Wednesday, March 16, 2005

Who wants a Trophy for Christmas?

I read about the Trophy in the Jerusalem Post and I bet it could make the Armorer's Christmas Wish List at Castle Argghh:
The IDF has revealed a revolutionary new protective shield system for its armored vehicles that intercepts and destroys missiles and rockets with a shotgun-like blast just before they hit. The system is called Trophy and was shown in public for the first time during this week's arms fair at the Tel Aviv Exhibition Grounds during a conference on Low Intensity Conflict sponsored by the IDF's Ground Forces Services.

The Trophy was developed by RAFAEL together and Israel Aircraft Industries' Elta Group and General Dynamics. Known as an "active protective system" (APS), it is seen as a major milestone in weapons design since it in theory reduces the need for heavy armor for vehicles. "Until recently, APS systems such as Trophy were considered science fiction," said Eitan Yudilevich, corporate VP Marketing and Business Development for RAFAEL. "We've made them a reality. "We've made them a reality. Armored fighting vehicles equipped with Trophy will benefit from improved survivability and overall effectiveness."

According to RAFAEL, the system works against all types of guided anti-tank missiles and rockets, including the ubiquitous rocket propelled grenades. The company said the system includes four flat-panel antennas and a search radar that are mounted on the armored vehicle. They can detect incoming projectiles from 360 degrees and calculate their approach. Its computer then determines the exact moment and angle to fire its neutralizers (small metal pellets like a shotgun blast).

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