SBIR-STTR Award

Improved Curved Transparent Ceramic Structural Components for Vehicle Armor
Award last edited on: 8/30/22

Sponsored Program
SBIR
Awarding Agency
DHS
Total Award Amount
$1,149,937
Award Phase
2
Solicitation Topic Code
DHS211-003
Principal Investigator
Uday K Kashalikar

Company Information

Surmet Corporation

31 B Street
Burlington, MA 01803
   (781) 272-3969
   ssastri@surmet.com
   www.surmet.com
Location: Multiple
Congr. District: 06
County: Middlesex

Phase I

Contract Number: 70RSAT21C00000044
Start Date: 5/11/21    Completed: 10/10/21
Phase I year
2021
Phase I Amount
$149,955
Transparent ceramic based armor provides a lightweight and field-durable solution for vehicle armor. Widespread adoption in vehicles is constrained partly because of limitations in affordably and reliably polishing curved transparent ceramic windows. This SBIR program will demonstrate innovative high throughput polishing technology that enables affordable curved transparent ceramic armor.The Phase I program will include analyses and key experiments to conclusively prove feasibility of this technology.Phase II work will implement the technology to manufacture prototype components of specified size and shape, and take the technology to a commercialization ready stage.Surmet is already supplying flat transparent ceramic products to several US Defense Prime Contractors, and has an excellent technology commercialization record. At completion of Phase II, Surmet will have demonstrated full-scale product, reliable manufacturing capability and required capacity, and interested systems integrators and end-users.This program will develop and demonstrate curved window armor that is both affordable and lightweight, as is needed for DHS, DOD and DOS discreetly armored vehicles, as well military helicopter components such as Chin Bubbles. A substantial market also exists in armored commercial vehicles.

Phase II

Contract Number: 70RSAT22C00000010
Start Date: 4/8/22    Completed: 4/7/24
Phase II year
2022
Phase II Amount
$999,982
While transparent ceramic armor provides excellent ballistic protection performance, current technologies to fabricate parts in size and shape required for vehicles makes it unaffordable. This SBIR program will help develop and demonstrate technology to manufacture full-size curved transparent ceramic windows, that meet topic specifications. Feasibility has been shown during the Phase I and the Phase II work will optimize materials, designs and processes; with focus on repeatability and reproducibility. In the Phase II, we will not only manufacture full-size curved windows and supply hardware Deliverables, but also conduct key producibility, production rate, cost and Technology Readiness Level (TRL) analyses. Phase II is targeted to demonstrate technology at TRL 6, commercialization-ready stage.There is a substantial market for curved transparent ceramic windows. While the program is focused on DHS/USSS discreetly armored vehicles, this is a critical requirement for other government agencies including Department of State and Department of Defense. There is also a substantial commercial market opportunity in armored limousines, and Surmet has already been approached by potential customers! Curved transparent ceramic window armor is required for military helicopters under programs such as Future Attack Reconnaissance Aircraft and Future Long Range Assault Aircraft, and Surmet has already done developmental work on such products.