24-10-2003, 03:08
The Carl Gustav is a section level anti-tank recoilless rifle and is one of the most widely fielded systems in the army. There are two versions of the Carl Gustav, the older M2 is on issue to almost every regular and reserve army unit and the newer lightweight M3 is held by the light infantry.
Despite its age, the Carl Gustav remains an effective system. The variety of ammunition available for this system and recent improvements in ammunition performance ensure that it will have a place on the battlefield for many more years. The Canadian army has several types of ammunition for the Carl Gustav. The FFV 551 High Explosive Anti-Tank (HEAT) round has an effective range of 700m. The FFV 502 High Explosive Dual Purpose (HEDP) round, with a range of 500m, was specifically designed to destroy bunkers and fortified positions.
The Carl Gustav is normally fired by a two-man crew. One fires the weapon while the other carries and loads the ammunition. The weapon is fitted with iron sights but is normally fired using the 3x telescopic sight. The Carl Gustav can be fired from the standing, kneeling or prone position. When fired in the prone position a small bipod is normally used to assist in stabilizing the weapon.
Ammunition:
FFV 551 HEAT - weight 3.2kg, range 700m
FFV 502 HEDP - weight 3.3kg, range 500m
TP 552 weight 3.2kg, range 700m (this is a non explosive round used for training)
Specifications:
Length: M2 113cm, M3 107cm
Weight: M2 14kg, M3 8.5kg
Crew: 2, gunner, loader
Sight: 3x Telescopic, 12 degree field of view
Entered Service: M2 1969, M3 1988
http://www.army.forces.gc.ca/lf/English/Images/2_0/40.jpg
The Tube launched Optically tracked Wire guided (TOW) missile system is the primary long range anti-tank weapon for the army. Although normally vehicle mounted it can be carried short distances by the weapon crew. When mounted in a vehicle, the system consists of the launcher, sight unit, missile guidance set and the TOW encased missiles. The addition of the tripod and traverse and elevation units allows the system to be removed from the vehicle and operated from a remote location by the weapon crew. Three vehicles can currently mount the TOW missile system: the Iltis, the BV 206 (TOW variant – BV2063) and the M113A2 TWO Under Armour (TUA). The TUA allows the TOW to be fired while the operator is protected by the armour of the turret. The TUA turrets will be transferred to the LAV III by 2005. A total of 71 LAV TUA are being procured.
The TOW has a Thermal Image capability that allows the gunner to see through total darkness, rain, fog and smoke.
The TOW system is fairly simple to operate and only requires that the gunner place keep the crosshairs of his sight on the target to ensure a hit. This is a great improvement over the earlier missile systems that required the gunner to fly the missile using a joystick.
The Canadian Army has two different missiles in its inventory. The TOW 2A features a tandem high explosive charge warheads that can penetrate almost a full metre of steel in addition to any explosive reactive armour protection on the target. The TOW 2B missile flies over the target and fires two explosively formed penetrators down through the thinly protected top. This allows the 2B missiles to be used against targets hiding in depressions in the ground or behind walls.
Armament:
Missiles: TOW 2A and 2B
Propulsion: 2 stage, solid propellant rocket motor
Penetration: TOW 2A ERA + 1 metre of armour
Rate of fire: 2 rounds per minute
Specifications:
Length: 1.32m (missile in case)
Maximum Range: 3750 metres
Crew: 4, gunner, loader, commander, driver
Entered Service: 1976
http://www.army.forces.gc.ca/lf/English/Images/2_0/51.jpg
The C9A1 is a C9 Light machine-gun with an optical sight attached. The Minimi (a contraction of Mini-Mitrailleuse, or mini machine-gun) is fully automatic, gas operated and belt or magazine fed. It has an effective range of 600 metres. Within the rifle section, the C9A1 is used to provide covering fire for the manoeuvre of assault troops in the offence and to cover enemy approaches in the defence.
The C9A1 fires 700 rounds per minute and up to 1000 rounds per minute with the adverse setting. The calibre is 5.56 x 45 mm NATO. The C9A1 can be fitted with an optical sight and the Image Intensification Night Sight (Kite sight). The Army has used the C9A1 at home and abroad since 1986.
