By Rupert Pengelley, JDW Technical Editor
London

A completely re-armoured and re-gunned version of the M60A3 tank is due to be unveiled at IDEX 2003.

Jordans King Abdullah II Design and Development Bureau (KADDB) has developed this variant in association with Raytheon Technical Services Company of the US and RUAG of Switzerland. Renamed Phoenix, the concept demonstrator – formerly designated the KADDB AB9B1 Level 3 project – now has a fully tested and qualified RUAG 120mm smoothbore gun installation and associated Raytheon integrated fire-control system (IFCS).

The new concept demonstrator also embodies a remodelled turret and hull armour suite that is externally representative of one currently under development in association with an unnamed overseas supplier.

According to a KADDB official, the Phoenix Level 3 modular armour kit is intended to provide supplementary protection against both 120mm kinetic-energy and shaped-charge rounds; top-attack protection against bomblets; and under-belly protection against mine attack.

The Jordanian Armed Forces (JAF) took delivery of its first operational company of 14 Phoenix tanks at a formal ceremony on 18 February. KADDB has upgraded these vehicles to Level 1 standard. This involved retaining the M60A3s original M68 105mm gun and matching it to the Raytheon IFCS.

Also planned to make its international debut is KADDBs Falcon II tank, which combines the hull of an Alvis Vickers Challenger 1 tank with a new low-profile turret armed, like Phoenix Level 2 and 3, with the RUAG 120CTG 120mm L50 smoothbore tank gun.

AS90 BRAVEHEART 155MM SELF PROPELLED HOWITZER, UNITED KINGDOM

The AS90 Braveheart is a 155mm self-propelled howitzer which entered service with the British Army in 1992. It is manufactured by BAE Systems RO Defence (formerly the Armaments Division of Vickers Shipbuilding and Engineering Ltd) at Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria. 179 have been built for the British Army.

An enhanced version of the Howitzer, the Desert AS90, has been built to provide high capability in arduous desert conditions. The Desert AS90 underwent successful trials in the Arizona Desert in 1994 and in Kuwait and Saudi Arabia in 1996. This version, with the 52 calibre barrel is called the AS90 Braveheart.

BAE Systems has signed a license manufacturing agreement with HSW (Huta Stalowa Wola) of Poland for the production of the AS90 Braveheart. For the Polish Army systems, the AS90 turret is to be fitted to a chassis built by OBRUM of Poland. The first two of a possible 72 systems will be built by BAE SYSTEMS.

The crew consists of the driver plus four or three operators in the cupola, a commander, a gun layer and an ammunition loader.

UPGRADE PROGRAMME

BAE SYSTEMS has been awarded a contract to upgrade 96 of the British Army AS90s with a 155mm/52 calibre Extended Range Ordnance/Modular Charge System (ERO/MCS). The Royal Ordnance division of BAE SYSTEMS will manufacture the new 52 calibre barrel which will give an increased range of 40km, and Somchem division of Denel will be responsible for the Modular Charge System which will be manufactured in South Africa. The upgraded AS90s are expected to enter service in 2003. AS 90 has also test fired the new Denel Assegai family of 155mm ammunition which has completed development and includes a Velocity Enhanced Long-range Artillery Projectile (VLAP).

ARMAMENT

The AS90 is fitted with a 155mm, 39 or 52 calibre gun barrel. In trials, two AS90 howitzers were able to deliver a total payload of 261kg onto a single target in less than 10 seconds. An automated loading system enables the gun to fire with a burst rate of 3 rounds in under 10 seconds, an intense rate of 6 rounds per minute in three minutes and a sustained rate of 2 rounds per minute.

The gun, which does not require stabilising spades, is equipped with a recoil and hydrogas suspension system which allows the turret to traverse and fire through the full 360°. A Dynamic Reference Unit (DRU) and electronic compensation for tilt of the vehicle are used for accurate orientation of the weapon system.

The range is 24.7km using conventional ammunition. The AS90 also fires assisted rounds which provide an extended range to 30km. Fitting a 52 calibre barrel instead of the standard 39 calibre extends the range beyond 40km. An automated ammunition handling system is included in the current upgrade programme.

