Lightweight Ballistic Exhaust Grille

The Expeditionary Fighting Vehicle (EFV) has two aft exhaust ports that interface the heat exchangers to the external environment. An innovative solution is required to address the competing requirements of ballistic protection, airflow performance, and thermal signature. In this Phase II program, Infoscitex (IST) will continue the development a novel composite armor material system that demonstrates excellent ballistic performance at a low areal density, while enabling designs that are amenable to high volume airflow. The manufacturability of the armor system will lead to the generation of lightweight, creative grille designs that would be unattainable with conventional armor materials in an economical fashion. The Phase II base period will culminate in the validation of the armor construction, and the airflow evaluation of a full sized grille. Manufacturing endeavors are scheduled to begin in the Phase II Option period.