Counter-Rockets, Artillery & Mortar

Abstract

The Counter-Rocket, Artillery, Mortar (C-RAM) system-of-systems (SoS) is an evolutionary, non-developmental program that detects RAM launches; provides localized warning to the defended area, with sufficient time for personnel to take appropriate action; intercepts rounds in flight, thus preventing damage to ground forces or facilities; and enhances 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) equipment, 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 Forward Area Air Defense Command and Control (FAAD C2) system, also under the management of the C-RAM Program Directorate, has been enhanced to integrate the sensors, weapons, and warning systems to provide C2 for the C-RAM SoS. The C-RAM SoS capability is currently deployed at multiple sites in Afghanistan, Iraq, and Egypt, 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 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. C-RAM capabilities are currently deployed to locations in support of Operation Freedom's Sentinel (OFS), Operation Inherent Resolve (OIR), and Task Force Sinai (TFS). 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 Radio Frequency System (KuRFS) 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. Recent 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; and integration with Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Universal Ground Control Station (UGCS) for enhanced situational awareness, combat identification, and response options. FY16-17 enhancements include testing and upgrade of dynamic clearance of unplanned fires (DCUF) in conjunction with the Advanced Field Artillery Tactical Data System (AFATDS) V2 for rapid and enhanced response, integration of sensor communications and legacy systems, development and integration of C-RAM network security enhancements, and completion of an LPWS cruise missile capability study and modification development effort. FY 2017 Base RDT&E dollars in the amount of $20.695 million provide C-RAM C2 development and upgrades, including an automated unplanned fires clearance capability, as well as an LPWS cruise missile capability study and modification development.

Document Details

• Document Type: Project
• Publication Date: Oct 01, 2017
• Source ID: 149_0604741A_5_2040_PB_2017

Tags

Readers

• Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) Autonomous Capabilities and Mission Reconnaissance.

Technology Areas

• Autonomy
• Autonomy - UAVs
• Cyber
• Fully Networked C3
• Fully Networked C3 - Command and Control