AMAP-ADS#Strike Shield

Image:CV90120, MSPO 2007, photo 2.JPG equipped with AMAP-ADS]]

The ADS has a modular design that can be adapted to almost every vehicle; it weighs 140 kg for light vehicles and up to 500 kg for heavy vehicles. The main elements are the sensor-countermeasure modules arranged all around the vehicle. A processor determines the type and the trajectory of the approaching target. Subsequently, a countermeasure module close to the calculated impact point is activated. This countermeasure destroys or disrupts the approaching threat so that it cannot penetrate the vehicle.{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vTmas41tVhY |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211221/vTmas41tVhY |archive-date=2021-12-21 |url-status=live|title=AMAP ADS Active Defence System part demo|date=July 7, 2012|publisher=YouTube, Rheinmetall & IBD Deisenroth Engineering|accessdate=1 August 2013}}{{cbignore}}

The arrangement of sensors and countermeasures provides a hemispherical protection. The overlapping sectors of the sensor-countermeasure modules allows the system to defeat multi-hit attacks. Due to the short reaction time of approximately 560 microseconds, threats can be eliminated at ranges of approximately 10 m, not depending on the speed of the threat.{{cite web | url=http://www.ibd-deisenroth-engineering.de/press-coverage.html?file=tl_files/resources/content-pdfs/S%26T%20Int%20Ed.%20II_09_netz%20Active%20Hardkill%20Protection%20Systems.pdf | title=Strategie und Technik, International Edition, Autumn 2009 | accessdate=18 February 2011 | author=Dieter Haug and Hans Joachim Wagner | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111008031733/http://www.ibd-deisenroth-engineering.de/press-coverage.html?file=tl_files%2Fresources%2Fcontent-pdfs%2FS&T%20Int%20Ed.%20II_09_netz%20Active%20Hardkill%20Protection%20Systems.pdf | archive-date=2011-10-08 | url-status=dead}} AMAP-ADS is faster than Quick Kill, Iron Fist or Trophy. Since the countermeasures create a non-fragmenting stream of material, collateral damage to nearby troops or civilians is minimized. These are important aspects in urban environments. In comparison to other hard-kill systems, there are no moving parts, which makes ADS light and reduces power requirements. Therefore, it can be installed on lightweight vehicles.

The system is not intended to completely substitute for passive armour as larger calibre projectiles will only be fragmented and not entirely deflected. Therefore, passive armour is still required to absorb the residual energy of the fragments.

AMAP-ADS was tested on several platforms. As part of the active armour concept in Sweden, it was installed in 2008 on the SEP designed by BAE Systems Hägglunds.

Threat rejection and multi-hit capability were proven in a test under urban combat conditions on 17 April, when 7.62 mm rounds and RPG-7s were fired from a short distance of some 50 m, a range typical for urban missions. In that test, the RPG projectiles were destroyed. The system also detected a 7.62 mm round but rejected it as a threat.{{Cite web|url=http://newatlas.com/rheinmetall-ads-live-fire-test/21278/|title=Rheinmetall tests new Active Defense System under live fire|date=February 2012}}

During live-fire demonstrations on June 30 and July 1, the ADS defeated six out of six fired ATGMs, all leaving zero residual penetration.{{cite web |last1=Judson |first1=Jen |url=https://www.defensenews.com/digital-show-dailies/dsei/2017/09/12/rheinmetall-wants-in-on-us-army-fleet-protection-effort/ |title=Rheinmetall wants in on US Army fleet protection effort |website=DefenseNews.com |access-date=7 July 2024}} On March 7 2018, the ADS successfully defeated three RPG-7V rounds fired at vehicles located in a simulated crowded urban marketplace, showing the system's low probability of collateral damage.{{cite web |last1=Judson |first1=Jen |title=Rheinmetall intensifies push to enter US Army’s vehicle protection program |url=https://www.defensenews.com/land/2018/03/08/rheinmetall-intensifies-push-to-enter-us-army-combat-vehicle-fleet-protection-program/ |website=DefenseNews.com |access-date=7 July 2024}}

A Textron ASV vehicle was modified and equipped with the AMAP-ADS. Then it was tested for 6 weeks extensively at Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville, Alabama.{{cite web | url=http://www.ibd-deisenroth-engineering.de/news/items/Nano-Tech.html?file=tl_files/resources/content-pdfs/Newsletter%20February%202011_002.pdf | title=IBD Live February 2011 | accessdate=18 February 2011 | url-status=dead | archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110719043307/http://www.ibd-deisenroth-engineering.de/news/items/Nano-Tech.html?file=tl_files%2Fresources%2Fcontent-pdfs%2FNewsletter%20February%202011_002.pdf | archivedate=19 July 2011 }} These tests were overseen by the Office of the Secretary of Defense. Different types of RPGs and ATGMs were launched at various spots like the sides or the roof from close range ({{convert|15|m}}), including multi-hit attacks, in which multiple threats were used in a short period of time.

