IL266492A - Composite grid/slat-armor - Google Patents

Description

I COHEN-7450-IL COMPOSITE LAT-ARMOR BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[001] Explosive warhead containing weaponry is an ever evolving problem facing humanity. Conventional and improvised devices cheap to manufacture and highly effective in terms of their capacity to devastate a wide array of targets ing military bases, factories, bridges, ships, tanks, missile launching sites, artillery emplacements, forti?cations, and troop concentrations.

[002] As each type of target presents a different physical destruction problem, a y of general and special-purpose warheads are required, within the bounds of cost and logistical availability, so that each target may be attacked with maximum effectiveness.

[003] HEAT warheads were also developed during World War 11, from extensive research and development into shaped charge warheads. The warhead functions by having the explosive charge collapse a metal liner inside the warhead into a high-velocity superplastic jet. This superplastic jet is capable of penetrating armor steel to a depth of seven or more times the diameter of the charge (charge diameters, CD) and its effect is purely kinetic in nature. The HEAT warhead has become somewhat less effective against tanks and other armored vehicles due to the use of composite armor, explosive-reactive armor, and active protection systems which destroy the HEAT warhead before it hits the tank although most of the ons available result in too great a compromise between adequate protection and being suf?ciently lightweight for reasonable protection of targets.

[004] The Kornet or AT—14 Spriggan ank guided missile (ATGM) intended for use against armored vehicles and forti?cations. The Kornet missile contains tandem shaped charge HEAT warheads.

[005] To provide at least partial protection against these weapons, bar or slat armor has been developed, and is in use on a number of ry vehicles.

[006] Slat or bar armor is known to typically include a series of rigid blades or a grid deployed around the target site,.which can neutralize the warhead, either by ing the conical liner, for e, in the case of a shaped charge or by short-circuiting the fuse mechanism of the warhead.

[007] The slat or bar armor is disposed in a predetermined distance from the target, so as to allow the armor to come in contact with the cover of the warhead in order to lize it before the trigger hits the target body. The distance between the armor and the target body is known as the ff. unately, should detonation occur as a uence of the d being triggered on contact with the slat or bar, the added standoff space can in 2 COHEN-7450-IL some cases, increase the penetration/damage, for example, by promoting better jet formation with a HEAT warhead.

[008] While current slat or bar armor con?gurations were anticipated to provide an improved armor system for protection against high-velocityjets created by shaped charges, with current systems minimally ive at best against tandem charge HEAT missiles in particular and to date the promise remains lled and there is a great need for improved systems of defense to address these issues.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[009] This invention provides in some embodiments, a composite spiked grid/slat- armored apparatus for protection against explosive warhead containing ry. In some embodiments, the composite spiked grid/slat-armored apparatus is protective against tandem charge HEAT missiles, such as the Kornet tandem charge e systems.

[0010] The composite spiked grid- or slat-armored apparatus of this invention will comprise, inter alia, a ity of slat or bar units including: a strike end con?gured for facing an pated impact direction, each of the plurality of slat or bar units extending along a ?rst longitudinal direction, the plurality of slat units separated from each other by a spacing, and further comprising a plurality of slat. or bar cross-attachment supports substantially perpendicular to and connected to said plurality of slat or bar units extending along a ?rst longitudinal direction, wherein said cross-attachment ts e mutual support to said slats or bars to restrict expansion of said spacing by an incoming explosive warhead containing .

[0011] In some aspects of this invention, the ity of slat or bar units are arranged in two or more rows, each of said plurality of slat or bar units extending along a ?rst longitudinal direction and ing: a strike end con?gured for facing an anticipated impact direction, each of the plurality of slat or bar units separated from each other by a ?rst spacing.

[0012] In some embodiments, the plurality of slat or bar units are arranged in two or more rows, each of said plurality of slat or bar units extending along a ?rst longitudinal direction and including: a strike end con?gured for facing an anticipated impact iont comprising sharp protrusions separated from each other by a ?rst Spacing, and

[0013] According to this , and in some embodiments, the composite spiked grid- or slat-armored apparatus for protection against explosive warhead ning weaponry of this ion further comprises a plurality of spiked cross-attachment supports connected to and positioned along said plurality of slat or bar units such that a spiked surface of said 3 COHEN-7450-IL cross attachment support is positioned substantially perpendicular to said ?rst longitudinal direction, wherein said cross-attachment ts ct expansion of said ?rst spacing by an incoming explosive warhead containing weapon coming into contact therewith.

[0014] ing to this aspect and in some embodiments, the plurality of slat or bar units and plurality of spiked cross-attachment supports form a trapping array, which trapping array is arranged within a first frame movably attached to a second framework structure, such that the trapping array may move in any lateral direction.

[0015] In some aspects, the strike end serves to face an anticipated impact direction and pierce the warhead structure coming into contact with same. In some embodiments, IO the slat or bar units extending along a first longitudinal direction have a modi?ed impact facing end such that same may pierce or neutralize an incoming explosive warhead containing weapon coming into t therewith.

[0016] In some aspects, the spiked cross-attachment supports have impact facing surfaces that may pierce or neutralize an incoming eXplosive warhead containing weapon coming into contact therewith. In some embodiments, the combined piercing surfaces of the strike end of the slat or bar units and spiked cross-attachment supports pierce or neutralize an incoming explosive d containing weapon coming into t therewith.

[0017] In some embodiments, the first spacing between adjacent slat or bar units and/or between sharp protrusions of the strike end of nt slat or bar units in said array is from about 10% to about 70% less in size than a diameter of an incoming explosive warhead ning weaponry.

[0018] In some embodiments, the spacing between the adjacent slat or bar units and/or n the sharp protrusions of the strike end of adjacent slat or bar units are separated from each other by a ?rst spacing, which spacing is such that a portion of the impacting end of the incoming eXpIosive warhead containing weaponry s within same.

[0019] According to this aspect and in some embodiments, upon positioning of a portion of the impacting end of the ng explosive warhead containing weaponry between the adjacent slat or bar units, the spiked attachment ts connected to "30 and positioned along the slat/bar units engage and structurally impact the portion of the incoming explosive warhead containing weaponry, by in some embodiments, piercing same and compromising the integrity of the warhead preventing or mitigating functional capacity of same. 4 COHEN-7450-IL

[0020] When the threat is of a kind having a hollow pe, such as for example, shaped-charge projectiles such as e.g. Kornte missiles, the spiked cross-attachment ts are con?gured for piercing this envelope for the purpose of neutralizing it. The spiked cross-attachment supports can be made of any appropriate material having ent toughness to penetrate the envelope of the incoming projectile upon its impact with a respective slat/bar.

[0021] The shape, dimensions and/or ation of the spiked cross-attachment supports can vary in a direction away from the rear end. This varying can be such that the distance between the piercing elements of the top and bottom sets se in the direction away from the rear end. The spiked cross-attachment supports can be outwardly d in order to increase their ation capability into the incoming projectile.

[0022] The tapering angle between the Spiked cross-attachment supports of a ?rst set and second set, which together engage the incoming explosive warhead containing weaponry, may be constructed so as not to exceed 100°, more particularly not to exceed 80°, even more particularly not to exceed 60°, still more particularly not to exceed 45° and still more particularly not to exceed 40°.

[0023] In some embodiments, the Spiked cross-attachment supports of a first set and second set, which together engage the incoming explosive warhead containing weaponry, may be constructed so as be aligned with one another. Alternatively, the spiked cross- 26 attachment supports of a ?rst set and second set, which er engage the incoming explosive warhead containing ry may be arranged at an offset.

[0024] In some embodiments, the spiked surface of said cross attachment support is positioned substantially perpendicular‘to said first longitudinal direction, wherein said attachment supports restrict expansion of said ?rst Spacing by an incoming explosive warhead containing weapon coming into contact ith.

[0025] It will be appreciated that sharp protrusions of the strike end of the slat or bar units of this invention, the spiked surfaces of the cross attachment supports of this invention or a combination thereof may structurally impact and may therefore be considered to be “disrupting elements”, which in some aspects represent elements that pierce a portion of the incoming explosive warhead containing weapon and may therefore be referred to as a “piercing element” as well.

[0026] in other aspect, the ity of slat or bar units and said plurality of Spiked cross-attachment supports form a trapping array, which trapping array is arranged within a COHEN-7450-IL ?rst frame movably attached to second framework structure, such that said trapping array may move in any l direction.

[0027] In some aspects, the slat or bar units, or spiked cross-attachment supports, or combination thereof are composed of various materials selected from the group consisting of: metals, ceramics, composites, and ations thereof.

