General Dynamics Land Systems, Inc.

Lee Smathers

Steven L Sanborn

Wayne Burke

An apparatus, method and system to enhance the performance of composite armor by utilizing the energy of the threat projectile is disclosed. The frontal member includes, for example, a plurality of concentric proves on the face opposite of the surface that is impacted by a projectile. The grooves in the frontal member preferably may mate with a complimentary plurality of concentric grooves in a backing plate. During impact by a projectile, the force from the projectile presses the grooves of the frontal member into engagement with the grooves of the backing plate. The grooves are uniquely designed to cause the backing plate to impart a compressive load into the backside of the frontal member preventing it from prematurely fracturing in tension at the onset of the projectile penetration. In accordance with the preferred embodiment of the frontal member grooves, the angles of the each concentric groove are individually selected to cause the groove induced compressive loads to match the frontal member tensile loads from the penetrating projectile. The structural integrity of the frontal member is thus maintained until the projectile is defeated.

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Bloomfield, MI, United States of America

Lee Smathers