Blast resistance in modern defence vehicles requires more than thick armor. Effective protection depends on energy management, structural load paths, and controlled deformation. Composite materials offer unique advantages in these areas, particularly when engineered as part of an integrated protection system.
Pfaff Technologies manufactures composite structures designed to absorb, redirect, and dissipate energy generated by explosive threats. Unlike monolithic metal plates, composite laminates can be tailored with specific fiber orientations and material layers that influence how energy propagates through the structure. This enables controlled failure modes that reduce transmitted force to occupants and critical vehicle systems.
Composite blast mitigation solutions are often used in conjunction with traditional armor systems. Composite backing plates, spall liners, and structural reinforcements improve the overall effectiveness of armor by reducing secondary fragmentation and limiting structural damage. Pfaff engineers these components to interface precisely with armor assemblies and vehicle frames.
Weight reduction remains a critical benefit. Blast-resistant composites can achieve comparable or superior energy absorption characteristics at a fraction of the weight of metal alternatives. This allows defence vehicles to maintain mobility, reduce drivetrain stress, and increase payload capacity without sacrificing protection.
Structural composites also contribute to hull stiffness and integrity following blast events. By maintaining structural continuity, composite reinforcements help prevent catastrophic deformation and preserve vehicle operability after impact. This survivability advantage is increasingly important in modern threat environments.
Pfaff’s composite manufacturing approach emphasizes validation and repeatability. Manufacturing processes are designed to minimize voids, ensure fiber alignment accuracy, and maintain consistent laminate thickness. These factors are critical to predictable blast performance.
In defence vehicle design, blast resistance is not a single feature, it is a system-level outcome. Pfaff Technologies supports this reality by delivering composite components that integrate seamlessly into broader protection architectures, supporting survivability without compromising vehicle performance.
