Military porn? Yummy

[Matthieu]

The French military porn thread, enjoy I know some of you like to spank in front of such pictures and as the powerful navies thread of Europe keep being spammed by Asimov. And that my other military porn thread we deleted by the hacker. I’m doing one here again. It’s just to show the size of our guns and muscles, so enjoy.

This thread is not complete, I gave up doing it


First the carriers, we currently have one only. A nuclear powered one, scoring 261m long. It will be joined in the distant future by another one that will be of a different class. The next one should be 284m long and will use a conventional propulsion.

Charles de Gaulle Class Aircraft Carrier

1 unit avaible.

Originally Posted by Naval Technology

The 38,000t, nuclear-powered aircraft carrier Charles De Gaulle was constructed at the DCN Brest naval shipyard in Brittany. The ship was launched in May 1994 and commissioned in September 2000, following sea trials which began in January 1999. As a result of trials the landing deck has been lengthened by 4.4m to enable the E-2C to land and clear the deck quickly. The carrier was due to enter service in December 2000, but, following the breakage of a propeller blade during long-distance trials, this was delayed to April 2001. In June 2001, the carrier took part in exercises in the Mediterranean and in December 2001 left to take part in Operation Enduring Freedom where it was stationed in the Arabian Gulf. It returned to its home port of Toulon in July 2002. Super Etendard and Hawkeye E-2C aircraft carried out a number of sorties but the ship's F1 standard Rafale M fighters did not take part in operations, although they were included in exercises with the US Navy.
The French Navy plans to build a second carrier to enter service around 2014, when the Charles de Gaulle is scheduled for refueling and refit. The new carrier will not be the same class as the Charles de Gaulle; it will be a conventionally-powered carrier. It will be built by a joint venture company to be set up by DCN and Thales Naval France. The design phase for the carrier programme (PA2) was launched in January 2005 and the production phase is scheduled to begin in 2006. Discussions have been held between the French and UK governments on the possibility of a joint development with the UK's CVF carrier project, which Thales UK is designing.

Aircraft
The ship can operate a fleet of up to 40 aircraft: Rafale M (range 3,340km), Super Etendard (range 1,682km) and three E-2C Hawkeye airborne early warning aircraft. The ship will also support the AS 565 Panther or NH 90 helicopter.
The main deck consists of a main runway angled at 8.5° to the ship's axis and an aircraft launch area forward of the island. These are each equipped with a USN Type C13 catapult, capable of launching one aircraft per minute. The runway is 195m long and the whole deck measures 260 x 64m. The carrier is fitted with the EADS Systems & Defence Electronics DALAS laser landing aid.

Satrap Computerised Stabilisation System
The carrier is fitted with the SATRAP computerised, integrated stabilisation system designed to maintain stabilisation to within 0.5° of horizontal, allowing aircraft to be operated up to Sea State 5/6. As well as the carrier's two pairs of active stabilising fins and twin rudders, the system has two computer-controlled compensation units which consist of two rail tracks for trains carrying 22t of deadweight. These tracks run transversely below the flight deck. This system is designed to compensate for wind and heel and control roll, yaw and surge.

Combat Management System
The ship's weapons are managed by a Senit Combat Management System, which has the capacity to track up to 2,000 targets. The weapon control system consists of two Vigy 105 optronic directors supplied by Sagem. The ship also has two Sagem Vampir search and track systems.
In February 2004, Thales was awarded a contract for a new command and control system for the French Navy. The new system, called SIC 21, will be fitted on the Charles de Gaulle as well as other vessels and shore locations and will allow the vessel to access national or coalition command networks.

Surface to Air Missiles
The SAAM (Surface Anti-Air Missile) system, developed by Eurosam (set up by MBDA and Thales), provides defence against hostile aircraft and anti-ship missiles. The system uses the Aster 15 surface-to-air missile and entered operational service in November 2002, with the first firing of the missile from the Charles de Gaulle. The Aster missile has a 13kg warhead and a range of 30km. The missile's guidance is inertial with data uplink and active radar terminal homing. For increased manoeuvrability in the terminal phase, the missile uses a 'PIF-PAF' direct thrust control system with gas jets. Two eight-cell Sylver vertical launch systems are installed on the starboard side forward of the bridge and two on the port side aft of the bridge. The system uses the Thales (formerlyThomson-CSF) Arabel radar, which is a multi-function three-dimensional radar with a range of 70km for a target area of 2m².
The ship has two six-cell Sadral launching systems for the MBDA (formerly Matra BAe Dynamics) Mistral anti-aircraft and anti-missile missile. Mistral has an infra-red seeker and a range of 4km.

GIAT 20F2 20mm Guns
The ship is equipped with eight Giat 20F2 20mm guns, which fire 0.25kg shells at 720 rounds/min to a range of up to 8km.

Countermeasures
Four EADS Systems & Defence Electronics Sagaie 10-barrel trainable decoy launchers are installed. The system fires chaff to 8km and infra-red flares to a range of 3km. Two Thales ARBB 33 jammers, mature versions of the Salamandre, are installed to jam I-, H- and J- band radar signals. Electronic support measures include the Thales ARBR 21 radar warner. The aircraft carrier will also be fitted with a SLAT anti-torpedo system being developed by Euroslat, a consortium consisting of WASS (Whitehead Alenia Sistemi Subaqua), DCN and Thales Underwater Systems (formerly Thomson Marconi Sonar).

Radar Sensor Suite
The suite of radar sensors installed on the carrier are: Thales DRBJ 11B three dimensional long range air search radar operating in the E- to F- bands; Thales DRBV 26D Jupiter medium/long range air search radar operating at D-band; Thales DRBV 15C Sea Tiger Mark 2 air and surface search radar operating at E- and F-bands; two Thales (formerly Racal) Model 1229 navigation radars operating at I-band; and the Thales Arabel fire control radar operating at I-to J-band.

Propulsion and Power Plant
The Charles De Gaulle is equipped with two nuclear pressure water reactors, PWR Type K15, which provide a speed of 27 knots. The 61MW turbines are from Alsthom. The propulsion system has the capacity to provide five years continuous operation at 25 knots before refuelling.

The Future French Aircraft Carrier

Little is know of it, the French government doesn't communicate a lot about it, we can really only say it'll be using a conventional propulsion and will reach the 284m for a displacment of 59.000 tons (source is the official DCN site, who will build it).



Little changes in the landing platform family, the Mistral class will mainly replace the Ouragan class


Mistral Class Amphibious Assault Ship

2 Units under construction, they'll replace the Ouragan class.

Originally Posted by Wikipedia

The Mistral type is a class of assault helicopter carriers, capable of deploying 16 NH90 or Tigre.
They have amphibious capabilities, and carry four landing barges and 40-tank Leclerc squadron. They also have a fully capable 50-bed hospital.
There are two ships in the class, the Mistral and the Tonnerre

Foudre Class Landing Platform Docks

2 units who will be replaced by the Forbin class.

Originally Posted by Naval Technology

The French Navy operates two Foudre class landing platform dock ships, the Foudre (L9011) and the Siroco (L9012), which were commissioned in 1990 and 1998. The ships were built at the Brest Naval Dockyard of DCN. The ships are assigned to the Force d'Action Navale based at the Toulon Mediterranean Command.
The Foudre class is capable of landing and supporting a mechanised armoured regiment of the French rapid deployment force. The three main missions of the Foudre class are the landing of infantry and armoured vehicles on unprepared coasts, mobile logistic support for naval forces and humanitarian missions.

Design
The Foudre class has a 13,000m³ well dock which can be used as a floating dock or to carry land vehicles. The well dock can accommodate either ten medium-size landing craft (LCMs) or one mechanised landing craft (LSM) and four medium-sized landing craft (LCMs). Mobile decks can be used to provide vehicle parking space or for landing operations. The cargo lift has a 52t capacity. The 12m crane is rated to carry 37t of cargo.
The ship's complement is 210 crew with 13 officers. The ship can also accommodate 467 passengers or troops. With 700 crew and passengers, the ship has an endurance of 30 days. In times of crisis the ship can accommodate up to 1,600 people.
To meet military and humanitarian requirements, Foudre class ships provide hospital facilities for large-scale medical and evacuation missions, including two fully equipped operating theatres and 47 beds.

Helicopters
The ship, which has a 1,450m² flight deck, can accommodate up to seven Super Puma helicopters. There are three helicopter landing spots, two on the flight deck and one on the 400m² deck well rolling cover. The flight deck is equipped with a Samahe haul down system. The helicopter hangar has capacity for two Super Frelon helicopters or up to four Super Puma helicopters.
The Foudre class provides full flight-deck support for the simultaneous deployment, including day and night refuelling, of four 9t helicopters.

Command Systems
The Foudre class ships are equipped with DCN's SENIT 8 combat data system and an OPSMER command support system. The ship's communication suite is integrated with the Syracuse satellite communications system.

Mistral Missiles
The ship is armed with two Simbad twin missile launchers, supplied by MBDA (formerly Matra BAe Dynamics), for the Mistral surface-to-air missile. Mistral provides short-range air defence against aircraft and anti-ship missiles. The range is from 0.5 to 5km. Mistral has a 3kg warhead and a speed of 2.6 Mach. The passive infrared homing was developed by SAGEM based in Paris.

30mm guns
The ships are armed with three Oto Melara/Mauser 30mm/70 calibre guns capable of firing 6kg shells at a firing rate of 800 rounds per minute.The guns are integrated with two VIGY 105 optronic weapon control systems supplied by Sagem, which include thermal imager, TV camera and laser rangefinder.


Countermeasures
The ships are fitted with the ARBB 36 Salamandre B2 multi-threat jammer from Thales (formerlyThomson-CSF) Detexis which locates, classifies and evaluates threats.

Radar Suite
The ship's radar suite consists of the Thales DRBV 21 A Mars air and surface search radar operating at D band, Thales Defence Model 2459 surface search radar operating at D band, and two Thales Defence I band RM 1229 navigation radars.

Propulsion System
The ship's propulsion system is based on two 16 PC2.5V 400 diesel engines supplied by SEMT-Pielstick. The diesels, rated at 15.3MW sustained power, drive two shafts with controllable pitch propellers. The bow thruster is rated at 735kW. The propulsion system provides a maximum speed of 21 knots. At an economical speed of 15 knots the range is 11,000 miles.

The Ouragan Class

2Units, they'll be replaced by the Mistral class very soon.









About the Submarines, the reoudtable class will be soon ended and entirely replaced by the Triomphant class, the Amethyste class will also be replaced by the Barracuda class in the longer term.


Triomphant Class Tactical Nuclear Submarines

4 Units: 3 operational, 1 in construction. They'll replace the Redoutable class.

Originally Posted by Naval Technology

Le Triomphant (S616) is the French Navy’s ballistic missile nuclear-powered submarine (SSBN), intended to replace the L'Inflexible M4 class SSBNs. The submarine was designed and built at DCN's Cherbourg shipyard. This first-of-class submarine was launched in July 1993 and entered service in 1997. The second, Le Temeraire (S617), entered service in January 2000. The third, Le Vigilant (S618), was launched in April 2003 and commissioned in November 2004. A fourth, Le Terrible, is planned to commission in 2010.

Missiles
The submarine carries 16 vertically launched M45 ballistic missiles supplied by EADS Space Transportation (formerly Aerospatiale), based in Les Mureaux, France. The M45 propulsion system has three-stage solid fuel rocket motors producing hypersonic speed. The inertial control and guidance system is equipped with a Sagittaire digital computer supplied by Thales (formerly Thomson-CSF). The missile carries a thermonuclear warhead, developed by the Commissariat a l'Energie Atomique, with six Multiple Re-entry Vehicles (MRVs), each of 150kt, in the TN-71 warhead. The range is 6,000km. The new enhanced M51 missile, due to enter service in 2010, weighs more than 50t and will carry a warhead with 12 MIRVS, and have an increased range of 8,000km. The submarine is equipped with a SAD strategic data system for control of the M45 ballistic missile.
EADS Space Transportation received a production contract for the new enhanced M51 missile in December 2004. The M51 is due to enter service from 2010 on Le Terrible and then be retrofitted to the other vessels of the class. The missile weighs more than 50t, carries a warhead with 12 MIRVS and has an increased range of 8,000km. Sagem will provide the new navigation and guidance system, which will contribute to the first hit accuracy of the M51.
The submarine's surface-to-surface missile is the Exocet SM39 supplied by MBDA (formerly EADS Aerospatiale). Target range and bearing data is downloaded from the submarine's SAT tactical data system and the DLA 4A weapon control system into the Exocet's computer. The SM39 in a launch capsule is launched from the submarine's torpedo tubes using a gas generator. The launch capsule is propelled away from the submarine and clear of the surface of the sea by a solid propellant motor. The missile separates from the capsule and the boost motor is ignited. The missile approaches the target area in sea-skimming mode using inertial navigation and then active radar homing. The missile approaches the target at speeds over Mach 0.9 and the range is 50km. The Exocet's 165kg high-explosive shaped charge warhead is armed with a delayed impact fuse and a proximity fuse.

Torpedoes

The submarine has four 533mm torpedo tubes and has the capacity to carry a mixed load of 18 ECAN L5 Mod 3 torpedoes and Exocet missiles. The torpedo, armed with a 150kg warhead, is equipped with both active and passive homing. The range is over 9km and the speed 35 knots

Electronic Warfare

The DR 3000U electronic support system is supplied by Thales, based in Malakoff, France. DR 3000U is a radar warning receiver (French Navy designation ARUR-13) operating in D to K bands. The system uses a masthead antenna array with omnidirectional and monopulse directional antennas and a separate periscope warning antenna. The system provides direction-finding with an accuracy greater than 1°.

Sensors
The submarine is fitted with the Thales Underwater Systems (formerly Thomson Marconi Sonar) DMUX 80 bow and flank array sonar suite. The DMUX 80 provides passive target ranging and interception capability. The submarine's low-frequency towed array sonar provides very long-range capability.

