H Khan
Pakistanis (irrespective of their standing in society) exult gossip, paranoia, superstition, and conspiracy theories more than the science of history- H Khan
The King Cobra or AH-1Z does seem like a superb peace of machinery, I do hope PA can get it quicker than 2015. In what ways is the A-129 better? Besides the strategic consideration.
Here is a fligh test report by Flight International:
DATE:18/01/05
SOURCE:Flight International
FLIGHT TEST: Bell AH-1Z: King cobra
Peter Gray / Nas Patuxent River
Has Bell's rebuild of the AH-1 to the Z standard given it the combat potency to rival other modern attack helicopters? We fly it to find out
With more units deployed around the world, both on and offshore, than possibly any other military force, the US Marine Corps relies heavily on its light utility and attack helicopter fleets. But its Bell UH-1N Hueys and AH-1W SuperCobras are ageing, while requirements for readiness and capability are growing. Power available from engines and rotor systems is proving insufficient for the job, particularly when hot, high and heavy. Safety margins have eroded and survivability shown to be inadequate at times.
The USMC needed to improve its combat capabilities and had two choices - acquire new helicopters such as the Boeing AH-64 Apache and Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk or upgrade its existing aircraft. Studies showed the latter would save more than $3 billion over the next 20-30 years. Under the resulting H-1 upgrade programme, Bell will rebuild the USMC's aircraft to provide a fleet of zero-timed, highly common helicopters - 100 UH-1Y "Yankee" Hueys and 180 AH-1Z "Zulu" Cobras.
Common Power
Both aircraft are refitted with an identical dynamic system with new four-bladed main and tail rotors driven by twin General Electric T700 turboshafts. Replacing the Huey's Pratt & Whitney Canada T400 Twin-Pac - which produces 1,800shp (930kW) from twinned turboshafts - with two 1,800shp T700-401Cs overcomes the power inadequacy. The Cobras will retain their 1,700shp T700-401s until they are time-expired, when they will be replaced with the more powerful -401C model.
These modifications bring substantial increases in maximum all-up weight, payload, speed, range and agility along with reduced vibration levels. On a hot day, at high altitude, the UH-1Y will now hover out of ground effect with almost 2,730kg (6,000lb) of payload compared to 1,590kg for the UH-1N. Instead of carrying only four marines into a combat zone, theUH-1Y will carry eight and get them there at 150kt (277km/h) instead of 107kt.
© USMC
Bell says the new rotor system more than doubles the SuperCobra's payload, and increases the functional flight envelope by 80%. The Zulu Cobra can carry 16 Hellfire anti-armour missiles plus two Sidewinder air-to-air missiles on stub wings. At the same time, ballistic survivability has been improved and maintenance demands as well as operating costs reduced.
To reduce crew workload, both aircraft are fitted with a Northrop Grumman-developed integrated avionics system, built around dual mission computers, which includes glass-cockpit displays and controls, communications, navigation and weapon management systems. Each crew station is almost identical. Crews also have Thales TopOwl helmet-mounted displays, which provide the navigation, target designation and weapons aiming information needed to fly the aircraft by day and night in virtually all weathers.
Both aircraft have armoured crew seats, which are crash-resistant seats for all in the UH-1Z. Landing gear and fuselage crashworthiness has been increased to 20g vertically and longitudinally and 10g laterally. Other safety features are a crash-resistant fuel system that is also ballistically tolerant. Key systems such as electrical generators, hydraulic pumps and engines have redundancy. Gearboxes and engines can run after loss of oil for long enough to land safely.
A major feature of the upgrade programme is to get as much commonality between the two aircraft as possible. As well as the engines, drivetrain and main and tail rotors, the other common components are the avionics, electrics, hydraulics and controls. The tailboom and everything attached to it is identical in both the UH-1Y and AH-1Z. Bell says 85% commonality has been achieved, requiring 77% fewer spare parts to be held. The advantages claimed are lower maintenance and operating costs, more efficient crew and mechanic training, easier deployment and increased availability.
