[Spectral]

http://dn.sapo.pt/noticia/noticia.asp?CodNoticia=168283&codEdicao=1218&codAreaNoticia=10

Forças Armadas regressam ao Kosovo em 2005
MANUEL CARLOS FREIRE
Portugal vai disponibilizar um batalhão do Exército para integrar as forças da NATO estacionadas no Kosovo, na conferência de geração de forças que se realiza no próximo mês de Outubro, revelaram ao DN fontes aliadas. A decisão, a concretizar no primeiro semestre de 2005, enquadra-se na política de credibilização da presença militar portuguesa no exterior após a redução de 2004, com o regresso do contingente que estava em Timor-Leste.

Curiosamente, foi a necessidade de Portugal ter um contingente militar em Díli (com os inerentes custos e quando as dificuldades financeiras das Forças Armadas se agudizavam) a justificar a saída do Kosovo em 2001 - anunciada em Setembro de 2000, em Beja, pelo então ministro da Defesa Castro Caldas.

O regresso de Portugal ao Kosovo constitui a única forma de Lisboa partilhar responsabilidades militares no seio da NATO, disseram as fontes, pois ainda não há decisão sobre a ida da Aliança para o Iraque e de a presença lusa no Afeganistão estar reduzida a um C-130 e uma dezena de militares (tendo sido adiado o envio de uma companhia de engenharia).

Isso também decorre do facto de o comando da operação militar aliada na Bósnia-Herzegovina passar no final do ano para a responsabilidade da União Europeia, ficando a NATO apenas com um pequeno quartel-general ali sedeado.

Segundo as fontes ouvidas pelo DN, Portugal vai manter um batalhão na Bósnia - admitindo-se que em meados de 2005 reduza a sua presença a duas companhias.

Ainda no quadro da NATO, o quartel-general de Oeiras comandará a Força de Resposta da organização (NRF, sigla em inglês) a partir de Julho de 2005 e por um ano, embora as NRF 5 e 6 sejam geradas a partir do comando militar de Madrid. Portugal quer participar em força, pelo que vai ter um agrupamento mecanizado na NRF 5 - e já está a levantar um batalhão para a NRF 6 em Santa Margarida, a equipar com as novas viaturas blindadas de oito rodas e, talvez, com 20 carros de combate Leopard (alemães), admitiram as fontes.

A concretizar-se a aquisição dos Leopard, irão substituir os M60.

Idiotas chapados.
Se ainda ao menos as nossas VBR viessem com algum equipamento razóavel, mas tudo o que têm é uma metrelhadora de 12.7mm como os M113 nos anos 60.
pffff

 :roll:  

[Ricardo Nunes]

É engraçado que mais uma fonte "confirma" a vinda dos Leopard mas sempre no número reduzido de 20 unidades.

Serão afinal de contas as tão faladas viaturas holandesas?

[JLRC]

Agni – II Test Fired
 
 
(Source: Indian Press Information Bureau; issued Aug. 29, 2004)
 
 
 The third flight test of Agni-II missile was carried out successfully today from the Wheelers’ Island in the Bay of Bengal off the Orissa Coast. The missile was launched at 1256 hrs today.  
 
The mission Director Shri RN Agarwal said that the launch of Agni-II from its rail mobile launcher met all the mission objectives including achieving the high accuracy in guiding the payload to the designated target at 1200 km range. A network of telemetry and tracking stations at Chandipur, SHAR, Car Nicobar and the Naval Ships validated the flight sequence throughout till the payload impacted the designated target. The white-hot object was tracked by pre-positioned Naval ships confirm confirming the impact and the success of the mission.  
 
Agni-II surface-to-surface, Intermediate Range Ballistic Missile (IRBM) is a two stage solid propellant missile with a range in excess of 2000 km. Armed with state-of-the-art technologies in control and guidance, re-entry, multi-staging and communication interface, Agni II confers an operation capability to deliver a variety of payloads on targets which are, at present, beyond the range of combat aircraft.  
 
The first prototype variant of Agni-II was tested on Apr 11, 1999. The second Agni-II test was held on Jan 17, 2001.  
 
