Novel Concepts for Lightweight Helicopter Ballistic Protection Systems

Current and future Army helicopter missions require close support of combat operations, resulting in exposure to enemy ground fire. Current armor systems significantly reduce the load carrying capacity of the helicopter thereby reducing its mission effectiveness. New innovative technologies to significantly reduce the areal density of armor is needed to make significant enhancements to survivability. The purpose of the proposed Phase I SBIR program will be to develop a new opaque armor technology which will enable significant reductions in areal density to be made. This effort will specifically address urgent needs for Systems which effectively deal with the 12.7-mm threat. This is a threat highly applicable to helicopters and with ample room for further weight reductions. Ideally a new armor technology could be developed under this program which would reduce the weight of 12.7-mm API armor from the current minimum of 7.7 lbs/ft(2) to below 5.0 lbs/ft(2). With a thorough knowledge of the state-of-the-art, Advent Technologies, in collaboration with Simula Technologies, as a major subcontractor, proposes to use its materials expertise to develop and evaluate innovative armor concepts. Leading armor concepts will be ballistically tested, and a trade-off study conducted to determine the best concepts for further development and commercialization. BENEFITS: This research will provide anticipated benefits to address small arms threats to helicopters at significantly lower weights. Commercial applications include vehicle protections systems.