Advanced Modular Armor Protection
Encyclopedia
Advanced Modular Armor Protection (AMAP) is modular composite armour
concept, developed by the German company IBD Deisenroth Engineering. According to IBD AMAP is a 4th generation composite armour, making use of nano-ceramics and modern steel alloy technologies.
AMAP is the successor of MEXAS
.
Some modules of the AMAP family can be combined to create an all-around protection.
While Titanium
requires only 58% as much weight as rolled homogeneous armour
(RHA) for reaching the same level of protection, Mat 7720 new, a newly developed Aluminium-Titanium alloy, needs only 38% of the weight. That means that this alloy is more than twice as protective as RHA of the same weight.
AMAP is also making use of new nano-ceramics, which are harder and lighter than current ceramics, while having multi-hit capability. Normal ceramic tiles and a liner backing have a mass-efficiency (EM) value of 3 compared to normal steel armour, while it fulfills STANAG 4569
. The new nano-crystalline ceramic materials should increase the hardness compared to current ceramics by 70% and the weight reduction is 30%, therefore the EM value is larger than 4. Furthermore the higher fracture toughness increases the general multi-hit capability. Some AMAP-modules might consist of this new ceramic
tiles glued on a backing liner and overlaid by a cover, a concept which is also used by MEXAS
. Lightweight SLAT armour is also part of the AMAP family.
In excess new nano-ceramic armour overlaying a vehicle's base armour, which is backed up by a spall-liner, can archieve a weight reduction of more than 40% to meet the Level 3 of STANAG 4569
. Furthermore AMAP's glue and lining components are working efficiently even at high temperatures (like 80 °C (176 °F)).
AMAP is a modular protection concept, therefore several modules, some of them in different variants according the required protection level, are formed. The efficiency may be increased if more types of AMAP-modules are used.
AMAP-ADS is by now one of the fastest active protection systems. In contrast to millisecond systems like Raytheon's
Quick Kill or IMI's
Iron Fist
it is a microsecond system, needing only microseconds
to react. This reduces the minimum defeat distance and enables protection against more different threats like RPGs or EFPs
.
Sensors for target detection and countermeasure
s are installed all around the vehicle. The system weight is 140 kg for light vehicles and up to 500 kg for heavy vehicles.
. Aircraft require special lightweight armour.
like bullets
, autocannon calibers like 20 mm or 30 mm and against APFSDS of tank gun
s like modern 120 mm or 125 mm rounds. Like MEXAS
AMAP-B exists in three versions. Light offers protection against small arms for light armoured or soft-skinned vehicles, helicopters, aircraft and boats. The medium version of AMAP-B is normally used on medium armoured vehicles like IFVs
and APCs
. These vehicles need normally protection against autocannons up to 30 mm caliber. The heavy AMAP-B version is for use on tank
s.
is designed for protection against IEDs. IEDs have caused high losses to troops in Afghanistan and Iraq. AMAP-IED is used in two protection levels, level 1 provides protection against small arms fire, fragments and blasts, upgraded to level two it is also protecting against EFPs and rocket-propelled grenades like the RPG-7
. The level 2 also includes a mine protection.
AMAP-L (liner) is the spall liner of AMAP. AMAP-L can be attached to soft-skinned or armoured vehicles. The spall
cone which is normally 87° can be reduced to only 17°. Over 30,000 vehicles have been fitted with spall lining systems of IBD.
and has a lower weight than conventional mine protection systems.
. It is a modern variant of spaced armour
. AMAP-P is multi-hit-capable. It's areal density is lower than 15 kg/m².
. AMAP-R consists of two armour layers, called AMAP-R Level 1 and AMAP-R Level 2. Compared to conventional roof protection, which can have an aerial density
of up to 450 kg/m², AMAP-R is very lightweight (Level 1 has an aerial density of only 25 kg/m², Level 1 and 2 together have an aerial density of 120 kg/m²). The normal vehicle armour is overlaid by one or two layer of AMAP-R. Level 1 provides protection against bomblets, while Level 2 protects against EFPs.
is reduced to a minimum.
component of AMAP. The use of modern ceramic armour reduces the weight by up to 50% compared to normal bulletproof glass
of the same protection level. It meets STANAG 4569
levels 1 to 4.
