// UNMANNED SYSTEMS AND NEXT-GEN WARFARE TERM
Composite Armor
Composite armor is a type of vehicle protection made by layering different materials, such as metals, plastics, and ceramics. This layered construction is more effective at defeating modern anti-tank weapons and is often lighter than solid steel armor of similar protective strength.
TECHNICAL DEFINITION
Composite armor is an advanced vehicle protection system comprising a matrix of multiple material layers, including metals, ceramics (e.g., silicon carbide, alumina), and polymers (e.g., Kevlar), engineered to defeat threats like kinetic energy penetrators (KEP) and shaped charges (HEAT). This layered design enhances survivability for platforms like main battle tanks (MBTs) and armored fighting vehicles (AFVs) by disrupting and absorbing projectile energy.
BACKGROUND
List of abbreviations, acronyms and initials related to military subjects such as modern armor, artillery, infantry, and weapons, along with their definitions.
READ MORE ON WIKIPEDIASYNONYMS & ALIASES
- multi-layered armor
- special armor
- Chobham armor
- ceramic armor
- hybrid armor
- advanced armor
USAGE NOTE
The specific composition of a nation's composite armor is one of its most closely guarded military secrets.
DEVELOPERS
Organizations developing technology related to Composite Armor.
A multinational defense, security, and aerospace company that develops and integrates advanced composite armor systems for military vehicles, such as the Bradley Fighting Vehicle and the Armored Multi-Purpose Vehicle (AMPV).
A German automotive and defense manufacturer that produces advanced modular composite armor solutions, such as the AMAP (Advanced Modular Armour Protection) family, used on vehicles like the Leopard 2 tank and Puma IFV.
An Israeli company specializing in survivability solutions that designs and manufactures lightweight composite armor kits for a wide range of military tactical wheeled and tracked vehicles worldwide, including the MRAP family.
Formerly TenCate Advanced Armor, this company is a global provider of composite armor for personal protection, land vehicles, aircraft, and naval vessels, utilizing materials like aramids, UHMWPE, and ceramics.
A leader in the development and production of advanced technical ceramics, which are a critical component of modern composite armor plates for both personnel body armor and vehicle protection systems.
A global materials engineering company that produces high-performance ceramic and composite materials for armor systems, including lightweight plates for body armor, vehicle spall liners, and applique armor.
As the manufacturer of platforms like the Abrams main battle tank and Stryker vehicle, GDLS actively develops and integrates advanced composite armor systems to enhance crew survivability against modern threats.
The U.S. Army's primary laboratory for basic and applied research. Its materials science division is at the forefront of developing next-generation lightweight composite materials and armor concepts for future soldiers and vehicles.