BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present disclosure relates to vehicle arrest devices.

[0002] The present invention concerns a vehicle arrest device. More particularly, but not exclusively, this invention concerns a vehicle arrest device comprising a net assembly comprising a flexible mesh for becoming entangled in components of a vehicle.

[0003] The invention also concerns a vehicle arrest device comprising a net assembly comprising a flexible mesh for becoming entangled in components of a vehicle, and a collection of guidelines comprising at least one guideline attached at a first end to the mesh and being provided with a hook member at its second, opposite end.

[0004] The invention also concerns a method of arresting a vehicle.

[0005] A typical vehicle arrest device designed to arrest a wheeled vehicle, such as described in US 20060140715, may comprise a net. The net is provided with barbed spikes that are able to lodge in a wheel vehicle’s tyres as it drives over the net. This causes the net to wrap around the wheels. As the net is pulled tighter, this prevents the wheels from rotating due to the tension in the net.

[0006] However, such a net must be laid out in order for a vehicle to drive over it. Hence, it may be easily avoided on a land surface where a vehicle can manoeuvre out of its way, such as in a rural location. It also may not be suitable for vehicles that do not use tyres, such as tracked land vehicles (e.g. tanks). This is because there may not be any vehicle components that can be readily penetrated by the spikes.

[0007] US 20070264079 describes a device that launches tendrils from a housing on the ground. These tendrils wrap around moving parts of a vehicle and restrain the moving parts to stop the vehicle.

[0008] However, again, these tendrils may not suitable for stopping vehicles that do not use tyres, such as tracked land vehicles (e.g. tanks). This is because the tendrils may not have any vehicle components that can be readily penetrated. [0009] In both devices, the mechanism relied on to prevent the vehicle moving is entanglement by the net/tendrils, causing an increase in tension of the net/tendrils, preventing wheels (or other moving parts) from rotating. This mechanism is called “tension entanglement”. It may not be suitable for vehicles, other than relatively small, wheeled vehicles, especially without the use of a ground anchor.

[0010] Another way of arresting a vehicle, for example a tracked vehicle, such as a tank, is by using landmines. These landmines may be caused to explode when a vehicle is near and so incapacitate the vehicle. However, clearly, this may lead to a loss of life, both during and after a conflict, and landmines are difficult and expensive to clear once placed in location.

[0011] The present invention seeks to mitigate the above-mentioned problems. Alternatively or additionally, the present invention seeks to provide an improved vehicle arrest device.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0012] The present invention provides, according to a first aspect, a vehicle arrest device comprising a net assembly comprising a flexible mesh for becoming entangled in components of a vehicle, and at least one elongate bulky member attached to the mesh, the bulky member having a longitudinal axis extending across the mesh.

[0013] The presence of the bulky member (or members) provides three different mechanisms for arresting a vehicle, especially a tracked vehicle, such as a tank.

[0014] The first way may occur when a bulky member is compressed in between a drive member of a vehicle and another component. For example, if a bulky member is compressed between a drive sprocket of a tank and a suspension stmt of the tank, this stops the drive sprocket from rotating and thus stops driving of the tank. This is called “compression entanglement”.

[0015] The second way may occur when a bulky member is compressed between a track member of a vehicle and a meshing component. For example, if a bulky member gets wedged between a track of a tank and a drive sprocket, road wheel, or drive sprocket (i.e. a component with which the track is meshed) of the tank, the bulky member can cause the track to come off the meshing component. This is called “throwing a track”. [0016] The third way may occur when a bulky member causes one or more components of the vehicle to be damaged by excessive force, in particular in a direction that the component is not designed to take (“component damage”). For example, if a bulky member is in contact with a component of a vehicle (e.g. a suspension strut of a tank), and is being pulled or pushed against that component by the entanglement of the rest of the net assembly, this may cause the component to experience excessive force and so cause damage to the component. This may prevent the vehicle from moving.

[0017] Hence, the device is much more efficient and likely to succeed in stopping a vehicle than a device relying on a “tension entanglement” mechanism alone.

[0018] The device may be suitable for arresting a 2 - 70 tonne tank, even without a ground anchor. Preferably, the device may be suitable for arresting a 15-65 tonne tank, even without a ground anchor.

[0019] The vehicle may be a land vehicle. The land vehicle may be a wheeled vehicle. The land vehicle is more preferably a tracked vehicle, such as a tank. The vehicle may be an air vehicle, or a water vehicle.

