DSTO Demonstrates Vision Technology for ADF Vehicles

29 Maret 2012

Desert Owl on display at the Puckapunyal Army training facility (photo : DSTO)

Computerised vision technology, designed to enhance ADF vehicle situation awareness has been demonstrated at the Puckapunyal Army training facility in Victoria.

Desert Owl is being developed by computer vision and software firm Sentient, as part of the

Defence Capability and Technology Demonstrator Program (CTD), managed by the Defence Science and Technology Organisation.

The system analyses Full Motion Video imagery from EO/IR sensors to perform Mobile Target Indication from mobile ground vehicles to identify potential targets and threats.

Alan Hinge, CTD Program director, says that Desert Owl is designed with two distinct technology components, ‘to provide advanced vehicle awareness.’

“A component known as Panoptes provides automated target detection from a stationary, sweeping camera. In Greek mythology, Panoptes was a giant with 100 eyes,” Hinge says.

Vinod Puri, DSTO’s Chief Technology Officer, Land Operations Division, said, "This technology can detect and track moving targets down to a few pixels in size – cueing operators to small or slow moving and hard to see targets, in difficult terrain. It can also detect stationary objects that may have moved since the camera was first directed at that location.”

A separate Ground Change Detection component can identify variations in a landscape, between successive camera transits through an area.

“With this component,” explains Hinge, “Desert Owl records imagery of the environment. On subsequent transits, the system compares live imagery of the road ahead with this recorded imagery and identifies visual changes, including disturbances to the ground surface, additional, moved or removed objects.”

Desert Owl, currently in the sixth of nine Technology Readiness Levels, could be applied to any ADF land vehicle.

The CTD Program was established to improve priority Defence capabilities. It provides Australian and New Zealand industry and research organisations an opportunity to demonstrate technology and allows Defence to assess its potential and associated risks.

(DSTO)

Testing Equipment Control Unit BU-40 for BMP-1

08 Maret 2012

Vietnam's BMP-1 tracked armored vehicle (photo : QDND)

QĐND - Scientists at the Institute of Engineering of the military (General Engineering) has successfully designed and manufactured test equipment Control Unit BU-40 loaded on the system of armored infantry fighting vehicles BMP-1. This is a completely new product, the technical application of modern microprocessors, compact structure, simple operation operation, stable operation and reliable.

BMP-1 tracked armored vehicle, have high mobility, are equipped with automatic reload makes reloading process easier and higher rate of fire. However, during use, the system automatically loaded or damaged, the repairs are complex cases that many soldiers have loaded by hand, a large effect to the tactical skills of the vehicle , the speed of artillery fire on the vehicle so as greatly reduced.

Control Unit BU-40 as the "brains" of the automatic reloading system. So, in the process of inspection and repair system, workers must always be placed on top of quality control BU-40 control block. BU-40 control block structure is complex with many elements such as relays, semiconductors so to test, evaluate quality control block, if using manual methods today will to disassemble parts, take a long time, labor and the quality and efficiency is not high.

Testing Equipment Control Unit BU-40 size 460x320x120mm, weight 3.5 kg, using 220V-50Hz power and instructed by the LCD-2x20. The device can work in temperatures less than 700C, capable of directly testing the relays, switches of motor control block, helping utility workers need not removable from the vehicle control block no need to remove parts of the block that can accurately assess the quality of each element, significantly reducing time and manpower in the process of inspection and repair. Products can be equipped for the repair factory-armored up in full military uniform inspection and repair of the Control Unit BU-40's automatic system loaded on the vehicle BMP-1.

(QDND)

The Dutch Told to Decide on Leopard Sale by End of March

07 Maret 2012

Dutch's Leopard MBT (photo : Militaryphotos)

Indonesia has given the Netherlands a deadline to decide whether or not to sell its surplus Leopard main battle tanks (MBTs) after which Indonesia will look for other sources, a top defense official said Tuesday.

Defense Deputy Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin said the ministry had given the Dutch until the end of March before deciding to buy the MBTs from other countries.

“We can buy the tanks directly from Germany, although the quantity might be different,” he told reporters at the Defense Ministry after a press conference on the results of a meeting of the Defence Industry Policy Committee (KKIP).

Initially, Indonesia had planned to buy the German-made MBT at a discounted price as the Dutch government was implementing harsh defense budget cutbacks that included disbanding its armored divisions in the wake of the economic downturn in Europe.

The plan was to buy 50 units of the 2A4 and another 50 units of the 2A6 variants of the MBT at a total price of US$280 including the costs to upgrade the A4 variant to the A6 standard.

The Indonesian Army said it needed to modernize its weapons systems with MBTs because it only had light tanks such as the British-made Scorpion and French-made AMX13 which weigh 8 tons and 14 tons respectively.

The Leopard weighs more than 60 tons leading to heavy criticism from lawmakers and NGOs who oppose the buying of the MBT, which is made by German firm Krauss-Maffei Wegmann Maschinenbau (KMW).

Deputy Defence Minister studied the possibility of locally assembling Sherpa tactical vehicle in Indonesia (photo : Bronco1978)

A minority party in the Dutch parliament, the Left Green, has also voiced its concerns at selling the MBTs to Indonesia taking note of what it claims is the possibility of the tanks being used to supress human rights in Indonesia.

Sjafrie has just returned from a tour of several European countries to discuss various aspects of defense cooperation.

In France, Sjafrie studied the possibility of locally assembling Sherpa light tactical, armored vehicles at state-owned arms manufacturer PT Pindad.

