Damaged grille on a Danish BV206 car. Lattice armor has an average threat stopping probability of about 60%
RPG protection
About 40 countries use anti-tank rocket launchers (RPGs), which are manufactured in several versions by nine countries; the estimated total production exceeds nine million systems. Therefore, it is not surprising that they have become one of the most common threats posed by uncontrolled armies and terrorists in cities as well as in open areas
One of the most widely used solutions is to equip machines with systems that make it possible to weaken or knock down as much as possible the shaped charge generated by the shaped charge. This can be done either by deformation or destruction of the liner, or by increasing the distance between the point of detonation and the plane of the armor, although in the latter case a lot of work will have to be done on the original armor of the vehicle. Some programs aimed at adapting main battle tanks to urban combat showed that even the best MBTs of the Cold War era were not protected from the threat of RPGs on the sides, the main protection was concentrated on the frontal arc. Currently, two types of solutions have been adopted, "cage" or "lattice" armor, which physically separates the attacking projectile from the surface of the hull, while "mesh" variants and "energy" armor use materials with a low burning rate in different forms to defocus the cumulative jet. …
The Eagle is equipped with the Ruag SidePro Lasso protection system. It is designed to provide maximum access to the machine. The system is adopted by Denmark, Slovenia and Estonia
Ruag's SidePro RPG system, in a new, much lighter version, offers better protection than the Lasso. Recently adopted by an unnamed buyer
SidePro RPG system installed on VBCI (top). SidePro RPG system on M113 (bottom)
Nexter has developed its own anti-RPG mesh armor called PG Guard. The photos show the PG Guard system installed on the Aravis (above) and VBCI (below) machines. Its effectiveness is estimated at the level of 50 - 65 percent, depending on the type of attacking cumulative warhead
Lattice armor PG Guard on a VBCI vehicle (close-up)
There is no definitive solution in every area. Lattice armor significantly increases the width of the vehicle, creating mobility problems in some urban scenarios. As a statistical system, its effectiveness largely depends on the meeting point and the type of attacking projectile. Most systems have a high probability of neutralization or, accordingly, reduce the impact of an attacking RPG, and some of them can withstand very close (from each other) multiple hits. Also available are not only solutions using non-metallic materials in the form of nets, but also mats (soft plates), which, accordingly, can stop the projectile without initiating it, although even they still have questions about penetration statistics. The energy solution, based on armored modules attached to the hull, is not a probabilistic solution, since any place the RPG hits will react the same way. In addition, it contributes to protection against kinetic projectiles. On the other hand, it is necessary to consider how much the surface of the energy armor is damaged by the impact of a projectile and thus how vulnerable its surface is for the next hit. The energy solution adds relatively little to the width of the machine, while the mass balance must be considered on a case-by-case basis.
The Swiss company RUAG Defense offers two different versions of the SidePRO system, designed to protect vehicles from RPGs. The most famous variant of the SidePRO-LASSO is a net made of 4 mm high tensile steel wire, which adds almost 6 kg / m2 to the weight of the machine and 250 mm to the side. Steel has gained an advantage over woven fabric due to its resistance to external factors and greater service life. According to RUAG Defense, the optimized dimensions and shape of the mesh provide resistance to multiple hits, while minimizing the level of protection when RPGs hit the mesh at a non-right angle. The decrease in the protected area of the lattice armor by 1% at an angle of attack of 30 ° is completely insignificant. The first buyer was Denmark, which installed SidePRO-LASSO on its modernized M113 armored personnel carriers deployed in Afghanistan. The combat experience gained has led to the development of a comprehensive flexible mount and curtain system that improves service accessibility. LASSO's 92% transparency allows it to be installed in front of windshields with minimal impairment of the driver's view. In the fall of 2012, RUAG received two more orders, one from Slovenia for the installation of the system on SKOV 8 × 8 Svarun machines (local designation of the Finnish Patria AMV), and the second from Estonia for its XA188 machines. Both countries already installed these systems on their vehicles in early 2013.
