High Performance, Concealed, Ceramic-Based Armor Panels for Military and Commercial Vehicles

In a current Phase I program, an extremely capable team is developing an innovative approach to the design and fabrication of ceramic-based armor panels for commercial vehicles. The concept consists of two key features, namely (1) the use of 1-piece, large contoured reaction bonded ceramic tiles and (2) backing the tiles with low cost ballistic polymer. The resultant panels match the shape of internal cavities within the vehicle, thus allowing ease of integration. The use of large curved tiles allows the cost of the system to be low (no building of mosaics with smaller tiles), and allows the armor system to function as part of the structure of the vehicle. The program includes many activities, such as design, ceramic fabrication, armor system fabrication, and ballistic testing. The strengths of the team members are being utilized, such as M Cubed's expertise in developing and manufacturing large, complex reaction bonded ceramic structures; and Simula's expertise in armor design, ballistic testing and armor system manufacturing. The proposed Phase II program will continue development of the novel concept, will manufacture and conduct ballistic testing on full-scale panels, and will produce and install an armor kit on a government furnished vehicle.