Armament:
Cartridge: 5.56 x 45mm
Rate of Fire: cyclic, 700-1,000 rds/min
Specifications:
Operation: gas operated
Mode of fire: automatic only
Feed: belt or magazine
Weight: 7.12 kg
Length: 1.04 m
Barrel: 0.53 m
Rate of Fire: cyclic, 700-1,000 rounds per minute
Effective Range: 600 m
Entered service: 1986
http://www.army.forces.gc.ca/lf/English/Images/2_0/39.jpg
The C7A1 assault rifle is an improved version of the basic C7 combat rifle, incorporating a low-mounted optical sight. It is a Canadian adaptation of a U.S. firearm known as the M16A1E1. The C7A1 eliminates the carrying handle of the C7 and substitutes an optical sight. The weapon is equipped with a 3.5x optical sight, which is mounted in place of the carrying handle.
C7A1 rounds are 5.56 x 45 NATO standard. The weapon has an effective range of 400 metres and a rate of fire of 700 to 940 rounds per minute. Along with the optical sight, optional attachments include the M203A1 40mm grenade launcher, the AN PAQ 4 Laser pointer and the Image Intensification Night Sight (Kite sight). It has been in service with the Army since 1986.
Armament:
Cartridge: 5.56mm x 45mm NATO
Rate of Fire: cyclic, 700 to 940 rounds per minute
Magazine: 30 rounds
Specifications:
Weight: empty - 3.3kg, full - 3.9kg (not including M203A1 grenade launcher)
Length: normal butt, 1.0 m
Barrel Length: 530
Operation: direct gas operated, air cooled, magazine fed
Range: 400 m
Entered service : 1986
http://www.army.forces.gc.ca/lf/English/Images/2_0/38.jpg
The Perfect Infantry
The OICW is a next generate weapon. The ammo actually has a computer on-board. You thought smart bombs were cool. Well, this gun takes smart weapons to the next level. Imagine being in a sniper fight with your enemy. Both your enemy and you are hiding behind heavy bullet proof shelters. But you have the advantage. You have a OICW. Your weapon has a built-in range finder. Now that you know the distance between you and your enemy, for example 720 feet away. You don't need to directly hit him if he is hiding behind something. You point your gun over his position or behind him. The gun actually programs the ammo to explode at 725 feet which will blast shrapnel all over. With the OICW, line of sight is no longer a rule for sniper fights
http://www.secretweapon.com/images/secret/oicw-soldier.jpg
http://www.secretweapon.com/images/secret/oicw-gun.jpg
Cost - 550,000 Each
C3 95mm Howitzer
The standard
Shell Type - High Explosive
Firing Range - 14km
Firing Rate - 1 shell per minute
Crew - 5
Propulsion - N/A
Height - 4 feet
Width - 6 feet
Length - 14 feet
Aiming System - Lever
http://www.norwich.edu/corps/gfx/artillery.jpg
Cost - 75,000 USD
C3 AII 105mm Howitzer
Shell Type - High explosive, shrapnel, incinidery
Firing Range - 20km
Firing Rate - 2 per minute
Crew - 3
Propulsion - N/A
Height - 4 feet
Width - 6 feet
Length - 14 feet
Aiming System - GPS Digital
http://www.warmuseum.org/iraqi%20artillery.jpg
Cost - 250,000 USD
C2 Engineer (For towing non propelled artillery)
Crew - 2 plus gun crew
Range - 240km per tank of gas
Engine - 400hp
Top Speed - 100km/h
Hold - 90 high exlposive shells
http://www.army.forces.gc.ca/lf/English/Images/2_0/12.jpg
Cost - 1,000,000 USD
Mark XII
This is our newest acheivement
The Mark XII is equipped with a 155mm, 52 calibre barrel and can maintain a firing rate of 6 to 8 rounds per minute in sustained fire, or three rounds in 15 seconds in rapid fire.
The FAST-Hit computerised fire management system, developed jointly by Giat and EADS Defense Electronics, an Intertechnique ROB4 muzzle velocity radar system and a SAGEM Sigma 30 navigation system and global positioning system (GPS) are fitted so there is no requirement for topographical teams and goniometers. The weapon has an automatic hydraulic laying system and the loading system is semi-automatic.
