Land efficiency.

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Special operation units no longer are the privilege of Western nations, and there is a growing need for equipment to be operated by such entities around the world. Some of these nations are now adopting regionally developed systems as exemplified by the United Arab Emirates' acquisition of the Agrab mortar vehicle in March 2007.

Obviously American special forces units continue to dominate the discipline in terms of number of men, equipment and budget size. However, the palpable growth of special forces units around the world stems from the totally different nature of warfare since the demise of the Soviet Union's regime. Today everything has to be accounted for, and from small arms to mobile howitzers every item appears to be honed for a specific mission.

Small Arms

In December 2007 the US Special Operations Command is scheduled to complete the Initial Operational Test & Evaluation (IOT&E) of the FN Herstal 5.56 mm/7.62 mm Special Operations Forces Combat Assault Rifle (Scar) and the 40 mm Enhanced Grenade Launcher Module (EGLM). A positive outcome will result in the weapons being designated 'Operationally Effective' and 'Operationally Suitable' for fielding. The Scar is one of the most important small arms projects in the world today.

Socom released a request for proposals in January 2004 and only eleven months later selected FN Herstal's candidate from numerous worldwide competitors. The requirement was influenced by a number of factors, including dissatisfaction with the performance of the 5.56 mm M4 carbine in the War on Terror and the need for a weapon that fires a more powerful cartridge than the Nato standard 5.56 x 45 mm SS109 (US M855) round.

Development was expedited by bringing Socom project managers, budget officials and special forces operators together at FN Herstal's facilities in Liege, Belgium. Operators were able to suggest changes to the weapon's design to FN engineers, who often presented a solution the next day, thus telescoping a process that normally takes months if not years. This procedure also ensured the design truly meets the needs of frontline SOF operators. Scar production is anticipated at FN's facility in Columbia.

The Scar's modular design provides 90% 'ergonomic compatibility' and 60% parts commonality between the two different calibre weapons, which have now been type-classified as the Mk 16 Mod 0 Scar-L and the Mk 17 Mod 0 Scar-H. The Mk 16 can be fitted with a 254 mm close quarter combat (CQC) barrel, a 355.60 mm standard barrel and a 457.2 mm long barrel for accurate fire at longer ranges while the Mk 17 has 330.20 mm, 406.40 and 508 mm barrels. The CQC barrel is intended for use at combat ranges up to 200 metres, while the standard barrel is designed for combat at 300 to 500 metres and the SV barrel is optimised to engage targets between 500 and 800 metres.

The user is able to change barrels in less than five minutes with the aid of a special wrench, thus allowing the soldier to choose the appropriate barrel length for a specific mission. Both weapons are fitted with MIL-STD-1913 'Picatinny' rails at the 12, 3, 6 and 9 o'clock positions that are compatible with 'nearly' all of the components of the M4 carbine Special Operations Modification (Sopmod) kit and the new twelve-gauge XM26 Modular Accessory Shotgun System produced by C-More Systems. A requirement for a weapon that can use 'pickup' 7.62 x 39 mm Russian standard ammunition found in operational situations may be met through further development of the Mk 17. The third distinct element of the project is the EGLM, now type classified as the Mk 13 Mod 0, which can be fitted to both calibre weapons and also used as a stand-alone weapon. The EGLM is derived from the grenade launcher FNH developed for its modular F2000 5.56 mm assault rifle.

In October 2007 FN Herstal (FNH) completed deliveries of 886 Mk 16s, 772 Mk 17s and 196 Mk 13s ordered under a low-rate initial production contract for the IOT&E phase. Socom has requested funding to buy 3502 Mk 16s, 2798 Mk 17s and 1804 Mk 13s worth more than $ 25 million in fiscal year 2008 (FY08) and 1569 Mk 16s, 500 Mk 17s and 500 Mk 13s worth more than $ six million the following year. Officials have previously indicated the project could total 84,000 5.56 mm and 15,000 7.62 mm weapons. FNH should be well placed with the Scar should the US Army decide to revive its protracted efforts to field a replacement for the 5.56 mm M16 rifle/M4 carbine family.

Until the widespread fielding of the Scar the primary small arm of US special forces units will remain the Colt Defense 5.56 mm M4A1 carbine and the associated Special Operations Modification (Sopmod) kit from Knights Armament, which contains Picatinny rails, forward grips, various day and night sights, lights, laser pointers and other accessories. Under the Mini Day Night Sight portion of Sopmod Block II Socom plans to buy in FY08 2309 EO Tech Close Quarter Battle Combat Optical Sights (1268 in FY09), 2309 Trijicon Enhanced Combat Optical Sights (1268), 1307 Litton Electro-Optical Systems Image Intensified Clip On Night Vision Devices (387), 480 Insight Technology Thermal Clip On Night Vision Devices (159), 2950 Insight Technology Advanced Tactical Precision Illuminating Aiming Lasers (1150) and 2250 Third Generation Visible Bright Lights (1240) from a still-to-be-decided contractor.