Some of the known applications for AMAP include following armoured vehicles:
: AMAP-M, only some variants. Norwegian CV90s have been upgraded with a new protection suite developed by IBD and Rheinmetall Chempro. – VTLM
: AMAP-B, AMAP-L, AMAP-M, AMAP-IED and AMAP-T – Patria AMV: AMAP-B – Puma
: AMAP-B and AMAP-SC
– MRAV Boxer: AMAP-B, AMAP-L, AMAP-M and AMAP-IED – VBC
– VAB
IBD has received an order to equip this vehicle type with a new mine-protection
Leopard 2
tanks:
– Eurocopter Tiger
: AMAP-AIR only
The active protection system AMAP-ADS have already been tested on several vehicles including the SPz Marder
, SEP, CV90, AMV 8x8 and LMV.
Composite armour
Composite armour is a type of vehicle armour consisting of layers of different material such as metals, plastics, ceramics or air. Most composite armour are lighter than their all-metal equivalent, but instead occupy a larger volume for the same resistance to penetration...
concept, developed by the German company IBD Deisenroth Engineering. According to IBD AMAP is a 4th generation composite armour, making use of nano-ceramics and modern steel alloy technologies.
AMAP is the successor of MEXAS
MEXAS
The Modular Expandable Armor System is a ceramic composite armour developed by the German company IBD Deisenroth Engineering. MEXAS was introduced in 1994 and has been applied on over 20,000 combat vehicles worldwide...
.
Some modules of the AMAP family can be combined to create an all-around protection.
Structure
AMAP is making use of new advanced steel alloys, Aluminium-Titanium alloys, nanometric steels, ceramics and nano-ceramics. The new high-hardened steel needs 30% less thickness to offer the same protection level as ARMOX500Z High Hard Armour steel.While Titanium
Titanium
Titanium is a chemical element with the symbol Ti and atomic number 22. It has a low density and is a strong, lustrous, corrosion-resistant transition metal with a silver color....
requires only 58% as much weight as rolled homogeneous armour
Rolled homogeneous armour
Rolled homogeneous armour is a type of steel which is used to armour vehicles.-Composition:Armoured steel must be hard yet impervious to shock in order to resist high velocity metal projectiles. Steel with these characteristics is produced by processing cast steel billets of appropriate size and...
(RHA) for reaching the same level of protection, Mat 7720 new, a newly developed Aluminium-Titanium alloy, needs only 38% of the weight. That means that this alloy is more than twice as protective as RHA of the same weight.
AMAP is also making use of new nano-ceramics, which are harder and lighter than current ceramics, while having multi-hit capability. Normal ceramic tiles and a liner backing have a mass-efficiency (EM) value of 3 compared to normal steel armour, while it fulfills STANAG 4569
STANAG 4569
NATO AEP-55 STANAG 4569 is a NATO Standardization Agreement covering the standards for the "Protection Levels for Occupants of Logistic and Light Armored Vehicles".The standard covers strikes from Kinetic Energy, artillery, and IED blasts....
. The new nano-crystalline ceramic materials should increase the hardness compared to current ceramics by 70% and the weight reduction is 30%, therefore the EM value is larger than 4. Furthermore the higher fracture toughness increases the general multi-hit capability. Some AMAP-modules might consist of this new ceramic
Ceramic
A ceramic is an inorganic, nonmetallic solid prepared by the action of heat and subsequent cooling. Ceramic materials may have a crystalline or partly crystalline structure, or may be amorphous...
tiles glued on a backing liner and overlaid by a cover, a concept which is also used by MEXAS
MEXAS
The Modular Expandable Armor System is a ceramic composite armour developed by the German company IBD Deisenroth Engineering. MEXAS was introduced in 1994 and has been applied on over 20,000 combat vehicles worldwide...
. Lightweight SLAT armour is also part of the AMAP family.
In excess new nano-ceramic armour overlaying a vehicle's base armour, which is backed up by a spall-liner, can archieve a weight reduction of more than 40% to meet the Level 3 of STANAG 4569
STANAG 4569
NATO AEP-55 STANAG 4569 is a NATO Standardization Agreement covering the standards for the "Protection Levels for Occupants of Logistic and Light Armored Vehicles".The standard covers strikes from Kinetic Energy, artillery, and IED blasts....
. Furthermore AMAP's glue and lining components are working efficiently even at high temperatures (like 80 °C (176 °F)).
AMAP is a modular protection concept, therefore several modules, some of them in different variants according the required protection level, are formed. The efficiency may be increased if more types of AMAP-modules are used.