The submarine's search radar, supplied by Thales, operates at I-band.
Propulsion
The submarine's propulsion system is a nuclear turbo-electric system based on a Type K15 Pressure Water Reactor (PWR) supplying 150MW. The auxiliary propulsion system is diesel electric, with two SEMT-Pielstick 8 PA 4 v 200 SM diesels.
Le Triomphant has a submerged speed in excess of 25 knots and a surface speed of 20 knots. The diving depth is more than 300m. The endurance of the submarine is over 60 days.

Amethyste Class Attack Nuclear Submarines

6 Units avaible, they'll be replaced in the future by the upcomming Barracuda class.

Originally Posted by Naval Technology

The French Navy operate six Rubis Amethyste class submarines from the naval base in Toulon. The submarines, built at the Cherbourg Naval Dockyard of DCN, are the Rubis S601 commissioned in 1983, Saphir S602 (1984), Casabianca S603 (1987), Emeraude S604 (1988), Amethyste S605 (1992) and Perle S606 (1993). The six Rubis Amethyste submarines are nuclear-powered, but DCN has developed a derivative of this class with diesel propulsion, the Turquoise, which can also be fitted with DCN's Mesma air independent propulsion (AIP) system. The first four submarines were initially equipped for an anti-surface ship role but have been re-equipped to the same standard as the later submarines for both anti-surface and anti-submarine warfare.
Rubis Amethyste Class submarines are to be replaced by the Barracuda Class nuclear powered attack submarines, which are planned to enter service from 2012.

Combat System
The submarine's weapon control system is the DLA 2B and DLA 3. The tactical data system is the Systeme d'Armes Tactique (SAT).

Missiles
The torpedo tube launched Exocet SM39 anti-ship missile is manufactured by MBDA (formerly EADS Aerospatiale). Target range and bearing data is downloaded from the submarine's tactical data system and weapon control system into the Exocet's computer. The missile approaches the target area in sea-skimming mode using inertial navigation and then active radar homing. The missile approaches the target at speeds over Mach 0.9 and the range is 50km. The Exocet's 165kg high-explosive shaped charge warhead is armed with a delayed impact and a proximity fuse.

Torpedoes
The submarine has the capacity to carry 14 missiles and torpedoes in a mixed load. The four 533mm torpedo tubes are equipped with a pneumatic ram system for discharging torpedoes from the tubes.
The ECAN L5 Mod 3 torpedo is equipped with active and passive homing and has a range of 9.5km. The torpedo has a speed of 35 knots and delivers a 150 kg warhead to a depth of 550m. The ECAN F17 Mod 2 torpedo is a wire guided torpedo with active and passive homing to a range of 20km. The torpedo delivers a 250 kg warhead to a depth of 600m.

Countermeasures
The Thales (formerly Thomson-CSF) DR 3000U electronic support measures system is a radar warning receiver (French Navy designation ARUR-13) operating in D to K bands. The system uses a masthead antenna array with omnidirectional and monopulse directional antennas and a separate periscope warning antenna. The system provides direction finding accuracy of higher resolution than 1°.

Sensors
The Rubis Amethyste's Type 1007 navigation radar is supplied by Kelvin Hughes and operates at I-band.
The sonar suite includes the Thales Underwater Systems (formerly Thomson Marconi Sonar) DMUX 20 multifunctional passive sonar operating at low frequency. The submarine's very low-frequency passive towed array system is the DSUV 62C.

Propulsion
The propulsion system of the Rubis Amethyste is a nuclear-powered turbo-electric system. The Pressure Water Reactor (PWR) CAS 48 provides 48MW. A diesel-electric SEMT-Pielstick and Jeumont Schneider 8 PA4 V 185 SM provides the auxiliary propulsion. The submarine achieves a dived speed of 25 knots.

Turquoise SSK Submarines
The Turquoise SSK submarine is a derivative of the Rubis Amethyste class, developed for export. Turquoise is equipped for anti-surface and anti-submarine missions and is capable of carrying out special missions, from intelligence gathering and mine laying to commando landing and recovery operations.
The diesel generators and battery capacity ensure a low indiscretion rate and a long submerged endurance. The indiscretion rate is the ratio of the time needed to remain at periscope depth to recharge the batteries and the total operating time.
The endurance of the Turquoise SSK submarine is more than 60 days, whereas that of the Rubis Amethyste is 45 days. Underwater endurance of the Turquoise can be considerably extended by the fitting of the Mesma air-independent propulsion (AIP) system, developed jointly by DCN, Air Liquide, Bertin, Izar (formerly E.N. Bazan), Framatome-Thermodyn and Technicatome.

Barracuda Class Attack Nuclear Submarines

I have little information on those submarines, they'll replace the Amethyste class in the distant future.



Redoutable Class Nuclear Tactical Submarine

1 Unit to be replaced soon.





Cruisers, Frigates, Destoyers and Corvettes will experience massive changes in the future. The Forbin class will replace two older classes, the FREMM will also replace two classes and new proespects of Corvettes are under studies. The Cruiser will be also decomissioned.

Joan of Arc Class Cruiser

1 unit to be decomissioned.

This is the French cruiser, used for training but still operational in case of conflict.








Cassard Class Destroyers

2 units avaible.

Originally Posted by Naval Technology

The French Navy Cassard Class anti-aircraft frigates are assigned to the Force d'Action Navale with headquarters at the Mediterranean Command base at Toulon. The Cassard (D 614) and the Jean Bart (D 615), built at the Lorient naval Dockyard of DCN, were commissioned in 1988 and 1991.

Command and Control
The ship is equipped with the Senit combat data system, developed by DCN, and an OPSMER command support system. Senit gathers, correlates, evaluates and displays information from shipboard sensors and handles data exchanges with other units, via tactical data links, including Link 11 and 14 and the Syracuse satellite communications system.
Fire control is provided by the DCN CTMS and the SAGEM DIBV 1A Vampir infrared detector is integrated with the ship's search radar for target tracking. A Najir optronic fire director from EADS Matra Systèmes & Information is fitted for the main gun.

Missiles
Two four-cell missile launchers for the Exocet MM40 are installed in a midship position between the two citadels. Exocet is produced by MBDA (formerly EADS Aerospatiale). The anti-ship missile has a range of 70km and speed of approximately 0.95 Mach. The Mark 13 Mod 5 launcher for the Standard SM-1R surface-to-air missile is installed forward of the helicopter hangar. SM-1MR has a maximum speed of Mach 2 with a range of 45km and altitude up to 18km. The Aster 30 missile will replace the SM-1MR during the ships' mid-life refit.
The French Navy has awarded MBDA a contract for the Exocet MM40 Block 3 missile to be deployed on vessels from 2006. The Block 3 missile will have a new turbojet propulsion system which will give a range extended to 180km.
Two Sadral six round turrets for the MBDA (Matra BAe Dynamics) Mistral missile are mounted on the raised deck each side of the helicopter hangar. The infrared-guided Mistral provides short-range air defence to a range of 5km.

Guns
The main gun is the DCN 100mm gun, which is capable of firing 13.5kg shells at a rate of 80 rounds/min to a range of 8km. The ship also has two Oerlikon 20mm guns, which have a range of 10km and a firing rate of 720 rounds/min.

Torpedoes
The ship has two KD 59E torpedo launchers for ECAN L5 Mod 4 anti-submarine torpedoes. The torpedoes have a speed of 35 knots and use active and passive homing to deliver a 150kg warhead to a depth of 550m at a target range up to 10km.

Helicopter
The ship has a flight deck at the stern with a single landing spot for the Eurocopter AS 565MA Panther helicopter. The ship stores an arsenal of helicopter-launched Mark 46 torpedoes supplied by ATK (AlliantTechsystems). The DCN Samahe helicopter handling system allows deployment and recovery of the helicopter in high sea states.

Countermeasures
The ship is fitted with the DR-3000S (French Navy designation ARBR 17B) radar warning receiver operating in D to K bands. The radar jammer is the Thales Optrosys ARBB-33, an early variant of the Salamandre, which is used to counter hostile I, H and J band radars.
The ship has two EADS Matra Systèmes & Information Dagaie and two Sagaie decoy launchers for chaff or infrared flares. The ship is also equipped with the LAD offboard decoy supplied by Thales and the AN/SLQ-23 Nixie towed torpedo decoy.

Sensors
The ship's radar suite includes DRBJ 11B 3D air search radar and DRBV 26C air and surface search radar operating at D band, from Thales. Two fire control radars are the I band Thales DRBC 33A and Raytheon SPG-51C operating at G and I bands.
The ship's hull mounted sonar is the Thales Underwater Systems (formerly Thomson Marconi Sonar) SDUBA 25A or DUBV 24C operating in search and attack modes.

Propulsion
The ship's propulsion system is based on four SEMT-Pielstick 18 PA6 V 280 BTC diesel engines rated at 31.75MW sustained power and driving two shafts. The maximum speed is 30 knots. The range, at an economical speed of 18 knots, is 8,000 miles.

Forbin/Horizon Class Anti-Warfare Frigates

4 units, two under construction to replace the Duchesne class and two more ordered to replace the Tourville class.

Originally Posted by Naval Technology

Italy and France each ordered two Horizon class anti-air warfare (AAW) frigates in October 2000. The frigates are being built by Horizon SAS, a joint venture between Armaris (Thales and DCN) of France and Orrizonte Sistemi Navali (Fincantieri and Finmeccanica) of Italy.
The first French vessel, Forbin, began construction in April 2002 and was launched in March 2005 for delivery at the end of 2006. The second, Chevalier Paul, started construction in December 2003 with delivery set for 2008. The first Italian vessel, Bergamini, started building in July 2002 for launch in summer 2005 and delivery in mid-2007. The second began building in September 2003 for delivery in early 2009. The French frigates will replace the Suffren and Duquesnes frigates, while the Italian vessels will replace the Audace and Ardito.
The original Horizon project was a three-nation initiative including Italy, France and the UK to build a new design of air defence ship. The UK government withdrew from the program in 1999. France and Italy signed a new Memorandum of Understanding in September 2000 confirming the joint development of the Horizon.
The main requirement for the frigates is to escort and protect task forces or merchant shipping. The main missions of the Horizon frigate are to provide local area or extended cover against saturation missile attacks and to escort and protect carrier groups. The ship also has powerful anti-submarine and anti-air self defence.
The ship is configured for rapid deployment and extended range and endurance and can carry sufficient fuel, water and stores for an endurance of 45 days at sea between replenishments. The ship can attain a speed of 29 knots and, at a cruising speed of 18 knots, has a range of over 7,000nm.

Command and Control
The command and control system is being developed by Eurosysnav, a joint venture company set up by Armaris and Finmeccanica, and will be based on the Senit 8 combat data system. Alenia Marconi Systems (AMS) is supplying the Data Transfer System (DTS).
NICCO Communications SAS, a joint venture between Thales Communications and Marconi Mobile SpA, is developing the fully integrated communications system. The communications suite will include two Link 11 and one Link 16 high capacity digital information distribution systems. Alenia Marconi Systems and Sagem are supplying the integrated navigation system.
The Alenia Marconi Systems NA 25 will provide fire control for 76mm guns. The ships will also be equipped with the SAGEM Vampire MB infrared search and track system (IRST), which operates in both 3-5 and 8-12 micron wavebands.

Frigates Missiles
Horizon frigates will be armed with the PAAMS Principal Anti-Air Missile System. PAAMS is a tri-national programme involving France, Italy and the UK. The contract for series production was placed in November 2003. The prime contractor is Europaams SAS, a joint venture company two thirds owned by Eurosam (MBDA and Thales) and one third by the UKAMS subsidiary of MBDA. The system is also being fitted on UK Royal Navy Type 45 frigates.
The DCN Sylver A50 vertical launch system within PAAMS, installed immediately forward of the two guns towards the bow deck, has 48 cells for both the Aster 15 and Aster 30 missiles. The Sylver launcher ensures that each round is aligned to within 1mrad. The maximum rate of fire is up to six rounds per second. The Aster missile carries an inertial computer with datalink and an active J-band Doppler radar seeker. Aster 30 has a range of 100km, Aster 15 a range of 30km. The missile has manoeuvrability of up to 62g, achieved through the use of the PIF/PAF guidance system.
The Italian frigates will be fitted with two quadruple launchers for the MBDA Teseo (Otomat) Mark 3 surface-to-surface missile, which has a range of up to 55km. The quadruple launchers are installed aiming one to port and one to starboard on the missile deck between the ship's two masts. The missile uses command updated inertial guidance and reaches high subsonic speed, 0.9 Mach.

Frigates Guns
The three Oto Melara 76mm/62 Super Rapid guns are installed as a pair on the foredeck immediately forward of the bridge and a single gun installed on the hangar overlooking the helicopter deck at the aft of the ship. Two Oto Melara Mod 503 25mm/80 guns are installed one to port and one to starboard.

Frigates Torpedoes
The ship has two twin torpedo launchers for Eurotorp Mu 90 lightweight torpedoes. Eurotorp is a consortium formed by Whitehead Alenia Sistemi Subacquei (WASS), DCN and Thales. Mu 90 has a directed energy warhead and a range of 12,000m at maximum speed and 25,000m at minimum speed.

Frigates Countermeasures
The electronic warfare suite is being developed by the Sigen Consortium (Thales Systèmes Aéroportés SA of France and Elettronica SpA of Italy) and is characterised by the latest generation of radar ESM (electronic support measures) and ECM (electronic countermeasures) architectures and implementation of new digital and microwave technologies.
The radar ESM component will feature very high sensitivity, very high accuracy direction finding and broadband digital receivers. The radar ECM component is based on Phased Array Solid State Technology and will feature high specific transmitted power, fast reaction, multi-threats engagement capability and complete programmability of coherent and not coherent jamming techniques, due to the implementation of multiple broadband Digital Radio Frequency Memory (DRFM).
The French frigates will have EADS Systems and Defence Electronics New Generation Dagaie System (NGDS). Each system consists of a pair of two-axis launchers with 12 infrared, radar or acoustic decoys. Italian vessels will have Oto Melara/Alenia Marconi Systems SCLAR-H decoy launchers for chaff and infrared flares.
Horizon is equipped with a SLAT torpedo defence system which is also installed on the French and Italian aircraft carriers, the Charles de Gaulle and the Garibaldi. SLAT has been developed by EUROSLAT, a consortium consisting of WASS (Whitehead Alenia Sistemi Subaqua), DCN and Thales Underwater Systems.

