http://black-berets.forumandco.com/the-goss-f2/-t1.htm Thu, 19 Nov 2009 19:57:04 GMT 10 http://illiweb.com/fa/prosilver/site_logo.gif http://black-berets.forumandco.com/the-goss-f2/-t1.htm http://black-berets.forumandco.com/the-goss-f2/the-leopards-new-spots-t638.htm Trev h. Turkey has completed an upgrade of its 171 German Leopard 1 tanks. The major part of the upgrade is a modern fire control system. The 1960s era, 43 ton, Leopard 1 has a 105mm gun, and a top speed of 65 kilometers an hour. Turkey is also upgrading 160 similar U.S. made M-60A1 tanks. Until the 1980s, the Leopard I was considered one of the best tanks available. Entering service in the late 1960s, it was the first post-World War II German tank design. Although a contemporary of the American M-60A3, ... The Goss Thu, 19 Nov 2009 19:57:04 GMT http://black-berets.forumandco.com/the-goss-f2/the-leopards-new-spots-t638.htm#1863 http://black-berets.forumandco.com/the-goss-f2/the-leopards-new-spots-t638.htm http://black-berets.forumandco.com/the-goss-f2/mountain-wheels-t632.htm Trev h. ATVs (all terrain vehicles) have proved particularly useful, and popular in Afghanistan. There are many models in use, all of them militarized civilian vehicles. The British use a militarized versions of the Yamaha Grizzly 450. Basically, the Grizzly is a four wheel, 628 pound, cross country motorcycle. This ATV is six feet long and 3.5 feet wide. In addition to the driver, there are racks on the bike that can carry another 175 pounds. In addition, the vehicle can tow a trailer carrying another ... The Goss Tue, 10 Nov 2009 19:31:28 GMT http://black-berets.forumandco.com/the-goss-f2/mountain-wheels-t632.htm#1841 http://black-berets.forumandco.com/the-goss-f2/mountain-wheels-t632.htm http://black-berets.forumandco.com/the-goss-f2/metal-storm-announces-weapon-supply-contract-t631.htm Trev h. BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA --- Metal Storm Limited is pleased to advise that Metal Storm Inc. has received an order from Defence Research and Development Canada to purchase three Metal Storm MAUL 12 gauge Multi-shot Accessory Under-barrel Launchers together with ammunition. Further details will be made available upon approval by the customer, which is currently being sought. http://www.metalstorm.com/release/3GL-Assault-Weapon-Integration.html MAUL is a small 12 gauge 5 shot semi-automatic ... The Goss Mon, 09 Nov 2009 20:35:29 GMT http://black-berets.forumandco.com/the-goss-f2/metal-storm-announces-weapon-supply-contract-t631.htm#1839 http://black-berets.forumandco.com/the-goss-f2/metal-storm-announces-weapon-supply-contract-t631.htm http://black-berets.forumandco.com/the-goss-f2/a-wheeled-vehicles-worst-nightmare-t630.htm Trev h. The Stryker brigade sent to Afghanistan recently has been there for three month and has had a hard time dealing with the growing Taliban use of IEDs (Improvised Explosive Device; roadside bombs and anti-vehicle mines). In that time, the brigade has lost 21 Stryker vehicles and 25 soldiers killed because of these weapons. IEDs are more effective in Afghanistan because most of the roads are unpaved, and, compared to Iraq, there are fewer roads. As a wheeled vehicle, the Stryker is less able to ... The Goss Sun, 08 Nov 2009 21:06:06 GMT http://black-berets.forumandco.com/the-goss-f2/a-wheeled-vehicles-worst-nightmare-t630.htm#1838 http://black-berets.forumandco.com/the-goss-f2/a-wheeled-vehicles-worst-nightmare-t630.htm http://black-berets.forumandco.com/the-goss-f2/kmw-hands-over-first-leopard-1a5-main-battle-tank-to-brazilian-army-t622.htm Trev h. On 28 October 2009, Krauss-Maffei Wegmann (KMW) handed over the first of 220 LEOPARD 1A5 main battle tanks to the Brazilian army at the company's site in Kassel, Germany. The tanks come from the reserve stocks of the German army and have been overhauled and modernised since the start of this year. Delivery of all the systems is scheduled by 2012. Brazil purchased the main battle tanks in the context of a government-to-government agreement with Germany. The Federal Office of Defence ... The Goss Fri, 30 Oct 2009 20:51:42 GMT http://black-berets.forumandco.com/the-goss-f2/kmw-hands-over-first-leopard-1a5-main-battle-tank-to-brazilian-army-t622.htm#1816 http://black-berets.forumandco.com/the-goss-f2/kmw-hands-over-first-leopard-1a5-main-battle-tank-to-brazilian-army-t622.htm http://black-berets.forumandco.com/the-goss-f2/first-gwagon-handed-over-to-defence-t621.htm Trev h. Greg Combet, Minister for Defence Personnel, Materiel and Science, announced today that the first prototype Mercedes Benz G-Wagon vehicles have been handed over to staff from the Defence Materiel Organisation’s project Land 121 (Overlander) at a ceremony conducted in Graz, Austria. “The new G-Wagon is a very capable vehicle that will include detachable unit-specific modules designed for specific tasks, for example, munitions transfer, field ambulances or troop carriers,” Mr Combet said. ... The Goss Fri, 30 Oct 2009 20:48:32 GMT http://black-berets.forumandco.com/the-goss-f2/first-gwagon-handed-over-to-defence-t621.htm#1815 