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ARMADA Suplemento Mobility Air Sea Land Volumen 37 Nº 6 Diciembre 2013 Enero 2014 PDF
ARMADA Suplemento Mobility Air Sea Land Volumen 37 Nº 6 Diciembre 2013 Enero 2014 PDF
MOBILITY
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Change of Air
A massive logistic operation is now ramping up, as
most elements of the 49-nation International Security
Assistance Force (ISAF) are to be withdrawn from
remote, landlocked Afghanistan by the end of 2014.
The US Army alone is estimated to have $ 27 billion of
hardware in the country, including 25,000 vehicles
and 100,000 shipping containers.
The largest helicopter in service, the
56-tonne Mil Mi-26 first flew in 1977, but is
Roy Braybrook the Northern Distribution Network (NDN). still marketed in updated Mi-26T2 form.
In this they are trucked via the Salang Tunnel (Russian Helicopters).
through the Hindu Kush, and subsequently
O
n the assumption that Afghanistan’s moved by train across the former Soviet down to less than 60,000) and high-value
southern border would remain Union to ports in Latvia and Lithuania. Most assets such as helicopters, drones and
open, around 70 per cent of US goes via Termez in Uzbekistan at a cost of $ electronic equipment would be flown out.
military equipment was originally 40,000 per container. However, the Northern However, problems have recently arisen at
to be moved out by truck through Pakistan to Distribution Network is closed to weapon Afghan border posts, with customs authorities
the port of Karachi. However, continuing systems and combat vehicles. claiming that much of the equipment
tensions with Pakistan may well result in The original plan was that only personnel imported since 2010 has no proper
more now being sent (expensively) through (US troops peaked at 125,000, but are now documentation. Consequent delays to ground
I INTRA-THEATRE
One factor increasing demands on intra-
theatre airlift, both in Afghanistan and A US Army sergeant attaches a container to the sling of an Afghan-registered Mil Mi-8AMT
Iraq, has been the insurgents’ use of (YA-KME) at Forward Operating Base Salerno in Khost Province, Afghanistan. (US Army).
improvised explosive devices (IEDs) against
road convoys.
The resulting airlift demand is beyond
military assets such as Beech C-12s and
Shorts C-23 Sherpas, resulting in US
Transportation Command (Transcom)
outsourcing to civilian contractors. In the
early years Supreme Site Services provided 70
per cent of the US Defense Department’s
cargo lift within Afghanistan.
In 2011 the Supreme contract was
replaced by the $ 4.7 billion Transcom Mega
programme, which included the use of 18
medium/heavy rotary-wing aircraft.
Transcom contractors included Presidential
Airways, which was an affiliate of Blackwater
USA, but in 2010 sold its fixed-wing
operation to the AAR Airlift Group in
Florida. Other contracts went to Berry
Aviation in Texas, Evergreen Helicopters in
Alaska, and FlightWorks in Georgia.
Turning to evolving logistic needs, Berry The Indian Air Force is believed to have ordered 80 Mil Mi-17V-5s in 2008 and 71 more in 2012.
Aviation was recently awarded a Transcom The Mi-17V-5 (illustrated by serial ZP-5166) entered service in February 2012 and is replacing
contract to transport commandos of the Joint older Mi-8s in Indian service. (Russian Helicopters).
Special Taskforce Trans-Sahara in high-risk
operations in 31 African countries. life-extension programme in 2015. The Mi- contest to the much smaller (22.68-tonne)
26 is still being produced for the Russian Air Boeing CH-47F, which is less expensive, has a
I HELICOPTERS Force, with deliveries continuing until 2025. 40 per cent lower disc loading (and
One of the principal companies involved in The latest variant is the M-26T2, with a consequently weaker downwash), and
Afghanistan since 2009 has been Russia’s glass cockpit, modern avionics and a crew of reportedly twice the centre of gravity range.
