C-130 Lightweight Ballistic Armour Systems
"PROTECT THE CREW. PRESERVE THE MISSION."
Combat-proven lightweight armour safeguarding aircrew and mission-critical systems against small arms fire and heavy machine gun rounds. Engineered with positive mechanical fastening.
C-130 paratroop door lightweight ballistic composite armour panel.
Uncompromised Multi-Hit Ballistic Survivability
The AMCE C-130 Lightweight Ballistic Armour System provides combat-proven, modular ballistic protection for aircrew and mission-critical systems on tactical military transport aircraft. Developed to counter small-arms and armour-piercing machine gun threats in austere operational theatres, the system combines ultra-low areal density composite-ceramic materials with positive mechanical fastening — completely eliminating the operational failure modes of hook-and-loop (Velcro) attachments.
Available in dedicated configurations for both the Flight Station (cockpit) and the Loadmaster Area (cargo compartment), the AMCE armour suite delivers unmatched ballistic defeat without degrading flight deck ergonomics or cargo-carrying capacity.
Positive Mechanical Fastening vs Legacy Hook-and-Loop (Velcro)
Unlike legacy competitor armour kits that rely on adhesive hook-and-loop tape (which rapidly degrades from sand and dust, creeps under desert cockpit heat up to +71°C, and detaches under flight vibration), AMCE armour utilizes aircraft-grade positive mechanical fasteners:
| Feature Comparison | AMCE Mechanically Fastened Armour | Conventional Hook-and-Loop (Velcro) Armour |
|---|---|---|
| Retention Method | Positive aircraft-grade mechanical locking | Adhesive tape (prone to unbonding) |
| Sand & Dust Resistance | 100% unaffected by desert sand or grit | Clogs and loses shear strength rapidly |
| High-Temperature Durability | Full retention up to +71°C ambient flight deck | Adhesive softens and slumps under heat |
| Crash Restraint Conformance | Certified to MIL-S-5700 9g crash load factors | Fails under violent deceleration |
| Foreign Object Debris (FOD) | Zero FOD risk to flight controls or rudder pedals | FOD hazard if panels peel during flight |
Flight Station & Loadmaster Configurations
1. Flight Station Lightweight Armour
PROTECT WHAT MATTERS MOST. .50 CAL THREAT. ZERO COMPROMISE.
Engineered to safeguard pilots, flight engineers, navigators, and forward avionics against direct fire and ground ricochets:
- Flight Deck Floor & Consoles: Contour-matched composite panels protecting crew lower extremities and flight control linkages.
- Liquid Oxygen (LOX) Bottle Enclosure: Dedicated ballistic shroud shielding the high-pressure oxygen bottle from catastrophic rupture and secondary shrapnel.
- Nose Wheel Well Bulkhead: Defeats ground fire penetrating through the unpressurized nose landing gear bay.
- Full Ergonometric Integrity: Zero obstruction to emergency escape hatches, full rudder pedal throw, and seat travel.
2. Loadmaster Area Lightweight Armour
LIGHTWEIGHT ARMOUR. SERIOUS PROTECTION.
Engineered for the demanding operational environment of the cargo compartment during low-altitude airdrop and tactical air-land operations:
- Flush Underfloor Ballistic Plates: Installed beneath the cargo bay floor, preserving 100% of internal cargo cubic volume and full roller-conveyor functionality.
- Paratroop Door Armour: Modular protective panels mounted to paratroop doors, protecting jumpmasters during open-door flight operations.
- Ultra-Low Areal Density: State-of-the-art materials minimizing aircraft weight penalty (3.9–4.0 lb/ft²).
- Rapid Mission Reconfiguration: Modular architecture allows operators to tailor the armour fit to specific mission threat profiles.
LOADMASTER PARADOOR 
NO-STEP MARKINGS FLUSH MECHANICAL MOUNT Threat Defeat Levels & Material Specifications
| Threat Classification | Ammunition / Calibre Defeated | Standard Compliance |
|---|---|---|
| 7.62mm Armour Piercing | 7.62 × 54R M2 AP, 7.62mm API BZ M43, 7.62 × 51mm NATO AP | MIL-STD-662F / STANAG 4569 |
| .50 Calibre Heavy Machine Gun | 12.7 × 99mm (.50 BMG) Mild Steel Core Ball & 12.7 × 108mm | MIL-STD-662F V50 Limit |
| Areal Density (7.62mm AP) | 3.9 lb/ft² (19.0 kg/m²) — Industry Leading | MIL-PRF-46103 Composite |
| Areal Density (.50 Cal) | 4.0 lb/ft² (19.5 kg/m²) — Ultra-Low Weight | MIL-PRF-46103 Composite |
| Airframe Fastening | Positive Mechanical Fastening (100% Velcro-Free) | MIL-S-5700 Structural Criteria |
| Interior Flammability | Self-extinguishing, low smoke, zero toxic gas emissions | FAR 25.853 / CS 25.853 Compliant |
Request Technical Data or Fleet Integration Quote
Our ballistics and airworthiness engineers provide customized fit-check packages for C-130 fleets worldwide.