(The Jakarta Post)

New Weststar GSC 3/4 Ton Coming Into The Market

06 Maret 2012

Weststar GSC 4x4 vehicle (all photos : WestPro)

New 4×4 Coming Into The Market

Weststar GSC 3/4 ton provides arm forces with vehicles that are designed to meet a wide range of security and defence roles. The vehicle is purpose built.The GSC is available in hard or soft top, flexible enough for transportation of personnel, cargo and general utility.

The vehicle is powered by a robust and powerful 3.0 litre TDI diesel engine. The power train is common with that fitted to most commercial vehicles in the market,giving high commonality of parts and simpler maintenance and logistic support. Excellent value for money in all aspects of operations make them the rational choice for cost effectiveness.

(WestPro)

Military to Replace All Its Military 4WDs

06 Maret 2012

Malaysia will replace its ageing military 4x4s by next June (photo : Army Recognition)

BANGKOK: Malaysia will replace all its ageing military four-wheeled drives beginning next June, Defence Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said Monday.

He said Malaysia would procure the vehicles from Thailand, produced by a Malaysian company, Weststar Group, based in Pattaya.

"The existing 4x4 used by the three services are obsolete and no longer cost-effective to maintain," he told Malaysian reporters after meeting with his Thai counterpart Sukumpol Suwanatat, here.
Both leaders were attending the Defense and Security 2012, a tri-service Asian Defense and Internal Security Event for Land, Sea and Air, at the IMPACT Exhibition and Convention Centre, here.

Dr Ahmad Zahid said the priority of the new 4WD programme would be the usage of Malaysian components including for its spare parts.

However, he refused to provide details on the number of vehicles to be replaced and its cost.

Dr Ahmad Zahid said Weststar had also supplied the vehicles for military use in the United States, some NATO members, Singapore and Thailand.

Weststar Group with its headquarters in Kuala Lumpur is led by Group Managing Director Tan Sri Syed Azman Syed Ibrahim and its core businesses include defence, engineering, aviation services, automobile and construction.

Dr Ahmad Zahid said Weststar had also supplied specialised vehicles such as ambulances to the Malaysian government.

More than 200 defence and internal security equipment manufacturers from 35 countries participated in the four-day event starting Monday.

(Bernama)

ST Kinetics Unveils the TEREX RSTA Technology Demonstrator

16 Februari 2012

ST Kinetics Terrex RSTA (photo : Yang-MilNuts)

ST Kinetics is displaying the Reconnaissance, Surveillance and Target Acquisition (RSTA) variant of the Terrex at the land systems pavilion of the Singapore Airshow 2012. The vehicle is based on the operational Terrex, fitted with a number of new systems supporting intelligence gathering and target acquisition missions.

Terrex RSTA is one of Terrex 8x8 variant used as Reconnaissance, Surveillance and Target Acquisition (photo : Defense Update)

Most notable is the MINI-T, a stabilised electro-optical payload provided by STELOP. The payload is mounted on a telescopic mast, providing the vehicle an efficient capability to observe the area from concealed positions. The system is particularly suitable for operations in tropical environment, with the telescopic mast enabling the crew a look over the canopy and thermal imagers supporting operations in high humidity. The MINI-T packs a day camera, cooled thermal imager, a laser rangefinder and laser pointer in a stabilized 22kg payload, which includes all the supporting electronic equipment. The same ball can also accommodate a laser designator. These sensors enable the detection of human targets at a range of nine kilometers in daylight conditions or three kilometers at night.

This image of the TERREX RSTA shows an internal view of the system, depicting the driver (far forward), gunner (forward left) and observer positions. The tactical situation operated by the commander is located to the right. (photo : Defense-Update)

The vehicle will be equipped with the Skyblade 3 mini-unmanned aerial vehicle, providing top-down view of an extended area under surveillance. The imagery from the UAV is fed through the datalink and mission control system to the TERREX RSTA mission system, with imagery from the UAV payload, mast mounted sensors, remote weapon systems and panoramic vision systems all displayed and shared by the crew on multiple displays via the C4I supporting system. Other devices integrated on this technology demonstrator include panoramic cameras (viewed below) as well as threat warning sensors, providing missile and laser warning sensors for the crew.

Another version of the ADDER RWS, depicting a more protected dual-weapon mount for naval use. (photo : Defense Update)

Another prominent feature is the ADDER remote weapon system. ADDER Represents a family of remotely controlled weapon systems developed by ST Kinetics, ranging from systems accommodating light and medium caliber weapons. A dual weapon station of this type has been integrated on the TERREX infantry carrier and a different variant is shown here on the RSTA variant.

(Defense Update)

Panglima TNI Tandatangani MoU Pembuatan Prototipe ke-2 Rantis 4 x 4

08 Februari 2012

Prototipe kendaraan taktis Garda 4x4 (photo : PT Alam Indomesin Utama)

KORANBOGOR.COM, (Puspen TNI) – Panglima TNI Laksamana TNI Agus Suhartono, S.E. bersama delapan mitra pendukung menandatangani Nota Kesepakatan Pembuatan Prototipe ke-2 Kendaraan Taktis (Rantis) 4 x 4 TNI guna memenuhi standarisasi Kendaraan Taktis 4 x 4 TNI (AD, AL dan AU) dengan bentuk working group TNI, di Mabes TNI Cilangkap, Rabu (8/2).

