Developing an ultra-lightweight armor concept

Significant reductions in armor weight have been realized over the past 30 years by the introduction of non-metallic materials (e.g., ceramics, composites, fabrics) into armor designs. Further reduction in state-of-the-art lightweight armors, so as to have an ultra-lightweight armor system, is a daunting challenge, and most probably can be accomplished only by the use of materials and geometries in novel arrangements. The process of identifying possible defeat mechanisms and then how to exploit these mechanisms, including the development of materials with enhanced properties, is explored.