fighters were upgraded with the Initial Warfighting Capability software.

“This particular upgrade enables incremental expansion of aircraft performance envelope, increased Mission Systems functionality and initial weapons capability, which includes the GBU‐12,” WGCDR Bradley said.

“The 500lb GBU‐12 is the latest variant of an extremely reliable and uncomplicated weapon that the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) has employed for many years.”

“Additionally, the F‐35A will have more advanced 500lb and 2000lb GPS guided bombs, as well as the longer range, 250lb Small Diameter Bombs cleared for operations on the aircraft,” he said.

Lockheed Martin GBU-12 Paveway II (photo : bredow-web)

“From here, the Australian F‐35A Program will continue to certify weapons in preparation for Block 3F software release, which provides the aircraft a significant weapons capability increase in the lead up to IOC,” WGCDR Bradley said.

The Australian Government has approved the acquisition of 72 Conventional Take‐Off and Landing F‐35A aircraft to replace the ageing F/A‐18A/B Hornet fleet and has taken delivery of the first two of these jets, which have accumulated more than 800 flying hours over the last two years at the F‐35A International Pilot Training Centre (PTC) at Luke AFB, Arizona.

Australia’s next eight aircraft will be delivered in 2018, two of which will be the first to be ferried to Australia. The remaining six will be temporarily based at the PTC at Luke AFB through to 2020, for on‐going pilot training.

(Aus DoD)

13 Januari 2017

Prajurit Yonarhanud-2 Marinir Cilandak berlatih meriam (photo : Marinir)

Prajurit Yonarhanud-2 Marinir Laksanakan LPK Meriam dan Radar

Dispen Kormar (Jakarta). Segenap Prajurit Raksa Buana Sakti Batalyon Artileri Pertahanan Udara-2 Marinir (Yonarhanud-2 Mar) melaksanakan Latihan Perseorangan Kesenjataan (LPK) Triwulan I, Meriam AA 35 MM TWIN GUN dan RADAR AF 902 FCS, bertempat di lapangan Trisula Menart-2 Marinir Cilandak, Jakarta Selatan, Jumat (13/01/2017).

Kegiatan LPK ini dipimpin oleh Perwira Seksi Operasi (Pasiops) Yonarhanud-2 Mar Kapten Marinir Rohmad yang mewakili Komandan Batalyon Arhanud-2 Mar Mayor Marinir Sabprowanto.

Adapun maksud dan tujuan diselenggarakannya latihan ini adalah untuk melatih ketangkasan dan kecekatan prajurit dalam mengoperasikan semua sistem dan rangkaian penggerak senjata serta alat-alat pendukung lainnya agar dapat diaplikasikan ke medan tugas yang sebenarnya.

Dalam latihan tersebut para prajurit mendapatkan materi pengoperasian Meriam AA 35 MM TWIN GUN dan RADAR AF 902 FCS dari system manual ke system semi Otomatis.

Meriam AA 35 MM TWIN GUN dan RADAR AF 902 FCS buatan Cina tersebut merupakan senjata baru yang dimiliki Korps Marinir untuk memperkuat jajaran Batalyon Pertahahan Udara Marinir.

(Marinir)

13 Januari 2017

Kawasaki P-1 (photo : defencyclopedia)

The Defence Force has shot down a Japanese report that Japan and United States company Boeing are already in a "one-on-one fight" to supply maritime patrol aircraft worth more than $1 billion to the Royal New Zealand Air Force.

The Government confirmed in November that it planned to replace its fleet of six Orion maritime patrol aircraft, five Hercules transporters and two Boeing 757s within about the next 10 years.

The Nikkei Asian Review reported New Zealand would make a decision on replacement aircraft as "early as this [northern] summer".

Representatives from the Japanese Defence Ministry and Kawasaki Heavy Industries visited Wellington last week to negotiate the sale of Kawasaki's P-1 patrol aircraft and C-2 transporters in what would be Japan's biggest-ever arms export deal, it said.

But a Defence Force spokesman said it had not received such a visit and it was "not involved in any negotiations with the Japanese Government or Kawasaki Heavy Industries". He also indicated there would be no decision on replacement aircraft this year.

"A large number of possible suppliers from several countries have responded to the initial requests for information (RFI) issued last year, and the Defence Ministry expects to get a decision from the Government on preferred options and call for tenders in mid-2018," he said.

