U.S Army multi-cam

Following four months of evaluations of alternative camouflage pattern colors, the U.S. Army selected the MultiCam pattern for the uniforms provided for all soldiers deploying to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, starting the August of 2010. Multicam Gear will be shipping to units in Afghanistan by October 2010.

Unlike conventional camouflage that blends into the environment by color matching, the MultiCam camouflage pattern patented by Brooklyn NY based Crye Precision is designed to blend and reflect some of the surrounding colors of the environment, thus blending in with the environment. The new pattern is designed to deceive the human eye and brain to accept the concealed object as part of the background. Furthermore, the pattern's complex, curved elements are shaped to efficiently maintain concealment by effectively managing scale and contrast at long and close range

Several camouflage patterns were evaluated by the U.S. Army in 2009. Six such patterns are shown above, where members of the camouflage assessment team wearing the different camo patterns they evaluated. From left: AOR II, UCP, MultiCam, Desert Brush, UCP-Delta, and Mirage. The photo was taken in Khost province, close to the Pakistan border, in late October 2009. Photo: U.S. Army PEO Soldier

The U.S. forces encountered problems with their camouflage patterns soon after the invasion into Afghanistan in 2002, as warfighters deployed to the mountains of Afghanistan and the deserts of Iraq wearing Desert BDUs and Woodland gear. To improve and standardize the uniform the Army introduced the Army Combat Uniform in 2004, applied with the pixelated Universal Camouflage Pattern (UCP). Since then, more than 26 improvements have been implemented with the ACU.

A new initiative to improve the camouflage patterns for Afghanistan was launched by fall 2009, when two battalion-size elements in Afghanistan were equipped with uniforms and associated gear in patterns other than the standard-issue universal camouflage pattern (UCP). One unit received uniforms and gear in MultiCam, and the other in a variant of UCP known as UCP - Delta was used another battalion. The Army deployed a team of experts to Afghanistan in order to gather field data and photos on the diverse environments of Afghanistan, where soldiers often travel through multiple environments in a single mission, from snow to woodland to desert.

This data provided the baseline for a photo simulation study distributed to nearly 750 soldiers who had deployed to Afghanistan. The study asked them to compare six patterns against eight different environments. The results, along with surveys of soldiers in the two battalions who received alternate camouflage, formed the basis for the Army’s decision on MultiCam. Camouflage alternatives represent one facet of the Army’s ongoing efforts to improve the Army combat uniform.


The soldiers will be provided with the new, fire resistant Army combat uniforms finished in MultiCam patterns, which will also be applied to all associated equipment including body armor, rucksacks, and helmet covers. Selection of the new camouflage patterns is the third phase of a four-phase plan to improve the Army's camouflage. In the next phase the the Army will evaluate long-term Army combat Uniform camouflage options for all soldiers.

By adapting to varying local lighting conditions, visible and near-infra-red, the pattern blends well into many environments, elevations, seasons, weather conditions, and times of the day. The design takes advantage of the way the human eye and brain perceives shape, volume, and color, taking advantage of human brain interpretation of the patterned object as part of the background, rather than a distinguishable object. This helps the wearer's profile begin to lose its edge and fade into whatever color or shape surrounding him. The pattern uses curved, rather than pixilated elements to optimally blend in by using pattern element scale and contrast to further conceal the protected object when observed from distance or at close ranges. MultiCam relies more on a blending effect than a contrast effect to disguise the wearer

NEW BOOTS ALSO

Bushmaster® .308 ORC

This top quality Bushmaster Carbine was developed for the shooter who intends to immediately add optics (scope, red dot or holographic sight) to the rifle - as it is shipped without iron sights. Various add-on rear iron sights can be easily attached to the flat-top Upper Receiver, and Bushmaster’s BMAS Front Flip-up Sight for V Match Rifles (Part # YHM-9360K) can be mounted over the Milled Gas Block. The premium 16" Heavy Profile Barrel is chrome lined in both Bore and Chamber to provide Bushmaster accuracy, durability and maintenance ease.

