Patent Publication Number: US-9885543-B2

Title: Mechanically-adaptive, armor link/linkage (MAAL)

Description:
GOVERNMENT INTEREST 
     The inventions described herein may be made, used, or licensed by or for the U.S. Government for U.S. Government purposes without payment of royalties to me. 
    
    
     CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     None 
     STATEMENT REGARDING PRIOR DISCLOSURES BY AN INVENTOR OR JOINT INVENTOR 
     None 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention generally relates to armor, and in particular, to a Mechanically-Adaptive, Armor Link/linkage (MAAL) armor system. 
     2. Description of Related Art 
     Conventional passive and mechanically reactive armor structures and systems that are configured to defeat projectile and/or other threats that have been implemented with varying degrees of success. A significant amount of the prior art in the armor area is in connection with human body armor, and does not use linked armor components at the cellular and modular level. Much of the prior art for use in vehicular armor enhancement is of fixed manufacture design, and is statically unchangeable once produced and integrated into and/or onto the vehicle. 
     However, conventional armor generally presents deficiencies, compromises and limitations in performance, which are often manifested as inadequate performance against threats and/or producing potential hazard to nearby individuals and/or equipment, excessive weight and size, collateral damage to personnel and/or the environment, inability to transport vehicles equipped with the armor, simple hence limited response capabilities, and the like. In many cases, conventional armors are ineffective for defeating some threats. As such, there is a desire for improved armor systems. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     Accordingly, the present invention may provide an improved apparatus and system for armor. According to the present invention, a system for Mechanically-Adaptive, Armor Link/linkage (MAAL) armor is provided. 
     The MAAL armor system generally provides enhanced passive armor ballistic protection through passive dynamic deflection and ability to accumulate mass at the point of threat impact on the armor strike-face. Additionally the MAAL armor system generally causes a yaw effect on ballistic threats because of reactive tension in the MAAL armor strands upon the threat and after impact with the threat. Because of adaptive variability in the fundamental link structure, the MAAL armor also can be implemented through numerous embodiments as described in detail below and shown on the Figures. For example, links and strands can be overlapped and configured in numerous different schemes and orientations which suit the operational need to defeat various threats that can be encountered. Due to the MAAL armor system variability, and ease of adaptation, the MAAL armor system can be used for situations where modification (e.g., disruption, alteration, etc.) of the threat trajectory is desired. Thus due to the features of the MAAL armor system, use of the MAAL armor system for enhancement of armor is generally inherently much more modifiable, adaptable, and designable (e.g., configurable) for use in many different threat situations and ballistic protection applications. 
     The MAAL armor system can be topographical adaptable. The topographical adaptability of the MAAL armor system generally provides for modification, as required, to suit various and numerous operational situations and/or needs. Different applications of the MAAL armor system include the use of various mounting and attachment structures at various areas of the vehicle and/or structure (i.e., environment) where implemented. For example, these attachment and mounting schemes can be varied, adjustable, and dimensionally tractable and conformable to accommodate the threat hazards as well as the environment where implemented. The MAAL armor system adaptive topography allows for configuration for use as and/or with bar/net type armor and signature heat management, and potential mitigation of RPG threats. The topographical adaptability of MAAL provides the capability to be modified as required to suit various and numerous operational needs. 
     The MAAL armor system generally provides:
         Ease of manufacturability.   Ease of ballistic armor enhancement scalability.   Ability for different armor material integration.   Ability for modular armor material integration.   Ability for appliqué and coating enhancement to standard links/linkages and shafts.   Multiple compound implementation (e.g., ceramic, metallic, composite, etc. composition).   Dimensional scalability at the link and the strand level to suit operational needs.   Passive mass accumulation at the point/points of threat impact.   Passive dynamic deflection for increase of armor ballistic limits.   Yaw and tumble effects on ballistic projectiles to alter their trajectory/path yaw orientation.   Significant diminishment of threat ballistic performance.   Easy orientation in multiple different configurations to suit operational needs.   Capability for overlapped, doubled/tripled/etc. up installation to increase strike-face topography for increased ballistic performance.   Capability for differing orientations to provide multiple angular strike-faces for increased ballistic performance and adaptability to different threats as seen on the battle field.   Improved heat signature management when compared to conventional armor implementations.   Capability to provide underbody impulse dissipation (such as IED blasts) because of the MAAL armor system passive dynamic deflection capabilities. The MAAL armor system generally produces a damping effect because of the increasing amount of links/linkages that are involved (e.g., drawn into play, effected, and the like) as the incident blast severity increases.       

     The present invention may provide an armor system for the protection of an environment. The armor system including at least one flexible strand. The flexible strand may Include a first end, a second end, and a strike face. The armor system also includes a first strand support subsystem that is mounted to the environment. The first strand support subsystem generally retains the first end of the strand, and the flexible strand is configured to intercept a ballistic threat at the strike face. 
     The armor system may further include at least one of a drift gap and a spall catcher positioned between the flexible strand and an environment where the armor system is implemented. 
     The flexible strand may be implemented as at least one of a roller, leaf, or hinge link chain or a flexible belt having at least one armor plate that is attached to the flexible belt. 
     The armor system may further include a second strand support subsystem that is mounted to the environment. The second strand support subsystem generally retains the second end of the flexible strand. The strike face may include an armor plate that is attached to the flexible strand. 
     The armor system may further include a control subsystem that is coupled to the first strand support subsystem and/or the second strand support subsystem. The control subsystem is generally configured to manually or automatically adapt the configuration of the armor system in response to the ballistic threat. The configuration may include activating a wave shape along the flexible strand. 
     The armor system may further include at least one of an idler pulley and a spool mounted to the environment, and the flexible strand may be looped to present two or more layers to the threat. 
     The armor system may further include at least one of an idler pulley and a spool mounted to the environment, and an open-top container mounted to the environment. The open-top container has a closed bottom, an open top region, and an internal box thickness. The flexible strand is deployed into the open-top container via the open top region, and when the second end of the flexible strand encounters the closed bottom, the flexible strand folds upon itself to an accordion shape as constrained by the internal box thickness. 
