Advanced Transparent Armor Materials and Manufacturing Methods

"Current glass-based transparent armor has two major deficiencies: 1) It is very heavy, and therefore can compromise performance and helicopter transportability of vehicles; and 2) It is very thick, and therefore can compromise visual signature of vehicles. Advanced technology ceramic transparent armor removes both these deficiencies and provides a twofold improvement in performance, but costs 6-10 times more than glass-based armor, making it unaffordable for fielding in significant numbers. Through this SBIR, Surmet will demonstrate innovative technology to produce lightweight yet affordable transparent armor for ground vehicles. The Phase I program will include analyses and key experiments to prove feasibility of this technology. Phase II work will implement the technology to manufacture prototype components, and take the technology to a"commercialization ready"stage. Surmet is already supplying advanced technology transparent armor for military helicopters, and is targeting cost reductions to make this technology viable for ground vehicle systems."