Russian UFO or Tarielka (EKIP) - story of its creation

This is an interview with one of the designers of the EKIP aircraft (or Tarielka) - Edward Isaev, for one of the Russian news channels in 2002. This video is freely available for download from the aircraft designer's web site: http://www.ekip-aviation-concern.com/ It consists of two parts: 1st - actual news segment (it's about 3 minutes long), and 2nd - behind the scenes footage of the interview with Edward Isaev (this part is not complete because that's how it appears on the aircraft designer's site) Note: Sharashka - was an informal name for secret research and development laboratories in the Soviet Gulag labor camp system in 1940-1950's. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sharashka The latest news that I could find about EKIP date back to 2003-2004 when the U.S. Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) was going to co-partner further developments and building of this aircraft. Apparently the test flights were tentatively scheduled for 2007 at Webster Field, near Patuxent River. http://www.wired.com/science/discoveries/news/2003/12/61681?currentPage=1

Russian Flying Fortresses

Russian army was by the idea of creating huge planes. At that times they were proposed to have as much propellers as possible to help carrying those huge flying fortresses into the air, jet propulsion has not been implemented at those times yet. Not much photos were saved since that times, because of the high secrecy levels of such projects and because a lot of time passed already. Still on the photo below you can see one of such planes - a heavy bomber K-7. Now modern history lovers in Russia try to reconstruct according the plans left in once to be top-secret Russian army archives their look in full color. This is one example based on ideas of Russian aviation engineers of that times.

TOP SECRET SOVIET BOMBER PROJECT

Spanish Army’s first Eurocopter NH90 helicopter performs maiden flight

The Spanish Army Airmobile Force's (FAMET) first Eurocopter NH90 tactical transport helicopter (TTH)has performed its maiden flight at the company's España facility in Albacete, south-east Spain.

The helicopter is one of two NH90 GSPA prototypes manufactured in Marignane, France, under a contract signed by the Spanish Ministry of Defence (MoD) in December 2006 for a total of 45 NH90 TTHs.

Currently, the Spanish version prototypes are undergoing testing and certification.

Sponsored by the Spanish Secretariat of Defence through the Directorate-General of Armament and Equipment (DGAM), the programme has been set out to deliver the NH90 helicopter to all three branches of the Spanish armed forces.

Eurocopter España's site in Albacete will provide complete support from the design stage through to flight testing and certification, component manufacture, the final assembly line and integration for the helicopters.

The NH90 programme will also promote Spanish participation in areas such as installation of electronic warfare systems, simulation equipment, automated test benches and engine assembly.

"The programme has been set out to deliver the NH90 helicopter to all three branches of the Spanish armed forces."

NH Industries, a joint venture between AgustaWestland, Eurocopter and Stork Fokker, is the prime contractor for the twin-engine multi-role helicopter programme.

The company is also manufacturing a second variant, the Nato frigate helicopter (NFH) for naval forces.

Powered by two Rolls-Royce-Turbomeca RTM322 engines, the NH90 TTH is an advanced helicopter designed primarily to perform logistics and utility transport, combat search-and-rescue (RESCO), as well as heliborne operations.

The next-generation helicopter can be used to perform casualty and medical evacuation, electronic warfare, special operations and counter-terrorism missions, airborne command post and VIP transportation.

In addition, the helicopters have been ordered by NH90 members, including France, Australia, Belgium, Greece, Norway, Oman, Sweden, Finland and Italy.

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Image: The first Spanish version NH90 GSPA03 helicopter during its flight. Photo: courtesy of Eurocopter/Pablo Rada.

Boeing conducts GMD's non-intercept flight testing

Boeing has successfully conducted non-intercept flight testing of the US Missile Defense Agency's (MDA) ground-based midcourse defence (GMD) system with a new exo-atmospheric kill vehicle (EKA) at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, US.

Carried out with MDA and industry partners, the testing also designated GMD control test vehicle (GM CTV)-01 and forms part of a comprehensive evaluation programme.

The programme began after flight-testing of the ground-based interceptor (FTG)-06a ended in failure due to a guidance error in December 2010.

"We have used industry and government's combined expertise to solve a complex technical issue related to what the interceptor's EKV experiences in space."

Deployed by a three-stage ground-based interceptor (GBI) to a designated point in space, the upgraded Raytheon-built EKV carried out a series of pre-planned manoeuvres to gather performance data during the testing, which marks the first step in returning GMD to successful intercept tests.

Boeing Strategic Missile and Defense Systems vice president and general manager Greg Hyslop said the testing was a result of successful collaboration between government, military and industry.

