Transparent armour materials

The ballistic performance of transparent ceramic and glass materials was investigated. Various types of layered sandwich composites were compared from the ballistic resistance viewpoint. Layered sandwiches from soda-lime silicate float glass and also sandwiches with sapphire top layer were prepared. Their ballistic resistances against two types of 7.62 mm caliber armour-piercing (AP) ammunition of protection level 3 according to NATO Standardization Agreement STANAG 4569 were investigated. For the ballistic performance assessment depth of penetration (DOP) test method and ballistic mass efficiency of sandwich (BMES) criterion were used. From economical, technological, optical and ballistic point of view as optimal solution sandwich structure consisting of sapphire front-face layer, float glass internal layers and polycarbonate backing layer was found. Specific solution is shown in the article.