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. 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: Disclosed are various seats for vehicles particularly military vehicles that are susceptible to attack by road-bed explosive devices such as land mines or improvised explosive devices. The seats often have rigid seat shells and may include rigid bracing for rigidly securing the seat to the chassis of the vehicle. Typically embodiments include channels and particulate media such as sand disposed in the channels. A gas distribution system is generally employed to pump a gas through the channels and in some embodiments the gas is provided at a pressure sufficient to fluidize the particulate media when an occupant is sitting on the seat.

Abstract: Vehicle armor includes a body panel of the vehicle having a stressed skin construction with an inside surface and an outside surface. A liner overlies the inside surface of the body panel and a particle-filled elastomer overlies the outside surface of the body panel. Thin, single-layer steel tiles overlie the elastomer layer, with the tiles each having a hardened outer side and a non-hardened inner side.

Abstract: An apparatus for protecting a vehicle having a body from a rocket-propelled grenade (RPG), comprising a panel comprised of a plurality of spaced, generally parallel bars positioned in spaced outward relation to said body of said vehicle.

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 composite material suitable for use as an armor includes a first layer of a metallic material and a second layer, metallurgically bonded with the first layer. The second layer includes a matrix of the material of the first layer and a plurality of brittle particles dispersed in the matrix. A method for making a composite structure suitable for use as an armor from a workpiece of a metallic material includes the steps of plasticizing a fractional thickness of the workpiece using a friction stir process, introducing a plurality of brittle particles into the plasticized, fractional thickness of the workpiece, and dispersing the plurality of brittle particles into the plasticized, fractional thickness of the workpiece using the friction stir process.

Abstract: The armor system according to the present invention also exploits synergistic multi-layering to provide different properties as a function of depth within a sandwich panel. Various embodiments of the invention include a combination of composite sandwich topology concepts with hard, strong materials to provide structures that (i) efficiently support static and fatigue loads, (ii) mitigate the blast pressure transmitted to a system that they protect, (iii) provides very effective resistance to projectile penetration, and (iv) minimizes shock (stress wave) propagation within the multi-layered armor sandwich structure. By using small pieces of highly constrained ceramic, the concept has significant multi-hit potential.

Abstract: A bullet proof face shield which can be mounted on any weapons equipped vehicle whose placement is adjusted using a track/rail system.

Abstract: A shield for shielding structures, vehicles and personnel from a projectile and/or an explosive blast generally includes a substantially planar shield plate adapted for attachment to a structure to provide protection to the structure. The shield plate includes a chassis having an interior surface facing the structure and an opposite outer surface, and a ballistic liner disposed on the outer surface of the chassis such that the chassis is more proximal the structure than the ballistic liner. The ballistic liner has an exterior surface facing the exterior environment.

Abstract: A ballistic armor adapted to protect against armor piercing projectiles and to withstand multiple impacts of fragment simulating projectiles of a predetermined type, traveling at an initial velocity not exceeding a first velocity. The armor comprises a main armor layer and an auxiliary layer. The main armor layer is adapted to absorb most of the energy of the armor piercing projectiles and to withstand the impacts of the fragment simulating projectiles traveling at a velocity not exceeding a second velocity which is lower than said first velocity.

Abstract: A vehicle and structure shield system including a flexible structure with a fabric border including one of a hook and loop type fastener thereon, a frame for the flexible structure including frame members with the other of hook and loop fastener thereon for releasably securing the flexible structure to the frame, and hard points attached to the flexible structure.

Abstract: The invention relates to a protection device (9) for the floor (8) of a vehicle cab (2), device comprising at least one armour plate (10) that is arranged at a distance from the cab floor (8) and which is connected to the latter by deformable linking means. In this device at least one of the deformable linking means is constituted by a compartmented caisson (11), that is fastened to the cab (2) on a substantially vertical lateral partition (2a, 2b) of the latter, the compartmented caisson (11) comprising at least two walls (12a, 12b) that are substantially perpendicular to the armour plate (10) and which are integral firstly with a lower wall (14) on which the armour plate (10) presses and secondly with an upper wall (13) which presses on the cab (2), the walls (12a, 12b) having dimensions such that they buckle on impact.

Abstract: A conformable self-healing ballistic armor protective structure has a shell formed of a laminated cloth material having outer and inner lamellae. The outer lamella of the laminated material is a ballistic cloth and the inner lamella is a soft, conformable self-healing, rubber compound. The shell is filled preferably with multiplicity of ceramic particles disposed in a fluid.

