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 Afghanistan, 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) and Intercept capabilities are currently deployed to locations 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 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. Multiple acquisition efforts are associated with the C-RAM program. The C-RAM Program Directorate currently has only a single RDTE budget line for C-RAM (PE 654741/149); therefore, funding for all C-RAM efforts is applied to this budget line, but all expenditures are tracked by individual effort. Existing C-RAM Intercept assets (i.e., LPWS) have undergone reset and are currently being fielded to the first of two Indirect Fire Protection Capability (IFPC)/Avenger composite Battalions (5-5 Air Defense Artillery). The LPWS has completed a Limited User Test (LUT). The C-RAM Intercept Capability Production Document (CPD) was approved on 22 Aug 2013, and the Army Acquisition Executive (AAE) approved an Acquisition Decision Memorandum (ADM) on 23 Aug 2013, authorizing C-RAM Intercept's entry into the acquisition management system as an Acquisition Category (ACAT) III program under the management of the Program Executive Officer, Missiles and Space. C-RAM Intercept is entering the acquisition management system at post-Milestone C. Materiel Release is projected for 1QFY15. The C-RAM Program Directorate was the Materiel Developer for the Accelerated Improved Intercept Initiative (AI3), a rapid development effort to provide an Intercept capability to defeat stressing threats, which culminated in a sucessful Live Fire test in 4QFY13. Funding for AI3 development and test efforts was prior year OCO. The Rocket, Artillery, Mortar (RAM) Warn program 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, 2015
- Source ID
- 149_0604741A_5_2040_PB_2015
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