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Since 2005 US SOF units have been using an unspecified number of 5.56 mm HK416 carbines, which is an M4 carbine that has been extensively rebuilt by Heckler & Koch under contract to Socom. Capitalising on experience over the past decade developing the 5.56 mm G36 assault rifle for the German Army, the 5.56 mm XM8 rifle for the US Army and the modernisation of the UK's 5.56 mm SA80 assault rifle, HK has comprehensively modernised the M4. Customers can purchase a new upper receiver, buffer and drive spring to refurbish existing weapons or buy a completely new-build HK416. In April 2007 the Norwegian Army selected the HK416 to replace its 7.62 mm G3 assault rifles even though it was not one of the shortlisted contenders, and then awarded HK a NOK 100 million contract for 8200 weapons while Aimpoint received a NOK 50 million contract to provide sights.

In parallel with the order for the HK416 Norway has ordered HK 6500 MP7Als to replace its 9 mm MP5 submachine guns from 2008. This first important military export order could be a significant boost as more than 20 countries have bought small numbers of MP7s for evaluation purposes. German troops, including special forces units, deployed in Afghanistan have now been equipped with the MP7A1 for a few years. The weapon uses the 4.6 x 30 mm round designed by the Royal Ordnance division of BAE Systems, which provides better penetration at longer ranges than the 9 mm round. In 2003 HK introduced a 4.6 mm pistol, recently designated the P46 by the German armed forces.

Israel Weapon Industries (IWI) (formerly the Small Arms Division of Israel Military Industries) has resumed deliveries of it 5.56 mm Tar-21 (Tavor Assault Rifle--21st Century) to the Indian Army following the resolution of minor technical problems. In 2004 the Indian Army ordered 3074 rifles to equip special forces units and 300 to 400 weapons were delivered the following year and issued to the Special Frontier Force. At the request of India modifications were made to the butt of the bullpup rifle and sight, which resulted in India approving completion of the order. IWI is assisting India's state-owned Ordnance Factory Board to build the Micro Tavor (Mtar-21) for use by special forces and India's airborne units. The Micro Tavor can be converted from a 5.56 mm assault rifle to a 9 mm submachine gun. By the end of 2007 IWI is scheduled to complete delivery of an initial batch of 15,000 Tavors to the Israel Defense Force. The Republic of Georgia has also received an undisclosed quantity for its special forces with additional orders expected and the weapon is also reportedly used by Colombian special forces units.

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Precision Fire

In 2007 US Army and Socom snipers began receiving the Knight's Armament M110 Semi-Automatic Sniper Systems (Sass) to replace the bolt-action Remington 7.62 mm M24 Sniper Weapon System. The army contract covers the supply of 4492 M110s. To expedite procurement the Sass selection was limited to non-developmental items; Knight's winning design is a variant of the KAC Mk 11 Mod 0 Sniper Rifle System in service with US Navy Seal teams. In December 2006 Knight's received a follow-on contract potentially worth $ 9.9 million to supply Mk 11 rifles through December 2011. The Sass requirement stipulated that the selected rifle design had to be capable of delivering precision fire against personnel and soft-skinned materiel targets out to a range of 1000 metres. Like the Mk 11, the M110 is optimised to fire M118LR long-range ammunition but can also fire standard 7.62 x 51 mm ammunition, including the M993 armour-piercing round. To improve survivability the weapon is fitted with a flash/sound suppressor. The rifle is supplied as a complete system with shipping container, 10, 15 and 20-round magazines and the new Leupold XM151 Spalding telescope. Operational testing was conducted at Fort Drum, New York in 2006 with 15 rifles and the weapon entered operational service in Afghanistan early in 2007.

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The M110 will be used in conjunction with the Barrett Firearms M107.50 calibre Semi-Automatic Long-Range Sniper Rifle, which was designed to engage materiel targets beyond 1000 metres. The M107 is derived from the M82A1 which is widely employed by many armies in the EOD clearance and anti-materiel roles. During FY07 the US Marine Corps is scheduled to complete fielding of the Barrett M107.50 calibre Special Application Scoped Rifle to replace the earlier Barrett .50 calibre M82A3.

Although the Marine Corps Special Operations Command (Marsoc) is the newest component of Socom, the service is quick to point out that every Marine Expeditionary Unit is designated 'special operations capable'.

In December 2006 Optical Systems Technology (Osti) received a $ 6.9 million initial delivery order from the Marine Corps Systems Command for 841 Magnum Universal Night Sight (Muns). The five-year indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract could eventually cover 4700 units at a cost of $ 40 million. Marsoc selected it to meet the Scout Sniper Mid-Range Night Sight requirement. According to Osti a soldier using Muns in starlight conditions can detect a vehicle at about 3150 metres and a human at 1350. The sight weighs 1.45 kg and is powered by 2 AA batteries, which provide over 60 hours of use in optimum conditions. The Muns clips onto day sights without requiring tools and does not affect the zeroing of the day sight. Delivery of the initial order is scheduled for completion by December 2007. According to the manufacturer the Muns is already in service with British and Canadian special forces.