UTair Aviation (UTA). Aside from 240 fixed- three. It lost the recent Indian Air Force However, the Indian Air Force should
wing aircraft, UTA now has over 340 perhaps keep its two remaining Mi-26s, as
helicopters, including 25 Mi-26Ts (20-tonne this type has been used in Afghanistan as the
payload), five Mi-10K (eleven tonnes), and 55 only means to recover damaged or
Mi-171/Mi-8AMTs, 67 Mi-8MTVs and 166 unserviceable CH-47s from sites up to an
Mi-8Ts (all in the four-tonne payload class). altitude of 8500 ft. The Indian Air Force Mi-
The 56-tonne Mi-26 first flew in 1977, and 26s were used in the 1999 conflict with
remains the heaviest rotary-wing aircraft in Pakistan, to airlift heavy artillery pieces to the
use. Over 300 have already been built, and it is Kargil Heights. They were recently key assets
in service with eleven military operators. in Operation Rahat, providing relief in the
The Russian armed forces and Emercom flood-ravaged Uttarakhand state, delivering
(Ministry of Emergency Situations) together Iraqi Army soldiers deploy from an Iraqi Air bulldozers for road reconstruction.
operate around 60 Mi-26s, and the Defence Force Mil Mi-17 during an exercise in Mayson Mil’s greatest success has been the Mi-8/17
Ministry plans to launch a modernisation and Province in 2008. (US DoD). family, of which over 12,000 have been built
I TWIN TURBOPROPS
Turning to fixed-wing aircraft, in late-2012
the last 8.1-tonne Airbus Military C212 to be
assembled in Spain was delivered to Vietnam.
This was the 477th ordered, ending 42 years of
continuous C212 production at Seville.
modular rf
longer range. The An-32 is a contender for a forthcoming order
Other ar divisions: rf/microwave instrumentation • receiver systems • ar europe
from the Peruvian Air Force.
The Battle Tested logo is Reg. U.S. Pat. & TM. Off. # 3,821,099.
Copyright© 2013 AR. The orange stripe on AR products is Reg. U.S. Pat. & TM. Off.
The second of two Airbus Military
C295s ordered by the Kazakh Air and
Air Defence Forces is pictured at
Seville, prior to ferrying to Kazakhstan.
The service has an option to buy six
more. (Airbus Military).
Compared to the C295, the 32-tonne Secretary of the Air Force shall obligate and programme to replace the de Havilland
Alenia Aermacchi C-27J Spartan is a larger, expend funds previously appropriated for CC-115 Buffalo and legacy Lockheed
more expensive, wide-body aircraft. It has the procurement of C-27J Spartan aircraft Martin CC-130.
two Rolls-Royce AE2100s, as used on the for the purposes for which such funds were
four-engined Lockheed Martin C-130J. In originally appropriated.” I TWIN TURBOFANS
2007 the C-27J was selected as the US There is also a proposal that US Air Force The availability of high-bypass turbofans is
Army/Air Force Joint Cargo Aircraft (JCA), C-27Js, which cost the Pentagon $ 1.6 billion, encouraging the development of twin-jet
with L-3 Communications Integrated should become a contractor-operated fleet medium tactical transports, a category so far
Systems as prime. under a Multi-Agency Airlift Capability dominated by turboprops.
However, in 2009 the US Air Force gained (MAAC) programme, serving the needs of One such project is the 81-tonne Embraer
control of JCA, and in 2012 halted orders, the Army National Guard (ARNG), Special KC-390, a multi-national, dual-role
claiming that the C-27J was too expensive to Operations Command (Socom) and various (transport/tanker) aircraft, designed to carry
operate. The service has quoted an hourly US Government agencies, such as Homeland 80 troops or a 23-tonne payload, and powered
operating cost of $ 9000 for the C-27J, Defense, the Coast Guard and the Forest by International Aero Engines (IAE) V2500-
compared to $ 10,400 for the C-130J, Service. It may be recalled that the original E5s. Embraer is working under a $1.5 billion
although the corresponding Ohio ANG purpose of the JCA programme was to Brazilian government contract to produce
figures are $2100 and $ 7000 respectively. replace the US Army’s 42 Shorts C-23s, which two prototypes. First flight is scheduled for
America’s 21 existing C-27Js are shortly are still due to retire in 2016. late 2014, and service entry for 2016.
due to go into open storage at Davis- The C-27J has also been ordered by In 2010 the Brazilian Air Force announced
Monthan AFB, Arizona. However, in May Australia (ten via FMS), Bulgaria (three), plans to buy 28 KC-390s. Embraer has letters
2013 the US Air Force announced a search to Chad (two), Greece (twelve), Italy (twelve), of intent for twelve for Colombia, six each for
identify potential sources to manufacture Lithuania (three), Mexico, (four), Morocco Argentina, Chile and Portugal, and two for
further C-27Js, with deliveries starting in (four), and Romania (seven). Both the the Czech Republic. All of these countries will
2016. This evidently responds to C-27J and C295 are contenders for Canada’s participate in the manufacture of the
Congressional instructions that “The FWSAR (Fixed-Wing Search And Rescue) airframe. If the Dassault Rafale or Saab
Gripen wins Brazil’s F-X2 contest, France or
Sweden will be expected to buy KC-390s.
