|  Over
a thousand CREW systems of an earlier version are currently
operating in theater. These systems were delivered last year
by EFW, as part of a rapid fielding effort made by JIEDDO. At
MDM 07 and AUSA 07 the company displayed the latest upgraded
version of the system, offering more sophisticated programming
and power management enabling efficient operation of collocated
communications systems. The new system utilizes the same antenna
payload and mast of current CREW systems.
As threats are constantly evolving, counter-IED systems are
also undergoing continuous evolution through a continuously
'spiralling' process. The current version is the CREW 2.1, produced
by EDO Corporation. In 2007 the company won four orders for
a total delivery of over 8,500 units to be delivered by mid
2008. Currently deployed in Iraq, vehicle mounted CREW systems
will eventually be fielded with each of the military services
of the Central Command Area of Responsibility.
Operating as a high power RF jammer, CREW is causing major
disruption to friendly communications. Therefore, their use
requires strict operational discipline, coordination and synchronization
with other systems and nearby forces. Effective training is
an essential step implementing such discipline. To enable realistic
simulation of IED, counter IED operations, and minimizing unintentional
jamming of friendly communications, Sierra Nevada Corp. designed
the Jamming Effects Training Module, which replicates the congested
RF environment already impacting friendly forces
communications. The company also provides other simulation devices
simulating IED-triggering radios and devices, assessing countermeasure
effectiveness and conducting casualty MEDEVAC procedures.
Integrated Sensor/Weapons for IED Defeat
 Countermeasures
are only one facet of combating IEDs. An RG-33 MRAP displayed
at MDM 07 demonstrated another step forward in the defeat of
IEDs, based on the location, identification and disruption or
initiation of the suspected object from a safe distance.
AAI introduced here an IED standoff detection system based
on a lightweight, mobile ground-penetrating radar installed
on a manned route-clearing pathfinder or robotic platform. The
system can locate metallic objects hidden beneath the surface
or at the roadside, these include mortar bombs or artillery
shells rigged as IEDs. The radar can detect such objects at
a significant distance ahead and around the vehicle (about 300
ft 100 meters)providing standoff safety and ample early warning
for intervention by explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) neutralization
elements.
The engagement of IED from a distance requires an integration
of powerful electro-optical payloads and remotely operated weapon
stations, Two systems were demonstrated here - an RG-33 MRAP
based system utilizing an observation and surveillance mast
produced by Gyrocam systems and BAE Systems' Lemur remotely
operated weapon station and a system integrating two of Elbit
Systems products, a mast-mounted EO payload and the ILWS remotely
operated turret, integrated on a counter-IED HMMWV technology
demonstrator, which also employed a new version of teh CREW
Counter-IED jammer.
Other topics covered in this review:
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