, On 9 March 2020, the RF-4 was retired after 45 years in JASDF service. Talks were underway to replace them with Eurofighter Typhoon aircraft, since the sale of the American F-22 Raptor was blocked by U.S. export restrictions. A total of 12 F-4Fs were initially modified for dual controls and were later de-modified. ", "Arabian Aerospace - Phantom wing finally re-equipped with F-16s", German air force to bid 'Pharewell' to last F-4Fs, U.S.: Iran launches airstrikes against IS in Iraq, "McDonnell F-4 Phantom: Essential Aircraft in the Air Warfare in the Middle East - HistoryNet", "McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom - Development. , Further F-4 deliveries took place in October 1978, with the addition of four F-4Cs and four RF-4Cs. The final batch of 40 F-4Es were cancelled when a PASOK government was elected in 1981. The Phantom II was exported to 11 other nations, and continues to serve in a military role in some parts of the world. The last of these was the 5,068th F-4 built in St. Louis. A second batch of F-4Es plus two extra aircraft were delivered in 1976, followed by a final batch in 1978â79. , The last batch of 40 Phantoms was not delivered due to the political situation in Greece, but with the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait and the US-led Operation Desert Storm liberation, the situation changed. Greece upgraded 39 to Peace Icarus 2000 standard. Le migliori offerte per F-4 PHANTOM II GERMANY Luftwaffe McDonnell Douglas F-4F German AirForce Sticker sono su eBay Confronta prezzi e caratteristiche di prodotti nuovi e â¦ 82 Wing's aircrew were to be converted to the F-111). In June 2007, Lockheed Martin announced that the company has been awarded a contract to equip several F-15 Eagles with synthetic aperture radar pods.  About 220 F-4Es and RF-4Es were delivered to Israel between 1969 and 1976 under U.S. aid programs, and served with the Tsvah Haganah le Israel/Heyl Ha'Avir (Israeli Air Force). , In Spanish Air Force use, the F-4Cs were designated "C.12" (C stood for "Caza" and 12 stood for "12th fighter type in service since the creation of the EjÃ©rcito del Aire"). The German Air Force (Luftwaffe) operated a total of 175 F-4Fs, 10 F-4Es (for training at U.S. airfields) and 88 RF-4Es making it one of the most prolific Phantom customers.  The review resulted in F-4F ICE being completed. To correct the situation, Egypt considered selling some of the F-4s to Turkey and buying extra General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcons. Aeromaster 148-019: Luftwaffe F-4 Phantom Stencils In 1972, with eight Phantoms per month being delivered, AufklÃ¤rungsgeschwader 51 "Immelmann" equipped with the RF-4, followed by AG 52, based at Leck. At least one F-4E flew in combat still bearing a U.S. tail code, while others stayed painted in USAF camouflage patterns. Among these, there are still some original F-4Ds updated with improved avionics, including limited look-down radar. The Turkish F-4 fleet was enhanced with 15 secondhand US aircraft delivered in 1981 to Filo 173 and finally, another 15 delivered in 1984 to replace fleet losses. This made the targets difficult for the small Iraqi air force to destroy. The Phantom II entered service with the U.S. military in 1960 and served until 1996.  Calls to scrap the F-4s and replace them with the fifth generation F-35s were renewed. ", "Syrian military says it downed Turkish fighter jet. The first of these arrived in March 1971. What others are saying. The 113 Filo replaced their even older RF-84Fs with eight RF-4Es. , Under the September 1977 Peace Pharaoh agreement, 35 ex-31 TFW F-4Es along with a number of Sparrow, Sidewinder and Maverick missiles were supplied to the EAF for US$594 million and served with 76 and 78 Squadrons of the 222 Fighter Regiment. Fleet Air Arm Phantoms were fitted with a double-telescoping front landing gear strut that could extend 40 in (102 cm), the increased angle of attack being necessary for catapult launches from the smaller British carriers. AG 51 received Panavia Tornados as a replacement, while AG 52 was disbanded.. The model requested was designated the F-4K by McDonnell Douglas and received the British service designation Phantom FG.1. These aircraft were flown directly to Israel, some by U.S. pilots. Take a shot! It was reported that the Turks defeated the Chinese aircraft in air combat exercises. According to Reuters, a portion of the exercise included mock aerial combat between Turkish F-4s and Russian-built Su-27s of the Chinese military. So a demand was placed for new camouflage. To upgrade the Phantom fleet the JASDF planned the F-4EJ Kai (Japanese for "modified") program. Israel employed three F-4E(S), which were equipped with a special high-altitude camera system (HIAC) for reconnaissance missions. Spain has employed F-4Cs as spares since 1989. Edwin, you seem to be very knowledgeable on t... Hi I recently found a photo of a Sunderland t... Hi Nico
Alternative SKUs for Caracal Models CD48136: 48136 | CARCD48136. , By the end of the 20th Century there were still 112 F-4s serving with the IDF, in three Squadrons: the 119, 142 and 201. The first six F-111Cs were delivered in June 1973, and the rest of the F-4Es were returned to the United States Air Force. Aeromaster 48-558 for the Brit F-4 Phantom II.  The Turkish release suggested that the Turkish government did not immediately view the Syrian action as provocative, and it acknowledged that Syrian assets were assisting efforts to find the aircraft and crew. In 1973, under the âPeace Rhineâ program, the Luftwaffe purchased the F-4F (a lightened and simplified version of the F-4E) which was upgraded in the mid-1980s. Despite their age and the lack of combat slats these aircraft served well until being phased out in January 1991 in favour of surplus Phantom FGR.2s, before the Phantom was finally retired in 1992.. This involved endless alarms to intercept "Bear" and other Soviet aircraft approaching British airspace, the North Sea and over Germany. ", "Mass Killing Reported In Syria Apparently a Rebel Ambush. Another reason was that Iranian air bases had been built for USAF deployment in case of war with the Soviet Union. Feb 24, 2018 - Photo report featuring the F-4 Phantoms in the early years of West Germany's Air Force service when the F-4F replaced the F-104G Starfighters. Che mi seguono 0. The remaining F-4F wings were disbanded without replacement during the 1990s and early 2000s. Since the development of the F-111 was plagued with many setbacks, it was expected that the order for the RAAF would not be ready before 1974, leaving the Australian air force short of a suitable aircraft. In March 1963, McDonnell Douglas offered to provide the RAAF with a modified version of the F-4C, the model 98DX, fitted with SNECMA Atar 9 engines. 19, 23, 29, 56 and 92 Squadrons.. 24 German F-4F Phantom IIs were operated by the 49th Tactical Fighter Wing of the USAF at Holloman AFB to train Luftwaffe crews until December 2004. Operationally, the F-4Fs used by JG 71 and JG 74 were employed in the air-to-air role, while those used by JaboG 35 and 36 were used in air-to-air and air-to-ground roles.. A proposal made by DASA was evaluated that would have included installation of the APG-66 radar and AMRAAM missiles. The contract included industrial offsets for German industry, particularly production work for Messerschmitt-BÃ¶lkow-Blohm who manufactured and supplied F-4 components to McDonnell Douglas' Phantom production facility in St. The first 26 aircraft were rebuilt in Israel, and the other 28 in Turkey. The RF-4Es were employed as day/night reconnaissance aircraft, equipped with four cameras covering 180 degrees. , The Nirouye Havai Shahanshahiye Iran (Imperial Iranian Air Force) enjoyed more attention from Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi than any other military branch. , Japan selected the F-4 Phantom II as its new fighter at the end of the 1960s. , The U.S. did not have enough RF-4s to sell to meet international demands, so when the German Air Force phased out their remaining 88 RF-4Es during 1992â93, 32 were delivered to the THK in 1992â94. By 1992, there were four squadrons equipped with 73 F-4Es and 5 RF-4Es: the 348th and 337th squadrons in Larissa with the 110th Combat Wing, and 338th and 339th squadrons at Andravida with the 117th Combat Wing. The next 11 aircraft were assembled in Japan and the first Japanese-built example flew on 12 May 1972. The German Air Force (Luftwaffe) initially ordered the reconnaissance RF-4E in 1969, receiving a total of 88 aircraft from January 1971. The lack of AMRAAMs was a serious handicap and the MiG 29s were retained for longer than had been planned. In 1982, an AIM-9-armed Phantom FGR.2 returning from a Quick Reaction Alert over Germany accidentally shot down a Royal Air Force Jaguar GR.1.. The aircraft had the capability to develop photos in flight and then drop them using special cartridges. The bombing system was the anglicized version of the Lear/Siegler AN/ABJ-7. , They entered service with No. , Peace Diamond IV was another program to reinforce the THK and was carried out between June and October 1987. This was reconsidered due to the cost of that version and instead, under the Peace Rhine program, the Luftwaffe purchased the F-4F, which was based on the F-4E. The aircraft entered service from 1969 onwards with Nos. After the conversion it became an operational formation. Iran, with few fiscal restraints, followed that up with an order for 177 F-4Es. The German RF-4E was equipped similarly to the USAF RF-4Cs, using the latest F-4E airframe and more-powerful engines. Aeromaster 48-574 for the Brit F-4 Phantom II. 74 Squadron RAF (Tiger Squadron), based at RAF Wattisham in the air-defence role. This page was last edited on 29 November 2020, at 14:19. Kennedy. The RF-4E had started replacing the RF-104G in the two Luftwaffe Aufklärungsgeschwader (reconnaissance wings) AG 51 and AG 52 in 1971. However, assistance from U.S. advisors in 1985 made it possible to reach a reasonable serviceability rate, and in 1988 another seven F-4s were delivered. , At the end of the 1960s, the Hellenic Air Force (PA - PolemikÃ AeroporÃa) embarked upon a modernization program by ordering 40 Dassault Mirage F.1s and a total of 56 F-4Es along with six RF-4Es. These were similar to the RF-4C, but, as for the F-4EJs, Japanese-built radar warning receivers and other equipment were substituted to replace equipment which was not released for export to Japan. This was intended to provide for two squadrons each of 12 aircraft to be operated from Eagle and Ark Royal, both of which were to be heavily modified. Although they were officially designated as the Phantom F.3, this was rarely used, instead being generally referred to as the F-4J(UK). Earlier, the Americans had offered to sell 48 aircraft, including RF-4Es if the RAAF had cancelled the F-111C. This also simplified the training of RAF crews as slats were not fitted to other RAF Phantoms. German F-4Fs flew 279,000 hours from entering service on 31 August 1973 until retirement.  There were special flares for night use and two night/all-weather reconnaissance systems. In this short time, the air force had already passed through two generations of jet combat aircraft, having bought the North American F-86 Sabre and the Lockheed F-104 Starfighter.  As of 2018 the two squadrons of F-4s are retired and are in storage/reserve. In the 1980s, the Tornado started to replace the Phantom in the air-defence role. Initially, the ICE upgrades were intended only for the interceptor wings, but more were upgraded due to delays in the Eurofighter Typhoon program. , At the end of the 20th century, the following THK units operated Phantoms:, Following cancellation of the supersonic V/STOL Hawker Siddeley P.1154, the Royal Navy selected the Phantom as a replacement for the Supermarine Scimitar and de Havilland Sea Vixen. The 501st at that time operated the RF-4E. Take a shot! During this opening phase a pair of Phantoms managed to shoot down seven Egyptian aircraft, and others shot down five Mil Mi-8s carrying assault troops over the Sinai desert. , Some aerial maneuvers were believed to fool the SA-6 systems and these were used while the IDF waited for better ECM weapons. German Pride Aufkleber. At that time, it was hoped that the AIM-120 could be received by 2005 and then there were only funds for 96 missiles with an option for 288 more. It was equipped with air combat maneuvering leading edge slats and had a higher thrust to weight ratio, approaching 1:1 when fuel was low. The upgraded aircraft first flew on 15 July 1987 and was formally accepted on 11 August 1987. The F-4EJ Kai upgrade added several other air-to-surface weapons to the F-4, including bombs and rockets. Your email address will not be published. ", "Lockheed Martin to Upgrade Radar for Reconnaissance Version of Japan's F-15.". With these improvements, the F-4 ICE and F-4G "Wild Weasel" will remain an effective fighter well into the 21st century. The Luftwaffe signed a contract with McDonnell Douglas for 88 RF-4Es in 1968; at the time the biggest order outside the USAF. Designed and Sold by PzD501. This upgrade included installation of a wide-angle Kaiser HUD, a digital mission computer and some structural improvements. Luftwaffe Phantoms in Special Markings. To support them a fleet of three KC-97Ls was acquired in 1972, equipping EscuadrÃ³n 123, being replaced by KC-130Hs (which equipped EscuadrÃ³n 301) from January 1976. The two RAF squadrons converted to the Tornado F.3 in 1989 when the FG.1s were withdrawn from service. The United States confirmed the attack several days later, but Iran did not confirm or deny Iranian airstrikes had taken place; both denied they coordinated any sort of air attack against IS forces in Iraq. In 1992, the first batch of six upgraded aircraft was delivered to JG 71 (Fighter Wing 71), but the AIM-120 AMRAAM missiles were not available at that time. This involved 110 aircraft, later reduced to 96, which were upgraded with APG-66 radar, ground attack capabilities and most importantly, ASM-1 or ASM-2 anti-ship missiles (two mounted under the wings). The McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II is a tandem two-seat, twin-engine, all-weather, long-range supersonic jet interceptor and fighter-bomber originally developed for the United States Navy by McDonnell Aircraft. Seoul ordered 18 ex-USAF F-4Ds, which were quickly delivered under the Peace Spectator program. The Syrian Armed Forces made a statement carried by the official Syrian Arab News Agency crediting its antiaircraft gunners with downing an unidentified aircraft flying at "very low altitude and at high speed" over Syria's territorial waters toward land less than a mile offshore, causing it to crash into the sea west of the village of Om al-Tuyour. After these attacks against strategic targets, the F-4s struck tactical battlefield targets, destroying many Iraqi armored vehicles. A four-ship flight of RF-4Es and RF-4EJs from 501 HikÅtai performed a ceremonial flypast, which included aircraft serial 47-6901, the first RF-4E built for Japan and the first to be handed over. In 1975, Germany also received 10 F-4Es for training in the U.S. "Turkish F-4 Phantoms defeated Chinese Su-27s in exercises. As a consequence, 20 of the Fleet Air Arm's FG.1s were diverted to the Royal Air Force to equip 43 Squadron at RAF Leuchars in the air-defence role. Recensioni in-box. U.S. President Richard Nixon authorized the delivery of 36 ex-USAF F-4s under Operation Nickel Grass, from the USAF 4th and 401st Tactical Fighter Wings. , The planned program to replace the original J79 engines with the Pratt & Whitney PW1120 was cancelled, but the fleet was updated to Kurnass 2000 standards.  While further purchases of F-4s and upgrades were considered, these plans were rejected in favour of additional orders for F-16s. The new SA-6 Gainful surface-to-air missile (SAM) system and the radar-guided ZSU-23-4 Shilka self-propelled anti-aircraft guns (SPAAGs) were much more effective than the old SA-2 Guideline. Louis. Units equipped with F-4F included Jagdgeschwader 71 "Richthofen", Wittmund, commencing in May 1974, and Jagdgeschwader 74 "MÃ¶lders", Neuburg an der Donau, September 1975. Luftwaffe F4 Phantom Photo Report Air Planes Paper Models Military Aircraft Air Force Fighter Jets Wings. , The Iraqi air force performed a very deep strike of more than 837 km (520 mi) inside Iran, but this small formation was intercepted by two Iranian F-4s and one or two MiGs were lost. This together with the low number of procured AIM-120Bs (only 96, because Germany has ordered the MBDA Meteor, which however will not be available until 2013) and the outdated APG-65 radar made it a rather defensive system. Although not deployed in a war role RAF Phantoms were involved in air-defence duties on Quick Reaction Alert. Crews liked the aircraft, and generally rated them better than the Spey-equipped FGR.2s. , In 1970, the first reconnaissance RF-4Es were delivered. Service with the Fleet Air Arm was brief, with 892 NAS operating from Ark Royal from 12 June 1970 to 27 November 1978. Let Let Let – Warplanes. The Iranian forces surprised him and fought back effectively.  Late June and early July 1970 was a difficult time for the new F-4s, with two shot down by SAMs on 30 June, another on 5 July and two on 18 July. The costs sustained in the upgrades had incurred a delay in AMRAAM acquisition. While the KC-97s were fitted with a flying boom refuelling system, the Hercules that replaced them were fitted with the probe and drogue system and so could not refuel the F-4s. Divenuto nel corso della sua lunga vita operativa una delle icone della superiorità aerea americana durante la Guerra del Vietnam e nel periodo della Guerra fredda, è ancora in servizio presso alcune forze aeree. , Due to battlefield and accidental losses and the lack of spare parts, by the mid-1980s there were just 20â30 Iranian Phantoms still flying. The next day, at Bremgarten, the aircraft was accepted by the Inspekteur der Luftwaffe ("Inspector of the Luftwaffe", Gunther Rall.. The RF-4E acquisition was the result of the recognition that the very limited capabilities of the RF-104G were no longer adequate in the context of the NATO âflexible responseâ doctriâ¦ The original plan was to upgrade 75 F-4Fs, but the number was increased to 110 in the late 1980s. The Iraqi invasion was stopped within several weeks. , This batch of RF-4Cs was updated to the highest USAF standard prior to delivery and had a completely revised avionic suite, including new radios, RWR, VOR and ILS navigation equipment and KS-86 cameras. One of the most prominent Phantom users is the Turkish Air Force ("TÃ¼rk Hava Kuvvetleri" or THK), which operates about 233 F-4s. 1 and 6 Squadrons, both based at RAAF Base Amberley. Some of the maneuvers were quite effective, but the SA-6 threat was only reduced on 9 October 1973 when A-4s surprised many SA-6 batteries without their missiles ready to fire and destroyed them. Filo 111, 112, 113, all based on JAB 1, EskiÅehir, were the new Phantom units. First units to disband were the RAF Wildenrath-based 19 and 92 Squadrons, which were the last air defence units to serve in RAF Germany, followed by 56 Squadron in May 1992. , With the cancellation of home-grown programmes and the need to replace the Hawker Hunter and English Electric Canberra in the ground-attack and tactical reconnaissance roles, the RAF ordered 118 aircraft in 1965.  ALQ-131 electronic countermeasures pods were also delivered. The Yom Kippur War started with Egyptian and Syrian air strikes on Israel. New camouflage pattern was named Norm 81 and it came at the same time when the Phantoms were upgraded. The aircraft were totally overhauled at Naval Air Station North Island and fitted with AWG-10B radar (having Skyflash missile guidance capability, with monopulse I band sensor), smokeless engines and provision for Skyflash missiles. , There were many differences between the batches supplied to the Hellenic Air Force. , Many of the Turkish Phantoms are used as ground attack aircraft, a role they performed well due to the systems installed. The Al Quwwat al Jawwiya il Misriya (Egyptian Air Force or EAF) encountered Israeli F-4s during fighting between the two states, especially during the later stages of the War of Attrition and the 1973 Yom Kippur War. Through the Mutual Defense Aid Program (MDAP), Spain acquired 36 ex-USAF F-4Cs for the EjÃ©rcito del Aire (Spanish Air Force). , One of the first measures taken by the PA was to increase the number of reconnaissance RF-4Es in their fleet, to augment the existing six. Leeuwarden Opendag 15-09-11; F4 Phantom Luftwaffe Arrival. , In 1972 the United States offered to sell the leased aircraft to Australia. Nota: Prezzi e disponibilità sono solo indicazioni.  Initially, Egyptian ground crews found their maintenance far more complex than required for Soviet aircraft and consequently there was an average of only nine F-4s serviceable during 1982, a 26% serviceability rate. This latter was a mixed unit, sent to Preschen airbase and had one staffel of F-4s and one with MiG-29s. , By the end of the 1990s, three aircraft had crashed but were replaced with three others. , In 1993 the PA called for a major electronic upgrade for the F-4 fleet, involving the replacement of the APQ-120 with a new AMRAAM-capable system. , With this last batch of F-4s and plans to acquire F-16 Fighting Falcons, the THK was quickly being modernized. , Phase 1 of ICE commenced in 1989â90 and included upgrades such as the ALR-68 Radar warning receiver, the Honeywell H-423 laser gyro inertial navigation system, the GEC Avionics CPU-143/A digital central air data computer, and the Mil Std 1553R digital data bus.  JG 73 retired its last F-4F in 2002 and replaced it with Eurofighters in 2003, while the last F-4F left JG-74 in March 2008. The F-111C program was resumed in December 1971.  On 24 June, wreckage of the F-4 was located in Syrian waters, but the crew had not been found. The SA-6 uses semi-active radar homing and was paired with the 1S91 "Straight Flush" fire control and guidance radar, which operates in the G, H, I and J bands, making it very difficult to jam with the AN/ALQ-87 ECM pods that were supplied by the Americans prior to the conflict.  By 22 October, the new aircraft were in operation, attacking Egyptian targets. Weapons used on the F-4F included the Mk 82 retarded bomb, BL755 cluster bomb unit and AIM-9 Sidewinders.  These aircraft were modified to enable them to carry the SUU-23/A gun pods. Training in Europe was limited to a minimum of 500 ft (150 m) altitude, with special ranges permitting flight as low as 200 ft (60 m). The man saw a jet coming at him at high speed and low altitude and opened fire, Makdissi said. Phantom units âRichthofenâ and âMÃ¶ldersâ were used to test this new camouflage. This was only the beginning of South Korean F-4 acquisitions, as more ex-USAF F-4Es were delivered in the next few years, giving a total of 103 F-4Es. 892 NAS commissioned with the Phantom in 1969, and embarked in Ark Royal for the first time in 1970, making the Fleet Air Arm the only naval air arm outside the United States to operate the Phantom from the deck of an aircraft carrier. , Peace Echo IV brought another 52 F-4s to the IDF, 24 of which were ex-USAF. , The German Air Force (Luftwaffe) operated a total of 175 F-4Fs, 10 F-4Es (for training at U.S. airfields) and 88 RF-4Es making it one of the most prolific Phantom customers.. It was fitted with an AN/AWG-12 radar and fire-control system, similar to the AN/AWG-11 but without the ability to fold the radome and antenna back to enable the aircraft to fit the lifts on an aircraft carrier, and Martin-Baker Mk.H5 ejection seats. The 337th "Ghost" Squadron was equipped in 1978, giving up their Northrop F-5As. Excellent stuff! Luftwaffe: F4 Phantom (Sonderlackierung) Report. The radar was also praised: "engines are good and the radar is excellent" in the words of a pilot. In August 1995, after a hotly contested competition with DASA (F-4 ICE), IAI was awarded a USD600M contract to upgrade 54 F-4Es to Phantom 2000s. German F-4F Phantoms flew 279,000 hours from entering service on 31 August 1973 to retirement on 29 June 2013. It first entered service in 1961 with the Navy. L'elevata flessibilità del progetto ha permesso l'evoluzione del Phantom fino ad includere versioâ¦ , On 16 January 1971 the first RF-4E, dubbed the "Spirit of St. Louis", flew from the U.S. to Spain and finally onto Germany. The Air Force had already been forced to cancel an order for F-18s, which had been the winner of their new fighter competition and instead bought F-16 Fighting Falcons.


