MF-RAM - Magnetically loaded Flocked carbon fiber composite RAM for Improved Soldier Protection

The proposed project goal is to demonstrate the feasibility of developing lightweight, thin, and broadband radar absorbing materials (RAM) for incorporation into soldier personal protective equipment (PPE) such as asset covers, body armor, helmet, and shelter systems for electromagnetic (EM) signature management. TangiTek develops MF-RAM, a high-performance, nonwoven, flocked carbon fiber (CF) composite absorber. MF-RAM can be directly applied onto surfaces (as a conformal coating) of soldier PPE or as a drape, internal or external liner to absorb incident microwave and radar energy. Material feasibility has been established with NSF SBIR Phase I and Army xTechSearch v1.0 support. The technology is at DoD TRL 3-4. For this Army SBIR Phase I project, we propose to: - Complete a feasibility study that identifies a MF-RAM Minimum Viable Product (MVP) for integration into soldier PPE. - Develop proof of concept prototypes for laboratory test and measurement. - Measure, model, and characterize the performance of proof of concept prototypes in a laboratory environment. The materials, data, and models developed in Phase I will enable the rapid development and testing of optimized MF-RAM prototypes that can meet Army specifications for EM signature management and RCS reduction in a Phase II project.