Abstract: A hierarchical composite armor is disclosed for protection against projectile impact comprising a plurality of platelets and a matrix substrate. The plurality of platelets are distributed in at least a first layer and in a second layer parallel to the first layer wherein the distribution of the platelets in the second layer is at least slightly offset from and overlaps the distribution of platelets in the first layer. The platelets are less thick than the overall thickness of the composite armor, and the platelets include a first material. The matrix substrate encapsulates the platelets, and the matrix substrate is different than the first material. The platelets and matrix substrate form an interactive network that dissipates a projectile's impact energy over an area much greater than the size of the projectile by synergistically transmitting the impact energy from platelets close to an impact location to platelets away from the impact location.

Abstract: The invention in various embodiments is directed to systems and methods for mitigating damage from a shock wave using a gas having a specific impedance less than air.

Abstract: Disclosed is an integrated vehicle and personal ballistic protection system providing a combination of space utilization, portability and increased personal safety. Also disclosed are kits for up-fitting the shield to an existing installed partition, and a kit for the trunk. The embodiment s depicted and suggested include a vehicle partition integrated with a hand-carry, quickly deployable, self-supporting, ballistic shield including a handle, and shaped to cooperate with a vehicle security partition and is part of the partition when temporarily stowed. An additional optional design feature of the shield is a shape that cooperates with removable mounting hardware for stowing on the underside of the trunk lid, under the rear deck, or on the trunk floor. A benefit of unitary construction, is that governmental safety forces can issue the same shield for cruisers and unmarked detective vehicles.

Abstract: A protection device for an observation screen of a vehicle, wherein it is constituted by a plate of armor positioned outside of the vehicle, and pivoting arms ensuring the displacement of the armor plate from a passive position in which the field of vision is totally free and one or several protection positions.

Abstract: The Highly Survivable Urban Utility Vehicle (HSUUV) redistributes armor in a unique way on a truck type wheeled vehicle so as to defeat Improvised Explosive Devices (IED) to include armor piercing weapons. In so doing, this approach adds significant amounts of armor where it is needed the most, and does so without a significant net weight penalty. This approach of using vehicles capable of carrying heavy side armor was previously not attempted with wheeled vehicles, now provides crew compartments with levels of protection never previously achieved on wheeled vehicles. Using the HSUUV system approach, soldiers can safely and quickly enter areas with an unprecedented amount of survivability and flexibility, allowing for better strategic force protection and tactical operations.

Abstract: An energy absorbing device for reducing acceleration transmitted to a seated occupant in a vehicle as a result of a high energy impact. The device comprises a first energy absorbing mechanism having a first dimension in the impact direction and capable of undergoing predetermined elastic deformation in that direction; and a second energy absorbing mechanism having a second dimension in the impact direction, which is smaller than the first dimension by a distance corresponding to that elastic deformation. The second mechanism is loaded with the impact force after the first mechanism has undergone elastic deformation; the second mechanism comprises a material capable of progressive deformation. The device may comprise a restriction mechanism connecting the two plates, adapted to restrict displacement of the first plate relative to the second plate in any direction different from the impact direction.

Abstract: A system for a two-piece armored cab includes an upper cab portion, a lower cab portion, and a vehicle chassis system. The upper cab portion and the lower cab portion are armored to provide protection to occupants of the cab system. The upper cab portion removably mates to the lower cab portion at a mating line that comprises a lower edge of the upper cab portion and an upper edge of the lower cab portion. The lower cab portion is mounted to the vehicle chassis system such that the vehicle chassis system is operable when the upper cab portion is removed from the lower cab portion as well as when the upper cab portion is mated to the lower cab portion.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for providing ballistic protection and stopping high-velocity rounds or explosives. The apparatus may include a ballistic panel for providing ballistic protection. The ballistic panel includes a core that includes a plurality of node cells, an intermediate layer that surrounds the core and fills in the node cells, and an outer coating. The ballistic panel absorbs the force of high-velocity, ballistic, low-velocity, and high foot pound pressure rounds, fragments, and impacts and is capable of completely capturing such ballistic rounds and fragments without external deflection or complete penetration through ballistic panel.

Abstract: The present invention provides elements for making a protective reactive armor to be fitted on the outside of an enclosure liable to be exposed to attack by shaped-charge warheads and other threats, such as kinetic energy projectiles and fragments, to thereby enhance survivability of the enclosure and its contents. The invention further provides a non-explosive energetic material useful for such reactive armor elements.

