WO2012052768A1

WO2012052768A1 - Counteracting an explosion underneath a vehicle

Info

Publication number: WO2012052768A1
Application number: PCT/GB2011/052035
Authority: WO
Inventors: Roger Mark Sloman
Original assignee: Roger Mark Sloman
Priority date: 2010-10-22
Filing date: 2011-10-20
Publication date: 2012-04-26
Also published as: GB201017883D0

Abstract

An apparatus (10), method and a computer program are provided. The apparatus (10) comprises means (16) for detecting an explosion underneath a vehicle (2), and means (77) for projecting a belly plate (152b) from the vehicle (2), in response to detection of the explosion. The belly plate (152b) may be projected towards the source of the explosion.

Description

TITLE

Counteracting an Explosion Underneath a Vehicle TECHNOLOGICAL FIELD

Embodiments of the present invention relate to counteracting an explosion underneath a vehicle. In particular, they relate to counteracting an explosion underneath an armoured vehicle using a detachable belly plate. BACKGROUND

Armoured vehicles comprise armour for protecting the vehicle and its occupants against projectiles, shrapnel and blast emanating from explosive devices, such as mines or improvised explosive devices (lED's).

BRIEF SUMMARY

According to some, but not necessarily all, embodiments of the invention there is provided a vehicle, comprising: means for detecting an explosion underneath the vehicle; and means for projecting a belly plate from the vehicle, in response to detection of the explosion.

According to some, but not necessarily all, embodiments of the invention there is provided an apparatus, comprising: means for detecting an explosion underneath a vehicle; and means for projecting a belly plate from the vehicle, in response to detection of the explosion.

According to some, but not necessarily all, embodiments of the invention there is provided a method, comprising: detecting an explosion underneath a vehicle; and projecting a belly plate from the vehicle, in response to detection of the explosion.

According to some, but not necessarily all, embodiments of the invention there is provided a computer program comprising computer program instructions that, when performed by at least one processor, cause the method as described in the paragraph above to be performed.

According to some, but not necessarily all, embodiments of the invention there is provided an apparatus, comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory storing a computer program comprising computer program instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause at least the following to be performed: responding to detection of an explosion underneath a vehicle by projecting a belly plate from the vehicle.

According to some, but not necessarily all, embodiments of the invention there is provided a method, comprising: responding to detection of an explosion underneath a vehicle by projecting a belly plate from the vehicle. According to some, but not necessarily all, embodiments of the invention there is provided a computer program comprising computer program instructions that, when performed by at least one processor, cause the method as described in the paragraph above to be performed. According to some, but not necessarily all, embodiments of the invention there is provided a vehicle, comprising: at least one detector configured to detect an explosion underneath the vehicle; and a belly plate configured to be projected from the vehicle, in response to detection of the explosion;. According to some, but not necessarily all, embodiments of the invention there is provided an apparatus, comprising: at least one detector configured to detect an explosion underneath a vehicle; and a belly plate configured to be projected from a vehicle, in response to detection of the explosion.. According to some, but not necessarily all, embodiments of the invention there is provided a vehicle, comprising: a body defining an internal enclosure for housing occupants of the vehicle, wherein the internal enclosure has a floor; a first belly plate, at least partly situated beneath the floor of the internal enclosure; a second belly plate, at least partly situated beneath the first belly plate; and one or more materials, positioned between the first belly plate and the second belly plate, suitable for substantially intercepting a shaped charge that penetrates the second belly plate.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

For a better understanding of various examples of embodiments of the present invention reference will now be made by way of example only to the accompanying drawings in which:

Fig. 1 illustrates an apparatus;

Fig. 2 illustrates a side view of a vehicle;

Fig. 3 illustrates a side view of the vehicle, with a portion illustrating the interior of the vehicle;

Fig. 4 illustrates a plan view of the roof of the vehicle;

Fig. 5 illustrates a plan view of a surface of the vehicle;

Fig. 6 illustrates a cross section of a vehicle stabilizing device;

Fig. 7 illustrates a cross section of a detachable belly plate system;

Fig. 8 illustrates a plan view of a detachable belly plate;

Fig. 9 illustrates a cross section of a belly plate arrangement for intercepting a shaped charge;

Fig. 10 illustrates a plan view of an aspect of the belly plate arrangement of Fig. 9; and Fig. 11 illustrates a schematic of a method.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION The Figures illustrate a vehicle 2, comprising: means for detecting 16 an explosion underneath the vehicle; and means for projecting 12, 75a-c, 77 a belly plate from the vehicle, in response to detection of the explosion.

An explosive event can cause significant trauma to a vehicle and/or a vehicle's occupants. In order to protect the occupants of the vehicle from shrapnel and blast emanating from an explosive such as a bomb, mine or improvised explosive device (IED), some vehicles comprise armour. The armour may protect the occupants against injury caused directly from the shrapnel and blast effects. However, depending upon the size of the explosive, some aspects of the vehicle (such as the floor of the vehicle if the explosion occurs underneath the vehicle) can be very heavily damaged. Furthermore, an explosion underneath or to the side of a vehicle may cause the vehicle to accelerate rapidly into the air, resulting in injury to the occupants either when being accelerated upwards or when the vehicle lands on the ground.

Some explosive devices may, for example, include a combination of an explosively formed penetrator/projectile (EFP) and a mine for producing a blast charge.

Detonation of an appropriately positioned EFP may cause a projectile to be directed towards the underside of a vehicle. In order to counteract the effects of such an EFP, the vehicle may include an armoured belly plate.

