Open Comment Post....Feb 22, 2017

Blast from the past....Vought V-507

This blast from the past is wrapped up in a bit of internet mystery.  Some are saying that this is an early competitor for the advanced interceptor contest that eventually became the F-14.

Others are saying that Vought didn't build it but that they simply acquired it with the buy of Ling Temco (I didn't even know that company existed, never mind whether its true or not).

Either way it was gonna be a sleek, fighter that promised nice speed and an amazing weapons load (if they could get it to work).  Consider it an early "Payloads Over Platforms" concept that didn't get past the mock up stage.

TACAIR NETWORK has the best info on this fighter if you're interested!

General Dynamics Light Armoured Vehicle 700 (LAV 700)

Thanks to John for the link!!!

via IHS Janes

General Dynamics Land Systems (GDLS) is showing its latest Light Armoured Vehicle 700 (LAV 700) for the first time – the most advanced vehicle in its class to have been developed by the company.
This is being shown in the command post (CP) configuration and is one of many versions currently in production for an unidentified export customer, which is believed to be Saudi Arabia. The LAV 700 is a further development of the LAV 6 developed to meet the requirements of the Canadian Army.
The CP version of the LAV 700 being shown at IDEX has a gross vehicle weight of 31,000kg, of which 11,000kg is the payload made up of crew, weapons, ammunition, onboard equipment and armour package. It is powered by a Caterpillar C13 diesel developing 711hp coupled to an Allison 2800 fully automatic transmission.
Like the latest production Stryker (8x8) infantry carrier vehicles for the US Army, the LAV 700 features inherent mine blast protection due to its double-V hull. LAV 700 also features scalable ballistic protection, energy-absorbing seats and a laser warning system.
Armament fitted includes a Kongsberg Protector remote weapon station, which is typically armed with a stabilised .50 M2 HB machine gun (MG) and a 7.62mm co-axial MG.
Mounted on the roof towards the rear is a 7.62mm MG that is provided with a shield. Integrated into the roof on either side are banks of Galex grenade launchers, which are coupled to the laser detectors.
A high level of cross-country mobility is possible due to the installation of independent hydro-pneumatic suspension with variable height control. The driver can select normal, transport or mine-high ground clearance. Cameras provide situational awareness through a full 360° and the open electronic architecture allows for the rapid installation of subsystems.
While the LAV 700 on show at IDEX is in the CP version, there are many more variants including ambulance, armoured personnel carrier, command and control, direct and indirect fire support, anti-tank, security, reconnaissance and surveillance and repair/recovery vehicles.

Looks like General Dynamics has gotten its mojo back!

I took a hard look at the requirements for the Aussie competition and their vehicle fit the bill perfectly.  Requirements!  That's what we should be slamming the military on.  If they're loosely written or poorly worded then it leaves manufacturers guessing instead of knowing what's being asked for.

But back on task.  The LAV700 is the perfect evolution of the LAV. Evolutionary instead of revolutionary is the way ahead and I'm glad to see a major manufacturer embracing that.  I haven't been this excited about a GD product since I first saw the Technology Demonstrator they rolled out years ago.  This looks like a winner to me.

The evolution of the Terrex 2 Amphibious Combat Vehicle.

The Terrex 2 ACV has seen a bit of an evolution since the contest began...

Above you see the rig as it was first presented to the public by SAIC and Singapore Kinetics.  What is the difference from the version operated by the Singapore Army?  From what I can tell just an enlarged swim vane.

At this point in the contest the requirement was for "limited" ability to swim from ship to shore and the Marine Corps was still emphasizing inland waterway mobility.  That would soon change and the offer of manufacturers being able to gain "extra credit" for achieving ACV 1.2 (the actual requirement to swim from ship to shore) pushed them to revise the vehicle.

That was a blow to BAE and IVECO since their offering was made from the
start to replace the AAV completely.  Below you see the "updated" Terrex 2 ACV.

