Combining passive and active protection technologies

At IDEX 2019, Rheinmetall is presenting its Hybrid Protection Module for the first time ever. Combining active and passive protection technology, it is primarily designed to be mounted on the sides of tracked and wheeled tactical vehicles.

The new Hybrid Protection Modules allow for an integrative approach: passive protection components simultaneously serve as interface and shield for the components of the active protection system ADS.

Conversely, the ADS components comprise ballistic functions and characteristics. The specially harmonized bulkhead design features two layers. The first one, the external protection layer, protects the ADS components against shell fragments, small arms fire and other sources of mechanical stress. The ADS countermeasure component is embedded in the first protection plate from the outside. The deflector of the countermeasure serves simultaneously as part of the first layer of passive protection. The sensors of the system are contained in the space in between.

In standalone mode, the complete module already offers additional ballistic protection that significantly enhances the basic integrity of the vehicle hull. The integrated ADS standoff protection system is effective against rocket-propelled grenades and antitank guided missiles.

The prime advantage of this new possibility for ADS integration into tactical vehicles is its compact size: the hybrid module is less than 150 mm in height. Moreover, it is relatively simple to install and can be mounted onto existing vehicles. The module thus offers an easy-to-implement way of adding active protection technology to a platform. The new modules can replace existing add-on passive protection elements either completely or in part. Furthermore, the modules can be mounted to vehicles in preparation for a specific mission.

Thanks to variable material configurations, Hybrid Protection Modules can be readily adapted to be meet individual customer requirements. Rheinmetall has already fabricated various prototype modules, successfully conducting rigorous ballistic trials of variously configured modules with rocket-propelled grenades and antitank guided missiles.

At IDEX 2019, Rheinmetall Protection Systems Gulf (RPSG) is also introducing itself. Operating in Sharjah in the United Arab Emirates since September 2017, the company is a subsidiary of Rheinmetall Ballistic Protection. RPSG develops and produces ballistic protection elements. Its product range extends from protection level NIJ IIIA right through to STANAG 4569 Level 4.