Russia defence & technology updates

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Siberians offer new polymers with improved biocompatibility

21 Mar '17
Researchers from the Tomsk Polytechnic University and the Krasnoyarsk-based Institute of Biophysics (both in Siberia) in partnership with their German colleagues have been working on materials for biopolymers to be used in medicine. The team has developed a technique making the biopolymers more compatible with the human tissues than their current competition in the market. Their biopolymers are said to be able to interact with our natural bodily fluids, including blood.

Biopolymers are widely used in medicine across countries to treat, repair and regenerate wounds, cartilages and joints. The materials act as a replacement for a damaged area, letting new living cells grow around them, and then degrade without any harm to the body. However, the surface of a biopolymer doesn’t get moistened with water or water solutions, which makes it harder for the new cells to grow over. The scientists purposed to alter the property of polymer surface to address the problem.

According to Roman Surmenev at the Tech Center at Tomsk Polytechnic, the researchers treated biopolymers in high-frequency plasma, a method of changing properties of material in a very thin surface layer without damaging the structure of a biopolymer itself. This is expected to keep the key physical, mechanical and biological properties of the material, the scientist said.

The researchers have recently broadened their focus to include work on other biodegradable polymers as well.

 

[Bahamut]

General Atomics MQ-9 Reaper
Game of Drones: How Russia Can Respond to US Weapons of the Future
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MILITARY & INTELLIGENCE
16:19 22.03.2017Get short URL
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On Tuesday, the Russian Defense Ministry reported that large-scale air-defense drills have kicked off in southern Russia. They involve over 2,000 troops and a wide range of air-defense systems, including portable anti-aircraft missile launchers to long-range systems like the S-300V4.
"The distinctive feature of the exercise is that it includes destroying small aerial targets imitating enemy unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs)," the press office of the Defense Ministry said.

In recent years, drones have emerged as a major component of modern warfare and are expected to be one of the dominating forces on future battlefields.

Easy Target

Apparently, the most well-known examples of combat UAVs are the RQ-4 Global Hawk reconnaissance drone and the MQ-9Reaper attack drone. Both were developed for the United States military, but are also used by NASA and several other countries.

© PHOTO: PIXABAY
US Army Troops May Get Anti-Drone Weaponry
They are capable of staying airborne for over 24 hours and operating at a distance of 1,000 kilometers from the operator. The MQ-9 and its predecessor, the MQ-1 Predator, have been used by the US military in Afghanistan and Iraq.


The Pentagon has repeatedly said that drones will be the one the main components of future warfare. Drones have a number of significant advantages. They have lower production and maintenance costs than modern fighter jets. Drones are controlled remotely. Operator training costs are also lower than training jet pilots. But drones also have their weaknesses.

"In the event of a potential conflict, such drones would be helpless against Russian aerial defenses. The S-300 and S-400 air defenses are capable of destroying a wide range of targets, including drones," military expert Mikhail Khodarenok told Sputnik.

He elaborated: "For example, the Global Hawk and the Reaper have a large reflection surface and can be detected from a long distance. Their low speeds plus the lack of onboard electronic warfare system make them an easy target for an anti-aircraft missile."

Swarming Drones

© WIKIPEDIA/
Pentagon Pays $679 Million for Production of Electronic Warfare Aircraft
According to Khodarenok, conventional warplanes pose a way more serious threat for Russian air defense systems because they reach higher speeds and can engage in radio-electronic warfare.


Nevertheless, according to the expert, UAVs are getting more and more advanced, on their way to becoming a very serious problem for any air-defense system in the future.

"The US has made significant advancements in developing the so-called swarm of drones. The concept means using a swarm of tiny intelligent flying machines of different configuration and purpose. The US military wants it to be its main battle force in the future," Leonid Ivashov, president of the Academy for Geopolitical Problems, told Sputnik.

The National Interest military and defense magazine reported in October that the Pentagon had tested swarms of surveillance and attack mini-drones engineered to jam enemy air defense or function as attack weapons.

The mini-drones, called Perdix, were launched in numerous tests from F-16 and F-18 jets.

© AFP 2017/ BONNY SCHOONAKKER
US Scientists Join With Defense Firm to Develop Long-Range Drone Control Network
"They are expendable and fly low as a surveillance asset. You can have a lot of them for a saturation approach. Saturating has an advantage over the thing it has to defend against. Its defender has to take more time and money to defend against it," William Roper, director of the Pentagon’s Strategic Capabilities Office (SCO), was quoted as saying by the National Interest.


The frame of Perdix drone is created with a 3D printing, which allows both for rapid production and lower costs.

Roper added that in addition to Perdix, other similar drones were in development, including those capable of carrying weapons.

"There are several reasons why such they are a very dangerous weapon. First, they have a very small reflection surface. Second, they can fly with high overloads at an extremely low altitude. Finally, they operate in a swarm. Firing a missile at a swarm of drones is like using a sledgehammer to crack nuts," Khodarenok pointed out.

Anti-Drone Weapons

According to the expert, the best weapon against drones is radio-electronic warfare systems.

"The most important thing is not taking out the drone, but disrupting its control channel or hampering its navigation," Khodarenok said.

© PHOTO: YOUTUBE/ AUDIOOBZORI SMI
Satellite Reportedly Captures First Ever Image of New Russian Reconnaissance Drone
There are radio-electronic weapons capable of doing that in service with the Russian military, including the Krasukha electronic warfare system. It is capable of jamming surveillance satellites and ground-based and airborne (AWACS) radars. They can also be used for disrupting drones’ control channels.


