Iron Fist Active Protection System APS for Bradley IFV at AUSA.

General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems presents its Iron Fist APS (Active Protection System ) mounted on Flyer Advanced Light Strike Special Forces Vehicle at AUSA 2017, the Association of United States Army exhibition and conference which takes place in Washington D.C., United States.

General Dynamics Flyer vehicle fitted with Iron Fist Active Protection System (APS) at AUSA 2017, Association of United States Army Annual Meeting & Exposition in Washington D.C., United States.

The Iron Fist is an active protection system (APS) developed by the Israeli Company IMI Systems and the American Company General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems. An APC uses sensors and radar, computer processing, fire control technology and interceptors to find, target, destroy or intercept incoming threats such as RPGs (Rocket-Propelled Grenade)and Anti-Tank Guided Missiles (ATGMs).

The Iron Fist is selected by the US Army to be the next generation of APS mounted on the Bradley IFV (Infantry Fighting vehicle). The system will not replace the standard armour protection of the vehicle but will increase the protection using new technologies.

The System’s hard-kill concept is based on intercepting the threat by launching a small warhead and initiating it at a safe distance from the protected platform, at a precisely calculated moment, and defeating or destructing the threat through a shock-wave effect.

The Iron Fist provides 360-degree protection coverage for close range scenarios in both open terrain and urban environments. Through its two sensing techniques - a search-and track radar and staring infrared sensor - the System offers a unique Situational Awareness capability with robust and reliable threat detection, accurate trajectory prediction as well as short reaction time in all terrain environments. The revolutionary design of the Iron Fist minimizes the dimensions of the APS while maintaining combat efficacy and force protection.

The system’s scale facilitates rapid integration onto the full range of combat vehicles and its dimensions open new possibilities to equip new vehicles with APS, as well as upgrade legacy platforms of which size, weight and power constraints are a challenge.