Ground Combat Vehicle Programme: Issues and Possible Alternatives

The shocking discontinuation of US Army Ground Combat Vehicle (GCV) programme January this year has overwhelmed related defence contractors with cold atmosphere. Defence industry giants namely BAE Systems, Northrop Grumman, General Dynamics, Lockheed Martin, Raytheon and Tognum America were all in full throttle when the undesirable news emerged. While the army is forecasting the need for better mobility solution for a nine-member infantry squad, the US government however slashed 83% of the requested $592 million, leaving the army with only $100 million of total fund for the programme’s research and development.

According to Chief of Staff of the US Army Gen Ray Odierno, the Army is definitely in need of a new infantry-fighting vehicle (IFV) but due to the economy downturn, could not afford to develop one. Odierno added that the hope now is that the remaining fund will provide the Army with sufficient capital to develop all required technologies so that in years ahead when the programme is revived, things will get back on track to replace their ageing Bradley.

Emphasising on full nine-member squad mobility

Infantry squads of the US Army consist of nine men – a squad leader and two four-men fire-teams. These people rely on IFVs as their main transportation during battle. As a primary weapon and a means of transport for infantry squads, the Army perceives the IFV as one of its most important asset in battle theatres. The issue regarding the battle-worn Bradley is its lack of space, with the capability to transport only seven soldiers thus necessitating a squad to be divided among vehicles. This separation issue, according to strategic studies, has all this while put these squads in a state of total vulnerability because of the difficulties in communication as well as organisation.

The lack of space does not only prevent a full-sized squad to move in unity, but also disables a squad to take along the often-needed additional soldiers which may include radio-operators, medics or forward observers. The Army is striving to tackle this issue hence the introduction of the GCV platform. 

Overcoming the challenges

Findings and results of more recent war games have highlighted the need for rapid deployment in small formations. The Army is anticipating a more expeditionary type of operations in the near future. Through war games and recent international operations, they learnt that every deployment has to be fast and to be effectively mobile, having to move with minimal but optimal equipments and supports. The Army too believes that future operations will tend to take place in remote areas. Therefore, it is believed that the development of a more rugged and mobile IFV or GCV will greatly contribute in the service’s future deployments.

Though GCV programme’s revival is possible, the Congress through its Congressional Budget Office (CBO) report had earlier outlined some issues regarding the GCV itself. A contrasting fact is that while the Army is striving for all-terrain mobility, the GCV platform turns out to be way heavier than the Army’s current Bradley IFV. While the ageing Bradley weighs no more than 39 tonnes, the GCV however weighs approximately 50 to 65 tonnes. Though this excessive weight came as a result of heavier and stronger armoury, this huge excess weight somehow will affect the GCV’s logistic ability and mobility in and into battle theatres. Weighing at 65 tonnes each, rapid deployment seems impossible. The C-17 is able to transport three Bradleys at a single time but flying three GCVs in a single flight is far beyond reality. Logistic cost is more than likely to skyrocket. This has become a major drawback during its valuation stage, which later brought to the programme’s dead end.

In addition to that, the GCV programme too has faced several technical challenges which may impact its performance later down the road. One issue that comes into question is the vehicle’s ability to protect its passengers without having to overload itself with heavier armour. Materials such as ceramic and other lightweight armour are either too expensive or not suitable for the GCV; they require more time for development. Another alternative is the utilisation of active-protection systems - this kind of technology is not fully developed too. Without being able to overcome these issues, developers may need to settle down with the more conventional armour that brings to a concrete conclusion; more weight and higher fuel consumption and therefore higher operating cost.

Budgetary issue has and will always become a major concern from any government’s point of view. In an effort to contain the programme within its target cost, the Army had to allow some capability trade-offs. Unlike the Bradley, GCV had to give up anti-tank missile launcher. To make things worst, the Army too had settled down without the armour kits that was supposed to protect two-third of the vehicle, smaller and less powerful 25mm cannon instead of the 30mm earlier planned and a set of less sophisticated sensors and optical equipments.