The Canadian Army, which is dramatically expanding its SOF capabilities with the formation of the Canadian Special Operations Regiment, is now being equipped with the .338 Lapua Timberwolf Tactical sniper rifle developed by PGW Defence Technologies. After experience in Former Yugoslavia the army decided it needed a rifle that is lighter than a .50 calibre anti-materiel rifle, yet fired a more powerful round than a 7.62 mm. The Timberwolf Tactical, an extensively modified version of a civilian rifle, is being fielded to replace both the 7.62 mm C-3A1 and the McMillan .50 calibre rifle in some roles. The weapon features a McMillan A5 synthetic stock with titanium reinforcement, an integral laser spot marker mount and a titanium MIL-STD-1913 rail is mounted on the receiver. The butt is adjustable for length and has an adjustable cheek piece. The rifle is fitted with a Harris bipod that can be adjusted for height and cant. A six-baffle muzzle brake is fitted but this can be removed by the user and replaced with a titanium sound suppressor designed by PGW. The weapon is being marketed internationally by Colt Canada and has attracted interest both in the USA and among European armies.

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Fire Support

FN Herstal has developed a lighter model of its 5.56 mm Minimi light machine gun (LMG), designated the M249 Squad Automatic Weapon in US service, at the request of Socom. The new weapon, type-classified as the Mk 46 Mod 0 LMG, weighs 27% less that the M249 and yet still retains 80% parts commonality The weight reduction is achieved by using a lightweight barrel and removing the magazine well, carrying handle and vehicle mounting lugs. Socom has requested funds to buy 172 weapons in FY08 and 156 the following year to supplement 989 LMGs already purchased. The Minimi is the most widely used 5.56 mm LMG with most recent customers opting for the ParaMinimi model that is lighter and shorter than the standard version.

FN Herstal is also producing the 7.62 mm Mk 48 Mod 0 LMG as a big brother to the Mk 46 and formally launched the weapon on the export market at Eurosatory 2006 under the name 7.62 mm Minimi. The Mk 48 was developed in response to a Socom requirement issued in March 2001 for a 7.62 mm LMG to replace the command's worn out M60s. The 'little brother/big brother' combination provides the advantages of ergonomic and parts commonality. At eight kg the Mk 48 weighs 34% less than the US Army's standard FN Herstal M240B 7.62 mm general-purpose machine gun and has 70% parts commonality with the M240, M249 and Mk 46. Socom plans to buy 100 weapons in FY08 and another 100 the following year to add to the 683 acquired since the Mk 48 was fielded in August 2003. The Department of Defense's latest report on the Foreign Comparative Test programme, presented to Congress in April 2007, noted the success of the <<Special Operation Forces' 7.62 mm Lightweight Machine Guns from Belgium that significantly increases the organic firepower of Seal platoons in Iraq>>.

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In July 2007 General Dynamics Armament and Technical Products (GDATP) was awarded a $13.2 million production option to provide Mk 47 Mod 0 40 mm automatic grenade launcher (AGL) to Socom under the terms of a June 2006 five-year indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity contract. The latest production order brings the total contract value thus far to $ 46.3 million.

GDATP developed the CG-40 Striker as a lightweight replacement for its widely deployed Mk 19 Mod 3 40 mm AGL. GDATP is responsible for overall systems integration and production of the gun while Raytheon produces the fire control system (FCS) and Nammo Norway manufactures the ammunition. Socom selected the Striker, subsequently type classified as the Mk 47 Mod 0, to meet its demanding requirement for an Advanced Lightweight Grenade Launcher, and bought 374 weapons over the three-year period from June 2004. The complete Mk 47 Mod 0, including a box of 32 rounds, weighs less than 45.36 kg when manpacked, a 40% weight reduction compared to the Mk 19 Mod 3. The FCS measures ranges out to 2000 metres with an accuracy of one metre using an eye-safe laser rangefinder, calculates a fire solution and then programmes the round in the chamber before it is fired. The sight includes a Gen III image intensifier. Nammo's Mk 285 prefragmented, pre-programmable high explosive air burst mention incorporates the Mk 438 electronic fuze, which can be programmed for point detonation or to explode above or beside a target such as infantry in trenches, on rooftops, in buildings or behind obstacles. A prefragmented sleeve surrounds the 40-gram high explosive payload and the base of the round contains 1450 steel balls. These are sprayed in a five-metre forward arc from the detonation point. The round also incorporates an electronic self-destruct function. As these lines were being written Nammo was scheduled to complete an $ eight million firm-fixed-price contract awarded in September 2006 for 39,776 Mk 285 rounds.

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Norway's Vinghog received an $ 8.4 million firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract in late 2006, funded through the US Department of Defense's Foreign Comparative Test programme, to supply its Softmount for evaluation as an Improved Crew Served Weapons Mount (ICSWM) for the Mk 47 Mod 0.. The mount will also be used with other weapons such as the M2HB .50 calibre heavy machine gun and the M240 7.62 mm medium machine gun.

The United Arab Emirates announced at IDEX 2007 that it had placed a DHS 390 million contract for 48 Agrab (Scorpion) 120 mm mobile mortar systems. A source close to the programme said the country's special forces are likely to be the first operational unit equipped with the weapon. The Agrab was developed by the International Golden Group, which includes BAE Systems, Singapore Technologies Kinetics and Denel. The Agrab consists of an ST Kinetics 120 mm Super Rapid Advanced Mortar System (Srams) mounted on the rear of a BAE Systems OMC RG-31 Mk 5 4 x 4 mine-protected vehicle fitted with a new three-person armoured cab. This is the first contract for the Srams, which has been tested on a range of tracked and wheeled platforms. The Srams is ideally suited for light forces as it can be mounted in platforms as small as the Humvee; in this application the mortar vehicle would carry twelve rounds and a second Humvee would carry the bulk of the ammunition. In the Agrab system the Srams is mounted on the vehicle's rear platform and fires to the rear. Use of the Denel Arachnida computerised fire control system enables the three-person crew, consisting of commander, driver and loader, to bring the mortar into action within a minute of the vehicle stopping. Two carousels each hold 23 rounds and a further twelve rounds are stored in two ready racks. The contract covers the supply of 120 mm ammunition from Denel Munitions and the Improved Conventional Munition bomb from ST Kinetics, which delivers 25 dual-purpose bomblets to a maximum range of 6600 metres.

