Videos

Technology

Vehicle I-D: T-84/T-80/T-64 Украина Ukrania

Video

MorozovKMDB photo.

The latest T-84, the BM Oplot.  Although it has a large exhaust port that would indicate a turbine engine, it actually has a complicated turbo-supercharged 6-cylinder ‘double-stroke’ piston (meaning each cylinder actually has two pistons) engine.

MorozovKMDB photo.

MorozovKMDB photo.

MorozovKMDB photo.

This tank is called by several names, it was developed for militaries that use the NATO 120mm ammo originally developed for the 120mm Reinmetall gun.  It is known as Yatagan, KERN2-120, or T-84-120.

MorozovKMDB photo.

MorozovKMDB photo.

This MorozovKMDB promo video is called Oplot, but it shows the T-84 and the Yatagan.  The visual difference is that the Yatagan’s turret extends over the engine deck:

https://youtu.be/IRpoVsaYPhk

Ukrainian Ministry of Defence video from 2014 showing Oplot and Bulat:

Photo via MorozovKMDB.

T-80UD.

Photo via MorozovKMDB.

Photo via MorozovKMDB.

Self-entrenching tool in use.

Photo via MorozovKMDB.

The upgraded/up-armored T-64 known as BM Bulat, looks very much like the T-80UD.  The visual give-aways are the position of the smoke grenade launchers, and the type of roadwheels .

Photo via MorozovKMDB.

Canadian Forces photo by Aviator Stéphanie Labossière.

T-64B at the International Peacekeeping and Security Center, Ukraine, 11APR2019.

Canadian Forces photo by Aviator Stéphanie Labossière.

Canadian Forces photo.

An old T-64, International Peacekeeping and Security Center, Ukraine, 07DEC2018.

Canadian Forces photo.

T-80BV at the International Peacekeeping and Security Center, Ukraine, during Canadian sponsored Operation Unifier, 29NOV2018.

Canadian Forces photo.

Canadian Forces photo.

Canadian Forces photo.

Canadian Forces photo.

Ukraine’s 36th Naval Infantry Battalion Tactical Group conduct a night-shoot, 25OCT2018.

U.S. Army (USA) Photo by Kevin S. Abel.

T-84s at the Strong Europe Tank Challenge at the Grafenwoehr Training Area, Germany, May-June 2018.

USA photo by Markus Rauchenberger, 06JUN2018.

USA photo by Kevin S. Abel.

Size comparison, T-84 versus Leopard 2A6.

USA photo by Markus Rauchenberger, 06JUN2018.

USA video by Christian Marquardt, Ukraine’s T-84 joins NATO tanks from Austria, France, Germany, Poland, Sweden, United Kingdom, United States, in a shoot-out.  It is hard to see because of the smoke, but the T-84 is the small one:

USA video by Kevin S. Abel, new track pad installation on T-84:

New York Army National Guard (ANG) photo by First Lieutenant Derrick Garner.

March 2018, T-64BV at the Yavoriv Combat Training Center.

New York ANG photo by First Lieutenant Derrick Garner.

New York ANG video, I had to edit out the extremely boring narration (no audio), and edit just to show the T-64BV:

USA photo by Specialist Javon Spence.

Leclerc versus T-64BV at Strong Europe Tank Challenge, May 2017.  The USA photographer incorrectly identified this T-64BV as a T-64BM (Bulat upgrade).

Ukrainian Defence Ministry video about the evolution of the T-64:

New Cold War: RUSSIA STOCKS-UP ON VEHICLES FOR NAVAL GROUND FORCES

Vehicle I-D: EVEN MORE UKRAINSKAYA TANKI УКРАИНСКАЯ ТАНКИ

Vehicle I-D: UKRAINIAN ARMOR

New Cold War: Idaho based Snake River militia deploy M1A2 SEP to Ukrainian border!

Vehicle I-D: Don’t confuse T-84 with M84, SLOVENIJA M84A4 SNIPER, 2021

Technology

New Cold War: Russia stocks-up on Vehicles for Naval Ground Forces

Video

Ministry of Defense of Russian Federation, Southern Military District, video posted 12MAY2021, 152mm self propelled artillery in North Ossetia:

BMP-3 seen in this year’s Victory Day Parade.