Abstract: A blast-resistant armored land vehicle that may include a monocoque body comprised of sheet material with the bottom portion of the vehicle being substantially V-shaped. The apex of the V is substantially parallel with the centerline of the vehicle with the tip of the V having a radius of approximately 1-4 inches. The angle of the V may be approximately 115°-130°. The vehicle has a ground clearance of greater than 30 inches. The vehicle further includes an engine detachably affixed within the body, a transmission connected to the engine, a transfer case connected to the transmission having a front output shaft and a rear output shaft. The transfer case may be located at the approximate the fore and aft center of the vehicle and may be enclosed within a blast resistant that includes sheet material above the transfer case. The drive train may be connected to the engine and may be detachably affixed to the body.

Abstract: A modular structure is disclosed that includes a variety of separate units having an armored panel secured to a frame portion. The units, which exhibit a variety of shapes and dimensions, may be joined together to form modular structures with different configurations. For example, the units may be joined together to form an enclosed modular structure with a box-like configuration that is loaded onto a bed of a conventional truck for the transportation of troops or equipment. When joined, the various frame portions form a frame that extends around the modular structure and provides support, and the various panels are positioned adjacent to each other to form a shell that encloses the individuals or equipment.

Abstract: An inwardly bend bottom plate, having at least one bending line, is provided on the underside of an armored vehicle body as a protection against mine detonation and can be additionally armored by modular armor plates. Above the bottom plate is a floorboard so spaced therefrom that the dynamic inward buckling of the bottom plate can take place in a deformation space between the bottom plate and the floorboard without injury to an occupant of the vehicle.

Abstract: A vehicle with protection against the effects of an exploding land mine is provided, in which a military wheeled vehicle is provided with wheel axels and drives built into front and/or rear building blocks. The vehicle is divided into multiple building blocks, although a three block construction is desirable (i.e., a front building block, a rear building block, and a main building block). A residual mobility of a remaining portion of the vehicle is preserved, even though one of the front building block or the rear building block is separated from the main building block due to the explosive shock wave generated by driving over and detonating a land mine, because each of the front building block and the rear building block has a drive for rotating the wheel axel connected to the block.

Abstract: A window cover for a military vehicle which includes both upper and lower armored plates angled away from an underlying vehicle window, an upper reflector overlying the underside of the upper armored plate, and a lower reflector, penetrable by projectiles, positioned in front of the lower armored plate. The window cover allows an occupant of the vehicle to view outside the vehicle window, as light is reflected off the lower reflector onto the upper reflector and then toward the occupant.

Abstract: An armor system is provided for installation in a vehicle having a body structure. The armor system includes frame members joined to form a framework having openings. The framework is joined to the inside of the body structure of the vehicle. Brackets are joined to the frame members. A number of armor plates are provided, which are configured to cover the openings of the framework. Each plate is joined to at least one of the brackets, so that gaps between the armor plates are overlapped by the frame members.

Abstract: A multi-layered protective cover (10) for the exterior of a vehicle, held in place over the hood by means of a main strap (12), a main strap lock (14), and an underside lock (16). Rounded pad (20) forms a frame along the perimeter of a vehicle. For easy entry or exit, latch on rounded pad (22), Velcro.RTM cover (24), zipper (26), and fasteners (28) are provided. Along an upper frame (34), insulated wire (36) is connected from panel to panel by an electrical plug (30), and an electrical socket (32). Electromagnets, consisting of an iron bar (38) and an iron head (40) are inlaid in a rubber layer (42). A lower frame (44) provides support for a bullet-proof layer (46) and a water-proof layer (48). When current flows to the electromagnets, the cover is affixed to a body of vehicle (50).

Abstract: The invention provides a composite armor plate for absorbing and dissipating kinetic energy from high-velocity projectiles, the plate comprising a single internal layer of pellets which are bound and retained in plate form by an elastic material, substantially internally within the elastic material, such that the pellets are bound in a plurality of spaced-apart rows and columns, the pellets being made of a material selected from the group consisting of ceramic material glass and sintered refractory material, and the pellets being substantially fully embedded in the elastic material so that the pellets form an internal layer, characterized in that a majority of each of the pellets in direct contact with four diagonally-adjacent pellets in the same layer to provide mutual lateral confinement therebetween and is retained in spaced-apart relationship relative to pellets in the same row and pellets in the same column by the elastic material.

