U.S. patent application number 12/967684 was filed with the patent office on 2012-06-21 for apparatus for extending and retracting an armor system for defeating high energy projectiles.
Invention is credited to Robert A. Cole, Gregory W. Engleman, Vernon P. Joynt.
Application Number | 20120152101 12/967684 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 44914879 |
Filed Date | 2012-06-21 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120152101 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Engleman; Gregory W. ; et
al. |
June 21, 2012 |
APPARATUS FOR EXTENDING AND RETRACTING AN ARMOR SYSTEM FOR
DEFEATING HIGH ENERGY PROJECTILES
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.
Inventors: |
Engleman; Gregory W.;
(Summerville, SC) ; Cole; Robert A.; (Johns
Island, SC) ; Joynt; Vernon P.; (Waterkloof,
ZA) |
Family ID: |
44914879 |
Appl. No.: |
12/967684 |
Filed: |
December 14, 2010 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61282091 |
Dec 15, 2009 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
89/36.08 ;
89/902; 89/930; 89/937 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F41H 5/023 20130101;
F41H 5/026 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
89/36.08 ;
89/937; 89/930; 89/902 |
International
Class: |
F41H 7/02 20060101
F41H007/02; F41H 5/007 20060101 F41H005/007 |
Claims
1. An armor system for protecting a vehicle from a projectile, the
vehicle having a hull, the system comprising: a telescoping frame
including an attaching member attaching the telescoping frame to
the hull, a support member, and at least one movable cross member
attached between the attaching member and the support member,
wherein a distance between the hull and the support member varies
based on the position of the at least one cross member; and a
projectile-defeating assembly attached to the support member.
2. The armor system of claim 1, wherein the projectile-defeating
assembly includes a projectile-defeating multi-component layer
having a component-component spacing based on a predetermined
width.
3. The armor system of claim 1, wherein the projectile-defeating
assembly includes a netting layer.
4. The armor system of claim 3, wherein the netting layer has a
mesh size based on a predetermined projectile width.
5. The armor system of claim 1, wherein the projectile-defeating
assembly has a projectile-defeating layer including a nonexplosive
reactive armor.
6. The armor system of claim 1, wherein the projectile-defeating
assembly has a projectile-defeating layer including a transparent
material.
7. The armor system of claim 1, wherein the projectile-defeating
assembly has a projectile-defeating layer including explosive
reactive armor.
8. The armor system of claim 1, wherein the projectile-defeating
assembly has a projectile-defeating layer including low-obliquity
reactive armor.
9. The armor system of claim 1, wherein the projectile-defeating
assembly has a projectile-defeating layer including composite
lightweight adaptable reactive armor.
10. The armor system of claim 1, wherein the projectile-defeating
assembly has a projectile-defeating layer including one or more of
electrokinetic armor, electrothermal armor, and electromagnetic
armor.
11. The armor system of claim 1, wherein the projectile-defeating
assembly is mounted on a side of the vehicle.
12. The armor system of claim 1, wherein the projectile-defeating
assembly is mounted on a roof of the vehicle.
13. The armor system of claim 1, wherein the projectile-defeating
assembly is mounted on an undercarriage of the vehicle.
14. An armor system for protecting a vehicle from a projectile, the
vehicle having a hull, the system comprising: a telescoping frame
including a first support member attaching the telescoping frame to
the hull, a second support member, and at least one movable cross
member attached between the first and second support members,
wherein a distance between the first and second support members
varies based on the position of the at least one cross member; and
a projectile-defeating assembly attached to the second support
member.
15. The armor system of claim 14, wherein the projectile-defeating
assembly includes a netting layer having a mesh size based on a
predetermined projectile width.
16. The armor system of claim 14, further including a second cross
member, and wherein the first and second cross members are
rotatably attached between the first support member and the second
support member.
17. The armor system of claim 16, wherein the first and second
cross members are rotatably attached to one another and arranged in
a scissors-type configuration between the first and second support
members.
18. The armor system of claim 16, wherein the distance between the
first and second support members varies based on a rotation of the
cross members.
19. The armor system of claim 16, wherein each of the first and
second support members includes an elongated slot, each of the
elongated slots slidably and rotatably receiving a fastener for
attaching a respective cross member.
20. The armor system of claim 16, wherein the first and second
cross members are foldable, and wherein the distance between the
first and second support members varies based on a degree of
folding.
21. The armor system of claim 16, wherein the armor system is
provided in kit form.
22. An armor system for protecting a vehicle from a projectile, the
vehicle having a hull, the system comprising: a telescoping frame
including a first support member attaching the telescoping frame to
the hull, a second support member, and at least one movable cross
member attached between the first and second support members,
wherein a distance between the first and second support members
varies based on the position of the at least one cross member; and
a projectile-defeating assembly attached to the second support
member, wherein the projectile-defeating assembly includes a
netting layer having a mesh size based on a predetermined
projectile width.
