NAVDEX 2019 : Rheinmetall MASS naval countermeasures system.

Rheinmetall is showcasing two variants of its tried-and-tested decoy launcher system (i.e. the MASS) : the MASS_OCR with off-board corner reflector and the new standalone version MASS_ISS with Integrated Sensor Suite for units that lack an independent capability for detecting laser and radar threats.

MASS naval countermeasures system (Picture source : Navy Recognition)

Ever since 2002, Rheinmetall’s versatile Multi Ammunition Softkill System (MASS) has been reliably protecting naval vessels of numerous navies from a wide array of threats on the high seas and in coastal waters alike.

The fully automated MASS decoy system offers a unique degree of protection against modern, sensor-guided missiles, covering all relevant wavelengths of the electromagnetic spectrum. MASS can be installed on any type of vessel. Moreover, it can be integrated into an existing combat management system (CMS) or operate as a standalone system. Ordinarily, MASS consists of between one and six trainable launchers. Each launcher can fire 32 Omni Trap special effect charges. Each launcher comes with a control unit and a data interface.

Rheinmetall has steadily expanded its family of MASS ship protection systems. At IDEX 2019, the company is showcasing two variants of this tried-and-tested decoy launcher system: the MASS_OCR with off-board corner reflector and the new standalone version MASS_ISS with Integrated Sensor Suite for units that lack an independent capability for detecting laser and radar threats, etc.

The MASS_OCR version features special deception and diversion capabilities. Each launcher is armed with two off-board corner rockets that produce ship-like radar signatures. Programmed for a range of between 35 and 850 metres, the effects they produce last for over 60 seconds.

Developed especially for vessels without organic shipboard reconnaissance systems, Rheinmetall’s MASS_ISS with Integrated Sensor Suite is a standalone system with an integrated sensor suite. Forming an integral part of the MASS_ISS system complex, the REKa-50, which stands for “Rheinmetall ESM Ka-Band”, assures reliable detection and effective engagement of threats in the millimetre wave radar frequency range. Moreover, Rheinmetall is a one-stop-shop supplier here, producing the decoy systems, the decoy munitions as well as providing and integrating the sensors. The number of launchers is scalable. All of them are linked together and controlled by Rheinmetall’s firing algorithms.