Leonardo DRS Unveils Radar-Based Top Attack Protection Capability for US Army Against Aerial Threats at AUSA 2024.

At the annual AUSA 2024 exhibition in Washington D.C., Leonardo DRS unveiled its new advanced protection module, a semi-autonomous threat detection system designed to enhance vehicle protection against loitering munitions and aerial threats. At the core of this solution lies the advanced hemispheric surveillance radar, known as the aCHR, which serves as a multi-mission asset capable of addressing a broad range of operational threats through precise detection and rapid threat classification.

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The aCHR radar system, central to this module, operates with high Doppler resolution, facilitating accurate and swift detection of potential threats (Picture source: Army Recognition)

The protection module is designed for optimized modularity, featuring a compact size, weight, and power (SWaP) profile that enables seamless integration across both armed and unarmed vehicles. This flexibility allows the system to adapt to diverse defensive scenarios with minimal adjustments, making it compatible with mission profiles such as Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems (C-UAS), Vehicle Protection Systems (VPS), and Short-Range Air Defense (SHORAD). The radar's multi-sensor cueing capability streamlines workflow for operators, who benefit from AI-enhanced tracking and threat classification, reducing the operational load and enhancing real-time situational awareness.

The aCHR radar system, central to this module, operates with high Doppler resolution, facilitating accurate and swift detection of potential threats. Its internal processing capabilities allow it to manage hundreds of targets simultaneously using Track While Search technology, making it particularly suitable for multi-target environments. This technology enables operators to maintain full awareness and response readiness without requiring an additional cooling system, thanks to the radar's passive cooling design, which simplifies integration and reduces vehicle impact, even on lighter, unarmored platforms.

The integrated AI and machine learning algorithms in the protection module play a critical role in threat detection and classification, processing radar data to identify immediate threats and presenting them to the operator as needed. The radar system’s adaptability also supports on-the-move performance, even at highway speeds, enhancing the operator's capacity to respond to threats in dynamic operational environments. The module also incorporates advanced electronic counter-countermeasure (ECCM) capabilities, maintaining its functionality even against adversarial attempts to disrupt radar operations.

The open architecture design of this modular radar system enables the integration of multiple sensors, optimizing detection and response to threats through simplified communication protocols and collaborative sensor cueing. This versatility is complemented by adaptive beamforming, allowing the radar to adjust in real-time to specific mission requirements, whether in open field operations or urban environments with prevalent short-range, high-speed threats.

In addition to its adaptable design, the protection module offers a complete set of protective measures, including Counter Rocket, Artillery, and Mortar (CRAM) capabilities with point-of-origin and point-of-impact designations. By incorporating precise location tracking, this system strengthens the operator's capacity to proactively address incoming threats and rapidly deploy appropriate countermeasures. Leonardo DRS positions the protection module as a viable solution for a range of military applications, combining sophisticated radar and AI functions to enhance combat effectiveness and vehicle survivability.

With the aCHR radar, Leonardo DRS provides a high-performance solution, positioning itself as a competitive option for vehicle protection needs across global markets. As military forces worldwide seek to improve tactical capabilities against diverse aerial and loitering threats, the proliferation of the protection module could signify a major advancement in modern defense strategies, offering adaptable, state-of-the-art solutions to a rapidly evolving defense landscape.
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