The detonation of a mine generates an initial Shockwave which is very quickly followed by a blast wave. If the detonation occurs underneath the vehicle, these events cause damage to the vehicle and contribute to the vehicle being accelerated upwards into the air.

Immediately after the explosion occurs, there is an input of energy from the initial Shockwave, the following reflected pressure waves, ejecta, and from localised very high pressure gas. Over the next few milliseconds, the gases produced by decomposition of the explosive from the mine expand underneath the vehicle and together with other contributors (to the total impulse imparted to the vehicle) may apply a large enough force to cause the vehicle to accelerate upwards into the air and fall onto its side or top. The effect of the expanding gases can be likened to a large airbag expanding very rapidly under the vehicle. The upwards force that is generated by the expanding gases is at maximum for around 5 milliseconds or so, and then rapidly reduces in value over the next 5 milliseconds to near zero. Gas escaping from the ground and the ejecta carried with it may continue to provide an impulse to the vehicle for another 30-500 milliseconds or so, depending on the depth of the burial of the explosive and the soil type and condition. The proportion of the total impulse imparted to the vehicle by the ejecta is very variable. If the mine is buried very deeply in a culvert under a road, practically all of the impulse may arise from the ejecta. If the mine is located on the top of a hard surface there may be very little or no contribution from the ejecta, and practically all of the lifting impulse will be generated by the gas pressure.

Embodiments of the invention relate to an apparatus for mitigating the damage caused to a vehicle by an explosion, intercepting the associated blast wave and stabilizing the vehicle in response to the explosion. Advantageously, embodiments of the invention enable injury to the vehicle's occupants to be prevented or limited and enable the vehicle to remain upright and in fighting condition.

Fig. 1 illustrates an apparatus 10 for mitigating the damage caused to a vehicle by an explosion, intercepting the blast wave produced by the explosion and for stabilizing the vehicle in response to the explosion. The apparatus 10 may be applied to a vehicle during manufacture or post manufacture. The apparatus 10 may, for example, be a kit of parts. The vehicle may be a land-based armoured vehicle. For example, the vehicle may be a civilian car, a modified sports utility vehicle, or a military armoured vehicle such as a personnel carrier or a tank.

The apparatus 10 comprises control means in the form of a processor 12, one or more detectors 16, one or more vehicle stabilizing devices 30, a memory 20 and a belly plate detachment system 25. Although one processor 12 is shown in Fig. 1 , in practice multiple processors may be provided and the functions of the processor 12 described below may be performed by the multiple processors.

The processor 12 is configured to receive inputs from the detector(s) 16. The processor 12 is configured to provide outputs to the one or more vehicle stabilizing devices 30 and the belly plate detachment system 25. The processor 12 is also configured to write to and read from the memory 20.

The detectors 16 may be any type of detectors suitable for detecting that an explosion has occurred local to (for example, underneath) a vehicle. The detectors 16 may, for example, include: one or more pressure detectors, one or more temperature detectors and/or one or more light detectors.

The pressure detectors may, for example, be piezoelectric pressure detectors. Advantageously, piezoelectric pressure detectors operate effectively in adverse weather and ground conditions.

Alternatively or additionally, the detectors 16 may include one or more break wire detectors. An explosion may cause a circuit of such a break wire detector to break, causing the break wire detector to provide an input to the processor 12.

Alternatively or additionally, the detectors 16 may include one or more ionisation detectors for detecting ionised particles that result from an explosion. Alternatively or additionally, the detectors 16 may comprise one or more electromagnetic pulse detectors for detecting an electromagnetic pulse resulting from an explosion.

The one or more vehicle stabilizing devices 30 are configured to apply a force having a groundwards component to a vehicle. Exemplary implementations of the one or more vehicle stabilizing devices 30 are described in detail below.

The memory 20 stores a computer program 21 comprising computer program instructions 22 and data 24. The data 24 may include control information. The control information is explained in more detail below.

The computer program instructions 22 control the operation of the apparatus 10 when loaded into the processor 12. The computer program instructions 22 provide the logic and routines that enables the apparatus 10 to perform the method illustrated in Fig. 11. The computer program may arrive at the apparatus 10 via any suitable delivery mechanism 26. The delivery mechanism 26 may be, for example, a (non-transitory) computer-readable storage medium, a computer program product, a memory device, a record medium such as a CD-ROM or DVD, an article of manufacture that tangibly embodies the computer program instructions 22. The delivery mechanism may be a signal configured to reliably transfer the computer program instructions 22.

In an alternative implementation, the processor 12 and/or the memory 20 may be provided by an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC).

Fig. 2 illustrates a side view of a vehicle 2 that comprises the apparatus 10 illustrated in Fig 1. The detectors 16 of the apparatus 10 may, for example, be situated on the underside 104 of the vehicle 2.

The illustrated vehicle 2 further comprises a body 100 and wheels 28. The illustrated vehicle 2 comprises four wheels 28, but in other implementations of the invention, the vehicle 2 may include a different quantity of wheels or tracks. The reference numerals 102, 104, 106 and 108 in Fig. 2 designate the front, the underside, the rear and the roof of the vehicle 2 respectively.

