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: 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 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: 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 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: 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: 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 multilayered ballistic protection assembly for windows is disclosed. The multilayered ballistic protection assembly consists of a tough resistant material that absorbs impacts, separated by deflecting “stroking” volumes that allow movement of the resistance layer without causing breakage of the underlying glass window. The resistance layer exhibits extraordinary in-plane strength with only a marginal out-of-plane strength. The multilayered ballistic protection assembly may vary considerably in material strength and assembly, depending on its intended use. The number of layers making up the assembly is determined by the degree of desired protection, the size of the object to be protected, and the strength of the resistance and stroking materials used to protect the object. Among other applications, the multilayered ballistic protection assembly is designed to protect glass from impacts due to severe weather and other debris-generating hazards.

Abstract: A camouflage material comprising an electromagnetic energy (EME) absorbing layer comprising an array of carbon nanotubes and a plurality of energy transmitting elements embedded within the absorbing material. The energy transmitting elements are operative to convey energy to at least a portion of an outer surface of the absorbing layer.

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: 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: 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: 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 weapon interceptor projectile has a deployable frame for maintaining a deployable net in shape. The deployable frame may be an inflatable structure, including a flexible material inflated by a gas generator. The inflatable structure has a perimeter that supports an outside shape of the net, and a series of spokes or arms that couple the perimeter to a body of the projectile. The perimeter may have an airfoil cross-section shape, reducing drag of the frame and aiding in deployment. The perimeter may be have a circular shape, giving the net a circular area. The deployable frame allows the net to maintain its shape during flight, increasing its area and its ability to come into contact with an incoming weapon, such as a rocket propelled grenade (RPG).

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: Disclosed herein is a protective device for a combat vehicle. The protective device includes a net which protects the combat vehicle from a rocket bomb, and net support assemblies which are provided to install the net on the combat vehicle. Each net support assembly includes a net fixing unit which is coupled to a corresponding one of intersection portions of the net, a vehicle body mounting unit which is mounted to the combat vehicle, and a spacing unit which connects the net fixing unit to the vehicle body mounting unit. The protective device further includes a distance adjuster which adjusts the distance between the net and the vehicle body, a shock absorber which absorbs impact, a protective member which is provided to reduce friction between the rocket bomb and the net strand, and a rocket bomb removal assembly which is installed on each intersection portion of the net.

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: 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 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 net deployment system which, in one example, includes a manifold assembly including multiple weight ducts and a bladder port. A weight is disposed in each weight duct and each weight is tied to the net. A bladder is behind the net and is over the bladder port. At least one inflator charge is associated with the manifold for inflating the bladder and firing the weights out of the weight ducts to deploy the net in the path of an incoming threat.

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

Abstract: An 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: Provided herein methods and structures for construction of light weight sandwich panels or load-bearing panels having improved ballistic protection. The methods disclosed can facilitate construction of a hybrid core comprising ballistic fabrics and deformable pins that exhibit superior resistance to ballistic penetration. The methods and structures of the present disclosures can be advantageously used in many applications, such as armored vehicles.

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 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 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: 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 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 contained volume of particulate materials that is optimized for eroding ballistic penetrator, explosively formed penetrators, shaped charges, ballistic fragments, and other ballistic threats. The particulate materials include crushed garnet, crushed ceramics and sand. The volume of particulate materials may be mixed with explosive rods or pills. These explosive rods or pills ignite when the ballistic threat reaches a preset area within the armor box. Particulate material and armor boxes can consist of configurations using ballistic balls and irregular shaped stones or gravel. Alternate embodiments may contain configurations utilizing ballistic rods, electronic timing devices, and explosive detonators.

Abstract: A contained volume of particulate materials that is optimized for eroding ballistic penetrator, explosively formed penetrators, shaped charges, ballistic fragments, and other ballistic threats. The particulate materials include crushed garnet, crushed ceramics and sand. The volume of particulate materials may be mixed with explosive rods or pills. These explosive rods or pills ignite when the ballistic threat reaches a preset area within the armor box. Particulate material and armor boxes can consist of configurations using ballistic balls and irregular shaped stones or gravel. Alternate embodiments may contain configurations utilizing ballistic rods, electronic timing devices, and explosive detonators.

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: Methods and apparatus for ballistic shielding and protective armor; and more particularly, representative and exemplary embodiments of the present invention generally relate to improved methods and systems for ballistic deflection and protection through dynamic armor and/or the like.

Abstract: A countermeasure system which is capable of defusing rocket propelled grenades (RPG) is provided by spacing an array of explosive charges or primacord from the protected structure to allow and sense an ogive of the fused RPG to enter into a functional plane of the array initiating one or more of the charges to collapse to ogive. The array is supported flexibly or rigidly and further ballistic protection is incorporated behind the array in fixed or inflatable forms to provide protection of the structure from the explosive products from the array and the ballistic impact of the defused RPG.

Abstract: A system providing a physical-barrier defense against rocket-propelled grenades (RPGs). The system is suitable for use on aircraft, ground vehicles, and ships.

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: 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 method of providing a defense against a shaped charge. An outer and an inner armor layer are 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 device is disclosed for protecting an object from shaped charge jets comprising an electrode arrangement which is provided with at least one electrode facing the object and one electrode facing away from the object between which an electrical voltage can be applied. The invention is distinguished by the object-facing electrode having at least one area with a spatially heterogeneous electrode material.

Abstract: A system of active ballistic protection formed by at least a panel (1) comprising at least two external metallic layers (2,3) between which a layer of energetic material (4) is inserted, characterized in that said energetic material is obtained from a weakened detonating material.

Abstract: A countermeasure system which is capable of defusing rocket propelled grenades (RPG) is provided by spacing an array of explosive charges or primacord from the protected structure to allow and sense an ogive of the fused RPG to enter into a functional plane of the array initiating one or more of the charges to collapse to ogive. The array is supported flexibly or rigidly and further ballistic protection is incorporated behind the array in fixed or inflatable forms to provide protection of the structure from the explosive products from the array and the ballistic impact of the defused RPG.

Abstract: According to typical inventive practice, an armor structure includes n?1 highly-rate-sensitive elastomeric layers and n+1?2 metallic layers, alternately configured. Each metallic layer is electrically connected to a power supply that includes, e.g., battery(ies) and/or supercapacitor(s). Each adjacent pair of metallic layers sandwiches a highly-rate-sensitive elastomeric layer and forms, with the power supply, an uncompleted electrical circuit. A high-velocity projectile that penetratively encroaches upon a highly-rate-sensitive elastomeric layer is subjected to electrical current by virtue of completion of the uncompleted circuit that includes the two sandwiching metallic layers. The circuit is completed by physical (and hence, electrical) contact, bridging the two sandwiching metallic layers, of the projectile and/or its plasma sheath (which at least partially surrounds the projectile's outside surface due to friction between the projectile and the highly-rate-sensitive elastomeric layer).