Patch Post #2 for the 2012/2013 campaign 18 February 2013. The first two items “real” purpose will be to provide a litmus test of real world technology meets game play realities. I can only provide the raw data and offer my interpretations of the information. Helo A7 and MBT A1 are there because they’re real and a decision will have to be made by Don and Andy in what direction this info will ultimately take the game in as the end date approaches. It is out of my hands but, we have arrived at a crossroads. What’s not here that some maybe expected? Yes you might be right if you guessed the Russian T-90AM/MS (Export version.). Why? Simply I have data and stats of all sorts, what I don’t have are production and acquisition dates for anyone including the Russians. So it’ll wait and hopefully I’ll get that info later this year. I will not throw a “Hail Mary” and enter it hoping I’ll be close to getting it right (or wrong.) there’s been too much of that already here by others in the past. Also the SAA OLIFANT now there’s a project and that’s why ~30 minutes ago I thought this can wait until next years campaign as well. Again I traveled the world and saw nothing now how does that happen!?! And please remember Post #1 for all others. Thank You!
Helos Cont…
A7. USA JAN 2013/TAIWAN OCT 2013/ADD/APACHE AH-64E GUARDIAN/Use UNIT 916/EW 10 or 12/TI/GSR 60-80/Speed 10-15%+//
Well to say this is the most advanced AH out there would be an understatement, it is a game changer in the real world and in the end probably in the game upon further evaluation of the information provided. If not now
(TI/GSR) later as more information comes to light. I start with quotes concerning the performance of the AH-64E over the AH-64D from ref. 3 Col. Shane Openshaw APACHE Project Manager,
"I had the opportunity to fly a Block III Apache a week ago and I will tell you the performance of the aircraft is tremendous," Openshaw said. "It's fast, strong and capable. We have also made improvements to the target acquisition platform. The backbone of the aircraft is an open-system architecture with improved mission command and interoperability."
Also from Ref. 4 (It also address foreign sales most importantly Taiwan.),
During testing last year, operators in the E model were able to counter realistic air defense threats in demonstrations at Naval Air Station China Lake, Calif., says Col. John Lynch, attack helicopter manager at Army Training and Doctrine Command. He says the helicopters were able to maintain their positions and maneuver as needed and had power margin while the Block II Apaches were “shot down” in similar exercises. “The Block III absolutely frustrated these folks that operate these [air defense] systems,” he says. The added power is due in part to improved composite main rotor blades that are six inches longer and feature a new tip design for improved aerodynamic performance as well as improved General Electric T700-GE-701D engines, Koopersmith says.
The first ref. as most know by now found out (About the site.) will be in subscriber and or outdate phase still by time this is posted. But once available will be an outstanding source concerning the AH-64E. The last ref. is useful as a check of countries that fly the AH-64A/D models.
https://www.defenseindustrydaily.com...-signed-02480/
http://www.flightglobal.com/news/art...o-come-380875/
http://www.defpro.com/news/details/26074/
http://www.defpro.com/news/details/34196/
http://www.army.mil/article/77128/Ap...well_in_tests/
http://www.army.mil/article/90221/Up...or_production/
http://www.military.com/daily-news/2...roduction.html
http://www.aviationweek.com/Article....-01-511015.xml
http://blog.al.com/breaking/2013/01/post_1023.html
http://www.defensemedianetwork.com/s...-now-guardian/
http://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/...ization-04250/
http://www.taiwannews.com.tw/etn/new...php?id=2120011
http://www.chinapost.com.tw/taiwan/n...che-attack.htm
http://www.boeing.com/rotorcraft/mil...h64d/index.htm
BONUS Read:
http://www.army-technology.com/featu...k-helicopters/
Pics:
For Turkey T-129 Kenya/Cambodia Z-9 AH
France/Brazil/Malaysia/Indonesia/Thailand EC 725
MBT’s…
A1. USA/ADD/JAN 2012/M1A2 SEP V2/USE/MODIFY UNIT # with CROWS II .50 CAL/TI/GSR 50-70.//
The Army is currently operating with only three types of ABRAMS tanks. These are the M1A1 SA (These are the ones IRAQ is using.) models used by the Army Reserve and National Guard, the M1A2 SEP and now the M1A2 SEP V2. The “heart” of the V2 is the complete redesign of the
new FCS and associated systems. There are engine and associated system upgrades as well more to efficiency and improved maintenance capabilities. Not clear as to any improvement in speed though, which is probably fine as is. The CROWS II system carries
5 times more ammo then previous machine gun systems carried of the .50 Cal class. These tanks are projected to be operational until 2050. The issue here will be
“how far” so I’ll start with a quote from Commander of the 1st Combined Arms Battalion, 63rd Armor Regiment, Lieutenant Colonel Michael Henderson off Ref. 1 below …"The optics [system] has finally caught up with the ammunition," Henderson added. And…"The ammunition has always been able to kill at extended ranges but the previous optics did not allow us, in some cases, to
positively identify targets beyond 3,000m." The new FCS now does this but, more on that below. All associated systems will need to be improved from FC, LRF (?) & STAB. The current BRADLEY’s have the same system as well, there is a new variant with the “BUSK” pkg I’ll submit next year to include this FCS pkg. The minimum from the quote above puts the game range at 60+ the maximum based on a couple articles I’ve read would take this out to 4500yds or 4115.800m which = 82.296 hexes. The article in ref 1 does mention 4000yds as well.
