 | AppleJack Festival broadsword and shield with the Danish Hersir of our group. |
 | fight club People gawk. Cars honk. But it doesn't bother the costumed warriors running around the park wielding foam swords. They're just having too much fun. Why would full-grown men and women dress up and hit each other in public? Because they're part of a medieval fight club, of course. The group is called Belegarth Medieval Combat Society and it boasts members in 20 states, Canada and Denmark. What's the appeal? Watch the Madison chapter in action and see for yourself! |
 | The Ones to Blame for the Meltdown? Obaid Karki An Outcast Underdog Libertarian Diogenesist Kabbalist Spinoziste Qutbist Pantheon Hexalingual Automath Former UAE Under Secretary Independent Street-Knowledge Urban Talking-head. Unaffiliated to a State, an Organized Religion Group, a Sect or a Kin and an Anti Tribal Gentile. תּוֹדָה רַבָּה עביד כארכי عبيد كركي Dubai Holding owned by Dubai's ruler, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum russian economic official abruptly freed from jail russia may create oil reserve influence prices ron paul's counter convention rodeo drive shrugs off crisis tourists load up lauren lacoste boss recession nation 'r' word 27 states recent obama surge evident among men less educated protest bedeviled political side show prodding middle class indians polls powder laced letters sent banks 8 cities spending kids seems recession resistant sandisk falls samsung drops $5.9 billion bid u.s. memory card maker samsung withdraws bid acquire sandisk s.c. prisons take feds over jamming phone signals rodeo drive shrugs off crisis tourists load up lauren lacoste boss recession nation 'r' word 27 states 'r' word from coast coast majority states now recession powder mailed banks and fdic office police one city could get 9/11 holiday police detained third person boy's kidnapping petition calls fda regulate energy drinks paulson predicts economy rebound palins' depositions set friday paulson global cooperation crucial end crisis paulson predicts success overcoming crisis palin children traveled alaska's dime palin charges alaska kids' travel palin billed alaska family travel palin apologizes 'real america' comments stump with florida gov. charlie crist ohio secretary state's web site hacked officials us strike kills 9 afghan troops o'connor not 'losing any sleep' over 2000 recount ruling obama's iffy numbers mccain health plan obama's grandma has broken hip obama's 'executive decision' obama viewed winner third debate obama takes time off ill grandmother obama takes time woman dear him obama opens biggest lead over mccain obama briefly leaving trail see ill grandmother obama began month with $133.6m obama appeal rises poll no gains mccain ticket obama accuses mccain 'willful ignorance' economy obama accuses mccain willful ignorance economy nyt health plans numbers fly north carolina's blues michelle obama focuses military mccain's 'willful ignorance' mccains struggles leave g.o.p. incumbent fight democratic tide mccain's challenge must win ohio mccain 'i've been tested' mccain willfully ignorant econ mccain seizes biden's "test" remark paccar profit slips global sales weaken gop push indiana invisible man campaign '08 body 2012 thailand's premier gets 2 years graft text slug afghanistan unrest talibanafp/graphic terror blacklist olympic plot released stevens sinister sen. or simple guy stevens prosecutors making final arguments stevens case goes jury stevens believes he's 'above law' nec electronics tumbles 19.9% reduced forecast mccain fights keep crucial blue state play mccain deflects palin critique left hook right cross! 10 21 08 layaway message resurrected holiday shoppers lawyer government skewing evidence stevens trial lawmakers debate tighter financial rules markets today japan index drops almost 7% market downturn shatters faith stocks london markets miners drop lower london boe's king says likely recession lockheed earnings increase 2 percent lifeline automakers dangles just out reach kirk kerkorian doubling down or bailing out kerkorian's tracinda unloads ford shares justice dept. expected weigh google yahoo deal jury stevens case deliberate today iraq cabinet seeks changes security pact with u.s. indian brides replace gold jewelry with silver brass prices hit record india launches moon mission asian space race india launches first unmanned moon mission friendly region biden cites mccain erratic fine print proliferation large donors developed asia clear preference obama immigrants' advocates decry cervical cancer vaccine order hunters discover marijuana farm worth millions utah hispanic voters divided religion hillary clinton "no doubt" obama hillary clinton debate silverman ready primetime indymac could model mortgage relief india launches first unmanned moon mission if you need stocks' high returns you also get volatility how rich cheat their taxes hong kong watchdog probe citic shares fall health insurers reinvent themselves money managers pfizer beats earnings expectations lockheed martin profit up outlook down fed boosts support money market dupont beats but outlook disappoints 3m posts double digit earnings growth handshake hillary and barack greetings! you' ve got mail and an std gov't defense offer different views sen. stevens gallup daily obama holds lead various scenarios government's decision near google yahoo online ad partnership gm may need government help chrysler deal nonbelievers reassurance wheels many biological drugs 'on market' |
