Abstract: An armor structure for a vehicle underbody. The armor structure includes an inner plate that is mounted proximate to the vehicle underbody, the inner plate having a plurality of first openings; and an outer plate that is mounted distal to the vehicle underbody, the outer plate having a plurality of second openings. The inner plate and the outer plate are substantially parallel and separated by a spacing. The inner plate and the outer plate each have substantially equal V bends at an obtuse angle, and the V bends in the inner plate and the outer plate are aligned. The first openings and the second openings are (i) aligned across the spacing from each other, and (ii) substantially equal in area. When an underbody blast event is encountered by the vehicle, the outer plate is forced towards, and substantially against the inner plate such that there is no longer fluid communication through the first openings.

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

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

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

Abstract: A method for forming a ballistic-impact armor structure Improved composite armor designs use optimally shaped ceramic cross-pellets and a web system for patterning the cross-pellets, improving manufacturability, and providing additional structural reinforcement. The result is lightweight, composite hybrid structures A dense, hard body having good fracture toughness, hardness and a high capacity to absorb impacts for ballistic protection particularly suited to tactical ground vehicles.

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

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

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

Abstract: A field configurable vehicle armoring system and associated method allow a user to retrofit and reconfigure a combination of armor components in response to a perceived threat change and using original equipment manufacture fasteners and holes. The system includes pillar armor attachable after an original equipment manufacture door and hinge are removed. Fasteners extend through the hinge of the armored door, the pillar armor and an original equipment manufacture pillar using holes other than the original equipment manufacture holes. Rocker panel and underbody armor is further provided, along with a ballistic resistant windscreen and rear wall armor. Where desired, system armor includes a composite plate comprising a strike face that is constructed from softer metallic material than an inner metallic sheet.

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

Abstract: Textile armour (2) comprising at least one textile section (4) and corresponding supporting means (6), wherein the arrangement is such that the or each textile section is fully extended.

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

Abstract: An armor system for protecting a vehicle from a projectile is disclosed. The armor system includes a telescoping frame having an attaching member attaching the telescoping frame to a hull of the vehicle, a support member, and at least one movable cross member attached between the attaching member and the support member. A distance between the hull and the support member varies based on the position of the at least one cross member. The armor system also includes a projectile-defeating assembly attached to the support member.

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

Abstract: An armored cab having at least an upper wall, two side walls, a front wall, a back wall, and a bottom wall. The armored cab and its respective walls include a longitudinal axis extending from the back wall to the front wall. The bottom wall includes at least one concave surface, The at least one concave surface faces downwardly and away from the armored cab, and is disposed in a direction substantially parallel with the longitudinal axis of the armored cab.

Abstract: An armour (23, 39) for protecting an object from a projectile includes a layer of granulate salt (21, 26, 31, 51) at least partially surrounding the object. In an embodiment, the granulate material (21, 26, 31, 51) is Sodium Chloride (NaCl). Also disclosed is a combined armour plate (39), including a first layer of granulate material (31), wherein the granulate material is compressed with a pressure of at least 2 Atm; and a second layer of traditional armour (33), wherein the first layer (31) is located closer to the outside or impact side of the armour plate than the second layer (33). A method of forming an armour (23, 39) includes providing a granulate salt (21, 26, 31, 51) and pressing the granulate salt in a container (22, 25 30).

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

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

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

Abstract: 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: An example armor system includes a first ceramic matrix composite armor layer, a second ceramic matrix composite armor layer, and a monolithic ceramic armor layer directly bonded to the first and the second ceramic matrix composite armor layers.

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

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

Abstract: An armor system for defeating a solid projectile having an exterior rigid armor plate associated with a fiber-reinforced sheet armor affixed to the interior surface of the exterior armor plate, an interior armor plate, and an inner armor plate displaced from one another to form a first dispersion space between the sheet of self-bonded polymer and the interior armor plate. The first dispersion space is sufficiently thick to allow significant lateral dispersion of armor passing therethrough. The inner armor plate is disposed approximately parallel to the interior armor plate and displaced therefrom to form a second dispersion space between the interior armor plate and the inner armor plate. The second dispersion space is sufficiently thick to allow significant lateral dispersion of materials passing therethrough.