"Throughout our team effort to solve one of the toughest challenges facing the aerospace industry, GMD remained on alert and continues to defend the United States," Hyslop added.

Boeing vice president and GMD programme director Norm Tew said: "We have used industry and government's combined expertise to solve a complex technical issue related to what the interceptor's exo-atmospheric kill vehicle (EKV) experiences in space."

Testing did not include a target missile launch and the resulting data will be used to evaluate the EKV's design and also enhance readiness for future intercept missions.

The GMD uses radars and sensors, command-and-control facilities, communications terminals and a 2,000-mile fibre-optic communications network to safeguard the US from long-range ballistic missile threats, including intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs).

Boeing serves as GMD prime contractor and leads an industry team comprising Northrop Grumman, Orbital Sciences and Raytheon.

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Image: The ground-based interceptor lifts off from Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, US. Photo: courtesy of MDA.

Draeger Safety UK Ltd

Whether on land, under water or in the air – whenever human breathing is at risk Dräger offers reliable protection. For over a century, Dräger has protected military and civil forces as they face their daily challenges.

 

Whatever your mission – detecting toxic gases, military diving, action under a possible nuclear, biological or chemical (NBC) threat, or the implementation of an NBC collective protection system (COLPRO) – Dräger products and system solutions provide a high degree of reliability, allowing you to breathe easily in extreme situations.
Through decades of working with armed forces around the globe, Dräger recognises the highly technical requirements placed on military applications. Its specialists have a high degree of technical and product specific knowledge and are experts in tailored solutions for hazard management.

Products
Today’s threatening situations pose unforeseen challenges to military and civil forces. Dangerous situations must be analysed quickly and forces given maximum protection. Dräger provides personal NBC protective equipment and a range of innovative products for the detection of hazardous chemical  substances.

Military NBC Protection Systems

Modern measurement and detection systems provide quick and reliable warnings of danger. Gases or unidentified chemicals in the air dictate the need for an effective protection system against NBC hazards, and a reliable warning system follows the same simple principle: identification, quantification and protection. Dräger’s state of the art sensor and analytical technology means that toxic or threatening substances in the air can be detected in good time.
Complete NBC protection systems – such as for the Leopard, Fox or Dingo – include personal protective equipment for the occupants. For tents and mobile equipment, portable filter systems are indispensable.

Collective Protection Systems (COLPRO)

Collective Protection Systems against NBC risks make it possible to supply breathable air to entire compartments, vehicles or containers so a number of people are protected in one place. Dräger’s NBC protection solutions are effective at the forefront of the world and the principle is always the same – contaminated external air is taken in, cleaned by several filter levels and then fed into a protected, airtight inner room, or Toxic Free Area (TFA). The positive pressure built up in the TFA compensates possible leakages.

Dräger’s NBC protective systems offer effective protection against known threats such as respirable dusts, contaminated particles, aerosols, bacteria, viruses, toxins, chemical warfare agents (CWAs) and toxic industrial chemicals (TICs).
The innovative filter system works with three consecutive filter levels: a coarse dust separator removes up to 98% of the coarse dust and feeds it directly into the external atmosphere. In the second level, special filter papers ensure that even the smallest particles of biological substances are retained. The remaining gases are bound by activated charcoal.

Dräger’s NBC protective systems are tailored to the needs of military or civil defence clients and their specific applications or the requirements of NATO partners.

Personal NBC Protection

Dräger’s personal NBC protection products include full face masks and filters, which used together can protect against NBC risks. The Dräger M2000 full face mask in combination with the F2000 filter is designed to be used for up to 24 hours. The Dräger CDR 4500 full face mask and NBC civil protection filters ensure forces in civil protection and rescue services have secure combined protection against biological and chemical warfare agents and hazardous substances.

The Dräger DHS 7000 system, designed for use with the DHR 7000 full-face mask, offers multiple levels of protection for deployment in various environments.  The DHR 7000 offers three options for protection against chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) threats. It can be used with a filter as an air-purifying respirator, with a C420 powered air-purifying respirator, or with a compressed-air breathing apparatus in IDLH or oxygen-deficient atmospheres.

 

Dräger also manufactures protective clothing in designs that meet the strict demands for chemical resistance and mechanical resilience. Military personnel can wear the compressed air breathing apparatus inside the suit with the CPS 7800, or outside the suit with the CPS 7900. The D-mex material offers reliable protection against solid, liquid and gaseous chemicals, as well as NBC warfare agents.

