Patent Application
20240210145
The present application claims priority to IL 299386, filed Dec. 22, 2022, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.
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 including military bases, factories, bridges, ships, tanks, missile launching sites, artillery emplacements, fortifications, and troop concentrations.
As each type of target presents a different physical destruction problem, a variety 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.
To provide at least partial protection against these weapons, different armor has been developed and is in use, however, an ideal protection method/apparatus has yet to be developed that can protect sensitive targets from explosive weaponry with very large explosive payloads.
This invention provides, in some aspects, for devices and methods for protecting a sensitive structure against large explosive warhead containing weaponry, whereby a protective apparatus is positioned to be facing an anticipated impact direction at a spacing from said sensitive structure, wherein said apparatus detonates the weapon while absorbing the impact of the explosive warhead containing weaponry.
In some aspects, the apparatuses of this invention comprise at least 3 layers of protection, an outermost facing impact structure that safely promotes the detonation of the warhead, a middle slat or contoured profile layer that is angled so as to not be in the direction of the impact front produced by the impacting warhead, which middle grid or slat layer serves to dissipate or disperse gas generated by the impacting warhead, and optionally prevents shrapnel arising from the detonation of the impacting warhead to propel further toward the sensitive target; and a third protection layer comprising composite armor plates, which absorbs the impact of the incoming warhead.
According to this aspect and in some embodiments, the outermost first layer is at least from 1.5 to about at least 3 meters distance in placement from the third protection layer. In some aspects, the outermost first layer is at least from about 1 to about 2 meters distance in placement from the second layer. According to this aspect, and in some embodiments, the second layer is at least from about 0.5 to about 1.5 meters distance from the third protection layer.
According to this aspect and in some embodiments, the outermost first layer is at least from 3.5 to about at least 5 or more meters distance in placement from the third protection layer. In some aspects, the outermost first layer is at least from about 2.5 to about 3.5 or more meters distance in placement from the second layer. According to this aspect, and in some embodiments, the second layer is at least from about 1 to about 2.5 or more meters distance from the third protection layer.
According to this aspect and in some embodiments, structural considerations will influence the spacing and dimensions of the apparatuses of this invention such that the spacing between the outermost first layer and the third layer will be a function of the space available to install the apparatus and ability to sufficiently support the structure, however, the minimum distances between the layers will be conserved, and thereby provide protection to the sensitive target structure against explosive weaponry carrying a payload of 300 kg or more of explosive material. In some aspects the apparatuses can be scaled to address any target structure of any desired size, and in some embodiments, the protection afforded thereto may provide protection against explosive weaponry even is the explosive weapon carries up to one ton of explosive material.
In some embodiments, according to this aspect, the protective apparatus faces an impact-absorbing direction in front, in back or on the sides of a sensitive structure. In some embodiments, according to this aspect, the protective apparatus faces an impact-absorbing direction above or below the sensitive structure. In some aspects, the protective apparatus is supported by a framework that is independently secured and does not rely on load bearing supports of said sensitive structure.
Israeli Patent Application Number 266492 and Israeli Patent Application Number 271158 describe improved composite spiked grid- or slat-armored apparatus for protection against explosive warhead containing weaponry. While the inventions described therein were demonstrated to be useful in various settings, nonetheless it was found that this could be improved upon by creating a significant separation between the first and second layers, and by ensuring that the first and third layers are at distance of 1.5 meters, at a minimum, which in particular is useful in protecting sensitive targets from explosive warheads containing large explosive material payloads, for example, 300 kg explosive material payloads or more.
The composite spiked grid- or slat-armored apparatus of this invention will comprise, inter alia, a first layer constituting the immediate strike end configured for facing an anticipated impact direction, a plurality of spiked outwardly protruding extensions arranged on a grid unit, which provides mutual support to components of the grid unit to restrict expansion of said spacing by an incoming explosive warhead containing weapon and providing reinforcing support for the spiked protrusions to successfully pierce the outer impacting structure of the warhead.
