For defeating a shaped charge (as opposed to a kinetic weapon), it's roughly an inverse-squared function counting from the middle of your armor plate thickness. So getting a charge to explode even a few more inches away can substantially increase the odds of your primary armor holding even absent any other energy-absorption by the ablative layer...and the energy absorption of a layer of packed dirt or sand is non-trivial.
Of course such ad-hoc ablative armor can't really compare even with properly designed and fitted ablative armor kits, let along the latest active armor systems which can detonate incoming shaped charges several feet away and even deflect kinetic rounds. But sandbags, rope, and old tires are non-trivially less expensive for third world militaries.
The other issue here is the lack of proper training and tactics using combined arms. Infantry and armor working together properly, keep enemy infantry at distance to prevent close in shots on the armor vehicles.
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Obama releases al Qaeda’s most skilled explosives expert
http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2016/jan/21/obama-releases-al-qaedas-most-skilled-explosives-e/
For defeating a shaped charge (as opposed to a kinetic weapon), it's roughly an inverse-squared function counting from the middle of your armor plate thickness. So getting a charge to explode even a few more inches away can substantially increase the odds of your primary armor holding even absent any other energy-absorption by the ablative layer...and the energy absorption of a layer of packed dirt or sand is non-trivial.
Of course such ad-hoc ablative armor can't really compare even with properly designed and fitted ablative armor kits, let along the latest active armor systems which can detonate incoming shaped charges several feet away and even deflect kinetic rounds. But sandbags, rope, and old tires are non-trivially less expensive for third world militaries.
Why? That's easy. For the same reason that the ACH is rated for certain pistol calibers and fragments. Something is better than nothing.
See also: the head gear from the Arab Spring. No, seriously, it is a true testement to "inshallah".
Looks more like redneck armor;-)
The other issue here is the lack of proper training and tactics using combined arms. Infantry and armor working together properly, keep enemy infantry at distance to prevent close in shots on the armor vehicles.
Reminds me of the "bar armour" from Viet Nam days.
Merle
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