Abstract: A military vehicle includes a passenger capsule, a front module coupled to a front end of the passenger capsule, and a rear module coupled to a rear end of the passenger capsule. The passenger capsule has a frame rail-less monocoque hull structure. The front module includes a front axle, a front differential coupled to the front axle, and a prime mover. The rear module includes a rear axle and a transaxle coupled to the prime mover, the rear axle, and the front differential.

Abstract: A modular system for traction batteries of motor vehicles, having multiple battery modules includes respective battery cells, which can be electrically connected to one another in modular manner to produce different variants of traction batteries, wherein the battery modules each have a modular housing, in which the respective battery cells are arranged in fluid-tight manner; the battery modules each have a mechanical interface by means of which the battery modules can be attached to an underside of a motor vehicle.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a frame, a series of tractive assemblies coupled to the frame, a cabin, and a mount. The mount includes a boss coupled to the cabin, a first bracket pivotably coupled to the boss, a second bracket coupled to the frame, and a first isolator and a second isolator extending between the first bracket and the second bracket and coupling the first bracket to the second bracket.

Abstract: An aerial lift system is provided for ballistic protection. The system includes an aerial lift device comprising a floor and a sidewall, the floor and the sidewall defining an interior cavity adapted for supporting one or more persons therein; and a liner comprising a floor and a sidewall and being adapted to be positioned within the interior cavity of the aerial lift device, and defining an opening between the aerial lift device and the liner. Additionally, the system includes at least one of the following: the system further includes a ballistic material adapted to be positioned between the liner and the aerial lift device; or the aerial lift device is comprised of a ballistic material; or the liner is comprised of a ballistic material.

Abstract: An armored vehicle cab with enhanced blast protection accomplished with wedge to wedge interfaces between the cab doors and the cab side walls that are approximately 90 degrees out of synch with each other to provide both fore/aft and vertical buffering of blast force applied to the cab floor in order to shift energy from cab door hinges to the wedges (and the structures to which they are mounted) which are in contact with each other. These enhancements will maintain door functionality post blast event (door will open and close).

Abstract: An armor system for protecting vehicles and other equipment against projectiles and similar threats. A track is mounted on the equipment, and an upper sled and lower sled are moveably attached to the track. An armor panel is pivotally attached to one sled and is pivotally attached with arms to the other sled. The two sleds are independently actuated along the track, such that their relative positions determine both the translational and rotational position of the armor panel. The armor panel can be quickly rotated from an undeployed position against the vehicle through a desired arc outward from the vehicle, which increases the edge-on or nearly edge-on presentation of the armor panel to the projectile.

Abstract: The present technology regards a de-coupled V-hull structure for use with an armored vehicle, and energy absorbing crush elements suitable for mounting the V-hull structure in a de-coupled manner to the vehicle. The energy absorbing V-hull structure includes a sloped armor structure forming a cavity having a v-shaped cross-section and a plurality of reinforcing elements, including a backbone, hull stiffeners and lateral supports. The elements are coupled together and supported by energy absorber mounts, extending along each side of the structure. Crush elements suitable for decoupling the V-hull structure are also disclosed, having a uniquely designed housing, a plurality of plates positioned within the housing, and affixation means for securing the crush element to the underside of the vehicle and to the top of the V-hull structure.

Abstract: A suspension module having a subframe assembly. The subframe assembly may include a lower subframe that may pivotally support at least one lower control arm. An upper control arm mounting plate may be mounted to the lower subframe. The upper control arm mounting plate may pivotally support an upper control arm.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for an underbody blast structure. The underbody blast structure includes at least one hanger to couple to a vehicle. The underbody blast structure also includes a housing coupled to the at least one hanger. The housing includes a first protection plate opposite a second protection plate. The first protection plate and the second protection plate are to protect the vehicle. The first protection plate is spaced apart from the second protection plate by a plurality of interconnecting members. The plurality of interconnecting members defines a plurality of channels between the first protection plate and the second protection plate. At least one of the plurality of channels is adapted to receive a portion of a suspension system of the vehicle.

