Australian Army Force Enhancements

[Aussie Digger]

Well given I've made a RAAF and RAN Force enhancement thread, I thought it was time for an Australian Army one. The first articles outline new "spall liners" for our ASLAV (LAV-25) vehicles and new under armoured weapons mounts for vehicles without turrets. A new weapons training simulation system has also been announced.

Better Protection For Deployed Troops


(Source: Australian Department of Defence; issued June 23, 2004)


Defence Minister Robert Hill today announced two projects designed to significantly enhance the level of protection provided to Australian troops deployed in Australian Light Armoured Vehicles (ASLAV).

The first of these projects will strengthen the interior lining of ASLAVs due to be deployed to Iraq in August, providing increased protection against rocket-propelled grenades and ballistic attack. 'Spall liners' made from a Kevlar-type material will be fitted to the vehicles at a cost of $2.85 million.

"The spall liners increase protection provided to soldiers by minimising the internal damage to the vehicles if the armour is penetrated," Senator Hill said. "The purpose-built spall liner uses world-leading technology to reduce the impact of shaped charges such as those attached to rocket-propelled grenades and will also provide the ASLAVs with enhanced ballistic protection."

The second project will fit Kongsberg's Remote Weapons Station to the Personnel Carrier variant of the ASLAV at a cost of $8.9 million. This will provide extra protection to the crew commander.

"Remote weapons stations equipped with thermal imaging cameras enable the crew commander to operate the vehicle's 50 calibre machine gun around the clock and from within the vehicle, minimising their exposure to enemy fire," Senator Hill said.

"In addition, the remote weapons station can be fitted with a 40mm automatic grenade launcher and has the potential to incorporate the Javelin anti tank/bunker buster missile system."

Senator Hill said the Defence Materiel Organisation had worked closely with industry to rapidly acquire the two protective measures in response to capabilities required by soldiers on the ground in Iraq. "The recent introduction of the latest generation of ASLAVs into the 2nd Cavalry Regiment earlier this year coupled with these current rapid acquisition projects will ensure the next rotation of Australian troops will have the best equipped and protected light armoured vehicles to continue their valuable contribution to the rehabilitation of Iraq," Senator Hill said.

There are currently about 240 personnel protected by the six ASLAVs which provide security for Australia's diplomats and deployed forces throughout Iraq. The next rotation of personnel is due in about September.

Weapons Simulation System for Army


(Source: Australian Department of Defence; issued June 23, 2004)


Four state-of-the-art weapons training facilities will be constructed for the Australian Army to enhance marksmanship training and weapon handling, Defence Minister Robert Hill announced today.

The new Weapons Training Simulation Systems will be located at Latchford Barracks, Bonegilla in Victoria, Irwin Barracks in Perth and subsequently at sites in South Australia and Queensland.

The Army currently has nine facilities at Darwin, Townsville, Enogerra, Singleton, Duntroon, Holsworthy, Kapooka, Puckapunyal and Watsonia. The Royal Australian Air Force has two facilities at Williamtown and Amberley.

Senator Hill said the tender process would begin today with the release of the tender for the Bonegilla and Perth facilities. The project includes the acquisition of system hardware, software and modified weapons and installation at purpose built facilities. The total cost of the four new WTSS is estimated at $15 million.

“The Weapons Training Simulation System is a state-of-the-art laser-based small arms simulation system that is used to train Australian Defence Force personnel in marksmanship and weapon handling,†Senator Hill said.

“The facilities allow personnel to practice shooting with a range of laser-fitted weapons at computer-generated targets and scenarios. Trainers are then able to play back the exercise to provide feedback on accuracy and technique.â€

“The introduction of this simulation system in 1999 has proven to be a highly effective and efficient means of training ADF personnel in the handling and application of small arms.â€

The facilities in Victoria and Western Australia will be completed later this year, the extra weapons types will be delivered to eight of the existing sites and two of the new sites next year. The final two facilities in South Australia and Queensland are due to be completed by mid-2007.


ends.

 

[Pathfinder-X]

When will they replace all those outdated Leopard 1?? As far as I'm concerned these MBTs has not receive any upgrade since the date of purchase and is no match for modern armor like T-80 or even T-72.

 

[Aussie Digger]

This announcement was made on the 10th of March 2004 in relation to Australia's Tank Capability.

M1 Abrams Chosen as Australian Army’s Replacement Tank



The Government will equip the Australian Army with a fleet of 59 United States M1A1 Abrams Integrated Management main battle tanks to replace the ageing Leopards, Defence Minister Robert Hill announced today.

The project cost is about $550 million.

The Abrams tanks are significantly more capable than the current tank and will contribute to the Army becoming more lethal in future close combat.

The Government accepted Defence’s advice that the Abrams is the best capability and the best value for money with the lowest risk of the three replacement tank options examined.

Senator Hill said the new tanks would be introduced into service from 2007 and would be based with 1st Brigade in the Northern Territory.

"The tanks will be used by the Army to provide increased firepower, mobility and survivability for our soldiers on the battlefield," Senator Hill said.

"They will also improve the Army’s network centric warfare capability, supporting the development of a networked combined arms approach to operations – where armour, infantry, artillery, aviation and engineers work together to support and protect each other. "

The Abrams can reach speeds of up to 66km/h on Australian roads and up to
48 km cross country with a cruising range of up to 480kms, carrying four crew and ammunition. Each tank is equipped with a 120mm smooth bore cannon as its primary weapon and a 50-calibre machine gun for the tank commander in addition to two 7.62mm machine guns. They are capable of firing an advanced kinetic energy Tungsten penetrator against vehicles and a multi-purpose round for infantry support. They have also been designed to provide a level of protection for soldiers from nuclear, biological or chemical threats.