Kawasaki C-2 (photo : heinkel)

The Japanese report quoted an unnamed Japanese defence official as commenting the contract to replace the Orions would be a straight competition between Kawasaki and Boeing, which is pitching its P-8 patrol aircraft.

But it said several other companies, including Europe's Airbus, were competing for the transporter contract.

Kawasaki may be best known in New Zealand for making motorbikes, but its P-1 aircraft – which have cost about US$140 million (NZ$200m) – are designed to hunt submarines and surface vessels.

Buying both the patrol aircraft and the transporters from Kawasaki could save money as they shared some parts, but could still cost "billions of dollars" once maintenance was included, the Japanese report said.

The Japanese government would negotiate a treaty to share defence technology with New Zealand and Kawasaki would consider jointly producing some parts of the planes here, it said.

Both Kawasaki's four-engine P-1s and Boeing's P-8 patrol aircraft can be armed with bombs, torpedos, mines and air-to-surface missiles, such as the US-made Harpoon missile.

(Stuff)

14 Januari 2017

PAG-ASA ISLAND. The second biggest island in the disputed South China Sea is home to about a hundred Filipinos. (photo : PAF)

MANILA, Philippines – The Duterte administration continues to defer the repair of the Philippines' only runway in the disputed West Philippine Sea (South China Sea) even as China has reportedly built runways on at least 3 reefs it illegally reclaimed. (READ: PH runway in Spratlys erodes as China reclaims to build own)

"Because of warming relations with China, we are not going to make any aggressive actions in the West Philippine Sea," said Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief General Eduardo Año on Thursday, January 12.

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said they will keep the "status quo" and will continue to set aside the money – up to P800 million ($16 million) – already allocated by the previous administration to repair the runway.

The Rancudo Airfield was built in the '70s on Pag-asa Island, one of the biggest in the disputed territory where a community of about a hundred Filipinos reside. The military continues to use the runway, particularly for small transport aircraft like the Fokker and the Nomad of the Philippine Air Force and Islander of the Philippine Navy.

But the short 1.3-kilometer airstrip could be dangerous for bigger aircraft such as the C130 cargo plane that the military traditionally uses to bring supplies around the country.

In comparison, China built military-grade runways on Mischief Reef, Subi Reef, and Fiery Cross Reef.

Lorenzana plans to visit the troops deployed in the West Philippine Sea. But it is not clear yet if he will fly going to the disputed area or he will take one of the navy ships. The last high-profile visit to Pag-asa Island was made by former AFP chief General Gregorio Catapang in 2015.

Duterte has sought warmer ties with China, a turnaround from the foreign policy of former president Benigno Aquino III who took China to court over its claims on maritime features located inside the country's 200-nautical-mile exclusive economic zone.

Aquino also sought the assistance of the Philippines' longtime defense treaty ally, the US, which calls for freedom of navigation in the South China Sea.

The Philippines won the case before the United Nations-backed Permanent Court of Arbitration. The ruling effectively dismissed China's 9-dash-line claim over the South China Sea and declared that Mischief Reef – where one of China's runways is located – belongs to the Philippines.

The previous administration had hoped to fix the runway on Pag-asa Island after the arbitration court's ruling.

(Rappler)

14 Januari 2017

Advanced Off-Board Electronic Warfare (AOEW) Active Mission Payload (AMP) AN/ALQ-248 system (image : Lockheed Martin)

Lockheed Martin’s Latest Electronic Warfare System for Helicopters to Safeguard U.S. Navy Against Anti-Ship Missile Threats

SYRACUSE, N.Y., JAN. – Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT] will build on its 45-year legacy of integrated electronic warfare system success under a newly awarded U.S. Navy development contract to provide MH-60 helicopters with enhanced electronic warfare surveillance and countermeasure capabilities against anti-ship missile (ASM) threats.

Lockheed Martin’s Advanced Off-Board Electronic Warfare (AOEW) Active Mission Payload (AMP) AN/ALQ-248 system, is a self-contained EW pod hosted by an MH-60R or MH-60S, which provides the Navy advanced ASM detection and response capabilities.

The AOEW program builds on Lockheed Martin’s legacy of proven electronic warfare solutions. The AOEW AMP AN/ALQ-248 can work independently or with the ship’s onboard electronic surveillance sensor, SEWIP Block 2 AN/SLQ-32(V)6, to detect an incoming missile and then evaluate where it is going. AOEW then uses radio frequency countermeasure techniques to deter the missile.

