Ukrainian Defense Review #3 [July-September 2018]

Born to Fly Skyeton Company has completed the full cycle of trials of its ACS-3 UAS

Ukraine develops a new IFV

Ukraine’s New Hermes-C2 Combat Vehicle Command & Control System

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2018 SUMMER TRENDS IN WESTRUSSIA RELATIONS The Ukrainian context of the Brussels/Helsinki events

NEW UKRAINIAN COMBAT VEHICLE COMMAND AND CONTROL SYSTEM HERMES-C2

UKRAINE and the world

Innovative ERA protection for impoving and upgrading legacy armored vehicle fleets

Brief overview of Ukrainian MilitaryTechnical cooperation in 2013-2017

WHAT KIND OF INFORMATION IS IMPORTANT TO FOREIGN INVESTORS Interview with Anthony J. Tether, Director of the DARPA (2001-2009) in the USA and now Supervisory Board member in SC «Ukroboronprom»

UkrOboronProm’s mission is to expand its market reach Ukraine Poised to Displace Russia in Global Markets

Ukraine completing the development of BTR-U – its new armored personnel carrier designed to replace BMP-1/2 IFVs operated by Ukraine’s forces

POSTMAN Ballistic Processor and other solutions from Turingismus Ukrainian software engineers and investors have created a new defense technological service

Interview with Oleksandr Guchenkov, CEO of the V.O.Khytryk Ukrainian Advanced Microtechnologies LLC

A NEW LEASE OF LIFE FOR THE MIG-29 FULCRUM State-owned Lviv Aircraft Repair Plant has developed the MiG-29MU2, a secondgeneration upgrade to its MiG-29MU1 design

CONSOLIDATING EFFORTS Ukrainian-Polish Defense and Industrial Collaboration: Pirat ATGM Weapons System and Laser-Guided Munitions

BULL'S EYE STRIKE Smart Ammunition Built with Currentgeneration Component Technology

KOMBAT and KONUS ATGW Systems Ukraine offers its KOMBAT and KONUS anti-tank guided missile systems

R-27 – GUARDIAN OF THE SKIES R-27/AA-10 Alamo missile system takes a special place in Ukraine’s missile capability. These missiles are integrated on the MiG-29 and Su-27 jet fighters and their modifications operated by multiple air forces worldwide

BORN TO FLY Skyeton, Kyiv, has completed the full cycle of trials of its ACS-3 Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) that is already awaited by the Ukrainian military

Founder and Publisher – Defense Express Media & Consulting Company LCC CEO & Editor-in-chief Defense Express Media & Consulting Company – SERHIY ZGURETS, zgurets@gmail.com; Business development Vice CEO Defense Express Media & Consulting Company – VALERII RIABYKH, defence_2@meta.ua; Vice CEO – Editor-in-Chief of «Ukrainian defense review» magazine – АNTON MIKHNENKO, mikhnenko_av@ukr.net; UDR Development Project Manager – EDUARD VELIKANOV, velikanov.e@gmail.com; Computer layout & design – NATALIA KOLESNIK; Naval expert – VOLODYMYR ZABLOTSKY; Translator – JANNA DYOMINA. Print run – 1000 copies; Price – negotiable.

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Defense & Security NEWS

Ukrainian Defense Review/July–September 2018

UkrOboronProm Gets New Staff Structure

Ukroboronprom, Ukraine’s major defense contractor has completed optimization of its internal and Staff Structure, the Company reported in a press statement.

UkrOboronProm’s managerial staff has been reduced by 40% without compromising the required functionality and projected performance of the Company. In particular, three vice-CEO posts have been eliminated.

The optimization has been carried out as prescribed by Ukroboronprom’s Reform Plan approved and enacted by its Supervisory Board.

Pursuant to legally prescribed procedures and Collective Employment Agreement provisions regarding the dismissal of employees, a competition commission was set up to select the most proficient professionals in the defense industry. Ukroboronprom’s managerial staff has been reduced to 180, with the cost savings generated as a result of the job cuts to be devoted to funding R&D operations and innovation technology projects; production modernization; and to providing social security for the employees of UkrOboronProm’s companies.

The job reduction process was taking place in parallel with the development of a new administrative/managerial structure for UkrOboronProm’s companies. The new structure is a clusterized/divisional structure wherein companies are consolidated into clusters within divisions based on their respective areas of expertise, allowing for benefits in terms of the quality of production and marketing, a more favorable environment for industry clusterization development and for innovation-based development and growth of the Company.

Divisions have already been set up for armored combat vehicles; precision-guided weapons and munitions; radar equipment, wireless communications equipment, and special-purpose apparatus; shipbuilding and marine engineering, while organization of the aircraft building division is in the final stage of completion.

Antonov Agrees on Cooperation with Boeing’s Aviall Division At Farnborough Airshow 2018, Ukroboronprom defense industries group’s Antonov Company and a division of Boeing – Aviall Services, Inc. – signed a general terms agreement on cooperation in the production of the upgraded An-148, An-158, An-178 families of aircraft, which will be designated AN-1X8 NEXT, Antonov reported via its Press Office.

Within this cooperation, Aviall Services, Inc. will support supply chain, procurement and delivery of vendor items on behalf of Antonov to support the production of the mentioned newest aircraft and to provide further after-sale support.

“Following the signing of this agreement with Aviall, Antonov now has a reliable partner that will become an important integrator in the process of acquiring a number of Western-made components under the import-substitution program, including components for launching serial production of the

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newest ‘An’ aircraft and providing after-sales support for them at the highest international level of quality,” Oleksandr Donets, President of Antonov Company, has said.

He went to note that the agreement signed allows Ukroboronprom to be better positioned for production of the Antonov’s newest Next lineup of An148, An-158, and An-178 aircrafts.

"This would enable us to quickly supply materials for these three airplanes without our own working capital being involved. I am talking about the $50 million Aviall Services, Inc. stands ready to provide for the creation of a pool of materials and systems [required for production of] the Antonov airplanes", said Donets.

He noted the importance of the arrangements reached with the foreign partner with regard to service support for the Antonov airplanes: "We will be able to better support our customers all over the world, for Aviall Services, Inc. will allow Antonov to use its [maintenance] network and logistics chains, thus providing a new level of customer support. Within 24 hours we will be able to supply a given plane component or sub-system".

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Ukraine, Saudi Arabia Finalizing An-132 Shared Production Agreement

Ukraine and Saudi Arabia have been finalizing an agreement on production of the Antonov An-132 multi-purpose 9.2-ton transport aircraft at a facility in the city of Taif, Western Region, KSA. Interfax-Ukraine reported this citing the Press Office at Antonov.

"In July, the parties are expecting the findings of an [An-132] series production feasibility study being carried out by a Spanish engineering firm on order from TAQNIA Aeronautics of Saudi Arabia.

"In order to assess commercial prospects of the An-132 series pro-

duction project at a facility in Taif, our Saudi partner, TAQNIA Aeronautics has commissioned a feasibility study from a reputed European engineering firm. The Saudi partner estimates that the project feasibility study being carried out by the Spanish subcontractor is 80-85 percent completed so far, with full completion expected in July", Antonov’s Press Office said.

The An-132 aircraft production localization in Saudi Arabia will proceed incrementally, with workshare allocated to the Saudi side not exceeding 10 percent at the initial

stage of collaboration, while the remainder 90 percent will be allocated to the Ukrainian side. As the project proceeds, the workshare ratio will reverse to 80:20 percent in favor of the Saudi side.

The deal also includes construction of an An-132 production line at an Antonov’ facility in Kyiv, which will used for assembling a preproduction batch of the aircraft. "The level of this preproduction batch will be decided based on the Feasibility Study findings. Being the Design Authority for the An-132 aircraft, Antonov will be eligible to receive royalties for each aircraft sold", the Press Office said.

In Saudi Arabia, An-132 airplanes will be manufactured at a facility to be constructed by Antonov as part of a science and technology development program for the city of Taif.

The Taif Technology Park will be a collaboration with the King Abdulaziz Science and Technology Center – a key partner in the An-132 program. The Park will include an airfield, a solar panel factory, and a solar thermal power station alongside the An-132 production facility.

Construction is scheduled to begin in 2019 and to be completed nine months later so that production could start in 2021.

Ukraine to Buy 55 Airbus Helicopters Ukraine has signed an agreement to buy 55 helicopters from Airbus Helicopters division of Airbus. The helicopters will be used by the National Police, National Guard, State Border Security Service, and State Service for Emergency Management.

This came from a report released on July 5 by the Information & Liaison Department at the Ukrainian Cabinet of Ministers’ Secretariat.

The cost of the contract is €555 million. The helicopters to be supplied are 21 x H225s, 10 x H145s and 24 x H125s.

The purchase price includes the helicopters, pilot training, maintenance training, and tech support. The deal would appear to be financed to a large degree by a combination of French banks and French State medium term loans.

Delivery of the initial four H225s is expected by 2019.

The new helicopters will be used for the purposes of counterterrorism and public safety control, detection of border intrusions, aerial surveillance and intelligence gathering, surveillance of critical infrastructures, search and rescue, emergency medical evacuation, as well as firefighting.

Ukrainian Prime Minister, Volodymyr Groisman said in a statement earlier that this deal "provides for an unprecedented level of equipment deliveries" and "opens up new opportunities for cooperation".

Serhiy Kniazev, Ukraine’s Chief of National Police, said the helicopters would be used to

provide support for special operations ground forces and to assist Police with crime detection operations.

The National Police is expecting the delivery of 10 x H145 helicopters during 2020.

The 55 helicopters will be delivered in two increments, one for 37 and the other for 18 units, including 21 x H225s with ≥10-ton payload capacity each.

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Defense & Security NEWS

Ukrainian Defense Review/July–September 2018

Ukraine Eyeing Shared Production of Korsar ATGM System with Azerbaijan Kyiv and Baku are negotiating a deal on possible co-production of the Ukrainian-designed man-portable Korsar ATGM system, AzeriDefence reported in June citing a source at the Ukrainian Ukroboronprom defense industries holding group.

The Azerbaijan Armed Forces are interested in acquiring the Korsar along with the Ukrainian-Belorussian designed Skif ATGM weapon system that received new, more capable missiles in 2016, the news agency quoted the source as saying.

The Korsar is of light, man-portable design allowing the missile to be launched off shoulder without the need of using any additional devices.

It fires the 107 mm R-3 missile with

a tandem-charge HEAT warhead capable of penetrating ≥550mm RHA behind ERA, to ranges from 100 to 2,500 meters. The missile is guided by a laser beam to its target, the beam being low powered to reduce the risk of detection by enemy’s sensor network.

Target search and aiming are assisted with an EO/IR sensor system providing an all-weather capability.

Guided by a semi-automatic laser homing seeker, the Skif missile can engage targets at ranges from 100 to 5,000 m in daylight and 100 to 3,000 m at nighttime with its tandem-charge HEAT warhead capable of 800 mm RHA penetration.

The Skif was officially inducted into Azerbaijani army in 2010.

Serial Production of NATO-Compatible 40mm Munitions Launched at Shostka-Based Impulse Factory Ukroboronprom’s Shostka-based Government-Funded Factory Impulse and PrAT Kuznya na Rybalskomu company have partnered to launch serial production of 40mm NATO-compatible grenades for the PGOF-40 automatic grenade launcher, Ukroboronprom reported via its press office.

"For the first time in Ukraine, in cooperation with Kuznya na Rybalskomu , a new production process for 40-mm automatic grenade launcher munitions has been developed and launched. Impulse is currently mechanizing its production processes and introducing new equipment, tools, and methods into its facilities to increase the output of these new munitions.

That being said, most of assembly operations for the grenade components are performed with manual labor," Ukroboronprom quoted Yevhen Chernov, CEO of Impulse Factory as saying.

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PGOF-40 fires a 40х53 mm HE Fragmentation Grenade that has been developed to conform to NATO requirements for automatic grenade launcher munitions. It is superior to the 30-mm automatic grenade launcher munitions operational with the Ukrainian army in terms of increased lethality and blast radius.

Impulse Factory also has launched a new production process for a 40mm dummy munition, the PGI-40 that is designed to be used for training, target practice, and for adjusting fire from automatic grenade launchers.

Beyond that, Impulse Factory, partnered by Kuznya na Rybalskomu company, is starting a production line for the VOG-25V underbarrel launched projectile that is fired from the automatic assault rifles operational with Ukraine’s military and other public safety forces.

Ukroboronprom Launches Production of RPV-16 Flamethrower Ukroboronprom’s Chemical Products R&D Institute has launched a production process for the RPV-16 flamethrower weapon, Ukroboronprom reported via its press office on July 20, 2018.

