OPTRONIC
Optronic countermeasures attempt to jam or disrupt the enemies
optical and energy based detection and tracking systems. Models
in 2060 are equipped with broad-spectrum detection and signal
discrimination and countermeasure capabilities. Some varieties
of optronic countermeasures are discussed below, note that modern
military vehicles often possess multiple countermeasure types.
Active ElectroOptical
The most common active optronic countermeasure has its roots traced
back to the mid 1990s with the Russian Shtora and Chinese Bodyguard
systems. Current models are usually broken into three modules
and can be attached to most armored vehicles with minimal modification.
These parts consist of a warning sensor/threat analysis processor and two active countermeasure emitters - usually located one on each side of the vehicle. The threat analysis system ties in with the vehicle CIDs (if present) and can also control other measures such as aerosol launchers.
When the warning sensor detects an optronic targeting system - such as being painted by a laser the emitters begin transmitting coded jamming signals to disrupt munitions and sensors relying on the reflected laser energy. These emitters typically broadcast infrared signals since that is the band most targeting and rangefinder lasers utilize.
Passive Aerosol
Most vehicles in 2060 have "smoke" launchers tied to
either their CID system or crew launched (usually both). Modern
aerosol launchers are little improved over their early 21st century
counterparts, with extended launch ranges from improved firing
systems being the primary improvement. Aerosol launchers can typically
fire 100-150 meters, with cloud formation in about 3 seconds,
and lasting about a minute under normal conditions. These aerosol
clouds will completely block laser, microwave and mask IR signatures.
Optical Detectors
SLD units, or Sight Laser Detectors, use a low powered laser and
signal analysis unit to locate optical lenses, from rifle scopes
to drone vidcams. The system will usually be tied to the CID and
will mark located units for the crew on their targeting systems.
In an anti-sniper role the SLD is usually slaved to an robot gun system and will engage all located targets matching certain profiles. In urban situations the robot gun platform usually consists of an OCSW style cannon that can fire various munitions depending on target location and intervening terrain.
In an anti-sensor role the SLD is tied into another active optical system - usually a high-power laser. The laser will immediately fire on detected optical systems, either killing or disabling the system in question - including armored vehicle sensors. Against third-world sensor systems this has also proven to have the unintentional side effect of blinding the operators. But they are not intentionall designed as blinding laser weapons and thus are not technically prohibited (as if international treaties matter anymore).
REACTIVE ARMOR
2060 reactive armor has made great advances with improved explosive
compounds with increased stability, and microtronic sensor systems.
Most reactive armor systems are ERA (Explosive Reactive Armor)
that detonate when hit with a warhead - blunting the effect and
preventing penetrator formation.
The drawbacks to this system are well known, and modern ATGMs use two-stage penetrators. A faster warhead to destroy the active armor in that location followed up by the main warhead. The system is quite economical however, and most vehicles can be adapted to use reactive armor. Some reactive armor systems are essentially nets that are draped over the vehicle - quite popular with cargo vehicles.
Advanced reactive armor types tie in with the vehicles CID radar and detonate before the round actually impacts - usually a form of buckshot.
ACTIVE ARMOR
Active armor systems are a fairly new field, although their origins
can be traced to research in the late 20th century. The most popular
currently is SEA (Spaced Electromagnetic Armor).
SEA consists of discreet plates about 40cm thick that are placed on the vehicle much as reactive armor is. These plates are then tied to capacitor systems and the CID system. When an incoming warhead is detected the facing SEA plate is energized, producing a strong electromagneic field inside the hollow plate. When the round hits and the plasma penetrator forms, it is warped and distorted by the EM field, reducing it's effect, and in some cases entirely nullifying its effectiveness depending on field strength.
CID
Close In Defenses are now standard equipment on most armored vehicles.
Since ATGMs are still the primary threat to modern armor systems
(most engagements take place outside of cannon range or without
visual sighting) CID systems are specifically designed to counter
modern ATGM systems.
Most CID systems are still projectile based - capacitor technology has only recently reached the point that DEW systems can be emplaced on an armor vehicle. In any case the actual use is identical. When an incoming missile is detected it is either engaged with projectiles or laser energy, detonating or cripping the warhead before it can impact. The CID systems are also capable of engaging drones and even local aerial vehicles that wander into range (which is limited of course).
Projectile CIDs are essentially rapid-fire OCSW systems that fire prox-fuzed explosives at long range and shotgun style pellets as the target gets closer. DEW systems use the same long-range/short range approach. With dazzling and jamming being attempted at long range and hard kill pulses at shorter range. All CID systems are intended to be used in conjunction with other countermeasure systems such as aerosols and armor systems.
First-world smart ATGMs have reduced the effectiveness of projectile CID systems but no mechanical system can react faster then a DEW pulse.