     The present invention may also provide a method for defeating a ballistic threat. The method generally includes attaching a first strand support subsystem to an environment to be protected, and retaining at least one flexible strand at a first end of the flexible strand using the first strand support subsystem to provide an armor system. The flexible strand generally includes a second end, and a strike face. The flexible strand is generally configured to intercept a ballistic threat at the strike face. 
     The armor system used by the method may further include at least one of a drift gap and a spall catcher positioned between the flexible strand and the environment. 
     The flexible strand may be implemented as at least one of a roller, leaf, or hinge link chain or a flexible belt having at least one armor plate that is attached to the flexible belt. 
     The armor system used by the method may further include a second strand support subsystem mounted to the environment, and the second strand support subsystem generally retains the second end of the flexible strand. The strike face may include an armor plate that is attached to the flexible strand. 
     The armor system used by the method may further include a control subsystem that is coupled to the first strand support subsystem and/or the second strand support subsystem. The control subsystem is generally configured to manually or automatically adapt the configuration of the armor system in response to the ballistic threat. The configuration may include activating a wave shape along the flexible strand. 
     The armor system used by the method may further include at least one of an idler pulley and a spool mounted to the environment, and the flexible strand may be looped to present two or more layers to the threat. 
     The armor system used by the method may further include at least one of an idler pulley and a spool mounted to the environment, and an open-top container mounted to the environment. The open-top container has a closed bottom, an open top region, and an internal box thickness. The flexible strand is deployed into the open-top container via the open top region, and when the second end of the flexible strand encounters the closed bottom, the flexible strand folds upon itself to an accordion shape as constrained by the internal box thickness. 
     The above features, and other features and advantages of the present invention are readily apparent from the following detailed descriptions thereof when taken in connection with the accompanying drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a right side elevation view that illustrates an embodiment of a Mechanically-Adaptive Armor Link/Linkage (MAAL) armor system implemented in connection with a vehicle, and with a cutout  FIG. 1A  that illustrates a portion of the armor system that is generally implemented in a region internal to the vehicle; 
         FIG. 2  is a right side elevation view that illustrates an individual strand of the armor system of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  is an edge view from the front towards the rear of the armor system of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 4  is a side of an individual link of the armor system of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 5  is an edge view from the front towards the rear of the armor system of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 6  is a right side elevation view that illustrates a multi-strand alternative embodiment of the armor system of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 7  is a top plan view illustrating a portion of the armor system of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 8  is an edge view from the front towards the rear of the armor system of  FIG. 1  of the; 
         FIG. 9  is a right side elevation view that illustrates an individual strand of the armor system of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 10  is an edge view of an alternative embodiment of the Individual strand of the armor system of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 11  is a side view of an alternative embodiment of the individual strand of the armor system of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 12  is an end view from the front to the rear of a portion of an alternative embodiment of the armor system of  FIG. 1  installed on the vehicle; 
         FIG. 13  is an end view from the rear to the front of an alternative embodiment of the armor system of  FIG. 1  installed on the vehicle; 
         FIG. 14  is a top elevation view of the armor system of  FIG. 1  mounted on the vehicle; 
         FIGS. 15 (A-H) are a series of views illustrating alternative embodiments of the armor system of  FIG. 1  as installed on the vehicle, wherein  FIGS. 15 (A-G) are end views from the rear to the front of alternative embodiments of the armor system of  FIG. 1  installed on the vehicle, and  FIG. 15H  is a top elevation view of the armor system of  FIG. 1  mounted on the vehicle; 
         FIGS. 16 (A-K) are edge views of embodiments of the armor system of  FIG. 1  and the threat at various instances in time; 
         FIG. 17  is an end view from the rear to the front of another alternative embodiment of the armor system of  FIG. 1  installed on the vehicle; 
         FIG. 18  is a broken out section of the armor system of  FIG. 17 ; and 
         FIGS. 19 (A-H) are time lapse views of a broken out section of the armor system of  FIG. 17 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT(S) 
     Definitions and Terminology 
     The following definitions and terminology are applied as understood by one skilled in the appropriate art. 
     The singular forms such as “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. For example, reference to “a material” includes reference to one or more of such materials, and “an element” includes reference to one or more of such elements. 
     As used herein, “substantial” and “about”, when used in reference to a quantity or amount of a material, characteristic, parameter, and the like, refer to an amount that is sufficient to provide an effect that the material or characteristic was intended to provide as understood by one skilled in the art. The amount of variation generally depends on the specific implementation. Similarly, “substantially free of” or the like refers to the lack of an identified composition, characteristic, or property. Particularly, assemblies that are identified as being “substantially free of” are either completely absent of the characteristic, or the characteristic is present only in values which are small enough that no meaningful effect on the desired results is generated. The composition, manufacture, and source of an armor material such as steel, titanium, aluminum, composite, cermet, ceramic, and the like is assumed to be known to one of skill in the art. 
     A plurality of items, structural elements, compositional elements, materials, subassemblies, and the like may be presented in a common list or table for convenience. However, these lists or tables should be construed as though each member of the list is individually identified as a separate and unique member. As such, no individual member of such list should be considered a de facto equivalent of any other member of the same list solely based on the presentation in a common group so specifically described. 
     Concentrations, values, dimensions, amounts, and other quantitative data may be presented herein in a range format. One skilled in the art will understand that such range format is used for convenience and brevity and should be interpreted flexibly to include not only the numerical values explicitly recited as the limits of the range, but also to include all the individual numerical values or sub-ranges encompassed within that range as if each numerical value and sub-range is explicitly recited. For example, a size range of about 1 dimensional unit to about 100 dimensional units should be interpreted to include not only the explicitly recited limits, but also to include individual sizes such as 2 dimensional units, 3 dimensional units, 10 dimensional units, and the like; and sub-ranges such as 10 dimensional units to 50 dimensional units, 20 dimensional units to 100 dimensional units, and the like. 
