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)

U.S ARMY UPGRADED M24

The U.S. Sniper's More Accurate, Quieter Rifle

Recognizing the differences between conditions in Iraq and Afghanistan, the Army is now selecting a contractor to upgrade the 22-year-old Remington bolt-action rifle to become a more effective killing machine. The Army will pour about $5.6 million into upgrades to the M24, with the new gear expected to be delivered to troops by this fall. The M24's barrel is being modified to shoot heavier .300 Winchester Magnum rounds, instead of the 7.62mm NATO ammunition, which should extend the rifle's maximum effective range by hundreds of yards to a maximum of about 1400 yards. The suppressor will reduce the noise and flash of the gun so snipers can stay in their hiding positions much longer after they fire.

The Army is also adopting a new chassis that allows for more "real estate" on the rifle—meaning the ability to attach accessories, especially much-needed night-vision devices that clip on directly to the rail in front of the scope. The scope itself will be improved, adding a variable power system that can reach 16.5x to 25x magnification. The Army will also fit the rifles with a rangefinder so troops will no longer have to perform calculations on distance. "The engagement is a lot farther [in Afghanistan] than in Iraq," says Milo Afong, a former Marine Corps sniper who researched the experience of snipers in Afghanistan for his new book, Hunters: U.S. Snipers in the War on Terror. "You are looking at higher altitudes and less populated areas."

In Afghanistan, U.S. snipers have encountered a tougher enemy than in Iraq—one that is willing to stay and fight and generally has the advantage because they know the hiding places. "They know tactics, they know how to shoot, move and communicate. They know how to set up ambushes," Afong says. "You just have to be on your toes at all times, and you have to put yourself one step or two ahead of the enemy."

Afong says that for snipers engaged in urban combat in Iraq, the traditional training and mantra of waiting for 'one shot and one kill' fell by the wayside. Sniper teams in Iraq often selected, observed and reported on the targets without actually taking the shot, acting instead as the eyes for raiding teams that would capture or eliminate the enemy. When caught in the speed of battle, snipers have to turn to snap shooting, says Afong. "The window of opportunity is very, very small," says Afong. "You just have to pick your shots."

from time.com

SIG556 SWAT Patrol Rifle

The next generation in the evolution of the SIG556 platform, the SIG556 Patrol Rifle integrates the accuracy of a 16” barrel with the maneuverability and quick pointing ergonomics of the SIG556 Short in a compact, no-nonsense package. The reduced length gas system and forearms provide the ideal combination of
functionality and light weight. The SIG556 Patrol Rifle is the perfect solution for everything from three gun matches to patrol car deployment. Available in two versions (Swiss type polymer handguards or alloy Quad Rail tactical forend), the SIG556 Patrol Rifle ships standard with the RDSS (Rotary Diopter Sight System),
one magazine w/ connector, and hard carry case.

Features:

• 5.56mm x 45 NATO (.223 REM)
• 16” Cold Hammer Forged Barrel
• A2 Type Flash Suppressor
• Reduced Length Gas Piston w/ 2 Position Gas Valve
• Improved Design Trigger Casing
• Swiss Type Folding Stock, adjustable for length
• Swiss Type Reduced Length Polymer Handguards (Patrol Rifle)
• Alloy Quad Rail Reduced Length Tactical Forend (SWAT Patrol Rifle)
• RDSS Rotary Diopter Sight System
• (1) 30 Round Polymer Magazine w/ Connector
• SIG SAUER Hard Carry Case

Item Number R556-16B-PS-RD
Caliber 5.56mm NATO
Overall Length 36.1 in
length w/Stock Collapsed 34.6 in
Barrel Length 16 in
Rifling 1 in 7 in
Sight Radius 14.4 in
Forearm Polymer
Stock Type Folding; length adjustable
Weight w/out Mag 7.5 lbs
Operating System Gas Operated, Rotating Bolt
Mag Capacity 30 Rounds
Features Quad-Rail, Rotary Diopter rear sight
MSRP $2143.00
CA Compliant No
MA Compliant No

Steyr SSG 08 Tactical Rifle

A new milestone from the developers of STEYR MANNLICHER! The new STEYR SSG 08 is the ultimate rifle for every sport shooting purpose!

Thanks to its aluminium folding stock the STEYR SSG 08 can be transported easily in a small case.

The STEYR SSG 08 is available with a 600mm or 508mm barrel.

The STEYR SSG 08 features high grade alumnium folding stock, adjustable cheek piece and butt plate with height marking, and an ergonomical exchangeable pistol grip.

The STEYR SSG 08 also features a Versa-Pod, a muzzle brake, a Picatinny rail, a UIT rail on stock and various Picatinny rails on fore end, and a 10-round HC-magazine.

System Mannox TM
Trigger Direct trigger
Stock Dural aluminium foldingstock black with 280 mm long UIT-rail and various Picatinny-rails
Magazine High capacity synthetic box magazine
Magazine Capacity 10 rounds
Barrel Length HB 600 mm (23.6")
HBC 508 mm (20")
Overall length 1182 mm (600 mm)
1090 mm (508 mm)
folded approx. 220 mm shorter
Weight 5,7 kg (600 mm without bipod)
5,5 kg (508 mm without bipod)

people sleep peacably in their beds at night only because rough men stand ready to do violence on their behalf.-Geroge Orwell

Boeing unveils Phantom Ray Unmanned Airborne System (UAS)

ST. LOUIS, – The Boeing Company today unveiled the fighter-sized Phantom Ray unmanned airborne system, a test bed for advanced technologies.

