RAM-LOC Dutch Mobile Long-Range Artillery Localisation System

The Rocket, Artillery, and Mortar Localization (RAM-LOC) system is a completely passive acoustic and seismic sensor system capable of accurately detecting indirect fire and small arms fire (SAF). Developed and produced by Microflown AVISA, the RAM-LOC Acoustic Multi-Mission Sensor or AMMS can be configured in a stand-alone or networked mode as well as be employed on manned and unmanned vehicles to detect SAF or RAM points of origin and impacts. The Clip-on Acoustic Pointer facilitates the employment of the sensor to be clipped to the airframe of any fixed-wing mini-UAV. RAM-LOC is not a radar but is a sound-ranging system with the same purpose as a counter-battery radar. However, the system is not susceptible to jamming or enemy electronic countermeasures. The system possesses the ability to detect firing systems by itself and/or act as a passive cueing system when used in conjunction with an artillery location radar. RAM-LOC consists of multiple remotely controlled autonomous ground sensor posts. The ground sensor is based upon the Micro-Electro-Mechanical System (MEMS). The temperature difference in the cross-section of two sensitive heated wires determines the velocity of the acoustic particle. The Acoustic Vector Sensor or AVS is comprised of three sensors and a sound pressure transducer. The differences in amplitude across the sensors determine the direction and elevation of the source of the sound. An AVS is hemispherical in shape with a diameter of 26.5 cm (diameter), a height of 10 cm, a weight of 1.7 kg, and has a battery life of 1 month. Several AVS (possibly nine sensors total) are connected in an integrated wireless network that is linked to a laptop in the main command post. A digital map (based on the Carmenta engine) provides real-time information on the operational area. Once a SAF or RAM event is detected by one of the sensors a report is transmitted to the main command post with a date-time-group stamp, the type of acoustic event, and direction. The individual sensor processes the information to ensure the keep the wirelessly transmitted packages to the command post as small as possible. Analysts within the command post analyze the preprocessed information from multiple ground sensors and the calculated locations are presented on the main station command post in both tabular form and on the digital map. The points of impacts (POI) and points of origin (POO) are presented as grid coordinates. The events are plotted on the map and individual events can be selected to obtain additional related information. Additionally, all information can be exported or printed out for further reporting and de-briefing. All of the event histories are stored for further analysis. Recent upgrades include an Iridium external interface to transmit AMMS detection messages over long distances as well as the introduction of the Geo-boom that enables the self-orientation of the AMMSD to <1 degree. There are no associated vehicles for the RAMK-LOC. However, the Mercedes Benz Unimog U1350L truck (described within the table) provides a representative worldwide transportation capability for the system.