[0020] The mass of the net assembly may be at least 1 kilogram, preferably at least 3 kilograms, preferably at least 4 kilograms, and preferably at least 5 kilograms. Preferably, the mass of the net assembly is less than 50 kilograms, and preferably less than 10 kilograms. Preferably, the mass of the net assembly is between 3 and 10 kilograms. The whole device should be able to be easily carried by a foot soldier.

[0021] The bulky member may be thicker than the mesh. Preferably, the bulky member has a larger effective diameter (i.e. the diameter of the bulky member if it was in the form of a cylinder of the same cross-sectional area) than the equivalent effective diameter of the mesh. Preferably, the relative effective dimeter (or thickness) of the bulky member is at least 5 or 10 times greater than the effective diameter (or thickness) of the net. For example, chord elements of the mesh may have a diameter of 3.8 mm, whilst the bulky member may have a diameter of 5 cm, or 10 cm. Preferably, the effective diameter of the bulky member is at least 5 cm, and preferably at least 10 cm. [0022] The bulky member may be rigid, and preferably significantly more rigid than the mesh. The bulky member may be relatively inflexible, and preferably significantly inflexible compared to the mesh. Preferably, the bulky member has a high density. The bulky member preferably has a significantly higher density than the mesh (over the volume of the width, length and thickness of the mesh). Preferably, the bulky member is relatively incompressible. The bulky member may be made from the same material as the mesh. Preferably, the bulky member is made of the same material as the mesh, and the overall structure of the material of the bulky member is more dense than the structure of the material of the mesh.

[0023] The bulky member may be formed from a plurality of contiguous smaller members.

[0024] The mesh may be substantially planar and comprise a lateral axis and a longitudinal axis. The longitudinal axis of the at least one bulky member may lie in a plane that is substantially parallel to the plane defined by the lateral and longitudinal axes of the mesh.

[0025] Preferably, the net assembly comprises a plurality of such bulky members distributed over the mesh.

[0026] The net assembly may comprise at least two bulky members, preferably at least 3, 4 or 5 bulky members, preferably up to approximately 15 bulky members.

[0027] The bulky members may be distributed along a longitudinal axis of the mesh. The bulky members may be spaced apart or touching one another. In some embodiments, the vehicle arrest device may comprise some bulky members that touch one another and some that are spaced apart.

[0028] Preferably, a first bulky member has a larger cross-section than a second bulky member.

[0029] This is advantageous as it increases the likelihood of permanent entanglement in different sized gaps between different components of the vehicle.

[0030] The cross-sectional area of the first bulky member may be at least 1.5 times that of the second bulky member, and preferably, at least 2 times that of the second bulky member. [0031] For example, the first bulky member may have an effective diameter of 10 cm, and the second bulky member may have an effective diameter of 5 cm.

[0032] Preferably, the at least one bulky member is bound to the mesh.

[0033] For example, the binding may be rope or chord and may be the same or similar material as the mesh and/or bulky member. Alternatively, the bulky member may be integral with the mesh.

[0034] Preferably, the longitudinal axis of the at least one bulky member extends across a width of the mesh.

[0035] The mesh may be rectangular, defining a length and a longitudinal mesh axis, and a width and a lateral axis. Preferably, the length is at least 5 metres long, and the width is at least 0.5 metres wide.

[0036] Alternatively, the bulky member(s) may be arranged on a non-rectangular mesh so that the bulky member(s) define a rectangular region of the mesh (defining the longitudinal and lateral axes of the mesh).

[0037] The bulky member may extend across at least 50% of the mesh width, and preferably across at least 75% of the mesh width. Preferably, the bulky member extends across substantially all of the mesh width. Here, the length of the bulky member is substantially the same as the width of the mesh.

[0038] Where the mesh is non-rectangular, the length of the bulky member may be equal to the width of a rectangular region of the mesh.

[0039] More preferably, the longitudinal axis of the at least one bulky member extends across the width of the mesh, at an angle of less than 25° to the mesh lateral axis. [0040] The longitudinal axis of the bulky member may extend at an angle of less than 10° to the mesh lateral axis.

[0041] Alternatively, the bulky members may be arranged so as to “zig-zag” across the mesh. For example, the longitudinal axis of each bulky member may extend at an angle of 35 to 55°, and preferably about 45° to the mesh lateral axis. The bulky members may alternate in their orientation to provide the zig-zag arrangement.

[0042] Even more preferably, the longitudinal axis of the at least one bulky member extends across the width of the mesh, at an angle of less than 5° to the mesh lateral axis. [0043] The longitudinal axis of the bulky member may extend substantially parallel to the mesh lateral axis. I.e. the longitudinal axis of the at least one bulky member is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal mesh axis).

