BAE Systems achieved an industry first in February 2005 by successfully defeating incoming threats during live-fire testing of an Electromagnetic Armor (EMA) package fully integrated onto a hybrid-electric drive combat vehicle demonstrator.

This effort, using an EMA package fully integrated with the hybrid-electric drive system, was accomplished through a Cooperative Research and Development Agreement with the U.S. Army Research Laboratory and the Army’s Tank Automotive Research Development and Engineering Center (TARDEC) in Warren, Mich.

The successful completion of live-fire testing of an EMA package on a hybrid-electric vehicle demonstrator illustrates the type of multi-hit capability that can be integrated into vehicle systems at significantly lower weight to provide a level of protection similar to reactive packages.

The EMA package successfully defeated a shaped-charge threat during live-fire testing earlier this year at Aberdeen Proving Ground in Maryland.

EMA technology can significantly enhance the survivability of vehicle systems as part of a layered approach ultimately aimed at increasing soldier protection.

EMA uses electricity to defeat shaped charge warheads such as those from Rocket Propelled Grenades (RPGs).

Research in reliable power management and delivery at lower volumes and weights for Pulse Forming Networks (PFNs) allows the system level integration, experimentation and demonstration of EMA on a combat vehicle.