“Every day ships across the world are facing a variety of evolving threats,” said Joe Ottaviano, electronic warfare program director. “Our Advanced Off-Board Electronic Warfare AMP AN/ALQ-248 system will help create a coordinated attack against these threats, to keep our warfighters safe by controlling the electromagnetic spectrum and disrupting adversaries.”

Under this contract, if all options are exercised, Lockheed Martin will deliver up to 18 AOEW AMP AN/ALQ-248 pods to the U.S. Navy.

The AOEW program leverages expertise across Lockheed Martin. Manufacturing of the AOEW AN/ALQ-248 systems in Syracuse, N.Y., is slated to begin in early 2019 to meet the program’s 2021 initial operational capability goal. The Owego, N.Y., team will integrate the system onto the MH-60 helicopters, which are built by Sikorsky.

(Lockheed Martin)

14 Januari 2017

RTAF says that the pilot and aircraft in good condition before fatal crashed. The aircraft was Gripen C with registration number 70108 (photo : dejakupta.pongtorn)

Crash casts shadow over Children’s Day

THE NATIONWIDE Children’s Day celebration yesterday was marred by tragedy after a fighter jet plunged from the sky during a military air show in Songkhla province, killing the pilot.

The accident happened at Wing 56 of Hat Yai airport in the southern province before hundreds of spectators, including many children, who watched a show organised by the Air Force as part of Children’s Day activities.

The pilot of the Swedish-made JAS 39 Gripen jet was identified as Squadron Leader Dilokrit Pattawi, 34, from Wing 7 based in nearby Surat Thani province.

Footage of the tragedy captured shrieks from the startled crowd as the jet nosedived and crashed near the airport’s runway, bursting into flames and releasing a fiery plume of smoke.

No one else was hurt in the incident, according to an airport official, as the spectators were gathered a considerable distance away from the crash site.

Military officers sealed off the area of crash following the incident, and the media were not allowed in.

The Gripen fighter jet that crashed was part of a 12-plane squadron stationed at Wing 7. It |had been used in a separate air |show in Pattani province earlier in the day.

Air Force commander-in-chief ACM Johm Rungswang ordered an investigation into the accident, according to Air Force spokesman AVM Pongsak Semachai.

“The responsible units have been sent to the scene of the accident to investigate and determine the cause,” the spokesman said, adding that the Air Force chief expressed his sorrow over the pilot’s death.

He also said that the flight manoeuvre performed by the pilot was not aerobatic in nature or |risky.

The pilot’s body will be moved to Bhumibol Hospital in Bangkok and a bathing rite is scheduled for tomorrow, according to the spokesman.

Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha and Defence Minister Prawit Wongsuwan offered their sympathy to the airman’s family.

“The prime minister has expressed his condolences to the pilot, his family and the Royal Thai Air Force,” Maj-General Werachon Sukondhapatipak, spokesman for the National Council for Peace and Order, said.

Prawit, who is also a deputy prime minister, expressed his “heartfelt sorrow” to the pilot’s family, according to Defence Ministry spokesman Maj-General Kongcheep Tantrawanit.

The defence minister has instructed the Air Force chief to take good care of the bereaved relatives and to investigate the cause of the accident, the spokesman said.

Prawit instructed the commanders of military and police units providing armament displays for the public to step up safety measures, according to the spokesman.

The Air Force, via its Facebook fan page, asked members of the public to refrain from sharing video clips of the crash out of respect for the pilot’s family and other people involved.

(NationMultimedia)

16 Januari 2017

PAF AgustaWestland AW-109P armed helicopters (photo : Inquirer)

The Philippine Air Force (PAF) is expected to proceed the process of procuring 30 helicopters this year, sources on Thursday told MaxDefense Philippines.

MaxDefense, the military analyst, has posted on Facebook saying he believes the PAF’s target will be “AgustaWestland AW-109P armed helicopters and Bell 412EP combat utility helicopters.”

Based on information gathered from MaxDefense sources, the Philippine Air Force is expected to proceed the process of procuring 30 helicopters this year, which MaxDefense believes to be AgustaWestland AW-109P armed helicopters and Bell 412EP combat utility helicopters. This is in line with Pres. Duterte's emphasis on beating internal security challenges during his term.

