Iron Curtain (countermeasure)

Iron Curtain is an active protection system (APS) designed by Artis, LLC, an American technology development and manufacturing firm located in Herndon, Virginia. The system is designed to protect military vehicles and other assets by intercepting threats such as rocket-propelled grenades and rendering them inert.

Technology
Iron Curtain uses two independent sensors, radar and optical, high-speed computing, and tightly controlled explosively formed penetrators to minimize the false alarm rate and increase reliability and accuracy. The system, which began as a DARPA program, is able to defeat threats even if fired from an extremely close range.

The system’s radar was developed by Mustang Technology Group in Plano, Texas. BAE Systems integrated the system onto a combat vehicle as a demonstrator for government testing.

Government testing
In April 2013, the company announced it achieved a perfect score during rigorous government tests. “We proved not only that Iron Curtain defeats threats and saves lives, but the risk from collateral damage is minimal, especially when compared with the alternative," according to the company's CEO, Keith Brendley. He said the system is ready to be deployed and integrated into vehicle systems.

Vehicles integrated
BAE Systems is integrating the Iron Curtain onto its GCV Infantry Fighting Vehicle. Integration tests were conducted in April 2013.