http://black-berets.forumandco.com/the-goss-f2/first-gwagon-handed-over-to-defence-t621.htm http://black-berets.forumandco.com/the-goss-f2/defence-firepower-to-receive-major-boost-t613.htm Trev h. The Minister for Defence, Senator John Faulkner, today announced that the Government has given Second Pass Approval for a A$493 million project to provide the next generation artillery system for the Australian Army. Senator Faulkner said the first phase of Land 17 (the Artillery Replacement Project) will provide the Army with four batteries of 35 M777A2 155mm Lightweight Towed Howitzers. “The Lightweight Towed Howitzer is the most advanced towed artillery system available in the ... The Goss Tue, 20 Oct 2009 20:53:02 GMT http://black-berets.forumandco.com/the-goss-f2/defence-firepower-to-receive-major-boost-t613.htm#1794 http://black-berets.forumandco.com/the-goss-f2/defence-firepower-to-receive-major-boost-t613.htm http://black-berets.forumandco.com/the-goss-f2/rapid-prototyping-development-and-evaluation-program-continues-to-attract-the-best-from-industry-and-academia-t612.htm Trev h. Greg Combet, Minister for Defence Personnel, Materiel and Science, today announced that 54 companies, academic institutions and government agencies have been selected to join the Rapid Prototyping Development and Evaluation Program (RPDE). “RPDE, or ‘Rapid’, is a collaborative venture that was established to help Defence resolve difficult and challenging problems,” said Mr Combet. “After four and a half years of operation, Rapid continues to break new ground in the area of Government ... The Goss Tue, 20 Oct 2009 20:51:24 GMT http://black-berets.forumandco.com/the-goss-f2/rapid-prototyping-development-and-evaluation-program-continues-to-attract-the-best-from-industry-and-academia-t612.htm#1793 http://black-berets.forumandco.com/the-goss-f2/rapid-prototyping-development-and-evaluation-program-continues-to-attract-the-best-from-industry-and-academia-t612.htm http://black-berets.forumandco.com/the-goss-f2/china-s-wonderful-water-taxi-t606.htm Trev h. China recently displayed, for the first time. a number of new locally designed military vehicles at its 60th anniversary celebrations. Among these new items was the ZBD2000 Amphibious Infantry Fighting Vehicle, designed for beach assault and/or accompanying infantry as they move inland. The tracked vehicle comes in 3 different versions and serves the Chinese (PLA) Marine Corps. In its primary configuration as an Infantry Fighting Vehicle, the 8 ton ZBD2000 is armed with a central positioned ... The Goss Thu, 15 Oct 2009 19:58:44 GMT http://black-berets.forumandco.com/the-goss-f2/china-s-wonderful-water-taxi-t606.htm#1775 http://black-berets.forumandco.com/the-goss-f2/china-s-wonderful-water-taxi-t606.htm http://black-berets.forumandco.com/the-goss-f2/bradley-20-t601.htm Trev h. The U.S. Army plans to keep its M-2 (Bradley) IFV (Infantry Fighting Vehicle) for another twenty years. To do that, it wants to upgrade thousands of them to "Block II" status. There are already 600 "Block 1.5" (BUSK) upgrades. These are the M-2s modified for urban warfare, based on Iraq experience. The M-2 BUSK (Bradley Urban Survival Kit) upgrades were applied in two batches over the last few years (the program ended in 2008). The first included a more powerful (at ... The Goss Tue, 13 Oct 2009 20:23:04 GMT http://black-berets.forumandco.com/the-goss-f2/bradley-20-t601.htm#1758 http://black-berets.forumandco.com/the-goss-f2/bradley-20-t601.htm http://black-berets.forumandco.com/the-goss-f2/goodbye-to-the-heavies-t600.htm Trev h. few years. SBCT’s comprise 3 Stryker infantry battalions, each having 36 Stryker vehicles distributed among 3 companies (12 each). Nine Stryker Mobile Gun vehicles, mounting 105 mm guns are there for anti-tank and infantry support roles. Nine Strykers, equipped with guided anti-tank missiles, form an anti-tank company. There’s also an artillery battalion with 18 towed 155mm Howitzers, a support units (usually company size) for Medical, Maintenance and Distribution, Headquarters, Signal, ... The Goss Tue, 13 Oct 2009 20:20:56 GMT http://black-berets.forumandco.com/the-goss-f2/goodbye-to-the-heavies-t600.htm#1757 http://black-berets.forumandco.com/the-goss-f2/goodbye-to-the-heavies-t600.htm http://black-berets.forumandco.com/the-goss-f2/a-terminator-that-can-sniff-you-out-t595.htm Trev h. The U.S. Army has ordered another 1,500 Kongsberg PROTECTOR Remote Weapon Stations (RWS). Widespread and successful use on Stryker, M-1 and hummer vehicles has led the U.S. Army to adopt the Kongsberg system as standard. The army already has over 10,000 of these RWSs in use or on order. RWS is the key component of the CROWS (common remotely operated weapon stations). This idea of a remote control turret has been around for nearly half a century, but years of tinkering, and better technology, ... The Goss Sun, 04 Oct 2009 21:09:58 GMT http://black-berets.forumandco.com/the-goss-f2/a-terminator-that-can-sniff-you-out-t595.htm#1741 http://black-berets.forumandco.com/the-goss-f2/a-terminator-that-can-sniff-you-out-t595.htm