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The Tech of War, 3120 academy Drive, Colorado Springs, CO (2025)

12/11/2025

The Comandanti‑class patrol vessel (also sometimes written “Commandante Class”) is a group of four light combatant / patrol ships built for Italian Navy. These ships are part of a program called NUMC (New Minor Combatant) intended to give Italy a flexible patrol and coastal defence platform capable of surveillance, maritime policing, and surface combat roles as needed.

Physically each ship is about 88.4 metres long and displaces about 1,520 tons full load. They are crewed by roughly 80 sailors including officers. Propulsion comes from diesel engines (two Wartsila‑NSD W18‑V26 diesels) which allow a maximum sustained speed of over 25 knots. The design also emphasizes reduced radar and infrared signatures, giving the ship some degree of stealth compared to older patrol craft.

For weapons the Comandanti class mounts a forward main gun: a 76 mm/62 caliber gun (Oto Melara 76/62) which is aimed and controlled by a radar‑optronic fire control system (Selex NA-25 with RTN‑25X radar / optronic director). As secondary armament there are two 25 mm Oto Melara automatic guns. This armament setup makes the ships capable of engaging small surface threats, enforcing maritime law, and providing naval gunfire support when needed.

When it comes to sensors and mission systems the patrol vessels are fitted with a multi‑mode X‑band radar (Selex RAN-30X/I) which handles air and surface search, small target detection, over‑the‑horizon surveillance, and sea‑skimming missile detection modes. They also carry a navigation radar (SPS-753) and an integrated combat system / communications / command‑control backbone from Selex Sistemi Integrati. For additional versatility, the ships feature a helicopter deck and retractable hangar capable of operating a medium‑helicopter such as an AB‑212 or NH‑90 — giving them increased reach for patrol, surveillance or boarding operations.

Operationally the Comandanti‑class has been used by the Italian Navy for a range of roles: coastal patrol, surveillance of territorial waters and exclusive‑economic zones, maritime traffic control, anti‑smuggling/immigration control, and lower‑intensity surface combat tasks as needed. Their endurance allows for medium‑range patrols with fuel and stores for up to about ten days. Because of their balanced mix of size, stealth, weapons and sensors the Comandanti‑class vessels offer a good compromise between a light patrol boat and a full warship — useful for peacetime maritime security or lower‑intensity naval duties when bigger ships are not required.

12/11/2025

The aircraft Dassault Mirage 2000 is a French single‑engine multirole combat fighter developed by Dassault Aviation. It first flew in 1978 and entered service in 1984, originally as an interceptor for the French Air Force. Over the years its design and avionics evolved so it became capable not only of air‑defence, but also strike, ground‑attack and multirole missions — making it a flexible, all‑around fighter.

Under the hood the Mirage 2000 runs on a single turbofan engine, the SNECMA M53-P2 afterburning jet engine. Its thrust with afterburner reaches about 95 kN, which lets the jet hit top speeds up around Mach 2.2 (about 2,330 km/h) at altitude. As for size the jet is roughly 14.36 meters long with a wingspan of about 9.13 meters and height around 5.2 meters. With maximum take‑off weight around 17,000 kg and an empty weight around 7,500 kg, the 2000 balances power and agility.

When it comes to weaponry the Mirage 2000 brings a solid punch. Internally it carries two 30 mm DEFA (now GIAT) cannons, each supplied with 125 rounds. For air‑to‑air combat it can carry modern missiles such as the radar‑ or infrared‑guided MBDA MICA missiles, or shorter‑range missiles like the Matra Magic II, giving it flexibility in dogfights or BVR (beyond visual range) engagements. On top of that the plane can be loaded for strike or ground‑attack missions with bombs, laser‑guided bombs, air‑to‑surface missiles and external fuel tanks — thanks to nine external hardpoints for weapons or fuel/mission pods.

