APC Amfibi Kreasi Anak Negeri

30 Juli 2015

Penampilan APC Amfibi pada upacara HUT Korps Marinir ke-67. (photos : Wirajayadi Bahari)

Sebuah hasil karya Tank APC (Armoured Personnel Carrier) berhasil diciptakan berkat kerjasama TNI-AL (Dislitbangal dan Denhar Lanmar Surabaya) bersama PT Wirajayadi Bahari.

Kesuksesan kerjasama TNI Angkatan Laut (Dislitbangal dan Denhar Lanmar Surabaya) bersama PT Wirajayadi Bahari. Mampu menyuguhkan sesuatu yang banyak menyedot perhatian banyak pengunjung dalam ajang Indo Defence 2012 awal November lalu. Adalah penampakan sebuah prototipe,namun bukan prototipe panser yang rajin dirilis selama ini, tapi ini adalah prototipe sebuah tank, yakni tank angkut personel alias Tank APC (armoured personnel carrier).

Tank angkut personel yang mampu mengangkut 2 Awak dan 20 pasukan ini dirancang untuk memenuhi kebutuhan Korps Marinir TNI AL. Dimana target pengembangan tank APC ini adalah untuk menggantikan keberadaan Panser Amfibi BTR-50 yang usianya sudah sangat tua.

Dengan Daya mesin: 520 HP/328 kw Tank yang memiliki panjang: 8.70 m, lebar: 3.50 m, tinggi: 2.30 m dan berat: 20 ton mampu berjalan dengan kecepatan 60 km/jam di jalan raya dan 35 km/jam di jalan off road, serta kecepatan berjalan di laut dengan dua water jet bisa mencapai 14 km per jam. 

Daya tempuh Tank ini sekitar 370 km di darat, 340 di medan off road serta mampu berenang di laut sejauh 90 km. Selain itu Tank ini juga mampu berjalan dengan sudut kemiringan 32 derajat.

Tank APC dipersenjatai 3 pucuk senapan mesin FN MAG kaliber 7,62 mm. 1 pucuk di depan,dan 2 di belakang. APC Amfibi ini telah melewati serangkaian uji coba dengan hasil memuaskan. 

Pengujian maneuver di darat di KarangPilang, Surabaya dan test kekedapan di kolam Denhar Lanmar. Embarkasi dan debarkasi di laut melalui rampa kapal dari Landing Ship Tank (LST) KRI Teluk Banten-516 di Koarmatim.

Pengujian maneuver darat di Karangtekok, Asembagus. Serta lolos pengujian tahan peluru body APC Amfibi dengan senjata peluru kaliber 5,56 mm dan 7,62 pada jarak 50m dan 100m

Dalam hasil uji coba ini Tank APC telah memenuhi standar dan keselamatan TNI AL serta ergonomis sebagai ranpur amphibi yang memenuhi standar operasional TNI AL. Sementara mesin yang digunakan adalah mesin KAPA (Kendaraan Amfibi Pengangkut Artileri) K-61 yang juga buatan Uni Soviet. 

Desain ranpur ini cukup kokoh dan mantab dengan lapisan baja yang kuat.dan sistem pintu buka tutupnya berada di belakang, mirip dengan tank Stormer TNI AD.

Majalah Marinir No.37-Februari 2013

AD Singapura Uji Coba URO Vamtac

23 Juli 2015

URO Vamtac ST5 dengan identitas Angkatan Darat Singapura (photo : Tatsit-Hardwarezone)

Pada awal bulan ini Angkatan Bersenjata Singapura melakukan komisioning kendaraan Higuard MRAP buatan Renault Trucks Defense (RTD) dengan nama lokal Peacekeeper   Protected Response Vehicle (PRV), ini merupakan kendaraan pengangkut personil dengan kemampuan MRAP (Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected); Kendaraan berbasis Sherpa 6×6 dengan payload 4 ton ini akan menggantikan panser V200.

Angkatan Bersenjata Singapura rupanya masih mengincar kendaraan dari Eropa, kali ini giliran kendaraan jip bermerek URO VAMTAC (Vehículo de Alta Movilidad Táctico, "High Mobility Tactical Vehicle") yang dibuat oleh pabrikan asal Spanyol UROVESA.mendapatkan ksempatan untuk diuji coba oleh Angkatan Darat Singapura.

Adapun kendaraan URO Vamtac yang dipilih untuk diuji oleh Singapura adalah seri terbarunya yaitu ST5. Belum jelas kapan uji coba ini akan selesai, namun gambar pertama kendaraan ini di Singapura muncul di situs Hardwarezone pada dua bulan lalu. Situs Kementah menyebutkan bahwa jip sekelas Humvee ini diproyeksikan untuk menggantikan jip Mercedes Benz seri MB290 di lingkungan Angkatan Darat Singapura..

Kendaraan dengan payload 1,5–2,0 ton dengan ukuran panjang 4.845 metre dan lebar 2.175 meter ini telah diproduksi sebanyak 4 ribu unit. Malaysia adalah negara pertama di Asia Tenggara yang membeli kendaraan ini di tahun 2010.

(Defense Studies)

Army Commissions New Peacekeeper Protected Response Vehicle

10 Juli 2015

The Peacekeeper will provide stronger protection, accurate firepower and better manoeuvrability across different terrains (all photos & images : Sing Mindef)

Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen officiated at the 2nd People's Defence Force (2PDF Command)'s 50th anniversary parade this evening. As part of the parade which was held at Clementi Camp, Dr Ng also commissioned the Army's new Peacekeeper Protected Response Vehicle (PRV).

