A Rheinmetall system for combating drones at ultra-close vary has demonstrated its effectiveness in a joint train with representatives of the U.S. Military Central Command and the Saudi Arabian Armed Forces. The Crimson Sands III train passed off in September 2024 on the Shamal 2 firing vary in north-eastern Saudi Arabia and targeted on countering uncrewed aerial programs (C-UAS).
The multinational train supplied a difficult atmosphere for assessing C-UAS options. On the identical time, it enabled know-how builders and operational personnel to work collectively to shut functionality gaps. The train was preceded by profitable qualification checks, which passed off in the USA in the summertime of 2024.
Designed because the final line of defence in opposition to small low-flying and fast-moving drones, Rheinmetall’s extremely Brief-Vary Air Defence (SHORAD) system presents an engagement vary from 50 to 800 m. The Mission Grasp XT uncrewed floor system (UGS) serves because the service platform.
Developed by Rheinmetall Canada, the system consists of the Rheinmetall Fieldranger Multi remote-controlled weapon station with a twin Dillon Aero M134D minigun, a radar, an digital optics package deal and a synthetic intelligence (AI)-based goal acquisition and monitoring system. This superior layered defence system is able to partaking a number of threats with formidable hearth energy. It presents multi-domain capabilities that execute with precision when detecting, monitoring and interesting aerial and floor threats.
Rheinmetall’s extremely SHORAD system mounted on the Mission Grasp XT
Sturdy efficiency regardless of harsh desert circumstances
Within the remaining part of Crimson Sands III, 5 difficult eventualities had been set as much as simulate real-world threats. In all eventualities, individuals’ capabilities had been assessed in opposition to Group 2 and three multi-rotor drones in addition to Group 3 fixed-wing plane. Rheinmetall’s extremely SHORAD system demonstrated superior capabilities, scoring hits on all drones and efficiently neutralizing each multirotor drone on the primary move. This efficiency was solely matched by Rheinmetall and individuals with expensive superior missile programs.
Even below the intense circumstances of the Saudi Arabian desert – the place temperatures typically reached as much as 45 °C – Rheinmetall’s extremely SHORAD system excelled due to its speedy operational readiness and its resistance to weapon interference, overheating and interruptions to the ability provide. Earlier workout routines at Fort Drum NY, USA, additionally demonstrated the system’s resilience in excessive humidity and heavy rain. One other excellent characteristic is the system’s AI-driven tracker, which detects and classifies drones lengthy earlier than they’re engaged, even in dusty circumstances and poor visibility.
Along with its operational success, Rheinmetall’s system proved to be extraordinarily environment friendly. With a low value per engagement, it represents a sustainable and economical answer.
A benchmark for the long run growth of CUAS
The train – an instance of the partnership between the Saudi Arabian Armed Forces and U.S. Military Central Command – supplied a invaluable platform for assessing and refining programs in real-world eventualities. “We’re proud to have performed a essential position in enhancing operational readiness and fostering innovation to successfully counter rising threats,” mentioned Alain Tremblay, Vice-President Enterprise Improvement and Innovation at Rheinmetall Canada. Rheinmetall’s efficiency at Crimson Sands III underscores the corporate’s management in offering dependable, adaptable and cost-effective options that meet the evolving necessities of recent defence operations worldwide.
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