The body 100 of the vehicle 2 defines an internal enclosure 101 for housing occupants of the vehicle 2. Fig. 3 illustrates a portion of the internal enclosure 101 of the vehicle 2. In this particular example, the vehicle 2 comprises a single vehicle stabilizing device 30. The vehicle stabilizing device 30 extends from a base 150 of the vehicle 2, through the enclosure 101 and towards the roof 108 of the vehicle 2. In this example, the vehicle stabilizing device 30 is the same height as the roof 108 of the vehicle 2. In other examples, the vehicle stabilizing device 30 may, for instance, extend above the roof 108 of the vehicle 2. The vehicle stabilizing device 30 may also be fitted to open-topped vehicles without a roof.

The vehicle stabilizing device 30 illustrated in Fig. 3 is elongate in shape, with its largest extent being aligned with the height of the vehicle 2. In the illustrated example, the vehicle stabilizing device 30 is shaped as a column. The outer wall 31 of the vehicle stabilizing device 30 can be seen extending from the base 150 to the roof 108 of the vehicle 2. In the illustrated example, a cover 55 covers an upper portion of the vehicle stabilizing device 30, where the vehicle stabilizing device 30 meets the roof 108. The cover 55 may be a hinged ballistic cover. In some embodiments of the invention some of the electronics of the apparatus 10 may be housed within the column-shaped vehicle stabilizing device 30 in order to protect them. For example, the processor 12 and the memory 20 may be housed within the vehicle stabilizing device 30.

The detectors 16 may also be housed within the vehicle stabilizing device 30. For example, if the detectors 16 are pressure detectors, each pressure detector may be interconnected with a tube extending to the exterior of the vehicle (e.g. the underside 104 of the vehicle 2) to enable the pressure detectors to detect pressure caused by an explosion. In order to ensure that the tubes remain open and capable of allowing the pressure detectors to detect an explosion, a compressor may be used to continuously blow compressed air through the tubes, exiting through open ends of the tubes underneath the vehicle 2. Fig. 4 illustrates the roof 108 of the vehicle 2. The reference numerals 102 and 106, relating to the front and rear of the vehicle 2 respectively, are present to aid orientation of the figure. The cover 55 of the vehicle stabilizing device 30 has been removed in Fig. 4 to expose five outlets 18a-18d and 37 of the vehicle stabilizing device 30 for ejecting non-gaseous matter.

The vehicle stabilizing device 30 is configured to generate a groundwards force in response to detection of an explosion local to the vehicle 2, in order to prevent (or mitigate) the upwards acceleration of the vehicle 2 caused by the explosion. The groundwards force is generated by ejecting non-gaseous matter from the outlets 18a- 18d and 37 of the vehicle stabilizing device 30.

In the embodiments of the invention illustrated in Fig. 3, the vehicle stabilizing device 30 is connected to the base 150 of the vehicle 2 at a surface 151 which may, for example, be an armoured layer (for instance, provided by a belly plate of the vehicle 2). The vehicle stabilizing device 30 may, for example, be welded, bolted or otherwise connected to the surface 151. Although not shown in Fig. 3, a further surface may be situated above the surface 151 , upon which the occupants of the vehicle 2 may place their feet. The structure of the vehicle stabilizing device 30 (and in particular its outer wall 31 ) acts to channel the force generated by the vehicle stabilizing device 30 towards the base 150 of the vehicle 2. The apparatus 10 further comprises force distributing means 40 for distributing the force generated by the vehicle stabilizing device 30 in a plurality of different directions across the base 150, in order to mitigate damage to the base 150 from the generated force.

Fig. 5 illustrates a plan view of the surface 151 of the base 150 of the vehicle 2. In the embodiments of the invention illustrated in Fig. 5, the force distributing means 40 comprises a plurality of force distributing members 41-48 that extend outwardly, across the base 150, from the outer wall 31 of the vehicle stabilizing device 30. For example, each of the force distributing members 41-48 may be welded, bolted or otherwise connected to the vehicle stabilizing device 30 and the base 150 (e.g. at the surface 151 ). The force distributing means 40 also comprises at least one interconnecting member 49 that interconnects each of the force distributing members 41 -48.

When the vehicle stabilizing device 30 generates a force in response to an explosion, it channels the generated force in a first direction, towards the base 150 of the vehicle 2. Each of the force distributing members 41-48 then distributes the generated force across the base 150 in a plurality of directions that are substantially perpendicular to the first direction. By dispersing the generated force across the area of the base 150 in this way, damage to the base 150 from the generated force is mitigated. Fig. 6 illustrates a cross section of the vehicle stabilizing device 30. In this example, the vehicle stabilizing device 30 comprises five different compartments 17a-17d and 35 that store non-gaseous matter 56 for ejection. The compartments 17a-17d and 35 comprise the outlets 18a-18d and 37 respectively. However, in the Fig. 6 illustration, only three of the compartments 17b, 17d and 35 are shown.

The non-gaseous matter 56 may comprise one or more solid materials. Alternatively or additionally, the non-gaseous matter 56 may comprise one or more liquids. In some embodiments of the invention, the non-gaseous matter 56 may be (or include) water. In other implementations of the invention, the non-gaseous matter 56 may be (or include) powdered barium sulphate.

The density and weight of the non-gaseous matter 56 may vary depending on the implementation of the invention (for example, depending upon the weight of the vehicle 2 to be stabilized). For the avoidance of doubt, the non-gaseous matter 56 is not ammunition. It is not intended to cause damage to a third party.

The selection of solid matter for ejection has an advantage in terms of the range of densities that are available in solid form. However, if one or more solid objects are ejected, some consideration should be given as whether the ejection of the solid objects represents a danger for nearby personnel.