Since the beginning of the year, Russia has been upgrading its naval land forces (army corps-marines) with new armored vehicles, including the latest BMP-3.  On 11MAY2021, more than 30 BMP-3s were delivered to the new mechanized infantry division of the Baltic Fleet, stationed in Kaliningrad.

Quick video, posted 29MAR2021, of assembly of Russia’s current armored vehicles:

In December 2020, it was announced that Russian Baltic Fleet forces would be bolstered due to NATO’s build-up of forces near Kaliningrad, including a new mechanized infantry division: “In response to this threat, the Armed Forces’ command has to take measures in response. As one of such measures, a full-strength motorized infantry division will be formed to make part of the Baltic Fleet’s army corps. The new formation will comprise motor rifle and artillery regiments and a separate tank regiment.”-Admiral Alexander Nosatov

TASS photo by Vitaly Nevar.

The December 2020 announcement stated that several new units within the Baltic Fleet would be created in 2021.  On 13MAY2021, its was announced that the new 18th army corps division, of the 79th Guards Motor Rifle Brigade, would be ready by the end of the year.  It was also revealed that the expansion and upgrade of the Baltic Fleet is based on what was observed during recent NATO wargames.

TASS photo by Valery Matytsin.

Expansion of the Baltic Fleet’s army corps was also conducted during 2019-20.

In April 2021, forty new BMP-3s were delivered to Russia’s Pacific Fleet army corps.  Here’s video of those BMP-3s being off-loaded in Primorye:

Eastern Military District photo.

On top of that, additional BTR-82A armored cars and T-80BV tanks had been delivered.

Southern Military District photo.

Also in April 2021, the Black Sea Fleet conducted launchings of Zvezda Kh-35 ‘Bal’ anti-ship missiles from Crimea.

Southern Military District photo.

In Crimea, on 24MAR2021, the Black Sea Fleet held wargames for its army corps.

Northern Fleet photo.

Also, at the beginning of March 2021, the Northern Fleet held wargames in the Russian Arctic, specifically to increase proficiency of S-400 anti-aircraft crews.  Here’s video from April 2021 of a S-400 Pantsir-S demonstration to foreign military officials:

Southern Military District photo.

In January and February 2021, the Caspian Flotilla conducted training for its army corps (marines) officially in preparation for the International Army Games.  This included BTR-82A armored cars.

Northern Fleet photo.

Also in February 2021, the Northern Fleet conducted arctic training in the Pechengsky district of the Murmansk region, using Aleut tracked ‘snow-cats’.

Northern Fleet photo.

New Cold War: RUSSIA INVADES FLORIDA?

New Cold War: IDAHO’S FAKE-NEWS RUSSIAN RADAR TANK

New Cold War 2016:  TINY LITHUANIA BUYS RECORD $437-MILLION OF TANKS FROM GERMANY AND ISRAEL!

Vehicle I-D: ARMURA MOLDOVAN, IN A COLD WAR CREATED COUNTRY THAT COULD GO HOT ANY SECOND!

Cold War 1961:   BERLIN KRISE, ‘GAME OF CHICKEN’ M48A1 VS. T-54/55!

Technology

Cold War Helicopters: Sikorsky Dragonfly

Video

U.S. Navy photo.

In researching this helicopter on the inter-web I discovered many sites give conflicting information as to when this helicopter first flew, some say 1943, another says 1946, the Sikorsky S-51 Archives gives no dates.  This U.S. Navy photo is dated 05DEC1945, Sikorsky S-51 lands on the deck of United States Ship (USS) Princeton.

Sikorsky Aviation Corporation’s S-51 was developed from the S-48.   The U.S. Army Air Force (USAAF) called it R-5, later becoming the H-5/SH-5 by the new U.S. Air Force (USAF).  U.S. Navy(USN)/Marine Corps(USMC)/Coast Guard(USCG) called it HO3S.  The British called their versions WS-51 (silly-vilian) and Dragonfly HR (Royal Navy)/HC (Royal Air Force).

Photo via James Andrews.

U.S. Marine Corps HMX-1 was established in December 1947, on Quantico in Virginia, to help test and evaluate the HO3S-1.

