proTeCTive faBriCS - TenCate

advanCed armour
Vessels
At sea, as on land and in the air, man and materiel must be protected.
In this respect TenCate Advanced Armour offers naval armour
solutions based on lightweight ceramic and composite materials,
both soft and hard armour. In order to achieve the optimal
configuration for protection – whilst respecting seaworthiness and
the vessels specific gravity point (VSG) – TenCate collaborates with
raw materials suppliers, vessel manufacturers, test and knowledge
institutes, and others.
These naval systems focus on personal protection through the
armour-plating of large military vessels and smaller, manoeuvrable
naval ships, like composite patrol boats. They provide maximum
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TENCATE SOLUTIONS
protection in accordance with several NATO STANAG levels, with a
minimum of weight, and negligible effect on payload and speed.
Naval vessel armour is used to protect mission-critical areas on
board, including ammunition magazines, bridge stations, combat
information centres, communication equipment and weapon
systems. TenCate also seeks to protect the crew: from the naval
personnel on the launching pad to the seamen on the lower decks.
Like personal and vehicle protection, vessel protection is also a
complex, dynamic and global market, which is characterized by
numerous international standards. Important factors in the right
solution are often weight, performance or price – or a combination of
these. Consequently, ceramic and composite materials have the
advantage, as they are considerably lighter than, for example, steel,
which has traditionally been used. Furthermore, product life cycle
will play an increasingly important role.
TenCate Advanced Armour itself integrates armoured prototypes.
Contacts are maintained with Departments of Defence in order to
follow developments in commissions and requirements, while
fundamental research, for example into new materials, is carried out
with universities and knowledge institutes.