Abstract: A survivability capsule for the driver compartment of an armored vehicle resists explosive loads and improves the survivability of the driver. The survivability capsule has a seamless unibody structure made from molded composite armor and is installed within the driver compartment of an armored vehicle. The unibody is shaped complementary to the interior shape of the driver compartment for a contour fit therein and is rigidly attached to the frame of the vehicle.

Abstract: The disclosed technology regards a de-coupled V-hull structure for use with an armored vehicle, and energy absorbing crush elements suitable for mounting the V-hull structure in a de-coupled manner to the vehicle. The energy absorbing V-hull structure includes a sloped armor structure forming a cavity having a v-shaped cross-section and a plurality of reinforcing elements, including a backbone, hull stiffeners and lateral supports. The elements are coupled together and supported by energy absorber mounts, extending along each side of the structure. Crush elements suitable for decoupling the V-hull structure are also disclosed, having a uniquely designed housing, a plurality of plates positioned within the housing, and affixation means for securing the crush element to the underside of the vehicle and to the top of the V-hull structure.

Abstract: A gunner protection system for positioning armored panels around a hatch opening and a mounted weapon or equipment system. The armored panels are arranged to create an armored envelope surrounding the vehicle hatch and defining an opening through which the weapon or equipment system can be operated. The armored panels can be individually raised to define a portion of the armored envelope or lowered to change the geometry of the armored envelope or opening according to the particular weapon or equipment system. Similarly, all of the armored panels can be lowered to collapse the armorer envelope to allow for efficient transport of the vehicle with the gunner protection system attached to the vehicle.

Abstract: A battery pack protection system is provided for use with an electric vehicle in which the battery pack is mounted under the car. The system utilizes a ballistic shield that is configured to deform and absorb impact energy, thereby minimizing the transference of impact energy to the battery pack and the batteries contained within the pack. The ballistic shield is designed to hook into a mounting base attached to the battery pack, thereby simplifying both its installation and, when necessary, its replacement.

Abstract: A bottom plate assembly for securing a bottom plate to an armored vehicle for adding to the existing armor or replacing the existing armor on the underside of the vehicle. The bottom plate assembly secures bottom plate to the vehicle hull by securing the bottom plate to the sidewalls of the vehicle.

Abstract: A multi-layer material that provides blast and projectile impact protection is provided. The multi-layer material may include a hard metal layer, a composite layer, an air gap layer, and an innermost layer. An armor layer may also be provided that includes a polymeric honeycomb layer and a ceramic layer. In other aspects of the invention, a vehicle made from the multi-layer material is provided, and methods for making the multi-layer material are provided.

Abstract: A structural blast tunnel for a military vehicle includes a frame member that includes an elongated curved portion having a first end, a second end, and a middle portion disposed between the first end and the second end. The structural blast tunnel also includes a first mounting interface coupled to the first end and extending along the longitudinal axis of the frame member. The first mounting interface is configured to receive one of a front sub-frame and a standard frame of a vehicle. The structural blast tunnel finally includes a second mounting interface coupled to the second end and extending along the longitudinal axis of the frame member. The second mounting interface is configured to receive one of a rear sub-frame and a standard frame of a vehicle, and the frame member forms a structurally rigid section configured to direct blast energy outwards towards the first and second end. The structural blast tunnel may also include a secondary shield that increases the blast performance of this system.

Abstract: A protection device for a vehicle cab having a floor and two vertical side walls, the device including an armor plate below and substantially parallel to the floor of the cab, and deformable compartmented caissons connected between the floor and the armor plate and under the side walls of the cab, each compartmented caisson having buckleable walls dimensioned to buckle upon shock impact to the exterior of the armor plate.