Delapan mitra yang mendukung dalam pembuatan Prototipe ke-2 Rantis 4 x 4 ini adalah PT. Pindad (Persero) sebagai leading sector industri, termasuk pelaksana integrator desain, pengerjaan break system, steering system, serta senjata; PT. Krakatau Steel (Persero) Tbk. sebagai penyedia material baja bahan baku Rantis 4 x 4; PT. Autocar Industri Komponen sebagai pelaksana penyedia power train / drive line, power pack (engine dan transmisi), electrical AC dan engine, wich, driver set/tool kit, pengerjaan pengecatan body assembling; PT. Yudistira Komponen sebagai pelaksana pengerjaan chassis dan komponen body; PT. Petrodriil Manufaktur Indonesia sebagai pelaksana pengerjaan suspension assy, hub reduction, transfer case dan propeller shaft; CV Indopulley Perkasa sebagai penyedia mounting engine dan transimisi, rubber part, seal, velg dan ban run flat; PT. Gajah Tunggal Tbk. sebagai penyedia ban dan; PT. Pilarmas Kursindo Persada, sebagai penyedia jok/kursi kompartemen, glass dan griil, body dashboard dan aksesories/interior.

Mitra pendukung Garda 4X4 dan rencana pengembangan varian (photos : Audrey)

Tahun 2012 merupakan bagian dari Rencana Strategis II (2010-2014) yang memprioritaskan pada postur Minimum Essential Force secara bertahap dan berlanjut. Dalam rangka mewujudkan kekuatan pokok minimum TNI dan sesuai dengan arahan Presiden RI, Mabes TNI telah melakukan langkah-langkah strategis dalam rangka memenuhi kemandirian alutsista dengan bekerjasama dan memberdayakan industri pertahanan nasional guna mengurangi ketergantungan kebutuhan alutsista pada negara lain.

Pada TA. 2009, TNI telah membentuk tim working group yang bekerjasama dengan industri pertahanan nasional untuk membuat Prototipe Rantis 4×4 dengan mengadopsi filosofi humvee Amerika Serikat yang terbukti cukup tangguh dan stabil. Pembuatan Prototipe ke-2 Rantis ini merupakan tindaklanjut dari Rantis Prototipe ke-1 yang telah dipamerkan di PTDI Bandung bersamaan dengan peresmian pesawat CN-235 oleh Presiden RI. Selanjutnya tim working group bersama 8 mitra TNI siap untuk memenuhi tantangan Presiden untuk memproduksi Rantis tersebut.

Saat ini Rantis yang digunakan TNI terdiri dari berbagai tipe dan jenis yang dibuat dari berbagai negara. Dihadapkan dengan medan yang ada dan kondisi yang semakin tua menyebabkan manuver taktisTNI dalam melaksanakan tugas pokoknya kurang maksimal, sehingga diperlukan Rantis pengganti yang dibuat oleh industri dalam negeri disesuaikan dengan kebutuhan operasional serta didukung spesifikasi yang sesuai dengan perkembangan teknologi saat ini.

Panglima TNI berharap kepada tim working group dan 8 mitra industri dapat menghasilkan karya nyata terbaik bangsa berupa Rantis 4×4 yang menggunakan komponen dalam negeri dan mengurangi penggunaan komponen luar negeri, guna memenuhi kebutuhan alutsista dalam rangka mendukung pelaksanaan tugas pokok TNI, khususnya bagi satuan – satuan manuver TNI di lapangan.

Adapun Rantis yang akan dibuat adalah tipe komando dan tipe angkutan personel dengan spesifikasi berat kendaraan 2.500 kg, berat muatan 250 – 1.500 kg, panjang 480 – 540 cm, lebar 200 cm, tinggi 183 cm, jarak bebas dasar 39 cm, lintas kedalaman air 78 cm, Vmaks di jalan raya 120 km/jam, mesin diesel 4200 cc – 6000 cc Turbo Charger Intercooler, sistem kemudi power steering, sistem rem hydraulik dengan cakram depan dan belakang + Anti Blocking System (ABS),Transmisi Automatic, suspensi independen Suspension Modul Portal, daya jelajah 500 km, sistem komunikasi VHF, HF dan Intercom Set.

Turut hadir dalam acara penandatanganan Nota Kesepakatan antara lain, Wakil Kepala Staf Angkatan Udara Marsekal Madya TNI Dede Rusamsi, para Asisten Panglima TNI dan Asisten Kepala Staf Angkatan, Kapuspen TNI Laksda TNI Iskandar Sitompul, S.E. serta para pejabat TNI dan mitra industri pertahanan nasional.

(Koran Bogor)

Prototaip AV8 8x8 akan Dipamerkan pada DSA 2012

04 Februari 2012

Turret Denel LCT30 30mm yang akan dipasang pada kendaraan AV8 8X8(photo : Malaysian Defence)

850 Syarikat Pertahanan Dan Keselamatan Sertai DSA 2012

KUALA LUMPUR, (Bernama) -- Sebanyak 850 syarikat industri pertahanan dan keselamatan dari 45 negara mengesahkan penyertaan mereka pada Persidangan dan Pameran Perkhidmatan Pertahanan (DSA) 2012 ke-13, April ini.

Menteri Pertahanan Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi berkata seramai 25,000 pelawat perdagangan termasuk lebih 300 tetamu kenamaan dari 35 negara dijangka berkumpul pada pameran itu yang diadakan di Pusat Dagangan Dunia Putra (PWTC) di sini dari 16 hingga 19 April.