Embraer has an agreement with Boeing
on possible technical and marketing
cooperation, and in 2011 announced a
stretched commercial version of the KC-390,
aimed at the cargo market. Brazil’s Correios
postal service has stated the intention to buy
15 KC-390s to airlift mail.
In developing a new tactical transport,
Antonov has the advantage of already
producing a high-wing twin-jet regional
passenger airliner, the An-148 and stretched -
158 series. Powered by Progress D-436
engines, the family has already grown from a
maximum weight of 38.55 to 43.7 tonnes. The
The US Air Force has done its best to kill the Alenia Aermacchi C-27J Spartan, seen here in An-178 is a further development, retaining
demonstrator form during a visit to South Africa. Congress is now forcing the service to buy the wing and tail of the An-158, but with a
more, using previously allocated funds. (Armada/RB). larger fuselage and a rear loading ramp. The
seven, France 50, Germany 53, Luxemburg MSN18), Malaysia (MSN22), and Britain (which will replace Royal Air Force C-130Js
one, Spain 27, Turkey ten and UK 22). The (MSN16). Spain will receive its first (MSN46) from 2022) will not be equipped for in-flight
only export customer to date is Malaysia, in 2017, followed by Belgium (MSN136) and refuelling, but will have provisions for
buying four, but Kazakhstan is considering Luxemburg (MSN133) in 2018. retrofitting at a later stage.
buying two. The A400M is currently certified to a Germany and Spain are each planning to
The first production A400M (MSN7) was maximum gross weight of 132 tonnes, a release 13 of their A400Ms for sale, which
handed over on August 1, 2013 to the French maximum payload of 32 tonnes, a could make aircraft available for early
Air Force, which will base its fleet at BA123 maximum speed of Mach 0.72, and a delivery, should (for example) the US Air
Orleans-Bricy. The first for Turkey (MSN9) maximum altitude of 31,000 ft. There are Force develop a need for short-field, wide-
will also to be delivered in 2013, followed in some national differences in equipment body transports for special operations in
2014 by deliveries to Germany (starting with standards. For example, British A400Ms Africa. France is looking at some reduction
Paolo Valpolini
T
he programme states that at least 50%
of the development costs will be
sustained by the companies. Better
known as JMR-TD, the programme
aims at reducing risks for the Future Vertical
Lift programme, which aims at finding a
replacement for both the Blackhawk utility
helicopter and the Apache combat helicopter
around the mid-2030s. The four teams that
received the TD contract are evenly divided
between major helicopter manufacturers,
namely Bell Helicopters and Sikorsky (the
latter teamed with Boeing), and high-tech
design companies, such as Texas-based AVX
Aircraft Company and California-based The AVX Aircraft proposal is based on the Compound Coaxial Helicopter configuration and is
Karem Aircraft. the only one that features a rear ramp. (AVX Aircraft)
The purpose of the JMR-TD is to due to the fixed engines. The fly-by-wire for the Apache replacement, the current
investigate designs and new technologies, the flight control system, which is triple- weapon being the same ATK M230LF. The
end of Phase 1 being planned for June 2014. redundant, allowed for various solutions, major focus is on cost reduction and
The companies have nine months to refine such as T- and H-shaped tails, though Bell increased performance. The V-280
their design and prepare to build a flight test officials state that the V solution was chosen promises a 280 knots (hence the name) with
demonstrator. This will not be a 1:1 scale of for its optimal performance balance, its a combat range of between 500 and 800
the final product, the requirement only good adaptation to antenna requirements, nautical miles and a strategic self-
calling for a flying system that and its adaptability to folding solutions deployability range of over 2,100 nautical
aerodynamically represents a full-scale needed for the Navy and US Marine Corps. miles(twice those of current helicopters).
system. Summer 2014 should see the Bell states that at 6,000 feet height and 35°C Combat load of over 5.4 tonnes include four
selection of two competitors that will then the Valor will be able to hover out of ground crewmembers and 11 soldiers in the utility
produce the two demonstrators that are effect, as per Army requirements. The utility version, which features two 1.8-metre high
expected to take to the air in 2017, with variant being the curren priority, not much side doors to allow rapid ingress-egress.
