MUSS (countermeasure)
MUltifunctional Self protection System (MUSS, German: Multifunktionales Selbstschutz-System) is a soft kill active protection system developed to protect military vehicles against guided anti-tank missiles.[1]
History
MUSS was developed by EADS, Buck (a Rheinmetall subsidiary) and Krauss-Maffei Wegmann (KMW). Before September 2003, it was tested on a Leopard 2 tank by the German Bundesamt für Wehrtechnik und Beschaffung.[1]
The new German Puma infantry fighting vehicle will be equipped with MUSS, after EADS was awarded a contract in 2006.[2]
In July 2016, the UK's Defence Science and Technology Laboratory placed a £7.6 million contract with QinetiQ to evaluate the MUSS system for armoured vehicles, particularly the Challenger 2.[3]
Design
MUSS consists of three main elements: the sensors, consisting of laser warner and a missile warner using ultraviolet sensors, the computer, and the electronic or pyrotechnic countermeasures.[2] When the sensors detect an incoming missile or a laser beam aimed at the vehicle, the computer activates the countermeasures. MUSS offers 360° protection with elevation up to 70° and can handle up to four threats at once.[2]
The whole system has a weight of 65 to 160 kg.[4]
References
- ^ a b EADS.com press release "EADS-Technologie schützt Panzerfahrzeuge Neues System für Selbstschutz vorgestellt" (German)
- ^ a b c Army-technology.com "Puma"[unreliable source?]
- ^ Lappin, Yaakov (5 July 2016). "Active Protection for our Armed Forces". DSTL. Retrieved 4 August 2016.
- ^ Defense-Update: "Multifunction Self Protection System"