"Sebanyak 220 buah syarikat pertahanan dan keselamatan tempatan dijangka mengesahkan penyertaan mereka dalam acara tahun ini, dengan syarikat DRB-Hicom Defence Technologies Sdn Bhd (Deftech) akan menjadi peserta pameran terbesar di DSA 2012 nanti," katanya pada sidang akhbar di sini pada Khamis.

Turut hadir, Panglima Angkatan Tentera Malaysia (ATM) Jeneral Tan Sri Zulkifeli Mohd Zin, Panglima Tentera Darat Jeneral Datuk Zulkifli Zainal Abidin dan Pengerusi DSA Tan Sri Asmat Kamaludin.

Ahmad Zahid berkata pada pameran itu, replika kereta perisai (APC)8x8 AV8 oleh Deftech akan juga dipamerkan.

"Saya tak fikir pada ketika itu prototaip 8x8 dah siap, tapi mock-up ada. Kita jangka AV8 akan siap menjelang hujung tahun ini," katanya.

Antara pengguna prototaip AV8 itu adalah unit perisai, inventori dan pasukan perubatan.

Kereta perisai AV8 adalah hasil peralihan teknologi dari syarikat pertahanan antarabangsa, FNSS dari Turki dan Denel Land Systems dari Afrika Selatan bagi membolehkan Malaysia mempunyai APC buatan sendiri yang pertama.

Ahmad Zahid berkata satu pembaharuan pada pameran pada kali ini iaitu acara kemuncak Forum Putrajaya 2012, akan diadakan pada 17 hingga 19 April anjuran Institut Pertahanan dan Keselamatan Malaysia (MIDAS) dan Kementerian Pertahanan.

Forum yang bertemakan "Meningkatkan Multilateral untuk Pertahanan dan Keselamatan Rantau" itu adalah Forum Putrajaya kedua yang dianjurkan MIDAS.

Ia adalah forum dialog pertahanan dan keselamatan yang akan menghimpunkan lebih 300 peserta yang terdiri daripada pakar tempatan dan antarabangsa, pegawai tentera dan agensi keselamatan, penggubal dasar, penyelidik dan peserta industri bagi menangani dan membincangkan isu-isu yang berkepentingan strategik bersama Asean dan negara-negara yang mempunyai kepentingan terhadapnya.

(Bernama)

Russia to Sell 60 Armored Vehicles to Indonesia

31 Januari 2012

BMP3F amphibian tank (photo : Kaskus Militer)

Russia is set to sell up to 60 infantry fighting vehicles to Indonesia in a deal worth more than $100 million, the Izvestia newspaper cited an unnamed military source as saying on Tuesday.

The deal will be finalized on February 10, the source said, adding that 20 BMP-3 vehicles will be delivered before the end of the year.

The Russian army stopped purchasing the vehicles in 2010.

The state-run weapons exporter Rosoboronexport declined to comment.

The Kurganmashzavod arms plant said it would produce modified vehicles for Indonesia.

(RIA Novosti)

New Tactical Vehicle for RTA

28 Januari 2012

Isuzu 2,5 ton tactical vehicle (photo : Thales)

Thailand army began using a new tactical vehicle Isuzu FTS H2E33 (4X4). These trucks have a size of 2.5 tons and easy in maintenance and repair. The vehicle can be ridden comfortably on a flat terrain and contoured.

Specification :

Dimension (L x W x H ) 7,220 x2, 490 x3, 145 mm.
The load weight is 12,200 kg.
Plane load of 5,000 kilograms.
2,500 kg load on the terrain
Towing weight of 3,000 kg of baggage
Engines : diesel engines Isuzu 6 cylinder, 7790 cc capacity.
Max torque 706 Nm (72 Kk.-m.) at 1450 rpm / min.
HP 240 and HP the (177 kW) / rpm min.
Fuel tank capacity 200 liters.
6 speed forward and one reverse speed.
The hydraulic brake system
Turning radius of 9 meters.
Operating within 800 km.
Maximum speed of 97 km / hour.
The ability to climb high slopes 60 percent

(RTA)

APC Amhibi Tampil dalam Rapim TNI 2012

18 Januari 2012

APC Amphibi buatan PT. Wirajayadi Bahari (all photos : Wirajayadi Bahari)

Rapim TNI 2012 Gelar Alutsista Produk Indonesia

[JAKARTA] Rapat Pimpinan (Rapim) TNI 2012 yang berlangsung di Markas Besar (Mabes) TNI diwarnai acara gelar Static Show Alat Perlengkapan Pertahanan (Alpahan) Produksi Industri Dalam Negeri. Di dalam tenda, terdapat 38 stand yang menampilkan sejumlah peralatan dan perlengkapan militer.

Sementara di luar tenda, memamerkan berbagai kendaraan tempur serta alat berat militer. APC Amphibi merupakan kendaraan tempur untuk mengangkut pasukan pendarat marinir produksi TNI Angkatan Laut (AL) dan PT Wirajayadi Bahari.

"Hasil produksi telah diuji coba dan memenuhi standar dan keselamatan TNI AL serta ergonomis sebagai kendaraan tempur amphibi, yang memenuhi standar operasional TNI AL," kata Owner PT Wirajayadi Bahari, Bintoro, di Mabes TNI, Jakarta, Rabu (18/1).

Dia menjelaskan, proses pembangunan dilakukan di Denhar Lanmar Surabaya. APC Amphibi yang diproduksi juga dapat disejajarkan dengan produk sejenis dari negara lain. "APC Amphibi ini tidak kalah dengan negara luar," jelas Bintoro.

