The Department of Defense (DOD) is seeking proposals for the topic of "Laminated Metallic Armor" as part of its SBIR program. The Army branch is specifically interested in innovative manufacturing technologies that can cost-effectively produce laminated/graded metallic armor plates and high strength structural components. The goal is to reduce weight while maintaining the same level of force protection.
In Phase I, proposals are accepted with a budget of up to $250,000 for a 6-month period. The feasibility of laminated steel armor will be demonstrated through various tasks, including computational materials engineering, prototype production, characterization, and ballistic testing. The weldability and scalability of the armor system will also be assessed.
In Phase II, the focus shifts to maturing the manufacturing process, improving ballistic performance, and exploring the use of advanced alloys and multiple materials. The goal is to develop a stable and well-controlled process for producing shaped components with layered metallic armor arrangements.
In Phase III, potential dual-use applications are highlighted, such as the automotive sector, space exploration, banking, construction machinery, and police/security industries. These industries can benefit from the enhanced performance and impact resistance of laminated armor.
The solicitation is currently open, and the application due date is March 31, 2025. More details can be found on the grants.gov website or the DOD SBIR/STTR Opportunities page.