Abstract: A field configurable vehicle armoring system and associated method allow a user to retrofit and reconfigure a combination of armor components in response to a perceived threat change and using original equipment manufacture fasteners and holes. The system includes pillar armor attachable after an original equipment manufacture door and hinge are removed. Fasteners extend through the hinge of the armored door, the pillar armor and an original equipment manufacture pillar using holes other than the original equipment manufacture holes. Rocker panel and underbody armor is further provided, along with a ballistic resistant windscreen and rear wall armor. Where desired, system armor includes a composite plate comprising a strike face that is constructed from softer metallic material than an inner metallic sheet.

Abstract: Force diversion apparatus, methods and devices including the same result in rotational motion being imparted to an impacting object.

Abstract: A ballistic transparency includes a first ply having a peripheral edge; a second ply spaced from the first ply and having a peripheral edge; a polymeric layer located between the first ply and the second ply; and at least one flexible mounting member having a first end extending within the polymeric layer and a second end extending beyond the peripheral edges of the first and second plies.

Abstract: A Wheeled vehicle comprises a chassis and a combatants' compartment for protection from an explosion, where the combatants' compartment is formed with an internal space and a bottom area sector attachable to the chassis and where the compartment has a plurality of inner beams that are formed with anchoring means along their lengths and installed in the combatants compartment's inn space and a plurality of outer beams attached to the chassis, where the anchoring means pass through openings formed in the bottom area sector of the combatants' compartment and protrude outwards from it for connecting the inner beams to the outer beams.

Abstract: A system to access a passenger compartment, said system having a door hinged to a chassis frame by a first horizontal articulated joint and forming an inclined ramp, wherein said system comprises an actuator to move said door, linked to said door and said chassis frame, a step plate at least partially covering the outside of said door and hinged to said chassis frame by a second articulated joint parallel to said first articulated joint and with a hinge pin offset to the first articulated joint, said step plate linked to said door by a drive element connected to said door by a third articulated joint and to said step plate by a fourth articulated joint, the pins of said first through fourth articulated joints being parallel to one another and form the four summits of a parallelogram deformable between open and closed positions of said door.

Abstract: A vehicle chassis in the form of a trough is ‘V shaped and encloses the vehicle driveline and is resistant to ballistic and blast damage. The chassis has a removable body attached by longitudinal pivot pins. A torsion bar suspension is pivoted on the axis of the torsion bar.

Abstract: The subject-matter of the invention is an armored vehicle comprising a vehicle body forming a passenger compartment which is connected to mobility means comprising at least two axles. The axles of the vehicle are connected to the vehicle body by at least one axle support which has the shape of a U-shaped profile arranged above an axle and comprising a middle plate attached to the axle and extended by side edges which extend substantially vertically between the axle and the vehicle body, wherein each side edge bears at least one connecting tab which is attached by its end to the vehicle body at an attachment point.

Abstract: A structure for protecting vehicle occupants from blasts beneath a vehicle, the structure having a mechanism for mitigating vehicle hop caused by the blasts. The structure comprises a rigid V shaped hull section of the vehicle located on an underside thereof. The V shaped hull section has an oblique body panel facing outboard and downward relative to the vehicle. The structure also has a wall panel disposed adjacently above and along the oblique body panel and a border defined by a juncture of the oblique body panel and the wall panel. A flat, blade-like blast deflector vane is located proximally along the border and is positioned outboard of both the oblique body panel and the wall panel. The vane is disposed at an acute angle with the oblique body panel and is solidly attached to the V shaped hull section.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a structurally improved apparatus for protecting components of an excavator, which protects components inside an upper swing body comprising a hydraulic valve and a turning joint from damage from residue (R) such as rock fragments or stone fragments falling to the bottom of a boom base during scratch processing in a quarry mine. The apparatus comprises: a boom base supporting the bottom of a boom; a left and right cover support frame formed on a left and right center frame extending from the boom base; and a protective cover body detachably installed on the top of the left and right cover support frame. The protective cover body comprises: an inserting portion coupled to the back of the boom; a dipping plate for absorbing shock when residue falls; and a bottom plate formed on the bottom of the damping plate and contacting and supported on the upper side of the left and right cover support frame.