To support all that firepower the Mirage 2000 is equipped with modern avionics: a multimode radar (for example the Thomson‑CSF RDY radar) that supports look‑down/shoot‑down and multiple‑target tracking, along with a navigation and targeting suite that works in day or night, in all‑weather conditions. This gives the aircraft ability to work as interceptor, defensive air cover, or strike aircraft depending on mission.

Overall the Mirage 2000 is a well‑rounded fighter jet that mixes speed, firepower, and versatility. Its relatively light airframe plus strong engine gives it great performance in air combat. Its multirole capacity means it can switch between air‑to‑air missions and strike missions as needed. That flexibility — especially for air forces needing a do‑it‑all fighter without going to heavy modern jets — has kept Mirage 2000 relevant for decades.

12/11/2025

The Consolidated PB4Y-1 Liberator was the U.S. Navy’s adapted version of the famous Consolidated B-24 Liberator heavy bomber, pressed into service in the early 1940s for long-range maritime patrol, anti-submarine warfare, convoy es**rt, and reconnaissance over ocean areas. The Navy accepted 977 B-24-derived aircraft under the PB4Y-1 designation, covering variants drawn from B-24D, J, L and M models.

Under the hood the PB4Y-1 sported four Pratt & Whitney R-1830 twin-row radial engines, each delivering about 1,200 horsepower — giving the plane serious power for its size. The aircraft measured around 20.5 meters long, with a wingspan of about 33.5 meters and a height near 5.5 meters — making it a big four-engine land-based bomber/patrol plane. With full fuel and load the PB4Y-1 could reach a max takeoff weight in the realm of 29,500–30,000 kilograms, which reflects its heavy-duty range and payload capabilities.

For armament the PB4Y-1 was well-equipped defensively: it carried multiple .50-caliber (12.7 mm) machine guns mounted in turrets — including nose (bow), dorsal, belly/ball, waist, and tail positions — giving broad coverage against attacking fighters. Many later Navy-based PB4Y-1s were also fitted with air-to-surface radar, making them capable of detecting submarines or ships from afar. For maritime combat roles the plane could carry bombs, depth charges or mines — so it was used for anti-ship or anti-submarine strikes, or mining enemy waters.

Operationally the PB4Y-1 saw service throughout World War II with the U.S. Navy, U.S. Marine Corps Aviation, and even the U.S. Coast Guard (which used a few PB4Y-1s for search, rescue, and ice-patrol duties). It played an important role in closing the so-called “Mid-Atlantic gap” by using its long range to patrol shipping lanes, hunt submarines, es**rt convoys, and perform reconnaissance far off shore. Despite being originally a heavy-bomber design, the naval conversion showed how adaptable the Liberator airframe was — giving the Navy a land-based patrol bomber that could range across oceans, carry heavy loads, defend itself, and strike or spot threats.

All in all the PB4Y-1 Liberator stands as one of the most versatile four-engine patrol aircraft of World War II. Its combination of endurance, payload, defensive firepower, and multi-role flexibility helped Allied navies monitor vast sea zones, safeguard convoys, and challenge enemy submarines and shipping — missions that few other aircraft of its time could do so effectively.

12/11/2025

The Challenger 3 is the next-generation main battle tank being developed in the United Kingdom to replace older models of British armour. It is based on upgraded hulls from previous tanks, but with major modernisation: a completely new turret, engine improvements, armour upgrades and digital systems to meet 21st century battlefield needs.

Challenger 3 weighs in at about 66 tonnes and carries a crew of four: commander, gunner, loader and driver. Its main gun is a 120 mm smoothbore cannon — the Rheinmetall L55A1 — which marks a shift from the rifled gun of older British tanks. This new gun lets the tank fire modern NATO-standard ammunition, including advanced kinetic-energy penetrator rounds and programmable explosive rounds for different combat situations.

For secondary armament the tank includes a coaxial 7.62 mm machine gun and a second 7.62 mm machine gun on the commander's cupola if needed. Smoke gr***de launchers are mounted on the turret for concealment during battle. To handle targeting and engagement, Challenger 3 gets a fully digitised turret with modern fire control, thermal and day-vision sights for both commander and gunner, automatic target tracking and stabilization — which helps when firing on the move or at long ranges.

