APPARATUS FOR EXTENDING AND RETRACTING AN ARMOR SYSTEM FOR DEFEATING HIGH ENERGY PROJECTILES

Abstract

An armor system for protecting a vehicle from a projectile is disclosed. The armor system includes a telescoping frame having an attaching member attaching the telescoping frame to a hull of the vehicle, a support member, and at least one movable cross member attached between the attaching member and the support member. A distance between the hull and the support member varies based on the position of the at least one cross member. The armor system also includes a projectile-defeating assembly attached to the support member.

Description

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application 61/282,091, which is hereby incorporated by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to an armor system that resists penetration by projectiles.

BACKGROUND

Conventional armor, such as for protecting vehicles, is subjected to a variety of projectiles designed to defeat the armor by either penetrating the armor with a solid or jet-like object or by inducing shock waves in the armor that are reflected in a manner to cause spalling of the armor such that an opening is formed and the penetrator (usually stuck to a portion of the armor) passes through, or an inner layer of the armor spalls and is projected at high velocity without physical penetration of the armor.

Some anti-armor weapons are propelled to the outer surface of the armor where a shaped charge is exploded to form a generally linear “jet” of metal that will penetrate solid armor; these are often called Hollow Charge (HC) weapons. A second type of anti-armor weapon uses a linear, heavy metal penetrator projected at high velocity to penetrate the armor. This type of weapon is referred to as EFP (explosive formed projectile), SFF (self forming fragment), “pie charge,” or sometimes as a “plate charge.”

In some of these weapons, the warhead behaves as a hybrid of the HC and the EFP and produces a series of metal penetrators projected in line towards the target. Such a weapon will be referred to herein as a Hybrid warhead. Hybrid warheads behave according to how much “jetting” or HC effect it has, and how much of a penetration effect (i.e., EFP effect) it produces.

Various projection systems are effective at defeating HC jets. Among different systems, the best known are reactive armors that use explosives in the protection layers that detonate on being hit to break up most of the HO jet before it penetrates the target. The problem is that these explosive systems are poor at defeating EFP or Hybrid systems.

Another type of anti-armor weapon propels a relatively large, heavy, generally ball-shaped solid projectile (or a series of multiple projectiles) at high velocity. When the ball-shaped metal projectile(s) hits the armor, the impact imparts shock waves that reflect in a manner such that a plug-like portion of the armor is sheared from the surrounding material and is projected along the path of the metal projectile(s), with the metal projectile(s) attached thereto. Such an occurrence can, obviously, have very significant detrimental effects on the systems and personnel within a vehicle having its armor defeated in such a manner.

While the HC type weapons involve design features and materials that dictate that they be manufactured by an entity having technical expertise, the later type of weapons (EFP and Hybrid) can be constructed from materials readily available in a combat area. For that reason, and the fact that such weapons are effective, has proved troublesome to vehicles using conventional armor.

The penetration performance for the three mentioned types of warheads is normally described as the ability to penetrate a solid amount of RHA (Rolled Homogeneous Armor) steel armor. Performances typical for the weapon types are: HC warheads may penetrate 1 to 3 ft thickness of RHA, EFP warheads may penetrate 1 to 6 inches of RHA, and Hybrids warheads may penetrate 2 to 12 inches of RHA. These estimates are based on the warheads weighing less than 15 lbs and being fired at their best respective optimum stand off distances. The diameter of the holes made through the first inch of RHA would be: HC up to an inch diameter hole, EFP up to a 9 inch diameter hole, and Hybrids somewhere in between. The best respective optimum stand off distances for the different charges are: standoff distances for an HC charge is good under 3 feet but at 10 ft or more it is very poor; for an EFP charge a stand off distance up to 30 feet produces almost the same (good) penetration and will only fall off significantly at very large distances like 50 yards; and for Hybrid charges penetration is good at standoff distances up to 10 ft but after 20 feet penetration starts falling off significantly. The way these charges are used are determined by these stand off distances and the manner in which their effectiveness is optimized (e.g., the angles of the trajectory of the penetrator to the armor). These factors affect the design of the protection armor.

Conventional armor is subjected to a variety of projectiles designed to defeat the armor by penetrating the armor. Some anti-armor weapons are propelled to the outer surface of the armor where a shaped charge is exploded to form a generally linear “jet” of metal that will penetrate solid armor. Such weapons are often called Hollow Charge (HC) weapons. A rocket propelled grenade (“RPG”) is such a weapon. An RPG 7 is a Russian origin weapon that produces a penetrating metal jet, the tip of which hits the target at about 8000 m/s. When encountering jets at such velocities, solid metal armors behave more like liquids than solids. Irrespective of their strength, they are displaced radially and the jet penetrates the armor.