Hazardous Substance Detection

With the growing threat of biological and chemical weapons, forces are increasingly asked to quickly and positively identify hazardous substances, and in an emergency every second counts.

  

Dräger Civil Defence Tests have been designed for the rapid detection of chemical warfare agents in toxic gases and vapours.

Diving Technology

Underwater missions require your full attention. Whether you are ship diving, searching for mines or tactical diving with complete, anti-magnetic equipment, Dräger products in this area have the same requirements: namely, high functionality, low weight and high reliability under extreme climatic conditions. Dräger also produces a wide range of products to support the diving apparatus, from accessories and complete filling systems to mobile and stationary decompression chambers.

Breathing Management Technology

Your naval team can breathe easily, thanks to complete system solutions which helps ensuring a reliable air supply, ambient air regeneration and monitoring of the atmosphere. If crews are working and living in tight spaces on submarines there must be a reliable supply of breathing air, and Dräger’s Breathing Management Technology helps ensuring that CO2 concentration in the boat’s atmosphere is kept at low levels. On submarines, this is achieved by using CO2 bonding cartridges with Dräger’s tried and tested soda lime, providing safe breathing conditions on long missions.

Dräger Services

 

All our equipment has been put through its paces so you can be sure that it’s as tough and reliable as we say, regardless of frequent transportation, extreme temperatures and difficult terrain. Integrated components are available for at least 10 years and if you need advice, you can contact one of our global network of service centres. Dräger also offers user and technical training seminars to familiarise personnel with equipment, making sure everything goes smoothly during your mission.

Dräger Medical and Safety Technology

Dräger is an international leader in the fields of medical and safety technology. Founded in 1889, the Dräger Group is currently present in more than 190 countries and has about 12,000 employees worldwide.

It has sales and service subsidiaries in over 40 countries, with development and production facilities based in the UK, Germany, Sweden, South Africa, the USA, Brazil, the Czech Republic and China.

  

Its guiding principle is ‘Technology for Life’. Wherever Dräger products are deployed – in military systems and technologies, law enforcement and emergency services, oil and gas mining or general industry – they protect, support and save lives.

Dräger in the UK consists of two separate divisions, with the Medical Division in Hemel Hempstead and the Safety Division in Blyth. The Safety Division, Draeger Safety UK Ltd., offers its customers across a wide range of industries complete hazard management solutions, with a special focus on personal safety and mobile gas detection systems, respiratory protection, firefighting equipment, professional diving gear, as well as drug and alcohol testing equipment.

 

Draeger Safety UK Ltd. employs almost 400 people in Blyth and across the UK from its network of Safety Centres, and is responsible for:

• Manufacturing all Dräger’s compressed air breathing apparatus and some of the fire and gas detection products
• R&D – design and improvement of Dräger’s compressed air breathing apparatus
• International marketing of Blyth manufactured product using the worldwide Dräger sales network and some direct international selling through Dräger sales agents
• Sales, marketing and service in the UK of all Dräger Safety products and for fire and gas detection in the Middle East.

For more information about Dräger products in the military and civil defence sector, please visit www.draeger.com

Dutch Ministry of Defence Purchases First RAM-SCORE Systems

Supplier: 

Microflown AVISA

Microflown AVISA has delivered its first RAM-SCORE system to the Royal Netherlands Army. The Dutch Ministry of Defence formally commissioned Microflown AVISA to provide an array of Acoustic Vector Sensors for permanent installation on the Artillery Shooting Range (ASK) ‘t Harde in the Netherlands for target practicing. The array is capable of determining the locations of exploding mortar and artillery shells (Points of Impact) shot by artillery soldiers during firing exercises. This can be done with high accuracy under all weather conditions.

The acquisition leads to a potential increase of productivity within the Army, because the use of forward observers during training, using advanced binoculars to confirm the positions of the artillery strikes, becomes largely unnecessary.

Additionally, RAM-SCORE will be used by the range warden to monitor all firing events on the range, including Points of Origin of artillery and mortars, as well as small arms fire, from 9mm up to 0.50 cal., for range safety purposes, maintaining an overview of the weapons being fired and the positions of both origins and impacts.

As RAM-SCORE will be permanently installed, another use of the system could be to monitor the environmental noise emission of the shooting range, potentially increasing the range utilization without causing statutory nuisance.

The first of November 2012, the Dutch Ministry of Defence signed the contract for the purchase of a second (mobile) RAM-SCORE training system, that can be taken with them and used for training at other international locations, as and when required. Furthermore, the purchase of the first operational system is being prepared by the Dutch Ministry of Defence.

