The Army Future Combat Systems (FCS) projectile shield Active Protection System (APS) passed interception tests, Raytheon Co. [RTN] announced.
Those tests involved both stationary and moving targets.
APS defeats multiple incoming projectiles simultaneously and while on the move, providing active protection for FCS manned ground vehicles.
FCS is a massive $160 billion program to provide the Army with new vehicles, aircraft, and more, all linked by advanced communications systems. FCS is a joint networked family of manned and unmanned ground and air platforms and sensors that enables ground combat forces to conduct their missions safely and more effectively.
The Boeing Co. [BA] and partner Science Applications International Corp. [SAI] function as the lead systems integrator for the program, managing more than 500 partners and suppliers. The LSI role is to oversee other contractors that actually manufacture the platforms in the FCS.
Vertical launch technology used here involves an engagement technique that defeats direct or indirect incoming threats to a vehicle by physically destroying or deflecting them in flight. Typically, a vehicle-based APS will shoot down rocket propelled grenades or anti-tank guided missiles coming in from any direction by launching an interceptor. The innovative “pop and pitch” engagement — whereby the interceptor launches (pops up) vertically from the vehicle, pitches over, then intercepts and destroys the threat — blows debris from the intercepted weapon downward toward the ground.