Naval and Defense News

[michaelm75au]

Well, looks like the RAAF may be getting some new toys also ...

Apr. 25, 2016 Australia – AIM-120D Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missiles
http://www.dsca.mil/major-arms-sales/au ... r-missiles

[Dysta]

ORIGINAL: michaelm

Well, looks like the RAAF may be getting some new toys also ...

Apr. 25, 2016 Australia – AIM-120D Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missiles
http://www.dsca.mil/major-arms-sales/au ... r-missiles

Well, Europe got Meteor, Japan got AAM-4 and China got PL-15, so I think it's only matter of time to other countries with US-made fighters having better AMRAAMs.

[tjhkkr]

http://www.msn.com/en-us/lifestyle/othe ... ar-BBrdIOR

http://www.popsci.com/new-chinese-laser ... me&src=syn

I know you all know that China is getting frisky, but here are some interesting reports.

[AlGrant]

Severodvinsk launches land attack cruise missile
http://7fbtk.blogspot.co.uk/2016/04/severodvinsk-launches-first-missile-as.html

Video of the launch https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jUXO4RShyQo

[Dysta]

ORIGINAL: Hongjian

Some more news from the front:

The four PLAN Sovremenny-class DDGs and the single Type 051B Luhai-class DDG have gone into refit some month ago for MLU. Now, we have the first glimpse of their new equipment:

Pr.956E: Universal GJB 5860-2006 VLS modules, at least six of them visible.



We can see that it is indeed the GJB 5860-2006 VLS (for the Type 052D DDG) and not the H/AJK-16 (the official designation for the VLS onboard the 054A, for launching the HHQ-16 and CY-3/Yu-8), because there is no seperate exhaust lid to be seen between the cells. Since we can see the hinges directing towards bow and aft, the H/AJK-16's exhaust would be in the middle between the first four visible cells. But there isnt any, it seems.

While the total number of VLS cells isnt visible due to that tarp, we could already assume that the Sovremennys would get some serious firepower upgrade by these universal VLS alone. LACM, YJ-18 and HHQ-9 SAMs all would be compatible with these VLS. Hopefully there will be good photos available when the MLU is finished and the Pr.956Es are returning to service. What happens with the two Pr.956EMs that are also undergoing MLU, and whether they will have the same upgrades (since their Kashtan CIWS are top notch weapons and shouldnt have been scheduled for replacement), remains to be seen.

Unlikely, I've measured the width of Sov and the Grizzly's stern platform. It only has 6 meters at the maximum to install new VLS.

So I've made a visual speculation of two types of new VLS that China have, so far, I start to agree with HQ-16C's rumor with 6 quad-cells from Popular Science (http://www.popsci.com/china-refits-older-warships-for-bigger-punch). Rather than the Carrier Killer in steroid.



But something amiss: When is the HQ-16C rumor came from? In DB3000, not even the HQ-16B has been confirmed as well.

[Hongjian]

@Dysta

Seems like it.

Since it looks like that there will only be six VLS cells in total (and maybe 2 more on each side since the ASW launcher seems to be replaced as well). The HHQ-16C might thus be a quad-packed evolution of the Shtil/HQ-16, equivalent to the ESSM. We have to remember that the Shtil fore and aft have each a magazine for 24 missiles each, so having only six VLS cells each for one single HHQ-16, which is comparable with the missiles it used before, would kinda be an effective downgrade of the Sovs.
And since the VLS cells look as large as the 052D's, it might very well be a ESSMized HHQ-16.

IIRC, the HHQ-16B was rumored to be an active guided HHQ-16. But this is yet to be seen, since all new 054As and the refit for the 051B al stilll have Orekh FCRs, indicating that the HHQ-16s are still the original SARH variants.

[Dysta]

ORIGINAL: Hongjian

@Dysta

The HHQ-16C might thus be a quad-packed evolution of the Shtil/HQ-16, equivalent to the ESSM. We have to remember that the Shtil fore and aft have each a magazine for 24 missiles each, so having only six VLS cells each for one single HHQ-16, which is comparable with the missiles it used before, would kinda be an effective downgrade of the Sovs.
And since the VLS cells look as large as the 052D's, it might very well be a ESSMized HHQ-16.

IIRC, the HHQ-16B was rumored to be an active guided HHQ-16. But this is yet to be seen, since all new 054As and the refit for the 051B al stilll have Orekh FCRs, indicating that the HHQ-16s are still the original SARH variants.

