20,000 Flight Hours of HERON 1 – An Interim Solution Turns into a Success Story

January 8, 2015, 12:07 am

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This article confirms the achievement of another milestone reached with a remotely piloted aircraft (RPA) of the German Air Force (Luftwaffe). In his letter to the soldiers and civilian employees involved the Commander of the Air Force Operational Forces, Lt.Gen. Martin Schelleis, wrote:
“With the five years of employment of the weapon system HERON 1 the Luftwaffe has made a significant contribution to the protection of own and allied forces. At the same time the employment of this remotely piloted aircraft has enabled the Luftwaffe to gain essential insights into the immediate operational reality. These experiences constitute important milestones on the future-oriented way towards new technologies within the capability-oriented operational spectrum of air forces. With this system the Luftwaffe has realised a decisive step towards the future of aviation within the shortest time.”

Real-time reconnaissance over Afghanistan - 20,000 flight hours of the remotely piloted aircraft HERON 1 (All photos: Luftwaffe unless otherwise noted)

HERON 1: First MALE RPAS1 Capability of the Air Force

On 17 June 2009, the then Federal Minister of Defense, Dr. Franz Josef Jung, decided to lease the reconnaissance system HERON 1 from Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI). Within the framework of a so-called operator model, the company Cassidian Airborne Solutions (now Airbus Defence & Sapce) took over all maintenance works and ensured that the aircraft were available to the Luftwaffe in theatre at any time. Already in late 2009, the first soldiers went to Israel to undergo training and in March 2010 they successfully conducted the initial flight in Afghanistan. Full operational capability (FOC) was reached in May 2011. Since then the system has reliably provided important reconnaissance information.

Reliability is also reflected in the number of flight hours performed. Nearly every year the achievement of another 5,000 flight hours could be celebrated. In July 2011, the first 5,000 flight hours were reached, in July 2012, 10,000 flight hours, and finally in July 2013, the number of flight hours amounted to 15,000. And on 25 September 2014, the 20,000th flight hour of HERON 1 within the framework of 1,700 reconnaissance missions over Afghanistan under the ISAF mandate could be celebrated.

HERON 1 of the Luftwaffe being prepared for a sortie.

At present, three HERON 1 aircraft are stationed in Afghanistan. The remotely piloted reconnaissance system is designed for Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) missions and is able to operate at flight altitudes of up to 10,000m and at a speed of up to 200km/h by day and by night for 24 hours and more. Being equipped with the latest technology, such as high-resolution pivotable infrared (IR) and TV cameras it is used for the detection of Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), convoy, and patrol escort, route reconnaissance and surveillance, preparation of movement profiles by way of long-term observations (so-called patterns of life), as well as for object and camp protection. During ongoing operations, operational forces can be provided direct support with the aid of the real-time video. By now, HERON 1 has conducted more than 1,700 sorties, partly round the clock, thus providing valuable information in support of the preparation and conduct of military operations of the Bundeswehr and its allies. Its integrated satellite data link made it possible to monitor the whole northern half of Afghanistan.

HERON 1 is remotely operated by a pilot operating from a ground control station. This pilot may come from all areas of manned aviation. As a precondition for an employment as a pilot of an RPA, this person must maintain his licenses and ratings for manned aircraft, e.g. type and an instrument rating. For this purpose, besides his employment as HERON 1 pilot, he regularly flies a Cessna CITATION CJ-1+ aircraft.

In his work with HERON 1 at the ground control station, he is supported by a sensor operator called “Payload Operator” who maintains continuous radio contact with the soldiers on the ground needing reconnaissance information. For this purpose he operates the high-resolution cameras which are remotely operated as well, and can transmit a live video image to the soldiers on the ground who are equipped with a portable monitor for this purpose. The images may also be transmitted to the operations centers in theatre or to Germany for evaluation by air photograph interpreters2.

The HERON 1 crews are trained by IAI in Tel Aviv. In addition to this type training they are prepared for their mission abroad within the scope of an advanced detailed tactical initial training. Since early November 2014, part of the theoretical and simulator training has been conducted at Tactical Air Wing 51 “Immelmann” in Schleswig.

Due to its flexibility and the high-quality reconnaissance results provided by the evaluation component, the HERON 1 team is highly esteemed by its customers and continues to be indispensable in the near future for the soldiers in Afghanistan. In 2015, the reconnaissance system shall still be available for the protection of the forces that are then still required in Afghanistan.

Luftwaffe HERON 1 RPA supporting NATO from Mazer a Sherif, Afghanistan

A Typical Reconnaissance Mission

The following is an excerpt from the narrative of someone involved in an employment and is exemplary for situations quite often experienced by HERON 1 crews:

“In June 2012, the unarmed reconnaissance system HERON 1 escorted, from a safe distance, a small long-range reconnaissance team with unprotected ‘Quads’ in Western Afghanistan that was tasked with the risky mission of entering an area unknown to this day. Using the sensors of the RPA, the HERON 1 crew views the area of operations as if seen through a telescope, thus being able to give an early warning of possible hazards. They are in voice contact with friendly ground forces and can transmit the live video directly to the forces on the ground.

Enemy fighters, unnoticed by the ground forces and hidden in a wood and also immediately near a small village, prepared for an attack. The camera operator of HERON 1 detected the attackers with the aid of the high resolution sensors and watched two armed groups trying to encircle the friendly forces. From then on, everything went very quick and the survival of the long-range reconnaissance team depended on this quick reaction. 

Seen from the bird’s eye view the actions of the fighters could be analysed which made it possible to transmit instructions for a first reaction to the leader of the reconnaissance patrol. Our own forces - unexpected for the attackers - then moved to a range of hills difficult to make out from the ground thus getting themselves out of the line of fire at least for the time being. Thus, the enemy forces were deprived of the surprise effect; however, the threat to friendly forces persisted. As the members of the long-range patrol were not able to gain a full understanding of the situation we had to be their eyes from the bird’s view. In the meantime, nearly encircled by Taliban fighters, it became clear that they would urgently need close air support. In coordination with the long-range reconnaissance patrol the HERON 1 crew requested support by armed fighter aircraft. The situation on the ground became more and more dangerous and though it took the fighter aircraft only a few minutes to arrive at the scene it seemed a small eternity to all of us. The fighter aircraft performed a low-level flight over the target area which was difficult to look at. This was intended to intimidate the attackers but also to help the pilots on board the aircraft to detect the targets. They had to consider whether they could employ their weapons without causing collateral damage. When the attackers saw the approaching fighter aircraft they fled to the nearby village and, still under observation of the HERON crew, mingled with the local population. The show of force had been sufficient to produce the envisaged effects – the members of the long-range reconnaissance patrol were out of danger.”

In anticipation of such situations and knowing of the technical possibilities at the beginning of the mission in Afghanistan, a reconnaissance system was requested in 2009 that would be able to provide mission-relevant information in near-real time and thus to improve force protection. This narrative shows that in certain situations, in particular if a response has to take place very quickly, direct fire support may be urgently required in order to effectively support friendly forces. Meanwhile very small weapons may be employed from other remotely piloted aircraft. This way the advantages of live reconnaissance and direct engagement may be combined to ensure a reliable protection from the air for own and allied forces.

Comment from a HERON 1 pilot: ”The worst situation for a soldier would be to helplessly watch his comrades under fire and fighting for their lives.”

HERON 1 displayed at ILA 2014. (Photo: AF)

Remotely Piloted Aircraft – Challenges in the Future

HERON 1 can sufficiently fulfil the military requirement of continuing reconnaissance; however, it can no longer provide all capabilities required in theatre. Situations such as the one described above in an exemplary fashion by someone involved make it clear that HERON 1 is important for protection from the air. It also becomes apparent, however, that there are limits to its protective function and that then the crew members very soon become placed in the role of spectators. This applies, e.g. in cases when, in spite of all reconnaissance measures, it comes to a direct armed conflict on the ground. Therefore, in Afghanistan as well as in other possible future theatres of operation, armed and - possibly- remotely piloted aircraft will have to be employed. As long as the Luftwaffe does not have own armed RPAs our soldiers will depend on the limited resources of RPAs of allied forces.

Lt.Gen. Martin Schelleis, the commander of the Air Force Operational Forces, states in this respect: “Already today, HERON 1 has reached the limits of its performance capabilities. The RPA only has a limited growth potential and cannot be armed as required. In addition, HERON 1 has been leased for the duration of the mission in Afghanistan and also has been certified for this mission, so that after the expiry of this contract the Luftwaffe will not have any RPA in use or in its inventory. In order to maintain the acquired flying and operational competence for the Bundeswehr, the option of using RPA has to be ensured sustainably. For this purpose the decision to lease or procure one of the commercially available aircraft which can be armed should be taken as soon as possible. In the long term we should participate in the desired European development solution in order to be able to keep up with technological progress in this key sector of future activities. This will ensure the availability of modern equipment up to the middle of the coming decade.”

Armament of RPA has been discussed controversially by the general public. German remotely piloted aircraft will not be employed as offensive weapons nor as an autonomous system. Besides their principal mission of “direct permanent reconnaissance and air surveillance” they shall assume an additional protective function which can be used to counter an acute threat situation. The advantages are obvious: Besides the ability of joining the battle without delay and in particular in adaption to the threat situation, i.e. with smallest weapons, all actions from the identification of enemy troops and the use of weapons for defence to damage assessment can be provided from one single source. This reduces both the probability of misinterpretation of the situation on the ground by the crew of a fast incoming fighter aircraft and the likelihood of errors occurring in the transmission of coordinates or in the acquisition and verification of targets. In addition, possible delays in the flight to the target area as well as target acquisition could be significantly reduced. The team of the RPA in turn observes the development of the situation on the ground very closely and over an extended period of time and therefore will provide invaluable support to all concerned in the fulfilment of their mission.

The Chief of Staff of the Air Force, Lt.Gen. Karl Müllner, has clearly expressed his view on this matter: “Lessons learned from these operations show that in case of ground combat the time until close air support arrives or is available is often a critical factor. Up to now this close air support has been requested by the troops in combat contact and was provided by manned platforms. If, however, a RPA were on site and this platform were armed, then no time would be lost and support could be provided immediately. This can save lives. We therefore have to discuss this question now, in the run-up of the decisions to be made on whether remotely piloted platforms should be leased or procured for the Bundeswehr as a whole; decisions which of course have to be taken at the political level. Is this a capability which we need or not? From a military point of view, my answer is: Yes, we do.”

Lt.Col. (GS) Klaus Peter Bernewasser, German Air Force Headquarters, Division 2 II a Command and Control/Operations Air Force

Maj. Sebastian Gratz, Air Force Operational Forces Command, Operations Branch UAS/ Air Reconnaissance

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Network Centric Warfare at the Tactical Level

January 8, 2015, 5:09 am

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Whether in counterinsurgency (COIN) operations, in larger scale ‘traditional’ battlefield conflict or – increasingly the case – “Operations Other Than War,” tactical conflict in the 21. Century is characterised by one thing above all others: the presence of electronic systems at a level that our forebears in the armed conflicts of the previous century would only vaguely have thought about. Tank and mechanized infantry units work with integrated systems for communications, tactical decision-making, battlefield surveillance and weapons effect synchronisation down to the individual vehicle level. Dismounted troops have unparalleled access to information – and thus enhanced situational awareness – that improves both their effect and their chances of survival in a dense electronic environment. Aircraft, helicopters, coastal patrol craft – all demonstrate the capability for effects-oriented operations that have become the norm for the expectations of Joe Public watching conflict brought to his breakfast table courtesy of CNN.

It is worth pausing a moment, however, to reflect on what this level of devolution and integration means for the defence and security community – and what effect it is likely to have as the lessons from Bosnia, Iraq, Afghanistan, Mali, Chad, Libya, Syria (it is an unending list, isn’t it?) begin to be integrated into tactical doctrine and wider defence and security policy. It is also worth observing that the emergence of the ‘integrated’ network centric soldier, vehicle or helicopter begs the question of what is tactical and what is strategic.

Tactical Operations, Strategic Effect

It was at the very end of the last century that US Marine Corps General Charles Krulak promulgated the concept of the ‘Strategic Corporal.’ At the time, one of the popular concepts  driving doictrinal development was the ‘Three Block War,” – the idea that peacekeeping, humanitarian assistance, disaster relief and counter-insurgency operations (which remain the principal thrust of military planning post Cold War) would take place in areas denoted by three city blocks, rather than the open countryside environments beloved of the “herds of armoured vehicles sweeping majestically across the Fulda Gap” school of military thought. Gone are the days when divisional commanders can have a tight grip on the minute by minute evolution of an evolving combat. In steps the Strategic Corporal – the section or squad leader whose tactical decisions and actions can have an effect that is arguably strategic in the context of a Three Block War.

The concept was powerful and to a large degree new. It was a Revolution in Military Affairs in miniature. And it took hold quickly and almost universally. Nobody, however, could have foreseen just how pervasive this idea of command devolving to much lower levels of the armed forces would become. And in part that evolution has been as a result of the power of enabling technologies to drive, support and leverage command decisions for optimal effect. In short, technology has made possible the tactical implementation of swift and effective decision making at the coal face. But how?

Integration is the Key….

