SOTECH 2009 Volume: 7 Issue: 7 (September)
FGUP RFJaTs-VNIITF imeni akademika E.I. Zababakhina of Russia has released information for a proposed quick-release sight for small arms that incorporates armored U-shape support for a barrel to be used through a firing port. The sight, fitted on gun barrel muzzle face, includes a miniature video camera that is cable-connected with an external monitor. The monitor can be located out of the line of fire and still allow the soldier a complete field of view of their tactical environment with exposing themselves to enemy fire.
According to the company, the reported effect is “accurate and safe aiming from masked position.”
Armor Protection
Permali Gloucester (U.K.) recently demonstrated an advanced vehicle structure and armor system. Working with Creation UK and Babcock, Permali supplied an advanced composite monocoque crew cell with ceramic applique armor for the Zephyr SRV.
The Zephyr SRV is a new generation vehicle designed to provide protected mobility on the modern battlefield and in urban environments. The composite crew cell provides improved strength and protection compared to metallic vehicle hulls of a similar weight. When coupled with the modular ceramic applique armor, a very high level of protection is provided, not just against small arms threats but also the high velocity fragment and blast threats that are typical of roadside IEDs. More important, this construction improves survivability as the non-metallic structure greatly minimizes the behind armor effects when the armor is penetrated or overmatched by severe IED threats that cannot be completely stopped by this class of light vehicle.
Permali’s sales director, Nick Baird, said, “We are delighted to be working with Creation and Babcock to develop this all-new vehicle in the U.K. To provide the levels of protection and mobility that current and future programs require needs the fresh design and advanced technology presented in the Zephyr concept, without the limitations and compromises inherent in other legacy vehicle platforms.”
Tverityanka Splinterin-Beam Supercaliber Grenade
Believed to be from Gosudarstvennoe obrazovatel’noe uchrezhdenie vysshego professional’nogo obrazovanija Moskovskij gosudarstvennyj tekhnicheskij universitet im, a Russian-designed fragmenting grenade launcher called Tverityanka has been detailed.
The grenade comprises a “supercaliber” nose with a solid-propellant charge and igniter. The supercaliber firing section is positioned ahead of the front part that accommodates the explosive, trajectory fuse and multiple warheads. The chain of effects seems to be that there is an initial separation of multiple warheads from the rocket-propelled grenade. Once separated, the multiple warheads spread out in a predetermined cone before detonating while still in flight with a fragmenting effect. Meanwhile, the main element of the RPG projectile is still continuing its flight and, at a predetermined point, detonates in the air with fragmenting effects. The warheads are believed to house separate fuzes as well as a retarder that aids in directing the blast and in causing a downblast effect. ♦