Composite materials are traditionally regarded as materials that can save energy in large structures associated with transport. They are used to produce lightweight structures for fuel-efficient aircraft such as the new Boeing 787 Dreamliner; lightweight cars from Lotus, Ferrari and TVR; and high-speed trains, speedboats, and racing yachts. Now, however, some of the most interesting applications of composites are those where the materials are used to save lives and protect property by absorbing the energy of projectiles, impacts, and crashes.