In the ever-shifting sands of military tech, where innovation is as crucial as firepower, Artis dropped a game-changer: the Sentinel third-generation active protection systems (APS).
Defense on the Cutting-edge
This latest tech from Artis isn’t just another piece of hardware; it’s a lifeline against the threats that have been keeping us up at night—attacks from above.
And this might be the shield we’ve been waiting for for the US Army and others who play in the big leagues.
The Army’s dance with Artis isn’t new.
They looked at the Iron Curtain system for their combat vehicles but eventually passed.
The Sentinel, though, is a different beast—a third-generation active protection system that’s laser-focused on tackling the top attack threats.
A Shield Against the Sky
Here’s the deal: the Sentinel is built to take on pretty much anything thrown at it from above.
We’re talking tank rounds, anti-tank missiles, RPGs, and those pesky exploding drones that have been wreaking havoc.
It’s a response to a gap in our defense that’s been starkly highlighted in recent conflicts, like the mess in Ukraine.
The Road to Sentinel
Artis didn’t just whip up the Sentinel overnight.
This goes back to 2008, in cahoots with the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA).
Over the years, they’ve been tweaking and tuning, leading up to this beast of a system.
It’s a brainchild born from collaboration and necessity, especially after the Army decided the Stryker vehicle needed something different than the Iron Curtain.
Iron Curtain is out as possible active protection system for Stryker https://t.co/uY8aPtWRsR pic.twitter.com/N3yX1RsAxS
— Defense News (@defense_news) August 24, 2018
More Than Just Anti-Air
Sentinel isn’t a one-trick pony.
It’s got chops against sabot rounds and chain gun threats, too.
That versatility is key in the unpredictable landscapes of modern combat.
Keith Brendley, the head honcho at Artis, is all about the Sentinel’s cost-effectiveness and its ability to take multiple hits.
“The focus wasn’t on top-attack; it was on sabot rounds and chain gun threats,” Brendley, in an interview, told Defense News, discussing Arits’ collaboration with the Army’s Rapid Capabilities and Critical Technologies Office, which ended in mid-2023.
“So not only can Sentinel defeat top-attack threats, but we can also defeat tank-fired rounds, sabot rounds, things of that nature,” he added.
In short, this latest shield is built for the urban jungle and the open plains alike.
Upgraded Firepower and Flexibility
Compared to its predecessor, the Iron Curtain, the Sentinel is like jumping from a prop plane to a jet.
Stryker IFV with Iron Curtain & Prophy APS pic.twitter.com/LwPBVedV3X
— Caesar (@Ninja998998) November 13, 2019
It’s smarter, adapting its munitions in real-time based on sensor data.
And it’s not stuck shooting in just one direction – this thing can pivot and adapt like a prizefighter.
A New Approach to Defense
What makes the Sentinel stand out is how it’s set up around a vehicle.
It’s not your typical, conventional setup.
The sensors and countermeasures aren’t just bolted on; they’re part of the vehicle’s DNA, giving it a protective bubble without slowing it down or making it clunky.
“I think the remarkable difference is in how you can configure the system. You can use different sensors, which we are. And No. 2, the countermeasures don’t have to cantilever far from the vehicle,” Brendley explained in a statement. “They can be right up against the vehicle, then fire out at an angle.”
Integration Challenges and the Future
The Army’s been flirting with various active protection systems.
They’ve got the Trophy APS on their Abrams tanks in Europe, and they’ve been eyeing others like the Iron Fist for the Bradley.
But it’s not all smooth sailing – there are tech headaches and wallet concerns.
Artis is showing off the Sentinel, hoping to catch the Army’s eye, and they’re not just playing to the home crowd – there’s international interest brewing, too, especially from the Middle East.
Sentinel: Changing the Game
In wrapping this up, Artis’ Sentinel isn’t just another piece of gear; it’s a potential revolution in how we defend against the dangers from above.
With its versatility, firepower, and slick design, it could change the face of modern warfare.
As the defense world takes notice, we’re all watching to see how the Sentinel will carve its place in the arsenal of tomorrow’s warriors.
As a vet, I can tell you – this is the kind of tech that can make a real difference out there in the field.
—
Disclaimer: SOFREP utilizes AI for image generation and article research. Occasionally, it’s like handing a chimpanzee the keys to your liquor cabinet. It’s not always perfect and if a mistake is made, we own up to it full stop. In a world where information comes at us in tidal waves, it is an important tool that helps us sift through the brass for live rounds.