Its technical specifications are classified, but it was reported that the Krasukha-4 can operate at a distance of up to 300 kilometers. Probably, it could also be used against a swarm of drones.

© PHOTO: ROSTEC
Krasukha 4 electronic warfare system
On March 12, Rostec CEO Sergei Chemezov said that Russia developed systems capable of destroying drones’ onboard equipment.

"Radio-Electronic Technology Concern (KRET) has designed a radio-electronic warfare system capable of knocking out the control system of a drone, turning it into an uncontrollable piece of metal," Chemezov said.

 

[Bahamut]

Russian Arms Company Produces Long-Range Precision Weapons Unique in Its Class
© Photo: Vitaly V. Kuzmin
MILITARY & INTELLIGENCE
15:59 22.03.2017(updated 17:44 22.03.2017) Get short URL
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Lobaev Arms is a company formed by Tsar-Cannon, the leading Russian manufacturer of highly accurate long range sniper rifles, unique in its class. Sputnik spoke with Vladimir Lobaev, chief designer and founder of Lobaev Arms.

© SPUTNIK/ RUSLAN KRIVOBOK
'Second to None': Why Vietnam Prefers Russian Weapons to Their Foreign Analogues
On their official website Lobaev Arms claims to be delivering the best weapons in the world. The weapons combine the “best Western technology and good old Russian reliability and foolproof design” which results in unsurpassed precision, range and functionality.


From the start of production in 2005, the weapons have won many prizes at international and national shooting championship, including the most technology demanding – bench rest shooting. The company has also supplied the United Arab Emirates’ Army with its weapons.

In an interview with Sputnik Vladimir Lobaev said that at first the company created weapons almost exclusively for point-blank bench rest shooting and a few for ultra-long-range firing but over time the market began to dictate diversification towards hunting and tactical models.

Following EU sanctions, the market for imported weapons in Russia was successfully “cleaned out” and Lobaev Arms like other domestic producers did not fail to take advantage of that.

“Our main specialization has always been high-precision weapons with a long range of fire and the results achieved have given us the right to call it the best. These are gold and silver medals of the world and European championships, world records on the range of fire and the results of state comparative tests,” Lobaev said.

© SPUTNIK/ DMITRIY VINOGRADOV
Russian Shield: Nukes Still Priority, High-Precision Weapons' Potential to Quadruple by 2021
Right at the start of the company’s existence receiving a license for weapons production wasn’t an easy task, but the company managed to achieve it and started production in Tarusa, in the Russian district of Kaluzhskaya.


While in the Emirates, Lobaev Arms developed about 23 models of weapons, but only a few of them entered the series. The most popular ones were the TSR-30 and 40, the KS-11 in 408 Cheytac and the CR-50 in.50 BMG.

“Although there are analogues in the world but not with respect to range and accuracy of the shooting. As for the SAR self-loading rifle developed in 408 Cheytac, it can be said with certainty that there were no analogues and there are none now,” the chief designer said.

Recently the company started creating something similar in Russia — self-loading rifles, the 408 CT and the 338 LM, but they are structurally quite different from the Emirates model.

Lobaev Arms weapons are used in many fields and one of them is in hunting. Many hunters hunt with high-precision weapons, even with tactical weapons. The hunt for marmots is quite popular; there is also ultra-long-distance hunting for larger beasts, mountain hunting, etc.

Other customers of Lobaev Arms are various power structures such as the police and the military. Long-range and ultra-heavy rifles are acquired mainly for sniper units.

“Now we practically do not manufacture weapons on an individual order because of the constant build-up of the series, that is, we simply do not have enough time for that.”

Currently the company is dealing with vast export requests and appeals from different countries and continents, as well as from numerous CIS countries. There are countries with which Lobaev Arms has a long-standing and reliable relationship although due to confidentiality contracts their names aren’t disclosed.

© AFP 2017/ NOEL CELIS / POOL
Manila Eager to Sign Military Agreement With Moscow, Eyes Russian Weapons
According to the chief designer, arms sales in Russia are reliably controlled by an internal Russian licensing system and the same goes for its export: if a weapon does not need to go to a particular country or an organization, export documents will simply not be signed.


On the official page of the company there is mention of a development of new types of weapons, for example, weapons based on new physical principles. According to some experts, this is the future of the military and according to some reports, Russian Deputy Defense Minister Yuri Borisov has already spoken about the need to include such weapons in the state program by 2025.

“For new projects, a separate company was created called Lobaev Robotics, specializing, as the name suggests, in robotics and weapon projects related to electronics: smart targeting, complexes and systems that are not developed in the traditional armory,” Lobaev told Sputnik.

He further said that if the company manages to realize their ideas and such a probability really exists, it will radically change the picture on the battlefield.

 

[Bahamut]

enters on duty in Crimea
Russia Plans to Create Advanced Air Defense System
© Sputnik/ Sergey Malgavko
MILITARY & INTELLIGENCE
16:40 23.03.2017Get short URL
0 85560
Russia plans to construct a prospective anti-aircraft short-range missile system (SAM) which will be supplied to troops by 2030-2035, Army Colonel-General and the Commander-in-Chief of the Ground Forces Oleg Salyukov announced.

© WIKIPEDIA/
Game of Drones: How Russia Can Respond to US Weapons of the Future
The commander-in-chief explained that the army was currently developing recommendations for carrying out research on this subject.


According to Salyukov in the future a tactical and technical task for creation of the complex will be put together.

