Offboard Countermeasures and Training Systems

The ALEX System provides shipboard management of expendable decoy cartridges via a computer- controlled countermeasure system used with deck-mounted SRBOC/RBOC launchers. ALEX is a highly effective tool for managing anti-ship decoy tactics. Highly modular, it can easily be adapted to the individual needs of a ship. ALEX offers the following features:

• Fully integrated with ships ESM and wind and navigation sensors
• Provides and implements optimum tactics for every scenario
• Handles multiple threat scenarios
• Automatic misfire detection/correction
• Automatic decoy cartridge reseed/redeployment

In the future ALEX will be the basis for integration of all off-board and onboard EW countermeasures. This will avoid interference between existing active and passive soft and hard kill systems, as well as new countermeasure systems that are being developed. ALEX provides shipboard management of the complete family of expendable decoy cartridges via a computer controlled countermeasure system used with deck mounted launchers.

 

Lockheed Martin Sippican, Inc. is a world leader in the design and manufacture of advanced decoy launching systems as well as off-board expendable countermeasure decoy cartridges. The product line includes the ALEX (Automated Launch of Expendables) Decoy Launch and Control System, its associated logistic support, and compatible chaff and infrared decoys.

CHAFF DECOYS

Chaff decoys are a cost-effective countermeasure to anti-ship cruise missiles (ASCMs) and are a vital part of a ship's layered self-defense program. Chaff consists of millions of aluminized glass elements cut to match the frequency of the threat radar to be countered. There are two main types, seduction and distraction chaff decoys. For seduction, the NATO standard MK214 is the most advanced and widely used decoy available and is deployed by the US Navy, as well as NATO navies for defense against RF-guided ACSMs. The export version of this decoy is the Super Chaff Star, and is available in two cartridge sizes (SRBOC and RBOC). The LOROC and SUPER LOROC decoys are export versions of the NATO MK 216 Distraction cartridge. These distraction decoys are rocket-launched at selectable ranges up to 4.5km to offer the missile alternative targets to the ship. An electronic fuse triggers a separation from the rocket motor, enabling the chaff payload assembly to be deployed through a drogue chute at a predetermined range. As the payload descends, a fuse ignites the burst charge to disperse a large chaff cloud.

INFRARED (IR) DECOYS

The HIRAM group of IR decoys is in inventory of many navies today, and is still very effective against older IR-guided anti-ship missiles. Decoys are fired from the ship into the sea, where a liquid fuel ignites to create a bright two-color flame (ranging from 2m to 2.5m). This flame simulates the radiant intensity of the ship, with a burn-time of at least 45 seconds, thus seducing the missile away from its intended target.

COLLOCATED CHAFF/IR DECOYS

The Gemini family of cartridges combine the features of both chaff and infrared cartridges. They operate like other chaff cartridges, but at the same time deploy a solid flare, suspended on a parachute, which ignites and travels with the chaff cloud. This presents a collocated chaff cloud and infrared source that provides highly effective countermeasure against anti-ship missiles employing dual mode radar and/or infrared seekers.

SHIP-LAUNCHED ACOUSTIC DECOY (SLAD)

SLAD is used to protect surface ships against passive, acoustic-guided torpedoes. The cartridge is available in either a rocket or mortar-launched version. Upon water impact, the payload assembly separates from the cartridge and a flotation bag deploys. The acoustic device, suspended by tether beneath the float, is salt-water activated and initially emits a wide-band high-powered signal to jam the torpedo seeker. The device then switches to emit 'ship-like' acoustic signals, at a high signature strength level, to seduce the torpedo to the decoy. Multiple decoys are launched per engagement, with the intent to provide multiple 'targets' to run the torpedo out of fuel before it can reacquire the target ship.