Silent USMC film of HO3S med-evac (medical evacuation) operation during Korean conflict, 27MAY1951:

Silent USA (U.S. Army) film, during naval wargames General Dwight D.  Eisenhower meets Admiral Robert B. Carney and Vice Admiral Matthias B. Gardner, on heavy cruiser USS Des Moines (CA-134) and aircraft carrier USS Roosevelt (CVB-42/CVA-42/CV-42) via an HO3S, 16-17OCT1951.  Notice staff cars parked on deck of CA-134:

Silent USA film, by Rex Peterson, of H-5 delivering USA and USN officers to first peace talks during Korean conflict (referred to as ‘police action’ by United Nations), 27NOV1951, Panmunjom:

U.S. Air Force photo.

Date and location (assumed to be Korea) not given, USAF maintainers work on the rotor-hub of the H-5G.

USAF photo.

Somewhere in Korea, USAF H-5G undergoing what could be called phased maintenance.

USAF photo.

USAF photo.

USAF photo.

USAF photo.

USAF photo.

In this photo you can better see the wooden blades of the tail-rotor.

USAF photo.

Aerial photo of USN HO3S on Korean farm field.

USAF photo.

USAF photo.

USAF H-5 with wounded person litter.

USAF photo.

You can see the air cooled rotary engine.

USAF photo.

USAF photo.

Litter/stretcher used on H-5.

USAF photo.

First Lieutenant caught laying down on the job!

Silent USN film dated 30JUN1953, by last name Benton, showing Royal Navy Dragonfly HR onboard USS Antietam (CV/CVA/CVS-36):

Silent USN film dated 09JAN1954 (the film slates are dated 09JAN1954 [1-9-54], but news media articles date the event as 10JAN1954), by last names Peterson and Happius (interesting, on one of the slates with Peterson’s name it appears somebody ‘flips the bird’ at the camera), HO3S shuttling officials from Nationalist China (Republic of China/Taiwan) onboard USS Wasp (LHD-1) for some sort of official visit (it included Chiang Kai-Shek who came onboard on a different type of helicopter, but I edited to focus on the HO3S):

 

Vehicle I-D: Lockheed-Martin-Sikorsky’s new HH-60W

East Idaho wildfires 2012:  SIKORSKY & USMC IN TOWN

SIKORSKY SKYCRANE LEAVES POCATELLO AIRPORT FOR COX’S WELL FIRE

Technology

Vehicle I-D: Intoxicated Jolly Green the Second

Video

Lockheed-Martin-Sikorsky photo.

The U.S. Air Force’s (USAF) HH-60W is based on the U.S. Army’s UH-60M BlackHawk.  In 2014, the USAF ordered ten HH-60Ws.  Since then a total of 113 HH-60Ws are now on order.

U.S. Air Force photo by Samuel King Junior.

On 06NOV2019, two of the three new Pave Hawks arrived on Duke Field (Eglin AFB) in Florida.  They are super-upgraded HH-60Ws.  However, their upgrades weren’t complete and the crew had to fly the ‘copters from the Sikorsky Developmental Flight Center via VFR (Visual Flight Rules, by sight and the seat of their pants only).

USAF photo by Samuel King Junior.

In December 2019, the HH-60W got isolated, not because of the emerging ‘China virus’ but for tests in the anechoic (echo-free) chamber.  At this point the new HH-60W Pave Hawk was referred to as the ‘Whiskey’.

USAF photo by Samuel King Junior.

The Whiskey spent seven weeks in the anechoic chamber, as part of the Joint Preflight Integration of Munitions and Electronic Systems testing by 413th Flight Test Squadron.  The anti-echo chamber is used to check internal reflections of electromagnetic waves, as well as insulate from exterior sources of electromagnetic noise.

USAF photo by Samuel King Junior.

Sometime between December 2019 and April 2020, the Whiskey got a new name; Jolly Green the Second (Jolly Green II), in honor of two previous Green Giants, the HH-3 and HH-53.  Here’s a dramatic music video about the legacy of the Jolly Green:

USAF photo by Samuel King Junior.

In April 2020, Jolly Green the Second got sent to the McKinley Climatic Lab, where extreme weather like hurricanes, heat waves and ice storms were set loose on the new pararescue helicopter.

USAF photo by Samuel King Junior.

“The most significant improvement is our ability to integrate with new aircraft that exist in the Air Force and the joint inventory. Some of the new systems will allow us to get real-time data information dumps from those aircraft, find the survivor at a faster pace, it gives us a more-survivable platform to be able to prosecute the mission and stay safe while we’re doing it.”-Lieutenant Colonel Kevin Geoffroy, 41st Rescue Squadron

USAF photo by Samuel King Junior.