subsequent testing planned for late 2018- has been developed in terms of weaponry At the same exhibition, Sikorsky exhibited
early 2019. The JMR-TD, it is noteworthy, is a model of its SB>1 Defiant which adopts the
totally decoupled from the choice the Army X2 technology of coaxial contra-rotating
will make for the Future Vertical Lift. rotors and rear pusher propeller already
Although a joint programme, the JMR is thoroughly test-flied by the company. “Going
deeply influenced by the Army as numbers faster is not the only purpose of the story,”
forecast for potential future acquisitions Steve Engebretson, Director advanced
hovers over four-digit figures rather than military programmes at Sikorsky told
three for the other services. Armada International, “we want to improve
At AUSA 2013 Bell unveiled the mock-up helicopter’s manoeuvrability and properties,
of its V-280 Valor. It features a relatively and our coaxial rotor configuration and
conventional fuselage, which reminds that of The model of the Bell Helicopters proposal for pusher propeller is perfect for this purpose.”
the BlackHawk, with two wings tipped by the the Future Vertical Lift programme. The According to Engebretson the coaxial rotor
engines. These are fixed, while the rotors engines are located at the tip of the wings, but improves lift and lowers drag. The tail
nacelle tilt a la V-22 Osprey, but with reduced do not rotate when flight is transitioned from propeller pushes the aircraft to the maximum
complexity and increased maintainability horizontal to vertical. (Armada/P. Valpolini) speed allowed by the drag and allows rotor
improvements to the engines, propfans, from the programme by the end of the year. Aviadvigatel PS-90A-76 turbofans. It first
high-lift devices, avionics, flight deck and One report indicates that Russia would still flew in September 2012, and a Russian
auxiliary power unit, is waiting to undergo expect Kapo to deliver 17 An-70s by 2020. In Defence Ministry order for 39 to be delivered
joint Russo-Ukrainian state flight trials. April Antonov announced that it had by 2018 was increased to 48.
Two preseries An-70s funded by the suspended development trials because the Production will take place at Aviastar at
Ukraine are being completed at the Antonov Russian Defence Ministry had suspended its Ulyanovsk, and is expected to be followed by
Serial Plant, and may be purchased by Russia, participation in the programme. The at least 20 more for Russia (which has over
if the latter goes ahead with the 2010 plan to Ukrainian prime minister then stated that his 100 Il-76MDs in service) and around 30 Il-
acquire at least 60 by 2020. Any further An- country would continue with the project, 76s and Il-78 tankers for China. In June 2013
70s would be built by the Kazan Aircraft even if Russia withdraws, but there are doubts Rosoberonexport announced that China had
Production Association (Kapo), as would the whether this is financially possible. purchased ten pre-used Il-76MDs as a
commercial An-70T with Motor Sich D-727 stopgap measure, and that existing Chinese
high-bypass turbofans. I QUAD JETS Il-76MDs were being refurbished in Russia.
However, in early 2013 Russian Defence One sure thing for the Russian Air Force is China’s Avic/Xian Y-20, which first flew
Ministry officials complained of production the 210-tonne Ilyushin Il-76MD-90A (aka Il- on January 26, 2013, might be regarded as a
delays (Kapo was to build 21 An-70s by 476), with modern avionics, a glass cockpit, wide-body Il-76 derivative. It is believed to
2015), and indicated that it might withdraw stronger wing and undercarriage, and gross slightly over 200 tonnes, and began
with two short wings located over the front rotor/propeller and outer wing section all
doors, and two ducted fans on the rear sides, rotate when shifting from vertical to
clearing the tail for a ramp. horizontal flight. A small vertical tail ensures
According to illustrations AVX helicopter flight stability. The key element in the Karem
should carry up to 14 soldiers plus a crew of proposal, however, is the Optimum-Speed
four. The capability to land both nose-up or TiltRotor (OSTR) concept, which was first
nose-down allows to considerably reduce the used on the A160 Hummingbird unmanned
risks of brown out when landing in sand or helicopter that has now become a Boeing
dusty areas, as nose down attitude downwash product. The initiator of that concept was
tends to thrust dust backwards. Abe Karem, now CEO of Karem Aircraft, the
Should the Army opt for a single system being based on a hingeless rigid rotor
The Sikorsky-Bell team unveiled the model
configuration for both the utility and attack of its SB>1 Defiant, which adopts
with variable rotational speed, which is
roles, AVX proposes to use the internal the X-2 configuration, a technology that trimmed according to the flight situation. In
volume in the attack version for internal Sikorsky has proven in the last few years. the OSTR blades are rigidly attached to the
weapon carriage with a view to reducing (Armada/P. Valpolini) hub, which is itself attached rigidly to the
drag, while the ramp would allow rapid mast, blades being controlled electronically
reloading. The tail-less solution also reduces Last but not least, Karem Aircraft, and individually, thus there is no swashplate.