What I find confusing is that Singapore Kinetics offered a "Terrex 3" for the Australian CRV. As you can see below it offers the same general layout as the Terrex 2 ACV (which is different from the Terrex 2 operated by Singapore) and appears to differ only in the weapons fit.

While the Terrex 3 didn't make the finalist list with the Aussies, if they should happen to win the ACV competition then the fact that its been demo'ed with a large caliber cannon is refreshing.  It's ready out of the box to be made into a family of vehicles.

Side note.  What is up with the nomenclature they're giving these vehicles?  Terrex 2 covers three different vehicles?  The Singapore version, the original US ACV version and also the updated version, and yet the version offered to the Aussies is called Terrex 3 which also shares the body style of the updated Terrex 2 ACV?  Clean this up Singapore Kinetics!!!!

Either way this goes I'm encouraged.  Its taken far too long, but at the end of the day our Marines will get a vehicle (Terrex 2 or Super AV) that provides the protected transport and hopefully (after its funded) lethality that they deserve and the nation needs.

CIA Freezes Aid To Free Syrian Army

via Sputnik

No military assistance will be delivered to the FSA by the CIA "until matters are organized," a source on the ground in Syria told Reuters. Specifically, FSA commanders said that the agency could be worried that, with growing jihadist assaults across the region, including the mass execution of up to 200 last week, the CIA is wary of putting cash and weapons into the hands of combatants that could then be given to regional terrorists.

About damn time!  Story here.  Have you noticed that this story is not widely publicized here in the US?  Reason?  Because the American people would be outraged to learn that killing ISIS wasn't the primary goal of CIA/DoD operations is Iraq and Syria.  Removing Assad from office was.  Its obvious that Trump's CIA director pick is finally making moves and starting to sort things out.

Don't worry about what Trump says.  Dude is a 70 years old guy.  Speaking in the politically correct, socially approved way is unknown to him and something I find refreshing.  Watch what Trump does!  This is great news!

J-20 with four huge drop tanks. UPDATED with video!

Thanks to Filippo for the pic!

Wow.  It would appear that they're planning on this plane going far, firing it's missiles and returning to base.

The Chinese are shaping up to be a worthy enemy.  I hope we're steady enough to curb stomp them.

UPDATE:  Sam found this vid of the plane in flight.  Thanks dude!  The more
I see of it the more I'm convinced that the Chinese built a stealthy F-111B analog.  A long range interceptor/striker...that's how I view the F-111B developing if it had been put into service by the Navy.  AIM-154's for the interceptor role and then loaded with bombs for the striker mission.  Of course the J-20 isn't thought to be carrier capable but you get the idea.

US Army fleshing out plans to revitalize Air-Defense units...

This is a Boeing test bed for work on their laser.

via Breaking Defense.

The service’s plan to revive SHORAD involves

*deploying to Europe about 50 more of its current Avenger systems, Humvees mounting multiple Stinger missiles;

*developing requirements for new “Maneuver SHORAD” equipment — such as lasers mounted on armored vehicles to keep up with frontline units — for which an Initial Capabilities Document is expected out by April;

*and ultimately quadrupling the SHORAD force — if funding can be found — to put air defenders in every Army division and combat brigade, both active-duty and National Guard.

Adding these assets would allow frontline units to maneuver independently even in the face of air attack, a key part of the emerging Multi-Domain Battle doctrine. “Our ability to defeat air and missile defense threats would be central to that Multi-Domain Battle,” said Maj. Gen. Brian McKiernan, commander of the Army Fires Center at Fort Sill, which oversees both offensive artillery and air and missile defense.

Quite honestly I didn't know that the Army still had Avenger weapon systems in its inventory.  It'll be interesting to see how they deploy them.  I'd like to see them mounted to Strykers or as a worst case measure on JLTVs, but the Humvee is just too elderly to keep up with the force.

Deploying 50 of them to Europe seems rather hyperbolic.  Russia isn't crossing the berm.  Sending so many forces there seems rather provocative.  Am I the only one that sees that big red dragon hiding in that mass of trees?

