AMAP-ADS Active Protection System
Encyclopedia
AMAP-ADS is a hard-kill active protection system
(APS), developed by the German company ADS Gesellschaft für aktive Schutzsysteme, a daughter company of IBD Deisenroth Engineering, as part of their Advanced Modular Armor Protection
protection concept. The system is also known under the name AAC in Sweden and as Shark in France. Due to its modular design it can be adapted to a broad range of vehicles. Especially light vehicles can be protected against large caliber weapons which would otherwise be impossible because they can only be equipped with light armor.
The system has a modular design that can be adapted to almost every vehicle, it weights 140 kg for light vehicles and up to 500 kg for heavy vehicles. The main elements are the sensor-countermeasure
modules arranged all around the vehicle. A processor determines the type and the trajectory
of the approaching target. Subsequently a countermeasure module close to the calculated impact point is activated. This countermeasure ejects "directed energy" destroying or disrupting the approaching threat so that it cannot penetrate the vehicle.
The arrangement of sensors and countermeasures provides a hemispherical protection. The overlapping sectors of the sensor-countermeasure modules enable the system to defeat multi-attacks. Due to the short reaction time of approximately 560 microseconds threats can be eliminated at ranges of approximately 10 m, not depending on the speed of the threat. AMAP-ADS is one of the fastest active protection systems, faster than Quick Kill, Iron Fist
or Trophy
. Since the countermeasures create a non-fragmenting strong directed energy beam, collateral damage to nearby troops or civilians is minimized. These are important aspects in urban environment. In comparison to other hard-kill systems there are no moving parts. This makes ADS light and reduces power requirements. Therefore it can be installed on light weight vehicles.
According to sources the system can defeat shaped charges
used in RPGs and ATGMs as well as kinetic energy penetrator
threats and explosively formed penetrator
s (EFPs).
The system is not intended to completely substitute passive base armor. Larger caliber projectiles will only be fragmented and not entirely deflected. Therefore a minimum of passive armor is still required to absorb the residual energy of the fragments.
, SEP, CV90120
, AMV 8x8 and LMV.
An Asian nation has decided to use AMAP-ADS as active protection system on their vehicles, while a number of European armies are considering buying it.
On the 17th of April it was tested in Sweden under urban combat conditions. Threat rejection and multi-hit capability were proven, when 7.62 mm rounds and RPG-7
s were fired from a short distance of some 50 m, a range typical for urban missions.
ASV
vehicle has been modified and equipped with the AMAP-ADS hardkill-system. Then it was tested 6 weeks extensively at Redstone Arsenal
in Huntsville, Alabama
. These tests were overlooked by the Office of the Secretary of Defense
. Different types of RPGs and ATGMs were launched at various spots like the sides or the roof from close range (15 metres (49.2 ft), including mulit-hit attacks, in which multiple threats were used in a short period of time. AMAP-ADS met or even exceeded all US requirements during the tests.
The operationability in hot climates was also proven.
Active protection system
An active protection system is a system designed to prevent sensor-based weapons from acquiring and/or destroying a target....
(APS), developed by the German company ADS Gesellschaft für aktive Schutzsysteme, a daughter company of IBD Deisenroth Engineering, as part of their Advanced Modular Armor Protection
Advanced Modular Armor Protection
Advanced Modular Armor Protection is modular composite armour concept, developed by the German company IBD Deisenroth Engineering. According to IBD AMAP is a 4th generation composite armour, making use of nano-ceramics and modern steel alloy technologies.AMAP is the successor of MEXAS.Some modules...
protection concept. The system is also known under the name AAC in Sweden and as Shark in France. Due to its modular design it can be adapted to a broad range of vehicles. Especially light vehicles can be protected against large caliber weapons which would otherwise be impossible because they can only be equipped with light armor.
Design
Countermeasure
A countermeasure is a measure or action taken to counter or offset another one. As a general concept it implies precision, and is any technological or tactical solution or system designed to prevent an undesirable outcome in the process...
modules arranged all around the vehicle. A processor determines the type and the trajectory
Trajectory
A trajectory is the path that a moving object follows through space as a function of time. The object might be a projectile or a satellite, for example. It thus includes the meaning of orbit—the path of a planet, an asteroid or a comet as it travels around a central mass...
of the approaching target. Subsequently a countermeasure module close to the calculated impact point is activated. This countermeasure ejects "directed energy" destroying or disrupting the approaching threat so that it cannot penetrate the vehicle.
The arrangement of sensors and countermeasures provides a hemispherical protection. The overlapping sectors of the sensor-countermeasure modules enable the system to defeat multi-attacks. Due to the short reaction time of approximately 560 microseconds threats can be eliminated at ranges of approximately 10 m, not depending on the speed of the threat. AMAP-ADS is one of the fastest active protection systems, faster than Quick Kill, Iron Fist
Iron Fist Active Protection System
Iron Fist is a hard-kill active protection system designed by Israel Military Industries , with a modular design allowing adaptation to a range of platforms ranging from light utility vehicles to heavy armoured fighting vehicles. The concept was revealed by IMI in 2006 and was expected to enter...
or Trophy
TROPHY Active Protection System
Trophy is an active protection system , designed to supplement the armor of both light and heavy armored fighting vehicles. It intercepts and destroys incoming missiles and rockets with a shotgun-like blast...
