LOUVER ARMOR

Abstract

An armor module for protecting a body against a threat having an anticipated impact direction. The armor module comprising a ballistic armor unit, and a low density arrangement providing the entire armor module with an average density lower than that of water.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to Israel Application No. 225379 filed on 21 Mar. 2013, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by this reference.

TECHNOLOGICAL FIELD

The subject matter of the present application is in the field of ballistic armor, in particular, in the field of slat armor.

BACKGROUND

Armored vehicle protection systems include means for withstanding the impact of shrapnel, bullets, missiles, or shells, and/or for neutralizing the triggering mechanism of weapons, such as Rocket Propelled Grenades (RPG). These protection systems are implemented in vehicles, such as tanks, Armored Personnel Carriers (APCs), aircraft, and ships, however may also be utilized to protect any stationary structures, such as a guard towers deployed around military bases, and army post, etc.

One example of a common weapon used against vehicles is an RPG, which is typically a shoulder-fired, anti-tank weapon system which fires rockets equipped with an explosive warhead.

Slat armor is a type of armor designed to protect against the above threats. The slat armor includes a rigid grid deployed around the vehicle at a predetermined distance from the vehicle, so as to allow the slat armor to come in contact with the threat before its impact with the vehicle's body. The distance between the grid and the body of the vehicle is known as the standoff.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

According to a first aspect of the subject matter of the present application there is provided an armor module configured for providing ballistic protection against an incoming threat and comprising a ballistic armor unit, and a low density arrangement providing the entire armor module with an average density lower than that of water.

In accordance with one design embodiment, the low density arrangement can be constituted by a material having a density lower than that of water (hereinafter ‘low density material’). In this case, the amount of material can be chosen such that it is sufficient for maintaining the entire armor module (including the ballistic armor unit) afloat in water. Examples of materials which can be used for the low density arrangement include, but are not limited to, Nomex™ honeycomb, polycarbonate, aluminum foam (e.g. closed-cell aluminum foam having a density ranging between 0.2-5 gr/cc) and even organic materials such as homogenous or porous wood (e.g. plywood).

It should be understood that the above examples include both a material having, on its own, a low density (e.g. polycarbonate) and/or porous or foam structures (aluminum foam) having a low density but made of materials having, on their own, a density greater than that of water (e.g. aluminum). In particular, while the material itself has a density greater than water, its porous structure allows trapping a sufficient amount of air (or other light material) within the pours so as to provide it with an overall low density.

Under various examples of the above arrangement, any combination of the following can be provided:

• • the low density arrangement can be constituted by a single block of low density material attached in front or behind the ballistic armor unit;
  • the low density arrangement can comprise one or more layers of the low density material disposed between one or more ballistic layers of the ballistic armor unit; and
  • the low density arrangement can comprise one or more low density members disposed within the armor module.

According to another design embodiment, the low density arrangement can be constituted by a float module comprising a cavity filled with a fluid (gas or liquid) having a low density. It is understood that a fluid requires a closed container as it cannot be attached to the armor unit in the manner described above with respect to solid structures/materials.

According to a specific example, the float module can be constituted by an empty container having, or constituted by, a sealing cover configured for hermetically sealing the cavity and containing therein, among others, air. Alternatively, it may be filled with any other suitable fluid material capable of maintaining the armor module afloat within water (e.g. oil, various gasses etc.).

It is appreciated that filling the cavity with air may provide for the required functionality without increasing the cost of the armor module.

The float module can be incorporated within the armor module in at least one of the two following ways:

• • an individual float module (containing only the low density fluid material) and externally attached to the ballistic armor unit; and
  • a float module containing within its cavity both the ballistic armor unit and the low density material. In this case, the sealing cover is configured for hermetically encapsulating the entire armor module.

It is appreciated that when the armor module is mounted onto a body protected thereby (e.g. vehicle), the low density characteristics of the armor module can facilitate supporting the weight of the body when the latter is immersed in water. In particular, for vehicles, and specifically amphibious vehicles, this can pose an advantage when crossing through ponds, deep puddles, trenches etc. filled with water.

