As part of the Eurosatory 2024 a few weeks ago Hensoldt presented MUSS 2.0 (Multifunctional Self-Protection System), a further development in the field of vehicle-independent self-protection. The system represents the next generation of the existing MUSS, which has already been integrated into the Puma infantry fighting vehicle more than 350 times. MUSS 2.0 is the latest generation of stand-off protection measures for medium-weight armored vehicles, self-propelled guns, artillery vehicles, infantry fighting vehicles and main battle tanks.
Compared to the previous version, MUSS 2.0 is characterized by a lower weight and a smaller silhouette while at the same time increasing its capabilities. The system consists of four passive sensor heads, each with a missile and laser warning sensor, a central unit, an advanced laser-based infrared jammer and a countermeasure unit for emitting pyrotechnic decoys. This sensor network enables the system to detect not only threats such as wire- and laser-guided missiles, but also tracer rounds, bazookas, muzzle flashes and fire from projectiles.
MUSS 2.0 is also capable of accurately detecting and classifying the direction of low-power lasers, such as those used in guidance systems and rangefinders. Laser-guided missiles in particular can be jammed by the IR jammer and thus defended against. The data obtained by the system can be fed into the battle management system in order to better combat the threat. MUSS 2.0 can detect several threats at the same time, prioritize them according to their danger and combat them semi- or fully autonomously. The threat database can be customized by the user, allowing it to be adapted to the respective battlefield and also to counter future threats.
“MUSS 2.0 offers improved and expanded sensor technology, significantly improved software and modern countermeasures,” says Jan Erbe, Head of the Ground-based Systems division at Hensoldt. He is convinced: “The multi-level system offers the possibility of integrating hard-kill effectors in addition to soft-kill countermeasures for laser-guided threats. MUSS 2.0 thus makes a critical contribution to protecting the armored platform and its occupants.”
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