Military Knowledge

Bulletproof Vest

2015-05-08T23:16:00.000-07:00

Bulletproof Vest is the armor that protector for the body such as the chest, abdomen, and back of the person wearing it from a bullet and fragments of a grenade explosion. Commonly used by military personnel and people who have a risk of fire.

Kinds of Bulletproof Vest:
Bulletproof vests are divided into two types, ie Soft and Hard Body Armor Body Armor.
a. Soft body armor

Soft body armor is bullet proof vests made of aramid fibers (aramid fibers). A Kevlar layer thickness of less than 1 mm, generally standard outfit consists of up to 32 layers and weighs up to 10 kg ordinary. These vests tend to be lighter so advantageous for use in tasks disguise, or security for intelligence personnel.

b. Hard Body armor

By adding a layer of soft body armor in particular, can be produced bulletproof vest hard body armor. Generally, a layer made of ceramic (Al2O3 "Alumina"), a slab of metal or composite. The form is thick and heavy make no comfort, until rarely worn in daily tasks. Only in special high-risk tasks, such as military operations or operations SWAT team who will wear the hard body armor.

Material for bulletproof vests

The material used to make bulletproof vests have always been progressing as the results of new discoveries. In general, the materials used are:

a. Aramid (Kevlar)

Kevlar

Aramid Molecular

This material was found by Stephanie Kwolek in 1964, an American chemist, who worked as a researcher at DuPont company. Aramid is the acronym of the word aromatic polyamide. Aramid has a structure strong, tough (tough), has good damping properties (vibration damping), resistant to acid (acid) and bases (leach), but it can withstand heat up to 370 ° C, so it is not flammable.
Products are marketed known as Kevlar. Kevlar has a light weight, but five times stronger than steel.

b. Vestran

Vestran

Vestran is a liquid crystal polymer (liquid crystal polymer). The fiber has a strength of up to two times compared with kevlar.

c. Yarn nets spider (Spider Silk)

Yarn nets spider

Net spider silk protein molecules consist of long bonds. This thread not only has the ability to be able to withstand extreme loads, but also at the same time has a very high elasticity properties, can be drawn up that extends as much as 40%. The elastic properties derived from the grains of fluid contained in the yarn, which judging shaped like a string of pearls or beads.

d. CNT (Carbon Nanotubes)

Discovered in 1991 by Professor Sumio Iijima of Japan. CNT is a composition of carbon C size is very small "nano" (0.000000001) and is shaped like a pipe (tube), whose walls are arranged like a honeycomb. It is estimated that this material is stronger than spider silk.

Principle of Bulletproof Vest

The Principle bulletproof vest is to reduce as much as possible burst of kinetic energy of the bullet, by using layers of fibers to absorb the energy rate and break it down into broad cross-section of the vest, so that energy is not enough anymore to make bullets can penetrate a vest.

In the energy-absorbing rate bullet, vest deforms the pressing towards the inside (shock wave), this added pressure will be forwarded to the user's body. A maximum limit to the emphasis should not be more than 4.4 cm (44 mm). If that limit is exceeded, then the user will experience a deep cut dress (internal organ injuries), which would endanger the safety of life.

The uptake rate of energy that causes the lining vest bullet deformation. The following figure shows that the assumption wearer bulletproof clothing can be spared completely from injury produced by fire is wrong!

AeroVironment RQ-20 Puma AE Mini UAS

2013-01-26T21:44:00.001-08:00

AeroVironment RQ-20 Puma AE Mini UAS

AeroVironment RQ-20 Puma is a small American Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) manufactured by AeroVironment based in California. Primary mission is surveillance and intelligence gathering using an electro-optical and infrared video camera. The Puma AE is capable of conducting intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance and target acquisition (ISRT), battle damage assessment, maritime patrol, search and rescue and drug interdiction missions over water or land.

AeroVironment RQ-20 Puma AE Mini UAS

AeroVironment RQ-20 Puma is slightly larger than RQ-11 Raven as is Aerovironment’s largest mini-UAV offering, but it’s still man-portable and hand-launched. The original Puma was almost 6 feet long, with a wingspan of 8.5 feet. Aerovironment pursued the typical young industry profile of build-field test-build as it developed the AE variant, issuing modified UAVs to units in the field for evaluation and feedback.

Previously selected for the United States Special Operations Command in 2008, in March 2012 the United States Army ordered the Puma All Environment (AE) and designated it the RQ-20A. In April, the United States Marine Corps and United States Air Force placed a similar order for the RQ-20A. Each military RQ-20A system has three air vehicles and two ground stations.

AeroVironment RQ-20 Puma AE Mini UAS

The Puma system flew for more than seven continuous hours on a PTX.L fuel cell system in October 2007 and it accomplished an endurance of more than nine hours using a fuel cell battery hybrid system in March 2008. The AeroVironment RQ-20 was assigned the Mission Design Series designation of RQ-20A by the US Air Force in April 2012. The production and delivery of the 1,000th Puma AE UAS was achieved in the same month of that year.

AeroVironment RQ-20 Puma AE Mini UAS

AeroVironment RQ-20 Puma is operated by a battle-proven Ground Control System (GCS). The UAS's GCS serves as a common control unit for operating the Raven and Wasp unmanned vehicles. The real-time data provided by the UAS is processed at the GCS. The station displays real-time videos and images captured by the payload cameras. It can also replay videos for target evaluation and transfer videos as well as information to the operations network.

Specification:

Role: Remote controlled UAS
Manufacturer: AeroVironment
First flight: 2007
Length: 4 ft 7 in (1.4 m)
Wingspan: 9 ft 2 in (2.8 m)
Max takeoff weight: 13 lb (5.9 kg)
Maximum speed: 52 mph; 45 kn (83 km/h)
Minimum control speed: 23 mph; 20 kn (37 km/h)
Range: 9 mi; 8 nmi (15 km)
Endurance: 2 hours

BAE Systems Taranis

2013-01-24T05:00:00.002-08:00

BAE Systems Taranis

BAE Systems Taranis is a British demonstrator programme for Unmanned Combat Air Vehicle (UCAV) technology, named after the Celtic god of thunder, is about the same size as a Hawk jet and is equipped with stealth equipment and an 'autonomous' artificial intelligence system. A semi-autonomous unmanned warplane, it is designed to fly intercontinental missions, and will carry a variety of weapons, enabling it to attack both aerial and ground targets. It will furthermore utilise stealth technology, giving it a low radar profile, and it will be controllable via satellite link from anywhere on Earth. The Strategic Unmanned Air Vehicles (Experiment) Integrated Project Team, or SUAV(E) IPT, is responsible for auditing and overseeing the project. The aircraft, which is intended to demonstrate the viability of unmanned multi-role systems, is named after the Celtic god of thunder, Taranis.

BAE Systems Taranis

Almost invisible to ground radar, it is designed to travel at high jet speeds and cover massive distances between continents. The plane is built to carry out intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance on enemy territory using onboard sensors. And it has been designed to carry a cache of weapons - including bombs and missiles -, giving it a potential long-range strike capability. It can be controlled from anywhere in the world with satellite communications. Experts say the cutting-edge design is at the forefront of world technology and as advanced as any US development.

BAE Systems Taranis

The Taranis prototype, which cost £143 million to develop, was unveiled by BAE Systems at Warton Aerodrome, Lancashire, on 12 July 2010. Ground tests of the prototype began in 2010, and flight trials were initially expected to begin in 2011. However, the aircraft's first flight was later delayed to 2012, then delayed further to "the first part of 2013". The prototype has a maximum takeoff weight (MTOW) of about 8,000 kilograms (18,000 lb), and is of a similar size to the BAE Hawk training jet. It mounts two internal weapons bays, and is intended to incorporate "full autonomy", allowing it to operate without human control for a large part of the mission.

BAE Systems Taranis

Specifications:

Role: Autonomous UAV/UCAV
Manufacturer: BAE Systems
Primary user: United Kingdom
Program cost: £143 million (initial prototype)
Height: 4 metres (13 ft)
Length: 11.35 metres (37.2 ft)
Wingspan: 9.1 metres (30 ft)
Weight: 8 tonnes (18,000 lb)
Range: Intercontinental
Engine thrust: 6,480 lb

BAE Systems Taranis

Arcturus T-20

2013-01-23T06:35:00.003-08:00

Arcturus T-20

Arcturus T-20 unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) was initially developed as a private venture by the Arcturus-UAV LLC concern of California, USA and furthered by the US Air Force Research Laboratory. The Arcturus T-20 is classified as a medium-range, reusable reconnaissance UAV which dictates a payload of advanced sensors, cameras and other applicable surveillance, tracking and monitoring equipment. Arcturus-UAV LLC, as its name suggests, is a developer of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) featured in both commercial and military applications. Today, the firm markets three distinct models of UAVs made up of the "T-15", "T-16" and - its largest UAV design to date - the "T-20". First flight of the T-20 was recorded in 2008 while the United States military evaluated the system in early 2009. To date some 10 have been delivered while a full complement of 160 is ultimately expected.