AMAP-ADS
An active protection system named AMAP-ADS (Active Defense System) was developed to prevent a vehicle from being hit by ballistic threats. The system is also known under the name AAC in Sweden and under the name Shark in France.AMAP-ADS is by now one of the fastest active protection systems. In contrast to millisecond systems like Raytheon's
Raytheon
Raytheon Company is a major American defense contractor and industrial corporation with core manufacturing concentrations in weapons and military and commercial electronics. It was previously involved in corporate and special-mission aircraft until early 2007...
Quick Kill or IMI's
Israel Military Industries
Israel Weapons Industries , formerly the "Magen" division of the Israel Military Industries Ltd. is an Israeli firearms manufacturer. In 2005, the Small Arms Division of IMI was privatized....
Iron Fist
Iron Fist Active Protection System
Iron Fist is a hard-kill active protection system designed by Israel Military Industries , with a modular design allowing adaptation to a range of platforms ranging from light utility vehicles to heavy armoured fighting vehicles. The concept was revealed by IMI in 2006 and was expected to enter...
it is a microsecond system, needing only microseconds
Microsecond
A microsecond is an SI unit of time equal to one millionth of a second. Its symbol is µs.A microsecond is equal to 1000 nanoseconds or 1/1000 millisecond...
to react. This reduces the minimum defeat distance and enables protection against more different threats like RPGs or EFPs
Explosively Formed Penetrator
An explosively formed penetrator , also known as an explosively formed projectile, a self-forging warhead, or a self-forging fragment, is a special type of shaped charge designed to penetrate armour effectively at standoff distances...
.
Sensors for target detection and countermeasure
Countermeasure
A countermeasure is a measure or action taken to counter or offset another one. As a general concept it implies precision, and is any technological or tactical solution or system designed to prevent an undesirable outcome in the process...
s are installed all around the vehicle. The system weight is 140 kg for light vehicles and up to 500 kg for heavy vehicles.
AMAP-AIR
AMAP-AIR is designed to protect aircraft like the Eurocopter TigerEurocopter Tiger
The Eurocopter Tiger is an attack helicopter manufactured by Eurocopter. In Germany it is known as the Tiger; in France and Spain it is called the Tigre.-Origins:...
. Aircraft require special lightweight armour.
AMAP-B
AMAP-B (ballistic) provides protection against kinetic energy penetratorsKinetic energy penetrator
A kinetic energy penetrator is a type of ammunition which, like a bullet, does not contain explosives and uses kinetic energy to penetrate the target....
like bullets
Bullet
A bullet is a projectile propelled by a firearm, sling, or air gun. Bullets do not normally contain explosives, but damage the intended target by impact and penetration...
, autocannon calibers like 20 mm or 30 mm and against APFSDS of tank gun
Tank gun
A tank gun is the main armament of a tank. Modern tank guns are large-caliber high-velocity guns, capable of firing kinetic energy penetrators, high explosive anti-tank rounds, and in some cases guided missiles. Anti-aircraft guns can also be mounted to tanks.-Overview:Tank guns are a specific...
s like modern 120 mm or 125 mm rounds. Like MEXAS
MEXAS
The Modular Expandable Armor System is a ceramic composite armour developed by the German company IBD Deisenroth Engineering. MEXAS was introduced in 1994 and has been applied on over 20,000 combat vehicles worldwide...
AMAP-B exists in three versions. Light offers protection against small arms for light armoured or soft-skinned vehicles, helicopters, aircraft and boats. The medium version of AMAP-B is normally used on medium armoured vehicles like IFVs
Infantry fighting vehicle
An infantry fighting vehicle , also known as a mechanized infantry combat vehicle , is a type of armoured fighting vehicle used to carry infantry into battle and provide fire support for them...
and APCs
Armoured personnel carrier
An armoured personnel carrier is an armoured fighting vehicle designed to transport infantry to the battlefield.APCs are usually armed with only a machine gun although variants carry recoilless rifles, anti-tank guided missiles , or mortars...
. These vehicles need normally protection against autocannons up to 30 mm caliber. The heavy AMAP-B version is for use on tank
Tank
A tank is a tracked, armoured fighting vehicle designed for front-line combat which combines operational mobility, tactical offensive, and defensive capabilities...
s.
