Dynamic armour

Dynamic armour or electric armour is a type of armour proposed for the protection of ships and armoured fighting vehicles from shaped charge weapons. Dynamic armour uses a strong electric field to disrupt the jet of ionized gas produced by a warhead.

Electrically charged armour is a recent development in the United Kingdom by the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory. A vehicle is fitted with two thin shells, separated by insulating material. The outer shell holds an enormous electric charge, while the inner shell is at ground. If an incoming HEAT jet needle of a conductive metal, like copper, penetrates both shells, it forms a bridge between them, and the electrical energy discharges rapidly through the jet, disrupting it. Trials have so far been promising, and it is hoped that improved systems could protect against kinetic energy penetrators. Developers of the Future Rapid Effect System (FRES) series of armoured vehicles are considering this technology.