EMEA – October 27, 2026 -- Integris Composites and Arquus have launched joint development and testing of a full-composite armoured vehicle door, designed to cut weight against traditional metallic solutions while meeting ballistic and blast requirements.
Composite door replaces steel structure plus add-on armour
The programme will compare the ballistic performance, durability, survivability and mass-saving potential of the composite architecture with conventional armoured doors. Those doors combine steel structures with add-on armour. Integris says the lower weight improves vehicle mobility and reduces maintenance requirements.
The door is designed to address lateral mine blast and IED fragmentation threats.
One-piece architecture integrates five vehicle functions
The single structure combines ballistic protection, structural integrity, insulation, armoured glazing integration and locking systems. Integris also cites corrosion-free performance, lower magnetic and infrared signatures, enhanced acoustic properties and greater design flexibility for future platforms.
Qualification covers ballistic, blast, vibration and shock testing
The work plan runs from material selection through static and dynamic composite characterization, ballistic firing trials, simulation and modelling, and blast and IED testing. The door is also undergoing environmental qualification covering vibration, shock, temperature exposure and repeated opening and closing cycles, to validate long-term performance.
Integris will deliver the solution in-house, covering design, ballistic engineering, tooling development, simulation, manufacturing of large complex 3D composite structures, precision machining and qualification testing.
Thomas Lerbret, Head of Project Management EMEA at Integris, said modern military vehicle programmes increasingly demand protection, weight reduction, durability and integration within a single architecture.
Integris also produced a 3D rendering of a light patrol vehicle that could use this protective technology.