On protection and survivability the tank is upgraded significantly. It uses new modular armour (known as "EPSOM" externally and "Farnham" internally) and can be fitted with an active protection system such as Trophy APS to intercept incoming anti-tank missiles or rockets. There are also laser-warning sensors and electronic defence systems to detect threats, giving the crew improved chances to survive in modern, sensor-heavy battlefields.

As for operational status, prototypes of Challenger 3 have already been delivered for tests since 2024, and the full upgrade plan envisions converting 148 older tanks to Challenger 3 standards. Initial operational capability is expected in the mid-2020s, with full deployment by around 2030, and service life projected into the 2040s. This makes Challenger 3 the backbone of Britain’s heavy armour for the foreseeable future — combining firepower, protection and modern battlefield integration.

12/10/2025

The Hawker Tempest was a British single-seat fighter-bomber developed during World War II as a refined and more powerful successor to the earlier Hawker Typhoon. The first production-ready version, the Hawker Tempest Mk V, flew in 1942 and began entering service in 1943. The design used a thinner laminar–flow wing and improved aerodynamics to give the Tempest better performance at high and low altitude than its predecessor.

Under the hood the Mk V Tempest was powered by a single Napier Sabre II liquid-cooled H-24 piston engine producing about 2,180 horsepower. The airframe measured around 10.26 meters long with a wingspan of about 12.5 meters and height near 4.9 meters. In combat configuration it weighed roughly 4,128 kilograms empty and could reach a loaded weight up to around 6,130 kilograms. Performance-wise the Tempest could reach speeds about 700 kilometers per hour (roughly 435 mph) at altitude, climb at a rate near 3,000 feet per minute (around 914 meters per minute), and had a service ceiling around 11,000–11,300 meters. Its operational range on internal fuel was around 1,190 kilometers (about 740 miles), extendable with drop tanks for longer missions.

As for weaponry the Tempest was well-armed for its era. It carried four 20 mm Hispano cannons mounted in the wings — giving it a strong punch in air-to-air or ground-attack roles. For ground-attack or strike missions it could carry bombs (up to around 907 kilograms / 2,000 pounds total) or under-wing rockets (eight 3-inch rockets) on racks under the wings. This mixed capability made the Tempest flexible: equally capable of dogfights, ground raids or intercepting threats.

Operationally the Tempest earned a strong reputation late in WWII and right after. It proved especially effective during the period when the Allied forces were under threat from flying bombs (the V-1 flying bombs). Its speed and low-altitude performance made it one of the few Allied fighters able to catch and shoot down many of those. Beyond that, Tempest squadrons claimed many enemy aircraft destroyed — including early jet fighters and reconnaissance planes — while also performing ground-attack and close-support missions for advancing Allied armies. In short, the Tempest became one of the most versatile and powerful piston-engined fighters of the war.

12/10/2025

The Bell UH-1N Twin Huey is a twin-engine military utility helicopter that traces its roots back to the iconic “Huey” family first created in the 1950s. The “N” model — sometimes called “Twin Huey” or by its base commercial model name Bell 212 — flew for the first time in 1969 and started entering service in 1970. It was built to give armed forces better lift, safety, and versatility compared with older single-engine Hueys, especially for missions that need twin-engine reliability.

Physically the UH-1N has a two-bladed main rotor with a diameter of about 48 feet (≈14.6 meters), an overall length (including rotor) of approximately 57 feet (≈17.4 meters), and a height around 14.5 feet (≈4.4 meters). Its maximum take-off weight is roughly 10,500 pounds (≈4,763 kg). With its two Pratt & Whitney Canada T400-CP-400 (or PT6T) turboshaft engines combined into a single output, the “Twin Pac” setup produces up to 1,800 shaft horsepower — and even if one engine fails, the other can keep the helicopter flying at cruise performance for a limited time. The UH-1N can carry a few tons of cargo or around 6-8 combat-equipped soldiers (or equivalent load), giving it solid transport flexibility depending on mission needs.

