Improved Curved Transparent Ceramic Structural Components for Vehicle Armor

Transparent ceramic based armor provides a lightweight and field-durable solution for vehicle armor. Widespread adoption in vehicles is constrained partly because of limitations in affordably and reliably polishing curved transparent ceramic windows. This SBIR program will demonstrate innovative high throughput polishing technology that enables affordable curved transparent ceramic armor.The Phase I program will include analyses and key experiments to conclusively prove feasibility of this technology.Phase II work will implement the technology to manufacture prototype components of specified size and shape, and take the technology to a commercialization ready stage.Surmet is already supplying flat transparent ceramic products to several US Defense Prime Contractors, and has an excellent technology commercialization record. At completion of Phase II, Surmet will have demonstrated full-scale product, reliable manufacturing capability and required capacity, and interested systems integrators and end-users.This program will develop and demonstrate curved window armor that is both affordable and lightweight, as is needed for DHS, DOD and DOS discreetly armored vehicles, as well military helicopter components such as Chin Bubbles. A substantial market also exists in armored commercial vehicles.