Bell 407GT raises questions about the UH-72.

via Armada.

A Bell Helicopter test pilot fired seven APKWS 70-millimeter rockets from a Bell Helicopter 407GT at Yuma, Arizona, as part of a qualification of the weapon’s safety and suitability on that platform. By completing the guided shots, Bell has qualified the APKWS rocket for use on the 407GT.
“Our highly precise APKWS rockets struck targets ranging from 1.5 kilometers to 5 kilometers away, at both direct and off-axis angles, and hit the target — a lightly armored vehicle — each time,” said David Harrold, director for Precision Guidance Solutions at BAE Systems. “The 407GT platform is significant because it is Bell Helicopter’s first commercially qualified, armed helicopter, configurable to perform a wide range of missions.”
The APKWS technology transforms a standard 2.75-inch rocket Hydra-type unguided rocket into a laser-guided precision weapon able to strike soft and lightly armored targets in built-up and confined areas. BAE Systems designed the APKWS technology to fill the gap between the Hellfire missile and unguided rockets. The company is the prime contractor for the program, which is managed by the Navy.
In addition to the 407GT, the APKWS rocket is qualified on the AH-1W and UH-1Y helicopters, and is expected to be similarly qualified for use on several other rotary- and fixed-wing aircraft. The system is available to allied force.

This brings up questions in my mind about the UH-72.  It was touted as being bought for Army National Guard Homeland Security missions.  It was specifically rolled out in medivac form in its presentation to the public.

But make no mistake about it.  Its a military helicopter through and through.

If the 407GT can be weaponized then what about the UH-72?  Does this mean that without even realizing it, National Guard units received helicopter gunships right under our noses?

Drones aren't for the border, they're for the cities.

Drones aren't for the borders they're for the cities...and they're here now.

I'm not a fan of the ACLU but I wish they (or anyone) would speak up on this issue.  Big brother is here.  The US is about to make itself look like London nationwide (there are more CCTV cameras in London than any other city in the world...communist countries included).

Sea Train LSV.

Major Hat Tip to Leesea!

A large, high speed landing craft that is able to deliver cargo directly onto the beach?

Sounds good to me and just a glance at the cargo hold indicates almost an MEU's worth of vehicles being landed in one load.

PERFECT for relief missions.  PERFECT for anything!(except forcible entry)

I LIKE IT.

When I get a chance I'll shoot Leesea an e-mail to see if I can publish some details from the designer regarding specs etc...

Bad kid.

That child looked evil...the video just confirmed it.

One step closer to Solyent Green...

via CBS Boston.

CONCORD, N.H. (AP) — An alternative to cremation that was shot down a few years ago by New Hampshire’s House is making a comeback.
The House votes Wednesday whether to allow human bodies to be dissolved into a soapy liquid.
The Legislature voted to allow the process in 2006, but reversed itself the next year and banned it. An attempt to lift the ban failed in 2009. The House Health, Human Services and Elderly Affairs Committee is recommending that the House vote to allow it.
The process uses lye, 300-degree heat and 60 pounds of pressure per square inch to destroy bodies in big stainless-steel cylinders. It leaves behind a coffee-colored liquid with the consistency of motor oil and a strong ammonia smell.

Take the smell out, firm up the liquid, and call it spam.  I read somewhere that long pork supposedly has a sweet taste to it when those who eat it were asked to describe the flavor.

How to hide your gun!

major hat tip to Soldier System.net

Wow.

A magazine has finally published an article covering what many are already doing.

Gun grabbers have already lost.  They had a window of opportunity when they could have struck with little opposition.  Luckily the Republicans had the house so they couldn't do a New York State type bum rush of a bill into law.

So now what do you have?  You have EVEN more AR-15's in the hands of citizens.  You have gun rights advocates aware and watching.  You have those same people buying up every bit of ammo, magazines and accessories possible...and the gun grabbers have false victories like the win in Chicago for the race to replace Jessie Jackson Jr in the House of Representatives.