In his speech, Dr Ng hailed the commissioning of the Peacekeeper as a significant modernisation milestone as it replaces the Army's ageing fleet of V200s which have been in use since 1970. He said, "The Peacekeeper has greater mobility and more precise firepower with a remote-controlled weapon station." He added that servicemen would also be better protected against dangerous threats.

Dr Ng also underscored the need for 2 PDF Command to remain ready and relevant against security challenges such as threats from extremist groups and self-radicalised individuals. Dr Ng said, "In Singapore too, we have people who have been radicalised. 2PDF must continue to update its doctrine, tactics and equipment to meet these new challenges."

The Peacekeeper, which was jointly developed by the Army and the Defence Science and Technology Agency (DSTA), is designed to support servicemen carrying out island defence operations. It is equipped with a Remote Control Weapon System, allowing the Peacekeeper's crew to operate the weapons systems mounted on it from within the vehicle, and thermal imaging to support ground forces with direct and precise firepower. It features five types of differential locking systems for better traction, and a Central Tire Inflation System (CTIS) to protect the vehicle against pressure leaks or punctures. The system also reduces vibration and shocks as the vehicle moves.

At the parade, Dr Ng also interacted with pioneer servicemen who had served in 2 PDF Command over the last 50 years. Chief of Army, Major-General Perry Lim, senior Singapore Armed Forces officers and senior officials from DSTA were also present. (Sing Mindef)

Factsheet: Peacekeeper Protected Response Vehicle

The Peacekeeper Protected Response Vehicle (PRV), which was jointly developed by the Army and the Defence Science and Technology Agency (DSTA), is designed to support Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) servicemen carrying out security operations at key civilian and military installations.

It will replace the Army's fleet of V200s, which have been in service since 1970. The V200s will remain in operation until they are gradually phased out in 2016.

Key Features of the Peacekeeper PRV

Enhanced Weapons System
The Peacekeeper is mounted with a Remote Control Weapon System (RCWS), with options for one of three different weapon configurations:
-40mm Automatic Grenade Launcher (AGL)
-12.7mm Heavy Machine Gun (HMG)
-7.62mm Coaxial Machine Gun (CMG)

The RCWS allows the Peacekeeper's crew to engage targets accurately when the vehicle is stationary or on the move. The weapons can also be operated by the crew from within the protection of the vehicle. This enables the troops inside the vehicle to support ground forces with heavy and accurate fire. The RCWS' flexible modular components can also be easily re-configured depending on operational requirements.

Better Protection
The Peacekeeper is able to withstand small-arms fire and fragmentation. Its features include bulletproof windows and protection for its fuel tank. The Peacekeeper is also equipped with an onboard fire suppression system.

Increased Mobility
With six large off-road tires, the Peacekeeper is capable of manoeuvring across a variety of terrain. It features five types of differential locking systems for better traction, and a Central Tire Inflation System (CTIS) to protect the vehicle against pressure leaks or punctures. The system also reduces vibration and shocks as the vehicle moves. Additionally, an anti-lock braking system prevents the Peacekeeper from skidding or experiencing instances of "wheel lock" when it is braking over wet or slippery surfaces.

(Sing Mindef)

6 Upgraded APCs from Israel Now in Tarlac

10 Juli 2015

Six upgraded M-113 APCs from Israel are now at the Mechanized Infantry Division in Tarlac (photo : army.fresh)

Six of the 28 upgraded M-113 armored personnel carriers are now at the Mechanized Infantry Division (MID), Camp O’Donnell, Capas, Tarlac, the Philippine Army (PA) said on Thursday.

These vehicles arrived there Wednesday after leaving its Manila-holding area, Army spokesperson Lt. Col. Noel Detoyato said in a message to the PNA.

The six vehicles arrived in the Philippines late this June.

“Six APCs are already at MID headquarters in Tarlac. Other attachments and armaments will be installed in within 15 days,” he added.

The six APCs will be followed by 18 other units, four of them by July or August.

Fourteen of the M-113s were configured as fire support vehicles, four as infantry fighting vehicles, six as armored personnel carriers, another four as armored recovery units.

The M-113s were supplied by Israeli defense manufacturer Elbit Systems Ltd.

The contract, which is worth Php882 million, was signed last June 22, 2014.

Upgrades include installation of 25 mm unmanned turrets, 12.7 mm remote controlled weapon stations (RCWS) and fire control systems (FCS) for 90 mm turrets.

(AngMalaya)

BAE Systems and SAAB Australia Join Forces in a Bid for Land 400 Phase 2 Project

07 Juli 2015

BAE Systems today signed a memorandum of understanding with Saab Australia to maximise Australian industry involvement in its bid for a major combat vehicle program. (photo : BAE Systems)

BAE Systems is the prime contractor pursuing Defence program Land 400 Phase 2 Mounted Combat Reconnaissance Capability with Patria of Finland. Saab products are inherent in the vehicle design. Joining forces with Saab Australia will allow the BAE Systems-Patria team to substantially exceed the 200 Australian advanced manufacturing jobs and $100m in supply chain value already identified by the team for the manufacturing phase of the program. The vehicles will then be sustained in Australia for the next 30 years.

Graeme Bent, BAE Systems Australia’s Director – Land & Integrated Systems, said: “With Land 400, BAE Systems seeks to strengthen Australia’s advanced manufacturing capability and maximise Australian industry involvement within its supply chain. Our offer will replicate overseas success for manufacturing and sustaining the Patria Armoured Modular Vehicle (AMV), in Australia. The vehicle has been successfully manufactured in countries outside of Finland and has a strong track record for technology transfer to user nations”.

