WO2021242201A1

WO2021242201A1 - An armour system

Info

Publication number: WO2021242201A1
Application number: PCT/TR2021/050279
Authority: WO
Inventors: Hulusi Ali KASAP; Nimet Gul KAYNAR; Emrullah SAGLAR; Mustafa DEMIRCAN; Ahmet Erdem BOZGUL
Original assignee: Tusas- Turk Havacilik Ve Uzay Sanayii Anonim Sirketi
Priority date: 2020-05-29
Filing date: 2021-03-29
Publication date: 2021-12-02
Also published as: TR202008319A1

Abstract

This invention relates to a body (2) located on the aircraft, a first layer (3) attached to the body (2), a protective layer (4) provided on the first layer (3) so as to enable the body (2) to be protected from damage to the body (2) as a result of a weight impact such as of an ammunition and/or missiles, and a binding layer (5) enabling the first layer (3) and the protective layer (4) to be connected to each other.

Description

AN ARMOUR SYSTEM

This invention relates to an armor system developed to provide ballistic protection in aircraft.

Armor and on-board applications are developing against increasing destructive power and impacts and thus against the resulting ever-increasing threats. Ceramic composite armors are used in order to provide ballistic protection on aircraft. Composite backing materials are adhered to the back of these plates of which their front surfaces are ceramic. The ceramics used on the front surface enable the ammunition to be deformed at the moment of first impact, the composite materials on the back surface, in turn, enable the energy to be dampened and the ceramics that get broken and the ammunition that becomes deformed with the first impact to be stopped.

European patent document EP0432031B1, which is included in the known state of the art, discloses an armor developed for ballistic protection purposes comprising an armor plate designed to stop bullets. The armor comprises an armor plate and a support plate arranged at a certain distance to the front of the armor plate. It is mentioned that the support plate is a ceramic plate and there are a large number of recesses placed on it in a certain form. It is stated that said structure may contain recesses/protrusions formed in different geometric shapes and that the distance between these recesses/protrusions can be arranged in accordance with the bullet sizes. It is stated that said ceramic plate may be of boron carbide or any ceramic-composite material.

Thanks to an armor system developed by the present invention, lighter armor structures can be produced, providing the same ballistic protection in aircraft.

Another object of the invention is to obtain armor systems that can provide appropriate ballistic protection against ammunition of different calibers.

A further object of the invention is to allow for more flexible and faster production than conventional ballistic protection layer production methods. The armor system realized to achieve the object of the invention and defined in the first claim and the other claims dependent thereon comprises a body (cockpit, door, etc.) in aircraft, a first layer attached to the body, a protective layer on the first layer that enables the body to be protected from damage to the body as a result of exposure to a ballistic threat such as ammunition and/or missiles, and a binding layer that enables the first layer and the protective layer to be bond to each other.

The armor system according to the invention comprises more than one second layer on the first layer extending outward from the first layer. It comprises at least one opening in the form of a channel between the second layers, wherein the protective layer is disposed on the opening so as to provide an almost completely form-fitting structure with the opening.

In an embodiment of the invention, the armor system is produced so that the protective layers and second layers have an ordered perforated structure (composite-ceramic- composite-ceramic...). In one embodiment, the second layers are made of composite and the protective layer is made of ceramic material. Ready-made ceramics can be stacked by fastening them to the first layer through adhesion and then laying or gluing composites on their sides.

In an embodiment of the invention, in the armor system against ballistic threats such as bullets/ammunition, the composite first layer prevents bullets/ammunitions and/or parts thereof abraded by a hard surface from penetrating the body and ensures that the remaining energy is dampened.

In an embodiment of the invention, in the armor system against ballistic threats such as bullets/ammunition, the composite second layer prevents bullets/ammunitions and/or parts thereof abraded by a hard surface from penetrating the body and ensures that the remaining energy is dampened.

In an embodiment of the invention, in the armor system, the first layer and the second layer are laid with different fiber layup angles. Fibers can usually be laid at 0/45/90 degree angles. The composition of layers with different fiber orientations provides a high strength. In an embodiment of the invention, the armor system comprises a second layer with a fiber layup direction perpendicular to the first layer.

In an embodiment of the invention, the armor system comprises the first layer and the second layer in a single-piece formation.

In an embodiment of the invention, in the armor system, the protective layer is made of ceramic material. The ceramic protection layer is the part that first contacts/encounters bullets/ammunitions at the time of collision/encounter with ballistic threats such as bullets/ammunitions. The protective layer, which is a hard surface that abrases the bullet/ammunition, is usually made of a ceramic material. The second layers are made of composite and the protective layer is made of ceramic material. Ceramic protection layers form a recessed and protruding form with composite second layers to form a perforated structure.

In an embodiment of the invention, the armor system has a protective layer that can be any one of ceramic material types like boron carbide, alumina or silicon carbide. Ceramic materials such as boron carbide, alumina or silicon carbide are especially preferred for the protective layer in aircraft/helicopters.

