Abstract: The subject-matter of the invention is a ballistic protection grid for a vehicle comprising an access hatch received in an opening of the grid, wherein the grid and the hatch comprise bars separated from each other by an inter-bar distance, the protection grid being characterized in that the access hatch partially conceals the opening of the grid, each edge of the opening of the grid being separated from the sides of the hatch by a distance substantially equal to the inter-bar distance.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for attaching a rigid armor plate to the exterior of a vehicle hull. The exemplary system includes an armor attachment point on the vehicle hull, a hole through the armor plate in alignment with the armor attachment point, and a fastener extending through the hole connecting the armor plate to the vehicle hull. The hole through the armor plate may be larger than the fastener, defining a circumferential gap between the fastener and armor plate. The fastener may comprise a material with an energy absorption capability in excess of 2,000 ksi, and more preferably in excess of 5,000 ksi.

Abstract: Provided is a system for reducing damage by missiles to a vehicle, the system including: (a) a detector operable to detect a missile and to generate detection information indicative of a motion of the missile; (b) a processor, configured to analyze the detection information and to selectively trigger activation of a jetting system that is mounted on the vehicle in response to a result of the analysis; and (c) the jetting system, operable to jet a high pressure jet onto the missile.

Abstract: Composite structures and methods of fabrication thereof are disclosed. An embodiment of a composite structure, among others, includes: a backing substrate; a layer of structures distributed over the backing substrate; and a thermoplastic disposed onto the structures and the backing substrate, wherein the thermoplastic substantially binds the backing substrate and layer of structures together.

Abstract: A vehicle-mounted personnel access platform assembly with ballistic protection is designed for mounting on a tactical vehicle. The platform assembly includes at least one mounting brace, and at least one access platform carried by the mounting brace. The access platform defines a raised horizontal surface for supporting personnel at an elevated location adjacent a body of the tactical vehicle. A ballistic wall adjacent the access platform is adapted for residing a spaced distance from the body of the tactical vehicle to protect personnel staged on the access platform.

Abstract: A system for use in a construction including a compartment to be protected from an explosive threat incoming from an expected threat direction. The construction comprises a surface disposed in front of the compartment and having at least a section thereof expected to be impacted by the explosive threat, and a component disposed between the surface and the compartment. The system comprises two cables, and an elongated element having two end portions and a bendable portion and being configured for mounting in the construction so that at least a part of the bendable portion is disposed between the section and the compartment and flexible towards the compartment to be protected, upon application thereto of a force caused by the explosive threat. Each cable is connectable at one end thereof to the component, and at the other end thereof is connected to one of the ends of the elongated element.

Abstract: A shield system for an ordnance having a fuse sensitivity includes a frame and a flexible net subsystem supported by the frame. Chords of net material intersect at nodes forming mesh openings and a hard point is attached to at least select nodes. The net material has a breaking strength such that a chord will break upon impact of an ordnance fuse with the chord for a predetermined percentage (e.g., 100%) of ordnance fuse impacts.

Abstract: A vehicle and structure shield includes a flexible net subsystem including an array of rods or hard points supported by the net subsystem and configured to impact a projectile striking the net. A frame includes mounting brackets attached thereto positioning the frame in a spaced relationship with respect to the vehicle or structure. A first releasable fastener subsystem releasably secures the net subsystem to the frame and a second releasable fastener subsystem releasably secures the mounting brackets of the frame to a vehicle or structure.

Abstract: A vehicle and structure shield includes a flexible net subsystem including an array of rods or hard points supported by the net subsystem and configured to impact a projectile striking the net. A frame includes mounting brackets attached thereto positioning the frame in a spaced relationship with respect to the vehicle or structure. A first releasable fastener subsystem releasably secures the net subsystem to the frame and a second releasable fastener subsystem releasably secures the mounting brackets of the frame to a vehicle or structure.

Abstract: An armor system for protecting a vehicle from a projectile, the projectile having an expected trajectory, is disclosed. The armor system has a material capable of being detonated and configured to substantially retain a shape, wherein the material leads a vehicle exterior surface relative to the expected projectile trajectory. The material has a dimensional thickness that is greater than a minimum detonation thickness of the material.

Abstract: A vehicle construction in which a survivability capsule and underbody V-deflector plate are located off-center relative to the vehicle providing desirable survivability and size characteristics, and minimizing overall vehicle width providing desirable maneuverability characteristics. The survivability capsule is constructed around occupants oriented to minimize capsule width and may incorporate traditional or spaced frame construction. The location of the capsule provides the ability to incorporate a large amount of storage area into the construction of the vehicle, or to use a spaced armor array on one side of the capsule providing protection from road-side threats including EFPs, RPGs, and RKG-3s.