Both aircraft are fully marinised and capable of shipboard operations. Semi-automatic blade folding allows them to occupy minimum hangar or deck space. While the Cobra is the USMC's primary attack helicopter, the Huey is also capable of deploying offensive and defensive firepower, including 70mm rockets and machine guns.
The AH-1Z's first flight was in December 2000, followed in 2001 by the first UH-1Y. Three Zulus and two Yankees are involved in the first test programme, and Bell has begun remanufacturing the first production batches of UH-1Ys and AH-1Zs at its Amarillo, Texas plant.
With the H-1 upgrade programme in the final stages of engineering and manufacturing development, Flight International was invited by the US Marine Corps to provide the first civilian and first non-US citizen to fly the AH-1Z. USMC test pilot Maj Vic Argobright showed me round the aircraft.
Fewer Parts
The new all-composite main rotor head has 75% fewer parts than four-bladed articulated systems, says Bell. Two identical two-armed glassfibre reinforced plastic yokes stacked crosswise one on top of the other are used in lieu of the more common four-armed yoke. This allows higher flapping angles and reduces manufacturing complexity. Mounted on the pusher side of the tailboom, the four-blade tail rotor consists of two stacked, teetering rotors with titanium yokes and elastomeric bearings. Both the main and tail rotor blades have leading-edge abrasion strips. Design life of the main rotor blades and tail rotor hub is 10,000h.
The Zulu's nose is dominated by the Lockheed Martin AAQ-30 Hawkeye target sight system (TSS), incorporating a third-generation forward-looking infrared sensor, low-light colour television camera and eye-safe laser rangefinder, all stabilised on a five-axis gimbal. With its large-aperture optics, the TSS is designed to allow identification of targets up to three times farther away than is possible in the AH-1W. This greater standoff distance enhances survivability and allows Zulu crews to recognise and destroy targets they probably would not even see in the Whiskey Cobra.
Expanded Weapons
Under the TSS is the 20mm gun turret. This can be operated in three modes from either crew station, including slaving the turret to the helmet-mounted sight display. The three-barrel cannon can be fired by the trigger switch on the cyclic grip or action switch on the mission grip, which is used to control the TSS.
Much larger than on the AH-1W, the stub wings can carry a variety of weapons on six stores stations, including laser-guided Hellfires and heat-seeking Sidewinders, and double as fuel tanks. There are also two fuel cells inside the fuselage, for a total internal fuel capacity of 1,560 litres (412USgal). Auxiliary fuel tanks can be carried on the wing pylons. The aircraft can be pressure or gravity refuelled.
The engines are isolated from each other to provide protection in the event of loss or ballistic damage. The hover infrared suppression system mixes cooling air with the engine exhaust to reduce infrared signature, the exhausts turned outwards to prevent heating of the tailboom. For self-protection, the aircraft is fitted with a Northrop Grumman APR-39(V) 2 radar warning receiver, Alliant Techsystems AAR-47(V) 2 laser and missile warning system and BAE Systems ALE-47 countermeasures dispensers.
Bell AH-1Z Super Cobra
Mounted above the engines, the Hamilton Sundstrand auxiliary power unit (APU) can be started using the aircraft's battery. In addition to providing air for engine starting, the APU drives a 200A, 28V DC generator that is capable of providing electrical power to all systems, including the gun turret. This allows them to be checked before engine start. If the engines cannot be started from the APU, there is a "buddy" system whereby the helicopter can receive compressed air from another aircraft alongside.
On the day of our flight, the outside air temperature of 10¡C (50¡F) at sea level gave us a density altitude of -1,000ft (-305m) at NAS Patuxent River, with a 10kt wind. Our take-off weight was 7,090kg - including 1,270kg of fuel, 180kg crew and 60kg of test equipment - 1,320kg below the maximum of 8,410kg. Bell says maximum take-off weight can be increased by at least another 450kg. Our 5,580kg empty weight was close to the published figure of 5,545kg, even though it was an instrumented test aircraft.
