Abstract: New devices, systems and methods are provided for protecting personnel and/or equipment from projectiles and other weapons. In some embodiments, a field of shielding particles or other interception media is activated on or about a location determined to intercept one or more projectile(s) or other physical threat(s). In some embodiments, electromagnets are included within such device(s) or system(s), for driving the interception media and/or projectiles away from the protected personnel and/or equipment. In some aspects of the invention, a control system using sensors with one or more sampling points are included, and determine the location and probable trajectory(ies) of an incoming projectile, and deploy the interception media to intercept the incoming projectile or other weapon.

Abstract: The invention relates to protection grid against a projectile, for example of the rocket type that incorporates a body extended by a fuse, said grid incorporating bars linked together by uprights, and is characterized in that said grid is formed in a single piece and is of a thickness that is less than three times the thickness of a bar, the section of a bar and uprights being polygonal with square edges.

Abstract: A blast resistant vehicle is disclosed that includes a structural frame member, a first frame coupled to the structural frame member and configured to receive a first axle assembly and a first suspension assembly, a second frame coupled to the structural frame member and configured to receive a second axle assembly and a second suspension assembly, and a cab assembly having a front portion and a rear portion and having a floor panel, a front firewall, a rear body panel, a first side panel, and a second side panel. The cab assembly is isolated from the structural frame member, the front sub-frame, and the rear sub-frame.

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

Abstract: A system reducing blast induced vehicle floor oscillation has a hull with brackets whose shoulders face edges of the vehicle sidewalls. The hull has a first position where the shoulders form a vertical gap with these edges and a second, risen position where the shoulders hit the edges. The brackets are connected to the sidewalls so as to permit rise of the brackets and V hull when a blast occurs but hold the V hull in the first position during normal vehicle use. Mounts on the vehicle frame are compressible by a vertical distance and support the cab. Rods of the hull are at another vertical distance from the frame. The sum of the vertical distances is equal to the vertical gap. When a blast occurs, the V hull's rise creates separate force paths from the hull to the floor to reduce floor oscillation.

Abstract: An armor panel provides a continuous armored strike face defined within a periphery. The panel is manufactured from a composite material having a plurality of armor tiles embedded in a polymeric matrix that is structurally reinforced by a layer of fiber fabric. The armored strike face may be contoured to accommodate the base upon which it will be mounted. In some applications, an armor system is assembled from at least two of the armor panels. In such a system, at least a portion of the periphery of each armor panel defines an internal seam edge of the armor system. Each such periphery portion is in a lapping relationship with the corresponding internal seam edge of another armor panel.

Abstract: Buoyant armor for jacketed rounds includes an outer, laminate reinforced strike face having a hardness greater than 640 Brinell. The strike face is configured to strip the jacket off a projectile as it passes through the strike face and to rotate the projectile. An inner, laminate reinforced strike face is separated from the outer, laminate reinforced strike face by a spacer layer. Foam greater than 40 mm thick is disposed behind the inner strike face and is configured to disperse a round and/or its fragments and to provide buoyancy to the armor.

Abstract: An armor includes a metallic matrix; a plurality of ceramic rods disposed in the metallic matrix, the plurality of ceramic rods and the metallic matrix forming a core; and a spall liner disposed adjacent a rear face of the core. The metallic matrix places a compressive stress on the plurality of ceramic rods. A method for making an armor includes the steps of providing a plurality of ceramic rods in a desired configuration and embedding the plurality of ceramic rods in a metallic matrix to form a core, such that the metallic matrix provides a compressive stress to the plurality of ceramic rods. The method further includes providing a spall liner and disposing the spall liner adjacent a rear surface of the core to form an armor.

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 blast structure and system for use as an outer blast protection component for a personnel cabin for a vehicle, is disclosed. The blast protection system comprises a personnel cabin adapted for receiving a blast structure, the cabin comprising a space forming an interior of the cabin, a floor within the interior of the cabin, the floor having a perimeter section and a removable floor panel centrally disposed therein, a blast structure comprising at least one outer blast panel attachable to the perimeter when the floor panel is removed, and means for attaching and detaching the blast panel to the perimeter section, providing an outer blast protection component to the interior space of the cabin. The attaching/ detaching means include fasteners which are accessible through the interior of the cabin, without breaching the exterior surface of the blast structure.

