Cassidian, the defence and security division of EADS, has developed a new-generation jamming system that significantly enhances the protection of vehicles against radio-controlled improvised explosive devices (RCIEDs). The multifunctional jammer analyses the signal spectrum around a vehicle and is thus in a position to jam the radio signals intended to ignite a roadside bomb in a much more targeted manner and at an earlier stage than was the case in the past. With the so-called SMARTscout extension, the device can now be used at the same time for signal intelligence, thus contributing to the generation of a comprehensive picture of the signal situation – a task that previously could only be accomplished by relatively complex systems which are difficult to deploy and consume a lot of energy.
“Lessons learnt in recent conflicts prove that the enemy often changes the type of radio transmission used for triggering signals in asymmetric scenarios,” explains Elmar Compans, head of the Sensors & Electronic Warfare unit at Cassidian. “Continuous analysis of threats and the resulting adaptation of countermeasures are therefore indispensable. Using our SMARTscout system, both of these tasks can be done faster and with reduced effort."
SMARTscout allows the user to deploy numerous sensors in a crisis area at low cost and to obtain information on the radio communication situation in less time. This is important to ensure both optimum protection and efficient planning of further operations.
Cassidian’s multifunctional jammer features the new, ultra-fast Smart Responsive Jamming Technology to substantially enhance the level of protection. This system detects and classifies radio signals intended to ignite roadside bombs. It then transmits jamming signals in real-time, which are tailored exactly to the hostile frequency band. Thanks to the new digital receiver and signal processing technologies it is thus possible to achieve reaction times of well below a millisecond.
The combination of the jamming functionality with conventional radio communication intelligence (electronic support measures – ESM) in a mobile device allows more detailed information on potential threats to be obtained, which in turn significantly improves mission planning and the protection of one’s own forces.
