In a world of heightened security awareness, there is a growing demand for vehicles protected against small-arms attacks. "Transparent armour" forms the heaviest component of a vehicle's protection system. It is usually made from panes of soda lime glass thick enough to withstand impact from small arms fire. The problem this poses is conforming to the weight restrictions dictated by the chassis of the vehicle & the difficulty of creating adverse effects on road handling performance. Now, QinitiQ, one of Europe's largest science & technology solution providers, has recently completed a research programme into the materials suitable for use within light armoured systems. Borosilicate glass has been identified as being able to offer weight savings of up to 17% over existing glass armour systems. For more information please email: Judy.Taylor@schott.com
