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Ramage Tests IROS3 Defense System

Navy Newsstand

Story Number: NNS030922-11

Release Date: 9/22/2003 1:47:00 PM

By Storekeeper 3rd Class Jerry Foltz, USS Ramage Public Affairs

ABOARD USS RAMAGE (NNS) -- USS Ramage (DDG 61) demonstrated the Integrated Radar Optical Surveillance Sighting System, also known as IROS3, in September for a number of Congressional and military dignitaries.

The primary objective of IROS3 is to determine the intent of a potentially hostile waterborne target at a range necessary to decide how best to deter the target from approaching the ship. The IROS3 provides a defense system that is capable of completing 360-degree situational awareness.

The system does all this by using surface search radar, two electro-optical sensors capable of daylight and forward-looking infrared, two 30-million candle watt searchlights, two mini-guns capable of firing 3,000 rounds per minute, and two consoles displaying video from the radar and the sensors.

Being able to display video from multiple sensors to a single console provides added situational awareness for the watch standers, whether underway, transiting waterways or pierside, according to Eric Moody, a systems engineer for Naval Surface Warfare Center.

Prior to installing the IROS3 on Ramage in July, the system was tested in labs and then aboard a 100-foot test vessel. Engineers and software developers invited Sailors from Ramage to join their development team.

Chief Warrant Officer Timothy Lindley, Operations Specialist 1st Class Todd Caron, Gunners Mate 2nd Class (SW) Danny Jones and Fire Controlman 3rd Class (SW) Brad Weiland, provided vital and necessary input from a fleet perspective into how the system would best be operated and maintained on a guided-missile destroyer like Ramage.

"Making us part of the brain-storming process allowed us to show how to make the system more Sailor-friendly," said Weiland. "I think the system will be great, and it can only improve our ability to stand watch."

Commissioned in Boston, July 22, 1995, Ramage is the 11th Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer. The ship is named after Vice Adm. Lawson "Red" Ramage, a World War II submarine commander and Medal of Honor recipient. Ramage is commanded by Cmdr. Randall M. Hendrickson.