Dia berharap, alat utama sistem senjata (alutsista) dalam negeri dapat diandalkan di kemudian hari. "Alutsista dalam negeri harus jadi andalan dan kebanggaan Indonesia," tandasnya. [CKP/L-8]

(Suara Pembaruan)

Army Reserve to Get Bushmasters

16 Desember 2011



Bushmaster infantry mobility vehicle (photo : Militaryphotos)



Parliamentary Secretary for Defence, Senator David Feeney, and Commander 2nd Division, Major General Craig Williams AM, today announced major reforms for Army Reserve under Plan Beersheba at Simpson Barracks in Watsonia, Melbourne.



Senator Feeney said that Plan Beersheba, a restructure of the Australian Army, will achieve a greater integration of full and part time forces and strengthen the operational capability of our part time forces.



“In an increasingly complex strategic environment, we must make sure our forces are positioned for the full range of possible contingencies.



“Plan Beersheba positions Army to deliver capability in an effective, timely and affordable way to meet these contingencies,” Senator Feeney said.



“This Government will ensure that all Reserve Armoured Corps will receive Bushmaster Protected Mobility Vehicles to provide protected transport for our troops.



“This will be the first time in more than five years that all Army Reserve Armoured units will have armoured vehicles.



“In addition, under Beersheba we intend to create a new armoured squadron with protected vehicles in Queensland. This is a major boost to the capability of the Reserve.



“In Melbourne, the armoured unit of 4th Brigade – 4th/19th Prince of Wales Light Horse who famously fought at Beersheba – will get Bushmasters,” said Senator Feeney.



Commander 2nd Division, Major General Craig Williams said that the Army’s Reserve Force (2nd Division) will be realigned with the Regular Army, with two Reserve Brigades linked to each Multi-role Manoeuvre Brigade.



“There will be a significant increase in the operational focus of the Reserve which will be effected through the development of habitual relationships between reserve brigades and the regular Multi-role Manoeuvre Brigades,” Major General Williams said.



“The 2nd Division will be aligned with the 36 month Force Generation Cycle and assigned preparedness levels.”



Defence Reserves Association (DRA) President, Major General Jim Barry (Retd) said:

“This is the most important structural change for the Army Reserve in decades.



“The six Army Reserve Brigades of 2 Division are now assigned specific roles and tasks and are structurally aligned with their regular counterparts. There is now a defined operational focus which the DRA has been advocating for some time,” Major General Jim Barry (Retd) said.



Plan Beersheba is the Australian Army’s plan for the next phase of the Adaptive Army Campaign. It follows the changes in Army’s command and control structure made during 2008.



Under the plan, the 1st, 3rd and 7th Brigades will form three new Multi-role Manoeuvre Brigades. These Brigades will be fundamentally alike in structure to enable sustained operations within a new 36-month Force Generation Cycle.



Force Generation is the process through which Army readies itself to respond to contingencies that may arise. Each Brigade will have the following components – infantry, armour, artillery, engineers, logistics and communications.



Australia’s Reserve Force will be more focused on stability operations and will be involved in major exercises with their partnered Multi-role Manoeuvre Brigades.



(Aus DoD)

Indonesia Produksi 'Hummer' di Pindad

10 November 2011

Kendaraan taktis Pindad hasil joint production dengan Prancis (photo : Kaskus Militer)

Indonesia sedang mengembangkan produksi kendaraan taktis (Rantis) dalam negeri di PT Pindad Bandung. Diharapkan Rantis lokal ini bisa sejajar dengan Hummer produksi Amerika Serikat (AS).
"Kita akan mengembangkan industri kendaraan taktis, ya kayak Hummer. Ini sudah dikerjakan oleh Pindad. Kita harapkan dalam waktu beberapa bulan ini selesai. Itu joint production," ujar Menhan Purnomo Yusgiantoro usai rapat soal alutsista di Istana Presiden, Jl Medan Merdeka Utara, Jakarta Pusat, Kamis (10/11/2011).

Menurut Purnomo, Rantis ini nantinya akan digunakan oleh pasukan khusus Indonesia maupun brigade-brigade tempur TNI. Pemerintah saat ini terus berusaha mengembangkan BUMN strategis untuk mencukupi kebutuhan alutsista TNI dan Polri. Berbagai cara dilakukan, mulai dari penyertaan modal negara hingga mengembangkan pasar untuk menjual alutsista buatan Indonesia.

"Bagaimana kita mendorong agar terjadi pergeseran yang tadinya impor kemudian produksi bersama kemudian juga bisa jadi produksi dalam negeri," jelas Purnomo.

(Detik)

Australia Defence Ministry Lodges $100m Bid for Mine-Sweepers

31 Oktober 2011

US using Buffalo as mine sweeper vehicle (photo : Militaryphotos)

Australia Defence Ministry lodges $100m bid for mine-sweepers in Afghanistan

Perth: Australian Defence Ministry asked the government to approve a $100 million fleet of mine-detecting vehicles, which army experts say will all but neutralize threat of roadside bombs in Afghanistan. News of request came as Australia Foreign Minister Kevin Rudd Friday urged his Pakistan counterpart to stop illicit movement of locally made explosives material into Afghanistan, where it is used to make roadside bombs.

At a meeting on sidelines of Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Perth, Rudd told Pakistan Foreign Minister Ms Hina Rabbani Khar to take “all practical efforts” to restrict the movement of bomb-making materials across the border.

It is first time the issue of Pakistan-sourced explosives material has been raised at a senior ministerial level between the two countries.

