Abstract: A floor pan of a vehicle, in particular an armored military vehicle, includes a first, lateral floor wall (1); a second, floor wall which is connected via connecting point (9) with the first, lateral wall (1); and an auxiliary armoring (4) releasably attached to the lateral floor wall (1) for mine protection. The auxiliary armoring is an armored plate that at least partially covers the second, floor wall (5) adjacent the lateral floor wall (1) and the connecting point (9) lying therebetween.

Abstract: An aircraft has an armor releasably attached to the body of an aircraft, an actuator connecting the armor to the body of the aircraft, and a control that, upon operation, actuates the actuator to release the armor from the body.

Abstract: An ordinance, such as a rocket propelled grenade, shield includes a net with hard points at select nodes of the net and cable guides on the side of the net. Cables under tension extend through the cable guides supporting the net typically in conjunction with a top cross bar, spaced top struts, and spaced bottom struts. This framis design facilitates entering and exiting the vehicle or structure.

Abstract: Lightweight blast mitigating composite panels (10) include a first glass composite shell (14; 152), an intermediate, preferably honeycomb layer (56; 156), a reinforcing layer (60; 160), an ultra high molecular weight polyethylene fiber (UHMWPE) layer (64; 164) and a second glass composite shell (15; 168) adhered together with fire resistant adhesive layers (54; 58, 63, 66; 154, 158, 163, 166). The UHMWPE layer (64; 164) includes top and bottom coatings (70, 71) of fire resistant thermoset plastic preferably in the form of a paste. The panels (10) have use in a wide range of applications including in a blast mitigating overhead storage bin (100). The storage bin (100) includes a main body portion (133) defining a storage area formed from composite unarmored and armored panel segments (137, 138; 128-132).

Abstract: A system for reducing the effects of a blast wave includes armor plating configured to face a supersonic blast wave. The armor plating has a surface consisting of alternating tall and short peaks with valleys between the peaks. The peaks and valleys are positioned such that the supersonic blast wave reflects from the side surfaces of the tall peaks as a regular reflection that at least partially suppresses Mach reflection of the supersonic wave caused by the short peaks and the valleys. The surface may also be designed to not trap reflected waves. The valleys can be parabolic shaped to deflect and/or dissipate transonic flow that follows the blast wave front.

Abstract: An armor system includes a ceramic armor layer and a ceramic composite armor layer adjacent to the ceramic armor layer. The ceramic composite armor layer includes a ceramic matrix and unidirectionally oriented fibers disposed within the ceramic matrix.

Abstract: A countermeasure arrangement including a countermeasure dispenser. An envelope at least partly encloses the countermeasure dispenser. A first control module is configured to control the countermeasure dispenser. A suspension module is arranged on the envelope for suspending the envelope on an aircraft. The suspension module has a form and a design that substantially correspond to the form and design of a suspension rail of a missile, so that the suspension module mates to a hard point on the aircraft, which is adapted to the missile.

Abstract: A spall liner including a first plurality of flexible fabric plies of a first dimension secured together and secured to a first tie layer of a second, larger dimension. At least a second plurality of flexible fabric plies are secured together and secured to a second tie layer. The first and second tie layers are secured together. A cover includes separable fastener structure of a first type for removeably securing the liner to the inside hull of a vehicle equipped with separable fastener structure of a second type.

Abstract: An ordinance, such as a rocket propelled grenade, shield includes a net with hard points at select nodes of the net and cable guides on the side of the net. Cables under tension extend through the cable guides supporting the net typically in conjunction with a top cross bar, spaced top struts, and spaced bottom struts. This framis design facilitates entering and exiting the vehicle or structure.

Abstract: The system includes a coating for a reservoir, the coating being configured to self-heal following a penetration by a projectile through the coating and the reservoir. The coating is an elastomeric polymer coating having sufficient elasticity to so as return to the coating to an approximate original shape after the projectile has passed through the coating. Further, the coating is configured to hold the reservoir together following severe damage from the projectile.

Abstract: A system providing a physical-barrier defense against rocket-propelled grenades (RPGs) that is suitable for use on aircraft, ground vehicles and ships. The system includes a propulsion device (for example, a rocket) and a barrier that is attached to the propulsion device by one or more tethers. The barrier includes an inflatable frame. When the propulsion device is launched, an inflator inflates the frame to assume an open state, and the propulsion device pulls the tether and the barrier along a trajectory for intercepting an RPG.