complex tail-folding systems for naval proposes a tilt-rotor configuration, the This reduces complexity as well as
applications, blade folding becoming the company having developed concepts such as maintenance costs. Moreover the Karem
only requirement. Should the AVX design the Joint Heavy Lift and the regional design promises to offer higher speeds, with
succeed in the FLV bid the company will Aerotrain aircraft, both based on tilt-rotor estimates quoting 360 knots. No further
maintain the prime position and will put technology. Tilt Rotor 36 Technology details have been provided, but the company
together a team of vendors that will provide Demonstrator, TR36TD in short, is the name holds numerous other patented technologies
the sub-assemblies while one of them will of the Karem Aircraft proposal, where 36 is that might become part of the TR36TD. In
create the assembly facility (the company the rotor diameter in feet. The aircraft case of success in the following FVL
believes that this solution ss the most cost- architecture resembles that of the other programme it is highly probable that for
effective one). AVX is proposing a CCH company projects, such as the Joint production Karem will maintain prime
solution also for the upgrade of existing Heavy Lift, with the nacelles located at contractorship and outsource most of the
helicopters, such as the OH-58D. about two thirds of the wing. The nacelle, manufacturing and assembly work.
Luca Peruzzi I LANDING HELICOPTER DOCKS class LHA replacement program, in June
GAIN MOMENTUM 2007, the former Tarawa and Wasp-classes
A key element of the Seapower 21 pillars of Ingalls Northrop Grumman Ship Systems
T
he United States maintains the largest Sea Strike and Sea Basing, and a cornerstone shipbuilder, today Huntington Ingalls
and most capable amphibious force in of the Amphibious Readiness Group Industries (HII), was contracted for the
the world, and the recent strategic (ARG)/Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG), construction and delivery of the new LHA
shift towards the Asia-Pacific and the “Big Deck Amphib” LHA/LHD/LHA(R) first-of-class, which is an aviation-centric
Middle East areas highlights the requirement family represents the largest amphibious modified version of the Wasp-class Makin
for new LHA-type amphibious assault ship. ships built for US Navy. Under the Tarawa- Island LHD, featuring the same propulsion
capabilities in power projection sector. No According to the latest reports, an in February 2013, the Buque de Proyección
official Russian confirmation was however exportable version of DCNS Senit combat Estratégica (BPE) or strategic projection
provided about the following two ships management system is to be installed, ship Juan Carlos I will be the Spanish Navy’s
construction. STX France is building the together with a communications suite alleged prime aviation carrier platform. Built by
vessel platforms as a subcontractor to DCNS, to include both Russian and French Navantia with a view to leading a
while OSK is contributing to the construction equipment, based on Thales Aquilon fully multinational task group with a brigade-size
of both vessels as a subcontractor to STX. integrated system. The vessels are to be armed lift of amphibious forces and commissioned
These platforms will differ from French Navy- with two AK630 30mm gatling guns and two in service in September 2010, the Juan
standard built BPC for specific requirements, SA-N-10/Gibkha 3M-47 quad-launchers self- Carlos I is a multirole vessel that can
including higher hangar for the Kamov Ka- defence weapon systems. The Russian accomplish amphibious, disaster relief and
52K Alligator attack and Ka-29 armed Federation Navy also ordered four LCMs, aircraft carrier operations, thanks to a 12°
transport helicopters, the well dock door represented by French New Generation CTM, ski-jump and aviation facilities for Boeing
complete closing, and onboard systems which will be built by STX France under AV-8B Harrier II Plus. With a 27,050-tonne
adapted to Russian standards and cold DCNS design and delivered with the ships. displacement and length and beam of
temperatures, in addition to a modified island With the retirement of the 16,700-tonne respectively 230.8 and 32 metres, together
and slightly reinforced hull. Principe de Asturias Matador aircraft carrier with a combined diesel-electric and gas
turbine propulsion system with two pod-
type propellers offering a max speed of 21
knots, the Juan Carlos I can transport an
amphibious force of 910 troops, to 12 main
battle tanks, 65 wheeled an 27 amphibious
armoured vehicles. 18 to 25 helicopters may
include a mix of NH90 TTH/NFHs, Sea
King SH-3Ds, AB-212s, CH-47 Chinooks
and soon EC665 Tigre HAD combat
helicopters, in addition to four Navantia-
build LCM1E type landing craft or one air-
cushioned landing craft.