A thermobaric flamethrower weapon, the RPV-16 was designed and is being produced for the Ukrainian military under the Government Defense Procurement & Acquisition Program. It has already gone through the end-user testing process and is scheduled for fielding in the near-term future.

The weapon is intended to defeat the enemy by generating a cloud of high-temperature flame (blast), thus allowing for significant incendiary effect in addition to the massive pressure wave.

The RPV-16 is man-portable, rocket-propelled flamethrower firing 93mm rockets with a thermobaric filler.

It will be used to defeat enemy personnel, even those sheltered behind strong physical barriers, as well as light armored vehicles at distances of about 1 km or so.

The blast effect of the thermobaric RPV-16 warhead is roughly equivalent to that of a large-caliber HE artillery shell.

Development and production launch of the RPV-16 flamethrower weapon have been enabled by the industrial cooperation of the Ukroboronprom’s companies Chemical Products R&D Institute, Artem Holding, and Impulse Factory.

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Ukraine Launches Production of its Newly-Designed Munitions Types Comprehensive trials of new, indigenously designed munitions and their associated delivery systems have taken place at the Ukrainian Armed Forces’ Honchariv test and training facility outside Chernihiv.

Ukraine’s National Security and Defense Council reported this on July 26, 2018, citing a statement by its Chairman, Oleksandr Turchynov.

"Most demanded 152mm munitions and 60mm rounds for new, indigenously designed mortars have gone through the crucial testing stage alongside two modified versions of a 60mm mortar and as many modified versions of a 80mm mortar. The trials also tested security and safety procedures for firing 120mm mortars", Turchynov said.

He furthermore said that all the ballistic parameters of the munitions and weapons tested have been verified using unique, state-of-the-

art Mobile Trajectory Measurement System: "It is unique in that it can accurately track trajectories of bullets, let alone projectiles, mortar rounds, rockets or missiles".

"I would like to emphasize that the trials have been a success. The tests validated the performance capabili-

Bharat Heavy Electricals Ltd to Tie up with Zorya-Mashproekt for Refurbishing of Indian Warship Turbines in India The Indian company Bharat Heavy Electricals Ltd. (BHEL) will set up a joint venture with Ukrainian Zorya Mashproekt to overhaul turbines in India, IndianDefensNews has reported.

The turbine which is used by the Indian Navy requires overhauling after running 30,000 hours. Currently, in such a scenario, the turbine is sent

back to Ukraine which is not only time consuming but also costly. The proposed joint venture could substantially reduce the downtime since they would not be transported all the way to Ukraine.

Jitender Das, BHEL's corporate communication head, said that the Mahartna Company is in touch with

ties required for the [new] Ukrainian munitions and their associated delivery systems that are scheduled for induction into the Ukrainian army in the near term to increase the amount of firepower available to our forces", the NSDC Chairman said in conclusion.

Zorya-Mashproekt to overhaul turbines in India. The details of the investments and figures will be released at the time of signing the deal. He also added that the partnership with Zorya-Mashproekt will expand the portfolio of BHEL which is already working with Siemens and General Electric gas turbines.

The presence of Zorya-Mashproekt turbines for powering the Indian warships is ever increasing with the fact that the Indian Navy will soon have 34 warships with four turbines per vessel.

Zorya turbines are extensively used in major Indian naval warships which include five Rajput class destroyers, three Delhi class destroyers and 16 fast missile corvettes of the 1241RE class.

Zorya gas turbine is just another story of growing cooperation between India and Ukraine in the defence sector. New Delhi had signed a defence cooperation pact with the Ukrainian government in 2005, which calls for annual meetings of a joint working group from both defence ministries.

The most recent meeting took place in Kyiv in June.

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Defense & Security NEWS

Ukrainian Defense Review/July–September 2018

Ukraine to Accept Transfer of two Island-Class Patrol Boats from the US in late 2019

In November-December 2018, Ukrainian crews for two ex-US Coast Guard Island-class patrol boats will begin training under a dedicated program in the United States.

Ukrainian naval forces commander, Ihor Voronchenko reported this in a Radio Liberty interview on the occasion of the forthcoming Ukrainian Navy Day. Crews for the two vessels are currently in Odessa undergoing training

in their respective areas of expertise, including English proficiency training.

The two Island-class patrol boats will be transferred from the United States to Ukraine in November or December 2019, as agreed by UkraineUS negotiators in Kyiv on June 11-15, according to a report released by the Main Directorate of Military Cooperation and Peacekeeping Operations at the Ukrainian Armed Forces’ General Staff.

"Jointly with the US side, draft agreement on the transfer of the boats was reviewed clause-by-clause and updated to incorporate the comments that had arisen as a result of the draft undergoing a review and interagency approval process in Ukraine", the MoD’s Liaison Office said.

Ukraine will have to pay for the vessels’ de-mothballing transportation to Ukrainian shore sometime in the fall 2018, and, in October-November, the American side should prepare contracts for equipment deliveries and restoring the vessels’ operational readiness.

From January to June 2019, the boats will be renovated and completed with additional equipment under the eye of Ukrainian Navy representatives, and, in the summer 2019, Ukrainian crews will undergo training programs in Baltimore, Maryland, USA. In November-December 2019, the boats will be transferred to the port of Odessa and "repaired to serviceable status with the help of US Coast Guard experts", the MoD said.

Ukraine’s New Sonobuoy System Yatran Passes Factory-Level Tests Hydroprylad Sonar Technology R&D Institute, Kyiv, has successfully brought its new Yatran Sonobuoy System through factory-level tests.

This is according to a press report released on July 19 by the Ukroboronprom defense industries holding group, with which Hydroprylad is incorporated.

The mentioned tests were carried out as part of the international 2018 Sea Breeze naval exercises and maneuvers in the Black Sea where Yatran sonobuoys were dropped from Mi-17PCh helicopters in realistic mission scenarios.

The Yatran system consists of sonobuoys with extremely sensitive sensors and a digital data process-

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ing center. "The system is designed such that it integrates data from lots of buoys, thus making it possible to keep large water areas under full control and to rapidly transmit target location coordinates to firing units", the report quoted Yuriy Melenko, Hydroprylad CEO as saying.

He furthermore added that the Yatran has been developed as a venture project, with no government funding involved.

The Yatran uses silent, passive sonobuoys to enable maximum stealth of operation.

With its high performance capabilities, the Yatran has the potential to become a potent force multiplier in anti-submarine warfare operations.

Following successful completion of factory-level tests, the system is now being prepared to undergo government trials.

Security review

Ukrainian Defense Review/July–September 2018

2018 SUMMER TRENDS IN WEST-RUSSIA RELATIONS The Ukrainian context of the Brussels/Helsinki events

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n the summer of 2018, the security situation in the Euro-Atlantic area remained complicated.

Russia’s aggressive behavior in Ukraine and Syria, and in its relations with the EU and the United States has continued to be closely watched by the global community.

It is amidst this backdrop that several important events – NATO Brussels Summit and US-Russia summit in Helsinki – took place.

Brussels’ perspective

One of the key events of the summer 2018 in Europe was the recent 29th NATO Summit in Brussels, Belgium (July 11-12, 2018). Some call it very successful for Ukraine, while others are modest about its results and don’t see any breakthroughs achieved with regard to the Ukrainian issue. Be this as it may, the summit was important in that it reaffirmed NATO's consolidated, unwavering stance – the collective condemnation of Russian aggression, meaning the current sanctions and political restrictions on Russia are remaining in place.

Yet notwithstanding this and the Alliance's in general positive perceptions of Kyiv’s membership aspirations, in practical terms, however, the Summit hasn’t brought Ukraine closer to NATO. The Alliance just admitted it is aware of Kyiv's intentions and that’s it. The rhetoric of the debate became totally different, however, when it came to Georgia. NATO unequivocally empha-

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sized that the current relations with that country would eventually make it prepared for membership. In the Ukrainian context, this rhetoric is not heard yet. A certain amount of negativity, although it did not affect the Alliance’s attitude, was added by the actions of Hungary, which had taken such an obviously unfriendly move as to block the NATO-Ukraine Commission’s ministerial-level sessions in the run-up to the summit over Ukraine’s new education law affecting Hungarian-language schools in Carpathian Ukraine.

In the meanwhile, practical-level cooperation between Ukraine and the Alliance is gaining momentum, as exemplified by NATO Trust Fund programs for Ukraine being implemented on a broad range of subject areas, including most particularly the national security and defense sector.

A key outcome of the NATO Brussels Summit was that the Allies have agreed to increase their respective defense expenditures to a level "never seen before". As stated by US President Donald Trump, the Allies had "really stepped up their commitment, stepped it up an additional 33 billion… People are paying money they never paid before". He went on to note: "Only five of 29 countries were making their commitment and that’s now changed. The commitment was at 2 percent. Ultimately, that’ll be going up quite a bit higher than that".

The summit’s agenda and consensus decisions clearly identify Russia as a major, well prepared opponent, and signify an end to internal strife in the face of the common threats and challenges posed by Russia.

Trump-Putin Helsinki summit

Another major event of July 2018 was the US-Russia Summit in Helsinki (July 16). The public will likely not be made aware of its outcomes any time soon, but something that has leaked out of the conference buildings has been reviewed and assessed.

At their joint press conference, Trump and Putin said they had discussed Syria, Ukraine, North Stream 2, bilateral relations and Russian election interference. Russian and US postures on these issues remained as they were, but Trump's comments on the Krem-

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lin’s meddling in 2016 US presidential election once again shocked the expert community, even though something really important has been left behind the scenes. One thing that was really stunning was Russian and US respective reactions to what happened at the Helsinki summit. The Kremlin appeared to have been more satisfied than disappointed with its results, while the reaction from the White House was rather moderate. This behavior normally has very unpredictable implications, not for the negotiators, but for third parties.

The top US official for Ukraine negotiations, Kurt Volker later after the event tried to subdue tensions to a degree by assuring that, even though Ukraine was not the highlight of the meeting, the US, while negotiating Donbas and Crimea in Helsinki, did not give away anything to Russia: "On all the issues that Ukrainians would care about, nothing was given away", he said. "No handing over of gifts to Russia at Ukraine’s expense". Beyond that, the US special envoy assured that, at the Helsinki summit, no moves had been taken to legitimize Russian annexation of Crimea or consider the possibility of an internationally supervised "referendum" in pro-Russia separatist regions in eastern Ukraine. "There was no move toward recognition of Russia's claimed annexation of Crimea. No support for a referendum. No movement toward Russia's position on a protection force for [Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe] monitors that would effectively divide the country", Volker said.

The US State Department later reaffirmed its unwavering position of respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine. Thus, Secretary of

State Mike Pompeo, in a statement released on July 25, said the United States would never recognize Russia’s annexation of Crimea, and would continue to insist that Ukraine’s territorial integrity be restored. With the release of Pompeo’e Crimea statement, non-recognition of the Crimea annexation by Russia has thus become an official policy of the United States.

It is therefore apparent based on the results of the Helsinki Summit that the US policy on Crimea and Donbas remains unchanged. From Ukraine’s perspective, what is key about the Helsinki

among the expert community that both actors will most likely pursue an intermediate line of conduct in "deterring" each other. The United States and Russia will, on the one hand, symmetrically exchange hits in Ukraine, and will provide each other with small services as part of their roles in a grand geopolitical game on the other.

There is another important aspect that should not be overlooked in the context of the US-Russia Helsinki summit. Russian President, Vladimir Putin, speaking to a joint press conference with his US counterpart, Don-

Helsinki demonstrations before Trump-Putin Summit

summit is that both sides seem to be going to stick to the policies they already have. As things stand now, agreeing on any Ukrainian deal is objectively impossible as both sides are well aware of their capabilities regarding Ukraine and well realize that neither has any fair chance to change the situation to its own benefit. Moreover, the United States and Russia will continue their competition for Ukraine, but there is no plausible strategy for victory either in Moscow or in Washington. As a result of the above considerations, a consensus appears having been reached

ald Trump following their one-on-one meeting, effectively publicly admitted that Russia had had a role in the occupation of Crimea. In answering a question from an AP journalist, he said: "President Trump continues to maintain that it was illegal to annex Crimea.

Our viewpoint is different. We held a referendum in strict compliance with the UN Charter and international law.

For us, Russia, this issue has been shut down [for good]". The question is: on what grounds did the Kremlin hold a referendum in the territory of another sovereign State, and where in this situation is respect for international law?

It is yet to be seen how relations between the West and the Russian Federation will develop and what implications will be for Ukraine. There is a certain degree of support for Ukraine from the West, especially the USA, as well as an understanding of Russia's role in the occupation of Crimea and some areas of Donbas. But on the other hand, dubious geopolitical games are being played out, which can bring the situation into a stalemate trap that will be difficult and painful to get out of.