23. The armor system of claim 22, further comprising a break-away
device disposed between the telescoping frame and the hull.
Description
[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent
Application 61/282,091, which is hereby incorporated by
reference.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present disclosure relates to an armor system that
resists penetration by projectiles.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Conventional armor, such as for protecting vehicles, is
subjected to a variety of projectiles designed to defeat the armor
by either penetrating the armor with a solid or jet-like object or
by inducing shock waves in the armor that are reflected in a manner
to cause spalling of the armor such that an opening is formed and
the penetrator (usually stuck to a portion of the armor) passes
through, or an inner layer of the armor spalls and is projected at
high velocity without physical penetration of the armor.
[0004] Some anti-armor weapons are propelled to the outer surface
of the armor where a shaped charge is exploded to form a generally
linear "jet" of metal that will penetrate solid armor; these are
often called Hollow Charge (HC) weapons. A second type of
anti-armor weapon uses a linear, heavy metal penetrator projected
at high velocity to penetrate the armor. This type of weapon is
referred to as EFP (explosive formed projectile), SFF (self forming
fragment), "pie charge," or sometimes as a "plate charge."
[0005] In some of these weapons, the warhead behaves as a hybrid of
the HC and the EFP and produces a series of metal penetrators
projected in line towards the target. Such a weapon will be
referred to herein as a Hybrid warhead. Hybrid warheads behave
according to how much "jetting" or HC effect it has, and how much
of a penetration effect (i.e., EFP effect) it produces.
[0006] Various projection systems are effective at defeating HC
jets. Among different systems, the best known are reactive armors
that use explosives in the protection layers that detonate on being
hit to break up most of the HO jet before it penetrates the target.
The problem is that these explosive systems are poor at defeating
EFP or Hybrid systems.
[0007] Another type of anti-armor weapon propels a relatively
large, heavy, generally ball-shaped solid projectile (or a series
of multiple projectiles) at high velocity. When the ball-shaped
metal projectile(s) hits the armor, the impact imparts shock waves
that reflect in a manner such that a plug-like portion of the armor
is sheared from the surrounding material and is projected along the
path of the metal projectile(s), with the metal projectile(s)
attached thereto. Such an occurrence can, obviously, have very
significant detrimental effects on the systems and personnel within
a vehicle having its armor defeated in such a manner.
[0008] While the HC type weapons involve design features and
materials that dictate that they be manufactured by an entity
having technical expertise, the later type of weapons (EFP and
Hybrid) can be constructed from materials readily available in a
combat area. For that reason, and the fact that such weapons are
effective, has proved troublesome to vehicles using conventional
armor.
[0009] The penetration performance for the three mentioned types of
warheads is normally described as the ability to penetrate a solid
amount of RHA (Rolled Homogeneous Armor) steel armor. Performances
typical for the weapon types are: HC warheads may penetrate 1 to 3
ft thickness of RHA, EFP warheads may penetrate 1 to 6 inches of
RHA, and Hybrids warheads may penetrate 2 to 12 inches of RHA.
These estimates are based on the warheads weighing less than 15 lbs
and being fired at their best respective optimum stand off
distances. The diameter of the holes made through the first inch of
RHA would be: HC up to an inch diameter hole, EFP up to a 9 inch
diameter hole, and Hybrids somewhere in between. The best
respective optimum stand off distances for the different charges
are: standoff distances for an HC charge is good under 3 feet but
at 10 ft or more it is very poor; for an EFP charge a stand off
distance up to 30 feet produces almost the same (good) penetration
and will only fall off significantly at very large distances like
50 yards; and for Hybrid charges penetration is good at standoff
distances up to 10 ft but after 20 feet penetration starts falling
off significantly. The way these charges are used are determined by
these stand off distances and the manner in which their
effectiveness is optimized (e.g., the angles of the trajectory of
the penetrator to the armor). These factors affect the design of
the protection armor.
[0010] Conventional armor is subjected to a variety of projectiles
designed to defeat the armor by penetrating the armor. Some
anti-armor weapons are propelled to the outer surface of the armor
where a shaped charge is exploded to form a generally linear "jet"
of metal that will penetrate solid armor. Such weapons are often
called Hollow Charge (HC) weapons. A rocket propelled grenade
("RPG") is such a weapon. An RPG 7 is a Russian origin weapon that
produces a penetrating metal jet, the tip of which hits the target
at about 8000 m/s. When encountering jets at such velocities, solid
metal armors behave more like liquids than solids. Irrespective of
their strength, they are displaced radially and the jet penetrates
the armor.
[0011] Various protection systems are effective at defeating HC
jets. Among different systems, the best known are reactive armors
that use explosives in the projection layers that detonate on being
hit to break up most of the HC jet before it penetrates the target.
