SP, MLRS and SPAA Developments

[FASTBOAT TOUGH]

News of the LW+:

1. EXCALIBUR 155mm PGR has been stepped up to full rate production status. With the improvements made to PALADIN (PIM) and Towed Howitzers (TH) in targeting capabilities over the the last year, it was only a matter of time before EXCALIBUR was mated to these improved systems in greater numbers. EXCALIBUR has lived up to all expectations in the field, especially in significantly lowering the possibility of collateral damage. Will it replace all conventional rounds? I don't think so, after all as I already noted in this thread the improved BAE targeting system (For TH.) can take out a truck at five miles with one shot. However given the choice especially in populated areas I'm sure the call will be "EXCALIBUR ON THE WAY!"
http://www.defpro.com/news/details/23944/
http://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/...-Shells-06835/

2. USA learning from cancelled programs.
http://www.defpro.com/news/details/23843/

Regards,
Pat

[FASTBOAT TOUGH]

Thailand contracted to buy the very capable CEASAR SPA in 2006 but apparently to what amounts to only a platoons worth of 6 units. The order was to be completed by the end of 2010. Based on this info I'll recommend June 2010, and disregard 2007 from Post#7, the French Army fielded the CEASAR in July 2008 with dedicated ammo resupply units as also pictured in Post #7.
ADD/THAILAND/JUNE 2010/CEASAR w/Dedicated ammo resupply vehicle./C6/L52 155mm 18Rds (Including OGRE CM.) and 12.7mm UKN Rds/DEFENCE: Armored Cab offering protection against SAF & Arty SSplinters./ Note on OGRE CM a six shell salvo will release 368 bomblets covering in saturation an area of 3 hectares or 30,000 Square Meters that's for the CM doubters still out there. For additional information see Post #7, and ref below and note para 5.
http://www.army-technology.com/projects/caesar/
Also since we're here ADD/SAUDI ARABIA/JUNE 2011/Based on para 6 of above ref as well./

Regards,
Pat

[FASTBOAT TOUGH]

1. IRON DOME it's quite a hit! I don't believe the earlier articles directly identified the type of rockets brought down.
http://defense-update.com/wp/2011040..._ashkelon.html

2. MEADS continues on developmental track before program ends.
http://www.defpro.com/news/details/25375/

3. Some have asked so here's a system to help you better understand how counter battery works.
http://www.defpro.com/news/details/25184/

Regards,
Pat

[FASTBOAT TOUGH]

More MEADS news. What's of interest is that Poland is very much considering the system and is looking into the possibility of being a partner in the program. This could have some interesting ramifactions for the program down the road. On the last Ref. check the JUNE 15 & 21 Key Events. 2014 takes it to plus 1 year past U.S. development phase date as planned previously.
http://www.dmilt.com/index.php?optio...rope&Itemid=57
http://www.defpro.com/news/details/25598/
http://www.defpro.com/news/details/25597/
http://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/...639/#contracts

Regards,
Pat

[FASTBOAT TOUGH]

I don't see much more here however I will further look into the Norwegian NASAM mobile launcher issue, which as stated below, I believe will use the same platform as the Finns. Again from PP#1 2011/2012.

SPA and SPAA
Just a couple of items here with a reminder.

M1. FINLAND/M270 MRLS/DEC 2011/UNIT 557 & 554(?)/MODIFY/Finland has only been operating the system since 2007. This upgrade provides for Precision Fire FCS, GPS Targeting, extends ordnance options and ranges.
http://www.lockheedmartin.com/news/p...3_million.html
http://www.defpro.com/news/details/24639/
http://www.deagel.com/news/Finnish-A...000008771.aspx
http://www.army-technology.com/projects/mlrs/
http://www.asdnews.com/news/30848/Fi...em_Upgrade.htm
Pics:

A1. ADD/RUSSIA/TORNADO MRLS/APR 2011/C2/6 & 12 ML 300mm SMERCH Rockets/ These are updated versions of the SMERCH rocket that are GPS guided. It can carry multiple munitions types and can still launch the unguided versions. The key here is the improved operability of the system from the launcher which is much more maneuverable, air mobile and much easier and faster to reload. This is the replacement for the BM-21 GRAD which is taking place at this time. The Max. range is 70km and 90km with a specialized rocket.
http://www.armyrecognition.com/russi...formation.html
See Page 3 Post #30 Item #2.