•.308 WIN / 7.62 NATO
•16" Heavy Profile w/ Mid Length Gas System and A2 Birdcage Flash Hider
•Receiver Length Picatinny Optics Rail with Two 1/2" Optics Risers
•Milled Gas Block
•Heavy Oval Hand Guards
•Six Position Telescoping Stock – reduces overall length by 4" when collapsed for convenient carry
•Shipped in a Lockable Hard Case with Operator’s Safety Manual, 20 Round Magazine, Yellow Safety Block and Black Web Sling
•One Year Bushmaster Warranty

Caliber: .308 WIN / 7.62 NATO
Magazine Capacity: 20 Rounds
Overall Length: 33.25" - 37.25" [84.455 cm - 94.615 cm]
Barrel Length: 16" [40.640 cm]
Rifling: 1 turn in 10" [25.4 cm]
R.H. Twist / 6 grooves & lands
Weight w/o magazine: 7.75 lbs. [3.52 kg]
Weight of empty magazine: 0.5 lbs. [0.23 kg]
Weight of loaded magazine: 1.5 lbs. [0.680 kg]
Mode of Operation: Gas Operated/Semi-Automatic

Sugg. Retail Price: $1395.00

Bushmaster® 7.62x39mm Carbine

Product Description:
This gas operated semi-automatic packs a bigger punch than our 5.56mm/.223models – the 7.62x39mm (known by some as the AK round) delivers the added power and similar performance of a .30-30 cal.; over 2300 FPS velocity with 122 gr. bullets. Due to the "fatter" case diameter, magazine capacity is reduced to 26 Rounds, and 7.62.x39 specific springs and followers are used in the AK-curved steel magazine. The bolt is also different - due again to case diameter (take care not to interchange a 5.56mm/.223 bolt with a 7.62x39mm bolt).

•7.62x39mm
•16" M4 Profile Barrel fitted with "Izzy" Flash Suppressor
•Six Position Telescoping Stock
•Rifle Includes a Lockable Hard Case with Operator’s Safety Manual, 26 Round Magazine, Orange Safety Block and Black Web Sling
•One Year Bushmaster Warranty

Caliber: 7.62x39 mm
Magazine Capacity: 26 Rounds
Overall Length: 32.75" [83.185 cm]
Barrel Length: 16" [40.640 cm]
Rifling: 1 turn in 10" [25.4 cm]
R.H. Twist / 6 grooves & lands
Weight w/o magazine: 6.5 lbs. [2.95 kg]
Weight of empty magazine: 0.25 lbs. [0.11 kg]
Weight of loaded magazine: 1.0 lbs. [0.45 kg]
Mode of Operation: Gas Operated/Semi-Automatic

Sugg. Retail Price: $1330.00

this was the only vid i could find that showed it in action :( sorry

By survivalreport on youtube

Ronnie James Dio dead at 67

RIP DIO

Dio revealed last summer that he was suffering from stomach cancer

Japan mad at China's nuclear arsenal

SEOUL — Japan has urged China to cut its nuclear arsenal or at least to stop stockpiling more atomic weapons, prompting a strong reaction from Beijing at their foreign ministers’ talks, officials said Sunday.

The rare demand came when Japanese Foreign Minister Katsuya Okada met his Chinese counterpart Yang Jiechi at regional talks in South Korea Saturday, said Kazuo Kodama, the press secretary of Japan’s foreign ministry.

The Japanese minister said China was the only one of the five permanent members of the UN Security Council — which also includes the United States, Britain, France and Russia — that was still accumulating nuclear weapons.

“Amongst the P5, it is only China which is increasing its nuclear arsenal,” Okada told Yang during the talks on Saturday, according to Kodama.

“Therefore I would like to request the Chinese government either to reduce the number of nuclear arsenals or at least commit ourselves not to increase its nuclear arsenals from the current level,” he quoted Okada as saying. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Ma Zhaoxu said in a statement on Sunday Yang had repudiated Okada’s remarks and defended Beijing’s nuclear policy.

“Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi refuted the irresponsible remarks by Japan on the spot,” Ma said in the statement. “He pointed out that China’s nuclear strategy and nuclear policy is transparent. China’s nuclear disarmament proposals and efforts are obvious. China’s position is legitimate, transparent, and above reproach.”

Yang emphasised China always advocates that nuclear weapons should be completely forbidden and destroyed completely, and it also firmly pursues a nuclear strategy of self-defence, Ma said.

