WASHINGTON — A U.S. defense major has developed a system to protect
against rocket-propelled grenades, a leading threat in Iraq.
Textron Systems has developed the Tactical Rocket Propelled Grenade
Airbag Protection System. Executives said TRAPS was designed to provide a
low-cost system to defeat RPGs.
The system, displayed at the annual Association of U.S. Army meeting in
Washington, combines a radar and a modified commercial airbag system to
protect combat vehicles, Middle East Newsline reported. The product was acquired by Textron Systems when it
bought Innovative Survivability Technologies in July 2006.
Executives said TRAPS, unlike active protection systems, does not
threaten those in the vicinity of the RPG. They said active protection
systems, including those from Israel, tested by the U.S. Army in 2006
contained the potential of collateral damage.
"As the battlespace continues to shift into more urban settings, the
need for close-in protection is greater than ever," Textron general manager
for operations Rod Beach said. "There is an on-going and significant problem
with RPGs."
The TRAPS development was financed by a $3.5 million contract from the
Office of the Secretary of Defense Quick Reaction Contract Office, and
administered by the U.S. Army Tank Automotive Research, Development and
Engineering Center. Executives said Congress has provided $3 million to
continue development in fiscal 2007.
"TRAPS is a safe, proven and cost-effective RPG defeat system that is
readily available to protect personnel and vehicles against sudden and
lethal attacks by rocket propelled devices." Beach said.