In May 2020, the testing crew didn’t let the pandemic panic attack stop them, and conducted flights alongside a U.S. Army AH-64 Apache as part of testing for critical search and rescue operations in a combat environment.

Lockheed-Martin-Sikorsky photo.

In August 2020, weapons systems were tested (for some reason no photos of the live-fire testing were released), which include the GAU-2 minigun, the GAU-18 .50 caliber ‘legacy’ machine gun, and the new GAU-21 .50-cal.

USAF photo by Andrea Jenkins.

On 05NOV2020, the first two Jolly Green the Seconds flew to their new home with the 23d Wing and 347th Rescue Group, on Moody Air Force Base (AFB) in Georgia. The HH-60W Jolly Green-2 is replacing the 26 years old HH-60G Pave Hawk.

Video by Senior Airman Taryn Butler, showing exited PJs as the new Jolly Greens arrive on Moody AFB:

Walkaround & flying video by Airman Megan Estrada:

USAF photo by Master Sergeant Tristan McIntire.

First airborne refueling for Jolly Green the Second, 05AUG2020, over Alabama.

USAF photo by Master Sergeant Tristan McIntire.

Notice the .50-cal door gun.

On 17DEC2020, exited PJs with 58th Special Operations Wing turned out to see the arrival of a HH-60W on Kirtland Air Force Base, New Mexico.  Video by Senior Airman Austin J. Prisbrey:

USAF photo by Airman First Class Jasmine M. Barnes.

In February 2021, the HH-60Ws took part in wargame Mosaic Tiger 21-1, on Moody AFB, Georgia.

USAF photo by Airman First Class Jasmine M. Barnes.

USAF photo by Airman First Class Jasmine M. Barnes.

USAF photo by Airman First Class Jasmine M. Barnes.

“There’s expanded space in the back of the cabin … that allows us to bring in more patients and for the pararescuemen to have more area … to use some of the kit they have to more effectively save lives.”-Lieutenant Colonel Kevin Geoffroy, 41st Rescue Squadron

USAF photo by Giancarlo Casem.

Also in February 2021, HH-60Ws flew from Eglin AFB, Florida, to Edwards AFB in California, for more testing.  In April 2021, the USAF announced the HH-60W had completed its developmental testing on Eglin AFB.  In 2022, the Jolly Green II will go to Nellis AFB, Nevada, for yet more testing.

Weapon I-D: THE HAPPY MINIGUNNER

Biden’s War: ALASKA BLACKHAWKS DEPLOY TO MIDDLE EAST! 

Vehicle I-D: UH-60 FOR AFGHANISTAN, KILLED-OFF BY THE MIL 17?

National Guard uses BlackHawk to teach baby dinosaur to fly?

WASH YOUR HAWK!

BLACK HELICOPTERS SWARM SUPER BOWL-54

Technology

Weapon I-D: The Happy MiniGunner

Video

XM196 and M134 (U.S. Army), GAU-2 and GAU-17 (U.S. Air Force, U.S. Navy), all General Electric/Dillion Aero/Garwood Industries 7.62mm x 51mm (7.62-NATO, 308 Winchester) miniguns.  Minigun pods M18 for U.S. Army(USA), and SUU-11 for U.S. Air Force(USAF), are essentially the same. 

In 1964, the USAF units in Viet Nam began experimenting with C-47 Dakotas, arming them with machine guns firing out the side of the fuselage.

This was due to successful state-side testing of a C-131 gunship.  Originally, single barreled Browning machine guns were tried but quickly abandoned in favor of the minigun.

Each AC-47D Spooky unit experimented with their own mounting systems for the SUU-11 gun pods, eventually a standardized system combining SUU-11s with MXU-470 ammo-drums was settled on.

A prototype A-37 Dragonfly (YAT-37D) firing its GAU-2 minigun.

A production A-37 Dragonfly.

Silent U.S. Army film by last name Sandri, 17th Air Cav minigun armed OH-6A Cayuse (the OH-58A Kiowa could also be armed with similarly mounted minigun), somewhere in Viet Nam, January 1967.  The side mounted minigun itself could be elevated and slightly traversed by the pilot:

U.S. Air Force photo.