I’m more concerned with the “positively identify targets beyond 3,000m.” part, I feel the time has come and we can’t ignore the reality of this situation.
This will be the “MERKVA 4b” crossroads point of when that was advanced to TI/GSR 50 awhile back. Reference two will address the new
M829E4 Kinetic Round that will push the “Vision” that I believe is
already there now out to the 70+/- range, then what do we do?
http://www.army-technology.com/news/...aded-vehicles/
http://www.ausa.org/publications/arm...ts/SA_0911.pdf
http://www.army-guide.com/eng/article/article_2430.html
http://www.fprado.com/armorsite/abrams.htm
http://www.army-technology.com/projects/abrams/
A2. TANZANIA/ADD/OCT 2012/TYPE 59G/RESET/MG Chinese 125mm SB w/Rds UKN/12.7mm and 7.62mm w/Rds UKN//
The tanks were shipped to China and RESET and during that time China has set maintenance facilities in Tanzania to support these tanks and other Chinese weapons systems bought there. The TYPE 59G represents the apex of the TYPE 59 development. The 125mm MG with auto loader is
based on the Russian 2A46M 125mm MG. The turret appears to be the same one that’s on the new
Chinese TYPE 96G. Based on that it would appear then also it is carrying the same EW system as the TYPE 96 which is similar to the Russian Shtora-1. It has been up armored with a new and heavier turret to support the MG, electronic and electrical systems have also been updated to include a new FCS and it also supposedly received new more powerful engines to provide the power needed for all the new systems onboard and the AC required to keep them cool. AC in tanks is just like AC in Subs, its there for the electronics first and crew comfort hopefully in a close second. This is probably true as the original engines would have problems in this area and in dealing with the extra weight and the need for additional speed as well.
Note: It would appear this improved version of the Chinese TYPE 96 is not in the OOB as shown in Ref. 6 below.
See UNIT 026. The refs refer to “the new TYPE 96”.
http://www.dmilt.com/index.php?optio...rica&Itemid=55
http://www.armyrecognition.com/decem...9g_271211.html
http://www.sinodefence.com/army/tank/type59.asp
http://www.armyrecognition.com/china..._pictures.html
http://www.armyrecognition.com/china...igence_uk.html
A3. SWEDEN/ADD/OCT 2004/STRV 122B/Use UNIT 358 and modify per below as needed//
The big issue here is protection over the base German Leopard tanks that the
STRV-122A and
STRV-122B design modifications are derived from. First a breakdown of the STRV Series.
The STRV-121 is a Leopard 2A4 as used by Germany at the time of purchase by Sweden in 1994 and 1995 they are both interchangeable. The first STRV-121 became operational in Feb 1994 and are in storage dates range from late 2006 TO 2010. Ref. 1
does not currently list them,
see C1 below.
The STRV-122A is a “German” Leopard 2A5 but that’s where the comparison ends. The Swedes had the STRV-122 frontal and side armor improved upon by adding a
3rd Generation add on armor to include glacial armor and the turret and spall liner installed. The major area in armor improvement was in the
top protection for instance the turret hatches are just over
20cm in thickness. After extensive testing the Swedes decided on a geared system for opening them at even severe angles. Another major upgrade is the replacement of standard German smoke grenade launchers with the
Gallix System. The Gallix System is essentially a soft-kill active defense system with a few extra wrinkles. The system uses nine grenade launcher tubes on either side of the turret, both of which can be rotated from +45 degrees to -5 degrees, independently of each other. (Standard elevation is 30 degrees, if none other is selected.) The Gallix System also includes sensors atop the turret to detect and warn of incoming targeting lasers and active IR targeting systems. The system can be set to launch one or more smoke grenades (either standard smoke or IR-obscuring smoke) automatically if lasers or IR targeting is detected, or the commander can choose to launch them at his command. Any of the grenade tubes can also be loaded with antipersonnel close-defense grenades (similar to the tactical buckshot or flechette rounds of grenade launchers); these must be fired by the commander (there is no provision for automatic firing of these grenades). Other types of grenades that can be used in the Gallix System include HE-Blast grenades and fragmentation grenades; again, these must be fired deliberately by the commander. They became operational in late 1997.
