U.S. Army moves to field-test MAPS tank-protection sensors, system
NewsMarch 27, 2018
ORLANDO. Lockheed Martin has moved onto a next-phase contract with the U.S. Army's Tank Automotive Research, Development and Engineering Center (TARDEC) to continue maturing the Modular Active Protection Systems (MAPS) controller base kit hardware and software -- a system of sensors, software, and additional hardware designed to protect heavy military vehicles and their occupants.
It is slated to support government integration efforts ahead of platform demonstrations scheduled to take place through 2019.
The TARDEC MAPS Base Kit, which Lockheed Martin has already delivered to the Army, consists of a controller, user interface, power-management distribution system, and application software; the system integrates Modular APS Framework (MAF)-compliant components, sensors, and countermeasures to detect and defeat threats targeting MAPS-equipped vehicles. While the MAPS is designed to be placed on current combat-vehicle platforms, it is also able to support future vehicle protection system capabilities.
Paul Lemmo, vice president of Sensors & Global Sustainment at Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control, said of the program: "Our MAPS offering is ready to support field tests using today's platforms and active protection system components. A modular and open-architecture design means any component can be selectively upgraded across all MAPS-enabled platforms to address emerging threats. That promotes affordability by extending the system's life cycle and boosts protection for the warfighter without increasing vehicle weight."