As for performance, the Twin Huey cruises around 110 knots (≈126 mph / 205 km/h) with a top speed in the ballpark of 120–130 knots (≈135–150 mph / ≈220–240 km/h), and has a typical range of 250–300 nautical miles (≈460–550 km) depending on configuration and load. Its service ceiling is roughly 15,000–17,300 feet (≈4,500–5,300 meters), though heavy load or fuel could reduce that.

Though primarily a utility helicopter, the UH-1N can be equipped for armed missions. In past conflict zones and special-operations use it carried rocket pods (2.75-inch / 70 mm), and door-mounted machine guns or miniguns such as 7.62 mm or .50 cal weapons. This made it useful for close-support, insertion/extraction under fire, or armed es**rt. Operationally the UH-1N has had varied roles depending on service branch: troop transport, medevac, cargo, rescue, VIP or helicopter-support, security/missile-site support, and general utility flights.

Over decades the Twin Huey has become a workhorse type — versatile, reliable, and relatively simple compared with modern attack helicopters. Its twin-engine design improves safety, while its mixed utility/armed-support capability made it adaptable for many roles. Though newer helicopters have replaced many UH-1Ns in front-line service, the model remains a classic example of a flexible, mid-size military helicopter that could do everything from troop lifts to rough-field operations depending on what’s needed.

12/10/2025

The Oshkosh JLTV (Joint Light Tactical Vehicle) is a modern light armored 4×4 designed to replace older multi-role vehicles like the Humvee. It was chosen by the U.S. Armed Forces around 2015 and entered service in 2019. JLTV was built to meet evolving battlefield needs — giving troops more protection, mobility, and versatility for today’s combat environments.

JLTV runs on a 6.6-liter turbo-diesel V8 engine (based on GM Duramax architecture), paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. It uses the sophisticated independent suspension system called TAK-4i, which offers roughly 20 inches of wheel travel — helping it maintain high off-road performance and allowing the vehicle to tackle rough, uneven terrain comfortably. JLTV can carry significant payload (over 1,500 kg depending on configuration) and is transportable by various means: helicopter, transport airplane, sea or land transport.

When it comes to weaponry and mission roles JLTV is highly flexible. In its “General Purpose” or “Close Combat Weapons Carrier” configurations it can mount remote-controlled weapon stations ranging from 7.62 mm machine guns to heavier 12.7 mm or even 30 mm cannons. More heavily armed variants (like “Heavy Guns Carrier”) can also integrate anti-tank guided missiles, short-range air defense launchers, or even compact laser weapon systems depending on the mission requirements. The vehicle supports modular kits, so weapons and defense systems can be swapped or upgraded to match operational needs.

JLTV brings improved survivability compared with older light tactical vehicles. Its protected-mobility design — including blast-resistant seats, scalable armor kits, automatic fire-suppression, and survivability enhancements — helps crews endure mines, IEDs, ambushes or small-arms threats. Besides that, JLTV is built with modern battlefield networking in mind: it supports integrated command/control/communications, reconnaissance, surveillance and information systems (C4ISR), making it suitable as a mobile command or mission-support platform rather than just a transport or gun carrier.

Because of its balance of speed, protection, modularity and transportability, JLTV is widely used by the United States military and has also attracted interest from allied nations. It serves in roles ranging from troop transport, convoy es**rt, reconnaissance, combat support to light fire-support platforms. All in all JLTV represents a major step forward from older light tactical vehicles: more adaptable, more survivable and better suited for modern multi-role military operations.

12/10/2025

The Incheon‑class frigate (also known as Future Frigate eXperimental or FFX) is a series of coastal-defence frigates operated by the Republic of Korea Navy. The project started as a plan to replace older frigates and corvettes, and the lead ship was launched in 2011. These frigates are designed to handle multiple roles including patrol, anti-submarine warfare and surface combat — making them versatile assets for South Korea’s littoral defense.