Abstract: Many military land vehicles are not designed to withstand extreme forces concomitant exploding mines. A vehicle's capacity to protect its occupants is inventively enhanced by structurally augmenting the vehicle, in lower structural portions closely related to the vehicle's cabin, with both elastomeric and rigid (non-elastomeric) materials. An elastomeric layer and a rigid layer (typically embodied as a metal or composite sheet or plate) are added to the vehicle in each of seven locations, viz., the four wheel wells (left-front, right-front, left-rear, right-rear), the two floorboards (left and right), and the intervening underside area. At each wheel well and floorboard location, the elastomer is sandwiched between the vehicle's existing rigid structure and the rigid member so as to form a tri-layer material system. At the intervening underside location, an elastomer-coated rigid member is attached with the elastomer face-down.

Abstract: A lightweight armor with repeat hit capability includes at least one layer of material that absorbs energy upon being impacted by an object through a reversible phase change and/or an elastic strain deformation of at least 5%. Once the energy of the object has been absorbed the layer of material returns to its original shape, thereby resulting in an armor with repeat hit capabilities. The armor may also include additional layers of material constructed of conventional armor materials. A method of manufacturing such an armor is also disclosed.

Abstract: An armor module comprising a rigid casing having a front face, a top face and a bottom face, and a plurality of multi-layer planner cassettes fixedly mounted within the casing. Each cassette has a top base plate and a bottom base plate, sandwiching between them at least a one other layer. The top base plate of an uppermost cassette constitutes the top face of the casing, and a bottom base plate of a lowermost cassette constitutes the bottom face of the casing.

Abstract: A momentum trap ballistic armor comprises an accelerating layer, a plug layer adjacent to the accelerating layer, and an energy absorbing layer. The plug layer includes an opening and at least one plug maintained within the opening. When a projectile impacts the accelerating layer, the plug is accelerated to the velocity of the projectile before the projectile perforates the plug, forming a projectile-plug combination. The energy absorbing layer is used to capture the projectile-plug combination. The accelerating layer is typically ceramic, the plug layer is typically metal, and the energy absorbing layer is typically ballistic cloth material.

Abstract: A ceramic armor is disclosed in several embodiments. In a first embodiment, a metal base plate has a metal frame assembled on it having a central opening into which the ceramic material and stiffening plate are placed. A cover plate is placed over the frame to enclose the ceramic material on all sides. In a second embodiment, the frame has an open central area that has two crossing walls that define four sub-chambers. Four sets of ceramic material and stiffening plate are placed in the respective sub-chambers and a covering plate is placed over them. In a further embodiment, the frame has a plurality of cavities mechanically formed in it. A stiffening plate and a ceramic tile or plate are placed in each cavity and a cover plate is placed over the frame. The metal used to encapsulate the ceramic material may, if desired, comprise a Titanium alloy such as Ti-6Al-4V, and the ceramic material may comprise Silicon Carbide, Boron Carbide, Tungsten Carbide, Titanium Diboride, Aluminum Oxide or Aluminum Nitride.

Abstract: An elongate ballistic protection apparatus is described and claimed herein which has minimal weight and maximum flexibility to conform to the most contorted and undulating ground surfaces. In use, it is immediately positioned below a military vehicle to protect the crew compartment positioned above said apparatus by extending transversely between the propulsive means and laterally along the direction of travel for the vehicle. The apparatus may detonate mines while operated by driven engagement over mine bearing terrains, but it will do so in a manner sufficient to defeat them without inducing unacceptable damages to either the vehicle or crew. Thereby, this invention provides a means to effectively disrupt the firing sequence of the explosive charges in these mines by contact with my minimal weight roller link chain. Beneficially, the blast gasses and ejecta of the mine simply vents through the open areas of my chain. This is a substantial improvement over devices having solid configurations or geometries.

Abstract: The invention provides an array of blast-resistant partitions arranged to subdivide a predetermined space into a multiplicity of interconnected subspaces and thereby to substantially confine an explosive blast to one or more of the subspaces while protecting the remaining subspaces in the predetermined space.