Also known are "bulging armor" components that upon impact by the
jet, distort into the jet path to deflect or break up the jet to
some extent. Both of these systems are often augmented by what is
termed "slat armor," a plurality of metal slats or bars disposed
outside the body of the vehicle to prevent the firing circuit for
an RPG from functioning.
[0012] Also, as recently disclosed by the Foster-Miller company as
part of its RPG Net.TM. Defense Systems, a net suspended alongside
and spaced from the surface of an armored vehicle can act to
disrupt RPGs by breaking and/or defeating the RPGs. These nets are
reported to be able to crush the foreword conical surface of the
RPG 7 to render the fuse inoperative and thereby prevent detonation
and shaped charge formation in a significant percentage of RPG 7
impacts, as taught in pending application Ser. No. 12/320,277, the
disclosure of which is hereby specifically incorporated by
reference. However, nets having fixed spacings from vehicles may
increase an effective width of a vehicle, thereby possibly causing
problems maneuvering in narrow passages, such as, e.g., in some
urban environments.
[0013] While any anti-armor projectile can be defeated by metal
armor of sufficient strength and thickness, extra metal armor
thickness is heavy and expensive, adds weight to any armored
vehicle using it which, in turn, places greater strain on the
vehicle engine and drive train.
[0014] Thus, there exists a need for an armor system using a spaced
layer that can defeat projectiles and jets from anti-armor devices,
particularly rocket propelled grenades, without requiring an excess
thickness of metal armor and without unduly limiting
maneuverability of a vehicle to which it is applied. Preferably,
such an armor system would be made of constructions that can be
readily fabricated and incorporated into a vehicle design at a
reasonable cost, and even more preferably, can be added to existing
vehicles.
[0015] As the threats against armored vehicles increase and become
more diverse, combinations of armor systems are needed to defeat
the various threats. An armor system that raises the protection
level of an armored vehicle to include HC charges, both
missile-borne and stationary, is described.
SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0016] In accordance with one aspect, the present disclosure is
directed toward an armor system for protecting a vehicle from a
projectile, the vehicle having a hull. The armor system includes a
telescoping frame having an attaching member attaching the
telescoping frame to the hull, 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.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0017] FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of a first embodiment of
an exemplary disclosed armor system;
[0018] FIG. 2 is a schematic illustration of the first embodiment
of the exemplary disclosed armor system, viewed along line A-A of
FIG. 1;
[0019] FIG. 3 is an additional schematic illustration of the first
embodiment of the exemplary disclosed armor system;
[0020] FIG. 4 is a schematic, cross-sectional view of the first
embodiment of the exemplary disclosed vehicle;
[0021] FIGS. 5A and 5B are schematic illustrations of a second
embodiment of the exemplary disclosed armor system;
[0022] FIG. 6 is an additional illustration of the second
embodiment of the exemplary disclosed armor system; and
[0023] FIGS. 7A and 7B are schematic illustrations of a third
embodiment of the exemplary disclosed armor system.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0024] FIG. 1 illustrates a first embodiment of an exemplary
disclosed armor system 10 for protecting a vehicle 11 (shown in
FIG. 4) from projectiles such as, for example, HC and Hybrid
warheads. The projectiles have an expected trajectory 12 relative
to vehicle 11. Armor system 10 may include an armored hull 14, at
least one telescoping frame 16, at least one projectile-defeating
assembly 18, and at least one jacking device 20. Telescoping frame
16 may be disposed between armored hull 14 and projectile-defeating
assembly 18, and jacking device 20 may drive telescoping frame 16
to extend and retract projectile-defeating assembly 18 relative to
armored hull 14.
[0025] Armored hull 14 may include a plurality of layers 22. Layers
22 may include armored layers and a vehicle hull layer, the armored
layers being layered behind and/or in front of the vehicle hull
layer, relative to trajectory 12. Armored hull 14 may include any
number of layers 22 appropriate for defeating projectiles. Armored
hull 14 may include a combination of layers 22 made from varying
materials. For example, a given layer 22 may be made from high
strength steel such as, for example, a 500 Brinell hardness steel,
or high strength aluminum alloy such as, for example, 7039
aluminum, 5083 aluminum, 6061 aluminum, and 2024 aluminum. A given
layer 22 may also be made from low density material such as, for
example, a low density polypropylene composite material, reinforced
polymer, and polyethylene composites, or glass fiber material such
as, for example, R-Glass composite, S-Glass material, and E-Glass
composite material. The plurality of layers 12 may vary in
thickness, based on material and relative position within armored
hull 14. Additionally, armored hull 14 may include dispersion
spaces between adjacent layers 12 to allow lateral dispersion of
projectile material.
