Low Cost ALON

This program will establish low-cost fabrication processes for aluminum oxynitride (ALON) transparent windows, domes, and armor. Phase II will build upon the high purity, low cost ALON powder synthesis process developed in Phase I. Three major programtasks for Phase II are: (1) Demonstrate complete transparent ALON window fabrication process, (2) Develop a high-volume process for producing ALON powder, and (3) Investigate approaches to streamline the ALON window fabrication process by eliminating oneor more major process steps and thereby further reducing costs by up to 50 percent. Transparent ALON armor offers superior protection against small caliber armor piercing projectiles at substantially reduced weight and thickness compared to traditionalmaterials. This program will provide a new and truly low-cost source for transparent ALON windows and armor. In addition MSI will offer ALON powder for commercial sale. A primary defense application for transparent ALON is low-cost, light-weight,large-area transparent armor panels for military land vehicles and aircraft. Commercial personnel security vehicles will also benefit from the technology developed in this program. Other applications to be addressed by this program include highdurability missile domes as well as aircraft FLIR and reconnaissance windows.