BAE Systems displays its light tank upgraded with active protection system at AUSA 2019.

BAE Systems displayed the technology demonstrator of its Mobile Protected Firepower (MPF) vehicle or ‘light tank’ fitted with the active protection systems (APS) at the Association of the United States Army (AUSA) Global Force Symposium in Huntsville.

BAE Systems' "Light Tank" with IMI's Iron Fist APS, Active Protection System (Picture source: Twitter account of BAE Systems)

BAE Systems claims that its solution combines new technology with the proven capability to provide the Infantry Brigade Combat Team (IBCT) with a ‘highly agile, armored platform that delivers overwhelming and precise firepower for use across the spectrum of terrains and operations’. “Our offering integrates innovative technology that reduces the burden on the crew into a compact design deployable in areas that are hard to reach,” said Deepak Bazaz, director of combat vehicles programs at BAE Systems.

According to BAE, “The vehicle leverages investments the Army made in the M8 Armored Gun System, including its low-profile design, and proven technologies like the M35 105mm cannon, and an auto-loading ammunition system that allows the gun to fire at a rate of 12 rounds per minute. The innovative roll-out powerpack design allows for easy access to the engine and transmission without the aid of heavy equipment.” Under the contract, one of two awarded ahead of the Government’s down-select to a final contractor, BAE Systems will produce 12 prototype vehicles during the EMD phase.

During the AUSA Global 2019, BAE Systems is unveiling an upgraded variant of the new MPF vehicle equipped with the active protection systems, called Iron Fist, developed by IMI Systems. Iron Fist is an Israeli automated system that uses radar to detect and track threats and then takes action to eliminate them.

BAE Systems' "Light Tank" (Picture source: BAE Systems)