Rheinmetall air defence systems for military operations and protection of critical infrastructure

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IDEX 2013
Tri-Service defence exhibition

17 - 21 February 2013
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

 
Rheinmetall air defence technology at IDEX 2013
 
 
Thursday, February 21, 2013, 07:52 PM
 
Rheinmetall air defence systems for military operations and the protection of critical infrastructure.
Rheinmetall air defence technology at IDEX 2013 with battle management systems, fire control systems, automatic cannon, integrated missile launchers and Ahead ammunition. One of the company’s core competencies is the development and manufacture of advanced air defence systems as well as simulators and training systems.
     
Rheinmetall air defence technology at IDEX 2013 with battle management systems, fire control systems, automatic cannon, integrated missile launchers and Ahead ammunition. One of the company’s core competencies is the development and manufacture of advanced air defence systems as well as simulators and training systems.
Rheinmetall air defence systems at IDEX 2013 defence exhibition in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
     

For many decades, air attacks have posed a severe threat to ground troops and civilian population centres as well as vital military and civilian infrastructure. The situation in future conflicts is unlikely to be any different. The threats from above are many and varied, ranging from fixed-wing aircraft, attack helicopters and cruise missiles to unmanned air vehicles, precision-guided munitions and rocket, artillery and mortar fire. Low-altitude air threats in particular present an around-the-clock menace, irrespective of weather, terrain and electronic countermeasures, endangering static and moving targets – at land as well as on sea.

In the domain of cannon-based air defence technology, Rheinmetall is the global leader and the sole single-source supplier of battle management systems, fire control systems, automatic cannon, integrated missile launchers and Ahead ammunition. One of the company’s core competencies is the development and manufacture of advanced air defence systems as well as simulators and training systems.

Just in November 2012 the German Air Force took delivery of the Rheinmetall-made MANTIS air defence system. An acronym standing for “Modular, Automatic and Network-capable Targeting and Interception System”, MANTIS is based on tried-and-tested Oerlikon Skyshield air defence technology. MANTIS provides the Bundeswehr with a high performance, automated air defence system for asset protection that is second to none. Full integration into existing command and information systems has already been achieved, with plans in place to ensure that it meets future requirements as well. Thanks to its programmable 35mm Ahead ammunition, this cutting edge system is capable of bringing down even the smallest targets.

     
The Oerlikon Skyshield MOOTW/C-RAM system is Rheinmetall’s answer to the threat from rockets, artillery and mortar (RAM)The Oerlikon Skyshield MOOTW/C-RAM system is Rheinmetall’s answer to the threat from rockets, artillery and mortar (RAM).
     
At IDEX 2013, Rheinmetall is displaying the group’s leading competence in air defence.

Oerlikon Skyshield MOOTW/C-RAM System

The Oerlikon Skyshield MOOTW/C-RAM system is Rheinmetall’s answer to the threat from rockets, artillery and mortar (RAM). It is specifically designed to defend high-value civilian or military assets from RAM attacks, whether in high-intensity combat scenarios or in “military operations other than war” (MOOTW). The system can also be used for protecting critical infrastructure or targets with a high symbolic value from terrorists and insurgents employing unorthodox tactics.

The Skyshield MOOTW/C-RAM system depends on Oerlikon Ahead airburst technology. Available in various configurations, the Oerlikon Revolver Gun is suitable for multiple applications. This state-of-the-art system can operate in a conventional antiaircraft role or be used for protecting military and civilian assets from RAM threats, and is also highly effective in a naval context: known as the Millennium Gun, it is already in service with two navies.

Highly sophisticated yet extremely robust, this state-of-the-art system combines permanent airspace surveillance, automated detection and tracking of extremely small targets, prior warning of areas under threat and the interception and destruction of approaching RAM targets. Coupled with an Oerlikon Skymaster command and control system in MOOTW configuration, the Oerlikon Skyshield MOOTW/C-RAM system is entirely up to the task.

Instantly and automatically, the Skyshield MOOTW/C-RAM system reliably neutralizes a wide variety of threats. It calculates the incoming projectile’s point of impact and warns personnel in the threatened zone. Advanced fire control technology results in optimum, precisely timed target assignment and interception.
     
Each round of Rheinmetall’s 35mm Oerlikon Ahead airburst ammunition contains a lethal payload of heavy metal spin-stabilized subprojectiles, unleashed in the path of an oncoming target at a programmable, predefined point in time.
Ahead airburst ammunition can bring down targets at greater distances with fewer rounds fired, making it a much more cost-effective solution than conventional ammunition.
     
Oerlikon Ahead Air Burst Munition

Each round of Rheinmetall’s 35mm Oerlikon Ahead airburst ammunition contains a lethal payload of heavy metal spin-stabilized subprojectiles, unleashed in the path of an oncoming target at a programmable, predefined point in time. A short burst of Ahead ammunition produces a dense cloud of lethal subprojectiles. These penetrate the outer skin of the target, causing catastrophic damage to its interior.

Ahead airburst ammunition can bring down targets at greater distances with fewer rounds fired, making it a much more cost-effective solution than conventional ammunition. The technology can be used in ammunition ranging in calibre from 30mm to 76mm. Ahead technology is suitable for ground, air force and naval applications. As an alternative option, Ahead rounds can also be fired in non-fused mode, in which they behave like frangible rounds upon impact and are able to penetrate and destroy hard targets very effectively. In effect, Ahead is actually two types of ammunition in one.

Furthermore, Rheinmetall’s Ahead technology is by no means limited to static defence roles. Mobile applications are equally feasible. For short-term missions, a truck-mounted version is available which can be deployed without unloading the system from the truck. This is particularly useful if the mission involves protecting a succession of different sites for short periods. Mounting a Skyshield air defence system on an all-terrain 6x6 or 8x8 vehicle ensures maximum operational flexibility.

Existing Skyguard and Skyshield systems can also be retrofitted with Ahead technology. Furthermore, due to the complete modularity of its systems, Rheinmetall is able to bring additional components into play, readily creating multi-mission capabilities tailored to the needs of individual clients.