The New Russian Main Battle Tank Prototype Armata will be Completed by 2013

19 Februari 2012

Future view of Russian main battle tank Armata (image : Army Recognition)

Russia will complete the first prototype of the new Armata main battle tank by 2013 and begin production and deliveries to the Russian Armed Forces in 2015, Defense Minister Anatoly Serdyukov and the CEO of tank manufacturer Uralvagonzavod Oleg Sienko told Prime Minister Vladimir Putin, the Lenta.ru news portal reported.

Uralvagonzavod and the military are testing the main components of the new tank. No other details were reported. Meanwhile, the Defense Ministry has signed a contract worth six billion rubles with Uralvagonzavod to upgrade 170 T-72 main battle tanks, to be carried out at a specially prepared facility in Omsk, Lenta.ru said.

Russian-made Black Eagle main battle tank. According to the Sverdlovsk "Regional Newspaper", the Russian military, so, in fact, refused to purchase T-90 tanks, has been repeatedly criticized by the Commander of Land Forces Alexander Postnikov and Chief of General Staff of Russian Armed Forces Nikolai Makarov. (photo : Army Recognition)

“The Russian armed forces will have a new main tank with fundamentally new characteristics, fully automated loading and separate crew compartment by 2015,” Lieutenant-General Yuri Kovalenko, former First Deputy Head of the Russian Defense Ministry’s Automotive Armor Directorate said last April.Kovalenko said work from other projects, including Object 195 and Black Eagle, will be incorporated in Armata's design.

(Army Recognition)

Lockheed Unveils Two Future C-130 Variants

09 Desember 2011

Two future C-130 variants (all photos : DEWLine)

Lockheed Martin will develop a cheaper variant of the C-130J Super Hercules that removes several features from the tactical airlifter's basic design.

The C-130XJ will be offered to foreign and US customers that do not need certain advanced features of the standard J-model, including its enhanced cargo handling system, said Jim Grant, Lockheed's vice president of business development for mobility and special operations.

Grant cited the US Forest Service and South Africa as potential domestic and foreign buyers of the C-130XJ.

Lockheed could also propose the new variant to the US Air Force. Senator Sherrod Brown, an Ohio Democrat, has warned that the USAF is considering the cancellation of the L-3 Communications/Alenia Aeronautica C-27J Spartan.

Asked if the C-130XJ could be proposed as a substitute for the C-27J's direct support mission, Grant referred the question to the customer.

"There, the air force would have to do obviously the trade [studies] on commonality," Grant said. "There's no question the XJ will be an enormously capable airplane - maybe not as capable as the C-130J, but very close."

The C-130XJ will keep the same Rolls-Royce AE2100 turboprop engines and Honeywell-based avionics suite of the standard model, so its performance will be nearly identical. The new variant will also have the same outer-mould line as the J model, Grant said.

Lockheed did not provide details of the internal changes, except for the removal of the C-130J's automated cargo handling system. Instead, the XJ's crews will have to manually load and lock cargo to the floor of the aircraft.

The C-130XJ represents the latest iteration of the 57-year-old Hercules design. Lockheed hopes the refresh will allow the C-130 model to remain in production for the next 15-20 years.

It has also unveiled a notional design concept for a C-130NG, which features a new nose, tail and the addition of winglets to a familiar-looking Hercules fuselage.

The C-130NG design represents changes Lockheed believes are feasible for a replacement aircraft that would emerge after 2030. But some of the new design features, including the winglets, could be added as incremental improvements to the C-130J in the short-term.

"Any of the energy efficiency initiatives that are currently being worked could easily buy their way on the current programmes," Grant said.

(FlightGlobal)

US Giving Turkey Access to F-16 Source Codes

31 Oktober 2011

Turkey will become the first nation have the ability to receive information on the F-16 fighters’ software source codes -- primarily their weapons systems -- thereby enabling it to replace them with national software source codes whenever necessary. (photo : Turkey Air Force)

Turkey to rewrite software source codes of 204 F-16 fighters

The US administration agreed in principle almost two months ago for the transfer of information over software source codes of US Lockheed Martin-made F-16 fighters to Turkey.