Abstract: An applique armour panel for fitting to a substrate and for protecting the substrate from missile or other projectile attack which panel comprises an exterior plate (1), an interior plate (4) and a layer or layers (7) of explosive material therebetween. The explosive material is detonated by an incoming missile to cause disruption of the incoming missile and reduce its penetrative effect. The panel is constructed so that upon reactive explosion the interior and exterior plates are driven apart more rapidly at one edge of the panel than at an opposite edge by a rotating moment of one plate relative to the other.

Abstract: A land mine pressure fuse avoidance system has a base. A tread on the base contacts the ground around a land mine and independently distributes pressures around the ground. The tread has plural independent closed cell foam rubber elements. Each element is separated from adjacent elements for independently supporting only a portion of a load on the base, while other similarly independent elements support remaining portion of the load. The base is a cylindrical tire, a continuous track, a shoe sole attachment or a robotic foot, and the tread is conformed to and extends outward from the base. The independent elements of the tread are made of closed cell foam rubber formed as a tread on the base with notches between adjacent elements of the tread. Notches extend longitudinally along the tread, and notches extend across the tread, forming block shaped elements extending from the base.

Abstract: An armored vehicle, especially combat vehicle, having an outer wall (1) in which is disposed an air inlet opening (2) behind which a radiator is positioned in the interior of the vehicle. To produce a ballistic protective device at the air inlet opening, there is disposed in the interior of the vehicle, in the region between radiator and air inlet opening (2), a base plate (5), and the intermediate spaces between the outer edges of the base plate (5) and the inner edges of the air inlet opening (2) are closed off by cover plates (4.2, 4.3). The base plate (5) is provided in the central portion with an air passage below which the radiator is positioned. Above the base plate (5), essentially in the plane of the outer wall (1), a protective plate (7) is disposed and dimensioned such that an annular air passage slot is provided between its outer edges and the inner edges of the air inlet opening (2).

Abstract: A reactive armor element for protection against a shaped-charge warhead, comprising a casing fitted with an outer metal cover plate, and at least one explosive matrix extending between the metal plates. The explosive matrix comprises a substantially flat carrier plate formed with a plurality of compartments formed by adjoining divider ribs, with explosive material embedded between the ribs.

Abstract: A hatch assembly and method for using the same that allows for enhanced ease of ingress and egress through a portal of a military vehicle. The hatch is advanced and cleared away from the portal through use of a hatch operating mechanism that employs an extendable cylinder assembly to advance the hatch and a rotational assembly operably connected to the telescopic assembly to rotate the hatch so as to clear the portal.

Abstract: A composite material for armor plating with improved multihit behavior includes at least: a front layer, facing the impact side and mounted on a first sub-layer, the front layer including a plurality of neighboring front-layer segments with form-fit contact between adjacent segments; a rear layer facing away from the impact side; and a supporting layer disposed between the front and rear layers. The supporting layer includes a plurality of supporting-layer segments, which present a surface parallel to the front layer whose area is the same as or less than the area of the front-layer segments parallel to the front layer.

Abstract: An arrangement is provided to protect the occupants of a military vehicle in the event of a percussive-type impact on a surface of the vehicle, such as a mine explosion below the vehicle. The arrangement includes a foot floor supported at a spacing from a respective portion of the interior surface of the cabin which is intermediate the foot floor and the travel surface on which the vehicle is traveling. No structures connect the foot floor and the interior surface of the cabin to one another with a rigidity sufficient to transmit to the foot floor more than a negligible amount of the energy of a deflection of the interior of the cabin in the event that a percussive-type event such as amine explosion causes the interior cabin surface to deflect.

Abstract: An armored vehicle, especially combat vehicle, having an outer wall (1) in which is disposed an air inlet opening (2) behind which a radiator is positioned in the interior of the vehicle. To produce a ballistic protective device at the air inlet opening, there is disposed in the interior of the vehicle, in the region between radiator and air inlet opening (2), a base plate (5), and the intermediate spaces between the outer edges of the base plate (5) and the inner edges of the air inlet opening (2) are closed off by cover plates (4.2, 4.3). The base plate (5) is provided in the central portion with an air passage below which the radiator is positioned. Above the base plate (5), essentially in the plane of the outer wall (1), a protective plate (7) is disposed and dimensioned such that an annular air passage slot is provided between its outer edges and the inner edges of the air inlet opening (2).

