Herndon Company May Get Massive US Army Contract To Protect Tanks: Report

HERNDON, VA — A Herndon defense contractor is one of three companies being considered for a massive contract to protect M1 Abrams tanks used by the U.S. Army, which is about to make a decision on the project, according to a Business Insider report.

Artis, a technology firm located at 480 Springpark Place in Herndon, has designed "Iron Curtain," an active protection system meant for the Abrams tank. The other companies are Israel Military Industries, which is pitching similar technology called the "Iron Fist," and Israel's Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, which produces the Trophy Active Protection System -- or "Windbreaker" -- currently used on the country's Merkava battle tanks.

The systems would protect tanks against rocket-propelled grenades and anti-tank missiles. Windbreaker works by detecting incoming projectiles and firing ball-bearing-filled canisters at them.

There's no figure listed on how much a contract award would be worth, but the Insider reports that a Trophy system costs $350,000 to $500,000 per tank.

Image via US Navy