Description:
OBJECTIVE: The Phase II effort shall result in a novel polymer based transparent composite material that will be integrateable to the top, outer layer of the glass windshield or transparent armor in both commercial and military applications. This layer shall be designed to defeat rock strike threats and enhance transparent armor performance by reducing susceptibility to repetitive damage and latent cracks caused by rock and debris. DESCRIPTION: One of the common problems for military convoys in remote and desert areas is windshield and transparent armor damage caused by stones flying off the wheels of other vehicles. Cracked or broken windshields need to be repaired or replaced with new ones, which causes logistical problems. The minor, but repetitive, damage and latent cracks caused by the stones significantly reduces the ability of the transparent armor panel to defeat other rock strikes and ballistic projectiles. To address these problems, this solicitation requests the development of an innovative transparent and tough nanocomposite laminate that can be added on top of the outer glass to prevent windshield crack or breakage from road hazards, and reduce latent damage to the transparent armor. This development should ideally exploit innovative materials, designs, and/or manufacturing processes to create a light but tough transparent outer layer. Synthetic materials that take advantage of manufacturing techniques to develop fiber-based materials with three dimensional axial control including weaving techniques are of interest for this project. Recent advances in this area have resulted in development of materials with superior properties in strength, stiffness, toughness, and ballistic shock mitigation properties. With improvement in nanotechnology, discovery and exploitation of various nanostructures (such as, but not limited to, nanofibers, clay nanoplateletes, nanotubes, nanowires, etc.), and advances in composites fabrication processes, it is possible to develop new structures and materials that can be integrated into a transparent armor system that can lead to tougher, lighter, and thinner transparent ballistic panels. A lighter transparent armor is needed to improve mobility, maneuverability, and survivability of crew personnel. The goal of this solicitation is to develop a new material that can offer enhanced ballistic protection with at least 30% reduction in weight and significant reduction in thickness at comparable or reduced cost to currently fielded transparent armor windows. PHASE I: Phase I will consist of a feasibility study of an innovative design concept for the development of a polymer based transparent armor protection shield through the utilization of advanced materials and/or innovative fabrication techniques. The contractor must demonstrate the concept design by manufacturing at least four (4) 400mm x 400mm prototype transparent armor shields of the proposed technology. The panels shall be tested for ballistic protection according to ATPD 2352R, light weight tactical vehicle transparent armor requirements. The transparent ballistic panels shall defeat, at a minimum, multi-hit .30 caliber 7.62 mm Armor Piercing bullet threat at 2800 feet per second. The multi-hit pattern to be utilized is available in the Army-Tank Purchase Description (ATPD) 2352. Transparency requirements include at least 85% transmission of the maximum solar emission at 550 nm. Refraction coefficient and coefficient of thermal expansion of the materials should be similar to that of glass, that is, 1.45 in the 400-800 nm wavelength range. Stability of the index of refraction should be investigated in the range of -20 C to +40 C. The transparent armor panels must maintain the improved ballistic performance at low temperatures (-40F) and withstand the thermal cycling testing profile (-60 to 180F). The transparent armor panels shall be tested for abrasion resistance on the exterior surface per section 3.3.6 of ATPD 2352R. The novel material shall exhibit optical transparency as stated in the ATPD 2352R specifications, haze shall be less than 3%. The phase I panels shall be at least 15% lighter than currently fielded transparent armor systems at comparable or reduced cost. Additionally, ballistic performance of the complete transparent armor system shall be equal to, or better, than currently fielded systems, as measured by the V50 value of the system. PHASE II: Phase II work shall expand on Phase I results through the optimization of manufacturing processes and material properties based on the Phase I proof-of-concept studies, and demonstrate capabilities for large-scale manufacturing. Fabricate a minimum of 12 (400mm x400mm) coupons for rock strike testing to be conducted by TARDEC IAW ATPD 2352T. The contractor must verify the rock strike performance of their solution via testing prior to submitting the coupons to TARDEC. Additionally, the transparency requirements include at Phase II work shall expand on Phase I results through the optimization of manufacturing processes and material properties based on the Phase I proof-of-concept studies, and demonstrate capabilities for large-scale manufacturing. Fabricate a minimum of 12 (400mm x400mm coupons for ballistic testing to be conducted by TARDEC. The contractor must verify the ballistic performance of their solution via testing prior to submitting the coupons to TARDEC. The transparent ballistic panels shall defeat, at a minimum, multi-hit .30 caliber 7.62 mm Armor Piercing bullet threat at 2800 feet per second. The multi-hit pattern to be utilized is available in Army-Tank Purchase Description (ATPD) 2352. The phase II panels shall be at least 30% lighter than currently fielded transparent armor systems at comparable or reduced cost. Additionally, ballistic performance of the complete transparent armor system shall be equal to, or better, than currently fielded systems, as measured by the V50 value of the system. PHASE III: Development of polymer based lightweight transparent armor materials will directly impact military vehicle ballistic resistance capabilities, which can also be adapted to address civilian defense and automotive safety issues. Additionally, such technology will have a broad range of commercial applications in the airline industry. The new transparent armor materials will benefit light weight tactical vehicles by decreasing the amount of transparent armor replaced due to rock strikes. The developed concept will be tested on light- to medium-weight army tactical vehicles with the potential for the translational implementations. The commercial market for the developed composite includes aircrafts, helicopters, the automotive industry, law enforcement, security vehicles, and security construction (bank windows, check points, etc.).