The flight was witnessed by Defence Minister Shri Pranab Mukherjee, Defence Secretary Shri Ajai Vikram Singh, Secretary DRDO, Dr. VK Aatre, C-in-C Strategic Forces Command Air Marshal Ajit Bhavnani, Mission Director of Agni Shri RN Agarwal and other Senior Civil and Military Officials.  
 
The Prime Minister Shri Manmohan Singh has sent congratulatory message to the scientists and staff of DRDO and the Army officers who were associated with this flawless flight trial. Defence Minister Shri Pranab Mukherjee congratulated Dr. VK Aatre, Shri RN Agarwal and all the scientists at the Test Range stating that the successful flight of Agni-II renews the country’s confidence in the capabilities of our scientific and technical community and in the maturity of indigenous technologies. He further stated that today’s flight was an important milestone in India’s defence preparedness.  
 
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[JNSA]

Esta notícia sobre o Kosovo trás alguns pormenores inquietantes... :evil:

Por outro lado, para quê ter um batalhão com VBR's e CC's? Se o nível de ameaça não justifica o emprego dos M-113, então para que servem os CC's? Em vez deles, deveriam ser usados os Panhard M-11 e os V-150, e futuramente os VBR equipados com peça de 105mm, que é mais do que suficiente para o tipo de missão.

Finalmente, 20 Leopard 2 não servem para nada! Mais valia estarem quietos, pois isso, tendo em conta as necessidades de instrução e manutenção, nem dá para equipar um Esq. de CC... :oops: )

[Wildcard_pt]

Concordo com o JNSA em relação ao esq. de CC.
Actualmente nem devemos ter um esq. de CC completo de m60. Se as coisas actualmente estiverem como a quando da minha incorporação ( 2000) só há no máximo 2 pelotões de CC, se não estou em erro isso dá 10 m60 (e a quando da minha só houve 1).
Ora vejamos o RC4 tem 3ECC's e um unico ESquadrão de Intrução onde se formam as tripulações de CC, e quando a instrução acaba ao fim dos 3 meses, os soldados são divididos pelos esquadrões do Grupo de CC (1ºECC, 2ºECC, 3ºECC. EAC, ECS do grupo) juntamente com os atiradores e condutores de m103 que
costumam vir de outras unidades de instrução, e é enviado pelo menos um condutor de cc para Companhia de engenharia de Santa Margarida e para a EPE (para os lança pontes baseados nos chassis do m60) , para a EPC também são enviadas 3 tripulações (se n estiver em erro) Por isso nem que o MD quisesse ia haver pessoal suficiente. Espero bem estar errado senão é sinal que estamos pior do que eu pensava

[Spectral]

Exactamente JNSA. Cada vez mais dá a ideia que estamos a comprar estas VBR por moda.

Muito mais racional seria por exemplo comprar apenas as VBR necessárias para equipar a BLI ( apenas seriam precisas cerca de 150-200), e comprar uns IFVs como o CV-90 em número necessário para equipar esta força de intervenção. Um batalhão seriam ~36 IFVs, e todas as outras tarefas de apoio ( morteiros, comando, etc) podiam ser cumpridas por M113s, que é o que acontece por toda a parte.

Wildcard, a situação que descrve é bastante preocupante...

[JLRC]

Lockheed Martin Delivers Virtual Combat Convoy Trainer Supports U.S. Army Response To Ambush, Roadside Bomb Threats  
 
 
(Source: Lockheed Martin; issued Aug. 30, 2004)
 
 
 ORLANDO, FL. --- Lockheed Martin delivered eight Virtual Combat Convoy Trainers (VCCTs) to the U.S. Army to help train troops to recognize and respond to potential convoy threats including Improvised Explosive Devices. Two suites, consisting of four trainers each, were built and shipped to Camp Shelby, MS and Fort Bragg, NC.  
 
"The fielding of these trainers is critical to help mitigate the impact of life-threatening convoy assaults," said Lt. Col. Joseph Giunta, U.S. Army product manager for Ground Combat Tactical Trainers at the Program Executive Office for Simulation Training and Instrumentation in Orlando, FL. "The trainers will enable us to dramatically reduce the number of convoy-related injuries and deaths which have accounted for about one-third of all casualties since the beginning of Operation Iraqi Freedom."  
 