Senator Hill said that the Abrams, with an approximate combat weight of 63 tonnes, was only around 500kg heavier than its competitors. It can be deployed throughout the region using existing naval vessels and infrastructure. The introduction of new amphibious ships from 2010 will give the Army unprecedented mobility and deployability throughout our region and beyond.

In addition to the tanks, extra refueling, recovery and transport support vehicles, training simulators and an integrated logistic support package will be acquired from the United States. All these elements of the capability are included in the purchase price. Australian industry is expected to be involved in the provision of through-life support for the Abrams.

"The decision to purchase replacement tanks recognises the modern threat from the proliferation of shoulder-fired anti-armour weapons that our forces may encounter on their missions in the future," Senator Hill said.

"The new tanks will not only ensure that the Army can defend Australian territory but it will also provide additional firepower and protection to ensure deployed forces achieve rapid success while minimising friendly casualties."

Fact Sheet

Strategic Rationale for the Acquisition of a new Tank



The thinking underlying the decision to purchase the Abrams M1A1 reflects the same strategic rationale which the Government outlined in the Defence 2000 White Paper.
That white paper stated that the Government would ensure that ‘our land forces will have the combat weight they need to achieve their missions without undue risk’.
Today’s decision follows through on the Government’s commitment and is aligned with existing strategic policy as expressed in the White Paper.
A wide range of extremely lethal, concealable, high technology weapons are becoming available to our potential adversaries. These weapons can be carried, concealed and operated by one person. They are cheap and accessible.
This means that, even when we do not expect to meet major opposition (such as in peacekeeping or evacuation operations), our soldiers can encounter, without warning, highly lethal weapons of a standard that simply did not exist a few years ago.
It would be entirely irresponsible of the Government to send Australia’s young men and women into harm’s way without giving them adequate protection and the means to achieve their missions.
Capable tanks provide this capability. Independent scientific studies have shown that, where capable tanks are present, they reduce friendly casualties by a factor of six, and almost double the chance of mission success. Because of their precision firepower and excellent sensor systems, they also reduce casualties to innocent bystanders and prevent collateral environmental damage.
The current tank is becoming increasingly vulnerable to a proliferation of sophisticated anti-armour weapons and clearly we couldn’t continue with it in that threat environment on the battlefield.
The Government has accepted the Chief of Army’s argument that combined arms teams, including capable infantry, tanks, armoured vehicles, artillery, Special Forces and other elements, are essential for the Army to fulfil its role.
FACT SHEET

THE M1A1 ABRAMS INTEGRATED MANAGEMENT MAIN BATTLE TANK

During operations in Iraq the M1A1 clearly demonstrated it has the necessary firepower, mobility and survivability to achieve dominance on the battlefield as part of a combined arms team.
The M1A1 demonstrated its effectiveness in Iraq on many occasions. In one instance an M1A1 took a direct hit to the ammunition storage area, all of the rounds inside were detonated, however the crew survived and carried on with their mission.
Australian Warrant Officer Joe Day who was serving on exchange with the US Marine Corps 1st Light Armoured Reconnaissance Battalion during operations in Iraq commented that from his observations the M1A1 was the 'king of the battlefield and that light armour and infantry couldn't survive without tanks and guns'.
Warrant Officer Day also saw an M1A1 take a direct hit from an Iraqi T- 62 and then continue on and destroy the enemy tank.
The motor and transmission on the M1A1 performed so well in Iraq on the very long drives through difficult terrain that the US Tank Automotive and Armaments Command are not planning any further work on trying to extend the transmission hours as they do not need it.
The M1A1 AIM vehicle that Australia will procure will not be equipped with either Depleted Uranium armour or munitions. The armour on offer is of an advanced composite design, which is in accord with our capability requirements.
The new tank will fire an advanced kinetic energy Tungsten penetrator against vehicles and a multi-purpose round for infantry support. The tank is powered by a gas turbine engine, the AGT-1500. Gas turbine engines, including the AGT-1500, are truly multi-fuel. They offer excellent power/weight ratios compared to diesel engines.
They have a very good cold-start capability (unlike a diesel), with smooth torque and low vibration (an advantage for crews and sensitive onboard systems). The gas turbine motor is also substantially quieter than a traditional diesel tank engine ( like that in a Leopard 1). Additional tactical refuelling trucks to provide fuel for the tanks in the field are included in the $A550m package.

Outside of the US Army and US Marine Corps the M1A1 is operated by Egypt, Saudi Arabia and Kuwait.

