The Austrian defense ministry has awarded Rheinmetall a contract for a six-month test and evaluation of its counter-small UAS (C-sUAS) system.
The company shipped the latest version of its rapidly deployable C-sUAS system to the Austrian military in May 2022.
The solution comprises two shelter units, enabling 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 and others if required.
An integrated, stabilized 360° electro-optical PTZ sensor provides verification and tracking capabilities.
Based on the Oerlikon Skymaster command and control system, the separate C2 shelter represents an operator workstation. The system ensures sensor data fusion and other 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 into other military units and providing C-sUAS protection in urban areas.
According to Rheinmetall, the highlight of the trial will be a public demonstration of the C-sUAS at the Airpower 2022 air show at Hinterstoisser Air Base, home of the Eurofighter, near Zeltweg, Austria.
