Netherlands Procure Manpad Cueing System from Rheinmetall

Released on Monday, September 10, 2007

During the last decade Manpad teams have become a vital part for air defence scenarios of rapid reaction and object protection forces. To improve the capabilities and mission profiles of their Manpad forces the Dutch Armed Forces ordered 18 light weight Manpad Cueing Systems (MCS) from Rheinmetall Defence. The innovative system is supposed to close the capability gap of connecting Manpad teams to a real time situational awareness picture.

The Rheinmetall Manpad Cueing System comprises a Cueing Device, the Communication/ Cueing Processor Unit (CCPU) and the Manpad Weapon Terminal.

The Manpad Weapon Terminal is the heart of the system. The ruggedized computer is configured to display and handle real time surveillance data as well as airspace control means.

Within the Weapon Terminal all required orders and commands like fire control and target data can be transmitted. Pursuant to the reports and information about status and position of Manpad teams, the portable Weapon Terminal provides cueing information to the gunner. This information is displayed by the Cueing Device that visually guides the Manpad gunner to cue the missile to the assigned target. The Cueing device can be non-permanently fixed to Stinger launch tube. The adaptation to other Manpad systems would be possible with minor changes.

The Cueing Device consists of a state-of-the-art display with six LEDs to display different commands like direction (up, down, left, right) fire control orders (in range, abort) and additional engagement information (target leaving engagement range).

The Communication/ Cueing Processor Unit is interfaced to the Weapon Terminal, GPS and the Cueing Device. Via a field cable connection the CCPU is connected to the Tactical Network Communication Layer (TNCL), that includes a DSL Modem. Communication between the Manpad team to the command system is ensured by a tactical radio interfaced to the TNCL.

After receiving high-precision direction- and position data from GPS or compass the CCPU converts and assigns the information for the Manpad and the assigned target. The unit is also responsible for the control of the display of the Cueing Device.

In fact, the Rheinmetall Manpad Cueing System is an innovative attempt to connect Manpad forces to the information and communication network of modern air defence scenarios by standardized interfaces and protocols. The MCS receives, converts, screens and displays all required information of real time networks (e.g. local air picture, recognized air picture) for the operation area as well as airspace, fire- and weapon control orders.

By means of the optically displayed cueing information of the MCS the gunner is now embedded in a real time situational awareness picture which reduces the time for target search and engagement remarkably.

Furthermore, together with the surveillance sensor First the MCS allows also passive operations with a circumferential visibility of 360� in azimuth and high elevation coverage.

The Rheinmetall Manpad Cueing System is already qualified for use in the Dutch Armed Forces and is currently in the implementation phase.