Anton Mikhnenko, UDR

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Arms Trade

Ukrainian Defense Review/July–September 2018

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kraine’s international defense technology cooperation (DTC) in 2013-2017 had been impacted by several factors that seriously affected the country’s defense exports and imports over the period reviewed. Following the beginning of military hostilities in eastern Ukraine in 2014, the Ukrainian government terminated sales of defense articles and dual-use items and technology to Russia, excluding aerospace platforms used in international peaceful space exploration activities. This has greatly affected the level of and changed the geographic destinations for Ukraine’s defense exports.

Beyond that, Ukraine’s defense industry had to shift its focus towards the manufacturing, rebuilding and upgrading of armored fighting vehicles, aircraft, air defense systems and communications equipment to meet the operating needs of the Ukrainian forces. On a parallel track, the domestic defense industry had expanded its product portfolio by adding products that had never been produced in Ukraine previously, including particularly, but not limited to, unmanned aerial vehicles and systems, robotic vehicles and devices, fire control systems, and thermobaric weapons.

That being said, arms export remained an important factor for production growth and economic development in Ukraine, despite the fact that total Ukraine’s defense exports reduced from $ 1 billion in 2013 to $ 500 million in 2014. In the following years, however, the level of Ukraine’s international defense sales returned to an upward trend. In January 2017, deputy CEO of the State-owned Ukroboronprom defense industries group, Denis Hurak announced that his company had exported $ 769.5 million worth of defense-related equipment in 2016, representing a 25%, or about $ 567 million increase over the previous year.

In 2013-2017, Ukraine placed 11th in SIPRI’s ranking of global weapons exports. On a geographic basis, according to SIPRI, the largest destinations for Ukraine’s defense exports in the said period were Russia (23%), China (20%) and Thailand (12%), but these calculations are doubtful, especially with respect to Russia.

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2013-17 international cooperation in defense technology Other destinations for Ukraine’s defense exports were Vietnam, India, Myanmar, Nigeria, Niger, UAE, Pakistan, and several more countries.

Sales of parts and components, and MRO services accounted for about 83 percent of total exports.

As seen from data on Ukraine’s international arms transfers in 2017 published by the State Service for Export Control in July 2018, Ukraine had exported 18 units of BM Oplot MBTs to Thailand, over 17.000 units of small arms, as well as more than 800 units of light weapons to the USA, Uzbekistan, Jordan, Mongolia, and Turkey. The data, however, does not include sales of components and defense MRO services, which were substantial.

Private-sector defense industries were playing an ever increasing role in sales to both export and domestic markets over the period under review.

Thus, in 2016, the share of private-sector businesses had grown to about a third of total Ukroboronprom’s export sales, and this trend for growth continued into 2017.

Special mention should be made of the fact that Ukraine was acquiring military weapons and equipment

under lend-lease type international military assistance programs in 20142017, which was not the case in previous years. With this assistance, the Ukrainian military and other public safety forces are then in a better position to enhance their capabilities and increase their capacity to respond to challenges.

Over that period, international partners from 20 countries provided Ukraine with over $ 0.5 billion worth of military aid supplies that consisted of night vision devices, communications equipment, mine countermeasure equipment, motor vehicles, counter battery radars, and anti-tank weapons systems just to name a few.

In particular, U.S. foreign military aid programs provided Ukraine with military clothing, medical supplies, and equipment supplies that included HMMWV vehicles with related replacement parts, multi-band Harris radios, night vision devices, a rapid chemical analysis laboratory, mine countermeasure equipment, AN/TPQ36 counter-battery radars, RQ-11B Raven mini UAV systems, soldier equipment, summer and winter camouflage clothing sets, bulletproof vests, Kevlar

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Apart from the USA, foreign military aid deliveries were coming to Ukraine from Canada (night vision devices, body armors, Kevlar helmets, sleeping bags, and lots of winter service uniforms), the Republic of Poland (bedding sets, ‘long life’ rye bread, dry food ration kits, and clothing), Australia (winter clothing), Great Britain (clothing, medical items, soldier equipment, winter diesel fuel, night vision devices, and GPS navigation devices), China (clinical ophthalmic equipment), the Slovak Republic (electric generators, lighting kits, plastic dishware, sleeping bags, clothing and a wide range of medical equipment and devices), Turkey (clothing sets), the French Republic (bulletproof vests and medical items), the Kingdom of the Netherlands (electric generators and winter clothing sets), Spain (bulletproof vests and Kevlar helmets), the Czech Republic and Albania (soldier

helmets, sleeping pads, scarves and hats. Beyond that, the U.S., under its humanitarian aid programs, provided Ukrainian armed services with a mobile field hospital, tactical food ration kits, electric generators, space heaters, diving equipment, and equipment for Air Force operations. Some supplies, including particularly RQ-11B Raven UASes had been paid for by Ukraine.

equipment and uniforms), Lithuania (equipment and uniforms; in November 2017, it was announced about the transfer of € 2 million worth of weapons and munitions that became surplus following Lithuania’s transition to NATO standard weapons and munitions), as well as Norway, Latvia, Denmark, and Japan (equipment for various purposes).

Further to this, Ukrainian armed services have received military weapons and equipment systems procured under Ukrainian government funded contracts, especially with Belarus, Great Britain, Poland, France, Turkey and the United States. To meet the requirements of its military and National Guard forces Ukraine, in 2016-17, had bought a quantity of 12.17 mm Barrett М82 and М107 sniper rifles, and a small batch of PSRL-1 handheld grenade launchers from the USA, BMP-1 and 2S1 Gvozdika self-propelled howitzers from Poland and the Czech Republic, and Aselsan tactical radios from Turkey.

Overall, Russian aggression in Ukraine had had a serious impact on the results of the country’s international defense technology cooperation in 2013-17. The Ukrainian defense-industrial sector, which had long been tailored to cooperation with the Rus-

sian Federation previously, has now been progressively shifting on to other partners and other markets. And what is especially encouraging is that the domestic defense market too has been expanding and growing after years of stagnation.

Oleksii Serduik, for UDR

13

expert opinion

Ukrainian Defense Review/July–September 2018

Anthony J. Tether, Director of DARPA (2001-2009), Supervisory Board member in SC «Ukroboronprom»

D

efense Express suggest own readers the interview with a famous person - Anthony J. Tether - Director of the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) (2001-2009) in the USA and now Supervisory Board member in SC "Ukroboronprom" (UOP) in Ukraine. He helps in implementing the UOP development strategy, implementation of reforms, corporatization, and international audit.

Anthony Tether, how do you assess the latest initiatives of UOP on 40% staff reduction of the concern, as well as clusterization, corporatization and privatization of defense industry process?

A 40% reduction is a large reduction. But, when new heads come into an organization, they basically try to become more efficient and that usually requires restructuring the organization. I believe that what is going on.

However there is always a worry that this is a way to remove people

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“INFORMATION ON FINANCIAL AND OPERATIONAL HEALTH OF UKRAINIAN COMPANY IS VERY IMPORTANT FOR FOREIGN INVESTORS”

loyal to the previous Director and then replace them with people loyal to the current Director. I have not seen anything that indicates this is the case but we will over time determine if this is the case.

The number and type of Companies in UOP are there based upon historical reasons. There are many compa-

to be on their own will enhance their capability to obtain larger markets and growth.

Now all of the above is based on theoretical assumptions and therefore as this happens, care needs to be taken that the right decisions were made. This will be done by continually checking how this experiment is

“The potential investor must be sure that he is not investing in a bankrupt enterprise or in company with illegal activities” nies which basically perform the same service where none of them are very healthy. One way to overcome this is to "cluster" these companies where it is believe that the "sum of the parts" will result in a single company comprised of those parts which is stronger and more financially viable.

There are also companies whose growth is being hindered being part of a State organization due to the beauraticacies that come with them. It is believed that allowing these companies

going in time to make change if the early decisions were premature.

What do you think about the initiative of UOP to create in Ukraine the agency GARDA? Is it really necessary for Ukraine? What is your view of GARDA in Ukraine? Is it correct step of UOP to create GARDA on the base of The National Technical University of Ukraine "Igor Sikorsky Kyiv Polytechnic Institute" (NTUU "KPI")?

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investing in a bankrupt enterprise or in company with illegal activities.

Yes I know this fact and in fact was involved with its creation.

As you know in the USA we have DARPA. It was created because of Ukraine. In October 4, 1957 the world changed. The Soviet Union launched the first artificial satellite designed and built in Ukraine. The President Dwight D. Eisenhower was surprised and asked –"How could it is happen?" He found that the US had a Space Program but it wasn’t on a top priority. As a result, President Eisenhower wanted to create an organization whose job it was to never let the US be technologically surprised again.

President Eisenhower formed DARPA as part of the US DoD and had it report to the Secretary of Defense since its main purpose was National Security. DARPA over the past 60 years did more than Military National Security and generated technology which substantially enhanced the Economy of the US like the Internet and many others.

Since then many countries in the world have structures like DARPA, with the same purpose, but deferent names. Russia has one, Japan, etc Ukraine has a wealth of people who are great engineers and scientists who need an organization like a DARPA to which they can bring their ideas. The organization needs to be one which reports to the highest levels of Ukraine and which people with ideas will feel comfortable approaching.

The Ukraine DARPA was purposely named GARDA which stands for Government Advanced Research Development Agency to assure that people knew it was both for Military and Domestic purposes and is the protector on a sword which protects the hand holding the sword.

Through many meetings with many organizations in Ukraine and the Ministers, GARDA was to be a separate organization reporting to the Ministry of Ministers.

Initially GARDA would be housed in UOP as a Tenant

for its first year or two and able to use UOP’s administrative resources.

GARDA as part of NTUU "KPI" is a mistake. NTUU is a great University but in my opinion is not a place that people with what may seems like half-baked ideas will feel comfortable approaching.

- On your opinion, what are the main obstacles for foreign investments in Ukrainian defense industry in present time?

I believe that foreign investors or organizations outside of Ukraine would invest money in Ukraine. But in order to do so, they need to see an

- What recommendations you can give to the Ukrainian authority for effective reform in defense industry?

I believe that the creation of GARDA is an excellent step in the right direction.

I also believe that the recent creation of a Supervisory Board overseeing UOP is another good step. This is a Board comprised of 5 people 2 of which are US. I am one of these people.

As I said earlier, having all companies within UOP go through a Financial and Operation audit by an internationally well know company that does this for US companies is a necessary step.

This process needs to be extended to other non UOP companies in Ukraine.

This step should be done if you want to have US companies invest in Ukraine.

“Ukraine has a wealth of people who are great engineers and scientists who need an organization like a DARPA to which they can bring their ideas” Independent Accounting of the Companies Financial Balance sheet as well as an accounting of how the company operates.

- So they want to see the future of defense market…

That is important but an investor needs to know the Financial and Operational health of a company. These two items are very important for investors.

This need has created what is called a Supervisory Board for UOP whose major initial purpose is to execute a Financial and Operational audit.

The potential investor must be sure that he is not

It is widely known that Ukraine engineers are among the best in the world. So we want to use them.

The Supervisory Board is a good idea.

Unfortunately, it is seems to have become quiet with respect to US member involvement. The Supervisory Board and reform should not be allowed to fail.

Interviewed by Anton Mikhnenko, UDR

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Markets and Risks

Ukrainian Defense Review/July–September 2018

T

here is a favorable situation evolving now for Ukraine to compete more aggressively in the global defense MRO market by luring away from Russia the customers who used to be traditional users of Soviet and ex-Soviet weapons, military equipment and associated maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) services.

Ukraine is poised to make a new breakthrough into the global MRO market for ex-Soviet military equipment, leveraging its emerging capacity for adapting the equipment to modern warfare conditions and requirements and taking advantage of the confidence it enjoys with Western partners and of the international sanctions imposed on Russia in response to its annexation of Crimea and hybrid aggression in Eastern Ukraine. Another facilitating factor is that ex-Soviet equipment upgrades offered by Ukraine to its international customers are all developed with an eye to NATO compliance.

Major Areas of Effort Focus

In Ukraine, efforts have been underway to this end. Ukroboronprom CEO, Pavlo Bukin has announced planned actions to be taken to muscle Russian contractors out of particular markets: "We are planning to conclude contracts aimed to replace products previously sourced from Russian suppliers. There are markets where

Corsar ATGM

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MISSION: COMPLICATED BUT POSSIBLE Ukraine Poised to Dislodge Russia in Global Markets

by Leveraging Innovative Strategies and its Unique Defense Industrial Capacities

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Russia used to enjoy a great advantage. But sanctions have made work with Russia more complicated, which is playing into our hands... UAE and Saudi Arabia – the biggest arms buyers in the Middle East – will be the first country markets to see this "oust and replace Russia" strategy in action, to be followed by Qatar, Kuwait and several other regional markets", Mr Bukin said.