Various protection systems are effective at defeating HC jets. Among different systems, the best known are reactive armors that use explosives in the projection layers that detonate on being hit to break up most of the HC jet before it penetrates the target. Also known are “bulging armor” components that upon impact by the jet, distort into the jet path to deflect or break up the jet to some extent. Both of these systems are often augmented by what is termed “slat armor,” a plurality of metal slats or bars disposed outside the body of the vehicle to prevent the firing circuit for an RPG from functioning.

Also, as recently disclosed by the Foster-Miller company as part of its RPG Net™ Defense Systems, a net suspended alongside and spaced from the surface of an armored vehicle can act to disrupt RPGs by breaking and/or defeating the RPGs. These nets are reported to be able to crush the foreword conical surface of the RPG 7 to render the fuse inoperative and thereby prevent detonation and shaped charge formation in a significant percentage of RPG 7 impacts, as taught in pending application Ser. No. 12/320,277, the disclosure of which is hereby specifically incorporated by reference. However, nets having fixed spacings from vehicles may increase an effective width of a vehicle, thereby possibly causing problems maneuvering in narrow passages, such as, e.g., in some urban environments.

While any anti-armor projectile can be defeated by metal armor of sufficient strength and thickness, extra metal armor thickness is heavy and expensive, adds weight to any armored vehicle using it which, in turn, places greater strain on the vehicle engine and drive train.

Thus, there exists a need for an armor system using a spaced layer that can defeat projectiles and jets from anti-armor devices, particularly rocket propelled grenades, without requiring an excess thickness of metal armor and without unduly limiting maneuverability of a vehicle to which it is applied. Preferably, such an armor system would be made of constructions that can be readily fabricated and incorporated into a vehicle design at a reasonable cost, and even more preferably, can be added to existing vehicles.

As the threats against armored vehicles increase and become more diverse, combinations of armor systems are needed to defeat the various threats. An armor system that raises the protection level of an armored vehicle to include HC charges, both missile-borne and stationary, is described.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

In accordance with one aspect, the present disclosure is directed toward an armor system for protecting a vehicle from a projectile, the vehicle having a hull. The armor system includes a telescoping frame having an attaching member attaching the telescoping frame to the hull, a support member, and at least one movable cross member attached between the attaching member and the support member. A distance between the hull and the support member varies based on the position of the at least one cross member. The armor system also includes a projectile-defeating assembly attached to the support member.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of a first embodiment of an exemplary disclosed armor system;

FIG. 2 is a schematic illustration of the first embodiment of the exemplary disclosed armor system, viewed along line A-A of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an additional schematic illustration of the first embodiment of the exemplary disclosed armor system;

FIG. 4 is a schematic, cross-sectional view of the first embodiment of the exemplary disclosed vehicle;

FIGS. 5A and 5B are schematic illustrations of a second embodiment of the exemplary disclosed armor system;

FIG. 6 is an additional illustration of the second embodiment of the exemplary disclosed armor system; and

FIGS. 7A and 7B are schematic illustrations of a third embodiment of the exemplary disclosed armor system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 illustrates a first embodiment of an exemplary disclosed armor system 10 for protecting a vehicle 11 (shown in FIG. 4) from projectiles such as, for example, HC and Hybrid warheads. The projectiles have an expected trajectory 12 relative to vehicle 11. Armor system 10 may include an armored hull 14, at least one telescoping frame 16, at least one projectile-defeating assembly 18, and at least one jacking device 20. Telescoping frame 16 may be disposed between armored hull 14 and projectile-defeating assembly 18, and jacking device 20 may drive telescoping frame 16 to extend and retract projectile-defeating assembly 18 relative to armored hull 14.

Armored hull 14 may include a plurality of layers 22. Layers 22 may include armored layers and a vehicle hull layer, the armored layers being layered behind and/or in front of the vehicle hull layer, relative to trajectory 12. Armored hull 14 may include any number of layers 22 appropriate for defeating projectiles. Armored hull 14 may include a combination of layers 22 made from varying materials. For example, a given layer 22 may be made from high strength steel such as, for example, a 500 Brinell hardness steel, or high strength aluminum alloy such as, for example, 7039 aluminum, 5083 aluminum, 6061 aluminum, and 2024 aluminum. A given layer 22 may also be made from low density material such as, for example, a low density polypropylene composite material, reinforced polymer, and polyethylene composites, or glass fiber material such as, for example, R-Glass composite, S-Glass material, and E-Glass composite material. The plurality of layers 12 may vary in thickness, based on material and relative position within armored hull 14. Additionally, armored hull 14 may include dispersion spaces between adjacent layers 12 to allow lateral dispersion of projectile material.