http://black-berets.forumandco.com/the-goss-f2/hawkei-the-next-generation-australian-light-protected-vehicle-t588.htm Trev h. The Thales Australia team has unveiled the design of its groundbreaking next generation Protected Mobility Vehicle for the Australian Army - the Hawkei. The Hawkei was developed to compete for the replacement of the Australian Army’s thin-skinned Land Rover utility vehicles. (Thales photo) Following the tradition of the Bushmaster, which is named after a deadly pit viper, the new addition is named after a stealthy species of Death Adder - Acanthophis hawkei - which is native to ... The Goss Tue, 29 Sep 2009 21:25:32 GMT http://black-berets.forumandco.com/the-goss-f2/hawkei-the-next-generation-australian-light-protected-vehicle-t588.htm#1730 http://black-berets.forumandco.com/the-goss-f2/hawkei-the-next-generation-australian-light-protected-vehicle-t588.htm http://black-berets.forumandco.com/the-goss-f2/the-m-1e3-of-legend-t587.htm Trev h. After two years of talking, and arguing, about it, the U.S. Army has decided that a major upgrade of the M-1 tank would probably not happen, because this would require some major (and expensive) changes. The money is not there now, and probably not going to be there for 5-10 years, if ever. The army wanted to get the weight (now 62 tons) under 60 tons. This would require something major, like a new turret. This seemed possible because it's been noted that the new French Leclerc tank has a 19 ... The Goss Tue, 29 Sep 2009 21:16:05 GMT http://black-berets.forumandco.com/the-goss-f2/the-m-1e3-of-legend-t587.htm#1729 http://black-berets.forumandco.com/the-goss-f2/the-m-1e3-of-legend-t587.htm http://black-berets.forumandco.com/the-goss-f2/afghanistan-up-close-and-personal-t581.htm Trev h.
http://media.heraldsun.com.au/multimedia/2009/09/afghanistan_upclose/]]> The Goss Thu, 24 Sep 2009 23:01:01 GMT http://black-berets.forumandco.com/the-goss-f2/afghanistan-up-close-and-personal-t581.htm#1710 http://black-berets.forumandco.com/the-goss-f2/afghanistan-up-close-and-personal-t581.htm http://black-berets.forumandco.com/the-goss-f2/new-combat-kit-for-nz-soldiers-t577.htm Trev h. New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) troops deploying to Afghanistan this October will be equipped with the latest, battle tested body armour and protective equipment. The Army has invested in a variety of gear, from patrol packs to ballistic glasses, to ensure the modern soldier is equipped to do the job they need to do on operations overseas. The improved body armour has been developed based on lessons learned in Afghanistan and Iraq. The body armour is a Special Forces variant and is ... The Goss Mon, 21 Sep 2009 21:27:11 GMT http://black-berets.forumandco.com/the-goss-f2/new-combat-kit-for-nz-soldiers-t577.htm#1695 http://black-berets.forumandco.com/the-goss-f2/new-combat-kit-for-nz-soldiers-t577.htm http://black-berets.forumandco.com/the-goss-f2/warthogs-replace-vikings-t575.htm Trev h. Britain is replacing its "Viking" (BvS10) all terrain combat vehicles with larger "Warthog" vehicles. The 18 ton Warthog carries a crew of two and 11 passengers. The Warthog is better protected against roadside bombs and gunfire, has greater range, payload and carrying capacity. Like Viking, it is an articulated vehicle (two separate, self-propelled elements that are linked). There will be four versions; troop transport, ambulance, command, and recovery (and repair). Warthogs ... The Goss Sat, 19 Sep 2009 20:55:04 GMT http://black-berets.forumandco.com/the-goss-f2/warthogs-replace-vikings-t575.htm#1687 http://black-berets.forumandco.com/the-goss-f2/warthogs-replace-vikings-t575.htm http://black-berets.forumandco.com/the-goss-f2/air-5416-project-echidna-update-t574.htm Trev h. Greg Combet, Minister for Defence Personnel, Materiel and Science, today announced that the Government had agreed to a Defence recommendation to reduce the scope for approved project AIR 5416 Phase 2 – electronic warfare self protection for rotary wing assets, known as Project Echidna. Mr Combet said Defence will complete modifications to 12 Black Hawk helicopters to provide a basic level of electronic warfare self protection but discontinue work on a more advanced equipment suite including ... The Goss Fri, 18 Sep 2009 22:21:53 GMT http://black-berets.forumandco.com/the-goss-f2/air-5416-project-echidna-update-t574.htm#1686 http://black-berets.forumandco.com/the-goss-f2/air-5416-project-echidna-update-t574.htm http://black-berets.forumandco.com/the-goss-f2/new-mrap-training-in-europe-building-soldier-confidence-t572.htm Trev h. The blast shakes the ground and sends up a cloud of dirt and leaves. A convoy of Soldiers has just been hit by an improvised explosive device, or IED. Moments later, a large truck emerges through the dust of the explosion, followed by the rest of the convoy. They move off down the road to continue the mission. The Soldiers driving the truck -- a Mine Resistant Ambush Protected, or MRAP, vehicle -- have just passed another training test. Soldiers from the 173rd Airborne Brigade ... The