The gun can be set into and out of action in less than 1 minute. The weapon system configuration and the provision of hydraulic drives give a time of approximately 30 seconds, to take the Caesar out of battery. A unit of eight Caesar self-propelled artillery vehicles can dispense, in less than one minute, more than one tonne of projectiles, 1,500 bomblets or 48 smart anti-tank munitions on targets at ranges up to 40km.
www.army-technology.com/projects/ caesar/images/caesar4s.jpg
Cost - 1,400,000 USD
The Big One, 180mm Artillery gun. Miniature WMD!. This weapon will annilihate targets over 70 km away with 37% accuracy (guided).
Armament: 180mm (8meter) barrel, 52 caliber
Engines: N/A
Firing Speed: 1 per minute
Firing Range: 70+ km
Crew: 10
Weight: 15 tons
http://www.milparade.com/2000/39a/1014.jpg
1,400,000
600mm "Rainier"
Armament: 450mm Barrel
Engines: N/A
Firing Speed: 0.25 per minute
Firing Range: 260+ km
Crew: 15
Weight: 125 tons
The ultimate in gun emplacements. This could be considered a mini WMD. Used and tested at the infamous Leninburg Line in the Atlantic Region, this gun can fire upon cities you've never seen before. Gun's are sent in pieces via Air and are shipped with engineers to rebuild them at your desired locations.
650 Million USD
http://www.lenta.ru:8000/world/2002/10/10/supergun/picturesmall.jpg
Shell Costs in USD (Each)
Standard - 1,000
High Explosive (HE) - 4,000
Shrapnel- 3,000
Incinidery - 6,000
Smart (Antitank) - 10,000
Smart (Base Bleed) - 10,000
Bomblet - 2,000
C9 AVII Main Battle Tank
The Merkava is the innovative Israeli design of Major General Israel Tal. The primary design criteria was crew survivability. Every part of the overalldesign is expected to contribute to helping the crew survive. The engine is inthe front to provide protection to the crew. There is a special protectiveumbrella for the tank commander to enable protection from indirect fire with thehatches open. Special "spaced armor" is in use along with protectedfuel and ammo compartments.
The Merkava can also carry a small Infantry squad internally under complete armored protection.
Weight (t) 61
Length 7600 mm
Length (cannon forward) 8780 mm
Max. Width 3700 mm
Max. Height 2760 mm
range (road) 500 km
Forward speed (max) 55 kph
F. speed (average,terrain) 38 kph
Reverse speed 25 kph
Engine 882kW TCM diesel
AVDS-1790-9AR
Vertical obstacle climb 1 m
Maximum width ditch 3.5 m
Fording Depth 1.38 (2) m
fuel tank (l) 1250
Main Gun 120mm cannon
Coaxial machinegun 7.62mm
Anti-personnel machinegun 2 x7.62mm
Commander's machinegun 12.7 mm
Light Mortar 60 mm
http://www.voodoo.cz/merkava/images/mk3/mk3_main.jpg
http://www.voodoo.cz/merkava/images/mk3/mk3_14.jpg
Cost - 2,200,000
Facts and Figures:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Length: 17.07 m
Wingspan: 12.31 m
Height: 4.66 m
Weight: 10,455 kg
Power: 2 General Electric F404 low bypass turbofans
Speed: Mach 1.8
Ceiling: 15,000 m
Range: 3,704 (more with air-to-air refueling)
Armament: Sidewinder and Sparrow air-to-air missiles, Maverick air-to-ground missile, conventional bombs and precision-guided bombs, rockets, and M-61 20mm cannon
Crew: 1 pilot (CF-18A), 2 pilots (CF-18B)
Year(s) procured: 1982 to 1988
Quantity in CF: 118 (60 operational/59 fighter training, testing and rotation)
Location(s): 3 Wing Bagotville, Que. 4 Wing Cold Lake, Alta.
The CF-18 is currently undergoing a massive upgrade to it’s avionics and weapons systems, commonly referred to as the CF-18 Modernization Project. The project is a mission systems upgrade for 80 aircraft (59 x CF188A, 21 x CF188B). It is designed to improve the supportability, interoperability and survivability of the CF188 and, ensure operational capability to the Estimated Life Expectancy (ELE) of the aircraft (year 2017).
The projects are grouped into two phases, with phase 1 projects currently under contract and/or in development. The expected completion date for the project is Aug 2006 for all 80 aircraft. Phase 2 projects are still in definition phase and are scheduled for implementation in the 2006 – 2009 timeframe. The improvements to the avionics and weapons systems are listed below.