AMAP-ADS met or even exceeded all US requirements during the tests. The operability in hot climates was also proven.

Continuous improvements to the ADS led to the third generation of the system being revealed in 2017 under the name ADS-Gen3, which offers several key improvements over the earlier versions. Like the earlier versions, it utilizes multiple effectors and sensors distributed over the vehicle's surface. The redundancy of sensors and effectors ensures that every area is protected against at least three attacks.{{cite journal |last1=Meixner |first1=Ronald M. |title=Die Zukunft der abstandsaktiven Schutzsysteme |journal=Wehrtechnischer Report |date=November 2017 |volume=4/2017 |pages=57–58 |language=German}}

The ADS-Gen3 uses newer radar sensors operating at a lower output; this reduces the radar's range to only {{convert|30|m}} and results in the ADS-Gen3 having a significantly smaller EM signature than other hard-kill APS. The radar sensors operate in the 20 to 30 GHz waveband and have a power output of only 1 Watt.{{cite web |title=Rheinmetall Showcases Hybrid Protection Module at IDEX 2019 |url=https://www.defenceturkey.com/tr/icerik/rheinmetall-showcases-hybrid-protection-module-at-idex-2019-3473 |website=Defence Turkey |access-date=21 May 2024}} This results in the ADS-Gen3 being only detectable at ranges up to {{convert|350-400|m}} by enemy ESM sensors. The shorter range of the radars also means that a higher resolution can be achieved, allowing the system to more accurately determine the type of the incoming rounds and react to staggered attacks from weapon systems such as the RPG-30. The lower EM signature reduces the probability of disruption to the electronics of nearby vehicles.

The short minimum defeat distance of the ADS-Gen3 allows intercepting projectiles launched as close as {{convert|10|m}} to the vehicle. In case of the ADS-Gen3, the interception is claimed to be so accurate that the warhead of an incoming projectile can be defeated without setting off the fuse, resulting in less danger to nearby civilians, infantry and vehicles.

The ADS-Gen3 is the first hard-kill APS certified to the highest safety standard IEC 61508 in 2017{{cite web |title=ADS defines the next generation of APS |url=https://www.ads-protection.org/news/ |website=ads-protection.org |access-date=21 May 2024}} and was certified for ISO 61508 SIL 3 in 2018.

Image:Boxer Land 400.jpg

At IDEX 2019, Rheinmetall presented its Hybrid Protection Module based on the ADS, which houses the components of the active protection system between two layers of spaced armour. In the original version, the outer and the inner armour plates offered ballistic protection according to STANAG 4569 Level 2 individually or ballistic protection up to STANAG 4569 Level 5 when combined.{{cite web |last1=Valpolini |first1=Paolo |title=IDEX 2019: Rheinmetall introduces hybrid protection modules for vehicles |url=https://www.edrmagazine.eu/idex-2019-rheinmetall-introduces-hybrid-protection-modules-for-vehicles |website=EDR Online - European Defence Review |access-date=21 May 2024}}

The Hybrid Protection Module can be mounted on existing interface for installing passive add-on armour and requires about {{convert|150|mm}} of space. Integrating the ADS's components inside the spaced armour allows saving up to 50% of the system's weight; although as the weight of the passive armour slightly increases, the overall weight saving is only 35%.

The Hybrid Protection Module received the brand name StrikeShield in 2019 and was offered in cooperation with the US company Unified Business Technologies in the US Army's APS program for the Stryker.{{cite web |last1=Heiming |first1=Gerhard |title=Aktives Schutzsystem StrikeShield für U.S. Army |url=https://soldat-und-technik.de/2019/12/mobilitaet/17226/aktives-schutzsystem-strikeshield-fuer-u-s-army/ |website=Soldat und Technik |access-date=21 May 2024 |language=German}} StrikeShield was selected as hard-kill system for the KF41 Lynx of the Hungarian Army in 2021.{{cite web |author1=Gerhard Heiming |author2=Kristóf Nagy |title=Ungarn: Lynx Schützenpanzer erhalten aktives Schutzsystem StrikeShield |url=https://soldat-und-technik.de/2021/05/mobilitaet/26952/ungarn-lynx-schuetzenpanzer-erhalten-aktives-schutzsystem-strikeshield/ |website=Soldat und Technik |access-date=21 May 2024 |language=German}}

In 2022, Rheinmetall presented its KF51 Panther main battle tank fitted with the StrikeShield APS along the hull to protect against ATGMs, RPGs and armour-piercing rounds such as large-calibre APFSDS ammunition.{{cite web |last1=Valpolini |first1=Paolo |title=IAV Conference: Rheinmetall details its hybrid armour solution |url=https://www.edrmagazine.eu/iav-conference-rheinmetall-details-its-hybrid-armour-solution |website=EDR Online - European Defence Review |access-date=21 May 2024}}

At DSEI 2023, the StrikeShield's passive armour was advertised with protection ranging from STANAG 4569 Level 3 to 6.