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

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

Abstract: A blast/impact mitigation shield includes, in one example, a first body including a damping material in a solid state and which transitions to a viscous fluid state when stressed beyond a critical stress and a second body including damping material in a solid state and which transitions to a viscous fluid state when stressed. A plunger plate has blades extending outwardly therefrom and is located between the first and second bodies.

Abstract: A vehicle protection grating, system, and method protect a vehicle against projectiles. In one embodiment, the vehicle protection grating includes a stabilizer. The vehicle protection grating also includes a second stabilizer on an opposing side of the vehicle protection grating from the stabilizer. The stabilizer and the second stabilizer each have a plurality of stabilizer links. Each stabilizer link is connected to another stabilizer link by a bar. In addition, the bar extends from the stabilizer to the second stabilizer. The vehicle protection grating is sufficiently flexible to be rolled into an overlapping configuration.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an improved mine resistant ambush protected vehicle. The apparatus of the present invention features the use of a plurality of armored pods positioned on an armored frame. These pods are large enough to accommodate one crew member each and are spaced far enough apart from each other to allow the energy impulse and overpressure created from an IED attack to pass in between the pods. These armored pods also provide an improved method of defense against RPG attacks for if one pod is hit by a RPG, the other pods have a high probability of surviving that attack.

Abstract: An armor panel assembly may comprise a set of bolts for attaching to a vehicle hull, an inner panel demountably attached to the bolts, and at least one outer panel demountably attached to the inner panel. The assembly may include a support panel for attaching the bolts to the hull and may further include brackets for mounting the support panel to the hull. Further, a kit of parts for forming a vehicle armor panel assembly may comprise a set of bolts for attaching to a vehicle hull, an inner panel demountably attachable to the bolts, and at least one outer panel demountably attachable to the inner panel.

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

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

Abstract: A protected firing platform protection system protects personnel from contact with the protected firing platform. In an embodiment, the protected firing platform protection system is adapted for use with a protected firing platform of a military vehicle. The protected firing platform protection system includes a protective padding attached to the protected firing platform. The protective padding includes an energy mitigation padding.

Abstract: A protected firing platform protection system protects personnel from contact with the protected firing platform. In an embodiment, the protected firing platform protection system is adapted for use with a protected firing platform of a military vehicle. The protected firing platform protection system includes a blanket. The blanket has a carrier and a protective insert. The carrier has an interior. The protective insert is disposed in the interior. The blanket is attached to the protected firing platform.

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

Abstract: Disclosed is a system and method to both reduce a degree of explosive shock waves and to absorb a degree of explosive blast energy from the undercarriage of a vehicle which comprises the use of one or more layers of rigid closed-cell spray polyurethane foam, applied to the armored undercarriage of the vehicle. This invention combines two key aspects: 1) blast suppression or mitigation materials that absorb energy and 2) traditional military hardened armor solutions. The effectiveness of spray applied rigid foam has been proven to both dramatically reduce shock waves and absorb energy from explosive blasts (e.g., IEDs).

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 offset ballistic protection device protecting a wall provided with a hatch (200), wherein said device comprises at least a first grid (1) offset with respect to the wall and comprising a first series of bars (1a) parallel to each other and substantially perpendicular to the pivot axis (400) of a hinge (300) of the hatch (200). This ballistic protection device (101) comprises a second grid (2) offset with respect to the hatch (200) and comprising a second series of bars (2a) substantially parallel to the first series of bars (1a), wherein the second grid (2) is positioned with respect to the first grid (1) so that the bars (2a) thereof are spatially offset in the plane of the second grid (2) with respect to the bars (1a) of the first grid (1), wherein the bars (2a) of the second grid (2) are therefore able to pass between the bars (1a) of the first grid (1) during pivoting of the leaf (200).

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a protective device using a net for a combat vehicle. The protective device includes a rocket bomb removal assembly provided on each of intersection portions of the net. The rocket bomb removal assembly has first intersection support points supporting net strands of the net that are brought into contact with the rocket bomb and are changed into a circular shape when the rocket bomb moves forwards, and second intersection support points supporting the net strands that are brought into contact with the rocket bomb and are changed into a circular shape when the rocket bomb is being moved backwards by the reaction of the net. The diameter of the circle formed by the net strands that are supported on the second intersection support points is greater than that of the circle formed by the net strands that are supported on the first intersection support points.