PHASE 2
Radar Warning Receiver
Data Link
Electronic Countermeasures
Missile Approach Warning
Helmet Mounted Sight
Future Project
Stealth Enhancement
PHASE 1
Mission Computer
Software
ECP 583
-Radios
-Radar
-Interrogator/Transponder
-Stores Management System
When a CF-18 powers up, the thunderous engines shake the ground.
The twin engines of this supersonic tactical fighter jet deliver a total of 14,580 kg of thrust and speeds of up to Mach 1.8.
The Hornet’s primary roles include air defence, training, tactical support, and air superiority. It has supported missions in both NORAD and NATO. Other roles also include aerobatic demonstration and aerospace test and evaluation.
During the Gulf War, 24 CF-18s were sent to Qatar to participate in the American-led Desert Shield and Desert Storm campaigns. Canadian pilots flew more than 5,700 hours — about 2,700 combat air patrol missions — to protect Canadian naval forces in the Gulf.
The CF-18 can carry a Nitehawk pod that incorporates a forward-looking infra-red sensor that allows pilots to see targets at night. It also has a laser designator to guide precision bombing.
During OPERATION ALLIED FORCE, the 79-day NATO air campaign in former Yugoslavia from March to June of 1999, Canada committed 18 CF-18s to TASK FORCE AVIANO, flying from Aviano Air Base in northern Italy. CF-18s flew 678 sorties, in the air-to-ground and air-to-air roles using both precision guided munitions and unguided "iron" bombs. With much less than 10% of the aircraft committed to the campaign, Canadian aircraft conducted 10% of the NATO strike sorties during the campaign. At the end of the 79-day campaign, the government of Slobodan Milosevioc withdrew its forces from Kosovo, making OPERATION ALLIED FORCE the only conflict won by air power alone.
Since the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, the Canadian fighter force has been heavily committed to OPERATION NOBLE EAGLE, the NORAD internal air defence mission. Immediately following the attacks, armed CF-18 fighters on air sovereignty alert deployed across Canada to protect Canada and Canadians from threats originating within our own airspace, a task that continues.
http://www.airforce.forces.gc.ca/grfx/equip_e/cf182.jpg
Despite its age, the Carl Gustav remains an effective system. The variety of ammunition available for this system and recent improvements in ammunition performance ensure that it will have a place on the battlefield for many more years. The Canadian army has several types of ammunition for the Carl Gustav. The FFV 551 High Explosive Anti-Tank (HEAT) round has an effective range of 700m. The FFV 502 High Explosive Dual Purpose (HEDP) round, with a range of 500m, was specifically designed to destroy bunkers and fortified positions.
The Carl Gustav is normally fired by a two-man crew. One fires the weapon while the other carries and loads the ammunition. The weapon is fitted with iron sights but is normally fired using the 3x telescopic sight. The Carl Gustav can be fired from the standing, kneeling or prone position. When fired in the prone position a small bipod is normally used to assist in stabilizing the weapon.
Ammunition:
FFV 551 HEAT - weight 3.2kg, range 700m
FFV 502 HEDP - weight 3.3kg, range 500m
TP 552 weight 3.2kg, range 700m (this is a non explosive round used for training)
Specifications:
Length: M2 113cm, M3 107cm
Weight: M2 14kg, M3 8.5kg
Crew: 2, gunner, loader
Sight: 3x Telescopic, 12 degree field of view
Entered Service: M2 1969, M3 1988
http://www.army.forces.gc.ca/lf/English/Images/2_0/40.jpg
The Tube launched Optically tracked Wire guided (TOW) missile system is the primary long range anti-tank weapon for the army. Although normally vehicle mounted it can be carried short distances by the weapon crew. When mounted in a vehicle, the system consists of the launcher, sight unit, missile guidance set and the TOW encased missiles. The addition of the tripod and traverse and elevation units allows the system to be removed from the vehicle and operated from a remote location by the weapon crew. Three vehicles can currently mount the TOW missile system: the Iltis, the BV 206 (TOW variant – BV2063) and the M113A2 TWO Under Armour (TUA). The TUA allows the TOW to be fired while the operator is protected by the armour of the turret. The TUA turrets will be transferred to the LAV III by 2005. A total of 71 LAV TUA are being procured.
