Lacroix , in collaboration with GIAT industries (now Nexter), Galix vehicle self-protection system with a smoke masking capability in the visible and infrared (IR) domains for protection against hostiles. The Galix System hides fighting vehicles from an approaching threat and protects the vehicles, main battle tanks and APCs. Galix currently equips over 15,000 platforms (armored and non-armored) in France and abroad. The effectiveness of GALIX and its munitions resides in its capacity to mask vehicles for threat protection (laser designator, laser beam rider, laser range finder, thermal camera, etc.) in not only the visible range, but in laser and infrared (0.4-14 microns). The system consists of a coupled launcher suite providing 360° protection. One of the strengths of Galix munitions resides in its deployment of instant protection and its masking duration. The Galix offer was completed in recent years with a “semi-automatic” and “automatic reaction” capacity.
The Galix System features up to 24 mortar-like launchers for decoys and less-lethal ammunition. Three variants of the control system are available. The Galix credible multi-band screening smoke is indeed deployed in less than 1 second, a stunning and unrivalled performance: the speed at which the smoke screen nearly “sky-rockets” in a wide half-circle in front of the vehicle is an evidence of the maximum protection offered by the Lacroix system. A major advantage is that the decoy effect remains effective in visible and infrared spectrums, whatever the environment and the weather conditions. The Lacoix Galix G46 offers additional capabilities tailored to specific mission such as “peace-keeping operation” by combining multiple responses simultaneously such as sound, tear gas and kinetic effects.
At system level, the Galix Automatic Obscurant System (AOS) can be installed on all types of platform, man-turret, remote control weapons stations (RCWS) or any tailored made combination request by the end-user and protect up to 360°. It can be fully integrated with the vehicle BMS and triggered manually or fully automatically. It can be connected to a Global Position System (GPS), Meteorological sensor (MET) and can provide maneuvering recommendation tactics through specific displays. The system is intended to detect any kind of laser threat thanks to its 4 detectors installed on each side of the vehicle with the possibility to deploy a 5th one dedicated to aerial threat. The detectors specify the kind and the direction of the laser threat. 24 launch tubes ensure a full 360 degrees coverage and the GALIX ammunition provides an immediate (1 second) multiband smoke screening protection effective during 40 seconds to 2 minutes and covers. The Galix suite is not only for the purpose of self-defence (passive action) but also to actively neutralize hostile personnel.
For over 30 years, Lacroix has been supplying self-protection systems to land forces around the world. Land passive defence systems manufactured by Lacroix have been installed on more than 5,000 military vehicles. Its recognized capabilities led it to be chosen by France to equip the Scorpion program (Jaguar and Griffon). An enhanced version, the GALIX AOS (Automated Obscuration System) is now proposed for the Guarani Program, which will provide Brazilian Armed Forces with new 4×4, 6×6 and 8×8 armored vehicles. Sweden has also selected the GALIX system which now equips the Stridsvagn 122 main battle tanks (derivative of the Leopard 2 platform) and CV 90 IFVs. GALIX launchers also equip the wheeled 8×8 Centauro vehicles and Ariete tanks. Galix has recently retrofited the BMP3, G6, M113, M109 and equipped other new vehicles (RG 31 and NIMR Dcan) in the UAE.