Lockheed Martin received a $9.6 million contract in late June for the eight trainers. Each trainer occupies a tractor-trailer box and is fully self-contained, including a full-scale High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle (HMMWV) and simulation systems that replicate actual scenarios deployed troops might encounter.  
 
"Our soldiers are faced with life-threatening experiences each day and our VCCT team members worked around the clock the last two months to provide our troops with the best possible training capability," said Daniel J. Crowley, President of Lockheed Martin Simulation, Training & Support. "Our team is extremely proud of our role in supporting our nation's military."  
 
With the help of subcontractor Firearms Training Systems (FATS), Inc. of Suwanee, GA, the team developed a comprehensive training device that will enable soldiers to hone basic-to-advanced convoy skills incorporating realistic weapons engagement training and networked vehicle simulators to reinforce crew discipline. The VCCT enables combat crews to communicate, maintain situational awareness and acquire targets while moving at highway speeds operating in a convoy environment.  
 
Lockheed Martin integrated its Army-proven Close Combat Tactical Trainer (CCTT) with the FATS small arms, precision weapons training system to bring realistic convoy training to the troops. The trainer is distinguished by a full-scale HMMWV that includes high-fidelity driver controls and accurately replicates all the physical and visual constraints associated with the M1025 HMMWV. Vehicle simulation for the VCCT is derived from software developed for both CCTT and the United Kingdom's Combined Arms Tactical Trainer (UK CATT).  
 
FATS, Inc. designs and sells virtual training systems that improve the skills of the world's military, law enforcement and security forces. FATS training provides judgmental, tactical and collective training, utilizing quality engineered weapons and simulators. FATS has previously delivered small arms training systems to all of the U.S. military services and numerous military and law enforcement agencies around the world.  
 
Headquartered in Bethesda, Md., Lockheed Martin employs about 130,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture and integration of advanced technology systems, products and services. The corporation reported 2003 sales of $31.8 billion.  
 
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[JLRC]

Lockheed Martin PAC-3 Missiles Successfully Defeat Tactical Ballistic Missile and Cruise Missile in Test  
 
 
(Source: Lockheed Martin; issued Sept. 2, 2004)
 
 
 DALLAS --- Lockheed Martin Patriot Advanced Capability-3 (PAC-3) missiles successfully intercepted and destroyed an incoming tactical ballistic missile (TBM) and a low-altitude cruise missile in a dual test today at White Sands Missile Range, NM. The battle-proven PAC-3 Missile is the world’s only fielded hit-to-kill, kinetic energy air defense missile.  
 
In the dual engagement test, two PAC-3 missiles were “ripple-fired” at an incoming Patriot-As-A-Target (PAAT) TBM, a legacy Patriot missile modified to represent a short-range TBM. In a second simultaneous engagement, a single PAC-3 Missile was fired at a low-flying MQM-107D cruise missile target. Preliminary data indicates both the TBM target and cruise missile target were destroyed. All test objectives were met.  
 
“This was an outstanding demonstration of the ability of the PAC-3 missile to defeat the entire threat to the Patriot system,” said Steve Graham, vice president - PAC-3 missile program for Lockheed Martin. “This was our fifth successful “ripple-fire” of PAC-3 missiles against TBMs, both in flight testing and in combat. These tests continue to prove that PAC-3 can effectively protect deployed troops and other high-value assets from a variety of contemporary threats.”  
 
Test objectives included demonstrating the system’s ability to detect, track and engage a TBM and cruise missile simultaneously, and validating the performance of several components of the PAC-3 missile that were part of on- going cost reduction initiatives. These include an Advanced Master Frequency Generator (AMFG), Multi-Band Radio Frequency Data Link (MRFDL) and a Simplified Inertial Measurement Unit (SIMU).  
 
“We demonstrated several upgraded components during today's flights,” Graham added. “These improvements add greater functionality to the system while reducing overall missile cost.”  
 
