REACTIVE ARMOUR Meaning and
Definition
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Reactive armour refers to a defensive system designed to provide protection to military vehicles and tanks against incoming projectiles and explosives. It is a specialized form of armour that functions by reacting actively to the impact of a threat.
The primary purpose of reactive armour is to neutralize the threat before it penetrates the vehicle's hull or main armour. It achieves this by offering an additional layer of protection that responds rapidly and effectively to the force of the incoming threat. Reactive armour is typically composed of layers of explosive materials, such as plastic explosives or high-energy propellants.
When a threat, such as a rocket-propelled grenade or an anti-tank missile, strikes the reactive armour, the explosive materials detonate. The detonation creates an energy shockwave that disrupts and disperses the incoming threat, reducing its effectiveness. By absorbing and dissipating the energy, reactive armour minimizes the likelihood of the threat penetrating the vehicle's main armour, thus increasing the survivability of the military vehicle and its crew.
Reactive armour is known for its ability to provide protection against shaped-charge warheads which are designed to focus energy in a specific direction to penetrate armour. By disrupting the shaped-charge jet or blast that the warhead produces, reactive armour significantly reduces its effectiveness.
Overall, reactive armour serves as a crucial defensive measure for military vehicles, primarily tanks, offering enhanced protection against various anti-armour weapons and increasing their survivability on the battlefield.
Etymology of REACTIVE ARMOUR
The term "reactive armor" is derived from the combination of two words: "reactive" and "armor".
1. Reactive: The word "reactive" refers to something that responds or reacts to a given stimulus or condition. In the context of "reactive armor", it specifically refers to the armor's ability to react to an incoming projectile by deflecting or neutralizing its impact.
2. Armor: "Armor" originates from the Old French word "armure" and the Latin word "arma", both denoting defensive equipment used in warfare. The word "armor" generally refers to protective material or structures designed to safeguard against external threats or damage.
Therefore, the term "reactive armor" combines both concepts, signifying a type of armor that reacts or responds to attacks in order to enhance its overall defensive capabilities.