The simple answer is through the development of net centric warfare technologies, disciplines and doctrines. Providing a holistic environment in which information is gathered, analysed and acted upon in short order shortens the ‘kill chain,’ leads to effects-oriented action brought to bear at the point of interest swiftly and efficiently (at least in theory) and means that higher echelon command can concentrate on exploiting the opportunities brought about by such action rather than becoming enmeshed in the minutiae of directing and controlling the action, which is better done by the guys who can ‘smell the coffee’ and ‘see the whites of their eyes,’ without the necessity for referral up the line to get a decision. Does that sound too ‘warm and fuzzy?’ It shouldn’t.

Take the individual soldier and the basic operational unit for infantry action – the squad. The last two decades have seen literally tens of millions of dollars devoted to development of so-called ‘future soldier’ technologies. There are at least 40 programmes currently under way worldwide aimed at providing coordinated sensor and communications intelligence to the individual squad member, enabling him (or her, increasingly) to act in an integrated fashion with the rest of the squad, and to do so in a manner that makes the effects of that action – whether those effects are soft or kinetic – more appropriate to the task at hand. The only way this works effectively is by ensuring that systems are integrated, user friendly and robust, capable of routine operation in a hostile environment. In short, integration is the key.

Which is where some of these programmes run into trouble. There are physical constraints at work here – soldiers don’t like to carry anything that isn’t directly relevant to their personal survival – typically, ammunition, water and food. The necessity to carry several kilos of electronic equipment – and the power sources to make them function – brings an associated level of resistance that can often overcome a willingness to recognise the potential benefits. Apart from the physical, however, there is another component that works against efficient use of the capability – information overload. Faced with multiple options based on having a detailed but often confusing picture of the immediate conflict environment, there is a natural human tendency to weigh those options before making a decision, and that can lead to decision paralysis, which is the diametrically opposite situation from that which the system was originally intended to enable.

To a degree, the same applies to the vehicles from which dismounted action emanates. Armoured vehicles such as the BAE Systems CV90 and the General Dynamics SCOUT family of vehicles under construction for the British Army demonstrate high levels of systems integration, ranging from electronic surveillance and communications equipment to weapons sighting and control systems and even intelligent power management systems to increase efficiency and sustainability. Increasing complexity of systems integration, in a net centric environment, certainly leads to the potential for enhanced capability. However, this is sometimes offset by a tendency for some of the more mundane systems, which may have been overlooked in ‘gold plating’ the specification, to go wrong.

The reader should not assume this is intended to criticise the drive to integrate and improve efficiencies at small unit levels. On the contrary, such initiatives are laudable and there are both users and suppliers out there seeking to provide effective, enduring, cost-efficient and sustainable solutions.
One solution – one attracting increased interest for its simplicity of concept, though implementation is a little more complicated – is to provide information to the individual or specific platform on a distributed basis. Rather than employing point to point communications to give each squad leader in a platoon, for instance, the distillation of data from multiple sensors and electronic sources, the drive here is to provide the data to the network for analysis and storage, allowing individual users to access information as the need arises. This has several benefits: in the initial post-collection phase of the intelligence cycle, it frees up communications channels, since data has to be communicated to one repository rather than multiple individual users; it allows for analysis to be conducted once, centrally, rather than once at each user level, thus speeding up the intelligence cycle; and it reduces the potential for data irrelevant to platoon B (as opposed to platoon A which urgently requires it) swamping the platoon leader’s capability to make effective decisions.

In some ways this reflects the increasing complexity of modern warfare. Planners over the last decade or more have focused a great deal of attention on ensuring that everybody knows everything relevant. But there is a subtle amendment that needs to be considered – which is the fact that in a huge majority of cases it is the individual who knows far better what is relevant to his specific situation. By allowing the user to access centralised information and make decisions based on intelligence that he sees is clearly relevant in his case, therefore, better and, arguably, more timely decisions can be made.

If the concept of the strategic corporal is to truly come into its own, then giving him the ability to make decisions at the micro level – which, after all, is what the concept is all about in the first place – by accessing ‘packaged’ information rather than drowning him in superfluous detail would seem to be a fare better iteration of network centric warfare at the tactical level.

….but Implementation is the Secret

If distributed data is one key element to making tactical NCW work, then it is arguable that broader – perhaps one might even say strategic – approaches to implementation may provide the ‘secret sauce’ to make the whole concept more palatable. The UK MoD has embraced an approach to standardisation of land platforms that speaks to just this issue in adopting Def-Stan 23-03, more popularly recognised as Generic Vehicle Architecture or GVA.

Put simply, GVA posits that all land platforms – ranging from tanks and armoured vehicles to outposts, infantry equipment and logistics support systems, must in future meet common standards. This sounds too good – and too simple – to be true. But the power behind GVA lies in two facts.
First is that commonality means commonality. Too many NCW ideas have fallen foul of the hurdle of integrating legacy systems, because nobody has the resources, finances, time or even will to start again from scratch. Trying to force integrated capability by building patches and bug fixes to make legacy systems talk to each other is niot the answer. So by starting from a ‘point in time’ and dictating that henceforth all systems will share common characteristics, GVA is already streets ahead in terms of potential capability enhancement.

Second is the fact that MoD has taken a radical step – some might say almost too radical – of publishing the entire open architecture code for industry to obtain, integrate and implement. Not only does the standard dictate the style that future equipment must adhere to at the platform level, it also stipulates the common nature of any add-on or replacement system to be procured in the future. In other words, given the life span of say, 30 years for an armoured vehicle family, whatever technological advances make possible in the future in the capability presented by, say, ground radar sensors, any future replacement ground radar must be designed from the get go to fit the requirements of GVA and the generic platforms that will then be in service.

None of this should be taken to infer that what has happened to date is bad, or that significant progress in the ‘tacticalisation’ of NCW has not been made. The capabilities of the infantry squad today to gather and analyse intelligence, to decide and communicate, to enhance individual and unit situational awareness – in short, to fight effectively in a modern conflict are streets ahead of what they were even twenty years ago. And the signs are that the evolution of capability will progress at an even more rapid rate – particularly given moves made by the increasingly savvy customer to ensure that best practices are ruthlessly imported and exploited from other areas of human endeavour.

In the entertainment industry, the capabilities of computer games and simulations have been increasingly leveraged into constructive simulations for the training of military and security forces. The so-called ‘serious games’ component of military training programmes is now firmly embedded in the community’s psyche, as witness the near ubiquitous use of game engines like Bohemia Interactive Simulations’ VBS-3. As the engine has been used by more and more armed forces around the world, so Bohemia have continued the never-ending process of adding niche capability or modifying existing procedures to cater for the subtle variations in national doctrine or equipment characteristics.
There is a lesson here we should sit up and take not of. If NCW is to work – and with the best will in the world, we are not there yet, despite what protagonists will tell you – we need to be better at defining exactly what it is we want to do and we need to ensure we develop flexible, on-point training and education solutions in order to enable the strategic corporal – and his subordinates, peers and superiors – to use the undoubted power of integrated, networked combat capability to maximum effect. We ignore one salient point at our peril. NCW is not about electronics, not about distributed data, not about next-generation weaponry, lethal or non-lethal. It’s about people.

Tim Mahon

New Indigenous Fighter Jets - Turkey and Iran

January 8, 2015, 5:17 am

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According to news sources, Turkey is likely to order four F-35 Joint Strike Fighters in addition to the two it had already ordered. Turkey had originally planned to buy up to 100 F-35s to replace its ageing F-4 and F-16 fleet but budgetary constraints have forced it to order the $175 million aircraft in single digit numbers. According to the Undersecretariat For Defence Industries SSM, it has been agreed that four more F-35 planes will be procured in addition to the two previously ordered, as part of a plan to buy a total of 100 new generation F-35s. The decision came after a meeting chaired by Turkish Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu for the first time under his rule to discuss key defence purchases. It is not clear if the US will agree to this demand as its relations with Ankara have become cold in recent times and just recently, the US put on hold a planned delivery of decommissioned US Navy warships to Turkey.

According to the SSM, the committee has also decided to place an order for five CH-47F CHINOOK heavy transport helicopters. This will be a follow-on order to a previous deal involving six platforms.

Turkey's procurement agency SSM also announced its plans to go ahead with the "pre-design" phase in Turkey's bid to design, develop and produce an indigenous fighter jet. Commenting on the development of the fighter jet, Turkish Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu, chairman of the committee said that a twin-engine model would be pursued in the national fighter aircraft program.

In the meantime, Iran has commenced mass production of its indigenous fighter jet, SAEQEH (Farsi: Thunderbolt). The twin-seater fighter jet has already gone through mass production, a spokesman for the Islamic Republic of Iran Airforce (IRIAF) recently announced. "The fighter is continuously conducting reconnaissance missions across Iran," he added. "The new fighter jet will bring Iran to the level of self-sufficiency in the field. The IRIAF will upgrade the fighter in case the needs of the Armed Forces change in future. The fighter has the ability to track down enemy aircraft, engage in combat, target locations on the ground, and carry a load of assorted weapons and ammunition."

According to sources, SAEQEH was unveiled as a prototype in 2004 and later became operational in 2006. The jet is Iran’s second domestically-developed fighter with many calling it the Iranian F-18.

A Global Threat - Strategic and Critical Commodities in Danger

January 8, 2015, 9:04 pm

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There is an information gap on the significance of non-fuel minerals for the defence industry. As the reliability of future supplies of strategic metals and alloys is of increasing concern to many nations, there is a widespread demand for pooling such information, as found in cooperative efforts like the International Strategic Minerals Inventory (ISMI) that was started – in 1981 – by the governments of Canada, (West) Germany, and the US, and which was later joined by Australia, South Africa, and the UK. NAVAL FORCES, in a briefing earlier this year, noted that military strategists and policymakers often say that they are not aware of the importance of long-term, secure supplies of strategic commodities used in various components of defence weapon systems.

The F-35 JSF in production for Australia, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, the UK, and the US is dependent upon titanium supplies from China. (Photo: US Marine Corps)

Deep Trouble

Recent reports that China anticipates series production of combat aircraft engines, which can handle higher internal temperatures, were of great concern mainly in the West. Asian sources were saying that with the use of rhenium, a strategic metal that is very generally short of supply, Chinese manufacturers will produce single-crystal blades for WS-10 TAINHANG-powered J-10 and J-11 fighter aircraft. Some 5 metric tons of metal are needed annually from 2016, a figure that is equivalent to over 10% of the world’s annual production. This figure is equivalent to the quantity of rhenium used by Pratt & Whitney for the manufacturing of parts of its F135 engine for the Lockheed Martin F-35 Joint Strike Fighter (JSF). Rhenium is generally recovered, together with molybdenum, from so-called ‘porphyry copper’ deposits, but it is also enriched in sedimentary copper resources, called ‘Kupferschiefer’ (copper shale) in central and eastern Germany, where the metal, together with other critical metals like molybdenum, tellurium, silver, gold, and platinum group metals (PGM), could be a by-product of a large-scale underground copper mining operation by 2018 or 2019. In southwestern Poland, a ‘world class’ deposit of this type is already in production.

Another group of metals, rare earths or Rare Earth Elements (REE), could be in imminent danger that is due to cuts in Chinese exports. Members of Congress have expressed concern over US acquisition of REE in 2010, when a series of events and press reports highlighted what some referred to as the ‘Rare Earth Crisis’. One event that occurred in July 2010 has been the announcement by China’s Ministry of Commerce that China would cut its exports of REE by about 72%. In September 2010, China temporarily cut REE exports to Japan, apparently over the the dispute on the Senkaku/Diaoyu islands in the East China Sea that has further accelerated during 2013 and 2014. Policymakers in Washington were concerned that China had cut its REE exports and appeared to be restricting the world’s access to these commodities, with a nearly total US dependence on China for REE, including oxides, phosphors, metals, alloys, and magnets.

The same is completely true with regard to titanium used for the JSF.

Based on remote sensing surveys, a USGS study team has identified a sizable area of rocks in the centre of the Kanneshin Carbonatite Complex in the Helmand Province, southern Afghanistan, containing light rare earths including cerium and neodymium. The Pentagon has estimated its value at about U$7.4 billion.  (Map: US Geological Survey)

Western Countries Spend Less

The 15 elements belonging to the group of REE plus two other elements, yttrium and scandium, are referred to as ‘rare’ because, while they are relatively abundant in quantity, they appear in low concentrations in the earth’s crust, and economic extraction and processing is both difficult and costly. They are a unique group of chemical elements that exhibit a range of special electronic, magnetic, optical, and catalytic properties. So, they have hundreds of applications for the manufacturing of high-tech military hardware: fin actuators in missile guidance and control systems; disk drive motors installed in aircraft, tanks, missile systems and C2 centres; lasers for mine detectors, interrogators, underwater mines and countermeasures; satellite communications, radars and sonars; optical devices; ceramics (e.g. jet engine coatings); and propulsion systems (e.g. rechargeable batteries, fuel cells).

According to the 2013 Annual Industrial Capabilities Report to Congress issued in October 2013, “these materials [REE] gained considerable attention in 2011 as prices increased drastically and concerns rose over their availability especially due to one nation, China, being the source of over 95% of the global supply.” In 2013, China supplied 92% of the global REE and produced over 70% of the world’s REE components and products. As said by the The Hague Centre for Strategic Studies (HCSS) and TNO, also Europe is currently completely depended on imported REE raw materials, mainly from China. In total, Canada, France, Germany, Japan, and the United States have invested €732 million in China’s REE industry in recent years. In clear contrast, the investments in the exploration and development of REE resources mainly delineated in the Scandinavian Shield – about 1.7 million metric tons (Mt) of rare earth oxides (REO) contained in four major occurrences – only amounted to roughly €15.5 million.