The ‘hit-to-kill’ PAC-3 missile is the world’s most advanced, capable and powerful theater air defense missile. It defeats the entire threat to the Patriot Air Defense System: tactical ballistic missiles (TBMs) carrying weapons of mass destruction, advanced cruise missiles and aircraft. PAC-3 missiles significantly increase the Patriot system's firepower, since 16 PAC-3s load-out on a Patriot launcher, compared with four of the older Patriot PAC-2 missiles.  
 
Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control is prime contractor on the PAC-3 Missile Segment upgrade to the Patriot air defense system. The PAC-3 Missile Segment upgrade consists of the PAC-3 missile, a highly agile hit-to-kill interceptor, the PAC-3 missile canisters (in four packs), a Fire Solution Computer and an Enhanced Launcher Electronics System. These elements are being integrated into the Patriot system, a high to medium altitude, long- range air defense missile system providing air defense of ground combat forces and high-value assets.  
 
The PAC-3 missile has been selected as the primary interceptor for the multi-national Medium Extended Air Defense System (MEADS). Managed by the NATO MEADS Management Agency (NAMEADSMA), MEADS is a model transatlantic development program focused on the next generation of air and missile defense. MEADS will focus on risk reduction, application of key technologies and validation of a system design incorporating the PAC-3 missile as the prime interceptor.  
 
The Patriot PAC-3 program is managed by the U.S. Army and executed by the Army Program Executive Office, Air, Space and Missile Defense and the Lower Tier Air and Missile Defense Project Office in Huntsville, AL.  
 
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[JLRC]

Matador: Unguided Short Range Anti-Armour Weapon (SRAAW)
 
 
(Source: Singapore Ministry of Defence; issued Sept. 4, 2004)
 
 
 Developed jointly by the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) and the Defence Science & Technology Agency (DSTA), in collaboration with Dynamit Nobel Defence (DND), the Matador (Man-portable Anti-Tank, Anti-DOoR) is a 90mm caliber, man-portable disposable anti-armor weapon system, which meets the needs of the modern battlefield, especially in an increasingly urbanized environment. The development of this weapon began in 2000 and the Matador will eventually replace the ARMBRUST Light Anti-tank Weapon, which has been in service since the 1980s.  
 
The Matador, which is among the lightest in its class, has both anti-armor and anti-brickwall capabilities that are suitable for operations in confined spaces. With its enhanced penetration capabilities, it is capable of defeating most known Armored Personnel Carrier and Light Tanks in the world. The dual-capability warhead, when acting in the delay mode, creates an opening larger than 450mm diameter in a double brickwall and offers a non-conventional entry point for the soldier when fighting in built-up areas. The increased range of the Matador over the current ARMBRUST allows the soldier to engage targets beyond small arms effective range and therefore increasing the survivability of our soldiers.  
 
The Matador innovative propulsion system results in a highly accurate weapon system whose projectile is insensitive to wind. Combined with ergonomic features and a high precision optical sight, the Matador can be fired from a small confined space to enhance our operational capabilities in both conventional and urban operations.  
In the development of the weapon, our soldiers’ feedback during ergonomics trials and many other useful features found in the ARMBRUST were incorporated in the design of the Matador.  
 
The longer front grip handle prevents the soldier from misplacing his finger in front of the muzzle during firing, thereby eliminating the risk of injury. It also allows the soldier to rest the weapon on the ground, thus improving accuracy when maintaining a firing position. The foldable pistol grips allow the soldiers to lock the weapon, preventing accidental firing.  
 
Field trials were conducted to tailor the position of the optical sight to the SAF soldiers. The chosen sight magnification provides the soldiers with good field of view to allow for more precise strike on target. The Matador is equipped with Picatinny rail for mounting night vision device for night operations. Improvements have also been made to the sighting system to enhance target acquisition.  
 
The countermass counteracts the recoil of the weapon upon firing. In addition, the positioning of the countermass takes into consideration the center of gravity of the weapon to ensure good balance for greater accuracy. A wider soft rubber sling replaced the conventional hard, slim canvas sling to reduce the stress on the soldier’s shoulder due to prolonged slinging. The new sling also comes with a quick-release buckle to allow rapid switch from sling to firing position.  
 