In particular, the plurality of spiked outwardly protruding extensions may be of any desired height and/or width, which may be scaled, for example, as a function of the anticipated explosive weaponry that will be encountered for a particular target, or in some embodiments, as a consequence of available space to include same or in some embodiments, or a combination thereof.
In some aspects, the plurality of spiked outwardly protruding extensions height and/or width may range from about 50-100 cm in height, width or a combination thereof.
In some aspects the grid unit is comprised of a plurality of slat or bar units extending along a first 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 first longitudinal direction.
In some embodiments, the cross attachment supports may be positioned/so constructed such that each support is connected to the slat and bar unit with which it is most nearly associated, i.e. connected on only one side of the support. In other embodiments, a physical connection may be provided between rows of cross-attachments supports, as well, to form a spiked grid-like structure.
It will be appreciated that any number of and arrangement of the cross attachments supports is envisioned, and contemplated herein, whereby spacing between the spiked surfaces is maintained ensuring an expansion of the first spacing by an incoming explosive warhead containing weapon coming into contact therewith is restricted, while entrapping an incoming explosive warhead containing weapon coming into contact therewith is promoted.
According to this aspect, and in some embodiments, the second layer is positioned at a distance from the first layer and the second layer is comprised of an array of additional slats or contoured profiles that are positioned at an angle so as to not be in the same direction as that of the impact front produced by the incoming warhead. According to this aspect, the angling of the slats/contoured profiles of the second layer serves to dissipate or disperse gas generated by the impacting warhead. In some aspects, the angling of the slats/contoured profiles of the second layer serves to prevent shrapnel resulting from the detonated or partially detonated weapon to be propelled in the direction of the impact and is at least in part, prevented from passing the second layer to reach the third layer, or in some embodiments, the direction of movement is further angled laterally as a result of the angling of the components of this layer. In some aspects, the second layer both dissipates/disperses the gas generated by the impacting warhead and prevents or reduces the shrapnel being propelled in the same direction and the direction of impact, to reach the third layer.
In some embodiments, the array of additional slats or contoured profiles may as well be reinforced in part through assembly in a grid like structure comprising cross attachment supports, however, such support promotes structural strengthening but does not in any way interfere with the creation of an outward facing angled structure.
It will be appreciated that any number of and arrangement of the cross attachments supports is envisioned, and contemplated herein, whereby spacing between the slats/contoured profiles is maintained ensuring the ability to angle the structures while reinforcing same structurally in said layer.
According to this aspect, and in some embodiments, the third layer comprises composite armor plates, which absorb the impact of the incoming warhead, whereby the outermost first layer is at least 1.5 meters in distance in placement from the third protection layer.
In some aspects, the composite armor plates comprise 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 kinetic energy-induced damage from explosive warhead containing weaponry.
Surprisingly, it has now been found that composite armor plates when placed in an array as herein described, when coupled with the unique three layered structure of the apparatus, provide superior protection to a structure protected thereby. According to this aspect, and in some embodiments, the advantages of the apparatuses of this invention are related to the unique structure and composition of same, whereby the layer most proximal to the structure being protected is the third, so termed herein “protection layer”, which is followed by a middle slat or contoured profile layer that is angled so as to not be in the direction of the impact front produced by the impacting warhead, which middle grid or slat layer serves to dissipate or disperse gas generated by the impacting warhead, which middle layer, in turn, is followed by the first layer, constituting the immediate strike end configured for facing an anticipated impact direction, comprising a plurality of spiked outwardly protruding extensions arranged on a grid unit, which provides mutual support to components of the grid unit to restrict expansion of spacing of the grid components by an incoming explosive warhead containing weapon and providing reinforcing support for the spiked protrusions to successfully pierce the outer impacting structure of the warhead.
Surprisingly ensuring a minimum of 1.5 meters distance between the first and third layers is sufficient to provide protection of structures thereby shielded or at least significantly protected, from the impact of explosive warhead containing weaponry even against missiles carrying a significant explosive payload.