Physically the Incheon-class ships are about 114 meters long with a beam around 14 meters. Their standard displacement is roughly 2,300 tons, while fully loaded displacement goes up to around 3,250 tons. For propulsion they use a CODOG setup — a combination of diesel engines and gas turbines — that lets them reach top speeds near 30 knots and gives them a range of about 4,500 nautical miles (around 8,000 km) at cruising speed. The crew complement is typically around 140 sailors.

When it comes to weaponry the Incheon-class is pretty well-armed for its size. It carries a single 127 mm/L62 Mk 45 Mod 4 naval gun up front, a 20 mm Phalanx CIWS for close-in defense, and a launcher for RIM-116 Rolling Airframe Missiles to protect against incoming missiles or aircraft. For striking enemy ships it uses up to eight SSM-700K Haeseong anti-ship cruise missiles, giving it over-the-horizon attack ability. It also has anti-submarine capability with twin triple-tube launchers carrying lightweight K745 Blue Shark torpedos. On top of that, some versions can carry surface-to-land missiles for land attack missions — giving them extra flexibility beyond naval combat.

To sense threats and help guide its weapons the ship relies on a suite of radar, sonar and electronic systems. That includes a 3D air/surface search radar (SPS-550K), a fire-control radar (SPG-540K), hull-mounted sonar (SQS-240K), and optionally a towed array sonar system for better submarine detection. The combat management system ties together sensors, weapons and navigation. For self-protection, the ship uses electronic warfare gear (including jammers and decoy launchers) plus torpedo-countermeasure equipment.

Overall the Incheon-class / FFX frigates represent a step up from older coastal ships — they balance reasonable size, good firepower, detection capability and endurance. That makes them suited for modern coastal defense duties: patrolling sea lanes, deterring aggression, hunting submarines, or supporting operations near littoral zones. Their flexibility is part of why they remain important to the South Korean Navy’s surface fleet.

12/09/2025

The Boeing XPBB-1 Sea Ranger was a big twin-engine flying boat built by Boeing for the United States Navy during World War II — but it never saw mass production. It was intended as a long-range patrol bomber able to scan huge ocean stretches for submarines or enemy ships. The plane started as the Boeing Model 344, and the one prototype first flew on July 9, 1942.

The Sea Ranger was large and pretty ambitious for a twin-engine flying boat. It measured about 28.9 meters long with a wingspan of roughly 42.6 meters. It used two powerful Wright R-3350-8 Duplex Cyclone radial engines, each rated around 2,300 horsepower, driving three-bladed propellers. Empty, the plane weighed about 18,878 kg, and its maximum takeoff weight could approach roughly 46,000 kg. In terms of performance, it could fly up to about 345–367 km/h (depending on altitude), cruise at lower speeds for patrol, and had a service ceiling around 6,800 m. Its endurance was impressive: with standard fuel tanks it could cover around 10,000 km on patrol, and designers even considered auxiliary fuel tanks for theoretical ranges beyond that — though those were for special, catapult-assisted takeoffs.

As for weapons, the Sea Ranger was outfitted defensively with eight .50-caliber (12.7 mm) Browning machine guns, mounted in powered turrets located in the nose, tail, dorsal (top), and waist positions on the fuselage. On the offensive front, it could carry up to 9,100 kg (20,000 lb) of bombs in internal bomb bays inside the wing center section. Alternatively, under some configurations it could carry torpedoes slung beneath the wings, giving it anti-ship or anti-submarine capability.

The Sea Ranger was actually the largest twin-engine flying boat flown by any combatant during World War II. Despite that, only the prototype was ever built. The production order (for 57 aircraft) got canceled because priorities shifted: the Navy and Boeing opted to focus on the new long-range bomber Boeing B-29 Superfortress, and also because land-based patrol planes offered simpler logistics. After some years of test flights and evaluation, the sole Sea Ranger was retired and scrapped by 1947.

