The 2009 Frost & Sullivan Global Defense Industry Product of the Year Award is conferred on Israel-based Rafael Advanced Defense Systems Ltd., in recognition of its advanced hybrid armor protection system - the ASPRO HMT.

ASPRO HMT is an upgrade of Rafael’s battle proven, insensitive reactive armor used by a number of armies around the world on their main battle tanks, armored fighting vehicles and armored personnel carriers. The product is a unique combination of passive and reactive armor, with the capacity to withstand multiple threats including rocket propelled grenades (RPG).

“ASPRO HMT is a blend of both passive and reactive armor, thus providing superior protection against improvised explosive devices (IED’s), explosively formed projectiles (EFP’s), RPGs and armor piercing projectiles,” notes Frost & Sullivan Research Analyst Amit Durgaprasad. “In terms of endurance, it can withstand higher damage compared to stand alone passive or reactive armor.”

However, its real advantage lies in its weight. In conventional armored vehicles that use passive armor, providing increased armor adds to the weight of the vehicle. This in turn considerably decreases the movement of the vehicle, a factor which is vital in tough terrain and desert warfare conditions. In many cases, field experts are required to make the difficult choice between providing improved protection or off track maneuverability. 

“In contrast, the revolutionary hybrid technology underpinning ASPRO HMT provides improved protection within the vehicle’s weight limitations,” says Durgaprasad. “Soldiers enjoy enhanced protection, without compromising on the efficiency of the vehicle.”

ASPRO HMT is modular. It can be fitted as add-on armor to existing armor, thus eliminating the need for expensive refurbishing. The armored tiles are designed for rapid maintenance and, whenever required, can be removed and mounted onsite by two soldiers without special tools or training.

“The reactive material used in the system has been developed specifically for the armor and is in accordance with the safety standards of the UN and the US DOT,” remarks Durgaprasad. “The material does not detonate when hit by bullets or fragments but reacts strongly against shaped charge warheads. Furthermore, the armor is life time maintenance free.”

There are a select group of companies which have developed the technology to produce add on armor. But none have successfully implemented a combination of reactive and passive armor, with the exception of Rafael.

“The ASPRO HMT has received strong acclaim from several European countries, NATO and the US,” states Durgaprasad. “Rafael’s hybrid armor is set to be integrated into future APC and MPV programs worldwide even as ASPRO HMT is poised to become the combat standard for all future armored vehicle protection systems.”

The Frost & Sullivan Award for Product of the Year is presented to the company that has demonstrated excellence in new product development and launch within its industry. The recipient company has shown innovation by launching a broad line of emerging products and technologies.

Frost & Sullivan Best Practices Awards recognise companies in a variety of regional and global markets for demonstrating outstanding achievement and superior performance in areas such as leadership, technological innovation, customer service, and strategic product development. Industry analysts compare market participants and measure performance through in-depth interviews, analysis, and extensive secondary research in order to identify best practices in the industry.

About Rafael Advanced Defense Systems Ltd
Rafael designs, develops, manufactures and supplies a wide range of advanced defense systems.  These leading edge products include naval, air and ground precision weapons, electro-optic systems, electronic warfare (EW) systems, C4I and unmanned systems, acoustic defense systems, armored protection, breaching munitions and space technologies.

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