Each telescoping frame 16 may include a first support member 24, a second support member 26, a first cross member 28, and a second cross member 30. First support member 24 may attach telescoping frame 16 to armored hull 14, and first and second cross members 28 and 30 may attach first support member 24 to second support member 26.

First support member 24 may include a first side 32 and a second side 34. Second side 34 may include an elongated slot 36 configured to receive a fastener 38, and an aperture 40 configured to receive a fastener 42. First support member 24 may be attached to armored hull 14 by any suitable technique in the art. For example, first side 32 may be welded or bolted to armored hull 14. Fastener 38 may be free to rotate within elongated slot 36, and also to translate in an elongated direction 44 of elongated slot 36. Elongated slot 36 may thereby slidably and rotatably receive fastener 38. Additionally, fastener 42 may be free to rotate within aperture 40.

Second support member 26 may be similar to first support member 28, and may include a first side 46, a second side 48, an elongated slot 50 configured to slidably and rotatably receive a fastener 52, and an aperture 54 configured to receive a fastener 56.

First cross member 28 may be a movable cross member that includes a plurality of apertures configured to rotatably receive fasteners 38 and 56, and first cross member 28 may thereby connect first support member 24 to second support member 26. Second cross member 30 may be a movable cross member similarly including a plurality of apertures configured to rotatably receive fasteners 42 and 52, and second cross member 30 may thereby connect first support member 24 to second support member 26. First cross member 28 and second cross member 30 may each include an aperture configured to rotatably receive a fastener 58. Fastener 58 may thereby rotatably attach first cross member 28 and second cross member 30 to provide a coordinated, scissors-type motion of cross members 28 and 30 between first support member 24 and second support member 26.

First support member 24, second support member 26, first cross member 28, and second cross member 30 may be lightweight structural members such as, for example, structural steel, aluminum beams and channels, aluminum tubing, and other materials suitable for lightweight space-frame design. These structural members may be slender and lightweight elements relative to a total weight of vehicle 11. Telescoping frame 16 may thereby add only a negligible amount of weight relative to the total weight of vehicle 11. Therefore, telescoping frame 16 and projectile-defeating assembly 18 may reduce the threat of projectiles to vehicle 11, while not adding significant additional weight that may impede the maneuverability of vehicle 11. First support member 24, second support member 26, first cross member 28, and second cross member 30 may alternatively be made from materials such as, for example, high-strength steel, that may support relatively heavy alternative embodiments of projectile-defeating assembly 18, as described below.

As depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2, projectile-defeating assembly 18 may include a projectile-defeating layer 60. Projectile-defeating layer 60 may be any non-explosive passive, reactive defeating armor, or hybrid armor (e.g., including both nonexplosive and explosive elements) known in the art, as further described below.

Projectile-defeating layer 60 may be attached to telescoping frame 16 via any suitable means known in the art such as, for example, a plurality of fasteners 62. Fasteners 62 may attach projectile-defeating layer 60 to second support member 26 of telescoping frame 16. Fasteners 62 may be conventional mechanical fasteners that provide both axial (toward a surface of vehicle 11) as well as lateral (parallel to a surface of vehicle 11) restraints on projectile-defeating layer 60. Fasteners 62 may also be removably attachable, so that a plurality of different projectile-defeating layers 60 may be easily removed and replaced on vehicle 11 in the field, for example, in the case that projectile-defeating layer 60 is damaged. A plurality of projectile-defeating layers 60 may be stored by personnel on vehicle 11. It is also contemplated that projectile-defeating layer 60 may be attached to telescoping frame 16 by any other suitable technique in the art such as, for example, via an adhesive or wire fasteners.

