Better protection for armoured vehicles
Diehl BGT Defence (Stand 1318) features a mockup of the AWiSS active protection system for armoured vehicles. Although seen before at defence exhibitions, it is assuming growing importance in view of the successful IED and other attacks on Allied vehicles in Iraq. Moreover, a demonstration last year in which a MILAN anti-tank guided missile was defeated at 10m could stimulate further interest. Using sensor data fusion with inputs from a search/track radar and high-resolution infrared camera, AWiSS employs a highly agile launcher that can fire different rounds to deal with various kinds of weapons.
Said to defeat RPGs and other anti-tank munitions fired from close range, it is also claimed to reduce the penetration capability of a kinetic energy projectile. The system’s reaction time of less than 350 milliseconds supports the claim that even such simple weapons can be defeated.
As each installation requires vehicle integration and an appraisal of regional factors, it could take about three years for individual demands to be satisfied. However, the formation of a project group of interested parties suggests AWiSS is well placed to respond ahead of competitors.
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