Outline

The Ground Systems Research Center conducts research on fire arms, ammunition, ballistic and blast-resistant structures, vehicles, vehicular equipment, and engineer equipment.

Welcome to GROUND SYSTEMS RESEARCH CENTER (2020 edition)（click the link to the ATLA Official Channel on YouTube）NEW!

Research, Test and Evaluation on Fire Arm Systems, Ammunition Systems and Combat Vehicle Systems.

Research on fire arms, ammunition, warheads, ballistic and blast resistant structures, and survivability analysis.

Research on performance of vehicular subsystems and engineer equipment such as suspension, transmission, engine and land mine detector.

Research

The research on EMP^* ammunition, which creates strong electro-magnetic pulse, is conducted to make the capability of sensor and information system of enemy troop be suppressed temporary or permanently without any secondary damage caused by conventional ammunition, missiles, etc.

*EMP ： Electro-Magnetic Pulse

We conduct the applied research on multi-purpose ammunition, which can be fired from combat vehicles, that would demonstrate the most appropriate effect in accordance with the target, in spite of a single type of ammunition. By pre-setting up the fuze (time function, impact action, delay action), the ammunition can deal with various targets such as assembled target, non-line-of-sight target and hard structure.

We conduct the research on air-cooled in-hub motor for combat vehicles. A scope of the research includes to reduce the weigh as well as to enhance survivability and maintainability of combat vehicles by maintaining the same level of water cooled in-hub motor, which is considered as one of the results of the previous research on the Lightweight Combat Vehicle System.

In this study, we have been improving the environmental recognition technology for Remote Controlled Engineering Vehicle System for CBRN Threats^*. The system can be operated safely and effectively by integrating information from several unmanned vehicles even in harsh environmental conditions, such as dramatically changeable weather and terrain.

*Remote Controlled Engineering Vehicle System for CBRN Threats ： The system which can gather information and work for initial response even under Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear contaminated area.

We have been conducting numerous research on electromagnetic railguns which utilize the electromagnetic force, also known as the Lorentz force, to accelerate a projectile instead of using gases from burning powder. Railguns can enhance the muzzle velocity of a projectile and its range extensively comparing to other conventional powder guns.

To evaluate personnel vulnerability quantitatively, we develop human torso experimental model and numerical model that can simulate shock propagation in human torso under ballistic impact on protective equipment.

The objective of “Advanced anti-surface warhead technology” is to develop warheads of guided missiles to attack warships and military vehicles deployed around/on the small islands and their surrounding sea area. As a project, we conduct the research on a tandem type warhead for anti surface ships and a multi EFP^* type warhead for anti ground vehicles.

*EFP ： Explosively Formed Projectile

Missiles and rockets have been posing threats to combat vehicles and personnel in the international peace cooperation activities. We conduct the research on active protection systems that can detect them at a sufficient standoff range by optical sensors and radars and intercept using counter-ammunition with less collateral damage.

The research on the simulator for both ground and amphibious vehicles has been conducted in order to evaluate the mobility of the vehicles under various environment, including on the water, shore and land.

The research was conducted to demonstrate the applicability of series-hybrid propulsion system to traced vehicle. In addition, by the U.S.-Japan cooperative research, the test operation procedure was established for vehicles with hybrid propulsion systems.

We engage in a research project on counter-IED^* system to protect crews and vehicles from the threat of IED set up in suburban and urban areas.

*IED ： Improvised Explosive Device

The research in relation to the component technology is being conducted to utilize CFRP^* with light weight and high strength for the main structural parts of military bridges. We aim to produce high-performance temporal bridges for Self Defense Force use. The unit must act promptly in the location where a bridge was collapsed by an emergency case or a large disaster

*CFRP ： Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastics

Test

Fire power and protection of combat vehicles are tested and evaluated by firing test, ballistic/blast-resistant tests, etc.

Mobility of combat vehicles is tested and evaluated by acceleration test, maximum speed test, hill climbing test, etc.