AMAP-IED
AMAP-IEDImprovised explosive device
An improvised explosive device , also known as a roadside bomb, is a homemade bomb constructed and deployed in ways other than in conventional military action...
is designed for protection against IEDs. IEDs have caused high losses to troops in Afghanistan and Iraq. AMAP-IED is used in two protection levels, level 1 provides protection against small arms fire, fragments and blasts, upgraded to level two it is also protecting against EFPs and rocket-propelled grenades like the RPG-7
RPG-7
The RPG-7 is a widely-produced, portable, unguided, shoulder-launched, anti-tank rocket-propelled grenade launcher. Originally the RPG-7 and its predecessor, the RPG-2, were designed by the Soviet Union, and now manufactured by the Bazalt company...
. The level 2 also includes a mine protection.
AMAP-L
Spall
Spall are flakes of a material that are broken off a larger solid body and can be produced by a variety of mechanisms, including as a result of projectile impact, corrosion, weathering, cavitation, or excessive rolling pressure...
cone which is normally 87° can be reduced to only 17°. Over 30,000 vehicles have been fitted with spall lining systems of IBD.
AMAP-M
AMAP-M (mine) is a mine protection armour module. It fulfills STANAG 4569STANAG 4569
NATO AEP-55 STANAG 4569 is a NATO Standardization Agreement covering the standards for the "Protection Levels for Occupants of Logistic and Light Armored Vehicles".The standard covers strikes from Kinetic Energy, artillery, and IED blasts....
and has a lower weight than conventional mine protection systems.
AMAP-MPS
AMAP-MPS (multi purpose seat) is a special blast-protected seat. Contrary to normal seats, it is not attached to the vehicle floor or roof, so shock-energy can be absorbed by the seats.AMAP-P
AMAP-P uses retractable modules, similar to side skrits or slat armour, to effectively defeat RPGsRocket propelled grenade
A rocket-propelled grenade is a shoulder-fired, anti-tank weapon system which fires rockets equipped with an explosive warhead. These warheads are affixed to a rocket motor and stabilized in flight with fins. Some types of RPG are reloadable while others are single-use. RPGs, with the exception of...
. It is a modern variant of spaced armour
Spaced armour
Armour with two or more plates spaced a distance apart is called spaced armour. When sloped it reduces the penetrating power of bullets and solid shot as after penetrating each plate they tend to tumble, deflect, deform, or disintegrate; when not sloped it increases the protection offered by the...
. AMAP-P is multi-hit-capable. It's areal density is lower than 15 kg/m².
AMAP-R
AMAP-R (roof) is designed to protect the roof of a vehicle against artillery bomblets and EFPsExplosively Formed Penetrator
An explosively formed penetrator , also known as an explosively formed projectile, a self-forging warhead, or a self-forging fragment, is a special type of shaped charge designed to penetrate armour effectively at standoff distances...
. AMAP-R consists of two armour layers, called AMAP-R Level 1 and AMAP-R Level 2. Compared to conventional roof protection, which can have an aerial density
Density
The mass density or density of a material is defined as its mass per unit volume. The symbol most often used for density is ρ . In some cases , density is also defined as its weight per unit volume; although, this quantity is more properly called specific weight...
of up to 450 kg/m², AMAP-R is very lightweight (Level 1 has an aerial density of only 25 kg/m², Level 1 and 2 together have an aerial density of 120 kg/m²). The normal vehicle armour is overlaid by one or two layer of AMAP-R. Level 1 provides protection against bomblets, while Level 2 protects against EFPs.
AMAP-S
AMAP-S (stealth) is IDB's solution of reducing the vehicles signature. AMAP-S can be fitted to naval vehicles, like ships, land vehicles and aircraft. The facility of IBD has own instruments to measure the signatures of a vehicle.AMAP-SC
AMAP-SC (shaped charge) has a very high mass-effency, the EM is between 8 and 10. AMAP-SC has multi-hit capability and protects also against other threats including IEDs. Since AMAP-SC is passive armour, in contrast to ERA, no explosives are used, so collateral damageCollateral damage
Collateral damage is damage to people or property that is unintended or incidental to the intended outcome. The phrase is prevalently used as an euphemism for civilian casualties of a military action.-Etymology:...
is reduced to a minimum.
