Wednesday, March 28, 2012

Nick Dwyer Concepts...fanciful but cool!







I found these because I was looking for some concept art for a two seat F-35.  Then I ran across Nick's site.  His concepts are fanciful...weird...but cool at the same time.

Don't hit me with how impractical they are...this is just fun...enjoy and check out his spot.

African nations continue to buy....


I think that if we read between the lines, we can see the Obama administration mollifying the Brazilian's by probably (I emphasize that this is pure speculation) purchasing Super Tucano's for 3 African nations. 

Next flashpoint will be Africa.  If you thought the Middle East has been a wild ride, then just wait.  IF we end up fighting in Africa then you're going to see stuff that will shock and horrify. 

via DefesaGlobal.
Brazil´s Embraer Defense & Security has signed contracts with three African states for the acquisition of A-29 Super Tucano light attack and advanced training aircraft.
The Burkina Faso Air Force has already received three aircraft that are used on border patrol missions. The Angola Air Force will receive the first three of six aircraft in 2012 while Mauritania´s Air Force will receive undisclosed quantities.
The total value of the contracts including an extensive logistical, training, and replacement parts package are worth more than US$ 180 million

Forward Control Jeep.

Wow.

Just wow.  Looks like a .... well it looks cool to me.






24th MEU ships out...


USS IWO JIMA (LHD 7) – Marines with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron VMM-261 (Reinforced), 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, offload from an MV-22 Osprey aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Iwo Jima, March 27, 2012. The 24th MEU, partnered with the Navy’s Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group, is deploying to the European and Central Command theaters of operation to serve as a theater reserve and crisis response force capable of a variety of missions from full-scale combat operations to humanitarian assistance and disaster relief. Official Marine Corps Video by Lance Cpl. Tucker Wolf.

GearScout on the SafariLand...

I'm still a bit  jaded on the Kydex everything trend that I see but I kinda like this one.  Still have my doubts about Kydex being superior to 1000 Denier Cordura Nylon when it comes to pouches and such but we'll see.

JLTV. Still only 3 competitors.



Not much to say on this.

After all the lead up.

After all the effort to get more companies to compete in the JLTV competition...we're still down to only 3 viable solutions.

In my opinion only Lockheed Martin, BAE and General Tactical Vehicles are viable solutions.  Either one of these offerings will work.

So we're back to another price shootout.

The Pentagon better hope that manufacturers don't catch on to the game they're playing.  If they do then the troops will be riding bicycles into combat because gold platted systems (that get added on to) with a pauper's paycheck don't mix.

AM General BRV-O...looks like a HUMVEE Upgrade to me....

OshKosh L-ATV...

Navistar...

My buddy CB challenged me in the comments and stated that the other competitors were worthy and that I shouldn't dismiss them.

I included the links above so that you could evaluate them for yourself.  I smell the stench of Army procurement woes creeping into this program.  Instead of a separate HUMVEE upgrade and JLTV program, it looks like we're seeing programs merge...much like the GCV and M-113 replacement comp is.


CH-46's for sale...

via ShepardMedia...
Three Latin American nations have expressed interest in purchasing former US Marine Corps (USMC) CH-46 Sea Knights, it has been revealed.
The aircraft, which are being retired to the boneyard by the marines in favour of the V-22 Osprey, have been subjected to a series of upgrades prior to retirement because of the Osprey's late introduction. The upgrades have given the Sea Knights increased airframe life making them ideal candidates for refurbishment and new roles overseas.
'Although it hasn't got the capability of the CH-47 Chinook, the CH-46 is still a very capable helicopter for troop transport and search and rescue, particularly with its tandem-rotor stability,' said Earl Godby, head of business development for maintenance, modifications and upgrades at Boeing Defense.
'The marines spent $1.2 billion upgrading the fleet and there is still plenty of life left in them, most of them have around 10,000 hours on them but they have a 17,000 hour airframe life.'
Godby said that despite the type's age, the aircraft are still achieving serviceability levels of in excess of 80%.
Several Sea Knights have already been refurbished and modified by the US Navy's Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) for use by the US State Department Air Wing, although Boeing has not been involved in this project. Boeing would however be involved if a request was made through the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) scheme for the type.
Hmmm.

How many flight hours does a helicopter ramp up per year????

Being extremely generous, lets say they get 1000 flight hours per year.

That's an additional 7 years we're throwing away by getting rid of these helos now.  That just doesn't sit well with me.  This is another reason to slow the purchases of the MV-22's...get full service out of these CH-46's and win a couple of things here.

Save money now...

Reprogram that money to either save a Infantry Battalion or two or maybe buy those CH-53K's...

Or just save that money for the taxpayers and send it back to the treasury.  Getting rid of equipment before its fully used up is not the Marine Corps way.