Once the agreement is completed, and if approved by the US Congress, Turkey will have the capability to automatically modify the software source codes of the fighters’ weapons systems with national software source codes, said US sources who asked not to be named.Turkey will become the first nation among 26 to have the F-16s in their inventories and have the ability to receive information on the F-16 fighters’ software source codes -- primarily their weapons systems -- thereby enabling it to replace them with national software source codes whenever necessary.

Once Turkey and the US complete around 50 pages of technical details over the nature of the US transfer of technology, an agreement should be signed, pending US congressional approval.

The US Congress has long prevented arms transfers to NATO member Turkey, mainly in reaction to its strained ties with Israel.

However, the US administration has as of late sought US congressional authorization for the sale of three AH-1W Super Cobra attack helicopters to Turkey. This indicates a softening on the part of the congress toward Turkey.

Turkey has a long-standing request for Super Cobras. It has a shortage of these helicopters, required in its ongoing fight against the outlawed Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) terrorists, who have increased their violent attacks as of late.

Meanwhile, it is not clear whether the US administration will seek US congressional authorization for another long-standing Turkish request for the sale of four Predator unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and two armed Reaper UAVs.

However, some of the weapons, including Predators that the US reportedly pledged to transfer to Turkey as it withdraws from Iraq in December of this year, are said to not be subject to the approval of the US Congress. These are weapons the US used during its war in Iraq.

Missile defense link

US sources stated that Washington has agreed in principle to transfer the information mainly concerning the weapon systems of the F-16s so that Turkey can integrate by itself the national software source codes because Turkey has pursued a very persistent policy on the matter.

However, Turkey’s approval to deploy a radar system of the US-supported NATO Missile Defense System on its soil is understood to have played an important role in Washington’s agreement to in principle transfer the software source codes of mainly the weapons systems of the F-16s to Turkey.

Turkey agreed last month to host a powerful US-supplied radar system to act as advanced eyes for a layered shield against ballistic missiles coming from outside Europe.

The AN/TPY-2 surveillance radar in Turkey will boost the shield’s capability against Iran, which Washington alleges is seeking to build nuclear weapons, a charge Tehran denies.

“By agreeing to transfer information on F-16 weapon systems so that Turkey could automatically integrate them with national software source codes, the US sought to ease tensions with its NATO ally, which is important in safeguarding US interests in the Middle East. The US also puts strong emphasis on seeing Turkish-Israeli relations normalize,” said the US source.

50 weapons systems on each F-16

Lockheed Martin this year began supplying Turkey with 14 F-16C variants and 16 F-16Ds under a deal signed in May 2007. The total cost of 30 additional F-16s to Turkey is $1.78 billion.

Under a separate agreement signed in April 2005 between Turkey and the US, 213 Turkish F-16s are being upgraded at a cost of $1.1 billion at the Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) in Ankara. Turkey will be able to change the software source codes of the weapons systems on a total of 204 F-16s with national software source codes if a final agreement is reached with the US.

There are 50 different types of weapons systems on each F-16 that are classified.

(Todays Zaman)

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)

F-16 Fighting Falcon Variants : Block 15, Block 25, Block 30/32, Block 50/52

10 Oktober 2011

F-16A block 15 Indonesian Air Force (photo : Scramble)

F-16A/B

The F-16A (single seat) and F-16B (two seat) were initially equipped with the Westinghouse AN/APG-66 pulse-doppler radar, Pratt & Whitney F100-PW-200 turbofan, rated at 14,670 lbf (64.9 kN) and 23,830 lbf (106.0 kN) with afterburner. The USAF bought 674 F-16As and 121 F-16Bs, with delivery completed in March 1985.