Goss Wed, 16 Sep 2009 21:26:33 GMT http://black-berets.forumandco.com/the-goss-f2/new-mrap-training-in-europe-building-soldier-confidence-t572.htm#1682 http://black-berets.forumandco.com/the-goss-f2/new-mrap-training-in-europe-building-soldier-confidence-t572.htm http://black-berets.forumandco.com/the-goss-f2/terrex-the-terrific-t570.htm Trev h. Singapore is buying 135 Terrex Infantry Combat vehicles (ICV). The first infantry units will receive them in February 2010. The 25 ton Terrex is optimized for urban environments. The U.S. Army’s use of the Stryker ICV and its success on the battlefield influenced the selection of Terrex, and subsequent modifications. Costing $1.5 million each, the vehicle is externally similar to the Stryker, with 8 wheels and a remote controlled weapons turret atop the hull. The hull has a V shape for ... The Goss Sun, 13 Sep 2009 21:44:12 GMT http://black-berets.forumandco.com/the-goss-f2/terrex-the-terrific-t570.htm#1676 http://black-berets.forumandco.com/the-goss-f2/terrex-the-terrific-t570.htm http://black-berets.forumandco.com/the-goss-f2/a-bigger-better-mrap-t569.htm Trev h. One of the more popular MRAPs (Mine Resistant Ambush Protected), the RG-31, has been completely redesigned as the RG-35. While other MRAPs are armored trucks, with a V shaped underbody to deflect explosions, the RG-35 was designed from the ground up as an armored combat vehicle. The 26 ton, 6x6 RG-35 has the engine behind the driver, with the gun turret operator sitting next to him. This means that the engine is under armor, unlike most other MRAPS. In the rear, there is room for five passengers. ... The Goss Fri, 11 Sep 2009 21:54:18 GMT http://black-berets.forumandco.com/the-goss-f2/a-bigger-better-mrap-t569.htm#1670 http://black-berets.forumandco.com/the-goss-f2/a-bigger-better-mrap-t569.htm http://black-berets.forumandco.com/the-goss-f2/mountain-warfare-t564.htm Trev h. As much as the Taliban like to use roadside bombs and anti-vehicle mines in Afghanistan, they still find themselves fighting foreign troops on foot a lot. That's because, especially in the mountainous areas of eastern and northern Afghanistan, it's difficult to get MRAPs (armored trucks) or armored hummers up into those hills. The MRAPs are particularly difficult to move cross-country, because their V shaped undercarriage design (to deflect blast) gives the vehicles a higher center of gravity, ... The Goss Tue, 08 Sep 2009 21:22:18 GMT http://black-berets.forumandco.com/the-goss-f2/mountain-warfare-t564.htm#1647 http://black-berets.forumandco.com/the-goss-f2/mountain-warfare-t564.htm http://black-berets.forumandco.com/the-goss-f2/a-missile-for-the-rest-of-us-t563.htm Trev h. An Israeli firm has introduced a new, lighter, guided missile system, the Mini-Spike, designed for company and platoon size units to use as a precision attack weapon. Weighing 12 kilograms (26.4 pounds) and intended to be operated by one man. The guidance system is "fire and forget (the missile operator uses the command unit to identify target before launch). The system consists of a command and launch unit (CLU), for target acquisition and wireless control for the missile, and individual ... The Goss Tue, 08 Sep 2009 21:19:35 GMT http://black-berets.forumandco.com/the-goss-f2/a-missile-for-the-rest-of-us-t563.htm#1646 http://black-berets.forumandco.com/the-goss-f2/a-missile-for-the-rest-of-us-t563.htm http://black-berets.forumandco.com/the-goss-f2/air-force-to-begin-operating-its-first-unmanned-aerial-system-t561.htm Trev h. Minister for Defence Senator John Faulkner today announced that the Royal Australian Air Force has acquired Heron Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) in close collaboration with Canadian Defence forces. “This high resolution intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capability will enhance the capability of Australian forces in Afghanistan,” Senator Faulkner said. The Heron UAV is a one-tonne aircraft capable of medium altitude, long endurance flights. Under Project NANKEEN, ... The Goss Mon, 07 Sep 2009 22:13:53 GMT http://black-berets.forumandco.com/the-goss-f2/air-force-to-begin-operating-its-first-unmanned-aerial-system-t561.htm#1643 http://black-berets.forumandco.com/the-goss-f2/air-force-to-begin-operating-its-first-unmanned-aerial-system-t561.htm http://black-berets.forumandco.com/the-goss-f2/ex-chong-ju-pucka-t559.htm Trev h.

EX CHONG JU