The TOW has a Thermal Image capability that allows the gunner to see through total darkness, rain, fog and smoke.
The TOW system is fairly simple to operate and only requires that the gunner place keep the crosshairs of his sight on the target to ensure a hit. This is a great improvement over the earlier missile systems that required the gunner to fly the missile using a joystick.
The Canadian Army has two different missiles in its inventory. The TOW 2A features a tandem high explosive charge warheads that can penetrate almost a full metre of steel in addition to any explosive reactive armour protection on the target. The TOW 2B missile flies over the target and fires two explosively formed penetrators down through the thinly protected top. This allows the 2B missiles to be used against targets hiding in depressions in the ground or behind walls.
Armament:
Missiles: TOW 2A and 2B
Propulsion: 2 stage, solid propellant rocket motor
Penetration: TOW 2A ERA + 1 metre of armour
Rate of fire: 2 rounds per minute
Specifications:
Length: 1.32m (missile in case)
Maximum Range: 3750 metres
Crew: 4, gunner, loader, commander, driver
Entered Service: 1976
http://www.army.forces.gc.ca/lf/English/Images/2_0/51.jpg
The C9A1 is a C9 Light machine-gun with an optical sight attached. The Minimi (a contraction of Mini-Mitrailleuse, or mini machine-gun) is fully automatic, gas operated and belt or magazine fed. It has an effective range of 600 metres. Within the rifle section, the C9A1 is used to provide covering fire for the manoeuvre of assault troops in the offence and to cover enemy approaches in the defence.
The C9A1 fires 700 rounds per minute and up to 1000 rounds per minute with the adverse setting. The calibre is 5.56 x 45 mm NATO. The C9A1 can be fitted with an optical sight and the Image Intensification Night Sight (Kite sight). The Army has used the C9A1 at home and abroad since 1986.
Armament:
Cartridge: 5.56 x 45mm
Rate of Fire: cyclic, 700-1,000 rds/min
Specifications:
Operation: gas operated
Mode of fire: automatic only
Feed: belt or magazine
Weight: 7.12 kg
Length: 1.04 m
Barrel: 0.53 m
Rate of Fire: cyclic, 700-1,000 rounds per minute
Effective Range: 600 m
Entered service: 1986
http://www.army.forces.gc.ca/lf/English/Images/2_0/39.jpg
The C7A1 assault rifle is an improved version of the basic C7 combat rifle, incorporating a low-mounted optical sight. It is a Canadian adaptation of a U.S. firearm known as the M16A1E1. The C7A1 eliminates the carrying handle of the C7 and substitutes an optical sight. The weapon is equipped with a 3.5x optical sight, which is mounted in place of the carrying handle.
C7A1 rounds are 5.56 x 45 NATO standard. The weapon has an effective range of 400 metres and a rate of fire of 700 to 940 rounds per minute. Along with the optical sight, optional attachments include the M203A1 40mm grenade launcher, the AN PAQ 4 Laser pointer and the Image Intensification Night Sight (Kite sight). It has been in service with the Army since 1986.
