Israel Military Industries Ltd's (IMI) Porcupine Quill tank defense system has succeeded in a series of tests in the US. The system intercepts antitank missiles and RPGs. The tests were conducted at the US Army Aberdeen Proving Ground in Maryland.
During the tests, the Porcupine Quill successfully intercepted a high proportion of a variety of antitank rocket fired at the test vehicles.
IMI has been developing the Porcupine Quill for several years, and it will reportedly become operational within 18 months. The system identifies incoming threats on the battlefield and fires an interceptor that explodes in the proximity of the incoming missile, neutralizing it. Among other things, this prevents injury by shrapnel from the exploding ordnance to soldiers around a tank or armored vehicle. A source close to the project said, "Every missile or rocket fired and intercepted by the Porcupine Quill falls to the ground, becoming a dud."
The Porcupine Quill can operate in all weather conditions and at night. It can identify the source of the incoming missile enabling the defense to accurately fire back at the source.
When the system's development is complete, IMI plans to offer it to armies around the world. Israel's Ministry of Defense is discussing installing the system on the IDF's new Leopard armored personnel carrier, which will come into service over the coming decade.
Rafael Advanced Defense Systems Ltd's Trophy armored vehicle protection system was declared operational a few months ago. All IDF Merkava tanks coming off the production line are equipped with the system, which has proven itself in several incidents in the Gaza Strip. Rafael is displaying the Trophy at the 2011 Paris Air Show Le Bourget, where it has attracted considerable attention.
Published by Globes [online], Israel business news - www.globes-online.com - on June 21, 2011
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