[0026] Each telescoping frame 16 may include a first support member
24, a second support member 26, a first cross member 28, and a
second cross member 30. First support member 24 may attach
telescoping frame 16 to armored hull 14, and first and second cross
members 28 and 30 may attach first support member 24 to second
support member 26.
[0027] First support member 24 may include a first side 32 and a
second side 34. Second side 34 may include an elongated slot 36
configured to receive a fastener 38, and an aperture 40 configured
to receive a fastener 42. First support member 24 may be attached
to armored hull 14 by any suitable technique in the art. For
example, first side 32 may be welded or bolted to armored hull 14.
Fastener 38 may be free to rotate within elongated slot 36, and
also to translate in an elongated direction 44 of elongated slot
36. Elongated slot 36 may thereby slidably and rotatably receive
fastener 38. Additionally, fastener 42 may be free to rotate within
aperture 40.
[0028] Second support member 26 may be similar to first support
member 28, and may include a first side 46, a second side 48, an
elongated slot 50 configured to slidably and rotatably receive a
fastener 52, and an aperture 54 configured to receive a fastener
56.
[0029] First cross member 28 may be a movable cross member that
includes a plurality of apertures configured to rotatably receive
fasteners 38 and 56, and first cross member 28 may thereby connect
first support member 24 to second support member 26. Second cross
member 30 may be a movable cross member similarly including a
plurality of apertures configured to rotatably receive fasteners 42
and 52, and second cross member 30 may thereby connect first
support member 24 to second support member 26. First cross member
28 and second cross member 30 may each include an aperture
configured to rotatably receive a fastener 58. Fastener 58 may
thereby rotatably attach first cross member 28 and second cross
member 30 to provide a coordinated, scissors-type motion of cross
members 28 and 30 between first support member 24 and second
support member 26.
[0030] First support member 24, second support member 26, first
cross member 28, and second cross member 30 may be lightweight
structural members such as, for example, structural steel, aluminum
beams and channels, aluminum tubing, and other materials suitable
for lightweight space-frame design. These structural members may be
slender and lightweight elements relative to a total weight of
vehicle 11. Telescoping frame 16 may thereby add only a negligible
amount of weight relative to the total weight of vehicle 11.
Therefore, telescoping frame 16 and projectile-defeating assembly
18 may reduce the threat of projectiles to vehicle 11, while not
adding significant additional weight that may impede the
maneuverability of vehicle 11. First support member 24, second
support member 26, first cross member 28, and second cross member
30 may alternatively be made from materials such as, for example,
high-strength steel, that may support relatively heavy alternative
embodiments of projectile-defeating assembly 18, as described
below.
[0031] As depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2, projectile-defeating assembly
18 may include a projectile-defeating layer 60.
Projectile-defeating layer 60 may be any non-explosive passive,
reactive defeating armor, or hybrid armor (e.g., including both
nonexplosive and explosive elements) known in the art, as further
described below.
[0032] Projectile-defeating layer 60 may be attached to telescoping
frame 16 via any suitable means known in the art such as, for
example, a plurality of fasteners 62. Fasteners 62 may attach
projectile-defeating layer 60 to second support member 26 of
telescoping frame 16. Fasteners 62 may be conventional mechanical
fasteners that provide both axial (toward a surface of vehicle 11)
as well as lateral (parallel to a surface of vehicle 11) restraints
on projectile-defeating layer 60. Fasteners 62 may also be
removably attachable, so that a plurality of different
projectile-defeating layers 60 may be easily removed and replaced
on vehicle 11 in the field, for example, in the case that
projectile-defeating layer 60 is damaged. A plurality of
projectile-defeating layers 60 may be stored by personnel on
vehicle 11. It is also contemplated that projectile-defeating layer
60 may be attached to telescoping frame 16 by any other suitable
technique in the art such as, for example, via an adhesive or wire
fasteners.
[0033] In one exemplary embodiment, projectile-defeating layer 60
may be a netting layer, as depicted in FIG. 2. A plurality of
different projectile-defeating layers 60 may be removed and
replaced on vehicle 11 based on, for example, a desired spacing "d"
of projectile-defeating layer 60. Projectile-defeating layer 60
having an appropriate spacing "d" relative to a given projectile
may laterally crush or otherwise deform that projectile. For
example, spacing "d" may be sized to correspond to a cone-shaped
forward section of a projectile, and projectile-defeating layer 60
may exert a lateral crushing force as the projectile passes through
projectile-defeating layer 60, thereby disabling and/or
short-circuiting a fuse of a projectile such as an RPG. Spacing "d"
may be selected in view of the dimensions of RPG type(s) expected
to be encountered in the battle theater. For example,
projectile-defeating layer 60 having mesh sizes of about 1''-3''
may be useful. Additionally, field personnel may use various
projectile-defeating layers 60, having various mesh sizes "d,"
based on current intelligence reports of enemy projectiles in use
in the field. Therefore, projectile-defeating layer 60 of
projectile-defeating assembly 18 may have a spacing "d" based on a
predetermined projectile width. Spacing "d" may be, for example, a
mesh size of a netting. Additionally, any of the embodiments of
projectile-defeating layer 60 described below may have a similar
spacing "d" for disabling a projectile. Spacing "d" may be, for
example, a component-component spacing between components of a
multi-component projectile-defeating layer 60. For example, spacing
"d" may be a distance between bulges of a bulging armor
arrangement, or a distance between strands of a net.