Furthermore, the carriage of the weapon has been made more comfortable with better padding, a feature useful for long route marches. As a whole, these easy-to-use features will help our soldiers achieve proficiency in using the weapon within the shortest possible time.  
 
The Matador is a crucial step forward in the Army’s journey to transform itself into a 3rd generation fighting force and will greatly enhance the firepower of the Infantry Formation. The Army will gain the added capability to fight in built-up areas. With the improvements to make the weapon user-friendly, our soldiers will find the weapon easy to operate and will spend less training time to achieve proficiency. (ends)  
 
 
Click here for additional information, on the Singapore MoD website (HTML, inc. photos & videos)  
 
 
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[JLRC]

Israel - Troop Carrier Armored Vehicles
 
 
(Source: US Defense Security Cooperation Agency; issued Sept. 7, 2004)
 
 
 On 7 September 2004, the Defense Security Cooperation Agency notified Congress of a possible Foreign Military Sale to Israel of troop carrier armored vehicles as well as associated equipment and services. The total value, if all options are exercised, could be as high as $99 million.  
 
The Government of Israel has requested a possible sale of 103 Textron troop carrier armored vehicles, testing, spare and repair parts, support equipment, contractor engineering and technical support, and other related elements of program support. The estimated cost is $99 million.  
 
This proposed sale will contribute to the foreign policy and national security of the United States by helping to improve the security of a friendly country that has been and continues to be an important force for political stability and economic progress in the Middle East.  
 
Israel plans to upgrade its fleet of armored vehicles and requires a smaller, more maneuverable vehicle for use in urban settings. These vehicles were selected after an evaluation of proposals from several manufacturers.  
 
Israel, which already has light armored vehicles in its inventory, will have no difficulty absorbing these additional vehicles.  
The proposed sale of this equipment and support will not affect the basic military balance in the region.  
 
The prime contractor will be Textron Corporation of Providence, Rhode Island. There are no known offset agreements proposed in connection with this potential sale.  
 
Implementation of this proposed sale will require the assignment of up to three contractor representatives to Israel for a period of one year or more.  
 
There will be no adverse impact on U.S. defense readiness as a result of this proposed sale.  
 
This notice of a potential sale is required by law; it does not mean that the sale has been concluded.  
 
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[JLRC]

Japan - PATRIOT Advanced Capability-3 (PAC-3) Guided Missiles
 
 
(Source: US Defense Security Cooperation Agency; issued Sept. 7, 2004)
 
 
 On 7 September 2004, the Defense Security Cooperation Agency notified Congress of a possible Foreign Military Sale to Japan of Patriot Advanced Capability-3 (PAC-3) Guided Missiles as well as associated equipment and services. The total value, if all options are exercised, could be as high as $79 million.  
 
The Government of Japan has requested a possible sale of 20 PATRIOT Advanced Capability-3 (PAC-3) (10 packs containing 2 missiles each) guided missiles, support equipment, modification kits, fire solution computer, publications, personnel training, spare and repair parts, supply support, U.S. Government and contractor technical assistance and other related elements of logistics support. The estimated cost is $79 million.  
 
Japan is one of the major political and economic powers in East Asia and the Western Pacific and a key ally of the United States in ensuring the peace and stability of that region. It is vital to the U.S. national interest to assist Japan to develop and maintain a strong and ready self-defense capability, which will contribute to an acceptable military balance in the area. This proposed sale is consistent with these U.S. objectives and with the 1960 Treaty of Mutual Cooperation and Security.  
 
This proposed sale is in support of a Patriot PAC-3 ground systems co-production program. The proposed sale will provide Japan with an effective, state-of-the-art, anti-tactical missile capability and will greatly improve the defense posture of Japan. Japan will have no difficulty absorbing these PAC-3 missiles into its inventory.  
 
The proposed sale of this equipment and support will not affect the basic military balance in the region.  
 
The prime contractor will be Lockheed-Martin in Dallas, Texas. There are no known offset agreements  
proposed in connection with this potential sale.  
 
Implementation of this proposed sale would require the assignment of two U.S. Government and eight contractor representatives to Japan following delivery of the missiles.  
 
