Fluidic Counter-Jet Armor Navy SBIR FY2004.2 - Quick Response Topics Sol No.: Navy SBIR FY2004.2 Topic No.: N04-902 Topic Title: Fluidic Counter-Jet Armor Proposal No.: N042-902-0709 Firm: Ceramic Composites, Inc. 133 Defense Highway, Suite 212 Annapolis, Maryland 21401 Contact: Christopher Duston Phone: (410) 987-3435 Web Site: www.techassess.com Abstract: The use of fluid counter-jets to disrupt the axial symmetry of armor piercing shaped charge warhead jets was demonstrated during the last century, but the research was limited in its scope to large cross-sections. The mass and bulk of these cross-sections restricted their suitability for fielding and the work terminated. Ceramic Composites proposes to expand upon the prior work, utilizing select portions of the previous findings to create a new armor system that increases the formation of the fluidic counter-jet in a lightweight armor system. The system is envisioned as a retrofit to existing armored personnel transport systems which can be readily produced from conventional materials. In the proposal, the theories and findings of the earlier work to support the concept are presented. During the subsequent program, demonstration samples will be fabricated and provided to the Navy for testing and evaluation. The goal is to verify the performance of the functional theories, followed by an analytical and design optimization analysis in Phase II, concurrent with manufacturing scale-up to produce prototype sized components. Benefits: The war on terror is spreading across the globe and the use of readily available, low cost rocket propelled grenades is a favorite hit-and-run tool against transports. Military personnel have improvised additive protection systems such as sandbags and chain-mail since World War One, but the proliferation of these weapons and changes in combat scenarios make these less viable. Smaller engineering safety factors make the added weight and bulk detrimental for vehicle performance. The need exists for lightweight, compact, unobtrusive armor that can retrofitted to vehicles. With the military involved in active combat, the Warfighter cannot tolerate a long technology development program. Test samples of proposed system can be constructed from readily available materials using simple equipment. High volume production readiness is measured in weeks, not years. The system is not dependent upon traditional armor materials such as Kevlar or boron carbide, both of which are presently in short supply. Once demonstrated successful, the operational mechanism of fluidic protection can be evaluated and adapted for application to hard threats such as the NATO 7.62 M80 ball. This will reduce demand for the limited quantities of boron carbide armor for personnel protection. The manufacturing approach can be easily transferred to multiple suppliers, eliminating the present bottleneck in armor fabrication. The forecast for armor escalates over the next decade, reflecting the spread of domestic terrorism and increased demand from law enforcement, National Guard and private protection services. The present armor manufacturing capabilities in the US are limited and slow to expand due to the specialized equipment necessary. To meet this growing need, a new, more manufacturing friendly armor system, like fluidic armor, must be developed. Return