In some embodiments of the invention, a solid projectile is ejected that is arranged to fragment after ejection. In one example, the solid projectile comprises a small charge (e.g. at its centre). The charge may be used to fragment the solid projectile after it has been ejected to minimize the potential of damage being caused to personnel.

In another example, a suitable projectile may, for example, be lead shot that is lightly bonded together with resin. Such a projectile may break up upon ejection, without requiring a charge to be present within the projectile. Alternatively, loose lead shot or similar materials may be used to provide the projectile mass.

The non-gaseous matter 56 stored in the compartment 35 may or may not be a different substance to the non-gaseous matter stored in the compartments 17a-17d.

The vehicle stabilizing device 30 illustrated in Fig. 6 comprises an outer, circumferential, wall 31 and an inner wall 32. In this example, the outer wall 31 substantially defines an outer cylinder and the inner wall 32 substantially defines an inner cylinder within the outer cylinder. The volume between the inner wall 32 and the outer wall 31 provides a compartment 35 which, in this example, is empty. The volume within the inner wall 32 provides a compartment for storing non-gaseous matter 56. Each of the compartments 17a-17d is located above the outer compartment 35 and may comprise one or more explosive substances 15. The one or more explosive substances 15 may include one or more high explosives such as PETN (pentaerythritol tetranitrate) and may be provided by a detonator cord.

A detonator may also be provided for detonating each of the one or more explosive substances 15. A detonator may, for example, be positioned in each of the compartments 17a-17d. The detonator(s) may, for example, be exploding electrical detonators such as exploding bridge wire detonators or exploding foil initiators.

When an explosion occurs local to the vehicle 2, it is detected by one or more of the detectors 16. In response to receiving an input from a detector 16 that is indicative of an explosion having occurred, the processor 12 responds by causing one or more of the detonators to detonate.

The detonation of a detonator causes the one or more explosive substances 15 in a compartment 17a-17d to detonate. The apparatus 10 may comprise circuitry, located intermediate the processor 12 and each of the detonators, which responds to a signal from the processor 12 by providing a high voltage, high current electrical signal to the detonators in order to cause the detonators to explode.

The detonation of the one or more explosive substances 15 in the compartments 17a- 17d causes the non-gaseous matter 56 to accelerate upwards, displace the cover 55 (not shown in Fig. 6) and exit the relevant compartment 17a-17d of the vehicle stabilizing device 30 via the relevant outlet 18a-18d.

In some embodiments of the invention, rapid burning propellant may be used as an alternative to, or in addition to, the one or more explosive substances 15 in the compartments 17a-17d. In embodiments where rapid burning propellant is used as an alternative, an ignition system that ignites the rapid burning propellant may be used in place of the detonator.

The non-gaseous matter 56 is ejected from the vehicle stabilizing device 30 and propelled into the air (and away from the vehicle 2) while in non-gaseous form. The non- gaseous matter 52 is effectively a projectile, which may or may not break up as it ejected from the vehicle stabilizing device 30.

Production of the force to eject the non-gaseous matter 56 results in an equal and opposite (reactionary) force being applied to the vehicle 2. The reactionary force that is generated by the ejection of the non-gaseous matter 56 from the compartments 17a-17d is, practically speaking, instantaneous. For instance, the force may be produced in less than 1 millisecond after detection of an explosion and last for a few milliseconds or less. The non-gaseous matter 56 may, for example, be ejected in a direction that is substantially perpendicular to and away from the ground, in order to produce an appropriate (reactionary) groundwards force for stabilizing the vehicle 2 in response to an explosion. The reactionary force is channelled towards the base 150 of the vehicle 2 by the vehicle stabilizing device 30.

In addition to generating an instantaneous force, the vehicle stabilizing device 30 is configured to apply a continuous force to the vehicle, over a period of time, by continuously ejecting non-gaseous matter 56. This continuous force mitigates the longer- duration forces that are produced a short period of time (for example, 5-10 milliseconds) after an explosion has occurred, and last for around a further 30-500 milliseconds or so.

The vehicle stabilizing device 30 comprises an activation system 57. The activation system 57 is configured to cause a continuous force to be generated by causing the non-gaseous matter 56 to be continuously ejected from the vehicle stabilization device 30 over a period of time. Compartment 35 has a larger volume (and contains more nongaseous matter 56) than each of the compartments 17a-17d.

In some implementations of the invention, the activation system 57 comprises a compartment containing pressurised gas and an initiator. Activation of the initiator causes the pressurised gas to be released from the compartment, causing the nongaseous matter 56 within the inner compartment 36 to be ejected through the outlet 37 and upwardly away from the vehicle stabilizing device 30. The non-gaseous matter 56 is propelled into the air and away from the vehicle 2 while it is in non-gaseous form. In other implementations of the invention, the activation system 57 comprises propellant and an initiator in the form of an ignition system. The ignition system is used to ignite the propellant, which causes gas to expand in the compartment 35 and the non-gaseous matter 56 to accelerate in the manner described above.

In some embodiments of the invention, the processor 12 provides an output to activate the initiator of the activation system 57 after an explosion is detected by one or more detectors 16. In some alternative embodiments of the invention, the apparatus 10 comprises one or more sensors that are configured to sense when non-gaseous matter 56 is ejected from the compartments 17a-17d. The sensors may, for example, be pressure sensors. In these embodiments of the invention, the initiator of the activation system 57 may be activated in response to an input from one or more of the sensors.