In some embodiments, when space and other considerations are not limiting, the minimum distance between the first and third layer may be at least 2 meters, or in some embodiments, at least 2.5 meters, or in some embodiments, at least 3 meters, or in some embodiments, at least 3.5 meters, or in some embodiments, at least 4 meters, or in some embodiments, at least 4.5 meters, or in some embodiments, at least 5 meters distance between the first and third layers.
In some aspects, when space and other considerations are not limiting, the minimum distance between the first and second layer may be at least 1 meter, or in some embodiments, may be at least 1.5 meters, or in some embodiments, may be at least 2 meters, or in some embodiments, at least 2.5 meters, or in some embodiments, at least 3 meters, or in some embodiments, at least 3.5 meters, or in some embodiments, at least 4 meters, or in some embodiments, at least 4.5 meters, or in some embodiments, at least 5 meters distance between the first and second layers.
In some aspects, when space and other considerations are not limiting, the minimum distance between the second and third layer may be at least 0.5 meter, or in some embodiments, may be at least 1 meter, or in some embodiments, may be at least 1.5 meters, or in some embodiments, may be at least 2 meters, or in some embodiments, at least 2.5 meters, or in some embodiments, at least 3 meters, or in some embodiments, at least 3.5 meters, or in some embodiments, at least 4 meters, or in some embodiments, at least 4.5 meters, or in some embodiments, at least 5 meters distance between the second and third layers.
In some aspects, the composite armor plates as herein described may comprise any appropriate plate comprising high density ceramic pellets or ceramic bodies, for example as described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,763,813, 5,972,819, 6,203,908, 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, 8,281,700, 8,012,897, 7,383,762, or 7,402,541, each and every one of which is hereby incorporated herein in its entirety.
In some embodiments, the composite armor plates as herein described may comprise a single internal layer of high density ceramic pellets, said pellets having an Al2O3 content of at least 93%, and a specific gravity of at least 2.5 and retained in panel form by a solidified 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 solidified material in a plurality of superposed rows.
In some embodiments, the composite armor plates as herein described specifically envisioned for incorporation include those as described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,972,819 or U.S. Pat. No. 7,603,939 or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the composite armor plates as herein described specifically envisioned for incorporation include those as described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 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.
In some aspects, when combining aluminum oxide with other oxides within specific 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 therefrom after sintering. Thus, it has been found that by using raw materials in which the chemical compositions fall within a specific range and forming them into geometric sintered shapes, homogeneity of performance and quantitatively and qualitatively superior activity is achieved.
In some embodiments, the composite armor plates as herein described may comprise a sintered, alumina ceramic product comprising about 90-97.5 w/w % Al2O3, about 0.5-1.0 w/w % MgO, about <0.05-1.0 w/w % SiO2, about 4.5-7.5 w/w % ZrO2 and about 0.07-0.13 w/w % HfO2.
In some embodiments, the composite armor plates as herein described may comprise a sintered, alumina ceramic product, comprising at least 0.585 w/w % MgO, 90 w/w % Al2O3, <0.05 w/w % SiO2, 4.5 w/w % ZrO2 and 0.075 w/w % HfO2.
In some embodiments, the composite armor plates as herein described may comprise a sintered, alumina ceramic products according to the present invention, comprise up to 1.0 w/w % MgO, 97.5 w/w % Al2O3, 1 w/w % SiO2, 7.5 w/w % ZrO2 and 0.125 w/w % HfO2.
In some embodiments, the composite armor plates as herein described may comprise a sintered, alumina ceramic product, comprising about 0.6 w/w % MgO, 93 w/w % Al2O3, <0.05 w/w % SiO2, 6 w/w % ZrO2 and 0.1 w/w % HfO2.
In some embodiments, the composite armor plates can preferably include further minor amounts of additional oxides, selected from the group consisting of Na2O, P2O5, K2O, CaO, TiO2, Fe2O3, CuO, ZnO, BaO, Y2O3 and mixtures thereof.
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 % Al2O3, <0.05 w/w % Sio2, 6 w/w % ZrO2, 0.1 w/w % HfO2, 0.2 w/w % Na2O, 0.02 w/w % P2O5, 0.01 w/w % K2O, 0.1 w/w % CaO, 0.01 w/w % TiO2, 0.02 w/w % Fe2O3, 0.2 w/w % CuO, 0.02 w/w % ZnO, 0.5 w/w % BaO, and 0.04 w/w % Y2O3.