FIRE CONTROL AND OBSERVATION
The layers station is equipped with a Direct Fire Sight from Avimo (now part of Thales Optronics) for direct day and night firing. For indirect firing an Automatic Gun Laying System (AGLS) with electronic elevation and traverse drives provide laying to an accuracy of 1 mil (angle 3.375 minutes) and rapid target engagement. The Layers Display Unit (LDU) was designed by VSEL. The commanders station is equipped with a separate sight.

A barrel cooling system to provide higher maximum firing rates and a ballistic computation system are being developed. A Global Positioning System (GPS) has been successfully trialled on the vehicle.

SELF-PROTECTION

The vehicle is of all-welded steel armour construction, which is rated to withstand impact by 7.62mm and 14.5mm armour piercing shells and 152mm shell fragments. A system for increased ballistic protection against top attack by current generation anti-tank missiles is being developed.

The Desert AS90 has a thermal cover installed on the turret roof and solar reflective paint. The thermal blanket provides protection for the crew against hot metal burns.

PROPULSION

The vehicle is powered by a 660hp V8 diesel engine from Cummins, coupled to a ZF Gears Ltd automatic transmission with four forward and two reverse gears. The Desert AS90 features enhanced engine, transmission oil and auxiliary power unit cooling systems and also a Diehl 940 pin track for better handling in sandy terrain.

The hydropneumatic suspension is supplied by Horstman Defence Systems of the UK. The vehicle can traverse gradients up to 60%, vertical obstacles to 0.75m, and trenches to a width of 2.8m, and is able to ford water to a depth of 1.5m.

1. 目前訂單：德國185輛，義大利70輛，荷蘭57輛，希臘24輛。

2. 全國走透透行車測試里程數：原型車＞29,830 km ，量產型＞160,000 km。

3. 全歐轟透透火力測試彈藥數：原型車＞17,398 發 ，量產型＞19,500 發。

4. 性能測試結果數據：

A. 高速公路上最高時速大於61公里，越野最高時速大於45公里。

B. 緊急反應速度：停車後30秒內便可開始射擊，在一分鐘內射擊十發砲彈，停火之後30秒左右便可啟動離開開火處。

C. 車上可攜行60發砲彈與288具藥包，全部補充再戰只需時10分50秒左右。

D. 發射速率：
目前：
＊3 rounds fired in 9.2 seconds
＊ 8 rounds fired in 42.3 seconds
＊10 rounds fired in 56.2 seconds
＊20 rounds in 1 minute, 47 seconds
裝彈系統性能提昇後：
＊ 3 rounds fired in 8.4 seconds
＊12 rounds fired in 59.7 seconds

E. 瑞典岸防砲兵實測證實，其再攻擊海面移動目標時仍能享有高命中精度。

F. Multiple-round simultaneous impact firing capability (5 rounds MRSI, 17,000 m) （不知如何翻譯........）

April 12, 2001

Tpr Kane McDonald, 1 Armd Regt, and sports scientist John Marsden undertake tests on a new cooling jacket in Darwin. Photo by WO2 Geoff Fox.
Scientists from the Northern Territory University are helping the army solve a troublesome issue - keeping Leopard drivers and crew cool while they patrol Australias tropical north.

Temperatures inside the tank often reach higher than 50C and crew members regularly have to battle dehydration while they are on manoeuvres.

1 Armd Regt has begun evaluations on two possible alternatives; both involving the innovative use of simple cooling technology and a vest.

CO 1 Armd Regt Lt-Col Gus McLachlan said the evaluation was aimed at finding an effective solution to a serious problem.

Tanks play an important role in 1 Bdes combined arms operations - with the Leopard providing mobility, protection and hitting power in the battlefield, Lt-Col McLachlan said.
But operating a tank can be like working in an oven and this can have adverse effects on the ability of crews to sustain operations.

