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'''Counter Rocket, Artillery, and Mortar''' (C-RAM or Counter-RAM) is an initiative in response to an operational needs statement from the Multinational Corps-Iraq (MNC-I). The directive arose in response to the number of deaths from rocket, artillery, and mortar attacks Iraq.
{{Short description|Military air defense system}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=November 2023}}
{{More citations needed |date=March 2019}}
[[File:C-RAM test fire JBB Iraq.jpg|thumb|2010 test-fire of a C-RAM. Balad, Iraq]]


'''Counter rocket, artillery, and mortar''', abbreviated '''C-RAM''' or '''counter-RAM''', is a set of systems used to detect and/or destroy incoming [[rocket artillery|rockets]], [[artillery]], and [[mortar (weapon)|mortars]] before they hit their targets, or provide early warning.
Proposed systems are as follows:
*20mm [[Phalanx_CIWS|Phalanx Close in Weapon System]], a Navy anti-ship missile defense system;
*35mm Skyshield, a Swiss rotary wing air defense system
*Active Protection System, developed by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency for anti-tank missile defense.


==External Links==
==Types==

*[http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/systems/ground/cram.htm GlobalSecurity.org's article on Counter Rocket, Artillery, and Mortar (C-RAM)]
=== United States: Land Phalanx Weapon System ===
[[File:C-RAM Test Fire (180113-F-EW070-0002).ogv|thumb|right|A video of a US test fire]]
The 20mm Land-Based [[Phalanx C-RAM|Phalanx Weapon System]] (also called [[Centurion C-RAM]]) is a land-based variant of the U.S. Navy's [[Phalanx CIWS|Phalanx]] [[close-in weapon system]], a radar-controlled rapid-fire gun for close-in protection of vessels from missiles.<ref>{{cite web|title=Counter-Rocket, Artillery, Mortar (C-RAM) Intercept Land-Based Phalanx Weapon System (LPWS)|url=https://asc.army.mil/web/portfolio-item/ms-c-ram_lpws/|access-date=2022-01-13|website=USAASC|language=en-US}}</ref> Both use a [[forward-looking infrared]] (FLIR) camera to allow their operators to visually identify incoming fire before opening fire. But while naval Phalanx systems fire tungsten armor-piercing rounds, the C-RAM uses the [[M-940 20mm MPT-SD Round|20mm HEIT-SD]] (high-explosive incendiary tracer, self-destruct) ammunition, originally developed for the [[M163 Vulcan Air Defense System]]. These rounds explode on impact with the target, or on tracer burnout, thereby greatly reducing the risk of collateral damage from rounds that fail to hit their target.

=== Israel: Iron Dome ===
[[Iron Dome]] is an Israeli missile system featuring multiple-target tracking and self-guided missile interceptors. Due to the ongoing increase of its engagement range and new missile and interception improvements, plus [[surface-to-air missile]] capability, it has developed into a fully-fledged [[air defense system]]. By November 2012, the system had intercepted over 400 rockets fired into Israel by [[Gaza Strip]] militants. Based on operational success, defense reporter [[Mark Thompson (reporter)|Mark Thompson]] estimates that Iron Dome is currently the most effective counter-missile system in existence.{{citation needed|date=November 2023}}

=== Germany: MANTIS Air Defence System ===
The [[MANTIS Air Defence System]] is a 35mm fully automated C-RAM system, produced by [[Rheinmetall]] based on Oerlikon's [[Skyshield]]. It has been in use by the [[German Air Force|Luftwaffe]] from 2011.