[0044] Preferably, the at least one bulky member is in the form of a large diameter chord.

[0045] For example, the large diameter chord may have an effective diameter of at least 3 cm, at least 5 cm, or at least 10 cm.

[0046] For example, the large diameter chord may comprise a section of shipping rope. The large diameter chord may comprise a high tensile strength chord, that may be woven or braided from a number of different strands. The large diameter chord may comprise a polymer such as Nylon, polyethylene, an aramid such as Kevlar, or any other suitable long chain polymer.

[0047] Alternatively, the large diameter chord may comprise an expandable foam, composite, or metal (for example, a 1 cm diameter metal bar), wood, or material tube filled with filling material.

[0048] The bulky member may be solid. Alternatively, the bulky member may be hollow.

[0049] Preferably, the mesh is comprised of a number of cells formed by interconnected chords.

[0050] For example, the interconnected chords may comprise a high tensile strength chord, that may be woven or braided from a number of different strands. The chords may comprise a polymer such as Nylon, polyethylene, variants of polyethylene such as ultra- high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMwPE), an aramid such as Kevlar, or any other suitable long chain polymer. The interconnected chords may be made from the same or a similar material as the bulky member.

[0051] The cells may be approximately 5 to 15/20cm, and may be approximately 10 cm in length. The cells may be diamond shaped.

[0052] The interconnected chords may have an effective diameter of less than 10 mm, and preferably less than 5 mm. For example, the chords may have an effective diameter of 3.8 mm. [0053] More preferably, the chords are connected by weaving of strands of the chords together.

[0054] The chords may be connected at intersections. At each intersection, one or more strands of a first interconnected chord may cross over to a second interconnected chord at the intersection of the first and second chords. Alternatively, one or more strands of a first interconnected chord may pass between strands of a second interconnected chord at an intersection of the first and second chords.

[0055] Hence, the mesh may have a knotless design and so does not suffer from stress concentrations that reduce the tensile strength of the mesh.

[0056] Preferably, the device includes a collection of guidelines comprising at least one guideline attached at a first end to the mesh, the at least one guideline being provided at a second, opposite end with a hook member.

[0057] The guideline collection may include at least 5 guidelines, preferably at least 10 guidelines, preferably at least 20 guidelines and preferably at least 30 guidelines.

[0058] The guidelines may be attached at one end of the mesh. For example, the guidelines may be attached at a longitudinal end of the mesh.

[0059] For example, the guidelines may comprise a high tensile strength chord, that may be woven or braided from a number of different strands. The chords may comprise a polymer such as Nylon, polyethylene, an aramid such as Kevlar, or any other suitable long chain polymer. The guidelines may be made from the same or a similar material as the bulky member/mesh chords.

[0060] The guidelines may have an effective diameter of approximately 1 mm. For example, the guidelines may have an effective diameter of between 0.5 and 1.5mm.

[0061] The guidelines cause an initial ensnarement to components of the vehicle, which allows the net assembly to be pulled in to the vehicle.

[0062] The hook member may be smaller than 30 mm diameter. Preferably the hook member is smaller than 20 mm diameter.

[0063] The hook member may be anything acting to attach or hook to the vehicle. For example, the hook member may be a weighted hook member, an adhesive hook member, a barbed hook member or a magnetic hook member. [0064] Preferably, the device further comprises a firing mechanism for ejecting the guidelines and/or hook members towards a vehicle.

[0065] For example, the firing mechanism allows the device to be released from/out of the housing.

[0066] The firing mechanism may also allow the guidelines to be released.

[0067] The firing mechanism may comprise a compressible gas or pyrotechnic explosion or chemical reaction (much smaller than an explosion designed to stop the vehicle itself, e.g. a landmine).

[0068] The firing mechanism may comprise a lifting mechanism to lift the net assembly (and collection of guidelines) out of the housing. This allows the housing to be buried in the ground and still be effectively released.

[0069] The net assembly can be fired from a vehicle, including a land, air (e.g. a drone or UAV) or water vehicle, or from ground or a structure.

[0070] More preferably, the firing mechanism is configured such that a plurality of guidelines and/or hook members are dispersed around a cone shape when the guidelines and/or hook members are ejected.

[0071] The cone may have a diameter of more than 30 cm after a release distance of 1.5 m. The cone may have an angle of at least 20 degrees, and preferably at least 30, 40 or 50 degrees.

