Abstract: An armor system or plate designed to reduce the extent of back face deformation by re-directing the pressure wave created by a projectile impact. More specifically, armor systems according to embodiments of the invention are provided with redirection channels whereby the pressure or shock waves generated by projectile impact are guided or spread laterally along the channels and out of the plate so as to reduce back face deformation and consequent impact to the wearer.

Abstract: An armor system or plate designed to reduce the extent of back face deformation by re-directing the pressure wave created by a projectile impact. More specifically, armor systems according to embodiments of the invention are provided with redirection channels whereby the pressure or shock waves generated by projectile impact are guided or spread laterally along the channels and out of the plate so as to reduce back face deformation and consequent impact to the wearer.

Abstract: Described are active crash systems for seats and associated methods. The active crash system includes a seat for an occupant of a vehicle and a crash seat system. The crash seat system includes a seat velocity device and a trigger device. The seat velocity device is configured to selectively move the seat. The trigger device configured to estimate at least one of an impact time or an impact condition of an impact event based on a detectable condition and activate the seat velocity device at an activation time prior to the estimated impact time such that the seat is moved.

Abstract: Feedthroughs for antenna or other cables are described. At least some versions of the feedthroughs may, but need not necessarily, be employed as part of passive armor systems for lightweight vehicles used by, for example, special operations forces of the United States military. The feedthroughs may provide non-linear cable paths in areas near openings of vehicle hulls and avoid creating direct pathways for bullets to enter the openings.

Abstract: Described are systems and methods for actively countering certain forces experienced by, for example, a person within a vehicle. Adverse effects of blast waves of a mine or other explosive device (including improvised explosive devices [IEDs]) may be mitigated by the countermeasures systems, which may include any or all of a first responder unit (FRU), a control display assembly (CDA), processors, sensors, and an electronic safe and arm device (ESAD). Each component assembly may be incorporated into a line replaceable unit (LRU) if desired, although such incorporation is not necessary.

Abstract: A ballistic laminate includes a layer including first fibers of a first material oriented at both a first direction and a second direction and second fibers of a second material oriented at both the first direction and the second direction. The first fibers are flammable, and the second fibers are flame retardant. A periodic distance greater than about 9 mm is between the second fibers of the second material oriented at the first direction. A periodic distance greater than about 9 mm is between the second fibers of the second material oriented at the second direction.

Abstract: An explosion countermeasure system is provided including a first sensor device with a plurality of accelerometers configured to detect vertical acceleration of a vehicle; a countermeasure; a safe and arming device configured to impede activation of the countermeasure; and a processor in communication with the first sensor device and the safe and arming device. The processor may be configured to process acceleration signals received from the first sensor device and to make ready the safe and arming device and initiate the countermeasure based on results of processing the acceleration signals. Making ready the safe and arming device may be based on an initial acceleration exceeding a first threshold, and initiating the countermeasure may be based on the initial acceleration exceeding a second threshold and a velocity change exceeding a third threshold.

Abstract: A ballistic laminate includes a layer including first fibers of a first material oriented at both a first direction and a second direction and second fibers of a second material oriented at both the first direction and the second direction. The first fibers are flammable, and the second fibers are flame retardant. A periodic distance greater than about 9 mm is between the second fibers of the second material oriented at the first direction. A periodic distance greater than about 9 mm is between the second fibers of the second material oriented at the second direction.

Abstract: A ballistic structure having at least one laminate sheet of a plurality of fiber bundles or tapes is disclosed. In embodiments having more than one laminate sheet, the inter-laminate shear strength between the laminate sheets is controlled to control ballistic effectiveness of the ballistic structure.