WO2014125480A1

WO2014125480A1 - Shielding of structures

Info

Publication number: WO2014125480A1
Application number: PCT/IL2014/050148
Authority: WO
Inventors: Moshe Shafir; Moshe Goldstein
Original assignee: Israel Military Industries Ltd
Current assignee: Israel Military Industries Ltd
Priority date: 2013-02-13
Filing date: 2014-02-12
Publication date: 2014-08-21
Anticipated expiration: 2015-08-13
Also published as: IL224699A0; IL224699B

Abstract

A ballistic shielding system for protection of security-sensitive structures and/or areas comprising at least two of the following: a modular overhead protective structure comprising an upper steel plate, lower steel plate and spaced apart partitions separating the upper and lower steel plates, the space between the upper and the lower steel plates being filled with reinforced concrete; a semi-active protective layer comprising a lightweight net webbing stretched over the security-sensitive structure and/or area to be protected to meet and detonate on impact front point detonation fuses mounted on rockets and missiles; a virtual hemispherical protection system comprising one or more interception stations, each having one or more sensing devices, a launching device and at least one magazine, the system able to detect and shoot explosive charges against aerial threats and destroy them at a safe distance from the security sensitive structures and/or areas, and a controller coordinating and controlling systems.

Description

SHIELDING OF STRUCTURES

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to ballistic shielding of sensitive infrastructures. More specifically, the present invention relates to a combined passive and active ballistic shielding of security-sensitive structures and/or areas.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is generally in the field of shielding security-sensitive structures and/or areas from ballistic explosive devices.

The rise of terrorism throughout the world and the ongoing concerns about threats to the security of infrastructures present difficult challenges to those responsible for protecting the safety and integrity of such security-sensitive industrial, government and military facilities.

Generally it is very difficult to protect buildings and/or nearby areas from ballistic explosive devices and even more difficult to prevent such ballistic devices from being launched, because these are usually launched from remote sites hidden from view. Accordingly, there has been a long-felt need to provide a system for protecting bunkers, weapons storage facilities and other sensitive military and civilian structures from ballistic explosive devices, which would prevent direct explosion and/or penetration of the roofs of such sensitive structures and/or areas.

A number of proposals have been made for protecting structures/areas from such ballistic devices. One type of protection is passive, and another type is active. Passive protection is usually by means of a reinforced roof and/or walls that will prevent penetration of an exploding ballistic device. Active protection involves the targeting and intercepting the ballistic threat before it reaches its target.

WO94/09218 describes a passive system comprising a prefabricated reinforced structure for use by the military, paramilitary police and border security personnel. The system comprises a plurality of modular prefabricated reinforced units which may be easily and rapidly constructed and dismantled. Individual units may be easily transported.

IL Patent No. 167287 to Israel Military Industries Ltd. describes a passive protective system for the protection of a roof from ballistic missiles. The system uses a light weight construction comprising an upper steel plate, a lower steel plate, and a mid-layer comprising elongate ribs connecting both the upper and lower plates, each rib having essentially the same length as the upper and lower plates, and the ribs being spaced from each other along the upper and lower plates.

Various active protection systems have also been proposed over the years, some of which are described, as follows;

US 7,066,427 describes an active protection system to protect a platform, such as an armored vehicle, with an interceptor device against an incoming threat of a missile having a trajectory that would hit the target by intercepting the threat at a distance from the target in an intercept zone.

US 7,492,308 describes an active threat detection system which includes an optical detection system for detecting launch of an offensive projectile and a processing system. The detection system includes an image detector array, an optical arrangement for focusing on to the image detector array, and a processing system associated with the image detector array.

Both passive and active protection systems have their utility and each system has advantages in some respects and disadvantageous in others. Passive protection devices, for instance, may be more suitable for protecting against small and medium caliber artillery shells and rockets but not against heavy weight and large caliber high explosive rockets or missiles.

In contrast, active protection systems may be more suitable for protecting against heavy weight and large caliber high explosive rockets or missiles, although such systems can also be used to protect against small and medium caliber artillery shells and rockets as well. One problem with active protective systems is that they do not prevent pieces of shrapnel, motor tubes and so on from falling and influencing/damaging the protected structure. In addition, active protection systems may not be economically efficient if frequently used to intercept small and medium ballistic explosive devices.

It is an aim of the present invention to provide a modular reliable and economical shielding system that provides full protection from a wide range of ballistic explosive devices, i.e., small to massive ballistic explosive devices, with maximized performance and minimal cost.

