MASS Naval Countermeasure System Upgraded with Integrated Sensor Suite
03 November 2006 13:36
Manufactured at Rheinmetall's Naval / Air Competence Centre at Fronau in Bavaria, the MASS Multi Ammunition Softkill System represents a whole new departure in protecting ships from missile attacks in both littoral and blue-water environments.
It functions by firing volleys of decoys, sequentially timed to divert incoming enemy missiles from their intended target, causing them to fly off into empty space. Highly innovative, these programmable omni-spectral decoys ensure maximum protection in all relevant wavelengths of the electromagnetic spectrum (UV, EO, laser, infrared and radar).
An upgraded version of the MASS naval decoy system, known as MASS_ISS, is now available. It features an integrated sensor suite. With the aid of the MASS interface unit (MIU), it can be linked to a variety of sensors, including RADAR ESM, LASER ESM, missile approach warner sensors, electro-optical directors and navigation systems. This means that it can operate independently of higher-echelon combat management systems, and can serve as a stand-alone system on any ship or boat, providing reliable protection from enemy missiles.
In cooperation with SAAB Avitronics, Rheinmetall now offers MASS_ISS, which is a tried-and-tested solution featuring the MASS decoy system, RADAR ESM (SME 100 / 200) and LASER ESM (NLWS 300 / 500). The modular MASS_ISS system can be configured to meet the customer's precise requirements. All existing sensors systems can be linked to the MASS_ISS.
Over the past two years MASS has emerged as the world's number one advanced naval protection system. Germany's new K130 corvettes are equipped with MASS, and the navies of Finland (SQUADRON 2000 boats), Norway (SKJOLD fast patrol boats), UAE (Baynunah programme) and Sweden (Visby, Göteborg and Malmö class) have also all opted for the system.
A further Middle Eastern country placed an order for a total of six MASS units, which will be used to equip frigates as well as fast patrol boats. In 2006, the UAE ordered two more MASS systems and further international orders are expected this year.
In July 2005, the Rheinmetall Fronau team, in a support role to BAE Systems, was invited to participate in the TSV EW Self-Protection Demonstration conducted at the US Navy Pacific Missile Range Facility, Kauai, as part of the US Theatre Support Vessel (TSV) Advanced Concept Technology Demonstration (ACTD). MASS successfully demonstrated its capabilities on board the TSV.
In September 2006, two Swedish Navy Göteborg class corvettes were urgently equipped with MASS_ISS in preparation for the UNIFIL mission; one of the vessels is already operating off the coast of Lebanon.
For more information on this company:
Rheinmetall Waffe Munition GmbH - Protection Systems and Pyrotechnics
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