He further noted that the military-technical conference held at Izhevsk Electromechanical Plant Kupol is also dedicated to the quality of military products and operations of the air defense complexes that are in service with the land forces.

 

[Bahamut]

Satellite Reportedly Captures First Ever Image of New Russian Drone
© Photo: Youtube/ AudioObzori SMI
MILITARY & INTELLIGENCE
18:01 05.03.2017(updated 02:26 06.03.2017) Get short URL
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The first image of a new Russian reconnaissance drone was apparently captured by a satellite, RIA Novosti reported.
The image of the drone was spotted earlier this week on the Terraserver website specializing in aerial and satellite imagery.

The picture was taken at the Gromov Flight Research Institute's taxi lane in the Moscow region. The organization is an important Russian aircraft test base and scientific research center in the city of Zhukovsky.

Russian expert in unmanned aerial vehicles Denis Fedutinov told Sputnik that the drone on the image is supposedly new Russian Orion drone.

"This is the most probable option based on the size and the configuration of the aircraft, as well as due to reports that the test-flights of this unmanned aerial vehicle started this time in this Flight Research Institute," Fedutinov claimed.

The Orion is being developed for the Russian Aerial Forces, the Navy and the Special Forces. Moreover, it has a civilian modification. It's military characteristrics are classified, however, some basic civilian data was shared by the developers of the drone.

© PHOTO: YOUTUBE/ AOZE
Radar of the Future: Russian Army to Get Advanced Stealth Drone Hunter
According to Fedutinov, the appearance of the UAV in the satellite image differs from that which was shown at exhibitions, including the MAKS international airshow.


In 2013-2015, the company revealed a layout of the Orion, which had a two-boon aircraft design with a high-wing placement and the tail in the form of an inverted V. Meanwhile, the UAV on the satellite image looks more like the US Reaper drone with a V-shaped tail, a longer wing and with an engine on the tail-end.

In May 2016, RIA Novosti reported citing sources that the test-flights of the drone began. The Russian Defense Ministry signed a contract for the development of the drone with the Russian Kronshtadt company.

The Orion UAV is classified as a medium-long duration aerial vehicle. It is assumed that the maximum duration of its flight is not less than 24 hours, while it can fly at a maximum altitude of about 8,000 meters.

According to the project of the drone, Orion's weight should be about 1 ton. In 2015, the former president of Transas Group Nikolai Lebedev revealed data on the drone's characteristics at the MAKS 2015 airshow. The UAV's takeoff weight increased to 1,200 kg, while its payload weight is 300 kg.

 

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Radar of the Future: Russian Army to Get Advanced Stealth Drone Hunter
© Photo: YouTube/ aoze
RUSSIA
14:08 24.11.2016(updated 14:23 24.11.2016) Get short URL
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The Zavod Electromash plant in the Russian city of Nizhny Novgorod has created a unique stealth robotic system capable of detecting unmanned aerial vehicles, Zavod Electromash spokesman Valery Pyatkin told Sputnik.

© PHOTO: CONCERN KALASHNIKOV
Top 5 Military Robots in the World
In an interview with Sputnik, Valery Pyatkin, spokesman for the Nizhny Novgorod-based Zavod Electromash plant, said that they had developed an advanced stealth robotic system capable of detecting reconnaissance and attack drones.


The mobile optical-radar, non-emitting complex is due to enter service at the Russian Armed Forces after the wrap-up of the development work which will last until mid-2017 at the earliest, according to Pyatkin.

"The 20-kg system includes the receiving antenna and software-hardware complex to process and display information. The system can be supplemented with optical electronics for reconnaissance purposes", he said.

He added that aside from tracked vehicles, the remotely operated system can be based on small truck chassis, including a SUV or a minivan. The detection range is over 20 kilometers, with a radar accuracy of about 10 meters.

Pyatkin specifically pointed to the system's unique characteristics.

"First and foremost, the absence of active radiation makes the system very stealthy, not allowing the enemy to detect and destroy it with anti-radar means; secondly, the system detects enemy attack and reconnaissance drones which observe radio silence mode; also, the system can effectively detect sophisticated enemy stealth drones of various types," he said.

© PHOTO: YOUTUBE/ ТOPARMY
Bombastic! Russia Unveils Kamikaze Robotic Tank
Pyatkin touted non-emitting radiolocation as a promising trend in the development of modern radar systems on the whole. Non-emitting radar systems use signals from those transmitters which are not related to systems, Pyatkin explained, citing TV and radio broadcasting systems, mobile connection as well as broadcasting, navigation and communications satellites.


Non-emitting radar systems detect an object by comparing and processing the signals, which include a direct signal from another transmitter and the same signal reflected from an object.

 

[Bahamut]

Demolishing Team Work: Russian Battle Robots Destroy Target
VIDEOCLUB
19:03 15.09.2015Get short URL
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Two Russian combat robots destroyed their target working in tandem.
The shown robots reportedly use the Nerechta platform that can serve as a base for 18 replaceable modules. Depending on the combination, the robot can pull wounded soldiers from the battle field or deliver ammunition. In this video one of the robots is “a fighter,” while the other one is “an observer.”

 

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Russia’s Cutting-Edge Weaponry Goes Robotic
© Sputnik/ Pavel Lisitsyn
MILITARY & INTELLIGENCE
17:42 10.09.2015(updated 17:47 10.09.2015) Get short URL
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In Russia, in the last three years the share of high-tech products in the defense industry has grown by 10 percent, Russia’s Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Rogozin said during the Russia Arms EXPO-2015 international exhibition in Nizhny Tagil.
“The share of high-tech products in the defense industry has risen from 53 to 63 percent this year,” RIA Novosti reported the Russian deputy prime minister as saying.