Abstract: The invention relates to an aircraft with a protection shield for the rear composite material, fuselage 25) for conducting tail impact tests, in addition to a tail absorber, the shield (11) being formed by a plurality of pieces (21) joined to supports (23) fixed to the rear fuselage (25) behind the tail absorber (1), said pieces (21) having a laminar structure with an outer steel sheet (13), an inner composite sheet (17) and an intermediate high resistance silicon sheet (15).

Abstract: A ballistic resistant through insert with floating capability for stopping a ballistic projectile, comprising at least one of a bullet, a ballistic fragment, and a particle fragment, may comprise a stud, a floating nut, and a cap. The stud may have a flat base portion and a cylindrical stud portion mounted thereon. The cylindrical stud portion may comprise a stud cylinder aperture. The floating nut may be located inside the stud cylinder aperture such that the floating nut floats within the stud cylinder aperture. The cap may have a flat cap portion and a cylindrical cap portion mounted thereon. The cylindrical cap portion may mate with the cylindrical stud portion. The stud may be made of a material for stopping a ballistic projectile. The flat base portion of the stud may have a minimum thickness for stopping a ballistic projectile.

Abstract: Composite structures and methods of fabrication thereof are disclosed. An embodiment of a composite structure, among others, includes: a backing substrate; a layer of structures distributed over the backing substrate; and a thermoplastic disposed onto the structures and the backing substrate, wherein the thermoplastic substantially binds the backing substrate and layer of structures together.

Abstract: A leading edge structure includes two or more multilayer panels at least partially overlapping and suitably curved with at least partially congruent concavities. Each multilayer panel includes at least the following three layers: a first metal foil layer metal foil, a second intermediate layer of fiber-glass securely fixed to the first layer, and a third metal honeycomb layer securely fixed to the second layer.

Abstract: A structure or vehicle protection method including a removable frame on the structure or vehicle, and a net within the frame and spaced from the structure or vehicle and having a mesh size designed to disarm an incoming threat.

Abstract: A class of lightweight ballistic protection material and methods of forming such materials are disclosed. The material comprises a composite of polymeric material comprising high modulus resins and ceramic materials. The composite materials offer the advantage of being relatively easy to fabricate and lower in cost than competing materials. Body armor, blast protection panels and other articles comprising the new ballistic protection materials are also disclosed.

Abstract: A system providing a physical-barrier defense against rocket-propelled grenades (RPGs). The system is suitable for use on aircraft, ground vehicles, and ships.

Abstract: A structure or vehicle protection system including a removable frame on the structure or vehicle, and a net within the frame and spaced from the structure or vehicle and having a mesh size designed to disarm an incoming threat.

Abstract: An aircraft has an armor releasably attached to the body of an aircraft, an actuator connecting the armor to the body of the aircraft, and a control that, upon operation, actuates the actuator to release the armor from the body.

Abstract: A heat shield includes a ceramic composite heat shield panel having a generally concave first surface and a generally convex second surface and a pair of thickened panel edge portions provided in the heat shield panel. A heat shield assembly is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for antimissile protection of vehicles having a very short response time with practically no false alarms and not requiring the use of means such as decoys or conventional laser jammers, while providing the best possible protection. It is characterized in that at least one curtain of plasma filaments is created between these vehicles and the probable launch point of these missiles, this curtain being intended to blind the target-seeking device of the missiles.

Abstract: An impulse-absorbing structural component, particularly for an aircraft, has an impulse-absorbing layer and a covering layer applied thereto. The impulse-absorbing layer is made of a material that has a higher capacity for elongation at its breaking point than does the covering layer, and has a regular pattern of elevations and depressions. If a mass impacts on the covering layer, an intercept bag forms in the impulse-absorbing layer, and absorbs the kinetic energy of the mass. Viewed in the direction of the spread of the intercept bag, the structural component has structure beyond the impulse-absorbing layer, such that the formation of the intercept bag can take place without further interaction with the structural component.

Abstract: Lightweight blast mitigating composite panels (10) include a first glass composite shell (14; 152), an intermediate, preferably honeycomb layer (56; 156), a reinforcing layer (60; 160), an ultra high molecular weight polyethylene fiber (UHMWPE) layer (64; 164) and a second glass composite shell (15; 168) adhered together with fire resistant adhesive layers (54; 58, 63, 66; 154, 158, 163, 166). The UHMWPE layer (64; 164) includes top and bottom coatings (70, 71) of fire resistant thermoset plastic preferably in the form of a paste. The panels (10) have use in a wide range of applications including in a blast mitigating overhead storage bin (100). The storage bin (100) includes a main body portion (133) defining a storage area formed from composite unarmored and armored panel segments (137, 138; 128-132).