. Since the countermeasures create a non-fragmenting strong directed energy beam, collateral damage to nearby troops or civilians is minimized. These are important aspects in urban environment. In comparison to other hard-kill systems there are no moving parts. This makes ADS light and reduces power requirements. Therefore it can be installed on light weight vehicles.
According to sources the system can defeat shaped charges
Shaped charge
A shaped charge is an explosive charge shaped to focus the effect of the explosive's energy. Various types are used to cut and form metal, to initiate nuclear weapons, to penetrate armor, and in the oil and gas industry...
used in RPGs and ATGMs as well as kinetic energy penetrator
Kinetic energy penetrator
A kinetic energy penetrator is a type of ammunition which, like a bullet, does not contain explosives and uses kinetic energy to penetrate the target....
threats and explosively formed penetrator
Explosively Formed Penetrator
An explosively formed penetrator , also known as an explosively formed projectile, a self-forging warhead, or a self-forging fragment, is a special type of shaped charge designed to penetrate armour effectively at standoff distances...
s (EFPs).
The system is not intended to completely substitute passive base armor. Larger caliber projectiles will only be fragmented and not entirely deflected. Therefore a minimum of passive armor is still required to absorb the residual energy of the fragments.
Applications
Prototypes have already been tested on several vehicles including MarderMarder (IFV)
The Marder is a German infantry fighting vehicle operated by the German Army as the main weapon of the Panzergrenadiere from the 1970s through the present day. Developed as part of the rebuilding of Germany's armoured fighting vehicle industry, the Marder has proven to be a successful and solid...
, SEP, CV90120
Combat Vehicle 90
The Combat Vehicle 90 or Stridsfordon 90 is a Swedish infantry fighting vehicle designed by Hägglunds where the first generation was fitted with a Bofors turret. It is currently produced by BAE Systems Hägglunds.-Background:...
, AMV 8x8 and LMV.
An Asian nation has decided to use AMAP-ADS as active protection system on their vehicles, while a number of European armies are considering buying it.
Successful demonstrations
AMAP-ADS has been tested on several plattforms. As part of the AAC (Active Armor Concept) it was installed on the SEP designed by BAE Systems Hägglunds.On the 17th of April it was tested in Sweden under urban combat conditions. Threat rejection and multi-hit capability were proven, when 7.62 mm rounds and RPG-7
RPG-7
The RPG-7 is a widely-produced, portable, unguided, shoulder-launched, anti-tank rocket-propelled grenade launcher. Originally the RPG-7 and its predecessor, the RPG-2, were designed by the Soviet Union, and now manufactured by the Bazalt company...
s were fired from a short distance of some 50 m, a range typical for urban missions.
US testings
A TextronTextron
Textron is a conglomerate that includes Bell Helicopter, E-Z-GO, Cessna Aircraft Company, and Greenlee, among others. It was founded by Royal Little in 1923 as the Special Yarns Company, and is headquartered at the Textron Tower in Providence, Rhode Island, United States.With total revenues of...
ASV
M1117 Armored Security Vehicle
The M1117 Guardian Armored Security Vehicle, or ASV, is an internal security vehicle manufactured by Cadillac Gage of Textron for use by the U.S. Army's Military Police Corps...
vehicle has been modified and equipped with the AMAP-ADS hardkill-system. Then it was tested 6 weeks extensively at Redstone Arsenal
Redstone Arsenal
Redstone Arsenal is a United States Army base and a census-designated place adjacent to Huntsville in Madison County, Alabama, United States and is part of the Huntsville-Decatur Combined Statistical Area...
in Huntsville, Alabama
Huntsville, Alabama
Huntsville is a city located primarily in Madison County in the central part of the far northern region of the U.S. state of Alabama. Huntsville is the county seat of Madison County. The city extends west into neighboring Limestone County. Huntsville's population was 180,105 as of the 2010 Census....
. These tests were overlooked by the Office of the Secretary of Defense
Office of the Secretary of Defense
The Office of the Secretary of Defense is a headquarters-level staff of the Department of Defense of the United States of America. It is the principal civilian staff element of the Secretary of Defense, and it assists the Secretary in carrying out authority, direction and control of the Department...
. Different types of RPGs and ATGMs were launched at various spots like the sides or the roof from close range (15 metres (49.2 ft), including mulit-hit attacks, in which multiple threats were used in a short period of time. AMAP-ADS met or even exceeded all US requirements during the tests.
The operationability in hot climates was also proven.
External links
- Webpage of Manufacturer
- AMAP-ADS Simulation (Video)
- Video of a live demonstration of AMAP-ADS on the EurosatoryEurosatoryEurosatory is an International Defence & Security industry trade show that is held every two years in Paris-Nord Villepinte Exhibition Centre, Paris, France. In 2006 it had over 1000 exhibitors and 46,000 visitors. It is organized by COGES in partnership with the French Ministry of Defense. The...
2010. - SEP DEMO
- Active Defense System (ADS)
- Active Protection Systems Are Maturing