Multi-tiered ballistic air handling grille
AssigneeUnited Defense, L.P.
InventorsRonald Eugene Musante, John Kenneth Orrell, David Arthur Schade
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A ballistic grille structure is combined in a stacked array with a similar grille structure to yield ballistic performance capability greater than the ballistic performance capability of the original grille structure. The grille structures may be of the type currently used in single, unscathed deployments with each grille structure a truncated version of the current structure such that a synergistic projectile defeating capability is realized by the stacked array of truncated grille structures.
Claims9
A grille structure for allowing the free flow of air into or out of a vehicle and for deflecting the path of projectiles impinging on the structure to dissipate the energy of the projectile to a level where the projectile will not inflict serious damage to structures inboard of the grille structure, said grille structure comprising:
- a first tier of ballistic energy dissipation elements, said elements having a serpentine cross section and said elements aligned relative to each other to allow passage of air between said serpentine elements;
- second tier of ballistic energy dissipation elements, having a serpentine cross section identical to said serpentine cross section of said ballistic energy dissipation elements of said first tier, said ballistic energy dissipation elements of said second tier aligned relative to each other to allow passage of air between said serpentine elements of said second tier, said second tier of ballistic energy dissipation elements carried on said vehicle between said vehicle and said first tier of ballistic energy dissipation elements.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.