New-Generation Strategic Missile Test By Russia

Russia tested a new-generation strategic missile from a submarine, the latest launch of a multiple-warhead weapon designed to breach anti-missile shields.

A new-generation Bulava ballistic missile was successfully fired from the White Sea to the Kura testing site in Kamchatka in Russia's far east.

The Bulava was fired by the Dmitry Donskoi nuclear submarine off the northwest coast of Russia, can be equipped with up to 10 individually targeted nuclear warheads.

The test comes amid Russian anger at US plans to locate a powerful missile-tracking radar in the Czech Republic as well interceptor missiles in Poland to combat what it says are threats to global security.

Analysts say Russia has moved to upgrade its missile systems to counter the US shield, which Moscow sees as an attempt to undermine its nuclear deterrent. Washington insists the shield is far too small to defend against Russia and is meant to protect against "rogue states" like Iran.

The test came three weeks after Russia test-fired an intercontinental Topol RS-12M missile, also designed to avoid detection by missile-defence systems.

Russian President Dmitry Medvedev promised a "military response" to a US-Polish agreement last month to set up the US interceptor missiles.

A Russian general was later quoted as saying Russia could aim intercontinental missiles at the sites.

US-Russia relations recently hit a post Cold War low after Moscow sent tanks into neighbouring Georgia in what it said was a bid to protect its citizens in the breakaway region of South Ossetia from a Georgian attack.

The Bulava missile, which has a range of 8,000 kilometres (5,000 miles), was first tested successfully in December 2005.

It is the sea-based version of the Topol-M, designed to be fired from Moscow's new Borei class of submarines.

New Body Armor for Australian Troops... Using Latest Shield Technology

Honeywell announced its Spectra Shield II ballistic material will be a key component in a new body armor system for the Australian Defence Force (ADF).

Honeywell's latest shield technology will be used in protective hard body armor plates as part of the new Modular Combat Body Armour System (MCBAS). Manufactured by Australian Defence Apparel (ADA), the modular system provides protection for the neck, chest, upper and lower arm, groin and buttock, and upper and lower leg.

Honeywell launched Spectra Shield II last year as a new line of Spectra fiber-based materials with improved ballistic stopping capability for body and vehicle armor. Spectra Shield II has demonstrated up to 20 percent greater ballistic performance than Honeywell's standard Spectra Shield product line, which already uses one of the strongest man-made fibers in commercial use today. Pound for pound, Spectra fiber is 15 times stronger than steel yet light enough to float.

Spectra Shield II incorporates Honeywell's newest and improved fiber, Spectra S3000, which was developed specifically to help armor manufacturers and the military counter new ballistic threats.

Honeywell's patented Spectra Shield and Spectra Shield II materials are used in advanced armor systems for a wide a range of ballistic protection and security applications -- from bullet-resistant vests, breastplates, and helmets to combat vehicles and military aircraft -- where lightweight solutions and durability are critical.

Honeywell Spectra Shield products are manufactured by bonding parallel strands of fiber in place with an advanced resin system. In addition to Spectra fiber, Honeywell adapts this technology to other fibers, including aramid.

Spectra fiber is made from ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene using a patented gel-spinning process. The fiber exhibits high resistance to chemicals, water, and ultraviolet light. It has excellent vibration damping, flex fatigue and internal fiber-friction characteristics. It also has up to 60 percent greater specific strength than aramid fiber.

In addition to armor, Spectra fiber also can be used for high-performance marine applications such as lifting and mooring lines, industrial slings and security netting, as well as for novel curtains used to protect windows and doors during hurricanes.

Honeywell maintains an active Spectra fiber and ballistic material research and development program aimed to meet increased demand for its high performance armor materials.

Honeywell Specialty Materials, based in Morristown, N.J., is a $4.9 billion, global leader in providing customers with high-performance specialty materials, including fluorine products; specialty films and additives; advanced fibers and composites; intermediates; specialty chemicals; electronic materials and chemicals; and technologies and materials for petroleum refining.

Honeywell International is a $38 billion diversified technology and manufacturing leader, serving customers worldwide with aerospace products and services; control technologies for buildings, homes and industry; automotive products; turbochargers; and specialty materials.

