Airbag RPG Countermeasure
Completes First Testing Phase

Textron Defense Systems' Tactical Rocket Propelled Grenade (RPG) Airbag Protection System, (TRAPS), has recently completed the first phase of testing at the Energetic Materials Research and Testing Center (EMRTC) in Socorro, New Mexico. During these tests the system defeated live RPGs fired at different angles and from both short and long ranges.

This testing was accomplished under the supervision of the U.S. Army Tank Automotive Research, Development and Engineering Center (TARDEC). TARPS is designed for use for the protection of light and medium protected vehicles. The system employs a sensor detection technology combined with airbags and non-lethal countermeasures to defeat threats.“Goals for this round of testing included recording extensive system data, as well as evaluating its baseline operational performance,” says Chief Technology Officer Tom McNamara of Textron Systems Corporation.

The TARPS system was displayed at the AUSA 2009 exhibition installed on the JLTV model developed by the GTV team. Photo: Defense Update

Two images depicting the RPG impacting the airbag, resulting in crushing the fuze and dsrupting the warhead to minimize the lethal effect of its shaped charge warhead. Photo: IST

“With these Phase I tasks accomplished successfully, we are looking forward to further fine tuning the TRAPS system’s capability.” Phase II testing is expected to take place in late fall of 2009. As with the successful Phase I test event, Phase II testing will utilize an architecture design for the Mine Resistant Ambush Protected, or MRAP, vehicle.

TARPS was created as the 'inflating airbag system' (IAB) developed by a company named IST, which developed a prototype that combined an inexpensive radar sensor and airbag systems which are inflated before the RPG hits the protected vehicle. The airbag disrupts the shaped charge fuse, as the projectile collapses upon itself, jamming the time-out fuse, thus defusing the shaped charge before it hits the vehicle's skin. During the initial tests, the system was installed on up-armored Humvees doors, and demonstrated effective protection of the crew compartment. IABS was also effective in protecting the transparent armor (windows) which were broken, but were not penetrated by the RPG.

The TARPS system has been modified through its developmental process, becoming more robust and adaptable to different types of light and medium protected vehicles. (Photo: Defense Update).