Abstract: Systems and methods described herein provide for the protection of personnel within vehicles and structures from handheld grenades and other threats. According to one aspect of the disclosure provided herein, a countermeasure system includes an expandable countermeasure having a flexible body with a number of weighted projectiles attached around a perimeter of the body. A threat detection and launch control system detects incoming threats and, in response, triggers a launch of the expandable countermeasure from the launcher to intercept and neutralize the threat.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, an armor system includes one or more composite armor panels including one or more layers of fibers including a first fiber weave, such that a first directionality of one or more fibers of the first fiber weave is configurable to reshape a projectile based on one or more angles of the first directionality of the one or more fibers of the first fiber weave. The armor system also includes one or more composite armor panels comprising one or more layers of fibers including a second fiber weave, such that a second directionality of one or more fibers of the second fiber weave is configurable to reshape the projectile to a new shape based on one or more angles of the second directionality of the one or more fibers of the second fiber weave.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, an armor system comprises a plurality of armor layers. The armor system further comprises one or more dilatant material layers located in between two or more armor layers of the plurality of armor layers.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, an armor system comprises a plurality of layers of armor and a plurality of air gap layers. The plurality of air gap layers are located in between two or more layers of the plurality of layers of armor. Each air gap layer is located at a respective depth in the plurality of layers of armor. At least a first air gap layer of the plurality of air gap layers is located at a first depth from an outer side of the armor system. The outer side is located toward a projectile impact site. At least a second air gap layer of the plurality of air gap layers is located at a second depth from the outer side. The first air gap layer has a thickness greater than the second air gap layer.

Abstract: Blast energy absorption system capable of being integrated into the structure of a vehicle having removable, interchangeable, and configurable components adaptable to configure the vehicle for varying mission threats. The blast energy absorption system has a plurality of independent energy absorbing systems including one or more in combination of the following: a floor structure, a housing, cross beam members, adjustable energy absorbing containers, and an understructure. Each component may be an independent reactant system. The integral relationship between the above mentioned components forms a system that absorbs and distributes blast energy to minimize energy transfer to the occupants of the vehicle. Blast energy absorption system is capable of many configurations depending on the threat level of a mission.

Abstract: A shock absorber includes damping material in a solid state and which transitions from a solid to a viscous fluid state when stressed and a plunger device including a depending blade positioned in or adjacent the damping material to be driven into the damping material when impacted transitioning the damping material to a viscous fluid state absorbing the impact.

Abstract: A protection system includes a net made of flexible, low breaking strength intersecting lines connected at nodes. A frame supports the net and spaces the net from a vehicle and/or structure. Hard points are disposed at least at select net nodes and feature a multi-sided body with a cavity therein behind a front face thereof. The body includes a lip extending into the cavity. A protrusion extends outwardly from the front face. A tapered plug is received in the cavity and includes a ledge engaged by the lip locking the plug and a net node in the cavity and securing the hard point to the net node in a pivotable fashion.

Abstract: An armored vehicle with heavy side armor boxes and angled undercarriage armor, utilizing the chassis of overmatch armored vehicles, with a crew compartment for two, a rear door entry, and a blast gap between the side armor and crew compartment. This configuration provides for explosively formed penetrator (EFP) and improvised explosive device (IED) defeat and high levels of crew and vehicle survivability. This configuration allow a light vehicle frame such as a light pick up truck or military HMMWV to withstand very large mine, EFP, IED, and rocket propelled threats.

Abstract: A modular, wheeled military vehicle includes a driver module, an engine module, which form a central chassis module (CCM) that is adapted to receive the multipurpose pods on both sides and the rear of the CCM. The CCM and pods are generally V-shaped with slanted, upward extending sides to create multiple blast venting paths to deflect blast energy away from the vehicle occupants. These blast paths could consist of one or more chimneys through the vehicle further reducing occupant exposure to blast energy. For example, the engine module, and front and rear tractive units, can be manufactured with an open framework, allowing significant under vehicle blast venting between the modules and pods, through the engine module, and forward, rearward and to the sides of the vehicle; thereby increasing survivability of the crew. The pods can be designed to rotate and/or be frangible to increase the blast-venting path through the vehicle.

