Zaslin Active Protection System
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| Zaslon | |
|---|---|
| Type | Active protection system |
| Place of origin | Ukraine |
| Service history | |
| Used by | Ukraine, Thailand |
| Production history | |
| Designer | State Enterprise Fundamental center of crucial technologies Microtek - SE FCCT M |
| Designed | 2003 |
| Specifications | |
| Mass | 50-130 kg per module |
Zaslon ("shield") is an active protection system being developed by Microtech in co-operation with other military design organizations. The system is designed to protect stationary or mobile targets from anti-tank projectiles with flat or diving trajectories using various types of guidance systems and warheads. Most importantly, in contrast to the existing Russian-designed active protection systems Drozd and Arena, Zaslon provides protection against anti-tank projectiles traveling at speeds up to 1,200 m/s. What's more, Zaslon can be interfaced with an ERA system. Neither Drozd nor Arena are capable of that, as they both are designed for accommodation on the tank turret, leaving no room for ERA there. Because those two are impotent to secure against armor-piercing shells, the tank - instead of obtaining better protection as designed - becomes even more vulnerable.
Design
The Zaslon system consists of a radar based detection module, a guidance module and a customer specified number of static counter-measures modules. Each counter-measure module packs two explosive charges, which are ejected toward the target before detonating and forming a dense fragmentation ring that destroys incoming projectiles on impact. Modules can point forward, sideways or vertically, to protect from top attacks. The system's response time is 0.1 seconds.
A typical installation protects 150–180 degrees, and is capable of defeating incoming projectiles at speeds between 70 and 1,200 m/s. It can be used to protect fixed sites or armored vehicles. Depending on the protection level required, the system adds from 50 to 130 kg per module.
Future Development
Microtech is also working on an AP system for lightweight armored fighting vehicles. AP's mission capability has been proven for armor-piercing projectiles and small-caliber gun shells. Light AP Zaslon will comprise a system of nonrecoverable detachable modules of various kinds, with two accommodated on the armored vehicle's upper forebody and as many on its sides (in its integrated configuration). As pointed out by the system designer, the Zaslon lightweight AP system is effective against RPG-7 and RPG-9 rounds, as well as tank-destroying rocket-propelled guided (TRG) projectiles. However, it will be unable to shield against hollow-charge artillery shells or armor-piercing sub-caliber shells which have thicker walls than grenades or TRG projectiles.
External links
http://en.uos.ua/produktsiya/sistemi-zashchiti/49-kompleks-aktivnoy-zashchiti-zaslon