Feature MT 5/2022 · 17 A graphic illustrating the ASPIS system components. (Graphic: EODH) - non-reversible - and a weight of 5kg at the same size. These can be attached in under 2 minutes or removed in under 30 seconds in an emergency. They also offer very small pack size. Similar ‘mobile systems’ versions also exist, which can then be used on the move once attached – a light (4kg for a G-class) or heavy (12kg) variant, each with a turning function. Customisation is available on request. Following passive camouflage, smoke grenade launchers offer a more active form of protection. Stand-off self-protection systems quickly produce dense multi-spectral fog. For decades, 40mm launchers have been fairly standard, with the TPz Fuchs, for example, mounting eight proejctors on both sides. Under the WWS40 project, Newco Safety Technologies GmbH, in close cooperation with Krauss-Maffei Wegmann (KMW) and Diehl BGT Defence, developed a 40 mm launcher that can be deployed from the Multi-Purpose Launcher 40mm (MPL-40) on the remote- controlled weapon station FLW 100. This non-lethal weapon can be used for riot control, and ensures the vehicle is camouflaged both in visible and infrared domains. Rheinmetall’s 40 mm Rapid Obscuring System Rosy_L (Land) is one of the most advanced os such systems. In contrast to conventional systems, Rosy_L generates dynamic smoke screens in addition to spontaneous, large-area and multispectral line-of-sight interruptions, Protection systems for modern armoured fighting vehicles (AFVs) are designed and built on the ‘onion principle.’ No matter how heavy a vehicle may become, no matter how many protection systems can be integrated, it will never have 100% protection. It is and will remain a cat-and-mouse game between vehicle manufacturers providing ever-better protection and the effector side of the equation: vehicle-mounted or hand-held weapons. Some protection requires no new systems: speed can be an important protection factor. The simplest form of protection is still camouflage – visual, thermal and electromagnetic. Those not detected are usually not fought against. Today’s protection concepts are modular, comprising a multitude of (protection) layers and options. Signature management is part of the adaptive, modular approach – often the outermost layer. Modern military vehicles should have low signature and be adaptable in order to neutralise threats. Saab’s Mobile Camouflage System ‘Barracuda’ (MCS) does just that that, challenging all battlefield sensors and reducing detection by up to 90%, according to Saab. Customisable to protect any vehicle, signature management is only one aspect providing higher survivability and force protection. Its multispectral properties and fully optimised sensor protection is essential to ensure concealed mobility. The advanced camouflage defeats hostile sensors and target acquisition systems in all phases of the mission. The HeaT reduction properties of the MCS lower a vehicle’s internal temperature, extending the endurance of personnel and electronic equipment. Also offering multispectral 3D camouflage is Saro GmbH with its Ghosthood brand. In addition to camouflage nets, it also offers vehicle systems, providing protection in the visible, near-infrared (NIR) and far- infrared (FIR - thermal image) domains. Mobile solutions can be adapted to motorbikes or to battle tanks. A static system with a turning function and two different camouflage patterns (weighing 12kg at 5.8x8 m) exists, alongside an ultra-light version with a total of four camouflage patterns A former paratrooper and Bundeswehr officer, André Forkert covers a varied beat for Mönch Group’s publications. André Forkert Protection Systems for Modern Armoured Vehicles Camouflage solutions for all kinds of vehicles – and usable in static or “on the move” modes. (Photo: Ghosthood) f
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