Under the proposed solution, BAE Systems and Patria will fully satisfy the Army’s requirements by bringing together combined strengths in the global armoured combat vehicle market. The two companies will transfer intellectual property and design artefacts for manufacture, sustainment and upgrades throughout the vehicle’s life of type. Saab will provide key sub-systems and in-service support and will further develop Australian capability in the combat vehicle market.

Dean Rosenfield, Saab Australia’s Managing Director, added: “Saab is delighted to draw on its global expertise and experience to provide key sub-systems into the BAE Systems-Patria solution for Land 400. Saab already has a significant presence in Australia and this collaboration will enable us to further grow our business in the Land domain. Land 400 provides additional opportunities for local manufacture, assembly, integration and in-service support that will not only assist us to achieve these aspirations but will be vital in growing local industry capability to effectively deliver and support combat vehicles for the ADF”.

The team will finalise its proposal for bid submission before providing additional information about the contribution of Australian industry.

(BAE Systems)

Rheinmetall MAN Military Vehicles Australia hands over final vehicles to New Zealand

03 Juli 2015

 MAN military truck for New Zealand (photo : Rheinmetall)

New Zealand’s Secretary of Defence Helene Quilter has accepted the final vehicles of the new Medium and Heavy Operational Vehicles fleet (MHOV) from Rheinmetall MAN Military Vehicles Australia (RMMVA). RMMVA was awarded the contract to supply New Zealand’s armed forces with 194 vehicles and specialist trailers in April 2013.

The New Zealand Defence Force now owns one of the most modern and versatile logistic vehicle fleets with the latest automotive technology and significantly increased capabilities for his troops. The fleet comprises 6-tonne (4x4) 9-tonne (6x6) and 15-tonne (8x8) platforms in ten variants. All vehicles can be fitted with applique armour, weapon mounts and a communications fit whilst specialist vehicles are fitted with a range of mechanical handling equipment or bodies such as cranes palletised load handling equipment, load sensors and winches whilst specialist variants include dump trucks and tractor units.

New Zealand has deployed elements of the MHOV fleet to Australia via HMNZS CANTERBURY to participate in Exercise Talisman Sabre, the biennial combined Australian and United States training activity. New Zealand and Japanese forces will be taking part for the first time. The exercise is designed to train the respective military forces in planning and conducting Combined Task Force operations to improve the combat readiness and interoperability between forces.

RMMVA will be providing logistic support for New Zealand’s logistic trucks during this exercise.

Chief of Army, Major General Dave Gawn, said the MHOVs were a major leap forward in capability and technology for the NZDF.

“Across a range of employment contexts, the MHOV offers us a significantly enhanced logistics and movements capability as a land force for the future. Further to the normal troop and equipment carrying roles, additional vehicles are fitted with winches and cranes which will enable fully independent operations.”

Michael Wittlinger, member of the executive board of Rheinmetall MAN Military Vehicles, said “We welcome New Zealand to the user community of our high mobility logistic vehicle family. Rheinmetall MAN Military Vehicles prides itself on being a dependable supplier of an outstanding vehicles system and providing reliable customer support.”

RMMV is the Rheinmetall Group’s centre of excellence for military logistic and tactical wheeled vehicles. Rheinmetall is one of the world’s leading suppliers of defence technology, including wheeled and tracked military vehicles, weapons, ammunition, simulation solutions, command and control technology, force protection systems, sensors.

(Rheinmetall)

Bozena 4 : Robot Penyapu Ranjau TNI AD

19 Juni 2015

 Bozena 4 kendaraan penyapu ranjau tanpa awak Yonzipur 9/1 Kostrad (photos : pr1v4t33r)

Pengunjung Terpukau dengan Bozena dalam Pameran Alutsista di Lapangan Saburai Bandar Lampung

Saibumi.com, Bandar Lampung – Tidak hanya alutsista macam tank Anoa, Leopard maupun helikopter yang dipamerkan dalam gelaran peralatan perang milik TNI di Lapangan Saburai, Enggal, Bandar Lampung Kamis, 18 Juni 2015.

Salah satu alat yang dipamerkan dan tidak kalah canggih serta modern yakni Bozena, dikenal sebagai penghancur ranjau. Kendaraan yang berbentuk robot ini didatangkan dari Slovakia dan menyita pengunjung pameran dari semua kalangan.

Komandan Peleton 2 Kompi Zipur A dari Yonzipur 9 / 1 Kostrad Letda (Czi) Rendra Yudha Wardhana (24) dan operator robot ini Serda Agus Sofyan (21) ini memaparkan tentang Bozena secara bergantian.

Bozena didemonstrasikan dengan menunjukkan cara kerjanya dari peralatan tempur yang dipamerkan Korem 043 Garuda Hitam di Lapangan Saburai.

"Sistem kerjanya hidrolik. Berfungsi untuk membersihkan ranjau anti personel dan antitank. Tahun 2013 ada di Indonesia dan menambah kekuatan persenjataan TNI AD. Robot ini khusus dipakai didarat. Biasanya dipakai didaerah perbatasan darat yang memang sering ditanami ranjau sebagai penghalang mobilitas pasukan," kata Rendra.