In one exemplary embodiment, projectile-defeating layer 60 may be a netting layer, as depicted in FIG. 2. A plurality of different projectile-defeating layers 60 may be removed and replaced on vehicle 11 based on, for example, a desired spacing “d” of projectile-defeating layer 60. Projectile-defeating layer 60 having an appropriate spacing “d” relative to a given projectile may laterally crush or otherwise deform that projectile. For example, spacing “d” may be sized to correspond to a cone-shaped forward section of a projectile, and projectile-defeating layer 60 may exert a lateral crushing force as the projectile passes through projectile-defeating layer 60, thereby disabling and/or short-circuiting a fuse of a projectile such as an RPG. Spacing “d” may be selected in view of the dimensions of RPG type(s) expected to be encountered in the battle theater. For example, projectile-defeating layer 60 having mesh sizes of about 1″-3″ may be useful. Additionally, field personnel may use various projectile-defeating layers 60, having various mesh sizes “d,” based on current intelligence reports of enemy projectiles in use in the field. Therefore, projectile-defeating layer 60 of projectile-defeating assembly 18 may have a spacing “d” based on a predetermined projectile width. Spacing “d” may be, for example, a mesh size of a netting. Additionally, any of the embodiments of projectile-defeating layer 60 described below may have a similar spacing “d” for disabling a projectile. Spacing “d” may be, for example, a component-component spacing between components of a multi-component projectile-defeating layer 60. For example, spacing “d” may be a distance between bulges of a bulging armor arrangement, or a distance between strands of a net.

In one exemplary embodiment, projectile-defeating layer 60 may be a net formed from high strength, low stretch material such as Zytel®, a nylon material available from DuPont. Other materials may be used including metal mesh fabricated from, e.g., conventional braided steel cable of about ⅛″ diameter. The higher weights for metal-based nets may be acceptable because a metal mesh may be more durable and less prone to cutting. In either case, the crossing strands of the net material may be welded or otherwise bonded together at the crossing points to resist enlargement of the mesh openings by a projectile such as, for example, an RPG 7 conical section.

Any suitable slat system, bar system, and/or cage armor system may be included in projectile-defeating assembly 18 and projectile-defeating layer 60, and used in conjunction with the disclosed armor systems. Additionally, a nonexplosive reactive armor (NERA) (e.g., bulging armor system, such as that disclosed in pending application Ser. No. 12/320,277, the disclosure of which is hereby specifically incorporated by reference) may also be included in projectile-defeating assembly 18 and projectile-defeating layer 60, and used in conjunction with the disclosed armor systems. These systems may also have spacings corresponding to a spacing “d” based on a predetermined projectile width.

Projectile-defeating assembly 18 and projectile-defeating layer 60 may also include either opaque or transparent material and used at a standoff distance from vehicle 11, or relatively closely to vehicle 11, as an armor system to defeat any variety of high energy projectiles. For example, projectile-defeating assembly 18 including opaque or transparent material may be used to defeat shaped-charge jets at a standoff and EFPs at a relatively close distance from vehicle 11. For example, projectile-defeating layer 60 may include textile-based material such as Tarian® developed by AmSafe.

Projectile-defeating layer 60 may also include any other suitable projectile-defeating materials and systems such as, for example, explosive reactive armor (ERA), low-obliquity reactive armor (LORA), and composite lightweight adaptable reactive armor (CLARA). Additionally, projectile-defeating layer 60 may include one or more electrokinetic armor layers, electrothermal armor layers, and/or electromagnetic armor layers. Projectile-defeating layer 60 may also include active armor such as, for example, an active protection system (APS) such as Textron's Tactical Rocket-Propelled Grenade Airbag Protection System.

Jacking device 20 may be attached to first support member 24 and/or armored hull 14 and may drive fastener 38, and thereby first cross member 28, to translate in elongated direction 44. Jacking device 20 may be any appropriate jack known in the art such as, for example, a hydraulic ram or a hydraulic jack. Jacking device 20 may also be a ratchet-type jack. Such a hydraulic jacking device may be actuated by personnel within or outside armored hull 14. It is also contemplated that telescoping frame 16 may be manually extended and retracted by field personnel, without a need for jacking device 20.