The answer to the problem of overheating is to search for a simple cooling solution.
The first involves a vest, where chilled liquid gel packs slot into pockets around the chest of tank crews.

The other is a jacket made from special fabric that, when wet, cools the body as sweat is evaporated. This technique draws on the same thermo-dynamic physics which made dilly bags and bush fridges effective - long before refridgerants and technology made artificial cooling a possibility.

The two cooling vests have been under trial for the past week as members of the regiments A Sqn put themselves and the vests to the test.

Two select crew members have subjected themselves to an array of scientific tests to measure their core body temperature before and after the application of the cooling vests.

1 Armd Regt is home to a fleet of 48 Leopards.

UAE to take delivery of final 40 Leclerc tanks by March 2005: official

ABU DHABI, March 17 (AFP) - 15:30 GMT - The United Arab Emirates will take delivery of the remaining 40 Leclerc tanks from Frances Giat Industries by March 2005, a top Emirati military official said Monday.
We have already taken delivery of 360 Leclerc tanks and we will receive the remaining 40 in the next 24 months, General Obeid al-Qatbi told a press conference at the International Defence Exhibition (IDEX 2003) in Abu Dhabi.

Qatbi said that 90 percent of the Leclerc programme, notably the training of soldiers and technicians, and provision of spare parts has been honoured.

The UAE signed a contract with Giat in 1993 for 436 tanks and recovery vehicles worth 3.5 billion dollars. Delivery of the tanks had stalled following disagreements over the contract.

哇~又一箭簇型砲塔裝甲
The King Abdullah II Design and Development Bureau (KADDB) of Jordan, in an exclusive briefing to Janes Defence Weekly, has revealed details of an indigenously developed turret incorporating a 120mm smooth-bore gun. The intended platform for the turret is believed to be the Jordanian Armed Forces Al Hussein (ex-British Army Challenger 1) main battle tank (MBT).

Development of the Falcon 2 turret, designated within KADDB as project AB9C5, has been conducted as part of the MERLIN programme, which involves intellectual development and technology transfer between the South African defence-industrial private sector and Jordan. Concept design, development, prototyping and project management has been led by KADDB, in close partnership with the Mechanology Design Bureau (MDB) and IST Dynamics of South Africa. It is supported by other elements of the Jordanian, South African, Swiss and UK defence industries.

Now in the final stages of development, Falcon 2 interface verification was scheduled for completion last month, following which it is expected to be dropped into an Al Hussein hull by the end of the year. KADDB plans to unveil the complete vehicle officially at the IDEX international defence exhibition in Abu Dhabi in March 2003. KADDB officials told JDW that fitting the Falcon to the Al Hussein hull involved a straightforward interface.

The primary armament for the Falcon 2 turret is RUAG Land Systems L50 120mm smooth-bore compact tank gun. King Abdullah II of Jordan told JDW that improved lethality, combined with concerns about the obsolescence of the Al Husseins (UK BAE Systems RO Defence) L11 120mm rifled gun and ammunition had been a driving factor in developing the programme.

　　[英國《防務系統日刊》4月3日.4日報導]

Tristate reacts to war

Faced with a vulnerable spot on U.S. tanks, Army engineers sketched an idea on a napkin. Seven days later, 20 custom pieces of armor were to be shipped to Iraq on Saturday to protect Abrams M1A2 tanks.

Engineers, cutters and welders at the Lima Army Tank Plant worked around the clock to fix the weak spot - exhaust and air intake vents - that led to the loss of several tanks in the first weeks of the war, said Lt. Col. Damon Walsh, plant commander.

Its incredible, he said. Guys in the desert are going to be that much safer because of what they do here.

The custom armor pieces are made of steel louvers that fit over the vents in the rear of the tanks, allowing air to flow while deflecting missiles or grenades, manufacturing programs manager Keith Deters said.

The assignment came too quickly to recall laid-off workers, Deters said, so he asked design and production teams to put in overtime.

Ever since weve been working in teams, weve been able to get everybody together and say, Do you want the challenge? he said.