Weekend Australian newspaper understands the request by Australian Defence Ministry for fast-tracked approval for mine-detecting vehicles will go to national security committee of cabinet in December.

Of 29 Australian soldiers killed in action in Afghanistan since 2001, IEDs — improvised explosive devices — have claimed lives of 14 and responsible for wounding a further 105. The explosives issue was raised during bilateral talks on counter-terrorism co-operation between Australia and Pakistan at CHOGM, a spokeswoman for Rudd said.

(One Pakistan)

Debut MRAP Baru Kopassus

27 Oktober 2011

Mamba Mark II MRAP 4x4 buatan BAE Systems Land Systems OMC, unit bisnis BAE Systems di Afrika Selatan (all photos : ARC, Audryliahepburn)

Setelah MRAP Casspir dimiliki Kopassus, belum ada lagi kabar kendaraan sejenis yang akan diakuisisi oleh TNI. Namun pada tahun akhir tahun 2006, bersamaan dengan diselenggarakannya pameran pertahanan Indodefence 2006, muncul berita bahwa BAE System menawarkan MRAP tipe RG-31 Nyala dan RG-32 kepada TNI.

Tidak ada kabar mengenai disetujui tidaknya sodoran kendaraan MRAP tersebut, namun Majalah Commando edisi Mei 2010 memergoki satu kendaraan MRAP yang mirip RG-31 ketika sedang berkunjung ke markas Kopassus.

Beberapa hari yang lalu menjelang diadakannya Latihan Gabungan Anti Teror 2011, foto kendaraan MRAP tersebut beredar di forum-forum militer. Pada hari ini kendaraan tersebut resmi diperlihatkan kepada publik dalam Latihan Gabungan Anti Teror TNI-Polri 2011.


Menilik dari bentuk fisiknya terutama grille depan, lampu depan, dan ban cadangan di bodi sebelah kiri maka kendaraan ini dapat diidentifikasikan sebagai Mamba, dan melihat dari kaca samping bagian belakang yang hanya terdiri dari satu ruas, maka dapat dipastikan bahwa kendaraan ini adalah Mamba Mk II MRAP buatan Afrika Selatan.

Mamba dibuat oleh Reumech OMC, pabrikan dari Afrika Selatan, pabrikan ini sempat mengalami proses akuisisi beberapa kali dimulai oleh Vickers, Alvis dan terakhir oleh BAE Systems dan namanya pun berubah menjadi BAE Systems Land Systems OMC.

Mamba Mk II sebagai kendaraan ringan 4x4 ditenagai oleh mesin diesel Mercedes Benz 352N 6-cylinder sehingga kendaraan dapat dipacu hingga kecepatan 102 km/jam. Sebagai kendaraan MRAP (Mine Resistant Ambush Protected), kendaraan ini mempunyai lambung baja berbentuk V untuk melindungi penumpangnya dari ledakan ranjau anti tank.

Kendaraan ini mempunyai berat 6,8 ton, dengan bodi monocoque dan mempunyai ground clearance 41cm. Standar proteksi Mamba pada lambung baja dan kacanya dapat memberikan perlindungan terhadap tembakan senjata dengan amunisi ukuran 5,56 × 34 mm dan 7,62 × 51 mm serta perlindungan opsional terhadap amunisi tipe armour–piercing ukuran 7,62 × 51 mm standar NATO.


Memang terdapat tiga kendaraan MRAP yang mirip satu sama lain yaitu : mamba, Nyala, dan Reva. RG-31 Nyala adalah pengembangan lebih lanjut dari Mamba Mk II oleh Land Systems OMC, sedangkan Reva adalah pengembangan oleh ICP dengan mesin penggerak Merek Cummins sejak varian Mamba Mk I. Reva telah dipakai oleh Angkatan Darat Thailand dan dioperasikan di wilayah konflik Thailand Selatan.

Selain Mamba, Kopassus juga mengoperasikan kendaraan MRAP Casspir yang sama-sama buatan Afrika Selatan. Casspir diproduksi oleh TFM yang selanjutnya diakuisisi oleh Reumech OMC dan akhirnya menjadi Land Systems OMC. Casspir tergolong MRAP berukuran sedang.

Dalam mengangkut personil Mamba mampu membawa 9 personil plus 2 crew, sedangkan Casspir yang mempunyai bobot 10,88 ton dapat membawa lebih banyak lagi yaitu 12 personil plus 2 crew.

Kendaraan ini pantas digunakan oleh Sat-81 Gultor Kopassus, karena akan memberikan perlindungan maksimal pada prajurit yang telah dididik dengan biaya mahal.

(Defense Studies)

Presiden Minta Pindad Produksi Rantis Varian Baru

26 Oktober 2011

Kendaraan taktis kerjasama dengan Prancis dan PT Pindad turut dipamerkan pada kunjungan presiden ke Bandung (photo : Kompas)

Bandung (ANTARA News) - Presiden Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono meminta PT Pindad untuk memproduksi kendaraan taktis (rantis) varian baru untuk type 3/4 ton 4x4 untuk memenuhi kebutuhan TNI dan Polri.

"Kendaraan taktis type baru seperti ini akan dibutuhkan, saya minta dalam dua bulan ke depan Pindad sudah bisa memberikan paparan prototipe-nya," kata Presiden Yudhoyono disela peninjauan panser produksi Pindad di halaman hanggar PTDI di Bandung, Rabu.