     As used herein, elements having numbers more than 49 and less than 100 generally refer to conventional elements known in the art by one having ordinary skill with respect to armor and armor systems and methods, and the like; generally active and passive armor; while elements number 100 and above refer to the present invention, or elements, components, and the like thereof. Like numbered elements generally refer to the same element; however, the like numbered elements may include a suffix “L” to designate the left side element and a suffix “R” to designate the right side element when left and right elements are mirrors of each other. Likewise, for similar elements that are implemented in locations at or near the top of the environment, a suffix “T” may be implemented to designate and distinguish from the element implemented in locations at or near the bottom of the environment which may include the suffix “B”. Alternative embodiments of an element that retain similar characteristics may also be designated via a “prime” (i.e., ′) symbol. 
     One of skill in the art is assumed to have knowledge of the general physical properties and manufacture of the components described below. Where deemed appropriate, teachings of issued U.S. patents and/or published patent applications are noted and incorporated by reference in their entirety. As would be understood and appreciated by one of skill in the art, elements may be omitted from some Figures and/or views for clarity of illustration without diminishing the patentability of the present invention. 
     Conventional elements (numbered between 50 and 99) include:
       50 : an armored personnel carrier vehicle, tank, armored transport, or vehicle generally;     60 : ground plane, operational surface (i.e., not necessarily horizontal), etc.;     70 : ballistic threat, projectile, blast ejecta/particles, bullet, blast wave, fragment, segmented rounds, fluid metals, penetrating jets (“thorns”, “spikes”, etc.) as generated by chemical energy rounds, high energy kinetic rounds, and the like;   

     Elements (numbered 100 and above, and including English and Greek alphabetical characters) of and/or pertaining to the present invention may include but are not necessarily included in all embodiments and are not limited to:
       100 : Mechanically-Adaptive, Armor Link/linkage (MAAL) armor system (apparatus, device, assembly, part, mechanism, and the like);     102  (and  102 ′): strand (roller, leaf, or hinge link strand, chain, tendril, string, line, belt, course, hinge joint belt, cog belt, strap, band, ribbon, and the like), and/or curtain (mat, screen, blanket, matrix, group, flap, and the like);     104 : link (plate, block, platen, etc.);     106 : connector rod (axle, pin, shaft, bar, and the like);     108 : connector hole (passage hole, axle bore, aperture, bore, void, etc.);     110 : hanger subsystem (support, retainer, holder, mounting subassembly, retaining subsystem, etc.);     120 : control subsystem;     150 : controller (e.g., processor, computer, etc.);     152 : user operated input/output and display console;     154 : detectors (sensors);     156 : actuator subsystem (mechanism, device, apparatus, etc.);     160 : connector subsystem (e.g., link, path, conduit, interconnect, wire, cable, tubing, fiber, etc.);     164 : actuator driver (e.g., rotor motor, linear motor, hydraulic or pneumatic cylinder, screw drive, and the like);     166 : operating linkage (e.g., assembly, apparatus, device, mechanism, lever, extension, beam, etc.);     170 : impact appliqué (tile, plate, block, etc.);     174 : drift gap;     176 : spall catcher (liner);     180 : idler (or tensioning) pulley (roller, slide channel, sheave, guide, etc.);     184 : spool (spooling mechanism, reel, load/unload cog set, and the like);     186 : hanger (hook, retainer);     190 : open-top container (box, vault, bin, etc.);     192 : bottom (i.e., closure) of the container  190 ;     194 : top (open) region of the container  190 ;   BT: internal box thickness, i.e., the lateral thickness of the container  190 ;   F: flexation separation distance between successive instances of the plate  170 ;   L: overall length of a link  104 ;   LC: center-to-center length between pivot connector holes  108  in a link  104 ;   R: angular motion of a link  104  about an axle  106 ;   S: separation, clearance between adjacent strands  102 ;   T: thickness of a link  104 ;   WI: width of a link  104  at its widest region, generally across a connector hole  108 ;   WO: width of a link  104  at its most narrow region;   X: linear displacement (range of motion) of the operating linkage  166  and/or other elements that comprise the hanger subassembly  110 ;   φ: angular motion of the operating linkage  166  and/or other elements of the hanger subassembly  110 ;   θ: angular motion of the strand  102  about a horizontal axis; and   ω: angular motion of the strand  102  about a vertical axis.   

     With reference to the Figures, the preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail. Generally, the present invention provides an improved system and method for armor. In particular, a system and method for a Mechanically-Adaptive Armor Link/Linkage (MAAL) armor  100  is generally provided. Structures that may be protected by a reactive armor according to the present invention are vehicles such as tanks, armored personnel carriers, armored fighting vehicles; armored static structures such as buildings, above-ground portions of bunkers or shelters, containers for the storage of water, fuel, chemicals, munitions; and the like. The environment in which the MAAL armor system is implemented forms no part of the invention. The armor system and method according to the present invention may be implemented as stand-alone armor, or alternatively may be implemented in connection with (e.g., integrated with) conventional passive armor and/or conventional active/reactive armor. 
     The Mechanically-Adaptive Armor Link/Linkage (MAAL) armor system  100  generally provides enhanced passive armor ballistic protection through passive dynamic deflection, and the ability to accumulate mass at the point of threat impact on the strike-face of the armor. Additionally the MAAL armor system  100  may create a yaw and/or tumble effect on ballistic threats because of reactive tension in the MAAL armor  100  strands upon and after Impact. The MAAL armor system  100  can be realized (implemented) through numerous embodiments as described below and shown on the included Figures, through adaptive variability in the fundamental link/strand structure. For example, links and strands of the system  100  can be overlapped, scaled and configured in numerous different schemes and orientations which suit the operational need to overcome various threats or accommodate situations that can be encountered. 
     For example, in the MAAL armor system  100 , the mail links are linearly constrained, and supplemental MAAL armor  100  strand lengths are stored, spooled, overlapped, and can be progressively scaled to increase the threat protection level. The MAAL armor system  100  can serve as the primary armor protection system, where as some conventional armor techniques are secondary mitigation schemes to prevent thrown objects from getting tossed or lodged between the hull and the turret of a military vehicle. 