[0072] Preferably, the device comprises a housing in which the net assembly is contained prior to use.

[0073] The collection of guidelines may also be contained in the housing prior to use.

[0074] Having a housing provides a compact, simple and portable device, and provides protection, especially for transport and/or burial of the device. This also makes the device easily recoverable from a location where it has been provided.

[0075] Preferably, the device further comprises a detection mechanism for detecting a vehicle nearby. [0076] For example, the detection device may comprise an infra-red sensor, a vibration sensor, a force plate, an acoustic sensor, a magnetic sensor, a Hall effect sensor, or may make use of (real time) video processing.

[0077] The firing mechanism may be initiated if the vehicle is identified as an enemy vehicle and /or identified as a vehicle the device is designed for (i.e. if the dimensions of the bulky members, mesh, guidelines and/or hooks etc. is appropriate for the vehicle). [0078] A vehicle arrest device as claimed in any preceding claim, further comprising an anchoring mechanism for anchoring the device to ground, a vehicle or a structure. [0079] For example, the anchoring mechanism may be buried in the ground.

[0080] The net assembly may be affixed to the anchoring mechanism, even after release towards a vehicle/from a housing.

[0081] Alternatively, there may be no anchoring mechanism.

[0082] The present invention provides, also according to the first aspect, a method of arresting a vehicle, using the device as described above.

[0083] The present invention provides, also according to a first aspect, a method of arresting a vehicle, comprising the steps of providing a net assembly comprising a flexible mesh and at least one elongate bulky member attached to the mesh, moving the net assembly towards a vehicle, causing the net assembly to entangle in components of the vehicle, and causing the at least one bulky member to interfere with the components of the vehicle.

[0084] The method may further comprise one or more steps of detecting a nearby vehicle, analysing data on the vehicle to identify that the vehicle should be arrested with the net assembly, and firing the net assembly towards the vehicle using a firing mechanism.

[0085] The bulky members may cause arrest of the vehicle in three different ways.

[0086] The first way may occur when a bulky member is compressed in between a drive member of a vehicle and another component. For example, if a bulky member is compressed between a drive sprocket of a tank and a suspension strut or mudguard of the vehicle, this stops the drive sprocket from rotating and thus stops driving of the tank. This is called “compression entanglement”. [0087] The second way may occur when a bulky member is compressed between a track member of a vehicle and a meshing component. For example, if a bulky member gets wedged between a track of a tank and a drive sprocket, road wheel, idler wheel or tensioner (i.e. a component with which the track is meshed) of the tank, the bulky member can cause the track to come off the meshing component. This is called “throwing a track”.

[0088] The third way may occur when a bulky member causes one or more components of the vehicle to be damaged by excessive force, in particular in a direction that the component is not designed to take. For example, if a bulky member is in contact with a component of a vehicle (e.g. a suspension strut of a tank), and is being pulled or pushed against that component by the entanglement of the rest of the net assembly, this may cause the component to experience excessive force and so cause damage to the component. This may prevent the vehicle from moving.

[0089] According to a second aspect of the invention there is also provided a vehicle arrest device comprising a net assembly comprising a flexible mesh for becoming entangled in components of a vehicle, and a collection of guidelines comprising at least one guideline attached at a first end to the mesh and being provided with a hook member at its second, opposite end, wherein the hook member comprises an adhesive portion for adhering to a component of the vehicle.

[0090] The device may be used with (or comprise any of the features or a combination of features of) the device of the first aspect of the invention.

[0091] Preferably, the adhesive portion comprises a “tacky” surface.

[0092] For example, the “tacky” surface may comprise a polyurethane foam, sticky elastomer or hydrocarbon blend and examples might include heavy grease, tar, melt blend admixture of poly (styrene-ethylene-butylene-styrene) or birdlime.

[0093] Preferably, the adhesive portion is encased in a shell.

[0094] This is advantageous as it prevents adhesion prior to use.

[0095] More preferably, the shell is frangible.

[0096] This allows the shell to easily break apart and expose the adhesive portion during use. [0097] According to a third aspect of the invention there is also provided a vehicle arrest device comprising a net assembly comprising a flexible mesh for becoming entangled in components of a vehicle, and a collection of guidelines comprising at least one guideline attached at a first end to the mesh and being provided with a hook member at its second, opposite end, wherein the hook member comprises a magnet.

[0098] For example, the magnet may comprise a rare earth magnet, such as neodymium or an alloy of neodymium.

[0099] Preferably, the magnet is encased in a protective housing.

[00100] This is advantageous as it prevents damage, especially during firing.