“Both the German government and EU Commission classify REE as strategically important metals, whose supply is at risk. Also within the German industry, the sustainable supply of rare earths is considered critical”, a representative of Seltenerden Storkwitz AG told NAVAL FORCES (NAFO), sister magazines of MT. The company is currently investigating continental Europe’s only REE resource, the Storkwitz deposit in Saxony. The resource that is located in the so-called Delitzsch Carbonatite Complex, contains 38,000mt of REO plus 7,000mt of niobium. The latter also is a critical strategic metal used in the defence industry. The resource base could be expanded to over 80,000mt of REO, according to Seltenerden Storkwitz AG.

A report, entitled “EURARE: Development of a Sustainable Exploitation Scheme for Europe’s REE Ore Deposits,” came to the conclusion that at least five REE are considered critical for clean energy production: neodymium, europium, terbium, dysprosium and yttrium. Therefore, the authors of the report call for a clearer definition and assessment of the exploitable REE mineral resources and REE demand in Europe; development of sustainable and efficient REE ore processing technology (that could result in the production of high-grade REE concentrates and minimisation of tailings); and development of sustainable REE extraction and refining technologies. To realise this, European policymakers see the Kvanefjeld project in Greenland to potentially supply more than 20% of the global REE demand, in addition to the Norra Kärr project in Sweden owned by Tasman Metals Inc. The latter could potentially supply 14% of the projected 2014 world demand in dysprosium oxide, 7% in terbium oxide, and 2.2% of neodymium oxide.

Rare Earths at Risk in Africa, Asia

So-called ‘carbonatite-hosted’ REE resources are widespread (some 527 complexes of this genetic type are known worldwide), but the bulk of them are closely associated with continental environments and generally related to large-scale, intra-plate fractures, grabens or rifts, rather than oceanic environments. For example, Russia’s REE resources are mainly confined to the peralkaline Paleozoic Lovozero Massif on the Kola Peninsula that is enriched in yttrium, heavy REE (HREE), and zirconium. According to Russian geologists, during the 1980s, when the yttrium demand exceeded its supplies, exploration for yttrium-rich REE deposits led to the discovery of zirconium and HREE-dominated resources that are associated with peralkaline syenitic (coarse-grained intrusive igneous) and granitic rocks. Some have associated beryllium, niobium, and tantalum, critical strategic metals that do have numerous defence-related applications.

Gallium is used in the ultra-wideband phased array radar in development for naval applications. Connecting antenna elements in a revolutionary way could allow the ultra-wideband antenna to replace as many as five conventional antennas.(Photo: Georgia Tech Research Institute)

Only a small number of other countries – most of them developing nations – host these favourable geologic conditions, too. However, some of them are located in the world’s most dangerous crisis regions like Afghanistan, or are affected by political uncertainties and economic instability like Bolivia. In the latter country, US and European mining exploration companies terminated their investments to develop the Cerro Manomo Carbonatite Complex.

Although isolated carbonatite complexes such as Mount Weld in Australia do occur, most are in clusters or linear belts like those associated with rift zones in eastern Africa and the Araxá-Catalão belt in Brazil. The latter hosts one of the world’s largest REE and niobium resources, of which the Barreiro Complex at Araxá in the State of Minas Gerais comprises >450Mt of ore averaging 4.4% REO and 2.5% Nb2O5. An additional 0.8Mt of supergene-enriched laterite ore in the area averages 13.5% REO, mainly in the phosphate minerals gorceixite and goyazite.

African countries host 17 economically significant deposits of REE-enriched laterites, some of them located in disputed areas. The most thoroughly investigated deposit is probably the monazite-rich laterite overlying the carbonatite at Mrima Hill in Kenya. It contains an approximately 6Mt of material with about 5% REO. NAVAL FORCES was told that several of the African carbonatites located in Angola (Bonga and Capuia), Malawi (Kangankunde Hill), Mali (Adiounedj and Anezrouf), Mauritania (Bou Naga), Namibia (Eureka, containing a proven reserve of 0.03Mt at 6.3% REE to a depth of 20m; Ondurukurme Complex with some 8Mt at 3% REO and 0.3% Nb2O5), Uganda (Lolekek), Zambia (Nkombwa Hill), and the Democratic Republic of the Kongo (Nirumba) remain to be largely unexploited. Among them, Kangankunde Hill in Malawi, is underlain by carbonatite dikes in which the main REE phase is monazite that is almost thorium-free. An official of the Bundesanstalt für Geowissenschaften & Rohstoffe (BGR) in Hannover, Germany, told NAFO that carbonatite dikes at Wigu Hill, Tanzania, contain up to 20% REO as monazite and REE fluorocarbonate minerals of possible hydrothermal origin. Also, the Palabora carbonatite in South Africa, which occurs in a large Early Proterozoic potassic alkaline complex, has significant copper and apatite production, and has been evaluated as a source of REE. Potential by-product output from apatite concentrates that contain 0.4% to 0.9% REO has been estimated at 4,250mt annually.

The success of exploratory work of Southeast Asian REE resources is believed to be highly dependent upon investments by Chinese and Japanese industrial groups. REE deposits in Vietnam’s Lai Châu Province are reported to deliver lanthanide concentrates to Japan, based on an agreement of Japan’s Dong Pao Rare Earth Development Company with the Vietnamese firm Lai Châu-VIMICO Rare Earth Joint Stock Company. Western sources quoted an “identified plus inferred resource basis” of 19.2Mt of ore for the mining project, with grades ranging from 1.4% to 5% REO.

Chinese influence has also been reported from Bangladesh, where most of the commercially significant deposits are in sands of marine origin along or near present coastlines, and consist of titanium mineral placers with by-product zircon, monazite, and xenotime, of which the latter is also a source for scandium. In Malaysia, Hong Kong-based Commerce Venture Manufacturing (CVM) Minerals signed an MoU with the Perak State Government for creating a joint venture to produce lanthanide concentrates from the Bukit Merah REE deposit.

The Kiefernberg deposit in Saxony, Germany, contains an identified reserve of 34,500 metric tons of nickel, 1,420 metric tons of cobalt, and 32,200 metric tons of chromium in accordance to UN classification 332, plus resources of 20,150 metric tons of nickel and 15,500 metric tons of chromium. (Map: Deutsche Rohstoff AG)

Cheap Alternatives

Besides REE and by-product niobium, the defence industry is highly dependent upon other critical metals: nickel; cobalt; chromium; tungsten (decreasing mine production in Austria; continuing mining operations in Brazil, South Korea, Spain; new projects in Germany, Portugal, UK); lithium; tin (new mining ventures in Germany, Morocco, Spain); tantalum (Ghurayyah tantalum-niobium-REE project in Saudi Arabia awaiting approval); and gallium, germanium and indium. Both germanium and indium are contained in flat screen displays and laptops.

According to the US Geological Survey (USGS), laterite deposits, most of them located in developing countries in the Pacific Rim region and South America, provide roughly half of the world’s production of nickel and cobalt plus chromium. So-called ‘nickel laterites’ typically occur in regions where prolonged weathering of ultramafic rocks (containing ferro-magnesian minerals) has occurred, favoured by warm conditions with abundant rainfall. According to the USGS report entitled “Ni-Co Laterite Deposits of the World – Database and Grade and Tonnage Models”, such “residual materials contain about 70% of world’s nickel resources, have been mined for more than 100 years, and account for about 50% of world’s nickel production in 2012”.

Owing to the potential for comparatively low capital costs and lower economic cut-off ore grades, heap leaching has been proposed as an alternative processing route for the processing of nickel laterites by a number of recent projects: European Nickel’s Çaldağ project in Turkey; Acoje project in the Philippines; Vale’s Piauí project in Brazil; Metallica Minerals’ Nornico project in Australia; and Proto Resources’ Kiefernberg (Granulite Mountains) project in Germany. The latter project, located approximately 50km west of Dresden in Saxony, comprises a licence area of 670.4km2, and contains a former nickel open pit mine as well as several already identified unexploited mineralised zones. The results derived from 1,270 drilling holes have “identified a non-compliant nickel-cobalt-chrome resource“contained in a laterite cap measuring up to 7m in thickness, according to Proto Resources. The company’s Managing Director, Andrew Mortimer, pointed to the strategic significance of the acquisition; “Kiefernberg is the perfect fit for Proto, and will allow us to leverage the nickel processing technology we have been piloting for Barnes Hill [in Australia] into an environment marked by excellent infrastructure. Our ability to cheaply and rapidly replicate the extensive development work undertaken for Barnes Hill will be key to our plans to build nickel production tonnage over the next few years,” he said.

Global tantalum primary production for 2013 was estimated at 140 metric tons of Ta2O5 contained in tantalum-bearing tin slags (principally from smelters in Brazil, Thailand and Malaysia) and 590 metric tons of Ta2O5 contained in columbite (pictured) and tantalite or other tantalum-bearing minerals. (Photo: STN)

Conclusion

In a seven-page report, which was issued in March 2012, Congress encouraged the DoD to develop a collaborative, long-term strategy designed to identify any material weaknesses and vulnerabilities associated with rare earths and other strategic and critical materials required to meet the defence, industrial, and essential civilian needs of the United States. The list presented in the report contains ferroniobium, dysprosium metal, yttrium oxide, cadmium zinc tellurium substrate materials, and lithium ion precursors. Additionally, the Strategic and Critical Materials Report on Stockpile Requirements issued by the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition, Technology and Logistics in January 2013 lists four REE shortfalls that were identified; they are: erbium, terbium, thulium and scandium.

Despite a slightly decreasing demand in REE since about 2011 (due to the substitution of other materials for rare earth materials), two new projects in particular should have a significant impact on the markets from 2014/2015. REO production that has commenced in Malaysia (Bukit Merah mine) and in the US will add approximately 40,000 metric tons of oxide production capacity to the global supply chain by 2014, close to one-third of the forecasted demand. Furthermore, it was anticipated that the facility in the US (Molycorp’s Mountain Pass operations in California, also known as Project Phoenix) will have the capability to increase its capacity by an additional 20,000 metric tons in 2013/2014, according to the DoD.

The twist to the story comes with current crises in Ukraine, Mali, and other regions of the world.
Ukraine, for example, is highly dependent upon exports to the west, notably ferromanganese, ferrosilicon, silicomanganese, magnesium metal, ferronickel, ilmenite concentrate, titanium sponge, zirconium concentrate, and germanium. It is feared that Russian President Vladimir Putin will not cease operations by Russian troops that, meanwhile, have illegally crossed the border into eastern and southeastern Ukraine, also threatening Ukraine’s huge potential of natural resources and metallurgic sector.

(For additional information on Ukrainian resources see NAVAL FORCES III/2014, page 12/13.)

Stefan Nitschke

What Did You Do in the War, Mummy?

January 9, 2015, 12:08 am

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As a new year brings the prospect of further transformation in military affairs, the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) in London is said to be, “leaning towards making the change” to allow women to serve in front line combat units. A six month study, while not providing conclusive recommendations (further research is said to be required) has at least assuaged some of the doubts surrounding a peculiarly contentious issue.

The UK MoD is said to allow women so serve in front line combat units. German female soldiers (shown) do not have that privilege yet.

While women make up 10% of the strength of the British Armed Forces, restrictions to date have prevented their serving in infantry regiments, armoured regiments and the Royal Marines: units in which the primary combat role is “to close with the enemy and kill them.” Given the panoply of issues surrounding gender politics in British society (as elsewhere) it has become increasingly difficult, in recent years, to maintain these restrictions, when allies such as Australia, Canada, and the US have turned that particular corner and altered their regulations appropriately.

Protagonists of change ask the question “why not?” Antagonists roll out sound but increasingly tired arguments that women are not physically strong enough, are more prone to injury than men and will be disruptive of the unit cohesion and morale of small tactical operational units that form the core of our armed forces’ response to the type of expeditionary operations in our present and foreseeable future. But are those the right arguments?

Are women, on the whole, less strong than men? Childbirth requires strength, both physical and mental, to degrees that most men would hesitate to face with equanimity, were it biologically possible. Are women more prone to injury than men? There is some evidence from Afghan operations that carrying heavy loads for long period is more problematic for women than for men – but is this a sufficiently strong reason to deny them entry to combat units, should they desire to do so?

Violent jihadis know their reward will come in heaven, in the shape of 72 virgins - but not apparently if they are killed by women. There are all-women Peshmerga units to fend off Isil forces who are threatening to overrun their homeland.

Does the presence of women in military units serving in operational conditions cause insuperable morale or cohesion problems? Again, it depends to a large extent on the woman, but evidence to date suggests that the type of woman who has a desire to serve in the military has the mental fortitude and common sense to deal with potential issues effectively, often before they rise to the level of a problem.

