Extended Life of Transparent Armor

Development of transparent armor for military requires not only ballistic protection, but durability due to extreme environments. Current transparent armor lasting less than 3-4 years, and is causing a major problem in sustainment requirements. This SBIR proposes the development of extended life through combination of material science and durability testing.  This will be done in five primary ways.Further understanding of main mechanisms that cause delamination in transparent armorUtilize wedge coupon tests to further understand variables that improve lifetimeImprove transparent armor materials to include edge seals, adhesion to spall layers, and novel spall layersUnderstand additional transparent armor failure mechanisms to include; degradation of polycarbonate and improvement of polycarbonate abrasion resistance.Transition technologies to a production platform and demonstrate increased lifetime Then, after successfully completing these objectives, JNI Armor will then transition the procurement specification and transparent armor technologies to fielded platform(s).  Currently the technology developed in Phase I and Phase II efforts has interest from multiple programs including BAE Systems (AMPV, Paladin and MCTAGS), AM General (JLTV and HMMWV) and other major defense companies.  BAE Systems has included a letter of interest for this proposed effort and have discussed opportunities to include technologies on current production and aftermarket programs.