F-16A/B Block 15
The first major change in the F-16, the Block 15 aircraft featured larger horizontal stabilizers, the addition of two hardpoints to the chin inlet, an improved AN/APG-66(V)2 radar, and increased capacity for the underwing hardpoints. The Block 15 also gained the Have Quick II secure UHF radio. To counter the additional weight of the new hardpoints, the horizontal stabilizers were enlarged by 30%. Block 15 is the most numerous variant of the F-16, with 983 produced. The last one was delivered in 1996 to Thailand.

F-16C/D
F-16C (single seat) and F-16D (two seat).

F-16C block 25 Air National Guard (photo : Air and Space)

F-16C/D Block 25
The Block 25 F-16C first flew in June 1984 and entered USAF service in September. The aircraft are fitted with the Westinghouse AN/APG-68 radar and have improved precision night-attack capability. Block 25 introduced a very substantial improvement in cockpit avionics, including improved fire-control and stores management computers, an Up-Front Controls (UFC) integrated data control panel, data-transfer equipment, multifunction displays, radar altimeter, and many other changes. Block 25’s were first delivered with the Pratt & Whitney F100-PW-200 engine and later upgraded to the Pratt & Whitney F100-PW-220E. With 209 models delivered, today the USAF’s Air National Guard and Air Education and Training Command are the only remaining users of this variant. One F-16C, nicknamed the Lethal Lady, had flown over 7,000 hours by April 2008.

F-16C/D Block 30/32

F-16C block 32 Air National Guard (photo : Luke Getsno)

Three U.S. Air Force F-16 Block 30 aircraft fly in formation over South Korea, 2008
This was the first block of F-16s affected by the Alternative Fighter Engine project under which aircraft were fitted with the traditional Pratt & Whitney engines or, for the first time, the General Electric F110-GE-100. From this point on, blocks ending in "0" (e.g., Block 30) are powered by GE, and blocks ending in "2" (e.g., Block 32) are fitted with Pratt & Whitney engines.

The first Block 30 F-16 entered service in 1987. Major differences include the carriage of the AGM-45 Shrike, AGM-88 HARM, and the AIM-120 missiles. From Block 30D, aircraft were fitted with larger engine air intakes (called a Modular Common Inlet Duct) for the increased-thrust GE engine. Since the Block 32 retained the Pratt and Whitney F-100 engine, the smaller (normal shock inlet) was retained for those aircraft. A total of 733 aircraft were produced and delivered to six countries. The Block 32H/J aircraft assigned to the USAF Thunderbird flight demonstration squadron were built in 1986 and 1987 and are some of the oldest operational F-16s in the Air Force. The Air National Guard procured many upgrades for their fleet of aging block 30/32s including the addition of improved inertial guidance systems, improved electronic warfare suite (AN/ALQ-213), and upgrades to carry the Northrop Grumman LITENING targeting pod. The standard Inertial Navigation Unit (INU) was first changed to a ring laser gyro, and later upgraded again to an Embedded GPS/INS (EGI) system which combines a Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver with an Inertial Navigation System (INS). The EGI provided the capability to use Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM) and other GPS-aided munitions (see Block 50 list below). This capability, in combination with the LITENING targeting pod, greatly enhanced the capabilities of this aircraft. The sum of these modifications to the baseline Block 30 is commonly known as the F-16C++ (pronounced "plus plus") version.

F-16C/D Block 50/52

F-16C block 52 USAF (photo : tvl1970)

The first Block 50/52 F-16 was delivered in late 1991; the aircraft are equipped with improved GPS/INS, and the aircraft can carry a further batch of advanced missiles: the AGM-88 HARM missile, JDAM, JSOW and WCMD.Block 50 aircraft are powered by the F110-GE-129 while the Block 52 jets use the F100-PW-229.

F-16C/D Block 50/52 Plus

F-16C block 52 plus RSAF (photo : TouchDown Aviation)

This variant, which is also known as the Block 50/52+. Its main differences are the addition of support for conformal fuel tanks (CFTs), a dorsal spine compartment, the APG-68(V9) radar, an On-Board Oxygen Generation (OBOGS) system and a JHMCS helmet.