|Home Current Issue Web Exclusives Products Webcasts White Papers Subscribe Advertise Buyers Guide Events Links Industry Jobs|
The Mil & Aero Blog
F-22 demise premature?
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Over the last few days I've read different articles detailing how Congressional leaders in the President's own party are saying "not so fast," when it comes to canceling the expensive F-22 Raptor jet fighter program.
As we've detailed on this page, President Obama wants to discontinue the F-22 Raptor, which has had major cost overruns and has yet to be deployed in favor of increased funding for the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).
The problem as F-22 prime contractor Lockheed Martin sees it and many in Congress as well is that cancellation may create major job loss at a time when unemployment is already hovering around 10 percent.
Yes, major republican figures such as Sen. John McCain of Ariz., support the cancellation of the program, but congressional leaders on both sides are loathe to cut thousands of jobs that may in the end cost them their own jobs at election time.
President Obama's and Defense Secretary Robert Gates' argument for shifting funding away from the F-22 makes sense. However, some times facts don't matter in politics.
The recession doesn't look to end by the time the defense budget goes to Congress for a vote and if unemployment numbers go up look for the F-22 to keep flying for few more years.
Future Combat Systems: too big to fail, or too juicy a target to succeed?
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Posted by John Keller
The U.S. Army's Future Combat Systems (FCS) program, a mammoth initiative to design and field families of manned and unmanned armored vehicles, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), and the networking and data communications necessary to link its systems together for decision support and situational awareness, appears to be finished -- at least as originally conceived.
Earlier this summer the Army officially cancelled the $160 billion FCS program with the signing of an acquisition defense memorandum that officially gutted the program of its manned combat vehicle component -- a family of armored vehicles based on a common chassis that was to include a new main battle tank, self-propelled artillery piece, and armored personnel carrier.
Instead, the Army is restructuring what is left of FCS to emphasize military ground robots and UAVs, communications networking, and sensors linked on communications networks. The new initiative to replace FCS is called Army Brigade Combat Team Modernization.
The FCS program has already yielded much important technology, including the Small Unmanned Ground Vehicle (SUGV), and the Warfighter Information Network–Tactical (WIN-T). More useful technology and equipment will come out of this program, including large unmanned ground vehicles that function as cargo trucks, which caravan together on the battlefield with minimal human intervention.
Despite its valuable developments, however, the FCS program had a lot of problems -- many of which were political, not technological.
The first problem involved the anticipated FCS mission: improving the Army's ability to go toe-to-toe with large national mechanized forces of major military powers like China and Russia. The motivation behind FCS, in large part, was a legacy of the Cold War, which ended nearly 20 years ago.
FCS was not so much about dealing with today's military imperatives of fighting unconventional forces and terrorists -- who rely on roadside bombs and other improvised explosive devices (IEDs) detonated by cell phones and garage door openers -- as it was about confronting large national forces equipped with tanks and artillery.
The second problem with FCS was its sheer size. While most military programs are concerned with one platform at a time, the FCS packaged many platforms together as a monolithic move into the future. Proponents believed the program was a logical and integrated step toward modernization; proponents also believed the program was too big to fail.
Actually, the program was too large and juicy a target to survive. It was easy for political opponents to attack on Capitol Hill and in the Pentagon -- a large, lumbering, fantastically expensive program with fragmented constituencies that could be set against one another with ease.
In the military today, there are few rivalries as fierce as the manned vs. unmanned vehicle communities. Tank drivers, artillery commanders, and helicopter pilots often look on unmanned vehicles with scorn; they have convinced themselves that their manned platforms can do a better job; they also know that unmanned vehicles threaten their jobs.
The FCS program contained both of these components as cornerstones. It was nearly inevitable that the program eventually would turn on itself.
We've seen much the same thing happen before. In 1984 then-President Ronald Reagan envisioned a gigantic land- and space-based system to defense against nuclear ballistic missiles called the Strategic Defense Initiative (SDI), which popularly became known as the Star Wars missile defense research program.
SDI brought together many separate ballistic missile defense programs under the Aegis of the Strategic Defense Initiative Organization (SDIO). In its nine years of existence, the SDI program not only created breakthrough technology that we are seeing deployed today, but it also was a political lightning rod, which its well-organized opposition took delight in bashing.
Eventually the SDI program was whittled down, its overall vision evolved to land- and sea-based ballistic missile defense programs, and its name was changed in 1993 during the Clinton Administration to the Ballistic Missile Defense (BMD) program. Today its managing organization is the Missile Defense Agency (MDA). The SDI program, like the FCS program, made too big a target to survive.
Still, the SDI program's legacy lives on today, most notably in the Aegis ballistic missile defense systems aboard the Navy's Ticonderoga-class cruisers, as well as in land-based ballistic missile defense systems deployed in Alaska. Other legacies of the SDI program include the Space Based Infrared System (SBIRS), and the recently cancelled Airborne Laser system (ABL).
Legacy components of the FCS program will live on, as well. These most likely will involve new generations of unmanned ground vehicles and battlefield tactical networking. Not only that, but the demise of the FCS program also paves the way to new research programs to develop next-generation battle tanks, artillery, and armored personnel carriers.
THE MAE WEBSITE AUTHORS ARE SOLELY RESPONSIBLE FOR THE CONTENT AND ACCURACY OF THEIR BLOGS, INCLUDING ANY OPINIONS THEY EXPRESS, AND PENNWELL IS NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR AND HEREBY DISCLAIMS ANY AND ALL LIABILITY FOR THE CONTENT, ITS ACCURACY, AND OPINIONS THAT MAY BE CONTAINED HEREIN. THE CONTENT ON THE MAE WEBSITE MAY BE DATED AND PENNWELL IS UNDER NO OBLIGATION TO PROVIDE UPDATES TO THE INFORMATION INCLUDED HEREIN.
| View all PennWell sites | View all PennWell events | Industry Links
Also Visit: Laser Focus World | Vision Systems Design | Industrial Laser Solutions
Copyright © 2007: PennWell Corporation, Tulsa, OK; All Rights Reserved. | Terms & Conditions | Webmaster


