Lightweight Ballistic Armor for Military Aircraft

CycloShield is a new transparent armor material with the highest impact strength of any known polymer. Phase I demonstrated that the ballistic properties of CycloShield are significantly better than polycarbonate. A 40+% advantage in ballistic strength at same thickness, and 300% in a thicker bi-laminate will be demonstrated in Phase II. Production scale-up includes 2,000 pounds pelletized material and sheet extrusion in target (24”x24”) and full size (48”x96”) formats. CycloShield will be used to fabricate Cobra helicopter pilot window prototypes in current monolithic format and in thicker bi-laminates to demonstrate manufacturability. Laminated targets will be fabricated using nanocomposite face and base resin spall plies to demonstrate CycloShield aircraft protection levels. Over 100 monolithic and laminated targets will be produced for ballistic, environmental, and human factors testing. CycloShield aircraft armored transparencies weigh less for the same ballistic protection level than current transparencies and the material sells at commodity prices. OEM producers of sheet, laminate and windows are identified and committed. Armor resins in pelletized format – ready for extrusion and armor laminate formation – are SMRC’s product goal. Navy/USMC prime aircraft transparency and helicopter manufacturers have agreed to assist SMRC develop this new transparent armor ply technology, providing production, test and aircraft integration expertise.