PAF Bell 412EP combat utility helicopters (photo : Economic Times)

Originally these helicopters are intended for acquisition under Horizon 2 phase but it appears to have been moved a year ahead, as 2017 is actually the last year of the AFP Modernization's Horizon 1 phase. (Tankler)

AFP modernization to continue under Duterte administration

MANILA, Jan. 14 (PNA) -- The modernization of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) will continue under President Rodrigo Duterte, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana has said.

The AFP Modernization Program, now on its Second Horizon, will continue as planned, he said.

The Second Horizon runs from 2018 to 2022 and will see the acquisition of equipment more attuned to external defense missions.

Lorenzana earlier said the AFP Modernization Program remains a priority of the new defense leadership as the program jibes with the Duterte administration's plan to have a credible deterrence to secure Philippine territory, especially its maritime areas.

He said that while some projects may be fast-tracked to address criminality, terrorism and insurgency in the southern Philippines, the defense department will follow the plans laid for the AFP Modernization Program.

Some of the equipment acquired under the program are :
-three Hamilton-class cutters, the latest of which is the BRP Andres Bonifacio (FF-17) that arrived last Dec.9;
-six multi-purpose assault craft (MPAC);
-114 armored personnel carriers;
-three brand-new C-295 medium lift aircraft;
-three C-130 heavy transport;
-four FA-50PH light-interim fighter aircraft, the last two jets arriving last Dec. 1;
-five utility versions of the AgustaWestland AW-109 helicopters and eight of its attack versions;
-five landing craft heavies;
-three multi-purpose attack craft; and
-two strategic sealift vessels. (PNA)

16 Januari 2017

Helikopter AS550C3 Fennec TNI AD (photo : Haryadi Dwi)

Skadron 12/Serbu Pusat Penerbangan TNI AD yang bermarkas di Waytuba, Lampung, Minggu siang (15/1) ini menerima dua unit heli AS550C3 Fennec dari tempat perakitannya di PT Dirgantara Indonesia, Bandung, Jawa Barat. Helikopter yang akan dipersenjatai dengan peluncur roket FZ219 (buatan Belgia) dan senapan mesin FN Herstal 12,7 mm (Belgia) ini merupakan bagian dari 11 unit Fennec pesanan Kementerian Pertahanan beberapa tahun lalu.

Kedua helikopter diserahterimakan lima bulan lebih awal dari jadwal yang telah ditentukan. Demikian informasi yang diterima Angkasa dari pihak DI. “Kedua pesawat meninggalkan apron DI pukul 09:00 pagi tadi. Ferry flight dibantu penerbang-penerbang dari Skadron 12 Penerbad. Pesanan berikutnya akan diantar dalam waktu mendatang,” ujar Kepala Program Helikopter DI, Hadi Prasongko, Minggu pagi (15/1) kepada Angkasa.

Sebagian heli AS550C3 Fennec dilengkapi peluncur roket FZ219 buatan Belgia. (photo : A. Darmawan)

AS550/5 adalah lightweight/multipurpose helicopter untuk misi militer yang dikembangkan pabrik Eurocopter (kini Airbus Helicopter) dari basis AS350 Ecureuil. Dari ke-11 Fennec pesanan Kementerian Pertahanan untuk memperkuat pasukan udara TNI AD tersebut, lima unit berasal dari tipe AS550C3 (single engine) dan enam AS555AP (twin-engine). TNI AD juga membeli satu unit tambahan dari tipe AS350B3 Ecureuil (original utility).

Di antara helikopter-helikopter rakitan DI, AS 550/5 Fennec merupakan lansiran baru. Seperti diungkap Dirut DI Budi Santoso, heli-heli baru ini memang bikinan luar, tapi pesanan Kementerian Pertahanan yang dirakit pihaknya memungkinkan enjinir DI memperoleh pengetahuan, ketrampilan dan pengalaman dalam perancangan sistem internalnya. Dan, untuk ini DI berhak atas royalti dari property right-nya.

Skadron 12/Serbu sendiri merupakan satu dari lima kesatuan udara Puspenerbad yang dibentuk untuk misi serbuan dan mobilitas udara pasukan-pasukan TNI AD. Selain Skadron 12/Serbu, mereka juga memiliki Skadron 11/Serbu (bermarkas di Semarang, Jawa Tengah), Skadron 13/Serbu (Berau, Kalimantan Timur), Skadron 21/Sena (Pondok Cabe/Banten), dan Skadron 31/Serbu (Semarang/Jawa Tengah). Pesawat yang telah dimiliki Puspenerbad adalah NC212 serta heli NBO-103, NBell-412, Mi-17 dan Mi-35P.

