Applied Nanotech tests antenna armour panels
Applied Nanotech has completed the testing of fiberglass ballistic and blast-resistant armour panels that incorporate printed electronic antennas capable of sending and receiving radio communications and jamming enemy communication signals. The testing was announced as a success by the company.
The armour can be used in ships, vehicles and buildings and is designed to remove the need for high-profile communications antenna structures on ships and vehicles.
The encased antennas can jam trigger signals for remote explosives, including improvised explosive devices. The armour features two wideband, low-profile antennas that can carry signals at multiple frequencies.
For this programme, Applied Nanotech partnered with Armortex for its bullet-resistant fibreglass panel products, and Villanova University and the University of Tennessee at Knoxville for their antenna modelling and design capabilities.
Aly Fathy, professor, department of electrical and computer engineering, University of Tennessee at Knoxville, said: 'This has been a challenging yet exciting programme to take a passive composite material and create a complex antenna structure that not only provides ballistic protection but also may help defeat improvised explosive devices and other threats.'
More from Land Warfare
-
US and Europe continue moves to boost 155mm munitions production
The new US facility for 155mm artillery projectiles is a reflection of a worldwide trend which has also seen Rheinmetall and BAE Systems working to improve capability in the same area.
-
Dronebuster product line and production capability expanded
DZYNE Technologies, the maker of Dronebuster counter-uncrewed aerial system (C-UAS) devices, has announced plans to expand production and released details on a new version of the system. This follows the release of an all-in-one kit system earlier this year.
-
Ireland plans for radar capability in 2026
The Irish Government has previously outlined ambitious plans, the furthest reach of these being the possible purchase of fighter aircraft to provide a capability the country’s defence force currently doesn’t have. A more advanced procurement effort for a primary radar is being fast tracked.
-
US Army LTAMDS enters production phase
LTAMDS was approved in multiple flight trials and assessments.