     Referring to  FIG. 1 , a right side elevation view of the armor mechanism (e.g., apparatus, device, system, assembly, subassembly, etc.)  100  is shown. In one embodiment, the armor system  100  generally comprises at least one of the roller, leaf, or hinge, and/or the like link strand  102  (and/or roller link curtain  102 ) or a combination thereof, the first support (retaining, mounting) subsystem  110 , and the control subsystem (assembly)  120 . Throughout the description, the term roller, leaf, or hinge link strand  102  may refer to a single strand having any length and width, multiple strands each having any length and width, a curtain, or any combination thereof. In another embodiment as described below in connection with  FIGS. 10 and 11 , the strand  102  may comprise a fabric belt. 
     In any case, the strand  102  is generally configured as a flexible belt (strand) that provides enhanced passive armor ballistic protection through passive dynamic deflection, and the ability to accumulate mass at the point of the threat  70  impact on the strike face of the armor  100 . The strand/curtain  102  is generally a threat disruptor (e.g., disrupts the threat  70 ). Additionally the MAAL armor system  100  generally creates a yaw and/or tumble effect on the ballistic threat  70  because of reactive tension in the MAAL armor  100  strands  102  upon and after impact from the threat  70 . The roller, leaf, or hinge link strand  102  has a first end that is generally retained via the first hanger support subsystem  110 . As illustrated on  FIG. 1 , the armor system  100  may further comprise the second support subsystem  110 . The strand  102  has a second end that is may be free hanging, or alternatively, may be retained via the second hanger support (retaining, mounting) subsystem  110 . As describe below in connection with  FIG. 13 , the strand  102  may have additional length that is kept on, and extended and retracted from the spool  184 . 
     As an example of one embodiment of the armor system  100 , on  FIG. 1  the integrated MAAL armor system  100  is shown mounted on the right hull side of the armored personnel carrier (vehicle)  50 . However, the system  100  can generally be integrated in connection with any vehicle or structure where ballistic protection is desired. The vehicle  50  is illustrated resting on the ground plane,  60 . For the vehicle  50 , and the system  100  mounted on or used in connection with the vehicle  50 , forward/reverse (longitudinal), lateral (left/right), and vertical (up/down) directions are generally relative to the vehicle  50  and the armor system  100  as typically operated (e.g., when the vehicle  50  is operated via an included powertrain in a forward/reverse, left/right mode). As such, lateral (left/right) directions are generally perpendicular to the longitudinal/vertical plane, and are referenced from the perspective of the typical mode of operation of the vehicle  50  by a user (e.g., driver, operator). A first longitudinal direction (e.g., forward/outward/up) and a second longitudinal direction (e.g., rearward (or reverse)/inward/down) where the second direction substantially, but not necessarily wholly, opposes the first direction are also generally or used in connection with the vehicle  50 . Similarly, the first lateral and vertical directions generally, but not necessarily, wholly oppose the second lateral and vertical directions. Referenced directions are generally as shown on  FIG. 1  unless otherwise noted. 
     The roller, leaf, or hinge and the like link strand  102  (and/or roller, leaf, or hinge and the like link curtain  102 ) may be suspended vertically via the first hanger support subsystem  110 . When supported via the first hanger support subsystem  110 , the roller link strand  102  is generally substantially vertically hanging until impacted by the threat  70 . The second hanger support subsystem  110  may be implemented to provide additional support and/or adaptation capability to the roller, leaf, or hinge and the like link strand  102 . While not specifically Illustrated, as would be understood by one of skill in the art armor protection may be implemented on all surfaces of the vehicle  50 . As such, the strand  102  may be implemented horizontally (e.g., over the top of and/or underneath the vehicle  50 ) or at an angle other than directly vertical (e.g., disposed parallel to a V-shaped vehicle hull) to meet the design criteria of a particular application. Such implementations will generally include the first hanger support subsystem  110  and the second hanger support subsystem  110 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 1A , a cutout of the vehicle  50  illustrating the control system  120  is shown. The control system (e.g., subsystem, assembly, apparatus, etc.)  120  generally includes the controller  150 , the user operated input/output and display console  152 , one or more of the detectors  154 , at least one actuator subsystem  156 , and the connector subsystem  160 . The detectors  154  are generally implemented at and/or on or near the outer surface of the vehicle  50 . 
     The controller  150  generally includes appropriate software to control (e.g., manage, implement, operate) the adaptable configurations of the armor system  100 . As described in more detail below in connection with  FIGS. 13, 14, and 15 (A-H), the user may manually operate the control system  120  to adjust the configuration of the armor system  100  via the user operated input/output and display console  152 . Further, the control subsystem  120 , generally automatically, dynamically, in real time adjusts the configuration of the armor system  100  in response to the threat  70  as detected via the sensors  154  via controlled movement of the actuator subsystem  156 . The actuator subsystem  156  is generally mechanically (including hydraulically and/or pneumatically) and/or electrically coupled to the first hanger support subsystem  110 , and to the second hanger support subsystem  110 , when implemented. 
     The connector subsystem  160  generally provides electrical communication (e.g., power and/or signals) between the controller  150  and the input/output and display console  152  (i.e., to electrically couple the controller  150  to the input/output and display console  152 ), the controller  150  and the detectors  154  (i.e., to electrically couple the controller  150  to the detectors  154 ); and between the controller  150  and the actuator subsystems  156  (i.e., to electrically couple the controller  150  to the actuator subsystems  156 ). However, other communication, control, and/or activation (e.g., mechanical, magnetic, hydraulic, pneumatic, and the like) may also be implemented in the armor system  100 , as would be known to one of skill in the art. 
     The control assembly  120  may include real time, automatically performing (e.g., computer controlled), sensor equipped threat detection and response activation. Examples of conventional sensor equipped threat detection and response action apparatuses that may be implemented in connection with the control assembly  120  may be found in U.S. Pat. No. 3,893,368, issued Jul. 8, 1975 to Wales, Jr.; U.S. Pat. No. 6,622,608, issued Sep. 23, 2003 to Faul, et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 6,681,679, issued Jan. 27, 2004 to Vives et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 7,827,900, issued Nov. 9, 2010 to Beach et al.; and U.S. Pat. No. 7,866,250, issued Jan. 11, 2011 to Farinella et al., all of which are incorporated by reference in their entirety; however, the sensor equipped threat detection and response action subsystem of the control system  120  may be implemented via any appropriate apparatus to meet the design criteria of a particular application as would be known to one of skill in the art. 