Lots of needs, little money.  Even with the Trump defense buildup there will be things left undone.  Budget Hawks will bite so it will be interesting to see what actually gets prioritized.

Mattis says Pentagon to focus on Warfighting, not feel good activities...

via Breaking Defense.

It’s time to focus the Pentagon on warfighting and get it out of the myriad auxiliary activities that distract it from its main purpose. Secretary Mattis made his position clear in his confirmation hearing: “[W]e have to stay focused on a military that is so lethal that on the battle field it will be the enemy’s longest day and worst day when they run into that force.” That commitment, combined with President Trump’s focus on management efficiencies and willingness to disrupt long-standing practices, opens a window of opportunity.
Many commentators have criticized the extensive skein of activities the military does that have nothing to do with fighting, but few get beyond the rhetorical stage. It’s hard. Refocusing the Pentagon and reducing support activities involves painful trade-offs and offending powerful interest groups. Those activities exist for a reason and boast passionate supporters.

This is awesome.

This is how the meme's about Mattis being blunt, and rock solid came into being.  Talk is cheap however.  He's gonna have to put his shoulder to the wheel and do hard work to get this done.

We'll see how it works out.

SAIC Unveils First Amphibious Combat Vehicle 1.1 to U.S. Marine Corps!!!

via Business Wire

Science Applications International Corp. (NYSE: SAIC) today unveiled its first Amphibious Combat Vehicle (ACV) 1.1 prototype to the U.S. Marine Corps during a ceremony held at the company’s integration facility in Charleston, South Carolina. This vehicle is the first of 16 to be delivered for testing by the Marine Corps, which is scheduled to begin next month.
“SAIC is incredibly proud to deliver this modern, high-tech, highly-capable solution to the Marine Corps. Our employees and team members worked tirelessly to successfully deliver this solution to the Marine Corps on time despite delays due to an initial contract award protest,” said Tom Watson, SAIC senior vice president and general manager of the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps Customer Group. “We are confident that this vehicle is equipped with the latest technology which will strengthen the amphibious capabilities of the USMC today and into the future.”

SAIC’s ACV 1.1 solution is an enhanced, customized variant of ST Kinetics’ TERREX vehicle fielded by the Singapore Armed Forces. Tailored to meet Marine Corps requirements, SAIC’s ACV is an 8x8 wheeled, armored amphibious vehicle with improved survivability, mobility, lethality, and C4ISR capability tailored to transport Marine Corps fighting units from ship to shore. SAIC’s ACV engine and transmission offers 600 horsepower for outstanding mobility while still exceeding fuel economy targets.
On land, the ACV 1.1’s independent suspension system improves ground mobility and ride quality for Marines. In water, its hydraulically driven propulsion systems with full independent thrust control authority and innovative water mode cooling solution supports safe operation at Sea-State 3 for ship-to-shore operational employment and through six-foot plunging surf.

Within the vehicle, state-of-the-art technologies include 360-degree situational awareness, force protection through leading blast protection seats, and a V-Over-VTM hull design to keep Marines alive in combat. All Engineering, Manufacturing, and Development (EMD) vehicle hulls are manufactured and integrated in the United States.

“Our vehicle was designed with future Marines in mind. We are equipping a new generation of Marines with the latest technology that they have grown accustomed to and using it as a way that will improve warfighting capability and could potentially save their lives,” said Bernie Ellis, SAIC ACV 1.1 program manager.

SAIC has a proven track record – more than 10 years – of modifying and upgrading armored vehicles for the Department of Defense ensuring warfighters are protected during combat, while securing command and control and repair capabilities. ST Kinetics is one of Asia's leading land systems and specialty vehicles companies having delivered hundreds of TERREX vehicles to the Singapore Armed Forces as well as the Warthog, a twin chassis, multi-purpose articulated tracked carrier, to the British Armed Forces.