The non-gaseous matter 56 is not instantaneously ejected from the outlet 37 but continuously ejected over a period of time. The continual ejection of the non-gaseous matter 56 from the outlet 37, over a period of time, causes a continuous reactionary force to be produced. The direction that the continuous reactionary force is applied in is opposite to the direction in which the non-gaseous matter 56 is ejected. The continuous reactionary force is channelled towards the base of the vehicle 2 by the vehicle stabilizing device 30 and distributed across the base 150 of the vehicle 2 by the distributing members 41-48. In this example, the surface 151 to which the vehicle stabilizing device 30 is connected is provided by an upper belly plate 152a. The force distributing members 41 -48 which interconnect the vehicle stabilizing device 30 and the upper belly plate 152a are not shown in Fig. 6 for clarity.

The period of time over which the non-gaseous matter 56 is continuously ejected from the vehicle stabilizing device 30 (and over which the continuous reactionary force is applied) may, for instance, be any value between 5 milliseconds and 500 milliseconds. For example, the non-gaseous matter 56 may be ejected from the outlet 37 of the vehicle stabilizing device 30 for at least 5 milliseconds, at least 20 milliseconds, at least 35 milliseconds, at least 50 milliseconds, at least 80 milliseconds, or at least 200 milliseconds. The magnitude of the continuous force depends upon the mass per unit time and the velocity at which the non-gaseous matter exits through the outlet 37. The time over which the continuous force is applied depends upon the distance travelled by the nongaseous matter 56 (down the outer compartment 35 and up the inner compartment 36) through the vehicle stabilizing device 30.

For example, if a short duration continuous force is desirable, the vehicle stabilizing device 30 may be configured such that the non-gaseous matter 56 only travels a short distance within the vehicle stabilizing device 30 before exiting the outlet 37. If a longer duration continuous force is desirable, the vehicle stabilizing device 30 may be configured such that the non-gaseous matter 56 travels a longer distance within the vehicle stabilizing device 30. For instance, in order to achieve this, the outer compartment 35 of the vehicle stabilizing device 30 may store non-gaseous matter 56 that is initially directed in a groundwards direction, then enters the inner compartment 35 through a gap in the inner wall 32 before being ejected via the outlet 37.

In the example illustrated in Fig. 6, the vehicle 2 comprises a belly plate detachment system 25 including a lower belly plate 152b and means 75b, 77 for use in detaching the lower belly plate 152b from the vehicle 2, in response to detection of an explosion underneath the vehicle 2. This will be described in further detail below, in relation to Fig. 7.

The reference numeral 70 in Fig. 6 designates an optional joint 70, which may be provided around the outer wall 31 of the vehicle stabilizing device 30 and above the floor 51 of the vehicle 2, for support purposes.

Fig. 7 illustrates a cross section of a connection between the base 150 of a vehicle 2 and the vehicle stabilizing device 30. In the Fig. 7 illustration, an upper belly plate 152a and a lower belly plate 152b are situated at the underside 104 of the vehicle 2.

The floor 51 of the internal enclosure 101 of the vehicle 2 is shown in Fig. 7. The belly plates 152a, 152b extend along the length and width of the vehicle, beneath the internal enclosure 101 for housing the occupants of the vehicle 2. Each belly plate 152a, 152b provides an armoured layer, for use in protecting the occupants of the vehicle against EFPs. For example, each of the belly plates 152a 152b may be positioned so as to protect and shield the floor 51 across substantially the whole extent of the floor 51. Each belly plate 152a, 152b may, for example, be made from steel. The belly plates 152a, 152b provide at least part of the base 150 of the vehicle 2.

The upper belly plate 152a connected to the body 100 of the vehicle 2 in this example, and is non-detachable. The lower belly plate 152b is detachable from the vehicle 2. This is described in further detail below.

The lower belly plate 152b includes one or more vertices 76a-76c in the example illustrated in Fig. 7. In other examples, the lower belly plate 152b may, for example, be substantially planar.

In the example illustrated in Fig. 7, the vehicle stabilizing device 30 passes through the floor 51 of the vehicle 2 and the upper belly plate 152a. Force distributing means 40 (in the form of a plurality of force distributing members) connect the vehicle stabilizing device 30 to the upper belly plate 152a (which effectively provides the surface 151 described above in relation to Fig. 5). The force distributing means 40 is arranged to distribute the force(s) generated by the vehicle stabilizing device 30 across the upper belly plate 152a.

The vehicle stabilizing device 30 may or may not be directly connected to the lower belly plate 152b. In the example illustrated in Fig. 7, the lower belly plate 152b is connected to vehicle stabilizing device 30 by an explosive mounting pad 75a. The lower belly plate 152b is also connected to the upper belly plate 152a by explosive mounting pads 75b- 75g. For example, each of the explosive mounting pads 75a-75g may include bolts that are broken when an explosive mounting pad 75a-75g is detonated. Alternatively, the connections between the vehicle stabilizing device 30, the upper belly plate 152a and the lower belly plate 152b may be provided by explosive bolts.

The upper belly plate 152a may be spaced from the lower belly plate 152b by one or more spacers 65a, 65b. In Fig. 7, the space between the upper belly plate 152a and the lower belly plate 152b has been designated with the reference numeral 73. In the example illustrated in Fig. 7, the spacers 65a, 65b are provided by one or more stiffening ribs 65a, 65b comprising lightening holes. It may be that the spacers 65a, 65b are attached to the upper belly plate 152a and not the lower belly plate 152b.

