Durable, High Performance Personnel Armor Plates for Current and Next Generation Threats

A Phase I program was completed in which a non-ceramic SAPI solution was developed. The system contained a hard-faced metal matrix composite (MMC) tile in place of the brittle ceramic tile. Ballistic testing showed positive results and drop testing showed excellent durability. The Phase II program aims to continue the work, leading to an optimized, durable SAPI system. However, since the time of the Phase I program, additional more aggressive threats were added to the SAPI specification. It is not known if an MMC solution will be sufficient for such threats. Thus, two paths are proposed for the Phase II activities. The first path will focus on the MMC tile approach, and the second path will focus on improved, high toughness reaction bonded ceramic tiles. With two paths, the chances for a successful solution are high. For both material systems being pursued, the goal is the same, namely to achieve a highly durable SAPI system that defeats the threats of interest at design weight. The strengths of the team members are being utilized, such as M Cubed’s expertise in developing and manufacturing advanced materials; Rutgers’ skills in detailed materials characterization; and Simula’s expertise in armor fabrication and testing.