Abstract: A vehicle hull includes a personnel compartment and an apparatus for inhibiting effects of an explosive blast operably associated with the personnel compartment. The apparatus is configured to redirect at least a portion of a blast wave resulting from an explosive blast. The apparatus defines a cavity in which a blast attenuator is disposed. The blast attenuator comprises a core defining a plurality of interconnecting pores defining a pore volume of the core, a shear thickening fluid disposed in the pore volume of the core, and an enclosure in which the core and the shear thickening fluid are disposed.

Abstract: Transparent armor for a vehicle, featuring a sealed gap or space between two transparent armor components (10a 10ba), the gap or space created by positioning spacer material (12) between the components, and holding the components on the spacer material using a seal adhesive (16) serving as both a structural adhesive (for holding the armor components on the spacer material and so in a constant spaced apart relation) and a seal (for preventing air from entering the gap or space.

Abstract: A vehicle and structure shield includes a flexible net subsystem including an array of rods or hard points supported by the net subsystem and configured to impact a projectile striking the net. A frame includes mounting brackets attached thereto positioning the frame in a spaced relationship with respect to the vehicle or structure. A first releasable fastener subsystem releasably secures the net subsystem to the frame and a second releasable fastener subsystem releasably secures the mounting brackets of the frame to a vehicle or structure.

Abstract: A composite armor panel and method of manufacturing the same are disclosed. In one embodiment, a plurality of ceramic spheres are positioned in contact with an armor substrate. A polyurea layer is interposed between the plurality of ceramic spheres such that the polyurea layer partially encapsulates the plurality of ceramic spheres and bonds the plurality of ceramic spheres to the armor substrate. The plurality of ceramic spheres are partially exposed and oriented in a direction of anticipated impact.

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: A ballistic resistant through insert with floating capability for stopping a ballistic projectile, comprising at least one of a bullet, a ballistic fragment, and a particle fragment, may comprise a stud, a floating nut, and a cap. The stud may have a flat base portion and a cylindrical stud portion mounted thereon. The cylindrical stud portion may comprise a stud cylinder aperture. The floating nut may be located inside the stud cylinder aperture such that the floating nut floats within the stud cylinder aperture. The cap may have a flat cap portion and a cylindrical cap portion mounted thereon. The cylindrical cap portion may mate with the cylindrical stud portion. The stud may be made of a material for stopping a ballistic projectile. The flat base portion of the stud may have a minimum thickness for stopping a ballistic projectile.

Abstract: A blast armor including a base plate made of a ballistic material and having an inner and outer surface. The cover plate is made of ballistic material and spaced from the inner surface of the base plate to form a space therebetween. The armor comprises at least one energy absorbing module disposed within the space between the base and cover plate. The module has front and rear surfaces, and side surfaces extending therebetween. The module is positioned with at least one of its surfaces facing the base plate and at least another surface thereof faceing the cover plate. The base and cover plate are each made of a material tougher than that of the module. The module is configured to progressively deform between the base and cover plate under the application of a force to the outer surface of the base plate at least partially directed towards its inner surface.

Abstract: An improved protection system for a battery pack mounted between the passenger cabin floor panel of an electric vehicle and the driving surface is provided, the system utilizing a ballistic shield mounted under the electric vehicle and interposed between the battery pack enclosure and the driving surface, where the ballistic shield is spaced apart from the enclosure bottom panel. A layer of a compressible material may be interposed between the ballistic shield and the battery pack enclosure.

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.

Abstract: A standoff protection device intended to fully cover a door and incorporating an opening panel giving access to the door, said opening panel and door each comprising hinge means whose axes of rotation are parallel to one another, wherein said opening panel is wider than said door and is positioned facing said door such that said opening panel completely covers said door, said axis of rotation of said door namely facing said opening panel, said opening panel further incorporating at least one slide perpendicular to said axis of rotation of said opening panel, said slide being connected to said door by rigid hooking means integral with said door.

Abstract: A vehicle capable of dissipating explosion force and energy caused due to explosion of an explosive including but not limiting to mine and/or grenade under the vehicle, below the wheels, and/or on side of the vehicle with minimal effect on the personnel and material inside the vehicle, and thereby, capable of providing safety and stability to the personnel and material inside the vehicle even if vehicle is made from armor of low thickness is provided, wherein blast air force and energy is directed through one or more passages (7, 8, 9) running from one side of the vehicle to opposite side of the vehicle in a manner that blast air force and energy generated on explosion dissipates from side of the explosion through said passages to another side of the vehicle. In one embodiment, the vehicle further comprises a periscope like structure (21) and corrugated sheet (31, 32, 33).

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: Methods and apparatus are provided for a three-dimensional camouflage applied to the exterior of a man-made article. The camouflage comprises a surface with a visible topography defined by a predetermined arrangement of three-dimensional elements.

