Dutch CV90s set for APS
BAE Systems will test and verify the Iron Fist Active Protection System (APS) on the Netherlands’ CV90 Infantry Fighting Vehicles under a contract announced in December.
Developed by IMI Systems, Iron Fist is an automated system that uses a radar to detect and track threats and then takes countermeasure action to eliminate the threat. It is designed to intercept incoming rocket-propelled grenades, anti-tank missiles, and other threats to increase crew and vehicle survivability.
BAE Systems will lead the APS integration on the Dutch CV90s and carry out the future installation of the system.
Hans de Goeij, project manager at the Netherlands Defence Materiel Organisation, Ministry of Defence, said: ‘During this test phase we will pre-qualify the active system against our threat specification, and together with our partners analyse system safety and prepare for its integration onto our CV9035NL vehicles.
‘We expect to make a decision on the next phase by early 2018. With Iron Fist, the Netherlands is expected to become the first NATO country with an APS of its kind on combat vehicles.’
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Land Warfare
-
UK artillery factory opens as defence review inches forward
The new artillery and howitzer factory pre-dates the emphasis on this capability from this month’s Strategic Defence Review (SDR). The first joint industry-government meeting outlined in the review took place this week.
-
Precision Strike Missile engine successfully tested from M270A2 launcher
Lockheed Martin’s Precision Strike Missile (PrSM) is a next-generation surface-to-surface missile with the solid rocket motor (SRM) provided by Northrop Grumman. The company is working to boost its SRM production capability.
-
CV90 user group signs agreement to improve procurement and commonality
The CV90 is in service with or ordered by ten countries. The agreement between six of these countries is designed to create commonality to provide economies of scale and a reduced training burden.