“We are on a fast track, and first flight is in sight,” said Darryl Davis, president of Boeing Phantom Works. “Phantom Ray is on schedule to fly in December, about two years after this project began. This is a tremendous accomplishment for Boeing and the Phantom Ray team.”

Phantom Ray is scheduled to begin taxi tests this summer. The first flight in December will be followed by up to nine additional flights over approximately six months.

Phantom Ray is designed to support potential missions that may include intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance; suppression of enemy air defenses; electronic attack; strike; and autonomous aerial refueling.

“The initial flights will take Phantom Ray through its paces for the flight test profile. Beyond that, the missions and systems tested will be determined by future warfighter needs,” said Craig Brown, Phantom Ray program manager for Boeing.

Phantom Ray, which evolved from the X-45C program, is one of several programs in the Phantom Works division of Boeing Defense, Space & Security. Phantom Works uses rapid prototyping initiatives to design, develop and build advanced aircraft and then demonstrate their capabilities.

Key Phantom Ray suppliers include General Electric-Aviation (propulsion and power distribution), Honeywell (brake system), Woodward-HRT (flight control actuation system), Crane Hydro-Aire (brake controls) and Heroux-Devtek (landing gear). (Boeing)

Japan build first overseas military base

Japan is building its first overseas military base in Africa’s Djibouti on the Gulf of Aden in an attempt to probe what waters its military can legally reach farthest, analysts say.

In the name of better combating notorious Somali pirates, Japan is busy setting up a 40-million-U.S.-dollar military base, which is expected to be completed early next year.

Currently, some 150 Japanese soldiers battling piracy are stationed in a U.S. base in Djibouti, which is at the southern end of the Red Sea.

The Japanese authorities say some 2,000 Japanese vessels, accounting for 10 percent of the world total, sail through the Gulf of Aden each year. Some 90 percent of Japanese exports rely on the crucial sea lane, which has been overrun by rampant piracy.

On occasion, Japanese vessels have been hijacked by pirates.

The Japanese base, undeniably, would add momentum to the country’s anti-piracy efforts in the region.

But observers say that by establishing the base, the Japanese government is also exploring how far it can go in increasing its military clout in the world.

According to the Peace Constitution ratified in 1947 after World War II, Japan, to abstain from waging war, couldn’t have a standing army and its warships couldn’t operate overseas.

But in October 2001, soon after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, Japanese lawmakers approved the Anti-Terrorism Special Measures Law, which allowed the dispatch of Japanese warships and soldiers overseas.

Moreover, in July 2009, Japanese lawmakers passed the Anti-Piracy Law, which provided Japanese self-defense forces with more mobility to use military power. It also stipulated that the Japanese prime minister could send troops overseas to conduct “anti-piracy” operations without approval of the parliament.

The base in Djibouti is Japan’s latest effort to increase its military influence in the world, analysts say.

Many countries are watching closely, and hope the base can play a constructive role in cracking down on Somali pirates and contribute to regional peace and stability. (Xinhua)

Lockheed Martin delivers 10,000th Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System (GMLRS) rocket to the U.S. Army

CAMDEN, ARKANSAS,– Lockheed Martin marked the delivery of the 10,000th Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System (GMLRS) rocket during a ceremony held at its Camden, AR, facility today.

GMLRS is an all-weather, precision strike, artillery rocket system that achieves greater range and precision accuracy requiring fewer rockets to defeat targets and limiting collateral damage.

“The delivery of the 10,000th GMLRS marks a significant milestone in the program,” said Col. David J. Rice, U.S. Army program manager for Precision Fires, Rocket and Missile Systems. “This is a superior system that provides responsive, precision fires enabled by unsurpassed system reliability and maintainability. The team, led by Lockheed Martin, consisting of both government and industry partners, has worked diligently to ensure mission success through this technology.”

The system is produced at the company’s facilities in Camden, AR, and Dallas, TX.

“The success of this system speaks for the quality work that our team is doing every day,” said Col. Tony Daskevich, Army capability manager for Field Artillery Rocket and Missiles. “We are a constant in this fight, always mission ready and on target. Precision is the name of the game when it comes to our missions, and that is why our soldiers and leaders so appreciate this system.”

GMLRS provides the Joint Warfighter with persistent, responsive, long-range precision strike capability against traditional and hybrid threats. GMLRS’ reliability rate exceeds 98 percent and, to date, more than 1,500 rockets have been successfully fired in combat.

“This production milestone was made possible through the commitment of our hardworking employees here in Camden who are proud to provide this combat proven capability to the U.S. Army, the U.S. Marine Corps, and our allied forces,” said Scott Arnold, vice president for Precision Fires at Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control.

Guided Unitary is the newest variant of MLRS rockets which integrates a unitary warhead with a multi-mode fuze to expand the MLRS target set to include point targets within urban and complex environments, significantly minimizing collateral damage. In January 2005, the U.S. Army issued an Urgent Needs Statement for acceleration of Guided Unitary deliveries in support of ongoing operations.

Lockheed Martin delivered the first 72 GMLRS Unitary rockets in June 2005 satisfying the requirements of the Urgent Needs Statement. The first 900-plus rockets were delivered to the U.S. in 2005 and 2006.

Camden Operations produces the combat-proven High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) launcher and a family of munitions, which includes the Guided MLRS Rocket. (Lockheed Martin)