Feral Jundi

Thursday, September 1, 2011

Weapons: Drone Archer Weapon–US Army Awards AeroVironment $4.9 Million Contract For Switchblade Drone

Filed under: Aviation,Video,Weapons — Tags: , , , , , — Matt @ 12:56 PM

To quote the Joker, ‘Now You’re Talking’. lol It’s about time the Army invests in this weapon. Like I mentioned before, every contact with the enemy could produce tons of intel using drone archer weapons, and most of all, produce some kills. Or hey, if we really get good at this game, use the drones for non-lethal means and stun the prey so we can capture and get even more intel.

Weapons like this will also allow competent drone archer teams to take advantage of the chaos of a battle. As soon as the battle starts, these things go up and the hunters begin to hunt from a flank (the air) that most enemies are not prepared for. Not only can we see from the air with these devices, but we can kill, and that puts a lot of capability in the hands of small unit leaders.

Having a drone that can not only watch enemy movements during the battle, but could actually track the enemy as they try to escape is a tool that can be used for ‘relentless pursuit‘. (h/t to Eeben for that) And this also gives a squad leader choices. They can either watch with the drone and call it back if they can’t get a kill, or use the drone as a kamikaze weapon.

This weapon also helps in the ‘locate, close with, and destroy’ mission. Because as you close with that enemy, you need to be able to see if they are staying put while maneuvering upon their elements. You can also use the drone to see any terrain or enemy positions that a ground based observer could not see. This information is vital for a squad’s decision making loop (OODA) as they are trying to gain advantage in their fight and get a win.

Which by the way….. Something we can take from the insurgents here, is their methods for suicide assaults.  Swarming is what they are depending upon–or to do a breach with one suicide bomber, then swarm in with multiple suicide assaulters fighting their way into pockets of human concentration to detonate. A drone archer team could probably take some interesting ideas from this process, as well as learn from the old Japanese Kamikaze attack strategies. I also like the idea of including these weapons within the strategic planning for an assault. Much like how you would use a SMAW team for initiating an assault, a drone archer team could have similar utility.

I also like the idea of being able to fly this thing across a canyon or to the tops of hills during a fight. I am sure most combatants have no respect for small drones at this time, thinking that they are not armed. I would love to see the expression on a booger eater’s face when they see that little thing slam right into their team and blow up. lol Or how about ten of those little drones swarming like some bees, and just plowing into targets of opportunity during a fight? And meanwhile the infantry is pouring on the lead and any other munitions to keep the enemy busy. That chaos, will provide plenty of opportunities for a drone archer team. Lots of ideas here….

I guess my intent is that I would like to see this weapon used to defeat hit and run tactics. These tactics are what insurgents depend upon for success against infantry units, and I would like to see drone archer tactics contribute to countering hit and run. In other words, if the enemy wants to expose themselves with a ‘hit’, then I want to deploy a weapon that will get them during the ‘hit’ and/or during the ‘run’ portion of that fight. We will see….-Matt

 

 

U.S. Army Awards AeroVironment $4.9 Million Contract for Switchblade Agile Munition Systems and Services
September 01 2011
AeroVironment, Inc. announced that it received a contract on June 29 from the U.S. Army Close Combat Weapons Systems (CCWS), Program Executive Office Missiles and Space (PEO MS). The $4,907,840 contract for the Switchblade agile munition includes engineering services and operational systems for deployment with the U.S. Army.
This award represents the culmination of years of development, testing, demonstrations and customer evaluations. The prototype Switchblade system previously received Safety Confirmation and underwent Military Utility Assessment with the U.S. Army in the fall of 2010. The award is for rapid fielding of this capability to deployed combat forces.

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Weapons: Chinese Weapons In Al Shabab Hands– The QLZ 87 35mm Automatic Grenade Launcher

Filed under: Al Qaeda,China,Somalia,Weapons — Tags: , , , , , , , — Matt @ 11:36 AM

In general, the price of Chinese weapons is still about one-third lower than comparable Russian weapons. More importantly, what China wants from Africa is resources, especially crude oil, and it has already exported substantial numbers of weapons in exchange for oil. In dealing with oil-producing countries China has an advantage over Russia, which as a major world oil producer has no need to trade weapons for oil.

