Bureau of Fisheries (BFAR) acquiring 50 meter Offshore Vessels to protect Filipino fishers

Bureau of Fisheries Multi Mission Offshore Vessel- artist rendition

Illegal fishing is still a problem in the country.

Despite reduced incidents of illegal activities at sea, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) said, the government is still losing billions of dollars.

The total eradication of illegal activities is still difficult to achieve due to insufficient vessels running after illegal fishermen.

But in 16 months, the floating assets of BFAR will add two multi-mission vessels which are now under construction.

While the Philippine Navy’s ships are imported, the BFAR’s will be locally made.

It will have a length of 50.5 meters; longer than an Olympic-size swimming pool and can carry 60 personnel at the speed of 18 knots.

Total cost is estimated at P178.5 million.

BFAR Undersecretary Asis Perez said, “If we are successful, in creating a great vessel, it will encourage other agencies to seek the service of Filipino ship builders.”

This project is in line with the implementation of the amended fisheries code.

When the building of the ships is completed, it will patrol the high seas pocket number one where tunas are captured.

Sec. Proceso Alcala said, its construction is not for use in war but at least it can be used to patrol the West Philippine Sea in order to protect Filipino fishers.

“It will serve as protection in times of needs for our fishermen. Just like having a big brother that may assist them.”

First Philippine Microsatellite, Unveiled

First Filipino microsattelite with Filipino Engineers. Photos from: Pinoy Science FB page

The 'Diwata-1', the Philippines' first microsatellite, was unveiled to the public for the first time at the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA). 

"This is the first microsatellite that is built with Filipino engineers, and also the first microsatellite of the Philippines," said Dr. Rowena Guevara, Undersecretary for Scientific & Technological Services, DOST

Diwata 1 was developed and assembled by Filipino engineers specifically seven Filipino scholars in a span of one year.

The smooth, silver metal device is small in scale similar to a balikabayan box, weighing about 50 kilograms (110 lb).

The Philippines' Department of Science and Technology (DOST) funded the project entirely, investing 800 million yen or $ 6.8 million dollars for 'Diwata-1'.  That is roughly P3 million pesos.

The entire program has a total budget of P800 million including the ground receiving station located in Subic called the Philippine Earth Data Resources Observation (PEDRO).

This would help the government save some fund as compared with buying a satellite.

It will be used up to 12 to 18 months  which it will orbit the Philippines twice a day.

This will be used to analyze the climate condition and weather systems in the country.

It will also help in terms of national security as it could monitor the activities at the West Philippine Sea.

It could also detect conditions of forest fires and drought.

Prof.Kazuya Yoshida of Tohoku University Space Robotics, the microsattelite will be used for various missions. 

"The types of missions we're looking at include earth exploration, disaster monitoring, and weather monitoring,"

The device is scheduled to be sent to the International Space Station in March and launched in May.

Diwata-2', another microsatellite, is planned for a launch in 2017.


It will carry 3 main payloads used for measurement and detection: a High-Precision Telescope, a Spaceborne Multispectral Imager, and a Wide Field Camera.

It is expected to pass 4 times a day over the country once up in low-earth orbit (400 to 420 kilometers from the ground) at a speed of 7 kilometers per second. Each pass will last around 6 minutes – allowing it to capture up to 3,600 images a day.

3 Multi-Purpose Attack Crafts (MPAC) due to arrive before 2017

MPAC-MK II's docked at Cebu Port-- Photo from Mckoyzzz of PDFF

MANILA, Philippines-- Four of six MPACs deployed in Zamboanga coastlines together with 24 other PN floating assets battling MNLF extremist; will soon have to welcome their three more sisters come 2017.

see also: Fast Patrol Gunboats, MPACs and NAVSOG Elite Teams to reinforce troops in Zamboanga

PH Navy Seal (NAVSOG) on MPAC-- Photo from PN Facebook page

"The MPACs, as proven in the ongoing Zamboanga City operations, are ideal craft for coastal patrol and defense work due to high speed and maneuverability," PN spokesperson Lt. Cmdr. Gregory Fabic said.

The Navy is already in the 1st stage of procurement process for the said attack crafts worth 90 million each.

MPAC is 16.5 meters long, 4.76 meters wide and a draft of one meter. It's hull is made from high grade aluminum and has a range of 300 nautical miles. It can cruise to a top speed of 45 knots, can stop abruptly and hit top speed in minutes after stopping.

MPAC with Media on-board in Cebu-- Photo from PN Facebook page

 "(Acquisition of three MPACs) is part of the PN's medium term capability upgrade program. Three MPACs (are scheduled) to be acquired within 2013 to 2017," Fabic added

The MPAC is capable of operating in territorial waters up to "Sea State 3" (slight waves) without any system degradation and can cruise in shallow waters like a boss. It is armed with one .50 caliber and two 7.62mm machine guns and can carry 16 fully-equipped Marines/NAVSOG or two tons of cargo.