In September 1967, the first AC-130A gunship was sent to Nha Trang Air Base in Viet Nam. Most ‘official’ sources say it had two miniguns, but this photo clearly shows four miniguns, two above the forward wheel-well sponson, and two above the rear mounted 20mm Vulcans.

Silent U.S. Army film by last name Lambert, AH-1G Cobra gets its chin mounted minigun, as well as wing mounted M18 gun pods, loaded for Operation Delaware, Viet Nam, May 1968:

U.S. Army silent film by last name Hansen, 10OCT1968, Air Cushion Vehicle (ACV) minigunner, Mekong delta area of Viet Nam:

Another silent U.S. Army film by last name Hansen, ACV armed with minigun on search & destroy mission.  Most Army operated ACVs did not have miniguns, having a second M2 .50-cal mounted where the minigun is mounted on this ACV (Navy ACVs had a single gun position on the roof, while Army ACVs had two gun positions on the roof):

Photo via Dick Detra.

UH-1C Huey ‘Satisfaction’ (66-15179) stationed on Dau Tieng and LZ Sally, Viet Nam, from April 1967 through June 1968, and armed with dual miniguns.

Bell Helicopter photo.

M134 mounted on Huey.  The gun could be remotely aimed by the pilot/gunner.  When mounted on the opposite side of the helicopter the ammo feed chute was strung over the top of the M134.

General Electric photo.

Huey armed with two door/pintle mounted miniguns.

Bell Helicopter photo.

Royal Australian Air Force 9 Squadron UH-1H Bushranger over Viet Nam.  Notice the M134 is mounted forward of the the rocket launcher.

Photo via Australian War Memorial.

A better view of the Bushranger gunship set-up.

U.S. Marine Corps photo.

In 1969, while waiting for their AH-1J Cobras, the U.S. Marine Corps (USMC) got some AH-1Gs.  This one is still waiting for its chin turret guns, but does have the M18 minigun pod.

USAF photo.

In 1969, as a stop-gap while waiting for C-130 Hercules to be converted to the new AC-130A Specter, the USAF converted C-119 Boxcars to AC-119G Shadows and AC-119K Stingers.

USAF photo.

The four miniguns, mounted using the SUU-11/MXU-470 system, were located above and in between the forward and rear 20mm Vulcans.

U.S Army silent film by last name Lambert, AH-1G gets ammo-upload August 1969, Viet Nam.  In contrast to the AH-1G in the film from 1968, this Cobra has the chin mounted 40mm grenade launcher as well as chin mounted minigun, and M18 minigun pods:

U.S. Air Force photo.

Photo dated March 1970, A-1H Skyraider nicknamed Bubbles’n Bust, no location given.  It carries two external fuel tanks and a single SUU-11 minigun pod.

USAF photo by Staff Sergeant Andy Sarakon.

USAF HC-130P refueling a HH-3 Jolly Green Giant, and a HH-53 Super Jolly Green Giant, over Viet Nam, 16JUN1970.  Both rescue helicopters could carry window and ramp mounted miniguns.

USAF photo.

1970, a South Viet Nam Air Force (VNAF) UH-1D with door mounted minigun.

USAF photo.

Late 1970s, a USAF Opposition Forces minigun armed UH-1N over Hurlburt Field, Florida.

USMC photo by Sergeant Bennett.

USMC GAU-2 minigun (notice the muzzle brakes on the barrels), Camp Pendleton, California, February 1981.

USAF photo by Technical Sergeant Carl Hawkins.

USAF pilot checks the nose mounted GAU-2 minigun on this A-37 Dragonfly during wargame Team Spirit 1985, in Republic of Korea.  There is a red dust cover over the gun barrel port.

USAF photo by Dennis Carlson.

Kirkland Air Force Base (AFB) in New Mexico, Airman Vanessa Dobos is a happy minigunner, she became the first female minigunner for the USAF, in August 2002.

Canadian Forces photo by Master Corporal Robert Bottril.

Dillon Aero 7.62mm M134 Minigun mounted on a Canadian CH-146 Griffon (modified Bell 412), 13FEB2009, Kandahar, Afghanistan.

Canadian Forces photo by Master Corporal Robert Bottrill.

Canadian Forces pepper a target-range with their new Dillon Aero 7.62mm M134 Minigun, 13FEB2009, Kandahar, Afghanistan.

USMC photo by Corporal Ryan Rholes.