Climbing up into the narrow cockpit was easy, and Argobright gave me a thorough familiarisation. When I flew the AH-1W SuperCobra (Flight International, 4-10 January 1995), I noted the huge differences between the front and rear crew stations. On the AH-1Z, the cluttered instrument panels have been replaced in both cockpits with two side-by-side 200 x 150mm (8 x 6in) colour liquid-crystal multifunction displays (MFD), and a 105 x 105mm LCD dual-function display (DFD) and data-entry keyboard located on a stowable console in the centre of the crew station.
I had been briefed extensively in the avionics laboratory on the MFDs and DFD, the keyboard and the TSS. With the sensor looking out through the open laboratory window, we were able to use the sighting system in real time, locking on to moving targets and using the four fields of view: wide, medium, narrow and zoom.
One of the two MFDs is usually selected to the flight display. This presents side-by-side horizontal and vertical situation indicators for instrument flight. This information is coupled to the helmet display, so the crew need not even look at the MFD. The flight display also shows the status of certain critical components such as the drive train. The second MFD, meanwhile, can show whatever the crew requires, including:
* status of all critical systems such as engines, hydraulics and electrics;
* warnings, cautions and advisories - this page shows when a system limitation has been exceeded or a malfunction has occurred. The crew is prompted via their flight displays and helmet displays to select this page when a malfunction has occurred;
* voice and datalink communications information;
* digital moving map, driven by the aircraft's embedded global positioning/inertial navigation system - displays battlefield information, including the location and inter-visibility of threats;
* electronic-warfare display - provides warnings of radar, laser and missile threats and allows countermeasures to be set up;
* weapon display - graphically depicts the munitions on the aircraft and how to deploy them;
* target display - this shows the selected video, FLIR or colour TV imagery from the TSS as well as targeting information.
Display Suite
The DFD, a smaller LCD just below the instrument panel, can show get-you-home standby flight symbology if the MFDs fail. It displays aircraft attitude, altitude, heading and navigation information and can be stowed out of the way when not needed or when getting in and out of the cockpit.
Although the only crew position adjustment is to pedal reach, I was able to get comfortable. As in the AH-1W, there is a resting pad for the cyclic forearm. The cyclic stick is a stubby 150mm long, mounted on a right-hand ledge near the cockpit wall. On the AH-1W, the front cockpit stick has no trim release or adjust functions. To my delight, this one does. The Zulu and Yankee adhere to the philosophy of allowing the crew to do just about everything without removing their hands from the cyclic stick and collective lever. The helmet display enhances these capabilities, improving perception and control. The crew can change radio frequencies, select and fire weapons, and manage the automatic flight control system (AFCS) while flying hands on.
Visibility around and behind was good, but because of the lack of an up/down seat adjustment, forward visibility over the nose, especially in flight, is poor. When carrying out a steep approach to a pre-selected landing area during the flight, I had to cock the aircraft nose sideways to see it.
Argobright started the APU, carried out a number of system checks and started the first engine. This can be done from either cockpit, unlike in the Whiskey Cobra. I could not see the start buttons and other minor switches under my lever, but this is a combat cockpit with limited space. The engine start procedure is similar to that in the Bell 212, using the conventional twist-grip throttles. The second engine was started and the rotor brake released. As is usual with the T700, the starts were slow and cool. Engine control is not quite fully automatic and digital, but nearly so.
Easy Hover
I pulled up carefully into my first hover. It was easy and uneventful. The excellent power required and power available presentations on the flight display were simple to interpret. We had plenty of power in hand. This would also be so at maximum weight and at altitude, says Argobright. All the usual ground manoeuvres of hovering, sideways, backwards and spot turns were uneventful and easy, using the short stubby cyclic. The trim release and adjustment on the front cyclic made life easier than in the AH-1W. Our development aircraft, with only 347 flight hours, had some flight envelope restrictions so we were not able to go to maximums. At 22-25kt sideways flight, however, I still had plenty of pedal and engine power in hand. The auto-hover function of the four-axis AFCS held the aircraft steady in the 10kt of wind. Using the coolie-hat trim switch on the cyclic got the helicopter flying sideways or backwards at a steady rate on a constant heading - useful if shadowing a moving target. I detected no handling problems in hovers and landings at 90¡, 180¡ and 270¡ out of the 10kt wind.