     The hanger subsystem  110  may include but is not limited to one or more of the elements: the actuator subsystem  156 ; the actuator driver  164 ; the operating linkage  166 ; the idler  180 ; the spool  184 ; and the hanger  186 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 2 and 3 ,  FIG. 2  is a side view that illustrates the strand  102  of  FIG. 1  as installed hanging substantially vertically on the right side of the vehicle  50 .  FIG. 3  is an edge (i.e., rearward facing) view of the strand  102  of  FIG. 1 . On  FIGS. 2 and 3 , in particular, and on all Figures generally, certain details have been omitted for clarity of illustration and description. The armor system  100  is generally implemented to defeat and/or reduce the deleterious effects of one or more of the threats  70 . On  FIG. 3 , the threat  70  is illustrated approaching the strand  102 . As such, the edge of the link  104  impacted by the threat  70  is a strike face. 
     The strand (or curtain)  102  comprises a plurality of links  104  having pivot connector holes  108  at each end, wherein the plurality of links  104  are interconnected via a plurality of rods  106  as is illustrated and described, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 746,722, issued Dec. 15, 1903 to Mahler, especially at claim 7; U.S. Pat. No. 2,635,307, issued Apr. 21, 1953 to Wood, especially at claims 1 and 3; U.S. Pat. No. 4,058,021, issued Nov. 15, 1977 to Wood; U.S. Pat. No. 8,622,858, issued January 2014 to Huang, all of which patents are incorporated by reference in their entirety. At each interconnection having the axle (rod)  106  and the hole  108  generally defines a revolute joint (hinge joint) R. As described in more detail below, the armor system  100  generally defeats the threat  70  by absorbing the impact of the threat  70  on the strand  102  through rotation of one or more of the joints R. The links  104  are generally linearly constrained such that substantially all of the movement of the strands  102  is manifested rotationally (e.g., about the axle  106 ), laterally (left/right), and/or vertically (u/down), and not longitudinally (fore/aft) when viewed as Illustrated on  FIG. 1 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 4 and 5 , side and end views, respectively, of an individual link  104  are shown.  FIG. 4  illustrates the thickness, T, of the link  104 . Referring to  FIG. 5 , the connector holes  108  at first and second ends of the link  104  are illustrated. Likewise, the overall length of the link  104 ; the center-to-center length between pivot connector holes  108 , LC, in the link  104 ; the width of the link  104  at its widest region, WI; and the width of the link  104  at its most narrow region, WO, are illustrated. 
       FIG. 6  is another side view that illustrates the curtain  102  (e.g., a plurality of strands  102   a , 102   b , . . . ,  102   n ), wherein the strands  102  are separated by the distance S. The separation S is generally equal to or less than the thickness T. The number of links  104  that are connected laterally/longitudinally and/or vertically via the rods  106  to form the strand (or curtain)  102  is generally selected (chosen, determined, etc.) to defeat the anticipated threat  70 , in connection with the environment  50  where the MAAL armor system  100  is implemented (e.g., available space, amount of area where protection is desired, number of repeated threats anticipated, weight considerations, etc.), and other appropriate, relevant design parameters as would be considered by one of skill in the art. 
     The links  104  may be implemented with geometry that is solid, or, alternatively, hollow, ribbed, or channeled. The links  104  may be manufactured from an armor material such as steel, titanium, aluminum, composite, cermet, ceramic, and the like. Alternatively, the links  104  may be implemented as a combination of geometries and/or materials listed above. 
     The axles  106  may be implemented with geometry that is solid, or, alternatively, hollow. The axles  106  may be manufactured from an armor material such as steel, titanium, aluminum, composite, cermet, ceramic, and the like. Alternatively, the axles  106  may be implemented as a combination of geometries and/or materials listed above. 
     Referring to  FIG. 7 , a partial top elevation view of the armor system  100  is shown. In particular, interfacing between the control subsystem  120 /controller  150  and the first hanger subassembly  110  (e.g., first hanger subassemblies  110   a ,  110   b , . . . ,  110   n ) is illustrated. Each first hanger subassembly  110  is mechanically coupled with (i.e., in correspondence with) a respective strand  102 . 
     Each first hanger subassembly  110  comprises the actuator driver  164  (e.g., actuator drivers  164   a ,  164   b , . . . ,  164   n ) and the operating linkage  166  (e.g., operating linkages  166   a ,  166   b , . . . ,  166   n ). The operating linkage  166  is coupled to and actuated via the actuator driver  164  to provide motion to the first hanger subassembly  110  and thus to the strand  102  in response to control signals that are communicated from the control subsystem  120  via the connector subsystem  160  to the hanger subassembly  110 . The operating linkage  166  may be implemented as a lever arm, scissors mechanism, 4-bar linkage, parallelogram linkage, and the like to meet the design criteria of a particular application. As described in more detail in connection with  FIGS. 13, 14, 15 (A-h), and  16 (A-K), the motion provided to the strand  102  via the first hanger subassembly  110  may be linear (e.g., back and forth, push and pull) and/or rotational (e.g., angular, clockwise/counterclockwise) and may generate a variety of induced (activated) motions (e.g., waves, whip-like, slithering, etc.). The second hanger subassembly  110 , when implemented, is generally implemented similarly to the first hanger subassembly  110 . 
     The mechanical coupling and tensioning of the strand  102  to the first hanger subassembly  110  and the second hanger subassembly  110 , when implemented, may be maintained via tensioning as provided via gravitational force and/or via mechanisms that may be implemented as described, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 3,416,051, issued Dec. 10, 1968 to Pinto, et al., which is incorporated by reference in its entirety. However, the mechanical coupling and tensioning of the strand  102  via the control system  120  may be implemented via any appropriate apparatus and control to meet the design criteria of a particular application as would be known to one of skill in the art. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 8 and 9 , edge and side views, respectively, of an individual strand  102  are shown. While the link  104  may be implemented as standalone, monolithic armor/structural material, in alternative embodiments, any type of armor material appliqué or coating (e.g., paint, anodize, physical vapor deposition, sputter, and the like) may be applied to enhance link  104  physical properties (e.g., ballistic, structural, reliability, durability, environmental, corrosive resistance, maintainability, etc.). The MAAL strand  102  is shown with the material appliqué  170  added to the link  104 . The plate  170  is generally implemented as an armor material such as steel, titanium, aluminum, composite, cermet, ceramic, and the like. The plates  170  are generally separated from each other by the flexation separation distance, F, that is selected to be small enough to provide threat protection while maintaining desired angular range for the rotation, R. 
