US Army

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quote]Strengthening The Ukrainian Army
(Source: U.S Army; issued Aug 21, 2016)
YAVORIV, Ukraine ----The Ukrainian army, with the assistance of U.S. and multinational partners, continues to strive to improve the capability and capacity within its armed forces. Approximately 20 Ukrainian cadre recently completed their first rotation training Ukrainian Soldiers on individual combat skills at the International Peacekeeping and Security Center.

The training is part of the ongoing operations of the Joint Multinational Training Group-Ukraine. The JMTG-U mission is focused on building a sustainable, enduring combat training center here. Part of this mission includes building training capacity quickly through the consolidation and resourcing of dedicated training cadre.

These instructors are the first group of cadre trained on conducting the first six modules of a nine-week rotational training set. The modules include weapons training, land navigation, combat lifesaving skills, and section live-fire. Soldiers of 6th Squadron, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division certified the instructors by observing and gauging their ability to put the six modules into action and effectively train other Ukrainian Soldiers.

Spc. Brett Jones, a rifleman assigned to 6-8 Cav., is a fourth generation veteran and is excited to be able to continue the family tradition. Jones said that he is optimistic about training alongside the Ukrainian Armed Forces.

"Every time we go out and observe the Ukrainian Soldiers, they do the training to a T," said Jones. "They are very hands on with the training and make sure each Soldier knows how to effectively do each task to standard."

Staff Sgt. Alex Fernandez, a squad leader and instructor assigned to 6-8 Cav. spent two years as a drill sergeant and was able to use the skills he acquired to ensure the Ukrainian instructors were fully up to speed on training their Soldiers on individual tasks.

"They have always been comfortable teaching the Soldiers, but now I feel they are more confident with their teaching techniques," said Fernandez. "They have built that trust and bond with the Soldiers and they listen to the instructors when given instructions."

After the training has been conducted, the Soldiers from 6-8 Cav pull the Ukrainian instructors aside and brief them on their performance during the exercise.

According to Jones the Ukrainian Soldiers respond well when they receive praise, validation and feedback from the multinational force trainers. "They do training by the book and listen to recommendations that we make," he said.

1st Lt. Taras Tanailov, an instructor assigned to the Combat Training Center mentored the newly graduated Ukrainian instructors over the past three weeks. Tanailov has been with the instructors since they were certified to teach and observed the progression in their ability to train Soldiers.

Tanailov said that over the last few weeks his instructors had learned a lot about leading and training Soldiers. He said that they are more confident in the training, which allows them to be more effective leaders.

Cpt. Abdullah H. Clark, company commander for Charlie Troop, 6-8 Cav., had the opportunity to observe the Ukrainian instructors and was able to view military tactics from a different perspective.

"So far I've learned a different method of every aspect of military affairs from logistics to tactics to unofficial dynamics of the social system," said Clark. "They have taught me a different way to run things other than the way we normally do for our military."

The ultimate goal of the JMTG-U is to establish a sustainable Combat Training Center staffed and led completely by the Ukrainian military.

"I think if we left here today, they would do everything they need to do to train their military," said Jones. "I definitely think they are doing a good job."

Now that the initial six modules are complete, the Ukrainian instructors will move on to learn the next two modules, which is a milestone for the JMTG-U. This marks the first time Ukrainian instructors will learn modules seven and eight, which include squad, section and platoon collective tasks.



http://www.defense-aerospace.com/articles-view/release/3/176345/us-army%2C-partner-nations-strengthen-ukrainian-army.html






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Citation :

U.S. Army releases first image of new M1A2C tank with active protection systems

Feb 22, 2019



https://defence-blog.com/army/u-s-arme-releases-first-image-of-new-m1a2c-tank-with-active-protection-systems.html

Citation :

U.S. Army snipers conduct field test of upgraded rifle

Mar 2, 2019


An M110 semi-automatic sniper system at the Udairi Landing Zone, Camp Buehring, Kuwait, Jan. 29, 2019. Photo by Sgt. Emily Finn


U.S. Operational Test Command has announced a field test of the upgraded sniper rifle in the shadows of the fabled Rocky Mountains.

According to a statement, Eight Ivy Division snipers with the 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team field tested an upgrade to the Army’s sniper rifle.

