AL TARIQ debuts new PGM for UAVs, light aircraft

The UAE’s AL TARIQ has unveiled a new range of lightweight precision guide munitions (PGMs) suitable for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and smaller counter-insurgency (COIN) aircraft like the Super Tucano and the locally designed Mwari of Paramount Group.

Debuting at AAD 2022 on the Milkor 380 medium-altitude, long endurance (MALE) UAV, the new Al Tariq X-series guidance kit is designed to fit onto the standard Mk 81 (250 lb/110 kg) or Mk 82 (500 lb/226 kg) bombs without modification.

Theunis Botha, AL TARIQ Chief Executive Officer, explained that the X-series is a smaller and lighter version (around 80 kg for the kit) than the standard Al Tariq intended for fast jet combat aircraft, but still uses the same modular building blocks of the Al Tariq series.

“The tail fin span has been slightly reduced and by reducing the size and weight, we retained the aerodynamic balance. The Al Tariq X-series achieves a stand-off range of 40 km when launched at Mach 0.9 at 40 000 feet (12 000 m), but for lower and slower aircraft, ranges will be slightly reduced. Botha believes the X-series still has a very useful range for this class of weapon.

As with the standard Al Tariq, there are three main guidance configurations: GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System); GNSS with semi-active laser; and GNSS with imaging infrared with automatic target recognition, all fitted with sophisticated GPS anti-jamming solutions.

The X-series is a new product and development is progressing swiftly as the X-series is merely an adaptation of the existing Al Tariq. The formal flight qualification is currently in progress. The new variants should be ready for production in the second quarter of 2023.

“We are convinced that there is a substantial demand for a weapon of this class currently,” Botha said. “No other PGM can offer similar levels of operational flexibility and cost effectiveness to the modern war fighter due to the unique modularity of the Al Tariq family of precision guided munitions.”

The X-series also benefits from the Al Tariq Block II upgrades, which include a Height-of-Burst Sensor (HOBS), an improved navigation solution and various other newly incorporated features.

Growing bomb kit range

The existing Al Tariq range comprises guidance kits for the Mk 81 and Mk 82 bombs, but this is also being expanded to include the Mk 83/HSLD 450 (1 000 lb/454 kg) bomb. The winged Mk 83 version is being qualified through flight trials, with production expected from the second quarter of 2023, while the existing Mk 81 and Mk 82 kits are currently in production.

Speaking of the Mk 83, Botha said: “This is quite an exciting new addition to the family as it benefits from all the Block II operational features, fitted onto the larger explosive payload.” He added that there is definitely a demand for a weapon in this class providing a high accuracy, long range solution.

https://www.defenceweb.co.za/industry/industry-industry/al-tariq-debuts-new-pgm-for-uavs-light-aircraft/

Prominent Milkor presence at AAD 2022

As the Diamond Sponsor of the 2022 edition of AAD, Milkor is taking the opportunity to showcase all its products on home turf. Since exhibiting at the last AAD in 2018, Milkor has new developments to show, especially regarding unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and armoured personnel carriers (APCs).

Taking pride of place is the Milkor 380 medium-altitude, long endurance (MALE) UAV, fitted with a multitude of weapons highlighting the versatility of the platform. These include the new X-series precision guided munition kit from the UAE’s AL TARIQ, HALCON Desert Sting DS-16 lightweight, air-launched precision guided munitions, and Thales Belgium FZ602 rocket launchers (the FZ602 is a two-tube reusable lightweight launcher).

The 18.6 metre wingspan aircraft is fitted with an L3-Harris gimbal system but gimbals of various sizes and weights can be fitted. The Milkor 380 at AAD 2022 is also being showcased with an Airborne Technologies SCAR (Self-Contained Aerial Reconnaissance) pod which Milkor says is ideal for things like maritime surveillance, especially when used on conjunction with the gimbal. The SCAR pod can be fitted with many different sensors, but at AAD is displayed with a ViDAR (Visual Detection and Ranging) optical radar system.

Milkor’s UAV can be fitted with guided weapons and various payloads to perform multiple operations, such as SAR/ISAR (Synthetic Aperture Radar/Inverted Synthetic Aperture Radar), Communications Intelligence (COMINT), AIS (Automatic Identification System), communications relay, and communications jammer. The airframe includes five hardpoints: two on each wing and one at the centre of the fuselage, with the ability to carry larger systems if needed.

Growing range of land systems

Since debuting its Milkor 4×4 Armoured Personnel Carrier (APC) at the previous edition of AAD in 2018, the company has further developed the vehicle to suit end-user requirements. The original vehicle was built with high ground clearance and high level offroad performance ideally suited to challenging African terrain. The vehicle’s operational capability has been expanded to deployment in the desert with the option of an inline central tyre inflation system and an upgraded cooling package. Multiple electronic sensors and remote-control weapons stations (RCWS), such as a 12.7 mm machinegun option, have been integrated to increase the mission capability, situational awareness, and personnel safety of the vehicle. Milkor also offers an anti-riot version of its APC – the latter was deployed during the July 2021 unrest in South Africa.

