OVERVIEW: The Ultra-Barricade is a modular naval countermeasure system designed to protect surface vessels from radar-guided and infrared-seeking anti-ship missiles. It uses a mix of chaff, infrared flares, and optional acoustic payloads, launched from deck-mounted multi-barrel systems.

DETAILS: Developed in the 1990s by Wallop Defence Systems (later under Ultra Electronics), Ultra-Barricade was created for small to medium surface combatants requiring an integrated soft-kill defense. The system employs 57 mm to 102 mm spin-stabilized rockets loaded with various decoy payloads, including chaff for radar spoofing, IR flares for heat-seeker confusion, and acoustic decoys in some configurations. The launcher consists of a lightweight modular assembly, typically six triple-tube units, suitable for space-constrained platforms. The system interfaces with the ship’s electronic support measures and combat management systems for automatic or manual launch. Each rocket has a programmable fuze and trajectory to optimize dispersion pattern and decoy effectiveness.

FONCTION:
Detect incoming missile threats using radar and infrared sensors.
Launch Ultra-Barricade rockets from deck-mounted multi-tube launchers.
Dispense chaff, IR flares, or acoustic decoys mid-air to confuse and divert hostile missile seekers.

SOURCE:
Jane’s Naval Weapon Systems ; UK Ministry of Defence Naval Countermeasure Briefs ; Ultra Electronics Barricade Technical Datasheet ; Lacroix Defence Product Catalog ; South African Defence Procurement Reports ; Federation of American Scientists (https://www.fas.org/man/dod-101/sys/ship/weaps/index.html)