SA-manufactured Armoured Vehicle, New Version

BAE Systems South African business, Land Systems OMC, has launched the RG31 Mk6E, which would debut at the African Aerospace & Defence 2008 show in Cape Town on Wednesday. The RG31 Mk6E is the latest version of the company's explosive mine resistant personnel carrier RG series of vehicles, which are manufactured in Johannesburg. The RG31 is a 4x4 mine-protected vehicle with a V-shaped hull that protects the crew against anti piercing rifle fire, anti-tank mine detonations, and a number of improvised explosive devices. We are confident that this latest development, will further entrench our South African business as the world s leader in mine protected vehicle technology, said Land Systems South Africa MD Johan Steyn. Among the latest developments incorporated in the RG31 Mk6E were new anti-mine seats, which provide enhanced protection to the occupants from lumbar spinal injuries caused by the shock-waves associated with land mine detonations. The seats incorporate shock attenuation crushable elements developed at Land Systems OMC. Tests have shown that these absorb some of the vertical impulse associated with mine blasts, reducing the likelihood of injury during large landmine explosions. Earlier RG-series vehicles could also be equipped with the new seats. Land Systems OMC s RG-series of products have boosted South African exports by more than R3,5-billion, since the company received a Canadian armed forces order for RG31 Mk3 vehicles in 2003. Steadily increasing orders for vehicles, spares and support from new customers around the globe have also boosted exports. The RG series builds on the three decades of experience we have gained in South Africa, through vehicles such as the Casspir, Mamba and Mfezi. Its success is a result of our ongoing investment into ever improving the vehicle s protection levels. We achieve this by applying new concepts and designs influenced by customer and operator feedback and simulation, explained Steyn.

Israel Grounded its Cobra Helicopters

News
Israel's air force has grounded its fleet of Cobra helicopters after two Israeli soldiers died when one of the aircraft crashed on Sept. 10 near the northern town of Afula.

The helicopter crashed about 10 minutes after takeoff, while on a routine training flight with another helicopter.

The helicopter that crashed was carrying a large amount of explosives, which caused a fire, military radio reported.

An early report from army radio suggested the crash might have been sparked by a midair collision between the two aircrafts.

But a witness told public radio that he had seen the helicopter lose a rotor before hitting the ground. Investigators are now looking for technical faults.

Introduction Of Cobra:

Cobra is an attack helicopter with maximum firepower, armed with missiles, rockets, cannon and machine gun.

Features:

Cobra is a two-bladed, tandem-seat (front & back), attack helicopter powered by a single turbine engine. This weapon system performs anti-armor, air cavalry and armed reconnaissance roles and can attack point (individual) targets with its anti-armor and anti-helicopter capabilities. It also provides fire support and security missions. The mix of weaponry depends on the model. Cobras can be armed with TOW and Hellfire anti-armor missiles, Sidewinder anti-aircraft missiles, Sidearm anti-radar missiles, Hydra 70 rockets, 20mm (.80 caliber) cannon and a 7.62mm (.30 caliber) machine gun.

India Tested Again Missile , 'Astra'

India's indigenously developed, beyond visual range air-to-air missile. 'Astra' was successfully test-fired on Saturday 13 Sep 08 from the integrated test range at Chandipur in Orissa.

The missile was test-fired from a launcher in the launch pad number 2 of the ITR complex at about 12.05 pm. After data analysis of the flight test, another test may be conducted in the next couple of days if needed.

The single stage, solid fuelled 'Astra' missile "is more advanced in its category than the contemporary BVR missiles and it is capable of engaging and destroying highly manoeuvrable supersonic aerial targets..

Describing 'Astra' as futuristic missile, DRDO scientists said the weapon could intercept the target at supersonic speeds. Though the exact range of trial has not been disclosed, scientists are working to ensure that 'Astra' performs effectively at different altitudes - one cruising at an altitude of 15 km with 90 to 110 km range, another at an altitude up to 30,000 ft, having a range of 44 km and the third at sea level altitude with a range of 30 km.

The missile is 3.6 meters long, 7 inches in diameter and has launch weight of about 154 kg, thus it is the smallest weapon of the DRDO's guided missile development programme in terms of size and weight. It is capable of carrying 15 kg warhead.Initially planned to arm Jaguar, MIG-29 and indigenous light combat aircraft, DRDO officials are now concentrating that after user's trial, the sleek missile would be integrated with Indian Air Force's front line fighter aircraft like Sukhoi-30 MKIs and Mirage-2000.