Sepintas, robot ini mirip alat pembajak sawah modern. Bagian depannya terdapat flail unit dari baja. Bisa diatur ketinggian dan kecepatan putarannya saat dipergunakan. "Flail Unit (berbentuk bulatan datar yang tergantung pada rantai baja) dibagian depan dengan gerakan melingkar berfungsi memukul ranjau hingga meledak," ungkapnya.

Masih kata dia, ranjau biasanya ditanam 25-30 sentimeter dibawah permukaan tanah. “Jadi butuh kekuatan yang berbeda untuk mendeteksi, mengaktifkan dan meledakkan ranjau karena ranjau makan waktu untuk dijinakkan secara manual," ujarnya.

"Ini termasuk alat yang sensitif. Tidak semua prajurit Yonzipur 9 bisa mengoperasionalkan robot ini. Cuma ada dua di Indonesia. Satu ada di Yonzipur 9 di Ujung Berung Bandung Provinsi Jawa Barat. Yang sedang anda lihat sekarang. Kemarin robot ini ikut serta dalam latihan tempur di Martapura. Kemudian satu unit lagi ada Yonzipur 10 di Provinsi Jawa Timur," ucap sang operator robot, Serda Agus Sofyan (21).

Pria yang sejak tahun 2014 ini mengendalikan Bozena lewat remot kontrol khusus. "Kekuatan jarak antara remot dan robot ini berbeda tergantung wilayah. Kalau untuk daerah terbuka itu jaraknya lima kilometer. Misalnya seperti daerah gurun. Kalau untuk daerah tertutup seperti hutan, jaraknya dua kilometer saja," ucap pria kelahiran Bima ini. 

Dengan kecepatan maksimal 9 km/jam, robot ini lebih sering dipakai setelah suatu areal dikuasai pasukan. "Setelah daerah tertentu dikuasai pasukan, maka Bozena bertugas membersihkan areal tersebut dari ranjau yang sudah ditanam. Boleh juga kalau saat konvoi pasukan tempur, sistem radar mendeteksi bahwa dalam jalur yang akan ditempuh konvoi ada ranjau ditanam. Nah, Bozena akan berada didepan membersihkan ranjau sekaligus membuka jalan," ucap Rendra menjelaskan. 

(Saibumi)

Raytheon and Nexter Not Bidding for Land 400

15 Juni 2015

Nexter VBCI 8x8 (photo : Defence Update)

The field of contenders for Land 400 is dwindling. ADM confirmed recently that the Boeing and Iveco team has withdrawn  and now Raytheon has confirmed to ADM in a statement that they will not be pursing the multi-billion dollar vehicle program with France’s Nexter.

“Raytheon and Nexter have recently sought to build on their international partnership to submit a solution for the Land 400 Phase 2 combat reconnaissance vehicle (CRV) competition. Based on the combat proven VBCI coupled with the next generation capability embodied in the T40 turret, the Raytheon/Nexter solution delivers world-leading capability in firepower, force protection, survivability and mobility.

“After careful consideration of the Land 400 Phase 2 request for tender (RFT) requirements for the provision of a military off the shelf plus (MOTS+) solution for the risk mitigation activity (RMA), the companies believe they cannot conscionably offer the MOTS+, VBCI based solution that the Australian Army needs and deserves; both for its mission today and into the future.”

Teams that are still in the running at the prime level, as far as we know, are as follows:
-BAE Systems and Patria
-Elbit Systems and ST Kinetics
-General Dynamics Land Systems and Thales Australia
-Rheinmetall and Northrop Grumman

The original tender deadline has been extended out until August 6.

(Australian Defence)

6 Upgraded AFVs to Arrive by June 18

13 Juni 2015

M-113 of the Philippine Army (photo : vjdefense)

Manila (PNA) - "The first six units of the upgraded AFVs are arriving by June 18," Lt. Col. Noel Detoyato, PA spokesperson, told the Philippines News Agency.

This lot will be followed by 18 other units and four more by July or August, he said.

Fourteen of the M-113s will be configured as fire support vehicles, four as infantry fighting vehicles, six as armored personnel carriers, and another four as armored recovery units.

The M-113s will be supplied by Israeli defense manufacturer Elbit Systems Ltd.

The contract, which is worth PhP882 million, was signed on June 22, 2014.

Upgrades include installation of 25mm unmanned turrets, 12.7mm remote controlled weapon stations (RCWS) and fire control systems (FCS) for 90mm turrets.

The PA operates around 343 AFVs (armored fighting vehicles) and APCs (armored personnel carriers).

Around 85 percent of these AFVs are on green status (fully mission capable), another 10 percent on yellow status (undergoing repair) and five percent on red (beyond repair)

About 150 of these are the United Kingdom-built GKN "Simba," with the remaining AFVs consisting of United States-designed V-150 and V-200 APCs, M-113s, Turkish made ACV-300s and British Scorpion CVRTs.

These vehicles give the PA its armor capability and are organized into a 14-vehicle mechanized infantry companion for deployment with regular units.

(PNA)

Malaysia’s Defence Sees an Upgrade

04 Juni 2015

AV-8 Gempita 8x8 (photo : Panggilan Pertiwi)

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia will soon see a number of military and defence upgrades especially along the Sabah border, according to Minister of Defence Hishammuddin Hussein.

At a press conference today, Hishammuddin announced that he and officers from the Ministry of Defence had detailed the ministry’s direction for the next five years and said it would include items detailed in the 11th Malaysia Plan in regard to the nation’s safety.