Whilst the initial target market was African militaries, interest and opportunities for the vehicle have come from outside the continent, including from the Middle East, South America, Asia, and Eastern Europe, Milkor said.

For decades best known for its range of multiple grenade launchers, notably the SuperSix range, Milkor has over the last couple of years further developed and expanded its weapons range, with improvements covering the Milkor AGL (Automatic Grenade Launcher), UBGL (Under-Barrel Grenade Launcher) and new MAR (Multiple Anti-Riot) grenade launcher. The AGL is taking a standout position at AAD 2022.

Other equipment Milkor is keen to highlight it flagship naval vessel, the Milkor IPC (Inshore Patrol Craft). This is suited for any navy, coast guard or military. “The vessel is a one of a kind in the industry and is built for long endurance missions. Operations of up to five days can easily be accomplished through a unique design and layout that combines crew comfort with operational functionality that is suited for surveillance and potential engagement. Various features and configurations of the Milkor IPC will be on display at AAD 2022 highlighting Milkor’s marine design and manufacturing capabilities,” the company said.

The growing product range is in line with Milkor’s aim to become an established global leader in the defence industry, with a growing international presence. Milkor has opened offices in India, the United Arab Emirates, and Saudi Arabia. It has taken part in all the big international defence trade shows, including DefExpo in India, Defence Services Asia in Malaysia, Defence and Security in Thailand, and now Africa Aerospace and Defence.

https://www.defenceweb.co.za/industry/industry-industry/prominent-milkor-presence-at-aad-2022/

Hensoldt launches GEW Skylark-N for naval surveillance

Hensoldt South Africa’s GEW business unit has launched a new electronic support measures (ESM) system for use on naval surface vessels. The launch took place at the Africa Aerospace and Defence (AAD) 2022 exhibition in Pretoria on 23 September.

GEW’s Skylark-N is designed for communications surveillance, emitter tracking and monitoring on smaller to midsize naval craft, such as Offshore Patrol Vessels.

Hensoldt said the system was recently put into service by several customers, but did not identify them. Earlier this year the SA Navy took delivery of the first of three in-shore patrol vessels built under Project Biro, the size of vessel which Hensoldt said would be suited to use of the Skylark system.

The system detects, locates, identifies and tracks radio emissions in the HF, VHF and UHF frequency bands, providing wide band monitoring of possible naval targets. Hensoldt said the system has exceptional sensitivity due to the use of advanced digital processing and direction finding algorithms. At the system’s core is the EW MRD7090 compact spectrum monitoring and direction finding system.

Hensoldt said the Skylark-N system is rugged, lightweight and low in power consumption. It can be installed on new ships, but a refit of a vessel is not required for its placement on existing naval platforms. Skylark-N can operate on a standalone basis, and can be integrated into existing on-board combat management systems. This would allow the automatic aiming of weapons at the targets Skylark-N acquires.

Skylark can be integrated into other Hensoldt solutions such as Hensoldt’s Quadome radar system for naval and target acquisition that was launched at the Defence Services Exhibition International (DSEI) in London last year.

https://www.defenceweb.co.za/sea/sea-sea/hensoldt-launches-gew-skylark-n-for-naval-surveillance/

CSIR showcasing security innovations at AAD

The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) is developing a C-Band phased array synthetic aperture radar (SAR) payload with support from the Department of Science and Innovation and this is one of the technologies on show at the Africa Aerospace and Defence (AAD) exhibition at Air Force Base Waterkloof this week.

The CSIR said the SAR payload has been developed in collaboration with South African space industry players, SCS Space and Dragonfly Aerospace. The payload (named SAR-C) is designed to support constellations of micro-satellites, while providing advanced SAR performance modes, including high-resolution wide-swath digital beamforming. The design boasts significant redundancy to extend life expectancy in the harsh space environment and lower manufacture costs through local SMMEs due to the highly scalable architecture based on PCB (printed circuit board) technology, the CSIR said.

At this year’s expo, which runs from 21 to 25 September, the CSIR is highlighting several technologies, including a locally developed biometric system for children, which identifies children from infancy to adulthood by using biometrics captured at birth or during infancy, to manage children’s identities in South Africa. The CSIR has also developed a contactless fingerprint recognition device that verifies an individual’s identity by comparing a captured fingerprint to one that is on paper or stored in memory.