Forking out alternatives

The CBO, post evaluation process suggested a number of alternatives. First alternative is to purchase the German Puma IFV. As one of the strongest option, Puma too lacks on certain features. Another alternative suggested by the CBO is the Israeli Namer APC. The Namer however has an issue regarding firepower. Third suggestion is to upgrade the US Army current fleets of Bradleys to lengthen its service life for years to come. The last and the least favoured option, which now has become reality is to kill the GCV programme, retaining the current Bradley while at the same time running a research for its life-extension programme.

While this article focuses on the US Army GCV programme, ADJ also brings you about a number of IFVs of similar class, which we believe share some distinct features; especially with six or more seating configuration. We will examine each IFV’s survivability (armoury), lethality (weaponry), mobility (engine capacity) as well as maximum number of passengers. The proposed alternatives include other IFVs namely the Puma, Namer, Turkish Tulpar, Bradley and its upgrade programme as well as a few others.

M2 Bradley

First we look at the Bradley IFV, which the Army initially opted to phase out due to its ageing issue as well as a part of future capabilities development process. First entered service in 1981, the Bradley IFV variant was manufactured under the Bradley family of fighting vehicles by BAE Systems Land and Armaments, back then known as United Defense. 

The Bradley weigh falls between 35 to 41 tonnes, depending on armour kits equipped on each vehicle. It is armed with a Bushmaster M242 25mm chain gun as its primary weapon, a 7.62mm machine gun as its secondary firepower as well as a missile launcher for TOW anti-tank missiles. The IFV is powered by a Cummins VTA-903T diesel engine, capable of producing 600hp. Power to weight ratio is rated at 19.7hp/tonne. Therefore, despite its relatively vintage-age, it is no surprise that the Bradley is able to reach a top speed of 66km/h.

Under the GCV programme, the upgrades of US Army current Bradley fleets are considered as one of the cheapest alternatives for the US government. However, this alternative has become an issue due to the Army’s main objective to acquire a nine-seater IFV. It is worth mentioning that under the upgrade programme, the ageing Bradley may possibly undergo quite a few modernisation initiatives including more powerful engine, better sets of suspension, additional armour, advanced optics and an additional 7.62mm machine gun.

Under the government estimation, in order to upgrade and field all Bradley, a sum of $19.5 billion of fund will be required beginning 2014 until 2030. Out of the $19.5 billion, $2.7 billion will have to be allocated over integration process while the rest goes for units purchase, amounting to 1748 in total numbers with a price tag of $9.6 million each.

Schützenpanzer Puma

Development of the Puma IFV began in the 90s as a replacement plan of the German’s ageing Marder vehicle. The development process took place between Rheinmetall Landsysteme and Krauss-Maffei Wegmann (KMW). Production started circa 2008 and the German Army received its first Puma in the same year. In term of lethality, the Puma is equipped with a dual-fed Rheinmetall Mauser 30mm cannon as its primary weapon and a 5.56mm HK MG4 machine gun as its secondary. In addition to that, unlike the proposed GCV that eliminates anti-tank missile, the Puma rolls out of factory readily equipped with a launcher for Spike anti-tank missile. It is powered by an MTU 892 turbocharged diesel engine, developing a huge 1073 horsepower with a maximum speed of 70km/h.

The Puma is proposed with a 12-tonne armour kits package, which gives the IFV a total weight of 43 tonnes when fully armoured. Meanwhile, its underbelly is protected against mines and IED threats. At 31.5 tonnes in its basic armour package, the Puma is readily fitted with floating seats for six passengers excluding its crew of three. As an alternative of the GCV, the lack of seat numbers has however become an issue since the US Army is eyeing on a nine-seater solution.

At $6.9 million each, the Puma is one of the cheapest options for the US Army IFV replacement programme. Despite of its lack of passenger seats, the Puma under the CBO evaluation turns out to be the most lethal and possesses higher survivability due to its 450mm-high ground clearance. Moreover, since the Puma is already in production, the US government estimated that integration process will only cost approximately $500 million and they also estimated that the procurement of Puma would cost a total of $14 billion less than the GCV programme’s target cost.