According to him, the ministry would uphold the nation’s defensive portfolio with a focus on four major aspects i.e. increasing the preparedness of the Malaysian Armed Forces’ physical assets and facilities; increasing its capability to face non-traditional threats in Sabah; improving the welfare of members and veterans of the Armed Forces; and strengthening the commercial and innovative sector of the defence industry.

“Sabah has always been a flashpoint that we need to address. We cannot let our guard down – we need constant monitoring,” said Hishammuddin.

Mark V Special Operation Craft (photo : US Navy)

“Our (mobile) offshore bases will be leaving tomorrow and will be in position soon,” he added, saying that such bases were already at Sabah.

This was said in regard to the Ministry’s initiatives already in play to strengthen defences around Sabah, among which would be the formation of two forward sea bases, the mobilisation of 12 high-speed Mark V Special Operation Craft (SOC) boats, and 12 8×8 GEMPITA Shielded Vehicles placed in Kukusan Camp, Tawau in January, among others.
Three battalions of standard infantry will also be placed around Sabah, specifically in Lahad Datu, Lok Kawi, and Labuan.

The navy will also be constructing the infrastructure necessary for refits of its Scorpene submarines, which are slated for completion at the end of the year.

“These initiatives to increase the level of Sabah’s defence will be upheld in the 11th Malaysia Plan,” said Hishammuddin.

(FreeMalaysiaToday)

Korps Marinir Minati Ranpur Amfibi Pindad

04 Juni 2015

Anoa amfibi adalah test bed bagi Pindad untuk mencoba sistem amfibi : pemecah ombak di bagian depan, pelampung aluminium di bodi samping, dan water jet non permanen di bagian belakang. Setelah uji coba ini dinyatakan berhasil, Pindad akan merancang kendaraan amfibi yang sama sekali baru (photo : pr1v4t33r) 

Dankormar Kunjungi Industri Strategis Pertahanan di Bandung

Komandan Korps Marinir Brigjen TNI (Mar) Buyung Lalana beserta rombongan mengunjungi Industri Strategis Pertahanan PT. Bhimasena dan PT. Pindad (Persero), Bandung, Kamis (28/05/2015).

Dalam kunjungan kali ini, Dankormar didampingi oleh Wadan Pasmar-2 Kolonel Marinir Yuniar Ludfi, Asrena Dankormar Kolonel Marinir Endi Supardi, Danlanal Bandung Kolonel Laut (P) Johanes, Danyontaifib-2 Mar Letkol Marinir S. Sitohang, Wadan Denjaka Letkol Marinir Nanang. S serta beberapa Pejabat Teras di jajaran Korps Marinir.

Di PT. Bhimasena, Komandan Korps Marinir beserta rombongan disambut langsung oleh Chief Executive Officer (CEO) PT. Bhimasena  Ny. Evi Lusviana. Dalam kesempatan tersebut, PT. Bhimasena memperkenalkan  beberapa produk militer terbarunya seperti botol air minum perorangan dilengkapi dengan penjerih air di dalamnya, ponco dan baju samaran pasukan anti deteksi teropong infra red, kendaraan Zeni, kendaraan dapur lapangan serta masih banyak lagi yang lainnya.

Sedangkan dalam kunjungan kerja di PT. Pindad, Dankormar beserta rombongan disambut langsung oleh Direktur Utama Bapak Silmy Karim S.E, Me. Dalam kesempatan tersebut para perwira Korps Marinir ini menyampaikan sejumlah saran dan masukan kepada PT. Pindad untuk perbaikan dalam pembuatan senjata yang digunakan prajurit Marinir agar lebih tahan terhadap korosi karena pada operasionalnya prajurit Marinir lebih banyak berada di laut atau pantai sehingga senjata yang digunakan rentan akan karat dibandingkan dengan senjata biasa.

Setelah semua saran dan masukkan disampaikan dan diterima dengan apresiasi baik oleh PT. Pindad, rombongan diajak berkeliling PT. Pindad untuk melihat proses pembuatan serta perakitan senjata yang diproduksi dan menyaksikan demo Ranpur Anoa versi Amphibi naik turun kolam uji coba serta mencoba senjata senapan maupun pistol terbaru yang telah diproduksi PT. Pindad.

Sebelum meninggalkan Kota Bandung, Komandan Korps Marinir saling tukar menukar cinderamat dengan PT. Bhimasena dan PT. Pindad (Persero) guna menjalin silaturahmi agar tercipta hubungan kerja yang semakin baik di masa mendatang.

(TNI AL)

KONGSBERG to Deliver PROTECTOR RWS to Australia

23 Mei 2015

PROTECTOR Dual RWS (photo : Kongsberg)

KONGSBERG has signed a production contract with the vehicle manufacturer Supacat Pty, Ltd in Australia for the delivery of PROTECTOR Remote Weapon Systems. The end user is the Commonwealth of Australia (CoA).

Australia was one of the first export countries to purchase PROTECTOR RWS back in 2004.  

This is the first contract between the vehicle producer Supacat and KONGSBERG, and the first time PROTECTOR RWS will be integrated on an open vehicle. The parties’ intention is to further develop the cooperation into this segment of vehicles.

The contract is valued to app. MNOK 40, and the production of PROTECTOR Dual RWS will start immediately in Kongsberg, Norway. Deliveries are expected to commence by the end of the year.  Supacat is an innovative engineering and design house that has a pedigree of producing and supporting high-mobility, all-terrain vehicles. 

The PROTECTOR Remote Weapon Station is designed for small and medium caliber weapons and can be installed on any type of platform; it is a fully stabilized, combat proven system qualified for global operations.