Helicopters
The helicopter deck at the bow of the ship has a single landing spot for a 10t helicopter, for example the NH 90 or EH101 Merlin helicopter. The stabilisation system allows the ship's helicopter to be deployed and the combat systems operated in high sea states.

Frigates Sensors
The large round radome of the AMS EMPAR multi-function phased array radar (primary sensor for PAAMS) operating at G-band (4GHz to 6GHz) is mounted at the top of the forward mast. The AMS S1850M air and surface search radar, operating at D-band (1GHz to 2GHz) is mounted at the top of the aft mast.
The AMS RASS surface search radar, covering E and F- bands, (2GHz to 3GHz and 3GHz to 4GHz) is mounted on the forward face of the mast. The AMS SPN 753(V)4 navigation radar operates at I-band in the range 8GHz to 10GHz. Alenia Marconi Systems also provides the SIR-R/S interrogation friend or foe (IFF) system.
Thales Underwater Systems and WASS have been awarded the contract to supply the hull mounted TMS 4110CL sonar which operates at medium frequency in active search and attack mode. TMS 4110CL uses a cylindrical array and advanced processing.

Propulsion
The ship's propulsion system is configured in a combined diesel or gas (CODOG) arrangement with two GE LM2500 gas turbines rated at 53MW and two SEMT Pielstick diesel engines rated at 8MW. The engines drive two shafts with constant pitch propellers.

La Fayette Class Frigates

5 Units avaible.

Originally Posted by Naval Technology

The French Navy's La Fayette class multipurpose stealth frigates have been developed by DCN International and built at the DCN Lorient Naval Dockyard. The French Navy awarded DCN the contracts to construct the La Fayette (F710), Surcouf (F711) and Courbet (F712) frigates in 1988, and Aconit (F713) and Guepratte (F714) in 1992. The lead ship, La Fayette, was commissioned in 1996 and the last, Guepratte, was commissioned in November 2001. DCN have also built an anti-submarine warfare version for Taiwan (Kang Ding) and an anti-air version for Saudi Arabia (F3000S) under the Sawari II programme. All three have been launched and the first, Al Riyadh, was commissioned in July 2002. Singapore has ordered six Project Delta stealth frigates, also based on the La Fayette, to enter service by 2009. The first, RSS Formidable, built in France, was launched in January 2004. The other five ships - Intrepid, Steadfast, Tenacious, Stalwart and Supreme - are being built by Singapore Technologies Marine. Intrepid was launched in July 2004.
The La Fayette class incorporates a number of stealth features - the sides of the vessel are sloped at 10° to minimise radar cross section, surfaces have been coated in radar-absorbent paint and the profiles of external features have been reduced.

Command & Control
The combat data system is the Thales (formerly Thomson-CSF) TAVITAC 2000 system and the OPSMER command support system is also fitted.
The main gun fire control system is DCN's CTM system which is supported by the Castor radar, an infrared tracking system and laser rangefinder. SAGEM's TDS 90 optronic target designation sight is also fitted.

Missiles
The ship's surface-to-surface missile is the Exocet MM40 from MBDA (formerly EADS Aerospatiale). Two four-cell launchers are installed in a midship position between the two masts. The anti-ship missile has a range of 70km and approaches the target in sea skimming mode at high subsonic speed, approximately 0.95 Mach. The 165kg shaped charge warhead has time delayed impact proximity fuses.
The French Navy has awarded MBDA a contract for the Exocet MM40 Block 3 missile to be deployed on vessels from 2006. The Block 3 missile will have a new turbojet propulsion system which will give a range extended to 180km.
The ship's surface-to-air missile system is the Thales Crotale Naval CN2. The system employs the VT-1 missile with a range of 13km and speed of Mach 3.6. The guidance is by command line of sight with radar and infra-red homing. 24 missiles are carried. The frigates may be upgraded with the vertical launch system (VLS) and Aster 15 missile from Eurosam and associated Thales Arabel fire control radar. Sixteen missiles will be carried.

Guns
The ship's main gun on the bow deck is the DCN 100mm which fires a 13.5kg shell to a range of 16 km. The gun has a firing rate of 80 rounds/min. Two 20mm Model 20F2 guns from Giat are installed with a firing rate of 720 rounds/min to a range of 10km.

Helicopters
The frigate has a flight deck at the stern with a single landing spot, for use by 10t helicopters such as AS 565 MA Panther, SA 321G Super Frelon or NH 90. The flight deck can be used up to Sea State 6.

Countermeasures
The Thales ARBR 21 (DR 3000S) radar warning receiver, operating in D to K bands, is mounted at the top of the main mast. A Thales ARBB33 jammer operates at H, I and J bands.
Two EADS Matra Systèmes & Information Dagaie chaff and flare launching systems are installed on the gun deck aft of the bridge.
Sensors
The Sea Tiger Mark 2 air and surface search radar from Thales is mounted on the top of the second platform mast. Sea Tiger operates at E and F bands and the range is over 100km. The Thales Castor 2J, operating at J band, is a fire control radar with a range of over 15km. The Crotale fire control radar operates at J band. Two Model 1229 navigation and helicopter control radars from Thales Defence operate at I band.

Propulsion
The propulsion system is a combined diesel and diesel (CODAD) arrangement. The system is based on four SEMT Pielstick 12 PA6 V 280 STC diesel engines, rated at 21,000hp. Two shafts drive controllable pitch propellers. The ship is fitted with a bow thruster. The propulsion system provides a maximum speed of 25 and, at an economical speed of 12 knots, the range is 9,000 nautical miles.

Floreal Class Frigates

6 Units











European Multimission Frigates

17 units ordered, it will replace the Georges Leygues class and the Avisos class.

Originally Posted by Deagel

The European Multi-Mission Frigates (FREMM) is a joint program between France and Italy to develop and deploy a new generation frigate by 2010. The FREMM will be provided in two versions for anti-submarine warfare (ASW) and land attack missions. Each frigate type will feature the same defense capabilities and hardware against airborne threats and surface ships. A NH90 helicopter and land attack cruise missiles could be carried in both versions.

The anti-submarine warfare (ASW) FREMM will feature a towed sonar and extra torpedoes load. The land attack FREMM will feature unmanned aircraft vehicles (UAVs) and the capability to infiltrate commandos on the enemy shore. The propulsion system would be built around a gas turbine.

The French Navy and the Italian Navy require up to 27 FREMM frigates with deliveries beginning in 2008 and will continue over the second decade of the 21st century. This program started when both countries achieved an initial agreement in 2002. Frigates ordered by both countries will differ depending upon mission requirements outlined by each Navy.

In October 2004, Alenia Marconi Systems (AMS) released that it had been selected as key supplier for the FREMM program. EMPAR radar system developed by AMS for the Horizon program will form the core of the missile system. AMS will supply a new generation IFF radar, the RAN 30X/I medium range radar, NA-25 fire control system, together with the Dual Weapon Assignment Logic Unit (DWALU).

Tourville Class Destroyers

2 Units, will be replaced by the 2 last Forbin Class












Duchesne Class Destroyer

1 unit that will be replaced by the 2 first Forbin destroyers







Georges Leygues Class Destroyers

7 Units, anti submarines destroyers to be replaced by the FREMM.









Aviso Class Corvettes

10 Units, the shame of our navy. Hopefully Turkey will have them as soon as we've replaced them for the FREMM.









Gowind 170 Class Corvettes

No clue about them, they are just a prospect. it seems to be an FREMM variant but don't quote me on this.





A lot of changes are expected, while the Mirage 2000 experience upgrades, the Rafale is out and is already operational. It will replace many older planes like the Jaguar, the older Mirages and the Super Etendard.

Rafale

294 Units ordered, will replace several other places.

Originally Posted by Naval Technology

Rafale is a twin-jet combat aircraft capable of carrying out a wide range of short- and long-range missions, including ground and sea attack, air defence and air superiority, reconnaissance and high-accuracy strike or nuclear strike deterrence.
The aircraft has been developed for the French Air Force and Navy. 61 aircraft were ordered (36 for the Air Force and 25 for the Navy) and in September 2004, a further 59 aircraft (11 two-seater and 36 single-seat for the Air Force and 12 Rafale M for the Navy, delivery 2008-12) out of a total requirement of around 300 (234 for the Air Force and 60 for the Navy) were ordered. The Rafale is produced in three variants, M, B and C. The Rafale M variant is a single-seater carrier-based version for the navy, B and C are two-seater and single-seater variants for the Air Force. The Rafale M entered service in 2001 and ten have been delivered. Seven aircraft are operational on the Charles de Gaulle aircraft carrier. Two Rafale B aircraft have been delivered to the Air Force. Rafale B and C will enter service in 2005.
Rafale fighters delivered to the Navy so far are F1 standard with air-to-air capability. F2 standard with air-to-ground missiles will begin an initial testing phase at Mont-de-Marsan military flight test center from September 2004. A contract to develop the fully capable F3 standard aircraft with terrain-following RBE2 3D radar, RECO NG optronics pod and capability to launch ASMP-A nuclear missiles and AM39 Exocet anti-ship missiles was signed in February 2004. The Rafale F3 will be delivered from 2007 and the first squadron of 20 aircraft will be in service in 2008.

Cockpit
The cockpit has Hands-On-Throttle-And-Stick (HOTAS) control. The cockpit is equipped with a head-up wide-angle holographic display from Sextant Avionique, which provides aircraft control data, mission data and firing cues. A collimated multi-image head-level display presents tactical situation and sensor data, and two touch-screen lateral displays show the aircraft system parameters and mission data. The pilot also has a helmet mounted sight and display. A CCD camera and on-board recorder records the image of the head up display throughout the mission.

Weapons
The Rafale can carry payloads of over 9t on 14 hardpoints for the air force version and 13 for the naval version. The range of weapons includes Mica, Magic, Sidewinder, ASRAAM and AMRAAM air-to-air missiles; Apache, AS30L, ALARM, HARM, Maverick and PGM100 air-to-ground missiles; and Exocet/AM39, Penguin 3 and Harpoon anti-ship missiles. For a strategic mission, the Rafale can deliver the MBDA (formerly Aerospatiale) ASMP stand-off nuclear missile. Main weapons are expected to be the MBDA (formerly Matra BAe Dynamics) MICA air-to-air missile, MBDA Storm Shadow/Scalp EG stand-off cruise missile and the MBDA (Aerospatiale) AS 30 laser-guided missile.
From 2006, the Rafale will also be armed with the Sagem AASM precision-guided bomb, which has both GPS/inertial guidance and, optionally, imaging infrared terminal guidance.
The Rafale has a twin gun pod and a GIAT 30mm DEFA 791B cannon which can fire 2500 rounds/min.
The Rafale is equipped with laser designation pods for laser guidance of air-to-ground missiles.

Countermeasures
The Rafale's electronic warfare system is the Spectra from Thomson-CSF. Spectra incorporates solid state transmitter technology, radar warner, DAL laser warning receiver, missile warning, detection systems and jammers.

Sensors
The Rafale is equipped with an RBE2 radar developed by Thomson-CSF and Dassault Electronique which has look-down and shoot-down capability. The radar can track up to eight targets simultaneously and provides threat identification and prioritisation.
The optronic systems include the Thomson-CSF/SAGEM OSF infrared search and track system installed in the nose of the aircraft. The optronic suite carries out search, target identification, telemetry, and automatic target discrimination and tracking.

Navigation and Communication
The communications suite on the Rafale uses the Saturn onboard V/UHF radio which is a second generation anti-jam tactical UHF radio for NATO. Saturn provides voice encryption in fast frequency hopping mode. The aircraft is also equipped with fixed frequency VHF/UHF radio for communications with civil air traffic control. A MIDS (Multi-function Information Distribution System) terminal provides secure high data rate tactical data exchange with NATO C2 stations, AWACS aircraft or naval ships.
Rafale is equipped with a Thomson-CSF TLS 2000 navigation receiver which is used for the approach phase of flight. The TLS 2000 integrates the Instrument Landing System (ILS), Microwave Landing System (MLS) and VHF Omnidirectional Radio-ranger (VOR) and Marker functions.
The radar altimeter is the AHV 17 altimeter from Thomson CSF which is suitable for very low flight. The Rafale has a TACAN tactical air navigation receiver for en route navigation and as a landing aid.
The Rafale has an SB25A combined interrogator-transponder developed by Thomson-CSF. The SB25A is the first IFF using electronic scanning technology.

Engine
The Rafale is powered by two M88-2 engines from SNECMA, each providing a thrust of 75kN. The aircraft is equipped for buddy-buddy refuelling with a flight refuelling hose reel and drogue pack.

Atlantique ATL3 – Maritime patrol aircraft

Originally Posted by Naval Technology

The Atlantique ATL3 maritime patrol aircraft, successor to the Atlantique ATL1 and ATL2, incorporates an enhanced weapon system with a maximum 9,000kg payload, new technology engines, glass cockpit and sophisticated avionics and sensors. The ATL1, selected as the NATO Long Range Maritime Patrol Aircraft, entered service in 1966 and remains in service with the German, Italian and Pakistani navies. The Atlantique ATL2 has been in service with the French Navy since 1989.
The ATL3 airframe will be produced by the Societé Européenne de Construction de l'Avion Breguet Atlantique (SECBAT) consortium, consisting of Dassault Aviation of France, Alenia of Italy, SABCA-SONACA of Belgium and EADS (European Aeronautics Defence and Space) company, formed by DaimlerChrysler Aerospace of Germany, Aerospatiale Matra of France and CASA of Spain.
The primary mission of the Atlantique is anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare, but secondary roles include search and rescue, mine laying and detection and long-range maritime surveillance.