China was the only nuclear-armed country that adhered to the no-first-use policy and promised unconditionally not to use or threaten to use such weapons against nuclear-free states or nuclear-free regions, Ma cited Yang as saying. Yang stressed China never took part in any nuclear arms race and never deployed any nuclear weapons in other countries, while maintaining its nuclear power at the lowest level needed for its security, according to Ma.

Yang had also said he hoped Okada would put first their two countries’ bilateral ties and the fundamental interests of their peoples, Ma added.

Seoul’s Yonhap news agency, citing an unnamed diplomatic source, said Chinese officials felt “uncomfortable” with Okada’s demand and even considered boycotting part of the programme at the talks in the southern city of Gyeongju. Okada and Yang arrived in Gyeongju on Saturday to attend the two-day foreign ministerial meeting with South Korean host Yu Myung-Hwan.

The three foreign ministers discussed issues including the growing tension over the sinking of a South Korean warship near the border with North Korea on March 26, which has led to suspicion falling on the communist North. (AFP)

By mc parry

Russia sells Syria Mig-29 figthers, air defence systems

MOSCOW — Russia is supplying Syria with warplanes, armoured vehicles and air defence systems under existing contracts, ITAR-Tass news agency quoted the head of the country’s state military agency as saying.

Mikhail Dmitriyev, head of the Federal Service for Military-Technical Cooperation, said Russia was selling Syria MiG-29 fighter jets, Pantsir short-range air defence systems and armoured vehicles.

No further details were provided.

President Dmitry Medvedev this week paid the first-ever visit by a head of state from Moscow to Damascus, where he said the use of nuclear energy “may get a second wind” in Syria — a remark that prompted concern from Washington.

Russia’s arms sales and possible nuclear cooperation with Syria, which has close ties to Iran, is unnerving for Israel and the United States, which earlier this month renewed sanctions on Syria for another year, accusing it of supporting “terrorist” groups.

Russia is also in talks to supply NATO member Turkey, which Medvedev also visited this week, with air defence systems and helicopters, Dmitriyev said. “It is unclear what will happen, what Turkey would agree to,” the news agency quoted him as saying. (AFP)

Daewoo K11 OICW dual-caliber air-burst weapon (South Korea)

South Korea version of the xm-29 OICW



K11 dual-caliber air-burst weapon, right side

Caliber: 5.56x45mm NATO + 20x30B mm
Action: Gas operated, rotating bolt for 5.56mm and manually operated for 20mm
Overall length: 860 mm
Barrel length: 310 mm (5.56mm); 405 mm (20mm)
Weight: 6.1 kg (with optics and battery but less magazines)
Rate of fire: ?
Magazine capacity: 30 rounds of 5.56mm and 5 rounds of 20mm

The K11 dual-caliber air-burst weapon was first shown to public in 2009, during DSEI military expo, although information on its development was available since about 2006. The K11 (XK11 during early development) weapon is being developed under direction of the Agency for Defense Development of the Republic of Korea. The K11 shows more than passing similarity to the ill-fated American XM-29 OICW weapon, but it appears that K11 has better chances to see the service - it is believed that first unit of South Korean army could receive the K11 weapons in 2010. This is not surprising, considering the fact that Republic of Korea is among world's leading countries in the field of design and production of advanced micro-electronics, and also has an established defense industry and strong motivation for constant upgrade of military equipment.
As of now, the K11 dual-caliber air-burst weapon is proposed for infantry squad support role, multiplying soldiers capabilities to engage enemy personnel in defilade and soft-skinned vehicles and equipment, using 20mm air-burst grenades with pre-programmed fuse and 5.56mm ammunition for short- to medium range direct fire.