The CFTs are mounted above the wing, on both sides of the fuselage and are easily removable. They provide an additional 440 US gallon or approximately 3,000 pounds (1,400 kg) of additional fuel, allowing increased range or time on station and frees up hardpoints for weapons instead of underwing fuel tanks. All two-seat "Plus" aircraft have the enlarged avionics dorsal spine compartment which is located behind the cockpit and extends to the tail. It adds 30 cu ft (850 L) to the airframe for more avionics with only small increases in weight and drag.

Poland took delivery of its first F-16C Block 52+ aircraft on 15 September 2006. The "Poland Peace Sky program" includes 36 F-16Cs and 12 F-16Ds. All 48 aircraft were delivered in 2008. The Hellenic Air Force took delivery of its first F-16C Block 52+ aircraft on 22 May 2008. The total Greek order is for 20 F-16Cs and 10 F-16Ds. The remaining 26 aircraft should be delivered by March 2010. Pakistan Air Force has order 18 F-16C/D Block 52+ which include 10 F-16C and 8 F-16D. The Israeli F-16I and its Singapore equivalent variant are based on the block 52+ aircraft.

(Wikipedia)

Israel's Iron Dome Gains Anti-Aircraft Role

29 September 2011

The Iron Dome (photos : xairforces, csmonitor, noah eshel)

The "Iron Dome" system deployed to protect the Israeli population from short-range rockets is also efficient against aircraft up to an altitude of 32,800ft (10,000m).

A Rafael source said that during the deployment of the first three systems the Israeli air force has learned about the extra capability.


"It will serve as another layer in our anti-aircraft deployment that consists of upgraded Hawk and Patriot missiles," the source said.

In the past few months, Iron Dome batteries have intercepted more than 90% of the BM-21 Grad and Kassam rockets launched from Gaza into Israel.

A mobile defence system aimed at intercepting short-range rockets and artillery shells, Iron Dome avoids causing collateral damage by detonating a target warhead away from the defended area. Its interceptor has an effective range up to 70km (38nm), according to Rafael.

Foreign sources have indicated that Singapore has already purchased the Iron Dome system, with other countries also likely to show interest.

(FlightGlobal)

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)

Terma and DCNS have Developed a Fully Automatic Anti-Torpedo Decoy System

24 September 2011

A fully automatic decoy system will protect ships against torpedoes attacks (image : Defpro)

At the Defense & Security Equipment International exhibition Terma and DCNS announced that their technical cooperation has resulted in an important improvement for ships with a need for protection against torpedoes.

Terma and DCNS have developed a fully automatic anti-torpedo decoy system.

The system uses the Terma 130mm Soft Kill Weapon System (SKWS) to fire DCNS CANTO-V anti-torpedo decoy. The SKWS upgrade for twin AAW and ASW purpose use the jointly developed software with advanced algorithm (embedding DCNS CONTRALTO-V reaction software) to support fully automatic firing. This provides the ship with an effective protection against torpedoes attacks. The decoys will be placed in the water in the best way to confuse the torpedo together with ship evasive manoeuvres proposal.

With advanced algorithms, this system will provide the best firing solution and protection of all types of ships against torpedo attack.

(DCNS)

Baca Juga :

Terma SKWS Decoy Launching System

Terma SKWS decoy launchers (photo : Terma)

The anti-ship missile threats continue to increase and evolve. New missiles are faster, stealthier, more manoeuvrable, and increasingly more intelligent with regard to target discriminationand electronic counter-countermeasure functionality, adevelopment leaving recent generations of hard- and soft kill systems less effective.

The use of hard-kill is further limited with the increasing peacekeeping and controlling activities in littoral waters where the release of weapons frequently is bound by strict engagement rules, but also requiring fast reaction time calling for a high degree of automation. In this situation, soft-kill i.e. decoysystems, have come to be seen as the non-aggressive self defence solution, a weapon of least regret.