Abstract: A multi-purpose armored vehicle is configured for a wide range of purposes by military and police units and in both defensive and offensive postures. A protective canopy covers an entrance to a cockpit capable of accommodating at least one person. The vehicle is sufficiently narrow to enable it to pass through conventional gates and also doorways to, and within buildings. A pair of armor-plated shields are pivotally engaged, and selectively positionable, with the sides of the vehicle, allowing shelter to personnel traveling alongside the vehicle. An extensible boom may be fitted with a wide range of hardware including weapons and communications equipment for dealing with situations involving criminals, terrorists, etc. The shields, boom movement and extension, and hardware are all controllable from the cockpit.

Abstract: A ceramic composite and method of making are provided. The ceramic composite may be transparent and may serve as transparent armor. The ceramic portion of the composite may be spinel. The composite may provide adequate protection from projectiles while exhibiting large surface areas and relatively low areal densities.

Abstract: The disclosed vehicle armor includes a first layer forming an interior bottom surface of the cabin and comprised of a high-strength metal material, a second layer forming an exterior bottom surface of the cabin and comprised of a high-strength metal material, and, a middle layer sandwiched between the first and second layers and comprised of a polymer material. The underbelly device is configured having a plurality of high areas and low areas creating deflection faces and separation distances between an interior of the cabin and an exterior threat. A second, multi-layer composite structure, forming an interior floor of the cabin, may be incorporated as a fragmentation penetration barrier.

Abstract: Methods and systems for an armor system are provided. The system includes a first face sheet and a shaped preform extending from the first face sheet. The preform includes a first edge proximate the first face sheet, a sidewall extending from the first edge to a flange extending substantially perpendicularly from the sidewall. The preform circumscribes an area of the first face sheet. The system also includes a tile of armor material complementarily-shaped to fit within the area circumscribed by the preform. The tile is positioned within the preform such that at least a portion of the tile is between the first face sheet and the flange. The system includes a second face sheet covering the preform and the tile on a side opposite from the first face sheet.

Abstract: A blanket protection system that is adaptable for use in a military vehicle. The blanket protection system includes a blanket comprising a carrier, a ballistic insert, stitch lines, and a plurality of buckles. The portion of the stitch lines extend between at least a portion of the plurality of buckles. In addition, the carrier comprises an interior. Moreover, the ballistic insert is disposed in the interior.

Abstract: Overpressure absorbing material is positioned on the exterior of an enclosure. When an explosion occurs adjacent the enclosure, the overpressure absorbing material absorbs a large portion of an incoming overpressure wave from the explosion. The overpressure absorbing material cushions the impact of the overpressure wave against the enclosure and may prevent the incoming overpressure wave from penetrating the enclosure in sufficient magnitude to cause injury to the enclosure's occupants. The overpressure absorbing material may also be positioned on the interior of the enclosure. The overpressure wave from the explosion may enter the enclosure via a breach or other opening and may resonate within the enclosure, causing injury to the enclosure's occupants. The interior overpressure absorbing material also prevents a significant magnitude of the overpressure wave from being reflected off the interior walls of the enclosure, resonating within the enclosure, and causing injury to the enclosure's occupants.

Abstract: Structures based upon periodic cellular materials that provide a potential for defeating combinations of both air blast loading and ballistic attack either sequentially or simultaneously, or combination of both. The cellular structures may also be configured to meet the stiffness and strength support requirements of particular vehicle or other applications, systems or structures. The armor is therefore potentially able to support normal service loads and defeat blast and ballistic threats when necessary. The structure provides for using efficient load support capabilities of the material (without a high armor protection level) in low threat conditions, as well as the ability to modify the system to increase its level protection to a desired or required level. This would reduce the weight of the protection system in normal (low threat) conditions which reduces vehicle wear and tear, as well as cost savings in fabrication of applicable structures or systems.

Abstract: A three-dimensional structure for armoring a motor vehicle is made of a steel plate and has a substantial hemispherical shape. The structure is reinforced by bending edges having an X-shaped configuration extending over the entire surface of the structure. Arranged between the legs of the X-shaped portion are sections which have surface areas between the legs of the X-shaped portion. The surface area of the X-shaped portion has a generally concave curvature, whereas the surface areas of the sections 11 have convex configurations in relation to the concave surface area of the X-shaped portion.

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

Abstract: A window cover for a military vehicle which includes both upper and lower armored plates angled away from an underlying vehicle window. An upper and lower reflector are placed so that light striking the upper reflector is reflected onto the lower reflector. One of the reflectors is pivotable. The window cover allows an occupant of the vehicle to view outside the vehicle window, as light is reflected off an upper reflector to a lower reflector and toward an occupant of the vehicle. A filter is placed between the upper and lower reflectors to filter out a portion of light reflected. The filter may also provide a collimation function.

