Method and apparatus for changing the trajectory of a projectile

Abstract

An armor system comprising an armor base, an armor face on the armor base positioned as to be the first impact point of an incoming projectile, and a plurality of protrusions that extend outwardly away from the armor face. The protrusions act to affect the trajectory of an incoming projectile and divert it away from the optimum angle of attack.

1 . An armor system for a vehicle comprising:
 an armor base, adapted to be applied to an exterior surface of the vehicle;   an armor face on the base, positioned as to be the first impact point for an incoming projectile; and   at least one arcuate surface extending outwardly away from said armor face, said arcuate surface being adapted to change the trajectory of the incoming projectile upon impact.   
     
     
         2 . The armor system as defined in  claim 1 , further comprising a protrusion extending outwardly away from the armor face, and wherein the arcuate surface comprises a curved sidewall of the protrusion. 
     
     
         3 . The armor system as defined in  claim 2  wherein the protrusion further includes a base proximate to the armor face and a tip remote from the armor face, and wherein the curved sidewall extends between the base and tip. 
     
     
         4 . The armor system as defined in  claim 3  wherein the sidewall has a radius of curvature that is between 0.5″ and 2.0″. 
     
     
         5 . The armor system as defined in  claim 3  wherein the base of the protrusion is one of integrally formed and secured to the armor face. 
     
     
         6 . The armor system as defined in  claim 3  wherein the tip of the protrusion is one of rounded, pointed, and planar in shape. 
     
     
         7 . The armor system as defined in  claim 3  wherein the protrusion is conical in shape; and wherein the protrusion includes a wider base proximate the armor face and a narrower tip remote from the armor face and said sidewall radiates outwardly from said tip to said base and is concave in cross-sectional shape. 
     
     
         8 . The armor system as defined in  claim 7  further comprising a plurality of substantially identical conical protrusions extending outwardly away from the armor face. 
     
     
         9 . The armor system as defined in  claim 8  wherein the protrusions are spaced equidistant from each other. 
     
     
         10 . The armor system as defined in  claim 8  wherein the tips of the protrusions are disposed equidistant from the armor face. 
     
     
         11 . The armor system as defined in  claim 8  wherein the sidewall of a first protrusion is substantially continuous with the sidewall of an adjacent second protrusion. 
     
     
         12 . The armor system as defined in  claim 8  wherein adjacent protrusions are separated from each other by “U” shaped channels. 
     
     
         13 . The armor system as defined in  claim 1  wherein the armor base comprises a first outer layer of a first material and a second inner layer of a second material. 
     
     
         14 . The armor system as defined in  claim 13  wherein the base further comprises a third innermost layer of one of the first and a third material. 
     
     
         15 . The armor system as defined in  claim 14  wherein the second layer comprises a plurality of discrete pockets of the second material interspersed in the first layer. 
     
     
         16 . The armor system as defined in  claim 13  wherein the armor system further comprises at least one hollow cavern defined in one of the first and second layers. 
     
     
         17 . The armor system as defined in  claim 16  wherein the cavern includes at least one interior sidewall that is arcuate, and wherein said arcuate cavern sidewall is disposed so as to change the trajectory of the incoming projectile upon impact therewith. 
     
     
         18 . The armor system as defined in  claim 1  further comprising a lubricating material applied over an exterior surface of the arcuate surface and the armor face. 
     
     
         19 . The armor system as defined in  claim 18  wherein the lubricating material comprises one of a wet and dry lubricant. 
     
     
         20 . A defensive armor plate for a vehicle, said plate comprising:
 a base affixed to an exterior surface of the vehicle; and   a plurality of protrusions extending outwardly from an exterior surface of the base.   
     
     
         21 . The defensive armor plate for a vehicle, wherein each protrusion is conical in shape and is wider proximate the base and tapers to a narrower tip, and wherein an arcuate sidewall extends from the tip to the base; and wherein said protrusions are adapted to alter the trajectory of an incoming projectile upon impact.