 | US rivals trade blows on economy Obaid Karki An Outcast Underdog Libertarian Diogenesist Kabbalist Spinoziste Qutbist Pantheon Hexalingual Automath Former UAE Under Secretary Independent Street-Knowledge Urban Talking-head. Unaffiliated to a State, an Organized Religion Group, a Sect or a Kin and an Anti Tribal Gentile. תּוֹדָה רַבָּה עביד כארכי عبيد كركي Dubai Holding owned by Dubai's ruler, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum support money market dupont beats but outlook disappoints 3m posts double digit earnings growth handshake hillary and barack greetings! you' ve got mail and an std gov't defense offer different views sen. stevens gallup daily obama holds lead various scenarios government's decision near google yahoo online ad partnership gm may need government help chrysler deal nonbelievers reassurance wheels many biological drugs 'on market' doesn't mean safe floridians line up cast early votes florida divorce lawmaker first time voters back obama economy drags mccain filipinos slightly favor mccain majority no preference few baltic states voice preferences u.s. election feds rush ease endangered species rules feds bust dozens mongols motorcycle gang members federal safety regulators issue crib durability standards fed takes steps unclog credit market fearing drought aid fda inspections foreign plants lacking fbi removes 'honor killing' from wanted poster fbi probes 30 powder laced letters sent banks fate sen. stevens jury's hands fate sen. stevens jury's hands qb vick plead guilty dogfighting experiment behind gun scare fed prepared prop up money markets fed prepared prop up money market funds fdic seeking office space southern california failing lincoln park hospital cited health safety violations employee pleads guilty viewing passport files europeans perceive stake u.s. election egyptian court sentences man sex assault conviction education cuts protested paris economy bush tighten gop boss's race back home economy rocks china factories europe markets commodity stocks pace european share decline euro pound tumble bets european central banks cut interest rates economy rocks china factories economy big factor bellwether missouri early voting suggests record turnout expert says 'dinosaur dance floor' found despite approval bush africans favor obama economic negativity tapers obama maintains lead economic gloom hits global stocks economic crisis through billionaire's eyes ebay halt ivory sales websites dow drops 150 earnings dollar rises sharply against euro pound desert cross may lead landmar k ruling dems seek boost from obama house depository trust u.s. buy closely held lch.clearnet $951 million democrats lead congressional races crib safety checks urged after recall could ron paul factor west cops dead bear under obama signs prank controllers duties split congress nixes novel satellite program colombian cocaine ring linked Hezbollah currencies euro u.k. pound plunge repatriation rate cut expectations corn soybeans looking good but prices aren't commercial real estate ready tank coalition airstrike kills afghan soldiers closing arguments stevens trial clinton path term limits disturbing clinton says she won't run again clinton says path term limits disturbing clinton and obama join sell democratic ticket cleric lends voice coalition china wants terror suspects extradited china urges global cooperation markets children and health coverage studied charges dropped against 5 gitmo detainees chances prez run close candidates keep up attacks key states candidates face off over economic plans calls release jordanian poet bush urges nations provide aid poor bush approval rating doldrums continue blind band march parade big donors drive obama's money edge berbatov display thrills ferguson economy goes so goes vote ap palin children traveled state funds anti terror police raid jakarta home analysis gop's identity crisis an outpost blue sea brooklyn americans see serious challenges ahead president americans satisfaction all time low 7% americans angry worried over nation al qaida backs mccain alaska paid palin family travel cboe net jumps 56% 3q business visionaries marilyn carlson nelson biogen q3 profit rises 73 percent tops forecast billionaires forced bail out yahoo job cuts are good asian markets slide glum corporate outlook asian markets gaining tokyo up 2.5 pct asia markets nikkei snaps 3 day rally ends down 6.8% economy goes so goes vote apple's mac attack apple rises soaring iphone sales lift profit jobs reassures investors apple profits beat estimates but sales disappoint americans see serious challenges ahead president airstrike kills 9 afghan troops agencies counted big firms small agencies counted big firms small after year road obama changing tempo 9 afghan soldiers die airstrike 4 human heads sent mexican police 2 officers 1 suspect shot nyc subway station airline posts $779 million quarterly loss agencies counted big firms small bleak first look christmas spending |
