Tag Archives: Rheinmetall-Canada

Navy

Canadian Combatant

Rheinmetall Canada and Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) subsidiary ELTA Systems (IAI/ELTA) have joined forces to propose the state-of-the-art, operationally proven MF-STAR radar for the Canadian Surface Combatant (CSC) programme. Like this team’s success in bringing the battle-proven Medium Range Radar (MRR) of «Iron Dome» fame to the Canadian Army, ELM-2248 MF-STAR will provide the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) with a built-in-Canada, cutting-edge, fully digital, multifunctional Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) naval radar for long-range air and surface surveillance and tracking. The MF-STAR radar is based on the same radar technology as the MRR currently in production at Rheinmetall Canada’s plant in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Québec.

A Canadian, cost effective, proven and low risk CSC radar solution
A Canadian, cost effective, proven and low risk CSC radar solution

The MF-STAR antenna includes four fixed faces of active arrays in S-band frequency, delivering a high-quality air and surface situation picture and weapon support – particularly in severely cluttered target, electronic, topographical and environmental conditions. With advanced technology and robust system architecture, the MF-STAR employs unique, proven multi-beam and pulse doppler techniques to extract low Radar Cross-Section (RCS) targets from complex clutter and jamming environments.

Moreover, the MF-STAR radar can be easily scaled to fit different requirements and different ship sizes – from 1200-tonne corvettes to frigate/destroyers weighing 7000+ tons. The radar is already in service with two navies in missions similar to those proposed for the CSC.

Importantly, the MF-STAR’s 360-degree coverage and fully multifunction operation minimizes the installation requirements to a single system, thus reducing the upper deck «footprint». MF-STAR’s in-service record and the ongoing delivery of the MRR means reduced operational, technological and programme risk – from contract award to delivery and beyond from an established Canadian company which has recently concluded over $1 billion in Industrial and Technological Benefit (ITB) transactions with Canada.

«We are honoured to extend our teaming with Rheinmetall Canada to include the state-of-the-art MF-STAR radar», declared Mr. Nissim Hadas, IAI Executive VP & ELTA President. «MF-STAR radar is already operational and provides excellent value to our customers».

«This partnership with IAI/ELTA Systems is of strategic importance to Rheinmetall Canada», stated Rheinmetall Canada’s President and CEO, Dr. Andreas Knackstedt. «Our successful teaming with IAI/ELTA on the MRR programme positions Rheinmetall as a leading Canadian radar company. We are building on this experience to offer the MF-STAR radar for the CSC programme and firmly establish Rheinmetall Canada as the in-country radar provider and supporter to DND and the Canadian Forces».

«Furthermore», added Dr. Knackstedt, «we know that it’s not only necessary to provide the best product at the best price to the Canadian government, but to bring value to the Canadian economy. We did this with MRR and achieved 80% identified offsets at bid response. This expertise is essential to any prime contractor and we have the right know-how».

 

Features:

  • Fast threat alert response time;
  • Very high tracking update rate and accuracy for priority targets;
  • Short search frame/ Track While Scan (TWS) revisit time;
  • Mid-course guidance of active/semi-active anti-air missiles;
  • Illuminator enslavement for semi-active missiles;
  • Automatic splash detection and measurement for gunnery support;
  • Instantaneous multi-beam;
  • Advanced beam forming techniques for Electronic Counter-CounterMeasures (ECCM);
  • Lightweight antenna;
  • Scalable, modular active solid-state phased array;
  • High reliability and high availability.

 

Operational Capabilities:

  • Blue water and littoral warfare support;
  • Simultaneous multi-engagement support;
  • Active and semi active missile support;
  • 3D long-range air surveillance;
  • 3D medium range automatic threat alert;
  • Missile horizon search and threat alert;
  • Maritime surface surveillance;
  • Target classification (including Helo);
  • Gunnery control and splash spotting.