During the signing of the contract, Minister Hans Hillen (Dutch Minister of Defence) emphasized that the Ministry of Defence will benefit from working with innovative SME organizations. The minister also realized that buying from its home market is of importance towards SMEs to be able to buildup references which facilitate exports entries. The management of Microflown AVISA emphasized that every high-tech company that seeks to market an invention, has interest to do this quickly. "Fast track innovation" is a requirement.

Microflown AVISA, established in 2010 as a spinoff from Microflown Technologies, has the mission to develop and market the Microflown sensor for defense and security applications. The company employs 20 FTEs from seven NATO countries.

Acoustic Vector Sensors

Acoustic Vector Sensors are able to locate, classify and track all kinds of sound sources in three dimensional space. As the Acoustic Vector Sensors are passive, they cannot be electronically disturbed or jammed. Partly for this reason, Acoustic Vector Sensors can be used as a gap filler for, or indeed even a replacement for, weapon locating radar.

The unique technology of Microflown AVISA, has also led to great interest abroad. Because the Acoustic Vector Sensors are very small, lightweight and energy efficient, they can also be used on other platforms, such as vehicles, unmanned aerial vehicles or dismounted soldiers.

Microflown AVISA develops these applications, for instance, in research contracts from the Netherlands, India and the United States.

There is great interest in ACHOFILO; the application of Acoustic Vector Sensors for Hostile Fire Indication (HFI) on helicopters requiring self-protection from ‘low tech’ small arms and RPGs. Despite the background noise of the helicopter itself, the Acoustic Vector Sensors are able to detect the location of enemy fire, so pilots can react and respond appropriately.

DDC & TechSAT Combine Forces to Deliver Highly Integrated AFDX® / ARINC 664 PMC Card!

Supplier: 

Data Device Corporation

Data Device Corporation (DDC), the world’s leading avionic data bus hardware and software provider, and TechSAT, a leading aircraft test system supplier to the avionics industry, combine their resources and expertise to offer robust AFDX®/ARINC 664 data bus solutions. TechSAT’s field-proven and mature AFDX technology, which has been used in the test and integration of the Airbus A350/A380 and the Boeing 787 aircraft, is now offered by DDC in the DD-82101F AFDX®/ARINC 664 PMC card.

Highly Integrated AFDX® / ARINC 664 PMC Card

The DD-82101F, which is also available in PCI and cPCI form factors, provides two full duplex AFDX®/ARINC 664 network interfaces that can be operated in either independent or dual-redundant mode, and additionally offers comprehensive error injection/detection, filtering, and triggering features. Furthermore, the DD-82101F can be used with dataSIMS, DDC’s premiere data bus test and analysis software, providing an easy-to-use graphical interface for advanced data simulation, visualization, analysis, and integration.

Benefits include:

• Off-the-Shelf, Compliant AFDX® Test Solutions
• Comprehensive Hardware/Software Integration
  • Optimized for Use with DDC’s dataSIMS Test & Analysis Software
  • Accelerates Development & Deployment
• Flexible Solutions for Circuit Board, LRU, or System Level testing
  • Ability to Test End System and Switch Functionality
• Software Development Kits (SDK) Enable Application Specific Solutions

“This AFDX solution augments our expansive line of MIL-STD-1553, ARINC 429, and Fibre Channel cards, components, and software, and serves as an extension of DDC’s long-standing commitment to support commercial and military avionics with field-proven and highly-reliable data bus technology”, stated Mike Hegarty, DDC’s Principal Marketing Engineer.

“TechSAT is confident that the combination of our advanced AFDX solution, coupled with DDC’s dataSIMS software and its position as a leading worldwide data bus supplier, will provide the industry with a powerful AFDX testing solution, and we look forward to partnering with DDC on future ADFX solutions”, added Bruno Schlecht, TechSAT’s Managing Director.

For more information visit www.ddc-web.com/Products/259/Default.aspx

Live Range Services from Octagon Defence

Supplier: 

Octagon Defence Systems

Octagon are pleased to announce the BDS1 (Ballistic Defence System) is now fully certified. Wiltshire Ballistic Services Ltd carried out tests on Octagon’s ballistic block to determine it’s ability to defeat 7.62x51 mm P80 AP (armour piercing) rounds to EN1 522/1523 threat level and to determine the V50 of the blocks against .50 calibre FSP’s (fragment simulating projectiles) to STANAG 2920. Results can now be found on the Octagon Defence website go to: http://www.octagondefence.com/page10.html

Live Fire Ranges and Shoot-houses

 

Due to the binding process used in manufacture, the finished blocks keep their elasticity and so remove the sting of live fire without crumbling – improving their longevity. This makes them extremely suitable for live ranges. Most live ranges require a product over 12" thick of binder rubber to encapsulate live fire and fixing a substantial defence wall of this nature can be challenging. The BDS 1’s modular design means no messy, hazardous adhesives, allowing specific target areas to be easily removed and renewed. We also offer adhesive free ricochet matting.