K11 dual-caliber air-burst weapon consists of three major units, linked into one weapon. Those are 20mm multi-shot grenade launcher (which serves as a bone to the system), the 5.56mm automatic rifle with firing controls, and an electronic fire control unit.
The grenade launcher is a manually operated, bolt action weapon that is fed from detachable box magazines. It is built in bullpup layout, with aluminum alloy receiver and titanium alloy barrel. The trigger system of the grenade launcher is mechanically linked to the trigger / selector / safety unit of the integral rifle component. The rifle component is more or less conventional, gas operated, rotary bolt selective-fire weapon which uses M16-type magazines. Its layout is more or less similar to US-made M16 or Korean-made K2 rifles. The trigger unit is a common part between grenade launcher and rifle components, with single safety / fire selector lever providing fire from grenade launcher (single shots) or rifle (single shots or 3-round bursts). The third component is an electronic fire control unit, which includes laser rangefinder, environmental sensors, ballistic computer, and day (optical) and night (IR) sighting channels. The ballistic computer output is fed to the electronic aiming reticle (providing visible point of aim pre-set for proper range) and to the fuse-programming unit in the grenade launcher, which sets the 20mm grenade to explode at specified range, above or to the side of the target, to provide maximum kill effect from explosive fragmenting warhead. At the present time, two types of 20mm ammunition are specified for K11 grenade launcher - the K167 HE air-burst grenade and K168 TP target practice grenade. Rifle component can use any NATO-standard 5.56mm ammunition.

A-10 Thunderbolt II: TLPS Upgrades

A-10 Thunderbolt II: TLPS Upgrades Keep “Hogs” Current to 2028 or Beyond

By Jan Tegler

For the first time in almost 33 years of operational service, the A-10 Thunderbolt II has an integrated sustainment/modernization program worthy of its impressive record as a close-air-support/ground attack aircraft for the USAF. The $1.6 billion Thunderbolt Lifecycle Program Support (TLPS) Prime Integration contract puts ongoing A-10 modernization and sustainment efforts on a competitive footing and ties together piecemeal upgrades that Hogs have been receiving for most of the last decade.

Awarded by the A-10 System Program Office in June 2009 to three major prime contractors (Boeing, Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman), TLPS replaces the contract Lockheed Martin had as the single prime integrator for upgrades and refurbishment. Under the previous arrangement, most supplies and services for the A-10 were obtained via stand-alone acquisitions, including major upgrade programs such as the Precision Engagement (PE) Program and the Wing Replacement Program (WRP).

“TLPS is a means to an end,” says Jim Marx, A-10 Logistics Management Lead for the 538th Aircraft Sustainment Group, Hill AFB. “As our Prime Integration contract, TLPS provides the means to compete acquisition and integration of supplies and services supporting current and future modernization and sustainment efforts on the A-10. Under TLPS, individual modernization and sustainment efforts are competed as task/delivery orders amongst the three prime contractors to deliver a ‘best value’ solution to warfighter needs.”

Warfighter needs with respect to the A-10 have already been significantly addressed with the aforementioned PE Program. Begun in 2006, PE represents the largest gain in combat capability in the history of the Hog, lending modified examples the designation A-10C. Upgrades range from the inclusion of precision munitions employment capability to enhanced air-to-air and air-to-ground situational awareness (SA). Modified aircraft can carry both LITENING II and Sniper laser targeting pods, and boast Joint Direct Attack Munitions and Wind Corrected Munitions Dispenser capabilities. SA is improved with a redesigned main instrument panel with two five-by-five-inch multifunction color displays, a new armament heads up display control panel and a hands-on stick and throttle system with a modified F-15E throttle grip, and a modified F-16 control stick grip.

The enhancements have transformed the A-10 into an “electric jet’ Marx adds, allowing it to take advantage of further operational flight program software upgrades to enhance capabilities, reliability and maintainability. Sustainment work persists under TLPS as the A-10 completes a Service Life Extension Program and turns to a Structural Inspection Program.

“We’ve nearly completed the Service Life Extension Program overhaul on the fleet and are now transitioning our focus to our new Scheduled Structural Inspection program which will ensure we can safely and effectively fly the A-10 to 16,000 flying hours or beyond 2028,” Marx continues.

“Building on these programs, we are also partnered with Boeing to deliver 233 new A-10 wings (WRP) which can fly for 10,000 hours without major inspection and are projected to save $1.3 billion in life cycle costs. The first new A-10 wing is slated for delivery in late Fiscal Year 2010 with additional deliveries and installations through 2016.”

The continuing upgrades are evidence of the Hog’s value in the current conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq. Uniquely able to combine precision firepower with maneuverability and meaningful loiter capability, the venerable straight-wing attack jet excels in these demanding environments. Reports indicate that it is the close-air-support weapon of choice among American and allied troops.

