The "Trophy" active protection system for tanks
was tested during the first week of regimental exercises
by 401 Brigade. It had been previously tested, and provided
specific feedback, in controlled environments, but this
trial was conducted by the 9th Battalion of the Armored
Corps in areas of the Golan Heights.
"Trophy" is the fruit of a joint development
by Rafael, Elta and the American company General Dynamics.
It identifies, with special sensors, threats directed
against the tank, such as anti-tank rockets and missiles,
and fires a special charge to neutralize them.
Since 2005, when the system was first was presented,
industry has been working on its service introduction
by IDF armored divisions, with the main objective of fitting
it to Merkava 4 main battle tanks.
The first combined company exercise using the system
recently took place with 9 Battalion. During the exercise,
soldiers learned how to respond to environmental stimuli,
such as emissions of smoke from other tanks, or other
heat sources.
"Thanks to Windbreaker we have the ability to fight
more effectively, faster and more securely than ever before,"
said Lt. Col. Haim Ido, deputy commander of 401 Brigade.
"In this respect, it certainly has proven itself
as an exercise area."
However, stressed Lt. Col. Ido, the system cannot human
eyes. "The system does not change the way soldiers
must act and behave inside the tank.”