The M1A1 AIM tank was selected for the following reasons:

The M1A1 AIM has the best overall survivability of the options considered. It offers battlefield proven protection for its crews.
The M1A1 AIM in Australian service will be very similar to the remainder of the large user community. It is part of a large fleet with stable, known operating costs, which will be in service beyond 2020.
They will be configured as part of a fleet of 3,500 similar vehicles across the world. These particular vehicles will be very similar to over 2,500 vehicles operated by the US to at least 2020.
The M1A1 AIM has the best potential to support network centric warfare. It offers a proven integrated and highly capable radio and battlespace management system.
The M1A1 AIM is assessed to have the least technical acquisition risk as the vehicle type and configuration for Australian service is already in production. It is a proven design, which is already in contract.
The M1A1 AIM is the right tank for Australian service. It is a highly survivable and affordable vehicle, with excellent potential for network centric warfare. The M1A1 provides the best value for Commonwealth dollar with low production and technical risk.
The Foreign Military Sales (FMS) offer for the M1A1 includes, spares, training, support vehicles, Armoured Recovery Vehicles, simulation systems, radios and ancillary equipment as part of the overall package.
The M1A1 that ADF will procure are essentially remanufactured vehicles. They have been returned to a zero miles zero hours condition. This will provide substantial cost benefits in comparison to purchasing new vehicles.
The M1A1 Abrams weighs less than 63,000 kilograms (<63 tonnes) when fully combat laden. This is only slightly heavier than the Leopard 2 and is lighter than the Challenger takes that were considered. All three tank options that were considered are within 1000 kg of each other in combat configuration. In transport configuration the M1A1 will weigh around 59-60 tonnes.
Additional Heavy Equipment Transporters and trailers will be procured under Project Land 121.
The crane that loaded tanks in Darwin would be capable of doing the same for M1. We have an ongoing discussion about strategic rail transport in Australia and the issue of appropriate rolling stock will continue to be discussed.

 

[Aussie Digger]

The ADF today announced that the first prject to acquire Unmanned Surveillance Aircraft for the ADF will be let to tender later this month. Here's the announcement:

Tenders Called for Tactical Unmanned Surveillance Planes

Defence will spend $100-$150 million to acquire a fleet of tactical unmanned surveillance planes under a Request for Tender to be released later this month, Defence Minister Robert Hill announced today.

Senator Hill said the aircraft would be capable of providing capabilities such as airborne surveillance, reconnaissance and target acquisition in support of land operations.

"The unmanned aircraft will be equipped with an integrated sensor capable of collecting video and still images by day and night," Senator Hill said.

"While the aircraft will operate autonomously, it will be remotely commanded and monitored from a ground station where the crew will process the imagery collected from the aircraft’s integrated sensor.

Whilst this will be the first mature Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) system acquired by the Australian Defence Force, Senator Hill said a trial of the small Aerosonde UAV in the Solomon Islands last year had proved the importance of such capabilities for the ADF of the future. Additionally, the tactical UAV system would be complemented by a larger high-altitude strategic UAV, such as the Global Hawk, as foreshadowed in the Defence Capability Plan.

Senator Hill said the new capability would be operated by the Australian Army, with a new Surveillance and Target Acquisition Regiment to be formed and located at Enoggera Barracks in Brisbane. The new regiment would also include the existing 131 Surveillance and Target Acquisition Battery, together with a Combat Support Services Battery.

Senator Hill said the project had attracted worldwide interest, with suitable systems currently in service with the armed forces of many countries, including the US, Israel, Canada, South Africa and several European countries.

"Australian industry is set to benefit from the project, through partnership in the international bids expected from France, Israel, South Africa and United States", Senator Hill said.

Tactical unmanned aerial vehicles are available in both fixed and rotary wing configurations and can be launched and recovered in a variety of ways, including conventional wheeled take-off and landing, vertical take-off and landing, catapult launch and parachute recovery.

The aircraft wingspans are typically up to 10 metres and they will have payload capacities of up to 150kg. The aircraft will have a radius of action of at least 150km and up to 24 hours endurance.

The Request for Tender will be issued at the end of July, with bids due by November. Selection of the successful tenderer is expected to occur by May 2005.

Last Friday, Senator Hill visited General Atomics flight operations facility at Palm Dale, south of Los Angeles, where he observed test flights of General Atomics’ Predator and Mariner UAVs.

Last year, Senator Hill also inspected Northrop Grumman’s Global Hawk UAV

 

[gf0012-aust]

The ADF today announced that the first prject to acquire Unmanned Surveillance Aircraft for the ADF will be let to tender later this month. Here's the announcement:

Tenders Called for Tactical Unmanned Surveillance Planes

IIRC Coastwatch have indicated that they will be using Mariner B's. If that's the case then it might put some pressure on Global Hawk being selected - that's assuming that they decide that the synergies and operability are too good to pass up.

 

[Aussie Digger]

True GF, but the Predator-B doesn't have the capabilities of the Globalhawk, AFAIK, ie: transit speed, payload etc. It would be excellent for Coastwatch, but I wonder if the RAAF will consider it capable enough, though no doubt it's the right price...

 

[gf0012-aust]

True GF, but the Predator-B doesn't have the capabilities of the Globalhawk, AFAIK, ie: transit speed, payload etc. It would be excellent for Coastwatch, but I wonder if the RAAF will consider it capable enough, though no doubt it's the right price...

Hard to say, and that assumes that the decision making process is not a "brass plate" affair. The B has a longer range and a greater payload. Not sure about absolute altitude. I was under the impression that the B does carry more than the GH and does have the legs as well. If you look at wingspan - I'd bet that the GH does have an absolute altitude advantage. The B is also a better candidate for weapons release. There has been some resistance to the notion of gunning up the GH as it would remove some "notional" protection under various conventions. In a shooting war that will come to nought though.

I think the Global Hawk is pretty much a shoe in though. They've already set up the Squadron and infrastructure as such out at Edinburgh. One would assume that with all the experience they've amassed since development that they would stay committed. I see this as pretty much being a predictable outcome in the vein of the Abrams and JSF.

