New-generation Skyguard III goes into production
Oerlikon Contraves (Chalet B10 in Swiss Pavilion) has completed development of its latest Skyguard III computerised air defence fire control system (FCS), which is entering production for an undisclosed export customer in South America. One Skyguard III FCS typically controls two GDF series twin 35mm air defence guns, which have been modified to fire the AHEAD (Advanced Hit Efficiency and Destruct) ammunition that has already been adopted by numerous countries for land and sea-based applications.
As well as engaging ground attack aircraft and attack helicopters, AHEAD ammunition can neutralise smaller targets such as airlaunched missiles and cruise missiles. Oerlikon Contraves can supply brand new trailer-mounted Skyguard III FCS or kits to upgrade earlier generation systems. New generation Skyguard III features two independently operating 3D tracking systems (radar and electro-optical). The radar has a significant increase in detection range over earlier models and the tracking radar has also been upgraded.
The electro-optical package has day and thermal imaging channels and includes a laser rangefinder. Trials have shown the all-weather Skyguard III FCS is highly resistant to electronic countermeasures. It can also be networked with other air defence weapons and command systems to provide a layered air defence capability. Oerlikon Contraves is also continuing to market the Skyshield 35 air defence system, which consists of two 35mm revolver gun mounts, one remote controlled sensor module and one command post. The remote controlled sensor mount uses the same key subsystems such as radars and electro-optics as the trailer-mounted Skyguard III. Spain has taken delivery of 24 of these sensor mounts and remote command posts for use with its upgraded GDF twin 35mm guns. Oerlikon Contraves has been developing a version of Skyshield 35 specifically for the C-RAM (Counter Rocket, Artillery and Mortar) application. This has modified software and new AHEAD ammunition to neutralise the threat to base camps from ground-launched munitions. During a trial in Germany, a C-RAM optimised Skyshield 35 system successfully detected, tracked and engaged a variety of threats, including 155mm artillery projectiles, 120mm mortar bombs and 110mm surface-to-surface rockets. This version of Skyshield 35 is also referred to as the Skyshield Camp Protection System. Development is underway and, according to the company, it could be qualified as early as 2008.
 Skyguard III trials have proved its high resistance to electronic countermeasures |