 | H.A.F. - Mirage 2000 ####Reuploaded#### DOWNLOAD LINK http://www.patricksaviation.com/in/6426?i=INx The Mirage 2000 is a French-built multirole fighter jet manufactured by Dassault Aviation. Development and history The Mirage 2000 was developed by Dassault-Breguet for the Armée de l'Air as an alternative to the swing-wing Avion de Combat Futur. After the latter was cancelled in 1975 due to its growing cost and complexity, Dassault offered the Mirage 2000 as an alternative. Development of this aircraft would also give the company a competitor to the General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon, which had defeated the Dassault Mirage F1 in a contest for a new fighter for the air forces of Belgium, Denmark, Netherlands and Norway. The prototype made its first flight in March 10, 1978 with test pilot Jean Coreau at the controls. The first production example flew in November 20, 1982 and the aircraft went into operational service in 1984. Characteristics Using the concept of the delta wing interceptor seen on the Dassault Mirage III, Dassault built a new design but still using a delta wing. This configuration is not ideal with regard to maneuverability, low-altitude flight, and distance required for take-off and landing, but has advantages in high-speed flight characteristics, simplicity of construction, low radar signature and internal volume. Design features French Mirage 2000C fully armed. French Mirage 2000C fully armed. * Low-set thin delta wing with cambered section, 58 degrees leading-edge sweep and moderately blended root; area-ruled; capable of carrying four air-to-air missiles. * The aircraft's center of lift was moved in front of its center of gravity, giving the fighter a degree of instability that enhances maneuverability. * A runway arresting hook or fairing for a brake parachute can be fitted under the tail. The landing roll was reduced by robust carbon brakes. The backward-retracting, steerable nose gear features dual wheels, while the main gear features single wheels and retracts inward into the wings. * An airbrake is fitted on top of each wing in an arrangement very similar to that of the Mirage III. A noticeably taller tailfin allows the pilot to retain control at higher angles of attack, assisted by small strakes mounted along each air intake. * First fighter jet with negative static stability. Structure Multi-spar metal wing; elevons have carbon-fiber skins with AG5 light alloy honeycomb cores; carbon-fiber/light alloy honeycomb panel covers avionics bay; most of the tailfin and all of the rudder are skinned with boron/epoxy/carbon; the rudder has a light alloy honeycomb core. Dassault Mirage 2000C at Paris Air Show 2007 Dassault Mirage 2000C at Paris Air Show 2007 and easier handling. Landing gear The aircraft uses a retractable tricycle type landing gear by Messier-Bugatti, with twin nosewheels and a single wheel on each main gear. Hydraulic retraction, nosewheels rearward, main units inward. Oleo-pneumatic shock absorbers. Electrohydraulic nosewheel steering (+/-45 degrees). Manual disconnect permits nosewheel unit to caster through 360 degrees for ground towing]. Cockpit The fighter is available as a single-seat or two-seat multi-role fighter. The aircraft has hands-on-throttle-and-stick (HOTAS) control. The pilot sits on a SEMB Mark 10 zero-zero ejection seat, a license-built version of the British Martin-Baker Mark 10. The instrument panel is dominated by a Heads Up Display (HUD) with the VMC 180 radar screen located centrally below it. To the lower left is a stores management panel. Above the stores management panel are the navigation instruments and altimeter. The right half of the instrument panel houses the engine and systems displays. Located on the left side of the cockpit, just ahead of the throttle, are controls for the communications equipment, including the Have Quick secure radio. Avionics Standard avionics for the Mirage-2000B/C include: * Sagem ULISS 52 inertial navigation system (INS), TRT radio altimeter. * Sextant TMV-980 data display system (VE-130 head-up and VMC-180 head-down) (two head-down in 2000N/D). The combined head-up/head-level display is collimated at infinity, and presents data relating to flight control, navigation, target engagement and weapon firing. Sensor and system management data is presented on two colored lateral displays. * Dassault Electronique Type 2084 central digital computer, Digibus digital databus (2084 XR in 2000D) and Sextant Avionique Type 90 air data computer. * LMT NRAI-7A IFF transponder, IO-300-A marker beacon receiver, TRT ERA 7000 V/UHF com transceiver, TRT ERA 7200 UHF or EAS secure voice communications. Radar * Thomson-CSF RDM multi-mode radar or Dassault Electronique/Thomson-CSF RDI pulse-Doppler radar for Mirage 2000C/D, each with operating range of 54 nm (100 km / 62 miles). * Dassault/Thales Antilope 5 Radar with terrain avoidance capability for Mirage 2000N Nuclear Strike variant. * The Thales multimode RDY (Radar Doppler Multitarget) developed for Mirage 2000-5. Countermeasures * Thales Serval Radar warning receiver (RWR) with antennas on the wingtips and on the rear of the top of the tailfin. * Dassault Sabre RF jammer in a pod below the bottom of the tailfin, with an antenna in a fairing on the front of the tailfin. * Dassault Eclair dispenser system under the tail. This was eventually replaced by a pair of Matra Spirale dispensers, one fitted on an extension behind the rear of each wingroot, giving a total capacity of 224 cartridges. Engines Mirage 2000 taking off with full afterburner. Mirage 2000 taking off with full afterburner. The Mirage 2000 is equipped with a SNECMA M53-5 or SNECMA M53-P2 turbofan engine according to the different Mirage 2000 versions, which provides 64 kN of thrust dry and 98 kN in afterburner. The air intakes are fitted with an adjustable half-cone-shaped centerbody, which provides an inclined shock of air pressure for highly efficient air intake. Total internal fuel capacity is 3978 liters in Mirage 2000C and E, and 3904 liters in Mirage 2000B, N, D and S. There are also provisions for a jettisonable 1300-liter centerline fuselage fuel tank and for a 1700-litre drop tank under each wing. Armament and payload The Mirage 2000 can carry up to 