Armament:
Cartridge: 5.56mm x 45mm NATO
Rate of Fire: cyclic, 700 to 940 rounds per minute
Magazine: 30 rounds
Specifications:
Weight: empty - 3.3kg, full - 3.9kg (not including M203A1 grenade launcher)
Length: normal butt, 1.0 m
Barrel Length: 530
Operation: direct gas operated, air cooled, magazine fed
Range: 400 m
Entered service : 1986
http://www.army.forces.gc.ca/lf/English/Images/2_0/38.jpg
The Perfect Infantry
The OICW is a next generate weapon. The ammo actually has a computer on-board. You thought smart bombs were cool. Well, this gun takes smart weapons to the next level. Imagine being in a sniper fight with your enemy. Both your enemy and you are hiding behind heavy bullet proof shelters. But you have the advantage. You have a OICW. Your weapon has a built-in range finder. Now that you know the distance between you and your enemy, for example 720 feet away. You don't need to directly hit him if he is hiding behind something. You point your gun over his position or behind him. The gun actually programs the ammo to explode at 725 feet which will blast shrapnel all over. With the OICW, line of sight is no longer a rule for sniper fights
http://www.secretweapon.com/images/secret/oicw-soldier.jpg
http://www.secretweapon.com/images/secret/oicw-gun.jpg
Cost - 550,000 Each
C3 95mm Howitzer
The standard
Shell Type - High Explosive
Firing Range - 14km
Firing Rate - 1 shell per minute
Crew - 5
Propulsion - N/A
Height - 4 feet
Width - 6 feet
Length - 14 feet
Aiming System - Lever
http://www.norwich.edu/corps/gfx/artillery.jpg
Cost - 75,000 USD
C3 AII 105mm Howitzer
Shell Type - High explosive, shrapnel, incinidery
Firing Range - 20km
Firing Rate - 2 per minute
Crew - 3
Propulsion - N/A
Height - 4 feet
Width - 6 feet
Length - 14 feet
Aiming System - GPS Digital
http://www.warmuseum.org/iraqi%20artillery.jpg
Cost - 250,000 USD
C2 Engineer (For towing non propelled artillery)
Crew - 2 plus gun crew
Range - 240km per tank of gas
Engine - 400hp
Top Speed - 100km/h
Hold - 90 high exlposive shells
http://www.army.forces.gc.ca/lf/English/Images/2_0/12.jpg
Cost - 1,000,000 USD
Mark XII
This is our newest acheivement
The Mark XII is equipped with a 155mm, 52 calibre barrel and can maintain a firing rate of 6 to 8 rounds per minute in sustained fire, or three rounds in 15 seconds in rapid fire.
The FAST-Hit computerised fire management system, developed jointly by Giat and EADS Defense Electronics, an Intertechnique ROB4 muzzle velocity radar system and a SAGEM Sigma 30 navigation system and global positioning system (GPS) are fitted so there is no requirement for topographical teams and goniometers. The weapon has an automatic hydraulic laying system and the loading system is semi-automatic.
The gun can be set into and out of action in less than 1 minute. The weapon system configuration and the provision of hydraulic drives give a time of approximately 30 seconds, to take the Caesar out of battery. A unit of eight Caesar self-propelled artillery vehicles can dispense, in less than one minute, more than one tonne of projectiles, 1,500 bomblets or 48 smart anti-tank munitions on targets at ranges up to 40km.
www.army-technology.com/projects/ caesar/images/caesar4s.jpg
Cost - 1,400,000 USD
The Big One, 180mm Artillery gun. Miniature WMD!. This weapon will annilihate targets over 70 km away with 37% accuracy (guided).
Armament: 180mm (8meter) barrel, 52 caliber
Engines: N/A
Firing Speed: 1 per minute
Firing Range: 70+ km
Crew: 10
Weight: 15 tons
http://www.milparade.com/2000/39a/1014.jpg
1,400,000
600mm "Rainier"
Armament: 450mm Barrel
Engines: N/A
Firing Speed: 0.25 per minute
Firing Range: 260+ km
Crew: 15
Weight: 125 tons
The ultimate in gun emplacements. This could be considered a mini WMD. Used and tested at the infamous Leninburg Line in the Atlantic Region, this gun can fire upon cities you've never seen before. Gun's are sent in pieces via Air and are shipped with engineers to rebuild them at your desired locations.
650 Million USD
http://www.lenta.ru:8000/world/2002/10/10/supergun/picturesmall.jpg
Shell Costs in USD (Each)
Standard - 1,000
High Explosive (HE) - 4,000
Shrapnel- 3,000
Incinidery - 6,000
Smart (Antitank) - 10,000
Smart (Base Bleed) - 10,000
Bomblet - 2,000
C9 AVII Main Battle Tank
The Merkava is the innovative Israeli design of Major General Israel Tal. The primary design criteria was crew survivability. Every part of the overalldesign is expected to contribute to helping the crew survive. The engine is inthe front to provide protection to the crew. There is a special protectiveumbrella for the tank commander to enable protection from indirect fire with thehatches open. Special "spaced armor" is in use along with protectedfuel and ammo compartments.
The Merkava can also carry a small Infantry squad internally under complete armored protection.