A2. ADD/FINLAND/NASAMS II FIN/JAN 2015/C 4/6 Multiple Launcher AIM 120 AMRAAM/USE UNIT 551 TRUCK/Modify UNIT 559 accordly./ The truck used in UNIT 551 looks like the SISU 8x8 that will be the primary carrier for the system. This system will be more advanced then shown by UNIT 559 which was probably based on NASAMS as used by the Norwegians for the past ten years. I also believe the Norwegian system is mobile as well but might not get to it this first time around and I think they also use the same truck as well. Most Refs below were pulled from the "Transport for U.S. Patriot..." thread Pgs. 3 & 4. As you can see I built on to this one, didn't expect to see it, and missed it at first.
http://www.defpro.com/news/details/23345/
http://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/...Systems-05398/
http://www.defensenews.com/story.php?i=4313048
http://www.raytheon.com/newsroom/fea...aam/index.html
http://www.armyrecognition.com/april...y_0804113.html
http://www.sisudefence.fi/node/29
http://www.sisudefence.fi/product/8x8

A3. ADD/POLAND/ZUBR P/APR 2011/C2/RWS POPARD SAM w/12 PZR GROM-2 AA missiles./ To be honest I'm making an educated guess on GROM load out based on size and payload capacity of the ZUBR-P and size of the missile as it is also a MANPAD system used by Polish forces. The Poles also use the GROM-2 on the
ZSU-23-4MP BIALA and ZUR-23-2KG.
http://www.army-technology.com/projects/zubr-apc/
http://www.militaryfactory.com/armor...p?armor_id=451
http://www.military-today.com/apc/zubr_mrap.htm
http://articles.janes.com/articles/J...om-Poland.html
Pic:

R1. THAILAND/CAESAR/REMINDER/ADD per Post #32 (DATA already in PP format.)./USE FRANCE UNIT 050 or 051. /Post #7 provides additional background information.

R2. SAUDI ARABIA/CAESAR/REMINDER/ADD per Post #32 (DATA already in PP format.)./USE FRANCE UNIT 050 or 051. /Post #7 provides additional background information.

News...
1. DENAL of S. Africa, an LAV III and a 105mm and you got a fast, mobile and as it turns out an highly accurate SPA piece.
http://www.armyrecognition.com/south..._pictures.html
http://www.army-guide.com/eng/article/article_2253.html

2. The extent to which some countries arm their POLICE in this case they engage the PPK rebels regularly.
http://www.dmilt.com/index.php?optio...asia&Itemid=56

3. Brazil and the ASTROS 2020 MRL Program and Israel is watching as it looks to update it's SPA's.
http://www.dmilt.com/index.php?optio...rica&Itemid=58
http://www.defpro.com/news/details/27262/

That should be it for the segments, now PP#2 work can now can continue.

Gotta rescue a 180lb. dummy amongst other things in the morning so I'll say good night and have a great week!

Regards,
Pat

[FASTBOAT TOUGH]

China looks to get Patriot Missiles in a most unusual arms procurment move well almost. How can this happen? Well you'll just have to read these for yourself.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-16292244
http://www.dmilt.com/index.php?optio...rope&Itemid=57
http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/...DaP_story.html
http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/...qcP_story.html

Hate to lose this info some might find it useful, can't remember if I posted this regarding the FUZE thread or not. This is a good home for it anyway.
http://dmilt.com/docs/PGM.pdf

Regards,
Pat

[FASTBOAT TOUGH]

I think some might find these interesting on the North Korean TYPE-63 107mm MRL and M-1979/M-1989 170mm SPA. These are from the excellent KPAJOURNAL.
http://www.kpajournal.com/vol-2-no-2-february-2011/
http://www.kpajournal.com/vol-2-no-6-june-2011/
http://www.kpajournal.com/vol-2-no-7-july-2011/

Again the homepage of this excellent site with professional analysis:
http://www.kpajournal.com/

Regards,
Pat

[Marcello]

A1. ADD/RUSSIA/TORNADO MRLS/APR 2011/C2/6 & 12 ML 300mm SMERCH Rockets/ These are updated versions of the SMERCH rocket that are GPS guided. It can carry multiple munitions types and can still launch the unguided versions. The key here is the improved operability of the system from the launcher which is much more maneuverable, air mobile and much easier and faster to reload. This is the replacement for the BM-21 GRAD which is taking place at this time. The Max. range is 70km and 90km with a specialized rocket.