Engineered as an upgrade to the M110 Semi-Automatic Sniper System, the Compact, Semi-Automatic Sniper Rifle (CSASS) was redesigned to enhance a Sniper’s capability to perform missions with greater lethality and survivability, according to Maj. Mindy Brown, CSASS test officer with the Fort Hood, Texas-based U.S. Army Operational test Command.

Upgrades being tested include increased accuracy, plus other ergonomic features like reduced weight and operations with or without a suppressor.

Brown said the purpose of the operational test is to collect performance data and Soldier feedback to inform the Army’s procurement decision regarding the rifle.

“We do this by having the Snipers employ the system in the manner and the environment they would in combat,” Brown said.

“In doing this, we achieve a twofold benefit for the Army as we test modernization efforts while simultaneously building unit — or in this case — Sniper readiness.”

She went on to explain how the 2nd IBCT snipers stressed the rifles as only operators can, during the 10-day record test.

The Snipers fired 8,000 rounds from various positions while wearing individual protective and tactical equipment as well as their Ghillie suits and cold weather gear.

To also test how the CSASS allowed Snipers to shoot, move, and communicate in a realistic combat environment, they also executed Situational Training Exercise (STX) force-on-force missions in what they described as, “the best Sniper training they’d received since attending Sniper School at Fort Benning, Ga.”

The 2nd IBCT Snipers really pushed each other, testing the CSASS in what evolved into a competitive environment on the ranges.

“Despite single-digit frigid temperatures, gusting winds, and wet snow, the Snipers really impressed me with their levels of motivation and competitive drive to outshoot each other,” said Sgt. 1st Class Isidro Pardo, CSASS Test Team NCOIC with OTC’s Maneuver Test Directorate.

An agreed upon highlight of the test among the Snipers was the force-on-force day and night STX Lanes.

Sniper teams were pitted against one another on tactical lanes in natural environmental and Urban Terrain to see who could infiltrate, detect, and engage whom first.

Staff Sgt. Cameron Canales, from Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment said, “The force-on-force STX lanes were an extremely fantastic way for us as Snipers to hone our field craft.”

One other Sniper, Sgt. 1st Class Cecil Sherwood, from Headquarters Troop, 3rd Squadron, 61st Cavalry Regiment said he really enjoyed all the “trigger time” with the CSASS.

Sherwood said he was able to learn from the other test Snipers and improve his field craft.

“In a regular Sniper Section, I would never get this much trigger time with a Sniper rifle or be issued nearly as much ammunition to train with in a fiscal year, let alone a 10-day period,” he said.

While OTC celebrates its 50th Anniversary, 2nd IBCT Snipers and OTC’s CSASS Test Team are a testament to the importance of the half century relationship between the Operational Force and the test community.

“As we move into a period of focused modernization, now, more than ever, that relationship is decisive to ensuring only the best materiel capability solutions make it into the hands of the men and women in uniform serving on the front lines around the world and at home,” Brown said.


Photo Credit: Maj. Michael P. Brabner, Test Officer, Maneuver Test Directorate, U.S. Operational Test Command


Photo Credit: Maj. Michael P. Brabner, Test Officer, Maneuver Test Directorate, U.S. Operational Test Command

https://defence-blog.com/army/u-s-army-snipers-conduct-field-test-of-upgraded-rifle.html

Citation :

Elbit Systems to Supply Common Helmet Mounted Displays to the US Army


12:28 PM, March 6, 2019


Elbit to Supply CHMD units to the US Army


Elbit Systems’ US subsidiary has won a contract to supply Common Helmet Mounted Display (CHMD) system to the US Army.

The full color CHMD will be part of the Army's Air Soldier System, used by helicopter pilots to provide day and night situational awareness and survivability. It will be fully-integrated into the Elbit Systems' Helmet Display and Tracker System used onboard the US Army's CH-47F Chinook and the UH-60L/M/V Black Hawk fleets, the company said in a statement Tuesday.

Deliveries are scheduled to begin within 15 months.

http://www.defenseworld.net/news/24406/Elbit_Systems_to_Supply_Common_Helmet_Mounted_Displays_to_the_US_Army#.XIBO5abbLIU

Citation :

173rd Airborne Brigade

#SkySoldiers assigned to 2D Battalion (Airborne) 503D Infantry "The Rock" have been busy sharpening their skills at the squad, platoon, and company level during Exercise Rock Spring 19.

