Iron Curtain (countermeasure)

Iron Curtain
Place of origin United States
Production history
Designer Artis
Manufacturer Artis
Specifications

Iron Curtain is an active protection system (APS) designed by Artis, an American technology development and manufacturing firm headquartered in Herndon, Virginia. The system is designed to protect military vehicles and other assets by intercepting threats such as rocket-propelled grenades and rendering them inert. It has been included as part of the joint services' MRAP program as well as the Army's Ground Combat Vehicle program.

Technology

Iron Curtain uses two independent sensors, radar and optical, high-speed computing, and tightly controlled counter-munitions to minimize the false alarm rate and increase accuracy. The system, which began in 2005 as a DARPA program, is able to defeat threats even if fired from an extremely close range.[1]

The system’s radar was developed by Mustang Technology Group in Plano, Texas. Iron Curtain defeats threats inches from their target, which separates the system from many others which intercept threats several meters out. The result is a dependable system with minimal risk of collateral damage to dismounted troops or civilians.

Government testing

In April 2013, the company announced it achieved a perfect score during rigorous government tests. “We proved not only that Iron Curtain defeats threats and saves lives, but the risk from collateral damage is minimal, especially when compared with the alternative," according to the company's CEO, Keith Brendley.[2] He said the system is ready to be deployed onto battlefields.[3]

Vehicles integrated

The system has been integrated onto three ground vehicles: the Army's Ground Combat Vehicle built by BAE Systems, the MATV built by Oshkosh Defense, and the Humvee built by AM General.[4][5]

In addition, General Dynamics Land Systems designed the system for integration onto its LAV III.[6]

Safety

Iron Curtain has undergone significant safety testing, including temperature and shock testing, and its software architecture has been approved by the U.S. military's Joint Services Weapons Safety Review Board.

See also

Active protection system

References

  1. ↑ "Genius computer stops rockets right before impact". io9. June 25, 2011. Retrieved 2015-11-16.
  2. ↑ "Iron Curtain Successful in Firing Tests". Defense Update. April 29, 2013. Retrieved 2013-05-08.
  3. ↑ "Vehicle protection system excels". U.P.I. May 1, 2013. Retrieved 2013-05-08.
  4. ↑ "US Army; Two contenders gear up for GCV active protection". Defence Market Intelligence. June 24, 2013. Retrieved 2015-01-29.
  5. ↑ "DARPA Iron Curtain Detects, Explodes RPGS from a moving Humvee". Gizmodo. December 2, 2009. Retrieved 2015-02-21.
  6. ↑ "Iron Curtain Active Protection System". Richard C. Young. May 30, 2013. Retrieved 2015-08-02.

External links

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