C-Dome Nears Operational Status

This post is also available in: עברית (Hebrew)

By ARIE EGOZI

The C-Dome Naval defense system developed by Rafael is based on the Iron Dome and designed to effectively protect combat vessels against a large set of modern threats. C-Dome handles saturation attacks by engaging multiple targets simultaneously. Reaction time according to Rafael , is very short and enables automatic and semi-automatic engagements.

C-Dome components include a multi-round launcher assembly loaded with vertically-launched canistered interceptors. The launcher is installed under the ship’s deck.

C-Dome utilizes the ship’s own surveillance radar and does not require a dedicated Fire Control Radar. Weapon System Command and Control is seamlessly integrated with the ship’s combat management system, facilitating system operation.

Rafael emphasizes that C-Dome uses the combat-proven Iron Dome interceptor that has already achieved more than 1500 successful intercepts.

Rafael says that the Interceptors are maintenance-free, and are stored in a sea-proof canister. Up to 8 interceptors can be loaded into a modular Vertical Launcher Unit.

According to Rafael on most navy ships , the fire control radar antenna is installed on the main mast therefore capable of protecting one side of the ship “If two missiles are being launched simultaneously towards the ship, it is in a big problem”.

The C-Dome is designed to operate with the ship’s search radar . the search radar that exists on all combat ships will detect the threat and then the C-Dome system will launch the necessary number of missiles to intercept the threats.

Every interceptor of the C-Dome system is equipped with an active radar and that ensure a high kill rate like the one achieved by the Iron Dome.

Rafael is already negotiating with some potential customers that want to deploy the Israeli company’s C-Dome system on navy ships as a close range protection against UAV’s , rockets and cruise missile.

The system will be deployed on some types of the Israeli navy’s fighting ships. The first to be equipped with it are the new Saar-6 combat ships that are being built now in Germany.