(Kongsberg)

Bushmasters to Get Self-Defence Upgrade

22 Mei 2015

Bushmaster protected mobility vehicle (photo : Thales Australia)

The DMO’s Land Systems Division (LSD) is delivering an upgrade that improves Army’s Protected Mobility Vehicle (PMV) self defence capability, now and into the future.

LSD recently signed a $6.5 million contract with Australian company Electro Optic Systems (EOS) to refurbish and upgrade 45 EOS remote weapons systems (RWS) used on the Bushmaster PMVs. This contract also includes the introduction into service of the refurbished systems.

The upgraded RWS will provide significant self-defence capability enhancements, according to the PMV Sustainment Manager, Luke Crampton.

“Improvements include upgraded sensors, a new Australian-designed stabilisation system that provides ‘shoot on the move’ capability, video tracking, video recording and enhanced C4I integration support,” Mr Crampton explained. 

“These enhancements will bring the PMV’s upgraded RWS into line with EOS armoured vehicle turrets, used on tanks and other heavy armoured vehicles.

“Armoured vehicles turrets  are typically 10 times more capable than the  RWS and more costly; however, this upgrade means we get a similar capability for the Bushmaster at a much lower cost.

It’s a win-win situation in terms of capability and value for money”

By synchronising an upgrade to the RWS with post-operations refurbishment, LSD has also achieved an estimated $2.3 million saving in Commonwealth resources.

The first 20 of the new systems, which will be delivered to the 3rd  Brigade by September 2015, will  be used in an evaluation program designed by Army to help determine future RWS requirements.

(DMO)

Russian Airborne Demonstrate Combat Capabilities of BMD-4M, BTR-MDM at "ARMY 2015"

19 Mei 2015

Tracked amphibious IFV BMD-4M of the Russian Airborne (photos : Vitaly V Kuzmin)

TSAMTO - At the international military-technical forum "Army 2015", which will be held in mid-June in the park of culture and rest the Armed Forces "Patriot" in Kubinka, Airborne demonstrate the combat capabilities of BMD-4M, BTR-MDM "Shell" during the dynamic display .

In addition to the latest models of military equipment, paratroopers and guests of the forum will demonstrate fire power 2S25 self-propelled anti-tank gun "Sprut-SD"

BTR-MDM Armoured personnel carrier of the Russian Airborne (photo : Vitaly V. Kuzmin)

Showing fire and sea capabilities of military equipment will be carried out both on the land and in the water cluster offline.

Currently, all calculations and crews fighting vehicles arrived in the area of ​​military ground Alabino, where, together with representatives of other kinds of services and arms started training.

2S25 self-propelled anti-tank gun "Sprut-SD" of the Russian Airborne (photo : Vitaly V. Kuzmin)

For the preparation of weapons, military and special equipment for the Forum from May 15 to June 11 will be held several military exercises.

Total for dynamic display will be involved about 20 units. special weapons and military equipment, said the Office of the Press and Information of the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation.

(VPK)

50 Years Service for M113

15 Mei 2015

This year marks the M113's 50 years of service in the Australian Army.

From their first service in Vietnam, through to UN deployments and local exercises, the M113 family has protected and transported soldiers for 50 years.

On March 19, 1965, the first M113A1 vehicles were issued to the Royal Australian Armoured Corps. 

That year the Armoured School and 1 Armd Regt were the only regular armoured units. Two Citizen Military Forces (CMF) units had one regular squadron each – 4/19 Prince of Wales Light Horse (Reconnaissance) and 2/14 Queensland Mounted Infantry (Anti-Tank).

1 Tp, A Sqn, 4/19PWLH, was the first unit to receive the new vehicles. The troop had less than two months to train on the new vehicles before five vehicles departed for Vietnam on May 27, 1965. 

The M113A1 family had been ordered in 1963-64, although the vehicles were ordered separately from the radio and harness. This led to different delivery times, causing problems in Vietnam.

Back in Australia after Vietnam War, the M113A1 became the Army’s light armoured fighting vehicle (AFV). 

From 1967, a unique Australian vehicle had been developed by fitting a Saladin armoured car turret to an M113A1, adopted as the fire support vehicle (FSV). 

Specialist tracked light reconnaissance vehicles (LRV) were rejected and the M113A1 APC became the APC/LRV.

As the ARA adapted to service in Australia, in 1972 the decision was made to equip all CMF units with the M113A1 vehicles.  

The simple and robust M113A1 proved an ideal vehicle for the CMF. Easy to maintain and drive, it permitted part-time soldiers with limited training time an opportunity to focus on tactics. 

In 1973, the CMF became the Army Reserve.

M113-AS3 variants have 5 road wheel stations per side (photo : DID)

A new FSV based on the British Scorpion turret was accepted for service in 1976. It was the first RAAC AFV fitted with a passive (image intensifying) night sight. It was soon redesignated the medium reconnaissance vehicle (MRV). 

As well as ARA reconnaissance squadrons, reserve RAAC units were issued MRV or the Saladin FSV to reintroduce full bore gunnery to the reserve force. In 1976, 5/7RAR began trialling mechanised infantry, with such success that the role became permanent and in 1 Bde the infantry operated its own M113A1 vehicles. 

The mechanised role survived the de-linking of the battalions in 2007 but under Plan Beersheba the battalions converted back to light infantry in 2013.  Armoured mobility will now be provided by RAAC APC units.

