Lockheed to mature and integrate MAPS controllers

Lockheed Martin has received a next-phase contract to continue maturing the Modular Active Protection System (MAPS) controller base kit hardware and software for the US Army's Tank Automotive Research, Development and Engineering Center (TARDEC).

The company delivered five MAPS controllers to TARDEC in 2017. As part of the 16-month follow-on contract, Lockheed Martin will also provide support to TARDEC for integration of the MAPS base kit with existing sensors and countermeasures onto combat vehicles for virtual and range demonstrations. Platform demonstrations are scheduled to take place through 2019.

MAPS is designed to enable protection of vehicles and their occupants by integrating sensors and countermeasures in a common framework to detect and defeat existing and emerging threats.

The MAPS base kit consists of a controller, user interface, power management distribution system and application software. It incorporates Modular APS Framework-compliant components, sensors and countermeasures to detect and defeat threats targeting MAPS-equipped vehicles.

Paul Lemmo, VP of sensors and global sustainment at Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control, said: ‘Our MAPS offering is ready to support field tests using today's platforms and active protection system components.

'A modular and open-architecture design means any component can be selectively upgraded across all MAPS-enabled platforms to address emerging threats. That promotes affordability by extending the system's life cycle and boosts protection for the warfighter without increasing vehicle weight.’