Abstract: A system and a method for obstruction deflection for a vehicle. The system generally includes a guide; and a support structure. The support structure includes one or more supports; one or more guide connectors; a fixed single support bracket; a tilt bracket; and a fixed multiple support bracket. The fixed single support bracket, the tilt bracket, and the fixed multiple support bracket are mounted to the vehicle, a first end of each of the supports is installed onto the fixed single support bracket, the tilt bracket, and the fixed multiple support bracket, a second end of each of the supports is installed onto the guide connectors, and the guide is rotatably attached to the guide connectors such that the guide is positioned longitudinally on the vehicle and the guide is curved with the vehicle on the inside of the curve.

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 damping suspension for an add-on armor system of an ACV (Armored Combat Vehicle), comprises mounting means for mounting said add-on armor system to an ACV; and damping means coupled to said mounting means and to said add-on armor system's armor means, in order to damp vibrations and restrain shocks unto which said armor means might be exposed as an outcome of said ACV's travel; and wherein said damping suspension is characterized by that said damping suspension includes a device of the ‘wire rope isolator’ type.

Abstract: In one aspect, the present disclosure is directed to a blast-resistant armored land vehicle. Wheels or tracks may be attached to the vehicle by an independent suspension. The vehicle may include a body comprised of sheet materials, the body having a longitudinal centerline, an upper portion including opposite side portions, a first bottom portion defining a V, with the apex of the V substantially parallel to the longitudinal centerline of the vehicle and extending along a portion of the vehicle, and a second bottom portion defining a V, with the apex of the V substantially parallel to the longitudinal centerline of the vehicle and extending along another portion of the vehicle. The first bottom portion further includes an energy-absorbing member extending longitudinally within an interior of the first bottom portion. The energy-absorbing member may be on the inside of the apex of the V and be held in position during the blast by its own inertia.

Abstract: A protective structure for a vehicle having an opening on an upper surface is provided. One embodiment of the invention has at least a partial enclosure around an area defined laterally by the vehicle opening with an overhead and side protective capability. An embodiment of the invention has an overhead cover that is formed to substantially enclose a top area of the enclosure and having multiple panels that may be locked into place or opened by an occupant for exit through a top area of the enclosure. The multiple panels in this embodiment extend upwardly and inwardly from a section of the enclosure's side walls. Ballistic windows are provided on the protective structure such that an occupant can view laterally and vertically through the enclosure and overhead cover. A shield or protective plate can be mounted on one side of the enclosure.

Abstract: In one aspect, the present disclosure is directed to a system for protecting a vehicle from a mine. Upon detonation the mine may yield ejecta having an expected trajectory. The system has a first layer of material disposed outside of an underbody of a hull of the vehicle. The first layer includes a base disposed in a direction substantially parallel to the underbody and a protrusion that narrows as it extends away from the base in a direction opposing the expected ejecta trajectory. The system also has a second layer including a material having a shock wave transmission velocity that is higher than a shock wave transmission velocity of the material of the first layer. The system further has an exterior layer substantially covering the first and second layers, and the exterior layer has an exterior surface that faces away from the underbody and toward the expected ejecta trajectory.

Abstract: A protective structure for a vehicle having an opening on an upper surface is provided. One embodiment of the invention has at least a partial enclosure around an area defined laterally by the vehicle opening with an overhead and side protective capability. An embodiment of the invention has an overhead cover that is formed to substantially enclose a top area of the enclosure and having multiple panels that may be locked into place or opened by an occupant for exit through a top area of the enclosure. The multiple panels in this embodiment extend upwardly and inwardly from a section of the enclosure's side walls. Ballistic windows are provided on the protective structure such that an occupant can view laterally and vertically through the enclosure and overhead cover. A shield or protective plate can be mounted on one side of the enclosure.

Abstract: A vehicle is provided wherein, between an unmanned front drive module (2) and a manned mission module (3), an articulated steering drive (4) is provided, so that the entire vehicle (1) is driven from the mission module (3) via the drive module (2). More specifically, the vehicle, such as an armored vehicle, is divided into an anterior drive module and a posterior mission module, wherein the mission module is configured to accept a vehicle crew comprising a driver, and the mission module comprises one or more mission-specific expansions, and wherein the drive module comprises a drive motor and is unmanned, and the vehicle further comprises an articulated steering drive integrated between the drive module and the mission module so the drive module is steered by the driver in the mission module and so that the vehicle is thus moved by tracking the mission module behind the drive module.