]]> The Goss Sat, 05 Sep 2009 21:54:39 GMT http://black-berets.forumandco.com/the-goss-f2/ex-chong-ju-pucka-t559.htm#1639 http://black-berets.forumandco.com/the-goss-f2/ex-chong-ju-pucka-t559.htm http://black-berets.forumandco.com/the-goss-f2/curing-turret-gunner-disease-t556.htm Trev h. In the last four years, the remote control turret changed the battlefield more than you might think. In 2005, the U.S. Army realized that new remote control gun turret designs actually worked, and suddenly they could not get enough of them. The army has since ordered over 10,000 CROWS (common remotely operated weapon stations), but for a while could only get 15 a month. By the end of 2006, there were about a thousand CROWS in service. There are now over 5,000. The main issue was that the ... The Goss Thu, 03 Sep 2009 21:54:50 GMT http://black-berets.forumandco.com/the-goss-f2/curing-turret-gunner-disease-t556.htm#1634 http://black-berets.forumandco.com/the-goss-f2/curing-turret-gunner-disease-t556.htm http://black-berets.forumandco.com/the-goss-f2/boeing-joins-thaless-bid-for-australian-army-vehicle-program-t552.htm Trev h. Thales today announced that it has secured Boeing to provide Integrated Logistics Support (ILS) to Thales’s bid for the Australian Army’s LAND 121 Phase 4 program. LAND 121, also known as Project Overlander, will replace the Army’s fleet of logistic support vehicles. Phase 4 will provide armoured light mobility vehicles to improve the safety of deployed troops. Thales is offering a Protected Mobility Vehicle – Light (PMV-L) for Land 121 Phase 4. Boeing subsidiary Boeing Defence ... The Goss Tue, 01 Sep 2009 21:41:26 GMT http://black-berets.forumandco.com/the-goss-f2/boeing-joins-thaless-bid-for-australian-army-vehicle-program-t552.htm#1623 http://black-berets.forumandco.com/the-goss-f2/boeing-joins-thaless-bid-for-australian-army-vehicle-program-t552.htm http://black-berets.forumandco.com/the-goss-f2/testing-the-latest-armoured-vehicles-for-afghanistan-t551.htm Trev h. Bovington Camp, established in 1916, is the home of the Royal Armoured Corps and an ideal location to trial and test the latest armoured equipment in use on operations worldwide. Surrounded by 10,000 acres of undulating Dorset countryside, it is here that the Army’s Armoured Trials and Development Unit (ATDU) gets its hands on the latest vehicles for the armoured soldier, and some of the specialist vehicles like Panther. Following a series of trials Panther is being delivered to the front ... The Goss Tue, 01 Sep 2009 21:38:39 GMT http://black-berets.forumandco.com/the-goss-f2/testing-the-latest-armoured-vehicles-for-afghanistan-t551.htm#1622 http://black-berets.forumandco.com/the-goss-f2/testing-the-latest-armoured-vehicles-for-afghanistan-t551.htm http://black-berets.forumandco.com/the-goss-f2/improvised-armor-in-south-america-t548.htm Trev h. Latin America is fast becoming an innovator in an unexpected field- armored vehicles. Or, more specific, civilian military armored hybrids created by fashioning ballistic material through field repair or manufacture to conventional trucks, cars and sport utility vehicles. It’s proving to be a cost effective alternative to buying armored personnel carriers or conventional armored cars. Another advantage of this improvisations is that, due to geography, the continent often precludes effectiveness ... The Goss Sat, 29 Aug 2009 21:00:02 GMT http://black-berets.forumandco.com/the-goss-f2/improvised-armor-in-south-america-t548.htm#1608 http://black-berets.forumandco.com/the-goss-f2/improvised-armor-in-south-america-t548.htm http://black-berets.forumandco.com/the-goss-f2/australia-s-all-seeing-helmet-t547.htm Trev h. Australia is equipping its 22 Tiger Armed Reconnaissance Helicopters (ARH) with the advanced Top Owl helmet mounted display. It joins some 700 systems in use worldwide. The helmet has been updated to have night vision imagery displayed on the wide field of view (40 degree) goggle shaped visor covering the entire upper face region of the wearer. In this way, imagery superimposes with flight control symbols, yet still permits viewing the outside environment. Not so, when standard Night Vision Goggles ... The Goss Sat, 29 Aug 2009 20:57:09 GMT http://black-berets.forumandco.com/the-goss-f2/australia-s-all-seeing-helmet-t547.htm#1607 http://black-berets.forumandco.com/the-goss-f2/australia-s-all-seeing-helmet-t547.htm http://black-berets.forumandco.com/the-goss-f2/bushmaster-fans-can-t-get-enough-t545.htm Trev h. The Netherlands have ordered another 14 Australian made Bushmaster armored trucks, giving them a total of 76. Three years ago, the Netherlands made its first purchase, of 25 Bushmaster armored trucks. These were for its troops in Afghanistan. Costing $1.3 million each, the Bushmaster is based on a South African design concept, with a V shaped underside, to deflect mine and bomb blast. The 4x4, 15 ton vehicle has a crew of two and carries eight troops in an armored box. The vehicle is protected ... The Goss Thu, 27 Aug 2009 21:39:55 GMT http://black-berets.forumandco.com/the-goss-f2/bushmaster-fans-can-t-get-enough-t545.htm#1603 http://black-berets.forumandco.com/the-goss-f2/bushmaster-fans-can-t-get-enough-t545.htm http://black-berets.forumandco.com/the-goss-f2/qinetiq-sells-talon-robots-to-australian-defence-force-t542.htm Trev h. QinetiQ Group PLC, a leading international provider of technology-based services and solutions, has secured a AUS$23m contract from the Australian Department of Defence for TALON robots and replacement parts to support Australian Defence Forces deployed on operations. Developed by QinetiQ North America in Waltham, Massachusetts, TALON robots can be configured for specific tasks including the disposal of Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), reconnaissance, the identification of hazardous ... The Goss Tue, 25 Aug 2009 21:57:48 GMT http://black-berets.forumandco.com/the-goss-f2/qinetiq-sells-talon-robots-to-australian-defence-force-t542.htm#1595 http://black-berets.forumandco.com/the-goss-f2/qinetiq-sells-talon-robots-to-australian-defence-force-t542.htm http://black-berets.forumandco.com/the-goss-f2/indian-built-t-90s-enter-service-t541.htm Trev h. An Indian factory has delivered the first ten (of a thousand) T-90 tanks to the Indian Army. The Russian designed armored vehicles are being built in India under license. Many of the components are Indian made, and some of the electronics are imported from Western suppliers. The Indian made T-90s cost about $3 million each. India has already bought 700 Russian made T-90 tanks, at a cost of $3.5 million each. Three years ago, India adopted the Russian T-90 as its new main battle tank. That ... The Goss Tue, 25 Aug 2009 21:54:18 GMT http://black-berets.forumandco.com/the-goss-f2/indian-built-t-90s-enter-service-t541.htm#1594 http://black-berets.forumandco.com/the-goss-f2/indian-built-t-90s-enter-service-t541.htm http://black-berets.forumandco.com/the-goss-f2/thales-improves-eye-of-the-tiger-t538.htm Trev h. Thales has successfully secured an order from prime contractor Australian Aerospace to upgrade the TopOwl Helmet-Mounted Sight Display (HMSD) Display Modules fitted to the Australian Army's fleet of Tiger Armed Reconnaissance Helicopters. A key component in the Army's ARH, the TopOwl HMSD links the pilot directly to the helicopter's armaments, night vision and navigation systems. The upgraded modules will significantly enhance the ARH's night vision capability. Chris Jenkins, Thales ... The Goss Fri, 21 Aug 2009 21:13:07 GMT http://black-berets.forumandco.com/the-goss-f2/thales-improves-eye-of-the-tiger-t538.htm#1588 http://black-berets.forumandco.com/the-goss-f2/thales-improves-eye-of-the-tiger-t538.htm http://black-berets.forumandco.com/the-goss-f2/dutch-buys-14-additional-bushmaster-armoured-patrol-vehicles-t537.htm Trev h. The Ministry of Defence has ordered 14 additional Bushmaster armoured patrol vehicles. These come on top of the 14 Bushmasters which were already bought in June, and have been deployed this month in Uruzgan for the first time. The purchase amounts to in sum 10.9 million euros, State Secretary of Defence Jack de Vries told Parliament yesterday. The Bushmasters are of great value to Task Force Uruzgan (TFU) because they provide much-improved protection against roadside bombs. Due ... The Goss Fri, 21 Aug 2009 21:10:35 GMT http://black-berets.forumandco.com/the-goss-f2/dutch-buys-14-additional-bushmaster-armoured-patrol-vehicles-t537.htm#1587 http://black-berets.forumandco.com/the-goss-f2/dutch-buys-14-additional-bushmaster-armoured-patrol-vehicles-t537.htm http://black-berets.forumandco.com/the-goss-f2/autonomous-scout-vehicles-prowl-the-mean-streets-t533.htm Trev h. The U.S. Army's decades long effort to develop a practical autonomous UGV (Unmanned Ground Vehicle) has succeeded. Earlier this month, two T2 vehicles equipped with sensors and control equipment, successfully passed realistic tests. One of the test subjects, controlled from a Stryker wheeled armored vehicle, successfully approached a village (equipped with mannequins set up as pedestrians along the streets), did a perimeter sweep at speeds of up to fifty kilometers an hour, then patrolled the ... The Goss Tue, 18 Aug 2009 21:41:15 GMT http://black-berets.forumandco.com/the-goss-f2/autonomous-scout-vehicles-prowl-the-mean-streets-t533.htm#1578 http://black-berets.forumandco.com/the-goss-f2/autonomous-scout-vehicles-prowl-the-mean-streets-t533.htm http://black-berets.forumandco.com/the-goss-f2/half-a-century-for-the-m-1-abrams-t529.htm Trev h. The U.S. Army is planning to maintain its M-1 tanks (up to 7,000 of them) for another twenty years. There is no replacement in sight, and the chances of getting money for a replacement design are, for the near term, slight. The M-1 has already been in service for over two decades, and may become the first MBT (main battle tank) design to stay in service for half a century. The electronics on the M-1 have undergone several upgrades so far, in addition to the larger main gun. More equipment ... The Goss Wed, 12 Aug 2009 21:15:41 GMT http://black-berets.forumandco.com/the-goss-f2/half-a-century-for-the-m-1-abrams-t529.htm#1560 http://black-berets.forumandco.com/the-goss-f2/half-a-century-for-the-m-1-abrams-t529.htm http://black-berets.forumandco.com/the-goss-f2/cold-war-leopards-head-for-south-america-t527.htm Trev h. Brazil is buying 250 Leopard 1A5 tanks from Germany, for $500,000 each. The 1960s era, 43 ton, Leopard 1 has a 105mm gun, and a top speed of 65 kilometers an hour. It's the match for anything any of Brazil's neighbors have (unless Venezuela buys Russian T-90s). Brazil had previously bought 128 Leopard 1A1s from Belgium in the 1990s, and has already received some of the Leopard 1A5s (all of which will receive some additional enhancements in Brazil). Until