Lightweight GeminiTM Transparent Armor for Land Vehicle Applications

This proposal offers the development of an advanced lightweight transparent armor that combines fused silica, Gemini spaced armor technology, advanced polymer and a proprietary thermoset interlayer (TAS1411) to reduce weight by over 30% of the current state of the art. In Phase I, a 38.9 psf solution was successfully tested to defined KE and FSP ballistic threat requirements. This was conducted at ambient temperature. The Phase I option will test the design to the AP threat at elevated temperature (63C) and low temperature (-43C). This technology could be further optimized for further weight savings. This will be completed in this Phase II proposal, via ballistic modeling, ballistic and durability testing. Ballistic modeling will be included in the Phase II work as an efficient mechanism to optimize the design. The modeling will also aid the understanding of the damage mechanisms of fused silica laminates. After finalizing a design via modeling and ballistic testing, the lightweight design will be subjected to the full ballistic testing of ATPD 2352 (Phase II, Option 1). The design will be developed into a modular transparent armor system, subjected to environmental testing of ATPD 2352 (Phase II, Option 2). This phase will also include testing to a surrogate environment of vibration and humidity. Upon completion of this testing, the system will be at a TRL level 6.