Abstract: A fast acting active protection system for military vehicles defeats RPG (rocket propelled grenade) threats fired from close ranges. The system minimizes the hazard to troops and civilians nearby. The system uses a plurality of passive sensors to locate the threat and initialize the system. A low cost radar or laser tracker is used as the means to determine range, velocity, and (if required) angular position of the threat. The countermunition used may be one of several choices, with the requisites being that the countermunition provides fast response with low inertia, and is able to damage or destroy the detected threat. A multi-barrel recoilless gun is the weapon of choice. A launching device is used to deploy and aim the countermunition and the tracking means. On board software and electronics are used to control the system.

Abstract: A method of achieving a variable standoff distance on an armored vehicle or structure between a standoff plate and a base armor plate. The method comprises building the armor system with the base armor plating covered by a layer of electromagnetic material, and standoff plates also covered by a layer of electromagnetic material. The standoff plates are movably attached to the base armor plate. The base and standoff plates are oriented so that the two layers of electromagnetic material face each other. The amount of standoff distance is varied depending on the type of threat recognized by a sensor system.