The chapter sponsored a one-day symposium on force protection systems in February. Mike Van Rassen, program manager, counter rocket, artillery and mortar (C-RAM) program, gave the overview, while four members of the C-RAM program management technical staff described the Battle Management Command, Control and Communications architecture, sensors, land-based Phalanx weapon system and operational performance in the operation Iraqi Freedom theater. The afternoon sessions included a presentation on the extended area protection system missile program and the 50-millimeter guided bullet system. John Wachs, chief, Directed Energy Division, U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command/Army Forces Strategic Command, discussed the Army's solid-state laser weapons system development. Don Lovelace of the Army's Aviation and Missile Research, Development and Engineering Center (AMRDEC) highlighted the center's active protection system development and testing program. Col. Kennedy Jenkins, USA, program director, Army Aircraft Survivability Equipment, discussed current aircraft protection systems under development. Support from the symposium's sponsors and attendees provided the chapter additional funds for local scholarships. |
