An armor component including a body having a first portion including calcium boride compounds include non-stoichiometric calcium boride (CaB.sub.x) and stoichiometric calcium boride (CaB.sub.6) and having a density of at least about 80% theoretical density. In one aspect, the first portion can include a first phase comprising silicon carbide (SiC) and a second phase comprising calcium boride (CaB.sub.6). In another aspect, the first portion can further include a third phase comprising boron carbide (B.sub.4C).

A steel armor plate and method of manufacturing is described. The armor plate has three curves, a first curve about an axis that parallels the length of the armor plate, and two additional curves about axes that parallel the width of the armor plate. A die for manufacturing said plate is described, the die being formed of a stack of metal plates, each plate having a curve that substantially matches the first curve, the stack of plates being arranged in a step-down-then-step-up fashion to form a concavity that approximates one of the two additional curves.

Processes for making lightweight armor, hardened casts, hardened parts, nonstructural reinforced hardened casts, structural shrapnel-resistant blocks, attachable hardened surfaces, and for hardening surfaces utilize rare earth material nanoparticles including metal anhydride nanoparticles that are refined under supercritical conditions.

Apparatus and associated methods relate to impact dissipating protective garment (IDPG) including impact mitigating support spacers (IMSS) configured to facilitate dissipation impact energy. In an illustrative example, an IDPG includes a base garment and multiple spacers releasably and adjustably coupled to the base garment. In operation, for example, a wearer may wear a protective armor having an armor plate to cover at least part of the base garment. For example, at least some of the IMSS are adjustably positioned to suspend the armor plate at four distinctive points around a periphery of the armor plate. In some implementations, at least 50% of the armor plate is separated from the wearer by an air gap. Various embodiments may advantageously mitigate impact power transferred to the wearer by dissipating excess energy at the suspended armor plate and at the IMSS.

Protective shields configured to prevent projection against projectiles, such as during excavating and/or mining operations, are provided. The protective shields include a base layer comprising one or more transparent polycarbonate layers, a sacrificial polycarbonate layer comprising a transparent polycarbonate, and an air gap positioned directly between at least a portion of the base layer and the sacrificial polycarbonate layer. The sacrificial polycarbonate layer is directly or indirectly attached to the base layer in a manner to provide the air gap positioned between the base layer and the sacrificial polycarbonate layer.

A defense structure and methods of use for penetrating the defense structure with a projectile from a first side and preventing a projectile from penetrating the defense structure from a second side. The defense structure comprising a plurality of wedges arranged to rotate and abut each other using a tensioning member, such as a spring. Ballistic and resilient members are provided on a rear surface of the plurality of wedges to prevent a projectile from penetrating the defense structure through deflection and/or adsorption of the projectile. A gap is formed between at least two of the plurality of wedges when a projectile is urged between the plurality of wedges from the first side. The tensioning member urges the plurality of wedges to rotate and abut each other after the projectile passes through the gap. The defense structure may be partially concealed within a structural element.

This invention provides, in some aspects, for devices and methods for protecting a sensitive structure against explosive warhead containing weaponry, whereby a protective apparatus is positioned to be facing an anticipated impact direction at a spacing from said sensitive structure, wherein said apparatus absorbs the impact of said explosive warhead containing weaponry.

Unidirectional transparent projectile penetration resistant panels and bidirectional opaque projectile penetration resistant assemblies and systems and methods of forming and mounting the same relative to underlying support structures.

Unidirectional transparent projectile penetration resistant panel assemblies and bidirectional opaque projectile penetration resistant assemblies and systems and methods of forming and mounting the same relative to underlying support structures.

A defense structure and methods of use for penetrating the defense structure with a projectile from a first side and preventing a projectile from penetrating the defense structure from a second side. The defense structure comprising a plurality of wedges arranged to rotate and abut each other using a tensioning member, such as a spring. Ballistic and resilient members are provided on a rear surface of the plurality of wedges to prevent a projectile from penetrating the defense structure through deflection and/or adsorption of the projectile. A gap is formed between at least two of the plurality of wedges when a projectile is urged between the plurality of wedges from the first side. The tensioning member urges the plurality of wedges to rotate and abut each other after the projectile passes through the gap. The defense structure may be partially concealed within a structural element.