RPG countermeasure tested

WILMINGTON, Mass., July 20 (UPI) -- Textron Defense Systems' TRAPSNet RPG countermeasure has completed a test event sponsored by the U.S. Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency.

TRAPSNet is an enhancement of the company's Tactical Rocket-Propelled Grenade Airbag Protection System and can be integrated with TRAPS onto any ground vehicle, wheeled or tracked.

TRAPS incorporates Textron Defense Systems' sensors, which are configured to identify incoming objects fitting the profile of an RPG warhead. Once sensors confirm an RPG threat, the countermeasure deploys a net (originally developed by AmSafe) integrated into a standard airbag to defeat the RPG while preventing vehicle penetration.

"Our TRAPS system is flexible and modular," said Textron Defense Systems Vice President of Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance and Protection Systems Tom McNamara. "It can be configured for front, rear or flank protection, as well as for 360-degree vehicle protection.

"The introduction of a passive countermeasure virtually eliminates collateral effects and paves the way for rapid fielding of an active protection system."

The company said the modular TRAPS architecture allows the TRAPSNet countermeasure to be swapped within minutes for various energetic countermeasures, as needed to satisfy different operational and threat needs. The system hardware, software and controller all remain the same for a low-total cost of ownership and more effective, customized vehicle protection.

The TRAPSNet countermeasure is multi-hit capable and doesn't significantly increase the width of the vehicle in its installed configuration. Moreover, it is only deployed once an RPG threat has been detected and verified by system sensors, improving visibility for the driver and passengers.

The testing was conducted at the Energetic Materials Research and Testing Center in Socorro, N.M. and involved dozens of RPG shots at various angles and ranges, Textron said.