Arcturus T-20

Arcturus T-20 carries a retractable gimbal-mounted, digitally-stabilized, electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) camera that relays video in real time via a C-band LOS data link to the ground control station (GCS). Powered by a 4-stroke, fuel injected gasoline engine, the aircraft burns 2 lbs of fuel per hour at cruise. Arcturus T-20 does not require an airfield to operate and lands on dirt, grass, desert, or gravel roads. The internal payload bay (11"x11"x36") allows for sensor arrays to be pre-assembled on 'payload pallets' that attach from the bottom of the aircraft. Arcturus T-20 system includes three aircraft, ground control station, portable launcher, and support trailer for equipment and personnel. The airframe is entirely composite with complex wet wings tested to stresses of 10 G's.

Arcturus T-20

Arcturus T-20 is a high wing monoplane design made up of carbon fibre composite materials. It is a runway independent UAV designed to operate on dirt, desert, unprepared, grass and gravel roads. It can execute intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) missions even in hostile environments. The 2.8m long and 5.2m wide aerial vehicle was designed to launch from a runway or mobile platforms such as ships through a pneumatic catapult launcher system and can be recovered either by belly landing or by net capturing. In March 2012 the Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) included the Arcturus T-20 UAV in a multi-award IDIQ contract N00019-12-D-0010 for ISR Services. Arcturus UAV, LLC is a sub contractor to Computer Sciences Corporation (CSC) under this contract.

Arcturus T-20

The Arcturus T-20 features a modular composite airframe, a large internal payload, a GPS bay, Iridium Satcom, target laser, 100L wing tank, 500W alternator, aluminium tail booms and two-bladed propeller at the nose section. The retractable electro-optic camera incorporated beneath the centreline fuselage section renders a full 3600 unimpeded field of view and captures the imagery of the field it surveys. The vehicle is equipped with advance avionics in the rear fuselage section. The avionics can be accessed from three different locations. The vehicle has four optional hardpoints for wing pods which incorporate WMD sensors, snowflake, ten pounds of laser guided missiles and drop munitions. California October 24, 2012 the Arcturus T-20 became part of aviation history as the first Unmanned Aerial Vehicle to see and avoid a general aviation manned aircraft using an ADS-B transponder. The event was sponsored by the Cascade Chapter of AUVSI.

Arcturus T-20

Arcturus T-20 can fly at a maximum speed of 167km/h. Its cruise speed is 102km/h. The range and service ceiling of the aircraft are 805km and 4,572m respectively. The aircraft can loiter in the air for a maximum of 16 hours.

Specifications:

Manufacturer: Arcturus-UAV, LLC
First flight: Jan 28th, 2009 Edwards Air Force Base
Introduction: 2009
Primary user: United States Navy
Number built: 20 + Delivered/160 Planned
Length: 9.4 ft in (2.8 m)
Wingspan: 17.2 ft in (5.2 m)
Height: 3.0 ft in (1 m)
Empty weight: 110 lb (50 kg)
Gross weight: 175 lb (79 kg)
Powerplant: 1 × 1 Aviation Gasoline Avgas 110 LL 4 stroke internal combustion, 10 hp (7.5 kW) each
Maximum speed: 104 mph (167 km/h)
Range: 55 LOS miles (89 km)
Endurance: 16 hours
Service ceiling: 15,000 ft (5,486 m)

AeroVironment RQ-14 Dragon Eye

2013-01-20T17:53:00.002-08:00

AeroVironment RQ-14 Dragon Eye is an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) powered by twin props and operated by the U.S. Marine Corps. The AeroVironment RQ-14 Dragon Eye is a small, lightweight UAV that can be transported by backpack, and launched by hand or using a bungee cord. Its primary role is urban surveillance and assault reconnaissance, in particular to provide "over the next hill" information to Marines on the ground.

The AeroVironment RQ-14 Dragon Eye is has a tailless design and it can be hand-launched by a soldier, it is small enough to fit into a backpack. It is equipped with a waypoint system based on a GPS-Inertial guidance system. The Dragon Eye is monitored by a laptop connected to video goggles. The control system used for the RQ-14 has a weight of 5.4 kg. It was designed to spot urban bases, with the ability to spot enemies without alerting them. The UAV is produced by AeroVironment, which received the production contract in 2003. Until the Marines used the RQ-11 Raven as their UCAV, to be the remainder of the Dragon Eye production contract. Over 1000 units were built. The engines are powered by a single-use battery with a lifetime of 45 to 60 minutes. The battery-powered electric engine provides an extremely low noise signature. Combined with the 3.75-ft. wingspan, the Dragon Eye is difficult to detect.

AeroVironment RQ-14 Dragon Eye system consists of the three UAVs and the ground control equipment. All components are light-weight (2.7 kg (5.9 lb) for one UAV, 5.4 kg (12 lb) for the ground control station) and are carried in a soldier's backpack. The air vehicle is powered by two electric motors which drive wing-mounted propellers. It is launched either by hand or with the help of a bungee cord, and is recovered by an autopilot-controlled belly landing. The RQ-14 Dragon Eye has an effective operating radius of about 10 km (6 miles) and a duration of about 60 minutes. The ground control equipment includes a laptop computer, which is used to program waypoints into the Dragon Eye's GPS navigation system. The Dragon Eye can fly its mission fully autonomously, but the operator can optionally update the waypoints during the flight. The RQ-14 Dragon Eye is equipped with interchangeable nose assemblies which house different types of side-looking motion cameras - either full-color daylight electro-optical or low-light monochrome cameras. The camera imagery is downlinked in real-time to the operator, who uses special goggles to watch the video.

Specifications:

Payload: EO camera, forward- and side-look low light camera, side-look infrared camera
Engine: Single-use battery-powered electric, twin propeller
Length: 0.91 m (2 ft 11.75 in)
Wingspan: 1.14 m (3 ft 9 in)
Weight: 2.7 kg (5.9 lb)
Speed: max: 65 km/h (40 mph); cruise: 35 km/h (22 mph)
Ceiling: 300 m (1000 ft)
Range: 10 km (6 miles)
Endurance: 60 min.
Propulsion: 2x Aveox 1005/6Y electric motor

AeroVironment RQ-11 Raven

2013-01-16T21:13:00.002-08:00

AeroVironment RQ-11 Raven

AeroVironment RQ-11 Raven is a small unmanned aircraft system (UAS). It is designed for a battle proven solution designed for rapid deployment and high mobility for both military and commercial applications. The Raven meets army requirements for low-altitude reconnaissance, surveillance and target acquisition. It can be operated manually or programmed for autonomous operation, utilising the system's advanced avionics and GPS navigation. With a wingspan of 4.5 feet and a weight of 4.2 pounds, the hand-launched Raven provides aerial observation at line-of-sight ranges up to 10 kilometers.

AeroVironment RQ-11 Raven

AeroVironment RQ-11 Raven was originally introduced as the FQM-151 in 1999, but in 2002 developed into its current form, resembling an enlarged FAI class F1C free flight model aircraft in general appearance. The craft is launched by hand and powered by a pusher configuration electric motor. The plane can fly up to 6.2 miles (10.0 km) at altitudes of appx 500 feet (150 m) above ground level (AGL), and over 15,000 feet (4,600 m) above mean sea level (MSL), at flying speeds of 28-60 mph (45–97 km/h).

AeroVironment RQ-11 Raven

More than 3,000 AeroVironment RQ-11 Raven were produced before 2006. The AeroVironment RQ-11A Raven UAV weighs about 1.9kg (4.2lb). It has a flight endurance of 80 minutes and an effective operational radius of about 10km (6.2 miles). Raven has a flying speed of 32km/h to 81km/h at typical operating altitude between 30m and 152m. RQ-11A Raven provides flexibility, with remote control or control through ground station. It allows completely autonomous missions using GPS waypoint navigation. CCD colour video and an infra-red camera constitute the standard mission payloads.

AeroVironment RQ-11 Raven

The AeroVironment RQ-11 Raven is used by the United States Army, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Special Operations Command. Additionally, foreign customers include Australia, Estonia, Italy, Denmark, Spain and Czech Republic. As of early 2012, over 19,000 airframes have already been shipped, making it the most widely adopted UAV system in the world today. The British forces in Iraq are using U.S. Raven equipment and personnel on loan. The Royal Danish Army acquired 12 Raven systems in September 2007 - three systems will be delivered to the Huntsmen Corps, while the remainder will be deployed with soldiers from the Artillery Training Center. A 2010 documentary film, Armadillo, shows Danish forces deploying a Raven in operations around FOB Armadillo in the Helmand province of Afghanistan.