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The US Naval Surface Warfare Center awarded the Laser Systems division of Litton Systems a $ 98 million firm-fixed-price, indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity contract on 15 August 2007 for the Special Operations Forces Laser Acquisition Marker (Soflam) Special Operations Forces Laser Rangefinder Designator. The contract covers the purchase of up to 940 systems over a five-year period. The system is described as <<a lightweight integrated laser designator and rangefinder that provides Special Operations Forces personnel the capability to locate and designate critical enemy targets for destruction using laser guided ordnance>>. Accessories such as pointers and night sights can be mounted and the system can be used remotely.

Mobility

The primary means of tactical transport for American units is the AM General Hummer, which is modified into one of four Ground Mobility Vehicle (GMV) variants: the GMV-R (Ranger) and GMV-S (SOF) for the US Army Special Operations Command, the GMV-N (Navy) for the Naval Special Warfare Command and the GMV-M (Marine Corps) for the recently formed Marine Corps Special Operations Command. Modifications can include auxiliary fuel bladders, amino storage racks, rear floor reinforcement, roll bars, rear bench seats, a smoke and grenades system, recovery strap kits, jacking and skid plates, spare tire carriers, side rails and various types of weapon mounts, not to mention addon armour to provide 360[degrees] protection for the vehicle plus gunner protection. GMVs are normally armed with a turret-mounted M2HB .50 calibre heavy machine gun or a 40 mm automatic grenade launcher as well as 7.62 mm machine guns mounted on arms that swing out from the doors. Storage racks are provided for support weapons such as the Javelin anti-tank guided weapon, mortars and .50 calibre rifles. Socom has requested funding in FY08 to modify four GMV-M, 24 GMV-R and 72 GMV-S vehicles and provide add-on armour kits for 43 GMV-S vehicles. The command plans to buy a further 75 GMVs in FY09, 285 in FY10, 293 in FYll, 380 in FY12 and 310 in FY13.

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To provide logistics support for long-range patrols, a number of Stewart & Stevenson (now owned by BAE Systems) 2.5-tonne Light Medium Tactical Vehicles have been modified by removing the cabs and fitting protective roll bars. Lockheed Martin has developed a 4 x 4 'Armored Proof of Concept Vehicle' which is expected to be of interest to the American special force command both as a long-range patrol vehicle and a support vehicle. The company is also offering a derivative of this vehicle for the British Army's Medium Protected Patrol Vehicle requirement. The concept demonstrator has a gross vehicle weight of 6.9 tonnes, including a payload of almost two tonnes and is capable of towing a trailer of more than 4.5 tonnes. Options include different levels of armour protection, weapons mount, air conditioning, central tire inflation system, run-flat tires, automatic fire suppression and a C4I suite.

At the other end of the weight spectrum American units utilise hundreds of small all terrain vehicles (ATV) for both tactical and logistical functions. Polaris, of Medina, Minnesota, was awarded a $10.3 million contract in April 2004 to provide about 700 vehicles over a five-year period. More than 230 vehicles have been delivered to date and Socom has requested funding for another 132 in FY08. The majority are the Sportsman MV (Military Version) derived from the commercial Sportsman 700 Twin 4 x 4 ATV. Modifications include a reinforced steel exoskeleton and enhanced suspension, enlarged front and rear stowage racks enabling the MV to carry twice the load of a commercial Sportsman, an auxiliary fuel tank, infrared lights and electronically activated front and rear winches each capable of towing 1134 kg. Goodyear Extended Mobility Technology Mud Runner run-flat tires enable the MV7 to continue for 85 km after a puncture. Three Sportsman MVs can be carried inside a Boeing CH-47 Chinook helicopter. The contract also includes the Sportsman 6 x 6 ATV, which is able to carry 363.6 kg of cargo in a rear dump box. In addition to the US Army, the company has received contracts from foreign customers.

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The Prowler Rugged Terrain Vehicle was designed specifically by All Terrain Vehicle of Orange, California to provide Socom with a purpose-built vehicle that could be carried internally by helicopters for deployment on reconnaissance, direct action and logistics missions. The four special operations components have conducted operational evaluations since 2002 and according to ATV, the Prowler has been enthusiastically received particularly by drivers who appreciate that the Prowler handles more like a car than an ATV. The vehicle has a payload of more than 454 kg and can tow up to 1066 kg, depending upon terrain. Weapons such as a 7.62 mm machine gun can be mounted on the roof, which incorporates an integral roll bar to protect the driver and front seat passenger. The Prowler is now available with a third seat that faces to the rear. Like most ATVs the Prowler is fitted with a gasoline engine but ATV is developing an engine for the Prowler and subsequent vehicles that will use JP8 aviation fuel.