30-Day Money Back Guarantee and FREE Shipping! Not Available in Stores - Buy Now
RangeHAWK Rifle Scope 3-9x40mm and 12 inches in length. Great for hunting or long range target shooting! Includes lens covers and free ring mounts for Picatinny / Weaver Rail (20mm).
• IMPROVE YOUR ACCURACY with a 3x-9x magnification 40mm lens rifle scope • Sniper-style Range Finder Reticle helps estimate distances in the wild for improved accuracy • CLEAR OPTICS: High quality, easy to adjust, clear and light weight. • Good for Hunting, Long Range Target Shooting, and more! • MADE FOR OUTDOORS: Waterproof, Shockproof, and Anti-Fogging technology (nitrogen purged)
SPECS: Type: Rifle Scope 3-9x40 Magnification: 3x-9x Objective Diameter.: 40mm Tube Diameter.: 25.4mm (1 inch Tube) Weight: 309 grams Length: 311mm (12.25 inches) Eye relief: 67-85 mm Field of view: 13.41-40.38 @100yds Optical coating: Blue Shockproof: YES Waterproof: YES Fog Resistant: YES (Nitrogen Purged) Model: RH02
CONTENTS: 1 - Riflescope with 3-9x magnification 2 - Protective caps for lens and eye piece 2 - FREE Mounts and rings for Picatinny / Weaver Rail (20mm) 1 - Cleaning cloth 1 - Instruction manual