The second system from RUAG is SidePRO RPG. Today, a statistical system based on undisclosed technology and providing better protection than SidePRO-LASSO. The probability of defeat reaches over 80% for all modifications of the RPG-7, this is approximately equal to the effectiveness of reactive armor, but with a lower mass and without indirect losses. An experimental passive system with a specific gravity of 45 kg / m2 was not sold to anyone. Further developments made it possible to reduce the specific gravity to 30 kg / m2 (10% of the mass of the reactive solution). This option was qualified in 2012, after which the first contract was awarded from an unnamed buyer with deliveries scheduled for 2013. Like the LASSO, the SidePRO RPG system also increases the width on each side by 250 mm. Interestingly, these two systems can be combined into a complete solution on one machine.
In 2012, Nexter unveiled its anti-RPG mesh armor system called PG-Guard. The system weighs 11 kg / m2, the rectangular cells forming each individual lattice are arranged in the form of a brick wall. All elements of the system are made according to the shape of the machine. The design of the system ensures the same level of accessibility: the panels rotate with the doors, and where there are service hatches, quick-release panels are installed. This system is designed to neutralize the PG-7V, PG7-VL and PG7-VM missiles, its effectiveness ranges from 50 to 65 percent, depending on the type of missile. The PG-Guard system can withstand two to four hits per square meter. Nexter estimates the time required to create and install a prototype on any machine at two months, followed by serial production of up to 50 sets per month.
The defense exhibition shows the moment of the RPG attack on the opaque version of the armor from the Falanx Armor System. Falanx is waiting for the first customer and is open for cooperation
The collage above shows the Falanx solution installed on the Mowag Eagle, with mesh and opaque options for complete vehicle protection; the figure on the right shows the efficiency of this system on a Piranha machine. The picture below is an artistic representation of the solution from Falanx Armor Systems.
To combat the threat of RPGs, BAE Systems has developed an aluminum alloy L-ROD lattice armor kit that can reduce weight by more than 50 percent compared to steel-based systems. Over 50 real attacks were carried out by the American army during acceptance tests. The panels are bolted to the machine and therefore easily replaceable in the field. L-ROD kits are installed on various variants of military vehicles, mainly American ones, they are standard on all Buffalo vehicles of the American army. Currently, over 1,100 L-ROD kits have been installed on vehicles deployed in Afghanistan. Over 3000 L-ROD kits have been delivered to date. BAE Systems is currently working to further reduce the weight of the L-ROD.
A small company from the Netherlands, Falanx Armor Systems, founded by Cyril Wentzel, is developing protection against RPG-7 based on a mesh structure. The Falanx concept consists of a very lightweight mesh that serves as the basis for highly effective neutralization of projectiles. The carefully designed and manufactured combination of high-performance fibers guarantees the destruction at an ultra-short distance of the RPG nose cone and, accordingly, the warhead. The main armor then stops the missile and shatters it to pieces. The company advises to integrate this transparent version in the form of a grid with an opaque flexible panel; this solution has several advantages with little added weight. The Falanx system is believed to provide at least the same level of protection as lattice armor; moreover, its mass is less than 10% of the mass of lattice armor, the surface density is in the range of 5-10 kg / m2, while the increase in width is approximately standard 250-300 mm. The basic Falanx design has been standardized and has been available unchanged since 2009. The development of a mesh with high performance and acceptable cost is also underway.
The truly superior performance of the new mesh presents Falanx with tough manufacturing and cost issues that it has to deal with. The design of the new system is enhanced by advanced modeling and includes improved diagnostic methodology for objectively assessing statistical performance. This approach will fully meet the requirements of customers who need protection against a wide variety of threats, including the RPG-7. Starting at over 50% mesh protection efficiency, the company aims to get as close to 90% as possible. While the specific Falanx product has not yet been fired on a large scale with live projectiles, Falanx Armor claims its technology is based on hundreds of experimental results of varying complexity, ranging from simple live action firing to elaborate laboratory ballistic experiments conducted on real RPG products. The troops have not received a single product yet, as the company is looking for its first customer or partner. Falanx Armor Systems also offers its services as a mesh protection technology consultant for the industry.