In some embodiments, the composite armor plates as herein described may comprise a sintered, alumina product comprising about 90-97.5 w/w % Al2O3, about 0.5-1.0 w/w % MgO, about <0.05-1.0 w/w % SiO2, about 4.5-7.5 w/w % ZrO2 and about 0.07-0.13 w/w % HfO2.
In some embodiments, the composite armor plates as herein described may comprise an armor panel comprising 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 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 90-97.5 w/w % Al2O3, about 0.5-1.0 w/w % MgO, about <0.05-1.0 w/w % SiO2, about 4.5-7.5 w/w % ZrO2 and about 0.07-0.13 w/w % HfO2 and there is less than a 30% difference between the crushing point of adjacent pellets.
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 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 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 substantially parallel orientation with each other and substantially perpendicular to an adjacent surface of said panel; wherein a majority 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.
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 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 % Al2O3, about 0.5-1.0 w/w % MgO, up to about [<] 1.0 w/w % SiO2, about 4.5-7.5 w/w % ZrO2 and about 0.07-0.13 w/w % HfO2 and there is less than a 30% difference between the crushing point of adjacent pellets.
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 Al2O3 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 solidified material and said plate are elastic.
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 solidified material such that the pellets are bound in a plurality of adjacent rows, characterized in that the pellets have a specific 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 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 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 confinement therebetween, said pellets each have a substantially regular geometric form and said solidified material and said plate are elastic.
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 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 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 substantially parallel orientation with each other and substantially perpendicular to an adjacent surface of said panel; wherein a majority 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.
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 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 % Al2O3, about 0.5-1.0 w/w % MgO, up to about [<] 1.0 w/w % SiO2, about 4.5-7.5 w/w % ZrO2 and about 0.07-0.13 w/w % HfO2 and there is less than a 30% difference between the crushing point of adjacent pellet.
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 Al2O3 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 solidified material and said plate are elastic.
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 solidified material such that the pellets are bound in a plurality of adjacent rows, characterized in that the pellets have a specific 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 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 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 confinement therebetween, said pellets each have a substantially regular geometric form and said solidified material and said plate are elastic.
In some embodiments, the pellets are formed of a ceramic material selected from the group consisting of sintered oxide, nitrides, carbides and borides of alumina, magnesium, zirconium, tungsten, molybdenum, titanium and silica.
In some embodiments, each of the 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.
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 solidified material, having a specific gravity of at least 2 and being made of a material selected from the group 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 convexly 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 0.64:1, and wherein the 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. 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 comprising 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 unidirectional coplanar anti-ballistic fibers embedded in a polymeric matrix, the fibers of adjacent layers being at an angle of between about 450 to 900 to each other.
In other embodiments, the panel is provided with a layer of a plurality of high density ceramic bodies, having a specific gravity of at least 2 and being made of a material selected from the group consisting of ceramic material which does not contain 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 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 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.
In some embodiments, the composite armor plate may comprise a fiber-reinforced matrix.
In embodiments of the invention the fiber in the fiber-reinforced matrix may consist essentially of a material selected from the group consisting of: poly-paraphenylene 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 materials having high density stretch-oriented polypropylene fibers consolidated by heat and pressure in a lower density polypropylene polymer.
This invention provides, in some embodiments, an composite system for defeating advanced missiles and rockets directed against a desired target.
In some aspects, this invention provides an apparatus for protecting a sensitive structure against explosive warhead containing weaponry, said apparatus comprising:
In some embodiments, this invention provides a method of protecting a target against explosive warhead containing weaponry, comprising providing an apparatus for protecting a sensitive structure against explosive warhead containing weaponry of this invention including any embodiment thereof as described herein, positioned to be facing an anticipated impact direction at a spacing from said target in need of protection.
