Abstract: A blast countermeasure for a vehicle, such as an armoured vehicle, is provided. The blast countermeasure comprises: at least one explosive; a detonator for detonating the explosive; and at least one reflector, located at least partially above the at least one explosive, for reflecting a shock wave generated by detonation of the at least one explosive groundwards in order to apply a groundwards force to the vehicle. The vehicle may comprise: control circuitry configured to respond to detection of an explosion local to the vehicle by activating an actuator to generate a groundwards force and cause a cabin floor of the vehicle to move groundwards.

Abstract: A vehicle is provided that includes an airbag stored within an onboard compartment and inflatable by an onboard inflator. When inflated, the airbag extends from an outer surface of the vehicle, and has a shape that is recognizable, to a sensor on an approaching second vehicle, as at least a portion of a solid structure of the vehicle. The airbag is also configured to absorb at least some energy from a collision between the vehicle and the approaching second vehicle.

Abstract: An underbody kit for a vehicle having an outer body shell defining a cavity, at least one explosive device secured to the outer body shell within the cavity, and wherein the underbody kit is constructed and arranged to counteract both a blast event near the vehicle and a penetrator event.

Abstract: A supercapacitor-like device is described that uses a porous, conductive foam as the electrodes. After the device is charged, an explosive wave front can be used to remove electrolyte from the metal foam. This creates a large net charge on each electrode, which will readily flow through a load placed across the electrodes. The removal of charge can potentially occur on a time scale of microseconds, allowing a supercapacitor to be used in pulsed power applications. The creation of this net charge requires significant energy, meaning this concept may also be suitable for removing kinetic energy from objects.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for facilitating automated and manual segregation of internal areas within a structure, particularly in response to active shooter warnings, or other triggering events. Embodiments may provide automated systems and methods, products and product components to facilitate simplified and automated (1) deployment of mechanized safety and/or security (bulletproof) curtains, including certain safety curtains comprising, or otherwise formed of, replaceable bulletproof and/or other penetration-resistant materials, and/or (2) actuation of mechanized safety and/or security (bulletproof) doors, to effectively segregate open areas and hallways in buildings.

Abstract: A system for adaptively shielding a structure includes an armor assembly including one or more armor modules. Each armor module may include one or more electromagnets coupled to a housing that retains a plurality of shielding particles. The electromagnet(s) are configured to be activated in response to an impending threat of a projectile impact. The shielding particles are attracted to the one or more electromagnets to form a shielding barrier in response to activation of the electromagnet(s). The shielding barrier is configured to absorb at least a portion of a force of the projectile impact.

Abstract: This invention concerns a device for the transmission of impulse and momentum, e.g. from a shock wave from an explosion or momentum from objects impacting the device, from one location to another, and is primarily used to protect vehicles, ships, aircrafts and buildings against impulse and/or momentum, for instance in regards to attacks on those with grenades, bombs, mines and the like. The governing physical principles are those of conservation of momentum and energy, and Newton's 3rd Law, claiming that for every action there is an equal but opposite reaction. When the receiver 1 is accelerated by the incoming shock wave 9 it collides with the transmitter 2, connected to an emitter 3, momentum is transferred to the emitter 3. If the transfer is in itself not sufficient to bring the receiver's 1 velocity to an acceptable level, additional energy and momentum is added through the transmitter 2.

Abstract: The invention relates to an interceptor type system for neutralizing a shaped charge threat, which comprises: (a) a detection system for detecting an approach of a shaped charge projectile, for calculating upon such detection its course of approach, and for activating an interceptor to create a flux of intercepting fragments within a destruction corridor; and (b) one or more of said interceptors, each comprising one or more magazines of fragments, each magazine comprises said fragments and an explosive layer which in turn explodes thereby to create said flux of intercepting fragments within said destruction corridor.