[00101] The housing may comprise a soft and/or impact absorbent material. The protective housing may be, for example, putty or silicone.

[00102] According to a fourth aspect of the invention there is also provided a vehicle arrest device comprising a net assembly comprising a flexible mesh for becoming entangled in components of a vehicle, and a collection of guidelines comprising at least one guideline attached at a first end to the mesh and being provided with a hook member at its second, opposite end, wherein the hook member comprises a high density, solid block.

[00103] For example, the block may comprise metal.

[00104] Preferably, the hook member is shaped with attachment elements.

[00105] For example, the hook member may be mushroom shaped.

[00106] The present invention provides, also according to the second, third or fourth aspects, a method of arresting a vehicle, using the device of the second, third or fourth aspects, respectively.

[00107] The present invention provides, also according to the second, third or fourth aspects, a method of arresting a vehicle, comprising the steps of providing a net assembly comprising a flexible mesh, and having at least one guideline attached to the mesh, the guideline being provided with a hook member, moving the hook member towards a vehicle, causing the hook member to attach to the vehicle, causing the net assembly to be brought towards the vehicle, and causing the net assembly to entangle in components of the vehicle. [00108] The hook member may be the hook member of the device of the second, third or fourth aspects.

[00109] It will of course be appreciated that features described in relation to one aspect of the present invention may be incorporated into other aspects of the present invention. For example, the method of the invention may incorporate any of the features described with reference to the apparatus of the invention and vice versa.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[00110] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings of which:

[00111] Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a vehicle stopping device according to a first embodiment of the invention, in proximity to a tank;

[00112] Figure 2 shows a perspective view of a very similar vehicle stopping device to that of Figure 1, in proximity to a different tank;

[00113] Figure 3 shows a schematic plan view of Figure 2, showing a firing distribution of the vehicle stopping device;

[00114] Figure 4 shows a plan view of a net, and other parts, of the vehicle stopping device;

[00115] Figure 5 shows a plan view of a mesh of the net of Figure 4;

[00116] Figure 6 shows a close up view of part of the plan view of Figure 5;

[00117] Figure 7 shows a perspective view of a chord connection point of the mesh of

Figures 5 and 6;

[00118] Figure 8a shows a perspective view of a “log” of the net of Figure 4;

[00119] Figure 8b shows an end view of a “log” of the net of Figure 4;

[00120] Figure 8c shows a side view of a “log” of the net of Figure 4;

[00121] Figure 9 shows a schematic side view of a weighted block hook on a guidewire, that could be used as the hook of the vehicle stopping device;

[00122] Figure 10a shows a schematic side view of a mushroom-shaped weighted hook on a guidewire, that could be used as the hook of the vehicle stopping device; [00123] Figure 10b shows a perspective view of the hook of Figure 10a; [00124] Figure 11 shows a schematic side view of an adhesive hook on a guidewire, that could be used as the hook of the vehicle stopping device;

[00125] Figure 12 shows a schematic side view of a barbed hook on a guidewire, that could be used as the hook of the vehicle stopping device;

[00126] Figure 13 shows a schematic side view of a magnetic hook on a guidewire, that could be used as the hook of the vehicle stopping device;

[00127] Figure 14a shows a plan view of a different net that could be used instead of the net of Figure 4;

[00128] Figure 14b shows a side view of the net of Figure 14a;

[00129] Figure 15 shows a side view of an alternative net, similar to that of Figure 14a and 14b; and

[00130] Figure 16 shows a plan view of a different net that could be used instead of the net of Figure 4, Figures 14a and 14b or Figure 15.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[00131] Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a vehicle stopping device 100 according to a first embodiment of the invention, in proximity to a tank 200 on the ground 300. [00132] Only a bottom portion of the tank 200 is shown, including a mudguard 202 and a track 211. The tank 200 has a drive mechanism 210 of six road wheels (217a to 217f), a drive sprocket 212 (here, at the front of the tank 200), an idler wheel 213 (here, at the rear of the tank) and three top tensioners 214, 215, 216 inside the circumference of the track 211. These elements are there to drive the track 211 and to keep it in place. The track 211 is provided with inwardly facing teeth 219 that interact with grooves (grove 218b shown on the second road wheel 217b) on the road wheels, and also on the drive sprocket 212, idler 213 and tensioners 214, 215, 216.

