A solution is currently being developed in an immediate program for the qualified anti-aircraft defense of the German Army, which should be available by 2023 at the latest for use as part of the NATO spearhead (Very High Readiness Joint Task Force – VJTF). The focus is particularly on unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV), which is why the defense system is also known as Counter UAS (c-UAS).
The solution consists of a GTK Boxer with a remote-controlled weapon station Protector from Kongsberg integrated into its mission module. A 40 mm grenade launcher with airburst ammunition is provided as the effector. Airburst munitions are programmed to detonate at a defined proximity to the target, destroying the target with a dense cloud of projectiles. This form of combat is particularly successful against soft targets such as UAVs.
The most important reconnaissance element will be the Hensoldt Spexer 2000 3D MkIII radar. The device is the third generation of ground detection radar that can detect air targets such as helicopters and airplanes in addition to land and sea targets. The AESA radar (Active Electronically Scanned Antenna) scans a sector of 120 degrees with a fixed antenna. With up to 16 independent radar beams, small and fast-moving targets such as UAVs can be detected. The update rate is 0.3 seconds and the range is 2.5 km. With only one radar beam, the detection range increases to 40 km, but with a reduced sampling rate. With its scan-on-the-move capability, Spexer can also reconnoitre on the move. The system is therefore also suitable for protecting convoys.
The compact antenna weighs 35 kg and measures 60x50x20 cm (WxHxD) and operates in the 9.2 to 10 GHz frequency range (X-Band). The signals are generated and processed in the Generation and Processing Unit (GPU). The GPU weighs 40 kg and is of the same size as the antenna.
In test shooting with the complete system, Spexer was able to demonstrate a high level of classification performance for very small targets in very demanding scenarios. Small targets such as UAVs are characterized by a low radar cross section and high maneuverability.
After evaluating the test shooting, Hensoldt was commissioned to deliver ten Spexer 2000 3D MkIII. The devices will be delivered from the end of this year. The ten boxers for qualified air defense should be available by the end of 2021 at the latest. Then the training can begin so that vehicles and crews are prepared in time for the NATO spearhead VJTF 2023.
Gerhard Heiming
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