'Aastra' missile project is guided and led by the Hyderabad-based Defence Research and Development Laboratory under the DRDO.The prototype of the missile was first tested between May 9 and May 12, 2003 from the ITR at Chandipur

First Ever F-16s For Jordan

At the end of August 2007 the Belgian authorities finalised the sale of 14 F-16 (12 F-16AM and 2 F-16BM) fighters to Jordan for the total price of 70 million Euros. This sale is part of an agreement Jordan signed with Belgium and the Netherlands for the sale of 20 F-16 MLU fighters (6 of which are former Dutch Air Force aircraft and 14 ex-Belgian Air Force).

After the necessary modifications Jordanian pilots are receiving their training in Belgium (OCU Squadron at Kleine Brogel air base) before returning with their mounts to their country.

The Royel Jordanian Air Force already operates 33 surplus USAF F-16A/B air defense fighters, part of which is to be upgraded to MLU standards, and 3 former Koninklijke Nederlandse Luchtmacht (Dutch air force) F-16BMs.

The Belgian aircraft involved are:

-- F-16AM: serial numbers FA-58, -60, -61, -65, -66, -73, -74, -75, -76, -78, -88, and -90.
-- F-16BM: serial numbers FB-04 (replaces FB-01 previously announced) and FB-08.

On Tuesday September 9th 2008 five of these aircraft had their Belgian nationality markings removed and replaced by the Royal Jordanian Air Force markings and serials.

Four of these aircraft are to fly to Jordan via Aviano airbase in Italy and are therefore equipped with three drop tanks giving the needed range to the aircraft. It was initially said that the aircraft were to be refuelled in the air by tankers but apparently in a last minute change this was abandoned.

The aircraft which are involved in the flight on 10 September are former FA-58 ("140"), FA-61 ("142"), FA-73 ("145"), FB-04("138") and FB-08 ("139"). FA-73 was the spare aircraft in case of technical problems with one of the other aircraft but it remained at Kleine Brogel as everything went very smoothly.

Israel Acquiring GBU-39 Small Diameter Bombs

The Defense Security Cooperation Agency(WASHINGTON) notified Congress of a possible Foreign Military Sale to Israel of GBU-39 Small Diameter Bombs as well as associated equipment and services.

The total value, if all options are exercised, could be as high as $77 million.

The Government of Israel has requested a possible sale of 1,000 GBU-39 Small Diameter Bombs (SDB1), 150 BRU-61/A SDB1 Mounting Carriages, 30 Guided Test Vehicles, 2 BRU-61/A SDB Instrumented Carriages, 7 Jettison Test Vehicles, 1 Separation Test Vehicle, 2 Reliability and Assessment Vehicles, 12 Common Munitions BIT and Reprogramming Equipment with Test Equipment and Adapters, 3 SDB1 Weapons Simulators, and 2 Load Crew Trainers.


Boeing GBU-39/B Small Diameter Bomb
During Operation of Allied Force in Kosovo and most recently during Operation of Iraqi Freedom F-15E aircrews had to strike military targets that were often located in a dense urban environment like Bagdad or Fallujah among the civilian population. The large concern for collateral demage among civilians once again validated the USAF's push for a more accurate weapon that could take out the target more effectively with less collateral demage.

The solution to this need is the GBU-39/B Small Diameter Bomb, which is currently being tested on the F-15E Strike Eagle by the 40th Flight Test Squadron at Eglin AFB, Florida.


GBU-39/B Specifications
Primary Function: Air-to-Ground precision guided glide bomb
Manufacturer: Boeing (McDonnell Douglas)
Guidance System: Advanced Anti-Jam GPS aided Inertial Navigation System (AJGPS/INS)
Warhead: 250-lb multi-purpose penetrating and blast-fragmentation warhead
Range: > 60 nm
Ceiling: 9,100 m (30,000 feet)
Length: 1.80 m (70.8 in)
Wingspan: 1.38 m (54.2 in)
Diameter: 0.19 m (7.48 in)
Launch Weight: 130 kg (285 lbs)
Unit Cost: US$ 64,000 (in full-rate production)
Inventory: 24,000 planned