Experimental Study on Ballistic Performance of Armored Vehicles Against Small Caliber High-Power Projectiles

Abstract

This study aims to raise awareness amongst armored vehicles developers and manufacturers to reduce the percentage of structural weak areas from the entire vehicle design. Ballistic tests, trials and comparisons were conducted in order to demonstrate suitable solutions to improve the ballistic protection of complete armored vehicles against 7.62 x 51 mm NATO Ball DM111 high-power projectiles. In summary, the percentage of structural weak areas in the rear view of a military vehicle was reduced to over 80% in a modified design compared to the same original design. This was achieved by accurately marking the SWAs of the rear view, then applying some traditional design modifications on weld lines, seams, joints, holes and bolts resulting in an increased protection capability of the vehicle.