Description
Loral AN/VLQ-6 "Hardhat" High Power Prototype Missile Countermeasure Device – Serial HP 0001
Item Overview
This Loral Electro-Optical Systems AN/VLQ-6 "Hardhat" High Power prototype is a piece of early U.S. military missile countermeasure development. Its manufacturer plate identifies P/N 2009589, serial HP 0001, and a February 1991 manufacture date. A separate tag names it as a prototype AN/VLQ-6. The combination of an early date, numbered High Power identity, and government property markings gives this device strong interest for collectors of Gulf War-era military electronics.
Identification and Features
The manufacturer plate and attached labels preserve the following identifying information:
- Device: MISSILE COUNTERMEASURE DEVICE
- Model: HIGH POWER
- Part number: 2009589
- Contract: DAAB07-91-C-J513
- Manufacturer identification code: 12705
- Serial number: HP 0001
- Date of manufacture: 02/91
- Manufacturer: LORAL ELECTRO-OPTICAL SYSTEMS
- White tag: D$ 10263 PROTOTYPE AN/VLQ-6
- Red label: LORAL-EOS; U.S. GOVT. PROPERTY; S.O. 8435; GP-01646
Function
Hardhat was an electro-optical jammer designed to help protect vehicles from compatible anti-tank guided missiles, or ATGMs. Often described as a soft-kill active protection system, it used infrared energy to interfere with missile guidance. One important target was SACLOS, meaning semi-automatic command to line of sight. In these systems, the launcher tracks the missile while the gunner keeps a sight on the target. Confusing that tracking process could cause guidance errors and make the missile miss. The multi-threat concept addressed suitable ground- and air-launched missile threats.
Documented End-Item Application
Published AN/VLQ-6 program records identify the M2/M3 Bradley family as a primary application. Loral also developed the concept for other tracked and wheeled military vehicles. This High Power example belongs to the development side of that program. Its stated role was demonstration and evaluation for U.S. military customers. The broader history of vehicle missile countermeasures also includes Marine Corps M1A1 Abrams tanks, linking this technology to both infantry fighting vehicles and main battle tanks.
Product History
Loral developed the AN/VLQ-6 as a private venture. A November 1997 program report records a $25.3 million Army contract awarded in January 1991 for 1,377 devices. The contract, DAAB07-91-C-J513, matches this prototype's plate. Its 02/91 manufacture date falls immediately after that award and during Operation Desert Storm. These markings give researchers a specific date and contract reference for placing the prototype within the program's early history.
Prototype and Demonstration History
Loral used this pre-production High Power model for proof-of-concept demonstrations to the U.S. military. Such demonstrations helped show how an electronic countermeasure might protect a vehicle before wider adoption. The plate records HP 0001, the number-one serial in its marked High Power designation. Together with the prototype tag and government property label, this makes the item especially relevant to exhibits about military research, contractor demonstrations, and the path from development hardware to fielded equipment.
Production System Features
Published descriptions of the production AN/VLQ-6 specify roof or turret mounting and power from a vehicle's 28-volt DC supply. It could operate in an open-loop, stand-alone mode or connect with warning and self-protection equipment. Controls normally sat near the vehicle commander. A roughly 40-degree horizontal field of view allowed one or more units to cover selected forward sectors. Options included external armor, a gimbal mount that turned in response to warning sensors, and a pop-up optical assembly. These are production-family features, rather than verified ratings or included accessories for this High Power prototype.
Equipment History
Ground vehicle countermeasures grew partly from protection methods developed for aircraft. Designers sought ways to reduce missile danger without the weight of ever-thicker armor. During the 1990s, the Vehicle Integrated Defense System concept brought sensors, warnings, and countermeasures into a coordinated defense. Separate laser warning equipment could identify emissions from rangefinders or target designators, while missile jammers addressed compatible guidance systems. This distinction matters when explaining Hardhat: infrared jamming and laser warning were different parts of the larger protection effort.
Parent Weapon-System Background
Bradley fighting vehicles and Abrams tanks became central to U.S. armored forces during the closing years of the Cold War. The M2 carried infantry, while the M3 supported cavalry scouting. The M1A1 Abrams served as a heavily armored main battle tank. Their roles differed, but all faced guided anti-tank weapons. Electronic countermeasures added a defensive layer alongside armor, smoke, and crew tactics. This prototype helps illustrate the engineering work behind efforts to improve vehicle and crew survival.
International Countermeasure Development
Hardhat developed during a period of international interest in electro-optical vehicle protection. The Soviet and Russian Shtora-1 system pursued a related soft-kill approach. U.S. Army reporting described Shtora equipment on, or demonstrated with, T-80, T-90, and Ukrainian T-84 tanks. These systems shared the aim of disrupting an enemy's attack process. Their common purpose is a useful historical comparison, but it does not establish a design lineage between Shtora and this Loral prototype.
History of Use
Desert Shield and Desert Storm drove urgent demand for vehicle missile countermeasures. The 1997 program report describes limited developmental VLQ-6 units sent to the Gulf for field trials during the ground campaign. It estimated eventual procurement at about 2,600 units, with production completed in 1991. Later Bradley ODS upgrades included missile countermeasure equipment. During Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2003, Marine M1A1 Abrams tanks also carried electro-optical missile countermeasures. That later story includes the separate Sanders AN/VLQ-8A and should not be treated as proof of combat use by HP 0001. This item's supplied history concerns contractor demonstrations.
Condition
The item bears the manufacturer plate, white prototype tag, and red government property label described above. Please check the pictures for the general condition of the item.
Ideal For
This High Power prototype suits collections focused on the development of military electronics and armored vehicle protection. Its dated plate and contractor labels make it a useful centerpiece for explaining how experimental equipment moved through military demonstrations and procurement.
- Military electronics and prototype collectors
- Gulf War technology exhibits
- Bradley and Abrams history collections
- Museums researching vehicle protection systems
Approx length 17", Approx width 22", Approx height 17", Approx weight 56.7lbs.
Pictures are stock images of our inventory. Unless otherwise noted, you will not be receiving the exact item shown in the pictures. The pictures are representative of the item’s general condition. The item you receive might be slightly better, or worse, condition than was shown in the pictures.
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