The global war on terror is on. Not only are we smashing Iraqi insurgents, we might even stick it to Iran and that crazy little man in North Korea in the near future. As our brave president says, "Bring 'em on!" But kickin' all that ass isn't easy. It takes the smart, brave, hardworking and dedicated troops (hoo-rah!) to keep the rest of the world in line.
Freedom isn't free, and we at 2nr appreciate the sacrifices our troops make for us. To show our support, we've decided to show you the vehicles our guys and gals use on a daily basis keeping the world terror-free. And since we hate terrorists even more than car thieves, we had to do something to prove our support. Yell it like you mean it: America-HELL YEAH!
The AH-Apache is the US Army's number one attack helicopter. A replacement for the venerable but aging AH-1 Cobra, the Apache is the pimp daddy of modern attack helicopters. The chopper seats two and is powered by a pair of General Electric T700 turbo-shaft engines-which are basically like two massive turbochargers. Armed with a 30mm M230 machine gun and carrying missiles or rockets on its sub-wings, the Apache is ideal for providing ground support to the troops and for destroying targets on the ground, like tanks and personnel carriers. But actually blowing the enemy up is only half of the game, finding them is the other half.
Designed for front-line duty, the Apache is outfitted with the worlds most most advanced electronics to find the bad guys-day or night, rain or shine. With integrated helmet displays, target acquisition, night vision, GPS and a slew of other gadgets, the enemy can run, but they can't hide.
Despite all its high-tech electronics, the Apache can take a beating and stay in the sky. Iraq and Afghanistan can be very unfriendly environments, and the Apache often takes a lot of small-caliber ground fire. In most cases where Apaches take heavy damage, they are still able to finish their missions and return safely to base-a testament to their ruggedness.
Apaches have played major roles in the Gulf War, Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom and have destroyed hundreds of armored vehicles in these wars. The Apache is truly a front-line machine and has proven itself successful in providing ground support and as a flying artillery platform-blowing the enemy's tanks to bits and keeping our ground troops safe.
Apache Helicopter General Specs:
Crew: 2: (pilot and gunner)
Length: 58.17 ft
Rotor diameter: 48 ft
Height: 12.7 ft
Empty weight: 11,387 lb
Loaded weight: 18,000 lb
Max takeoff weight: 21,000 lb
Powerplant: 2? General Electric T700 1,690 shp and later upgraded to T701 1,890 shp (1988-1990) and further upgraded to T701C (1991- today) turboshafts, (1,260 kW) each
Rotor system: 4 blades
Never exceed speed: 197 knots (227 mph)
Maximum speed: 158 knots (182 mph)
Cruise speed: 143 knots (165 mph)
Combat radius: 260 nm (300 mi)
Ferry range: 1,024 nm (1,180 mi)
Service ceiling: 21,000 ft
Rate of climb: 2,500 ft/min
Disc loading: 9.80 lb/ft
Power/mass: 0.18 lb/hp
Guns: 1? M230 30 mm cannon, 1,200 rounds
Rockets: Hydra 70 FFARockets
Missiles: AGM-114 Hellfire, AIM-92 Stinger, AIM-9 Sidewinder
The M2 was designed to transport troops, provide cover for troops and to destroy enemy tanks and personnel carriers. The M2 carries a crew of three, including a gunner, commander and a driver. In addition, it can carry six fully equipped solders deep into hostile territory. Since it was designed to take soldiers into dangerous areas behind enemy lines, it wears some seriously stout armor. For example, the M113 can stop 7.6mm rounds and the original M2 can withstand a direct hit from a 30mm round or a 30mm rocket propelled grenade (RPG).
Since the M2 provides ground cover for foot soldiers, it's got a heavy arsenal to compliment its armor. The M2 has a 25mm M242 gun as its primary weapon. In addition, it sports a M240C machine gun mounted to the main gun. The secondary M240C gun holds 2,200 rounds of 7.2mm ammo, while the main gun holds 300 rounds. To destroy larger targets, the M2 has an on-board missile system that fires TOW II missiles. All M2s have smoke screens, grenade launchers, and the ability to use chaff and flares.
M2 Bradley General Specs:
Type: Infantry fighting vehicle
Place of origin: United States
Weight: 30.4 tonnes
Length: 6.55 m
Width: 3.6 m
Height: 2.98 m
Crew: 3 + 6
Armour: Aluminium / Steel
Primary armament: 25 mm M242 Chain Gun 900 rounds?TOW Anti-Tank Missile?7 TOW Missiles
Secondary Armament: 7.62 mm M240C machine gun 2,200 rounds
Engine: Diesel 600 hp (447 kW)
Power/weight: 19.74 hp/tonne
Suspension: Torsion bar
Operational range: 483 km or 300 m
Speed: 66 km/h or 41mph