LoadPath Abrams Shock Stack

For ballistic shock isolation of the M1A2 Abrams Gunner Primary Sight (GPS), the LoadPath Abrams Shock Stack (LASS) is an innovative shock attenuation system capable of isolating critical components within the GPS from damage while maintaining boresight alignment during operational environments. Due to the high level of shock attenuation required, the LASS utilizes a multi-faceted approach to shock reduction that includes a classic shock isolator design enhanced with supplemental attenuation mechanisms. LASS features multiple shock attenuation mechanisms in series and parallel including an optimized isolation fundamental frequency, a convoluted load path between source and output, integral constrained-layer damping, and stacked interfaces to achieve order-of-magnitude reduction in transmitted shock. LASS has the potential to substantially increase the Abrams GPS resiliency and battlefield performance. In the Phase I effort, a high-performance shock attenuation system will be developed by applying the following innovations:1. Multiple shock attenuation strategies applied in concert2. Optimized, high-loss passive damping treatment3. Advanced Finite Element Analysis methods4. Modular design and optimized packaging