13 Apr 12. TEL images suggest deployment of China’s DF-16 IRBM. New images of a transport erector launcher (TEL) vehicle may confirm the deployment by China’s Second Artillery Corps of the new Dong Feng 16 (DF-16) intermediate-range ballistic missile (IRBM). Taiwanese intelligence announced in March 2011 that China had completed testing and was deploying the DF-16, which has an estimated range of 1,200km. (Source: Jane’s, JDW)
13 Apr 12. Steiner reveals new riflescope. Steiner of Germany has unveiled a new model 5-25x-56 mm riflescope intended to be used with long-range, tactical and sniper rifles. Aimed primarily at the military and law enforcement market, the riflescope has been designed by Steiner in association with special forces and international weapons experts and is part of Steiner’s Military/Tactical range that was first introduced at the SHOT Show in 2011. (Source: Jane’s, IDR)
24 Apr 12. The US Defence Advanced Research Projects Agency’s (DARPA)
independent engineering review board (ERB) has completed the second flight review of Hypersonic Technology Vehicle (HTV-2). In August 2011 the unmanned, rocket-launched, manoeuvrable aircraft HTV-2 underwent its second test flight, which was aimed at validating current models and increase technical understanding of the hypersonic regime. During the test, the HTV-2 demonstrated stable aerodynamically-controlled flight at speeds up to Mach 20 for three minutes and experienced a series of shocks, approximately nine minutes into the test flight, and was ordered to fly into the sea after the onboard computer detected an anomaly. The vehicle’s aerodynamic systems then used autonomous flight safety system to make a controlled descent and splashdown into the ocean. (Source: armytechnology.com)
02 Apr 12. China gives more details of its A100 and A200 MLRs. The Chinese ALIT company has released new information on its A100 and A200 Multiple Rocket Launch (MRL) systems, and the rockets these are designed to fire. The A100 301 mm calibre system is now known to exist in two variants designated A100-111 and A100-311. Although the A100-111 resembles the Russian 9K58 Smerch MRL, it uses a different launch tube installation. (Source: Jane’s, JMR)
29 Apr 12. Iran military discuss air defence improvements. A conference on air defence that brought together the air defence commanders of the Iranian Army and the Revolutionary Guards was held at Khatam ol-Anbya Air Defence Base on 18 March, according to reports by Iran’s semi-official Fars news agency. The conference was reported to have reviewed the results of recent Sarallah air defence exercises in southern Iran, in which the indigenous Kashef and Matla ol-Fajr radars were used, as well as foreign-built radars, demonstrating their capability against cruise missile and unmanned air vehicle targets. (Source: Jane’s, JMR)
24 Apr 12. The Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) has officially unveiled its newly developed Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) robot at a test ground site in China. Developed over eight years by the Research Institute of Engineering Corps under the General Armaments Department (GAD) of the PLA, the robot is capable of providing assistance during dangerous EOD operations. During the testing, the remotely controlled robot went to an EOD area on the test ground, crossing grassland, climbing stairs, overcoming obstacles on the ground and transmitting real-time pictures, such as state and ambient media of unexploded ordnance, back to the rear control platform. Research Institute of Engineering Corps head Yang Jianhao said the EOD robot can change the shape of its tracks according to terrains and can move, not only on city streets, stairs and in alleys, but also across grassland and desert. (Source: armytechnology.com)
25 Apr 12. The Israel Air Force (IAF) is planning to upgrade its Patriot missile defence system with new cameras to assist the batteries in providing a more exact aerial image of targets in