The Sea Ranger remains a fascinating what-could-have-been in aviation history. It combined massive range, good payload, and a design tailored for long maritime patrol — a concept that in later decades would shift toward land-based patrol aircraft, making flying boats like this one mostly obsolete.

12/09/2025

The Whidbey Island / Harpers Ferry class ships are dock landing ships (LSDs) of the US Navy, built to carry Marines, their vehicles and landing craft — and deliver them near hostile shores. The earlier group is the Whidbey Island-class dock landing ship, introduced in 1985, while the later Harpers Ferry-class dock landing ship (sometimes called the “cargo variant” of Whidbey Island) started service in the mid-1990s.

Both classes share similar dimensions: about 609–610 feet long (≈ 186 metres) and roughly 84 feet wide (≈ 25.6 metres). Their propulsion comes from four 16-cylinder diesel engines driving two shafts with around 33,000 shaft horsepower, letting them cruise at over 20 knots. On a full load, a Harpers Ferry class vessel displaces around 16,400–16,700 tons.

What makes these ships useful for amphibious assault is their “well deck” — a floodable hangar-like deck that can carry landing craft and amphibious vehicles, then flood and launch them directly into the water. The Whidbey Island class was designed to carry up to four air-cushion landing craft (LCAC), whereas the Harpers Ferry class sacrificed some of that capacity (down to two LCACs) in favor of more cargo and vehicle storage space. Besides LCACs, they can also carry conventional landing craft or amphibious assault vehicles and heavy gear. The flight deck offers at least two helicopter landing spots and can support large helicopters such as the CH-53E, though there are no hangars for long-term aircraft storage.

For defense and survivability, these ships carry a variety of weapons and sensor systems. Typical armament includes two 20 mm Phalanx CIWS mounts (fore and aft) for close-in defense, two 25 mm Mk 38 cannons, and several .50-caliber machine guns. They also have surface-to-air defense via two RIM-116 Rolling Airframe Missile (RAM) launchers on the Harpers Ferry class. On the sensor and countermeasure side they use air-search radar (like AN/SPS-49 Air Search Radar), surface-search radar (e.g. AN/SPS-67 Surface Search Radar), navigation radar (e.g. AN/SPS-64 Navigation Radar), electronic warfare suite AN/SLQ-32(V) Electronic Warfare System, decoy launchers (like Mk 36 SRBOC), and a towed torpedo-countermeasure system AN/SLQ-25 Nixie Torpedo Countermeasure.

In real-world operations these ships are crucial for amphibious assaults: they can carry Marines, vehicles, equipment and landing craft, then get them ashore via LCACs, conventional craft, or helicopters. They also offer cargo transport, logistics, and support for sustained operations ashore. The Harpers Ferry class, with more cargo capacity, is especially suited for extended missions requiring vehicle and supply transport rather than a maximal number of landing craft.

Overall the Whidbey Island / Harpers Ferry LSDs are like big sea-trucks and motherships for amphibious warfare: not flashy carriers, but workhorse vessels that deliver troops, vehicles, and gear from ship to shore — equipped with enough armament, sensors, and systems to defend themselves when needed. If you like, I can put together a short comparison between these and other amphibious ships (like LPD or LHD) next.

12/09/2025

The Nurol Makina NMS 4x4 armoured vehicle — sometimes called “Yörük” — is a light tactical armored wheeled vehicle built by the Turkish company Nurol Makina. Its body uses a V-shaped monocoque design with scalable composite armor. That means the armor level can be adapted depending on mission needs — from basic ballistic protection up to higher protection levels against small arms fire, mines or improvised explosive devices (IEDs).