The ADS-Gen3 and StrikeShield can use two different types of countermeasures: a lighter effector to defeat ATGMs and RPGs and a heavier effector that generates much more energy to defeat APFSDS rounds.{{cite web |last1=Valpolini |first1=Paolo |title=Increasing survivability while lowering the protection-induced mass |url=https://www.edrmagazine.eu/increasing-survivability-while-lowering-the-protection-induced-mass |website=EDR Online - European Defence Review |access-date=21 May 2024}}

Tests with the StrikeShield APS were carried out in cooperation with the Bundeswehr to verify its protective performance. Two types of APFSDS ammunition were used: the 125 mm 3BM42 APFSDS and a Western 120 mm APFSDS fired from just {{convert|200|m}} distance to simulate future threats. In photographs presented by Rheinmetall, the APFSDS projectile was tilted or broken in several pieces after interception by the StrikeShield. While the company didn't reveal performance figures, the penetration can be reduced by up to 75%, according to an unspecific source.

Like the earlier ADS versions, StrikeShield uses a Central Information Management (CIM) system to process the data from the sensors, classify the threat and engage it. On MBTs, two CIMs can be installed: one for the hull and one for the turret, if the StrikeShield APS is installed on both the turret and hull. Depending on the difficulty of the threat, more than one countermeasure can be used to intercept the threat.

Prototypes of the ADS was tested on several vehicles, including the Marder,{{cite web | url=http://www.ibd-deisenroth-engineering.de/news.html?file=tl_files/resources/content-pdfs/Newletter%20St%20Barbara%20Technology%20Day%202008.pdf | title=IBD's News on St. Barbara Symposium 2008 | accessdate=18 February 2011 | url-status=dead | archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110718152650/http://www.ibd-deisenroth-engineering.de/news.html?file=tl_files%2Fresources%2Fcontent-pdfs%2FNewletter%20St%20Barbara%20Technology%20Day%202008.pdf | archivedate=18 July 2011 }} the SEP, the Combat Vehicle 90, the Patria AMV and the Iveco LMV.

In 2011, the series production of AMAP-ADS started for an Asian operator of the Leopard 2 tanks, while a number of European armies considered buying it.{{cite web| url=http://www.rheinmetall-detec.de/index.php?fid=5502&lang=3 | title=Rheinmetall takes up a majority share in ADS GmbH; Breakthrough serial order for innovative ADS protection system |accessdate=4 February 2011| archiveurl= https://web.archive.org/web/20120315170646/http://www.rheinmetall-detec.de/index.php?fid=5502&lang=3| archivedate=2012-03-15 }} Over 80 systems were delivered for use on the Leopard 2A4 tank. Although Rheinmetall did not want to disclose the customer, the system was reportedly fitted to Leopard 2 tanks of Singapore Army.{{Cite web |last=Yeo |first=Mike |date=2021-10-18 |title=TERMINAL DEFENCE |url=https://adbr.com.au/terminal-defence/ |access-date=2023-09-24 |website=ADBR |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |last=Jr |first=Sydney J. Freedberg |date=2018-01-22 |title=Rheinmetall Rolls Out 'Safer' Active Protection For Tanks |url=https://breakingdefense.sites.breakingmedia.com/2018/01/rheinmetall-rolls-out-safer-active-protection-for-tanks/ |access-date=2023-09-24 |website=Breaking Defense |language=en-US}}

The StrikeShield APS has been in series production for the KF41 Lynx. It has been showcased on the KF51 Panther and the GTK Boxer.

:Strategie & Technik International Edition II/2007, Active Stand-Off Protection Systems, p.35-43

{{reflist|2}}

• [https://web.archive.org/web/20111008032018/http://www.ibd-deisenroth-engineering.de/amap-ads-active-defense-systems.html?file=tl_files%2Fresources%2Fcontent-videos%2FStream_ADS_Simulation.wmv Video of AMAP-ADS simulation]
• [https://web.archive.org/web/20080725144933/http://www.baesystems.com/Sites/SEPDemo/index.htm Splitterskyddad EnhetsPlattform demo]
• [https://web.archive.org/web/20080513070802/http://www.defense-update.com/products/a/ads-ibd.htm Active Defence System (ADS)]
• [https://web.archive.org/web/20090123153552/http://defense-update.com/events/2007/summary/dsei07_aps.htm Article about maturation of active protection systems]
• [http://www.ads-protection.org Website of ADS Gesellschaft für aktive Schutzsysteme]

{{APS}}

Category:Vehicle armour

Category:Armoured fighting vehicle equipment

Category:Land active protection systems

Category:Weapons countermeasures