Armor: July 16, 2002

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Britain's Defence Science and Technology Laboratory has demonstrated Electric ("Pulsed Power") Armor that can defeat most shaped charge attacks, especially those from cheap RPGs (Rocket Propelled Grenades.) The current system weighs two tons, most of which is an additional outer skin of metal plates. These plates are rapidly be electrified to several thousand volts. When hit by shaped charge warhead, the resulting plasma jet is immediately dispersed by the high temperatures and powerful electrical fields generated by the "Pulsed Power" System. The system is powered by the unmodified electrical supply of the vehicle. The additional electrical load needed to defend against a shaped charge attack is about the same as is needed to start the engine on a cold morning. During the demonstration, several RPGs warheads hit the test vehicle, but their plasma jets were rendered harmless. Examination of the vehicle showed some scorch marks, and dents and scratches from being hit by fragments of the RPG warheads. The target vehicle was then driven away under its own power. The system would probably also be useful against any enemy infantry who have climbed onto your vehicle. The lab expects to have a system ready for field testing in the next year or two. 


 

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