Abstract: A lethal threat protection system for a vehicle, each side of the vehicle having an A pillar and a B pillar and a vehicle body positioned outwardly of the A pillar and the B pillar, the vehicle including a rocker panel area below and spanning between the A and B pillars and including a roof line area above and spanning between the A and B pillars, comprises a perimeter inner layer adapted to be mounted to the vehicle body and comprising an inner monolithic ballistic metal plate having a door opening and including portions adapted to overlie the A pillar, the B pillar, the rocker panel area, and the roof line area, a perimeter outer layer removably mounted to the perimeter inner layer and comprising an outer monolithic ballistic metal plate having a door opening and including portions overlying the portions of the inner monolithic ballistic metal plate, the perimeter outer layer further comprising ballistic fiber secured to an inner surface of the outer monolithic ballistic metal plate, and an armored door mou

Abstract: Method of producing a shell-proof and bullet-proof structure comprising a first internal layer having a high resistance against the impact of a shell or a bullet, and at least a second external pierceable layer having a relatively low melting temperature allowing it to melt when hit by the shell or bullet for retaining the latter and avoiding the rebound thereof.

Abstract: A vehicle provided with a revolving turret includes an armor-plated cockpit (2), a system for the motion of the central revolving turret (4) upon which a main armament (5) can be mounted. The turret is connected to the armor-plated cockpit of the vehicle of a circumferential fifth-wheel (8) which allows the revolving of the turret around a substantially vertical axis which passes through the center of the fifth-wheel. The base (9) of the turret presents a hatch (10) for communication between the interior of the turret and the interior of the cockpit (2) of the vehicle.

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

Abstract: A protective hull for a vehicle has a plate that covers at least a substantial portion of the underside of the vehicle. A plurality of supports extends laterally from longitudinal members, and a plurality of supports extends laterally from another longitudinal member. A plurality of V-shaped supports is disposed between the lateral supports. The supports have a plurality of voids therein. The voids do not have corners that could encourage tearing of the supports. Cells that are protected from puncture contain fire suppressant and are disposed over the supports.

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: 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: An apparatus, method and system to enhance the performance of composite armor by utilizing the energy of the threat projectile is disclosed. The frontal member includes, for example, a plurality of concentric proves on the face opposite of the surface that is impacted by a projectile. The grooves in the frontal member preferably may mate with a complimentary plurality of concentric grooves in a backing plate. During impact by a projectile, the force from the projectile presses the grooves of the frontal member into engagement with the grooves of the backing plate. The grooves are uniquely designed to cause the backing plate to impart a compressive load into the backside of the frontal member preventing it from prematurely fracturing in tension at the onset of the projectile penetration.

Abstract: The present embodiments relate to hull have a geometric shape where a first wall, second wall, and third wall are designed to mitigate the effects of an explosion. In an exemplary embodiment, the hull may have a double-vertex shape.

Abstract: A device for defense and protection from projectiles, especially shaped charge projectiles, is provided with at least one grille-type protective barrier for the protection of an object by deflection, partial release, release and/or damage to the shell projectile. The protective barrier includes a netting forming meshes that are rectangular, triangular, hexagonal, polygonal and/or rhomboid. Such a device is lighter and easier to install in comparison to conventional protective grilles.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, an armor system comprises a plurality of polylithic composite armor panels. Each of the polylithic composite armor panels comprising a plurality of layers. The plurality of layers comprise at least two layers having a different Young's modulus. Each of the plurality of layers comprising a plurality of sheets. The plurality of sheets comprise one or more fibers. The plurality of sheets have one or more respective weave characteristics.

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

Abstract: An armoring element for a structure, such as a vehicle, and comprising a case integral with said structure and enclosing at least two passive or reactive armoring modules, separated by a layer of shock-absorbing material, said case containing two fixed lateral walls parallel to one another and integral with a back wall intended to be positioned on said structure, wherein said armoring modules are mounted sliding on slides integral with the lateral walls of said case, and wherein they may thus be individually introduced or removed from said case via a front opening positioned opposite said back wall and delimited by said lateral walls, stop means ensuring the retention of each of said armoring modules with respect to said lateral walls when it is put into place on said lateral walls.