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: The invention relates to a ballistic resistant laminated structure comprising at least three glass sheets (1, 3, 5) a polycarbonate sheet (11) which are bound by adhesive layers (2, 4, 10) and a shielding insert (20), wherein a space delimited by said insert (20), the end face of the sheet (5) and the edge of the sheet (11) are provided with a material (30, 31) for absorbing the energy of a projectile. Said materials (30, 31) are embodied in the form of an yielding material (30) for degassing during assembling said stricture and an encapsulating material (31). A highly ballistic resistant glazing for a building or a transport vehicle comprising the inventive structure is also disclosed.

Abstract: A protective module (1) for the protection of an object, in particular against hollow charge projectiles, includes several sequentially or super-posed attached plates (P1 to Pn) for the formation of several capacitances (C1 to Cn), with preference given to dielectric ceramics (3) tied in between plates (P1 to Pn), whereby the protective module (1) can be formed by several protective part modules (10). Thus, the protective part modules (10) are arranged adjacent to each other so as to form the protective module (1).

Abstract: The Officer Under Fire Perpetrator is a remote-controlled, moving, target human-like in appearance and movements and is comprised of two major components referred to as the base unit and the target body. The base unit houses all components, consisting of a chassis plate (moved by: four electric motor/wheel assemblies) housed within an armor box providing protection from bullets. This system provides live-video footage to assist human trainer, remote-control operation, in addition to post-training review as shootout scenarios unfold. An electronic sighting system is displayed on live video, ensuring the training weapon's accuracy while shooting training projectiles at trainees. Equipped with a moving target body arm, the human-appearing target body is capable of withstanding numerous bullet hits and mounts into the base unit. This allows for a simulated firearms range shootout between the O.U.F. Perpetrator firing training projectiles, as a trainee is firing bullets upon the target's body.

Abstract: Armor for a vehicle comprises a grid of bars, at least the majority of the bars being formed from carbon fiber. The carbon fiber bars may be pultruded and some of the bars may be metallic.

Abstract: According to some embodiments, there is provided a ballistic-resistant composite including a plurality of large denier per filament (dpf) yarns. The large dpf yarns may have a “Composite-Armor dpf factor” (CA•dpf) of greater than or equal to 6.9.

Abstract: An add-on armor adapted for protecting a belly of a vehicle, the add-on armor comprising a base plate and a plurality of energy absorbing modules fitted to the base plate. The arrangement is such that at least a majority of a surface of each energy absorbing module facing the base plate overlaps with the base plate at an area thereof constituting a module zone. The module zones are associated with different modules being spaced from one another by vacancy zones.

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: In accordance with a particular embodiment of the present disclosure, a method to mitigate a blast wave includes detecting an imminent explosion that produces a blast wave. In response to this detection, the energy of a portion of this blast wave may be reduced by deploying a fluid in the path of the blast wave.

Abstract: An assembly for protecting against explosions and explosive devices is formed with aerogels and frangible components. The basic configuration forms a space between an object to be protected by an aerogel having a frangible backing layer. Such assemblies may be mounted on vehicles and structures, and alternatively used as barriers without attachment to other objects. Different geometries for the rear surface of the assemblies enhance the ability of deflecting gas produced by explosions away from objects to be protected. Flowable attenuating media may be introduced into the space behind the aerogel and in gratings placed in the front of assemblies in order to increase blast energy dissipation in intense blast conditions. Armor components may be added to the rear surface to protect against fragments and projectiles. Aerogels, metal foams, and dense ceramic beads may be incorporated to enhance protection against explosively-formed penetrators and other projectiles.

Abstract: A device and a method for protecting objects against rocket-propelled grenades having a hollow nose cone includes a netting of knotted and coated superstrong fibers disposed in front of the object, in such a manner that the nose cone of a rocket caught in the netting will penetrate one of the meshes of the netting and be deformed through strangulation, thereby disabling the detonator.

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: 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: A boron carbide body having a graphite content in which the central portion of the body includes more graphite that the region surrounding the central portion and adjacent the exterior surface thereof, and a method for fabricating the boron carbide body.

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

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 single crystal sapphire. The composite may provide adequate protection from projectiles while exhibiting large surface areas and relatively low areal densities.

