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protection to be built around the motto of don"t be detected, hit, penetrated and don"t be killed.
If a vehicle can"t be seen, it can"t be engaged. Thus, camouflage against human and electronic eyes has been sought and deployed on vehicles, covering coating materials, radar, thermal, acoustic, visual and active signature reductions and shaping.
For that purpose, BAE Systems launched its first Adaptive system at DSEi exhibition in September 2011, which is made up of a series of hexagonal pixels. Each pixel can be manipulated to increase or decrease its temperature suddenly. The system is said to be still at developmental stage.
Multisorb vehicle stealth kit, by MBDA, has been designed for the DGA"s Souvim2 mine clearance vehicles. Multisorb is claimed to be a synthetic fabric which reduces a vehicle"s signature in visual IR bands and also in microwave band countering radar.
The Swiss SSZ has developed the Multi-spectral Mobile Camouflage cover, or MMCC, which was designed to deal with thermal problems and provide counter-radar cover.
The TactiCam, by Armor Work, was designed to reduce signature in all spectrums and also reduce solar heat.
In don"t be hit, softkill systems divert incoming rounds and shoot down incoming missiles and high-velocity tank rounds. The German Puma IFV is fitted with the Cassidian MUSS system, and a number of Russian platforms have been equipped with the Shtora-1 Defensive Aids Suite.
The AMAPS-ADS, by Rheinmetall Defence, is claimed to be able to defeat any threat from a distance of about 15m. Can defeat RPGs and IEDs at speeds of 200m/s. They are fitted to Fuchs 6x6 AFVs. The system weighs 470kg. USA is said to be investing in ADS systems, and General Dynamics has developed the Shotscreen RPG Defeat system, designed for light armoured vehicles.
Vehicle mounted jammers are being used to deal with IEDs which, unlike missiles, can"t be shot down.
The RCIED, by Thales, is a new Inhibitor, due to be fielded shortly for use in Afghanistan. It is a software based design.
Cassidian began series production of new vehicle based jammer. The design uses smart responsive technology, which sends jamming signals to hostile frequencies.
The Czech URC firm has developed the STAR vehicle based jammer now deployed in Afghanistan and with the Czech Army.
Countermeasures will not defeat every threat, and ultimately the vehicle"s passive defences - armour - will be relied upon to stop a round.
RUAG is contracted to provide mine protection kits for Germany"s IFV Puma, while Amsaf, UK, has successfully tested its Tarian grenade protection system countermeasure net integrated into an airbag to jam oncoming RPG.
NFM provides combined fiber, ceramics and ballistic steel in panels which can be added to the exterior of vehicles by welding.
FOR LAND FORCES IN THE ME
ADJ monthly reporter, Tim Ripley, considers that armies around the world are making increasing synthetic training technology to replace live training, as cost of training armed forces continues to rise.
The latest generation of synthetic training devices are now being linked together to allow a wide range of participants to join synthetic events, which expand the scope to encompass joint training of air and maritime forces. Some NATO armies have developed combined arms training centers which allow hundreds of soldiers to participate in training. Lockheed Martin has provided this type of simulation centers, Combined Arms Tactical Trainers (CATT), to UK and US armies over the past 15 years.
Reporter notes that this technology has now advanced greatly and its costs have further dropped to allow smaller armies to acquire ready mature synthetic devices from a variety of manufacturers.
New generation of training systems have the ability to be linked together in a common immersive environment to allow participants to have a simultaneous view of same event from their own perspective. The Semi-Automated Forces (SAF) device enhances forces interoperability and enables systems, such as L-3 Communications" Aviation Combined Arms Tactical Trainers (CATT) system, and others, to all see an identical scenario and thus allow users to train as a combined arms team. It is claimed that a solution is being tested, and US Army hopes it will be fielded by mid-2012.
The RVTT system replicates different HMMWVs and Heavy Expanded Mobility Tactical Trucks (HEMTT) in a 360-degree immersive environment, and the CCTT - Dismounted Soldier is undergoing evaluation by US Army.
Cubic is another manufacturer that has recently developed the Integrated Training Environment.
Northrop Grumman T.S. has demonstrated a similar concept, the VICTR/E, which can be adapted to a number of different locations and runs off a single laptop computer.
Other immersion training technologies include Organic Motion"s Avatar Target Insersion System (ATIS). It allows individuals to enter a live environment and become selectable avatars whose images can be projected onto walls.
SAIC is developing the Common Driver Trainer (CDT) as a new generation simulation device for training drivers in mine-resistant ambush-protected (MRAP) vehicles, such as the M1 Abrams tank and Stryker troop carrier.
FAAC has also developed its driver trainers for truck driver training, particularly in the visual system for the twin - seat vehicles - the CrewView system that provides a different angle of view from each seat.
BAE Systems has developed the MRAP Reconfigurable Engineering and Integration Device (REID), designed for crew training an experimental use.
The Swedish C-ITS AB has also developed the new Generic Weapon Platform Crew Trainer (GWPCT) which is transportable, modular in design to provide simple simulations of crew stations. Can be used either in standalone mode or integrated.
The Multi Function Training Aid (MFTA), by Lockheed Martin, can be used for a number of different platforms, such as the V-22 and HMMWV.
Reporter claims that there is a clear direction in the development of synthetic training devices towards low cost and highly portable devices. Its technology goes beyond just training personnel in basic military skills.
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