IV.P.03—Cannon Wear and Erosion.  The STO consists of two objectives. In FY98, the STO will develop an advanced rotating band and obturator for extended range 52+ caliber artillery munitions. Then in FY01, the STO will demonstrate the viability of wear & erosion resistant coatings that are applicable to both medium and large caliber gun barrels to improve gun barrel life by 10 fold compared to current equivalent gun barrels when used with advanced/higher energy propellants/munitions. In FY98, establish new rotating band design and improved obturator for XM982 & future extended range munitions that will meet the future muzzle velocity requirements (>1000mps); initiate development of tank gun barrel coating and coating process. In FY99, determine coatings candidates and fabricate coating coupons for testing. In FY00, conduct and evaluate coating coupon testing. In FY01, apply and test coating on subcaliber barrel.

Supports: 25mm, 120mm & 155mm Ammunition and Cannon Systems.

IV.P.04—Ultra–Light Ballistically–Resistant Materials.  Demonstrate ultra lightweight ballistically resistant materials that could be incorporated into small arms protective gear and have aerial densities of less than 5 pounds per square foot. The understanding of the materials dynamic properties, chemistry, and microstructure and their interrelationships will be advanced and implemented into the development/design of new materials weighing 40% less than current materials. Both quantitative and qualitative ballistic performance of candidate armor materials and select combinations will be studied. By FY96, determine the baseline dynamic response of lightweight ceramic and polymeric composite materials. By FY97, correlate the relevant materials dynamic properties and response to improvements in ballistic resistance. By FY98, provide guidelines through modeling and simulation codes for enhancing material performance. By FY99, demonstrate ballistic performance and dynamic response of optimal ultra lightweight armor materials. Analysis and data will be transitioned to the Soldier System Command (NRDEC) for applications into personnel armor for soldier protection.

Supports: Personnel protection for infantry and Special Operations forces, Protect the Force, Force XXI Land Warrior ATD–Follow on Program, Dismounted Battlespace Battle Lab.

IV.P.05—Transparent Ceramics for Armor Applications.  Develop and demonstrate transparent armor that meets or exceeds the ballistic performance of existing glass/polymer, with a 30% reduction in weight and thickness, while increasing the in–line transmission in the visible and near IR regions. It will also exhibit superior abrasion resistance, strength, and high temperature properties. By FY97 a ballistic database will be generated for candidate materials for threat levels ranging from fragment threats through 12.7mm Armor Piercing (AP). By FY98 optimized test transparent armor will be developed using the data generated during FY97. By FY99 a prototype component will be designed and fabricated for installation in an existing end item.

Supports: Personnel protection for infantry and Special Operations Forces, Protect the Force, Armored Vehicles, Force XXI Land Warrior Follow on Program, NRDEC, Soldier System Command, TACOM, and Dual Use (Law Enforcement), Dismounted Battlespace Battlelab.

IV.P.06p—Advanced Materials for Lightweight Combat System Protection.  Develop lightweight armor materials for combat systems protection with a resulting 30% reduction in weight by the year 2004. Knowledge gained from STO IV.P.04 of dynamic materials properties, microstructural and physical–chemical changes under impact, and penetration mechanics of ultra–lightweight armor materials will be applied to four classes of materials supporting new armor: (1) functional gradient materials, (2) high modules polymer fibers, (3) improved sintering processed B C/SiC, and (4) ultra–fine grain ceramic matrix composite materials. By FY00, complete feasibility study of fabrication technologies for four classes of materials. By FY01, develop fabrication procedures for four classes of materials. By FY02, initiate fabrication and characterization of selected materials including ballistic performance of the four classes of materials. By FY03, complete characterization of materials and develop guidelines for optimizing fabrication processes. By FY04, scale up fabrication processes for production and determine optimal applications.

Supports: Protect the Force, Dominate Maneuver, Future Armored Combat Vehicles.