The organisation is also demonstrating its cybersecurity early warning software system, which helps small, medium, and large businesses detect network intrusions and avoid the disclosure of sensitive information and eventual revenue loss. Featuring alongside these technologies is Meerkat, K-Line technology for fire disaster management and The Asset and Fleet Management System, a decision support tool developed by the CSIR to provide situational awareness around business operations to enable effective and efficient management of operational assets to personnel safety.

CSIR business development manager Tendani Malumedzha said the CSIR will use AAD to not only showcase technologies, but also engage fully with the public and private sectors regarding their technological needs.

“The CSIR is very excited to be showcasing a suite of technologies at this year’s AAD trade exhibition and conference. We have a track record of using our research and development capabilities in information and cybersecurity, command control and integrated systems, optronic sensor systems, as well as radar and electronic warfare to design unique solutions to enhance state security and strengthen the competitiveness of local industry. We also have a keen interest in engaging with the public and private sectors, listening to their needs, and responding by collaboratively designing integrated security solutions that can be commercialised,” said Malumedzha.

http://www.defenceweb.co.za/joint/science-a-defence-technology/csir-showcasing-security-innovations-at-aad/

The exhibitor catalogue for AAD2022

https://impactsa.co.za/3d-flip-book/aad-2022/

kDF M110 Sniper Rifle Caliber 7.62x51 LAPUO MAGNUM

KDF M4A1 rifle fitted with tactical laser, NVD and torch, CALIBER 5.56X45MM

M4A1 RIFLE fitted with grenade launcher at the bottom
CALIBER 5.56X45MM

SCAR RIFLE
CALIBER 7.62X51MM

SCAR RIFLE fitted with grenade launcher tactical torch and silencer.
CALIBER 7.62X51MM

MOOSBERG 500 SHOT GUN
CALIBER 12MM

M212 SHOT GUN
CALIBER 12MM

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Hensoldt South Africa launches new Quadome Land radar

Hensoldt South Africa has launched the latest version of its flagship Quadome radar, the Quadome Land, designed for air and surface surveillance and targeting.

The three-dimensional multi-mission radar was officially launched at Air Force Base Waterkloof on 22 September during the Africa Aerospace and Defence exhibition and goes a long way towards Hensoldt South Africa’s goal to become the leading manufacturer and exporter of air-surveillance and defence radars on the African continent.

The Quadome Land ground-based air and surface surveillance radar follows the launch of its naval Quadome counterpart at DSEi in September 2021, and supports the further internationalisation of the Hensoldt Group’s radar business.

Quadome Land is aimed at the global market for tactical ground-based air defence radar systems, deployed in the air defence or coastal surveillance roles. Because of its compact size, relatively low mass and good price-performance ratio, the radar offers 3D air surveillance and air defence capabilities that are highly mobile and easily deployable, Hensoldt South Africa said.

The entire radar system, including two-man operators’ console, can fit inside a standard 20 foot ISO shipping container, making it highly portable. Programme Manager of Hensoldt South Africa’s radar business unit, Jaco Botha, said Quadome Land offers a ‘radar in a box’ capability as it is completely self-contained, and it can be transported in a C-130 Hercules or similar aircraft. It has its own electric and hydraulic power for self-deployment, which takes 15 minutes.

The active electronically scanned array (AESA) C band radar has two main modes of engagement: air surveillance, and air defence for target engagement. Instrumented tracking range is up to 200 km and the radar can track 1 000 targets simultaneously. It features frequency hopping within its band.

World class product

“Quadome is a result of many man-years of engineering effort to develop a world-class product that will revolutionise the radar landscape worldwide,” said Rynier van der Watt, Managing Director of Hensoldt South Africa.

“Quadome is designed to maximise system performance, while minimising acquisition and life-cycle costs,” said Bennie Langenhoven, Chief Executive of the Radar Business Unit. As Quadome is a software-defined radar, it can easily be upgraded in the future as technology develops.

The development of Quadome has been undertaken in South Africa through a close collaboration between Hensoldt South Africa and the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), with over 40 engineers collectively working on this product since 2018. It is currently the largest defence radar development programme in South Africa.

“Not only is a Quadome a world-class product that will revolutionise the radar landscape worldwide, it also makes a significant contribution to the technology available to detect and protect our own borders and seas in the South African defence landscape,” said van der Watt.

https://www.defenceweb.co.za/featured/hensoldt-south-africa-launches-new-quadome-land-radar/

India markets towed artillery systems for export

For many years India has been seeking to become self-sufficient in many year areas of land systems, including towed artillery systems.

The 155 mm/45 calibre Dhanush towed artillery system, which was marketed at the recent Africa Aerospace and Defence (AAD) 2022 exhibition, is now deployed by the Indian Army and is fitted with a power unit on the front of the split carriage which allows it to move in a confined space at a maximum speed of up to 5 km/h. It also assists in bringing the gun into action.