During the expo there were many specimens of high-tech products. For example, a group from the Kurgan region presented the BMP-3 with the ‘Vityaz.’ These combat vehicles can conduct network-centric warfare and can be controlled remotely also.

The developers said that the idea is that the unit commander can direct the actions of BMP remotely – control the machine and make it carry out its purpose fully without a crew.

DARPA
Expansion of Drone Warfare and Killer Robots Could Lead to 'New Arms Race'
The real breakthrough in the Russian defense industry in the area of high-tech this year was the T-14 and other armored vehicles built on the Armata platform. This machine is already considered the best in the world and has no analogue in any other country.


Today the Armata platform is ready to turn fully robotic. The development of robotics is also being carried out in shipbuilding for the Navy of the Russian Federation.

According to Navy Commander Admiral Viktor Chirkov, by 2020 Russian fifth-generation submarines will be armed with robots.

The commander said that “Russian submarines of the fifth generation will be different from today's submarines as they will have standardized modular platforms with the integration of weapons and robotic systems.”

In addition, within two years, Russian inventors plan to create robotic submarine systems capable of destroying enemy aircraft carriers. According to the chief of the Navy’s Coastal Guard Forces Alexander Kolpachenko, in the foreseeable future a fleet of robotic missile systems will enter service.

 

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ne
MLRS-Launched Drone Developed in Russia Looks for Foreign Buyers
© Sputnik/ Ministry of defence of the Russian Federation
RUSSIA
09:00 28.02.2017(updated 09:04 28.02.2017) Get short URL
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Director of Russia's Splav Research and Manufacturing company said that developer of an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) carried by a Russian Smerch multiple rocket launcher is looking for foreign buyers.

© SPUTNIK/
Several Countries Show Interest in Russian Orlan Drones Engaged in Syria Operation - Rostec
MOSCOW (Sputnik) – The developer of an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) carried by a Russian Smerch multiple rocket launcher is looking for foreign buyers, the director of Russia's Splav Research and Manufacturing company said Tuesday.


"Technologically, we have done this work at our own expense. We hope there will be customers soon," Splav Director General Nikolai Makarovets told reporters.

Makarovets noted that the Smerch-launched drone's first likely buyer would come from abroad, explaining that in Russia "structures allowing the use of drones in the army's interests" have already been identified.

The UAV, mounted onto a 300 mm rocket projectile and launched at a distance of up to 90 kilometers (56 miles), could perform reconnaissance missions and transmit real-time information for 25-30 minutes after the launch. Its specifications were disclosed in 2015 by a senior official from Splav's parent company, the Techmash conglomerate specializing in the development and production of ammunition supplies.

Splav is the world's leading manufacturer of multiple rocket launcher systems, including the popular Grad (Hail) and Uragan (Hurricane) systems in addition to Smerch (Whirlwind), according to its website.

 

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Russia Developing Military Robots for Export
© Sputnik/ Evgeny Biyatov
MILITARY & INTELLIGENCE
17:07 23.03.2017(updated 17:08 23.03.2017) Get short URL
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Russian defense industry companies are developing military robots that could be of interest to foreign customers, a member of Russia's Military-Industrial Commission, Oleg Martyanov said Thursday.

© WIKIPEDIA/
Game of Drones: How Russia Can Respond to US Weapons of the Future
KUBINKA (Sputnik) — Russian defense industry companies are developing military robots that could be of interest to foreign customers, a member of Russia's Military-Industrial Commission, Oleg Martyanov said Thursday.


"Simultaneously with the development of samples of robotics for our military department, which are planned for adoption, we are working on those samples that will have similar technical characteristics, but will be of interest to foreign customers," Martyanov said.

He added that the robotics industry companies should seek similar success levels abroad as have been enjoyed by the highly popular Kalashnikov assault rifles.

Russia's Military-Industrial Commission is a permanent government agency that implements defense industry policy and oversees the development of military technology for national defense and security, according to the official website of the Kremlin.

 

[Bahamut]

421-16Е2 drone
Not by Assault Rifle Alone: Russia's Kalashnikov Arms Maker Rolls Out New Drone
© Photo: ZALA AERO GROUP
RUSSIA
12:33 03.03.2017Get short URL
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A sophisticated surveillance drone developed by the Kalashnikov subsidiary Zala Aero Group is already being mass produced, Kalashnikov Concern spokeswoman Sophia Ivanova said in a written interview with Sputnik.

© SPUTNIK/ GRIGORIY SISOEV
Sniper Machinegun: Kalashnikov Unveils Universal Weapon for Special Forces (VIDEO)
Zala Aero Group, a subsidiary of the world-famous Russian rifle manufacturer Kalashnikov Concern, presented its newest unmanned aerial reconnaissance vehicle, the ZALA 421-16E2, at the IDEX-2017 defense exhibition, which recently wrapped up in Abu Dhabi.


In a writtren interview with Sputnik, Kalashnikov Concern external communications director Sophia Ivanova said that the ZALA 421-16E2 is already being mass produced and that this unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) will soon be supplied to customers.

"The drone is manually launched with the help of an elastic catapult. It is equipped with an automatic target tracking module and a built-in air shock absorber to protect the UAV during landing. The ZALA 421-16E2 has no analogues in its class of drones," Ivanova said.

The take-off weight of the all-weather, round-the-clock drone is 7.5 kg; it is capable of staying in the air for four hours.