USMC ‘higher-ups’ check out a USA CH-47 armed with a window mounted M134 minigun, Camp Bastion, Afghanistan, June 2010.

USMC photo by Corporal Ryan Rholes.

USMC photo by Corporal Ryan Rholes.

GAU-17 armed UH-1Y Venom somewhere in Helmand Province, Afghanistan, September 2010.

U.S. Navy photo by Petty Officer First Class Dustin Q. Diaz.

Minigun on a patrol boat during the U.S. Navy’s (USN) Riverine Crewman Course on Cape Fear River, North Carolina, September 2013.

New York Army National Guard video, by Sergeant Harley Jelis, minigun used on United Kingdom Royal Navy ship (Royal Fleet Auxiliary Cardigan Bay) somewhere in the Persian Gulf, June 2014:

Video by Lance Corporal Christopher D. Thompson, USMC minigun live-fire training near Yuma, Arizona, 01APR2016:

USMC photo by Lance Corporal Frank Cordoba.

Even robots are happy minigunners, Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, June 2016.

USMC photo by Sergeant Royce Dorman.

Future happy minigunners, onboard USS Anchorage during Seattle Seafair, Washington,  August 2017.

Alaska Air National Guard photo by Alejandro Peña.

Alaska Air National Guard HH-60G with GAU-2 minigun, March 2019.

Alaska Air National Guard photo by Alejandro Peña.

Alaska Air National Guard HH-60G Pave Hawk armed with two GAU-2 miniguns, March 2019.

Alaska Air National Guard photo by Alejandro Peña.

Alaska Air National Guard photo by Alejandro Peña.

GAU-2 barrel spin check, March 2019.

Weapon I-D, 2019: GERMANY FINALLY ADOPTS THE MINIGUN!

USMC photo by Corporal Eric Tso.

The MV-22B Osprey uses a remote controlled GAU-17 minigun, protruding from its belly, Oahu, Hawaii, April 2020.

USMC photo by Corporal Matthew Kirk.

The R/C GAU-17 gunner uses a video game controller to aim and fire the weapon.

USMC photo by Corporal Matthew Kirk.

USMC video by Corporal Matthew Kirk, GAU-17 remote operated minigun onboard MV-22B Osprey, April 2020:

U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Hayden Legg.

USAF’s new HH-60W Jolly Green Giant-2, which can carry .50-cals or miniguns in its currently vacant pintle mounts, November 2020.

USN photo by Michael Williams.

March 2021, a happy Swedish special forces soldier fires the minigun during USN special ops training on Stennis Space Center, Mississippi.

Heritage Flight’s O-2 Skymaster with rocket pods and SUU-11 gun pods.

Weapon I-D: DOOR GUNNER .50 CAL

Technology

Robot Wars: Beware the Zombie Kiowa!

Video

In the past several years, versions of the OH-58 Kiowa have been retired from U.S. Army (USA) service.

U.S. Navy photo.

The U.S. Navy plans on retiring their aged fleet of TH-57 Sea Rangers (Kiowas and Sea Rangers both based on the Bell 206 JetRanger) next year, but it turns out that since at least 2013 the U.S. Navy (USN) has been using a zombified (robot) version of the Kiowa/Sea Ranger looking Bell 407, called MQ-8C Fire Scout (not to be confused with the MQ-8B, also called Fire Scout).

Northrop-Grumman-Bell photo.

In September 2010, Northrop-Grumman-Bell(Textron) completed the Fire-X electrical systems power-on sequence at the Xworx conversion operations in Fort Worth, Texas.

Northrop-Grumman-Bell photo.

Originally called Fire-X by Northrop-Grumman-Bell, in December 2010 it flew over Yuma Army Proving Grounds (YAPG, sometimes YPG), in Arizona.

Northrop-Grumman-Bell photo.

In 2012 the USN decided to buy it, and towards the end of 2013 the $262.3-million robot helicopter first took flight as the MQ-8C Fire Scout.

Northrop-Grumman-Bell photo.

In August 2014, the MQ-8C successfully conducted ‘slope landing’ tests on Point Magu, Naval Base Ventura County, California.

Northrop-Grumman-Bell photo.

USN photo by Petty Officer Third Class Zachary S. Eshleman.

In March 2017, the MQ-8C began testing onboard the USS Montgomery (LCS 8), the first time it was tested on a Littoral Combat Ship:

USN photo by Command Master Chief Jacob A. Shafer.