The idea to use the GH as a race track runner for maritime surveillance was originally a RAAF idea which the USN/AF have now picked up on. I'd think that historical knowledge etc will weight it in favour of the GH.

 

[Aussie Digger]

There seems to be a bit of political interest in the GH, but there has been a few rumblings of late of acquiring a "Global Hawk like" capability... Although the good news is that the RAAF version will be a dual use land/maritime surveillance capability, something the RAAF has lacked for a long time, though it does possess a degree of capability now with the upgrades to the AP-3C. A weaponised UAV for the RAAF would be useful, and I'm not aware of any technical reasons why weapons couldn't be fitted to the GH, though I haven't heard of any proposals to do such a thing.

 

[gf0012-aust]

Although the good news is that the RAAF version will be a dual use land/maritime surveillance capability, something the RAAF has lacked for a long time, though it does possess a degree of capability now with the upgrades to the AP-3C.

They were using AP3's in Iraq to track vehicle movement, so they have the capability. Plus the FLIR upgrade makes a huge difference

A weaponised UAV for the RAAF would be useful, and I'm not aware of any technical reasons why weapons couldn't be fitted to the GH, though I haven't heard of any proposals to do such a thing.

I think the issue for the GH lies in structural capability. It just doesn't have the structural capability to load up a few mavericks, hellfires, standoffs etc on rails. I've seen one a few times over the last few years and it struck me as being a little thin in the chord area to be able to support an air launched weapon. Plus those wings are flapping around like an epileptic budgie at high altitude. They go through a bit of travel - and that would be a bit scarey if they were loaded up as well.

That's an uneducated opinion though.

 

[Aussie Digger]

Here's an article outlining likely weapons acquisitions for the Australian Army over the next 5 years or so...

Hitting Harder - Future Army Firepower Assets

Australia's harder, leaner army will field an impressive array of firepower over the coming years.

Ian Bostock | Sydney

One of the objectives of Chief of Army Lt. General Peter Leahy during his tenure is clearly to beef up the firepower capabilities of his force. Leahy wants Army to be able to strike at an enemy more decisively and more often, Basically, it must hit harder.


All this is hardly rocket science and much of what is coming Army's way in terms of new and enhanced firepower assets should have been on inventory years ago. In many ways Army has had to fight too hard to secure delivery of weapons systems and equipment that should have been on hand as a matter of course - part of the curse of being configured as a light infantry-centric army over the last 20 years intended to fight small to mid size incursions across our northern expanses.


The following is an overview of the areas in which Army can expect to receive firepower improvements and some of the possible materiel solutions to bring about those improvements.


Artillery: Via Project Land 17 two outcomes are likely at this stage. One is the acquisition of a new wheeled 155mm 52 calibre self-propelled howitzer (SPH) to replace the M-198 155mm towed howitzer. The other is an upgrade to the existing L118 Hamel 105mm Light Gun.


With top-of-the-range full-size tracked SPHs probably falling outside the scope of Land 17 - not to mention being too heavy, complex and expensive to buy and own - wheeled SPHs of 155mm 52 calibre offer a good compromise: excellent strategic and good tactical mobility and reduced ownership costs. Again, wheeled SPHs in excess of 30 tonnes combat weight will no doubt beg the question from the Land 17 project office of what are the advantages of the extra weight and armour protection. This may count against systems such as the Denal G6 which tips the scales at 47 tonnes in combat weight and is very heavy for a wheeled vehicle of any sort, let alone one with just six wheels.


More feasible for Australia's purposes will be wheeled SPHs such as the Giat Caesar, the Soltam ATMOS and Bofors Defence FH77 BW L52, all of which are based around 6x6 truck chassis with protected crew cabs. Combat weight is 17.7, 21 and 30 tonnes respectively.


The preferred solution to the planned Non-Line of Sight Cannon (N-LOSC) element of the US Army's Future Combat System may also be a candidate. Those N-LOSC systems demonstrated so far are all tracked and have a combat weight of less than 20 tonnes to enable C-130 transportability - a factor which may well prove null and void for Army, as the RAAF's C-130J-30s (because of their stretched fuselage) have a reduced payload of 17 tonnes.


While a more mobile, responsive and survivable 155mm SPH is a worthy goal, the M-198 towed guns should not be discarded. In Iraq, the US Marines and US Army relied heavily on the M-198's firepower and range to isolate and neutralise enemy forces. Indeed, by no means have the majority of artillery engagements in Iraq to date involve manoeuvre operations where SPHs are forced to employ ëshoot and scoot' tactics to avoid counter battery fire and keep up with fast-moving mechanised forces. The old-style gun lines of howitzer batteries lined up and hammering the opposing side for extended periods were in evidence. The Australian Army could use the introduction of a new 155mm artillery capability to get rid of its stocks of pre-Vietnam War era M2A2 105mm guns currently equipping Reserve units and cascade the M-198s down to them.


The Hamel guns are by no means past their use by date either, although previous to operational observations in Iraq the Army had plans to withdraw the type from service with all units except perhaps the parachute battalion. To grant the Army's L118 Hamel gun more range a retrofit of a longer barrel (as used on the British L119 Light Gun) seems a strong chance. For a little extra weight (all in the new barrel) maximum effective range can be extended from t/cÖ..km to t/c..Ökm. In addition, new ammunition natures are being developed which look likely to improve the range and also the lethality of the 105mm artillery round, therefore reviving its relevance against modern threats and targets.