© PHOTO: ZALA AERO GROUP
ZALA 421-16Е2
The payload includes a daytime camera equipped with a 60x optical zoom and a 10x magnification thermal surveillance device.

According to Ivanova, the UAV's built-in inertial system, electronic telemeter and self-checking sensors provide the drone with full autonomy from GPS/GLONASS satellite navigation systems.

The UAV can be operated with the help of a real-time controller, with multi-channel encrypted communication and data transmission adding significantly to the drone's protection, she said.

Ivanova added that the ZALA 421-16E2 has, to date, conducted more than 1,000 sorties and that it was approved to hit the shelves in early January 2016.

© SPUTNIK/ GRIGORIY SISOEV
Russia’s Kalashnikov Concern Developing New Modifications of Sniper Rifles
Kalashnikov Concern, founded in 1807, is one of the largest weapons manufacturing companies. The company's best known product is the Kalashnikov assault rifle, which is used in service of over 100 countries.


In 2015, Kalashnikov Concern CEO Alexey Krivoruchko announced his company's plans to produce drones, which he said would be used for border control, reconnaissance and special missions.

He said that the company is also planning the development and production of UAVs for the purposes of monitoring emergency situations and dangerous objects, as well as geodetic research in harsh climate conditions.

 

[Bahamut]

Sniper Machinegun: Kalashnikov Unveils Universal Weapon for Special Forces
© Sputnik/ Grigoriy Sisoev
MILITARY & INTELLIGENCE
14:52 10.09.2016(updated 16:07 14.09.2016) Get short URL
Topic:
Russia's Army-2016 Military Expo (47)
415068614
The world-famous Russian Kalashnikov Concern stole the show at the Army-2016 forum in the Moscow Region unveiling a new string of its deadly weapons including the RPK-16 machine gun, the AK12 and the AK15 assault rifles. A Sputnik reporter visited the Alabino shooting range to see the demonstration of the arms' capabilities with his own eyes.


The RPK-16 is a 5.45mm brand new light machine gun which is expected to take over the role of its predecessor, the RPK-74, in the Russian Armed Forces thanks to its groundbreaking features.

© SPUTNIK/ EVGENY BIYATOV
A visitor examines the RPK-16 machine of the Kalashnikov concern at the Army 2016 International military and technical forum.
What striking first and foremost is that this machine gun is equipped with a sniper sight and a barrel silencer and is capable of firing single shots, which is absolutely surprising for the type of a weapon known for strong recoil and meant for firing long bursts.

© PHOTO: KBM.RU
Hitting Everything That Flies: New Russian MANPAD Verba Knows No Equals
This is exactly what makes the RPK-16 different from analogues. A fine combination of ergonomic decisions such as the changeable length of the club and a pistol-like grip considerably minimize recoil whereas a Picatinny rail is used to mount extra devices such as a scope sight, a collimating sight, a heat imaging sight, or a tac-lite system.


During the dynamic demonstration, a shooter armed with an RPK-16 equally easily eliminated targets with both long bursts and single shots, using the record-light 4kg-machinegun as a sniper rifle in the latter case. The engineers created a truly cross-functional weapon, Andrei Kirisenko, an adviser to the Kalashnikov CEO explained to Sputnik while bullets were hitting targets a dozen meters away.

"The RPK-16 machine gun was designed primarily for Spetsnaz, paratroopers and other rapid reaction forces who need a universal, compact and light weapon for accomplishing different tasks."

The bipod-based machine gun has two types of magazines: a 30-round curved magazine and a new 96-round drum. Its construction enables a long barrel (when the RPK-16 is applied as a machinegun) and a short barrel (in the event it is used as an assault weapon). It has a rate of fire of 700 rounds per minute and an accuracy range of 800 meters. It can fire any rounds compatible with an AK-74 or RPK-74.

AK12 or AK15: Enhanced Ergonomics and Density of Hits for Russian Army

Apart from the machine gun, the Kalashnikov Concern presented two assault rifles, the 5.45mm AK12 and the 7.62mm AK15, which are contesting the right to replace the tried-and-true 5.45mm AK-74M in the Russian Army. They both have a rate of fire of 700 rounds per minute, which is 50 rounds faster than that of the AK-74M. The accuracy range of two new assault rifles is measured at 800 meters.

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© SPUTNIK/ VASILY RAKSHA
AK-15 and AK-12

© PHOTO: PIXABAY
Russia’s Ray Guns: The Military Capability of Moscow’s Secret Laser Weapons
Basically, the only difference between the two is their caliber — the AK15 seems to be a backup should the Russian Army switch back to the 7.62mm caliber.


In contrast with older AK assault rifles, the AK12 and AK15 brandish a Picatinny rail for various devices, a telescopic-type buttstock, and a pistol-type grip; several changes were made to the magazine-opening cover, foregrip, and gas tube. These modifications noticeably ratcheted up the weapons' grouping of shots and ergonomics.

The Army-2016 international military-technical exposition is taking place in the Moscow Region on September 6-11.


...

 

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Blinding Them With Science: Russian MiG-35 to Fire Laser Weapon at Enemy Optics
© Flickr/ mashleymorgan
RUSSIA
16:38 09.03.2017(updated 16:43 09.03.2017) Get short URL
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The MiG-35 is being equipped with laser weaponry which will add significantly to the Russian warplane's combat capability, according to Russian aviation expert Dmitry Drozdenko.

