MEXAS
The Modular Expandable Armor System (MEXAS) is a ceramic composite armour developed by the German company IBD Deisenroth Engineering. MEXAS was introduced in 1994 and has been applied on over 20,000 combat vehicles worldwide.[1] The successor of MEXAS is AMAP.
Structure
The exact composition of MEXAS is secret, but it is known that MEXAS consist of a splinter foil-like specialized Nylon, ceramics (Aluminium oxide), and a backing like kevlar. MEXAS also includes spall-liner. MEXAS is normally not the only protection of a vehicle, it is normally overlaid on rolled homogeneous armour.
Variants
MEXAS exists in three versions. MEXAS-L (light) offers protection against small-calibre rounds and can also be fitted on soft-skinned vehicles like MAN military trucks. MEXAS-M (medium) protects the vehicle against autocannon and RPGs with HEAT warheads. MEXAS-H is for use on heavy vehicles like MBTs.
Applications
MEXAS is used on several vehicles of the German Army like the ATF Dingo or the Panzerhaubitze 2000. Other vehicles like the Fuchs 1A7 or the Leopard 2A5 have been upgraded with MEXAS.
Prior deployment on peace-keeping missions, vehicles can be fitted with MEXAS. Norwegian M113s and German MAN trucks have been fitted with MEXAS prior their deployment in KFOR. Some Canadian Leopard 1s have been upgraded with MEXAS. Uparmoured Canadian Leopard 1s have been used in the KFOR and as part of the ISAF in Afghanistan.[3] Other vehicles armoured or upgraded with MEXAS include:[4]
- Pansarbandvagn 302- - Combat Vehicle 90
- SPz Ulan
- Véhicule de l'Avant Blindé
- Leopard 2 tanks of Germany, Greece, Spain, Denmark, Switzerland, Sweden and Canada.
- Textron ASV
- Coyote Reconnaissance Vehicle, Leopard C2
- Bionix AFV