USN photo by Ensign Jalen Robinson.

In June 2018, the USN conducted final Initial Operational Test and Evaluations (IOTE) of the MQ-8C Fire Scout, a year later it was declared ‘mission ready’.

Silent video by Petty Officer First Class Charles White, final IOTE flight around USS Coronado (LCS 4), 28JUN2018:

The mission of the MQ-8C is basically the same as that of the USA’s manned Kiowas; scouting and target identification, with the additional cargo hauling mission.

USN photo by Ensign Alexandra Green.

12APR2021, MQ-8C leaves the USS Jackson (LCS 6).

USN photo Petty Officer Third Class Casey Trietsch.

16APR2021, the MQ-8C Fire Scout was on display at the UxS IBP 21 robot wargame on Naval Base San Diego, California.

USN photo by Petty Officer Second Class Sara Eshleman.

Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron-3, Naval Base San Diego, get introduced to the MQ-8C Fire Scout unmanned helicopter, 29APR2021.  Notice this MQ-8C has a different windshield and nose compared to the one seen at UxS IBP 21.

UxS IBP 21 stands for Unmanned Systems (not sure why there is an ‘x’ in the acronym) Integrated Battle Problem 2021.  UxS IBP 21 is the first ‘classified’ USN wargame involving robot vehicles and weapons competing against people operated systems, apparently spurred by doubts coming from the U.S. Congress: “With the recent acquisition failures on the last several ship classes, those of us on this committee are skeptical of the Navy’s ability to shepherd this new technology into employable assets that contribute to the lethality of those forces.”-Representative Elaine Luria of Virginia

IBP 21 took place from April 19th to the 26th.

Final Flight:

OH-58D KIOWA WARRIORS

FINAL FLIGHT OF THE FORT POLK KIOWAS

Robot Wars:

JUNK HEAP THAT FLOATS?

Technology

Robot Wars: Junk Heap that floats?

Video

U.S. Navy photo by Petty Officer Second Class Brandon T. Williams-Church, April 2021.

One of the ‘robot’ ships at the U.S. Navy’s UxS IBP 21 looks like something ‘boat people’ from Cuba would make.

USN photo by Petty Officer Second Class Brandon T. Williams-Church.

This floating target is based on the Low-Cost Modular Target (LCMT) system.  The LCMT system was designed to replace all previous different towed target systems.  At UxS IBP 21 all kinds of radar, sat-com, and other electronics were piled onto the LCMT.  The triangular things are radar reflectors designed to mimic a much larger ship.

Perhaps the hi-tech LCMT was the ‘beyond the line of sight’ target sacrificed to a Standard Missile-6 launched by USS John Finn (DDG 113), on 25APR2021: “We are going to do a live-fire offensive exercise. We are going to use the unmanned surface, unmanned air and manned air and surface to provide a targeting solution…. It will be an offensive missile, and we’re going to strike a target well beyond line-of-sight.”-Rear Admiral Jim Aiken, Carrier Strike Group 3

 

UxS IBP 21 stands for Unmanned Systems (not sure why there is an ‘x’ in the acronym) Integrated Battle Problem 2021.  UxS IBP 21 is the first ‘classified’ USN wargame involving robot vehicles and weapons competing against people operated systems, apparently spurred by doubts coming from the U.S. Congress: “With the recent acquisition failures on the last several ship classes, those of us on this committee are skeptical of the Navy’s ability to shepherd this new technology into employable assets that contribute to the lethality of those forces.”-Representative Elaine Luria of Virginia

IBP 21 took place from April 19th to the 26th.

 

Robot Wars: SEAHAWK & SEA HUNTER

Technology

Robot Wars: Seahawk & Sea Hunter

Video

On 20APR2021, a couple of composite trimaran hulled robots sailed around San Diego, California.  One is called Sea Hunter, the other Seahawk.

U.S. Navy photo by Chief Petty Officer Shannon Renfroe.

This one is called Seahawk.

USN photo by Chief Petty Officer Shannon Renfroe, 21APR2021.

Seahawk.

USN photo by Chief Petty Officer Shannon Renfroe, 21APR2021.

USN video of Seahawk and Sea Hunter, by Petty Officer First Class David Mora, 20APR2021:

USN photo by Petty Officer Second Class Thomas Gooley.