Tarian RPG grid on FNSS PARS 6x6 car; this net, installed on British Army vehicles under a recent contract, is also intended as a quick replacement for lattice screens
Examples of installation of the Tarian protection system from AmSafe
Video demonstration of the Tarian RPG system developed by AmSafe
Building on its experience in the development of lightweight woven systems used in aviation, AmSafe used fabric materials with high mechanical strength to develop an anti-RPG system called Tarian (Welsh shield). The US-British company worked with the British Department of Defense on this system: the British plant in Bridport developed the product, and the production was entrusted to the plant in Phoenix, Arizona. At the initial stage, the material used allowed to reduce the weight of the system by 50% in comparison with lattice screens made of aluminum and by 15% compared to screens made of steel. Uniform Amsafe fabric can be printed with camouflage patterns. The newest version of the mesh is installed on a metal frame; mesh cells are small enough to intercept RPGs and are able to stop a grenade at some distance from the hull itself. This technological breakthrough in woven fabrics allowed the company to claim interception rates of 94% and 98%, respectively, for aluminum and steel mesh armor. AmSafe's latest development, Tarian QuickShield, is a quick fix solution for replacing damaged or lost mesh armor. Tarian QuickShield mesh elements are similar to the Tarian system, they are available in 1000 x 440 mm or 1700 x 1000 mm sizes and quickly attach to the remaining metal mesh armor. The system was installed in Afghanistan in May 2009 on the British Army's HET heavy trucks, after which Tarian won an additional contract in early 2013 to supply several hundred more systems. At the end of 2011, the Darpa Advanced Research Administration of the US Department of Defense tested another version of the Tarian, integrated into the Traps (Tactical RPG Airbag Protection System) developed by Textron Defense. The original Traps system developed for the JLTV program was based on several commercially available radars. The radar identified the attacking threat, sending a signal to activate the corresponding module with an air bag, which was revealed in the meeting area in an interval of approximately 50 ms. One module weighs approximately 15 kg and can be replaced in a matter of minutes. The inflated air bag creates the required actuation distance to defocus the cumulative jet. This system allows for a minimum increase in the width of the machine and avoids interference with surveillance systems.
The anti-RPG net is produced by the British company AmSafe; the side overhang is about 250 mm, which is standard for such systems. Below is a close-up of Tarian at IDEX. The exhibition net for the exhibition was made of fake fabric to avoid industrial espionage.
The VBCI vehicle of the French army in Afghanistan is equipped with a Q-Net mesh system with embedded metal knots from QinetiQ North America. Q-Net system on Oshkosh M-ATV (bottom)
Another non-metallic solution was presented by QinetiQ North America in collaboration with Darpa and the Office of Naval Research. The Kevlar-based Q-Net is a network with embedded metal knots, which the company claims provides superior performance over standard mesh armor with 50-60% less weight. The metal frame allows the net to be kept at a distance from the hull, and this system can also provide all-round protection in the upper hemisphere (by installing on the roof). The system has been installed on more than 11,000 vehicles, including the French VBCI and Polish Rosomak deployed in Afghanistan. In early 2012, QinetiQ NA showed Q-Net II, which, according to the company, is 15% more efficient and 10% lighter. An additional weight reduction was carried out due to the modified frame-to-machine attachment, here the weight reduction was from 35 to 50% compared to the weight of the previous Q-Net I system attachment.
The Israeli company Plasan Sasa has developed the Ultra Flex Family (UFF), which includes three different solutions: the first is an opaque non-metallic distance protection, the second is a non-metallic translucent protection used to be installed in front of armored glass and designed to provide situational awareness of the crew, and the third is a metal solution. for installation in front of the driver's window. The latter solution, known as SlatFence, is now manufactured from steel wire with an optimized cross-section, which keeps its weight to a minimum. Plasan Sasa believes that a rigid structure must be adopted for the driver, as a non-rigid solution such as LightFence will “float” in front of him, making driving impossible. To further reduce the weight of SlatFence and facilitate maintenance, the company is currently developing a Hybrid variant that reduces weight by an additional 30%. It should be available soon. LightFence looks like a net with diamond-shaped holes, with vertical stripes running in a zigzag pattern. The mesh is installed at the same distance of 160 mm as the opaque system of the FlexFence family. Plasan Sasa aims to reduce the effectiveness of RPGs as much as possible by eliminating the initiation of the warhead in its translucent and opaque solutions: this means a short circuit of the piezoelectric ignition system on impact, which excludes the detonation of the warhead, or in the event of a failure, causes only a secondary detonation, which prevents the formation of cumulative jets.