=== Germany: Skynex ===
Skynex is a short-range air defense and C-RAM system produced by [[Rheinmetall]]. It integrates Oerlikon [[Skyshield]] guns, radar, and control unit on [[RMMV HX range of tactical trucks|Rheinmetall HX trucks]]. It has been used by Ukraine since 2023.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Danylov |first=Oleg |date=2023-04-27 |title=Ukraine has already received Rheinmetall Skynex short-range air defense systems |url=https://mezha.media/en/2023/04/27/ukraine-has-already-received-rheinmetall-skynex-short-range-air-defense-systems/ |access-date=2023-11-17 |website=Mezha.media}}</ref>

=== Italy: Porcupine ===
A typical Porcupine configuration for the [[Italian Army]] consists of four firing units, one central control post for target designation and weapon control and a 3D radar system "track while scan type" for surveillance and target tracking. Each remote firing unit consists of a 20&nbsp;mm [[M61 Vulcan|M61A1]] Gatling cannon, its ammunition handling system and a stabilised optronic infrared (IR) tracking system.<ref name="otomelara.it">{{cite web|title=PORCUPINE C-RAM – DETAIL – Leonardo – Aerospace, Defence and Security|url=http://www.otomelara.it/products-services/landsystems/porcupine-c-ram|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151022190501/http://www.otomelara.it/products-services/landsystems/porcupine-c-ram|archive-date=22 October 2015|website=Otomelara.it}}</ref>

=== Italy: DRACO ===
The DRACO is a multipurpose weapon station prototype designed for use against air, R.A.M. and surface targets. It was designed for the Italian Army by OTO-Melara using the Centauro 8x8 wheeled armored vehicle chassis. The main armament consists of a 76mm, 62 caliber gun with an automatic ammunition loading system and a firing rate of 80-100 rounds per minute.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Draco 76 mm Self-Propelled Anti-Aircraft Gun {{!}} MilitaryToday.com |url=https://www.militarytoday.com/artillery/draco.htm |access-date=2023-11-17 |website=www.militarytoday.com}}</ref> The 76mm gun is electrically controlled for elevation and traversing, and is stabilized in elevation. DRACO can be installed on 8x8 wheeled platforms, for combat support operations or convoy defence, as well as on tracked vehicles or on shelters for point defence. The main gun and the automatic loading system are fully compatible with all in service 76mm rounds and also with 76mm DART guided ammunition. DRACO can be completely controlled by two Operators (the Commander and the Gunner) from a remote position, located inside the hull for mobile installation or inside a protected command shelter for fixed installation.<ref name="otomelara.it1">{{cite web|url=http://www.otomelara.it/products-services/landsystems/draco|title=DRACO – DETAIL – Leonardo – Aerospace, Defence and Security|website=Otomelara.it|access-date=21 January 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151221000851/http://www.otomelara.it/products-services/landsystems/draco|archive-date=21 December 2015|url-status=dead}}</ref>

=== China: LD-2000 ===
The [[LD-2000]] SPAAGM is a Chinese developed land-based close-in weapon system. LD-2000 is based on the Chinese Navy's [[Type 730 CIWS]]. In operation, it pairs with a Counter Battery Radar.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ausairpower.net/SP/DT-CRAM-Futures-Oct-2010.pdf |title=Counter-Rocket Artillery Mortar futures |first=Carlo |last= Kopp |website=Australia Air Power|date=October 2010}}</ref>

=== Netherlands: Goalkeeper ===
[[Goalkeeper CIWS]] is a Dutch close-in weapon system (CIWS) introduced in 1979. It is an autonomous and completely automatic weapon system for short-range defence of ships against highly manoeuvrable missiles, aircraft and fast-manoeuvering surface vessels. Once activated the system automatically undertakes the entire air defence process from surveillance and detection to destruction, including the selection of the next priority target.

=== Russia: AK-630 ===
The [[AK-630]] is a Soviet and Russian fully automatic naval close-in weapon system based on a six-barreled 30&nbsp;mm rotary cannon. It is mounted in an enclosed automatic turret and directed by MR-123 radar and television detection and tracking. The system's primary purpose is defense against anti-ship missiles and other precision guided weapons. However it can also be employed against fixed or rotary wing aircraft, ships and other small craft, coastal targets, and floating mines.