We transitioned into forward flight, levelled out and did some upper-air work. I pulled maximum continuous power of 100% torque on the easy-to-read torque gauge. At 1,000ft pressure and density altitude, we achieved a steady 162kt, 7kt above the published speed. Our aircraft was speed restricted until further tests are done, but Argobright says the never-exceed speed is 200kt and the aircraft has been flown to VNE + 10% without any handling problems.
At 162kt the vibration levels were benign, including during steep turns. We then went to 60¡ of bank in both directions holding a steady 147kt. There was a slight increase of vibration levels, but nothing significant. Because of the flight envelope limitations we were not able to perform my usual check of closing one throttle and doing nothing else. But with a single-engine contingency power rating of 1,723shp for 2.5min, rotor droop should not be a big issue after a sudden engine failure. At my request, Argobright lowered the collective lever rapidly from a high power setting, then raised it from low to high while I watched the rotor RPM (NR). Doing both in quick succession resulted in an RPM change of ±3%, well within the generous NR limits. I noted the nose dropped when the lever was moved down quickly.
In a 160kt straight and level cruise, I invited Argobright to push over quickly, demonstrating the Zulu's increased negative g limit of -0.5. I felt my weight go negative and my body trying to come off the seat. The five-point harness held me in place.
I flew the aircraft "raw" with the AFCS and stability and control augmentation system (SCAS) switched off. This condition can often produce pilot-induced overcontrol, so I relaxed my control inputs and let the aircraft fly itself, which it did well. I was able to perform turns, climbs and descents with no problems, although my attention level was higher. The cyclic trim and trim release still functioned, which made control easier. I would be confident enough to fly the aircraft a long distance back to base in this degraded condition. Back at the airfield, I carried out an approach, hover and landing in the raw state with no difficulty.
Argobright demonstrated the AFCS heading, height, attitude and speed holds. This is not a programmable autopilot, but does allow hands-off flight to the parameters the pilot has selected. It is single channel, with no back-up, so the pilot should be aware of the aircraft's attitude and intended attitude, heading, height and speed in case of failure.
Back at the field, Argobright carried out a straightforward autorotation with power recovery. Control of the generous NR limits was easy - he did not have to move the lever to contain rotor speed. The rate of descent was 2,250ft/min (11.4m/s). Some other combat helicopters I have tested come down in autorotation like a falling piano. But this is not a major consideration in a helicopter that will spend its working life at low level, well below that height when an autorotation can be fully developed.
At the field, I tried a steep approach with the AFCS/SCAS switched off. Apart from the restricted visibility over the nose, which required me to cock the nose sideways to keep my intended landing spot in view, it was easy. Landing on a ship's helideck at night should not be a problem in such a condition. I went up vertically over the landing spot to 100ft radar altimeter height and back. The vertical rate of climb is impressive, although I did not pull the full 1,690shp 30min power available. A single engine will provide at least the same amount of power. Downwards visibility was limited, although I managed to arrive and hover over the designated landing spot. The aircraft was not yet cleared to land on slopes, but with its almost-rigid rotor system it should be able to take severe inclinations and stay there.
We finished off by going low level, below the tree tops at times, fast and agile. Argobright performed two simultaneous 90s - 90¡ of bank at 90kt then invited me to do the same. The manoeuvrability from the new rotor and powerful engines is excellent. The handling was crisp and accurate.
I believe the deficiencies of the previous model have been corrected. Cobra crews will benefit from the performance improvements, and their cockpit tasks will be much easier. The Zulu Cobra is a more potent fighting machine, and its survivability has been enhanced.
As the pair of upgraded H-1s enters operational testing with the USMC, Bell is looking to the export market for both helicopters. Whether remanufactured or new, the Zulu Cobra looks to be competitive with other attack helicopters on the market.