[0028] In some aspects, the spiked cross-attachment supports contain sharp extending projections and in some embodiments, the sharp extending projections may vary in terms of number, spacing, periodicity, angle, length, shape or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the slat or bar units, or said spiked cross-attachment supports, or a IO combination f are of various cross sections. In some aspects, the slat or bar units, or Spiked cross-attachment supports, or a combination thereof are of various shapes selected from the group consisting of: rectangles, trapezoids, triangles, ovals, and cylinders.

[0029] In some aspects, the cross-attachment members are attached by methods selected from the group consisting of: tying, wrapping, braiding, , welding, adhesion, fasteners, screws, nubs, clips, bands, and any combination thereof.

[0030] In some aspects, the composite spiked grid- or rmored apparatus of this invention further comprises attachments that pass around the parallel bars, attachments that pass through holes in the parallel bars, dicular parallel -parallel bar attachments, X-shaped attachments, attachments between every other parallel bar, or any combination thereof.

[0031] The strike end of the plurality of slat or bar units therefore, in some embodiments, is so con?gured so as to structurally compromise, such as, in some embodiments, pierce at least an outer structure of an incoming projectile containing a warhead in a manner that ideally neutralizes or disrupts the functioning of the warhead without detonating same.

[0032] In some embodiments, when the threat is of a kind having a hollow envelope, such as for example, -charge projectiles such as e.g. RPGS, the disrupting elements are con?gured for piercing this envelope for the purpose of neutralizing it. The ting elements can be made of a ballistic material having ent toughness to penetrate the envelope ofthe incoming tile upon its impact with a re3pective slat.

[0033] In some embodiments, in order to increase the penetration lity of the ting ts, at least a part of them can each be formed. with a plurality of sharp edges, facilitating more ef?cient penetration thereof into the projectile. In particular, the disrupting elements can have a plurality of surfaces (either curved or planar) angled with COHEN-7450-IL respect to each other, with sharp edges formed at the intersection between two or more of said surfaces.

[0034] In some embodiments, the shape, dimensions and/or orientation of the disrupting elements can vary in a direction. In some embodiments, the disrupting elements can be outwardly tapered in order to increase their penetration capability into an incoming projectile.

[0035] In some embodiments, the ng angle between the disrupting elements of the plurality of slat or bar units can be chosen not to exceed 100°, more particularly not to exceed 80°, even more ularly not to exceed 60°, still more particularly not to exceed 45° and still more particularly not to exceed 40°.

[0036] In some aSpects, one. or more of the ting ts can have an extension towards said anticipated impact direction which does not exceed twice the maximal width of the piercing element, thereby ing the disrupting elements with a required robustness to penetrate the pe of the projectile.

[0037] In some ments, the plurality of slat or bar units piercing end can have a serrated or a saw-like design, with a succession of teeth extending along the longitudinal axis of the slat unit, the teeth constituting the disrupting elements.

[0038] In some aspects, the plurality of slat or bar units, and in some embodiments, the grid-like ng surface formed of same, may further comprise a spacer layer beteween such slats or bars, being made of a material having a lower toughness and/or ballistic capability than that of each of the slats or bars. In some aspects, the spacer material can be a composite material while each of the bars or slats can be made of metal. The composite material can be made, for example, of any of the following: Polyester, vinyl ester and made of a ?ber- epoxy. The composite material can be encapsulated by a binding cover reinforced resin. According to one particular example, the fiber reinforcement of the binding cover can be provided, e.g. by ?berglass.

[0039] In some aspects, the slats or bars and in some embodiments, grid-like trapping surface can be constructed to constitute an integral body and prepared, inter alia, via bolting, welding, adhesive material, external ng etc. as appropriate, and considering the material used in the uction of same.

[0040] In some embodiments the parallel bars are composed of various materials selected from the group consisting of: , ceramics, composites, and combinations thereof. 7 COHEN-7450-IL

[0041] In some embodiments the parallel bars are of various cross sections and shapes selected from the group consisting of: rectangles, trapezoids, triangles, ovals, and circles.

[0042] In some embodiments the cross-attachment members are attached by methods selected from the group consisting of: tying, ng, braiding, gluing, g, on, fasteners, screws, nubs, clips, bands, and any combination thereof.

[0043] In some ments the cross—attachment members are red in a manner selected from the group consisting of: attachments that pass around the parallel bars, attachments that pass through holes in the parallel bars, perpendicular parallel bar—to- parallel bar attachments, X-shaped attachments, attachments between every other parallel bar, and combinations of these.

[0044] It will be appreciated that the plurality of slat or bar units will be configured to include aspacing between each two neighboring bars/slats, so as to minimize the risk ofthe fuse of the incoming threat from impacting solid material and causing detonation of the hollow charge.

[0045] The invention further provides, in some embodiments, a ite grid- or slat- armored tus for protection t ive warhead containing weaponry,.whereby the apparatus, in on to comprising one or more disrupting elements as herein described, will further comprise a composite armor plate provided at a second spacing from said grid like trapping surface, distal to the surface of the plurality of slat or bar units facing an anticipated impact direction.

[0046] In some aspects, the composite armor plate comprises high density ceramic pellets or ceramic bodies, having a chemical content or geometry and size such that the arrangement of the pellets in an array serves to mitigate the c energy-induced damage from explosive warhead containing weaponry.

[0047] Surprisingly, it has now been found that composite armor plates as herein described, when d with slat- or bar- armor arrays, when appropriately spaced, can signi?cantly and consistently reduce the impact of same, even following detonation.

[0048] In some aspects, the composite armor plates as herein described may comprise any riate plate comprising high density ceramic pellets or ceramic bodies, for example as described in United States Patent Numbers 5,763,813, 5972819, 6203908, 6,112,635, 6,408,734, 6,289,781, 6,624,106, 6,575,075, 6,497,966, 6,860,186, 7,117,780, 7,603,939, 0, 8,012,897, 7,383,762, or 541, each and every one of which is hereby incorporated herein in its entirety. 8 COHEN-7450-IL

[0049] In some embodiments, the composite armor plates as herein described may comprise a single internal layer of high density ceramic pellets, said s having an A1203 content of at least 93%, and a speci?c gravity of at least 2.5 and ed in panel form by a solidi?ed material which is elastic at a temperature below 250° C.; the ty of said pellets each having a part of a major axis of a length of in the range of about 3-12 mm and being bound by said solidi?ed material in a plurality of superposed rows.

[0050] In some embodiments, the composite armor plates as herein described speci?cally envisioned for incorporation include those as described in United States Patent Number 5,972,819 or United States Patent Number 7,603,939 or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the composite armor plates as herein described speci?cally envisioned for incorporation include those as described in United States Patent Numbers 5,972,819, 6,112,635, 7,603,939, 8,281,700, 8,012,897, 7,402,541, 7,383,762 or any combination thereof.

[0051] In some aspects, when combining aluminum oxide with other oxides within speci?c parameter ratios, there is achieved an exceptional rise in the homogenity of the produced product in terms of parametric tolerance based on crush point studies of geometric bodies produced rom after sintering. Thus, it has been found that by using raw materials in which the chemical compositions fall within a speci?c range and forming them into geometric sintered , homogeneity of performance and quantitatively and qualitatively superior activity is achieved.

[0052] In some embodiments, the composite armor plates as herein bed may comprise a ed, alumina ceramic product sing about 90-975 w/w % A1203, about 0.5-1.0 w/w % MgO, about <0.05-1.0 w/w % Si02, about 4.5-7.5 w/w % Zr02 and about 0.07-0.13 w/w % Hf02.

[0053] In some embodiments, the composite armor plates as herein described may comprise a ed, alumina ceramic product, comprising at least 0.585 w/w % Mg0, 90 w/w % A1203, <0.05 w/w % Si02, 4.5 w/w % Zr02 and 0.075 w/w % I-if02. _

[0054] In some embodiments, the composite armor plates as herein described may se a sintered, alumina ceramic products according to the present invention, comprise up to 1.0 w/w % MgO, 97.5 w/w % A1203, 1 w/w % Si02, 7.5 w/w % Zr02 and 0.125 w/w % Hf02.

[0055] In some ments, the composite armor plates as herein described may se a sintered, alumina ceramic t, comprising about 0.6 w/w % MgO, 93 w/w % A1203, <0.05 w/w % Si02, 6 w/w % Zr02 and 0.1 w/w % Hf02. 9 COHEN-7450-IL

[0056] In some embodiments, the composite armor plates can preferably include r minor amounts of additional oxides, selected from the group consisting of Na20, P205, K20, CaO, Ti02, Fe203, CuO, ZnO, BaO, Y203 and mixtures thereof.

[0057] In some embodiments, the composite armor plates as herein described may comprise a sintered, alumina ceramic product comprising about 0.6 w/w % MgO, 92.62 w/w % A1203, <0.05 w/w % Si02, 6 w/w % Zr02, 0.1 w/w % Hf02, 0.2 w/w % N320, 0.02 w/w % P205, 0.01 w/w % K20, 0.1 w/w % CaO, 0.01 w/w % Ti02, 0.02 w/w % Fe203, 0.2 w/w % Cu0, 0.02 w/w % Zn0, 0.5 w/w % 8210, and 0.04 w/w % Y203.