Last February, the Marine Corps awarded SAIC a $121.5 million contract for the EMD phase of the ACV 1.1 program. Additionally, SAIC is currently the prime contractor providing the Marine Corps with initial survivability upgrades to 10 Assault Amphibious Vehicle (AAV) prototypes.

We have two good candidates.  The Terrex 3 is really starting to grow on me and I don't think we can go wrong with whoever we pick.

We just need to get it DONE!

US interference in foreign elections.

I've been reading the responses to my blog post on Ukraine interfering in the US election and getting no media coverage of the fact while Russia is being elevated to the sky for doing the same.

Ok.  Challenge accepted.  How overt have we been in other people's elections?  Quite a bit.  I typed the title of this blog post in a Google search and got these hits in .71 seconds.

http://www.latimes.com/nation/la-na-us-intervention-foreign-elections-20161213-story.html

https://www.thenewamerican.com/usnews/foreign-policy/item/24916-us-has-interfered-in-foreign-elections-multiple-times

http://www.npr.org/2016/12/22/506625913/database-tracks-history-of-u-s-meddling-in-foreign-elections

https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2017/jan/05/americans-spot-election-meddling-doing-years-vladimir-putin-donald-trump

Yeah that's right my fellow Americans.  We have been dabbling in other people's elections for decades.  I am trying to establish equivalency with the US in regard to Russia's elections?  Nope.  Am I trying to point out the reality of the situation?  You bet your ass!

Dirty secret that's easily verifiable?  From the former US president heading to the UK to influence the British people to vote to stay in the EU, to allegations by Russian officials that Hillary attempted to influence Russian election/start a color revolution in 2011, to Democrat party operatives being active in France to put an end to the threat that they see from Le Pen, the US is active all over the world to influence elections!

The truth is stark.  We're the good guys but we play...how can I put this delicately...hardball on a worldwide level.  Messing with friends and enemies elections isn't above us.  As a matter of fact you could say we specialize in it.

Hyundai Rotem details new CEV via IHS Janes.

via Janes

Hyundai Rotem has released details of the new combat engineer vehicle (CEV) under development to meet the operational requirements of the Republic of Korea Army.
The company has already developed and manufactured armoured recovery vehicle (ARV) and armoured vehicle-launched bridge (AVLB) to support the K1 and K2 main battle tanks in service with the ROK Army.
The new CEV is designed for use in a wide range of battlefield missions, including clearing battlefield obstacles, preparing fire positions for MBTs and artillery, and carrying out breaching operations.
Mounted on the right side of the hull is a hydraulic arm that is typically fitted with various attachments, such as an auger, gripper of bucket, however, this can also accommodate a crane with a maximum lifting capacity of up to 2.5 tonnes. When not required, this is traversed to the rear and lays alongside the hull.
Mounted at the front of the hull is the Pearson Engineering's Full Width Mine Plough (FWMP) that can clear mines to a maximum depth of 0.30 m.
The CEV is also fitted with a Pearson Engineering's Magnetic Signature Duplicator (MSD) and the Obstacle Marking System (OMS) that dispenses poles into the ground with a pennant as the vehicle moves forwards, showing following vehicles a path through a cleared mine field.
For use in the development phase, Pearson Engineering have supplied three sets of equipment with each of these consisting of one FWMP, one MSD, one OMS, and one High Lift Adaptor, which is used to transport and fit the FWMP.
Hyundai Rotem is quoting a combat weight of 62 tonnes with a 1,200 hp diesel engine, enabling a maximum road speed of up to 60 km/h.
The CEV is operated by a crew of two seated in a well-protected compartment at the front left side of the vehicle, with the driver at the front and the commander to the immediate rear.

It seems like it'll be a nice vehicle but nothing world changing.  What would be a nice blast from the past is to see an engineer vehicle with the usual blades and hydraulic arm along with a demolition gun.

Spanish Marines conduct mechanized assault @ MARFIBEX-71 (pics)