6.3 tons (13,900 lb) of stores on nine pylons, with two pylons on each wing and five under the fuselage. A fixed removable refuelling probe can be attached in front of the cockpit, offset slightly to the right of center. Primary armament of the Mirage 2000 includes: * Matra Super 530 medium-range semi-active radar-guided air-to-air missile on the inboard wing pylons. * Matra Magic short-range infrared-seeking AAM on the outboard wing pylons. * The Mirage 2000C can carry air-to-ground stores such as the Matra 68 mm rocket pods, iron bombs, and cluster bombs. Built-in armament consisted of twin DEFA 554 (now GIAT 30-550 F4) 30 mm revolver-type cannons with 125 rounds each. The cannons have selectable fire rates of 1,200 or 1,800 rounds per minute. Variants Mirage 2000C French Mirage 2000C French Mirage 2000C The first Mirage 2000 to go into service was the single-seat Mirage 2000C interceptor. There were four single-seat prototypes, including the initial Mirage 2000 prototype. The first production Mirage 2000C flew in November 1982. Deliveries began in 1983. The first operational squadron was formed in 1984, the 50th anniversary of the French Air Force. A total of 124 Mirage-2000Cs were obtained by the AdA. The first 37 Mirage 2000Cs delivered were fitted with the Thomson-CSF RDM (Radar Doppler Multifunction) and were powered by the SNECMA M53-5 turbofan engine. The 38th Mirage 2000C had an upgraded SNECMA M53-5 P2 turbofan engine. The Radar Doppler Impulse (RDI) built by Thales did not enter service until 1987. Latest upgrades include: * Non-Cooperative Target Recognition (NTCR) mode in RDI Radar allows identification of airborne targets not responding on IFF. * Integration with the new Matra MICA (Missile d'Interception, de Combat et d'Autodefense) IR heat-seeking missile. The radar-guided version of the MICA will not be able to support earlier versions of the Mirage 2000. Mirage 2000B Mirage 2000B nose close up. Mirage 2000B nose close up. The Mirage 2000B is two-seat operational conversion trainer variant which performed its initial flight on October 11, 1980. The AdA acquired 30 Mirage 2000Bs, with all three of the AdA fighter wings obtaining a few each for conversion training. Mirage 2000N and 2000D Main article: Dassault Mirage 2000N/2000D The Mirage 2000N is the nuclear strike variant which was intended to carry the Aerospatiale Air-Sol Moyenne Portee (ASMP) nuclear stand-off missile. Initial flight tests of two prototypes began on February 3, 1983, and the Mirage 2000N entered operational service in 1988. A total of 75 were built. The Mirage 2000D is a dedicated conventional attack variant developed from the Mirage 2000N. Initial flight of the Mirage 2000D prototype, a modified Mirage 2000N prototype, was on February 19, 1991. The first flight of a production aircraft occurred March 31, 1993, and service introduction followed in April 1995. A total of 86 were built. Mirage 2000-5 By the late 1980s, the Mirage 2000 was beginning to age compared with the latest models of U.S. F-16 fighters, so Thomson-CSF began work on a privately funded update of the Mirage 2000C which was to be named the Mirage 2000-5. A two-seat Mirage 2000B prototype was extensively modified as the first Mirage 2000-5 prototype, and it first flew on October 24, 1990. A Mirage 2000C prototype was then reworked to a similar standard, making its initial flight on April 27, 1991. Features: * The Thales multimode RDY (Radar Doppler Multitarget). The RDY radar is the heart of the upgrade, providing true multitarget tracking. It can simultaneously detect up to 24 targets and track the eight highest-priority threats while guiding four MICA EMs to different targets simultaneously. * The updated ICMS 2 countermeasures suite and the Samir DDM missile warning system. ICMS 2 incorporates a receiver and associated signal processing system in the nose for detection of hostile missile command data links. The aircraft's self-protection equipment can be interfaced to a new programmable mission-planning and post-mission analysis ground system. * A new glass cockpit layout borrowed from the Rafale program with three-color MFDs, a dual-linked wide-angle HUD / head-level display, and HOTAS controls. The cockpit is NVG-compatible. * Targeting systems included the Thales TV/CT CLDP laser designation pod which provides the capability to fire laser-guided weapons by day and night. * A two-seater version was developed as well. The back-seater has the HUD but not the associated head-level display, and as with first-generation two-seaters, there are no built-in cannon (although cannon pods can be carried). * The Mirage 2000-5 can also carry the oversized drop tanks developed for the Mirage 2000N, greatly extending its range. In 1993, the AdA decided to upgrade 37 of their existing Mirage 2000s to the 2000-5 specification as a stopgap before the arrival of the Rafale in AdA service. The upgraded aircraft were redesignated Mirage 2000-5F, and became operational in 2000. They retained the old countermeasures system with the Serval/Sabre/Spirale units and did not receive the ICMS 2 system. The AdA is now considering upgrades for the type, including the MIDS datalink, MICA IR support, and the Thales Topsight helmet-mounted display / sighting system. Mirage 2000-5 Mark 2 Dassault extended the improvements of the Mirage 2000-5 a bit further with the Mirage 2000-5 Mark 2, which is an enhanced, fully multirole version of the Mirage 2000-5. It is currently the most advanced version of the Mirage 2000. Features: * Thales RDY-2 radar. The RDY-2 radar is similar in configuration