Decoy systems are today fitted to all naval war vessels rangingfrom fast attack crafts, mine warfare vessels, frigates to evenbigger units as LPD’s as a key element in their electronic warfare suites. Integrated with the ship EW and Radar sensor assets the decoy system will provide fast and intelligent firing of all types ofoff-board decoys.

For high value and larger units, the advent of Active Offboard decoys provide improved defence. A further extension of thedecoy launching system is to fire acoustic decoys as part of theship’s torpedo defence suite.

The Terma SKWS Decoy Launching System is designed to fulfil allthese requirements.

Terma SKWS is a modern decoy launching system that can fire all existing 130 mm decoys – also known as SeaGnat decoys. The system is based on two Terma DL-6T launchers for small vesselsor two Terma DL-12T launchers for larger vessels, one for port andone for starboard mounting. The system may be expanded tocontrol up to 24 firing tubes on each side of the ship. The Terma launcher is designed to provide 360 degrees coverage against attacking anti ship missiles. This is obtained by carefully positioning a decoy from one of the multi-angular launchers.

The key system features include:
- Lightweight launchers with small footprint
- Low pressure deck mounts
- Effective 360° horizontal coverage
- Advanced launch algorithms
- Fully automated operation
- Support of all SeaGnat type decoys
- Support of SIREN Active Jammer Decoy
- High flexibility and easy integration of user defined algorithms and libraries

The 130 mm decoy ammunition is supported throughout NATO and around the world with more than 500 systems in service. The high number of systems in service has promoted a continuous development of decoys from different and competing sources. Currently the following types of decoys are available and supported by Terma SKWS:

- Seduction Chaff: SeaGnat 214
- Distraction/Confusion Chaff: SeaGnat 216 / PW216
- Infrared Rounds: PIRATE / GIANT (MK245 and DM19A1) / TALOS
- Dual Mode (RF and IR) decoys: Chimera and Bullfighter
- Offboard Active Decoy: SIREN
- Torpedo Decoys: LEAD MK12, MK13, MK14, MK15, and LESCUT

For full support of:
- SIREN Active Offboard Decoy
- PW 216 Distraction Chaff with automatic range programming an upgrade kit needs to be installed.

(Terma)

Anders Tampil dengan Kanon Cockerill 105mm

22 September 2011

Anders tank ringan buatan Polandia dengan kanon CT-CV kaliber 105mm buatan Cockerill (photos : Obrum)

Pabrikan OBRUM (BUMAR Group) di Gliwice, Polandia, telah menyiapkan versi lain dari platform Anders yang multiperan. Kali ini dengan kanon buatan CMI Belgia (Cockeril Cockerill Maintenance & Ingénieri) yaitu CT-CV kaliber 105 mm.

Umpan balik yang positif tentang teknologi kendaraan demonstrator Anders (termasuk dari mantan kepala tim pengembangan tank Merkava Israel - Kej Avigdor Klein) bahwa chassis prototipe kendaraan Anders produksi Obrum di Gliwice dapat dengan mudah diintegrasikan dengan perusahaan kanon CT-CV 105mm buatan CMI Belgia.

Pekerjaan tersebut dilakukan pada 12-14 September. Ini membuktikan bahwa Anders dengan platform universal telah dirancang dengan baik dan multi-tujuan dengan potensi pengembangan yang besar seperti yang digambarkan dalam program. Hal ini mengingat bahwa varian tersebut harus layak sebelum MSPO 2011 di Kielce (5-8 September) dimana spesialis Belgia telah berhasil menyelesaikan integrasi kanon CT-CV dengan kendaraan beroda rantai Anders.

Anders dengan kanon CTG-120mm buatan RUAG-Swiss (photos : Militaryphotos)

Di Kielce, pertama kali diumumkan ke publik bahwa dana penelitian dan pengembangan platform Anders dengan beberapa varian dapat mecapai lebih dari 50 mln zł (Menurut laporan MSPO angka ini malahan lebih dari 300 mln zł). Hal ini membuka kemungkinan untuk dibicarakan dengan mitra domestik dan asing. Juga sudah dapat dipastikan bahwa akan segera dibangun versi demonstrator yang lain, kemungkinan besar kendaraan akan diperbesar dan diperpanjang (dengan tambahan satu roda) untuk keperluan pembuatan prototipe versi infanteri tempur.