Cockpit
The flight deck is designed for two-pilot operation. Six liquid-crystal displays provide both pilots independently with the flight and systems management data, together with pictures from the electro-optical sensor, data from the weather radar and the tactical display.

Tactical Crew Station
The aircraft normally carries eight tactical crew – the tactical co-ordinator (TACCO), the Deputy TACCO, two radar and electronic support measures officers and two acoustic sensor officers.
The tactical crew has identical workstations each with two full-colour, multi-purpose displays. The Deputy TACCO manages the communications, navigation and electro-optical systems. The TACCO receives the inputs from all sensor operations and, using the tactical aids suite, evaluates the situation and determines the actions to be taken.

Weapons
The Atlantique ATL3 has four underwing hardpoints with a total capacity of 3,500kg for carrying missiles such as Harpoon, Maverick, HARM, Magic, Sidewinder and MICA. In addition, a large weapon bay with capacity to carry a maximum internal payload of 5,500kg. can carry a wide range of ordnance and equipment to support deployment for out of area operations. Various combinations of payloads can be loaded in the weapons bay with a choice of up to eight NATO torpedoes, two Exocet AM39 air-to-surface missiles, four Harpoon air-to-surface missiles, six mines, either 250kg or 500kg, eight anti-submarine warfare depth charges, twelve search and rescue (SAR) containers, 200 sonobuoys and 70 markers.

Sensors
The Thomson CSF Iguane multi-mode radar has the sensitivity to detect small periscope-size targets. It can operate in surface search mode and weather avoidance mode simultaneously and carries out track-while-scan. An Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) system is integrated into the radar.
The aircraft is equipped with a forward-looking infrared (FLIR) sensor installed in a spherical turret under the nose. The FLIR carries out search, detection, identification and tracking of targets and has a detection range of up to 100 miles. Two camera systems provide vertical and oblique photography. A Sextant Avionique magnetic anomaly detector (MAD), for the detection and location of submarines, is installed in the lengthened tail section of the fuselage.
The aircraft's two acoustic sensor operators detect, locate and track submarines using the Sadang acoustic data processing system from Thomson-CSF. 64 channels can be processed simultaneously.

Countermeasures
The electronic support measures system (ESM) is the Thomson-CSF Arar 13A radar detector. The system automatically detects, analyses, identifies and tracks radar signals and provides high probability of single-pulse intercept even in a dense electromagnetic environment. Intercepted radar signals are analyzed by comparison of signal characteristics against an ESM threat library.

Navigation and Communication
The navigation system uses a ring laser gyro inertial navigation system with an integrated global positioning system and a radio navigation suite including VHF omnidirectional radio ranging (VOR) with distance measuring equipment (DME). The autopilot equipment allows operational flight down to 100ft.
The communications suite includes V/UHF and satellite communications links with NATO Tactical Data Links 11, 14 and 16.

Engines
The Rolls Royce Allison AE2100H engines, equipped with six-blade composite propellers from Messier Dowty produce 10% more power than the current generation ATL engines, but use 15% less fuel.[/b]

Mirage 2000

Originally Posted by Air Force Technology

Mirage 2000 is a multi-role combat fighter from Dassault Aviation of France. It has been operational with the French Air Force since 1984, and has been selected by Abu Dhabi, Egypt, Greece, India, Peru, Qatar, Taiwan and the United Arab Emirates.

Mirage 2000 fighters in operation with the French Air Force are: Mirage 2000C/B single seater and two seater for air defence; Mirage 2000N, two seater, designed for all weather nuclear penetration at low altitude and very high speed; Mirage 2000D, an upgraded version of the Mirage 2000N, for automated bombing using conventional and laser guided munitions; and Mirage 2000-5, incorporating advanced avionics, new multiple target air-to-ground and air-to-air firing procedures using the RDY radar and new sensor and control systems.

Orders for 110 Mirage 2000-5 have been placed by the air forces of France (37, with 20 delivered), Taiwan (60 aircraft), Qatar (12) and Greece. Greece is acquiring 15 Mirage 2000-5 Mk 2 and upgrading ten of its Mirage 2000 to the same standard. The first entered service in September 2004. The United Arab Emirates have ordered 32 2000-9 aircraft, a customised version of the 2000-5. First deliveries were in June 2003. India has ordered ten Mirage 2000D and is also to purchase the 12 2000-5 fighters of Qatar.

Dassault has received a contract to upgrade the French Air Force's Mirage 2000N to K3 standard. The K3 upgrade includes the operation of the MBDA ASMPA nuclear standoff missile and a new Thales Optronics Reco NG reconnaissance pod.

Cockpit
Mirage 2000-5 is available as a single-seater or two-seater multi-role fighter. The aircraft has hands-on throttle and stick (HOTAS) control. Mirage 2000-5 incorporates the Thales VEH 3020 head-up display and five cathode ray tube multifunction advanced pilot systems interface (APSI) displays. The combined head-up/head-level display is collimated at infinity, and presents data relating to flight control, navigation, target engagement and weapon firing. Sensor and system management data is presented on two coloured lateral displays.

Weapons
Mirage 2000 has nine hardpoints for carrying weapon system payloads: five on the fuselage and two on each wing. The single-seat version is also armed with two internally mounted, high-firing-rate 30mm guns.

Air-to-air weapons include the MICA multi-target air-to-air intercept and combat missiles, and the Magic 2 combat missiles, both from MBDA (formed out of a merger between Matra BAe Dynamics, EADS Aerospatiale and Alenia Marconi Systems). The aircraft can carry four MICA missiles, two Magic missiles and three drop tanks simultaneously. The Mirage 2000-5 can fire the MBDA Super 530D missile or the MBDA Sky Flash air-to-air missile as an alternative to the MICA missile.

Mirage 2000 is also equipped to carry a range of air-to-surface missiles and weapons including laser-guided bombs. These include the MBDA BGL 1000 laser-guided bomb, MBDA AS30L, MBDA Armat anti-radar missile, MBDA AM39 Exocet anti-ship missile, MBDA rocket launchers, MBDA Apache stand-off weapon, and the stealthy cruise missile, SCALP. The Mirage 2000-9 aircraft ordered by the United Arab Emirates carries the Black Shahine missile being developed by MBDA. The MBDA Storm Shadow/Scalp EG stand-off cruise missile will arm French AF Mirage 2000D, Greek Mirage 2000-5 and UAE Mirage 2000-9 aircraft. Storm Shadow was first deployed on UK RAF Tornado aircraft during Operation Iraqi Freedom in March 2003. Scalp EG entered service on French AF Mirage 2000D in December 2003.

MBDA has been awarded a contract in October 2003 to integrate the ASMPA medium-range air-to-ground missile on the French Air Force's new Mirage 2000NK3 aircraft. ASMPA has a tactical nuclear warhead and will replace the ASMP missile in service on the Mirage 2000N since 1988.

Targeting
Mirage 2000 has an upgraded digital Weapon Delivery and Navigation System, WDNS. The aircraft can be fitted with a TV/CT CLDP laser designation pod from Thales Optronique, which provides the capability to fire laser-guided weapons by day and night. The 2000-5 Mk 2 will have the Damocles laser designation pod with thermal imaging camera, also from Thales Optronique.

Mirage 2000-5 is equipped with a multi-mode Thales RDY doppler radar which provides multi-targeting capability in the air defence role and the radar also has look down/shoot down mode of operation. The radar can simultaneously detect up to 24 targets and carry out track while scan on the eight highest priority threats.

Countermeasures
The aircraft is equipped with a self-protection suite installed internally. Mirage 2000-5 carries the ICMS Mark 2 automated integrated countermeasures system from Thales. ICMS Mark 2 incorporates a receiver and associated signal processing system in the nose section for the detection of missile command data links. The system can be interfaced to a new programmable mission planning and a post-mission analysis ground system.

Engines
Mirage 2000 is equipped with an SNECMA M53-P2 turbofan engine, which provides 64kN thrust and 98kN with afterburn. The air intakes are fitted with an adjustable half-cone-shaped centre body, which provides an inclined shock of air pressure for highly efficient air input.

C-160 Transall Cargo Aircraft Tactical Transport Aircraft

Originally Posted by Air Force Technology

The C-160 Transall aircraft are twin turboprop transporters in service with the air forces of France, Germany and Turkey. The aircraft is a cantilever high-wing monoplane and is configured for transportation, paratroop drop, electronic surveillance, airborne communications relay and medical evacuation.

The companies MBB, Nord Aviation and VFW formed the Transall group in 1959 for the development and production of the C-160 for the air forces of France, Germany, South Africa and Turkey. Production of the aircraft by the three companies ended in 1972, with 169 aircraft having been delivered.

In 1976, responsibility for production of the aircraft was given to Aerospatiale in France and MBB (now DaimlerChrysler Aerospace) in Germany. Both companies are now part of EADS (European Aeronautics Defence and Space). Production of the aircraft from 1976 to 1985 included updated avionics, a reinforced wing housing and additional fuel tanks.

The C-160 fleets of France, Germany and Turkey will be replaced by the Airbus Military A400M transport when that enters service from 2009. The French Air Force will begin retiring its fleet of C-160 transports in 2005.

C-160H Astarte
Four communications relay aircraft, designation C-160H Astarte, have been delivered to the French Air Force since 1987. The aircraftÕs main mission is communications with the submerged nuclear ballistic missile submarines of the French fleet. The aircraft are equipped with unjammable VLF communications, including a Rockwell VLF transmitter and a Thales communications centre. The VLF system includes dual trailing wire antennae.

C-160 Gabriel Elint Aircraft
The C-160 Gabriel aircraft are an upgraded electronic surveillance version in service with the French Air Force. Thales developed the signals intelligence (sigint) system. The main cabin houses the workstations and computer systems for ten elint (electronic intelligence) and comint (communications intelligence) mission crew.

Upgrades Programmes
An upgrade programme for the French Air Force C-160 was completed in 1999. The upgraded cockpit is equipped with a new head-up display and an upgraded electronic warfare suite, with a radar warning receiver, missile approach warner and chaff and decoy dispensers.

The aircraft have been fitted with a new EFIS 854 TF Electronic Flight Instrumentation System, which includes an Electronic Attitude Director Indicator (EADI) and Electronic Horizontal Situation Indicator (EHSI). A flight management system with two Gemini 10 computers and a new radio management system have also been installed. Three new sensors have been installed for aircraft position and attitude control: an inertial reference unit (IRU), an attitude and heading reference unit (AHRU), and a global positioning system (GPS).

German Air Force C-160D have been upgraded with BAE SYSTEMS High Integration Air Data Computer (HIADC), Northrop Grumman (Litton) ALR-68 radar warning systems and Rockwell Collins FMS-800 Flight Management and Global Positioning System. 21 aircraft will also be fitted with an EADS countermeasures suite, Northrop Grumman AN/AAR-54(V) missile warning system and chaff/flare launcher.

Cockpit
The air-conditioned and pressurised cockpit accommodates four crew: the pilot and copilot, the flight engineer, and the navigator. The pressurisation and air-conditioning system is supplied by Normalair-Garrett.

Transport
The main cabin can be fitted to carry 93 troops or up to 68 fully equipped paratroops. For medical evacuation, the cabin can accommodate 62 stretcher patients.

In the cargo transporter role, the aircraft can carry a maximum payload of 16,000kg, including armoured vehicles, tanks and palletised or unpalletised loads. The floor is fitted with lashing points rated at 5,000kg on a 20in grid pattern. Lashing points rated at 12,000kg are fitted in the side walls of the cabin. The aircraft wheels can be raised in order to lower the fuselage for loading and unloading. Vehicles are driven into the cabin and an automated translation and stowing system is used for loading and unloading of cargo items which are not driven.

Loads up to 8,000kg can be air-dropped. The aircraft can carry out low-level altitude drops at altitudes between 10 and 30ft, and touch-and-go drops in which the aircraft briefly touches the runway without landing.

Engines
The aircraft is powered by two Rolls-Royce Tyne Rty.20 Mark 22 turboprop engines, each rated at 4,549kW. The engines drive four-blade, reversible-pitch, constant-speed BAe 4/8000/6 propellers, built by Ratier Figeac in France.

The fuel system includes four wing tanks with a capacity of 19,000 litres, an optional wing centre section tank with a capacity of 9,000 litres and a single-point pressure refuelling system. The aircraft is equipped with an in-flight refuelling probe mounted above and behind the flight deck.

We are using some AWACS and stuff. Including for naval uses

E-3 AWACS AIRBORNE WARNING AND CONTROL SYSTEM E-3F SDCA for us

Originally Posted by Air Force Technology

The E-3 Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) is built by Boeing Defense & Space Group. The role of the E-3 is to carry out airborne surveillance, and command, control and communications (C3) functions for both tactical and air defence forces. In the USA the aircraft carries the designation E-3 AWACS. The UK designation is E-3 Sentry AEW (Airborne Early Warning) and the French designation is E-3 SDA.

The E3 look-down radar has a 360° view of the horizon, and at operating altitudes has a range of more than 320km. The radar can detect and track air and sea targets simultaneously. In a tactical role, the E-3 can detect and track hostile aircraft operating at low altitudes over any terrain, and can identify and control friendly aircraft in the same airspace. In the strategic defence role, the E-3 provides the means to detect, identify, track and intercept airborne threats.

During the 1990 to 1991 Operation Desert Storm, some 845 AWACS sorties were flown and NATO E-3s have also played a major role in the United Nations' enforcement of the no-fly zone over Bosnia and during the Kosovo crisis.

