Ceradyne [Nasdaq: CRDN] has signed a licensing agreement with Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT] for the development and production of the TekShiled armor material developed by Lockheed Martin. TekShield is based on a unique ceramic design claimed to be superior and lighter than legacy ceramic armor.
TekShield provides a balanced vehicle protection from blast and ballistic threats, including multiple hits of high speed projectiles and fragments. The TekShield module combines a ceramic macro-composite material encased in shock-absorbing polymers with a metallic strike face and spall plate. According to Lockheed Martin Missile and Fire Control division, where the new armor was developed, the production of TekShield should be considerably cheaper than contemporary ceramic armor modules. The new armor technology is scalable to meet specific threats, from multiple hits by high velocity small caliber rifles and mid-range cannons to IEDs and other explosive devices. The new material weighs about half of a comparable steel armor.
According to Reggie Grant, director for Advanced Programs at Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control, the new TekShield has been tested against a variety of ballistic threats, from hand grenades to bomb blasts. “This level of vehicle protection has never been delivered in such a lightweight design” said Grant. TekShield can be configured as opaque, transparent and semi-reactive applications.