I hardly think HQ-16 can go even smaller, into Shtil-1's size or more... SkyDragon 50 maybe?

http://www.armyrecognition.com/china_ch ... 01163.html



It might looks like a downgraded export version of HQ-16, but actually it's a SAM version of PL-12/SD-10 with a extended booster at the back. So it can have 50km (27nm) of range, exactly what ESSM had.

But for 054A VLS system, it's still too big to be quad-packed. The only possibility is the VLS is a whole different design, which is very unlikely. Consider what Sov needed isn't just better point defense, but also enhancing area defense, which Grizzly is designed for.

The most important thing to have VLS is: unlike the arm-launcher, VLS is hardly cause malfunctioning that will render the whole magazine useless, while a single-arm launcher will. It's more likely for reliability upgrade than boosting its firepower.

Whatever it is, time could tell, so we cannot make any conclusion yet.

[Hongjian]

This is why many in the PLA watcher community think that the often rumored quad-pack self defense missile for the 052D's VLS might not be related with the DK-10 or Sky-Dragon, since both of them are simply too big.
As for the HHQ-16 evolution into a quad-packable missile; there might be some precedence for that: The Russians have evolved the 9M317/9M38 into the much more compact 9M317ME Shtil-1, suitable for VLS cells. The missile's body itself is only 0.4m in diameter and thus a quad-pack would fit inside the 0.85m diameter of the GJB 5860-2006 VLS if using folding fins.

But until there are actual pictures of this coming out, this is mere speculation. I hope that we will get some clearer pictures of the retrofitted Sovs soon. And maybe if we see that the Sovs will have their Orekh FCRs removed after refit, we might get a clue about what kind of SAM is equipped...

[mikmykWS]

Hongjian

Do you what WS rocket types are in PLA service or are these strickly export types (WS-1,2,32 etc). I want to add them but need to see that the Chinese Army actually fields them so some links to photos would be great. No thanks on arms how photos. Seen about all of those..hehe!

Thanks!

Mike

[Hongjian]

ORIGINAL: mikmyk

Hongjian

Do you what WS rocket types are in PLA service or are these strickly export types (WS-1,2,32 etc). I want to add them but need to see that the Chinese Army actually fields them so some links to photos would be great. No thanks on arms how photos. Seen about all of those..hehe!

Thanks!

Mike

According to my findings, it seems that the WS-series is for export only so far, although it seems like some WS-series GMRLS rockets have been deployed for the PHL03 and the new PHZ10 MRLS. The WS-1 is deployed in Turkey, Thailand etc. so far.

In this video, one can see the accurate rocket hits from the PHL03 hitting stationary targets with pretty good CEP, which leads one to speculate that some technologies from the WS-2 and WS-3 GMRLS have been used.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AbbysWm393A

[Zaslon]

First prototype of the multirole Ka-62 helicopter takes to the air

The first prototype (OP-1) of the medium multirole Ka-62 helicopter took off at Russian Helicopters’ Progress Arsenyev Aviation Company (part of State Corporation Rostec) on April 28. The lift in a hover mode was part of the factory flight testing and was completed successfully.

The OP-1 Ka-62 was launched to evaluate its overall performance and to test its main power supply systems and avionics. The helicopter was operated by test pilots from the Kamov Design Bureau, which is the main developer of the Ka-62. Previously, the rotorcraft has successfully passed a series of tests in a ground-based racing mode.


"This is a very significant event for the Russian Helicopters holding company and a due result of our work", - said the holding company’s CEO Alexander Mikheev. - "The new Ka-62 will complement the civilian versions of the honoured and most produced helicopter in the world - Mi-8/17, and it will fill a high demand niche in the class of helicopters with a 6-7 ton take-off weight."

The Ka-62 is designed for a wide range of tasks. Its main purposes include transporting passengers, rescue operations, and use in the oil and gas sector. With a spacious and comfortable cabin, this helicopter is ideal for corporate travel. The Ka-62’s high power to weight ratio allows to operate it in a wide range of altitudes. The Ka-62 can be used in hot climates and above water.

[Hongjian]

http://thediplomat.com/2016/05/china-an ... se-in-may/

China and Russia to Hold First Computer-Enabled Missile Defense Exercise in May

“The exercise will aim to practice combined operations of Russian and Chinese air and missile defense task forces to provide protection from accidental and provocative attacks of ballistic and cruise missiles,” it adds. The Russian defense ministry also noted that the drill is not directed against a third country.

