Counter-Rockets, Artillery & Mortar
Abstract
Counter-Rocket, Artillery, Mortar (C-RAM) is an evolutionary, non-developmental program initiated by the Army Chief of Staff in response to the indirect fire (IDF) threat and a validated Operational Needs Statement (ONS). The primary mission of the C-RAM program is to develop, procure, field, and maintain a system-of-systems (SoS) that can detect RAM launches; provide localized warning to the defended area, with sufficient time for personnel to take appropriate action; intercept rounds in flight, thus preventing damage to ground forces or facilities; and enhance response to and defeat of enemy forces. The C-RAM capability is comprised of a combination of multi-service fielded and non-developmental item (NDI) sensors, command and control (C2) systems, warning systems, and a modified U.S. Navy intercept system (Land-based Phalanx Weapon System (LPWS)), with a commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) wireless local area network. The C-RAM SoS capability is currently deployed at multiple sites in two theaters of operation, providing correlated air and ground pictures, linking units to the Army Mission Command and the Joint Defense Network, and using various forms of communications to provide situational awareness and exchange of timely and accurate information in order to synchronize and optimize automated Shape, Sense, Warn, Intercept, Respond, and Protect decisions. The deployment of the C-RAM SoS was accomplished through an incremental acquisition process driven by urgent operational needs, theater priorities, and emerging capability requirements to provide a counter-RAM capability to combat forces. The C-RAM SoS approach was initially validated by a Proof of Principle demonstration in December 2004 and has undergone more than 25 Army Test and Evaluation Command (ATEC)-supported operational assessments to incorporate multiple improvements in response to changes in threat tactics and lessons learned. The C-RAM Sense and Warn (S&W) capability is currently deployed to locations in Iraq in support of Department of State (DoS) and Office of Security Cooperation-Iraq (OSC-I) operations and in Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF). In response to a theater requirement tasked to the Rapid Equipping Force (REF), C-RAM installed Mass Notification Systems (MNS) at multiple OEF sites to support base-wide alerts and announcements. Continuing C-RAM SoS improvement efforts, required to meet emerging theater requirements, include C2 software upgrades as well as integration and deployment of Ka and Ku band Multi-Function Radio Frequency System (MFRFS) radars for an enhanced detection capability against stressing threats. Base RDTE funding for FY 2015 and beyond supports maintenance of C2 basic Air Defense functionality. Support of the existing C-RAM SoS capability deployed in theater has been through the Overseas Contingency Operations (OCO) process. Near-term directed enhancements to the C-RAM SoS capability include use of Army tactical communications rather than commercial systems; integration of Warn functionality into the C2 workstation to reduce complexity and footprint; integration with Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Universal Ground Control Station (UGCS) for enhanced situational awareness, combat identification, and response options; and dynamic clearance of unplanned fires (DCUF) in conjunction with the Advanced Field Artillery Tactical Data System (AFATDS) for rapid and enhanced response. The C-RAM Program Directorate is also the Materiel Developer for the Accelerated Improved Intercept Initiative (AI3), a rapid development effort to provide an Intercept capability to defeat stressing threats. Current C-RAM Intercept assets (i.e., LPWS) are undergoing reset and will be fielded to composite Indirect Fire Protection Capability (IFPC)/Avenger battalions beginning in 1QFY14. The Rocket, Artillery, Mortar (RAM) Warn program evolved from the C-RAM program and is a horizontal technology insertion, using current C-RAM warning equipment, to provide early, localized warning to all Maneuver Brigade Combat Teams (BCT). Prior year C-RAM RDTE funding was shared to conduct RAM Warn test activities in support of the Milestone C decision.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Project
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 2014
- Source ID
- 149_0604741A_5_2040_PB_2014
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