The focus on operations in Australia led to increasing interest in wheeled AFV. 

In 1980, Project Waler examined replacing the Army’s fleet of Light AFV.  Both wheeled and tracked vehicles were considered. The Defence of Australia paper of 1987 focused on Northern Australia,  leading to plans to relocate 2 Cav Regt to Darwin and re-equip it with wheeled AFV, leaving a reduced M113 fleet of about 600, some of which would be upgraded.  

The M113A1 family performed well once again, albeit the squadron had serious problems with maintenance, especially the supply of track link, in conditions where RAN sea transport was limited.

In 1994-95, the government accepted a further UN request for assistance in Rwanda. Operation Tamar initially involved a company of 2/4RAR deployed with a section of three APCs, plus a fitters’ vehicle. This was to be the first time RAAC AFVs were painted UN white. 

The second rotation came from 5/7RAR, which took over the vehicles in location.More planningIn 1994, Army agreed on a M113 upgrade to consist of:

• Phase 1 – suspension and engine cooling modifications to M113A2 standard. New turret with power traverse and elevation with single. M2HB QCB .50 machine gun. Spall liners and a cooled drinking water system were to be fitted, and the crew commander and driver provided with night-vision goggles.

• Phase 2 – to move to M113A3 standard. This included a new engine and transmission, external fuel cells, appliqué armour and climate control system for crew compartment.In 1996, the MRV was retired. 2 Cav Regt was already equipping with the ASLAV, signalling the end of the M113A1 in the medium reconnaissance role.


In 1998, the first four M113A2 vehicles were delivered from upgrade. At this point, the Phase 1 upgrade was halted and combined with Phase 2, the new vehicle to be known as the M113AS3.  

One more operation for M113A1

When Interfet withdrew, 5/7RAR became the first Australian battalion on Operation Tanager.

Subsequent Australian battalion deployments were supported by RAAC APC elements until 2002.

Towards M113AS4

The M113AS3 concept was further modified, with a lengthened version to be called the M113AS4, while the short version remained the AS3. 

CO 2 Cav Regt Lt-Col James Davis  said 259 M113AS4 variants were procured as APCs, fitters vehicles and Armoured Logistics Vehicles.  

“The unstretched A3 versions are used as ambulance, command, recovery and mortar vehicles,” he said. 

“The upgraded M113 family have a new engine, drive train, electrical and fuel systems, as well as a redesigned internal layout to accommodate safe stowage in a variety of situations. 

“The APC version has a new electrically operated turret with day/night weapon sights. The AS4 vehicle is lengthened, with the six, rather than five, pairs of road wheels each side providing an instant identification feature.”

The M113AS3/4 is planned to serve until at least 2025.

(Aus Army)

Otokar Introduces New 18 Tonnes Amphibious Tracked Vehicle

05 Mei 2015

Tulpar-S 18 tonnes amphibious IFV (photo : Shephard)

IDEF 2015: Otokar shows new Tulpar-S variant

A new anti-tank variant of the Tulpar family of tracked armoured vehicles from Otokar is being shown at the IDEF exhibition in Istanbul for the first time.

The Tulpar-S has been developed by the company for the Turkish Weapon Carrying Vehicle (WCV) programme and is fitted with a new RWS from Aselsan that carries four Kornet anti-tank missiles as well as a machine gun.

Oguz Korkut Kibaroglu, tank system engineering manager at Otokar, told Shephard that Tupar-S weighs 15t, but can be increased to 18t. The amphibious tank hunting platform has level 4 armour and can be made available in APC, IFV and other modes, as well as carry different weapon systems.

He said that the Turkish procurement agency SSM is in the bidding phase for the army’s WCV programme and that Otokar has started engineering tests on its WCV platform in order to be ready for it.

Kibaroglu said that there are similar components in the Tuplar and Tuplar-S, and this level of commonality means that it is faster to approve the overall system for when the SSM begins its own qualification tests.

Tulpar-S is 2.9m wide, 5.7m long and has a crew capacity of ten. It is equipped with a 280kW engine and can achieve a maximum speed of about 70km/h. CBRN life support is standard, as well as mine-resistant crew seats and driver front and rear thermal and day cameras.

The original Tulpar multipurpose platform, which ranges from 25t-45t, was launched at IDEF in 2013. Otokar is showing an updated variant this year fitted with the Mizrak-30 medium-calibre remote-controlled turret with 30mm dual-feed automatic cannon with 210 ready rounds.

The vehicle on show is 32t and measures 7.23m long and 3.45m wide. It also has a new MTU 8V199 turbo-charged diesel engine, producing 720hp, and Renk HSWL 106 hydromechanical transmission, which replaces the earlier Scania engine and Sapa mechanical transmission. It is fitted with the HA35-15000 indigenous designed final drive system from Otokar.

Kibaroglu told Shephard that the Turkish military likes German engines – they are also being introduced as part of the M60 tank modification and are used in the Altay MBT – however customers can request any power pack they want.

Like the Tulpar-S, it has standard CBRN life support, driver front and rear thermal and day cameras and mounting interfaces for two ATGMs and equipment. It has a crew of three, space for nine troops and is equipped with software-defined vehicle radios, GPS/INS, internal comms, with options for a battlefield management system that includes C3I.

Kibaroglu said that requirements have not been announced, but the Turkish Army is planning for lightweight, next-generation vehicles.

Performance testing has been completed on Tulpar, and now Otokar is trialling various configurations of the vehicle to meet different weight requirements, which will include a range of suspension systems.

