K-MAX Quick Reaction Assessment

K-Max is about to deploy.  Late but still good news.  Less trucks, less IED attacks...less injured Marines.

Good stuff.

ArmorWorks Hyena Special Ops Truck.

• Curb Weight 1,905kg.
• Payload 907kg.
• Gross Vehicle Weight 2948kg.
• Gross Axle Weight (front) 1360kg.
• Gross Axle Weight (rear) 1360 kg.
• Length 4.27m
• Height 1.90m
• Ground Clearance 0.381m
• Min. Reduced Height 1.63m
• Reduced Shipping Cube 4.27m L x 1.88m W
• Engine Motori VM 2.8 4 inline cylinder C.R.D.  
• Optional Engine V6 Diesel 3.0L 72 Degree V6 arrangement 370 Ft lbs  
• Acceleration (0-60mph) est. 10 seconds  
• Cruising Range 600 or 300 miles (variable 150 litre tanks)  
• Spring Rate (front) 450 – 600 progressive/wheel  
• Spring Rate (rear) 450 – 600 progressive/wheel  
• Troop Seating Capacity to include litter carry 7 personnel or 5 personnel & 2 litters  
• Weapons carry/mount capability Stand 360 degree ring, 3x180 degree pintals  
• Sensor suite FLIR & Night Vision Lights Out, Telescopic Mass  
• On board Pressurized Air System  
• Rydroboost Brake System  
• Rydic Steering  
• TactiCAM camouflage system  
• 10,000 Winch System (removable to front or back)

DefenseTech and a couple of other websites have the ArmorWorks special ops truck highlighted at the Marine Week expo.

I got curious because I had never seen it.  I knew of ArmorWorks but had no idea that they were working on this type of vehicle.

Mystery solved.

The Hyena is out of the UK branch of ArmorWork, this is good news for them and even better news for that country.  The UK appears to be the new home for specialized special ops vehicles...or they're at least working to carve out that niche.  

F-35 at sea...the takeoff's

Spudman!  My boy...thanks for the heads up...got slammed at work so I'm late to the table...

Wasp

A 1000 yard stare

A soldier from A Company, 1 Rifles looks on wearily following an engagement with the enemy during a joint helicopter assault with the Afghan Uniformed Police (AUP) in Helmand, Afghanistan.

Photographer: Sergeant Alison Baskerville RLC

A Rifleman puts down covering fire over a wall as his patrol from A Company 1 Rifles comes under heavy fire during a joint helicopter assault with the Afghan Uniformed Police (AUP) in Helmand.

Photographer: Sergeant Alison Baskerville RLC

AAVs and LCACs conduct landings during Dawn Blitz

Former Australin Naval Aviator speaks about cross decking F-35B's...

*Note*
During a conversation with Phil, he hit me with the thought that soon after the F-35B is introduced into USMC service, that we'll see them cross decked on Royal Australian Navy Amphibs.  I was so intrigued by the thought that I requested to post his response.  It follows...

“BZ F-35B & USS Wasp. Now that the RAN has been out of the carrier business for almost 3 decades the imminent arrival in service 2014-5 of 2 LHDs means the possibility of at least USMC F-35Bs (and AV-8Bs) cross decking during exercises at the very least. The news reports then, if not now, will put the idea back in some Australian minds about 'why does not the RAN/RAAF get a bunch of F-35Bs' for use not only on our RAN LHDs but also as 'far north Australia' as bare base aircraft that can be easily transported via LHD to a Pacific trouble spot (we have a fractious Fiji for example where HMAS Melbourne used to visit at least once a year to remind them about stuff). Today the Fijian PM ‘dictator’ does as he pleases - not concerned by any local/regional response. A few years ago the Fijian Military Dictator “Voreqe Bainimarama, also called Frank 'Barney' Bainimarama” 'PM' of Fiji, threatened Australian/New Zealand citizens there. Australia & New Zealand started to put together a rescue mission that ultimately was not needed. A big flat deck on the horizon always gives 'pause for thought' IMHO.”

Phil.

I guess that answers the question on why the Australian Navy needs the F-35B!

UPDATE:  Shortly after my e-mail exchange with Phil, I ran across this photo of the 11th MEU preparing for its upcoming deployment.  Who do we see on deck observing MV-22 ops?  Australian service members!  I've been so focused on the Aussies acquiring  F-35's that we might be missing other bits of gear they might have an interest in.  Emphasize might.

More...

Too Sweet.

Thanks Mr. P!!!!

F-35 at sea

You can take it huh big man???

Bill (known as Apocalypse for the purposes of the above video) ran head long into Timperlake (aka Superman) in a furball that I somehow missed.

Follow the links for the juicy parts.

Man, you focus in on your workouts for a couple of weeks and the whole world passes right in front of you.  Read it here and here...

Israeli helicopters

An Israeli Air Force Apache helicopter lands across from a Greek mountain range during a joint Israel-Greece exercise with the Hellenic Air Force. These types of exercises are a central aspect of the Israel-Greece military cooperation.

Its unique abilities and precision weapons have led the Israel Air Force to use the Cobra helicopter to fight wars and hit targets during military operations. A difficult target for enemy fire, the Cobra is primarily used as an attack helicopter. Manufactured in the US, Israel has used the Cobra since the 1970's.