Abstract: The invention is a gradient ballistic material and honeycomb grille that includes a louver system and a honeycomb structure. The louver system contains a gradient of ballistic materials to improve air handling and protection. The louver system may be constructed of one or more pieces of ballistic material so that at least one section is harder than a second section. The honeycomb structure acts a “catcher” or backstop to collect the fragments created by a projectiles contact with the harder section of the louver system.

Abstract: An optimized grille design that narrows the louver pitch and narrows the louver construction so as to maintain the air flow through the grille. An aerodynamic shape is applied to the leading edge of the louver thus lowering drag and reducing the pressure drop at the inlet.

Abstract: The invention is a gradient ballistic material and honeycomb grille that includes a louver system and a honeycomb structure. The louver system contains a gradient of ballistic materials to improve air handling and protection. The louver system may be constructed of one or more pieces of ballistic material so that at least one section is harder than a second section. The honeycomb structure acts a “catcher” or backstop to collect the fragments created by a projectiles contact with the harder section of the louver system.

Abstract: An optimized grille design that narrows the louver pitch and narrows the louver construction so as to maintain the air flow through the grille. An aerodynamic shape is applied to the leading edge of the louver thus lowering drag and reducing the pressure drop at the inlet.

Abstract: A grille having a plurality of s-louvers shaped to increase the efficiency of air flow through the grille without decreasing the effectiveness of the louvers at stopping or deflecting projectiles. Each louver has a hooked portion at the end of the louver to present a ballistic hook for stopping projectiles ricocheting through the circuitous path defined between the louvers. An insert having a closeout for covering the ballistic hook is positioned within each hooked shape portion to eliminate the eddy or stall created at the end of the circuitous path by ballistic hook. The closeout can be penetrated by projectiles ricocheting through the circuitous path such that the ballistic hook can still capture projectiles within the inlet.

Abstract: A ballistic grille structure is combined in a stacked array with a similar grille structure to yield ballistic performance capability greater than the ballistic performance capability of the original grille structure. The grille structures may be of the type currently used in single, unscathed deployments with each grille structure a truncated version of the current structure such that a synergistic projectile defeating capability is realized by the stacked array of truncated grille structures.

Abstract: The invention provides a grille armor system for use on a armored vehicle. The grille armor system adds an applique grille to a grille to increase the protection provided by the grille armor system. The applique grille is designed to add a minimal profile. The applique grille also is designed to allow maximum air flow through the applique grille. In the preferred embodiment, the applique grille is made of 4 mm thick steal bars place 8 mm apart to provide added protection to aluminum S-shaped louvers against high velocity 20 mm fragment simulating projectiles.

Abstract: The invention provides an improved method and apparatus for bonding ceramic tiles to armor. The invention uses a toughened epoxy adhesive and a rubber interlayer to improve the bonding of ceramic tile to armor. A scrim cloth is embedded in adhesive layers to serve as a wick and spacer to uniformly distribute the epoxy.