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In early 2006 Socom announced that it was seeking proposals for a new generation of advanced Lightweight Tactical All Terrain Vehicle in 4 x 4 and 6 x 6 configurations and hosted an industry day in May that year. Interested companies were asked to submit a brief on their products and the estimated costs of <<an RDT&E effort intended not to exceed 6 months>> with an emphasis on seven specific areas:

* advanced ergonomics which enhance both safety and operational capabilities in tactical and administrative environments

* optimised power plant capability including multi-fuel/hybrid electric

* transportability via all current and envisioned fixed- and rotary-wing cargo aircraft

* night vision device compatibility

* improved safety features such as rollover protection

* worldwide deployment capability in all terrains and climates and

* single and multiple-passenger variants are being sought as part of the proposed family of vehicles.

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Although special forces units can generally be regarded as 'light' forces there are nevertheless operational situations when they require a higher level of protected mobility than offered by patrol vehicles derived from light utility vehicles. In 2005 the US Army loaned 16 General Dynamics Land Systems--Canada 8 x 8 Stryker armoured vehicles--14 infantry carrier vehicles, a command variant and a medical evacuation vehicle--to a battalion of the 75th Ranger Regiment for operations in Afghanistan. Since then Socom has bought the General Dynamics Land Systems--Canada RG-31 Mk 5 to provide protected mobility for operations in Afghanistan and Iraq. Under the joint service Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (Mrap) programme the Department of Defense has authorised the purchase of 333 Mrap vehicles for Socom. As of September 2007 the Department of Defense had ordered 1092 RG-31s from General Dynamics which subcontracts production to BAE Land Systems OMC of South Africa, the original designer of the vehicle. Demmer of Lansing, Michigan will be opening a production line to support the latest order. The RG-31's all-welded armoured shell defeats small arms fire up to 5.56 x 45 mm with an optional protection level of up to 7.62 x 51 mm armour-piercing, while the V-shaped hull can withstand a double TM57 level mine explosion (14 kg of TNT) under any wheel and a single detonation (seven kg) under the centre of the vehicle.

Australia: the special forces task group that has been operating in Afghanistan since September 2005 is equipped with a small number of Thales Australia Bushmaster Infantry Mobility Vehicles for security patrols while Land Rover 6 x 6 long-range patrol vehicles and Land Rover 110 4 x 4 Surveillance Reconnaissance Vehicles (SRV) are used for classic special forces patrol missions.

Land Rover is positioning itself as a contender to replace these vehicles and, at DSEi 2007, displayed its new 6 x 6 prototype that combines the all-terrain capability of the company's 4 x 4 light utility vehicles with greater payload and volume capacity. In the late 1980s Land Rover developed a 6 x 6 vehicle for the Australian Defence Force's Project Perentie and subsequently 1000 vehicles were assembled in Australia under licence along with almost 3000 Land Rover 110 4 x 4 models. Among the 6 x 6 variants was the long-range patrol vehicle for the Australian Special Air Service Regiment and these were later supplemented through the Bushranger Phase 1 programme by the SRV. The Australian Army plans to replace its wheeled tactical fleet, including its 4 x 4 and 6 x 6 Land Rovers, through project Land 121 Overlander and its special forces vehicles through Project Redfin. In its basic form the new Land Rover 6 x 6 vehicle has a chassis cab and is designed for modular rear bodies to meet mission/customer requirements. With an overall length of 6001 mm the vehicle is 1400 mm longer than the Defender 110 and 190 mm wider with a width of 1980 mm. It has a gross vehicle weight of 7000 kg including up to 4000 kg in payload capacity. Two vehicles can be driven without preparation onto a C-130 Hercules for movement by air. The vehicle, which is in permanent 6 x 6 drive, is powered by a Defender 2.4-1itre common rail diesel engine mated to a six-speed manual gearbox and two-speed transfer box.

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New Zealand: In June 2005 the Special Air Service deployed its newly delivered Pinzgauer 6 x 6 special operations vehicles for the first time to conduct long-range reconnaissance and direct action missions in Afghanistan. The British company (bought in April 2005 by Stewart & Stevenson, which was subsequently purchased by Armor Holdings which in turn was bought recently by BAE Systems!) built 13 special operations variants as part of the New Zealand Army's Light Operational Vehicle project to acquire 321 Pinzgauers. The Pinzgauer is in service with British special forces and the company is offering the latest model, dubbed the X-treme Mobility series, for Australia's Land 121 and Redfin projects.

Britain: in late June 2007 the Ministry of Defence announced the purchase of 130 Medium Weapons Mounted Installation Kit (MWmik) patrol vehicles under an Urgent Operational Requirement to bolster fire support for troops in Afghanistan and Iraq. In comparison with the Land Rover 4 x 4 Wmik vehicles now in use, the MWmik vehicle will provide longer range, greater payload capacity and greater mobility. The opentop vehicle carries a crew of up to four and can be fitted with a range of weapons including the M2HB .50 calibre heavy machine gun, the Heckler and Koch 40 mm automatic grenade launcher and 7.62 mm general-purpose machine guns. The vehicle has a top road speed of 130 km/h. The first vehicles are scheduled to deploy to operational theatres early in 2008.