[0058] In some embodiments, the composite armor plates as herein described may comprise a sintered, a product comprising about 90-975 w/w % A1203, about 0.5- 1.0 w/w % MgO, about <0.05-1.0 w/w % Si02, about 5 w/w % Zr02 and about .13 w/w % Hf02.

[0059] In some embodiments, the composite armor plates as herein described may comprise an armor panel comprising a single al layer of high density ceramic pellets which are directly bound and retained in plate form by a solidi?ed material such that the pellets are arranged in a single layer of adjacent rows and columns wherein a ty of each of said pellets is in direct contact with at least six adjacent pellets, n each of said pellets is made from a sintered, alumina product comprising about 90-975 w/w % A1203, about 0.5-1.0 w/w % MgO, about <0.05-1.0 w/w % Si02, about 4.5-7.5 w/w % Zr02 and about 0.07-0.13 w/w % Hf02 and there is less than a 30% difference between the crushing point of adjacent pellets.

[0060] In some embodiments, the composite armor plates as herein described may se a layer of a plurality of high density alumina ceramic bodies, each of said bodies being substantially cylindrical in shape, with at least one convexly curved end face, and each of said bodies having a major axis substantially perpendicular to the axis of its respective curved end face, wherein the ratio D/R between the diameter D of each of said cylindrical bodies and the radius R of curvature of the respectively ly curved end face of each of said bodies is at least 0.64:1, and wherein said bodies are arranged in a plurality of adjacent rows and columns, the major axis of said bodies being in substantially ' parallel orientation with each other and substantially perpendicular to an adjacent surface of said panel; wherein a majority of each of said s is in contact with at least 4 adjacent pellets, the weight of said panel does not exceed 45 kg/M2.

[0061] In some embodiments, the composite armor plates as herein bed may comprise a single internal layer of high density ceramic pellets which are directly bound l 0 COHEN-7450-IL , and retained in plate form by a solidi?ed material such that the pellets are arranged in a single layer of adjacent rows and columns wherein a majority of each of said pellets is in direct contact with at least six adjacent pellets, wherein each of said pellets is made from a sintered, alumina product comprising about 90-93 w/w % A1203, about 0.5-1.0 w/w % MgO, up to about [<] 1.0 w/w % Si02, about 4.5-7.5 w/w % ZrO2 and about 0.07—0.13 w/w % Hf02 and there is less than a 30% difference between the crushing point of adjacent pellets.

[0062] In some embodiments, the composite armor plates as herein described may comprise a single internal layer of high density ceramic s which are directly bound and retained in plate form by a solidi?ed material such that the pellets are bound in a plurality of adjacent rows, wherein the pellets have an A1203 content of at least 93% and a speci?c gravity of at least 2.5, the majority of the pellets each have at least one axis of at least 12 mm length, said one axis of substantially all of said s being in substantially parallel orientation with each other and substantially perpendicular to an nt surface of said plate, and wherein a majority of each of said s is in direct contact with six adjacent pellets and said solidi?ed material and said plate are elastic.

[0063] In some embodiments, the composite armor plates as herein described may se a single internal layer of pellets which are directly bound and retained in plate form by a solidi?ed material such that the pellets are bound in a plurality of adjacent rows, characterized in that the pellets have a speci?c y of at least 2 and are made of a material selected from the group ting of glass, sintered refractory material, c material which does not n aluminum oxide and ceramic material having an aluminium oxide content of not more than 80%, the majority of the pellets each have at least one axis of at least 3 mm length and are bound by said solidi?ed material in said single internal layer of adjacent rows such that each of a majority of said s is in direct contact with at least 6 adjacent pellets in the same layer to provide mutual lateral con?nement therebetween, said s each have a substantially regular geometric form and said ?ed material and said plate are elastic.

[0064] In some embodiments, the composite armor plates as herein described may comprise a layer of a plurality of high density alumina ceramic bodies, each of said bodies being ntially cylindrical in shape, with at least one convexly curved end face, and each of said bodies having a major axis substantially perpendicular to the axis of its respective curved end face, wherein the ratio D/R n the diameter D of each of said cylindrical bodies and the radius R of curvature of the respectively convexly curved end 1 I COHEN-7450-IL face of each of said bodies is at least 0.64:1, and n said bodies are arranged in a plurality of nt rows and columns, the major axis of said bodies being in substantially parallel orientation with each other and substantially perpendicular to an adjacent surface of said panel; wherein a ty of each of said pellets is in contact with at least 4 adjacent pellets, the weight of said panel does not exceed 45 kg/M2.

[0065] In some embodiments, the composite armor plates as herein described may comprise a single internal layer of high density ceramic pellets which are directly bound and retained in plate form by a solidi?ed material such that the pellets are ed in a single layer of adjacent rows and columns n a ty of each of said pellets is in direct contact with at least six adjacent pellets, wherein each of said pellets is made from a sintered, alumina product sing about 90-93 w/w % A1203, about 0.5-1.0 w/w % MgO, up to about [<] 1.0 w/w % Si02, about 4.5-7.5 w/w % Zr02 and about 0.07-0.13 w/w % Hf02 and there is less than a 30% difference between the crushing point of adjacent pellet.

[0066] In some embodiments, the composite armor plates as herein described may comprise a single internal layer of high density ceramic pellets which are directly bound and retained in plate form by a solidified material such that the pellets are bound in a plurality of adjacent rows, wherein the pellets have an A1203 content of at least 93% and a Specific gravity of at least 2.5, the majority of the pellets each have at least one axis of at least 12 mm length, said one axis of substantially all of said pellets being in substantially parallel orientation with each other and substantially perpendicular to an adjacent surface of said plate, and wherein a majority of each of said pellets is in direct contact with six adjacent pellets and said solidi?ed material and said plate are c.

[0067] In some embodiments, the composite armor plates as herein described may comprise a single internal layer of pellets which are directly bound and retained in plate form by a solidi?ed material such that the pellets are bound in a plurality of adjacent rows, characterized in that the pellets have a specific y of at least 2 and are made of a material selected from the group consisting of glass, sintered tory material, ceramic material which does not contain aluminum oxide and ceramic material having an aluminium oxide content of not more than 80%, the majority of the pellets each have at least one axis of at least 3 mm length and are bound by said solidified material in said single al layer of nt rows such that each of a majority of said pellets is in direct contact with at least 6 adjacent s in the same layer to provide mutual lateral 12‘ COHEN-7450-IL con?nement therebetween, said pellets each have a substantially regular ric form and said solidi?ed material and said plate are elastic.

[0068] In some embodiments, the pellets are formed of a c material selected from the group consisting of sintered oxide, nitrides, es and borides of alumina, magnesium, zirconium, en, molybdenum, um and silica.

[0069] In some embodiments, each of the pellets is formed of a material selected from the group consisting of alumina, boron carbide, boron e, titanium diboride, silicon carbide, silicon oxide, silicon nitride, magnesium oxide, silicon aluminum oxynitride and mixtures thereof.

[0070] In some embodiments, the armor panel consists essentially of a single internal layer of a plurality of high density ceramic bodies directly bound and retained in panel form by a solidi?ed material, having a speci?c gravity of at least 2 and being made of a material ed from the grow consisting of ceramic material which does not contain aluminium oxide and ceramic material having an aluminium oxide content of not more than 80%, wherein each of the bodies are substantially cylindrical in shape, with at least one ly curved end face, and each of the bodies have a major axis substantially perpendicular to the axis of its respective curved end face, wherein the ratio D/R between the diameter D of each of the cylindrical bodies and the radius R of curvature of the respectively convexly curved end face of each of the bodies is at least 0.64: l, and wherein the bodies are ed in a plurality of adjacent rows and columns, the major axis of said bodies being in ntially parallel orientation with each other. with the outer surface facing the impact side and ceramic bodies are arranged in a plurality of adjacent rows, the cylinder axis of said bodies being substantially parallel with each other and perpendicular to the surfaces of the panel with the convexly curved end faces directed to the outer surface and the composite armor further sing an inner layer adjacent the inner surface of said panel, where the inner layer is formed from a plurality of adjacent layers, each layer comprising a plurality of ectional coplanar allistic ?bers embedded in a polymeric matrix, the ?bers of adjacent layers being at an angle of between about 45° to 90° to each other.