AeroVironment RQ-11 Raven Launch

Specifications:

Role: Remote controlled UAV
Manufacturer: AeroVironment
First flight: October 2001
Introduction: May 2003
Primary users: United States Army, United States Air Force, United States Marine Corps, United States Special Forces, international land forces
Produced: 2004-present
Number built: 19,000+ airframes
Developed from: FQM-151 Pointer
Wing Span: 55in (130 cm)
Length: 36in (109 cm)
Weight: 4.2 lb (1.9 kg)
Engine: Aveox 27/26/7-AV electric motor
Cruising speed: approx. 30 kn (56 km/h)
Range: 6.2 miles (10 km)
Endurance: approx. 60-90 min

Ababil Iranian UAV

2013-01-13T06:38:00.001-08:00

Ababil Iranian UAV

Ababil (Swallow) Iranian UAV was developed by HESA (Iran Aircraft Manufacturing Industrial Company / IAMI) in 1986 during the war with Iraq. Ababil Iranian UAV were used operationally in 1997 to shadow US Navy operations in the gulf. Other reports suggested Iran's use of UAVs to monitor events in Afghanistan in the 1990s during the civil war. Iran has developed a number of variants, including the tactical Ababil-5 for medium-range reconnaissance and surveillance, the Ababil-T for short/medium-range attack, and also the Ababil-B and -S.

Ababil Iranian UAV

The Ababil Iranian UAV is ground or sea-launched using either pneumatic or rocket boosters and can be recovered by parachute or landing skids. An Ababil III variant was reportly shot down by a US F-16 in Iraq in February 2009. The Ababil UAV has a canard configuration. Due to this fact the risk of stall and crash was been reduced by 30%. Accurate aerodynamic design gave it a good stability characteristics with high speed and maneuverability.

Ababil Iranian UAV

It has a maximum operational radius of 150 km (93 mi) and a maximum ceiling of 14,000 ft (4,268 m). It has the ability to travel at a maximum speed of 300 km/h and is capable of carrying a 45 kg (88 lb.) payload. It has a surveillance configuration, carrying a camera and digital communications equipment, but also an attack configuration, carrying a high-explosive warhead that would be delivered by the UAV crashing onto a target.

Ababil Iranian UAV

Ababil Iranian UAV is equipped with the Shahid Noroozi guidance and control system designed and manufactured in Iran. It is composed of two aerial and ground section. The aircraft control system is provided with an autopilot system that transfers flight information data to the ground station via a datalink. The system is able to launch the aircraft, perform different maneuvers, fly to 30 km range, loiter and simulate air attacks and finally recover the aircraft at a given point. The range could be increased up to 120 km simply by increasing the output power of the communication system.

The Ababil Iranian UAV has a CCD TV camera and IR Charge (Flare) systems. Also carried is a Miss Distance Indicator (MDI), a system that works based on the acoustic measurment. The distance of the fired bullets from the aircraft geometric center and bullet motion path can be measured by the system. This information is displayed in ground station, providing the training officer with accurate information to correct the targeting operation until an appropriate level of accuracy is reached.

Specifications:

Type: Reconnaissance
Used by: Iran
Weight: 83 kg (182 lb.)
Length: 2.9 m (9.5 feet)
Warhead: 1 possible 45 kg (88 lb.)
range: 240 km (150 mi)
Speed: 300 km/h

AAI RQ-7 Shadow 200

2013-01-13T04:44:00.000-08:00

AAI RQ-7 Shadow 200

AAI RQ-7 Shadow 200 is tactical unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) used by the United States Army, Marine Corps, Australian Army and Swedish Army for reconnaissance, surveillance, target acquisition and battle damage assessment. Launched from a trailer-mounted pneumatic catapult, it is recovered with the aid of arresting gear similar to jets on an aircraft carrier. Its gimbal-mounted, digitally-stabilized, liquid nitrogen-cooled electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) camera relays video in real time via a C-band line-of-sight data link to the ground control station (GCS).

AAI RQ-7 Shadow 200 (Launch)

AAI RQ-7 Shadow 200 unmanned aerial vehicle is of a high-wing, constant chord pusher configuration with a twin-tailboom empennage and an inverted v-tail elerudder. The aircraft is powered by a 38 bhp (28 kW) AR741-1101 Wankel engine manufactured by UAV Engines Ltd. Onboard electrical systems are powered by a GEC/Plessey 28 volt, direct current, 2,000 watt generator. Currently, the primary payload for the aircraft is the Israeli Aircraft Industries POP300 Plug-in Optical Payload which consists of a forward-looking Infrared camera, a daytime TV camera with a selectable near-infrared filter and a laser pointer. The aircraft has fixed tricycle landing gear. Takeoffs are assisted by a trailer-mounted pneumatic launcher which can accelerate the 375 pound aircraft to 70 knots (130 km/h) in 50 feet (15 m).

AAI RQ-7 Shadow 200 in Iraq

In the US, The Army's 2nd Battalion, 13th Aviation Regiment at Fort Huachuca, AZ, trains soldiers, Marines, and civilians in the operation and maintenance of the Shadow UAV. The training program is mainly undertaken by civilian instructors. The UAV itself was officially designated RQ-7A. Between April 2001 and late 2002, the IOT&E (Initial Operational Test & Evaluation) phase of the program was conducted successfully, and in October 2002 the Shadow 200 was approved for full-rate production.

AAI RQ-7 Shadow 200 in Iraq

AAI RQ-7 Shadow 200 is of the same twin-boom pusher layout as several other battlefield UAVs, like e.g. the RQ-2 Pioneer and the RQ-5 Hunter. It is powered by a UEL AR-741 rotary engine, and has a non-retractable tricycle landing gear for conventional wheeled take-off and landing. The RQ-7A can also be launched from a catapult and has a tailhook to catch arresting cables for a shorter landing run. A Shadow 200 system consists of four RQ-7A air vehicles and the associated equipment. The latter includes two GCSs (Ground Control Stations), from where the operators have full control over the UAVs and their sensors. Both LOS (Line-Of-Sight) and non-LOS datalinks are provided for command uplink and sensor data downlink. The Shadow 200 UAV can be equipped with a GPS-based navigation system for fully autonomous operations. The UAV's tasks include day/night reconnaissance, surveillance, target acquisition and BDA (Bomb Damage Assessment). The primary mission payload for the initial (Block 1) RQ-7A production vehicles is an IAI Tamam POP (Plug-In Optronic Payload) IR/EO (Infrared/Electro-Optical) sensor turret, but Block 2 vehicles are planned to use an improved Wescam EO/IR sensor. Other payloads are also under consideration, including a SAR/MTI (Synthetic Aperture Radar/Moving Target Indicator) unit.

AAI RQ-7 Shadow 200 in Iraq

Specifications:
General characteristics

Length: 11.2 ft (3.4 m)
Wingspan: 14 ft (4.3 m)
Height: 3.3 ft (1.0 m)
Empty weight: 186 lb (84 kg)
Gross weight: 375 lb (170 kg)
Powerplant: 1 × Wankel UAV Engine 741 used only with Silkolene Synthetic Oil , 38 hp (28 kW)

Performance

Maximum speed: 127 mph; 204 km/h (110 kn)
Cruising speed: 81 mph; 130 km/h (70 kn)
Range: 68 mi (59 nmi; 109 km)
Endurance: 6 h/ 9 h Increased Endurance
Service ceiling: 15,000 ft (4,572 m) ELOS (Electronic Line Of Sight)

Messerschmitt Me 262

2013-01-12T05:55:00.000-08:00

Messerschmitt Me 262

Messerschmitt Me 262 Schwalbe (Swallow) was the world's first jet fighter received mixed support as many influential Luftwaffe officers felt that the approaching conflict could be won by piston-engine aircraft alone. Design work started before World War II began but engine problems prevented the aircraft from attaining operational status with the Luftwaffe until mid-1944. Compared with Allied fighters of its day, including the British jet-powered Gloster Meteor, it was much faster and better armed. One of the most advanced aviation designs in operational use during World War II, the Messerschmitt Me 262 was used in a variety of roles, including light bomber, reconnaissance and even experimental night fighter versions.

Messerschmitt Me 262

On April 18, 1941, the prototype Messerschmitt Me 262 V1 flew for the first time powered by a nose-mounted Junkers Jumo 210 engine turning a propeller. This use of a piston engine was the result of delays with the aircraft's intended twin BMW 003 turbojets. The Jumo 210 was retained on the prototype as a safety feature following the arrival of the BMW 003s. This proved fortuitous as both turbojets failed during their initial flight, forcing the pilot to land using the piston engine. Testing in this manner continued for over a year and it was not until July 18, 1942, that the Messerschmitt Me 262 (Prototype V3) flew as "pure" jet.

Messerschmitt Me 262

Messerschmitt Me 262 pilots claimed a total of 542 Allied kills during World War II. The Allies countered its potential effectiveness in the air by relentlessly attacking the aircraft on the ground and while they were taking off or landing. Maintenance problems and a lack of fuel during the deteriorating late-war situation also reduced the effectiveness of the aircraft as a fighting force. In the end, the Messerschmitt Me 262 had a negligible impact on the course of the war as a result of its late introduction and the consequently small numbers that were deployed in operational service. The Messerschmitt Me 262 influenced the designs of post-war aircraft such as the North American F-86 Sabre and Boeing B-47 Stratojet.

With the end of hostilities in May 1945, the Allied powers scrambled to claim the remaining Me 262s. Studying the revolutionary aircraft, elements were subsequently incorporated into future fighters such as the F-86 Sabre. In the years after the war, Me 262s were used in high speed testing. Though German production of the Messerschmitt Me 262 ended with the conclusion of the war, the Czechoslovak government continued building the aircraft as the Avia S-92 and CS-92.

