Executive Summary
This thesis analyzes the historical development and impact of armor on ground vehicle design, utilization, and survivability, from World War I to Operation Iraqi Freedom. It examines how armor has evolved in response to changing threats and missions, discussing various aspects of armor design to reduce vehicle vulnerability. The study also details different types of threats and warheads, and how armor is characterized to defeat them.
Why It Matters
This document is crucial for defense analysts as it provides a comprehensive historical and technical overview of ground vehicle armor, detailing its evolution, design principles, and effectiveness against various threats. Understanding these dynamics is vital for assessing current armored vehicle capabilities and informing future procurement and tactical decisions.
Key Takeaways
- Armor development has consistently adapted to evolving threats, from WWI anti-tank warfare to modern IEDs.
- Different warhead types (kinetic, blast, shaped charge) necessitate varied armor designs, including reactive and slat armor.
- Ground vehicle survivability is a complex discipline involving hull design, material science, and threat analysis, with standards like STANAG 4569 guiding protection levels.
- The Naval Postgraduate School is actively developing a ground vehicle survivability discipline.
- The thesis provides a detailed analysis of various armor types and their effectiveness against different threats.
- It also covers the historical context of armor development across major conflicts.
Strategic Relevance
This thesis offers a foundational understanding of armored vehicle survivability, critical for military strategists and engineers. It highlights the continuous arms race between offensive weapons and defensive armor, informing decisions on vehicle design, force protection, and operational deployment in diverse threat environments. The historical analysis provides context for current and future challenges in ground warfare.