A further aim of the present invention is to provide a modular shielding system adaptable for different requirements and areas, i.e., for urban areas, for rural and non-populated areas and for instillations with different levels of security sensitivity.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a modular passive and active shielding system for protecting security-sensitive structures and/or nearby areas from ballistic attack. Thus, in accordance with the present invention, there is provided a modular ballistic shielding system for protecting security-sensitive structures and/or areas, comprising:

Level A: an overhead static structure or array of structures, each structure comprising an upper steel plate, a lower steel plate with spaced apart partitions separating the upper and lower steel plates, wherein the space between the upper and the lower steel plates between the partitions is filled with reinforced concrete;

Level B: a lightweight activating layer (LAL) comprising a lightweight metal net webbing, stretched over and spaced apart from the overhead protective structure or array of structures, said webbing adapted to detonate front point detonation fuses mounted on rockets and missiles that make contact with it; and

Level C: a virtual hemispherical protection system comprising at least one intercept system able to detect, locate and shoot very fast explosive charges against aerial threats and destroy them at a far and safe distance from the security sensitive structures and/or areas.

The basic modular overhead protective structure (Level A) has an overall dimension between 2-40 meters long, between 2 m to 40 m wide, and between 50 cm to 400 cm in height. Preferably the basic structure is between 2-30 meters long, between 2 m to 30 m wide and between 50 cm to 400 cm high.

The thickness of the upper steel plate can range between 10 mm to 50 mm, the thickness of the lower plate between 5 mm to 100 mm, and the thickness of the partition between 1 cm and 250 cm. The basic modular overhead protective structure (Level A) can absorb blast f agments and pieces of shrapnel particles and prevents them from penetrating the protected structure/area.

The net webbing of the semi-active protective layer (Level B) is made with wire having a diameter of between 4mm to 100mm and holes having a minimum cross-sectional area of 0.78 cm .

The semi-active protective layer (Level B) is preferably stretched 1 to 30 meters above the basic modular overhead protective element (Level A).

The hemispherical protection system (Level C) comprises one or more stations, each having one or more sensing devices, a launching device, and at least one intercept device.

The sensing devises can consist of radar, heat sensing, laser detection or combinations of these.

The launching device is preferably a multiple barrel gun that fires rapidly multiple projectiles, and the intercept devices are large caliber high explosive shells.

The hemispherical protection system (Level C) can destroy threats at a range of 10 -100 meters above the semi-active protective layer (Level B).

The stations of the hemispherical protection system are preferably situated at the corners of the perimeter of the overhead protective element assembly.

In accordance with the present invention, there is further provided a method for protecting security-sensitive structures and/or areas from ballistic attack comprising:

providing a ballistic shielding system of claim 1 ; and

activating same. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Fig. 1 is an overview of a combined passive and active ballistic shielding system in accordance with the present invention;

Fig. 2 is a perspective view of a modular basic structure or "Level A" protection in accordance with the present invention; and

Fig. 3 is a perspective view of a station of the virtual hemispherical active "Level C" protection system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The principles and operation of the system of the present invention may be better understood with reference to the drawings and the accompanying description.

Fig. 1 is an overview of a combined passive and active ballistic shield 100 for protecting security-sensitive structures and/or areas in accordance with the present invention. The shield 100 comprises 3 layers of protection: 1) basic modular overhead protective structures 102 arranged in series, supplying "Level A" protection, 2) a Lightweight Semi-Activating Layer (LAL) 104 of net webbing for "Level B" protection, and 3) stations 108 for hemispherical active "Level C" protection 106.

Fig, 2 is a perspective view of a basic modular overhead protective structure 102 for "Level A" protection. Basic modular overhead protective structure 102 comprises an upper steel plate 202, a lower steel plate 204 and spaced apart steel partitions 206 separating the upper steel plate 202 and the lower steel plate 204, Preferably the partitions 206 are welded to the plates 202, 204. The space between the upper 202 and lower 204 steel plates, between the partitions 206 is filled with reinforced concrete 208. These basic modular overhead protective structures 102 can be between 2-40 meters and preferably between 20-30 meters long, 20-30 meters wide, and 50-400 centimeters in height. The thickness of the upper steel plate 202 can range between 10 mm to 50 mm, the thickness of the lower steel plate 204 can range between 5 mm to 100 mm, and the thickness of the partition 206 can range between 10 cm and 70 cm. These structures 100 can rest directly on a roof or on pillars over a structure that is to be protected, or they can be placed on the ground to cover a pit serving as an underground installation. How these basic modular overhead protective structures 102 are supported depends on their length and weight. If they are intended to rest entirely on a flat surface such as on a roof or on the ground, their length may be greater than 40 meters, and still maintain their integrity.

A plurality of the basic modular overhead protective structures 102 can be aligned next to each other within a very short time to provide overhead protection over a large span. Short basic modular overhead protective structures 102 that do not weigh too much can be manufactured at remote locations and transported to the designated site, while for long units the steel plate construction can be transported to the desired location and the reinforced concrete cast on site.