In some aspects of the invention, it will be appreciated that for incoming explosive warhead containing weaponry, any ability to damage the structural integrity of the weapon, or detonate the weapon at engagement of the first layer of the apparatuses of this invention may, in turn, reduce the explosive payload, or reduce the penetration ability of the incoming weapon, or reduce the impact of the explosion in layers more proximally located to the sensitive target, or a combination thereof, or otherwise impair the damage that can be inflicted by the weapon.
For example, and in some embodiments, when the weapon comes into contact with the plurality of spiked outwardly protruding extensions, the spiked protrusions inflict damage on the structure of the incoming missile/rocket, and in some embodiments, the grid structure providing support for the spiked protrusions reinforce the integrity of the spiked protrusions to directly inflict structural damage upon the missile rocket. In other aspects, the grid structure providing support for the spiked protrusions may serve an additional purpose of inflicting further damage upon the incoming weapon coming into contact with the rigid defined passage through which the now impaired weapon must pass.
The shape, dimensions and/or orientation of the spiked protrusions 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 increase in the direction away from the rear end. The spiked cross-attachment supports can be outwardly tapered in order to increase their penetration capability into the incoming projectile.
In some embodiments, the arrangement of the spiked protrusions in an array in the first layer may be constructed so that the periodicity of the protruding portions in a horizontal and/or vertical plane is aligned with one another. Alternatively, the spiked protrusions in an array in the first layer may be constructed so that the periodicity of the protruding portions in a horizontal and/or vertical plane is arranged at an offset.
It will be appreciated that the spiked protrusions structurally impact and may therefore be considered to be “disrupting elements”, which in some aspects, represents elements that pierce a portion of the incoming explosive warhead containing weapon and may therefore be referred to as a “piercing element” as well. In another embodied aspect, while the spike protrusion serves the primary function of detonating the incoming explosive warhead containing weapon, in some aspects, another function may be to structurally compromise the incoming explosive warhead containing weapon, and the underlying support structure/grid for the spiked protrusions may further contribute to both these functions, i.e. the underlying support structure/grid for the spiked protrusions may also detonate the incoming explosive warhead containing weapon and/or may promote further structural compromise of the incoming explosive warhead containing weapon and/or may prevent shrapnel from the exploded weapon to be propelled in the direction of impact, all of which constitute envisioned embodied aspects of the invention.
In other aspect, the plurality of spiked protrusions as forming an array in the first layer may be varied 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 combination thereof 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.
In some aspects, the spiked protrusions as forming an array in the first layer and the underlying support structure constituting the first layer, as well as the slat or contoured profile layer, or combination thereof are composed of various materials selected from the group consisting of: metals, ceramics, composites, and combinations thereof.
In some aspects, the spiked protrusions as well as the slat or contoured profiles are arrayed in a supported structure containing cross-attachment members, which are attached to each other or to a framework, by methods selected from the group consisting of: tying, wrapping, braiding, gluing, welding, adhesion, fasteners, screws, nubs, clips, bands, and any combination thereof.
In other aspects, when the threat is any kind of rocket or missile, even when the threat has a large size and/or large explosive payload, the first layer is so configured to detonate and optionally structurally otherwise compromise the incoming rocket/missile and in some aspects, same promotes explosion of the warhead, however, in some aspects, the structural compromise promoted by at least the first layer, and gas dissipating activity of the second layer significantly reduces the impact of the explosive forces of the weapon.
In some aspects, the middle slat or contoured profile layer that is angled so as to not be in the direction of the impact front produced by the impacting warhead, may as well be further modified to possess a serrated or a saw-like terminal modification, which may further contribute to the structural compromise of the incoming missile/rocket traversing this layer.
Surprisingly, it has now been found that protection from explosive warhead containing weaponry, in cases where very large missiles/rockets with large explosive capacity may be significantly neutralized in terms of their ability to harm sensitive targets, via the apparatuses of this invention.