to the original RDY, but features two new air-to-ground modes, including a high-resolution synthetic aperture radar (SAR) imaging mode with a moving target indicator (MTI) capability to provide an all-weather, day/night targeting capability. The radar features low-probability-of-intercept (LPI) operation, with the output pattern varying in a seemingly random pattern that prevents an adversary RWR from recognizing that it has been targeted. * The high-power Modular Data Processing Unit (MDPU) designed for the Rafale. * A new Thales Totem 3000 INS with ring-laser gyros and GPS capability, providing much greater accuracy, higher reliability, and shorter alignment time replaces the older ULISS 52 system. It works in conjunction with a terrain-following system. * An improved, classified ICMS 3 digital countermeasures suite. * An on-board oxygen generation system (OBOGS). * The cockpit was updated as well, retaining the same general layout but with larger color displays and other modernizations. The Thales Topsight helmet-mounted display / sighting system is offered as an option. * The Mirage 2000-5 Mark 2 includes a datalink for the targeting of MICA ER missiles and can carry the Damocles targeting pod. * Future Upgrades: Thales AIDA visual identification pod; technology used in the Rafale will be also integrated into the Mirage 2000, including infrared and optical sensors for IFF and targeting. It will be used by AdA Mirage 2000-5Fs. Further development of the second-generation type is expected to include a GPS receiver, MIDS datalink, and unspecified long-range sensors. Topsight E helmet-mounted sight Topsight E displays critical information, protects the pilot, and provides communications. In the display of critical information, Topsight E has three main functions: * Visual target designation by transmitting the target's line of sight to the nav/attack system. Used with modern missiles, Topsight allows pilots to perform wide off-boresight target designation. * Visual target acquisition using reverse cueing mode where the display symbology guides the pilot's eyes to the target tracked by the aircraft sensors. The nav/attack system provides spatial data. * Situational awareness based on concise display of vital information (tactical, navigation, safety, etc.). Topsight E has four integrated operational modes: * Navigation is based on ring laser gyro INS with embedded GPS receiver. * Air-to-air weapon delivery includes guns, rockets and high- and low-drag bombs, using continuous computation of impact point (CCIP) and continuous computation of release point (CCRP). * Training includes failure simulations, as well as target and threat simulations. * The Topflight avionics suite features a full glass cockpit and HOTAS control, plus a range of avionics, linked to a 1553 multiplex bus. Mirage 2000E "Mirage 2000E" was a blanket designation for a series of export variants of the Mirage 2000. These aircraft were fitted the M53-P2 engine and an enhanced "RDM+" radar, and all can carry the day-only ATLIS II laser targeting pod. Mirage 2000M (Egypt) Egypt was the first foreign buyer, ordering 16 single-seat Mirage 2000M and four Mirage 2000BM trainers in late 1981, with deliveries beginning in 1986. The Egyptians also purchased ATLIS II pods and a wide range of appropriate munitions, including Magic and Super 530 AAMs, AS-30L laser-guided ASMs, and Armat anti-radiation missiles. Mirage 2000H (India) Indian Air Force Mirage 2000H. Indian Air Force Mirage 2000H. India is a major user of the Mirage 2000, having acquired a total of 49 examples, including 42 single-seaters and 7 Mirage two-seaters. The IAF named the Mirage Vajra (Thunderbolt). India also purchased appropriate stores along with the fighters, including ATLIS II pods and laser-guided weapons. * Since India wanted the fighter quickly, the first part of an initial batch of 26 single-seaters and 4 two-seaters was shipped to the Indian Air Force (IAF) beginning in 1985 with the older M53-5 engines. These aircraft were given the designations of Mirage 2000H5 and Mirage 2000TH5. * The second part of this initial batch consisted of 10 more single-seaters with the M53-P2 engine, with these aircraft designated Mirage 2000H. All the first batch was reengined with the M53-P2, with the single-seaters re-designated "Mirage 2000H" and the two-seaters re-designated Mirage 2000TH. * A second batch of six Mirage 2000H single-seaters and three Mirage 2000TH two-seaters was shipped in 1987-1988. Recent orders: * In 2004, the Indian government approved purchase of ten more Mirage 2000Hs, with these machines featuring improved avionics, particularly an upgraded RDM-7 radar. * The Mirage 2000-5 was the front-runner for a planned Indian Air Force 124+ fighter procurement in which it was competing with the Mikoyan MiG-35, F-16 Falcon and JAS 39 Gripen. However, Dassault announced that Mirage 2000 will be replaced by the Rafale as the contender for the deal since the Mirage 2000 production line is to be closed. * India has announced a $1.9 billion program to arm 52 of its Mirage 2000 aircraft with the MBDA ASRAAM dogfighting missile beginning in 2007. Installation will require new radar, electronic warfare equipment, and updates to the cockpit and data bus. Pilot helmets will require addition of a helmet-mounted sight. These will be the first Mirage aircraft to carry the British missile and Dassault, Thales, and MBDA are to participate in the effort Mirage 2000P (Peru) Peru placed an order for 10 single-seat Mirage 2000Ps and 2 Mirage 2000DP trainers. The Peruvians ordered a set of