Meanwhile, production on normal orders kept up, Deters said. While crews in Lima began cutting and assembling the armor kits, crews in Aberdeen, Md., tested prototypes by firing rockets at them, he said.

MERKAVA 4 MAIN BATTLE TANK, ISRAEL
The Israeli Ministry of Defence held the roll out ceremony of the new main battle tank, Merkava 4, on 24 June 2002. The 65t Merkava 4 main battle tank entered full production in 2001 and will be in service with the Israel Defence Forces by 2004. The Ministry of Defence will manufacture between 50 and 70 Merkava 4 tanks per year and initial estimates indicate that up to 400 tanks will be manufactured. The Merkava 4 has been extensively improved and features new armour protection and gun and electronics systems.

The Merkava 4 is slightly larger than the Merkava 3 Baz, which has been in service with the IDF since 1990. The Merkava 3 is offered for export by SIBAT based in Tel Aviv. The Merkava 4 is not offered for export but the systems and components are exported.

The tank is capable of carrying eight infantry soldiers, a Command Group or three litter patients (stretcher casualties) in addition to the tank crew of commander, loader, gunner and driver. The tank is capable of firing on the move at moving targets and has demonstrated high hit probability in firing against attack helicopters using conventional anti-tank munitions.

Major contractors include: the El Op Electro-Optic Industries subsidiary of Elbit Systems which is responsible for the fire control system; the Israel Defence Force which carries out main construction and system integration and testing; Israel Military Industries for the supply of the main gun, ballistic protection and munitions; Imco Industries for the electrical systems; Urdan Industries for the hull, main turret and castings; and IAI Ramta for protection components.

The main part of the tank production, the construction of the hull and integration of all the systems is carried out in the Israel Defence Force Workshop.

TANK WEAPONRY
The Merkava 4 has a new all electric turret developed by Elbit and subsidiary El-Op. Only one hatch is installed in the turret, the commanders hatch.

The improved 120mm smooth bore gun has been developed by Israel Military Industries. The new gun is an advanced generation of the gun developed for the Merkava 3. A Vidco thermal shroud on the gun reduces bending of the barrel resulting from environmental and firing conditions. The gun can fire higher power munitions including new 120mm high penetration projectiles and guided shells. The loader can select semi-automatically the ammunition type. The tank carries 48 rounds of ammunition each stored in a protective container. An electrically operated revolving magazine contains 10 ready-to-fire rounds.

The range of ammunition includes APFSDS-T M711 (CL 3254), the HEAT-MP-T M325 (CL 3105) and the TPCSDS-T M324 (CL 3139) supplied by the Ammunition Group of Israel Military Industries. The gun is also capable of firing French, German or US 120mm rounds.

The tank is fitted with 7.62mm machine guns and an internally operated 60mm mortar system developed by Soltam Ltd. The mortar can fire explosive and illumination rounds to a range of 2,700m.

The protection suite includes an advanced electromagnetic threat identification and warning system.

EL OP FIRE CONTROL
The new fire control system, developed by El Op, includes very advanced features including the capability to acquire and lock onto moving targets, even airborne helicopters, while the tank itself is on the move.

The computer controlled fire control system includes line of sight stabilisation in two axes, a second-generation television sight and automatic thermal target tracker, a laser range finder, an improved thermal night vision system and a dynamic cant angle indicator. The commanders station is fitted with a stabilised panoramic day and night sight. The integrated operating system includes advanced data communications and battle management. Tadiran developed the Merkavas communications system, the inter communication system and the VRC 120 vehicular transceiver radio with embedded auxiliary receivers

GD 883 V-12 DIESEL ENGINE
The Merkava 4 is powered by a V-12 diesel engine rated at 1,500hp. The engine compartment and one fuel tank are at the front of the tank and two fuel tanks are at the back. The new engine represents a 25% increase in power compared to the 1,200hp powerpack installed on the Merkava 3.

The German company MTU manufactures the engine components and the GD 883 engine is manufactured under licensed production by General Dynamics Land Systems in the USA. The engine is transferred to Israel for installation and integration with the automatic transmission and with the engine computer control system. The tank has automatic five-gear transmission rather than four gears as in the Merkava 3. The transmission system is manufactured by Renk. The single position rotary shock absorbers are installed externally.