Abstract: A momentum trap ballistic armor system comprises an accelerating layer and a plug layer adjacent to the a accelerating layer. The plug layer includes an opening and at least one plug maintained within the opening. When a projectile impacts the accelerating layer, the plug is accelerated to the velocity of the projectile before the projectile perforates the plug, forming a projectile-plug combination. Typically, the accelerating layer and plug layer are joined with an energy absorbing layer, which is used to capture a projectile-plug combination. The accelerating layer is typically ceramic, the plug layer is typically metal, and the energy absorbing layer is typically ballistic cloth material.

Abstract: A bullet-proof and/or shatter-proof toughened, laminated glass plate includes a stack of glass sheets. A central ballistic system (BC) of the glass plate has, at its peripheral region corresponding to a reinforcing element (C) of the peripheral ballistic system (BP), one or more reinforcing cladding portions made from a high-strength ballistic material, and integrated in the stack. At least one of the reinforcing cladding portions is integral with the element (C) (i.e., a one-piece construction).

Abstract: In a multi-layer armor system (10), useful for military vehicles, a metallic foam is provided as the shock energy-absorbing element. In a typical arrangement, the metallic foam shock-absorbing element (12) is sandwiched between a high strength strike plate (11) and a backing plate (13). Typically, the backing plate is a highly deforming metal, such as titanium, aluminum, or steel. However, the backing plate may comprise one or more layers of metal, ceramic or polymer-based composites. The high strength strike plate may be ceramic or metal. The shock-absorbing element is preferably a closed-cell metal foam with a high porosity that is effective in containing rearward deformation of the strike plate from a projectile strike. In a preferred embodiment, the shock-absorbing element is an aluminum foam with a porosity of 80 percent by volume.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing anti-mine protection for an armored vehicle, the apparatus comprising a concave floor plate (1) that provides both a sufficient ground clearance (3) and a clear distance (14) between the floor plate and spring bars or support arms mounted above the floor plate. The floor plate (11) is fixedly connected on the sides to the housing or hull side wall (8, 8′) and the side flange plate (4) secured to the housing side wall, such that respective angled regions of the housing side wall (6) and of the flange plates (9) surround the top and bottom of the floor plate (1) and rest flat against it.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a foldable bullet protective shield for mounting to the backside of a sunvisor of a motor vehicle, said shield having an upper portion and a lower portion, each portion being formed of at least one plate of bullet protective material, the top edge of the lower portion being connected to the bottom edge of the upper portion via a hinge, at least one portion including a viewing window to provide a driveable view therethrough. Optionally, at least one of the portions may be encased in a shell of material such as nylon. Alternatively, the bullet protective shield can be incorporated into a shield assembly including a rotatable and swingable pivot arm connected to a mountable bracket.

Abstract: An armor component includes a tile having a perimeter; and a wrapping material wrapped around the perimeter of the tile. An armor system includes a back plate; at least one tile array layer disposed on the back plate, the at least one tile array layer comprising a plurality of armor components wherein each armor component comprises a tile having a perimeter wrapped with a wrapping material; and a top layer disposed on the at least one tile array layer.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing anti-mine protection for an armored vehicle, the apparatus comprising a concave floor plate (1) that provides both a sufficient ground clearance (3) and a clear distance (14) between the floor plate and spring bars or support arms mounted above the floor plate. The floor plate (11) is fixedly connected on the sides to the housing or hull side wall (8, 8′)and the side flange plate (4) secured to the housing side wall, such that respective angled regions of the housing side wall (6) and of the flange plates (9) surround the top and bottom of the floor plate (1) and rest flat against it.

Abstract: An apparatus for anti-mine protection for an armored vehicle wherein a box (5) is mounted to the underside of the vehicle floor, with the box being completely filled in the longitudinal and transverse directions with a plurality of sandbag-like damping elements (4).

Abstract: A reactive armor structure having an outer layer and a reactive element adjacent to and integral with the outer layer is provided. The reactive element provides an amount of support to the outer layer effective to restrain movement of the outer layer and to delay fracture of the outer layer when the outer layer is impacted by a projectile.

