C-Guard decoy launching system

Defense against multiple missiles and torpedoes requires fast response and utilization of advanced tactics supporting the latest in decoy technologies.

Our C-Guard decoy launching system provides 360° coverage and will effectively counter advanced threats like small range gate Radio Frequency (RF) missiles, imaging Infra-Red (IR) seekers missiles, and advanced next generation torpedoes.

C-Guard relies on combat proven 130 mm NATO SeaGnat compatible decoys and a proven mechanical launcher design without moving parts. It requires limited maintenance, thus guaranteeing high operational availability and low total cost of ownership.

C-Guard legacy and reliability is built on decades of missions on a vast number of vessels, ranging from Patrol Vessels to Frigates, securing against unexpected missile and torpedo attacks during live naval operations ranging from surveillance to combat operations.

Below a video of a C-Guard operational scenario

Other benefits

Multi-threat engagements

C-Guard’s rapid response and constant threat evaluation is key in building a multi layered 360° defense. C-Guard processes a unique high number of threats when compared to other available decoy launchers.

The system maintains a threat list and calculates a firing solution for up to 4 threats at a time. After launching decoys to counter these threats, the system calculates other firing solutions to counter additional threats.

Continuous Decoy Development

C-Guard relies on combat proven nonproprietary 130 mm NATO SeaGnat compatible decoy ammunition. With more than 500 decoy launching systems in service from different manufacturers relying on the 130 mm ammunition, supply and future development of new types of decoy ammunition is assured.

The C-Guard decoy launching system is also continuously improved. This effort includes the future ability to launch rounds with a diameter less than 130 mm, the ability to transfer data to the round before launch or in flight and finally to be able to launch drones.

Multi-azimuth launchers

The fixed launcher design with 6 or 12 tubes in 3 or 4 directions on each side provides effective 360° coverage without risk of a mechanical failure in moving parts.

The advantages of multi azimuth launchers and powerful decoys are exploited to the maximum effect by the highly advanced algorithm. C-Guard’s threat evaluation algorithms are based on comprehensive co-operation with Navies, research institutes, and decoy manufacturers and are continuously updated and improved in order to secure a high protection level against new generations of missiles and torpedoes. The algorithm uses a classified customer owned database and can be modified by the Navy to accommodate new threats and tactics that may appear in the future. In combination with the right decoys, the algorithm ensures that decoys are placed to counter any threat including the newest missiles with small range gates. C-Guard controls from 6 to 24 firing tubes on each side of a vessel, and supports a mixed use of decoy types and large payloads minimizing the needed number of reloads during coordinated attacks.

Blue Force protection

The system's algorithm is prepared for the protection of friendly or neutral vessels, thereby assuring that own ship's threat avoidance will not place other units inside the missiles' field of regard and range gates. Less advanced systems do not include own or neutral ships into the firing solution.

Cost effectiveness

C-Guards low Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) and high Mean Time Between Failure (MTBF) stem from 150+ systems in operation worldwide, and mission proven during decades of missions on a vast number of vessels, ranging from Patrol Vessels to Frigates. C-Guard relies on a proven mechanical launcher design without moving parts and with a small footprint for easy installation.

DL-6T Launcher

The DL-6T launchers are fitted with 6 tubes, 2 in each of the firing angles 20°, 40°, and 135° (port and starboard side) in the azimuth plane in relation to the sailing direction. The firing angles have been selected using extensive modeling simulations by the Danish Defence Research Establishment. The tubes are elevated at 45° enabling firing of both mortar or rocket propelled decoy types. Despite the fact that most decoys are mortar launched, deck reinforcement will usually not be required due to the force distributing base plate.

Mk-137 Launcher

The Mk-137 launchers are fitted with 6 tubes in the same direction in the azimuth plane in relation to the sailing direction. 

DL-12T Launcher

The DL-12T launchers are fitted with 12 tubes, 3 in each of the firing angles 10°, 40°, 60°and 135° in the azimuth plane in relation to the sailing direction. Both the DL-6T, Mk-137 and the DL-12T launcher tubes are fitted with a Round Identification System (RIS).

Control Unit

The Control Unit (CU) is located in the Combat Information Center  (optionally two additional units can be installed, e.g. one on the bridge). It is intended for local operation and to provide a graceful degradation in case the CMS or Launch Control Computer (LCC) fails.

The C-Guard Control Unit has 3 switches and a large touch sensitive display. The display is designed for use at night (and in CIC) as well as for daylight use on the bridge.

Launch Control Computer

The Launch Control Computer (LCC) is a workstation computer with advanced engagement algorithms. The algorithms are used for calculating the optimum proposal for firing decoys. The LCC is interfaced to the LIU and the CMS for controlling launch of the decoys and monitoring the tube content and system status e.g. launcher safety switch. As an alternative, a direct interface with the ESM and the ship services allows stand-alone operation controlled through the CU.

Launcher Interface Unit

The Launcher Interface Unit (LIU) is an intelligent power supply that controls the firing pulses and communicates with the Control Unit(s) and the LCC. The LIU is connected to primary and secondary power such that C-Guard can continue operation in power failure situations.

Round Identification System (RIS)

In order to provide correct loading information to the C-Guard operators, a Round Identification System (RIS) is fitted so that the content of each tube is shown to operators of the CU or CMS. This vastly reduces load-time, and eliminates the need for manually communicating tube content to CU, CIC or to the bridge – eliminating human error.

The RIS is based on a tag that is fitted on the decoy barrel extender, either by the Navy or by the decoy manufacturer, and works with all available decoys.

Combat Management System Integration

C-Guard can easily be fully integrated with our C-Flex Command and Control System or any other Combat Management System (CMS) through a TCP/IP protocol and via a standard Cat 5e LAN cable.