MUSS (countermeasure)

MUSS components: infrared jamming device (top), ultraviolet warning sensors (left and right) and smoke grenade dispenser (centre) on a German Puma IFV.

Multifunctional Self protection System (MUSS, German: Multifunktionales Selbstschutz-System) is a soft kill active protection system developed to protect military vehicles against guided anti-tank missiles.[1]

History

MUSS was developed by EADS, Buck (a Rheinmetall subsidiary) and Krauss-Maffei Wegmann (KMW). Before September 2003, it was tested on a Leopard 2 tank by the German Bundesamt für Wehrtechnik und Beschaffung [de].[1]

The German Puma infantry fighting vehicle has been equipped with MUSS, after EADS was awarded a contract in 2006.[2][unreliable source?] Hensoldt delivered the 300th MUSS active protection system to the German Army on 19 September 2019.[3] A total of 342 MUSS systems were delivered by 2020.

In July 2016, the UK's Defence Science and Technology Laboratory placed a £7.6 million contract with QinetiQ to evaluate the MUSS system for armoured vehicles, particularly the Challenger 2 main battle tank.[4]

In November 2021, Hensoldt announced the development of an improved version known as "MUSS 2.0".[5] The development of MUSS 2.0 was commissioned by the Federal Office of Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology and In-Service Support and includes optimizations in regards to size and weight while improving the capabilities of the missile warners and laser detectors. MUSS 2.0 can also detect second-generation laser rangefinders, laser beam riding missiles such as Kornet and can act as hostile fire indicator. It is compliant to the NATO Generic Vehicle Architecture (NGVA).

Design

IR jammer mounted on Puma IFV.
Front and left MUSS sensors on Puma turret.

MUSS consists of three main elements: ultraviolet sensors, consisting of a laser warner and a missile warner which detects incoming projectile, the computer, and the electronic or pyrotechnic countermeasures (for example an infrared jamming device).[2] When the sensors detect an incoming missile or a laser beam aimed at the vehicle, the computer activates the countermeasures. MUSS offers 360° protection with elevation up to 70° and can handle up to four threats at once.[2]

Depending on application the weight of the system can vary between 65 and 160 kg.[6]

References

  1. ^ a b EADS.com press release "EADS-Technologie schützt Panzerfahrzeuge Neues System für Selbstschutz vorgestellt"[permanent dead link‍] (German)
  2. ^ a b c Army-technology.com "Puma"
  3. ^ "HENSOLDT's self-protection equipment for 'Puma' on track". Hensoldt.net. Retrieved 15 April 2023.
  4. ^ Lappin, Yaakov (5 July 2016). "Active Protection for our Armed Forces". DSTL. Retrieved 4 August 2016.
  5. ^ "HENSOLDT develops "MUSS 2.0"". Hensoldt.net. Retrieved 15 April 2023.
  6. ^ Defense-Update: "Multifunction Self Protection System" Archived 2010-04-14 at the Wayback Machine