Defence System

Abstract

A defence system 2, 60, 70, 100 comprising a net layer 4, 62, 72 and a buffer layer 6, 64, 74 wherein the buffer layer 6, 64, 74 is provided in front of the net layer 4, 62, 72.

1 . A defence system comprising a net layer and a buffer layer, wherein the buffer layer is provided in front of the net layer. 
     
     
         2 . A defence system according to  claim 1 , wherein the buffer layer has one or more properties selected from the group consisting of: UV protection; water resistance; IR shielding; camouflage pattering; non-stick surface; flame retardance. 
     
     
         3 . A defence system according to  claim 1 , wherein the net layer is attached to the buffer layer. 
     
     
         4 . A defence system according to  claim 3 , wherein the buffer layer supports the net in an open condition. 
     
     
         5 . A defence system according to  claim 1 , further comprising a rear buffer layer, wherein the net is sandwiched between the rear buffer layer and the buffer layer in front of the net. 
     
     
         6 . A defence system according to  claim 1 , wherein the buffer layer comprises a layer of a foam material. 
     
     
         7 . A defence system according to  claim 6 , wherein the foam material has a density of less than 100 kg/m 3 . 
     
     
         8 . A defence system according to  claim 6 , wherein the foam material is a closed cell foam. 
     
     
         9 . A defence system comprising:
 a front foam buffer layer;   a rear foam buffer layer; and   a net layer,   wherein the net layer is supported in an open condition in an internal cavity defined by the front foam buffer layer and the rear foam buffer layer.   
     
     
         10 . A defence system according to  claim 9 , wherein the rear foam buffer layer comprises a back panel and a raised peripheral rim, and wherein the front foam buffer layer abuts the peripheral rim to define the internal cavity therebetween. 
     
     
         11 . A defence system according to  claim 10 , wherein the peripheral rim of the rear foam buffer layer further comprises an outer portion, which abuts the front foam buffer layer, and an inner portion, which comprises a plurality of protrusions which are received within a mesh of the net to support the net in an open condition. 
     
     
         12 . A defence system according to  claim 10 , wherein the net layer is spaced at least 60 mm from the back panel of the rear foam buffer layer. 
     
     
         13 . A defence system according to  claim 9 , wherein a spacer material is provided between the net layer and the rear foam buffer layer to maintain the spacing between the net layer and the rear foam buffer layer. 
     
     
         14 . A defence system according to  claim 13 , wherein the spacer material is a reticulated foam layer. 
     
     
         15 . A defence system according to  claim 9 , wherein the defence system is provided with fixing means for attaching it to a vehicle or structure to be protected. 
     
     
         16 . A defence system according to  claim 9 , wherein the system further comprises an elasticated cord which engages with the net mesh around the perimeter of the net and with fixed points on the defence system to retain the net in an open condition. 
     
     
         17 . A defence system according to  claim 16 , wherein the elasticated cord is attached to the net mesh at a plurality of locations around the perimeter of the net. 
     
     
         18 . A defence system according to  claim 1 , wherein the buffer layer comprises a layer of lightweight fabric. 
     
     
         19 . A defence system according to  claim 18 , wherein the lightweight fabric is a rip-stop nylon fabric. 
     
     
         20 . A defence system according to  claim 18 , wherein the lightweight fabric has a mass of less than 160 g/m 2 . 
     
     
         21 . A defence system according to  claim 18 , wherein the buffer layer comprises a bag-like structure which surrounds the net layer. 
     
     
         22 . A defence system for mitigating effects of a projectile and comprising a net layer and a buffer layer, wherein the buffer layer is provided in front of the net layer so that the buffer layer encounters a projectile before the net layer does. 
     
     
         23 . A defence system according to  claim 22 , wherein the buffer layer comprises a layer of a foam material.