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[edit]
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 German Puma infantry fighting vehicle has been equipped with MUSS, after EADS was awarded a contract in 2006.[2][unreliable source?] Hensoldt delivered the 300th MUSS active protection system to the German Army on the 19th September 2019.[3] A total of 342 MUSS systems were delivered by 2020.
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 main battle tank.[4]
In November 2021, Hensoldt announced the development of an improved version known as "MUSS 2.0".[5] The development of MUSS 2.0 was commissioned by the Federal Office of Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology and In-Service Support and includes optimizations in regards to size and weight while improving the capabilities of the missile warners and laser detectors. MUSS 2.0 can also detect second-generation laser rangefinders, laser beam riding missiles such as Kornet and can act as hostile fire indicator. It is compliant to the NATO Generic Vehicle Architecture (NGVA).
Design[edit]
MUSS consists of three main elements: ultraviolet sensors, consisting of a laser warner and a missile warner which detects incoming projectile, the computer, and the electronic or pyrotechnic countermeasures (for example an infrared jamming device).[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]
Depending on application the weight of the system can vary between 65 and 160 kg.[6]
References[edit]
- ^ a b EADS.com press release "EADS-Technologie schützt Panzerfahrzeuge Neues System für Selbstschutz vorgestellt"[permanent dead link] (German)
- ^ a b c Army-technology.com "Puma"
- ^ "HENSOLDT's self-protection equipment for 'Puma' on track". Hensoldt.net. Retrieved 15 April 2023.
- ^ Lappin, Yaakov (5 July 2016). "Active Protection for our Armed Forces". DSTL. Retrieved 4 August 2016.
- ^ "HENSOLDT develops "MUSS 2.0"". Hensoldt.net. Retrieved 15 April 2023.
- ^ Defense-Update: "Multifunction Self Protection System" Archived 2010-04-14 at the Wayback Machine