Abstract: Provided herein methods and structures for construction of light weight sandwich panels or load-bearing panels having improved ballistic protection. The methods disclosed can facilitate construction of a hybrid core comprising ballistic fabrics and deformable pins that exhibit superior resistance to ballistic penetration. The methods and structures of the present disclosures can be advantageously used in many applications, such as armored vehicles.

Abstract: A light multi-purpose aircraft comprises a fuselage 1; a wing 2; a fin assembly 3; a landing gear 4; main and auxiliary power plants 5; a crew protection system; an integrated complex for controlling a general-purpose aircraft equipment which is engaged through a multiplexer channel with a set of on-board digital computers, electronic control systems of port and starboard engines, a recording and monitoring system, a guidance and landing equipment, a complex control system and is engaged through code communication lines with a fuel control and monitoring system, a voice message equipment, a complex electron display system, characterized in that the crew protection system is made in the form of a multilayer screen of auxiliary and main equipment configured in order of increasing its significance farther and farther away from the shell and load-bearing elements of the fuselage 1; the greatest component density is ensured with due regard for the most likely zones and aspect angles of injury: ˜30° with respect to

Abstract: A modular armored cab kit is provided for use on an armored vehicle that includes a cab body having a frame, an armored roof, an armored floor and a plurality of attachment elements, with the roof, floor and attachment elements being permanently attached to the frame. The cab kit further includes at least one non-armored panel, at least one non-armored door, at least one armored panel and at least one armored door, each for attachment to the cab body. The attachment elements facilitate field installation and removal of the panels and doors, wherein the non-armored panel and door are removably attached to the frame in a relatively low threat environment and are removed from the frame and replaced with the armored panel and door in a heightened threat environment.

Abstract: A system for automatically acquiring a target with a narrow field-of-view gimbaled imaging sensor. The system includes a target-detection subsystem including one or more target-detection imaging sensor with a first field-of-view, a target-tracking subsystem and a processing system in communication with the target-detection subsystem and the target-tracking imaging subsystem. The target-tracking subsystem includes a target-tracking imaging sensor with a second field-of-view smaller than the first field-of-view, and a gimbal mechanism for controlling a viewing direction of the target-tracking imaging sensor.

Abstract: A shock-absorbing structure component has two cover layers and an intermediate layer that is arranged between them. The intermediate layer extends in an alternating form between the cover layers, with the material of the intermediate layer being selected such that it has a higher capacity elongation prior to breaking than that of the outer cover layer. The energy of an impact can thus be absorbed as the intermediate layer is stretched into a bag shape and the inner cover layer breaks off progressively.

Abstract: A container, such as a standard aircraft unit load device, a truck trailer, a ship's cargo compartment, or the like, is fitted with a blast mitigating material located within the container. The blast mitigating material can be fitted to the container during manufacture, or an existing container can be retrofitted.

Abstract: The invention in various embodiments is directed to systems and methods for mitigating damage from a shock wave using a gas having a specific impedance less than air.

Abstract: A modular ballistic abatement barrier system (10) includes a first corrugated panel (12) having at least one aperture (13), a second corrugated panel (16) having at least one aperture (17), and a ballistic cloth (14) placed between the first corrugated panel and the second corrugated panel. The ballistic cloth can also include at least one aperture (15). The first corrugated panel and the second corrugated panel are coupled using at least one among a mechanical bond and a chemical bond. For example, the ballistic cloth can be laminated between the first corrugated panel and the second corrugated panel to form a multi-layered panel. Alternatively, the first corrugated panel, the ballistic cloth, and the second corrugated panel can be coupled together using a fastener that compresses the ballistic cloth between the first corrugated panel and the second corrugated panel.

Abstract: A small weapons shield for helicopters consisting of a protective shield (10), which consists of a light-weight, ballistic-resistant composite material, extension rods (20) made of steel, and support wires (30) made of steel cable. The support wires (30) are connected to the protective shield (10) through holes protected by eyelets (40) that protect the shield from fraying. The shield is supported away from the helicopter (1) to prevent transferring large impact forces directly to the helicopter (1).