     The plate  170  may be attached (i.e., bonded, fastened, adhered, affixed, molded onto, connected, and the like) to the link  104  via techniques as described, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 5,482,365, issued Jan. 9, 1996 to Peterson, et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 6,080,493, issued Jun. 27, 200 to Kent; and U.S. Pat. No. 6,460,945, issued Oct. 8, 2002 to Takeno, et al., all of which are incorporated by reference in their entirety, or, alternatively, by any appropriate bonding technique to meet the design criteria of a particular application as would be known to one of skill in the art. 
     The armor system  100  is generally positioned on the vehicle  50  such that the threat  70  is intercepted by the plate  170 . The face of the plate  170  that is impacted by the threat  70  is a strike face. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 10 and 11 , edge and side views, respectively, of an alternative embodiment of the individual strand  102  (i.e., strand  102 ′) are shown. In lieu of a plurality of the link  104  connected via the axle  106 , a belt  102 ′ may be implemented to provide the robust flexible structure of the strand  102 . The belt  102 ′ may be implemented as wire mesh, metallic chain mail, rubber, fiber weave, or any other high tensile strength, pliable material that provides similar passive dynamic deflection. The strand  102 ′ may be implemented similar to the techniques described, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 2,723,214, issued November 1955 to Meyer; U.S. Pat. No. 3,813,281, issued May 28, 1974 to Burgess, et al.; and U.S. Pat. No. 4,356,569, issued Nov. 24, 1980 to Sullivan, all of which are incorporated by reference in their entirety. However, the strand  102 ′ may be implemented via any appropriate process and compositions to meet the design criteria of a particular application as would be known to one of skill in the art. 
     The MAAL strand  102 ′ is shown with the material appliqué  170  bonded to the belt  102 ′ on both sides. In an alternative embodiment of the MAAL strand  102 ′, the material appliqué  170  may be bonded to the belt  102 ′ only to the side of the belt  102 ′ that is expected to intercept the threat  70 . The plate  170  may be attached to the belt  102 ′ via techniques similarly to the attachment to the link  104  described above, or, alternatively, by any appropriate bonding technique to meet the design criteria of a particular application as would be known to one of skill in the art. In the discussions herein, the implementation of the strand  102  is generally also applicable to implementations of the strand  102 ′. 
     Referring to  FIG. 12 , an end view of an alternative embodiment of the armor system  100  shown. The hanger subsystem  110  is not shown for clarity of illustration. The strand (curtain)  102  is generally implemented distal (e.g., outward of) the vehicle  50 . The armor system  100  may further comprise either or both of the drift gap  174  and the spall catcher  176  in the space (void) between the vehicle  50  and the strand  102 . Upon impingement of the threat  70  at the strand  102 , the threat  70  is disrupted (e.g., deflected, broken into particles, distorted, deformed, etc.). The drift gap  174  and the spall catcher  176  generally enhance performance of the armor system  100  by providing volume for the disrupted threat  70  to disperse and dissipate (e.g., absorb) the associated residual kinetic energy. 
     The spall catcher  176  generally comprises a material such as urethane foam; polystyrene foam; a fibrous material such as felt, multi-filament yarn, woven nylon, woven para-aramid; and the like. The spall catcher  176  may be mounted on the surface of the vehicle  50 . The combined thicknesses of the drift gap  174  and the spall catcher  176  (i.e., distance between the vehicle  50  and the strand  102 ) in connection with the strand/curtain  102  is generally selected to provide effective defeat of the threat  70 . For most applications the combined thicknesses of the drift gap  174  and the spall catcher  176  is at least three inches and less than twenty five inches, and typically in the range of four inches to ten inches. 
     Referring to  FIG. 13 , an end view from the rear of an alternative embodiment of the armor system  100  installed on the vehicle  50  shown. As noted above, the user may manually operate the control system  120  to adjust the configuration of the armor system  100  via the user operated input/output and display console  152 . The control subsystem  120 , generally automatically, in real time adjusts the configuration of the armor system  100  in response to the threat  70  as detected via the sensors  154  via controlled movement of the actuator subsystem  156 . The actuator subsystem  156  is generally mechanically (including hydraulically and/or pneumatically), magnetically, and/or electrically coupled to the first hanger support subsystem  110 , and to the second hanger support subsystem  110 , when implemented. An example embodiment of an implementation the armor system  100  that shows the tractability and conformability is illustrated on  FIG. 13 . 
     The strand  102  may be suspended via one or more of the idler pulleys  180 . Additional length of the strand  102  may be stored on and deployed from the spool  184  to provide replacement for damaged strand  102  and/or to provide slack to the strand  102  such that variable motion of the strand  102  may be implemented. The motion of the strand  102  may be generated by impingement of the threat  70 , and/or by manual or automatic control of the army system  100  via the control subsystem  120 . Different applications of the armor system  100  include the use of various mounting and attachment structures  110  and the actuator subsystem  156  at various areas of the vehicle and/or structure  50 . For example, the attachment and mounting schemes  156  can be varied, adjustable, and dimensionally tractable and conformable to accommodate the threat  70  hazards. The curtain  102  may also be implemented on the underside of the vehicle  50 . 
     The spooled storage and deployment of the curtain  102  may be implemented similarly to the systems described in U.S. Pat. No. 1,119,200, issued Dec. 1, 1914 to Stofa; U.S. Pat. No. 6,240,997, issued Jun. 5, 2001 to Lee; and U.S. Pat. No. 6,588,705, issued Jul. 8, 2003 to Frank, all of which are incorporated by reference in their entirety. However, the spooled storage and deployment of the curtain  102  via the control system  120  may be implemented via any appropriate apparatus and control to meet the design criteria of a particular application as would be known to one of skill in the art. Further, the spooled storage and multiple deployment schemes of the curtain  102  may be performed manually by the user, without incorporation of the control system  120 . 
