AFV Updates w/ literature

[Franko]

Well it's bound to happen sooner or later...we all get a bit on the fuzzy side when it comes to AFV recognition.

It's even becoming more apparent as the years go on and the R&D departments of arms manufacturers keep kicking new targets out the barn door, so to speak.

So post any new one's here so we can all get a good boo of them, with any liteature on them if possible.

Trying to bring up every AFV skills is a good thing....

Regards

 

[Franko]

I'll get things started with this one....holy crap Batman!

http://www.quarry.nildram.co.uk/152x2.htm

Russia has developed a new 152mm gun, with two barrels, vertically stacked. Unlike the smaller Gast-type guns in Russian service (GSh-23, GSh-30, 2A38M) the mechanisms are not mechanically linked, but they are connected through the hydraulic recoil system, and fire alternately. This principle is called the 'boxer' system.

This gun has initially been developed for an army SPG, based on the 'object 195' tank chassis and called the 'Koalitcia-SV' ('coalition'). In this form, the gun has a 50-round automatic loader (the turret is unmanned) and can fire at about 15-18 rpm. It is expected to enter service in 2007.

There is also a proposed naval version, possibly intended as a replacement for the AK-130. It is being developed by Arsenal, and will use a 'stealth' cupola.

The range with existing ammunition is about 50 km, but NIIP is developing a new round capable of up to 70 km.

With thanks to Denis Evstafyev for this material.

It's obviously based on the 2S19 Chassis and turret.

 

[ArmyRick]

Holy sweet f**k ! Please lets be friends with Russia and keep it that way. I don't want that beast firing at me 

 

[Franko]

It's been talked about for a while...now it's official, from Janes:

Boeing rolls out first Airborne Laser aircraft

The first YAL-1A Airborne Laser (ABL) aircraft was rolled out from Boeing's modification facility in Wichita, Kansas, on 27 October 2006.

The Airborne Laser team at Boeing Integrated Defense Systems, Wichita, has fully integrated the Lockheed Martin-designed beam-control/fire-control system inside the aircraft. A team that included a Boeing-Northrop Grumman contingent on temporary assignment from Edwards Air Force Base, California, installed floor reinforcements and laser-chemical tanks at the back of the modified Boeing 747-400 aircraft to prepare for installation of the high-energy Chemical Oxygen Iodine Laser (COIL) in 2007.

Two illuminator lasers are used to accurately point and focus ABL's high-energy laser. One is a Raytheon-developed tracking illuminator, which determines the range to a target and where to point the high-energy laser; the other is a Northrop Grumman-developed beacon illuminator, which is used to measure the effects of the atmosphere on the laser beam and compensate for these.

 

[Franko]

Another one from Janes:

Iran reveals Rakhsh APC

Iran's Defence Industries Organisation (DIO) is offering a new 4 x 4 wheeled armoured personnel carrier (APC), dubbed Rakhsh, on the export market.

Rakhsh has a hull of all-welded steel armour that provides protection against 7.62 mm small-arms fire.

According to the DIO, Rakhsh has a maximum combat weight of 7,500 kg with the 155 hp water-cooled diesel engine giving a maximum road speed of 95 km/h.

Rakhsh is being offered on the export market with various optional equipment including: banks of electrically operated smoke grenade launchers; a nuclear, chemical and biological warfare defence system; and additional ceramic armour. The latter is claimed to provide the occupants with protection from small-arms fire up to 14.5 mm in calibre.

 

[Jantor]

Here's a new one from BAe. It looks like the RG-31 Nyala on roids   

The RG-33

http://www.defense-update.com/products/r/RG-33.htm