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

Abstract: A utility vehicle with underfloor structure giving protection from mine explosions. There is a wedge at the edge of the driver compartment which splits the detonation blast from a mine buried in the track of a front wheel. There is a multilayer stack, inboard of the wedge, which crushes upward to reduce the detonation wave from a mine buried under the vehicle. The stack comprises panels to catch the detonation wave and separated by spacers. Spacers are longitudinal stringers stacked above each other and welded, forming deep beams joined to bulkheads, making the vehicle's frame. The wedge also bolts to bulkheads, augmenting the frame. In cross section, the stack is curved, tapering off at each end to merge with the “V” of a wedge. The wedge crushes sideways under the detonation wave, providing protection at the edge of the driver compartment where stack material has run out.

Abstract: Ultra high hardness steel based composite armor having crack mitigating layers. A method of using ultra high hardness steel in ballistics armor applications. A method of overcoming brittleness of a ultra high hardness steel plate for using the ultra high hardness steel in ballistic armor applications.

Abstract: A blast energy mitigation structure may employ a V-shaped hull to decrease the pressure wave imparted to a vehicle during a blast event, and/or an energy absorbing structure to absorb a portion of the blast force, thereby minimizing the forces and accelerations experienced by passengers in the vehicle and consequently reducing their injuries and increasing their survivability during a blast event. An exemplary blast energy mitigation structure may have a V-shaped hull and an energy absorbing structure incorporated into the chassis of a vehicle such as a Tactical Wheeled Vehicle, the energy absorbing structure comprising a truss-like structure including I-beams.

Abstract: According to an embodiment, a ballistic structure comprises a front pellet layer configured to face a ballistic threat and rear pellet layer therebehind, each of the pellet layers comprising a plurality of pellets, which can be made of a ceramic material, having cylindrical bodies with their height axes in both layers being substantially parallel to each other, the pellets being arranged in a honeycomb pattern within a binder matrix, the pellet layers being codisposed such that all interior spaces (i.e., spaces which are surrounded on all sides by pellets) of each pellet layer are entirely overlapped by an area of the other pellet layer that is free of such spaces, the two layers being by an intermediate layer having such a width and being made of such a material as to allow the rear layer to rigidly support the front layer.

Abstract: There is provided a polymer ceramic composite which includes one or more particulate ceramics and a mixture of polymers. There is further provided methods of manufacture and application of the polymer ceramic composition. The composition finds use as a mouldable armour strike face, particularly in personal protective equipment and in vehicle or aircraft armour.

Abstract: A unit of modular armor. The module has a box-like, optically opaque outer shell of ballistic-protection material enclosed to exclude light from the module's interior. The shell contains transparent armor plates and the shell contains a self-diagnostic system for ascertaining whether the plates have been damaged. The self-diagnostic system includes a first PC board disposed along first edges of the plates, the board being divided into strips on which are mounted rows of lights. The self-diagnostic system further includes a second PC board at second, opposed edges of the plates divided into strips on which are mounted rows of light receptors. The PC boards incorporate circuitry for illuminating the rows of the lights in a row-by-row sequence, and for allowing activation only of the receptors directly opposed to illuminated lights. This circuitry has an analysis means for determining the health of the plates in response to signals from the receptors.

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

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a blast-resistant armored land vehicle configured to operate on a surface. The vehicle may include a body comprised of sheet materials, the body having a centerline and a bottom portion. The vehicle may further include a grid portion suspended below the bottom portion, the grid portion including one or more slats on each side of the centerline, wherein the one or more slats are oriented at an angle less than 90 degrees relative to the surface. Alternatively, the grid portion may include one or more vanes, each of the one of more vanes defining a V, with the apex of the V being rounded and directed towards the bottom portion.

Abstract: In a method for producing an outer wall, in particular a side wall for a motor vehicle, from armored steel, having openings, a rocker panel extending in the bottom region, a roof frame area, pillars and side pieces extending between the rocker panel and the roof frame area, and openings for receiving windows, the outer contour of the outer wall is defined, and a pressing tool is provided for forming an outer wall blank having this outer contour. The outer wall blank is formed from an armor steel metal sheet and the doors and the openings are cut out from the outer wall blank.