Namer

Born out of the Israel-Lebanon conflict, the Namer, or earlier named Nammera is an armoured-personnel carrier (APC) manufactured by Israeli Ordnance Corps. Designed and developed for the Israeli Defence Force, Namer carries the DNA of its predecessor, the legendary Merkava tank. It was built bottom-up based on Merkava tank chassis hence the large size. Post Israel-Lebanon conflict has saw Israel Defence Force insisted on a new armoured-vehicle to be fielded after the old M113 was proven vulnerable to explosive type of threats. It was in 2008 when the Namer first entered service and production numbers today has reached a total of 200 units.

Compared to Bradley and Puma, the Namer weighs a whooping 60 tonnes, making it the heaviest option among the GCV alternatives. However, it is important to stress that the excess weight comes from a package of strong armour kits, which were made of classified composite matrix of laminated ceramic-nickel-steel-alloy and underlaid reactive armour. The Namer too, thanks to its large build-up is able to fulfil the Army’s demand of a nine-seater IFV.

Despite the advantages of stronger armour and larger interior capacity, the Namer too possesses some disadvantages, which are seen as major drawbacks. In comparison with the Puma and Bradley, Namer is left behind in term of firepower capability. It is only equipped with a 12.7mm heavy machine gun and a 7.62mm machine gun as its secondary weapon. Though it is armed with mortar and smoke grenade dischargers, the Namer is in a position where its defensive capability greatly outweighs its offensive capability. Its lack of offensive power puts the Namer as the weakest alternative under the CBO evaluation. However, bear in mind that the Namer was designed as an APC not as IFV hence the lack in firepower.

Tagged at $11 million each, procurement of the Namer will cost the US government an estimated figure of $19.5 billion – $9 billion less of that the GCV programme. Development and integration process would take up only $300 million while the rest of the $19.5 billion goes to the procurement of 1748 Namer vehicles.

Tulpar

Apart from the suggested alternatives of the GCV programme, it is worth to mention a few other IFVs that have similar capabilities that put them altogether into a similar class. To name one is the Tulpar IFV by Otokar. This Turkish latest and most advanced IFV was designed for the Turkish Armed Forces, unveiled during IDEF exhibition held last year. According to Otokar, the Tulpar will comprise a number of variants including reconnaissance, command-and-control, personnel carrier, mortar, recovery, launch rocket system, air defence, ambulance and anti-tank vehicles. Though available in arrays of variants, this article however brings you about the Tulpar in its IFV variant.

Comparable to the Puma, the Tulpar too is designed with a high ground clearance of 450mm for better protection against mines and IED threats. Looking at its firepower, Tulpar IFV operates with Mizrak 30 unmanned turret, armed with a 30mm dual-fed cannon, L-Umtas anti-tank missile launcher as well as a 7.62mm Browning machine gun as its secondary weapon system. In term of survivability, the Tulpar IFV is offered with three armour packages. Depending on its armour packages, the Tulpar will weigh somewhere between 25 to 40 tonnes.

At the heart of the IFV is a Scania DSI 14/16 diesel engine. Known for its durability and reliability, Scania as one of the biggest European diesel engine manufacturer helps to generate 810hp under the hood, allowing the Tulpar to reach a top speed of 70km/h and a maximum range of 600km. Moreover, this IFV is able to carry nine fully-equipped soldiers, making it a suitable contender under the GCV programme alternatives. Though the price tag is yet to be disclosed, Tulpar, under the IFV flag is a strong contender for armed forces all over the world in search of a capable and reliable IFV.

Anders

Anders history began in 2008 when it first went into development stage following the Polish Army’s demand for a new IFV to replace its Soviet-era BMP-1 IFV. OBRUM was responsible for the development and manufacturing process of the Anders until its first prototype was made public in 2010. Named after a WWII general, Anders’ weigh ranges from 25 to 35 tonnes. Its protection package consists of a set of modular armour, providing all-around shield against 7.62mm rounds. In addition to that, optional add-on armoury may provide further protection up against 25mm projectiles.