Messerschmitt Me 262

Specifications:
General

Role: Fighter aircraft
Manufacturer: Messerschmitt
First flight: 18 April 1941 with piston engine, 18 July 1942 with jet engines
Introduction: April 1944
Retired: 1945, Germany; 1951, Czechoslovakia
Primary users: Luftwaffe Czechoslovak Air Force (S-92)
Number built: 1,430
Length: 34 ft. 9 in.
Wingspan: 41 ft.
Height: 11 ft. 6 in.
Wing Area: 234 sq. ft.
Empty Weight: 8,400 lbs.
Loaded Weight: 15,720 lbs.
Crew: 1

Performance

Power Plant: 2 x Junkers Jumo 004B-1 turbojets, 8.8 kN (1,980 lbf) each
Range: 652 miles
Max Speed: 541 mph
Ceiling: 37,565 ft.

Armament

Guns: 4 x 30 mm MK 108 cannons
Bombs/Rockets: 2 x 550 lb. bombs (A-2a only), 24 x 2.2 in. R4M rockets

F-117A Nighthawk Stealth Fighter

2013-01-11T08:17:00.002-08:00

F-117A Nighthawk Stealth Fighter

F-117A Nighthawk Stealth Fighter is a single-seat, twin-engine stealth ground-attack aircraft formerly operated by the United States Air Force (USAF), it was the world's first operational aircraft designed to exploit low-observable stealth technology. The unique design of the single-seat F-117A Nighthawk Stealth Fighter provides exceptional combat capabilities. About the size of an F-15 Eagle, the twin-engine aircraft is powered by two General Electric F404 turbofan engines and has quadruple redundant fly-by-wire flight controls. Air refuelable, it supports worldwide commitments and adds to the deterrent strength of the U.S. military forces. Its first flight was in 1981, and it achieved initial operating capability status in October 1983. The F-117 was "acknowledged" and revealed to the world in November 1988.

F-117A Nighthawk Stealth Fighter

The F-117A program has demonstrated that a stealth aircraft can be designed for reliability and maintainability. The aircraft maintenance statistics are comparable to other tactical fighters of similar complexity. Logistically supported by Sacramento Air Logistics Center, McClellan AFB, Calif., the F-117A Nighthawk Stealth Fighter is kept at the forefront of technology through a planned weapon system improvement program located at USAF Plant 42 at Palmdale, Calif. A product of Lockheed Skunk Works and a development of the Have Blue technology demonstrator, it became the first operational aircraft initially designed around stealth technology. The F-117A Nighthawk Stealth Fighter was widely publicized during the Persian Gulf War of 1991. It was commonly called the "Stealth Fighter" although it was a ground-attack aircraft.

F-117A Nighthawk Stealth Fighter

The operational aircraft had the official designation of "F-117A". Most modern U.S. military aircraft use post-1962 designations in which the designation "F" is usually an air-to-air fighter, "B" is usually a bomber, "A" is usually a ground-attack aircraft, etc. (Examples include the F-15, the B-2, and the A-6.) The F-117 is primarily a ground-attack aircraft so its "F" designation is inconsistent with the DoD system, but it is an inconsistency that has been repeatedly employed by the U.S. Air Force with several of its ground attack aircraft since the late 1950s, including the Republic F-105 Thunderchief and General Dynamics F-111 Aardvark.

The Air Force retired the F-117A Nighthawk Stealth Fighter on 22 April 2008, primarily because of the fielding of the F-22 Raptor and the impending introduction of the F-35 Lightning II. Sixty-four F-117s were built, 59 of which were production versions with five demonstrators/prototypes.

F-117A Nighthawk Stealth Fighter

Spesifications:

Role: Stealth attack aircraft
National origin: United States
Manufacturer: Lockheed Martin
First flight: 18 June 1981
Introduction: October 1983
Retired: 22 April 2008
Primary user: United States Air Force
Number built: 64 (5 YF-117As, 59 F-117As)
Unit cost: US$42.6 million (flyaway cost); US$111.2 million (average cost)
Developed from: Lockheed Have Blue
Power Plant: Two General Electric F404 engines
Length: 65 feet, 11 inches (20.3 meters)
Height: 12 feet, 5 inches (3.8 meters)
Weight: 52,500 pounds (23,625 kilograms)
Wingspan: 43 feet, 4 inches (13.3 meters)
Speed: High subsonic
Range: Unlimited with air refueling
Armament: Internal weapons carriage, two each of=2 MK84 2000-pound; 2 GBU-10 Paveway II; 2 GBU-12 Paveway II; 2 GBU-27 Paveway III; 2 BLU 109; 2 WCMD; 2 Mark 61

Beretta 90-Two

2013-01-08T06:43:00.000-08:00

Beretta 90-Two

Beretta 90-Two is a series of semi-automatic pistols descends directly from the Beretta 92F with its cut-away slide and long barrel, designed and manufactured by Beretta of Italy. It was released in 2006 as an enhanced version of the Beretta 92, and is produced in 9×19mm, 9×21mm IMI and .40 S&W versions. It differs from the original in its new rounded contours that offer a snag-free drawing capability, interchangeable grip and light/laser-mounting rail built into the dust cover. Each 90-Two pistol comes with a plastic cover that slides over the rails to prevent snagging.

Beretta 90-Two fitted with a flashlight

Beretta 90-Two series have an "ergonomically enhanced" design, with a "technopolymer" interchangeable wrap-around style grip allowing users to choose grips that work better with either large or small hands. Also notable is an accessory rail on the dust cover of the pistol, allowing various light/laser accessories to be attached. The frame is constructed of a light alloy, and the slide and barrel are constructed of steel. The Beretta 90-Two is an accessory rail cover, which protects the rail when an accessory is not attached.

Beretta 90-Two Field stripped

Magazine capacities available for the 90two 9×19mm are: 10-round single-stack, 15 or 17-round double-stack; the 90two 9×21mm IMI: 15 round double-stack, the 90two .40 S&W: 10 or 12 round double-stack.

Amazon Store

Spesifications:

Type: Semi-automatic pistol
Place of origin: Italy
Manufacturer: Beretta
Unit cost: $700
Weight: 921 g (32.5 oz) (unloaded)
Length: 217 mm (8.5 in)
Barrel length: 125 mm (4.9 in)
Width: 38 mm (1.5 in)
Height: 140 mm (5.5 in)
Cartridge: 9×19mm Parabellum; 9×21mm IMI; .40 S&W
Muzzle velocity: 381 m/s (1,250 ft/s)
Effective range: 50 m (164 ft) 9×19mm Parabellum; 25 m (82 ft) (.40 S&W)
Feed system: Detachable box magazine= 10, 15, 17 rounds (9×19mm Parabellum); 15, 9×21mm IMI; 10, 12 rounds (.40 S&W)
Sights: Tritium-illuminated handgun night sights

American Derringer DA 38

2013-01-07T05:00:00.002-08:00

American Derringer DA 38

American Derringer DA 38 is a Double Action made by American Derringer. The suggested retail price of the American Derringer DA38 Double Action is $705, which is slightly less expensive than the average for all Firearms. It is a Pocket Pistol used mainly for Defense purposes, featuring a double-action trigger with a unique open-front trigger guard.

American Derringer DA 38

American Derringer DA-38 is a small two-shot double action derringer chambered in 9mm, .40 SW, .357 Magnum, .38 Special, .22 LR or .22 WMR. The barrel, receiver and internal parts are made from high-strength stainless steel.

American Derringer DA 38

Developed by Smith & Wesson and introduced along with its Military & Police Model revolver in 1902, this was originally a military cartridge intended to replace the unsatisfactory .38 Long Colt then in use by the Army. Colt brought out its own version of the .38 Special in 1909, which differs from the original only in bullet shape, being a flat-point style. The .38 Special is considered one of the best-balanced, all-round handgun cartridges ever designed. It is also one of the most accurate and very widely used for match shooting.

American Derringer DA 38

Spesification:

Action: Double Action
Manufacturer: American Derringer
Class: Pocket Pistol
Length: 4.85 inches (12.32 centimeters)
Barrel Length: 3 inches (7.62 centimeters)
Weight: 0.91 pounds (0.41 kilograms)
Capacity: 2 rounds
Caliber: 9mm, .22; .38; .40
Safety: Hammer Block Thumb Safety
Grips/Stock: Rosewood, Walnut or other hardwoods
Finish: Satin Stainless
Concealability: High
Sights: Fixed

NATO FN SCAR

2013-01-05T21:18:00.001-08:00

NATO FN SCAR

NATO FN SCAR (Special Operations Forces Combat Assault Rifle) is a modular rifle made by FN Herstal (FNH) for the United States Special Operations Command (SOCOM) to satisfy the requirements of the SCAR competition. This family of rifles consist of two main types. The SCAR-L, for "light", is chambered in the 5.56×45mm NATO cartridge and the SCAR-H, for "heavy", fires 7.62×51mm NATO. Both are available in Long Barrel and Close Quarters Combat variants.