This is a quick heads up. I was watching a video the other day on the latest news about Al Shabab in Somalia and a particular weapon of theirs caught my eye in the footage.(.16 in the footage) This thing is a Chinese made 35 mm automatic grenade launcher called the QLZ 87 or Type 87.

My question is who is providing Al Shabab with Chinese made automatic grenade launchers?  Or perhaps they captured this weapon in one of their raids? Or with their connections with Al Qaeda, and the chaos going on throughout the middle east, AQ is able to funnel these types of weapons to them?  Who knows…? The other weapons in the video were interesting as well, and if anyone can identify those weapons, please say so in the comments. Especially the rocket launchers. I would also be curious if those are Chinese versions of Russian equipment, or in fact they are Russian weapons.

Now imagine a QLZ 87 in the hands of a pirate? A launcher equipped with a 6 or 15 round drum, slinging 35mm grenades that have a better blast radius than our 40mm, and at a distance of between 600 to 1750 meters.

And if ‘the price of Chinese weapons is still about one-third lower than comparable Russian weapons’ on the African market, then logic would say we will see stuff like this out there. Especially if the quality has increased and the Chinese have made this stuff available. (that’s what the article below mentioned) Interesting stuff. –Matt

Edit: 09/02/2011- I believe the launchers in the video are Carl Gustav 84 mm Recoilless rifles.

 

The QLZ 87 in Al Shabab video, August 31 2011.

QLZ87 35mm Automatic Grenade Launcher

The QLZ87 (also known as Type 87) is the 35mm automatic grenade launcher developed by NORINCO in the late 1980s. Designed to provide direct fire support for infantry troops, the Type 87 is the first grenade launcher that has entered service with the PLA as a standard weapon equipment. The weapon was described as “mini infantry artillery” and has been serving with the PLA infantry (including airborne forces and the Marine Corps) at platoon and company level since the mid-1990s.
Programme
The PLA began to study the use of grenade launcher in its infantry units in the 1970s. Reverse-engineering of the U.S. M-79 40mm grenade launcher and the Soviet AGS-17 35mm automatic grenade launcher was carried out in the late 1970s, but these weapons did not enter service. In the mid-1980s, NORINCO introduced the W87 35mm automatic grenade launcher for export market, and the weapon was widely seen as an indication of success in the Chinese indigenous grenade launcher programme. By the late 1980s, NORINCO introduced new improved version of the W87 for the use of the PLA. The weapon entered service with the PLA in the mid-1990s under the designation QLZ87.
The QLZ87 is available in two variants: the standard variant and the tripod-mounted heavy variant. The standard variant with a combat weight of 12kg can be carried and fired by a single soldier and is mainly for the engaging targets within 600m distance. The heavy variant with a combat weight of 20kg is carried by a crew of three and has a longer range (>1,750m). The weapon delivers 25kg HE or HEAT grenades in either single or burst mode, with a sustained rate of fire of 45rds/min.
Compared to the U.S. MK19-3 40mm automatic grenade launcher, the QLZ87 is inferior in range,  muzzle velocity, and rate of fire. However, the Chinese 35mm grenade, though lighter than the MK19-3’s 40mm grenade, has better performance in blasting radius (MK19-3: 7m; Type 87: 11m) and armour penetration (MK19-3: 51mm; Type 87: 80mm). Unlike the MK19-3, which can only be fired on tripod, the Type 87 can be carried and fired by a single soldier.
Design
The QLZ87 is a man portable, gas-operated, air-cooled, fully automatic weapon. It fires 35mm HE and HEAT grenades in either single or burst mode. The grenades are fed to the weapon using 6-round (standard variant) or 15-round (heavy variant) cartridge drum. The weapon is equipped with an optical aiming sight. The standard and heavy variants are almost identical in basic designs. The standard variant has a fold-able bipod for shooting, while the heavy variant is mounted on a tripod. If necessary, the weapon can also be mounted on vehicles or helicopters. As well as engaging ground targets, the weapon is claimed to be also capable of attacking low-flying airborne targets.
Specifications
Calibre: 35mm

