The Stinger missile, a full-dimensional protection weapon, is the Army’s system for short-range air defense that provides the ground maneuver commander force protection against low-altitude airborne targets such as fixed-wing aircraft, helicopters, unmanned aerial vehicles, and cruise missiles. The Stinger is launched from a number of platforms: Bradley Stinger Fighting Vehicle, Bradley Linebacker, Avenger (HMMWV), […]
AC-130U Gunship
Under a contract awarded in 1987, Boeing manufactures and supports the AC-130U Gunship aircraft for the U.S. Air Force Special Operations Command. The AC-130U represents a major advancement over previous generation gunships. Existing C-130 airframes receive the latest sensor technologies and fire control systems that, together, substantially increase the gunship’s combat effectiveness. The AC-130U features […]
BLU-82 Commando Vault “Daisy Cutter”
The BLU-82B/C-130 weapon system, nicknamed Commando Vault, is the high altitude delivery of a 15,000 pound bomb from a C-130. This system depends upon the accurate positioning of the aircraft by either a fixed ground radar or onboard navigation equipment. The ground radar controller or aircrew navigator as applicable, is responsible for positioning the aircraft […]
Afghan Disasters: A History
An excellent article in a recent issue of Soldier of Fortune details the history of outsiders in Afghanistan. In 329 BC, Alexander the Great’s army rolled into Kabul. Ferocious resistance forced Alexander to retreat west to Mesopotamia. By 320 BC, Alexander was dead. In 1839, the British occupied Afghanistan. Afghan mountain tribal groups responded harshly. […]
Winchester Super X3 (Auto Loading Shotgun)
The bold new look of the Super X3 is more than just aesthetic. The stock, grip and forearm dimensions are slimmer for a lighter, more controlled feel. Contributing to the feeling of lightness is an ultralight alloy magazine tube and recoil spring system that removes a half pound of weight. The new lightweight barrel further […]
M1128 Stryker Mobile Gun System
Speed and flexibility Stryker is a family of armored trooptransport vehicles for the U.S. Army. Strykers provide unprecedented speed and flexibility in getting infantry to the fight, under armor, in urban or open environments. The Mobile Gun System configuration carries a General Dynamics 105mm tank cannon (same gun tube as the one found on the […]
MK-38 Mod 2 25-mm Machine Gun “Bushmaster”
The Mk 38 Mod 2 Machine Gun System (MGS) from BAE Systems and Rafael sets the standard for shipboard defense against small, fast and agile surface threats. With more than 90 system variants deployed worldwide, the stabilized, remote controlled Mk 38 Mod 2 minor caliber gun is proven capable in defending against multiple surface threats […]
MK-19 Mod 3 40mm Grenade Machine Gun
General Dynamics Armament and Technical Products produces the MK19 MOD 3 air-cooled system, a blow-back operated, belt-fed, crew-served 40mm grenade machine gun. Highly portable within small soldier units, the weapon’s high lethality and broad versatility make it the prime choice of the U.S. Armed Forces as an essential weapon in both offensive and defensive operations. […]
MQ-9 Reaper
Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) NASA’s Dryden Flight Research Center partnered with General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc, (GA-ASI) to demonstrate technologies that would expand the capabilities of remotely operated, uninhabited aircraft to perform high-altitude earth science missions. To accomplish the task, GA-ASI developed an enlarged version of its Predator reconnaissance aircraft, called the Predator B®, including […]