[0071] In other embodiments, the panel is provided with a layer of a plurality of high density ceramic bodies, having a Speci?c gravity of at least 2 and being made of a material selected from the group consisting of ceramic material which does not n aluminium oxide and ceramic material having an aluminium oxide content of not more than 80%, each of said bodies being substantially cylindrical in shape, with at least one convexly curved 1 3 COHEN-7450-IL end face, and each of said bodies having a major axis substantially perpendicular to the axis of its respective curved end face, wherein the ratio D/R between the diameter D of each of said cylindrical bodies and the radius R of curvature of the respectively convexly curved end face of each of said bodies is at least 0.64:1, and wherein said bodies are arranged in a ity of adjacent rows and columns, the major axis of said bodies being in substantially parallel orientation with each other and substantially perpendicular to an adjacent surface of said panel.

[0072] This invention provides, in some embodiments, an armor system for defeating missile-borne and stationary shaped charges directed t a desired target.

[0073] This invention provides, in some embodiments, this invention in particular es a superior armor system for defeating missile-borne and stationary shaped charges provided in , as directed against a desired target.

[0074] In some embodiments, the target is a fixed target of strategic importance, such as a bridge, a communications structure or plant, a building, a reactor or other sensitive stationary target.

[0075] In some embodiments, the target is a moving target, such as a ship or vehicle.

[0076] In some embodiments, the armor system speci?cally defeats missiles having a shaped charge or other explosive warhead. The armor system es slat or bar units including: a strike end configured for facing an pated impact direction located outside of, and spaced away from, the composite armor plate, which is proximal to the outer surface of the target site. Such armor system slat or bar units form a grid-like trapping surface, being disposed to engage and disrupt the proper functioning of the explosive warhead, e.g. by interfering with an electrical ?ring mechanism of the tip-mounted fuze or structurally ging the explosive device to t or interfere with efficient firing, e.g. of a shaped charge, to ate a high ty jet ing from an exploded missile and/or a stationary shaped charge.

[0077] In some embodiments, the armor system defeats a rocket propelled grenade ed at a target, whereby a rocket propelled e of the type having a forward conical section and a tip-mounted piezoelectric fuse component encounters the strike end configured for facing an anticipated impact direction of the armor system slat or bar units located outside of, and Spaced away from the composite armor plate, which is proximal to the outer surface ofthe target site.

[0078] In some embodiments, the target is a stationary structure and in some embodiments, the target is mobile or under certain circumstances is mobile. '4 COHEN-7450-IL

[0079] Such armor system slat or bar units form a ike trapping e, being disposed to engage and disrupt the proper functioning of the explosive warhead, e.g. by engaging and deforming the l section of the missile to short-circuit the fuse component.

[0080] In some embodiments, this invention provides a method of defeating missile- borne and stationary shaped charges directed at a target such as a building, bridge, ship, or vehicle, the missile of the type having a conical forward n, relative to its trajectory, and a tip-mounted ic fuse component, where in some embodiments, the vehicle or ship has a hull with an outer surface, or the building or structure has an outer surface that can come into contact with the missile-borne and stationary shaped charge, where the method includes the steps of interposing a grid layer comprised of a net or spaced bar/slat con?guration in the e trajectory spaced from the outer surface of the , e.g. the building, bridge, ship, or vehicle, the grid layer having a grid mesh size to engage the conical section to short circuit the fuze on a missile not detonating on the grid layer. In some aspects, the composite grid~ or slat-armored apparatus of this invention further comprises a composite armor plate provided at a second spacing from the grid layer, for example containing at least one layer of high density ceramic bodies or pellets, ured ' such that ajet formed by a missile detonating on the grid layer next encounters the layer of high density ceramic bodies or pellets; de?ecting or otherwise attenuating the de?ected jet.

[0081] In some embodiments, the composite armor plate may comprise a fiber- reinforced matrix.

[0082] In embodiments of the ion the ?ber in the ?ber-reinforced matrix may consist essentially of a material selected from the group' consisting of: araphenylene terephthalamide, stretch—oriented high density polyethylene, stretch-oriented high density polypropylene, stretch-oriented high density polyester, a polymer based on pyridobisimidazole, and silicate glass. Presently preferred embodiments of the invention include fiber-reinforced als having high density stretch-oriented polypropylene ?bers consolidated by heat and pressure in a lower y polypropylene polymer.

[0083] The accompanying drawings, which are orated in and constitute a part of this speci?cation, rate several ments of the invention and together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention.

[0084] The invention will now be described in connection with certain preferred embodiments with reference to the following illustrative ?gures so that it may be more fully understood. 1 5 COHEN-7450-IL

[0085] With reference now to the ?gures in detail, it is stressed that the particulars shown are by way of e and for purposes of illustrative discussion of certain embodiments of the present invention only, and are presented in the cause of providing what is believed to be useful and readily understood description of the principles and conceptual aspects of the invention. In this regard, no attempt is made to show structural details of the invention in more detail than is necessary for a fundamental understanding of the invention, the description taken with the gs making apparent to those skilled in the art how the several forms of the invention may, be ed in practice.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE GS IO [0086] Various embodiments of the composite grid- or slat-armored apparatuses of this invention are described herein with reference to the ?gures wherein:

[0087] Figure lA-lD provide tic, cross-sectional views depicting performance of the composite grid- or slat-armored system outer portion showing a plurality of slat or bar units including: a strike end con?gured for facing an anticipated impact direction, with incident RPG—type missile warheads having conventional piezoelectric fuses, with the engagement of the RPG-type missile with one of the extending surfaces of a slat causing detonation of the warhead creating a blast region through the slat or bar units.

[0088] Figures 2A—2D schematically depict another embodied aSpect of the invention, depicting performance of the composite grid- or slat-armored system outer n such that the plurality of slat or bar units including: a strike end con?gured for facing an anticipated impact direction, s the RPG-type missile with one of the extending surfaces of a slat causing structural mise to and preventing detonation of the d.

[0089] Figure 3 schematically depicts further embodied aspects of the composite Spiked grid- or slat-armored apparatus of this invention in ed view. , [0090] Figures 4A—4C schematically another ed aspect of the composite spiked grid- or slat-armored apparatus, highlighting the potential for the plurality of slat or bar units and the plurality of spiked cross-attachment supports arranged within a first frame movably attached to second framework structure to move in any l direction to ze interaction of the incoming explosive warhead containing weaponry with disruptive elements of the apparatus.

[0091] Figures SA-SD schematically another embodied aspect of the ite spiked grid- or rmored apparatus, highlighting the potential for the plurality of slat or bar units and the plurality of spiked cross-attachment supports arranged within a ?rst frame movably attached to second framework structure to move in any l direction to optimize “5 COHEN-7450-IL interaction of the incoming explosive warhead containing ry with disruptive elements of the apparatus.

[0092] Figure 6 schematically depicts further embodied aspects of the composite spiked grid— or slat-armored tus of this invention in magni?ed view, highlighting the composite armor plate component.

[0093] Figures 7A-7D depicts blast trajectories in case of detonation of the explosive warhead of incoming explosive warhead ning when engaging various types of and arrangements of armored defensive apparatuses, including the embodied composite grid- or slat-armored system of this invention.

[0094] Figures 8A—8E schematically depict further embodied aspects of the invention, whereby the bene?t of the composite grid- or slat-armored systems of this invention are evident when positioned for stationary target structures.

DETAILED PTION OF THE INVENTION

[0095] This invention provides, in some ments, a composite grid- or slat- armored apparatus for protection against explosive warhead containing weaponry, comprising an impact facing surface containing a plurality of slat or bar units arranged to extend along a first longitudinal direction, the plurality of slat units ted from each other by a spacing and a plurality of slat or bar cross-attachment supports substantially perpendicular to and connected to the slat or bar units extending along a first longitudinal direction, providing mutual support to the slats or bars to restrict expansion of the spacing by an incoming explosive warhead ning weapon, wherein the ity of slat or bar units and plurality of slat or bar cross-attachment supports together form a ike trapping surface, and the apparatus r comprising a composite armor plate provided at a second spacing from the grid like trapping surface, with the composite armor plate comprising high density ceramic bodies or s.