Bell AH-1Z Supercobra Specifications
Overall length (rotors turning)
17.7m
Main rotor diameter
14.6m
Height
4.02m
Weights: max gross take-off
8,410kg
empty
5,590kg
useful load
2,820kg
Service ceiling
20,000ft-plus
OGE ceiling, hot, high, & heavy
16,900ft
Powerplant
2 x GE T700-401
Power: max continuous
1,437shp
2 min 30s single engine
1,723shp
30 min
1,690shp
Internal fuel
1,560 litres
Maximum endurance
3.3h
http://www.flightglobal.com/articles...ing-cobra.html
Pak Army rewriting history with its courage and bravery in the war against terrorism: Shahbaz Sharif
LAHORE: A joint training of third batch of Jawans of Police Force on counter urban terrorism concluded at Mehfooz Shaheed Garrison today. Chief Minister Punjab, Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif awarded certificates to policemen on successful completion of the course. Commander Lahore Corps, Lieutenant General Ijaz Ahmed Bakhsh was also present on the occasion.
The four-week intensive training course was held under the auspices of Lahore Corps. The programme included enhancement of skills on close quarter encounter, sniper firing, heli rappelling, cordon and search and quick response in case of any eventuality.
Chief Minister Punjab, Mian Shahbaz Sharif witnessed a demonstration on mock exercise of counter urban terrorism by newly trained, Quick Response Unit of Punjab Police. He commended the agility, physical fitness and fighting skills of the trainees and eulogised the efforts of Pakistan Army instructors in achieving splendid standards in short span of time.
He expressed hope that the spirit and dedication behind this joint training course would go a long way in improving the synergy of all elements of law enforcement agencies for quick and effective response to a terrorist threat. He said that the high professional standards maintained by Pakistan Army are second to none and the Punjab Police will continue to benefit from their experience to garner their response capability to infuse new confidence in its men.
The Chief Minister said that. Pak Army is rewriting history with its courage and bravery in the war against terrorism and the supreme sacrifices of armed forces have raised the morale of the nation. He said that Pakistan is facing serious challenge of extremism and militancy and it could only be countered with collective wisdom, determination and professional training. He said that he is thankful to Chief of Army Staff General Ashfaq Pervez Kayani and his Commanders who have arranged a comprehensive programme of training of Punjab Police on modern lines for coping with terrorism and extremism.
He said that Pak Army is playing a commendable role in the war on terror and after successful operation in Malakand and Swat, a fatal blow is being delivered to terrorists in South Waziristan. He said that these supreme sacrifices of Pak Army have boosted the morale of 17 Crore people of Pakistan. He said that such tragic scenes of terrorism in Meena Bazar Peshawar, Moon Market Lahore, Parade Lane Mosque Rawalpindi and other cities of the country in which several innocent citizens including children lost lives have never been witnessed in history.
He said that Pak Army, Police and the whole nation is fighting the war for the survival of the country and are determined to foil the nefarious designs of the enemy through unity and solidarity. He said that he is thankful to Commander Lahore Corps, Lieutenant General Ijaz Ahmed Bakhsh and other senior officers who have arranged training of Police Jawans on proper lines. He said that he salutes Pak Army and Police Jawans who have given a message of unity and solidarity to the whole nation by jointly participating in the training course.
Speaking on the occasion, Lieutenant General Ijaz Ahmed Bakhsh said that the ongoing wave of terrorism and extremism has not only maligned the image of Islam but also our country. He said that the nation is determined alongside its Armed Forces and the law enforcement agencies to crush these anti-state elements with full force.
The Corps Commander said that besides Pakistan Army, the police force have also rendered supreme sacrifices which is a manifestation of their dedication to duty. He said that on special instructions of Chief of Army Staff, General Ashfaq Pervez Kayani, Lahore Corps is providing extensive training for capacity building of Punjab Police. He said that two batches of Police have already acquired training from Pak Army while 2100 Police Jawans will receive training in nine groups.