The USAF Block 30/35 modernisation program included the following upgrades: provision of GPS (global positioning system) navigation, enhanced computer memory, installation of a JTIDS (Joint Tactical Distribution System) Class II terminal and ESM (electronic support measures) equipment.

AIrCRAFT

The aircraft has four flight crew (two pilots, navigator and flight engineer) and E3B and C aircraft have 18 AWACS officers and crew, the E-3A 13.

The basic E-3 aircraft is a militarized version of the Boeing 707-320B commercial jet airframe, distinguished by the addition of a large, rotating rotodome containing the main radar, identification friend or foe (IFF) and data-link fighter-control (TADIL-C) antennas.

The layout of the equipment in the fuselage is arranged in bays with areas allocated for communications, signal and data processing, command and control consoles, navigation and target identification systems. The signal and data processing is carried out on a high speed powerful IBM 4PiCC-1 computer. The aircraft is equipped with 14 command and control consoles fitted with high resolution colour displays supplied by Hazeltine.

RADAR

The primary radar housed in the rotodome is the Northrop Grumman AN/APY-1/2 AWACS radar. The radar transmitters, computers and display stations are housed within the fuselage. The radome scans at sx revolutions per minute. When the radar is not operating the radome rotation rate is set at one revolution per four minutes. The radar is multi-mode using powerful interleaving and de-interleaving algorithms. The main operating modes are: Pulse Doppler Non Elevation Scan (PDNES) for surveillance of airborne targets; Pulse Doppler Elevation Scan (PDES) to determine the target elevation; beyond the horizon pulse radar mode; receive only mode for passive operation; maritime mode which uses very short pulse width for the detection of surface ships; and standby mode.

Boeing, with the Electronic Sensors and Systems Division of Northrop Grumman as subcontractor, have carried out an E-3 AWACS Radar System Improvement Programme (RSIP) which upgrades the capability of the AN/APY-1/2 against threats from small radar cross section targets, cruise missiles and electronic countermeasures. The improvement in sensitivity against small and stealthy targets is being achieved through the installation of a new surveillance radar computer (SRC) to replace the digital Doppler processor and radar correlator, and the translation of the associated software into ADA language. RSIP installation was completed on the NATO (17 aircraft) and UK (seven aircraft) was completed in 2000. Installation is underway on the 32 USAF E-3 AWACS and is due to be completed by 2005.

The AN/APX-103 interrrogator, supplied by the Telephonics Corporation, provides both civil and military Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) operation and instantaneously provides a data set on all targets within the radar range. The data includes IFF status, range, azimuth and elevation position and code identification.

ENGINES

The USA and NATO E-3 AWACS aircraft are powered by four Pratt and Whitney TF-33-PW- 100/100A turbofan, 21,000lb-thrust jet engines, mounted in pods under the wings. The E-3 AWACS aircraft for Saudi Arabia, UK and France are powered by four CFM International CFM-56-2A-2/3 turbofan engines, developing 24,000lb thrust. The higher power CFM-56 engines allow aircraft operation at higher altitudes, extending the horizon for radar surveillance.

The fuel tanks in the wings have a capacity of 90,500 litres which give an unrefuelled range of more than 9,250km and a flight endurance of 11 hours. For increased range the aircraft is equipped with an in-flight refuelling probe and receptacle.

E-2C Hawkeye

Originally Posted by Naval Technology

]The primary role of the E-2C Hawkeye aircraft supplied by Northrop Grumman is as an all-weather airborne early-warning aircraft to the naval task force. From an operating altitude above 25,000ft, the Hawkeye warns the naval task force of approaching air threats and provides threat identification and positional data to fighter aircraft such as F-14 Tomcats. Secondary roles include strike command and control, surveillance, guidance of search and rescue missions and as a relay to extend the range of communications.

The E-2C became operational in 1973. Block II aircraft, with improved engine and radar, entered service in 1992, with final delivery in 2001. As well as the US Navy, E-2C aircraft are in service with the navies of Egypt, France, Israel, Japan, Singapore and Taiwan. Three ex-Israeli Air Force E-2C have been sold to the Mexican Navy, with the first two delivered in June 2004. Deliveries have totalled more than 140 for the USN and more than 30 for other nations.

The aircraft is operated by a crew of five, with the pilot and co-pilot on the flight deck and the combat information centre officer, air control officer and radar operator stations located in the rear fuselage directly beneath the rotodome.

Carrier Operation Design
The fuselage is designed for carrier operations and is fitted with a nose-tow catapult attachment for accelerated carrier take-off, an A-frame arrester hook for engagement of the arresting gear and a tail bumper to withstand impact or scraping on the runway. For storage in the hangar, the wings fold hydraulically to lie flat to the fuselage. The fuselage is of light metal construction, and parts of the tailplane are of composite structure in order to reduce radar signature.

From May 2004, US Navy Hawkeye 2000 aircraft are being fitted with two Hamilton Sundstrand NP2000 digitally-controlled, eight-bladed propellers to replace mechanically-controlled, four-bladed propellers. The new propellers provide less vibration and less noise. Initial carrier certification of the new propellers was carried out on USS John F Kennedy in November 2003.

Mission Systems
The large 24ft diameter circular antenna radome above the rear fuselage gives the E-2C its distinctive profile. The radome houses the AN/APA-171 antenna supplied by Randtron Systems, which rotates at 5 to 6rpm.

The Lockheed Martin AN/APS-145 radar is capable of tracking more than 2,000 targets and controlling the interception of 40 hostile targets. One radar sweep covers 6 million cubic miles. The radar's total radiation aperture control antenna reduces sidelobes and is robust against electronic countermeasures. It is capable of detecting aircraft at ranges greater than 550km.

The mission computer is equipped with an enhanced high-speed parallel processor. The Lockheed Martin AN/UYQ-70 advanced display system and computer peripherals provide the operators with multicolour displays, map overlays, zoom facilities and auxiliary data displays.

Navigation and Communications
A global positioning system and a Northrop Grumman (formerly Litton) AN/ASN-92 CAINS (Carrier Aircraft Inertial Navigation System) are the main components of the aircraft's navigation suite. The aircraft is also equipped with the AN/ASN- 50 heading and attitude reference system, an AN/ARA-50 UHF automatic direction finder from Rockwell Collins, an AN/ASW-25B automatic carrier landing system and a Honeywell AN/APN-171(V) radar altimeter.

The communications suite includes an AN/ARC-158 UHF data link, an AN/ARQ-34 HF datalink and a Joint Tactical Information Distribution System (JTIDS) which provides secure voice and data communications

Engines
The E-2C was originally fitted with two Allison T56-A-425 turboprop engines, but since the introduction of E-2C Group I variants, T56A-427 engines have been fitted. With the new engines, the E-2C can cruise on station for more than four hours, up to 200 miles from base.

Hawkeye 2000
Major upgrade programmes are continuing to the end of the service life in 2015. The first of the next generation standard, the Hawkeye 2000 (HE2K), was delivered in October 2001. 24 aircraft are on order for the USN, of which 11 have been delivered. The Hawkeye 2000 made its first operational deployment in 2003 aboard USS Nimitz (CVN 68) in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Northrop Grumman is also to upgrade a number of USN aircraft to Hawkeye 2000 configuration.

One aircraft has been delivered to the French Navy for operation on the Charles de Gaulle carrier and two E-2Cs already delivered are being upgraded to the 2000 standard. Two aircraft have been ordered for Taiwan, with the first delivered in August 2004. Egypt is to upgrade its five E-2C Hawkeye to Hawkeye 2000 standard and will receive one additional upgraded E-2C. The first upgraded aircraft was delivered in March 2003. The Japanese Air Self Defense Force is also upgrading its 13 Hawkeye aircraft, with the first due for delivery by the end of 2004. The United Arab Emirates has requested five refurbished aircraft, upgraded to Hawkeye 2000 standard.

Hawkeye 2000 features a Raytheon mission computer upgrade (MCU), Lockheed Martin Advanced Control Indicator Set (ACIS), co-operative engagement capability (CEC), satellite communications, new navigation and flight control systems. The MCU is based on open architecture commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) technology, with increased memory and faster processing. The CEC consists of processor, data distribution system and antenna and will enable Hawkeye 2000 to perform real-time battle management, fusing and distributing information from sources such as satellite and shipborne radar.

E-2E Advanced Hawkeye
The next-generation, E-2E Advanced Hawkeye, will have, as well a new radar, theatre missile defence capabilities, multisensor integration and a Northrop Grumman Navigation Systems tactical cockpit. Lockheed Martin Naval Electronics & Surveillance Systems are developing a new solid-state, electronically steered UHF radar under the E-2C Radar Modernization Program (RMP). Northrop Grumman will supply the transmitter, Raytheon the receiver, L-3 Communications Randtron the UHF antenna and BAE Systems CNIR the Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) system.

The new radar began flight testing in July 2002 and the Advanced Hawkeye, equipped with the radar, will replace all 75 USN E-2C aircraft. The aircraft began full System Development and Demonstration (SDD) in August 2003 and is due to enter service in 2011.

The two major devellopments in this matter are of course the Eurocopter Tiger and the NH-90.

Eurocopter Tiger

Originally Posted by Naval Technology

The Tiger helicopter is being developed for France and Germany in three configurations, HAC (French) and UHT (German) anti-tank helicopters and a combat support helicopter designated HAP for the French Army. Tiger is being built by Eurocopter, a subsidiary of the EADS (European Aeronautics Defence and Space) company formed by DaimlerChrysler Aerospace of Germany, Aerospatiale Matra of France and CASA of Spain. First flight of the aircraft was in 1991. Serial production began in March 2002 and the first flight of the production Tiger HAP for France took place in March 2003. France has ordered 80 aircraft (70 combat support and ten antitank). The first HAP version was delivered in March 2005. Germany has ordered 80 combat support aircraft with deliveries to begin in 2005. Total procurement is planned to be 120 for France and 120 for Germany.

In December 2001, Eurocopter, with the Tiger ARH (armed reconnaissance), was awarded the contract for the Australian Army’s Air 87 requirement for 22 helicopters. The Tiger ARH is a modified version of the Tiger HAP with upgraded MTR390 engines and a laser designator incorporated in the Strix sight for the firing of Hellfire II air-to-ground missiles. The first Tiger ARH took its maiden flight in February 2004 and deliveries began in December 2004. It is scheduled to enter service in 2005, with final deliveries in 2008. Australian Aerospace (a subsidiary of Eurocopter) has set up a local production facility for assembly of the helicopters and the manufacture of parts for the entire programme. ADI Ltd is a major subcontractor, responsible for customising the mission and communications systems.

In September 2003, Spain selected a version of the Tiger HAP combat support helicopter, to be called the HAD, which will be armed with the Trigat LR and Mistral missile systems. 24 helicopters will be ordered which will also have an uprated Enhanced MTR390E engine and a heavier payload. Six helicopters in the HAP version will be delivered to Spain in 2005 and 2006, which will later be converted to HAD. 18 HAP versions will be delivered between 2010 and 2014.

France is to acquire 40 of its 80 helicopters in the HAD version and Spain and France signed the development contract for the helicopter in December 2004.

Tiger Anti-Tank Helicopter

Both Tiger HAC and UHT anti-tank helicopters have an Osiris mast-mounted sight from SFIM, with infrared charge coupled device (IRCCD) camera and laser rangefinder. There is a nose-mounted forward looking infra-red (FLIR) with a 40° x 30° field of view. Tiger can be equipped with four MBDA (formerly Matra BAe Dynamics) MISTRAL or Raytheon Stinger air-to-air missiles. The air-to-air missile control functions are on the flight control grip. Target acquisition is achieved by using the joystick to steer the sight manually or with automatic tracking. The FIM-92 Stinger missile, also produced under license by EADS (formerly LFK), is equipped with a 1kg warhead and range up to 5km. The Mistral missile has a 3kg warhead and range of 6km.

The Tiger is fitted with EADS/LFK ATA firing posts for the launch of Euromissile HOT 3 and Euromissile TRIGAT LR anti-tank missiles, fired by the gunner. Only one weapon is activated at a time. The TRIGAT LR missile has a range of 500m to 5,000m and can be applied in direct attack or terminal dive attack modes. The HOT 3 missile has a range of up to 4,000m.

The Tiger ARH for Australia is being fitted with the M299 launcher for Hellfire II missiles and will also be armed with 70mm rockets.

Combat Support Tiger

In its combat support role the Tiger uses a gun for short-range engagements, 68mm rockets at medium and long range and Mistral missiles to engage airborne threats. The helicopter is equipped with a turreted 30mm gun together with: either four Mistral missiles, 44 rockets plus four Mistral missiles, or 68 rockets. Only one weapon can be activated at a time. The combat support Tiger helicopter for the French Army (Tigre HAP) is equipped with a 30mm AM-30781 automatic cannon from Giat. Rate of fire is 750 rounds per minute. Tigre HAP also carries four Mistral missiles and two pods each carrying 22 SNEB 68mm rockets.

The Combat Support Tiger has a SFIM Strix roof-mounted sight, with a gyro-stabilised platform, infrared camera, charge coupled device television camera (CCD TV), laser rangefinder and direct optical sight.

Design

In order to minimise the weight, approximately 80% of the airframe has been constructed of composite materials. The frames and beams have been fabricated from Kevlar and carbon laminates. Panels are composed of Nomex honeycomb material with carbon and Kevlar skins. The helicopter blades are of fibre-composite construction. Radar reflective structures and surfaces have been minimised.

Cockpit

Each cockpit is equipped with two multi-function colour displays supplied by Thales Avionique and VDO Luftfahrtgerate Werk GmbH, which display imagery from the gunner's sight, the FLIR and video image from the Dornier/VDO Eurogrid digital map generator.

The French Tigre helicopter has a TopOwl helmet-mounted sight for both crew stations and a head up display for the pilot, all supplied by Thales Avionique. The German Tiger crew is equipped with BAE Systems Integrated Day and Night Helmets. Australian Tigers have the Helmet-Mounted Sight Display (HMSD) from ADI.

