Red Sky is a tactical air defense system designed for very short-range air defense system (VSHORAD)targeting low-altitude aerial threats.
Recently, the Israeli firm secured a contract worth around $50 million to deliver this system to an international buyer.
Under the agreement, Elbit Systems will provide two Red Sky batteries, delivering a complete defense solution that combines both Passive protection involves measures like camouflage and armor to avoid detection and damage, while active protection uses weapons or technology to intercept and neutralize threats.
Passive protection involves measures like camouflage and armor to avoid detection and damage, while active protection uses weapons or technology to intercept and neutralize threats.
What Does the Red Sky System involve?
The Red Sky VSHORAD includes Redrone : an electronic warfare (EW) solution aimed at detecting, identifying, locating, and neutralizing unmanned aerial systems.
Elbit’s Redrone features DAiR Radar,
● DAiR Radar is a type of radar technology used for detecting and tracking objects, providing precise information about their location and movement.
● SIGINT sensors are devices used for signal intelligence gathering. They capture electronic signals from communications and other electronic systems, allowing analysts to intercept, decipher, and analyze these signals for intelligence purposes.
● An RF Jammer is a device that disrupts radio frequencies, preventing devices like radios, cell phones, and drones from communicating effectively by emitting interfering signals.
● The COAPS-L EO electro-optical payload consists of advanced sensors and cameras that capture high-quality images and data, using light to detect and monitor objects in various conditions.
Additionally, it is equipped with anti-aircraft missile launchers.
The system is engineered to detect, disrupt, and neutralize UAVs, offering a dependable, real-time overview of aerial activity and preventing drones from entering sensitive areas.
The radar system can simultaneously detect multiple targets and track objects while continuing to scan for additional airborne UAVs. It also includes a jammer capable of disabling UAVs within its range.
It can monitor drones approaching from any direction and jam them as necessary.
Key Features to Note
Elbit Systems also provides hard kill options with the Red Sky, including everything from remote-controlled weapon stations to air defense turrets.
● Hard kill options refer to defensive methods that physically destroy or neutralize incoming threats, such as missiles or drones, using weapons like guns or missile interceptors.
● Air defense turrets are mounted weapon systems designed to detect, track, and shoot down aircraft, missiles, or drones using guns or missiles.
The first product introduced with Red Sky is the TORC 30, a sophisticated air defense turret.
The TORC 30 system features a ‘soft-kill’ anti-drone system, infrared missiles, and an anti-aircraft cannon capable of firing up to 600 rounds per minute. It also enables the remote control of a Rheinmetall MK30-2/ABM 30 mm cannon mounted on an armored vehicle.
● Soft kill refers to methods that disable or deter enemy equipment without causing physical destruction, often using electronic warfare to disrupt or mislead.
Red Sky is also designed to harness the complete capabilities of MANPADS (Man-portable Air defense Systems )missiles. The system can be adapted to fire various missiles, including GROM, IGLA-S, SA-16/14, Mistral, or Stinger.
The third offering alongside VSHORAD includes remote-controlled weapon stations (RCWS), designed to enhance the accuracy of weapons and machine guns.
The system also features ‘smart shooting,’ meaning it activates only after confirming the target. Additionally, it has the ability to jam unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).
Additional Key Advantages
Red Sky can be controlled remotely by just one person, making it a highly effective defense system.
It also has the ability to override rogue drones and safely land them. Additionally, it can function continuously and under any weather conditions.
● “Override rogue drones” means to take control of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) that are operating outside of their intended parameters or against regulations, effectively neutralizing potential threats by redirecting or safely landing them.
Given the rising deployment of UAVs worldwide in conflicts and conflict-like scenarios, this system can be extremely valuable in protecting against such threats.
Additionally, it offers a cost-effective option compared to other major air defense systems and missiles currently in use.
(Views expressed in the article are of author’s own and do not reflect the editorial stance of Business Upturn)