AMAP-T
AMAP-T (transparency) is the bulletproof glassBulletproof glass
Bulletproof glass is a type of strong but optically transparent material that is particularly resistant to being penetrated when struck by bullets, but is not completely impenetrable. It is usually made from a combination of two or more types of glass, one hard and one soft...
component of AMAP. The use of modern ceramic armour reduces the weight by up to 50% compared to normal bulletproof glass
Bulletproof glass
Bulletproof glass is a type of strong but optically transparent material that is particularly resistant to being penetrated when struck by bullets, but is not completely impenetrable. It is usually made from a combination of two or more types of glass, one hard and one soft...
of the same protection level. It meets STANAG 4569
STANAG 4569
NATO AEP-55 STANAG 4569 is a NATO Standardization Agreement covering the standards for the "Protection Levels for Occupants of Logistic and Light Armored Vehicles".The standard covers strikes from Kinetic Energy, artillery, and IED blasts....
levels 1 to 4.
Applications
Light and medium vehicles
– Combat Vehicle 90Combat Vehicle 90
The Combat Vehicle 90 or Stridsfordon 90 is a Swedish infantry fighting vehicle designed by Hägglunds where the first generation was fitted with a Bofors turret. It is currently produced by BAE Systems Hägglunds.-Background:...
: AMAP-M, only some variants. Norwegian CV90s have been upgraded with a new protection suite developed by IBD and Rheinmetall Chempro. – VTLM
Iveco LMV
Iveco LMV is a 4WD tactical vehicle developed by Iveco, and in service with several countries.After its adoption by the Italian Army under the name VTLM Lince , it won the “FCLV” competition of the British Army as the Panther and has been adopted by the armies of Belgium, Croatia, Norway, Russia...
: AMAP-B, AMAP-L, AMAP-M, AMAP-IED and AMAP-T – Patria AMV: AMAP-B – Puma
Puma (IFV)
The Puma is a German infantry fighting vehicle, the mass production has started on the 6th July 2009. It will replace the aging Marder IFVs, from 2010 through 2020. Governing company is PSM Projekt System Management, a joint venture of Krauss-Maffei Wegmann and Rheinmetall Landsysteme. The Puma is...
: AMAP-B and AMAP-SC
– MRAV Boxer: AMAP-B, AMAP-L, AMAP-M and AMAP-IED – VBCB1 Centauro
The Centauro is a wheeled tank destroyer designed for light to medium territorial defense and tactical reconnaissance. It was developed by a consortium of manufacturers, the Società Consortile Iveco Fiat - Oto Melara...
– VAB
Véhicule de l'Avant Blindé
The Véhicule de l'Avant Blindé or VAB is an armoured personnel carrier and support vehicle designed by the Euro Mobilité Division of GIAT Industries of France. It entered service in 1976; around 5,000 were produced.- Design :The VAB was designed as a wheeled troop transporter, complementing the...
IBD has received an order to equip this vehicle type with a new mine-protection
Heavy vehicles
Leopard 2Leopard 2
The Leopard 2 is a main battle tank developed by Krauss-Maffei in the early 1970s for the West German Army. The tank first entered service in 1979 and succeeded the earlier Leopard 1 as the main battle tank of the German Army. Various versions have served in the armed forces of Germany and twelve...
tanks:
- Leopard 2 Evolution: an armour upgrade developed by IBD for increasing the all-round protection. Some Leopard 2SGs of the Singapore ArmySingapore ArmyThe Singapore Army is the branch of the Singapore Armed Forces responsible for land operations. It is the largest of the three armed services and heavily reliant on a conscript army, comprising the majority of Singapore's Operationally Ready National Servicemen .-Capabilities:The mission of the...
are equipped with it. - Leopard 2 Revolution: A Leopard 2 upgrade developed by Rheinmetall based on IBD's evolution concept.
- Strv 122B: An upgrade developed to increase the all-round survivability of Swedish Strv 122 tanks. The upgrade increases the weight by 350 kilograms (771.6 lb) and raises the vehicle's width to 4 metres (13.1 ft). Newly developed SLAT armour is used to protect the rear.
Aircraft
– Eurocopter TigerEurocopter Tiger
The Eurocopter Tiger is an attack helicopter manufactured by Eurocopter. In Germany it is known as the Tiger; in France and Spain it is called the Tigre.-Origins:...
: AMAP-AIR only
The active protection system AMAP-ADS have already been tested on several vehicles including the SPz Marder
Marder (IFV)
The Marder is a German infantry fighting vehicle operated by the German Army as the main weapon of the Panzergrenadiere from the 1970s through the present day. Developed as part of the rebuilding of Germany's armoured fighting vehicle industry, the Marder has proven to be a successful and solid...
, SEP, CV90, AMV 8x8 and LMV.