Abstract: A window cover for a military vehicle which includes armored plates angled away from an underlying vehicle window with reflectors, one of the reflectors being pivotable. The window cover allows an occupant of the vehicle to view outside the vehicle window as light is reflected off a viewing reflector to a stationary reflector and toward an occupant of the vehicle. A filter is placed between the viewing and stationary reflectors to filter out a portion of light reflected. The filter may also provide a collimation function.

Abstract: A structure or vehicle protection method including a removable frame on the structure or vehicle, and a net within the frame and spaced from the structure or vehicle and having a mesh size designed to disarm an incoming threat.

Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure provide an armored helmet assembly that is fully or completely assembled and quickly mounted onto a host vehicle to form a military vehicle. The armored helmet assembly provides protection, weapons, cameras, and other equipment for the driver. When desired, the armored helmet assembly in a completely assembled state is unlocked and removed from the host vehicle. The host vehicle is typically a construction vehicle and useful as such. In some embodiments, a weapons platform assembly is mounted on the armored helmet assembly. Other embodiments include one or more of an expandable battle shield, a front end container for storage of equipment or weapons, and a command surveillance module. In certain embodiments, in addition to the armored helmet assembly, a lower armored assembly in a completely assembled state is mounted onto a lower portion of the host vehicle.

Abstract: An armor system for defeating rocket propelled grenade-type missiles and/or high velocity jets created by shaped charges directed at a vehicle includes a grid layer such as a net and/or an array of slats or bars (“RPG”) spaced from an outer surface of the vehicle by support members. The grid layer has a characteristic mesh size or bar/slat spacing to disrupt the missile firing mechanism. The system also has a shaped layer having a plurality of tapered members formed from a fiber-reinforced material, the tapered members positioned between the grid layer and the vehicle outer surface and having respective apex ends proximate the distant the grid layer and base ends, the tapered members defining with adjacent tapered members a plurality of depressions opening in a direction to receive an incoming conical portion of an unexploded RPG-type missile, or a jet emanating from an exploded RPG or other anti-armor device, and a layer of fiber-reinforced material abutting the base ends of the tapered members.

Abstract: A class of lightweight ballistic protection material and methods of forming such materials are disclosed. The material comprises a composite of polymeric material comprising high modulus resins and ceramic materials. The composite materials offer the advantage of being relatively easy to fabricate and lower in cost than competing materials. Body armor, blast protection panels and other articles comprising the new ballistic protection materials are also disclosed.

Abstract: An armored assembly comprises a wall having inner and outer surfaces, and an opening extending therebetween. The opening has a rim area surrounding the opening. The assembly comprises a window having a frame sized/shaped to externally cover the opening and rim area, and a pane fitted within the frame. The window is displaceably attached to the outer surface of the wall. The assembly comprises a drive mechanism including a motor spaced from the outer surface of the wall by its inner surface, and a drive member operably connected to the motor. The drive member is at least partially protruding from the outer surface of the wall in the direction away from its inner surface. The assembly has a driven member attached to the window, which is disposed between the frame and wall. The driven member is configured for engagement with the drive member to displace the window.

Abstract: A support for use with an armored vehicle, the support comprising a frame having a plurality of longitudinally extending beams connected to one another and forming therebetween a convex polygon. The support further comprises a plurality of attachment elements configured for carrying the frame and for being attached to a vehicle roof. The support is configured for being mounted on a roof of the vehicle and for carrying thereupon a gunner protection kit. The polygon is sufficiently big so as not to obstruct a top hatch of the vehicle. The ends of at least some of the beams extend beyond the polygon, and are configured for engagement with the attachment elements thereby carrying the frame by the ends.

Abstract: Embodiments comprise a stackable vehicle which may be supported from, or serve as support to, another like vehicle. The vehicle includes a frame and a body supported from the frame. The body includes a weight bearing roof. Wheel assemblies are mounted for rotation on the frame. The body includes recesses from the roof of the body to accommodate location of wheel assemblies of a like vehicle supported on the roof. Support and mounting points are located on the roof and on the frame respectively to fix location of a vehicle to be carried on top of a supporting vehicle.

Abstract: An assault vehicle, comprising, in combination a vehicle body and a boom. The boom comprises a plurality of telescoping tubes being coupled to the vehicle body. The vehicle boom has a passageway there in. At the upwardmost end of the boom is located the fighting pod. The fighting pod has a boom elevator aperture there through to allow passage of a soldier from the vehicle, through the boom, and into the fighting pod. An elevator within the boom moves supplies and troops.