The German Defence Company Rheinmettal Air Defence AG (former Oerlikon Contraves AG) based in Zurich Switzerland, an expert in air defence weapon systems presents the air defence system Oerlikon Skyshield MOOTW/C-RAM at IDEX 2011. The system is designed to defend high-value civilian or military assets from RAM (rockets, artillery and mortar shells) 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 Ahead airburst technology available in various configurations, the 35mm 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 very 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.
Each Skyshield MOOTW/C-RAM system initially consists of an Oerlikon Skymaster command and control system in MOOTW configuration (man-machine interface and high power computer system) for carrying out surveillance operations and weapons assignment, which are largely automated; however, manual intervention is possible at any time. Two data-fused sensor units, each equipped with search radar, tracking radar and IR/TV trackers, ensure round-the-clock airspace surveillance. They identify incoming RAM projectiles or other threats, and control the fire unit of up to eight Oerlikon Revolver Guns C-RAM. Using two sensor units ensures complete coverage of the engagement zone and provides necessary redundancy for 24/7 operations. It also increases the system’s ability to cope with saturation attacks as well as its overall readiness and reliability. The number of Oerlikon Revolver Guns C-RAM depends on the size of the area to be defended. Besides RAM projectiles, they are capable of defeating unmanned aerial vehicles, cruise missiles, guided missiles, smart bombs as well as fixed wing and rotary aircraft. Instantly and automatically, the Skyshield MOOTW/C-RAM system is thus able to neutralize a wide variety of threats. It calculates the incoming projectile’s point of impact (POI) and warns personnel in the threatened zone. Advanced fire control technology results in optimum, precisely timed target-assignment and interception. In addition, by determining the type of weapon used and its point of origin (POO), the system enables a counterattack. This rapidly deployable air defence system can be airlifted for round-the-clock, round-the-globe protection of vital assets. Owing to the high level of automation, the system’s personnel requirements are negligible.