TS TECH previously designed and produced the K-RBOC system, fitted aboard PKX-A class of ships in the ROK Navy. K-RBOC is basically a chaff launcher. The new K-RBOC NG is based on the existing launcher but brings a compatibility with next generation decoys by Lacroix Defense, already designed for Lacroix’s own Sylenna Mk2 launcher (which was also on display at MADEX 2019).
LACROIX Sylena can deploy a large panel of naval countermeasures such as:
- Morphologic Infrared (IIR) SEALIR® ,
- Corner Reflectors (Radiofrequency), SEALEM® ,
- Anti-Submarine Warfare, SEALAT® ,
- or SEAMOSC® against laser-guided threats to name a few decoys configuration tactics which are all “In service”.
MADEX was the opportunity for LACROIX to demonstrate the interoperability and interchangeability of its naval countermeasures SEALEM 08-01 (RF) and SEALIR 08-01 (IR) mortar munitions for all ROK Navy ships.
Naval News understands that another advantage of the corver reflector is that, contrary to typical chaff, it doesn’t mask the radar picture from the vessel deploying the decoys. It has been reported that chaff could mask (effectively blinding for a few seconds) vessels such as AEGIS destroyers. SEALEM has no impact on the radar of the launching vessel.
The K-RBOC NG launcher consists in 2×5 tubes. It can deploy:
- SEALEM / Corver reflectors RF decoy ammunition
- SEALIR morphologic IR and IIR decoy ammunition
The new system can protect surface vessels against modern anti-ship missiles fitted with RF, IR and IIR seekers.
A typical systems consists in two launchers, two power supplies and one control pannel with combat system interface, all designed and produced by TS TECH. Another key strength of the launcher is its very small footprint, allowing an easy installation aboard smaller vessel such as the PKX:
TS TECH’s new launchers could be retrofitted aboard the PKX-A ships, fitted aboard the new PKX-B ships. The company is also hopefully that K-RBOC NG could be installed aboard the Marado LPH of the ROK Navy.