Three of the MPACs, the Mark 1, were sourced from Taiwan through a Joint Venture Agreement between a Taiwanese Ship Design Center and Shipyard and a Philippine Marine System Integrator, PROPMECH Corporation. The remaining three 3 units, Mk II, were supplied by the same Philippine Systems Integrator who ensured transfer of knowledge and system skills in the production of the Mk II boats to the Philippines. The same SI invested heavily in setting up the production facility for the MK II under Safe Hull Marine Shipyard, a Business Entity of PROPMECH Corporation, in keeping with good faith for providing the Philippine Navy with its special combat boat requirement.

Read also: Philippine Navy's Multi-Purpose Attack Craft or MPAC led the rescue efforts in Cebu

With Zambo Times 

Tactical UAV provides ground troops vital intel from above in Zamboanga

A military drone hovers above as fighting continues between government troops and Muslim rebels Saturday in Zamboanga City-- Photo from Mckoyzzz of PDFF

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines-- As government forces surrounding about 200 fighters from a Moro National Liberation Front rebel faction have started to advance and slowly retaking rebel-held areas and clearing roads in villages in the coastal outskirts of Zamboanga; Tactical Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) commonly known as "DRONES" quietly hover above to provide intelligence about enemy movements.

Tactical UAV being launched from RHIB during the US Navy/Joint Drills held in June 28, 2013--Photo from sina.com

Tactical UAVs are different from the drones in United States that can carry ammunition and rockets. This type of drone is smaller and is being used by special forces around the world to track troops and enemy movements while operating in hostile areas. 

Army's locally developed UAV --Photo from Wikipedia

Philippine Army in partnership with OB Mapua had developed it's own version of UAV and launched it last 2012. Equipped with a high-resolution camera, the UAV can provide real time images of the terrain conditions as well as enemy positions while flying beyond sniper fire. It has a maximum speed of 80 knots. It is also equipped with the sophisticated Global Positioning System Based Pre-Set Way-points. The first Army UAV was named Assunta after the movie star.

UAV's GPS System--Photo form afp-cmo.tripod.com

PA envisioned it to be used in identifying rebel lairs and even hide-outs of bandits like the Abu Sayyaf since it can give a comprehensive detail on the terrain over which it passes.

The use of aerial drones in providing data from above is now being adopted by various branches of the government. 

Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) is now using another type of UAV called Parrot AR Drone Flyers to monitor traffic in Metro Manila.

Photo for philmug.ph

Department of Natural Resources (DENR) announced July last year, that they will be renting drones to be used in it's campaign against illegal logging activities in Southern Mindanao, particularly in hard-to-reach areas hit by Typhoon Pablo in December.

They planned to rent drones from SkyEye UAV Services, a company that rents out drones for monitoring and mapping services.

“It will be the first time for DENR to use it in the country. We will start with the 16 hotspot villages in Davao Oriental and Compostela Valley,” said Joselin Marius Fragada, DENR regional director

Photo from skyeyeproject.com

“What’s significant about this is that the data gathered by drones would be more accurate and reliable. Compared with people you’re going to send to the area, the data gathered by the drones could not lie,” he added.

With Philstar.com
Philippine UAV and Drones Review

Fast Patrol Gunboats, MPACs and NAVSOG Elite Teams to reinforce troops in Zamboanga

Multi Purpose Attack Craft (MPAC) mk2 BA-487 and BA-488--Photo from PN Official Website

Manila, Philippines-- Seven fast crafts and elite troopers were deployed to Zamboanga City to assist the military in it's cordoning operation against Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) members who attacked several barangays and held hostage around 168 people last Monday.

Patrol Gunboats (PG) BRP Emilio Liwanag (PG-118) and BRP Leovigildo Gantioque (PG-384), Multipurpose Attack Crafts (BA-486) and (BA-487), Diesel Fast craft (DF-336), four NAVSOG Special Boat Teams, two sniper teams, one explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) team and around 100 Philippine Marine Corp personnel will be deployed to Zamboanga coastlines to prevent additional rouge MNLF elements from slipping in and reinforce comrades whole are holed in barangays Talon-Talon, Sta. Catalina, Sta. Barbara and Kasanyangan.

BRP Emilio Liwanag--Photo from Timawa.net

"These (assets) will be deployed in naval blockade and negation operations; They will be further augmented by two more MPACs and around 200 Marines." said Philippine Navy (PN) spokesperson Lt. Cmdr. Gregory Fabic 

NAVSOG Special Boat Team

With (PNA) FPV/PFN 

Philippine Navy's Multi-Purpose Attack Craft or MPAC led the rescue efforts in Cebu

August 18, 2013- Philippine Navy's MPAC led the rescue efforts of the passengers of the ill-fated MV St. Thomas Aquinas owned by 2Go Shipping Company.

MV St. Thomas Aquinas collided with Sulpicio Express 7 in Cebu which resulted to more than 100 casualties (updated).