Abstract: A ballistic armor shield assembly attached to a Stryker armored vehicle comprises a three-sided armor shield assembly with transparent armor, which is bolted around a driver hatch directly onto the military armored vehicle using existing bolts and holes. The armor shield assembly comprises a front, left and right side armor frames forming the 3-sided assembly to which transparent armor (ballistic glass) sections are attached and secured. An enclosure is provided on the left side of the armored shield assembly for attaching and removing the entire left side transparent armor in order to facilitate vehicle engine maintenance. The driver is provided with full armor protection while operating the vehicle with his body extending out of the open hatch for improved vision. When the hatch is partially closed, the driver has full protection on the front, left, and right from the armor shield assembly as well as above from the hatch.

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: The invention accomplishes the protection of vehicles, helicopters and other structures from attacks with rocket propelled grenades of the RPG 7 type, except of grenades of the NADER or other similar to that type. Compromising of several grids of electrodes (1, 2, 3) that are placed one behind the other, of one mounting frame (4) where each grid of electrodes (1, 2, 3) is fixed only from one of its sides, while the cross side from its fixed side is tied on the mounting frame (4) with special elastic canals (7), leaving all the other sides unfixed. The next grid (1, 2, 3) is fixed on the frame (4) from the side that the previous was tied with the special elastic canals (7) while it is tied with the special elastic canals (7) from the side that the previous was fixed on the frame (4). It is lightweight. During impact of the grenades on the shield, an electronic device (8) directs instantaneously modulated electronic pulses resulting in the instantaneous destruction of the grenades.

Abstract: A modular armored cab kit is provided for use on an armored vehicle that includes a cab body having a frame, an armored roof, an armored floor and a plurality of attachment elements, with the roof, floor and attachment elements being permanently attached to the frame. The cab kit further includes at least one non-armored panel, at least one non-armored door, at least one armored panel and at least one armored door, each for attachment to the cab body. The attachment elements facilitate field installation and removal of the panels and doors, wherein the non-armored panel and door are removably attached to the frame in a relatively low threat environment and are removed from the frame and replaced with the armored panel and door in a heightened threat environment.

Abstract: The invention relates to a ballistic resistant laminated structure comprising at least three glass sheets (1, 3, 5) a polycarbonate sheet (11) which are bound by adhesive layers (2, 4, 10) and a shielding insert (20), wherein a space delimited by said insert (20), the end face of the sheet (5) and the edge of the sheet (11) are provided with a material (30, 31) for absorbing the energy of a projectile. Said materials (30, 31) are embodied in the form of an yielding material (30) for degassing during assembling said stricture and an encapsulating material (31). A highly ballistic resistant glazing for a building or a transport vehicle comprising the inventive structure is also disclosed.

Abstract: A ballistic seat-back cover is provided and includes a pliable outer shell or housing that encompasses a inner ballistic cores which are housed or contained within an inner shell or housing. Secured to and included with exterior portions of the ballistic seat-back cover are a series of grommets that facilitate securing the ballistic seat-back cover and attaching external devices and items to a portion of the seat-back cover. Secured and incorporated into the outer cover on one surface is a plurality of webbing or strapping materials configured and spaced for efficient utilization in attaching MOLLE style items. In some embodiments, the interior ballistic cores comprise high performance fibers such as an aramid fiber, high molecular weight polyethylene, a combination of these, or other high performance fiber types.

Abstract: An armor system and method for the interior of a structure to be protected wherein releasable fastener material is secured to an inside wall of the structure and at least a first armor panel includes, in one example, a spacer layer, a ceramic hard face layer behind the spacer layer, a ballistic material behind the ceramic energy absorber layer, an encapsulant about the spacer layer, the ceramic energy absorber layer, and the ballistic material. Releasable fastener material is on the encapsulant adjacent the spacer layer for mating the panel to the inside wall of the structure.

Abstract: A modular armored cab kit is provided for use on an armored vehicle that includes a cab body having a frame, an armored roof, an armored floor and a plurality of attachment elements, with the roof, floor and attachment elements being permanently attached to the frame. The cab kit further includes at least one non-armored panel, at least one non-armored door, at least one armored panel and at least one armored door, each for attachment to the cab body. The attachment elements facilitate field installation and removal of the panels and doors, wherein the non-armored panel and door are removably attached to the frame in a relatively low threat environment and are removed from the frame and replaced with the armored panel and door in a heightened threat environment.

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 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.