AUSA 2012: KMW displays AFV active protection system

Krauss-Maffei Wegmann (KMW) displayed its active close-in protection system for armoured vehicles for the first time at October's AUSA exhibition.

Called the Aktives Schutzsystem, it consists of a series of 30 cm-wide elements arranged in a crown around a vehicle's roof that would be integrated with a number of sensors (most probably radars, although electro-optical sensors could also be used). As an incoming rocket and missile is detected, the appropriate elements are detonated three at a time to direct a blast downward to defeat the incoming round. The blast from these elements is effective from 4 cm to 2.5 m and, since there is no metal in the charge and the charge content itself is small, any dismounted infantry in the vicinity under attack are likely to be safe from injury if 3 m or more from the vehicle under attack.

Radars operating in the frequency range from 25 to 35 GHz have been found to provide an optimal detection capability for the system, according to a KMW spokesman familiar with the programme, who said the system requires an accuracy of "within 20 cm absolute, or plus or minus 10 cm".