[0034] In one exemplary embodiment, projectile-defeating layer 60
may be a net formed from high strength, low stretch material such
as Zytel.RTM., a nylon material available from DuPont. Other
materials may be used including metal mesh fabricated from, e.g.,
conventional braided steel cable of about 1/8'' diameter. The
higher weights for metal-based nets may be acceptable because a
metal mesh may be more durable and less prone to cutting. In either
case, the crossing strands of the net material may be welded or
otherwise bonded together at the crossing points to resist
enlargement of the mesh openings by a projectile such as, for
example, an RPG 7 conical section.
[0035] Any suitable slat system, bar system, and/or cage armor
system may be included in projectile-defeating assembly 18 and
projectile-defeating layer 60, and used in conjunction with the
disclosed armor systems. Additionally, a nonexplosive reactive
armor (NERA) (e.g., bulging armor system, such as that disclosed in
pending application Ser. No. 12/320,277, the disclosure of which is
hereby specifically incorporated by reference) may also be included
in projectile-defeating assembly 18 and projectile-defeating layer
60, and used in conjunction with the disclosed armor systems. These
systems may also have spacings corresponding to a spacing "d" based
on a predetermined projectile width.
[0036] Projectile-defeating assembly 18 and projectile-defeating
layer 60 may also include either opaque or transparent material and
used at a standoff distance from vehicle 11, or relatively closely
to vehicle 11, as an armor system to defeat any variety of high
energy projectiles. For example, projectile-defeating assembly 18
including opaque or transparent material may be used to defeat
shaped-charge jets at a standoff and EFPs at a relatively close
distance from vehicle 11. For example, projectile-defeating layer
60 may include textile-based material such as Tarian.RTM. developed
by AmSafe.
[0037] Projectile-defeating layer 60 may also include any other
suitable projectile-defeating materials and systems such as, for
example, explosive reactive armor (ERA), low-obliquity reactive
armor (LORA), and composite lightweight adaptable reactive armor
(CLARA). Additionally, projectile-defeating layer 60 may include
one or more electrokinetic armor layers, electrothermal armor
layers, and/or electromagnetic armor layers. Projectile-defeating
layer 60 may also include active armor such as, for example, an
active protection system (APS) such as Textron's Tactical
Rocket-Propelled Grenade Airbag Protection System.
[0038] Jacking device 20 may be attached to first support member 24
and/or armored hull 14 and may drive fastener 38, and thereby first
cross member 28, to translate in elongated direction 44. Jacking
device 20 may be any appropriate jack known in the art such as, for
example, a hydraulic ram or a hydraulic jack. Jacking device 20 may
also be a ratchet-type jack. Such a hydraulic jacking device may be
actuated by personnel within or outside armored hull 14. It is also
contemplated that telescoping frame 16 may be manually extended and
retracted by field personnel, without a need for jacking device
20.
[0039] It is contemplated that an existing vehicle 11 may be
retrofitted with armor system 10 to gain the benefits described
herein. For example, telescoping frame 16, projectile-defeating
assembly 18, and/or jacking device 20 may be retrofitted on
existing vehicle 11 to reduce the threat of projectiles. Existing
vehicle 11 may be retrofitted with armor system 10 using an
assemblage of required parts specific to the vehicle, e.g., in kit
form.
[0040] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, telescoping frame 16 may be
displaced between an extended position and a retracted position.
When fasteners 38 and 52 are in the position shown in FIG. 1,
telescoping frame 16 is in the extended position. To move from the
extended position of FIG. 1 to the retracted position of FIG. 3,
jacking device 20 may drive fastener 38 along elongated slot 36 in
elongated direction 44, thereby moving first cross member 28 in
elongated direction 44. As first cross member 28 moves in elongated
direction 44, first cross member 28 also rotates about fastener 58
relative to second cross member 30, and rotates about fastener 56
relative to second support member 26. The movement of first cross
member 28 also causes second cross member 30 to move in elongated
direction 44, with fastener 52 moving along elongated slot 50. As
second cross member 30 moves in elongated direction 44, second
cross member 30 also rotates about fastener 58 relative to first
cross member 28, and rotates about fastener 42 relative to first
support member 24. These movements continue until telescoping frame
16 reaches the retracted position shown in FIG. 3. Telescoping
frame 16 may be similarly moved from the retracted position to the
extended position. Therefore, a distance between armored hull 14
and second support member 26 supporting projectile-defeating
assembly 18 varies based on a position of first cross member 28 and
second cross member 30.
