Low Cost, Lightweight, High Performance Transparent Armor

For military aircraft and land vehicles, there is a need for lightweight transparent armor that will provide a high level of ballistic protection at moderate cost. Hardfaced armor provides protection against (pointed) projectiles at very low arealdensities relative to other armor configurations. The current transparent hardface materials are either unaffordably expensive (sapphire, ALON), or low performance (hard glass) leading to heavy armor.In the Phase I program, Foster-Miller proved the feasibility of an innovative transparent armor hardface material. Sapphire nanocomposite specimens infiltrated with a model glass matrix with light transmission were produced. The specimens showed goodhardness and modulus that was substantially higher than the base glass material.In Phase II, the materials and processes will be refined and scaled up to demonstrate repeatability in optical and mechanical properties. Phase II will include design, fabrication and ballistic testing of specimens against selected threats. Theperformance of the Phase II specimens will be compared against state-of-the-art transparent armor hardface materials. A producibility and cost analysis will also be conducted. Foster-Miller has assembled a strong team to develop the technology andcommercialize it in military applications. (P-01705) The new sapphire nanocomposite material will provide a transparent armor hardface material with ballistic performance comparable to that of sapphire and ALON at a much lower cost. Military applications include windows and vision blocks for armoredvehicles, aircraft transparencies, face shields and goggles, and sensor windows. Commercial applications include windows for: Armored vehicles - executive limousines and cash transportation trucks; law enforcement vehicles; and police face shields.