In order to enhance its offensive power, the Anders IFV is equipped with OTO Melara’s Hitfist-30P turret, along a 30-mm cannon while its secondary weapon is a 7.62mm machine gun. Anders spacious interior is able to hold three crew and eight additional soldiers. Powering the IFV is a German-made MTU turbocharged diesel engine, which is capable of generating 720hp. Thanks to its reasonable weight, the Anders may reach a top speed of 72km/h and able to reach a destination as far as 600km. Price announcement is yet to be done, but the Polish Army has expressed an interest to purchase 1000 units of similar vehicle.

Naval Helicopters: An Overview of Asian Latest Fleets

Naval helicopters, as it is termed, are specifically built for military sorties in the open sea. Sometimes known as maritime helicopters, these rotor-winged aircraft are used as a mean of troop transport, combat search and rescue operation (CSAR), medical evacuation (MEDEVAC) as well as combat purposes. These helicopters, exclusively intended for specific missions, are categorised into different categories such as tactical helicopters, surveillance helicopters as well as anti-submarine helicopters.

The induction of naval helicopters, onboard warships, has to a great extent, enhanced navies’ operational efficiency. While modern helicopters are able to carry out multiple types of missions, naval helicopters of the early days were assigned solely as plane guards, tasked to discover and recover aircrew of ditched plane and helicopters throughout an aircraft carrier flight operation.

The advancement of technologies saw manufacturers producing helicopters equipped with integral dunking sonar, advanced radar system plus magnetic anomaly detection equipment which in turn enabled manufacturers to assemble helicopters with a higher payload capacity and longer endurance. Helicopters are now able to function with less dependency on parent and other warships.

To date, all naval helicopters are finely equipped with most advanced avionics, efficient and powerful engines, precise and lethal armaments as well as adequate protection against the unforgiving sea conditions especially salt water corrosion. ASPAC Defence looks at a number of naval helicopters in service or about to enter service across the Asia-Pacific.

Sikorsky MH-60R

The MH-60 of R variant from Sikorsky, designated as “Seahawk” was originally referred as “LAMPS Mark III Block II Upgrade”. The helicopter, according to Sikorsky was designed with combined quality from the SH-60B and SH-60F helicopters, producing a multi-role helicopter capable of handling missions in anti-submarine warfare (ASW), anti-surface warfare (ASuW), CSAR and MEDEVAC.

Kitted with the deadly Mk-54 active homing torpedo, the MH-60R is a great force against sub-surface threats. The new MH-60R warfare sensor has made it a game-changer. Retrofitted with the new AN/APS multi-mode radar, MH-60R is capable of displaying ten times the number of tracks compared to the previous system and the Electronic Support Measure (ESM) system has a passive capability that provides greater accuracy compared to earlier versions.

The equipment of these state-of-the-art technologies has put the MH-60R into a leading naval helicopter, with thousands of logged operation hours with the US Navy. Powered by two General Electric T700-GE-401C turbo-shaft engines, each producing 1911shp, the MH-60R is able to reach a maximum flight speed of 144 knots (267 km/h). Adding up to that, pilots instrumentation are configured with digital displays that resemble the glass cockpit of the MH-60S, another variant of the Sikorsky SH-60 Seahawk helicopters.

Australia, on 2011 has announced the procurement of Sikorsky’s MH-60R for the nation’s defence force’s requirement, a demand for a fleet of 24 new-generation multi-role naval combat helicopter. Upon deliveries, Sikorsky will put up their plan to bring long-term jobs and work opportunities to the Australian industry, which is estimated to value at USD1.5 billion. Sikorsky added that the Royal Australian Navy is expected to take delivery of the first MH-60R beginning 2014. In addition to that, the Republic of Singapore Navy has recently ordered an additional two units of the S-70B helicopters to add to the six already in service with delivery expected to take place in 2016 while the Royal Brunei Air Force is due to receive their S-70i Black Hawk by the end of this year, ahead of its schedule time. The twelve RBAF helicopters are expected to carry out maritime duties as well.