Abstract: Protection equipment (10) for protecting a target (1) against attacking missiles with a plurality of protection elements (11, 12) that are triggerable individually in order to combat a missile, wherein the protection elements (11, 12) are arranged in such a manner that a triggered protection element (11) may be replaced by a replacement protection element (12) arranged redundantly in relation to the former. The protection equipment may be associated with a vehicle (1). The disclosure includes a method for protecting a target (1) against attacking missiles using the disclosed protection equipment.

Abstract: Bar armor currently provides a means of providing partial protection of vehicles and structures against certain types of Rocket Propelled Grenades (RPGs). However, the individual bars must provide enough strength to cut through or deform the outer ogive of an RPG and cause electrical contact with the inner ogive. This in turn imposes constraints on the overall effectiveness of the system and how light it can be made. These constraints can be eased by providing cross-attachments for the bars, provided that the cross-attachments themselves are mutually supporting and of low enough density and sufficient frangibility to avoid detonating the RPG when they are struck by the RPG nosepiece, which contains a piezoelectric element that causes the fuse of the RPG to function. Through this means, bar armor can be made lighter, more effective, and easier to see through.

Abstract: This invention concerns a device for the transmission of impulse and momentum, e.g. from a shock wave from an explosion or momentum from objects impacting the device, from one location to another, and is primarily used to protect vehicles, ships, aircrafts and buildings against impulse and/or momentum, for instance in regards to attacks on those with grenades, bombs, mines and the like. The governing physical principles are those of conservation of momentum and energy, and Newton's 3rd Law, claiming that for every action there is an equal but opposite reaction. When the receiver 1 is accelerated by the incoming shock wave 9 it collides with the transmitter 2, connected to an emitter 3, momentum is transferred to the emitter 3. If the transfer is in itself not sufficient to bring the receiver's 1 velocity to an acceptable level, additional energy and momentum is added through the transmitter 2.

Abstract: A blast mitigation method includes forming a body of solid material which transitions from a solid state to a non-flowing viscous fluid state when stressed which attaching it to the body of the undercarriage of a vehicle. The material of the body transitions from a solid state to a viscous fluid, state when an explosion occurs, is proximate the body and it absorbs at least some energy from the explosion mitigating impact on the vehicle. A plunger plate with blades extending outwardly therefrom is coupled to the body and oriented such that the blades are adjacent the body.

Abstract: The invention relates to a composite armor comprising multiple isolated reactive charges in various shapes and in various configurations. Charges are reacted and dynamically pressurize ceramic elements to reinforce the armor and to disrupt the projectile penetration process. In one embodiment of the present invention an armor comprising a multitude of high tensile strength enclosures are arranged in a closely packed pattern. A ceramic element is disposed in each individual enclosure; a thin inter-layer of explosive material is disposed between the ceramic element and the enclosure's strike face. In a ballistic event, the explosive is set off by an incoming projectile and the ceramic element is thus pressurized and reinforced.

Abstract: A reactive protection arrangement for protecting stationary or mobile objects against threats posed by hollow charges, projectile-forming charges or kinetic energy penetrators is secured to the side of the object to be protected that faces the threat in a fixed or movable manner, and includes at least one protective area arranged at an inclination angle to the threat direction. This protective area comprises a front cover that faces the threat, and a rear cover that faces away from the threat and is spaced apart from the front cover and, is configured as a bulging arrangement. At least one fixed or movable reactive middle layer or reactive zone is present between both covers which includes at least two reactive partial areas each having at least one explosive field, wherein the reactive partial areas are plugged on all sides by means of the delimiting covers as well as lateral separating layers.

