US 11,530,902 B2 · Composite enclosure for explosive reactive armor and methods of manufacturing the same

Abstract

An explosive reactive armor (ERA) enclosure for an ERA tile includes a bottom and a plurality of sidewalls extending from the bottom, where the plurality of sidewalls are continuous with each other and with the bottom so as to define an internal volume. The plurality of sidewalls are formed from a fiber-reinforced composite material having a plurality of plies of fiber sheet material. Additionally, a sidewall seam defined by abutting edges of the first ply is offset from a sidewall seam defined by abutting edges of the second ply. Methods of manufacturing ERA enclosures, including applying wrap layers and forming attachment structures for securing the fiber-reinforced composite ERA enclosure to an armor element, are also described. The composite enclosure is inexpensive and lightweight and improves the dynamic capabilities of armored vehicles using such ERA tiles.

Claims20

Dependent claims

A method of manufacturing an explosive reactive armor (ERA) enclosure, said method comprising:

laying a first layer of fiber sheet material over a generally prismatic mold;
laying a second layer of fiber sheet material over said first layer;
infusing said first and said second layers with a resin;
curing said resin to form a fiber-reinforced composite ERA enclosure, said ERA enclosure including a bottom and a plurality of sidewalls extending from said bottom, said bottom and said plurality of sidewalls being continuous and defining an internal volume;
separating said ERA enclosure from said mold;
and
forming at least one attachment structure in said ERA enclosure.

4 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Composite enclosure for explosive reactive armor and methods of manufacturing the same

Life of this patent

Composite enclosure for explosive reactive armor and methods of manufacturing the same

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims20