Overhead Threat Protection (OTP)

The Over Head Threat Protection system developed previously minimizes the structural load seen by the support frame by having a pre-detonation (Pre-Det) screen set off the incoming round at a 5-ft distance from the fragmentation catch panels. This approach allows for a lighter weight ballistic panel solution than would be required without a pre-det layer. The problem with the current design is that the pre-det layer is made from ½-in thick plywood. Installing the plywood layer at a 5-ft standoff on top of a large structure proved difficult and time consuming. It is this component of the design which needs to be modified/improved. Recent R&D work shows a potential capability to develop a pre-det screen made from a high strength fabric. If the pre-det screen could be switched to fabric from ½-in plywood, the complexity of the process and set up time for the OTP structure, and the level of mechanical assistance needed would be drastically reduced while the risk to the assembly team incurred by the requirement to maneuver large heavy rigid panels in the air would be obviated. The packed volume and weight of the fabric would also be significantly less than the wooden design.