     The operating linkage  166  may be controlled (e.g., actuated by the actuator drive  164 ) to move through the rotational angular range, φ, which will generally produce the vertical angular displacement, θ, to the screen  102 . As illustrated in phantom, one or more additional layers of the strand  102  may be implemented (e.g., suspended via the hanger  186 ) to provide added protection. The multiple layers of the strand  102  may be generated by looping a single strand  102  and/or by providing additional separate strands  102 . 
     The armor system  100  may further comprise one or more of the open-top containers  190 . The containers  190  are generally attached (i.e., fixed, fastened, mounted, installed, etc.) at at least one of the sides and/or top of the vehicle hull  50 . As described below in connection with  FIGS. 17, 18, and 19 (A-H), the strand/curtain  102  is generally filled (loaded) into and emptied (unloaded) from the container  190  via the open top region  194 . The container  190  may provide lateral stability to the strand/curtain  102  in lieu of implementation of the second hanger subsystem  110 . The container  190  may provide a structure that folds (thickens) the strand/curtain  102  and thereby provides additional protection against the threat  70 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 14 , a top elevation view of the armor system  100  mounted on the vehicle  50  is shown. The operating linkage  166  may be controlled (e.g., actuated by the actuator drive  164 ) to move through a substantially linear displacement (e.g., range of motion), X, which will generally produce the angular displacement, w, to the screen  102 . While the armor system  100  is illustrated showing the motion of two implementations (i.e., fore and aft on the vehicle  50 ) of the operating linkage  166 , the angular displacement, w, of the screen  102  may be adjusted via a single implementation of the actuator subsystem  156 . 
     The armor system  100  generally adjusts the linear displacement X and the angular displacements φ, θ, and ω of the strand/curtain  102  (i.e., the obliquity with respect to the approach of the threat  70 ) manually and/or automatically, dynamically, in real time via the control subsystem  120  in connection with the hanger subsystem  110 . The armor system  100  also may provide adjustment to the dynamic behavior (e.g., morphology) of the strand  102 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 15A-15H , examples of alternative embodiments of the armor system  100  and modes of operation thereof are shown.  FIGS. 15 (A-G) are end views from the rear to the front of alternative embodiments of the armor system  100  installed on the vehicle  50 , and  FIG. 15H  is a top elevation view of the armor system  100  mounted on the vehicle  50 .  FIG. 15A  illustrates a plurality of the strands/curtains  102  (e.g., the strands  102   a ,  102   b , and  102   n ) hanging substantially, vertically suspended at the top (e.g., at the first end) via the support subsystem  110 , and freely movable in the vertical and lateral directions at the bottom (e.g., at the second end); and substantially equidistant from each other in the lateral direction. 
       FIG. 15B  illustrates a plurality of the strands/curtains  102  (e.g., the strands  102   a ,  102   b , and  102   n ) hanging substantially, vertically suspended at the top (e.g., at the first end) via the support subsystem  110 , and freely movable in the vertical and lateral directions at the bottom (e.g., at the second end), wherein the strands  102  are spaced outward from the vehicle  50  at differing distances (i.e., adaptable standoff). E.g., the strand/curtain  102   a  may extend a distance Xa to the right, distal from the outer surface of the vehicle  50 ; the strand/curtain  102   b  may extend a distance Xb to the right, distal from the outer surface of the vehicle  50 , where Xb&gt;Xa; and the strand/curtain  102   n  may extend a distance Xn to the right, distal from the outer surface of the vehicle  50 , where Xn&gt;Xb. 
       FIG. 15C  illustrates an embodiment of the armor system  100  adaptability via the longitudinal axis obliquity adjustment capability of the strand  102  through the angle, θ, similar to the illustration shown on  FIG. 13 . The hanger subsystem  110  is not shown for clarity of illustration. 
       FIG. 15D  Illustrates an embodiment of the armor system  100  wherein, the strand curtain  102  is installed via combination of the operating linkage  166 , the idler pulleys  180 , the spool, and the hanger  186  to provide a high degree of topographical morphology to the strand/curtain  102 . A multi-fold, accordion shape (when view from either end of the vehicle  50 ) may be implemented with the strand  102  such that the threat  70  may be more effectively be defeated. In particular, when the threat  70  is a so-called rocket propelled grenade (RPG), the accordion shaped strand  102  generally will intercept and defeat the fusing and/or shaped charge performance operation of the RPG threat  70  (shown in more detail on  FIG. 16I ). 
       FIG. 15E  illustrates a progressively scaled embodiment of the folded, overlap of the strand  102  similar to the illustration shown on  FIG. 13 . 
       FIG. 15F  illustrates an embodiment of the armor system  102  wherein the strand  102  is installed having the spool  180  at both the first end and the second end, and the curtain  102  is retracted substantially flush to the outer surface of the vehicle  50  such that the external profile of the vehicle  50  with the armor system  100  is minimized (e.g., to aid storage, maneuverability, and transport). 
       FIG. 15G  illustrates an embodiment of the armor system  102  wherein the control subsystem  120  substantially simultaneously activates (induces, produces, generates) wave motion to multiple implementations of the strand  102 . The wave motion generally provides another topographical morphology to the strand/curtain  102 . 
     To induce the wave shape motions on the strand/curtain  102 , the actuator driver  164  apparatus section of the hanger subsystem  110  may include wave vibration generation devices. Examples of conventional wave vibration generation apparatuses that may be implemented in connection with the control assembly  120  may be found, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 4,383,585, issued May 17, 1983 to Gaus; U.S. Pat. No. 4,580,073, issued Apr. 1, 1986 to Okumura et al.; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,435,195, issued Jul. 25, 1995 to Meier, all of which are incorporated by reference in their entirety; however, the wave vibration generation device of the hanger subsystem  110  may be implemented via any appropriate apparatus to meet the design criteria of a particular application as would be known to one of skill in the art. 
