This paper presents a high-performance, fully passive athermalized long-wave infrared (LWIR) optical system for military and aerospace use. The design transitions from a paraxial framework to a realistic thick-lens configuration for high-fidelity optimization. The resulting system comprises only three lens elements and a single aspherical surface, achieving an aggressive aperture of f/1.2 and a 100 mm focal length. Rigorous evaluation via Zemax demonstrates that the design maintains near-diffraction-limited image quality and exceptional uniformity across an ultra-wide operational temperature range from −30 °C to 100 °C. By eliminating the need for active focusing mechanisms, this compact and lightweight solution offers superior reliability for long-range surveillance and aerial reconnaissance in extreme environments.
This paper discusses two special approaches developed by the author to assess the similarity and functional capabilities of a free-flying, dynamically similar model (FDSM) in the design of aircraft flight dynamics modelling. When implementing the first approach, the motion of the FDSM is constantly influenced by the control laws of the FDSM Automatic Control System (ACS), similar to those of a real aircraft, or it simulates the pilot’s behavior of the aircraft itself. The second approach assumes the failure of aviation equipment (including ACS), the loss of flight crew capability, and the aircraft entering critical or dangerous uncontrolled flight modes. The re-sults of calculations for FDSM in real design are considered as an approbation of the obtained determining conditions.
This paper investigates the superplastic behavior of AA6061 aluminum alloy processed by cyclic expansion-extrusion, a severe plastic deformation method producing ultrafine-grained structures. Cylindrical specimens underwent up to four cyclic expansion–extrusion cycles at room temperature. The average grain size decreased from ~100 μm (annealed state) to 5–6 μm after four cycles, with nearly 75 % higher and more homogeneous microhardness. The refined microstructure fulfils conditions for superplasticity dominated by grain boundary sliding at elevated temperatures. Tensile tests showed a maximum elongation of ~330 % at 530 °C and strain rate 10−3s−1, with a low maximum flow stress of 9.5 MPa. The results confirm cyclic expansion–extrusion as an effective route to enhance microhardness and enable superplastic forming of lightweight AA6061 alloys.
This paper presents an open conceptual design of a multi-mission tactical quadcopter addressing payload limitations in existing commercial loitering munitions. Using Components-Off-The-Shelf (COTS) components, the design achieves 400–600 g payload capacity – a 120 % increase over commercial alternatives – enabling compatibility with standard military ordnance such as the Indonesian GT5-PEA2 defensive grenade (430 g). The modular design supports three mission profiles: ISR, payload delivery, and kamikaze operations, with a foldable configuration stowing within 180 mm for infantry portability. The ISR configuration achieves 30 min endurance and 6 790 m range. Unit production cost of 774 USD represents a 68% reduction versus commercial alternatives. Complete design documentation is publicly available to accelerate collaborative development.
Modern warfare is shaped by a convergence of digital connectivity, multi-domain operations, and persistent cyber threats, which undermine information reliability and command and control coherence. This article develops a theoretical framework that reconceptualizes Network-Centric Warfare as a socio-technical system composed of four interdependent layers: cognitive, organizational, technological, and cyber. Drawing on cyber warfare research, chaos theory, and knowledge management, it explains how forces can sustain decision advantage when contested networks degrade, misinform, and cascade failures across units. The framework challenges classical NCW assumptions of stable networks, trustworthy information, transparent operational pictures, and advances an integrated model with research propositions linking cyber resilience and network redundancy to organizational adaptability and cognitive performance. It informs future design of C4ISR and multinational cyber cooperation.
This study investigates the electromagnetic and braking performance of a disc-type magnetorheological brake (MRB) using MRF-140CG fluid. A 3D finite element model (Altair Flux) analyzes torque generation under varying excitation currents, fluid gaps, rotor thicknesses, and wire diameters. Results show torque increases with current, limited by saturation. An optimal design with a 0.75 mm fluid gap and 25 mm rotor thickness yields a maximum torque of 191 N·m and a peak torque-to-volume ratio of 61.6 N·m/dm³ at 3 A. Additionally, smaller coil wire diameters improve torque output. These findings provide essential quantitative guidelines for designing compact, high-efficiency MRBs.