According to this aspect, the unique components of the layered apparatus, and further in view of the distance between the outermost first layer and third protection layer contribute to better compromise of the incoming missile/rocket, and added benefit of dissipating or dispersing any gas generated by the impacting warhead, while concurrently providing a final protection layer for any remaining impact absorbed in the apparatus upon contact with the incoming missile/rocket, in effect essentially neutralizing or at least significantly reducing the threat of incoming missiles/rockets, even those of very significant explosive material payloads of from 300 kilograms or more, even up to 1 ton of explosive material.
In some embodiments, the apparatuses and methods of the invention specifically protect sensitive targets, which are fixed targets of strategic importance, such as a bridge, a communications structure or plant, a building, a reactor or other sensitive stationary target. In some embodiments, the target is a moving target, such as a ship or vehicle.
According to this aspect, and in some embodiments, the target may be located on land or in a body of water, in a fixed or temporary manner.
It will be appreciated that the term “bridge” as referred to herein is meant to be understood to encompass any structure that is so constructed so as to span across a desired space or length. For example, and in some embodiments, a bridge may span a body of water, or in some embodiments, a bridge may span over a land region of interest, and may be considered in some aspects, to be synonymous, as well with the term “overpass”.
In some embodiments, the apparatuses and methods of this invention provide specifically for defeating large/impactful missiles/rockets and/or missiles having a an explosive warhead with a large volume of explosive material/large explosive payload.
In some embodiments, the invention specifically contemplates a method of protecting a bridge against explosive warhead containing weaponry, by providing a protective apparatus positioned to be facing an anticipated impact direction at a spacing from the bridge, wherein the apparatus absorbs the impact of said explosive warhead containing weaponry.
According to this aspect and in some embodiments, the apparatus is supported on a framework that is independently secured and does not rely on load bearing supports of said bridge.
In some aspects of the invention, there is provided a method of protecting any desired target structure, against explosive warhead containing weaponry, by providing a protective apparatus positioned to be facing an anticipated impact direction at a spacing from the target structure, wherein the apparatus both structurally impacts explosive warhead containing weaponry while dissipating the impact of the explosive warhead containing weaponry, where the protective apparatus is supported on a framework that is independently secured and does not rely on load bearing supports of the desired target structure.
For example, and representing an embodiment of this invention, it is specifically contemplated that this invention protects a desired target structure located in a body of water, and protection against an explosive warhead containing weaponry is provided by positioning a protective apparatus to be facing an anticipated impact direction at a spacing from the desired target structure, where for example, the protective apparatus is secured to a buoy, or other framework secured structure that maintains the ability to absorb the impact of said explosive warhead containing weaponry while being independently supported from a supporting structure of the desired target structure.
In some embodiments, there is provided a method of protecting any desired target structure, against explosive warhead containing weaponry, by providing a protective apparatus as described herein, further comprising a covering obscuring the desired target structure, for example, from being photographed by any means (e.g. drones, satellites, etc.) or in some embodiments, by being subject to impact from explosive warhead containing weaponry from more than one direction, e.g. whereby said covering is a roof over the desired structure, wherein such roof may as well be comprised of the three layered components of the apparatuses as herein described.
The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate several embodiments of the invention and together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention.
The invention will now be described in connection with certain preferred embodiments with reference to the following illustrative figures so that it may be more fully understood.
With reference now to the figures in detail, it is stressed that the particulars shown are by way of example 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 drawings making apparent to those skilled in the art how the several forms of the invention may, be embodied in practice.
Various embodiments of the composite grid- or slat-armored apparatuses of this invention are described herein with reference to the figures wherein:
This invention provides, in some aspects, apparatuses and methods for protecting sensitive structures against explosive warhead containing weaponry. In some aspects, this invention provides for a one or more protective apparatuses being positioned to be facing an anticipated impact direction at a spacing from a sensitive structure, wherein the apparatus absorbs the impact of explosive warhead containing weaponry, dissipates or disperses gas generated by the impacting warhead the explosive warhead containing weaponry, or a combination thereof.
In some embodiments, according to this aspect, the one or more protective apparatuses faces an impact-absorbing direction in front, in back or on the sides of the sensitive structure.
In some embodiments, according to this aspect, the one or more protective apparatuses faces an impact-absorbing direction above or below the sensitive structure.