[0096] In some embodiments the composite spiked grid- or slat-armored apparatus for protection against explosive warhead containing weaponry, comprises 0 a plurality of slat or bar units arranged in two or more rows, each of said plurality of slat or bar units extending along a ?rst longitudinal direction and including: a strike end con?gured for facing an anticipated impact direction, comprising sharp protrusions separated from each other by a ?rst g, and o a plurality of spiked attachment supports ted to and positioned along said plurality of slat or bar units such that a spiked surface of said cross attachment support is positioned ntially perpendicular to said ?rst 17 7450-IL longitudinal direction, wherein said cross-attachment supports restrict expansion of said first spacing by an incoming explosive warhead containing weapon coming into contact ith; wherein said plurality of slat or bar units and said plurality of spiked cross- attachment supports form a trapping array, which trapping array is arranged within a first frame movably attached to second framework structure, such that said trapping array may move in any lateral direction; and o a composite armor plate provided at a second spacing from said second framework structure, said composite armor plate comprising IO i. a layer of a plurality of high density alumina ceramic bodies, each of said bodies being substantially rical in shape, with at least one ly curved end face, and each of said bodies having a major axis substantially dicular to the axis of its respective curved end face, wherein the ratio D/R between the diameter D of each of said cylindrical bodies and the radius R of curvature of the respectively convexly curved end face of each of said bodies is at least 0.64:1, and wherein said bodies are arranged in a plurality of adjacent rows and columns, the major axis of said bodies being in ntially parallel orientation with each other and substantially perpendicular to an nt surface of said Q panel; or a single internal layer of pellets made of ceramic material disposed in a plurality of spaced-apart rows and columns, which are bound and ed in plate form by an elastic material; a majority of said s having at least one convexly curved end face; an outer impact receiving major surface defined by said convexly curved end faces of said s for absorbing and dissipating kinetic energy from high-velocity projectiles; said convexly curved end faces of said pellets receiving impact from high—velocity projectiles and absorbing and dissipating kinetic energy therefrom; said pellets having a ntially regular polygonal outer surface with the comers of the polygon being eliminated to form rounded corners; a majority of each of said pellets being in direct contact with six adjacent pellets in the same layer to provide mutual lateral con?nement there between to trap said high- 13 COHEN-7450-IL velocity projectiles; a valley space being de?ned between three adjacent pellets, said‘valley Space being ntially smaller than a valley space de?ned by three cylindrical pellets having a diameter the same as said nal pellets with d corners; and a plurality of said pellets de?ning an opening extending into said pellet from a surface opposite to said outer impact receiving convexly cured end face of said pellet to reduce the weight per area thereof. ii. 1. In some embodiments, this invention provides a composite spiked grid— 0r slat-armored apparatus for protection against explosive warhead containing weaponry, sing a ity of slat or bar units arranged in two or more rows, each of said plurality of slat or bar units extending along a ?rst longitudinal direction and including: a strike end red for facing an pated impact direction, comprising sharp protrusions separated from each other by a ?rst spacing, and a plurality of Spiked cross-attachment supports connected to and positioned along said plurality of slat or bar units such that a spiked surface of said cross attachment support is positioned substantially perpendicular to said ?rst longitudinal direction, wherein said cross-attachment supports restrict expansion of said ?rst g by an incoming explosive warhead containing 2O weapon coming into contact ith; wherein said plurality of slat or bar units and said plurality of spiked cross- attachment supports form a trapping array, which trapping array is arranged within a ?rst frame movably attached to second framework structure, such that said trapping array may move in any lateral direction; and a composite armor plate provided at a second spacing from said second framework structure, said ite armor plate comprising 0 a single internal layer of high y c pellets, said pellets having an A1203 content of at least 93%, and a speci?c gravity of at least 2.5 and retained in panel form by a solidi?ed material which is elastic at a temperature below 250° C.; the majority of said pellets each having a part of a major axis of a length of in the range of about 3-12 mm and being bound by said solidi?ed material in a plurality of superposed rows; or 19 COHEN-7450-IL o a single internal layer of high y c pellets which are directly bound and retained in plate form by a solidi?ed material such that the pellets are ed in a single layer of adjacent rows and columns wherein a majority of each of said pellets is in direct contact with at least six nt pellets, wherein each of said pellets is made from a sintered, alumina product comprising about 90-93 wlw % A1203, about 0.5-1.0 w/w % MgO, up to about [<] 1.0 w/w % SiO2, about 4.5-7.5 w/w % Zr02 and about 0.07-0.13 w/w % HfO2 and there is less than a % difference between the crushing point of adjacent pellets; or o a single internal layer of high density ceramic pellets which are directly bound and retained in plate form by a solidi?ed material such that the pellets are bound in a ity of adjacent rows, wherein the pellets have an A1203 content of at least 93% and a c gravity of at least 2.5, the majority of the pellets each have at least one axis of at least 12 mm length, said one axis of substantially all of said pellets being in substantially parallel orientation with each other and ntially dicular to an adjacent surface of said plate, and wherein a majority of each of said pellets is in direct contact with six adjacent pellets and said solidi?ed al and said plate are elastic; or o a single internal layer of pellets which are directly bound and retained in plate form by a solidi?ed material such that the s are bound in a plurality of nt rows, characterized in that the pellets have a speci?c gravity of at least 2 and are made of a material selected from the group consisting of glass, sintered refractory material, ceramic material which does not contain aluminum oxide and ceramic material having an ium oxide content of not more than 80%, the majority of the pellets each have at least one axis of at least 3 mm length and are bound by said solidi?ed material in said single internal layer of adjacent rows such that each of a majority of said pellets is in direct contact with at least 6 adjacent pellets in the same layer to provide mutual lateral con?nement therebetween, said pellets each have a substantially regular geometric form and said solidi?ed material and said plate are elastic.

[0097] Referring to Figures lA-lD, a schematic, cross-sectional view depicting performance of the composite spiked grid- or slat-armored system is provided. Depicted in COHEN-7450-IL ‘ the s is an outer portion showing a plurality of slat or bar units including: a strike end con?gured for facing an anticipated impact direction, with incident RPG-type missile warheads having conventional lectric fuses.

[0098] In some aspects, as described herein, the composite spiked grid- or slat-armored apparatus of this invention will be so ucted in anticipation of the type of threat t which armored defense is sought, and such consideration will re?ect whether a stationary or mobile structure is being defended, among other considerations.

[0099] In some aspects, the spacing separating the slat or bar units arranged in two or more rows, including the spacing n the sharp protrusions from the strike end of the slat or bar units and/or the spacing between the plurality of spiked cross-attachment supports is larger than the expected radius/length taken up by the detonator on the incoming warhead- containing weapon/rocket yet smaller than the diameter of the warhead.

[00100] For example, and representing certain embodiments of this invention, where a potential threat of an Indian anti-tank missile, such as a “MPATGM” may be tered, the spacing may be Optimized to protect thereagainst. According to this , and in some embodiments, knowing that such missile diameter is typically 120mm, and houses a tor approximately 30mm in length with an overall outer explosive cone diameter of about 50mm, in some aSpects, the ?rst g distance would be oned to be about 45 mm, i.e. less than the diameter of the incoming explosive d, but larger than the expected size/length of the detonator contained therein.

[00101] It will be appreciated by the skilled artisan that the spacing distance can be adjusted and/or different arrangments can be prepared so that different missile threats can be best addressed, scaling same based on the considerations as described herein.

[00102] In some aspects, the spacing separating the slat or bar units arranged in two or more , rows, including the g n the sharp protrusions from the strike end of the slat or bar units and/or the spacing n the plurality of spiked cross-attachment supports is from about 10% to about 70% less in size than a diameter of an incoming explosive warhead containing weaponry.

[00103] In some aspects, the so termed “second spacing” in particular with respect to the spacing between the composite armor plate and the framework structure bearing the plurality of slat or bar units and plurality of spiked cross-attachment supports is optimized in terms of its magnitude in consideration of the structure being protected, its magnitude, composition, etc. as well as the topography of the location of the ure being protected and the expected size of incoming weapon. 21 COHEN-7450—IL ] In some aspects, second spacing provides ample ce between the ity of slat or bar units and plurality of spiked cross-attachment ts and the armor panels to reduce the in?uence of any potential tion on t with the impact surface of the apparatus being d to the protected structure whose placement is beyond the “second spacing” behind the armor.

] In some aspects, the second spacing may also include providing additional spacing and a second, third, fourth, etc. composite armor plate, i.e. multiple or staggered or stacked composite armor , which in some embodiments may be more y packed to the ?rst ite armor plate to allow for greater protection ofkey targets.

[00106] .ln some embodiments, the armor panels substantially cover the exposed impact surface of a ork structure positioned at the second spacing. According to this aspect, and in some embodiments, the armor panels may be staggered to constitute overlapping segments, or may fully or substantially cover the tive panel comprising the armor in a more uniform, ntially single layer.

[00107] Referring to Figure 1A, the engagement of the RPG-type missile with one of the extending surfaces of a slat engages and causes detonation of the warhead creating a blast region through the slat or bar units. In Figures lA-lD, the composite arm'6r plate is seen ed at a spacing from the grid like trapping surface, attenuating the activated jet.

[00108] .Figures 2A-2D schematically depict another embodied aspect of the invention, whereby a cross-sectional view depicting performance of the composite grid- or slat-armored system outer portion showing a plurality of slat or bar units ing: a strike end con?gured for facing an anticipated impact direction, with incident RPG-type missile warheads having conventional piezoelectric fuses, as well. [nthis embodiment, as seen in Figure 2A the engagement of the RPG-type missile with one of the extending surfaces of a slat engages and causes structural compromise to the warhead, preventing detonation of the warhead. In these ?gures, as well, the composite armor plate is seen provided at a spacing from the grid like trapping surface, and subject to less impact of any de?ected parts from the incoming compromised missile.