In an embodiment of the invention, in the armor system, the binding layer binding the first layer and the protective layer is an adhesive.

In an embodiment of the invention, in the armor system, the ceramic material, which is cut into rectangular prisms according to a desired size and used as a protective layer, is bonded to the first layer by means of the binding layer using a ceramic-over-ceramic bonding technique. Ceramic protective layers are produced by a powder sintering method under high temperatures and pressures according to the prior art. A mold is prepared every time for the method. Instead of this, ready-made protection layers with a square cross-section are adhered with a binding layer, thus enabling a more flexible and faster production. At the same time, as a result of producing the protective layers flexibly and fast, the second layers are also bond by being laid over or adhered to the openings in a flexible and fast manner. In an embodiment of the invention, in the armor system, the ceramic material used as the protective layer is cut by water jet. Ceramic protective layers are produced by a powder sintering method under high temperatures and pressures according to the prior art. A mold is prepared for the method and pressed from a powder form at high temperature and pressure values and brought to the desired forms. Instead, as another alternative method, ready-made protective layers can be cut using water jet so as to quickly give protective layers in desired forms.

In an embodiment of the invention, in the armor system, the widths of the openings can be adjusted according to the type of bullet/ammunition. The openings placed between the composite second layers can be adjusted according to the dimensions of the bullet/ammunition itself.

In an embodiment of the invention, the armor system comprises second layers, each of which is equidistant from the other and extends out of the first layer.

The armor system realized to achieve the object of the present invention is shown in the attached figures, wherein from these figures;

Figure 1- is a perspective view of an armor system according to the prior art.

Figure 2- is a perspective view of an armor system.

Figure 3- is a cross-sectional view of the cross-section A-A in Figure 2.

All the parts illustrated in figures are individually assigned a reference numeral and the corresponding terms of these numbers are listed below:

1. Armor System

2. Body

3. First Layer

4. Protective Layer

5. Binding Layer

6. Second Layer

7. Opening The armor system (1) comprises a body (2) placed on the aircraft, a first layer (3) attached to the body (2), a protective layer (4) provided on the first layer (3) so as to enable the body (2) to be protected from damage to the body (2) as a result of a weight impact such as of an ammunition and/or missiles, and a binding layer (5) enabling the first layer (3) and the protective layer (4) to be connected to each other. (Figure 1)

The armor system (1) according to the invention comprises more than one second layer (6) located on the first layer (3) so as to extend outward from the first layer (3), at least one opening (7) in the form of a channel between the second layers (6), and a protective layer (4) located on the opening (7) so as to be almost completely form-fitting with the opening (7). (Figure 2) (Figure 3)

The armor system (1) consisting of the first layer (3), the protective layer (4) and the binding layer (5) is used in aircraft. The armor system (1) provides ballistic protection against threats such as bullets, ammunition, missiles. The part of the armor system (1), which is bond to the body (2) provided on the aircraft, that is outside of the body (2)/meets the ammunition is the protective layer (4). The protective layer (4) is produced from ceramic material and causes a crushing effect on the ammunition. The first layer (1), which is the part by which the armor system (1) is connected to the body (2), is produced from composite material and provides a damping effect by holding the particles of the crushed ammunition and broken ceramic. The binding layer (5), in turn, connects the first layer (1) and the protective layer (4) together.

There are more than one second layer (6) extending outward from the first layer (3). Between the second layers (6) are provided openings (7) in the form of channels. The protective layers (4) located on the second layers (6) and openings (7) form a perforated structure. The second layers (6) are manufactured from composite material and the protective layers (4) from ceramic material. Thus, an identical ballistic protection is provided with a lighter armor system (1) by producing the ceramic parts in a form that is embedded in the composite base so as to give a perforated structure.

In an embodiment of the invention, the armor system (1) comprises a protective layer (4), of which one part almost completely fills the opening (7) and the other part thereof extends outward from the opening (7). The protective layer (4) and the second layer (6) are produced in a perforated structure.

In an embodiment of the invention, the armor system (1) comprises a first layer (3) produced from composite material. In this way, the energy is dampened and it is enabled to stop the bullets/ammunitions that get broken and deformed with the first effect.

In an embodiment of the invention, the armor system (1) comprises a second layer (6) manufactured from composite material. In this way, the energy is dampened and it is enabled to stop the bullets/ammunitions that get broken and deformed with the first effect. At the same time, a lighter armor system (1) structure is obtained by producing the second layer (6) - protective layer (4) in a perforated form.

In an embodiment of the invention, the armor system (1) comprises a second layer (6) that has a different fiber layup arrangement from that of the first layer (3). Different fiber orientations provide high strength.

In an embodiment of the invention, the armor system (1) comprises a second layer (6) with a fiber layup direction almost completely perpendicular to the first layer (3).

In an embodiment of the invention, the armor system (1) comprises a second layer (6) that is integrated with the first layer (3). The first layer (3) and the second layer (6) can be produced from composite material in one piece.

