India's Russian-built Aircraft Carrier Starts Sea Trials

The Indian Navy's Russian-built aircraft carrier Vikramaditya (formerly Admiral Gorshkov) began sea trials early on Friday morning in the White Sea - four years after it was originally due to take to sea again.

The ship was refitted at the Sevmash shipyard in northern Russia. It was originally scheduled to begin sea trials, which will last 120 days, on May 25.
A mixed Russian-Indian crew is on board the vessel, with the Indian sailors learning how to operate the vessel. After initial sea trials in the White Sea the ship will sail to the Barents Sea for exercises with military aircraft.
India and Russia signed a $947 million dollar deal in 2005 for the purchase of the carrier, but delivery has already been delayed twice, pushing up the cost of refurbishing the carrier to $2.3 billion.
Sevmash shipyard director Vladimir Pastukhov, was fired in 2007 over his poor management of the project.
The Vikramaditya was originally built as the Soviet Project 1143.4 class aircraft carrier Admiral Gorshkov.
The ship was laid down in 1978 at the Nikolayev South shipyard in Ukraine, launched in 1982, and commissioned with the Soviet Navy in 1987.
It was renamed after the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991. In 1994, the Admiral Gorshkov sat in dock for a year for repairs after a boiler room explosion. In 1995, it briefly returned to service but was was finally withdrawn and put up for sale in 1996.
The ship has a displacement of 45,000 tons, a maximum speed of 32 knots and an endurance of 13,500 nautical miles (25,000 km) at a cruising speed of 18 knots.
India has already started taking delivery of MiG-29K naval fighter aircraft for the Vikramaditya, as they were ready before the refit was completed. The MiG-29Ks will operate in STOBAR (short take-off but assisted recovery via arresting wires) mode.
The MiG-29K was reportedly selected over the larger and more-capable Su-33 naval fighter because India also hopes to operate them from its smaller, indigenous “Project-71 Air Defense Ship” carriers, according to defenseindustrydaily.com.

One of only four existing F-117s returns to Edwards

EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- The retired YF-117 Nighthawk (S/N 79-10783) known for flying over Edwards in the final four-ship formation flight more than six years ago returned to Edwards once again, but this time to join the Air Force Flight Test Center Museum's line up of historic aircraft.

After years of being displayed at the AFFTC Museum's Blackbird Air Park in Palmdale, Calif., it was moved to Edwards over a two-day relocation effort that began June 7 in order to help restore the aircraft.

"When this aircraft was initially decommissioned, it was intended to be placed indoors. Unfortunately, it was located outside, on public display in Blackbird Air Park," said George Welsh, 95th Air Base Wing Museum director and curator. "Over the years, the physical condition of the aircraft had deteriorated considerably due to the weather conditions in this area. Cold nights, hot days, occasional intense rains and constant winds have caused the paint to fade and the protective skin coating to start deteriorating, so the aircraft was brought back for a new restoration to help preserve it."

As part of the relocation effort, museum staff and countless volunteers braved a 35-mile tow that lasted more than eight hours under the cover of night in order to get the aircraft to Edwards.

"Progress was slow due to a number of reasons. Aircraft towing speed was only five miles per hour and some areas of the route were very narrow. Although we knew we had the clearance, in some cases only a foot off each wing tip, the tow tractor was not very maneuverable, thus making the move very difficult to 'thread the needle' at times," Welsh said. "As for our volunteers, we not only had a number of museum and Edwards volunteers, we also had support from a private vehicle escort company called US Pilot, based out of Big Pine, Calif. They supplemented the escort and the security was provided by the California Highway Patrol up to the Edwards gate. In addition to that, countless units from around the base provided amazing support in order for this move to happen."

Despite the night-long move, some volunteers saw this opportunity as a once in a lifetime event.

"Although the move made for a long day for me seeing how I also worked the day of the move, the overall experience was great" said William J. Simone, 419th Flight Test Squadron, B-2 flight test engineer and a museum committee chairman who volunteered in the move. "All the volunteers did a great job and, on top of that, we made history."

Once the aircraft arrived at Edwards, it was put into inside storage where it will await full restoration.

"For now, it will remain in Hangar 1210 which will protect it from the elements and it will not go back on display until we can get a new museum built outside the base's West Gate," said Welsh.

A new facility at Edwards West Gate is being planned that will complement the already existing Century Circle display allowing the public unrestricted access to the museum collection. The goal is relocate the museum in stages as funds become available.

According to Welsh, once the aircraft is ready to be restored, it should not require internal restoration, just surface restoration.