Built under the Amphibious Deployment
and Sustainment JP2048 phase 4A/B
programme assigned in 2007 by Australia to
BAE Systems Australia Defence-led which can include Eurocopter Tiger Armed
industrial team including Navantia and Reconnaissance Helicopters (ARH), NH90
combat system suppliers, the contract covers TTHs, Sikorsky Blackhawks/Seahawks and
the delivery of two 27,800-tonne Canberra- Boeing CH-47 Chinooks, the contingent of
class LHDs based on the Spanish BPE around 1,050 troops, 110 vehicles and
project, in addition to combat direction matériel can be delivered with the same
system integration centre, simulated training Navantia-built LCM1E type landing craft
and integrated support. These LHDs differ acquired in 12 examples under a separate
from the Juan Carlos I mainly in their contract and capable of 13,5 knots with main
equipment suite that includes a derivative of battle tank payload. The Canberra class
the Saab 9VL Mk3E combat management LHDs will be delivered respectively in
system, a Sagem Vampir-NG EO/IR, a Saab February 2014 and August 2015, providing a
Giraffe AMB multifunction radar, an L-3 quantum leap in amphibious and disaster
Communications integrated communication relief operations in the Asia-Pacific region The new amphibious and logistic support
vessel being built for Algerian Navy by
systems, a Sperry and Kevin Hughes compared to current Australian Defence
Fincantieri, presents an advanced combat
integrated navigation and a helicopter Forces dedicated capabilities. system provided by Selex ES with multifunction
control radar suite, a self-defence package The new BDSL (Bâtiment de active phased-array antenna-equipped radar
based on ITT Exelis ES-3701 ESM, BAE Débarquement et de Soutien Logistique) and MBDA Aster 15 surface-to-air missile
Systems Australia Nulka missile decoys plus platform being built for Algeria under a system. (Armada/Luca Peruzzi)
Rafael Typhoon 25 mm remote weapon €400 million contract assigned in July 2011
systems. In addition to an air component to Orizzonte Sistemi Navali (a joint-venture
Unveiled at Defense & Security 2012 with hangar accommodating up to seven In the 1998-2003 period, Japan
exhibition in Bangkok in model form, the helicopters, the Endurance 160 has 290- commissioned three Osumi-class LPDs,
China Shipbuilding & Offshore International strong crew and air wing personnel and can which were built by Mitsui and Universal
Co (CSOC), ship is known as the 20000T embark 400 troops in addition to 27 shipbuilders. The 14,000-ton ships resemble
Landing Patrol Dock. The 20,000-22,000- armoured vehicles, with a speed of 22 knots Italy’s San Giorgio-class but with a larger
tonne, 211-metre long and 32,6-metre wide and endurance of 7,000 nm (15 knots), and flight deck and a stern dock. Officially
LHD is powered by four diesels, has a 7,000 up to four Fast Craft Utility landing vessels intended as helicopter platforms, they can
nm range at 16 knots plus a 30-day in the well-dock. each carry 330 troops, 10 main battle tanks
endurance. Besides a well-deck, a flight deck
with four helicopter spots and a hangar for
four helicopters, the new LHD features a Currently operating only one 19,000-tonne class
Chinese-based combat system with two FL- LPH, the South Korean government is planning
3000N missile launchers and two 40 mm to fill the gap until a light aircraft carrier is
guns. It could accommodate up to 1,068 tentatively set for service in 2036, with a second
personnel, including 700 troops, over 50 Dokdo-class LPH reported to be capable to
armoured vehicles and eight helicopters. It is operate STOVL aircraft (US Navy)
aimed at the export market exclusively, as
during a Chinese TV interview in November
2012, a People’s Liberation Army Aviation
Navy admiral indicated that a national design
would be much larger, similar in size to
American LHDs, approaching 40,000 tonnes.
