Counter-sUAS System for Austria

The Austrian Armed Forces have selected Rheinmetall’s C-sUAS system for a six-month period of testing and evaluation, the company writes in a press release. In May 2022, Rheinmetall Air Defence shipped the latest version of its deployable counter-small unmanned aerial system (C-sUAS) to the Austrian military. The system comprises two shelter units, enabling rapid deployment on standard trailers and trucks. The sensor unit elevates automatically and can be equipped with various detection technologies, including:

• X-band and S-band radar
• passive emitter locator
• ADS-B receiver
• others if required

An integrated, stabilised 360° electro-optical PTZ sensor provides verification and tracking capabilities.

Based on the Oerlikon SKYMASTER command and control system, the separate C2 shelter is a fully fledged operator workstation. SKYMASTER provides sensor data fusion and multiple operational functions, including scalability to integrated target cueing devices and effectors for different countermeasures as well as links to higher echelons.

The Austrian Armed Forces will put the Rheinmetall C-sUAS system through its paces at several locations in Austria, gaining expertise and experience by simulating air base protection, integration with other military units and providing C-sUAS protection in urban areas. A major highlight will be a public demonstration of the C-sUAS at the renowned AIRPOWER 2022 air show at Hinterstoisser Air Base, home of the EUROFIGHTER, near Zeltweg, Austria, Rheinmetall writes.

JH