By Spc. Sophia R. Lopez
Multi-National Division - Center
CAMP VICTORY, Iraq – The Counter Rocket, Artillery and Mortar system is used to destroy incoming artillery, rocket and mortar rounds in the air before they hit their ground target. This system is currently being used in the Victory Base Complex and various forward operating bases throughout Iraq.
A directive establishing the use of the C-RAM system came in response to an increasing number of casualties from rocket, artillery and mortar attacks.
The system works through various types of sensors located throughout the forward operating bases. These sensors detect and track fired rounds. Once a threat is detected, audio and visual alarms sound to warn exposed Soldiers.
A fire-control subsystem predicts the threat's flight path, prioritizes targets, activates the warning system and provides data to defeat the threat while still in the air. Self-destructing explosive bullets are used in order to reduce the risk of civilian and friendly casualties. This system has been in theatre for about three years.
"I was battle captain with the first system back in '05, '06," said Capt. Mike Harrison, a Palmyra, Pa., native and the Delta Battery., 2nd Battalion, 44th Air Defense Artillery Regiment commander. "[The system] is constantly modifying. There are so many people involved; so many people behind the scenes. As we feed them data, they make corrections. As the enemy changes his [tactics, techniques and procedures], we're trying to evolve - trying to stay ahead of them."
Within the 2- 44 ADA Regt., there is an intercept battery and a sense and warn battery responsible for maintenance and operation of the C-RAM system.
The intercept battery is comprised of both Army and Navy personnel and, "is responsible for intercepting incoming rounds that will impact in that gun's defended area," said Harrison.
The sense and warn battery, Delta Btry., is comprised entirely of Army personnel.
"We're more of a passive basic alert system that gives people enough time before the impact of the round to take cover," Harrison said. "We run and maintain different types of equipment to detect and warn against incoming mortars and rockets."
Tests show the C-RAM system has a 60 to 70 percent shoot-down capability.
"The C-RAM system gives comfort to people on the FOBs," said Harrison. "It mitigates a threat that is very hard to beat. By giving people that 10 seconds to get into a bunker, it saves lives."
| Date Taken: | 08.08.2008 |
| Date Posted: | 08.08.2008 14:19 |
| Story ID: | 22272 |
| Location: | BAGHDAD, IQ |
| Web Views: | 204 |
| Downloads: | 29 |
This work, C-RAM system protects deployed service members, by Sophia Klevemann, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