Abstract: An underbelly system for a vehicle. The system includes: a deflector configured to be disposed under a cabin structure of the vehicle and constitute an underbelly thereof; a plurality of explosive charges, each being associated with a different deformable portion of the deflector and configured, upon charge detonation, for deforming its corresponding deformable portion of the deflector to project in a direction away from the cabin structure relative to its original structure; a sensing arrangement configured for sensing an external detonation under the vehicle and obtaining detonation data of the external detonation; and a control unit, in communication with the sensing arrangement and the explosive charges, configured for receiving said detonation data, and initiating detonation of two or more selected explosive charges in a sequential manner corresponding to said detonation data.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a system for protecting a vehicle from projectiles includes a detection component, a selection component, and an ignition component. In one embodiment, the detection component detects one or more projectiles having a first trajectory that is incident to a first location on the vehicle. In one embodiment, the selection component automatically selects two or more rockets mounted on the vehicle that, when ignited, produce a plurality of exhaust streams configured to deflect the one or more projectiles to a second trajectory. In one embodiment, the second trajectory is not incident to the first location on the vehicle. In one embodiment, the ignition component ignites the selected two or more rockets.

Abstract: According to an embodiment, a method for controlling the shape and direction of an explosion may include sensing the direction of an incoming threat, calculating an intercept vector for the threat, and triggering an explosive device in a manner that may generate an intercepting force directed along the intercept vector. According to one embodiment, a system may include a sensor configured to detect the direction of an incoming threat, an explosive device including an explosive and a plurality of embedded detonators, and a firing sequence calculator connected to receive information from the sensor regarding the direction of the threat and to trigger the detonators sequentially to produce an explosion having a selected shape, direction and intensity to create a counteracting force in response to the incoming threat.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing protection from ballistic rounds, projectiles, fragments and explosives. The apparatus includes a core, grinding layer and bonding layer. The core is shaped and configured as a structural truss of the apparatus, in which the core includes a plurality of parallel, adjacent rows and the core distributes and dissipates force impacting on the apparatus. The grinding layer is positioned on at least one side of the core facing towards potential threats, in which the grinding layer grinds rounds, projectiles, fragments or other materials impacting the apparatus, helping to dissipate the impacting material and its momentum. The bonding layer bonds the grinding layer together and the grinding layer to the core and provides an outer coating to the apparatus on a side of the apparatus facing potential threats and through which rounds, projectiles, fragments or other materials impact and penetrate the apparatus.

Abstract: A capacitive reactive armor assembly for shielding a vehicle is disclosed herein. The capacitive reactive armor includes, but is not limited to, a first flyer plate, a second flyer plate, and a capacitor positioned between the first flyer plate and the second flyer plate. The capacitor is configured to store an electric charge and to explosively short circuit when the capacitor is penetrated while the capacitor is electrically charged. The explosive release of energy from the capacitor pushes the first and second flyer plates apart interfering with the penetration of a shaped charge jet or ballistic penetrator.

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: Reactive armor that includes a casing having a plurality of walls, a back, and a cavity formed therebetween; a cover that closes the cavity and forms a strike face; a filler placed within the cavity, the filler comprising a disruptive material; and an explosive. To defeat projectile or projectile related threats, the reactive armor substantially, but not necessarily wholly, implements laterally oriented force mechanisms, erosion mechanisms, and bulking mechanisms, e.g., explosive forces, with respect to the strike face.

Abstract: A vehicle occupant blast isolation system uses small explosive charges and small rocket motors to isolate vehicle occupants from blast loads. The system initiates the explosive charges to remove all mechanical linkages between the occupants and the initial shock so that no shock effects are transferred. The system counteracts the effects of the impulse by igniting the rocket motors to provide a restoring force to counter the effects of the impulse load. This combination of mechanical isolation and impulse negation addresses both the high-frequency initial shock and low-frequency impulse effects from explosive devices.

Abstract: A combustion gas piston type movable guiding tube netting device includes a capture net (8), a traction head (6), a guiding tube (7), an igniter (3), a main gunpowder (5), a combustion gas generator (1) and a piston (2). The piston and the main gunpowder are placed in the combustion gas generator. The top of the piston contacts a triangular lug on the base of the guiding tube. The traction head is placed in the guiding tube, and another end of the traction head is tied on one corner of the capture net. When operating, the main gunpowder is ignited by the igniter, the resulting combustion gas pushes the piston to move, the piston pushes the guiding tube to move, and the combustion gas comes into the guiding tube and pushes the traction head to burst out the guiding tube, and the traction head drives the capture net to open. The combustion gas piston type movable guiding tube netting device has a quick expansion speed, and the area of the expansive capture net is big.

