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1 of 4 SKYDEX Blast Mats White Paper | May 2020
SKYDEX Technologies, Inc.303-790-4003www.SKYDEX.com
12508 E. Briarwood Ave.Suite 1-FCentennial, CO 80112
Increasing Blast Event Survivability with Blast Mitigating Mats
for Armored Vehicles
Introduction
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 e�ectiveness. Blast mats o�er an innovative approach
that combats the explosive shock wave by absorbing the overpressure
from the blast. To be e�ective, 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. 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. With indus-try-leading
performance and materials engineered for the armored vehicle
environment, SKYDEX blast mats enhance the protective capabilities
of any vehicle design.
AbstractUnderbelly blast events targeted at armored vehicles are
the leading threat on the battlefield and vehicle OEMs are
continually innovating protective solutions. Blast mats are a
proven method for impact and blast mitigation to reduce severe
tibia loading. These energy-absorbing panels protect lower limbs,
increasing blast event survivability and combat e�ectiveness after
an event.
SKYDEX is the go-to solution for high-energy threat mitigation
from underbody mine blasts. Fielded in more than 24,000 vehicles,
SKYDEX is the most widely-used blast mitigating technology.
Available in a range of blast mat products for scalable crew
protection, SKYDEX brings a solutions-based approach to integration
and an in-depth understanding of local e�ects on the occupant
during mine blast situations.
SKYDEX Blast Mats White Paper | May 2020
*Ramasamy, A., et al., “Injuries From Roadside Improvised
Explosive Devices” - Journal of trauma injury infection and
critical care, 2008.
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Blast Mitigating Mats Overview
SKYDEX Convoy Deck o�ers passive protection as an energy and
impact absorbing floor mat that is placed on the vehicle floor.
These solutions provide occupant protection by dissipating the
blast energy through our specifically engineered energy absorbing
technology.
Proven Injury Protection
SKYDEX produces measurable improvement in protection as shown in
extensive lab and live-fire testing. As the compressive force on
the tibia increases, the probability of injury also increases; from
fractured knees and broken ankles at low levels to the shattering
of bones that require amputation with a larger force. With SKYDEX
technology, energy is absorbed and spread through the floor mat
making the force on the individual less. Evaluating force absorbed
during a blast event, SKYDEX reduced the blast force transmission
by 71%.
2 of 4 SKYDEX Blast Mats White Paper | May 2020
Increasing Blast Event Survivability with Blast Mitigating Mats
for Armored Vehicles
How SKYDEX Works
SKYDEX engineers have tuned our patented technology to collapse
in a controlled manner, similar to a spring, to absorb energy and
shield from impact.
Photos from a live-fire test. The left was taken before
detonation and the right 2 milliseconds post detonation. The
picture on the right shows how the foot on the bare steel is
compressed by the blast force, causing excess forces on the lower
tibia.
TIME (MS)
FO
RC
E (
N)
10% AIS car 1 injury threshold HFM-90
Bare FloorSKYDEX Convoy Deck
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Engineered for All-Phases of a Blast Event
With patented quick-rebounding technology, SKYDEX Blast Mats
o�ers protection for all phases of a blast event with repeatable
and consistent performance over the life-cycle of the product.
Standard Operation: Highly durable, long-lasting and low
maintenance materials that withstand daily activity in the harsh
military environment.
Blast Event: Protection from shockwave forces acting on the
vehicle resulting from an IED attack. As this blast pressure
rapidly accelerates, the floor accelerates and the energy-absorbing
mats absorb the resulting force to protect vehicle occupants.
Vehicle Slam Down: During large blast events a vehicle can
become airborne. To protect occupants from su�ering injuries
related to the vehicle landing back on the ground, SKYDEX rapidly
rebounds to absorb energy from the secondary impact.
Products Designed By Threat Level
SKYDEX o�ers a range of COTS products that pass the US Army MRAP
specifications and protect against low, medium, and high threat
levels. Depending on the available space claim and desired
performance, vehicle manufacturers can select blast mat solutions
that meet their specifications.
Custom Blast Mat Solutions
For over a decade the SKYDEX engineering team has developed an
in-depth understanding of the local e�ects on a vehicle occupant
during underbelly mine blast situations. Working with our partners,
SKYDEX has the expertise to tailor a solution to meet your desired
level of protection in the available space envelope.
Increasing Blast Event Survivability with Blast Mitigating Mats
for Armored Vehicles
3 of 4 SKYDEX Blast Mats White Paper | May 2020
Simple Integration
SKYDEX Blast Mats o�er a simple, universal design that allows
for a customized fit with no change to existing vehicle ergonomics
or design.
Lightweight and low profile, SKYDEX o�ers unbeatable protection
without impeded on interior vehicle space. All materials are Berry
Compliant and meet FMVSS302 and all MRAP environmental requirements
with an industry-leading non-skid top surface.
SKYDEX provides both bulk material sheets for customers to
integrate and unique parts and kits designed specifically for the
vehicle platform and variant.
LEGACY MAT MEDIUM THREAT LOW THREATHIGH THREAT
SKYDEX Convoy Deck - Blast Mats Product Line
Plan of record (POR) product with over a decade of proven
performance in the field.
Highest level of protection with a
durable, thick profile to fill larger gaps in
the vehicle hull.
Performance across a broad range of threat
levels with a low profile energy-absorbing layer and
lightweight, durable
top surface.
Lightest weight and lowest profile mat on
the market with superior protective
performance.
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Holistic Approach to Blast Mitigation
SKYDEX Blast Mats should be used in conjunction with SKYDEX
Blast Seat Cushion Inserts and other blast mitigating innovations
as a comprehensive crew survivability solution.
Summary
By integrating a solution that limits the peak force during a
blast, the occupants of an armored vehicle can increase their
chances of walking away from an IED explosion. Additionally, SKYDEX
blast mats can increase a vehicle’s ability to meet STANAG 4569,
protect against overmatch, and other protective standards with
minimal additional weight and space claim. Mitigating the force and
spreading the shock from an explosion through a protective layer
will better protect our men and women in uniform and help to combat
the most aggressive force of today’s war.
About SKYDEX Technologies, Inc.
SKYDEX is a global leader in advanced impact mitigation and
cushioning solutions and is dedicated to Protecting People and
Things That Matter®. With superior precision, durability and
tunability, SKYDEX technology is engineered to excel in the
harshest and most demanding conditions. From enhancing Bomb Suits
and protecting over 24,000 military vehicles and 6,000 marine
craft, SKYDEX has leveraged their technical expertise and keen
understanding of a variety of challenges to develop customized
applications that deliver long- term value.
4 of 4 SKYDEX Blast Mats White Paper | May 2020
Increasing Blast Event Survivability with Blast Mitigating Mats
for Armored Vehicles
Proven Protection
SKYDEX has fielded over 125,000 blast mats with 10+ years’
experience on leading vehicle platforms that meet STANAG 4569,
including:
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