► Rheinmetall Air Defence – comprehensive, next-generation air defence solutions for short- and very-short range applications
10 September 2019 – Successful air defence demands a holistic approach. As Europe’s foremost maker of military systems and equipment, Rheinmetall’s approach involves networking all relevant sensors, effectors and C4I assets into a single, scalable “system of systems”. This creates a highly effective, modular and flexible ground-based air defence system covering the full mission spectrum. Here the Düsseldorf-based high-tech group is cooperating closely with America’s Raytheon.
Effective short-range air defence (SHORAD) requires a total system concept. As an experienced SHORAD supplier, Rheinmetall’s approach calls for a mix of automatic cannons and guided missiles, soon to be augmented with high-energy laser weapons as well as directed energy (high-power microwave). At DSEI 2019, Rheinmetall – the world’s leading supplier of state-of-the-art air defence systems – is showcasing its new total system concept. The focus here is on Counter-UAS in particular.
Forming the basis here is the Oerlikon Skynex, the Rheinmetall Group’s ground-based, fully networked future air defence system. It features open, modular architecture, forging a wide array of sensors and effectors into a highly effective, extensively automated system. Centralized and decentralized operation and command are equally possible, and the system can be configured for either a tactical or an operational role. Highly mobile, Skynex is ready for action in very short order. This makes it ideal for defending sensitive infrastructure and areas from virtually every form of aerial threat, both symmetric and asymmetric – around the clock and in all weather conditions. It instantly detects incoming rockets and artillery and mortar (RAM) rounds and even very small drones, engaging them with scalable intensity.
The core element of Skynex is the Oerlikon Skymaster command and control system, which stays in contact with the other subsystems via a tactical communications network. This means that Rheinmetall can integrate assets such as Skyshield or Skyguard fire units, guided missile launchers, interceptor drones, jammers or even high-energy laser (HEL) effectors into the system.
At DSEI 2019, Rheinmetall is presenting its innovative Skynex air defence system teamed with the X-TAR3D search radar, the Oerlikon Revolver Gun Mk3 and a Sentinel interceptor drone. Furthermore, Skymaster is shown in a counter-UAS scenario below the war threshold.
The Oerlikon Revolver Gun Mk3 is designed first and foremost for short- and very short-range ground-based air defence. Remotely operated and network-capable, the system can receive and process target data from both 2D and 3D search radars and is equipped with tracking sensors such as an Ku-Band tracking radar as well as electro-optical sensors and electronic warfare components. This assures fast, autonomous processing of externally assigned target data and enables swift, autonomous engagement of such targets.
The tried-and-tested cal. 35 mm x 228 revolver gun delivers massive firepower and excellent precision. Teamed with Rheinmetall’s proprietary Ahead airburst ammunition, the Oerlikon Revolver Gun Mk3 is extremely effective against low altitude aerial targets of virtually every type. It can neutralize incoming rockets as well as mortar rounds – but also unmanned aerial systems, including the low, slow and small (LSS) kind, e.g. quadrocopter drones and it is also highly effective against low-flying aircraft.
Electronic warfare components and other sensors (for example against LSS targets) can also bolster the system’s performance. Moreover, the Oerlikon Skynex can be connected via interfaces to higher echelon command levels or other air defence systems.
