What is Composite Armor?

Simply stated, composite armor is; "An armor design that uses 2 or more different materials in its construction".

The real question is Why do we use composite armor. The answer, this time, is far more complex.

Using two or more materials in an armor design is actually a very good idea. When 2 or more materials are combined, we often form much stronger products than if we were to use the same materials individually. Take for instance, the concept of carbon fiber and epoxy laminates. Epoxy resin by itself is very weak, but add carbon fiber to it and you obtain a new material with incredible strength that is used extensively in a variety of structural designs, including the airplanes that most of us have flown in.

"Just as steel once replaced wood-hull ships, so to will composites replace metallic armor designs"
HY, 2006

In composite armor, we use a combination of ceramics, metals, technical fibers and resins. The ceramics, we use for hardness, the metals we use for structural requirements and the fibers we use for overall strengthening and fragmentation defeat. When a variety of these materials are used in a design, each has a very specific job to do that is critical in defeating ballistic projectiles. By combining the efficiency of several materials, we are able to reduce overall armor weight while increasing protection levels thereby leading to a far superior armor design.

Composite Advantages

Reduces Lifecycle Cost

Lower transport cost for vehicle and components
Permits the use of a greater variety of transport platforms
Lower Fuel Consumption
Less stress on powertrain and chassis components
- Lowers Operational and Support Costs through lower component failure rates
- Lower replacement rates for tires, brakes and other powertrain and chassis components

Increases Operational Readiness

Lowering powertrain and chassis component failure rates
Reducing downtime for scheduled and unscheduled maintenance
Increasing available payload

Improves Vehicle Safety

Reducing the probability of vehicle rollover
- Lowering center of gravity
- Lower replacement rates for tires, brakes and other powertrain and chassis components
Reducing Stopping Distance
- Loweing the mass of vehicle
- Less brake fade from heat build u

Manufacturing Limitations of Composites

Composite armor designs have minimal limitations. They can be machined, cut and drilled just like metallic plates can be, often using the same tools. Our ability to maintain tolerances is outstanding.

See for yourself how intelligent armor design is better than just adding more metal plates.

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