[00109] Figure provides a more detailed schematic depiction of the composite spiked grid- or slat-armored apparatus 3- l 0 for protection against explosive warhead containing weaponry of this invention. According to this aspect, and in some embodiments, the ?gure depicts an impact receiving surface, or strike end con?gured for facing an anticipated impact direction 3- 05, which is magni?ed in the inset in the ?gure to further highlight structural aspects of same. 27- 7450-IL 1 In the inset, an embodied plurality of slat or bar units arranged in two or more rows 3-65 is shown. The slat or bar units extend along a ?rst longitudinal direction and ?irther comprise sharp protrusions 3-40 extending along an axis substantially dicular to the ?rst longitudinal axis. According to this aSpect and in some embodiments, the apparatus further comprises a plurality of spiked cross-attachment supports 350 connected to and positioned along said plurality of slat or bar units such that a spiked surface of said cross attachment support is positioned substantially perpendicular, as well, to said first longitudinal direction.

[00110] Referring still to Figure 3, as is evident, the sharp protrusions 3-40 extending from the slat or bar units arranged in two or more rows are ted from each other by a ?rst l0 spacing, 3-60.

[00111] In some aspects the cross-attachment supports restrict expansion of said ?rst spacing by an incoming explosive warhead containing weapon coming into contact therewith; to that the ?rst spacing 3-60 is not substantially ed, and the incoming explosive warhead containing weapon may partially insert ithin. [5 [00112] According to this aspect of the invention and as embodied in the ?gure, the plurality of slat or bar units and plurality of spiked cross-attachment supports form a trapping array, which trapping array is arranged within a ?rst frame 355 movably attached to a second framewo?< structure 3-75, such that said trapping array may move in any lateral ion.

[00113] In some aspects, the movable attachment between the ?rst frame and second ork structure ses spring or piston or movable 3-70 connections, facilitating nt along a single directional axis.

] The composite spiked grid— or slat-armored apparatus further comprises a composite armor plate 3-30 provided at a second spacing 3-80 from the second framework structure 3-75. In some aspects, the composite armor plate comprises staggered or overlapping layers of ceramic pellets or bodies contained within a third frame, to rce same.

[00115] Figures 4A-4C schematically depict further embodied aSpects of the invention, whereby the bene?t of the composite grid- or slat-armored systems of this invention are t in providing greater protection against an incoming explosive warhead containing weapon.

[00116] Figure 4A depicts an incoming missile 4-150 on a trajectory expected to make contact with the impact receiving surface 4-05 of the spiked grid- or slat-armored apparatus.

As is more clearly evident from the embodiment ted in Figure 4B, the angle of the rows of sharp protrusions 440 may differ from the angle of entry of the incoming missile such that 23 COHEN-‘7450-IL the e may not readily insert within the ?rst Spacing optimizing contact with the tive elements including the sharp protrusions, but also the spiked cross-attachment supports 4-50. As is depicted in the ?gure, the array is arranged within a ?rst frame 4-55 movably attached to a second ?amework ure 4-75, via the spring structures 4-70 so that the ng array may move in any lateral direction, leading to Figure 4C, where the incoming missile 4~100 is more ively brought into t with the disruptive elements and is thereafter neutralized or d in terms of the posed threat from same.

[00117] Referring to Figures 5A—5D, another ed impact receiving spiked grid- or slat-armored apparatus is tically depicted. According to this aspect, the angle of the IO rows of sharp protrusions 5—40 may differ from the angle of entry of the incoming missile such that the missile may not readily insert within the ?rst spacing optimizing contact with the disruptive ts including the sharp protrusions, but also the spiked cross-attachment supports 4-50. As is depicted in the ?gure, the array is arranged within a first frame 5-55 movably attached to a second framework structure 5-75, via a movable sliding ure 5-58 in groove 5-59 so that the trapping array may move in a lateral direction. In this aspect, positioning of the array ?'om a 0 to 45 degree angle is shown. As will be appreciated, the second spacing and ite armor plates 478 could be similarly positioned as in Figures 4A-C and Figure 3. Figure 5C and 5D highlight the ability to stagger the length and/0r positioning of the protrusions .

[00118] Figure 6A schematically depicts further embodied. aspects of the invention, whereby the arrangement of the ceramic bodies/pellets 6-90 are shown in greater detail. In some aspects the ceramic bodies/pellets 6-90 may be aligned and contained in a matrix 6-1 15, for example, ning a resin matrx to stabilize and/or orient and/or strengthen same. In some embodiments, the ceramic bodies/pellets 6-90 may abut a further supportive layer 6-95 followed by a strength backing 6-100, which may surround the terminal row (6-1 10, 6-1 [5) of the ceramic bodies/pellets 6-90.The Figure also describes the scalability of the spiked grid- or slat-armored apparatus, to accommodate a desired structure for protection, such that, for example, as depicted in this embodiment, the ?rst and second combined spacing es a 3 meter distance from the impact receiving surface to that of the ite armor plate which is placed still at a further distance, e.g. in this embodiment still 20 meters from, the structure being thus protected, which in this embodiment, is the potential location of a train [. Figure 68 further demonstrates the ability to position yet a further composite armor plate positioning from the impact receiving surface, which may be similarly composed, or may in some embodiments, e a different type of ballistic armor, or in some embodiments, comprise 24 COHEN-7450—IL ceramic bodies/pellets 6-90 containing a different chemical make up, or in some embodiments, be provided at a different angle, etc.

[00119] In some embodiments, the spacing as chosen, as part of the ce and/or periodic repeat and/0r height of each of the sharp protrusions may vary as a consequence of the threat assessment for the speci?c target. In some aspect, the spacing between the sharp protrusions will re?ect a consideration of the length of the incoming warhead containing weapon, and in some embodiments, the impact receiving surface of the spiked grid- or slat- armored apparatus, in terms of range may also be a re?ection of same to e arriving at an optimum angle of contact between the incoming warhead containing weapon and the impact receiving surface of the Spiked grid- or mored apparatus. In some aspects, such considerations will also re?ect a consideration of the size of the target to be ted, its need/potential for mobility, t0pography of the area, the distance between the armor system and the structure and others, as will be appreciated by the d artisan.

[00120] Figures 7A — 7D schematically depict blast trajectories in case of detonation of the IS explosive warhead of incoming ive warhead ning weaponry. Figures 7A and 7B depict reduction of the impact ”of the exploding warhead when armor plates as described herein containing ceramic bodies or pellets are ed to traditional armor. This attenuation seen in Figure 7B is revered in Figure 7C when the incoming explosive warhead containing weapon is engaged by a slat structure which is provided so that same is facing the pated impact direction, when the armored plate is then located more proximally thereto.

Comparing Figure 7D depicts the surprising finding that when the spacing is sufficient the impact of detonation of the explosive d ning weapon bears no impact on the armored plate, providing therefore the most ideal protection for the target structure thereby protected. In some ments, if detonation occurs in the instant invention, same is reduced, e.g. when a tandem charge HEAT missile is encountered by damaging at least one of the warheads during its contact with the composite ures ofthis invention.

[00121] s 8A-8E schematically depict further ed aspects of the invention, whereby the bene?t of the composite grid— or slat-armored systems of this invention are evident when positioned for stationary target structures For example, and representing certain embodiments, protection of antenna s are envisioned. According to this aspect, and in some embodiments, care is taken to ze or avoid incorporation of metal or steel components that disrupt signals sent or received by the antenna system while materials robust enough to afford protection in accordance with the design and arrangement of parts as described is maintained. According to this aspect and in some embodiments, the composite COHEN-7450-IL grid- or slat-armored systems are constructed to surround critical ents of a target to maximize protection ofsame while ng the overall weight borne by the structure.

[00122] Figures 8D and 8E tically depict protection of a stationary target structure, in this case a communications antenna, whereby ant and sensitive components of same are protected by strategic placement of the composite grid- or slat-armored systems to surround the ents of interest only, as opposed to the entire structure, thereby creating a lighter more targeted defense of the .

[00123] While certain features of the invention have been illustrated and described herein, many ations, tutions, changes, and equivalents will now occur to those of ordinary skill in the art. It is, therefore, to be understood that the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications and changes as fall within the true spirit of the inven?on.

[00124] It will be tood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as IS set forth in the appended claims. Those skilled in the art will ize, or be able' to ascertain using no more than routine experimentation, many lents to the speci?c embodiments of the invention described herein. Such equivalents are ed to be encompassed in the scope of the claims.

[00125] All publications, patents, and patent applications mentioned herein are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety as if each individual publication or patent was speci?cally and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference. In case of a con?ict between the speci?cation and an incorporated reference, the specification shall control.