Muzzle velocity: 200m/s

Firing mode: Single, burst

Max range: (standard) 600m; (heavy) 1,750m

Weight: (standard, with scope) 12kg; (heavy, with scope) 20kg

Elevation: (heavy, mounted on tripod) -10~70 degrees

Traverse: 360 degrees

Rate of fire: (sustained) 45 rds/min

Grenade weight: 250g

Ammunition: HE, HEAT
Link to weapon description here.
——————————————————–
Russian, Chinese weapons compete in Africa
By Andrei Chang
December 19, 2008
Hong Kong, China — China is increasingly challenging Russia in the African arms trade, offering lower prices on weapons that, ironically, are often made in China with Russian technologies. Chinese products are less expensive than Russian and Western systems, similar to the Russian systems that many African countries are familiar with, easy to maintain and easy to use in training.
Many countries are therefore switching allegiance to China for their weapons purchases. A typical example is Sudan. At a 2007 military parade, the Khartoum regime showcased its China-made T96 main battle tanks and T92 wheeled armoured vehicles.

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Saturday, August 20, 2011

Weapons: Adcor Defense BEAR Elite– A Free Floating Barreled, One Piece Anti-tilt Bolt Carrier Piston AR

Filed under: Weapons — Tags: , , , , , — Matt @ 1:06 PM

This is a very interesting rifle. To be able to shoot sub-MOA after 6,000 rounds worth of testing at HP White is impressive for a piston AR. Not to mention the excellent durability and lack of malfunctions during the HP White testing. This rifle will be competing in the Army’s Improved Carbine competition, and it looks like a contender.

The thing about this rifle that grabbed my attention is the free floating barrel. To not have anything touching that barrel, is a radical departure from the norm. That equates to some excellent accuracy capability, and I would really like to see this rifle chambered in 7.62 or other interesting calibers. With nothing touching the barrel, then folks could experiment with different barrels and really explore the field of AR accuracy. But for a standard battle rifle, this is awesome. (it would be cool to see different offerings of barrels, with different twists like 1/8)

The one piece anti-tilt bolt carrier assembly is smart as well. With a recessed lug going into the carrier, that will only increase the strength and durability of the connection between the piston rod and bolt carrier. There is a lot of force in this particular area of the rifle, and anything to make that system more robust is good. Attaching the piston rod to the carrier just makes sense and you won’t see carrier tilt like you would with other systems that do not attach the piston rod to the bolt carrier.

The other really cool thing with this rifle is the regulator. Having the ability to regulate the piston operation is crucial to keeping it running good, or to operating the weapon with a suppressor. Although honestly I was not able to determine the full scope of this regulator, and it would be cool to hear Adcor expand further on this part of the weapon.

The non-reciprocating charging handle can be placed on either side of the weapon, which is cool too. It is just a more natural position for a charging handle than where it currently is located. You can still charge the weapon with the original charging handle though. It gives the shooter options, and I like that.

The dust wiper shield is another feature I am interested in, but really cannot make a judgement. If it is made out of polymer, then it will wear down I would think? Or polymer pieces might break off and fall into the operating system. So to me, I just don’t know about that part of the weapon.

Overall, I think it is pretty cool that Adcor went from designing and building intricate parts for missiles and aircraft, to designing a better piston gun. It is almost like a black swan event where a designer from a totally different discipline comes in, and changes the field of weapons design by making a different and highly accurate version of a piston gun. The free floating barrel and one piece piston rod/bolt carrier set up will please many shooters out there that have been looking for a good piston AR. So we will see what the Army thinks and what the shooting community thinks about the Adcor Defense BEAR Elite. –Matt