munitions similar to that ordered by Egypt, along with ATLIS II targeting pods. Mirage 2000-5EI (Taiwan) ASTAC pod ASTAC pod In 1992, the Republic of China Air Force ordered 48 single-seat Mirage 2000-5EI interceptors and 12 Mirage 2000-5DI trainers, with introduction of the first squadron in 1997 and the last fighters delivered in 1999. The Taiwanese ordered a set of ASTAC electronic intelligence (ELINT) pods for their Mirages. * France announced in 1992 that it would offer Dassault Mirage 2000-5 fighters to Taiwan. The number of aircraft considered had been rumored to be 120, but the deal was finalized as 60 aircraft (48 single-seat 2000-5EIs and 12 two-seat 2000-5DIs) on November 17 of the same year. This marks the first ROCAF purchase of French fighters since the arrival of 24 Dewoitine D.510C piston-engine monoplanes in 1937. The program was given the codename "Fei Lung" (Flying Dragon). * The ROCAF also obtained 960 MICA medium-range and 480 Magic II short-range air-to-air missiles from Matra. The former provides the Mirage with the BVR capability needed for its role as front-line interceptor. A number of centerline twin gun pods with DEFA 554 cannons were also acquired and fitted on the two-seaters, as they do not have an internal gun armament. Other support equipment, such as auxiliary fuel tanks, helmets, and G-suits, have also been procured. * The first batch of ROCAF Mirage 2000-5s, consisting of five aircraft, arrived at Hualien Harbor on the east coast of Taiwan by sea on 1997-05-06. After being unloaded, they were towed to Hualien AB, where they were unpacked and checked, and then flown to Hsinchu AB. Subsequent deliveries also followed the same procedure. The last ROCAF Mirage 2000-5 was delivered in an official ceremony on 1998-11-26. All Mirage 2000-5s are operated by the 499th TFW at Hsinchu. The first unit to convert to the type, the 41st TFS, was commissioned on 1997-12-01. Subsequently the 42nd TFS was commissioned on 1998-11-26. The 499th TFW achieved the IOC (Initial Operational Capability) status on 2001-05-10, and the 48th TFS was commissioned on the same day. On 2004-11-01, the 41st and 42nd TFSs were upgraded to the TFG status, while the 48th TFS became the 48th Training Group, in the largest restructure undertaken by the ROCAF since 1999. At the same time, the original 11th TFG went into history. Each of the new TFG/TG is commanded by a Colonel, but the number of aircraft assigned is not much different from that for a Squadron. Although their official English designation is Tactical Fighter Group, the Chinese designation literally means Operations Group. Weapon Testing & Exercises * On 1998-05-08, a two-seat DI fired one MICA missile and successfully hit a target drone 67 km away. It was the first launch of the said missile outside France. The second MICA live-firing exercise took place off the east coast of Taiwan on 2000-03-29, in which 2051 (right side image) fired a single MICA missile from its left inner pylon. * On 2004-07-21, two Mirage 2000-5s from the 2nd TFW landed on the wartime reserve runway located at the Jenteh section of Highway No. 1 as part of the annual Han Kuang No. 20 Exercise. Mirage 2000-5DI 2051, piloted by Maj. Wei-Kuang Chang and Lt. Col. Juei-Chi Duan, and 2054, piloted by Lt. Col. Bin-Fu Wu and Capt. Jien-Liang Chen, took off from their home base Hsinchu Air Base at 0540 hrs. 2051 landed on the highway at 0620 hrs, followed by 2054 at 0622 hrs. The two jets then taxied to the other end of the reserve runway to be refueled and re-armed with two Magic air-to-air missiles, respectively. At 0712 hrs, 2051 took off again and 2054 followed one minute later. Both landed at Hsinchu at 0736 hrs. Mirage 2000-5EDA (Qatar) In 1994, Qatar ordered nine single-seat Mirage 2000-5EDAs and three Mirage 2000-5DDA trainers, with initial deliveries starting in 1997. Mirage 2000EAD/RAD (UAE) In 1983, the UAE purchased 22 single-seat Mirage 2000EADs, 8 unique single-seat Mirage 2000RAD reconnaissance variants, and 6 Mirage 2000DAD trainers, for a total order of 36 machines. The order specified an Italian-made defensive avionics suite that delayed delivery of the first of these aircraft until 1989. * The Mirage 2000RAD reconnaissance variant does not have any built-in cameras or sensors, and the aircraft can still be operated in air combat or strike roles. The reconnaissance systems are implemented in pods, including the Thales "SLAR 2000" radar pod, Dassault "COR2" multi-camera pod with visible and infrared imaging capability, and the Dassault "AA-3-38 HAROLD" telescopic long-range optical camera pod. The UAE is the only nation operating such a specialized reconnaissance variant of the Mirage 2000 at this time. Mirage 2000-9 Mirage 2000-9 is the export variant of Mirage 2000-5 Mk.2. * The UAE was the launch customer, ordering 32 new-build aircraft, comprising 20 Mirage 2000-9 single-seaters and 12 Mirage 2000-9D two-seaters. Initial deliveries of the UAE Mirages began in the spring of 2003. A further 30 of Abu Dhabi's older Mirage 2000s will also be upgraded to Mirage 2000-9 standard. * The UAE's Mirage 2000-9s are well-equipped for the strike mission, since they are being provided with the Shehab laser targeting pod (a variant of the Damocles) and the Nahar navigation pod, complementing the air-to-ground modes of the RDY-2 radar. They are also equipped with a classified countermeasures system designated "IMEWS", which is comparable to the ICMS 3. The UAE is also obtaining the "Black Shahin" cruise missile, which is basically a variant of the MBDA Apache cruise missile similar