Tulpar can also be modified into APC, combat vehicle, ambulance, 105mm anti-tank vehicle, mortar vehicle maintenance and recovery vehicle, engineering vehicle, MLRS vehicle, air defence and reconnaissance vehicle modes.

(Shephard)

Samsung Techwin will Make a Decision on the Contract in Mid 2015

03 April 2015

Samsung Techwin KAAV7A1 (photos : Militaryphotos)

Surplus Market for AAV7 Series Remains Strong as Nations Seek to Expand Ampbibious Capabilities 

NEWTOWN, Conn. - Serial production of new-build AAV71 vehicles in the United States is dormant. Low-rate production of Samsung Techwin's KAAV7A1 licensed-production variant remains available on an as-required basis, primarily for export.

Philippine

In 2013, the Philippine Ministry of Defense opened a bidding initiative aimed at acquiring eight new-build AAV7 series vehicles for eventual deployment with the country's Marine Corps.

Although no contractors responded to the MoD's initial bidding request, the subsequent process was reopened in May 2014. South Korean defense giant Samsung Techwin submitted the sole production proposal for the revived effort, offering to produce eight of its licensed KAAV7A1 variants and provide long-term logistical support for the products, at a total estimated cost of $53 million (PHP2.42 billion).

The Philippine MoD and Marines are now in the process of assessing the feasibility of Samsung Techwin's bid, and are expected to make a final decision on the contract sometime in early-to-mid 2015. Assuming the deal moves forward, production of the vehicles is scheduled to take place over the course of approximately 2.5 years subsequent to the date of contract signing.

Although the Philippine military's desire for new-build AAV7 series vehicles stands as an uncommon deviation in a marketplace that has now overwhelmingly shifted toward the acquisition of surplus vehicle stocks, its core requirement for expanded amphibious assault capabilities is nevertheless firmly in step with regional trends.

The ascent of the People's Republic of China as a regional maritime power and revival of territorial disputes in the South China Sea have accelerated efforts by armed forces across the region to further develop and refine their amphibious assault capacities and enhance 
their ability to project military power over a number of hotly contested island chains.

Other Countries

The Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF) is currently in the process of forming a new amphibious deployment brigade, derived from the service's Western Army, in order to better protect the country's maritime interests. A central component of the new brigade is the planned procurement of 52 surplus AAV7 series vehicles from the United States, refurbished by prime contractor BAE Systems to suit Japanese specifications.

The JGSDF ordered four preliminary models in 2013 and a further two in 2014. The JGSDF continues to conduct performance tests of the newly acquired models, but large-scale acquisitions are scheduled to begin soon, with Japan's FY15 defense budget calling for the procurement of 30 refurbished AAV7s within the fiscal year, at a cost of JPY20.3 billion.

Elsewhere, in early 2014 the Brazilian Marine Corps acquired an additional 23 refurbished AAV7A1 vehicles. And earlier, in June 2013, the Chilean Ministry of Defense announced its intention to purchase a total of 20 USMC surplus AAV7A1 vehicles for service with the Chilean Marines (Amphibious Expeditionary Brigade). Prior to delivery, the MoD intends for the vehicles to be upgraded to the RAM/RS standard by Global Combat Systems, a U.S.-based subsidiary of BAE Systems.

The Chilean order is to be split into two delivery batches, with the first batch of 12 vehicles consisting of 10 AAVP7A1 transports, one AAVC7A1 command vehicle, and one AAVR7A1 armored recovery vehicle. Deliveries were scheduled to begin in 2014, but few reports on the current status of the deal had surfaced at time of writing.

Fiscal challenges and developmental shortfalls have coalesced to ensure that the AAV7A1 will remain in active service with the USMC through the forecast period and beyond.

The relative stabilization of U.S. defense spending in the aftermath of the passage of 2013's Ryan-Murray budget deal and subsequent easing of near-term sequestration fears have allowed the USMC to at last move forward with a reorganized version of its Amphibious Combat Vehicle (ACV) program.

In 2018, the USMC plans to begin serial production and acquisition of its new 8x8 wheeled Marine Personnel Carrier (MPC). The MPC program falls under the designation of Phase 1, Increment 1 of the larger ACV program (ACV 1.1). Under the ACV 1.1 timeline, the USMC intends to acquire an initial 204 base model MPC vehicles from 2018 through 2021.

Subsequent phases of the ACV program will involve additional MPC orders. The USMC plans to adapt the specific composition of subsequent MPC orders to the lessons gleaned from the field experience and data gathered during the implementation of ACV 1.1 and begin the procurement of specialized variants. In addition, development of a variant that would provide a high-speed, ship-to-shore successor to the AAV7A1 remains ongoing.

Nevertheless, the costly demise of the Expeditionary Fighting Vehicle (EFV) in 2011 still casts a long shadow over the service's armored development and replacement efforts and has elevated the importance of the service's AAV7A1 modernization program.

With Increment 1 of the ACV not scheduled to reach true operational capacity until 2020, the Marines will be forced to rely primarily on the AAV7A1 through the forecast period and for a number years beyond it. In October 2013, the USMC announced it was pursuing a new initiative directed at improving the survivability profile of the AAV7A1 through the addition of new armor and equipment upgrades.

BAE Systems and Science Applications International Corp (SAIC) were awarded development contracts for the new upgrade package in 2014. Reports indicate that implementation of the program is scheduled to begin in 2017, with an initial goal of upgrading some 392 AAV7A1 vehicles with the new package.

(ForecastInternational)