Abstract: An aircraft has an armor releasably attached to the body of an aircraft, an actuator connecting the armor to the body of the aircraft, and a control that, upon operation, actuates the actuator to release the armor from the body.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an armor system that protects vehicle occupants from lands mines or improvised explosive devices. In the preferred embodiment, the armor system has an arc member, a membrane, reactive blocks, and a reactive block enclosure. The armor system is designed to dissipate, neutralize, and redirect explosion energy, fragments and shrapnel, thereby ensuring the safety of the vehicle occupants.

Abstract: A reinforcement system for a vehicle comprising side walls and a floor extending therebetween and meeting with each side wall along an intersection line dividing the side wall into an upper and a lower side wall section. The vehicle further comprises a belly attached to the lower side wall section at a location thereof spaced from the intersection line. The reinforcement system comprises a central reinforcement assembly configured for reducing deformation of the floor due to torque generated along the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. The reinforcement system further comprises a peripheral reinforcement assembly configured for localizing bending of the side wall at the lower side wall portion due to movement of the belly towards the floor.

Abstract: Methods and systems for an armor system are provided. The system includes a first face sheet and a shaped preform extending from the first face sheet. The preform includes a first edge proximate the first face sheet, a sidewall extending from the first edge to a flange extending substantially perpendicularly from the sidewall. The preform circumscribes an area of the first face sheet. The system also includes a tile of armor material complementarily-shaped to fit within the area circumscribed by the preform. The tile is positioned within the preform such that at least a portion of the tile is between the first face sheet and the flange. The system includes a second face sheet covering the preform and the tile on a side opposite from the first face sheet.

Abstract: A modular vehicle includes a base body having a frame, driver compartment, chassis, motor and wheels, a removable modular component adapted to be locked and unlocked therefrom, and locks that fasten the removable modular component within the base body. The removable modular component provides added structural rigidity to the frame when installed, and can comprise at least 20 percent of the overall volume and at least 20 percent of the overall weight of the entire vehicle. Locks permit the modular component to be removed and replaced with another removable modular component when said locks are unlocked. Various modular components can be directed toward medical, weapons, fire equipment, rescue equipment, hunting supplies, reconnaissance, command center, outback vehicle, or a survival camper. A triangular truss support system provides increased support and protection for the underside of the vehicle, such as for when the vehicle runs over an IED or other destructive device.

Abstract: A modular, wheeled vehicle suitable for military use, includes a driver module having a width for seating one person and having length for seating a second (and optional third) person therebehind, and an engine module disposed behind the driver module containing an engine for powering the modular vehicle. The engine module has a rear surface adapted to receive a storage module. The driver module and the engine module form a central element having a pair of sides, a bottom, and a top. The central element is adapted to receive the modules on both of the central element sides. The central element has air inlet for personnel and for the engine disposed atop the central element. The bottom of the central element and troop side pods generally are V-shaped with slanted, upward extending sides.

Abstract: A blast diffuser for a structure may include a diffuser assembly. The diffuser assembly may include a plurality of vanes arranged in spaced relation to one anther. The vanes may be configured to redirect airflow of an overpressure wave from a first direction toward the diffuser assembly to a second direction generally parallel to the structure. The vanes may be offset from the structure by an offset distance forming a gap for the airflow between the vanes and the structure.

Abstract: A blast shield for deflecting a blast incident on a ground vehicle includes an impact section having an exterior impact surface to face a source of the blast. The exterior impact surface defines a cross-sectional profile defining a smooth continuous curve.

