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JERNAS system, also known as Rapier
FSC is a mobile, low altitude and point defense system designed to
counter airborne threats including UAVs, and stealth cruise
missiles as well as fixed and rotary wing aircraft, in all weather
and extreme electronic warfare environments. The system utilizes a
launcher armed with eight ready to fire Rapier Mk II missiles, and
an integral electro-optical surveillance and tracking system. The
unit also use a 3D surveillance radar which can handle 75 targets
simultaneously, with automatic prioritization of targets for
engagement. The radar tracker uses an ultra-narrow beam width to
allow effective tracking under difficult conditions. The system is
claimed to be effective against smart munitions and saturation
attacks.
When used with the EO tracker, the radar tracker
provides a dual engagement capability to improve the system's
immunity to countermeasures. Multiple launchers can be networked
over a combat net radio to cover a wide area by multiple
surveillance radars. JERNAS systems are deployable in a C-130 and
can join maneuver forces to offer high mobility over land, to
support rapid reaction forces. Two British Army air defense units
and three RAF Squadrons are currently equipped with 60 Rapier FCS
units, which are scheduled to remain in service at least until
2020. The system was selected the system in 2002, to equip a new
air defense regiment of the Malaysian Army, scheduled for
operation by 2005.
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