Saraab active protection system

Saraab (سراب, Mirage) is a Riysian active protection system for protecting vehicles against anti-tank missiles, precision munitions, and guided artillery shells. Adopted some time in the late 1990s, it has since become widely available throughout the Riysian Ground Forces, due to its low cost and adaptable design. The estimated cost of a full system for a tank is $29,200, and its effectiveness against modern SACLOS ATGMs such as the TOW-2 or MILAN 3, is stated to be 80-90%, while its effectiveness against guided artillery shells is 70-75%.

It is mostly installed on tanks, but some of its components - primarily the optoelectronic suppression unit itself - can be installed on virtually any combat vehicle, and even fixed positions and trucks. This is possible due to the modularity of the Saraab system, which consists of several discrete subsystems that can be put together or swapped out as desired. At a minimum, a Saraab system consists of the Saraab optoelectronic suppression unit and a control panel; a full package adds a laser warning receiver and smoke laying system.

Typically, Saraab is controlled by the tank or vehicle commander.

History

Experiences of the Riysian Ground Forces in the Unification War, as well as of other armies in conflicts through the 1970s and 80s, showed the vulnerability of even the best protected tanks to anti-tank missiles and precision-guided munitions. These technologies posed a very real threat in the minds of the Hay'at al-Arkan, which accelerated research in missile countermeasures, which eventually led to the concept of an active protection system.

When development of the Saraab began is unclear, but it seems that it was developed very rapidly, suggesting that work started in the late 1980s or early 1990s. Work on the system was finished some time in the 1990s, too late for the first batches of TR-96 tanks, but was soon refitted.

Design

Control panel and central computer of the Saraab system.