The problem with adding it is that in the game its advantages (guidance, mobility etc.) are not visible, as such systems are now off map only and "guidance" is simulated, to the extent it is possible, via FOs. Therefore all you are going to get in practice is a cheaper Smerch launcher with far fewer rockets.

[dmnt]

Originally Posted by FASTBOAT TOUGH

I don't see much more here however I will further look into the Norwegian NASAM mobile launcher issue, which as stated below, I believe will use the same platform as the Finns. Again from PP#1 2011/2012.

A2. ADD/FINLAND/NASAMS II FIN/JAN 2015/C 4/6 Multiple Launcher AIM 120 AMRAAM/USE UNIT 551 TRUCK/Modify UNIT 559 accordly./ The truck used in UNIT 551 looks like the SISU 8x8 that will be the primary carrier for the system. This system will be more advanced then shown by UNIT 559 which was probably based on NASAMS as used by the Norwegians for the past ten years. I also believe the Norwegian system is mobile as well but might not get to it this first time around and I think they also use the same truck as well. Most Refs below were pulled from the "Transport for U.S. Patriot..." thread Pgs. 3 & 4. As you can see I built on to this one, didn't expect to see it, and missed it at first.
http://www.defpro.com/news/details/23345/
http://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/...Systems-05398/
http://www.defensenews.com/story.php?i=4313048
http://www.raytheon.com/newsroom/fea...aam/index.html
http://www.armyrecognition.com/april...y_0804113.html
http://www.sisudefence.fi/node/29
http://www.sisudefence.fi/product/8x8

Finnish military official site has been updated recently and lists also some generic information about the NASAMS system:
Minister of Defence decided in 2009 that BUK M1 (local designation ITO96) will be replaced with Norwegian NASAMS II system. The material will be received in 2011 and first conscripts will be trained in 2012.

Fire distribution center: Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace AS.
Radar: Raytheon AN/MPQ-64F1 "Sentinel"
Electro-optical sensor: RheinÂ*metall Defence Electronics MSP 600, TI, CCTV and laser range finder
Carrier: Sisu 8x8
Missile: AIM-120 AMRAAM

Main reason for the switch is the poor performance of BUK M1 against ECM systems.

Machine translated page: here

[FASTBOAT TOUGH]

This will be a busy year in this area not all will be expected to make it I'm sure as by arrangement, I'm trying to stay within a two to three year window to avoid the house keeping that's occurred in the OOBs over the last couple of years in a more aggressive manner. I have to keep the housekeeping going at my end as the data complied is interfering with my work in the Helo and Jets area that I was both unable to get too but would've complicated matters during the 2011/2012 campaign as well. The Helos & Jets will go in separately as presented Patch Posts as these are both being worked now for the 2012/2013 Campaign after this thread is addressed the APC one will be the last one caught up to date of saved materials. Some refs starting with the below will be reused to support others by their nature of reporting. The game face is almost on...again.

1) Algeria you've seen this ref in the MBT Thread the focus here is on the S-300 PMU2 which is the improved export version. System and transport info provided as well.
http://www.armyrecognition.com/febru...a_1802122.html
http://www.armyrecognition.com/s-300..._sheet_uk.html
http://www.armyrecognition.com/s-300...efense_uk.html
http://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/...everage-02024/
TRACK/ADD.

2) MEADS update successful "over the shoulder" launch. What's the big deal well you'll have to research that yourselves but in the short term that's a significant milestone and not every system is capable of that. Also ref on Command & Control vehicle. No more updates on Poland's interest to get involved with the program as a partner. The U.S., Germany and Italy are committed through the operational testing phase to avoid MAJOR financial penalties.
http://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/...639/#contracts
http://www.defpro.com/news/details/32689/
TRACK/OOB MODIFY AS NEEDED.

3) Brazil to field improved ASTROS II.
http://www.defpro.com/news/details/27262/
TRACK/ADD.

4) Norway to update NASAMS probably to the NASAMS II System look to Finland's unit as submitted in the 2011/2012 Campaign.
http://www.defpro.com/news/details/30255/
TRACK/ADD.