The answers to these questions may have been clearer in the past, but recent years have seen significant changes take place in the manner and means by which warfare is waged. Furthermore, to a degree women already service in the front line, so why is there any question in the first place? In Afghanistan, where the front line is porous and lacks definition, British forces have lost a total of 453 personnel, including MoD civilians. Of this number, 404 have died as a result of “hostile action.” Seven of the British casualties have been women.

Women already effectively serve in the front line, as medics or as intelligence officers, for example, and run the same risks as their male counterparts. The Royal Navy has already had its first female commander of a warship – the Type 23 frigate HMS PORTLAND – and few would deny that an anti-submarine frigate is de facto a combat unit. Looking towards Europe, Norway already has its first female submarine commander and the Germany Navy appointed its first female submarine officer last year, a woman whose career may well take her to command in the future. In Afghanistan some while ago, I interviewed a female military police officer from the Slovak Republic hours before she deployed to Mazar-e-Sherif.

The remaining concerns in London, therefore, would seem to rest on an imponderable. If the restrictions are lifted and women apply for combat units, they will be held to the same exacting standards as men, which is right and fitting. If too few meet these standards, however, the fear is that pressure will be brought to bear to lower the bar to get more of them through, or to establish separate gender-specific standards. That is a legitimate concern. But it can only be overcome, surely, by at least trying to implement a change in policy and then making decisions based on experience rather than prejudice.

If the MoD leans far enough to implement a change that would be historic, it should be applauded for overcoming concepts that have been centuries in the making. If women want to serve in combat units, they should be given every opportunity to prove their suitability and – once proven – to be treated equably and fairly. Why not?

Tim Mahon

Surface Navy 2015: Algeria Strengthens its Surface Ship Capabilities

January 12, 2015, 1:53 am

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The first MEKO A200 frigate built for the Algerian National Navy has been undocked at Abu Dhabi Mar Kiel (ADM Kiel) shipyard on 5 December 2014. The approximately 3,700t (full displacement) ship, with the hull number 910, will be delivered to Algeria within the next 12 months. The €2.17 billion (U$2.7 billion) contract signed between the Algerian government and ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (TKMS) in March 2012 foresees the delivery of a pair of MEKO A200 frigates.

With the two 7,210nm (13,350km) range MEKO A200 frigates, Algeria will strengthen its surface ship capabilities in the Western Mediterranean. Pictured here is the yet to be named first ship (hull number 910) on 6 December 2014 in Kiel, Germany. (Photo: F. Vornholt)

The deal also encompasses the delivery of six AgustaWestland SUPER LYNX 300 (Mk140) helicopters equipped with Denel Dynamics MOKOPA missiles. Eurotorp will deliver 82 examples of its MU90 Impact lightweight torpedo. According to Thales Underwater Systems (TUS) in Le Bourget in October 2014, three of the aircraft will be equipped with the Compact FLASH lightweight active dipping sonar. Helicopter crew training will appear in Germany.

The two frigates are based on the MEKO A200SAN (VALOUR class) frigates delivered to the South African Navy between 2002 and 2004. They will carry a sensor/weapon package consisting of one Saab SEA GIRAFFE AMB (Agile Multi-Beam) 3D surveillance radar; two Saab CEROS 200 radar/electro-optical (EO) fire control directors; a single OTO Melara 127/64 LW (Lightweight) medium-calibre naval gun; two MSI-Defence 30mm cannons; and four Rheinmetall Defence MASS softkill decoy launchers. In addition to this, there will be provision for up to 32 vertically launched Denel Dynamics UMKHONTO-IR point defence missiles and space for up to 16 Saab/Diehl Defence RBS 15 Mk3 anti-ship missiles. Similar to their South African equivalents, the two Algerian frigates feature low-observable technologies in combination with a waterjet propulsion system.

The two MEKO A200 frigates will be the largest surface combatants of the Algerian National Navy, joining a surface fleet of Cold War design mainly of Russian, Chinese, and British origin consisting of over 50 ships and boats plus a pair of Russian KILO II (Projekt 636) diesel-electric submarines and two older KILO I (Projekt 877-EM) submarines built in the USSR. The Algerian government also signed a contract with China Shipbuilding Trading Company for the construction of three light frigates with a displacement of approximately 2,800 tons. Italy’s Fincantieri shipyard built a single multipurpose amphibious transport dock ship, the KALAAT BENI-ABBÈS (474), which entered the water on 14 January 2014.

Stefan Nitschke

Surface Navy 2015: News from the Maritime World

January 12, 2015, 2:49 am

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The first Damen STAN PATROL 3007 has arrived at Damen Shipyards Gorinchem in the Netherlands for outfitting. The vessel is one of nine that the Royal Bahamas Defence Force has ordered from Damen Shipyards. The order features four STAN PATROL 4207 vessels, one RoRo 5612 and a further three STAN PATROL 3007 vessels.

First SPa 3007 for Bahamas. (Photo: Damen)

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The Indonesian Navy acquires 11 Airbus Helicopters AS565 MBe PANTHER helicopters to enhance its ASW capabilities. Scheduled for deliveries within three years, the AS565 MBe airframes will be supplied by Airbus Helicopters to PT Dirgantara Indonesia for outfitting with mission equipment before delivery to the Navy. The mission equipment will include the Helicopter Long-Range Active Sonar (HELRAS) dipping sonar and torpedo launching system. The ASW helicopters will join a rotorcraft inventory consisting of light EC120 COLIBRI, FENNEC, and BO-105 helicopters.

The Indonesian Navy currently operates one AS565 PANTHER helicopter that can be operated from the DIPONEGORO class (SIGMA type) corvettes. The aircraft pictured here was originally flown by the Indonesian Coast Guard (BASARNAS). (Photo: Indonesian Navy)

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The Royal Moroccan Navy’s frigate TARIK BEN ZIYAD (613) has returned to Damen Shipyards Group for her first routine dry-docking at Damen Shiprepair Brest in France after three years of operation. The SIGMA 10513 frigate was built by Damen Schelde Naval Shipbuilding (DSNS). It has been designed in a modular way, using standardised solutions with commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) equipment. Forming part of three SIGMA type frigates, the TARIK BEN ZIYAD is equipped to conduct traditional naval tasks and maritime security operations, but she also is capable of supporting humanitarian aid operations. The SIGMA concept found in Morocco’s single SIGMA 10513 and two SIGMA 9813 frigates is entirely flexible and can accommodate specific customer platform and combat systems. Modules for a SIGMA type ship can be built at different locations around the world, depending on locally available manpower, skills, and facilities. For the docking of the frigate TARIK BEN ZIYAD, the Damen Shiprepair Brest team cooperated closely with the original construction team at DSNS in the Netherlands.

The SIGMA 10513 frigate TARIK BEN ZIYAD (613) seen here in the dry dock of Damen Shiprepair Brest is the first of three SIGMA type combatants built for the Royal Moroccan Navy. (Photo: Damen Shipyards Group)

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Poland's Coastal Defence Missile Battalion (Nadbrzezny Dywizjon Rakietowy; NDR) is set to receive a second delivery of the NSM (Naval Strike Missile) Coastal Defence System to fit a second squadron-size unit. The delivery, contracted to Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace, includes 24 NSM missiles for equipping six road-mobile launchers. A first delivery of 48 NSM missiles was received in 2013 and 2014. A squadron-size unit consists of 23 Jelcz 662/882 vehicles: six Mobile Launch Vehicles (MLV); two Mobile Radar Vehicles (MRV) carrying the TRS-15C ODRA-C radar; Battery Command Vehicles (BCV); Mobile Command Centres (MCC); Command Control Vehicles (CCV); and NSM supply vehicles plus other associated C3 equipment and trailers for energy support. The TRS-15C ODRA-C medium-range 3D surveillance radar, with an instrumented range of 130nm (240km), is provided by PIT-RADWAR S.A. (formerly Bumar Elektronika S.A.). The second delivery will also consist of communications systems that are provided by Polish subcontractors, including Wojskowe Zaklady Elektroniczne S.A (WZE), with which Kongsberg will closely work in an alliance. According to Kongsberg, the NSM Coastal Defence System utilises a command and weapon control system similar to the renowned NASAMS air defence system in use by four NATO countries, including the US. Flying at Mach 0.95, the 500kg NSM is capable of achieving a range of more than 180km (97.2nm). It is a stealth-enhanced missile system utilising GPS/INS guidance plus an imaging infrared (IR) seeker, in-flight data-link, and an automatic target recognition suite. The missile‘s 120kg fragmentation warhead has been developed by MBDA Deutschland-owned TDW Gesellschaft für verteidigungstechnische Wirksysteme mbH. It is coupled with the TDW-developed Programmable Intelligent Multi-Purpose Fuze (PIMPF).

A squadron-size unit of the Polish Coastal Defence Missile Battalion consists of six Mobile Launch Vehicles (MLV). Seen to the left are two Command Control Vehicles (CCV) and a Mobile Radar Vehicle (MRV) carrying the TRS-15C ODRA-C radar. (Photo: Polish Armament Inspectorate)

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The first flight and drop tests for the latest variant of the W88 nuclear warhead are providing data for Scandia National Laboratories to validate designs, improve computer modeling, and update component specifications. The two successful tests, which were conducted in June 2014, provide data for the programme, the W88 ALT 370, to move forward. The Critical Radar Arming and Fuzing Test (CRAFT) was the first flight test of a prototype radar for the W88 ALT 370. CRAFT demonstrated how the radar performed during re-entry through plasma generated by the hypersonic speeds at which the warhead travels. The new radar functioned as expected after launch on a TRIDENT II submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM) from a US Navy submarine. The June 2014 CRAFT test was the first of several planned flight tests to demonstrate the upgraded system's performance. It also represented a milestone: the first flight test unit Sandia and its partners, Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL), the Kansas City Plant (KCP), and Pantex, delivered to the US Navy for full-scale testing under the programme. A month later, the first drop test of the W88 ALT 370 programme mimicked a crane accidentally dropping the re-entry body onto a concrete surface to develop evidence that it would remain safe during an accident. Using an unarmed re-entry body, Sandia conducted the test in partnership with LANL, KCP, and Pantex at Sandia’s Drop Tower Facility, using the same handling gear a crane would use to move the weapon, making the test as realistic as possible.

Scandia National Laboratories performed a drop test for the W88 ALT 370 programme at its Drop Tower Facility, designed to replicate a crane accidentally dropping the re-entry body onto a concrete surface. (Photo: Scandia National Laboratories)

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Formally referred to as the Lebanese Coastal Security Craft (LCSC), the first of a new class of Advanced Multi-Mission Platforms (AMPs) has been built by RiverHawk Fast Sea Frames (RHFSF) for the Lebanon Armed Forces Navy (LAF Navy). The 43m LCSC 42, provisionally named TRABLOUS (pending formal commissioning in Lebanon), incorporates ITAR-compliant state-of-the-shelf controls and crew-aiding automation using on-board sensing of watercraft systems such as engines, tanks, environmental sensors, navigational, and weapon’s status. It incorporates a non-militarised, passive Integrated Bridge System (IBS) designed according to the ABS-NIBS Guide for Bridge Design and Navigational Equipment/Systems as well as ABS HSNC and SOLAS classification. The IBS, which includes four wide-screen multifunction workstations for navigation and surveillance, conning, and other operational command and control (C2) functions, was provided and commissioned by Raytheon Anschütz GmbH. In addition to the navigation systems, the IBS incorporates the ship’s automation system, a Closed Circuit Television System, and a forward-looking (FLIR) thermal imaging camera. Surface search X- and S-band radars programmed to Automatic Radar Plotting Aid (ARPA) software, a full package of navigation sensors, data management software, Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) A3, and all other electronic and safety equipment complete the IBS and Command and Surveillance package on the TRABLOUS. Her main propulsion is provided by two MTU 20V 4000m93L diesel engines coupled to Hamilton Jet HT-1000 waterjet propulsors, a proven drive train that maximises power to weight. 

The composite construction of the TRABLOUS makes her extremely rugged, but also very light, and her strength eliminates much of the standard stiffeners and supporting structures that add so much weight to conventional ships. Weight reduction translates directly into greater speed, increased manoeuvrability, and lower fuel consumption (lower cost and better performance), according to RHFSF. The epoxy resin hull is easy and inexpensive to repair and maintain. Launched in January 2014, the LCSC 42 was contracted by the US Department of the Navy’s Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) to Maritime Security Strategies (MSS) of Tampa. RHFSF produced and outfitted the fast patrol boat based on its proprietary ship design. It represents an important step in improving Lebanon’s ability to monitor and patrol its territorial waters and to contribute to international maritime security efforts in the Eastern Mediterranean, according to NAVSEA.