"We need to address the skin coating issue, seal all the seams and apply new paint and markings," added Welsh. "After all this is accomplished, Edwards will have one of only four F-117s that remain on display."

For more information on the AFFTC museum or visiting the museum, call (661) 277-8050. The museum is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. for personnel with base access.

Please note that access to Edwards AFB is restricted. The museum is accessible only to base personnel and individuals who have appropriate credentials to enter the installation.

Norway Orders First F-35

Norway today commenced the largest public procurement project in its history. The event was marked by Minister of Defence Espen Barth Eide authorizing the order for the first F-35A Lightning II for the Norwegian Armed Forces.
The decision to move forward was reached following an extended dialogue with the US Department of Defence aimed at securing opportunities for Norwegian industry.
- We have today made two critical decisions. For the first time in three decades we are now ordering new combat aircraft for the Armed Forces. Additionally, we will begin preparations for the final phase of Joint Strike Missile (JSM) development after receiving confirmation from US authorities of their support for the integration of the missile into the F-35, says Norwegian Minister of Defence Espen Barth Eide.
- This marks a key milestone in the Norwegian F-35 programme and the beginning of the largest public procurement in Norwegian history. The F-35, which Norway selected in 2008, represents a completely new generation of combat aircraft that will form a corner stone of the future Norwegian Armed Forces, says Minister of Defence Espen Barth Eide.
Confirmation of JSM integration support was provided in a letter from US Secretary of Defence, Leon Panetta to Norwegian Minister of Defence Espen Barth Eide earlier this week. - Securing such support has been an important precondition for many of our partner nations before they would themselves commit to supporting the JSM. With such support finally in place there is now a significant potential for the missile among future operators of the F-35.
Preparations for the final phase of procurement will therefore begin now, says Minister of Defence Espen Barth Eide. The Norwegian-developed JSM represents one of the most advanced weapons available within its category, and will further enhance the operational capabilities of the F-35. Total market potential for the JSM is estimated to be between NOK 20 and 25 billion/USD 3.3 and 4.2 billion.
The two aircraft authorized today are expected to be joined by a second pair in 2016, and will be based in the United States as part of a joint partner training centre. They are to be followed by up to 48 additional aircraft from 2017 that are to be based at Ørland Main Air Station in central Norway. A small forward operating base will also be based at Evenes in northern Norway to provide quick reaction alert (QRA) services in the high north. An estimated 10% of the overall force generation will also be carried out from the Evenes FOB. The overall cost of the procurement phase of the project is estimated at NOK 60 billion/USD 10 billion (2012 value) in real terms.
The decision to centralise the combat aircraft force at Ørland was approved when the Norwegian Parliament approved the new Defence White Paper on the 14th of June. This paper also confirmed the overall ambition for up to 52 F-35s for the Norwegian Armed Forces. Norway will over the coming years see a budget increase of 7% by 2016 through redistribution of funds freed up by the withdrawal from Afghanistan and the addition of significant supplementary funds for the F-35 purchase.
- Norway’s parliament yesterday approved a significant increase in defence spending in order to finance the purchase and to increase the general operating budget of the Armed Forces. At the same time, the Parliament has shown courage in making tough but necessary decisions in order to continue the work to rationalize the base infrastructure. This means that the positive development we have seen in the Norwegian Armed Forces over the past four years will continue, concludes Minister of Defence Espen Barth Eide.

German-Saudi Tank Deal Twice As Big As Planned: Report

FRANKFURT — Saudi Arabia wants to buy 600-800 Leopard battle tanks from Germany, more than twice as many as originally envisaged, the Sunday newspaper Bild am Sonntag reported, quoting government sources.
Thus far, reports had said the Saudis wanted to purchase around 300 Leopard-2 tanks, Germany’s main battle tank which is also produced under license in Spain.
With up to 800 tanks, the deal would be worth 10 billion euros ($12.6 billion), and one of the biggest-ever for the German defense industry, Bild am Sonntag reported.
While there is opposition to the deal in the Chancellery and the Foreign and Defence ministries, there was support for it within the Economy Ministry, it said.
A deal for a first tranche of 300 tanks is ready for signing and the Saudis want to the whole deal wrapped up by July 20, when the festival of Ramadan begins, the newspaper said.