© SPUTNIK/ VITALIY BELOUSOV
MiG-29 Fighter Jets From Russia to 'Save' Serbia's Air Force
In an interview with Sputnik, Russian aviation expert Dmitry Drozdenko focused on how the MiG-35, one of Russia's most modern multirole fighters, is being equipped with laser weaponry which will contribute to the warplane's combat capability.


In late January 2017, Russian Aerospace Defense Forces Commander Viktor Bondarev confirmed that the MiG-35 strike fighter would eventually be armed with laser weaponry.

He said that the development of laser weapons for the MiG-35 would begin immediately after flight testing is completed this summer.

© SPUTNIK/ RAMIL SITDIKOV
The MiG-35
Touching upon the issue, Drozdenko recalled that laser weapons are capable of destroying what are currently known as the "eyes" of a modern aircraft, namely, various kinds of optical sensors and electronics.

"Laser weapons [including those installed on the MiG-35] can disable these components and create massive interference, thereby nullifying the famous Western advantage in electronics," Drozdenko said.

He touted the MiG-35's laser weaponry as something that he said will be able "to cause irreparable damage to potential enemy warplanes' electronics."

Separately, Drozdenko said that the MiG-35 has great export potential, with a whole array of countries expected to purchase the jet, including India, Kazakhstan and Peru.

"The Russian MiG family is already its own brand, that I hope will stay for years to come. India earlier bought the MiG-35s and other countries may follow suit, especially given the fact that the plane is armed with laser weapons," the expert said.

The MiG-35 is a multipurpose generation 4++ fighter and an advanced derivative of the original MiG-29 fighter.

© SPUTNIK/ VITALIY ANKOV
Russian MiG-31 Interceptor Jet to Stay in Service Until 2028
It is armed with a 30-mm cannon and carries 1,500 rounds of ammunition. It can carry up to 7,000 kg of payload on ten external pylons. It can also use various air-to-air and air-to-surface missiles, as well as guided and unguided rockets and bombs.


The MiG-35 has a maximum speed of 2,700 kilometers per hour, an effective range of 1,000 kilometers and a service ceiling of 17,500 meters.
Serial purchases of the MiG-35s under the state arms procurement program will begin in 2019, according to United Aircraft Corporation President Yury Slyusar.

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Russia’s Ray Guns: The Military Capability of Moscow’s Secret Laser Weapons
© Photo: Pixabay
RUSSIA
16:38 07.08.2016Get short URL
513845776
Russia’s Defense Ministry has revealed that the military has commissioned several new types of laser weaponry, without further elaborating on any specifics of the systems. However, RIA Novosti spoke to a number of Russian military experts to find out what these advanced weapons may be capable of.

© WIKIPEDIA/ EDWARD L. COOPER
Facts About the Secret Laser Weapons Systems Russia is Developing
Russia seems to be breathing life into the development of “weapons based on new physical principles.”


The term “weapons based on new physical principles” was coined in the 1980s by Soviet military officials and used in reference to directed-energy weapons, geophysical weapons and wave-energy weapons, among others.

On Tuesday, the Russian Deputy Defense Minister revealed that laser weapons are no longer a novelty for the Russian armed forces however without specifying what they are potentially capable of.

RIA Novosti turned to some well-known military experts to find out what are the advantages of the laser based weapon systems.

Airborne Laser

The weapons based on new physical principles, including the aircraft-mounted laser which is currently being developed in Russia, will reliably ensure the national security, according to Igor Korotchenko, a respected Russian military analyst, a member of the Russian Defense Ministry’s civic council and editor of the magazine 'National Defense'.

© FLICKR/ ANDREA.PACELLI
Future is Here: Russian Army Already Uses Several Types of Laser Weaponry
He further explained that a powerful laser system mounted on an Il-76, a multi-purpose four-engine turbofan strategic airlifter, will be able to counter enemy reconnaissance systems.


It’s guaranteed to disrupt optoelectronic equipment and field sensors operating in the infrared range in space, at sea, and on land.

“It is a known fact that similar military equipment is under development in the US, however the American airborne lasers are mostly targeting foreign intercontinental ballistic missiles and their re-entry vehicles,” the expert said.

“And while the Americans haven’t been very successful here, Russia’s aircraft-mounted laser has proved its ability to successfully fulfil the set tasks,” he added.

Reports suggest that Russia’s flying airborne laser laboratory first took flight in 1981, and fired against an aerial target in April 1984. However, work ceased in the early 1990s for lack of funds.

Vehicle-Mounted Laser

© PHOTO: WIKIPEDIA
How Russia Can Counter the US's New 'Miracle Weapons'
Korotchenko also noted that unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) can pose a serious threat when they are able to evade surface-to-air missiles.


Then a vehicle-mounted laser will come into play.

“Scientific and technical progress in the military sector will inevitably result in development of other weapons systems based on new physical principles, all the leading military powers are involved in such developments and Russia should be no exception to this process, “the expert added.

Russian military science professor and the president at the Academy of Geopolitical Problems, Konstantin Sivkov has suggested that the Russian Armed Forces might have already passed into service the laser systems for jamming tank armament command systems.

“There might also be laser weapons for the sea-based ballistic missile defense and for jamming optronic surveillance and target homing guidance equipment,” Sivkov said.

© PHOTO: PIXABAY
Laser weapon
Blinding Laser Weapons

Leonid Ivashov, president of the Academy of Geopolitical Problems, says that laser weapons could also be used by ground forces to blind the optronic equipment of the enemy.

“These weapons will be used, first of all, by the ground forces as blinding equipment. Lasers will blind the optical intelligence equipment and fire control sight systems as well as some command and communication systems,” he said.

