Composites key to lighter, more mobile vehicles

[unhappycamper]

Composites key to lighter, more mobile vehicles
By Kris Osborn - Staff writer
Posted : Monday Dec 8, 2008 18:43:07 EST

ABERDEEN PROVING GROUND, Md. — The future of the Army’s land vehicles is taking shape on a cement slab in a grassy field here, where a medium-caliber gun blasts away at point-blank range at an aluminum hull hung with pads of exotic new armor plate.

After the murderous fire pierces, bends and shreds the protective materials, Army engineers study the damage and draw lessons for the next try.

It’s all part of the high-stakes effort to develop lightweight composites that outperform traditional steel.

“We will shoot whatever threat we want to get feedback on. Then, we will use high-speed video and X-rays so we can see the bullet as it impacts and see what it does to the armor panel,” said Lt. Col. Andrew Dimarco, deputy project manager for survivability.

The Army’s vehicle plans depend on the effort. The research is intended to help create vehicles that are light and mobile enough for 21st-century battlefields, yet can adapt to diverse and changing threats, said Thomas Killion, deputy assistant Army secretary for research and technology and the Army’s head scientist.


Rest of article at: http://www.armytimes.com/news/2008/12/army_armor_120808w/%2e