The basic modular overhead protective structures 102 can absorb blast fragments, such as motor housing, etc. and prevent them from penetrating the protected structure. Upon explosion of a ballistic rocket in proximity of such modular structures 100, the energy of the explosion and the impact of various pieces of shrapnel that may be produced are absorbed first by the upper steel plate 202, then the ribs (partitions) 206 and reinforced concrete 208, and finally by the lower steel plate 204. Small and medium caliber artillery shells and rockets are also prevented from penetrating the protected structure.

It should be noted that the basic modular overhead protective structures 102 are intended primarily for the protection of existing buildings with roofs or installations without roofs by placing the structures on top of them. However, they may also be incorporated in new structures to become an integral part thereof, even the roof itself.

The basic modular overhead protective structures 102may be upgraded to be effective even against future types of ammunition with different explosive charges, velocity and weight. For instance, they may be constructed from different materials and have dimensions different from the ones mentioned above.

The Lightweight Activating Layer (LAL) 104 for "Level B" protection, seen in Fig. 1, comprises a curved or flat lightweight metal net webbing, preferably steel wire, that is spaced apart from and stretched over the structure or area to be protected. The wire preferably has a diameter of between 4 mm to 100 mm and holes with a minimum cross- sectional area of 0.78 cm² (pitch will be no bigger than 18 mm). The LAL 104 forming "Level B" protection is preferably located 1 to 30 meters above the Level A" protection, i.e. the basic modular structures 100 depending on the anticipated threat. It is a semi-active protective layer and is an optional application that forms an initiation layer to explode front point detonation fuses mounted on rockets and missiles.

Virtual hemispherical "Level C" protection, designated 106 in Fig. 1 is an active protection system that is intended to destroy only certain kinds of threats, primarily from heavy weight and large caliber high explosive artillery shells, rockets or missiles. It is intended to destroy these threats at a range of 10-100 meters above the LAL, "Level B" 104.

The "Level C" virtual hemispherical protection system 106 is comprised of at least one station 108 having sensing devices 308 such as radar, IR, UV, radio wave or other such as detection means, as illustrated in Fig. 3. These interception systems 108 are situated preferably at the corners on top of the basic modular overhead protective structures 102. However, the interception systems 108 may be disposed anywhere, near or distant from the structure to be protected.

The interception system 108 has the ability to shoot very fast explosive charges towards relative aerial threats, and destroy them at a far and safe range. This ability is achieved by swiftly activating multi-barrel gun systems, which shoot high explosive demolition munitions aimed and activated by a radar system towards the approaching threat.

As seen in Fig. 3, the interception system 108 includes a launching device 304, magazines 306 A and 306B for storing shells or rockets, and one or more sensing devices 308, which are operated by a control system (not shown). The launching device 304 is preferably a multi barrel cannon that can fire many rounds simultaneously. The magazines 306 A, 306B contain ammunition.

The sensing device 308 may be positioned in many different manners. For instance, it may be mounted on or in close proximity to the launching device 304 as seen in Fig. 3, or it may be positioned remotely with respect to the launching device 304, or it may be mobile within a certain range of the launching device 304. The sensing device 308 is critical to the effectiveness of "Level C" system, and the parameters set for the sensing device 308 are defined, at least in part, by the type of anticipated threat and minimum knock-out distance from the target (building/area) at which the threat can be intercepted. That is, the threat must be intercepted at least at the minimum knock-out distance from the protected building/area in order for the desired level of protection to be provided.

The minimum knock-out distance may be determined from a variety of factors such as, for example, the sensitivity of the sensing device 308, the time necessary to actuate the launching device 304 to launch the intercept device, the effectiveness and accuracy of the countermeasure, and the acceleration and speed of the intercept device. The defense zone is configured to be relatively large since, in some instances, it may be desirable to be able to detect and protect the building/area against multiple threats in and/or entering the defense zone.

Another important factor in determining the effectiveness of the "Level C" is the timing with respect to deploying the countermeasure. The sensing device 308 is generally discretely disposed with respect to the intercept device. However, even after the intercept device has been launched by the launching device 304, the threat will continue to be tracked by the sensing device 308. The sensing device 308 may have extensive electronics associated therewith, making it capable of performing or directing certain procedures as a result of the detection of an incoming threat. Such electronics may include, for example, a signal processor capable of calculating, for instance, the relative velocity and range of the threat and intercept the threat based on the known velocity of the intercept device from input from the sensing device 308. The sensing device 308 may also be capable of simultaneously tracking the position and velocity of the launched intercept device and, in some instances, may provide a signal to the intercept device. Such a signal from the sensing device 308 may be provided to the controller on the intercept device, for example, through a secure wireless link or via a wire connected between the sensing device 308 and the intercept device.