I wonder what sorts of ABM and strategic SAM systems are to be simulated. HQ-19? S-400?

[Hongjian]

To continue the discussion in this thread:

ORIGINAL: Nightwatch

Unit request

A couple of days ago China conducted another test of their hypersonic glide vehicl
e called DF-ZF (also called WU-14 by western sources): http://www.popularmechanics.com/militar ... on-system/

DZ-FZ is a high speed / high maneuverability reentry vehicle vor ballistic missiles. Put on an IRBM/ICBM its capable of reaching up to Mach 10.
It still a couple of years away from being an actual weapon, but given its game changing potential i'd love to see it in Command.

The easiest way to do it would be to add another DF-21 variant:
SSM Bn (DF-21D [CSS-5 Mod-4) ASBM DZ-FZ Mod)- China, 2022 (hypothetical)

Just increase the reentry speed and make it basically untouchable for terminal BMD missiles (ERAM, THAAD).
SM-3 Blk IIA and GBI should be capable of intercepting it though.

As Dysta already said, there is indeed too little data around. But so is for the DF-21D, aside of pictoral evidence when it rolled down Chang'an Avenue during last year's Parade. But at least we know about the estimated throw-weight of the DF-21D based on the previous non-ASBM variants.
On the other hand, if the DF-ZF is to be equipped on the DF-21 missile, we could make use of the throw weight as well in the meantime.

On topic of its susceptibility to interceptors, I would actually support the reverse case: The DF-ZF HGV is actually susceptible to low-altitute/in-atmosphere terminal interceptors like the SM-6 and THAAD instead of the SM-3, since the DF-ZF's selling point is actually its maneuverable mid-course cruise phase, with its stone-skipping trajectory which makes it's flight path hard to predict and to intercept by mid-course interceptors like the SM-3 series, also by the virtue of cruising lower than the minimum engagement altuitude for these interceptors:

http://www.jamestown.org/single/?tx_ttn ... yi4EoSyNBc

China and its Goals for the DF-ZF

China has conducted six DF-ZF tests in the past year and a half. Although frequency does not determine test quality, it does demonstrate that China is dedicated to the successful development of this technology. Its 10th Research Institute (also known as the “Near Space Flight Vehicle Research Institute”), which is under the China Aerospace Science Industry Corporation (CASIC) 1st Academy, is the sole entity responsible for the development of HGVs. [2] This unique concentration of the entirety of the program into the 10th Research Institute seems to have facilitated a remarkably quick development of China’s DF-ZF. Unlike the United States, China is assumed to be using a medium-range ballistic missile (MRBM) transporter erector launcher (TEL) as the delivery method for all of its HGV tests. This design launches the boost-glide vehicle into the atmosphere along a trajectory similar to a traditional ballistic missile. After the vehicle reenters the earth’s atmosphere, it boosts itself back into the upper atmosphere. It then performs a pull up maneuver to control speed and altitude before gliding into its target (Next Big Future, August 1, 2015). The up-and-down trajectory of the HGV is believed to be able to confuse current ballistic missile defense (BMD) systems as the projectile’s erratic course prevents the system from locking onto its target. Countries in East Asia with BMD available to intercept a Chinese HGV include Japan, South Korea and Taiwan, each with U.S.-supplied PATRIOT-3 (PAC-3) batteries, along with India, Pakistan and Russia, each of whom has its own indigenous BMD, as well as BMD purchased from other countries. The DF-ZF’s unpredictable flight path and ability to be launched from a variety of missiles, each with different range capabilities, shows that China’s goals for its HGV is to evade ballistic missile defense systems that threaten its ability to launch a successful offensive or defensive strike.

The catch now is, that the DF-ZF would thus become reachable by traditional in-atmosphere SAM systems, since it doesnt really fly into space as traditional ballistic missiles. The HVG is estimated to stay within the stratosphere, well below the minimum altitude for exoatmospheric kinetic interceptors. To adress this vulnerability, the DF-ZF thus performs unpredictable evasive maneuvers, as shown the first time during the 4th test last year:

http://freebeacon.com/national-security ... e-vehicle/

The Wu-14 was assessed as traveling up to 10 times the speed of sound, or around 7,680 miles per hour.

Unlike earlier tests, the latest test demonstrated what one official called “extreme maneuvers” that appeared to analysts designed for penetrating through missile defense systems.

Current U.S. missile defenses are limited to knocking out missiles and their warheads with predictable ballistic trajectories that can be tracked with relative ease by satellite sensors and ground and sea radar.