The aim of training is to improve the capacity building of Police and also enhance the existing modalities of joint employment and well coordinated quick reaction by law enforcement agencies to ensure befitting response.
The idea of joint Police-Army training was evolved after consultations at highest level as a sequel to terrorist attack on Police Training School at Manawa and later at Rescue 115 building at Lahore. The Punjab Government decided to organise a Quick Reaction Force of Punjab Police on war footing for a more proactive and timely response in case of any situation where internal security is being jeopardised by anti-social or anti-state elements.
All wars of our age have become total wars... It would be dangerous to plan for less, and our plans should include the nuclear deterrent. Z.A.Bhutto
A documentary Targeting the Taliban about the Pakistan Army offense in the tribal regions will air this Friday at 9:30 PM EST. It is an amazing documentary and provides an incredible information about the fight that is being fought by the Pakistani Army and the challenges they face and achievements they have accomplished. I was truly pleased at the gear won by the Army. A full streaming of the program will be online on the NOW channel at pbs.org after it airs on air. As for now, you can go to the episode page on the link provided below and preview the program.
http://www.pbs.org/now/shows/602/index.html
Last edited by Abd-rehman Ali; 01-07-2010 at 10:36 PM.
Originally Posted by Abd-rehman Ali
How come the Army let an Indian- Origin ' Journalist' embedded with them to watch their tactics in waziristan?
Character speaks louder than words.
to show them how we fight and what we will do to them if they even tried !!!
__________________________________________________ _____________________
Gandhi died by the hands of an assassin; Jinnah died by his devotion to Pakistan. Lord Pethick Lawrence
PBS is a us govt. funded org. So the indian was taken to the opp area as a rep for pbs i guess.
Plus ofcourse Syed sahab has a point as well
PBS is not a US Government funded organization
Sami govt. than, but a large chunck of its funds do come from the us govt.
It's also on YouTube.
Regards;
FaisalK ---- aka--- Mark Sien
In the beginning of the video the host says the Pakistani Army is not going along about taking on insurgents and then you see how the soldiers are putting their lives on the line, how contradictory is that!
In my opinion, neither the army nor the political establishment is appropriately presenting the challenges and difficulties faced by the Pakistani military in its war against the religious extremists. Even though Pakistan has sustained more casualties both in terms of military and civilians, it is still being asked to do more, some-times by the same NATO members who are chilling in their bases in Afghanistan and refuse to send their troops in harms way in Afghanistan. Pakistan needs to stop being defensive and apologetic and present a very convincing argument on its role, challenges, and accomplishments in this war against terror. It is disheartening to see Pakistani officials apologizing and promising to do more on American TV networks when they should in fact be on the offense demanding more immediate military assistance such as helicopters and other equipment.
The more I think about this predicament, the more I think it is deeply rooted in culture and social psyche of the Pakistanis
It is the Indiot who is feeding such information from the battle zone. And why is he wearing a red shirt in a Battle zone.
.... if you cannot have meaningful discussion here.....
go and play with baboons on bharat-ratsh!t bukbuk jhukjhuk forum...
Pakistan's new tank near China 99G
Picture of AL-KHALID
According to the Russian armored vehicles, net October 9 reported that Pakistan's military plans for its fleet of " AL-KHALID" main battle tank to conduct a comprehensive improvement, including the installation of more sophisticated fire control systems, and optoelectronic countermeasures systems. Pakistani military experts believe that the move will significantly upgrade the tank first-hit targets.
It is learned that, in order to enhance " AL-KHALID" tank night fighting capabilities, the Pakistani side will install the French Sagem company's third-generation thermal imaging discussion. In addition, the tank main guns of the firing rate would be raised.
In addition, the Pakistani military also plans to Ukraine Order "VARTA" type optoelectronic countermeasures devices (from Russian "curtain" system evolved). After the installation of the equipment can significantly enhance the tank in the event of a half-led guided weapons to attack the enemy when the survival rate.
Should be noted that the Russian side has suggested India to buy Russian-made tanks for the military installation of the "curtain" system, but it was the latter refused.