In this example, detonator cord 77 is located on the upper surface 153 of the lower belly plate 152b. This can be seen in Fig. 7 and also in Fig. 8, which illustrates a plan view of the lower belly plate 152b. The belly plate detachment system 25 described above comprises, in the Fig. 7 example, the lower belly plate 152b, the mounting pads 75a-75c and the detonator cord 77. The mounting pads 75a-75c and the detonator cord 77 provide explosive substances that enable the lower belly plate 152b to be at least partially detached. The explosive substances may be chosen such that little or no damage is caused to the lower belly plate 152b when it is at least partially detached.

In some embodiments of the invention, when the processor 12 receives an input from one or more of the detectors 16 indicating that an explosion has occurred underneath the vehicle 2, the processor 12 provides an output to the belly plate detachment system 25 to at least partially detach the lower belly plate 152b and project it towards the source of explosion.

The detectors 16 may, for instance, detect the initial Shockwave that occurs following the explosion. The processor 12 may provide a control signal which causes the detonator cord 77 and the mounting pads 75a-75c to detonate to project the lower belly plate 152b from the vehicle 2.

In some embodiments, the belly plate 152b is fully detached from the vehicle 2. In other embodiments, the belly plate 152b is partly, but not fully, detached from the vehicle 2. For example, in these embodiments, the belly plate 2 may be directed away from the underside 104 of the vehicle 2 but retained by the vehicle 2 using one or more tethers (e.g. one or more chains). The (at least partially) detached lower belly plate 152b is effectively a heavy barrier projected towards the source of the explosion. This may advantageously counteract the blast wave produced by the explosion. The lower belly plate 152b may, for example, delay the impact that the blast wave has on the vehicle 2, allowing the very high pressure "gas ejecta bubble" formed within (for instance) the first millisecond or so of the blast event to expand further before it impacts the vehicle, hence reducing its pressure.

In other alternative embodiments of the invention, the processor 12 may indirectly (rather than directly) control detachment of the lower belly plate 152b. For example, the belly plate 152b may be detached automatically upon activation of the vehicle stabilizing device 30. In order to cause this to happen, detonator cord could be used to connect the explosive substance(s) 15 in one or more of the compartments 17a-17d with the lower belly plate 152b. Alternatively or additionally, the vehicle stabilizing device 30 could be configured such that activation of the vehicle stabilizing device 30 by detonating the explosive substance(s) 15 in one or more of the compartments 17a-17d causes gas to accelerate through the outer compartment 35 of the vehicle stabilizing device 30 and towards the lower belly plate 152b, causing (at least in part) the lower belly plate 152b to detach from the vehicle 2. One or more apertures may be present in each of the compartments 17a- 17d to facilitate this method of operation.

Fig. 9 illustrates a belly plate arrangement comprising an upper belly plate 152a and a lower belly plate 152b. The belly plate arrangement illustrated in Fig. 9 is different to that illustrated in Fig. 7 in that it comprises one or more materials 500, positioned between the upper belly plate 152a and 152b, suitable for substantially intercepting a shaped charge that penetrates the second belly plate 152b. For example, the material(s) 500 may cause a shaped charge to be intercepted that would otherwise pass through the upper belly plate 152a and possibly also the floor 51 if the material(s) 500 were not present.

The one or more materials 500 may include at least one ceramic material and/or at least one composite material. The one or more materials 500 may include: alumina, silicon carbide, silicon nitride, one or more fibre reinforced composites such as aramid, para- aramid, polybenzoxazole, polyimides, polybenzimidazoles, ultra high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE), and high molecular weight polypropylene. Other particulate or micro-tubular materials such as carbon fibre nanotubes or nanoparticles could also be used.

The one or more materials 500 may be arranged in one or more layers positioned on the lower belly plate 152b, as shown in Fig. 9. If the one or more materials 500 include a fibrous material such as carbon fibre, the fibres may be arranged to be perpendicular to the surface of the lower belly plate 152b. The one or more materials 500 may or may not be attached to the lower belly plate 152b.

It should be appreciated that embodiments of the invention are not limited to the implementation illustrated in Fig. 9. For example, the material(s) 500 could be attached to the upper belly plate 152a, in addition to or as an alternative to any attachment to the lower belly plate 152b. Also, in some implementations, the material(s) 500 may substantially fill the space between the upper belly plate 152a and the lower belly plate 152b.

Fig. 10 illustrates a plan view of the belly plate arrangement illustrated in Fig. 9. The floor 51 , the joint 70, the force distributing means 40 and the upper belly plate 152a have been omitted to show the material(s) 500 and spacers 65a-65l. Each of the spacers 65a- 65b may, for example, be a stiffening rib with lightening holes (as described above in relation to Fig. 7). Two of the spacers, 65k and 65I, are positioned such that they are perpendicular to the other spacers 65a-65j.

The lower belly plate 152b illustrated in Fig. 9 may be detachable from the vehicle 2. Similar methods to those described above in relation to Fig. 7 may be used to at least partially detach the lower belly plate 152b. When the lower belly plate 152b is at least partially detached, some or all of the material(s) 500 may also be detached from the vehicle 2.

A method according to the embodiments of the invention will now be described in relation to Fig. 1 1. Initially, an explosion occurs underneath the vehicle 2. The explosion may, for example, include detonation of an explosively formed penetrator/projectile (EFP) and detonation of a mine.

The upper and lower belly plates 152a and 152b provide the occupants of the vehicle 2 with protection against the projectile/penetrator of the EFP.

Detonation of the mine causes a blast Shockwave. At block 400 of Fig. 1 1 , the detectors 16 detect that an explosion has underneath the vehicle 2. If pressure detectors are used, the pressure detectors may detect that an increase in pressure has occurred, underneath the vehicle, as a result of the initial blast Shockwave.

