INVESTMENT COMPONENT
Modernization
Recapitalization
Maintenance
Integrates multiple Army and DoD managed systems and commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) systems with a command and control (C2) system, to provide protection of fixed and semi-fixed sites from rockets and mortar rounds.
The Counter-Rocket, Artillery, Mortar (C-RAM) / Indirect Fire Protection Capability (IFPC) system-of-systems (SoS) was developed in response to a Multi-National Force-Iraq Operational Needs Statement (ONS) validated in September 2004. An innovative SoS approach was implemented in which multiple DoD acquisition program systems were integrated with COTS items to provide seven C-RAM functions: sense, warn, respond, intercept, C2, shape, and protect.
C-RAM component systems include the following: Forward Area Air Defense Command and Control (FAAD C2) and Air and Missile Defense Workstation (AMDWS) for C2; Lightweight Counter Mortar Radars (LCMR), Firefinder Radars, and Ka-band Multi-Function Radio Frequency Systems (MFRFS) for sense; Land-based Phalanx Weapon System (LPWS) and emerging Accelerated Improved Intercept Initiative (AI3) for intercept; Wireless warn; and a wireless Local Area Network (LAN) for comms integration of all components. Response is provided thru C-RAM integration with Army/Joint mission command systems.
C-RAM sense and warn is currently deployed to forward operating bases (FOBs) in Iraq in support of Department of State/Office of Security Cooperation-Iraq (DoS/OSC-I) operations and in Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF). C-RAM’s sense and warn performance has been extremely successful, providing timely warning for more than 2,500 rocket and mortar attacks against C-RAM equipped FOBs, with minimum false warnings. Current ONS-based capability enhancements include development/deployment of Ka and Ku-band MFRFS sensors for detection of high/low quadrant elevation rockets and improvised rocket assisted munitions, and an enhanced interceptor for improved mobility and extended range.
In this Publication
None
Other Major Interdependencies
Army and Marine Corps Battle Command Systems, Sentinel Radar
ACQUISITION PHASE
Technology Development
Engineering & Manufacturing Development
Production & Deployment
Operations & Support
Australia, United Kingdom
Hardware/Integration/Fielding/Contractor Logistics Support:
Northrop Grumman (Huntsville, AL)
Land-based Phalanx Weapon System (LPWS):
Raytheon Missile Systems (Tucson, AZ)
Software Development/Maintenance:
Northrop Grumman (Redondo Beach, CA)
Lightweight Counter Mortar Radars (LCMR):
SRCTec Inc. (Syracuse, NY)
Common Hardware, Software:
General Dynamics (Taunton, MA)
