Frag Out! Magazine
Issue link: https://fragout.uberflip.com/i/713424
Originally, the designers considered the pos- sibility of participation in various missions by vehicles protected with "A" level armor. Currently, it is assumed that this configuration will be only used for transport. For everyday service and combat conditions, there has been assigned a set of additional armor, marked with letter "C" (Combat), with weight of about 11.5 tonne. It consists of two large side mod- ules. The right one is profiled in order to not obstruct the air outlet from the drive com- partment. Panels are thick and have complex construction. Throughout the whole length, the combat-assault compartment is covered by a layer of CLARA (Composite Lightweight Adaptable Reactive Armour). In contrary to older solutions based on steel separator plates and explosives, CLARA uses composite ele- ments. They are lighter and after being hit and detonated they quickly decelerate. It reduces the threat of infantry surrounding Puma being hit by torn fragments of the armor. Moreover, the manufacturer, Dynamic Nobel, applied the so-called invulnerable detonating composition (LBR-6). Below the three reactive cells, there are three sections of passive armor. The general prop- erties of the armor are to provide capacity of maintaining high-level protection even after being hit 2-3 times in the same area. The lower edge of side screens has a thin sheet cover at- tached to it, which probably protects from dust. The first Pumas designed for Bundeswehr have also been facilitated with PG-guard. It protects the side of the hull, just below the main modules and in the back part. The PG-guard screen also protects the back of the hull, including the ramp. www.fragoutmag.com