Presiden yang melakukan peninjauan bersama sejumlah Menteri Kabinet Indonesia Bersatu, Panglima TNI, Kapolri, Gubernur Jabar dan sejumlah pejabat BUMN Strategis itu cukup lama mengamati dan bertanya spesifikasi dari prototype panser Rantis 3/4 ton 4x4 yang dipajangkan di sana.

Ia meminta Dirut PT Pindad Adik Aviantono Sudarsono untuk memberikan paparan kesiapan dan proses produksi panser rantis varian terbaru itu pada kunjungannya ke PT Pindad yang Desember 2011 mendatang.

Sementara itu Direktur PT Pindad, Adik Aviantono Sudarsono menyebutkan, panser rantis 3/4 ton 4x4 tersebut baru diproduksi satu unit oleh PT Pindad dengan kerjasama dengan pabrikan Renault dari Prancis.

"Panser itu sasis dan mesinnya dari Renault, sedangkan body dan komponen lainnya dibuat sendiri PT Pindad. Saat ini baru satu unit, namun pemesannya sudah ratusan," kata Adik Aviantono.

Panser Rantis dengan empat ban tersebut merupakan kendaraan taktis yang diperuntukan di medan yang tidak terlalu berat. Kendaraan militer dengan kapasitas mesin 4.700 CC tersebut memiliki mobilitas yang tinggi serta lincah.

"Kendaraan itu cocok untuk TNI AD, AU atau kepolisian, mobilitasnya tinggi dan pas untuk patroli di airport dan operasi darat. Namun belum amfibi," kata Adik.

Ia mengakui, untuk memproduksi panser rantis varian baru itu, PTDI tidak terlalu sulit. Pasalnya merupakan varian turunan dari Paner Anoa yang selama ini diproduksi oleh perusahaan itu.

Rantis 3/4 ton itu turunan dari Panser Anoa, tidak akan terlalu terkendala dalam pengembangannya," katanya.

Tampilan Rantis 3/4 ton 4x4 tersebut lebih garang, tangguh dan lebar. Spesifikasinya lebih besar dari kendaraan taktis 4x4 yang ada saat ini. Menurut Adik, saat ini masih dalam pengembangan, dan bila tidak ada halangan rantis varian baru produk Pindad itu sudah bisa dituntaskan pada 2014.

Sementara itu, dalam program revitasasi alutsista mendapat sejumlah pesanan kendaraan tempur dan kendaraan taktis, disamping persenjataan dan amunisi.

Untuk kendaraan tempur dan taktis, PT Pindad mendapat pesanan produksi Panser Anoa sebanyak 55 unit, Panser 5 ton 330 unit, Panser 2,6 ton 660 unit dan tank 52 unit.

Selain memenuhi kebutuhan kendaraan tempur dan taktis, Pindad juga mendapatkan pesanan Panser Anoa dari Malaysia.

Sementara itu Menteri Pertahanan, Purnomo Yusgiantoro mengharapkan Pindad tetap eksis dan mengembangkan produk dan varian baru dari kendaraan tempur dan taktis yang ada saat ini sehingga bisa bersaing di pasar global.

"Pindad harus menjadi perusahaan dengan produk berkelas dunia, dimana produknya seperti Panser Anoa dan yang lainnya menjadi bagian dari berbagai operasi internasional," kata Menteri Pertahanan menambahkan.

(Antara)

Rheinmetall Nordic AS Wins Major Order in Malaysia

21 Oktober 2011

Vingtaqs II long-range surveillance, observation and reconnaissance system. (photo : Rheinmetall Defence)

Vingtaqs II observation system to be mounted on new all-terrain vehicles.

Rheinmetall Nordic AS of Nøtterøy, Norway, a member of the Rheinmetall Group of companies, has been awarded a contract to supply the Malaysian armed forces with the Vingtaqs II long-range surveillance, observation and reconnaissance system. Rheinmetall Nordic AS is the successor company of Simrad Optronics AS, which Rheinmetall took over in summer 2010.

With a total volume of around €36 million, this is the largest single order ever booked by Rheinmetall Nordic AS or its predecessor Simrad Optronics AS.

The customer is DRB-Hicom Defence Technologies Sdn Bhd (Deftech) of Malaysia. The order also encompasses training, system integration and documentation.

The Vingtaqs II systems will be integrated into newly built AV8 all-terrain vehicles made by the Turkish company FNSS Savunma Sistemleri A.S., which are to be delivered during the period 2014 to 2018.

“This contract demonstrates the terrific market potential of our new Vingtaqs systems. What’s more, because of our strong goal orientation and clear priorities, we were able to win this contract in less than two years”, declares Jon Asbjørn Bø, CEO of Rheinmetall Nordic AS, adding that “the order serves as a valuable reference for future sales”.

Vingtaqs II long range – surveillance, observation and reconnaissance systemThe Vingtaqs II accurately determines target coordinates at long distances from the vehicle forward observer position. A standalone system, the Vingtaqs II can be integrated at low cost into a wide variety of vehicles. The system also accommodates instrumentation for laser-designated targeting, enabling it to support forward air controller operations. Moreover, thanks to a high degree of modularity, it can be readily configured to meet individual customer requirements.

(Rheinmetall Defence)

Russian Marines To Get New Tracked Amphibia

12 Oktober 2011

The new vehicle will be designed by JSC Kurganmashzavod and will be capable to move both on land and at sea staying afloat even in strong sea disturbance. (image : Kurgan)

Russian defense ministry ordered a new tracked combat vehicle to be designed specially for the Navy but not refitted from army hardware. According toIzvestiya, new self-propelled vehicle will be capable to move both on land and at sea staying afloat even in strong sea disturbance. The new naval combat vehicle will be designed by JSC Kurganmashzavod.

