British military developing deflector fields

[Asbo Zaprudder]

Of course, one can substantially increase the magnetic flux only for a short period. Hence the need to time the incoming projectile and the activation of the field precisely.

Probably wouldn't be effective against projectiles made of non-conductive materials then. However, it would be very difficult to make projectiles out of such materials that could penetrate modern armour.

Maybe another tactic for defeating the system would be to use a decoy closely followed by the real deal before the capacitors have a chance to recharge.

 

[ProtoAvatar]

Of course, one can substantially increase the magnetic flux only for a short period. Hence the need to time the incoming projectile and the activation of the field precisely.

Probably wouldn't be effective against projectiles made of non-conductive materials then. However, it would be very difficult to make projectiles out of such materials that could penetrate modern armour.

Depends. If the induced tension is large enough, it will fry these non-conductive materials.

Maybe another tactic for defeating the system would be to use a decoy closely followed by the real deal before the capacitors have a chance to recharge.

Maybe multiple cheap decoys integrated into the antitanc missile could trick the tank's sensors into discharging the capacitors, making the missle effective.

Essentially, the tank's sensors/crew would play a game of russian roulette when deciding when to activate the shield.
Only it's in reverse - while, with russian roulette, one has 1 in 6 chances of dying, with this shield one has 1 in 6 (let's say) chances of staying alive.

 

[publiusr]

Now correct me if I'm wrong, but doesn't a RPG travel more slowly than a shell fired from close range? More kinetic energy to deal with in a shorter amount of time--but requiring field pieces--so less a terror weapon threat. A combo of this and other reactive armor gives protection from a one two punch at least.

Combating IEDs is still problem #1.

 

[Lindley]

IEDs are a detection issue, not an armor issue per se.