The live fire exercise during Rock Spring is a culminating event that incorporates air support, engineers, and a multitude of weapons systems.

The exercise builds confidence in the paratroopers ability to defeat any threat on the battlefield.

Sky Soldiers!

Photos by Sgt. Henry Villarama and Pfc. Andrew Webbbuffington.

PHOTOS:

 

Citation :

Pentagon seeks new remote weapon system for combat vehicles

Mar 7, 2019



The U.S. Defense Department has issued a request for information for a new remote weapon system for combat vehicles to provide far more firepower and engagement range.

Pentagon asked the defense industry for information and planning purposes as a means for the Government to conduct market research, identifying interested parties and their capability to support the requirement for the XM813 Remote Weapon System and Unmanned Turret, according to a 6 March request for information (RFI) posted on Federal Business Opportunities (FBO).

According to the current information, the XM813 is an improvement of the 30mm MK-44 gun developed for the Future Combat Systems (FCS) program, and is a part of the broader Advanced Lethality and Accuracy System for Medium Caliber (ALAS-MC) Program that was developed by ARDEC in support of PM-GCV.

The purposes of this program are to achieve enhanced lethality in a medium caliber weapon system, meet the GCV IFV Primary Armament Objective requirements, and to support threshold requirements while simultaneously developing a system with growth integrated to meet future threats. The current XM813 is a 30mm medium caliber cannon that will demonstrate optimized effects against personnel in the open or behind cover, as well as behind walls with the use of a multi-purpose fuse that provides airburst effects (AB), point detonate delay (PDD), and point detonate (PD) in one warhead.

It can also provide optimized effects against like materiel targets with the kinetic energy penetrator (KE). The XM813 is an electrically driven, chain operated, dual-feed weapon system, has first round select capability, and fires a suite of 30mm linkless ammunition. The weapon system is flexible and can be fitted to a multitude of platforms, both turreted and RWS.

Also added that the potential weapon system must meet the following criteria:
◾Primary Armament: XM813 30x173mm Automatic Cannon; Co-axial Armament: NATO 7.62mm (for example M240B or MK52);
◾ Sensors: Thermal camera with 70% identification to ranges outwards to 4 km of a NATO sized vehicle target (3.1 m x 3.1 m);
◾Platform Integration: Compatible with a medium sized combat vehicle platform (for example Stryker, M113, and AMPV).

It does not constitute a Request for Proposal (RFP) or a promise to issue an RFP in the future.

The notice emphasizes that this notice does not constitute a commitment by the United States Government to contract for any supply or service whatsoever.

https://defence-blog.com/army/pentagon-seeks-new-remote-weapon-system-for-combat-vehicles.html

Citation :

Mack Defense starts production of M917A3 vehicles for U.S. Army

Mar 9, 2019


Photo by Mack Defense

Tactical vehicle manufacturer Mack Defense has announced that the company recently started production of five Mack Granite -based M917A3 Heavy Dump Trucks (HDT) as part of the Production Vehicle Testing (PVT) phase of its $296 million contract with the U.S. Army for armored and armor-capable HDTs.

“Our production team and suppliers are excited to begin building these next generation HDTs for the U.S. Army,” said David Hartzell, president of Mack Defense. “We’re confident the M917A3 will provide the Army the legendary durability and toughness Mack customers have come to depend on.”

Seeking the next generation of M917 vehicles to offer increased protection levels, higher payload and improved mobility, the U.S. Army solicited bids for newHDTs in June 2017. The contract, awarded to Mack Defense in May 2018, allows for Mack Defense to produce armor-capable or armored HDTs with deliveries through May 2025.

The trucks will increase operational effectiveness and readiness, and will support mobility, counter-mobility, survivability and sustainment operations for the Joint Forces in areas of the world with austere infrastructures and little or no host nation support.

“We have had regular meetings with our U.S. Army partners in preparation for the PVT phase of the contract, and we look forward to providing a tough, dependable truck that will meet their requirements,” said Jack Terefinko, HDT program manager for Mack Defense.