This one is Sea Hunter.  It is already five years old, with more than 30-thousand miles of sailing.

USN photo by Chief Petty Officer Shannon Renfroe.

Sea Hunter is the result of a DARPA Anti-Submarine Warfare challenge.  Anybody old enough to remember when the activities of DARPA were considered nothing more than ‘conspiracy theories’?

USN video by Aaron Lebsack, Sea Hunter’s arrival (by barge) in San Diego, May 2016:

USN video report announcing the DARPA Sea Hunter:

USN photo by Petty Officer Second Class Thomas Gooley.

A closer look at the newer $35.5-million Seahawk, departing Naval Base Point Loma, 20APR2021.  Construction of Seahawk began after a contract was signed at the end of 2017.  Delivery of Seahawk was made just days before the U.S. Navy’s (USN) UxS IBP 21 in San Diego, California.

USN photo by Chief Petty Officer Shannon Renfroe.

Another look at Seahawk during UxS IBP 21.   Seahawk and Sea Hunter are made by a company called Leidos.

UxS IBP 21 stands for Unmanned Systems (not sure why there is an ‘x’ in the acronym) Integrated Battle Problem 2021.  UxS IBP 21 is the first ‘classified’ USN wargame involving robot vehicles and weapons competing against people operated systems, apparently spurred by doubts coming from the U.S. Congress: “With the recent acquisition failures on the last several ship classes, those of us on this committee are skeptical of the Navy’s ability to shepherd this new technology into employable assets that contribute to the lethality of those forces.”-Representative Elaine Luria of Virginia

IBP 21 took place from April 19th to the 26th.

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Technology

Robot Wars: MANTAS Devil Ray

Video

On 17APR2021, the Maritime Tactical Systems‘ ManTAS (Man-Portable Tactical Autonomous Systems) T38 Devil Ray robot boat was demonstrated just prior to the U.S. Navy’s (USN) UxS IBP 21, in San Diego, California.

U.S. Navy photo by Senior Chief Petty Officer Michael Jones, 17APR2021.

According to an article published in March 2021, the T38 (38 feet long) Devil Ray is a combat resupply boat able to carry up to 4-thousand-5-hundred pounds in a single load.  It is the latest in a line of unsatisfactory attempts to create a compact robot logistics system.

USN photo by Petty Officer Third Class Alexander P. Perlman.

Video, by Petty Officer 3rd Class Casey Trietsch, of the Devil Ray tooling around San Diego:

The Devil Ray looks like a racing boat because it is a racing boat.  According to BlueZone Group (Maritime Tactical Systems’s dealer in Australia and New Zealand) “The MANTAS USV vessel is a catamaran hull design based on a powerboat racing vessel that set world speed records.” 

USN photo by Senior Chief Petty Officer Michael Jones, 17APR2021.

UxS IBP 21 stands for Unmanned Systems (not sure why there is an ‘x’ in the acronym) Integrated Battle Problem 2021.  UxS IBP 21 is the first ‘classified’ USN wargame involving robot vehicles and weapons competing against people operated systems, apparently spurred by doubts coming from the U.S. Congress: “With the recent acquisition failures on the last several ship classes, those of us on this committee are skeptical of the Navy’s ability to shepherd this new technology into employable assets that contribute to the lethality of those forces.”-Representative Elaine Luria of Virginia

IBP 21 took place from April 19th to the 26th.

Robot Wars 2020:  USN’S NEW ROBOT GUN BOAT, OR CUSV

Technology

Texas turns to robots to wash F-16

Video

Texas Air National Guard photo by Senior Airman Ryan Mancuso, 28APR2021.

In 2021, the Texas Air National Guard revealed their latest autonomous system, a robot that washes airplanes.

Texas Air National Guard photo by Senior Airman Ryan Mancuso, 28APR2021.

The 149th Fighter Wing, on Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, sacrificed one of their F-16s for the demonstration.

Texas Air National Guard photo by Senior Airman Ryan Mancuso, 28APR2021.

Texas Air National Guard video by Senior Airman Ryan Mancuso, 14JAN2021:

The robot washer is part of a project funded by AFWERX.  The Texas Air National Guard claims the robot will save taxpayers some money.  The switch to robots is part of the Air Force 2025 program, which was the result of U.S. Air Force planning, originating in 1995.

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