the 1980s, the Leopard I was considered ... The Goss Tue, 11 Aug 2009 21:40:02 GMT http://black-berets.forumandco.com/the-goss-f2/cold-war-leopards-head-for-south-america-t527.htm#1556 http://black-berets.forumandco.com/the-goss-f2/cold-war-leopards-head-for-south-america-t527.htm http://black-berets.forumandco.com/the-goss-f2/sustaining-the-m1-abrams-us-army-puts-a-tiger-in-its-tanks-t525.htm Trev h. Honeywell International Inc. in Morris Township, NJ won a U.S. Army contract to change the way it supports its AGT-1500 turbine engine, used on the M1 Abrams tank and related platforms. The company has said that the overall contract under the US Army’s Total InteGrated Engine Revitalization (TIGER) program could amount to $1.4 billion by the end of its lifetime. What distinguishes Honeywell’s performance-based approach under TIGER from previous contracts? How does the program fit in ... The Goss Mon, 10 Aug 2009 21:32:50 GMT http://black-berets.forumandco.com/the-goss-f2/sustaining-the-m1-abrams-us-army-puts-a-tiger-in-its-tanks-t525.htm#1554 http://black-berets.forumandco.com/the-goss-f2/sustaining-the-m1-abrams-us-army-puts-a-tiger-in-its-tanks-t525.htm http://black-berets.forumandco.com/the-goss-f2/israel-says-tanks-to-get-new-anti-missile-system-t524.htm Trev h. After three years of agonizing over the issue, Israel had decided to equip its most modern tanks (Merkava IVs) with an anti-missile system. All this because, three years ago, 22 Israeli Merkava tanks were damaged by Russian Kornet anti-tank guided missiles (ATGM) in southern Lebanon. Even before the end of the 2006 war, it was determined that most of the missile hits could have been averted if the tanks had been equipped with available anti-missile systems. Because of this, army armor commanders ... The Goss Mon, 10 Aug 2009 21:22:08 GMT http://black-berets.forumandco.com/the-goss-f2/israel-says-tanks-to-get-new-anti-missile-system-t524.htm#1553 http://black-berets.forumandco.com/the-goss-f2/israel-says-tanks-to-get-new-anti-missile-system-t524.htm http://black-berets.forumandco.com/the-goss-f2/slatless-slat-armor-t520.htm Trev h. In Afghanistan, most light armored vehicles are using Slat armor (most prominently seen on Stryker armor vehicles since 2003) for protection against RPGs (small rocket warheads with shaped charge explosives). This stuff is heavy, and there have been several efforts to make slat armor lighter. The latest effort replaces the metal slats with sheets of fabric, and this works. The Tarian fabric protection from RPGs weighs half as much as aluminum slat armor, and is less than a fifth as heavy as the ... The Goss Mon, 03 Aug 2009 21:44:13 GMT http://black-berets.forumandco.com/the-goss-f2/slatless-slat-armor-t520.htm#1532 http://black-berets.forumandco.com/the-goss-f2/slatless-slat-armor-t520.htm http://black-berets.forumandco.com/the-goss-f2/the-ugly-duckling-gets-another-order-t519.htm Trev h. The U.S. Army has bought another 229 M1117 ASVs (Armored Security Vehicles). These can mount either 12.7mm machine-guns or Mk19 40mm automatic grenade launchers in their turrets. The vehicles cost about $874,000 each. Actually, 32 of these vehicles were the M1200 Armored Knight variant, which is equipped and used for calling in artillery fire (laser designator, thermal imager, GPS and digital communications to send data to guns or rocket launchers.) The ASV was, in effect, one of the first ... The Goss Sun, 02 Aug 2009 21:29:57 GMT http://black-berets.forumandco.com/the-goss-f2/the-ugly-duckling-gets-another-order-t519.htm#1531 http://black-berets.forumandco.com/the-goss-f2/the-ugly-duckling-gets-another-order-t519.htm http://black-berets.forumandco.com/the-goss-f2/dannatt-called-for-challenger-tanks-two-years-ago-t518.htm Trev h. Sir Richard Dannatt wanted tanks to be deployed on the Helmand front The head of the Army, General Sir Richard Dannatt, asked the Ministry of Defence to deploy Challenger Two tanks – acknowledged as one of the best weapons in Britain's armoury – in Afghanistan two years ago, military sources have claimed. Despite his request, the Government decided the terrain in Afghanistan was not suitable for the Challenger. It has also emerged that a scheme launched in March last year to provide ... The Goss Sun, 02 Aug 2009 21:28:40 GMT http://black-berets.forumandco.com/the-goss-f2/dannatt-called-for-challenger-tanks-two-years-ago-t518.htm#1530 http://black-berets.forumandco.com/the-goss-f2/dannatt-called-for-challenger-tanks-two-years-ago-t518.htm http://black-berets.forumandco.com/the-goss-f2/adf-concludes-mission-in-iraq-t517.htm Trev h. Today marks a significant milestone in the history of the Australia Defence Force (ADF) with the conclusion of Operation CATALYST in Iraq, Defence Minister, Senator John Faulkner said. Operation CATALYST was the ADF’s contribution to the stabilisation and rehabilitation of Iraq. “Today officially concludes a six year mission. From 2003, approximately, 20,000 ADF personnel served in Iraq as part of Operation CATALYST with professionalism and dedication,” Senator Faulkner said. “Our ... The