HULL
The redesign of the hull around the installation of the new powerpack has provided improved frontal armour protection and improvement to the drivers field of view. For improved reverse driving the driver uses a camera.

A new feature of the tank is that the fitted modular special armour covers the turret. The tank is protected against a range of threats, including air launched precision guided missiles and advanced and top attack anti-tank weapons. Automatic fire detection and suppression has been installed. The underside of the hull has been fitted with additional armour protection against mines. The driver and crew compartments are equipped with heating and cooling air conditioning and a Shalon Chemical Industries combined individual and overpressure protection systems against contamination by NBC warfare.

編譯洪伯昌/綜合報導

即將在下周出刊的詹氏防衛周刊報導，中共正研發先進的「超級戰車」，正式量產後，將是全球戰力最強大的戰車。

詹氏防衛周刊引述匿名消息來源指出，這輛「超級戰車」配備許多先進的歐美武器系統，還可能擁有可自動裝填的152口徑砲，再搭配先進的日間/感熱瞄準系統，不論戰車是在靜止或移動狀態，第一發命中率都能提高。一般戰車主砲是120或125口徑。

香港「南華早報」17日報導，美軍M1艾布蘭型主力戰車在兩次波灣戰爭中大出風頭，輕輕鬆鬆就摧毀許多1980年代中共賣給伊拉克的戰車，而台灣有意購買美軍M1艾布蘭型主力戰車，中共積極汰舊換新，研發新型戰車以對並不意外。

國際戰略研究中心估計，中共人民解放軍擁有8300輛主力戰車，數量全球第一，但其中約6000輛屬於老舊型式，戰力根本不能和歐美戰車相提並論。

A:.........歐美國家的140mm固體火藥戰車砲因為砲身過長過重以及攜彈數過少（140mm戰車砲的砲彈大小重量超過120mm砲的兩倍, 一般戰車只能攜帶三十發上下）, 以致於最終難以成軍服役; 如今老共居然還想玩更大的152mm口徑？？嘿嘿嘿.....拭目以待......

法國吉雅特集團曾經有將其所開發的140mm APFSDS彈與120mm APFSDS彈一並公開展示過, 就個人目視判斷, 140mm APFSDS彈的大小至少是120mm APFSDS彈的兩倍以上, 重量應不會低於40公斤, 甚至逼近50公斤亦有可能; 至於152mm炮就更自不待言了........

http://www.kojii.net/jdw/jdw030108.html

・独 Rheinmetall Weapons & Munitions 社は、新規装備・換装の両方の市
場に対して、同社製の 105mm 滑腔砲 105SB のマーケティングを展開中。
すでに、米陸軍や米 Boeing 社にプレゼンテーションが実施されたとの由。
また、M60 戦車が搭載している M68 (L7) 砲と換装することもでき、120mm
砲に換装するよりも費用対効果が高いとされている。
105SB は、同社がプライベート・ベンチャーで開発した戦車砲で、車重が
18t ほどの AFV を想定している。高張力鋼で作られた砲身は 2 段階の自
緊プロセスを経て製造され、クローム・プレートの装備により、高初速の
弾丸を使用しても長い寿命を確保できる。また、軽量の車両で使用できる
ように、マズルブレーキを装備して反動を従来の 40% 程度に抑制してい
る。
砲弾は既存の 105mm 戦車砲を使用でき、訓練弾の DM128 を使用した際の
弾着精度は、射程 1,000m のときに 0.15×0.15 ミル。メーカーでは、120mm
滑腔砲と同程度の威力を持つ弾薬のファミリーを開発しているが、これら
は半燃焼式の薬莢を持つ。主要な弾種は HE 弾と APFSDS 弾。このうち HE
弾は 鈍い 炸薬を使用しており、プログラム式の信管によって、目標の
頭上で起爆させられる。一方、APFSDS 弾の方はタングステンの弾芯とア
ルミ製の送弾筒を持ち、装薬は新型の SCDB (Surface Coated Double Base)
を使用する。貫通能力は、直角に命中した際に 560mm までだが、ETC (Electro
Thermal Chemical) を使用する装薬の改良計画により、これを 600mm に
強化する予定。SCDB を使用すると、初速と貫通威力が 7-10% ほど向上す
るという。これにより、リアクティブ・アーマー装備の T-72 戦車を撃破
可能とされる。
105mm 戦車砲として広く使われているイギリス製の L7 は、全長 5,345mm、
薬室容積 8.1L、塘圧 525MPa、重量 1,287kg。それに対し、105SB はそれ
ぞれ、5,350mm、8.1L、680MPa、1,245kg。また、改良型の 105SB では、
薬室容積 9.6L、重量 1,235kg となる。
105SB は 2 門が製造され、30 発ほどの試射を実施している。ゴーサイン
が出たら、完全な砲搭 2 セットが 7 ヶ月以内に製造される予定。
なお、Rheinmetall W&M; 社では、120mm 滑腔砲の発射時反動を軽減した、
RH120LR を開発している。この砲では弾薬が大型化されるため、搭載量が
減る。