[00133] The vehicle stopping device 100 is shown in its prepared state, enclosed in its housing 110. Having a housing provides a compact, simple and portable device, and provides protection, especially for transport and/or burial of the device. This also makes the device easily recoverable from a location where it has been provided. [00134] On the top of the housing are two firing portals 112a, 112b. These firing portals face in opposite directions, allowing for the vehicle stopping device to be ejected in either direction. Here, the portal 112a faces towards the tank 200 and so this is the portal that would be used.

[00135] The device 100 also comprises a detection mechanism (not shown) which detects if a vehicle is nearby. If a vehicle is detected, there may then be an identification system that identifies whether or not the vehicle is an enemy vehicle and if the device 100 has been designed to arrest that vehicle type. Only if one or two of these criteria are met, may the ejection occur. The detection mechanism may also identify which portal 112a, 112b is best to use, depending on the location of the vehicle. The detection device may comprise an infra-red sensor, a vibration sensor, a force plate, an acoustic sensor, a magnetic sensor, a Hall effect sensor, or may make use of (real time) video processing. [00136] If the device 100 is not used (i.e. fired), it may easily be recoverable by simply removing it and taking it away.

[00137] Figure 2 shows a perspective view of a very similar vehicle stopping device 100 to that of Figure 1, in proximity to a different tank 200.

[00138] Here, the lower body 201 of the tank 200 is shown. The tank 200 also has a rear drive sprocket 212 and a front idler 213. It also has only five road wheels (217a to 217e) and only two top tensioners 214, 215.

[00139] The vehicle stopping device 100 has a slightly different housing 110 provided with anchor legs 111 that are pinned to the ground 300. The device 100 also is only shown with one firing portal 112, for simplicity. It could, of course, have more than one portal, like in Figure 1.

[00140] When the device 100 is fired, it is ejected in a distribution cone 113, shown in Figure 2.

[00141] Figure 3 shows a schematic plan view of Figure 2, showing a firing distribution of the vehicle stopping device 100. Here, it can be seen that the cone 113 coming from firing portal 112 has a cone angle. In Figure 3, two cones 113a, 113b and two cone angles 114a, 114b are shown. A first cone 113a represents a minimum cone angle 114a that would be desired, in order to effectively entangle components of a tank. This minimum cone angle 114a is 23 degrees. A second cone 113b represents an ideal angle 114b, in order to achieve a large amount of entanglement of components of a tank. This ideal cone angle 114b is 50 degrees.

[00142] As the launcher is assumed to be at least 1500mm from the road wheels (which are 700mm apart centre-to-centre), a 50 degree cone gives a spread of guidewires of approximately 1400mm (actually 1399mm). This provides ample spread to entangle in the road wheels. A 23 degree cone gives a spread of guidewires of approximately 600mm (actually 610mm), which still has a high likelihood of entanglement in the road wheels. The guidewires are normally distributed within the dispersion cone. A 23 degree cone spread may be the minimum effective angle of cone spread, as a spread of the guidewires that is smaller than the width between the road wheels may cause a possibility of no shot finding a gap in the undercarriage. This is because, at a cone spread of less than 23 degrees, potentially all of the guidewires released will hit a road wheel and bounce out. [00143] Figure 3 shown the vehicle stopping device being fired at the track 211 and road wheels 217 (third of four road wheel being labelled as 217c). Here, the groove 218c in that road wheel 217c is shown in plan view.

[00144] Figure 4 shows a plan view of a net, and other parts, of the vehicle stopping device 100. What is shown in Figure 4 is what is ejected out of the housing 110.

[00145] The device 100 includes a net assembly 120 comprising a mesh 130. The mesh 130 is shown in plan view in Figure 5 and is rectangular with a length 122 of 5m and a width 121 of0.5m. Also shown are its longitudinal axis 123 and lateral axis 124. [00146] Figure 6 shows a close up view of the mesh 130, showing it is in the form of a number of interconnected chords 131, connected at intersections 136. The chords form cells 133, which are approximately diamond shaped with a knot-to-knot length 135 of 156mm and a knot-to-knot width 134 of 125mm.

[00147] Figure 7 shows a perspective view of a chord connection point 136 of the mesh 130. Here, it can be seen that each chord 131 is formed of a number of woven (or braided) strands 132. At the connection point 136 strands off one chord (e.g. top right, as shown) pass in between strands of the other chord (top left and bottom right) to the bottom left of the figure. Forming interconnection points 136 in such a way means that the chords 131 do not have to be knotted together and so stress concentrations in the mesh 130 can be eliminated or reduced, thus increasing the tensile strength of the net. [00148] The chords are formed from braided Dyneema ®, an Ultra-High Molecular Weight Polyethylene (UHMwPE), with an overall diameter of 3.8mm.

