Ultra-Light Weight Energy Absorbing Armor

The U.S. Army�s wheeled tactical vehicles are in need of lightweight ballistic protection that will provide sufficient defense for cargo in the open beds against ground fire and blast events. Texas Research Institute Austin Inc. (TRI/Austin) proposes a novel composite armor system that can afford this protection by dissipating the energy of the impact and/or blast while subsequently preventing penetration of projectiles. Aside from incorporating lightweight components in the armor, the proposed manufacturing process will also provide an inexpensive means to reduce the weight and also allow the panels to be molded into specific shapes. During Phase I, TRI/Austin will be working with a manufacturer of tactical vehicles for the Army who will provide technical assistance regarding incorporation of the panels onto their vehicles. Ballistics testing will be performed at an accredited facility using 7.62 x 51mm NATO ball rounds and .50 caliber fragment simulating projectiles (FSPs). Various environmental tests will be conducted based on methods outlined in MIL-STD-810 to ensure that the composite armor will maintain its effectiveness under harsh field conditions. The combination of new ballistic-protection materials and their production process will result in a lightweight, easily-installed, durable armor for military integration.