See C1 below.
The STRV-122B has been further upgraded in a joint project with Germany and later the Netherlands, Norway and Switzerland. After extensive testing by the Swedes in the ability of the LEO to withstand IED and advanced RPG attacks. KMW did the work resulting in the
German LEO 2A6M (30 modified with 20 to be later leased by Canada to support their Afghan Ops.) and
STRV-122B (14 modified at this time.). Out of this project came additional improvements such as an armor plate on the bottom/lower front (See pic below.) for increased protection against IEDs, all around add armor,
new improved spall liner throughout the interior, an improved vision system by better protecting the vision heads, vision blocks, rear camera, and the laser designator apertures, and improved better protected ammo storage as well. Per Ref. 1 the
EVO package will be on the MBT 122B+ (Sounds like LEOPARD 2A7+ doesn’t it?).
Note Ref. 1below is an official Swedish Defense source. Tank issues start on page 14.
http://ointres.se/2012-02-21_Lindstrom_IAV%202012.pdf
http://www.fprado.com/armorsite/leo2.htm
http://www.army-technology.com/projects/leopard/
http://www.haaland.info/armour/index...-stridsvagn122
http://www.militaryfactory.com/armor...p?armor_id=457
http://www.defpro.com/news/details/35969/
http://www.armyrecognition.com/june_...d_0706121.html
http://pmulcahy.100megs3.com/tanks/swedish_tanks.html
Pic:
A4. INDONESIA/ADD/JAN 2013/LEOPARD 2A6/Refurbished/Use GERMAN UNIT 033//
I’m not going to spend a whole lot of time here. I’ve posted on this tank deal for over a year or so already in the MBT Thread. Made some allowance for further training and logistics concerning the start date. Basically this was part of a move to better defend the country against the expansion of the Chinese military and the perceived threat it might have on the region and some local issues. This tank deal was started with the Dutch shortly after they took their LEO’s out of service and decommissioned their heavy armored units.
See pg. 7 POST #65 C4 of this Thread. Anyway the Dutch parliament had issues over the (MOD and heads of Government supported the sale.) sale due to the Human Rights issues surrounding Indonesia. Indonesia had already evaluated several tanks and wanted the LEO’s and Germany stepped in ready to sell and support them once in country. The decision as I posted in the
RE: SWEDISH Thread was easy in that the current LEO 2A6 was too advanced and expensive. Which left me with several options of which German UNIT 033 the best sense by date of service, time in storage and cost per unit based on the deal made and units ordered initially (Currently the order was increased to 103-105 units depending on source.) I further removed
UNITS 034 and 035 for the same reasons as the current active German units. We will never know which one they got for sure without the release of specific contract information. I could only review the “calculus” of the information at hand and previous deals made to come to this conclusion. Part of the reason the Germans allowed for more tanks is the final negotiation of contract talks for the sell of MARDER 1A3 APCs in the last ref below but that’s for next year along with many other APC items I have. So much for brevity…anyway here are the refs in historical order...sort of.
http://www.armyrecognition.com/decem...s_1612112.html
http://www.brecorder.com/general-news/172/1256722/
http://www.army-technology.com/news/...2a6-mbts-deal/
http://atlanticsentinel.com/2012/07/...-german-tanks/
http://www.defensie.nl/english/lates...ds_with_a_bang
http://www.army-technology.com/news/news120180.html
http://www.armyrecognition.com/march...r_1003121.html
http://www.dmilt.com/index.php?optio...asia&Itemid=56
http://www.armyrecognition.com/septe...y_1409124.html
C1. SWEDEN/CHANGE/STRV-121/UNITS 357 & 358/End Date to DEC 2010/ Refs per A3 above.//
The STRV-121 had for several years faced inactivation due economic strains in the country after the STRV-122A became operational. I have been unable to find any information that any have been sold off at this time though, due to the current time crunch I’m under to get this out, I haven’t spent any time to dig hard on that issue. They are however without a doubt out of service and I feel pending better information and as per Ref 1 of A3 above feel comfortable with this information.