AgustaWestland AW159

The AW159, earlier acknowledged as Future Lynx or the Lynx Wildcat, is a new generation naval helicopter, first inducted into the British Army and Royal Navy services. The helicopter, an improvised version of the top-notch Westland Super Lynx was manufactured for hazardous battlefield deployment, CSAR mission as well as ASuW.

AW159 comes out of assembly line equipped with a semi-rigid rotor head that contributes to the helicopter’s high agility, matching the operating capabilities of the legendary Lynx helicopter. In addition to that, AgustaWestland also fits the helicopter with high performance composite rotor blades, which at one point of history assisted the Lynx helicopter to break the world helicopter speed record.

The helicopter is driven by two LHTEC CTS 800-HN engines, each producing 1361shp, with the ability to operate in hot and high environment. Aircrew operation also is moreover succored by the integration of four 10”x8” cockpit displays combined with up to date, fully integrated avionics. AgustaWestland has as well made a decision to manufacture the AW159 with anti-ship missiles, torpedoes and door-mounted guns, specially fitted for combat purposes.

The government of South Korea, on Jan 15 heralded the procurement of AW159 to fulfil its Navy’s requirement. The selection, according to the Royal Navy, will strengthen their bilateral relationship with the Korean counterpart. Deliveries which are expected to commence in 2015 until 2016 will see the helicopter equipped with various cutting-edge technologies including active dipping sonar, 360 degree scan radar, nose mounted electro-optical device and a rescue hoist.

AgustaWestland Super Lynx

The Super Lynx, a multi-role, multi-mission maritime and utility helicopter by AgustaWestland is presently operational with various world leading armed forces, a proven fact of its ability to outnumber other helicopters of similar class. Built with fully-marinised airframe, the helicopter was designed to withstand the harmful salt-water corrosion during rigorous sea-operation conditions.

With small ship deployment in mind, the helicopter was primarily designed with exceptional features including lower centre of gravity, foldable blades and tail for trouble-free storage as well as a mixture of other rugged characteristics. In order to operate within the harsh maritime environment, AgustaWestland came up with the resolution to fit the Super Lynx with two LHTEC CTS800-4N engines, generating 1361shp capacity, boosted by a single engine capability. This, in a larger picture, helps support the helicopter’s operation ability in a demanding hot and high condition deployments.

The Super Lynx is technically equipped with an advanced Night Vision Goggle (NVG) compatible cockpit, integrated avionics suite as well as an array of optional equipments, meant to enable the helicopter to deliver day and night, all-weather ASW, ASuW and CSAR missions. The technologies that come along the Super Lynx have been proven to support numbers of autonomous operation in detecting and prosecuting targets.

Members of ASEAN countries such as Malaysia and Thailand have chosen the Super Lynx as their superior naval helicopter, with six currently operational in the Royal Malaysian Navy and four in the Royal Thailand Navy. The helicopter, along other naval assets has become a key player in maintaining maritime sovereignty for both countries alike.

Eurocopter EC725

The EC725, a top of the line helicopter by Eurocopter, also named the Super Cougar is a long-range tactical transport helicopter, in the beginning developed from the long-standing Puma family. Surprisingly, despite the primary purpose of land operation utilisation, the EC725 has become a popular naval helicopter thanks to the various developments and upgrades by Eurocopter.

Derived from the civilian EC225 model, Eurocopter has deliberately built the EC725 for military use, with a twin-engine configuration along a spacious cabin, capable of transporting up to 29 soldiers. Despite the noticeably large size, the Super Cougar was designed to perform multiple types of mission including MEDEVAC and CSAR.

In support of security and self-defence, the EC725 is equipped with expanded weapons load including two 7.62mm FN MAG machine guns, an option of two 68mm Thales Brandt or Forges Zeebrugge rocket launchers, two 20mm GIAT cannons and also the Dassault Electronique EWR-99 FRUIT RWR radar warning receiver. These armaments were intended to come along the helicopter to ensure higher survival ability in dangerous combat environments.