Abstract: An inexpensive, highly maneuverable vehicle is provided for operating within the proximity of landmines. The vehicle is preferably hydrostatically propelled and includes an adjustable hydraulic suspension for providing a varying ground clearance depending on terrain and operation. The vehicle includes “bendaway” or “breakaway” wheels and a smooth underside. The hydrostatic drive system and bendaway or breakaway wheels provide a vehicle which can still maneuver even with one or two wheels disengaged due to removal upon striking a landmine. In a preferred embodiment, the vehicle is constructed to operate as a battlefield ambulance. The vehicle includes a portal formed on the vehicle's underside for permitting the retrieval of injured persons to within the vehicle without subjecting occupants within the vehicle to be vulnerable to hostile fire.

Abstract: An improved blast shield for use on a wheeled military vehicle. The blast shield has at least a portion responsive to a blast under the vehicle that reacts in response to the blast to block the door of the passenger compartment whereby the occupants of the compartment are protected from ejection from the vehicle for the duration of the blast effect.

Abstract: The invention provides camouflage in both the visual spectrum and the infrared spectrum by emulating the infrared radiation of an object's background and the visible radiation of an object's background, effectively cloaking the object from detection. Initially, the temperature and color of the background against which an object appears is determined. The external surface of the object, or alternatively a shield around the object, is then heated or cooled using thermoelectric modules that convert electrical energy into a temperature gradient. The ability of the modules to be either cooled or heated permits the output of the modules to be altered to match the temperature of an object's background. In combination with these thermocouples, the invention utilizes choleric liquid crystals to alter the visible color of an object.

Abstract: A ceramic composite tile armor which is reinforced at the more vulnerable joint and free edge areas, using glass or ceramic strips or overlays bonded with an adhesive to the outer surface of the tile joints and free edges. This reinforcement provides improved ballistic threat protection for ground vehicle, aircraft, watercraft, spacecraft, and body (personnel) ceramic tile armor applications. Glass or ceramic overlay strips assist in fracturing impacting projectiles that strike the tile joints or free edges. The substrate laminate backing can then capture fragments of the projectile and broken ceramic and prevent penetration. The invention provides improved protection over conventional joint and edge enhancements with higher reliability of accurate positioning over joint and free-edge areas, with less added weight, and at lower associated production costs.

Abstract: An improved lightweight armored vehicle and a cost effective method of retrofitting standard automobiles to make them lightweight armored vehicles. Metal edge channels and edge caps fit about laminated windows to protect the laminated edges for stress, moisture and atmosphere and fit within the standard automobile original window frames. Prefabricated formed lightweight composite armor is molded to closely fit within the standard automobile. Ballistic steel opaque armored elements are cut and sized to fit within the standard automobile. Both transparent and opaque armored elements are designed for cost effective, onsite manufacture of components to cost effective installation procedures to put in affordable lightweight armored vehicle.

Abstract: An integrated, layered armor structure having multiple layers which alternate in their exhibited characteristics between extremely hard and ductile. The extremely hard layers of the armor structure are designed to shatter an impacting projectile, or pieces thereof, and to fracture in such a way as to dissipate at least a portion of the kinetic energy associated with the projectile pieces and to disperse the projectile pieces and hard layer fragments over a wide area. The ductile layers of the armor structure are designed to yield under the force of impinging projectile pieces and hard layer fragments from an adjacent hard layer. This yielding dissipates at least a portion of the remaining kinetic energy of these pieces and fragments. Pieces and fragments not possessing sufficient kinetic energy to tear through the ductile layer are trapped therein and so stopped.

Abstract: A multipurpose armored utility vehicle based on a civilian production base vehicle is configured to be used in hostile and dangerous police related missions. The vehicle comprises an armored drivers compartment and a rear mounted armored utility compartment comprising a plurality of view ports, gun ports, entry means and a roof mounted hatch with side protection where the vehicle can be used in rescue, and offensive and defensive modes of operation under fire.

Abstract: A tracked vehicle has a driven track suspension on each side of the hull, whereby the track suspension and the hull are connected by means of a vibration damping material. The track suspension is mounted on a U-shaped bridge element with lateral track supports with the use of a connecting floor plate, whereby each of the track supports is equipped with an electric drive motor as a track drive. The hull is suspended in the bridge element by means of vibration damping elements.

Abstract: The invention disclosed relates to a composite armor material comprising an outer ballistic impact resistant layer of a steel material having a Rockwell “C” scale hardness of 47-54, and an inner blast resistant steel layer having a fracture toughness of 3.6-6.5 J/mm, and a Rockwell “C” scale hardness of 28-36.