In response to detecting the increase in pressure, the pressure detectors provide an input to the processor 12. The input may, for example, indicate the direction in which the pressure increased as a result of the explosion, the duration of time over which the pressure increased and/or the extent to which the pressure increased as a result of the explosion.

The processor 12 then analyzes the input in order to determine whether the input is indicative of an explosion having occurred. An input provided by the detectors 16 following an explosion will have particular characteristics (and will reflect the characteristics of the initial Shockwave). For example, if pressure detectors are used, the input from the pressure detectors may be indicative of a very large increase in pressure over a very short period of time. When the processor 12 has determined that an explosion has occurred, it responds at block 410 of Fig. 11 controlling the lower belly plate 152b to at least partially detach from the vehicle 2, projecting it towards the source of the explosion. Advantageously, the at least partially detached belly plate 152b "shields" the upper belly plate 152a (at least in part) from the effects of the mine explosion.

The processor 12 also controls the vehicle stabilizing device 30 to apply an instantaneous force having a groundwards component to the vehicle 2, in order to stabilize the vehicle 2 in response to the explosion. The instantaneous force may be applied before, after or at the same time as the at least partial detachment of the lower belly plate 152b.

The instantaneous force is generated by controlling the vehicle stabilizing device 30 to perform an instantaneous ejection of non-gaseous matter 56 from one or more of the compartments 17a-17d. As mentioned above, this instantaneous force may be provided over a few milliseconds or less.

The processor 12 also controls the vehicle stabilizing device 30 to apply a continuous force having a groundwards component to the vehicle 2, in order to further stabilize the vehicle 2 in response to the explosion. The continuous force acts over a longer period of time than the instantaneous force and may be lower in magnitude than the instantaneous force. In some embodiments of the invention, the vehicle stabilizing device 30 begins to apply the continuous force at substantially the same time that the instantaneous force is applied. In other embodiments of the invention, the processor 12 controls the vehicle stabilizing device 30 to begin applying the continuous force after the instantaneous force has been applied. The vehicle stabilizing device 30 may begin applying the continuous force before, after or at the same time as at least partial detachment of the lower belly plate 152b.

Advantageously embodiments of the invention provide the occupants of a vehicle with protection against a combined EFP and mine blast. One or more belly plates 152a, 152b protect the occupants against the EFP. The detachment of the lower belly plate 152b enables the effect of the blast wave produced by the explosion of the mine to be reduced.

Furthermore, the nature of the vehicle stabilizing device 30 enables it to provide mitigating forces that appropriately counteract the forces produced by the mine explosion. For instance, consider an example in which explosion of a mine produces a force that is very high in magnitude for around 3 milliseconds or so, and then the magnitude of the force rapidly reduces in value over the next 30-500 milliseconds (as mentioned above, the duration over which the force is provided depends upon the nature of the explosive and its positioning). The vehicle stabilizing device 30 can generate appropriate counteracting forces across the whole period of time that the force from the explosion is acting (or a portion of it, during which a significant force is present), to mitigate the effects of the explosion on the vehicle 2.

For instance, the strong initial force produced for 3 milliseconds or so after the explosion has occurred may be counteracted by the instantaneous force generated by the ejection of non-gaseous matter 56 from the compartments 17a-17d. The continuous force produced by the ejecting non-gaseous matter 56 may then counteract the weaker force that is present over the next 30-500 milliseconds or so to prevent the vehicle 2 from being lifted off the ground.

Advantageously, the vehicle stabilizing device 30 is configured to produce counteracting forces that mirror the "force profile" of the explosion, in order to mitigate vehicle acceleration.

The processor 12 may control a number of aspects of the response to the explosion that is provided by the vehicle stabilizing device 30. For example, the processor 12 may control the vehicle stabilizing device 30 in dependence upon one or more characteristics of the input from the detectors 16. The one or more characteristics of the input from the detectors 16 may indicate, to the processor 12, the magnitude of the explosion, and/or the position of the explosion. For example, non-gaseous matter 56 may be ejected from different compartments 17a-17d depending upon the nature of the explosion. If pressure detectors are used, the input from the detectors may indicate, to the processor 12, the magnitude of the increase in pressure caused by the explosion, and/or the position(s) at which pressure has increased due to the explosion.

The data 24 stored in the memory 20 may include predetermined control information specifying how the vehicle stabilizing device 30 is to be controlled when different inputs are received from the detectors 16. The data 24 may, for example, be stored in the form of a look up table. The control information may be determined during a testing procedure. Different control information may be provided for different vehicles. The control information may, for example, depend upon the shape, material of construction, weight and/or the centre of gravity of the vehicle. Different portions of the control information may specify how the vehicle stabilizing device 30 is to be controlled when the vehicle is travelling at different velocities.

Although embodiments of the present invention have been described in the preceding paragraphs with reference to various examples, it should be appreciated that modifications to the examples given can be made without departing from the scope of the invention as claimed. For example, one or more materials (e.g. ceramic(s) and/or composite material(s)) may be positioned between the upper and lower belly plates 152a, 152b to provide the occupants of the vehicle 2 with further protection against a shaped charge, such as a conventional shaped charge or an EFP. A conventional shaped charge may, for example, produce a highly penetrative, high velocity jet of molten metal.

Each of the belly plates 152a, 152b may have a unitary construction, or alternatively each belly plate 152a, 152b may be made up of a number of inter-connected parts.

