BLOOMFIELD HILLS, Mich., June 15 (UPI) -- Two U.S. companies have signed an advanced manufacturing development agreement to produce a new, lightweight armor developed for the U.S. military.
The two companies are NI Industries Inc., an Illinois subsidiary of TriMas, and Solidica of Michigan.
The armor, called DuraTi, was developed by Solidica and reduces the weight of select ballistic applications by up to 25 percent as compared to conventional materials in use in Afghanistan and Iraq.
"The production of such an exciting new armor solution continues the prominent legacy of innovation and manufacturing excellence that has characterized NI Industries' contributions to our national security since the late 1930s," said Anil Shanbhag, vice president and general manager of NI Industries.
"We're thrilled to partner with Solidica to advance DuraTi production capability so that we can meet the growing demand for lightweight armor alternatives necessary for enhanced survivability and increased platform mobility."
Located within the Rock Island Arsenal in Illinois, NI Industries will lead the development of the manufacturing parameters and processes.
Developed over the past five years with support from several defense agencies, DuraTi is designed to serve as a replacement for conventional metal armor systems at a reduced weight and a cost far below that of exotic composite ceramic solutions.
Solidica reports that targeted platforms include the HMMWV Recapitalization effort, as well as a variety of legacy light- and medium-armored platforms, military personnel transports and next-generation light tactical vehicles.