However, the Wu-14 threatens to neutralize U.S. strategic missile defenses with the unique capability of flying at ultra high speeds and maneuvering to avoid detection and tracking by radar and missile defense interceptors.

Still, with enough interceptors (and a CVBG's escorts will have hundreds of SM-6/late-block ABM capable SM-2), the DF-ZF can be shot down by being swarmed during the short engagement window when it is in optimum range.
During terminal stage, when the DF-ZF will dive down to attack surface targets, the HGV will likely stop pulling extreme maneuvers and rely on its hypersonic speeds alone to penetrate defenses. In that window, the DF-ZF might be the most vulnerable, as its path will be predictable. With enough terminal stage interceptors (and I believe the US' efforts to deploy an ABM capable ESSM fits into this role), even Mach 10 warheads would be taken out eventually.

This will prompt the PLA Rocket Force to try to saturate the target yet again, like with any other weapon. Hence, the DF-ZF, while build for better penetration and high survivability, isnt a silver bullet.

[Dysta]

For more information (and suggestion, eventually), check out MaRV or MARV in Wikipedia:

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maneuve ... ry_vehicle

Maybe we should make a new catalogue of weapon call MA(a)RV for CMANO, if detected it is maneuvering unlike normal RV?

[xavierv]

Some recent naval news

U.S. Marine Corps MV-22B Osprey flies in to fuel up F-35B Joint Strike Fighter Aircraft

A U.S. Marine Corps MV-22B Osprey descended on Edwards to link up with a Marine F-35B Joint Strike Fighter April 28. Both aircraft are assigned to Marine Operational Test & Evaluation Squadron 22 (VMX-22) out of Marine Corps Air Station Yuma in Arizona. VMX-22 has a detachment here where Marines are testing and evaluating their version of the JSF, which is the short take-off and vertical landing variant.

http://www.navyrecognition.com/index.ph ... ew&id=3902

Qatar to procure Raytheon's RIM-116C Rolling Airframe Missiles for its Navy

Qatar will procure Raytheon RIM-116C and RIM-116C-2 Rolling Airframe Missiles after the US State Department approved the possible Foreign Military Sale. The new missiles will be used for the protection of naval forces and nearby oil/gas infrastructure from air and missile threats.

http://www.navyrecognition.com/index.ph ... ew&id=3905

Indian Navy's First Scorpene-class Submarine Kalvari Started Maiden Sea Trials

‘Kalvari’, the first of the Scorpene class submarines, being built at the Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd Mumbai (MDL), went to sea for the first time on 01 May 16. The submarine sailed out at about 1000 hrs under her own propulsion for the first sea trial, off the Mumbai coast and during the sortie. A number of number of preliminary tests on the propulsion system, Auxiliary Equipment and Systems, Navigation Aids, Communication Equipment and Steering gear...

http://www.navyrecognition.com/index.ph ... ew&id=3906

Turkey Started the Construction of its future LHD TCG Anadolu

Turkey began the construction of its first LHD / amphibious assault ship on Saturday, April 30th. The first steel cut ceremony was held at Sedef shipyard in Tuzlay Bay close to Istanbul. During the ceremony President of Turkish Republic Recep Tayyip Erdogan declared that "TCG Anadolu will be the first ship in the navy from which F-35B SVTOL planes will operate".

http://www.navyrecognition.com/index.ph ... ew&id=3907

Navantia Simultaneously Laid the Keel of Two New BAM type OPVs for the Spanish Navy

Navantia held on April 29 keel laying ceremonies of the two BAM (Buque de Acción Marítima) OPV for the Spanish Ministry of Defense. Both milestones have taken place at 12 pm simultaneously in the shipyards of San Fernando and Ferrol. These are the 5th and 6th vessel respectively. It is planned that the launching of both ships will be held in the first half of 2017.

http://www.navyrecognition.com/index.ph ... ew&id=3911

French Navy Floreal-class Frigate in South China Sea with US Navy Stennis CSG

The French Navy (Marine Nationale) Floreal-class Frigate Vendemiaire joined the US Navy Stennis Carrier Strike Group (CSG) on April 30 2016 in the South China Sea. The French surveillance frigate joined USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) and his escort, consisting of three Arleigh Burke-class Destroyers and a Ticonderoga-class cruiser.

http://www.navyrecognition.com/index.ph ... ew&id=3917

Video: Russia’s nuclear-powered submarine Severodvinsk launches Kalibr cruise missile
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jUXO4RShyQo