Based on the civilian Mack Granite model, Mack Defense engineers optimized the M917A3 HDT to meet the current needs of the U.S. Army, while allowing for evolving requirements and future growth. With heavier-duty rear axles, all-wheel drive and increased suspension ride height, the M917A3 is capable of meeting the demanding payload and mobility requirements set by the U.S. Army HDT program.

Mack Defense, a wholly owned subsidiary of Mack Trucks, is responsible for the sale of heavy-duty trucks to federal- and ministerial-level customers globally.

https://defence-blog.com/army/mack-defense-starts-production-of-m917a3-vehicles-for-u-s-army.html

Citation :

USA begin mass-producing latest variant of Abrams tanks

Mar 20, 2019


Photo by AMY E. VOIGT from THE BLADE


The latest variant of Abrams tanks, called M1A2 SEPv3, is now being mass produced at the Joint Systems Manufacturing Center in Lima.

The Joint Systems Manufacturing Center in Lima, or JSMC, is the only facility that produces the family of M1 Abrams tank and now begins mass-producing of latest M1A2 SEPv3 also know as M1A2C .

This version rectifies many of space, weight and power issues identified during Operation Iraqi Freedom and will be the foundational variant for all future incremental upgrades.

In addition to having improved survivability, the Abrams M1A2 SEPv3 can host any mature technology the Army deems operationally relevant. Improvements focus on increasing the electrical power margin, Vehicle Health Management Systems, integrated counter-improvised explosive device protection, a new Auxiliary Power Unit, embedded training and an ammunition data link.

The 70-ton Abrams M1A2 SEPv3 is the most reliable Abrams tank ever produced, will decrease the Army’s logistic burden, and leads the Army in enterprise-level connectivity to maintenance and supply systems.

The M1A2 SEPv3 will be equipped Trophy APS that eliminates enemy threats, such as rocket propelled grenades and anti-tank guided missiles.

The MBT measures 9.7m-long, 3.7m-wide and 2.4m-high, and is manned by a crew of four, including a driver, a commander, a loader and a gunner.

According to several media reports, the U.S. Army has signed a $714 million delivery order to upgrade an additional 174 M1A1 Abrams Main Battle Tanks to the state-of-the-art M1A2 System Enhancement Package Version 3 (SEPv3) configuration.

The Joint Systems Manufacturing Center in Lima will employ 935 individuals to produce 34 tanks each month.

https://defence-blog.com/army/usa-begin-mass-producing-latest-variant-of-abrams-tanks.html

Citation :

U.S. Army to procure more than 160,000 M4 carbines

Mar 25, 2019



M4A1 carbine rifle Photo by Steven Stover


The U.S. Army has announced plans to procure more than 160,000 carbines, according to a notice posted by the Army Contracting Command.

A notice posted by the Army Contracting Command-Redstone on 22 March says that the service is to award arms maker company to procure approximately 167,195 M4 and M4A1 carbines.

The M4/M4A1 carbines provide the U.S. Department of Defense with compact, lightweight weapons that fire NATO 5.56mm ammunition from a 30-round magazine, mount the latest generation of fire control accessories and enablers, and provide increased protection and firepower in close quarters.

The period of performance of the contract(s) will be for five (5) one-year ordering periods to cover FY20-FY24 Army and Department of Defense (DoD) M4/M4A1 Carbine requirements, said in a statement.

For reference, the M4 carbine is a shorter and lighter variant of the M16A2 assault rifle. The M4 is a 5.56×45mm NATO, air-cooled, direct impingement gas-operated, magazine-fed carbine.

The M4 carbine is extensively used by the United States Armed Forces and is largely replacing the M16 rifle in U.S. Army and the U.S. Marine Corps combat units as the primary infantry weapon and service rifle.

The weapon delivers superior performance and accuracy for the joint coalition forces conducting the most challenging combat missions. The performance of M4 has been proven across the world in military operations, including combat actions in Afghanistan and Iraq.

The US Army has acquired a total of 500,000 M4 carbines since the M4 series was introduced in 1993. The M4 was also exported to the US allied forces and Nato nations as part of foreign military sales (FMS) packages.

https://defence-blog.com/army/u-s-army-to-procure-more-than-160000-m4-carbines.html

Citation :

26.03.2019

Le génie US va effectuer pour un milliard de dollars de travaux à la frontière mexicaine


Lundi soir, le Département américain de la Défense (DoD) a diffusé le communiqué suivant:





Selon ce texte, le DoD a affecté un milliard de dollars à la construction d'une "clôture piétonnière" de 57 miles (91 km environ), de routes et d'éclairages le long de la frontière entre les Etats-Unis et le Mexique.

