Novel Vehicle Self-Protection System(1000-540) Navy SBIR FY2004.2 - Quick Response Topics Sol No.: Navy SBIR FY2004.2 Topic No.: N04-902 Topic Title: Novel Vehicle Self-Protection System(1000-540) Proposal No.: N042-902-0023 Firm: TRITON SYSTEMS, INC. 200 TURNPIKE ROAD Chelmsford, Massachusetts 01824 Contact: James Gorman Phone: (978) 250-4200 Web Site: www.tritonsys.com Abstract: Triton Systems Inc. (TSI) proposes to develop a modular vehicle self-protection system aimed at countering the RPG and ATGM threats recently presented such extreme dangers to US Army and USMC thin-skinned vehicles. The developed system will be suitable for a wide range of US vehicles, ranging from the HMMWV to light armored vehicles (current APCs, Stryker, FCS). The TSI configuration for a vehicle self-protection system builds on the basic concept fielded in the Soviet "Arena KAZT", but modifies the counterfire launcher and lethality mechanisms. A number of these launchers will be emplaced on the vehicle to provide as nearly 2p coverage as possible. The self-protection system will not require slewing or elevation training, but only fuzing of the appropriate launcher in the threatened zone. During the Phase I TSI will perform engagement tradeoffs to define timelines, coverage limits, and discretization of the 2p threat envelope. We will identify threat RPG/ATGM kill thresholds to determine required pattern densities and KE levels. TSI will develop CAD models of the system and its components. We will fabricate kill projectiles and fire several at achievable velocities verifying lethality. We will finally identify Phase II development partner(s) for threat sensing and fire control elements. Benefits: The key benefit of the developed vehicle self-protection system will be to neutralize the threat of RPG/missile attack on thin-skinned vehicles, and concomitantly to expose the hostile firer to effective counterfires, which are currently limited by the dramatic effectiveness of a RPG attack.. Elimination of one of the principal weapons of irregular combatants will allow US forces to complete peacekeeping or other "operations less than war" more efficiently and with far less human/political cost. From an operational viewpoint, the estimated ~800 pound weight of the active protection system will be far less than passive armor designed to stop the same threat, dramatically improving available vehicle payload and minimizing running gear wear and tear. Widespread use of such an active vehicle self-defense system will dramatically alter the balance of asymmetrical warfare, removing lucrative targets and forcing insurgents into more dangerous encounters with US forces. The commercial aspects of the development refer to sales to the several US services as well as to friendly foreign police and military agencies. Return