Contracted under the US Government’s Foreign Military Sales (FMS) programme, the Lebanese Coastal Security Craft (LCSC) will be the most technologically advanced and capable surface asset in the Lebanon Armed Forces Navy’s fleet. Pictured is the first LCSC, TRABLOUS (LCSC 42), during her August 2014 sea trials off Tampa, Florida. (Photo: RiverHawk Fast Sea Frames)

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Vice Admiral Matthieu Borsboom relinquished command of the Royal Netherlands Navy (RNlN) on 26 September 2014. Still a major general in his former position as Deputy Commander of the Naval Forces Command, Rob Verkerk has taken over from Borsboom, getting promoted to Lieutenant General as a result. Borsboom has since become head of the Dutch Defence Materiel Organisation (DMO). Verkerk combines his new position as Chief of the Navy with that of Admiral Benelux (ABNL). Verkerk’s star has been rising for many years and the Commando- trained Marine acted as Director of Operations and Chief of the Royal Netherlands Marine Corps (RNlMC) from August 2007 until April 2012. Verkerk started his career in 1978 when he joined the RNlN as a cadet at the Royal Naval Institute in Den Helder, known as Koninklijk Instituut voor de Marine (KIM). After having become a commissioned officer with the Dutch Marines in 1982, he held various positions in the Marine Corps, including that of Platoon and Company Commander, and Head of Operations of one of the Marine Infantry Battalions. At the beginning of the millennium, Verkerk served as Head of the Marine Training Centre after which he took up command of the RNlMC’s 2nd Marine Infantry Battalion. Subsequent duties included high-ranking positions at the Marine Corps HQ and in both the Navy and defence staff where he was involved in laying out naval requirements which led to the acquisition of LPD, OPV, and JSS vessels. Verkerk was also very much involved in putting together the 2005 Navy Study, and in giving guidance to the reorganisation of operational Marine Corps units, something, which was largely completed by mid-2014. In the mid-1990s, he was deployed as the Deputy Staff Officer of Operations of the Multinational Brigade (MNB) operating in Bosnia as part of the Rapid Reaction Force (RRF). In his new job, Lieutenant General Verkerk reports directly to the Chief of Defence (CHOD) and sits in the Defence Council that is chaired by the Minister of Defence. Now responsible for maintaining readiness of all Dutch naval and Marine units, Verkerk layed out some of his priorities in his acceptance speech. Aiming to consolidate the RNlN after many years of being confronted with budget cuts, the new Chief of Naval Forces will focus on the Navy’s core tasks, avoiding unnecessary reorganisations along the way. Aiming to improve morale amongst personnel, Verkerk wants to increase confidence in the RNlN’s future, for instance by getting decision-makers to increase spending on the fleet. On top of this, he is committed to increasing cooperation with international partners. This includes more cooperation with the German Navy, including its Seebatallion. This unit is a new multifunctional battalion that was established in Eckernförde in April 2014, which includes boarding teams and combat divers amongst others. This move is in line with the May 2013 ministerial declaration of intent under which both Navies will seek to optimise the conduct of combined operations. 

Pieter Bastiaans

Lieutenant General Rob Verkerk (left). (Photo: Royal Netherlands Navy)

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On 29 December 2014, the Peruvian Navy’s fleet logistic support ship BAP TACNA (ARL-158; ex-Royal Netherlands Navy Zr.Ms. “Amsterdam”; A 836) arrived at her new homeport, Callao Naval Base, accompanied by the frigates BAP VILLAVICENCIO (52) and  BAP QUIÑONES (58). After her transfer from Dutch ownership, on 4 December 2014, she departed Den Helder Naval Base six days later. SIMA Shipyard will install the indigenously developed VARAYOC Combat Management System (CMS) and some other Peruvian designed systems. Admiral Carlos Tejada, Commander General of the Peruvian Navy, said: “BAP TACNA will bolster our Navy’s capability to deploy and sustain our units in long-range, out-of-area operations. Her capability to embark helicopters also gives the navy the means for persistent patrolling of its EEZ [Economic Exclusive Zone] and maritime zones. And because Peru is located in a region where earthquakes, tsunamis, and volcano eruptions can occur frequently, she is a valuable asset for civilian emergencies and disaster relief missions throughout the Asia-Pacific region.” The next day, Adm. Tejada handed over the helm of the Marina de Guerra del Peru (MGP) to Admiral Edmundo Deville in a ceremony at the Naval Academy in La Punta, Lima. One of the most forward-thinking military officers and enlightened leaders of his generation, Admiral Tejada superbly handled the enormous challenges of rejuvenating the MGP. His work has been epic. Without any doubt, he can be regarded as the ‘father’ of the new MGP.

The logistic support ship BAP TACNA (ARL-158) arriving in her new homeport Callao, Peru; showed on her bridge are (f.r.t.l.) Admiral Carlos Tejada, President Ollanta Humala, and Minister of Defence Pedro Cateriano Bellido. (Photo: Guy Toremans)

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Mönch is exhibiting at Surface Navy 2015. Please stop by and grab a magazine. 

Surface Navy 2015: US Navy's LCS Programme Still On Course

January 13, 2015, 10:02 am

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The US Navy's (USN) littoral combat ship (LCS) program me, one of the largest defence contracts in Wisconsin-USA, remains afloat even as critics say planned changes aren't enough to make the vessels more suitable for warfare. The USN wants the high-speed warships as fast as they can be built, Joe North, Vice President of littoral ships and systems for Lockheed Martin, said.

Currently, the Marinette Marine shipyard in Marinette employs about 1,500 people building the combat vessels designed for a variety of missions including shallow, coastal waters. Working together, Lockheed Martin and Marinette Marine have delivered two of the ships, the USS FREEDOM and USS FORT WORTH, to the USN. Six more of the vessels are in various stages of construction at the shipyard north of Green Bay. Two of the ships are being readied for testing. The programme has been a mainstay of employment at the shipyard and hundreds of its suppliers, including companies in the Milwaukee area.

Last month, US Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel approved a USN proposal to buy 20 modified LCS after 2019 with improved armour and more capable weapons. The decision was a reprieve for Lockheed Martin and Marinette, because some critics wanted to scuttle the programme. But last week, a Pentagon official said the modifications approved by Hagel weren't sufficient and only a new ship or a "major modification" to the existing blueprint would make the vessels much more resistant to combat damage.

The USN has said it's satisfied with the LCS, including a different design built by Austal in Mobile, AL.

The USS FORT WORTH was delivered to the Navy in 2012 and has since traveled more than 40,000 nautical miles. The warship carries a Sikorsky SEAHAWK helicopter, rigid-hull inflatable boats, and sonar gear. With its shallow draft, it can navigate through reefs and other places a bigger vessel couldn't reach. The 377ft ships have interchangeable modules that enable them to hunt for submarines, search for underwater mines or conduct surface warfare. Earlier, critics said the modules couldn't be changed fast enough for use in combat. But the goal was to be able to change them in 72 hours, and it's been done in less time than that, according to North.

The next version of the lLCS is expected to be less modular, although it will retain some of those capabilities, according to USN insiders. It's expected to have additional armour, improved defence systems, an improved air surveillance radar, and more powerful weapons, including surface-to-surface missiles.

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Surface Navy 2015: Raytheon's Solutions for Navies Worldwide

January 13, 2015, 10:29 am

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Raytheon is a premier ship systems integrator, delivering proven, affordable and highly automated solutions for Navies worldwide. The company is showing its latest innovations and meeting customers at Booth #100 during the Surface Navy Association's National Symposium.

Raytheon has decades of experience integrating a full range of naval systems —radar, networks, combat management, fire control, weapons and more.

The company's solutions span the entire detect-control-engage chain, allowing naval forces to identify and counter threats above water, on the water or undersea. Highlighted at the show are:

• Air and Missile Defence Radar
• Airborne Low Frequency Sonar
• Ship Self-Defense System
• Integrated Bridge Systems
• DDG 1000 ZUMWALT-class Destroyer
• Standard Missile-3 (SM3)
• Standard Missile-6 (SM6)
• SeaRAM Anti-Ship Missile Defense System
• TOMAHAWK Cruise Missile
• GRIFFIN C-ER Missile
• Evolved SEASPARROW Missile
• Rolling Airframe Missile
• Standard Missile-2 (SM2)
• EXCALIBUR N5 Precision Projectile
• and Torpedos.

MT, at the show, found out that a new variant of the US Navy's (USN) Joint Standoff Weapon is ready for operational testing for use against moving maritime targets. The final developmental free flight test of Raytheon's Joint Standoff Weapon C-1 has been conducted in California by the USN. The US Naval Air Systems Command said the test involved the missile being launched from an F/A-18 at a moving maritime target. The missile destroyed the target, it said, and met all primary test objectives. The AGM-154 Joint Standoff Weapon is medium-range precision-guided missile system and is in use with the Navy to destroy land targets. The new C-1 variant incorporates a two-way strike common weapon datalink to enable the striking of a moving maritime target. The missile system features an imaging infrared seeker and an autonomous target capability. The Navy said the JSOW C-1 will now enter operational testing before delivery to the fleet in 2016.

Raytheon's EXCALIBUR N5 and GRIFFIN C/ER (Photos: DPM)

Raytheon's family of Standard Missiles and TOMAHAWK.

Raytheon Mk. 54 Lightweight Torpedo at Surface Navy 2015.

The ZUMWALT-class destroyers feature Raytheon technologies and equipment (see below).

The ZUMWALT-class destroyers feature Raytheon technologies and equipment that will benefit the US Navy for years to come, most notably the:

• Total Ship Computing Environment – a single, encrypted network that controls all shipboard computing applications, ranging from the ship’s lights and machinery control to its radars and weapon systems. The TSCE's sailor-centric interface and high degree of automation allow the ship to run more effectively and efficiently.
• Electronic Modular Enclosures – a shipbuilding innovation that packages more than 235 individual electronics cabinets into ready-to-install, “ruggedized” units for easy integration, maintenance and upgrades. Each ship carries 16 EMEs.
• Integrated Undersea Warfare System – two sonar arrays (high and medium frequencies) in one automated, hull-mounted system designed to protect the ship from enemy mines, submarines and torpedoes. Using sophisticated algorithms, the sonar better enables ZUMWALT destroyers to detect, engage and defeat an enemy threat.
• MK57 Vertical Launching System – a state-of-the-art weapon launcher designed to fire missiles for sea, land and air attacks. The MK57’s modular electronic-architecture allow ZUMWALT destroyers to quickly transition to new missiles systems by minimizing the need to re-qualify their launchers. The MK57 launchers are contained and protected by the Peripheral Vertical Launch System. The PVLS’ design and positioning make the launchers – and missiles – resistant to battle damage and safely isolates them from the crew and shipboard equipment.

Surface Navy 2015: GD Features Mk 46 GWS for LCS and DDG-1000 + New Business Unit

January 13, 2015, 10:37 am

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The Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) awarded General Dynamics Land Systems a $26.2 million contract for the production of MK46 Modification (Mod) 2 Gun Weapon Systems (GWS) for use on Littoral Combat Ships (LCS), and ZUMWALT-class (DDG-1000) ships.

The MK46 30mm Naval Weapon System is an all-weather, day/night, fully stabilised weapon system. Its lightweight, modular and compact size makes it an ideal candidate for numerous anti-surface and anti-air defense applications. The systems family of turrets represents a balance of lethality, performance, reliability and versatility, and it is one of the most cost-effective medium-caliber weapon systems.

General Dynamics has delivered 38 MK46 systems to the US Navy since 2005.  It is the main deck gun for LPD-17 ships and is the secondary gun battery for LCS, and ZUMWALT-class (DDG-1000) ships. The MK46 Mod 2 GWS incorporates new open architecture, fault isolation software and an embedded trainer.

A new GD business unit went public for the first time with product displays today. General Dynamics Mission Systems is a combination of General Dynamics Advanced Information Systems and General Dynamics C4 Systems and came into being on 1 January 2015.

"This restructuring has allowed us to create a real powerhouse," said Chris Marzilli, President of General Dynamics Mission Systems. "We are stronger together and offer a more robust portfolio of products, services and solutions that help customers successfully execute their missions in today's dynamic environment. Our exhibits at Surface Navy 2015 highlight our collective capabilities from which the US Navy will benefit, including unsurpassed technology, innovation and mission understanding."

The new business unit is the ship systems integrator for both the Navy's joint high speed vessel and INDEPENDENCE-variant Littoral Combat Ship programs.

Surface Navy 2015: Kelvin Hughes Demonstrating the Full Range of Naval Situational Awareness Systems

January 13, 2015, 10:57 am

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Kelvin Hughes is exhibiting at the Surface Navy Association’s 27th National Symposium, being a key event for the US Navy (USN), attended by high ranking officers, including four-star Admirals, US Department of Defense (DoD) officials, academics and industry leaders.

As such, it represents an excellent forum for Kelvin Hughes to demonstrate the full range of naval situational awareness systems. With the companies game-changing SharpEye solid state navigation and surface search radar at the heart of their solutions, Kelvin Hughes is able to provide the world’s Navies with surface search, navigation and helicopter control radars that can detect the smallest targets invisible to other radar technologies.

Kelvin Hughes is showcasing its latest naval and coastguard radar products including SharpEye, lightweight upmast transceiver housing and turning unit, Naval MantaDigital tactical radar display, and SharpEye SCV radome designed for small boats.

Kelvin Hughes SharpEye SCV radome designed for small boats (Photos: DPM)

Kelvin Hughes GaN Surveillance Radar

Kelvin Hughes Naval MantaDigital tactical radar display

Surface Navy 2015: Aydin Displays Offers Full Line of Displays for All Aspects and Applications

January 13, 2015, 12:51 pm

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Aydin Displays has been designing and supplying ruggedised display equipment and computer workstations for military programmes for over 46 years. Aydin has a proven reputation of expertise in designing, manufacturing, testing, and qualifying ruggedised equipment for operation in severe military environments, such as ground mobile, airborne, surface warships, and submarines. The company is a leading provider in display manufacturing technology, servicing the industrial, military, and air traffic control (ATC) industries. Aydin offers a variety of industrial displays, rugged military/COTS flat panel displays, military and industrial panel PC workstations, and air traffic control displays, ranging in size from 8.4” to 65” and available in numerous mounting options. Many of the company's products comply with shock, vibration and EMI Military standards and can be customised to include options such as integrated touchscreens.

