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.| OUR Rafael? You scoundrel! |
"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). They declined to give more detailed information on its neutralizing components. But an official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said that personnel around the vehicle would not be harmed by the process. The company said Trophy also works while the vehicle is in motion and is particularly effective against short-range and also simultaneous threats. One of the far-reaching advantages of the new protective system is the possibility of reducing the heavy armor now required to defend vehicles. This means much lighter tanks and battle taxis that could be air lifted to future battlefields. It also opens the way to greater use of armored vehicles inside urban areas where bridges and buildings often don't support the weight of today's heavy main battle tanks. The IDF hopes to introduce them into its armored vehicles within 18 months. The cost of the system was not released. Other new weapon systems unveiled at the arms show include an unmanned turret developed by Elbit Systems. One can be armed with a 25-30 mm cannon and the other is for a 7.62 heavy machine gun.