Weight (t) 61
Length 7600 mm
Length (cannon forward) 8780 mm
Max. Width 3700 mm
Max. Height 2760 mm
range (road) 500 km
Forward speed (max) 55 kph
F. speed (average,terrain) 38 kph
Reverse speed 25 kph
Engine 882kW TCM diesel
AVDS-1790-9AR
Vertical obstacle climb 1 m
Maximum width ditch 3.5 m
Fording Depth 1.38 (2) m
fuel tank (l) 1250
Main Gun 120mm cannon
Coaxial machinegun 7.62mm
Anti-personnel machinegun 2 x7.62mm
Commander's machinegun 12.7 mm
Light Mortar 60 mm
http://www.voodoo.cz/merkava/images/mk3/mk3_main.jpg
http://www.voodoo.cz/merkava/images/mk3/mk3_14.jpg
Cost - 2,200,000
Facts and Figures:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Length: 17.07 m
Wingspan: 12.31 m
Height: 4.66 m
Weight: 10,455 kg
Power: 2 General Electric F404 low bypass turbofans
Speed: Mach 1.8
Ceiling: 15,000 m
Range: 3,704 (more with air-to-air refueling)
Armament: Sidewinder and Sparrow air-to-air missiles, Maverick air-to-ground missile, conventional bombs and precision-guided bombs, rockets, and M-61 20mm cannon
Crew: 1 pilot (CF-18A), 2 pilots (CF-18B)
Year(s) procured: 1982 to 1988
Quantity in CF: 118 (60 operational/59 fighter training, testing and rotation)
Location(s): 3 Wing Bagotville, Que. 4 Wing Cold Lake, Alta.
The CF-18 is currently undergoing a massive upgrade to it’s avionics and weapons systems, commonly referred to as the CF-18 Modernization Project. The project is a mission systems upgrade for 80 aircraft (59 x CF188A, 21 x CF188B). It is designed to improve the supportability, interoperability and survivability of the CF188 and, ensure operational capability to the Estimated Life Expectancy (ELE) of the aircraft (year 2017).
The projects are grouped into two phases, with phase 1 projects currently under contract and/or in development. The expected completion date for the project is Aug 2006 for all 80 aircraft. Phase 2 projects are still in definition phase and are scheduled for implementation in the 2006 – 2009 timeframe. The improvements to the avionics and weapons systems are listed below.
PHASE 2
Radar Warning Receiver
Data Link
Electronic Countermeasures
Missile Approach Warning
Helmet Mounted Sight
Future Project
Stealth Enhancement
PHASE 1
Mission Computer
Software
ECP 583
-Radios
-Radar
-Interrogator/Transponder
-Stores Management System
When a CF-18 powers up, the thunderous engines shake the ground.
The twin engines of this supersonic tactical fighter jet deliver a total of 14,580 kg of thrust and speeds of up to Mach 1.8.
The Hornet’s primary roles include air defence, training, tactical support, and air superiority. It has supported missions in both NORAD and NATO. Other roles also include aerobatic demonstration and aerospace test and evaluation.
During the Gulf War, 24 CF-18s were sent to Qatar to participate in the American-led Desert Shield and Desert Storm campaigns. Canadian pilots flew more than 5,700 hours — about 2,700 combat air patrol missions — to protect Canadian naval forces in the Gulf.
The CF-18 can carry a Nitehawk pod that incorporates a forward-looking infra-red sensor that allows pilots to see targets at night. It also has a laser designator to guide precision bombing.
During OPERATION ALLIED FORCE, the 79-day NATO air campaign in former Yugoslavia from March to June of 1999, Canada committed 18 CF-18s to TASK FORCE AVIANO, flying from Aviano Air Base in northern Italy. CF-18s flew 678 sorties, in the air-to-ground and air-to-air roles using both precision guided munitions and unguided "iron" bombs. With much less than 10% of the aircraft committed to the campaign, Canadian aircraft conducted 10% of the NATO strike sorties during the campaign. At the end of the 79-day campaign, the government of Slobodan Milosevioc withdrew its forces from Kosovo, making OPERATION ALLIED FORCE the only conflict won by air power alone.
Since the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, the Canadian fighter force has been heavily committed to OPERATION NOBLE EAGLE, the NORAD internal air defence mission. Immediately following the attacks, armed CF-18 fighters on air sovereignty alert deployed across Canada to protect Canada and Canadians from threats originating within our own airspace, a task that continues.
http://www.airforce.forces.gc.ca/grfx/equip_e/cf182.jpg