NATO Chief Boosts Ties With New Zealand, To Visit Australia

BRUSSELS — NATO and New Zealand signed a partnership deal June 4 and alliance chief Anders Fogh Rasmussen announced a visit to Australia as the defense group boosts ties with non-NATO nations engaged in Afghanistan.
“We may be far away geographically, but we are linked by common values and commitment,” Rasmussen said on signing an Individual Partnership Cooperation Program Arrangement with visiting New Zealand Prime Minister John Key.
Key said New Zealand’s engagement with NATO has developed considerably over the past decade, mainly through Wellington’s involvement in the NATO-led ISAF mission in Afghanistan.
“This arrangement is a move to capitalize on this engagement,” he said.
In a comment on Twitter, Rasmussen said: “I thank Kiwi troops for their courage, professionalism and sacrifice.”
The deal with New Zealand sets out steps to boost cooperation in fields such as cyber-defence, disaster relief, crisis management and training.
“We want to be even more closely connected with countries that are also willing to contribute to global security, where we all have a stake,” Rasmussen said.
Hours before meeting Key, he announced he would travel next week to Australia, saying, “Both countries are making a real difference to our mission in Afghanistan.”
New Zealand currently has 189 troops in the 130,236-member force ISAF force in Afghanistan, while Australia has 1,550 troops, the largest non-NATO contingent.

Rasmussen also welcomed Australia’s decision to take the main mentoring role in the central Afghan province of Uruzgan from the U.S. command.
NATO has also agreed to set up partnership programs with Sweden and Switzerland, and is expected likewise to boost ties with Japan.
Key said in a statement that cooperation could come through “maintaining ongoing political dialogue on security issues of mutual interest, offering further NATO training opportunities to our defense force, and engagement with NATO as it moves to tackle emerging security challenges of interest to New Zealand.

FN FCU-850N

Introduction

Successful target engagement with 40mm LV tube-launched grenades using leaf sight is not easy to achieve, even for an experienced operator:

The operator using leaf sights can only estimate the distance up to the target
Leaf sights have a very short line of sight (distance between front and back sights). This magnifies any aiming error.
Leaf sights have range setting every 25 or 50m, which does not make an accurate launch possible.

The solution is to replace leaf sights with a Fire Control Unit in order to maximize first-round hit probability.

FN Solution

FN Herstal has designed and developed a Fire Control Unit, the design of which fully answers the five critical questions for a successful launch of 40mm grenades, hence eliminating all factors likely to affect accuracy.

What is the precise range between the operator and the target?
The FN Fire Control Unit features a laser range finder which estimates precisely the range.
What is the elevation/depression angle between the operator and the target? The FN Fire Control Unit features a clinometer which measures the firing angle.
Which ballistic trajectory does the 40mm grenade follow during flight.
The FN Fire Control Unit features a ballistic computer which calculates the angle of launch.
What is the correct aiming point?
The FN Fire Control Unit features a moving red reticle sight which gives the correct aiming point.

Does weapon cant angle equal 0°? The FN Fire Control Unit features a weapon cant indicator. The red reticle flashes to indicate the operator needs to realign the weapon vertically. Red reticle flashes quickly or slowly if the operator needs to realign to the right or left respectively.

Operation

Press the + button to activate the FCU
Push on the remote LRF trigger
Aim at the target with the moving red recticle or with the rifle sight
The range is shown on the display screen when the remote trigger is released
The moving red reticle appears in the sight with the correct firing angle
Align the red reticle on the target
Fire

Benefits

The main benefits of the Fire Control Unit are as follows:

First round on target
Fast and accurate target engagement
Highly ergonomic design
- Fire control unit positioned on the top Picatinny rail
- Clear and accurate moving red reticle
- Lightweight and compact
Large spectrum of use
- Can memorize and calculate ballistic solutions for more than 50 different grenade types
- Laser range finding using the rifle sight or the red reticle of the fire control unit
- Night and day operation
- Acts as a visible or infrared laser pointer
- Can fit on any type of rifles or grenade launchers with top Picatinny rail
Easy zeroing
Military proven

GL1 40mm grenade launcher - FN Herstal

GL1 40mm grenade launcher

FN Herstal - Belgium

Introduction

The 40mm low velocity GL1™ grenade launcher is designed to be mounted on the F2000™ assault rifle in replacement of the standard or triple rail handguard.

The 40mm low velocity GL1 grenade launcher is designed to be mounted on the F2000™ assault rifle in replacement of the standard or triple rail handguard.

The integration of the grenade launcher onto the F2000™ has been developed to retain outstanding ergonomics and balance as well as smooth contour of the rifle. The user can pull either the rifle or the grenade launcher trigger easily without changing hand position. This ensures easy manipulation, quick aiming and accurate shooting.

