The Mobile Short-Range Air Defence (MSHORAD) solution – comprising the Giraffe 1X, C2 and RBS 70 NG Remote Weapon System (RWS) – enables moving units to identify and counter air threats quickly and effectively. Air threats are continuously evolving to become more high tech than ever before. Modern radar systems must contend with High Energy Laser weapons, Electronic Warfare, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) and guided munitions, without letting any target go unnoticed. This requires an advanced solution that can not only detect any target but also react and strike when time is of the essence.
The MSHORAD solution is designed to complement existing defence by filling the gaps in long-range radar coverage created by terrain obstacles. It acts as a protective shield, scanning the battlefield to find and identify a threat, then coordinating the necessary action to remove the target. As an entire package, MSHORAD provides a solution that increases survivability and supports domain sovereignty in conflict zones.
MSHORAD is designed to travel alongside units, offering constant protection and defence of a moving combat area. The solution is highly mobile, allowing it to go where and when it is needed. For example, MSHORAD may be used to protect manoeuvring mechanised infantry against attack helicopters, when line of sight is key. In an operational scenario, a vehicle with Giraffe 1X first manoeuvres to a secure position some distance behind the unit. The radar scans the entire search volume in one second, while the Multiple Hypothesis tracker locates the target. The radar can operate while the vehicle is moving, or when static and in position. The C2 command and control communication platform then analyses target data, identifying the threat and creating a local air picture to confirm the required action. C2’s Tactical Data Link transmits the information to RBS 70 NG RWS for interception.
Once data is received, the missiles are engaged in five seconds. RBS 70 NG RWS features visual 3D cueing, an automatic target tracker and a thermal imager for precision aiming and fast target acquisition. Small, lightweight and man-portable, each component can be easily installed onto any type of vehicle platform for versatile deployment. The solution’s modular design means it is extremely flexible, and can be installed alongside existing equipment and systems.