In addition, such an armor module can be particularly useful when being used to protect marine vessels, by similarly reducing their immersion in the water, which may also yield a reduction in drag forces.

According to various examples, the ballistic armor unit can be constituted any of the following:

• • a single armor layer;
  • a laminated armor panel comprising a plurality of armor layers;
  • an armor arrangement comprising a plurality of armor members/elements (e.g. slats, pellets etc.); and
  • any combination of the above.

In the case that the low density arrangement is a solid structure/material, the arrangement can be used as a substrate for attachment thereto, or placing thereon, of the layers and/or members of the ballistic armor unit.

In addition, if the armor layers of the ballistic armor unit are of a specific shape (e.g. not planar but corrugated, angled, wave-like etc.), the low density arrangement is such that at least one portion thereof can be cut, carved and/or shape to form a surface corresponding in shape and size to that of the armor layer/s.

Furthermore, in the case of separate armor members (e.g. slats) which require a specific mounting/supporting arrangement within the armor module, the low density arrangement can have at least one portion that can be cut, carved and/or shaped so as to form a surface that mounting and/or placing of the armor members thereon meets the specific requirement of the special arrangement.

Cutting, carving and/or shaping can be performed by a variety of operations, for example, laser cutting, water cutting, machine cutting (e.g. milling) and even initially casting or forming the material of the low density arrangement with the desired shape of the mounting surface (e.g. casting).

The armor layer and/or armor member can be securely mounted onto the low density arrangement using a variety of securing mechanism e.g. bolting, adhesion, Velcro etc.

In addition, the low density arrangement can be configured for convenient replacement of armor layers/members to provide a modular configuration, Specifically, the low density arrangement can comprise a first member having a first mounting surface and a second member having a second mounting surface, the arrangement being such that the armor layer and/or armor members are placed on the first mounting surface and then clamped between the first member and the second member.

It is appreciated that the arrangement of armor layer/s and/or armor member/s being clamped between the two members of the low density arrangement provides for a modularity of the armor module allowing quick replacement of the armor layer/s and/or armor members simply by unclamping the low density arrangement.

More specifically, if it is required, for example, to provide the armor module with a higher degree of ballistic protection, all that is required is merely unclamping the members of the low density arrangement, replacing the armor layer/s and/or armor member/s by ones having a higher ballistic protection and re-clamping the members of the low density arrangement.

The first member and the second member can be clamped so as to securely retain therebetween the armor layer/s and/or armor member/s. When fixing elements (e.g. bolts, pins etc.) are used to clamp the members of the low density arrangement, according to one example, such fixing elements can either pass only through the members of the low density arrangement. According to another example, such fixing elements can also pass through the armor layer/s and/or armor members, thereby further securing their position within the armor module.

It is to be understood that the first mounting surface and the second mounting surface can be shaped and sized to correspond to respective first and second surfaces of the armor layer/s and/or armor member/s, so that when the members of the low density arrangement are clamped to one another, the armor layer/s and/or armor member/s are retained within the low density arrangement without unnecessary air gaps/spaces.

In accordance with a particular example in which the armor layer/s and/or armor member/s are of planar shape or in sheet form, the first and second mounting surfaces can be a mirror image of one another (since the respective first and second surfaces of the armor layer/s and/or armor member/s are also a mirror image of one another).

In accordance with one design embodiment, when separate armor members are used (e.g. a slat armor), the first member of the low density arrangement can be constituted by a plurality of consecutive sub-surfaces angled to one another. In particular, the sub-surfaces can be cut to provide the first mounting surface with a saw-like configuration (i.e. having peaks and troughs).

The armor members can be mounted onto the saw-like mounting surface in any of the following configurations:

• • an armor member is mounted onto each of the sub-surfaces;
  • armor members are mounted only on a majority of the sub-surfaces;
  • armor members are arranged alternately on the sub-surfaces so that each two neighboring armor members are separated by a sub-surface having no armor members mounted thereon; and
  • any combination of the above.

