Alternative Lightweight Solution to the E-SAPI

The purpose of this SBIR is to reduce the weight of the current E-SAPI plates while maintaining the same level of protection. The weight reduction is important because by doing so the warfighter’s maneuverability and survivability will be improved. Our ability to conceptualize, design, and engineer creative solutions for complex polymer applications is what we do. Our approach to solving this problem is to apply unique materials; unique geometries of those materials, a single step manufacturing process, and novel construction methodologies such that the overall weight will be reduced and the ballistic protection will be maintained or improved. Our experimental approach in Phase I is to leverage previous work, and perform high-fidelity simulation studies on several possible solutions. Based on this we will build a number of sub-scale prototypes, then test and correlate those prototypes to the studies. Based on the findings in Phase I our solution would be further optimized in Phase II. Additionally in Phase II we will build more prototypes for testing, and once optimized we will build full-scale plates for manufacturing feasibility reviews, ballistic testing and field evaluation. By providing lighter weight armor we will help to save peoples lives.