Finally, to ensure the most professional and effective outcomes are achieved, Octagon offers range design and consultancy where required and an end of life recycle service.

We look forward to your enquiry.

WB SPM Portable Telescopic Mast

 

The Will-Burt Company is the world’s premier manufacturer of telescoping masts for elevation of surveillance sensors, communications antennas and remote operated weapons systems.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Platoon Leader experiences the Reliability and Power of Cummins

Supplier: 

Cummins Ltd

1LT Riley Emter was a Tank and Cavalry Scout Platoon Leader in Iraq and he is currently a Reconnaissance Platoon Leader in 3d Squadron, 3d Cavalry Regiment out of Fort Hood, Texas, USA. Whist Riley was deployed to the southern province of Najaf, Iraq in 2010–2011 and he used many vehicles equipped with Cummins Engines and his base was powered by Cummins Generators.

Cummins Generators and Engines

1LT Riley recently contacted Cummins to share his experience stating ‘The reliability of these engines and performance was amazing. They were enjoyed by the men of Maddog Company 3/3 ACR. My Commander, CPT David Griffith, and myself each bought a Dodge 2500 with a Cummins Engine upon redeployment back from Iraq. Thank you for providing such reliable engines and making high quality, long lasting products.’

 

Cummins Generators ran electricity for all 300 people on Riley’s base; they have to be consistently reliable to provide electricity and most importantly air conditioning for all 300 soldiers’ rooms in the heat of Iraq. Between the high temperatures and dust there are no better generators to deal with the elements of Iraq. In addition to the Cummins Generators a couple of Riley’s vehicles were powered by a Cummins Engine.

The M3A3 Bradley Fighting Vehicle and the RG-33 BAE Caiman Tactical Vehicle both have Cummins Engines in them. The reliability of these engines allows users to be able to accomplish missions and ensures the ability to return all the Soldiers back to base every day. Riley tells us, ‘There was never an occasion where a vehicle powered by a Cummins Engine had a problem. Several of the vehicles we used that didn’t have a Cummins had problems dealing with the heat of Iraq. It was great knowing we could rely on the Cummins product put in our tactical vehicles.’

T-90 Main Battle Tank

The T-90 is a Russian third-generation main battle tank that is a modernisation of the T-72 (it was originally to be called the T-72BU, later renamed to T-90). It is currently the most modern tank in service with the Russian Ground Forces and Naval Infantry. Although a development of the T-72, the T-90 uses a 125mm 2A46 smoothbore tank gun, 1G46 gunner sights, a new engine, and thermal sights. Standard protective measures include a blend of steel, composite armour, and Kontakt-5 explosive-reactive armor, laser warning receivers, Nakidka camouflage and the Shtora infrared ATGM jamming system. The EMT-7 electromagnetic pulse (EMP) creator is used in testing but not fitted to T-90s in active service. It is designed and built by Uralvagonzavod, in Nizhny Tagil, Russia. From 2011, the Russian armed forces have ceased ordering the T-90, and are instead waiting for the development of the Universal Combat Platform T-99 that is expected to enter service in 2020.

Russian Inflatable Weapons

Sukhoi Su-34 Precision Bombing

Nice footage of the Sukhoi Su-34 Fighter Bomber on precision bombing mission.

Tu-95MC "The Bear" Long Range Strategic Bomber

Aerial footage of the Tupolev Tu-95MC bomber, the Bear.

Russian destroyer Marshal Shaposhnikov

The Marshal Shaposhnikov (BPK 543) is an Udaloy-class destroyer of the Russian Navy laid down in 1985. The vessel serves in the Russian Pacific Fleet, and is currently undertaking operations to combat piracy off the Somalian coast. Her namesake is Boris Shaposhnikov. In early May 2010, the Marshal Shaposhnikov recaptured the motor tanker MV Moscow University, which had been attacked and seized by pirates east of Socotra Island. On 6 April 2003, Marshal Shoposhnikov left port, along with Admiral Panteleyev and the tanker Vladir Koechitsky, to start a deployment to the Indian Ocean, where exercises with the Indian Navy were planned for May 2003.