120mm Mortar: While procurement of an ASLAV-mounted 120mm mortar under Land 135 has been deleted from the current DCP the possibility of Army fielding a 120mm mortar capability should not be ruled out in the medium term, probably under a later phase of Land 17. The enduring characteristics and the very considerable terminal effects of 120mm mortars and 120mm mortar ammunition (which some claim is equal to 155mm artillery rounds in some circumstances) mean that the effect generated cannot easily be duplicated by either 155mm or 105mm artillery. This is particularly the case with transportability by light vehicle and air. Terrain to Australia's immediate north also favours the use of indirect fire support weapons which can be fired at a high angle, easily moved around the battlefield by helicopter and preferably broken down and man-packed for deployment on foot. Systems need not be turreted but should be vehicle-mounted or at least towed to provide a degree of operational self-deployability and tactical mobility.


M1A1 Abrams - 120mm Smoothbore: While on the subject of 120mm calibre weapons, the M256 smoothbore 120mm main armament of the M1A1 AIM (D) Abrams main battle tanks (MBT) heading Army's way in the next couple of years is a big step up from the Leopard AS1's 105mm gun: longer range, greater armour penetration, excellent accuracy and guaranteed ongoing developments in ammunition natures and effectiveness. 1st Armoured Regiment crews will be able to engage a wider number of targets at greater stand-off ranges and with a higher chance of achieving a first-round kill. In keeping with Army's employment of tanks in support of mechanised infantry and consistent with its most recent combat experience involving MBTs (Vietnam) a 120mm canister round will no doubt be on the shopping list.


An often missed element of the M1 Abrams' weapons suite is that capability provided by the secondary armaments. The crew commander's M2 12.7mm heavy machine gun (HMG) weapon station can be slewed left and right and fired under armour if required. It has been used extensively by American M1 crews in the fighting in Iraq as a means of engaging enemy infantry, protected positions and soft-skinned targets without resorting to use of the main armament, not to mention as a close-range self-defence weapon. Added to the .50 cal are two 7.62mm M240 machine guns (one co-axial, one pintle-mounted at the loader's hatch); the Army will likely swap the latter for the standard issue MAG-58 7.62mm general purpose machine gun (GPMG) as fitted to the turret of the ASLAV-25.


M113AS4 Turret: The development and selection of a new one-man gun turret for the 171 (out of a total of 350) upgraded M113 armoured personnel carriers under Land 106 is, of course, done and dusted. The Tenix 12.7mm HMG turret provides no actual increase in firepower with respect to weapon calibre, but by all accounts the system enables more rapid and accurate target acquisition and weapon aiming, which is all controlled via joystick. As an optional extra the turret can be stabilised to provide a fire-on-the-move capability.


ASLAV-25: Out of the 257 ASLAV 8x8 wheeled armoured cavalry vehicles which will eventually end up on Army's inventory, Öt/c.. of these will be the ASLAV-25 variant. Sporting a fully-stabilised, two-man turret armed with a 25mm M242 Bushmaster cannon, the ASLAV-25's weapons system provides very handy medium-range direct fire support against everything except high-end infantry fighting vehicles and MBTs out to around 2000m.


Given the fact that General Dynamics Land Systems-Australia is the sole source of LAV-25 turret fabrication in the world outside that done in North America for the US Army's Stryker brigades, there is a strong argument in favour of junking the Tenix 12.7mm HMG turret and installing the 25mm gun turret in the M113AS4. This would realise a very significant increase in firepower and targeting and achieve serious commonality between two otherwise very different armoured fighting vehicle fleets.


BACWS: The ADI developed Behind Armour Commander's Weapon Station (BACWS) is a long time coming to fruition and appears still to be in limbo. Which is a shame, because it is sorely needed on the ASLAV-PC variant to replace the cupola-mounted 12.7mm HMG mount. With its integrated sighting system and powered traverse, the BACWS provides improved weapon aiming and firing accuracy, and gives the operator the option of engaging targets under armour protection.


Bushmaster Weapons Carrier: Another potential beneficiary of the BACWS is the Bushmaster 4x4 infantry mobility vehicle (IMV), although no known plans exist for its installation. The Bushmaster IMV variant sporting BACWS would be a quantum leap forward from the current plan to fit a simple gun ring with a 5.56mm or 7.62mm machine gun on an unprotected pintle-type mount.


At this early stage in the developmental life of Bushmaster the weapons carrier variant does not include a turreted weapon system of any description. However, perceptions about vehicle self-defence and the provision of direct fire support change as operational experiences are observed and lessons learned. So don't be surprised if the utility value of the basic Bushmaster platform inspires weapon system fits that enable targets to be engaged at stand-off ranges (i.e. outside RPG range).


Assault Weapons: Speaking of stand-off weapons, it is not beyond the realms of possibility that Army will follow the trend of other forces and augment its stocks of Javelin anti-armour/assault guided weapons to equip a variety of land mobility platforms such as ASLAV-PC, Bushmaster or even M113AS4.


The venerable Carl Gustav 84mm recoilless rifle is likely to receive an on-mount upgrade of some sort, probably related to its sighting system and/or its ability to be aimed and fired at night and fed improved or additional ammunition natures. Any such enhancements would be realised under Phase 2 of Land 40. To supplement the Carl Gustav at shorter engagement ranges, Land 40 Phase 2 may also seek one-man, one-shot disposable shoulder-fired assault weapons to replace Army's stocks of the obsolescent M72.