[00149] Going back to Figure 4, the net assembly 120 also comprises a number 141, 142, 143, 144, 145 (collectively 140) of elongate bulky members, known as “logs”. These “logs” 140 are bound to the mesh 130. They 140 are arranged so that the longitudinal axis of each “log” extends from one long side of the mesh to the other long side, and parallel to the width.

[00150] There are two different kind of “logs”. Larger logs, with a diameter of 10cm are located in log positions 142 and 143. Smaller logs, with a diameter of 5 cm are located in log positions 141, 144 and 145.

[00151] Both kinds of log are in the form of a braided Dyneema ® chord, made up of a number of strands 149, as shown schematically in Figure 8a for log 142. The log 142 has a diameter 148a, shown in Figure 8b, of 10cm and a length 148b, shown in Figure 8c, of 0.5m (the same as the width of the mesh 130).

[00152] Going back to Figure 4, it can also be seen that the device 100 has a number of guidewires (150, collectively) attached to the net assembly 100. One guidewire 155 is attached at its first end (denoted 155a) along one long edge of the mesh 130. At a second opposite end (denoted 155b) is a hook member (denoted 155c). Four other guidewires 151, 152, 153, 154 are attached at their first ends to a short end of the mesh 130. At a second opposite end is a hook (denoted c).

[00153] These guidewires 151, 152, 153, 154, 155 are made of the same Dyneema ® chord as the mesh 130 and are 10m long each. They have a diameter of 1mm.

[00154] When the device 100 is ejected by the firing portal 112 (or 112a or b) it is the hooks (151c, 152c, 153c, 154c) on the end of the guidewires 151, 152, 153, 154 at the short end of the mesh 130 that are distributed in the firing cone 113. In other words, it is these guidewires that form the firing cone 113 shape.

[00155] There are a number of different hooks that could be used for all or some of the guidewires. The hooks are provided to hook or otherwise attach or retain the guidewires in the tank 200. This causes the mesh 130 to be pulled into the moving components of the tank 200 and entangle with them. This then brings the “logs” into position in between different components of the tank 200 and hence enable arresting of the tank 200 by “tension entanglement”, compression entanglement”, “throwing a track” and/or “component damage”.

[00156] The different hook designs are described in relation to Figures 9, 10a and b, 11 and 12.

[00157] Figure 9 shows a schematic side view of a weighted block hook 161 on a guidewire 151. The weighted block hook 161 is in the form of a solid metal block that hooks to the vehicle by being difficult to bounce out from vehicle components, due to the large mass.

[00158] Figures 10a and 10b show schematic views of a mushroom-shaped weighted hook 162 on a guidewire 151. Again, the hook 162 is in the form of a solid metal block that hooks to the vehicle by being difficult to bounce out from vehicle components, due to the large mass. However, it also is provided with a dome section 163, and an undercut section 164, providing attachment arms 165, 166 which also help to retain the hook 162 in the vehicle.

[00159] Figure 11 shows a schematic side view of an adhesive pad 170 on a guidewire 151, which could be used as the hook. The pad 170 is flat with a scalloped edge. It may also be encased in a frangible shell (not shown) prior to ejection. This prevents the adhesive pad 170 from adhering to any other part of the device 100. Upon ejection and any impact with then tank 200, the shell is broken to expose the pad 170 and allow it to adhere to the tank 200.

[00160] Figure 12 shows a schematic side view of a barbed hook 180 on a guidewire 151.

[00161] Figure 13 shows a schematic side view of a magnetic hook 190 on a guidewire 151. The hook 190 is in the form of a magnetic bar that is attracted to and therefore attaches to the vehicle. The bar is made from an alloy of neodymium (a rare earth metal). The bar may be encased in an impact-absorbent housing, for example made out of silicone or putty (not shown). This prevents damage to the bar during ejection and entanglement etc.

[00162] Figure 14a shows a plan view of a different net 120’ that could be used instead of the net of Figure 4. Here, the mesh 130 is the same but the logs 140’ (14G, 142’, 143’, 144’) are arranged in a different layout, and there are only four logs in total. [00163] Figure 14b shows a side view of the net of Figure 14a. Here it can be seen, in a similar way to the arrangement of the net 120 of Figure 4, that the logs 14G etc. are attached to the top of the mesh 130’.

[00164] Figure 15 shows a side view of an alternative net 120”, similar to that of Figure 14a and 14b. Here, the logs 141” are integral to the mesh 130”.

