Anatomy-Based Ground Vehicle Survivability Using the Survivability Onion Framework: A Layered Protection Approach

Abstract

Ground combat vehicle survivability is a multidimensional engineering problem involving threat avoidance, threat interception, ballistic protection, blast mitigation, occupant protection, and preservation of vehicle functionality. This study proposes an anatomy-based Survivability Onion framework that connects the anatomical structure of a ground vehicle with a hierarchical sequence of defensive layers. The framework divides vehicle anatomy into major zones, including the front hull, side hull, roof/turret, underbody, crew compartment, and engine/powertrain compartment. These zones are evaluated against four representative threat categories: kinetic projectiles, shaped-charge weapons, mine/IED blasts, and top-attack threats. The proposed Survivability Onion consists of five sequential protection layers: (1) don't be seen through camouflage and signature management, (2) don't be targeted through electronic warfare and jamming, (3) don't be hit through active protection systems, (4) don't be penetrated through passive and reactive armor, and (5) don't kill the crew through spall protection, blast-resistant seats, and occupant restraints. A conceptual threat-to-outcome mapping is then developed to relate threat location, vehicle anatomy, protection layer, damage mechanism, and survivability outcome. The framework indicates that survivability should not be represented solely by armor thickness; instead, it should be treated as a system-level architecture in which external signature reduction, active defense, structural protection, and crew protection complement one another. Recent studies on V-shaped hulls, composite armor, underbody blast loading, and occupant injury support the importance of integrating structural and human-protection considerations.