Nächstbereichschutzsystem MANTIS
Encyclopedia
Nächstbereichschutzsystem MANTIS (Modular, Automatic and Network capable Targeting and Interception System), formerly titled as NBS-C-RAM (counter-rocket, artillery and mortar
), is the latest very short-range protection system of the German Army
intended for base-protection, particularly in Afghanistan, produced by Rheinmetall Air Defence
(a subsidiary of Rheinmetall
of Germany
). It is a part of the army's future SysFla air-defence project.
The NBS C-RAM system is supposed to detect, track and shoot down incoming projectiles before they can reach their target within very close range. The system itself is based on Oerlikon Contraves's Skyshield
air defence gun system.
An NBS C-RAM 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 German Army has ordered a first batch of two systems, with more being planned. These two systems cost around €110.8 million, plus another €20 million for training and documentation purposes. In a follow-on contract, worth around €13.4 million, Rheinmetall will also deliver the corresponding ammunition to the German Army.
The German Bundeswehr took over the first MANTIS system on January 1, 2011.
Counter-RAM
Counter Rocket, Artillery, and Mortar, abbreviated C-RAM or Counter-RAM, is a system used to detect and/or destroyincoming artillery, rockets and mortar rounds in the air before they hit their ground targets, or simply provide early warning....
), is the latest very short-range protection system of the German Army
German Army
The German Army is the land component of the armed forces of the Federal Republic of Germany. Following the disbanding of the Wehrmacht after World War II, it was re-established in 1955 as the Bundesheer, part of the newly formed West German Bundeswehr along with the Navy and the Air Force...
intended for base-protection, particularly in Afghanistan, produced by Rheinmetall Air Defence
Oerlikon Contraves
Rheinmetall Air Defence AG is a division of German armament manufacturer Rheinmetall, created when the company's Oerlikon Contraves unit was renamed on 1 January 2009 and integrated with Rheinmetall's other air-defence products...
(a subsidiary of Rheinmetall
Rheinmetall
Rheinmetall AG is a German automotive and defence company with factories in Düsseldorf, Kassel and Unterlüß. The company has a long tradition of making guns and artillery pieces...
of Germany
Germany
Germany , officially the Federal Republic of Germany , is a federal parliamentary republic in Europe. The country consists of 16 states while the capital and largest city is Berlin. Germany covers an area of 357,021 km2 and has a largely temperate seasonal climate...
). It is a part of the army's future SysFla air-defence project.
The NBS C-RAM system is supposed to detect, track and shoot down incoming projectiles before they can reach their target within very close range. The system itself is based on Oerlikon Contraves's Skyshield
Skyshield
Skyshield is the name for two different products: one is the Skyshield advanced Airborne Support Jammer system developed by Rafael LTD. in Israel. The other is the Skyshield Short Range Air Defence system developed by the Swiss corporation Oerlikon Contraves...
air defence gun system.
An NBS C-RAM 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 German Army has ordered a first batch of two systems, with more being planned. These two systems cost around €110.8 million, plus another €20 million for training and documentation purposes. In a follow-on contract, worth around €13.4 million, Rheinmetall will also deliver the corresponding ammunition to the German Army.
The German Bundeswehr took over the first MANTIS system on January 1, 2011.
See also
- LFK NGLFK NGLFK NG from Lenkflugkörper Neue Generation , is currently under development by LFK-Lenkflugkörpersysteme and Diehl BGT Defence as the new short-range surface-to-air missile system for the German Army as a replacement for its former Roland air defence systems and as a part of the army's new SysFla...
- the new air-defence missile of the German Army within the "SysFla" project. - Phalanx CIWSPhalanx CIWSThe Phalanx CIWS is an anti-ship missile defense system. It is a close-in weapon system and was designed and manufactured by the General Dynamics Corporation, Pomona Division...
- In 2004 the United States began to develop a land based stand alone model of its Phalanx Weapon System called the Centurion CRAM which was deployed to the Middle East in 2008.