(Angkasa)

16 Januari 2017

Vietnamese Navy Gepard class frigate (photo : VPN)

The article in Russian news agencies Sputnik, Russian military expert Victor Litovkin emphasized, factors integrated action between forces and submarines in the water is very important. These ships must be protected even under water. Conversely, when the ocean, especially near the coast, the submarine requires the backing of the surface ships.

Vietnam Navy will have more surface ships built in Russia. First pair Gepard missile escort vessel 011 Dinh Tien Hoang and 012 Ly Thai To was assigned in Vietnam People's Navy to perform various tasks: protecting the coast, exclusive economic zone, patrol, escort and others.

The Gepard class escort ship, Project 1166.1 by Zelenodolsk shipyard in the Republic of Tartarstan/Russia was aseigned for Vietnam Navy is equipped with modern weapons, stealth technology applications, thus reducing the radar revealed makes difficult to detect this ship.

Gepard ships capable of independent operation continuously for 20 days at sea, with more than 2,000 tons of water displacement and can reach a maximum speed of 52 km/hour. The ship is operated by a crew of about 90 people team, on the deck with helipad, ensuring ability reconnaissance, anti-submarine.

The ship is equipped with four anti-ship missile launchers Kh-35 Uran E, 2 pedestal close-range defense artillery and gunboats 76mm. In addition, the pair of second Gepard torpedo tubes equipped with facilities to allow detection of enemy submarines, and better fitting the new engine.

Engaged in the protection of sea borders of Vietnam also includes the Russian patrol boats Svetlyak, with 375 tons of displacement, 50 meters long. The ship reaches speeds up to 56 km/h, can operate continuously at sea 30 days and nights.

Kalibr anti-ship missile and land attack cruise missiles (photo : paralay)

Currently two Molniya missile boat (according to Western classification Tarantul class) that Russia has provided to Vietnam in 2007, is working very well, so Vietnam has approved the decision to close a further 10 ships of this class under license from Russia.

Initially, the ship Gepard, Svetlyak and Molniya equipped with subsonic missile Kh-35 Uran-E with weight 500-600kg, enough to destroy the ship with 5,000 tons of water displacement at a distance of 130km, with the upgraded version later was up to 300 km.

At the International Forum "Army 2015" on the outskirts of Moscow, Vietnam delegation has expressed his desire to upgrade and retrofit Molniya ship with cruise missiles, such as Russia's P-800 Yakhont anti-ship with a range of fire up to 300 km.

In an interview with the Sputnik-Vietnam, spokesman Almaz Design Bureau (Russia) said that, this requirement can be done, the modifications in the project can be done without interrupting produce.

The main advantage of Yakhont anti-ship missile, the homing head is designed for search and detection of sea-borne targets and for preparation and presentation of target coordinates to the onboard autopilot system of the Yakhont anti-ship cruise missile. After destroying the main target of the enemy fleet, the remaining missile attacks on other vessels, eliminating the possibility of the two missiles hit a target.

Yakhont long range anti-ship missile (photo : StarTV)

Also Yakhont anti-ship missile, Kalibr missile (export version is Club missile) could deployed aboard Molniya class. This type of missile is equipped for Varshavyanka class submarine, Project 636 (NATO classification Kilo class) that Hanoi ordered from Russia.

After launching Kalibr missiles with speed subsonic flight. When approaching the target, the warhead contained 400 kg of explosive separated from the main engines and accelerate to 1 km/s, which is three times the speed of sound (Mach 3). Reach the target missile at an altitude of 5-10 meters, making it the inviolability of the system against enemy missiles.

At a meeting of the Navy commanders of Russian and Vietnam, the Vietnam expressed interest in buying the pair of Gepard frigate from Russia also equipped with Kalibr missile.

Senator Andrei Klimov, deputy chairman of the Foreign Relations Committee at the Russian Federation Council, who attended a summit in Hanoi said, when to spend money to buy weapons, the Vietnam want to spend a good way should most want to buy quality products at Russia's reliability.

He stressed that Vietnam is serious military technical cooperation with Russia. During the talks, Hanoi confirmed willingness to continue cooperation in the military field with a trusted partner and proven, especially the price and quality of Russian weapons is better than Western weapons.