Direct Fire: Land 40 Phase 2 is one of those projects which will, essentially, bring infantry firepower to levels where it should have been 10 or 15 years ago. The weapons this project will bring on board are almost certain to include tripod-mounted 12.7mm HMGs, tripod-mounted 40mm automatic grenade launchers, and perhaps latest generation weapons such as the US Army's developmental Objective Crew Served Weapon. The latter uses impact and air burst fuze 25mm ammunition technology in a two-man package to engage targets across a broad range of scenarios with very high first round hit probability. It is understood to be particularly effective against troops in defilade.


Anti-Materiel Rifle: The Accuracy International AW-50F 12.7mm anti-materiel rifle (AMR) is already on issue to Army and is an entirely new capability for Australian infantry. There is some internal debate as to which sub-units the AW-50F should be allocated, but most who have had anything to do with AMRs and their employment agree that to truly harness the inherent destructive power and long-range of the 12.7mm cartridge requires trained snipers, rather than simply soldiers out of the infantry company's direct fire support weapons platoon. In order for Australian Army snipers to engage a wider variety of targets with enhanced accuracy and terminal effects look for additional and improved ammunition natures to be acquired over the medium term.

 

[Aussie Digger]

JOINT COMBINED TRAINING CENTRE A BOOST TO LOCAL INDUSTRY AND DEFENCE



The Joint Combined Training Centre initiative will provide vital training experience for the Australian Defence Force as well as providing a valuable boost to local Communities, Defence Minister Robert Hill said today.

"The JCTC initiative will establish a network of state-of-the-art facilities where Australian and U.S. forces can undertake joint training, supported by improved instrumentation and simulation," Senator Hill said.

Earlier this month Senator Hill announced that Australia and the U.S. had agreed to the concept of developing a Joint Combined Training Centre at the annual Australia-United States Ministerial consultations (AUSMIN) in Washington.

Under the JCTC concept, Shoalwater Bay Training Area in Queensland, and Bradshaw Field Training Area and the Delamere Range facility in the Northern Territory, will be upgraded and subsequently linked with compatible US training facilities. Specific projects in relation to the upgrades still need to be approved by both Governments in the coming months.

"The initial priority will be to upgrade SWBTA’s facilities to better support Exercise Talisman Sabre 2007.

"Talisman Sabre 2007 has been programmed for some time and will see Australian and U.S. Military personnel undertake land, sea, and air training in a variety of simulated scenarios.

"The Talisman Sabre series is a major exercise – other training activities supported by JCTC facilities may be much smaller and include exercises by units such as Rockhampton’s 42 RQR.

"The U.S. is not seeking to base forces in Australia and the U.S. has made no request to pre-position training equipment in Australia. The Australian Government will continue to own, manage and control all JCTC facilities located in Australia."

In relation to Shoalwater Bay, Senator Hill said Defence was aware of its importance to the Livingston Shire and expects that this initiative will give a significant economic boost to the region.

"Preliminary findings from research by the Central Queensland University indicate that Defence’s contribution to the Central Queensland Region economy is estimated to be up to $50 million dollars during years when large multi-national exercises are conducted. This contribution is through the purchase of food, electricity, fuel, equipment, repairs and other goods and services," Senator Hill said.

"The Government appreciates that Shoalwater Bay is an important heritage and environmental asset and Defence is aware of its responsibility to protect and manage this land.

"Defence has for many years made financial contributions to the upkeep of roads to Shoalwater Bay and is currently consulting with the Livingstone Shire on the level of Defence contribution in the 2004/05 Financial Year.

"Any the new facilities needed to support these activities will involve appropriate consultation and be developed in accordance with our current rigorous environmental planning considerations under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act.

"A consultative process is in place which includes regular meetings of the Shoalwater Bay Environmental Advisory Committee. This will continue to be the case with any changes associated with the JCTC."

 

[Aussie Digger]

ARTILLERY ORIENTING SYSTEM FOR ARMY


Adelaide-based BAE Systems Australia has been selected to supply the Australian Army with 16 state-of-the-art Artillery Orienting Systems under a project worth $10.5 million, Defence Minister Robert Hill announced today.

Senator Hill said the orienting systems provided the Army with an upgraded capability, enabling ground troops to determine their orientation and position information in any weather condition.

"The systems are capable of surveying the battlefield and providing information on the exact location of Army personnel and their indirect fire weapons systems," Senator Hill said.

"They can be mounted on vehicles or deployed with soldiers to provide a highly-accurate inertial-based surveying capability that is available for use in all conditions independently of the Global Positioning System.

"The capability will support safe, timely and efficient offensive support to the Land Army by providing more accurate target engagement.

"The systems will be located in Regular Army artillery units in Darwin, Brisbane, Townsville, Sydney and Puckapunyal."

The first of the orienting systems will enter service next year with the final system being delivered in 2006.

This is an interim capability designed to improve the accuracy and speed wth which Australia's current M198 and L118 Howitzers can be brought into action. Hopefully details of the Australian Armies Artillery replacement program are announced shortly.

 

[Aussie Digger]

The details of the previously announced ASLAV upgrades have been made public and the first 6 vehicles have been upgraded. Here's a pic of the remote weapon station to be fitted to the ASLAV PC.

Here is the announcement from the Minister for Defence.

