N101-003 TITLE: Lightweight High Temperature Armor

TECHNOLOGY AREAS: Ground/Sea Vehicles, Materials/Processes

ACQUISITION PROGRAM: Program Manager Advanced Amphibious Assault (PM AAA) ACAT-I

RESTRICTION ON PERFORMANCE BY FOREIGN CITIZENS (i.e., those holding non-U.S. Passports): This topic is "ITAR Restricted." The information and materials provided pursuant to or resulting from this topic are restricted under the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), 22 CFR Parts 120 - 130, which control the export of defense-related material and services, including the export of sensitive technical data. Foreign Citizens may perform work under an award resulting from this topic only if they hold the "Permanent Resident Card", or are designated as "Protected Individuals" as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3). If a proposal for this topic contains participation by a foreign citizen who is not in one of the above two categories, the proposal will be rejected.

OBJECTIVE: Provide high temperature (up to 500� F) ballistic protection in areas exposed to high temperatures, such as an engine compartment roof, while meeting the weight limitations for light weight armored vehicle.

DESCRIPTION: For example, the Marine Corps EFV is a 78,200 lb. armored and tracked troop carrier designed to operate over harsh off-road terrain and in oceans and rivers. There are several areas of the vehicle where temperatures can exceed 500� F in the event of an exhaust failure. The current configuration is rated at 250� F without degradation in ballistic performance against 20mm FSP (Fragment Simulating Projectiles). It is desired to increase the temperature tolerance of the composite material to compensate for possible exhaust gas exposure without degradation in ballistic performance. Materials should not produce toxic fumes, smoke or flame when exposed to high temperatures. The selected material(s) must demonstrate the ability to function in operating environments which include but are not limited to -25� F, hot desert blowing sand, full salt water immersion and immersion in petroleum based liquids. The composite must be able to be integrated into existing armor designs.

PHASE I: The contractor shall conduct research into composite materials that do not degrade from exposure to a temperature of 500� F for an extended period for use in engine compartments, keeping in mind the environment in which those materials will be used. Based on their research, the contractor shall create a conceptual design including estimated weight, cost and performance characteristics.

PHASE II: The contractor shall manufacture a prototype armor panel(s) and conduct ballistic testing to validate their design meets specified performance levels.

PHASE III: Contract with the prime vendor (General Dynamics Land Systems) to integrate the material onto the EFV. Contract with any vendor to integrate the material onto armored vehicles. This technology is directly applicable to any military vehicle.

PRIVATE SECTOR COMMERCIAL POTENTIAL: This material could be applied in any application involving protection from high heat and flame such as building materials. Retrofit on existing US combat systems.

REFERENCES:
1. EFV S/SS Specification Rev N. dated 23 June, 2008 (available upon request)

2. MIL-STD-810F Environmental Test Methods and Engineering Guidelines

3. MIL-STD-889B Dissimilar Metals

4. MIL-STD-662F V50 Ballistic Test For Armor

4. AR 70-75 Survivability of Army Personnel and Materials

5. STANAG 4569

KEYWORDS: Lightweight; Armor; High Temperature; Ballistic Protection; Survivability; Materials

** TOPIC AUTHOR (TPOC) **

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