(BaoDatViet)

16 Januari 2017

Servowatch system (photo : Naval Today)

As military vessels become even more complex with smaller crew sizes it becomes critical that integrated systems work under the strictest of conditions and are proven and extremely reliable. Servowatch, a leading supplier of advanced integrated ship control systems has been down selected by Bangkok Dock Co., (1957) Ltd. in Thailand to supply their Integrated Platform Management System (IPMS) for the latest River-class offshore patrol vessel (OPV) being built for the Royal Thai Navy (RTN).

The model of RTN second OPV (photo : Thai PBS)

This is the second vessel based on the same BAE Systems Naval Ships design as the Amazonas-class vessels operated by Brazil to be supplied by Servowatch with its world-class control system. The River-class Batch 2 is also being constructed for the UK Royal Navy and like the first Brazilian vessel it will incorporate Servowatch’s IPMS capability.

Servowatch Systems’ scope of supply comprises an IPMS control and monitoring package for the vessels’ propulsion, power generation, HVAC, fire-detection, tank gauging systems and auxiliaries’ services.

(Servowatch)

17 Januari 2017

Tank Scorpion 90 TNI AD hasil upgrade (photo : Angkasa)

Pussenkav TNI AD Upgrade Tank Scorpion, Ini Hasilnya

Selain Anoa amfibi yang dijajal langsung oleh Presiden Joko Widodo, gelaran Rapat Pimpinan TNI di Mabes TNI Cilangkap juga diramaikan dengan pameran statik alutsista hasil pengembangan atau modifikasi yang dilakukan oleh TNI bekerjasama dengan perusahaan rekanan. Salah satu yang Angkasa temui dan belum pernah dipamerkan sebelumnya adalah modifikasi atau upgrade terhadap tank ringan FV101 Scorpion milik Kavaleri TNI AD.

Seperti diketahui, TNI AD memiliki sejumlah tank ringan Scorpion 90 yang dibeli pada masa Orde Baru dan terdiri dari varian FV101 Scorpion dengan meriam atau kanon 90mm low pressure Cockerill MK3M-A1, kendaraan angkut pasukan FV103 Spartan, kendaraan evakuasi/ recovery FV106 Samson, versi ambulan FV104 Samaritan, serta varian logistik dan pembawa jembatan, berikut truk Bedford pengangkutnya.

Nah, saat ini TNI AD telah memiliki jajaran MBT Leopard 2A4, tetapi bukan berarti Scorpion 90 kemudian dipensiunkan. Justru sebaliknya, Scorpion 90 yang dimiliki TNI AD ditingkatkan kemampuannya agar masih sesuai dengan tingkatan dan ancaman yang dihadapi oleh TNI.

Nah, Scorpion 90 hasil modifikasi itu dipamerkan pada Rapimnas TNI tahun 2017 ini. Jika melihat sosok ‘aksesoris’ yang terpasang di tubuhnya, ketahuan bahwa fokus upgrade yang dicangkokkan pada Scorpion 90 berkutat pada daya gerak dan daya hancurnya.

Modifikasi daya gerak tersebut terlihat pada penggantian sistem rantai Scorpion 90, dari yang tadinya menggunakan track link atau konektor antar segmen rantai model single pin menjadi double pin. Penggantian ini memudahkan perawatan, karena desain rantai orisinil Scorpion membuatnya sukar dirawat dan diganti pad shoenya. Dengan penggantian ke sistem double pin, maka penggantian pad shoe atau tapak/ sepatu karet bisa dilakukan dengan mudah, sehingga tidak meninggalkan jejak pada aspal dan awak lebih nyaman saat berkendara.

Tank Scorpion 90 TNI AD hasil upgrade (photo : Angkasa)

Sementara modifikasi ekstensif dilakukan pada sistem penginderaan dan solusi penembakan. Scorpion 90 versi asli dilengkapi dengan sistem kendali penembakan Avimo dan sistem bidik yang distabilisasi. Namun keterbatasannya terletak pada kemampuan bidik dalam kondisi cahaya minim atau pada malam hari. Teleskop bidik pada Scorpion 90 memang sudah dilengkapi dengan sistem night vision, tetapi masih menggunakan sistem generasi kedua yang kurang sensitif untuk menemukan sasaran yang jaraknya jauh, dan mudah silau apabila terkena sumber cahaya terang seperti kilat petir.

