ADS-Gen.3 AVSPS now in service with undisclosed customer
Dr. Ronald Meixner, ADS’ Pre-Sales Engineer has shared with MONch recent developments regarding the firm’s ADS-Gen.3 Active Vehicle Self Protection System (AVSPS) which is now in service with the LEOPARD 2 main battle tanks (MBT) of an undisclosed nation.
The ADS-Gen.3 is designed to intercept and destroy anti-tank guided missiles from ranges as short as ten metres/m (33 feet/ft) using a directed explosive detector, Dr. Meixner dislosed.
The incoming missile is detected by a mix of optronics and radar sensors, the latter which transmits across a 20 gigahertz/GHz to 30GHz waveband but which has a very low output power of circa one watt. This makes the radar difficult to detect using electronic support measures at ranges greater than 400m (1,312ft). The radar can detect incoming missiles at ranges of 30m (98ft).
Mr. Meixner stated that safety is at the centre of the design philosophy vis-à-vis the ADS-Gen.3. To this end, the system meets the IEC-61508 safety standard as published by the International Electrotechnical Commission. This means that the system is safe to use with troops or other personnel that are in the vicinity of the vehicle.
Furthermore, the ADS-Gen.3 can also cope with multiple attacks with the capability to defeat four incoming rounds within a 0.5 square metre (10.7 square feet) area with a timing difference of 100 milliseconds between the rounds. In terms of platforms, Dr. Meixner stated that the ADS-Gen.3 can equip a truck cab with the product’s effectors, sensors and processors housed in a single unit, imposing a 150kg (330lbs ) weight penalty.
ADS Gesellschaft für aktive Schutzsysteme mbH is a global pioneer in reliable, high-precision hard-kill active protection systems and a member of the Rheinmetall Group.
Thomas Withington