2nd Cavalry Regiment Completes Preparations For Next Rotation to Iraq

Darwin-based Defence personnel have completed preparations for their deployment to Iraq next month as part of the security detachment for Australian military trainers, diplomats and contractors, Defence Minister Robert Hill announced today.

Senator Hill made the announcement while visiting members of the 2nd Cavalry Regiment based at Robertson Barracks with the Member for Solomon, David Tollner.

Senator Hill said the personnel would replace troops that have been deployed in Iraq since February.

They will be deployed with six of the latest generation of Australian Light Armoured Vehicles that have been significantly upgraded to provide a greater level of protection to the troops.

"Defence has moved quickly to ensure these soldiers have the best equipped and protected vehicles to continue their valuable contribution to the rehabilitation of Iraq," Senator Hill said.

"The ASLAVs have been fitted with state-of-the-art ARMATEC spall liners and the Kongsberg Remote Weapon Station in record time so that our soldiers do not have to unnecessarily expose themselves to danger and so they can operate by day and by night.

"The Defence Materiel Organisation worked closely with industry to rapidly acquire the two protective measures in response to capabilities required by soldiers on the ground in Iraq."

The spall liners provide a significantly higher level of protection to the crew through the ability to absorb the energy of projectiles that may penetrate the vehicle hull. This technology discretely enhances the ballistic levels of the vehicle and also mitigates against rocket attacks.

The Remote Weapon Station, which has been integrated by the Defence Material Organisation in association with the Land Engineering Agency, enables the crew commander of the vehicle to provide accurate fire, by day and night and in reduced visibility from within the protection of the vehicle’s hull. This system is the same as those used and proven in battle by the US Army Stryker vehicles already deployed in Iraq.

"Personnel from the 2nd Cavalry Regiment have just finished familiarisation and live fire qualification training on the Remote Weapon Station at the Mount Bundy Training Area and are ready for deployment," Senator Hill said.

Senator Hill will also take time to talk with members of the 5th/7th Battalion Royal Australian Regiment who will be deploying as part of the security detachment in Iraq. The Australian Army security detachment in Iraq comprises 12 ASLAVs and about 120 personnel.

Available from www.defence.gov.au

 

[Aussie Digger]

Here's an article about the Australian Army's new Remote Weapon Station that is fitted to ASLAV's serving in Iraq. This system will eventually be fitted to all ASLAV's in service and hopefully our Bushmaster IMV's. These systems operate 0.50 Cal machine guns at present as well as Mk 19 40mm Automatic Grenade Launchers which are fielded in Iraq (as a trial). They will also be integrated with Javelin MRAAW weapons in the near future dramatically boosting the firepower of our ASLAV's...

2 Cav Regt bombed up
New weapons to help beef up ASLAVs in Iraq

THE introduction of the Remote Weapon Station (RWS) to 2 Cav Regt’s ASLAV 3 PC vehicles has significantly increased potency and protection levels.

The new Kongsberg RWS’s capabilities were recently demonstrated at the Mount Bundy firing range to soldiers about to deploy to Iraq with the vehicles.

CA Lt-Gen Peter Leahy, RSM-A WO Kevin Woods and Commander 1 Bde Brig John Cantwell, were also on hand to witness the demonstration, which included the firing of the Mk 19 Automatic Grenade Launcher (AGL), a new weapon in the ADF arsenal.

The RWS provides the ability to engage targets with either a 50 calibre Heavy Machine Gun (HMG) or the Mk 19 AGL remotely, and both weapons are being fielded in Iraq.

Capt Ben Passmore, 2 Cav Regt Technical Adjutant, said the benefits of the RWS are many.

“The ability to select which weapon is mounted in the RWS gives the mission commander greater flexibility in choosing weapon combinations to suit a particular task and threat environment,†he said.

“The provision of below-armour protection for the crew commander is also another major improvement.

“All this is combined with a 24-hour capable weapons sighting and imaging system that can engage targets out to 2000m, improving crew and vehicle survivability.

“We think the system is outstanding, and look forward to it being fitted to the entire ASLAV 3 PC fleet.â€

The RWS incorporates a thermal imagery sight, day camera, and laser range-finder mounted in a single platform.

They are linked to a ballistic computer, turning the ASLAV-PC into an accurate and effective fighting machine.

Once the target is sighted, the system’s computer will give the most probable target solution, providing high probability of a first-round hit.

Future upgrades to the RWS include plans to incorporate full weapon stabilisation, auto-track and auto-lay capabilities and the ability to mount the Javelin missile in conjunction with either the 50 calibre HMG or Mk 19 AGL.

Here's a pic.

 

[Aussie Digger]

Hard and fast
Protective gear introduced in rapid acquisition


The new ballistic plates recently shipped to Iraq were tested against 20mm fragmentation. The plates will gradually replace the current-issue ballistic plate Army-wide. Photos by Pte John Wellfare, Army newspaper
By Pte John Wellfare

TROOPS serving in Iraq have begun to receive a collection of new equipment in a rapid acquisition initiative to increase the level of individual soldier protection.

Key equipment items currently issued or en-route to troops in Iraq include new body armour and ballistic plates, advanced shell dressings and a coolant vest, as well as the recently acquired Enhanced Combat Helmet. Testing has also been underway on a protective visor for use with the helmet in static positions.

Staff Officer Equipment Management Lt-Col Nick Stanton said the new items had been procured quickly in a bid to increase the level of protection for Australian soldiers serving in Iraq in the shortest possible time.