There will be no adverse impact on U.S. defense readiness as a result of this proposed sale.  
 
This notice of a potential sale is required by law; it does not mean that the sale has been concluded.  
 
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[JLRC]

General Dynamics Awarded $22 Million Contract to Modify 111 M1A2 Abrams SEP Tanks
 
 
(Source: General Dynamics; issued Sept. 8, 2004)
 
 
 STERLING HEIGHTS, Mich. --- The U.S. Army Tank-Automotive and Armaments Command has awarded General Dynamics Land Systems, a business unit of General Dynamics, a $22.4 million contract to repair and modify 111 M1A2 Abrams System Enhancement Package (SEP) tanks. The work will be performed at the Joint Systems Manufacturing Center in Lima, Ohio, and is expected to be completed by July 30, 2005.  
 
The M1A2 SEP is the latest and most advanced configuration of the Abrams main battle tank. The tanks are being retrofitted to modernize the U.S. Army’s 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment.  
 
M1A2 SEP tanks have a second generation thermal imaging system and commander’s independent thermal viewer, color tactical displays, digital terrain map, thermal management system, and the latest digital command, control and communications capability.  
 
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[JLRC]

Northrop Grumman Awarded Slovakian Command and Control System Contract
 
 
(Source: Northrop Grumman Corp.; issued Sept. 22, 2004)
 
 
 RESTON, Va. --- Northrop Grumman Corporation has been awarded a contract to provide a national military command-and-control system to Slovakia. The command center, located in Bratislava, is scheduled for delivery in February 2005.  
 
It will be the second command center in Eastern Europe that is fully compatible with U.S. and North Atlantic Treaty Organization systems. Northrop Grumman delivered the first system to Bulgaria in May 2004.  
 
Under contract to the U.S. Air Force Electronic Systems Command at Hanscom Air Force Base, Mass., Northrop Grumman’s Mission Systems sector will integrate, install, test, and deliver the system within six months. Northrop Grumman will provide on-site system support and continue training Slovakian soldiers to use the system for an additional six months and provide off-site support through May 2007.  
 
“The Slovakian National Military Command Center reflects the increasing importance of Eastern Europe in U.S. national policy and Northrop Grumman’s leadership in this strategic area,” said Barry Rhine, president, of the sector’s Defense Mission Systems, Northrop Grumman Mission Systems unit. “We are providing military commanders with the capability to customize the system for their needs to include military support during civil emergencies.”  
 
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[JLRC]

A New Concept in Combat Vehicle Self-Protection  
 
 
(Source: Grintek Defence; issued Sept. 27, 2004)
 
 
 Avitronics, a South African company jointly owned by Grintek (South Africa) and Saab (Sweden), has launched a revolutionary new system at African Aerospace and Defence 2004.  
 
When installed in full configuration, the Land Electronic Defence System 100 (LEDS-100) will offer main vehicle battle tanks comparable protection against engagement by weapons like the RPG-7, anti-tank guns, missiles and artillery shells.  
 
The LEDS-100 system consists of a warning sensor system, a central computer and a high-speed directed launcher. The control computer integrates to the vehicle intercom, command and control system and obtains data from the vehicle wind sensor. The control computer also has a global positioning system (GPS) capability.  
 
The fully integrated system provides automated warning to the vehicle occupants and dynamically and intelligently screens the vehicle from attack in any direction in less than 700 milliseconds. The screen will obscure the attackers’ line of sight and give the vehicle and occupants a chance to get behind cover. The screen is multi-spectral and cannot be penetrated by thermal imaging equipment used to aim weapons or guide missiles. The screen can be deployed hemispherically around the vehicle without having to turn the vehicle or the gun turret. This is achieved by the use of a high-speed directed launcher which can turn to any position in the protected hemisphere in less than 100 milliseconds.  
 
An option is to add an infra-red jammer to the system. This jammer interferes with the guidance of older generation anti-tank guided missiles. These missiles have proliferated in Africa and together with the RPG, currently form a major portion of the threat against combat and support vehicles.  
 
The LEDS system has applications for local Army requirements such as the future infantry combat vehicle and ground based air defense system. Due to its exceptional flexibility and modular growth it is also well suited to meet foreign vehicle self protection requirements.  
 