5) USA PIM is to ready with first units to be delivered to the Army in late 2013. Have seen nothing to indicate there was a problem in the final test evaluations conducted last fall. Believe OOB date has these available next year. This is a much improved version of the PALADIN, using many of the upgrades from the cancelled NLOS-C Program.
http://www.defpro.com/news/details/27392/
http://www.defpro.com/news/details/19209/
http://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/...M109A6-Paladin
TRACK/VERIFY/POSSIBLE OOB MODIFICATION.

6) S. Korea taking a lesson from the Chinese in the area of truck mounting their artillery, in this case a truck mounted advanced
105mm. Apparently they had these in production since 2010. I'm thinking JUN 2011 or JAN 2012. Will need more refs here.
http://www.defpro.com/news/details/28569/
ADD.

7) USA AN/TQP 53 CB Range Finder this is for you CB guys (Like me.) Also EQ-36 addressed in second ref.
http://www.defpro.com/news/details/32959/
http://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/...rs-ASAP-05006/
MODIFY CB?/PROBALY GOOD AS IS?/FYI

8) Russia S-500 delayed with testing to continue later this year. Fielding in 2017. I can't remember but I thought I saw these
in the OOB, if so the date will need to be changed. We ran into this with a mod I submitted 2 years ago with the S-400 now fixed I believe.
http://www.armyrecognition.com/febru...7_0802121.html
VERIFY OOB/TRACK/FYI.

9) Chinese to build new SH-1 for Pakistan, this is a truck mounted SP 155mm, they recieved them in 2009 but I don't believe these to be in the OOB.
http://www.armyrecognition.com/china..._pictures.html
VERIFY OOB/ADD/FYI.

10) Why? Two reasons 1. I thought somebody(s) were doing work in this area. 2) Outside of this ref, I'm seeing interest by other countries to import this system.
http://www.armyrecognition.com/georg...pictures_.html
FYI/TRACK.
Pic:

11) N. Korean M-1991. With N. Korea when you get worthwhile weapons info you post it, some of us get major headaches dealing with all their "what ifs" when it comes to weapons.
http://www.armyrecognition.com/north...res_video.html
FYI.

12) IDF looking for MRLS.
http://www.dmilt.com/index.php?optio...asia&Itemid=56
TRACK/FYI.

13) Japan and UK to work on a new joint venture 155mm type.
http://www.armyrecognition.com/march...y_0503124.html
http://www.dmilt.com/index.php?optio...asia&Itemid=56
TRACK/FYI.

14) Peru AGAIN if you've been following the other new thread posts of the last week. I'll combine these system refs to save time.
http://www.dmilt.com/index.php?optio...rica&Itemid=58
http://www.dmilt.com/index.php?optio...rica&Itemid=58
http://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/...efenses-07339/
TRACK/ADD.

15) Philipines looking to update SAM units.
http://www.dmilt.com/index.php?optio...asia&Itemid=56
TRACK/ADD.

16) Poland to improve S-125 SC NEWA Systems.
http://www.dmilt.com/index.php?optio...rope&Itemid=57
http://www.armyrecognition.com/march...a_0703122.html
TRACK/FYI

17) Taiwan to have their PATRIOTs upgraded from PAC-2 to the PAC-3 this is a major upgrade in overall performance.
http://www.armyrecognition.com/decem...y_1912115.html
TRACK/ADD.

18) S. Korea to field in 2013 the CHEONGUNG M-SAM.
http://www.armyrecognition.com/decem...m_2212111.html
ADD.
Pic:

19) Taiwan has unveiled the fact that the RT-2000 MRLS is in serial production, at the time of this ref there was alot of concerns over Chinas intentions in the waters in there area. This weapon would qualify as an on map system as stated in the article as a part of it's mission capability.
http://www.dmilt.com/index.php?optio...asia&Itemid=56
ADD.
Pic:

20) USA uses the M11330E1 105mm Arty round.
http://www.armyrecognition.com/novem...e_1611113.html
ADD.

All pictures shown are from the refs presented with the topic.

Well there you have it. Wouldn't want you to think I was just sitting on my "donkey' all this time. Hope you all have a great start to the week, it's off to the zoo with the "GD" and CINCLANTHOME later today. Lifes rough sometimes!

Regards,
Pat