B.E.A.R.™ Elite: A world class automatic rifle from Adcor Defense
• Magpul MOE™ rifle stock
• Magpul MOE™ ergonomic rifle grip with aggressive texturing
• FN Manufacturing 1:7 twist, hammer-forged, chrome-lined barrel with M249 rifling profile for long life and exceptional accuracy
• Available with sights or optics ready
• Forward placed, reversible/ambidextrous charging handle
• Gas piston system with multi-position regulator
• Free-floating barrel
• Chambered for 5.56
• Ejection port dust wiper
• Two-piece keyed quad rail system
• Tool-less field strip design
• Aircraft-grade 7075-T6 aluminum alloy receivers and rail systems

A New Perspective on the Automatic Rifle: The B.E.A.R.™ combines design innovation and precision manufacturing built upon the tried and true M4/M16 rifle platform.
The Adcor Defense B.E.A.R.™ springs from the M4/M16 rifle platform but offers a completely new twist. Available in many configurations, it offers the operator many significant improvements:

A Revolutionary Gas Piston System (Patent # 065111.00128)
• Free-floating barrel and increased accuracy: A gas-driven piston incorporated into the upper half of the forward rail system never touches the barrel.
• No carrier tilt: The operating rod is connected to the bolt carrier by hex head bolts reinforced with industrial grade Loctite® 262™ high strength threadlocker. They are then drilled and pinned to prevent loosening under adverse conditions.  The operating rod then rides through a machined boss in the receiver rail system interface keeping the bolt carrier in a linear plane as it operates.
• No fouling of chamber and action: Hot gases and carbon particulates are prevented from entering the receiver. Because heat reaching the upper receiver is diminished, lubricant lasts longer and maintenance is simplified.
• Easily detached lower rail system: No special tools needed for quick cleaning and easy maintenance.
• Wear on critical parts is minimized: The operator can easily adjust the piston’s cyclical rate for a controlled rate of fire.
• No need for piston rings: Extremely close machine tolerances of the piston eliminate the need.

Exclusive Port Dust Wiper with Cover
• Prevents entry of dust, sand or debris: The spring-loaded dust shield mounted on the bolt carrier allows the bolt carrier’s return to ready position; the port dust wiper moves into the ejection port opening flush with the inside geometry of the upper receiver.
• Withstands temperature extremes because of the highly durable, self-lubricating polymer shield.

Ambidextrous Forward Placed Charging Handle: Simplicity is Beautiful.
• Simple design allows the operator to keep his or her strong hand on the firearm and use the other hand to clear the rifle.
• Ambidextrous handle detaches easily without special tools and returns to locked position once used. It folds forward, recessed, and easily swings back out in a single motion.
• Non-reciprocating handle only engages when the operator charges or clears.

Rail System ( 7075-T6 )
• Innovative, key locked, highly rigid rail system mounts seamlessly to the upper receiver: Design ensures proper alignment of the rail with a redesigned boss, spline and groove system.
• Upper and lower rail guards separate with the push of a button: No special tools necessary.
• Fully compatible with optical, image intensification or thermal sights; laser targeting systems; bipods; tactical lights and Multiple Integrated Laser Engagement System (MILES).
Link to website here.

 

Thursday, July 7, 2011

Cool Stuff: Belt Fed AR 10

Filed under: Cool Stuff,Weapons — Tags: , , , , , — Matt @ 10:54 AM

Now this is cool. I found this link while reading about the latest developments in back pack systems to feed machine guns. I will not comment on if this is a good move or not, because I have yet to hear any serious testing with this kit, but it is an interesting concept.

As to the film below, I do not know much about this particular AR 10 model. But what a cool concept to be able to switch from belt-fed 7.62 caliber machine gun mode to magazine fed rifle, and have that capability within the compact size of an AR 10? Although the downside would be the barrel and not being able to switch it out, or the amount of heat it would be exposed too. It would be fun to see a modern gun manufacturer pick up where Stoner left off with this design. Modern materials might make something like this viable. Check it out. –Matt

 

Wednesday, July 6, 2011

Industry Talk: A Review Of ‘States Of Security’

Filed under: Industry Talk,Weapons — Tags: , , , , , — Matt @ 1:06 PM

Or at least a review of the PSC part of this survey. Although I did find it disconcerting that they talked with several ‘private security commentators’ and industry professionals, but made no effort to contact this blog. I mean there are only a handful of us folks who actually work in this industry, and write about it on a day to day basis. To not recognize the significance of such a resource, tells me that perhaps they were lazy or did not care to gain that kind of insight? Such information would have made a better product, and all it would have taken is an email….Oh what a burden? lol  With that said, let me highlight some of the pros and cons of this survey.