New vehicle will be based on multipurpose tracked carrier which will be also used in other types of combat vehicles for the Army, Airborne Troops, and air defense mounts. Naval version will be equipped with engine-driven screw making possible to sail at speed up to 25-30 kph.

By initial estimates, naval tracked combat vehicle will be fielded in 2015-2016. The military expect new vehicle to widen the range of tasks. In particular, landing troops will reach coast in half an hour during over-the-horizon discharge. Currently used BMP-1 and BMP-2 are non-effective in sea disturbance, so are not frequently used in landing drills.

At present, landing troops are mostly delivered by navy-adapted BTR-80 armored personnel carriers, landing ships or boats. According to a source, defense ministry does not order the latter ones focusing on procurement of French Mistral-class assault landing docks capable to put afloat troops beyond the horizon.

It was reported late in 2009 that all marine units would be completely rearmed by 2015. Procurement of new hardware will be carried out under State Arms Program 2011-2020. The document provides deliveries of main battle tanks T-90, infantry combat vehicles BMP-3, armored personnel carriers BTR-82A, combat reconnaissance landing vehicles BRDM-3, 120-mm self-propelled guns 2S31 Vena, modernized small arms, grenade launchers, and antiaircraft assets.

(RusNavy)

Bushmaster Ambulances Delivered

11 Oktober 2011

New Bushmasters fitted out as ambulances (all photos : Aus DoD)

Minister for Defence Materiel Jason Clare today announced that four Bushmaster ambulances have been delivered to the Air Force Health Services Wing at RAAF Base Amberley.

The Bushmaster ambulance is one of seven variants of the Bushmaster vehicle being built for the Australian Defence Force (ADF).

63 Bushmaster ambulances are being built for the ADF worth more than $670,000 each.

25 Bushmaster ambulances have so far been delivered to the ADF including:
-19 to 7 Brigade based at Enoggera Barracks, Brisbane;
-One to the School of Health at Latchford Barracks, Bonegilla;
-One to the Motorised Combat Wing, School of Artillery at Puckapunyal Barracks; and
-Four announced today to the Air Force Health Services Wing at RAAF Base Amberley.

Mr Clare said the Bushmaster ambulances were an improvement on the Sprinter ambulances currently used by the Royal Australian Air Force.

“The Bushmaster is a terrific vehicle – saving lives in Afghanistan,” Mr Clare said.

“These ambulances provide blast and ballistic protection. That means protection from bullets and artillery fired at the vehicle as well as roadside bombs.

“This gives patients, paramedics and drivers better protection in high threat environments.”

Mr Clare said the Bushmaster ambulances are fitted with the latest in medical equipment.

“The Bushmaster ambulance can transport two stretchered patients, or one stretchered and four seated patients, at the one time,” Mr Clare said.

The vehicles will be ready for operational service after personnel have completed their training and medical fit-out has been finished.

Member for Blair Shayne Neumann said that RAAF personnel would be trained to use the vehicle and its equipment in all conditions.

“It’s important that both drivers and paramedics can use the vehicle confidently and safely before they are used in operations,” Mr Neumann said.

(Aus DoD)

Upgraded BTR-82-A Armored Personnel Carrier Hits Targets at Speed

28 September 2011

BTR-82A Armored Personnel Carrier (photo : Army News)

Experts from the Arzamas Engineering Plant have unveiled their brand-new Tigr-6A armored truck and BTR-82-A armored personnel carrier.

Gaz 2330 Tigr-6A (photo : Oplatsen)

The developers say the revamped Tigr-6A armored vehicle is the largest Russian-made off-road vehicle to date. Although the Tigr-6A was designed in 2010, the Russian Army has yet to adopt it. This vehicle features double-layer special-steel armor and additional Kevlar-type protection against fragmentation munitions.

(RIA Novosti)

See Also :

BTR-82

The BTR-82 and BTR-82A are an upgraded version of the BTR-80 and BTR-80A wheeled armored vehicles. The BTR-82 wheeled armored vehicle features energy absorbing structures, a more powerful diesel engine developing 300-hp of power, crew and passengers special suspension seats, a sophisticated fire suppression system, reinforced floor protection against mines and improvised explosive devices (IEDs), higher rate of firepower, improved ballistic protection, command, increased survivability by 20 percent, reliability and mobility. All in, the new wheeled armored vehicles results heavier than its predecessors. In December 2008, Russia's Military Industrial Company (MIC) was already testing the prototypes which were unveiled in December 2009. In April 2010 MIC was marketing the BTR-82 and BTR-82A as a modernization program for existing BTR-80 operators.

The BTR-82 firepower has been enhanced installing an unified fighting module with electric drive and two stabilized arms with the main gun either a 14.5mm (BTR-82) or a 2A72 30mm (BTR-82A) cannon and the 7.62mm coaxial machine gun. The primary gun ammo feed system has been modified replacing the 10 50-round boxes by a single 500-round box eliminating the need of switching the ammunition box once the rounds have been fired. The gunner gets a new stabilized fire control system TKN-4. In addition to the new engine, the BTR-82 is also fitted with a new transmission components and suspension allowing an increased average speed in rough terrain. The vehicle command system is equipped with advanced communications, topographic maps and a surveillance camera (TKN-AI) for the vehicle's commander. Besides, the BTR-82 can be equipped with turrets and other equipment from third party vendors following the customers requirements.

(Deagel)