Drawing heavily on Singapore Navy’s
experience with its four 141-meter long
Endurance-class tank landing ships (LST),
which was also built for Thai Navy, Singapore
Technologies Marine (ST Marine) unveiled
the Endurance 160 design variant of the
family in late 2010. With a 14,500-tonne
displacement and 163.7-metre length, a
continuous flight deck with five landing spots
more are under construction. To fill the gap in via landing craft, a helicopter deck for two Like the US Navy’s San Antonios, they boast
amphibious shipbuilding programmes, HII Chinooks operating simultaneously and a a stern well-deck capable to accommodate
is already proposing a scaled-down LPD, hangar for up to six NH90 and AH-64D- four Type 726 Yuyi class LCACs and a stern
known as LPD Flight II for LX(R) to replace sized helicopters, together with hospital and flight deck with two spots for French Super
Landing Dock Ship class (LSD41/49), with C4I facilities. Able to accommodate up to 300 Frelon-derived Z-8 medium transport
the same big hull but dispenses with many of personnel including a 159 crew members, the helicopters, four of which can be
the 17’s more expensive features and larger ship combat system includes a Thales accommodated in the hangar facilities. The
superstructure. Currently the Navy is Nederland Integrated Mast with SeaMaster 28,000-tonne and 210-metre long platforms
conducting an analysis of alternatives for 400 Smile air surveillance and feature a 47,200 hp diesel-based propulsion
the new class. SeaWatcher 100 SeaStar surface detection plant, providing a 22 knots max speed and
In Europe, the Dutch Damen Schelde radars, and Gatekeeper electro-optical 6,000 nm (11 knots) endurance. These
shipbuilder has produced three generations surveillance system. Armament will include vessels are reported to have a 120 crew
of the highly successful Enforcer series for two Goalkeeper CIWS, Oto Melara’s two complement and accommodation for 500-
Royal Netherlands Navy, followed by four 30 mm Marlin and four Hitrole NT 12.7 mm to-800 landing force personnel as well as
Royal Navy’s Bay class landing ship docks remotely controlled guns. space for materiel, equipment and 15-20
built in Britain by BAE Systems, and Spain’s In the Asia-Pacific area, countries such amphibious armoured vehicles. Ship self-
two Galicia class LPDs. Damen Schelde’s as China and Indonesia have developed or protection capabilities include one AK-176
latest iteration is the Joint Logistic Support bought new LPDs, while others such as 76 mm gun and four AK-630 30 mm CIWS.
Ship (JSS) for the Royal Netherlands Navy . India have acquired second-hand vessels Type 071 LPDs may operate as task force
The ship’s final outfitting and armament and are planning to develop an amphibious flagship, or conduct humanitarian
installation is underway and entry into ships fleet. missions. It is being marketed abroad, as
service scheduled for 2015. With a 27,800- Built by Shanghai-based Hudong- recently seen in Malaysia.
tonne displacement the 204.7 metre Karl Zhonghua shipyard, the Chinese Yuzhao- Daesun Shipbuilding & Engineering Co.
Doorman, as it has been christened, will have class Type 071 LPDs started being delivered of South Korea have however designed the
replenishment-at-sea facilities and stowage, in late-2007. Currently three are in service four 11,300-tonne and 125-metre Makassar
a well deck for accommodating cargo transfer while at least a fourth under construction. class LPDs built by local PT PAL shipyards.
Paolo Valpolini carriers and weapon platforms. “Serval” has become a dangerous challenge. This being
been a wholly different story, as a good part of said, according to French sources priorities
the French contingent was equipped with in Mali came in this order: intelligence,
W
ith the withdrawal from Iraq armoured assets, ranging from the VBCI firepower and protection.
completed and that from infantry combat vehicle to VAB armoured In terms of mobility, the capacity of
Afghanistan well underway personnel carriers, VBL light armoured African bridges (floating bridges being a
what will come next? Will next vehicles and Xerax armoured-cabin trucks, common occurrence), and the dimensions of
operations take place in an Iraqi-like desert while logistics still heavily relied on roads inside villages put serious limits to the
or in an Afghan-like mountainous terrain? unprotected vehicles. weight and size of usable vehicles.
The most recent military operation has Although most areas in Africa offer a Establishing weight limits is an odd
been “Opération Serval”, carried out by choice of routes - mostly off-road – that question, but it is clear that this as well as
French forces in Mali in January 2013. Past make the chance of encountering a buried vehicles width can have an impact on military
operations in that continent were carried out bomb less likely compared to some Afghan operations as they have a direct impact on
with unprotected vehicles, mostly high- valleys with no alternative routes, now even deployability: air strategic transport remains
mobility trucks used both as personnel moving in Africa with light equipment has limited, but even more critical is the
War, and more of that type as well as upgrades tonnes. The Kenyan Army also got hold of RG-32 to the nations that employ them in
for those still in service seems to have been over 60 M26-15 Mrap-type vehicles their United Nations military missions in the
contracted with Yugoimport of Serbia. produced by South African OTT continent, the RG-32 being not surprisingly
Kenya too started to update is armoured Technologies, which saw action against Al- one of the smaller and lower weight members
assets, acquiring eight BRDM-3s. Although Shabab Somali fighters. of the family with a mere 2.2 metres width
the acronym indicates a reconnaissance and less than 10-tonne gross weight.
