Types of RCIED Jammers

Whether for military or civilian purposes, protecting soldiers and VIP convoys from the threat of roadside bombs, or RCIEDs has remarkably become a high-priority and a strategic challenge. Stratign is proud to provide a valuable range of RCIED jammers, supplied in specially customized vehicles, Portable Briefcase, Man-Pack as wells as Static versions.

What are RCIED Jammers?

A Remote Controlled Improvised Explosive Device (RCIED) has become a more common hazard and requires a reliable deterrent. Utilizing RCIED bombs or explosive tools can be exploded by a ‘radio frequency-based remote control’. These are proving to be an increasing threat as terrorists become more technically experienced.

Challenges of RCIED Jamming

a) Signal Strength: In general, Jamming is a fight with respect to signal strength. The more powerful the communication signal is, the more powerful the Jammer must be on this threat frequency to be effective. Due to the path loss of RF signals in the air, providing a “large” jamming range requires much more power as compared to providing a “short” jamming range. When the transmitter and receiver are far away from each other, a minimum of Jamming signal strength is required; whereas a lot of jamming power is required when the transmitter and receiver are close to each other.

b) Inoperability of radio, cellular, or satellite communications: When jamming RCIEDs, it does not allow the possibility to call anyone for help using a wireless radio or phone during an ambush while driving, guarding a checkpoint, border etc. RF Jammers are fabricated to obstruct all communications. However, there are certain RF Jammers that are accessible with communication ‘window-gaps’ or an opening amidst the attack of jamming hindrance. Moreover, a few of these ‘windows’ allow 1-way & 2-way communication to take place.

c) Protecting communication: Preventing jammers from interfering with friendly radio communications is an important task. The simple fixed-frequency filters added to broadband jammers leave behind a selected narrow-frequency range, unjammed. The problem with those is that they are very bulky, and they also only work on a fixed frequency band, so you are limiting your radio’s capabilities by only operating on a very narrow band.

d) Short reaction timeframe: The time of reaction required for responsive RCIED jamming is extremely short. Basically, the entire process from spectrum observation and evaluation to jamming signal initiation, involving all delays instigated by the analog frontend & the digitized signal processing section; is carried out within a time frame that is very short compared with the transmission time of potential threat signals.

Active Jamming VS. Reactive Jamming

The two most extensively utilized jamming methods against RCIED activation are reactive & active jamming.

In the case of Active Jamming, the jammer releases electro-magnetic waves in pre-fixed frequency bands continuously, anticipating that these chosen bands incorporate those utilized by the RCIEDs implanted in the area.

While, with Reactive Jamming, the jammer first scans the entire frequency spectrum to detect radio signals before allocating its jamming power to the detected frequency bands.

The advantage of reactive jamming is associated with the lower stage of emission power as the jamming signal is produced only when an RCIED activation message is identified under one intercepted channel. It is necessary to detect activation signal appearance and its frequency, i.e. channel which must be jammed. Reactive jamming consumes approx. 40% to 50% less energy from batteries and alternator, thus, the system operation time gets enhanced. In addition, the radiation affecting to human health is drastically reduced and it generates less heat due to higher efficiency of Power amplifiers and duty cycle.

On the flipside, active jamming deduces continuous jamming signal transmission, independent on the existence of activation signal. However, the cost of this flexibility in Reactive Jamming is that the device cannot always jam all threat encountered if in a densely populated electromagnetic environment and considering that the jammer first listens and then acts, it is possible that it is too late to act on the same. However, manufacturers of reactive jammers claim that they can detect and neutralize innumerable threats simultaneously with the use of multiple RF front ends and signal generators. Their response time is in a few microseconds and can be effective on any type of communication means. On the contrary, Active Jamming does not have these problems.

Why go for Stratign’s RCIED Jammers?

The RCIED Jammers from Stratign are fabricated to neutralize the ignition of the explosive by obstructing the radio transmission that the bomber inducts to trigger the bomb. It does this by radiating a jamming signal that obliterates the desired command signals for the RCIED

Stratign offers various configurations of RCIED Jammers (active & reactive) to suit various operational requirements of the customers.

Why go for Stratign’s RCIED Jammers?

a) Vehicle Mounted RCIED Jammers/ Convoy Jamming System:

Stratign’s High-Power DDS Technology-based Convoy Jamming System utilizes the most effective & reliable RF jamming technology and is granted with a well-assimilated broadband jamming system. The ‘vehicle-mounted’ RCIED Jammer is usually utilized for convoy defense or protection of assigned area for military/police deployment at substantial public gatherings, riots, anti-government protests, etc. This device is installed inside the vehicle. The customer may choose any Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) like Toyota Land Cruiser. The system is powered by a dedicated power supply integrated within the vehicle. The system features an integrated forced air-cooling system which ensures uninterrupted operation in any climate. A set of high-gain, omni-directional antenna is mounted on the roof of the vehicle. System management, involving stimulation, operation & band control, is performed utilizing a remote-control unit mounted within the vehicle.

b) Portable Briefcase RCIED Jammers:

Stratign’s Portable RCIED jammer is built into a briefcase and designed to defend against radio-controlled improvised explosive devices. Basically, this Jammer acts as a mobile transmitting station to cover the locality & protect it against remote-controlled bombs (mainly utilized in ambush or street crime attacks).

The jammer is constructed to function as a portable system transportable from vehicle to home, office, operational field & more. In case of portable operation, the jammer is powered by an internal rechargeable battery with an autonomous operation capability of up to 1 hour.

When it comes to vehicular operation, the jammer is driven by an exclusive supply that can be supplied optionally. Stratign’s Portable Briefcase Jamming System gives the user the edge against radio-controlled weapons.

c) Man-Pack RCIED Jammers:

Stratign’s Man-pack jammer is a portable bomb jammer built into backpack configuration. The Man-Pack jammer is a lightweight portable system used to protect military, law enforcement personnel in areas which could harbor potential radio-detonated IED threats and EOD personnel who are involved in diffusing these IEDs. It is used for jamming RCIED’s to protect people on the move during a column march. The equipment is especially useful for protection against radio-controlled land mines.

Based on the customers’ requirement, the jammer can be factory configured to operate in a frequency band of 20MHz – 3600 GHz. The power output of the jammer can also be factory configured from 50W up to 680W.

Overall, Stratign’s RCIED Jammers are engineered and built to provide continuous electronic protection against RCIEDs in the most rugged, tactical and extreme environments.