Abstract: Designs and methods are provided for a hard armor structure comprising a symmetrical array of regularly shaped armor tiles, and a lattice structure comprising rigid cell walls surrounding each tile.

Abstract: Designs and methods are provided for a hard armor panel with enhanced energy absorption. In one embodiment the hard armor panel includes a rigid strike plate having a front side and a back side, the front side facing an anticipated ballistic threat; and a consolidated ballistic fabric backing also having a front side and a back side, the front side of the ballistic fabric backing adhered to the back side of the rigid strike plate. The armor panel may further include an energy absorbing layer attached to or incorporated within the hard armor panel, wherein the energy absorbing layer is made of a deformable material configured with an energy absorbing pattern.

Abstract: Designs and methods are provided for a convertible fighting vehicle. In one embodiment the vehicle includes a drivable chassis having a standardized bed with mounting surfaces and a suite of interface connections for utility coupling. A mission module is adapted to attach to the bed mounting surfaces and couple with the suite of interface connections, wherein the mission module is configured in one of several mission specific forms.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for a spring assisted energy attenuating seating system. In one embodiment the seating system includes a seat mounted for guided, sliding vertical movement up and down a stationary vertically oriented column inside the vehicle, and a locking mechanism for releasably locking the seat to the column at a plurality of vertical positions. The system may further include a lift spring connected between the seat and support column configured to apply a constant upward force to the seat.

Abstract: A convertible ballistic shield includes a plurality of cooperating ballistic panels. Each ballistic panel has a threat-side surface and a protected-side surface, and opposing end edges. A first elongated panel strap is attached to the threat-side surface of one of the ballistic panels between its opposing end edges. A second elongated panel strap is attached to the protected-side surface of an adjacent one of the ballistic panels between its opposing end edges. A ring connector is slidably linked to both of the first and second panel straps. The ring connector is adapted for slidably interconnecting the adjacent panels together wherein the threat-side surface of one panel is adapted to overlie the protected-side surface of the adjacent panel, and the adjacent panels are slidably movable relative to one another such that an overall length of the ballistic shield is selectively adjustable between a fully retracted condition and a fully extended condition.

Abstract: A ballistic armor assembly for a vehicle-mounted explosives carrier includes an assembly substrate and a ballistic composite. The assembly substrate is adapted for covering at least a portion of the explosives carrier, and has opposing inside and outside surfaces. The ballistic composite is secured to the outside surface of the assembly substrate. The ballistic composite includes a hard armor facing proximate a threat side of the ballistic armor assembly, and a flexible fabric backing proximate a protection side of the ballistic armor assembly.

Abstract: Designs and methods are provided for a reversible, textile-based tactical article. In one embodiment the tactical article comprises a textile based panel perforated with an array of slots arranged in vertical and horizontal, spaced apart rows. The panel may be adapted for attaching accessories to either side by lacing a strap through a row of the slots and through webbing loops on the accessory positioned between the slots. One side of the panel may have a first appearance, and the other side a second appearance that is different from the first appearance.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for an energy attenuating vehicle seat and seat extension. In one embodiment the seat and seat extension includes a substantially vertically oriented support column, at least one end of which is rigidly fixed to the vehicle structure. Upper and lower spaced apart seat mount bushings are attached to the seat and slidably mounted to the support column. An energy attenuating linkage connects the seat to the vehicle structure proximate an upper end of the support column. The seat may further include a seat extension platform pivotally connected at one end to the front of the seat, and the other end to an independent energy attenuating mount.

Abstract: Designs and methods are provided for a hydraulic strut and control system suitable for energy attenuation applications such as vehicle seating system. In one exemplary embodiment the hydraulic strut includes a main cylinder having a first closed end, a second end with an opening. A main piston slidably disposed in the main cylinder divides it into a first fluid chamber between the main piston and the first end of the main cylinder, and a second fluid chamber between the main piston and the second end of the main cylinder. At least one fixed orifice through the piston provides fluid communication between the first and second fluid chambers. An integral flow control valve is adapted to vary the flow area of the at least one orifice through the piston. The flow control valve is operatively connected to a high speed actuator responsive to an electrical control signal.