In said markets, one of the first ambitious objectives to reach is to dislodge the Russian "Kornet" ATGM system by replacing it with a highly capable, current-generation Ukrainian counterpart known as Skif.

Apart from the Skif ATGM, Ukraine has in store other products that could be advertised in foreign markets with the same purpose of ousting and replacing Russian rivals: "We have been conducting appropriate marketing research. We make offers based on the marketing grid developed by gov-

ernment's arms-trading agents, then negotiate contracts. Our products’ integration into a foreign weapons system always implies a dialogue. Not only is it necessary to show off the price advantage, but also tactical and technical advantages, and to conduct live demonstrations too. We never announced this yet, but several of these demonstrations, in particular, of products by KB Luch R&D Company, have already been conducted in the Middle East ", said Pavlo Bukin.

Importantly, Ukrainian companies are also aiming to help potential customers willing to replace products sourced from the Russian Federation localize production of armaments that are modern and, most importantly, battle proven in fighting Russian aggression.

Beyond that, many of Russian-supplied equipment operators are complaining about the Seller country's failure to comply with its in-service support obligations. This is where Ukraine’s engagement could be welcomed. In this regard, highly promising is Brazil -- the biggest defense market in Latin America. In 2007, the Russians forced a deal on Brazil obliging it to buy a dozen Mi-35M/AH-2 Saber helicopters. Of the twelve helicopters delivered, only two or three are airworthy, while the remainder remain grounded due to malfunction.

These helicopters require MRO servicing that only Russia is entitled to pro-

vide, which allows it to charge monopolistically high prices.

Ukrinmash CEO Serhiy Slyusarenko, when asked about his opinion on this situation in a Defense Express interview, said: "The Mi-35 is effectively a modernization of the Mi-24. Ukraine would have no problem doing all kinds of works on it, and this needs to be made clear to the customers and operators of these helicopters. Ukraine has achieved great accomplishments in modernizing the Mi-24, having developed several upgrade packages known as Mi-24PU, Mi-24PU1, and Mi-24PU2".

Mr Slyusarenko also noted that those who continue collaboration with the Russian Federation in defiance of international sanctions are vulnerable to the risk of being sanctioned for this: "Potential business partners of Russia should not overlook the U.S. and EU sanctions imposed in response to Russian annexation of Crimea and military aggression in eastern Ukraine. Now many have reasonably been thinking over how to avoid the impact of these sanctions while cooperating with with Russian companies, because any kind of relations with Russia’s military business become highly toxic. Added to this consideration is the fact that Rostech and Russian Helicopters – the companies responsible for providing maintenance to the helicopters in Brazil – have been under international sanctions imposed on Russia".

→

"We are planning to conclude contracts aimed to replace products previously sourced from Russian suppliers. There are markets where Russia used to enjoy a great advantage. But sanctions have made work with Russia more complicated, which is playing into our hands" - Pavlo Bukin, Ukroboronprom CEO. 17

Markets and Risks

Ukrainian Defense Review/July–September 2018

"Ukraine – who has its own schoolof thought on helicopters, own production facilities for modified Mil-series helicopters derived from Soviet-era designs, as well as a powerful MRO infrastructure for helicopters and engines – has much in store to offer. Ukraine belongs to the global list of 20 countries that have the capacity to develop and manufacture helicopters and 10 countries capable of developing and producing aircraft gas turbine engines. In elaborating further, I would add that Ukraine is a viable candidate for a contract to refurbish the Mil Mi-17/Hip helicopters the US government had bought from Russia to supply the Afghan Air Force".

It is worthwhile to note that Ukrinmash has been actively engaged in the helicopter domain. Thus, in January 2018, the Company, assisted by DP Aviacon, launched a Mi-8/Mi-17 helicopter MRO service center in the People's Republic of Bangladesh.

New Frontiers

Provision of MRO services to ex-Soviet helicopters is only one of the areas of potential interest. Ukraine has a great capacity to indigenously develop and manufacture fixed-wing aircraft, and it has been traditionally strong in MRO servicing of foreign-manufactured aircraft. After independence Ukraine gained control over a number of aircraft building and maintenance companies that hold all the required and necessary MRO Manuals for the aircraft that had been designed and developed by companies based in ex-Soviet republics, including Russia – MiG, Su, and Il series of air-

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Of the twelve Mi-35M/AH-2 Saber helicopters Brazil bought from Russia, only two or three are airworthy, while the remainder remain grounded due to malfunction and monopolistically high maintenance prices charged by Russian companies.

planes, and Mi and Ka-series of helicopters.

MRO license for these types of aircraft had been obtained in full compliance with procedures required in the former USSR, and the licenses had been obtained along with a full set of copies and relevant manuals and blueprints. These licenses cannot be revoked, nor are there any legal grounds for additional licensing.

Beyond that Ukraine, having declared a policy of EU integration, has brought its aviation legislation in full compliance with the corresponding requirements and standards of the European Union, which is not and will not be the case in Russia, certainly in the immediate future and perhaps even in the long-term future. That being said, all the activities in the aviation sector are regulated by the Aviation Reg-

ulations of Ukraine, which incorporate all the standards required by the EU Aviation Safety Agency.

The above clearly indicates that for Ukraine, winning new MRO markets for ex-Soviet military equipment by way of dislodging Russia would hold great promise. This cannot be achieved without expanding cooperation and building up trust with Western partners – potential technology donors for Ukraine.

By leveraging advanced Western technologies and technical solutions, and combining them with proven, reliable and efficient ex-Soviet technologies, Ukraine is able to create new and highly effective armaments and military equipment.

CORPORATION GROUP

UkrInnMash CORPORATION

PRODUCTION OF UNDERCARRIAGE AND TRANSMISSION COMPONENTS FOR THE BTR-70, BTR-80, BTR-3E AND BTR-4E APC VEHICLES, THE DOZOR-B AND TRITON APC FAMILY OF VEHICLES FINAL REDUCTION GEARS AXLE ASSEMBLIES DIFFERENTIAL GEARS TRANSFER GEAR CASES TORSION BAR SPRINGS SUSPENSION ARMS STEERING GEARS

3 Dostoevsky St, 61102 Kharkiv, Ukraine +380 (572) 52-4173, +380 (572) 52-7002 e-mail: uimdefense@ukr.net uim.vli@gmail.com, uim2003@i.ua

An Eye to the Future

Ukrainian Defense Review/July–September 2018

UKRAINE COMPLETING DEVELOPMENT OF A NEW ARMORED IFV

S

tateo w n e d Ukroboronprom defense industries holding group’s Morozov Machinery Design Bureau, Kharkiv (KhKBM), is developing a next-generation infantry fighting vehicle that is scheduled to enter operational service in Ukraine’s Armed Forces in the 2020s.

In mind is the BTR-U infantry carrier vehicle that is being developed to replace the aging fleet of BTR-1/2 IFVs operated by Ukraine’s military.

KhKBM has already developed design documentation; prototype manufacture and testing of vehicle will take place in 2019.

Reports released by Ukroboronprom suggest that the BMP-U IFV will be used for battlefield troops transport and to provide fire support to dismounted soldiers. The vehicle will be able to carry a squad of eight fully equipped personnel, in addition to its crew of three. The level of protection on the BMP-U will be 10-12% higher than on the BTR-4. The power pack compartment is located in the front hull to ensure a greater level of protection for the crew.

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The vehicle will be equipped with a 735hp diesel engine coupled to an automatic transmission to provide high manoeuvrability and speed performance while on the battlefield. At a weight of between 25t and 27t, it will have a power-to-weight ratio of 27-29 hp/t. In terms of the hp/t

BTR-U - Next-generation Ukrainian IFV

ratio, the BMP-U will surpass the BMP-1 and many of its current-generation counterparts.

Designed with an amphibious chassis, the vehicle will be armed with a new, enhanced performance BM-8 weapons module accommodating a 30mm automatic gun, automatic grenade launcher, machine gun, the Barrier ATGM system as well as optronic situational awareness sensors.

Due to its modular architecture, the BMP-U will be able to be used as the basis for a lineup of other tracked armored vehicles including command vehicle, command and staff vehicle, reconnaissance vehicle, battlefield ambulance, and repair and recovery vehicle.

It’s important to note that the requirement for domestic production of infantry fighting vehicles in Ukraine has long been high on the agenda.

In the USSR, vehicles in this catego-

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BMP-1 from NVO Practika

BMP-1UMD

ry were all manufactured in what is Russia now. Since Ukraine gained independence from the USSR in 1991, the issue of the lack of domestic IFV production capacity has been raised multiple times, but was invariably postponed due to a lack of funding and the availability of significant fleets of BMP-1 and BMP-2 infantry carriers in Ukraine. These vehicles underwent multiple modifications and upgrades to their firepower, intended both for the domestic and export markets. This has led to the emergence of the BMP-1 series of vehicles. Particularly in the late 1990’s, the BMP-1U modification was created featuring the indigenously developed KBA-105 Shkval weapons module. This was followed by new upgrades developed

by Zhytomyr Armored Vehicle Factory, which included the BMP-1UM equipped with the 3TD-2 engine and the KBA-105 Shkval weapons station, and the BMP-1UMD equipped with

Deutz TCD2013 L64V engine and Stiletto turret module. NVO Practika developed the BMP-1 – an upgrade featuring new hull geometry, a folding ramp, blast attenuating seats, a Deutz engine, and a Soviet-era turret adopted from the BTR-60/70 APC. NVK Techimpek, for its part, developed the BMP-1T armed with the Czech-built DUBM-30 weapons station. A few IFV modifications were developed as derivatives of MBT designs. Thus, the Tank Rebuilding Plant in Kharkiv developed the BMPV-64 and BMP-64 configurations of the T-64 MBT. But all these upgrades, however, could not make up for the lack of a fundamentally new infantry vehicle developed from the ground-up.

BMPV-64 from Tank Rebuilding Plant in Kharkiv

BMP-1M with «Shkval» weapons station

Development of the BMP-U vehicle became especially relevant in view of the beginning of Russian invasion of Ukraine. Experience of military hostilities in Eastern Ukraine proved once again that infantry vehicles rather than tanks should be given the highest priority in modernizing the country's armored vehicle capability. Experience from real-world combat encounters in eastern Ukraine suggests that armored infantry vehicles need to have enhanced armor protection against top-attack projectiles and anti-tank/command-fire mine blasts. Other improvements planned for the BMP-U include an inner hull rearranged for better protection against blast effects, as well as a more capable weapons package that would be able to defeat the enemy -- on the land and in the air, at day and night and in all weathers, and it won’t be long before we can see whether these objectives are reached or not.

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Matter of technology

Ukrainian Defense Review/July–September 2018

UKRAINE’S NEW INDIGENOUS COMBAT VEHICLE COMMAND AND CONTROL SYSTEM

I

n modern warfare, combat potential of any given weapon system - tank or other armored combat vehicle – is largely hinged on the ISR and C2 capabilities used. Even if our tanks are as good as enemy tanks in firepower, protection, and maneuverability, the combat edge cannot be achieved without a highly effective command-and-control capability. Everest Company offers a solution that has the potential to improve significantly combat effectiveness of the armored fighting vehicles operated by the Ukrainian Armed Forces - the Combat Vehicle Command and Control System (CVCCS) designated Hermes-C2.

Dmytro Liulin, head of Defense Technology Department at Everest Company, says: "To a modern army, a tendency toward reduced role of passive protection and increased role of network-centric, automated command and control systems is quite obvious and explicable. "Further Increasing tanks’ armor protection is an endeavor that, in most cases, is expensive, time-consuming and hardly feasible. Everest Company has challenged itself to provide Ukrainian tank crews with a capability to respond quickly to threats as they occur.

Our engineers have

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got enough expertise and experience to handle this challenge. For the past four years, we have been making significant efforts to design and develop systems and devices for defense utilization, and to have them inducted into the Ukrainian Armed Forces. To achieve this we use our experience in system integration, expertise gathered with information technology, and robust cooperation with our foreign partners – Aselsan, Harris and Motorolla. We have developed our computing and communication solutions with reliance on designs developed by the IT market leaders such as Intel, Cisco and IBM. The result is our Hermes-C2 CVCCS".