Meanwhile Joe Manchin is running scared in W. Virginia, Mary Landrieu in Louisiana won't declare a position and red state democrats are generally scared to death of the next election.

2014 is gonna be fun.

Blast from the past. The LCAC/LST.

The Naval Surface Warfare Center Panama City Division (NSWC PCD) Expeditionary and Maritime Systems Department (Code E) engineers have provided the Office of Naval Research with Air Cushion Vehicles (ACV) Subject Matter Expertise (SME) and program management support for the T-Craft program since 2007. This effort has led to improved lift-fan and bow seal finger design features that could be included in future ACV designs. Graphic Design by Victor Strickland, NSWC PCD (Released).

Remember this blast from the past?  A "super" large landing craft?

It would have been glorious!

Mobile Landing Platform. We got it. Now what?

AOL has an article on the MLP that I find a bit difficult to stomach.  Read it all here, but a tidbit.

Saturday saw the formal christening of the USNSMontford Point, the first of a new class of Navy vessel, theMobile Landing Platform, meant to revolutionize the conduct of amphibious operations. By serving as a kind of floating pier, the MLP allows an amphibious force to offload heavy combat vehicles and bulk supplies at sea, without having to capture a major seaport -- which can be a bloody chokepoint in seaborne operation.

Revolutionize the conduct of amphibious operations?

I don't know about that!  What I do know is that instead of acting to get new LSD's, the Marine Corps and Navy instead chose to procure a ship that is of questionable value with regard to the near term Amphibious Fleet.

In an era of declining budgets, a smaller Marine Corps and fewer hulls in the water was this really the ship that the nation needs?

While you consider that, take a look at JLOTS and consider some of the modifications that could be made to make that system more useful for offload.  I don't know what the platform at the bottom of the ship's ramp (in the pic below) is called but a half dozen of those lined up side by side would allow multiple off/on loads of vehicles from ships to LCACs simultaneously.

We could have and should have spent this money more wisely.

NOTE:  This is just another procurement issue that the Marine Corps has been silent on.  We hear next to nothing from them on the MPC, ACV and now MLP.  I like the F-35 but it isn't the Marine Corps' universe.  Neither is the MV-22.  Time to get this shop in order.  Take care of these equipment issues!

 

RAPID DEPLOYMENT CRAFT

Armor against Infantry. Crazy cool.

Hat tip to Commander Salamander Blog.



This happened sometime in the past, I'm a couple  thousand miles away and when the turret swings I still had an "oh shit" moment.

MRAPs, DHS and the public just becoming aware.

Thanks for the heads up Calico Jack!



When you have main stream military blogs like Black Five taking notice of the MRAP purchases then you know something is a bit "funny" (not ha ha funny, but curious funny).  Quite honestly this story was big on the prepping blogs and talked about in that community last Sept.

But like I said.  B5 and others are now becoming alarmed at what we saw long ago.

Note:  The Team Leader refers to his guys as "Operators"...since when have SWAT Team Members been known as Operators?  Militarization of Law Enforcement anyone?  Not only militarization but they also consider themselves on par with Special Operations!

  

Its Monday.

WTF! Department of the Navy!?!

Thanks Mike for bringing this to my attention!  Well done!

via Navy Times.

With no budget deal by deadline, the Navy announced some drastic actions Saturday in the face of sequestration.Four air wings are set to be grounded and eight ship deployments have been cancelled — including one already underway. The moves will help save the service $10 billion, the amount cut this year due to automatic spending cuts triggered by Congress.Navy Secretary Ray Mabus said these drastic actions will still preserve the Navy’s presence overseas.

Go to the Navy Times to read the whole thing.

For the record I'm calling bullshit on the whole thing.  These types of moves are done for one reason.  To alarm conservatives because the Republicans are suppose to be the party of a strong national defense.

Time for a wake up call Washington DC.  The JCS themselves have labeled the nations debt as the biggest threat to our nations security and we once believed them...

If the threat is the debt then we can take a few "risks" in order to get it under control.

We might say "What the Fuck!" but we're solid in the belief that the debt must be reigned in .  Oh, one more thing....we didn't think it would be painless...so play your damn games.  We're not buying it.

