Blast mitigation system for military vehicles

Abstract

Disclosed is a system and method to both reduce a degree of explosive shock waves and to absorb a degree of explosive blast energy from the undercarriage of a vehicle which comprises the use of one or more layers of rigid closed-cell spray polyurethane foam, applied to the armored undercarriage of the vehicle. This invention combines two key aspects: 1) blast suppression or mitigation materials that absorb energy and 2) traditional military hardened armor solutions. The effectiveness of spray applied rigid foam has been proven to both dramatically reduce shock waves and absorb energy from explosive blasts (e.g., IEDs).

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION[0001]This application claims domestic priority to commonly owned, copending U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61 / 498,236, filed Jun. 17, 2011, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]This invention is directed to systems, methods and products used to retrofit vehicles, particularly military vehicles, such that the vehicles so modified will dissipate shock and absorb blast energy on the undercarriage of the military vehicles. The intent of this Honeywell blast suppression or mitigation system is to increase crew survivability with a particular focus on the lower human extremities.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) have caused more casualties in Iraq and Afghanistan than any other threat. Soft-skinned vehicles are completely vulnerable and even armored vehicles are not effective protection from larger and newer forms of IEDs.[0004]Mine Resistant Am...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

Honeywell's TerraStrong® Blast Mitigation technology provides critical protection for military vehicles against blast attacks. It can be applied to the entire passenger compartment and the rest of the undercarriage, except for the engine. This technology uses foams that can be sprayed or poured onto different surfaces and can reduce bodily injury, damage to equipment, and road noise. The thickness of the foam can vary depending on the desired effect. The technology combines the use of materials that absorb energy and traditional hardened armor solutions. It has been tested and shown to reduce shock waves and absorb energy from explosive blasts. This invention can improve the blast resistance of various undercarriage designs in military vehicles.

Problems solved by technology

Soft-skinned vehicles are completely vulnerable and even armored vehicles are not effective protection from larger and newer forms of IEDs.

Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles emerged by 2007 and although they do provide more protection; they are vulnerable to the blast impulse transferred through the undercarriage of the vehicle, which can result in significant occupant injury, even death.

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