An advantage of the present invention is that the interception station 108 may be configured to provide a large intercept area, the configuration of the interception station 108 may be particularly tailored to the type of threat to be intercepted and disabled.

The virtual hemispherical "Level C" protection 106 operates as follows: once a threat is recognized by the sensing devices 308, single or multiple interceptors are fired from one or more launching devices 304 that are automatically aimed at the threat, and explode(s) in proximity to the threat. Multiple automatic interception systems 108 (four shown in Fig. 1) are synchronized and activated based on an optimal scheme pre-programmed for each and every scenario.

It should be noted that the combined passive and active ballistic shielding system 100 enables the use of lighter passive shielding components, i.e., lighter units of basic modular overhead protective structures 102 and net webbing for virtual hemispherical "Level C" protection 106 that are of lower cost. Moreover, the combined system of passive and active ballistic shielding is advantageous for providing some protection in the event of failure of one of the shielding devices, i.e., either the passive or the active device. In accordance with the present invention, not all the protection layers have to be used against each and every threat. Depending on the type of threat, the desired protection level, and the importance and sensitivity of the infrastructure, protection may be achieved by implementing either "Levels A and B", "Levels A and C" or "Levels A, B and C".

In addition, since some Protection Levels "A", "B" or "C" may not be suitable for certain areas, for example, urban, rural, or non-populated areas, and the type of threat may differ for each of these areas, this may dictate which of the Protection Levels will be constructed in that area. For instance, "Level C" may not be safe to use in populated areas, leaving only "Levels A and B" to be implemented. Likewise, "Level A" may be optional in non- populated areas where the threat is mostly from heavy weight and large caliber high explosive rockets or missiles, and falling shrapnel, motor parts and the like are not a problem.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A ballistic shielding system for protection of security-sensitive structures and/or areas comprising at least two of the following:

A. a. a modular overhead protective structure comprising an upper steel plate, a lower steel plate and spaced apart partitions separating the upper and lower steel plates, the space between the upper and the lower steel plates being filled with reinforced concrete (Level A);

b. a semi-active protective layer comprising a lightweight net webbing stretched over the security-sensitive structure and/or area to be protected to meet and detonate on impact front point detonation fuses mounted on rockets and missiles (Level B);

c. a virtual hemispherical protection system comprising one or more interception stations, each having one or more sensing devices, a launching device, and at least one magazine, the system able to detect, locate and shoot explosive charges against aerial threats and destroy them at a far and safe distance from the security sensitive structures and/or areas, and

B. a controller coordinating and controlling systems a, b, and c.

2. A ballistic shielding system in accordance with claim 1, wherein the modular overhead protective structure (level A) is between 2-40 meters long, and preferably between 2-30 meters long.

3. A ballistic shielding system in accordance with claim 1, wherein the modular overhead protective structure is between 2 m to 40 m wide, and between 2 cm to 400 cm in height, and preferably between 2 m to 30 m wide and between 2 cm to 400 cm in height.

4. A ballistic shielding system in accordance with claim 1 , wherein the thickness of the upper plate ranges between 10 mm to 50 mm.

5. A ballistic shielding system in accordance with claim 1, wherein the thickness of the lower plate ranges between 5 mm to 100 mm.

6. A ballistic shielding system in accordance with claim 1, wherein the thickness of the partition ranges between 2 cm and 400 cm.

7. A ballistic shielding system in accordance with any one of claims 1-6, having a modular overhead protective structure (level A) that absorbs blast fragments and pieces of shrapnel particles and prevents them from penetrating the protected structure/area.

8. A ballistic shielding system in accordance with claim I, wherein the net webbing of the semi-active protective layer (level B) is made of metal wire.

9. A ballistic shielding system in accordance with claim 8, wherein the net webbing of the semi-active protective layer (level B) is made with wire having diameter of between 4mm to 100mm and holes with a minimum cross-sectional area of 0.78 cm .

10. A ballistic shielding system in accordance with claim 9_} wherein the semi-active protective layer (level B) is placed 1 to 30 meters above the basic modular overhead protective element (level A).

11. A ballistic shielding system in accordance with claim 1, wherein the at least one interception system of the virtual hemispherical protection system (level C) comprises multiple barrel gun that fires rapidly large caliber high explosive shells.

12. A ballistic shielding system in accordance with claim 1 1, wherein the at least one interception system of the virtual hemispherical protection system (level C) destroys threats at a range of 10 -100 meters above the semi-active protective layer (level B).

13. A ballistic shielding system in accordance with claim 12, wherein the interception systems of the virtual hemispherical protection system are situated at the corners of the perimeter of the overhead protective element assembly.

14. A method for protecting security-sensitive structures and/or areas by ballistic shielding comprising:

providing the ballistic shielding system of any one of claims 1-13; and activating same.