The keyidea of SCAR rifle system is that it will provide the Special Forces operators with wide variety of options, from short-barreled 5.56mm SCAR-L CQC variation,tailored for urban close combat, and up to long range 7.62x51 SCAR-HSnipervariant, as well as 7.62x39 SCAR-H, which will accept "battlefield pickup" AK-47/AKM magazines with 7.62 M43 ammunition, available during the operations behind the enemy lines.

NATO FN SCAR MK 20

The NATO FN SCAR systems completed low rate initial production testing in June 2007. After some delays, the first rifles began being issued to operational units in April 2009, and a battalion of the US 75th Ranger Regiment was the first large unit deployed into combat with 600 of the rifles in 2009. The US Special Operations Command has currently cancelled their purchase of the Mk 16 SCAR-L and are planning to remove the rifle from their inventory by 2013. However, they plan to purchase 5.56 mm conversion kits for the Mk 17, supplanting the loss of the Mk 16. The SCAR is now one of the competing weapons in the Individual Carbine competition which aims to find a replacement for the M4 Carbine.

FNSCAR rifles are not based on any previous weapons but designed from the scratch. In all variants FN SCAR rifles feature gas operated, short stroke piston action with rotating bolt locking. Bolt system appears to be somewhat similar to that of FNMinimi / M249 SAW machine gun. This system apparently is less sensitive to fine sand, dust and any other fouling inside the receiver, than any system with M16-type multi-lug bolt and plunger-type ejector.

NATO FN SCAR MK 17

Overview:

Type: Assault rifle (SCAR-L); Battle rifle (SCAR-H)
Place of origin: Belgium; United States of America
Manufacturer: FNH USA
Variants: SCAR-L (Mk 16 Mod 0); SCAR-H (Mk 17 Mod 0)

Specifications

Weight: 3.04 kg (6.7 lb) (SCAR-L Short); 3.29 kg (7.3 lb) (SCAR-L Standard); 3.49 kg (7.7 lb) (SCAR-L Long); 3.49 kg (7.7 lb) (SCAR-H Short); 3.58 kg (7.9 lb) (SCAR-H Standard); 3.72 kg (8.2 lb) (SCAR-H Long)
Length: 787 mm (31.0 in) stock extended, 533 mm (21.0 in) stock folded (SCAR-L CQC); 889 mm (35.0 in) stock extended, 635 mm (25.0 in) stock folded (SCAR-L Standard); 990 mm (39 in) stock extended, 736 mm (29.0 in) stock folded (SCAR-L Long); 889 mm (35.0 in) stock extended, 635 mm (25.0 in) stock folded (SCAR-H CQC); 965 mm (38.0 in) stock extended, 711 mm (28.0 in) stock folded (SCAR-H Standard); 1,067 mm (42.0 in) stock extended, 813 mm (32.0 in) stock folded (SCAR-H Long)
Barrel length: 254 mm (10.0 in) (SCAR-L Short); 355 mm (14.0 in) (SCAR-L Standard); 457 mm (18.0 in) (SCAR-L Long); 330 mm (13 in) (SCAR-H Short); 400 mm (16 in) (SCAR-H Standard); 500 mm (20 in) (SCAR-H Long)
Cartridge: 5.56×45mm NATO (SCAR-L); 7.62×51mm NATO (SCAR-H)
Action: Gas-operated (short-stroke gas piston), rotating bolt
Rate of fire: 625 rounds/min
Muzzle velocity: SCAR-L: 2,870 ft/s (870 m/s) (M855); SCAR-L: 2,630 ft/s (800 m/s) (Mk 262); SCAR-H: 2,342 ft/s (714 m/s) (M80)
Effective range: SCAR-L: 300 metres (330 yd) (Short), 500 metres (550 yd) (Standard), 600 metres (660 yd) (Long)
SCAR-H: 300 metres (330 yd) (Short), 600 metres (660 yd) (Standard), 800 metres (870 yd) (Long)
Feed system: SCAR-L: STANAG box magazine; SCAR-H/SSR: 20-round box magazine
Sights: : Iron or various optics

SR71 Blackbird

2013-01-04T06:00:00.003-08:00

SR71 Blackbird

SR71 Blackbird was an advanced, long-range, Mach 3+ strategic reconnaissance aircraft. It was developed as a black project from the Lockheed A-12 reconnaissance aircraft in the 1960s by the Lockheed Skunk Works. Clarence "Kelly" Johnson was responsible for many of the design's innovative concepts.SR-71 was designed as a high-speed high altitude aircraft, providing pre-attack and post-attack reconnaissance. If a surface-to-air missile launch was detected, the standard evasive action was simply to accelerate and outfly the missile.

SR71 Blackbirds

Constructed of 93% titanium alloy and composites, it produces original stealth technology. A special paint is applied giving it a higher thermal emissivity when cruising at high Mach and contains tiny iron balls that dissipates electromagnetic radiation. The paint alone adds over 60 lbs to the jet.

SR71 Blackbird served with the U.S. Air Force from 1964 to 1998. Of the 32 aircraft built, 12 were lost in accidents, though none to enemy action. SR71 Blackbird has been given several nicknames, including Blackbird and Habu, the latter in reference to an Okinawan species of pit viper. Since 1976, it has held the world record for the fastest air-breathing manned aircraft, a record previously held by the YF-12.

SR71 Blackbird

SR71 Blackbird uses a special JP-7 high-temperature jet fuel. It can carry 12,219 gallons and, at top speed, needs refueling every two hours . It consumes fuel at about 5000 gallons per hour. The fuel is very stable and doesn't burn easily which requires a chemical ignition system to start the engines. Tri-ethyl borane (TEB) is injected into the engines at start-up, re-start and when going into afterburner. The fuel system is also used to cool the aircraft environmental, hydraulic, oil, TEB systems, and associated lines. It seeps fuel on the ground and in the air until aircraft heating expansion seals off some of the leaks. Because of an average aircraft temperature at cruise of 600 F, rubber bladders could not be used in the fuel tanks. Tanks were built as tight as possible and silicon was used to seal the seams. Aircraft heating would cause the silicon to become brittle and leak. Every 100 flight hours the tanks had to be opened, the old silicon stripped out, and the new silicon applied.

SR71 Blackbird

SR71 Blackbird has 6 main BF Goodrich 22-ply rating tires, each filled with 425 PSI of nitrogen. Impregnated with aluminum powder to reduce heat, they cost $2,300.00 each and are serviceable for approximately 15 landings.

SR71 Blackbird Kockpit

SR71 Blackbird featured chines, a pair of sharp edges leading aft from either side of the nose along the fuselage. These were not a feature on the early A-3 design; Dr. Frank Rodgers, of the Scientific Engineering Institute (a CIA front company), had discovered that a cross-section of a sphere had a greatly reduced radar reflection, and adapted a cylindrical-shaped fuselage by stretching out the sides of the fuselage. After the advisory panel provisionally selected Convair's FISH design over the A-3 on the basis of RCS, Lockheed adopted chines for its A-4 through A-6 designs. When the Blackbird was being designed, no other airplane had featured chines, and Lockheed's engineers had to solve problems related to the differences in stability and balance caused by these unusual surfaces.[citation needed] Chines remain an important design feature of many of the newest stealth UAVs, such as the Dark Star, Bird of Prey, X-45 and X-47, since they allow for tail-less stability as well as for stealth.

Spesifications:

Role: Strategic reconnaissance aircraft
Manufacturer: Lockheed Skunk Works
Designer: Clarence "Kelly" Johnson
Primary users: United States Air Force
Wingspan: 55.7 ft
Length: 107.5 ft
Height: 18.6 ft
Engines: Two Pratt & Whitney J58 continuous after-burning turbojets with 34,000 lb maximum thrust each
Publicized Max. Speed: 3.2 mach (2,200 mph)
Take-off speed: 210 knots
Landing speed: 150-155 knots. Uses a drag chute to stop.
Service Ceiling: 85,000 ft plus
Max. Range: 2,982 miles un-refueled (has flown 18,000 mile missions with in-flight refueling)
Weight: 145,000 lb max weight
Crew: 2
Cost: $24.616 million in 1972

SIG Sauer P226 Pistol

2013-01-03T07:49:00.000-08:00

SIG Sauer P226 Pistol

SIG Sauer P226 Pistol is a ultimate fighting handgun in the minds of many people ever since it was introduced more than quarter-century ago, service-type pistol made by SIG Sauer. It is chambered for the 9×19mm Parabellum, .40 S&W, .357 SIG, and .22 Long Rifle. It is essentially the same basic design of the SIG P220, but developed to use higher capacity, staggered-column magazines in place of the single-column magazines of the P220. The SIG Sauer P226 Pistol itself has spawned further sub-variants; the P228 and P229 are both compact versions of the staggered-column P226 design. The SIG Sauer P226 Pistol and its variants are in service with numerous law enforcement and military organizations worldwide. Much of the gun’s mystique comes from its service with the elite US Navy SEALs.

