Czech Republic rolls out specially designed aluminium shelters for expeditionary troops

Czech Army troops deployed on expeditionary undertakings may soon be fielding modular aluminium shelters that feature protection against small-arms fire and splinters under an initiative led by the Military Research Institute in Brno.

Under development since 2014, the existence of these igloo-shaped shelters was only revealed in April 2016 during a blast-resistance test conducted by VVU.

The shelter has been designed for austere and high-threat environments, and typically includes a base structure consisting of aluminium load-bearing beams to which and inner and outer-layer aluminium armour panels are attached.

There is approximately 90 mm of space between the two layers where additional filler material such as corundum balls can be employed to improve the shelter's ability to defeat or reduce the effects of incoming projectiles or shell fragments. Other material available immediately to the troops on the site such as sand can also be used, although with the consequence of reduced stopping performance.

VVU claims that the aluminium shelter has been specifically shaped to mitigate the blast effect from a nearby explosion, and offers "very good" resistance against small-arms fire and mortar and artillery shell fragments, although the institute was unable to disclose specific test data.

The basic model of the shelter is designed for six personnel with its interior divided into two sections - the entrance area with a floor area of 5.6 m 2 and an accommodation/workspace area measuring 7.8 m 2 - which are segregated with hinged aluminium alloy doors.

Designed for easy transportation via air or land, the shelter can be assembled within four hours by two soldiers without the use of specialised tools or equipment.