The Hermes-C2 System with its associated auxiliary equipment is designed to be integrated with tanks and interfaced with Aselsan and Harris communication systems. The central core of the Harris-C2 System is a computing module that provides a situational awareness picture and

supports data synchronization and exchange via organic communication links. The System also includes a switch, data display and input terminals, camera sensors, navigation modules, and a module of interaction with the on-board system. There is an external mobile module that is responsible for communication with the command and control center, ISR sensors and observing stations, and new modules can be integrated easily using unified Ethernet data exchange interface.

The System supports automated command and control functionality, namely: the transmission of formalized commands and messages with confirmation of receipt, as well as the exchange of information regarding the amount of ammunition and fuel left, and the vehicle’s technical condition and crew’s health. These functions can be controlled either automatically or via manual controls.

Users will have an access to map data, own GPS location (via a radio and a personal module), and to a common situational awareness picture. The map will also

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display the location of networked friendly "blue force" vehicles and units, thus providing a vital friendor-foe identification capability.

The System’s display shows data from vehicle’s onboard visual camera and thermal imaging camera sensors.

Networked vehicles can exchange images from their cameras with other vehicles, put marks on the images or edit the direction of the shots taken. The System has a capability to map out a route automatically or manually that other networked vehicles will be able to see. Thanks to a simplified interface, the user can operate the system without being distracted from performing his combat mission duties. Integrated into a voice communication system, the proposed solution can be used as an extension to enable coordinated actions with other vehicles.

Everest has created a versatile solution that is adaptable to various different types of armored vehicles.

Adaptation to specific vehicle models will be achieved by developing model-specific modules. Thus, the Hermes-C2 supports the function of data transfer between moving parts of a given armored platform. In a tank, for example, a commander and a gunner are sitting inside the turret, which is out of touch in terms of communication with the vehicle’s hull. In order to solve this problem, a dedicated module has been developed to ensure data transmissions via a standard contactor switch. At the same time, the overall concept and data transfer routes have remained unchanged, and so the system can be adapted

quickly and economically to other models of armored vehicles.

To ensure reliable operation for the Hermes-C2 on Ukrainian combat vehicles, Everest has developed a universal power supply system for electronic devices, which is able to operate in conditions when local power supply is overloaded or failing. The system contains ruggedized components to ensure smooth operation in harsh conditions.

Commenting on the prospects for the Hermes-C2 system, Dmytro Liulin said: "The Systems’ architecture and computing capabilities allow us to work on the System, improving it even now. Development work is underway for a fully automatic visual object recognition system that would recognize and identify targets seen on video feeds from front and rear-view situational awareness cameras, as well as for an acoustic control system.

The Hermes-C2 is advantageous in that its open architecture allows in most instances for improvements to be implemented by adding new features via software updates. We continue addressing the needs of the Ukrainian Armed Forces and learning lessons from the real-world combat operations in eastern Ukraine, which gives us the feedback we need to implement innovative solutions for our army to best effect".

According to the experience of the world leading countries, usage of such tactical (battalion-level) C2 systems reduces time period between target detection and its destruction up to 7 times; the number of firing missions which a given unit is able to accomplish increases up to 1.5 times; and irrecoverable losses of own armored vehicles reduces up to 2-3 times.

Combat Vehicle Command and Control System (CVCCS) Hermes-C2

The integration of such advanced solutions as the Combat Vehicle Command and Control System Hermes-C2 with upgraded T-64B (BV) and T-72 tanks allows to provide tank and mechanized units with armored vehicles equal by its combat effectiveness to the most advanced Ukrainian tank ever, the Oplot, and even surpass it, using such a tactical-level C2 system.

Volodymyr TKACH, Defense Express

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Armor Protection for Combat Vehicles

Ukrainian Defense Review/July–September 2018

I Oleksandr Guchenkov, CEO of the V.O.Khytryk Ukrainian Advanced Microtechnologies LLC

“WE DEVELOP INNOVATIVE REACTIVE PROTECTIONS WHILE IMPROVING LEGACY DESIGNS”

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mproving force protection capabilities represents a particularly important challenge for Ukrainian defense industries in conditions of the ongoing military confrontation in Eastern Ukraine. This issue has for many years been actively and successfully addressed by the Microtech Base Center for Critical Technologies, a State-owned company that until recently was led by Vasyl Hytryk, Emeritus Engineer of Ukraine. Now there is a new company, the V.O.Khytryk Ukrainian Advanced Microtechnologies LLC that has joined the fray in the field of combat vehicle armor protection. The following is an interview conducted

by Defense Express with Oleksandr Guchenkov, CEO of this new Kyiv-based company.

- The Microtech Base Center for Critical Technologies (BCCT) has long been renowned both in and outside Ukraine, but your company – V.O.Khytryk Ukrainian Advanced Micro Technologies LLC – is little known. As far as I'm aware, both companies are dealing with development of protection technologies for combat vehicle applications. Would you clarify who is who, and what is the business of your Company?

- V.O. Khytryk Ukrainian Advanced Micro Technologies was founded in 2017. Our team, which consists mainly of former Microtech BCCT employees experienced in developing protection technologies for combat vehicles, has great respect for the heritage left by chief designer/CEO of Microtech BCCT, Vasyl Onufrievich Khytryk, who recently passed away. He founded an industry for explosive reactive armor (ERA) and active protections in Ukraine. And so we chose to include his name in the Company’s title to reflect his legacy.

That being said, in no way do we claim the legacy of what has been

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achieved by Microtech. We operate in industry niches that appear to be overlapping but are still clearly different. Our business is focused on projects in several areas addressing development of ERA protection technologies. One such is about design, development and full-rate production of the 4C20U/4C22U ERA panels for the Ukrainian Army's T-64, T-72 and T-80 main battle tanks (MBTs).

- As you know, the 4C20U/4C22U is an outdated technology used in the ERA protection systems "Contact-1 "and" Contact-5 ".... Why return to the past?

- The situation is as follows. 4C20 panels, which are not produced in Ukraine, are used in the ERA protection systems integrated on most of the combat armored vehicles operated by the Ukrainian forces. These panels have particular periods of storage and use, and need to be replaced after these periods expire. As I've mentioned, the majority of MBTs in Ukraine are protected with reactive armor, and so the MoD has a requirement for this type of ERA panels pending the arrival of more advanced combat vehicles developed with a fundamentally new reactive armor protection.

- What about the 4C22U technology?

- This is another project being addressed by our Company - the production of ERA panels for the "Contact-5" ERA system, which we are willing to supply to our customers.

It might be noted that our ERA panels, both the 4C20U and 4C22U, do not

externally differ from their Soviet-era counterparts, but have a slightly different explosive mixture made with the different compounds that we developed with our partners and named Blyskavka (Ukrainian for “Lightning”).

We have completed full R&D cycle for the 4C20U/4C22U technology, including engineering design and documentation, preliminary and departmental trials, certification, codification etc. Both are ready for production, while the 4S20U is already fielded by Ukrainian forces.

- What else does your Company do?

- Another project is dealing with development of new ERA panels for use in upgrading and improving the legacy systems "Nizh" and "Doublet", inducted in 2003 and in 2009, respectively.

Quite much time passed since then. In addition, we can see what and where can be improved based on combat experience in Eastern Ukraine. We are now developing upgrades, leveraging on lessons learned with using Bulat MBTs equipped with Nizh and Doublet ERA systems.

The upgrades will focus primarily on the explosive component, as well as the mass of the panel without compromising key performances, and we are also working on several other solutions.

Beyond that, development is underway for a new reactive armor protection for infantry fighting vehicles. We are taking particular actions to provide the future

indigenous IFV being developed by the Morozov Machinery Design Bureau, Kharkiv, with a reactive armor protection built around our new ERA panels.

- We are talking about reactive armor protection. What about active protection?

- We are developing reactive armor protections only. Active protection technology development, as far as I’m aware, is being handled by Microtech BCCT and Artem engineering firm.

- What are your plans regarding collaboration with foreign partners?

- At the moment, we, assisted by Ukrainian government's arms trading companies, have already drafted several proposals for potential export customers. Our Company is willing to sell 4C20U/4C22U ERA panels to export customers, who might be from all countries operating Soviet supplied combat armored vehicles with ERA protections, integral or add-on. ERA panels in these systems have reached or are reaching the end of their useful life, and we could provide replacements for integration into the ERA systems already used on their vehicles.

Moreover, our Company could offer potential customers reactive armor protection systems with new, threat-specific ERA panels of our proprietary design. These systems can be configured for integral or add-on installation, or built as part of a combination armor kit to meet specific customer needs and requirements.

Interviewed by Anton Mikhnenko, UDR

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УКРАЇНСЬКІ ПРИВАТНІ ОБОРОННІ ПІДПРИЄМСТВА UKRAINIAN PRIVATE-SECTOR DEFENSE INDUSTRIES

A

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State Kyiv Design Bureau "LUCH"

cooperation

Ukrainian Defense Review/July–September 2018

CONSOLIDATING EFFORTS Ukrainian-Polish Defense and Industrial Collaboration: Pirat ATGM Weapons System and Laser-Guided Munitions

U

kraine and Poland have in the past few years been actively and closely engaged in jointly developing new types of weaponry and equipment.

Examples are the RT-17 MBT upgrade, ZRN-01 Stokrotka MLRS, and Sokil Mobile Combat-Capable UAS to name a few, including development and production projects for the light ATGM Weapons System Pirat and different caliber precision-guided munitions.

Laser-Guided Munitions Ukraine and Poland have also cooperated in developing laser-beam homing gun launched projectiles. As reported previously, Polish Ministry of National Defense had decided on developing, manufacturing and fielding the new self-propelled 155-mm Krab and Kryl gun howitzers and the self-propelled 120-mm Rak mortar system as part of its artillery/missile capability modernization program.

First batteries of said systems are already being fielded with the Polish Armed Forces. Thus, the first battery of production-standard 120-mm Rak mortars was fielded by Międzyrzecze-based 17th Great Poland Mechanized Brigade in June 2017 and, in

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August 2017, an initial shipment of 24 Krab howitzers arrived to the 11th Mazury Artillery Regiment stationed in Wegorzewo. Although the aforementioned gun systems are currently used with ordinary projectiles, a program on development and production of precision-guided munitions and a laser designator capability has been launched to proceed in parallel with production of the classiс projectile types. By one count, the use of precision laser guided artillery/mortar projectiles allows for reducing the firing mission time by a factor of 10 to 15, which makes a self-propelled gun system more suited for the shootand-scoot tactic and thus contributes to its survivability on the battlefield.

With the precision-guided munitions, it requires an average of 50 times less amount of ammo to engage and destroy a given point target than with the ordinary gun rounds.

The Polish company CRW Telesystem-Mesko has played a particularly important role in developing and manufacturing precision-guided munitions and the Laser Designator capability. In September 2012, it agreed with ex-Bumar Amunicja to do R&D under Laser-Guided Seeker development and production programs, especially for the 120 mm Rak (ARP 120) mortar and the 155

mm self-propelled Krab i Kryl (ARP 155) howitzers. It also undertook to integrate the Laser Designator capability into the Firing Squad Synchronization System and to develop a software package for the Krab and Kryl howitzers.

Due to the lack of the required in-country experience and expertise, Poland decided to adopt Ukrainian solutions for its ATGM development programs. Thus, the design of the precision-guided APR 120 mortar round has been derived from a counterpart developed by DKKB Luch, Kyiv, and ARP 155 from the 152 mm "Kvitnyk" projectile developed by Nizhynbased TsKB Tochnist Design & Development Company of the Progress R&D and Production Corporation.

The outputs of these successful collaborations were revealed at the 2016 MSPO defense industry show in Kielce, Poland, where the general public was introduced to a 120 mm laser-guided mortar projectile

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offering a maximum range of 8 km (with a jet engine, this can be extended to 12 km) and a self-propelled 155 mm gun launched laser-guided projectile capable of ranges up to 20 km (30 km objective). Both are equipped with a laser guidance capability and fins for steering the heading of the missile.

Aiming is assisted via the Polish-developed LPC-1 Laser Designator capable of ranges of up to 5 km from the LPC-1 operator. With its built-in Laser Rangefinding capability, the LPC-1 might be also used for measuring distances from 200 m to 20 km.

The Ukrainian-Polish consolidated, collaborative effort involving the use of innovative approaches and advanced DKKB Luch technologies has resulted in the emergence of highly capable, versatile weapons systems that meet the requirements of today and tomorrow.

Pirat ATGM Weapons System Reports of Poland developing a new anti-tank guided missile (ATGM) system, the Pirat were first released publicly by Jane's Defence Weekly back in 2014. The reports said that Mesko company of Poland’s Stateowned defense industries group Polski Holding Obronny, which is responsible for production of Grom man-portable air defense systems (MANPADS) and for licensed assem-

Laser-guided seeker for a 155 mm gun launched projectile

bly of Rafael Spike-LR ATGMs, was developing a new lightweight laser homing ATGM and launcher for the Polish army.

