Physical Optics Corporation — Department of Defense SBIR Phase I: To address the Armys need for a smart body armor active protection system, Physical Optics

Description

To address the Armys need for a smart body armor active protection system, Physical Optics Corporation (POC) proposes to develop new active Smart Energy-Absorbing Light Body Armor (SEALBA). This proposed body armor is based on a new impact sensor system that utilizes components developed in house and commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) components. The innovation in the ballistic impact sensor, a very fast actuator device that will direct material to intercept the ballistic device, in conjunction with shock wave kinetic energy absorbers, will enable the SEALBA to vastly increase protection while greatly reducing armor areal density. As a result, this system offers greater survivability and decreased weight, which directly address the smart body armor active protection system requirements. In Phase I, POC will characterize the smart armor subsystems, materials, and functionality, and design and fabricate a prototype to demonstrate the feasibility of the SEALBA system by displaying the systems fast reaction time and mass transfer to neutralize incoming ballistic threats. In Phase II, POC plans to develop fully operating prototype hardware and software to TRL-4/6 and test its performance in a relevant environment.