==Directed energy research==

The United States has been enhancing its [[directed-energy weapon]] capabilities aimed at countering threats posed by missiles. A directed-energy weapon is a ranged weapon system that inflicts damage at a target by the emission of highly focused energy, including [[laser]], [[microwaves]] and [[particle beam]]s. The US Army awarded a $29m contract in 2016 to [[Kratos Defense & Security Solutions]] for prototyping of such systems.

The U.S. defense contractor [[Raytheon]] is developing a laser-based variation where low cost focused lasers will provide increased range and decreased time-to-intercept over the gun. A proof of concept was demonstrated on a 60&nbsp;mm mortar round in 2006.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/a-laser-phalanx-03783/|title=A Laser Phalanx?|newspaper=Defense Industry Daily|access-date=21 January 2018}}</ref>

[[Iron Beam]] is an air defense system in development by Israeli [[defense contractor]] [[Rafael Advanced Defense Systems]].<ref name=Reuters>{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-arms-israel-interceptor-idUSBREA0I06M20140119|title=Israel plans laser interceptor 'Iron Beam' for short-range rockets|last=Williams|first=Dan |date=19 January 2014 |work=Reuters|access-date=21 January 2014|location=JERUSALEM }}</ref> Unveiled at the 2014 [[Singapore Air Show]] on 11 February,<ref>http://www.rafael.co.il/Marketing/195-1951-en/Marketing.aspx {{Bare URL inline|date=August 2022}}</ref> the system is designed to destroy short-range rockets, artillery, and [[mortar (weapon)|mortar]]s with a range of up to {{convert|7|km|mi|abbr=on}}, too small for the [[Iron Dome]] system to intercept effectively.<ref name=Reuters/> In addition, the system could also intercept [[unmanned aerial vehicle]]s.<ref name=Defense_Update>{{cite web|url=https://defense-update.com/20140119_rafael-develops-new-high-energy-laser-weapon.html|title=RAFAEL Develops a New High Energy Laser Weapon|first=Tamir|last=Eshel|date=19 January 2014}}</ref> Iron Beam will use a "directed high energy [[laser]] beam" to destroy hostile targets with ranges of up to {{Convert|7|km|mi}}.<ref name=Reuters/><ref>[http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2014/jan/19/israeli-company-to-unveil-laser-defense/ Israeli company to unveil laser defense | UTSanDiego.com<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> Iron Beam will constitute the fifth element of Israel's integrated air defense system,<ref name=Reuters/> in addition to [[Arrow (Israeli missile)|Arrow 2]], [[Arrow 3]], [[David's Sling]], and [[Iron Dome]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.haaretz.com/2014-01-19/ty-article/israels-rafael-to-unveil-laser-based-defense-system/0000017f-e7a9-df2c-a1ff-fff96ff70000|title=Israel's Rafael to Unveil Laser-based Defense System|newspaper=Haaretz}}</ref> However, Iron Beam is also a stand-alone system.<ref name=Defense_Update/>

