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15 Jul, 5 tweets, 3 min read
Some artillery related things for your Thursday morning tea/coffee/energy drink: First up, @BAESystemsInc has revealed details of UK trials of its extended range 155 mm artillery round that were conducted last year: janes.com/defence-news/n…
It offers a range increase over the current suite of ammo available to the AS90, and also provided a range in excess of 40 km with an L52 firing stand, showing it will be compatible with MFP.
Next up, the @USArmy is conducting final assembly of its first four ERCA prototypes. To date the service has been test firing an early version of the weapon that it dubs the XM1299 prototype zero.
The prototypes will be used in the upcoming ‘Project Convergence 2021' exercise, which this year will include representatives from the other US services to demonstrate how decisions can be made faster.
Finally, across the globe, the PCL-181 155 mm SPH has been observed in service with the PLA's 72nd Group Army, marking the 9th formation to receive the howitzer since it entered service in 2019. janes.com/defence-news/n…

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More from @Sam_Cranny

Sam Cranny-Evans Profile picture
16 Jul
A thread on shaped charges, building upon yesterday's theme of ATGMs, which you can find here: Shaped charges are essentially a type of hollow charge explosive, designed to magnify the explosive's effects on a target. Image
A hollow charge is an explosive with a hollow cavity facing the target - this section can be a cone, hemisphere, or a number of other shapes. The cavity causes gaseous products formed during detonation of the explosive to focus, concentrating the blast's energy.
This is known variously as the Munroe Effect (US/UK) and the Neuman Principle (Ger). Munroe showed that the cavity would increase penetration into steel by printing 'USN 1884' into a charge and detonating it against steel. Image
Read 24 tweets
Sam Cranny-Evans Profile picture
15 Jul
A little thing on ATGMs based on a past conflict. So, in 2006 the Israeli Defence Forces deployed Merkavas to Lebanon as part of Operation 'Change of Direction'. There, they were subjected to a very high number of ATGM attacks by Hizbullah. Image
The key points (if you don't fancy reading further) are that modern MBTs can have high levels of survivability against HEAT missiles even when penetrated. And, that small packets of armour are not a good thing to use against dispersed infantry - but you already knew that right?
In total, 50 Merkavas were successfully hit by ATGM/RPGs, which included Kornet-E, Metis-M, RPG-29, Konkurs and the good old Fagot. The Merkavas included the Mk 2, 3, and 4 in service from 83, 90 and 2001 respectively. Image
Read 13 tweets
Sam Cranny-Evans Profile picture
13 May
A little thread on the PLA's Xinjiang Military District (MD). Affiliated with the Western Theatre Command (WTC) as this Jamestown image shows. Primary role is likely related to internal security, but also with responsibility for defending against India. Image
It is thought to actually host more troops than the Tibet MD, around 70k vs 40k according to the Belfer Center. It is presumed that Xinjiang would be one of the first responders to support Tibet in the event of conflict with India because of this, along with the WTC.
ORBAT: Mech Inf Div, Armour regt, 2 x Inf regt, Arty regt, GBAD regt, 3 x Motorized inf divs, Arty bde, "high powered" arty bde, SOF bde, 2 x independent regts, 2 x border def regts. There is also a PLARF formation with DF-21 missiles based near Korla. Image
Read 15 tweets
Sam Cranny-Evans Profile picture
8 Apr
It has taken a day or two but @tom_bullock_ has brought together this @JanesINTEL article on observed Russian troop movements to the border with Ukraine: janes.com/defence-news/n… Image
Tom has identified at least 14 separate Russian units, including what may be the 119 Missile Brigade with Iskanders. The moves at present appear benign and somewhat leisurely. And, as others have observed, there are few signs of an offensive nature at present. Image
There has been some cyber activity recently, including a state-sponsored attack on a Ukrainian government site in an attempt to steal data, and there was much greater activity in February. But, there are no clear signs of a targeted campaign. Which we might expect to precede war.
Read 10 tweets
Sam Cranny-Evans Profile picture
28 Sep 20
A quarterly reminder that tracking and engaging UAVs is not a simple or easy task. These videos release by an Azeri YouTube outlet show what are supposedly Baryaktar TB2 strikes against Armenia:
A lot of the targets shown are short range air defence assets, notionally designed to protect a forces against low flying aircraft and helos. Some limited ability to engage missiles could be present too.
Why does this keep happening? Drones being used to smash air defences and other vehicles seemingly at will? Well, first off, locating and tracking UAVs is hard. They can be built largely from composites or plastic as opposed to metals like large aircraft.
Read 12 tweets
Sam Cranny-Evans Profile picture
26 Sep 20
I think a few analysts might dispute this. The PLA airports are outnumbered by Indian ones in the LOAC region, and the PLAAF is aware of this. There’s a rail route under construction, but the short term stuff would depend on which side had control of the sky.
This kind of rhetoric is partially fuelled by the last war; China had to relinquish its territorial gains as it could not support its troops. This may be intended to signal that it won’t be the same next time. There have definitely been improvements eg the joint logistics force Image
But fighting in mountains is hard, and the forces assigned to the Tibetan MD aren’t that numerous. They’d be relying on PLAGF forces from elsewhere to maintain the fight. And, more importantly, the planes and roads to get them there. All infrastructure could be threatened. Image
Read 5 tweets

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