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 support of Operation Freedom's Sentinel (OFS). Continuing C-RAM SoS improvement efforts, required to meet emerging theater requirements, include C2 and LPWS 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 C-RAM 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 included 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). Future enhancements (FY16-17) include testing and upgrade of DCUF in conjunction with the Advanced Field Artillery Tactical Data System (AFATDS) V2 for rapid and enhanced response.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Project
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 2016
- Source ID
- 149_0604741A_5_2040_PB_2016
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