In some aspects, according to this aspect, the one or more protective apparatuses is supported by a framework that is independently secured and does not rely on load bearing supports of said sensitive structure.
This invention provides, in some embodiments, an apparatus for protecting a sensitive structure against explosive warhead containing weaponry, said apparatus comprising:
In some aspects, the apparatus comprises a basic framework structure, that supports the layers of the apparatus as herein described.
According to this aspect and in some embodiments, a minimum distance between the layers of the apparatuses have been described, which provide superior protection of sensitive targets even in the face of explosive warhead containing weaponry with a very high quantity of explosive material.
According to this aspect, and in some embodiments, the apparatuses of this invention successfully protect the sensitive targets defended thereby even when facing explosive warhead containing weaponry of from 300 kilograms and up to 1 ton of explosive material.
According to this aspect, there are a number of constraints that will result in favoring utilizing minimal distances between layers as herein described, including space considerations, load bearing structures, and others, but it is to be understood that reference to minimum distances does not in any way derogate from the invention encompassing greater distances between the layers, when same is desired and/or available.
In some embodiments, with regard to the apparatuses of this invention, the outermost first layer is at least from 1.5 to about at least 3 meters distance in placement from the third protection layer. In another aspect and in some embodiments, the outermost first layer is at least from 3.5 to about at least 5 or more meters distance in placement from the third protection layer. It will be appreciated that the first layer can be positioned at a distance of at least 1.5 meters from the third layer, but that any practical/desired maximal distance between the first and third layer is possible and represents a contemplated aspect of the invention.
In some aspects, the outermost first layer is at a minimum distance of from about at least 1 to about 2 meters distance in placement from the second layer. In some aspects, the outermost first layer is at least from about 2.5 to about 3.5 or more meters distance in placement from the second layer. As noted with respect to the distance between the first and third layers, so too, regarding the distance between the first and second layers, it will be appreciated that the first layer can be positioned at a distance of at least 1 meter from the second layer, but that any practical/desired maximal distance between the first and second layer is possible and represents a contemplated aspect of the invention.
Still in further embodiments, the second layer is at a distance of at least from about 0.5 to about 1.5 meters distance from the third protection layer. In other embodiments, the second layer is at a distance of at least from about 1 to about 2.5 or more meters distance from the third protection layer. As noted with respect to the distance between the first and third layers, so too, regarding the distance between the second and third layers, it will be appreciated that the second layer can be positioned at a distance of at least 0.5 meters from the third layer, but that any practical/desired maximal distance between the second and third layer is possible and represents a contemplated aspect of the invention.
According to this aspect and in some embodiments, structural considerations influencing the spacing and dimensions of the apparatuses of this invention which ensure the presence of the minimal distances as described herein between the layers of the apparatuses of this invention will provide protection for the sensitive target structures protected thereby against explosive weaponry carrying a payload of 300 kg or more of explosive material.
In some aspects the apparatuses can be scaled to address any target structure of any desired size, and in some embodiments, the protection afforded thereto may provide protection against explosive weaponry even is the explosive weapon carries up to one ton of explosive material.
Referring to
Referring to the figure, the incoming explosive warhead containing weaponry first comes in contact with the first layer 1-40, which is presented as an arrayed plurality of spiked outwardly protruding extensions arranged on a grid unit, which is shown as a non-limiting embodied isolated layer at higher magnification in
In some aspects, and as depicted in this example, the slats or contoured profiles 2-35 are angled so as to not be in the direction of the impact front produced by the impacting warhead, wherein the angle is consistent to provide uni-directional angling of the slats/contoured profiles, as seen in
It is to be understood that there are many arrangements by which the slats/contoured profiles can be angled in the layer and any envisioned arrangement is to be considered as part of this invention, with the appreciation that same promotes dissipation or dispersion of the gas generated by the impacting warhead.
