Body Armor

[raketenjagdpanzer]

Another question - this one actually not about tanks!

Body Armor degrades when it absorbs multiple hits. Kevlar will, over time, simply wear out. While Kevlar probably isn't easy to replace (read: nigh impossible) how feasible is the manufacture of new trauma plates in a post 2k environment? I mean, they're "just" ceramic, plastic and steel sandwich laminate...but that's not exactly like milking a cow.

[dragoon500ly]

The ceramic would go the way of Kevlar, it requires specialized materials and factories to make. You would be more likely to see metal plates added, the first flak jackets were made of nylon and held overlapping steel strips in pockets on the armor, needless to say, they were very heavy!

[raketenjagdpanzer]

Originally Posted by dragoon500ly

The ceramic would go the way of Kevlar, it requires specialized materials and factories to make. You would be more likely to see metal plates added, the first flak jackets were made of nylon and held overlapping steel strips in pockets on the armor, needless to say, they were very heavy!

Yeah, I can see vehicle armor from completely destroyed (lighter) vehicles making its way to small machine shops for conversion to trauma plates.

[dragoon500ly]

LOL, I'm afraid that if you are planning to use vehicle armor, its more along the lines of a fabrication plant and a decent forge. Even thin armor would run at least 0.5-inch thick, thats a lot of machining!

The metal that was used in the bomber crew flak jackets and later in the first issue armored vests is actually quite thin, its initial purpose was not to stop a bullet but rather to deflect and absorb the energy of fragments. You really didn't start getting good "bullet-stopping" armor until the use of Kevlar and later, ceramics.

[raketenjagdpanzer]

Originally Posted by dragoon500ly

LOL, I'm afraid that if you are planning to use vehicle armor, its more along the lines of a fabrication plant and a decent forge. Even thin armor would run at least 0.5-inch thick, thats a lot of machining!

"But sir, I don't wanna wear the vest!"

"You'll wear it and like it - that stuff will stop a tank round."

"That's because it's made from tank armor, sir!"

The metal that was used in the bomber crew flak jackets and later in the first issue armored vests is actually quite thin, its initial purpose was not to stop a bullet but rather to deflect and absorb the energy of fragments. You really didn't start getting good "bullet-stopping" armor until the use of Kevlar and later, ceramics.

Huh; didn't know that.

[Legbreaker]

It's the same with many of the lighter vehicles - their armour is only designed to protect against (ie slow down) small arms fire and shrapnel. As long as the crew and passengers survive relatively intact, it can be considered "effective".
Naturally this isn't anything close to acceptable with heavier, higher value vehicles such as MBTs, but for scout vehicles and some APCs (aka battle taxis)...

[Targan]

There was a discussion on a thread not all that long ago (late last year maybe?) in which I recall suggesting that perhaps sections of kevlar spall liner, cut to size, could be used to repair damaged/degraded kevlar body armour. I'd go looking for the thread but it's late here and likely to take bloody ages.