At Surface Navy 2015, Aydin Displays exhibits their Rugged Camera Systems. (Photo: DPM)

Aydin Displays offers a full line of displays for all aspects and applications of ATC, including EnRoute, Approach Control and Tower, as well as military ATC applications. Aydin’s wide range of products include main radar console displays, sunlight readable tower displays, and ruggedised mobile ATC, as well as large format displays for supervisory ATC. Additionally, Aydin can supply projection displays for full fidelity simulation applications through one of their sister companies. Aydin Displays conducts extensive self test and standard SNMP reporting for early fault detection and maximised uptime of the most mission-critical components of ATC radar consoles. Additionally, Aydin incorporates unique features to specifically address the demanding needs of the ATC environment, with an emphasis on the overall support of safety goals. Aydin understands and embraces this philosophy by designing and manufacturing displays built with quality, reliability, and commitment that create long term solutions for customers.

Collectively, Aydin has installed over 300,000 display units in their ongoing support of many government contracts, including the US Navy’s CDS programme and the rapidly growing command and control (C2) logistics market for Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs). Aydin is certified AS9100C for its Quality Management System (QMS). This certification verifies that the company’s processes related to design and manufacture have met or exceeded the required standard, that all products will have both quality and traceability, and that all processes and procedures used are documented – which results in consistency and value.

Surface Navy 2015: Seen & Heard on Day One

January 13, 2015, 12:59 pm

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The US Navy (USN) could enlist private shipyards to help relieve a maintenance backlog for its attack submarines, which translates into a potential opportunity for Newport News Shipbuilding. Companies expected to bid on new contracts for overhaul work are General Dynamics Electric Boat, and the Newport News shipyard, a division of Huntington Ingalls Industries.

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Boeing has delivered the eighth P-8A POSEIDON of 2014, completing all planned deliveries to the US Navy (USN) for the year on time and on cost. The last airplane flew from Seattle to Naval Air Station Jacksonville in Florida on 8 January, where it joined other P-8As being used to train Navy crews. Based on the Boeing next-generation 737-800 commercial airplane, the P-8A provides the USN anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare, and Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities. The Navy is purchasing the multi-mission aircraft to replace its aging P-3 ORION fleet. Boeing is currently under contract for 53 P-8As.

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The US Navy (USN) is expected to settle on terms for a new performance-based logistics (PBL) contract with Sikorsky-Lockheed Martin joint venture Maritime Helicopter Support Company (MHSCo) for its Sikorsky MH-60R Seahawk maritime helicopter fleet by the end of the month.Formed in 2001, MHSCo engages in providing repair, maintenance and overhaul services on the Navy’s H-60 series aircraft. The H-60 Performance-Based Logistics programme comprises of a compensation plan, whereby MHSCo’s compensation will be based on the total flight hours of the helicopter. This ensures MHSCo’s consistent endeavors to enhance the reliability of its fleet. This will not only reduce costs for the USN but also ascertain improved performance by the helicopters. In the first half of 2014, the team of Lockheed and Sikorsky received a $1.2 billion contract from the USN to construct the first six units of 21 presidential helicopters as a replacement of the ageing Marine One fleet. Marine One was initially built by Sikorsky. Contract work is expected to be over by Oct 2020 and the USN will purchase the helicopters by 2023 for about $3 billion.

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The US Navy (USN) has placed a follow-on order with Orbit International's Power Group for the delivery of COTS power supplies. Power Group, through its Behlman Electronics' subsidiary, will supply COTS units for integration in the USN's anti-submarine and anti-ship surveillance and targeting system, as well as a wide-area surveillance radar system. Behlman will start deliveries of the systems later this year. To date, Behlman has supplied the model 00389 COTS switch mode power supply to the USN, which is aimed at meeting input power requirements of MIL-STD-704A and RTCA-DO160, in addition to MIL-Standards 901, 810C, 167 and 461 C / D. The Behlman 00389 COTS power supply has eight DC outputs for altering power and can operate from a three phase 115 / 200 VAC +/-20% at 360Hz to 440Hz. Behlman is expecting additional orders for power supply units until at least next year.

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The US Naval Surface Warfare Center has awarded a contract to Engineering Services Network (ESN) to support its combat systems work. ESN is the prime contractor for the USN's combat systems operational sequencing system (CSOSS), which is deployed at the Naval Surface Warfare Center, Port Hueneme Division (NSWC PHD) in the Port Hueneme, San Diego and Norfolk areas.
Under the agreement, the company will be responsible for the development, modification, validation and delivery of CSOSS for all shipboard sensors and command, control, communications, computers, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (C4ISR) applications, as well as weapon systems.
It also involves delivering analysis, technical and programmatic support, information coordination, product development and maintenance of CSOSS for all AEGIS and non-AEGIS ship classes, US Coast Guard WMSL and WPC cutters, in addition to related shore facilities. The three-year contract also comes with a base year and two one-year options.

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The Indian Ministry of Defence (MoD) has confirmed plans to procure 127mm lightweight (LW) guns from Italian firm OTO Melara. As part of the $243.5 million deal, according to news sources, OTO Melara will deliver 13 127mm guns, which will be integrated on indigenously designed and built SHIVALIK-class frigates and DELHI-class destroyers.

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Comark, a leading provider of high performance, mission critical computer and display solutions, is exhibiting on booth # 213: Computer display systems that are currently used in naval programmes including DDG 51 Machinery Control Systems, AEGIS BMD, and CVN Control Systems. The focus in the Comark booth is on Smart Displays demonstrating the latest offerings from the Naval focused MissionVue product line. The MissionVue sealed fanless systems utilise the latest in low power quad core processor technology, according to the company. Comark products are also featured in other booths throughout the exhibit hall.

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The US Department of Defense (DoD) approved the USN's plan to build a new Small Surface Combatant Ship (SSC), which is based on modified Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) on 11 December 2014. The approval came in as a result of persistent criticism about the cost and viability of the $34 billion LCS programme, including design and construction problems and budget overruns. Earlier in 2014, Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel cut the planned littoral ship buy from 52 to 32, and ordered a review of the programme. He said the USN will still buy a total of 52 ships, but it will be a mix of LCS and the new smaller surface vessels. The final numbers have not been determined. "The USN must direct its future shipbuilding resources toward more multi-mission platforms that can operate in every region and across the full spectrum of conflict according to present fiscal climate and an increasingly volatile security environment," concluded Hagel after rigorous review and analysis.

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The USN could significantly increase the number of sonobuoys it plans to deploy off the Pacific Coast. The floating, acoustic surveillance devices are used in anti-submarine warfare. "The Oregonian" reports that in a modified environmental assessment for Northwest training and testing, the USN increased the number of planned sonobuoys from 20 to 720. They would be in areas at least 12 miles offshore from Alaska, Washington, Oregon and Northern California. The USN acknowledges that deploying more of them is likely to harm endangered leatherneck turtles.

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Surface Navy 2015: Photographic Recap of the Show

January 16, 2015, 1:25 am

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Four Acres of Sovereignty - A Survey of the UK's Aircraft Carrier

January 16, 2015, 1:39 am

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At 65,000t and almost 300m in overall length, the two QUEEN ELIZABETH-class (QEC) aircraft carriers being built for the Royal Navy are the largest naval vessels ever built in Britain. They are also the most capable.

QUEEN ELIZABETH-class (QEC) aircraft carrier being built for the Royal Navy (All photos via author)

The real power of these vessels lies not in their physical size, but in their capabilities. Even aircraft carriers have to be multi-mission capable in these times of constrained defence budgets and the capabilities of the carriers lend themselves to a full range of naval warfare, amphibious/land operations support, humanitarian and disaster relief missions and more. The flight operations capability, for example, is sufficient to control the entire airspace around London, if you could get her up the Thames. She has the capacity for generating 110MW of electrical power which, to put it in perspective, would power an entire city of over 200,000 people.

During a recent visit to the shipyard at Rosyth, MT saw HMS QUEEN ELIZABETH as it continues the fitting out process, having been floated and named last year, while HMS PRINCE OF WALES is still in the construction dock, with major units or ‘blocks’ scheduled to be mated to the growing hull in coming months. The size of the undertaking is reflected in the fact that the programme has absorbed “almost all the shipbuilding capacity in the country” for the last two years and that some 80,000 tonnes of steel has had to be sourced for the two vessels, according to Ian Booth, Managing Director of prime contractor Aircraft Carrier Alliance.

HMS PRINCE OF WALES is still in the Rosyth construction dock.

The Alliance, a consortium that includes BAE Systems, Babcock, Thales, and the Ministry of Defence (MoD), brings “the orchestration of the whole of defence to support this programme,” in Booth’s words. Three times larger than any other vessel in current naval shipbuilding experience in the United Kingdom, the two QEC vessels are being built only two years apart. Major ‘blocks’ – some of which weigh in at over 10,000t – are fabricated in BAE Systems Naval Ships shipyards at Govan and Scotstoun and then sailed round the country (north or south, depending on weather conditions) to Rosyth for assembly and mating. The logistics management process supporting the construction programme is mammoth – and is informing the company’s approach to naval shipbuilding in general, with many lessons learned translating to the forthcoming Type 26 Global Combat Ship construction programme of up to 13 vessels for the Royal Navy.

HMS QUEEN ELIZABETH is planned to be commissioned early in 2017, with HMS PRINCE OF WALES being launched the same year and commissioned in 2020. Each carrier will have the capacity to operate an air wing of 40 fixed- and rotary-wing aircraft, along with an appropriate mix of embarked troops, equipment and mission specialists. Interestingly, the vessel’s complement will be less than 700 crew, with air wing and embarked personnel bringing the total to around 1,600. By comparison, a US Navy carrier has a total complement of around 4-4,500.

Perhaps the strongest impression resulting from the visit, however, is the way in which BAE Systems Naval Ships is using both the QEC programme and the construction of three Ocean Patrol Vessels for the Royal Navy (steel was cut on the first of these late last year) to test innovative process improvements aimed at making naval construction more efficient and cost-effective. Improvements in workflow management, wholesale outsourcing of the entire logistics process and the replacement of a ‘quality inspection’ with a ‘quality coaching’ regime have already resulted in defect reduction of 75% between the first and second carriers under construction.

BAE Systems will cut steel in 2016 on the first of the Type 26 Global Combat Ships, a class of 13 of which is currently planned for the Royal Navy. Arguably the most modern surface combatant design of its class on the market today, the Type 26 will benefit from the production enhancements being trialled on the Clyde today. With average life expectancies for this type of vessel extending beyond 25 years (and the QEC carriers have a life approaching double that) the issue of efficiencies and state-of-the-art production environments will have a dramatic effect on through-life management of assets which, though small in number, remain powerful components of a nation’s security and foreign policies.

I used to have a poster in my office showing a US Navy aircraft carrier with the strapline “four and a half acres of sovereignty.” British carriers are smaller, of course, and the flight deck area of the QEC is a mere four acres. Oh well!

Tim Mahon on HMS QUEEN ELIZABETH

Tim Mahon

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SHOT Show 2015: Fragment Protective Clothing – A Holistic Approach to Lightweight Ballistic Body Protection

January 18, 2015, 11:24 pm

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One of the main risks soldiers face in today’s missions is the effect of IEDs. In an IED explosion a combination of resulting blast, fire and fragmentation affects the human body and can have severe destructive effects, as conventional body armour shows distinctive protection gaps. Depending on primary and secondary fragments’ impact forces, penetration depth and position, many wounds can be lethal, require immediate surgical intervention, result in surface tissue penetration and can affect the human body in a long term way.

The origin of the resulting effects of an IED explosion develops primarily from ground level upwards. Primary fragments and secondary fragments, e.g. dirt, sand and debris are accelerated during the explosion process and penetrate cloth and tissue. The body is mainly affected at the lower limb and pelvic region, spreading over the lower torso, hands and along the arms and side torso, up to the shoulder, neck and face area.

Even though countering IEDs is of top priority for international defence forces, facts about the number of injured soldiers, the dramatic increase in the severity of injuries and the resulting long term physiological and psychological effects show the serious lack in personal protection for certain body areas.

The Fragment Protective Clothing provides full Body Protection (highlighted in white). (Graphic: Blücher)

Detecting the Protection Gap

A closer look into older soldiers’ personal protective clothing system immediately shows a large protection gap. Because of low wearing acceptance of the groin protective flap, only the upper front/back torso and the head are protected against impacting fragments by wearing a ballistic vest and helmet. The rest of the body remains unprotected.

Evaluating individual body parts from medical perspectives shows that fragment penetration can have different consequences on the human body. Ranging from tissue and muscular surface wounds up to lethal injuries of the artery, vein system and vital organs. Wounds with high blood loss result in direct and long-term effects, dysfunctions and infections. Severe injuries of the genitourinary system often lead to amputations, reconstructive surgeries, infertility, and impotence. Contaminated fragments transport bacteria into the wound channels leading to a serious infection risk, which can result in sepsis.

