APPROVED FOR RELEASE: 2009/06/16: CIA-RDP01-00707R000200110012-0
this capability is in the modification of foreign engines to meet local requirements. Current efforts focus upon modifying Canadian-built Pratt and Whitney PT 6A-27 gas turbine engines, developing the native designed M601 engine as an optional engine for the L-410 Turbolet transport, and the further development of the Soviet-designed AI-25 bypass engine for the L-29 and AI-25W for the L-39. Several small reciprocating aircraft engines are being developed and/or produced for the smaller aircraft previously mentioned. A high bypass turbofan engine developing 9,000 pounds of thrust is reported in design. Although purely of native design and intended for domestic applications, all segments of this program are controlled by the U.S.S.R. Ministry of Aviation. This engine is expected to enter production in about 5 years.
Aerodynamic research associated with development of air-breathing engines is done by a division of the Aeronautical Research and Testing Institute at the Motorlet complex. The institute is virtually the only organization in Czechoslovakia doing applied research in aerodynamics, and nearly all of this work is in direct support of industry. Facilities include several subsonic wind tunnels, a supersonic tunnel, and a shock tube. Over the years, the above institute has conducted extensive investigations on boundary layer control, particularly in its application to STOL-type aircraft. Some of this research was devoted to the development of blown slot and slotted flap systems. Although the research program was considered a success, neither system has been incorporated in production of aircraft.
Basic research in the propulsion field is accomplished primarily by the Institute of Thermodynamics of the Academy of Sciences. For nearly 10 years, this institute has conducted research in turbine design.
Czechoslovakia has a relatively strong capability in rocket propulsion research and development, and it continues to lead other East European Communist countries in solid-propellent technology. Development activity is devoted almost exclusively to double-base propellants. However, extruded composites containing ammonium nitrate have been developed, but no information indicates research and development of propellants employing ammonium perchlorate and elastomeric binders.
In October 1972 the Czechoslovaks displayed an adaptation of the Soviet 122-mm, 40-round multiple launcher. The Czechoslovak weapon features a powered reloader to fire a second 40-round salvo and displace within three and one-half minutes. The system, mounted on the 14-ton 8x8 Tetra 813 chassis, is the finest multiple rocket launcher in the world. A considerable number of these systems are in use with the Czechoslovak Army. The Pardubice Explosives and Solid Motor Development and Production Plant is currently producing the Soviet-designed Malyutka wire-guided, antitank rocket, which is equipped with two solid-propellant motors.
The sounding rocket development previously reported in progress at the Antonin Zapatocky Military Academy in Brno apparently was eliminated at the time of the August 1968 invasion; the rockets were of low performance compared with similar Soviet rockets. Since 1968, no information has been received on the status of this program.
Czechoslovakia has shown only limited interest in liquid rocket propellants. The Institute of Inorganic Synthesis, Rez, has conducted research under Soviet sponsorship on boron hydrides (boranes) and on hydrazine-borane adducts in rocket fuels. Part of this work was devoted to improving the Soviet manufacturing process for pentaborane and decarborane. The only other activity with propellant association is a liquid oxygen production capability at chemical plants located in Zaluzi and Sokolov.
Czechoslovakia has the industrial potential to produce guided missiles. This potential has not been developed, however, because of the restrictions imposed by the Soviet Union which prohibit indigenous weapon development activity. The research being conducted on missile systems is generally of a basic nature, and the only applied research being done is related to those areas authorized by the Soviets. These include work on unguided air-launched and salvo-fired rockets. Unconfirmed reports cite a new missile similar to the Soviet SA-7/Grail being produced in a joint effort with the U.S.S.R. The missile was described as a shoulder-launched, low-level antiaircraft surface-to-air system. The composite propellants in the booster and sustainer of the system are comparable to the best found in Western technology.
Since World War II, Czechoslovakia has demonstrated an excellent capability for the design and development of infantry and artillery weapons, a variety of which are in use by the ground forces. Among Warsaw Pact nations, the Czechoslovaks alone have equipped their army with small arms that are entirely of their own design. A new universal small arms family was announced recently. Variants include an assault rifle, light and heavy machine guns, and a tank machine gun. It is undetermined whether Czechoslovakia, a respected small arms exporter, will use the new arms to replace existing inventories of already adequate weapons or offer the new family for immediate export sales.
8
APPROVED FOR RELEASE: 2009/06/16: CIA-RDP01-00707R000200110012-0