In an embodiment of the invention, the armor system (1) comprises a protective layer (4) produced from ceramic material. Ceramic materials have high hardness, compressive strength, wear resistance properties. The protective layer (4), which is provided in the armor system (1) and is the part that first contacts/encounters bullets/ammunitions at the time of collision/encounter with bullets/ammunitions, is generally produced from ceramic materials.

In an embodiment of the invention, the armor system (1) comprises a protective layer (4) produced from a ceramic material such as boron carbide, alumina or silicon carbide. In an embodiment of the invention, the armor system (1) comprises a binding layer (5) that is an adhesive. The structure of the armor system (1) is formed by binding the first layer (3) and the protective layer (4) using a binding layer (5) in a suitable adhesive form.

In an embodiment of the invention, the armor system (1) comprises a protective layer (4) placed by a ceramic-over-ceramic bonding technique by means of a binding layer (5) on the first layer (3) by cutting a ceramic material in a rectangular prism form in dimensions predetermined by the user. Ceramic protective layers (4) are produced by a powder sintering method at high temperatures and pressures in the state of the art. A mold is prepared every time for the method. Instead, ready protective layers (4) with square cross-section are bonded by means of the binding layer (5) to provide a more flexible and faster production. At the same time, as a result of producing the protective layers (4) flexibly and fast, the second layers (6) are also bond by being laid over or adhered to the openings (7) in a flexible and fast manner.

In an embodiment of the invention, the armor system (1) comprises a protective layer (4) produced by a technique wherein ceramic material is cut by a water jet. Ceramic protective layers (4) are produced by a powder sintering method at high temperatures and pressures in the state of the art. A mold is prepared for the method and pressed from a powder form at high temperature and pressure values and brought to the desired forms. Instead, as another alternative method, ready-made protective layers (4) are cut using water jet so as to quickly give a perforated structure.

In an embodiment of the invention, the armor system (1) comprises an opening (7) that has dimensions predetermined by the manufacturer depending on the type of ammunition and thus provides ballistic protection against ammunition of different calibers. The widths of the openings (7) can be adjusted according to the type of bullet/ammunition. The openings (7) located on between the composite second layers (6) can be adjusted according to the dimensions of the bullet/ammunition itself.

In an embodiment of the invention, the armor system (1) comprises second layers (6) extending outward from the first layer (3) so that each of which is equidistant from the other. Thus, an armor system (1) structure is formed wherein the second layers (6) are each at an equal distance from each other and a protective layer (4) is provided between both second layers (6).

Claims

1. An armor system (1) comprising a body (2) located on an aircraft, a first layer (3) attached to the body (2), a protective layer (4) provided on the first layer (3) so as to enable the body (2) to be protected from damage to the body (2) as a result of a weight impact such as of ammunition and/or missiles, a binding layer (5) enabling to bind the first layer (3) and the protective layer (4) together, characterized by more than one second layer (6) located on the first layer (3) so as to extend outward from the first layer (3), at least one opening (7) in the form of a channel between the second layers (6), and a protective layer (4) provided on the opening (7) so as to be almost completely form-fitting with the opening (7).

2. An armor system (1) as claimed in claim 1, characterized by a protective layer (4) of which one part almost completely fills the opening (7) and the other part thereof extends outward from the opening (7).

3. An armor system (1) according to claim 1 or claim 2, characterized by a first layer (3) produced from a composite material.

4. An armor system (1) according to any of the above claims, characterized by a second layer (6) produced from a composite material.

5. An armor system (1) according to any of the above claims, characterized by a second layer (6) having a different fiber layup arrangement than that of the first layer (3).

6. An armor system (1) according to any of the above claims, characterized by a second layer (6) having a fiber layup orientation almost completely perpendicular to the first layer (3).

7. An armor system (1) according to any of the above claims, characterized by a second layer (6) that is integrated with the first layer (3).

8. An armor system (1) according to any of the above claims, characterized by a protective layer (4) produced from a ceramic material.

9. An armor system (1) according to any of the above claims, characterized by a protective layer (4) produced from a ceramic material such as a boron carbide, alumina or silicon carbide.

10. An armor system (1) according to any of the above claims, characterized by an adhesive binding layer (5).

11. An armor system (1) according to any of the above claims, characterized by a protective layer (4) laid by a ceramic-over-ceramic bonding technique by means of the binding layer (5) on the first layer (3) by cutting a ceramic material in a rectangular prism form in dimensions predetermined by the user.

12. An armor system (1) according to any of the above claims, characterized by a protective layer (4) produced by a technique by which ceramic material is cut by water jet.

13. An armor system (1) according to any of the above claims, characterized by an opening (7) that has dimensions predetermined by the manufacturer depending on the type of ammunition and thus provides ballistic protection against ammunition of different calibers.

14. An armor system (1) according to any of the above claims, characterized by second layers (6) extending outward from the first layer (3) so that each of which is equidistant from the other.