M. S. Burkins, U.S. Army Research Laboratory, APG, MD
In the United States, titanium armor is procured to the requirements of the MIL-DTL-46077F armor specification. However, this specification does not cover thicknesses below 6.35mm. The Army Research Laboratory (ARL) conducted an initial assessment to determine if the specification can be modified to include thicknesses as low as 3mm. Plates in thicknesses from 3mm to 6.35mm were obtained and testing was conducted with fragment simulating projectiles (FSPs) and with bullets in order to look at target failure modes and to assess the best ballistic test projectile to use for the modified specification. Some additional testing was performed with commercially pure titanium (CP Ti) and with a high-strength beta alloy (Ti-10V-2Fe-3Al) for comparison.
Summary: The Army Research Laboratory (ARL) conducted an initial assessment to determine if the MIL-DTL-46077F armor specification can be modified to include thicknesses as low as 3mm. Testing was conducted with fragment simulating projectiles (FSPs) and with bullets in order to look at target failure modes and to assess the best ballistic test projectile to use for the modified specification. Some additional testing was performed with commercially pure titanium (CP Ti) and with a high-strength beta alloy (Ti-10V-2Fe-3Al) for comparison.