This review evaluates Marco Marsili’s Synthetic Reality – AI, the Metaverse, and the Ethics of a New Digital Humanism from the perspective of military technology research. Although Marsili’s book is fundamentally philosophical and ethical, it provides conceptual frameworks directly relevant to understanding how artificial intelligence (AI), simulation, and immersive environments influence military decision-making, autonomy, and governance. The review connects Marsili’s insights with contemporary research on AI, command-and-control systems, and simulation practices used in military contexts.
This article proposes optimization of flight parameters for a Class 1 UAS equipped with multiple sensors in field applications, such as topography and object recognition. A commercial automotive- grade lidar was integrated with a photogrammetry camera on a UAS. A theoretical overview and a numerical model of the system’s range and resolution were developed. Multiple area mapping missions were executed over two years with various flight parameters, and atmospheric conditions, using standardized targets to evaluate system performance. Resulting data sets were post-processed, merged, and cross-referenced with satellite imagery. Results were compared to the numerical model and discussed. We propose an optimal use case illustrating how overlaying multi-sensor data enhances object recognition, and we outline directions for future work.
Military equipment is highly specialized and integrates advanced technologies to operate reliably in complex environments. Light-emitting diodes (LEDs) are increasingly used in military systems due to their superior performance, long lifetime, and high reliability, making their reliability critical to overall system effectiveness and combat capability. This study proposes an empirical framework for estimating LED reliability using accelerated reliability testing combined with statistical analysis, explicitly linking test conditions to actual operating conditions. The methodology follows a structured, stepwise procedure encompassing test design, data acquisition, and reliability estimation. It is applied to LEDs subjected to frequent ON/OFF cycling, yielding robust estimates of the lifetime distribution, survival function, and cumulative hazard function.
In the present study, Jet A-1 blended fuels were prepared using n-hexane and domestic-grade kerosene in different ratios. Afterwards, characterization studies were conducted which includes, a) density, b) dynamic/kinematic viscosity, c) calorific value, d) flammability, and e) evaporation constant. For evaporation studies, an in-house developed hanging droplet method was used. Evaporation constant (λ) was determined for each sample by varying the heat flux and by noting down the evaporation time. From the experiments, positive result was obtained for the blends of n-hexane and domestic grade kerosene with Jet A-1. From the obtained results, it was observed that blends of 90 % Jet A-1, 5 % n-hexane & 5 % DGK, and blends of 80 % Jet A-1 & 20 % n-hexane show the better results.
To construct the model, a theorem on specific properties of Markov graphs is proven. Based on this, an analytical representation of the model described in the title is derived within the framework of continuous-time, discrete-state Markov processes. The model accounts for the structure of surface-to-air missile systems (SAMS) in ground-based group battle formations, as well as the formations of means of air attack (MAA) in the air. Its validity is confirmed by showing that the analytical model can be reduced to known and previously verified models. The results demonstrate that relying on traditional models can overestimate the effectiveness of SAMS groupings by up to three times, potentially leading to incorrect conclusions about their capability to accomplish combat missions.
This article investigates a jet-abrasive installation with a device for cleaning gun barrels, developed for field conditions. The possibility of efficient cleaning of artillery barrel surfaces without the need for stationary conditions is evaluated, which is crucial for maintaining the combat readiness of equipment during intensive combat operations. A special guiding device holding multiple sandblasting nozzles is used, ensuring an optimal flow of the air-abrasive mixture and improving the processing efficiency. The conducted experiments show the significant impact of the nozzle geometry on surface treatment parameters, demonstrating that the use of a special device enhances both the economic efficiency and processing speed. The study emphasizes the importance of developing technologies that reduce the time spent on restoration work while ensuring the effectiveness of cleaning procedures in the field.
To simulate air targets of various types in the ultrahigh frequency radar range, multilayer spherical Luneberg lenses have become widely used. The reflective properties of such lenses depend on both their absolute dimensions and irradiation frequency, and on the properties of the dielectric material, design features, and their manufacturing technology. This research considers six-layer spherical Luneberg lenses with their uniform division into layers by dielectric permittivity. The calculations performed have shown that the average absolute error in the approximation of the dielectric permittivity to the theoretical law of change when the lens is uniformly divided into six layers by dielectric permittivity is no more than 6.8 %. Theoretical calculations and experimental studies have revealed the influence of the design features of spherical lenses, the characteristics of the dielectric material, and the features of the manufacturing technology on the reflective properties of such air target simulators.