Abstract: A latch mechanism for removably coupling at least one transparent armor assembly being in a vehicle window sill, the at least one transparent armor assembly including a frame that supports at least one transparent armor pane, the latch mechanism includes a latch mechanism assembly, the latch mechanism assembly being selectively operable by a vehicle occupant for effecting release of the at least one transparent armor assembly, such release permitting shifting of the at least one transparent armor assembly from the vehicle window frame to define an egress portal and the latch mechanism having an engaging member for selectively engaging the vehicle window frame, latch mechanism assembly being shiftable relative to the transparent armor assembly frame for accommodating a plurality of varying transparent armor assembly to vehicle window frame relationships. A method for removably coupling at least one transparent armor assembly to a vehicle window sill is further included.

Abstract: High-strength porous carbon and a method of its manufacture are described for multifunctional applications, such as ballistic protection, structural components, ultracapacitor electrodes, gas storage, and radiation shielding. The carbon is produced from a polymer precursor via carbonization, and optionally by surface activation and post-treatment.

Abstract: An armored cab comprises a top wall, two side walls, a front wall, a back wall, and a bottom wall. The cab has a longitudinal axis extending from the back wall to the front wall. The bottom wall includes a first downwardly facing convex wall, at least a second downwardly facing convex wall above the first convex wall, and a plurality of connecting members interconnecting the first convex wall and the at least a second convex wall.

Abstract: A vehicle door safety device for a vehicle, especially for an armored vehicle, includes at least one door casing which runs peripherally essentially in the side edges of the vehicle door and which is located on the inside of a vehicle door leaf, and of at least one body casing which is arranged running peripherally on the door frame of the vehicle body. The casings of the inside of the door leaf and of the door frame mutually supplement one another in a complementary manner, each being made with at least one component such that they overlap one another in the closed position of the vehicle door, as a result of which a gap between the casings is covered.

Abstract: An armor structure for a vehicle underbody. The armor structure includes an inner plate that is mounted proximate to the vehicle underbody, the inner plate having a plurality of first openings; and an outer plate that is mounted distal to the vehicle underbody, the outer plate having a plurality of second openings. The inner plate and the outer plate are substantially parallel and separated by a spacing. The inner plate and the outer plate each have substantially equal V bends at an obtuse angle, and the V bends in the inner plate and the outer plate are aligned. When an underbody blast event is encountered by the vehicle, the outer plate is forced towards, and substantially against the inner plate such that fluid communication via each of the first openings is reduced or prevented.

Abstract: An armored land vehicle comprising a first hull portion and an engine compartment which form a central chassis (CC) adapted to receive second hull portions on both sides and the rear of the CC. The CC and hull portions have generally V-shaped undersides with slanted, upwardly extending sides to create multiple blast venting paths to deflect blast energy away from the vehicle occupants. These blast paths comprise one or more blast vents through the vehicle for further reducing occupant exposure to blast energy. The engine compartment and front and rear tractive units can comprise an open framework, allowing significant under vehicle blast venting between the hull portions, through the engine compartment, and around the hull portions, thereby increasing survivability of the crew. The hull portions can be designed to rotate and/or be frangible to increase the blast-venting through the vehicle.

Abstract: An armor structure for a vehicle underbody. The armor structure includes an inner plate that is mounted proximate to the vehicle underbody, the inner plate having a plurality of first openings; and an outer plate that is mounted distal to the vehicle underbody, the outer plate having a plurality of second openings. The inner plate and the outer plate are substantially parallel and separated by a spacing. The inner plate and the outer plate each have substantially equal V bends at an obtuse angle, and the V bends in the inner plate and the outer plate are aligned. The first openings and the second openings are (i) aligned across the spacing from each other, and (ii) substantially equal in area. When an underbody blast event is encountered by the vehicle, the outer plate is forced towards, and substantially against the inner plate such that there is no longer fluid communication through the first openings.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an armor system that protects vehicle occupants from lands mines or improvised explosive devices. In the preferred embodiment, the armor system has an arc member, a membrane, reactive blocks, and a reactive block enclosure. The armor system is designed to dissipate, neutralize, and redirect explosion energy, fragments and shrapnel, thereby ensuring the safety of the vehicle occupants.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an armor system that protects vehicle occupants from lands mines or improvised explosive devices. In the preferred embodiment, the armor system has an arc member, a membrane, reactive blocks, and a reactive block enclosure. The armor system is designed to dissipate, neutralize, and redirect explosion energy, fragments and shrapnel, thereby ensuring the safety of the vehicle occupants.

