AS 90
AS90 is a 155mm self-propelled gun that equips six Field Regiments of the Royal Horse Artillery and Royal Artillery. Fitted with a standard barrel, AS90 can fire the NATO L15 unassisted 155mm projectile (96lbs) 24.7 km. With a long (52 Calibre) barrel the gun can reach out to 30 km using standard ammunition, and 60-80 km with Extended Range (ERA). AS90 is equipped with an autonomous Navigation and Gun Laying system (AGLS) based on the vehicles inertial navigation system, the Dynamic Reference Unit (DRU). All main turret functions are controlled by the Turret Control Computer (TCC).
AS90 was first operational in 1993.
The Merlin HM Mk 1 is a replacement for the anti-submarine Sea King HAS Mk6. It is the first Royal Naval derivative of the EH101 helicopter, designed and produced under a collaborative programme by UK’s GKN Westland Helicopters Ltd and Italy’s helicopter manufacturer, Agusta. A highly complex and advanced aircraft, the ultimate manufacture of the Merlin HM MC weapon system is taking place under the Prime Contractorship of Lockheed Martin ASIC.
Flown normally by a crew of three (1 x pilot, 1 x Observer, 1 x Aircrewman), Merlin is designed to operate from both large and small ships’ flight decks, in severe weather and high sea states, by day and night. A high level of reliability, serviceability and ease of maintenance are a pre-requisite. The aircraft is therefore configured both structurally and in terms of mission system and cockpit design, to meet the demands of the harsh maritime environment.
Powered by three Rolls Royce Turbomeca gas turbines, the rugged, crashworthy airframe is of modular construction, mainly of aluminiumlithium, aluminium and composites. The rotor system, which is fully folding, benefits from some of the most advanced helicopter aerodynamics in the world. With a maximum all-up-mass of 14,600 kg, and a top speed of 167 kts, the Merlin can carry four homing torpedoes or depth charges, and has sufficient fuel for a radius of operation of over 200 nautical miles.
The aircraft and its mission system are managed by two computers, linked by dual data buses. The glass cockpit is configured for single pilot operation, as is the dual redundant flight control system and auto pilot. All crew stations can access the management computers and can operate the tactical displays, fed by the Blue Kestrel radar. Navigation is state of the art with ring laser gyros, inertial reference systems GPS, doppler and radar altimeters. The sonics suites are both Passive, (AQS903), and Active Dunking Sonar (FLASH), both systems benefiting from some of the most advanced forms of information processing. Electronic Support measures (ESM), are supplied by the new Orange Reaper and the mission system is completed by a comprehensive communications fit. The capability of the Merlin weapon system is such that it has been double-earmarked for the two Primary Roles of both anti surface and anti submarine operations and an anti surface missile capability is planned for the Merlin Mk2
81mm Mortar
The battle-proven L16A2 81mm Mortar delivers accurate High Explosive (HE), Smoke or Illuminating rounds out to a range of 5650m. The 81mm Mortar can be man-packed in three loads, but mortar detachments are normally vehicle-borne. Mortar platoons in armoured Infantry battalions are mounted in - and can fire from - FV 432 armoured vehicles increasing the mortars mobility and speed into and out of action. The 81mm mortar provides an Infantry battalion with its own indirect fire support.
Equipment Update:
This weapon system, which is lightweight, simple to use and flexible has undergone a mid life upgrade (MLU) to embrace recent technological developments. The inclusion of the new SPGR (Specialised Personal GPS Receiver) and LH40C (Laser) combine to make the new TLE (Target Locating Equipment). This generates a significant enhancement in first round accuracy and the ease, and speed, with which accurate fire missions can be executed. Additionally, the equipment reduces the number of adjustment rounds which will be used and lead to greater dispersal of mortar barrels, thus increasing protection for the mortar crew soldiers. Plans continue to develop further synergies with The Royal Artillery to improve the existing levels of co-ordination between Artillery and Mortars in fighting the indirect fire battle.
The Vanguard Class SSBN (Ship Submersible Ballistic Nuclear) provides the United Kingdom’s strategic and sub-strategic nuclear deterrent. The first Vanguard class submarine was launched in 1993 carrying Trident II D5 missiles and is now the cornerstone of our Defence policy and significantly contributes to the Alliance’s deterrent forces.
Vanguard Class SSBN Ballistic Submarine Statistics
Displacement: 15,980 tons dived
Length: 149.9 m
Beam: 12.8 m
Draught: 12 m
Complement: 135
Armament: 16 missile tubes capable of firing Trident D5 missiles
4 torpedo tubes capable of firing Spearfish Torpedoes
Sensors: Sonars including Bow, Flank, Active Intercept and Towed Arrays
Attack and Search Periscopes
Collision avoidance radar
Electronic warfare equipment
Trident D5 missiles
A credible nuclear deterrent depends upon the ability to threaten an assured and effective response to aggression. The Trident II D5 missile has a range of over 4,000 nautical miles and an accuracy, which can be measured in metres. Each missile is technically capable of delivering up to 12 warheads, enabling a number of different targets to be engaged, and each Vanguard class submarine has 16 missile tubes. The missile is ejected from the submarine by high-pressure gas and only when it reaches the surface does the rocket system actually fire.
Spearfish Torpedo
Weighing in around two tonnes, this is one of the world’s most advanced homing torpedoes, effective against surface and underwater targets. Spearfish has an impressive accelerating attack speed combined with considerable operational range and is the mainstay of Vanguard’s conventional arsenal.
SSBN OPERATIONS
Ballistic missile submarines must at all times have a robust and reliable link with their chain of command on the mainland. A comprehensive network of communications installations connects Britain’s nuclear fleet with the Commander-in Chief at Northwood, the Secretary of State for Defence in London and the Prime Minister in order to authorise the use of nuclear weapons and keep them under firm political control.
The tactical weapon system is used to “fight the boat” and has three functions: to avoid detection; provide self-protection, and to enable effective communications.
The Submarine Command System (SMCS) is the “brain” of the tactical weapon system, controlling and co-ordinating its constituent parts. It receives information from the various sensors, analyses the data presents it to the ship’s Commanding Officer in a format, which enables him to make informed tactical decisions. Once this is done, the command system provides the means with which to “fight,” including the preparation, launch and guidance of tactical weapons.
Pressurised Water Reactor (PWR)
The driving force behind the Trident submarine is the latest design in pressurised water reactor. In simple terms, this is a collection of uranium fuel elements that produce huge amounts of energy to power the vessel (a ton of fissionable material releases the energy equivalent to 2.5 million tons of coal). The entire process takes place inside a heavily shielded reactor compartment, which completely protects the crew from radiation. Water coolant travels round the reactor and is heated by the nuclear fuel elements and on into the steam generator, in the steam generator the heat of the coolant is used to convert water into steam, which is used to power the main turbine engines. From there a system of clutches, gearing and propulsion transmits the power to the sea. Steam is also used to drive turbo-generators, which supply the submarine with electricity. Because of the large amount of energy stored in the uranium fuel elements Vanguard class submarines can travel great distances and for many years without refuelling.
