MANTIS Air Defence System
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Nächstbereichschutzsystem MANTIS (Modular, Automatic and Network capable Targeting and Interception System), formerly titled as NBS-C-RAM (counter-rocket, artillery and mortar), is the latest very short-range protection system of the German Army, intended for base-protection, particularly in Afghanistan. It is produced by Rheinmetall Air Defence, a subsidiary of Rheinmetall of Germany. It is a part of the army's future SysFla air-defence project.
The NBS C-RAM system is supposed to detect, track and shoot down incoming projectiles before they can reach their target within very close range. The system itself is based on Oerlikon Contraves' Skyshield air defence gun system.
An NBS C-RAM system consists of six 35mm automatic guns (capable of firing 1,000 rounds per minute), a ground control unit and two sensor units. The entire system is fully automated. The guns fire programmable "Ahead" ammunition, developed by Rheinmetall Weapons and Munitions - Switzerland (formerly Oerlikon Contraves Pyrotec). The ammunition carries a payload of 152 tungsten projectiles weighing 3.3g each.
The German Army has ordered a first batch of two systems, with more being planned. These two systems cost around €110.8 million, plus another €20 million for training and documentation purposes. In a follow-on contract, worth around €13.4 million, Rheinmetall will also deliver the corresponding ammunition to the German Army.[1]
The German Bundeswehr took over the first MANTIS system on January 1, 2011.[2]
See also
- LFK NG - the new air-defence missile of the German Army within the "SysFla" project.
- Phalanx CIWS - In 2004 the United States began to develop a land based stand alone model of its Phalanx Weapon System called the Centurion CRAM which was deployed to the Middle East in 2008.