Abstract: An active protection system for protecting a platform from an incoming threat. The system comprises: a detection system configured for providing an output data associated with an incoming threat; a first countermeasure arrangement mountable on the platform and configured to intercept an incoming threat at a far interception point; a second countermeasure arrangement mountable on the platform and configured to intercept an incoming threat at a near interception point; and a controlling unit, in communication with the detection system and with the first and second countermeasure arrangements, configured for receiving said output data and selecting a preferred countermeasure arrangement from said first and second countermeasure arrangements, with which the incoming threat is to be intercepted.

Abstract: A method of providing a defense against a shaped charge uses an outer and an inner armor layer provided with a medial space between these outer and inner armor layers. One or more defensive shaped charges are positioned in the medial space. If the outer armor layer is attacked by ordnance having an offensive shaped charge, one or more of the defensive shaped charges positioned in the medial space is detonated so as to degrade the effectiveness of the offensive shaped charge and prevent penetration of the inner armor layer.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a system for protecting a vehicle from projectiles includes a detection component, a selection component, and an ignition component. In one embodiment, the detection component detects one or more projectiles having a first trajectory that is incident to a first location on the vehicle. In one embodiment, the selection component automatically selects two or more rockets mounted on the vehicle that, when ignited, produce a plurality of exhaust streams configured to deflect the one or more projectiles to a second trajectory. In one embodiment, the second trajectory is not incident to the first location on the vehicle. In one embodiment, the ignition component ignites the selected two or more rockets.

Abstract: Reactive armor that includes a casing having a plurality of walls, a back, and a cavity formed therebetween; a cover that closes the cavity and forms a strike face; a filler placed within the cavity, the filler comprising a disruptive material; and an explosive. To defeat projectile or projectile related threats, the reactive armor substantially, but not necessarily wholly, implements laterally oriented force mechanisms, erosion mechanisms, and bulking mechanisms, e.g., explosive forces, with respect to the strike face.

Abstract: A method of providing a defense against a shaped charge uses an outer and an inner armor layer provided with a medial space between these outer and inner armor layers. One or more defensive shaped charges are positioned in the medial space. If the outer armor layer is attacked by ordnance having an offensive shaped charge, one or more of the defensive shaped charges positioned in the medial space is detonated so as to degrade the effectiveness of the offensive shaped charge and prevent penetration of the inner armor layer.

Abstract: A semi-continuous duty, Green Technology 14, robotic vehicle providing protection and security from underground mines. A deflector blade 11 follows natural existing contours to maintain straight line paths, while simultaneously carrying a mine detector 10, a vertical reciprocating ram set 30, 32 and 33 that preloads soil while also creating forward motion, followed by an energy dissipation, reaction system and containment canopy system 22, 24, 26 & 29.

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: A net deployment system which, in one example, includes lengthy housing with a channel therein, a net folded in the channel, a lengthy bladder fixed to the housing and in the channel behind the net, attachments between the net and the bladder, and at least one inflator charge for inflating the bladder to deploy the net out of the channel.

Abstract: A net deployment system which, in one example, includes lengthy housing with a channel therein, a net folded in the channel, a lengthy bladder fixed to the housing and in the channel behind the net, attachments between the net and the bladder, and at least one inflator charge for inflating the bladder to deploy the net out of the channel.

Abstract: An exemplary embodiment provides transparent reactive armor systems that are far lighter than conventional reactive armor systems due to the materials used therein. The reactive armor of embodiments of the present invention is composed of at least three layers. These layers are—from the outside to the inside—the front plate, the explosives layer and the explosives substrate as well as optional further inside layers with antiballistic effects. Consequently, the explosives substrate can be part of a multilayer laminate.