At the same time, taking into account the summer desert areas in Pakistan when the surface temperature may reach 50 degrees Celsius, Pakistani military also plans to " AL-KHALID" tank installation of high efficiency air conditioning. In addition, tanks installed within the display system will also be replaced.
In addition to improving the existing fleet of tanks, the Palestinians also in the process develop a new generation of " AL-KHALID II" main battle tanks. New tanks will be equipped with more powerful main gun fire, while defense capability will be more complete. Expect, "AL-KHALID II" will be closer to China in the form of 99G. In addition, " AL-KHALID" of the mobility will also be stronger, its engine power to reach 1500 hp.
" AL-KHALID" is Pakistan's help in China and Ukraine developed a more advanced main battle tank, based on the former Soviet Union developed T-72. The tank full weight 48 tons, member 3, the main weapons include a 125 mm smoothbore gun, one 12.7 mm and a 7.62 mm caliber machine gun.
The tank fitted with a 1,200-horsepower power system of Ukraine 6TD-2 engines, a maximum speed of 70 km / h, and sustainable travel 400 kilometers. It is said that at present, " AL-KHALID " tank production has reached 300.
(I have Replaced the wrong name of Pakistani tank “Ali Vivienne” with correct AL-KHALID in this article)
Last edited by jawad; 01-12-2010 at 02:46 AM.
All wars of our age have become total wars... It would be dangerous to plan for less, and our plans should include the nuclear deterrent. Z.A.Bhutto
Gentlemen,
This is the Pakistan Army thread. I think quality of Pakistani media should be discussed elsewhere.
UN peacekeeping HQ in Haiti leveled by quake: staff
Updated at: 0600 PST, Wednesday, January 13, 2010
PORT-AU-PRINCE: A massive earthquake in Haiti has leveled the headquarters of the United Nations mission in the country, a local employee of the UN force told media.
"The headquarters of the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti has been destroyed in large part. There are numerous people underneath the rubble, both dead and injured," a local employee of the force said.
In New York, UN spokesman Martin Nesirky confirmed that the UN compound in Port-au-Prince "has sustained serious damage."
He said Alain Leroy, the head of the UN department of peacekeeping operations which oversees the world body's various missions around the world, would make a statement on the disaster later Tuesday.
And UN chief Ban Ki-moon issued a statement saying "my heart goes out to the people of Haiti after this devastating earthquake.
"At this time of tragedy, I am very concerned for the people of Haiti and also for the many United Nations staff who serve there."
The Brazilian-led Stabilization Mission in Haiti, known as MINUSTAH, comprises 7,060 troops and 2,091 police.
It has been deployed in the Caribbean island nation of eight million people since mid-2004.
What is the recompense of goodness, but goodness?
Which then, of the favours of your Lord will you deny?
Sura Ar-Rehman
Did anyone take notice of the equipment some of the COIN troops were using, such as helmets and elbow gear?
It seems Cavalier is pitching body armor, helmets (PASGT?) and other protective gear to the Pak Army, and what's this business about "Pakistan Warrior: Future Soldier Program?"
http://img69.imageshack.us/img69/6479/dsc008041.jpg
Regards;
FaisalK ---- aka--- Mark Sien
What i can make out from the pic, other than the m-16 rest of the gare is already in service
I think the body armor vests in the picture are different to the ones presently in use by the PA (at least judging from the SWA pictures). For example, the mannequin on our left is wearing an Interceptor (IBA)/MTV-type vest, as well as the PASGT-design helmet (now streaming into service it seems).
Another note, Cavalier is primarily a supplier of protective gear such as body armor, helmets, padding, etc, and not other things such as night/thermal-vision, communication, assault rifles, etc. I'm sure Cavalier is only a part of the Pakistani Future Soldier program, others such as Institute of Optronics, POF, NESCOM, etc, will contribute to complete the enhanced capability/versatility, network-centric, battle management, etc, aspects.
I still wonder where the assault rifle program is going. Is PA going to select the PK-08, or will it adopt a new-generation rifle such as Mehmetcik-1?
