Wednesday, June 23, 2010

Uparmored Hilux from District 9.

via Coolvibe.  I wonder why this hasn't been done in real life?


SNAFU! Video Page.


SNAFU! now has a YouTube Page.  You can check it out here.  Its still in its infancy and unfortunately I don't have the time or the budget to make it to Eurosatory or PaxRiver to get on the scene videos...but I will scour the internet and pass along good stuff that I happen to find.


Colonel Ripley. A Real American Hero.

via US Naval Institute. 


F-35 drop test photo.

The F-35C recently completed its drop test with full combat load.  Here is the photo.  Via Lockheed Martin.  Notice the cluster bombs, Mk-82(?) and other ordnance on the wings.  I'm assuming that a full internal load of weapons is included.

TMV 6x6 Special Forces/Recon Vehicle.

Hat Tip to Military Photos.

McChrystal and the Budget.

Just mud rolling here and maybe someone else will develop it fully but I wonder....

What effect will this controversy have on the Military's relationship with the Obama Administration and will that affect future budgets????

I am expressing personal feelings here but I don't think that Obama will be satisfied with his pound of flesh from McChrystal....

I get the feeling that he doesn't like the military....

I think that he would love to shrink the budget to levels unseen in the modern era...

And I think that this gives him the perfect opportunity.

Before you slam me, think about it.  Cuts are coming to the US defense budget.  That is without question. 

But is this the opportunity (and Obama's Chief of Staff is famous for stating "you never let a crisis go to waste") that they've been waiting for?

Like I said...just mud rolling.

BMT Fast Landing Craft.

I failed to properly load this video last night.  Here it is again done right.  Enjoy.

My next Combat Folder.


I've been in the market for a Combat Folding Knife and thanks to the Military Times Gear Scout, it looks like my search is over.  The SOG X-Ray Vision XV-71 looks perfect.  Read about it here.

More Lockheed Martin Target Sighting Systems.


Via Lockheed Martin.

Lockheed Martin Receives $44 Million Marine Corps Targeting System Production Contract

ORLANDO, FL, June 21st, 2010 -- The Naval Surface Warfare Center has awarded Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT] a $44 million follow-on production contract for the Target Sight System (TSS), the fire control system for the U.S. Marine Corps’ AH-1Z Cobra. The agreement authorizes production of 18 additional units.
“I am confident that TSS is exactly the system our Cobra pilots need to put warheads on target,” said Col. Harry Hewson, U.S. Marine Corps Program Manager - Air 276. “TSS provides the eyes and the combat power Marine pilots need to support other Marines on the battlefield.”
The TSS integrates state-of-the-art sensors, providing Cobra pilots with enhanced capabilities to acquire, track and designate targets. The system provides superior imagery through a highly-stabilized sensor suite specifically tailored to the AH-1Z platform. The suite includes a laser designator, color TV and a third-generation, mid-wave, forward-looking infrared sensor with advanced image processing.
“TSS leverages Lockheed Martin’s decades of sensor design and systems integration experience,” said Joseph Butera, senior program manager of Turreted Systems at Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control. “The system allows pilots to see farther, providing a tactical advantage for today’s and tomorrow’s battlefields.”
Lockheed Martin received the initial TSS production contract for 16 units in March 2008 and delivered the first unit in June 2009. The system is produced at facilities in Ocala and Orlando, FL. Delivery of all systems contracted under Lot 6 and 7 low-rate initial production will be completed in 2011. A contract for full-rate production of 226 total units is expected this fall.
Headquartered in Bethesda, Md., Lockheed Martin is a global security company that employs about 136,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services. The Corporation reported 2009 sales of $45.2 billion
This is interesting on a couple of levels.  First why is it being sourced out of the Naval Surface Warfare Center instead of NAVAIR?  Second, this is good news.  The AH-1Z program seems to be hitting its stride.  Plus the Lockheed Martin TSS seems to have become the system of choice not only for helicopters but also UAVs.

Tuesday, June 22, 2010

McChrystal has to be fired.

McChrystal has to be fired.

The beltway chattering classes seem to be split but with this interview General McChrystal has alienated individuals whose support he must have in order to be successful.

The only people to escape his wrath was State and Defense.  And only parts of those organizations.

He doesn't get along with the Ambassador in Afghanistan.

He doesn't get along with the National Security Adviser.

He doesn't particularly like members of the Senate Armed Services Committee.

How can this guy be effective?

How can he succeed in his position?

This is a no-brainer but as usual the chattering bunch isn't putting it together.

Amazing.

If Obama doesn't fire this guy then he's a weaker leader than I imagined.  That just isn't possible.