Defence Online

Event explores technology to stop armoured vehicles

Land June 3, 2019

DASA hosted an event exploring technological innovation capable of stopping tanks and other armoured vehicles at an event with the British Army.

A collaboration day was held with the British Army as part of DASA’s ‘Stopping it in its tracks’ armoured vehicle technology competition for Dstl. This explores novel and innovative technologies that will slow, stop or obstruct heavy armoured vehicles such as tanks, whilst minimising collateral damage. 

The competition embraces both physical and invisible ‘barriers’. Physical ‘barriers’ or effects provide a clear, visible deterrent to adversaries, can be quick to deploy and often do not require maintenance or supervision.

Invisible ‘barriers’ or effects may be used in combination with physical ‘barriers’ or effects especially when they can offer long term disability or degradation of the vehicle, or incapacitate it in a fire zone where other defensive solutions are in operation. Particular areas of interest include but are not limited to: EMP-based weapons; acoustic or light-based devices; electromagnetic interference or scrambling technologies; and solutions which reduce or impair visibility.

The day provided an opportunity for successful bidders from the first phase to discuss systems integration with new suppliers and for new ideas to be explored. A range of innovative technologies are under development including obscurants, track entanglements, track disruptors and autonomous aerial vehicles.

Suitable ideas are being sought not just for defence but those that have a wider security aspect, such as preventing vehicle-related terrorist attacks. Phase 2 of the competition will open shortly, suppliers do not have to have been in the previous phase to enter.

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Post written by: Ciara Houghton