In developing the Pirat ATGM, Mesko has since 2011 been closely engaged with Ukrainian companies, among others DKKB Luch Design & Development Company of the Stateowned Ukroboronprom defense industries holding group. The Polish ATGM design is effectively a derivative of the Luch Korsar R-3 laser beam homing ATGM. Luch reported through its Facebook page in late 2016 that Pirat ATGM was being developed

in two versions – one for dismounted infantry and the other for combat-capable UAVs. The infantry version, Pirat 1 is being designed with a maximum range of 2,500 m and with three options for 2.5-kg warhead –armor piercing, thermobaric and high explosive fragmentation. Pirat ATGM leaked specifications suggest a missile mass of 10 kg and body diameter of 107 mm.

It will be launched from a 1180 mm long transport/launch canister (TLC) weighing 15 kg when loaded with a missile.

The Pirat 1 ATGM will be complemented by a sighting system integrating daylight sight, day/night thermal imaging sight, laser designator, digi-

tal compass, and GPS capabilities. The missile is designed with a maximum flight time of 12 seconds and armor piercing capability of 550 mm RHA behind ERA. The Pirat 1 missile and launcher will come with features that include: portability by a single personnel; user friendly and cost effective design; very short reaction time; near fire-and-forget capability (albeit target illumination by a laser beam will be required); short time between launches at targets illuminated in sequence by Laser Designator operator.

The Pirat 2, which will provide the features similar to the Pirat 1’s, is a light short-range ATGM weapons system with manually launched missile that will be self guided after launch following the target-reflected laser beam trajectory. The Pirat 2 design is based upon experience Polish companies had acquired in developing the Grom MANPADS technology.

The missile will have the same maximum range of 2,500 m as the Pirat 1 version, but with time-to-target

at the longest range shortened from 12 seconds down to 5.5 seconds, and will be used for defeating soft targets with its high explosive warhead of a proprietary design.

A mockup of the 2 km range, shoulder-launched Pirat ATGM was showcased for the first time at the 2016 MSPO defense trade fair in Kielce, Poland.

The Pirat weapons system continues to be in development. The most recent report dates to November 2017, when importgenius.com reported that the Polish company MESKO S.A. had bought 5 equipment kits for the Pirat ATGM weapons system from Ukraine, in a deal forged through DK Ukrspecexport.

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high-precision weapons

Ukrainian Defense Review/July–September 2018

BULL'S EYE STRIKE Smart Ammunition Built with Current-generation Component Technology Volodymyr TKACH, Defense Express

T

he Progress R&D and Production Complex and Central R&D Bureau Tochnist, Nizhyn, developed their joint products for artillery delivered high-precision munitions 122 mm Karasuk.

Due to its use of semi-active laser guidance technology, the Karasuk is claimed to have 100% first-round hit probability at ranges up to 12 km. It can be deployed from artillery guns of 122 mm caliber, including the D-30 gun and self-propelled 2C1 gun system currently in service with Ukraine’s Armed Forces. Karasuk’s older sibling, the Kvitnyk, which is available in 152 mm and 155 mm calibers, has a range of up to 20 km.

Electronic and opto-mechanical components of the projectiles are designed to withstand overloads of ≥10,000g.

"Using "smart", precision-guided munitions enables combat missions to be performed with cost and time efficiency and with reduced casualties. In the modern-day operational environment and under conditions of counter-battery warfare, the use of high-precision munitions gives a clear

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edge over the enemy," Progress Senior Vice CEO and Chief Designer Mykola Klochko, who doubles as CEO at Tochnist told Defense Express in an interview.

Both Karasuk and Kvitnyk use laser designator and rangefinders in their guidance systems. Semi-active laser seekers for the Kvitnyk were manufactured with the use of Russian-sourced components till 2014 when Ukraine’s Government imposed a ban on defense industrial cooperation with Moscow following the start of Russian military aggression in Eastern Ukraine. The Ukrainian companies created a new version of the Kvitnyk, substituting the previously Russian supplied components for domestically developed alternatives that are used also in the newly developed Karasuk projectile as exhibited at Arms & Security 2017. And it turned out, in the process of reasonable import substitution, that a three-layer circuit board will well suffice instead of an 11-layer board used in the Russian supplied seeker head for the original Kvitnyk (see the difference in the photo). And this can be minimized further.

Firepower

Ukrainian Defense Review/July–September 2018

N

ATGW KOMBAT and KONUS

owadays, ATGW [anti-tank guided weapon] munitions designed to launch from tank gun tubes make up a separate niche on the global arms market, where Ukraine is present with its anti-tank guided missile systems KOMBAT and KONUS. These precisionguided weapons, developed by the State Design Bureau "Luch" in Kyiv, are series produced by the Artem State Joint Stock Holding Company, also based in Kyiv.

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The KOMBAT laser-beam riding precision-guided missile can launch from the 125-mm smoothbore guns mounted on the T-72, T-80UD and OPLOT main battle tanks equipped with fire control systems compatible with it. The missile can be fired while both of the host vehicle and the target are in motion. Although the primary role of the missile is to engage main battle tanks operating at ranges beyond the effective range of the 125mm tank gun firing conventional ammunition, it can also be fired against other battlefield targets such as hovering helicopters or pillboxes.

The KOMBAT missiles can be loaded into the tank gun’s carousel-type automatic loader together with all other round types employed by the gun.

The KOMBAT missile body consists of two parts: the head end/tandem warhead and aft end (accommodating sensor/control aids and propulsion), both being stowed in the automatic loader in the same way as conventional ammunition. The two parts get united into one body in the gun bore at the moment of firing. The missile’s tandem warhead enables it to defeat targets fitted with explosive reactive armor with a first-round hit probability of 0.8-0.9.

The KOMBAT has four fold-out fins at its extreme rear, and offers an effective range of 5,000 m which it covers in 17 seconds. With a mass overall of 30 kilos, the missile is far heavier than Russian counterparts, such as the 125mm REFLEX with a maximum range of 5,000 meters, and the BASTION which fires from 100mm rifled guns to ranges of up to 4,000 meters.

A tandem shaped-charge warhead makes up almost half of the KOMBAT’s length, allowing a heavier explosive payload to be delivered to the target. The warhead weighs 9kg, including a 3kg explosive charge (it

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is by far heavier than the warhead featured in the REFLEX), contributing considerably to the missile’s armor piercing capability, which, again, much exceeds that of the REFLEX. The KOMBAT is a laser-beam-riding guided missile, the laser beam being directed onto the tail of the flying missile rather than on the target proper.

The missile’s control system allows for a few guidance modes. One such is so called “lead-on” mode, whereby the laser beam is directed frontward the designated target without actually illuminating it. The laser beam is only brought into coincidence with the target (tank or helicopter) for 0.3 seconds prior to impact, effectively leaving the enemy with no time to activate a laser-warning system. At a range of 5.0 km, miss distance does not exceed 0.5 m. The missile has been accepted as standard issue for the Ukrainian Armed Forces.

The Luch Design Bureau has developed one more tank gun round, designated KONUS, which is optimized for 120mm standard NATO tank guns.

The KONUS guided missile is built as a unitary round of the same size as NATO standard tank gun munitions, and it can be loaded into the tank gun’s carousel-type automatic loader together with all other round types used by the gun. The KONUS can be reconfigured for NATO-standard 120mm guns, which could help it to find markets in NATO countries and also would boost its export potential.

"Westernized" KONUS has already been tested on the T-84-120 YATAGAN main battle tank with the KBM2 L50 smoothbore gun of the 120mm standard NATO caliber. The KONUS has tandem shaped-charge warhead capable of piercing through 700 mm

SPECIFICATIONS Maximum firing range, m Flight time at maximum range, s Guidance system

Kombat

Konus

5000 16,3 semiautomatic by laser beam

5000 16,3 semiautomatic by laser beam

Warhead: tandem hollow-charge - type not less than 750 - armour penetration behind ERA, mm not more than 30,45 Round weight, kg Overall dimensions, mm: 125 - missile calibre 675 - main part length 408 - tail part length from minus 40 to +60 Operating temperature range, оС of RHA (Rolled Homogenous Armor) behind explosive reactive armor, using the guidance technique analogous to the KOMBAT’s.

The Ukrainian-designed anti-tank precision-guided missiles KOMBAT and KONUS are being manufactured

by Artem in collaboration with precision engineering and chemical enter-

tandem hollow-charge not less than 700 28 120 1074 from minus 40 to +60

prises in Ukraine. The two weapons are available in configurations specific to tank guns of standard NATO calibers, which makes them suitable for use in military-technological cooperation programs with NATO countries and for advancement on markets in other countries employing NATO standard military equipment.

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ballistic decisions

Ukrainian Defense Review/July–September 2018

POSTMAN Ballistic Processor

and other solutions from Turingismus

Ukrainian software engineers and investors have created a new defense technological service

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uringismus has during the past four years been handling challenges that are in the intersection of practical use of artillery and the new approaches aimed to help the Ukrainian army fight better than others. The Company has a built-up system and products that are already being used in practice. These are software applications for calculating munitions aeroballistics; a cross-platform ballistic library; a ballistic computer and a proprietary ballistic processor.

In performing firing missions artillery men employ firing charts compiled with account taken of tactical and technical capabilities of the guns and munitions being used, environmental factors, etc. Tabular data has traditionally been used and will continue to be used by artillery men – in Ukraine, Russia, NATO and elsewhere – for firing their guns accurately on targets.

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Turingismus has reviewed the firing charts for a number of major artillery systems in current use and found inconsistencies that may result in an overrun of the ammo and time budgets for a given firing mission. The software applications and other products developed by Turingismus could be used to update firing charts for all existing cannon artillery systems and to remove systemic errors, and thus significantly increase the effectiveness and efficiency of artillery firing missions.

Made in Ukraine BALLS – a library that is not for books

BALLS is an electronic database wherein all tabular and experimental ballistics data on production-standard and new munitions as well as individual artillery systems and even barrels are stored and recorded.

The NATO Armament Ballistic Kernel (NABK) had already existed and worked when Turingismus began to compile its own BALLS library.

The NABK was developed on a model described in STANAG 4355 (modified point mass model). This model has been developed for stable flight conditions where angle of attack deviations are small. Turingismus’ model, which draws on the NABK experience, is more generalized and does not make use of small angle of attack approximations.

The BALLS library consists of two main parts – Server part and Client part.

The Server part, wherein the entire mass of data is processed, is re-

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sponsible for aerodynamic coefficient calculations for any type of munition, without the use of a supersonic wind tunnel.

For the purposes of verification and validation of the BALLS library’s Server part, firing tables for both smooth-bore and rifled weapons of different calibers (from 30-mm to 8-inch naval guns) have been selected. As a result of using the calculated aerodynamic coefficients, parameters of the obtained trajectories coincided with the tabular values, which has validated the selected approach.

The Server part is constantly updated with new data. To this end, a proprietary measuring equipment kit has been created, and, among other things, artillery ballistics stations have been upgraded, with a resulting two orders of magnitude increase in efficiency of the projectile velocity measuring process.

The Server part also generates the data required to support operation of the Client part, which is integrated with Turingismus mobile ballistic computers and processors. It calculates projectile trajectory for the given conditions of firing. This software component provides the functionalities of simulation engine, search engine, and correction engine.

The results of the calculations made provide a complete set of trajectory data for each point of the projectile's flight. For this purpose, a 6-degree-of-freedom model has been developed by Turingismus specifically for this application. This model is equally well suited for trajectory simulations of rifled and smooth-bore weapons, as well as aerial bombs.

Americans can boast of having anything to match it.

As Turingismus explained in a Defense Express interview, "At some point, we realized it’s physically impossible to make a universal computer, because regulations for the combat use of artillery are different in different armies, prescribed by their respective Articles of War. The full content of the BALLS library’s Client part has therefore been hardwired into the POSTMAN chip – a universal ballistic module that can be inserted anywhere; it can interface with any calculation-capable Client device".

ARPOS Ballistic Computer

Turingismus has implemented all its ideas in a mobile ballistic com-

puter it developed collaboratively with Infozahyst and with inputs from combat-experienced Ukrainian engineers. Named ARPOS (Artillery Portable Simulator), it represents an individual aiming system for indirect fire weapons, based on an innovative trajectory calculation technology. The ARPOS’ software component relies on the BALLS library’s Client part.

It differs from poorly protected tablet-based solutions by the absence of a file system and by being environmentally sealed to IP67 standard.