Roush Technolgies in Britain has recently produced two ATVs for the British rapid reaction forces. The Las100RE lightweight all-terrain platform was designed under a 3.5 [pounds sterling] million Ministry of Defence contract. A lightweight aluminium honeycomb construction is used to keep the 6 x 6 vehicle's weight to about 800 kg enabling it to carry a 1000 kg payload. The rear platform is designed to accommodate a wide variety of demountable bodies and equipment. Roush is planning Las-200RE and 300RE series derivatives for other operational requirements. Roush and Arctic Cat teamed to develop the Arctic Cat Diesel Reconnaissance Vehicle (also known by the Roush designation Las-50RE). The ATV can carry 45 kg on the front rack, more than 90 kg on the rear rack and a tow a 500 kg trailer or other equipment up to 500 kg. The vehicle entered full-rate production in mid-2006 with deliveries beginning in the third quarter.

South Africa: airborne and special forces are equipped with more than 100 Gecko 8 x 8 Rapid Deployment Logistical Vehicles. South Africa's LMT Products modified the Argo Centaur 8 x 8 ATV, manufactured by Ontario Drive and Gear, to meet South African National Defence Force requirements. Modifications included fitting a militarised top structure, weapon mounts, storage space, a 12V/24V electrical system, communication harnesses and a strengthened lower structure to allow air delivery and helicopter lifts. The vehicle can carry a 900 kg payload and tow a 600 kg trailer and achieve a top speed of 47 kph. The Gecko is fully amphibious with a 230 kg payload and this can be improved by fitting flotation bags.

France: The French Army's Brigade des forces speciales Terre (BFST) has received 41 4 x 4 Vehicule Patrouille Speciale (VPS) bought from Panhard in mid 2005. The VPS is based on a short wheel base Mercedes-Benz G 270 CDI G Wagon that Panhard modified to meet the army's requirement for a vehicle that can be carried internally by a variety of rotary- and fixed-wing aircraft without special preparation. The VPS (seen in the title picture above) has a combat weight of 4000 kg and measures 4.74 metres in length, 2.21 wide and 1.92 metres to the top of the roll cage. One vehicle can be airlifted inside a medium helicopter, two inside a Transall C-160 and three in a C-130J-30 stretched Hercules. Seating is provided for four personnel. A manually operated ring mount is fitted on the roll cage over the rear compartment and is able to accommodate a .50 cal (12.7 ram) heavy machine gun or 40 mm AGL, while a 7.62 mm machine gun can be installed at the commander's position in the right forward seat. An armoured floor under the hull protects against anti-personnel mines. The vehicle has a maximum speed of 120 km/h on roads and a road range of 800 km with its 96-1itre fuel tank. Standard equipment includes storage of 30 litres of water and rations, two 20-1itre fuel cans, two spare wheels and a self-recovery winch on the front bumper. Although the French brigade would like additional VPS vehicles, budgetary restraints have forced the service to consider converting some of its P4 Luvs, a derivative of the G Wagon produced by Panhard between 1983 and 1992, to the special forces role.

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As a private venture Panhard has developed a Vehicule d'Action darts la Profondeur (Vap) deep penetration variant of its successful 4 x 4 Vehicule Blinde Leger (VBL) reconnaissance vehicle, which is used by the armed forces of at least 15 countries. By eliminating the VBL's armoured hull the empty weight of the vehicle has been reduced to 2500 kg and it can carry a payload of 1500 kg including four crew. The Vap has an armoured floor, which according to Panhard provides 'good' mine protection. Powered by a 2.1-1itre Steyr turbo diesel engine the VAP has a maximum range of 700 km and can reach a top speed of 120 km/h. Panhard is proposing that the Vap be fitted with a range of weapons, observation and communications equipment, enabling it to undertake missions such as direct action, reconnaissance and target designation. Panhard estimates the export potential for the Vap at 200 vehicles.

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Germany: special forces are equipped with 21 Serval Light Infantry Vehicles (Special Operations) developed by Rheinmetall and based on an extended wheelbase Mercedes-Benz G-Class chassis. The vehicle has a four-man crew and is fitted with an RLS 609 K weapon station able to accommodate weapons such as a 12.7 mm heavy machine gun or a 40 mm AGL. General-purpose machine guns can be fitted at the front passenger's seat and the rear of the vehicle. The Serval is designed to be carried internally by the army's CH-53 heavy-lift helicopters and the weapon station can be folded to lower the vehicle's profile for air transport. A smaller number of Servals were delivered to an unspecified European customer in 2007 and discussions are being held with another potential European customer.

At Eurosatory 2006 Rheinmetall Defence unveiled the Tokeh 4 x 4 light tactical vehicle feasibility demonstrator that has been designed to meet a German Army requirement for a vehicle that can be carried inside the NH Industries NH90 tactical transport helicopter. The Tokeh weighs 1800 kg and is able to carry up to 600 kg in cargo including a two-person crew. It is powered by an Iveco 2.3-litre diesel engine, which gives a maximum speed of 120 km/h and features a height-adjustable suspension system. The Tokeh can be armed with a 5.56 mm or 7.62 mm machine gun operated by the vehicle commander. Rheinmetall is evaluating the Tokeh's suitability for internal deployment by the Socom's Bell Boeing V-22 Osprey tilt-rotor aircraft. A second demonstrator will be completed before the end of 2007 incorporating design changes as a result of the early trials.

