摘要 |
An improvement to existing embedded armor found in tank systems that seeks to degrade the performance of kinetic energy projectiles, traveling at speeds ranging from high to supersonic is provided. Improvements are achieved by employing a mechanical means to hold the individual plates of an armor system in standby position while allowing them to pivot about a fixed axis of rotation when contacted by an incoming projectile. A kinetic energy projectile fired at a tank usually begins penetration of primary defenses by cutting through a tipping screen and then the tank hull. When the projectile reaches and begins penetration of the embedded armor arrangement, it rotates the lead armor plate about its pivot axis and thereby travels through and out of the armor plate on an altered trajectory. The dimished and dampened projectile will encounter further deviation from its original trajectory, deterioration in size, and reduction of momentum as it reaches other spaced pivoting plates having a sequential pattern of vertically offset axes of rotation. These features ultimately add to the safety and security of personnel and stored ammunition within the tank.
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