Le Pentagone avait transmis la semaine dernière au Congrès une liste comprenant pour 12,8 milliards de dollars (11,3 milliards d'euros) de projets de construction dont les fonds pouvaient selon lui être réattribués aux travaux pour la construction d'un mur à la frontière mexicaine.

Donald Trump a déclenché en février l'urgence nationale après le refus du Congrès de lui octroyer les 5,7 milliards de dollars de budget qu'il réclamait pour construire son mur à la frontière mexicaine. Le président américain a opposé son veto à la résolution adoptée ce mois-ci par le Sénat pour annuler cette procédure d'urgence nationale.

http://lignesdedefense.blogs.ouest-france.fr/archive/2019/03/26/le-genie-us-va-effectuer-pour-un-milliard-de-dollars-de-trav-20135.html

Doucement mais sûrement, les US avencent pour mettre un terme a l' équilibre MAD face aux puissances nucléaires rivales.

Citation :

Une salve de missiles GMD intercepte une cible simulant un missile balistique intercontinental

http://www.air-cosmos.com/une-salve-de-missiles-gmd-intercepte-une-cible-simulant-un-missile-balistique-intercontinental-121959

Citation :

U.S. Soldiers to receive special purpose 9mm rounds

May 12, 2019


Officers and senior noncommissioned officers from Regimental Headquarters and Headquarters Troop and the Regimental Support Squadron, 3rd Cavalry Regiment, fire the M17 Modular Handgun System for the first time during a weapons qualification range Jan. 19, 2018 at Fort Hood, Texas. Photo by Staff Sgt. Taresha Hill


The U.S. Soldiers will face major challenges in the near future when handgun ammunition exhibits a lethality deficiency.

The original specifications for the handgun were that it needed to hit enemy soldier at a given distance but at today need to penetrate the modern body armors.

Federal Cartridge Company offers new 9x19mm 103gr Enhanced Ball Round (EBR) for increase capabilities of currently M9 or newest M17 and M18 recently adopted by the Army.

According to the company, ammunition currently fielded in the M9 (legacy) and M17/M18 systems shows a lethality deficiency against common battlefield barriers.

The company’s presentation noted the use of 9x19mm ‘EBR’ ammunition increases the effectiveness of the Soldier through improved Probability of Incapacitation as well as better mobility due to a reduced ammunition weight load.

Also noted that loaded cartridge is approximately 11% lighter than 124gr and 20% lighter than 147gr 9x19mm ammunition.

The modern 9mm rounds by Federal Cartridge Company have been selected to support the US Army Expeditionary Warrior Experiments (AEWEs) in 2018. Soldiers participating in the Army Expeditionary Warrior Experiments try out new technologies offered by industry, as well as some government-sponsored initiatives.



https://defence-blog.com/army/u-s-soldiers-to-receive-special-purpose-9mm-rounds.html

Citation :

American AGM-114 R9X Hellfire missile modified for CIA kills avoiding collateral damages U.S. news

DefenseWebTV

Ajoutée le 10 mai 2019

The CIA and the U.S. Army have been using a new type of missile for some drone strikes in recent years, according to a report in the Wall Street Journal and echoed by several newspapers and web sites. The AGM-114 R9X, or "flying Ginsu," doesn’t explode but instead deploys six sharp blades, hitting and shredding targets without harming people and material nearby.

Citation :

U.S. Army is Upgrading the Stryker Armored Vehicle With a Bigger Gun

US Defense News

Ajoutée le 14 mai 2019
The U.S. Army is quadrupling the number of Stryker combat vehicles equipped with the new 30-millimeter autocannon. The upgrade will allow Strykers to better fight against similar vehicles used by potential adversaries. It is part of an Army-wide effort to increase firepower as the service swings away from guerrilla wars back to the prospect of big-power conflict.

