Exploring Robotic Arm Explosive Armor: A Reality Check

Would an explosive armor mounted on robotic arms, reminiscent of Sundowner from Metal Gear Rising, work in real life? Let's delve into this intriguing concept and explore its feasibility.

Understanding Reactive Armor (ERA)

First, it's essential to address the type of armor being discussed. The T-80 with Kontakt-1 ERA uses traditional Expanding Reactive Armor (ERA) panels, which are mounted on the vehicle. Sundowner's approach, however, is markedly different. He mounts sheets of steel with explosives to robotic arms, a concept that, while creative, doesn't align with current military technology.

How Does Reactive Armor Work?

Reactive armor works by cancelling or significantly mitigating the impact of a direct hit from a high-velocity projectile, like a shaped charge warhead. The system uses explosive elements that are designed to absorb and redirect the forces of the incoming attack. For example, the #39;Tannerite#39; used in Sundowner's scenario works similarly to breakdown charges, providing a reactive layer that can dampen and redirect the incoming force.

Shaped Charges and Their Impact

Shaped charges, the type of munitions often found in anti-tank guided missiles, work by forming a concentrated jet of molten metal that can cut through armor at incredible speed. The effectiveness of these charges doesn't rely on being too close or too far from the target's armor. However, the precise timing and positioning of the detonation are crucial. Even a small deviation can render the attack ineffective. This is where reactive armor, like the Kontakt-1, plays a critical role by absorbing and redirecting the force, preventing the concentrated jet from reaching the vehicle's hull.

The Science Behind Reactive Armor

The key to understanding reactive armor is recognizing how it interacts with incoming threats. Reactive armor works by exploding and forming a barrier against the incoming weapon. This barrier is designed to distribute the force of the hit, reducing the impact on the vehicle. Additionally, reactive armor can also absorb additional energy from further explosions, such as tandem warheads, which punch through armor in two rapid sequential hits. This dual-layer defense system is what makes reactive armor so effective.

Human Body as a Moving Target

Now, let's consider the human body mounted with explosive armor. Humans, even with mechanical enhancements, are inherently unstable compared to the stability of a tank. A human body, especially with explosive charges mounted to it, would face significant balance issues. The forces generated by explosions near the skin would be enormous. The human body, with its small and inefficient footprints compared to a tank's treads, would struggle to withstand the sudden changes in momentum and acceleration.

The science behind explosive forces shows that being close to a detonation can cause severe trauma. The brain and spine can be severely damaged due to the sudden, intense acceleration. In essence, the challenge would be to mitigate the recoil and acceleration from two explosions at point-blank range, which is practically impossible to achieve with a human body.

The Conclusion

While the concept of explosive armor mounted on robotic arms may seem innovative and fascinating, the realities of physics and engineering make it impractical in real-life scenarios. Reactive armor, like those used in military vehicles, is designed to absorb and redirect forces, providing a protective layer for vehicles like tanks. However, applying the same principles to humans, especially with the added challenges of balance and stability, makes the idea far-fetched.

Final Thoughts

In summary, while the concept of explosive armor is intriguing, the principles and limitations of human anatomy and engineering make it unlikely to work effectively as imagined. The science and engineering behind reactive armor, as used in military vehicles, highlight the extensive research and development that goes into creating effective defense systems. Understanding these principles can help us appreciate the complexities of protecting vehicles and personnel in the real world.