At the heart of the helicopter are two powerful Turbomeca Makila 2A1 turboshaft engines featuring a dual-channel Full Authority Digital Engine Control (FADEC) system. Driven by both engines, the helicopter is capable to cruise at a speed of 285 km/h with an outstanding efficient range of 1339km. The EC725, according to Eurocopter, can also be optionally equipped with an anti-icing system, a key feature meant to support very cold climates operation.

Catered for the crew is an integration package of advanced multi-display cockpit consisting of a hi-tech display system featuring a digital map as well as the Active Matrix LCD system. In addition to that, the Forward Looking Infra Red (FLIR) equipped in the helicopter enables the EC725 to perform day and night CSAR.

The EC725, which has proven its capabilities with the Brazilian and the French armed forces, is now operational in the Royal Malaysian Air Force. Currently in manufacturing stage for the Indonesia Air Force and Royal Thai Air Force, the EC725 is set to be delivered circa 2014 and 2015 respectively.

Bell 412EP

With the introduction of the 412EP model, Bell has once again made its presence felt, with purchase agreements by more than 20 countries, surpassing most of its competitors in term of sale revenue.

The Bell 412 was developed during the 70’s when Bell converted the up-and-flying 212 model into the 412 prototype. From the two-bladed 212 model, Bell has radically altered the helicopter with the integration of the four-bladed rotor thus producing the latter version, the 412 type and it was until recent years that Bell came up with the 412EP (Enhanced Performance) model.

Featuring the trademarked BLR Strake and Fast Fin systems, the 412EP model has proven its ability to deliver improved hovering ability in crosswind as well as hot and high conditions. This is added with low fuel consumption, a characteristic very important in this critical period when even the richest country is cutting on military expenditure. Pratt & Whitney was awarded the responsibility to supply their engines for the 412EP helicopters and they came up with the PT6T-3DF Twin Pac engines offering guaranteed Time Between Overhaul (TBO) of 4000 to 5000 hours.

Bell 412EP, through the enormous 2.3 metres door opening has made soldiers and equipment transportation easier. Added with ergonomic seating configuration, the 412EP is able to accommodate 15 soldiers, including two crewmembers. These characteristics, along with the adoption of rupture resistance fuel cells, energy absorbing crew seats as well as the collective mounted throttles has enabled Bell to produce a helicopter with greater and higher safety limitations.

The Bell 412EP, introduced as a multi-purpose utility helicopter, has a capability to cruise at a speed of 226 km/h with a maximum flight range of up to 980 km. Weighing slightly less than three tonnes, the helicopter is a good option for fast and light utilisation. Latest update in the ASEAN region saw the Indonesian army receiving six Bell 412EP helicopters with an addition of 16 units of similar model with deliveries expected to complete by the end of 2014. Currently, the Bell 412EP is operational with various armed forces including the Philippines, South Korea and Thailand.

AgustaWestland AW109

The AW109 is a lightweight, twin engine, eight-seater, multi-purpose helicopter built by the Anglo-Italian manufacturer AgustaWestland. Introduced in 1971 as A109, the helicopter has proven itself in light transport, MEDEVAC, CSAR and various military roles.

Initially a civilian helicopter, the A109 has gone through various modifications and upgrades in fulfilling the ever-challenging military demands consequently resulting the introduction of the AW109. AgustaWestland has come up with optional engines, either the Pratt & Whitney PW206C or the Turbomeca Arrius 2K1, both supported by FADEC system.

The system, supported by a digital glass cockpit consisting of six digital LCD instrumentation with modern softwares has help to reduce pilot workload, which in a way grants them the essential time and space to focus on mission execution. Categorised in a three-tonne class, the helicopter has a considerably spacious cabin mainly designed to fit numbers of modular equipments for an easy and timeless conversion between roles.

Safety measures, like any other helicopter manufacturers, were critically taken into consideration therefore resulting the decision to include a fully separated fuel system for less fire risk, dual hydraulic boost system, dual electrical system as well as redundant lubrication and cooling system for main transmission and engines.

AgustaWestland has additionally reinforced the landing gear on all AW109 model for a safer and long-lasting shipboard operations. Extensive corrosion protection is not left out to ensure the helicopter’s robustness in maritime settings. These improvements underline the AW109 ability to perform missions in extreme weathers and environments.

