TECHNOLOGY AREAS: Materials/Processes, Battlespace, Human Systems

ACQUISITION PROGRAM: The Family of Ballistic Armor PM Infantry Combat Equipment ACAT IV

The technology within this topic is restricted under the International Traffic in Arms Regulation (ITAR), which controls the export and import of defense-related material and services. Offerors must disclose any proposed use of foreign nationals, their country of origin, and what tasks each would accomplish in the statement of work in accordance with section 3.5.b.(7) of the solicitation.

OBJECTIVE: The Marine Corps seeks an alternative lightweight solution to the Enhanced Small Arms Protective Insert (E-SAPI). The system shall be capable of providing the same protection as the E-SAPI plate to include protection against specific 5.56 mm and 7.62 mm ball and AP rounds while reducing the overall weight. Specific performance parameters including dimensions, weight, durability and ballistic performance can be found in the E-SAPI performance specification (ref. E-SAPI Performance Specification).

DESCRIPTION: The current weight of a medium E-SAPI may not exceed 5.45 lbs given the dimensions identified in the performance Specification. The Marine Corps would like to challenge industry to reduce this weight limit by approximately 20% to 4.25 lbs. Bulk and weight of armor plates inhibits the natural movement in the torso, therefore a lighter less bulky armor plate would allow for increased movement within the torso and thus increase maneuverability and survivability.

PHASE I: Determine, insofar as possible, the scientific and technical approaches for the completion of the tasks:
1) Determine suitable materials and or geometries that will reduce the overall weight of the armor plate while maintaining identified E-SAPI ballistic performance.
2) Provide a comprehensive analysis of the ballistic properties of this material.
3)Provide a comprehensive analysis of the geometries associated with the front and back SAPI plate

PHASE II: Develop proof-of-concept demonstrators to exhibit for high energy ballistic impact testing.

PHASE III: Integrate proof-of-concept demonstrators with existing fielded personal protective equipment.

PRIVATE SECTOR COMMERCIAL POTENTIAL/DUAL-USE APPLICATIONS: This technology has application in the tactical and law enforcement sector to improve body armor and vests currently in use. This technology will reduce the weight of the currently fielded body armor systems and potentially increase the survivability and lethality of personnel in the law enforcement and military sector by facilitating comfort and movement.

REFERENCES:
1. Georgia Tech Research News Horizons, December 5, 2005.

2. Science Daily, UCLA Scientists Design New Super Hard Material, April 20, 2007.

KEYWORDS: ballistic; armor; e-sapi; plates; lightweight; protection

** TOPIC AUTHOR (TPOC) **

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