SIG Sauer P226 Pistol Blackwater

The SIG Sauer P226 Pistol is basically similar to the SIG-Sauer P220 pistol, except for the slightly different shape and double-stack magazines of greater capacity. It is available in a number of versions, with standard aluminium or stainless steel frames, with or without a Picatinny rail. Triggers are either a typical SIG-Sauer double action arrangement with a frame-mounted decocker and an automated firing pin block, or a double-action-only setup without decocker. 9mm and .40/.357 versions of this pistol also may differ in the design of the slide – while 9mm pistols may have a stamped steel slide, larger caliber pistols have heavier slides, machined from a solid bar of steel. While the pistol design has remained largely unchanged since the early days, there are some recent changes that might spark the interest of SIG enthusiasts.

SIG Sauer P226 Elite Dark with attached Streamlight TLR-1s weapon light

There are additional variants to the P226 line of pistols. They can be had in various colors and finishes. Sights can be standard or with tritium inserts. Threaded barrels are also standard on some models, which allows for the easy addition of a sound suppressor. All in all, there are dozens of possible option and model combinations.

Stainless steel SIG Sauer P226

Overview:

Type: Semi-automatic pistol
Place of origin: Germany and Switzerland
Manufacturer: SIG Sauer

Specifications:

Weight: 964 g (34.0 oz) (w/ magazine)
Length: 196 mm (7.7 in)
Barrel length: 112 mm (4.4 in)
Width: 38.1 mm (1.50 in)
Height: 140 mm (5.5 in)
Cartridge: 9×19mm Parabellum, .40 S&W, .357 SIG, .22 Long Rifle (Classic 22 model only)
Action Mechanically locked, recoil operated (DA/SA or DAO)
Feed system: 10, 12, 13, or 15 round magazine (.40 S&W, .357 SIG); 10, 15, 17, 18, or 20 round magazine (9mm Parabellum); 10 round polymer magazine (Classic 22 only)
Sights: Iron sights

Kimber Warrior and Desert Warrior

2013-01-02T05:34:00.002-08:00

Kimber Warrior

Kimber Warrior and Desert Warrior are customized 1911 that was designed for combat, that was built for the United States Marine Corps Forces Special Operations Command. The MARSOC pistol, known as the Kimber ICQB (Interim Close Quarter Battle) pistol, does not have an internal firing pin block as seen on the rest of the current Kimber Custom models, hence a "II" does not follow the Warrior or Desert Warrior's names. Kimber Warrior and Desert Warrior have an ambidextrous thumb safety, a lanyard loop, an internal extractor, and, in contrast to other Custom models, a standard length recoil spring guide rod to allow easier field stripping without tools. The black Warrior is externally very similar to the Custom TLE/RL II, but can be differentiate by its grip plated, ambidextrous safety and the Meprolight "Tactical Wedge" sights as opposed to the Meprolight "Slant" sights which are standard on most Kimber pistols.

Kimber Desert Warrior

Kimber Warrior and Desert Warrior have a frame-integrated M1913 light rail, Kimber Meprolight tritium night sights, and Kimber's own special grips that are very similar to the Gunner grips in coyote brown. They are delivered with Kimber factory magazines. They are otherwise the same as the ICQB pistols.

The Warrior has a matte black KimPro finish and a standard Custom trigger. The Desert Warrior comes in a green-tan KimPro finish that would blend in with desert camouflage, and has a solid trigger.

Kimber Desert Warrior

Overview:

Type: Semi-automatic pistol
Place of origin: United States United States
Used by: LAPD SWAT; OCSD SWAT; USMC Force Recon
Manufacturer: Kimber

Specifications

Caliber: .45 ACP
Weight: 2.4 lbs (1.1 kg)
Length: 8.7 in (22.1 cm)
Barrel length: 5 in (12.7 cm)
Capacity: 7-round magazine
Fire Modes: Semi-Auto

Kimber Custom TLE II

2013-01-02T04:43:00.001-08:00

Kimber Custom TLE II

Kimber Custom TLE II is a model of Kimber Custom (model 1911 semi-automatic pistol). It is designed, manufactured, and distributed by Kimber Manufacturing, Inc. in Yonkers, New York. The designation "TLE" stands for "Tactical Law Enforcement". The TLE is identical, except for the markings, to a special model that was designed for use by the LAPD SWAT team. Unlike the standard Custom, it comes with tritium bar-dot night sights and 30 lines per inch frontstrap checkering.

Kimber Custom TLE II

Kimber Custom TLE II .45 ACP is virtually identical to the pistol carried by LAPD SWAT since 2002. Important upgrades from the Kimber Custom Shop such as Meprolight night sights and 30 lines-per-inch checkering on the front strap are also included. Based on the Kimber Custom II model, it has standard features like match grade barrel, chamber, trigger and barrel bushing, along with a frame and slide carefully machined from solid steel. A 1911 fits almost any size hand and points naturally for faster and more accurate shooting, an advantage that is impossible to overstate. The single-stage trigger breaks at 4–5 pounds without the creep and overtravel common to other designs, and the 1911 safety system has never been equaled. Combined with the authority of the great .45 ACP cartridge, the Custom TLE II could well be the best choice for duty, concealed carry or personal defense.

Kimber Custom TLE II

The TLE has been manufactured in the following variations:

Custom TLE II, the standard variation and the same as the LAPD SWAT model.
Custom TLE II (LG), with laser grip sights.
Custom TLE/RL II, with an accessory mounting rail.
Stainless TLE II, with a stainless steel finish.
Stainless TLE/RL II, with a stainless steel finish and an accessory mounting rail.

Kimber Custom TLE II

Overview:

Type: Semi-automatic pistol
Place of origin: United States United States
Used by: LAPD SWAT; OCSD SWAT; USMC Force Recon
Manufacturer: Kimber

Specifications

Weight: 38 ounces
Length: 8.7 inches
Barrel length: 5 inches
Width: 1.3 inches
Height: 5.3 inches
Caliber: .45 ACP
Action: semi-automatic, single action
Feed system: 7, 8 or 10 round magazine

MEU(SOC) pistol

2012-12-28T19:43:00.001-08:00

MEU(SOC) pistol

MEU(SOC) pistol is a magazine-fed, recoil-operated, single-action, semiautomatic pistol chambered for the .45 ACP cartridge, officially designated the M-45 MEUSOC. It is based on the original M1911 design by John Browning, and has been the standard-issue side arm for the Force Recon Element of the United States Marine Corps' Marine Expeditionary Units since 1985.

MEU(SOC) pistol

This weapon is a modified M1911A1 .45 caliber pistol sometimes referred to as "near match" or "combat accuratized.". MEU(SOC) Pistol is the designated "backup weapon" of Marines armed with the 9mm MP5-N Close Quarters Battle weapon. The M1911A1 was chosen for this role (and its modifications generated) because of its inherent reliability and lethality, and because the MEU(SOC) modifications make the M1911A1 design more "user friendly."

MEU(SOC) pistol

Due to wear and tear of the MEU(SOC) pistols and increasing numbers of Marine personnel in Marine Force Recon and MARSOC, the U.S. Marines are looking commercially for replacements. Marine Corps Systems Command announced February 17, 2005, that it was going to purchase 150 Springfield Armory Professional Model pistols for use as MEU(SOC) pistols. This is the same pistol used by the Federal Bureau of Investigation SWAT and Hostage Rescue Teams; however, it had previously been rejected for adoption as the ICQB. Despite the planned purchase of the commercial pistols, Marine Corps Systems Command has continued to solicit parts to build additional MEU(SOC) pistols.

MEU(SOC) pistol on Amazon Store

Overview of MEU(SOC) pistol:

Type: Semi-Automatic Pistol
Place of origin: United States
Used by: United States Marine Corps
Designer: Trained Weapons Training Battalion armorers at the Rifle Team Equipment Shop/USMC Precision Weapons Shop
Designed: 1986

Specifications of MEU(SOC) pistol

Weight: 2.437 lb (1,105 g) empty, w/ magazine (FM 23–35, 1940)
Length: 8.25 in (210 mm)
Barrel length: 5.03 in (127 mm)
Cartridge: .45 ACP
Action: Recoil-operated, closed bolt
Rate of fire: Semi-automatic
Muzzle velocity: 830 ft/s (244 m/s)
Effective range: 70 meters (maximum effective range)
Feed system: 7 rounds (standard-capacity magazine)

MEU(SOC) pistol

FGM-172 Short Range Assault Weapon

2012-12-24T07:01:00.000-08:00

FGM-172 Short Range Assault Weapon

FGM-172 Short Range Assault Weapon (SRAW), also known as the Predator SRAW, is a lightweight, close range missile system produced by Lockheed Martin, developed by Lockheed Martin and Israel Military Industries designed to complement the Javelin anti-tank missile. The Predator has a longer range and is more powerful than the AT4 that it is designed to replace, but has a shorter range than the Javelin.

Between February 1990 and mid-1993, a demonstration/validation phase was conducted by several competing companies, with the first test firings occuring in 1991. In July 1994, the Predator design of Loral (now Lockheed Martin) was selected for the EMD (Engineering and Manufacturing Development) phase. It was not before 2006 that the official designation FGM-172A was assigned to the missile (before that, it was formally known as SRAW MK 40 MOD 0).

