The new configuration expands the Trophy vehicle protection system with options intended to address different threat sets. EuroTrophy is now offering two configurations of the system, distinguished mainly by their radar equipment.
The classic solution uses the WindGuard radar operating in the S band. A second option uses the StormGuard radar operating in the X band, which is presented as better suited to detecting and tracking numerous slow-moving targets such as drones.
Both radars are products of Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI). The StormGuard antennas are also slightly smaller than those of the WindGuard configuration.
EuroTrophy also proposed new effectors designed specifically to counter drones. The anti-drone configuration was presented on the Leopard 2 A-RC 3.0 concept main battle tank.
In this configuration, Trophy also supervises a set of interceptor drones carried by the tank. Two launcher blocks were mounted at the rear of the turret, each containing four transport-launch canisters for interceptor drones.
The system can respond with different effectors depending on how the Trophy fire control system classifies the target. Its own effectors may be used against anti-tank grenade launcher projectiles, while interceptor drones may be used against aerial threats.
A remotely controlled weapon station may also be used in the response. Its fire control system can also receive target information from Trophy.
According to the consortium, the ability to transmit information is a key function of the Trophy system. This gives the active protection system a wider role in the vehicle’s defensive architecture.
Trophy has become the standard active protection system for Leopard 2 family tanks. It has been fitted to Norwegian Leopard 2A8NO tanks and German Leopard 2A7A1 tanks.
The Norwegian vehicles were previously classified as Leopard 2A7NO. They were reclassified as Leopard 2A8NO because of minor design differences and for marketing purposes.
Further orders of Leopard 2A8 tanks are also expected to include Trophy. The input article said the Bundeswehr intends this year to buy at least 75 additional Leopard 2A8 tanks.
Trophy HV is also described as a standard active protection system for tanks. It is planned for U.S. M1A2 SEPv3 Abrams tanks, although those systems are not normally mounted in daily service and form part of wartime additional equipment.
The system is also expected to equip British Challenger 3 tanks, though not all of them. Israeli tanks and other armoured vehicles of the Merkava family are also fitted with Trophy.
