Sapphire based body armor would lighten the troop's load and be more effective

Fox News:
Made from a synthetic version of the highly-prized sapphire gemstone, new transparent armor is lighter, thinner and pulverizes bullets on impact.

Currently used by the military on powerful missile launchers and state-of-the-art fighter jets, the unusual transparent armor also has wide-ranging potential to protect troops on the battlefield.

Sapphire gems have long been sought after for their stunning blue beauty, but synthetic sapphires are prized for combat applications. The sapphire is harvested synthetically, producing pure sapphires that are transparent like glass - instead of the iconic blue.

Even extremely aggressive and lethal rounds that can tear through bodies shatter on impact when they come in contact with the sapphire-based armor.

Diamonds are notoriously hard and sapphires follow closely on their heels. When bullets strike the sapphire armor, the result is bullet pulverization.

Dubbed SAFirE, the synthetic sapphire transparent armor made by Saint Gobain Crystals has the potential to provide superior ballistic protection to commonly-used types of bulletproof glass in ground combat vehicles, helicopters, military bases and more.

For dismounted soldiers, this armor could have the potential for enhanced protection as well.

How are the sapphire sheets for armor made?

The stones are formed by aluminum oxide crystals. Impurities yield the signature blue hues; however, pure sapphire is translucent.

Sapphires are not just produced in nature; they can also be man-made. The bullet shattering hardness has always been an attractive quality for military applications; however, producing just a mere few inches of synthetic sapphire is very difficult.

Saint-Gobain has managed to crack creating very large sheets with advanced complex manufacturing. This opens up a myriad of enhanced protection possibilities.
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Compared to similar “glass” type armor, transparent armor can provide protection at less than half the weight, according to the company’s research. The sapphire-based armor can also deliver a similar high level of protection from bullets, but at less than half the thickness.
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There is more.

The armor can be used in vehicles and in aircraft including choppers.  It appeals that payer plates might be used in body armor and would protect against small arms fire.  When used in vehicles it is resistant to cracking or spider web reactions to bullets hitting the material.  If it lightens the load on the vehicle or aircraft is means they will also be more fuel efficient.

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