The Stryker is an eight-wheeled armored vehicle designed to carry an infantry squad across roads and cross-country to the battlefield. As originally conceived, the Stryker would have light armor and just a .50 caliber machine gun or 40-millimeter automatic grenade launcher. The emphasis was on a fast, lightly armored vehicle that could quickly deploy to distant theaters. The Stryker can travel up to speeds of up to 60 miles an hour on roads and up to 330 miles on a tank of gas.

Citation :

28.05.2019

L’US Army retient Parrot pour des drones de reconnaissance de la gamme commerciale



La société Parrot a annoncé faire partie des sociétés retenues par l’US Army dans le cadre d’un appel d’offres visant à développer une nouvelle génération de drones ultra-compacts de courte portée dédiée à la surveillance ("Short Range Reconnaissance System Platform").

Dans un communiqué du 17 mai, la direction de l'équipementier français précise que "début mai, Parrot a été sélectionnée par le Department of Defense américain pour participer au programme de développement SRR (Short Range Reconnaissance), initié en novembre 2018. Ce programme est doté d’un budget total de 11 millions de dollars, attribués à 6 sociétés de drones professionnels. L’objectif est de fournir un quadricoptère léger et discret offrant aux soldats américains une capacité de reconnaissance rapidement déployable, facilement transportable et dotés de forts contenus technologiques. Son prototype qui devrait être présenté à l’Armée américaine début 2020 fera l’objet d’étapes de qualification intermédiaires d’ici là."


Le programme est doté d’un budget de 11 millions de dollars (9,8 millions d’euros) réparti entre les six entreprises retenues par l'US Army Program Executive Officer (PEO) for Aviation’s Project, associé à la Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) et au Army’s Maneuver Center of Excellence .

Outre Parrot, les entreprises sont: Skydio, Altavian, Teal Drones, Vantage Robotics et Lumenier.

Selon le cahier des charges, afin d’offrir aux soldats une vision et une compréhension immédiate du terrain où ils évoluent, le drone doit pouvoir voler 30 minutes, bénéficier d’une portée allant jusqu’à trois kilomètres, être opérationnel en moins de deux minutes et ne pas peser plus de 1,3 kg pour pouvoir être transporté dans un sac à dos militaire standard. Des caractéristiques que remplissent parfaitement les drones grand public de chez DJI - notamment le Mavic et ses modèles dérivés (2 Pro et 2 Zoom). Mais il est vrai que le leader mondial des drones ultra-compacts est… chinois et que les États-Unis suspectent ces appareils de pouvoir se livrer à de l’espionnage.

http://lignesdedefense.blogs.ouest-france.fr/archive/2019/05/28/l-us-army-choisit-parrot-pour-des-drones-de-reconnaissance-20268.html

Citation :

Picatinny Arsenal reveal details of Army’s extended-range artillery system

May 27, 2019


Extended Range Cannon Artillery, or ERCA, during tests at U.S. Army Yuma Proving Ground


The American military research and manufacturing facility Picatinny Arsenal has given further details of the U.S. Army’s extended-range artillery system.

The Picatinny Arsenal’s presentation notes the U.S. Army aspires to field systems capable of accurately firing at targets 100 kilometers away in the next four years, a dramatic increase over the 30 kilometers a currently-fielded 155mm howitzer shell is capable of when fired at the top zone with rocket assistance.

According to the presentation, the Army’s effort is called Extended Range Cannon Artillery (ERCA). Building on mobility upgrades, ERCA will increase the lethality of self-propelled howitzers. ERCA provides a “10x” capability through a combination of an increased range, increased rate of fire, increased lethality, increased reliability and greater survivability.

ERCA will provide integrated cannon artillery technology solutions to maximize performance at a system level and regain lethality overmatch for U.S. Army 155mm indirect fire systems for operations in emerging battlespaces and near/peer environments.

The new artillery system will provide 300% improvement in area coverage for 155mm artillery, in so doing, a burst rate of fire greater than 6-10 rounds per minute and 30% range increase for legacy artillery ammunition.

The new extended-range artillery system will consist of five major components integrated into an M109 platform:
◾XM907 cannon, and partial autoloader.
◾XM208 Gun Mount.
◾Ammo Handling.
◾XM1113 Next-Generation Rocket Assist Projectile – 70km.
◾Extended Range Propelling Charge (XM654).

The most significant difference is in the round’s much-larger rocket, which pushes out more than twice as much thrust as the legacy system.

