V-Hull Geometry for Blast Mitigation, Lockheed Martin Corp.

Approved on Dec 25th 2012, this design aims to increase the survivability of vehicle based crew members during a mine or IED blast event.

This is achieved in two ways. First, the 'v-shaped' hull allows gaseous venting, reducing the pressure wave impacting on the hull.

Secondly, the framework of the hull is designed to collapse under the large forces that are present in an explosion, absorbing the force in much the same way as the crumple zone in a car bonnet.