Each crew station is equipped with a Control and Display Unit (CDU). Navigation, communications and system status are controlled via the CDU. The CDU includes a Data Insertion Device (DID), which is a removable memory pack preprogrammed with mission data at a ground station.

Countermeasures

EADS Defence Electronics is providing the EWS electronic warfare suite for the Tiger, which will include a radar warning receiver, laser warner, MILDS missile launch detector developed by EADS DE, central processing unit from Thales and SAPHIR-M chaff/flare dispenser from MBDA. This system will also be fitted in the NH 90 helicopter. Indra is providing the electronic warfare suite for the Spanish Tigers.

Navigation

The navigation system contains two Thales Avionique three-axis ring laser gyro units, two magnetometers, two air data computers, BAE Systems Canada CMA 2012 four-beam Doppler radar, radio altimeter, global positioning system and a suite of low air speed sensors

Engines

The Tiger is powered by two MTU/Turbomeca/Rolls-Royce MTR390 turboshaft engines rated at 960kW (1,285shp). Self-sealing crashworthy fuel tanks have explosion suppression and non-return valves.

NH90 NFH-ASW Transport Helicopter

Originally Posted by Naval Technology

The NATO Frigate Helicopter (NFH) is one of two versions of the NH90 twin-engine multi-role helicopter being developed by NH Industries. The other version is the NH90 TTH Tactical Transport Helicopter. NH Industries, the prime contractor for the programme, is a joint venture company owned by AgustaWestland (32%)of Italy, Eurocopter (62.5%) and Stork Fokker (5%) of the Netherlands. Eurocopter is a subsidiary of EADS (European Aeronautics Defence and Space) company formed by DaimlerChrysler Aerospace of Germany, Aerospatiale Matra of France and CASA of Spain. In June 2000, the participating countries signed a contract for the production of 243 NH90s: France 27 NFH, Germany 80 TTH (with an option on a further 54), Italy 46 NFH and 70 TTH and the Netherlands 20 NFH. The first series production helicopter made its maiden flight in May 2004. First deliveries are scheduled: Germany 2004, Italy 2004, France 2005 and the Netherlands 2007.
In June 2001, Portugal became the fifth nation to join the NH90 programme, with a requirement for ten NH90 TTH helicopters. The Portuguese industrial partner is OGMA.
In September 2001, the NH90 was chosen as the common helicopter for the Nordic Standard Helicopter Programme, for the navies of Norway, Sweden and Finland. Sweden has ordered 18 (13 TTT, five NFH), Finland 20 TTH and Norway 14 NFH (six for ASW and six for the coastguard). In September 2003, Greece ordered 20 NH90 (16 TTH and four Special Operations) plus 14 on option.
In July 2004, 20 NH90 helicopters were ordered by the Royal Air Force of the Sultanate of Oman.
In August 2004, the Australian Ministry of Defence selected a version of the helicopter, the MRH 90, to meet the Australian Army requirement for 12 troop transport helicopters under the Air 9000 programme. The helicopters will be built by Australian Aerospace, a subsidiary of Eurocopter, and will enter service in 2007-08.
Total NH90 orders are 345 fixed and 86 options from 11 countries.
In December 2003, the NH90 became the first medium-sized transport helicopter to fly with full fly-by-wire controls with no mechanical back-up. This is the serial production configuration.
The primary missions of the NH90 NFH helicopter are in the autonomous anti submarine warfare (ASW) and anti-surface ship warfare (AsuW) role. In the anti-submarine warfare role, the helicopter is capable of carrying out detection, classification, identification tracking and attack of submarines. In a typical four-hour "relocation on call" operation, the helicopter would take 35 minutes to reach the area of operation, 20 minutes to release the sonobuoys, two hours on surveillance in the area of operations, 30 minutes to release the torpedoes and 35 minutes to return to the ship and land, with 20 minute in reserve.
In a typical four-hour "screening" operation, the helicopter would take 15 minutes to reach the area of operation, three hours 30 minutes in the operations zone to carry out eleven consecutive cycles of ten-minute sonar dipping and 15 minutes to return to the ship and land, with 20 minutes in reserve.
In the anti-surface warfare role the helicopter is capable of detection, tracking, classification, identification and attack of hostile ships and has over-the-horizon capability. Secondary roles include anti-air warfare (AAW), vertical replenishment (VERTREP), search and rescue (SAR), troop transport and mine laying.

Cockpit and Avionic System
The helicopter has a crew of three, the pilot and Tacco (the tactical co-ordinator responsible mission management) and the Senso (sensor systems operator) in the cabin. The cabin of the NFH is equipped with an avionics bay with a sensor operator station and a tactical co-ordinator station, a dipping sonar and a sonobuoy launcher.
The NH90 has "fly-by-wire" all-electric flight controls from Goodrich Actuation Systems and Liebherr Aerospace. This full authority quadruplex system increases the manoeuvrability of the aircraft while decreasing the weight. The avionics system is supplied by Thales Avionics and is based on a dual MIL-STD-1553B digital databus. The cockpit has five 8in x 8in colour multifunction liquid crystal displays for flight, mission systems and maintenance data. A Honeywell Primus 701A weather radar is fitted.
The avionics package includes the Thales Topowl helmet-mounted sight and display which has a 40° field of view. Topowl also equips the Tiger and Rooivalk attack helicopters.

Armament
The NATO Frigate Helicopter can be armed with anti-submarine torpedoes, air-to-surface missiles and air-to-air missiles.
Countermeasure Suite

The helicopters for France, Germany, Italy, Portugal and Finland are fitted with a self-protection suite from EADS Defence Electronics, which is also to equip the Tiger helicopter. The suite includes EADS AN/AAR-60 MILDS missile approach warning system, Thales TWE Threat Warning Equipment with integrated radar warning and laser warning receivers and MBDA Saphir-M chaff and flare dispenser. Norwegian NFH are to have the ITT AN/ALQ-211 Integrated Radio Frequency Countermeasures (IRFCM) suite. Swedish helicopters will be equipped with an EW suite supplied by Saab Avionics, in conjunction with Avitronics of South Africa. Avitronics is jointly owned by Saab and Grintek.

Sensors
The NFH is equipped with a tactical forward-looking infra-red system (FLIR) mounted in the nose, a magnetic anomaly detector (MAD) and a sonar suite. French Navy NFH will be fitted with the Flash Sonics sonar system from Thales Underwater Systems, which combines the Flash active dipping sonar with the TMS 2000 sonobuoy processing system. The Norwegian and Swedish Navy NFH will also operate a version of the system, Flash-S, optimised for conditions in the Baltic Sea. Dutch, Italian and German NFH will be equipped with the Helicopter Long Range Active Sonar (HELRAS). The HELRAS dipping sonar is supplied by ELAC Nautik of Kiel, Germany, a subsidiary of L-3 Communications.
The NFH is equipped with a Thales Ocean Master 360° surveillance radar mounted under the nose. Swedish NFH will have AN/APS-143B(V)3 Ocean Eye multimode surveillance radar from US company, Telephonics. Ocean Eye has both SAR (Synthetic Aperture Radar) and ISAR (Inverse Synthetic Aperture Radar) imaging modes.

Communications
The NH90 is equipped with an integrated communications and identification management system. The secure radio system provides air-to-air and air-to-ground communications. The TSC 2000 IFF (Identification Friend or Foe) supplied by Thomson-CSF was developed under German and French co-operation. The helicopter is equipped with a Link 11 secure datalink.

Propulsion
The NFH Helicopter is powered by two RTM 322-01/9 engines supplied by Rolls-Royce Turbomeca. For the Italian requirement, GE Aircraft Engines and FiatAvio are co-producing another engine model, the T700/T6E1. The engines are fitted with a FADEC engine control system.
The fuel tanks, which hold 1,900kg of fuel, are fitted with crash resistant self-sealing cells supplied by Uniroyal Englebert Reifen based in Aachen, Germany. The fuel management system is by AFG. The auxiliary power unit, (APU), from the Microturbo division of the Labinal Group, provides electrical engine starting and powers the ground operation environmental control system, (ECS).

A555 Fennec Twin Engined Light Naval Helicopter

Originally Posted by Naval Technology

The Eurocopter AS 555 Fennec twin-engined helicopter belongs to the Ecureuil/Fennec family of helicopters which also includes the twin-engined civil AS 355 Ecureuil, the single-engine military AS 550 Fennec, civil AS 350 Ecureuil and the civil EC 130 helicopter. Over 3,150 helicopters of the family have been ordered, of which 2,500 have been delivered and are operational in over 70 countries. The AS 555 SN is the naval combat variant and the AS 555 MN is the unarmed naval version.
The helicopters are in production at Eurocopter's engineering and production facilities at Marignane in France, and they are also built for the Brazilian armed forces under a licensed production agreement by Helibras in Brazil.
The naval variant is in service with the navies of Brazil, Columbia and Argentina. In October 2001, six AS 555SN were ordered by the Royal Malaysian Navy for delivery from 2003. They will be used for Over-The-Horizon Targeting (OTHT) and training.
The AS 555 is also in service with the French Army.

AS 555 Fennec Design
The helicopter is of light construction based on a lightweight metal tailboom and central fuselage with a high strength, thermoformed, composite cabin. The Starflex main rotor head and the three blades are also of composite materials for added strength and weight reduction. The engine cowlings are armoured for protection.
The helicopter is fitted with armoured seats. The cabin has sliding doors on each side. The 1m³ baggage compartment is installed behind the main cabin with an access door on the starboard side. The helicopter can be equipped with a search and rescue winch and a 1,134kg cargo hook. For casualty evacuation, the helicopter is equipped with a television optical sensor, forward looking infrared surveillance and searchlights.
As a utility helicopter the AS 555 Fennec can carry two pilots and four troops or loads up to a maximum take-off weight of 2,250kg.

Cockpit Avionic System
The cockpit is equipped with full dual flight controls and is night vision compatible.
The armed naval SN helicopter is equipped with a Thales Avionics Nadir 10 navigation system, a Sagem 85 T31 three-axis autopilot and a Thales Detexis RDN 85 Doppler radar. The navigation suite includes a global positioning system, a VHF Omnidirectional Radio Ranger and Instrument Landing System (VOR/ILS), an automatic direction finder, distance measuring equipment and a marker beacon transponder. The secure communications systems are fitted according to the customer country's specification.

Fennec Weapon System
The helicopter is fitted with a wide range of weapon systems to suit the mission and operational requirements of the country's forces.
The AS 555SN is for ship-borne missions operating from ships above 650t. The helicopter is equipped for anti-submarine warfare and Over The Horizon (OTH) targeting. The helicopter can carry a lightweight homing torpedo. A chin-mounted Telephonics RDR-1500B X-band, 360° digital colour radar is used for search and surveillance. The radar also provides weather avoidance, beacon transponder location, and waypoint navigation display. An unarmed naval variant, the AS555MN can also be fitted with the RDR-1500B.
The French Army AS 555AN is armed with a Giat 20mm gun type M621, T-100 sights and Mistral missiles. The helicopter can also be fitted with pylon mounted rockets.
The AS 555UN French Army helicopter is unarmed for advanced instrument flight rule training with the Aviation Leger de l'Armee de Terre and it is also operated as a utility transporter.
Other weapon fits include missiles, rockets and guns including, the Forges de Zeebruge rocket launcher carrying seven 2.75in rockets and the Thales Brandt 68mm launcher carrying 12 rockets. The helicopter can be armed with the Giat 20mm gun type M621 and the FN Herstal twin 7.62mm and 12.7mm machine gun pod.

Turbomeca Arrius Turboshafts Engines
The helicopter is powered by two Turbomeca Arrius 1A turboshaft engines, mounted to the aft of the transmission. The engines, rated at 302kW continuous power and 357kW take-off power, are equipped with Full Authority Digital Electronic Control (FADEC) which provides automatic sequenced engine starting. The engine control restricts the engine performance to remain within the temperature and torque limit envelope and also provides pre-selection of the parameters for one engine inoperable exercises. The two engine drive shafts lead into the single combiner gearbox.
Two integral fuel tanks provide 730 litres of fuel. In the search and rescue mode and with the capability of carrying two survivors, the helicopter has an operational range of 129km. For long-range operations a 475-litre auxiliary fuel tank is installed in the cabin. The range with maximum fuel is 694km with no reserves.

The Dauphin

Originally Posted by Wikipedia

The Eurocopter Dauphin (Dolphin) is a medium-weight multipurpose twin-engine helicopter manufactured by Eurocopter (originally by Aérospatiale).
The Dauphin is one of Eurocopter's most successful designs and is widely used as a corporate transport, police, news media, emergency medical services and search & rescue helicopter.
The military version of the Dauphin is the Eurocopter Panther. The Dauphin is also used by the United States Coast Guard under the designation HH-65 Dolphin.
The Dauphin is also manufactured in China under licence as the Harbin Z-9 Haitung.
One of the distinctive features of the Dauphin is its fenestron tail rotor.

History and variants
The single engine SA 360 Dauphin and the twin engine SA 365C Dauphin 2 were developed by Aérospatiale as a replacement for its Alouette III.
(Regarding the naming of the different variants, it should be noted that, until January 1990, the AS 365 models were designated as SA 365.)

SA 360
The first prototype SA 360 A first flew on 2 June 1972 and was fitted with a 730 kW Turboméca Astazou XVI turboshaft. After 180 development flights, the engine was changed to a more powerful 785 kW Astazou XVIIIA. In order reduce vibration and to eliminate ground resonance, weights were also fitted to the rotor tips.
The first production aircraft - designated the SA 360 C - first flew in April 1975.

SA 361
This version of the SA 360 was developed for so-called "hot and high" circumstances and was a more powerful variant with improved performance and a greater payload capability. The SA 361 was never series-produced, although some prototypes were built.
Prototypes of a military variant of the SA 361, the SA 361 H (equipped with up to eight HOT anti-tank missiles) were also built, but the type was likewise never series-produced.