The 155 mm/45 calibre ordnance is fitted with a muzzle brake and maximum range depends on the projectile/charge combination but is claimed to be more than 36 km with a Bi-Modular Charge System (BMCS) Zone 6 which gives a high muzzle velocity of 881 m/s. India is currently quoting a barrel life of 2 000 round equivalent full charge (EFC).

In addition to using the BMCS it can also use the older and less efficient bag charge propellant systems and types of 155 mm ammunition that can be fired include the widely deployed and old US developed M107 high-explosive (HE) projectile and Extended Range Full Bore Boat Tail (BT) or Base Bleed (BB) projectiles.

Maximum rate of fire is currently being quoted as a burst rate of three rounds in 30 seconds and an intense rate of 12 rounds in three minutes.

A load assist device is fitted as standard as is a load assist device which carries three 155 mm projectiles on the right side.

Standard equipment on the Dhanush includes a muzzle velocity radar mounted above the ordnance which feed information to the fire control system, artillery gun alignment and positioning system and Global Positioning System (GPS) aided inertial navigation system (INS).

It can also be integrated into the end users own existing artillery command and control system.

In addition to marketing the Dhanush 155 mm/45 calibre towed artillery system, India is also marketing Sharang 155 mm/45 calibre artillery system which is essentially an upgraded Russian 130 mm M-46 field gun which has been deployed by the Indian and many other countries for well over 50 years and with the Chinese equivalent being the Type 59-1, Both of these have a maximum range of just over 27 000 m.

Firing an ERFB-BB and using a BMCS Zone 6, a maximum range of 38 km is obtained for the Sharang which is a significant improvement with barrel having an EFC life of 1 500 rounds.

https://www.defenceweb.co.za/land/land-land/india-markets-towed-artillery-systems-for-export/

Sudan markets long range 122 mm rockets

Sudan’s Military Industry Corporation (MIC) is offering its 122 mm artillery rocket system to potential customers amongst a wide range of land and air capabilities.

For many years the MIC has been manufacturing the 122 mm solid propellant rockets for the widely deployed Russian 122 mm (40 round) BM-21 artillery rocket system (ARS) which is normally based on a 6×6 cross-country platform.

This is the most widely deployed ARS in the world and has been copied or manufactured under licence by many other countries.

The standard 122 mm unguided rocket has a maximum range of around 20 km but the MIC has developed and placed in production a new extended range rocket called the TAKA-03/GRL02 which is claimed to have a minimum range of 20 km and a maximum range of 40 km.

It is fitted with a high explosive blast fragmentation warhead (HE) which is activated by a nose mounted impact fuze to give a claimed lethal radius of 70 m.

In addition to manufacturing 122 mm rockets, the MIC, which was an exhibitor at the Africa Aerospace and Defence exhibition in Pretoria this month, has also produced the TAKA MRL-01 122 mm (8-round) pedestal mounted rocket launcher which owing to its weight of 920 kg in unloaded configuration can be installed on a variety of land platforms and is also being marketed for naval applications such as coastal bombardment.

This has manual traverse of 45 degrees left and right and has elevation from minus 6 to plus 52 degrees and fires standard 122 mm rockets with a maximum range of 20 m plus the previous mention extended range rocket with a maximum range of 40 km.

https://www.defenceweb.co.za/land/land-land/sudan-markets-long-range-122-mm-rockets/

Tinfoil:
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Nigeria is preparing for a big Independence Anniversary parade on the 1st of October.

Army Paratroopers also seen practicing jumps.

I sincerely hope the guys that landed on cars and trees weren't badly hurt.

Lurker4Long:

I sincerely hope the guys that landed on cars and trees weren't badly hurt.

Are you really that hungry for it.

Lurker4Long:

I sincerely hope the guys that landed on cars and trees weren't badly hurt.

They might cancel the paratroopers event, since I noticed they couldn't land in a designated spot inside eagle square

jteku:


They might cancel the paratroopers event, since I noticed they couldn't land in a designated spot inside eagle square

Why not give them steerable chutes and reduce the number to a section?

KDF M107 .50-caliber long range antimaterial / sniper rifle

ZAMBIA Army at AAD with BOTSWANA former president LT GEN IAN KAMAR

AAD

MORE

ARMOUR

NA paratroopers landing at the Eagle square
Few numbers and they did land
https://www.instagram.com/reel/CjGp_PRO3Ie/?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=

NTSA:
KDF M107 .50-caliber long range antimaterial / sniper rifle

Forgot about this

Was showcased at KDFs mini stand at this years Nairobi International Trade Fair

Toju200:
NA paratroopers landing at the Eagle square
Few numbers and they did land
https://www.instagram.com/reel/CjGp_PRO3Ie/?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=

Now those southies can rest