Nah, pada Scorpion 90 hasil upgrade ini dipasang sistem kamera termal generasi terbaru, dimana danran memiliki opsi kamera termal dengan lensa 100mm dan 25mm, sementara juru tembak menerima kamera termal 100mm. Pengemudi pun menerima kamera termal 19mm untuk membantu mengemudi di malam hari. Boks sistem kamera ini disediakan pada dudukan yang dipasang di atas pangkal meriam untuk juru tembak, dan dipasang pada turret kecil di antara blok teleskop bidik untuk komandan. Versi milik komandan dapat berputar 360o untuk memampukannya memburu sasaran. Sementara untuk pengemudi, dipasang satu rumah optik di sisi kiri glacis tepat di depan palka untuk keluar masuk pengemudi.

Sementara untuk ubahan yang paling gahar adalah sistem komputer balistik baru untuk Scorpion 90, yang mampu menghitung lintasan balistik peluru yang lebih banyak dibanding sebelumnya. Komputer bidik pun bisa menjejak lima sasaran secara simultan yang tertangkap di layar komputer, dan mengunci satu di antaranya. Gerak laras dan kubah bisa diatur untuk terus mengikuti sasaran, sampai dengan penyediaan solusi penembakan untuk menghajar sasaran. Kita harapkan agar hasil riset ini dapat diteruskan untuk modifikasi seluruh Scorpion 90 milik TNI AD.

(Angkasa)

17 Januari 2017

Kharkiv tank factory (photo : Al Jazeera)

The inspectorate of the Royal Thai Army on January 16 will start accepting the new batch of Oplot combat tanks in Ukraine made at Malyshev Plant (Kharkiv) under a contract to supply 49 tanks to Thailand signed in 2011, the press service of state-run enterprise Ukrspecexport has reported.

"The Thai delegation accepting the new batch of Oplot tanks will start on Monday [January 16]. The customers will look at the tanks at the various stages of production," the company said.

Ukrspecexport said that under the mutual agreement of the sides the terms of completing the contract were moved to autumn 2017.

"The decision was made due to military actions in eastern Ukraine," the press service said.

The contract to supply promising Ukrainian next generation armed vehicles to Thailand is being implemented in the conditions of tough competition on the global market.

Ukrspecexport said that Oplot tanks are competitive vehicles. Potential buyers from various countries showed their interest to buy them.

"Unfair rivals are hindering the arrival of the vehicles to the international market," the company said.

Recently Thailand's Bangkok Post reported with the reference to Commander-In-Chief of Thailand Armed Forces General Chalermchai Sittisat that Bangkok and Beijing are discussing expansion of defense cooperation.

Among promising directions is purchase of armored vehicles from China to replace U.S. M-41 tanks bought in the United States in 1957. Thailand has signed a contract to buy 28 Chinese VT-4 tanks and seeks to boost the supplies in 2017. Gen Chalermchai said that after problems with the delivery of 49 Oplot tanks ordered from Ukraine, the army committee which decides on military hardware procurements has opted to cut the number of tanks to be bought from Ukraine. The problem facing the Ukrainian supplier was due mainly to Ukraine's internal situation, he said. However, the Ukrainian tank maker should be able to deliver all 49 tanks to the Thai army by October, 2017, according to Gen Chalermchai.

Some foreign media spread information that Thailand allegedly refused to buy Ukrainian Oplot tanks in favor of Chinese VT-4 tanks.

(Interfax)

17 Januari 2017

Microsatellite Diwata-1 (photo : NASA)

The country’s first microsatellite PHL-Microsat Diwata-1 has travelled around the earth approximately 4,083 times, as of January 13, since its deployment to outer space in April 27, 2016.

“Diwata-1 has circled the world approximately 4,083 times, taking images not just of the Philippines but also of other parts of the Earth,” Diwata-1 engineer Benjamin Magallon said in PHL-Microsat official blog site.

In September 2016, Japanese educational institution Hokkaido University hailed the captured images of High Precision Telescope (HPT) installed in Diwata-1 as world-best for a 50 kg-class microsatellite.

“The microsatellite is equipped with four imaging devices with different magnifications, including the HPT and a fish-lens camera, which are used to remotely observe a wide variety of phenomenon including weather hazards such as typhoons and torrential rain,” Hokkaido University said in a released statement.

Diwata-1 was developed by Department of Science and Technology (DOST), and the University of the Philippines Diliman (UPD) in cooperation with Japan’s Hokkaido and Tohoku Universities.

(Update)

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