Iron Fist Active Protection System
Encyclopedia
Iron Fist is a hard-kill active protection system
(APS) designed by Israel Military Industries
(IMI), with a modular design allowing adaptation to a range of platforms ranging from light utility vehicles to heavy armoured fighting vehicle
s. The concept was revealed by IMI in 2006 and was expected to enter Israel Defense Forces
tests by mid 2007. The system has already been successfully tested against a wide variety of threats including rocket-propelled grenades, anti-tank guided missile
s and tank-fired HEAT ammunition and kinetic energy penetrator
s.
It senses incoming threats via a fixed radar
sensor developed by RADA Electronic Industries
and an optional passive infrared detector
developed by Elbit's
Elisra. When a threat is imminent, an explosive projectile interceptor is launched towards it. The interceptor explodes very near the threat, destroying or deflecting and destabilizing it without detonating its warhead. For this, only the blast effect of the explosive is used. The interceptor casing is made of combustible materials so no fragmentation
is formed in the explosion, helping minimize collateral damage
.
On November 2010, The Israeli ministry of defense announced stop of funding of the system development .
On May 2011 the system intercepted Kinetic energy penetrators and Metis anti tank missiles during a test in the U.S .
Active protection system
An active protection system is a system designed to prevent sensor-based weapons from acquiring and/or destroying a target....
(APS) designed by Israel Military Industries
Israel Military Industries
Israel Weapons Industries , formerly the "Magen" division of the Israel Military Industries Ltd. is an Israeli firearms manufacturer. In 2005, the Small Arms Division of IMI was privatized....
(IMI), with a modular design allowing adaptation to a range of platforms ranging from light utility vehicles to heavy armoured fighting vehicle
Armoured fighting vehicle
An armoured fighting vehicle is a combat vehicle, protected by strong armour and armed with weapons. AFVs can be wheeled or tracked....
s. The concept was revealed by IMI in 2006 and was expected to enter Israel Defense Forces
Israel Defense Forces
The Israel Defense Forces , commonly known in Israel by the Hebrew acronym Tzahal , are the military forces of the State of Israel. They consist of the ground forces, air force and navy. It is the sole military wing of the Israeli security forces, and has no civilian jurisdiction within Israel...
tests by mid 2007. The system has already been successfully tested against a wide variety of threats including rocket-propelled grenades, anti-tank guided missile
Anti-tank guided missile
An anti-tank missile , anti-tank guided missile , anti-tank guided weapon or anti-armor guided weapon is a guided missile primarily designed to hit and destroy heavily-armored military vehicles....
s and tank-fired HEAT ammunition and kinetic energy penetrator
Kinetic energy penetrator
A kinetic energy penetrator is a type of ammunition which, like a bullet, does not contain explosives and uses kinetic energy to penetrate the target....
s.
It senses incoming threats via a fixed radar
Radar
Radar is an object-detection system which uses radio waves to determine the range, altitude, direction, or speed of objects. It can be used to detect aircraft, ships, spacecraft, guided missiles, motor vehicles, weather formations, and terrain. The radar dish or antenna transmits pulses of radio...
sensor developed by RADA Electronic Industries
RADA Electronic Industries
RADA Electronic Industries is an Israeli company specializing in defense electronics. It furnishes its clients with data recording and management systems, navigation systems, and radar sensors, among other products. Its shares are traded on the NASDAQ Capital Market.- History :RADA Electronic...
and an optional passive infrared detector
Infrared detector
An infrared detector is a photodetector that reacts to infrared radiation. The two main types of detectors are thermal and photonic.The thermal effects of the incident IR radiation can be followed through many temperature dependent phenomena....
developed by Elbit's
Elbit Systems
Elbit Systems Ltd. is one of the world's largest defense electronics manufacturers and integrators. Established in 1967, and based in Haifa, Israel, Elbit employs 11,000 people worldwide....
Elisra. When a threat is imminent, an explosive projectile interceptor is launched towards it. The interceptor explodes very near the threat, destroying or deflecting and destabilizing it without detonating its warhead. For this, only the blast effect of the explosive is used. The interceptor casing is made of combustible materials so no fragmentation
Fragmentation (weaponry)
Fragmentation is the process by which the casing of an artillery shell, bomb, grenade, etc. is shattered by the detonating high explosive filling. The correct technical terminology for these casing pieces is fragments , although shards or splinters can be used for non-preformed fragments...
is formed in the explosion, helping minimize collateral damage
Collateral damage
Collateral damage is damage to people or property that is unintended or incidental to the intended outcome. The phrase is prevalently used as an euphemism for civilian casualties of a military action.-Etymology:...
.
On November 2010, The Israeli ministry of defense announced stop of funding of the system development .
On May 2011 the system intercepted Kinetic energy penetrators and Metis anti tank missiles during a test in the U.S .