SA 365C
This twin-engined version of the Dauphin, designated as the Dauphin 2, was announced in early 1973. The first flight of the first prototype took place on 24 January 1975, with production model deliveries starting in December 1978.
In comparison with the earlier model, the SA 365 C features twin Arriel turboshafts with a new engine fairing, a Starflex main rotor hub and a higher maximum takeoff weight.
Production of both the SA 360 and SA 365 C ceased in 1981, by which time approximately 40 SA 360s and 50 SA 365 Cs had been built. Both types were replaced by the SA 365 N1 (later designated the AS 365 N1).

SA 365 N1
This is a much improved version of the SA 365C Dauphin 2, the first prototype flying on 31 March 1979. Deliveries of the production model began in 1982.
This version introduced the more powerful Arriel 1C turboshafts, enlarged tail surfaces, revised transmission, main rotor, rotor mast fairing and engine cowling as well as a retractable tricycle undercarriage.

SA 365 N2
(This version is currently still in production.)
This version introduced the upgraded Arriel 1C2 turboshafts, an improved gearbox, increased maximum take-off weight, redesigned cabin doors and a revised interior.
Deliveries of this version started in 1990.

AS 365 N3
(This version is currently still in production.)
This version was developed for so-called "hot and high" circumstances and has Arriel 2C turboshafts equipped with fully automated digital electronic control (FADEC). Production deliveries began in December 1998.

EC 155 B1
(This version is currently still in production.)
This version was originally known as the AS 365 N4, and was announced at the 1997 Paris Airshow.
As with the N3 version, it has twin Arriel 2Cs turboshafts equipped with FADEC as well as a five blade Spheriflex main rotor and a 40% larger main cabin (achieved with bulged doors).
The first flight of the first prototype took place on 17 June 1997.

HH-65A Dolphin
The SA 366 G1 Dauphin version was selected by the United States Coast Guard (USCG) in the early 1980s as its new air-sea rescue helicopter and given the designation HH-65 Dolphin. In total 99 helicopters, optimised for the USCG's search and rescue role tasks, were acquired.
Some engineering changes were required to comply with U.S regulations, the most drastic probably being substituting the Turboméca engines by Textron (Avco Lycoming) LTS 101 units, in order to comply with local content (in terms of value) regulations.

Military Versions
Military AS 365 Ns are designated as AS 565 Panthers and are available in the following versions:

* AS 565 UA/UB: utility versions.
* AS 565 AA/AB: attack versions.
* AS 565 MA/MB: naval search & rescue versions.
* AS 565 SA/SB: ASW (Anti Submarine Warfare) versions.

LECLERC MAIN BATTLE TANK

Originally Posted by Army Technology

The Leclerc Main Battle Tank built by Giat Industries is operational with the French Army and the Armed Forces of Abu Dhabi of the United Arab Emirates. The Leclerc was first operational with the French Army in 1992 and with UAE in 1995. Leclerc Mk 2 tanks with improved software and engine control system entered production in 1998. The French Army has nearly 300 Leclerc MBTs in service and in September 2001 ordered the final tranche of 52, concluding a total order of 406 (plus 20 armoured recovery vehicles). Deliveries are expected to be completed by 2006. 390 tanks and 46 armoured recovery vehicles have been ordered by UAE. Deliveries of the tanks were completed in May 2004 and deliveries of the ARVs will conclude in 2005.

FINDERS BATTLE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM
The Leclerc is fitted with the FINDERS (Fast Information, Navigation, Decision and Reporting System) battlefield management system, developed by Giat. FINDERS includes a colour map display which shows the positions of the host tank, allied and hostile forces and designated targets and can be used for route and mission planning.

The French Army has selected Giat to equip its Leclerc main battle tanks with a Terminal Information System (TIS) called Icone (Ergonomic Communications and Navigation Interface). The initial phase of the contract covers the equipment of more than 100 Leclerc tanks. The TIS has been developed together with EADS Defense Electronics Systems. It permits the exchange of digitised data including tactical situation and the graphic orders displayed on a background map, between the vehicle and higher level command.

LECLERC MBT ARMAMENT
The 120mm 52 calibre smoothbore gun is fitted with a thermal sleeve and muzzle reference system. Fumes are exhausted with a compressed air unit. The gun, which fires APFSD (Armour Piercing Fin Stabilised Discarding Sabot) and HEAT (High Explosive Anti Tank) rounds, has a firing rate of 12 rounds/minute. The aiming system is entirely electrical for improved acceleration.

The tank has an automatic loading system, which allows cross-country fire-on-the-move against mobile targets. 22 rounds of ready-to-use ammunition are carried. The tank is also armed with a 12.7mm machine gun co-axial with the main gun and a roof-mounted 7.62mm anti-aircraft gun.

LECLERC DIGITAL FIRE CONTROL AND OBSERVATION SYSTEMS
The digital fire control system allows the gunner or commander to select six different targets to be engaged in just over 30 seconds. The system's digital computer allows realtime treatment of data from the tank's sensors and sights.

The commander has eight periscopes and an HL-70 stabilised panoramic sight from Safran (formerly SAGEM). HL-70 includes laser rangefinder, day channel, and second generation image intensifier. Recognition range is 4km and identification range is 2.5km. The commander has a display showing the gunner's thermal sight.

The gunner's station is equipped with gunner's main sight, three periscopes and a visual display unit. The gunner's stabilised sight is SAVAN 20 from Safran, which contains a three-field-of-view thermal imager.

The driver's station has three periscopes, of which the centre periscope is the OB-60 driver's sight developed by Thales Optronique (formerly Thomson-CSF), which has day and night channels.

GALIX COMBAT VEHICLE PROTECTION SYSTEM
Leclerc is fitted with Galix combat vehicle protection system, developed by GIAT and Lacroix Tous Artifices. Nine launch tubes for the 80mm grenades are fitted on either side of the turret roof. The Galix system can launch smoke or anti-personnel grenades or infrared decoys.

Giat has developed the KBCM defensive aids suite which can befitted to the Leclerc. KBCM includes laser warner, missile warner, infrared jammer and the Galix system and can be integrated with the Finders battle management system. The French Army has evaluated the system.

SACM V8X-1500 HYPERBAR DIESEL ENGINE
The Leclerc is equipped with an SACM V8X-1500 Hyperbar diesel engine providing 1,500hp at 2,500rpm. An electronic engine management system is supplied by Safran. The SESM ESM 500 automatic transmission has a hydrostatic transmission unit and five forward and two reverse gears. The engine is fitted with a Suralmo-Hyperbar high pressure gas turbine. The engine provides a road speed over 70km/h and cross country speed up to 50km/h.

The tank also has a Turbomeca TM-307B gas turbine auxiliary power unit. The hydropneumatic suspension system is from Societe d'Applications des Machines Motrices (SAMM).

UAE TROPICALISED LECLERC MAIN BATTLE TANK
The tropicalised Leclerc is optimised for tropical and desert conditions to meet the requirement of the UAE. A new powerpack and diesel auxiliary power unit has been installed and the hull is extended at the back to accommodate the powerpack and larger fuel tanks. The Euro Powerpack has the MTU 883 V-12 diesel engine providing 1,500hp, coupled with Renk HSWL295 TM automatic transmission. For this and export versions of the tank, Giat has developed the Leclerc Battle Management Equipment (LBME), a derivative of FINDERS. The HL-70 commander's sight has been replaced by the HL-80, also from SFIM.

LECLERC NEW GENERATION RECOVERY VEHICLE
The Leclerc New Generation Recovery Vehicle (NGRV) has a longer hull with seven pairs of wheels. An hydraulically operated blade at the front of the vehicle is used to clear a path through battlefield obstacles. The vehicle is equipped with an hydraulic crane rated to lift 30,000kg loads and a winch with 180m cable rated at 35,000kg. A secondary winch is rated at 1,500kg. The crane and winch systems are supplied by Rheinmetall Landsystemes GmbH.

AMX 30 Brennus 2

Originally Posted by Military Analysis Network

Giat Industries has built and delivered to a dozen armies almost 2,300 AMX 30 main battle tanks, as well as 1,100 derivative versions (155 GCT self-propelled howitzers, anti-aircraft missile or gun systems, armoured recovery vehicles, etc.). The AMX 30 B2 is an improved version of the AMX 30, either by rebuilding or by production of new tanks, equipped with an automatic fire control system (COTAC) enabling it to fire a ammunition arrow (Vo 1525 m/s). The tank is well profiled, strongly armed, endowed with a very good mobility and a great autonomy. It is protected only from small gauge weapons and the effects of artillery. The AMX 30 B2 is able to fight in a contaminated atmosphere and to cross in immersion of the water levels 2 depth m (4 m with snorkel). It is intended for all missions requiring operations in traditional or nuclear environments power: direct destruction of the enemy forces, and in priority of the armoured forces immediate and major exploitation of the effects of the others weapons, in particular of the nuclear weapon. It equips tank regiments. It is encased in rolled plates and castings, entirely welded; traditional turret, entirely cast, of very shaped form.

VEXTRA 105 WHEELED RECONNAISSANCE VEHICLE

Originally Posted by Army Technology

The Vextra 105 wheeled armoured reconnaissance vehicle is being developed by Giat Industries in Versailles, France. The new generation 8 x 8 vehicle is capable of anti-tank combat and has fire-on-the-move capability against stationary or moving targets. The vehicle is based on the same wheeled chassis as Giat's Vextra 25 and has demonstrated high tactical and strategic mobility in trials, including desert trials carried out in the United Arab Emirates in October 1997. During the trials, the Vextra 105 covered 200 km on very soft sandy tracks at speeds greater than 50 km/h, reaching top speeds of 120 km per hour on roads.

Gun firing tests were carried out on the 105mm gun, the 7.62 mm machine gun and the Galix self-defence system, by day and night, with the Vextra 105 halted and on the move at speeds of 60km/h, against both static and mobile targets.

The reconnaissance vehicle is operated by four crew members - driver, commander, gunner and loader.

Command System

The vehicle is equipped with a version of the FINDERS (Fast Information, Navigation, Decision and Reporting System) battlefield management system, developed by Giat and installed on the Leclerc main battle tank. FINDERS includes a colour map display which shows the positions of the host vehicle, allied and hostile forces and designated targets. Functions include digital mapping, navigation/positioning, graphic/alphanumeric messages, tactical situation reports, automatic updating of overlays, logistic reports and communication network management.

Armament

The Giat TML 105 stabilised turret installed on the Vextra 105 is a light 3-man turret armed with a 105 mm CN 105 G2 NATO standard low recoil gun. The turret's electro-hydraulic drive has been replaced by an all-electric system by SIG of Switzerland. It is controlled by a digital computer and allows the turret and the gun to be finely stabilised. The gun is fitted with electrical aiming system, muzzle brake, fume extractor and thermal sleeve. Elevation is from -6 to +15 degrees.

The stabilised gun can fire a range of standard NATO ammunition including APFSDS (Armour Piercing Fin-Stabilised Discarding Sabot) rounds. Twelve rounds of ready to fire 105 mm ammunition are carried with 23 rounds stowed.

Secondary armament on the turret is a coaxially mounted 7.62 mm machine gun

Self Protection

The armoured vehicle is protected against 14.5 mm heavy machine gun rounds and artillery splinters. Modular or reactive armour can be fitted to provide protection against medium calibre and infantry rockets.

Vextra 105 is fitted with the Galix close defence system, which consists of four launchers for 80 mm rounds either side of the gun at the front of the vehicle and three on each side at the rear. Types of rounds include: instant smoke screen round (in the visible spectrum), instant wide area smoke round (in the visible and infrared spectrum), illumination round and infrared decoy round.

Fire Control and Surveillance

The gunner's station is fitted with the SAGEM Savan 15 three-axis stabilised sight similar to that used on the Leclerc main battle tank. Savan 15 sensors include a dual field of view thermal imager, high resolution TV channel and laser rangefinder (eyesafe if required) coupled with a digital fire control computer for sensor management and ballistic calculations.

The commander has a stabilised panoramic sight which is controlled by the fire control computer.

Propulsion

The Vextra 105 vehicle has eight drive wheels and is fitted with the Syegon variable tyre pressure system and run flat device and new generation wide dimension tyres. It is powered by a Saab Scania 260 DaN.m diesel engine with Renk HS automatic gearbox and two steered axles. Suspension is hydropneumatic.

Total combat weight is 28 to 34 tons, depending on the level of ballistic protection. Average road speed is 110 km/hour and range is greater than 800 km on roads at stabilised speed.

CAESAR 155MM SELF PROPELLED ARTILLERY SYSTEM

Originally Posted by Army Technology

The Caesar truck mounted artillery system is a 155mm 52 calibre self-propelled gun developed by Giat Industries, based in Versailles, in co-operation with Lohr Industrie of Hangenbieten, France. An initial five systems were ordered by the French Army and were delivered in June 2003 for technical and operational evaluation. In December 2004, Giat was awarded a contract for 72 Caesar systems to equip eight land artillery batteries of the French Army, to replace towed TRF1 systems. Deliveries are planned from 2007-11. The system has also been demonstrated in Malaysia and in the USA.

The Caesar artillery system evolved from the earlier 155 AM F3 automotive gun, which used the chassis of the AMX-13 light tank. Caesar is equipped with all the systems needed for independent operation, a cabin to protect the six man gun crew against shell fragments and small arms fire, an initial ammunition supply of 16 complete rounds and instrumentation for navigation, aiming, ballistic calculations and command aids. The system was specifically designed to meet the fire support requirements of rapid deployment forces.

In March 2004, Giat entered an agreement with United Defense for that company to market Caesar in the USA.

In September 2004, Giat signed a teaming agreement with ADI Ltd of Australia to offer Caesar to the Australian Army for its Land 17 Artillery Replacement programme.