[0041] The scissors-type motion between cross members 28 and 30 may
provide advantages relating to the movement of second support
member 26. The scissors-type motion of cross members 28 and 30
about fastener 58 may substantially reduce tilting of telescoping
frame 16 relative to the axial direction (i.e., toward a surface of
vehicle 11). Therefore, the scissors-type motion of cross members
28 and 30 may allow for substantially pure lateral translation of
second support member 26 in the axial direction.
[0042] It is contemplated that telescoping frame 16 may be locked
in place by jacking device 20, or by any other suitable locking
device known in the art, at the extended position, the retracted
position, or any position in between the extended and retracted
positions. As shown in FIG. 4, it is also contemplated that
telescoping frames 16 on vehicle 11 may be simultaneously moved
and/or held in varying positions, depending on the requirements for
maneuverability and threat protection in a given situation. Armor
system 10 may include a plurality of telescoping frames 16 of any
suitable size and covering any desired portions of vehicle 11.
[0043] Armor system 10 may create and/or increase a standoff
distance to defeat a projectile in a hostile environment, while
also having flexibility to increase the maneuverability of vehicle
11 when required. As shown in FIG. 4, standoff distance to defeat a
projectile may be increased when telescoping frame 16 is in the
extended position, and maneuverability of vehicle 11 may be
increased when telescoping frame 16 is in the retracted position.
Armor system 10 may include features and benefits similar to those
disclosed in the other armor system embodiments of this
application.
[0044] FIG. 5A illustrates a second embodiment of an exemplary
disclosed armor system for protecting a vehicle 111 (shown in FIG.
6). The elements of an armor system 110 may be generally similar to
armor system 10. Armor system 110 may include an armored hull 114
that includes a plurality of layers 122, at least one telescoping
frame 116, at least one projectile-defeating assembly 118, and at
least one jacking device 120.
[0045] Each telescoping frame 116 may include a first attaching
member 124 having an aperture, a second attaching member 126 having
an aperture, a first cross member 128, a second cross member 130,
and a support member 132. First attaching member 124 and second
attaching member 126 may attach telescoping frame 116 to armored
hull 114, and first and second cross members 128 and 130 may be
attached to support member 132.
[0046] First cross member 128 may be a movable cross member
including a first attaching member 134 having an aperture, a second
attaching member 136 having an aperture, a first support member
138, a second support member 140, and a third attaching member 142.
First support member 138 may be rotatably attached to attaching
member 124 via a fastener 144 configured to be received in the
aperture of attaching member 124 and the aperture of first
attaching member 134 of first support member 138. In a similar
fashion, first and second support members 138 and 140 may be
rotatably attached to each other as a hinged elbow via a fastener
146 received within apertures of support member 138 and 140, and
second support member 140 may be rotatably attached to support
member 132 via a fastener 148 received within apertures of support
members 132 and 140.
[0047] Second cross member 130 may be a movable cross member
including a first support member 150 and a second support member
152. Second cross member 130 may have attachments similar to first
cross member 128: support member 150 may be rotatably attached to
attaching member 126 via a fastener 154, support members 150 and
152 may be rotatably attached to each other via a fastener 156, and
support member 152 may be rotatably attached to support member 132
via a fastener 158.
[0048] Projectile-defeating assembly 118 may include a
projectile-defeating layer 160 and a plurality of fasteners 162
that are similar to elements of projectile-defeating assembly 18.
Fasteners 162 may attach projectile-defeating layer 160 to support
member 132 of telescoping frame 116.
[0049] Jacking device 120 may be attached to telescoping frame 116
between hull 114 and projectile-defeating assembly 118, e.g.,
between attaching member 124 and support member 132. Jacking device
120 may be any appropriate jacking device known in the art such as,
for example, a hydraulic or a pneumatic cylinder. Jacking device
120 may include a rod 164 configured to displace within a cylinder
166. Such a hydraulic jacking device may be actuated by personnel
within or outside armored hull 114. It is also contemplated that
telescoping frame 116 may be manually extended and retracted by
field personnel, without a need for jacking device 120.
[0050] Similar to armor system 10, it is contemplated that an
existing vehicle 111 may be retrofitted with armor system 110 to
gain the benefits described herein. Existing vehicle 111 may be
retrofitted with armor system 110 using an assemblage of required
parts specific to the vehicle, e.g., in kit form.
[0051] As shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, telescoping frame 116 may be
displaced between an extended position and a retracted position.