Use of the LEDS system is not only restricted to combat vehicles. It has been designed to be used on fast patrol boats intended for riverine patrols or special operations and is light enough to fit into vehicles used by Non-Governmental Organisations engaged in medical and other humanitarian relief in conflict areas.  
 
Avitronics has been successful in entering the world electronic warfare (EW) self protection market with innovative products in the past. Last year the company, together with its partner SaabTech, was rated amongst the top 25 EW companies in the world in an international survey in the USA.  
 
Two years ago the company launched a world-leading laser warning system for use on combat vehicles. This system was designed to form the baseline sensor system for a self-protection concept that will provide main battle tank comparable protection to light and medium combat vehicles like the Mamba and Ratel types used by the SA Army.  
 
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[JLRC]

US Army’s Futures Center Working Two New Initiatives for Troops in Iraq
 
 
(Source: US Army; dated Sept. 27, issued Sept. 30, 2004)
 
 
 WASHINGTON --- The new Spiral Developments Division of the Army’s “Futures Center” at Fort Monroe, Va., is working on two initiatives which its director hopes may soon help Soldiers deployed in Iraq.  
 
The RAM Counterstrike Capability is being designed to protect troops against rockets, artillery and mortars. And a Soldier Squad Radio that can transmit through dense urban buildings, officials said, may soon be available for use at the squad level.  
 
“In this insurgent warfare that we’re dealing with today, mortar attacks are a growing trend in theater,” said Col. Daniel Wolfe, director of the Spiral Developments Division. “Soldiers are being injured and, in some cases, lives are lost due to these attacks.”  
 
Wolfe’s division is looking at a counterstrike capability that not only aims to knock down incoming mortar rounds, he said, but will also locate the insurgents and send out unmanned aerial vehicles armed with Viper Strike munitions.  
 
“We are looking at some testing for intercept capability in the near future,” Wolfe said. “There are existing radars that can detect a mortar round from where it was fired, which should allow us to predict with great accuracy where it came from and where it will land based on its trajectory.”  
 
The target acquisition radars Wolfe mentioned include the Q-36 and Q-37 models used in theater today, as well as a new model, the Lightweight Counter Mortar Radar or LCMR.  
 
Wolfe described their challenge as taking the information and rapidly directing it to an armed Hunter UAV to provide the counter strike.  
 
When Wolfe’s Spiral Development Division was organized earlier this summer, it began a “capabilities gap analysis” to identify shortfalls in current force capabilities.  
 
To address a gap in communications, especially in urban areas, the division has focused on an off-the-shelf solution: the ICOM F-43 radio.  
 
Communications among squad members and the platoon leader is critical as they navigate from building to building in the urban fight, Wolfe said. He explained that there is a need for radio signals to go through walls and, while it’s not necessary for the signal to go over great distances, the signal needs to flow easily in the built-up areas that don’t allow for line-of-sight or verbal communication between squad members.  
 
The ICOM F-43, now referred to by the Army as the Soldier Squad Radio, was recently evaluated at Fort Benning.  
 
The assessment and feedback from Fort Benning was “very positive,” Wolfe said.  
 
Wolfe predicted that authorization for procurement by units in the field may happen within 90 days, and said that the radio is readily available today from ICOM.  
 
Serving as director of the Spiral Developments Division since Aug. 1, Wolfe explained how the division was an offshoot of the Current to Future Force task force, which was developed to focus on spiraling future force capabilities into the current force.  
 
A task force recommendation established the new division, which was approved May 13, at the Army’s Training and Doctrine Command headquarters.  
 
Located in the Capabilities Development Directorate of the Futures Center, the Spiral Developments Division was created to look at future force capabilities and establish creative ways of bringing those capabilities to help Soldiers deployed in Iraq, Wolfe said.  
 
“This is what the Spiraling Developments Division is all about – we look at technology solutions to fill the capability gaps and make the necessary recommendations,” Wolfe said. “We will continue to look at the new capability we’re working with today in theater or in near-term development and ensure it is included in the program of the future for our Units of Action.”  
 
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