The lack of information about PSC’s and their weapons use in the maritime security market is disappointing. These figures would have been very useful for pointing out deficiencies or strengths in this part of the industry. And if you were to make the connection between the statistic of low rates of armed PSC’s and Western Europe, and the fact that most of today’s maritime security PSC usage comes from this region, then you can see exactly what I am getting at here. If these countries are adverse to arming PSC’s, and yet those same PSC’s are the majority of security out there protecting vessels from heavily armed pirates, then that is not a good ratio.

Furthermore, their data on the types of weapons contractors are using out there is off. The type of weapons that contractors are using and have available to them, is far more varied than what they listed. I will leave it at that.

I would have also liked some more statistics and focus on homemade weaponry. With the internet and the availability of opensource information about the proper construction of weapons, I would be very curious as to the state of DIY weapons manufacturing out there. It would have also brought more attention to the concept of Opensource Military Hardware.

I do want to give praise for the effort, and it was very informative.  It was very interesting to know that there are more PSC’s than police, and yet the police and the militaries of the world have far more weapons.  To me, this is shocking. PSC’s are increasingly becoming the front line troops when it comes to terrorism, drug wars, pirates, etc., and yet here we are throwing guards into harms way without these very basic tools of defense and self protection.

I have not been able to read the rest of the survey, but I would be interested to hear about the small arms usage of terrorists, pirates, drug cartels, etc. if such a statistic could be formulated. I imagine this figure would be pretty startling. But the most disturbing aspect of such a statistic, is the idea that we are using all of these unarmed private security forces to defend against these heavily armed malcontents. I am already seeing this with the maritime security industry, and that alone has been a battle to promote the idea of putting armed guards on boats. And not just armed, but armed with sufficient firepower to deal with the potential threats.

To me, it is an issue of safety for the guard and an issue of actually providing ‘real security’ services to the client, as opposed to providing security theater. Every guard out there should be able to look their client in the eye and say ‘I am ready to take on any and all threats, in the defense of you and your property’. Guards that are unarmed or poorly trained will contribute to failure–which equates to more industry scrutiny and consternation.

The survey noted this, and also noted the important efforts of this industry to get squared away.  Things like signing the ICoC or rallying around the Montreux Document are all signs that the industry wants accountability, and they want to give the client the confidence to use their services.

But as the survey has noted, time and time again, it is the governments of the world who have dropped the ball when it comes to regulating or coming up with the laws to properly manage this industry. I have done much to highlight these deficiencies in the past on this blog, and will continue to do so. I will also continue to provide solutions for countries and clients, to help them get the best service and contract they can get out of their PSC’s and PMC’s. I will also continue to do my part to promote a business/warrior ethos called Jundism amongst my peers, as well as promote real security solutions to the world’s complex security environments.

It is also very interesting to me that the Police and Military forces of the world get far more respect than PSC’s, and yet here we are, taking on more and more responsibilities and dealing with more complex threats. Everything a cop or soldier might encounter, PSC’s could encounter as well. And yet PSC’s continue to do what they do with less arms, less legal authority, less regulation, less training, less accountability and all because we are less cost. We have ‘cheaper’ down, we have ‘faster’ down, but we still have a ways to go when it comes to ‘better’. But I am optimistic, because we are slowly evolving, learning, improving our standing as ‘better’, despite the nation state’s inability to keep up with regulations/management/accountability. –Matt

On Growth

The private security sector has been booming since the mid-1980s and continues to grow steadily (van Dijk, 2008,
p. 217). Recent estimates show that the security market is worth about USD 100–165 billion per year, and that it has
been growing at an annual rate of 7–8 per cent.4 The scale of growth is further illustrated by significant increases in
the number of personnel employed over time and across regions:

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