Blücher’s personal protective equipment (PPE) division SARATOGA took action. The facts have led to the current status of protection being reconsidered. The fully equipped soldier is analysed considering impacting effects and resulting traumata. The individual zones evaluated include those regarded wound level, infection risk, mobility restriction and long-term consequences. The protective gaps are located, evaluated and classified, identifying the zones for implementing advanced fragment protective clothing.

Solution - Innovative Fragment Protective Textile 

The complex findings are transferred into the performance requirements of the clothing concept: A new and advanced, multifunctional fragment protective textile fabric has been developed by the innovative R&D team of SARATOGA. A highly dense, compressible and flexible material structure of extreme resistance and multifunctional yarn qualities is the result, guaranteeing a high striking ratio and preventing even micro-fragments from penetration. The resulting energy is immediately transmitted, dissipated and reflected between the fabric structures.

The ballistic protective performance is tested according to STANAG 2920 with the 2grain RCC reaching a V50 value of at least 320m/sec. It keeps its ballistic protective performance level even under full moisture saturation and long term UV radiation where conventional protective gear shows severe deterioration. Wrapping and protecting the fibre materials in UV and waterproof foils (as needed with common ballistic protective articles) is no longer necessary, according to the company. Due to the soft and compressible behaviour of the fabric, the textile allows the resulting shock wave to pass immediately through the body. The danger of building up pressure in the body’s core, due to the reflection between rigid materials, is avoided.

The air permeable construction of the fragment protective textile offers ventilation, limits the isolation factor and avoids heat accumulation. Due to the hydrophilic behaviour and the capillary effect the surplus in body moisture is transported away from the surface and condensates. Through the chill-effect, the body’s natural thermal regulation is supported. The skin-friendly fabric with its elasticity allows being of high fitting comfort, offering a soft and supple touch and adapting to all of the wearer’s movements and posture, recovering to its initial state when released. The robust material even allows multiple launderings at 60°C without any performance loss.

Advanced Fragment Protective Clothing Concept

SARATOGA has realised the Fragment Protective Clothing: Integrating the fragment protective textile fabric into the clothing concept results in a multifunctional, low weight and extremely comfortable overall performance. The individual elements provide robust and efficient protection and meets complex physiological performance requirements. Additional benefits include low weight, high freedom of movement, extended wearing and climate comfort. The Fragment Protective Clothing is composed of individual elements. Combined, they offer full body protection against fragmentation of the - up to now - unprotected body zones. The combination of protective and comfort zones in each individual product leads to distinctive heat and sweat management. Basic protection is provided with a lightweight shirt and undershorts version, worn as an undergarment. As the danger potential of IEDs can differ, the protection requirements differ accordingly. The armour clothing system provides individual protection zones and therewith individual protection levels. The Pelvic Protective Under Garment (PPUG) can be quickly and simply complemented and armoured up with an additional soft jockstrap to enhance the groin protection and leg packages to enhance the protection of the thigh’s artery and vein system. Insertions provide the same extraordinary comfort properties as the basic protective undergarment. The soft and compressible, flexible and mobile elements complement perfectly, do not interfere with the wearer’s movements, and are very comfortable even in prone position. Individual products are camouflaged and can be worn directly exposed to the environment; hereby a Fragment Protective Combat Shirt (FPCS) is worn. The carotid arteries in the neck area are perfectly protected by the detachable Fragment Protective Collar (FPC). The adjustable fitting enables perfect protection and avoids heat accumulation in the same way and the face can be protected with a Fragment Protective Balaclava (FPB).

The effects to the human body of IED explosions need to be taken even more serious – full body personal protection is a must. With the highly innovative comfortable Fragment Protective Clothing, Blücher PPE division SARATOGA has created a major enhancement of the current equipment’s protective characteristics. The significant advantages of the protective apparel cannot be discounted and will have to take its place in soldiers’ future equipment.

Katrin S. Freier is Product & Sales Manager at Blücher, specialised in Material Science for Personal Protective Equipment. She holds a Master degree in textile technologies/ engineering. With more than 15 years of experience in clothing industry she spent about five years abroad leading garment development and manufacturing processes for European apparel companies.

SHOT Show 2015: Andre Forkert Reports

January 18, 2015, 11:38 pm

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Laser Devices is now Steiner eOptics, it just happened 1 January. Steiner eOptics shows the DBAL-A3 class 1/3R Civilian, the first eye-safe IR laser pointer, IR illuminator and green laser pointer in a single compact unit. The DBAL-A3 class 1/3R Civilian, based on the standard issue DBAL-A3 for U.S. warfighters, brings the latest advances in IR and laser technology to the civilian market with its dual beam reliability for extreme accuracy in low- and no-light maneuvers. In addition, the DBAL-A3 is the first to feature new defocused adjustable IR illumination technology to enable both midrange and close quarter target acquisition. Like the military issue DBAL-A3 it includes a single laser activation switch, low profile windage and elevation adjusters and mounting holes for a flip-up front sight, sub-miniature red dot sight or a MIL-SPEC-1913 top rail. The DBAL-A3 also features dual remote cable ports that allow the operator to plug a Forward Mounted Light directly into the laser housing using the dual remote cable switch. One switch pressure pad activates the light and visible laser simultaneously; a second switch activates the infrared functions, enabling operators to instantly transition from infrared to white light on the fly. Housed in an Aircraft aluminum 6061-T6 / MIL-SPEC Type III hardcoat anodized case, the DBAL-A3 Civilian is as rugged and reliable as the military issue DBAL-A3 on which it is based. With the introduction of the 3-laser DBAL-A3 is also the 2-laser DBAL-I2 that offers a choice of either an IR pointer with a visual pointer or an IR pointer with an IR illuminator.

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Cadex launched two top of the line sniper rifles, both available in 3 different calibers. They now also manufacture Rem style triggers, muzzle brake, and custom rifle actions.

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COAST shows the brand new LK375 Light Knife, three new SPEC-OPS knives, three other new tactical knives, the tiny but powerful rechargeable HP3R penlight, and the rugged new POLYSTEEL flashlight line – plus COAST's extensive array of LED flashlights, LED headlamps, knives, lanterns and multi-tools.

COAST’s LK375 knife

The LK375 Light Knife is the first knife that includes a real, usable LED flashlight rated by the ANSI FL1 standard to 110 lumens - perfect for military, police, tactical units. Powered by a single AAA battery, the LK375 is truly a two-in-one tool, a high-quality flashlight with leading-edge optics and a one-handed-opening, partially serrated knife. The light projects a beam for 174 feet (53 m), runs for 1.5 hours on high and is waterproof rated to IPX7.

COAST’s DX338 tactical knife

COAST's first SPEC-OPS knives - TX399, TX395 and TX360 - were all designed and created through coordination with the U.S. Military. These 7Cr17 stainless steel tactical knives feature one-handed opening and are safety equipped with COAST's patented Double Lock safety system to prevent disengagement when the knife is open, even if the liner lock fails. The SPEC-OPS knives are just right for military personnel, tactical units or law enforcement personnel who need reliable, safe and high performance tactical knives for everyday use. For tactical, general use and dozens of situations, the COAST DX338, RX350 and BX316 7Cr17 stainless steel knives are ideal. All feature COAST's exclusive, patented Double Lock safety system. The DX338 features a drop point blade and a liner lock. The RX350 is designed by world-renowned knife maker and inventor, Ron Lake, and has COAST's patented Max-Lock system that completely secures the blade when it is closed, and double locks the blade when it is open. The RX350's drop point, partially-serrated blade is incredibly strong and corrosion resistant. The BX316 has a rubberized non-slip grip over a fiberglass-reinforced nylon frame. The rubberized material and deep finger grooves nearly eliminate slipping, even when wet, and the blade's oval cut-out makes one-handed opening easy, with either hand. COAST's new HP3R rechargeable LED flashlight is perfect for tactical and rescue professionals. Easily charge the HP3R via AC, DC or USB power sources. The HP3R's Universal Focusing Optic provides a very broad, consistent flood beam and a long distance spot beam. Casting a nearly perfect circle of smooth and consistent light, the HP3R is just over 0.5 inch (12.7 mm) in diameter and includes a non-slip pocket clip and rear on/off switch. The HP3R penlight is powered by lithium polymer rechargeable or two AA alkaline batteries for the best performance in both cold and warm environments. The new POLYSTEEL 200, POLYSTEEL 400 and POLYSTEEL 600 LED flashlights feature COAST's patented Pure Beam Focusing System and are equipped with COAST's patented Twist Focus light technology. Waterproof and incredibly bright, these durable LED lights are enclosed in a stainless steel core that is then wrapped in a molded polymer coating. They're also crush proof, drop proof and scratch proof.

POLYSTEEL 600 LED flashlight

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The Kestrel Sportsman is the ideal tool for long-range shooters targeting distances within supersonic range. Premiering at SHOT Show, the Kestrel Sportsman combines real-time environmental monitoring with a full Applied Ballistics G1/G7 ballistics solver to instantly provide accurate targeting DOPE for shots within supersonic range.

Kestrel Sportsman Ballistics Weather Meter.

The Kestrel Sportsman is also pocket-sized, rugged, waterproof and easy-to-use and offers a full suite of environmental readings – reliably providing critical information to ensure the success and safety of your hunt. The Kestrel Sportsman gives shooters the exact tool they need to improve accuracy and precision directly from their shooting position, whether it’s in the field or on the range. The Kestrel Sportsman stores up to 16 personalized gun/bullet combinations. The complete weather meter with built in recording also allows you to log the environmental conditions of your best hunts and identify animal behavior patterns using your specific captured data. The pocket-sized Kestrel Sportsman measures temperature, barometric pressure, humidity, wind speed, crosswind and wind direction and is also waterproof and built to military ruggedness spec. You have the optics, ammunition and gun - take the guesswork out of your shot. The Kestrel Sportsman Ballistics Weather Meter offers: G1 – G7 Ballistic Coefficients, Applied Ballistics Gun Loader Software and Built-in crosswind calculator and target range estimator. For a complete ballistics calculator & compact weather station, upgrade to the Kestrel Sportsman with Bluetooth Spotter Pack. The Spotter Pack Features: Tripod-mountable vane mount to allow the unit to calculate hold information using real-time wind and weather data, free Kestrel Companion App for remote viewing of your shooting solution from your shooting position, Bluetooth Wireless Data Transfer to access to the most up-to-date firmware upgrades from shooting industry experts, Protective, zippered carry pouch for compact, lightweight carrying and a Night-vision-preserving backlight.

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Mohawk Modular Forend for Remington R12/Versa Max: The Mohawk forend modularity and adaptability make it the best tactical forend available for the R12/Versa Max platform. Integral accessory pockets on the right and left side accept inserts as required by the shooter or situation.It has an ergonomic shape and finger grooves maximizing weapon handling and control. Vertical grooves provide a positive and secure grip. The Mohawk modular forend comes standard with a ventral Picatinny mount at the front of the forend. An installed sling swivel stud is included. Also available are an optional forward steel sling plate or hook loop, either standard or ambidextrous. This new Sunshell aluminium shotshell carrier system for Beretta 1301, offered in four, six and eight shell configurations, is machined from aircraft aluminum and features an integrated receiver length aluminum Picatinny rail to support mounting optics, lasers or other accessories. Whether used for tactical operations, home defense or competition, owners of this popular shotgun platform now have the ability to carry more ammunition "at the ready", while the integrated rail system allows for further customization. SureShell carriers work well in all climates and environments, and are proven to withstand the daily use and abuse to which arsenal weapons are commonly subjected.

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Meprolight launches a New Line of Day and Night Self-Illuminated Reflex Sights. Based on the Company's popular MEPRO M21, the M21H line will include, in the first phase, two camouflage patterns – for forest and desert environments. The Sights will be available at first with the popular “Bulls-eye” Reticle, with other reticle options to follow. In the first phase, this new, maintenance-free, dual-illuminated, “red dot” reflex sight will include camouflage for forest and desert environments. The new MEPRO M21 sight, which was developed for the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), and is ideal for on-the-move forces in close quarter scenarios where the use of both eyes is critical.

Mepro M21

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Slide Fire is unveiling their two latest rifle stocks, the SSAR-15 MOD and SSAK-47 HYBRID.

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B&T AG, a large Swiss small arms manufacturer, is a well-known major player on the non-US market (Europe and Asia) for suppressors, weapon upgrade systems and a broad range of unique firearms for professional users. B&T is relatively lesser-known in the US with the exception of a select few military units that may have attended Joint Forces training in Europe or elite military and/or law enforcement units seeking highly specialized weapons systems. Now they have established B&T USA in Tampa/FL from where they will begin offering products and support to the US-based partners, military and law enforcement, and the larger shooting sports industry.