Last edited by FaisalK; 01-12-2010 at 02:59 PM.
Regards;
FaisalK ---- aka--- Mark Sien
You see the basic vest in service in PA is the ceramic plated vest, which as we all know after taking a hit or two is useless, more over its very heavy and tiering. Plus in summer its down right suffocating and energy draining. So in quite a few opps they dident even wear them!
The only kavlar i have seen in service is with elements of SSG and yes it will be some time before it filters down to regular troops.(lakin you can get them easy in the black market in Pakistan along with all different sort of equipment that nato forces r using in afghanistan and most is brand spanking new).
Lakin again most of wt u see in the pic is already in service with PA, be it in small nos. The only thing that u see diff in the pic is that they have added pouches to carry magazines to the vest (which i believe is ceramic), and the maniquine on the right is wearing goggles.
Coming to the gun, i think with the present commitment of PA and the extreme stress on the finances it is highly unlikly that at this point in time PA is in a position to introduce a new assualt rifile.
specially considering when the 5.56 mm weapons have all but failed and now nato forces specially the americans are moving to 6.8 mm assualt rifile (barret has won the contract n it with slight changes to the m-4 has done the job)
We i believe need to go down the same road and remove the flows from g-3 as it is a extremly good weapons. But need to simplfy its aiming sight and to certain extent its ruggedness as it has a tendency to jam if not cleaned or looked after properly. One such weapon that has quite a few parts in common with the g-3 is hk-417.
But having said that POF has started manufacturing the chinese type-56, and as we have seen in recent opps, AK is the weapon of choice for our troops. So guess AK is here to stay.
If I am not wrong POF has already done some work and assault rifle was named PK-7, it is 7.62 mm assault rifle based on G-3 and 5.56 mm version is called PK-8
When did that happened?
Can you give more details i.e. information about version and accessories being produced by POF
Last edited by jawad; 01-13-2010 at 02:53 PM.
All wars of our age have become total wars... It would be dangerous to plan for less, and our plans should include the nuclear deterrent. Z.A.Bhutto
Ceramic SAPI plates are necessary to stop higher caliber rifle rounds. Kevlar can only protect against smaller caliber rounds. All Western militaries use ceramic plate inserts, though ours are a little heavier for cost reasons. Special forces will sometimes use kevlar only to allow them greater mobility, but this does leave them more vulnerable to rifle bullets or even shrapnel.You see the basic vest in service in PA is the ceramic plated vest, which as we all know after taking a hit or two is useless, more over its very heavy and tiering. Plus in summer its down right suffocating and energy draining. So in quite a few opps they dident even wear them!
The only kavlar i have seen in service is with elements of SSG and yes it will be some time before it filters down to regular troops.(lakin you can get them easy in the black market in Pakistan along with all different sort of equipment that nato forces r using in afghanistan and most is brand spanking new
Pakistan Zindabad
just ignore it, it's just someone's idea of a really bad joke. there's nothing remotely "futuristic" about that. PA needs to get the basics first by equipping the entire army with proper equipment. it needs get the basics by networking all of its assets with the other forces as well, not just talk about doing it like they have been doing for the past ten years or boast about the miniscule vehicle "battlefield management system", lol. at least have them launch a satellite on their own for goodness sake. they can't even get that the "predator-type" UAV they've been talking about to fly. more importantly, PA needs to be able afford the basics and simple battle equipment. once they can do that (my estimate is in about ten years) than they can start to think about the future. as for me, I know it's wise to not expect anything from them and their "indigenous" R&D organizations for a long time.
P.S: sorry for the harsh message, I just hope you don't spend your time thinking about something that's not going to happen, like I did.
Last edited by Sassad; 01-12-2010 at 03:12 PM.
They improve special forces first and it will move towards regulars. If you compare it what they have on the Indian, Afghanistani or Iranian side then it is pretty good.
Is the banner even discussing the models shown in the picture? There may be another model. Otherwise as Junaid has said, nothing unusual with the kit.
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