Where number ranges are given in this document, endpoints are included within the range.

Furthermore, it is to be understood that unless otherwise indicated or otherwise evident from the context and understanding of one of ordinary skill in the art, values that are expressed as ranges can assume any specific value or subrange within the stated ranges, optionally including or excluding either or both endpoints, in ent embodiments of the invention, to the tenth of the unit of the lower limit of the range, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Where a percentage is recited in reference to a value that intrinsically has units that are whole numbers, any resulting fraction may be rounded to the nearest whole number.

[00126] In the claims articles such as "a,", "an" and "the” mean one or more than one . unless indicated to the contrary or otherwise evident from the context. Claims or descriptions that e "or" or "and/or" between members of a group are considered 26 COHEN-7450-IL satis?ed if one, more than one, or all of the group members are present in, employed in, or ise nt to a given product or process unless indicated to the ry or otherwise evident from the context. The invention includes embodiments in which exactly one member of the group is present in, employed in, or otherwise relevant to a given product or process. The invention also includes embodiments in which more than one, or all of the group members are present in, employed in, or otherwise relevant to a given product or process. Furthermore, it is to be understood that the invention provides, in various embodiments, all ions, combinations, and permutations in which one or more ‘ limitations, elements, clauses, descriptive terms, etc., from one or more of the listed claims is uced into another claim dependent on the same base claim unless otherwise. ted or unless it would be evident to one of ordinary skill in the art that a contradiction or inconsistency would arise. Where elements are presented as lists, e.g. in Markush group format or the like, it is to be understood that each subgroup of the elements is also sed, and any element(s) can be removed from the group. It should it be understood that, in l, where the invention, or aspects of the invention, is/are referred to as comprising particular ts, features, etc., certain embodiments of the invention or s of the invention consist, or consist essentially of, such elements, features, etc. For purposes of simplicity those ments have not in every case been speci?cally set forth in haec verba herein. Certain claims are presented in dependent form for the sake of convenience, but Applicant reserves the right to rewrite any dependent claim in independent format to include the elements or tions of the independent claim and any other claim(s) on which such claim depends, and such rewritten claim ‘is to be considered equivalent in all respects to the dependent claim in whatever form it is in r amended or unamended) prior to being rewritten in independent format.

[00127] The following examples be certain embodiments of the invention and and should not be construed as limiting the scope of what is encompassed by the invention in any way.

EXAMPLES MATERIALS AND METHODS Example 1

[00128]. It will be understood by the skilled artisan how to construct and produce the composite spiked grid- or slat-armored apparatuses as herein described. 27 COHEN-7450-IL

[00129] For example and in some embodiments, elements of the frames, slat or bar units and spiked cross-attachment supports can be prepared as a single integral body, or the various elements may be provided by any of the following: bolting, welding, external wrapping and other methods as known to the artisan.

[00130] In some aspects, the Spacing between the slat or bar units will be chosen to be larger than the dimensions of a detonator of an explosive warhead containing weaponry assessed as a potential threat for a given target, while also being smaller than the rough diameter of the war head. Other considerations include assessing the optimum spacing between the impact receiving trapping array and composite armor plate as well as assessing the optimum angle of contact between the explosive d containing weaponry and the impact ing trapping array.

[00131] The composite armor plate may be prepared by any of the methods as described in United States Patent Numbers 5,763,813, 5972819, 6203908, ' 6,112,635, 6,408,734, 6,289,781, 6,624,106, 6,575,075, 6,497,966, 6,860,186, 7,117,780, 7,603,939, 8281700, 8,012,897, 7,383,762, or 541, each and every one of which is hereby orated herein in its entirety, which in turn may be attached to the larger tus via, bolting, welding, etc., as will be appreciated by the d artisan.

EXAMPLE 2: Superior Protection Afforded by the Composite Spiked Grid- or Slat-Armored Apparatus of This Invention

[00132] In some aspects of this invention, the composite spiked grid- or rmored apparatuses provide superior protection from explosive. warhead containing weaponry.

Such superior performance is demonstrated by multiple means known in the art. For example, such superior performance is demonstrated following comparison of same versus other protective structures, whereby both the control and embodied apparatus are exposed to a controlled explosion of a rocket positioned at the impact receiving e of each.

Following lled ion, each apparatus is assessed for its ural integrity including analysis of the s components of each apparatus.

Claims (36)

:

1. A composite spiked grid- or slat-armored apparatus for protection against explosive warhead containing weaponry, comprising a plurality of slat or bar units arranged in two or more rows, each of said plurality of slat or bar units extending along a ?rst longitudinal direction and including: a strike end configured for facing an anticipated impact direction, comprising sharp protrusions separated from each other by a first g, and a plurality of Spiked attachment supports connected to and positioned along said plurality of slat or bar units such that a spiked surface of said cross ment support is positioned substantially perpendicular to said first longitudinal direction, wherein said cross- attachment supports ct expansion of said first spacing by an incoming explosive warhead ning weapon coming into contact therewith; wherein said plurality of slat or bar units and said plurality of spiked cross-attachment supports form a ng array, which trapping array is arranged within a ?rst frame movably attached to second framework structure, such that said trapping array may move in any lateral direction; and a ite armor plate provided at a second spacing from said second framework structure, said composite armor plate sing 0 a layer of a plurality of high density a ceramic bodies, each of said bodies being substantially cylindrical in shape, with at least one convexly curved end face, and each of said bodies having a major axis substantially perpendicular to the axis of its respective curved end face, wherein the ratio D/R between the diameter D ofeach of said cylindrical bodies and the radius R of curvature of the respectively convexly curved end face of each of said bodies is at least 0.64:], and wherein said bodies are ed in a plurality of adjacent rows and columns, the major axis of said bodies being in substantially parallel orientation with 28 each other and substantially perpendicular to an nt surface of said panel; or a single internal layer of pellets made of c material disposed in a plurality of spaced-apart rows and columns, which are bound and retained in plate form by an elastic al; a majority of said pellets having at least one convexly curved end face; an outer impact receiving major surface de?ned by said convexly curved end faces of said pellets for absorbing and dissipating kinetic energy from high-velocity projectiles; said convexly curved end faces of said pellets receiving impact from high-velocity projectiles and ing and dissipating kinetic energy rom; said s having a substantially r polygonal outer surface with the comers of the n being eliminated to form rounded corners; a majority of each of said pellets being in direct contact with six adjacent pellets in the same layer to provide mutual lateral con?nement there between to trap said high-velocity projectiles; a valley space being de?ned between three adjacent pellets, said valley Space being substantially smaller than a valley space de?ned by three cylindrical pellets having a diameter the same as said polygonal pellets with rounded corners; and a plurality of said pellets de?ning an opening extending into said pellet from a surface opposite to said outer impact receiving convexly cured end face of said pellet to reduce the weight per area thereof.

2. The composite Spiked grid- or slat-armored apparatus of claim 1, wherein said ?rst spacing between adjacent slat or bar units in said array is from about 10% to about 70% less in size than a diameter of an incoming explosive warhead containing weaponry.

3. The composite spiked grid- or slat-armored apparatus of claim 1, wherein said slat or bar units, or said spiked cross-attachment ts, or a combination thereof are composed of various materials selected from the group consisting of: metals, ceramics, composites, and combinations thereof.

4. The composite spiked grid- or rmored apparatus of claim 1, wherein said spiked cross-attachment supports contain sharp ing projections. 29

5. The composite spiked grid— or slat-armored apparatus of claim 4, wherein said sharp extending projections may vary in terms of number, spacing, periodicity, angle, length, shape or a combination thereof.

6. The composite spiked grid- or slat-armored apparatus of claim 1, wherein said slat or bar units, or said spiked cross-attachment supports, or a combination thereof are of various cross sections.

7. The composite spiked grid- or slat-armored apparatus of claim 1, wherein said slat or bar units, or said Spiked cross-attachment supports, or a combination thereof are of s shapes selected from the group consisting of: rectangles, trapezoids, triangles, ovals, and cylinders.

8. The composite spiked grid- or slat-armored apparatus ofclaim I, wherein cross- attachment members are ed by s selected from the group consisting of: tying, wrapping, braiding, gluing, welding, adhesion, fasteners, screws, nubs, clips, bands, and any combination thereof.

9. The ite spiked grid— or slat-armored apparatus of claim 1, r comprising attachments that pass around the parallel bars, attachments that pass through holes in the el bars, perpendicular parallel bar-to-parallel bar attachments, X-shaped attachments, attachments between every other el bar, or any combination thereof.

10. The composite spiked grid- or slat-armored apparatus of claim 1, wherein the one of the ?rst and second end faces of said c pellets is dESposed substantially opposite to the outer impact receiving major surface and is spherical.