Abstract: The invention provides an array of blast-resistant partitions arranged to subdivide a predetermined space into a multiplicity of interconnected subspaces and thereby to substantially confine an explosive blast to one or more of the subspaces while protecting the remaining subspaces in the predetermined space.

Abstract: A ballistic and/or fire barrier for protecting objects in an interior of a vehicle due to projectile penetration and/or fire includes one or more layers of high strength fabric positioned towards an outer shell of the vehicle. The high strength fabric is substantially fixedly or fixedly positioned with respect to the outer shell of the vehicle. In another embodiment, the ballistic and/or fire barrier protects objects in a structure from damage due to projectile penetration. The ballistic and/or fire barrier includes at least one layer of high strength fabric positioned towards an outer housing of the structure. The high strength fabric is substantially fixedly positioned with respect to the structure towards either the inner or outer surface of the outer housing. In another embodiment of the present invention, a ballistic barrier protects a wearer of the ballistic barrier from damage due to projectile penetration.

Abstract: An armor system useful, for example, as a shroud, comprising a first pliable, cut resistant fibrous layer and a second pliable fibrous layer is disclosed. The first layer is arranged to receive an impact from a large projectile prior to the second layer and engages the projectile to slow its velocity. The second layer is substantially coextensive with the first and dissipates the incoming energy of the impact to resist complete penetration of the second layer by the projectile, preferably by deforming in response to the impact. Both layers comprise fibers having a tensile modulus of at least about 200 g/d, and an energy-to-break of at least about 8 J/g and a tenacity equal to or greater than about 10 g/d. In another embodiment, the layers are reversed relative to the impact face of the system so that the second layer becomes the first layer and is resistant to projectiles impacting the system, while the first layer becomes the second layer and resists deformation of the system by projectile impacts.

Abstract: A composite armor structure for ballistically protecting a gap from an impacting projectile threat and for use with at least one ballistic armor module. The gap extends along a margin of the module. The structure comprises a body having a protection portion with at least a single layer of ceramic bodies. The structure further comprises a carrier portion supporting the protection portion and being made of a material different from the ceramic bodies. The protection portion is designed to span the gap. The carrier portion is designed to extend beyond the gap to overlap with the margin when viewed from a perspective of the impacting projectile threat.

Abstract: The cockpit door has a hinge on one side and a latch device on the other side that can be operated only from the cockpit side. To the inner side of the door panel is mounted a reinforcement member 100 having a body formed by laminating layers of aromatic polyamide fiber sheets and thermoplastic adhesive and subjecting the same to hot pressing to form an integral member. Mounting portions 150 and 160 are formed to the rim portion of the reinforcement member body 110, and rivet inserting holes 180 are machined to the portions. The mounting portions are bent by 90 degrees, and fixed to a frame using rivets.

Abstract: A system and apparatus for deployment of a decoy from a moving object, such as an aircraft, to protect the aircraft from an enemy missile. The decoy is stored in a housing mounted on the aircraft and is connected by a cable containing fiber optics and high voltage conductors. The cable is stored on a spool which is reciprocally moveable along a rotating shaft provided with a double helix and which is located coaxially within an outer rotatable de-bailer. The cable is drawn through a passage formed in an outer cylindrical side wall and end wall of the de-bailer as the decoy is deployed from the aircraft. The cable causes the de-bailer to rotate about the spool which reciprocates back and forth along the double helix shaft. The spool is connected to the helix of the shaft by a pawl and a brake mechanism controls the rotational speed of the shaft, and thus the payout speed of the cable.

Abstract: A seating unit in a combat vehicle that is protected against mines is provided. The vehicle has a hull that is disposed on the chassis and that has at least one hatch in its roof plate that can be closed off by a hatch cover. The seating unit, which is disposed in the hull in the region below the hatch, is provided with a base on which is disposed a seat and that is suspended on the front or side wall and/or the roof plate of the hull via a tubular construction in such a way that the base is not at less than a prescribed spacing relative to the base of the hull. The tubular construction can comprise two guide tubes that extend parallel to one another and upwardly at an angle. The upper ends of the tubes are connected with the front wall, and the lower ends are suspended on the roof plate via connecting tubes. The base is displaceably disposed on the guide tubes via holding devices.