In accordance with another design embodiment, in the case of armor members (slats), the ballistic armor unit can comprise a plurality of longitudinal slats, being supported by two respective ends thereof by at least two support members.

The slats may be detachably mounted onto the support members so that any individual slat can be removed from the ballistic armor unit for the purpose of maintenance, replacement, storage and transportation, and even simply for reducing the weight of the armor module itself. It is noted that replacement of the slat can be performed, for example, for the purpose of replacing a damaged/worn-out slat by a similar, new slat or for the purpose of replacing with a slat having different ballistic capabilities.

Such an arrangement allows for a modular construction providing the user to modify the armor module according to ballistic requirements, transportation requirements, maintenance etc.

According to one example, the support members can be formed with individual slots extending therealong allowing each of the slat to be slidingly received within the support members. Under this configuration, each of the slats can be slidingly removed, along the longitudinal direction thereof, from the armor module within affecting any of the other slats mounted therein.

In the above example, armor slats can be slidingly inserted in a first mounting direction extending between the support members or alternatively, by slidingly inserted in a direction extending perpendicular to the first mounting direction. In the latter case, the slots formed in the support members can have an open end through which the armor slats are inserted.

In addition, the armor slats can be formed with auxiliary slots configured for being interlaced with the slots of the support members when the armor slats are mounted thereon.

According to another example, the support members can be formed with a longitudinal rail configured for receiving therein the ends of the slat so that the slats are subsequently slidingly mounted onto the support members. In this case, in order to remove a single slat, all the slats located above/below it should first be removed. Upon removal of the desired slat, the other slats can be placed back into the support members in the same manner.

According to a specific design, the armor module can comprise a ballistic armor unit as described in one of the above two examples (i.e. slats spaced from one another and held by support members), wherein the spaces between the slats are filled with the low density arrangement (either by mounting or by injection). Under such an arrangement, in order to remove an individual slat, it is required to remove, together therewith, those portions of the low density arrangement immediately attached thereto.

The mounting of the armor module onto a body to be protected can be performed by manner of suspension, as previously described in FIGS. 2A to 2C and specification portions pertaining thereto of IL Patent Application 213972 to the Applicant, which is incorporated herein by reference.

In mounting of the armor module onto a body to be protected (not necessarily by the above mentioned arrangement), the stand-off distance between the armor module and the body to be protected can be modified in accordance with operational requirements.

In particular, the stand-off distance between the armor module and the body to be protected can be modified at least by one of the following arrangements:

• • a telescopic and/or scissors pantograph arrangement configured for mechanically changing the distance of the armor module from the body to be protected;
  • a pneumatic/hydraulic piston arrangements; and
  • a tilting arrangement wherein displacement of the armor module towards the body to be protected also changes it vertical/horizontal position with respect thereto.

In accordance with a particular design of the ballistic armor unit, the slats can be configured for being dynamically received within the armor unit so as to allow modification of the angle thereof with respect to an expected impact direction, in order to allow adjustment of the armor unit to meet ballistic threats of different characteristics.

In addition, the arrangement can be such that, in operation, the slats assume a first angle with respect to the expected impact direction whereas during transportation of the armor module (e.g. shipping), the slats can assume a second, smaller angle facilitating a more compact configuration of the armor module.

In general, since each threat requires a unique level of ballistic protection, the ballistic armor unit can be such that the angle of the slat with respect to the expected impact direction, the distance of the armor module from the body to be protected and the orientation of the module with respect to the body can all be modified in order to meet the unique ballistic requirements of the incoming threat.

The armor slat can be in the form of a generally rectangular element of ballistic material and have a strike edge configure, when mounted onto the body, facing the expected impact direction and a rear edge facing the body to be protected.

The strike edge of the armor slat can be shaped in order to provide better ballistic capability as well as reducing the weight of the armor slat. In particular, the strike edge can be formed with cut-outs providing the strike edge with a saw-like shape.

