The modern battlefield is rife with threats of increased lethality. Simultaneously, increased operability, maneuverability, and efficiency targets require that bulky, heavy systems such as armor are replaced with next generation material solutions. In 2012, CPS introduced the next phase in protecting our soldiers, with the development of metal matrix encapsulated ceramics, called HybridTech Armor®. Hybridtech® protects our soldiers across the battlefield without sacrificing performance.
CPS HybridTech Armor®
High hard steel has historically been the material of choice for modern military defense applications that require heavy ballistic protection. While high hard steel provides exceptional hardness and ballistic protection, its density negatively impacts vehicle mobility, operational readiness, and total life cycle cost.
HybridTech Armor® offers a number of benefits, including:
- Size – HybridTech Armor® offers a thinner profile which optimizes the utilization of space within military vehicles and allows for more efficient integration of other systems and payloads.
- Weight – HybridTech Armor® enables a significant reduction in weight which improves mobility, fuel efficiency, and overall vehicle maneuverability to enable enhanced operational effectiveness in diverse terrains and combat scenarios.
- Performance – HybridTech Armor® exhibits enhanced ballistic protection capabilities thanks to the incorporation of metal matrix composites (MMCs) which translates into superior survivability and increased defense against armor-piercing projectiles and explosive threats.
- Cost – HybridTech Armor® offers long-term lifecycle cost savings. The durability of MMC-based armor systems contributes to an extended lifespan, reduced maintenance requirements, and weight reduction which decreases logistical expenses.
How do these translate to benefits in the field?
Air
In 2023, CPS was awarded an SBIR contract by the U.S. Army to create lightweight, reconfigurable UH-60 flooring that offers ballistic protection. By utilizing different material layers, including HybridTech Armor®, CPS was able to provide comparable protection to that of steel, without compromising performance, weight, or lifecycle costs by improving durability.
Additionally, HybridTech Armor® offers interoperability, allowing for a greater integration of functionalities, such as seat tracks for medical flight operations.
Land
Armored Personnel Carriers
Areas where plates or other items are bolted together create a ballistic weak point on vehicles. To address these susceptible areas, CPS provides our HybridTech Armor® as washers in these locations.
By offering armor in different shapes and sizes, CPS offers protection when and where it is needed to ensure the safety of those we are protecting.
Tank Side Skirts
Protecting a tank’s treads is vital to mission success. If they are damaged, a tank’s mobility and effectiveness can be drastically reduced. To prevent this from happening, a tank skirt is vital to successful operations. Given its durability and ability to maintain performance in the harshest of environments, CPS HybridTech Armor® is the ideal armor for this job.
Sea
Aircraft Carriers
While at sea, naval vessels can go weeks without being near a port. To protect these ships and their sailors, and without worrying about the durability or maintenance of their armor, the U.S. Navy has fit CPS HybridTech Armor® on their aircraft carriers. This provides the Navy with enhanced ballistic protection for crew-served weapons stations.
Global Innovation at CPS Technologies
Ready to discuss your armor needs?
CPS offers a suite of innovative solutions to give clients complete peace of mind in their solution. With our state-of-the-art AlSiC composite, proprietary machining processes, and time-tested expertise, we’ll show you why CPS is a trusted partner in the industry.
Choose CPS for Advanced Military Metal Matrix Composite Solutions
CPS Technologies’ HybridTech Armor® represents a significant advancement in military armor technology. The in-the-field combination of lightweight design, superior protection, thermal management capabilities, durability, and more continues to push the boundaries of modern defense applications.
That’s why industry-leading partners continue to choose CPS Technologies for their metal matrix composite solutions.
Want to learn more about how CPS Technologies and our MMCs can enhance your operational capabilities? Contact our material specialists today!