The paper proposes a mathematical model of a five-fragment nonlinear frequency-modulated signal with a reduced level of the lateral lobes of the autocorrelation function. The decrease in the maximum level of the lateral lobes of the autocorrelation function is due to an increase in the number of signal fragments, a rational choice of their frequency-time characteristics, and compensation of frequency-phase distortions at their junctions. It is shown that this leads to an improvement in the spectral characteristics of the resulting signals. An estimate of the quality of detection of the synthesized signal against the background of reflections from local objects is obtained.
Military aircraft fuel tanks are equipped with channel fillers made of elastic porous polymeric materials that are used to prevent explosions. Exposure to aviation fuel alters the morphological structure of the tank filler. To assess the behavior of the polymer material under fire conditions, three samples of polyurethane foam filler (new, exposed to fuel for 5 years, and for 10 years) for heat resistance and operational reliability were tested. The results confirmed that aging affects the reliability and heat resistance of the filler. Given the critical role of these fillers in military aircraft, ensuring their long-term performance is essential for operational safety. Based on the results, recommendations have been developed to enhance the operational performance of aircraft fuel tank fillers.
A Programmable Logic Controller (PLC)-based control system for elevator deflection and lift control in subsonic military aircraft is proposed. The system utilizes Siemens PLC and a Human-Machine Interface (HMI) to provide real-time monitoring and adjustment of elevator angles to optimize aircraft performance. The integration of automation in aircraft control improves precision, reduces human error, and enhances operational efficiency. The paper examines the theoretical principles underlying elevator deflection, the control algorithms implemented, and the experimental setup used to validate the system’s performance. The design of a PLC-based closed-loop elevator control system is experimentally validated with a measured 0.1 s response time, demonstrating improved precision compared to manual control.
First-person view (FPV) drones, a type of strike unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), have become a serious threat on the battlefield. Owing to their maneuverability, speed and remote-control capabilities, they are widely employed by the enemy to destroy moving and armored vehicles, engage detected targets, and conduct surveillance and reconnaissance. Control is often carried out via fiber-optic communication lines (FOCL). The purpose of this article is to analyze the enemy’s use of FPV drones and to identify effective, non-traditional ways of countering them. The article also presents measures developed to neutralize enemy UAVs and provides an overview of experimental testing.
This study investigates the performance of Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) configurations in Malaysia under both static and kinematic conditions. Data were collected using a U-blox NEO-M8N receiver to evaluate GPS, GLONASS, BeiDou, Galileo, and their combinations. Results indicate that the GPS+BeiDou configuration consistently outperforms others in terms of positioning accuracy, altitude stability, and trajectory consistency. Static analysis shows minimal coordinate dispersion and altitude fluctuation, while kinematic tests confirm robust performance in challenging environments with multipath effects. Dilution of precision (HDOP, VDOP, PDOP) metrics further validate the superior reliability of GPS+BeiDou. Overall, the findings highlight GPS+BeiDou as the optimal configuration for precise and reliable positioning in Malaysian environments.
The service of special units demands high physical and mental endurance, exposing personnel to danger, stress, and CBRN threats that cause long-term exhaustion. Wearable systems offer a promising means to monitor biomedical data, enhancing intervention effectiveness and responder safety. This article reviews current wearable technologies, proposes a user evaluation procedure, and assesses their usability in operational contexts regarding ergonomics, functionality, and benefits. Five commercial systems (Garmin Tactix 7, Movesense Flash, Hexoskin Smart Shirt, Cosinuss° One, Ultrahuman Ring) were tested by the COMMANDOS unit. Results showed the Movesense Flash system had the best usability and reliability. Findings highlight the potential of commercial wearables for special operations, despite trade-offs between comfort, accuracy, and practicality.
Speed bumps are commonly used to reduce accidents caused by excessive speed, especially in populated or narrow areas. Their design and placement, however, must ensure vehicle stability and driver comfort. This study develops an 8-degree-of-freedom (8‑DoF) vehicle vibration model incorporating road surface equations with various speed bump configurations. Different bump heights and staggered arrangements are analyzed to produce complex vibration responses. Experimental tests on a 2019 Toyota RAV4 validate the model by measuring vibrations over multiple bump types. The results show strong agreement between simulated and experimental data, offering valuable guidance for designing speed bumps that effectively enhance traffic safety while minimizing discomfort.
