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The distance active protection system MUST ( Multi-functional self-protection system , Eng. Multifunction Self Protection System ) is a self-protection system for armored vehicles. The MUSS system was developed by the EADS Defense & Security (DS) division of the European EADS group together with Krauss-Maffei Wegmann (KMW) and Buck (a subsidiary of Rheinmetall Defense) in the mid-1990s. KMW is responsible for the system integration, while Buck developed the pyrotechnic countermeasures.

The system was successfully tested on the Leopard 2 for the first time in 2003 . It works according to the softkill principle , which means that it is designed to deflect approaching guided missiles (LFK) off course by disrupting the guidance systems or to disguise the target from the detection systems and thus avoid hits. The MUST should protect against both laser -guided and wire-guided missiles and be suitable for use against fire-and-forget weapons. A comparable system is the Russian shtora system.

The Bundeswehr is planning to use the system on the Puma infantry fighting vehicle , for which systems for the five prototypes will initially be procured. The MUSS was also designed for integration on the GTK Boxer , Fennek and Leopard 2.

Structure and functionality

Infrared jammer on the Puma AFV.

MUST consists of laser and ultraviolet - sensors , a computer unit, an infrared jammers and a smoke grenade launcher . The entire MUST weighs between 65 and 160 kilograms, depending on the area of application.

Sensors

Two of the MUST sensors on the Puma AFV.

The system has four sensor units, each with a detection range of 90 × 70 ° and a resolution of ± 1.5 °. The sensors achieve a coverage of 360 ° in azimuth and an elevation of 70 °. The sensor units are based on the MILDS UV missile and laser warning device, which is also built by EADS. Both sensors are built into one housing.

functionality

After detection by a target laser or the detection of an approaching guided missile by the sensors, the computer unit triggers countermeasures. These include firing the smoke launch system in the direction of the approaching missile and activating the jammer in the direction of the LFK. It takes at least 4.5 seconds to deploy the entire smoke screen. The fog interrupts the line of sight to the missile's launch device and interrupts the laser beam, so that contact with the missile is lost after it has passed the smoke screen. The jamming transmitter should also outshine the infrared signature of the rocket engine, so that the aiming device (for example SACLOS ) of the launch device is disturbed in the case of wire-guided rockets .

MUSS is able to fight four targets at the same time.

Advantages and disadvantages

The system allows both laser and wire-guided missiles to be recognized through the various types of sensors. Due to the independence of the jamming means from the longitudinal axis of the tower, it does not have to be rotated in the direction of the approaching missile, so that a short reaction time is possible. Furthermore, the system can easily be retrofitted to different types of vehicles thanks to this structure.

A disadvantage is the relatively long time of at least 4.5 seconds that is required for the construction of the smoke screen. The Russian Schtora system, on the other hand, requires a maximum of 3 seconds to deploy the smoke screen. Due to the high speed of modern missiles, a minimum distance of 500 meters is required for a successful countermeasure. For this reason, the system cannot repel many attacks.

However , the system offers no protection against simple RPGs , the world's most popular weapon against main battle tanks.