Eurosatory 2026: Plasan detail latest survivability packages

LAPS is a system built around blast-attenuated seating designed to reduce impact forces against vehicular crew and dismounts with emphasis on protecting lower limbs. (Plasan)

Plasan has detailed to Janes three of their latest offerings for vehicular protection at the Eurosatory 2026 exhibition, held in Paris from 15 to 19 June.

The three survivability suites comprise the Leg Active Protection System (LAPS), Top-Attack Protection System (TAPS), and Advanced Thickening ENergetic Armour (ATHENA). All systems are designed to be either retrofitted to existing vehicles or integrated during the design phase of new platforms, with the latter offering potentially greater protection gains than post-production modifications, according to Plasan representatives.

LAPS

LAPS is a system designed to protect vehicle crew and dismounts from underbelly blasts caused by mines or improvised explosive devices (IEDs). The system employs blast-attenuating seats that can be rapidly raised during hull floor deformation resulting from an underbelly detonation, reducing the risk of injury to seated occupants. Such injuries commonly include fractures to the lower limbs.

A key consideration for the system's development is that these types of attacks often form the initial phase of an ambush, company representatives said. As a result, crew and dismounts may be vulnerable during subsequent disembarkation if they have sustained leg injuries from the blast. LAPS has been tested against underbelly charges of up to 15 kg of TNT equivalent, with further testing planned at up to 20 kg.