http://www.kojii.net/jdw/jdw030108.html

The German Rheinmetall Weapons & the Munitions corporation published the details regarding the energy weapon which is in the midst of developing. First, prototype of load type appears in 2006, this encounter is disposed in 2012. Originally, energy weapon development of the same company being something which is started as the private * venture, reached the point where budget comes out of the Defense Department in 1993. As for the field which has been dealt with, high output microwave (the HPM) with the laser.

At the same company, the precision attack with direct shooting or indirect shooting in the future battlefield, shortly in the both of the range * long range, vis-a-vis the target of various types has needed, although furthermore also neutralization of the sensor needs, we have assumed it is necessary to control be annexed damage in the minimum. In addition, the attack by the non- killing and wounding make weapon for the staff and equipment, it points out criticality increases.

At the same company, the research which combines the HPM weapon to the small-sized AFV like the ウィーゼル is being advanced then. The HPM is installed on the body rear section, makes development possible quickly in vertical position according to need. As for main purpose of the HPM, there is a point which neutralizes the digital electronic equipment which the enemy has used over fixed time.

At the same company, the UWB (the Ultra Wide Band) we execute the research of the HPM of type, deal with the solid-state edition of single * pulse, repetition high output or medium output.

The single * pulse UWB the among these is developed by the 155mm shell, the area * defense weapon and the radar, neutralizes the communication * direction system and the preservation system. The high output UWB is loaded by the ウィーゼル, neutralizes various targets which include drawn. The medium output solid-state UWB, drawn and neutralizes the communication system, the information processing device and the control system et cetera.

At the Rheinmetall W&M; corporation, presently, using the experimental aircraft of the sub scale, it is advancing the test. The full scale experimental aircraft of the single * pulse UWB appears in 2004, the full scale experimental aircraft of high output / the medium output UWB appears in 2003.

Concerning the medium output laser of output 10-100kW class, it is used in order to destroy the missile, the drawn, antitank missile and the optical system which the AFV and the like equips. The range with the 5-7km, designates also the image information collection system as the target. At the time of use, you store the laser oscillator which is miniaturized to the turret, the various equipment wheels / try to be able to load onto the tracked type AFV. In addition, shooting releasing type SAM×4 departure and the マウザ of ポッド type - also 30mm machine gun RMK 30/35, is installed in the laser and simultaneous.

Prototype of the medium output laser the among these if in the schedule which appears in 2006, budget is attached, encounter is disposed in 2012.

日翻英（請愛用http://babelfish.altavista.com/babelfish/tr）

German Rheinmetall as for the Weapons & the Munitions corporation, vis-a-vis the both market of new equipment * conversion, marketing of the 105mm smooth-bore gun 105SB of the same company make in the midst of development. Already, the presentation was executed in the United States Army and the American Boeing corporation, reason. In addition, rather than the M68 which the M60 tank is on-board (the L7) the gun and conversion it is possible also, conversion doing in the 120mm gun to do, it is assumed the cost anti- effect is high.