Abstract: A reactive protection arrangement for protecting stationary or mobile objects against threats posed by hollow charges, projectile-forming charges or kinetic energy penetrators is secured to the side of the object to be protected that faces the threat in a fixed or movable manner, and includes at least one protective area arranged at an inclination angle to the threat direction. This protective area comprises a front cover that faces the threat, and a rear cover that faces away from the threat and is spaced apart from the front cover and, is configured as a bulging arrangement. At least one fixed or movable reactive middle layer or reactive zone is present between both covers which includes at least two reactive partial areas each having at least one explosive field, wherein the reactive partial areas are plugged on all sides by means of the delimiting covers as well as lateral separating layers.

Abstract: A gas producing device comprising a ferroelectric (FEG) or ferromagnetic (FMG) generator material wrapped by a conductor, wherein the conductor is in contact with a dielectric material. A ferroelectric or ferromagnetic generator material is polarized or magnetized. When a shock wave impacts the FEG or FMG, the polarization or magnetization of the material is rapidly destroyed. The rapid destruction of the magnet by breaking it into small pieces causes the magnetic field to go to zero very quickly. When the field changes quickly it induces a high current through the wrapped conductor or coil. When the current passes through the conductor in contact with the dielectric material it generates heat and vaporizes the dielectric material creating a high pressure gas. A reactive armor may comprising a gas producing device comprising a ferroelectric (FEG) or ferromagnetic (FMG) generator material wrapped by a conductor, wherein the conductor is in contact with a dielectric material.

Abstract: A system for mitigating the effects of an unexpected explosion against a surface is described and claimed. This invention comprises at least one containment vessel containing explosive material fitted with a detonator; and at least one sensing device that can ignite the detonator; or, in another embodiment, a computer interposed between sensing devices and a plurality of detonators to optimize the response. Because transient voltages from a high-voltage firing system can accidentally ignite the detonators, a safety switch driven by an EBW detonator is interposed between the firing system and the counter-explosive devices. The explosive force generated by the current invention attenuates the shockwave and deflects the shrapnel from the unexpected explosion. In various embodiments, this counter-explosive device can be adapted to protect a multiplicity of surface types including exterior vehicle surfaces, building facades, bridges, embassies and military checkpoints and guard stations.

Abstract: Reactive armor that includes a casing having a plurality of walls, a back, and a cavity formed therebetween; a cover that closes the cavity and forms a strike face; a filler placed within the cavity, the filler comprising a disruptive material; and an explosive. To defeat projectile or projectile related threats, the reactive armor substantially, but not necessarily wholly, implements laterally oriented force mechanisms, erosion mechanisms, and bulking mechanisms, e.g., explosive forces, with respect to the strike face.

Abstract: A blast treatment method enables easy and safe blast treatment of ammunition having propellant provided with a warhead having a bursting charge and a propulsion unit having a propellant.

Abstract: A reactive armor that includes a tube having a substantially central longitudinal axis, and at least two force reaction faces that are parallel to the axis; a casing that includes a back, at least two sides, and at least two end blocks; wherein the sides extend away from the back, the blocks are fastened to the sides at edges opposite of the back, and the tube is positioned between the blocks to form a cover to the casing; initiators included between the end blocks and the force reaction faces; a sensor subsystem that detects a threat, wherein the sensor subsystem is coupled to the initiators, and the sensor subsystem generates an initiation signal in response to the detection of the threat; and when the initiators receive the initiation signal, the initiators substantially simultaneously generate a force such that the tube is rotated about the axis to rotationally defeat the threat.

Abstract: A reactive armor that includes a tube; end caps installed on the ends of the tube; a plurality of impacters included inside of the tube; explosive included between the impacters and between the end caps and the impacters; and one or more passages, wherein the passages provide communication such that when a threat ruptures the tube, the propellant is progressively ignited from the rupture; and, except for the rupture that results from intrusion of the threat, the tube remains essentially intact.