The slats of the ballistic armor unit can be made of a ballistic material such steel. In particular, the slats of the presently disclosed subject matter can be made of any of the following:

• • HH+ steels having a Brinell hardness of 500-600;
  • UHH steels having Brinell hardness of 580-680; and
  • dual hardness (DH) steels or triple hardness (TH) steels.

It is appreciated that some of the above materials, though having a high hardness, are also brittle. However, the design of the armor module and the support provided to the slats by the low density material allow the use of such materials for the slats, compensating for their high brittleness.

Additional materials from which the slats may be made can be HHS steels (470-540 Brinell), Aluminum, magnesium, titanium, ceramic (tiles, pellets and monoliths) and any multi-layer combination of the above materials. In addition, when a laminated panel is produced from a combination of the above materials, additional materials can be introduced into the laminate such as plastic, polycarbonate, Perspex etc.

The above described slats of the ballistic armor unit can be provided with multi-hit capabilities by at least the following features:

• • positioning the slats of the ballistic armor unit so as to be supported by the body to be protected or by a layer/s immediately adjacent the body to be protected. Under such a design, the deformation of the slats can be significantly reduced upon impact of the incoming threat;
  • the slats can be coated with thermoplastic/thermoset polymers (e.g. polyurea, polyurethane etc.), ballistic fabrics (Aramid, fiberglass, polyethylene, polypropylene etc.) and/or covered by aluminum sheets;
  • the spacing between the slats can be filled, at least partially, with the low density material (e.g. porous polymeric materials, rubber of different kinds, polyethylene, polycarbonate, honeycomb Nomex™ as previously discussed);
  • the slats can be coated with copper in an electroplating process, to a copper thickness of up to 300μ based on the required ballistic protection; and
  • the slats can be provided with holes or perforations preventing expansion and progression of micro-cracks within the material of the slat. This can be particularly useful when dealing with tungsten-carbide threats and the like.

In accordance with another aspect of the subject matter of the present application there is provided a slat armor module configured for protecting a body against a threat having an anticipated impact direction, comprising a plurality of armor slats extending along a first direction and spaced apart along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, and a low density arrangement comprising at least a first surface constituted by a plurality of consecutive sub-surfaces angled to one another, wherein each of said slats is attached to one of the sub-surfaces.

In accordance with still another aspect of the subject matter of the present application, there is provided a method for the production of a slat armor module of the previous aspect, said method comprising the steps of:

• • providing a low density material;
  • shaping said low density material to have a surface constituted by a plurality of consecutive sub-surfaces angled to one another; and
  • attaching slats to said sub-surfaces so that the low density material serves as a substrate for the slats.

According to yet another aspect of the subject matter of the present application there is provided a slat armor module configured for protecting a body against a threat having an anticipated impact direction, said slat armor comprising a plurality of slat units, each extending along a first longitudinal direction, the units being spaced apart along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, the armor module comprising at least one support arrangement wherein the each of the slats is individually detachable from the at least one support arrangement.

According to still another aspect of the subject matter of the present application there is provided a slat armor module configured for protecting a body against a threat having an anticipated impact direction, said slat armor comprising a plurality of slat units, each extending along a first longitudinal direction, the units being spaced apart along a second direction transverse to the first direction, each of a majority of slats being provided with a coating made of a polymeric material.

The polymeric material of the coating can be made of thermoplastic/thermoset polymers such as polyurea, polyurethane, Nomex™ and/or ballistic fabrics such as Aramid, fiberglass, polyethylene, polypropylene.

It is appreciated that the covering of the slats with the above material provide for an increase in the multi-hit capability of the slats, thereby increasing the efficiency of the slat armor.

