The Germany Army have procured new barrels for their fleet of Mantis Counter Rocket Artillery and Mortar (C-RAM) guns which are now undergoing testing. Around 4,000 rounds and three barrels were used up at the end of the Mantis tests. The results are now reported to the Federal Office for Equipment, Information Technology and Use of the Bundeswehr in Koblenz, which is responsible for procurement. The Mantis C-RAM gun here has already fired a total of 22,000 rounds and now deserves a break. Mantis was procured in 2011 to protect German military camps abroad and can fight threats from the air with up to six 35 mm automatic cannons, particularly in Afghanistan. The value of the contract is €110.8m. Rheinmetall also has an option for documentation and training services of about €20m.
The NBS (Nächstbereichschutzsystem) MANTIS (Modular, Automatic and Network capable Targeting and Interception System) is a very short-range air defence protection system developed for protecting built by Rheinmetall. It is supposed to detect, track and shoot down incoming projectiles before they can reach their target within very close range. The Mantis was derived from Skyshield air defense gun system. The system consists of six 35mm automatic guns (capable of firing 1,000 rounds per minute), a ground control unit and two sensor units. The entire system is fully automated. The guns fire programmable AHEAD ammunition, developed by Rheinmetall Weapons and Munitions – Switzerland (formerly Oerlikon Contraves Pyrotec). The ammunition carries a payload of 152 tungsten projectiles weighing 3.3g each.
The NBS MANTIS is equipped with six 35mm automatic guns, two sensor units and a central command ground-control unit. The sensor system comprises of radar, effectors and electro-optical sensors installed on the base perimeter. The MANTIS protection system is totally automated and operates 24/7. A radar sensor in the control system recognises missiles fired onto a base from about 3km. The automatic process enables the guns to fire on the threat instantly in the calculated flight path. The guns are capable of firing 1,000 rounds per minute. The firing of the guns is based on mission-specific programmable and air burst advanced hit efficiency and destruction (AHEAD) ammunition, a technology developed by Rheinmetall Weapons and Munitions, formerly Oerlikon Contraves Pyrotec. The ammunition has a payload of 152 tungsten projectiles, weighing 3.3g each.