For people who have a knack for hunting or just have a hobby of collecting weapon, it is essential to have at least one crossbow in their collection. Crossbows are weapons that are mainly used or collected by weapon or hunting enthusiasts, the weapon itself functions on the principle of traditional bow and arrow, except that the arrow is shot horizontally instead of shooting it vertically. Crossbows are a better and revised version of bow and arrow and have a lot of benefits as well. If you are one of those people who like to collect weapons or just want to purchase a crossbow then we would suggest that it is best that you do some research on the topic of crossbows before making the purchase so as to make an informed decision, the best one in the market is Barnett Brotherhood crossbow. If you’re interested in learning about the kind of things you should keep in mind before actually purchasing a crossbow then we’d suggest you to keep reading as we’ll be talking about them in detail. Listed below are few of the factors you should keep in mind before purchasing a crossbow.
Cost of Accessories
When you go on to buy a crossbow do keep in mind that you just like any other weapon you need to buy accessories for this as well in order to be able to use it. The main accessory that you will need is the set of arrows, they come in different shapes and sizes as well and cost according to the kind that you want to purchase.
Another thing about crossbows is that they require regular maintenance as well, pretty much like any other weapon that you want to use. It involves cleaning and oiling.


Active Shooter Training
Become an AVERT Instructor
Become an Authorized AVERT Instructor in as little as one day. Our Instructor Development Course provides you with all the training and necessary components you need to start teaching AVERT to your organization or customers.Take our 3-Minute Readiness Assessment Course Schedule
Attend the 1-day AVERT Instructor Development Course for $695* and train others to react confidently with life-saving skills during a violent encounter or a life-threatening bleeding emergency. The fee includes the blended training course, AVERT Instructor Training Kit, and much more.
Have a group looking to become AVERT Instructors? Contact us and ask about our Private AVERT Instructor Development course.
*Contact your AVERT representative for available course discounts.Contact us
AVERT Instructor Kit
Included in the cost of becoming an AVERT Instructor is the AVERT Instructor Training Kit.
- 15 training tourniquets
- 15 wound simulators with gauze
- 10 distraction objects
- 1 orange rifle replica
- 1 orange handgun replica
- 1 TAC+PAC
- 1 large backpack style bag
AVERT Instructor Kit Contents
Our TAC+PAC kit has everything you need to control emergency bleeding. It’s durable, allergen free, and it never expires. The TAC PAC Includes Quality weather-proof bag, Pressure and Packing Dressings, NAR Generation 7 CAT Tourniquet, Nitrile Gloves, EMT Shears, Emergency Blanket, and a CPR Barrier Mask
AVERT Instructor Kit Carry Case
The AVERT Instructor Kit carry case is a durable tactical style pack with various compartments to carry all your AVERT training equipment.
Distraction Objects, Wound Simulators and Training Tourniquets
Included in the AVERT Instructor Training kit are 15 wound simulators, 15 training tourniquets and 10 distraction objects. Wound simulators are a durable wound simulation device for demonstrating direct pressure and wound packing. Tourniquet use can also be simulated on this device. Tourniquets are designed for training use only. The AVERT branded soft foam distraction objects (2¾” Orange foam spheres) help simulate items that can be used in a live scenario without risk of injury.
Replica Rifle and Handgun
Included in the AVERT Instructor Training kit is 1 orange rifle replica and 1 orange handgun replica. The replica training pistol is a 1911 style orange rubber training pistol. Durable plastic covered in a rubberized orange coating. The AR-style training rifle is a replica M4 Colt training weapon with modified sights and filled in trigger guard for added safety.


Nuclear Weapons and the Illusion of Safety
When it comes to nuclear weapons, there’s one big question: how do you use or possess them without being destroyed by them? Journalist Eric Schlosser joins us to explore the near misses that almost answered that problem in the worst possible way.
Tuesday, investigative journalist Eric Schlosser joins us to discuss the illusion of safety when it comes to how we manage nuclear weapons. Think about that: the most dangerous weapons on the planet may not be safely managed. A single mistake, accident, or miscalculation could lead to nuclear war. Schlosser has dug deep into how America manages its nuclear arsenal, and he’ll join us to explore the near-catastrophic errors of the nuclear arms race and what they can tell us about the future.
Eric Schlosser is an investigative journalist. He has written for Rolling Stone, The Atlantic, and The New Yorker. He’s the author of books Fast Food Nation, Reefer Madness, and, most recently, Command and Control: Nuclear Weapons, the Damascus Incident, and the Illusion of Safety [Indie bookstores|Amazon|Audible].


