Tested and approved STANAG 4569 AEP 55 Vol. 1 Level 5 and 6 armour systems ready for fielding

    The requirements for ballistic protection are increasing. The protection scope for armoured fighting vehicles have increased to include the two highest level in the STANAG 4569 AEP 55 Vol. 1, levels 5 and 6. TenCate Advanced Armour has developed and certified two new scalable armour concepts that fulfil the requirements for the protection level while also providing full protection in accordance with NATO STANAG 4569 Levels 1-4.  

    The STANAG 4569 level 5 comprises two types of 25x137mm sabot rounds that have a formidable capability to penetrate conventional steel armour. Using our knowledge in composite materials and anti-ballistic applications, we have developed a new composite armour solution that combines metallics, ceramics, and fibre materials to optimize the ballistic performance for a NATO STANAG 4569 Level 5 solution.

    The STANAG 4569 level 6 comprises the 30X165 AP-T and 30x173 ADSPFS-T sabot rounds that have a capability to penetrate up to 116mm conventional steel armour. Using our knowledge in composite materials and anti-ballistic applications, we have developed a new composite armour solution that combines metallics, ceramics, and fibre materials to optimize the ballistic performance for a NATO STANAG 4569 Level 6 solution.

    The new solutions add several benefits that ensure compliance with NATO STANAG requirements and provides the highest level of protection in its class. With optimized edge protection, large panels, and new optimized mounting systems, we secure >90% coverage in the protected area. Based on internal testing procedures we have optimized the composite solution to comply with NATO STANAG 4569 Level 5 from 0-85° NATO impact angles and 27,5-72,5° NATO impact angles for NATO STANAG 4569 Level 5 .

    Our STANAG 4569 AEP 55 Vol. 1, level 5 and 6 solutions are mature and commercially ready technologies. This means that the technology is ready to be integrated on a vehicle platform, undergo final certification on the platform, and be fielded.

    NATO STANAG 4569 Level 5 and 6 technologies

    Relationship between AD and impact angleTenCate Advanced Armour’s new NATO STANAG 4569 level 5 and 6 technologies are products of our background in composite armour solutions. The new technologies comprise a range of different materials to provide a level of anti-ballistic performance that outperforms existing monolithic armour technologies. By adapting the material compositions, the technology enables easy scaling for the intended application. The scalability allows OEMs to integrate lighter protection suites, yielding higher platform performance at the same high protection level.

    The coverage of the armour solution can be integrated to cover at least 90% of the vehicle. We achieve this coverage by engineering the panels to provide independent coverage down to 25mm for the edge of the panel. By applying our new armour mounting systems, we can increase the individual panel size and integrate gap protection between the panels. This way of mounting yields higher anti-ballistic performance and higher performance against EFPs.

    TenCate Technical Center

    TenCate Advanced Armour has assembled all research and development activities into a single unit, the TenCate Technical Center (TTC). TTC primary focuses are to develop new armour solutions, validate new materials for ballistic applications, and develop armour integration methods.

    Based on these attributes, the TTC can act as a perfect partner for OEMs looking to field new fleets of armoured vehicles protected in accordance with NATO STANAG 4569 Level 5 or Level 6. The TTC has the capability and the experience to consult, develop, integrate, and support environmental or ballistic certification of armour solutions on vehicle platforms. In addition, the TTC can support with a wide array of engineering services to optimize protection level on new platforms or in relation with retrofit programs.

    TenCate Technical Center can function as an extended engineering capability for our partners to bring about the highest level of performance and protection for all platforms.


      Integration and certification process

      The anti-ballistic performance of the NATO STANAG 4569 level 5 and 6 solutions have been verified with respected external test institutes. We have all relevant test reports demonstrating the performance against NATO STANAG 4569 levels 1-5 and 1-6 threats as well as EFP RP5a.

      Before the armour solution can be fielded, it needs to undergo ballistic testing on the specific platform. This is a requirement to verify the anti-ballistic capability for the specific applications, regardless of earlier ballistic certificates. This part of the process is highly dependent on the interplay between the vehicle design and the armour solution's capabilities.

      TenCate Advanced Armour is an experienced partner for integrating survivability solutions on vehicle platforms. We can generate a survivability analysis of the platform to establish the requirements for the armour solutions vis-à-vis the platform. Based on this, we can adapt and integrate the armour solution in collaboration with the OEM to their specific requirements.

      Based on the requirements, TenCate Advanced Armour can offer several different integration methods, varying from complete replication of earlier armour solutions, or complete integration with new mounting methods. The complete process is a collaboration between OEM and TenCate Advanced Armour to strike a balance that caters to the vehicle performance requirements and to the required ballistic performance.

      To avoid expensive testing and wasting time, we utilize a simulation program to verify the ballistic performance across the vehicle surface. The simulation enables us to tune the armour solution to achieve the highest level of performance with the vehicle, and the viability of the simulation is verified with a ballistic test at an independent test institute. The predictive force of our simulation program is sufficiently reliable.

      This method saves cost in relation to the final certification and has been demonstrated to work in several other projects.

      Partnership potential

      Partnerships are an important aspect of TenCate Advanced Armour's approach. Partnerships have the potential to create synergies and develop new opportunities which expand our and our partners’ footprint in the global defence industry. We build partnerships throughout our value chain to include as many partners as possible.

      We are well aware of our core competences and how we can transform these capabilities to support our customers. We are also well aware of where we can benefit from including partners in the chain to include your competences. Raw material suppliers, integrators, and industrial partners can all add value to a shared value chain that generates advantages for our end-users.

      Our partnerships take all kinds of shapes from simple informal relations to direct offset and industrial participation. The partnerships vary according to the needs, requirements, and local options available and often includes more than two partners. All kinds of tasks can be shared in partnership from simple finishing tasks to more complex technical support tasks. Depending on the partner we have, we can support local small and medium enterprises to grow through our partnerships while we also cover for liabilities and support in maintaining a high quality level through auditing. Our partnerships are standing commitments for us which offer our partners more opportunities and more business even after the initial arrangements have been concluded.

      We are always available to discuss partnership opportunities with you. Contact your local TenCate Advanced Armour representative for a discussion on the partners we are looking for in your area.

      TenCate Advanced Armour MENA

      Modelling and simulation

      Benefits of 3D armour technology

      Need more information?

      At TenCate Advanced Armour our goal is to achieve the highest level of protection for your vehicle. If you have any questions or would like to learn more, please contact us. 

      Stephen Jackson Regional Director – UK, Turkey, Middle East & Africa

      Stephen Jackson
      Regional Director – UK, Turkey, Middle East & Africa
      Send me an email +31 6 19 59 29 86

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      About TenCate Advanced Armour

      • 20+ years experience in survivability solutions
      • 20+ years experience in military, law enforcement and civilian protection requirements
      • 15+ years experience in complex international defence programmes
      • 4000+ different ballistic solutions developed
      • 25.000+ vehicles protected
      • Capabilities in simulation, survivability analysis, engineering, and integration
      • Lightest solutions in the market against higher level threats
      • Extensive portfolio of tested and approved ballistic solutions
      • High customer satisfaction with product quality, delivery reliability, and documentation
      • Experienced programme management and sales staff
      • High manufacturing capacity for complex international programmes

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