SMASH: Bundeswehr tests drone defense with hand weapons
Waldemar Geiger and André Forkert
September 29, 2021
The German armed forces are testing various systems for platform-independent drone defense, including the SMASH system from the Israeli manufacturer Smartshooter, according to a video published today by the German armed forces.
“The tests clearly show that the systems improve the accuracy of targets considerably in realistic scenarios. In this way, the system enables the soldiers of the Bundeswehr to successfully fight unmanned microplanes with short training periods, ”says the video on the conclusion of the Bundeswehr test campaign.
According to well-informed circles, the tests were successful, so the German armed forces want to procure several SMASH systems for use as part of an immediate initiative. With the initiative, relevant products can be bought faster and outside the regular procurement process.
Both SMASH-AD and SMASH-X4 systems can be seen in the video, which apparently were tested on both a G95K (HK416 A7 in caliber 5.56 mm x 45) and the G27 (HK417 in caliber 7.62 x 51).
SMASH
The Smash family are fire control systems for handguns from the Israeli manufacturer Smartshooter. Smash combines electro-optical hardware with embedded image recognition software and a ballistic calculator. According to the manufacturer, the system can be used for day and night combat and offers different modes: drone mode, target recognition, lock & track, recording (photo, video) - e.g. for debriefing or legal purposes. The system supports position stabilization, can be used against static and dynamic targets and helps the shooter to clearly localize targets in front of different backgrounds. Drones can also be recognized and tracked.
Inspired by missile lock-on and fighter aircraft HUD technology, Smash eliminates multiple mistakes made by shooters, including mis aiming, pulling the trigger, tilting, and misjudging distances and lead.
Once a target has been identified and defined, the analytical algorithm calculates a shot solution, even if the shooter or target is in motion. Taking into account the respective movement of the target and the shooter, the system continuously calculates the stopping point required for a hit. This dynamic holdover point is continuously displayed in the eyepiece and offers the shooter a significantly higher hit probability for each shot. The shooter pulls the trigger, the system only allows a shot to be released if the shooter guides the target point of the weapon over the calculated holdover point of a previously marked target. The shot then breaks automatically. The manufacturer promises that every shot hits. At the push of a button, the system enables the shooter to fire the rifle manually if necessary (bypassing the fire control system). The system can be switched on again by pressing the button again.
The advanced real-time scenario analysis and targeting algorithms integrated into the Smash fire control system can identify, track and combat even difficult-to-detect targets such as drones by day or night.
The manufacturer promises that by means of this solution every standard handgun - regardless of whether it is an assault rifle, sniper rifle or machine gun - can be converted into an effective anti-drone weapon.
SMASH X4
The X4 is designed to significantly increase the identification range as well as the combat distance of Smash. The system's camera uses 4x optical magnification and thus increases the range for image processing (tracking, locking). In this way, ground targets, mobile and stationary, up to at least 400 meters and micro drones up to 250 meters can be fought. Attachments can be used for unrestricted night fighting capabilities. Since it is a digital rifle scope, the device can be integrated into the Battle Management System (BMS) according to the manufacturer. Information can be augmented here or provided in the uplink. For example, during a fire fight, Smash can automatically generate target data - direction angle, distance or photo - and make it available to the BMS. With the X4, the target data are even more precise, according to the manufacturer, and can then be used better.
It is offered both with and without a laser range finder (LRF). With LRF the size is 206 x 102 x 83 millimeters and the weight is 1,250 grams, without LRF the system is 130 grams lighter. Power is supplied by a rechargeable lithium-ion battery. This is sufficient for 72 hours of operation or up to 3,600 smash-supported shots or measurements. The LRF has a range of up to 1,000 meters.
SMASH: Bundeswehr testet Drohnenabwehr mit Handwaffen
Die deutschen Streitkräfte testen unterschiedliche Systeme zur plattformungebundenen Drohnenabwehr.
esut.de