== Operating units (by country) ==
[[File:Meppen - WTD91 (TdBW) 109 ies.jpg|thumb|[[Nächstbereichschutzsystem MANTIS]] of the [[German Air Force|Luftwaffe]]]]
{{div col|colwidth=30em}}
* {{flag|Australia}}: [[Australian Army]]
**[[16th Air Land Regiment, Royal Australian Artillery|16th Air Land Regiment]]<ref>{{cite web|title=16th Air Land Regiment, RAA|url=http://www.army.gov.au/Who-we-are/Divisions-and-Brigades/Forces-Command/6th-Brigade/16th-Air-Land-Regiment-RAA|publisher=Australian Army|access-date=13 September 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130329130223/http://army.gov.au/Who-we-are/Divisions-and-Brigades/Forces-Command/6th-Brigade/16th-Air-Land-Regiment-RAA|archive-date=29 March 2013|url-status=dead}}</ref>
* {{flag|Germany}}: [[German Air Force]]
** Air Defence Group 61 of [[Flugabwehrraketengeschwader 1]], operating the [[Nächstbereichschutzsystem MANTIS|MANTIS]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Flugabwehrgruppe 61|trans-title=Air Defence Group 61| url=http://www.luftwaffe.de/portal/a/luftwaffe/start/org/flarak1/grp61/!ut/p/z1/04_Sj9CPykssy0xPLMnMz0vMAfIjo8zinSx8QnyMLI2MfMycjQ0cTdxCTUIsfQwMgs30wwkpiAJKG-AAjgb6wSmp-pFAM8xxmmEEVKQfpR-VlViWWKFXkF9UkpNaopeYDHKhfmRGYl5KTmpAfrIjRKAgN6LcoNxREQCtlhVl/dz/d5/L2dBISEvZ0FBIS9nQSEh/#Z7_B8LTL2922L6C30A4FU4T9L0020|language=de|publisher=Luftwaffe (German Air Force)|access-date=5 September 2017}}</ref>
* {{flag|Italy}}: Italian Army
**Currently deploying Porcupine batteries<ref name="otomelara.it"/> and DRACO multipurpose weapon station<ref name="otomelara.it1"/>
* {{flag|Israel}}: [[Israel Defense Forces]]
** The [[Israeli Air Defense Command]] is currently deploying 10 [[Iron dome]] batteries.
* {{flag|China}}: [[People's Liberation Army]]
** PLA operates [[LD-2000]] C-RAM for stationary air defense.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.strategypage.com/htmw/htada/20110706.aspx |title=Air Defense: Chinese C-RAM Gets No Takers |website=Strategy Page|date=6 July 2011}}</ref>
* {{flag|United Kingdom}}: British Army
**[[16th Regiment Royal Artillery|16 Regiment Royal Artillery]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.army.mod.uk/artillery/career/8020.aspx |title=Royal Artillery Careers |publisher=Ministry of Defence |quote=Other operational commitments are conducted (in the tertiary role) using C-RAM – a new and highly sensitive self defense system which destroys rockets and projectiles in flight. Applicable to Gunner Rapier applicants only. |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090331110726/http://www.army.mod.uk/artillery/career/8020.aspx |archive-date=31 March 2009 }}</ref>
* {{flag|United States of America}}: [[United States Army]]
** 5th Battalion, [[5th Air Defense Artillery Regiment]] (5-5th ADAR), [[Fort Sill]], OK
*** HHB/5-5th ADAR
*** A/5-5th ADAR
*** B/5-5th ADAR
** 2nd Battalion, [[44th Air Defense Artillery Regiment]] (2-44th ADAR), [[Fort Campbell]], KY
*** A/2-44th ADAR
*** B/2-44th ADAR
*** C/2-44th ADAR
** TF 1-174th (CRAM), 174th Air Defense Artillery Regiment, Ohio National Guard
*** HHB/1-174th
*** A/1-174th
*** B/1-174th
*** C/1-174th
*** D/1-174th
*** B/205th Field Artillery (Radar)
*** US Navy detachment, Phalanx operators
{{div col end}}

==See also==
* [[Counter-battery radar]]

==References==
{{Reflist}}

{{Raytheon}}
{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Counter-Ram}}
[[Category:Anti-aircraft guns of the United States]]
[[Category:Anti-aircraft warfare]]
[[Category:Close-in weapon systems]]
[[Category:Land active protection systems]]
[[Category:Military robots]]
[[Category:Missile defense]]
[[Category:Raytheon Company products]]

Latest revision as of 13:55, 9 December 2024

For other uses, see C-RAM (disambiguation).

2010 test-fire of a C-RAM. Balad, Iraq

Counter rocket, artillery, and mortar, abbreviated C-RAM or counter-RAM, is a set of systems used to detect and/or destroy incoming rockets, artillery, and mortars before they hit their targets, or provide early warning.