 

[Bahamut]

Level Up: Kalashnikov Presents New Pistol for Russian Military
© Sputnik/ Alexander Vilf
MILITARY & INTELLIGENCE
18:29 21.06.2015(updated 18:48 21.06.2015) Get short URL
Topic:
Army 2015 Defense Forum (22)
212291503
Visitors of the Army-2015 exhibition in the Moscow Region queued to examine a new pistol presented by the Kalashnikov Company.


The PL-14 is a 9x19mm pistol developed for force structures. The member of the Russian Security Service (FSB) and shooting sportsmen participated in the development of the weapon, which resulted in its ergonomics and convenience.

The pistol takes human biomechanics into account and fits equally both left- and right-handed shooters.

© PHOTO: KALASHNIKOV
The PL-14

© PHOTO: KBM.RU
Hitting Everything That Flies: New Russian MANPAD Verba Knows No Equals
The geometry of the cartridge chamber enables the use of flawed ammo, too. It has the Picatinny rail for extra devices.


The PL-14 has a tightened trigger system that prevents unintended shots. A special touch indicator helps the shooter to understand if there is a bullet in the chamber. The magazine holds 15 cartridges.

The new weapon is characterized by narrowness: only 21 mm in the front part and 28 mm in the handle. The pistol’s balanced structure and small mass (less than 1 kg with cartridges) decrease recoil and increase the precision of the shot.


The hand gun can be used by the military as well as sportsmen, since it can be adapted for civil competition parameters.

Experts concluded that the new pistol is a decent rival for such brands as Makarov, Glock, Beretta and Walter.

 

[Bahamut]

Science & Space
March 23, 18:09UTC+3
The device’s visual capabilities might be used to create various virtual tours, event photography, as well as serve as an ‘eye in the sky’ for drones
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© Belgorod State National Research University
MOSCOW, March 23. /TASS/. Scientists from the Belgorod National Research University (BelSU) have successfully concluded tests for a prototype device that records digital image and is capable of processing video data in real time, the press-office of BelSU said. The novel technological breakthrough will be used at JSC "Krasnogorsky Zavod" (KMZ "ZENIT") located in the Moscow region.



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"We were given the task of designing of a multi-camera device for recording panoramic images with the goal of establishing a base to further develop scalable, high-resolution super cameras," said Sergey Lazarev, Vice Principle for Scientific and Innovative Works at the Institute of Engineering Technologies and Natural Sciences at BelSU. "In our tests, the prototype device demonstrated an exceptional quality for fusing together panoramic images capable of being done in real time in contrast to other existing devices on domestic and foreign markets."

The device developed under the leadership of Professor Igor Konstantinov from BelSU, is a spherical camera made from 12 optical modules for shooting panoramic photos and videos in UltraHD format. Additionally, the gadget is supplied with a smart optical module for digital video data in real-time mode.

Work on the product is being carried out within the framework of the Federal Target Program dubbed: "Research and Development in Top-Priority Areas to Advance Russia’s Science and Technology Sector for 2014-2020", the project is funded by the Ministry of Education of Russia. The scientists’ engineering solutions will be used by an industrial partner of the project, "Krasnogorsky Zavod", to domestically develop and produce technical vision and high-tech devices for handling images. Currently, preparations are underway for the joint development of test samples, with the next goal being the product’s launch.


The device’s visual capabilities might be used to create various virtual tours, event photography, as well as serve as an ‘eye in the sky’ for drones.



More:
http://tass.com/science/937125

 

[Bahamut]

Science & Space
March 23, 16:23UTC+3
The studies on gamma radiation are of particular importance because of the fact that it is quite hard to build a reliable protection from gamma radiation which consists of waves
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© Anton Tushin/TASS
MOSCOW, March 23. /TASS/. Scientists have wrapped up research on the effects of low-level doses on luminescent bacteria and found out that they can be applied to track the toxicity of surrounding areas contaminated by radioactive pollutants, the press office of Siberian Federal University (SFU) said. The results of the study have been published in the Journal of Environmental Radioactivity.



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"Luminescent bacteria is a very convenient object for investigating the effect of radiation on cellular levels. Our results show great potential for using this bacteria to estimate the toxicity of areas contaminated by radioactive pollution," commented Nadezhda Kudryashova, SFU professor and research assistant at RAS’ Institute of Biophysics.

The studies on gamma radiation are of particular importance because of the fact that it is quite hard to build a reliable protection from gamma radiation which consists of waves, in contrast to alpha and beta radiations which are the beams of particles. For instance, to effectively screen alpha-particles, an ordinary sheet of paper is enough. But to stop gamma-rays, a thick of heavy metal or concrete is needed. According to the researchers, the studies of the impact of low-level doses on luminescent bacteria was especially exciting because the effect of low doses has not been widely studied so far.



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To find out how low-intensity gamma-radiation affects bacteria and what is different in this effect as opposed to the action from alpha-and beta-rays, scientists performed an experiment. They applied Photobacterium phosphoreum placed in the experimental capsule and irradiated it with the radioactive cesium-137 from the Yenisey river bed near the village Atamanovo in the Krasnoyarsk Region.


Those scientists discovered that in contrast to alpha and beta radiation, in low amounts gamma radiation has no positive impact with the most pronounced effect being the suppression of luminescence and consequently the bacterial activity. The other peculiarity is that upon low-intensive gamma-irradiation, it is the duration of exposure that matters, not the dose size. Moreover, the researchers noticed that the gamma rays did not damage the bacteria’s vital genes, although the danger of radiation is often associated with changes on a genetic level.