Goss Fri, 31 Jul 2009 21:16:40 GMT http://black-berets.forumandco.com/the-goss-f2/adf-concludes-mission-in-iraq-t517.htm#1528 http://black-berets.forumandco.com/the-goss-f2/adf-concludes-mission-in-iraq-t517.htm http://black-berets.forumandco.com/the-goss-f2/smuggling-tanks-through-kenya-t516.htm Trev h. Last September, a Ukrainian ship carrying a cargo of over 2,000 tons of weapons (including 33 T-72 tanks) to Kenya, was seized by Somali pirates, who promptly demanded $35 million for the ship. This was negotiated down to $20 million them finally, $3.2 million in ransom. But while the negotiations, which took three months, were underway, questions were raised about where those tanks were headed. The paperwork said Kenya, and the Kenyans said the tanks were for their army. But the Kenyans ... The Goss Fri, 31 Jul 2009 21:13:23 GMT http://black-berets.forumandco.com/the-goss-f2/smuggling-tanks-through-kenya-t516.htm#1527 http://black-berets.forumandco.com/the-goss-f2/smuggling-tanks-through-kenya-t516.htm http://black-berets.forumandco.com/the-goss-f2/first-raaf-super-hornet-flight-t510.htm Trev h. Greg Combet, the Minister for Defence Personnel, Materiel and Science, has congratulated the Defence Materiel Organisation (DMO) and Boeing following the first flight of Australia’s F/A-18F Super Hornet in the United States. Mr Combet said the Super Hornet took off from Lambert International Airport in St. Louis and follows the recent unveiling of the aircraft on July 8 at the company's Integrated Defense Systems facility. “The first of 24 F/A-18Fs will arrive at RAAF base Amberley ... The Goss Wed, 22 Jul 2009 22:34:13 GMT http://black-berets.forumandco.com/the-goss-f2/first-raaf-super-hornet-flight-t510.htm#1505 http://black-berets.forumandco.com/the-goss-f2/first-raaf-super-hornet-flight-t510.htm http://black-berets.forumandco.com/the-goss-f2/soldiers-praise-new-50-cal-machine-gun-t509.htm Trev h. The Maneuver Battle Lab conducted its experiment on the M-2 E2 weapon at Coolidge Range from July 8-15. Rusty Schulten, test director and project officer for the Maneuver Battle Lab's Soldier team, said the Army identified the need for a revision to the M-2 HB, the .50-caliber machine gun now in use. The upgraded version increases safety and improves survivability, he said. "The M-2 HB requires headspace and timing to be set, which exposes Soldiers to enemy fire for extended periods ... The Goss Wed, 22 Jul 2009 22:31:08 GMT http://black-berets.forumandco.com/the-goss-f2/soldiers-praise-new-50-cal-machine-gun-t509.htm#1504 http://black-berets.forumandco.com/the-goss-f2/soldiers-praise-new-50-cal-machine-gun-t509.htm http://black-berets.forumandco.com/the-goss-f2/the-b-52-of-armored-vehicles-t508.htm Trev h. The U.S. Army is having a really hard time figuring out what it's next tank will be like, and that's turned into a major problem. Recently, the Department of Defense forced the army to cancel its $150 billion FCS (Future Combat System) because it was too expensive, too vague and not very convincing. FCS included a replacement for all current armored vehicles. Now the army is pleading for a chunk of the lost FCS billions so that it can get to work on replacements for M-1 tank and the M-2 (IFV) ... The Goss Tue, 21 Jul 2009 21:44:27 GMT http://black-berets.forumandco.com/the-goss-f2/the-b-52-of-armored-vehicles-t508.htm#1503 http://black-berets.forumandco.com/the-goss-f2/the-b-52-of-armored-vehicles-t508.htm http://black-berets.forumandco.com/the-goss-f2/amphibious-ships-pass-preliminary-design-reviews-t507.htm Trev h. MELBOURNE, Australia - BAE Systems has successfully completed the Whole of Ship Preliminary Design Review phase of the project to build Australia’s two largest ever warships. The completion of this phase marks another important milestone in the construction of Landing Helicopter Dock (LHD) ships HMAS Canberra and HMAS Adelaide. Merv Davis, Director, Maritime Business Unit, said that the Whole of Ship Preliminary Design Review examined major subsystems of the LHD ships – ... The Goss Mon, 20 Jul 2009 22:06:43 GMT http://black-berets.forumandco.com/the-goss-f2/amphibious-ships-pass-preliminary-design-reviews-t507.htm#1498 http://black-berets.forumandco.com/the-goss-f2/amphibious-ships-pass-preliminary-design-reviews-t507.htm http://black-berets.forumandco.com/the-goss-f2/desert-warriors-get-new-eyes-t506.htm Trev h. Kuwait is upgrading its 254 British made Desert Warrior IFVs (Infantry Fighting Vehicles). These 24 ton armored vehicles have a turret mounted 30mm autocannon. Also mounted on the turret are two TOW anti-tank guided missiles. The crew consists of a commander, gunner and driver. Seven passengers (usually infantry) can be carried. Kuwait is installing an improved thermal sight. The TOW gunners sight will also be upgraded, to work with the new thermal sight. This will enable the TOW gunners ... The Goss Mon, 20 Jul 2009 22:04:05 GMT http://black-berets.forumandco.com/the-goss-f2/desert-warriors-get-new-eyes-t506.htm#1497 http://black-berets.forumandco.com/the-goss-f2/desert-warriors-get-new-eyes-t506.htm