Types

[edit]

United States: Land Phalanx Weapon System

[edit]
A video of a US test fire

The 20mm Land-Based Phalanx Weapon System (also called Centurion C-RAM) is a land-based variant of the U.S. Navy's Phalanx close-in weapon system, a radar-controlled rapid-fire gun for close-in protection of vessels from missiles.[1] Both use a forward-looking infrared (FLIR) camera to allow their operators to visually identify incoming fire before opening fire. But while naval Phalanx systems fire tungsten armor-piercing rounds, the C-RAM uses the 20mm HEIT-SD (high-explosive incendiary tracer, self-destruct) ammunition, originally developed for the M163 Vulcan Air Defense System. These rounds explode on impact with the target, or on tracer burnout, thereby greatly reducing the risk of collateral damage from rounds that fail to hit their target.

Israel: Iron Dome

[edit]

Iron Dome is an Israeli missile system featuring multiple-target tracking and self-guided missile interceptors. Due to the ongoing increase of its engagement range and new missile and interception improvements, plus surface-to-air missile capability, it has developed into a fully-fledged air defense system. By November 2012, the system had intercepted over 400 rockets fired into Israel by Gaza Strip militants. Based on operational success, defense reporter Mark Thompson estimates that Iron Dome is currently the most effective counter-missile system in existence.[citation needed]

Germany: MANTIS Air Defence System

[edit]

The MANTIS Air Defence System is a 35mm fully automated C-RAM system, produced by Rheinmetall based on Oerlikon's Skyshield. It has been in use by the Luftwaffe from 2011.

Germany: Skynex

[edit]

Skynex is a short-range air defense and C-RAM system produced by Rheinmetall. It integrates Oerlikon Skyshield guns, radar, and control unit on Rheinmetall HX trucks. It has been used by Ukraine since 2023.[2]

Italy: Porcupine

[edit]

A typical Porcupine configuration for the Italian Army consists of four firing units, one central control post for target designation and weapon control and a 3D radar system "track while scan type" for surveillance and target tracking. Each remote firing unit consists of a 20 mm M61A1 Gatling cannon, its ammunition handling system and a stabilised optronic infrared (IR) tracking system.[3]

Italy: DRACO

[edit]

The DRACO is a multipurpose weapon station prototype designed for use against air, R.A.M. and surface targets. It was designed for the Italian Army by OTO-Melara using the Centauro 8x8 wheeled armored vehicle chassis. The main armament consists of a 76mm, 62 caliber gun with an automatic ammunition loading system and a firing rate of 80-100 rounds per minute.[4] The 76mm gun is electrically controlled for elevation and traversing, and is stabilized in elevation. DRACO can be installed on 8x8 wheeled platforms, for combat support operations or convoy defence, as well as on tracked vehicles or on shelters for point defence. The main gun and the automatic loading system are fully compatible with all in service 76mm rounds and also with 76mm DART guided ammunition. DRACO can be completely controlled by two Operators (the Commander and the Gunner) from a remote position, located inside the hull for mobile installation or inside a protected command shelter for fixed installation.[5]

China: LD-2000

[edit]

The LD-2000 SPAAGM is a Chinese developed land-based close-in weapon system. LD-2000 is based on the Chinese Navy's Type 730 CIWS. In operation, it pairs with a Counter Battery Radar.[6]

Netherlands: Goalkeeper

[edit]

Goalkeeper CIWS is a Dutch close-in weapon system (CIWS) introduced in 1979. It is an autonomous and completely automatic weapon system for short-range defence of ships against highly manoeuvrable missiles, aircraft and fast-manoeuvering surface vessels. Once activated the system automatically undertakes the entire air defence process from surveillance and detection to destruction, including the selection of the next priority target.

Russia: AK-630

[edit]

The AK-630 is a Soviet and Russian fully automatic naval close-in weapon system based on a six-barreled 30 mm rotary cannon. It is mounted in an enclosed automatic turret and directed by MR-123 radar and television detection and tracking. The system's primary purpose is defense against anti-ship missiles and other precision guided weapons. However it can also be employed against fixed or rotary wing aircraft, ships and other small craft, coastal targets, and floating mines.

