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Rafael extends Iron Dome C-RAM to the naval domain

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Rafael extends Iron Dome C-RAM to the naval domain | Defense Update:

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C-DOME suite comprises a 10-missile stack, packed in a vertical launch unit installed below deck. The system utilizes combat-proven Tamir interceptor missiles, and command and control, integrated with the ship’s surveillance and air defense radar. Photos: RAFAEL

RAFAEL is extending the Iron Dome Counter-Rocket, Artillery and Mortar defense system to the maritime domain, to protect surface vessels from a wide range of threats, including ballistic trajectory and direct attack weapons. The navalized system dubbed ‘C-Dome’ is a Point Defense System designed to handle saturation attacks in both blue and littoral waters, by engaging multiple targets simultaneously. Similar to C-RAM scenario, saturation attacks at sea would require very short reaction time thus requiring the employment of automatic and semi-automatic engagements.

To address those threats C-Dome include a multi-round launcher assembly loaded with ten vertically-launched canisterised ‘Tamir’ interceptors packed in a modular Vertical Launcher Unit installed below deck. Tamir interceptors have proved themselves in over a thousand successful intercepts in recent combat engagements with rockets of different types.

The systems’ small footprint enables integration on small ships, including OPVs, small Corvettes or offshore rigs. The system utilizes the ship’s own surveillance radar and does not require a dedicated fire control radar. The systems’ command and control are integrated with the ship’s combat management system, facilitating seamless system operation.

C-Dome uses the combat-proven Iron Dome interceptor – Tamir – that has already achieved more than 1200 successful interceptions. Unlike the Iron Dome configuration, C-Dome Tamir interceptors are launched vertically, supporting unrestricted 360° azimuth coverage. The missile has an advanced warhead that ensures high kill probability against a wide range of targets. Recent combat engagements have challenged the interceptor, which demonstrated extremely agility and high rate-of-turn to facilitate intercepting in extremely demanding scenarios. and ripple attacks. The missile uses a smart proximity fuze that maximizes lethality of its powerful warhead to ensure target destruction.

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Rafael’s new C-DOME close-in weapon system provides a defensive shield for naval surface vessels, against multiple simultaneous ripple attacks. Photo: RAFAEL
 
Given Iron Dome was designed with C-RAM duties in mind and wasn't built to counter high performance AShMs a lot of software modifications will need to be done for this to work. The missile is sound aero-dynamically, but Katushyas and Grads aren't going to be fired at ships and thus something will need to be done differently. Also these missile tend to work in concert with ground based, mobile radars, and I would assume additional integration software and modifications will need to be done. But it's a good idea and if the Phalanx can be turned into a C-RAM system than why couldn't a missile battery like Iron Dome become a naval defense missile?
 
Given Iron Dome was designed with C-RAM duties in mind and wasn't built to counter high performance AShMs a lot of software modifications will need to be done for this to work. The missile is sound aero-dynamically, but Katushyas and Grads aren't going to be fired at ships and thus something will need to be done differently. Also these missile tend to work in concert with ground based, mobile radars, and I would assume additional integration software and modifications will need to be done. But it's a good idea and if the Phalanx can be turned into a C-RAM system than why couldn't a missile battery like Iron Dome become a naval defense missile?

Considering we have RAM on the ships, it shouldn't be that much different.
USS_Theodore_Roosevelt_conducts_a_live-fire_exercise.jpg
 
Considering we have RAM on the ships, it shouldn't be that much different.
USS_Theodore_Roosevelt_conducts_a_live-fire_exercise.jpg

Not too different, but the Rolling Air Frame missiles were purpose built for naval engagements against AShMs, while the Iron Dome was built for land based interceptions against unguided missiles, so there are a few differences, but they are mostly a software problem.
 
Not too different, but the Rolling Air Frame missiles were purpose built for naval engagements against AShMs, while the Iron Dome was built for land based interceptions against unguided missiles, so there are a few differences, but they are mostly a software problem.

Give it a few more years, and the development in directed energy weapons will make all these issues irrelevant.
 
Sorry if this is a dumb question, but don't they already have Barrak series?

Oh thats AIA... so competition? Are they comparable?
 
Sorry if this is a dumb question, but don't they already have Barrak series?

Oh thats AIA... so competition? Are they comparable?
C-Dome seems to be the successor of Barak-1 missiles.

Not to be confused with Barak-8 with greater range, weight, length, and cost.
 
Given Iron Dome was designed with C-RAM duties in mind and wasn't built to counter high performance AShMs a lot of software modifications will need to be done for this to work. The missile is sound aero-dynamically, but Katushyas and Grads aren't going to be fired at ships and thus something will need to be done differently. Also these missile tend to work in concert with ground based, mobile radars, and I would assume additional integration software and modifications will need to be done. But it's a good idea and if the Phalanx can be turned into a C-RAM system than why couldn't a missile battery like Iron Dome become a naval defense missile?
Actually Iron Dome interceptor Tamir is derived from Derby missile which is used in Spyder ADS:

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Spyder is capable against aircraft, cruise missiles and standoff weapons.
 
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