This design makes the F2000™ unique compared to traditional rifles available on the market today.

Specifications

Calibre:	40mm LV
Operating principle:	Pump action, rotary locking
Length ready to fire:	727mm on F2000 STD
Weight:	4.8 kg on F2000 STD (w/o magazine)
Barrel opening:	Forward
Barrel length:	230mm
Host weapon:	F2000
Magazine capacity:	1
Muzzle velocity:	76 m/s
Sighting system:	Iron sights + optional FCS

SLP Gun

Benefits

A Versatile Partner for Police Officers

The Self-Loading Police Shotgun guarantees soft recoil and reliability of a gas-operated autoloading action. This shotgun has also the exclusive speed loading feature made popular by John M. Browning's famous Auto-5.

Target Acquisition
The ghost-type sights with tritium inserts allow a better and quicker acquisition of the target.

They are mounted on a Picatinny rail, allowing the installation of other types of sights should the mission require it.

Accurate Shooting Patterns

The shotgun features an Invector^® choke for accurate shooting patterns.

Reduced Weapon Signature
A reduced weapon signature is guaranteed by a black composite buttstock and forearm.

Greater Shooting Comfort
The shotgun also features a ventilated rubber recoil pad for greater shooting comfort.

Every reasonable effort has been made to ensure that all product photographs, descriptions and specifications on this website are accurate. However, inadvertent errors may occur, and changes in design or materials, due to our continual effort to improve products, may result in some change in specifications before subsequent publications are issued. FN Herstal, S.A. reserves the right to modify or change specifications without notice.

HP MKIII

Introduction

The High Power MKIII is the world's famous handgun.

It is in service in more than 100 countries and has built its reputation on high quality and total reliability. It is the type of weapon that makes you feel secure because it will never let you down whatever the situation, and will help you accomplish your mission

Benefits

Fully Reliable, Totally Safe
By retaining the basic mechanism of the original HP handgun, the MKIII is fully reliable under all conditions. The simple mechanism ensures long part life and easy maintenance.

No less than five safety devices:

manual safety: allows the weapon to be carried fully safe
visible hammer: shows whether the weapon is cocked or not
half-cocked notch: catches the hammer if it slips (when cocking)
firing pin safety: prevents inadvertent firing if the weapon is dropped
magazine safety: disengages the trigger when the magazine is removed

Improved Design

Ergonomic grip: for quicker and better shooting.
It significantly improves handling and contribute to the shooter's comfort.
Ambidextrous safety: a second lever on the left-hand side allows easier use by left-handers. Both safety levers are larger which make them easier to operate.

A Dependable Weapon

Carried permanently in all conditions with limited cleaning, the MKIII, faithful to HP's legend, will deliver fast and reliable firepower from the 13-round magazine.

A careful study of balance between the weight of the handgun and recoil forces guarantees:

quick aiming
improved accuracy
better comfort
accurate rapid fire: designed for rapid acquisition of target on successive shots

Five-seveN

Benefits

Combined with the 5.7x28mm ammunition, the Five-seveN^® pistol is adapted to different types of close quarter defensive and training scenarios. Optimized to be used in any condition the operator may encounter.

Highly Accurate

The flat trajectory of the 5.7x28mm ammunition guarantees a high hit probability up to 200 m.

Extremely low recoil results in quick and accurate firing.

High Capacity Magazine

The Five-seveN^® pistol can accept up to 20 rounds in the magazine.

Extremely Light and Ergonomic
The Five-seveN^® features a polymer receiver, which makes it 20% lighter than any traditional 9mm handgun.

Well-balanced, with smooth contours and no protruding parts, the Five-seveN^® pistol will instinctively be handled correctly and is extremely easy to use.

Fully Safe

The Five-seveN^® pistol features an ambidextrous manual safety that blocks the trigger mechanism and avoids any accidental shoot.

Tactical Missions
The Five-seveN^® pistol features a Picatinny rail for add-on accessories (e.g. visible or infrared laser, tactical light).

P90 Standard LV

Introduction

The P90^®Standard LV incorporates most features of the P90^®Standard and includes an optional visible red dot laser fully integrated into the receiver.

Benefits

Stopping Power for Close Combat

The P90^® submachine gun and the SS190 ball ammunition team up to defeat the enemy in all close combat situations.

High Accuracy
The high velocity of the 5.7x28mm ammunition guarantees a virtually flat trajectory up to 200m for outstanding accuracy. In low light conditions or indoors, the user can activate the pointer by pressing the "laser ON" button. A red dot is then highly visible on the target that the user can engage accurately without even shouldering the weapon.