According to a further aspect of the subject matter of the present application there is provided a slat armor module configured for protecting a body against a threat having an anticipated impact direction, said slat armor comprising a plurality of slat units, each extending along a first longitudinal direction, the units being spaced apart along a second direction transverse to the first direction, said armor module further comprising a ballistic protective layer interposed between the slats and the body to be protected, configured for serving as a spall liner.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order to better understand the subject matter that is disclosed herein and to exemplify how it may be carried out in practice, embodiments will now be described, by way of non-limiting example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a schematic isometric view of a slat armor;

FIG. 2A is a schematic sectioned side view of an armor according to one example of the subject matter of the present application;

FIG. 2B is a schematic sectioned side view of an armor according to another example of the subject matter of the present application;

FIG. 2C is a schematic sectioned side view of the slat armor shown in FIG. 2B, with the cover thereof being removed;

FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-section view of another example of the subject matter of the present application;

FIG. 4A is a schematic isometric view of a slat armor of the present application showing a specific slat configuration;

FIG. 4B is a schematic enlarged side view of the slat armor shown in FIG. 4A;

FIG. 5A is a schematic isometric view of a slat armor assembly according to the present application;

FIG. 5B is a schematic enlarged view of a detail of the slat armor shown in FIG. 5A;

FIG. 6 is a schematic isometric view of a slat armor according to still another example of the subject matter of the present application;

FIGS. 7A and 7B are schematic isometric views of an adjustable slat armor according to one example of the subject matter of the present application, shown in two different positions thereof;

FIGS. 8A and 8B are schematic isometric views of an adjustable slat armor according to another example of the subject matter of the present application, shown in two different positions thereof;

FIG. 9 is a schematic cross-section view of one example of slats used in the slat armor of the present application; and

FIG. 10 is a schematic cross-section view of a slat armor according to another example of the subject matter of the present application.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Attention is first drawn to FIG. 1 in which a basic slat armor of the present application is shown generally designated 1 and comprising two longitudinal support member 20 supporting a plurality of slats 10 extending therebetween. The slats are held in place within slots formed in the support members 20 and are oriented at a slope to an expected impact direction of a threat, the direction being denoted by arrow R.

Turning now to FIGS. 2A and 2B, two examples of an armor module of the present application are shown, generally designated 1′ and 1″ respectively, when attached to a body to be protected, generally designated as B.

In the armor module 1′ shown in FIG. 2A, the armor module is constituted by a slat armor unit 2 comprising support members 20 and slats 10 suspended therebetween, similar to the slat armor 1 shown in FIG. 1. However, the armor module 1′ also comprises a low density arrangement 30 in the form of a stand-off layer made of light-weight material 32 having a density lower than that of water. Both the slat armor unit 2 and the low density arrangement 30 are encapsulated within a cover 40.

The arrangement is such that the volume of the low density arrangement 30 is sufficient for providing the entire armor module 1′ with an average density which is lower than that of water. The low density material can be made of a variety of light-weight materials such as Nomex™ honeycomb, polycarbonate, aluminum foam and even organic materials such as homogenous or porous wood (e.g. plywood).

It should be understood that the above examples include both a material having, on its own, a low density (e.g. polycarbonate) and/or porous or foam structures (aluminum foam) having a low density but made of materials having, on their own, a density greater than that of water (e.g. aluminum).

In connection with the above, it is appreciated that since what provides the armor module with the float characteristics is the light-weight material 32, the encapsulation of the supports 20 and slats 10 and the light-weight material 32 is optional, so long as they are attached to one another or at least held together in a certain manner to function as a single body.

With reference being made to FIG. 2B, the armor module 1″ is similar to armor module 1′ with the only difference being that the external cover 40′ is a sealed container comprising therein the slat armor unit 2 and an air gap 30′.

The arrangement is such that the amount of air trapped within the cavity of the sealed container 40′ is sufficient for maintaining the entire armor module 1″ afloat within water. In addition, it is noted that the container 40′ should be hermetically sealed or provided with a sealing external layer, as opposed to the previous example in which the cover 40 is optional.

With additional reference to FIG. 2C, the armor module 1′ is shown with the cover 40 thereof being removed. This configuration, which is a variation on the example shown in FIG. 2A, is also possible since the light-weight material is a solid material and does not require a sealed containing cavity.

Turning now to FIG. 3, another example of an armor module is shown, generally designated as 1′″. Under this configuration, the slat armor unit still comprises slats 10 extending between support members 20.