 

Performances and Parameters

Automatic track initiation
Low flying attacking missile > 25 km/15.5 miles
High flying fighter aircraft > 120 km/74.5 miles
Rx/Tx S-Band solid state
Antenna 4 static arrays
Spatial coverage
Azimuth 360°
Elevation -20° – +85°
Weight 1,500 kg/3,307 lbs per face
900 kg/1,984 lbs below deck

 

Ground Forces

Canadian Iron Dome

Rheinmetall-Canada and ELTA Systems, an Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) subsidiary and group, have been awarded the significant Medium Range Radar (MRR) program by the Canadian Department of National Defense (DND). The radar to be supplied for the multi-mission role is the ELTA ELM-2084 MMR «Iron Dome» radar, which includes C-RAM (Counter Rockets, Artillery and Mortars) and air-surveillance capabilities, and will be produced locally in cooperation with Rheinmetall-Canada.

The first contract is to procure 10 Medium Range Radar Systems within three years, and a second contract is for related in-service support
The first contract is to procure 10 Medium Range Radar Systems within three years, and a second contract is for related in-service support

Following an extensive competition process and demanding demonstrations, which also included live fire testing, the ELM-2084 MMR radar was selected due to its superior performance and outstanding capabilities.

The ELM-2084 MMR is an advanced three-dimensional, S-Band radar, incorporating modular and scalable architecture, and is the world-leading multi-mission system. The solid-state, electronically steered active array system incorporates Gallium Nitride (GaN) technology and offers exceptional detection and accuracy performance. The MMR is a highly mobile system, designed for fast deployment with a minimal crew.

Designed to simultaneously perform hostile weapon locating, friendly-fire ranging and air surveillance, the ELM-2084 MMR radar is able to detect rockets, artillery and mortars at long ranges, and can simultaneously engage a large number of targets. Deployed in a C-RAM role, the MMR can provide fire control when integrated with a weapons system.

Because of its superior tracking capabilities, MMR delivers a reliable and improved air situation picture as well as reliable, uninterrupted tracking of any maneuvering aircraft. Furthermore, it can detect and track low Radar Cross-Section (RCS) targets.

The delivery of the radar systems is expected to begin in 2017
The delivery of the radar systems is expected to begin in 2017

Advanced signal processing enables effective operation even in conditions of heavy clutter as well as in noisy and dense environments, with assured classification and identification of targets and superior low-altitude operation. The radar system also includes advanced Electronic Counter-Counter Measure (ECCM) capabilities.

The two companies will implement a technology transfer program in full conformity with the intent of Canada’s recently announced Defence Procurement Strategy to create local jobs and capabilities and help spur economic growth.

«This partnership with ELTA Systems is of strategic importance to Rheinmetall Canada», said Rheinmetall Canada’s President and CEO, Dr. Andreas Knackstedt. «ELTA was considered the partner of choice due to the program’s demanding requirements. The award of the MRR contract to the Rheinmetall/ELTA team is a testimony of ELTA’s leading-edge technology and know-how for which it is recognized worldwide».

«We are honored to have been selected by the Canadian Army», said Mr. Nissim Hadas, IAI Executive VP & ELTA President. «Together, with our partners in Rheinmetall-Canada, we will provide the most sophisticated C-RAM, air-surveillance and radar available, with a significant portion of the production to be performed locally in Canada».

The Medium Range Radar Project will give the Canadian Armed Forces 10 radar systems that can be transported into an operation by truck.

 

Performance Highlights

Air Surveillance Weapon Location
Detection Range 256 NM/295 miles/474 km 54 NM/62 miles/100 km
Azimuth Coverage 120º or rotating 360º 120º
Elevation Coverage Up to 50º & 100 kft Up to 50º
Accuracy High accuracy 3D measurement 0.3% Circular Error Probable (CEP)
Target Capacity Up to 1,100 targets 200 targets/min
The Medium Range Radar contracts are aligned with the Defence Procurement Strategy, which has three objectives: ensuring our men and women in uniform get the equipment they need at the right price for taxpayers; leveraging the purchase of defence equipment to create domestic jobs and growth; and streamlining defence procurement processes
The Medium Range Radar contracts are aligned with the Defence Procurement Strategy, which has three objectives: ensuring our men and women in uniform get the equipment they need at the right price for taxpayers; leveraging the purchase of defence equipment to create domestic jobs and growth; and streamlining defence procurement processes