General Dynamics Land Systems, Inc.

Richard A Auyer

Needangalam S Sridharan

Robert J Buccellato

Ernest N Petrick

Richard M Ingersoll

Andrew J Gidynski

Perforated plate armor (10) for protecting an object (12) from damage includes outer and inner perforated steel plates (14) and (18) which have associated patterns of holes (16,20). These perforated steel plates (14,18) are heat treated to have hardened surfaces and a more ductile core and are spaced with respect to each other at outer and inner locations with respect to the object (12) to be protected. The patterns of holes (16,20) of the perforated steel plates (14,18) are offset with respect to each other to prevent straight line penetration of any particle through both plates. An inner backing plate (28) preferably made of aluminum is also provided to stop any particles that might penetrate both perforated steel plates (14,18). Fillers (22,24) and connectors (26) space the outer and inner perforated steel plates (14,18) and the aluminum backing plate (28) with respect to each other.

Perforated plate armor

Armor plate (10) is disclosed as including at least one hardened steel plate (14,18) having triangular holes (16,20) arranged in a repeating pattern. Webs (40,42 and 44,46) are located between the triangular holes to provide lightweight armor without any ballistic gaps. The triangular holes (16,20) are shaped and positioned with respect to each other such that the webs (40,42 and 44,46) are generally straight. Each steel plate disclosed has its associated triangular hole (16,20) provided with the same size and shape as each other which are preferably in the shape of equilateral triangles.

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Troy, MI, United States of America

Richard A Auyer