It is contemplated that an existing vehicle 11 may be retrofitted with armor system 10 to gain the benefits described herein. For example, telescoping frame 16, projectile-defeating assembly 18, and/or jacking device 20 may be retrofitted on existing vehicle 11 to reduce the threat of projectiles. Existing vehicle 11 may be retrofitted with armor system 10 using an assemblage of required parts specific to the vehicle, e.g., in kit form.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, telescoping frame 16 may be displaced between an extended position and a retracted position. When fasteners 38 and 52 are in the position shown in FIG. 1, telescoping frame 16 is in the extended position. To move from the extended position of FIG. 1 to the retracted position of FIG. 3, jacking device 20 may drive fastener 38 along elongated slot 36 in elongated direction 44, thereby moving first cross member 28 in elongated direction 44. As first cross member 28 moves in elongated direction 44, first cross member 28 also rotates about fastener 58 relative to second cross member 30, and rotates about fastener 56 relative to second support member 26. The movement of first cross member 28 also causes second cross member 30 to move in elongated direction 44, with fastener 52 moving along elongated slot 50. As second cross member 30 moves in elongated direction 44, second cross member 30 also rotates about fastener 58 relative to first cross member 28, and rotates about fastener 42 relative to first support member 24. These movements continue until telescoping frame 16 reaches the retracted position shown in FIG. 3. Telescoping frame 16 may be similarly moved from the retracted position to the extended position. Therefore, a distance between armored hull 14 and second support member 26 supporting projectile-defeating assembly 18 varies based on a position of first cross member 28 and second cross member 30.

The scissors-type motion between cross members 28 and 30 may provide advantages relating to the movement of second support member 26. The scissors-type motion of cross members 28 and 30 about fastener 58 may substantially reduce tilting of telescoping frame 16 relative to the axial direction (i.e., toward a surface of vehicle 11). Therefore, the scissors-type motion of cross members 28 and 30 may allow for substantially pure lateral translation of second support member 26 in the axial direction.

It is contemplated that telescoping frame 16 may be locked in place by jacking device 20, or by any other suitable locking device known in the art, at the extended position, the retracted position, or any position in between the extended and retracted positions. As shown in FIG. 4, it is also contemplated that telescoping frames 16 on vehicle 11 may be simultaneously moved and/or held in varying positions, depending on the requirements for maneuverability and threat protection in a given situation. Armor system 10 may include a plurality of telescoping frames 16 of any suitable size and covering any desired portions of vehicle 11.

Armor system 10 may create and/or increase a standoff distance to defeat a projectile in a hostile environment, while also having flexibility to increase the maneuverability of vehicle 11 when required. As shown in FIG. 4, standoff distance to defeat a projectile may be increased when telescoping frame 16 is in the extended position, and maneuverability of vehicle 11 may be increased when telescoping frame 16 is in the retracted position. Armor system 10 may include features and benefits similar to those disclosed in the other armor system embodiments of this application.

FIG. 5A illustrates a second embodiment of an exemplary disclosed armor system for protecting a vehicle 111 (shown in FIG. 6). The elements of an armor system 110 may be generally similar to armor system 10. Armor system 110 may include an armored hull 114 that includes a plurality of layers 122, at least one telescoping frame 116, at least one projectile-defeating assembly 118, and at least one jacking device 120.

Each telescoping frame 116 may include a first attaching member 124 having an aperture, a second attaching member 126 having an aperture, a first cross member 128, a second cross member 130, and a support member 132. First attaching member 124 and second attaching member 126 may attach telescoping frame 116 to armored hull 114, and first and second cross members 128 and 130 may be attached to support member 132.

First cross member 128 may be a movable cross member including a first attaching member 134 having an aperture, a second attaching member 136 having an aperture, a first support member 138, a second support member 140, and a third attaching member 142. First support member 138 may be rotatably attached to attaching member 124 via a fastener 144 configured to be received in the aperture of attaching member 124 and the aperture of first attaching member 134 of first support member 138. In a similar fashion, first and second support members 138 and 140 may be rotatably attached to each other as a hinged elbow via a fastener 146 received within apertures of support member 138 and 140, and second support member 140 may be rotatably attached to support member 132 via a fastener 148 received within apertures of support members 132 and 140.

Second cross member 130 may be a movable cross member including a first support member 150 and a second support member 152. Second cross member 130 may have attachments similar to first cross member 128: support member 150 may be rotatably attached to attaching member 126 via a fastener 154, support members 150 and 152 may be rotatably attached to each other via a fastener 156, and support member 152 may be rotatably attached to support member 132 via a fastener 158.

Projectile-defeating assembly 118 may include a projectile-defeating layer 160 and a plurality of fasteners 162 that are similar to elements of projectile-defeating assembly 18. Fasteners 162 may attach projectile-defeating layer 160 to support member 132 of telescoping frame 116.