When jacking device 120 is in the position shown in FIG. 5A,
telescoping frame 116 is in the extended position. To move from the
extended position of FIG. 5A to the retracted position of FIG. 5B,
rod 164 of jacking device 120 is retracted into cylinder 166,
thereby rotating support members 138 and 140 about fasteners 144,
146, and 148, and rotating support members 150 and 152 about
fasteners 154, 156, and 158. Both of the pairs of support members
138 and 140, and support members 150 and 152, are drawn together in
a "V" configuration, until reaching the retracting position shown
in FIG. 5B. Telescoping frame 116 may be similarly moved from the
retracted position to the extended position. Therefore, the
distance between support member 132 supporting projectile-defeating
assembly 118 and armored hull 114 varies based on a position of the
foldable cross members 128 and 130. Also, the distance between
support member 132 and armored hull 114 varies based on a degree of
folding of cross members 128 and 130.
[0052] Similar to the operation of armor system 10, it is
contemplated that telescoping frame 116 of armor system 110 may be
locked in place by jacking device 120, or by any other suitable
locking device known in the art, at the extended position, the
retracted position, or any position in between the extended and
retracted positions. Also similar to the operation of armor system
10, armor system 110 may create and/or increase a standoff distance
to defeat a projectile in a hostile environment, while also having
flexibility to increase the maneuverability of vehicle 111 when
required.
[0053] As shown in FIG. 6, it is also contemplated that telescoping
frames 116 on vehicle 111 may be simultaneously moved and/or held
in varying positions, depending on the requirements for
maneuverability and threat protection in a given situation. Armor
system 110 may also include additional features and benefits
similar to those disclosed in the other armor system embodiments of
this application.
[0054] FIG. 7A illustrates a third embodiment of an exemplary
disclosed armor system for protecting a vehicle. The elements of an
armor system 210 may be generally similar to armor system 10. Armor
system 210 may include a vehicle armored hull 214 including a
plurality of layers 222 similar to layers 22, at least one
telescoping frame 216, at least one projectile-defeating assembly
218 that may be similar to projectile-defeating assembly 18, and at
least one jacking device 220.
[0055] Each telescoping frame 216 may include an attaching member
224 having an aperture, a cross member 228, and a support member
232 having an aperture. Attaching member 224 may attach telescoping
frame 216 to armored hull 214, and cross member 228 may attach
support member 232 to attaching member 224. Support member 232 may
support projectile-defeating assembly 218.
[0056] Cross member 228 may be a movable cross member including a
first support member 238 having an aperture on each of its end
portions and a second support member 240 having an aperture on each
of its end portions. Support member 238 may be rotatably attached
to attaching member 224 via a fastener 244 configured to be
received in the aperture of attaching member 224 and one of the
apertures of first support member 238. In a similar fashion, first
and second support members 238 and 240 may be rotatably attached to
each other as a hinged elbow via a fastener 246 received within
apertures of support members 238 and 240, and second support member
240 may be rotatably attached to support member 232 via a fastener
248 received within apertures of support members 232 and 240.
[0057] As shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B, support members 238 and 240 may
include elongated slots 250 for receiving an elongated member such
as, for example, a wire rope or cable 254. Slots 250 may be open
slots formed in the support members of telescoping frame 216 and/or
closed passageways formed within the support members of telescoping
frame 216. The hinged elbow joint formed by support members 238 and
240 may include a plurality of relief slots 252. Relief slots 252
may allow support members 238 and 240 to rotate freely about
fastener 246 when an elongated member such as cable 254 is present
in slots 250.
[0058] Jacking device 220 may be any suitable system for
selectively extending and retracting cable 254 such as, for
example, a pulley or cable system. Jacking device 220 may include a
winch 256 about which cable 254 may be selectively wound or
unwound. Winch 256 may be any suitable device for extending and
retracting cable 254 such as, for example, an electrically-operated
winch or a manual hand-crank. Jacking device 220 may be actuated by
personnel within or outside armored hull 214. It is also
contemplated that telescoping frame 216 may be manually extended
and retracted by field personnel, without a need for jacking device
220.
[0059] Similar to armor systems 10 and 110, it is contemplated that
an existing vehicle may be retrofitted with armor system 210 to
gain the benefits described herein. An existing vehicle may be
retrofitted with armor system 210 using an assemblage of required
parts specific to the vehicle, e.g., in kit form.
[0060] Telescoping frame 216 may be displaced between an extended
position and a retracted position. To move between the extended
position and the retracted position, jacking device 220 selectively
winds and unwinds cable 254. Winch 256 may selectively wind cable
254, causing support members 238 and 240 to rotate about fasteners
244, 246, and 248, and being thereby drawn together in a "V"
configuration. Telescoping frame 216 is thereby moved from the
extended position toward the retracted position. Winch 256 may also
be selectively allowed to rotate freely, thereby allowing support
members 238 and 240 to be drawn apart under a gravitational force
of the weight of telescoping frame 216. Telescoping frame 216
thereby moves from the retracted position toward the extended
position. Therefore, the distance between support member 232
supporting projectile-defeating assembly 218 and armored hull 214
varies based on a position of cross member 228.
