Future Armoured Vehicles Survivability 2022: Hensoldt develops MUSS 2.0 APS

Hensoldt's MUSS 2.0 prototypes will be installed in Puma IFVs in 2023. (PSM)

Hensoldt presented its Multifunctional Self-Protection System (Multifunktionales Selbstschutz-System: MUSS) 2.0 at SAE Media Group's Future Armoured Vehicles Survivability 2022 pre-conference Active Protection Systems (APS) Focus Day held in London on 15 November.

Jan Spannhake, Hensoldt's chief engineer for ground-based self-protection systems, told at the event that there had been continuous improvements to MUSS since it was introduced into service in 2010 – when over 350 German Army Puma infantry fighting vehicles (IFVs) have received the system. For the new-generation MUSS 2.0, of which prototypes are to be installed in Puma IFVs at Krauss-Maffei Wegmann's Kassel plant in 2023, these improvements include a laser warning receiver (LWR), providing the capability to detect laser beam-riding missiles. Spannhake reported that the LWR was tested in the last few months in the Australian desert.

Spannhake said MUSS 2.0 has four sensor heads, each housing a missile and a laser warning sensor – on the sides of the Puma's turret and that it can handle several incoming threats. MUSS can also detect and provide early warning against kinetic energy (KE) rounds, tracers, and rocket-propelled grenades. The system has a detection range of up to 7 km and at least 4 km for KE rounds, according to Spannhake.

In addition to four warning sensors, MUSS consists of a central unit, an infrared (IR) jammer, and a directional smoke launcher with control electronics. The warning sensor detects approaching missiles and laser beams directed at the vehicle. The central unit then triggers IR measures to interfere with the missile control and/or pyrotechnic countermeasures.