Jacking device 120 may be attached to telescoping frame 116 between hull 114 and projectile-defeating assembly 118, e.g., between attaching member 124 and support member 132. Jacking device 120 may be any appropriate jacking device known in the art such as, for example, a hydraulic or a pneumatic cylinder. Jacking device 120 may include a rod 164 configured to displace within a cylinder 166. Such a hydraulic jacking device may be actuated by personnel within or outside armored hull 114. It is also contemplated that telescoping frame 116 may be manually extended and retracted by field personnel, without a need for jacking device 120.

Similar to armor system 10, it is contemplated that an existing vehicle 111 may be retrofitted with armor system 110 to gain the benefits described herein. Existing vehicle 111 may be retrofitted with armor system 110 using an assemblage of required parts specific to the vehicle, e.g., in kit form.

As shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, telescoping frame 116 may be displaced between an extended position and a retracted position. When jacking device 120 is in the position shown in FIG. 5A, telescoping frame 116 is in the extended position. To move from the extended position of FIG. 5A to the retracted position of FIG. 5B, rod 164 of jacking device 120 is retracted into cylinder 166, thereby rotating support members 138 and 140 about fasteners 144, 146, and 148, and rotating support members 150 and 152 about fasteners 154, 156, and 158. Both of the pairs of support members 138 and 140, and support members 150 and 152, are drawn together in a “V” configuration, until reaching the retracting position shown in FIG. 5B. Telescoping frame 116 may be similarly moved from the retracted position to the extended position. Therefore, the distance between support member 132 supporting projectile-defeating assembly 118 and armored hull 114 varies based on a position of the foldable cross members 128 and 130. Also, the distance between support member 132 and armored hull 114 varies based on a degree of folding of cross members 128 and 130.

Similar to the operation of armor system 10, it is contemplated that telescoping frame 116 of armor system 110 may be locked in place by jacking device 120, or by any other suitable locking device known in the art, at the extended position, the retracted position, or any position in between the extended and retracted positions. Also similar to the operation of armor system 10, armor system 110 may create and/or increase a standoff distance to defeat a projectile in a hostile environment, while also having flexibility to increase the maneuverability of vehicle 111 when required.

As shown in FIG. 6, it is also contemplated that telescoping frames 116 on vehicle 111 may be simultaneously moved and/or held in varying positions, depending on the requirements for maneuverability and threat protection in a given situation. Armor system 110 may also include additional features and benefits similar to those disclosed in the other armor system embodiments of this application.

FIG. 7A illustrates a third embodiment of an exemplary disclosed armor system for protecting a vehicle. The elements of an armor system 210 may be generally similar to armor system 10. Armor system 210 may include a vehicle armored hull 214 including a plurality of layers 222 similar to layers 22, at least one telescoping frame 216, at least one projectile-defeating assembly 218 that may be similar to projectile-defeating assembly 18, and at least one jacking device 220.

Each telescoping frame 216 may include an attaching member 224 having an aperture, a cross member 228, and a support member 232 having an aperture. Attaching member 224 may attach telescoping frame 216 to armored hull 214, and cross member 228 may attach support member 232 to attaching member 224. Support member 232 may support projectile-defeating assembly 218.

Cross member 228 may be a movable cross member including a first support member 238 having an aperture on each of its end portions and a second support member 240 having an aperture on each of its end portions. Support member 238 may be rotatably attached to attaching member 224 via a fastener 244 configured to be received in the aperture of attaching member 224 and one of the apertures of first support member 238. In a similar fashion, first and second support members 238 and 240 may be rotatably attached to each other as a hinged elbow via a fastener 246 received within apertures of support members 238 and 240, and second support member 240 may be rotatably attached to support member 232 via a fastener 248 received within apertures of support members 232 and 240.

As shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B, support members 238 and 240 may include elongated slots 250 for receiving an elongated member such as, for example, a wire rope or cable 254. Slots 250 may be open slots formed in the support members of telescoping frame 216 and/or closed passageways formed within the support members of telescoping frame 216. The hinged elbow joint formed by support members 238 and 240 may include a plurality of relief slots 252. Relief slots 252 may allow support members 238 and 240 to rotate freely about fastener 246 when an elongated member such as cable 254 is present in slots 250.

Jacking device 220 may be any suitable system for selectively extending and retracting cable 254 such as, for example, a pulley or cable system. Jacking device 220 may include a winch 256 about which cable 254 may be selectively wound or unwound. Winch 256 may be any suitable device for extending and retracting cable 254 such as, for example, an electrically-operated winch or a manual hand-crank. Jacking device 220 may be actuated by personnel within or outside armored hull 214. It is also contemplated that telescoping frame 216 may be manually extended and retracted by field personnel, without a need for jacking device 220.