Abstract: Multiple embodiments of a system are disclosed for defeating enemy missiles and rockets by the use of a non-lethal cloud of pellets that collide with the missile a certain distance away from the target causing premature detonation of the missile, and/or possible severe damage to the missile, and/or deflection of the missile, and/or a deformation to the ogive cones to cause a short in the fuze circuit, and/or deposition of conductive material to cause a short in the fuze circuit.

Abstract: A blast resistant vehicle hull includes an enclosure and a blast channel extending between and through a lower, outer surface of the enclosure and a surface of the enclosure other than the lower, outer surface of the enclosure. A vehicle includes a blast resistant vehicle hull. The blast resistant vehicle hull includes an enclosure and a blast channel extending between and through a lower, outer surface of the enclosure and a surface of the enclosure other than the lower, outer surface of the enclosure.

Abstract: An externally mounted window system, a bracket therefore and a method for its assembly is disclosed. The system includes a reinforced window pane fixed in a frame. The frame has at least two brackets, each having an L-shaped section. A first arm of the L-shaped section is armored against an incoming projectile and a second arm is fitted with at least one stud projecting through and secured within an opening formed in an external wall surface.

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

Abstract: An armor blast shield for use on the bottom of a vehicle to protect occupants of the vehicle from improvised explosive devices. A preferred embodiment is configured in a V-shaped configuration formed by at least two planar blast resistant panels and an I-beam having channels with inclined walls which receive the panels at an obtuse angle. The panels are adhesively adhered to the I-beam channel walls and at least one bolt is secured through the I-beam and a panel to provide superior blast resistant performance as compared to welded panels.

Abstract: A shield system for an ordnance includes a frame and a flexible net subsystem supported by the frame. Diagonal lines of net material intersect at nodes forming diamond shaped mesh openings and a hard point is attached to at least select nodes.

Abstract: An armor system pellet and an array and armor composed therefrom are provided. The pellet includes a pellet body and a plurality of projections for interlocking adjacent pellets when arranged in an array. The projections are configured for maximizing a contact area between adjacent pellets without substantially restricting independent movement of each of the pellets.

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

Abstract: An armor includes a metallic matrix; a plurality of ceramic rods disposed in the metallic matrix, the plurality of ceramic rods and the metallic matrix forming a core; and a spall liner disposed adjacent a rear face of the core. The metallic matrix places a compressive stress on the plurality of ceramic rods. A method for making an armor includes the steps of providing a plurality of ceramic rods in a desired configuration and embedding the plurality of ceramic rods in a metallic matrix to form a core, such that the metallic matrix provides a compressive stress to the plurality of ceramic rods. The method further includes providing a spall liner and disposing the spall liner adjacent a rear surface of the core to form an armor.

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: A unit of modular armor. The module has a box-like, optically opaque outer shell of ballistic-protection material enclosed to exclude light from the module's interior. The shell contains transparent armor plates and the shell contains a self-diagnostic system for ascertaining whether the plates have been damaged. The self-diagnostic system includes a first PC board disposed along first edges of the plates, the board being divided into strips on which are mounted rows of lights. The self-diagnostic system further includes a second PC board at second, opposed edges of the plates divided into strips on which are mounted rows of light receptors. The PC boards incorporate circuitry for illuminating the rows of the lights in a row-by-row sequence, and for allowing activation only of the receptors directly opposed to illuminated lights. This circuitry has an analysis means for determining the health of the plates in response to signals from the receptors.

Abstract: An armor uses optimally shaped ceramic cross-pellets and a matrix for containing the cross-pellets. The armor comprises front and back plates and an array of interlocking ceramic cross-pellets of repeating shape between front and back plates. Each cross-pellet may have a horizontal cross-section in the shape of a cross and comprises a center and four fingers projecting therefrom. Each cross-pellet in a non-peripheral portion of the array may be supported by fingers of other cross-pellets which may include two fingers from each of four other cross-pellets. The result is lightweight, composite hybrid structure. The dense, hard armor has good fracture toughness, hardness and a high capacity to absorb impacts for ballistic protection particularly suited to tactical ground vehicles. Valley spaced is minimized. A polymer resin may be situated in spaces between the ceramic cross-pellets and between the array and at least one of the back plate and front plate.

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

Abstract: 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.