As for the 105SB, with the tank gun which the same company developed with the private * venture, the car weight the AFV about of the 18t is supposed. The gun which was made with the high strength steel can be produced by way of the autofrettage process of 2 stages, using the bullet of high velocity with the equipment of the chrome * plate, can guarantee long life. In addition, in order to be able to use by the vehicle of light weight, equipping the マズルブレーキ, you control reaction in former 40%.

The shell be able to use the existing 105mm tank gun, the case where the DM128 of the training projectile is used as for impact precision, at the time of the range 1,000m the 0.15×0.15 mil. At the manufacturer, as 120mm smooth-bore gun the family of the ammunition which has the same power is developed, but these have the cartridge of semi- combustion type. As for principal bullet kind HE bullet and APFSDS bullet. The HE bullet among these has used the sluggish explosive, it is made to explode over goal by the fuse of program formula.

On one hand, the APFSDS bullet the SCDB of new model (the Surface Coated Double Base) uses the charge with the bullet core of the tungsten and the sabot of the aluminum make. Penetration ability the occasion where it hits perpendicularly is to the 560mm, but the schedule which strengthens this in the 600mm the ETC (the Electro Thermal Chemical) with the improvement plan of the charge which is used. When the SCDB is used, you say initial velocity and penetration power improve about 7-10%. Because of this, the T-72 tank of reactive * armor equipment is made defeat possible.

As for the English make L7 which is used widely as a 105mm tank gun, the total length 5,345mm, the chamber volume 8.1l, the 塘 pressure 525mPa, the weight 1,287kg. Vis-a-vis that, the 105SB respectively the 5,350mm, the 8.1l, the 680MPa and the 1,245kg. In addition, with the 105SB of improved model, the chamber volume 9.6l, it becomes the weight 1,235kg.

105mm 戰車炮與KE彈方面:

1. 目前的L7 105mm戰車炮在發射DM63 KE彈時, 可以在距離2km處貫穿370mm RHA

2. 老德105 SB基本型戰車炮發射SCDB KE彈時, 可以在距離2km處貫穿550mm RHA, 未來如果使用電熱炮科技, 可以將貫穿力提升至620mm RHA

3. 老德105 SB加長型戰車炮發射SCDB KE彈時, 可以在距離2km處貫穿590mm RHA, 未來如果使用電熱炮科技, 可以將貫穿力提升至640mm RHA, 若再加上使用DU彈頭, 則貫穿力估計將高達700mm RHA.

120mm 戰車炮與KE彈方面:

1. 老法雷克勒主戰車目前所用的OFL 120F2 KE彈, 使用DU彈頭, 發射初速1780m/sec, 可以在距離2km處貫穿超過640mm RHA; 其後繼彈種PROCIPAC使用更大更重且長徑比超過30的DU彈頭, 以及高密度推進藥, 貫穿力據稱將大幅提高 (一種未經有力證實的傳聞: 在距離2km處貫穿超過1000mm RHA......); 此外GIAT集團也在開發一種名為Poly ENG導引頂攻彈, 其能攻擊距離七至八公里外, 躲在掩體與障礙物後面的裝甲目標, 並使用新型的lateral-acting CGN-3D彈頭, 能在目標脆弱頂部處集中爆炸能生成長徑比極佳的貫穿彈頭, 予以其最致命的一擊......

2. 老美目前外銷用的新型鎢合金KE彈, 可以在距離2km處貫穿660mm RHA

然而由於140 mm戰車炮的彈藥體型過大, 顯著影響戰車火力彈藥攜行量, 以及砲體過長過重, 有可能導致車體重心不穩, 再加上以老美FCS為首的美英德法西方裝甲工業先進國, 打算在未來25至30年內, 以二十噸級以下的高機動聯合網路作戰化匿蹤有人/無人地面載具全面取代主戰車的位置, 更是注定了140 mm戰車炮成為注定絕種的恐龍; 目前除了以色列似乎仍在持續研發外, 美英德法等國均已擱置140 MM戰車炮開發計畫.