U.S. Army with FGM-172 SRAW

The Predator is a fire-and-forget weapon utilizing a pre-launch system where the gunner tracks the target three seconds before launch and the internal system measures target speed and direction and is used in conjunction with known missile flight performance to predict where the target will be when the missile is in a position to intercept. The missile's flight path overflies the target aim point. A dual laser and magnetic sensor detects the target and triggers the detonation of the warhead. The laser sensor locates the positions of the leading and trailing edges of the tank, and the magnetic sensor provides confirmation of the position of the tank. The missile also uses an inertial guidance unit that the weapon over the predicted intercept point, compensating for crosswind and launcher motion (the launcher may be mounted on or fired from a vehicle). For direct attacks the missile acts as an unguided, flattened trajectory, line-of-sight weapon and the warhead detonates on impact.

U.S. Army with FGM-172 SRAW

The U.S. Army evaluated a derivative of the Predator SRAW with a multipurpose warhead for its MPIM (Multipurpose Individual Munition) requirement. A variant named Kestrel, with a direct-attack warhead, was unsuccessfully entered in the UK's NLAW (Next Generation Light Anti-Armour) competition.

Amazon Store

Overview:

Type: Anti-Tank Missile Launcher
Place of origin: United States
Designer: Lockheed Martin
Designed: 2002
Manufacturer: Lockheed Martin
Produced: 2003–present

Specifications:

Weight: 9.7 kg (21 lb)
Length: 70.5 cm (2 ft 3 3⁄4 in)
Width: 14 cm (5.5 in)
Muzzle velocity: 900 km/h (560 mph)
Effective range: 17 to 600 m (19 to 660 yd)
Filling: EFP - Explosively Formed Penetrator (original version, now replaced with multipurpose blast warhead)

XM25 Grenade Launcher a.k.a Punisher

2012-12-22T06:39:00.002-08:00

XM25 Grenade Launcher a.k.a Punisher

XM25 grenade launcher also known as the "Punisher" is a Counter Defilade Target Engagement (CDTE) System, and Individual Semiautomatic Air Burst System is an air burst grenade launcher derived from the XM29 OICW. XM25 Grenade Launcher was developed by the ATK corporation of USA, with the help of the famous German arms manufacturer Heckler und Koch. It was fielded to soldiers serving in the War in Afghanistan and is projected to enter full-rate procurement in 2013.

XM25 Ammunitions

The XM25 features a target acquisition system that calculates the range to a target with a push of a button and transfers the data to the electronic fuse built into the 25mm round. When fired, the projectile is designed to explode directly above targets out to 600 meters, peppering enemy fighters with shrapnel.

XM25 Grenade Launcher a.k.a Punisher

The XM25 has created a lot of excitement in the infantry community, but it has also attracted its share of criticism from door-kickers that the five-shot, 14-pound weapon system is more of a burden than a benefit to combat units.

XM25 Grenade Launcher a.k.a Punisher

The XM25 fires 25 mm grenades that are set to explode in mid-air at or near the target. A laser rangefinder in the weapon is used to determine the distance to the target. The user can manually adjust the detonating distance by up to 10 feet (3.0 m) shorter or longer; the XM25 automatically transmits the detonating distance to the grenade in the firing chamber. The grenade tracks the distance it has traveled by the number of spiral rotations after it is fired, then detonates at the proper distance to produce an air burst effect. These features make the XM25 more effective than traditional grenade launchers at the task of hitting targets that are behind cover or dug into the ground.

XM25 Grenade Launcher a.k.a Punisher

As the XM25 is a stand-alone weapon, its operator (grenadier) will have to carry an additional personal defense weapon, such as pistol or a carbine. Current plans are to issue about two XM25 weapons to infantry squad. It also mustbe noted that XM25 will not replace neither M249SAW / light machine guns, nor the 40mm underbarrel grenade launchers (current issue M203 or proposed XM320 single shot add-on shotweapons).

Amazon Store

Overview:

Type: Grenade launcher
Place of origin: Germany
In service: 2010-present
Used by: U.S. Army
Wars: War in Afghanistan
Production history
Designer: Heckler & Koch, Alliant Techsystems
Manufacturer: Heckler & Koch, Alliant Techsystems

Specifications:

Weight: 6.35 kg (14.0 lb) empty
Length: 749 mm (29.5 in)[1]
Cartridge: 25mm
Muzzle velocity: 690 ft/s (210 m/s)
Effective range: 550 yd (500 m) for point targets, 765 yd (700 m) for area targets
Maximum range: 1,100 yd (1,000 m)
Feed system: 4-round box magazine

OKC-3S Bayonet

2012-12-20T02:48:00.000-08:00

OKC-3S bayonet

OKC-3S bayonet is a bayonet used by the United States Marine Corps to replace the M7 bayonet as its service bayonet for the M16 family of rifles. This multi-purpose bayonet provides greater durability than the M7 and also functions as a fighting knife or as a surfival equipment.

OKC-3S features an 8 in (20.32 cm) long, 1.375 in (3.49 cm) wide, .2 in (0.51 cm) thick blade. The serrations measure 1.75 in (4.4 cm) of the blade length on the true edge. The blade is made from high carbon steel rated at HRC 53-58 and is capable of functioning without breakage in operating temperatures of -25 to 135 °F (-32 to 57 °C). The blade also has a non-reflective phosphate finish.

OKC-3S bayonet

The grip is made of Dynaflex, a synthetic non-slip material, is ergonomically grooved, and is more oval than round. This design helps prevent repetitive-strain injuries and hand fatigue during training. It also features an embossed Eagle, Globe, and Anchor molded in to allow a user to identify the direction of the blade in the dark. The full tang connects the cross guard/muzzle ring (which is .165 in (0.42 cm)) and pommel latch plate that clasps the barrel lug; both are phosphate coated like the blade.

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Overview:

Type: Bayonet
Place of origin: San Diego, California
In service: 2003–present
Used by: United States Marine Corps
Designed: 2002
Manufacturer: Ontario Knife Company
Produced: 2003–present
Number built: 100,000+

Specifications:

Length: 13 in (33 cm)
Blade length: 8 in (20 cm)
Blade type: High carbon steel clip point with full tang
Hilt type: Metal guard, latch, & clasp, with Dynaflex grip
Scabbard/sheath: polyester elastomer

M203 Underbarrel Grenade Launcher

2012-12-19T08:23:00.002-08:00

M203 Underbarrel Grenade Launcher

M203 is a single shot 40 mm grenade launcher, uses the same rounds as the older stand-alone M79 break-action grenade launcher, which utilizes the High-Low Propulsion System to keep recoil forces low. Though versatile, and compatible with many rifle models, the M203 was originally designed for the U.S. M16 and its variant, the M4 Carbine. The launcher can also be mounted onto a C7, a Canadian version of the M16 rifle, however, this requires the prior removal of the bottom handguard.

40mm Practice grenades

Loading an M203 attached to an M16A1

The M203 loading is achieved by sliding the aluminum barrel forward, then inserting the round of ammunition into the breech and sliding the loaded barrel back into the battery.The barrel is held in-battery by the manually controlled lock, which is disengaged by depressing the barrel catch lever at the left side of the launcher, above the middle of the barrel. The loaded cartridge is held at the breech face by the extractor claws, and remains stationary when barrel is opened forward.

M4 carbine with M203

The M203 grenade launcher is intended to be used as close fire support against point and area targets. The round is designed to be effective at penetrating windows, blowing up doors, producing casualties in groups of enemies, destroying bunkers, and damaging or disabling soft-skinned vehicles. Its primary purpose is to engage enemies in dead space that cannot be reached by direct fire. A well-trained M203 gunner can also use his weapon to suppress the enemy, both from movement and sight.

U.S. Marine with an M16A2 fitted with M203 40 mm grenade launcher

The standard M203 easily installs on the M16A1 orM16A2 type rifle, and installation requires about 5 minutes of work and a standard screwdriver for clamping screws. If necessary, M203 can be mounted on a separate shoulder-stock / pistol grip assemblies (available from several companies, such as Colt or Knight's Armament) to be used as a stand-alone weapon. Standard sights for M203 are of ladder type, and graduated from 50 to 250 meters in 50m increments. The optional quadrant sight can be installed on the left side of the M16A1/A2 carrying handle,and it allows aiming at the ranges of up to 400 meters.

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Overview:

Type: Grenade launcher
Place of origin: United States

Specifications:

Weight: 3 lb (1.36 kg) (unloaded)
Length: 15 in (380mm)
Barrel length: 12 in (305mm)
Cartridge: 40x46mm SR
Action: Single shot
Rate of fire: 5 to 7 round/min
Muzzle velocity: 250 ft/s (76 m/s)
Effective range: 160 yd (150 m)
Maximum range: 1,312 ft (400 m)
Sights: Quadrant sight or ladder sight on rifle

Uzi Submachine Gun

2012-12-18T09:02:00.000-08:00

Uzi Submachine Gun

The UZI submachine gun is blowback operated weapon which fires from open bolt, smaller variants are considered to be machine pistols, developed in Israel by designer Uziel Gal in around1949, and manufactured by IMI (now IWI Ltd) since about 1951. UZI had been adopted by police and military of more than 90 countries, including Israel (now only in reserve), Germany, Belgium. The Uzi was one of the first weapons to use a telescoping bolt design which allows for the magazine to be housed in the pistol grip for a shorter weapon.