Abstract: An axle assembly of a vehicle includes a side plate, a wheel end assembly, and a lower control arm. The side plate is part of a support structure of the vehicle, and the lower control arm extends between the side plate and the wheel end assembly. A spring member and a damper are each connected between the lower control arm and the side plate. The axle assembly further includes a shield fixed to the lower control arm, where the shield is designed to at least partially protect the vehicle from an explosive blast originating below the vehicle.

Abstract: A three-dimensional structure for armoring a motor vehicle is made of a steel plate and has a substantial hemispherical shape. The structure is reinforced by bending edges having an X-shaped configuration extending over the entire surface of the structure. Arranged between the legs of the X-shaped portion are sections which have surface areas between the legs of the X-shaped portion. The surface area of the X-shaped portion has a generally concave curvature, whereas the surface areas of the sections 11 have convex configurations in relation to the concave surface area of the X-shaped portion.

Abstract: A fold down device for the windscreen of a vehicle and in particular for an armored windscreen, wherein said device incorporates two uprights hinged by a first end to the structure of the cab of said vehicle, each of said uprights being placed in the vicinity of the lateral edge of said windscreen, said windscreen being linked to each of said uprights by a connecting rod that is hinged on one side to the second end of each of said uprights and on the other to said windscreen.

Abstract: A modular, wheeled vehicle suitable for military use, includes a driver module having a width for seating one person and having length for seating a second (and optional third) person therebehind, and an engine module disposed behind the driver module containing an engine for powering the modular vehicle. The engine module has a rear surface adapted to receive a storage module. The driver module and the engine module form a central element having a pair of sides, a bottom, and a top. The central element is adapted to receive the modules on both of the central element sides. The central element has air inlet for personnel and for the engine disposed atop the central element. The bottom of the central element and troop side pods generally are V-shaped with slanted, upward extending sides.

Abstract: A modular vehicle includes a base body having a frame, driver compartment, chassis, motor and wheels, a removable modular component adapted to be locked and unlocked therefrom, and locks that fasten the removable modular component within the base body. The removable modular component provides added structural rigidity to the frame when installed, and can comprise at least 20 percent of the overall volume and at least 20 percent of the overall weight of the entire vehicle. Locks permit the modular component to be removed and replaced with another removable modular component when said locks are unlocked. Various modular components can be directed toward medical, weapons, fire equipment, rescue equipment, hunting supplies, reconnaissance, command center, outback vehicle, or a survival camper. A triangular truss support system provides increased support and protection for the underside of the vehicle, such as for when the vehicle runs over an IED or other destructive device.

Abstract: A vehicle includes one or more structural vent channels for blast energy and gas and debris dissipation. The structural enclosure of a vehicle includes a hull floor and encloses or defines a compartment for crew, cargo, or crew and cargo. The channel provides a passage through, around, or through and around the vehicle, by which blast energy and debris can be dissipated from explosions beneath the vehicle. Objects can be mounted within, above, or below the channel with breakaway mounting fixtures. The channel can serve as a storage compartment for objects that would be sacrificed during a blast.

Abstract: A vehicle door safety device for a vehicle, especially for an armored vehicle, includes at least one door casing which runs peripherally essentially in the side edges of the vehicle door and which is located on the inside of a vehicle door leaf, and of at least one body casing which is arranged running peripherally on the door frame of the vehicle body. The casings of the inside of the door leaf and of the door frame mutually supplement one another in a complementary manner, each being made with at least one component such that they overlap one another in the closed position of the vehicle door, as a result of which a gap between the casings is covered.