to Storm Shadow. Mirage 2000EG (Greece) Greek Mirage 2000EG climbing. Greek Mirage 2000EG climbing. Beginning in March 1985, the Greeks ordered 36 single-seat Mirage 2000EGs and 4 Mirage 2000BG two-seat trainers. * They feature an ICMS 1 defensive countermeasures suite, which is an updated version of the standard Mirage 2000C countermeasures suite and is characterized by two small antennas near the top of the tailfin. These Mirage 2000s were later modified in the field to carry the Aerospatiale AM39 Exocet anti-ship missile. * In 2000, Greece ordered a batch of 25 Mirage 2000-5 Mk.2 fighters, which feature the SATURN secure radio. The order included 15 new-build aircraft and 10 upgrades of existing Greek Mirage 2000EGs. Apparently the Greek order does not include any upgrades of two-seaters. Mirage 2000BR (Brazil) Dassault competed for a Brazilian deal with the Mirage 2000BR, another variant of the Mirage 2000-9. Due to Brazilian budget problems, the competition has dragged on for years until it was suspended in February 2005. * In July 2005, however, Brazil agreed to purchase 12 ex-AdA Mirage 2000C aircraft. * First two Mirage 2000C and Mirage 2000B delivered to Brazilian Air Force(FAB) on September 4th 2006 . Aircraft were delivered to 1º GDA in Anápolis, Goiás to replace Mirage IIIEBR/DBR. Aircraft will be named F-2000 in FAB service. Info from wiki |
 | LTTE - NOVERMBER 27, MARTYRS' AND HEROES' REMEMBERANCE DAY!! Tamil Eelam heroes day Nov 27, 2006 Information... LTTE is freedom fighter; they fight with for the Tamil's rights. Definition of LTTE is "Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam " The logic behind the LTTE's popularity in the Tamil speaking part of Sri Lanka is that they are trying to protect what they consider to be their homeland from incursions by settlers from the south, under the Protection of the Sri Lankan army. This fact must be understood for a balanced assessment of their durability and influence in the Sri Lanka imbroglio. Who is LTTE? Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) is the armed rebellion organization fighting for the independence of Tamil Eelam. It is a unique organization in the world in the following aspects. 1. Every cadre wears a cyanide capsule around the neck and commits suicide to avoid divulging vital information. 2. LTTE is the only rebel organization which has naval and air wings known as Sea Tigers and Air Tigers respectively. 3. All the cadre wears uniform Therefore, as you all know the reason now, why the LTTE is fighting against Singalese. The Tamil National Army also known as the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) were formed after the failure of many years of peaceful demonstration by Tamil leaders in order to win their freedom from the successive Sinhala majority governments, which showed no concern for the Tamil grievances. Under the leadership of Mr. Velupillai Pirabakaran, the LTTE was founded on May 5, 1976 to achieve what had become unachievable by peaceful methods in over 28 years. Since then, the LTTE has grown out to be a massive army with the whole hearted support of the Tamil people and now has thousand of brave soldiers, with a Naval wing that has become a formidable one in the sub continent. And as the racist policies of the successive Sinhala governments subjects the Tamil civilians to more and more hard ships, the LTTE has become the army that the Tamil people can look up to in order to put an end to all the troubles and win back the Tamil's homeland, Tamil Eelam. Who are the LTTE? Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) is the armed rebel organisation fighting for the independence of Tamil Eelam. It is an unique organisation in the world in the following aspects. • Every cadre wear a cyanide capsule around the neck and commit suicide to avoid divulging vital information. • LTTE is the only rebel organisation which has naval and air wings known as Sea Tigers and Air Tigers respectively. • All the cadre wear uniforms. When was the LTTE established? The Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam was established by V. Pirabhakaran on 22nd of May, 1972 at the Tamil New Tigers (TNT). On May 5th, 1976 it became the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE). Is the LTTE a terrorist organization? The simple answer is no. The Christian Science Monitor a conservative American publication defines terrorism as: "What sets terrorism apart from other violence is this: terrorism consists of acts carried out in a dramatic way to attract publicity and create an atmosphere of alarm that goes far beyond the actual victims. Indeed, the identity of the victims is often secondary or irrelevant to the terrorists who aim their violence at the people watching. This distinction between actual victims and a target audience is the hallmark of terrorism and separates it from other modes of armed conflict. Terrorism is theater." The LTTE fights with a conventional army. The LTTE also conducts special operations, such as assassinations and covert attacks on military and economic targets. None of these attacks are directed at frightening a population into submission. The attacks are meant to weaken the Sri Lankan government either militarily or economically. Is the LTTE a religious organization? No. Most members of the LTTE are Hindus however there are many members who are Christian. The LTTE does not have religious motivation for fighting against the government of Sri Lanka. The theoretician for the LTTE and one of the founding members is Anton Balasingham, who is a Christian. How many