However, the low density arrangement is in the form of a plurality of filler members 30 interposed between two neighboring slats 10. The filler members 30 are also made of a light-weight material 32 having a density lower than that of water.

It is appreciated that the filler members 30 can be formed individually and thereafter placed between the slats 10 during or after assembly of the armor module. Alternatively, the slat armor unit 2 can be assembled and thereafter, the filler material can be injected to fill the spaces between the neighboring slats 10.

Attention is now drawn to FIGS. 4A and 4B, in which another example of an armor module is shown, generally designated as 101, and comprising a casing 120, a plurality of first slats 112 extending within the casing 120, spaced from one another and parallel to one another, and angled at a first angle with respect to the incoming direction R, and a plurality of second slats 114 extending within the casing 120, spaced from one another and parallel to one another and angled at a second angle with respect to the incoming direction R, different from the first angle.

It is observed that the casing 120 is formed with two side walls 122 supporting the slats. The side walls 122 are formed with a plurality of slots 124 configured for slidingly receiving therethrough the first slats 112 and the second slats 114.

The arrangement is such that in mounting, the slats 112, 114 can be slid through the slots 124 into the casing 120 so as to be supported between the side walls 122. Furthermore, in the event of damage to one of the slats, maintenance requirements, shipping requirements etc., any one of the slats 112, 114 can be individually and slidingly removed from the casing 120 simply by sliding it out of the casing through the slots 124, along the direction of the slat.

Turning now to FIGS. 5A and 5B, another example of a slat armor unit is shown, generally designated as 202 and comprising a plurality of slats 210 supported by several support members 220.

Each support member 220 is in the form of a rectangular panel 222 formed with a plurality of open-ended slots 224 oriented at an angle to the expected incoming direction R and configured for receiving therein a portion of a slat 210. In addition, each of the support members 220 comprises attachment portions 226 configured for attachment of the armor module 202 to the body to be protected (not shown).

The slats 210 are in the form of rectangular panels 212, each being formed with several open-ended slots 214 configured for engaging the support members 220 so as to receive therein a portion of the support members 220. In this manner, when the slats 210 are mounted onto the support members 220, the two become interlaced, the slot of each receiving therein a portion of the other.

As in the previous example, in case it is required to remove any of the slats they can be simply slidingly detached from the support members, in a direction transverse to the vertical direction R and replaced/removed without affecting any of the other slats. In particular, and contrary to the example shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, the slats 210 in the present example are removed in a direction transverse to their longitudinal axis.

With particular reference being drawn to FIG. 5B, the slat 210 comprises two longitudinal edges 216 extending between the support members 220, one configured for facing the expected impact direction R and the other configured for facing the body to be protected B.

Each of the edges is formed with cut-outs to provide it with a saw-like surface 218. The saw-like surface provides the slat 210 with increased ballistic capability as well as with reduced weight with respect to a rectangular panel.

It is observed that each of the edges 216 is formed with the saw-like surface 218, wherein, upon damage to one of the edges, the slat 210 can be slidingly removed from the support members 210 and reversed so that the damaged strike edge becomes the rear edge and the intact rear edge now becomes the strike edge.

Turning now to FIG. 6, the armor module 202 is shown mounted onto the body to be protected B so that a rear edge 216 of the slats is mated against the body to be protected B. Under this arrangement, the body B itself provides support for the slats 210, increasing their resistance to bend and fracture.

It is appreciated that any other solid layer, having similar ballistic characteristics as those of the external wall of the body B may be interposed between the armor module 202 and the body B. Examples can be a steel plate, a ceramic armor plate or panel etc.

Turning now to FIGS. 7A and 7B, another example of a slat armor unit is shown, generally designated as 302 and comprising a plurality of slats 310, support members 320 and a dynamic angular adjustment arrangement 360 configured for changing the orientation of the slats 310.