Jordan: Jankel Armouring in Britain and Jordan's King Abdullah II Design and Development Bureau used a tropical specification Toyota 1979 4 x 4 chassis as the basis for the A1-Thalab (Fox) long-range patrol vehicle first unveiled at the September 2005 DSEi exhibition. The use of the Toyota chassis, which has been sold to civil users around the globe, is intended to make it easier to obtain spare parts and ease of repair in remote areas. The vehicle accommodates a driver, commander and two crewmembers in the rear and has a maximum payload of 1700 kg. A 7.62 mm machine gun can be mounted for the commander's use and a heavy machine gun or AGL can be fitted on the rear mounted ring platform. Jordan's special forces have received 20 vehicles and another 15 were delivered to an undisclosed African customer for use on border patrol duties.

Precision Insertion

Current parachutes are a far cry from the types used even 30 years ago. Sports paragliders and powergliders have since influenced military designs.

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America: in April 2007 Airborne Systems Group, which included Irvin Aerospace, Irvin-GQ, Irvin Canada, Para-flite and AML, was reorganized into two divisions: Airborne Systems North America and Airborne Systems Europe. The company is a leading supplier of parachutes to many of the world's armed forces. In April 2006 the company received a $ 7.9 million contract from the US Army Soldier Systems Center to supply approximately 8800 steerable MC-6 parachutes developed for the Special Operations Forces Tactical Assault Parachute System (Softaps) programme. The MC-6 combines the SF-10 canopy, in service for over ten years, with the T-11 harness and T-11R reserve canopy developed by the company for the US Army's Advanced Tactical Parachute System (ATPS). The MC-6 provides a lower rate of descent, lower opening shock, reduced canopy damage, better turn ratio and a better glide ratio than the MC1-B/C/D parachute that it will replace.

The T-11 ATPS will replace the 52,000 T-10 parachutes now in service. The T-11 has a slower rate of descent than the T-10, which reduces the force on landing by 40% and is expected to significantly reduce casualties. During the US invasion of Panama in 1989, more than 4% of the 2nd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment (Airborne) suffered jump-related injuries. More than 3200 test jumps will be made using the T-11 leading to initial deployment with the 75th Ranger Regiment, Rigger School and Airborne School in 2008-09. Airborne Systems has inquiries about the Softaps and ATE <<From many countries that want to reduce injuries and improve operational capabilities>>.

Germany: trials are continuing of a unique system intended to enable German special operations parachutists to glide silently up to 200 km into enemy territory using a modular delta wing system. The Special Parachute Equipment and Logistics Consortium (Spelco) was formed by ESG Elektroniksystem- und Logistik and Drager. In 2002 after they were selected by the German BWB defence procurement agency to supply the Special High Altitude Parachute System (Shaps) to Bundeswehr Special Ops units. In service since 2003 Shaps consists of about 60 subsystems, including a ram-air parachute, oxygen supply, communications and navigation components supplied by various manufacturers. Spelco unveiled the Gryphon delta wing system in 2006. In its initial configuration parachutists will be able to jump from a height of about 10,000 metres and glide for 40 km carrying up to 100 kg of equipment. Launching a mission from such a range avoids alerting the enemy to the presence of transport air-craft thus contributing to surprise. Spelco claims that detecting <<this almost 100% silent parachute system using air or ground-based radar systems is extremely difficult. Night operations or operations under adverse weather conditions are possible.>> Gryphon has a 1.5-metre wingspan and is fitted with ailerons and flaps. In the next development stage Spelco plans to integrate lightweight turbo jet engines, developed for unmanned air vehicles, which could extend the range of the Gryphon to 200 km.

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Situational Awareness

In mid-September Aerovironment announced the Danish Army Operational Command had placed a $ 2.4 million order for the RQ-11B Raven B small unmanned aircraft system to equip the army's special forces (Jagerkorpset) and for use at the Danish Army's Artillery Training Centre. The order covers twelve systems each of which typically consists of three aircraft, a hand-held ground control station, a remote viewing terminal, systems spares and related services. More than 6000 RQ-11A and RQ-11B air vehicles have been built, making it the most numerous drone system in the world today. The Raven B is being fielded by the Special Operations Command, the US Army and the US Marine Corps as the Rucksack Portable UAS. In FY07 Socom bought 130 systems and plans to buy a further 73 systems next year. The hand-launched, battery powered Raven B has an endurance of about 80 minutes and can operate over a radius of ten km sending back high-quality video images.

Macroswiss, the Swiss developer of unmanned systems, recently launched the one kg Micro Spyrobot 4WD remotely-operated reconnaissance vehicle which is intended for use by SOF units on dismounted patrols, where weight is an a premium. The system has already been purchased by Britain and is being evaluated by the United States. Made from nylon, the Micro Spyrobot can be thrown through a window and, after righting itself, the robot will send colour video from its front and back cameras to a monitor in up to 300 m away in line-of-sight. The Micro Spyrobot can travel up to 15 km/h and the patented 'flapper' wheels enable the vehicle to swim across water obstacles.