Kendaraan dengan kanon 105 mm ini belum dilakukan uji coba (pada tahun lalu Anders berhasil diuji dengan dilengkapi kanon kaliber 120-mm buatan RUAG Swiss di Kielce pada 22 Oktober 2010). Meskipun demikian terbukti bahwa semua mekanisme sistem kanon CT-CV Belgia dapat bekerja sama dengan chasis Polandia. Dalam catatan waktu lebih dari 12 bulan menunjukkan bahwa Anders dapat menjadi platform untuk tiga jenis system kanon yaitu 30 mm, 105 mm hingga 120 mm. Hal ini sangat penting untuk diketahui oleh calon pelanggan.

Anders yang diperlengkapi dengan kanon dari Belgia kaliber 51-105mm ini akan diuji dengan tes penebakan pada tahun depan.

(Altair)

Brazil Release Fund for Develops Astros 2020

01 September 2011

Astros AV-TM, a high precision cruise missiles with a range of 300 kilometers (photo : Defense Industry Daily)

Brazil releases funds to develop surface to surface missile system for the Army

The Brazilian government gave a clear signal Monday that is intends to advance in the consolidation of a defense industry in the country. A decree signed by President Dilma Rousseff releases 45 million Real in funds for the launching of the Astros Project 2020 to equip the Brazilian army.

The project with a total value of almost 1.1 billion Real provides for the acquisition of the most advanced surface to surface missile launch system developed in Brazil. The Astros 2020 is an evolved version of the Astros II, the best selling product manufactured by Avibras Aerospace.

Exported to many countries the Astros (Artillery SaTuration ROcket System) is considered a market-leader among the small and highly competitive group of manufacturers of such systems.

Altogether the project includes the purchase of 49 vehicles by the Brazilian army divided into three batteries: 18 launch vehicles, 18 ammo re-supply vehicles, three fire control units, three weather stations, three recovery vehicles and three armoured command and control vehicles for each battery and another final vehicle for integrated command and control.

The main advantage of the new concept is the incorporation of the AV-TM, a high precision cruise missiles with a range of 300 kilometers. Unlike the rockets, which have a ballistic trajectory, defined from the impulse they receive at launch, this missile is guided and its trajectory can be controlled. Another important advance is the in the electronics system which is entirely digital.

Astros II MLRS (photo : Militaryphotos)

The Astros II are normally grouped in artillery batteries consisting on average of about 13 vehicles: 6 of them are Astros II launchers, 6 are rocket resupply trucks and one a special radar-equipped vehicle controlling the fire control system. The launcher is capable of firing rockets of different calibers armed with a range of warheads.

The Astros II artillery system entered service with the Brazilian Army in 1983. The system is battle proven, having been used in action by the Iraqi Army in the Gulf Wars. In the 1980s, Avibrás sold an estimated sixty-six Astros II artillery systems to Iraq. Iraq also built the Sajil-60 which is a license-built version of the Brazilian SS-60. Sixty Astros II were sold to Saudi Arabia and an unspecified number sold to Bahrain and Qatar. Total sales of the Astros II between 1982 and 1987 reached one billion dollars.

This fact made the Astros II multiple rocket launcher the most profitable weapon produced by Avibrás.

In the 1980s and early 1990s, Avibrás worked almost exclusively with the manufacturing of rockets and multiple-launch rocket systems (MLRS), such as the Astros II, in addition to developing antitank and anti-ship missiles. At its peak, Avibrás employed 6,000 people; later it would be reduced to 900 people in the early 1990s as the arms industry demand fell. Even so, in the first Gulf War in 1991, the Astros II was successfully used by Saudi Arabia against Iraq. Years later, the Astros II system helped Angola to defeat the UNITA rebels.

(MercoPress)