[0061] Similar to the operation of armor systems 10 and 110, it is
contemplated that telescoping frame 216 of armor system 210 may be
locked in place by jacking device 220, or by any other suitable
locking device known in the art, at the extended position, the
retracted position, or any position in between the extended and
retracted positions. Also similar to the operation of armor systems
10 and 110, armor system 210 may create and/or increase a standoff
distance to defeat a projectile in a hostile environment, while
also having flexibility to increase vehicle maneuverability when
required.
[0062] As shown in FIG. 7A, telescoping frame 216 may include a
break-away device 300 disposed between telescoping frame 216 and
hull 214. Break-away device 300 may be any suitable device for
allowing telescoping frame 216 to be separated from armored hull
214 if a certain threshold force is applied to telescoping frame
216, the force tending to pull telescoping frame 216 away from the
vehicle. For example, if telescoping frame 216 becomes snagged on a
terrain feature in an operational environment such as, for example,
vegetation or a wall, telescoping frame 216 may be separated from
hull 214 so that damage to vehicle systems, e.g., folding mirrors
and other external vehicle components, may be substantially
reduced. For example, if telescoping frame 216 becomes snagged on a
tree as hull 214 passes by, break-away device 300 may separate when
the snagging force from the resistance of the tree exceeds the
predetermined threshold force of break-away device 300. Break-away
device 300 may be incorporated into any of armor systems 10, 110,
and 210.
[0063] Telescoping frame 216 may include a manual locking system
310. Manual locking system 310 may include any suitable system for
manual locking telescoping frame 216 at a desired location such as,
for example, a ball detent, a spring, a gas strut, or a pin system.
For example, as shown in FIG. 7B, manual locking system 310 may be
a pin system including a plurality of apertures 312 configured to
receive a pin 314. Support members 238 and 240 may each include the
plurality of apertures 312, each of the various apertures 312 of
support member 238 configured to be aligned with each of the
apertures of support member 240 as telescoping frame 216 extends
and retracts. When a desired combination of apertures 312 are
aligned, pin 314 may be inserted into given apertures 312 to lock
the relative movement of support members 238 and 240, thereby
locking a position of telescoping frame 216. Telescoping frame 216
may thereby be manually locked and unlocked at various positions
between the fully extended position and the fully retracted
position. Manual locking system 310 may be incorporated into any of
armor systems 10, 110, and 210.
[0064] Referring back to FIG. 4, armor system 10 may be mounted on
a side of vehicle 11 to protect vehicle hull 14 from lateral
threats against a side of vehicle 11. Armor system 10 may also be
mounted to a roof of vehicle 11 to defend against threats such as
hand-thrown shaped-charge grenades (RKG-3), mortar rounds, and
artillery fire. Armor system 10 may also be mounted on an
undercarriage of vehicle 11 to defend against shrapnel fragments
from IEDs and/or EFPs. It is contemplated that a heavy plate or
"double V" armor system may be included in armor system 10 and
extended vertically substantially downward from the undercarriage
of vehicle 11 to protect against threats such as landmines,
anti-vehicular EFP type mines (TMRP-6), and various IEDs. It is
contemplated that cables and/or hydraulic or pneumatic cylinders
may extend and retract armor system 10 from the undercarriage of
vehicle 11 to avoid obstacles.
[0065] It is contemplated that telescoping frame 16 may
alternatively include a plurality of substantially straight hollow
elements such as, for example, square or cylindrical tubes. For
example, telescoping frame 16 may include an inner tube that is
slightly smaller than an outer tube. The slightly smaller inner
tube may be disposed within the slightly larger outer tube and may
extend out from the slightly larger tube at a plurality of stopping
points. For example, a plurality of detents or holes may be formed
in the inner and the outer tubes, and aligned at various lengths so
as to receive a mechanical element such as a pin through both of
the inner and the outer tubes. Telescoping frame 16 may thereby be
locked at varying lengths so that projectile-defeating assembly 18
may be disposed at varying standoff distances. Additional hollow
elements may be added to telescoping frame 16, and successively
nested within each other, to increase a number of telescoping
elements of telescoping frame 16, and thereby increase the distance
at which projectile-defeating assembly may be extended and
retracted from hull 14.
[0066] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various
modifications and variations can be made to the disclosed apparatus
and method. Other embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in
the art from consideration of the specification and practice of the
disclosed method and apparatus. It is intended that the
specification and examples be considered as exemplary only, with a
true scope being indicated by the following claims and their
equivalents.
* * * * *