"Our ballistic computer offers advantages in terms of fast and automated target aiming (especially when firing from defilade positions), fire adjustment, as well as improved accuracy due to the use of more comprehensive trajectory predictions, meteorological data and Earth curvature. In testing a client solution, the ARPOS device was deployed on a firing test range for calculating initial indirect-fire data for the D-81 gun used on the T-64 and T-72 tanks and for the 120 mm 2S12 Sani mortar system. Following completion of the trials, performance of the device was graded "excellent", Turingismus told Defense Express.

ARPOS is currently undergoing substantial upgrades to make it better configured for the needs and capabilities of a soldier on the battlefield. It may indeed be argued that the Turingismus’ ballistic computer can be defined as being the most advanced product on the global market for HMFCC (Handheld Mortar Fire Control Computer) system solutions. The Turingismus’s ballistic computer is

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Missions to be Handled by POSTMAN

What Turingismus is most proud of is its new POSTMAN ballistic processor – the "brains" of the ballistic computer. This is a flexible solution adaptable to different types of weapons.

The ballistic processor can be fielded with battle management systems or used to support the development of new “smart” weapons solutions. The processor is fully hack-proof since it doesn’t make use of an operating system at all. Neither the French nor

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ballistic decisions

Ukrainian Defense Review/July–September 2018

suitable for work with both NATO and non-NATO weapons, which experts say distinguishes it favorably from its closest counterparts that the Americans, Turks and Israelis have.

Military Users Evaluation and Feedback

Defense Express has contacted the Ukrainian Armed Forces’ Central Armaments Research Institute (AF ARI) for an independent assessment of Turingismus' proposals. Below are some of the comments received.

"A review conducted by AF ARI to assess the proposed Turingismus’ device – the mobile ballistic computer ARPOS – revealed its advantages over existing ballistic calculators, achieved through the use of a trajectory calculation technology based on the BALLS library. The proposed technical solution

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allows for calculating projectile trajectories for the given conditions of firing.

This Turingismus’ product could be used for compiling firing tables for the new UPIC 82-mm mortar. Conclusive departmental trials of the mortar have verified and validated the usability of the Server part of the ARPOS mobile ballistic computer software package. This verifies the possibility and feasibility of using Turingismus solutions for 30/40/60 mm grenades, 120 mm mortars and their associated new rounds, for new 152 mm artillery rounds and other munitions.

Provisional Outputs and Outcomes

Turingismus has developed and demonstrated software and hardware solutions that can improve the effectiveness of artillery and other large-caliber munitions. These solutions can be ap-

plied to calculating mathematical models and trajectories of all existing types of munitions, artillery systems, mortars and tank guns. It offers service to calculate the aeroballistic coefficients and to compile firing tables for new types of munitions and weapons systems. The ballistic computer and its associated proprietary processor have been created. This, among other things, would provide advantages in terms of (1) allowing innovative tactical techniques to be applied to various battlefield scenarios, (2) significant reductions in the time weapons stay in a given firing position, (3) reduced ammo consumption while performing standard firing missions, (4) being more suited for shoot-andscoot tactic, and more others.

This all, taken together, can be of extreme usefulness for the Ukrainian Armed Forces as well as for the potential export customers operating Soviet legacy or aging weapons systems, or modernizing their weaponries.

Serhiy ZGHURETS, Managing Editor, Defense Express

ballistic decisions

Ukrainian Defense Review/July–September 2018

Potential Areas of Application

for Turingismus’ Solutions

Solutions proposed by Turingismus can significantly improve the battlefield effectiveness of the weapons systems that are already fielded with Ukraine’s Armed Forces, are under upgrading or development; they can be used for the benefit of the Ukrainian army as well as potential export customers.

Firing Tables. From the Old to the New Turingismus‘ software solutions could be used to update Soviet-era firing tables and thus improve battlefield effectiveness and efficiency of Ukraine’s cannon artillery weapons inventory.

Each particular weapons system, developed or under development, could be provided with its specific firing tables. A similar service could also be offered to potential export customers and users.

Giving New Capabilities to Artillery Systems of all Calibers On offer is an artillery aiming equipment kit comprised of (1) compact, ultrasonic weather station, (2) ballistic computer with built-in POSTMAN ballistic processor, and (3) GPS module. The equipment kit complemented with appropriate ballistic software applications is adaptable to mortars of various calibers and to self-propelled gun systems 2S1/SЗ/S5 and others, including foreign-manufactured artillery systems.

Munitions. New Quality With the help of Turingismus’ software solutions it is possible to carry out aeroballistic "certification" of stored munitions and make them usable again, at a higher level of effectiveness and efficiency.

This service of calculating the aeroballistics of munitions – either in production or under development – can be offered also to potential export customers.

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Tank-gun Firing at BLOS Targets Promise is held in the integration of tanks with indirect fire equipment kits to enable engagement of BLOS targets and thus make them into artillery tanks. Said equipment kit includes (1) military-grade weather station, (2) navigation instruments, and (3) indirect fire ballistic computer.

With their inherently good ballistics, tank guns have the potential to effectively engage targets at ranges up to 10 km and to undertake some of the missions that are typically assigned to artillery weapons.

It has been verified in practice that a tank fitted with Arpos ballistic computer can successfully engage targets at distances, up and beyond, 7 km.

Arpos computers are also suitable for integration with guns, self-propelled or towed.

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Air Defense The ballistic computer module is proposed for the upgrading of the air defense artillery systems ZSU-23-4 Shilka; 2S6 "Tunguska"; and 57-mm S-60.

New Capabilities for Weapon Stations on Wheeled Platforms Turingismus has upgraded ballistic computers for the weapon stations Shkval and Storm on BTR-4, BTR-3 and other armored vehicles. The upgrade package included current-generation microelectronics hardware and a new software package.

Artillery Ballistic Stations (ABS) Upgrades Turingismus has developed an ABS upgrade to a standard similar to that of counterparts produced by Weibel. The upgrades include new power supply, digital analytic unit in pace of analog one; and expanded functionality enabling measurement of munitions velocities at 50 points of their trajectory.

High-Tech-Style Mean-Line Models Turingismus’ measuring and software solutions could be used to support the development of hightech-style mean line models for drop-tests and to calculate the aeroballistics of sniper and any other direct/indirect firing weapons.

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Guardians in the Sky

Ukrainian Defense Review/July–September 2018

A NEW LEASE OF LIFE FOR THE MIG-29 FULCRUM

I

n the early 1990s, Ukraine found itself left without combat aircraft R&D and manufacturing capacities, as most were left in Russia following the collapse of the Soviet Union. In this context and against the backdrop of the current Russian aggression in Ukraine, the country has, almost all on its own, to handle the challenges of bringing its Fighter Aircraft capabilities up to modern standards. State-owned Lviv Aircraft Repair Plant (hereafter LARP) has developed the MiG-29MU2, a second-generation upgrade to its MiG-29MU1 design.

ed navigation system (enabling improvements to the accuracy of navigation and the range of instrument landing system) into the avionics suite, as well as the airborne NO19 radar upgrade allowing 10-20,000 hours of reliable operation.

As of September 2017, six MiG29MU1s were operational with the 40th Tactical Aviation Brigade stationed at Vasylkiv airfield outside Kyiv.

This first-generation MiG-29 fighter upgrade, despite all the advantages it of-

How it all began

The upgraded MiG-29MU1 standard has been officially accepted for use by the Ukrainian Air Force. The upgrade was conducted by LARP in a team with several other companies of the defense-industrial cluster: the State Enterprise DP Orizon Navigation, SE DP Novator, ZAO Phazotron-Ukraine, Laser Technology R&D Company, KP SPB Arsenal, VAT NTK Elektronprylad, TOV AVIARM, TOV TTC Aviaradioservice, and Lviv’s OKB Tekon-Elektron.

The MiG-29MU1 upgrade included service life extension overhaul conducted by LARP; pixelated camouflage; the integration of Orizon-Navigation’s SN-3307 GNSS-aid-

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Second-generation evolution

fers, however, came with limited combat abilities. So, the development of a more capable, second-generation variant, the MiG-29MU2, was commenced

by LARP in 2018.

Being based on the MiG-29MU1 standard, the MU2 upgrade encompasses eight major feature improvements aimed to enhance the aircraft’s combat effectiveness. These include upgrading of the 20PM airborne weapons control system and the R-862 airborne radio, a new navigation system in place of the currently used A-323 RSBN, and an MSD-2000 databus.

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The MiG-29MU2 is already receiving features of a multirole fighter with a limited air-to-ground/-surface attack capability, achieved through the use of TV-guided missile-bomb weapons of the X-29T and KAB-500KR types. The upgrade also includes the installation of VOR/ILS and DME equipment to comply with the requirements for international flights.

The MiG-29MU2 upgrade package additionally includes the installation of the upgraded H-019-U2 airborne radar-assisted sighting system. This would allow improvements in terms of long-range detection of air threats, weapon targeting, search and tracking of air and surface targets using the ground-map radar mode, and

supporting air-to-ground and -surface missions.

Compared to the MiG-29MU1, the MU2 standard is advantageous by providing a domestically developed GNSS-assisted navigation capability.

GNSS data will be viewed on a 8-inch, highly informative Cockpit display alongside the map of the terrain being overflown, target data, and weapons parameters.

The MiG-29MU2 fighter will also receive an audio/video recording system for post-mission debriefing and data analysis, which may later be used for documenting the mistakes made by pilots and for training new pilots.

In combat efficiency terms, the MiG-29MU2 outperforms the MiG-29

original by a factor of 1.83, this having been achieved owing to about a dozen innovation technology solutions implemented in its design, compared to only five implements in the first-generation MU1 standard (avionics and other equipment).

The MiG-29MU2 upgrade, a strike variant of the MiG-29MU1 pure fighter, is being implemented by a team of companies led by LARP, TOV Radionix and KB Luch. By the time the system is ready for final integration, Radionix will have to be able to finish and deliver its airborne self-defense ECM and jamming system Omut which would provide protection from radar-guided AAM and SAM threats.

Its range of capabilities encompasses interception and analysis of incoming signals from hostile electronic systems; decision-making on adequate countermeasure responses; and spoof jamming of hostile SAM radars and radar-guided missiles operating within its frequency range. Pod-mounted and fuselage-buried variants of the Omut system are required to be available for the MiG-29MU2 application.

LARP is due to complete its share of work on the MiG-29MU2 program by 2019 so that the official qualification trials could be commenced in early next year. Once tested and qualified for production, the MU2 is due to be ready to enter production at LARP in 2020. The MiG-29MU2 standard holds the promise of substantially enhancing the Ukrainian Air Force strike capabilities.

In closing it should be noted that the MiG-29 Fulcrum is a popular, good quality machine that still possesses significant potential for development and improvement, and is capable of performing a number of different operations. It still remains operational with many air forces worldwide.

LARP has several running contracts to overhaul and modernize MiG-29 fighter airplanes for export customers, including the Azerbaijan Air Force (deliveries will be in batches during 2018).

It is also bidding for a potential order from the Bangladesh Air Force to modernize its fleet of fighter aircraft, and provides aircraft components MRO services for a Polish customer.

Denis PONOMARENKO, for UDR 45

Air-to-Air Missile Capability

Ukrainian Defense Review/July–September 2018

U

kraine has substantial R&D and production capacities for upgrading legacy missile systems and creating new designs. The medium-to-longrange R-27/AA-10 Alamo missile system takes a special place in Ukraine’s missile capability. These missiles are integrated on the MiG-29 and Su-27 jet fighters and their modifications operated by multiple air forces worldwide.

The R-27 enjoys a substantial market in countries operating Soviet-era air combat fleets. This missile in various modifications has been exported to nearly two dozen

countries across the world.

The R-27 missile is used to intercept and destroy hostile airplanes and helicopters, unmanned aerial vehicles, and cruise missiles – at intermediate to long ranges, singly or in formations, by day and night, in poor visibility and adverse weather conditions, at large off-axis angles, and in a background of ground/sea clutter interference – all in an environment of active enemy countermeasures.

R-27 missiles are produced by Kyiv-based State-owned Artem jointstock holding company that used to be the leading air-to-air missile and missile systems company in the former Soviet Union.

These missiles used to be manufactured in close collaboration with Russian factories prior to the beginning of Russian military aggression in eastern Ukraine, but now Ukraine enjoys self-sufficiency in the production of these missiles.