Further, the XM1113 is designed to utilize the currently-fielded Precision Guidance Kit (PGK), a fuze that turns conventional artillery round into a semi-guided one.

The XM1113 Insensitive Munition High Explosive Rocket Assisted Projectile is slated to replace the Army’s aging M549A1 rounds. Currently, the M549 rounds can reach about 30 km.

The XM1113 reached 72 km during a demonstration, said Rich Granitzki, Long-Range Precision Fires Science and Technology Advisor for Combat Capabilities Development Command, or CCDC, at Picatinny Arsenal, New Jersey.

Also noted that the extended-range artillery system will be able to use future XM1115 ammunition in a GPS denied environment.



https://defence-blog.com/army/picatinny-arsenal-reveal-details-of-armys-extended-range-artillery-system.html

Citation :

Mysterious version of Abrams tank was spotted in Romania

Jun 2, 2019



The mysterious version of the M1 Abrams tank was spotted during the opening ceremony for multinational exercise Justice Eagle 19 at Smardan Training Area, Romania, May 29, 2019.

Justice Eagle is a bilateral exercise that builds readiness, increases interoperability and enhances the bond between ally and partner militaries.

During this exercise, the U.S. Army has unveiled an advanced version of M1 Abrams tank with what appears to be a new armor package on its turret. According to military experts, this is modules of Trophy active protection system, which will help guard against anti-tank guided missiles and infantry anti-tank rockets. Also, they noted that the mysterious version of the M1 Abrams tank is called the M1A2 System Enhancement Package Version 3 tank, or M1A2 SEPv3.

The newest version of the M1 Abrams tank is considered the most technologically advanced digital tank in the world with superior firepower, protection and mobility, Army’s officials said.

Improvements focus on power, management, counter-IED systems and improved, embedded training, and an ammunition data link. It is the most reliable Abrams tank ever produced, will decrease the Army’s logistic burden, and leads the Army in Enterprise-level connectivity to maintenance and supply systems.

The SEPv3 measures 9.7m-long, 3.7m-wide and 2.4m-high, and is manned by a crew of four, including a driver, a commander, a loader and a gunner.

In a 2017 report, Maj. Gen. David Bassett, program executive officer for Ground Combat Systems said: “These vehicles are not just about assuring our allies, or deterring or coercing potential adversaries. They are about compelling our enemies and winning the multi-domain battle.”

According to the current information, the U.S. Army has plans to equip a big batch of M1A2 SEPv3 with the Trophy active protection system that eliminates enemy threats, such as rocket-propelled grenades and anti-tank guided missiles.



https://defence-blog.com/army/mysterious-version-of-abrams-tank-was-spotted-in-romania.html

Citation :

U.S. Army’s Bradley Fighting Vehicle to receive modern composite track system

Jun 3, 2019


Photo by Staff Sgt. Leah Kilpatrick


The Bradley Fighting Vehicle has undergone four major upgrades since its introduction in 1981 and now U.S. Army plans that this combat proven vehicle will receive a new track system.

According to recently notice on the U.S. government’s main contracting website, the U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command (CCDC) – Ground Vehicle Power and Mobility (GVPM) is conducting a market survey to identify potential sources with the expertise necessary to support the rapid modification of a Bradley vehicle from a metallic track solution to a segmented composite rubber track solution.

The future track systems for Bradley vehicle must be applicable and adaptable to the military environment, according to the notice. This environment includes extreme ambient operating conditions from -40°C to 60°C (-40° to 140° Fahrenheit), storage conditions of -51°C to 71°C (-60° to 160° Fahrenheit), as well as extreme shock and vibration.

The Bradley Fighting Vehicle is expected to include the ability to have the squat capability.

“If vehicle modification is required, please specify the required changes, the amount of time, and level of effort needed to make the system effective. Major lower hull modifications can be entertained, but minimizing modifications is a plus,” also added in the notice.

The current expectation is 6 road wheel stations, at a forecasted weight of 100,000 lbs. or 50 US tons, with as much as 20% growth margin.

https://defence-blog.com/army/u-s-armys-bradley-fighting-vehicles-to-receive-modern-composite-track-system.html

Citation :

US Army to retrofit Apache helos with underwater crew escape system

Gareth Jennings, London - Jane's Navy International

03 June 2019


A US Army AH-64D Apache helicopter prepares to land aboard USS during an exercise. With an increasing emphasis on maritime
operations for the helicopter, the service is to fit an emergency underwater crew escape system. Source: US Navy


The US Army is to retrofit its Boeing AH-64D/E Apache attack helicopters with an underwater escape system for the crew as part of a wider rollout of the aircraft's maritime capabilities.