Luminescence bacteria from the genus, Photobacterium, produce proteins which shine in the dark. The bacteria live in the sea and at night the whiteness of the sea water’s bluish light arising from the bacterial activity can be seen. By tracking the changes in the intensity of the luminescence one can judge how the surroundings influence the bacteria. As a consequence, the luminescent organisms are successfully used to estimate the toxicity of chemical pollutions for up to several dozen years



More:
http://tass.com/science/937095

 

[Bahamut]

Science & Space
March 22, 15:28UTC+3
Scientists discovered new types of CRISPR-CAS systems of adaptive bacterial immunity
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© Sergei Savostyanov/TASS
MOSCOW, March 22. /TASS/ Scientists discovered new types of CRISPR-CAS systems of adaptive bacterial immunity, Skoltech’s press office said.

The work of joint research team from Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology (Skoltech), the National Institutes of Health (NIH; USA) and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT; USA) was published in the journal Nature Reviews Microbiology.

In nature, CRISPR-Cas systems are used by bacteria to defend against invading viruses. In the CRISPR-Cas, bacteria store the sequences of the viral genome, so the genes of the Cas proteins act like scissors and can cut the DNA at known points. If a bacteria is attacked by a virus, it can recognize the viral DNA by means of CRISPR-Cas and then destroy it with Cas proteins. It is the ability of CRISPR-Cas system to cut DNA at exactly the predefined locations that enable it to create new technologies for genome editing, making it possible for instance to treat genetic diseases.



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Russian genetics team creates tool for immunity analysis


"Using the systematic bioinformatics search in DNA sequences from the genome databases, we predicted new systems. The genes of newly disclosed systems are quite unusual, and the CRISPR-Cas systems are unlike those studied before. We are almost sure that now all the main types of CRISPR-Cas systems have been classified," commented Sergey Shmakov, the first author of the study and Skoltech PhD student.


As a result of the evolutionary arms race between viruses and bacteria, an incredible diversity of CRISPR-Cas systems exists in nature.

In the new study, scientists performed a large-scale bioinformatics analysis and identified previously unknown types of CRISPR-Cas systems that may have a broad range of uses in the field of genetic engineering. The researchers believe that some of the discovered CRISPR-Cas systems might be applied to developing innovative tools for genome editing and regulation.

For example, the VI-B type CRISPR-Cas system has novel proteins that may regulate its activity. Another discovery, the V-U system, contains comparatively small Cas proteins which makes it highly attractive for genetic engineering purposes because it is relatively easy for bioengineers to work with small proteins and deliver them to various kinds of cells.



More:
http://tass.com/science/936849

 

[Bahamut]

Science & Space
March 16, 15:32UTC+3
Fullerite is a molecular crystal where fullerene molecules are located in the lattice points with the fullerene being a football-shaped molecule consisting solely of carbon atoms
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© Kirill Kukhmar/TASS
MOSCOW, March 16. /TASS/. Russian physicists modeled a fullerite and diamond-based structure and demonstrated that when pressure was applied the fullerite acquired a super-strong rigidity, the MIPT press office said. This breakthrough sets the stage for estimating the possible conditions to produce the super-rigid materials. The results of the study were published in the journal Carbon.

Fullerite is a molecular crystal where fullerene molecules are located in the lattice points with the fullerene being a football-shaped molecule consisting solely of carbon atoms. The fullerene possesses an outstanding rigidity, whereas the fullerite is a rather soft material, which nevertheless upon pressure becomes harder than a diamond.



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"We hope that through our work, we will bring us closer to unlocking the mystery of ultrahard carbon. The developed model will help bring to light its properties and in synthesizing new ultra-hard carbon materials," Pavel Sorokin, the author of the research commented.

The reasons why fullerite becomes extremely hard once pressure is applied have been clarified by a group of scientists from Technological Institute for Superhard and Novel Carbon Materials (TISNCM), Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology (MIPT), Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology (Skoltech), and the National University of Science and Technology "MISIS" under the guidance of Doctor of Physical and Mathematical Sciences, Professor Leonid Chernozatonsky from the N.M. Emmanuel Institute of Biochemical Physics RAS, and Pavel Sorokin, Doctor of Physical and Mathematical Sciences, leading researcher at the laboratory "Inorganic Nanomaterials" at MISIS and MIPT lecturer.


The researchers believe that upon contraction part of the fullerite evolves into a diamond-like carbon while the rest preserve its structure. The scientists developed a model where the structure in the contracted state has been encapsulated in a diamond, and have studied its properties. Essentially, the contracted fullerite is kept by the diamond’s shell giving an extreme rigidity to the whole structure.

During the course of the research, it turned out that with an increase in the size of fullerite cluster, while retaining the sizes of the diamond’s shell, the characteristics became very similar to the experimental one, with the material’s rigidity notably outdoing the features for diamonds.

The researchers believe that the results will promote further steps in researching fullerite.



More:
http://tass.com/science/935945

 

[Tiger.Hind]

@Bahamut @gadeshi http://theindianvoice.com/what-exca...ian-town-suggests-it-was-once-a-hindu-nation/

Excavators Found in Ancient Russian Town Suggests It Was Once a Hindu Nation

Also: http://www.bharatiya.ru/istoki.html

They trace back to Son Anu of Raja Yayati||

https://legacy.wlu.ca/documents/6483/Christians_Go_home.pdf

Documentation & Legacy of Hindu(Pagan) Revival across FSU esp in Kavkazi Area||