To date, the Philippine Navy, which is going through modernisation initiatives, has agreed to purchase three AW109 in a process of boosting its maritime security and disaster response capabilities. The purchase comprises personnel trainings added with initial logistic support amounting to USD 31.7 million. The decision, according to the Philippine Navy, was made on many aspects, mainly of its cost-effectiveness. Delivery is set to take place in 2014.

Eurocopter AS555 Fennec

On January 2011, the Royal Malaysian Navy PASKAL commandos have executed a recovery mission on a hijacked Malaysian tanker with remarkable success, supported by the Fennec helicopter. The mission, conducted against the brutal Somali pirates, saw the Fennec acted as reconnaissance and aerial guardian to keep the pirate’s ship away from the combat scene. The event made into news headlines worldwide, with the Fennec portrayed as a key player during the event.

The AS555 Fennec is a multipurpose military helicopter, manufactured by Eurocopter primarily for navies’ utilisation. The helicopter was at first designed based on the AS350 Ecureuil and AS355 Ecureuil 2 series and later named Fennec, after the Fennec Fox.

Weighing around 2.8 tonnes, the Fennec is powered by two Turbomeca Arrius 1A turboshaft engines, rated at 415kW readily equipped with the FADEC system, enabling the helicopter to perform automatic sequenced engine starting. Eurocopter has also included two integral fuel tanks; with 1202 litres fuel capacity, allowing a maximum flight range of 695km.

Beyond that, the helicopter can also be fitted with a wide range of weapons load to fulfil mission and operation requirements of many armed forces. The weaponry include missiles, rockets and guns such as the Forges de Zeebruge rocket launcher carrying seven 2.75in rockets and the Thales Brandt 68mm launcher carrying 12 rockets. For ship borne operation, the helicopter comes with ASW and over the horizon (OTH) targeting features, as well as a chin-mounted Telephonics RDR-1500B X-band, 360-degree digital colour radar, for search and surveillance application.

In favour of crew operation support, the helicopter is provided with a night vision compatible cockpit. This, despite being a common feature in most naval helicopters, is furthermore adjoined with the Thales Avionics Nadir 10 navigation system, a Sagem 85 T31 three-axis autopilot and Thales Detexis RDN 85 Doppler radar.

The AS555 Fennec 2, having served the Royal Malaysian Navy for the past nine years as multi-role training helicopter is now still operational, and its newer generation, the AS550 is in operation with the Pakistan Navy while some are currently in production for the Royal Thailand Navy.

Eurocopter AS365 Dauphin/ Harbin Z-9

Dauphin helicopter is a renowned rotary-wing aircraft, having served some of the world biggest armed forces including the USA and India. Derived from the single-engined, Aerospatiale’s SA 360 Dauphin variant, the helicopter has build up its reputation as corporate transport, airborne law enforcement platform, emergency medical services (EMS) helicopter, electronic news gathering platform as well as SAR helicopter.

The helicopter, assigned as navy’s multipurpose helicopter, has gone through rigid developments, for example the integration of two Turboméca Arriel 2C engines, accumulatively producing more than 1600shp. The engine capacity contributes to the helicopter’s performance, with manufacturer maximum speed limit of 165 knots (306 km/h). The helicopter, weighing approximately 2.5 tonnes is capable to cruise to a total distance of 827km with the service ceiling limited at 5865 metres.

The Republic of China, through legal licensing process by Aerospatiale, has been given the rights to produce helicopters based on the original AS365 Dauphin model. They came up with the Harbin Z-9, a total resemblance of the original model. Through self-research and development, newer Z-9 models have been fitted with composite materials to increase structural strength as well as producing lower radar signature.

To date, the AS365 Dauphin/ Z-9, despite the introduction way back during the 70’s are currently still in production with demands by many civilian bodies and armed forces around the globe. Record shows that the Dauphin/ Z-9 helicopter is currently operational with various Asian navies such as Australia, Bangladesh, Malaysia, Saudi Arabia, Sri Lanka, Laos and Pakistan.