2003-5-18

印度政府4月下旬做出決定，同意陸軍開始對其全部T-72 M1阿傑亞主戰車(阿傑亞是印度對此型戰車的命名音譯)開始現代化改造。

印度陸軍目前擁有約1300輛可投入作戰的T-72 M1主戰車，其中一部分購自前蘇聯，另一部分則為印度根據原廠授權許可協議自行生產。預計經過改造後，這些主戰車將具有新的射控系統、整合熱像儀的夜間觀瞄戰鬥系統、核生化(NBC)防護系統，以及鐳射告警系統。

為順利完成升級計劃，印度政府已在其2003年國防預算中為該計畫項目撥款5億美元，預計整個改良計畫將於今年6月開始，並在兩年內完成。改造後，印度陸軍這批主戰車服役期限將延長20年。

目前，印度已向以色列、德國、南非、法國等國的數家公司提出了購買高級地面導航系統、紅外熱影像系統、射控系統的需求。同時，印度陸軍和印度國家作戰車輛研究與發展機構的專家也正加緊評估替換或改良現有發動機的可行性。五月，印度國防部還將在全球範圍內求購加裝在其主戰車上的NBC防護裝置和全球定位系統接收機。

另外，印度陸軍官員表示軍方還有約1000輛更老的T-54、T-55、T-62以及英國授權生產的勝利式主戰車需要被替換。由於印度自行研製的阿瓊主戰車至今仍遲遲未能開始量產服役(已比原計劃延遲了至少10年)，印度陸軍不得不繼續使用10年前就應退役的老式英國設計的，授權印度組裝生產之維克斯III勝利主戰車。

極短程防空飛彈最速傳說: 星紋SAM首度外銷成功

Starstreak Missile Export Success

英國AS90式155mm自走榴彈炮升級計畫陷於停滯狀態
2003-05-22

　　[英國《詹氏防務週刊》2003年5月16日報導]

一擊必殺軍武網

英國AS90式155mm自走榴彈炮升級計畫陷於停滯狀態
2003-05-22

　　[英國《詹氏防務週刊》2003年5月16日報導]

英國皇家軍械防務公司已經停止了升級英國陸軍AS90式155mm自走榴彈炮的工作，原因是Somchem公司設計的模組化裝藥系統(MCS)的性能指標未達原先要求。
　　
　　對AS90式火炮的改進內容包括用新型52倍口徑155mm增程炮(ERO)替換原來的39倍口徑155mm炮管和採用新型模組化裝藥系統(MCS)。英國陸軍原計劃今年對第一支裝備AS90火炮的皇家炮兵團全面改進並展開訓練，但工業界和英國國防部官員目前均表示這一計劃將要延後數年。
　　
　　英國國防採購局(DPA)於1999年授予馬可尼海上地面與海軍系統公司(現在是皇家軍械防務公司的一部分)主要計畫項目第二階段合約以改進AS90式火炮。第一階段從1997年5月開始，至1998年10月結束，主要是設計研製ERO和選擇MCS。三家彈藥供應商接受了評估以滿足相關的MCS需求，分別是現在的英國皇家軍械防務公司、南非丹尼爾公司Somchem分公司和美國模組化火炮裝藥系統(MACS)團隊。南非Somchem公司最終在競標勝出，但是技術實力不足導致了其裝藥目前無法滿足性能要求。
　　
　　皇家軍械防務公司現在已經停止了ERO/MCS計畫項目的工作，並已經向DPA遞交了一些解決方案。英國國防部目前正在進行投資估價以確定一套最佳的方案來繼續該計畫。英國國防部已經向皇家軍械防務公司強調，需要確保最終的產品能夠安全使用而且適合裝備部隊。儘管已生產了179門AS90式自走火炮系統，但是英國陸軍將只為其中的96門換裝新型ERO，其他火炮可能隨後才陸續改進。