Capabilities to be Doubled
Hensoldt is expanding the performance of its Multifunctional Self-Protection System (MUSS) self-protection system for armoured vehicles, in order to detect and ward off emerging threats, the company announced on 24 November.
With the further development commissioned by the Federal Office of Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology and In-Service Support (BAAINBw), MUSS 2.0 is to be optimised in size, weight and number of assemblies. At the same time, the capabilities in the area of missile, projectile and laser detection are to be doubled.
MUSS 2.0 will also detect second-generation laser rangefinders and laser beam-riders, used to control guided missiles. With the help of the new laser rider, directional resolution and threat identification capabilities are increased. The increased computing power of the central unit means additional missile and projectile threats can be detected, and new applications, such as Hostile Fire Indication (HFI) implemented. In addition, the interfaces have been expanded to include the NATO Generic Vehicle Architecture (NGVA) in order to be able to port MUSS 2.0 to other platforms rapidly.
With this second-generation MUSS, Hensoldt intends to open up the market for a range of armoured vehicles as a pure ‘soft kill,’ or so-called ‘layered system’ – both nationally and internationally. Over the past eight years, more than 350 first-generation MUSS assembly kits for the first batch of the PUMA IFV have already been delivered, making the system the only active soft kill protection system for ground vehicles in operational use that to have been delivered in series.
The use of MUSS drastically reduces the probability of being hit by an anti-tank guided missile or a laser-guided weapon. The system comprises four warning sensors, a central unit, an IR jammer and a directional smoke launcher, with associated control electronics. The warning sensor detects approaching missiles and laser beams directed at the vehicle; the central unit then triggers IR measures to interfere with the missile control and/or pyrotechnical countermeasures.
