Enhancing Vehicle Survivability with Lightweight Flame-Resistant Solutions
Countering IEDs and EFPs (explosively formed penetrator) is a critical challenge for NATO forces in Afghanistan. IEDs have contributed to staggering casualty rates, with vehicles and convoys being primary targets for insurgents. Reducing IED-induced battle damage to personnel and equipment is of paramount concern in saving Coalition lives.
To address this issue, the United States Marine Corp’s Light Armoured Vehicle (LAV) Program is dedicated to keeping Marines safe in all operational environments. They are paving the way in keeping war fighters safe with the advantages provided to them by the latest lightweight and flame-resistant materials which, in turn, give combat troops the tools needed to succeed and survive.
Leaders in the defence industry are likewise developing cutting edge technologies to combat the deadly strikes on Coalition convoys and to help save time and money on equipment and vehicle repair costs.
Enhancing vehicle survivability requires a balance between the increased weight of additional armour and the need to maintain vehicle mobility and payload. Composites made with lightweight, flame-resistant fibres such as Kevlar® deliver a greater increase in threat protection at a lower weight than thicker metal armour, while acting as a spall liner in an overmatch situation. In addition, composite spall liners made with Kevlar® have demonstrated over 20 years of proven performance in the field. When considering all aspects of vehicle survivability - high mass efficiency, durability and flame resistance properties - composites made with lightweight, flame-resistant fibres can offer a better solution for the soldier.
In this webinar, participants will learn:
- The latest improvements and modifications to the USMC’s LAV
- Cost versus performance comparisons for flame resistant materials
- Why Spall liners are important to military vehicle survivability
- Why long term durability is critical in vehicle armouring
Presenters:
Dr. Robert Lusardi
Deputy Program Manager
USMC LAV Program
Dr. David Reichert
Research Associate
DuPont