Similar to armor systems 10 and 110, it is contemplated that an existing vehicle may be retrofitted with armor system 210 to gain the benefits described herein. An existing vehicle may be retrofitted with armor system 210 using an assemblage of required parts specific to the vehicle, e.g., in kit form.

Telescoping frame 216 may be displaced between an extended position and a retracted position. To move between the extended position and the retracted position, jacking device 220 selectively winds and unwinds cable 254. Winch 256 may selectively wind cable 254, causing support members 238 and 240 to rotate about fasteners 244, 246, and 248, and being thereby drawn together in a “V” configuration. Telescoping frame 216 is thereby moved from the extended position toward the retracted position. Winch 256 may also be selectively allowed to rotate freely, thereby allowing support members 238 and 240 to be drawn apart under a gravitational force of the weight of telescoping frame 216. Telescoping frame 216 thereby moves from the retracted position toward the extended position. Therefore, the distance between support member 232 supporting projectile-defeating assembly 218 and armored hull 214 varies based on a position of cross member 228.

Similar to the operation of armor systems 10 and 110, it is contemplated that telescoping frame 216 of armor system 210 may be locked in place by jacking device 220, or by any other suitable locking device known in the art, at the extended position, the retracted position, or any position in between the extended and retracted positions. Also similar to the operation of armor systems 10 and 110, armor system 210 may create and/or increase a standoff distance to defeat a projectile in a hostile environment, while also having flexibility to increase vehicle maneuverability when required.

As shown in FIG. 7A, telescoping frame 216 may include a break-away device 300 disposed between telescoping frame 216 and hull 214. Break-away device 300 may be any suitable device for allowing telescoping frame 216 to be separated from armored hull 214 if a certain threshold force is applied to telescoping frame 216, the force tending to pull telescoping frame 216 away from the vehicle. For example, if telescoping frame 216 becomes snagged on a terrain feature in an operational environment such as, for example, vegetation or a wall, telescoping frame 216 may be separated from hull 214 so that damage to vehicle systems, e.g., folding mirrors and other external vehicle components, may be substantially reduced. For example, if telescoping frame 216 becomes snagged on a tree as hull 214 passes by, break-away device 300 may separate when the snagging force from the resistance of the tree exceeds the predetermined threshold force of break-away device 300. Break-away device 300 may be incorporated into any of armor systems 10, 110, and 210.

Telescoping frame 216 may include a manual locking system 310. Manual locking system 310 may include any suitable system for manual locking telescoping frame 216 at a desired location such as, for example, a ball detent, a spring, a gas strut, or a pin system. For example, as shown in FIG. 7B, manual locking system 310 may be a pin system including a plurality of apertures 312 configured to receive a pin 314. Support members 238 and 240 may each include the plurality of apertures 312, each of the various apertures 312 of support member 238 configured to be aligned with each of the apertures of support member 240 as telescoping frame 216 extends and retracts. When a desired combination of apertures 312 are aligned, pin 314 may be inserted into given apertures 312 to lock the relative movement of support members 238 and 240, thereby locking a position of telescoping frame 216. Telescoping frame 216 may thereby be manually locked and unlocked at various positions between the fully extended position and the fully retracted position. Manual locking system 310 may be incorporated into any of armor systems 10, 110, and 210.

Referring back to FIG. 4, armor system 10 may be mounted on a side of vehicle 11 to protect vehicle hull 14 from lateral threats against a side of vehicle 11. Armor system 10 may also be mounted to a roof of vehicle 11 to defend against threats such as hand-thrown shaped-charge grenades (RKG-3), mortar rounds, and artillery fire. Armor system 10 may also be mounted on an undercarriage of vehicle 11 to defend against shrapnel fragments from IEDs and/or EFPs. It is contemplated that a heavy plate or “double V” armor system may be included in armor system 10 and extended vertically substantially downward from the undercarriage of vehicle 11 to protect against threats such as landmines, anti-vehicular EFP type mines (TMRP-6), and various IEDs. It is contemplated that cables and/or hydraulic or pneumatic cylinders may extend and retract armor system 10 from the undercarriage of vehicle 11 to avoid obstacles.