[00165] Figure 16 shows a plan view of a different net 120”’ that could be used instead of the net of Figure 4, Figures 14a and 14b or Figure 15. Here, there are 7 logs 141”’, 142”’, 143”’ to 147”’ in a different arrangement to before.

[00166] Whilst the present invention has been described and illustrated with reference to particular embodiments, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that the invention lends itself to many different variations not specifically illustrated herein. By way of example only, certain possible variations will now be described.

[00167] The device 100 may launch guidewires and/or hooks from either one or both portals. Ejecting from both portals may be especially advantageous if the housing 110 is located between two side tracks of a tank, for example.

[00168] The mesh, logs and guidewires may be made of any suitable material.

[00169] For example, the logs may be in the form of a wooden or metal bar (for example, a 1 cm diameter metal bar) or may be in the form of a material casing fdled with padding/fdling material. The logs may comprise an expandable foam or composite material.

[00170] Importantly, the logs should have a high density and be relatively incompressible, rigid/inflexible.

[00171] For example, the mesh and/or guidewires may be formed of any materials with a high tensile strength and shear resistance, such as a polymer such as Nylon, polyethylene, an aramid such as Kevlar, or any other suitable long chain polymer. [00172] For example, is an adhesive hook pad is used, the adhesive material may comprise a polyurethane foam, sticky elastomer or hydrocarbon blend and examples might include heavy grease, tar, melt blend admixture of poly (styrene-ethylene-butylene- styrene) or birdlime.

[00173] Any suitable dimensions of mesh, cell size, logs, log spacing/position, guidewire length, hook size etc. may be used. In particular, the different dimensions may be chosen to correspond to different dimensions of the tank, or other vehicle, the device is designed to arrest. The knot-to-knot length of a cell and the knot-to-knot width of the cell may be the same. For example, the knot-to-knot length of the cell may be 142mm and the knot-to-knot width of the cell may also be 142mm. Alternatively, knot-to-knot length of a cell and the knot-to-knot width of the cell may be different.

[00174] For example, the spacing of logs may correspond with dimensions between key components (e.g. mudguard and drive sprocket) of a target vehicle.

[00175] For example, the log diameter may correspond to the dimension required to disrupt a track from a drive sprocket (corresponding to a dimension of the teeth length of the sprocket/track).

[00176] There may be any suitable number of logs. For example, the number of logs may be between 1 and 15. In some embodiments, logs may not be used.

[00177] There may be more than two different sizes of logs used.

[00178] The logs may be integral or attached to the mesh (e.g. by binding).

[00179] The number and position of guidewires may vary. For example, there may be up to 10, 20 30, or even 40 guidewires. It is likely a large number (i.e. proportion) of the guidewires will be located at one short end of the mesh, to allow that set of guidewires to be effectively ejected towards the vehicle.

[00180] The chords of the mesh may be connected in any suitable way. That may be with knots, but is preferably knotless. The knotless connections may involve strands of one chord passing in between strands of another chord (as described in relation to Figure 7) or may involve strands of chords “swapping” over to a different chord at the intersection. [00181] The device may be launched from the ground, from a drone or UAV in the air, from a water vehicle or any other vehicle.

[00182] The device may or may not include a housing, firing mechanism or detection mechanism. The device may or may not include (ground/vehicle) anchors. If the device includes a housing that is not anchored, then the housing itself can remain attached to the net and be pulled into the vehicle, and can act as an additional entanglement component. [00183] The housing of the device may be able to be buried in the ground to disguise it. In this example, the trigger mechanism may include a mechanism to lift the net and guidewires out of the housing and above the ground, prior to firing.

[00184] The device may include any number of firing portals, such as 2, 3 or 4 firing portals. This allows the device to be effective over a larger area.

[00185] The device may be used to arrest a land vehicle (wheeled or tracked, like a tank) or an air or water-craft.

[00186] Where in the foregoing description, integers or elements are mentioned which have known, obvious or foreseeable equivalents, then such equivalents are herein incorporated as if individually set forth. Reference should be made to the claims for determining the true scope of the present invention, which should be construed so as to encompass any such equivalents. It will also be appreciated by the reader that integers or features of the invention that are described as preferable, advantageous, convenient or the like are optional and do not limit the scope of the independent claims. Moreover, it is to be understood that such optional integers or features, whilst of possible benefit in some embodiments of the invention, may not be desirable, and may therefore be absent, in other embodiments.

[00187] It should be noted that throughout this specification, “or” should be interpreted as “and/or”.