New Water Tank Design Bulletproofs Cars, Saves Gas

Norwegian scientists have developed a smart way of bulletproofing cars: lining them with flat tanks which, when filled with water, provide excellent protection against gun attack.

The problem with conventional armor-plating is that metal is very heavy and wastes much fuel when the occupants are driving in low-risk situations.

Researchers at Norway's Forsvarets Institute have found a way around this by building several large, flat, watertight tanks into the sides of car, New Scientist reports.

Each tank is thin, much like a domestic radiator; is made from plastic or light metal sheets; and has several energy-absorbing, carbon-fiber sheets stacked inside.

When the tanks are empty, they offer no protection against bullets but add little weight.

But when filled before a riskier journey, the combination of the tanks and the water provides an effective shield.

The device has been tested against high velocity rounds and now has been patented, the British Weekly will report in its next issue.

Source: AFP