Recognizing the current short-comings yet critical importance of effective close-in air defence for deploying forces L3Harris Agile Development Group developed a modular, adaptable counter-air solution on a robotic platform.
Its PCC4 Technology Demonstrator’s Modular Mission Payload (MMP) integrates detection, targeting, data fusion, effectors, and both line-of-sight (LOD) and beyond line-of-sight (BLOS) standoff into a single system.
A prototype of this system was recently demonstrated at the US Army Project Convergence Capstone 4 (PC-C4) field experiment. During the event it successfully conducted integrated advanced long-range surveillance and electronic attack (EA) against aerial threat targets utilizing an autonomous unmanned ground vehicle platform for mobility.
The PCC4 Demonstrator combines multiple sensors and data distribution and processing allowing on-board and outside effectors to counter a variety of aerial threats, including Group 1-3 Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) and rotary-wing attack aircraft. In addition, a solution has been further prepared that will address opposing close air support fixed-wing aircraft.
The MMP consists of a Spyglass™ 3D radar for high-precision detection and tracking, a WESCAM MXTM-10D RSTA electro-optical/infrared sensor system for high-definition, stabilized visual tracking and enhanced targeting, a data fusion and sensor resource management system. In addition, it has an on-board Advanced Electronic Attack (EA) capability that uses non-kinetic electronic signals to disrupt enemy drones.
Work is also underway to integrate VAMPIRE, a kinetic-attack counter air-weapon system into the into the PCC4 Demonstrator system. The VAMPIR (Vehicle-Agnostic Modular Palletized ISR Rocket Equipment can be installed on most vehicles and launches the Advanced Precision Kill Weapons System (APKWS) laser-guided 70mm rocket munition. It’s precision engagement has proven effective against drones, rotary aircraft, and ground targets.
According to L3Harris, over the six-day exercise the Demonstrator successfully covered over 175 km in difficult terrain conditions performing in a number of mission scenarios. It proved its capability to detect and target unmanned aerial systems. By cross-cueing its autonomous multi-sensor payloads it was able to offer early warning of air threats of over twenty-six kilometres distant. During the exercise the platform also conducted mobile route reconnaissance while moving to its designated surveillance positions. In addition, the accuracy of the WESCAM MX-10D with its multiple sensors and laser designator established its ability for conducting reconnaissance, surveillance, and target acquisition.
The PCC4 Demonstrator networked with wider control, communications, and data sharing via a AN/PRC-158 Next Gen radio and a high-capacity line-of-sight (LOS) L3Harris (HCLOS) RF-7850W tactical radio. It offered extended range operations using the RASOR modular common communications chassis using commercial high-speed data link. Other capabilities demonstrated include the Mobile Ad Hoc Network WRAITH, a satcom on-the-move antenna, and use of a hardened third-party commercial space internet satellite.
L3Harris is enhancing the system by inserting and evolving the fusion of information of both on and off board sensors. In addition, efforts are being directed to expanding its UAS threat defeat capabilities with the integration of VAMPIRE.
The L3Harris PCC4 Demonstrator pioneered a number of innovations in its approach. These included the use of the Rheinmetall Unmanned Ground Vehicle as a platform, the integration of essential air defence capabilities, and the combining on-board (and off-board) effectors.
Its success in the exercises suggest additional possibilities toward addressing the operational challenges presented with deploying military combat capabilities.
by Stephen W. Miller