Ancient armour and weapons in Europe by Hewitt, John Download PDF EPUB FB2
Ancient Armour and Weapons in Europe Paperback – January 4, by John Hewitt (Author) out of 5 stars 2 ratings. See all 17 formats and editions Hide other formats and editions. Price New from Used from /5(2). Book from Project Gutenberg: Ancient Armour and Weapons in Europe From the Iron Period of the Northern Nations to the End of the Thirteenth Century.
Additional Physical Format: Online version: Hewitt, John, Ancient armour and Ancient armour and weapons in Europe book in Europe. Graz, Akademische Druck- u. Verlagsanstalt, Ancient Armour and Weapons in Europe From the Iron Period of the Northern Nations to the End of the Thirteenth Century Alternate Title: Ancient Armour and Weapons in Europe From the Iron Period of the Northern Nations to the End of the 13th Century Language: English: LoC Class: U: Military science: Subject: Weapons Subject: Armor Category: Text.
Ancient Armour and Weapons in Europe: The Fourteenth Century Paperback – March 9, by John Hewitt (Author) out of 5 stars 2 ratings. See all 17 formats and editions Hide other formats and editions. Price New from Used from Reviews: 2. Addeddate Identifier AncientArmourAndWeaponsInEuropeThe1 Identifier-ark ark://t0xq1tp34 Ocr ABBYY FineReader Ppi Scanner.
Ancient Armour and Weapons in Europe: From the Iron Period of the Northern Nations to the End of the Seventeenth Century: with Illustrations from Cotemporary [sic] Monuments, Volume 1. John Hewitt. John Henry and James Parker, - Armor.
1 Review. Preview this book 5/5(1). " Ancient Armour and Weapons in Europe by John Hewitt A copy that has been read, but remains in clean condition.
All pages are intact, and the cover is. Ancient armour and weapons in Europe from the iron period of the northern nations to the end of the seventeenth century: with illustrations from contemporary monuments. by Hewitt, John.
Published by J. Henry and J. Parker in Oxford, London. Ancient armour and weapons in Europe by Hewitt, John; 6 editions; First published in ; Subjects: Accessible book, Armor, History, Weapons, European Weapons. Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Ancient Armour and Weapons in Europe: From the Iron Period of the Northern Nations to the End of the Thirteenth Century by John Hewitt (, Paperback) at the best online prices at eBay.
Free shipping for many products. Get this from a library. Ancient armour and weapons in Europe: from the iron period of the northern nations to the end of the seventeenth century: with illustrations from contemporary monuments. [John Hewitt]. The Paperback of the Ancient Armour And Weapons In Europe by John Hewitt at Barnes & Noble.
FREE Shipping on $35 or more. Get FREE SHIPPING on Orders of $35+ Customer information on COVID B&N Outlet Membership Brand: Bronson Tweed Publishing. The collection of non-European arms and armor is equally distinguished.
About three thousand objects, including the majority of Islamic and Near Eastern examples, which include pieces from Iran, Turkey, and India, plus large numbers of Japanese arms and armor, came to the Museum in as the bequest of George Cameron Stone (–).
Over illustrations in this superb pictorial archive trace the evolution of clothing styles, armor, and weapons during the medieval period in Central Europe. Unsurpassed in its comprehensiveness and variety, the volume draws upon a wealth of authentic primary sources, including written accounts, contemporary paintings and sculpture, and the.
Arms and Armour from Prehistory to the Age of Chivalry. Author: Ewart Oakeshott; Publisher: N.A ISBN: Category: Social Science Page: View: DOWNLOAD NOW» A history of arms and armour in Europe from pre-history to the 15th century.
Title: Ancient Armour and Weapons in Europe Author: Hewitt John This is an exact replica of a book. The book reprint was manually improved by a team of professionals, as opposed to automatic/ OCR processes used by some companies.
However, the book may still have imperfections such as missing pages, poor. As such some of the weapons and armour in the Iliad are very ancient, the boars tusk helmet in Book 23 (?) comes to mind as does Ajax's wall shield that is described as being "as high as a tower", designs which were not used when the poem was written down in the s and were far older than living memory.
Further, methods of warfare, with. "The Age of Charlemagne: Warfare in Western Europe AD" David Nicolle. - NOT REVIEWED "The Age of Chivalry (Arms and Uniforms, Vol.1)" Liliane Funcken, F.
Funcken, A children’s book but with very good historical and military information. "Ancient Armour and Weapons in Europe" Oxford and London, The modern usage of terms for mail armour is highly contested in popular and, to a lesser degree, academic culture. Medieval sources referred to armour of this type simply as mail; however, chain-mail has become a commonly used, if incorrect,  neologism coined no later thanappearing in Francis Grose's A Treatise on Ancient Armour and Weapons, and.
Warfare has been a part of the human condition throughout recorded history. While weapons, strategies, and tactics have changed, there are a number of methods that have been used across the millennia, and which are still used today – chemical, biological, and psychological warfare was as active in the ancient world as it is in modern times.
The ancient inhabitants of the Altai mountains were not the only ones to use bone armor. The Tlingit, Eskimo and Aleuts are also known to have made weapons and armor out of bone from at least 1, years ago, although it likely. Excerpt from Ancient Armour and Weapons in Europe: From the Iron Period of the Northern Nations to the End of the Seventeenth Century; Supplement, Comprising the 15th, 16th, and 17th Centuries It is by no means contended that a complete examina tion of these later centuries would not be desirable; but, to effect this, our little work would be.
Ancient naval weapons Fish was a major source of food in the ancient world, and the Egyptians lived on whatever the river Nile had to offer to them. Papyrus boats are reported to have been first constructed in the predynastic period for the purpose of fishing. Jul 8, - a Medieval and Ancient weapons board for Europe.
See more ideas about Weapons, Roman soldiers and Roman legion pins. Jousting was an important opportunity for heraldic display, general pageantry, and the chance for a knight to impress aristocratic ladies who might show them favour by giving them their scarf or veil.
Jousting fell out of fashion by the end of the Middle Ages, but there were occasional revivals up to the 19th century CE. Tournaments. The medieval period in Europe lasted 1, years; A lot can change in that period of time and, with warfare being a fact of life, armour saw significant changes throughout the Middle Ages.
Link to. Ancient Armour and Weapons in Europe: - From the Iron Period of the Northern Nations to the End of the thirteenth Century: with Illustrations from. Ancient warfare is war that was conducted from the beginning of recorded history to the end of the ancient Europe and the Near East, the end of antiquity is often equated with the Fall of Rome in AD, the wars of the Eastern Roman Empire on its Southwestern Asian and North African borders, and the beginnings of the Muslim conquests in the 7th century.
Metal Arms, Armor and Weapons. Wood Arms, Armor and Weapons. Antique and Vintage. New and Made To Order. Item Ships From. Arts and Crafts. Mid-Century Modern.
Scandinavian Modern. 18th Century and Earlier. 21st Century and Contemporary. Early 20th Century. Midth Century.
Late 20th Century. Search Materials. ancient armour and weapons in europe: from the iron period of the northern nations to the end of the thirteenth century: with illustrations from cotemporary monuments.
by john hewitt, member of the archÆological institute of great britain.The more extensive field of foreign armour brought into England by wealthy and enthusiastic collectors is now embraced.
The enthusiasm felt for armour is not surprising; its interest is .Chain mail definition, mail2(def 1). See more.


BUY HOWA RIFLE | HOWA RIFLE FOR SALE.
Millions of gun owners have turned to howagunstore.com for the best information on all things guns. Howagunstore.com leads the industry with in-depth reviews, breaking news and top-notch gun sales and service. If you’re buying a gun, you won’t find a better level of service, support and knowledge than you do at Howagunstore.com. But don’t just take our word for it—let our customers speak for themselves.
Legacy Sports International, the US importer of Howa rifles, has a new firearm for the precision minded hunter. Howa is glad to introduce their newest offering to shooters with the H-S Precision rifle.
This rifle, like many Howa rifles, comes with their sub-MOA accuracy guarantee as well as their Lifetime coverage of service. This new model comes in 3 different barrel lengths of 2 different barrel contours with a consistent Length-of-Pull of 13.87″ for all rifles. The standard barrel length choices of 22″ and 24″ have the following calibers as options.


In real war situations, it is very difficult to maneuver tanks without exposing them to enemy action. The text books say you should use all your tanks in one place and drive them all in the same direction. But in the real world, the terrain is uneven, and if you put all your tanks in one place, bottlenecks can develop - especially if one or more tanks become disabled for some reason. Another recurring problem is if you have to crest in the middle of the proposed line of attack, putting all your tanks in one place means you have an entire regiment size force performing cresting maneuvers in the exact same place at more/less the same time. The risks inherent in that are very great. I think it may be difficult in practice to use tanks in a single punch like the theories of Guderian et al. recommend and a battlefield commander has to do whatever the situation calls for.
Presently - one is faced with two highly agile adversary technologies - advances in multispectral imaging and anti-tank missiles. Those thermal cameras on drones make it all too easy to spot a build up, and if the build up is in place before enemy has been cleared from the sky, the entire tank force will be killed. Even if by some miracle the enemy does not kill the amassed force from the air, the mere awareness of its existence will allow the enemy to beef up their posture and prepare the defending force for the arrival of the tanks and set up a kill zone where possible.
To give an example in aksai chin area, you could imagine that a Chinese tank force will be able to cut their way from the western shores of Spangur lake to the Chusul airstrip, but long before they get there - they will be spotted by the defenders and corrective action could be launched to create a kill zone along the Tsaka La road.
On the western side, if the Azm-e-Nau exercises are anything to go by - the Pakistanis are going to avoid the "Houbara Run" situation by letting loose a bunch of chickens in the houbara's place. Their belief is that if the IA strike corps comes across the border, it will become preoccupied with the chickens and sufficiently distracted for the Pak Fauj to maneuver its reserves without being totally destroyed. Critical to this is the ability of PA/SSG ground intelligence units/LRRPs to pick out the exact location of the IA strike formation. In 2001, rumor has it - the Americans came by with the right remote sensing technology - when the SSG/LRRPs failed to make a concrete determination. That changed the game, and it is rumored that ABV had to visibly pull Gen. Kapil Vij and his boys back. Apparently Gen. Padmanabhan was angered enough to write a fiction novel.
I think the CSD was an effective way to put an end to the Pakistani ideas of offensive defense. I feel Azm-e-Nau is just Pakistani-speak for "Defensive defence carried out in a diligently defensive way". As one ladder of escalation ended in a Pakistani use of a nuclear weapon in a battlefield - against an attacking Indian formation, CSD has ensured that that attack will take place on Pakistan soil.
Now there are new technologies like BAE's Adaptiv camouflage coming on the market and they could improve the individual tank's chances of survival in a combat situation, but in the bigger picture I feel all these technologies are simply adding to the weight of the tank. Along with all the armor, the tank will now need more fuel to operate and that means a greater demand on the supply lines.


No Products in the Cart
Recreate the iconic Vulcan Bomber with this all-inclusive construction set. This high altitude, delta wing, jet-engine bomber operated with the RAF from 1956 - 1984. The Vulcan bomber was designed to utilised high-speed and high-altitude flight to evade interception by enemy fighters and missiles. It was one of three V-bombers designs operated exclusively by the Royal Air Force and it carried a crew of five. Now you can build your very own Vulcan Bomber at home with this all-inclusive construction set.