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In 2014, Nightstick launched over 40 new SKU's and announced the widest array of lighting products available anywhere! This year, their product pipeline is stacked with incredible amount of new innovations, their new 2015 Nightstick Catalog was just made available on their website.
New and in time to make a 2015 SHOT Show debut, the Nightstick TAC-302B green-LED polymer tactical flashlight produces a 150-lumen green beam with a run-time of 3.5 hours on a pair of CR-123 lithium batteries (included). Its rugged glass-filled nylon polymer housing is non-slip, rated as IP-X7 waterproof and resistant to chemicals and impacts. Its 1” handle diameter is a good fit for most tactical scope or flashlight mounts. The TAC-302B uses a CREE LED rated at 150 lumens in conjunction with a high-efficiency deep parabolic reflector to create a usable beam rated at 180 meters (over 590 feet). Green lighting is favored by hunters, sportsmen& in some tactical applications; in general use, it offers a different way of seeing things that can give some objects more contrast so they are easier to see. Also, human vision is most sensitive to green, so lower levels of green light can provide better visibility, especially around woods or greenery. The TAC-302B tactical flashlight is now available for purchase as a stand-alone tactical flashlight with an included removable pocket clip, or as part of a kit under Nightstick model TAC-302B-K01. The kit comes nicely equipped with the TAC-302B tactical flashlight, a quad lock 1” mount for any Picatinny or Weaver rail system, an Allen wrench to tighten, a remote pressure switch (RPS) and a tail cap switch capable of momentary or constant-on operation.

“The green LED emitted from the Nightstick TAC-302B is designed to not darken shadows preserving a user’s night vision and creating exceptional levels of contrast needed to exceed user expectation,” says Russell Hoppe, Marketing Manager for Nightstick. “What makes this product launch even more exciting is that we positioned the Nightstick TAC-302B Green LED Tactical Flashlight with an average retail price of $39.95, making it easy to see the savings even at night!”

TAC-302B features: Green CREE LED technology – 50,000 + hours LED life, sharp focused beam, momentary or constant-on flashlight, glass-filled nylon polymer housing – Black, non-slip grip, aircraft-grade 6061-T6 aluminum tail-cap with Type III hard anodized finish, large textured tail-switch, 1” handle diameter fits most scope/flashlight mounts, waterproof, impact & chemical resistant, powered by two - CR-123 batteries (included), removable pocket clip. TAC-360XL jumps from 350 to 500 lumens; TAC-460XL jumps from 525 to 800 lumens. All while size, pricing, weight and runtime remain the same. Selected Nightstick flashlights are now available with significantly higher brightness due to an internal upgrade to a new series of CREE LED emitters. As of now, the compact Nightstick TAC-360XL Xtreme Lumens Metal Tactical Flashlight produces 500 lumens (predecessor models produced 350 lumens) while maintaining a 1.5-hour runtime from 2 CR 123 lithium batteries (included). Its tight and narrow beam delivers a whopping 150-meter of usable light (over 492 feet) from this boosted brightness. Similarly, a CREE XL L2 emitter upgrade for the Nightstick TAC-460XL Xtreme Lumens Rechargeable Metal Tactical Flashlight brings its light engine up to 800 lumens (predecessor models produced 525 lumens). Although it is now 50% brighter than before, the increased efficiency still allows this flashlight to retain the same 2-hour runtime as its predecessor. The TAC-460XL boasts a beam distance rated at 205 meters (over 672 feet) that is powered by a rechargeable Lithium-ion battery (included). The TAC-460XL tactical flashlight also comes nicely equipped with a charger, both AC & DC power supplies and a CR-123 Battery Carrier which provides the ability to run from a pair of CR-123 batteries (not included) as a back-up to the lithium-ion rechargeable battery. Both upgraded tactical flashlight model housings and tail-caps are made from aircraft-grade 6061-T6 aluminum with a Type III hard anodized finish maximizing durability. These two models uniquely pair their respective CREE LED emitters with a high-efficiency deep parabolic reflector to optimize beam distance and to deliver exceptional performance, while maintaining a water rating of IP-X7 waterproof.

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Bayco Products announces three new Nightstick LED flashlight offerings optimized and accessorised for mounting onto the accessory rails of long-guns. Two of these lights are made from a ruggedized glass-filled housing and the third from aircraft-grade 6061-T6 aluminum, all hardened to withstand recoil. They have 1” case diameters that are compatible with many existing light mounts but these products include a Quad Lock 1” mount for Picatinny or Weaver rail systems and a wrench for it. For use both on and off the gun each product includes both a remote pressure switch (RPS) and a tail cap switch, each capable of momentary or constant-on operation, plus a removable pocket clip on two of three models. All three Nightstick long-gun kits are rated IP-X7 waterproof.
Deep-parabolic polished reflectors contribute to a long-throw narrow beam spot while also creating a surrounding halo so you don't just see the target, you also see what’s happening around it; this halo is also very productive in close-quarters operations. The 6.7”-long TAC-460XL-K01 with RPS Long Gun Light Kit (average retail $65) is serialized and boasts an 800-lumen CREE LED emitter for 10,765 candelas of brightness, a beam throw of 672 feet (224 yards) and a 1.5 hour runtime on 2 CR123 lithium batteries (included). A green CREE LED emitter is the specialized highlight of the 6”-long TAC-302B-K01 Varmint Hunter Green Light Kit with RPS (average retail $50); green LED light appears to be less noticed by animals and is an asset when controlling animal threats to crops of livestock. Two CR123 lithium batteries (included) power this light to 150 lumens for 8,072 candelas of brightness and a throw of 590 feet (196 yards) for 3.5 hours. The black 5.5”-long TAC-300B-K01 with RPS Polymer Long Gun Light Kit (average retail $50) also includes 2 CR123 lithium batteries on which it runs up to 3 hours delivering 180 lumens for 9,150 candelas of brightness and a range of 623 feet (207 yards).

SHOT Show 2015: New Peli Products for iPad protection and lighting innovations

January 19, 2015, 12:11 am

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Peli Products just released its latest range of products for the iPad protection and a wide offer of lighting solutions for the outdoor fans.

New Peli ProGear Voyager cases for both the Apple iPad Air 2 and Apple iPad mini 1/2/3. (Photo: Peli)

New is the Peli ProGear Voyager cases for both the Apple iPad Air 2 and Apple iPad mini 1/2/3. Matching the sleek precision of the Apple iPad Air 2 and Apple iPad mini 1/2/3, the Peli ProGear Voyager Case is slim and lightweight without sacrificing protection. Featuring a layer of rigid polycarbonate and energy-absorbing silicon, the cases are engineered to military (MIL-SPEC) standards and formulated to protect the device from drops and shock. They meet Military Specifications Test Standards 810G to survive a 4 feet/1.2m drop.

The tough and water-resistant Peli ProGear 1810 LED key chain light is the smallest Peli torch ever made (3,8 cm of length). (Photo: Peli)

New is also the microsized Peli ProGear 1810 LED Keychain Light. The tough and water-resistant Peli ProGear 1810 LED key chain light is the smallest Peli torch ever made (3,8 cm of length). It’s great to clip on key chain to store in your backpack or bag, inside a medical tool kit, or to have it handy while travelling; it’s ideal for any situation when quick illumination is needed. It is powered by four coin cells (included) and weighs in at just 14g (with batteries). Its super-bright LED provides incredibly clear bright light (up to 16 lumens) and it is available in six stylish colours: red, black, silver, green, gold and blue, with a matching laser etched charm.

The 2380R is a rechargeable torch designed by Peli, offering powerful lighting in a compact size. (Photo: Peli)

Also new is the 2380R Rechargeable LED Light. The 2380R is a rechargeable torch designed by Peli, offering powerful lighting in a compact size. Using Fraen patented dual reflector optics, its Slide-Beam technology provides a spot to flood beam so the light can be focused instantly. It has three modes: high (305 lumens), low (30 lumens) and strobe, and includes a micro-USB charging cable which allows it to charge from a computer, USB wall adapter or any USB vehicle power port. This torch is the perfect compact lighting solution for using in a variety of situations including outdoor excursions, camping, home and auto repair, as well as general law enforcement, military and tactical applications.

Andre Forkert

SHOT Show 2015: RISE Armament debuts new advanced performance trigger

January 19, 2015, 12:13 am

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The RA-535 single-stage drop-in trigger group offers a trigger with almost nonexistent over-travel, an extremely quick reset, and a faster response time for professional and recreational shooters.

RISE Armament is pleased to introduce the RA-535 Advanced-Performance Trigger (APT) for modern rifles. The single-stage drop-in trigger group has an ultra-crisp release with almost nonexistent over-travel and a quick reset for a faster response time between shots. The RA-535 APT has a 3.5-pound pull weight, and it combines straight trigger functionality and comfort with curved control.

The RISE Armament RA-535 Advanced-Performance Trigger (APT). (Photo: RISE)

“People will be surprised by how crisp and smooth the release is,” says Chris Barger, president of RISE Armament. “It has one of the fastest resets on the market with minimal creep and a fantastic response time between shots. It’s an incredible weapons upgrade that performs as well as or better than drop-in trigger groups that cost twice as much. We’re proud to introduce it to the market.”

The RA-535 APT has a self-contained design and makes it easy to install, and it comes standard with KNS pins.

“Gun owners have the option to upgrade their standard AR-15 trigger to one that’s much more responsive,” Barger adds.

The RA-535 APT is precision CNC machined from high-grade, heat treated tool steel and aluminum. Each trigger group is contained in RISE Armament’s signature bright red 8625 hardcoat anodized aluminum housing.

The RA-535 APT technical specs are: width .68”, length 2.3”, height 2.8” and a pull weight of 3.5lbs.

Andre Forkert

SHOT Show 2015: New MESA TACTICAL products

January 19, 2015, 12:17 am

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A new Mesa Tactical product is the Faro Stock Adapter for the FN SCAR - this new adapter allows the FN-SCAR to use virtually any AR-15 butt stock. The availability of different styles and configurations AR-15 stocks, now usable on the FN-SCAR, increases the adaptability and versatility of this fine carbine. The Faro Adapter fits both the SCAR 16S and SCAR 17S.

The FN-SCAR is an excellent carbine, but its proprietary butt stock limited configurations and user desired options, so Mesa Tactical. The investment cast aluminum, Faro Adapter, replaces the factory SCAR butt stock assembly. The adapter accepts rifle length or carbine length AR-15 buffer tubes to which the user can attach almost any available AR-15 butt stock.  Simply install the tube onto the adapter, add any AR-15 butt stock and then simply install on the SCAR in place of the factory stock assembly.

The Faro Adapter is features steel ambidextrous push button style QD Sling attachment points and is available in either matte black or Flat Dark Earth.  The comb height in relation to the top Picatinny rail is exactly same as a Flat Top AR-15.

New Mesa Tactical Faro Stock Adapter for the FN SCAR allows the FN-SCAR to use virtually any AR-15 butt stock. (All Photos: Mesa Tac)

The Mesa Tactical SureShell Shotshell Carrier System is now available for Beretta 1301 Shotgun. This new shotshell carrier system, offered in four, six and eight shell configurations, is machined from aircraft aluminum and features an integrated receiver length aluminum Picatinny rail to support mounting optics, lasers or other accessories.

Whether used for tactical operations, home defense or competition, owners of this popular shotgun platform now have the ability to carry more ammunition “at the ready”, while the integrated rail system allows for further customization. SureShell carriers work well in all climates and environments, and are proven to withstand the daily use and abuse to which arsenal weapons are commonly subjected.

Like all Sureshell Shotshell Carriers, the new 1301 model is made form 6061-T6 aluminum, hard coat anodized matte black and uses Mesa Tactical’s innovative rubber friction retention system. This integrated shell carrier/optics mount system is securely attached to the receiver using the Beretta factory predrilled and tapped rail mount holes. The optics rail nearly full receiver length allows mounting of a red dot sights, scope and other sights.

In addition to the Beretta 1301, SureShell Shotshell Carriers are also available for a variety of today’s most popular shotgun models including the Remington 870, Remington VERSA MAX, 1100 and 11-87, Mossberg 500, Mossberg 590, Mossberg 930, FN SLP, Kel-Tec KSG, Benelli M1, M2, M3, M4 and Benelli SuperNova.

Mesa Tactical SureShell Shotshell Carrier System is now available for Beretta 1301 Shotgun.

Mesa Tactical introduce the Mohawk modular forend for the Remington R12/Versa Max shotgun. Developed specifically for tactical use, the Mohawk modular forend is a complete configurable forend system capable of meeting multiple tactical requirements.

The Mohawk modular forend modularity and adaptability make it the best tactical forend available for the R12/Versa Max platform.  Integral accessory pockets on the right and left side accept inserts as required by the shooter or situation.  The inserts, included with the Mohawk forend are;  one polymer Picatinny rail section, one flat pad for mounting other Picatinny rail sections or direct mount accessories, two pocket covers with an integral wire opening and contoured pocket covers.

Modularity and accessory attachment points are only part of what makes the Mohawk modular forend the best tactical forend for the R12.  It has an ergonomic shape and finger grooves maximizing weapon handling and control. Vertical grooves provide a positive and secure grip.  The Mohawk modular forend comes standard with a ventral Picatinny mount at the front of the forend.  An installed sling swivel stud is included. Also available are an optional forward steel sling plate or hook loop, either standard or ambidextrous.

Since its introduction in 2010 the Remington R12/Versa Max has gained rapid acceptance by American shooters. The Mohawk modular forend increases the performance and versatility of this excellent shotgun.  Like all Mesa Tactical products, the Mohawk modular forend is 100% made in the U.S.A., available in black, and has a limited lifetime warranty.

Andre Forkert

Mesa Tactical Mohawk modular forend for the Remington R12/Versa Max shotgun.