Which armor type uses a secondary explosion to counter projectile effects?

• A. Passive armor
• B. Non-explosive reactive armor
• C. Explosive reactive armor
• D. Active armor

Answer: (C)

Explosive reactive armor uses a layer that detonates when struck, creating a secondary explosion that disrupts the incoming projectile, especially the jet from a shaped charge, and reduces its penetration capability. The explosive layer momentarily expands or sends a shock into the jet, breaking it up or diverting energy so the outer armor does not take the full brunt of the impact. This is the defining feature: a built-in explosive reaction intended to defeat the effect of the attack.

Passive armor relies only on the strength of the materials, with no reactive element. Non-explosive reactive armor uses deformable tiles or other mechanisms that counter the jet without an explosion. Active armor (or active protection systems) detects and intercepts threats, typically with sensors and countermeasures, rather than relying on a secondary explosion in the armor itself.