Skyshield is the name for two different products: one is the Skyshield advanced Airborne Support Jammer system developed by Rafael LTD. in Israel. The other is the Skyshield Short Range Air Defence system developed by the Swiss corporation Oerlikon Contraves. The Skyshield support Jammer POD for fighter aircrafts provides an all-inclusive multi-purpose support jamming system. Sky Shield engages enemy radars in hostile environments providing comprehensive countermeasures against enemy threats. The system creates a safe corridor for multiple attacking aircraft, increasing aircraft survivability in time and attack options. The Skyshield POD covers Radars spectrum range from D band to KU Band and includes a digital interferometer system for signal detection, a DRFM based technique generator and a modular solid-state steering array transmitters (ESAT) for Jamming. The system was purchased by the Brazilian Air force in 2006 for its AMX type fighter aircraft and will be integrated by the Brazilian aerospace Embraer company.
Skyshield Air-defence system is a modular, light weight, Short Range Air Defense (SHORAD) system developed by the Swiss corporation Oerlikon Contraves (now a subsidiary of Rheinmetall of Germany). The successor to the Skyguard defense system, Skyshield is intended to rapidly acquire and destroy threatening aircraft and missiles.
The weapons system itself consists of two 35 mm (1.38 inch) Revolver Cannons with a rate of fire of 1,000 rounds per minute, a Fire Control System made up of a sensor unit and a detached command post. The Skyshield can also use up to two surface-to-air missile 8-cell modules for an expanded air defense capability. The Skyshield is designed for traditional anti-aircraft roles in addition to defense against missiles (see Anti-ballistic missile).
The Skyshield is easily deployed by trucks and other transportation systems. The fire control system (FCS) uses an X-band search and tracking radar, and another unit for radar/TV and/or Laser/FLIR precision tracking. The command post can be placed up to 500 meters, roughly, from the fire control unit (FCU), using encrypted radio-waves. The Skyshield system can also be networked with other air defense systems for wider and more effective air coverage, expanding its roles from point defense to area defense.
A modified and improved version of Skyshield with six fully automated turrets, dubbed MANTIS (Counter Rocket, Artillery, and Mortar) has been ordered by the German Army as a stationary base defence system. Two systems will be delivered between 2011 and 2012, with more orders being planned as a part of German Army's future "SysFla" air defence program.