In particular, the adjustment arrangement 360 is in the form of a parallelogram mechanism comprising a pair of longitudinal rails 362a, 362b arranged parallel to one another and connecting members 364 articulating the longitudinal rails 362a, 362b to one another via respective attachment ports 364a, 364b.

The ports are also used for articulation of the mechanism 360 to the slats 310 such that ports 364a of the first rail 362a are configured for attachment to a rear portion of each of the slats 310 whereas the ports 364b of the first rail 362b are configured for attachment to a front portion of each of the slats 310.

Thus, the slat armor unit 302 can be interposed between a maximally open position shown in FIG. 7A in which the slats 310 are all parallel to one another and the rails 362a, 362b are maximally proximal to one another and a closed position shown in FIG. 7B in which the slats 310 are flush with one another and the rails 362a, 362b are maximally distant from one another. It is appreciated that the slat armor unit 302 can be configured for assuming a plurality of intermediate positions between the maximally open position and the closed position.

It is observed that in the maximally open position, there extends a maximal gap between the slats 310 so that in view from the expected impact direction a maximal portion of the body to be protected can be seen through the slats, whereas in the closed position (FIG. 7B), the surfaces of the slats 310 are flush with one another forming a continuous surface fully obscuring the body to be protected B.

Turning now to FIGS. 8A and 8B in which another example of a slat armor unit is shown, generally designated 402 and comprising a plurality of slats 410 associated with a mounting plate 470. The mounting plate 470 is articulated, via a distance adjustment mechanism 480 to an external wall of the body to be protected.

The distance adjustment mechanism 480 is in the form of a pantograph mechanism having a plurality of scissor-hand pairs 482 & 482, 486 & 488, operating together to allow displacing the mounting plate 470 to and from the external wall of the body to be protected B.

In particular, each hand of such scissor-hand pair is articulated at one end thereof to the body to be protected B and at an opposite end thereof to the mounting plate 470, and comprises a hinge 483, 487 configured for allowing the hands of the scissors to expand and retract.

It is observed that in the open position shown in FIG. 8A, the mounting plate is spaced from the body to be protected creating a stand-off distance between the slat armor unit 402 and the body B, whereas in the closed position shown in FIG. 8B, the mounting plate 470 is nearly flush with the body to be protected.

It is appreciated that such a distance adjustment mechanism can be extremely useful during transportation of the armor module 402 and also in operation, allowing greater maneuverability for vehicles on which the armor module is mounted (e.g. allowing them to pass in narrow places etc.).

Attention is now drawn to FIG. 9 in which a specific design of slats is shown, generally designated as 510. The slat 510 has a body 512 comprising a strike edge 514 and a rear surface 516. It is observed that the slat 510 has a tapering shape so that the rear surface 516 is considerably wider than the strike edge 514.

Such a design of the slat, and specifically when combined with a dynamic angle adjustment system as shown in FIGS. 7A, 7B, can provide an increased ballistic resistance to the slat armor unit employing such slats 510.

Finally, reference is now being made to FIG. 10, in which another example of a portion of a slat armor unit is shown, generally designated as 602. The slat armor unit 602 comprises a first substrate member 630a formed with a saw-like surface constituted by a plurality of first sub-surfaces 634a and a plurality of second sub-surfaces 636a, alternately arranged to form the saw-like surface.

The first substrate member 630a is used for attachment thereto of individual slats 610, which are positioned on the first sub-surfaces 634a. The sub-surfaces 634a are cut and shaped so as to meet the requirements of the special arrangement of the slats 610 so that, when positioned thereon, the slats 610 assume their required orientation.

The slats 610 can be affixed to the first substrate member 630 by in various manners including adhesives, securing means, bolts etc. However, in the present example, in addition, the armor module comprises a second substrate member 630b formed with a saw-like surface which is a mirror image of the surface of the first substrate member 630a.

Thus, once the slats 610 are placed on the first sub-surfaces 634a, the second substrate member 630b can be clamped to the first substrate member 630as, thereby securely clamping the slats 610 into place.

