Lightweight Bullet and Fragment Impact Protection for Mobile Missile Launcher

Currently Army missiles are vulnerable to bullet and fragment impact even when housed within their protective canisters. Missile canisters are generally made of lightweight metalsor composites offering little defense from ballistic impacts. Recent advances in Insensitive Munitions (IM) lightweight armor design indicate the feasibility of a solution for developing practical MIL-STD-2105D compliant canisters. Bullet and fragment impact test data has demonstrated effective impact resistant armor applicable to canister design, making them compatible with both space and weight constraints of typical mobile missile launchers and handling equipment weight limitations.American Technical Coatings, Inc. (DBA ATC Materials, Inc.) of Westlake, OH is a leader in IM armor technologies and is currently producing the NAVY/MDA qualified MIL-STD-2105D Type VI+ Transportation Protection System (TPS).ATCs lightweight armor for canisters is an offshoot of TPS technology and has demonstrated successful IM response reduction of energetic materials in several Army tests.This armor can be easily fitted to any canister or missile launcher, providing enhanced warfighter safety and preservation of scarce munitions so critical during combat operations. Lightweight armor technology can also be used for related applications such as ballistic shields for protection of personnel or hazardous and high-value cargo.