Uzi submachine gun with fixed wooden buttstock

The Uzi uses an open bolt, blowback-operated design quite similar to the Jaroslav Holeček-designed Czech ZK 476 (prototype only) and the production Sa 23, Sa 24, Sa 25, and Sa 26 series of submachineguns, from which it was inspired. The open bolt design exposes the breech end of the barrel, and improves cooling during periods of continuous fire. However, it means that since the bolt is held to the rear when cocked, the receiver is more susceptible to contamination from sand and dirt. It uses a telescoping bolt design, in which the bolt wraps around the breech end of the barrel. This allows the barrel to be moved far back into the receiver and the magazine to be housed in the pistol grip, allowing for a heavier, slower-firing bolt in a shorter, better-balanced weapon.

Uzi Submachine Gun

The receiver is made from stamped steel, with trigger unit and pistol grip pinned to its bottom at the center. The bolt is of "wrap-around" type,with most of its weight located in front of the breech face. The Micro-Uzi has an additional weight, made from tungsten, attached to the bolt, to slightly slowdown the overly excessive rate of fire. The cocking handle is located at the to pof the receiver cover, and does not move when gun is fired; the cocking handle slot is covered by sliding dust cover. Bolt handle is cut at the middle to provide a sighting channel. Gun is fitted with manual safety /fire selector, located on the left side of the grip, plus automatic grip safety at the rear. Full-size Uzi submachine guns were fitted either with a detachable wooden shoulder stock, or with under folding metallic shoulder stock of indigenous design.

Uzi Submachine Gun

The Uzi Carbine is similar in appearance to the Uzi submachine gun for civilian, the Uzi carbine is fitted with a 16-inch (410 mm) barrel (400mm), to meet the minimum rifle barrel length requirement for civilian sales in the United States. It fires from a closed-bolt position in semi-automatic mode only and uses a floating firing pin as opposed to a fixed firing pin. A small number of Uzi Carbines were produced with the standard length barrel for special markets. Uzi Carbines were available in calibers 9mm, .41 AE, and .45 ACP.

The Uzi Carbine had two main variants, the Model A (imported from 1980 to 1983) and the Model B (imported from 1983 until 1989). These two variants were imported and distributed by Action arms.

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Overview:

Type: Submachine Gun
Place of origin: Israel
Designer: Uziel Gal
Designed: 1948
Manufacturer: Israel Military Industries; FN Herstal; Norinco; Lyttleton Engineering Works (under Vektor Arms); RH-ALAN
Produced: 1950–present
Number built: 10,000,000

Specifications

Weight: 3.5 kg (7.72 lb)
Length: 640 mm (25 in) stock extended; 470 mm (18.5 in) stock collapsed
Barrel length: 260 mm (10.2 in)
Cartridge: 9×19mm Parabellum; .22 LR; .45 ACP: .41 AE
Action: Blowback, Open bolt
Rate of fire: 600 rounds/min
Muzzle velocity: 400 m/s
Effective range: 200 m
Feed system: 10 (.22 and .41 AE); 16 (.45 ACP); 20, 25, 32, 40, 50 (9 mm) magazines
Sights: Iron sights

McMillan TAC-50

2012-12-17T09:23:00.000-08:00

McMillan TAC-50

The McMillan Tac-50 is a military / LE weapon,which is standard Long Range Sniper rifle of Canadian Armed Forces since 2000 produced in Phoenix, Arizona in the United States by the McMillan Brothers Rifle Company. This long-range anti-materiel/anti-personnel weapon is based on previous designs from the same company, which first appeared during the late 1980s. McMillan makes several versions of .50 caliber rifles, based on the same proprietary action, for military, law enforcement and civilian use.

McMillan TAC-50

Two Canadian snipers of the same Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry (PPCLI) regiment sniper team made at the time the longest recorded sniper kills in history with this weapon in Afghanistan, during Operation Anaconda, in the Shah-i-Kot Valley. On a March afternoon in 2002, Master Corporal Arron Perry killed an enemy combatant from 2,310 meters (2,526 yd/1.435 miles) and Corporal Rob Furlong killed an enemy combatant from 2,430 meters (2,657 yd/1.509 miles) with 750 grain Hornady A-MAX very-low-drag bullets.

McMillan TAC-50

McMillan TAC-50 is manually operated, rotary bolt rifle. Huge, full-size bolt has dual front locking lugs, and its body has spiral flutes to reduce weight.Heavy match-grade barrel is also fluted, and fitted with effective muzzle brake.Rifle is fed from detachable box magazines, holding 5 rounds each. Stock is made from fiberglass by McMillan Stocks, and is designed to be used from bipod only. Buttstockis adjustable for length of pull with rubber spacers, and can be folded to the side or removed for compact storage. Rifle has no open sights and can be used with a variety of telescopic or night sights; in Canadian service, standard sight is 16X telescope.

McMillan TAC-50 Cartridge

Overview:

Type: Anti-materiel rifle, Sniper rifle
Place of origin: United States
Designed: 1980s
Manufacturer: McMillan Brothers Rifle Co.
Produced: 1980s–present
Variants: Tac-50 A1, Tac-50 A1-R2

Specifications

Weight: 26.0 lb (11.8 kg)
Length: 57.0 in (1,448 mm)
Barrel length: 29.0 in (737 mm)
Cartridge: .50 BMG (12.7 x 99 mm)
Action: manually operated rotary bolt action
Muzzle velocity: 805 m/s (2,641 ft/s)
Effective range: 1,800 m (1,970 yd)
Feed system: 5 round detachable box magazine
Sights: Customizable; 5-25x telescopic sight standard in Canadian Forces

Heckler & Koch PSG1 Sniper System

2012-12-17T07:14:00.001-08:00

Heckler & Koch PSG1

Heckler & Koch PSG1 sniper system is a semi-automatic sniper rifle designed by the German company Heckler & Koch of Oberndorf am Neckar. The PSG1 is mechanically based on the G3 rifle and features a low-noise bolt closing device (similar to the forward assist on many M16 rifles).

Heckler & Koch PSG1 Grip

The Heckler & Koch PSG-1 had been adopted by various police forces inEurope and Americas. It is way too heavy and somewhat too gentle for militaryuse, so it never seen any military use. Instead, HK developed two more sniperweapons. The first, that actually preceded the PSG-1, was the G3-SG1, an accurizedand scope-fitted version of the basic G3 automatic rifle for German Army. And in the mid-1980s HK also developed a derivative of the PSG-1, called MSG-90, forexport military sales. The PSG-1 is still offered by the HK, and is one of themost expensive factory-made sniper rifles on the market, hitting the $10.000price tag in the basic package.

Heckler & Koch PSG1

Heckler & Koch PSG1 are not supplied with iron sights but come equipped with the Hensoldt ZF6x42PSG1 scope with an illuminated reticle. The scope has a built-in range adjustment feature which can be adjusted from 100 to 600 m.

It has a heavy free-floating barrel with polygonal rifling and an adjustable stock. The stock is of high impact matte black plastic and has a high degree of adjustment. It is adjustable for length, and includes a pivoting butt cap and a vertically-adjustable cheekpiece. The forend is fitted with a T-way rail for sling swivel or tripod.

Heckler & Koch PSG1 New in Case

Special trigger unit features asemi-automatic only hammer group and the adjustable trigger with trigger pull ofabout 1.5 kg (3 lbs). The ergonomically shaped pistol grip features anadjustable palm stop. Plastic buttstock is also adjustable for height and for lengthof pull. Another non-typical feature of the PSG-1 is the "silent boltclosing device", actually similar to the forward assist, found on M16rifles. This is apparently to be used in situations where a complete silencemust be maintained until the shot is fired. The devise is no more that apushbutton, located just behind the ejection port, and linked to the boltcarrier by the ratchet-like device. The rifle is fed using standard 20-rounds G3magazines or special 5-rounds magazines.

Overview:

Type: Sniper rifle
Place of origin: West Germany
Designer: Heckler & Koch GmbH
Designed: 1970s
Manufacturer:Heckler & Koch GmbH; SEDENA (licensed)
Variants:PSG1A1; MSG90;MSG90A1

Specifications

Weight: 7.2 kg (15.87 lb)
Length: 1,230 mm (48.4 in)
Barrel length: 650 mm (25.6 in); 600 mm (23.6 in) (MSG-90)
Width: 59 mm (2.3 in)
Height: 258 mm (10.2 in) with telescopic sight
Cartridge: 7.62x51mm NATO
Action: Roller-delayed blowback
Muzzle velocity: 868 m/s (2,848 ft/s)
Effective range: 800 m
Feed system: 5, 10 or 20-round detachable box magazine. 50 round drum also compatible.
Sights: Hensoldt ZF6x42PSG1 telescopic sight with illuminated reticle