Expert: Cynthia Bedell - 5/16/2007

Question
I recently became interested in designing a new form of body armor.  The armor used by united States troops to date only coveres the chest, back, head, and more recently, the groin.  The armor I am developing covers all major areas of the body, and although it may sound strange, I found my inspiration in the design in the armor worn by the storm troopers in star wars.  The costume itself was designed remarkably well, and it allows almost complete movement of the body, without loss of protection.  It took some minor modifications, but I have tested it with ROTC officers, and they say it is a fantastic form of armor.  I entertained the thought of replacing the plastic parts of the costume with ceramic plates, but I then settled on the soft armor known as "dragon skin".  I really believe that my armor design could save lives, who do I contact for more information, and do you think my armor has a future in modern warfare?

Answer
Dear John --

The materials used and the design of the body armor system work together to disperse the kinetic energy and the puncture potential of the projectile.  The "dragon skin" material has been tested and found incapable of stopping the required round at the required muzzle velocity.  Therefore I do not expect any system made with the existing "dragon skin" would pass the required performance tests to meet body armor protection standards.

If your design can be built with other materials, you should look at the small business innovative research opportunities, and make a proposal to the Army or the Navy for novel body armor designs.

Here is the website for the small business innovative research opportunities http://www.sba.gov/hotlist/sbir.html

Good luck to you in pursuing your invention.