       FIG. 15H  illustrates a top view of the armor system  100  installed on the vehicle  50  wherein an embodiment of the armor system  100  adaptability via the latitudinal axis obliquity adjustment capability of the strand  102  through the angle, w, similar to the illustration shown on  FIG. 14 . The hanger subsystem  110  is not shown for clarity of illustration. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 16 (A-K), edge views of alternative embodiments of the armor system  100  and the threat  70  at various instances in time are shown. As such,  FIGS. 16 (A-K) illustrate advantageous terminal ballistic reduction effects provided by the armor system  100  including but not limited to: tension to the strand  102  combined with a tumble and/or yaw effect to the threat  70 ; mass accumulation (increase) of the strand  102  at the point of impact of the threat  70  and along the strand  102 ; and passive, dynamic deflection of the threat  70 . As previously noted, the armor system  100  may provide additional disruption, destruction, capture, distortion, and/or deflection of the threat  70 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 16A-16C , the approach and impact of the threat  70  to the strand/curtain  102  is shown, wherein the strand/curtain  102  is illustrated in connection with an implementation similar to the embodiment of the armor system  100  illustrated, for example, on  FIGS. 15A and 15B . On  FIG. 16A , the threat  70  is illustrated approaching the strand/curtain  102 . On  FIG. 16B , the threat  70  is illustrated impacting the strand/curtain  102 , and mass accumulation of the strand/curtain  102  is initiated. On  FIG. 16C , the threat  70  is becoming entangled in the strand/curtain  102 , mass accumulation of the strand/curtain  102  is increasing, tension is provided along the strand/curtain  102 , and the projectile  70  is urged into yaw and tumble motion, thus reducing or eliminating the potential penetration effect of the threat  70 . 
     On  FIGS. 16D-16F , the approach and impact of the threat  70  to the strand/curtain  102  is shown, wherein the strand/curtain  102  is illustrated in connection with an implementation of the armor system  100  similar to the embodiment illustrated, for example, on  FIGS. 13 and 15D . On  FIG. 16D , the threat  70  is illustrated approaching the strand/curtain  102 . On  FIG. 16E , the threat  70  is illustrated impacting the strand/curtain  102 , and mass accumulation of the strand/curtain  102  is initiated. On  FIG. 16F , the threat  70  is becoming entangled in the strand/curtain  102 , mass accumulation of the strand/curtain  102  is increasing, and tension is provided along the strand/curtain  102 . 
     On  FIGS. 16G-16I , the strand/curtain  102  is configured by an activated (induced) wave form via operation of the control subsystem  120  as previously illustrated on and described in connection with  FIG. 15G . As illustrated on  FIG. 16G , when the threat  70  impacts an apex of the wave-shaped strand  102 , a larger number of links  104  are encountered than when a substantially straight section of the strand  102  is impacted (for example, as illustrated on  FIGS. 16A-16C ). As such, the wave shaped configuration generally provides increased standoff from the environment  50  at the point where the threat  70  impacts the strand/curtain  102 . Further, when the threat  70 ′ impacts a section of the wave-shaped strand  102  that is overlapped, a larger number of links  104  are encountered than when a substantially straight section of the strand  102  is impacted. 
     On  FIG. 16H , the threat  70  is illustrated approaching impact to a multiple layered, overlapped, wave shaped section of the strand  102  which provides further mass accumulation. As illustrated on  FIG. 16I , the accordion shaped strand  102  generally will intercept and defeat the fusing and/or shaped charge performance operation of the RPG threat  70 . The multi-layer and/or folded/wave-shaped implementations of the strand/curtain  102  may also advantageously provide improved heat signature management when compared to conventional armor implementations. 
       FIGS. 16J and 16K  illustrate the reaction of an embodiment of the armor system  100  in response to the threat  70 . On  FIG. 16J , the strand  102  presents a three layer overlap between two of the pulleys  180  and the spool  184  to the approaching threat  70 . As illustrated on  FIG. 16K , the flexible, conformable, topographically enhanced strike face, triple layered defeat structure produces mass accumulation, dynamic dimensional adaptability, and passive dynamic deflection to the threat  70  which generally increases the armor system  100  ballistic threat defeat capability. 
     Referring to  FIG. 17 , an end view (e.g., a rear view similar to  FIGS. 13 and 15 (A-G) of the vehicle  50  having an alternative embodiment of the armor system  100  is illustrated.  FIG. 17  includes cutout views that illustrate internal views of the container  190  and contents therein at the container bottom  192  and at the top region  194 . Note that the container  190  is shown Installed on the top of the hull  50  as well as both sides.  FIGS. 18 and 19 (A-H) illustrate the cutout views in greater detail. The strand/curtain  102  may be deployed in a folded layer across the top of the vehicle hull  50 , and loaded (filled) into and unloaded (emptied, retrieved) from the open-top container  190  via implementation of the spool mechanism  184  and other components of the hanger subsystem  110  in response to the control subsystem  120 . 
       FIG. 18  illustrates an enlarged view of the portion  18  on  FIG. 17 . The strand/curtain  102  is shown in more detail in connection with the load/unload processes. 
       FIGS. 19 (A-H) illustrate a series of time lapse views of the strand/curtain  102  during a load (e.g., deploy, feed, fill) process into the open-top container  190 . At the start time of the loading ( FIG. 19A ), the strand/curtain  102  is illustrated entering into the container  190  via the open top region  104 . When the strand/curtain  102  reaches the bottom  194 , the strand/curtain  102  begins to overlap onto itself ( FIG. 19D ). The overlap of the links  104  generally proceeds as the load process continues until the container  190  is substantially full ( FIGS. 19E-19H ). During an unload (e.g., retrieval, empty) process, the strand/curtain  102  generally is moved in the reverse direction, as would be understood by one of skill in the art. 
     The internal box thickness BT is generally selected (i.e., determined, chosen, calculated, or the like) such that links  104  are constrained to fold into a snugly overlapped position in a stack, wherein adjacent links  104  rest atop one another while excess to the box thickness BT is generally avoided. As such, the box thickness BT is generally in a range greater than the overall link length L, and less than twice the overall link length L. 
     While the invention may have been described with reference to certain embodiments, numerous changes, alterations and modifications to the described embodiments are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the Invention as defined in the appended claims, and equivalents thereof.