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In Eurosatory 2006 IMI is unveiling its new
Active Defense System
(ADS) called - Iron Fist. Until recently, the development of Iron
Fist was shrouded in secrecy, as it was developed in parallel to a
different Israeli developed ADS system -
RAFAEL's Trophy, which entered full scale development in 2005.
However, due to rapid development pace and successful testing, IMI
expects to deliver the first systems for IDF testing and
qualifications by mid 2007. Unlike competing systems, IMI's Iron Fist
can be installed on light vehicles, including trucks and even Humvees,
offering effective protection from RPGs.
IMI conducted extensive testing against a full spectrum of threats,
engaging various types of threats from stationary and moving armored
personnel carriers. The system already demonstrated effective
protection of light vehicles and heavy armored vehicles, from small
rocket propelled grenades, anti-tank missiles and tank rounds equipped
with shaped charge warheads as well as advanced kinetic threats (armor
piercing tank rounds).
 The
system uses a fixed radar sensor, mounted on the protected platform,
to detect potential threats, measure distance and trajectory,
providing the fire control system with data for calculation of engagement
plans. When a threat is identified as imminent, an explosive
projectile interceptor is launched toward it. The interceptor, shaped
similar to a small mortar bomb, is designed to defeat the threat even
when flying in very close proximity. Unlike other systems, the Iron
Fist uses only the blast effect to defeat the threat, crushing the
soft components of a shaped charge or deflecting and destabilizing the
missile or kinetic rod in their flight. The interceptor is made of
combustible envelope, fully consumed in the explosion. Without the
risk of shrapnel, Iron Fist provides an effective, close-in protection
for vehicles operating in dense, urban environment. The use of close
proximity, rather than "hit to kill" mechanism avoids complex
interception techniques and contributes to reduced cost.
One of the main advantages of the Iron Fist is its integration into
routine operations. Its sensor provides essential input to situational
awareness systems, based on ground radar surveillance, moving target
detection, classification and tracking and motion detection.
Furthermore, by loading other types of projectiles, such as non
lethal, anti-personnel, smoke or illumination, the system can be used
in support of routine operation.
Iron Fist is supported by Israel's MOD Directorate for Defense Research & Development (DDR&D). The program is designed to protect medium and
light vehicles, but based on its performance, has the potential to be
fielded on heavy armor as well. In future configurations, the system
has a growth potential to protect sensitive elements of fixed
installations or patrol boats, protecting from RPG attacks, frequently
encountered in counter insurgency operations.
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