The US Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) unveiled a concept on May 18 for a new heavy airlift seaplane dubbed the Liberty Lifter. The name was announced after the agency released a request for information (RFI) in August last year, seeking ideas that could demonstrate a leap in operational logistics capabilities by designing, building, and flying a long-range, low-cost X-plane capable of seaborne strategic and tactical lift. Leveraging the wing-in-ground effect, DARPA’s project will be similar to the ekranoplan concept that was embraced by the Soviet and Russian navies in the 1980s and 90s.
,1,combat Boat 90 (CB90) is a fast military assault craft developed by Swedish boat maker Dockstavarvet, a part of Saab. Commissioned in 1991, the boat was originally built to replace the Swedish Navy’s ageing Tpbs 200 class. The vessel can function as a fast assault and coastal defence boat, a patrol boat or a special operations support vessel. It can also be used for reconnaissance, surveillance and intelligence-gathering operations.
,1,The Vulkan M-92 is a mobile multiple rocket launcher that fires 122-mm rockets, capable of engaging targets up to 12 miles.
Development of this system began in 1968. The mechanical engineer and Chief Operating Officer of the Artillery Department of the Military Engineering Institute, was responsible for overseeing its development and production.
The six pre-series production models were based on the FAP 2220 6x6 truck and were shown to the public for the first time in 1975. Serial production began two years later. Serial production variant mounted on a FAP 2026 BDS/A 6x6 truck body. The rocket system is placed at the rear of the platform and contains 32 128mm launch tubes capable of hitting targets as far as 20.6 kilometers (12.8 miles).
This system is operated by five personnel. One of its unique features is its retractable canvas, which allows the rocket launcher to be easily disguised and makes it difficult for the enemy to recognize it until the crew is ready to fire.
In 1994, Serbia developed a new version called the M-94 Oganj C, which could fire M91 (cluster-type warhead with 40 grenade submunitions) and M77 (HE warhead) rockets. This version features a 32-rocket reloading system that allows for a complete reload and launch of a second salvo within three minutes.
,1,The Griffin is a combat-proven, multi-platform, precision-guided missile designed and manufactured by the Raytheon Company. This missile is used by the US Air Force and US Navy. Production of the Griffin missile began in 2008. The missile system can engage both static and fast-moving targets and offers reliable operational effectiveness to warfighters against a wide range of threats in counter-insurgency and irregular warfare operations.
The Griffin missile can be integrated into the USAF's AC-130W Stinger II fighter aircraft, the US Marine Corps' (USMC) KC-130J Harvest Hawk aircraft and the US Navy's Cyclone class coastal patrol platforms. The Griffin tactical missile has a small, lightweight design featuring pop-out wings. This enables rapid integration with land, sea and air platforms.
The missile is 43 inches long and 5.5 inches in diameter. It weighs 14.96kg and can carry a 5.89kg warhead, which provides high lethality against a wide range of targets while reducing collateral damage. The missile is equipped with an advanced semi-active laser guidance seeker, which allows the missile to engage moving targets with high precision and pinpoint accuracy. The missile can also be guided by an inertial guidance system assisted by an advanced global positioning system (GPS). The front section also includes a fuse, which allows the missile to engage targets in high-altitude detonation, delayed fuse and point detonation modes.
The Griffin missile is powered by a solid-fuel rocket motor developed by Aerojet Rocketdyne. This motorbike offers high maneuverability. A rear-mounted control actuator system (CAS) controls the missile's movement.
,1,The US Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) unveiled a concept on May 18 for a new heavy airlift seaplane dubbed the Liberty Lifter. The name was announced after the agency released a request for information (RFI) in August last year, seeking ideas that could demonstrate a leap in operational logistics capabilities by designing, building, and flying a long-range, low-cost X-plane capable of seaborne strategic and tactical lift. Leveraging the wing-in-ground effect, DARPA’s project will be similar to the ekranoplan concept that was embraced by the Soviet and Russian navies in the 1980s and 90s.