C2. SWEDEN/CHANGE/STRV-122/UNITS 31, 356 & 358/Change to STRV-122A/Modify per A3 above/Refs per A3 above.//
Most of the STRV-122 units are to be upgraded by the end of this year. It is unclear but likely they will include many of the changes made to the STRV-122B. It is “rumored” to be getting a new FCS as well which is why (If I remember correctly.) it’s on my list for the tank TI/GSR improvement over current game numbers as posted in the MBT Thread.
C3. IRAN/CHANGE/ZULFIFAR/UNIT 030/ZOLFIGAR 1//
C4. IRAN/CHANGE/ZULFIFAR 2/UNIT 032/ZOLFIGAR 3//
The army recognition site reposted all the info they had on these tanks. Normally these do this when they have gotten more information on a piece of equipment. With Iran being one of the more secretive countries we deal with (N. Korea comes to mind as well.) you have to take advantage of any information that might come to light in this case, for these tanks. The
ZOLFAGAR 2 is in the game and should be modified per
C4 above. The
ZOLFAGAR 2 is a prototype test bed that leads to the development of the
ZOLFAGAR 3. Only 2 to 4 depending on source are known to exist and are extensively used in military parades to show off Iran’s technical prowess. Everything else I’ve gleamed from this is that
1) Seems to be new info on the ZOLFAGAR 1 FCS and
2) Iran is equipping the ZOLFAGER 3 with a new FCS. I don’t think we’re talking TI/GSR as much as an improvement in the other FCS factors we use. Of course this would mean an additional UNIT to be added, but I’m not quite sure of that for now. Maybe you’ll see something in the refs to change your mind however given your normal work load and what I’m dumping on you, this should have the lowest priority from this list and could wait until next year if needs be.
http://www.army-technology.com/proje...rmainbattleta/
http://www.armyrecognition.com/iran_...res_video.html
http://www.armyrecognition.com/iran_...res_video.html
http://www.armyrecognition.com/septe...s_0809121.html
http://www.armyrecognition.com/febru...k_0402134.html
http://www.armyrecognition.com/april...l_1204121.html
http://www.military-today.com/tanks/zulfiqar_1.htm
http://www.military-today.com/tanks/zulfiqar_3.htm
C5. THAILAND/CHANGE/OPLOT/UNIT 019/CHANGE DATE to JUN 2013//We swaged the last date as well however it wasn’t enough to overcome some contract then finally some production delays caused by 40 customer requested modifications to their OPLOT tanks. A revised May delivery date is set. This should fix it. Also you can
DELETE UNIT 999 they are defiantly getting the OPLOT base tank and not the OPLOT-M.
http://www.armyrecognition.com/janua...d_0501121.html
http://www.armyrecognition.com/janua...d_0701131.html
APC Development…
R1. ADD/RUSSIA/JAN 2010/BTR-82/C3 P7 Both/TI/GSR 50 (3Km) Both/Weapons Turreted 14.5mm w/500Rds and coupled coaxial 7.62mm w/2K Rds/6 Smoke Dispensers and EW Both/BTR-82A/Weapons 2A72 30mm cannon w/500Rds and coupled coaxial 7.62mm w/2K Rds//These are Russia's most advanced APCs. It will replace the BTR-70/80 series APCs. It is supposed to be fully amphibious. The 30mm ammo of the BTR-82A is supposedly a high density ramjet type projectile to allow it to inflict greater damage on targets. I keep coming up with 500 Rds for the 30mm on the NET. Sounds almost like the UK/French case mounted 40mm round of the FRES. Better armor protection then any BTR-80 variant. Protection to the level of the
BTR-90M for armor?
http://www.armyrecognition.com/russi...res_video.html
http://www.armyrecognition.com/russi..._pictures.html
http://www.deagel.com/Wheeled-Armore...000348008.aspx
Pic:
Sorry internet connection got loose and had to redo everything
again. Just another case of
!!
Thanks for the opportunity and extra time Don.
Regards,
Pat
Re: The FASTBOAT Patch page.
after organizing my "crib notes" and refs after work tonight for the final push on the last handful of tank items to be posted with the rest by Monday afternoon at latest. My notes referenced Posts #109 and #110 of the MRAP Thread for HUSKY. Whenever is good for you just let me know if you need any further info or if I need to "Tail End Charlie" the HUSKY with the MBT list. Thanks for your patience and the extra time!!
Re: The FASTBOAT Patch page.
!! But my heads clearer now...
Linear Mode