Abstract: A sandwich core comprises two faceplates separated by a plurality of cells. The cells are comprised of walls positioned at oblique angles relative to a perpendicular axis extending through the faceplates. The walls preferably form open cells and are constructed from rows of ribbons. The walls may be obliquely angled relative to more than one plane extending through the perpendicular axis.

Abstract: A method and apparatus comprising combining ballistic and fragment resistant fabrics in multiple layers with a central geometrically shaped composite core in a resin forming a composite armor panel, wherein the multiple layers present a fragment projectile with alternating tougher and softer resistances to penetration to enhance the stopping power of the composite armor while retaining a lightweight configuration is disclosed. The panel allows the fabric layers and geometric core to interact in such a manner as to function as a drumskin, flexing and elastically deforming to absorb and attenuate the energy of a forced entry attack.

Abstract: A ballistic vent apparatus for use in a cockpit door of an aircraft to provide venting and communication between the cockpit and the cabin of an aircraft while preventing bullets and/or splinters from passing through the ballistic vent apparatus. The present invention provides a frame having a U-shaped cross-section adaptable to receive a cross-section of the cockpit door of the aircraft. A pair of opposing and substantially similar supports are connected to the frame, and each of the supports has a plurality of longitudinally spaced slots formed therein in a substantially parallel manner. A plurality of ballistic vent angles extend through the slots of the supports and are connected to the supports. A ballistic panel is connected to the frame and extends along a back side of the ballistic vent angles to prevent bullets and/or splinters from passing through the ballistic vent angles. The entire ballistic vent apparatus is fabricated from a ballistic material such as stainless steel.

Abstract: The lightweight bulletproof metal matrix macrocomposites (MMMC) contain (a) 10-99 vol. % of permeable skeleton structure of titanium, titanium aluminide, Ti-based alloys, and/or mixtures thereof infiltrated with low-melting metal selected from Al, Mg, or their alloys, and (b) 1-90 vol. % of ceramic and/or metal inserts positioned within said skeleton, whereby a normal projection area of each of said inserts is equal to or larger than the cross-section area of a bullet or a projectile body. The MMMC are manufactured as flat or solid-shaped, double-layer, or multi-layer articles containing the same inserts or different inserts in each layer, whereby insert projections of each layer cover spaces between inserts of the underlying layer. The infiltrated metal contains 1-70 wt. % of Al and Mg in the balance, optionally, alloyed with Ti, Si, Zr, Nb, V, as well as with 0-3 wt. % of TiB2, SiC, or Si3N4 sub-micron powders, to promote infiltrating and wetting by Al-containing alloys.

Abstract: A ballistic barrier for protecting an aircraft from damage due to projectile penetration, the aircraft having a fuselage including an outer skin, an inner panel and a structure. The ballistic barrier includes at least one layer of high strength fabric disposed between the outer skin and the inner panel of the aircraft which is substantially fixedly positioned with respect to the fuselage of the aircraft. Preferably, the at least one layer of high strength fabric comprises a plurality of plies. One of the plies can be a felt. Another of the plies can comprise woven fibers. Also preferably, the at least one layer of high strength fabric comprises a polymer material such as one or more of aramid material, polyethylene material, and polybenzoxazole material.

Abstract: An armor component includes a tile having a perimeter; and a wrapping material wrapped around the perimeter of the tile. An armor system includes a back plate; at least one tile array layer disposed on the back plate, the at least one tile array layer comprising a plurality of armor components wherein each armor component comprises a tile having a perimeter wrapped with a wrapping material; and a top layer disposed on the at least one tile array layer.

Abstract: A layer (16, 24) of a mesh or mail material is bonded to the opposite sides of a ballistic layer (14, 22) a bullet resistant composite material. The layer (18, 26) of relatively lightweight body material, e.g. structural honeycomb, is bonded to the outside of each layer (16, 24) of mesh or mail material. A ballistic layer (28) may be provided on the outside of each layer (26) of relatively lightweight body material. Adhesive material secures the layers together to provide a unified panel. The panel may be a part of the door that is between the cockpit of an airplane and the region in the airplane rearwardly of the cockpit.

Abstract: A bullet proof armor plate fabricated of layered ceramic material is mounted on the outer bottom wall of a helicopter in spaced relationship to such wall. A frame is used to support the armor plate, this frame being removably attached to mounts supported on the bottom wall of the helicopter at points where there are existing apertures. The front end of the support frame for the armor plate is aero-dynamically configured to minimize drag.