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]

MUSS components: infrared jamming device (top), ultraviolet warning sensors (left and right) and smoke grenade dispenser (centre) on a German Puma IFV.

History

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 new German Puma infantry fighting vehicle will be equipped with MUSS, after EADS was awarded a contract in 2006.[2]

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.[3]

Design
IR jammer mounted on Puma IFV.
Front and left MUSS sensors on Puma turret.

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]

The whole system has a weight of 65 to 160 kg.[4]

References
  1. EADS.com press release "EADS-Technologie schützt Panzerfahrzeuge Neues System für Selbstschutz vorgestellt" (German)
  2. Army-technology.com "Puma"
  3. Lappin, Yaakov (5 July 2016). "Active Protection for our Armed Forces". DSTL. Retrieved 4 August 2016.
  4. Defense-Update: "Multifunction Self Protection System" Archived 2010-04-14 at the Wayback Machine
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