‘THE CDF [Gen Peter Cosgrove] saw the prototypes on the July 12, and he said ‘that’s what I want, go and get it’, which was the trigger to get everything that was available within the week,†Lt-Col Stanton said.

“The body armour wasn’t done, but [Gen Cosgrove’s approval] was the trigger to continue the development.â€

The production of body armour occurred immediately and the first vests were scheduled to leave for Iraq on September 20, for issue to the Secdet, with all troops in country expected to have the armour by November 1.

The new body armour, in which front and rear ballistic plates are inserted, provides shoulder, neck and side protection, as well as detachable groin and buttock flaps for use in static positions.

A NATA independent testing authority had to conduct ballistic testing of the body armour to ensure it met with requirements, before the equipment could be sent to troops in Iraq.

The new ballistic plate now in use in Iraq provides the same level of protection as earlier models, but, at 1.7kg, weighs about 800g less than the previous plate.

Testing of the ballistic plate in combination with the new body armour is still underway.

200 coolant vests were also sent on short notice. The off-the-shelf vests use non-poisonous chemical crystals that react with water to form a gel that can be refrigerated and remain cold for up-to a few hours.

Lt-Col Stanton said the vests had been procured to provide a quick solution to the intense heat in Iraq and that DSTO was developing technology for possible introduction across the ADF in the future.

Soldier Support Systems Program Office ADF Clothing Staff Officer Norm Thomas said the speedy procurement process had been made possible by the collaborative effort between a number of organisations, particularly Army Headquarters, DMO and industry.

“From July 12 to September 14 we managed to get [body armour] first-time designed, built and tested, and over there for the 20th [of September], so the time frames are pretty good there,†he said.

“We still put it to tender, but I reduced the tender time to one week only.

“We said in our tender documents: ‘the essence of this tender is – fully comply with specifications, delivery will be of the essence, combined with value for money and competitive pricing’.

“It’s important to have good market intelligence so that we can react to meet these directives.

“Industry need to be patted on the back; they met the challenge. We’ve said we want urgent delivery, they’ve dropped whatever jobs they were doing and they’ve put these jobs up front.â€

Mr Thomas said it was important that quality control was not lost in the rush to provide the required items and DMO’s other projects could not be allowed to fall by the wayside either.

“There’s a lot of trust put on us because we’ve said we can deliver and we’ve shown that we can,†he said.

Keep an eye out for a more detailed look at the new kit items in future editions of Army

Here's a pic of the kit.

Both stories obtained from www.defence.gov.au

 

[nzbm]

Why are you guys getting M1A1's when the current model is M1A2? US Army second hand ones?

 

[Aussie Digger]

The version of the tank we are getting is a refurbished (ie: "zero-timed") M1A1 AIM model. This version is being completely refurbished from the ground up and fitted with a new fire control and command, control and communication (C3I) system. It is also being equipped with the latest Tungsten Penetrator and "canister" ammunition...

I think there are 2 main reasons we are purchasing this tank instead of the M1A2. 1, (and the most important) is that it is probably cheaper to purchase refurb'd tanks. 2, The Australian Government has significant concerns over the use of depleted Uranium munitions and armour. Our M1A1's won't have any DU incorporated in it...

 

[nzbm]

OK. Thanks for clearing that up Aussie Digger.
It's good you won't be using Depleted Uranium shells. Your new tanks won't get much protests from Greenpeace :-0

 

[Kalkara]

The Weapons Training Simulation Systems are most likely FATS systems provided by Firearms Training Systems based in Atlanta Georgia.

FATS also have a regional base in Albury, NSW Australia.

 

[Aussie Digger]

Here's the details of the latest defence acquisition for Australian forces. Anyone think it's timing is a coincidence given the announcment today of an increased Australian prescence in Iraq, with an Infantry company, an armoured vehicle Squadron, an engineering group a support group and an HQ group being deployed shortly...

Obtained from:www.defence.gov.au

$35 million defence package to BOOST army’s combat capability
Australian Defence Force personnel will be better equipped to defeat enemy forces on the battlefield under a $35 million equipment package announced today by Defence Minister Robert Hill.

Senator Hill said the package will improve the fighting capability and safety of the Army’s regular infantry battalions in future combat operations.

"Delivering on a Coalition election promise, our infantry soldiers will receive enhanced night fighting equipment, improved load carrying equipment, additional protective clothing, improved body armour and a significant increase in communications equipment," Senator Hill said.

"Our Special Forces have already proved the effectiveness of some of these technologies during recent operations and the Government has decided to deliver some of the same equipment to the regular infantry battalions."

The package, to be introduced from late 2005, is part of Army’s Project Wundurra which is an evolutionary project that will continue to monitor emerging technologies and ensure our soldiers are equipped with the necessary capabilities for the future.

This equipment purchase is scheduled to be delivered within 18 months and will complement other Government initiatives to improve our soldiers capability on the battlefield.

Recent initiatives include the upgrade of 350 M113 tracked armoured vehicles, the delivery of new ASLAV wheeled armoured reconnaissance vehicles, the introduction of the Bushmaster infantry mobility vehicles, the purchase of Abrams tanks and the increase in Army’s helicopter troop lift capability.

Senator Hill said that the Coalition Government has given the men and women of the ADF a long-term commitment to provide them with the necessary equipment and support they need to safely carry out the operations that are asked of them. This project is another example of this Government delivering on this commitment.