Smart, Rapid Release Fasteners for Appliqué Armor

In this Phase II effort, Cornerstone Research Group Inc. (CRG) proposes to demonstrate an integrated smart fastener design and armor system. Novel armor fastening technologies must be developed for next-generation composite armor. These fastening systems must be quick and easy to install and maintain, require no structural modification to the current vehicle fleet, and support the weight of the armor under ballistic attack and low frequency fatigue. In Phase I CRG designed, fabricated, and evaluated proof-of-concept fasteners. CRG will continue this development in Phase II with optimization, process scale-up, further evaluation, and armor integration in order to meet and exceed the Army's armor fastening needs. CRG's demonstrated expertise in the proposed technology areas presents the Army with the opportunity to obtain a novel fastening technology for appliqué armor. CRG’s track record for innovating new materials and processing technologies positions CRG for successful implementation of the novel fastening technology that meets the Army's operational needs.