Dissuasive Effect
The visible laser dot has a dissuasive effect on the target.

Fully Reliable
The simple design of the mechanism, the unique feed mechanism and the materials used to manufacture the P90^®make it highly reliable, whatever the conditions.

Rapid Deployment
The P90^®is carried ready to fire. There is no need to extend any folding buttstock. Despite its shortness, the P90^®is designed to be fired from the shoulder, giving maximum stability.

Quick Aiming
The P90^®Standard is fitted with an integrated optical sight without magnification. The user can therefore shoot with both eyes open. Performance is fully retained in low light conditions thanks to a tritium capsule.

Easy to Carry
The compactness of the P90^®allows easy movement in confined areas. The magazine is fully integrated in the upper part of the P90^®for optimized ergonomics.

Fully Ambidextrous
The cocking handle and magazine catch can be operated from both sides of the P90^®. The fire selector is under the trigger and can be operated in either hand. Empty cartridge cases are ejected downwards. The P90^®can therefore be handled by right- and left-handed operators without any modification.

High Magazine Capacity
Since the 5.7x28mm rounds are light and small, the magazine fitted above the barrel can accept up to 50 cartridges.

SCAR-L STD

Introduction

Early 2004, United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) issued a solicitation for a family of Special Forces Combat Assault Rifles, the so-called SCAR, designed around two different calibers but featuring high commonality of parts and identical ergonomics.

FN Herstal took part in the full and open competition and released prototypes of a brand new family of weapons within timeframe taking advantage of our long-standing firearms know-how.

From the first pre-selection tests, the SCAR^® system developed by FN Herstal has remained the first and only choice of USSOCOM.

Benefits

Modular
The SCAR^®-L STD assault rifle is chambered in 5.56x45mm NATO caliber and is fitted with a standard 14.5" barrel.

The operator can replace the standard barrel with a short 10" barrel for close quarter combat in less than five minutes. The rifle is then called SCAR^®-L CQC.

: SCAR®-L STD

: SCAR®-L CQC

The SCAR^®-L STD assault rifle can be fitted with a FN40GL®-L grenade launcher mounted on the lower rail of the rifle, for additional firepower.

Adaptable

The SCAR^® assault rifle features a foldable buttstock, an adjustable cheek piece (2 positions) and an adjustable length of pull (6 positions) to adapt to any operators.

: Retracted buttstock

: Folded buttstock

: Extended buttstock

Ambidextrous

The SCAR^® assault rifle features a reversible charging handle and an ambidextrous safety/firing selector and magazine release.
Right- and left-handed operators are at ease with any SCAR^® assault rifle.

CompactThe SCAR^®-L STD weighs no more than 3.545 kg (without magazine) and does not exceed 653mm in length with folded buttstock.

Accuracy

The SCAR^® assault rifle fires semi-automatic or full automatic maintaining high firing accuracy in either mode.

Wide range of Accessories
The SCAR^® assault rifle features an upper Picatinny rail for optional day or night sighting systems (in-line mounting possible) and lower and side rails for optional accessories (e.g. light, laser, foregrip).
Further accessories are available, such as sling, bipod, carrying bag and blank firing system.

Easy Field Stripping

The SCAR^® assault rifle consists of 5 major assemblies:

Buttstock
Receiver
Bolt carrier
Trigger module
Magazine

FN MINIMI™ 5.56 Standard

Introduction

The FN MINIMI™ 5.56 light machine gun is a combat proven machine gun, in service on all continents. Over 45 countries worldwide have adopted it as a standard issue for the Armed Forces and/or Special Forces.

Designated M249 SAW by the U.S. Armed Forces, it has demonstrated outstanding reliability in all combat conditions.

Four models are available:

FN MINIMI™ 5.56 Standard
FN MINIMI™ 5.56 Standard T.R.
FN MINIMI™ 5.56 Para
FN MINIMI™ 5.56 Para T.R.
Benefits
- Easy to Carry
  The FN MINIMI™ 5.56 Standard weighs 7.1 kg and is 1,040mm long.
Every reasonable effort has been made to ensure that all product photographs, descriptions and specifications on this website are accurate. However, inadvertent errors may occur, and changes in design or materials, due to our continual effort to improve products, may result in some change in specifications before subsequent publications are issued. FN Herstal, S.A. reserves the right to modify or change specifications without notice.
Caliber                  5.56x45mm NATO
Buttstock type      Fixed
Barrel type           Long
Handguard type   Standard
Role                      Light Machine Gun