Armament
Caesar is equipped with a 155mm, 52 calibre barrel and can maintain a firing rate of 6 to 8 rounds per minute in sustained fire, or three rounds in 15 seconds in rapid fire.

The FAST-Hit computerised fire management system, developed jointly by Giat and EADS Defense Electronics, an Intertechnique ROB4 muzzle velocity radar system and a SAGEM Sigma 30 navigation system and global positioning system (GPS) are fitted so there is no requirement for topographical teams and goniometers. The weapon has an automatic hydraulic laying system and the loading system is semi-automatic.

Caesar will be fitted with the Thales Communications Atlas Canon artillery fire control system. The system provides onboard terminals for communications and real-time firing sequence management including fowarding of fire-support requests and transmission of firing orders according to target type, ammunition type and gun availability.

The gun can be set into and out of action in less than 1 minute. The weapon system configuration and the provision of hydraulic drives give a time of approximately 30 seconds, to take the Caesar out of battery. A unit of eight Caesar self-propelled artillery vehicles can dispense, in less than one minute, more than one tonne of projectiles, 1,500 bomblets or 48 smart anti-tank munitions on targets at ranges up to 40km.

Munitions
Caesar is capable of using a wide range of ammunition for deployment against protected and unprotected targets, to create counter-mobility obstacles to block the manoeuvres of enemy armoured forces and to obscure or illuminate an area.

Caesar can fire conventional high explosive (HE) or new generation cargo rounds, which provide increased accuracy and terminal effectiveness. The Ogre shell, which is in series production for the French Army, is an anti-tank and fragmentation bomblet dispensing round for use against relatively unprotected area targets such as command posts, artillery batteries, light armoured vehicles or logistic sites. Ogre dispenses 63 bomblets, each fitted with a self-destruct mechanism. The bomblets are capable of penetrating more than 90 mm of armour. A salvo of six Ogre shells releases 378 bomblets to saturate an area of 3 hectares at a range of 35km.

Bonus rounds with smart submunitions can be launched against tanks and other types of medium and heavy armoured vehicles. Bonus rounds have been developed by Giat Industries and Intertechnique of France, and Bofors of Sweden. The Bonus round carries two smart anti-tank submunitions to a range of 34km. A top-attack flight profile delivers the Explosively Formed Penetrator (EFP) warhead to the roof of the tank which is generally more vulnerable than the heavily armour-protected sides and front.

Base bleed shells provide a considerably increased range by filling the vacuum and reducing the turbulence behind the projectile without any loss of accuracy. The maximum ranges are up to 42km for Extended Range Full Bore - Base Bleed (ERFB-BB) rounds.

Propulsion
The all-terrain vehicle is a Daimler Benz Unimog 6 x 6 series chassis. Caesar has an unrefuelled travel range of 600km and maximum speed of 100km/h. A centralised ground pressure distribution system gives speeds of 50km/hour on hardened tracks. It has a six-cylinder diesel engine, developing 240hp and a power-to-weight ratio of 13.6hp/t.

Excluding its crew and ready ammunition supply, Caesar can be carried in a single load of a C-130 Hercules transporter.

ERYX HEAVY ANTI-ARMOUR MISSILE

Originally Posted by Army Technology

Eryx is a short-range anti-armour missile system for use by forward infantry and special forces on all terrains and in confined spaces, eg. urban areas. It is produced by MBDA (formerly Aerospatiale-Matra Missiles) of Chatillon, France and by Aerospatiale Canada.

In 1989, France and Canada signed a Memorandum of Understanding to co-produce the Eryx missile system as a joint venture and it entered service in 1994. Over 50,000 missiles and 3,200 firing posts have been ordered with 25,000 missiles and 1,600 firing posts produced. The system is in service with the armies of France, Canada, Norway, Brazil and Malaysia. Canada has received 435 firing posts and 4,500 missiles, France has more than 400 firing posts and 4.700 missiles and Norway 424 firing posts and 7,200 missiles. Eryx has also been ordered by an undisclosed member of the Gulf Co-operation Council (Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates). Deliveries began in April 1999.

In 1999, Turkey signed a memorandum of understanding with France for licensed production of 10,000 Eryx missiles for the Turkish army, over a ten-year period. In May 2004, the Turkish Ministry of National Defence announced a decision to cancel the project.

Eryx is effective against static and moving tanks fitted with all types of armour including ERA (explosive reactive armour) from 50m up to a maximum range of 600m. It is also capable of defeating structures such as concrete bunkers and earthworks. MBDA state that the missile has hit 95% of targets over the last 1,000 practice firings.

MISSILE SYSTEM

The Eryx system consists of the missile and launch tube and the firing unit. The system can be either shoulder-launched or from a prone position when mounted on the tripod.

The Eryx missile is wire-guided, optically tracked with semi-automatic command to line-of-sight (SACLOS) guidance. Fitted in the tail of the missile is an infrared beacon, which emits pulses detected by the sight unit. Course corrections are sent via the wire, which is unspooled as the missile is in flight. The missile is thrust vector controlled, which is efficient even at low speed and allows the launching to be achieved using a small propulsion unit. This allows "soft launch" in enclosed spaces. The rocket motor is manufactured by Roxel France (formerly Celerg), jointly owned by MBDA and SNPE and based at Le Plessis, France.

The missile is ready to fire in less than 5s. During flight (4.2s to 600m), the gunner only has to maintain the sight on the target. Missile speed is 18m/s at launch, accelerating to 245m/s at 600m. Up to five missiles can be fired in 2mins. The missile is armed with a 137mm tandem, shaped-charge high explosive (HE) warhead capable of penetrating up to 900mm of explosive reactive armour.

THERMAL IMAGER

The Mirabel thermal imager has been developed for the Eryx missile system by Thales (formerly Thomson-CSF) Optronique of Guyancourt, France, and AlliedSignal Aerospace Canada Inc (now Thales Optronics Canada), of Montreal, Canada. Mirabel's modular design allows it to be clipped on to the system's existing direct view optic sight without any need for boresight alignment. The thermal imager has a field of view of 8 x 6° and it operates in the long-wave (8 - 12 microns) infrared spectral band. Weight is 3.5kg.

TRAINING SYSTEMS

Basic training for the Eryx can be conducted using the Eryx Interactive Gunnery Simulator (EVIGS), produced by Simtran, Montreal, Canada.

For advanced training, Solartron Systems, a division of Lockheed Martin Information Systems, Orlando, Florida, have developed the Eryx Precision Gunnery Simulator (EPGS), an outdoor laser-based trainer. EPGS has been selected by the Canadian Army to provide precision gunnery training for the Eryx system, with a requirement for 54 systems.

ROLAND SHORT-RANGE AIR DEFENCE MISSILE SYSTEM

Originally Posted by Army Technology

The Roland short-range air defence missile system is produced by Euromissile, based in Fontenay-aux-Roses, France. Euromissile, originally set up by Aerospatiale-Matra of France and DaimlerChrysler Aerospace of Germany, is now a subsidiary of the EADS company. The missile system activities of Aerospatiale Matra were merged with Matra BAE Dynamics and Alenia Marconi Systems to form MBDA, jointly owned by EADS, BAE Systems and Finmeccanica.

Roland I entered service with the French Army in 1977, Roland 2 in 1981 and Roland 3 in 1988. Roland is in service in France, Germany, Argentina, Brazil, Nigeria, Qatar, Spain, USA and Venezuela. Over 650 systems and more than 25,000 missiles have been ordered. French Army systems are mounted on vehicles based on the AMX-30 main battle tank, while German Army systems are installed on Marder tracked vehicles. Over 650 systems have been produced.

The Roland system is effective against air threats from extremely low to medium altitude. It is available as a standalone weapon system on a single vehicle or as an airliftable shelter, Roland Carol. Roland Carol has been in production since 1995 with 20 systems delivered to the French Army and eleven to the German Air Force.

MODERNISATION PROGRAMME

A number of French Army Roland systems are being upgraded. The modernisation includes a new BBKS command and control system and the fitting of the infrared Glaive sight from Safran (formerly SAGEM) for automatic multi-channel target tracking. The first prototype fire unit was completed in June 1999 and trials began in September 1999. The upgraded Roland is called Enhanced Roland M3S. The second prototype in the CAROL shelter-based configuration was completed in October 1999.

German Army Roland systems are being upgraded with new digital computers and displays, improved digital missile fire control and measures to enhance communications with the German Army air defence control system (HFlaAFuSys). The upgraded prototype, designated Roland NDV, successfully completed troop trials in June 2003. A decision on series procurement is expected in 2005.

MISSILE

The system is capable of firing Roland 2 and Roland 3 missiles and the Roland VT1 hypervelocity missile. Roland 2 and 3 missiles have command to line-of-sight guidance and hollow charge warhead, with both impact and proximity fuzing. Roland 3 has longer range, 8km to Roland 2’s 6.3km. It also has a larger warhead, 9.2kg, to Roland 2’s 6.5kg.

The Roland VT1 hypervelocity missile is manufactured by Euromissile under license from Thales (formerly Thomson-CSF), who developed the missile for the Crotale NG missile system. The VT1 has a speed of 1,250m/s and range of 11km. The Command to Line Of Sight (CLOS) guidance uses radar and electro-optical sensors. The missile is armed with a focused blast and fragmentation 13kg warhead, initiated by an RF proximity fuse. Ten missiles are carried, two in the launch beams and eight in the magazines. Reloading is possible in 6s.

FIRE CONTROL AND SURVEILLANCE

The Roland M3S has a dual surveillance system and 3D radar and infrared sensors operating in parallel. The target tracking system involves radar, infrared and CCTV operating in parallel with instantaneous channel switching. Missile tracking is performed by the radar and dual wavelength infrared tracker, operating in parallel with automatic selection of the optimum channel and instantaneous channel switching.

The system has a 3D X-band surveillance radar. The frequency-agile track-while-scan radar has a range of 25km at a maximum altitude of 9km. The tracking radar has a range of 20km.

The Safran Glaive integrated electro-optic sight, developed for the Roland 3 modernisation, will also be retrofitted to French and German Armies' Roland 2 systems. The sight includes: a dual field of view thermal camera based on a 288 x 4 IRCCD (infrared charge couple device) detector; dual field of view CCD TV camera; eyesafe laser rangefinder; and infrared missile tracker operating at 1 micron and 10 microns. Range is stated as 20km for aircraft and 10km for helicopters.

COMMAND AND CONTROL

The upgraded Roland has a new BBKS command and control system with three multi-function colour displays, new guidance computer, co-ordination computer and MIL-Bus interconnection. The system is capable of being integrated into ground-to-air C3I (command, control, computer/intelligence) systems and is interoperable with systems such as Patriot, Hawk and AWACS.

ROLAND CAROL

Roland Carol is installed in a lightweight, compact aluminium shelter, which weighs 8.3t. The system is air-transportable on C-130 Hercules or C-160 Transall aircraft and can be installed on a range of carriers, trailers and trucks. French Army systems are mounted on a semi-trailer towed by ACMAT 6 x 6 truck. German systems are mounted on MAN 6 x 6 vehicles.

The system has two missiles ready for firing, with eight in reserve in two vertical magazines holding four missiles each.

[JDRS]

This thread's a bit of a let down

[LSyd]

i thought this was gonna be about those chicks in iraq who forgot to clear the cache after sending the boys back home some naked pics.

i'd post some of my military's pictures, but i don't need to cause any envy. USA!!! USA!!! USA!!! o.k., sorry for being a rude american. it's a rare thing.

anyway, that truck artillery-thingy's cute. and that 105mm armored car looks cool, kinda reminds me of our Stryker.

-

[Shohad]

Nice additions to the thread. I couldn’t ignore those leclerc. (Almost as cool as Merkava Mk-4 )

[streetscapeer]

Originally Posted by Shohad

Nice additions to the thread. I couldn’t ignore those leclerc. (Almost as cool as Merkava Mk-4 )

My last name is Leclerc

[jmancuso]

what?! no lyndie england in the raw?

[Matthieu]

A funny animated gif of the Rafale:

[jmancuso]

^ that is cool as fuck.

[centralized pandemonium]

Something funny

Go to google and type "french military victories", and then press "I am feeling lucky" .

[UnitedPakistan]

^thats messed up

We have a license to build Agosta subs

http://pakdef.info/pakmilitary/navy/...agosta90b.html

http://pakdef.info/pakmilitary/navy/.../agosta70.html

http://pakdef.info/pakmilitary/navy/index.html

here are a couple of our mirage class

We are phasing them out after the JF-17 joint strike fighter is inducted. We are looking to get the new varients of the Mirage but France wants us to opt for the Rafale instead.

[centralized pandemonium]

So?

[Matthieu]

Originally Posted by HariR

So?

So what?

[centralized pandemonium]

Originally Posted by Détritus

So what?

That's what I am asking, so what? If they have the money, let them buy it. Who cares?

[Matthieu]

Originally Posted by HariR

That's what I am asking, so what? If they have the money, let them buy it. Who cares?

It's a military porn thread... + it's mainly on French equipment, what else could you expect?

[centralized pandemonium]

Originally Posted by Détritus

It's a military porn thread... + it's mainly on French equipment, what else could you expect?

Oh ok, I was saying "so" on his claims of Pakistan buying Rafael etc. I will believe when I see the Rafael in Paf colours.

Since we are on French equipment, something related to India-France happened today.

India signs Scorpene submarine deal

[Matthieu]

I've heard of it, it's Franco-Spanish (yet more French than Spanish)

[pirlo_21]

Rafale vs Typhoon who would win

[Matthieu]

Originally Posted by pirlo_21

Rafale vs Typhoon who would win

Depends. Though during the test they have done in the Netherlands, S Korea and Singapore the Rafale outperformed the Typhoon... but I would say it depends of the circumstances.

[pirlo_21]

well it dont matter has us brits aregetting our hands on the next generation fighter which is gonna be awesome

[Day Release]

The French, all that equipment and they still run away