Directed energy research

[edit]

The United States has been enhancing its directed-energy weapon capabilities aimed at countering threats posed by missiles. A directed-energy weapon is a ranged weapon system that inflicts damage at a target by the emission of highly focused energy, including laser, microwaves and particle beams. The US Army awarded a $29m contract in 2016 to Kratos Defense & Security Solutions for prototyping of such systems.

The U.S. defense contractor Raytheon is developing a laser-based variation where low cost focused lasers will provide increased range and decreased time-to-intercept over the gun. A proof of concept was demonstrated on a 60 mm mortar round in 2006.[7]

Iron Beam is an air defense system in development by Israeli defense contractor Rafael Advanced Defense Systems.[8] Unveiled at the 2014 Singapore Air Show on 11 February,[9] the system is designed to destroy short-range rockets, artillery, and mortars with a range of up to 7 km (4.3 mi), too small for the Iron Dome system to intercept effectively.[8] In addition, the system could also intercept unmanned aerial vehicles.[10] Iron Beam will use a "directed high energy laser beam" to destroy hostile targets with ranges of up to 7 kilometres (4.3 mi).[8][11] Iron Beam will constitute the fifth element of Israel's integrated air defense system,[8] in addition to Arrow 2, Arrow 3, David's Sling, and Iron Dome.[12] However, Iron Beam is also a stand-alone system.[10]

Operating units (by country)

[edit]
Nächstbereichschutzsystem MANTIS of the Luftwaffe

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "Counter-Rocket, Artillery, Mortar (C-RAM) Intercept Land-Based Phalanx Weapon System (LPWS)". USAASC. Retrieved 13 January 2022.
  2. ^ Danylov, Oleg (27 April 2023). "Ukraine has already received Rheinmetall Skynex short-range air defense systems". Mezha.media. Retrieved 17 November 2023.
  3. ^ a b "PORCUPINE C-RAM – DETAIL – Leonardo – Aerospace, Defence and Security". Otomelara.it. Archived from the original on 22 October 2015.
  4. ^ "Draco 76 mm Self-Propelled Anti-Aircraft Gun | MilitaryToday.com". www.militarytoday.com. Retrieved 17 November 2023.
  5. ^ a b "DRACO – DETAIL – Leonardo – Aerospace, Defence and Security". Otomelara.it. Archived from the original on 21 December 2015. Retrieved 21 January 2018.
  6. ^ Kopp, Carlo (October 2010). "Counter-Rocket Artillery Mortar futures" (PDF). Australia Air Power.
  7. ^ "A Laser Phalanx?". Defense Industry Daily. Retrieved 21 January 2018.
  8. ^ a b c d Williams, Dan (19 January 2014). "Israel plans laser interceptor 'Iron Beam' for short-range rockets". Reuters. JERUSALEM. Retrieved 21 January 2014.
  9. ^ http://www.rafael.co.il/Marketing/195-1951-en/Marketing.aspx [bare URL]
  10. ^ a b Eshel, Tamir (19 January 2014). "RAFAEL Develops a New High Energy Laser Weapon".
  11. ^ Israeli company to unveil laser defense | UTSanDiego.com
  12. ^ "Israel's Rafael to Unveil Laser-based Defense System". Haaretz.
  13. ^ "16th Air Land Regiment, RAA". Australian Army. Archived from the original on 29 March 2013. Retrieved 13 September 2012.
  14. ^ "Flugabwehrgruppe 61" [Air Defence Group 61] (in German). Luftwaffe (German Air Force). Retrieved 5 September 2017.
  15. ^ "Air Defense: Chinese C-RAM Gets No Takers". Strategy Page. 6 July 2011.
  16. ^ "Royal Artillery Careers". Ministry of Defence. Archived from the original on 31 March 2009. Other operational commitments are conducted (in the tertiary role) using C-RAM – a new and highly sensitive self defense system which destroys rockets and projectiles in flight. Applicable to Gunner Rapier applicants only.
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