11. l l. The composite spiked grid- or slat-armored apparatus of claim I, n the one ofthe first and second end faces of said ceramic pellets is diSposed opposite said impact receiving major e and is convexly curved and wherein a ratio D/R between the diameter ‘of the body and a radius of curvature of the one of the ?rst and second end faces diSposed opposite said outer impact receiving major surface is between about 0.28:1 and 0.639: 1.

12. The composite spiked grid- or slat-armored apparatus of claim 1, wherein the one of the ?rst and second end faces of said ceramic s disposed substantially te to the outer impact receiving major surface is in a form of an outwardly tapered truncated cone. 30

13. The composite spiked grid- or slat-armored apparatus of claim 1, wherein a majority of said pellets have at least one convexly-curved end face oriented t0' substantially face in a direction of the outer impact receiving major surface.

14. The composite spiked grid- or slat-armored apparatus of claim I, wherein said pellets have at least one axis of at least 9 mm.

15. The composite spiked grid- or slat-armored tus of claim 1, wherein said pellets have at least one axis of at least 20 mm.

16. The composite spiked grid- or slat-armored apparatus of claim 1, wherein each ofsaid pellets is formed ofa ceramic material selected from the group consisting of sintered oxide, nitrides, carbides and borides of alumina, magnesium, zirconium, tungsten, molybdenum, titanium and silica.

17. The composite spiked grid- or slat-armored apparatus of claim 1, wherein each of said pellets is formed of a material selected from the group consisting of alumina, boron e, boron e, titanium diboride, silicon carbide, silicon oxide, silicon nitride, magnesium oxide, silicon um ride and mixtures thereof.

18. The composite spiked grid- or slat-armored apparatus of claim 1, wherein a plurality of said pellets have a channel extending inwardly from said one of the first and second end faces disposed opposite said outer impact receiving major surface to reduce the weight per area thereof.

19. A composite spiked grid- or slat—armored apparatus for protection against explosive warhead containing weaponry, comprising 0 a plurality of slat or bar units arranged in two or more rows, each of said plurality of slat or bar units extending along a ?rst longitudinal direction and including: a strike end con?gured for facing an anticipated impact direction, sing sharp sions separated from each other by a ?rst spacing, and . o a plurality of spiked cross-attachment supports ted to and positioned along said ity of slat or bar units such that a spiked e of said cross attachment support is positioned substantially perpendicular to said ?rst longitudinal direction, wherein said cross- ment supports ct expansion of said ?rst spacing by an 31 incoming explosive d containing weapon coming into contact therewith; wherein said plurality of slat or bar units and said plurality of spiked cross-attachment supports form a trapping array, which trapping array is arranged within a ?rst frame movably attached to second framework structure, such that said trapping array may move in any lateral direction; and a ite armor plate provided at a second spacing from said second framework structure, said composite armor plate comprising 0 a single internal layer ofhigh density ceramic pellets, said pellets having an Al203 content of at‘ least 93%, and a speci?c gravity of at least 2.5 and retained in’ panel form by a solidi?ed material which is elastic at a temperature below 250° C.; the majority of said pellets each having a part of a major axis of a length of in the range of about 3-12 mm and being bound by said solidi?ed material in a plurality of superposed rows; or o a single internal layer of high density ceramic pellets which are directly bound and retained in plate form by a ?ed al such that the pellets are ed in a single layer of adjacent rows and columns wherein a majority of each of said pellets is in direct contact with at least six adjacent pellets, wherein each of said pellets is made from a sintered, alumina t comprising about 90-93 w/w % Al203, about 0.5-1.0 w/w % Mg'O, up to about [<] 1.0 w/w % Si02, about 4.5-7.5 w/w % Zr02 and about 0.07-0. l3 w/w % HfO2 and there is less than a 30% difference between the crushing point of adjacent pellets; 01' o a single internal layer of high density ceramic pellets which are directly bound and retained in plate form by a solidi?ed material such that the pellets are bound in a plurality of adjacent rows, wherein the pellets have an A1203 t of at least 93% and a speci?c gravity of at least 2.5, the majority of the s each have at least one axis of at least 12 mm length., said one axis of 32 ntially all of said pellets being in substantially parallel orientation with each other and substantially dicular to an adjacent surface of said plate, and wherein a majority of each of said s is in direct contact with six nt s and said ?ed material and said plate are elastic; or o a single internal layer of pellets which are directly bound and retained in plate form by a solidi?ed material’ such that the pellets are bound in a plurality of adjacent rows, characterized in that the pellets have a speci?c gravity of at least 2 and are made ofa al selected from the group consisting of glass, sintered refractory material, ceramic material which does not contain aluminum oxide and ceramic material having an aluminium oxide content of not more than 80%, the majority of the pellets each have at least one axis of at least 3 mm length and are bound by said solidi?ed al in said single internal layer of adjacent rows such that each of a majority of said pellets is in direct contact with at least 6 adjacent pellets in the same layer to provide mutual lateral con?nement therebetween, said pellets each have a substantially regular geometric form and said solidi?ed material and said plate are elastic.

20. The ite Spiked grid- or slat-armored apparatus ofclaim 1.9, wherein said ?rst spacing between adjacent slat or bar units in said array is from about 10% to about 70% less in size than a diameter of an incoming explosive warhead containing weaponry.

21. The ite spiked grid- or rmored apparatus of claim 19, wherein said slat or bar units, or said spiked cross—attachment supports, or a combination thereof are composed of various materials selected from the group consisting of: , ceramics, composites, and combinations thereof.

22. The composite spiked grid- or slat-armored apparatus of claim 19, wherein said Spiked cross-attachment supports contain sharp extending projections.

23. The composite spiked grid- or Slat-armored apparatus of claim 22, wherein said sharp extending projections may vary in terms of number, Spacing, periodicity, angle, length, shape or a combination thereof. 33

24. The composite spiked grid- or slat-armored tus ofclaim 19, wherein said slat or bar units, or said spiked cross-attachment supports, or a combination thereof are ofvarious cross sections.

25. The composite spiked grid- or slat-armored apparatus of claim 19, wherein said slat or bar units, or said spiked cross-attachment supports, or a combination thereof are of various shapes selected from the group ting of: rectangles, trapezoids, triangles, ovals, and cylinders.

26. The composite spiked grid- or slat-armored apparatus of claim 19, wherein attachment members are ed by methods selected from the group consisting of: tying, wrapping, braiding, gluing, welding, adhesion, fasteners, screws, nubs, clips, bands, and any combination thereof.

27. The composite spiked grid- or slat-armored apparatus of claim 19, further comprising attachments that pass around the parallel bars, attachments that pass through holes in the parallel bars, perpendicular parallel -parallel bar attachments, X-shaped attachments, attachments between 'every other parallel bar, or any combination thereof.

28. The composite Spiked grid- or rmored apparatus of claim 19, wherein the one of the first and second end faces of said ceramic pellets is disposed substantially opposite to the outer impact receiving major surface and is cal.

29. The composite spiked grid- or slat-armored apparatus of claim 19, wherein the one ofthe first and second end faces of said ceramic pellets is disposed opposite said impact receiving major surface and is convexly curved and wherein a ratio D/R between the diameter of the body and a radius of curvature of the one of the first and second end faces disposed opposite said outer impact receiving major surface is between about 0.28:] and 0.639zl.

30. The composite spiked grid- or rmored apparatus of claim 19, wherein the one of the ?rst and second end faces of said ceramic pellets diSposed substantially opposite to the outer impact ing major e is in a form . of an outwardly tapered truncated cone.

31. The composite spiked grid- or rmored apparatus of claim 19, wherein a majority of said pellets have at least one convexly-curved end face oriented to substantially face in a ion of the outer impact receiving major surface. 34

32. The composite spiked grid- or rmored apparatus ofclaim 19, wherein said pellets have at least one axis of at least 9 mm.

33. The composite spiked grid- or rmored apparatus ofclaim 19, wherein said pellets have at least one axis of at least 20 mm.

34. The ite spiked grid- or slat-armored apparatus of claim 19, wherein each ofsaid pellets is formed of a ceramic material selected from the group consisting of sintered oxide, nitrides, carbides and s of alumina, magnesium, zirconium, tungsten, molybdenum, titanium and silica.

35. The ite spiked grid- or slat-armored apparatus of claim 19, wherein each of said pellets is formed of a material selected from the group consisting of alumina, boron carbide, boron nitride, titanium diboride, silicon carbide, silicon oxide, silicon nitride, magnesium oxide, silicon aluminum oxynitride and mixtures thereof.

36. The composite spiked grid- or slat-armored apparatus of claim 19, wherein a plurality of said s have a l extending inwardly from said one of the ?rst and second end faces disposed opposite said outer impact receiving major surface to reduce the weight per area thereof. For the Applicant WOLFF, BREGMAN AND GOLLER 35