Dstl, QinetiQ complete APS trials
Trials of an Active Protection System (APS) for Dstl’s Medusa Technology Assessment Programme (TAP) by a QinetiQ-led industry team are now complete.
Part of Dstl’s Active Integrated Protection Systems Research Project, QinetiQ was contracted to conduct Medusa and assess the Hensoldt MUSS system, with the support of industrial and UK Ministry of Defence partners, Hensoldt, BAE Systems, Frazer-Nash Consultancy and Textron ESL.
The system’s performance and utility was evaluated with respect to subsystem and system performance, system integration, human factors integration as well as its safety, security and legality, and the operational impacts associated with use and deployment of such a system. The integration assessment included the installation of a MUSS system on a Challenger 2 main battle tank, coupled with assessment by the British Army to understand the benefits and challenges associated with such equipment.
The laboratory testing and trial of the system culminated in a full end-end system evaluation during missile live fire trials held in Woomera, South Australia, conducted as part of the AUS/UK bi-lateral partnership between Dstl and DST Group (Australia).
According to QinetiQ, Medusa has provided vital insights into the capabilities, benefits and limitations of APS equipment, and will be used to inform future direction for both APS research and evaluation activities, and support to potential future acquisition programmes.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Land Warfare
-
![UK fires Archer for first time in live-fire exercise]()
UK fires Archer for first time in live-fire exercise
Exercise Dynamic Front 25 is part of a series of NATO exercises that will run until 26 November.
-
![CV90 delivery to Slovakia imminent]()
CV90 delivery to Slovakia imminent
Slovakia is undergoing a radical refresh of its equipment, like many central and eastern European countries, and the arrival of new vehicles will form a substantial part of this.
-
![Mortar mobility: Patria’s TREMOS takes aim at the modern battlespace]()
Mortar mobility: Patria’s TREMOS takes aim at the modern battlespace
In conversation... Patria’s Lauri Pauniaho talks to Shephard's Gerrard Cowan about how high mobility levels are essential for mortar systems in the face of modern counter-battery fire, and how a new platform-agnostic module can combine existing vehicles and mortar barrels into a cost-effective new weapon system.
