Trident warhead refurbishment delayed by Fogbank problems

The refurbishment of W76 warheads used by UK and US Trident nuclear missiles has apparently been delayed because the US has "forgotten" how to make Fogbank, a mysterious material used in the manufacture of the warheads. Fogbank is classified naturally but is thought to be an aerogel or foam that acts as an interstage between the fisson and fusion stages of the bomb. A new facility had to be built in the US to make the material as the old facility had already been demolished. The Fogbank problems are said to have delayed the warhead refurbishment by a year and cost an extra $67 million.

Nimrod fleet to be withdrawn for safety modifications

The Nimrod reconnaissance fleet is to be withdrawn from overseas operations so it can have modifications to improve it's safety. Following the crash of a Nimrod in 2006 it was recommended the fleet have replacement fuel seals and engine bay hot air ducts. "Technical experts" have said the planes should not fly after the end of March until those hot air ducts have been replaced. Overseas operations will be halted to speed the progress of the modifications.

Troubles returning to Northern Ireland?

The shooting of 2 soldiers in Northern Ireland by unnamed paramilitaries will be a shock to people who thought the "troubles" belonged in the past. The soldiers were the first murdered in NI for 12 years and it is thought the attack was made by renegade republicans (possibly the Real IRA who have shown signs recently of rearming and whom tried to detonate a car bomb last year) out to try and derail the troubled peace process. 4 others were also injured and taken to hospital following the attack at Massereene Army Base, home to 38 Engineering Regiment, in County Antrim.

The truth is though the violence has continued in Northern Ireland since the end of the bombing campaigns of the likes of the IRA. Sectarian violence has continued with punishment beatings common. Bombings may have ceased and shootings reduced but the violence and potential for violence has remained as seen by the above sad events. 15% of MI5's total intelligence gathering resources are still dedicated to fighting terrorism in the province. Undercover surveillance soldiers from the Army's Special Reconnaissance Regiment recently revealed to be operating in NI again.

Chinook Mk3 fiasco condemned by government committee

The Public Accounts Committee has condemned the fiasco that is the Chinook HC3 which has wasted millions of pounds and may have led to the deaths of British troops in theatre who had to travel overland because of a shortage of helicopters. Despite costing £422m the 8 Chinooks have hardly been used as, because of MOD bungles, the helicopters cannot fly at night or in adverse weather. The MOD did not get the software code that would enable them to get an airworthiness certificate for the type. Now the plan is to downgrade the new Chinooks back to HC2 standard so they can finally be used and relieve the tension on the rest of the fleet in Afghanistan.

Typhoon Availability Service contract signed

BAE Systems have received a £450 million contract for the maintenance and support of the RAF's fleet of Typhoons for the next 5 years in a joint partnership deal with the service. Typhoon Availability Service (TAS) will, it is claimed, maximise Typhoon availability in the most cost-effective manner. We'll see.

Vigilant gets £300 million weapons upgrade

HMS Vigilant's refit began last year but today the MOD announced that the SSBN would receive a £300 million upgrade during it's 3 year refit. As well as a new reactor core Vigilant will receive upgrades to it's self-defence and Trident missile systems as well as improvements to the accommodation and mess areas and an improved safety system. Some information on Vanguard class upgrades can be seen here.

Military to use new gel that stops bullets

A small company has developed a new gel which hardens when it it hit at high impact. d3O locks into a solid form when it is hit absorbing the kinetic energy from the hit. The MOD has awarded the company £100,000 and it is hoped the gel can be applied to the inside of soldier's helmets to reduce the chance of bullets or other projectiles penetrating them. It could be also be employed elsewhere on a soldier's armour.