increasing blast event survivability with blast mitigating ......armored vehicles introduction ieds...

1 of 4 SKYDEX Blast Mats White Paper | May 2020

SKYDEX Technologies, Inc.303-790-4003www.SKYDEX.com

12508 E. Briarwood Ave.Suite 1-FCentennial, CO 80112

Increasing Blast Event Survivability with Blast Mitigating Mats for Armored Vehicles

Introduction

IEDs and blast events targeted at armored vehicles have become a persistent threat for military forces worldwide, it has been estimated that 87% of injuries from IEDs are in lower extremities, particularly in the feet and tibia regions*. In response, vehicle manufactures strive to provide protective solutions that both increase survivability and ensure soldier operational readiness and battlefield e�ectiveness. Blast mats o�er an innovative approach that combats the explosive shock wave by absorbing the overpressure from the blast. To be e�ective, a blast mat must be capable of countering the acceleration of the floor, while withstanding daily operations within the already limited vehicle space.

SKYDEX engineered the original blast mat solution as part of the MRAP prototype program in 2004. Over the last 15+ years SKYDEX has been working with vehicle manufacturers and end-users to integrate their patented energy-absorbing technology to reduce tibia loads during underbody blast events. With over 125,000 blast mats installed, SKYDEX now has a range of proven solutions that have been fielded on leading vehicle platforms that meet STANAG 4569 and pass the US Army MRAP specification. With indus-try-leading performance and materials engineered for the armored vehicle environment, SKYDEX blast mats enhance the protective capabilities of any vehicle design.

AbstractUnderbelly blast events targeted at armored vehicles are the leading threat on the battlefield and vehicle OEMs are continually innovating protective solutions. Blast mats are a proven method for impact and blast mitigation to reduce severe tibia loading. These energy-absorbing panels protect lower limbs, increasing blast event survivability and combat e�ectiveness after an event.

SKYDEX is the go-to solution for high-energy threat mitigation from underbody mine blasts. Fielded in more than 24,000 vehicles, SKYDEX is the most widely-used blast mitigating technology. Available in a range of blast mat products for scalable crew protection, SKYDEX brings a solutions-based approach to integration and an in-depth understanding of local e�ects on the occupant during mine blast situations.

SKYDEX Blast Mats White Paper | May 2020

*Ramasamy, A., et al., “Injuries From Roadside Improvised Explosive Devices” - Journal of trauma injury infection and critical care, 2008.

Blast Mitigating Mats Overview

SKYDEX Convoy Deck o�ers passive protection as an energy and impact absorbing floor mat that is placed on the vehicle floor. These solutions provide occupant protection by dissipating the blast energy through our specifically engineered energy absorbing technology.

Proven Injury Protection

SKYDEX produces measurable improvement in protection as shown in extensive lab and live-fire testing. As the compressive force on the tibia increases, the probability of injury also increases; from fractured knees and broken ankles at low levels to the shattering of bones that require amputation with a larger force. With SKYDEX technology, energy is absorbed and spread through the floor mat making the force on the individual less. Evaluating force absorbed during a blast event, SKYDEX reduced the blast force transmission by 71%.



How SKYDEX Works

SKYDEX engineers have tuned our patented technology to collapse in a controlled manner, similar to a spring, to absorb energy and shield from impact.

Photos from a live-fire test. The left was taken before detonation and the right 2 milliseconds post detonation. The picture on the right shows how the foot on the bare steel is compressed by the blast force, causing excess forces on the lower tibia.

TIME (MS)

FO

RC

E (

N)

10% AIS car 1 injury threshold HFM-90

Bare FloorSKYDEX Convoy Deck

Engineered for All-Phases of a Blast Event

With patented quick-rebounding technology, SKYDEX Blast Mats o�ers protection for all phases of a blast event with repeatable and consistent performance over the life-cycle of the product.

Standard Operation: Highly durable, long-lasting and low maintenance materials that withstand daily activity in the harsh military environment.

Blast Event: Protection from shockwave forces acting on the vehicle resulting from an IED attack. As this blast pressure rapidly accelerates, the floor accelerates and the energy-absorbing mats absorb the resulting force to protect vehicle occupants.

Vehicle Slam Down: During large blast events a vehicle can become airborne. To protect occupants from su�ering injuries related to the vehicle landing back on the ground, SKYDEX rapidly rebounds to absorb energy from the secondary impact.

Products Designed By Threat Level

SKYDEX o�ers a range of COTS products that pass the US Army MRAP specifications and protect against low, medium, and high threat levels. Depending on the available space claim and desired performance, vehicle manufacturers can select blast mat solutions that meet their specifications.

Custom Blast Mat Solutions

For over a decade the SKYDEX engineering team has developed an in-depth understanding of the local e�ects on a vehicle occupant during underbelly mine blast situations. Working with our partners, SKYDEX has the expertise to tailor a solution to meet your desired level of protection in the available space envelope.



Simple Integration

SKYDEX Blast Mats o�er a simple, universal design that allows for a customized fit with no change to existing vehicle ergonomics or design.

Lightweight and low profile, SKYDEX o�ers unbeatable protection without impeded on interior vehicle space. All materials are Berry Compliant and meet FMVSS302 and all MRAP environmental requirements with an industry-leading non-skid top surface.

SKYDEX provides both bulk material sheets for customers to integrate and unique parts and kits designed specifically for the vehicle platform and variant.

LEGACY MAT MEDIUM THREAT LOW THREATHIGH THREAT

SKYDEX Convoy Deck - Blast Mats Product Line

Plan of record (POR) product with over a decade of proven

performance in the field.

Highest level of protection with a

durable, thick profile to fill larger gaps in

the vehicle hull.

Performance across a broad range of threat

levels with a low profile energy-absorbing layer and lightweight, durable

top surface.

Lightest weight and lowest profile mat on

the market with superior protective

performance.

Holistic Approach to Blast Mitigation

SKYDEX Blast Mats should be used in conjunction with SKYDEX Blast Seat Cushion Inserts and other blast mitigating innovations as a comprehensive crew survivability solution.

Summary

By integrating a solution that limits the peak force during a blast, the occupants of an armored vehicle can increase their chances of walking away from an IED explosion. Additionally, SKYDEX blast mats can increase a vehicle’s ability to meet STANAG 4569, protect against overmatch, and other protective standards with minimal additional weight and space claim. Mitigating the force and spreading the shock from an explosion through a protective layer will better protect our men and women in uniform and help to combat the most aggressive force of today’s war.

About SKYDEX Technologies, Inc.

SKYDEX is a global leader in advanced impact mitigation and cushioning solutions and is dedicated to Protecting People and Things That Matter®. With superior precision, durability and tunability, SKYDEX technology is engineered to excel in the harshest and most demanding conditions. From enhancing Bomb Suits and protecting over 24,000 military vehicles and 6,000 marine craft, SKYDEX has leveraged their technical expertise and keen understanding of a variety of challenges to develop customized applications that deliver long- term value.



Proven Protection

SKYDEX has fielded over 125,000 blast mats with 10+ years’ experience on leading vehicle platforms that meet STANAG 4569, including:

» RG33» RG31» Amazon» PARS II» MaxxPro» Caiman» Stryker OEF» Stryker DVH» Cougar» MATV» FMTV» HEMTT» Bushmaster

increasing blast event survivability with blast mitigating ......armored vehicles introduction ieds...

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