// UNMANNED SYSTEMS AND NEXT-GEN WARFARE TERM
Reactive Armor
Reactive armor is a type of vehicle protection system that uses explosive-filled blocks or panels to defend against incoming projectiles. When a projectile hits, these blocks detonate outwards, disrupting the projectile's penetration capabilities before it can fully breach the main armor.
TECHNICAL DEFINITION
Reactive armor, often referred to as Explosive Reactive Armor (ERA), is an advanced passive-active defense system for armored combat vehicles, including tanks and naval vessels, designed to counter shaped charge warheads and kinetic energy penetrators by detonating explosive elements upon impact to disrupt the projectile's trajectory or energy transfer.
BACKGROUND
Reactive armour is a type of vehicle armour used for protecting vehicles, especially modern tanks, against anti-vehicle armour-piercing munitions.
READ MORE ON WIKIPEDIASYNONYMS & ALIASES
- Explosive Reactive Armor
- ERA
- Dynamic Armor
- Self-protection Armor
- Add-on Armor
- Modular Armor
USAGE NOTE
Reactive armor is primarily applied as an external add-on defense to main battle tanks and other armored fighting vehicles to significantly enhance their survivability against anti-tank guided missiles and rocket-propelled grenades.
DEVELOPERS
Organizations developing technology related to Reactive Armor.
A leading Israeli defense company that develops and manufactures advanced defense systems, including various types of reactive armor (e.g., BRASS series) for tanks and armored vehicles.
A major American defense contractor specializing in land combat systems, including the design, development, and integration of advanced armor solutions, often incorporating reactive armor, for its vehicles like the Abrams tank.
A British multinational arms, security, and aerospace company that develops and manufactures advanced protection systems, including various armor solutions and kits that feature reactive armor elements for a wide range of combat vehicles.
A German defense contractor known for its advanced weapon systems, ammunition, and vehicle systems. They develop and supply a variety of protection systems, including modular and reactive armor solutions for armored vehicles.
A German defense company that is a leading manufacturer of armored vehicles, including the Leopard 2 main battle tank. KMW integrates and develops advanced protection concepts for its platforms, often including reactive armor.
A French defense company that designs and manufactures military vehicles and artillery systems. Nexter develops integrated protection solutions for its platforms, such as the Leclerc tank, incorporating various armor technologies including reactive armor.
The science and technology arm of the UK Ministry of Defence. DSTL conducts research and provides expertise in various defense technologies, including advanced materials and armor systems, which encompasses reactive armor concepts.
The U.S. Army's corporate research laboratory, which conducts fundamental and applied research in areas vital to national security, including materials science for enhanced protection and advanced armor technologies like reactive armor.