members of the LTTE have died in the war? From Nov 27 1982 to Nov 10 2004 the LTTE has lost 17,780 fighters. What countries are the LTTE banned in, as a terrorist organization? Australia - Banned in 2001 Britian - Banned in 2001 Canada - Banned on April 13, 2006. Canada's new Conservative government add the LTTE to Canada's list of outlawed terrorist organizations. European Union - Banned on May 18, 2006. The 25 member states unanimously agreed to the ban after Britain and other countries persuaded Sweden, Denmark and Finland to overcome their reservations. The Scandinavian countries were showing solidarity with Norway, which has acted as peace broker in Sri Lanka and strongly believes that proscribing the Tamil Tigers as terrorists will be counter-productive. EU member countries are Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and the United Kingdom. India - Banned in 1991 Malaysia - In February 1996, Malaysia made it a crime to support the LTTE, under which foreigners backing pro-LTTE rallies would face deportation. Sri Lanka - Initially banned in May 1978 under the Prevention of Terrorism Act. Banned again on January 26, 1998. Ban was lifted in September 5, 2002. United States of America - The LTTE was one of the 30 groups listed as FTOs by Washington on October 8, 1997 under the Anti-Terrorism Act of 1996. As a result of the it became a crime in the U.S. to fund, provide weapons or other tangible support for the groups designated as FTOs; their members and representatives were ineligible for visas to enter the U.S. and their existing funds, if any, were blocked. How big is the LTTE? It has about 8,000 to 10,000 armed members, with a core of 3,000 to 6,000 trained fighters, according to the U.S. State Department. Why do the LTTE use child soldiers? According to the Coalition to stop the use of Child Soldiers a child soldier "is a person under the age of 18 who is a member of or attached to government armed forces or any other regular or irregular armed force or armed political group, whether or not an armed conflict exists." Child soldiers may or may not be directly participate in conflict. Those not directly involved in conflict play supportive roles such as laying mines and explosives; scouting, spying, acting as decoys, couriers or guards; training, drill or other preparations; logistics and support functions, portering, cooking and domestic labour. According to the UN in 1998 there were 300,000 children under the age of 18 were participating in armed conflict worldwide. Child soldiers are used in conflicts in Cote d'Ivoire, Sudan, Colombia, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Myanmar (regular state army), Burundi, Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda, Somalia, Sudan and Uganda Afghanistan, India, Indonesia, Laos, Philippines, Iran, Iraq, and Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories, Yemen, and Sri Lanka. In February 2002 the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child banned the use of all children under the age of 18 in hostilities and prohibits all military use of under-18s by non-governmental armed groups. State governments can continue to use child soldiers in non-combat roles. Countries that use child soldiers, persons 16 years of age and older, in non-combat roles are Canada, France, Germany, the UK and the USA. The Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam does recruit soldiers for its regular army. Since it is a non-governmental armed group it has given reassurances to the UN that it will not recruit persons under the age of 18. Eliminating recruitment of persons under the age of 18 by the LTTE is difficult because • There are many 'underage volunteers'. Due to the years of war, poverty, broken homes, abusive (alcoholic and/or negligent) parents, etc., a number of children find 'joining the LTTE' to be a better 'alternative.' This way they get at least 'a roof over their heads' and 'food.' • Poverty-stricken parents also sometimes send their children to the LTTE for the same reason -- 'food' and a 'roof.' • Children who have witnessed teenagers in their towns and villages being arrested on suspicion, held incommunicado (under the PTA), tortured, raped, disappeared, etc. at the hands of the SLA, find life with the LTTE 'safer.' • Due to the 'war,' all children and young adults are stunted in growth, and it is difficult to tell their ages by looking at them. • Also due to the war, which has lasted for over 20 years, many Tamil people do not have birth certificates to prove their ages. Complaints of children being forcible taken by the LTTE come from parents living in villages under SLA control. The Sri Lankan military keeps strict records based upon the National ID card system (which states your race) on all Tamils living in every household. Visitors and internally displaced persons living in households in government controlled areas must register themselves with the Sri Lankan military. When a person joins the LTTE from government controlled area the Sri Lankan military will know. SLA soldiers, STF personnel and the police go around asking questions about persons who are 'missing,' not only from the immediate families, but also from the neighbours. Family members are given no choice by the SLA but to file complaints with the HRW, UNICEF or be branded as LTTE sympathisers. The LTTE from February 2002 to July 2005 has de-listed nearly 1,500 recruits, once they find them to be under 18. Many of those de-listed were not on HRW, UNICEF lists of child soldiers. |
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