Lightweight Ballistic Armor for Military Aircraft

New lightweight armor materials are needed in order to provide adequate ballistic protection for military rotorcraft and their crew. Current armor plates have high aerial densities that add an unacceptable amount of weight to aircraft, reducing fuel efficiency and payload amounts. Texas Research Institute Austin Inc. (TRI/Austin) proposes a novel layered composite armor plating that will be configurable during manufacture for various levels of protection. The armor plates are interchangeable so that an aircraft can be fitted for a mission-specific protection level. The unique manufacturing process that is proposed will dramatically reduce the weight of the composite armor and also allow the panels to be molded to any defined shape for easy incorporation onto existing airframes. During Phase I, TRI/Austin will be teaming with a major aerospace contractor who will provide technical assistance and testing. Ballistics testing will be performed in accordance with MIL-STD-662. 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 conditions representative of Naval service. The combination of new ballistic-protection materials and their production process will result in a lightweight, durable armor for military integration.