Hensoldt Develops MUSS 2.0

Hensoldt is expanding the performance of its Multifunctional Self-Protection System (MUSS) self-protection system for armoured vehicles in order to detect and ward off additional and newly emerging threats, the company writes in a press release.

With the further development commissioned by the Federal Office of Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology and In-Service Support (BAAINBw), MUSS 2.0 is to be optimised in size, weight and number of assemblies. At the same time, the capabilities in the area of missile, projectile and laser detection are to be enhanced. In future, MUSS 2.0 is expected to also detect second-generation laser range finders. The sensor heads also detect laser beam riders, which are used to control guided missiles. With the help of the new laser rider, not only the directional resolution but also the threat identification capability is increased, according to Hensoldt. Due to the increased computing power of the central unit, additional missile and projectile threats can be detected as well as new applications such as Hostile Fire Indication can be implemented.

In addition, the interfaces were expanded to include the NATO Generic Vehicle Architecture in order to be able to port MUSS 2.0 to other platforms in a short time. With the second generation “MUSS”, HENSOLDT intends to open up the market for medium armoured troop vehicles, IFVs and battle tanks as a pure soft kill or so-called layered system both nationally and internationally. Over the past eight years, more than 350 assembly kits for the first batch of the PUMA IFV have already been delivered from the first-generation MUSS. This makes “MUSS” the only active soft kill protection system for ground vehicles in operational use that has been delivered in series worldwide, Hensoldt points out.

JH