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Well, for the first time since entering DOT&E, Active Protection Systems aren’t broken out into a separate program, but rolled into their host platforms.
So what? Well, the only system referenced is Trophy. Seems like the Iron Fist (poor reliability, dudding of sub-munitions) issues identified for use on Bradley have stopped it progressing?
“The Army intends to install the Trophy APS on the Abrams M1A2 SEPv2 and SEPv3 tanks and field four Armor Brigade sets to Army prepositioned stocks domestically and outside of the continental United States (OCONUS).”
Still a weighty system, but the Abrams’ efficient & effective armour helps stop residual parts of threats.
“The Abrams base armor is expected to absorb threat by-products generated after a successful intercept.
The Trophy APS adds approximately 5,000 pounds to the Abrams tanks.”
“The Abrams base armor is expected to absorb threat by-products generated after a successful intercept.
The Trophy APS adds approximately 5,000 pounds to the Abrams tanks.”
“ 4QFY19, the Army completed the testing of the Abrams SEPv2 with Trophy APS, which included maneuver, gunnery, and live fire test events. In June 2020, DOT&E published a classified test report summarizing the Abrams SEPv2 with Trophy APS performance.”
“The initial live fire test plan for Abrams SEPv3 with Trophy APS does not include relevant threats identified by the Intelligence Community.”
Yep - perfect is the enemy of good enough/something is better than nothing.
Yep - perfect is the enemy of good enough/something is better than nothing.
Recommendations:
“1. Evaluate the survivability of the Abrams SEPv3 with
Trophy APS against the most stressing threats identified by
the Intelligence Community .
2. Develop operationally relevant requirements for the Abrams
M1A2 tank with and without the Trophy APS.”
“1. Evaluate the survivability of the Abrams SEPv3 with
Trophy APS against the most stressing threats identified by
the Intelligence Community .
2. Develop operationally relevant requirements for the Abrams
M1A2 tank with and without the Trophy APS.”
So, a modular, tested APS on a western (non Israeli) tank. Nice. When do we get some?
More relevant to Australia in the short term is the apparent cessation of testing of Iron Fist. Apparently, there have been some issues characterising IF’s performance in Australia.
More relevant to Australia in the short term is the apparent cessation of testing of Iron Fist. Apparently, there have been some issues characterising IF’s performance in Australia.
Further, there are rumoured weight l-related issues integrating Iron Fist into Lance turret. This is a risk for L400-2, and may influence current activities.
Certainly one to watch closely.
Certainly one to watch closely.
