Skyshield


Skyshield is a modular, light weight, short range air defense system developed by the Swiss corporation Oerlikon Contraves, now a subsidiary of Rheinmetall of Germany. The successor to the Oerlikon [35 mm twin cannon|Skyguard] defense system, Skyshield is intended to rapidly acquire and destroy threatening aircraft and missiles, and to fulfill a C-RAM role.

Design

One firing unit consists of two 35 mm revolver cannons with a rate of fire of 1,000 rounds per minute, a fire control system made up of a sensor unit and a detached command post. The Skyshield can use up to two surface-to-air missile 8-cell modules for an expanded air defense capability. The Skyshield is designed for traditional anti-aircraft roles, in addition to defense against missiles.
The Skyshield is deployed by trucks and other transportation systems. It can also be transported by medium lift aircraft such as the C-130.
The fire control system uses an X-band search and tracking radar X-TAR-3D, and another unit for radar/TV and/or laser/FLIR precision tracking. The command post can be placed up to 500 meters, roughly, from the fire control unit, using encrypted radio-waves. The Skyshield system can be networked with other air defense systems for wider and more effective air coverage, expanding its roles from point defense to area defense.
Radars for the acquisition and tracking of air and surface targets, named Oerlikon Tracking Module TMX Mk2 and TMKu Mk2, operated in X and Ku band respectively.

Variants

A modified and improved version of Skyshield with six fully automated turrets, dubbed MANTIS was ordered by the German Army as a stationary base defence system. Two systems were delivered in 2011, with more orders being planned as a part of German Army's future "SysFla" air defence program.
A mobile version called Oerlikon Skyranger 35 has been demonstrated, with the turret fitted to a Boxer armoured fighting vehicle.

Operators

Skyshield

[Image:Skyshield AA.jpg|thumb|The complete Skyshield air-defence array with a SAM module in the back right]
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Skynex

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