Post by williamplayer on Jan 13, 2014 14:42:49 GMT
AFRL Develops Improved Ballistic Armor
Researchers from The Air Force Research Laboratory Materials and Manufacturing Directorate (AFRL/RX) have developed lightweight, non-ceramic ballistic armor that offers Air Force personnel weight savings and improved comfort over conventional body armor. Working in partnership with Universal Technology Corporation and Armacel Armor Company, the armor demonstrates protection against ammunition from shoulder-fired weapon threats while decreasing the weight of current armor systems.
This new body armor technology increases the survivability of warfighters in armed conflicts while improving comfort. The new armor offers a 32 percent weight reduction, which directly translates into increased mobility and a decrease in thermal load for deployed personnel. Based on stopping power and back face deformation against standard small arms fire, this new armor offers significantly improved ballistic performance and ergonomic benefits.
The Air Force is seeking a lighter-weight, ergonomically effective body armor for personnel in the battlefield. The current standard for body armor, known as Enhanced Small Arms Protective Inserts (ESAPIs), combines a ceramic and composite material torso plate with a woven aramid multi-ply carrier system. While the ESAPI system is effective against rifle threats, the material is fragile, the ceramic strike face is breakable, it can fracture with rough handling and the carrier system is obtrusive and heavy.
Researchers from AFRL/RX have developed a new ballistic armor technology designed to improve survivability of Air Force personnel while reducing the weight beyond that of current concealable and non-concealable body armors. The new armor technology uses polymer and composite material technologies to not only reduce weight but improve survivability.
Full PDF here: www.wpafb.af.mil/shared/media/document/AFD-111104-009.pdf
Researchers from The Air Force Research Laboratory Materials and Manufacturing Directorate (AFRL/RX) have developed lightweight, non-ceramic ballistic armor that offers Air Force personnel weight savings and improved comfort over conventional body armor. Working in partnership with Universal Technology Corporation and Armacel Armor Company, the armor demonstrates protection against ammunition from shoulder-fired weapon threats while decreasing the weight of current armor systems.
This new body armor technology increases the survivability of warfighters in armed conflicts while improving comfort. The new armor offers a 32 percent weight reduction, which directly translates into increased mobility and a decrease in thermal load for deployed personnel. Based on stopping power and back face deformation against standard small arms fire, this new armor offers significantly improved ballistic performance and ergonomic benefits.
The Air Force is seeking a lighter-weight, ergonomically effective body armor for personnel in the battlefield. The current standard for body armor, known as Enhanced Small Arms Protective Inserts (ESAPIs), combines a ceramic and composite material torso plate with a woven aramid multi-ply carrier system. While the ESAPI system is effective against rifle threats, the material is fragile, the ceramic strike face is breakable, it can fracture with rough handling and the carrier system is obtrusive and heavy.
Researchers from AFRL/RX have developed a new ballistic armor technology designed to improve survivability of Air Force personnel while reducing the weight beyond that of current concealable and non-concealable body armors. The new armor technology uses polymer and composite material technologies to not only reduce weight but improve survivability.
Full PDF here: www.wpafb.af.mil/shared/media/document/AFD-111104-009.pdf