The german source which estimates for all the north korea's past nuclear test has instead made an initial the international atomic energy agency's. North korea’s nuclear capabilities: a fresh look •north korea’s nuclear weapons capability •nuclear testing at its punggye-ri underground test site. North korea nuclear test: south korea has carried out a simulated attack on north korea’s nuclear test site in saying it is more pressing than ever to look. North korea will not let inspectors from the international atomic energy agency refuse iaea inspectors, japanese media report the north korean nuclear. A brief history of north korea's nuclear program and the failed us the international atomic energy agency the test shows that north korea's nuclear. North korea agreed on wednesday to stop nuclear tests, uranium enrichment and long-range missile launches, and to allow checks by nuclear inspectors, in an apparent policy shift that paves the way for. This part of the globalissuesorg web site looks into the issue of north korea and nuclear iaea were expelled, while north korea nuclear tests, north korea. Iaea and dprk: chronology of key events iaea says dprk nuclear test he takes this opportunity to reiterate that the problems regarding dprk's nuclear.
Nuclear watchdog expresses 'grave concern' over the international atomic energy agency community to outlaw all nuclear testing by bringing the. The united states announced wednesday that north korea has agreed to halt nuclear testing and missile launches. Read about the unprecedented global effort to create the iaea leu bank, which will reduce nuclear north korea's nuclear test has to look for a balanced. North korea and nuclear weapons: states of america and the democratic people's republic of korea regarding the north korean nuclear. When north korea tested its sixth nuclear weapon in september, instruments all over the world—and in orbit—were taking measurements to. Uranium enrichment can be used to produce former international atomic energy agency in the midst of revelations regarding north korean nuclear activities.
Us statement to the international atomic energy agency's 2017 general conference as delivered and growing threat the dprk’s nuclear and ballistic. The king from the east: dprk-syria-iran nuclear nexus and strategic implications for israel and the rok by christina y lin in the ﬁ eld. Iran could get north korea to test their bomb for them and it may not the international atomic energy agency north korean nuclear test may be.
North korea's nuclear weapons program last changed 25 october 2006 introduction north korea, or the democratic people's republic of korea (dprk), acquired its first significant nuclear facilities from the soviet union in 1965, a small, 2-mw (thermal output), light-water-moderated, research reactor that burned highly enriched uranium. The last significant effort to negotiate a dismantling of north korea’s nuclear weapons international atomic energy agency to to test nuclear.
North korea's nuclear programme remains a source of deep concern for the international community despite multiple efforts to curtail it, pyongyang says it has conducted five nuclear tests technically yes - north korea has conducted several tests with nuclear bombs however, in order to launch a.
“in north korean nuclear test “chronology of us-north korean nuclear and missile international atomic energy agency. How can the international community negotiate with dprk to allow iaea to conduct investigations within the boundaries dprk has conducted five nuclear tests. Vienna (afp) - the international atomic energy agency voiced hope thursday the historic summit between us president donald trump and north korea's kim jong un would produce concrete progress and renewed nuclear inspections the iaea is closely following the recent developments related to the. Does north korea have this weapon because the koreans used to be members of the iaea russia and the us started their nuclear all the lunches and tests that. Iran has established ties to the north korean nuclear-weapons program as the daily beast notes, iranian officials, including iranian nuclear program head mohsen fakhrizadeh, were present during north korea's three previous nuclear tests— in 2006, 2009, and 2013 testing data is a potential.


February 18th, 2009
February 12th, 2009
This one is too good not to share!! I got a email the other day from Roger from RDS Custom Knives with two of the photos of his latest knife.
This knife is a miniature drop point, only 4 inches OAL and the cutting edge is 1 1/2 “. The bolsters are macassar ebony, the scales are mammoth tooth (fossilized teeth from a wooly mammoth, 10,000+years old). The blade material is zebra pattern damascus, 125+ layers of 1095 high carbon stainless, 15n20 (1075 carbon steel with 2% nickle) hardened to 56-58 Rc. The scales are heald to the blade with 2 part epoxy and (2) 1/8″ dia. mosaic pins. There is also decorative filling on the spline down through the butt. This is a real knife in all respects, it will cut. Well here it is and the sheath I made for it. What a mini you just got to see this thing to appreciate Rogers work. Thanks for asking me to do the sheath what an honor. (You can contact Roger of RDS Custom Knifes at (740-374-3315) Or search RDS Custom Knifes on ebay


Holman Projector', Camborne, 1950s
About this item
A news report on the 'Holman Projector', an air gun designed by Treve Holman and used by the Royal Navy as an anti-aircraft weapon during the Second World War.
The Trevithick Society
Citation“Holman Projector', Camborne, 1950s,” cornishmemory.com, accessed February 22, 2024, https://www.cornishmemory.com/item/HOL_295_01.
This site is run by Azook CIC, a not-for-profit organisation. Please help us to expand and develop cornishmemory.com.
Metadata for this item is available in the following formats:


The atomic bombs: Hiroshima and Nagasaki
On 6 August 1945, a lone plane flew over the city of Hiroshima in an apparent reconnaissance mission. It was 8:15AM ... a blinding flash like a thousand suns, followed by a startling explosion covered the city. Three days later without further news or warning about what happened in Hiroshima, the same type of aircraft flew over the city of Nagasaki ... It was 11:01AM.
They were only two bombs, but with a final figure of 110.000 killed instantly and nearly 400.000 more in the following days, weeks and months due to the wounds and the radiation received. Never before, two war devices caused so much devastation and death.
The bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, set within the horrors of the Pacific War represented a turning point in the weaponry used until then by the armies at war. Before the first atomic strikes, mankind was unaware of their actual destruction capability, but certain secret tests had anticipated their dramatic effectiveness. However, the effects of the nuclear bombings exceeded the expected power of devastation. Nevertheless, the most immediate militar objective for their use was achieved: the end of war.
These two bombs also represented the beginning of the use of the extraordinary powerful nuclear fission as the new aim of the world’s superpowers investigation efforts, giving birth to the most destructive arms’ race known to Man. Thousands of these new weapons, altogether capable of destroying our planet several times, were stored, and gave way to a new and even more frightening weapon: the fusion, or Hydrogen Bomb. Ironically, in fear of a massive atomic escalation in the military field the superpowers finally agreed to ban experimental detonations and to inspect and limit the mutual nuclear arsenals, favoring the use of nuclear energy for peaceful applications.
This book, written by Javier Vives Rego, and part of the collective work on Japan titled Japan, the archipelago of Culure, aims to pay homage to these two Japanese cities whose bombing ended a cruel war and their subsequent role in educating mankind about the enormous dangers of nuclear weapons. Through its pages readers will learn about the most significant historical events, as well as about the museums and parks of Peace of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. These buildings and monuments were erected as an invitation to friendship and harmony between human beings, and their facilities and installations will warn the visitors on the enormous risks of nuclear arsenals.
Julián Fernández, editor


Many of you know that I begun a temporary job last month with a company working at the Alabama Air National Guard after being laid off back in October. I never realized the history of the Alabama ANG until now. The base actually began as the the grass roots effort of one man.
Major James A. Meissner a World War I flying ace and a former member of Eddie Rickenbacker’s famous “Hat-in-the-Ring” squadron. In 1919 Meissner organized some ten to twelve ex-aviators from the recent war and formed the Birmingham Flying Club. The primary purpose of the club was the promotion of aviation in the City of Birmingham and the State of Alabama.
By January of 1922 Meissner had persuaded the Federal Government to recognize the unit as a National Guard flying squadron and it became the 135th Observation Squadron, Alabama National Guard. Twenty-six officers and one hundred twenty enlisted men assigned to the squadron began developing the tract of land that was to be used for the air base. By the end of July of the same year, seven Curtiss JN-4Ds, the famed Jenny, and necessary support equipment were on hand, functioning as a flying unit under the direction of Major Meissner.
The air base has a small park located at the entrance where several aircraft are on display. I took a few minutes during my lunch break one day to take a few photographs. I processed these using Lightroom and NiK software. Some were also processed with SilverEfex Pro using selective coloring.
The Republic RF-84F Thunderflash was the first of the modern jets to be designed specifically for photo-reconnaissance. The reconnaissance fighter was equipped with a combination of standard aerial cameras and dicing camera for close-up photos of individual targets. The fighter-type aircraft was also equipped with the Tri-Metrogon camera which could take horizon-to-horizon pictures. Unlike the Thunderstreak, the Thunderflash had its air-intake ducts located in the wing roots rather than the nose, which was elongated and enclosed to permit installation of a sweeping variety of camera and electronic equipment. It was the first reconnaissance fighter to have a camera control system and a viewfinder for the pilot, who also acted as the cameraman. The aircraft was first tested in February 1952, and 715 of the aircraft were produced.
Armament: Four .50-cal. machine guns mounted in the wings
Engine: Wright “Sapphire” J-65-W-7 of 7,800 lbs. thrust
Maximum speed: 629 mph
Cruising speed: 542 mph
Range: 2,000 miles
The second plane is a McDonnell Douglas RF-4C. The RF-4C was developed in the early 1960s, when the USAF recognized the need for more tactical reconnaissance aircraft to reinforce the RF-101s then in service. The USAF chose a modification of the F-4C fighter. The RF-4C development program began in 1962, and the first production aircraft made its initial flight on May 18, 1964.
The RF-4C can carry a variety of cameras in three different stations in its nose section. It could take photos at both high and low altitude, day or night. The RF-4C carried no offensive armament, although during the last few years of its service some were fitted with four AIM-9 Sidewinder missiles for defense.
Engines: Two General Electric J79-GE-15s of 17,000 lbs. thrust each
Maximum speed: 1,384 mph
Range: 1,632 miles without aerial refueling
Ceiling: 55,200 ft.
Span: 38 ft. 5 in.
Length: 62 ft. 10 in.
Height: 16 ft. 6 in.