Features described in the preceding description may be used in combinations other than the combinations explicitly described.

Although functions have been described with reference to certain features, those functions may be performable by other features whether described or not.

Although features have been described with reference to certain embodiments, those features may also be present in other embodiments whether described or not. Where elements have been defined or described as being "connected" to one another, this should be interpreted to cover i) those elements may directly connected together (with no intervening elements) and ii) those elements being connected together via intervening elements. Whilst endeavoring in the foregoing specification to draw attention to those features of the invention believed to be of particular importance it should be understood that the Applicant claims protection in respect of any patentable feature or combination of features hereinbefore referred to and/or shown in the drawings whether or not particular emphasis has been placed thereon.

l/we claim:

Claims

1. A vehicle, comprising:

means for detecting an explosion underneath the vehicle; and

means for projecting a belly plate from the vehicle, in response to detection of the explosion.

2. A vehicle as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the belly plate is projected towards the source of the explosion.

3. A vehicle as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the belly plate is at least partially detached from the vehicle.

4. A vehicle as claimed in claim 3, where at least part of the belly plate is situated on the underside of the vehicle prior to at least partial detachment.

5. A vehicle as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the vehicle comprises a body defining an internal enclosure for housing occupants of the vehicle, and the belly plate extends beneath the internal enclosure.

6. A vehicle as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the means for projecting the belly plate away from the vehicle comprises at least one explosive substance.

7. A vehicle as claimed in claim 6, wherein the at least one explosive substance is provided by one or more of the following: explosive bolts, explosive mounting pads and detonator cord.

8. A vehicle as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the vehicle comprises a further belly plate, situated above and spaced from the belly plate.

9. A vehicle as claimed in claim 8, wherein the further belly plate is spaced from the belly plate by one or more spacers.

10. A vehicle as claimed in claim 9, wherein the further belly plate is non-detachable.

1 1 . A vehicle as claimed in any of the preceding claims, further comprising vehicle stabilizing means for applying a groundwards stabilizing force to the vehicle, in response to detection of the explosion.

12. A vehicle as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the vehicle stabilizing means is configured to apply the groundwards stabilizing force to the vehicle by ejecting non-gaseous matter.

13. A vehicle as claimed in claim 11 or 12, wherein the vehicle stabilizing device is configured to channel the groundwards stabilizing force towards the base of the vehicle.

14. A vehicle as claimed in claim 13, further comprising one or more force distributing members for distributing the groundwards stabilizing force across the base of the vehicle.

15. A vehicle as claimed in any of claims 1 1 to 14, wherein the vehicle comprises a body defining an internal enclosure for housing occupants of the vehicle, and the vehicle stabilizing means extends though the internal enclosure.

16. A vehicle as claimed in any of claims 1 1 to 15, wherein the vehicle stabilizing means is shaped as a column.

17. An apparatus, comprising:

means for detecting an explosion underneath a vehicle; and

18. A method, comprising:

detecting an explosion underneath a vehicle; and

projecting a belly plate from the vehicle, in response to detection of the explosion.

19. A computer program comprising computer program instructions that, when performed by at least one processor, cause the method as claimed in claim 18 to be performed.

20. A non-transitory computer readable medium storing the computer program as claimed in claim 19.

21 . An apparatus, comprising:

at least one processor; and

at least one memory storing a computer program comprising computer program instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause at least the following to be performed:

responding to detection of an explosion underneath a vehicle by projecting a belly plate from the vehicle.

22. An apparatus as claimed in claim 21 , wherein the belly plate is projected towards the source of the explosion.

23. An apparatus as claimed in claim 21 or 22, wherein the belly plate is at least partially detached from the vehicle.

24. An apparatus as claimed in claim 23, where at least part of the belly plate is situated on the underside of the vehicle prior to at least partial detachment.

25. An apparatus as claimed in any of claims 21 to 24, wherein one or more explosive substances are detonated to project the belly plate.

26. A method, comprising:

27. A computer program comprising computer program instructions that, when performed by at least one processor, cause the method as claimed in claim 26 to be performed.

28. A non-transitory computer readable medium storing the computer program as claimed in claim 27.

29. A vehicle, comprising:

at least one detector configured to detect an explosion underneath the vehicle; and a belly plate configured to be projected from the vehicle, in response to detection of the explosion.

30. An apparatus, comprising:

at least one detector configured to detect an explosion underneath a vehicle; and a belly plate configured to be projected from the vehicle, in response to detection of the explosion.

31 . A vehicle substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

32. An apparatus substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

33. A vehicle, comprising:

a body defining an internal enclosure for housing occupants of the vehicle, wherein the internal enclosure has a floor;

a first belly plate, at least partly situated beneath the floor of the internal enclosure; a second belly plate, at least partly situated beneath the first belly plate; and one or more materials, positioned between the first belly plate and the second belly plate, suitable for substantially intercepting a shaped charge that penetrates the second belly plate.

34. A vehicle as claimed in claim 33, wherein the one or more materials include at least one ceramic material and/or at least one composite material.

35. A vehicle as claimed in claim 33 or 34, wherein the one or more materials are positioned to protect the floor across substantially the whole extent of the floor

36. A vehicle as claimed in any of claims 33 to 35, wherein the first belly plate is positioned to protect the floor across substantially the whole extent of the floor.

37. A vehicle as claimed in any of claims 33 to 36, wherein the second belly plate is at least partially detachable, in response to the detection of an explosion underneath the vehicle.