The MPAC or Multipurpose Attack Craft is designed by PROPMECH, an all Filipino company based in Subic. 

First batch (3) of these vessels (MK1) were built in Taiwan and the second batch (3) (MK2) were built locally by our finest shipbuilders.

MPAC's first "baptism of fire" was last May 12, 2010 elections in Basilan where it was used to extract PCOS machines under heavy mortar fire from the rouge MILF rebels attempting to sabotage the election. 

No less than  President Benigno Aquino III mentioned this craft on one of his SONA speeches.

 "With the acquisition of more MPACs our Navy will have more impact" said the president

Philippine Navy is now in the process of acquiring 3 more MPACs.

Philippine made Armored Security and Escort Vehicle (SEAV) prototype under test and evaluation by RDC-ASCOM

 

QUEZON CITY, Philippines--A Philippine made Armored Security and Escort Vehicle prototype is now under evaluation by Research and Development Center-ASCOM. An armored car manufacturer for banks won the bid for PA's armored escort vehicle requirement.

  

The SEAV is armed with .50 caliber machine gun and has an armor that can withstand high caliber guns and grenade launchers. This armored vehicle will serve as escort for our troops to protect them from ambushes during their patrol along hostile places.

This version of Security & Escort Armored Vehicle has certain improvements and modifications which was learned from former MX8 prototype popularly known as "MX8 Barako" test and evaluations.

  

The SEAV protoype is currently on the process of LTO Registration. To be turned-over to ASCOM for proper disposition.

PA Chief Orders Manufacture and Distribution of Manpack PA System (MLX4) Prototype

August 18, 2013- Philippine Army (PA) chief Lt. Gen. Noel A. Coballes issued an order to the Civil-Military Operation Group (CMOG) to manufacture and distribute more MLX4, a prototype portable man-pack public address system, developed by the latter unit.

PA chief believes that MLX4 can help the PA and the CMOG in improving support to Army troopers in the conduct of disaster relief, rescue and humanitarian operations.

MLX4 is powered is by a 220 wattage of dual sourced batteries which could last up to 14 hours of continuous usage. It has a USB/SD port; two microphone inputs with tone control; a DVD player; an AM/FM radio; an MP3 port; and a siren that are all arranged in a backpack aluminum carriage with harness for easy mobility.

The two units of 150 watts horn-type speaker could reach approximately one kilometer in an open terrain and up to more or less 500 meters in built up areas.

According to Colonel Burgos, the Information Support Affairs Teams of the unit shall be equipped with MLX4 once it pushes the series of field tests and evolutions.

Courtesy: Philippine Army News

Philippine Navy's automated naval sentry gun prototype codenamed "Project Trident Strike - Mark 2 Mod 7" shown to public

PN/Mapua Unveil 'Project Trident Strike'
--Friday, December 30, 2005

In a joint project with the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), the Mapua Robotics Team recently completed a weapon prototype code named "Project Trident Strike" in the Naval Sea Systems Command (NSSC) in Fort San Felipe, Cavite City, last December 2, 2005.

Project Trident Strike is a remotely operated sentry gun which can be mounted on naval gun ships or in strategic locations for perimeter defense. The machine utilizes the armed forces' 50 caliber machine guns and is protected with a high impact bullet resistant plate armor.

Three Complimentary Metal Oxide Semiconductor (CMOS)cameras are mounted on different locations atop the machine, providing a wider view range and clearer line of sight. The "Gun Director" may then view three corresponding LCD monitors and a robotic remote control system to aim the turret from a safe location, such as a command center or a boat's cockpit.

Humble Beginnings

The Mapua Robotics Team, of Michael Poblete, Leonard Canoza, Charles Rico, Ryan Floranda, Edison Tan, Ian Macalisang, Michael Lagundino, Paul Mikii Abuel and Juan de Vera, began the project last August. The absence of an allotted budget or official support did not hamper the efforts of the students who had to make use of the limited resources available here in the school. The initial prototype was constructed using chain and sprockets salvaged from bicycle parts.

The idea for the project came from the Robotics Team advisers Dean Roel John Judilla and Engr. Sherwin Magon from the School of Mechanical Engineering. The Mapua Robotics Team devised the plan for this project and presented the concept to the AFP. The project was immediately approved after the field test because of its performance and cost-effective price. Mass production of the said design is already underway.

A Bright Future

Since the completion of the weapons demonstration last year, Project Trident Strike has already received the support of the Philippine Armed Forces. The said project is now funded by the AFP's Self-Reliant Defense Program.

Future developments to the turret system may include the replacement of the plate armor with a bullet-proof dome and the installation of an automatic image processing program to facilitate automatic aiming.

Another project of the team, Project Phalanx, was also presented to the AFP. Project Phalanx is a more compact and mobile version of Project Trident Strike, and it is designed to be sent to dangerous situations or areas inaccessible to people. Unlike Trident Strike, Phalanx will make use of wireless technology for both the turret and gun aiming control. However, the machine is still in the early stages of its development.