Cassidian, the defence and security division of EADS, has developed a new-generation Convoy Protection Jammer that significantly enhances the protection of vehicle convoys against attacks by radio-controlled improvised explosive devices (RCIEDs).

The Vehicle Protection Jammer uses the ultra-fast SMART Responsive Jamming Technology developed by Cassidian to substantially enhance protection compared to conventional systems. It detects and classifies radio signals in the 20 MHz to 6 GHz frequency range used to detonate roadside bombs. After detection and classification, it transmits real-time jamming signals, which precisely match the hostile frequency band, thus interrupting the connection between assassin and bomb.

Thanks to new digital receiver and signal processing technologies, the system can achieve reaction times of well below a millisecond. Up to 1.5 million threat signals on all common frequency bands can thus be detected and jammed each second. By concentrating the jamming energy on the frequency that is active in each case, the system requires considerably less energy. Moreover, communication between own-side personnel is still possible while using the jammer.

Legacy jamming systems, in contrast, try to disrupt the bombs’ detonation mechanisms by permanently emitting a powerful burst of energy over a wide frequency spectrum. The disadvantages inherent in these systems are that they require a lot of space, primary energy and cooling power and disable own-side radio communications while on patrol.