French Army battling Islamic infiltrators in the city of Gao.

In New York having a full 10 round magazine is equal to vehicular manslaughter!

If you're not subscribed to "The Truth About Guns" (TTAG) then you're missing out.  Go there to read it all but a tidbit....

Under New York’s Orwellian-monikered SAFE Act, having a magazine with a capacity of more than a 10 rounds is now defined as criminal possession of a weapon in the third degree, a “Class D Violent Felony.” So soon, having a 13-round magazine stashed in the back of a drawer or a 10-rounder downloaded to only eight rounds rather than the legal limit of seven and you’re pinched. How does this grave offense against society compare with other crimes in the Empire State? Here’s a sample of similar hijinks that will also get you tagged with a class D violent felony wrap . . .

1. Rape in the Second Degree – § 130.30

1. Course of sexual conduct against a child in the second degree - § 130.80

1. Reckless assault of a child – § 120.02

1. Aggravated sexual abuse in the third degree - § 130.66

Which means that 13-round mag or a too-full ten-rounder in your possession will be a more serious offense than these simple Class D felonies (a step less serious that the Class D Violent variety):

1. A.Promoting an obscene sexual performance by a child - § 263.10

1. B. Promoting a sexual performance by a child - § 263.15

1. C. Reckless endangerment in the first degree - § 120.25

1. D. Vehicular manslaughter in the second degree - § 125.12

New York.  Truly the land of insanity.

Quote of the day.

I would remind you that extremism in the defense of liberty is no vice! And let me remind you also that moderation in the pursuit of justice is no virtue!

At issue. Comments going to spam.

Resident Author hit me with a comment and I went to reply to it (all comments go directly to my e-mail) on the blog and it was no where to be found.

Don't get me wrong.  I don't always reply to every comment on the blog.  I sometimes feel its unnecessary...but since his comment was missing I went to the "comment spam folder" and found it filled to the brim.

Wow.

Didn't see that coming.

What's worse is I don't know how to fix it.  Google has the filter set and there is nothing I can do to change it.  I've  sent Google a note but quite honestly confidence is NOT high.  The only work around is to periodically check the spam folder but your patience is required while I get this ironed out.  Thanks.

These guys are serious about airsoft!

You're looking at several thousands of dollars worth of gear.  If its all authentic then wow!  But even more amazing is that in the next vid you see entire teams decked out in authentic gear with what looks like real EO-Techs on weapons!  Wow.

Did we miss a revolt?

Generals Mattis and Allen have decided to retire from military service.

Both had opportunities to take on meaningful commands and both would be considered front runners for becoming the next Commandant of the Marine Corps.

Yet they walked away!  Why?

I contend that we're witnessing the first General Officers that have looked at the policies coming out of the White House and done what we've all cried out for.  They tossed their stars on the desk and walked away.

If you're wondering if that's the case then why didn't we get some press release decrying the actions taken by the Administration then I will tell you that in my EXTREMELY limited experience that its not done that way.  If I'm right then in a couple of months you'll see them turn up at a think tank where they'll talk about certain issues and line up squarely against administration positions.

This is just my opinion.  Time will tell if I'm right.

Another reason why the military is losing respect.

I can't believe this shit.

Do you want to know why the military is losing respect?  Look no further than the above vid.

Sidenote:  I don't know who the fuck Cheney is...never heard of him....that's unusual for a Marine General to be unknown of in a force as small as it is.

Why these yahoos would decided to stick there noses into this issue is beyond me but to use their former positions as a stool to stand on smacks of abuse of uniform.

The Obama Administration is smart.  They are directly attacking the institutions that conservatives care about.  The military, marriage, responsibility (as in govt. spending) and firearms rights.

Call me a tinfoil hat wearer but this is a concerted effort to undermine the views a large portion of this country in favor of the opinions held by people on the two coasts split suburban conservatives from rural conservatives and even the few conservatives left in the cities in favor of the individual control advocates that reside in the mega cities that are on both coasts.