Micro-Doppler, Not Metal Grills: APS Takes on the Drone Threat

Image by @Grok

Russia's Mechanical Engineering Design Bureau (JSC NPK KBM) in Kolomna has patented a new technique to safeguard tanks from drone attacks. Existing MBT (Main Battle Tank) active protection systems (APS), such as the Arena-M fitted on the T-90M, are designed to detect, track, and engage fast-moving ATGMs and shells. However, they are ineffective against small battlefield kamikaze drones.

Overcoming the Challenge

Small drones flying at low speeds generate weak RF reflections and are therefore ignored by the APS as background clutter. The patented technique does not attempt to detect the drone directly. Instead, it detects a drone indirectly by sensing the distinctive scattering pattern of RF signal reflections generated by the drone’s propellers.

Propeller blades create a characteristic micro-Doppler signature that is normally interpreted as “radar noise.”

In Patent No. 2853544, published in the database of the Federal Institute of Industrial Property (FIPS), KBM developers propose hardware and algorithmic modifications to the radar sensor that allow the APS to additionally handle drone threats. The radar periodically switches from a long-range detection mode—optimized to detect and track missiles and shells—to a short-range detection mode optimized for drones using the patented technique.

This allows the radar to seamlessly track both high-speed threats and slow-moving drones.

It would be possible to upgrade existing Arena-M APS installations with the patented hardware and software, giving T-90M “Breakthrough” tanks a dedicated counter-drone capability.

The existing Arena-M complex reportedly features a multifunctional radar station with high noise immunity for threat detection. For threat engagement, it employs quick-activation ammunition placed along the perimeter of the tank turret in dedicated installation shafts.

Copyright © Vijainder K Thakur. First published on Thumkar.

Breaking & Thumkar Exclusive: Indian Army Seeks its Own Armata - Future Ready Combat Vehicle (FRCV)

The newly unveiled Russian Armata tank

The Indian Army plans to design and develop a futuristic combat vehicle called the Future Ready Combat Vehicle (FRCV)  to replace the T-72 tanks of the Armored Corp starting 2025-27. [RFI]

This tracked fighting vehicle would feature a modular design that will be leveraged to create a family of combat vehicles.

The FRCV's modular design would be flexible to an extent where it can be configured to operate in varying terrain.

The following variants are planned to be developed on the FRCV platform:

1. Tracked Main Battle Tank - Primary variant.
2. Tracked Light Tank.
3. Wheeled Version.
4. Bridge Layer Tank (BLT).
5. Trawl Tank and Mine Ploughs.
6. Armored Recovery Vehicle (ARV).
7. Self Propelled Artillery Gun/Howitzer.
8. Air Defense Gun/Msl System.
9. Artillery Observation Post Vehicle.
10. Engineer Reconnaissance Vehicle.
11. Armored Ambulance.
12. FRCV Development Process

The FRCV has been conceived as a Design and Development project, to be executed in three stages as under:

1. Design Stage.
2. Prototype Development Stage.
3. Production Stage.

During the three development stages, the Design Agency and Developing Agency (DA) could be separate entities. The best design would be chosen and given to nominated DA(s) for production of the prototype(s). The selected prototype will be given to Production Agency(s) (PAs) for bulk production.

The FRCV would be required to conduct sustained continuous operations by day and night in all weather conditions in terrain and temperature ranges obtaining on India’s Western borders.

The FRCV should be in the `Medium Tank’ category whose physical dimensions should facilitate transportability over existing terrain, in-service military bridges and major civilian infrastructure (including bridges) in the border areas (on either side of the Western border).

Crew

The number of crew members should be such that they can perform their

designated tasks, and operate all on-board systems without hindrance and without any overlapping of duties/ responsibilities.

Fire Power

Should be well matched to contemporary MBTs in engagement ranges, all weather day/night fighting capability, depth of penetration and variety of ammunition.

Should have very high accuracy [High FRHP (First Round Hit Probability)] and very high lethality [High SSKP (Single Shot Kill Probability)], at par with contemporary MBTs.

Protection.

Should provide very high all-round protection, including ballistic, active and any other form of anti-armor technologies, to ensure survivability in the contemporary and future battlefield.

Should incorporate signature reduction technologies.

High response evasion/ anti-detection system.

Mobility

Should have adequately high power-to-weight ratio to enable all on-board systems to be run simultaneously, without disrupting the agility and mobility of the vehicle.

Should have high operating range, comparable to contemporary MBTs

IDP Sentinel members can read more details at the link below

Future Ready Combat Vehicle (FRCV) - IDP Sentinel

DRDO Seeks Additional Diehl Track System 570 Z0 for Arjun MBT Mk-2 As Trials Progress

Arjun Mk-2 tracks at DefExpo 2014

DRDO has invited bids for Diehl Track System 570 Z0 for fitment on 5 Arjun MBT Mk-2 tanks.

Diehl, a German defense equipment manufacturer, produces chains and drive components for a wide range of military vehicles worldwide including the 70-ton Leopard 2 MBT and Arjun Mk-1 MBT.

Diehl tracks fitted on Arjun Mk-1 are now being manufactured by L&T. (The tracks on a tank have limited life and need to be periodically replaced.)

Arjun Mk-2 is reportedly undergoing 5 phase user acceptance trials, of which three phases have already been completed.

Improvements suggested in each phase are being implemented before the start of the subsequent phase.

The concluding fourth and fifth phases of user trials will begin in May 2014.

In the fourth phase the tank would be tested for obstacle crossing and medium fording (water) capabilities.

There are 89 improvements being undertaken on the Mk II tank, out of which 74 are related to equipment fitted on the tank and the remaining 15 are other improvements such as ammunition development.

So far the prototype tank has covered over 5,000 km as part of the DRDO and user trials.

The Indian Army has already placed orders on Heavy Vehicles Factory (HVF), Avadi, Chennai for 124 Arjun Mark-II tanks.

The additional 124 MBTs would help the Army to raise two more regiments of the indigenous tanks.

Production of the first batch of Arjun Mark-II MBTs is likely to start by 2015.

IDP Sentinel members can read additional details at

Arjun MBT Mk-II (IDP Sentinel)