The Russian Northern Fleet’s Project 885 nuclear-powered submarine Severodvinsk has successfully hit a coastal practice target, using the Kalibr (NATO reporting name: SS-N-27 Sizzler) missile system, fleet spokesman Captain 1st Rank Vadim Serga said on Wednesday.

http://www.navyrecognition.com/index.ph ... ew&id=3918

[AlGrant]

The Textron AirLand Scorpion jet due to appear at Farnborough UK airshow
https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/scorpion-readied-for-another-starring-role-at-farnbo-424893/

Looks like they've done all the work but no buyers
http://www.scorpionjet.com/


Probably just me but the wings look like they just don't belong on that airframe [:D]


[NO this isn't a DB addition request!]

[Dysta]

ORIGINAL: AlGrant

Textron AirLand Scorpion

The Super Tucano had successfully stole its show with WWII-esque propellers and modern bombs.

Scorpion will definitely need to something to make it a very worthy trainer, and low-value threat decimator, with or even below the cost of Brazilian birds.

[Dysta]

USS Florida: HEY WTF?!

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article ... altar.html

Royal Navy fires warning shot at Spanish patrol boat ‘hassling’ US nuclear submarine attempting to dock at Gibraltar
Published: 07:56 GMT, 5 May 2016 | Updated: 14:06 GMT, 5 May 2016

The Royal Navy has fired a warning shot at a Spanish patrol boat as it tried to 'hassle' a US nuclear submarine attempting to dock at Gibraltar, it has emerged.

Spanish Guardia Civil vessel Rio Cedena twice tried to disrupt the visit by ballistic missile sub USS Florida as it was approaching the British Overseas Territory on the southern tip of Spain.

Flares were fired across its bow as it sailed in front of the American submarine and the Royal Navy reportedly dispatched its squadron patrol vessel HMS Sabre.

(more at link)

[xavierv]

First Egyptian Navy Mistral Class LHD Sailed Out to Sea for Initial Crew Formation

The first Mistral-class LHD Gamal Abdel Nasser (hull number L1010, the former Vladivostok initially intended for the Russian Navy), purchased by Egypt after the cancellation of the contract with Russia went out to sea for the first time with an Egyptian crew for a week of training.

180 Egyptian Navy sailors are reported to be aboard the vessel. A second series of formation at sea is set to take place on the second half of May. The Gamal Abdel Nasser is set to sail to its homeport in Egypt in June this year.

http://www.navyrecognition.com/index.ph ... ew&id=3930

Royal Australian Navy Final ANZAC class Frigate Readies for ASM Defence Upgrade

HMAS Stuart recently became the last of the Anzac class frigates to enter the Anti-Ship Missile Defence (ASMD) upgrade. Stuart docked at the BAE Systems Australia Henderson shipyard in Western Australia on 3 May and will remain out of the water until early March 2017.

http://www.navyrecognition.com/index.ph ... ew&id=3928

US Navy intention to install NSM on a US Navy Littoral Combat Ship for deployment

The US Navy has issued an intention to award a sole source contract to Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace AS (KONGSBERG) for the equipment and flight test support services in support of Naval Strike Missile (NSM) Foreign Comparative Testing (FCT) Phase II demonstration test.

http://www.navyrecognition.com/index.ph ... ew&id=3925

Russian Defense Ministry orders two Project 23550 ice-class patrol ships for Arctic applications

The Russian Defense Ministry has placed an order for two Project 23550 ice-class patrol ships with the Admiralty Wharves Shipyard, the Defense Ministry’s press office said on Wednesday.

http://www.navyrecognition.com/index.ph ... ew&id=3921

[Aivlis]

ORIGINAL: AlGrant


The Textron AirLand Scorpion jet due to appear at Farnborough UK airshow
https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/scorpion-readied-for-another-starring-role-at-farnbo-424893/

Looks like they've done all the work but no buyers
http://www.scorpionjet.com/


Probably just me but the wings look like they just don't belong on that airframe [:D]


[NO this isn't a DB addition request!]

That's one odd design! It's conservative to the extreme, and made me assume Cessna simply had a lack of experience building high-subsonic airframes (not true, they have a line of business jets). The straight wing is less susceptible to aeroelastic phenomena like torsional divergence, at the expense of poorer performance at Mach numbers approaching 1.
All in all, it looks more like a tech demonstrator for the company than an actual product, as evidenced by the myriad of changes it has received in its short lifespan.