Aerospace kinetic solutions
Pioneering vehicle armor survivability solutions for a new generation of armored platforms.
A leader in manufacturing high-quality aircraft armor solutions..
Our capabilities are enhanced by stringent quality standards such as EN9100 and AS9100 – essential certifications for aerospace manufacturing. These certifications reflect our deep commitment to the highest industry standards, ensuring our armor solutions meet the rigorous aerospace sector demands.
Our composite manufacturing capabilities are central to our products. We leverage advanced composite materials and manufacturing techniques, producing armor solutions with optimal protection against kinetic and various other threats. Our skilled engineers and technicians meticulously design and produce composite armor components, striking the optimal balance between ballistic resistance, weight efficiency, and structural integrity.
When designing helicopter armor to protect against kinetic threats, we take several important aspects into account to ensure effective protection without compromising the aircraft’s performance and capabilities.
- Protection Levels
- Weight and Balance
- Coverage
- Modularity
- Installation
- Maintenance
- Testing
- Cost-Effectiveness
Protection Levels
The primary goal of aircraft armor for kinetic threats is providing effective ballistic resistance. This involves selecting materials and designs that can withstand defined threats. The armor solution should be capable of preventing penetration while reducing the energy transferred to the helicopter’s structure.
Weight and Balance
Helicopters are highly sensitive to weight changes, as they can affect flight performance, maneuverability, and fuel efficiency. Any armor solution needs to strike a balance between sufficient protection and weight. Integris Composites’ lightweight composite solutions are often favored for this.
Coverage and Vulnerable Areas
Identifying vulnerable areas that need protection is crucial. These may include the cockpit, critical avionics components, and vital systems. The armor solution should offer comprehensive coverage while prioritizing areas where crew members and vital equipment are situated. We also provide special low-backface deformation armor solutions for select areas onboard.
Modularity and Flexibility
Modular armor kits can provide flexibility in adjusting protection levels based on mission requirements. This allows for different armor configurations to be applied or removed as needed, maintaining adaptability without compromising operational capabilities.
Installation Method
Non-invasive installation methods are desirable to minimize disruptions to the helicopter’s structure and systems. Armor solutions should be integrated without compromising the helicopter’s structural integrity or affecting the aircraft’s certification.
Maintenance and Accessibility
Helicopter armor should not impede regular maintenance and inspections. Access to critical components and systems should remain unobstructed for routine upkeep and repairs.
Testing and Certification
Rigorous testing and certification are essential to validate the effectiveness of the armor solution. Ensuring that the armor meets industry and regulatory standards is crucial for ensuring its reliability and performance.
Cost-Effectiveness
The cost of implementing helicopter armor should be balanced against the perceived threat and operational requirements. Cost-effective solutions that offer the required protection level should be prioritized.