Under the hood the NMS 4x4 is powered by a 300 hp diesel engine driving a permanent 4x4 drivetrain. That gives it a pretty decent mobility profile. It can hit top speeds up to about 140 km/h and has an operational range of roughly 700 km. The vehicle’s off-road capabilities are also notable: it can climb gradients up to 70 percent, manage side slopes up to 40 percent, cross water up to about 90 cm deep, overcome vertical obstacles around 0.5 meters, and cross trenches nearly 0.9 meters wide.

What makes this vehicle useful for military or security units is its modular design. NMS 4x4 can be configured in many ways: as an armored personnel carrier, reconnaissance or surveillance vehicle, anti-tank platform, air-defense vehicle, support or command vehicle, even as a VIP convoy es**rt. It supports integration of weapon or sensor systems, remote-controlled weapon stations (RWS), and optional systems like CBRN protection, internal communications, smoke gr***de launchers, run-flat tires, central tire inflation, night/day vision, and more.

On the weapons side the NMS can be fitted with machine guns — typically 7.62 mm or 12.7 mm — mounted on a remote or manual weapon station on the roof. Other configurations may incorporate gr***de launchers, anti-tank guided missiles (ATGMs), or even light air-defence systems where required. Because of its modularity, it adapts well to different mission profiles — from troop transport and patrol to combat support.

Operationally the NMS 4x4 has already been adopted beyond Turkey. For example units of the police special operations force in Indonesia (BRIMOB) use it for counterterrorism, high-risk tactical missions, and internal security. The vehicle’s mix of mobility, protection, and flexibility seems to fit well in both military and law-enforcement contexts.

Overall the NMS 4x4 is a versatile, light but tough armored vehicle. It balances speed, protection, and modularity — a middle-ground solution for forces needing an adaptable platform rather than a heavy, specialized armored vehicle.

12/08/2025

The AirTech CN-235 MP / MPA maritime patrol aircraft is a twin-engine turboprop plane developed by a joint venture between the Spanish company (originally CASA, now EADS/part of Airbus) and the Indonesian manufacturer (formerly IPTN, now PT Dirgantara Indonesia). It started life as a transport/multirole aircraft in the early 1980s and successfully evolved into a widely used maritime patrol platform, used by several navies and coast guards around the world.

In its standard configuration the CN-235 has a length of about 21.4 meters, wingspan of 25.81 meters, and height around 8.18 meters. The plane is powered by two General Electric CT7-9C (also referenced as CT7-9C3) turboprop engines, each developing roughly 1,305 kW (about 1,750 shp) for takeoff. Thanks to these engines and design the aircraft can cruise at around 450 km/h and has operational range in the thousands of kilometers, making it capable of extended patrol missions.

What makes the CN-235MP / MPA more than just a transport plane is its mission systems and ability to be armed. In surveillance / patrol versions the plane can be fitted with radars such as the BAE Systems Seaspray 4000, Raytheon AN/APS-134, or the Thales Ocean Master 100, depending on the operator and variant. It also uses navigation and sensor suites including inertial navigation (e.g. ring-laser gyro INS), GPS, FLIR/EO-IR sensors for night or low-visibility operations, and other electronic support subsystems. On the weapons side, many CN-235 MPA variants come with several under-wing hardpoints — enough to carry anti-ship missiles or torpedoes. For instance some versions can be fitted with two Mk 46 torpedoes or air-launched anti-ship missiles (like Exocet) when configured for combat missions.

In real-world operations the CN-235 MPA has proven its value as a multi-role maritime aircraft. It’s used for maritime patrol, surveillance of Exclusive Economic Zones, anti-surface and anti-submarine duties, search and rescue, and even maritime traffic / border control. In Indonesia for instance the MPA variant is part of the naval aviation fleet under PT Dirgantara Indonesia, providing sea-patrol capability.

All in all the CN-235MP / MPA is a solid, proven workhorse that combines moderate size, adequate speed and range, flexible sensor and weapons options, and versatility — making it a smart pick for navies and coast guards needing a patrol aircraft that can handle surveillance, deterrence, and maritime security tasks without requiring a huge budget or overly specialized infrastructure.

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