Renault Trucks Defense VAB Mk3 with various elements of the Ultra Flex family. This RPG protection system was developed by Plasan Sasa. At Eurosatory 2012 (below)
According to Plasan Sasa, the ballistic results of over 250 firing tests of PG-7M, PG-7V and PG-7L grenades and advanced modeling and analysis using the GSS (Gesamt-Schutz-Simulation) software developed by the German company Condat showed the likelihood of damage grenades up to 80%, 90% of which were "silent" neutralization (the remaining 10% - forced neutralization, causing secondary detonations). FlexFence has inherent multi-impact characteristics, each square meter can withstand a hit of up to six missiles. A damaged panel can be replaced in about five minutes. The FlexFence system has been constantly evolving and the current version has reached a mass of 10 kg / m2, the improvements have resulted in a slight reduction in weight and much greater durability. During the design, great attention was paid to the issues of cost, savings were achieved not only due to the reduction in weight, but also due to secondary properties. Plasan Sasa is currently completing trials to validate the benefits of IR signature reduction. The company took up this issue at the end of 2012 after the first reviews from a customer who installed the UFF system on their machines in Afghanistan. This provides numerous benefits, such as lower infrared signatures and improved thermal insulation, which will reduce the operating time of the air conditioning system and, as a result, fuel consumption.
The protection of the upper surfaces of vehicles is becoming a general requirement as RPGs are also fired from the roofs of buildings. The opaque surface with a set of camouflage patterns is available to customers, while it is non-flammable and provides UV protection. The FlexFence mat, which forms the ballistic module, is 50 mm thick, installed 160 mm from the body, adding 210 mm on each side of the machine. The system can be installed on the platform in a variety of ways: using existing frames, fastening with Velcro and / or cables, or using non-ballistic support panels and straps. The UFF protection system was shown at Eurosatory 2012 in a VAB 4x4 vehicle from Renault Trucks Defense.
The Israeli company does not rest on its laurels in the field of protection against RPGs. According to Plasan, Sasa will soon be showing its next-generation lattice armor. Details on it have not been made public, but the new system should solve many current problems, such as cases where the car becomes a trap for soldiers after turning over. The company says that this work has made significant progress and the results are encouraging.
Booking solutions from Plasan Sasa
Among the latest additions to the world of mesh and mesh armor is the folding mesh armor from TenCate Armor. this system was presented at IDEX 2013; it is based on vertical steel cables with horizontal rods that can be easily attached to any frame and deployed as needed. TenCate Armor is ready to customize this concept to customer specifications using special materials to meet specific weight and cost requirements.
The rear view of the VAB Mk3 showcases the transparent LightFence that is installed in front of the windows except for the windshield. note. poor quality. And I did not find any more (((
Ultra Flex Family (UFF) protection system from the Israeli company Plasan Sasa
The American company Stronghold Defense solved the RPG problem in a completely different way, developing Phalanx Armor, based on the strategic integration of geometric and material properties. The system combines spherical geometric shapes and composite materials - a new look at preventing casualties from cumulative grenades. A special combination of geometries and materials has been developed to minimize mass while providing guaranteed protection against blast and radiation.
The Italian company Oto Melara worked on the RPG problem as part of the national defense technology R&D program. In modeling and testing, the surrogate threat of an RPG was used, since the company considered it to be more effective than the average RPG ammunition. An energy decision was made in order to solve the mass problems along the way. The material, enclosed in multi-layer armor, interacts with a molten cumulative jet, which tries to penetrate it. The energetic material effectively "defocuses" the jet and distributes the warhead's energy over a large area, significantly reducing its aggressiveness. A mathematical model with six degrees of freedom, designed to simulate the possible orientation of the jet, helped to identify and develop the metals and energetic materials required for this system. Interaction with various types of grenades and missiles was investigated during development, and as a result, the company received a patent for this system, which, according to Oto Melara officials, is "very competitive" in terms of mass efficiency.
