Signs That a Tank Has Active Protection Systems (APS)

Active Protection Systems (APS) have become a crucial component in tank design, enhancing the vehicle's survivability and defensive capabilities. While some tanks are easy to spot, others can be more subtle in their indications of APS presence. This article will delve into the signs to look for, explaining the differences between soft kill and hard kill APS and highlighting how various tanks are equipped.

What Are Active Protection Systems (APS)?

Active Protection Systems (APS) are sophisticated defensive measures designed to intercept and destroy incoming threats before they can reach and damage the tank. APS can be categorized into two main types: soft kill APS and hard kill APS.

Signs of Soft Kill APS

Soft Kill APS do not directly intercept and destroy incoming threats but rather employ countermeasures to confuse, mislead, or disrupt incoming threats. Here are the signs you may observe on a tank that is equipped with soft kill APS:

Visible Equipment: Some tanks, like the T-90M, feature prominently visible soft kill APS. These can include wavelength disrupters and other countermeasures, often mounted on the roof of the tank. Camouflaged Disrupters: Other tanks, such as the T-90M, may have more subtle camouflaged soft kill APS. These disrupters, often infrared countermeasures (IRCM), are designed to interfere with enemy targeting systems. Despite their covert appearance, their presence can still be identified by careful inspection. No Ejection Trajectory: A classic sign of a tank with soft kill APS is the absence of an ejection trajectory. Soft kill systems do not typically engage projectiles directly, resulting in no obvious entry or exit points on the tank's exterior.

Signs of Hard Kill APS

In contrast to soft kill APS, hard kill APS directly intercept and destroy incoming threats. Here are some indicators to look for:

Visible APS Charges: Hard kill APS charges are more pronounced and are often visible on the roof of the tank. These charges are designed to explode and neutralize incoming threats before they can penetrate the tank's armor. Energy Emissions: Modern hard kill APS systems may emit a distinct electromagnetic or optical signature, making them more detectable. While this can be a useful indicator, it is also a risk to reveal the tank's position. Missile Detonation Signatures: If you observe missile-like explosions near or inside the tank's armor during an attack, it is likely engaged with a hard kill APS. These explosions are a clear sign of active system engagement.

Examples of Tank Types and Their APS

Understanding the differences between soft and hard kill APS can help identify which systems are present on various tanks. Here are a few examples:

T-90A and T-90M

The T-90A and T-90M tanks represent a mix of soft and hard kill APS capabilities.

T-90A: This tank likely features a more robust hard kill APS system, with visible ejection trajectories and missile interception zones. T-90M: While still capable of utilizing hard kill APS, the T-90M has a more prominently featured soft kill APS. Its roof-mounted wavelength disrupters and IRCM may be more noticeable compared to older models.

Conclusion

Active Protection Systems (APS) are critical for the survival of modern tanks. By understanding the signs of both soft kill and hard kill APS, you can better identify their presence and capabilities. Whether in the heat of battle or during peacetime evaluations, being able to recognize APS can provide valuable insights into the tactical and defensive measures of different tank models.