Armor electrical is an innovative class of materials that combine the mechanical strength of traditional armor with conductive additives to enable new applications in defense and security. These advanced composites can shield critical infrastructure from electromagnetic interference and improve impact resistance to safeguard personnel, vehicles, and equipment. They are also highly lightweight, improving mobility and reducing fatigue for the wearer. Moreover, they are able to dissipate energy efficiently and mitigate damage from explosive blasts and high-energy impacts, making them an ideal choice for armored vehicles.
In wire and cable catalogs, it is easy to get the terms shielding and armor confused. While both are metallic wraps that protect cable components, they have distinct characteristics and should not be used interchangeably.
A wire armored cable has an outer layer of steel in the form of tapes or wires to provide tensile strength during the cable laying operation and protection while resting underground. This armor increases the life of cables and prevents them from unwanted cuts or damage. It also protects against rodents and other animals. The steel armored cables are usually buried and must resist environmental factors such as acid or alkali corrosion.
The armor also provides resistance to electromagnetic interference and static charges. It can also withstand various abrasions, which helps in extending the lifespan of the conductors and cables. Additionally, the steel armored cables can withstand various temperature variations and humidity levels.
Another important feature of the electrical armor is its ability to dissipate energy, which can help in protecting personnel and equipment. This property can be useful in reducing the risk of explosions caused by electrostatic discharges and shaped charge weapons. It can also minimize the effects of electrical shocks from ballistic threats, thereby improving the survivability of the crew in an armored vehicle.
Moreover, the electrically conductive composites can be molded into different shapes and sizes to meet specific armor requirements. They are also flexible and can be customized to enhance the functionality of a particular device or system. This flexibility allows for easier integration of electronics and sensors in a vehicle or weapon, which in turn can result in better situational awareness and enhanced performance.
The electrically conductive composites can also be used to mitigate the effects of electromagnetic pulses (EMP) or kinetic weapons. They can be used as circuit protection conductors and main protective bonding conductors in electromagnetic switching devices. The electrically conductive composites are also suitable for use as countermeasures against shaped charge weapons, complementing or even replacing conventional explosive reactive armor (ERA). This type of armour can protect ships and vehicles from kinetic and shaped charges by providing efficient dissipation of energy, protecting the crew from severe injury or vehicle damage. This technology is expected to increase the operational efficiency of military and civilian vehicles, allowing them to operate in hostile environments with greater ease and safety.