Abstract: Designs and methods are provided for a composite seat cushion comprising a molded portion made of a resilient foam material, having a sculpted top surface, and a bottom surface with a cavity therein. The composite seat cushion may further comprise an insert made of a viscoelastic foam material filling the cavity in the bottom of the molded portion.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for an energy attenuating seat assembly with multi-axis energy attenuation. In one embodiment the seat assembly comprises a seat with a back, a first energy attenuating support comprising a first seat guide, and a first energy attenuating link, the first energy attenuating support operatively disposed in a first direction with respect to the seat. The exemplary seat assembly further comprises a second energy attenuating support comprising a second seat guide, and a second energy attenuating link, the second energy attenuating support operatively disposed in a second direction with respect to the seat.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for the automated assembly of individual tiles on a surface in a predetermined pattern. In one exemplary embodiment, an automated apparatus comprises a tile dispenser with an open ended shoe portion adapted for holding a stack of regularly shaped tiles, and a tile advancement mechanism for incrementally advancing tiles in the shoe toward the open end thereof. The automated apparatus may further comprise a robotic mechanism adapted to retrieve a tile from the end of the tile stack, and place the tile on the surface.

Abstract: Designs and methods are provided for an energy attenuating device. In one exemplary embodiment the device comprises an elongated metal tube having an expanded portion at a first end thereof, and an unexpanded portion extending from the expanded portion to a second end, wherein the first end is attached to a fixed structure. A mandrel is disposed in the expanded portion of the elongated metal tube, having a diameter greater than the inside diameter of the unexpanded portion of the metal tube. A tension member is attached to the mandrel and extends out of the second end of the metal tube.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for an actively variable shock absorbing system for actively controlling the load response characteristics of a shock absorbing strut. In one embodiment the shock absorbing system comprises a controllable valve adapted for actively varying a load response characteristic of the shock absorbing strut. The shock absorbing system further comprises an electronic control system comprising an input for receiving a signal from a sensor, an algorithm adapted to determine an optimal position for the controllable valve in view of the sensor signal, and an output for sending a control signal to the controllable valve to place the valve in the optimal position.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for a mounting system adapted to attenuate a shock load imparted by a structure to an object being supported by the structure. In one exemplary embodiment the mounting system comprises a mounting plate with a perimeter portion, a central boss, and an array of at least two symmetrically arranged perforations extending through the mounting plate between the perimeter portion and the central boss. The perforations are arranged so as to cooperatively define at least two deformable links that interconnect the central boss with the perimeter portion of the mounting plate, wherein the deformable links are adapted to attenuate the shock load through plastic deformation.

Abstract: Designs and methods are provided for a multi-layer panel capable of mitigating the transmission of a high energy impulse to the hull of the vehicle. In one exemplary embodiment, the blast panel comprises a first penetration resistant layer on the side facing away from the vehicle, a first core made of a crushable structural material between the first penetration resistant layer and the vehicle, and a shock dissipation layer disposed between the first penetration resistant layer and the first core.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for a seamless ballistic resistant helmet. In one exemplary embodiment the helmet comprises high performance fibers consolidated with a matrix material and arranged in a plurality of substantially seamless layers.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for a three-dimensional camouflage applied to the exterior of a man-made article. The camouflage comprises a surface with a visible topography defined by a predetermined arrangement of three-dimensional elements.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for an energy attenuating seat and litter support for use in a vehicle. In one exemplary embodiment the energy attenuating seat and litter support includes a seat with a folding back that is lockable in both an upright position for seating, and a folded down, horizontal position. The exemplary embodiment may further comprise a litter mounting fixture accessible when the seat back is in the folded down, horizontal position, and an energy attenuation device disposed to provide energy attenuation for a litter supported by the litter mounting fixture.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for an energy attenuating seat assembly with multi-axis energy attenuation. In one embodiment the seat assembly comprises a seat with a back, a first energy attenuating support comprising a first seat guide, and a first energy attenuating link, the first energy attenuating support operatively disposed in a first direction with respect to the seat. The exemplary seat assembly further comprises a second energy attenuating support comprising a second seat guide, and a second energy attenuating link, the second energy attenuating support operatively disposed in a second direction with respect to the seat.