The solution for mortar shell alerts?
This post is also available in: 
עברית (Hebrew)
The IDF’s detection and alert systems are currently capable of accurately calculating the locations where missiles and even mortar shells are about to hit, and send out activation orders to sirens across Israel, to every town and village, industrial parks and main roads.
Israel’s territory was carved into polygons, where the alarms are sounded separately and exclusively in case of an imminent rocket or shell, thereby allowing for at least some measure of civilian routine and a normal live even at a time of war or emergency.
Nevertheless, when rockets hit areas which only temporarily house staff or equipment, such makeshift camps prior to operations or interim Bedouin dwellings, the result had often been a heavy toll in injuries and casualties, as these areas lack sirens or alert systems that could provide timely notification of incoming danger, signaling the people who have occasioned to be there to hurry and take cover.
This disconcerting lack of siren infrastructure in temporary gathering locations has a new, simple and efficient solution unveiled by Shamrad. The mobile PA systems has a standard link to any vehicle, complete with a 4m high mast with two sets of 4 powerful loudspeakers (400W/RMS) each, providing a total output of 3,200W and 360 degree coverage.
The towing equipment is based on the same system being used by Israel’s PA and siren systems per the Home Front Command’s specifications.
Shamrad’s innovations, which will be unveiled for the first time at the AUS&R 2014 event, is capable of reaching any location quickly and efficiently and provide ad-hoc alert coverage, as well as remain in the field for the entire required duration.
The siren system is based on two powerful Amplifiers, each with an output of 3,200W, guaranteed a sound of 71Db over a radius of 1 km. Power is supplied by a bank of 12V/90AH batteries and a mobile generator. The batteries are charged by a solar charger.
Unmanned systems conference 2014 – Israel
Shamrad’s mobile PA and siren system was designed and manufactured with harsh environments in mind, such as heat, humidity, dust and so on. The system comes complete with stabilizers to enable easier set-up in complex terrain features.
The comm system linking the field sirens supports Home Front Command messages, as well as Elta’s Green Rock tactical C-RAM system, which detects incoming rockets and imminent hits and sends the signal to activate the siren in the relevant location.
The system’s interface with the mobile siren also supports full command and control of the entire siren array and associated components.
The top of the mast, five meters high, houses a camera installation which also has a night imaging feature (Thermal cameras), which are also remotely operated. All this can be remote-directed to move upon orders. The comm interface (which received orders from the Home Front Command to sound the alarm) also enables video feeds directly to the management systems that Shamrad also provides, which can be installed in any command and control center at any level.
Founded in 1977, Shamrad is a privately held company based at Petah Tikvah (50 employees), with additional activities in the PA, sirens and alarm field, in addition to security, infrastructure and service systems.
Shamrad’s siren systems have been installed in over 900 sites across Israel, where they are linked to command and control centers operated by the Home Front Command, thereby constituting Israel’s entire missile alert system.
In addition, Shamrad also constructs security and control systems for sensitive state and private installations, as well as some of Israel’s border checkpoints. The company has a 24/7 customer support line which caters for all its many and varied clients, including IDF camps.