vehicle, it is not to be confused with the I AFRICAN PRODUCTION Numerous legacy Casspirs and Mambas are in
BRDM and BRDM-2 which are 4x4 light African vehicles production is mostly service with many African armies, BAE
vehicles. This is a true 8x8 pretty similar to concentrated in South Africa. BAE Systems Systems having developed the 15-tonne RG
the BTR-80A that carries a crew of three is definitely the dominating producer, with Protector straight from that design to offer it
plus six dismounts, for a GVW of some 15 its RG Family. The company provided some in both 4x4 and 6x6 guises.
For the African market BAE systems is common sight in Africa. Another good hot spots. Although not many African
proposing the RG-31, the Mk5 iteration of Renault customer in North Africa is Morocco, countries might be able to acquire large
which stands at 18.6 tonnes, and the RG-32, whose Army runs 6x6 VABs that might soon numbers of vehicles, providing low-cost or
which also comes in scaled-down versions be in need of upgrades or replacement. zero-cost defence equipment always remains
with lower levels of protection to cope with These are only a few examples of the a way to influence an area. Surplus Mraps
maximum weights imposed by the vehicles currently being used in one of the generated by the withdrawal from
continent’s lines of communication. continents that feature numerous potential Afghanistan might therefore become an issue
Talking of Casspir, Mechem Vehicles of
South Africa, a subsidiary of Denel, is now
producing the Casspir 2000. Its catalogue also
contains the Casspir MkII and the MkIV. In
2013 Denel Mechem announced a contract
for ten Casspir 2000s for the Benin Army
while other 15 were being produced for the
United Nations.
Another South African company involved
in armoured vehicles production is ICP,
whose Reva III, IV and V 4x4 ranging from
nine to and 13 tonnes, are serving not only in
South Africa but also in Somalia, Equitorial
Guinea and South Sudan. Paramount is also a
major player, its Mbombe 6x6 APC providing
all-round situational awareness while its 4x4
Marauder and Matador are typical Mrap-type
vehicles grossing at 18 tonnes.
Chad made a European choice, acquiring
22 Acmat Bastion Patsas from Renault Trucks
Defense in France, all of which were delivered Paramount is one of the most innovative South African players in the armoured vehicles field,
in 2013. Non-armoured Acmats are a the Matador being one of its latest products. (Paramount)
on some markets, although not all are apt to be Besides the afore-mentioned Nimr, the Streit (available in 4x4 and 6x6 versions and with
used in some areas. Group, with production plants in the United independent suspensions). Another
It has recently been alleged that the US Arab Emirates, Canada, the United States, company with a production facility in the
Army might retain some 6,000 Mraps in Russia, India and Pakistan, is developing new Emirates, Canada and the US is the Armored
service, evenly subdivided between M-ATVs vehicles ranging from the Varan 6x6 Group whose Batts (Ballistic Armored
and MaxxPros, although specialist APC/IFV (prototype now running), to the Tactical Transport) have been sold to Angola,
equipment such as route-clearance Mraps modular Scorpion and the Typhoon family Algeria, Chad, Ethiopia, Nigeria, Uganda, but
might well remain also in service. How many
such Mraps will be repatriated remains to be
seen. According to some sources the US The United States acquired over 20,000 Mraps of
should not leave the most advanced (read various types and the US Army is planning to keep only
better protected) versions to the Afghan 6,000 of them. How many of the remainder will end up
security forces. This is quite understandable in on the market is an open question. (US Army)
the likely event that some of might end up in
the hands of the insurgents, they might be
used as real targets to refine their roadside
bomb performance, with dire consequences
as this would mean spreading the knowledge
throughout the terrorist community. The
same sources also talk about repatriating
even those vehicles that are beyond
redemption to deny any useful information
to the opponent. It is however clear that
Mraps surplus will have an impact on the
armoured vehicles market in the coming
years, particularly in areas not too concerned
with roadworthiness standards.
In the Middle East a number of armoured
vehicles players are gaining momentum.
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