Those skilled in the art to which this invention pertains will readily appreciate that numerous changes, variations, and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention, mutatis mutandis.

Claims

1. An armor module for protecting a body against a threat having an anticipated impact direction, the armor module comprising:

a ballistic armor unit; and

a low density arrangement providing the entire armor module with an average density lower than that of water.

2. The armor module according to claim 1, wherein the low density arrangement includes an amount of low density material sufficient for maintaining the entire armor module afloat in water.

3. The armor module according to claim 1, wherein the low density arrangement is constituted by a float module including a cavity filled with a fluid having a density lower than that of water.

4. The armor module according to claim 3, wherein the float module is constituted by an empty container having, or constituted by a sealing cover configured for hermetically sealing the cavity.

5. The armor module according to claim 3, wherein the low density arrangement is constituted by a float module containing within its cavity both the ballistic armor unit and the low density material.

6. The armor module according to claim 5, wherein the sealing cover is configured for hermetically encapsulating the entire armor module.

7. The armor module according to claim 1, wherein the ballistic armor unit is constituted by any combination of the following:

a single armor layer;

a laminated armor panel comprising a plurality of armor layers; or

an armor arrangement comprising a plurality of armor members/elements.

8. The armor module according to claim 1, wherein the low density arrangement is a solid structure used as a substrate for attachment thereto, or placing thereon, of armor elements of the ballistic armor unit.

9. The armor module according to claim 1, wherein the low density arrangement includes a first member having a first mounting surface and a second member having a second mounting surface, the arrangement being such that the armor elements of the ballistic armor unit are placed on the first mounting surface and then clamped between the first member and the second member.

10. The armor module according to claim 1, wherein the ballistic armor unit includes a plurality of armor slats.

11. The armor module according to claim 10, wherein each of the slats is supported at each of two respective ends thereof by a support member.

12. The armor module according to claim 11, wherein the slats are detachably mounted onto the support members so that any individual slat can be removed from the ballistic armor unit without affecting any of the other armor slats.

13. The armor module according to claim 12, wherein the support members are formed with individual slots extending therealong allowing each of the slats to be slidingly received within the support members.

14. The armor module according to claim 13, wherein spaces between two neighboring slats are filled with a low density material constituting the low density arrangement.

15. The armor module according to claim 1, wherein a stand-off distance between the armor module and the body to be protected is configured to be modified in accordance with operational requirements.

16. The armor module according to claim 15, wherein the stand-off is configured to be modified by at least one of the following arrangements: a pantograph arrangement, a piston arrangement, or a tilting arrangement.

17. The armor module according to claim 10, wherein the slats are configured for being dynamically received within the armor unit so as to allow modification of the angle thereof with respect to an expected impact direction.

18. The armor module according to claim 17, wherein, in operation, the slats are configured to assume a first angle with respect to the expected impact direction whereas during transportation of the armor module the slats are configured to assume a second, smaller angle facilitating a more compact configuration of the armor module.

19. The armor module according to claim 10, wherein the armor slat has a strike edge configured, when mounted onto the body, for facing the expected impact direction and a rear edge facing the body to be protected, and wherein the strike edge is formed with cut-outs providing the strike edge with a saw-like shape.

20. The armor module according to claim 10, wherein the slats are positioned so that a rear edge thereof is supported by the body to be protected itself.

21. A method for the production of a slat armor module including a ballistic armor unit and a low density arrangement providing the entire armor module with an average density lower than that of water, the method comprising:

providing a low density material;

shaping the low density material to have a surface constituted by a plurality of consecutive sub-surfaces angled to one another; and

attaching slats to said sub-surfaces so that the low density material serves as a substrate for the slats.

22. A slat armor module configured for protecting a body against a threat having an anticipated impact direction, the slat armor module comprising:

a plurality of slat units each of which extends along a first longitudinal direction, the plurality of slat units being spaced apart along a second direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction; and

at least one support arrangement;

wherein each of the plurality of slats is slidingly mounted onto the at least one support arrangement and is individually slidingly detachable from the at least one support arrangement.