The 2-Minute Rule for shoot a machine gunComprehensive-size HK33s is usually Outfitted with bayonet or underbarrel 40mm grenade launchers, HK79A1, also created by Heckler & Koch. Whole-length HK33 rifles can also start rifle grenades from combined muzzle compensator/flash hider.
Experience Along with the MG42 led towards the US issuing a need to exchange the growing old Browning Automatic Rifle with the same weapon, which would also exchange the M1919; simply utilizing the MG42 alone was not possible, as the look brief essential a weapon which may be fired in the hip or shoulder similar to the BAR. The ensuing layout, the M60 machine gun, was issued to troops over the Vietnam War.
In weapons wherever the spherical seats and fires simultaneously, mechanical timing is important for operator safety, to avoid the spherical from firing in advance of it truly is seated thoroughly. Machine guns are controlled by one or more mechanical sears. Every time a sear is in place, it correctly stops the bolt eventually in its number of movement.
Regular machine gun improvement has long been slowed by The reality that current machine gun designs are satisfactory for the majority of applications, Even though sizeable developments are happening regarding caseless ammunition, anti-armor and anti-missile weapons.
Loading programs in early guide machine guns ended up generally from the hopper of unfastened (un-joined) cartridges. Handbook-operated volley guns ordinarily needed to be reloaded manually suddenly (Each individual barrel reloaded by hand, or which has a list of cartridges affixed to your plate which was inserted to the weapon).
The charging take care of is situated at the top from the receiver and will not go when firing. The receiver is comprised of the stamped steel.
Caswells, via UFI, features a wide array of courses, such as the essential state class to get a concealed weapons allow. This training course goes well past state specifications to insure graduates discover the concepts of personal safety, justified utilization of power and gun-dealing with expertise.
Air-cooled machine guns normally function speedy-alter barrels, generally carried by a crew member, passive cooling fins, or in some types methods of pressured-air cooling which include that employed via the Lewis Gun. Developments in metallurgy and usage of special composites in barrel liners let for bigger heat absorption and dissipation through firing. The higher the rate of fireplace, the more typically barrels have to be changed and allowed to neat. To minimize this, most air-cooled guns are fired only Briefly bursts or in a lessened rate of hearth. Some models – including the numerous variants in the MG42 – are effective at fees of fire in extra of 1,two hundred rounds for every minute.
Both equally sights are crafted in to the plastic carrying manage. The export variations of your G36 are available with an individual one.5X telescope sight, with crisis open up sights molded to the top in the carrying handle. The subcompact G36K Commando Variation is offered with the integral Picatinny-type scope and accent rail rather than a carrying tackle and typical sights.
Some explained which the AUG rifle was groundbreaking in many respects when it first appeared, but this is simply not correct. In actual fact, the AUG is often a intelligent mixture of the various Beforehand acknowledged Tips, assembled into one seem, trusted and aesthetically eye-catching package deal. Let's take a look at this just a little nearer. Bullpup configuration: The Steyr AUG just isn't a primary army bullpup at any time devised. Actually, British Enfield EM-two and Soviet Korobov TKB-408 bullpup assault rifles precede the AUG by some 25-thirty years. The French FAMAS bullpup also appeared to the scene at the exact same time, given that the AUG did. Plastic firearm housing: Yet another Soviet experimental bullpup layout, Korobov TKB-022, experienced the plastic housing as early as in 1962, and also the FAMAS rifle, yet again, has this exact same element at the same time as AUG did.
A growing craze is for law enforcement organizations to perform their coaching and qualification firing at non-public ranges. Like that the departments steer clear of some lawful legal responsibility if they've A personal agency (like UFI) perform their teaching.
Prior to continuing to our on the web retail store, you should Bear in mind the online stock demonstrates in-stock goods at our central warehouse.
As Just about every round is fired, electrically, the carriage moves back rotating the chamber which also ejects the used scenario, indexes the following live spherical for being fired with the barrel and hundreds the subsequent round into the chamber. The motion is very similar to that of your revolver pistols prevalent inside the 19th and twentieth hundreds of years, supplying this sort of weapon its name.
Given that they come to be incredibly warm, nearly all machine guns fireplace from an open up bolt, to allow click here air cooling within the breech in between bursts. They also have possibly a barrel cooling system, or removable barrels which permit a incredibly hot barrel to be replaced.


The BBC reports,
On the morning of 30 October 1961, a Soviet Tu-95 bomber took off from ... the far north of Russia.
... World War Two had placed the US and USSR in the same camp, but the post-war period had seen relations chill and then freeze. And the Soviets, presented with a rivalry against the world’s only nuclear superpower, had only one option – to catch up. Fast.
... The Tsar Bomba was no ordinary nuclear bomb. It was the result of a feverish attempt by the USSR’s scientists to create the most powerful nuclear weapon yet, spurred on by Premier Nikita Khruschchev’s desire to make the world tremble at the might of Soviet technology. It was more than a metal monstrosity too big to fit inside even the largest aircraft – it was a city destroyer, a weapon of last resort.
... [The] Tsar Bomba unleashed almost unbelievable energy – now widely agreed to be in the order of 57 megatons, or 57 million tons of TNT. That is more than 1,500 times that of the Hiroshima and Nagasaki bombs combined, and 10 times more powerful than all the munitions expended during World War Two. Sensors registered the bomb’s blast wave orbiting the Earth not once, not twice, but three times .... Some scientists began to believe it was too big ... If the bomb was as powerful as intended, the aircraft would have been on a one-way mission.
The power of the bomb persuaded nuclear physicist Andrei Sakharov to renounce nuclear weapons
A bomb too big to fit into a plane and too powerful for a flight crew to get out of its range of destruction is just too big, too powerful!
Likewise, there are some sins that are so destructive that we dare not commit them for fear that we will not be able to escape what we’ve unleashed.
On the top of that list is the sin of adultery! The power of this destructive force is so great that it should lead us all to denounce it!
Not even a king is protected from the destructive forces of sexual promiscuity. Remember, it was the great sin with Bathsheba that undermined the house of David.
"Flee from sexual immorality. All other sins a person commits are outside the body, but whoever sins sexually, sins against their own body" (1 Corinthians 6:18).
"Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight; so you are right in your verdict and justified when you judge" (Psalm 51:4).


- cedar-rapids eros escort
300 Norma Cartridge Compare
Down the page, wea€™ve when compared the 300 Norma Mag to the cartridge truly wanting change, the 338 Lapua Mag.
However, most people is curious to determine how the 300 Norma Magnum even compares to some other cartridges for instance the 30 Nosler. Wea€™ve produced one evaluation for you personally (detailed with charts!) right here: 300 Norma Mag vs 338 Lapua Mag vs 30 Nosler
300 Norma versus 338 Lapua
338 Lapua Magnum would be the master of long range precision cartridges. Or, at the least it had beena€¦ wea€™ll require examine if the 300 Norma Mag takes over the 338 Lapua since top long-range ammunition.
The 338 Lapua Mag packs a wallop (at both stops) whereas the 300 Norma enjoys little recoil, and less focus right at the desired through to the excess fat 338 slows down adequate about 2,000 yards when the energy of these two bullets are at the very same.
Leta€™s evaluate some statistics examine.
As possible viewed, the velocities of these two cartridges are about only one. Notice, however, which 300 Norma try shooting a lighter topic as compared to 338 Lapua. You may possibly not assume that it is a reasonable assessment, however 338 Lapua is supposed to take massive bullets.
The 300 Norma income throughout the 338 Lapua at 2,000 meters considering that the more https://datingmentor.org/escort/cedar-rapids/ effective more compact bullet sustains its travel better.
The equivalent increase with some other weight bullets is excatly why you find the main difference in electricity of the two units. In close proximity, the 338 Lapua provides ten percent additional stamina than the 300 Norma. But, as being the 338 Lapua decreases at harsh miles, the energy begins to even between your two units.
A advantage that the more compact and a lot more productive bullet from the 300 Norma features is how small they falls which is taken by wind at distance. Normally heavier weight bullets resist the draught much better than much lighter bullets.


The documentary Command And Control sounds very interesting. There is also a book about the incident in a Titan II missile silo which set off a chain of events that would put the United States Air Force to the test back in 1980.
I have actually been in a Titan II missile silo that was decommissioned and turned into a museum. It was several years ago but, I can still remember the feeling that I got standing in the control center or in the missile silo itself. It was a feeling of going back in time and what a great responsibility the men and women of the Air Force must have had that worked at these missile sites knowing that one day they may get the launch instructions and codes that would send one of these missiles into Russia.


Tactical folding blade knife survival hunting camping pocket knife with led. Folding knife. Also note that monitor settings may vary from computer to computer and may distort actual colors. Blade material: Stainless steel wood handle.
Find great deals for 1pc Tactical Folding Blade Knife Survival Hunting Camping Pocket Knife With LED. Shop with confidence on 12d3.info
Amazon.comMulti Function With LED Light Folding Tool Outdoor Tactical Survival Training...
Buy Tactical Folding Blade Knife Survival Hunting Camping Pocket Knife With LED at Wish – Shopping Made Fun
Amazon.comBlizeTec Survival Knife: Best 5-in-1 Tactical Pocket Folding Knife with LED...
Please follow and like us:
AK47 type Tactical Folding Blade Knife Survival Outdoor Combat Pocket Knife With LED light
Get it Now http://12d3.info/go/224-us-B079DRSJSS 100% new and high quality Condition: Brand New Color : As the ...


Heavy Payload UAV (Drones), Anti UAV solutions , Thermal imaging applications, Surveillance applications, Drone Taxi, Swam of UAVs
Product Details :
Ai Aerial Dynamics, provider for customized aerial surveillance solutions, indigenously designed a fully integrated and powerful solution with latest aerial platforms that expands the operational capabilities of our customers. They are currently engaged with the development of unmanned aerial vehicles, Anti UAV system and Improvised Explosive Device (IED) detection system.
The potential applications of drones is significantly increasing as the components that makeup the technology become more lightweight and affordable. The drones are scalable for heavy payload applications like sites like Personal Aerial Vehicle, disaster management for human rescue, Indian defence force, pesticide spraying in agriculture fields.
AI Aerial Dynamics is engaged with the Defence Research and Development Organization – DRDO for customized manufacturing of Unmanned Aerial Systems and designed an indigenous stabilization system for payloads like sensors like camera, thermal imager and laser range finder.


