 The
prototype system is currently under development under a technology evaluation of
the Federal office of Defense Technology & Procurement (BWB). EADS
Defense Electroncis provides the sensors, central computer and
electronic countermeasures. Krauss Maffei Wegmann (providing system
integration)
and pyrotechnik countermeasures supplier Buk. During
the test phase, the system was mounted on a Leopard 2 tank which
successfully defended itself against various missile threats.
MUSS comprises three main elements: (1) warning sensors, based on
EADS' MILDS UV missile warning sensor and laser detector, which
detect the incoming missile or laser beam directed at the target
vehicle and report this to the (2) central computer of the MUSS
system. This in turn activates (3) electronic or pyrotechnic
countermeasures, to defeat and confuse the threat, significantly
reducing hit probability.
MUSS
weighs 65 to 160kg, depending on the equipment application, uses a
combination of four sensors each covering an arc of 95x70 degrees,
with a resolution of +/- 1.5 degrees. The sensors employ UV missile
launch signature and laser detectors. When a threat is detected, the
system responds within 1 – 1.5 seconds activating a smoke screen or
directing infrared jamming signal toward the launching platform.
During testing integration of the MUSS was designed for BOXER, FENNEK, and PUMA vehicles, as well as the Leopard 2A5 tanks.
 The
MUSS warning systemis based on a UV missile warning sensor and a
laser warning sensor. Both are compactly contained in a single device
(shown left) which makes integration into the turret fairly simple. As a result, it is also much
easier to retrofit old vehicles. The missile warner was specially
designed for use in ground vehicles for the detection of various anti-tank
missiles, including semi-automatic, fire-and forget and beam-riders
such as AT-15 Kornet as well as
unguided RPGs. It is based on the
operational MILDS missile warning system originally developed for
helicopters and aircraft. MUSS has demonstrated its effectiveness against various
different threats during extensive tests, including testing on board
the Leopard II main battle tank.
MUSS was selected by the German MOD to protect the
new Puma armored infantry fighting
vehicles. Initially, EADS will supply systems to equip the five
prototypes currently in production.
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