Increasing Blast Event Survivability with Blast Mitigation Mats for Armoured Vehicles

IEDs and blast events targeted at armored vehicles have become a persistent threat for military forces worldwide, it has been estimated that 87% of injuries from IEDs are in lower extremities, particularly in the feet and tibia regions*. In response, vehicle manufactures strive to provide protective solutions that both increase survivability and ensure soldier operational readiness and battlefield effectiveness.

Blast mats offer an innovative approach that combats the explosive shock wave by absorbing the overpressure from the blast, while also offering energy-absorption capabilities specifically designed for armored vehicles. To be effective, a blast mat must be capable of countering the acceleration of the floor, while withstanding daily operations within the already limited vehicle space.

SKYDEX engineered the original blast mat solution as part of the MRAP prototype program in 2004. Over the last 15+ years SKYDEX has been working with vehicle manufacturers and end-users to integrate their patented energy-absorbing technology to reduce tibia loads during underbody blast events, as well as to provide protection against noise, vibration and harshness (NVH). With over 125,000 blast mats installed, SKYDEX now has a range of proven solutions that have been fielded on leading vehicle platforms that meet STANAG 4569 and pass the US Army MRAP specification.