It will further be appreciated that the term “slats” or “contoured profiles” refers to a structure which comprises a long axis and short axis, which can be assembled in an array, such that the plurality of these elements can be aligned so that a long axis of each element is in a parallel orientation, at least in part, and the element is of a thickness that does not compromise the ability to angle the elements in parallel, whereby voids are created so that the gas can dissipate therethrough. In some aspects the edges of each slat/contoured profile is straight, but in some aspects same can be curved, or s-shaped, or in any contour that does not interfere with the ability to align the slats/contoured profiles and angle same to suit the intended purpose of the layer. In some aspects, the support for the slats/contoured profiles may be slotted or otherwise accommodate stacking and angling of the slats/contoured profiles, while providing support for the structure and orientation of the slats/contoured profiles.
It will be appreciated that the slats/contoured profiles may assume any angled orientation in the layer, and other embodiments beyond what is depicted in
Each layer may be supported by a framework structure, which in turn may comprise hollowed or solid supports (2-25), with any desired configuration appropriate to support each layer at the distances indicated.
Various embodiments of the armor plates constituting part of the third layer have been described herein and their orientation and positioning in the layer can be promoted using a steel backing, for example, or otherwise being affixed to the framework structure. Different embodied armored plates can be incorporated in the layer, for example, varying same in a periodic, or ordered pattern within the layer.
It will be appreciated that any embodied armor plate and setting for same can be used as part of the third layer.
In some aspects, as described herein, the apparatus of this invention will be so constructed in anticipation of the type of threat against which armored defense is sought, and such consideration will reflect whether a stationary or mobile structure is being defended, among other considerations.
It will be appreciated by the skilled artisan that the spacing distance can be adjusted and/or different arrangements can be prepared so that different missile threats can be best addressed, scaling same based on the considerations as described herein.
In some embodiments, the armor panels substantially cover the exposed impact surface of a framework structure in the apparatus. 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 protective panel comprising the armor in a more uniform, substantially single layer.
Referring to
While certain features of the invention have been illustrated and described herein, many modifications, substitutions, 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 invention.
It will be understood 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 set forth in the appended claims. Those skilled in the art will recognize, or be able to ascertain using no more than routine experimentation, many equivalents to the specific embodiments of the invention described herein. Such equivalents are intended to be encompassed in the scope of the claims.
All publications, patents, and patent applications mentioned herein are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety as if each individual publication or patent was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference. In case of a conflict between the specification 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 different 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.
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 include “or” or “and/or” between members of a group are considered satisfied if one, more than one, or all of the group members are present in, employed in, or otherwise relevant to a given product or process unless indicated to the contrary 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 variations, combinations, and permutations in which one or more limitations, elements, clauses, descriptive terms, etc., from one or more of the listed claims is introduced into another claim dependent on the same base claim unless otherwise indicated 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 disclosed, and any element(s) can be removed from the group. It should it be understood that, in general, where the invention, or aspects of the invention, is/are referred to as comprising particular elements, features, etc., certain embodiments of the invention or aspects of the invention consist, or consist essentially of, such elements, features, etc. For purposes of simplicity those embodiments have not in every case been specifically 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 limitations 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 (either amended or unamended) prior to being rewritten in independent format.
The following examples describe certain embodiments of the invention and should not be construed as limiting the scope of what is encompassed by the invention in any way.
Construction of Embodied Apparatuses of this Invention
It will be understood by the skilled artisan how to construct and produce the composite spiked grid- or slat-armored apparatuses as herein described.
For example and in some embodiments, elements of the frames, slats or contoured profile units, spiked protrusions and grid units can be prepared as a integral bodies, or the various elements may be provided by any of the following: bolting, welding, external wrapping and other methods as known to the artisan.
The composite armor plate may be prepared by any of the methods as described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,763,813, 5,972,819, 6,203,908, 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, 8,281,700, 8,012,897, 7,383,762, or 7,402,541, each and every one of which is hereby incorporated herein in its entirety, which in turn may be attached to the larger apparatus via, bolting, welding, etc., as will be appreciated by the skilled artisan.
In some aspects of this invention, the 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 surface of each. Following controlled explosion, each apparatus is assessed for its structural integrity including analysis of the various components of each apparatus.
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 299386 | Dec 2022 | IL | national |