The service disclosed on 31 May that it is to issue Boeing with a sole-source contract to fit its AH-64D Apache Longbow and AH-64E Apache Guardian helicopters with a new canopy severance device that is known as the Underwater Emergency Egress System (UEES).

The Apache has an explosive canopy fitted as standard to aid a crew escape should the aircraft be forced down over water, although this can only be fired before the aircraft submerges. As noted in the notification, the UEES replaces the current detonation system in door and window locations for the pilot and weapons operator in its entirety.

This upgrade is necessary as, when fitted with the top-heavy mast-mounted fire-control radar, the Apache has a tendency to roll and become inverted quickly. Although an Apache flotation system has been developed and tested by the UK, the upgrade adds weight to the aircraft that could otherwise be given to fuel and ordnance.

While the Army Contracting Command Redstone Arsenal (ACC-RSA) did not disclose a timeline or contract value, it did note that the initial effort will cover five test UEES kits.

The UEES modification is part of a growing requirement by the US Army to operate its Apaches in the littoral environment, using US Navy (USN) and US Marine Corps (USMC) ships as launch pads. While the Apache is not a bespoke naval platform in the same way as the Bell AH-1Z Viper fielded by the USMC, the army has already rolled out some modifications for the helicopter and its crews to aid with over-water operations.

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16/06/2019

Second lot de MH-47G BlockII « Chinook » !



Boeing a remporté un second contrat de 194 millions de dollars pour la livraison du second lot d’hélicoptères Boeing MH-47G Block II « Chinook » pour venir équiper le « Special Operations Aviation Command » (USASOC) de l'US Army. Ce second lot sera à livrer à partir de 2021.

A ce jour l’US Army exploite une flotte de 61 MH-47G au standard Block I. Le programme Block II intègre plusieurs améliorations la capacité de levage de l’hélicoptère. Commandée par le Commandement des opérations spéciales de l'armée américaine (USASOC), la flotte actuelle de MH-47G comprend les 61 hélicoptères reconstruits du Block I (62 ont été livrés, soit 35 CH-47D, 9 MH-47D et 18 MH-47E).

Dérivé du célèbre hélicoptère « Chinook » de base le MH-47G est une plate-forme spéciale qui comprend des réservoirs de carburant à double capacité, une sonde de ravitaillement en vol, un système numérique avancé de contrôle de vol et des capteurs avancés, un système de guerre électronique. Le MH-47G utilise 2 moteurs T55-GA-714A équipés de suppresseurs d'échappement infrarouges IES-47 pour réduire la visibilité IR de l'hélicoptère. La cellule a une trappe abdominale, des fenêtres à bulles le long de chaque côté. Un treuil de sauvetage est monté au-dessus de la porte avant tribord. La fenêtre du tireur se trouve sur le fuselage bâbord, à l'arrière du poste de pilotage.

Le MH-47G dispose d'un cockpit numérique compatible avec les lunettes de vision nocturne. Il comporte 5 écrans d'affichage multifonctions (MFD) à cristaux liquides de 6x8 pouces et 2 unités d'affichage de contrôle (CDU). Le cockpit est conforme à la norme CAAS (Common Avionics Architecture System), partageant les mêmes unités de traitement et d'affichage que le MH-60M « Black Hawk ». Le CAAS a été développé pour les « Night Stalkers » puis adopté par l'armée.

Les améliorations du standard Block II, qui sont en cours de développement pour la flotte de CH-47F de l'armée américaine, comprennent une nouvelles pâlles de rotor avancée (ACRB), dotée d'une géométrie pour augmenter la capacité de levage de 680 kg à ' 000 ft et 35 ° C en vol stationnaire et de nouveaux équipements électroniques.

Photo : MH-47G BlockII « Chinook » @ Boeing

http://psk.blog.24heures.ch/archive/2019/06/16/second-lot-de-mh-47g-blockii-chinook-867589.html