Abstract: Embodiments of a pyrotechnically-gimbaled targeting unit are provided. In one embodiment, the targeting unit includes a targeting unit housing, a countermeasure payload carried by the targeting unit housing, and a plurality of thrusters coupled to the targeting unit housing. The plurality of thrusters is configured to be selectively activated to rotate the targeting unit housing about first and second substantially orthogonal axes to provide controlled pointing of countermeasure payload prior to the deployment thereof. Embodiments of a countermeasure system including a pyrotechnically-gimbaled targeting unit are also provided, as are methods for equipping a vehicle with a countermeasure system of the type that includes at least one pyrotechnically-gimbaled targeting unit.

Abstract: An explosive mitigation apparatus for use in mitigating the effect of an explosive event, the apparatus comprises blast detection means which is capable of detecting an approaching shock wave or electromagnetic wave, caused by the explosion of an explosive device or other ordnance and which produces an output signal indicative of an explosive event, a countermeasure device comprising a shaped explosive charge and a load in which the explosive charge, when detonated, causes the load to be ejected from the device as a high velocity jet at least partially in a direction towards the approaching fireball, blastwave(s) and/or fragments, and an initiator which causes the detonation of the countermeasure in response to the output signal from the blast detection means, the apparatus can be used to protect a vehicle or other object, or as a protective barrier around an explosive device that is being disarmed.

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: A capacitive reactive armor assembly for shielding a vehicle is disclosed herein. The capacitive reactive armor includes, but is not limited to, a first flyer plate, a second flyer plate, and a capacitor positioned between the first flyer plate and the second flyer plate. The capacitor is configured to store an electric charge and to explosively short circuit when the capacitor is penetrated while the capacitor is electrically charged. The explosive release of energy from the capacitor pushes the first and second flyer plates apart interfering with the penetration of a shaped charge jet or ballistic penetrator.

Abstract: A reactive armor that may include multiple layers. The reactive armor may include a self-healing outer layer, a ceramic tile layer and a backing layer. The ceramic tile layer may include a plurality of ceramic tiles and explosive material. The ceramic tiles may be hexagonal. The ceramic tiles may each define a hollow space in which the explosive material is deposited. The reactive armor may be combined with non-reactive armor.

Abstract: A projector of multiple skewed light planes or sheets is located adjacent a vehicle to be protected and detectors are arranged to defect the penetration of the light sheets by an incoming object, with the time intervals between the piercing of the planes defining the path of the incoming object and its expected impact time. An array of bullet-firing barrels is arranged to project bullets in ah iron curtain under control of a fire control module that fires a round in a barrel above the projected flight path such that the round impacts the nose of the object and disables it. It is thus the piercing of the skewed light sheets mat provides information as to the impact point of the object as well as its time of arrival so that a round can be fired to intercept the object as it arrives at the iron curtain.

Abstract: An explosive round countermeasure system incorporates a plurality of linear shaped charges with standoffs for holding the linear shaped charges in parallel spaced relation distal from the structure to be protected, each shaped charge creating a substantially planar jet when detonated. Means for sensing an incoming explosive round having a nose mounted fuse structure is provided and means for detonating at least one of the charges in the array responsive to the sensing means such that the detonation is timed for placement of the fuse structure adjacent the at least one charge.

Abstract: A system for venting a container includes a venting device, a transition manifold coupled with the venting device, and an initiator coupled with the transition manifold. The initiator includes a reactive panel including a substrate and a plurality of reactive layers disposed on the substrate. A method of venting a container includes providing a venting system operatively associated with the container, reacting a first material of the venting system with a second material of the venting system to produce an exothermic reaction, and venting the container as a result of reacting the first material with the second material.

Abstract: A method of providing a defense against a shaped charge uses an outer and an inner armor layer provided with a medial space between these outer and inner armor layers. One or more defensive shaped charges are positioned in the medial space. If the outer armor layer is attacked by ordnance having an offensive shaped charge, one or more of the defensive shaped charges positioned in the medial space is detonated so as to degrade the effectiveness of the offensive shaped charge and prevent penetration of the inner armor layer.