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[June 2007]
Ceramic Armour Takes Step Up Against Metal Alternatives
Ceradyne Inc (Costa Mesa, CA, USA) has been notified by the U.S. Army Tank-Automotive Command (TACOM) that the company's alternative lightweight armour materials – submitted in response to the Army's Long Term Armor Strategy (LTAS) requirements for advanced armour solutions for application on the tactical wheel vehicle fleet – have been accepted for formal evaluation by TACOM's LTAS team.
"This is a significant step forward for Ceradyne and the potential use of advanced lightweight ceramic composite materials," said Marc King, Vice President of Armor Operations. "It is the culmination of an 18-month run-up of development, testing and data collection necessary to meet the Army's stringent performance requirements and start a process that will, we believe, clearly demonstrate that Ceradyne's advanced armor materials can perform on a par with metal armor solutions, and at a significant savings in weight. Following what is expected to be the successful conclusion of a comprehensive test and evaluation program, Ceradyne's advanced armoring materials will be made available to OEM truck manufacturers on a pre-approved basis whereby they can be incorporated into existing production and future vehicle cab designs."
King also noted that success with the ongoing LTAS evaluations will support other requirements for advanced armour materials for other programmes, including the Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV), which will also incorporate an 'A' and 'B' Kit armour application design philosophy much like the current requirements of LTAS. "We believe this selection is a clear indication of Ceradyne's leadership in the creation of advanced lightweight armor materials and the Army's desire to enhance overall crew survivability in the tactical wheel vehicle fleet," said Marc King.
www.ceradyne.com
ENDS