French company OldB-Metravib has supplied 165 Pilarw Acoustic Vehicle Mounted Gunfire Detection Systems and 18 Pivot (Pilar Versatile Observation Turret) to the American Special Operation Command following its selection through the Foreign Comparative Test programme to provide a family of sniper detection systems to detect and locate the source of 5.56 mm, 7.62 mm and 12.7 mm gunfire from up to 1200 metres away. The Pilarw analyses data from the sound of the bullet passing through the air and the muzzle blast to provide the bearing, elevation, range and trajectory to the firing point. When linked to the Pilarw the Pivot daylight observation system will automatically turn to the direction of the threat when a bullet is fired. The system has been mounted on a number of Socom vehicles deployed on operations in Southwest Asia.

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Transparent Ball Count

Colt Defense has recently introduced the 5.56 mm Colt Translucent Magazine, which is intended to eliminate the problems caused by damaged aluminium and other metal magazines not properly feeding rounds into the weapon. The polymer body of the 30-round magazine exceeds the strength of existing magazine at a much-reduced weight. According to Colt officials, the weight of a fully loaded magazine is less than the empty weight of the reduced metal magazines produced by some competitors. Steel feed lips with a corrosion resistant coating are permanently moulded into the body. Users can easily monitor their ammunition expenditure with 20 and 30 round indicators. The magazine is being evaluated by the special forces and other users in several Nato countries.

Australian Training

In July 2007 the Australian Army formally opened a new Special Forces Training Facility (SFTF) at Holsworthy Barracks. The facility was built and equipped for a cost of AS 94 million and is described by the Australian Department of Defence as <<one of only four of its kind in the world providing leading-edge training to counter-terrorism forces>>. The SFTF includes indoor and outdoor multi-level electronic and live firing ranges as well as a variety of training environments.

TacEye on Goggles

The TacEye head-mounted display system was developed by Vuzix's Tactical Display (previously Icuiti) with partial funding from Socom and the US Air Force Research Lab Human Effectiveness Directorate. Weighing less than 85 grams the TacEye can be mounted on a helmet or goggle to provide clear video and computer data in either daylight or darkness utilising a high brightness SVGA (800 x 600) Oled micro display. The user can plug in a variety of sensors or computers using an interface box that also incorporates three additional USB 2.0 ports to allow users to stow the computer system and still maintain control using an external keyboard and a wearable mouse. The lighter TacEye LT version, which can be mounted on sunglasses, has recently been developed for a customer.

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FY07 Socom Foreign Comparative Test Projects

Each year the four American services and Socom nominate candidate projects to the Office of the Secretary of the Defense for funding consideration under the Foreign Comparative Test. The Special Operations Forces Combat Assault Rifle (Scar) programme, won by Belgian FN Herstal, was initially funded through the FCT programme. Other FCT success story for the Command in FY05-06 was the fielding of the Saab Bofors Dynamics AT-4CS Disposable Shoulder-fired 84 mm Weapon. According to the Department of Defense the <<project also achieved an estimated $ 25 million development cost avoidance by leveraging previous US military AT-4 efforts, $ five million in production savings and $ two million in operations/life-cycle cost savings>>. Socom has procured a further 24 systems from ten countries through the FCT programme.

Socom is sponsoring five of the 19 FCT projects launched in FY07:

* the Naval Surface Warfare Center, Crane, Indiana, will evaluate 20 mm anti-material rifles, developed by RH-Alan of Croatia, and Denel and Truvelo Armoury, both of South Africa, to determine their capabilities to defeat material targets such as tightly armoured vehicles, power stations, communication assets and unexploded ordnance. Phase I of the project will culminate with the selection of a single weapon, which will undergo full technical testing and assessment in Phase II. Operational testing will be conducted in Phase III of the project.

* various tagging, tracking and locating (TTL) equipment that represents the latest in worldwide TTL technology. <<These ultramodern devices will provide deployed US Special Operations Forces worldwide with an enhanced capability to tag, track and pin-point potentially dangerous adversaries.>> Companies in Canada, France, Italy and Britain have been selected to participate in this programme.

* the Swedish Ericsson Quiclink lightweight Universal Mobile Telecommunications system Will be evaluated by the Program Executive Officer for Intelligence and Information Systems, with test support from the US Army Communications and Electronics Command at Fort Monmouth, New Jersey. The project will focus on the critical requirements of the Special Operations Forces Tactical Assured Connectivity and Joint Threat Warning Systems programmes, and the US Army's Warfighter Information Network-Tactical (Win-T) programme. The Department of Defense describes the Quiclink as <<a downsized third generation cellular system that can provide high data rates to personal communications devices, as well as handle a large number of simultaneous voice calls. The system can operate autonomously, or as a sub-network within current legacy networks, and will incorporate robust header compression technology.>>

* the Naval Surface Warfare Center will evaluate a Mk 47 Mod 0 Crew-Served Weapon Trainer developed by Simrad Optronics/Vinghog, which allows troops to 'dry fire' the Mk 47 and automatically receive feedback during mission-specific rehearsals prior to combat operations.

* The Naval Air Warfare Center, Saint Inigoes, Maryland, will evaluate the deployment and operating capabilities of an FM Broadcast System developed by Norway's Tyra Invest using a tethered balloon concept. The system can place an FM Broadcast Transmitter at a predetermined altitude for up to five days and transmit psyops messages to personnel on the ground in denied areas. The system is designed to be deployed from fighter aircraft by means of a standard MK-7/20 (PDU-5B) canister.