Multi-role modular rotary UAV platform
LEADING-EDGE PERFORMANCE IN CIVIL PROTECTION, LAW ENFORCEMENT, HUMANITARIAN AND MILITARY APPLICATIONS
From the aerial delivery of emergency relief supplies to the effective neutralisation of IEDs - our drone solutions team exceptional performance with proven operational flexibility and reliability.
Based on SteelRock Technologies’ rugged SR1® multi-rotor platform, our modular UAV systems are designed to fulfil a wide range of civilian commercial and military mission requirements.
Counter-IED Standoff Disruptor
Highly effective standoff solution disables Improvised Explosive Devices and mines under remote operator control from the air or ground. Also ideal for door breaching.
Long-range Counter-UAV RF Effector Solution
Neutralises a wide range of unmanned drone threats, including air, ground and surface-based autonomous vehicles. Proven counter-drone performance using highly directional RF technology featured in the NightFighter® C-UAV system. Operational range in excess of 2.5km.
Aerial Payload Carriage & Release Solution
Precision solution for secure aerial carriage and pin-point release of a broad range of emergency/humanitarian supplies and other payloads in otherwise inaccessible areas. Advanced gravitational parachute release system with certified military specification carriage, capable of delivering 40kg maximum take off weight.
Extensive customisation options
All SteelRock drone systems can be customised to address a wide range of bespoke civilian, commercial and military applications. We are pleased to discuss your own operational requirements.


SUPERIOR - As deer hunters prepare for opening day, there are a couple problems that could damper the firearms season.
Store owners tell FOX21, the deer population being down is not the only problem.
“The biggest problem we’ve been facing this year, of course, is the ammunition shortage. There’s not a lot and people have been adapting to that as well. They can perhaps instead of taking one caliber, they are taking another caliber rifle out,” Pat Kukull, owner of Superior Shooters Supply, said.
Kukull said the shortage is an issue of supply and demand.


[Ranger] Sniper Mod
I created this mod several years ago and recently ‘revived’ it. It is all about sniping in BF2. The Sniper, Spec-Ops, and Assault all have the same kit with different weapons. The Medic, Anti-tank, and Support all have Sniper rifles with their usual kit. That allows for people to be healed/revived, vehicles to be destroyed, and ammunition to be replenished. All pistols are silenced. All Sniper rifles are 1 shot 1 kill regardless of the hit-box location. All pistols inflict 50% damage to ensure that a double-tap scores a kill. Enjoy!


The blog takes a stand for peace. It comprises my epublications on strategic affairs and peace studies issues in South Asia. Views expressed are personal. My three books Think South Asia; Subcontinental Musings and South Asia: In it Togehter, with my published commentaries can be downloaded free from the links provided and hard copies from http://cinnamonteal.in/authors/firdaus-ahmed/. @firdyahmed. Firdaus Ahmed is the pen name of Ali Ahmed.
Ordinarily the title would be ‘What nuclear weapons have done for us?’ Nuclear enthusiasts would have us believe that we are more secure now than we were twenty years ago, when in May 1998 India broke out of the nuclear closet, forcing Pakistan’s hand too by month end.
The nuclear optimists would point out that there has been no war since. Even Kargil war was not quite a war. Operation Parakram that soon followed remained short of being called a war. Mumbai 26/11 was not followed up with a war. Deterrence has worked, and that is what nuclear weapons are for.
That nuclear deterrence has worked is Pakistan’s side of the story. Though aggressors in Kargil, they escaped lightly by only been thrown back. They warded off Operation Parakram and deterred war after 26/11.
India would loathe to accept that it has been deterred. It would point to Kargil being vacated without the need to go to war. Operation Parakram was but coercive diplomacy. After 26/11, war would have hurt our economic interests which were already under threat from global depression setting in by then.
India has been voluble, since it needs to convince Pakistan that it is not deterred by Pakistan introducing tactical nuclear weapons into the subcontinent. A rather elaborate seminar at the army’s think tank Center for Land Warfare Studies was held in February at which operations in a nuclear environment were discussed in all domains – land, air, sea. The first session was devoted to what Pakistan hopes to do with its tactical nuclear weapons.
Presumably the rest of the seminar was on pressing on with the war, after Pakistan’s nuclear first use and India’s nuclear retaliation. Since the nuclear dimension was not slated for discussion, it is uncertain if the nuclear response by India was as promised – ‘massive’. Instead, if military operations were to continue after introduction of nuclear weapons into the conflict, it would suggest a nuclear strategy in which India will respond proportionately to Pakistan’s nuclear use.
What this suggests is that war continues to be a possibility, twenty years since overt nuclearization.
In short, nuclear weapons appear to have made little difference in resolving the outstanding problems. War could well have broken out, but for Pakistan’s nuclear weapons. India’s nuclear weapons were unusable in their intended manner of use – ‘massive’ retaliation. However, India seems to have thought up ways to increase their utility.
A word about the China front is necessary since India cited the China threat as a cause for the Pokhran II tests. Twenty years of developments in missiles and nuclear submarines have not yet led to a reassuring second-strike capability, leaving India relatively vulnerable all through these years. Even so, India has stared down China twice over, at Chumar and lately at Doklam. In other words, India could be tough without nuclear weapons. Both India and China swear by No First Use – and India with good reason. It appears then that the China threat merely served as a cover for India to go nuclear for other reasons.
In short, there is not much that nuclear weapons’ possession has done for India. But there is much that they have done to India. The need for their management has led to an accumulation of power at a power node - the National Security Adviser - that has no mention in the Constitution and has grave implications for a democratic system based on ministerial responsibility and cabinet accountability to parliament.
The power over the weapons is vested largely with the national security adviser (NSA), an individual who is appointed by an executive fiat. As seen from our meandering national security policy under the incumbent NSA – whether it be in relation to Pakistan, China, Kashmir or terrorism – individuals matter. National security management over the past four years has been ideologically driven. This does not lend confidence that nuclear weapon use will be informed by sound strategic thinking
It is no secret that India’s higher level defence structure is dysfunctional. NSA’s foray four years too late into some correction, through setting up of a defence planning committee, is chimerical since it is merely a measure to substitute for the chief of defence staff, a key figure missing in India’s system. As India appears to be moving towards nuclear warfighting, it needs a military man at the coordinating hub, not an NSA, and certainly not the current one with tactical brilliance but known deficit in strategic good sense.
In any case it is not only the Indian system that India needs worrying about. It stands to suffer as much from the pathologies of the system in Pakistan, which Indian strategists never fail to point out is rather vulnerable to threats ranging from jihadists to praetorian.
The twentieth anniversary is a good time to look at the usefulness of the nuclear weapons. They have not enhanced Indian security and instead the ongoing shift to making them more relevant to security by increasing their usability makes for an increase in Indian insecurity.
This brings to fore the more significant aspect of what nuclear weapons have done to us. They have been so normalized that any anti-nuclear movement is left to activists and to local opposition to nuclear plants. Indians have abdicated control over their own security and, indeed, destiny.


Today, I did something I have never done before.
I shot a gun.
Yep, in 40 years on this planet I have done a lot of things, been to many places and had a lot of experiences. But I had never fired a weapon.
I have always wondered what it would be like. I mean, our country has the most guns per capita than any other in the world and they are such a part of our culture. I wanted to see what - if anything - I was missing out on.
The fact that the facility right next to my office building over in Redmond is a gun range...and the fact that a buddy of mine from work invited me over there to give it a try...just was too good to pass up. I was able to act on my curiosity when the opportunity arose.
All that said, for any of you who - like me until just today - had never fired a gun, I thought you might be interested in what it was like and my take on the experience...
Guns are loud! Sure, you know on some level that guns make a loud noise when fired, but just how loud literally shakes you scull and buzzes your eardrums when you walk into the concrete confines of a gun range. This happened to me as the fist guy on the range when we walked through the door was firing a HUGE ass weapon of some sort. Earphones or plugs are a necessity.
There was no great "rush" or any fear. I was actually glad to realize that I was neither "turned on" by firing a gun nor afraid of it. If either had happened, I think I'd be a bit concerned about myself. Such was not the case, however, and I think I have a healthy respect for what a gun can do first hand without feeling like it somehow makes me feel bigger or tougher or something.
Some of the targets were odd and disturbing. You could purchase a different variety of targts to shoot at. About half of them were traditional targets. You know, white paper with concentric circles with a bulls eye in the middle or an outline of a human figure. However, you could also buy a target that looked like Osama bin Laden or any number of targets that were zombies in various garb - a Nazi, a Hells Angle type, a woman (kinda disturbing, that one) and a vaugely hip-hop looking guy (again, kinda disturbing). Depite their appearance as zombies, I thought there were some other messages being sent there. Oh well, I've only ever been to one gun range, so I'll just let it go.
Even a group of Japanese tourists likes to shoot guns. How do I know that? Because a group of young Japanese tourists (they were clearly visiting from Japan) had taken over about half of the gun range when we were there. Some were firing pistols and some shooting what looked like an assault rifle. Not sure what their motivation was, but it crossed my mind that between Japanese being typically enamored by American movies and culture and the fact that gun laws are much stricter in Japan (but hey, gun laws in virtually every nation are stricter that the U.S.) these people may have wanted to experience what shooting a gun was like. I mean, lets face it. Through our movies, TV shows, video games, crime rates and our foreign policy, to people from most countries around the world, the USA = guns. So, it was not too surprising to me to see some non-Americans at the range.
Americans have access to some serious fire power. The gun store right next to the range featured fire arms of all types, from the simple revolver, hunting rifles, handguns of all types and all the way up to assault rifles that clearly are more at home in the military than in anyone's private posession. Our freedom to possess firearms is vitually unlimited...and the gun store makes sure you have all options within the law. Which are a lot of options. It just struck me that with all that freedom needs to come responsibility, and it personally didn't strike me as responsible to sell semi-automatic assault rifles to the public. I know it's legal, but that's my opinion.
So there you go. A few observations on the occassion of my firing a gun for the first time. Will I be joining the NRA, buying a gun and saying things like, "...from my cold dead hand!" while raising my weapon above my head for applause? No. I won't. But, now at least I have an experience firing a gun to draw from as I ponder about how people use and think about them.