In Ukraine, the R-27 is produced in versions fitted with semi-active

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radar (SAR) homing and infra-red (IR) homing guidance units and powered by standard and uprated rocket motors. SAR homing versions are R-27R/ER, and IR homing versions are R-27T/ET. Alongside SAR/IR homing, missile guidance is assisted by radio-inertial navigation system. Artem is currently developing an active radar homing version, to be known as R-27AE (radio-inertial guidance in the mid-course and active radar homing in the terminal phase).

In the R-27ER/ET model designation, "E" signifies it has uprated motor and therefore extended range.

Thus, the R-27RE missile has a range extended to 130 km from 80 km achievable with the R-27R counterpart (radio-inertial guidance in the mid-course and semi-active radar homing in the terminal phase). Same is with the R-27TE that has a range of 120 km compared to 70 km for the R-27T – an omni-directional passive infra-red homing missile. This effectively makes the R-27 an intermediate-to-long-range missile. It might be noted in this connection that airlaunched missile companies, while describing their products in marketing materials, usually declare range parameters that are only achievable in ideal conditions, which might be misleading in some ways.

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The R-27 missile is omnidirectional in that it can attack targets at large angles off the longitudinal axis of the launch aircraft; off-axis engagement capability is 50 degrees for the SAR homing version and 55 degrees for the IR homing missile.

With the R-27 missile, targets can be locked on at altitudes from 25 m to 25 km, travelling at up to 3500 km/h at 8G. The R-27R SAR homing missile is equipped with RGS-27 guidance unit manufactured by Radar Factory, Kyiv, enabling target lockon ranges of up to 25 km, while the R-27T/ET IR homing missile carries Mayak-80M/MK-80M unit manufactured by Arsenal Factory, Kyiv. The MK-80M is advantageous for its ability to work uncooled for periods of up to three hours, although at a cost of some reduction in lock-on range.

Ukrainian-manufactured R-27 missiles have already found export success. Thus, in 2013, Artem sold 400 missiles (180 R-27ER1, R-27ET1 and 40 captive training missiles) worth

$246M to India. In 2014-16, Algeria and Indonesia bought 18 and 5 R-27 missiles, respectively, and the Polish MoD was delivered 40 R-27R1 missiles in 2016.

Collaboration with Polish partners has been particularly effective.

On the sidelines of the international defense-industrial exhibition MSPO 2017, Kielce, Poland, UkrOboronProm's Stectechnoexport import/ export firm and Poland’s WB Group signed two deals, one of which was about the sale and maintenance of R-27R1 air-to air missiles in Poland.

This deal followed successful comple-

tion of a 2016 contract for R-27 missiles, as reported by Polish media.

Beyond that, Ukraine is offering Poland to jointly develop an improved version of surface-launched air defense system that would use the R-27 missile developed by Artem.

Known under draft title R-27 ADS (Air Defense System), the Ukrainian project would expand the application scope of Ukrainian-made AAMs. Basically, the R-27 missile, upgraded and updated by Ukrainian defense industries, might be of interest to the armed forces operating legacy fleets of the MiG-29 and Su-27 fighters.

Main SPECIFICATIONS OF «Air-to-air» GM of R-27 type Designation All up weight, kg Missile length, m Body diameter, m Wing spread, m Fin spread, m Maximum flight elevation of intercepted target Possible g-loads of the target (MiG-21 fighter type, conducting a flying at a speed of 900 km / h), g Maximum engagement range (according to the energetic capabilities of GM) Minimum engagement range (from rear-hemisphere), km Guidance system Warhead weight (fragmentation/continuous rod with RLV), kg

R-27R (R1)

R-27ER (ER1)

R-27T (T1)

R-27ER (ER1)

253 4.080 0.23 0.77 0.97 25

350 4.780 0.26 0.80 0.97 27

245.5 3.795 0.23 0.77 0.97 24

343 4.495 0.26 0.80 0.97 30

up to 8

more than 7

more than 8

about 7,5

80 (72)

130 (100)

72 (65)

120 (80)

0.5 Inertial with radio-command correction + SARS

0.5

0.5

0.5

Same + SARS

Same + IRS

Same + IRS

39

39

39

39

49

Made in Ukraine

Ukrainian Defense Review/July–September 2018

Serhiy ZGHURETS, Defense Express

S

kyeton, Kyiv, has completed the full cycle of trials of its ACS-3 Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) that is already awaited by the Ukrainian military. It might be hard to believe, but this smallfactor UAS aircraft that weighs only 20 kg fully equipped can stay airborne for nearly 24 hours performing reconnaissance surveillance missions and feeding live video footage to it associated ground control station. In terms of air endurance, it has very few rivals of similar size and weight worldwide.

In designing the ACS-3 technology the Company focused on three key aspects: the airframe and its capabilities; the maximum possible degree of flight automation from takeoff to landing at the selected place; and reliability of operation and durability.

Designed for professional use, the ACS-3 UAV has an in-air endurance of ≥20 hours and can fly missions while transmitting live video streaming within a radius of ≥100 km. In terms of NATO UAS Classification by range, it could be classified as belonging to Class II (operational/theater, mission

50

radius ≥50 km, LOS) or Class III (strategic/national, mission radius ≥200 km, BLOS).

In its current configuration the ACS-3 UAS consists of two UAV aircrafts with mission-specific payloads, a foldable catapult launcher, a ground control station (GCS), aerials and other support equipment, including spare parts and fixings, all transportable in four containers weighing collectively about 200 kg. The UAS can be transformed from unpack to operation by two personnel within 15-20 minutes.

The ACS-3 aircraft doesn’t require any screwdrivers, wrenches or other similar tools to assemble for use or dis-

assemble for storing. It is launched by a mechanical catapult of a proprietary design developed by Skyeton. Landing is assisted by parachute to slow down its descent and with a reusable, electrically pumped airbag to cushion the impact on the airframe. While approaching the landing site, the aircraft "turns on its back" to minimize the risk of mechanical damage to payload equipment. It is powered by carbureted engine developing 3 hp (which on several occasions proved excessive for some of the routine missions tested), while electronic fuel injected engine is optional. Max operational ceiling is 3,000 m. Onboard starter/generator provides electric power to the mission and payload equipment and enables remote engine on/off control while in flight. Critical systems such as flight control surfaces and servos are dupli-

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cated to improve reliability and safety of operation.

During test missions, the aircraft was remotely piloted by a single operator. The ground control station can be vehicle mounted or deployed in open terrain, and needs only a few seconds of warm-up time. Equipped with an embedded large-capacity memory with three spaced display screens, the GCS is built to the IP67 environmental protection standard.

Since the flight is highly automated from takeoff through flight to touchdown, the human operator’s duties are mainly limited to dealing with payload equipment. Modular architecture allows for payloads of up to 7 kg – ranging from a snapshot camera, gyro-stabilized camera, laser rangefinder or synthesized aperture radar – to be mounted in a stabilized gimbal. Payload packages can alternatively include radio relays and electronic warfare/ countermeasure equipment. During the most recent trials, an ACS-3 aircraft was flight tested equipped with a gyro-stabilized OCTOPUS Epsilon 140 electro-optical and infrared (EO/IR) sensor gimbal. The Epsilon 140 has optical and digital zoom capabilities for recognizing, identifying, and tracking objects at day and night – with excellent image stabilization. It offers a 20 cm resolution at an altitude of 2 km, enabling a car license plate number to be read from 400 m away.

The gimbal is able to lock on and automatically

track up to five objects of interest, moving or static, simultaneously and to automatically locate the objects within its field-of-view.

The

aircraft can be optionally equipped with Epsilon 140Z gimbal integrating an optically zoomed IR camera with a laser designator/rangefinder.

As validated by a test mission using an indigenously developed ECM jammer, the ACS-3 UAS provides an improved counter-ECM capability that allows it to function effectively even in the presence of substantial jamming.

Regarding flight automation, Skyeton believes that the less a military or civilian user intervenes in controlling an aircraft flying a preprogrammed flight plan the better. This approach is resting on statistics gathered with ACS-3’s testing and operation. UAV flight automation is highly demanded since it allows for a shallow learning curve for new operators and offers operational benefits enabling safer and more efficient flight operation. But special emphasis placed on flight automation is more projected to the future. With a long endurance capability in place, several ACS-3 drones can be concurrently and collectively controlled from a single center. This would pave the ground for the use of the drones in swarms – an objective Skyeton is aiming for.

After completion of the recent cycle of trials, the ACS-3 developers and military experts reached a consensus to the effect that effective operation of long-endurance UAV drones requires adequate ground support and human operator training. Military experts particularly recommend the US experience, where long-endurance UAS are operated from 4x4 Hummer type truck vehicles, as is the case with RQ-7 Shadow-200 UAS operated by the US Army’s Stryker Brigade combat team.

Each Shadow-200 unit operates three UAS with four drones each. Deployed from Hummer trailers, they are used for 24-h battlefield surveillance and reconnaissance missions logging 60 flight hours every day.

An optimal configuration of the ACS-3 UAS for use by Ukraine’s Armed Forces has been developed based on foreign and domestic experience. The ACS-3 UAS will consist of four drones, two catapult launchers, two GCS, aerials, and associated

→

51

Made in Ukraine

Ukrainian Defense Review/July–September 2018

spare parts and fixings. Each of the drones will be available with a payload package consisting of snapshot camera and gyro-stabilized EO/IR sensor gimbal. The ACS-3 UAS will require two vehicular platforms to transport and operate from, each accommodating three workstations (for two operators and crew leader), and will be served by a crew of 11 personnel.

In terms of its performance capabilities, the ACS-3 represents one of the most advanced UAS technologies ever developed in Ukraine, according to the assessment of the MoD’s Armaments Testing and Certification Center, Chernihiv. Military officials have stated that the ACS-3 UAS fully conforms to the technical specifications required

by Ukraine’s Armed Forces, and there is already a place reserved for it in the combat organization. But before this happens, one or several systems need to be purchased and user tested and evaluated. The Army needs an UAS technology that not just provides the required performances but is continuously improved and upgraded based on user feedback and is adequately maintained on the operating unit level.

This should be proved not only on the testing site but in real service conditions as well.

ACS-3 UAV Aircraft. Technical Specifications Range of Radio Silence flight Pre-programmed flight mission radius Mission radius, with live video streaming and telemetry data transmission Counter-ECM capability Endurance *varies with payload power output and aerodynamics,

Available >20 hr

Max/cruising/min air speed Max service altitude/*with electronic fuel injected engine Cruise altitude Wing span/length/height Max takeoff mass Empty weight

160/120/65 km/h 3,000/4500* m 1,000-2,000 m 2,985/1,830/320 mm 20 kg 9 kg Single-cylinder four-stroke carbureted engine

Propulsion Fuel consumption at cruising speed *varies with payload power

0.3-0.5* L

output and aerodynamics, and with mission specifics

Fuel tank capacity of standard-configuration drone Propulsion power Method of launch Landing Size of storage/transport container for one drone

9L 3 hp Catapult Assisted with parachute and airbag 1,350 х 650 х 450 mm

Payload package Options for payload packages, which are customer-specific, may consist of stabilized camera, snapshot camera, laser rangefinder, synthesized aperture radar, radio relays, electronic warfare/ countermeasure equipment etc.

Payload mass 7 kg Gyro-stabilized, multi-sensor OCTOPUS Epsilon 140Z gimbal Epsilon 140Z gimbal, which itegrates EO/IR sensors and laser designator-rangefinder, is capable of automatically tracking up to five objects, moving or static, simultaneously.

1.77 kg 140 mm x 189 mm diameter IP64 rated -25 … +50 °С 360° continuous pan, -90° to +45° elevation Digital 720р HD output, Н.264 encoded video НD 720р, 1270х720 рх; x30 optical zoom lens SD 640х480 рх; x3.3 zoom lens, 18 - 60 mm range 5,000 m, accuracy <1 m Wavelength 830 nm; power 50 mW

Ground Control Station (GCS) Control system Video output/telemetry data bandwidth, MHz

52

120 km

and with mission specifics

Mass Size Environmental protection Operating temperature range Rotation limits Video out EO sensor Hitachi DISC120R IR sensor FLIR TAU2 Laser rangefinder, Class I Laser designator, Class IIIb

Head Office of Aircraft Industrial Company "Skyeton" 9B Smolnaya St, Kiev, Ukraine, 03680 Tel.: +38 (044) 492-94-99 E-mail: uav@skyeton.com Web: skyeton.com

2,500 km 1,000 km

Transmission encoding Number of UAV drones controlled simultaneously/ collectively from a single GCS

Automatic Optional to Customer specification Available 1

*using a dedicated software package, up to four

Mass

21 kg

ACS-3 UAS. Operational specifications Operating temperature range Prep time from unpack to launch Time between landing and launch UAS stow time Min required crew

-25 … +50 °С 20 min 10 min 20 min 2 personnel