It is contemplated that telescoping frame 16 may alternatively include a plurality of substantially straight hollow elements such as, for example, square or cylindrical tubes. For example, telescoping frame 16 may include an inner tube that is slightly smaller than an outer tube. The slightly smaller inner tube may be disposed within the slightly larger outer tube and may extend out from the slightly larger tube at a plurality of stopping points. For example, a plurality of detents or holes may be formed in the inner and the outer tubes, and aligned at various lengths so as to receive a mechanical element such as a pin through both of the inner and the outer tubes. Telescoping frame 16 may thereby be locked at varying lengths so that projectile-defeating assembly 18 may be disposed at varying standoff distances. Additional hollow elements may be added to telescoping frame 16, and successively nested within each other, to increase a number of telescoping elements of telescoping frame 16, and thereby increase the distance at which projectile-defeating assembly may be extended and retracted from hull 14.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made to the disclosed apparatus and method. Other embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art from consideration of the specification and practice of the disclosed method and apparatus. It is intended that the specification and examples be considered as exemplary only, with a true scope being indicated by the following claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. An armor system for protecting a vehicle from a projectile, the vehicle having a hull, the system comprising:

a telescoping frame including an attaching member attaching the telescoping frame to the hull, a support member, and at least one movable cross member attached between the attaching member and the support member, wherein a distance between the hull and the support member varies based on the position of the at least one cross member; and

a projectile-defeating assembly attached to the support member.

2. The armor system of claim 1, wherein the projectile-defeating assembly includes a projectile-defeating multi-component layer having a component-component spacing based on a predetermined width.

3. The armor system of claim 1, wherein the projectile-defeating assembly includes a netting layer.

4. The armor system of claim 3, wherein the netting layer has a mesh size based on a predetermined projectile width.

5. The armor system of claim 1, wherein the projectile-defeating assembly has a projectile-defeating layer including a nonexplosive reactive armor.

6. The armor system of claim 1, wherein the projectile-defeating assembly has a projectile-defeating layer including a transparent material.

7. The armor system of claim 1, wherein the projectile-defeating assembly has a projectile-defeating layer including explosive reactive armor.

8. The armor system of claim 1, wherein the projectile-defeating assembly has a projectile-defeating layer including low-obliquity reactive armor.

9. The armor system of claim 1, wherein the projectile-defeating assembly has a projectile-defeating layer including composite lightweight adaptable reactive armor.

10. The armor system of claim 1, wherein the projectile-defeating assembly has a projectile-defeating layer including one or more of electrokinetic armor, electrothermal armor, and electromagnetic armor.

11. The armor system of claim 1, wherein the projectile-defeating assembly is mounted on a side of the vehicle.

12. The armor system of claim 1, wherein the projectile-defeating assembly is mounted on a roof of the vehicle.

13. The armor system of claim 1, wherein the projectile-defeating assembly is mounted on an undercarriage of the vehicle.

14. An armor system for protecting a vehicle from a projectile, the vehicle having a hull, the system comprising:

a telescoping frame including a first support member attaching the telescoping frame to the hull, a second support member, and at least one movable cross member attached between the first and second support members, wherein a distance between the first and second support members varies based on the position of the at least one cross member; and

a projectile-defeating assembly attached to the second support member.

15. The armor system of claim 14, wherein the projectile-defeating assembly includes a netting layer having a mesh size based on a predetermined projectile width.

16. The armor system of claim 14, further including a second cross member, and wherein the first and second cross members are rotatably attached between the first support member and the second support member.

17. The armor system of claim 16, wherein the first and second cross members are rotatably attached to one another and arranged in a scissors-type configuration between the first and second support members.

18. The armor system of claim 16, wherein the distance between the first and second support members varies based on a rotation of the cross members.

19. The armor system of claim 16, wherein each of the first and second support members includes an elongated slot, each of the elongated slots slidably and rotatably receiving a fastener for attaching a respective cross member.

20. The armor system of claim 16, wherein the first and second cross members are foldable, and wherein the distance between the first and second support members varies based on a degree of folding.

21. The armor system of claim 16, wherein the armor system is provided in kit form.

22. An armor system for protecting a vehicle from a projectile, the vehicle having a hull, the system comprising:

a telescoping frame including a first support member attaching the telescoping frame to the hull, a second support member, and at least one movable cross member attached between the first and second support members, wherein a distance between the first and second support members varies based on the position of the at least one cross member; and

a projectile-defeating assembly attached to the second support member, wherein the projectile-defeating assembly includes a netting layer having a mesh size based on a predetermined projectile width.

23. The armor system of claim 22, further comprising a break-away device disposed between the telescoping frame and the hull.