TLPS is aimed at efficiently continuing the process of refining the Warthog. Two basic elements guide the program. Along with its emphasis on competitive, integrated acquisition solutions, the program seeks to ensure that each contractor participates fully in the requirements definition process for lifecycle improvements through an apparatus known as an Integration Support Task Order (ISTO). The ISTO specifies that each prime contractor will provide a small cadre of their own personnel to manage and integrate day-to-day activities within their respective company, between their company and the other primes, and to coordinate with the A-10 System Program Office as Prime Integrator.

Together, the contractors work with Air Combat Command, the National Guard Bureau, the Air Force Reserve and the A-10 System Program Office to identify future requirements for the A-10. According to Marx, new capabilities are defined and awarded with TLPS on a regular basis.

“Current programs under TLPS include assessments for future Embedded GPS/INS modernization, fuel system improvements and Aircraft Structural Integrity Program modernization, amongst others,” Marx explains. “Ongoing and future improvements will enhance the warfighting capabilities to increase situational awareness to the pilot, allow greater ease of digital network connectivity, and enhance weapons employment capabilities. These improvements, along with better data and fault code reporting and integrated support equipment will make the A-10 not only easier to operate, but easier to maintain.”

Those improvements and continuing efforts by A-10 System Program Office under TLPS to incorporate a comprehensive, depot-level fuselage inspection and repair program should give the A-10 the longevity Air Force planners seek while next generation platforms like F-35A mature.

“In late 2009, the A-10 System Program Office completed a full-scale fuselage/empennage fatigue test, the results of which are currently being analyzed for incorporation into our existing Scheduled Structural Inspection program,” says Jim Marx. “With the inclusion of these inspections and repairs, we are confident we can safely and effectively fly the A-10 to 16,000 hours or beyond 2028.”

NOTHING SOUNDS BETTER THAN THE CANNON ON THE A10

Iranian missiles could target Western Europe by 2014

LONDON — Iran could target western Europe with missiles by 2014, although it would take at least twice as long before they could hit the United States, experts said in a report published Monday.

Tehran is more than a decade away from developing a missile capable of reaching the US east coast, the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) said in a report on Iran’s ballistic missile capabilities.

The London-based group said Iran was making “robust strides” in developing ballistic missiles “in tandem” with its efforts to expand its nuclear capabilities. “The two programmes appear to be connected, with the aim of giving Iran the capability to deliver nuclear warheads well beyond its borders,” it said.

Iran’s ballistic missiles could be used to wage a terror campaign in the Middle East, it added, although its missiles are at present too inaccurate to shut down another country’s critical military activities.

While Iran has been alongside North Korea in developing missile capabilities, Tehran has now surpassed Pyongyang in terms of technical ability, the IISS experts said. The United States and Europe have long accused Iran of seeking to develop nuclear weapons under the guise of its civilian nuclear energy programme, a charge Tehran denies.

“Flight test programmes for solid-propellant missiles historically take on average more than four years,” the report said.

“To achieve a reasonable measure of reliability and confidence, a dozen or more test flights should be conducted. “Therefore, Iran is not likely to field a liquid-fuelled missile capable of targeting western Europe before 2014 or 2015.”

The “worst-case scenario” projected at the turn of the century about Iran being able to strike the United States within five years has not materialised, the study said.

However, “logic and the history of Iran’s evolutionary missile and space-launcher development efforts suggest that Tehran would develop and field an intermediate-range missile before embarking on a programme to develop an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) capable of reaching the American east coast, 9,000 kilometres away.

“It is thus reasonable to conclude that a notional ICBM… is more than a decade away in development.” Iran’s space programme launches have been “proof-of-principle demonstrations”, offering no immediate strategic value beyond symbolism, said the report.

The IISS estimated that Iran has around 200 to 300 Shahab-1 and -2 missiles capable of reaching targets in neighbouring countries. “Iran’s ballistic missiles could be used as a political weapon to wage a terror campaign against adversary cities,” primarily in the Middle East, the report said.

“While such attacks might trigger fear, the expected casualties would be low — probably less than a few hundred, even assuming Iran unleashed its entire ballistic missile arsenal and that a majority of the warheads penetrated missile defences.

“The military utility of Iran’s ballistic missiles is severely limited because of their very poor accuracy. “The missiles would probably be incapable of shutting down critical military activities.” (AFP)